Podcasts about fianna f

Three people have been taken to hospital after a car was driven into a group several times in Skerries in north Dublin. A man has been arrested in connection with the incident and remains in custody. Speaking to Jonathan with reaction was Lorraine Clifford Lee, Fianna Fáil Senator in Skerries and Conor Lally, Irish Times Crime and Security Editor.

Three people have been taken to hospital after a car was driven into a group several times in Skerries in north Dublin. A man has been arrested in connection with the incident and remains in custody. Speaking to Jonathan with reaction was Lorraine Clifford Lee, Fianna Fáil Senator in Skerries and Conor Lally, Irish Times Crime and Security Editor.

Lise Hand and John Lee join Matt to discuss Mary Lou McDonald and Micheál Martin's true feelings for each other after the Sinn Féin leader calls her Fianna Fáil counterpart and Taoiseach a 'tosser'. Lynn Boylan's European Parliament embarrassment on the Irish language. Sinn Féin's position on an engineering plant in Derry that might be supplying the Israeli Air Force. The politics of Intel's increased Irish investment. Why the government must be glad it no longer has to deal with Aer Lingus' decisions. The length of the Dáil summer break, and John teases his cabinet scorecards. Brought to you by The Greenman Group.PTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and weekly bonus episodes, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in touch: mail@pathtopowerpodcast.comFollow Matt:https://twitter.com/cooper_mhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cooper-615a1317https://www.instagram.com/mattcooperlastword/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Morning Focus was broadcasting live from Bunratty Castle for stop three of Alan Morrissey's Summer Tour. Firstly, Alan spoke to Suzie Clifford, Senior Executive Officer, and Caimin Dillion, Acting Senior Executive Engineer, from Shannon Municipal District about what the MD does and how it benefits residents. Fianna Fáil's Timmy Dooley and Sinn Féin's Donna McGettigan discussed how the Dáil has done so far this year ahead of their summer recess, and what needs to be the main priorities when they return. Alan was then joined by John Strand, Executive Engineer, Pat Kearney, Senior General Services Supervisor, and Taryn de Vere, Creative Places Coordinator, about the improvements to Shannon MD that people have been enjoying, including the popular new Shannon Dog Park. Aidan Acheson, Technician, Patricia O'Neill, Staff Officer, and Michael Keane, Supervisor, continued telling Alan about the developments in Shannon MD, and how community groups could get their ideas made reality. Kevin O'Connor, Chairman of the Bunratty Economic Development Association, and Mike Rohan, Vice Chairman of the Bunratty Economic Development Association, spoke to Alan about the Bunratty Economic Development Association, and how they're continuing to develop Bunratty's famous tourism trade. Alan, Mark O'Shaughnessy, Head of Operations at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, and Erin Malone, Assistant Sales and Marketing Manager at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park discussed what makes the area's historical sites so special. Alan remembered the life and legacy of the late Anthony "Sconey" Kilmartin with Bob Enright, Anthony's former coach, and Seanie Dilger, Chairman of New York Clare Hurling Club. Our Friday Panel (Mike Glynn and Maurice Walsh) discussed the Government's performance so far, the new Sex For Rent legislation, the unusally warm weather you might have noticed, and should we stop automatically supporting every team who plays against England. Finally, to take us into the weekend, Alan learnt about a Clare submission to the Galway Film Fleadh from Douglas Reddan, Movement Artist, Choreographer, and Director from Quin. Image (c) Clare FM

The Dáil has risen for its summer recess, bringing to a close a politically eventful first half of the year.     From the ongoing housing crisis and rising living costs to renewed controversy over the National Children's Hospital, fuel protests and heated exchanges across the floor of the Dáil, the Government and Opposition remain sharply divided on the country's direction.     So, at the halfway point of this Government's term, is Ireland seeing real progress, or are the biggest challenges still unresolved?     Joining Alan Morrissey to discuss the Government's report card and what's in store when the Dáil returns in September were Minister of State Timmy Dooley of Fianna Fáil and Shannon Sinn Féin TD Donna McGettigan. Photo © Oireachtas.ie

There was a time in Irish political history when Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael believed they were diametrically opposites of each other. Now, it seems hard to believe they could hold Government without a coalition. So, should they remove all pretense, and call themselves centre right parties?David W. Higgins, Economist and Political Analyst, believes they should, and joins Seán to discuss.

