Rowdy scenes in Dáil over restrictions on Dáil sitting next week
There were rowdy scenes in the Dáil this morning as Opposition leaders clashed with the Government over plans for the house to sit next week.
The Government had initially planned for a week off, but the Dáil will now convene for a day and a half.
However Opposition leaders were furious that there will not be the usual questions to the Taoiseach, votes or an order of business.
Instead deputies will just make statements on a number of issues.
The exchanges became so heated that at one stage the Ceann Comhairle was forced to suspend the Dáil for 10 minues.
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said the proposals show the arrogance of the Government.
He accused the Government of "giving two fingers" to "the people, the parliament and the questions that need to be answered."
"There is nothing to be lost… by having a normal day's business here next week," Deputy Kenny said.
Labour's Eamonn Gilmore meanwhile claimed the Government's plans were unconstitutional.
Deputy Gilmore also said the Government had betrayed a "contempuous attitude" on the matter.
"This is a pretence that the Dáil will be doing normal business next week," he said.
