The Cabinet is expected to approve the Appropriations Bill when it meets on Wednesday, as well as legislation providing funding to the Oireachtas for the next three years, paving the way for these important pieces of legislation to be rushed through Parliament. Dáil next week.

The Appropriations Bill, a technical piece of legislation needed to give legal authority to large areas of government spending, normally passes the Oireachtas within a few hours. With the Dáil only expected to last three sitting days next week (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday), any legislation that needs to be passed before the Dáil is dissolved will need to be rushed. Last week the Dáil passed six bills in just five hours.

Any committee stage changes to the Finance Bill will also need to be approved by the Cabinet meeting. The Bill will begin its committee stage next week, normally a lengthy process, but that process is expected to be significantly shortened for the Bill to be passed by Thursday week, paving the way for the Taoiseach to seek to dissolve the Dáil. President and thus effectively call a general election.

With the Dáil not meeting this week, a meeting of the three party leaders to decide the Cabinet’s final agenda will not take place until Wednesday morning, shortly before the Cabinet meeting begins.

Tánaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin will present a detailed note to colleagues setting out Ireland’s priorities as the European Union begins work on its policy agenda for the next five years.

Mr Martin is expected to tell his colleagues that Ireland wants to play a leadership role in shaping EU policy, particularly with its EU council presidency due in the second half of 2026.

A number of Ireland’s policy priorities have been identified, including a strong defense of the rule of law and democracy, as well as resisting external interventions aimed at undermining democratic processes.

On defense Ireland is expected to pursue a policy that promotes security, peace and stability but ensures that the State remains consistent with its policy of military neutrality. It will also focus on supporting EU efforts to find solutions to the war in Ukraine, the conflict in the Middle East and other conflicts.

On migration, it is understood that the Government will work to implement the Asylum and Migration Pact by July 2026 and will also work to address the root causes of migration, including building partnerships with countries of origin. It will also support anti-smuggling activities at EU level.

Minister of Education Norma Foley It introduces a note on a new task force that will focus on addressing the shortage of special education services in Dublin 15.