Pressure over Government spending cuts likely to fuel tensions at Cabinet Black hole in Department of Education funding has led to €446m levy
What to expect from Aughinish Alumina report and the call to ban e-scootersInside Politics podcast with Hugh LinehanListen to What to expect from Aughinish Alumina report and the call to ban e-scootersListen | 39:56
Brexit regrets for Ireland’s favourite Frenchman Michel BarnierFormer EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier says there is ‘nothing to celebrate’ 10 years after the UK voted to leave the EU
Aughinish Alumina warned Michael McGrath about sanctioning exports to RussiaRusal-owned Limerick plant lobbied politicians in Brussels and Dublin about impact of EU sanctions, documents show
How Russian password technology made its way into Irish State agenciesPassword manager Passwork purports to be EU-based but has extensive links to a Russian company licensed by Russia’s security service
These Irish State agencies use password software with deep links to a Russian tech firmIrish Times investigation finds software involved in handling of sensitive information with at least three agencies
Dáil summer recess begins with TD urging Mayo to end ‘75-year famine’ in football finalCeann Comhairle tells politicians ‘it’s very important to come back refreshed’ as proceedings end until September 16th
Children perpetrated sex abuse in half of cases referred to Tusla specialist service‘Wellbeing check’ ordered on more than 40,000 children after Daniel Aruebose case should be completed in the autumn, Kate Duggan says
‘Michael Collins would be pleased’: Sinn Féin praises Harris for Ireland unification presentationTánaiste says question is ‘not simply what a united Ireland would cost, but what a united Ireland could create’
‘Sufficient’ provision for special school places in advance of new school year, committee toldMore than 580 special classes will be open from September, an increase from 409 the previous year
Drug to treat Friedreich’s ataxia must be approved ‘urgently’, Dáil hearsTánaiste rejects claims one committee is ‘passing the buck’ to another about access to drug
Some rail services will be ‘rephased or reprioritised’ due to €50m IT project write downNew train traffic management system will need to be put in place, says Irish Rail, without providing estimated cost
‘Evidence’ needed before including Aughinish Alumina in Russian sanctions, O’Callaghan saysEstonian minister agrees increased exports from Ireland to Russia reinforces country’s call for alumina to be included in sanctions
What was the biggest moment of the political season? Inside Politics podcast with Hugh LinehanListen to What was the biggest moment of the political season? Listen | 40:37
Troubles legacy body claims Government has ‘not bought into’ telling truth about conflictSenior ICRIR officer says co-operation offered by Dublin to earlier investigation into Freddie Scappaticci ‘has completely disappeared’
Taoiseach bids Dáil farewell for summer recessInside Politics: Occupied Territories Bill set to be signed into law following Seanad vote
Aughinish Alumina report will not rule out that material is used in Russian weaponsAt the highest level in Government there is much sensitivity about the Co Limerick plant
Past achievements of Aughinish Alumina cannot be treated as a balancing factorThe issue is whether Ireland should facilitate such a supply chain – not whether the plant has otherwise served the State well
Jennie’s Law legislation passed by Dáil to create new domestic violence registerMinister pays tribute to family of Jennifer Poole, the eponymous mother murdered in 2021
Rotunda allowed 17 consultants on public-only contracts to give private careSeventeen consultants on public-only contracts received written permission by Dublin hospital’s master to carry out private care
The visitors’ bar in Leinster House is usually sedate. Not last nightMicheál Martin’s Dáil remarks – laden with gratitude - were met with indifference as summer recess drew nearer
Burning questions left as Dáil rises for summer breakThe first half of 2026 raised plenty of questions; will there be answers in the second half?
‘It’s disappointing’: NI body investigating Troubles cases laments lack of co-operation from DublinThe Irish Republic’s Government argues the ICRIR is not a police force, and therefore cannot be given confidential information
Ireland’s cancer services failing to meet the needs of patients, health committee toldIrish Cancer Society says underinvestment is leading to delays in accessing referrals, testing and treatment
Ann Widdecombe ‘formidable and fierce’ yet ‘humble and devout’, Dublin Mass hearsPolice in UK continue to investigate violent death of Reform MEP
Occupied Territories Bill set to be signed into law within weeks following Seanad voteFinal attempt to include services in high-profile legislation fails
‘Going out was impossible’ – assistance dogs change children’s lives but need funding Sheer demand mean Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland turns away 700 families. My Canine Companion runs a lottery system, where around 2,000 families compete for 100 places each year.
