Just one TD in Dáil for debate

Fianna Fáil’s spokesman on justice, Niall Collins, was forced to defend his and his party’s absence from the Dáil after a bill on the prison service was passed with just one TD present.

Labour junior minister Ann Phelan was the only politician present for the debate on a bill that ratifies the closure of St Patrick’s Institution for young offenders.

The bizarre scenes unfolded yesterday afternoon as the final amendments to the important legislation were being taken.