Podcasts about Oireachtas

The common travel area has been part of much scrutiny over the last number of days. For more on this our politicial correspondent Barry Lenihane was at our Oireachtas studio.

Our Political Correspondent Barry Lenihan from the Oireachtas studio.

Today is the deadline for the Rotunda Hospital to provide the HSE with an audit of all private work being carried out by consultants on public only contracts in the hospital. It follows revelations at an Oireachtas committee last week that this practice is continuing despite a direction it was to stop. Anton discusses further with Joe Neville, Fine Gael TD for Kildare North.

Today is the deadline for the Rotunda Hospital to provide the HSE with an audit of all private work being carried out by consultants on public only contracts in the hospital. It follows revelations at an Oireachtas committee last week that this practice is continuing despite a direction it was to stop. Anton discusses further with Joe Neville, Fine Gael TD for Kildare North.

The Justice Minister claims he's told the Garda Commissioner that Clare needs more gardaí. Jim O'Callaghan visited Clare earlier this month where he heard from local representatives on the challenges around policing in the county. Just 115 gardaí are currently operating here compared to 200 in 2007, according to Oireachtas data. Responding to Ennistymon Senator Martin Conway in the Seanad, the minister says many people in Clare told him they want to see more boots on the ground.

The Occupied Territories Bill is finally heading to the Oireachtas, but the government's decision to exclude services has sparked fierce criticism from opposition parties. Meanwhile, the Social Democrats are celebrating major by-election victories, raising fresh questions about Sinn Féin's position on the left and Holly Cairns' growing appeal. You can listen to Indo Politics a day early by searching Indo Politics wherever you get your podcasts. Host; Mary Regan, Guest; Maeve McTaggart We want to earn your trust and are members of The Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ellen Coyne and Cormac McQuinn join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:· The left-wing alliance that was formed during Catherine Connolly's presidential campaign is already straining, with the Social Democrats, Labour and People Before Profit concerned with the policy direction of Sinn Féin on issues like migration and reproductive rights.· Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins was not impressed by left-leaning voters neglecting to supply party candidate Noel Thomas with enough transfers to prevail in the recent Galway West byelection. Perhaps those voters did not want to give Thomas a preference given his far from left-leaning stance on immigration.· The omission of services from the Occupied Territories Bill, which targets Israeli imports produced from Palestinian lands, came as a surprise to no one. After many months of mulling it over, the Taoiseach was accused by Opposition parties of reneging on promises to prohibit all trade with settlements. Government can expect many calls for amendments when it is brought to Oireachtas in the coming weeks.· And the building of one-off rural housing could become easier with plans to relax the rules for rural housing, aimed at allowing for increased supply, expected to be brought to Cabinet next month.Would you like to receive daily insights into world events delivered to your inbox? Sign up for Denis Staunton's Global Briefing newsletter here: irishtimes.com/newsletters/global-briefing/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Clare has the tenth highest number of Domestic Violence refuge and Safe Home units in the country, according to new national data released to the Oireachtas, with six refuge units and two Safe Home units currently available in the county. To discuss this further, Daragh Dolan was joined by Manager at Clare Haven, Dr Siobhán O'Conno and Mary Howard, representing Rape Crisis MidWest on the Clare Local Area Network. Picture (c) doidam10 via Canva.com

It will be a “few years” before construction works on the Dublin MetroLink rail line are at “full tilt”, the Oireachtas transport committee has heard. To discuss this further Anton spoke to Paul Davies, Lecturer in Public Procurement, DCU.

It will be a “few years” before construction works on the Dublin MetroLink rail line are at “full tilt”, the Oireachtas transport committee has heard. To discuss this further Anton spoke to Paul Davies, Lecturer in Public Procurement, DCU.

RTÉ's announcement that the salary of Derek Mooney, one of its most well-known on-air staffers, had been publicly misrepresented for years sparked a very public controversy.It prompted debate in the Dáil and an appearance for the broadcaster's director general Kevin Bakhurst before the Oireachtas media committee.At issue was how pay is calculated in the organisation, with the suspicion that, once again, when it comes to how the “talent” is being remunerated, the public are not being told the full story.And with the DG before it, the committee took the chance to talk about other presenters and their pay, including Oliver Callan and the late Sean Rocks.So what did we learn from the weeklong controversy that once again put the spotlight on RTÉ.Irish Times media columnist Hugh Linehan explains what this latest controversy means and why it differs from others that have gone before.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Artificial intelligence chatbots are leading children into “terrible harm” and can push people towards sexualised and pro-eating disorder content, an Oireachtas committee has heard. For more on this Anton spoke to Tanya Ward, CEO Children's Rights Alliance.

