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The Journal
27-05-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
Bryan Dobson set to chair new State Commemorations Advisory Committee
FORMER RTÉ BROADCASTER Bryan Dobson is set to chair a new State Commemorations Advisory Committee. The committee has been established with the aim of supporting Government and key stakeholders in the planning and delivery of commemorative events. Its mandate will be to maintain 'an inclusive, respectful, and consensus-based approach to all commemorative matters', to offer independent, non-partisan advice to Government when requested and to ensure historical events are commemorated 'accurately' and grounded in primary source material. The committee will also provide guidance on 'sensitive or complex themes' associated with historical events. Dobson, who retired from RTÉ in May last year after 37 years at the broadcaster, will chair the committee, whose members will include former ministers Heather Humphreys and Éamon Ó Cuív. Professor Marie Coleman, a professor of 20th century Irish history at Queen's University Belfast, will also sit on the committee. Other members will include National Archives director Orlaith McBride, National Library Director Dr Audrey Whitty, and Professor Paul Rouse from University College Dublin's School of History. Advertisement Minister for Culture Patrick O'Donovan is expected to officially announce the formation of the committee tomorrow. He will say that the committee will ensure 'that the diverse experiences and perspectives that shape our national story continue to be honoured in a respectful and balanced way'. 'Ireland's story is rich, diverse and often challenging. With the thoughtful guidance of this new Committee, we will continue to honour that story not just as history, but as a shared inheritance that belongs to every citizen,' O'Donovan will say. The Minister will meet some of the committee members tomorrow, where they will view a new acquisition by the State. The typed document is a signed agreement between Éamon de Valera, Austin Stack, Arthur Griffith, and Michael Collins that aimed to address the immediate political crisis arising from the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty. The agreement was drafted and signed at the Ard Fheis of Sinn Féin, held on 21-22 February 1922 at the Mansion House in Dublin. Some 3,000 delegates from all over Ireland attended the Ard Fheis to interpret the constitution of Sinn Féin considering the Treaty and to decide the party's policy for the upcoming elections. The document will be added to the collection at the National Archives of Ireland and will be available on the National Archives website for researchers to access. A related item, Michael Collins's Memorial Card, will also be shown to the Minister and the committee. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
RTÉ News
27-05-2025
- Politics
- RTÉ News
Dobson to chair new State Commemorations Advisory Committee
Former RTÉ News broadcaster Bryan Dobson is to chair the new State Commemorations Advisory Committee. The announcement was made this afternoon by the Minister for Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport, Patrick O'Donovan. The committee is tasked with maintaining an inclusive, respectful, and consensus-based approach to all commemorative matters. It also includes Professor Marie Coleman, former ministers Heather Humphreys and Éamon Ó'Cuív, Orlaith McBride, Professor Paul Rouse and Dr Audrey Whitty. "The Decade of Centenaries was a period of deep historical and national significance. As Minister, I am proud of how we, as a nation, commemorated that complex and formative chapter always with respect, sensitivity, and scholarly integrity. "Today, we build on that legacy by establishing a new Commemorations Advisory Committee to guide future commemorative efforts," Minister O'Donovan said. The minister and some committee members met today in the new headquarters of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to view a recent acquisition by the State. The typed document is a signed agreement between Éamon de Valera, Austin Stack, Arthur Griffith, and Michael Collins that aimed to address the immediate political crisis arising from the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty. The agreement was drafted and signed at the extraordinary Ard Fheis of Sinn Féin, held on 21-22 February 1922, at the Mansion House in Dublin. Some 3,000 delegates from all over Ireland attended to interpret the constitution of Sinn Féin considering the treaty and to decide the party's policy for the upcoming elections. The document will be available on the National Archives website for researchers to access.
