THEY’RE GETTING BACK into the swing of things – it’s day two of the new Dáil term.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny is on his feet at 12pm to face questions from Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin, Labour and Independents 4 Change.
We’ll be keeping an eye on all things happening over at Leinster House this afternoon. Join us…
We’re back again today to bring you all the happenings from Leaders’ Questions today.
It was an eventful first day of the new Dáil term yesterday.
Six TDs from AAA-PBP turned up wearing ‘Repeal’ sweatshirts.
We want to know what you made of it?
Taoiseach Enda Kenny is in his seat and ready to take questions.
Budget issues were raised yesterday and Finance Minister Michael Noonan briefed his Cabinet colleagues on a lot of the details yesterday. No surprises this year, it seems.
You can catch up here.
Fianna Fáil’s Micheál Martin raises yesterday’s Irish Independent story where Minister Mary Mitchell O’Connor wanted a 30% tax rate cap for returned emigrants.
He calls it “discriminatory” and “out of touch”.
“Who came up with this bananas idea?” asks Martin.
Enda Kenny tells Fianna Fáil’s Micheál Martin that there is about €1 billion in this year’s Budget, but that no decisions have been made yet.
He says he believes a different rate of tax for emigrants would be unfair.
Laughter erupts in the Dáil as Enda Kenny agrees with Martin.
Sinn Féin Gerry Adams is asking the Taoiseach about disability activation schemes.
Says this year’s Budget is an opportunity to do something to support those with disabilities.
Adams asks what steps government is taking to support these people and their families.
Enda Kenny says Minister of State for Disabilities Finian McGrath is not shy of making his voice heard at the Cabinet table in terms of getting more supports for those with disabilities.
Taoiseach says there have been a number of funding allocations announced in recent months.
Labour’s Brendan Howlin on his feet now. He wants to talk about the Christmas bonus for those on social welfare.
You know better than most the challenge facing Minister Paschal Donohoe, says Enda Kenny to Brendan Howlin.
Kenny says no decisions have been made.
“We will try and be as fair as possible,” says Taoiseach.
Howlin said it would be a “decent” thing to do. He said Kenny should commit to Christmas bonus as it would put peoples’ minds at ease to know that the Christmas bonus would be paid in full this year.
Enda Kenny continues to get grilled on what is in the Budget this year.
Independent TD for Donegal Thomas Pringle asking Taoiseach about seasonal work in rural Ireland.
He wants full-time work for people in these areas so they can stay in their hometowns.
“Your cuts have meant that people cannot stay there,” says Pringle.
Enda Kenny tells Pringle that he is forgetting that VAT has been applied to tourism sector – which has impacted on areas in Donegal.
He says government’s action plan for jobs has made a difference to businesses in Donegal.
“Seasonal workers are entitled to apply for Job Seekers Benefit,” says Kenny.
Dáil is now discussing issues on promised legislation.
You can tune in here>>
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