Fine Gael, Labour say Dail should sit in July

FINE GAEL and Labour leaders have demanded that the Dáil sit during July to process outstanding legislation.

Enda Kenny said that the Dáil would not meet next week, which, in itself, would generate a degree of comment

“It might be appropriate for the Government to decide now that the House should sit throughout July to deal with the Nama legislation, the Ryan report, the plan to be drawn up by the Minister for State Barry Andrews and the second referendum on the Lisbon Treaty.”

He urged the Taoiseach to give a commitment that the body of work would be dealt with by the Dáil during July.

“That would still give him time to take out the dusty clubs and have a swing in Ballyconneely, or somewhere else, in August,” he said.

“I make that suggestion because these are serious Bills, particularly the one to deal with the Lisbon Treaty.”

Taoiseach Brian Cowen said no decision had been taken yet on when the House would rise for the summer recess.

The Government Chief Whip would liaise with colleagues from other parties to see how business could be ordered for the remainder of the term.

Labour Party leader Eamon Gilmore said he agreed with Mr Kenny that the House should sit through July.

He said there was a great deal of important business to be dealt with, some of which had been signalled by Ministers.

“I drew the Taoiseach’s attention last week to the Dáil calendar which suggests that the House will rise on July 2nd, a week earlier than last year,” Mr Gilmore said.