BY NOW, THE members of the Dáil are probably well settled in to the new term.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny is on his feet at 12pm to face questions from Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin, Labour and Independents 4 Change. It’s anticipated that Brexit will dominate the proceedings, given that the government just released the details of its preparation for Brexit.
We’ll be keeping an eye on all things happening over at Leinster House this afternoon. Join us…
Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin raises the bombing of Aleppo in Syria.
Martin says the world is witnessing “Assad’s murderous regime”.
The question for Ireland is will we stand up against these war crimes?
He says those that do not criticise the bombings are fearful of criticising Russia and the US.
The Dáil should be unequivocal in condemning the crimes committed in Syria, says Martin.
Enda Kenny says Minister Charlie Flanagan summoned Russian ambassador on the issue last week.
The Taoiseach said the ambassador was left in no uncertain terms about how Ireland feels about the catastrophes in Aleppo. Kenny says Flanagan conveyed the absolute disgust Ireland feels towards bombing of UN forces in Syria.
Kenny says in the EU we can sometimes take peace for granted.
Martin asks the Taoiseach was the ambassador told about what the repercussions could be for the relationship between Ireland and Russia.
“Russia is gone too far,” said Martin.
Enda Kenny says Flanagan made it perfectly clear to the ambassador just how strongly this country feels about what is happening in Aleppo “before our eyes”.
Martin says there should be a joint Dáil statement condemning the bombings in Syria.
Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald on her feet now talking about Brexit.
She says more is needed that an one day all-island forum is needed to discuss the implications for Ireland.
Enda Kenny says he briefed Gerry Adams on the memo he brought to Cabinet today about Ireland’s next steps to deal with Brexit.
He says all political parties and civic groups will play a role in the all-island forum which will be held on 2 November in Dublin.
He denies that the government has been “flat-footed” on the issue.
Kenny says the government had a plan in place well before the Brexit vote in June.
“You’re wrong when you said there are no plans here,” said Taoiseach.
“There is a lot more work going on here than you realise.”
He suggests McDonald speak to her leader before coming into the Dáil chamber and making such allegations that the government is doing nothing to prepare.
Kenny says he has been reassured there will be no hard Brexit for this island.
“What we don’t want is a talking shop,” says McDonald. She says they are yet to see what Ireland’s plan is.
You can catch up on what the government’s next steps are here>>
Next up… talk of industrial action threats.
Brendan Howlin is on his feet now.
There needs to be a real path to income recovery for workers, says Howlin.
Taoiseach said government needs to proceed in a “prudent manner” in this situation.
“Government has to take a sustainable and prudent approach to this.” Enda Kenny says they are fully committed to Lansdowne arrangement.
Bríd Smith says we should remind ourselves in this House when talking about pay restoration just how much TDs and the Taoiseach gets paid.
Smith says politicians need to “think about how we compare to others”.
Enda Kenny now talking about the Low Pay Commission which he says is independent and objective.
“They are not dictated to by government,” says the Taoiseach. He says Bríd Smith does not seem to accept that.
Leaders’ Questions have now concluded for the day. A range of issues covered today – Syria, Brexit, industrial action and workers’ pay.
You can continue to watch proceedings in the link below.
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