Podcasts about oireachtas committee

Dr Andrew Hines, lecturer at the School of Computer Science, UCD

A meeting between the ESRI and the Oireachtas Committee on Housing to discuss housing supply for the coming year has just finished up.Joining Kieran to discuss the latest is Newstalk Reporter Jessica Woodlock.

European Movement Ireland and Konrad- Adenauer- Stiftung (KAS) UK and Ireland hosted 'Artificial Intelligence - How will Europe Innovate?' The event explored the challenges and opportunities ahead for AI innovation, political leadership and the future development of AI across Europe, as the European Union sets out its ambitious agenda to become a global leader in AI. AI EU Innovation The EU AI act, which forms part of this vision, is the world's first act to regulate the use of AI globally. In force since 2024, with some exemptions for high-risk AI until 2027, the EU AI Act will be fully applicable from 2026, coinciding with Ireland's Presidency of the European Council. Given the presence of multinational tech companies, and leading research institutions in the country, Ireland is well positioned to influence how AI is advanced across the bloc into the future. Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on EU Affairs, Barry Ward TD said: "As Europe takes bold steps toward responsible AI innovation, today's discussion underscores the need for political leadership that is both visionary and grounded in our shared values. With Ireland preparing to take on the Presidency of the European Council in 2026, along with our thriving tech sector and academic excellence, we are uniquely placed to help lead this conversation and ensure AI development in Europe is ethical, innovative, and inclusive." Noelle O Connell, CEO European Movement Ireland said; "As the global race continues for leadership in AI, I am delighted to hear the statement from Minister Smyth, welcome Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on EU Affairs Barry Ward TD, and listen to the insights from the expert panel today on AI innovation, as it increasingly shapes all aspects of our daily lives and influences decision making. We are at a pivotal time when trust in institutions is falling, as revealed by EM Ireland's EU Poll 2025, a majority stated (40%) they do not trust any institution and less than one in three (30%) expressed trust in the EU in Ireland. As the EU seeks to be bold in its vision for AI, it must ensure developments in AI work to serve the public good, and do not erode trust into the future." The Minister for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation Niamh Smyth TD appeared prior to the discussion with a short video statement. The expert panel was moderated by Noelle O Connell and included Barry Ward TD, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs, Stephanie Anderson, Public Policy Manager, Meta, Dr. Eamonn Cahill, Principal Officer, AI and Digital Regulation Unit, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Kai Zenner of Office and Digital Policy Adviser for MEP Axel Voss. Dr. Canan Atilgan, Konrad- Adenauer- Stiftung (KAS) UK and Ireland said; "The EU aims to become a global leader in AI and has unveiled an ambitious Action Plan - a bold strategy designed not merely to compete, but to lead ethically, with a clear, human-centred vision." Artificial Intelligence - How Will Europe Innovate? brought citizens, businesses, and policymakers together to explore the themes of the future of AI, and the regulation of AI in practice. The hashtag #EMIKAS and the handles @KAS_UKIRL and @emireland were used during the event. See more breaking stories here. More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too. You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at Simon@IrishTechNews.ie now to discuss. Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. Why not drop us a line at Info@IrishTechNews.ie now to find out more about how we can help you reach our audience. You can also find and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.

Alan Kelly, Labour Party TD for Tipperary // Cathal Crowe, Fianna Fáil TD for Clare and Chairperson of the Oireachtas Committee on Education and Youth // Lorraine Dempsey, former board member and CEO Inclusion Ireland

Over the next 9 months, the Oireachtas Committee on Drugs Use, chaired by Gary Gannon, will meet as it finishes its final report into the Citizens' Assembly on drug use. Some of the recommendations included within that final report were a whole government approach to drug use in Ireland, the need to involve drug users in shaping drug policy, and a recommendation that possession of drugs for personal use be decriminalised. Gary Gannon, Social Democrats TD for Dublin Central joins Anton to discuss.

