Crunch time on housing, cost of living & Dáil shenanigans

Some movement on the race to the Áras, with Catherine Connolly's candidacy anticipated, and a growing sense that Mary Lou McDonald might just join her. Mairead McGuinness is keen. Will Fianna Fáil sit it out yet again? Where's the obligatory celebrity candidate? Govt softens limits on apartment sizes, amid warnings it will backfire.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James Lawless unleashed a furore with his miscalculated comments on fees. Might budgetary vagueness and "options" offer a way back? But just how serious is the Coalition friction? Trump's tariffs still stalk the economy, threatening State coffers. As this term limps to the finish line, the Govt remains mired in the housing quagmire.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another downward revision on housing, looming concrete shortages and the impact of homelessness on children. Government initiatives are afoot, but progress in completions is slow. An end to the long Covid scheme for health workers, and a tactical wee? Sinn Féin spokesperson misses a Dáil vote for the call of nature.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After months of no committees, there were finally fireworks at Health with the scandal-mired CHI getting a grilling. Outraged TDs warn the agency has lost its way as its future is questioned. More bad news on housing with another forecast saying Govt targets for '25 are already a bust. But the Oppo fears apathy is taking the heat out of the crisis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We try to unpack the tortured calculus of the Government's rental plan. One thing's clear - if it delivers, it won't be anytime soon. And is there now a danger people could simply tune out, as with hospital trollies? The Opposition remains united on Israeli war bonds, again hammering the Coalition. Simon Harris pushes ahead with Triple Lock reform.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Higgins slams a "slander against Ireland" over its criticism of Israel. Simon Harris slams the Opposition over deploying "brickbats" and "moral superiority". The Coalition majority looks less robust as pro-Govt TDs support Sinn Féin. Housing delivery remains dire, and may worsen further. And the fox's fate hangs on a bill at second stage.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Children's Hospital saga rumbles on, with Simon Harris squarely in the Opposition's crosshairs. Have lessons been learned, or will costly errors be repeated with the new National Maternity Hospital? Cara Darmody's Dáil protest puts assessment of need at the top of the agenda. Tánaiste says Occupied Territories Bill is moving forward.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The report into the Oireachtas bike shed names no-one and, quelle surprise, vows that lessons will be learned. While the minister in charge has - boldly - promised to cut driving test times in 10 weeks, one person felt they had no option but to go to Georgia to get theirs. The hip surgery crisis gathers pace as another health scandal looms.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The new PAC chief alleges 'massive profiteering' in housing asylum seekers, and vows action. RTÉ's DG seems calm ahead of a tricky committee appearance. Pressure on Gov over Gaza rises, with demands to pass Occupied Territories Bill. And a TD no-show in the hard-won Other Members' Dáil time leaves the Govt red-faced.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The housing czar to get €200k more than the Taoiseach - and for a job share (with the minister)? Like the housing market, the debate has got very heated. After massive expenditure, the Farrelly Commission fails to answer crucial questions. Turnout in elections might be higher than we thought. And it turns out dandelions were good guys all along.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.