Mícheál Lehane

Political Correspondent

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Rent caps for new tenancies to be eased under Govt plan

Rent caps for new tenancies are to be eased as part of a plan expected to go to Cabinet next week.

Politics • 07 Jun 25

Potential planning exemptions for housing older relatives

Attic conversions and extensions for the purpose of housing elderly relatives could be exempt from planning before the end of the year, Minister for Housing James Browne will tell the Cabinet.

Politics • 04 Jun 25

The language denouncing Israel's actions has become sharper with both Micheál Martin and Simon Harris using the word genocide this week

Growing political pressure for firm Govt action on Gaza

All day Wednesday and late into the evening on the street facing Leinster House, demonstrators sang a stinging song urging politicians to find their "backbone" and to enact the Occupied Territories Bill.

Analysis and Comment • 31 May 25

Pearse Doherty told the Dáil there is a lack of capacity in both water services and the electricity grid

Doherty says Govt 'incompetence' putting housing at risk

Sinn Féin's Pearse Doherty has said the Government's incompetence is putting the development of thousands of homes at risk.

Politics • 29 May 25

The Independent TDs said they will continue to support the Coalition overall in the time ahead

Two TDs reiterate support for Govt after backing SF bill

The two Independent TDs who voted against the Government in the Dáil last night have insisted that they will continue to support the Coalition in the time ahead.

Politics • 29 May 25

Independent TDs Barry Heneghan and Gillian Toole had previously supported the Government in every Dáil vote before tonight

Blow for Government as two TDs back SF Israeli bonds bill

The Government suffered a blow tonight as two of the TDs that have supported it in every vote up to this point backed Sinn Féin's bill to prevent the Central Bank from having any role in the sale of Israel's bonds, writes Mícheál Lehane

Analysis and Comment • 28 May 25

Two Govt-supporting TDs back SF bill on Israeli bonds

A Sinn Féin bill that would have prevented the Irish Central Bank from approving the prospectus which allows Israel to sell bonds in the EU has been defeated in a Dáil vote, despite receiving the backing of two Government-supporting TDs.

Politics • 28 May 25

Dobson to chair State Commemorations Advisory Committee

Former RTÉ News broadcaster Bryan Dobson is to chair the new State Commemorations Advisory Committee.

Ireland • 27 May 25

Simon Harris said he hopes other European countries will follow Ireland's example and move to adopt similar legislation

Cabinet approves drafting of bill on occupied territories

The Cabinet has approved the drafting of legislation to prohibit the importation of goods from illegal settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Politics • 27 May 25

Four opposition parties have called for a housing demonstration

Opposition push for housing demonstration in June

The Cabinet is not expected to discuss proposals that could potentially change the rules around rent pressure zones this week.

Politics • 26 May 25