Short welfare debate time ‘is shameful’

The Coalition faces accusations of ramming through legislation on cuts to welfare allowances in the Dáil this week with just a few hours set aside to discuss the Social Welfare Bill.

Lucinda Creighton, the former European affairs minister, said it was “shameful” more time was not being set aside.

Joan Burton, the social protection minister, is now considering arranging extra time for debate on the €290m in cuts under her department, amid claims by rebel coalition TDs that the bill is being rushed through.