Author: Mícheál Lehane

Exciting new updates are in store for the National Children’s Hospital, but unfortunately, completion will be further delayed. The Public Accounts Committee will be briefed on the latest developments, with the hospital not expected to be substantially completed by the end of October as previously anticipated. The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board has reported a delay in the substantial completion date, pushing it back to 29 October. This means that the commissioning process will also take several more months, causing concerns among some TDs that no children will be treated at the hospital until 2026. Despite a budget approval of…

The Taoiseach announced today that the excise duty hikes on petrol and diesel planned for August will be kept under review. Originally, the Government had intended to raise the excise duty rates, resulting in a four cent increase on petrol and a three cent increase on diesel. Sinn Féin leader, Mary Lou McDonald, urged the Taoiseach not to proceed with the hike, stating that Government policies are increasing costs for people. She specifically requested that the price of petrol and diesel not be increased in both August and October. On the other hand, the Taoiseach accused Sinn Féin of misleading…

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee is seeking Government approval for the renewal of key provisions in counter-terrorism legislation, citing a persistent threat from dissident republican groups and serious organized crime. The Offences Against the State Act and Criminal Justice Act are set to be extended for another 12-month period. In a separate development, Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys is focusing on the Pathways to Work Strategy to support long-term unemployed individuals in entering the workforce. With a record low unemployment rate of 1.1%, the department is emphasizing education, training, and work placements to facilitate job opportunities. Furthermore, Minister for…

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee is seeking Government approval to renew provisions of key laws aimed at combating terrorism and serious organized crime for another 12 months. She argues that the threat from dissident republican paramilitary groups and criminal gangs remains high, justifying the continuation of these laws. Meanwhile, Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys is set to present the Pathways to Work Strategy, focusing on reducing long-term unemployment rates through education and training initiatives. Those on the live register will be required to engage with employment advisors regularly, with penalties for non-compliance. In addition, Minister for Finance Michael McGrath…

Irish Government to Formally Recognize Palestine The Irish Tánaiste, Micheál Martin, is set to seek Government approval for Ireland’s formal recognition of Palestine as a sovereign, independent state. This move will establish full diplomatic relations between the two countries, with a Palestinian flag set to be flown at Leinster House as a symbolic gesture. Taoiseach Simon Harris will address the Dáil, emphasizing the significance of this recognition as a powerful political statement of solidarity with the Palestinian people in their time of need. The upgrade of the Palestinian mission in Ireland to an embassy will follow the Cabinet’s approval, marking…

A plan to produce zero-carbon home-grown gas from grass and organic waste is set to be presented to Cabinet by Minister for Climate Eamon Ryan and Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue. The National Biomethane Strategy aims to offer farmers a lucrative income stream, with the potential to provide up to 50% of Ireland’s gas needs within 15 years. The strategy marks an important milestone in the growth of an indigenous sector in Ireland, with plans to develop up to 200 anaerobic digestion plants in the country. These plants will create biomethane from plant material and animal waste, helping to reduce…

In an announcement that could impact dozens of hotels currently housing Ukrainians in Ireland, the Taoiseach has suggested that these accommodations may become available to the public once again during the summer months. With the number of Ukrainians in State accommodation decreasing, this move could mean that towns and villages could potentially regain access to their hotel facilities. At the launch of the Fine Gael manifestos for the local and European Parliament elections, Simon Harris emphasized the need for common sense in immigration policy, mentioning that people across the country are seeking assistance while also desiring practical solutions. Fine Gael,…

The Taoiseach, Simon Harris, has pledged to introduce new planning guidelines for wind farms by the end of the year. He emphasized the importance of increasing wind energy while ensuring that communities are on board with the developments. A protest at Leinster House demanded stronger wind energy regulations, with participants from 20 counties organized by the Communities and Environmental Protection Alliance. Independent TD Richard O’Donoghue highlighted the sleep disturbances caused by wind farms near residential areas, calling for updated regulations to increase the distance between turbines and homes. TD Sean Canney of Galway-East stressed the need to prioritize people’s well-being…

Revolutionizing Healthcare with Digital Records and Improving Transportation with DART+ The Irish Cabinet will be discussing a groundbreaking plan today that aims to provide patients and healthcare professionals with easy access to medical records. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly is set to propose the Digital Framework, which will allow health workers to access crucial patient information promptly. This framework will also empower patients to manage their own care by accessing their medical records through a dedicated app. Additionally, Minister Eamon Ryan is seeking approval for the DART+ Coastal North rail project, which will extend the existing DART line by 37 kilometers…

The recent political debate took an unexpected turn when Independent candidate Peter Casey abruptly left the stage due to a microphone issue, only to return nonchalantly and seamlessly transition into a discussion on agriculture. Luke Ming Flanagan shared his change of heart on the EU due to increased payments for low-income farmers, while Peadar Toibín criticized the Migration Pact for impinging on national sovereignty. Fianna Fáil’s Barry Cowen highlighted the growing concern around migration in the campaign, emphasizing the need to address illegal immigration. The debate also touched on past governmental decisions, such as the promotion of dairy farming during…