135: Inside Ireland’s Child Protection Crisis: Ken O’Flynn TD

135: Inside Ireland’s Child Protection Crisis: Ken O’Flynn TD

Author: Karl O Rourke November 26, 2025 Duration: 1:12:12
In Episode 135, Karl O’Rourke sits down with Independent Ireland TD Ken O’Flynn for an in-depth and candid conversation about some of the most talked-about issues in Irish public life today. From culture and identity to child protection and the future of young people in Ireland, this episode tackles big questions with honesty and insight. Ken begins by sharing his background, how he entered politics, and what drives his work as a TD for Cork North Central. The discussion then moves through key national topics, including: Whether Ireland is becoming a hostile place for LGBT people The Government’s shifting approach to immigration and why attitudes may be changing How potential policy changes in the UK could affect Ireland under the Common Travel Area Serious concerns raised about Tusla’s child protection services A UCD study highlighting the risks faced by young people in residential care How the Periodic Payment Order system affects families like Jack Hegarty’s The debate around biology in sport and safeguarding And finally, what Ireland must do to ensure young people feel they have a future here It is a wide ranging conversation with competing ideas, strong viewpoints, and a focus on the real challenges facing Irish society today. If you enjoy thoughtful discussions with people shaping public debate, make sure to subscribe on YouTube or follow on Spotify so you never miss an episode.

Hosted by Karl O Rourke, Hard Conversations Ireland is built on the belief that the most interesting paths often lead through topics we’re conditioned to skirt around. This isn’t a lecture series or a polite chat; it’s a space where genuine curiosity drives the dialogue, whether the guest is a renowned athlete, a business leader navigating a crisis, or someone with a profoundly personal story to tell. You’ll hear discussions that move seamlessly from the practicalities of physical fitness and the mechanics of the business world to the nuanced realities of social issues and personal growth. The common thread is a commitment to depth, to sitting with an idea long enough to uncover its layers, even when it feels uncomfortable. By asking the questions that often go unspoken, this podcast creates a rare kind of clarity. Each episode offers a unique perspective, but they all share a raw, exploratory energy that challenges listeners to think a little harder about the world and their place in it. Tune in for conversations that are as educational as they are unpredictable, proving that the most valuable insights frequently lie just beyond the edge of easy small talk.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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