Journalists

Taoiseach praises 'independent stance' taken by INM journalists 

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said it is time to introduce a new law to protect journalists and their confidential sources.

Rabbitte and former driver clash at tribunal over McCabe remarks 

There was a stark clash in testimony between Pat Rabbitte and his former ministerial driver at the Disclosures Tribunal.

Dáil numbers will trump those 'no coalition' pledges 

This was going to be a "free offer" - but the recession is over. So we are offering a good rate for those who sign up early.

Comment - The 'Grand Inquisitor' faced 10 hours of questions - about his own questions 

This was a dramatic case of role reversal. John McGuinness was renowned over the years 2011-2016 as the 'Grand Inquisitor' chairing the taxpayers' watchdog Public Accounts Committee, assertively trying to take it into new areas.

John Downing: Rival stories of 'headers' and horses at tribunal 

John McGuinness said he expected to talk to the Garda commissioner inside the hotel.

Opinion: Watch out for the Belgian Guy as Brexit end-game begins to unfold 

Some of you will already know who Guy Verhofstadt is. Most of the rest of us will know a lot more about him over the coming six months, as he could well become an important figure in deciding Ireland's fate in a post-Brexit world.

Tributes to a man dedicated to finding the remains of people 'disappeared' by IRA 

Special prayers for all those brutally "disappeared" by the IRA were said at the funeral of a man who led efforts to have their remains recovered and buried by loved ones.

Tributes from across political spectrum for public servant Murray 

President Michael D Higgins paid tribute to the former distinguished government official Frank Murray, saying he was respected by ministers from every political party during his long career.

Crackdown on bosses' bogus self-employed job contracts demanded 

Fianna Fáil will move to force the Government to clamp down on "fake self-employment" with changes to forthcoming legislation.

A year to Brexit: so much to do, so little time to do it 

Starting from today, it's 363 days and counting downwards. Brexit will formally happen at 11pm Irish time on March 29, 2019. However, the real deadline is just over six months away as an EU leaders' summit fixed for Brussels on October 18 and 19 must sign off on the EU-UK divorce deal.

'Sweeper' Calleary moves to centre field 

For his entry into politics, he was supposed to be a 'sweeper', hoovering up votes for heavier hitters.

John Downing analysis: Fianna Fail's 'war zone' changes to target Fine Gael 

Micheál Martin has made three big changes in the "war zones" where Fianna Fáil is just not landing enough punches on Fine Gael.

'What level of child homelessness before Housing Minister’s position becomes untenable?' - Dail hears 

The number of homeless children has doubled “on this Government’s watch,” Sinn Féin TD, Pearse Doherty, has told the Dáil.

One-year countdown to Brexit begins with focus still on Border 

Tánaiste Simon Coveney has insisted progress must be made by next June clarifying how the UK will guarantee no hard Border in Ireland.

Analysis: There's no guarantee on better calibre judges and no action on tackling legal costs 

Legend has it that on the eve of a referendum in October 2013 on plans to set up Ireland's newest law court, posters appeared in the leafier Dublin suburbs carrying the slogan: "Vote Yes to the Court of Appeal - and job creation."

'Families of all shapes and forms should be celebrated' during Pope's Irish visit - Varadkar 

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said “families in all their shapes and forms should be celebrated” when Pope Francis visits Ireland next August.

Proposal for two-thirds Dail majority to change future abortion law is 'unconstitutional' - Taoiseach 

The Government will not insert a proviso requiring a two-thirds Dáil majority for any future change in planned abortion law, the Taoiseach has said.

Taoiseach leads tributes to former ceann comhairle 'who put manners on TDs' 

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has paid tribute to the former Dáil chairman, Seán Treacy, saying he was best remembered as a man who “put manners on TDs.”

'Uncalled for, senseless and regrettable' - Russian ambassador criticises decision to expel diplomat from Ireland 

The Russian Ambassador to Ireland has described a decision to expel a diplomat as "totally unwarranted, uncalled for, senseless and regrettable".

Brexit 'silver lining' to bring 2,500 jobs here over five years, says IDA 

A Brexit "silver lining" will deliver 2,500 new jobs for Ireland over the next three to five years, IDA boss Martin Shanahan has claimed.

