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Irish Times
7 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Times
Ireland's housing perma-crisis returns to centre of political agenda
The seeming perma-crisis of housing and the Government's struggle to tackle the problem is once more front and centre of the political agenda. On Monday, left-wing Opposition parties – Sinn Féin , Labour , the Social Democrats and People Before Profit - announced plans for a major 'Raise the Roof' housing protest outside Leinster House next month to coincide with the tabling of a joint motion on the housing crisis. Sinn Féin's Eoin Ó Broin said: 'We want the largest number of people who are angry and frustrated in the first instance with the Government's failures on housing … to come out, stand up to the Government and show your demand for something different.' People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy called for 'a massive show of people power', saying: 'We need to declare a housing emergency.' READ MORE It remains to be seen what bright ideas will be included in the Opposition's motion – they will not be unveiling its contents until closer to the time – but it is clear they intend to ramp up pressure on the Government on housing both inside and outside Leinster House. So what is the Government – which insists housing is its number one priority - doing about it all? Minister for Housing James Browne has had something of a baptism of fire in his new role but he and his officials have been working on a range of housing activation measures due to be announced in the coming weeks. The first is due to go before Cabinet today. Developers would be able to seek extensions to planning permissions in cases where building work has been delayed by judicial review proceedings, under the plans for emergency legislation set to be considered by Ministers today. The intention is for the legislation to be completed prior to the Dáil summer recess and there is a hope within Government that it could help to get thousands of units built. The measure is a bid to activate developments such as large-scale apartment projects which might otherwise go beyond their permission timeline after being held up as a result of judicial reviews sought by opponents of the planned developments. Another intervention is efforts to regulate AirBnB -style short-term lets amid a hope that potentially thousands of homes could be freed up for the long-term rental market. As Jack Horgan-Jones reports today , there were other considerations in developing that policy too, as officials warned that failure to regulate short-term lettings could lead to protests against tourism, undermining the 'Irish welcome' and damaging the attractiveness of Ireland as a destination. Separately, there are ongoing deliberations over the future of Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs) – where two per cent caps on rent increases are aimed at protecting tenants from large hikes. However, the system has fuelled concern that private investment in housing is being stifled and is impacting on supply. The Opposition are poised to oppose any outcome of this review that in their view leads to rent increases. At the weekend, Minister of State for Housing John Cummins said there are a 'range of options' under consideration in relation to RPZs. He told RTÉ: 'We want to ensure that we have protections in place for renters while also increasing supply. I think we can find a balance between both.' Finding this balance is likely to prove tricky. Ultimately the Coalition has pledged to introduce a new 'all of Government national housing plan' that will see construction capacity ramped up to build more than 300,000 new homes by the end of 2030. Another story today by Niamh Towey shows how reaching that target will prove difficult. The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) is due to tell the Oireachtas committee on housing that there will be no major uptick in housing supply this year or next year. While the ESRI is currently forecasting just over 34,000 new homes will be built this year and 37,000 in 2026, 'most of the risks weigh on the downside', researcher Conor O'Toole will tell TDs and Senators. The latest housing targets set by the Government aim for a total of 303,000 new homes to be built by 2030, starting with 41,000 homes this year and rising incrementally to 60,000 homes a year by 2030. A total of 30,330 homes were built in 2024, a decrease from 33,000 in 2023, which the ESRI points to as a 'notable weakness'. Best Reads Today's lead outlines how a consultant working at Children's Health Ireland (CHI) who was at the centre of an internal review for allegedly referring public patients to his own weekend clinic did not face disciplinary action. The consultant instead retired, after the investigation highlighted issues around governance and adherence to correct procedures in a children's hospital. Our Health Correspondent Shauna Bowers has the story here . The parties' selection of candidates for the upcoming presidential election is becoming a late late show, Harry McGee writes . Political Editor Pat Leahy outlines how Minister for Arts and Culture Patrick O'Donovan will seek funding to 'extend and expand' the basic income scheme for artists , which is due to expire this summer. A pilot scheme, under which 2,000 artists have been paid €325 a week, has been operating for the last three years but is due to conclude in August. On the opinion pages Fintan O'Toole asks : if there's so much buyer's remorse about Brexit, why is Nigel Farage the rising figure in UK politics? Playbook The Cabinet is meeting this morning. Here is our tee-up story about what is set to be discussed by Ministers, including the drafting of legislation prohibiting the importation of goods from illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Proceedings in the Dáil kick off with Leaders' Questions at 2pm. At 3.50pm Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan is expected to make a public apology on behalf of the State to the family of Shane O'Farrell, who died after being knocked off his bicycle in Co Monaghan in 2011 by a man with multiple convictions. From 6.10pm onwards the Dáil will debate a proposed Sinn Féin Bill to stop the sale of Israeli bonds through the Irish Central Bank. Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris will take Parliamentary Questions at 8.10pm. TDs will have an opportunity to raise 'Topical Issues' at 9.46pm. Government business in the Seanad includes statements on the Local Democracy Taskforce. A range of Oireachtas committees will be electing their Leas-Chathaoirleach and meeting in private session. The committee on foreign affairs will hear from Minister of State for international development and diaspora Neale Richmond at 3pm. The Central Bank and ESRI will be before the committee on housing, also at 3pm. The full schedule for the Dáil, Seanad and committees can be found here: Sign up for Politics push alerts and have the best news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up for the Inside Politics newsletter to get our politics team's take direct to your inbox.
