AGP Executive Report

Israel-Ireland Tensions: Ireland has barred far-right Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich from entering the country, with the Taoiseach saying their comments amount to a desire to eliminate Palestinians from Palestine. Court Update (Dublin Stabbing): A man accused of taking part in a “14-man pack” chase linked to the fatal stabbing of Qayyum Balogun appeared in court, facing assault and violent disorder charges; a teen was also arrested in the investigation. Health & Regulation: A Dublin GP has been found guilty of professional misconduct over anti-vaccine social media posts during the pandemic. Economy Watch: Ireland’s steep GDP slump is dragging the eurozone into contraction, with revised figures pointing to a major fall driven by multinational-heavy sectors. Agriculture Support: Ministers have opened a Fuel Support Scheme for specialist horticulture growers to help with rising fuel costs. AI & Society: Ireland’s AI minister says Pope Leo’s call to keep AI centred on humanity will be taken into future policy talks. Local Life: Pride 2026 is set to transform central Dublin with major street installations and events.

Drug Gangs Target Children: RTÉ reports criminal gangs recruiting kids as young as seven to carry drugs and money, with cases described around areas near O’Connell Bridge and school gates. Court Settlement at Children’s Health Ireland: The High Court heard mediation approval has finally been granted for an employment dispute involving CHI and former business manager Anita Little, with her resignation part of the settlement. Leaving Cert Pressure: A Dublin student becomes the first in his family to sit the Leaving Cert, juggling multiple higher-level subjects and grinds while aiming for UCD business. Central Bank Warning on Economy: Central Bank deputy governor Vasileios Madouros says the 2008 crash’s impact is “persistent,” as he addresses financial stability concerns. GDP Shock, Unemployment Watch: Commentary on CSO data highlights a big quarterly GDP fall but urges focus on unemployment trends. Mental Health Crisis Abroad: Social Justice Ireland-linked reporting says families are increasingly seeking private treatment overseas as youth mental health services face chronic underfunding and long waits. Ukraine Flags Alumina Exports to Russia: Ukraine’s embassy raises alarm over Irish alumina shipments to Russia, adding pressure on the Government to act. World Cup Build-Up: Ireland’s women’s team faces the Netherlands with Carla Ward stressing belief, while debate continues over sport and Israel-related fixtures. Housing and Housing Finance: A Cork-focused piece notes cranes are back and apartments dominate new builds, but warns funding models may be broken. EV Grants Criticised: Letters question whether EV grant schemes mainly benefit those who can afford new cars. All-Ireland Hurling & Faith: A Cork bishop says “they’re playing and we’re praying” as the All-Ireland final clashes with a 100th anniversary Eucharistic procession.**

EU Court Clash Over Peat: Ireland is being taken to the EU’s top court over alleged failures to stop illegal peat cutting, with critics calling it a “farce” and environmentalists saying enforcement has been too weak. EV Push: The Government has launched a pilot scrappage plan offering up to €8,500 to switch from older petrol or diesel cars to new battery EVs, while the EIB backs a nationwide charging rollout plan. Justice System Update: The Court of Appeal has ordered a retrial in the murder case of Cameron Reilly, after quashing the conviction of Aaron Connolly. Dublin Violence Case: A man is due in court over assault causing harm linked to the fatal Grafton Street stabbing of Maynooth student Qayyum Balogun. Health Regulation: A Dublin-area GP has been found guilty of professional misconduct over Covid-19 vaccine and lockdown criticism posted online. Sports & Culture: Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he was “the ultimate diplomat” in Budapest, and Mullingar’s literary festival returns for three days of books and events.

Energy & Climate: Ireland’s fossil-fuel phase-out plan is still missing, even as energy insecurity and cost-of-living pressures keep the issue front and centre. US Trade & Ireland: Donald Trump threatens new tariffs on 60 countries, including Ireland, citing forced-labour concerns. Public Safety & Justice: A former business student who exposed himself to women in Dublin has been jailed for 16 months (with 12 suspended). Agriculture & Food Prices: Beef processors are accused of cutting prices “too far and too fast,” with farmers warning costs are still high. Rural Jobs: Co Offaly’s GoSales Solutions plans 100 new jobs in Ireland. Health & Farming: Animal Health Ireland says Ireland is close to being BVD-free, with the programme delivering healthier animals and reduced antibiotic use. Tech & Security: Onpipeline launches native biometric login for CRM access using fingerprint or face recognition. Dublin & Crime: RTÉ reports children being groomed and used in illegal drug dealing, with Dublin highlighted as a key problem area.

Transport & Climate: Minister Darragh O’Brien launched the €10m ICE2EV scheme from 1 July, offering €5,000 to scrap older (2013 or earlier) high-emitting cars and buy a battery EV, with extra support bringing total help to up to €8,500 per vehicle. Climate Accountability: O’Brien also admitted Ireland won’t hit its 2030 carbon-cut target, warning EU compliance payments could run into the billions. Road Safety: Gardaí say speed was a major factor in a bank-holiday policing operation, with 4,650 drivers caught speeding and 209 arrested for drink/drug driving. Health & Travel: The WHO urged countries to lift Ebola travel restrictions, days after Canada tightened rules for people from Ebola-affected areas. Education: After uproar over SNA cuts, the Education Minister promised no school will lose more than one SNA a year, with a new SNA workforce plan from September 2026. Local Culture: Fleadh Cheoil Luimnigh brought crowds to Croom over the June bank holiday, boosting tourism with music, dance and workshops. Business & Industry: COWI acquired Irish engineering firm PUNCH Consulting Engineers, aiming to grow its Irish team beyond 300. Sports: Rachael Blackmore shared the name of her baby boy, Bowie Martin Hayes.

Health Insurance Shock: The Health Insurance Authority says premiums rose about 11% last year while many plans cut orthopaedic cover, leaving 71% of customers on restricted benefits and facing bigger out-of-pocket costs. Transport & Climate: A new State scrappage pilot will offer €8,500 EV grants for cars aged 13+—€5,000 scrappage plus €3,500 toward a new EV—starting in July on a first-come basis. Education Support: Government will take a first-ever Special Needs Assistant workforce development plan to Cabinet, aiming to improve job security and clarify the SNA role after earlier cuts were reversed. Health System Pressure: The Rotunda maternity hospital is warned funding could be pulled unless it withdraws permission for public-only consultants to practise privately on its premises. Foreign Policy & Trade: The Ukrainian embassy says it has “serious concern” over continued alumina exports from Ireland to Russia, citing trade data and military-linked end use. Local Politics: In West Cork, questions remain over the future of Keelbeg Pier after another ministerial visit, with locals saying promises have not led to work starting. Business & Jobs: Network Ireland Mayo’s Businesswoman of the Year awards gala is set for June 19 in Geesala, with categories spanning STEM, creative work and early career roles.

Transport & Safety: Irish Rail has rubbished rumours that new Darts are too big for Bray Head tunnels, saying the trains are built for the existing network and only minor overhead-line tweaks are needed. Housing & Community Safety: Arson attacks on council homes have surged, with 35 incidents in Dublin in 2025 and nearly €5m spent on repairs since 2022, often linked to intimidation and gang feuds. Justice & Accountability: A Dublin civil servant accused of leaking confidential Government information to a foreign intelligence service has been remanded in custody pending DPP directions. Health & Care: The HSE is set to apologise in the High Court to the family of Maxine Maguire over alleged deficits in her care before her death. Culture & Local Life: Harp Media launches the “Harp Cinema Series” in Longford with Irish film screenings and filmmaker Q&As, starting with Michael Inside. Sports & Events: Zuffa Boxing confirms its Dublin card at 3Arena on August 8, with Cork’s Callum Walsh tipped as headliner. Business & Research: Academics have signed a letter criticising Research Ireland’s funding priorities as too industry-led, sidelining arts and humanities.

Transport & Local Impact: Transport minister Darragh O’Brien says Cork Luas sports clubs should be compensated with new facilities and extra playing fields as the €2.5bn light rail route faces opposition. Economy: AIB’s PMI shows Irish manufacturing hit its best growth in four years in May, with output, new orders, staffing and purchasing activity all rising as firms front-loaded demand amid Middle East-related supply pressures. Health: The National Cancer Registry says a new international study found big early drops in cancer diagnoses during COVID lockdowns, but no immediate rise in late-stage cases in 2020—though longer-term monitoring is needed. Research Funding: Nearly 2,000 academics warn Research Ireland’s €4.55bn priorities are too industry-led and neglect arts and humanities, while the agency says its remit includes all disciplines. Education & Wellbeing: A survey finds Irish teenagers miss about 10 school days a year due to stress, with exams and homework the biggest drivers. Sports (GAA): Louth’s Ciarán Byrne says he was in tears after ending a 53-year wait for a win over Dublin at Croke Park, after years of serious injuries. Business/Jobs: Primecore forecasts 150 new jobs in Ireland and elsewhere by 2028 after 50% revenue growth. Aviation: Virgin Atlantic Flight VS165 diverted to Shannon after a technical engine issue, with passengers rebooked or refunded.

Immigration & Detention: Ireland’s employment permit system has been expanded with 32 changes to help employers recruit overseas workers amid shortages, including new Critical Skills roles and updated quotas. Health & Care Capacity: The INMO says Mayo and other hospitals are still overcrowded, with thousands treated on trolleys or in inappropriate spaces in May, renewing calls for safe staffing legislation. Public Safety: Gardai are investigating incidents at Dublin’s War Memorial Gardens after a man swam across the River Liffey following an alleged assault and later died in hospital. Sports & Community: Katie McCabe has signed a three-year deal with Chelsea, while the GAA continues to stir debate around bans and match-day decisions. Culture & Local Life: Waterford marks Africa Day with community events and local makers, and ComicFest returns to Enniskillen this weekend. Media Literacy: Coimisiun na Mean (Cnam) has funded three media literacy and counter-disinformation projects for 2026. Business & Jobs: Tines reported a jump in revenue to $39.6m as it scales its workflow and AI platform, with growth across Ireland and beyond.

Health & Care Closures: HSE South West says Perrott House in Skibbereen has no residents left, with staff still finalising closure tasks including medical record security. Social Protection: Over 147,000 carers are set to receive the €2,000 Carer’s Support Grant this week, with €336m total value. Justice & EU Migration: Minister Jim O’Callaghan begins bilateral talks in Prague and Warsaw ahead of Ireland’s EU Council Presidency, focusing on migration, organised crime and the rule of law. Energy Costs: A new study claims data-centre demand has added about €360 to household electricity bills since 2015, with costs potentially rising further. Climate & Public Priorities: Irish Examiner polling finds climate change is real to most people, but cost of living, healthcare and housing dominate voting priorities; many won’t pay extra or cut meat. Sports & Local Media: Dublin skipped media duties after losing to Louth in the All-Ireland SFC, while Louth secured a Round 2A place. Community & Charity: Garda volunteer Paul McNally is among a team delivering donated ambulances from Ireland to hospices in Uganda for mobile palliative care clinics. Business & Tech: King launched a report touting mobile games as a European growth driver, highlighting jobs and billions in economic value.

All-Ireland SFC: Louth ended a 53-year wait for a championship win over Dublin with a dramatic Croke Park comeback, while the Round 2 draws are set for Tuesday morning on RTÉ Radio 1. Transport & commuting: A Mayo TD says an Irish Rail timetable change is leaving Westport-to-Dublin passengers facing waits of up to 70 minutes. Health staffing pressure: A Fine Gael councillor is calling for the HSE to recruit earlier by targeting teenagers in schools amid a worsening staffing crisis. Housing & costs: A Limerick TD warns “gouging” in construction as oil-linked material price swings hit homebuilding. Public services & governance: A senior civil servant in Northern Ireland’s Department for the Economy has accepted he and officials “messed up” after a Stormont committee dressing-down. Commemoration: Dublin marked the 85th anniversary of the 1941 North Strand bombing with a wreath-laying ceremony. Sports spotlight: Irish golfer Stuart Grehan produced a hole-in-one en route to winning the East of Ireland Amateur Championship. Missing person appeal: Family urgently seeks help locating Tommy O’Neill, missing in Ibiza for over two weeks.

Drugs & Crime: Gardaí seized 1kg of cocaine and over €220,000 in cash after a search in Duleek, Co Meath, arresting three men linked to organised crime. Public Safety: Gardaí and the Road Safety Authority warn of heavy June Bank Holiday enforcement, with checkpoints and speed vans targeting speeding, drink and drug-driving. Justice for Yves Sakila: Around 100 protesters in Dublin demanded an independent, transparent probe into the death of Congolese man Yves Sakila after he was restrained by shop security; a post-mortem is complete but results aren’t released. Court Case: A Dublin construction boss and three workers face charges over a €5.1m cannabis haul hidden in coffee tables after a controlled delivery from Toronto. Housing & Racism: Sinn Féin condemned attacks on Dublin City Council homes allocated to households headed by people born outside the state, calling them racist and unacceptable. Foreign Policy & Security: An Irish MEP says UK officials fear Ireland’s visa approach could make it a “back door” for Russian spies. Sports & Politics: Opposition parties plan Dáil motions backing a boycott of Ireland’s Israel fixtures, while the FAI prepares an EGM. Business & Trade: Data reported by the Irish Times claims Aughinish Alumina exported most of its alumina to Russia in Q1, challenging government arguments on sanctions. Transport Disruption: Irish Rail warns of major DART closures over the June Bank Holiday weekend, with buses replacing services on affected routes.

