Journalists

State flood schemes hit by long delays 

Almost a third of the Government's major flood relief schemes are delayed, with some projects already three years behind schedule.

Ministers told to use OCI as a template for handling the FAI 

Ministers have been advised to use their response to the Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI) tickets scandal at the 2016 Rio Olympics as a template for managing the current FAI crisis.

Nine young men injured after falling from back of lorry as GAA team celebrates victory 

Nine people were injured after falling from the trailer of a lorry in Co Wicklow on Saturday night as they celebrated a GAA victory.

Micheál Martin criticises Fine Gael for 'failing to deliver projects' as he puts Fianna Fáil on election footing 

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has put his party on an election footing tonight with a series of stinging criticisms of Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and the Government’s record on housing and health.

Employee of major law firm probed over 'offensive' texts 

A major international law firm has confirmed that one of its trainee employees is being investigated over a "highly offensive" text messaging group about female student solicitors.

Insurance awards cripple communities, says Taoiseach as he calls for 'more realistic' pay-outs 

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has warned against the impact of high insurance pay-outs, saying they have a “real world impact” across society.

‘Intimidatory tactics’ - Farmers criticised by Minister for Agriculture for preventing Beef Taskforce meeting 

Protesters who blockaded the Department of Agriculture - preventing meat industry representatives from attending a Beef Taskforce meeting yesterday - have been criticised by the agriculture minister for using “intimidatory tactics”.

Taoiseach criticised over response to question about death of homeless chef in Cork 

The Taoiseach has been criticised for giving the Dáil personal details about the life of a homeless man who was killed in Cork at the weekend.

Labour and Sinn Fein happy for an early election once Brexit is finalised 

Labour and Sinn Féin are happy for Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to call an early election, saying they feel the country could go to the polls once Brexit is finalised.

Ireland still in contention to top group and avoid New Zealand in quarters as Japan v Scotland gets green light 

Ireland remain in contention to top their Rugby World Cup pool and avoid a quarter final against New Zealand after organisers last night decided the final Group A game should not fall foul of Typhoon Hagibis.

Law firm employee probed over group's 'offensive' texts about trainee solicitors 

A major international law firm has confirmed that one of its employees is being investigated over a "highly offensive" text messaging group about female trainee solicitors.

Major international law firm confirms trainee being investigated over 'T*ts and Filth' Whatsapp group 

A major international law firm has confirmed that one of its employees is being investigated over a “highly offensive” text messaging group about female trainee solicitors.

Law Society offensive messaging probe leads to educational classes and counselling 

Law students are to be given special “educational inputs” after an offensive text messaging group about female trainee solicitors was uncovered at the Law Society.

Lone parents and working families aided by €54m hike for childcare 

PARENTS will benefit from a commitment to increase funding for early learning and childcare by €54m in Budget 2020.

Budget 2020: Boost for parents as early learning and childcare gets €54m 

Parents will benefit from a commitment to increase funding for early learning and childcare by €54m in Budget 2020.

Teenage cyclist seriously injured after collision with a bus in Dublin 

A teenage cyclist is in a serious condition in hospital following a collision with a bus in Dublin.

Creed happy to negotiate by candlelight to address crisis 

A power outage at the Department of Agriculture created massive upheaval last week. It had nothing to do with talks to end the ongoing row over beef prices, Brexit or climate change.

Playing overseas is not just about the money 

It is almost 40 years since then-taoiseach Charles Haughey warned: "As a community we are living away beyond our means." For many, the same applies to French rugby, where cash-rich owners have flooded the game with millions of euro to attract the cream of playing talent.

From bread to medical prescriptions: What will a no-deal Brexit mean for you? 

Will I still be able to get my medical prescriptions filled? Yes. Last week Michael Gove, the UK minister in charge of planning for a no-deal Brexit, suggested medicine shortages would hit Ireland if Britain leaves Europe without a deal.

Zebo as willing as ever to answer Ireland's call 

A year ago, Simon Zebo moved to Paris with his partner and their two young children, knowing it was unlikely he would be hopping on a plane to represent Ireland any time soon.

More young GPs want to emigrate for a better life 

More than a third of trainee GPs (35.1pc) are considering emigrating because of concerns about their quality of life and the "viability of general practice" in Ireland.

The environmentalist supporting farmers and an unlikely hero 

The last place picketing beef farmers would expect to find support is from an environmentalist millionaire businessman who thinks we should move away from the cow and look to vegetables, solar power and green technology to protect Ireland's future.

