M9 crash aftermath: can the Government bring social media under control?

M9 crash aftermath: can the Government bring social media under control?

Author: The Irish Times August 26, 2026 Duration: 40:14

Inside Politics Live is coming to Cork on September 30th. Get your tickets here. 


Pat Leahy is joined by Ellen Coyne and Liz Carolan to talk about the response to the circumstances around the recent fatal M9 motorway crash. They examine Coimisiún na Meán’s response and the powers it has under the EU Digital Services Act, and the refusal of Tiktok to appear before a Dail committee. They consider proposals like making joyriding videos illegal and weigh up concerns about free speech and enforceability. 


In part two: the Government has u-turned on whether to pay for Skyclarys, a drug that treats Friedreich's ataxia, a rare neurodegenerative disease. Why did it take so long? 


Liz Carolan is a journalist, author and consultant. She writes The Briefing, a newsletter about technology and politics.

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Each week, Irish Times Inside Politics cuts through the noise to bring clarity to the forces shaping Ireland. Guided by host Hugh Linehan, the conversations here go beyond the headlines, offering a deeper, more considered understanding of the political landscape. You’ll hear from the newspaper’s own journalists, who provide grounded insight from the front lines, alongside a range of independent political thinkers and analysts. Occasionally, politicians themselves join the discussion, offering their perspective directly. The result is a nuanced and thoughtful examination of power, policy, and public life that values context over quick reactions. This isn't about partisan soundbites; it's about unpacking the how and why behind the day's debates and long-term shifts. For anyone looking to move past surface-level reporting and grasp the real stories unfolding in Leinster House and beyond, this podcast serves as an essential weekly briefing. The Irish Times brings its tradition of thorough journalism to the audio format, creating a space for analysis that is both accessible and substantive. Tune in for a consistently informed and engaging take on the issues that define the nation's future.
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