08/07/2010

Daíl Break To Last Three Months

Despite economic problems, the Dublin Government is expected to announce a 12-week holiday when the House adjourns for the summer recess today.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen said yesterday the date for reconvening "will probably be around September 29th" with the normal date being in mid-September.

Labour leader Eamon Gilmore therefore challenged Mr Cowen to hold the three by elections due, given that the Dáil would be closed until late September.

"I recall that last year the month of September was used for the campaign in the Lisbon referendum," he said.

Other opposition TDs were also criticising the guillotining of legislation in advance of the long Dáil break.

Objecting to yesterday's Order of Business, Sinn Féin leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said the Taoiseach was refusing to address cutbacks in the disability sector.

"When will be get the opportunity to address matters on cystic fibrosis?" he added, with Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny also saying he did not accept the Government's guillotining of legislation in any shape or form.

(BMcC/GK)

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