Jane Matthews
@janematthews1.bsky.social
Nosy Parker/Political Correspondent @thejournal.ie
Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill weighs in on the Donegal Cancer Flights issue.
Side stepping the question, she says the bigger issue is why patients have to travel to Dublin in the first place.
@thejournal.ie
Side stepping the question, she says the bigger issue is why patients have to travel to Dublin in the first place.
@thejournal.ie
February 17, 2026 at 5:29 PM
Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill weighs in on the Donegal Cancer Flights issue.
Side stepping the question, she says the bigger issue is why patients have to travel to Dublin in the first place.
@thejournal.ie
Side stepping the question, she says the bigger issue is why patients have to travel to Dublin in the first place.
@thejournal.ie
Reposted by Jane Matthews
The government is pausing the controversial review into how Special Needs Assistants are allocated after major backlash.
jrnl.ie/6959606
jrnl.ie/6959606
Government pauses controversial review of Special Needs Assistants after major backlash
Trade union Fórsa said this week that schools received notifications that their SNA allocations will be reduced for the next school year.
jrnl.ie
February 17, 2026 at 2:03 PM
The government is pausing the controversial review into how Special Needs Assistants are allocated after major backlash.
jrnl.ie/6959606
jrnl.ie/6959606
Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins is not happy with the quality of Hot School Meals.
“This is absolutely diabolical of the highest order.
“…And God, you'd want a very strong stomach, to be a very strong human being to put that in you,” he says.
“This is absolutely diabolical of the highest order.
“…And God, you'd want a very strong stomach, to be a very strong human being to put that in you,” he says.
February 17, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins is not happy with the quality of Hot School Meals.
“This is absolutely diabolical of the highest order.
“…And God, you'd want a very strong stomach, to be a very strong human being to put that in you,” he says.
“This is absolutely diabolical of the highest order.
“…And God, you'd want a very strong stomach, to be a very strong human being to put that in you,” he says.
On reports today that Councils tried to zone close to 300 sites prone to flooding for development over the last 6 years, SocDems climate spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore says: “we need to just stop doing stupid things when it comes to planning.”
February 17, 2026 at 11:37 AM
On reports today that Councils tried to zone close to 300 sites prone to flooding for development over the last 6 years, SocDems climate spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore says: “we need to just stop doing stupid things when it comes to planning.”
TD Ruth Coppinger is calling on the FAI to boycott the upcoming fixtures against Israel.
“To say that there isn't a connection between sport and politics, is never the case in reality,” she says.
@thejournal.ie
“To say that there isn't a connection between sport and politics, is never the case in reality,” she says.
@thejournal.ie
February 17, 2026 at 11:34 AM
TD Ruth Coppinger is calling on the FAI to boycott the upcoming fixtures against Israel.
“To say that there isn't a connection between sport and politics, is never the case in reality,” she says.
@thejournal.ie
“To say that there isn't a connection between sport and politics, is never the case in reality,” she says.
@thejournal.ie
Reposted by Jane Matthews
"An outstanding bench warrant does not make the punishment he is receiving now justified in any way, shape or form," TD Duncan Smith said.
jrnl.ie/6956219t
jrnl.ie/6956219t
Politicians say past legal issues should not stop help for Irish man in 'subhuman' US detention
“An outstanding bench warrant does not make the punishment he is receiving now justified in any way, shape or form,” Duncan Smith said.
jrnl.ie
February 14, 2026 at 12:15 AM
"An outstanding bench warrant does not make the punishment he is receiving now justified in any way, shape or form," TD Duncan Smith said.
jrnl.ie/6956219t
jrnl.ie/6956219t
Reposted by Jane Matthews
"My experience of this entire process has completely and utterly brought me to my knees," former garda Margaret Loftus has said in relation to her experience of the justice system.
Last month, her ex-husband received a three-month suspended sentence for assaulting her in 2012.
jrnl.ie/6953461t
Last month, her ex-husband received a three-month suspended sentence for assaulting her in 2012.
jrnl.ie/6953461t
'The justice system broke me in every way possible': Former Garda Margaret Loftus on domestic abuse
Margaret’s ex-husband, who was a serving garda at the time, received a three-month suspended sentence for her assault, 13 years after it happened.
jrnl.ie
February 11, 2026 at 6:21 PM
"My experience of this entire process has completely and utterly brought me to my knees," former garda Margaret Loftus has said in relation to her experience of the justice system.
