Sinn Féin today pledged to keep the Government on its toes and warned it may disrupt the Dáil if its TDs are not given equal rights with the other representatives in the House.
The leader of the party’s TDs, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, said the party would provide the public with alternative policies.
"The government is now preparing for cutbacks in public spending and essential services," Mr Ó Caoláin said.
Sinn Féin, he said, would hold the Government to its pre-election promises and resist cutbacks in services that affect the less well off.
Announcing the party's policy portfolios, he claimed the Government has already broken two pre-election promises: to end hospital waiting lists in two years and to reduce homelessness. These objectives were not even included in the Programme for Government, he said.
Mr Ó Caoláin called for Government action over what he called the crisis that has put the future of Monaghan General Hospital in question.
Speaking at a press conference to announce the party's spokespersons Mr Ó Caoláin said the Government must change standing orders to ensure the smaller parties in the House are given full representation rights.
Sinn Féin whip Mr Aengus Ó Snodaigh said he did not want to go to the larger parties with a "begging bowl", when Parliament resumed in September "asking `Would you please give us a few minutes here or there'".
He warned the party would consider using parliamentary rules to disrupt the business of the House unless it was granted the rights.
Dealing out strong words against the Government’s spending cuts, Mr Ó Caoláin said the party will campaign against cutting jobs in Community Employment schemes.
He warned the party would not flinch from calling for increases in taxes for those who can afford them, including corporation tax and capital gains tax.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD Leader and Spokesperson on the Peace Process and the Six Counties; Finance; Health and Children
Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD Justice and Equality; Cultúr, Gaeilge agus Gaeltacht; International Affairs and Defence; Party Whip
Seán Crowe TD Education; Transport and Communications; Social and Community Affairs
Martin Ferris TD Agriculture and Rural Development; Marine and Natural Resources; Tourism and Sport
Arthur Morgan TD Environment and Local Government; Employment, Trade and Consumer Affairs.