Government Update on EU Actions Toward Israel, as Announced by Harris
In the Government Buildings in Dublin today, the Cabinet will convene ahead of the Dáil's return following its summer recess. Among the agenda items is a discussion led by Tánaiste Simon Harris on measures proposed by the European Commission to increase pressure on Israel over its actions in Gaza and the West Bank.
The European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, has proposed suspending a preferential tariff rate given to Israel by the EU as part of the Association Agreement. This move comes in response to an independent UN commission report that concluded Israel has committed and continues to commit genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. However, some EU member states have refused to support this proposal, making it unlikely that the sanctions will be implemented as planned.
Meanwhile, a domestic health concern has come to light involving Children's Health Ireland (CHI). Last year, nine-year-old Harvey Morrison, who had spina bifida and scoliosis, was removed from a CHI waiting list for urgent scoliosis surgery without his parents' consent or knowledge. Harvey tragically passed away in July, and his parents have expressed their disappointment that he waited years for a spinal operation, only receiving one last November when the curve in his spine had reached 130 degrees.
PBP Solidarity TD Ruth Coppinger has called for a public inquiry into CHI and into spinal surgeries, led by parents and transparent in its process. She also plans to raise the issue of racist attacks during the summer in the Dáil. In addition, Coppinger will bring up the case of 'Justice for Harvey' in the Dáil.
The Government has received a significant response to its efforts to attract top international researchers to Irish universities. Minister James Lawless reported 174 expressions of interest from potential researchers. Approximately 70% of these applications are focused on STEM fields, while 25% are proposals in Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. The aim of this initiative is to increase research on strategic areas of importance to Ireland.
The review of expressions of interest is currently being conducted by Research Ireland, with full proposals expected to be submitted in October. It is expected that this influx of international talent will contribute positively to Ireland's research landscape.
As the Dáil resumes, various issues will be addressed, including renewed Opposition demands for a new cost-of-living package in next month's Budget due to a recent hike in electricity charges. Additionally, Sinn Féin is bringing a private members motion this evening relating to special education school places.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin will face questions from Opposition leaders and some Independents in the Dáil. The discussions and decisions made during these sessions will shape the direction of Ireland's policies and priorities in the coming months.
Read also:
- United States tariffs pose a threat to India, necessitating the recruitment of adept negotiators or strategists, similar to those who had influenced Trump's decisions.
- Weekly happenings in the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)
- Southwest region's most popular posts, accompanied by an inquiry:
- Discussion between Putin and Trump in Alaska could potentially overshadow Ukraine's concerns
