Podcasts about oireachtas committee

Traffic on the M50 has increased by 10% since the Covid-19 pandemic, according to new data from Transport Infrastructure Ireland. The results have been shared with TDs at an Oireachtas Committee meeting this morning.Joining Shane for more on this is Shane O'Donoghue Editor of CompleteCar.ie and Ger Hyland, President of the Road Haulage Association.

As Chartered Accountants Ireland surpasses 40,000 members, it has today published a new position paper on the future of AI and accountancy. The largest professional body on the island of Ireland is calling on Government to invest in AI-ready infrastructure, strengthen supports for SME adoption and embed AI skills and literacy across the education system. The position paper was launched alongside Deputy Malcolm Byrne T.D., Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Artificial Intelligence. Accountants as trusted advisors The paper argues that in an AI-driven economy, accountants will play an increasingly important role as trusted business leaders providing governance, ethical oversight and assurance. While the paper acknowledges that AI will bring change to how the profession operates, it reinforces – rather than diminishes – the role accountants play in supporting robust, accountable decision-making. The Institute also challenges the narrative that accountants are at risk of being replaced by AI, highlighting instead how the profession is evolving alongside the technology. It emphasises that accountants must take a leading role in implementing AI within finance functions, ensuring systems are deployed responsibly, controls are robust, and outputs can be trusted. Rosemary Keogh, CEO, Chartered Accountants Ireland said "There is a common belief that AI will replace accountants, but the evidence simply doesn't support that. It reflects a misunderstanding of what modern accountants actually do. AI is automating routine, rules-based work and most accountants welcome that. It frees them up to focus on higher-value roles like strategy, risk and decision making. "The AI economy will run on trust. While AI can process extraordinary volumes of data, automate complex tasks, and generate insights at unprecedented speed, trust in those outputs depends on human oversight, ethical judgement and professional accountability. As AI systems become more widely used, the need for trusted financial information will only grow – and this is where accountants add real value." Accountants are already using AI across audit, reporting and advisory services, with recent research by Chartered Accountants Worldwide pointing to strong enthusiasm across the profession. 85% of respondents indicated a willingness to use AI tools in their work, with the younger generation overwhelmingly open to using these tools at 91%. The new position paper aims to provide leadership and clarity on how accountants can use the technology responsibly and effectively. Government policy needed to support AI adoption Chartered Accountants Ireland is calling for Government to support responsible AI adoption in several ways, noting that AI matters not just for accountants, but for Ireland. The paper sets out several recommendations, including: SMEs need to be supported on their AI journey – Supports from Enterprise Ireland, Local Enterprise Offices, and others need to be more accessible, and SMEs and their workforces given the opportunity to become AI literate cost-effectively. Investment in AI-ready infrastructure – For AI to work effectively, Ireland requires an underlying infrastructure that is strong, sustainable, and resilient. From data centres to electricity generation and investments in the national grid, the rightfoundations are needed to optimise the use of AI. Leading on EU simplification and AI regulation – During its upcoming EU Presidency, Ireland has a unique opportunity to lead on the EU's digital simplification package. Ireland should focus on ensuring regulations are proportionate for businesses and promoting the development of guidance and tools that enable businesses to apply AI productively and responsibly. Embedding AI literacy in education – courses in secondary schools and in further and higher education need to be adapted so that all young people are AI literate and aware of the technology's benefits, opportunities, and dangers. ACA syllabus world-leading in tec...

The Oireachtas Committee for Health will be holding a meeting about staff morale in the HSE later today. Speaking to Anton ahead of this meeting was Matthew Sadlier, President of the Irish Medical Organisation.

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.

Cork Senator Laura Harmon has called for tighter regulations surrounding the use of AI glasses, which can be used to secretly film people without their consent.The use of these glasses has sparked debate in recent weeks, following a number of incidents, showing members of the public and workers unknowingly filmed, with edited clips later being posted on social media…Labour Party Senator and member of the Oireachtas Committee on Artificial Intelligence Laura Harmon joins Ciara Doherty to discuss.Image: Meta

The Oireachtas Committee for Health will be holding a meeting about staff morale in the HSE later today. Speaking to Anton ahead of this meeting was Matthew Sadlier, President of the Irish Medical Organisation.

