“I was responsible for those decisions”: Minister Paschal Donohoe answers questions from Gript Media’s Fatima Gunning about the impact of Covid lockdowns, and whether the public can expect an apology. #gript
John and Sarah discuss the week that really was, including the background to Gript’s deleted story, and the wider ongoing coverage and cultural concerns around events in Dublin over the past week. PODCAST: https://gript.ie/podcasts/oh-look-an-elephant/ Available on Spotify & iTunes Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7kOPNDrvsxqXv8uicOotvP iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-week-that-really-was/id1653091194?uo=4
Education Minister Norma Foley refuses to say if she agrees with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar’s claim that, some sex education books in Ireland aren’t age appropriate, or to say whether she’s received much correspondence from parents on the matter. Question by Ben Scallan. #gript
Gript Media Editor John McGuirk on recent criticism from politicians and other journalists: We don’t censor news just because politicians believe the public might think the wrong thing if they heard the facts. #gript
“Do you think this situation is OK?”: Irish Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys is asked why long-term unemployed migrants, such as the Algerian person of interest in the Parnell Square stabbing, are allowed to remain in the State. Question by Ben Scallan. #gript
“They cannot figure out that it is not the “far right” fuelling anti-immigration sentiment in Ireland, it is anti-immigration sentiment fuelling the “far right”. John and Sarah discuss yesterday’s events, and the week that led up to them. PODCAST: https://gript.ie/podcasts/dublin-on-fire/ Available on Spotify & iTunes Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7kOPNDrvsxqXv8uicOotvP iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-week-that-really-was/id1653091194?uo=4
When asked if the government is partly responsible for the Parnell Square stabbing and the subsequent #DublinRiots, Minister Paschal Donohoe said “As a member of government you always should accept responsibility for the affairs of our country.” Question by Ben Scallan. #gript
John and Sarah discuss Helen McEntee’s very broad definition of “far right”, why they’re both voting NO twice on March 8th, and why men are so useless at domestic chores. Also: Paschal Donohoe’s future, and the increase in domestic violence. PODCAST: https://gript.ie/podcasts/the-mental-load/ Available on Spotify & iTunes Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7kOPNDrvsxqXv8uicOotvP iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-week-that-really-was/id1653091194?uo=4
Justice Minister Helen McEntee says it’s important to be “honest” about the high levels of immigration Ireland has seen recently, adding: “I don’t think this is going to change any time soon.” She also expands on her definition of “far-right.” Question by Ben Scallan. #gript
New polling shows the danger of the immigration debate for SF, the Fiscal Advisory Council continues to scream into the void; and a Dail debate on immigration takes a turn for the nasty. Podcast: https://gript.ie/podcasts/trsi-377-well-know-it-when-you-see-it/ https://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2023-12-06a.39
With surrogacy on the political agenda this week, John and Sarah have a frank discussion about the issues involved, and why they both have deep concerns about surrogacy for money. But first: Aodhan O’Riordain’s flip-flops, and a very predictable last minute COP deal. PODCAST: https://gript.ie/podcasts/unspoken-qualms/
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