Sinn Féin Chief Whip Pádraig Mac Lochlainn TD has described a proposal for the Dáil to meet one day a week as ‘totally unacceptable’.
New proposals recommend that TDs should only meet on Wednesdays for a maximum of six hours from next week.
Sittings would take place in Dublin’s Convention Centre and would be limited to 45 members.
Deputy Mac Lochlainn said:”It is absolutely critical that everything is done to ensure that citizens are safe and that all measures are put in place to protect workers and families at a time of increased Covid-19 infection rates.
“But that means there must be democratic oversight and accountability of these decisions.
“That means the Dáil must continue to sit during this period of national emergency and the democratic process must be upheld.”
Deputy Mac Lochlainn said his party will refuse to accept the changed schedule:
“Sinn Féin will facilitate reduced numbers and social distancing measures in Leinster House, but we will not agree to the ridiculous proposal to meet one day a week and for half a day’s sitting.”