Podcasts about Taoiseach

Ellen Coyne and Harry McGee join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:· Taoiseach Micheál Martin's St Patrick's Day visit to The White House to meet US president Donald Trump could prove awkward should he face questions about the US and Israel's military action against Iran, and its impact on the Middle East, Gulf regions and soaring fuel prices. Last year's meeting was a minefield to be navigated – perhaps Martin has learned from that experience.· A far less fraught meeting took place on Friday when the Taoiseach welcomed Britain's prime minister Keir Starmer to the UK-Ireland summit at Fota House in Cork. Security and co-operation were the order of the day, as Anglo-Irish relations continued to improve from a post-Brexit low.· And the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) decided this week, after a mere fifteen years, not to bring criminal charges against anyone arising from the Moriarty tribunal's final report in 2011. Michael Lowry and Denis O'Brien no doubt welcomed the decision.Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:· The brave and anonymous women we all owe a debt, the beef between farmers and Government, and Patrick Freyne's golden age of male role models.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.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has arrived at Fota House in East Cork for a meeting with Taoiseach Micheál Martin. Both leaders have committed to closer working relationships on maritime security, trade, energy and culture. RTÉ Southern Editor Paschal Sheehy joined the show to tell us more.

This time last year, Taoiseach Micheál Martin was grasping an American-flag emblazoned short straw, playing second fiddle to Conor McGregor as our disgraced UFC representative took the St Patrick's Day podium. Now that the Taoiseach has been restored to March 17 parity, he has one hell of a job on his hands. What kind of reception awaits him in Donald Trump's Oval Office next week? Host: Kevin Doyle, Guest: Mary ReganSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An méid a bhí le rá ag an Taoiseach faoi chúrsaí agus praghas fuinnimh.

Tony Connelly, Europe Editor, looks ahead to Taoiseach Micheál Martin's meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.

With a Trump meeting looming next week, Micheál is in bits — so who better to coach him than Willie O'Dea? Willie puts the Taoiseach through a crash course in talking nonstop without saying anything with a trip to Duffy's Circus thrown in for good measure. Going forward, it's pure Gift Grub chaos.

President Catherine Connolly's statement on violence in the Middle East is expected to increase pressure on Taoiseach Micheál Martin to take a stand when he visits the White House for St Patrick's Day.Ciarán Ahern, Labour TD for Dublin South West, and Larry Donnelly, law lecturer at University of Galway, join The Last Word to discuss whether the Taoiseach should use the opportunity of the Oval Office meeting to express Ireland's concerns about the war in Iran.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Next week, the Taoiseach will take the first official trip in the new government jet, travelling from Dublin to Philadelphia and then on to DC for the St Patrick's Day festivities in the White House. But ,what is the €53 million jet actually like?Joining Seán to discuss is Kevin Byrne, retired Air Corps Lieutenant Colonel and Airport Safety & Security Auditor.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin yesterday presented 25 students from underrepresented backgrounds with scholarships to study a range of STEM courses, such as AI and cybersecurity, as part of the second phase of the Insight Research Ireland Centre for Data Analytics Scholarship Programme, supported by Google.org and coordinated by Dublin City University (DCU). The event took place in The Foundry, Google Ireland, Barrow St, Dublin 4. Students who received scholarships include members of the Traveller community, students who have been in the care of the state, students with disabilities and refugee students. The Insight Scholarship Programme, supported by Google.org, is the largest scholarship programme of its kind in Ireland. With a funding package of €1.5 million over five years, two cohorts of undergraduate students will receive scholarships to study in one of 230 STEM courses across 12 Irish universities. Forty-two students entered the programme in the first cohort in 2024. A further 25 will be presented with certificates by the Taoiseach at today's event. Scholars will be awarded €5,000 per year, up to a maximum duration of five years. Last year's scholars are now studying STEM courses, with dedicated mentoring support, across 12 Irish universities. Insight scholars come from a wide range of backgrounds, including the Traveller and Roma community, those who have experienced homelessness, students with disabilities, students who have been in State care, refugees and lone parents. Additionally, 60% of the scholars are women pursuing STEM degrees—more than double the national average, where women represent only 33% of STEM students in Irish universities. Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: 'Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to build a fairer, more inclusive Ireland. These scholarships represent far more than financial support; they are an investment in talent, ambition and potential that exists in every community across our country. By widening access to AI, cybersecurity and other STEM disciplines, we are ensuring that the opportunities of the digital age are open to all, not just a few. I want to congratulate each of today's scholars on their wonderful achievement. I also commend Insight, DCU and Google for their leadership in creating the largest scholarship fund of its kind in Ireland. Together, we are strengthening Ireland's future as a global leader in innovation while ensuring that no one is left behind.' Professor Noel O'Connor, Insight CEO, said: 'We are so proud of the 42 Insight scholars now thriving in their STEM studies across the country. These smart, ambitious students are the best expression of Insight's vision: to empower critically aware, creative communities and create a better society for all. This initiative has shown us not only what is possible, but also how urgently programmes like this are needed to drive equity, diversity and inclusion and ultimately to strengthen Ireland's and Europe's future in AI. We warmly welcome the new cohort of Insight scholars joining us today and wish them and their mentors every success.' Vanessa Hartley, Head of Google Ireland Google said: 'Google is proud to support the Insight Scholarship Programme, representing a €1.5 million contribution to Ireland's future tech talent pipeline. By focusing on AI and digital safety, this scholarship directly addresses the growing need to ensure equitable access to these essential skills, driving a stronger and more diverse foundation for Ireland's economy.' Programme Coordinator Megan Griffin said: 'This programme is designed to support students from underserved communities that have long experienced limited access to opportunity, recognising that the barriers they face extend beyond financial disadvantage. Many of our students come from areas with historically low progression rates to higher education, with some disadvantaged communities seeing only 15% of students entering university compared to over 80% in more affluent area...

Next week, the Taoiseach will take the first official trip in the new government jet, travelling from Dublin to Philadelphia and then on to DC for the St Patrick's Day festivities in the White House. But ,what is the €53 million jet actually like?Joining Seán to discuss is Kevin Byrne, retired Air Corps Lieutenant Colonel and Airport Safety & Security Auditor.

Oil price pressure ups the temperature in Dáil, what Trump might say to the Taoiseach on St Patrick's Day, all is forgiven as the Government backs Phil Hogan for a top UN job.

Some consumers say they're already seeing an increase in prices of petrol and home heating oil. Our Western Correspontent, Pat McGrath spoke to people in Galway city this lunchtime. Hauliers are calling for emergency supports to help with rising price of fuel, Ger Hyland President of Irish Road Haulers Association.

The US President says 'everything's been knocked out' in Iran. As the conflict enters a fifth day there have been more explosions overnight in both Iran and southern Lebanon. While Tehran is continuing to retaliate with strikes across the Gulf region. Donal Trump says the US military operation has been a success so far. Meanwhile, Irish citizens in the United Arab Emirates, could be evacuated in the coming days as plans are finalised for a government charter flight to leave Oman - provided they get the all-clear. The Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee says this first flight will be targeted at Irish citizens currently in UAE, particularly those who are non-resident and require assistance most urgently. Pregnant women, the elderly and those with health conditions are to be given priority in the first Irish airlift out of the Middle East. They will be the first to travel home as the government begins chartering flights out of the Gulf from Oman. 280 people will be on the first plane out of the region. The Taoiseach is facing increasing pressure from some quarters to cancel his St. Patrick's Day visit to the White House, in light of America's attack on Iran. Labour's Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Duncan Smith says the meeting with the US president should not go ahead in its traditional form. And consumers are being warned they should expect the cost of fuel and home heating oil to increase over the coming weeks. It's due to growing instability in the Middle East, with a barrel of oil up 20 dollars since the weekend. Alan Morrissey spoke with Dr. Scott Fitzsimmons, Associate Professor of international Relations at UL and Micheál Collins, Ennis-based economist and Assistant Professor of Social Policy at University College Dublin, to find out more. Image © Getty Images Signature via Canva

A prominent Clare haulier is calling for a Dáil vote to be taken tonight to scrap Carbon Tax amid an expected rise in fuel costs. The Irish Road Haulage Association is predicting the price of petrol and diesel will soon soar above €2 per litre due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Speaking earlier this week, Micheál Martin has stated there should be no increase in fuel costs as Ireland's oil is sourced from the North Sea, and has pledged to engage with the Consumer Protection Commission. Former President of the IRHA Eugene Drennan however has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that the Taoiseach is ill-informed.

An estimated €15.6 million will be needed to repair damaged roads after Storm Chandra.Elected members of Wicklow County Council, one of the worst affected areas, have called on the Department of Transport, Taoiseach and Tanaiste to provide extra emergency funding to aid this.The “extraordinary scale of destruction” caused far exceeds the road maintenance budget for the council.Joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss this is Tom Fortune, Wicklow County Councillor representing Greystones electoral district, Ciaran Feghan, Managing director of PMS Pavement Management Services engineering consultancy, Louis O'Hara, Sinn Fein TD for Galway East and listeners.

Brian O'Donovan, Work and Technology Correspondent, reports on the details of an email from Taoiseach Micheál Martin to social media platform X asking that the company appear before the Oireachtas Media Committee.

The Taoiseach has warned against price gouging as the price of energy soars due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.For more on this, Ciara is joined by Brian Ó Gallachóir, Professor of Sustainability and Associate Vice-President of Sustainability at University College Cork.The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission need to quickly look into and establish if there is price gouging or price fixing across the Irish fuel market as a result of the conflict in the Middle East. So says Seán Kyne, Leader of Seanad Éireann, and Fine Gael Senator, who also joins to discuss…

Equinix, Inc. (Nasdaq: EQIX), the world's digital infrastructure company®, in the presence of An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, has announced that it is committing USD $350 million, up to a landmark USD $700 million, to support the construction of a 150,000 sq. ft. advanced manufacturing facility by Hanley Energy. The new facility, located in Dundalk, Co. Louth, will serve as a global hub for manufacturing specialized power equipment essential for Equinix's high performance data centres and AI-driven workloads. The deal covers an initial 5-year period, extendable to 10 years, with a minimum of USD $70 million from Equinix annually, underscoring its long-term commitment to Ireland and the country's role in Equinix's global operations. The partnership with Hanley Energy, which was recently acquired by the American multinational manufacturing company, Jabil, will create hundreds of new roles. Hiring for the Hanley factory has already commenced for an initial 200 engineers and technicians, focused on precision engineering, quality assurance, and lean manufacturing. Apprenticeship and training programs will also be introduced to build future-ready talent in the Louth region. By co-locating production under one roof, Equinix expects to achieve 10–15% faster lead times compared to traditional procurement methods. The facility will manufacture low-voltage switchgear, Power Distribution Units (PDUs), and Remote Power Panels (RPPs), all critical components for reliable and efficient power distribution in data centres worldwide. The building of the new facility, by Hanley Energy, will prioritise low-carbon materials and efficient construction practices. The facility will feature a temperature-controlled testing laboratory – the only one of its kind in Ireland or the UK – which will enable equipment to undergo rigorous endurance and environmental tests. Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: "This significant announcement reinforces Ireland's position as a leader in digital infrastructure and advanced manufacturing. The creation of hundreds of skilled jobs and the introduction of world-class facilities in Dundalk is a major boost for the region and for our national economy." Adaire Fox-Martin, CEO and President, Equinix, said: "This investment builds upon Equinix's longtime presence in Ireland and reflects the strategically important role the country plays in the global technology ecosystem. Our expansion in Dundalk further strengthens our ability to meet growing customer demand while creating local jobs and supporting the community." Peter Lantry, Managing Director, Equinix Ireland, said: "This is a huge win for Ireland and the Louth region – highlighting the world class engineering talent that Ireland continues to develop. By securing our supply chain and investing in local manufacturing, we're not only accelerating delivery but also creating hundreds of high-skilled jobs. Importantly, we remain committed to Ireland, continuing to invest and grow our presence here. This reinforces our long-term presence and ensures we can meet the growing demand for digital infrastructure worldwide." Hanley Energy delivers seamless integration from design to manufacturing under one roof, backed by proven expertise in engineering and testing. The new state-of-the-art facility includes Ireland and the UK's only independent temperature rise test lab certified by Intertek as an Enhanced Level 3 SATELLITE Customer Testing Facility. This capability ensures compliance and performance at the highest global standards. John O'Driscoll, CEO, Hanley Energy, said: "Partnering with Equinix on this transformative project highlights the strength of Irish engineering and innovation. Our advanced testing facilities and expertise will ensure that the equipment produced here meets the highest global standards, supporting data centres worldwide." Michael Lohan, CEO, IDA Ireland, said: "Today's announcement by Equinix demonstrates Ireland's continued attractiveness as a location for ...

The country's biggest landlord has told investors they'll be able to raise rents by up to 25%, saying the regulatory landscape in Ireland has changed “for the better” ahead of new tenancy rules taking effect this weekend. The Taoiseach has defended the reforms — but what does it mean for renters?The Government unveils its first National Maritime Security Strategy, aimed at tackling hybrid warfare and Russian shadow fleets, with closer cooperation that could see British and French vessels patrolling Irish waters.And despite security concerns and calls for boycott, the FAI says it has “no choice” but to host Israel at the Aviva Stadium this October.Guest presenter Shane Coleman is joined by Seamus McGrath, Patricia Stephenson, Eimer McAuley, Conor Gallagher and Mark Mellett. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PJ talks to Laura who says following Deputies Thomas Gould and Ken O'Flynn raising their campaign in the Dáil to Tánaiste Simon Harris they would like the Taoiseach to see what they want to save Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Government is being urged to expedite its publishing of an updated national Climate Action Plan which is meant to be updated annually and include updated targets and initiatives to keep our long-term emission targets in sight. A group of five academics have written to the Taoiseach and Minister for the Environment urging them to expedite its updating as the budget for this year has not yet been published.Darren Clarke is an Assistant Professor in Climate in DCU, and joins Shane to discuss.

Senator Lorraine Clifford-Lee, Fianna Fáil / Thomas Gould, Sinn Féin TD for Cork North Central / Liam Quaide, Social Democrats TD for Cork East / Christina Finn, political editor, The Journal.ie

Oliver's monologue on a Monday.

During statements on the Kenova Inquiry, Taoiseach Micheál Martin named Freddie Scappaticci as the former British army agent - nicknamed Stakeknife. Deirdre Heenan, Professor of Social Policy at the University of Ulster speaks to This Week.

The Taoiseach has said the Republic of Ireland football team's games again Israel in the UEFA Nations' League should go ahead, and he said the FAI made the correct decision to announce that the fixtures would be fulfilled. Our soccer correspondent Tony O Donoghue.

For the past two weeks, Lunchtime Live has spoken to parents who are caring for adult children with intellectual disabilities about their struggles to get support for their care. Yesterday, Andrea spoke to Mother “Anna” who dropped her daughter off at A&E because she had reached a breaking point in trying to care for her. Today, Taoiseach Micheal Martin responded to Anna's story. Andrea also spoke and met in person Tony Murray, the Founder of the Before We Die Campaign, his wife, Susan and their daughter, Aoife at their home

Michael O'Leary, Group CEO of Ryanair.

Recorded February 11th, 2026. Continuing our Bridging the Gap series, this seminar explores how researchers, policy-makers and members of the public can work together to translate scientific knowledge into practical, lasting action. Drawing on her experience chairing Ireland's Citizens' Assembly on Biodiversity Loss, and more recently her work as Chair of the Independent Advisory Committee on Nature Restoration, Dr Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin will discuss what insights we can take from examples of deliberative democracy and public engagement. Named a European Young Leader for her work to promote equality, innovation and inclusion in mathematics education, and in light of Ireland preparing to take over the Presidency of the Council of the EU in July, Dr Ní Shúilleabháin will also explore how academia can best contribute to the development of public policy. The seminar will be of interest to researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and anyone interested in connecting research and public participation. Dr Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin is an award-winning science communicator and educator and is Associate Professor in the School of STEM Education, Innovation and Global Studies at DCU.   She was appointed by the Taoiseach in 2022 to chair the Citizens' Assembly on Biodiversity Loss, and in her role as chair of the Independent Advisory Committee on Nature Restoration is contributing to the development of Ireland's Nature Restoration Plan.   Learn more at www.tcd.ie/trinitylongroomhub

Dan Mulhall, former Irish Ambassador to the United States, discusses how the government can address the detention of Kilkenny man Seamus Culleton by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The Taoiseach said there are "five to six" cases of Irish people being held by Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the USThis includes Kilkenny man Seamus Culleton who has been held since September. US-based Immigration Lawyer John Foley & Journalist Marione McKeone joins Matt to discuss what's next for Irish immigrants in America.Hit Play on this page to listen now

Congressman Brendan Boyle (Democrat) of Pennsylvania

Today on Galway Talks with John Morley:  9am-10am  Process of buying home leads to overbidding, creates delays - ESRI   Galway cyclists seek a ‘safe space' four years on from collapse of Salthill project   Renmore residents frustrated with Greenway stalemate   10am-11am Tanaiste attends Galway Disability conference   Taoiseach says Bord Bia protest debate has “gone too far” as IFA continues pressure on chair   New Radio Documentary ‘RingRoaded' Highlights Human Cost of Galway City Ring Road   11am-12pm Monday Deep Dive Panel - Hurdles facing rural schools  Sports review 

Niall Collins, Fianna Fáil TD for County Limerick and Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Peadar Tóibín, Aontú Leader and TD for Meath East and Louise O'Reilly, Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Fingal West and spokesperson on Social Protection, Rural and Community Development.

Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern joined Anton in studio to discuss global politics, a path to peace, and former Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Mandelson and Former Special Envoy to Northern Ireland George Mitchell's reported links to Jeffrey Epstein.

John Leacy, owner of L&M motors on Island Road, Enniscorthy, on Taoiseach Micheal Martin's visit to the town.

The National Emergency Co-ordination Group is warning that peak flooding is expected to hit towns across the east and southeast of the country. Enniscorthy local Maureen Peare, who met with the Taoiseach after her home was destroyed during the flood spoke to Anton ahead of another flood warning. We also heard from Independent Councillor for Enniscorthy, Jackser Owens.

Conor Swaine, B27 chain of coffee shops in Enniscorthy

Nuacht Mhall. Príomhscéalta na seachtaine, léite go mall.*Inniu an t-aonú lá is tríocha de mhí Eanáir. Is mise Sibéal Dempsey.Tharla roinnt eachtraí a bhain le gníomhairí ICE de chuid Donald Trump an tseachtain seo. Dé Sathairn seo caite, lámhachadh agus maraíodh saoránach na Stát Aontaithe darbh ainm Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. Tá an bheirt ghníomhairí feidearálacha a bhí páirteach ann curtha ar saoire ó shin. Mar sin féin, leanann an marú roinnt maruithe agus gabhálacha eile ag na gníomhairí agus spreag sé agóidí sa stát. Gabhadh roinnt léirsitheoirí ag na hagóidí seo ansin. Bhí ionsaí ann freisin ar ionadaí Daonlathach in Minnesota, Ilhan Omar, a bhí ag labhairt ar an ábhar deireadh a chur le ICE, chomh maith le coimhlintí poiblí idir Donald Trump agus méara Minnesota. Dúirt an méara gurb é jab na bpóilíní daoine a choinneáil slán, ní dlíthe inimirce feidearálacha a fhorfheidhmiú.Tá Matt Damon, réalta an scannáin The Rip, tar éis trácht a dhéanamh in agallamh le déanaí ar chur chuige Netflix i leith déanamh scannán. Dúirt an t-aisteoir go bhfuil Netflix ag déanamh rudaí níos simplí ionas gur féidir iad a thuiscint agus lucht féachana ag scrolláil ag an am céanna ar a bhfóin phóca. De réir an aisteora, déantar plotaí a athmhíniú trí nó ceithre huaire anois, tar éis brú ón gcraoltóir. Dúirt sé freisin go raibh brú ann chun cuid de na príomhradhairc aicsin a chur níos luaithe sa scannán chun aird lucht féachana a ghabháil níos luaithe sa scannán. Beidh Damon le feiceáil sa leagan nua de sheaneipic na Gréige An Odaisé níos déanaí i mbliana, ach níorbh iad Netflix a léirigh an scannán seo.Fuair suirbhé amach go gcreideann beagnach duine as gach deichniúr Éireannach idir ocht mbliana déag agus naoi mbliana is fiche d'aois gur miotas é an t-uileloscadh, agus creideann naoi déag faoin gcéad eile go bhfuil scála na heachtra áibhéalach. Dúirt seasca a ceathair faoin gcéad de dhaoine fásta gur cheap siad go bhféadfadh rud éigin cosúil leis an uileloscadh tarlú arís na laethanta seo. Ó eisíodh an suirbhé, tá an Taoiseach tar éis cáineadh a dhéanamh ar na leibhéil an-lag feasachta faoin uileloscadh. Dúirt Michael Martin gurbh é an t-uileloscadh an choir is soiléire a doiciméadaíodh i stair an domhain agus go gcaithfear cur i gcoinne an leibhéil seo aineolais agus séanta. Dúirt sé go mbeadh an Roinn Oideachais agus an Roinn Gnóthaí Eachtracha ag obair chun clár oideachais a fhorbairt. Idir an dá linn, tá feachtas conspóideach ar siúl chun Páirc Herzog i Ráth Garbh, atá ainmnithe as iar-uachtarán Iosraelach a tógadh i mBaile Átha Cliath, a athainmniú, mar gheall ar ionradh Iosrael ar Stráice Gaza.*Léirithe ag Conradh na Gaeilge i Londain. Tá an script ar fáil i d'aip phodchraolta.*GLUAISgníomhairí - agentsionadaí - representativetrácht - commentcraoltóir - broadcasteran t-uileloscadh - the holocaustáibhéalach - exaggerated

It's been a busy week in Irish politics. As the country reels from Storm Chandra, government ministers have accused Met Éireann of withholding information about the extent of the storm. The death of Grace Lynch has placed the Government's inability to police scramblers at the heart of political debate. Cónal Thomas joins Tabitha Monahan to discuss the Government's next steps in the wake of the tragedy, and to look ahead to ministers' St Patrick's Day assignments, but what will await the Taoiseach in Washington? Today's podcast comes from our sister podcast Indo Politics, where you can find new episodes every Friday. Host: Tabitha Monahan Guest: Cónal Thomas See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jerry spoke to Taoiseach Micheál Martin who is visiting the RDI Hub and Fexco in Killorglin and the Astellas plant. Jerry quizzed him about the St Patrick’s Day visit to the White House, housing, and the controversy over hundreds of thousands of euro being set aside this year to pay for new secretarial support for former presidents. Jerry asks where the request for this support came from.

The Taoiseach has conceded that the trial of five members of An Garda Síochána, including two with strong connections to Clare, had a "severe negative impact" on the careers of those involved as well as on garda morale. Micheál Martin has pledged to speak to the Justice Minister about the case of a retired superintendent and four senior gardaí who have this week been found not guilty of perverting the court of justice. The charges were in relation to alleged attempts to terminate tickets for road traffic offences. Responding to Meelick Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe in the Dáil, who's demanded an apology for the Garda Commissioner, the Taoiseach says a review "needs to happen" to examine the implications of the case.

Leithscéal gafa ag an Taoiseach le daoine a d'fhulaing i scoileanna ceartúcháin agus tionsclaíocha.

The Government has confirmed that all cabinet and junior ministers will travel abroad this St Patrick's Day, with representatives visiting 50 countries, including eight ministers heading to the United States at a time of strained EU-US relations. The Taoiseach is also expected to meet President Donald Trump in the White House, a move that has sparked political debate and public concern, with a recent poll showing a clear majority of the public believes the Taoiseach should not go through with the visit. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Tulla-based Minister of State Timmy Dooley. Photo (c) The White House via X

The Taoiseach will give a State apology to those who suffered abuse in industrial and reformatory schools. The Government has agreed a package of additional supports for survivors of abuse at institutional schools, including health, education, housing and funeral cost supports. Fergus Finlay, Chair of the Christine Buckley Centre, and Patricia Carey, special advocate for survivors of institutional abuse both joined Jonathan Healy on the show to discuss.

Patrick tells PJ that the Ireland-America bond is strong but he would really prefer that Micheál Martin did not visit this Patricks Day Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An Taoiseach ar a bhealach go Davos - maraon le uachtarán Mheiriceá, Donald Trump.

PJ asks if the Taoiseach should visit the Trump White House on Patrick's Day, hears from so many people who want a bridge named after the late Don O'Leay of The Life Centre, talks to a man who says that the ghost in Coláiste Eamann Rís Deerpark campus is harmless and he chats to him. And more... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rinne an tArd-Aighne cur síos ag an gcruinniú aréir leis an Taoiseach agus airí rialtas eile, ar na dlíthe a bhaineann le híomhánna a roinnt gan toil an duine, i bhfianaise an méid cainte atá déanta le beagnach coicís faoin aip Grok AI.

Jack Horgan-Jones and Ellen Coyne join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:· The long-anticipated EU-Mercosur trade deal was provisionally approved on Friday, despite the opposition of Ireland, France and three other countries. The deal has been immensely unpopular in Irish political life for a long time, thanks largely to efforts by the farming lobby. But there is now a sense that some figures in the European Commission are disappointed the Government did not make the case for the economic upsides of the deal. · Taoiseach Micheál Martin was in China this week on a four-day visit. Trade was also high on the agenda there, with China eager to import more high-quality food from Ireland. Human rights were mentioned in passing, and there was condemnation by the Taoiseach of Nicolás Maduro's authoritarian regime in Venezuela, the irony seemingly lost on the Fianna Fáil leader given the country he was visiting.· And the Taoiseach's party colleague, Minister for Further and Higher Education James Lawless, wants to ditch the one-bed en suites as the Government looks to move towards a co-living model involving communal space for university accommodation. A bathroom of one's own is a luxury students can go without. Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:· The Saipan film reopens old wounds for Kevin Kilbane, Seán Moncrieff can't throw away all those old electronic cables, and boycotting Doonbeg is the least we can do to oppose Donald Trump's appetite for war.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.