Podcasts about irish government

Simon Harris, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, discusses the response to the deteriorating situation in Gaza by both the Irish Government and the European Union.

National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company delivering the Government's National Broadband Plan (NBP), has today announced that over 125,000 premises across Ireland are now connected to its high-speed fibre broadband network. There are now 361,101 homes, farms and businesses that have been passed with NBI fibre out of the 564,000 currently included in the NBP Intervention Area. People living and working in the rollout area can connect to high-speed fibre broadband on the NBI Network through a choice of 50 different broadband providers actively selling on the network. Everyone can enter their Eircode on the NBI website, www.nbi.ie, to see if their home or business is included in the rollout, as well as seeing the broadband providers offering high-speed fibre connectivity in their area. As the rollout phase of NBI's network nears completion, take-up rates continue to grow. NBI has now completed the preliminary survey works required for the entire Intervention Area and the rollout is on track to pass over 420,000 premises by the end of this year. More than 125,000 premises have now connected to the NBI Network, with the average take-up rate of 35% well ahead of projections and international comparisons. The connection rate surpasses 50% in areas where the NBI Network has been live for longer. Minister for Arts, Culture, Communications, Media and Sport, Patrick O'Donovan TD, said: "This milestone underlines the Government's commitment to ensuring that every corner of the State has access to world-class digital infrastructure. With over 125,000 connections now live under the National Broadband Plan, we are seeing the benefits of this investment throughout rural Ireland. "Whether it's supporting remote working, helping local businesses expand, or giving students new ways to learn, high-speed broadband is transforming lives and unlocking new opportunities for communities across the country." David McCourt, Chairman, National Broadband Ireland said: "The National Broadband Plan is providing rural Ireland with the same access to digital opportunities as our cities. With 125,000 premises already connected to the NBI Network, this project is making a tangible difference to rural areas that have been anticipating reliable, high-speed connectivity. "In every decision that NBI has taken to deliver the Irish Government's National Broadband Plan, we've provided a blueprint for other nations to follow on their path to full fibre connectivity and that includes our unique approach to educating consumers and creating demand for services on our network." Peter Hendrick, Chief Executive Officer, National Broadband Ireland, said: "This is a proud moment for NBI and communities across Ireland as 125,000 homes, farms and businesses are now connected to our world-class fibre broadband network. "These connections are already making a significant difference - enabling remote working, online learning, digital entrepreneurship, and so much more. The demand is strong, and we're focused on maintaining momentum and delivering access to even more people this year." Sheila Murray is the owner of Murrays Recycled Plastic Ltd, a family-owned business, based in Glenisland, Castlebar, Co. Mayo. Murrays designs and manufactures maintenance-free, durable, lifelong products made from 100% recycled plastic boards. This includes outdoor garden furniture, decking, fencing, raised beds and gates. The company employs 15+ people and supplies both domestic and commercial customers. Murrays are Ireland's leading supplier of premium-quality, maintenance free recycled plastic products, built to last a lifetime. The company is leveraging high-speed broadband delivered under the National Broadband Plan to grow its brand and engage new audiences. Reliable fibre connectivity has enabled Sheila and her team to develop new digital marketing skills and build social media strategies to promote their brand online and attract new eco-conscious customers. Sheila Murray said: "Better ...

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD has today attended a signing ceremony at the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN) headquarters to agree Ireland's Associate Membership of the organisation. The Minister's signature signals Ireland's commitment to join the world-leading research organisation and marks an important step in the process of joining. Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Lawless said: "I am delighted to have signed this Associate Membership Agreement with CERN. This represents the culmination of significant work by the Government and CERN, building on the excellence of the Irish physics community. "As an associate member of one of the world's most significant research organisations, Ireland will have an opportunity to gain access to excellent research, innovation, collaboration and industry contracts. "This long-term international commitment to our scientific community will demonstrate the Irish Government's continued and expanding support of Ireland's participation in leading global research collaborations. "I look forward to working with my colleagues in Government and stakeholders over the coming period to finalise Ireland's associate membership status and maximise the opportunities presented by the process." Associate membership of CERN will bring benefits to Ireland across research, industry, skills, science outreach and international relations. It will open doors for Ireland's researchers to participate in CERN's scientific programmes and will make Irish citizens eligible for staff positions and fellowships at CERN. It will also be possible for Irish citizens to access CERN's formal training schemes and develop skills in industry-relevant areas such as electronics, photonics, materials, energy systems and software. Membership will also allow Ireland's enterprises to compete in CERN procurement programmes. Much of CERN's instrumentation and equipment requires the development or exploitation of novel technologies, which spurs enterprise innovation. Many of these technologies have applications in other spheres such as medicine, space, energy and ICT. Today's signing ceremony was opened by the Director of International Relations at CERN, Ms Charlotte Lindberg Warakaulle, followed by some words welcoming Ireland's membership of the organisation from the Director-General of CERN, Dr Fabiola Gianotti. Minister Lawless then signed the Associate Membership Agreement on behalf of Ireland, and Dr Gianotti signed on behalf of CERN. Minister Lawless also had the opportunity to visit the ISOLDE facility, a key experimental infrastructure supporting fundamental research in particle physics and radiobiology. Ireland applied for Associate Membership of CERN in November 2023. Subject to funding requirements and Dáil approval, it is expected that Ireland will complete the accession process this year. More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too. You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at Simon@IrishTechNews.ie now to discuss. Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. Why not drop us a line at Info@IrishTechNews.ie now to find out more about how we can help you reach our audience. You can also find and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.

Episode 254. From Crisis to Chaos: Is the Housing System Beyond Repair? In this episode, I confront the accelerating dysfunction in Ireland's housing system. I explore why the traditional narrative that paints landlords as villains is flawed and how the exodus of landlords is shrinking rental supply, driving rents to unsustainable levels. I dive into the unintended economic consequences of this landlord exodus and the knock-on effects it has on recruitment, foreign investment, and job growth. The episode also tackles the failed appointment of a “housing czar” and the political gridlock stalling progress, as well as the economic warning from Ireland's Central Bank governor. I question whether we're truly facing a crisis—or has it now become chaos? *** Curious about my Accelerator

Episode 254. From Crisis to Chaos: Is the Housing System Beyond Repair? In this episode, I confront the accelerating dysfunction in Ireland's housing system. I explore why the traditional narrative that paints landlords as villains is flawed and how the exodus of landlords is shrinking rental supply, driving rents to unsustainable levels. I dive into the unintended economic consequences of this landlord exodus and the knock-on effects it has on recruitment, foreign investment, and job growth. The episode also tackles the failed appointment of a “housing czar” and the political gridlock stalling progress, as well as the economic warning from Ireland's Central Bank governor. I question whether we're truly facing a crisis—or has it now become chaos? *** Curious about my Accelerator

