The Dáil has passed two major pieces of legislation amid growing indications that a general election will be held before Christmas.
The Gambling Regulation Bill, which was identified as one of the key pieces of legislation that needed to be enacted before the calling of an election, was passed.
It prohibits gambling advertising between 5.30am and 9pm and establishes a social impact fund to raise awareness of compulsive and excessive gambling.
Earlier, the Social Welfare Bill was passed in the Dáil which will give effect to the planned welfare increases announced on Budget day.
It means that most of the government’s legislative work has been completed except for the Finance Bill.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin told The Irish Times podcast that it was reasonable to assume there would be an election before Christmas if all the required legislation was passed.
It comes amid mounting speculation that the Dáil could be dissolved early next month if the Finance Bill is passed earlier than scheduled.
This would then pave the way for an election on possibly Friday 29 November or Friday 6 December.
