Podcasts about Taoiseach

Lise Hand and John Lee join Matt to discuss Mary Lou McDonald and Micheál Martin's true feelings for each other after the Sinn Féin leader calls her Fianna Fáil counterpart and Taoiseach a 'tosser'. Lynn Boylan's European Parliament embarrassment on the Irish language. Sinn Féin's position on an engineering plant in Derry that might be supplying the Israeli Air Force. The politics of Intel's increased Irish investment. Why the government must be glad it no longer has to deal with Aer Lingus' decisions. The length of the Dáil summer break, and John teases his cabinet scorecards. Brought to you by The Greenman Group.PTP+To enjoy early access, ad-free listening and weekly bonus episodes, sign up at pathtopowerpodcast.comGet in touch: mail@pathtopowerpodcast.comFollow Matt:https://twitter.com/cooper_mhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cooper-615a1317https://www.instagram.com/mattcooperlastword/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another step in the right directionThe decision by Micheál Martin last week to oppose Sinn Féin's “Planning for Constitutional Change Bill 2026” was no real surprise. His opposition to any meaningful planning for Irish Unity has been transparently obvious for many years. Despite Fine Gael spokespersons declaring that Fine Gael would not oppose the Sinn Féin Bill they then chose to support An Taoiseach. No surprise there. Simon Harris is Tánaiste to Micheál Martin's Taoiseach. For Fine Gael to step away from a united government approach would have likely had serious repercussions for the coalition government.I spent the day in Leinster House on the day of the debate and it was clear from my conversations with some Fianna Fail TDs and the Sinn Féin team, who had spent significant time speaking to TDs from other parties and none, that there is a significant number of them deeply unhappy with ‘The Republican Party' turning its face against a common sense Bill that would have advanced the discussion about the future.Irish Republicanism & ‘The Gays' ExhibitionNext Wednesday, 22 July, an important exhibition will open in Áras Uí Chonghaile in Belfast. It examines the relationship between Irish Republicanism and ‘The Gays'. For those of a certain age who remember in particular the hunger strikes of 1980 and 1981, the support of members of the gay community in Ireland in solidarity with the men on the Blanket Protest in the H-Blocks and the women in Armagh Prison, was evident at many of the demonstrations that took place. Their banners were always front and centre and were well received by the crowds in attendance.The exhibition records the fact that it was a gay republican prisoner writing in the H-Blocks in 1991 who pointed out that “gay men and lesbian women have been involved in the struggle for national liberation and independence as long as any other section of our people.” He was right.Moore St. should be bought by the GovernmentLast week it was announced that the London developer Hammerson had sold the Carlton site on O'Connell Street to Transport Infrastructure Ireland. Hammerson is the company that owns part of the 1916 Moore St. Battlefield site and the Carlton site connects it to O'Connell St.Responding to the news James Connolly Heron of the Moore St. Preservation Trust pointed out that under the Hammerson plan the former Carlton site was to be the gateway to a shopping mall extending into Moore Lane and Moore Street. This was to include the demolition of part of the terrace, the last headquarters of the leaders of The 1916 Rising. We were told that this was essential for retail ‘footfall'.James Connolly Heron pointed out that: “The sale of the Carlton site rendersThe Glorious Twelfth. Now that the Twelfth has come and gone it is long past the time for opinion makers within unionism to chart out a course to regulate the building of Twelfth bonfires so that they are safer, legal and community friendly. The Orange Parade in Rossnowlagh in Donegal should be an example to the ‘Loyal‘ Orders of what is possible.  Is anyone out there within the Orange or Unionist leaders up for that challenge?  

A Clare MEP claims Ireland's commitment to the rule of law is "all fur coat". The Taoiseach has backed Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan in a row over changes to the legal aid fees system. A total of 55 solicitors have resigned from the criminal legal aid panel following the introduction of a new fee structure which sees an increased one-off fee instead of payments per appearance. Addressing Fianna Fáil Minister of State Thomas Byrne in the European Parliament, Scariff Independent MEP Michael McNamara says the criminal justice system is "grinding to a halt".

The Taoiseach has issued a formal state apology to the victims of paedophile Bill Kenneally.Some of those abused by the former basketball coach watched from the distinguished visitor's gallery in the Dáil as Micheál Martin said there was a dereliction of duty on the part of the State.If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this podcast, you can contact One in Four on their support line: 01 662 4070.

