The Labour Party last night called on the Government to extend the special Dáil session to debate the Nice Treaty next week to discuss a number of issues that have arisen over the summer, including the public spending cutbacks.
The call has come on the eve of the opening of nominations for the party leadership following the decision of Mr Ruairí Quinn not to seek a second term.
Mr Quinn yesterday wrote to the Taoiseach formally requesting Dáil time to discuss spending cuts. "We know that there are other cuts that are yet to be announced. There are also ongoing issues such as the dispute between the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Irish Dental Association that has led to a withdrawal of services to people, the growing crime problem and many others."
Mr Quinn said it would be unthinkable for the Dáil to adjourn after the Nice debate for a further month without having discussed these issues.
Meanwhile, Labour TDs will gather today for the first parliamentary party meeting after the summer with the party leadership occupying deputies' minds.
Nominations for party leader and deputy leader open today.