Leading provider of hospitality technology Kappture has chosen Galway City as the location for the expansion of its Software Development Hub with the creation of at least 20 new roles. Currently operating out of The Portershed, the team will focus on the development of its cutting-edge AI platform, BRISK, as well as innovating on its core EPOS solutions. Kappture works with some of the world's most iconic live event brands including Croke Park, Thomond Park, six English Premier League clubs, Ascot, Cheltenham, Aintree, Punchestown, Celtic FC, Olympique Lyonnais, ASM Global and many more. Developed in Galway, BRISK is a world leading AI computer vision action tracking platform. It's first application will be for food & beverage retail at sports and live event venues. Using edge compute, BRISK is the first and only solution of its kind to offer instant payments with a human-free checkout experience. BRISK will remove the all too familiar experience of long queues for food & beverages at your favourite sports matches, concerts, and other live events. The first deployment is now live with Norwich FC with many more planned across Ireland, the UK and globally. Kappture is backed by Irish private equity investor Renatus Capital Partners. This project is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland. Minister for Enterprise Tourism & Employment Peter Burke said: "Great news that Kappture, a leading provider of hospitality technology, has chosen Galway City for their new Software Development Hub, with the creation of 20 jobs. With a focus on innovative new AI technologies, the new office will provide exciting and transformative job opportunities for the locality. Galway is key hub for technology companies, and I very much welcome Kappture to this thriving ecosystem. Congratulations to the team on this new initiative." Kappture is currently recruiting in the areas of computer vision software engineering, software development as well as other commercial and operational roles as it builds out its team. To explore opportunities to join the team visit: Kappture - Careers Neil Haran, CTO of Kappture said "We are delighted to receive support from the IDA Ireland as we look to expand our activities in Ireland both for BRISK and our core EPOS activities. BRISK is the world's only solution that can take payments for food & beverages instantly with no human interaction. BRISK has global applications to remove the pain points of queues at live events, to make it a better experience for fans and more efficient for venue operators. Our ambition is to bring highly skilled talent to Galway and to increase its standing as a hub for AI, innovation and creativity" Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland said "Kappture's decision to expand its software development operations in Galway underscores Ireland's growing reputation as a global hub for technology and innovation. Galway, with its vibrant tech ecosystem, skilled talent pool, and collaborative community, offers an ideal environment for companies developing cutting-edge solutions. This investment not only highlights the city's attractiveness for scaling ambitious tech ventures but also reinforces Ireland's position at the forefront of AI and digital transformation." For more information, visit Experience More - Kappture[AN1] and see BRISK in action here: BRISK See more stories here. More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too. You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at Simon@IrishTechNews.ie now to discuss. Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. Why not drop us a line at Info@IrishTechNews.ie now to find out more about how we can help you reach our audience. You can also find and follow us...

The political landscape across the island of Ireland has been changing over the past decade. Demographic changes, Brexit, polling data, and the realignment of traditional politics in the Oireachtas all point to the need to prepare for the increasing inevitability of substantial constitutional change in the future. Dialogue around the potential for a United Ireland has become more prevalent, particularly in Northern Ireland. In his address to the IIEA, Senator Conor Murphy discusses how this now requires more structured formal planning involving the Irish Government to ensure the necessary preparations are in place for a smooth transition in the event of constitutional change. Speaker bio: Conor Murphy was appointed as Sinn Féin Leader of the Seanad in February 2025. In 1998, after serving as a Newry and Mourne councillor for eight years, he was elected to the Assembly where he chaired the Assembly Committee, was the Party Chief Whip, and also held the position of Group Leader of the Sinn Féin MLAs. In 2005, Senator Murphy became the first Irish Republican to be elected as MP for Newry and Armagh, he then retained the seat in 2010. In 2007, Conor was appointed the Minister for Regional Development, a position that he held until 2011. In 2012, as part of Sinn Féin's commitment to ending double-jobbing, he left the Assembly to concentrate on his role as an MP.

Russia's secretive Cosmos 2553 satellite, which has seemingly been spinning out of control lately, has raised alarming questions about the potential use of weapons in space.Joining Seán to discuss is Leo Enright, Space Commentator and former Chairman of the Irish Government's Science Awareness programme…

Russia's secretive Cosmos 2553 satellite, which has seemingly been spinning out of control lately, has raised alarming questions about the potential use of weapons in space.Joining Seán to discuss is Leo Enright, Space Commentator and former Chairman of the Irish Government's Science Awareness programme…

While the Genocide in Gaza continues, the Irish Government prefers to add lip service to promoting the NATO Proxy War in Ukraine, ignoring the numbers dying in Palestine + Ukraine. Meanwhile we waste more money on Public Inquiries that deliver zero accountability...

Michael Lehane, Political Correspondent

Hiring activity across key sectors in Ireland showed resilience in Q1 2025, with job postings at Matrix Recruitment rising 15.3% year-on-year, despite economic uncertainty. According to the latest Workforce Trends Report from Matrix Recruitment, employers demonstrated a cautious but steady approach to hiring in the first quarter of 2025, particularly in sectors with ongoing talent shortages, such as Manufacturing, Engineering, and Financial Services. "While economic uncertainty remains a concern, we are seeing strong demand for skilled professionals across multiple industries," said Breda Dooley, Head of Recruitment at Matrix Recruitment. "Manufacturing remains a key generator of jobs in Ireland, and we are seeing increased investment in ESG roles. The market is evolving, and job seekers with in-demand skills will continue to be at an advantage." Sector-Specific Trends The latest data from AIB's manufacturing PMI reported a modest upturn in manufacturing performance in the first quarter of the year on the back of increased production and new contracts. This was reflected in hiring trends with manufacturing accounting for over 25% of live job listings at Matrix Recruitment in Q1 2025. The number of manufacturing roles grew by 29% in Q1 2025 compared to the same time last year with Matrix Recruitment reporting that employers are actively recruiting for a wider range of technical and supervisory positions, with job titles like Production Manager, Maintenance Technician, Mechanical Design Engineer, and Production Team Leader driving the surge. Roles related to environment, sustainability, and green strategy rose YOY (5%), signalling that more employers in Ireland are recognising the importance of ESG as part of their overall business strategy and investing accordingly. Permanent vs. Temporary Roles Demand for permanent positions rose by 10.5% in Q1 2025, accounting for over 65% of all job listings at Matrix Recruitment. Meanwhile, temporary hiring surged by 16.7%, indicating a shift toward workforce flexibility.Speaking about this uptick in temp and contract roles, Breda Dooley said: "The growth in short-term project and cover roles is clearly a reflection of the economic uncertainty we are feeling at the minute. Many businesses are focused on staying agile and prioritising their short-term operational needs over future growth." Regional Hiring Hotspots The services sector saw a surge in hiring, particularly for administrative and clerical roles, with job postings increasing by 28.6% in counties such as Westmeath and Kildare. Waterford witnessed a notable rise in engineering and manufacturing roles, aligning with ongoing industry investment in the Southeast. Manufacturing jobs were also particularly strong in Roscommon, Cavan, and Westmeath. Trump Tariffs v Job Creation As Ireland continues to navigate the complexities of the global economic landscape, several key factors will influence hiring trends for the remainder of the year. Among these, global trade tensions remain a central concern. The Irish Government has warned that up to 80,000 future jobs could be at risk if the US proceeds with additional tariffs on the EU. Although the tariffs have now been confirmed, they are currently subject to a 90-day pause, providing a window for negotiation and potential resolution. This period of uncertainty means that while certain sectors, including automotive, machinery, electronics, minerals, and agriculture, may be more vulnerable to disruption, the full extent of the impact remains to be seen. Matrix Recruitment has noted a potential for sharper-than-expected slowdown in job growth, following the US administration's April 2nd announcement. However, with EU leaders hoping to engaging in dialogue with the US, there remains cautious optimism that an agreement could mitigate the worst-case scenarios. Focusing on SMEs, Breda warns: "Already under pressure from recent increases in sick pay and the minimum wage, SMEs are facing mounting ch...