The Minister for Local Government claims he doesn't have a role in the delivery of an upgrade to the Clareabbey Treatment Plant.    At present, no new planning permissions can be granted for developments in Clarecastle or on the southside of Ennis as the treatment plant is at full capacity.    In written correspondence to Ennis Municipal District, Fianna Fáil Minister James Browne has said the upgrade of the facility is the responsibility of Uisce Éireann.    The correspondence was the subject of a discussion at this week's meeting of Ennis Municipal District.    Clare FM's Seán Lyons was at the meeting and spoke to Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Daly who's previously called for an upgrade of the treatment plant.

The Government has agreed to set up a Commission of Investigation into the activities of prolific paedophile Michael Shine.Shine was a surgeon at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda for over four decades, and he also had a private practice.He was convicted in 2017 and 2019 of abuse of a number of boys. Now, more than 400 victims and survivors have been identified.Joining Ciara for more on this is Fianna Fáil Senator in Louth, Alison Comyn…

Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín, who was diagnosed with a type of skin cancer in 2020, says a tax is being placed on skin cancer prevention.It comes as there is still a 23% VAT on suncream, despite it being a necessity to prevent the risk of skin cancer.With the high UV rays and the great weather over the last couple of weeks, many people are more exposed to sunburn and higher risks of skin cancer as the high cost of suncream can often act as a deterrent for people applying this necessary product…Andrea shares her own story about a mole screening, and is joined by former Fianna Fáil Minister, Conor Lenihan and skin cancer survivor of basal cell carcinoma, Deirdre Bonass and listeners to hear their experiences.

There was a time in Irish political history when Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael believed they were diametrically opposites of each other. Now, it seems hard to believe they could hold Government without a coalition. So, should they remove all pretense, and call themselves centre right parties?David W. Higgins, Economist and Political Analyst, believes they should, and joins Seán to discuss.

Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Andrews says that a new amendment proposed by Reform would be against the Good Friday Agreement…He joins guest host Tom Dunne to discuss.

The state paid more than €1 million for a single deportation flight when returning 42 adults & children to South Africa in June.Fianna Fáil's Seamus McGrath, and Aontú's Peader Tóibín, join Matt to discuss the reasoning behind this high travel bill.To hear the full chat, press 'PLAY' on this page now!

Class size plays a key role in a child's learning and development, as larger classes can reduce the individual attention teachers are able to give each student.Figures released in response to a parliamentary question from Fianna Fáil TD Malcolm Byrne show that, of Ireland's 520,482 primary school pupils, 36,805 were in classes of 30 to 34 students, while 2,237 were in classes of 35 to 39. The largest classes, with 38 pupils each, were recorded at St Peter and Paul Boys' School in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, and Fahy National School in Westport, Co. Mayo.So, why are some of these classes so big, what should change, and what is the impact on students?Joining Andrea to discuss is Principal of Mother of Divine Grace National School in Finglas, Eoin Doyle, Karen Beckett, Charted psychologist and listeners.

Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Andrews says that a new amendment proposed by Reform would be against the Good Friday Agreement…He joins guest host Tom Dunne to discuss.