Irish Times
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Times
Drew Harris ‘deeply concerned' over ‘erroneous' Garda strip-search claims made in Dáil
The Garda Commissioner has written to the Ceann Comhairle describing claims made in the Dáil about the treatment of women protesters by gardaí as 'wholly inaccurate'. Last month, People Before Profit-Solidarity TDs Richard Boyd Barrett , Paul Murphy and Ruth Coppinger told the Dáil that members of the Mothers Against Genocide group were arrested and strip-searched, and that one of the protesters was subjected to a cavity search. The group had held an overnight protest outside Leinster House to remember the mothers and children killed in Gaza on Mother's Day. Members of Mothers Against Genocide were among 14 people arrested following the vigil . READ MORE In a letter to Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy , Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has said the remarks made by the three People Before Profit-Solidarity TDs are 'erroneous' and he expressed his 'deep concern' at the statements. He said he 'initiated a comprehensive review of the allegations'. Garda Commissioner Drew Harris: 'Such unfounded allegations made by public representatives under Dáil privilege and repeated in media coverage cannot remain unchallenged.' Photograph: Sam Boal/Collins Photos Mr Harris wrote: 'I can confirm the Garda members involved in conducting the searches acted at all times professionally, lawfully, and in accordance with established procedures and legislative provision.' He said he has verified that gardaí treated those in custody 'with respect at all times' and ensured the safety of all within the Garda station. Mr Harris said the protests and subsequent arrests were recorded on Garda body-worn cameras and that there are also visual and audio recordings available from the Garda stations' custody areas. 'These recordings show nothing that would substantiate any allegations of wrongdoing,' he said. 'There are no recording devices in cells when prisoners are being searched for obvious requirements for dignity and privacy.' Mr Harris said an allegation of mistreatment of any person detained in the custody of An Garda Síochána is taken 'extremely seriously'. 'As a direct consequence of these wholly inaccurate statements and the widespread coverage of them in the media, I am deeply concerned about the damage that may be caused to public confidence and trust in policing,' he said. 'Such unfounded allegations made by public representatives under Dáil privilege and repeated in media coverage cannot remain unchallenged.' He asked that copies of his letter be circulated to TDs 'to dispel any doubts as to the accuracy of the statements made by deputies Boyd Barrett, Murphy and Coppinger, but moreover, to reiterate the very serious harm they cause to public confidence in An Garda Síochána and the professional reputation of members of the service'. People Before Profit TD Mr Murphy reacted to the letter, claiming a line in it contradicts remarks made by Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan and 'vindicates our claims'. Mr Murphy highlighted how Mr Harris's letter states 'there are no recording devices in cells when prisoners are being searched'. The TD added that the Minister made comments at a Garda association conference last month 'claiming our statements had been shown to be false' but 'did not disclose this crucial information'. [ Government facing crisis filling Garda Commissioner job amid 'entrenched' dispute Opens in new window ] Mr Murphy said the Minister 'gave the clear impression that footage had 'revealed' that our claims on strip and cavity searches were false'. 'On the contrary, this letter from the Garda Commissioner vindicates our claims and proves that the Minister misled the public,' he said. The Irish Times report on the AGSI conference last month quotes Mr O'Callaghan as saying: 'I asked that bodycam footage and any recordings be examined, particularly recordings from Garda stations. 'Having conducted his inquiries, the commissioner reported back to me last week in writing, stating that his inquiries revealed the allegations made by some members of Dáil Éireann were false.' A spokeswoman for Mr O'Callaghan said the Minister 'stands over his statement'.
South Wales Argus
19-05-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
UK and Irish governments should ‘consider their actions' over Kneecap funding
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said the actions of the the band amounted the 'glorification of terrorism' and went well beyond artistic licence. The group has seen gigs cancelled after historic concert footage appeared to show a member of the group shouting 'up Hamas, up Hezbollah', and another video allegedly showing one calling for Conservative MPs to be killed. Made up of Liam Og O Hannaidh, Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh, the group has faced an investigation by counter-terrorism police after the videos, filmed in 2023 and 2024, became public. Communities Minister Gordon Lyons was asked about funding for Kneecap in the NI Assembly (Liam McBurney/PA) Mr Lyons was asked during ministerial question time at the Northern Ireland Assembly on Monday if his department had provided funding to Kneecap since 2017. He said: 'Neither my department nor any of its arm's length bodies have provided any funding to Kneecap since 2017.' TUV MLA Timothy Gaston referred to a planned gig in Belfast this August where Kneecap is set to support Irish rock band Fontaines DC. He said: 'As the minister responsible for local government, what are you doing to stop this pro-IRA rap group from turning Belfast City Council-owned Boucher Road playing fields into their personal propaganda stage?' Mr Lyons responded: 'The member will be aware that although I oversee local government legislation, it is up to individual councils to make their own decisions in those regards. 'But I hope that local councils would take into consideration some of the good relations issues that have been raised in light of some of the comments that have been made by Kneecap. 'Not only by Kneecap, but all of those that would seek to engage in what is essentially the glorification of terrorism.' DUP MLA Jonathan Buckley asked the minister if the UK and Irish Governments should distance themselves from Kneecap (Mark Marlow/PA) DUP MLA Jonathan Buckley asked the minister if he agreed the UK and Irish governments 'need to fully distance themselves from the funding of racist, antisemitic and sectarian state sponsorship in the view of Kneecap?'. Mr Lyons said it was the responsibility of all to call out such behaviour. He said: 'There are always things we can disagree with which other people do in the arts sphere but this is going far beyond anything which comes anywhere close to dealing with artistic licence. 'This is the glorification of terrorism and this is also supporting, calling for violence towards MPs. 'It is incumbent on us to call that out and I would also call on the UK Government and the Irish Government to consider their actions in this regard.' Last year, Kneecap won a discrimination case against the UK Government in Belfast High Court after former business secretary Kemi Badenoch tried to refuse them a £14,250 funding award. People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll asked about funding for loyalist bands (Liam McBurney/PA) People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll asked the Communities Minister if his department had given funding to any organisations that have been publicly singing 'up to our necks in Fenian blood?'. Mr Lyons said it was up to the Arts Council of Northern Ireland to determine funding policies. He added: 'What I won't do is what some are trying to do which is to judge the entire bands community by the actions of a few if they have fallen beneath expected standards.'
North Wales Chronicle
19-05-2025
- Politics
- North Wales Chronicle
UK and Irish governments should ‘consider their actions' over Kneecap funding
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said the actions of the the band amounted the 'glorification of terrorism' and went well beyond artistic licence. The group has seen gigs cancelled after historic concert footage appeared to show a member of the group shouting 'up Hamas, up Hezbollah', and another video allegedly showing one calling for Conservative MPs to be killed. Made up of Liam Og O Hannaidh, Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh, the group has faced an investigation by counter-terrorism police after the videos, filmed in 2023 and 2024, became public. Communities Minister Gordon Lyons was asked about funding for Kneecap in the NI Assembly (Liam McBurney/PA) Mr Lyons was asked during ministerial question time at the Northern Ireland Assembly on Monday if his department had provided funding to Kneecap since 2017. He said: 'Neither my department nor any of its arm's length bodies have provided any funding to Kneecap since 2017.' TUV MLA Timothy Gaston referred to a planned gig in Belfast this August where Kneecap is set to support Irish rock band Fontaines DC. He said: 'As the minister responsible for local government, what are you doing to stop this pro-IRA rap group from turning Belfast City Council-owned Boucher Road playing fields into their personal propaganda stage?' Mr Lyons responded: 'The member will be aware that although I oversee local government legislation, it is up to individual councils to make their own decisions in those regards. 'But I hope that local councils would take into consideration some of the good relations issues that have been raised in light of some of the comments that have been made by Kneecap. 'Not only by Kneecap, but all of those that would seek to engage in what is essentially the glorification of terrorism.' DUP MLA Jonathan Buckley asked the minister if the UK and Irish Governments should distance themselves from Kneecap (Mark Marlow/PA) DUP MLA Jonathan Buckley asked the minister if he agreed the UK and Irish governments 'need to fully distance themselves from the funding of racist, antisemitic and sectarian state sponsorship in the view of Kneecap?'. Mr Lyons said it was the responsibility of all to call out such behaviour. He said: 'There are always things we can disagree with which other people do in the arts sphere but this is going far beyond anything which comes anywhere close to dealing with artistic licence. 'This is the glorification of terrorism and this is also supporting, calling for violence towards MPs. 'It is incumbent on us to call that out and I would also call on the UK Government and the Irish Government to consider their actions in this regard.' Last year, Kneecap won a discrimination case against the UK Government in Belfast High Court after former business secretary Kemi Badenoch tried to refuse them a £14,250 funding award. People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll asked about funding for loyalist bands (Liam McBurney/PA) People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll asked the Communities Minister if his department had given funding to any organisations that have been publicly singing 'up to our necks in Fenian blood?'. Mr Lyons said it was up to the Arts Council of Northern Ireland to determine funding policies. He added: 'What I won't do is what some are trying to do which is to judge the entire bands community by the actions of a few if they have fallen beneath expected standards.'
Western Telegraph
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Western Telegraph
UK and Irish governments should ‘consider their actions' over Kneecap funding
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said the actions of the the band amounted the 'glorification of terrorism' and went well beyond artistic licence. The group has seen gigs cancelled after historic concert footage appeared to show a member of the group shouting 'up Hamas, up Hezbollah', and another video allegedly showing one calling for Conservative MPs to be killed. Made up of Liam Og O Hannaidh, Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh, the group has faced an investigation by counter-terrorism police after the videos, filmed in 2023 and 2024, became public. Communities Minister Gordon Lyons was asked about funding for Kneecap in the NI Assembly (Liam McBurney/PA) Mr Lyons was asked during ministerial question time at the Northern Ireland Assembly on Monday if his department had provided funding to Kneecap since 2017. He said: 'Neither my department nor any of its arm's length bodies have provided any funding to Kneecap since 2017.' TUV MLA Timothy Gaston referred to a planned gig in Belfast this August where Kneecap is set to support Irish rock band Fontaines DC. He said: 'As the minister responsible for local government, what are you doing to stop this pro-IRA rap group from turning Belfast City Council-owned Boucher Road playing fields into their personal propaganda stage?' Mr Lyons responded: 'The member will be aware that although I oversee local government legislation, it is up to individual councils to make their own decisions in those regards. 'But I hope that local councils would take into consideration some of the good relations issues that have been raised in light of some of the comments that have been made by Kneecap. 'Not only by Kneecap, but all of those that would seek to engage in what is essentially the glorification of terrorism.' DUP MLA Jonathan Buckley asked the minister if the UK and Irish Governments should distance themselves from Kneecap (Mark Marlow/PA) DUP MLA Jonathan Buckley asked the minister if he agreed the UK and Irish governments 'need to fully distance themselves from the funding of racist, antisemitic and sectarian state sponsorship in the view of Kneecap?'. Mr Lyons said it was the responsibility of all to call out such behaviour. He said: 'There are always things we can disagree with which other people do in the arts sphere but this is going far beyond anything which comes anywhere close to dealing with artistic licence. 'This is the glorification of terrorism and this is also supporting, calling for violence towards MPs. 'It is incumbent on us to call that out and I would also call on the UK Government and the Irish Government to consider their actions in this regard.' Last year, Kneecap won a discrimination case against the UK Government in Belfast High Court after former business secretary Kemi Badenoch tried to refuse them a £14,250 funding award. People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll asked about funding for loyalist bands (Liam McBurney/PA) People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll asked the Communities Minister if his department had given funding to any organisations that have been publicly singing 'up to our necks in Fenian blood?'. Mr Lyons said it was up to the Arts Council of Northern Ireland to determine funding policies. He added: 'What I won't do is what some are trying to do which is to judge the entire bands community by the actions of a few if they have fallen beneath expected standards.'