US President Donald Trump has vowed that his policies "will never change". He made the comment as global markets tumble for a second day, following his announcement of new US tariffs. James Lawless, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science gives an update on the Governments outlook.

Today, the Irish Government published its latest tax returns and spending outline for the month of March.These are more significant given the news of President Trump's 20% Tariffs last night for the EU…To discuss, Kieran is joined by Jack Chambers, Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Reform & Digitalisation in the Government of Ireland and Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin West.

The crypto world has had an interesting 2025 so far. It all started in late January 2025 after President Trump, a big crypto fan took office. President Trump proclaimed his love for all things crypto before launching his meme coin earlier this year. Elon Musk, his BFF and head of Trump's new DOGE department has been promoting various cryptocurrencies. All of this has resulted in a big uptake in people buying cryptocurrencies. Two days before President Trump was sworn in, Bitcoin hit a high of $104,536.90. This was due to the new American President being a big crypto fan, and the fact he is looking to launch an official American digital currency. All of this has helped to legitimise cryptocurrencies and prompt various countries to investigate launching their own digital currencies. Irish Tech News can exclusively reveal that the Irish Government has kept a close eye on what President Trump has been doing in the Crypto World. Within days of the current Government forming, the cabinet took time out from the speaking row debacle to launch a feasibility study on Ireland having their own digital currency. The Minister of Finance, Pascal Donohoe, got the boffins in the Department of Finance's new digital hub, Crypto Revolutionary Universal Digital (CRUD). The head of CRUD, Professor Rashers O'Toole, quickly got the buckos under him working on this. Professor O'Toole told Irish Tech News "With tariffs on the way, we had to act fast to protect the Irish economy. The only logical way of doing this was to invest in our own digital currency. " Once the feasibility study showed beyond doubt that an Irish digital currency had great potential, the next step was to think up a name for the new Irish digital asset. Professor O'Toole explained what happened next. "The team in CRUD brainstormed over various names before coming up with a shortlist. The following names were on the shortlist, The Lucky Charms Coin, The Leprechaun Coin, and The Shamrock Coin. "The shortlist was soon whittled down to the Shamrock Coin after various focus groups were held. One major point that was brought up in the focus groups, was that The Shamrock Coin name was too cliched and the name was shortened to the Sham Coin." When the Taoiseach met President Trump last month, he privately disclosed the idea of creating an Irish digital coin. President Trump was said to be enthusiastic and over the moon at what Ireland is planning to do. "This could be the second greatest thing after the Trump meme coin." Is what President is said to have told our Taoiseach Micheal Martin before he left the White House. The possibilities, for crypto is endless, and the Irish Government are convinced that they are on to a winner. After various setbacks involving, housing, health, bike sheds and phone pouch's, the Government need to get the general public back on side. Various opinion polls over the past couple of months have not been kind too the Government and something like this will help get them back in the general public's good books. Ministers Martin, Harris and Donohoe, are not yet in the last chance saloon hoping this gamble pays off. Crypto Coin future plans Plans are now in full swing to launch the Sham Coin before the summer, but before that can happen a sale price has to be agreed. The consensus at this moment in time is to make the Sham Coin price affordable, so that as many as possible can buy it. In the next couple of months Minister Donohoe, and Professor O'Toole will hold a press conference to launch the Sham Coin, so keep an eye out for that. See more stories here.

Datavant, one of the world's leading health data platform companies, has announced its expansion into Ireland with the opening of its global R&D centre in Galway. The company plans to initially hire up to 125 people at its Global Development Centre in Galway by the end of 2027. Recruitment is already underway with a range of diverse engineering roles now open. Datavant Ireland will be working out of the Portershed initially with plans to open a city centre location before the end of the year. The project is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland. Datavant CEO Kyle Armbrester is making the announcement at an event in Galway's Portershed this morning (March 31st), which will be attended by Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke T.D. and IDA CEO Michael Lohan. Members of Datavant's Executive Leadership Team also in attendance include Matt Vail, Chief Technology Officer; Arnaub Chatterjee, General Manager and President of Life Sciences, Ecosystem and Public Sector; and Susan Yun, Chief People Officer. The company is also announcing the appointment of its new Vice President, Engineering and Galway Technical Lead, Ciaran O'Toole, who will be based out of the Galway office. Ciaran will lead the effort to build the Datavant engineering team in Ireland with a focus on building the company's life sciences technology roadmap and integration with the enterprise technology organisation. Prior to joining Datavant, Ciaran was VP of Software Engineering for Globalisation Partners, a Boston-based global recruitment and talent company, where he led the build-out of the company's Irish engineering team and launched its Galway site. Throughout his career, Ciaran has worked on building out and maintaining multifunctional, high-performing engineering teams. Datavant is the world leader in secure, compliant healthcare data exchange and has more than 8,000 employees. It is making the world's health data secure, accessible and actionable. Datavant's vast and diverse health data exchange in the U.S. serves as a "network of networks," enabling seamless, privacy-preserving data exchange between life sciences, payers, and providers through its platform. By connecting disparate patient-level datasets ,EHRs, claims data, lab results, clinical trial data, consumer data, social determinants of health data, and more, in a privacy-compliant manner, Datavant helps each stakeholder in healthcare unlock insights and opportunities that weren't previously possible. Datavant's new Irish-based Global Development Centre will support the company's overall global development approach to product development and will operate as an integrated part of Datavant's tech and product development team. The decision to create a Global Development Centre outside of the U.S. was influenced by a desire to tap into top tech talent and to follow around-the-clock productivity. Two of the key reasons why Datavant chose Galway specifically were because of the rich talent pool in Galway and Ireland - especially highly-experienced people in the area of health tech - and because of its proximity to Datavant customers in the EU. Hiring has already begun for the new roles which will initially be in engineering, the majority of which will focus on building Datavant's Privacy and Linkage technologies to support its Life Sciences, Ecosystem and Public Sector business. The company is also recruiting for technology roles to support security and corporate systems. The Galway-based team will significantly expand upon Datavant's established presence of UK-based professionals, including engineers, data scientists, privacy experts, and product management specialists. Minister for Enterprise Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, T.D., congratulated Datavant on the opening of their R&D Centre in Galway, saying: "This great news comes with plans to hire 125 people in Galway over the next two years and is another vote of confidence in the Government and IDA's Regional De...