The Journal
25-05-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
Tóibín: Aontú would keep rent pressure zones and scrap VAT on housing materials if in government
AONTÚ LEADER PEADAR Tóibín today outlined three policies that his party would adopt in an effort to resolve the housing crisis, coming off the back of the party's Ard Fheis yesterday. The Ard Fheis was held in Gormanstown, Co Meath yesterday, and was shown live on RTÉ in a signifier of the party's growth since its establishment in 2019. The party now has two TDs in Tóibín and Paul Lawless, one senator in Sarah O'Reilly, and six councillors. Among the topics discussed at the event were immigration, housing, and government spending. Today, Tóibín reiterated several of his views. He called for the housing crisis to be declared an emergency, an approach similar to other opposition parties. This would allow the government to push through policies for the public good that would not typically be permitted, such as bypassing some planning laws and objections. The housing target for this year is 41,000 homes, as set out in the programme for government. It became clear earlier this year that it was incredibly unlikely that the government would manage to meet its self-imposed housing target . Last year, the government missed out on the 40,000 homes then Minister for Housing Darragh O'Brien said it was aiming for, and Housing for All plan's target of 33,450. The government has also signalled imminent change to rent pressure zones (RPZs). The rent caps are due to expire at the end of this year. Advertisement Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín speaking at the party's Ard Fheis at the City North hotel in Gormanstown. Alan Rowlette / © Alan Rowlette / © / © If Aontú were to enter government, it would keep rent pressure zones as well as scrapping VAT on housing materials, including construction of homes, Tóibín said. 'We would actually lower the VAT in terms of building homes. At the moment, you have an incredible situation where Micheál Martin is actually talking about getting rid of rent caps to families who are paying two thousand euros [a month]. 'We will keep the rent pressure zones and make it cheaper to build homes by getting rid of VAT. It is absolutely wrong that you have VAT in terms of building those homes,' Tóibín said. In February, the party leader released figures provided by the government that showed that the government had collected close to €3 billion in VAT on housing materials and construction services in 2024 , the highest amount ever collected in a single year. In 2015, the figure was set at €1.2m. 'We'd make it far easier to draw down the refurbishment grants for the 168,000 empty homes. The speed that the government is going in at the moment, in terms of those means it's going to take 115 years before those homes can be brought back into use,' Tóibín said. Operation Shamrock was also discussed. The Aontú initiative would see Irish construction workers in Canada and Australia offered a €10,000 grant to return home and work in the sector for four years. 'We would use current construction exemption regulation to build homes for those in a far speeder time than it takes at the moment.' On other issues, party delegates yesterday voted to adopt party motions including a ban on allowing anyone who has purposefully destroyed their documents to enter the country, and a ban of 'the introduction of Sharia law' or 'community courts of any religion'. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Business Mayor
25-05-2025
- Business
- Business Mayor
Something is Brewing in Ireland: A Sound Punt Is Released, As Bitcoin Enters The National Conversation
For years, Bitcoin in Ireland has quietly simmered at the grassroots level—discussed in pubs and meetups, debated in Telegram groups, and occasionally splashed across headlines with predictable suspicion. But recently, the temperature is beginning to rise. With the release of 'A Sound Punt: The Case for Ireland's Interest in Bitcoin' by Bitcoin Network Ireland (BNI), and a weekend that sees both the Bitcoin Ireland Conference and Aontú's Ard Fheis, it's clear momentum is building on the Emerald Isle. The new paper, released today by Bitcoin Network Ireland, is a concise, accessible document crafted to cut through the noise and present the merits of Bitcoin to the general public and politicians alike. Its aim is straightforward: provide a rational, jargon-free entry point into why Bitcoin matters, especially in an era of euro debasement and rising living costs. The name itself is a clever pun—while it is a nod to both 'sound money' and Ireland's former currency, the punt, it also playfully suggests that although the majority of people view it as associated with risk, this may be worth reevaluating. It's a signal that this is about more than technology: it's about claiming monetary sovereignty and re-examining what makes money 'good' in the first place. What BNI is attempting to accomplish is bridging an important gap in understanding, helping citizens seeking change and government officials looking for solutions to recognize that sound, stateless money has value for everyone. As Parker Lewis famously noted, 'Like all successful monies, Bitcoin is money for enemies'—a neutral system that serves all participants regardless of their political stance. To appreciate the significance of this moment, it's worth noting that Ireland's relationship with money has always been distinct from its European neighbors. While the Romans introduced coinage to Britain over a thousand years before it was adopted in Ireland. The native Irish resisted state-issued money, relying instead on barter and bullion well into the second millennium. In ancient Ireland, the absence of coinage was a testament to a society that was stateless, highly decentralised, and it embraced a polycentric legal system varying between clans. The ideal of that society was that no man in society has rule over others, and even kings could be disposed of if they abused their power. So it's perhaps no coincidence that Ireland was the last European society to adopt coinage, as coinage gives power to rulers. Eventually, it was forced upon the land by the English crown in 1601, this period coincided with the final stages of the Nine Years' War (1594-1603) and the increasing English control over Ireland. To this day, Ireland has never had its own free-floating currency; it has always been tethered to external powers: first the pound sterling, then the European Monetary System, and now the euro under the ECB. So it should come as