Upcoming Debates

Ireland's EU Membership - Is it a good thing? 

Since joining the then-European Economic Community in 1973, Ireland has undergone dramatic change. Supporters of EU membership point to economic growth, greater global influence, and access to opportunities for trade, travel, and education. Critics, however, raise concerns about the loss of national sovereignty, dependence on EU funding, and the impact of EU rules on Irish democracy, farming, and industry.

Our speakers will set out the case both for and against membership, and we invite you, the audience, to weigh the evidence and reach your own conclusions on this crucial issue for Ireland's future.

Housing Crisis - Supply vs Demand 

This debate focuses on one of the most urgent challenges facing Ireland today: the housing crisis. The central question is whether the solution lies primarily in increasing supply — by building more homes, reforming planning, and boosting construction — or in tackling demand pressures, such as rising population, investment purchases, and short-term rentals. Both approaches have strong advocates, and this debate will explore whether Ireland's housing shortage can be solved by building our way out of it, by managing demand more effectively, or by a combination of the two

Political accountability - Our Politicians are sufficiently accountable to the electorate ? Agree or disagree 

This debate asks a vital question for Irish democracy: Are politicians in Ireland truly accountable to the electorate? Supporters of the system argue that frequent elections, an active media, and the strong tradition of constituency representation ensure that politicians answer directly to the people. Critics, however, claim that party discipline, political patronage, and a lack of real consequences for broken promises mean accountability is often more symbolic than genuine. This discussion will examine whether our political representatives are as answerable to voters as they should be