Podcasts about Oireachtas

RTÉ Reporter, Juliette Gash brings the latest news on further delays of the new Children's Hospital. RTÉ's Political Coverage Editor Joe Mag Raollaigh joins from the Oireachtas.

The report into the Oireachtas bike shed names no-one and, quelle surprise, vows that lessons will be learned. While the minister in charge has - boldly - promised to cut driving test times in 10 weeks, one person felt they had no option but to go to Georgia to get theirs. The hip surgery crisis gathers pace as another health scandal looms.

An independent report commissioned by the OPW says there was no value-for-money assessment before work began on Leinster House's infamous €336k bicycle shed.According to the report by Deloitte, the OPW did not tell the Oireachtas what the shelter would cost.Joining Kieran to discuss is Newstalk's Political Correspondent, Seán Defoe and Mairéad Farrell, Sinn Féin TD for Galway West/South Mayo, Chair of Oireachtas Finance Committee and Spokesperson for Public Expenditure.

A group of cross Oireachtas politicians is demonstrating at 2pm in Dublin today against what they believe are government efforts to undermine Irelands long tradition of neutrality by the removal of the triple lock. Joining Anton to discuss the issues is People Before Profit TD, Paul Murphy.

Tony McCormack, Fianna Fáil TD for Offaly and Spokesperson on Small and Medium Enterprises and Retail; Martin Kenny, Sinn Féin TD for Sligo–Leitrim and Spokesperson on Agriculture; Michael Collins, Independent TD for Cork South-West; and Christina Finn, Political Editor for The Journal

The Camogie Association has said that they will continue to examine issues around the comfort and design of playing gear, and has said that they will test skorts later in the month.A number of high-profile former players have come out strongly against the rule that makes skorts mandatory on match days…So, should this go as far as the Oireachtas?Joining Andrea to discuss is Dublin Captain Aisling Maher, Centre Forward for Kilkenny Laura Murphy, Hannah Looney, football and camogie player for Cork, Emma O'Byrne, Dublin camogie player and Will Dalton, Virgin Media Sports Reporter.

Shauna Connolly, who launched the 'Shorts not Skorts' campaign in 2023; Alan Kelly, Chair of the Oireachtas Sport Committee and Labour TD

An Oireachtas Group will aim to develop a national action plan that will support 15,000 Clare people living with Cardiovascular disease. The group which will specifically focus on heart and stroke issues was established by the Irish Heart Foundation in conjunction with Clare TD Cathal Crowe. The condition accounted for 27% of all deaths in Clare in 2023. Irish Heart Foundation Senior Policy Manager Mark Murphy says most instances of the diseases are preventable.

The Dail debated this morning the ongoing controversy surrouding the report into the Grace case. Forreaction to these latest developments Fianna Fail's John McGuinness, former Chair of the Public Accounts Committee who played a key role in uncovering the case almost a decade ago.

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.

A new Oireachtas committee focusing on artificial intelligence has been established headed by Fianna Fáil TD Malcolm Byrne.He joins Kieran to discuss what they hope to achieve.

Bhain mac Eimear, Tiernan Ó Biataigh, atá dhá bhliain déag d'aois, an ceathrú háit sa rince Gaelach ina aois ghrúpa ag comórtas damhsa Oireachtas na Cruinne san Ionad Comhdhála i mBaile Átha Cliath le gairid.

Clare County Council is calling for a dedicated Oireachtas committee to scrutinise ambulance response problems here. The local authority is seeking a full investigation into an incident which resulted in a woman waiting three hours by the roadside following a single vehicle crash in Doonbeg. It's also requesting a probe into the awarding of the new Coast Guard Search and Rescue Aviation contract to Bristow Ireland, amid concerns over training, which it's understood has restricted operating hours to between 8am and 8pm. Kilrush Independent Councillor Ian Lynch says hard questions need to be answered.

