“The Taoiseach will work in line with the SIPO rules and regulations and will comply with them.” – Minister Helen McEntee when asked whether Leo Varadkar should release the unredacted version of his correspondence with SIPO, as covered by The Ditch. Question by Ben Scallan.
Paschal Donohoe says Ursula Von Der Leyen is an “extremely successful leader” who has done an “exceptional job” as European Commission President. Asked about her handling of Gaza, he said that politicians’ performance should be taken “in the round”. Question by Ben Scallan.
In this week’s edition, John and Sarah discuss being male, pale, and stale, per an FG MEP, as well as the mounting Children’s hospital disaster, Simon Harris’s latest bright idea, and Michael McDowell’s palpable fury over Government misinformation in the referendum campaign.
Numerous Irish Ministers have suggested that the Irish Constitution says a “woman’s place is in the home” ahead of the referendum – a claim which the Electoral Commission has confirmed is false. Ben Scallan presses Minister Norma Foley about this “constant” misinformation:
Asked how the public can have confidence in the MetroLink line given the overruns of the National Children’s Hospital, Paschal Donohoe says the State successfully delivers “the majority” of projects “in line” with expected costs and “roughly on time.” Question by Ben Scallan.
In Dublin today Germany’s Finance Minister spoke to Ireland’s Michael McGrath about ending illegal migration: “The people do not accept this. The solution is control…We stop illegal migration into our welfare state…we make the choice who we invite into our labour market.”
Simon Harris says it is “entirely true” that the government could increase funding for carers, with or without a ‘Yes’ vote in the care referendum, despite Roderic O’Gorman’s claim that the referendum would help to secure such funding. Question by Ben Scallan.
“You’re misinterpreting what I said”: Green Party leader Eamon Ryan explains his objection to the expansion of Dublin Airport, and responds to whether his party believes that the environment should be prioritised over the growth of the economy. Question by Ben Scallan.
“Leave the farmers alone”: In an exclusive interview with @Ben_Scallan, Elon Musk has said that the Irish government’s plan to cut 200,000 cattle nationwide will have “zero” impact on the climate, and bets $1 billion that the impact would “not even be measurable.”
“I’ll bet you a billion dollars”: In a Gript exclusive, Ben Scallan interviews Elon Musk on Helen McEntee’s hate speech bill, how climate policies like cutting herd sizes will impact on Irish farmers, and more. https://x.com/griptmedia/status/1749840385688408432?s=20
Dutch academic, Dr Jan van der Beek, discusses research which predicts that immigration will cost the Netherlands €600bn by 2040. https://dr-janvandebeek.backme.org/
It is “beyond belief” that some find it acceptable to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, Garda Supt. Jane Humphreys has said in a warning to road users. She added that “distracted driving” and “inappropriate speed” for the weather were factors in collisions. #gript
Brian Kaller has written a book provisionally entitled ‘The Last Who Remember’ about the wisdom he gathered from older Irish men and women who remember the great traditions and customs. #gript