The former government TDs are welcoming news that they will be given speaking rights when the Dáil resumes today. The Ceann Comhairle has granted speaking rights to 15 TDs who are not part of the technical group or of the official parties.

It means Fine Gael and Labour TDs who have been kicked out of their parliamentary parties will be able to speak in some Dáil debates.

However they are not allowed to form an official grouping meaning they cannot take part in Leaders' Questions or join committees.

They say they will not stop seeking full speaking rights.

Former Labour Party chairman Colm Keaveney says the rebels will continue their campaign for the right to rejoin committees.

An official Oireachtas e-mail sent to TDs last night stated that speaking slots for "others" would be incorporated into the rotation of speakers, said the Irish Independent.

The e-mail clarified that this "others" group included members who do not have access to the speakers lists prepared by each party and the Technical Group.

Former Minister of State Lucinda Creighton welcomed the news last night on Twitter: 

The decision of the Ceann Comhairle follows a public row  last week' between him, Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Public Expenditure Minister Brendan Howlin over how to fill the vacancy for the Clerk of the Dáil, the most powerful civil servant in the Houses of the Oireachtas.