The new Dáil term begins later today after a two-month summer recess, with focus immediately turning to next month’s Budget. Ahead of detailed negotiations, the Independent Alliance is due to meet this week to discuss their budget strategy.
Minister for Finance Michael Noonan is also due to hold further talks this week with Fianna Fáil’s finance spokesperson Michael McGrath, while the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party will also be feeding into the process.
Ahead of 11 October Budget day, opposition parties and groupings will publish their plans.
Cabinet is also meeting later and housing is yet again on the agenda.
Minister for Housing Simon Coveney is bringing forward a number of measures including streamlining the planning permission process for developments comprising 100 housing units or more for a limited period.
There is expected to be a lot of focus on the legislative programme this Dáíl term as just eight bills have so far been enacted since the new Dáil was elected.
With the exception of a one-day sitting last month to discuss the Apple state aid ruling, TDs had a longer than normal summer break to allow for refurbishments in the Dáil chamber.
A weekend opinion poll suggested an increase in support for Sinn Féin and unaligned independents, while there has been a slight drop in support for both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.
