Debate  
Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald holds the “Children First” document at its publication in July 2011 in Dublin Castle. Photograph: Matt Kavanagh Needs of children trumped by politics and economics

Column: Despite all our rhetoric about cherishing children, cultural factors stand in the way of progress

The Seanad chamber. “The Government decision this week to allow the Seanad Reform Bill 2013 to pass to committee stage without a vote arose for reasons of realpolitik rather than from any commitment to reform.” Photograph: Alan Betson Cabinet allowed Seanad reform Bill to advance because it had little choice

Column: Once a political system becomes dysfunctional it is difficult to alter

Taoiseach Enda Kenny speaking aboout the proposed abortion legislation before a recent Cabinet meeting. He has staked his political reputation on getting the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill passed before the summer recess. Photographer: Dara Mac Dónaill Enda Kenny’s political reputation at stake in abortion legislation’s safe passage

Inside Politics: Fate of Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill will be one of the defining features of his term as Taoiseach

Developing human embryos, nucleated by somatic cell nuclear transfer, pictured in their third day of development. Biologists at Oregon Health & Science University have created human stem cells using cloning techniques. Photograph: Oregon Health & Science University/Reuters Stem cell research requires legislation and guidelines
  • Debate
  • Ciara Staunton
  • May 18, 2013, 02:00

Opinion: Ireland’s lack of regulation repels foreign scientific investment and may also facilitate rogue operators

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Simplistic debate on IFSC does no one any favours

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Needs of children trumped by politics and economics

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Cabinet allowed Seanad reform Bill to advance because it had little choice

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