Podcasts about Leinster House

 Catherine Connolly – A President for all of IrelandIn less than five weeks' time the next Uachtarán na hÉireann will be elected by the people of the 26 counties. Election day is 24 October. That the people of the North and of the diaspora will be denied a vote is a disgraceful consequence of the efforts over recent years by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael (FFFG) to prevent the extension of the presidential franchise. Both parties are frightened by the prospect of people, who have never voted for either party, voting in Presidential elections.  They want to retain the status quo not change it. This partitionist approach also influences the resistance of Micheál Martin and others to the growing potential for a referendum vote in favour of Irish Unity.Last weekend's decision by the Sinn Féin Ard Chomhairle to endorse Catherine Connolly's campaign is, to quote Mary Lou, a ‘game changer.' Sinn Féin has many capable, articulate leaders who would have been great candidates. But the party chose to join with others as part of a left alternative. This was a courageous decision which gives those who can vote in the election a clear choice between the conservative politics of FFFG or a progressive and positive alternative.  Cearta –Marching for RightsUnder the banner of CEARTA – meaning RIGHTS - tens of thousands took to the streets of Dublin on Saturday to demand equality for the Irish language. In scenes reminiscent of An Dream Dearg in Belfast three years ago, Irish speakers and activists from across the island, wearing their distinctive red with a white circle, marched from Parnell Square to the gates of Leinster House.The protest was an exuberant and joyful celebration of our language and culture and of the demand that the Irish government implement policy changes that will protect and enhance the lives of Irish speakers and of the Gaeltacht communities. There was live music from Ispíní na hÉireann, Niamh Ní Dhubhgháin and Breandán Ó Beaglaoich and others. Niamh Ní Dhubhgháin performed a song about the needs of young people, especially those living in Gaeltacht areas who are finding it impossible to buy or rent or build a home. Go raibh maith agat Bruce MorrisonIn two weeks' time there will be a celebration in New York to mark 30 years of the Morrison Visa Programme. The event will remember the introduction of the visa legislation that provided an estimated 45,000 Irish people with a legal pathway into the USA in the early 1990s.The Morrison Visa was the brainchild of former US Congressman Bruce Morrison who introduced a program that allocated visas to nationals who up to that point were underrepresented in US Immigration. Bruce however, is also known for his hard work in support of the peace process. He was part of a group of Irish American business, trade union and political leaders – the Connolly House Group – who played a pivotal role in creating the conditions for the 1994 IRA cessation. Bruce and his colleagues continued to be active for years afterward and Bruce remains so today. 

Naoise Ó Cearúil, Fianna Fáil TD for Kildare North; Matt Carthy, Sinn Féin TD for Cavan-Monaghan; Patricia Stephenson, Social Democrats Senator; Harry McGee, Political Correspondent with The Irish Times

Survivors of industrial and reformatory schools are staging a hunger strike outside the Dáil. The four protestors – one of whom is in her seventies – began their picket on Sunday night. The group are sleeping in a tent near Leinster House. Maurice Patton O’Connell, Miriam Moriarty Owens and Mary Donovan were child inmates of Pembroke Alms Industrial School in Tralee. Mary Dunlevy Greene attended an industrial school in Limerick.