Mary tells PJ she has no connection to the institution but knows that politicians must act Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Taoiseach has taken aim at Brexit in a speech to the European Parliament for the latest our Europe Editor, Tony Connelly.

The Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe Municipal District is hitting out at the Government for attempting to "influence" the planning decision on a controversial water extraction project. An Coimisiún Pleanála has confirmed it's delaying making a decision on Uisce Éireann's proposed Water Supply Project for the Eastern and Midlands Region for a year. The commission says it's not "possible to determine the case within the statutory objective period due to the need for further consideration of the case". Killaloe Fianna Fáil Councillor Tony O'Brien claims it was "wrong" of the Taoiseach and others in Government to make statements pushing for the approval of the plans.

Tony Connelly, Europe Editor, reports from Cork as the College of Commissioners visit to mark the start of Ireland's EU presidency term.

Government leaders are due to decide this evening how to begin winding back the temporary fuel excise cuts introduced after April's nationwide fuel protests.There were signals from the Taoiseach and Tánaiste last week that a phased rollback could be the preferred option, with a gradual reversal of the support over three stages between out to October.Joining Ciara to discuss is Nora Strecker, Associate Professor of Economics at UCD.

The Unity Bill passes its First stageThe “Planning for Constitutional Change Bill 2026”, which I referenced in last week's column, has passed its first hurdle in the Dáil. It will now go to second stage on 7 July and then on to the Committee stage before returning to the Dáil later in the year.The Bill sets clear goals and timetables for measures that have to be taken to properly plan and prepare for constitutional change on the island of Ireland. It does so in accordance with the provisions of the Good Friday Agreement.It requires the Taoiseach to prepare and publish a Green Paper within 12 months. This has to address issues as diverse as public finance, taxation, public services, human rights, governance arrangements and relations between Britain and Ireland. The Bill also obliges the Government to establish a Citizens' Assembly on Irish unity within six months of the publication of the Green Paper. Convened and funded by the Department of An Taoiseach, this will bring together representatives of the people of Ireland from all communities and citizens who have a stake in the future.Clodagh GoodLast Saturday I joined hundreds of people in Knock Methodist Church for a celebration of the life of Clodagh Good. The Church was filled to overflowing with political representatives from over the last four decades or so, of all political hues including Gerry Kelly, Jim Gibney and Richard McAuley. It was a beautiful, uplifting and inclusive event. As was befitting the woman we came to honour. Clodagh Good, nee Coad, is the wife of Harold Good. Harold was a key figure in our peace process. He did extraordinary work, not least with Fr Alex Reid.  He was one of those from what is usually described as the Protestant tradition who went beyond the rhetoric and into the essence of that tradition to explore how it could be a catalyst for positive change. A catalyst for good.  The Methodists are like that. Especially Clodagh. She was from Waterford. As Irish as the day is long. With strong yet gentle religious beliefs which anchored her life. A woman of good humour with an unassuming practical good natured welcoming attitude to those of us lucky to enjoy her hospitality. She and Harold married sixty years ago. She left the tranquillity of Waterford to journey with him throughout Methodist institutions far and wide before making her home in the North.The Arts in a New IrelandThe Sean O'Casey Community Centre is in East Wall, Dublin. It is an excellent local facility providing a range of amenities for the community, including a playschool and crèche, a sports hall and 7 a-side pitch, and facilities for senior citizens. It also has a wonderful theatre. Last Thursday Sinn Féin's Commission on the Future of Ireland held a well-attended public discussion there on ‘The Arts in a New Ireland'. About 70 people participated in a thoughtful, informative and enjoyable conversation.Aengus O'Snodaigh TD welcomed everyone and spoke briefly about the many advantages and opportunities for the Arts community that Irish unity can bringSlánFinally, Keir Starmer announced his resignation on Monday. His support for Israel in its military actions against the people of Palestine and the Labour government's disgraceful criminalising of those opposing the genocide, undoubtedly played a significant part in undermining his leadership. Along with the electoral successes of Plaid Cymru and the Scottish National Party there is a changing political dynamic emerging within the British political system. It is an opportunity for those of us who believe in Irish Unity to grasp this moment. Keir Starmer did nothing for Ireland. His successor may not do any better. That is why, relying on our own strength, we must press on. Until we prevail and our people, all of us, decide our own future. 