Housing & Hate Crime in Dublin: Dublin City Council has started recording racially-motivated attacks on vacant council houses after a rise in vandalism in areas like Finglas, Coolock, Ballymun and Cabra, with graffiti such as “Irish only or it burns” and “Muslims will be shot” linked to rumours about allocations to ethnic-minority families. Property Market Watch: New BPFI mortgage data shows €1.5bn agreed in April, but home-purchase loans fell slightly in number, pointing to continued squeeze as prices rise. Israel Football Protests: Republic of Ireland matches against Israel remain a flashpoint, with players discussing a possible statement as tennis-ball protests disrupt fixtures and calls grow for boycott or neutral venues. Sanctions & Alumina: More than 80% of Irish-made alumina exports went to Russia in Q1, reigniting pressure on the Government and EU over potential sanctions and the Aughinish Alumina controversy. Work & AI Anxiety: Ibec warns Ireland can’t take a passive approach to AI in the workforce as employers cut graduate roles, with graduates fearing AI-driven disruption. Tourism & Culture: Athy’s bid for a local tourist forum was rejected in favour of countywide strategy, while Cork hosts Art + Soul at Castlemartyr with major sculpture highlights. Charity & Community: A Dublin man is set to run the length of Ireland and back for Family Carers Ireland, and an Irish League stars match in Belfast raises funds for mental health charity TAMHI.

EU sanctions row: Taoiseach Micheál Martin says EU moves to sanction Russian-owned Aughinish Alumina would be “self-defeating”, warning it could damage Europe’s economy and Ireland’s electricity grid. Israel–Palestine fallout in sport: Irish fans threw tennis balls at the Aviva during Ireland’s friendly with Qatar, with a Palestine solidarity group threatening “hell to pay” over upcoming Nations League games against Israel. Middle East escalation: Israeli forces advanced north of Lebanon’s Litani river as the US hosts peace talks in Washington, with fighting continuing despite an April ceasefire. Migration policy: Minister Colm Brophy announced removal of the right of appeal for certain short-stay (type C) visa refusals, while long-stay (type D) appeals remain. Roads and local delivery: Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien officially opened the €31m N55 realignment bypassing Killydoon, aimed at improving safety and journey reliability. Crime and investigations: Gardaí believe threats to Carlow primary schools may stem from a hacked email account linked to a deceased American. Weather for the bank holiday: Met Éireann forecasts a mix of sunshine, showers and longer rain spells as cooler Atlantic conditions return. Business & community: Suzanne McEvoy elected new President of Mullingar Municipal District Chamber of Commerce, pledging to be a stronger voice for local firms.

Israel Match Boycott Row: Michael D. Higgins says arguments that “sport and politics do not mix” are “spurious”, as calls grow for Ireland to boycott the Nations League fixture in Dublin. Missing Teen Appeal: Gardaí are searching for 16-year-old Cian Mooney, last seen near Drogheda and believed to have travelled toward Crumlin/Tallaght. Jobs Market Caution: The ERF reports employer confidence has slumped in Q1, with more hiring shifting toward temporary and contract roles. Housing Funds Scrutiny: An EU housing committee chair says Ireland hasn’t used enough EU housing money, pointing to coordination and governance gaps. Energy and Industry Pressure: Aughinish Alumina warns sanctions on alumina sales to Russia could disrupt Ireland’s gas and electricity grids. Data Centres Debate: Irish and international coverage highlights how data-centre growth could drive major power demand, pushing regulators to act. Health Care Gap: Road-collision survivors face long waits for specialist rehab, with calls for urgent investment at home. Arts: Gráinne O’Hare wins the Kerry Group Irish Novel of the Year for Thirst Trap.

Dublin Crime: Two men have been remanded in custody after a €1.4m heroin seizure in Dublin; bail was refused at court as gardaí alleged a drugs handover and van interception. EU Enlargement: Cyprus-based talks are “cautiously optimistic” about opening EU accession negotiations with Moldova and Ukraine next month, with unanimity needed at the June 16 council. Public Safety: Gardaí and the Road Safety Authority kick off a June bank holiday road policing campaign, targeting speeding, phone use and seatbelts, with intoxicated-driving enforcement focused late night. Health & Community: The HSE is urging sun safety for the June bank holiday as skin cancer remains Ireland’s most common cancer, while Menu of Poems is being shared across hospitals for Poetry Day. Politics & Climate: President Catherine Connolly says climate action hasn’t matched the needed speed or scale, speaking at Bord Bia Bloom. Culture & Sports: U2 will feature on a Shane MacGowan tribute album, and Ireland play Qatar at the Aviva with Jack Moylan starting. Local Life: Cong Food Village Festival returns in July, and the FTD Brothers complete 33 marathons in 33 days in Dublin to raise dementia awareness and funds.