AGP Executive Report

Social Media Regulation: Fine Gael TD Keira Keogh says Ireland should closely monitor the UK’s plan to ban under-16s from social media, with the EU Presidency seen as a chance to push “safety by design” and demand platform safeguards. Housing & Planning: Short-term lets legislation is set for Cabinet, creating a register for Airbnbs and similar stays under new EU rules, with planning rules tied to how long a property has been used. Health System Scrutiny: An audit into Children’s Health Ireland says it couldn’t confirm funded extra activity was delivered beyond core capacity, citing weak measurement frameworks and data gaps. Justice & Safeguarding: Gardaí have not yet commented on findings of “clear and serious dereliction of duty” in the Kenneally report, tied to failures around a paedophile investigation. Employment & Services: Minister of State Alan Dillon pledged to push for more jobs at Michael Davitt House in Castlebar as the civil service hub marks its 50th anniversary. Energy & Cost of Living: Ireland welcomed the US-Iran ceasefire framework and hopes the Strait of Hormuz reopening will support a lasting peace and ease regional economic pressure. Local Development: A major housing plan is lodged for Templemore, with 56 new homes proposed as the town seeks renewed private development after years of infrastructure constraints. Paternity Leave: Movember urges reform of Ireland’s paternity leave, calling for a working group to tackle pay, length and workplace culture barriers.

Budget 2027 Signals: Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris have set out priorities for Budget 2027, with talk of increasing income tax bands, lowering energy costs and cheaper childcare aimed at boosting take-home pay. EU Foreign Policy: Helen McEntee welcomed EU moves to restrict trade with Israeli settlements, while also reaffirming Ireland’s backing for Ukraine as EU accession talks progress. EU Enlargement: Thomas Byrne said Ireland is pushing to keep momentum on EU accession for Ukraine and Moldova, with Cluster 1 on Fundamentals opened. Troubles Legacy Law: Minister Jim O’Callaghan announced the International Co-operation (Omagh Bombing Inquiry) Act 2026 has commenced, enabling sworn oral testimony for the Omagh inquiry. Local Governance Clash: Dublin City Council is seeking to lift a court suspension over its €51.2m clamping contract after a legal challenge by rival bidders. Housing Pressure: Councillors hit back at Tánaiste Simon Harris over plans for a new derelict property tax, arguing local authorities need more resources to tackle vacancy at scale. Youth Online Safety: Ireland is watching the UK’s planned under-16 social media ban closely as Government considers similar options. Transport for Homes: Cairn Homes urged ministers to fund Dart+ South West immediately, warning delays are holding back housing delivery.

Social Media Safety: Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris backed the UK’s “Australia plus” plan to ban under-16s from major social platforms, with Ireland looking at EU-level options. Russia Sanctions Pressure: EU institutions are being urged to act on alumina flows linked to Aughinish Alumina, after claims material refined in Ireland is shipped onward to Russian smelters used for weapons. Aughinish Probe: Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee says the Government’s investigation into Aughinish Alumina will conclude in weeks, with full engagement with the European Commission. EU Enlargement: Hungary’s veto lift clears the way for Ukraine and Moldova to begin EU accession talks, a key priority for Ireland’s upcoming EU Presidency. AI & Business: Enterprise Ireland reports exports up 8% in 2025, while OpenText plans €105m and 400 jobs in Cork and Galway. Finance Sector: Northern Trust received Central Bank of Ireland approval to open a new Ireland branch for custodial and capital markets services. GAA: Ger Brennan says Jarlath Burns phoned to apologise after Brennan’s suspension controversy, as Dublin prepare for Round 3.

G7 & Global Security: Canadian PM Mark Carney says the G7’s top priority is reinforcing a “more durable” US-Iran ceasefire, with Ukraine next on the agenda, as leaders head to Evian amid a more divided world. Trade & USMCA: Carney also warns that the US wants to avoid any congressional vote by changing the “fundamental architecture” of USMCA, pointing to ongoing bilateral talks to manage trade irritants without sweeping changes. AI & Risk: In Ireland, Carney cites Anthropic’s shutdown of Fable 5 and Mythos 5 under US export restrictions as a lesson in AI “model risk” and over-reliance, urging diversification and redundancy. Local Governance: Tánaiste Simon Harris says councils have “failed” to tackle dereliction and will push a new derelict sites tax collected by Revenue after a 7% levy was poorly administered. Workplace Rights: A Kildare healthcare provider has been ordered to pay compensation after the WRC found breaches of public holiday entitlements. Sports & Politics: The Ireland-Israel Nations League fixture is set to move to a neutral venue behind closed doors after protests, keeping the wider debate over “sports washing” in the spotlight.

Canada-Ireland Partnership: Prime Minister Mark Carney met Taoiseach Micheál Martin in Dublin and pushed a “third path” for middle powers, arguing Canada and the EU can’t just “compete for favour” with the US ahead of the G7. The pair agreed a new framework to deepen cooperation on trade, investment, economic security, supply chains, defence and “trustworthy” AI, with annual foreign-ministry consultations and closer maritime training. Garda Tasers Rollout: An Garda Síochána will extend its taser pilot for six months and expand it to the Limerick Division, after 167 officers were trained and tasers were used 15 times since December 2025, with no serious injuries reported. Carney Homecoming to Mayo: Carney continued his visit by travelling to Co Mayo, visiting family roots in Aughagower and meeting President Catherine Connolly and the Taoiseach as part of his first official Mayo trip by a Canadian PM in nearly a decade.

Canada-Ireland ties under the spotlight: Prime Minister Mark Carney met Taoiseach Micheál Martin in Dublin, pitching a “third path” for middle powers and warning the post–Cold War rules order is breaking down ahead of the G7. EU presidency focus: The leaders tied the relationship to Ireland’s Council presidency from July 1, with priority work on trade, AI, life sciences/pharma, and food security. Agri-food partnership: A joint push for resilient agri-food supply chains and market access talks was flagged as a key area for investment and cooperation. Utility costs and FDI risk: Government warned the state utilities regulator that wastewater tariff hikes could damage Ireland’s competitiveness for foreign direct investment. Housing pressure in Dublin: Carin Homes criticised a minister’s plan to rezone land for 23,600 homes, arguing delivery obstacles remain. Regulatory and security concerns: Ireland’s alumina exports to Russia stay in focus as Canada’s Carney said he has “every confidence” in the Irish investigation. Social welfare boost: Thousands more families became eligible for the €160 back-to-school clothing and footwear lump sum, with 2- and 3-year-olds included for the first time.

Canada–Ireland Ties: Prime Minister Mark Carney arrives in Dublin for a two-day visit, meeting Taoiseach Micheál Martin and taking part in events including a Dublin Castle reception and a speech at Trinity College, with a new bilateral cooperation framework expected to cover trade, life sciences, research, innovation, and security/defence. EU Presidency Focus: The visit lands as Ireland prepares to take over the EU Council presidency in July and push new digital policies, with both countries’ AI strategies in the spotlight. Mayo Ancestry: On Sunday, Carney travels to County Mayo to meet President Catherine Connolly and visit his family’s roots. City Disruption: Gardaí warn of temporary road closures and security escorts in Dublin city centre ahead of the visit. Health Pressure: New figures show over one million people on public hospital waiting lists, including sharp rises in outpatient and GI endoscopy waits. Justice & Safety: A UK healthcare worker has pleaded guilty to smuggling a woman into Ireland using a Swedish “lookalike” passport document. Domestic Violence Law: Jennie’s Law is set to publish a domestic violence register, managed by the Courts Service, with victim consent required for public naming.

Bord Bia Governance Shake-up: The Governance Ireland board effectiveness review commissioned by Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon says Bord Bia’s chair Larry Murrin is “very capable” and gives “clear leadership,” with 22 recommendations but no call for him to step down—while the IFA says the review didn’t address the Brazilian beef dispute and is seeking an urgent meeting with Heydon. FAI Israel Fixture Fallout: The FAI confirmed Ireland’s Nations League match against Israel on Oct 4 will be moved to a neutral venue overseas and played behind closed doors after operational concerns and protests, drawing sharp criticism from Opposition and renewed calls for a boycott. EU Crisis Funds Pressure: IFA president Francie Gorman says Heydon must implement the EU crisis reserve funds at a maximum 200% co-financing rate, warning farmers face rising fertiliser costs and urging CBAM nitrogen suspension. Agri-Tech Focus: More farmers are looking at slurry separation to cut emissions and chemical fertiliser use, with Teagasc showcasing equipment aimed at better nutrient recovery. Tech Investment: Irish fleet-safety AI firm CameraMatics raises €49m with ISIF and AIB backing to expand internationally. EU Migration Pact: Ireland’s new asylum process under the EU Migration Pact continues to draw attention as ministers brief on how it will work in practice.

