Mary Regan

Political Reporter

The bronze bust represents John Hume when he was 40

Sculpture of John Hume unveiled at European Parliament

All parties must honour the principles and aims of the Good Friday Agreement, the Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said, as he unveiled a sculpture of John Hume at the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

Ireland • 08 Jun 22

A decision on whether to grant Ukraine membership status is expected later this month

Taoiseach calls for faster EU membership process

A faster process is needed for countries to become members of the European Union, the Taoiseach has said.

World • 03 Jun 22

Some universities have told the Government that if they had more resources they could improve services (file image)

Govt seeks proposals on improving third-level access

Colleges and third-level institutions are being asked to present proposals to Government on how they intend to improve access for students with intellectual disabilities.

Ireland • 02 Jun 22

Some international students were in living in substandard accommodation where they were paying up to €600 a month to rent a bunk

Reports over student accommodation a concern - Harris

The Minister for Further and Higher Education has said the "full rigours of the law" should be exercised to protect the tenancy rights of international students.

Education • 02 Jun 22

Over 550,000 passports have been processed so far this year

Passport Office at the centre of a perfect storm

Post-Brexit, post-pandemic and with a national pent-up yearn to travel after being confined to home for the best part of two years, the Passport Office finds itself at the centre of a perfect storm.

Analysis and Comment • 28 May 22

The Department of Foreign Affairs said it is currently printing and issuing more than 5,000 passports per day

€13m spent on passport service upgrades in five years

More than €13 million has been spent on a major upgrade of technology and "customer service improvements" for the passport service in the past five years.

Ireland • 27 May 22

Oireachtas members were reportedly hosted at a gambling industry hospitality tent at the Punchestown Races (File image)

SF calls on TDs, senators to address gambling issue

Sinn Féin has called on Oireachtas members who were reportedly hosted at a gambling industry hospitality tent at the Punchestown Festival to address the issue.

Politics • 26 May 22

Eleven out of 23 beds have been closed at the Linn Dara Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit in Dublin

Govt: CAMHS bed closures to impact those awaiting care

The Government has said the closure of 11 beds at the Linn Dara Unit for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in Dublin will have implications for those waiting to access care.

Ireland • 22 May 22

An arrangement, which has been likened to social partnership deals in the past, was first discussed in mid-April when the unions, government and employers met

Govt partnership possible to cover areas beyond pay

Discussions have taken place on the possibility of an overarching agreement between the Government, unions and employers that would cover areas beyond pay including taxation, help with childcare costs and improvements in public services.

Ireland • 21 May 22

The CRA has welcomed the proposed creation of a surrogacy register containing information on a child's identity

Cttee warned over unregulated international surrogacy

Plans to leave international surrogacy unregulated would amount to discrimination and allow children to be born in exploitative circumstances without their identity being protected, according to the Children's Rights Alliance.

Politics • 19 May 22