Rethink Ireland launched a €1.6 million Empower Tech Futures Fund, to tackle disparities in opportunity and access to employment for marginalised young adults. Applications for this fund - with the support of JPMorganChase, the Department of Rural and Community Development and BNY - can be made at rethinkireland.ie/open-funds/ and will be open until 15 May 2025. Rethink Ireland is the funding body thinking differently to create a more just, equal and sustainable Ireland. This transformative three-year fund will award cash grants and provide dedicated business support to up to five pioneering projects or organisations based in Dublin and/or Cork committed to breaking down the barriers that prevent vulnerable young adults from accessing employment. These challenges include a lack of awareness about career opportunities, gaps in essential technical and digital skills sought by employers, and insufficient support networks to secure and sustain meaningful employment. Empower Tech Futures Fund Employment for Young Adults By tackling these obstacles head-on via skills training and direct work placements, the Fund - which has a special emphasis on digital and technology skills - will provide young adults with the confidence and connections to build lasting careers. Commenting on the Empower Tech Futures Fund, Deirdre Mortell, CEO, Rethink Ireland, said: "Every young person deserves the opportunity to build a brighter future, regardless of their background. Over the next three years, this fund will equip young adults with the necessary skills, knowledge, and networks to thrive in the 21st-century workforce bridging the skills gap, breaking down barriers to employment, providing holistic support, building employability skills, as well as enhancing the workforce development ecosystem. "We know that young people love tech, grabbing their parents' phones as soon as they are old enough to grasp! But at the same time the first generation of digital natives don't always have the digital skills needed in a workplace. With funds like this, we want to eradicate unemployment gaps and create pathways into sustainable careers, particularly in the growing tech sector." To be eligible for application an organisation must: Be based in Dublin and/or Cork Focus on young people aged 18-30 who are marginalised in the labour market. Support young people into quality internship, employment and/or apprenticeship programmes and/or full-time & paid work placements. Take a holistic approach based on the range of barriers to employment for young people. Have the motivation, capacity and a credible plan to scale their services to reach more marginalised young people over time. Advantageous criteria include projects actively engaging with young marginalised adults in the design of their programmes; and those seeking to develop digital and technology skills that are in demand across a range of employment sectors. Commenting on why they are partnering with Rethink Ireland to create this fund, Marc Hussey, Senior Country Officer, JPMorganChase Ireland said: "We remain committed to helping young people develop digital and technology skills to access jobs in high-demand sectors. We believe that business has a role to play in tackling challenges to employment in Ireland, including difficulty accessing technical skills and support networks. Our firm is committed to advancing a sustainable and inclusive economy and the Empower Tech Futures Fund is a crucial part of these efforts in Ireland" Paul Kilcullen, CEO BNY Fund Services, Ireland Country Head added: "This collaborative endeavour and dedicated fund will serve to empower young adults from disadvantaged areas in gaining access to tangible support networks, employment programmes and crucial skills development. BNY is proud to be part of this exciting new initiative in collaboration with Rethink Ireland, JPMorganChase, and the Irish Government through the Department of Rural and Community Development. Ireland has a s...

Rethink Ireland has launched a €1.6 million Empower Tech Futures Fund, to tackle disparities in opportunity and access to employment for marginalised young adults. Applications for this fund - with the support of JPMorganChase, the Department of Rural and Community Development and BNY - can be made at rethinkireland.ie/open-funds/ and will be open until 15 May 2025. Rethink Ireland is the funding body thinking differently to create a more just, equal and sustainable Ireland. This transformative three-year fund will award cash grants and provide dedicated business support to up to five pioneering projects or organisations based in Dublin and/or Cork committed to breaking down the barriers that prevent vulnerable young adults from accessing employment. These challenges include a lack of awareness about career opportunities, gaps in essential technical and digital skills sought by employers, and insufficient support networks to secure and sustain meaningful employment. By tackling these obstacles head-on via skills training and direct work placements, the Fund - which has a special emphasis on digital and technology skills - will provide young adults with the confidence and connections to build lasting careers. Commenting on the Empower Tech Futures Fund, Deirdre Mortell, CEO, Rethink Ireland, said: "Every young person deserves the opportunity to build a brighter future, regardless of their background. Over the next three years, this fund will equip young adults with the necessary skills, knowledge, and networks to thrive in the 21st-century workforce bridging the skills gap, breaking down barriers to employment, providing holistic support, building employability skills, as well as enhancing the workforce development ecosystem. "We know that young people love tech, grabbing their parents' phones as soon as they are old enough to grasp! But at the same time the first generation of digital natives don't always have the digital skills needed in a workplace. With funds like this, we want to eradicate unemployment gaps and create pathways into sustainable careers, particularly in the growing tech sector." To be eligible for application an organisation must: · Be based in Dublin and/or Cork · Focus on young people aged 18-30 who are marginalised in the labour market. · Support young people into quality internship, employment and/or apprenticeship programmes and/or full-time & paid work placements. · Take a holistic approach based on the range of barriers to employment for young people. · Have the motivation, capacity and a credible plan to scale their services to reach more marginalised young people over time. Advantageous criteria include projects actively engaging with young marginalised adults in the design of their programmes; and those seeking to develop digital and technology skills that are in demand across a range of employment sectors. Commenting on why they are partnering with Rethink Ireland to create this fund, Marc Hussey, Senior Country Officer, JPMorganChase Ireland said: "We remain committed to helping young people develop digital and technology skills to access jobs in high-demand sectors. We believe that business has a role to play in tackling challenges to employment in Ireland, including difficulty accessing technical skills and support networks. Our firm is committed to advancing a sustainable and inclusive economy and the Empower Tech Futures Fund is a crucial part of these efforts in Ireland" Paul Kilcullen, CEO BNY Fund Services, Ireland Country Head added: "This collaborative endeavour and dedicated fund will serve to empower young adults from disadvantaged areas in gaining access to tangible support networks, employment programmes and crucial skills development. BNY is proud to be part of this exciting new initiative in collaboration with Rethink Ireland, JPMorganChase, and the Irish Government through the Department of Rural and Community Development. "Ireland has a strong foundation within its education s...

