Opposition TDs mull Dáil boycott over strike pickets
Opposition TDs are contemplating boycotting Wednesday's Dáil sitting should they be required to pass the picket of striking Oireachtas workers.
The Dáil is in doubt for Wednesday, as a national strike by public sector workers looms. Opposition TDs are considering boycotting the sitting, should they be forced to vote on the picket lines of striking Oireachtas workers. Over 100,000 public sector employees are set to strike next week, despite Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers' plea for dialogue on a new pay deal.
A note to TDs and Senators warned that Dáil, Seanad, and committee hearings could be disrupted by such action. The Houses of the Oireachtas is seeking a derogation, allowing staff to work on Wednesday and enabling Dáil and Seanad sittings. The decision on the derogation will be made by tomorrow evening. However, opposition TDs have reservations about holding Oireachtas business without a derogation.
Government Chief Whip Mary Butler is scheduling Dáil business as usual for Wednesday, but Labour Party whip Duncan Smith maintains that the Labour Party will not cross the picket lines. Sinn Féin whip Pádraig Mac Lochlainn also stated that his party's TDs and staff will not cross the picket line at Leinster House. The Dáil Business Committee will reconvene next Monday to discuss the potential derogation.
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