The government cannot be allowed to use a “duck and dive” tactic to avoid Dail scrutiny.
Rural Independent TD, Michael Collins, has today (Monday, 20th December) again written to the Taoiseach, requesting him to urgently recall Dáil Éireann to debate and scrutinise the government’s latest pathetically cruel and unscientific restrictions.
Speaking from his Cork-South-West constituency today, Deputy Michael Collins, stated:
“The government’s announcement to enforce an effective lockdown on Irish society days before Christmas is heartless. Introducing such measures, after the Dail has adjourned for the Christmas break, appears calculated and means the government is now operating beyond its limits.”
“This government is fixated on power and control, despite its implications for ordinary people. The latest restrictions are singlehandedly destroying our already battered tourism and hospitality sectors, which employ up to 300,000 people.”
“We cannot be certain that this government will stop at the current level of restrictions, as they are likely to introduce limitless new proposals put forward by unelected bureaucrats.”
“Therefore, my colleagues and I in the Rural Independent Group believe that the Dail must be resummoned immediately, or at the earliest opportunity. It would be utterly unacceptable to allow this government to go another five weeks (during adjournment) without any parliamentary scrutiny.”
“Consequently, I have written to the Taoiseach requesting him to recall the Dail. Only the Taoiseach can recall the Dáil under Standing Order 26: ‘Special Summons for earlier sitting’. On the request of the Taoiseach, the Ceann Comhairle may summon the Dáil for an earlier sitting than that set on the adjournment.’”
“Public anger and anxiety have skyrocketed since the announcement by the Taoiseach last Friday. The public have played their part during this pandemic, yet the government keep moving the goalposts. For the government to create such fear and stress on the days before Christmas is unconscionable.”
“The Taoiseach and his government cannot be allowed to duck and dive from the scrutiny of Dail Éireann on these crucial issues, which have myriad knock-on impacts. The Taoiseach has the power to recall the Dail. The ball is now in his court.”
“We believe the Dáil must sit later this week. The people deserve to have these issues discussed, debated and reconsidered in their own parliament,” concluded Deputy Collins.
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