jQuery(document).ready(function(){ cab.clickify(); }); Original Podcast with clickable words https://tinyurl.com/284tlwcd Contact: irishlingos@gmail.com Thousands participate today in a major protest, RIGHTS, for the language. Na mílte páirteach inniu i mór-agóid, CEARTA, ar son na teanga. Thousands took part today in a major national protest on behalf of the Irish language and the Gaeltacht. Ghlac na mílte páirt inniu i mór-agóid náisiunta ar son na Gaeilge agus na Gaeltachta. The protest was called RIGHTS, and people came from all over the country to attend. CEARTA ab ainm don agóid, agus tháinig daoine ó gach cearn den tír le freastal uirthi. The crowds marched from Parnell Square to Leinster House. Mhairseáil na sluaite ó Chearnóg Parnell go dtí Teach Laighean. Irish and Gaeltacht groups participated, along with schools, third level students, co-operative teachers, musicians and families. Bhí grúpaí Gaeilge agus Gaeltachta páirteach ann, mar aon le scoileanna, mic léinn triú leibhéil, múinteoirí comharchumainn, ceoltóirí agus teaghlaigh. CEARTA was the first such national protest on behalf of the Irish language and the Gaeltacht in over a decade. Bhí CEARTA ar an gcéad agóid náisiúnta dá leithéid ar son na Gaeilge agus na Gaeltachta le breis agus deich mbliana anuas. Among their demands, they are seeking fair funding, the right to live in the Gaeltacht, reform of the education system, and the fulfillment of long-promised language rights, Conradh na Gaeilge said today. I measc na n- éileamh atá acu, tá siad ag lorg maoiniú cothrom, an ceart chun cónaí sa Ghaeltacht, athchóiriú ar an gcóras oideachais, agus comhlíonadh cearta teanga a gealladh le fada, a dúirt Conradh na Gaeilge inniu. In a statement issued by the Department of Rural, Community and Gaeltacht Development today, Minister Dara Calleary said that he is currently focusing on securing more funding for the language and the Gaeltacht in Budget 2026. I ráiteas a chuir an Roinn Forbartha Tuaithe 's Pobail agus Gaeltachta ar fáil inniu, dúirt an tAire Dara Calleary go bhfuil sé ag díriú faoi láthair ar níos mó maoinithe a fháil don teanga agus don Ghaeltacht i mBuiséad 2026. He also indicated that investment in the language has increased over the past five years. Thug sé le fios freisin go bhfuil ardú tagtha ar infheistíocht sa teanga le cúig bliana anuas. "It's true that we have more funding now." "Tá sé fíor go bhfuil nios mó maoinithe againn anois. "But that is true for every sector," said Julian de Spáinn, Secretary General of Conradh na Gaeilge at the protest today. Ach tá an méid sin fíor i gcás gach earnála" a dúirt Julian de Spáinn, Ard-Rúnaí Chonradh na Gaeilge ag an agóid inniu. "It's easy to have 'more' when the starting point is so low at first." "Tá sé furasta ‘níos mó' a bheith agat nuair atá an túsphointe chomh híseal ar dtús. The government spends only 0.1% of state expenditure on Irish and Gaeltacht matters. Ní chaitheann an rialtas ach 0.1 faoin gcéad de chaiteachas an stáit ar chúrsaí Gaeilge agus Gaeltachta. "That is scandalous and there is no other option now than to radically increase funding." Tá sé sin scanallach agus agus níl aon rogha eile anois seachas ardú radacach a dhéanamh ar an maoiniú." The protest also focused on language rights in the north. Díríodh freisin le linn na hagóide ar chearta teanga ó thuaidh. An Dream Dearg is a pressure group for the language in Northern Ireland. Is brúghrúpa ar son na teanga i dTuaisceart Éireann é An Dream Dearg. A spokesman for that group, Ciarán Mac Giolla Bhéin - who is also the current President of Conradh na Gaeilge - said that despite the Identity and Language Act being in force in the north for the past few years, the rights promised therein have been slow to come, with the DUP constantly obstructing any progress in that area, he said. Dúirt urlabhraí de chuid an ghrúpa sin, Ciarán Mac Giolla Bhéin - atá ina Uachtarán ar Chonradh na Gaeilge faoi láthair f...

Paul Cunningham, Political Correspondent, reports from Leinster House as TD's return to the Dáil Chamber. Edel McAllister, Reporter, on the return of TD's to the Dáil today after the summer break.

