Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

It is the Government that is seeking to change Standing Orders. The Ceann Comhairle ruled on the Lowry lads’ status to the effect that they are not a technical group in opposition. We in opposition are abiding by that ruling of the Ceann Comhairle. The Government is seeking to change it. It is looking to bring in changes to Standing Orders that we have not seen. Our Whips have not seen the detail of the changes to Standing Orders or sessional orders that the Government is proposing. Apparently, we are going to get that next week. Apparently, it will be pushed to a vote by the Government. In the meantime, committees cannot be formed because the Government is looking to change things. When will we see this wording that we are hearing so much about from the Government? When will the Government accept that people cannot be in government and in opposition at the same time?

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