It's been confirmed that emergency laws will be drafted to address the High Court ruling on suspended sentences.

The acting justice minister, Frances Fitzgerald, says she'll ask for cabinet approval for the measures next week.

Earlier this week the High Court struck down the laws allowing suspended sentences to be re-activated.

Minister Fitzgerald says the laws will be enacted as soon as possible - but it's believed no laws can be passed until a new Seanad is formed, which in turn will require a new government.