Over the past two years, the pharmaceutical industry has quietly waged a massive lobbying campaign to try to block proposed EU regulations for the sector.Big Pharma companies have invested particular time and energy into lobbying the Irish Government, urging the State to push back against reforms to speed up the roll-out of new medicines across the EU, particularly to smaller and poorer countries.Correspondence now shows pharmaceutical companies are “disappointed and concerned” by the lack of support the Government has shown the sector in its push back against proposed European Union reforms.Irish Times acting Europe correspondent Jack Power joins In The News to discuss his investigation into pharma firms' attempts to prevent further regulation of the sector and the implications of these changes for pharmaceutical companies' presence on Irish soil.Presented by Sorcha Pollak. Produced by Suzanne Brennan and Declan Conlon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There was sighs of relief among the Irish Government yesterday as Micheál Martin's meeting with Donald Trump went off without a hitch. There were some notable lines during a long Oval Office meeting but was there anything of concern for us? Newstalk's Political Correspondent Seán Defoe and Independent, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Michael Healy-Rae takes a look back on the day.

The Re-interment of Frank Stagg. Last week we remembered Frank Stagg who died on hunger strike in an English prison in February 1976. Frank began his fourth and final hunger strike in December 1975. He died 62 days later. He last request was "to be buried next to my republican colleagues and my comrade, Michael Gaughan" who died on hunger strike two years earlier. Michael had been buried in Ballina with republican honours.Faced with the prospect of another high-profile funeral of a republican hunger striker the plane carrying Frank Stagg's coffin was diverted by the Irish Government from Dublin, where the Stagg family and friends were waiting, to Shannon. Frank's body was hijacked and taken by helicopter to Ballina, where it was buried. A 24-hour guard was put in place and concrete was poured over it to prevent the family from exhuming the coffin.Frank's brother George later described how, when  he took his mother to visit the grave, Special Branch officers took photographs of her as she knelt and prayed. Slán Brendan.This week came with the death of our comrade and friend, Bik McFarlane. 

The Omagh inquiry team has said that it expects to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Irish Government in March over the disclosure of sensitive material. Today was the final day of commemorative hearings and the last evidence session of four weeks of emotional testimony. Our Northern Correspondent Conor Macauley was at the inquiry.

With Donald Trump in office, should the Irish Government keep their opinions on US politics at bay for the next 4 years? Or risk its relationship with the country?Following on from his conversation with Sean Spicer, Kieran is joined by Fianna Fáil TD for East Cork, James O'Connor, to discuss.

Episode 240. A Return to Property Tax Breaks of the 2000s? In this conversation I discuss the recent news that the Irish Cabinet is to consider tax breaks to stimulate house building and the rental sector.  I hope you find it useful. *** Programs LEARN MORE (Accelerator) https://epa-application.scoreapp.com/  REGISTER INTEREST (Property Starter Pack) https://gavinjgallagher.kit.com/starter  Other Links CHECK OUT my YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@GavinJGallagher  Sign up for my weekly Newsletter https://gavinjgallagher.ck.page/newsletter Join the FREE SKOOL Community https://www.skool.com/elite-property-accelerator/about  Show some LOVE, buy me a coffee buymeacoffee.com/gavinjgallagher  Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavinjgallagher/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gavinjgallagher/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gavinjgallagher/ *** #realestate #investment #innvation #impact

Episode 240. A Return to Property Tax Breaks of the 2000s? In this conversation I discuss the recent news that the Irish Cabinet is to consider tax breaks to stimulate house building and the rental sector.  I hope you find it useful. *** Programs LEARN MORE (Accelerator) https://epa-application.scoreapp.com/  REGISTER INTEREST (Property Starter Pack) https://gavinjgallagher.kit.com/starter  Other Links CHECK OUT my YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@GavinJGallagher  Sign up for my weekly Newsletter https://gavinjgallagher.ck.page/newsletter Join the FREE SKOOL Community https://www.skool.com/elite-property-accelerator/about  Show some LOVE, buy me a coffee buymeacoffee.com/gavinjgallagher  Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavinjgallagher/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gavinjgallagher/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gavinjgallagher/ *** #realestate #investment #innvation #impact

The founder of Shannonwatch claims "huge damage" has been done to the reputation of Shannon Airport by its association with the US Military. Hundreds descended on the Clare base over the weekend once again to demand an end to the alleged "use of Irish airspace to deliver arms, tech and logistical support" to Israel. Gardaí were out in force in Shannon on Sunday afternoon in preparation for the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign's 'Stop Arming Israel' demonstration, which was organised in collaboration with Shannonwatch. Among the key asks of those in attendance was that the Irish Government ensures that Irish airports and airspace aren't used to provide military aid to Israel. They also called for the Arms Embargo Bill, Occupied Territories Bill and Illegal Israeli Settlements Bill to be passed, and for diplomatic relations with what was called the "genocidal Apartheid state of Israel" to be broken. Chairperson of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign Zoe Lawlor says the goal is to bring about "freedom, justice and equality" for all Palestinians. It's long been argued that US Military aircraft stopping in Shannon should be inspected and these calls have grown louder on foot of recent reports of weapons of war bound for Israel coming through the facility. All foreign military aircraft wishing to overfly or land in Ireland are bound by Irish law to seek diplomatic clearance from the Minister for Foreign Affairs, with clearance only granted if certain conditions are met. These conditions include that the aircraft carries no arms, ammunition or explosives, that it doesn't engage in intelligence gathering and that the flight doesn't form part of a military exercise or operation. In 2023, however, over 1,000 clearance exemptions were granted by former Transport Minister Eamon Ryan. Shannonwatch founder Dr Edward Horgan says Shannon must become a "civilian airport" once again. Shannon Airport says it's "pleased to confirm that throughout the protest, there were no disruption to airport operations". It says "all flights at the airport operated on schedule, and there were no delays or cancellations as a result of the event". Doras CEO and long time activist with Shannonwatch John Lannon insists Shannon Airport is playing a role in military activities overseas and this must end.

Munster Technological University is pleased to announce the launch of a pioneering PhD research project titled "Exploring the Optimisation of Ireland's Response Rate to the Challenges and Opportunities Afforded to Industry and Enterprise by GenAI". The research is supported by TU Rise and aims to seek to nurture and support innovative enterprises, elevate the global competitiveness of Irish based companies, expand export opportunities and ultimately lead to increased revenues and employment across key industry sectors. The research will be undertaken by Mr. Patrick Shields, MBA, who brings over 20 years of domestic and international Leadership and Management experience in industry. Patrick's research will focus on how businesses can harness GenAI to drive efficiencies and respond effectively to global market demands. With AI set to disrupt traditional business models, informed adoption, responsible usage, and proactive skills development are critical for long-term success. The supervisory team is led by the Principal Investigator and First Supervisor, Dr. Angela Wright School of Business, supported by the Second Supervisor and Head of Department, OPD, School of Business, Dr. Breda O'Dwyer. Industry Mentor Ms Sharon Lehane and AI Mentor Dr Sourabh Bharti bring wide-ranging expertise in AI research, enterprise collaboration, finance, and machine learning, ensuring the project is guided by a robust mix of academic and practical insights. Through close collaboration with industry partners who opt into the research, Mr Shields will co-create best-practice frameworks that businesses can implement. The work aligns with the Irish Government's ambition to have 75% of Irish businesses using AI by 2030 and will address policy needs at both national and EU levels, including the emerging regulations and standards highlighted by the NSAI Standards and Assurance Roadmap for AI. This PhD research has the potential to significantly benefit Irish enterprises by identifying practical solutions to the challenges posed by GenAI, contributing to Ireland's competitiveness and supporting businesses in adopting AI responsibly. It responds to Ireland's National Digital Strategy and ensures that insights will feed back into MTU's wider work in preparing students and industry partners for an AI-driven future. Dr Angela Wright of the Department of Organisation and Professional Development said: "We are delighted to have received this funding to support this PhD work and candidate. The findings of this research will be at the cutting edge of modern business and enterprise and will address the most compelling element to appear on the world's technological stage, namely Generative Artificial Intelligence, and all of the implications that this technology will have on industry." Dr Angela Wright continued, "The expert research team are excited to oversee this research with Patrick, as it will be pertinent, timely and will enable industry to be armed and ready for what lies ahead. " MTU's TU RISE Research to Impact is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-27. For more information, visit www.mtu.ie/research-to-impact/tu-rise-phd-opportunities/. The Department of Organisational and Professional Development also runs the highly successful MBA in Strategy. Applications will be open shortly - email mba@mtu.ie for enquiries.

We're joined by Catriona Lowry from The Hilltop Sanctuary in Ireland. Catriona gave up a career in fashion to dedicate her life to helping animals. Not just dogs, but pigs, donkeys, chickens and a lot of horses. In a country where there appears to be an abject negligence to the health and welfare on many animals, it was a Fortune Teller that predicted Catriona's journey. Setting up the Hilltop Sanctuary has changed Catriona's life, and made her realise the importance of helping creatures with no voice. Whilst a baptism of fire for her, this episode certainly highlights that some animals can indeed benefit from the luck of the Irish. We chat about her ongoing campaigns to fund this not for profit organisation, highlighting some terrible cases, but always with a smile on her face and a touch of lipstick. Tirelessly campaigning for Animal Welfare in Ireland, Catriona supports Dog Advocacy Ireland and is vehemently against the cruel puppy farming trade that earns the Irish Government  over 2 Million Euros in tax money annually! Twitter: @LowryCatrionathereluctantrescuer.comWe recommend a raw diet for you pet and believe the best place to start is Paleo RidgeFor more about Anna go to annawebb.co.ukMusic and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People ProductionsCover art by JaijoCover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff PawtraitsTo advertise on or sponsor A Dog's Life email: info@theloniouspunkproductions.com

In CI News this week: Kim Leadbeater's ‘skewed' selection of witnesses to appear before the Committee scrutinising her assisted suicide Bill provokes criticism, the Government roundly rejects a petition calling for the Cass Review to be re-evaluated, and a record-breaking premature baby celebrates his fourth birthday. You can download the video via this link. Featured stories ‘Skewed' witness selection on assisted suicide sparks indignation Govt rebuffs push for re-evaluation of Cass Review Irish Government to ‘advance' conversion practices ban Record-breaking preemie now four-year-old Mickey Mouse fan

John and Sarah discuss the new Irish Government, the New Irish President, why the new Minister for Immigration is the worst job in Irish politics, whether the US is savable, and why Sarah thinks a certain person is a "f**king niffnuff".

John and Sarah discuss the new Irish Government, the New Irish President, why the new Minister for Immigration is the worst job in Irish politics, whether the US is savable, and why Sarah thinks a certain person is a "f**king niffnuff". 

As Holyhead prepares to open back up again, Irish hauliers are trying to take steps to guarantee a closure of this level never happens again. The Irish Road Hauliers' Association has now called on the Government to buy a berth in the Port.Ger Hyland, President of the Irish Road Hauliers' Association, joins Kieran to discuss.

The founder of Shannonwatch claims the Irish Government could be brought before the International Criminal Court for allowing warplanes to pass through Irish airspace. It comes as the latest figures show that the Department of Transport granted 1,267 applications to carry munitions on civil aircraft from January to November in 2024, refusing just six while 27 were cancelled. Shannon Airport accounted for 260 of the granted applications for civil aircraft landing in or taking off from Ireland, with one refusal involving an aircraft landing at or taking off from the Clare base. Former UN peacekeeper Edward Horgan says by allowing weapons of war to come through Shannon Airport and by refusing to inspect planes which could be carry such items, the Government is facilitating genocide.

We discussed the Jake Paul Tyson Fight, Irish Uk past and current events, GDPR and more   About my Guest: Ex Royal Navy gunner and armourer, turned professional fighter. Owned and ran own martial arts gym for about 30 years. Always been aware of something not being right in the world, went deep into it after losing over £1million of property in 1 week including own home. So been up and been down even living in a car for a while with his wife Janine and 4 dogs.   --- Help Support the show through my Business Partners :    Find Virtual Assistants at https://va.world/   Upgrade Your Brain    Unleash & Use Your Uniqueness   https://braingym.fitness/⁠    -------------------------- Awakening Podcast Social Media / Coaching My Other Podcasts    ⁠⁠⁠https://roycoughlan.com/⁠⁠   Health & Wellness Products   https://partnerco.world/   My Website https://partner.co/?custid=N6543249    ------------------ What we Discussed:   - How has Jake Paul & Tyson fight effect Boxing (2 mins) - The disrespect with fighter now ( 6:30 mins) - Should the ladies fight be stopped with the big gash on her eye ( 10 mins) - His event on Trust Asset Protection (15 mins) - The UK new inheritance law that effect the Farmers (16:30 mins) - Should we pay Tax (22 min) - Churchill was n ot a Hero (30 mins) - Was the 6 Million Jews killed a lie (32:45 mins) - Ireland destroyed by the British empire (39:45 mins) - The White Paper for Bitcoin was released in Halloween (42:30 mins) - Coca Cola created Santa (44 mins) - Dealing with Debt Collectors (49 mins) - You need 100+ people to change the correct systems (51 mins) - They are taking our images but not for security (55 mins) - Toxic Chemical confirmed being sprayed to kill foxes (58 mins) - Spraying on the plane in India (1 hr 2:45 mins) - Trump, JFK & Musk eating Mc Donalds (1 hr 5 mins) - Trump admitted he got Jabbed and Ivanka did a phot shoot (1 hr 6 :30 mins) - What is inalienable rights (1 hr 8 mins) - The Courts jailing the wrong people (1 hr 12 mins) - No point in Voting ( 1 hr 15:30 mins) - The Irish Property Government Scam (1 hr 19 mins) - Why do the have a Chair of a major Political party in charge ( 1 hr 22 mins) - The Irish Seanad 2nd house like House of Lords (1 hrs 24 mins) - How to protect yourself with a company (1 hr 29 :30 mins)   How to Contact Peter:   https://www.claimyourstrawman.com/   https://www.checkmatethematrix.com/   https://linktr.ee/PeterWilsonReturnToDemocracy     ------------------------------ More about the Awakening Podcast: All Episodes can be found at www.awakeningpodcast.org     Help Support the show through my Business Partners :   Upgrade Your Brain    Unleash & Use Your Uniqueness   https://braingym.fitness/⁠    -------------------------- Awakening Podcast Social Media / Coaching My Other Podcasts    ⁠⁠⁠https://roycoughlan.com/⁠⁠   Health & Wellness Products   https://partnerco.world/   My Website https://partner.co/?custid=N6543249   Our Facebook Group can be found at https://www.facebook.com/royawakening

