“Good day.
While it may seem like the world’s longest game of ‘waiting and seeing’, we continue to move, step by tep, towards the looming general election. The upcoming flurry of campaigning activities is sure to render the current, somewhat tiresome, procrastination about the election’s timing merely a prologue.
The recent raft of election declarations starting from Micheál Martin, then Roderic O’Gorman, culminating with Taoiseach Simon Harris, sparked some internal friction within the Coalition.
Nevertheless, internal sources confidentially report the risk of a significant dispute is now behind us following the unanimous decision formalised last night, that this year will witness the election. As the dispute over whether to proceed this year or the next has been resolved, the final determination will take into account both parliamentary procedures and political circumspection.
Last night, another stride was made with the Coalition leaders convening to delve into the Government’s upcoming steps in the final weeks leading up to the dissolution of the Dáil. Several pieces of legislation – the Occupied Territories Bill, the Defamation Bill and the Mental Health Bill among others – will be abandoned, as the focus switches to less substantial but more urgent laws necessary to maintain the State and Oireachtas operations.
The last pieces of the pre-election puzzle are coming together, with both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael confirming their election overseers.
At the moment, it appears the Finance Bill will be enacted the week following midterm, paving the path for an election announcement to coincide with the US election if that is what Harris desires. This timing will certainly create an intriguing political display, giving both the Opposition and Government a pause before the relentless campaigning begins.
In other news, Sinn Féin struggles continue as Mary Lou McDonald is set to amend the Dáil record regarding the age of the juvenile who received unsuitable messages leading to the departure of its Seanad leader Niall Ó Donnghaile last year.”
Belfast City Hall suffered damages to a DUP portrait following an incident involving a party member who consequently resigned. This incident, which comes in the wake of the removal of Ó Donnghaile’s portrait, is perceived as adding to the party’s growing unease.
In other news, Jackie Cahill, a Fianna Fáil TD, announced that he will not be standing for re-election, marking him as the third deputy from his party to do so.
In the pages of today’s paper, additional leading articles discuss the recommendations for a significant restructure of the Road Safety Authority’s funding model. Opinions from Fintan O’Toole indicate that Sinn Féin needs to examine the influences and beliefs that have led it to its current situation following recent scandals.
Our opinion pages are engrossed in the debate over heat pumps. Meanwhile, as we draw closer to election time, Laura Slattery suggests that while regulating social media is near impossible, attempts must be made, since the latest online safety code has been published.
In our countdown towards the elections, Ronan McGreevy reports from the numerous paths of the Moynalty Horse Chase. Our editorial also asserts that true political leadership, rather than superficial ideas, is what Dublin’s inner city critically needs.
Cabinet assembly is scheduled for 9.30am at the Government Buildings, with Finance Minister Jack Chambers due to conduct a press conference soon after to discuss the initial financial allocation to the Future Ireland Fund.
The Dáil proceedings will commence at 2pm with Leaders’ Questions. The Order of Business is expected to follow at 2.30pm, culminating in Taoiseach’s questions at 3.05pm. The agenda includes a motion on horse and greyhound racing fund allocations, and Sinn Féin’s private members’ motion on affordable housing will also be discussed.
Later in the evening, Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien will answer oral questions, followed by topical issues at 10.16pm. Look out for further developments regarding Mairead Farrell’s anticipated appointment as PAC chair, and Mary Lou McDonald’s forthcoming correction of the Dáil’s record.
The Seanad will initiate proceedings at 1pm with commencement topics. During the afternoon session, the Social Welfare Bill will advance through all of its stages. The evening’s Private Members’ slot will be dedicated to a Bill tackling the persistent inhabitation of the Curragh, as well as a bill proposed by Fianna Fáil Senators aiming to criminalise catfishing.
Click here for the full schedule.
In the various committee rooms, additional funding known as “supplementary estimates” for the Department of Education will be scrutinised by that associated committee, with Norma Foley, the Minister for Education, present. The Public Accounts Committee has a meeting lined up with the OPW. The session will also probe into flood-risk management and swift construction housing.
The Higher Education Committee has organised hearings pertaining to student financial aid, and Eamon Ryan is scheduled to appear before the Environmental Committee in the lead up to Cop29. The Housing Committee has a hearing to discuss the constitutional right to housing, a matter the government hasn’t touched yet. The foreign affairs committee will discuss Sudan’s prevailing crisis.
Click here for the full committee meeting agenda.
Elsewhere outside Leinster House, the topic of transport policing has been consistently discussed in certain political circles in recent years. Union Siptu plans to announce a new proposal for such a system at Liberty Hall at 11.30am. Furthermore, advocacy group Uplift will launch a ‘People’s Inquiry into Big Tech Harms’ at 4.30pm.