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Extra.ie
5 days ago
- Politics
- Extra.ie
Fianna Fáil split on candidate for Presidential election
A split is developing within Fianna Fáil over whether they should run a Presidential candidate in November. In the wake of the decision of Barry Andrews to rule himself out, the party is struggling to find a viable candidate – unless they choose former party leader Bertie Ahern. In the wake of the departure of Mr Andrews from the reckoning, Minister of State Niall Collins bluntly told 'My view is that if we do not have a viable candidate, we should not run.' A split is developing within Fianna Fáil over whether they should run a Presidential candidate in November. Pic: Leah Farrell/ He added: 'Without Micheál Martin, we do not have a candidate, currently, who can win it, and Micheál Martin is committed to remaining as Taoiseach.' Mr Collins was articulating a growing view within the party. A senior party figure said: 'Are we really serious about spending €500,000 so Cynthia ní Mhurchú can become transfer fodder for Fine Gael's Mairéad McGuinness?' Commenting on the increasingly volatile political situation, they said: 'November could be very difficult. We will have enough to be doing with a budget, Trump, Ukraine, Gaza and the economy without becoming embroiled in some Presidential fracas we can't win.' President Mary McAleese and her husband Martin. Pic:After dominating the office for the first 90 years of the State, Fianna Fáil has effectively been excised from the office since Mary McAleese ended her second term in 2011. In 2011, Mr Martin sat out the election after RTÉ broadcaster Gay Byrne snubbed FF's attempt to secure the candidacy. The campaign of the party's proxy candidate, Seán Gallagher, then collapsed in flames in the final week before the election. In a decision both would regret in 2018, both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael backed the return of Michael D Higgins to office. Currently, those who are believed to be at the top of the party list include MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú and retired former ministers Mary Hanafin and Éamon Ó Cuív. Cynthia Ní Mhurchú. Pc: Leah Farrell/© One source noted: 'They would at a pinch do for a by-election but no, not a Presidential odyssey.' Some residual support exists for the former Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, who has, for the last three years, been circumspectly flirting with the prospect of a run. It is believed the current leader is hostile to such a move, given concerns over the role of Mr Ahern in the economic crash and the findings of the Mahon Tribunal. Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern. Pic: Colin Keegan/Collins Dublin Sources within Fianna Fáil remain supportive, with one TD noting: 'We should not just hand the Aras over to Fine Gael like some second-tier Coalition partner. 'Should Bertie run, there is a very good chance he would retain the party's core vote of 20%. Yes, there is the Tribunal, but all that is old history. It is worth noting that the Mahon Tribunal report is seriously discredited by the courts.' Another TD said: 'Don't forget Bertie has huge charisma, no one else has ever had a closer relationship with the voters, and he is the clever statesman we need more than ever in a dangerous world. Is there one more run in him? We think so. 'For sure, if Micheál is not running, it is Bertie or no one.' The decision on whether to run a candidate – and if so, who – will be taken by 71 TDs, senators and MEPs making up the parliamentary party.
