The idea of tax breaks for developers and investors still carries a hefty legacy within Irish public administration and among voters. Both are still scarred by the boom, the bust and the cost of the clear up following the financial crisis. The fact that a Fianna Fáil Taoiseach is willing to countenance such steps shows the pressure for results.
Meanwhile, the new Government’s law and order credentials will be subject to an early test following the shocking attacks in Dublin’s Stoneybatter last weekend. New Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan has set a target for Irish people to feel safer on their streets, and not unreasonably argued that the seemingly random nature of Sunday’s attacks is hard to predict or prevent – but expect the Opposition to drive at this promise, with Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín sending out not one but two statements on the matter on Monday. Conor Lally has the latest.
Another theme from the election which looks set to spill over into the new term is the efficiency and value for money in State spending – and there are fresh revelations beckoning, this time from the Arts Council, with news that it has mothballed a multimillion-euro ICT project after its development stalled over several years.
Elsewhere, Fine Gael is counting the cost of its first parliamentary casualty of the season, with its former Senator Martin Conway now the subject of a disciplinary process which could drag on for months. Conway was arrested after being found in an intoxicated state on Dublin’s O’Connell Street in January, and failed to inform the party. His resignation from the Fine Gael parliamentary party is unlikely to put the matter to bed permanently, however. Jennifer Bray has the latest.
Social Democrats extend suspension of Eoin Hayes after review of shares controversy
Fresh policies needed to boost housing ‘pipeline’, says Taoiseach
Tax breaks for developers back on table as pressure grows over housing goals
Ministers to consider tax breaks for property developers to boost investment in housing
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Playbook
Taoiseach Micheál Martin is in Paris for the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit. Expect a doorstep interview, and comments to follow. Follow all the latest on irishtimes.com.
No Cabinet until Wednesday, so the first proper outing of the day for the political class is Leaders’ Questions from 2pm in the Dáil, followed by the Order of Business and Questions on Policy or Legislation.
You might think we’d had our fill of Dáil chat about the Programme for Government – but you’d be wrong. There’s two hours of statements from just before 3pm.
Sinn Féin will look to keep the Government’s feet to the fire over its response to Storm Éowyn, just before 5pm.
That’s followed by Oral PQs for Tánaiste Simon Harris from 7pm. Topical issues is slated for 8.30pm, before the Dáil adjourns.
The Seanad is not sitting and Oireachtas committees have not yet been formed.
Labour will be out on the Leinster House plinth at 11.30am.
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