The Ditch editors

Pro militarisation group lobbying government on defence issues won’t disclose its members

A pro militarisation group lobbying government to allow Irish companies greater access to the international arms market has declined to publicly disclose its members.

Criminal complaint against Varadkar referred to senior gardaí

An Garda Síochána says a criminal complaint against Leo Varackar alleging the taoiseach submitted three false statutory donation statements to SIPO has been referred to senior Dublin gardaí. 

Varadkar advised donors on getting around legally permitted donation limits, forced to change advice

Leo Varadkar advised potential donors on how to get around legally permitted donation limits – telling them they could use their “spouse, children and parents”.

Analysis – State Failures: What Are You Looking At

I always thought home was somewhere else and that one day I would leave this grey, wet shithole. The first school I went to in Dublin was called Warren Mount. When I was six, the name evoked rabbits burrowing it out the side of Clanbrassil Street.

No approval given to lease building owned by Robert Troy’s relative says board member

The Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board (LWETB) didn’t approve a lease on its new headquarters, owned by Robert Troy’s brother-in-law, according to a board member. 

Robert Troy asked minister about approval for state body’s new premises – now provided by brother-in-law

Ex-junior minister Robert Troy intervened in the Dáil to ask education minister Norma Foley for an update on new headquarters for a state body – which is now being provided by his brother-in-law. 

Analysis – State Failures: The PSNI and the Structuralism of Stupid Things

I love stories of professional incompetence in a data protection context. I find them fascinating. I know that data protection sounds extremely boring, extremely unfascinating.

‘Hidden gem’: Fine Gael councillor letting investment property on Airbnb – despite failed planning application

A Fine Gael county councillor has been letting an investment property on Airbnb despite a failed planning application to use the dwelling as short-term accommodation. 

Management company of Celtic Tiger development accused of ignoring fire safety concerns

Multiple affidavits accused the owners' management company (OMC) of a Dublin housing estate of ignoring serious fire safety concerns, The Ditch can reveal.

Helen McEntee paid state funds to company owned by Fine Gael man charged with charity theft

Justice minister Helen McEntee paid an ex-Fine Gael county councillor charged with alleged charity theft almost €29,000 in state funds for secretarial services.

Analysis – State Failures: The Rebel Song of the Good European

Being a good European is not the same as doing what is good for Europeans, including those who live in one of the union’s smaller member-states. 

SIPO hid Varadkar donation statements from public and Oireachtas – finally admits their existence

SIPO concealed from the public and Oireachtas false donation statements submitted by taoiseach Leo Varadkar.