As the summer recess rapidly approaches, the Oireachtas is making concerted efforts to clear the legislative slate, as tradition dictates. Nevertheless, there are plenty of unfinished legislative tasks awaiting the Coalition, who potentially face their final opportunity to approve legislation when they resume during the autumn season. It’s clear that some legislative pieces are being finalised, such as Heather Humphreys’s staggered social welfare payments bill, which is waiting for the President’s approval. However, vigilant opposition are tracking the progress of tasks left undone, or those likely to be hotly contested politically, during the last remaining sessions.
Top of the legislative tasks still in progress are the Hate Speech Bill, presently in a state of uncertainty as the Government ponders alterations to ease passage of this contentious issue, and the bulkier planning Bill; both have drawn significant criticism, accusing the Government of forcing the legislation through, and both will continue into the autumn.
In addition, the opposition monitors various sectors, including primary legislation for the regulation of alcohol sales and gambling, directives for fixing faulty apartment structures and marine safeguard zones (which could affect offshore wind developments), passage of safeguarding laws, enactment of recommendations from the termination of pregnancy act review, proposals to restrict flavoured and single-use vapes, as well as the Health Information Bill, which will facilitate the use of digital patient records, and other outlined areas.
It may be an overstatement to suggest each of these is an imminent predicament, but those Bills that falter before an election will lead to the opposition criticising the Government for failing to fulfil its commitments. Conversely, addressing these unfinished tasks may also evoke controversy, notably in the areas of hate speech laws and the termination of pregnancy act review.
As the political machinery starts to slow down, be on the lookout for several pressing matters that were raised on Tuesday.
The Thalidomide Association of Ireland is maintaining a close-lipped stance regarding an apology from Coalition leaders for the tribulations endured by them and their kin. It won’t be until Friday that they offer their response. The survivors have been pursuing renewed dialogue around a state apology and a reimbursement package.
The Taoiseach has committed to intervening in the matter concerning Tori Towey, a woman from Roscommon who is allegedly being held in Dubai. The story of Ms. Towey, who is accused of illegal alcohol consumption and attempted suicide, was brought to light by Mary Lou McDonald, the head of Sinn Féin. McDonald highlighted in the Dáil that Towey had suffered domestic abuse.
Tuesday’s political spotlight focused on the Summer Economic Statement. French election outcomes are reviewed in ‘In The News’ podcast and articles by Lara Marlowe and Mark Paul. The latter also comments on the Westminster’s reconvening post UK general election, referred to as the ‘first-day-of-school’. Michael Healy-Rae’s passionate criticism of social media abuse, a rare occasion of unanimity in the Dáil, is covered by Miriam Lord.
The Dáil will commence its activities just after 9am, discussing current issues. It will then transition to the Social Democrats’ motion regarding a no-compromise stance on domestic, sexual, and gender-related violence. Leaders’ Queries will follow at noon, ahead of Questions on Policy or Legislation. The day’s primary events take place at 1:15pm, as the Taoiseach faces questioning. The week ends with a flurry of legislations passing through the evening Dáil. The entire timetable can be found here.
Meanwhile, the Seanad is in session from 10:30am, dealing with legislation on health, civil registration and the digital services tax throughout the day. A statement on migration is scheduled for 4pm. You can access the complete Seanad schedule here.
Committee rooms are hearing from trade unions, specialists and employers about the sub-minimum rates of the national minimum wage at 9:30am. The health committee will simultaneously hear from Colm Burke on childhood obesity. The transport committee, in afternoon, will listen to the NTA’s take on sustainable travel. The media committee, meanwhile, will hear from organisations about the freedom and safety of the press in conflict regions.
The Summer Economic Statement will be taking centre stage at the Committee on Budgetary Oversight at 5.30pm, with the presences of Jack Chambers and Paschal Donohoe noted. Discussions around the Nitrates Directive compliance will be held at the agriculture committee by the EPA, whilst the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities will be updated on from Anne Rabbittee at the disability matters committee.
Here’s a comprehensive listing of the committee hearings.
Away from campus, Darragh O’Brien is due to attend a Prussia Street event held by Focus Ireland at 11am, whereas the Gibson Hotel will be hosting Minister of State for Older People, Mary Butler, for the unveiling of the Healthy Age Friendly Homes Programme at the exact time. At Trinity Business School, Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke will be inaugurating the National Enterprise Hub intended for SMEs at 10.30am.
In the early hours, the Electoral Commission will be introducing its research project for the following two years, outlining plans regarding research into Ireland’s democracy and prospective areas for reform at 10am. Topics such as reducing the voting age and the display of candidates’ residences on ballot papers are set to be reviewed.
In the evening sessions, before the summer break commences for the Oireachtas, the concluding round of parliamentary team meetings will be held.
Regarding protests, outside the Dáil at noon a Save Tallaght Post Office group will be assembling. Earlier in the day, a demonstration will be hosted by Ukrainian Action in Ireland on Kildare Street at 10am, spurred by recent bombings on hospitals in Kyiv.
Lastly, a tribute to late senator Billy Fox in the form of a portrait will be revealed at Leinster House at 3pm.