At the start of every new government (and after reshuffles), hefty briefing documents for new ministers are drawn up by officials outlining their roles and the pressing issues of the day.
After the new minster has had a chance to have a read, the documents get published (usually part-redacted) and hauled over by journalists.
They will make a bid to cut through the Civil Service-speak for anything newsworthy – often in the form or “challenges” and “risks” that the officials are flagging with their new ministerial bosses.
A bunch of these briefing documents have been released so far and here’s what we’ve learned.
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The Department of Defence was first up publishing its briefing for Tánaiste Simon Harris.
Its officials warned that the decision by Finland and Sweden to join Nato in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine may leave Ireland more isolated within the EU on the issue of military neutrality, as Emmet Malone reported here.
The briefing for the new Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, as reported on by Sarah Burns, outlined how the National Children’s Hospital may not fully open until 2026 due to “clinical risks” prompting fresh concern over the troubled project.
Conor Pope outlined how Department of Finance officials warned the new Minister Paschal Donohoe that the economic outlook for Ireland has become “increasingly uncertain” in recent months with the rise of protectionism and the tariff threats from the Trump administration now posing a significant risk.
You’d have to suspect Mr Donohoe was aware of all that but interesting to see the views from within the Department of Finance set out in black and white nonetheless.
A bit of a leftfield line from the Department of Enterprise briefing for its Minister, Peter Burke, with officials telling him that investments to decarbonise the cement sector will likely require the provision of significant incentives. He was told that State agencies have, to date, approved about €54 million in funding to assist large industrial emitters overall with their decarbonisation plans.
Martin Wall also reported on how the same officials warned that high electricity prices are already affecting Ireland’s ability to attract new investment to energy-intensive sectors.
Meanwhile, as Niamh Towey and Kitty Holland reported the Department of Housing told its new Minister, James Browne, that increased funding is needed to enable the scaling up of social housing construction under new Government targets.
The politicians are well aware of this, it seems, with the Cabinet this week signing off on an additional €450 million to deliver about 3,000 affordable and social homes.
With several more briefing documents released by Government Departments in the time ahead, the door to the views of officialdom – which is often reluctant to offer them publicly - will remain ajar for a little longer.
Best Reads
In our lead story, Daniel McLaughlin outlines how the United States has said it sees “incredible opportunities” for potential co-operation with Russia once its war with Ukraine is over, after talks between Washington and Moscow on Ukraine’s future opened in Saudi Arabia.
Planning rules on cabins and modular homes in back gardens could be relaxed as part of Government efforts to tackle housing supply issues, Jack Horgan-Jones reports.
Miriam Lord looks at the travails of Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy writing that she was “on a Whac-A-Mole mission in the Dáil chamber, swinging her mallet like Wexford’s answer to Thor.”
The row over Taoiseach Micheál Martin saying Mary Lou McDonald was “ag insint bréaga” continues. Sarah Burns and Marie O’Halloran report.
On the opinion pages, Michael McDowell says it was a mistake for the new Government to provide for a rotating Taoiseach role as he looks at some of the challenges facing the Coalition
Ireland and Britain Editor Mark Hennessy has a look at how Irish unity has slid down the political agenda.
Playbook
Dáil proceedings begin with an opportunity for TDs to raise Topical Issues at 9:12am.
There is a debate on a Social Democrats motion on addressing the housing crisis from 10am.
Leaders’ Questions is at noon.
The Dáil will elect a Leas-Cheann Comhairle today with the process due to start at 1:05pm. The result of the secret ballot is expected after 8pm. Fianna Fáil’s John McGuinness is up against Aengus Ó Snodaigh of Sinn Féin for the role.
The Seanad will elect a Leas-Cathaoirleach this afternoon as well, with the process starting at 3:30pm. The candidates are Maria Byrne of Fine Gael and Independent Senator Eileen Flynn.
Government Business in the Dáil (from 4pm) includes statements on “maximising artificial intelligence for our greater good” and legislation on investigating marine accidents.
The weekly Dáil votes happen later in the evening.
At 5pm, the Seanad will debate a Government motion on EU proposals to open negotiations between Brussels and London on a youth experience scheme between Europe and the UK.
The only committee business scheduled is the election of the Cathaoirleach for the Committee on Subsidiarity which scrutinises EU legislation. This happens at 10am.
The full Dáil and Seanad schedules can be found here and here.
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