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Articles by Saoirse Ruane
Concern over road safety impact of licensing law changes
The Department of Transport has said it will raise with the Department of Justice concerns about the impact proposed changes to licensing laws could have on road safety. It follows correspondence from the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to Minister of State Jack Chambers in relation to the Sale of Alcohol Bill. RSA Chair Liz O'Donnell wrote to the minister at the end of January, detailing her concerns about the possible implications of longer pub and nightclub opening hours on driver behaviour.
Book of condolence opened in Galway for Saoírse Ruane
A book of condolence has been opened in memory of Saoírse Ruane, the Co Galway girl who was one of the inspirations behind the Late Late Toy Show appeal in 2020. The 12-year-old from Kiltullagh died last week. She was diagnosed with cancer in 2019 and spent several years fighting the disease, while capturing the hearts and minds of people around the country, due to her fortitude. The Mayor of Galway, Eddie Hoare, said he was opening the book of condolence with great sadness.
Online archive showcases 400 years of emigrant letters
A digital repository of emigrant letters is being made available to view online as a result of a major initiative by the University of Galway. Spanning a period of almost 400 years, the letters give detailed insights into the ways in which generations of Irish people struggled and succeeded in the new world. The material was gathered by American historian Kerby Miller, as part of research he conducted into the experiences of those who travelled to North America.
Key takeaways from Biden's State of the Union address
President Joe Biden attacked former President Donald Trump's vision for America, criticised Israel and was challenged on immigration in his last State of the Union speech before the two men face off in the November US election. Here are some of the key takeaways from the State of the Union address last night. Tough words for Israel Biden issued a sharp directive to Israel's leaders, telling them not to hold up humanitarian aid to Palestinians for political purposes.
Miyawaki method shows dense Irish forest can grow rapidly
A small forestry experiment by a community group in Co Galway has shown that dense forestry can be grown very rapidly in Ireland, without the need for digging provided the ground is primed with manure and nutrients a year ahead of planting. The local group behind the experiment, which is ongoing in Kinvara, say they are motivated by the need for fast action to tackle climate change and address the biodiversity crisis.
Measles vaccine programme to begin later this month
The Health Service Executive has confirmed that a catch-up vaccination programme for the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine will get underway this month. In a statement to RTÉ, it said: "We are aiming to commence [the programme] following the St Patrick's bank holiday weekend.
Watch: Barrister blazes trail for DEIS pupils in law
A former DEIS school pupil who achieved her dream of becoming a barrister is hoping other students follow her path. Rebecca Hanratty, from Castleblaney, Co Monaghan, was inspired to become a barrister after being gifted Mary Robinson's biography as a teenager. She followed in her role model’s footsteps and studied Law and French at Trinity College Dublin.
Changes to special education criteria supported by NPC
Two school principal organisations as well as the National Parents Council (NPC) have said they support controversial changes that the Department of Education has made to how additional teaching hours for children with special needs are allocated.
'Quiet expectation' Kenova report will deliver justice
The stigma of informer has run deep in the Irish psyche for centuries. Some of the families of those murdered by Freddie Scappaticci and the IRA’s internal security unit suffer that to this day. Many have used the services of victims’ group Wave as they have engaged with the Kenova Inquiry detectives. Its director Sandra Peake has come to know them well. "There’s no doubt these were stigmatised deaths," she says. "Some families were isolated within their own communities.
Shadowy world of intelligence and the 'Dirty War'
When General Sir Frank Kitson died in January aged 97, the Telegraph newspaper in London described him as "one of the most capable and controversial soldiers of his generation". "His expertise in counter-insurgency operations was probably unrivalled," it wrote, noting that he had received a CBE in the British honours system for service in Northern Ireland in the 1970s. The reaction in some quarters of Northern Ireland was markedly different.
Pupils tell us about the women that inspire them
What do Mary Robinson, Ellen Keane and Debbie Harry have in common? They were all included in a celebration of inspirational women by the pupils of Scoil Thomáis in Castleknock Vale in Blanchardstown, Co Dublin for International Women's Day. Today is International Women's Day, a global day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The theme this year is 'Inspire Inclusion’.
No prosecutions after 7 years of Operation Kenova
It was an investigation that took more than seven years and cost an estimated £40m, but did not result in a single prosecution. Operation Kenova was established in 2016 to investigate the alleged activities of British army agent in the IRA Freddie Scappaticci, and those of former army and RUC intelligence handlers. Much of the talk at the launch of the Operation Kenova report is likely to focus on the provision of information to families about what happened to their loved ones.
Who was Freddie Scappaticci?
