Tánaiste refuses to cancel Dáil recess

Tánaiste Mary Harney has refused opposition requests to cancel the Dáil’s week-long Hallowe’en holiday.

Speaking in the Dáil this morning, Green Party leader Trevor Sergeant said next week’s recess was unacceptable in light of the latest crisis in the Northern peace process.

Mr Sergeant said it was disgraceful that TDs could get a whole week off when ordinary workers merely got the Monday off and he also pointed out that it was only a matter of weeks since the Dáil resumed following its three-month summer break.

However, Ms Harney rejected his argument and refused to cancel the week-long holiday, saying some TDs were planning to spend time with their children, many of whom also had the week off school.