Ken Foxe
@kenfoxe.bsky.social
Writer, Researcher & Transparency Advocate
Records show how government quietly closed loophole that allowed high-value life assurance policies to pass between family members without triggering inheritance tax.
Officials warned against publicising the issue over fears of aggressive tax planning.
www.thestory.ie/2026/01/16/h...
Officials warned against publicising the issue over fears of aggressive tax planning.
www.thestory.ie/2026/01/16/h...
January 16, 2026 at 2:18 PM
Records show how government quietly closed loophole that allowed high-value life assurance policies to pass between family members without triggering inheritance tax.
Officials warned against publicising the issue over fears of aggressive tax planning.
www.thestory.ie/2026/01/16/h...
Officials warned against publicising the issue over fears of aggressive tax planning.
www.thestory.ie/2026/01/16/h...
Over the past six years, Ireland's Data Protection Commission has levied €4.04 billion in fines, mostly on Big Tech.
Just €20 million has been collected, with most cases still tied up in legal appeals.
www.thestory.ie/2026/01/13/b...
Just €20 million has been collected, with most cases still tied up in legal appeals.
www.thestory.ie/2026/01/13/b...
January 13, 2026 at 4:13 PM
Over the past six years, Ireland's Data Protection Commission has levied €4.04 billion in fines, mostly on Big Tech.
Just €20 million has been collected, with most cases still tied up in legal appeals.
www.thestory.ie/2026/01/13/b...
Just €20 million has been collected, with most cases still tied up in legal appeals.
www.thestory.ie/2026/01/13/b...
Government paid nearly €1.4 million for a 40-hectare tract of land to expand the Glen of the Downs nature reserve.
Three independent valuations had given average value for the site of around €1.16 million but a higher price was ultimately agreed.
www.thestory.ie/2026/01/09/s...
Three independent valuations had given average value for the site of around €1.16 million but a higher price was ultimately agreed.
www.thestory.ie/2026/01/09/s...
January 9, 2026 at 4:15 PM
Government paid nearly €1.4 million for a 40-hectare tract of land to expand the Glen of the Downs nature reserve.
Three independent valuations had given average value for the site of around €1.16 million but a higher price was ultimately agreed.
www.thestory.ie/2026/01/09/s...
Three independent valuations had given average value for the site of around €1.16 million but a higher price was ultimately agreed.
www.thestory.ie/2026/01/09/s...
Metal girders warped and deformed in fire that reached temperatures of 1000°C and destroyed Luas bridge in Dublin.
The extent of the damage was so severe that the €7 million rebuild was likely cheaper than repair:
www.thestory.ie/2026/01/07/b...
The extent of the damage was so severe that the €7 million rebuild was likely cheaper than repair:
www.thestory.ie/2026/01/07/b...
January 7, 2026 at 4:12 PM
Metal girders warped and deformed in fire that reached temperatures of 1000°C and destroyed Luas bridge in Dublin.
The extent of the damage was so severe that the €7 million rebuild was likely cheaper than repair:
www.thestory.ie/2026/01/07/b...
The extent of the damage was so severe that the €7 million rebuild was likely cheaper than repair:
www.thestory.ie/2026/01/07/b...
A cautionary lesson here perhaps for the opening of the new Children's Hospital in 2026?
Ireland’s brand new Central Mental Hospital (CMH) still grappling with serious safety and governance problems after inspection found widespread regulatory failures.
www.thestory.ie/2025/12/30/n...
Ireland’s brand new Central Mental Hospital (CMH) still grappling with serious safety and governance problems after inspection found widespread regulatory failures.
www.thestory.ie/2025/12/30/n...
December 30, 2025 at 3:40 PM
A cautionary lesson here perhaps for the opening of the new Children's Hospital in 2026?
Ireland’s brand new Central Mental Hospital (CMH) still grappling with serious safety and governance problems after inspection found widespread regulatory failures.
www.thestory.ie/2025/12/30/n...
Ireland’s brand new Central Mental Hospital (CMH) still grappling with serious safety and governance problems after inspection found widespread regulatory failures.
www.thestory.ie/2025/12/30/n...
Dept of Justice looked for €15 million war chest to fight legal challenges next year from failed asylum seekers and those facing deportation.
They said “exceptionally high levels of litigation” were expected as they sped up application process times:
www.thestory.ie/2025/12/23/f...
They said “exceptionally high levels of litigation” were expected as they sped up application process times:
www.thestory.ie/2025/12/23/f...
December 23, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Dept of Justice looked for €15 million war chest to fight legal challenges next year from failed asylum seekers and those facing deportation.
