Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Our TDs are off on their summer holidays. These are not TDs. beach party via Shutterstock

Oireachtas agenda: Summer holidays and public inquiry legislation

A quiet day in the houses of the Oireacthas with only the Seanad sitting to discuss MEP constituencies and public inquiries.

WHAT ARE OUR politicians doing in the halls of Leinster House?

TheJournal.ie lets you know with our guide to what’s coming up in the Dáil, Seanad and various Oireachtas committees today.

DÁIL

Although the Dáil doesn’t always sit on a Friday, they’re really not sitting today. Why? All our TDs are off on their 9 week break from Dáil sittings — this, along with other breaks, ranks it 11th out of 18 other parliaments for time off.

SEANAD

Senators are not so lucky, they’re back in at 10.30am for Order of Business.

At 11.45am, the Houses of the Oireachtas (Inquiries, Privileges and Procedures) Bill 2013 will be brought to committee stage. The legislation would allow members of the Oireachtas to undertake public inquiries, for example one into the financial crisis. This is currently prevented by what is known as the Abbeylara judgement, which decided that this sort of inquiry could not negatively affect the reputation of a member of the public.

At 1.45pm, legislation which would reduce the number of MEPs by one will be brought through all stages. This will include a motion for the Bill to be signed off early without debate.

Watch the Seanad here.

COMMITTEES

The Dáil recess means that no committees will sit today as they are made up of both TDs and Senators.  This break has allowed for a shake-up of who sits on which each committee – find out why Denis Naughten is not too happy about this.

Explainer: How does a Bill become a law?>

Column: Leinster House can seem impenetrable to the average citizen>

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
11 Comments
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds