Historic Events

Irish Congress of Trade Unions backs Moore Street master plan

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has announced its support for the Moore Street Master Plan, as proposed by the Moore Street Preservation Trust, following a meeting between the ICTU National Executive and the Trust. Commenting, Congress General Secretary Owen Reidy said: "The 1916 Rising and the...

A brief history of income tax

As budget day nears, our social policy officer Dr Laura Bambrick explains the background on income tax. In his budget for 1799, the British Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer, William Pitt the younger put a tax on people’s income as ‘a temporary measure’ to help pay for Britain’s costly...

Celebrating the Trade Union movement at Áras an Uachtaráin

President Michael D Higgins and Sabina Higgins gave a warm welcome to representatives of the Trade Union Movement at a community garden party in Áras an Uachtaráin, on Sunday 30 June 2024. Hundreds of guests had an opportunity to enjoy the house and gardens with music and refreshments in a marquee...

Trade Unions and Progress for LGBT People – a proud history

As Pride Season is upon us, we invited long-time LGBT activist Kieran Rose to reflect on the trade union movement’s involvement in the early days of LGBT rights in Ireland - a history of which we are all proud. The fight for LGBT rights is not over and indeed is facing a backlash from some seeking...

Congress urges Irish government to take leadership on sanctions against Israel

Congress Executive Council member and INTO Deputy General Secretary Deirdre O’Connor has delivered a speech on behalf of the workers of Ireland at the International Labour Conference in Geneva in a special session organised to discuss the report of the ILO Director General on the 'The Situation of...

Congress welcomes Recognition of the State of Palestine by Ireland and urges more action to hold Israel accountable

The historic recognition today of the State of Palestine by Ireland was welcomed warmly by the Executive Council of Congress at its meeting today. Congress General Secretary Owen Reidy added, "This is a very welcome development, as it clearly affirms the right of Palestinians to self-determination...

Sheila Conroy an 'extraordinary' campaigner for the rights of women

The People's College Choir founded in 1993 by Sheila Conroy led a night of song, music, memories, and tributes to the tireless campaigner for women's rights in the workplace and society. The guest artists were Mick O'Brien, Zoe Conway, and John McIntyre, who played traditional sets on the Uilleann...

Speech by President Michael D Higgins at the Robert Tressell Festival

President Michael D Higgins has addressed the Robert Tressell Festival in Liberty Hall in Dublin. The annual event, which was held on Saturday last, celebrates author Robert Tressell, born in Dublin in 1870. His novel 'The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists' is seen as having a major impact on the...

Concert and event celebrating the life of Sheila Conroy

May 21 2024 | 7:30 - 10pm

President Michael D Higgins welcomes Trade Union Week

“As President of Ireland, may I send my very best wishes to all those celebrating May Day, be they in Ireland or across the world. May Day, International Workers’ Day, is one of the most important days of the year for expressing the shared solidarity of workers wherever they may be and in whatever...