The Journal
10-06-2025
- Business
- The Journal
Watchdog warns that Government's fiscal plans 'lack credibility' as spending to overrun again
THE GOVERNMENT'S FISCAL plans 'lack credibility', the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council has warned, as the Department of Public Expenditure has failed to turn over its monthly spending profiles to allow the council to forecast beyond 2026. The council's chairperson Seamus Coffey yesterday briefed reporters on today's Fiscal Assessment Report. The report, with the tagline 'Ireland's outlook: strong today, uncertain tomorrow', warned of the current volatility of Ireland's longtime reliance on corporation tax as uncertainty arises from mooted tariffs from the US and further trade tensions. Coffey highlighted that despite the strength of Ireland's economy and financial surpluses, without these factors, there is a structural deficit of 2.4% of gross national income (previously known as gross national product) – equivalent to €2,500 per worker. The council has been unable to construct a medium-term forecast due to the department's failure to turn over spending profiles, as well as the government's refusal to commit to a fiscal rule. Fiscal rules are permanent constraints on a government's fiscal policy. It is suggested that the failure to turn over spending profiles to the council and the fact that departmental spending ceilings for 2026 and 2027 have not been published is due to potential transfer of functions within the department that is ongoing. Ministers Paschal Donohoe and Jack Chambers pictured in the Department of Finance after the publication of the Annual Progress Report 2025 and April's Fiscal Monitor. Leah Farrell / © Leah Farrell / © / © Coffey said that this highlights that there is no medium-term plan or strategy apparent. The council's report found that the government is overspending in certain areas but emphasised the importance of investing in infrastructure and competitiveness. Employment is at a record high. The growth has been driven by the state and multinationals. Financial services, computer programming and basic pharma products account for roughly 300,000 people in employment in Ireland, the council said. 'Choices must be made. You can't do everything at once,' Coffey said of the government's list of stated priorities. 'In some areas, we can look at maybe where spending could happen that mightn't generate domestic pressures. Advertisement 'When it comes to infrastructure, a lot of it probably has to be supplied domestically. So you look at housing, transport, an issue there is if you spend additional money, where are the resources going to come from to generate the additional output? 'If the unemployment rate is just over 4%, you don't have this big stock of construction staff just sitting there and say, 'Oh, we're spending three billion on extra infrastructure that's going to give us his extra output'. It might just end up having more money chasing fixed resources and just driving up the prices.' Concerns were raised regarding the credibility of budget forecasts, as the department has not accounted for spending overruns in 2024 and 2025. It has also not accounted for the once-off double week Christmas bonus social welfare payment. The predicted overspend is mostly the result of poor budgeting, the council said. Corporation tax is likely to be higher than forecast, the report found. This has been put down to BEPS (anti-base erosion profit shifting) reforms that mean groups with a turnover of over €750m will pay a 15% minimum rate of tax in every jurisdiction in which they operate. Some 30 to 40% of corporation tax paid by US multinational companies in Ireland comes from three companies, the council said its analysis suggests. It did not identify the three firms. Ireland's record export of pharma products earlier this year mean that exports are likely to be above its forecast, even if the level weakens considerably across the remainder of 2025. The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council has issued four key recommendations to the government on the back of its report, the first being for the government to commit to a fiscal rule. It also recommended that the government use budgetary policy to 'reduce the ups and downs of the economic cycle', meaning that it shows restraint when the economy is string, like at present, and being more generous when it is struggling. The council advised that the government set realistic spending forecasts and move towards medium-term budgeting, calling on it to include previous overruns to paint a more accurate and clearer picture of Ireland's current fiscal situation. 'No matter how the economy evolves, Ireland needs to address shortages of key infrastructure,' the council stated. 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
Extra.ie
09-06-2025
- Business
- Extra.ie
Plan to lift 2% pressure zones rent cap is a blow to tenants
The Government is planning to remove the 2% rental increase cap in Rent Pressure Zones and allow accommodation costs to increase in line with inflation. The move is likely to see landlords increase rents to what the market can stand, leaving many renters unable to save for a deposit to buy their own property. However, Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan told RTÉ: 'If we do nothing, the Rent Pressure Zone legislation is going to expire at the end of December this year, so something has to be done and obviously we've also got to stimulate private sector investment because this is an issue that requires decision by Government.' The new proposals are due before Cabinet tomorrow. Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan. Pic: Leah Farrell/ He was responding to comments made by Mark McCaffrey of the homelessness charity Threshold who said: 'This [proposal] will push people into homelessness.' The minister, in response, said: 'I can't comment on the memo that's going to Government. I haven't seen it. 'I would have thought from my knowledge of Cabinet colleagues and what's in the Programme for Government that renters will be central to the decisions that are to be made on this by Government.' It is understood a range of measures will be agreed by the Government, aimed at giving financially stretched renters a minimum level of occupier security. The new measures will result in a package for existing renters that will amount to no change if they stay in their current tenancy, it is believed. However, when a property has a new tenant, a landlord can reset the rent at the current market rate but increases after that would be capped at the existing 2% rate. It is understood a range of measures will be agreed by the Government, aimed at giving financially stretched renters a minimum level of occupier security. Pic: Shutterstock There will also be protections for new renters under legislation expected in the coming weeks, it is understood. It will provide security of tenure for a minimum of six years and the landlord can then reset the rent to the market rate. It is being viewed as the ending of no-fault evictions for the first time in the State. However, Social Democrats' housing spokesman Rory Hearne said: 'Removing the 2% rent cap means throwing 'generation rent' to vulture fund landlords to pay for Government housing failures. 'This Government is caving to corporate landlord lobbyists and choosing to throw renters to the wolves.'
