Opposition furious at limited speaking time in Dáil

Opposition parties are furious after the Government chief whip this afternoon refused to give extra time in the Dáil next week to discuss the Bertie Ahern payments controversy.

Fine Gael and Labour say the time allocated is totally inadequate.

The two opposition parties are now requesting a special meeting to re-consider the arrangements for the Dáil sitting on Wednesday.

The war of words between the Government and the opposition parties is hotting up in advance of Tuesday's anticipated statement from the Taoiseach.

According to Fine Gael and Labour, the opposition has been granted seven speaking slots of five minutes each and, as far as they're concerned, that amounts to no change.

They say this is inadequate and they're indicating now that limited speaking time is designed to protect the Taoiseach.