Fine Gael leader Simon Harris is poised to become the State’s next taoiseach on Tuesday.
The 37-year-old father of two will be appointed as the country’s 16th, and youngest ever, taoiseach following the surprise resignation of Leo Varadkar three weeks ago.
The Dáil will reconvene at 10.30am on Tuesday after its Easter recess, when a proposer and seconder are expected to nominate Mr Harris as the next taoiseach.
As is often the case when the Dáil returns from a break, a protest is due to be held outside Government Buildings in Dublin city centre on Tuesday, with Gardaí establishing a safety cordon in the surrounding area.
In the Dáil chamber, speeches are expected to be made by the Coalition parties, as well as opposition parties, who are expected to call for a general election.
As the Government holds a majority in the Dáil, Mr Harris is expected to win the vote on Tuesday.
Mr Varadkar officially resigned as taoiseach on Monday evening, handing in his letter of resignation to President Michael D Higgins.
During his resignation speech in March, Mr Varadkar said he felt he was no longer the right person to lead Fine Gael.
He made the announcement almost two weeks after two referendums proposed by the Government were defeated, and as 11 members of the Fine Gael parliamentary party said they would not contest the next election.
When Mr Varadkar was appointed Fine Gael leader in 2017, members had hoped he would be an electoral boon for the so-called 'law and order' party.
But the 2020 general election saw a drop in their support from 26 per cent in 2016 to 21 per cent, and they failed to win a 2021 by-election.
In the wake of Mr Varadkar’s resignation, Mr Harris emerged as the only contender to replace him.
After being appointed Fine Gael leader, he pledged to focus on more “bread and butter” issues and has repeatedly mentioned supporting small businesses facing high costs, helping farmers and focusing on crime and security.
He said that the party has a “real job” to “reconnect and renew our focus” on several fronts and must rebuild its “sense of self-belief and energy”.
He has also repeatedly said that he intends for the Coalition to run its full term to March 2025.
Mr Harris’ first task as taoiseach will be handling a reshuffle of the Cabinet, including which of his colleagues replaces him as Minister for Further and Higher Education.
At noon, People Before Profit will also hold a protest outside Leinster House against Mr Harris being appointed taoiseach without an election being called.
