Sinn Féin TDs leave Dáil chamber en masse as first ‘Other’ TD puts question to Taoiseach

It came as Carol Nolan from Offaly asked a question about a school in her constituency.

Sinn Féin evacuated en masse before the slot began – pointedly leaving only their party whip, Pádraig MacLochlainn in the chamber.

The Labour Party also vacated, while only three Social Democrat TDs remained.

There was no barracking or disruption as the pedestrian question and a follow-up query were answered by Taoiseach Micheál Martin, addressing a Government-supporting Deputy.

The combined Opposition had argued for months against this time slot, saying a TD could not be a member of Government and a member of Opposition at the same time.

Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy says she bears no ill will after results of confidence vote

A question remains about the restoration of pairing for ministerial travel and the establishment of Dáil committees, but both are expected to follow in due course.

Ms Nolan had been passionate on the confidence motion…