Ellen Coyne and Cormac McQuinn join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:· Sinn Féin's Planning for Constitutional Change Bill, which obliges the Government to draft and publish a Green Paper on unification within 18 months, failed to win support from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, or independents. · All Government TDs also voted against a PBP Bill to ban hare coursing. The Bill presented an issue where the party whip could have been spared in favour of a free vote, given the public's clear support to outlaw the practice. The Bill was overwhelmingly defeated by 125 votes to 24. · And this week saw Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and far-right French leader Marine Le Pen take the biggest political gambles of their respective careers.Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:· Graham Platner crashes and burns, dwindling swag bags for visiting journalists, and the derelict ‘Carlton' site on O'Connell Street is snapped up by MetroLink.Would you like to receive daily insights into world events delivered to your inbox? Sign up for Denis Staunton's Global Briefing newsletter here: irishtimes.com/newsletters/global-briefing/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Unionism and UnityThis week significant developments that can shape the future direction of constitutional politics on this island are taking place in Leinster House. On Tuesday Sinn Féin's Bill setting out a practical plan to achieve a united Ireland is up for discussion. Fine Gael is moving ahead with its plan for a blueprint for Irish Unity for November. And other parties, including the Social Democrats and Labour have expressed their support for Unity and notwithstanding Micheál Martin's opposition, it is obvious that there are many within Fianna Fáil who understand that planning for Unity makes sense.National Hunger Strike Commemoration for MayoWednesday 8 July was the 45 anniversary of the death on hunger strike of Joe McDonnell. Joe was the fifth of the ten hunger strikers who were to die in 1981. Last week the 45th Anniversary National Hunger Strike Commemoration was officially launched in Mayo. The march and rally to honour those ten hunger strikers, and three Mayo hunger strikers Michael Gaughan (1974) and Frank Stagg (1976), and Jack McNeela (1940), will take place in Ballina on Sunday, 30 August.'Our Chains will be Broken before we Are' – Marwan BarghoutiMarwan Barghouti is a Palestinian leader who has spent almost a quarter of a century in Israeli prisons. He is widely recognised as the single most important Palestinian leader, capable of uniting the various Palestinian groups and for that reason Israel holds him in appalling conditions and refuses to release him. For much of that time he has been held in solitary confinement, frequently beaten, denied medical care and contact with his family.A Thousand Days of GenocideIn the way that the news cycle is constantly shifting from one headline story to another the genocide of the Palestinian people no longer catches the headlines in the way that it once did. The devastating earthquake in Venezuela; the US war against Iran; the war in Ukraine; oil prices; the internal machinations of the British Labour Party; and much else have all pushed Israel's genocidal policy down the news agenda.However, as desperate as some of these other stories are we have a responsibility to constantly remind people that Israel's torture of the people of Gaza and of the West Bank has been unrelenting for over 1000 days.

RTE has said it will need an additional €65m from the government in 2028, suggesting that the number of households without a television has “increased steadily”, meaning it's missing out on potential revenue.Louise Burne, Political Correspondent with the Irish Examiner, and Fianna Fáil TD Albert Dolan speak to Matt on The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play' button on this page to hear the piece.

ESB Networks say they’ve reached an important milestone at the Woodford 38 kV Station, Killarney, with the completion and energisation of the second of two new upgraded transformers. Jerry spoke to local Fianna Fáil councillor Niall Kelleher.

A vote will be held tomorrow on a non-binding motion that seeks to impose EU sanctions preventing the Aughinish Alumina refinery in Limerick from exporting to Russia.Fine Gael are voting in favour of the amendment, but Fianna Fáil are abstaining from the vote, believing sanctions would hurt Europe more than Russia.Joining Ciara to discuss this is Regina Doherty, Fine Gael MEP for Dublin and Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, Fianna Fáil MEP for Ireland South.

Joining Brendan to discuss the top stories in Sunday's newspapers are: Director of Public Affairs at Consello and former Fianna Fáil TD, Lisa Chambers; political editor of the Irish Times, Pat Leahy; Head of Social Justice and Policy at SVP, Louise Bayliss; security analyst, Declan Power and University of Galway law lecturer, Larry Donnelly.

Martin Harte, CEO of Love Temple Bar; and today's panel Charlie McConagle, Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Media, Communications, Culture, and Sport, and Fianna Fáil TD for Donegal; Jen Cummins, Social Democrats TD for Dublin South Central; Eoin Ó Broin, Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Mid-West.

Today's panel reacts to the end of a wonderful World Cup for Crumlin's Pico Lopes. Charlie McConagle, Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Media, Communications, Culture, and Sport, and Fianna Fáil TD for Donegal; Jen Cummins, Social Democrats TD for Dublin South Central; Eoin Ó Broin, Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Mid-West.

