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.

The Government’s plan would have seen the bill being debated and voted on by Tuesday evening. But the Opposition said this would not allow any time for committee stage amendments to be submitted before the bill passed second stage.

Deputies also expressed concern and anger at the fact that today’s debate on the bill, which could see waste disposal charges significantly increased, is likely to be attended by very few Government ministers.

Green Party leader, Trevor Sargent said the Dáil was essentially operating as a closed shop. “The shop window is open for viewing but, effectively, no business is carried out,” he said.

“The Government does not even have to bother coming in. It can simply open up, turn on the lights and allow members to come in, so it can get on with what it sees as the real business of Government, namely the moving and the shaking behind closed doors. This House is left to carry on the semblance of a Parliament without the power of one,” he continued.

Following the exchanges, Defence Minister Michael Smith, representing the Government, announced he had been informed by Government Chief Whip Mary Hanafin that committee stage would be deferred to allow further debate.