Israel has ordered the closure of its embassy in Dublin, citing anti-Israel policies from the Irish Government. We get reaction from Daniel Epstein O'Dowd, Spokesperson for the Ireland Israel Alliance.

Yesterday the Israeli Foreign Minister announced they would be closing the Israeli Embassy in Ireland because of supposed “extreme anti-Israeli policies” from the Irish Government. We discuss this move further with Seán Fleming, Minister of State for International Development and Lynn Boylan, Dublin MEP and Chair of EU Delegation for Relations with Palestine.

Israel's foreign minister says Israel will close its embassy in Dublin over the 'extreme anti-Israel policies of the Irish Government'. Gideon Saar said the Republic of Ireland had crossed 'every red line'. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says Israel has voiced fury and disapproval with recent moves from Ireland. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RTÉ's Mary Regan.

A General Election candidate in Clare believes Donald Trump's second term as US president could inadvertently expose the Irish Government's "waste of taxpayers' money". The President-elect has pledged to bring American jobs back to the US and away from countries like Ireland by slashing corporation tax and offering lower rates to companies who create more jobs. So far this year, Ireland has received €22 billion in corporation tax receipts from multinational corporations who employ over 300,000 people nationwide. Cratloe-based Independent Ireland candidate Eddie Punch says even if a handful of these companies pull out of Ireland, the economic impact will lay bare the disregard with which the State has treated taxpayers' money to date.

Written by Lucy Roberts Irish players have a variety of online casinos they can choose from but how can they figure out which are legit? Keep reading this article to find out. Irish folks sure love their casino games! With online casino gaming perfectly legal in Ireland, you've got tons of betting sites all vying for your attention. But hey, if you want the ultimate blast playing slots, table games, or enjoying the thrill of live dealers online, picking a safe and reliable Irish casino is key. Tips for Safe Online Casinos Finding the best online casino in Ireland is like picking the perfect pub - it's all about fitting your vibe! Before diving into game menus, make sure you're playing at a legit spot. Check that the casino is fully licensed by a respectable authority because you want a playground that's safe. Peek at reviews from other players, too. If most folks are raving and giving it a thumbs up, it's probably a good bet! But if you're seeing more frowns than smiles, it might be best to steer clear. Once you have that sorted, it's time for the fun stuff - exploring games! Online casinos are like giant arcades now, with everything from classic card games like blackjack to the latest video thrills. Today, we're diving into how you can find those top-notch Irish casinos packed with epic game libraries and fantastic bonuses. Plus, we'll spill the beans on crucial tips to make your gambling experience absolutely stellar. Use these tips to explore different casinos confidently and find the one that hits the jackpot for what you're after. Let the games begin! Choose Games that Suit Your Needs No matter your taste - be it themed adventures or niche picks - online casinos have something for everyone. When picking your casino, go for one with a buffet of games. Sample a few before you settle down. Got a favorite game in mind? Spend a little time hopping across different rated Irish casino sites to find the best match. Your perfect gaming experience is out there! Imagine playing poker or enjoying live games, feeling like you're at a buzzing casino right from your couch. Try out video poker and live dealer games - they're super interactive and make you feel part of the action without leaving home. Blackjack and other classics still rule, but don't miss out on the chance to explore something new! The thrill of live dealer games brings the casino vibe right to you. Plus, these games don't require any road trips to a brick-and-mortar spot. Take it up a notch with live dealer game shows! They're like game shows brought to life, with thrilling options like Sweet Bonanza CandyLand, offering epic multipliers thanks to tons of online players. And, of course, slots aren't going anywhere! They're the go-to for many, with themes and features galore. For those who love strategy, dive into table games like blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker. There's always something entertaining to explore and enjoy! Verify that the Site is Trustworthy Make sure the online casino you pick has a solid, secure payment system - that's your ticket to playing safely and fairly! Look out for a seal of approval on their homepage or FAQ; it's a sign they're licensed and playing by the rules. Check if they're approved by Irish gambling authorities - that's your green light to trust them. And hey, a thumbs-up from fellow players can also really boost your confidence that you're ready for a good time. Last but not least, make sure their payment methods are speedy and secure. E-wallets and cryptocurrency can make cashing out your winnings a breeze! Enjoy the games! Licensing and Security Start by making sure the casino has a legit stamp of approval from the Irish Government. A solid casino will proudly display its license details at the bottom of their webpage or on the About section. Can't find it? Hit up their customer service - no shame in asking! Now, let's talk about safety. You're going to be sharing some personal and financial info, so you want to make sure it...

There are fresh calls to end United States' usage of Shannon Airport as a 'war port' following the cessation of the 33rd Dáil without passing the Occupied Territories Bill. Concerns have been raised over the transport of United States military personnel and supplies, with claims of the complicity of the Irish Government in genocide in Gaza as a result. The Department of Foreign Affairs has said, however, that all foreign military aircraft wishing to overfly or land in the State are required, without exception, to obtain diplomatic clearance, with one of the stipulations being that it carries no arms, ammunition or explosives. Kilmaley People Before Profit general election candidate, Caitríóna Ní Chatháin is hopeful that Shannon Airport staff can take a stand to force the new government stop the facilitation of United States 'imperialism'.

