Wednesday’s Top Stories: New election laws delayed, Irish beef exports to China suspended after BSE found

New election laws delayed after EU and internet companies object

New laws enabling the State’s democratic watchdog to regulate political advertising and combat misinformation during elections have not been brought into operation following concerns raised by the European Commission and objections by social media giants.

The Electoral Reform Act was passed by the Oireachtas last year, and a new body, the Electoral Commission, was set up this year to run and monitor elections and referendums. Under the Act the commission has been given extensive powers to monitor and regulate election campaigning online, including paid advertising. The Act also confers significant powers on the commission to enforce its decisions on internet and social media companies.

However, parts 4 and 5 of the act, which contains these powers, have not been commenced by the Minister responsible, Darragh O’Brien, and it is unclear when they will be brought into operation.

The European Commission expressed some concerns about the new powers, and the Government agreed to pause the implementation of the Act pending further discussions.

‘Meticulously responsible’ Tom Martens portrayed in court as a loving father and grandfather who ‘follows the rules rigidly’: You could tell Tom Martens’s character witnesses had worked in law enforcement or the FBI even before they opened their mouths. They all dress the same – suit and tie, side-parted hair- and they carry themselves with a conservative, upright deportment, as if at any moment they could be interviewed for a country club membership.
Suspension of Irish beef exports to China after BSE case disappointing, says Tánaiste: Tánaiste Micheál Martin has described as disappointing the suspension of Irish beef exports to China following the discovery of an atypical case of BSE.
Apartment blocks up to 19 storeys to go ahead on contentious Dublin 8 site: A three-year legal battle against the construction of two build-to-rent and co-living schemes on the sites of the former Bailey Gibson and Player Wills factories in Dublin 8 has been brought to an end, paving the way for apartment blocks up to 19 storeys tall.
Tourism Ireland to ‘weigh’ benefits of further growth with environmental damage: Tourism Ireland says the chase for growth in visitor numbers from far-flung markets such as Asia needs to be weighed against damage to the environment and the ability of the country to cope.
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