24/09/2008

Absent Taoiseach As Dáil Returns From Summer Break

As the Daíl returns following its long summer break, the economy is dominating the agenda, despite the absence of the Taoiseach.

The Dáil has been in recess since early July, despite pressure on the government by the opposition parties to reconvene early over concerns about public finances and the fallout from the crisis in the international financial system.

The Government had also brought forward the 2008-2009 Budget in response to the deteriorating economic situation, but this move has been met with little enthusiasm from opponent parties.

Despite opposition parties waiting over two months to have their economic questions answered, Ministers will have to wait a little longer as the Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, will be out of the country, travelling to New York today to join other international leaders for a high-level United Nations meeting on world poverty.

During the visit for the launch of the 'Hunger Task Force' report, the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon will also join the Taoiseach.

It was set up by the Government two years ago to identify how Ireland can best contribute to efforts to alleviate global hunger.

The Taoiseach was at the opening of the Daíl on Wednesday morning, were he was accused by Enda Kenny of "cowardice" in refusing to hold an emergency debate on the economy, and threatening to use the Daíl's 'pairing' system to force a debate before the end of the week.

However, Mr Cowen's international engagements will mean such a debate could be delayed.

(DW)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

21 July 2016
Taoiseach Enda Kenny Meets With French President Francois Hollande
The Taoiseach Enda Kenny has met with French President, Francois Hollande, to discuss a range of EU counter-terrorism measures and the impact of the UK's Brexit decision. During the meeting the Taoiseach reiterated the sympathy and solidarity of the Irish people with France in the wake of the attack in Nice on 14 July.
21 August 2014
Former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds Dies Aged 81
Former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds has died aged 81. Reynolds, born in Rooskey, Co Roscommon, served as a minister in a number of governmental departments and was elected Taoiseach on two occasions. He has been honoured as playing an integral role in the Northern Ireland peace process. His death was announced by his eldest son, Philip Reynolds.
02 September 2009
Cowen Dodges Post-Lisbon Leadership Query
The Taoiseach has rebutted the question of whether he will resign if the second Lisbon Treaty vote fails during the launch of the Government's 'Yes' Campaign today.
09 July 2008
Cowen Says Economy In 'Temporary Period Of Challenge'
Brian Cowen has described the slowing Irish economy as a "period of challenge" during a Daíl meeting on Wednesday morning. The sitting was called to discus Tuesday's announcement that almost €500 million was to be cut from government spending.
03 October 2008
Cowen's Budget Pledge
This year's Budget looks set to be even more critical to the economy than in any previous years. Already brought forward from the original date due to the massive deterioration in the public finances this year, it is to be unveiled in less than two weeks time.