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.

Ministers O'Donovan and McConalogue announce €3.25m in additional Government support to advance Galway Regional Aquatic Project.Joining Anton this morning was Patrick O'Donovan is the Minister for Arts, Culture, Communications, Media and Sport

Ministers O'Donovan and McConalogue announce €3.25m in additional Government support to advance Galway Regional Aquatic Project.Joining Anton this morning was Patrick O'Donovan is the Minister for Arts, Culture, Communications, Media and Sport

An Oireachtas Committee that examined the regulation of online platforms and online safety has not supported a ban on social media access for under 16s. Rachael discussed the decision with TJ McIntyre, Assistant Professor in Law in the Sutherland School of Law in UCD and chairperson of Digital Rights Ireland.

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 Budgetary Oversight has heard that if oil prices reached $140 (€120) a barrel, Ireland would be worse off by €7.5 billion, or 2.5% of national income.On a national scale, depending on how high oil prices go, this could necessitate Government borrowing as soon as next year…Joining Shane to discuss this is Adjunct Professor at Trinity College Dublin and Research Affiliate with the ERSI, John FitzGerald.Image: Reuters

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.

Alex Cooney of Cyber Safe Kids joins Jess to examine the recent Oireachtas Committee hearing, which featured executives from social media and tech giants. What did we learn?

Meta, TikTok, Snap, Google and Microsoft are all before the Oireachtas Committee on Children and Equality this morning to discuss the safety and wellbeing of children online. It follows weeks of meetings, including hearing from young people directly and Cathaoirleach of the Committee, Fine Gael's Keira Keogh is with me in studio

Meta, TikTok, Snap, Google and Microsoft are all before the Oireachtas Committee on Children and Equality this morning to discuss the safety and wellbeing of children online. It follows weeks of meetings, including hearing from young people directly and Cathaoirleach of the Committee, Fine Gael's Keira Keogh is with me in studio

Concern has been expressed that Clare cancer patients could be facing into lengthy treatment delays. The Irish Society of Radiation Oncology has told an Oireachtas Committee that up to 80% of radiotherapy machines nationwide need to be replaced. It's estimated that up to 50% of all cancer patients will need radiotherapy at some point during their illness. Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor and HSE Regional Health Forum Mid West member Antoinette Baker Bashua says the Government needs to act immediately.

Atheist Ireland says children's rights not to attend religious education in school are not being observed. The group says families and children's constitutional rights are not being applied in the real world. Atheist Ireland appeared before the Oireachtas Committee on Public Petitions yesterday. Jane Donnelly, from Atheist Ireland, says some schools are ignoring students' right not to attend religious classes To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Fr Ignatius McCormack, Former Principal of St. Flannan's College Ennis and Robert Bennett, Ennistymon native and member of Midwest Humanists, former board member of the national parents council for education. Photo (c) ibreakstock Getty Images Signature via Canva

Social Democrats TD and spokesperson for energy Jennifer Whitmore has accused the Commission for Regulation of Utilities of being “asleep at the wheel”. After a failure to investigate electricity companies' failure to pass significant cuts in wholesale prices to domestic households. Jennifer spoke to Anton this morning.

Social Democrats TD and spokesperson for energy Jennifer Whitmore has accused the Commission for Regulation of Utilities of being “asleep at the wheel”. After a failure to investigate electricity companies' failure to pass significant cuts in wholesale prices to domestic households. Jennifer spoke to Anton this morning.

The Oireachtas Committee on Health has been told that BAM has said it will not meet its 18th substantial completion date of 30th of April for the new National Children's Hospital. Sinn Fein's Heath spokesman, David Cullinane.

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.

