Tag Archives: Micheál Martin

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has rejected claims that Ireland’s housing construction is faltering, despite new data revealing a sharp drop in housing commencement notices for the first half of this year. Speaking in Cork on Friday, Mr. Martin attributed the decline to expected fallout after the expiration of a development levy waiver that had boosted construction in previous years. Drop in …

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has addressed growing scrutiny over a recent change to his return travel itinerary from Japan, firmly denying that the rerouting was motivated by a desire to attend the All-Ireland semi-final match featuring Cork. Security Concerns Prompted Flight Change Speaking before the Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Martin explained that the flight home was rerouted through Toronto instead of …

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has urged the Irish Government to act without delay to facilitate the urgent medical evacuation of 18 injured children from Gaza. Her call comes amid growing concern that the operation may be postponed until the autumn, despite the escalating humanitarian crisis in the region. McDonald Slams Bureaucratic Delays Addressing the Dáil, McDonald criticized what …

Former Cabinet minister Mary Hanafin has expressed a strong interest in seeking the presidency of Ireland under the Fianna Fáil banner. Speaking publicly about her aspirations, she highlighted her decades of service in both local and national government as valuable experience she could bring to the role. During an appearance on a national radio programme, Hanafin emphasized her understanding of …

Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill has not ruled out the possibility of entering the upcoming Irish presidential race. Responding to questions on the matter, O’Neill stated that Sinn Féin is continuing its internal discussions on whether to put forward a candidate for Áras an Uachtaráin. No final decision has yet been made by the party. Speculation around potential candidates …

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has expressed support for imposing higher fines on nursing home operators that consistently fail to meet required care standards, and suggested closure must remain an option when repeat non-compliance occurs. He made the remarks during the Dáil’s Leaders’ Questions in response to revelations from a recent investigative broadcast, describing the content of the programme as deeply disturbing …

An independent clinical audit has revealed that a significant number of hip surgeries performed on children at two Dublin hospitals were unwarranted. The review, commissioned by the Health Service Executive (HSE), examined 147 cases of pelvic osteotomy procedures conducted between 2021 and 2023 at Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) Temple Street, the National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh (NOHC), and CHI Crumlin. The …

On May 7, 2025, Taoiseach Micheál Martin met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels to address escalating trade tensions between the European Union and the United States. The meeting coincided with the European Commission’s announcement of proposed countermeasures in response to recent U.S. tariffs on European imports. The U.S. administration, under President Donald Trump, has imposed …

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has unveiled the list of Fianna Fáil TDs appointed to chair various Oireachtas committees, marking a significant step in the post-election parliamentary restructuring. This development follows a prolonged delay of over four months in committee allocations, primarily due to disputes stemming from the Dáil speaking-time controversy. Fianna Fáil’s Committee Leadership The eight Fianna Fáil TDs designated to …

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has urged a composed and coordinated response from the European Union as tensions mount over trade relations with the United States. Speaking at the Ógra Fianna Fáil National Youth Conference in Roscommon, Martin acknowledged the concern many young professionals feel, especially those employed in sectors directly affected by the evolving tariff situation. The EU has recently decided …