The motion to allow Independent TDs in support of Government to receive Opposition speaking time should be upheld, according to Minister Michael Healy-Rae.
Three members of the Regional Independents Group have argued that – despite agreeing to support the incoming Government – they should be permitted opposition speaking time and resources, as they will not have ministerial positions.
However, Sinn Féin, the Labour Party, the Social Democrats and People Before Profit-Solidarity have opposed the move, with Sinn Féin having sought legal advice on the issue.
On Newstalk Breakfast, Independent TD for Kerry and incoming Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture Michael Healy-Rae said that opposition parties are “trying to make a big massive mountain out of a molehill”.
“If you go back to 2016, we had a situation where Fianna Fáil, in a confidence supply arrangement, were supporting the Government by keeping them in place and at the same time they were holding them to account every day on the record of the Dáil,” he said.
“What is the difference between that time and now? There is no difference.
“The only difference is, Sinn Féin and others have to shout and roar about something today and this is what they're going to do.”
Michael Healy Rae.Minister Healy-Rae said the technical group should “absolutely” keep its speaking rights.
“The precedent for it has been set before,” he said.
“Why should we change the rules? Nobody has changed the rules to allow this technical group to exist, but you would have to change the rules to stop them from existing.”
'Government of common sense'
According to Minister Healy-Rae, the incoming Government will be one that is “based on common sense”.
“I believe that Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Independent groups that are joining with them will work very cohesively and in an independent-like way and that there will be a Government based on common sense,” he said.
“Maybe over the last number of years mistakes have been made, but I would like to think that having gone through the local elections of 2024, the General Election of 2024, that the Government will have listened during the canvassing period.”
Minister Healy-Rae said he has “no interest whatsoever” in criticising the actions of the past Government.
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Main image: Michael Healy-Rae on the plinth outside Leinster House, 06-10-2021. Image: Leah Farrell/RollingNews