More funding, better education and housing in the Gaeltacht will be among the demands at the first National Protest for the Irish Language in over a decade. Protestors will march this Saturday from Parnell Street to Leinster House. Joining Newstalk Breakfast to discuss Julian De Spáinn, Ard Runai of Conradh na Gaeilge

More funding, better education and housing in the Gaeltacht will be among the demands at the first National Protest for the Irish Language in over a decade. Protestors will march this Saturday from Parnell Street to Leinster House. Joining Newstalk Breakfast to discuss Julian De Spáinn, Ard Runai of Conradh na Gaeilge

‘We're all still friends,” was the comment from the first Fianna Fáil TD who emerged from the fifth floor in Leinster House where the party's representatives had met to vote for their candidate for the Áras. The numbers told a different story. There are 29 traitors in the Taoiseach's midst, who voted for Billy Kelleher in secret and in doing so, threw his leadership of the party into question. Does Micheál Martin's future hang on this massive Jim Gavin gamble? Host; Kevin Doyle, Guests; Tabitha Monahan and Mary Regan  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Day of high political drama has ended with former Dublin football manager Jim Gavin as Fianna Fail's candidate for next month's Presidential Election. Barry Lenihan was in Leinster House for some party reaction to today's vote.

Have we caught a case of Dutch Disease? Ireland's dependence on foreign multinationals looks less like a golden goose and more like Japanese knotweed, invasive, overwhelming, and slowly strangling everything around it. Yes, the jobs are plentiful and the tax coffers are bulging, but the hidden costs are piling up: small businesses being elbowed out, rents spiralling, public spending ballooning, and a state increasingly captured by the very companies it courts. We trace how multinationals now pay almost 90% of our corporate tax, how graduates are sucked into big tech rather than start-ups, and how housing and wages are being distorted in the process. Ireland's economy, once sold as nimble and entrepreneurial, is bending instead to the whims of boardrooms in California and Basel rather than Leinster House. Along the way we draw comparisons to the Premier League eclipsing Irish football, Trump's short-term deal-making on the world stage, and even brothel keepers in Saigon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Independent Senator Gerard Craughwell spoke with Pat Kenny this morning about how he feels equality should be given to all members of the public service after The Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act (FEMPI) cuts were unwound for all members apart from those in Leinster House.So, should politicians be entitled to more perks, or do they get enough?Joining Andrea to discuss is Pharmacist and former Fine Gael TD, Kate O'Connell and listeners.

The cost of living was the big topic on the final day of the Dáil before the summer break. TDs won't be back in Leinster House for another nine weeks as this Dáil term ends. Leaders' Questions was dominated by the cost of living and the significant increases in the number of families who are in energy arrears. Sinn Féin TD Pearse Doherty says it's disgraceful electricity credits are being scrapped in the budget. Clare FM's Sean Lyons has been speaking with Clare SVP President, Denis Carty about the cost of living, energy arrears and electricity credits.

*This podcast is sponsored by AXA Farm Insurance.Charles O'Donnell and Aisling O'Brien bring you the biggest stories of the week in Irish agriculture from Agriland, which this week includes:Battle for the next CAP gets underway;Marts under pressure to review cattle sale credit;Trump threatens 30% tariffs on EU;ACRES NPI payment system opens;Ragwort growing outside Leinster House.Don't forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland's weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

Paul Cunningham, Political Correspondent, reports from Leinster House on An Post, the cost of living, the occupied territories bill and the launch of Catherine Connolly's presidential run.