EU Security & Neutrality: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned Ireland that neutrality doesn’t make it immune to Russian hybrid threats, as investigations into Aughinish Alumina’s alleged links to Russia continue. Asylum Law Reform: Minister Jim O’Callaghan welcomed the commencement of the International Protection Act 2026, putting in place faster screening, an accelerated border procedure for some cases, and a new appeals body (TARA) under the EU Migration Pact. Housing & Public Finance: Central Bank Governor Gabriel Makhlouf said borrowing to top up long-term “savings” funds “doesn’t make sense,” while also urging targeted infrastructure spending and caution on broad energy supports. Justice & Legal System: A legal journalism award went to Irish Examiner deputy editor Richard Canny for reporting on the probation service. Fisheries in Brussels: The Irish Fish Producers’ Organisation set up a permanent Brussels base with India Kennedy to push EU fisheries policy. Community & Care: Family Carers Ireland highlighted severe financial strain and isolation for carers, with respite described as “critical.” Sports & Safety: Belfast unrest is raising questions about the India-Ireland T20 series, with Cricket Ireland monitoring security closely. Tech & Research: Horizon Quantum plans to locate a second quantum computer in Dublin, backing Ireland’s deep-tech ecosystem.

EU/Markets: European and US stocks rose as oil prices wavered on fresh Iran-related tensions, while investors weighed the ECB’s rate outlook after a widely expected hike. Housing & Homelessness: The Government plans to restrict access to homeless services using “lawful and habitual residency” tests, with only a limited night-to-night safety net for those who don’t qualify. Immigration: Minister Colm Brophy announced new visa requirements from 15 June for nationals of Nicaragua, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia, including transit visas. Environment: Minister Christopher O’Sullivan urged “Check, Clean and Dry” for boats and fishing gear after a crayfish plague was confirmed in the River Camac. AI Governance: Fianna Fáil TD Naoise Ó Cearúil replaces Malcolm Byrne as chair of the Oireachtas AI committee after Byrne’s arrest. Sports & Politics: The Dáil debate over boycotting Ireland’s Israel fixtures continues, with the Minister of State for Sport warning that a boycott could jeopardise Ireland’s participation at 2028 Olympics. Research & Jobs: SETU welcomed a €460m Research Ireland investment creating seven new “Rinn” centres, with SETU set to contribute to three. Court Watch: A Dublin Liberties former pub occupation faces a High Court order to leave within three days over alleged dangerous, uninsured conditions.

Children’s Services: Minister Norma Foley has announced €200,000 for two new nature-based play spaces in Clare (Ennis) and Limerick (Ballinacurra), with consultation with children built in. Homelessness: The Housing Minister says homelessness will remain a challenge for “the next couple of years” and admits he can’t give a timeline for when numbers will fall. Research & Innovation: Government has unveiled €460m for seven new “Rinn” research centres, aiming to create 577 research roles and support 800+ PhD graduates. Health System: An HSE audit of 12 hospitals finds post-mortem training and record-keeping were not fully designed or delivered, raising risks for families and organ disposal processes. Online Safety: Ireland may trial digital Government ID for age checks on pornography sites to support compliance with the Online Safety Code. EU Politics: António Costa says there can be no EU budget deal without new EU-wide taxes. International: 22 countries, including Ireland, condemned Iran’s “lethal plotting” and urged Tehran to halt attacks on their soil. Transport/Consumer: UK watchdog CMA has opened an investigation into Ryanair’s “mandatory family seat” fees for parents.

EU Presidency Priorities: Taoiseach Micheál Martin and ministers set out Ireland’s EU Council presidency focus from 1 July: support for Ukraine, competitiveness, values and security, plus protecting children online and pushing an EU decision on the “digital age of majority.” Online Safety for Minors: Government says it will advocate for stronger protections for under-18s, including privacy-preserving age verification, while noting it can’t guarantee a specific under-16 ban by year-end. Industrial Development Bill Clash: Enterprise Minister Peter Burke faced grilling over amendments to the Industrial Development (Amendment) Bill, with critics warning it could weaken oversight around activities with “primarily military relevance.” Food Safety Enforcement: The HSE served seven FSAI closure orders on food businesses in May, including premises in Dublin, Meath, Westmeath, Carlow and Limerick. Road Safety Pressure: Figures show Galway’s learner-driver numbers rose to 18,870 by March 2026, while test waits remain long, with concerns about road deaths and the impact of learner driving. Parnell Square Stabbing Update: The mother of a girl left critically injured in the 2023 Parnell Square stabbing says her daughter is now using a wheelchair and still can’t speak, as the accused faces attempted murder charges. REWIRE Project: Irish Manufacturing Research announced details of a €6.9m REWIRE project in Mullingar to scale smart remanufacturing and circular manufacturing across Europe.

