Taoiseach bemoans short agenda at Cabinet's first in-person meeting since the summer break

But ministers said later a 'clear-out' of memos before the summer break leads to a shorter Cabinet agenda when ministers reconvene

Taoiseach Micheál Martin expressed unhappiness that there were only 10 memos in front of Cabinet on Wednesday. File picture: Liam McBurney/PA

Taoiseach Micheál Martin expressed unhappiness at Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting about the lack of memos on the agenda.

Just 10 memos were up for discussion following the summer break.

Ministers met in Government Buildings for the first time ahead of the new political term on Wednesday afternoon, after wrapping up for their summer holidays in late July. (An incorporeal meeting took place last week to sign off on the continuation of fuel excise cuts.)

Several sources told the Irish Examiner that the Taoiseach bemoaned the lack of Cabinet memos on the agenda during the meeting.

However, ministers later remarked that there is usually a “clear-out” of memos before the summer break, leading to a shorter Cabinet agenda when ministers reconvene.

Several sources noted that things will “ramp up” in the coming weeks, with one remarking that there is always a “huge push from the Taoiseach to always have memos”.

10 memos on Cabinet agenda

There were 10 memos on the agenda, including higher education ministers James Lawless’ plan to reform the Grangegorman Development Agency, the annual Law Reform Commission Report, and financial statements for the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission.

Health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill confirmed the reappointment of Fiona Ross as the Chair of the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board.

Education minister Hildegarde Naughton updated ministers on the publication of the new YouthMap Ireland, a public-facing youth services interactive map highlighting services available across the country.

Martin Heydon had four memos at Cabinet

Of the 10 memos at Cabinet, four belonged to agriculture minister Martin Heydon, who asked the Government to note the Financial Statements of both Bord Bia and Rásaíocht Con Éireann, as well as seeking approval of the Irish Horseracing Industry Act 1994 (Amendment) Bill 2026 for priority drafting.

Mr Heydon’s fourth memo requested the Government to note his intention to publish Ireland’s Catchment Overview Report.

Communications minister Patrick O’Donovan asked the Government to approve the drafting of an amendment to the Media Regulation Bill to implement Article 20 of the European Media Freedom Act.

Cabinet is expected to meet again next week.

Before the official Cabinet meeting, Fianna Fáil ministers met for two hours to discuss Budget 2027 and their respective demands.

• Louise Burne, Political Correspondent