An Opposition demand for an emergency debate on the court decision postponing Mr Charles Haughey's trial was rejected.

The Labour leader, Mr Ruairi Quinn, wanted a debate on "the serious implications for the judicial and political system of the decision of the Circuit Criminal Court" to indefinitely postpone Mr Haughey's trial "arising from irresponsible and ill-judged comments" made by the Tanaiste, Ms Harney.

Mr Joe Higgins (SP, Dublin West) wanted the debate to consider if the judgment meant that it could apply to other public figures in similar circumstances.

The Leas Ceann Chomairle, Dr Rory O'Hanlon, said the debate could not be held under standing orders.

Following the Government's refusal to make time available for a debate, the Opposition challenged a vote on the Order of Business, which the Government won by by 76 votes to 69.

The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, said that under a 1974 Act the DPP was completely independent in the discharge of his functions.

"Any action to be taken, in the light of Monday's Circuit Court judgment, is a matter for the DPP alone. It would be entirely wrong for any member of the Government to appear to attempt to influence this or any other legal proceedings," he said.

The Fine Gael leader, Mr John Bruton, said he wanted to give notice to the Ceann Comhairle and the Government that his party would oppose the three-month Dail adjournment proposed for Friday.

It would be ludicrous in current circumstances to contemplate a three-month adjournment, he said.