# Government
Last week
28th May 2023 - 10th June 2023
# Abortion Services
People Before Profit bill calling for wider access to abortion passes Dáil second stage
The bill is seeking to abolish the mandatory three-day waiting period for an abortion.
Last month
May 2023
# tensions
Government must act with coherence, Martin insists as he moves to cool tensions
The Fianna Fáil leader said he had told his TDs that it would be ‘far better’ if they worked through Government processes on the upcoming Budget.
Voices
Opinion: The US turned a blind eye as a culture of violence grew - we should not do the same
TASC director Dr Shana Cohen says Irish society shouldn’t become complicit in a culture of violence by remaining silent.
# Cost of Living
Government accused of ‘sitting on its hands’ during cost-of-living crisis
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar told the Dáil the Government was introducing measures every month to help people struggling with bills.
# Housing
Construction cost review finds it costs less to build the same house in Birmingham as in Dublin
Taoiseach says we build to higher standards than some other countries.
This year
2023
# Apology
UK MP apologises for describing Israeli government as ‘fascist’
Kim Johnson also said she recognised the use of the term, ‘apartheid state’, was ‘insensitive’.
# Minister for Housing
Government haven't yet decided to extend eviction ban despite record homelessness, says O'Brien
A new record high of 11,632 people are homeless, according to the latest official figure.
# Paschal Donohoe
Opposition continues pressure on embattled Donohue
The Public Expenditure Minister is to make a further statement on his expenses on Tuesday.
Last year
2022
# Government
Portuguese ministers resign after severance pay controversy at state airline
Infrastructure minister Pedro Nunes Santos and his deputy Hugo Santos Mendes announced they were stepping down.
# Transparency
Calls to end ‘blanket ban’ on publishing Attorney General’s advice
A constitutional expert has said there is no legal reason why the advice should not be published.
# changeover
Government agrees 17 December as date for Taoiseach changeover
Leo Varadkar will take over the role from Micheál Martin.
# housing for all
Government still €2bn behind annual expenditure target for housing as end of year approaches
Critics say shortfalls show Housing For All goals won’t be reached this year
# Climate Change
UK Labour's Miliband mocks '19th century’ Jacob Rees-Mogg and accuses him of ‘climate denial’
Britain’s opposition climate change secretary criticised the Government’s decision to open the door for fracking.
# Public Spending
Costs of climate action measures and Slaintecare not properly recorded, committee told
The pensions issue, climate financing and healthcare reform are the main challenges for Ireland’s finances.
# dail motion
Suspended Green TD Hourigan undecided on Dáil no confidence vote
The government is one vote short of a Dáil majority so Hourigan’s vote could be key.
# Cabinet
Banker accountability Bill brought forward to Cabinet
The Bill aims to give greater powers to regulators to punish individual misconduct.
# budget 2023
Help for renters, pension and social welfare increases as 'more room to manoeuvre' in Budget
Taoiseach said renters “will be considered” in October’s budget.
# pay talks
Public sector pay talks run to 3am but no deal reached
ICTU President Kevin Callinan said some progress was made and negotiations remained civil, but the gap between sides may not be bridged.
# Cost of Living
No 'magic money tree' to help with fuel costs, says minister as pump prices jump above €2 a litre
Minister Heather Humphreys says remote working is a ‘sensible option’ for those looking to cut costs.
# Biodiversity
€17 million needed to save Ireland’s most threatened birds says BirdWatch Ireland
The organisation says that several ground nesting birds are at risk of extinction without funding for conservation schemes.
# turf ban vote
Government defeats Dáil turf ban motion by 72 to 63 votes
The votes were aimed at scrapping plans to restrict the sale of turf and cancel the carbon tax increase on 1 May.
# Cabinet
€12 million package on way to support farmers planting more crops
It aims to incentivise farmers to grow additional tillage crops.
# Japan
Tokyo residents warned of potential blackouts as a result of earthquake
Homeowners and businesses have been asked to conserve power after coal-fired power stations stopped working because of the quake.
# Red C Poll
One in four people think Ireland should have funded lethal military equipment for Ukraine
Almost 60% of people felt the Government was right to only contribute to the non-lethal military equipment fund.
# High Court
Environmental group granted leave to challenge government's agri-food strategy
Friends of the Irish Environment said it believes the plan “undermines our international and national commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions”.
# your stories
Are you struggling with the rising cost of living in Ireland? We want to hear your story
We want to get a sense of how Irish households are coping at the moment – here’s how you can take part.
# Government
New research to examine lives of children in care and adults who were in care as children
The Minister for Children Roderic O’Gorman said the project will provide “new and important insights”.
# Leaving Cert
Universities body prefers a return to 'normalised grading' for Leaving Cert
A survey released by the Irish Second-Level Students’ Union this week showed 68% of students want a ‘hybrid-model’ Leaving Cert.
# opening up
Government confirm sporting events to return to full capacity from tomorrow
Munster Rugby have reacted by releasing an additional 11,000 tickets for Sunday’s Heineken Champions Cup meeting with Wasps.
# Taoiseach
Taoiseach ‘focused on getting work done’ rather than future role in government
Micheál Martin is set to hand the reins over to Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar in December 2022.
All time
# Brexit
UK to delay post-Brexit checks on goods from Ireland
The checks on incoming goods from the EU were due to come into force on January 1
# Player power
Extraordinary letter from players shows that the IRFU needs to start listening
The union’s dismissive response simply underlined the point the players were making.
# Ministers
Irish government seeks meeting with IRFU after letter from women's players
Ministers Martin and Chambers are considering the letter with “the upmost seriousness.”
# covid latest
Government confirms details of reopened PUP scheme as ministers meet hospitality representatives
The top PUP rate of €350 is available to those earning €400 or more per week.
The top PUP rate of €350 is available to those earning €400 or more per week.
Hospitality and events representatives are meeting with the Tánaiste and the Culture Minister.
The number of Covid-19 cases in Ireland jumped by 10% in the last two weeks of November.
# household visits
No more than four households to meet inside homes in coming weeks, public advised
Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced a number of new Covid restrictions this evening.
# Last Orders
Department clarifies that hotel bars must close at midnight - even for wedding guests
All activities associated with bars must cease at midnight, a spokesperson said.
# Climate Change
Government rolls back on plan to set up statutory office for Just Transition Commissioner
The plan to set up this commission was included in the Programme for Government.
# Budget
Government urged to invest portion of sugar and betting tax in physical activity
The Federation of Irish Sport also has three other key ‘asks’ in its pre-budget submission.
# new baby
Higher Education Minister Simon Harris and wife announce birth of baby boy
The Taoiseach congratulated Harris and his wife Caoimhe on the arrival of their second child.
# Merrion Gate
Explainer: Why are people still talking about the Zappone/Coveney/Varadkar controversy?
There have been a lot of twists and turns. But why does it all matter?
Leo Varadkar, Simon Coveney and Katherine Zappone have been drawn back into controversy this week.
Developments included deleted and revealed texts, FOI requests and an Oireachtas committee.
Orla Dwyer takes a look back at what happened in late July and what the situation is now.
