“The hate speech bill was rushed through the Dáil. I certainly didn’t pay sufficient attention to it…but when I read it I was absolutely horrified.” Fianna Fáil TD Willie O’Dea wasn’t aware what was in the hate speech bill he voted for, and says he now regrets supporting it.
Former Fianna Fáil members say it was “untenable” to deal with the party anymore as it is “completely detached” from “ordinary people” and that “minority” voices are being heard over the needs of ordinary voters.
Sinn Féin backpedals on hate speech bill as poll numbers decline
Council are “sticking to their guns” says Sean Meehan who was ordered to remove his caravan off his land by Tipperary County Council or face jail.
Galway Councillor Noel Thomas speaks to Ben Scallan about his decision to leave Fianna Fáil, claiming that all main parties have become “totally detached.”
Medics call on the government to amend abortion policy to ensure ultrasounds are provided to women seeking termination in order to rule out ectopic pregnancy after a woman in Limerick almost died.
“I didn’t tweet in the way that you say”: Roderic O’Gorman previously shared a document in 8 languages saying Ireland would provide own-door accommodation for asylum seekers. Ben Scallan asks if this was a pull factor that contributed to the subsequent asylum seeker influx.
Defending her hate speech bill, Justice Minister Helen McEntee repeatedly claimed that Ireland currently has no laws prohibiting incitement to violence. Ben Scallan asks if this means it’s currently legal in Ireland to call for violence against individuals and groups.
Daughter asks why the government has ‘100s of millions’ to spend on health but ‘nothing’ for her 85-year-old mum who is suffering with dementia. The HSE said they ‘do not comment on individual cases’. Bloomfield and St. James’ Hospital didn’t respond.
“I don’t think [Simon Harris is] an effective Minister. I think he’s been a very poor Minister.” “[His] management skills…are sadly lacking.” “[His] failings in health are many and well-documented.” What did Simon Harris’ FF/GP colleagues say about him in years prior?
“It’s a bit like throwing a big house party, and then crying at the end of the night when your house is destroyed because there’s a thousand people after turning up.” – Cllr. Ken O’Flynn of the Independent Ireland Party on Roderic O’Gorman’s immigration tweets in 8 languages.
Healy-Rae warns against assisted dying: “In Canada if you go into an A&E seeking assistance [with] psychiatric problems, medical problems, whatever, you’ll be handed a leaflet on assisted dying, & it will be offered to you, for all intents and purposes, as a healthcare option.”