FF ducks Dáil debate on social welfare cuts

FIANNA FÁIL deputies have been accused of cowardice after taking shelter in a private parliamentary party meeting rather than speaking in the Dáil to support the controversial cuts to social welfare payments.

The opposition was offered extra speaking time during the debate on the social welfare bill because there were no Fianna Fáil backbenchers available to discuss the motion.

The chief whip’s office confirmed it asked the opposition to provide speakers and said this was because the FF TDs were at their weekly parliamentary party gathering.