Dail recall for security legislation

The Government and Opposition parties have agreed to recall the Dail tomorrow week for an all-day sitting to deal with legislation on the new security package.

The House will sit at 10 a.m., with statements on the Omagh bombing by party leaders. The Second Stage debate on the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Bill will then follow, and the legislation will be rushed through all stages by the time the Dail rises at 11.30 p.m.

The Seanad will be recalled the following day, September 3rd, to debate the measure, before it is referred for the Presidential signature.

However, since the President, Mrs McAleese, will be on a State visit to Australia and New Zealand until September 11th, the Bill may have to be signed into law by the three-person Presidential Commission, comprising the Chief Justice, the Ceann Comhairle of the Dail and the Cathaoirleach of the Seanad.