Seanad expected back from summer recess to discuss Gaza crisis
The Seanad is expected to come back from its summer recess to discuss the crisis in Gaza.
The government's due to recall the upper house to discuss the conflict, and Ireland's abstention in a UN vote last week.
The crisis in Ukraine is also expected to feature.
The move comes after a number of independent and opposition senators signed a petition asking for the house to be recalled to debate Ireland's response to the crisis.
Separate moves are continuing to try and force the government to recall the Dáil.
Leader of the Seanad, Fine Gael Senator Maurice Cummins, said he had been contacted by a number of Senators on the issue.
"There's quite a number of Fine Gael and Labour Senators that have contacted me - and Senator David Norris also - with regards recalling the Seanad to discuss Gaza and, indeed, Ukraine," he said.
"So I've decided to recall it - I have to check the procedures … I'd hope to recall it as soon as possible - this week if possible."