They said “exceptionally high levels of litigation” were expected as they sped up application process times:
www.thestory.ie/2025/12/23/f...
They said “exceptionally high levels of litigation” were expected as they sped up application process times:
www.thestory.ie/2025/12/23/f...
This is the reality of Freedom of Information in Ireland.
Records redacted on the basis they contained 'personal information'.
Clearly they don't and could never be used to identify an individual.
So why would the Department of Justice redact them?
www.thestory.ie/2025/12/19/d...
Records redacted on the basis they contained 'personal information'.
Clearly they don't and could never be used to identify an individual.
So why would the Department of Justice redact them?
www.thestory.ie/2025/12/19/d...
December 19, 2025 at 3:23 PM
This is the reality of Freedom of Information in Ireland.
Records redacted on the basis they contained 'personal information'.
Clearly they don't and could never be used to identify an individual.
So why would the Department of Justice redact them?
www.thestory.ie/2025/12/19/d...
Records redacted on the basis they contained 'personal information'.
Clearly they don't and could never be used to identify an individual.
So why would the Department of Justice redact them?
www.thestory.ie/2025/12/19/d...
The National Gallery warned the OPW that diesel fumes from Leinster House’s emergency generator were billowing into its building, leading to health and safety complaints from staff.
Latest set of FOI records available at:
www.thestory.ie/2025/12/16/n...
Latest set of FOI records available at:
www.thestory.ie/2025/12/16/n...
December 16, 2025 at 3:40 PM
The National Gallery warned the OPW that diesel fumes from Leinster House’s emergency generator were billowing into its building, leading to health and safety complaints from staff.
Latest set of FOI records available at:
www.thestory.ie/2025/12/16/n...
Latest set of FOI records available at:
www.thestory.ie/2025/12/16/n...
Half-empty charter flight to Pakistan used 79 gardaí and cost €474,000 to deport just 24 people, only one of whom had a serious conviction.
Our latest set of FOI records:
www.thestory.ie/2025/12/12/h...
Our latest set of FOI records:
www.thestory.ie/2025/12/12/h...
December 12, 2025 at 1:44 PM
Half-empty charter flight to Pakistan used 79 gardaí and cost €474,000 to deport just 24 people, only one of whom had a serious conviction.
Our latest set of FOI records:
www.thestory.ie/2025/12/12/h...
Our latest set of FOI records:
www.thestory.ie/2025/12/12/h...
Infrastructure projects are being paralysed by shifting policies, stop-start funding and judicial reviews, according to a presentation from Transport Infrastructure Ireland.
Full story and slideshow available at:
www.thestory.ie/2025/12/10/t...
Full story and slideshow available at:
www.thestory.ie/2025/12/10/t...
December 10, 2025 at 4:13 PM
Infrastructure projects are being paralysed by shifting policies, stop-start funding and judicial reviews, according to a presentation from Transport Infrastructure Ireland.
Full story and slideshow available at:
www.thestory.ie/2025/12/10/t...
Full story and slideshow available at:
www.thestory.ie/2025/12/10/t...
Data Protection Commission sought a €10 million hike in its budget as it looked to combat the “unfair narrative” that it was soft on Big Tech.
In pre-budget submission, the DPC said it was looking to increase annual spending to €39.8 million in 2026.
www.thestory.ie/2025/12/05/d...
In pre-budget submission, the DPC said it was looking to increase annual spending to €39.8 million in 2026.
www.thestory.ie/2025/12/05/d...
December 5, 2025 at 1:56 PM
Data Protection Commission sought a €10 million hike in its budget as it looked to combat the “unfair narrative” that it was soft on Big Tech.
In pre-budget submission, the DPC said it was looking to increase annual spending to €39.8 million in 2026.
www.thestory.ie/2025/12/05/d...
In pre-budget submission, the DPC said it was looking to increase annual spending to €39.8 million in 2026.
www.thestory.ie/2025/12/05/d...
Government was warned it faced a potential farmer revolt over climate policy, with grassroots resistance and distrust spreading.
The details were contained in an unpublished paper on challenges of communicating climate change:
www.thestory.ie/2025/12/03/u...
The details were contained in an unpublished paper on challenges of communicating climate change:
www.thestory.ie/2025/12/03/u...
December 3, 2025 at 5:07 PM
Government was warned it faced a potential farmer revolt over climate policy, with grassroots resistance and distrust spreading.
The details were contained in an unpublished paper on challenges of communicating climate change:
www.thestory.ie/2025/12/03/u...
The details were contained in an unpublished paper on challenges of communicating climate change:
www.thestory.ie/2025/12/03/u...
Salary of €250,000 per year with company car and 25% private pension plan was “wholly unfair” for chief executive of An Post.