The Camogie Association has been called to appear before the Oireachtas Committee on Sport, after the Leinster semi-final was almost cancelled this weekend when players from Dublin and Kilkenny refused to wear skorts. Oireachtas Sports Committee Chair and Labour TD Alan Kelly spoke to Ciara this morning on the show.

The Camogie Association has been called to appear before the Oireachtas Committee on Sport, after the Leinster semi-final was almost cancelled this weekend when players from Dublin and Kilkenny refused to wear skorts. Oireachtas Sports Committee Chair and Labour TD Alan Kelly spoke to Ciara this morning on the show.

The new Oireachtas Committee on Drugs must move forward with implementing a health-led approach to drug use rather than a criminal one. That's according to the Citywide Drugs Crisis Campaign. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was the newly appointed Committee Chair Gary Gannon, Social Democrats TD.

The new Oireachtas Committee on Drugs must move forward with implementing a health-led approach to drug use rather than a criminal one. That's according to the Citywide Drugs Crisis Campaign. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was the newly appointed Committee Chair Gary Gannon, Social Democrats TD.

Tara Farrell, CEO of Longford Women's Link, discusses the lack of women appointed, so far, to Oireachtas Committee Chair roles

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.

The CEO of the Shannon Airport Group is hopeful a newly re-constituted Oireachtas Group will bring about a long-sought change in national aviation policy. The inaugural meeting of the cross-party Shannon Airport Oireachtas Group, which is made up of elected representatives from Clare and surrounding counties as well as airport representatives, has been held at the Midwest base this week. Key discussion points of the meeting were the facility's underused capacity, lobbying for its permanent inclusion in the Regional Airports Programme and improving public transport links. Shannon Airport Group CEO Mary Considine says the onus is on those in Leinster House to advocate for the airport's interests.

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

One year on from the Dublin Riots, there needs to be a speedier response to dangerous public order offences. That's the view of Jim O'Callaghan, Chairman of the Oireachtas Committee on Justice & Fianna Fáil Election Candidate for Dublin Bay South.

Yesterday, a majority of TDs backed the findings of a report which recommended the legalisation of assisted dying in limited circumstances. This was the final report produced by the Oireachtas Committee on Assisted Dying. Its chair Michael Healy-Rae opposed the report’s recommendations. Despite a majority of TDs accepting the recommendations, this does not change the law. It will be up to the next Government after the general election to decide whether to legislate for assisted dying. Deputy Healy-Rae spoke to Jerry.

The Dáil voted last night to accept an Oireachtas report recommending assisted dying, paving the way for full legislation. Newstalk's Political Correspondent Seán Defoe was covering Dáil proceedings last night and explained what happened during the voting. Also speaking to Shane this morning was Michael Healy Rae, Former Chairman of Oireachtas Committee on Assisted Dying and Independent TD for County Kerry.

After months of hearings the Oireachtas Committee on Assisted Dying held its first public meeting in June of last year and issued its final report in March of this year, recommending legislation to allow assisted dying under strict criteria. Vice-chair and People Before Profit TD Gino Kenny and committee's chair Michael Healy Rae discuss this.

Paul McAuliffe, Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin North-West; Richard Boyd Barrett, People Before Profit TD for Dun Laoghaire; Mattie McGrath, Independent TD for Tipperary; Christina Finn, Political Editor for The Journal

Deputy David Cullinane, Sinn Féin TD and member of the Oireachtas Committee on Health, discusses the National Children's Hospital debacle.

The Oireachtas Committee on Health was told that construction firm BAM has "shifted the substantial completion date" of the new National Children's Hospital project 14 times in just four years. To discuss this and other news today Neasa Hourigan, who is Health spokersperon for the Green Party and also by Áontu Leader Peadar Tobin.

Today in the Oireachtas Committee on Health, politicians have heard claims that the contractors behind the new National Children's Hospital are holding the hospital hostage for more money.The Hospital Development Board is accusing BAM of unacceptable delays and says it couldn't give assurances for the new June 2025 completion date.Not one single room in the new hospital is up to standard yet, an Oireachtas Health Committee has heard.Social Democrats TD Róisín Shortall says an unhelpful standoff has emerged. She joins Kieran to discuss.

