Parliamentary party: Fianna Fáil TDs and senators were last night briefed on the emergency legislation the Government will move tomorrow to close the loophole for sex offenders created by the Supreme Court ruling.
Following a lengthy briefing from the Minister for Defence, Willie O'Dea, and a subsequent contribution from the Minister for Finance, Brian Cowen, the mood was described as "sombre, but not panic-stricken".
The Government's decision to rush emergency legislation through the Seanad and Dáil tomorrow was welcomed by TDs and senators, who have faced strong criticism from constituents and others over recent days.
"Most people are glad that they are acting before the weekend and that they are not letting this run into next week, because we would be absolutely crucified if we did that," one Minister of State commented after the meeting last night.
Though one or two FF deputies praised the Government's speed of response, the majority of those who spoke, including Limerick East TD Peter Power and Dún Laoghaire's Barry Andrews, were highly critical.
"Most people who spoke were disappointed at the Government's response and the fact that it has failed to come and explain its case," one Munster TD told The Irish Times late last night.
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