Our latest set of records, released under FOI. The new salary for the job remains a mystery:
www.thestory.ie/2025/11/28/s...
Our latest set of records, released under FOI. The new salary for the job remains a mystery:
www.thestory.ie/2025/11/28/s...
November 28, 2025 at 2:03 PM
Salary of €250,000 per year with company car and 25% private pension plan was “wholly unfair” for chief executive of An Post.
Our latest set of records, released under FOI. The new salary for the job remains a mystery:
www.thestory.ie/2025/11/28/s...
Our latest set of records, released under FOI. The new salary for the job remains a mystery:
www.thestory.ie/2025/11/28/s...
Briefing for Taoiseach for “fireside chat” with Stripe billionaire John Collison said criticism of bureaucracy and over-regulation was likely.
It said Mr Collison was on record condemning “red tape” in Ireland.
www.thestory.ie/2025/11/25/b...
It said Mr Collison was on record condemning “red tape” in Ireland.
www.thestory.ie/2025/11/25/b...
November 25, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Briefing for Taoiseach for “fireside chat” with Stripe billionaire John Collison said criticism of bureaucracy and over-regulation was likely.
It said Mr Collison was on record condemning “red tape” in Ireland.
www.thestory.ie/2025/11/25/b...
It said Mr Collison was on record condemning “red tape” in Ireland.
www.thestory.ie/2025/11/25/b...
Information Commissioner rules RTÉ’s ‘nixer’ payment bands must stay secret as privacy rights outweigh public interest in disclosure.
Our latest case update:
www.thestory.ie/2025/11/21/i...
Our latest case update:
www.thestory.ie/2025/11/21/i...
November 21, 2025 at 1:58 PM
Information Commissioner rules RTÉ’s ‘nixer’ payment bands must stay secret as privacy rights outweigh public interest in disclosure.
Our latest case update:
www.thestory.ie/2025/11/21/i...
Our latest case update:
www.thestory.ie/2025/11/21/i...
An audit of garda credit cards found receipts were missing for over €900 worth of spending, an incomplete policy that hadn’t been updated since 2018, and little paperwork on whether spending was necessary.
Our latest set of FOI records:
www.thestory.ie/2025/11/18/i...
Our latest set of FOI records:
www.thestory.ie/2025/11/18/i...
November 18, 2025 at 3:13 PM
An audit of garda credit cards found receipts were missing for over €900 worth of spending, an incomplete policy that hadn’t been updated since 2018, and little paperwork on whether spending was necessary.
Our latest set of FOI records:
www.thestory.ie/2025/11/18/i...
Our latest set of FOI records:
www.thestory.ie/2025/11/18/i...
Teleporter in the Liffey and ‘scorched earth’ at Casino Marino listed in OPW historic property damage reports.
Our latest set of records:
www.thestory.ie/2025/11/14/t...
Our latest set of records:
www.thestory.ie/2025/11/14/t...
November 14, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Teleporter in the Liffey and ‘scorched earth’ at Casino Marino listed in OPW historic property damage reports.
Our latest set of records:
www.thestory.ie/2025/11/14/t...
Our latest set of records:
www.thestory.ie/2025/11/14/t...
Department warned sewerage stench from government’s controversial €1.4 million security pavilion was so bad they might have to move staff to get away from the smell.
Latest set of records from @righttoknow.bsky.social available at:
www.thestory.ie/2025/11/11/d...
Latest set of records from @righttoknow.bsky.social available at:
www.thestory.ie/2025/11/11/d...
November 11, 2025 at 1:48 PM
Department warned sewerage stench from government’s controversial €1.4 million security pavilion was so bad they might have to move staff to get away from the smell.
Latest set of records from @righttoknow.bsky.social available at:
www.thestory.ie/2025/11/11/d...
Latest set of records from @righttoknow.bsky.social available at:
www.thestory.ie/2025/11/11/d...
The IDA has been told it must disclose documents on a land deal for a proposed Apple data centre.
In 2021, Right to Know sought copies of correspondence between the development agency and the tech giant on discussions about potential sites.
www.thestory.ie/2025/11/07/i...
In 2021, Right to Know sought copies of correspondence between the development agency and the tech giant on discussions about potential sites.
www.thestory.ie/2025/11/07/i...
November 7, 2025 at 4:18 PM
The IDA has been told it must disclose documents on a land deal for a proposed Apple data centre.
In 2021, Right to Know sought copies of correspondence between the development agency and the tech giant on discussions about potential sites.
www.thestory.ie/2025/11/07/i...
In 2021, Right to Know sought copies of correspondence between the development agency and the tech giant on discussions about potential sites.
www.thestory.ie/2025/11/07/i...
