Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The last thing this Dáil needs, and the last thing the public would tolerate, is either the reality or the perception that the Dáil is not going to function for another week. It is absolutely imperative that the Taoiseach clarify that in the course of the period intervening to the proposed resumption date the Committee on Housing and Homelessness appointed by this Thirty-second Dáil will continue its work and the Committee on Dáil Reform will be ready to report on its recommendations on the commencement of the new Dáil session as of next Tuesday week. It is absolutely imperative that the Taoiseach confirm this evening that he will use the intervening time to ensure that not only the Dáil but also the Seanad - both Houses of the Oireachtas - are ready to get up and running and function in an appropriate and businesslike way as of that date. I am not a fan at all of the fact that the Taoiseach of the day has the power to appoint 11 Members of the Seanad, but it will not function until that is done. Will the Taoiseach confirm to the House this evening that he will use the intervening period to proceed with that and that there will be no impediment to the Seanad's commencing its business as and of that date, or preferably earlier?

See this speech in context