Independent TDs' right to speak from the opposition benches in the Dáil must be protected, the Taoiseach has said.

The row over speaking time - which led to a Dáil sitting being suspended multiple times two weeks ago - has yet to be resolved.

Opposition party leaders are meeting with the Taoiseach and Tánaiste tomorrow to discuss the issue, before the Dáil returns on Wednesday.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he finds the approach from the opposition "worrying”.

“Since 1932 opposition TDs have been supporting Governments in one shape or form - that's the reality,” he said.

“I get, you know, if you look at it on the surface, you say opposition or Government, but actually we have to accept one basic principle, groups have a right to form.

“No political party can tell another group, ‘You can't form a group’.

“It's a basic principle of freedom of association within the parliament, within the Dáil itself.”

Irish Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik speaking to media, © PA Wire/PA Images

Labour is accusing the Government of "making things difficult" over the Dáil speaking rights row.

With the Dáil due to return, there is still no form of agreement over whether independent TDs who support the government should be afforded opposition speaking time in the chamber.

Labour leader Ivana Bacik says the Government must avoid setting such a precedent.

“What's important is that we in opposition would hold Government to account, that we would fulfil our constitutional mandate to hold Government responsible,” she said.

“Therefore we need to ensure there's a clear demarcation between Government and opposition - that's all we're looking for.”

Ms Bacik believes that “absolutely every TD”, including Government TDs, should have access to speaking time, “but not to opposition time”.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin on his way to enter Goverment Buildings. (Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto)