Latest news with #CeannComhairle
Irish Independent
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Sunshine and smiles all round as seaside Wexford village revives summer festival
There were smiles and laughter galore in Duncannon, Co. Wexford this week, as local representatives joined residents from the village to celebrate the launch of this year's festival, which has been missed by many in its absence. The revival of the annual festival has been announced by the Duncannon Village Renewal Committee, with an extensive number of events to be held on Saturday, July 26. During the launch, Director Clare Power highlighted plans for the many opportunities for the public to discover and enjoy the treasures of at Duncannon's golden-sands beach, its historic military fort and the ocean shoreline. Ms Power also highlighted plans for a grand finale, that will include an open-air concert on the village green by the hugely popular band, the Controversial All Stars, and a near-shore fireworks display by Rocket Pyrotechnics. 'With the great groundswell of community support we've received, we're bringing back our beloved annual festival and building it up over the next couple of years,' Clare added. The Duncannon Festival will also include food for curious minds, and hungry stomachs, which will be fed by the festival partner, SEA School, where children and their parents will be encouraged to explore the marine treasures of Duncannon's rich shoreline while having a lot of fun doing so. Seal Rescue Ireland will also be on hand to help them learn about protecting marine mammals, with the goal of educating all about the steps to be taken to protect and care for waterways, coastline and sea. All efforts are designed to contribute to Duncannon's campaign to win back its Blue Flag status after an absence of 17 years. The hunger will well and truly be kept at bay by Duncannon's great local businesses including Roche's Bar, The Strand Bar, The Wild Rose, Luca's Fish & Chip Shop and The Shop at Shoreline, all of which are located in the heart of the village. In addition, the public will have a great opportunity to sample and buy local food and beverages as well as handcrafts and other products at Duncannon Fort during the day, which is currently undergoing extensive works under the steer of District Manager, Alan Fitzhenry. 'It's an absolute honour to be standing here today, both as your local TD and as the Ceann Comhairle,' Deputy Murphy said as she addressed those in attendance. 'It's a huge honour to represent Wexford,' she continued, as she commended the sense of 'community spirit' in Duncannon, along with the driven commitment from locals to taking on the responsibility of operating the festival. The Ceann Comhairle also highlighted that the future of the county 'is in great hands' as the artwork for the festival was unveiled at the event, which was drawn and designed by primary school student, Eve Butler. The attendance of local Councillor, Marty Murphy, and Deputy George Lawlor was also acknowledged by the Ceann Comhairle who stated that 'it's a testament to the community spirit that Duncannon is getting support from the local county council, which is great and it means there's great organisation and commitment shown.' Deputy Murphy said she looks forward to seeing works and projects in the area being carried out by the council in coming to their fruition, and reiterated her support for Duncannon Fort to become the fifth tourist attraction in the Ring of Hook initiative. On a personal note, the Deputy concluded by saying: 'I had some friends at the weekend, who said 'it was like heaven' here in south Wexford. The sun shone, the people were so friendly and they thought the hospitality was 'just fabulous'. That's what we need to keep in mind as we continue to push to put it on the map."
The Journal
22-05-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
Drew Harris: TDs made 'unfounded' claims in the Dáil about garda conduct after arresting protesters
THE GARDA COMMISSIONER has written to the Ceann Comhairle expressing concern over what he says are unfounded allegations about the treatment of people arrested during a protest outside Leinster House. On 1 April, the Dáil had heard allegations that female protesters were strip-searched following the Mothers Against Genocide demonstration, during which 11 people were arrested. In a letter to Verona Murphy on 16 May, which was shared with the Dáil business committee last night, Commissioner Drew Harris said, after a 'comprehensive review' of the allegations, he can confirm that all gardaí involved in the searches 'acted at all times professionally, lawfully, and in accordance with established procedures and legislative provision'. He said the protest and the arrests were recorded by garda bodycams. There were also recordings reviewed from the garda stations involved, which Harris said 'show nothing that would substantiate any allegations of wrongdoing'. He added: 'There are no recording devices in cells when prisoners are being searched for obvious requirements for dignity and privacy.' Last month, Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan told the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) conference that the allegations were false and called on politicians to be careful when using Dáil privilege. Two TDs who repeated the allegations in the Dáil were Solidarity-People Before Profit TD Ruth Coppinger and her colleague Richard Boyd Barrett. The party said they have been vindicated by Harris's admission that there are no recording devices in cells when prisoners are being searched. Paul Murphy TD said the Justice Minister did not disclose the 'crucial information' that there was no footage of what happened within the cells. Advertisement 'The Minister gave the clear impression that footage had 'revealed' that our claims on strip and cavity searches were false. 'But on the contrary, this letter from the Garda Commissioner vindicates our claims and proves that the Minister misled the public. 'The Minister should now make a statement acknowledging that no recording devices were in cells when prisoners were being searched and he should apologise for misleading the public in this regard.' Allegations In the Dáil, Ruth Coppinger said she personally knew some of the protestors. 'Some of those women were strip-searched and one was subjected to a cavity search,' she said. She also alleged that protesters were told by gardaí: 'What do you think would happen if you were outside the White House right now?' Richard Boyd Barrett quoted from an account he said he received from one of the women involved. 'I was stripped completely naked and was asked to remove my underwear. When I questioned the necessity of this, I was told I would be forced violently, if I didn't comply,' the account read. 'After removing my underwear, they looked inside my private areas and touched all my sensitive parts.' In his letter to the Ceann Comhairle, Harris said the TDs were using Dáil privilege to spread 'misinformtion and disinformation,' which negatively impacts members of An Garda Síochána. He added: 'It undermines public trust and confidence in a fundamental institution of the state.' 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
Irish Independent
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Wexford pupils celebrate Europe Day with Ceann Comhairle
New Ross Standard Today at 22:00 Europe Day was celebrated recently as members of parliament visited schools across the country to mark 52 years since Ireland joined the European Union, while the Ceann Comhairle and Wexford native, Verona Murphy TD made her way to two local primary schools. The younger generation of Irish citizens were visited by Deputy Murphy to mark Europe Day and as part of the Blue Star Programme, students of Scoil Mhuire NS Horeswood, Campile, Co. Wexford and Bunscoil Rís Edmund Rice Senior School, New Ross, Co. Wexford, showcased their creative and educational projects on the European Union. The Blue Star Programme encourages students of all ages, from primary schools all over Ireland, to get creative and think about Europe by carrying out projects in relation to four key elements: the history, geography, culture and creativity, and Institutions of the EU. Signifying the economic and diplomatic ties between France and Wexford, the Ceann Comhairle was joined by Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of France, Mr. Armel T'Kint Armel de Roodenbeke, and the Wexford Honorary Consul of France, Ms. Mélanie O'Reilly. Deputy Murphy spoke to the students about the importance of Europe Day and Ireland's relationship with the European Union, which also involved the opportunity for students to put their questions to the Ceann Comhairle. 'Europe Day celebrates 75 years since the Schuman declaration, a proposal made by then French Foreign Minister, Robert Schuman, which is considered the beginning of what is now the European Union,' remarked Deputy Murphy. 'We take this opportunity today to reflect on what the European Union has meant to us as a nation and particularly for our young people who have shown to me, through their Blue Star Programme projects, that the young people of Ireland's relationship with Europe is stronger than ever,' she added.
Extra.ie
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Extra.ie
Bill of thousands to save the fabric of the Oireachtas...from moths
Oireachtas chiefs are spending almost €3,800 a month to keep rodents and creepy crawlies out of Leinster House. A database of Oireachtas expenditure that was released under Freedom of Information legislation shows nearly €45,000 spent on pest control last year. A chunk of that was to combat moths using what is known as Exosex treatment, which stops moths from finding breeding partners. Pic: Shutterstock Other big bills included more than €31,000 for high-end mobile phones for TDs and senators, and €1,026 spent on a Cathaoirleach's dinner event – as well as large accommodation and car hire costs for visiting delegations. Just over €5,200 went on gifts – including a stock of presents for the offices of both the Ceann Comhairle and the chair of the Seanad – while €1,230 was for binders with an Oireachtas logo and around €1,200 on notebooks. Included in a €42,363 catering and hospitality bill was a €2,033 charge for a lunch for retired staff and €2,242 for the 'provision of refreshments to relatives'. In addition, there was a furniture bill of around €142,000, which also covered a range of miscellaneous purchases including satin flags and electrical cables; there were three purchases of ergonomic recliners, coming in at a total cost of €14,500. The Oireachtas flooring bill was around €30,000, including €13,751 for carpeting a private dining room and around €7,700 for two offices. Pic: Getty images Paper cups for the Leinster House complex cost €4,437, while some technical equipment for broadcasting and other services came with a price tag of just a little over €87,000. This included €6,609 for aperture lights and stands, €4,772 for rewiring of a camera, and €4,291 for an audio processor. Two unnamed TDs claimed a constituency office establishment allowance; one received €8,000 while the other got €5,620. There was also spending of almost €225,000 on the special secretarial allowance, that ministers use for communications and help with paperwork and other services. Additional telephone allowances of nearly €35,000. There was a travel bill of nearly €730,000, which covered domestic and overseas travel for politicians and for staff. Pic: Getty Images Foreign flights and accommodation accounted for around €173,000 of the overall travel bill, with large numbers of trips taken across Europe and elsewhere in the world. Some of the more significant travel bills included over €20,000 for flights to Nepal, €3,279 for air travel to Angola, and a €1,388 ticket to Bali. A sum of €150 was paid to have staff vaccinated against rabies, while €60 was spent on a jab to stop hepatitis infection. Around €73,000 was spent on taxis both at home and abroad, with cabs often required for staff having to work into the evenings for late sittings. The Oireachtas also reported transport hire costs of just over €16,000, with around €7,000 being paid out during a visit by a delegation from Slovakia in February of last year. Asked about the records, an Oireachtas spokeswoman said the satin flags were bought for a specific conference and would be reused; reclining armchairs were bought on a limited basis, sometimes in response to requests by individuals with a medical problem. She said the Cathaoirleach's dinner was attended by the leader of the Seanad and senators who acted as temporary chairpersons.
The Independent
01-04-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Speaker wins confidence vote in divided Irish parliament
The Irish Government has won a vote of confidence in the speaker of the parliament. The Government brought the motion after opposition parties initially proposed a no confidence motion in Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy amid a heated row based on speaking rights and the circumstances of the formation of the coalition. The Government motion expressing that the Dail has confidence in the Ceann Comhairle passed by 96 votes to 71, with two abstentions. It came after the defeat of an opposition amendment stating that the Ceann Comhairle did not have the confidence of opposition parties. Speaking afterwards, Ms Murphy said she bears no 'ill will' towards the opposition. In a statement to the Dail, she said: 'I wish to assure all members on all sides of this House, I bear no ill will and my door is always open. 'I will continue to uphold my solemn declaration to vindicate the rights of all members and administer the rules chosen by members of this House, impartially and fairly, alongside the independent, loyal and hardworking staff of my office and this House without fear or favour.' The motion came amid opposition criticism of Ms Murphy's role in approving a vote last week which allowed the Government to make changes to speaking time in the lower house of the parliament, the Dail. There were chaotic scenes in the chamber last week over the rule changes which resulted in the suspension of the House and prompted the main opposition parties to express a lack of confidence in Ms Murphy. Prior to Tuesday's vote, Irish premier Micheal Martin accused opposition parties of engaging in 'cynical strategies of aggression and disruption'. Mr Martin, the Taoiseach and leader of Fianna Fail, said it was 'profoundly regrettable' the vote was being held, adding there was no justification for the motion. Mr Martin told the opposition on Tuesday afternoon: 'We will not stay silent as you try to intimidate this house and its chairperson, and you will not succeed in opposing rule by minority. 'You will not block the democratic business of this house roaring and chanting, and then blaming everyone else for your behaviour.' Mr Martin said the Dail does do not have time to waste on 'cynical strategies of aggression and disruption', adding that the country is facing 'enormous threats' over US tariffs. He accused accused opposition parties of breaking 'every single rule' of the Dail and claimed parties had 'manufactured' a claim that Ms Murphy had behaved inappropriately. The main opposition parties tabled an unprecedented motion of no confidence in Ms Murphy after Government proposals for rule changes sparked a bitter row. Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald accused Ms Murphy of showing an 'unprecedented and frankly breathtaking display of bias'. She claimed her position is 'untenable'. Ms McDonald said the Ceann Comhairle made three decisions exposing bias last week; failing to hold a vote on Dail business when one was called; cancelling questions on promised legislation; and failing to put the Government motion to a vote. The latter allegation is part of Sinn Fein's contention that the Dail actually voted on the opposition amendment to the motion and thus the rules on speaking rights have not actually been changed. She said there had been 'shameless co-ordination and co-operation between the Ceann Comhairle and the Government'. 'The actions of the Ceann Comhairle have been neither impartial nor independent, quite the opposite.' The deputy premier Simon Harris called on all parties to 'pull together' as the country faces a 'potential global trade war'. 'It is my firm conviction that the message of the people from the last election, and the message of people right across Ireland in the last week, is 'Stop shouting, roaring and hollering at each other, turn up for work and get on with the job'.' Ms Murphy became the Ceann Comhairle in December in a move seen as among the first steps of an agreement with a group of independent MPs, known as TDs in Ireland, to support the formation of a government with the Fianna Fail and Fine Gael parties. Backlash to that coalition's proposals, which would have allowed some of those independent TDs to be directly given opposition speaking time, led to a delay in the nomination of a taoiseach in January. The Government has since moved to change parliamentary rules to create a new 'other members' speaking slot for TDs in that independent bloc who were not given ministerial positions, as well as backbenchers in the Government parties. The controversial changes to standing orders also include a reduction of time for contributions on debating the order of business and a halving of slots for Taoiseach's Questions. The Government said the moves reflect the changing make-up of the Dail. However, the opposition has vehemently opposed the reforms, characterising them as an attempt to dilute their ability to hold the Government to account and to blur the relationship of the independents who have supported the formation of the coalition. They argue that the 'other members' questions slot does not tally with their position that a TD cannot be in Government and opposition at the same time. Labour leader Ivana Bacik criticised the changes to the Dail rules as allowing government-affiliated independents to be on 'both sides of the fence'. She suggested that the new Dail speaking slot will be used by backbenchers to 'tell the Taoiseach how great he is'. 'We're going to see it tomorrow, a new Other Members' Questions slot, a sort of theatrical government TDs parliamentary party meeting in public,' Ms Bacik said. The deputy leader of the Social Democrats said government is intent on 'bulldozing democratic norms to get a grubby deal with a corrupt politician over the line'. Ciann O'Callaghan said Government politicians 'clearly prefer to forget' the findings of the Moriarty Tribunal, which said former Fine Gael minister Michael Lowry had behaved in a manner that was 'profoundly corrupt'. Now an independent TD, Mr Lowry acted as a negotiator for other independents to support the formation of a Government with Fine Gael and Fianna Fail. Mr O'Callaghan said: 'Last Tuesday, as the Dail descended into chaos, one person sat there smiling and laughing. 'Michael Lowry was triumphant, and why wouldn't he be? He got exactly what he wanted. 'He got one of his group elected as Ceann Comhairle. He got another four appointed as junior ministers, including two super juniors. 'He secured the opposition leader speaking rights and he got influence over how public money in the national development plan and the HSE capital plan will be allocated. 'All of this for a politician who was found what Moriarty tribunal to be, and I quote, 'profoundly corrupt to a degree that no was nothing short of breathtaking'.' The row over speaking time has hindered legislative work and has prevented parliamentary committees from being established. They have disputed whether Ms Murphy carried out her duties correctly and followed proper procedures in carrying out the vote to implement the changes, which were backed by the Government's majority. There is some uncertainty as to whether the vote will settle the long-running dispute on opposition speaking rights, which has seen breaks in parliamentary norms of procedure and decorum. Opposition parties have further argued that the process in which the changes were approved last week was itself flawed. Sinn Fein, the Social Democrats, and People Before Profit said they would discuss with other opposition parties how they would respond after the vote.
