Govt leaders to discuss election 'sequencing' in November

Minister for Finance Jack Chambers has said he expects the Finance Bill to come before the Oireachtas again on 5 November, and he does not expect it to come before the Dáil next week.

The bill gives effect to the measures announced in the Budget earlier this month, and Government party leaders are adamant they want it passed before a General Election is called.

Speaking this morning following a business breakfast in Kinsale, Co Cork, Minister Chambers said it would be a matter for the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and leader of the Green Party to discuss "sequencing" once the Finance Bill comes before the Oireachtas Finance Committee in November.

He said he was open to an election before or after Christmas, and there was quite a narrow timeframe between the two.

"I am open to it either before or after Christmas. That is a matter for the party leaders to discuss," Mr Chambers said.

"I expect the Finance Bill to go before the Oireachtas on 5 November. The sequencing after that will be a matter for the party leaders discussions and I can consider the specific timeframe on the Finance Bill in the aftermath of the discussions the party leaders will have.

"But before or after Christmas is quite a narrow window anyway, and I am open to an election before or after Christmas.

"Most people in the Oireachtas are getting prepared whenever it might happen and we are due to have one in early Spring anyway.