There’s a busy agenda to get through for TDs as the Dail returns to business this afternoon.
A new Agriculture Minister, Golfgate, schools and pubs will all be discussed after the Summer recess was cut short.
Amid ongoing pressure from opposition deputies following the Golfgate scandal, Government made the decision to recall the Dail two weeks early.
The Taoiseach will take questions, while a debate on new Covid-19 legislation is also scheduled.
Among the items to get through will be the nomination of a new Agriculture Minister to replace Dara Calleary, who resigned following last month’s controversy.
Political Commentator Michael O’Regan says there’s a clear front runner for the post.
Golfgate will undoubtedly be raised in its own right by opposition leaders when they question Micheál Martin later this afternoon.
Party leaders have been anxious to draw a line under the matter – but the government’s nominations for the EU Commissioner post vacated by Phil Hogan, who also resigned after the incident, have still not been finalised.
Clare Sinn Fein Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne says she’s happy the Dail is sitting once again
Also today, the Dail will debate whether or not to grant Gardai additional powers to shut down pubs for not complying with public health rule.
If Gardai note a breach they will be able to shut down a premises for the rest of the day, while a 30 day closure could be imposed on those found flouting the rules a third time.
The six members of the Rural Independents say they’re going to vote against the proposals.
The group’s leader Mattie McGrath says pubs are being unfailrly targetted