Attorney General faces criticism for predicting a Supreme Court ruling 

Attorney General Séamus Woulfe has faced scathing criticisms and been challenged to clarify comments he made about a pending Supreme Court ruling.

No EU trade deal for UK without Border solution - Varadkar 

Britain will not get any new trade deal with the EU without resolving the Irish Border crux, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has insisted.

Leinster House could be a 'Pop-Up Gaeltacht' 

The man still known as "the voice of Gaelic games" has urged the Government to recommit to supporting the Gaeltacht areas as the most precious source of the Irish language heritage.

'I will never forget it' - TD recalls grandchild who lived for less than an hour 

Sinn Fein TD Martin Ferris has given an emotional account of the birth of his first grandchild who survived for just 58 minutes

Main parties remain divided on the abortion referendum – Dáil debate shows 

Divisions in the three main Dáil parties have emerged as the debate on the forthcoming abortion referendum, planned for next May, continues.

Government defends €100K grant to private school in Minister's constituency as scheme accused of 'class bias' 

Transport Minister Shane Ross “trumpeted” a €100,000 grant to a private fee-paying school in his constituency, Solidarity TD Mick Barry has told the Dáil.

There will be no UK Brexit deal if Irish border issue is not resolved - Simon Coveney 

There will be no formal “Withdrawal Agreement” between the EU and UK if the Irish border issue is not resolved, Tánaiste Simon Coveney has told the Dáil.

Scheme costing €14,000 per job could be 'mini FÁS scandal in making' - O'Dea 

A scheme to help long-term unemployed people back to work - which has cost €84m to date, with a further €50m planned spend in 2018 - has been heavily criticised and dubbed "a mini FÁS scandal in the making".

Opinion: Farmers have long punched above their weight in the political ring 

Farmer action and links to elected politics reach back to the era of Daniel O'Connell and the gradual introduction of democracy from the mid-19th century onwards.

Serious concerns about garda crime figures on domestic violence – Dáil told 

Vulnerable women and children are at serious risk due to big doubts about the compilation of garda statistics on domestic homicide, the Dáil has been told.

McDonald questions funding of feature on Irish flag 

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has raised Dáil questions about the funding for and motivation behind a special information supplement about the Irish national flag.

Comment: Sinn Féin are simply not entitled to lecture anyone on the tricolour 

They spent two generations draping the Irish national flag on the coffins of sectarian murderers, unsuccessful bombers who inadvertently ended their own lives, and more successful bombers of the mass-murdering variety.

Taoiseach reveals his 'shock and disgust' at alleged child sex abuse case in Munster 

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has spoken of his horrified reaction at the emerging details of the sex investigation in the south-west of the country.

John Downing: Salvaging the wreckage of an EU-UK relationship that really should have worked 

It is now largely forgotten that Margaret Thatcher - these days mainly recalled as the "iconic mother of Euroscepticism" - was in fact very pro-European right up to the latter years of her career.

McDonald backing up Taoiseach's stance on North is welcome 

Sinn Féin's Mary Lou McDonald has welcomed the EU Commission's backing for no return to a hard Border after Brexit.

Nazi jibes over PR campaign spark fury 

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has hit out at opposition TDs for comparing the PR campaign for the Government's €116bn spending plan to Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbels.

Varadkar hits out: 'Comparing Project Ireland spending plan PR to Third Reich is beneath contempt' 

TAOISEACH Leo Varadkar has hit out at opposition politicians for comparing communication of the government's €116bn spending plan to Nazi propaganda chief Joseph Goebbels.

Red alert: All schools in Leinster and Munster to remain closed on Thursday and Friday, government confirms 

ALL schools and colleges in Leinster and Munster are to remain closed on Thursday and Friday, the Department of Education has confirmed.

The press must be a platform for informed debate on the Eighth 

It seems that Taoiseach Leo Varadkar's 'bullet-proof' Brexit Border guarantee has survived the final Brussels edit - but that moves Theresa May closer to the firing squad.

Taoiseach defends €1.5m publicity campaign for National Development Plan 

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has hit back at criticisms of a taxpayer-funded publicity campaign for the €116bn National Development Plan (NDP).

Taoiseach gives special Dáil warning on Storm Emma - but it doesn't go down well 

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar took the time for a special Dáil announcement about the national response to the expected cold snap.

Analysis: Many never wanted to go to London - but they faced reality 

Few people remember Frank Maguire these days.