Exclusive Doctor shortage 'to leave more than 230,000 without GP care' 

More than 230,000 patients will be left scrambling for a new GP, because of the looming retirement of hundreds of doctors, according to new research.

GP crisis 'will leave 230,000 without basic care' 

More than 230,000 patients will be left scrambling for a new GP because of the imminent retirement of hundreds of doctors in the coming years, according to new research.

Wayne O'Connor: 'Destination Croker: the true spirit of an All-Ireland final journey' 

Today is not about the five in a row, the drive to deprive the five, or even the occasion itself. It's not about Jim Gavin. It's not about Peter Keane and it's not even about Sam Maguire. It is about life outside of that.

Wayne O'Connor: 'Perfect storm' brews on medical front line 

The phone rings four times before it is mercifully answered by a kind, compassionate voice. Soon the woman's tone turns regretful.

Exclusive Rural areas hit worst by crisis as overrun GPs turn away new patients 

Almost half of the country's GP practices are operating at maximum capacity and cannot take on new patients, a Sunday Independent investigation has found.

Sinead's story: fear, hope and determination 

It is five months since Sinead O'Meara was last at home. It is five months since she was able to go to college, meet her friends for a drink, or brush her own hair. For most of the past five months Sinead has been a prisoner trapped in her own body. Five months ago her life changed forever.

'Toxic' FAI brand must change, Shamrock Rovers tells ministers 

One of the country's biggest football clubs has told the Government that the FAI's "toxic" brand and corporate governance issues must be addressed to restore public faith in Irish football.

Security risk a 'threat to investment' 

The Government has been warned Ireland's security is being compromised and will be threatened further in the wake of Brexit, with disastrous knock-on effects for foreign direct investment because of underspending in the Defence Forces.

Children need more effective education around drugs - expert 

More consistent and realistic education programmes for young people are needed to tackle dangerous drug use, according to a leading addiction expert within the health service.

Hopes rise for progress in beef dispute 

Agriculture Minister Michael Creed is confident of making progress in the dispute between farmers and beef processors as both sides prepare to meet tomorrow.

Calls for new TV licence charge to be paid monthly 

TV licence reforms must give households the option to pay the charge in instalments, to help families cope with the cost of sending children to school or cope with other bills, Fianna Fail has said.

'Winter is coming' - warning of €10m daily Brexit losses 

A leading economist has warned "winter is coming", with a hard Brexit set to bring cross-border trade to a standstill on the island and cost the economy more than €10m every day.

Peter Casey's €1m proposal for homes at centre of Traveller dispute rejected by council 

Tipperary County Council will reject the advances of former Presidential candidate Peter Casey as he looks to buy the homes at the centre of a row that overshadowed last year's election.

Man arrested by gardai after high-speed chase through Dublin as hunt for second suspect continues 

One man has been arrested and gardaí are looking for a second suspect following a high-speed chase through Dublin's north inner city.

Wayne O'Connor: 'Leo Varadkar's 'Cead Mile Failte' emails to Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg' 

To those who had seen former Taoiseach Enda Kenny's interactions with Facebook officials during his time in power, it was no surprise when an internal company document referenced the Mayoman's "great relationship" with the company.

ODCE slams Sport Ireland on FAI probe 

The Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) has criticised Sport Ireland saying the body has a "lack of understanding" about the watchdog's ongoing investigation in to the FAI.

Changes to gambling law is fuelling fears of money laundering 

Gambling bodies are concerned an increase in the maximum wager allowed on betting machines would lead to increased money laundering, according to correspondence seen by the Sunday Independent.

Suspension of FAI would rule us out as hosts of Euro 2020 hosts 

Ireland would not co-host next year's European Football Championships in Dublin if Uefa and Fifa take the nuclear option to suspend the FAI's membership over claims of political interference in its elections.

Wayne O'Connor: 'It'll be a hard day in the life if a disorderly Brexit occurs' 

A young Paul McCartney woke up, fell out of bed and dragged a comb across his head in the Beatles' classic A Day in the Life, but had the song been set in post-hard Brexit Ireland, his famous morning routine would have been very different.

Greens open to coalition return after election 

The Green Party has issued a coalition come-and-get-me plea to Fine Gael and Fianna Fail after its members voted in favour of forming a coalition government after the next election at its annual convention yesterday.

