The Ditch editors

Attorney general: Banks will benefit 'considerably' from state mica scheme despite contributing nothing

The attorney general told Darragh O’Brien it may be legally and morally justifiable to require banks to contribute to the state mica scheme because of the benefits they receive.

‘Serious consequences’: attorney general Rossa Fanning’s mica advice in full

He warned there would be ‘serious consequences from a public finance perspective’.

Attorney general: mica scheme of ‘limited value’ to many semi-detached homeowners

Attorney general Rossa Fanning admitted the state mica scheme “may be of limited value” to many homeowners with semi-detached properties.

‘Politically very sensitive’: attorney general mediated internal Fine Gael dispute over mica scheme

Attorney general Rossa Fanning mediated an internal Fine Gael dispute over the controversial mica scheme after TD Joe McHugh resigned the party whip.

Mica homeowners downgraded on say-so of state-appointed company with ties to state mica board chair

Mica homeowners have had redress applications downgraded to cheaper options on the recommendation of a state-appointed company linked to the chair of the state’s mica expert group. 

‘There is considerable pressure to extend the scheme‘: attorney general’s mica advice to government in full

In September 2021, months before government announced an adapted mica scheme, attorney general Paul Gallagher wrote to housing minister Darragh O’Brien with legal advice.

Attorney general: mica homeowners would put 'tremendous pressure' on council officials

The attorney general warned the housing minister that mica-affected homeowners would put “tremendous pressure” on officials to get the best possible deal under the state redress scheme and that the council may not assess claims independently.

Attorney general: ‘necessary’ for Donegal homeowners to ‘understand’ why mica scheme differed to Dublin equivalent – cost a major consideration

The attorney general told government it was “necessary” for homeowners applying to the state mica scheme to “understand” why they weren’t getting the same terms of a similar scheme offered to owners of defective homes in Dublin.

Attorney general said mica homeowners would abuse scheme

The attorney general in private correspondence on government’s mica scheme suggested measures to reduce the number of applicants, limit the state’s financial exposure and help ensure claims were kept as low as possible. He wrote it would be imperative to ensure applicants could only avail of “the least

Dáil committee rules Philip Dwyer’s reputation not ‘adversely affected’ by 'far right' comments

A Dáil committee has ruled that Ireland First election candidate Philip Dwyer wasn’t “adversely affected in reputation” by comments made by TD Paul Murphy about Dwyer’s attendance at properties later set on fire. 

Garda kept job despite admitting sex with sex worker he helped convict

A garda kept his job despite admitting to having sex with an escort he helped convict.

Fianna Fáil councillor facilitated controversial gas company donations to constituents in days before election

A Fianna Fáil councillor facilitated more than €50,000 in donations from an energy company to community groups before last month’s local elections – only for the company to soon after reveal plans for a controversial battery storage development.