Author: Mícheál Lehane

As the local election approaches on 7 June, the political landscape is heating up with key issues such as immigration, housing, and investment in local communities taking center stage. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are gearing up for the election, each focusing on housing and addressing community needs. Sinn Féin is also expected to make significant gains, prioritizing housing and local services. Meanwhile, the Green Party is aiming to elect candidates in every county, despite facing challenges due to anti-green sentiments arising from traffic disruptions and rural concerns about farming. Other parties like Labour, Social Democrats, People Before Profit-Solidarity, Aontú,…

Exciting news for small and medium businesses in the retail and hospitality sectors! A new round of the Increased Cost of Business scheme, worth €66 million, is launching providing grants of up to €5,000. This package of supports, announced by Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke, also includes an increase in the Energy Efficiency Grant for small businesses, now up to €10,000. Businesses that missed out on registering can now apply for the Increased Cost of Business scheme for the next two weeks. Additionally, Minister Burke is implementing a change to the PRSI threshold, reducing it to €496 from October, benefiting…

In the world of politics, words are often used to portray a sense of solidity, as George Orwell once observed. However, Taoiseach Simon Harris is known for his clear and direct language, free of the usual political rhetoric. But are his strong promises matched by tangible results? For instance, his pledge to prevent tented encampments in Dublin city center did not hold up, as another site quickly emerged. Despite swift clearances and firm intentions from the government, the issue of asylum seekers lacking accommodation persists, leading to the inevitable pitching of tents. As the government grapples with the complexities of…

Independent TD Michael McNamara has brought to light in the Dáil the troubling case of a young man from the Indian subcontinent who fell victim to exploitation by human traffickers. The man, who held a valid student visa allowing him to work for only ten hours a week in the UK, sought the promise of full employment in Ireland from an agency, which took advantage of his vulnerability. For a sum of £1,500 sterling, the agency retained his passport and misled him into travelling to Ireland under false pretenses, directing him to the International Protection Office in Dublin. Mr McNamara…