A major shift in Ireland's approach to drug policy could be on the horizon following the publication of a landmark report by the Oireachtas Committee on Drugs Use.   The committee is recommending that possession of drugs for personal use should be decriminalised, and that Ireland adopts a more health-led approach to tackling addiction and substance misuse.   The report contains 161 recommendations, including expanded treatment services, greater access to harm reduction measures, and increased support for people affected by addiction.   Meanwhile, the Taoiseach says the government will give serious consideration to the recommendations of the Oireachtas report.   He was responding to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns, who said the Government was not taking a health-led approach to the issue.  Micheal Martin said a health referral scheme will be introduced shortly for those found to be in possession of illicit drugs, saying the report will be fully examined. To discuss what these proposals could mean in practice, Alan Morrissey was joined by Midwest-based addiction counsellor Michael Guerin. Photo (c) Towfiqu barbhuiya from Pexels via Canva

Much to Ben and Jason's surprise (not), the Dáil backed a Sinn Féin bill last week to get rid of the three-day abortion waiting period. They discuss the "betrayal" of voters who were reassured by that promise, as well as poor weeks press-wise for the Taoiseach and Tánaiste.

Nuacht Mhall. Príomhscéalta na seachtaine, léite go mall.*Inniú an fichiú lá de mhí an Mheithimh. Is mise Sibéal Dempsey.Tá comhaontú ceithre phointe dhéag sínithe ag Donald Trump leis an Iaráin, ag maíomh gur thug sé “bua mór” do na Stáit Aontaithe agus gur athoscail Caolas Hormuz dá bharr. Deirtear, áfach, gur thug an margadh lamháltais shuntasacha pholaitiúla agus airgeadais don Iaráin. I measc na lamháltas sin tá deireadh láithreach le bac cabhlaigh na Stát Aontaithe ar chalafoirt na hIaráine, eisiúint maithiúnais le haghaidh amhola Iaráineach a sheoladh thar lear, chomh maith leis an bhféidearthacht go n-ardófaí gach smachtbhanna idirnáisiúnta i gcoinne na hIaráine, agus scaoileadh saor na mbilliún dollar i sócmhainní na hIaráine. Dúirt Uachtarán na Fraince, Emmanuel Macron, gur “margadh an-mhaith” a bhí ann, ag cur leis go dtacaíonn comhghuaillithe na Stát Aointaothe sa G7 leis “toisc gur comhaontú é a chuireann deireadh le staid éagobhsaíochta móire a raibh iarmhairtí uafásacha aige dár ngeilleagair”.Vótáil na Teachtaí Dála i nDáil Éireann i bhfabhar deireadh a chur leis an tréimhse feithimh éigeantach trí lá le haghaidh ginmhillte. Ritheadh an vóta ar bhille Shinn Féin le sé vóta is ochtó i gcoinne seachtó. Táthar ag súil anois go gcuirfear an bille faoi bhráid an choiste sláinte le haghaidh tuilleadh scrúdaithe. Deir cuid de na daoine a vótáil ina choinne gurbh é ceann de na coinníollacha le haghaidh vótála sa reifreann roimhe seo an tréimhse feithimh trí lá seo. Ar an lámh eile, tá Páirtí an Lucht Oibre ag iarraidh go ndéanfaí athchóirithe níos faide. Mar sin féin, faoi láthair tá tréimhse feithimh trí lá idir comhairliúcháin dochtúra teaghlaigh agus ginmhilleadh suas le dhá sheachtain déag.Deir an Taoiseach go bhfuil Éire ‘ag féachaint ar thoirmeasc' ar na meáin shóisialta do dhaoine faoi bhun sé bliana déag d'aois tar éis don Ríocht Aontaithe toirmeasc sínte a fhógairt. Dúirt sé, áfach, go leanfaidh beartas na hÉireann seasamh an Aontais Eorpaigh seachas toirmeasc aonair a leagan síos. Tá sé seo amhlaidh in ainneoin go bhfuil roinnt airí sinsearacha i bhfabhar an toirmisc, agus go bhfuil toirmisc aonair curtha i bhfeidhm ag tíortha eile san Aontas Eorpach amhail an Phortaingéil cheana féin. Áireofar leis an toirmeasc sa Ríocht Aontaithe na suíomhanna meán sóisialta caighdeánacha chomh maith le gníomhaíochtaí eile amhail sruthú ar shuíomhanna cearrbhachais, agus compánaigh intleachta saorga, rud a théann níos faide ná an toirmeasc a thug an Astráil isteach ar dtús.*Léirithe ag Conradh na Gaeilge i Londain. Tá an script ar fáil i d'aip phodchraolta.*GLUAISlamháltais - concessionsbac cabhlaigh - naval blockadetréimhse feithimh éigeantach - mandatory waiting periodginmhilleadh - abortiontoirmeasc - prohibitionsuíomhanna cearrbhachais - gambling sitescompánaigh intleachta saorga - AI companions

Today's panel included Niall Collins, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Fianna Fáil TD for Limerick County, Darren O'Rourke, Sinn Féin TD for Meath East, Sinead Gibney, Social Democrats TD for Dublin Rathdown.

 Stand-Up to RacismThe bullet holes from the August 1969 sectarian pogrom against the people of the Falls area are still visible on the front wall of St. Comgall's Primary School, Divis Street. Last Thursday lunchtime, a few yards from where, on that occasion, whole terraces of houses were burned out, scores of community activists from across Belfast came together in Ionad Eileen Howell to discuss another pogrom. This time the pogrom was rooted in violent racism.In the days before families and workers from the various ethnic groups, who now make up an important and valued part of our society, were attacked, threatened, and some were forcibly evicted from their homes. In harrowing scenes cars and some homes were destroyed as masked thugs roamed the streets of parts of Belfast, Portadown and Glengormley attacking the PSNI and the homes of our neighbours. Terrified children fled with their parents.Health workers were especially targeted. There was a clear attempt to intimidate many from their jobs. In addition, schools were closed. People were sent home from work. Public transport stopped.The Community Groups at the meeting in Ionad Eileen Howell described how they had helped relocate evicted families, worked with Belfast City Council to ensure that emergency accommodation was available, established a co-ordination and response group and had activists on the streets to defuse any attempt by right wing elements to stoke up further attacks. From the GAA and individual citizens there was widespread opposition to the racism. First Minister Michelle O'Neill met community representatives, youth workers and ethnic minority communities. She visited health staff in the Mater Hospital who had been threatened. She expressed her unambiguous solidarity and support for them.Belfast Ard Mheara Councillor Róis Máire Donnelly, who received death threats for standing up to the racists, refused to be silent. Last Friday she addressed a local anti-racism rally and the next day she spoke to the thousands who attended the massive anti-racist demonstration at the City Hall. Róis Máire told the crowd that Belfast is “stronger” because of our diversity. And she described Belfast people as “resilient, compassionate and welcoming.”She is right on both counts. Diversity is a strength, not a weakness. And notwithstanding the naysayers and begrudgers Belfast is welcoming city that embraces our ethnic minority citizens.  Momentum Building Around UnityThere are those who dismiss any possibility in the next few years of holding the unity referendums provided for in the Good Friday Agreement. Foremost among them is Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin who obstinately refuses to countenance any preparation for unity.However, his partner in Government, Fine Gael leader Simon Harris clearly doesn't agree. At the weekend he announced that his party is planning to develop and publish a blueprint for a united Ireland by their Ard Fheis in November. That is good news. Harris's statement of intent coincides with Uachtarán Shinn Féin Mary Lou McDonald's introduction this week in the Dáil of a Private Members Bill that will compel the Taoiseach to begin the planning and preparation for constitutional change and Irish Unity. The ‘Planning for Constitutional Change Bill 2026' will require the Taoiseach to institutionalise preparation and publish a Green Paper. This will facilitate consultation and encourage a national public debate as a first step before formal government legislation is established. The Green Paper will require the government setting out its ideas, vision and proposals on the economy, education, health, justice and the legal system and future governance arrangements.  Seeking the Truth: Pat FinucaneAfter 37 years the inquiry into the murder of human rights lawyer Pat Finucane has finally opened. Pat's wife Geraldine, his children John, Michael and Katherine and his dedicated family circle and legal team are to be commended for their diligence and steadfastness in pursuing the truth about Pat's murder.Successive British governments have lied, prevaricated, distracted, delayed and made every effort to prevent an inquiry from happening. Why? Because the extent of British state collusion with the UDA in his murder has the potential of laying responsibility for his death with senior political figures within the British Conservative government of Margaret Thatcher.That there was collusion in his murder and that of hundreds more, is not in doubt. But who was responsible? Who gave the orders? Who plotted and schemed to have Pat killed on 12 February 1989? Who knew what within the RUC; within RUC Special Branch; within MI5; the Force Reconnaissance Unit (FRU); British Army; and the British Cabinet? 

Dúirt Breandán Ó Beirn le hAodh Máirtín Ó Fearraigh go bhfuil sé sásta go bhfuil plé ar bun anois ag an Taoiseach go mbeidh Aireacht iomlán agus Roinn faoi leith do Roinn na Mara as seo amach.

The founder of a Clare women's shed says the expected passing of a landmark abortion vote in the Dáil tonight will mark a huge step for women's rights. It comes as the Taoiseach and Tánaiste have expressed their support for Sinn Féin's bill to scrap the mandatory three-day waiting period between GP consultations. While opponents of the move argue the three-day wait is a necessary reflection period, those in favour say it acts as a barrier to women getting an abortion within the legal 12 week timeframe. Founder of Mná Ag Gáire Hilary Tonge says it should've been scrapped long ago.

Tadgh McNally, Irish Examiner Political Correspondent

The Taoiseach and Tánaiste are to both vote in favour of a Sinn Féin Bill being proposed which would see the removal of the mandatory three-day wait period for women seeking abortion in early stages of pregnancy Sinn Fein's bill is to come before the Dáil tomorrow This comes after Social Democrats' Bill proposing abortion law changes was defeated in a Dáil vote in the last month

Craig had a longer than expected meeting with the Taoiseach to explain why his Paudie needs government action on Skyclarus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

The Taoiseach has pledged to intervene on a West Clare's school bid to expedite an upgrade of its toilet facilities. It's after Clare Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe raised the case of St Joseph's Secondary School in Spanish Point in the Dáil. It was claimed the school currently has 216 female students sharing just four cubicles between them and that a request to build an additional ten was approved by the Department five years ago, but has yet to be actioned. Taoiseach Micheál Martin says he wants to see the matter progressed.

Donncha O'Murchu, Nuacht/TG4 Political Correspondent

Marc O'Driscoll, South East Correspondent

The Taoiseach was in Montenegro this week, the Adriatic nation of just 630,000 people, which is set to become the EU's 28th Member State. Negotiations on its accession are due to be completed during Ireland's 6-month Presidency of the EU, which begins on July 1st. Paul was joined by journalist, historian and author Misha Glenny.

PJ talks to Craig who is meeting the Taoiseach on Monday to appeal for changes in the way drugs for serious illness are made available Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yesterday, Tánaiste, Minister for Finance, and leader of Fine Gael Simon Harris was asked about Michael Healy-Rae. In April, the Kerry Independent TD resigned as a junior minister following the fuel protests; he also voted no confidence in the government. On Tuesday’s Kerry Today, he told Jerry that he’d been effectively forced into this position; he said his brother fellow TD Danny had dragged him overboard when he, Danny, had called on Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael TDs to topple the Taoiseach and Tánaiste in April. Jerry got the views of Fine Gael councillor Teddy O’Sullivan Casey.

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

A Clare TD is arguing there's a "moral obligation" to dezone lands near wind turbines from wind energy. It follows An Coimisiún Pleanála's decision earlier this month to refuse planning permission for a 50-megawatt wind farm in Ballycar in East Clare. Outling its decision, the planning authority said it wasn't satisfied measures could be implemented to mitigate aviation safety risks for Shannon Airport and AirNav Ireland. Addressing the Taoiseach in the Dáil, Meelick Fianna Fáil Deputy Cathal Crowe says the proposed development would've negatively affected radar infrastructure.

Barry Ward, Fine Gael TD for Dun Laoghaire and and Aodhan O'Riordain, Labour MEP for Dublin.

In the Dáil chamber yesterday, Mary Lou McDonald accused the Taoiseach of being a mumbler and not enunciating properly.Joining Seán to analyse this is Terry Prone, the Chairman of the Communications Clinic.

The Taoiseach claims he "didn't realise" there were issues around the exclusion of a memorial to Aoife Johnston in the 96-bed block opened at University Hospital Limerick last year. The family of the late Shannon teenager have said they're "disappointed and angry" that the new block was opened in October 2025 without a tribute to her despite conversations having taken place to this effect. 16-year-old Aoife died at the Dooradoyle facility in December 2022 after waiting for 13 and a half hours on chairs to be seen by a doctor for suspected sepsis. Responding to Shannon Sinn Féin TD Donna McGettigan in the Dáil, Micheál Martin says he'll raise the matter with the Health Minister.