'I will definitely make money, I am not Robin Hood' - Peter Casey in €1m bid to buy homes from Traveller row 

Businessman Peter Casey said he will offer €1m this week to buy the unoccupied homes in Tipperary that led to the Traveller row which dominated last year's Presidential election.

Political campaigner Noel Whelan's love for his family remembered 

Barrister and political commentator Noel Whelan's passion for fairness and the love he shared with his family were remembered at his funeral Mass yesterday.

President Michael D Higgins among those to pay respects at funeral of barrister Noel Whelan 

President Michael D Higgins was among those who paid their respects to barrister, campaigner, writer and political advisor Noel Whelan at his funeral mass in Dublin today.

Raised stakes for betting machines will be 'a disaster' 

The gaming industry has hit out at new laws allowing stakes on addictive betting machines 333 times more than is currently permitted, saying it will devastate families.

Creed backs Hogan and casts doubt on EU trade deal 

Agriculture Minister Michael Creed has defended European Commissioner Phil Hogan's role in the Mercosur trade agreement as he moved to blame Fianna Fail's European group for a deal that threatens Irish beef exports.

Minister backs plan to keep kids off adult sites 

Social Protection Minister Regina Doherty has weighed in strongly behind the introduction of online verification codes for using adult websites and social media platforms.

Creed backs Phil Hogan for role despite Mercosur concerns 

Agriculture Minister Michael Creed has defended European Commissioner Phil Hogan’s role in the Mercosur trade agreement as he moved to blame Fianna Fail’s European Group for a deal that threatens Irish beef exports.

Eir accused of throwing National Broadband Plan figures around 'like confetti' by Fine Gael TD 

Telecoms firm Eir has been accused of throwing “figures around like confetti” and confusing taxpayers in a row over the cost of the National Broadband Plan (NBP).

GAA insists members' data is safe despite IT firm's financial trouble 

The GAA has tried to reassure members their data is safe after the company responsible for managing its information on memberships, fixtures and competitions was placed into administration.

'Whoever did this should come forward' - widespread shock after boy (2) injured in hit-and-run 

A community have expressed their shock after a two-year-old boy was injured in a hit-and-run incident in Cork.

Tributes for Fair City's Tom Jordan 

The actor Tom Jordan, best known for playing Charlie Kelly in RTE drama Fair City, has died.

'Catastrophic' agreement a huge threat to Irish farmers 

The Government is coming under pressure to oppose a new EU trade deal which would cut food prices for consumers but have potentially disastrous implications for Irish farmers.

High summer temperatures to continue this week - and we can expect some sunny spells too 

High summer temperatures will continue this week but without the blistering sun that blazed the country at the end of last week, according to Met Eireann.

Ring defends €5,500 trip to Chicago for GAA club fundraiser 

Former Lord Mayor of Dublin Nial Ring has defended spending by State-owned Dublin Port Company after it paid for him to travel to the US to speak at a fundraiser for his local GAA club.

Fishermen drop anchor in protest 

Fishermen in Greystones, Co Wicklow, took to the water around the town's marina yesterday in protest over a decade-long dispute about access to the harbour.

Cleaner traffic jams 'won't cut it' in climate action plan 

Free public transport initiatives and schemes to reduce the number of journeys taken by people every day should have formed a key plank of the Government's new Climate Action plan, according to a leading researcher.

Bad neighbours: landlords to face fines if they fail to tackle antisocial behaviour 

Landlords will face fines under proposed new laws if they fail to deal with complaints about tenants making lives a misery for neighbours.

Insurance fraudsters to face jail terms under new perjury laws 

New laws to clamp down on insurance fraud would see people found guilty of perjury face up to 10 years in prison and fines of €100,000, under proposals by Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan.

Energy providers will be forced to show customers how to save cash 

Energy providers will be forced to tell customers how to reduce household bills under measures in the Government's new Climate Change Action Plan.

'I have the measure of Donald Trump' - Leo Varadkar discusses Doonbeg meeting in Dáil 

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has insisted he “has the measure of” US president Donald Trump after their meeting in Co Clare earlier this month.

Ireland stars turn out for Paul McShane's Wicklow wedding 

Former Ireland international Paul McShane tied the knot with his sweetheart Gemma Shreeves at a special ceremony at St Patrick’s Church, Kilquade, in his native Co Wicklow today surrounded by friends and family.

