Dáil sitting days may be moved over planned strike
Dáil votes could take place next Tuesday night instead of on the usual day of Wednesday because of a national strike day.
The Dáil could potentially hold its sessions on a different day due to a planned public sector strike. The one-day strike on Wednesday, 14 October, could disrupt parliamentary business and business in the Oireachtas. Public sector unions are demanding a significant pay offer and are organizing the strike, which involves over 300,000 workers, making it the largest national strike since 2008.
The opposition parties have stated they will not cross the picket line at Leinster House, where the Dáil typically convenes. Taoiseach Martin has reiterated that parliamentary democracy is crucial and should not be compromised lightly. The body managing the Oireachtas has not received a derogation from unions, leaving it uncertain whether the Dáil, Seanad, and committee business will proceed on the strike day.
The Dáil business committee will meet on Monday to decide how to organize the lower house's schedule for the coming week. Government Chief Whip Mary Butler emphasized the importance of the Dáil sitting as usual for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday in a previous committee meeting. She proposed a three-day schedule for Dáil Éireann, stating that the operation of the Houses is a matter for the Oireachtas Service, waiting for formal confirmation of their operations for the upcoming week.
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