Dáil debate on day of action sought

Opposition parties have called for a Dáil debate on next Tuesday's planned day of action over potential cuts in public service pay in the forthcoming Budget.

Fine Gael's Alan Shatter said the House should be informed of what arrangements were being made to protect emergency services on the day.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said Sinn Féin TDs and Senators would not pass pickets placed at Leinster House.

Labour Party leader Eamon Gilmore accused the Government of making no effort to avert the strike, saying they were 'throwing in the towel' on the 24 November strike.

He said they clearly had no intention of trying to avert it, as was shown by the decision to restrict Dáil business on Tuesday.

Fine Gael's Alan Shatter said it was a 'negation of democracy' for the business of the Dáil to 'grind to a halt', adding that the Government was 'falling asleep at the wheel'.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said the Government was driving the country 'headlong into disaster'.

Tánaiste Mary Coughlan said the Government did not believe the strike would be constructive - she said in normal circumstances labour was withheld after something had been decided, not before.

The Government voted through a decision not to have adjournment debates next Tuesday.

These involve Opposition TDs speaking for five minutes, and then a Minister or Minister of State replying for five minutes, usually from a script prepared by a civil servant.

The Opposition claimed the decision showed Ministers were incapable of speaking for five minutes without having something written for them. The Tánaiste denied this.

Meanwhile, Leader the Seanad Donie Cassidy has confirmed that the Seanad will not be sitting next Tuesday as a result of staff at Leinster House voting to join the national day of action by the public service unions.

Mr Cassidy said most services at Leinster House will not be available on the day and Seanad business will resume on Wednesday.