Sinn Féin has condemned the Government’s Dáil reforms as “dangerous” and “unprecedented”. 

The Dáil reform committee has voted to pass a Government proposal on speaking rights in the chamber. 

It passed by 10 votes to eight, following a nearly four hour long meeting this evening.

It paves the way for Michael Lowry's group of TDs to use Opposition speaking time in the Dáil, but vote with the government - with the proposal to be put to a full Dáil vote next week. 

During a joint press conference of opposition party leaders tonight, Mary Lou McDonald accused Government Chief Whip Mary Butler of pushing through the vote.

“The actions of Fianna fall and Fine Gael this evening are dangerous, they're unprecedented,” she said. 

“They are a clear attempt to turn logic and the rules and functioning of the Dáil on their head. 

“You know, Government has to be held to account; it's clear that this Government doesn't want to be held to account. 

“They've gone to no end of trouble to accommodate Michael Lowry and his group of independents to pretend that you can be in government and opposition at the same time.”

Members of the Regional Independents Group. Picture by: Gareth Chaney

Government Chief Whip Mary Butler said reform did not mean that opposition TDs would lose out. 

“The proposals agreed will ensure that all backbench TDs in Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and those independents not recognised under Standing Order 170, will be able to access speaking time,” she said. 

“Under the Government proposal there won’t be any reduction in opposition speaking time.

“Drafting of amending standing orders will now be completed and brought to the Dáil for a vote of all members.”

The Government has a majority of seats in the current Dáil and the reform is likely to pass. 

Main image: Mary Lou McDonald. Picture by: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie