Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

State of the Nation: Does cutting property tax make homelessness worse?

Here’s everything you need to know about what’s happening in Irish politics right now…

EACH WEEKDAY MORNING, TheJournal.ie brings you a comprehensive guide to what’s happening in the political world.

Everyone’s talking about… 

Dublin City Council last night voted to cut local property tax in the region by the full 15 per cent, a decision which the council’s chief executive, Owen Keegan, says could hit homeless services. This view appears to be shared by Labour who wanted a smaller cut in the LPT.

Labour Leadership Contests What is Alan Kelly going to do about homelessness? Sam Boal / Photocall Ireland Sam Boal / Photocall Ireland / Photocall Ireland

Ironically, the warning comes as the Dublin Simon Community says today that homelessness in the capital is spiralling out of control. Labour placed a new emphasis on housing by demanding the portfolio (as part of Environment) in the Cabinet reshuffle but we’ve still yet to see what Minister Alan Kelly’s plans are. Simon warns this morning that the goal of ending long-term homelessness by 2016 is unachievable – a reality the government must face.

The agenda

  • The National Ploughing Championships get under way in Co Laois with all political parties there for the next three days. Follow our Daragh Brophy for updates.
  • The Taoiseach is in New York for a special one-day global Climate Summit. He is expected to get four minutes to address the summit at around 11.30am (4.30pm Irish Time)
  • With Enda in New York, the Tánaiste is chairing the usual Tuesday Cabinet meeting. 

Labour Party Think Ins Sam Boal / Photocall Ireland Sam Boal / Photocall Ireland / Photocall Ireland

  • In the Dáil, someone who is not Enda Kenny will take Leaders’ Questions at 3.15pm 
  • The Transport Committee is meeting with the chairman designate of Dublin Bus, Ultan Courtney, at 2pm
  • In the UK, Labour leader Ed Miliband will address his party’s conference in Manchester.

What the others are saying… 

  • Most papers carry a Today FM report last night that Fine Gael’s Seanad nominee, John McNulty, was appointed to a state board six days before nominations for the vacant Senate seat closed. 
  • Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féín are making inroads on Fine Gael’s traditional hold over the farming vote, according to an Irish Examiner/ICMSA survey (Page 1). 
  • Scrapping water charges will be a precondition of Sinn Féin entering into coalition after the next election, Mary Lou McDonald has told the Irish Times (page 7).

In case you missed it 

On the Twitter machine 

We’re sure he’s fine

Like Politics? Then ‘Like’ our dedicated Facebook page or follow our dedicated Twitter account

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
34 Comments
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds