Government votes down FG objections to recess

The Government voted down Fine Gael objections to the Dail's three-month recess, which begins today.

When the Tanaiste, Ms Harney, proposed on the Order of Business that the House adjourn today until October 3rd, the Fine Gael leader, Mr John Bruton, said it was not the view of the State, or members of the House, that there should be a three-month adjournment at a time when the Government had so much to account for.

He said the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, and Ms Harney, had failed to account for their recent actions and words, which had caused so much damage to public confidence. "I believe, and I think the people agree, that the House should not adjourn."

The Labour leader, Mr Ruairi Quinn, said that while the plenary session of the House was adjourning, there would be committee meetings in July and September. While his party did not oppose the adjournment, he proposed an amendment that the House meet for two days at the end of July.

Mr Trevor Sargent (Green Party, Dublin North) said the Dail could not rise at a time when business and tourism interests, and workers in Arklow, faced a very bleak future.

"We need to come back if we are to be responsible and accountable to the people relating to the rail strike and legislation dealing with such matters as fund-raising and charitable organisations in respect of which legislation is 20 years overdue.

". . . we cannot honestly bring this plenary session to an end until we have much more under our belts." Mr Joe Higgins (Socialist Party, Dublin West) said that notwithstanding that the committees would continue to meet, it was proposed that the Dail should adjourn until October. "There is unfinished business which must and should be dealt with before the House goes into recess."

Mr Higgins said Iarnrod Eireann was refusing to talk to half of its train drivers, which was causing dreadful problems for commuters and industrial workers.

Mr Seamus Healy (Independent, Tipperary South) said he would oppose the adjournment unless the "shameful information" showing that one in four children under 14 years lived in poverty was dealt with in the House. Child benefit should be increased immediately to £100 per month for each child.

Ms Harney said there were procedures in place for the recall of the Dail. While the House would not meet in plenary session, the committees would continue to function in July and September. "As deputies are aware, the construction works which will be under way around the premises require a somewhat longer adjournment than might otherwise be the case."

The Labour amendment, that the House resume for a two-day session on Tuesday, July 25th and Wednesday, July 26th, was defeated by the Government by 72 votes to 68. The Government's proposal to adjourn today until October 3rd, was carried by 71 votes to 67.