Maria Bailey back at work as Fine Gael awaits review of swing claim 

Fine Gael TD Maria Bailey has returned as chairperson of the Oireachtas Housing Committee, while the party awaits the outcome of an internal review into a personal injuries claim she took against a hotel.

Ó Fearghaíl apology to ex-Rehab boss was 'personal' 

Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl said it was up to individual members of the Dáil's Public Accounts Committee to decide whether they wanted to apologise to former Rehab boss Angela Kerins.

Maria Bailey returns to work amid controversial swing fall compensation case 

FINE Gael TD Maria Bailey is back at work amid controversy over her personal injury case.

Europe wants banks to lend to make our homes greener 

Banks need to change how they lend money to customers seeking to renovate homes so climate change targets can be met, according to EU officials.

Wayne O'Connor: 'Dominance of Healy-Rae dynasty highlights Kerry's diminishing party political gene pool' 

We do things differently in Kerry. A question gets answered with a question. People hold on to traditions of the past to milk dollars from tourists with horses and carts while they bemoan the lack of a good road network and decent broadband.

'Risk we'll accept homelessness as normal' 

Homelessness organisations warned against complacency as they fear increases in the number of people in emergency accommodation will make the public believe the issue cannot be solved.

Council staff to track Airbnb ads to block breaches of new rules 

Council staff are to be used to monitor Airbnb homeowners to make sure they do not flout new planning laws to clamp down on short-term letting.

Homelessness continues to rise, with 10,400 now in emergency accommodation 

Homelessness increased again last month with almost 10,400 people in emergency accommodation, according to new figures from the Department of Housing.

Andrews faces Brexit wait before taking seat in Brussels 

A Brexit limbo means new Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Andrews faces a wait before he can take up his seat in the European Parliament after he was elected yesterday.

Clare Daly 'gobsmacked' after taking third Dublin MEP seat - as Barry Andrews must wait for Brexit 

Independent TD Clare Daly has won Dublin’s third seat in the European Parliament after the counting of votes finished at the RDS count centre.

'Cold storage seat' legal row: TD Clare Daly on course to secure seat amid recounts in Dublin 

SITTING TD Clare Daly is on course to secure the direct flight to Brussels amid recounts and legal rows in Dublin.

More than 200 women elected to council seats suggests 'sea-change' on the way 

With all the talk of the Green Wave, it was easy to overlook the fact that the tide also came in for women in the local elections.

Two failed MEP hopefuls can fall back on local council seats 

Two candidates who ran in a European and local election will be able to fall back on city or county council seats after failing to secure a ticket to Brussels.

Legal row erupts as Andrews and Daly battle to avoid 'cold storage' seat created by Brexit 

A legal row erupted at the European Election count centre in Dublin last night as Barry Andrews and Clare Daly battled it out for the last certain seat and to avoid taking the extra "cold storage" seat created by Brexit.

European elections 2019: Legal row erupts as Clare Daly and Barry Andrews in fight for last certain Dublin seat 

A legal row erupted at the European Election count centre in Dublin tonight as Barry Andrews and Clare Daly battle it out for the last certain seat and to avoid taking the extra ‘cold storage’ seat created by Brexit.

'They behave like Isis' - Dublin councillor Mannix Flynn hits out at People Before Profit 

Dublin City Councillor Mannix Flynn has compared People Before Profit to Isis and the Taliban, following a tense battle with the party to retain his seat.

Cuffe tops the poll just shy of quota as SF's Boylan in danger of losing her seat 

The Greens European candidate Ciarán Cuffe has topped the poll in Dublin, but had yet to be elected when counting was suspended last night.

'It's very disappointing to lose out by such a tight margin' - Charlie Haughey's grandson Cathal fails in council bid 

Cathal Haughey, the grandson of former Taoiseach Charlie Haughey, has failed to secure a seat on Dublin City Council after a number of Fianna Fáil votes in the area were spoiled.

Councillor who left Sinn Féin amid bullying allegations 'feared the decision would cost her her seat' 

Ballymun-Finglas councillor Noeleen Reilly, who left Sinn Féin last year amid allegations of “physical assaults, verbal abuse, total isolation, smear campaigns”, said she feared the decision would cost her her council seat.

National value of our homes breaks the €500bn barrier 

More than 200 homes worth more than €1m each were sold in the first three months of this year, new figures show.

Poll pushes party leaders to make climate a priority 

Fine Gael's first election under Taoiseach Leo Varadkar's stewardship was an underwhelming one, with Climate Action Minister Richard Bruton saying the party is coming under increasing pressure to address environmental concerns.