Dia daoibhse from LondonI'm writing this week's column in London. Today, Monday, I'm in the Royal Courts of Justice in a civil case that has been brought against me by three claimants, innocent victims, who were injured in three IRA bomb attacks in 1973 and 1996. They are alleging that I was party to those attacks.There was a small crowd of former British soldiers outside the Court and some in the court room itself. There were also some people with tricolours showing their support.Today the legal teams for the claimants and for me made their opening submissions. My legal team set out logically and clearly my position. In summary, they said that I have consistently rejected claims that I was in the IRA. In this case I am also stating emphatically and unequivocally that I had no involvement in the three bomb attacks. Moore St Bill wins Unanimous BackingMeanwhile the legal challenge being taken by the Moore Street Preservation Trust against the plans by developer Hammerson, to destroy much of the historic 1916 Battlefield site in Dublin, is up for mention shortly in another Court. This time in Dublin. However, the case itself is unlikely to be heard until the autumn.Last week an important draft piece of legislation - An Bille um Cheathrú Chultúir 1916, 2021 - the 1916 Cultural Quarter Bill – to designate the Moore Street 1916 battlefield site as a Cultural Quarter, received unanimous support when it was discussed at the Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage. This was an important moment in the campaign to save the Moore St Battlefield site. Among those who supported the Bill were Cathaoirleach Mícheál Carrigy TD (FG), Paul McAuliffe TD (FF), Senator Maria McCormack (SF), Seamus McGrath TD (FF), Senator Aubrey McCarthy (Independent) and Tommy Gould TD (SF).Seachtain na GaeilgeWe are in the midst of Seachtain na Gaeilge. It used to run for one just week, but its popularity is now such that it has been extended to cover the period from March 1 to 17 – St Patrick's Day.It is very appropriate that it has been officially confirmed that Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, which will take place this August, is already slated to return to Belfast next year. Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is the world's largest annual Irish traditional music festival and is expected to attract tens of thousands of visitors to Belfast.Is í Seachtain na Gaeilge an ceiliúradh is mó den Ghaeilge agus cultúr na hÉireann ar domhan. Bhí an oiread sin ráchairt uirthi gur síneodh amach chuig coicís í. Bíonn sí ar siúl ashan bhliain ó Márta 1 go dtí 17 - Lá Fhéile Pádraig.

Many survivors of sexual assault did not remember consenting to the use of their counselling notes in court, a survey has found.The survey, carried out by survivor led charity Beyond Surviving, has received over 240 responses within 24 hours and found that many survivors did not recall giving informed consent for their notes to be accessed and used in courts.These findings come as amended legislation on the matter is due to come before the Oireachtas Committee.Founder Ciara Mangan and Solicitor Sarah Grace join Andrea to discuss.

The Government has confirmed there will be no reduction in Special Needs Assistants in schools next year, following a major public backlash over proposed cuts affecting almost 200 schools nationwide — including some here in Clare. An additional €19 million has now been allocated, but questions remain about how the situation arose and what happens when a fresh review of SNA posts takes place next year. Meanwhile, SNA's and parents of children with additional needs will protest outside the Dáil at 5pm this evening - with simultaneous demonstrations in Limerick, Cork, Galway and Buncrana. They're going ahead with their planned protests, despite a Government U-turn on SNA allocations. Alan Morrissey was joined by Meelick Fianna Fáil TD and Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Education and Youth, Cathal Crowe, and Shannon Sinn Féin TD Donna McGettigan to discuss this. Photo © JasonDoiy from Getty Images Signature via Canva

There will be no reduction in the number of special needs assistants next year. An extra €19 million euro has been agreed to fund SNAs. It follows a meeting with several ministers last night, over a public backlash to planned SNA cuts in almost 200 schools around the country. Clare Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe, who's Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Education and Youth says it will be a huge relief to pupils and parents.

