Podcasts about ireland south

Artificial intelligence is developing at a remarkable pace, but so too are concerns about how the technology can be misused.Today, the European Parliament voted to ban so-called AI "nudifier" tools, software designed to create fake nude or intimate images of real people without their consent.The measure was proposed by Independent MEP Michael McNamara, who joined Limerick Today to discuss what the new law means, why it was needed, and whether Europe is keeping pace with the rapid growth of AI.Image via Getty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The long-awaited and much-debated EU Migration and Asylum Pact is at last coming into effect today. But what exactly are we in store for as a result of this? And did Ireland make the right move by opting in? To debate this further was Barry Andrews Fianna Fail MEP for Dublin and Michael McNamara Independent MEP for Ireland South.

The long-awaited and much-debated EU Migration and Asylum Pact is at last coming into effect today. But what exactly are we in store for as a result of this? And did Ireland make the right move by opting in? To debate this further was Barry Andrews Fianna Fail MEP for Dublin and Michael McNamara Independent MEP for Ireland South.

A row has erupted over continued exports of alumina from the Aughinish refinery on the Shannon Estuary to Russia, with the Ukrainian Embassy in Ireland expressing what it describes as "serious concern" about the trade. The controversy centres on claims that alumina produced at the Russian-owned plant in County Limerick could ultimately be ending up in supply chains linked to Russia's military-industrial complex. The company insists it is fully compliant with all EU sanctions and trade regulations, while the Government has launched an investigation and says it is awaiting the findings before any decisions are made. The issue raises difficult questions about sanctions, European energy and industrial security, Ireland's support for Ukraine, and the future of one of the country's most significant manufacturing employers. To discuss the political and European dimensions of the story, Alan Morrissey was joined by Newmarket-on-Fergus native and Professor of Politics at Dublin City University, Donnacha Ó'Beacháin, and Billy Kelleher, Fianna Fáil MEP for Ireland South. Image (c) Liam Burke via Irish Times

This bank holiday weekend on our roads we saw more than 140 motorists arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as well as more than 3,100 speeding offences and over 340 drivers using a mobile phone or failing to wear a seatbelt.Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, Fianna Fail MEP for Ireland South and member of the European Transport Committee has more ideas when it comes to road safety, including a potential curfew for novice drivers…She joins Shane to discuss.

Fianna Fáil MEP for Ireland South, Billy Kelleher and Sinn Féin spokesperson on Defence Donnchadh O'Laoghaire.

Prof Andrew Coogan from the Department of Psychology at Maynooth and Sean Kelly, Fine Gael MEP for Ireland South

Should we remove tolling booths from all tolled roads? My next guests things so and says it is "archaic" that trucks, buses, and cars are still being forced to stop, queue, and pay at toll booths. That's according to Fianna Fail MEP for Ireland South, Cynthia Ní Mhurchú. The EU Transport Committee MEP said Ireland is behind its EU counterparts who have free-flow tolling systems and describes toll booths as outdated concepts that cause traffic delays, minor accidents, millions of euros in wasted diesel and millions of tonnes of carbon emissions.Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, Fianna Fail MEP for Ireland South and member of the European Transport Committee joined Shane Coleman on the show to discuss.

How much pressure is being put on Taoiseach Micheál Martin by his party Fianna Fáil?Joining Seán Defoe to discuss is Cynthia Ní Mhurchú Fianna Fáil MEP for Ireland South. And later joining Ciara to discuss is Naoise Ó Cearúil Fianna Fáil TD for Kildare North.

Billy Kelleher, Fianna Fail MEP for Ireland South and Peadar Toibin, Aontu leader and TD for Meath West

This weekend, the clocks will spring forward one hour leading to the bi-annual question: should we still be doing it? And why on earth do we do it in the first place? Sean Kelly, Fine Gael MEP for Ireland South joins Shane to discuss…

Sinn Féin's two MEPs have voted against a €90 billion European Union loan to Ukraine when the before the European Parliament today. The party has said it supports the provision of humanitarian aid but says the proposed loan is ‘primarily for military expenditure'. Joining Shean to discuss was Regina Doherty, Irish Fine Gael MEP and Micheal Mc Namara, Independent MEP for Ireland South

Independent MEP for Ireland South, Michael McNamara is warning that rising costs and paywalled sport are driving more people towards so-called dodgy boxes, with an estimated one in five people in Ireland now using them. While acknowledging piracy is a serious issue, he says broadcasters and unfair subscription practices share the blame — and he's opposed to any move to fine users. To discuss this further, Michael spoke with Alan Morrissey on Monday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) Proxima Studio via Canva.

Earlier this week, Irish Independent Technology Editor Adrian Weckler was telling us how European countries are cracking down on dodgy boxes and Ireland could follow suit with new penalties of its own. But according to Michael McNamara, Independent MEP for Ireland South, paywalls and unfair consumer practices will continue driving customers to the dodgy box. Michael explained more to Newstalk Breakfast this morning.

