“I think it’s really important that the media acts as a bridge between the government and the people”: Hear from the organisers of today’s Ireland Uncensored conference, which took place at the RDS. #IrelandUncensored
This Saturday the 16th of September at 12:30 in the RDS, Gript & Free Speech Ireland will host an event on Ireland’s hate speech bill, censorship & free speech. Only a handful of tickets remain – get yours here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/freespeechireland/979702 #gript
“This is something we look at very regularly”: Irish Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe says he doesn’t believe that the Irish government’s various construction projects are significantly contributing to cost inflation.
“Is that not a critical failure?”: Gaeltacht Minister Catherine Martin is asked about the Irish language’s “endangered” status, despite the fact that most people in Ireland study the language for 13 years at school. Question by Ben Scallan. #gript
Irish Justice Minister Helen McEntee expects her controversial Hate Speech bill to be in force “by the end of the year”, and says how confident she is that nobody in Ireland will ever be taken to court for “misgendering” under the law. Question by Ben Scallan. #gript
Irish Green Party Transport Minister Eamon Ryan says “the science is clear” on lowering speed limits for motorists – even though a report presented to his Department last year found that lowering speed limits “would result in more deaths.”
Irish Minister for Children Roderic O’Gorman says he’s “not disputing” that there is limited evidence about the safety of hormone blockers for “trans children.” Question by Ben Scallan. #gript
Hairy Heroes Gript visited Guide Dogs for the Blind to find out what it takes to train a puppy to become a vital companion for adults and children with special needs. Meet Gordon, Heidi, Ozzy, and Alice. www.guidedogs.ie
“We have international obligations”: Irish Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien refuses to say whether Ireland can accept another 100,000 asylum seekers, while Minister Paschal Donohoe says “we will find the money” to support asylum seekers despite “challenges.” #gript
Irish Ex-Health Minister Simon Harris was asked if he is “ashamed” that children are still waiting years for scoliosis procedures – a problem he said would be solved by 2017. “I accept responsibility,” he said, before adding that the target was given to him by the HSE. #gript
The Irish government’s new anti-misinformation force, the Electoral Commission, says it has “very extensive powers” to “require the correction or removal of information we believe to be incorrect” – all in an effort to “enhance democracy.” Question by Ben Scallan. #gript
“The question is not relevant”: Ireland’s Media Minister Catherine Martin says that the question “What is a woman?” is “not relevant” to an upcoming referendum on the role of women in society.