Mícheál Lehane

Political Correspondent

No decision yet to revert student fees to €3,000 - Harris

Tánaiste Simon Harris has told the Fine Gael parliamentary party that no decision has been made to return student contribution fees to €3,000 for a full college year.

Education • 02 Jul 25

Simon Harris greeting the Qatari prime minister at Government Buildings

Tánaiste discusses Gaza truce efforts with Qatari PM

The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs is due to hold a meeting with the Prime Minister of Qatar in Dublin in which they will discuss efforts to secure a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict.

Middle East • 02 Jul 25

Minister for Higher Education James Lawless revealed last Sunday that student fees were, as things stand, going up by €1,000

Fees issue calls into question cohesiveness of Govt

The faces on the Government benches in the Dáil were strikingly solemn today, following on from a ferocious few days for TDs having to respond to calls from worried parents and students.

Analysis and Comment • 02 Jul 25

Ivana Bacik said the 'massive hike' in fees has caused widespread concern among students and families.

Bacik: Student's budget plans in 'disarray' over fee hike

The Minister for Further Education's remarks about student fees have thrown the budgetary plans for those aiming to go to university "into disarray", Labour leader Ivana Bacik has said.

Politics • 01 Jul 25

The Irish flag flies over the official residence of the president of the Republic of Ireland

United left-wing candidate likely to compete for Áras

It is more likely than not that there will be a united left-wing candidate running in the presidental election later in the year, according to People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Paul Murphy.

Politics • 01 Jul 25

Aontú Leader Peadar Tóibín claimed it was unforgivable that Minister for Housing James Browne does not have information on average wait times for planning decisions

Browne criticised for not stating wait times for planning

Minister for Housing James Browne and the Department of Housing have been criticised for not stating what the average waiting time for a planning decision from An Coimisiún Pleanála is.

Politics • 29 Jun 25

Seán Canney's prominent public positioning last week was the result of mounting frustration among some Independent ministers and TDs (RollingNews.ie)

Quiet man of Govt Seán Canney emerges from the shadows

As the fledgling Iran and Israel ceasefire unexpectedly took root last Tuesday morning, a less dramatic act of consolidation was playing out in front of the cameras in Government Buildings, writes Mícheál Lehane.

Analysis and Comment • 28 Jun 25

Professional beauty salon worker executing perfect ends trimming

VAT rate for small businesses to be cut in Budget

Tánaiste Simon Harris has told the Fine Gael parliamentary party meeting that the VAT rate for small businesses will be cut permanently in the Budget.

Politics • 25 Jun 25

Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy told Matt Carthy that the matter had been dealt with when he returned to an almost empty Dáil

Offences Against the State Act renewed without vote

Sinn Féin has insisted that it would have abstained on the renewal of the Offences Against the State Act but it was ultimately not put to a vote after the party's justice spokesperson was outside the Dáil chamber when it was passed.

Politics • 25 Jun 25

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald speaks during Leaders' Questions in the Dáil

'Step-change needed' to end violence against women - SF

Achieving zero-tolerance of violence against women requires a "step-change from Government", Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has said.

Ireland • 25 Jun 25