Sadhbh O'Neill, Senior Climate Advisor and Jackie Cahill, Fianna Fáil TD for Tipperary and Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture

Does AI make us lazy? Well, guest host Emmet Oliver's next guest was in front of The Oireachtas Committee on Education to discuss just this!Joining the show to discuss is Seán O'Sullivan, this year's BT Young Scientist Winner.

Multiple female footballers have claimed they were subjected to unwanted or inappropriate sexual advances from FAI coaches in the 1990s. For more than two years, RTÉ and the Sunday Independent have been jointly investigating concerns and last night the documentary aired. The named coaches deny all wrongdoing To get reaction to this Ciara spoke to Niamh Smyth, Fianna Fail TD and Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht.

The Clare-based Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Drugs Use insists it's vital the long-term consequences of legalising drugs in other countries is examined before recommendations on the matter are made here. The committee, which was established to deal with the recommendations of the Citizens Assembly on Drugs Use, has this week resumed its discussions on decriminalisation, depenalisation, diversion and legalisation of drugs use. Among the recommendations of the citizens assembly was decriminalising drugs use, in favour of a health-led approach, however it didn't go as far as suggesting legalising drugs use. There have been calls for this in some quarters though and Chair of the Oireachtas Committee, Scarriff Independent TD and MEP elect, Michael McNamara says there's suggestions that doing so hasn't had the desired effect in other countries.

The recommendations published earlier this year by a special Oireachtas committee urged the Government to legislate for assisted dying in restricted circumstances. However, in a pastoral letter the bishops criticised the recommendations, warning the proposals will “undermine the confidence of terminally ill people” and leave those with intellectual disabilities in a vulnerable position. On Tuesday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Bishop Kevin Doran of Elphin. To discuss this further, Clare health campaigner, John Wall also joined Alan on the show. Picture (c) DarkoStojanovic via canva.com

A Clare healthcare campaigner claims adopting the stance of the Catholic Church on assisted dying would see the State "watch people suffer". It follows the publication of a pastoral letter which has criticised the recommendations of the Oireachtas Committee on Assisted Dying - suggesting the proposed legislation would "undermine the confidence of the terminally ill". First assembled in 2023, the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Assisted Dying published its final report in March of this year. The report recommends that the Government introduces legislation allowing for assisted dying in restricted circumstances. As per the report, assisted dying should be an option for terminally ill people with less than six months to live, or 12 months if they are suffering from a neurodegenerative conditions. It's also stated that when a person's capacity to make a decision is in question, a functional test would be introduced as part of the assessment for eligibility. In a pastoral letter issued this week, Irish Catholic Bishops have condemned the recommendations, claiming the deliberate taking of human life under any circumstances undermine a fundamental principle of civilised society. The letter raises concerns that the proposed legislation would "undermine the confidence of the terminally ill" and leave those with intellectual disabilities in a vulnerable situation. Bishop Kevin Doran of Elphin, who wrote the letter, fears if assisted dying is legislated for even in restricted circumstances, the criteria would be broadened in years to come. The letter also strongly advocates for palliative care as an alternative to assisted saying, stating that "in the final weeks of terminal illness, many people can be helped to experience human and spiritual growth". Lahinch healthcare campaigner John Wall believes the stance of the Bishops would leave people who are suffering with no recourse should they wish to end their pain on their own terms.

Irish Unity makes economic senseLast month a report by the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) caught the headlines with the claim that Irish Unity could cost the South up to €20 billion annually. The analysis was quickly challenged by other economists and last week those with different opinions had their opportunity to address the Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.We are running out of words to describe what is happening in Gaza.” United NationsTuesday was a special day. For the first time the Palestinian flag flew over Leinster House in Dublin following the announcement by the government to formally recognise the State of Palestine. Tuesday's move was the next step in a process that will see the Palestinian Mission in Dublin upgraded to an Embassy. The representative office of the Irish government in Ramallah will be re-designated as an Embassy and its representative there will become an Ambassador.A Better World Is Needed. For decades now I have argued that the big central international struggle of our time is for people to have democratic control over the decisions which affect their lives. The absence of this basic right underpins conflict in the Middle East and Ukraine and other parts of the world.  It poisons relations between Ireland and Britain and within Ireland although thankfully we have a process for dealing with that. Painfully slow though it is, it is better than war. And such an approach is clearly required in the Middle East and between Russia and Ukraine.  That is what the United Nations should be advocating. 

