Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

I object to the proposed recess. The proposal is that the Dáil will not meet again until 24 March, which is in 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. It should be possible, therefore, to organise the business of the House around the Ministers who will be in the country.

The Government's proposal on the recess is not unrelated to the fact that it is coming up appallingly short in terms of bringing legislation before the House. The number of Bills enacted by this House last year was the smallest in a decade.

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