Sticky issues outstanding as the Dáil recess approaches

The Dáil will go into recess on Thursday, but there are plenty of issues that will generate no little controversy throughout the summer and beyond.

Political Correspondent Mícheál Lehane takes a look at those key issues, from Aughinish to fuel excise cuts, the Triple Lock and more.

Aughinish report

The report into Aughinish Alumina is just days off completion.

It is understood that it will not contain a smoking gun which proves definitively that alumina produced in west Limerick is being used in the Russian war against Ukraine. Instead, the known facts will be presented, and the baton will then be passed on to the European Commission.

Many within the Government believe the Commission will have greater capacity to produce categoric evidence.

If it does so, the Coalition "will not stand in their way," according to some senior figures.

That will possibly put close to 2,000 jobs in the region in jeopardy, which would pose a major political headache.

But there are indications that Ireland's charm offensive at the helm of the European Council could help cushion such a major economic shock.

The meeting of competition ministers at Dublin Castle is being viewed as highly successful.

Politicians from across the EU reportedly "loved having a pint, chatting and watching the match."

Fuel excise cuts

The excise cuts on petrol and diesel are scheduled to be gradually reduced from the start of September. But amid a renewed sense of geopolitical uncertainty and rising prices at the pumps, will it be politically feasible to begin phasing out the lower excise rates if fuel prices soar again?

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris said last week that the Government was "preparing for all scenarios" if there is a hike in energy prices.

Does that raise the prospect of energy credits being included in the next Budget? To date, the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste have tried to keep the focus on tax cuts for workers along with measures to reduce costs for families.

A decision will also have to be made at Budget time around the currently paused carbon tax increase.

Read more: Aughinish report to be completed within 10 days - minister
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Can kicked down road on excise duties but flames could get fanned again

Triple Lock

It had been anticipated that the Government's plan to change the rules around deploying members of the Defence Forces overseas would have been high on the legislative agenda last autumn. But there was no sign of legislation.

Ministers insist the changes would merely remove the power of UN Security Council permanent members to veto a national sovereign decision.

It is also proposed that the number of defence force personnel that could be sent overseas on a peace mission without a Dáil resolution would increase from 12 to 50.

Large swathes of the opposition believe the amendments would chip away the country's military neutrality. Now, that concern has spread to the Fianna Fáil backbenches.

Several TDs there contend that what is on the table goes beyond the pledge in the Programme for Government to reform the Triple Lock.

Suddenly this key part of Government policy is looking less straightforward to progress.

Thalidomide apology

After a wait spanning several decades, could the 40 thalidomide survivors in this country soon receive a State apology?

Mr Harris has pledged that this year will bring some degree of closure to the issue.

In the Dáil last Wednesday, the Labour Leader Ivana Bacik said all "this group is asking for is a State apology, recognition, statutory supports and a fair compensation scheme."

She pointed out that Britain made such an apology more than 15 years ago.

The Taoiseach told the Dáil that a process has now been agreed. It is aiming to resolve the issue of unacknowledged survivors.

He added that it remains the objective of the Government to finalise the matter as quickly as possible.

Thalidomide was prescribed as a morning sickness drug from 1957. It was taken off the market internationally in November 1961. However, Ireland did not withdraw the drug for a further nine months.

Leinster House review

Those charged with keeping the show on the road in the nation's political headquarters have decided the time is right to take a warts-and-all look at how Leinster House is doing its business.

Former justice minister Máire Geoghegan Quinn is among those chosen to oversee a major review of the running of the Houses of the Oireachtas.

It is set to get under way later this year.

Frank Clarke, who previously served as Chief Justice and Seán Aylward, who was secretary general at the Department of Justice for seven years, will also form part of the oversight group.

The spotlight will be cast on governance, operational protocols, and the workforce.

It has been 24-years since such an examination was undertaken.

The appointment of experts to carry out the review is expected to take place soon.

Its findings will be eagerly awaited by all who work in Leinster House.