Ahern accused of showing disrespect for Dáil

The Taoiseach has been accused of showing contempt for the Dáil by not attending the regular leader's questions session in Leinster House this morning.

Bertie Ahern is in Bundoran, Co Donegal, to make a speech to the biennial conference of the ICTU.

The Oireachtas begins its 11-week summer break tomorrow.

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny told the House this morning that the Taoiseach had shown disrespect for the Dail and "arrogance of gross order".

"On every opportunity that he has, he flees from this House and does not come in here to do his duty as he should," Mr Kenny said.