FG is keen to resolve senators' row 

Fine Gael will move this week to find a resolution to a damaging row between two of its senators.

Sinn Féin ducks crucial vote on hard Border in UK parliament 

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan has urged Sinn Féin to take its six MP seats at the Westminster parliament ahead of expected moves to try to keep the UK in an EU customs union after Brexit.

Residency agreement could help illegals get deal in US 

Giving the 10,500 US citizens living in Ireland a special deal on residency could unlock a remedy for the tens of thousands of Irish illegal immigrants in the US who are trapped in a legal nightmare, a leading campaigner has said.

Breakfast metaphors from Leo give a hassled May food for thought 

It was breakfast time, so Leo Varadkar's food metaphors were probably unavoidable.

Opinion: Will the 'Varadkar bounce' tempt Fine Gael to risk an election? 

Leo Varadkar is on a high in the opinion polls. It would appear that he has cut a dash in his approach to Brexit and more generally his youth and vigour are well regarded by the public.

Brexit deal on the border is now at 'serious risk' – Dáil warned 

The special EU-UK deal on the future of the Irish border after Brexit is at serious risk, Fianna Fáil has warned.

'This is about patient safety' - Taoiseach rules out restoration of Versatis patch funding 

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has offered little comfort to those campaigning for a restoration of funding for pain-managing Versatis patches.

Comment: Varadkar caught on the hop over debt sale as Fianna Fáil weighs up options 

Those 'vultures' appear to be coming for Taoiseach Leo Varadkar after all, as Permanent TSB has signalled it is definitely headed towards selling a major loan book to the dreaded vulture funds.

Permanent TSB presses on with vultures sale despite pledge from Taoiseach to help families 

Permanent TSB is ploughing ahead with a €3.8bn sale of impaired home loans despite a pledge by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to strengthen protection measures for mortgage holders.

Taoiseach pledges support to home owners affected by potential sale of PTSB loans to vulture funds 

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has bowed to Fianna Fáil pressure and pledged protection measures for mortgage holders who could be affected by the sale of the Permanent TSB loan book to a vulture fund.

Varadkar may suffer as 'bulletproof' claim starts to look porous 

The news from Brussels is not good and it is beginning to look dangerously like Leo Varadkar and Simon Coveney cried "victory" too early and too loudly.

The man who broke the Bank of England ruffles feathers with abortion and Brexit roles 

George Soros, the former refugee turned world currency speculating phenomenon, made more than £1bn betting against the pound on Black Wednesday in 1992.

Dáil shouting match grist to mill in Kerry's house that Jackie built 

Just two years ago in Kerry, the dramatic five-to-midnight Dáil nomination of a second member from the "Kilgarvan house that Jackie built" caused consternation.

Brexit crux makes return of hard border ‘very likely’ – Howlin warns Dáil 

Unless the London government can engage properly in this crucial phase of Brexit talks, then the return of a “hard border” in Ireland appears inevitable, Labour leader, Brendan Howlin has warned.

Coillte revelations have 'damaged' forestry: Doyle 

Forestry Minister Andrew Doyle has challenged Coillte to undo the "damage" done to the confidence of farmers and other potential tree growers.

Tributes as former Ceann Comhairle Pattison dies aged 81 

Séamus Pattison, one of Europe's longest-serving parliamentarians, has died aged 81.

The eight hurdles the Taoiseach must clear to resolve the Eighth crux 

Leo Varadkar set resolving the abortion question as a key priority when elected Taoiseach on June 14 last.

Leo will struggle to split repeal from issue of 12 weeks 

Leo Varadkar's "split decision" strategy on the abortion issue will be sorely tested in four months ahead of the referendum expected in May.

Gardai gave valuable IT contract to Accenture without proper public procurement procedures, Dáil hears 

AN Garda Síochána gave a valuable IT contract to the firm Accenture without proper public procurement procedures and also paid money up front, Independent TD Mick Wallace has told the Dáil.

It took Varadkar 75 minutes to get to work due to Dublin traffic gridlock, Dáil told 

The Taoiseach should put Transport Minister, Shane Ross, on a bus or a tram to experience the chaos and gridlock which is currently frustrating Dublin citizens.