Fianna Fianna Fáil senator Gerry Horkan, member of the Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications, spoke at the Joint Committee on Transport yesterday when the Garda Commissioner announced that there will be a substantial increase in the number of speed and safety cameras on our roads. Jerry interviewed him about this and the rise in the numbers of people who don’t wear seat belts. At the end of the interview, Jerry asked Senator Horkan about Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl’s comments in the wake of the attempt to assassinate the prime minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico.

A Clare senator has accused Eir of threatening its staff with sanctions if they didn't break consumer law. It comes as the telecommunications company has pleaded guilty to 12 counts of not complying with legal requirements after it was revealed a training manual instructed staff not to tell customers its complaints number or complaints webpage address. Eir has claimed the instruction was "taken out of context" as staff are required to transfer calls to the complaints team rather than asking customers to make a second call or go online. Tulla Fianna Fáil Senator and Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications member Timmy Dooley believes the company must explain its actions.

What's your experience with public transport? Almost 75 percent of bus and train drivers in Ireland have witnessed drug use or abuse behaviour several times a month. Siptu officials, along with members of the union working with Dublin Bus, Irish Rail and Luas services will be speaking to the joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications later today. Andrea is joined by multiple people working in the transport industry to share their stories.

Sinn Féin TD Martin Kenny has written to the Oireachtas Communications Committee requesting that Eir's CEO & senior management appear before them.

A Lahinch campaigner insists religion should have no bearing on the legalisation of assisted dying. It comes as the Oireachtas Committee on Assisted Dying has published a 96-page report which recommends allowing those diagnosed with an incurable illness or medical condition that will cause death within six months to apply for assisted dying. The report has caused much division however with Committee Chair Michael Healy-Rae, Deputy Robert Troy and Senator Rónán Mullen expressing their opposition to it on various moral and ethical grounds. Lahinch healthcare campaigner John Wall believes one person's convictions shouldn't affect another person's access to what he sees as a vital service.

The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Assisted Dying is to launch a report tomorrow on assisted dying and its recommendations for introducing the legislation in Ireland.Kieran was joined by Kildare GP, Assistant Adjuvant Professor in Public Health and Primary Care at Trinity College Dublin, Brendan O'Shea and Columnist with the Irish Independent, David Quinn to discuss...

An Oireachtas Committee is set to recommend that the Irish government introduce laws to allow for assisted dying and euthanasia under certain strict criteria. It follows an in-depth consultation period on the matter. This week, The Journal's Stephen McDermott tells host Laura Byrne about what the committee is recommending and what we can expect to see happen. The Explainer is brought to you by The Journal. Providing open access to valuable journalism in Ireland has been the aim of The Journal for a decade. You can contribute to ensure we can keep questioning, investigating, debunking, explaining and informing at www.thejournal.ie/contribute/

A Clare TD whose been nominated to chair a new Oireachtas Committee on Drug Use insists serious weight must be given to the concerns of policing and medical experts. The committee will consist of fourteen TD's and Senators and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar anticipates it will convene for the first time in early April. The group is expected to submit a report to government by the final quarter of the year, which will consider the Citizen's Assembly's suggestion to adopt a decriminalisation and health led approach to drug use. Scariff Independent Deputy Michael McNamara has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that any recommendations made must result in change for the better.