James Geoghegan, Fine Gael TD for Dublin Bay South / Conor McGuinness, Sinn Féin TD for Waterford / Jen Cummins, Social Democrats TD for Dublin South-Central /Ciara O'Loughlin, political correspondent, The Irish Mirror

Jennifer Whitmore, Social Democrats TD & Cathal Crowe, Fianna Fail TD and member of the joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport

The Government is planning to put forward new laws to ban under-16s from having online accounts, with age verification tools. Cabinet ministers are understood to be prioritising the proposed legislation ahead of Ireland's EU Presidency in June. Last December, Australia became the first country to restrict teenagers from social media, with others planning similar bans. However, Fianna Fail TD Malcom Byrne, who's chairperson of the Oireachtas Committee on Artificial Intelligence, thinks the Government should wait to see what impact Australia's ban is having. To unpack what this could mean in practice — from technology and enforcement to privacy and business impact — Alan Morrissey spoke with Pat Clarke Browne, Technology Expert with Munster Business and Garrett Greene, Lecturer in Law at the Technological University of the Shannon. Image © Getty Images via istockphoto.com

A Clare haulier claims the Road Safety Authority is 'broken beyond repair.' Representatives from the Irish Road Haulage Association are making submissions to an Oireachtas Committee on reforms. The association is to tell the committee that the certificate of professional competence isn't fit for purpose. Deputy Vice President of the Irish Road Haulage Association, Eugene Drennan, of Spa Transport in Ennis, has told the committee the driving test also needs to be reformed.

Poor visibility from cyclists and the ongoing lack of a transport police are among the issues to be raised by bus drivers' unions at a meeting of the joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport later today. Among those speaking is Thomas O'Connor, Assistant General Secretary with the National Bus and Railworkers' Union.

Alan Kelly, Labour TD and Chair of the Media Committee

The Oireachtas Media Committee met today to discuss the regulation of online platforms, with senior staff from Meta, Google and TikTok. Social media platform X has refused the invitation . It comes for Age verification for social media to go before Cabinet Sinead Gibney is Social Democrats TD for Dublin Rathdown, and member of the Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport.She joined Ciara and Shane to discuss what issues were raised at the Media Committee today.

Online safety expert Eoghan Cleary joins the panel of Micheál Carrigy, Fine Gael TD for Longford – Westmeath, Louis O'Hara, Sinn Féin TD for Galway East, Sinéad Gibney, Social Democrats TD for Dublin Rathdown and Gabija Gataveskaite, BBC Dublin Correspondent.

The use of imported Brazilian beef by Dawn Farm Foods has sparked anger among Irish farmers, with critics saying it creates a conflict of interest for Bord Bia chair Larry Murrin, whose role is to promote Irish food. Protests are ongoing outside Bord Bia offices, and the issue is now heading to the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture. Meanwhile, farmers are expressing concern as China closes off its market to Irish beef again, after this week's outbreak of bluetongue. Four herds in County Wexford have now tested positive for the disease as authorities look to limit its spread. China has suspended imports of Irish beef as a result - a decision the Minister for Agriculture has called "disappointing". Joining us now on all of this are Stephen Walsh, Clare County Chair of the IFA, and Joseph Woulfe, Chairman of Beef Plan Movement Clare. Photo (c) Agriland

John Connolly, Fianna Fáil TD for Galway West, Paul Lawless, Aontú TD for Mayo, Sorcha Clarke, Sinn Féin TD for Longford Westmeath and Paul Hosford, Deputy Political Editor with the Irish Examiner.

The cost of accommodation for international protection applicants surpassed €1 billion for the first time in 2024. The new figures come as the latest deportation flight with Polish and Lithuanian citizens left Dublin Airport yesterday afternoon.Pat discusses this more with Matt Carthy TD, Spokesperson on Justice, Home Affairs, and Migration Chairperson of the Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Sinn Féin, Cavan-Monaghan.

“Poor nutrition now leads to long-term health costs” That's the warning from Darina Allen, Chef, Author and founder of Ballymaloe Cookery School. She is set to appear before an Oireachtas committee today to discuss the Hot School Meal programme, and Darina spoke to Newstalk Breakfast this morning.

