Kenny Faces First Question Time

Enda Kenny will for the first time answer questions in the Dáil since becoming Taoiseach on Tuesday afternoon.

The leaders of Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin and the Technical group of Independents will all pose questions to Mr Kenny, likely to be focused on the continuing discussions on re-negotiating the bailout deal.

The session comes as senior EU sources denied Taoiseach Enda Kenny was asked to increase the corporation tax rate in exchange for a reduction in the interest rate on the bailout at Friday’s eurozone summit.

A debate on the coalition's Programme for Government is expected follow.

The Taoiseach is also expected to face questions on the Japanese government's declination of an offer of Irish aid for those displaced by last Friday’s earthquake and resultant tsunami.

Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore said Japan was “probably the best-prepared country in the world for a major disaster”, and the Japanese Red Cross mobilised 62 response teams in the hours immediately following the earthquake.

However, the situation in Japan is worsening by the day as concern mounts over radiation leaks at one of its nuclear reactors, which was damaged during the quake. A second explosion at the reactor has led to an increase in airborne radiation, although levels are not thought to be a dangerous stage yet.

Mr Kenny will also chair the weekly Cabinet meeting in Government Buildings this Tuesday afternoon at 2.30pm and will be in the Dáil for the Leaders’ Questions and other house business soon after.

When Dáil business concludes today, Mr Kenny will head to the US for the St Patrick's Day Shamrock Exchange at the White House later this week, while eight Ministers will also head to other locations around the world.

(DW/KMcA)