# Tánaiste
Yesterday
26th January 2023
# private Sean rooney
Tánaiste urges Irish troops to reach out for support following the death of Seán Rooney
The Tánaiste said no stone will be left unturned to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
This week
22nd January 2023 - 27th January 2023
# SIPO
Tánaiste says that Paschal Donohoe should not resign over election donations controversy
Donhoe’s situation was likened to ministers who had resigned in the past, however Martin said that the government remains focused.
This month
January 2023
# Brexit
Tánaiste welcomes data-sharing progress amid Northern Ireland Protocol row
The EU and UK have reached agreement on data sharing and EU access to UK IT systems.
Last month
December 2022
# Interview
McDonald didn't want to give 'credibility to this façade' by putting name forward for Taoiseach
When nominations were being made in the Dail today, Sinn Fein did not put forward McDonald’s name
Last year
2022
# Housing
Tánaiste 'confident' about exceeding this year's housing target but 'worried' about next year
Varadkar pointed to a ‘construction slowdown’ and added that the government will ‘redouble’ its efforts.
# Meta Misstep
'I got this wrong': Meta's layoffs and what they mean for Ireland
Mark Zuckerberg said things ‘did not play out’ as expected, but Meta has committed to long-term plans in Ireland.
# Job Losses
Facebook owner Meta to lay off 13% of its workforce, resulting in 11,000 job losses
Up to 400 people based here could lose their jobs as part of the global cuts.
# eviction ban
Cabinet signs off on temporary eviction ban
The ban will be in place until the end of March.
# Protocol
Tánaiste describes Northern Ireland Protocol as a ‘little too strict'
Leo Varadkar said that a window of opportunity now exists for agreement to be reached between the EU and the UK.
# Trouble Brewing
Michael McGrath says Varadkar should have discussed Finance portfolio handover 'privately'
He said that Varadkar’s handover plan would be a ‘division of the Department of Finance’.
# Budget
Varadkar unapologetic on 'Sinn Féin manifesto' remark about Commission on taxation
‘I hope we’re not in the place where you can’t say what you think anymore in politics.’
THE MORNING LEAD
Varadkar: 'There's a feeling in the gay community that homophobic attacks are on the rise'
Speaking to The Journal in a wide-ranging interview, Varadkar said the situation is ‘extremely worrying’.
# Housing
Action on rental sector 'does not necessarily' need to be on Budget day, says Varadkar
Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien is pushing for tax breaks for landlords and a tax credit for renters.
# misinfo
Financial advisor warns against hoax crypto ads featuring Leo Varadkar and other public figures
Users of multiple websites reported encountering the false ad featuring the FG leader in recent weeks.
# prosecution
No charges brought against Leo Varadkar over GP contract leak, DPP directs
The Tánaiste said this evening that he is “pleased at the outcome” of the Garda investigation.
# Liveline
Leo Varadkar says he hopes RTÉ and Dublin Pride organisers can ‘sort out’ differences
The Tanaiste said “a lot of members of the trans community are very upset” about the Liveline radio discussions.
# Tánaiste
Leo Varadkar says allegations over GP contract leak were 'false' and 'politically motivated'
“I did not commit any crime, I did not do anything corrupt,” the Tánaiste told reporters in California.
# Cost of Living
EU might not give the green light on VAT reduction on fuel until May
Mary Lou McDonald has called for a 0% VAT rate for a period of time on domestic energy bills.
# Cost of Living
Gas prices and the cost of food likely to rise, Tánaiste says
“The lights won’t go out,” Leo Varadkar told the Dáil today.
# what to expect
Ireland follows Europe's lead as package aimed at surging household costs to be unveiled today
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said the cost of living is now the ‘burning issue’ for most people.
Leo Varadkar says the cost of living is fast becoming the "burning issue" for the public.
Today's announcements come as a new poll finds 37% of people have cut back on essential heating and electricity use.
All time
# booster rollout
Around 1.75 million people will have received a booster by Christmas, says Tánaiste
It is understood that Leo Varadkar made the comment at tonight’s Fine Gael parliamentary party meeting.
# Bank Holiday
Double bank holiday earmarked for St Patrick's Day weekend next year, says Varadkar
A permanent bank holiday would then be held on St Brigid’s Day from 2023 onwards.
