Apple Tax Case Back on Agenda as Dáil Resumes After Recess
The Dáil returns this afternoon following the summer recess, with an important session scheduled to address the contentious Apple tax case. This evening, TDs will engage in a detailed debate about the implications of the European Court of Justice’s €14 billion judgement against Apple, a case that has stirred significant political and economic discourse.
As the Dáil returned to business, Taoiseach Simon Harris expressed optimism about the potential opportunities arising from this substantial financial windfall. Speaking before the Cabinet meeting this morning, Harris highlighted the “real possibilities” that the €14 billion could unlock, particularly in the housing sector.
He stated that the funds present a chance to address some of the most pressing issues facing the country, including the current housing crisis. With the Budget presentation just around the corner, Harris is keen to see measures introduced between now and Christmas that will offer tangible relief to those struggling through the winter months.
However, opposition perspectives diverge sharply. Labour Leader Ivana Bacik has indicated that her party will focus on housing issues during the Dáil debate today. Bacik criticised the Government for its perceived failure to deliver on affordable housing, pointing to rising rents and escalating child homelessness as evidence of the Government’s shortcomings.
She argues that the funds from the Apple tax case should be directed towards immediate and impactful solutions for the housing crisis, a sentiment that will likely be a key point of contention in the debates.
In addition to the debate on the Apple tax case, Government Chief Whip Hildegarde Naughton is set to unveil the autumn legislative programme. This programme outlines the legislative priorities for the coming months and includes several notable bills. One key piece of legislation is the Maternity Protection Bill, which aims to enhance maternity leave entitlements.
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This bill would allow individuals to pause their maternity leave in the event of serious illness and extend maternity leave rights to members of the Oireachtas, a significant step towards improving support for new parents.
Another important legislative proposal is the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) (Amendment) Bill. This bill seeks to permit the retrospective use of facial recognition technology to review images held by An Garda Síochána in relation to specific serious offences.
The introduction of this technology has been a topic of debate, balancing the need for advanced investigative tools with concerns over privacy and data security.
The Life Sentences Bill is also slated for consideration. This bill would enable judges to recommend minimum periods of custody before a person is eligible for parole, adding a new layer of judicial discretion in sentencing.
This legislative change aims to provide a more nuanced approach to life sentences, potentially offering more flexibility in how long individuals must serve before being considered for release.
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Moreover, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee will seek Government approval for the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Bill 2024. This bill responds to a recent High Court ruling that mandatory life sentences for murder could not be imposed on individuals who had turned 18 before their sentencing, referred to as “aged out” children.
The proposed legislation would allow for the possibility of life sentences for such individuals but would make it non-mandatory, ensuring that sentences are tailored more appropriately to the circumstances of each case.
McEntee has stressed the importance of clarifying the legal framework surrounding sentencing for serious crimes, particularly in light of upcoming trials involving this cohort of offenders. She believes that swift progress on the bill is crucial to ensure that the legal system can effectively address these cases.
As the Dáil resumes its activities, the focus on both immediate financial opportunities and broader legislative changes will set the stage for a busy and potentially contentious session.
The debates on the Apple tax case and the upcoming legislative priorities will likely dominate the political discourse in the coming weeks, shaping the direction of government policy and legislative action for the remainder of the year.