Senator Barry Ward, Fine Gael Darren O'Rourke, Sinn Féin TD for Meath East. Michael Fitzmaurice-Independent, TD for Roscommon/Galway and Louise Burne-Political Correspondent with the Irish Daily Mirror

There are calls being made for the local authority to advocate for the Government to provide better supports for small businesses within the hospitality sector. Ennis Fianna Fáil Cllr Antoinette Baker Bashua put forward a motion at this month's meeting of Clare County Council, calling for them “to ask the Minister to urgently review the current supports available for small hospitality businesses throughout County Clare.” To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by co-owner of Moher Hill Farm, Martin Canavan and Fianna Fáil Cllr, Antoinette Baker Bashua. Photo (c) ElenaK78 via Canva.com

Kevin Whelan is one of Ireland's most widely published scholars, and a professor at the University of Notre Dame Dublin, having lectured at top universities all over the world and worked on over 20 books. Kevin was also the historical advisor to the Irish Government on the Famine and the 1798 Rebellion. His articulate and expansive reflections on the ecocidal agenda of the Irish Famine are illuminating and sobering. We discuss the project of imperalism and globalisation, and how Ireland was an early ethnocidal experiment, which has affected Ireland to such an extent we could have talked for days. "We live with a degree of post traumatic disorder. And what kind of country is it that some people think it's totally fine to denigrate the national langauge, or even think that being monolingual is superior to being bilingual!?" Go raibh míle maith agat, a chara - Thanks a million, friend. It was such an honour to talk to you and learn from you, Kevin.

Last weekend, The Sunday Times reported that an unnamed Irish politician had been working for Russian intelligence as "an agent of influence” within the Oireachtas. Although the news “came as no surprise” to Taoiseach Simon Harris, it is one of the most serious national security issues in recent history.Gardaí have now compiled a list of members of the Oireachtas and other people, including those in academia, that they believe have been targeted by Russians in Ireland seeking to exploit them for information gathering and destabilising the State.But how are they approached? And how is their co-operation encouraged by local Russian operatives? Also, why would the Kremlin consider an Irish politician a valuable asset?Jack Horgan-Jones tells In the News how such approaches are made and how politicians have reacted to reports that one of their own has allegedly been influenced by Russia.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Declan Conlon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Expel, the leading managed detection and response (MDR) provider, today announced plans to establish a fully remote workforce in Ireland, creating up to 50 high-skilled cybersecurity jobs over the next three years, thanks to the support of the Irish Government through IDA Ireland. Expel's investment is part of its ongoing expansion strategy into the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) market and aims to tap into Ireland's thriving technology ecosystem and skilled talent pool. With a diverse customer base spanning industries such as aviation, technology, and professional sports, Expel's move into Ireland marks a significant milestone in its global expansion efforts. Expel is trusted by some of the world's most recognisable brands for their cyber security needs. The company combines world-class security practitioners and its AI-driven platform, Expel Workbench, to provide cutting-edge visibility for cloud, hybrid, and on-premises environments. This strategic expansion into Ireland underscores the country's reputation as a global hub for technology and cybersecurity innovation. As Expel continues to strengthen its foothold in EMEA since its initial expansion into the market in late 2022, collaboration with IDA Ireland and this investment highlights an exciting cornerstone for the future of cybersecurity technology and the accompanying booming workforce in the region. Emer Higgins, Minister of State for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, welcomed the announcement, saying: "We are delighted to welcome this investment in Ireland's growing cybersecurity sector. The establishment of Expel's remote workforce, creating 50 new high-quality jobs, demonstrates the strength of Ireland's position as a hub for innovation and digital expertise. This commitment not only reinforces our reputation as a leader in the tech industry but also provides valuable opportunities for skilled professionals across the country. We look forward to supporting Expel's continued success and growth in Ireland." Cat Starkey, Chief Technology Officer of Expel, said: "Ireland offers the rare mix of a world-class technology infrastructure, a highly talented workforce, and a cybersecurity culture that aligns with our own, making our decision to invest in growing our team there an easy one. We're thrilled to grow our presence in Ireland, and we look forward to welcoming some of the world's best cybersecurity professionals and engineers as Expletives." Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland said: "Cyber security continues to be an important cluster across Ireland, and we are a recognised destination of choice for global tech companies. Expel's decision to establish operations here is a testament to the strength of our talent and technology ecosystem. We are delighted to welcome Expel and look forward to supporting their growth as they create new opportunities in cybersecurity, a critical industry for our economy and the wider global market."

Attending the UN Assembly in New York on Sunday, President Michael D Higgins accused the Israeli embassy in Dublin of “circulating” a congratulatory letter he wrote to the newly elected president of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian in July. His comments were interpreted as an accusation Israel deliberately leaked the letter.The Israeli embassy issued a statement, calling it a “baseless accusation” and “potentially slanderous”, marking a new low in relations between the Israeli ambassador and President Higgins.On Monday evening President Higgins met the press again in New York and denied he meant Israel leaked anything, while doubling down on other criticism. Irish Times political correspondent Jennifer Bray was there. She explains how events unfolded that overshadowed the Irish Government's presence at the UN. Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Declan Conlon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is an award of €13 billion a big win or an embarrassing loss? The European Court of Justice (ECJ) court yesterday said that the European Commission was correct in 2016 when it ruled that Apple owed Ireland €13 billion in tax relating to underpayments during 2003-2014.The ruling represents a heavy legal defeat for Apple and the Irish Government – and a major win for the EU.But how did it get to the point that Ireland had to go to Europe to defend a tax arrangement with a multinational? Irish Times columnist Cliff Taylor explains how a big pay-day for the Government is also a reputational hit, with the court's clear and final verdict that Ireland broke the rules and offered illegal State aid to Apple. And he looks at how to spend it. Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Declan Conlon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A European court has ruled that Apple must pay more than €13 billion in back taxes to Ireland in a significant legal defeat for both the Irish Government and the US tech company.Daniel Murray, policy editor with the Business Post, Dan O'Brien, chief economist at the Institute of International and European Affairs, and Sinn Féin finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty join The Last Word to discuss the implications of this ruling.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

The Rebel News podcasts features free audio-only versions of select RebelNews+ content and other Rebel News long-form videos, livestreams, and interviews. Monday to Friday enjoy the audio version of Ezra Levant's daily TV-style show, The Ezra Levant Show, where Ezra gives you his contrarian and conservative take on free speech, politics, and foreign policy through in-depth commentary and interviews. Wednesday evenings you can listen to the audio version of The Gunn Show with Sheila Gunn Reid the Chief Reporter of Rebel News. Sheila brings a western sensibility to Canadian news. With one foot in the oil patch and one foot in agriculture, Sheila challenges mainstream media narratives and stands up for Albertans. If you want to watch the video versions of these podcasts, make sure to begin your free RebelNewsPlus trial by subscribing at http://www.RebelNewsPlus.com