Rabbitte: Inflexibility over recess harms Dáil’s reputation

The main opposition parties have criticised the Government for refusing to allow extra Dáil sittings to debate a report on the statutory rape controversy.

The Sullivan Report examines the events that led to the Government not being informed of the constitutional challenge that lead to a convicted child rapist being released.

This morning, Labour and Fine Gael had a motion to extend Dáil business for one more week voted down.

Pat Rabbitte said the inflexibility of Dáil holidays was bringing down the House's reputation: “It is damaging the image of politics and it is damaging the standing and relevance of Dáil Éireann that the Government puts the house into mothballs for three months."