: John Barry – a strategic future for gas

Head of Bord Gáis Networks John Barry talks to Owen McQuade about the importance of natural gas for Ireland’s energy mix and how he anticipates a strong future for the fuel. Natural gas is an important fuel in Ireland and will remain so for the “foreseeable future”, John Barry contends. The Head of Bord Gáis Networks notes that the country currently generates about 60 per cent of its electricity from gas and emphasises that a secure supply (including via interconnectors) will be important to back up the renewable energy sector. “As more renewables...[full story]

: Selling state assets: Brian Hayes interview

The future ownership of semi-state companies is being considered as an audit by New Era gets underway. Meadhbh Monahan reports...[full story]

: A sustainable recovery: Geraldine Tallon

Secretary General of the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government Geraldine Tallon discusses the importance...[full story]

: Minister Alan Shatter interview

For law and order Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence Alan Shatter updates Owen McQuade on his reform agenda across...[full story]

: Time for a real republic: President Michael D Higgins

Ireland’s new President swept to victory, promising to “make an Irishness we can be proud of in a real republic.” Meadhbh...[full story]

Page 1

: Progress on EU-IMF deal

eolas examines what the Government successfully concluded in Q3 of the EU-IMF programme and what is expected in the...[full story]

: Referenda – a look at future referenda

With two referenda conducted, the Programme for Government commits to four more. Stephen Dineen examines trends in October’s...[full story]

: Fiscal forecasts

In advance of Budget 2012, Meadhbh Monahan reports from the ESRI’s annual budget perspectives event, where economists...[full story]

: Employment rights reformed

Employment Minister Richard Bruton has outlined his plan to streamline the employment rights and industrial relations...[full story]

: The Greek Crisis

A Greek exit from the euro could push up inflation and cause an Irish bank run, according to Karl Whelan. eolas considers...[full story]

: Reforming plans

The Programme for Government aims to build a ‘knowledge society’ thus reversing the decline in educational standards....[full story]

: Public sector

There is a need for more leadership on public sector reform according to attendees at an eolas event on the subject....[full story]

: Innovation and accountability – G4S

With the reform of the public sector driven by the EU-IMF bailout, outsourcing is now very much on the Government’s...[full story]

: an overview

eolas outlines the main tenets of the criminal justice system. The criminal justice system and its main components...[full story]

: DPP

After 12 years as Director of Public Prosecutions, James Hamilton retired this month. Before leaving he talked to Stephen...[full story]

Page 2

: A changing Garda

eolas reviews progress on modernising Garda procedures and assesses the challenges facing the force amid the economic...[full story]

: Prisons – the way forward

eolas examines the State’s prison system and plans for new infrastructure. Overcrowding, drug use, insufficient recreation...[full story]

: Human rights reviewed

Ireland’s human rights record was examined by the UN’s universal periodic review this year. eolas reports. The...[full story]

: Oil – an imperfect market

With much of Ireland’s energy needs still met by oil, leading energy economist Leo Drollas talks to Owen McQuade...[full story]

: Hogan’s green goals

Environment Minister Phil Hogan spoke to Stephen Dineen after his speech at this year’s Environment Ireland conference. Better...[full story]

: A new direction in water

Water reform will help Ireland meet its EU targets and address the dispersed nature of services, Ivan Grimes told delegates...[full story]

: Water services investment – A&L Goodbody

Alison Fanagan, Head of Environmental & Planning and Noeleen McHenry, Solicitor, Environmental & Planning consider...[full story]

: John McCarthy – European priorities

John McCarthy discusses the environmental issues likely to impact on Ireland’s presidency of the Council of the European...[full story]

: Barry O’Flynn – a Green IFSC

Barry O’Flynn of the Green IFSC steering group tells Stephen Dineen about the vision of Ireland becoming a hub for...[full story]

: Green economic growth

Environmental policies should be designed to promote innovation and must take account of their economic impact, the...[full story]

Page 3

: Green procurement

Seven categories of State purchasing have been identified for greening. eolas outlines the draft national green public...[full story]

: Review of climate policy

Environment Minister Phil Hogan is preparing for the post-Kyoto world. Stephen Dineen reports. The Minister for the...[full story]

: Living with flooding

Peter Cheney considers how Ireland’s response needs to adapt as climate change increases the frequency of floods. October’s...[full story]

: Reviewing the EPA

The first review of the Environmental Protection Agency acknowledges its work and finds some room for improvement. The...[full story]

: Preparing for climate change

An integrated approach is required when making environmental policy that adapts to the “unprecedented” impacts...[full story]

: Packaging tax

A tax on packaging is being considered by the Environment Minister as part of his new national waste policy. Stephen...[full story]

: Making industrial policy key

A state holding company would help better governance of the state companies and “unlock” billions through the sale...[full story]

: Selling state assets: some key issues

With the Government committed to raising €2 billion from selling state owned companies, Stephen Keogh, Partner at...[full story]

: Taking an economic approach

ESRI economist Paul Gorecki tells Meadhbh Monahan about the options open to the Government when considering the future...[full story]

: Ensuring effective privatization

The Government should “just focus on ESB,” investment analyst Nigel Hawkins tells Meadhbh Monahan. An advocate of...[full story]

Page 4

: State-owned enterprise at a crossroads

New Era must be implemented in a coherent way that ensures the sustainability of the Irish economy according to University...[full story]

: The Australian Ambassador

Australian Ambassador Bruce Davis explores Ireland and Australia’s place in a changing global landscape with Meadhbh...[full story]

: Dublin’s Culture Night

As hundreds of culture seekers ambled in and out of Dublin’s museums, galleries, churches and historic houses, the...[full story]

: Stephen Donnelly pursues independence

Continuing our series of interviews with independent TDs, Stephen Donnelly questions the relevance of the Dáil. Stephen...[full story]

: The good policy guide

Peter Cheney examines how the political parties make decisions and the ‘dos and don’ts’ when lobbying. Much of...[full story]

: A New Environment: Ciarán Lynch

In the first in a series of interviews with Oireachtas committee chairs, Stephen Dineen talks to Ciarán Lynch about...[full story]

: Pearse Street to Parliament

From growing up on Dublin’s Pearse Street to being granted a life peerage in the House of Lords, Dee Doocey discusses...[full story]

: Legal Services Regulation Bill

Purpose: to provide the statutory framework for the independent regulation of solicitors and barristers, to make legal...[full story]

: How others see Europe

Insularity and caution will damage Europe’s standing in the world, according to diplomats. Peter Cheney considers...[full story]

: Online activism–Cedar Lounge Revolution

Stephen Dineen talks to Donal Mac an Eala, one of the founders of Cedar Lounge Revolution, winner of best political...[full story]