Alan Dillon, Minister for Small Business and Retail & Circular Economy; Cathy Bennett, Sinn Féin TD for Cavan–Monaghan; Gary Gannon, Social Democrats TD for Dublin Central

Harry McGee and Cormac McQuinn join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:· The ‘Golden Age of America' came and went over the course of a week as US President Donald Trump decided on Wednesday to pause his reciprocal tariffs for most countries for the next 90 days. · The status of suspended Social Democrat TD Eoin Hayes was up for debate this week with the party successfully pushing for representation based on election result rather than current Dáil numbers in order to secure two Oireachtas committee chairperson roles. So, is Hayes a Soc Dem TD or not? Some are making understandable comparisons with the recent speaking rights row.· And Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan has signalled a new Bill to overhaul the asylum system here with the latest data showing a surge in deportation orders and a substantial fall in applications in early 2025, both attributable to O'Callaghan's predecessor Helen McEntee. Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:· The best way to resurrect a graveyard, humanitarian efforts in Chad, and Richard Boyd Barrett's cancer diagnosis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michéal Lehane, Political Correspondent, discusses the formation of the new Oireachtas committees, and how the Social Democrats are counting their TDs.

Fionnán Sheahan, Ireland Editor with the Irish Independent

If you wish to be a candidate for the Presidential election in Ireland, you must have the support of 20 Oireachtas members or four local authorities. The Irish Times contacted councillors across the country to find out how many would give their support to Conor McGregor putting his name on the ballot. Kerry Fianna Fáil councillor Fionnán Fitzgerald was one of those who responded to the survey.

From the Octagon to The Oval Office, Conor McGregor's potential disruption of the 2025 Áras race. A debate as to whether Simon Harris is right to suggest a Trump address to the Houses of the Oireachtas, the economic dangers of the Trump tariffs outlined, the latest on the speaking rights row in the Dáil, and Ivan's Leaving Certificate reform.Brought to you by Greenman OPENPTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and a weekly bonus episode, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in touch: mail@pathtopowerpodcast.comFollow the hosts:Matt: https://twitter.com/cooper_mhttps://www.instagram.com/mattcooperlastword/Ivan: https://www.instagram.com/officialivanyates/https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivan-yates-7b4b468a/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fionnán Sheahan, Ireland Editor with the Irish Independent, discusses when Oireachtas committees might return.

Louise Ní Dháibhéad, Príomhoifigeach Oibríochtaí an Oireachtais ag labhairt faoi cheardlann dráma raidió agus dráma stáitse atá a chur ar bun ag an Oireachtas.

Tá oifigigh úra ceaptha ag Oireachtas na Gaeilge le dul ag plé leis an Taibhealaíon Teangabhunaithe agus beidh siad lonnaithe sna cúigí éagsúla.

Labhraíonn Éamon Ó Cuív le Seán faoina shaol mar pholaiteoir agus a ról nua mar Uachtarán Oireachtas na Gaeilge.

Clare's newly elected senator claims it would be a 'retrograde step' for the county if Clare had no representation in the upper house of the Oireachtas. First elected to the Seanad in 2011, Martin Conway was reinstated for the fourth time as a member of the administrative panel surpassing the quota on the tenth count yesterday afternoon. The Fine Gael man at the moment stands to be the county's only senator for this term after fellow Ennistymon native Ann Marie Flanagan, Clarecastle's Leonora Carey and Shannon Councillor Tony Mulcahy were unsuccessful in their election campaigns. Conway says the Seanad plays a vital role in the country's political system and says he now offers an extra voice to highlight the major issues and concerns within Clare.

