Politics watch: Housing and homelessness on agenda
James Cox
Here, we have a look at the issues likely to dominate political discourse in the week to come.
Housing and homelessness
A Sinn Féin motion on housing and homelessness will be debated in the Dáil on Tuesday.
The motion will call for emergency action and a Raise the Roof protest will take place outside Leinster House to coincide with it.
Along with Sinn Féin, Labour, the Social Democrats, People Before Profit-Solidarity, the Green Party and a number of Independent TDs will back the motion.
The motion will call for a huge increase in public housing spending and stronger taxes for vacancy and dereliction.
Public transport experience
On Wednesday, the Regional Independent Group will bring a motion on the experience of people on public transport.
It comes amid various compliants on the prices of public transport, expierence of commuters, and anti-social behaviour on public transport.
Nursing home controversy
A recent RTÉ documentary revealed serious issues at a number of nursing homes.
The film examined standards of care at nursing homes operated by Emeis Ireland, formerly known as Orpea. The French-owned company runs 27 residential homes across the State.
Undercover researchers found multiple examples of care failings and neglect of vulnerable older residents in the facilities.
Problems in nursing homes will be in focus in the Dáil this week.
At 2.12pm on Wednesday, June 18th, the Dáil schedule includes: Government Business: Statements on Nursing Homes and Care for Older Persons.
Harris warns of ‘dark cloud on the horizon’ amid US tariff threat
There are “dark clouds on the horizon” the Tánaiste warned, as looming US tariffs influenced discussions between ministers and key budgetary stakeholders on Monday.
Simon Harris was among attendees at the National Economic Dialogue at Dublin Castle, regarded as one of the first steps of the Budgetary process, where Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe also told those gathered that the “near-term outlook is clouded in uncertainty”.
Paul Murphy detained and passport seized in Egypt again
Paul Murphy has been detained again in Egypt, according to his family.
It is claimed the People Before Profit TD went to a Cairo police station to retrieve his phone, under the advice of the Irish Embassy, but has not been allowed to leave.
Other participants in the Global March to Gaza are reportedly also detained.
Paul's partner, Jess Spear is appealing to Tánaiste Simon Harris to ensure all those involved are released, and their passports are returned.
A statement on behalf or Mr Murphy said: "I have been detained in the Abdeen police station in Cairo."
He said after arriving at the police station, officials "had me talk to the secret police and left me in a room with an interpreter".
"They claim they are looking for my phone. I just attempted to leave but they said that I cannot leave."
Ms Spear said the Tánaiste "must ensure that Paul and all the Global March to Gaza participants are released, have their passports returned and are allowed to continue their humanitarian mission to try and get aid to the people of Gaza".
Abroad
The man suspected of killing a Minnesota politician and wounding another crawled to officers in surrender on Sunday after police located him in woods near his home, bringing an end to a two-day search.
Vance Boelter was arrested and charged with two counts of murder and two of attempted murder.
US president Donald Trump vetoed an Israeli plan, presented to the US, to kill Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to a US official.
The Israelis informed the Trump administration in recent days that it had developed a credible plan to kill Mr Khamenei.
After being briefed on the plan, the White House made clear to Israeli officials that Mr Trump was opposed to the Israelis making the move.
In the UK, the findings of a national audit into the sexual exploitation and abuse of children by grooming gangs in England and Wales will be announced this week.