Extra.ie
07-06-2025
- Health
- Extra.ie
Taoiseach: 'Horrific, shocking' nursing home revelations demand review of HIQA framework
The Health Information and Quality Authority's regulations will have to be examined after 'shocking' care failings in nursing homes, the Taoiseach has said. Micheál Martin said yesterday that the nursing homes regulator failed to detect what he described as 'horrific, shocking and unacceptable' treatment of elderly patients captured in an RTÉ programme. RTÉ Investigates' Inside Nursing Homes aired this week showing vulnerable elderly people being left unsupervised for long periods, shortages in key items such as incontinence pads, and requests to use the toilet being unanswered for lengthy periods. The Health Information and Quality Authority's regulations will have to be examined after 'shocking' care failings in nursing homes, the Taoiseach has said. Pic: Getty Images Despite repeated complaints, there were delays in Hiqa inspections taking place at the homes run by the country's largest private nursing home provider Emeis, which owns the two nursing homes that featured in the programme, The Residence in Portlaoise and Beneavin Manor in Glasnevin, Dublin. Yesterday, Emeis Ireland apologised to the residents of Beneavin Manor and The Residence Portlaoise and their families. The company expressed regret for 'the pain and distress imposed on them, due to clearly identified failures in care,' and said it is cooperating with Hiqa and the HSE. RTÉ revealed that Hiqa had banned The Residence from admitting new patients because of poor compliance with regulations on April 22 but that several more patients were admitted after this date. Micheál Martin said yesterday that the nursing homes regulator failed to detect what he described as 'horrific, shocking and unacceptable' treatment of elderly patients captured in an RTÉ programme. Pic: Leah Farrell/© Emeis said 'due to an administrative error on our part regarding the date to cease admissions, admissions continued for eight days until April 30, 2025 in The Residence Portlaoise'. The company added that Hiqa and the HSE visited the two nursing homes featured and acknowledged that the content of the programme was 'shocking and unacceptable and unquestionably equated to poor and abusive practice'. In yesterday's statement, Emeis also said it would aim to improve six areas, one of which is 'addressing a culture of fear or poor reporting'. Another area it said needed improvement was 'ensuring the immediate safety of all residents', as well as 'improving staff training and competence'. RTÉ Investigates' Inside Nursing Homes aired this week showing vulnerable elderly people being left unsupervised for long periods, shortages in key items such as incontinence pads, and requests to use the toilet being unanswered for lengthy periods. Pic: Getty Images RTÉ reported that the Taoiseach, speaking about Hiqa failures said: 'There has to be an examination of this situation in terms of the regulatory framework that didn't catch very horrific and shocking behaviour towards elderly people in nursing homes.' 'What was uncovered by RTÉ Investigates was horrific. It was absolutely unacceptable,' he said. Hiqa confirmed it is carrying out a review of all 27 Emeis Ireland nursing homes. Clare Doyle, a teacher training healthcare assistant, told RTÉ's Liveline that she had reported an Emeis nursing home to Hiqa two years ago after some of her students raised concerns about practices there. 'It's very difficult for me to listen to what Hiqa has said, that they're shocked by what was witnessed on Wednesday night's show, because we provided evidence of this happening two years ago,' she said, adding that it took 17 weeks to carry out an inspection at a home she reported. Liveline also heard from a woman who removed her father from Beneavin House, on the same Glasnevin campus to the nursing home featured in the programme. She said her father was subject to 'neglect and abuse' during his 11 months in the home before she removed him and she noticed 'red flags from the beginning'. She said: 'My brother visited at half ten in the morning to find my dad in a wet bed, still in his pyjamas, and having not had his breakfast. He had two falls within three weeks of being there.' She also said her father had an incontinence incident with his bowels and the room wasn't properly cleaned before his supper was brought to him, with carers claiming they couldn't do anything because no housekeeping staff were available.