State apology over Bill Kenneally: A Commission of Investigation report says the State showed “clear and serious dereliction of duty” as gardaí and health services failed to act on abuse warnings in the 1980s, with survivors now pressing for a formal Dáil apology. Media regulation: Radio stations are calling for tighter scrutiny of Coimisiún na Meán’s spending and levy-setting powers ahead of an Oireachtas hearing. Childcare strain: Parents in Dublin, Kildare and Meath face last-minute creche closures due to staffing and delayed Garda vetting, forcing some to take “fake sick days”. EU/foreign policy: Kaja Kallas warns Ireland’s neutrality won’t protect it from Russia, as EU pressure grows over alumina links to Russia. Research investment: Government plans €460m for seven advanced tech research centres under a new national network. Carers support: Carer’s Support Grant payments of €2,000 per care recipient are due to reach 147,000 carers. Local governance & identity: Roscommon roots were celebrated as Northampton’s new mayor took office, highlighting Irish diaspora civic ties.

EU Presidency Prep: Foreign Affairs chief Kaja Kallas met Helen McEntee as Ireland gears up to take the EU Council Presidency in July, with security, Ukraine and the Middle East on the agenda and a promise to “get the facts straight” on Aughinish Alumina. Russia Sanctions Pressure: EU scrutiny is widening over whether Irish alumina linked to Russian supply chains could be pulled into the next sanctions package, putting Ireland’s credibility under the spotlight. Defence Law Change: Cabinet approved a bill to scrap the “triple lock” for deploying Defence Forces overseas, removing the UN Security Council approval for deployments above 12 personnel, with Opposition warning it could erode neutrality. Domestic Violence Register: Jennie’s Law cleared Cabinet, creating a public Domestic Violence Register to publish names of people convicted of domestic violence against current or former partners. Legal Aid Dispute: Criminal solicitors are considering action over new “one flat fee” criminal legal aid payments, with some emergency court hearings already disrupted. Media Watchdog Clash: Elon Musk’s X launched a High Court challenge against Coimisiún na Meán over its Digital Services Act investigation into X’s complaint-handling. Sports Politics: In the Dáil, parties sparred over calls to stop Ireland–Israel Nations League fixtures, while the Government says it has “no role” in sports fixture decisions.

EU Presidency Prep: Minister Patrick O’Donovan heads to Luxembourg for the EU Telecoms Council, flagging Ireland’s priorities on protecting minors online and strengthening subsea cable resilience. EU Enlargement & Defence: Tánaiste Helen McEntee and Minister Thomas Byrne meet Albania’s foreign minister in Dublin ahead of Ireland’s EU Council term starting 1 July, with enlargement high on the agenda. Rotunda Row Ends: The Rotunda Hospital board has backed down after a funding threat, moving to align with the public-only consultant contract policy—an abrupt win for the health minister in the wider Sláintecare fight. Housing & Planning: Government publishes a draft National Planning Statement on apartment design standards for 2026, opening consultation on mix, space, heights, storage and amenity requirements. Disability Services: A public consultation opens on reviewing the 20-year-old Disability Act 2005, with deadlines and assessment-of-need rules in focus. Children’s Services Scrutiny: A new Ombudsman for Children report shows Cork has the second-highest share of complaints about children’s public services, with education, Tusla and health services leading concerns. Israel Fixtures Pressure: The Tánaiste calls for “clarity” on the Ireland v Israel Nations League venue decision as campaigners threaten judicial review and ministers weigh public funding and human-rights duties. Justice & Abuse Inquiry: Cabinet is set to receive a commission investigation report into the Bill Kenneally case.

Rotunda Maternity Row: The Rotunda has backed down on its push for consultants on public-only contracts to do private work, ending a damaging standoff with the health minister after funding threats and an audit deadline. Foreign Policy & Security: Ukraine’s foreign minister welcomed Ireland’s alumina-to-Russia investigation, as EU defence ministers met in Cyprus to focus on Ukraine support and maritime security. Justice & Crime: Kinahan lieutenant Sean McGovern has been jailed for 24 years over Dublin murder plots, while gardaí used the case to stress “no untouchables” in gang policing. EU Football Politics: The FAI is seeking UEFA approval to move Ireland’s Nations League home fixture against Israel to a neutral venue, with Budapest tipped as a likely host. Workplace Rights: New “deemed insolvent” rules are now in force so workers owed wages and holiday pay by employers that ceased trading can access the Insolvency Payments Scheme. Local Economy: Limerick Chamber warns of a funding and delivery gap in the Mid-West, citing housing and transport delays, as it presses for faster project delivery. Youth & Community: €1.218m in funding will expand volunteer-led youth clubs nationwide, alongside community openings and regeneration work in Waterford.