Sean O'Driscoll, member of the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce; and today's panel Charlie McConagle, Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Media, Communications, Culture, and Sport, and Fianna Fáil TD for Donegal; Jen Cummins, Social Democrats TD for Dublin South Central; Eoin Ó Broin, Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Mid-West.

The Energy Minister claims the proposed liquefied natural gas storage unit in Clare "couldn't be more democratic". The Government has faced criticism over the planned strategic gas emergency reserve in Cahiracon near Kildysart after just two hours were set aside to debate the bill seeking to progress the project in the Dáil this week. Friends of the Earth Ireland has accused the Government of "attempting to undermine democracy" with the move. Speaking in Ardnacrusha, Fianna Fáil Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O'Brien says he believes it's in Ireland's best interest.

For the next six months, Ireland is at the centre of European decision-making as it holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the first time since 2013.   The Government says its priorities will be competitiveness, values and security, but it also inherits some of the biggest challenges facing Europe—from negotiating the EU's next long-term budget and the future of farm payments to trade tensions, defence, enlargement and the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.  To discuss what Ireland's presidency means for the country and for County Clare, Alan Morrissey was joined by Tulla-based Fianna Fáil Minister of State Timmy Dooley and Scariff-based Independent Ireland South MEP Michael McNamara. Photo (c) GoodLifeStudio from Getty Images Signature via Canva

The Energy Minister is hailing the contribution of Ardnacrusha Power Station to Ireland's economy and says it's still a "very important part" of the energy network. Fianna Fáil Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O'Brien is at the south-east Clare facility today for the 'Electrifying Ireland: A Shared Vision for the Future' conference. Ardnacrusha was Ireland's first hydroelectric station and remains its largest river hydro scheme. Minister O'Brien has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons it's a success story that can be learned from as the country moves towards renewables.

Drink spiking has become an increasing concern in recent years, and many incidents may go unreported. The government wants to introduce stronger laws to tackle the spiking of drinks and related offences. To discuss the measures the government can implement was Séamus McGrath, Fianna Fáil TD for Cork South Central.

Today, new research was published on the prevalence and impact of gender-based violence experienced by women TDs and Senators.Its stark findings from Women for Election found over 96% of female TDs and Senators have experienced threats of violence online…Fianna Fáil Senator Alison Comyn is Chair of the Irish Parliamentary Women's Caucus and launched this research today. She joins Shane to discuss.

There's much speculation that at some point before the next election, Micheál Martin will be replaced as Leader of Fianna Fáil, further lending to the tradition of ‘long goodbyes' for Ireland's political leaders.Newstalk's Political Correspondent and host of the ‘Let Me Explain' podcast Seán Defoe joins Seán to discuss and look back on some examples.

Fianna Fáil Councillor Daryl Barron has been elected the 359th Lord Mayor of Dublin, launching his "Our Dublin" agenda focused on restoring civic trust through practical local action. Daryl joined Anton this morning to discuss his new position.

Earlier today, the Government signed off on its one-off rural and Gaeltacht housing draft guidelines which aims to make it easier for families to build one-off homes in their locality.These new planning guidelines have been described as the “biggest overhaul of rural housing rules in two decades”, with local authorities being advised to be less ‘over prescriptive' about rural housing rules.James Browne, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Fianna Fáil TD for Wexford, joins Ciara to discuss.

A midlands town has been left reeling by the loss of three young people in a two-vehicle crash in Spain that has also left a man fighting for life in hospital.They have been named locally as Amy McCullagh, her brother-in-law Mark McCullagh and his partner Michaela Newcombe.Joining Shane to discuss is Priest based in Mullingar, Father Norman Allred and Robert Troy, Fianna Fáil TD and Minister of State at the Department of Finance.

