Greetings,
Our front-page story today highlights the third removal of encampments from Dublin’s Grand Canal. The recurring tent clearances illustrate the government’s stagnant approach towards immigration and accommodation. The government has demonstrated its capability to relocate individuals and source fresh lodgings, yet it struggles to limit incoming immigrants or provide an adequate number of beds. This is concerning not only from a compassionate standpoint, as evidenced by the outcry from Humanitarian establishments and rights groups in recent court hearings and news reports, but also bares immense political significance. Taoiseach Simon Harris has focused his energies on immigration policy, making it a crucial aspect of his brief tenure.
Observing the emphasis on immigration is enlightening. The issue has caused a rift and helped shape the political landscape across numerous European democracies. However, as highlighted by Jack Power’s report today, effective responses from leading political parties seem to be one of the few strategies curtailing the emergent reactionary and extremist factions, using the Danish case as a referent.
Although we have noted a decline in the number of asylum seekers arriving in Ireland, suggesting a potential alleviation of pressure on the government, if Harris is to keep extreme factions at bay in the forthcoming elections, he must produce significant and enduring outcomes quickly, as per the dynamics of immigration politics.
Looking elsewhere, in five weeks, the British election will hold many discussions, but from Dublin’s perspective, the anticipated rise of Labour leader Keir Starmer to the prime minister’s residence at 10 Downing Street presents a promising opportunity for a strategic reformation with London that has been a decade in the making.
This is imperative, particularly after the Brexit wars and the temporary disruption of an already tepid truce due to the recent immigration dispute. Our correspondents based in London, Finn McRedmond and Mark Paul, offer an outlook on Keir Starmer’s ‘love’ and respect for Ireland. That is a promising beginning, considering the past, reassuring us — it can only get better from here.
Today’s highlights include Miriam Lord’s account of Wednesday’s whirlwind Dáil proceedings, involving Russian taunts, music interludes, and a thronged Taoiseach.
The monthly lists have been updated, and everyone is abuzz with the topic of the moment. Jack Power gives us the latest update on the European Union’s attack on smoky bacon crisps and other succulent treats.
Over in Ireland South, Harry McGee is hitting the campaign trail with Kathleen Funchion. Meanwhile, Justine McCarthy is mingling with the centre-left crowd in Dublin. Newton Emerson raises a cautionary flag to those seeking Irish unity, warning them of potentially repeating the rash negotiating tactics of the Brexit advocates.
The agenda of the day commences with Catherine Martin and Darragh O’Brien fielding oral queries from 9.30 am, leading up to the Leaders’ Questions at noon. Questions related to Policy or Legislation will be scheduled before lunch. Post-lunch, the government’s attention will be focused on legislation altering the social welfare rate for newly jobless long-time workers. In a move to plan for the future, Marc Ó Cathasaigh’s legislation will set up a Commission for Future Generations, during the time set aside for Private Members.
Here’s the complete day’s plan.
Commencement matters in the Seanad are set to get underway at 9.30 am. Later in the morning, a motion will be presented regarding Parent’s Leave. The Seanad rises at 12.30 pm. The full program can be found here.
From 9.30 am, PAC will originate committee hearings and are expected to focus on the ongoing concerns over the National Children’s Hospital and the persistent latest postponements.
Later in the morning, the Good Friday committee will evaluate women and constitutional change, followed by the public petitions committee after lunch. The entire day’s line-up can be seen here.
Outside Leinster House, Sinn Féin’s European election manifesto will be unveiled by Mary Lou McDonald at 9.30 am in Temple Bar. Roderic O’Gorman is due to be grilled at Bloom at 6.30 pm, and Peter Burke, who is in Brussels presently, is set to give a series of media interviews. Meanwhile, Darragh O’Brien will be inaugurating a housing scheme in Dublin in the afternoon.
A debate, organised by Prime Time, will host candidates for the European constituency of Ireland South later on Thursday evening.