A STATE audit has uncovered millions of euros in overpayments made to private providers under the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS). According to a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG), IPAS was overcharged €7.4m in VAT by a provider operating multiple properties using three different VAT numbers. Though €1.5m has been refunded, the … [Read more...] about Millions in overpayments uncovered in Ireland’s asylum accommodation system
Taoiseach ‘deeply saddened’ by death of Irish author Manchán Magan
AUTHOR Manchán Magan has died at the age of 55 following a battle with cancer. The Dublin-born writer, documentary-maker and Irish language advocate was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2023. In an interview for RTE earlier this year the writer revealed that his condition had worsened, and that he did not have much time left. “For some reason, there hasn't been much despair, … [Read more...] about Taoiseach ‘deeply saddened’ by death of Irish author Manchán Magan
President Higgins made president of debating society at University of Galway
PRESIDENT Michael D Higgins has been made President of the University of Galway’s Literary and Debating Society. Members of the society were in Áras an Uachtaráin this week to bestow the honorary title upon the Irish president, whose time in the role ends next month. Members of the University of Galway's Literary and Debating Society bestowed the honour upon the President this … [Read more...] about President Higgins made president of debating society at University of Galway
Five sets of skeletal human remains found at Tuam excavation site
FIVE sets of skeletal human remains have been found during the ongoing excavation of the site of a former mother and baby home in Tuam. The remains have been dated to be from the period from 1841 to 1918 when the site in Co. Galway was in use as a workhouse. This is prior to the time it operated as a mother and baby home, run by the Bon Secours nuns, from 1925 to 1961. The … [Read more...] about Five sets of skeletal human remains found at Tuam excavation site
Irish among hundreds detained after Israeli navy intercept Gaza aid flotilla
A HUMANITARIAN flotilla carrying nearly 500 international activists, including 22 Irish citizens, was intercepted by Israeli naval forces as it attempted to reach Gaza. The convoy, organised by the Global Sumud Flotilla, was delivering a symbolic shipment of humanitarian aid, including food, medicine, and water to the besieged Palestinian enclave. Among those on board were Sinn … [Read more...] about Irish among hundreds detained after Israeli navy intercept Gaza aid flotilla