Senator Craughwell leads the charge to a secure digital future Ireland's digital progress has been extraordinary. From online banking and healthcare systems to remote learning and connected infrastructure, the nation has embraced digitalisation across every sector. However, this transformation has come at a cost. As our digital footprint expands, so too does our exposure to cyber threats. Cybersecurity is no longer just a technical issue. It is a public concern and a national responsibility. We often picture cyberattacks as distant or unlikely events, something that happens to big tech companies or foreign governments. Attacks in recent years have shown that Ireland is not immune. Irish institutions - such as the HSE in 2021 - have faced serious disruptions, but so too have countless smaller businesses. Many incidents never make headlines but the reality is that companies' systems, data, personal privacy, financial assets, and systems managed by IT and OT (operational technology) are under continuous threat. What makes these attacks so dangerous is not just their sophistication. It's how easily they succeed. In most cases, breaches begin with one thing: human error. It can be as simple as an employee opening a fraudulent email, a manager misunderstanding a digital risk, or a staff member who is unaware that their actions have consequences far beyond their screen. Awareness is the missing link Awareness is the critical missing link in our national defence. Most successful cyberattacks don't rely on elite hacking tools; they rely on people not being prepared. Attackers exploit gaps in understanding - gaps that exist in homes, schools, businesses and public services. Awareness needs to be treated as a core component of Ireland's cybersecurity response. Without it, no software or firewall can offer enough protection. Ireland's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are particularly vulnerable. They make up most of the country's enterprises and employ the majority of our workforce. Yet, many of these organisations do not have dedicated cybersecurity teams or robust training in place. The same applies to charities, community organisations, and voluntary services - sectors that handle sensitive data and are crucial to local life but often lack the resources or know-how to defend against threats. The risk is real. The consequences are national. Partnered with CJHNetwork, Data Edge have participated in conducting cyber reviews across Ireland. We found that a number of SMEs within critical supply chains have already been targeted by cyberattacks. These organisations support navigation, satellite communication, and other essential infrastructure which are of strategic importance. This highlights the growing vulnerabilities in sectors vital to public safety and national services. Building national cyber resilience Cyber risk is not theoretical. It is here, it is growing, and it is reaching into the heart of our critical infrastructure. So, what must Ireland do? How do we build resilience before the next wave of attacks hits us harder? We need a coordinated national effort - one that combines public awareness, skilled training, and long-term investment. It should also ensure consistent funding and empower policy makers to deliver widespread public engagement. This includes strengthening support for SMEs and community organisations, expanding cybersecurity training and awareness across all levels of society, and building a skilled and diverse workforce through education, outreach, and accelerated recruitment. Ireland must also invest in the infrastructure, tools, and partnerships that will enable long-term resilience and readiness. Our active involvement as part of a national cybersecurity consortium includes participation in discussions at Leinster House and ongoing collaboration with policymakers, and we recognise that collective insights and local experience are key to shaping Ireland's cybersecurity landscape. Currently, a positio...

Anti-immigration protests blocked the main entrance to Leinster House yesterday evening and who are the likely runners and riders for the Presidential Election? Political Correspondent with the Irish Times Harry McGee discusses all.

Students and opposition parties will protest outside Leinster House this evening over Government plans to reinstate the €3,000 college contribution fee.Further and Higher Education Minister James Lawless caused this controversy when he said fees would return to €3,000, as a cost of living package may not be available in this year's budget.This reduction of fee has been in place since 2022, when the then Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris, introduced a €1,000 cut to the student contribution fee, a measure repeated for the 2023 and 2024 academic years.Joining Kieran to discuss this is Donna McGettigan, Sinn Féin TD for Clare & Higher Education Spokesperson and John Connolly Fianna Fáil TD for Galway West and Spokesperson on Higher Education

Andrea speaks to Mary Fogarty and Leoni Maher from The Cottage café in Loughmore, Co. Tipperary, who were in Leinster House campaigning for long-term government support for Ireland's community cafés. They're joined by café managers Louise Lawlor from the community café in Portland Row and Amy from the Priory Café and The Edge Community Café, who share how important a role these cafés play.Listen here.

Political Correspondent, Mícheál Lehane reports from Leinster House on the turmoil over the future of third level fees.

Garda Fiona Gleeson, from Clonmel Garda Station Community Policing Unit, discusses the visit to Leinster House by Little Blue Heroes from Tipperary.

A protest about the housing crisis took place today at the gates of Leinster House. Our reporter Una Kelly was there.

