FG accuses Government of Dáil contempt

Fine Gael environment spokesman, Bernard Allen TD, has accused the Government of contempt for the Dáil today as it forced through a Bill in 15 minutes.

"Against a background where there are 100,000 people on Local Authority house waiting lists - double the number since the Rainbow Government left office in 1997 - where house prices have increased by 80% and rents have doubled, the Government today, in a shameful fashion, forced through the remaining stages of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2002, which changes dramatically the whole principle of social integration," said Deputy Allen.