About: Ireland
Irish regulator probes Facebook’s handling of children’s data on Instagram
Ireland's Data Protection Commission (DPC) has launched two inquiries into Facebook after concerns were raised about the social network giant's handling of children's personal data on Instagram.
Paris goes under curfew as Europe ramps up virus restrictions
France on Wednesday (14 October) became the latest European country to toughen anti-coronavirus measures, imposing a curfew in Paris and eight other cities from Saturday, while Germany and Ireland also ramped up restrictions.
TikTok unclear on how old EU data will be transferred to new Irish data centre
TikTok has admitted that it will not retroactively transfer all EU personal data to its new data site in Ireland when the facility is completed next year, in a decision that could provoke concern among data protection activists in Europe.
Irish High court freezes probe into Facebook’s EU-U.S. data flows
Ireland’s High Court on Monday temporarily froze a probe by Facebook’s lead European Union regulator that threatened to halt the U.S. social media giant’s transatlantic data flows, a court spokesman said.
Sofia conference highlights internet’s role in fighting depopulation
A good internet connection is more important than motorways and can make depopulated places in Europe more attractive to young people, said participants at a webinar organised by EURACTIV Bulgaria.
Ireland nominates top MEP, former EIB banker as Commissioner picks
The Irish government confirmed on Friday (4 September) its two nominees for the empty spot at the European Commission: seasoned MEP Mairead McGuinness and former European Investment Bank Vice-President Andrew McDowell are officially in line for the post.
A resignation that should have been avoided
Phil Hogan's resignation from the European Commission could have been avoided, but he did not receive the support he should have from the Commission President, argues John Bruton.
Phil Hogan: Ireland’s ‘big beast’ EU trade chief
Phil Hogan, the EU trade commissioner who resigned on Wednesday (26 August), was a "big beast" of Irish politics whose bullish demeanour was matched by a nimble talent for backroom manoeuvring.
EU trade chief resigns over COVID-19 ‘golfgate’ controversy
Phil Hogan quit as the EU's trade commissioner late on Wednesday (26 August) after days of pressure over allegations he breached COVID-19 guidelines during a trip to his native Ireland, saying it had become clear the controversy was a distraction from his work.
EU trade chief fights to keep job as ‘Golfgate’ rolls on
Embattled EU trade commissioner Phil Hogan was fighting to keep his title on Tuesday (25 August), as the Irish government said he breached a trio of coronavirus guidelines on a trip to the Republic to attend a parliamentary golf society...
EU trade commissioner apologises for virus breach
EU trade commissioner Phil Hogan apologised on Sunday (23 August) as he faced calls to resign for attending an Irish parliamentary golf society dinner which breached coronavirus guidelines.
Irish PM, Deputy PM call on EU trade chief Hogan to quit
Ireland's prime minister and the deputy prime minister asked European Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan, Ireland's EU commissioner, to consider resigning over his attendance at an event being investigated for breaching COVID-19 regulations.
Commission loses out in Apple-Ireland tax battle, announces tax abuse clampdown
US technology giant Apple did not unlawfully benefit from state aid as part of corporate tax rulings in Ireland, the general court of the EU said on Wednesday (15 July). The decision annuls the European Commission's bid to claim €13 billion back in unlawful tax advantages.
New Irish prime minister gives boost to EU centrists
The centrist Renew Europe political faction has added another EU leader to their roster after Ireland formed a new government over the weekend, with Fianna Fáil leader Mícheál Martin at the helm, tasked with overseeing the country's economic recovery after the pandemic.
U2 frontman Bono helps Ireland win seat in UN Security Council
Mexico, India, Ireland and Norway were elected to the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday (17 June), but the 193 UN member states must return on Thursday to continue voting to fill one more vacant seat after there was no clear winner.
EU trade commissioner Hogan mulling candidacy for WTO chief
European trade commissioner Phil Hogan is considering putting his name forward as a candidate to be the next director-general of the World Trade Organization, his spokesman said on Sunday (31 May).
Irish data protection authority under fire over Facebook case
In an open letter, online privacy activist Max Schrems has criticised the Irish data protection commission's handling of a complaint against social media giant Facebook and called on the European Union to step in. EURACTIV Germany reports.
GDPR enforcement held back by lack of resources, report says
Enforcement of EU data privacy rules is being stifled by a lack of resources across national authorities, according to a new study published today (25 May), on the second anniversary of the EU's landmark general data protection regulation (GDPR).
Doctor Varadkar steps up to COVID-19 frontline
Ireland's Prime Minister Leo Varadkar is to serve as a doctor in his country's fight against the ongoing spread of the deadly coronavirus, the leader's office announced on Sunday evening (6 March).
Ireland to roll out voluntary phone tracker app to tackle coronavirus
Ireland’s government is to roll out a voluntary phone-tracking app to alert users if someone they have been in contact with develops COVID-19, its health service said on Sunday, two weeks before the pandemic is expected to peak in the country.
Six EU countries join call for 100% renewable energy scenario
Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Lithuania, Luxembourg and Spain have sent a joint letter to the European Commission calling for the inclusion of a 100% renewable energy scenario in long-term climate projections.
Ireland’s St Patrick’s parades cancelled over COVID-19 concerns
St Patrick's day festivities have been cancelled all over the Republic of Ireland, amid rising concerns over the spread of the Coronavirus outbreak, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar announced on Monday (9 March).
Ireland’s political earthquake
Sinn Féin made only one mistake: had it run multiple candidates in its strongest constituencies, it could have become the largest party in the Irish parliament by a long lead, writes Dick Roche.