Elaine Loughlin, Deputy Political Editor with the Irish Examiner and Dr. Tom Hickey, Associate Professor of Constitutional Law in DCU

The Oireachtas Committee on Assisted Dying is set to recommend that both assisted suicide and euthanasia be introduced in Ireland. The committee report will also include a conscientious clause allowing any doctor, nurse or medical worker not to be involved. Janie Lazar, End of Life Ireland chairperson, Professor Des O'Neill, consultant geriatrician

The Economic & Social Research Institute tells the Oireachtas Committee on Budgetary Oversight that house prices will keep rising, and Ireland was among the EU's lowest for housing investment in 2022. Sinn Fein TD & spokesperson for housing Deputy Eoin O'Broin & Pat Davitt, chief executive of the Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers.

Pat Leahy and Jennifer Bray join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:One week out from the care and family referendums taking place on March 8th and campaigning on both sides is finally in full swing, the panel debates whether the Government will be hurt by a failure to get both proposed constitutional amendments over the line considering how muddled their Yes message has been thus far.Also on the podcast: Sinn Féin's unclear position on climate change was evident again this week after their sole MEP Chris McManus voted against the Nature Restoration Law, a landmark piece of EU environmental legislation, while Sinn Féin senator Lynn Boylan wholeheartedly welcomed it. And with her three-hour Oireachtas Committee grilling over the resignation of former chair of the RTÉ board, Siún Ní Raghallaigh, now behind her the panel discuss whether Minister for Media Catherine Martin, and indeed the wider public, can now move on from the RTÉ saga. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fiery appearances before Oireachtas committees are all the rage these days, and the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is no stranger to them. What are the latest revelations? What do they say about the future of the FAI? We're joined by Gavin Cooney, sportswriter and podcast host with The 42, to explore why the organisation is making headlines again. The Explainer is brought to you by The Journal. Providing open access to valuable journalism in Ireland has been the aim of The Journal for a decade. You can contribute to ensure we can keep questioning, investigating, debunking, explaining and informing at www.thejournal.ie/contribute/

Jack Power, Reporter, Irish Times and Kathleen Funchion, Sinn Fein TD and Chairperson of the Oireachtas Committee on Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Teresa Hannick SIPTU Divisional Organiser for Services which represents unions at FAI.

Una Kelly, RTÉ Reporter

A Clare Government TD believes re-opening an Accident and Emergency Unit in Ennis should be achieved in the medium to long term. It's after it emerged the CEO of the UL Hospitals Group went a period of leave within the same week of record overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick. 116 patients were without a bed at the region's main hospital this morning, according to INMO figures, marking the seventeeth day in succession in which the trolley count at Dooradoyle has been in the triple digits. Last week, the CEO of the UL Hospitals Group, Professor Collette Cowan took an official leave period, within the same week that the record for Irish hospital overcrowding was breached twice at UHL. Calls are now growing from Clare's elected representatives in both government and opposition for the executive body of ULHG to appear before an Oireachtas Committee. Ennistymon Fine Gael Senator and Oireachtas Health Committee member, Martin Conway believes that while there must be accountability for poor patient outcomes at UHL, he insists the government will spare no expense in resolving healthcare deficits in the region. Meanwhile, Clare's Fianna Fáil TD believes the focus must remain on upgrading the services available at Ennis General Hospital. Meelick Fianna Fáil Deputy Cathal Crowe says while the immediate goal should be expanding operating hours at the Medical Assessment and Local Injury Units, reopening the Accident and Emergency Unit in Ennis should be a medium to long-term aspiration.

Catherine Murphy, Leas-Chathaoirleach of the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee, reacts to the findings of a damning report into Toy Show The Musical.

Our Political Reporter Tommy Meskill reports.

Welcome to Wednesday's Football Daily - Phil Egan runs you through all you need to know from world football. Subscribe to the OTB Football podcast feed to hear the best football analysis, interviews and stories from Off The Ball.

Damian O'Reilly, lecturer in Retail Excellence at TU Dublin and Shane Gleeson, owner of Gleeson's Group with five Spar shops in Limerick.

Liam Herrick, Executive Director of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties, discusses the claims that the Garda Ombudsman may have a role in hindering the force's ability to effectively police public order incidents.