The Labour Party has called for a shorter summer break for the Dáil and will table a parliamentary motion to that effect this week.
TDs break for summer on July 3 and will not return again until the end of September.
The Labour Party, which claims the Dáil only sat for 91 days in the current session, wants the Dáil to sit until at least July 24 and resume in early September instead.
Leader Eamon Gilmore will table a parliamentary motion which will be debated in the Dáil on Tuesday and Wednesday.
“Labour has long pressed for an end to the unacceptably long summer recess, as a result of which the Dáil adjourns for almost three months each year,” Mr Gilmore said today.
“I believe that there will be absolute public fury if the government proceeds with its plan to adjourn the Dáil on July 3 against the background of the most serious economic situation for years.”
Labour said unemployment is rising at its fastest rate ever recorded and the live register has broken the 200,000 barrier.
“Each set of Exchequer Figures produced since the beginning of the year has highlighted the deteriorating economic situation,” Mr Gilmore added.
“Fishermen and hauliers are facing ruin because of the cost of diesel. Food prices have risen 8% over the past year and consumer confidence is at its lowest ebb for years.
“Against the background of these series of crises it would be unthinkable for the government to proceed with its plan to adjourn the Dáil on July 3rd.
“The Dáil should continue in session until the end of July and should resume in early September.”
Labour’s manifesto for the last general election called for a 50% increase in Dáil sitting days including a summer recess limited to around six weeks.
The Green Party’s manifesto also demanded Dail sitting time to be doubled. “It is time that we brought the sitting arrangements for the Dáil and Seanad into the modern world. The current economic situation provides a compelling case for starting the process this year,” Mr Gilmore added.