The Cabinet is holding its first post-summer meeting in Dublin today, marking the start of an intensive political season. The issue of a new terminal for Dublin airport is expected to be among items discussed.
In a previous public statement the Dublin Airport Authority said it planned to build a 50,000sq m facility. The authority will have to shortly approach Fingal County Council seeking planning permission for the building.
It is likely the Cabinet will sign off on the infrastructure today. There is broad political agreement on the need for extra space at the airport.
All the main political parties are holding meetings of their Oireachtas members during the next three weeks to discuss policy and organisational matters as they prepare for next summer's general election.
Today's Cabinet meeting is not expected to produce any major legislative initiatives but in the coming weeks Ministers are likely to approve Bills on immigration reform, consumer rights and other voter-sensitive issues.
Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea will brief Ministers today on the situation in Lebanon but a decision on whether to send Irish troops to participate in a UN force there is not expected for some time.
Fianna Fáil TDs, senators and MEPs meet in Westport, Co Mayo, next Monday and Tuesday, where they will hear reports from a series of policy meetings held by the parliamentary party in July.
The party will also use the meeting to highlight its focus on specific issues. Guest speakers include Oxford energy expert Dr Dieter Helm, member of the Garda Ombudsman Commission Conor Brady and Bank of Ireland chief economist Dan McLaughlin. They will speak at sessions concentrating on energy policy, policing and the economy.
Green Party TDs will meet for two days in Wicklow next week.
On September 13th and 14th, Fine Gael's parliamentary party meets in Sligo, where it will focus on the economy, crime and election preparations.
The following week, on September 18th and 19th, Labour's parliamentary party will meet in Cork, while the PD parliamentary party meets in Dublin on September 18th.
The Dáil returns on September 27th, giving the Opposition its first opportunity to question the Government on key issues: crime, health and alleged wasteful Government spending.
The Government will seek to use the Dáil session to press ahead with legislation on consumer rights and immigration.
Parties set to tune into voters:
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