The Dáil is about to resume and Micheál Martin is back as taoiseach

It is the first time a new government will sit after the November election, with government negotiations taking around five weeks to complete.

The new Dáil has been a source of controversy after several independent TDs including Michael Lowry, Danny Healy-Rae, Barry Heneghan and Gillian Toole, who support the government, wanted to sit and speak from the opposition benches.

The new Ceann Comhairle (speaker) – also a regional independent – Verona Murphy, who is the first woman to hold the role, told TDs she would consider submissions opposing the plan, but allowed the group to “temporarily” take their original seats for now. .

All other opposition groups are against the idea, saying it has a foot in both camps and takes away time from those who want to scrutinize the government.

As part of Wednesday’s Dáil return, Mr. Martin will go to Áras an Uachtaráin around 13:00 local time to meet Irish President Michael D Higgins in the state reception room.

The President will then sign the warrant of appointment and hand over the seal of the taoiseach and the seal of government to Mr Harris.

Later, around 20:00, the appointment of members of the government will begin.

The president will sign a warrant of appointment for members of the government and a warrant of appointment for the attorney general, each of which will be signed by the taoiseach.

The President will then present each minister in turn with the seal of their office.