9th October 2002

---

Technical Group to be formed in Dáil

TDs from the Green Party, Sinn Fein and Independents, including the Socialist Party, have today formed a Technical Group in the Dáil in order to secure proper recognition in terms of speaking time and facilities in Leinster House.

The six Green TDs, the five Sinn Fein TDs and 11 Independent Deputies have written to the Ceann Comhairle Dr. Rory O'Hanlon formally requesting recognition as a Group as provided for under Dáil Standing Order 114.

In a joint statement Trevor Sargent, Leader of the Green Party/Comhaontas Glas, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, Dáil Leader of Sinn Fein and Tony Gregory, representing the Independents, said:

``We have made every effort to press the Government to make the necessary changes in Standing Orders so that all parties and all deputies can be treated with fairness. Despite our efforts the Government has dug in its heels and maintained the present unfair system as far as Dáil rules are concerned.

``Having exhausted the negotiation process and having raised the issue in the Dáil chamber on many occasions, we now have no choice but to form a Technical Group. The Group is being formed so that the mandates of our parties and of the Independent deputies can be properly exercised in the Dáil. Each party and each non-party deputy will maintain their independence and identity.''

The deputies in the new Technical Group will attend a photo-call on the plinth in Leinster House at 2pm on Wednesday 9 October.

---

Sinn Fein Press Office, 44 Parnell Square, Dublin 1
Tel: +353-1-8726100 and +353-1-8726839   ·   Fax +353-1-8733074
E-mail: sinnfein@irlnet.com   ·   Website: http://www.sinnfein.org

---

Sinn Fein   ·   Sinn Fein Documents

---