Government payroll fiasco leaves taxpayers to pick up tab for interest and penalties on pension lump-sum tax shortfalls for former ministers & retired senior officials.
Latest set of records from @righttoknow.bsky.social released following FOI internal review:
www.thestory.ie/2025/11/04/g...
Latest set of records from @righttoknow.bsky.social released following FOI internal review:
www.thestory.ie/2025/11/04/g...
November 4, 2025 at 1:44 PM
Government payroll fiasco leaves taxpayers to pick up tab for interest and penalties on pension lump-sum tax shortfalls for former ministers & retired senior officials.
Latest set of records from @righttoknow.bsky.social released following FOI internal review:
www.thestory.ie/2025/11/04/g...
Latest set of records from @righttoknow.bsky.social released following FOI internal review:
www.thestory.ie/2025/11/04/g...
New Irish embassy & diplomatic outpost in Tokyo was originally projected to cost €23.5m but has cost at least €35.2 m.
Dept of Foreign Affairs said initial estimates were based on outdated construction costs and insisted the project came in on time & under budget.
www.thestory.ie/2025/10/31/d...
Dept of Foreign Affairs said initial estimates were based on outdated construction costs and insisted the project came in on time & under budget.
www.thestory.ie/2025/10/31/d...
October 31, 2025 at 12:04 PM
New Irish embassy & diplomatic outpost in Tokyo was originally projected to cost €23.5m but has cost at least €35.2 m.
Dept of Foreign Affairs said initial estimates were based on outdated construction costs and insisted the project came in on time & under budget.
www.thestory.ie/2025/10/31/d...
Dept of Foreign Affairs said initial estimates were based on outdated construction costs and insisted the project came in on time & under budget.
www.thestory.ie/2025/10/31/d...
A report on the Legal Aid Board (LAB) found its IT systems were at “critical risk of failure,” and that poor performance issues were tolerated, while staff worked in unsatisfactory offices without the necessary technology.
Latest set of records released under FOI:
www.thestory.ie/2025/10/24/s...
Latest set of records released under FOI:
www.thestory.ie/2025/10/24/s...
October 24, 2025 at 12:17 PM
A report on the Legal Aid Board (LAB) found its IT systems were at “critical risk of failure,” and that poor performance issues were tolerated, while staff worked in unsatisfactory offices without the necessary technology.
Latest set of records released under FOI:
www.thestory.ie/2025/10/24/s...
Latest set of records released under FOI:
www.thestory.ie/2025/10/24/s...
Prisoners who failed or refused drug tests were allowed keep special jail privileges including increased visits, better accommodation & higher chance of temporary release.
Audit found that in half of 201 cases – inmate was not downgraded as per policy.
www.thestory.ie/2025/10/21/c...
Audit found that in half of 201 cases – inmate was not downgraded as per policy.
www.thestory.ie/2025/10/21/c...
October 21, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Prisoners who failed or refused drug tests were allowed keep special jail privileges including increased visits, better accommodation & higher chance of temporary release.
Audit found that in half of 201 cases – inmate was not downgraded as per policy.
www.thestory.ie/2025/10/21/c...
Audit found that in half of 201 cases – inmate was not downgraded as per policy.
www.thestory.ie/2025/10/21/c...
Reposted by Ken Foxe
Arson, vandalism, theft and criminal damage at Ireland’s national parks and protected habitats.
Our latest set of records available at:
www.thestory.ie/2025/10/17/a...
Our latest set of records available at:
www.thestory.ie/2025/10/17/a...
October 17, 2025 at 12:41 PM
Arson, vandalism, theft and criminal damage at Ireland’s national parks and protected habitats.
Our latest set of records available at:
www.thestory.ie/2025/10/17/a...
Our latest set of records available at:
www.thestory.ie/2025/10/17/a...
Protected habitats have been burned, vandalised, and torn up at Ireland’s national parks over the past 18 months.
National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) records detail dozens of incidents of arson, scrambler damage, theft, and repeated vandalism.
www.thestory.ie/2025/10/17/a...
National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) records detail dozens of incidents of arson, scrambler damage, theft, and repeated vandalism.
www.thestory.ie/2025/10/17/a...
October 17, 2025 at 12:43 PM
Protected habitats have been burned, vandalised, and torn up at Ireland’s national parks over the past 18 months.
National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) records detail dozens of incidents of arson, scrambler damage, theft, and repeated vandalism.
www.thestory.ie/2025/10/17/a...
National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) records detail dozens of incidents of arson, scrambler damage, theft, and repeated vandalism.
www.thestory.ie/2025/10/17/a...