Oireachtas has said it is a matter for Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy, who said legal advice allows for Regional Independent Group members to also ask questions from Opposition benches
Verona Murphy said that there is precedent for any non-party member who is not a minister or minister of State, and has agreed to support government to get speaking time
The Healy-Rae brothers refer to working in government, even if Danny wants to be able to bark questions at that government as if still sitting on the opposition benches
Arrangements underpinning the support of Independents seem to be based on constructive ambiguity
Healy-Raes say they will not be ‘whipped’ when it comes to ‘fundamental issues’ and ‘matters of conscience’
Full programme for government agreed, with parties set to meet to review and ratify document
Full text of new programme to be made available today in advance of meetings of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael parliamentary parties
VAT to fall from 13.5 per cent to 9 per cent for food, hospitality, hairdressers and entertainment in next budget
Across the different parties and groups, more than 20 negotiators have been working hard to hammer out a deal
Fianna Fáil likely to get Department of Justice, with Dublin TD Jim O’Callaghan among names floated for the ministerial role
Negotiators continue to work through policy areas with rolling sessions raising the possibility of imminent agreement
Regional Independent group and two Healy-Rae brothers set to join new government if negotiations are successful
Group of eight Independent TDs will submit a position paper to the two bigger parties setting out its preconditions for entering government
‘Major policy differences’ between Social Democrats and larger parties suggest Soc Dems unlikely to have role in next coalition
Parties report steady progress but difficult areas yet to be discussed
Government formation talks to ‘intensify’ in new year but sources say ratification will take time
Two of the plant contractor’s six children are county councillors in Kerry
Election 2024: Sinn Féin has solid voter base, particularly in the north and northwest of the county
Plus: Brian Ormond’s shoe business missteps, Peadar Tóibín’s distaste for government funding of media, and effing drama in the Dáil
Ged Nash gets the boot even before a vote is cast as chamber hears plenty unparliamentary language
Row erupted between Danny Healy-Rae and Paul Murphy during debate on Finance Bill which was passed by 75 to 55 votes
It’s dog eat dog for parking spaces every Tuesday at the Oireachtas
Deputies and senators address each other as ‘comrade’ in corridors as speculation continues about Oireachtas member allegedly recruited as a Russian agent
HSE has cut reimbursement rate for patients travelling for operations but many in need of procedure have little choice but to pay up
Taoiseach Simon Harris surprises Paschal Donohoe with chocolate gateau as youthful Minister for Public Expenditure celebrates milestone 50th birthday
Plus: Mary Hanafin called to the Bar, Danny Healy-Rae’s quarry quarrel, and Damo and Ivor’s pigeon pursuits
The Roaring Independents are the unwhipped cream of Irish politics, proudly refusing to take orders from anybody
Natalya Krasnenkova says she ‘would like to become a voice for the new communities in Kerry County Council’
Company is owned by TD Danny Healy-Rae and is run by sons Johnny, a county councillor, and Dan
Greens clash with Simon Coveney ... and Conor McGregor
National Shared Services Office’s wellness focus; Sherry FitzGerald founder’s planning woes; spicy Limerick mayoral race; and Domhnall Gleeson’s Ranelagh home
Returns of politicians’ interests for 2023 show 29 of the 160 TDs declared that they were landlords or owned rental property
Danny Healy-Rae struggled to find the right words to convey his admiration for Michael O’Regan, ‘one of the best Kerrymen that ever came out of Kerry’
The politician brothers have substantial business interests in Kerry and business connections with State bodies
Crosswords & puzzles to keep you challenged and entertained
Get the latest news, analysis and match reports from the M6N and W6N championships
How does a post-Brexit world shape the identity and relationship of these islands
Weddings, Births, Deaths and other family notices
