Brian Stanley 'discharged' from Public Accounts Committee

The former Sinn Féin TD Brian Stanley, who is now an Independent, is no longer a member of the Dáil's financial watchdog.

A report from the Dáil's Committee of Selection states this evening that "... it has discharged deputy Brian Stanley from the Committee on Public Accounts and has nominated deputy Matt Carthy in his stead".

It comes as the Committee of Selection agreed unanimously that the proposal from Sinn Féin to replace Brian Stanley as chair of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) will go to the Dáil next week for a vote without debate.

Sinn Féin is proposing that Galway West TD Mairéad Farrell becomes the new chair.

The Dáil's Public Accounts Committee met for the first time this morning since Mr Stanley resigned from Sinn Féin. It was chaired by PAC vice-chair and Social Democrats TD Catherine Murphy.

The Dáil's Business Committee decides on the topics and time allocations for next week's debates in the lower house.

The same members constitute the Dáil's Selection Committee.

Under the rules, it is Sinn Féin's right to appoint the PAC chair as it is the largest opposition party.

Sinn Féin chief whip Pádraig Mac Lochlainn said it is his party's right, under the rules, to appoint the chair of the Public Accounts Committee and such a right has never been challenged.

The Donegal deputy said there is no precedence even for a discussion on the matter by the Selection Committee.