Justin McCarthy

Leo Varadkar succeeded Enda Kenny as Taoiseach in June 2017

Varadkar's first year in power: Eight things we learned

Justin McCarthy of RTÉ's political staff has been looking back at Leo Varadkar's first year in office and some of the things we have learned about him over the past 12 months.

Politics • 14 Jun 18

More than 8,160 disqualified drivers held on to their licence, and failed to comply with the law

Small number of banned drivers convicted over licence

Only two out of more than 8,000 disqualified drivers have been convicted of failing to surrender their licences last year.

Ireland • 20 Jun 18

Jubilant Yes supporters gathered in Dublin Castle for the official declaration

After the Yes vote - What happens next?

It will take more than a week before the result of this weekend's referendum is signed by the President and the Taoiseach.

Eighth Amendment • 26 May 18

Crowds turned up at Dublin Castle today to hear the final result

Landslide victory for Yes side in referendum

Ireland has voted decisively to change the constitution to repeal the Eighth Amendment, paving the way for new legislation to allow for the termination of pregnancies.

Eighth Amendment • 26 May 18

The bill, which aims to introduce stricter drink-driving laws, has been delayed because of objections by a small number of rural TDs

Govt may seek opposition support to cut bill debate

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has told road safety campaigners that the Government may seek the agreement of the opposition to cut short debate on the new Road Traffic Bill to ensure it passes before the summer.

Politics • 24 May 18

Health Committee hearing on cervical cancer screening programme

Decision to outsource smear testing 'short-sighted'

The professional body representing medical scientists in Ireland has said the decision to outsource cervical smear test analysis to laboratories in the United States was "short-sighted".

Politics • 23 May 18

John Connaghan said language used in communications lacked empathy

Public confidence in CervicalCheck 'sadly undermined'

The interim Director General of the Health Service Executive has said individuals will be held to account for failings in the CervicalCheck programme if there is a requirement to do so.

Health • 17 May 18

Vicky Phelan and Stephen Teap arriving at Leinster House

Vicky Phelan calls for accountability not 'revenge'

Vicky Phelan has told politicians that she does not want to die in vain and wants to ensure there are sanctions for people who make medical mistakes.

Health • 16 May 18

Michael Healy-Rae said he was elected to do a job, and would continue to do that job

Healy-Rae rejects claims of deliberately delaying bill

Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae has rejected claims that he is deliberately delaying the passage of new road safety legislation through the Dáil.

Politics • 12 May 18

Michael Healy-Rae said he had not had a chance to read the letter, and would not comment until he had considered it in full

Crash victims group appeals to Healy-Rae to pass Bill

A group representing the families of people who have died in road crashes has written to Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae asking him to stop delaying the passage of road safety legislation in the Dáil.

Politics • 10 May 18