Dail reform - summer recess

[DCon]

Interestingly, both Rabbitte and Kenny favoured a shorter Dail summer recess back when they were in Opposition.

Thursday, 6 July 2006

Enda Kenny (Leader of the Opposition; Opposition Spokesperson on Northern Ireland; Mayo, Fine Gael)

I propose an amendment to proposal No. 5, that Dáil Éireann on its rising on Thursday, 13 July shall adjourn until 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday, 12 September 2006. Fine Gael and the Labour Party published a joint document on Dáil reform calling for longer sitting periods. My amendment would shorten the summer recess by three weeks

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

It is a modest and reasonable proposal that the House sit for another week and return in the middle of September. I am always surprised that the Government appears to be insensitive to the inevitable snide commentary that going on leave today, as it will be presented, until 27 September attracts for this House and politics generally. It is immensely damaging that we are not seen to take a reasonable break in line with other parliaments. This House sat 55 fewer days this year than the parliament in the neighbouring island.

http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates...ess+time#g90.0

Now?

Dáil Éireann adjourned until Tuesday, 18 September 2012 at 2.00 p.m.

http://www.oireachtas.ie/viewdoc.asp...1730&&CatID=60

[C. Flower]

The opposition is always against long Dail breaks, until they get into power.

[DCon]

The lads voted themselves a weeks holliers for Halloween today

[Dr. FIVE]

makes shag all of difference tbh

been following the statements on the economy from all parties and none during the week. guff

[PaddyJoe]

makes shag all of difference tbh

been following the statements on the economy from all parties and none during the week. guff

The lowest point was Bernard Durkan and Mattie McGrath roaring unintelligible rubbish at each today with a total of about six people in the place.
And that was the CC and a couple of unfortunate officials.

[Dr. FIVE]

Durkan, Noel harrington and and Derek Nolan's self pitying effort did it for me.

I have a soft spot for Mattie's contributions, on a mostly entertainment level. His sparing with Phil has been a highlight of this Dáil, rare as they are.
Think some of the taint comes of anyone when pitched next to Hogan.

[Dr. FIVE]

Pearse Doherty saying he will be in Leinster house Wednesday and Thursday next week where he will be questioning CEO's of AIB BOI and IBRC

[Dr. FIVE]

That should sustain us over the hump

[PaddyJoe]

That should sustain us over the hump

PAC. Definitely worth a look.

[Dr. FIVE]

Large number of interruptions and distractions as Dáil passes huge expenses bill

[DCon]

I'm shocked. Shocked

TDs have taken a Halloween break – and longer summer holidays – despite a promise for fewer days off in the Programme for Government.

The Dail sittings were cancelled for the entire week during Halloween – even though there had been a promise by the Government, upon taking office, that it would scrap the "mid-term break".

And the Government has also broken its promise to shorten the Dail summer break to six weeks. It was eight weeks this year and eight weeks last year.

This is despite the following pledge in the Programme for Government drawn up last year: "There will be a summer recess of just six weeks and significantly reduced breaks at Christmas and Easter.

"We will abandon the practice of providing a 'mid-term break' – a full week off at St Patrick's Day and Halloween."

"TDs have been working in their constituencies as well," he said.

http://www.independent.ie/national-n...s-3291895.html

[DCon]

Shatter does not do irony it seems

Justice Minister Alan Shatter has ramped up the pressure on the judiciary by questioning why the courts take two months off during the summer as well as enjoying a spring vacation which closes the courts for eight working days after Easter.

http://www.independent.ie/irish-news...-29259832.html

[jpc]

Just another windy promise to break by FG/Lab.
Nothing to see move along.