Mícheál Lehane

Political Correspondent

Minister for Housing James Browne publicly championing of NAMA boss Brendan McDonagh to head up the Housing Activation Office

How a new housing office snowballed into controversy

The seemingly straightforward task of establishing and staffing a new office to speed up the building of homes has instead snowballed into a mighty political controversy, writes Mícheál Lehane.

Analysis and Comment • 02 May

Labels that showed the calorie content in drinks along with the grams of alcohol, were set to become a legal requirement for producers in May 2026

Plan for health labels on alcohol may be delayed - Harris

Tánaiste Simon Harris has strongly indicated that a plan to introduce health labels on alcoholic drinks is set to be delayed.

Politics • 01 May

The Housing Activation Office is tasked with finding solutions to issues that are preventing the building of homes

What is the Housing Activation Office, who will lead it?

The Housing Activation Office has been established within the Department of Housing by Minister James Browne. Here is everything we know.

Analysis and Comment • 01 May

Brendan McDonagh no longer wishes to be considered for the role of CEO of the Government's new Housing Activation Office

NAMA chief McDonagh rules himself out of housing role

NAMA chief Brendan McDonagh has told Minister for Housing James Browne that he no longer wishes to be considered for the role of CEO of the Government's new Housing Activation Office.

Politics • 01 May

The new office is tasked with moving roadblocks which prevent the delivery of homes

Taoiseach and Hearne clash over housing czar

The Taoiseach has clashed with Social Democrat TD Rory Hearne in the Dáil over housing policy, accusing him of offering " facile, superficial" solutions and setting himself up as an expert.

Politics • 29 Apr

There have been 42% fewer International Protection applications in the first three months of 2025 compared to the first three months of last year

Minister rejects claim new asylum process would be cruel

Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan has rejected criticism that a speeded-up asylum process would be cruel and lacking compassion.

Ireland • 29 Apr

Brendan McDonagh will head up the new Housing Activation Office (File image)

No decision on salary for head of housing office - Martin

The Taoiseach has said that he understands the public concern about a possible salary of €430,000 for the head of the new Housing Activation Office.

Politics • 28 Apr

Laois TD Seán Fleming is to chair the Committee on Infrastructure and National Development Plan Delivery

Taoiseach names eight TDs to chair Oireachtas committees

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has announced the names of the eight Fianna Fáil TDs who are to chair Oireachtas committees.

Politics • 24 Apr

Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers said most Irish people do not accept 'extreme politics'

Most politicians 'reject' McGregor's politics - Chambers

There has been a resounding rejection of Conor McGregor's attempts to run for the presidency, Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers has said.

Ireland • 16 Apr

The restrictions are expected to be in towns with a population of more than 10,000 from next May

Short-term letting restrictions approved by Government

Restrictions on short- term lettings in towns with a population of more than 10,000 have been approved by Government.

Ireland • 15 Apr