Ahern to face grilling from Opposition

Three-time Taoiseach Bertie Ahern will be grilled by Opposition leaders in the new 30th Dáil this week.

The newly-elected Dáil will see its first full week of business and is scheduled to sit beyond 8.30pm on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.

The 41 ’rookie’ TDs elected will also be moving into their Leinster House offices and familiarising themselves with the workings of the Dáil.

Previous Fianna Fáil backbenchers like Pat Carey, John McGuinness, Maire Hoctor and Dr Jimmy Devins will be sitting proudly behind their Cabinet colleagues in the chamber.

Business on the Dáil schedule includes new legislation reforming stamp duty for first-time buyers.

Legislative proposals creating three additional Minister of State posts is due to be rubber stamped by TDs.

Other business includes statements on the European Council and candidates for the deputy Ceann Comhairle position will also be nominated.

During Leaders’ Questions, Enda Kenny and his bolstered Fine Gael grouping will grill the Taoiseach on current political issues along with Opposition partner, Labour’s Pat Rabbitte.

Finance Minister and Mr Ahern’s recently self-appointed successor, Brian Cowen will also face parliamentary questions on Tuesday as will Health Minister Mary Harney and Transport and Marine Minister on Wednesday and Thursday respectively.

The Dáil last met on June 14 when Mr Ahern was elected Taoiseach and he later nominated his new Cabinet.

The House is expected to sit for two weeks before rising next month for its lengthy summer recess until late September.