The Dáil yesterday adjourned for the Christmas recess until Wednesday, January 26th, despite Opposition objections.
The Green Party leader, Mr Trevor Sargent, urged the Government to reconsider the proposal. "I will be around for the best part of next week and am aware that many other members will also be here," he added.
Mr Sargent said that more time should be made available to discuss the Health Amendment Bill, which passed through the House yesterday.
The Fine Gael deputy leader, Mr Richard Bruton, said it was impossible to agree to an adjournment of such length when "just a half-hour is provided for the committee stage of a Bill that is of immense importance".
He urged the Government to return in early January "to put in place proper and robust legislation".
The Government defeated the Green Party's proposal by 64 votes to 51.
