Dáil term to end a week earlier than planned

With high salaries, pay rises, and a generous expenses regime, one could be forgiven for thinking Christmas comes early 365 days a year for Ireland’s politicians.

However, this festive season, the comment will be reflected on the calendar and not just in TDs’ pockets, after a Dáil committee agreed to close parliament a week earlier than planned.

The decision was made by the cross-party business committee last Thursday in response to the decision last month to sit for two days during the mid-term Halloween break.