Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

I do not object to the Dáil not sitting next week. It is normal practice in the week of a referendum. However, I must express concern about the time context of this adjournment. There was a very short sitting this week. For the life of me I do not understand why the House does not sit on the Tuesday after a bank holiday. It is nonsense and the House should address it at the earliest opportunity. I understand the Government plans to conclude this session at the end of the first week in July, which means there will be just nine sitting days after next week before the summer recess. The country is going through changing economic circumstances. Yesterday, we were informed that the Government has taken in €1.2 billion less than expected in tax revenues so far this year. Its finances appear to be way off track. Does the Government have any plans after the House resumes sitting on 17 June——

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