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Politics

Last week
19th November 2023 - 2nd December 2023
Just 3,000 of 50,000 identified properties liable for vacant property tax, Dept of Finance says
The Vacant Homes Tax was introduced in 2022 to bring more livable homes back into use in light of the housing crisis. It is a self-assessed tax.
Sliding scale of jobseekers payment approved with PRSI hikes on the cards
The main union body has welcomed the move, noting that Ireland is one of only four EU states to pay the same flat-rate benefits to unemployed workers.
Up to one million graduates could be eligible to vote under Seanad election reform plan
Currently, six members of Seanad Eireann are elected by graduates from specified universities – which has been ruled unconstitutional.
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Coalition of press freedom organisations raises concerns with Sinn Féin leader over legal actions
Reporters Without Borders and several other organisations have written to Mary Lou McDonald to warn about a chilling effect.
The Explainer: How has David Cameron made a surprise return to British politics?
We’re joined on this week’s episode by Dominic McGrath, PA Media political correspondent, to dissect the former UK prime minister’s unexpected comeback. What is Cameron’s background, what could he achieve in the role – and what exactly is the end goal here?
Micheál Martin: 'Why you would attack the Department of Foreign Affairs is simply beyond me'
Red paint was splattered on the building and a gardaí investigation has since been launched after the Department reported the incident.
Varadkar: 'We can’t continue to aid Palestine and trade with Israel in the way we've done in the past'
‘That’s going to have to change in some way,’ Varadkar told the Dáil.
COP28 turns attention to potent methane emissions, as UN warns about rising temperatures
The crucial summit will start in Dubai next week.
'Economic blackmail': DUP blasts UK Govt as NI misses out on funding due to Stormont collapse
Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said no funding was allocated “given the current absence of a working executive and assembly”.
Kyiv hospital damaged by Russian barrage overnight, Ukraine says
Ukraine has been bracing for an increase in Russian attacks on critical infrastructure as sub-zero temperatures set in.
Jacinda Ardern on death threats, climate change and why social media is like alcohol
The former Prime Minister of New Zealand was speaking at a conference in Dublin today.
Profile: Who is Javier Milei, the chainsaw-wielding outsider who is Argentina's new president?
Milei has vowed to ditch the peso for the US dollar, “dynamite” the central bank and cited Ireland as a country he would like to model Argentina on.
Ireland’s extra MEP seat should be in Midlands-NW constituency, says Electoral Commission
The Commission has also recommended that the counties of Laois and Offaly transfer from the South constituency into the Midlands constituency.
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Far-right outsider Javier Milei wins Argentina presidential run-off election
Milei won the election by the widest margin since Argentina’s return to democracy in 1983.
'We should tread carefully': Donohoe urges caution on suggestion of Revenue collecting TV licence
It was reported today that Media Minister Catherine Martin is in favour of abolishing the TV licence fee and replacing it with direct taxpayer funding for RTÉ.
Shannon Airport not being used by US to facilitate Israel, Taoiseach says
Varadkar said there is a “double standard” in Europe and internationally when it comes to Israel’s actions in Gaza and Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
Argentines go to the polls in tense presidential election amid economic crisis
Populist Javier Milei has frequently been compared to former US president Donald Trump.
Irish society 'hates heroin users': Former minister hits out at drugs policy
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin says Ireland needs to reevaluate its attitude to people with addiction issues.
Last month
November 2023
'Don't let the populists in': Warnings of left-wing Govt tax hikes at FG conference
There were big questions being asked at the FG conference as ministers said they’re fighting for re-election to government.
Donohoe reiterates that €40m additional funding conditional on RTÉ reforms being implemented
RTÉ’s reform document committed to salary caps for the broadcasters’ top earners.
Thousands marched through Dublin for 'National Demonstration for Palestine'
It follows a week of intense debate about whether the Israeli ambassador Dana Erlich should be expelled.
Confirmation that 24 Irish citizens and dependents left Gaza yesterday as some arrive home today
Fifty Irish citizens and dependants have left Gaza in recent days.
Donohoe says he'll listen to unions on bid to remove emergency legislation as part of pay talks
Earlier this week, Minister Donohoe invited a number of unions representing public sector workers to discuss pay within the sector.
Varadkar not in favour of strict cut-off ages and restrictions for older drivers
The EU Commission proposes motorists over 70 may have to undergo regular medical tests and refresher courses.
Varadkar says 'real possibility' Northern Ireland Executive can be restored by early next year
The Northern Ireland Executive collapsed last year when the DUP withdrew from powersharing in protest at post-Brexit trading arrangements between Northern Ireland and Britain.
Varadkar: 'If we want dangerous people locked up for a long time, we're going to need more prison spaces'
Taoiseach says government is examining giving judges more power around sentencing.
Iranian diplomat in Dublin denies Iran is involved in 'proxy war' in Middle East
Dr Kazem Sharif Kazemi is Charge d’Affaire of the Iranian Embassy and he spoke about the alleged proxy wars in the Middle East and human rights.
Fine Gael 'up for fighting' for a fourth term in government, says Coveney
In a rallying call to FG members, Coveney said next year will be a ‘watershed moment’ in Irish politics.
'People Before Profit are not eurosceptic, we’re euro-critical’: Gino Kenny on party's EU stance
On Israel and Palestine, Kenny said he has lost faith that a two-state solution will be possible.
Service users 'devastated' amid plan to shut down 'vital' addiction support service in Dublin
Employees at Neart le Chéile in Clondalkin have been told the centre will close down at the end of next month.
People Before Profit Bill to legalise personal use of cannabis seen as ‘test for Government'
If the Bill becomes legislation it will make it legal for someone to possess up to 7g of cannabis.
Govt can move ahead with short-term let register following EU decision
The Department of Tourism “can move ahead” with its legislation, it confirmed.
Here's What Happened Today: Thursday
Here’s your round-up of what made the headlines today.
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Politicians arguing in the Dáil and having a drink together after doesn't happen anymore, says Varadkar
Leo Varadkar says he has Mary Lou McDonald’s number and they often speak about Northern Ireland.
Chair of RTÉ board says there was a 'lapse of control' around the Toy Show Musical
The Board took a “fait accompli” approach to the project, despite knowing its failings.
'We could lose our daughter': Palestinian family in Dublin pleads with Government and TDs
The Samours are hoping that the Government could help their daughter Saja get through the Rafah crossing.
Heated Dáil exchanges as government accused of ‘double standards’ on Israel and Russia
Finance Minister Michael McGrath says the ICC is already carrying out an investigation into Israeli actions.
More Irish citizens set to leave Gaza via the Rafah Crossing today
Over 20 Irish citizens crossed into Egypt yesterday.
Micheál Martin visits home damaged in 7 October Hamas attack during trip to Israel
The Tánaiste was in Egypt yesterday to meet with officials before travelling to Israel today.
Keir Starmer loses eight frontbench MPs in rebellion over stance on Gaza ceasefire
Dozens of MPs defied the Labour leader and backed an amendment calling for a ceasefire in a House of Commons vote last night.