 Today unions, opposition parties and housing charities will take to Leinster House, demanding the Government take emergency action on the housing crisis. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Owen Reidy, General Secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.

Political Correspondent, Mícheál Lehane reports on the Raise The Roof protest which will take place at the gates of Leinster House tomorrow when the Dáil will debate an opposition motion calling for emergency action to address the deepening housing and homelessness crisis.

Ireland's care system is in crisis ,so says campaign group Care Champions who are protesting outside Leinster House later this morning We caught up with spokesperson Majella Beatty, who outlined their demands. Also speaking to Sean wasPaul Guy, whose 80-year-old father Audeon was seen being roughly handled at the Beneavin Manor nursing home in Glasnevin in last week's RTÉ investigates exposé,

Plans for Galway City Council rent increases criticised Galway locals to take part in national bio gas concern group meeting outside Leinster House tomorrow

Week Trending: Trump V MuskLarry Donnelly, Law Lecturer at the University of Galway, and Sinead O'Carroll, Editor of thejournal.ie, discussed some of the biggest stories of the week including a guest Influencer at Leinster House who slagged off the Oireachtas food, Amazon testing humanoid delivery bots and planning exemptions for granny flats.As Trump V Musk has dominated the headlines, Marion McKeone kicked off the chat to explain how the feud between the US President and the Richest Man In The World exploded overnight, and what the rift could mean for both parties.To catch the full conversation, press the ‘play' button on this page.

Send your thoughts, feelings, opinions and suggestions to 0892096423!You know Gavan Reilly as one of Ireland's leading news journalists, whether it's via his reporting for Virgin Media or through his podcast with Richard Chambers and Zara King, The Group Chat. Now, he's released a book which seeks to demystify what goes on in Leinster House, and I was delighted to chat with him last week ahead of the launch. To support the podcast and access bonus episodes, join the community on Patreon here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the saying now goes, what happens in Leinster House…ends up in Gavan Reilly's new book, ‘The Secret Life of Leinster House: what you really need to know about how the country runs'. Gavan is a former colleague of mine from back when he was the correspondent for Today FM and Newstalk. He now leads Virgin Media's political coverage and he's also one of the presenters of the great Group Chat podcast. When it comes to politics and politicians, Gavan has been there, done that, and got the t-shirt – and now it's time to write the book . In this episode of The Mario Rosenstock podcast Gavan joins me to share the juicy stories, behind the scenes intrigue, and the insights into how politics really works, that he has gathered over his many years as a political reporter. COMEDY- Did you see that Ryanair Boss Michael O ‘Leary has just become 100m euro richer? …This has caught the attention of a few well known people and they've been leaving messages for Michael on his phone…we got exclusive access. Produced by Patrick Haughey, Audiobrand

Shane O'Farrell was 23 when he was the victim of a hit-and-run near his home in Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan. A law graduate, he had just submitted his master's thesis and was enjoying a carefree cycle on that August evening in 2011.Questions around how the crash happened soon turned to who was behind the wheel. It was Lithuanian Zigimantas Gridziuska, a man known to the Garda and the courts.On the day he killed Shane and drove off, he had more than 40 convictions, including some in Northern Ireland.So how was he free to go out and kill? He had breached his bail conditions many times so why was he not in prison?Since 2011, the O'Farrell family has been seeking answers and has worked tirelessly to understand how the justice system failed their son and brother. His parents Lucia and Jim, and his sisters, Hannah, Pia, Gemma and Aimee were in Leinster House last Tuesday to hear Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan give a State apology to the family “for the fact that the criminal justice system did not protect him [Shane] as it should have”.Gemma O'Farrell tells In the News about the family's long campaign, how they were stonewalled and disrespected by branches and agencies of the State that should have helped them and how they persisted despite all that.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan and John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Political Correspondent, Mícheál Lehane reports on the latest incidents at Leinster House.

Political journalist Gavan Reilly joins The Last Word to chat all about how Irish politics really works, as outlined in his new book 'The Secret Life of Leinster House'. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button!