Paula Crotty, Founder CARED Ireland, a voluntary group supporting carers of those with an eating disorder, speaks about service provision ahead of meeting with Oireachtas Committee on Health.

The brother of Jennifer poole a Dublin woman murdered by her former partner will address an Oireachtas Committee examaning changes to the law on domestic abuse. Jason Poole spoke to Rachel.

A Government scheme providing hot meals to primary school children is being praised for tackling food poverty — but serious concerns are now being raised about how it's being run. An Oireachtas committee has heard that the programme may not be sustainable, with principals warning of heavy administrative burdens, food quality issues and rising waste. Clare FM's Sean Lyons has been speaking about this with Meelick Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Education and Youth. We also heard from Colm Davoren, Assistant Principal of CBS Primary School in Ennis and Gareth Heagney, Principal of Sixmilebridge National School who spoke with Alan Morrissey on Thursday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) rimmabondarenko via Canva

The Oireachtas Committee on Media held a hearing this afternoon on the regulation of online platforms and online safety. There was a particular focus on the recent controversy surrounding the Grok AI feature on X.Joining Ciara to discuss this is Alan Kelly, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport and Labour TD for Tipperary North and Aidan O'Brien, Researcher at DCU School of Communications, who attended the Oireachtas meeting today.

Seán Fleming, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Infrastructure and NDP Delivery, outlines concerns over ESB Network's ability to meet targets on new housing connections.

The long-awaited review of Fianna Fáil's presidential election campaign was submitted to the party leader Micheál Martin last night. Under the review's terms of reference Mr Martin will share its findings with the members of the parliamentary party after he has considered the report. With more on this Sean was joined by Malcom Byrne, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Artificial Intelligence and Fianna Fail TD for Wicklow-Wexford.

The legality of the working hours done by the Shannon unit of the Coast Guard has been questioned in an Oireachtas Committee. Since, Bristow Ireland took over the contract from CHC, workers completing a 24-hour shift have been required to sleep on-site during breaks, rather than going home. Now, however, unless crews are tasked during expected rest time, their shifts will only be logged as 16.5 hours long, with Coast Guard personnel only allowed to work a maximum of 2,000 hours per year. Speaking in the Oireachtas Transport Committee, Clare Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe says the practice is artificially lowering employee work time.

Ireland's teacher recruitment and retention crisis is not a temporary fluctuation but a system challenge that threatens the quality of education and equity for young people. This was the message conveyed to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education by ASTI General Secretary Kieran Christie on Wednesday. Mr Christie referenced recent ASTI and RedC research which found that the teacher supply crisis is impacting on every part of the school system, including 75% of schools advertising posts for which no applicant applied, and many second-level schools relying on non-qualified, out-of-field, or casual teachers. The ASTI is calling for a number of measures to address the current teacher supply crisis. To talk about this was Cathal Crowe, Chair of Oireachtas Committee on Education and Meelick Fianna Fail TD and Geraldine O'Brien, Former ASTI President and teacher at St Joseph's Kilkee Community College on Thursday's Morning Focus with Alan Morrissey. Photo (c) Aflo Images via Canva

Fianna Fáil has published the combined findings of its Parenting in the Digital Age survey and its Youth Online Safety Workshop in conjunction with Foróige and Crosscare, revealing deep concern among parents about children's exposure to online risks, alongside new evidence showing just how young children are when they first enter the digital world. The survey of almost 1,000 participants, carried out by Fianna Fáil's parliamentary party working group, shows that families are struggling to keep pace with fast-changing digital technologies and the online environments their children inhabit. To discuss this in more detail, Alan Morrissey had a chat with Cathal Crowe, Meelick Fianna Fail TD and Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Education and Youth on Tuesday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) Digital Leaders

TD Malcolm Byrne, member of the Oireachtas Media Committee, on the appearance of broadcaster Ivan Yates before the committee to discuss transparency in the sector.

Ireland's media watchdog Coimisiún na Meán as well as broadcaster Ivan Yates and a number of political PR specialists have been invited to an Oireachtas committee to discuss transparency issues in the sector.