Taoiseach’s remarks over Bessborough site ‘beneath contempt’, Holly Cairns saysMicheál Martin accuses Social Democrats leader of ignoring perspective of survivors and ‘distorting’ his remarks
Irish diplomats to attend Trump’s ‘antifa terrorism’ summit in WashingtonUnclear how many countries will send foreign ministers to summit aimed at addressing ‘far-left terrorism’
Budget 2027 to include ‘tax package for families’ and ‘groundbreaking’ disability paymentMicheál Martin tells Dáil the Government aims to offset inflationary challenges of Middle East war
E-scooters are being used for drug dealing and intimidation, Garda chief saysJustin Kelly ‘absolutely’ supports an outright ban on e-scooters, he tells transport committee
Minister defends decision not to distinguish between miscarriage and abortion in new leave lawPeter Burke says women should not be asked the reason for their pregnancy loss
A sombre Dáil sets divisions aside for apology to Bill Kenneally victimsInside Politics: Micheál Martin addressed the men abused as boys in the 1980s, saying two former Fianna Fáil TDs failed in their duty to protect them
US-Iran war ‘adds €23 a month to bills for home heating oil’But VAT cuts could ease burden of price rise and boost green fuels use, says industry group
Deportation flight to return 42 people to South Africa cost about €24,000 per passengerCharter flight in June deported 42 people who were escorted by 84 gardaí and medical team
Give credit to employers: issue of who funds workplace benefits is rarely mentionedPoliticians should be candid when they announce measures to benefit employees
Minister to seek legal advice on publishing potentially ‘sensitive’ Aughinish Alumina report Peter Burke unable to offer clarity on nature of information provided to inquiry by Ukraine and Sweden
The Script singer accuses AI companies of copyright theft ‘on an industrial scale’Danny O’Donoghue tells TDs, Senators they need to do more to protect artists’ work as SF motion debated in Dáil
Hundreds of homes transferred from Circle to housing bodies after regulator interventionDecision was made on properties after two-year inquiry found issues of governance and transparency
Three departments face closer supervision after exceeding budgets Health, Education and Children subject to ‘special measures’ involving oversight from Department of Public Expenditure officials
Dunderrow sexual abuse survivors secure mediation process with Government over redressGroup of 19 women in their 60s and 70s plan legal action against the State
Taoiseach offers State apology to victims of serial paedophile Bill KenneallyMicheál Martin ‘profoundly sorry’ for failures of former Fianna Fáil members over abuse
Disability campaigner Cara Darmody begins third 50-hour protest over ‘disgraceful’ delaysLatest figures show 21,782 children waiting beyond the six-month statutory deadline for Assessment of Need
Garda chief backs calls to ban e-scooters, saying society would be ‘better off’ without themTaoiseach ‘leaning towards’ restriction as doctors and victims’ parents call for action
Paid leave for partners of women who suffer miscarriage under considerationCabinet approves five-day leave for women who suffer miscarriages before 23 weeks
Aughinish Alumina workers will be consulted on its future ‘once we have the facts’, says McEnteeReport on whether plant’s products are ending up in Russian military equipment is due to be published shortly
Cordial loathing between Mary Lou McDonald and Micheál Martin as TDs enter last week of termFlare-up in hostilities between US and Iran; and back-to-school costs at back of mind
Mary Lou McDonald declines to withdraw Dáil remark about Taoiseach being a ‘tosser’ Sinn Féin leader overheard using slur last week during questions about costings for MetroLink project
Homelessness ‘risk’ for hundreds of refugee families sparks exchange between MinistersMinister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan downplayed concerns of a Cabinet colleague and said refugees were moving to Dublin because of a ‘desire to live in this region’
Pressure over Government spending cuts likely to fuel tensions at Cabinet By Martin Wall and Jack Horgan-JonesFri Jul 17 2026 - 21:41
Inside Politics PodcastWhat to expect from Aughinish Alumina report and the call to ban e-scootersListen to What to expect from Aughinish Alumina report and the call to ban e-scootersListen | 39:56
What was the biggest moment of the political season? Listen to What was the biggest moment of the political season? Listen | 40:37
Marine Le Pen’s new bid for power and the history of France’s far rightListen to Marine Le Pen’s new bid for power and the history of France’s far rightListen | 56:11
Sinn Féin and Government on completely different timetables for Irish unityListen to Sinn Féin and Government on completely different timetables for Irish unityListen | 54:50
Germany at a crossroads: Football, political frustration and the far rightListen to Germany at a crossroads: Football, political frustration and the far rightListen | 41:19
Children perpetrated sex abuse in half of cases referred to Tusla specialist service‘Wellbeing check’ ordered on more than 40,000 children after Daniel Aruebose case should be completed in the autumn, Kate Duggan saysBy Kitty HollandThu Jul 16 2026 - 21:20