The opposition parties have tabled a Dáil motion of censure on Independent deputy, Tom Gildea, for what they call his “outrageous and unfounded allegations” against the former Minister for Justice, Nora Owen.
The motion will be taken in Private Members Time on Tuesday and Wednesday night next. The main Opposition parties have been boycotting Dáil proceedings since yesterday in protest at the coalition's refusal to provide Government time for the censure debate.
However, Fine Gael Chief Whip, Paul Bradford, said they would be in the chamber at the start of business on Tuesday. Speaking in Dublin tonight, Fine Gael leader Michael Noonan said that the opposition parties are calling on the Government not the divide the House on the motion.
He added that all members of Parliament should be protected from unwarranted attack under privilege and a clear signal should be sent to everybody that they would face censure by their colleagues if they engage in such tactics.