On today's show:  11am-12pm Financial Advice With Dave McCarthy University of Galway graduate to bring one man show to Town Hall Cornamona's Éamon Ó Cuív inaugurated as 2025 President of Oireachtas na Gaeilge

Dublin Lacks AmbitionLast week Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, supported by the regional independents, published their Programme for Government 2025. This contains the objectives set by the government parties for the next five years. In my ten years in the Oireachtas as the TD for Louth and East Meath I worked through two such Programmes. First in 2011 and then again in 2016. Neither Programme for Government matched the rhetoric or the commitments contained within them.The Programme for Government 2025 is no different. It is as Pearse Doherty aptly described it “a copy and paste job from five years ago … a tired and stale document that is completely devoid of the ambition and big ideas our people need and deserve.”Presidential VoteA further example of the lack of ambition by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael can be found in their refusal to honour the commitment both made in 2020's Programme for Government to hold a referendum on the extension of Presidential voting rights to Irish citizens living in the North and outside the island of Ireland. Solidarity with the people of PalestineAs I write this column the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip is less than 24 hours old. Already thousands of displaced Palestinians driven from their homes by Israel's genocidal war are starting to slowly make their way back into Gaza City and northern Gaza. Most carry on their backs the entirety of their possessions. Their very few clothes and personal belongs and for some the tents that will provide them with shelter among the rubble that was once their homes. Some have donkeys to help while a few of the more fortunate have motor vehicles.

Barry Lenihan, RTÉ Reporter

On today's show:  10am-11am Galway City park vandalised with swastikas Galway 2020 representatives summoned before Galway City Council for "Oireachtas style" questioning Research shows why Irish professionals are leaving for Australia and what they think the government could do to convince them to stay We'll hear from the kids who attended UHG's Teddy Bear Hospital

The Clare-based Deputy Leader of the Greens is confident the party will rebuild stronger than ever, despite a fading influence in the Oireachtas. Party Leader Roderic O'Gorman was the only member to retain his Dáil seat following the General Election in November, while only four candidates are contesting the Seanad election at the end of the month. Deputy Leader Roisín Garvey has decided not to contest the upcoming Seanad election and will effectively forfeit her seat. The outgoing Inagh Senator believes she can have more influence on policy from outside Leinster House, than on the opposition benches in the Seanad.

As Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael engage in talks to form the next Irish government, the controversial issue of facial recognition technology (FRT) in policing is back in the spotlight. With plans to introduce FRT into Garda operations already on the table, this topic is expected to become a flashpoint in political and public debates in the months ahead. Adding to the conversation, a public Think-In event titled Facing the Future: Let's Talk Facial Recognition Technology was held recently at The Digital Hub as part of Beta Festival. Co-organised by Dr Ciara Bracken-Roche and Dr Emma Clarke of the ADAPT Research Ireland Centre for AI-Driven Digital Content Technology, the event provided a platform for experts and citizens to critically assess the potential impact of FRT on Irish society. The session featured contributions from Daniel Kahn Gillmor, Senior Staff Technologist at the ACLU, and Olga Cronin, Senior Policy Officer at the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL). Both highlighted major concerns, including the risk of bias in FRT systems, threats to personal privacy, and the broader implications for civil liberties. Participants were invited to discuss real-world scenarios, such as using FRT to identify a vandal after a car was damaged or tracking a hit-and-run driver. These discussions revealed a complex web of ethical and practical questions about how this technology might be used responsibly, or abused, in law enforcement. The Think-In also included Calculating Empires, an immersive research visualisation by Kate Crawford and Vladan Joler. The artwork examines how technological systems and societal structures have evolved over centuries, offering a powerful lens through which to view the modern surveillance landscape. This debate takes place against the backdrop of significant political change. As the new government takes shape, its stance on FRT will likely signal Ireland's broader approach to balancing technological innovation with the protection of civil rights. The issue became especially pressing last year, when the government proposed using FRT for serious crimes, including riots and violent disorder, following public disturbances in Dublin. Supporters argue that FRT could improve Garda efficiency by speeding up video analysis in investigations, while opponents, including the Irish Council for Civil Liberties, warn of the potential for mass surveillance and errors that disproportionately affect vulnerable communities. Calls for robust safeguards and comprehensive legislative scrutiny have been growing louder. With public trust, privacy, and security at stake, the debate over facial recognition technology is certain to remain a high-profile issue as the next government sets its priorities. ADAPT researchers are at the forefront of addressing these challenges. Dr. Abeba Birhane and Dr. Ciara Bracken-Roche have made expert testimonies for the Oireachtas' Joint Committee on Justice's Pre-Legislative Scrutiny of the General Scheme of the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) (Amendment) Bill 2023, and co-authored prominent opinion pieces warning about granting Gardaí extensive FRT capabilities risks creating "roaming surveillance units" and foreshadows "big problems" if such technology is adopted without rigorous safeguards. ADAPT's work on trustworthy AI focuses on ensuring that emerging technologies like FRT are developed and deployed ethically, transparently, and with public trust at their core. See more stories here.