The Oireachtas media committee is set to grill RTE executives today over the latest scandal involving presenter payments and salaries. Member of the Oireachtas Media Committee and Sinn Féin TD For Louth Joanna Byrne spoke to Anton ahead of the meeting.

Artificial intelligence chatbots are leading children into “terrible harm” and can push people towards sexualised and pro-eating disorder content, an Oireachtas committee has heard. For more on this Anton spoke to Tanya Ward, CEO Children's Rights Alliance.

The Oireachtas media committee is set to grill RTE executives today over the latest scandal involving presenter payments and salaries. Member of the Oireachtas Media Committee and Sinn Féin TD For Louth Joanna Byrne spoke to Anton ahead of the meeting.

Fionnán Sheahan, Ireland Editor with the Irish Independent

It is high time that sex for rent exploitation is criminalised, according to the Civil Society Coalition on Addressing “Sex for Rent” Exploitation and Protecting Renters. The ongoing housing crisis continues to make unhoused women more vulnerable to sexual violence and exploitation. Corrinne Hasson, Executive Director of the National Women's Council joined Anton this morning.

Dr Mary Moloney, Associate Professor in Early Childhood Policy at Mary Immaculate College, joins Joe to highlight the Discussions at Oireachtas level that have highlighted a growing crisis, with smaller childcare providers.Image via Getty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It is high time that sex for rent exploitation is criminalised, according to the Civil Society Coalition on Addressing “Sex for Rent” Exploitation and Protecting Renters. The ongoing housing crisis continues to make unhoused women more vulnerable to sexual violence and exploitation. Corrinne Hasson, Executive Director of the National Women's Council joined Anton this morning.

Conradh na Gaeilge will appear before the Oireachtas to protest the lack of Irish-medium education. This comes following record-breaking numbers of Irish exemptions in schools. Julian De Spáinn, Ard Runaí of Conradh na Gaeilge joins Ciara Doherty.

Limerick rape and sexual assault survivor Leona O'Callaghan speaks on the release of the man she put behind bars.Image via Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Conradh na Gaeilge will appear before the Oireachtas to protest the lack of Irish-medium education. This comes following record-breaking numbers of Irish exemptions in schools. Julian De Spáinn, Ard Runaí of Conradh na Gaeilge joins Ciara Doherty.

Ireland has the lowest level of roadside breath-testing in the EU according to evidence given to an Oireachtas committee today. In a statement gardai said that DUI detections remain high, and that drink driving detections increased last year. Dr Sheila Gilheany of the lobby group Alcohol Action Ireland joined Rachael for an extended conversation.

The Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport is this morning publishing its report on the Regulation of Online Platforms and it does not recommend a social media ban for under 16s. Speaking to Anton to discuss further was Alan Kelly, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport.

For this week's Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk's Technology Correspondent joins Shane and Ciara to discuss why an Oireachtas committee has published a report on why they are not recommending a social media ban for under 16s, and what they are recommending instead…

The Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport is this morning publishing its report on the Regulation of Online Platforms and it does not recommend a social media ban for under 16s. Speaking to Anton to discuss further was Alan Kelly, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport.

A petition requesting equal parenting or time/shared parenting to become the default in Irish family law has been put forward for the consideration of the Oireachtas. Anton gets more detail on this petition with Michelle Browne Senior Family Mediator and Author .

New legislation from Sinn Féin aimed at tackling ‘price gouging' in the electricity sector is to be debated in the Oireachtas today. To discuss further Anton spoke to Pa Daly, Sinn Féin TD for Kerry and spokesperson on Climate, Energy, Environment and Transport and also Muireann Lynch, Energy Economist ESRI.

