Opposition critical of launch of strategy away from Dail

Opposition TDs have condemned the Government over its handling of the launch of the National Spatial Strategy and their exclusion from it.

During a tetchy Order of Business, Fine Gael's leader Mr Enda Kenny said it was "an insult" that a "major statement of public policy and development is being made outside Dáil Eireann". It "does down the House" and all TDs to make the announcement "without reference to the people who have to debate and pass legislation".

No TDs had been invited to the launch of the strategy, the blueprint for the growth and development of the State over the next 20 years, but Mr Kenny said Government backbenchers had been briefed in advance.

The Tánaiste, Ms Harney, who introduced the Order of Business, was jeered when she said it would be a "good idea" to have a debate on the strategy. Mr Billy Timmins (FG, Wicklow) said it was "two days after the newspapers got it".

The Labour leader, Mr Pat Rabbitte, said he had heard a minister criticising the media for reduced or non-existent coverage of the Oireachtas "but that is being led by members of the Cabinet, some of whom cannot even manage to come to the House for the Order of Business any more".

Fine Gael's environment spokesman, Mr Bernard Allen, asked why opposition spokespeople were barred from the launch. He had "never been barred from a pub or hotel or anything in my life" but he had been told he was not welcome to the launch.

"Who told you that?" asked the Tánaiste. "I phoned the Minister's office yesterday and asked if it was an oversight that opposition spokespersons were not invited and was told I would not be welcome," he replied.

The Cork-North Central TD persisted in demanding to know when there was going to be a debate and was told it was a matter for the whips.