Cabinet `clearing way' for election

THE Government has decided that the Dail will adjourn for the Easter recess on March 26th, the day of the publication of the …

THE Government has decided that the Dail will adjourn for the Easter recess on March 26th, the day of the publication of the Finance Bill. It will resume on April 8th.

Meanwhile, a number of legislative items were cleared by the Cabinet yesterday in a further indication that the Government is getting into a state of readiness for the general election.

The text of the new Courts Bill, providing for the appointment of three extra High Court judges, was agreed. The Bill will allow for the biggest High Court in the history of the State, raising the number of judges from 20 to 23, including the President of the High Court.

The Public Service (Management) Bill, which replaces the 1924 Ministers and Secretaries Act, was agreed by Cabinet. It is expected to be published in the next week. The text of the Youth Work Bill, 1997, was also cleared.

Geraldine Kennedy

Geraldine Kennedy

Geraldine Kennedy was editor of The Irish Times from 2002 to 2011