Author: Mícheál Lehane
The Dáil has approved Ireland’s participation in an EU military initiative to protect critical seabed infrastructure from threats like sabotage and terrorism. The vote passed with 74 deputies in favor and 58 against, as part of the PESCO framework for defense cooperation. Opposition members, including Independent TD Catherine Connolly, criticized the government for compromising Ireland’s neutrality. Tánaiste Micheál Martin defended the decision, emphasizing the need to protect human rights and address key risks identified in the National Risk Assessment. The Critical Seabed Infrastructure Protection project, led by Italy with seven participating EU countries, will enhance Ireland’s surveillance and response capabilities…
Unlocking the Benefits of Reduced Mortgage Repayments The Taoiseach has expressed his desire for people to experience the advantages of lowered monthly mortgage payments swiftly as interest rates start to decrease. Simon Harris has recently wrapped up a series of discussions with banks, credit unions, and non-bank lenders, focusing on mortgage interest rates, the housing sector, and financing for small and medium-sized enterprises. In light of the ongoing financial challenges that people face, the Taoiseach emphasized the importance of easing the burden of living expenses. He highlighted the necessity for monthly repayments to decrease at a similar pace to how…
Residents in Dublin’s inner city are fed up with the ongoing anti-social behavior that plagues their communities, according to Sinn Féin leader, Mary Lou McDonald. The recent tragic death of Neno Dolmajian, a tourist from Canada, as a result of an attack on O’Connell Street has highlighted the urgent need for increased safety measures in the city. Ms. McDonald called for a stronger police presence in the affected areas to ensure the safety of all residents and visitors. She criticized the government for failing to deliver on promises made after previous incidents of violence in Dublin, leaving the community feeling…
Former Social Democrats co-leaders Catherine Murphy and Róisín Shortall have announced they will not be running in the upcoming general election. In a joint statement, they expressed their belief that it is time for a new generation to take the reins. Both politicians reflected on their years of service, with Ms Murphy stating her deep passion for addressing pressing social, environmental, and governmental issues. She expressed gratitude for the privilege of representing the people of Kildare North and pledged to support the next generation in advocating for a social democratic future. Ms Shortall, who served as a TD for Dublin…
The Dáil has decided to join the EU Asylum and Migration Pact after heated debates. The Government’s stance is that embracing the pact is crucial for Ireland to address the challenges posed by increasing migration trends in the EU. Minister for Justice Helen McEntee had announced earlier in the year that Ireland would opt into the pact. This decision means implementing stringent processing times for International Protection Applications, hiring more staff, constructing new accommodation centers, strengthening border security, and improving fingerprint collection. However, critics have raised concerns about the pact being overly forceful. Sinn Féin has urged Ireland to waive…
The Dublin West TD Jack Chambers will officially become the new Minister of Finance this afternoon, succeeding Michael McGrath, who is set to become Ireland’s next European Commissioner. The appointment will be confirmed in the Dáil, followed by the seal of office from President Michael D Higgins at Arás an Uachtaráin. Chambers faces the task of preparing and delivering a pre-election budget within a short timeframe, while a replacement for his super junior ministerial role is soon to be announced. The outgoing Minister for Finance, McGrath, expressed his excitement about the opportunity to represent Ireland in the European Commission, highlighting…
Jack Chambers, the newly appointed Minister for Finance, brings a unique set of qualifications to the table, none of which are in economics or business. With a background in law and medicine, the 33-year-old has shown political prowess in securing a top government position under the leadership of Tánaiste Micheál Martin. As he steps into his role, Chambers faces the challenge of crafting a pre-election budget that will be closely scrutinized by party leaders looking for concessions. The pressure is on for him to assertively manage demands, navigate internal politics, and build strong relationships with key figures like Paschal Donohoe…
Jack Chambers has been appointed as the new Minister for Finance in Ireland, succeeding Michael McGrath who has been nominated as the country’s next European Commissioner. Chambers, a Dublin West TD, first entered the Dáil in 2016 and previously served as Minister of State at the Department of Transport. Formal appointment for Chambers will be finalized tomorrow, as he takes on this crucial role in shaping the nation’s financial policies. At just 33 years old, he has already made significant strides in his political career, having previously served as government chief whip from 2020 to 2022. In addition to his…
Minister for Media Catherine Martin is ready to bring forward two memos to the Cabinet regarding the recommendations made in the external reviews of RTÉ. These recommendations, totaling 15 in number, will involve both legislative and administrative changes. The Government has pledged €20 million to RTÉ, with a new structure to oversee the implementation plan, led by the Department of Media and NewEra. A key change will involve giving the Comptroller and Auditor General oversight of RTÉ, included in the upcoming broadcasting bill to be published later this year. RTÉ has committed to transparency by publishing leadership salaries in their…
The Government is set to approve a plan to source water from the River Shannon and transport it to Dublin to meet the growing demands of homes and businesses. This Water Supply Project aims to ensure a resilient water supply for the eastern and midlands region. Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien will seek approval for the project to proceed to the planning stage next year. The proposal entails extracting just 2% of the average flow of the River Shannon, with treated water being piped 170km to Dublin. The project aligns with the recommendations of the Housing Commission report to have…