The Opposition this morning condemned the Government’s move to adjourn the Dáil and unveil its economic plan at Dublin Castle rather than in the House.
Objecting to the order of business, Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said it was “absolutely contemptuous treatment of this House” that an agreement was reached on a short debate on the recapitalisation of banks and the Government had decided to unveil its economic plan in Dublin Castle.
“It is a case of [the Government] leaving here, wounded and discredited, and attempting to get over the Christmas line with the least amount of further damage. . . . I understand that the framework being announced today is high on vision and low on ideas,” Mr Kenny said.
“Here we have evidence of a disgruntled Taoiseach who’s either afraid to come in here or just doesn’t want to. Won’t come in on any Thursday . . . he follows the example of his predecessor in this regard.”
Mr Kenny continued: “This is the primary political forum, and it’s in here that these major announcements that affect every single person in the country should be made.”
Labour leader Eamon Gilmore said his party was also opposed to the order of business, saying the announcement should be made in the Dáil.
“The only things that are done in Dublin Castle are public relations stunts. The documents that are launched in Dublin Castle . . . are documents for the recovery of Fianna Fail.
“If it’s been done in Dublin Castle, it turns out, it’s not worth the paper it’s been written on . . . it’s a public relations stunt,” Mr Gilmore said, adding that the Dáil would now be shut down until January 27th.
“This has been built up to something tantamount to a budget statement . . . it should be done here in the House where it is subject to examination, subject to scrutiny, and where those are proposing it can defend it.”
Sinn Fein Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin also condemned the unveiling of the economic plan outside the Dáil. “We are being called time and time again by the Taoiseach to act in the collective national interest, yet there is no consultation, no respect given, and the exercise this afternoon is but an exercise in PR,” he said.
In response the Tánaiste, Mary Coughlan, said the Opposition was being hypocritical in criticising the Government for not having a framework and now doing the same when a plan was being unveiled.
She said there would be ample time to discuss the matter when the House reconvened "in due course".