A West Clare fishing representative claims the EU fish quotas agreed this week highlight the need for a designated Fisheries Minister in the next Dáil. It comes as European Fisheries Ministers have reached agreement on quotas for Irish and EU fishers for 2025. Speaking after the agreement was finalised, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue said the Government's priority was to secure Irish fishers' ability to catch mackerel and herring "in addition to the traditional white fish stocks". Carrigaholt-based Chair of Irish Charter Skippers Association and representative on the National Inshore Fisheries Forum, Luke Aston, says the fisheries sector has never had proper representation in the Houses of the Oireachtas.

An incumbent Clare Senator has defended the Seanad as a valid and worthwhile forum, ahead of the upcoming election. The upper house of the Oireachtas has come in for widespread criticism over the 11 seats appointed by the Taoiseach, which has been branded as a bargaining chip for coalition formation talks and a safety net for unsuccessful Dáil candidates. There are currently three Clare candidates in the race, namely Independent Anne-Marie Flannagan and Fine Gael's duo of Councillor Tony Mulcahy and Senator Martin Conway, while it's understood the party's Clarecastle General Election candidate Leonora Carey is also seeking nomination. Conway says if returned, one of his chief priorities will be to establish a national strategy for preventable sight loss.

A Clare activist is hoping to end what she calls the "paternalistic attitude" around disability in Ireland through electoral politics. Longtime disability rights advocate Ann Marie Flanagan has been nominated for the 27th Seanad by Independent Living Movement Ireland under the Administrative Panel. If elected, the Ennistymon native would be the first disabled woman in the upper house of the Oireachtas. She says a key priority of hers would be changing the language around people with disabilities and creating opportunities for them to integrate into society.

Bhuaidh Aoibhínn Ní Shúilleabháin an chéad áit san amhránaiocht ar an sean nós ag an Oireachtas do leanaí faoi 7 mbliana d'aois i mbliana. Tá sí freastal ar bhunscoil Abán i mBaile Bhuirne

Doireann Ní Dhuinín i mbun aithriseoireachta. Sí bhuaidh an chéad duais sa chomórtas aithriseoireachta faoí 7 mbliana d'aois ag an Oireachtas.

In this episode of Meg Talks, Megan Kerrigan discusses how to prepare for the upcoming Oireachtas season in Irish dance. She shares key tips focusing on reflection, planning, maintaining a champion mindset, and staying focused on performance day. Additionally, she highlights common mistakes dancers make leading up to the event, such as neglecting rest and sleep, and emphasises the importance of consistent mindset work. Key Points: 00:00 - Introduction to Oireachtas Season 01:28 - Key Tips for Rocking Your Oireachtas 03:46 - Champion Mindset for Dancers 08:52 - Staying Focused on Feis Day 12:40 - Common Mistakes Before Oireachtas MWM Gold Club: Join Now MWM Calm The Nerves Meditation: Grab Now MWM App with FREE Move Like A Champion Mini-Course: Grab Now Master Your Majors Mindset Masterclass: Get Here

Fuair Holly Nic Chárthaigh an dara duais san amhránaiocht ar an sean nós ag an Oireachtas do leanaí faoí 10 mbliana d'aois.