Action plan for offshore wind energy launched as first projects expect to get planning this year. Wind Energy Ireland (WEI) today launched its Offshore Wind Action Plan 2026, setting out the urgent steps needed to . accelerate the delivery of offshore wind energy and achieve energy independence for Ireland. The plan, launched before more than 400 delegates at the annual Offshore Wind Conference taking place today and tomorrow in the Clayton Burlington Hotel in Dublin, comes at a time of rising costs for households and businesses driven by continued reliance on imported fossil fuels. Minister Darragh O'Brien TD will deliver the keynote address on Day One of the conference at 1.35pm and Minister Timmy Dooley TD will deliver the keynote address on Day Two at 9.30am. Recent research from the ESRI confirms that Ireland's electricity prices are the highest in Europe because of our dependence on imported gas. The report also pointed out that countries like Spain which, after the previous fossil fuel crisis caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, cut their dependence on gas the fastest saw prices fall quickest. The action plan highlights significant progress over the last 12 months driven by the Taoiseach's new Clearing House for Offshore Wind Energy and a successful auction for the new Tonn Nua offshore project on the south coast, with industry confident that the first planning decisions on east-coast offshore projects can be expected later this year. However, while progress is clear, challenges remain and the plan identifies 18 actions for delivery over the next 12 months with key priorities including: An Coimisiún Pleanála must be supported to deliver on its commitment to offshore wind planning decision timelines – including getting the first decision out in September; The CRU, EirGrid and industry must finalise all grid agreements and specifications for the existing east-coast projects so they can connect to the grid; Clarity is needed on Ireland's future offshore wind pipeline, which sites will be available to progress and when; The Government must publish the National Ports Policy and, where a strong and credible business case is made, facilitate State investment in ports so they can build Irish offshore wind farms. The Government should advance plans for coastal Green Energy Parks which use offshore wind energy to attract new industries and create jobs. Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, said: "Irish families and businesses are living through their second global fossil fuel energy crisis in five years. As long as we choose to depend on energy imports, in an increasingly volatile and erratic fossil fuel market, we are vulnerable. "And when the next crisis hits, pensioners will, again, worry about the price of heating oil. Transport, fishing and agricultural sectors will, again, face enormous pressures as diesel prices rise. Families will, again, sit at the kitchen table looking in disbelief at their electricity bill. "Let's make a different choice. We choose Irish energy independence. We choose to generate our own clean and affordable power from our own enormous offshore wind energy resources. We can transport this on our upgraded grid, we can store this using new technologies, like long-duration energy storage. "We can invest in electrification and use our opportunity as holders of the EU Presidency later this year to prioritise the coming European Electrification Action Plan." Achieving this will require a concerted and joined-up effort right across the policy system to enable the first phase of projects to be built and energised in the early 2030s. Noel Cunniffe continued: "Ireland is radically and permanently transforming our entire energy system from how we generate electricity, to how we move and store it, to how we use it. "Achieving this cannot rest with one single department or group of policymakers, no matter how committed they might be. "It requires sustained support across Government, EirGrid, the regulato...

Liam Herrick, Chief Commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, discusses his concerns about excluding services from the Occupied Territories Bill.

After years of delays, Cabinet agreed this week to bring forward the Occupied Territories Bill, which will prohibit the import of goods from Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.However, opposition TDs have criticised the Government as the proposed legislation excludes a ban on services. The Taoiseach defended the move saying they had to consider the implications for Irish jobs.Labour Party Senator Laura Harmon and Shay Brennan, Fianna Fail TD, join The Last Word to discuss.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Pat Leahy and Naomi O'Leary join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:· Taoiseach Micheál Martin arrived in Italy on Friday, meeting Pope Leo in the Vatican and Italian premier Giorgia Meloni in Rome. This is part of a round of meetings with leaders ahead of Ireland's EU presidency starting in July, with Martin meeting French president Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Thursday. An estimated 270 meetings with senior politicians are scheduled for the duration of Ireland's EU presidency, expect a lot of traffic disruption around Dublin Castle.· Naomi O'Leary has been covering the taoiseach's tour, where he has been keen to highlight the mistreatment of Gaza aid flotilla activists detained by Israeli forces. Could this, coupled with the slowdown in humanitarian aid into Gaza and the continued killing and displacement of Palestinians in the West Bank, finally spark the EU into placing sanctions on Israel?· And record rent surges in the first quarter of 2026. There was a 4.4 per cent increase between December and March as the Government's new rent control system came into effect. Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:· Arsenal end 22-year wait for title win, the tragic death of Yves Sakila, and the issues foreign investment presents for Ireland.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.