# pandora papers
Tánaiste commits to closing loopholes that allow people to conceal assets
Reports today say that an empty Dublin office is being used as registered address for 800 limited partnerships listed in the papers.
# Working Conditions
Government to consider limiting the time period an employer can put a worker on probation
The Tánaiste said he wants to ensure reasonable periods of notice are given to employees when their work is unpredictable in nature.
# it's complicated
Varadkar insists Merrion event was lawful and was probably within Fáilte guidelines
It’s the first time the Tánaiste has spoken publicly since it was revealed he attended Zappone’s 50-person gathering in July.
# FF Leadership
Micheál Martin brushes off suggestion he won't take over as Tánaiste under 'rotating Taoiseach' deal
Questions have been asked about the leadership of the Fianna Fáil party since the dismal result in Dublin Bay South.
# DIGITAL COVID CERT
Call centre will allow those recovered from Covid to call up to receive travel cert
Cabinet has approved the establishment of a new expert group on rapid Covid-19 testing.
Eligible people are to receive their cert automatically by email or by post
Government warns there may be 'teething problems'
The cert may be used as the basis for a Vaccine Passport for hospitality but Transport Minister says they are 'separate' issues
# St Vincent's Hospital
Tánaiste says government has not considered alternative sites for the National Maternity Hospital
Varadkar said the government wants to own the hospital, and “ideally the land”.
# Tánaiste
'It's not an outdoors-only summer': Cabinet to discuss easing of restrictions on travel and dining
The Tánaiste said that 60% of the adult population would be fully vaccinated by the end of July.
Leo Varadkar has said that pubs and restaurants that serve people outdoors in June can still claim the CRSS.
Aontú TD Peadar Tóibín has hit out at the plans: “A pint in a pub is no more dangerous than a pint in a hotel."
The Government is expecting that 60% of the adult population will be fully vaccinated by the end of July.
# Brexit hangover
Newly ratified DUP leader Edwin Poots hits out at Leo Varadkar and Simon Coveney
Poots has described his relationship with the Irish Government as “really, really bad”.
# outdoor summer
We should be a ‘less puritanical’ and a 'little more relaxed' about those enjoying themselves outdoors, says Varadkar
Speaking this afternoon at Dublin Castle he said that socialising outdoors is “much, much safer” than indoors.
# leaking
Tánaiste has spoken to gardaí about GP contract leak
A spokesperson said Leo Varadkar made a full statement to gardaí and “answered all questions”.
# covid restrictions
Leo Varadkar urges employers not to pressure staff to return to offices
The Tánaiste said that there was “clear evidence” that people are drifting back to their workplace.
# Switching off
'Right to disconnect' code for workers comes into effect from today
The right to disconnect gives employees the right to switch off from work outside of normal working hours,
# in store
Shops to be allowed sell children's shoes in store, by appointment only
The Tánaiste had earlier confirmed that work is underway on the issue.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said he wants shoes to be available "immediately".
People will be able to make appointments at shoe shops selling children's shoes.
The news comes after calls for change from parents.
# Leo Varadkar
Tánaiste says he does not believe criminal charges will be brought against him over GP contract leak
When asked by LMFM if he should step aside if charges were brought against him, Varadkar said: “I don’t contemplate that happening.”
# Leo Varadkar
'I stand corrected': Tánaiste apologises after incorrectly claiming Sinn Féin had no Protestant TDs
Violet-Anne Wynne, a Clare TD, said she is a Protestant and “proud to be a representative for Sinn Féin”.
# Unemployment
New unemployment payment linked to past working history set to be introduced when PUP is phased out
Varadkar said the phasing out of the PUP provides an opportunity to reform the country’s social welfare system.
# Covid-19
Varadkar's message to private hospitals: 'You need to make your doctors, nurses and ICU beds available in third wave'
The Tánaiste said there are around 300 beds, which he said can scale up with surge capacity to over 400.
# Dublin
Tánaiste says homeless deaths 'fill us all with sorrow' and that 'beds were available'
The bodies of two men were found in different areas of Dublin city centre in the early hours of yesterday morning.
