Question mark over virus legislation as talks to form new government continue
Concerns have been raised that new legislation to tackle the spread of Covid-19 cannot be passed without the formation of a government.
Ceann Comhairle Sean O Fearghail has said that without a fully formed Seanad, the Oireachtas cannot pass new laws.
The election of the Seanad will take place next week, however it cannot be fully formed as 11 of the Senators are nominated by a taoiseach.
If a taoiseach is not elected by the new 33rd Dáil, the Seanad is short of its required 60 members.
It could cause major problems with passing further emergency legislation to deal with the coronavirus outbreak.
Leo Varadkar has said it is possible to form a government “in the next couple of weeks”.
“We’re not there yet, but we continue to negotiate with Fianna Fáil," Mr Leo Varadkar said.
He made the comment as Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael hold their first discussions since Fine Gael’s parliamentary party met last Thursday.
Speaking at Government Buildings today, Mr Varadkar said: “I think we are going to need a government that’s going to last until 2024 or 2025.
“It’s going to need a working majority and that means it’s going to require more than Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.
“Between the two parties, we only have 72 seats. I think for a stable working majority, you’re going to need between 82 to 85.
تعليقات
إرسال تعليق