Last month, her ex-husband received a three-month suspended sentence for assaulting her in 2012.
jrnl.ie/6953461t
Last month, her ex-husband received a three-month suspended sentence for assaulting her in 2012.
jrnl.ie/6953461t
Reposted by Jane Matthews
Hundred of patients died by suspected suicide shortly after being in contact with healthcare services in Ireland, @investigates.thejournal.ie can reveal.
jrnl.ie/6929274
jrnl.ie/6929274
February 10, 2026 at 9:35 AM
Hundred of patients died by suspected suicide shortly after being in contact with healthcare services in Ireland, @investigates.thejournal.ie can reveal.
jrnl.ie/6929274
jrnl.ie/6929274
Reposted by Jane Matthews
After years of being left in limbo, residents in North County Dublin who have watched their properties be slowly eaten by the sea have today received the welcome news that works will begin this week to save their homes.
jrnl.ie/6951718t
jrnl.ie/6951718t
'It impacts your whole life': Portrane family on slowly losing their home to the sea
Today, the OPW approved funding of €622,000 for emergency works to protect eight homes at risk of imminent collapse.
jrnl.ie
February 9, 2026 at 4:18 PM
After years of being left in limbo, residents in North County Dublin who have watched their properties be slowly eaten by the sea have today received the welcome news that works will begin this week to save their homes.
jrnl.ie/6951718t
jrnl.ie/6951718t
Reposted by Jane Matthews
University College Dublin is coming under pressure to revoke an award it gave to renowned linguist Noam Chomsky, following fresh details of his friendship with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
jrnl.ie/6949693t
jrnl.ie/6949693t
Calls for UCD to revoke award given to Noam Chomsky over Epstein links
The latest documents appear to shed new light on the relationship between the pair.
jrnl.ie
February 7, 2026 at 8:40 AM
University College Dublin is coming under pressure to revoke an award it gave to renowned linguist Noam Chomsky, following fresh details of his friendship with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
jrnl.ie/6949693t
jrnl.ie/6949693t
Reposted by Jane Matthews
"I'll put my hand in a bin to feed my child."
"What is the alternative, begging? That would be more degrading to me."
"We do this to keep ourselves going."
People who collect bottles and cans from bins and on the street in Dublin share their stories. jrnl.ie/6947770t
"What is the alternative, begging? That would be more degrading to me."
"We do this to keep ourselves going."
People who collect bottles and cans from bins and on the street in Dublin share their stories. jrnl.ie/6947770t
'It's honest work': Dubliners who collect bottles and cans on the streets share their stories
We sat down with four men who collect bottles and cans to raise money for food, Leap card top-ups, phone bills and more.
jrnl.ie
February 6, 2026 at 6:00 AM
"I'll put my hand in a bin to feed my child."
"What is the alternative, begging? That would be more degrading to me."
"We do this to keep ourselves going."
People who collect bottles and cans from bins and on the street in Dublin share their stories. jrnl.ie/6947770t
"What is the alternative, begging? That would be more degrading to me."
"We do this to keep ourselves going."
People who collect bottles and cans from bins and on the street in Dublin share their stories. jrnl.ie/6947770t
Reposted by Jane Matthews
While journalists were invited to film President Connolly’s arrival at Stormont, along with a speech at Ulster University this afternoon, no other access to the President was permitted, and only limited information about her engagements was provided ahead of time.
jrnl.ie/6946893t
jrnl.ie/6946893t
Another viral moment for Connolly on first Belfast outing - but no courtside seats for media
Since becoming president almost four months ago Connolly has rarely spoken to journalists.
jrnl.ie
February 4, 2026 at 7:05 PM
While journalists were invited to film President Connolly’s arrival at Stormont, along with a speech at Ulster University this afternoon, no other access to the President was permitted, and only limited information about her engagements was provided ahead of time.
jrnl.ie/6946893t
jrnl.ie/6946893t
It’s not just keepie uppies President Connolly is skilled at apparently.
📍 Queens University where she joined the PeacePlayers basketball team on the court.
📍 Queens University where she joined the PeacePlayers basketball team on the court.
February 4, 2026 at 12:56 PM
It’s not just keepie uppies President Connolly is skilled at apparently.
📍 Queens University where she joined the PeacePlayers basketball team on the court.
📍 Queens University where she joined the PeacePlayers basketball team on the court.
President Catherine Connolly is greeted at Stormont Castle by First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly.
It marks the beginning of her first official visit to Northern Ireland.
It marks the beginning of her first official visit to Northern Ireland.
February 4, 2026 at 10:42 AM
President Catherine Connolly is greeted at Stormont Castle by First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly.
It marks the beginning of her first official visit to Northern Ireland.
It marks the beginning of her first official visit to Northern Ireland.
Reposted by Jane Matthews
The Government plans to introduce regulations making it mandatory for users of e-bikes and e-scooters to wear helmets and high-visibility clothing.
jrnl.ie/6945841t
jrnl.ie/6945841t
Helmets and hi-vises to be made mandatory for e-bikes and e-scooter users
Cabinet will sign off on plans to explicitly ban the use of scramblers on roads this morning.
jrnl.ie
February 4, 2026 at 6:05 AM
The Government plans to introduce regulations making it mandatory for users of e-bikes and e-scooters to wear helmets and high-visibility clothing.
jrnl.ie/6945841t
jrnl.ie/6945841t
In Belfast today covering President Connolly's first official State visit to Northern Ireland
The visit will begin with a meeting with First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly at Stormont Castle this morning.
