Confusion in Leinster House As Dáil Suspended And Cabinet Restrict Movements

• News Home
• More from Midlands News

Tuesday, 15 September 2020 17:39

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Messenger
• Share on Messenger
• Share on X
• Share on Whatsapp

It's after the Heath Minister began to feel unwell earlier today.

The acting chief medical officer has joined the entire cabinet in restricting his movements while Health Minister Stephen Donnelly gets tested for Covid-19. 

The Dáil is set to be recalled this evening with junior ministers filling in for their senior colleagues. 

The day started with a cabinet meeting to approve the COVID-19 roadmap.

By lunchtime, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly began to feel unwell and started self isolating pending a test for Coronavirus. 
 
The Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó FearghaÍl then suspended the Dáil saying it might not return until next week, while claiming all senior ministers are self isolating:

This came as news to some of those ministers who were still working in their offices. 

They have now been told to restrict their movements and work from home this week.

Junior ministers will take their slots in Dáil speaking time and it's due to be recalled this evening. 

Meanwhile, the acting chief medical officer Dr. Ronan Glynn has confirmed he's also restricting his movements. 

Not quite the day the government imagined for the launch of its nine month COVID road-map 

Laois-Offaly Fianna Fáil TD and Junior Minister Seán Fleming says work will continue remotely:

Ministers will still be working over the next few days just from home until Donnelly gets his test result. More a precaution than anything as there isn’t a positive test

— Seán Defoe (@SeanDefoe) September 15, 2020

Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou Mc Donald's wished the ministers well: 

 

More from Midlands News

• Proposed Laois Medical Clinic Could Create 20 Jobs

  The development would see vacant offices converted for the clinic.

• Post-Mortem To Be Conducted Following Death Of Man In Midlands Workplace

  The Health and Safety Authority is investigating the matter.

• Offaly Man Says Music Saved His Life

  James McKelvey wants all those suffering through addiction to reach out for help.

• Over 50 Midlands Schools Join Hot Meals Programme

  The State wants hot meals in schools to be universal by 2030.

• Garda Gives Account Of Courtroom Burke Family Courtroom "Melee"

  Simeon Burke has brought his case against his conviction to the Court of Appeals.

• Folly Fest Announces Line-Up Ahead Of Return To Laois

  Last year's festival in Culohill Castle sold out.

• Gardaí Seeking Public's Assistance After Offaly Office Burglary

  A back window was broken into to gain access to the property.

• Irish Rail Looking For Lost Commuting Pup's Owner

  Staff at Heuston Station are keeping an eye on the lost dog after she jumped on a train to Dublin.

• State Grants Over €1m For Midlands Archaeological Monuments

  The money will be used to help protect and maintain the heritage sites around the midlands.

• HRI Confirm Cancellation Of Kilbeggan's Season Opening Two Day Meeting

  The news comes after the sudden death of racecourse manager Paddy Dunican.

• Report Finds Increased Health Spending Not Matched By Activity Levels

  Spending has increase by two-thirds since 2014.

• No Arm-Wrestling Over Taking Credit For Workers' Tax Break, Says Fianna Fáil

  Both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have been lobbying for the measure.

• "Everyone's In Shock And Disbelief" - Laois Woman In Sydney On Stabbing Attack

  Six people were killed in the incident on Saturday.

• Laois "Behind" In Disability Access - Advocate

  Karen Chadwick is a deaf person with disabilities.

• A Man Has Died In An Offaly Workplace Incident

  The Health and Safety Authority is investigating.

• Gardaí Investigating Laois Crash

  The collision occurred earlier this morning.

• Possible Westmeath Water Outage Under Investigation

  Reports of the outage have been made since yesterday.

• Break From Heavy Rain On The Way

  The end of this week will see dry weather.

• State Commits To Meeting LDA To Develop Plans For Columb Barracks

  The site has the capacity to provide 100 new homes.

• 30,000 People Waiting For Appointments At Midlands Hospitals

  2,000 of those have been waiting over a year.