The four Independent TDs who have supported the Government since 1997 have been urged by Fine Gael and Labour to back Opposition calls for a Dail recall to debate the implications of the Supreme Court judgment in the Sinnott case.
The joint attempt to force a response from the Independents follows backing for a recall earlier this week from two of them, Wicklow TD Ms Mildred Fox and Donegal North-East TD Mr Harry Blaney. Despite this declaration, however, these two Independents are understood not to have contacted the Government Chief Whip, Mr Seamus Brennan, to push for a special Dail session.
Urging them to come forward now, Fine Gael TDs Ms Frances Fitzgerald and Mr Michael Creed and Labour TDs Ms Jan O'Sullivan and Ms Roisin Shorthall said in a statement that the judgment had caused a "wave of concern". They added: "We believe it is essential that the Dail should be seen to respond to these legitimate concerns. This is an issue of such significance that it is far too important to be deferred until [the Dail] resumes on October 2nd."
Already, the Independent TD for Kerry South, Mr Jackie Healy-Rae, has refused to lobby the Government, arguing that the Minister for Education was improving education for the disabled. However, the four Independents will face pressure from the Irish Autism Alliance, which organised a public meeting in Dublin during the week which was attended by 1,000 people.
