Sinn Féin Deputy Padraig Mac Lochlainn has branded the month-long recess for Dáil TDs as “unacceptable”.
“People are crying out for leadership,” the Sinn Féin Chief Whip said yesterday, as the Dáil met for the first time since the general election.
Following the election of the Ceann Comhairle, a recess was decided until 22nd January.
Deputy Mac Lochlainn said that Opposition whips wanted the Dáil to reconvene on the 15th of January, as is normal after the Christmas recess.
“It is four long weeks, five is unacceptable,” he said.
Deputies went to a vote, with 88 voting for recess until 22nd January and 77 against.
Donegal’s Fianna Fáil deputies Pat the Cope Gallagher and Charlie McConalogue voted for the longer recess, while Sinn Féin’s Pearse Doherty and Padraig MacLochlainn and Charles Ward of the 100% Redress Party voted against.
