LATEST: Tensions flare in Dáil amidst argument over Lowry group speaking rights

The Government and Opposition remain completely at odds over how to resolve a dispute on the speaking rights for independent TDs who supported the formation of Government but did not receive ministerial roles.

The Government position was that these independent TDs would still be allowed to join opposition technical groups for the purposes of speaking time.

READ MORE: Driver caught doing almost double the speed limit on lethal Tipperary to Kilkenny road

The row caused such disruption that it forced Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy to suspend the house and delay Micheál Martin’s nomination as Taoiseach last month.

The opposition has argued for the creation of a “Government-aligned technical group” which would allow those independents to retain speaking rights without using opposition time.

However, the Government has suggested that there should instead be new provisions for an “other members” grouping to resolve the row.

It argues that a modern parliament is “not necessarily made up of Government and opposition members” and that some TDs cannot be readily placed in these categories.

It would allow for members of the new grouping to ask questions under a new slot called Other Member’s Questions.

They would also be allowed to seek representation on the Business Committee.

The opposition has described this as “yet another cynical attempt to manipulate speaking time” to grant “special privileges” to independents they believe “clearly and unambiguously support the Government”.

READ MORE: Department confirms rumours that Tipperary hotel has been offered as IPAS accommodation

The Dáil reform committee met Wednesday evening to debate the matter.

A key point of contention from opposition parties is independent TD Michael Lowry’s involvement in Government formation talks.

Mr Lowry, a former Fine Gael minister of state who was found by a tribunal to have behaved in a way that was “profoundly corrupt to a degree that was nothing short of breathtaking”, is seen by opposition members as a leader of the Government-aligned independents.

Sinn Féin TD Pearse Doherty accused Mr Martin of “going to great lengths to accommodate” Mr Lowry and added: “He is one of yours, he is a Government supporting TD.”

Mr Martin responded: “Deputy Michael Lowry is an independent TD, he’s not one of ours.”

READ MORE: A Tipperary town is left reeling after another bombshell business blow to the town centre

Sinn Féin TDs laughed at the Taoiseach’s response.

Mr Doherty had questioned Mr Martin about allegations against Mr Lowry, including that he had burned documents relating to the Moriarty Tribunal.

The Taoiseach said Sinn Féin needed to reflect on its leader Mary Lou McDonald for describing former senior IRA man Brendan “Bik” McFarlane as a “patriot”, despite him being involved in a gun and bomb attack which killed five people in Belfast in 1975.

Mr Martin said: “No matter what Michael Lowry did, it pales into insignificance compared to what members of your movement did.”

Ms Murphy told the Dáil that Mr Lowry had written to her and asked to make a statement on the matter.