The Government suffered an embarrassing defeat in a Seanad vote today after the Green Party’s two Senators accidently missed the vote.
It is the first parliamentary vote lost by the Government in either House this term.
Dan Boyle, deputy Seanad leader, and Deirdre De Burca said they were not aware the ballot was being taken.
Senators had been debating a Fine Gael amendment to the Charities Bill, which was carried by a margin of one.
“It was a drop-the-ball situation,” Senator Boyle said.
Senator De Burca said she usually gets a text alert for a vote but did not on this occasion.
During rowdy scenes, Fianna Fáil senators claimed the vote should be taken again.
But the Cathaoirleach, Fianna Fáil Senator Pat Moylan, rejected the calls.
Fine Gael Cork Senator Jerry Buttimer, who tabled the amendment calling for a provision in the Bill excluding sports groups from seeking charitable status to be scrapped, said he was delighted with the result.
“This amendment will ensure that amateur sporting organisations are not prevented from applying for charitable status and will therefore not be restricted in their capacity to fundraise - a function which is essential to their continued existence.”
PA