While on a visit to Italy this week, Taoiseach Micheál Martin met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, the first meeting between a pontiff and a Taoiseach since 2018.Meanwhile, CMAT made headlines as she won the prestigious Ivor Novello Award for Best Album for her album 'Euro-Country'. The Irish popstar used the opportunity to urge artists to stop "sitting on the fence".And a new survey has indicated a growing interest in the Irish language on both sides of the border.Cathal O'Sullivan and Elaine Burke join The Last Word to discuss all of these and more of the week's trending stories.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Progress of a sort on the Occupied Territories Bill after mistreatment of Irish flotilla activists, Taoiseach and Mary Lou exchanges in the Dáil, RTÉ pay blues and in the bye-elections voters finally get to choose.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin is raise the matter of Israel's treatment of EU citizens from the Sumud Flotilla with French President Emmanuel Macron during a meeting in Paris. There are at least 12 Irish citizens on board the flotilla that were detained by Israel, according to organisers. We get the latest on this with Mark Weiss, Israel Correspondent with the Irish Times.

The Taoiseach says he is appalled and shocked by the way activists on board an aid flotilla to Gaza were treated by the Israeli authorities. We get more reaction from Paul Murphy, People Before Profit TD.

Bertie Ahern says he rejects ‘racism in all its forms'. So what is it if not racism when a former Taoiseach says ‘we can't be taking in people from Congo and all these places'?On Free State today we ask how do you talk about immigration and not get mistaken for a racist? Is it best not to say things that a racist might say to begin with?Ahern defended himself by saying ‘I don't think there is anything wrong talking about what the people are talking about'.But what does this mean? What is the requirement of a leader, even a former leader, when people are troubled and anxious? Do you resort to the lowest common denominator or do you provide a vision? What did Bertie Ahern do? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yesterday, the Taoiseach told Radio Kerry News that he was committed to appointing a successor to Michael Healy-Rae who resigned as minister of state at the Department of Agriculture last month after he voted no confidence in the government. The Kerry independent TD was junior minister with responsibility for forestry, horticulture, and farm safety. Jerry spoke Padraig Stapleton who’s chair of the IFA Farm Forestry Committee.

Stephen Bowen, Executive Director, Amnesty International Ireland

Former taoiseach Bertie Ahern has stood by comments he made in a viral clip of him saying “there are too many” immigrants coming into Ireland. ­ In an exclusive interview with The Indo Daily, he told Kevin Doyle he believed he was “speaking privately” while the clip was being recorded, and he was being recorded without his knowledge. Mr Ahern told The Indo Daily he rejects racism “in all its forms”, and he should not have singled out any one nationality or group of people in his comments. ­ We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bertie Ahern has been talking about his controversial comments on immigration. In a video circulated on social media, the former Taoiseach expressed concern about the level of immigration, and about what he called, ‘the next generation of Muslims'. Rachael was joined by RTÉ political correspondent Barry Lenihan.

Gary Murphy, Professor of Politics at Dublin City University, outlines the political reaction to comments made by former Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern around immigration.

Cynthia NÍ Mhurchú, Fianna Fáil MEP with Renew Europe Group and, Nial Ring, Independent Councillor and former Lord Mayor of Dublin, discuss comments made by former Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, on immigration.

The Taoiseach has said that views on immigration expressed by former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern on a video which is circulating on social media do not represent the views of Fianna Fáil or their candidate in Dublin central. RTÉ Political Correspondent Mícheal Lehane joined Rachael from the Dáil for commentary.

Bertie Ahern has said he has 'no problem' with people from Africa or the Congo as he rolls back on comments he made during a recent canvas in Dublin Central.In a video circulating on social media, the former Taoiseach says, in a conversation on a doorstep, that he has concerns about the level of immigration and that Ireland "can't be taking in people" coming from "the Congo".Louise Burne, political correspondent with the Irish Examiner, and Gary Murphy, professor of politics at the School of Law and Government in DCU, join The Last Word to discuss Ahern's comments and to look at the lay of the land in the upcoming bye-elections in Dublin Central and Galway West.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Lisa Ryan, Professor of Energy Economics at the UCD School of Economics and Energy Institute, discusses Europe's reliance on fossil fuels, a subject which has been highlighted by European Commission President, Ursula Von Der Leyen.