Good morning,
The Government welcomed another visiting dignitary to Dublin yesterday – without the upheaval of Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s visit last week. European Council president António Costa was in town for a courtesy call, but the fallout from suspected Russian drone activity in Irish skies continued to echo around Government Buildings.
The soul of diplomacy, Mr Costa told a press conference that he had full confidence in Ireland to ensure the security of the State and the security of the European Council during Ireland’s presidency of the EU in the latter half of 2026.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin, meanwhile, dismissed comments by Russian officials who said Russia had no connection with drones spotted near the flight path of the Ukrainian president’s aircraft into Dublin Airport.
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Harry McGee has the write-up of events here.
Meanwhile, employers’ group Ibec has called on the Government to increase investment in defence and security – saying robust security is the bedrock for business, pointing to their ability to rely on undersea cables, grid connections, energy and security against cyber threats. “We saw with the visit of president Zelenskiy last week and with Ireland’s EU presidency fast approaching, that our vulnerabilities are going to become more scrutinised internationally”. It’s an uncomfortable position for the Government, with no quick fix available.
As the Australian social media ban for under-16s comes into effect, Ellen Coyne has more details on plans to toughen up regulation of social media firms.
But Patrick O’Donovan’s message to the firms is basically, if they have a problem, come and have a go if you think you’re hard enough.
Best reads
Miriam Lord on the big switch(ing) on of the Christmas Lights at Leinster House.
Kathy Sheridan on rage bait – or hate speech.
Daniel McLoughlin reports from Kyiv on fighting on the Ukrainian frontline as peace talks rumble on.
Mark Paul is on new train livery and grand brand designs for Great British Railways.
Michael McDowell says Donald Trump is a piece-taker, not a peace maker.
AI in the classroom is the topic for academic Eimear Nolan and Dirk Lindebaum.
Playbook
Topical issues opens the day’s proceedings at 9am in the Dáil, before the second stage of a Bill on dog welfare from Social Democrats TD for Wicklow Jennifer Whitmore. The legislation seeks to provide for animal welfare considerations in operation of dog breeding establishments, including a cap on the number of breeding bitches and the age of pups when removed from their mothers.
Leaders’ Questions is at midday, followed by Other Members’ Questions and Questions on Policy or Legislation, and then Taoiseach’s Questions.
In the afternoon, there will be statements on online safety shortly before 3pm, with Government time in the evening given over to legislation on defective concrete blocks and governing the operation of the Irish Film Board.
Here’s the full schedule.
In the Seanad commencement matters are at 10.30am. Legislation governing conditions around retirement ages is being considered at 12.45am, and the Mental Health Bill continues its committee stage consideration at 4pm.
In the evening legislation on auto-enrolment will be considered.
Here’s the full schedule.
The contentious issue of energy affordability is up for discussion at the Environment Committee at 12.30pm, while RTÉ is in at the Media Committee at the same time. Also at 12.30pm, the Tourism Committee continues pre-legislative scrutiny of the short-term letting and tourism bill.
The full schedule is here.
Parliamentary Party meetings are tonight, as always. With the review of the presidential fiasco for Fianna Fáil still awaited, all eyes (and ears) will be on that party’s meeting rooms.