Cabinet will be asked today for stance on abortion referendum 

THE Taoiseach will today seek Cabinet approval for a referendum on the liberalisation of abortion, including termination any time up to 12 weeks.

'Heated cigarettes' must face highest taxation here - TD 

The Government has been urged to tax so-called 'heated cigarettes', targeted at young people, at the highest rate imposed on tobacco products.

Minister's hope to appoint dedicated digital safety officer to battle 'relentless' child sex predators 

Communications Minister Denis Naughten will this week seek Government approval to appoint a dedicated digital safety officer and try to have the role of that person clearly defined within weeks.

Drink laws overhaul taking the good out of Good Friday 

Talk of ending partition paled into insignificance when we came up against the "real Irish question" - just where can you get a drink on Good Friday?

Micheál is in a spot of bother - and this is about more than the impending referendum 

The punters see Leo Varadkar's various gaffes as noise in the market. Or maybe he's making inroads on the basis of being a plain-speaking politician.

Coveney claims there are currently 600 houses listed for sale in Dublin priced below €250,000 

Tánaiste Simon Coveney has said there are currently 600 houses listed for sale in Dublin priced below €250,000.

Men hit by pension anomaly risk 'being left behind', Dáil told 

Government moves to fix the pensions anomaly now risk discriminating against men hit by the same problem, the Dáil has been told.

Comment - Untangling one knot just creates another 

The law of unintended consequences often seems to permanently live in the endless masses of pensions small print.

Men to miss out on €40 per week after Regina Doherty's pensions 'fix' 

Thousands of men who are missing out on up to €40 per week in their pension payments will not benefit from the proposed 'fix'.

Ross defiant despite PAC attack over garda station 

Transport Minister Shane Ross has remained unrepentant about his efforts to re-open Stepaside Garda station in his own Dáil constituency.

Nearly 2,600 more hospital beds needed to end trolley crisis 

Nearly 2,600 extra acute hospital beds will be needed by 2031- but the number could be as high as 7,000 unless the health service is reformed, a new report has warned.

€10m in M50 tolls 'written off' in last two years according to Dáil finance watchdog 

Unpaid road tolls worth €10m on Dublin’s M50 ring-road have been written off over the last two years, a new report has revealed.

Martin needs TDs to back his right to a sincere position on the Eighth 

Local political wars were often Fianna Fáil's greatest stock in trade and made elections fizz. But for all the party's history, its loyal members have avoided national rows and tried to make loyalty to the leader an immutable core value.

Fianna Fáil backlash against Martin over U-turn backing of abortion plans 

An overwhelming majority of Fianna Fail TDs are against the U-turn taken by party leader Micheál Martin on abortion.

Fine Gael’s main focus is about 'spin' in claiming increased housing numbers, Dáil told 

Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy has been accused of “spinning” and exaggerating the numbers of houses being provided to tackle the housing crisis.

If past really is another country, the referendum battle will prove it 

This was a debate pitched in the shadow of events from three decades past.

Turning blind eye on abortion same as turning our backs, says Harris 

Health Minister Simon Harris listed the number of women from every county in Ireland who travelled to the UK for an abortion in 2016 as he told of the "sad reality" that we have been exporting the issue.

'These are not faceless women' - Health Minister lists number from every county who travelled to UK for abortion as debate begins 

HEALTH Minister Simon Harris opened a two-day Dáil debate on repealing the Eighth Amendment and has read into the record the number of people from each county who travelled to the UK for an abortion in 2016.

Low uptake of pneumonia jab threatens elderly 

A vaccine that can reduce the risk of suffering flu-related pneumonia has a low uptake among over-65s and people with long-term diseases.

'Up to 400 people a year die from overcrowding', Micheál Martin tells Dáil 

UP to 400 people die each year due to hospital emergency department overcrowding, Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has told the Dáil.

Even if people vote for abortion, it could still be blocked by TDs 

Much now turns on one key question: Do you agree there should be unrestricted access to abortion up to 12 weeks of pregnancy?

Opinion: Making sense of a changed political landscape will test our politicians 

When a Limerick city friend of mine was jilted by a rather good-looking young woman from nearby Co Clare there was, let's say, a limited amount of sympathy for him.

Lawyer, international statesman and global businessman, Peter Sutherland, is laid to rest 

Peter Sutherland was recalled as a “loving family man” and someone who did many “hidden acts of philanthropy.”