Freddie Scappaticci was a man whose name struck fear. A man who decided whether people lived or died. He did so while in the pay of the British Army. He was a Belfast bricklayer said to have been the highest-ranking military intelligence agent in the IRA. The son of an Italian immigrant who moved to Northern Ireland in search of work, he was described by one former British Army General as its "golden egg".
US to build temporary port to deliver Gaza aid
The US military will build a temporary port on Gaza's Mediterranean coast to receive humanitarian aid by sea, President Joe Biden said in his State Of the Union speech. Planning for the operation, initially based on the island of Cyprus, does not envision deployment of US military personnel in Gaza.
Report into Stakeknife murders to be published
A major report examining the role of an IRA double agent and his army handlers in the murders of alleged informers during the Troubles will be published later. €40m has been spent on the investigation into west Belfast bricklayer Freddie Scappaticci, codename Stakeknife. He is believed to have been implicated in the deaths of between 12 and 18 alleged informers in the 1980s. He headed up the IRA's Internal Security Unit in the 1980s and was believed to one of several informers attached to it.
RTÉ controversy impacting licence fee sales
Public sentiment towards RTÉ and the reaction to the controversy which emerged at the broadcaster last June is continuing to clearly impact licence fee sales and the revenue generated from them, the Department of Media said in a statement this evening. The most up-to-date total monthly figures for TV licences from An Post show 75,183 licences were purchased in January this year and 61,601 were purchased in February.
CAB seize home of Dublin drug dealer Christopher Waldron
The Criminal Assets Bureau confiscated a drug dealer's home in Cabra in Dublin today. The house at 61 Killala Road was taken from Christopher Waldron after CAB established in court that it was bought with money earned from the sale and supply of drugs in the area. CAB officers took possession of the house at 11am this morning. It is now boarded up and is due to be sold by private treaty or public auction.
IFA launches 'No Dogs Allowed' campaign
The Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) has called for greater penalties for those found to allow dogs roam freely in areas where animals are grazing. The organisation has launched it’s 2024 'No Dogs Allowed' campaign, to coincide with the time when increased numbers of livestock are outdoors. The IFA’s Mayo Chair John Lynskey has appealed to dog owners to be mindful of the need to control their animals, when ewes and lambs are in fields.
The Paddy's Day ministerial migration
And they're off! The Cabinet readies itself to disperse across the globe for its annual migration to promote brand Éire. Meanwhile, for PAC, side deals on the QT at RTÉ mean it's time for the C&AG: alphabet soup is on the menu at Montrose. Áine Lawlor is joined by Sandra Hurley and Paul Cunningham to consider an eventful week in which we learned that an Oireachtas committee is to recommend legislating for assisted dying.
Varadkar favours processing irregular migrants outside EU
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said that he is in favour of processing applications for irregular migrants in countries outside of the European Union. "A huge number of people who enter the European Union irregularly pass through countries around the edge of the European Union," said Mr Varadkar.
Key questions for 'Stakeknife' inquiry
The findings of a seven-year investigation into the activities of a man alleged to have been the highest-ranking British army agent in the IRA will be published tomorrow. Freddie Scappaticci, a west Belfast man who died in April last year, denied being the agent codenamed Stakeknife. He was linked to dozens of murders during his time as a senior member of the Provisional IRA's ruthless internal security unit which was tasked with identifying and killing informers.
Garda whistleblower learned yesterday her role is 'gone'
A barrister acting for garda whistleblower Lois West has said his client only learned late yesterday evening while a senior garda executive was testifying to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) that her role in the force's analytics service is "gone". "To find out yesterday that that deputy role has been gone a-year-and-a-half, two years, what would you say?" counsel for Lois West asked her treating psychiatrist. "I think that must be shocking," witness Dr Elizabeth Cryan said.
Seanad by-election expected to be held in coming weeks
A Seanad by-election to replace former Sinn Féin Senator Niall Ó Donnghaile is expected to be held in the coming weeks. It follows a motion in the Seanad from Green Party Senator Pauline O'Reilly, requesting that the Clerk of the Seanad write to the Minister for Housing, Darragh O'Brien, to notify him of the vacancy. The vacancy was created following the resignation of Niall Ó Donnghaile last December due to health reasons. Once the motion is moved, an election is usually held within six months.
Chelsea make pre-tax loss of over £90million
Chelsea have announced pre-tax losses of £90.1million in the 12 months up to June 2023, their first full year under the ownership of Todd Boehly's Clearlake Capital consortium. The figure, an improvement on the previous years' loss of £121.4m, was also listed in the accounts filed for holding company Blueco, via which Boehly purchased the club from former owner Roman Abramovich in May 2022.
