Offaly TD calls on Ceann Comhairle to 'ensure she is not silenced' in Dáil

Independent Offaly TD Carol Nolan said today that she is calling on Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy, and the Dáil Reform Committee, to "support the vindication of her rights" to sufficient speaking time in Dáil Eireann.

Deputy Nolan's speaking rights in the Dáil are effectively in limbo at present, following a ruling made by the Ceann Comhairle last night (Monday).

The Offaly TD is part of a Regional Group of Independents, but she is not one of its Government-supporting members.

She and Mattie McGrath teamed up with four other Independents who are backing the Government, including Michael Lowry, in an effort to secure Dáil speaking time.

However the Ceann Comhairle this week ruled that non-ministerial Regional Independent Group TDs cannot form a technical group for opposition speaking time in the Dáil.

A comment from Deputy Nolan's office, which was issued to the Offaly Independent this afternoon, said she would be doing everything in her power to ensure she was not "silenced" in the national parliament.

"While Carol fully accepts the authority of the Ceann Comhairle to adjudicate on the matter of what constitutes a technical group, she is deeply concerned by its practical implications for her role as an Independent (non-aligned) TD.

"Carol applied for membership of the Regional Technical Group solely on the basis that it would facilitate access to speaking time.

"At no point was Carol a participant in programme for Government negotiations.

"At no point did Carol make any public declarations regarding unqualified allegiance or support for Government as can be seen in her voting against the nomination of Micheál Martin for Taoiseach," the statement continued.

"Carol has always insisted that she would engage constructively, but not under a whip system or as part of any formal or informal arrangement with Government or indeed the Regional Group.

"Carol has asked the Ceann Comhairle and the Dáil Reform Committee to take immediate steps to protect her right to access sufficient levels of speaking time for one reason and one reason only - so that the people of Offaly who have provided Carol with a clear mandate to bring their concerns to the floor of the Dáil can have that mandate respected.

"This is what she intends to fight for - relentlessly.

"Carol is strongly urging the Ceann Comhairle and the Dáil Reform Committee to support the vindication of her rights in this matter, and indeed the rights of the electorate of County Offaly who placed their trust in her.

"As their voice in Dáil Eireann Carol believes it is of the utmost importance that she as their duly elected representative is not, for all intents and purposes, silenced.

"The people of Offaly come first for Carol. She will never draw back from any opportunity to bring their concerns to the highest level of Government."

The comment concluded by highlighting the need for a reform of the Dáil Standing Orders arrangements.

"It is now abundantly clear that a root and branch reform of Dáil Standing Orders is required; a reform that reflects the clear and increasing desire of the electorate to have Independent voices returned to the Dáil in record numbers."