Anger over Dáil debate ‘charade’

ANGRY opposition deputies yesterday accused the Government of eroding the status of Dáil Eireann, forcing a climb-down over attempts to rush through controversial legislation.

Reacting to a Government proposal to push through second stage debate on the Protection of the Environment Bill 2003 in just over two days, Labour leader Pat Rabbitte called the move a charade which exposed the Government’s contempt for democracy.

“This Government, even more than the previous one, has contempt for the normal procedures of parliament,” he said.