Profiled: Young guns keen to avoid being first Healy-Rae to lose election 

A cacophony of barking fills my mother's house in Killarney and is swiftly followed by her, exasperated, asking: "What's riled the dogs now?"

Irish company strikes €40m deal to reproduce an electric E-Type Jaguar 

An Irish car company has signed a €40m deal to produce electric versions of Jaguar's classic E-Type cars.

Girl who tackled Leo Varadkar tells how she just got broadband 

The schoolgirl who confronted Taoiseach Leo Varadkar last week about the National Broadband Plan said she felt obliged to do so after seeing how improved internet access has changed her life.

Exclusive Revealed: State spends €1.2bn on housing even though building is cheaper 

The Government has spent €1.2bn throughout the housing crisis buying up almost 7,200 privately built homes, directly competing with first-time buyers in the property market, the Sunday Independent can reveal.

Housing Crisis: More than half of renters say housing situation impacting on mental and physical health 

A major housing survey shows renters under the age of 50 feel they are worst hit by the housing crisis because they live in insecure and unaffordable accommodation.

€5bn National Broadband Plan will not be another children's hospital debacle - Tánaiste 

TÁNAISTE Simon Coveney insisted the €5bn National Broadband Plan would not prove another National Children's Hospital costs debacle for the Government.

Government under fire over efforts to tackle insurance crisis as EU opens probe 

The government has been accused in the Dáil of dragging its heels in tackling the insurance crisis after the European Commission launched an investigation into industry practices here.

The Floating Voter Podcast: 'Farage has shown why EU elections are crucial' - Daly 

Nigel Farage has shown the "warped and damaging" impact individual politicians in Brussels can have on domestic issues, according to MEP candidate Clare Daly.

EU launches formal probe into Insurance Ireland 

THE European Commission has opened a formal competition probe into Insurance Ireland.

Fine parents whose children 'run riot' and engaged in anti-social behaviour, says Fianna Fáil's Willie O'Dea 

Parents whose children "run riot", tormenting neighbours by engaging in anti-social behaviour, should face fines or have social welfare payments cut to tackle the issue, according to a former defence minister.

Concern Uefa 'could take over running of the FAI' 

Concern is growing in Government that Uefa will need to take an active role in the running of the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), the Sunday Independent can reveal.

FAI to be quizzed about governance and finance issues by FIFA delegation next week 

FIFA officials are set to visit FAI headquarters next Wednesday to discuss corporate governance at the association.

Gardaí should be able to seize quad bikes to stop communities being plagued - TD 

New powers allowing gardaí to seize motorbikes and quad bikes are needed to stop communities being plagued by young people abusing them in housing estates and parks, according to Fianna Fáil TD John Curran.

Call for ban of 'anything but voluntary' school payments 

Labour wants to ban €45m worth of school payments made by families to fund school trips and extra-curricular activities that leave hard-pressed parents feeling “shame” and embarrassment.

'FAI make us a laughing stock' - voters bombard ministers 

Voters pleaded with ministers to intervene in the saga surrounding former FAI chief executive John Delaney's €100,000 loan to his employer, new documents reveal.

Access to key drugs 'should not be about ability to pay' 

Public patients must be guaranteed access to expensive new drugs to prevent pharmaceutical giants gaming the system at the expense of those at the bottom of the health service, according to a leading academic.

Victim's daughter reveals how trauma led family to move away 

The daughter of murder victim Bobby Ryan has said the pain of losing her father forced the family to leave their home and community in Tipperary.

'I will never move back to Tipperary' - Bobby Ryan's daughter on the pain of losing her father and Quirke's trial 

Michelle Ryan, the daughter of slain murder victim Bobby ‘Mr Moonlight’ Ryan, has spoken about the pain of losing her father and leaving her home in Tipperary to try and cope with his death.

'Forgotten people' of Ireland's Black Valley left in the dark ages 

Locals in the Black Valley, Co Kerry, have had to get used to the delayed arrival of new technology.

Clean-up as storm leaves trail of damage 

A massive clean-up operation began yesterday after Storm Hannah's gusts which topped 120km/h hammered coastal areas, knocked trees and left thousands of homes without power.

Anti-social behaviour rise blights communities 

A worrying rise in anti-social behaviour in communities around the country last year was fuelled by a surge in thuggery and harassment in the second half of 2018.