Sandra Hurley

Political Reporter

The question of the leadership of the party seems pretty settled, with Micheál Martin firmly ensconced at the helm for his 12 year

Martin's address relayed party's view to FF faithful

In a new venue in Dublin city centre, the mood among Fianna Fáil party delegates seemed pretty positive, with most echoing the view of the party leader that it's all to play for in the next election, writes Sandra Hurley.

Analysis and Comment • 05 Nov 23

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said the Department of the Taoiseach is currently working on terms of reference

Irish Covid inquiry 'soon enough' - Minister Donnelly

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has declined to say when a Covid-19 inquiry may be established, saying the Taoiseach has indicated he wants it to be signed off "soon enough".

Health • 04 Nov 23

Since February 2022, 97,000 Ukrainians have come to Ireland under the scheme and 73,500 are in State accommodation (Stock image)

Does Irish policy on Ukrainians differ to rest of EU?

Leo Varadkar told the Dáil that Ireland has "a better offering" which he said is also attracting Ukrainians who have been living for months in other parts of Western Europe, but just how does Ireland compare with other European countries?

Analysis and Comment • 25 Oct 23

Michael D Higgins is in Rome for the World Food Forum

Higgins: Govt policy on flood defences must be improved

President Michael D Higgins has said that Government policy on flood defences must be improved.

Ireland • 20 Oct 23

Pope Francis and Michael D Higgins discussed a range of issues

Pope Francis meets President Higgins in Vatican

President Michael D Higgins has said Pope Francis faces grave difficulties in the institution of which he is head but "his heart is in the right place".

Ireland • 19 Oct 23

President Higgins said that it would be good if the current situation led to genuine international engagement (File image: RollingNews.ie)

Israel-Hamas conflict a result of 'diplomatic failure'

President Michael D Higgins has said the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas is a "consequence of diplomatic failure" and that is a "dangerous position" for the world to be in.

Ireland • 17 Oct 23

On arrival, President Higgins and his wife Sabina were met with military honours in the courtyard of the palace

President Higgins meets Italian President in Rome

President Michael D Higgins is meeting the Italian President Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinale Palace in Rome.

Ireland • 17 Oct 23

President Michael Higgins delivering a speech at the event in Italy

President criticises von der Leyen over Israel comments

President Michael D Higgins has strongly criticised the head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen for comments on the Middle East conflict which she made on a visit to Israel last Friday.

Ireland • 17 Oct 23

A review in July found that CAMHS cannot provide an assurance that children have access to a safe, effective and evidence-based service

Repeated call for urgent CAMHS reform

The Mental Health Commission has urged the HSE to speedily implement the recommendations of its recent report which found failings in the Child an Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).

Health • 11 Oct 23

The measure will be announced on Tuesday as part of the Budget

Government indicates potential rise in welfare payments

There are indications that weekly welfare payments could increase by more than the €12 previously flagged.

Budget 2024 • 09 Oct 23