Political Correspondent. Paul Cunningham brings the latest news from the Dáil.

PJ speaks to Gavan Reilly on his latest book 'The Secret Life of Leinster House' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leinster House is more than a place of work - it's a way of life for the politicians and other professionals who spend their days there. Journalist and broadcaster Gavan Reilly has written a book about the inner-workings of our parliament building and its inhabitants. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Butter is becoming a luxury item. Rents have reached an all time high – just two examples of prices that seem to be constantly on the move upwards. Good news for the hard-pressed consumer is in short supply – even as inflation has reduced to around 2 per cent. And to add to the uncertainty, US president Donald Trump on Friday said he will impose a 50 per cent tariff on goods from the EU starting on June 1st. In previous years, the government has sought to help households with a range of one-off payments and double allowances, but the mood music coming from Leinster House is that those days are over as the chill winds of changing US tax and tariff policies start to bite. Two years ago, it seemed that every second headline and radio discussion was about the “cost-of-living crisis” but we don't hear that expression much any more. Are we worn down with ever-rising prices? Or could it be that those price rises might reverse? Irish Times consumer correspondent Conor Pope explains why prices are staying stubbornly high and suggests ways people can help themselves. Cliff Taylor looks at the potential impact of tariffs. Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Declan Conlon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pat Leahy and Harry McGee join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:· Ireland's decision to participate in a European-wide initiative celebrating Norman heritage and influence has drawn the ire of Sinn Féin. The initiative is called '2027 The Year of the Normans – People of Europe', and Cabinet approved plans to mark 1000 years since the birth of England's first Norman king William the Conqueror have been labelled “offensive” by the Opposition party.· In a move to start the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza after Israel's near three-month blockade, a majority of EU states have backed a proposal to review the union's agreement governing relations with Israel.· The HSE estimates that the number of children on waiting lists for disability or autism services will grow from 15,000 now to 25,000 by the end of the year, something disability rights campaigner Cara Darmody (14) highlighted with a 50-hour protest outside Leinster House this week.Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:· Joe Biden's cognitive and physical decline, hurling at its most biblical, and the four distinct categories that leaders fall into. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'La-Z-Boy' recliner among requests for TD's Leinster House office; controversial robot trees are removed from Cork City; and Government signs off on plans to celebrate Ireland's Norman history. Lorcan Nyhan, head of training at the Communications Clinic, and Laura Byrne, voices editor and podcast producer with The Journal.ie, join The Last Word to discuss all of the week's trending stories.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

This week on The Group Chat, we discuss whether we are now at a tipping point in Gaza?Also on the show, we look at the latest developments in the Michael Gaine investigation.Plus, we go behind the gates in the Secret Life of Leinster House. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

RTÉ Political Correspondent, Mícheál Lehane reports from Leinster House on the situation in Gaza and rising rents in Ireland.

Yesterday on the show you may have heard Kieran speaking to Cara Darmody during her 50-hour picket outside Leinster House.She is calling for the Government to address the large number of children awaiting an assessment for a disability or autism for six months or longer.Joining Kieran today to discuss this is Jane Johnstone, mother and carer to Evan and Daniel to tell her own story and Catherine Cox, Head of Communications and Policy at Family Carers Ireland.

Kevin Boxer Moran, Minister of State with responsibility for the Office Of Public Works, discusses the findings of an audit into the Leinster House bike shelter.

Dr. Paul Davis, Lecturer in Strategic Procurement with DCU, examines the findings of an external audit into the Leinster House bike shelter.

Political Correspondent, Mícheál Lehane reports on the latest news from Leinster House.

Vladimir Putin skips peace talks with Volodymyr Zelenskyy — we hear from Ukrainians in Ireland who fear a sustained peace may never come. One year into the job, is Simon Harris facing internal pressure in Fine Gael? And a new report on the €336,000 Leinster House bike shed scandal reveals no value-for-money checks and no accountability. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our Political Correspondent, Mícheál Lehane reports on the latest at the Dáil.

