Dáil likely to take 12-week break

THE GOVERNMENT is expected to announce a 12-week Dáil 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”.

The Dáil usually returns in mid-September.

Labour leader Eamon Gilmore challenged Mr Cowen to hold the three byelections 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.

Opposition TDs criticised 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.

The debate on cystic fibrosis services began at 10pm last night.

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said he did not accept the Government’s guillotining of legislation in any shape or form.