Earlier this week, Irish Independent Technology Editor Adrian Weckler was telling us how European countries are cracking down on dodgy boxes and Ireland could follow suit with new penalties of its own. But according to Michael McNamara, Independent MEP for Ireland South, paywalls and unfair consumer practices will continue driving customers to the dodgy box. Michael explained more to Newstalk Breakfast this morning.

Joe is joined by Sean Kelly, MEP for Ireland South and Robert Whelan, Managing Director of Rockwell Finance, as they discuss how electricity bills in Ireland are set to rise as significant investment is planned to modernise the country's grid and prepare for the future of energy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New figures show a sharp rise in drug-driving cases, with prosecutions up 37% nationally so far this year and a staggering 105% increase in Clare. More than 2,050 people have appeared before district courts for drug driving in the first ten months of 2025 alone — the highest level on record. 39 people before the Clare district court system on drug driving charges during that period. Ireland South Fianna Fáil MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú says these cases are just the tip of the iceberg and is calling for tougher enforcement and expanded roadside drug testing this Christmas. Alan Morrissey was joined by Cynthia Ní Mhurchú to discuss the growing dangers on our roads and what needs to be done to tackle it. Image (c) RSA.ie

Treasa spoke to Ireland South MEP, Kilcummin man Sean Kelly about the US government's plan to require five years of social media data for US visa applicants. The plan has gone out to public consultation in the US.

Jennifer Whitmore, Social Democrats spokesperson for the Climate, Environment and Agriculture and Billy Kelleher, Fianna Fáil MEP for Ireland South

Séamus McGrath TD, Spokesperson on Housing, Fianna Fáil, Cork South-Central, Kathleen Funchion MEP, Sinn Féin, Ireland South, and Kevin Doyle, Group Head of News, Irish Independent were our Friday Forum today.

Sinn Féin MEP for Ireland South which includes Kerry, Kathleen Funchion, talks to Treasa about the new 'Jennie's Law', which the cabinet is currently considering. She hopes the new domestic violence register will include those convicted of coercive control, and not just of physically violent crimes. Her former partner was jailed for coercive control. MEP Funchion also talks to Treasa about a claim made by former EU Commissioner Phil Hogan. She disagrees with him that Irish farmers have “nothing to fear” from the Mercosur deal, claiming his statement is out of touch and misleading.

Barry Kenny of Irish Rail, involved in works between Mallow and Cork, explains why the Mallow to Tralee rail line is not included on the programme of works.

Jerry spoke to Ireland South MEP Sean Kelly about proper hedge cutting and why he feels local authorities are ignoring Teagasc advice on how to cut hedges, and they are butchering them instead. He also spoke about the peace deal with Gaza and Israel.

Jerry spoke to the MEP for Ireland South who’s visiting Tír na nÓg Early Years Care and Education Centre in Ballybunion and Adapt Kerry Women’s Refuge in Tralee.

Send us a textThis week, the guys are talking about Iowa State's big victory over Kansas State in Dublin and what the Cyclones need to do to make it to 2-0.

Joining Pat this morning for our Friday Forum were Thomas Byrne, Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade with special responsibility for European Affairs and at the Department of Defence and TD for Meath East, Kathleen Funchion, Sinn Féin MEP for Ireland South and also Jack Horgan-Jones, Political Correspondent with The Irish Times.

Billy Kelleher, Fianna Fail MEP for Ireland South and Fionnan Sheehan, Ireland Editor with the Irish Independent.

Sean Kelly, MEP for Ireland South, announces his decision to seek the Fine Gael nomination to run for President of Ireland.

While the big news of the day has been that both Seán Kelly and Heather Humphries are both putting themselves forward for the Fine Gael Presidential nomination. Fianna Fáil are making sure they're not outdone. Their MEP for Ireland South, Billy Kelleher, has said he has written to the party's Cathaoirleach to ask for an urgent meeting to discuss their involvement in the race.Billy Kelleher joins Kieran to discuss, as well as Newstalk's Political Correspondent, Seán Defoe.

Seán Kelly, Fine Gael MEP, Ireland South and Michael McNamara, Independent MEP, Ireland South

Jerry spoke to Fine Gael MEP for Ireland South, Kilcummin’s Sean Kelly who has decided that he won’t be seeking his party’s nomination for the Presidential election later this year.

An Ireland South MEP has defended her decision to vote against what she's called a "fascist" censure vote of the European Commission President. Ursula von der Leyen has survived the motion tabled today after it failed to secure the required two-thirds majority. The motion was brought forward by a Romanian far-right MEP after von der Leyen's refusal to release text messages exchanged with the Chief Executive of Pfizer during the pandemic. Ireland South MEP Fianna Fáil Cynthia Ní Mhurchú has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons creating a power vacuum in Europe would only serve to destabilise Ireland and jeopardise its interests.

Billy Kelleher, Fianna Fáil MEP for Ireland South; and Lynn Boylan, Sinn Fein MEP for Dublin; on EU climate funding.

