The Government's use of an “undemocratic veto” in Dáil Eireann has seen more than 50 Opposition bills blocked, despite having majority support in the chamber. An Opposition bill, proposed by Solidarity-People Before Profit, seeks to unblock that veto over the so-called 'money message' which requires Government approval for a bill to proceed. The bill seeks to amend the current Dáil rules to remove the Government's ability to block a bill on money grounds on the basis of potential “incidental expenses and indirect cost” implications. "So the standing orders stop opposition bills going forward where they appropriate revenue, as well as a number of incidental administrative expenses. "The use and abuse of the money message by the government amounts to an outrageous sabotage of democracy.

Source: Irish Examiner November 04, 2019 16:52 UTC