Government TDs accused of 'political cowardice' over turf ban vote

Environment Minister and Green Party leader Eamon Ryan said: "My view is we have to stop the 1,300 deaths that are occurring every year."

Sinn Féin Finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty said that there is "a real cost of living crisis right across this country as energy bills have skyrocketed". Photo: Gareth Chaney/Collins

Government TDs have been accused of "political cowardice of the highest order" in the Dáil after voting against a motion to stop a ban on turf sales.

During a heated Leaders' Questions, Sinn Féin Finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty said that there is "a real cost of living crisis right across this country as energy bills have skyrocketed". He said the Government's vote against a Sinn Féin motion to stop increases in carbon tax had stopped a chance for "real relief" for families.