Budget and Election Date Dominate as Dail Returns

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The Dail is sitting for the first time since the summer recess with a number of talking points.

A motion regarding the recent EU ruling on the Apple tax windfall, and what to do with the 13 billion euro will be heard.

Meanwhile, the Finance Minister Jack Chambers, has hinted at another energy credit for the winter time.

A cost of living package was confirmed for the budget a week ago, and the energy credit is very likely to be a big part of that.

A reported figure of a 250 euro credit has been mooted.

Minister Chambers, who couldn’t confirm the exact amount said it is being looked at.

“It is important to support workers and families through the winter period.” Minister Chambers said.

“Government will decide on the final allocation for cost of living and the mix of policy measures to support people through winter, in the next week.”

Meanwhile, The General Election date is also on the minds of many TD’s.

It has been widely speculated that once the budget is announced, Taoiseach Simon Harris will call an election.

However Mr Harris has denied this, saying the current coalition will last the full term.

With the uncertainty though, Labour are looking to introduce ‘fixed term parliaments’, in order to avoid constant speculation around elections.

Their party leader Ivana Bacik is urging the Taoiseach to name the election date.

“It is not helpful and it is time-wasting.” Deputy Bacik said.

“It is distracting from what should be the business of Government, which is getting on with meeting real crisis and challenges out there.

“I do think there is now a point where the Taoiseach should name the date, but we should be looking at a fixed term parliament provision.”