no coincidence that in recent years, the EU is growing unabated in power and influence over Ireland. ' Give me control over a nation's currency, and I care not who makes its laws. ' — Mayer Amschel Rothschild (1743–1812) Perhaps, given this historical context, Ireland is uniquely positioned to understand the value of sound, stateless money. Bitcoin represents a return to the monetary independence that preceded state-issued currencies, but with the technological advantages of the digital age. Where ancient Irish kingdoms used market goods that couldn't be manipulated by distant authorities, Bitcoin offers a modern equivalent: a system that can't be debased or controlled by any power, whether domestic or foreign. This historical skepticism toward centrally-controlled currency is resurfacing in the present, as the Irish state and its citizens face a new wave of economic uncertainty via euro debasement and tariffs. Geopolitical and economic tensions have rarely felt less stable. Tariff disputes, renewed questions over Ireland's foreign direct-investment model, and potential tech and pharma layoffs are sure to sharpen the focus on sovereignty and resilience. The release of 'A Sound Punt' is timely, inviting the nation to once again question the wisdom of tying its fortunes to distant monetary authorities. Coinciding with the release of 'A Sound Punt,' Dr. Niall Burke—a respected academic and BNI member—will be putting forward two motions at the Aontú Ard Fheis (party conference). Aontú, the party that saw the largest surge in votes in the last general election, has shown itself to be receptive to Bitcoin and is opening its doors to conversations that, until recently, were relegated to the margins. That Bitcoin motions are being presented and accepted at a major party conference is a marker of how the conversation is turning. Read More French Regulator Revises Crypto Rules to Align With EU's MiCA Law Meanwhile, the Bitcoin Ireland Conference is gathering the country's growing community of plebs, builders, and advocates. These circles, once on the periphery, are now finding doors opening in political circles. It's not just Bitcoiners who are seeking alternatives. Ireland is witnessing its largest public demonstrations since the post-GFC days of 2012. Recent marches have drawn in excess of 100,000 people to the streets of Dublin. These protests reflect deep frustration and a sense that the political establishment is no longer in alignment with its people. What's particularly striking is how Bitcoin could serve as common ground for seemingly opposing interests. For protesters, Bitcoin offers protection from inflation and defends against government overreach. For a government concerned about economic stability and growth, Bitcoin may be the very solution it needs, especially to protect pension funds and indeed the state's very own investment fund—ISIF, from inflation over the coming decades. This is the paradox and promise of sound, stateless money. It serves everyone's interests because it enforces property rights, and can't be captured or controlled by any single faction. Last, but not least, MMA star Conor McGregor's foray into both politics and Bitcoin is something few would have predicted a year ago, but for those with an ear to the ground, this has been a developing story for some time. His proposal for a national Bitcoin reserve is emblematic of a broader national shift: Bitcoin is finally entering the Zeitgeist and perhaps he, like BNI, has a part to play in keeping it there. Bitcoin is an open-source monetary protocol, and adoption comes from all quarters, irrespective of politics. Bitcoin is neutral, it supports no partisan cause. What's perhaps not recognized enough is how empowering Bitcoin can be and we should focus on its ability to unite rather than divide, giving every Irish citizen—regardless of their political views—tools for individual liberty, inflation protection, as well as practical solutions for businesses. The paper itself makes a compelling case for Ireland's interest in Bitcoin: Sound Money Principles : It evaluates Bitcoin against the six characteristics of 'good money'—durability, divisibility, uniformity, portability, verifiability, and scarcity. : It evaluates Bitcoin against the six characteristics of 'good money'—durability, divisibility, uniformity, portability, verifiability, and scarcity. Store of Value : The document highlights Bitcoin's fixed supply as protection against rising inflation and currency debasement. : The document highlights Bitcoin's fixed supply as protection against rising inflation and currency debasement. Practical Examples : It provides evidence of Bitcoin's monetization, comparing the costs of buying a home in Euros vs. Bitcoin over the span of a decade. : It provides evidence of Bitcoin's monetization, comparing the costs of buying a home in Euros vs. Bitcoin over the span of a decade. Common Concern Rebuttals : The paper addresses the most common objections to Bitcoin—energy usage, volatility, criminal activity, undermining traditional currencies, and speculation—offering balanced counterarguments to each. : The paper addresses the most common objections to Bitcoin—energy usage, volatility, criminal activity, undermining traditional currencies, and speculation—offering balanced counterarguments to each. Action Steps: Rather than just theoretical arguments, the paper outlines specific actions for individuals, businesses, and the government to consider, from education to strategic Bitcoin reserves. No one expects the Irish government to announce a Bitcoin treasury next week, and it's debatable whether it should establish one at all. But 'A Sound Punt' marks the beginning of a process that could, in time, help reshape Ireland's approach to money and economic sovereignty. This accessible primer is just the first step in Bitcoin Network Ireland's broader educational mission. BNI plans to publish a much more comprehensive policy paper for policymakers in the coming months, which is currently going through the editing phase. While 'A Sound Punt' introduces the concepts to the general public, the forthcoming document will provide the detailed analysis and policy recommendations that decision-makers need. As BNI works to elevate this conversation through both public education and policy analysis, the goal remains clear: helping all citizens recognize Bitcoin's universal value proposition. Holding a modest strategic allocation of bitcoin—at either the individual or institutional level—offers some protection against uncertainty and hope in a time of growing concerns.
