TDs refuse to attend Dáil on strike day, sparking row over Wednesday sitting

A dispute has arisen over whether the Dáil will sit next Wednesday, as TDs say they will not attend during the national public‑sector strike.

The Business Committee met on Thursday but failed to reach an agreement after opposition members declared they would stay away on the day teachers and other public‑sector workers plan to down tools. Sinn Féin TD Pádraig Mac Lochlainn said his party would not attend and argued it would be unfair for party staff to cross a picket line.

Labour TD Duncan Smith also raised the issue, urging Government chief whip Mary Butler to reconsider the decision. Butler is reported to be “adamant” that the Dáil should sit on Wednesday, when weekly votes are normally held.

Unions have granted a derogation for Leinster House staff during the current work‑to‑rule period, allowing them to work beyond normal hours when the Dáil sits late. The Houses of the Oireachtas are now seeking advice on possible exemptions for next week.

During the heated discussion, the clerk of the Dáil suggested that senior civil servants not on strike could staff the chamber, a proposal described as a “red rag to a bull”. The committee could not agree on business for the day, meaning any voting would have to be moved to another date.

The Business Committee will reconvene on Monday to seek a solution, though one member warned that several meetings may be needed.

Source: Irish Examiner. Photo: Jonathan Cooper / Pexels.