There was uproar in the Dáil this morning with a 15 minute suspension, two votes and a TD suspended in a row about next week’s business when the House will have no order nor business, questions, adjournment debates, and votes.
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny claimed the proposal was a “sham” while Labour leader Eamon Gilmore described the Government proposal for the ordering of business as unconstitutional, but Ceann Comhairle Seamus Kirk insisted that “the Government proposes and the House disposes”.
As the business of the day began, the Ceann Comhairle welcomed DUP leader Dr Ian Paisley and his wife Lady Eileen Paisley, paying their first visit to Leinster House. The couple received a round of applause from deputies and several stood in applause. All parties welcomed them to the House.
After witnessing the row for about 30 minutes, Dr Paisley and his wife continued their tour of Leinster House and visited the Seanad.
Insults were traded across the floor during the extended Order of Business and at one point when Mr Kenny refused to sit down, the Ceann Comhairle suspended proceedings. His party colleague Kildare North TD Bernard Durkan was later suspended for being disorderly.
All votes on business next week which includes statements on the implementation on the Ryan report and legislation will be delayed until the following week.
Mr Gilmore said the Dáil was originally scheduled not to sit next week in the expectation of holding the referendum on children’s rights, the Dublin mayoral election and the three byelections.
But after Fianna Fáil backbenchers complained about the Dáil adjourning shortly after returning following the Easter recess, it was decided it should sit. Mr Gilmore said there would be no votes and no order of business because Government TDs would be on holidays.
Sinn Féin leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin challenged Ministers to attend on the floor of the Dáil next Tuesday, if as claimed there was to be a Cabinet meeting, everyone would see how many would actually be in attendance.
The House voted by 77 to 67 to adjourn all votes on next week’s proceedings until the following week.