Details here:

'Scoping exercise' into Michael Shine abuse to get Cabinet approval jrnl.ie/6884849

Re starter homes:

Tried to tease out what exactly they mean by “starter homes”, no real answer on size/price/how long a person should be in a “starter homes” on average.

“Why is there no annual targets in this plan?”

“Because we are focused on activation,” Minister for Housing James Browne says.

“We want to get away from yearly targets,” he adds.

@thejournal.ie

Junior Minister John Cummins says local authorities have a “critical role” to play in the delivery of this plan - specifically in the delivery of social homes and “starter homes”.

And sin é, Connolly will now make her way to the Áras.

She says how we face these challenges will impact the world our children inherit.

She says at a time where genocide and war has been “normalised” our experience of “colonisation and man made famine” gives Ireland a mandate to lead on the global stage, to be a voice for peace.

In her maiden speech, Connolly says that as President of Ireland she will ensure all voices are heard and tolerated.

“In 2025 as I assume the privilege of office, we face the existential threat of climate change and ongoing wars, both of which are intrinsically linked.”

The first round of applause of the day was as Michael D Higgins arrived

Leaders of the opposition there beside Simon Harris’s wife Caoimhe and Micheál Martin’s wife Mary, who I believe is beside Mary Robinson’s husband Nick. Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins just out of shot beside Roderic O Gorman.

A lovely version of Danny Boy by the Army No. 1 Band while we wait for President elect Catherine Connolly to arrive - tough crowd though, no applause. ❌

There’s Sabina Higgins now with a warm welcome from Michelle O’Neill.

Guests have begun to trickle into the hall here. The Lord Mayor Ray McAdam and TDs from Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, SocDems, Labour and PBP among them.

(Deputy Paul Murphy spotted in a suit!)