It's being argued that overgrown grass and vegetation on Ennis's roundabouts are causing road safety issues. Fianna Fáil Councillor Antoinette Baker-Bashua is calling for an immediate review of grass-cutting and biodiversity planting arrangements on the county town's major roundabouts. Ennis Municipal District claims the edges of the town's roundabouts were last cut back during the week of June 1st. Councillor Baker-Bashua believes learner drivers are having difficulty.

The new Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District insists employment opportunities must be created in the region to allow it to reach its full potential. Fianna Fáil Councillor Michael Shannon will wear the west of the county's chain of office until next June after being elected this week. He assumes the role just two years ago first securing a seat on Clare County Council at the 2024 Local Election. The Kilmurry Ibrickane man says it's up to all of the area's elected representatives to lobby for inward investment.

Harry McGee and Cormac McQuinn join Pat Leahy to look back on the week in politics: All anyone can talk about this week is the weather. While the country enjoys the warmth, the Government still has to find balance between spending to prevent climate change and spending to mitigate the impact of change that has already arrived. Keir Starmer may be gone but the UK's biggest problem remains: the lack of growth in their economy. Proposed “reform” (read: scrapping) of the “triple lock” restriction on Irish overseas military deployment has run into trouble due to disquiet among Fianna Fail backbenchers. If not a rebellion, there was certainly “a renewed amount of grumbling” over the issue. But will it be a real problem for Taoiseach Micheal Martin? Plus the panel pick their IT stories of the week including a plea for underground bins, Michael McDowell's bold predictions and the divestment of Catholic church patronage.Would you like to receive daily insights into world events delivered to your inbox? Sign up for Denis Staunton's Global Briefing newsletter here: irishtimes.com/newsletters/global-briefing/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this episode, Tony is joined by PBP TD Paul Murphy to dig into the lay of the land in Irish politics, the current left-wing strategies for change, future coalition possibilities, and the influence of global corporations on our current political realm. Paul explores and gives his take on the challenges and opportunities for building a progressive government in Ireland that does not include Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael. Contantin Gurdgiev on US politics and the global economy:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-161617099 Two Palestinian journalists on life and reporting in Occupied Palestine: https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-162124288

Ennis has its first Sinn Féin mayor in over a century following the election of Clarecastle Councillor Tommy Guilfoyle at the annual general meeting of Ennis Municipal District this week.    The Cork native ascended to the position after being nominated by fellow magpie, Fine Gael Councillor Paul Murphy.    The outgoing Cathaoirleach of Ennis MD, Fine Gael Councillor Mary Howard, will serve as leas-cathaoirleach for the coming 12 months - she was nominated for the position by Fianna Fáil Councillor Antoinette Baker-Bashua.    A postal worker with a background as a trade unionist, Councillor Guilfoyle has been on Clare County Council since the June 2024 Local Elections.    Clare FM's Seán Lyons was at the meeting and spoke to the new mayor about what the role means to him. Photo (c) Seán Lyons

To look back on the news stories of the week were Tony McCormack, Fianna Fáil TD for Offaly, Senator Maria McCormack of Sinn Féin. Also Gearoid Keegan, Deputy Editor, Tullamore Tribune and Court reporter for Offaly Live.

The incoming Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe Municipal District  has pledged to continue the "harmony" in East Clare local politics while standing against plans that could harm the region.    Fine Gael Councillor Pat Burke has handed the chain of office to Fianna Fáil Councillor Tony O'Brien who'll take his fourth turn in the Cathaoirleach's chair since first being elected in 2004.    The Killaloe native, who previously served as a National Bus and Rail Union official, was also Mayor of Clare from 2022 to 2023.    The changing of the guard took place at the annual general meeting of Killaloe MD in the Killaloe/Ballina Community and Family Resource Centre.    Clare FM's Seán Lyons went along and spoke to the new Cathaoirleach who expressed that it was the perfect setting for the occasion.  Meanwhile, in the Shannon Municipal District, Clonlara Independent Councillor Michael Begley has been appointed Cathaoirleach for the second time in three years.     He succeeds Cllr John Crowe in the role and will be supported by Leas Cathaoirleach Cllr David Griffin.     Cllr Begley has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan about the areas where he wants to see improvements. Photo (c) kasto via Canva

Today's panel included Niall Collins, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Fianna Fáil TD for Limerick County, Darren O'Rourke, Sinn Féin TD for Meath East, Sinead Gibney, Social Democrats TD for Dublin Rathdown, Louise Bayliss, Head of Social Justice and Policy at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

Today's panel included Niall Collins, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Fianna Fáil TD for Limerick County, Darren O'Rourke, Sinn Féin TD for Meath East, Sinead Gibney, Social Democrats TD for Dublin Rathdown.

