BREAKING: Lowry and technical group granted Dáil speaking rights following contentious vote

The motion regarding amendments to standing orders were today ratified via a vote in the Dáil.

The vote was passed 94 to 74.

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The motion was to allow for the creation of new speaking slots for Government backbenchers and various independents.

The result of this vote now grants Michael Lowry and the other members of his technical group speaking rights in the Dáil.

The argument regarding this matter has been ongoing for months, with members of the major opposition parties, including Sinn Féin, Labour and others, standing firmly against the notion that Lowry’s technical group be granted equal speaking rights, due to several members of Lowry’s Regional Independents Group forming part of the new Government, taking up various junior and super-junior ministerial roles.

Earlier today, Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy suspended the Dáil, amid disruption from the opposition parties regarding the matter.

When it resumed, the vote was carried out, leading to the 94 to 74 result.

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Sinn Féin whip Padraid Mac Lochlainn refused to sign the voting card representing the no votes.

The Ceann Comhairle then deemed Deputy Mac Lochlainn’s action to have been undertaken without good reason, and carried the question.

Following the vote, the Ceann Comhairle attempted to move on with the order of business, however, she would go on to adjourn the Dáil for the day amid continued disruption and unrest from the opposition, with many members of the opposition standing and chanting "shame, shame, shame".

The Dáil will now resume at 9am tomorrow morning.