THE GOVERNMENT rejected an Opposition demand that the Dáil sit next week, except for St Patrick’s Day.

Tánaiste Mary Coughlan said that the focus for Ministers travelling abroad for the national holiday would be the promotion of our international reputation and trade. “On that basis, I am not in a position to accept the Opposition’s proposals.”

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said there was no reason why the Dáil should not sit next Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

“I acknowledge that our national festivities are important. This is one of the few countries that have national days, and I recognise that some Ministers have important responsibilities in international affairs, but the people want this House to be seen to be working effectively.”

Labour leader Eamon Gilmore said the proposal was that the Dáil would not meet again until March 24th, which was 12 days time.

“St Patrick’s Day comprises one day, not 12. There is no justification for putting the Dáil into recess for 12 days.

“I am aware that, historically, it was difficult to arrange Government business during that week because virtually the entire Cabinet and every Minister of State went abroad on St Patrick’s Day.

“However, we are led to believe that such is not the case this year and that a considerably reduced number of Ministers is travelling to St Patrick’s Day events abroad.”

Mr Gilmore claimed that the Government’s proposal for the recess was not unrelated to the fact that it was coming up appallingly short in terms of bringing legislation before the House.

He added that the number of Bills enacted by the House last year was the smallest in a decade.

Only four items of legislation had been enacted so far this year and, of the 18 Bills promised by the Government in the current session, only one had been produced, said Mr Gilmore.

If the Government had no business for next week, the House could deal with some of the 16 Bills produced by Labour.

Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said his party would welcome the scheduling of business on next Wednesday and Thursday if that was achievable.