jrnl.ie/6946030t
jrnl.ie/6946030t
President Connolly to begin three-day official visit to Northern Ireland
She will kick off her visit with an appearance at Stormont this morning.
jrnl.ie
February 4, 2026 at 8:36 AM
In Belfast today covering President Connolly's first official State visit to Northern Ireland
Reposted by Jane Matthews
This year's St Patrick's Day programme is the biggest in the history of the State - but how exactly is it all decided? jrnl.ie/6942042t
Politicians' Paddy's Day: 38 ministers, 50 countries, 1 designated survivor and some raised eyebrows
This year’s St Patrick’s Day programme is the biggest in the history of the State.
jrnl.ie
February 1, 2026 at 12:15 AM
This year's St Patrick's Day programme is the biggest in the history of the State - but how exactly is it all decided? jrnl.ie/6942042t
Reposted by Jane Matthews
Here's what you need to know after tonight's emergency meeting of EU leaders has wrapped up.
jrnl.ie/6935694t
jrnl.ie/6935694t
EU pretends its business as usual with Trump, but fears remain beneath the surface
Althought the immediate crisis has subsided, EU leaders still met in Brussels last night to decide a coordinated response to Trump’s threats — but not everyone was happy about it.
jrnl.ie
January 23, 2026 at 12:15 AM
Here's what you need to know after tonight's emergency meeting of EU leaders has wrapped up.
jrnl.ie/6935694t
jrnl.ie/6935694t
Arriving at the emergency EU leaders summit in Brussels this evening, Taoiseach Micheál Martin welcomed Trump’s tariff climb down but said it has been a “challenging few weeks” in relation to “the Greenland situation”.
@thejournal.ie
@thejournal.ie
January 22, 2026 at 6:38 PM
Arriving at the emergency EU leaders summit in Brussels this evening, Taoiseach Micheál Martin welcomed Trump’s tariff climb down but said it has been a “challenging few weeks” in relation to “the Greenland situation”.
@thejournal.ie
@thejournal.ie
The words on the lips of most of the political press officers The Journal spoke to about their parties use of X: “it is being kept under review”.
www.thejournal.ie/x-grok-irish...
www.thejournal.ie/x-grok-irish...
Behind the scenes: how political parties have responded to the Grok scandal
It looks like everyone’s favourite words this week are “kept under review”.
www.thejournal.ie
January 18, 2026 at 10:21 AM
The words on the lips of most of the political press officers The Journal spoke to about their parties use of X: “it is being kept under review”.
www.thejournal.ie/x-grok-irish...
www.thejournal.ie/x-grok-irish...
“Most of the victims are thought to have been younger than 30…a female fashion designer of 23, three young footballers…a champion basketball player of 21, a fledgling movie director and a student…whose first protest was his last.”
www.thetimes.com/world/middle...
www.thetimes.com/world/middle...
Iran report says 16,500 dead in ‘genocide under digital darkness’
Witnesses tell of the brutality inflicted on those taking part in anti-regime protests
www.thetimes.com
January 18, 2026 at 10:09 AM
“Most of the victims are thought to have been younger than 30…a female fashion designer of 23, three young footballers…a champion basketball player of 21, a fledgling movie director and a student…whose first protest was his last.”
www.thetimes.com/world/middle...
www.thetimes.com/world/middle...
Reposted by Jane Matthews
This week on The Candidate, we unpack the political response to Grok, the muddled messaging, and the question Ireland keeps avoiding: how do you regulate powerful tech firms when the State also relies on them?
Listen now wherever you get your podcasts pod.link/1439226641/e...
Listen now wherever you get your podcasts pod.link/1439226641/e...
January 15, 2026 at 3:19 PM
This week on The Candidate, we unpack the political response to Grok, the muddled messaging, and the question Ireland keeps avoiding: how do you regulate powerful tech firms when the State also relies on them?
Listen now wherever you get your podcasts pod.link/1439226641/e...
Listen now wherever you get your podcasts pod.link/1439226641/e...
Minister of State for AI Niamh Smyth tells the Dáil she is meeting with representatives from X tomorrow.
January 15, 2026 at 4:11 PM
Minister of State for AI Niamh Smyth tells the Dáil she is meeting with representatives from X tomorrow.
Elon Musk just been labelled a 'creepy little slimeball' in the Dáil by Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon.
January 15, 2026 at 3:04 PM
Elon Musk just been labelled a 'creepy little slimeball' in the Dáil by Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon.
Reposted by Jane Matthews
The Government has pushed out the introduction of planned new powers for the Agri-Food Regulator by a year.
jrnl.ie/6926315t
jrnl.ie/6926315t
Government criticised for delaying powers forcing grocery sector to reveal costs
The regulator has struggled to get businesses to give it the data it needs since it was established three years ago.
jrnl.ie
January 14, 2026 at 12:29 PM
The Government has pushed out the introduction of planned new powers for the Agri-Food Regulator by a year.
jrnl.ie/6926315t
jrnl.ie/6926315t