With rising violence and instability in the Middle East, Mick Wallace, former Independent MEP for Ireland South, joins us to share his outspoken perspectives on the crisis. Known for his strong views on foreign affairs, EU policy, and human rights, Mick offers insight into what's happening and what it means on a global scale.

Gareth Browne, Correspondent with The Economist; John Cummins, Minister of State at the Department of Housing; Peadar Tóibín, Aontú leader and TD for Meath West; Kathleen Funchion, Sinn Féin MEP for Ireland South

Paul Murphy, People Before Profit TD for Dublin South-West, describes his release from detention in Egypt. Panel includes John Cummins, Minister of State at the Department of Housing; Peadar Tóibín, Aontú leader and TD for Meath West; Kathleen Funchion, Sinn Féin MEP for Ireland South

John Cummins, Minister of State at the Department of Housing; Peadar Tóibín, Aontú leader and TD for Meath West; Kathleen Funchion, Sinn Féin MEP for Ireland South

In 2024, suspects in over 400,000 crimes were out on bail.Are Ireland's bail laws too lax?In high profile crimes, is the argument that the system sometimes prioritises the presumption of innocence, over public safety, a valid question?Joining Kieran to discuss is Independent MEP for Ireland South, Michael McNamara.

Questions are being raised over the reported recommendation against building a new Model 3 hospital in the Mid-West region. HSE Mid-West has reportedly recommended not constructing such a hospital. That's despite numerous calls for a Model 3 hospital in the region. The reported recommendation has been described as “very difficult to reconcile with the persistent crisis in unscheduled emergency care at University Hospital Limerick (UHL)”. That comment came from the Independent MEP for Ireland South, Michael McNamara, who joined Alan Morrissey this morning... Photo(C): Tharakorn arunothai via canva

Barry Ward, Fine Gael TD for Dún Laoghaire; Sinéad Gibney, Social Democrats TD for Dublin Rathdown; Michael McNamara, Independent MEP for Ireland South; Harry McGee, Political Correspondent with The Irish Times

Barry Ward, Fine Gael TD for Dún Laoghaire; Sinéad Gibney, Social Democrats TD for Dublin Rathdown; Michael McNamara, Independent MEP for Ireland South; Harry McGee, Political Correspondent with The Irish Times

Barry Ward, Fine Gael TD for Dún Laoghaire; Sinéad Gibney, Social Democrats TD for Dublin Rathdown; Michael McNamara, Independent MEP for Ireland South; Harry McGee, Political Correspondent with The Irish Times

Barry Ward, Fine Gael TD for Dún Laoghaire; Sinéad Gibney, Social Democrats TD for Dublin Rathdown; Michael McNamara, Independent MEP for Ireland South; Harry McGee, Political Correspondent with The Irish Times

Kathleen Funchion, who’s Sinn Féin MEP for Ireland South, spoke to Jerry after her former partner was convicted under section four of the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020, also known as Coco’s Law. Former Kilkenny County Councillor Sean Tyrell has been imprisoned for his harassment and abuse of Ms Funchion. If you have been affected by anything you heard in this interview, you may contact Adapt Kerry Women’s Refuge on 066 712 9100.

John Cooke, RTÉ Radio 1 reporter; Maria Walsh, Fine Gael MEP for Midlands–North-West; Kathleen Funchion, Sinn Féin MEP for Ireland South; Ciaran Mullooly, Independent Ireland MEP for Midlands–North-West

Maria Walsh, Fine Gael MEP for Midlands–North-West; Kathleen Funchion, Sinn Féin MEP for Ireland South; Ciaran Mullooly, Independent Ireland MEP for Midlands–North-West

Marc O'Driscoll, North East Correspondent; Maria Walsh, Fine Gael MEP for Midlands–North-West; Kathleen Funchion, Sinn Féin MEP for Ireland South; Ciaran Mullooly, Independent Ireland MEP for Midlands–North-West

Maria Walsh, Fine Gael MEP for Midlands–North-West; Kathleen Funchion, Sinn Féin MEP for Ireland South; Ciaran Mullooly, Independent Ireland MEP for Midlands–North-West

Donald Trump has paused US military aid to Ukraine. Meanwhile, The European Commission President has announced measures to ramp up defence spending. Ursula von der Leyen has outlined a five point "Rearm Europe" plan, and has written to EU leaders on the matter. It's hoped the proposals will see member states "massively boost" spending on military capability. Jerry spoke to Ireland South MEP and First Vice-President of Renew Europe, Fianna Fáil’s Billy Kelleher.

An MEP for this region has called for the urgent reforms of the judicial process involved in applying for a domestic violence court order. Figures released under the Freedom of Information act to Cynthia Ní Mhurchú show that 536 people applications were made in Clare in 2023, with just 54% were granted, down from a 56% rate in 2022. The Ireland South MEP believes a large proportion victims withdraw their applications due to high levels of coercive control experienced in court, calling for the introduction of more consultation rooms for victims within district courts. She says most courtroom scenarios are not supportive to taking effective action on the matter.