Final pitches in referendum campaigns ahead of vote
The campaigns for two referendums on family and care are drawing to a close, with the broadcast moratorium due to begin at 2pm. The Electoral Commission has said citizens should remember it is their Constitution and to consider the questions carefully. Both sides have been making their final pitches in what has been a low key and at times criticised as a lacklustre campaign.
Ireland considering Gaza aid drop with Jordan - Tánaiste
Ireland is actively considering taking part in an aid drop to Gaza along with Jordan, Tánaiste Micheál Martin has said. He made the comments in response to a question in the Dáil from Independent TD Cathal Berry. Deputy Berry said it would be far preferable that there be a permanent ceasefire, but while negotiations are ongoing, an aid drop should be examined by Ireland. He said if Ireland expels the Israeli Ambassador to Ireland, the same will happen with the Irish ambassador to Israel.
Second case of measles confirmed in Ireland
A second measles case in Ireland has been confirmed by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre. The HPSC said it was notified yesterday of the case in the west of the country. It said the Health Service Executive's public health teams, along with the HSE Measles National Incident Management Team (IMT), are taking all necessary public health actions in relation to the case, which is understood to be in a teenager.
Closing submissions underway at Stardust inquests
Closing submissions are being made at the inquests into the 48 people who died in the 1981 Stardust fire. The proceedings, which have been running for almost a year, have completed hearing evidence from witnesses and are now entering the final stages. At the start of the proceedings, coroner Dr Myra Cullinane, said the inquests were a "fact finding" mission and not about apportioning blame. She told the members of the jury they should keep that in mind at all times.
Taoiseach 'plans' to meet President at Áras tomorrow
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said that he plans to meet President Michael D Higgins tomorrow at Áras an Uachtaráin. Mr Varadkar said that he had spoken by phone to President Higgins since he was hospitalised last week. He added that President Higgins "had been fulfilling his constitutional duties" even though he had been unwell. The Taoiseach said he and the President plan to hold their regular meeting to discuss affairs of State at Áras an Uachtaráin tomorrow.
Saoírse Ruane, who inspired Toy Show appeal, dies aged 12
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Weather Forecast
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Elective surgeries to resume at hospitals in Limerick area this morning
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EU's Digital Markets Act comes into force today
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HSE CEO: 'I am confident of the clinical care at Limerick University Hospital'
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Man who sent explicit images to 'child' jailed
A man who sent explicit images to a person he believed was a 14-year-old girl has been jailed for a year-and-a-half. Keith Redmond, 45, of Clearstream Court, McKee Avenue, Finglas, Co Dublin was caught in a sting operation by a UK based group who had set up a decoy posing as a teenage girl. Defence lawyers had argued that he was subjected to "borderline entrapment" by the UK group and had not initiated the contact.
Taskforce to examine strengthening dog control laws
The Minister for Rural and Community Development has said if the new stakeholder group on dog control recommends banning a certain breed, she would abide by its suggestion. Heather Humphreys said she was very conscious of public concern over dog control and that while there are restricted breeds here, no breeds are banned.
Former RTÉ news2day presenter Nick Sheridan dies aged 32
Tributes have been paid to BBC journalist and former RTÉ news2day presenter Nick Sheridan, who has died aged 32. Mr Sheridan, from Wexford, was an author and had worked in the BBC Scotland for a number of years. Former first minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon paid tribute to Mr Sheridan, who she said was "young, talented, vivacious, and full of potential". "What a horrible, senseless loss," Ms Sturgeon said.
Right to request remote work brought into operation
The Government has brought the right to request remote working into operation. The right to request flexible working arrangements for parents and carers has also commenced. A code of practice for employers and employers, drawn up by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), has been approved and published. The workplace entitlements are part of the Work Life Balance Act which was enacted in April 2023.
Varadkar favours processing irregular migrants outside EU
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said that he is in favour of processing applications for irregular migrants in countries outside of the European Union. "A huge number of people who enter the European Union irregularly pass through countries around the edge of the European Union," said Mr Varadkar.
8:10am It Says In The Papers
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Warning children in Gaza begin to die of malnutrition as only fraction of aid getting in
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Wales looking to remove profit from care sector
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Ireland then and now: a refugee arrives from Belfast
In the early years of the 20th century, Ireland was a place of conflict. In this interactive series, photographer David Cleary returns to locations captured on film a century ago and takes new photographs showing how those settings have changed - or not. This image shows a child who was one of the many Catholics who fled sectarian violence in Belfast in 1922.
Toy Show star Saoirse Ruane given special award for bravery
Toy Show star Saoirse Ruane has received an award for bravery. The young girl was celebrated at a ceremony in Galway over the weekend.
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