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Thursday 7 December 2023 Dublin: 9°C

# Simon Harris

New changes will make it easier for students in the North to attend Irish universities
The recommendations on A-Level exams taken by students in the North have been accepted by Minister Simon Harris.
Last week
26th November 2023 - 2nd December 2023
Under-pressure Justice Minister announces review of the use of force for gardaí
Helen McEntee has also asked the Policing Authority to review how frontline Gardaí dealing with serious public order events can be further supported.
Simon Harris says 'ability to spread disinformation' on social media is 'very serious issue'
Tánaiste Micheál Martin said at the weekend that he is worried at the level of “hate and bile” being aimed at migrants on social media.
Last month
November 2023
Students to be reimbursed €1,000 as the reduction in college fees comes into effect
Additional and future funding was also announced for students on grant schemes.
'Don't let the populists in': Warnings of left-wing Govt tax hikes at FG conference
There were big questions being asked at the FG conference as ministers said they’re fighting for re-election to government.
Simon Harris says Israel is now 'blinded by rage' and engaging in a 'war on children' in Gaza
He said peace cannot be built on “the mass graves of children”.
New dedicated national centre for electric vehicle skills to be developed in Mullingar
It’s been described as a ‘a critical component of the State’s response to the green transition’.
Taoiseach and three ministers are off to South Korea to promote Irish beef and trade
Agri-food exports to Korea were valued at €75 million in 2022.
This year
2023
‘Significant’ increases to student grants expected in tomorrow’s Budget
It’s understood the payments will increase by over €300, meaning the highest student grant will rise from €6,971 to €7,313.
'I was very angry at the time': Leo Varadkar responds to claims in Tony Holohan's book
Dr Holohan references remarks made by the Taoiseach which he says upset his wife at the time.
Minister pushes for expansion of rent tax credit and tweak of eligibility criteria for students
The Minister for Higher Education has highlighted a discrepancy in accessing the rent tax credit for students.
Students urged to seek €500 fee subsidy, as only one in four have applied
Those whose household income is between €62,000 and €100,000 can apply.
Eamon Ryan not concerned about constituency redraws and says Greens in 'good health' ahead of next election
The Minister for Transport said he believes the Electoral Commission “got it right” in trying to adhere to county boundaries in yesterday’s redraw.
‘When does the increase stop?’: Simon Harris says TD numbers shouldn’t increase 'ad nauseam'
‘We owe it to the Irish people to actually have an informed discussion; how many national legislators does Ireland need?’
'They got away with it for too long': Harris won't thank bankers for upping saving interest rates
Harris said the banks are ‘laggards’ in terms of the slow pace they passed on interest rate hikes to savers.
Dogfight for Wicklow TDs in next general election as constituency becomes 4-seater
Wicklow and Wexford has now been split into three constituencies.
Students canvass Dubliners to join the rent-a-room scheme in an attempt to increase bed supply
The scheme was criticised by the Union Of Students in Ireland as a “band-aid” to the accommodation shortage.
Leaving Cert grade inflation needs to be unwound in coming years, Minister says
Grades were artificially bumped up this year and last to maintain fairness between students who completed their exams in different years.
Landlord letting room by college campus asks students for 20 hours' childminding in lieu of rent
A report by
Muiris O'Cearbhaill
Minister of Higher Education Simon Harris described the arrangement as ‘very unorthodox’.
Simon Harris says Leaving Cert isn't 'cruel' but there is 'an obsession with the points race'
Leaving Certificate students are to receive their results this Friday.
Reduction in college fees and increase in students grants under consideration for Budget
Minister Simon Harris says it is important that all of the levers available to reduce costs for students.
Students told to pay year's rent of over €8,000 in two cash installments or risk losing tenancy
A report by
Muiris O'Cearbhaill
In the terms and conditions of the tenancy said the tenants must pay €8,340 in cash in two installments.
It is understood that the €41,700 rent bill was paid.
Minister Simon Harris said that the practice was made illegal and encouraged landlords to "obey the laws".
Student accommodation dash: Scarce rooms, few protections and potential scams
'We're outraged, we're frustrated: Students to sleep outside Dáil to highlight accommodation crisis
Harris criticises ‘guff’ over bank delays in passing interest increases on to savers
Minister Simon Harris reiterated his belief that Irish banks have been ‘laggards’ compared with European counterparts.
Paramedics and GSOC investigators among planned doubling of public sector apprenticeships
Minister Harris said the expansion of public sector apprenticeships is part of a cultural change the government are trying to bring about in Ireland.
Opposition parties call on Govt to help households that are 'victims of profiteering banks'
Sinn Féin has called on the Government to convene a meeting with the Central Bank, and retail banks.
Irish government to fund Erasmus places for students in Northern Ireland
As a result of Brexit, UK students lost access to the EU’s Erasmus+ programme from 2021.
Simon Harris: ‘Tusla saying today that it is in crisis should stop the Government in its tracks’
Responding to reports today documenting issues around safe placements for children in care, the Minister said the next Budget needs to be about child welfare and tackling child poverty.
'Historic change' allows students to earn university degree outside the points system
From September, students will be able to enrol in courses in a Further Education institution before progressing to a Higher Education institution to complete their degree.
Harris announces €40 million for third level institutions to improve college campuses
Seven universities, five Technological Universities, two Institutes of Technology and six other colleges are benefitting from the grant.
Government moves to ramp up healthcare and vet college places amid staffing crisis
Minister Simon Harris said this could address the yearly ‘scramble’ for college places and give more options to students.
Should Varadkar have eye on McEntee vying for his job? 'Absolutely not' says minister
Helen McEntee says she has full confidence in Leo Varadkar.
Finance Minister wants 'prudent' Budget as Taoiseach seeks threshold for higher tax rate at €50k
Michael McGrath said his “overarching priorities” for the budget include the protection of living standards.
'Definitely not fair': Varadkar rejects claims that his leadership of Fine Gael is in 'drift'
Minister Simon Harris said criticisms of Varadkar’s leadership were “simply an issue that doesn’t arise”.
Harris says family concerns will be 'considered' in domestic violence report recommendations
The study was carried out independently of the Department of Justice.
Helen McEntee returns as Justice Minister this week after six months maternity leave
McEntee gave birth to a boy in December and has been on maternity leave since November.
Long-awaited report on familial homicide cases goes to Cabinet today
The report makes recommendations to improve the State’s response to familicide and domestic homicide.
Garda recruitment age limit should be reconsidered, says justice minister
The Government hope to recruit 1,000 new gardaí by the end of the year.
Ministers visit Co Monaghan bog where search for remains of Columba McVeigh continues
Columba McVeigh was just 19 when he was murdered and secretly buried by the IRA in 1975.
Harris calls for ‘everyone to take a bit of a deep breath’ over rows with coalition over budget
His comments come after Fine Gael ministers of state called for a tax cut of €1,000 for full-time workers earning €52,000.
Free speech fears and far-right conspiracies: the culture war over Ireland's hate speech bill
A report by
Stephen McDermott
A chorus of negative reactions to the bill has grown louder in recent weeks.