Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

A range of things are happening. For example, the Government is only providing 65 minutes today to debate the issue of bank recapitalisation. Although the document on the economic recovery programme will be published this afternoon, the House will not have an opportunity to debate it until 27 January. Moreover, the severe cuts in the health service about which Members have heard could have a huge impact on front line services. Yesterday, Members learned that CIE and Bus Éireann intend to reduce their fleets and driver numbers, which will have a great impact on public transport. Moreover, the Government must make a decision sometime between now and the resumption of the House on its response to the Ryanair bid to buy the shares in Aer Lingus. The House should have an opportunity to debate this matter before the Government makes a decision.

In addition, a raft of legislation has not been published. For example, on 20 November the Tánaiste informed me in the House that legislation on the levy for health insurance would be published and dealt with. However, it has not appeared nor has it been dealt with. There is business to be done and those who are deeply concerned about what is happening to the economy, their livelihoods, incomes, jobs and businesses will be scandalised that the Government intends to close down the Dáil until 27 January. Whatever justification for so doing may have existed in the past, no such justification exists this year.

See this speech in context