Darragh O'Brien accuses opposition TDs of voting 'to not turn up for work' on planning bill

Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien said it was shameful that TDs were not willing to put in the extra hours necessary. Picture: Damien Storan

A row between the Government and the opposition on scrutinising a planning bill has escalated with Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien accusing opposition deputies of “shocking hypocrisy” and refusing to “show up and do the job they are elected to do”. 

Mr O’Brien has written to the chair of the housing and local government committee Stephen Matthews in response to a complaint from the opposition that the proposed schedule for the bill would “prevent proper scrutiny of a bill that will impact on the lives of millions for decades to come”.