A major row is brewing over next week's sitting of the Dáil, which the Opposition is claiming will be irrelevant.
The original schedule for Dáil business had proposed a week's recess following Bank Holiday Monday, but in recent weeks the new Chief Whip, John Curran, announced that the House would sit on Wednesday and Thursday.
But today it emerged that there will be none of the usual opportunities for the Opposition to hold the Government to account, such as the Order of Business and Leaders' Questions, nor will there be any votes.
Fine Gael Whip Paul Kehoe said his party would be opposing the plans when they come to a vote tomorrow, and will withdraw all pairing arrangements if the Government persists with its plans.
Responding to the criticism, Mr Curran said next week's extra sittings would be used to progress legislation 'that will aid our recovery and strengthen our society'.
He said it would also be used for a significant debate on children, and that it had originally been scheduled for a week's recess.
Minister Curran added that the Government looks forward to returning on 15 June to use the normal opportunities to defend its record and show how Ireland is turning a corner economically.
Labour whip Emmet Stagg described next week's Order of Business for the Dáil as 'farcical'.
He said the plans were designed 'to present the illusion of Dáil sittings while the Taoiseach, most Ministers and Government backbenchers will not be required to be here at all'.
Mr Stagg said it was clear that the Government was either unable or unwilling to have its own backbenchers present next week.
He said it was therefore determined to avoid any votes and most of the normal business that the Dáil undertakes.
