An action by four Opposition TDs arising from a process under which the Ceann Comhairle decided a Bill aimed at reducing greehouse gas emissions required a “money message” has been adjourned at the High Court on consent to March. In an affidavit, Deputy Smith said the TDs have significant concerns as to how the Ceann Comhairle interpreted the requirement for a money message for the purposes of Dail Standing Order 179 and Article 17.2 of the Constitution. She said the Bills Office had said in 2018 the Petroleum Development Bill did not require a money message. She said, when it became apparent the Bill could pass all stages in the Dail, the Minister for Communications wrote to the Ceann Comhairle in May 2019 indicating the Minister’s view the Bill now required a money message. The Ceann Comhairle informed her on May 22nd 2019, without any prior consultation, the Bill required a money message, she said.

Source: The Irish Times January 16, 2020 19:18 UTC