The timeline for the delivery of a long-awaited medical facility in Ennis has been pushed back yet again. The Government has confirmed that the county's first renal haemodialysis unit to be operated by Fresenius Medical Care in the Clare Technology Park on the Gort Road is expected to be operational within the final three months of this year. The unit, which will have 120 slots per week, was initially intended to be open by the end of 2024. Responding to Ennistymon Senator Martin Conway in the Seanad, Fianna Fáil Minister of State Michael Moynihan says it will ease pressure on services in Limerick and Galway.

 Stand-Up to RacismThe bullet holes from the August 1969 sectarian pogrom against the people of the Falls area are still visible on the front wall of St. Comgall's Primary School, Divis Street. Last Thursday lunchtime, a few yards from where, on that occasion, whole terraces of houses were burned out, scores of community activists from across Belfast came together in Ionad Eileen Howell to discuss another pogrom. This time the pogrom was rooted in violent racism.In the days before families and workers from the various ethnic groups, who now make up an important and valued part of our society, were attacked, threatened, and some were forcibly evicted from their homes. In harrowing scenes cars and some homes were destroyed as masked thugs roamed the streets of parts of Belfast, Portadown and Glengormley attacking the PSNI and the homes of our neighbours. Terrified children fled with their parents.Health workers were especially targeted. There was a clear attempt to intimidate many from their jobs. In addition, schools were closed. People were sent home from work. Public transport stopped.The Community Groups at the meeting in Ionad Eileen Howell described how they had helped relocate evicted families, worked with Belfast City Council to ensure that emergency accommodation was available, established a co-ordination and response group and had activists on the streets to defuse any attempt by right wing elements to stoke up further attacks. From the GAA and individual citizens there was widespread opposition to the racism. First Minister Michelle O'Neill met community representatives, youth workers and ethnic minority communities. She visited health staff in the Mater Hospital who had been threatened. She expressed her unambiguous solidarity and support for them.Belfast Ard Mheara Councillor Róis Máire Donnelly, who received death threats for standing up to the racists, refused to be silent. Last Friday she addressed a local anti-racism rally and the next day she spoke to the thousands who attended the massive anti-racist demonstration at the City Hall. Róis Máire told the crowd that Belfast is “stronger” because of our diversity. And she described Belfast people as “resilient, compassionate and welcoming.”She is right on both counts. Diversity is a strength, not a weakness. And notwithstanding the naysayers and begrudgers Belfast is welcoming city that embraces our ethnic minority citizens.  Momentum Building Around UnityThere are those who dismiss any possibility in the next few years of holding the unity referendums provided for in the Good Friday Agreement. Foremost among them is Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin who obstinately refuses to countenance any preparation for unity.However, his partner in Government, Fine Gael leader Simon Harris clearly doesn't agree. At the weekend he announced that his party is planning to develop and publish a blueprint for a united Ireland by their Ard Fheis in November. That is good news. Harris's statement of intent coincides with Uachtarán Shinn Féin Mary Lou McDonald's introduction this week in the Dáil of a Private Members Bill that will compel the Taoiseach to begin the planning and preparation for constitutional change and Irish Unity. The ‘Planning for Constitutional Change Bill 2026' will require the Taoiseach to institutionalise preparation and publish a Green Paper. This will facilitate consultation and encourage a national public debate as a first step before formal government legislation is established. The Green Paper will require the government setting out its ideas, vision and proposals on the economy, education, health, justice and the legal system and future governance arrangements.  Seeking the Truth: Pat FinucaneAfter 37 years the inquiry into the murder of human rights lawyer Pat Finucane has finally opened. Pat's wife Geraldine, his children John, Michael and Katherine and his dedicated family circle and legal team are to be commended for their diligence and steadfastness in pursuing the truth about Pat's murder.Successive British governments have lied, prevaricated, distracted, delayed and made every effort to prevent an inquiry from happening. Why? Because the extent of British state collusion with the UDA in his murder has the potential of laying responsibility for his death with senior political figures within the British Conservative government of Margaret Thatcher.That there was collusion in his murder and that of hundreds more, is not in doubt. But who was responsible? Who gave the orders? Who plotted and schemed to have Pat killed on 12 February 1989? Who knew what within the RUC; within RUC Special Branch; within MI5; the Force Reconnaissance Unit (FRU); British Army; and the British Cabinet? 

