Stagg says Dáil sittings 'a parliamentary sham'

The Labour Party's chief whip, Mr Emmet Stagg, has described the arrangements for Dáil sittings this week as 'a parliamentary sham'.

Mr Stagg's comments follow the announcement today by the Government Chief Whip, Ms Mary Hanafin, of the order of business in the Dáil for the week.

There is a compelling case for Dáil reform, but this government has so far shown that it is interested only in restricting its own accountability to the House Labour TD Mr Emmet Stagg

Deputy Stagg said opportunities for opposition parties to hold the Government to account had been reduced by a procedural motion, introduced by the Government before Christmas. He said the motion specified "that for this week there would be no Order of Business; no leaders questions; no Dáil questions (oral or written) to any minister; no adjournment debates; and no votes"

Deputy Stagg added: "There is a compelling case for Dáil reform, but this government has so far shown that  it is interested only in restricting its own accountability to the House."

The Dáil resumes plenary session on Wednesday with Ireland's Presidency of the EU as the first item on the agenda.

Wednesday afternoon will be given over to the submission of statements on the Report of the Development of Radiation Oncology Services in Ireland, followed by the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Bill 2003. The Criminal Justice (Joint Investigations Teams) Bill 2003 (Seanad) Second Stage will be discussed in the Dáil on Thursday.

"The Government is commencing this Dáil session in the most relevant and appropriate fashion, providing a timely platform for views on important EU and health-related matters, before normal legislative discourse resumes on Wednesday," said Ms Hanafin.