Plans are in progress for an early election if the Coalition leaders decide to instigate one in November. It’s hardly surprising that the political landscape quickly shifted from the €10 billion budget giveaway, as from the start of this year, the prospect of an election has consumed public discourse. This happened well before Taoiseach Simon Harris introduced his “new energy” to Fine Gael.
As reported by Pat Leahy in the main story today, the Finance Bill, a crucial piece of legislation needed to enact certain budget measures, is being expedited for Cabinet approval next week, and will be presented to the Dáil the week after.
Furthermore, Leahy notes that the Social Welfare Bill, which operationalises changes to social welfare, is also in the process of being finalised to be presented to the Cabinet next week. At the same time, a concise Bill is being prepared to allow energy credits payment.
The question arises whether these three Bills could be urgently passed through the Oireachtas? If that’s the case, it’ll be interesting times ahead. Adding to the suspense is the fact that supplementary estimates, essentially additional budgets for departments exceeding their spending limits, will get voted through earlier this year.
It appears these will be presented to the Dáil during the week concluding October 18th, which is a month earlier than typical.
What’s Harris’ perspective on these developments? Yesterday he was in Dublin with his general election contenders, where he expressed his “constitutional prerogative to call the election but emphasized his intention to do it respectfully and appropriately. “He added that: “I believe this Government functions efficiently, I highly regard the two Coalition leaders I work with, and I ensure not to catch them off guard or provide them with continuous remarks.”
Inside Leinster House, various theories, rumours and speculations are rampant. We reached out to more than 30 members of parliament and all but two predict a November election is the most plausible scenario.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has essentially challenged the Government, expressing that the public now has a distinct decision to make in the general election. She urged Harris to “bring it on and declare the date”.
Micheál Martin, Tánaiste and leader of Fianna Fáil, has underscored his viewpoint that February is the optimal month for an election. He argued that the gap between November and February is not significant, making it difficult for him to comprehend the flurry of conjecture, which interestingly, also originates from within his own party. Fans of horror films may recognize the famous quote that aptly describes this situation: “The call is coming from inside the house, Micheál.”
Looking at the 2025 Budget, Cormac McQuinn highlights nine aspects that might have gone unnoticed. These include provisions for the 2028 Los Angeles Games, tax cuts for cider and strawberry wine producers, a tax credit for reality TV, financial support for new embassies and innovations in weather technology.
Additionally, Sport Ireland is set to benefit from an extra €6 million to further encourage Team Ireland’s victorious streak at the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This will include over €1 million specifically allocated for high-performance programs.
One contentious part of the budget, which could potentially backfire on the government, is their intention to invest €9 million to keep students away from their phones during the school day. This plan includes using secure pouches to store the devices. Sinn Féin have damned the plan as “inexplicable.”
There are other engaging reads available too, like the untold tale of an Irish translator working in Moscow in the 1920s, written by Frank McNally, or the details surrounding the High Court case involving a University Hospital Limerick surgeon and the HSE. Moreover, parents of children born in December can breathe a sigh of relief as their child benefit payment will be tripled.
In the Dáil Éireann, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly is scheduled to answer parliamentary questions at 10:30am. Later, at noon, the Leaders’ Questions will be directed by Sinn Féin, the Social Democrats, the Rural Independent Group, and the Independent Group.
Anticipate dialogue on government policy and related laws about 30 minutes later. At 1:45pm, governmental matters will come into focus. The legislative timetable includes the Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Accidents) Bill 2024, followed by financial decisions tied to the fiscal plan. The salient matters of the day will ensue at 8:30pm, and the Dáil will break off at 9:20pm.
Seanad legislative business will begin at 9:30am with Commencement matters, succeeded by scheduling discussions an hour later. Thereafter, a motion regarding trademarks that requires no debate will be put forth, before a discourse on the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Bill 2024. Proceedings for the Seanad will round off at 1:30pm.
As for the Committees, The Public Accounts Committee has a 9:30am meeting to delve into the University of Limerick’s financial records. Representatives from the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science will also share their insights. Concurrently, the Joint Committee on Drugs Use will convene, liaising with the SAOL Project, stakeholders from Merchants Quay Ireland, Dr Sharon Lambert of University College Cork, and others, for a health-centered conversation on pertinent issues.
At 10:30am, matters concerning the Traveller Community will be under discussion by the Joint Committee on Key Issues, spotlighting Irish Travellers’ ability to access justice systems. Then, the Joint Committee on Public Petitions along with the Ombudsmen will gather at 3:30pm.
A complete timetable for the Dáil, Seanad, and Committees is available for reference.