New legislation from Sinn Féin aimed at tackling ‘price gouging' in the electricity sector is to be debated in the Oireachtas today. To discuss further Anton spoke to Pa Daly, Sinn Féin TD for Kerry and spokesperson on Climate, Energy, Environment and Transport and also Muireann Lynch, Energy Economist ESRI.

A petition requesting equal parenting or time/shared parenting to become the default in Irish family law has been put forward for the consideration of the Oireachtas. Anton gets more detail on this petition with Michelle Browne Senior Family Mediator and Author .

A Clare Senator has slammed the proliferation of vaping stores and advertising in the county town. It comes as the Public Health Single Use Vapes Bill was debated in the Oireachtas once again. The legislation will eventually aim to ban the sale of disposable vaping products in Ireland. Ennistymon Senator Martin Conway believes advertising of all vape products should be banned immediately.

A number of social media companies that appeared before the Oireachtas committee on Children and Equality have denied that their platforms are addictive…Joining Shane to discuss this is Ruairí Ó'Murchú, Sinn Féin TD For Louth and Member of the Committee and Regina Doherty, Fine Gael MEP for Dublin.

The new Mental Health Bill has been given final approval by the Dáil and sent to the President for signing. Speaking to Jonathan this morning was John Farrelly Mental Health Commission Chief Executive.

Eoin Sheahan is joined in studio by Eoin Doyle, Arthur O'Dea and David Seagrave for Wednesday's Newsround, as the Oireachtas heard today that headgear does not prevent brain injuries in any sport, while there is the small matter of Arsenal's Champions League semifinal tie with Atletico Madrid tonight!Viagra Connect 50mg film-coated tablets. Contains sildenafil. For adult men with erectile dysfunction. Subject to suitability. Maximum dosage one 50mg tablet per day. Always read the label.Listen to live League of Ireland commentary this Friday night as Bohemians do battle with Derry City at Dalymount Park.Phil Egan will be joined in the gantry by Keith Treacy, and you will be able to hear live and exclusive commentary on Off The Ball on Newstalk and the GoLoud App from 7 o'clock.Andy Dunne will be alongside Cuán Ó'Flatharta at the Aviva Stadium for live commentary of Leinster versus Toulon on Saturday May 2nd at 3 o'clock.You will be able to hear live commentary of that game on Off The Ball Saturday from 1pm on the GoLoud App and on Newstalk.Manchester United take on Liverpool in the Premier League on Off The Ball Sunday - former United star Darron Gibson will be alongside Stephen Doyle at Old Trafford for that one.That kicks off at half-past-three and you can follow all the action on Off The Ball Sunday from 1 o'clock on the GoLoud App and on Newstalk.

Cathal Crowe, Fianna Fáil TD and member of the committee

Banning young people from social media does not offer a realistic solution and teaching them digital literacy would be of greater benefit. TDs and Senators were told this at a meeting of the Oireachtas children's committee by representatives of youth organisations. Roisin O'Neill of the National Youth Council of Ireland's Youth Advisory Group joined Anton Savage on the show to discuss.

Atheist Ireland spoke last night to the Oireachtas petitions committee to ask that each school give practical application to the right not to attend religious instruction. Research found around 40% of parents of children attending Catholic or other religious denomination primary schools would prefer their child to go to a multi-denominational school. Anton discusses this further with Jane Donnelly, Spokesperson for Atheist Ireland.

President Catherine Connolly is today meeting the Council of State at Áras an Uachtaráin, the first meeting of the council of office since President Connolly took office last November.The council will discuss the constitutionality of the International Protection Bill, which was passed by the Oireachtas last week.Joining Shane to discuss this is Pat Leahy, Political Editor of The Irish Times.

The core funding model for childcare services is “no longer sustainable”, and urgent reform is needed, an Oireachtas committee has heard. For more on this Anton was joined by Karen Clince, Founder and CEO of Tigers Childcare.

A medical card scheme for dental services in Ireland is “haemorrhaging dentists”, and too many children are leaving primary school without having ever had a dental screening, an Oireachtas committee has warned. The report has made 19 recommendations it said must be implemented as a priority to improve dental services in Ireland.Joining Seán Defoe to discuss this is Dr Bridget Harrington Barry, incoming President of The Irish Dental Association.

