Leinster House may shut Wednesday as public-sector strike forces Dáil suspension

Over 100,000 public-sector workers are set to strike on Wednesday in the largest industrial action since the 2009 financial crisis, targeting pay negotiations that have stalled since the Public Service Agreement expired in June. In response, the government plans to cancel the scheduled Dáil sitting and may keep Leinster House closed, moving any urgent votes to Tuesday. The Oireachtas Service sought derogations for essential staff, but unions Fórsa and the Association of Higher Civil and Public Servants denied the request, meaning only a few dozen employees would be present.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said there was no need for a picket at the parliament, while Social Democrats deputy leader Cian O’Callaghan praised the decision and called for a serious pay proposal. The strike will also see schools shut and hospitals limit non-urgent care, with a second day of action slated for 21 October.