Bhuaidh Abbie Ní Liatháin Corn Nóra Ghriallais ag an Oireachtas i mbliana. Seo mar a chan sí an Lacha Bhacach.

Saoirse Ní Neachtain agus Éle Nic Conaill as Cois Fharraige a fuair an dara duais sa gcomórtas agallamh beirte do dhaoine óga idir 8 agus 9 mbliana d'aois ag Oireachtas na Samhna i mbliana.

Fuair Clíona an chéad áit sa gcomórtas amhránaíochta ar an sean-nós do dhaoine óga idir 12 agus 13 bliain d'aois ag Oireachtas na Samhna i mbliana.

Fuair Síofra Juidín Ní Fhlatharta agus Ciara Ní Mháille ó Scoil Sailearna an chéad duais sa gcomórtas agallamh beirte do dhaoine óga idir 4 bliana agus 8 mbliana d'aois ag Oireachtas na Samhna i mbliana.

Siad Seán agus Conchubhar Ó Luasa ón Screathan i gCúil Aodha a bhuaidh an chéad duais le na n-amhrán saothair ag an Oireachtas i mbliana. Chuireadar ós cóir an phobail i mBaile Mhuirne aréir é.

Bhuaidh Ciara Ní Laoithe agus Lia Nic Gearailt comórtas an lúibín faoi 12 ag an Oireachtas. Lúibín ar laoch peile Chiarraí Louise Ni Mhuircheartaigh.

Cecily Ní Loingsigh, Máire Uí Mhurchú; Comórtas na mbailte slachtmhara. Áine Uí Fhoghlú; Bille na gCríocha faoi fhorghabháil. Aoife Ní Shúilleabháin;An t-Oireachtas. Ciara Ní Laoithe agus Lia Nic Gearailt; Lúibín buacach an Oireachtais faoí 12.

Cuirfear tús le himeachtaí Oireachtas na Samhna i gCill Airne amárach. Tá suas le míle iomaitheoir le bheith páirteach sna comórtais stáitse - an líon is mó ariamh.

Beidh deis ag muintir Chonamara cuid de na gasúir atá ag réiteach don Oireachtas a fheiceáil in Ionad Pobail Leitir Móir inniu.

Jennifer Bray and Harry McGee join Hugh to discuss the week in politics:The Government is completing what it can of its unfinished legislative programme before the general election, and that means the 'guillotine' - a procedure that shortens the time needed to debate bills as they pass through the Oireachtas - is getting heavy use this week. Which bills are getting chopped - and which are getting dropped?Clare Daly's decision to run in Dublin Central adds another colourful and effective political character to the mix in that constituency. But with so many independents in contention around the country, the 34th Dáil is likely to be diverse.Jennifer calls out Hugh's obsession with Seanad reform. Is there some Seanad-related trauma deep in Hugh's past?Plus they pick their Irish Times articles of the week:On-the-ground coverage from the US by Keith Duggan and Steven Carroll who are meeting voters and surveying swing states as the historically close US election draws nearPatrick Freyne's review of a steamy Jilly Cooper TV adaptationJustine McCarthy warns the coalition parties not to gloat over Sinn Féin's failures - their own records are far from perfect Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paul Cunningham, Political Correspondent outlines the details of next week's Dáil vote on the Final Report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Assisted Dying.

Pearse Doherty TD, Sinn Féin's Finance spokesman, discusses the party's handling of the resignation of former Senator Niall Ó Donnghaile over sending inappropriate text messages to a teenager.

Paul and Mick discuss the murder of Martin Salinger in Cloverhill Prison, a Russian agent nicknamed ‘Cobalt' in the Oireachtas, Defence Forces leave Portlaoise Prison, Jason Bonney and Paul Murphy's appeal, and Maddie suspect cleared of raping Irish woman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices