Oireachtas to spend €700,000 on improving Dáil chamber technology

The Houses of the Oireachtas are to spend €700,000 improving technology in the Dáil chamber.

The work includes replacing integrated microphone components and the voting display system that allows members to officially record their abstention in a vote.

It will also improve the broadcast quality, removing all interference by mobile devices.

The work will begin when the Dáil breaks on July 21st and finish on September 27th when it returns.

Ceann Comhairle Sean O’Fearghail said he was conscious a huge amount of time had been lost due to discussions on Government formation.

However, he said this was essential work that needed to be carried out.

Mr O’Fearghail said the monies would be taken from the existing Houses of the Oireachtas Commission budget.

The project will take eight weeks with some leeway in case there is any delay to the work.

However, Mr O’Fearghail insisted the Dail would return on September 27th even if it had to sit in candlelight.

He said committees would sit from September 3rd and that a special sympiousm on Europe would be held in the Mansion House that every TD and Senator would be required to attend.