Anger erupts at Dáil adjournment

The Government voted through a two-week Easter adjournment of the Dáil, despite Opposition criticism.

Green Party leader Trevor Sargent said it was strange that the only Easter Rising mentioned by the Government was the "Easter Rising to run rather than face the music in the Dáil". The Government needed to be reminded that the Dáil should sit for much longer than it did, he added.

"A term of 92 days a year is not a proper parliamentary term in European terms.

"With the Taoiseach in Armagh today talking to the British prime minister, it is fitting that if we are to have proper implementation of strand three, whatever about strands two and one, we should have the same sitting arrangements as Westminster."

Mr Sargent proposed that the House return on Wednesday, April 19th, adding that the Dáil should not take 16 days of recess when several urgent matters had been raised earlier.

"I ask the Government to recognise that we must be in the House to articulate fully the views of the public.

"The Government cannot be left to operate without the public accountability the Dáil would ensure."

When Tánaiste Mary Harney proposed that the House adjourn until Tuesday, April 25th, Fine Gael Mayo TD Michael Ring remarked said the Coalition was like a government in exile.

"If it wants to go into exile, let it leave the country. I could not be closing the Dáil again for another two weeks."

Ceann Comhairle Dr Rory O'Hanlon, who had called on Mr Sargent to speak, asked Mr Ring to show respect.

Mr Ring replied: "I ask the Government to show respect for the people of this country and the Dáil. How could it be closing the Dáil again for two more weeks?"

Dr O'Hanlon said: "If the deputy does not want to resume his seat, he will have an earlier recess than anybody else."

Mr Ring replied: "Where will they put me? I will not be put out at all because the Dáil will not be open."

As the exchanges continued, Mr Ring said: "The Government and the Fianna Fáil backbenchers are all in on it. Let us go to the country and let the people decide."

Paudge Connolly (Independent, Cavan-Monaghan) suggested that Dáil adjournments should be examined by a committee of the House. The Government's proposal to adjourn was carried by 57 votes to 48.