The Dáil’s Public Accounts Committee faced a shake-up as its chair, Brian Stanley, resigned from Sinn Féin. With Stanley now an Independent TD, the PAC meeting, led by Vice-Chair Catherine Murphy of the Social Democrats, proceeded to examine the financial statements from the Charities Regulator. Despite the controversy, Murphy made no mention of Stanley or Sinn Féin’s plan to install Mairead Farrell as the new PAC chair.
Opposition to Sinn Féin’s move was expressed due to concerns about the party’s internal disciplinary procedures. The process of replacing Stanley as chair is set in motion, with the Business Committee meeting to determine next week’s debates. While Sinn Féin holds the right to appoint the PAC chair, the Selection Committee may need to confirm its jurisdiction over the matter. Nonetheless, it is anticipated that a Dáil vote will proceed next week to select Farrell as the new PAC chair.