Friends pay final respects to 'Suds' 

People from politics, business and the law joined together to pay their final respects to the man known to all as 'Suds'.

Sutherland's 'voice, dedication and leadership will be missed' 

Peter Sutherland's family have announced arrangements for his funeral to take place tomorrow and Thursday in Dublin as tributes to the statesman and business leader have continued.

Warning that 10,000 CIÉ pensioners are facing crisis 

Up to 10,000 pensioners in the CIÉ group of companies are facing a crisis as their pension scheme is underfunded by some €80m.

Welfare Minister is under new pressure to fix pensions shortfall 

Social Protection Minister Regina Doherty will come under renewed pressure to bring forward a speedy remedy for pensioners who are on reduced payments because they took time out of the workforce.

Fine Gael has €1m 'war chest' to fight a general election this year 

Fine Gael has amassed a €1m election "war chest" and is well advanced in candidate selection and other preparations, party chairman Martin Heydon has warned.

Murphy signals shift on property tax valuations 

Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy has signalled he is ready to change the way property taxes are calculated.

'One of the most outstanding personalities in modern Irish life' - tributes paid to Peter Sutherland 

POLITICIANS have united in paying their respects to Peter Sutherland who died after losing a lengthy battle with illness.

Peter Sutherland obituary: Ireland's best-known international statesman dies after long illness 

IRELAND'S best-known international statesman, Peter Sutherland – credited with leading a successful drive for cheap air fares - has died after a long illness at the age of 71.

'Boxer' quickly on the scene -but Murphy in eye of the storm 

There is only one Kevin 'Boxer' Moran. The hours, which often turn to days, he has spent fighting to help people stricken by floods give him a special place for the foreseeable future.

Analysis: Free vote on the abortion issue opens can of worms - and could even see Taoiseach dissenting 

When my late mother's friend described a seasonal gift as "unusual", you knew you were in tricky territory. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar's "split decision" on Cabinet responsibility is so unusual that anything like it harks back more than 40 years.

Opinion: Do not be fazed by two-toned talk about that Brexit border-fix just yet 

Many wily politicians of yesteryear made a career of giving it out large off the back of the lorry in Kilahulla Upper - and then doing the exact opposite back in Dublin.

Leo Varadkar: Theresa May got a 'light' round of applause at EU summit dinner 

UK Prime Minister Theresa May received “a light round of applause” at last night’s EU summit dinner, according to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.

So far, so tentatively good - but the real Brexit test now looms into view 

Donald Tusk did not bother shoehorning fragments of pop songs into his message. Not this time.

No backtracking on Brexit Border deal, warns Taoiseach 

The Taoiseach has sent his strongest warning yet there can be no reneging on the Brexit deal on the Irish Border.

Taoiseach says 'no room for complacency' in battle to defend Irish interests in Brexit 

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said a hard battle still lay ahead to ensure all Irish interests around Brexit are laid down in a legally binding international treaty.

Pop song quotes and Brexit: Ten things to expect from the EU leaders' summit in Brussels 

Brexit tops the agenda as Taoiseach Leo Varadkar attends a two-day EU leaders’ summit in Brussels.

Ministers to scrutinise RTÉ licence fee spending 

Spending at RTÉ is to be examined by two ministers to see where savings can be made.

Taoiseach insists Brexit comments on the North were not meant to insult Fianna Fáil 

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said he meant no insult to Fianna Fáil in comments about the Brexit border deal.

Snap analysis: Ireland has done well with Brexit deal - but three potential snags remain 

The Brexit deal has many advantages for Ireland north and south. It is a big win for the Irish negotiating team. But can it be that simple? What are the potential snags?

Opinion: The Border deal is vital - but it is not the only crux to be negotiated 

Right now we're going through a more upbeat period about how Ireland and Irish agribusiness will cope with the awfulness that is Brexit.

Ireland will not agree changes 'to the core meaning' of Brexit border deal – Dáil told 

Ireland will consider British proposals to reassure the Democratic Unionist Party on a border deal for Brexit – but will not agree changes “to the core” of a draft agreement which emerged on Monday.

'End tax cut for wealthy to help carers' - Martin 

It's time to re-think tax cuts for high earners and focus instead on improved services for vulnerable people like carers, Micheál Martin has said.