A Kerry-based non-governmental organisation (NGO) is calling on the government to use diplomatic channels to advance the rights of Kurdish people in the Middle East. They are a minority group in the region without their own independent state. South Kerry organisation, Azadi, is submitting an Oireachtas public petition today urging government action. Co-director and Sneem native Florian Scheibein is of Kurdish descent.

Shorter school days and more breaks for students have been recommended by the Oireachtas education committee, which recently looked at how Ireland could make the shift to a more holistic education model, similar to Finland.Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe, chair of the Oireachtas education committee, joins The Last Word to discuss what's in the Finnish model and how it could be incorporated into the Irish education system.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

The latest completion date for the new national children's hospital will not be met, making it the 18th time that the deadline has been missed, the Oireachtas health committee has been told. Shauna Bowers, Irish Times' health correspondent, and Dr Paul Davis from DCU's Business School join The Last Word to discuss why the deadline for substantial completion of the hospital continues to be missed and who is responsible.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

RTÉ reporter Andrew Lowth assesses the impact on the club sector as a result to a commitment to reforming licensing laws is contained in the current Programme for Government, but a timeline remains unclear - as the Bill does not feature in Government's Legislation Programme for Spring 2026.

Seán's guest spent time yesterday speaking to an Oireachtas committee about the need for greater and more extensive resources for oral immunotherapy for children with allergies.Joining to discuss is Sheila Downes, from Allergy Action Ireland…

Legisation is currently being drafted to remove the cap which limits the number of passengers to 32 million annually. Our Business Correspondent Fergal O'Brien was following the hearing this morning.

Tá tús á chur leis an bhFéile Náisiúnta Drámaíochta i gCathair na Márt tráthnóna amárach.

Residents near Dublin Airport and environmental activists will be speaking in front of the Oireachtas Committee on Transport later this morning. Up for discussion is the bill that will allow the Transport Minister to abolish the passenger cap. To discuss further Anton was joined by Louise O'Leary, spokesperson for Children's Rights Over Flights.

I am against MonarchiesCurrently, the British state is convulsed around allegations surrounding a member of its Royal family. Norway too is in the midst of a crisis around its monarchy. The law of both states will take their course, as is right.However, these controversies raise for me the very existence of monarchies. A family elite which through past colonial conquest and patronage, and in alliance with business and societal elites, continues to enjoy a place of wealth and privilege and influence. Given that the British state includes a part of Ireland, at least for the time being, this is more than an academic issue for those of us who are captives of this undemocratic system of privilege. I am instinctively against monarchies. Of any kind. Constitutional or otherwise. Monarchies are bad. The late Tony Benn put it well when he said that “the existence of a hereditary monarchy helps to prop up all the privilege and patronage that corrupts our society; that is why the crown is seen as being of such importance to those who run the country - or enjoy the privileges it affords.”Conradh na Gaeilge Votes for UnityAt the end of last year Oireachtas na Samhna in Belfast was a huge success. Thousands of Irish speakers, including Uachtarán Catherine Connolly, spent several days enjoying the music, dance, culture, arts, craic and discussions that are part of the oldest Irish language and arts event on the island of Ireland. In August Belfast will host the Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the world's biggest celebration of Irish music and culture.All of this is evidence of the change that is taking place. I was pleased to attend An Conradh's Ard Fheis. The conference was alive and vibrant with a new generation of young gaeilgeoirí determined to assert their Irishness, proud of their language and determined to stand up for their language and national rights. They were articulate, positive, funny, hopeful and generous. Micheál Martin out of step on UnityLast week, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin, in an interview with TG4, claimed that there is not much substance behind Sinn Féin's campaign on Unity.  The Fianna Fáil leader, who has consistently rejected any common sense suggestions to prepare for unity, returned to his favourite and bogus argument that we need reconciliation before unity.Martin's comments are out of step with the political reality and popular opinion North and South. He also misses entirely the point that the demand for unity is not simply being put by Sinn Féin. Former leaders of Fine Gael and the SDLP, as well the SDLP leadership, Ireland's Future, the Irish Labour Party, the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Good Friday Agreement and others are part of the growing demand for the Irish government to prepare for unity.

Margaret Loftus, former Garda whose ex-husband Trevor Bolger was given a three-month suspended sentence last month for assaulting her in 2012, outlines what she will say in her address to the Oireachtas today.