Election speculation grows as Taoiseach requests to address Dáil on Tuesday before US trip

The Finance Bill, which gives legal effect to the Budget, will be brought to Cabinet on Tuesday but as yet it is not on next week's Dáil agenda

Taoiseach Simon Harris sought to downplay the importance of a move that has put ministers on alert for an election.

The Dáil has been recalled an hour earlier on Tuesday at the request of the Taoiseach, sparking belief among TDs that Simon Harris will set out his plans for a general election before flying to meet US President Joe Biden.

A letter sent to TDs on Friday from Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghail told deputies that leaders' questions will take place at 1pm on Tuesday as opposed to 2pm. Mr Harris returns from Washington on Friday morning and is due to canvass in his native Wicklow.