Opposition fails to win time for other issues

Opposition leaders failed to secure extended Dáil sitting time to discuss Exchequer cutbacks and political developments during the special debate on the Nice Treaty Bill.

The Government defeated a Fine Gael amendment for the Dáil to sit today by 68 votes to 48. Fine Gael's leader, Mr Enda Kenny, hit out at the Government's re-election "on a platform of gross deception". As well as the referendum, he said the Dáil should discuss the "deteriorating state of the public finances so that the grave uncertainty in people's minds can be clarified once and for all".

The Labour leader, Mr Ruairí Quinn, listed cutbacks since the formation of the new Government and said the Dáil should "resume business as quickly as possible in the normal way".

The Nice Treaty debate continues next week for two days and then the Dáil adjourns until October 9th.

Mr Quinn said there had only been 34 sitting days since the start of the year and in the past two months overseas aid had been cut, the contract for the supply of five helicopters had been cancelled, charges for hospital A&E visits had increased, 800 health jobs were put on hold, VHI rates increased by 18 per cent and €15 million had been withdrawn from the treatment purchase scheme.

The Green party leader, Mr Trevor Sargent, said there was an impending international crisis over Iraq and the government should allow a debate on the use of Shannon airport by US military aircraft, as well as the transportation of MOX fuel to Sellafield.

Sinn Féin's Mr Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin reiterated his party's refusal to co-operate with Standing Orders because of the refusal to allow smaller parties and Independents "proper recognition" and speaking time, and because they still did not have appropriate office accommodation.

Mr Joe Higgins of the Socialist Party said the smaller parties and Independent deputies would only have 10 minutes to speak in a six-hour debate, and it would be a "travesty of the democratic rights of people" and the effective silencing of the voices of those who opposed the Nice Treaty.

Asked later what time had been allowed for Independent deputies to speak on the Nice Treaty Bill, the Government chief whip, Ms Mary Hanafin, replied: "Government time for Government business and Opposition time for Opposition business".