Harry McGee

1 week ago | irishtimes.com | Harry McGee

A senior Government minister has strongly criticised people who object to new housing developments they say undermine the “character of the area”. Jack Chambers, Minister for Public Expenditure and Infrastructure, said there were countless examples across the country where the broader public good was being frustrated by objections that were nebulous and self-serving. “I’ve seen examples in recent months of housing getting stopped because it undermines the character of the area,” he said.

1 week ago | irishtimes.com | Harry McGee

Cars will not be required to display motor tax discs in future under new legislation approved by the Government. The paper disc has been a feature of Irish motoring almost as long as motor tax itself, which was introduced in 1921. The discs were introduced as receipts, showing proof of payment. On Tuesday, the Cabinet approved the National Vehicle and Driver File Bill 2025, which will also improve information-sharing on road traffic collisions.

1 week ago | irishtimes.com | Harry McGee

The main plank of the Government’s response to the threat of United States tariffs on Irish pharmaceuticals will remain “putting everything” into helping the EU get the best possible deal, Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke has said.

1 week ago | irishtimes.com | Harry McGee

The final report of the Farrelly Commission’s long-running investigation into the circumstances surrounding serious allegations of abuse against a severely disabled young woman, known as “Grace”, will be published on Tuesday. Minister for Children Norma Foley will bring a memo to Cabinet seeking approval for publication of the report of the long-running Commission of Investigation.

1 week ago | irishtimes.com | Harry McGee

The Government will pursue new business opportunities in China, India, Canada, Japan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of a rapidly-assembled plan to deal with the economic fallout from the Trump tariffs. The new plan to reduce the reliance of Irish trade on the United States and diversify to new markets (including within the EU) will come before Cabinet on Tuesday, along with a proposal for a competitiveness plan that could have implications for employee conditions.