Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I have two questions. On the issue that has just been raised - promised legislation is an important matter - it was announced earlier this week by the Taoiseach that the Dáil will return a week early, as Fine Gael had been seeking, presumably on 12 January. Does the Tánaiste know why it is returning a week early? It was assumed it was returning a week early to take the finance Bill. If we are returning a week early and not taking the finance Bill, is there anyone in government who can tell us why we are returning a week early? Is Deputy Gogarty the assistant Tánaiste? Can he inform the House? That is the first question.

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