Irish Examiner
05-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Quantity of cocaine seized in EU countries has almost doubled in past three years
The quantity of cocaine seized in EU countries has almost doubled in the past three years, according to the bloc's drugs agency. The European Union Drug Agency said 419 tonnes of cocaine was seized in 2023, compared to 323 tonnes in 2022 — up 30%. Figures previously produced by the agency showed there were 303 tonnes seized in 2021 and 211 tonnes in 2020. The agency said cocaine was the second most common problem drug for people seeking treatment for the first time, accounting for 26% of all new entrants. Irish figures show cocaine was the most common problem drug for new entrants in 2023, accounting for 46% of all new entrants. The agency said that, given there was a long gap between first use and seeking treatment, there could be a 'surge' in treatment demand for cocaine in the coming years. In its European Union Drug Report 2025, the agency also reports: Increased availability of synthetic (artificial) cathinones, with 'unprecedented imports and seizures', resulting in some users not knowing what they are buying; A rise in the potency of cannabis resin, with a doubling in the amount of the active THC ingredient over the last decade, and a wide range of other high-potency cannabis products, such as edibles and extracts; Wider availability of semi-synthetic cannabinoids, a combination of chemicals designed to mimic the effects of cannabis and cannabis itself, including HHC, seen in Ireland; Rising availability of fake medicines containing nitazenes, the highly potent synthetic opioid that caused emergencies in Dublin and Cork among the homeless heroin-using communities in late 2023 and in a number of Irish prisons in 2024; Greater diversity in drug polices in Europe, with Germany, Luxembourg, Malta and Netherlands, allowing for home growing of cannabis, non-profit growing clubs and cannabis use in private — but the European Union Drug Agency urges the policies be evaluated to grasp their impact on health and security. The agency said the availability of high-potency cannabis extracts and edibles was of 'particular concern', as they had been linked to acute drug-toxicity presentations in hospital emergency departments. The report said that, in addition, some cannabis products may be adulterated with potent synthetic and semi-synthetic cannabinoids. 'In Ireland, nitazenes were mis-sold as heroin in 2013 and as benzodiazepines in 2024, resulting in inadvertent consumption and multiple overdoses,' report said. Picture: Leah Farrell/ It said many of the semi-synthetic products involved HHC, with hospital cases typically involving 'young people' after consuming jelly sweets or other edibles. The agency said despite the crackdown on opium production by the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, the production and trade in heroin has continued, which it said was due to 'significant opium stocks'. It said the sizeable profits for organised crime groups from the cannabis trade has resulted in violence between competing gangs. In relation to synthetic opioids, such as nitazene, it said: 'In Ireland, nitazenes were mis-sold as heroin in 2013 and as benzodiazepines in 2024, resulting in inadvertent consumption and multiple overdoses.' The report said countries with large container ports, that were being used by cocaine traffickers, were experiencing 'high levels of drug related crime', including corruption of port staff, intimidation and violence. The MV Matthew, where 2.25 tonnes of cocaine was seized in September 2023. Picture: Larry Cummins It said Columbia, Brazil and Ecuador were estimated to have contributed to the increase in cocaine trafficked into Europe. It said in addition to commercial containers, trafficking gangs used other methods in a bid to evade detection. 'For example, in September 2023, Ireland seized 2.25 tonnes of cocaine from a cargo ship off its southern course,' the report said, referring to the MV Matthew, prosecutions in relation to which are before the criminal courts. Launching the report, Magnus Brunner, European Commissioner for internal affairs and migration, said: 'The illicit drug trade poses a severe threat to the health and security of our citizens. It fosters an environment of intimidation and corruption, undermining the fabric of our communities, businesses and institutions. The fierce rivalry among criminal networks not only heightens gang violence and homicides but also increasingly involves the recruitment of minors into criminal activities.' European Union Drug Agency executive director Alexis Goosdeel said: 'Amid global instability and fast-changing drug trends, Europe faces multiple challenges that put its citizens at risk. The rise of highly potent substances and more complex patterns of drug use is placing health and security systems under strain.'
