Sandra Hurley

Dublin

Political Reporter at RTÉ

RTÉ Political Reporter. My views are my own.

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Articles

Govt unlikely to introduce Dublin tourist tax

4 days ago | rte.ie | Sandra Hurley

The Government is unlikely to move to introduce a so-called Dublin tourist tax, it is understood. Last week, it emerged that four local authorities in the capital were working on an agreed proposal to tax hotel rooms. The tax is estimated to bring in €12 million per year by adding the charge to tourists' bills for staying in hotels. Councillors have indicated that the money could be used to improve amenities in the capital.
Legal costs of €2.5m awarded to 'Grace' inquiry witnesses

6 days ago | rte.ie | Sandra Hurley

Legal costs awarded to witnesses at the 'Grace' inquiry have so far amounted to €2.5 million out of the total cost of €13.6m. On Tuesday, the long-awaited report into the Grace foster home abuse case in the southeast of the country was published. New figures released to RTÉ News by the Department of Children show that the Farrelly Commission has agreed costs of €2.5m to some of its witnesses who gave evidence over the past eight years.
Proposed new law published by Govt on short-term lets

1 week ago | rte.ie | Sandra Hurley

The Government has published a proposed new law which will create a register of short-term lets by May 2026. The register will be managed by Fáilte Ireland and it will provide a full picture of the stock of registered tourist accommodation across the State. Hosts offering such accommodation for periods up to and including 21 nights will be obliged to register with Fáilte Ireland and hold a valid registration number that must be displayed when advertising the property.
Support for Fine Gael at record low, poll suggests

1 week ago | rte.ie | Sandra Hurley

A new poll suggests Sinn Féin is the most popular party in the country while Fine Gael's support has fallen to a record low. Sinn Féin has jumped six points to 26% according to the Ipsos B&A survey published in the Irish Times. This poll measures support compared with its previous report on 23 November last year, just before the general election. Fianna Fáil has risen by one point to 22% while Fine Gael has dropped three points to 16%.
SF accused of wasting Dáil time with water charges Bill

2 weeks ago | rte.ie | Sandra Hurley

Minister for Housing James Brown has accused Sinn Féin of wasting Dáil time and inventing a phantom to fight by tabling a Bill to prevent the Government from reintroducing water charges. He said there are no plans to introduce a conservation charge for water contained in the new programme for government. And he said there is currently no statutory provision for introducing water charges as previous legislation was repealed.
Political accountability needed for failures at CHI

2 weeks ago | rte.ie | Sandra Hurley

Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald has said there must be political accountability for the failures at Children's Health Ireland. Ms McDonald said today's report into spinal surgeries amounts to a litany of failures. An independent statutory review of the use of unapproved implantable springs in spinal surgery at Temple Street Children's University Hospital found devices were implanted into three children and that "children were not protected from the risk of harm".
HIQA report into spinal surgeries 'devastating' - SF

2 weeks ago | rte.ie | Sandra Hurley

There are real implications for the board and management of Children's Health Ireland, and for the Government, following the publication of a report into the use of unapproved implantable springs in spinal surgery at Temple Street, according to Sinn Féin's health spokesperson. David Cullinane was speaking ahead of the publication of an independent statutory review into the use of the use of the springs.
Largesse cannot continue as Ireland enters new era

2 weeks ago | rte.ie | Sandra Hurley

Ireland is entering into a new era with its recent economic model potentially consigned to history. That could lead to a turbulent period politically as the generous expansionary Budgets of recent times are shelved. Since US President Donald Trump unveiled his tariff plan this week, in a meandering speech at the White House, the fallout has dominated political discourse as countries struggle to predict what might happen.
Catfishing to be outlawed under proposed bill

3 weeks ago | rte.ie | Sandra Hurley

Catfishing or impersonating a person online using fake photos would be outlawed under a new bill. Under the proposed law, a person who impersonates another individual online in a way that causes alarm, distress or harm could face a penalty of up to five years in prison. The bill has been reintroduced by Fianna Fáil Senator Fiona O'Loughlin who said the legislation recognises that online abuse can be just as damaging, if not more so, than abuse that happens offline. "Catfishing is not a joke.
Opposition writes to Taoiseach over speaking rights row

1 month ago | rte.ie | Sandra Hurley

Opposition leaders have again written to Taoiseach Micheál Martin seeking an urgent meeting to resolve the speaking rights row. As it stands, the Government proposal is expected to be voted on in the Dáil on Tuesday. In the joint letter, the leaders of Sinn Féin, Labour, the Social Democrats, Independent Ireland and People Before Profit Solidarity accuse the Government of aiming "to turn democracy on its head".