The leader of Independent Ireland, Michael Collins has confirmed the formation of a new independent technical group for the 34th Dáil.
The announcement comes as discussions continue on the formation of a new government after all 174 seats in the new Dáil were filled.
Following the general election, Fianna Fáil has the most seats (48), followed by Sinn Féin (39) and Fine Gael (38).
Labour and the Social Democrats both won 11 seats; Independent Ireland have 4; People Before Profit-Solidarity secured 3; Aontú will hold 2 and Independents and others account for 17 seats. The Green Party retained just one of its 12 seats.
Dáil
The new Independent Technical Group will include the following TDs: Michael Collins; Michael Fitzmaurice; Richard O’Donoghue; Ken O’Flynn; Paul Gogarty; Michael Healy-Rae and Danny Healy-Rae.
“By forming this technical group, we are ensuring that independent voices are amplified in the Dáil, and we can better advocate for the needs of the people we represent,” Collins said.
He said that the Independent Technical Group is currently in discussions with other Independent TDs who may join the grouping before the commencement of the next Dáil.
“This expansion will further strengthen the group’s capacity to influence policy and hold the government accountable,” Collins added.
Earlier this week, eight other independent TDs joined forces together to register a separate technical group in Leinster House.
The TDs in the group have expressed a willingness to enter into discussions with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael on supporting a possible new coalition government.
The eight TDs that have signed up to the new Regional Group, similar to the previous Dáil, are: Sean Canney; Michael Lowry; Noel Grealish; Marian Harkin; Barry Heneghan; Kevin (‘Boxer’) Moran; Verona Murphy and Gillian Toole.