A Sinn Féin bill to remove the requirement for a three-day waiting period for an abortion was passed by TDs last night. The Government parties Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael allowed their deputies a free vote. A majority of these parties’ deputes voted against the change. Paula Dennan of Kerry for Choice gave her reaction.

Former Clare TD and long-serving Councillor James Breen has passed away, aged 81.   The Kilnamona native retired from politics 7 years ago following 34 years in politics.    First elected to Clare County Council in 1985, James Breen left the Fianna Fáil party and ran as an Independent candidate in the 2002 General Election, in which he topped the poll.   After he lost his Dáil seat in 2007, he was re-elected to the Council in 2009, and in 2015, he became the first person from Kilnamona to be elected as Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council. He stepped down from politics in May 2019.   James Breen is survived by his wife Eileen, sons and daughter.  To reflect on his life, career and legacy, Alan Morrissey was joined by Pat Daly, Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor, and Pat Hayes, Maghera Fianna Fáil Councillor. Photo (c) Pat Flynn

Cathal Crowe, Fianna Fáil TD on the Oireachtas Education Committee and Eoghan Kenny, Labour TD and spokesperson on education and youth.

Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Andrews, and Fine Gael MEP Regina Doherty, discuss the proposed introduction of a new returns policy for international protection applicants being voted on in the European Parliament.

Dúirt leaschathaoirleach Chomhchoiste na Gaeilge an Teachta Dála Naoise Ó Cearúil, go bhfuil reachtaíocht a ullmhú aige le dul i ngleic leis an easpa dul chun cinn atá a dhéanamh le córas gaeloideachais a bhunú sa tír.

Pat joins Hugh after interviewing Fianna Fáil's Darragh O'Brien about major issues related to his twin ministries, Transport and Climate, Energy and the Environment. They listen back to the interview and discuss what O'Brien had to say about a new scrappage scheme to encourage the purchase of EVs, Ireland's certain failure to hit its legally-binding emissions targets in 2030 and the financial cost to the state of that failure.They also discuss data centres and the future of Fianna Fail's leadership after a disappointing showing in the recent byelections.Would you like to receive daily insights into world events delivered to your inbox? Sign up for Denis Staunton's Global Briefing newsletter here: irishtimes.com/newsletters/global-briefing/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

RTÉ has been in the news again lately thanks to renewed controversy over payments to presenters. So it is a timely moment for the release of a new book on the institution. RTÉ: Saints, Scholars, and Scandals is the latest work by former TD, minister and journalist Shane Ross, who brings his dual experience of media and politics to bear on this unwieldy subject.He talks to Hugh about the deep roots of RTÉ's structural problems, Fianna Fáil's dominance of RTÉ throughout its history (exemplified by Gay Byrne's cozy relationship with Charles Haughey) and the damaging recent scandals over payments and governance.He tells Hugh the frustration politicians feel over negative coverage is the reason cash-strapped RTÉ has not enjoyed a licence fee increase since 2008.Ross also talks about how illness (he is recovering from throat cancer) derailed the book for a few years.Would you like to receive daily insights into world events delivered to your inbox? Sign up for Denis Staunton's Global Briefing newsletter here: irishtimes.com/newsletters/global-briefing/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.