Political Correspondent, Mícheál Lehane, reports from the Dáil on the "Grace" report, the new Housing Activation Office and RTÉ.

 The North began, the North held on,The strife for native land;When Ireland rose to smite her foesGod bless the Northern landThomas DavisIn the 1790s Belfast was the centre of an Irish political movement which linked Antrim and Down with the Republics of France and America, and Belfast citizens celebrated the Fall of the Bastille, drank toasts to Mirabeau and Lafayette and studied Payne's great book, The Rights of Man. Presbyterians formed the Society of United Irishmen and declared for Catholic emancipation, for the abolition of church establishments and tithes, for resistance to rack rents and for sweeping agrarian reforms. They gave a cordial welcome to Mary Wollstonecraft's Vindication of the Rights of Women and joined with their Catholic neigbours in the struggle for national independence and political democracy.  Calls for Kurdish peace process welcomedFollowing World War 1 the European colonial states divided the Middle East into British and French zones of interest. An initial commitment to a Kurdish state was ignored and the Kurdish people were forcibly partitioned between Syria, Turkey, Iraq and Iran. Winston Churchill, who was Colonial Secretary in 1920 and helped draw up the state boundaries of that region, cleared the use of poison gas against the Kurdish people in Iraq. The renowned writer and historian Noam Chomsky writes that Churchill favoured the use of poison gas "against recalcitrant Arabs as an experiment" and cleared their use on the basis that; "I am strongly in favour of using poisoned gas against uncivilised tribes."Since then the region has been convulsed with conflict. Not least has been thecenturies long struggle of the Kurdish people to self-determination. Time for UnityThe Spring budget statement from the British Chancellor last week exemplifies much that is wrong in the current union between the North and England. It was a statement that Margaret Thatcher would have approved of. It directly attacks the most vulnerable in society and promises more cuts to public services, including welfare provision. It commits Labour to the implementation of policies that will cause significant difficulties for the North. It will significantly increase poverty, particularly for children and people with disabilities. At the same time Labour intends spending more money on weapons for war.  Free PalestineThis column salutes Mothers Against Genocide for their Protest on Mother's Day against the genocidal war by the Zionists against the people of Palestine.  Mothers Against Genocide are an inspirational group of women who campaign assertively and imaginatively for peace and self-determination for the people of Palestine. Their overnight vigil at the gates of Leinster House was forcibly cleared by An Garda Síochána and eight protesters were arrested. 

When Adolescense arrived on Netflix last month, it was streamed nearly 25 million times in just four days and sparked a global conversation on the dark side of social media and the lives of teenage boys. But what is it really like to be a teenage boy in 2025? How much attention do they really pay to masculinity influencers? What kind of pressures do they face? And what do they wish adults would understand about them? To discuss all this and more, Róisín Ingle is joined by three teenagers, Dylan O'Malley, Chester Ryan and Daniella Tetteh. We also hear from Jamie Carrick, a facilitator with The Soar Foundation, which delivers wellbeing workshops for teenagers in schools around Ireland. But first, Irish Times reporter Niamh Towey is here to discuss some of the biggest stories of the week, including the arrest of eight protestors from the Mothers Against Genocide group outside Leinster House, why the head of Primark resigned this week after making “an error of judgement” and why one reader of the Irish Times is suffering from wedding and baby shower fatigue. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam Harris, Chief Executive of AsIAm, outlines its latest report highlighting concerns about services as parents stage a protest at Leinster House seeking school places for their autistic children.

Former TD and junior minister Finian McGrath has revealed that Michael Lowry wasn't Barry Heneghan's first choice to be leader of the Regional Independent Group. He assesses the damage to Verona Murphy following the vote of confidence in the Ceann Comhairle, and outlines why he has despaired at the recent scenes insider Leinster House. Host: Kevin Doyle Guest: Finian McGrath See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.