td holidays ‘should take a back seat’

TDS only have to work in Leinster House for six days between now and April 17.

The generous arrangements come as the country braces itself for one of the most important political debates in decades.

Independent senator Gerard Craughwell told the Irish Mirror holidays “should take a back seat” on such important occassions.

He added: “Until such a time as the agreed wording is through all of the

Oireachtas, I believe it is imperative the Houses be available to sit.”

After a special sitting on abortion this morning, the Dail will rise for nearly two weeks for the St Patrick’s Day festivities.

It resumes on March 21, sits for three days that week and three days the next, before heading off for another two weeks’ holidays for Easter. It eventually comes back on April 17.