The Dáil reconvened this afternoon with a law to democratise the planning process for new prisons on the agenda.
TDs were also due to debate a motion calling for a major expansion of cancer services.
Although TDs were back for two days last week to discuss new health legislation, this afternoon marked the formal start of the Dáil's spring session, which runs until Easter.
Whether, and for how long, the Dáil returns after the Easter break is in the hands of the Taoiseach, who has the power to decide when the 29th Dáil is dissolved to begin the General Election campaign which must be held by the summer.
That looming dissolution is hanging over politicians of all parties, and explains why the Opposition does not believe the Government's plans for legislation over the next few months are realistic.
Tom Kitt, the Government Chief Whip, has published a list of 25 bills he hopes to have published by Easter, but Labour's Emmet Stagg claimed there is no prospect of this happening given the imminence of the election.
And, for the first time since December, Opposition leaders will have a chance to put questions to the Taoiseach on topics of their choice.
