{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/690b5df3317c91fd9a7765c9/6988fbab45f62cfe94a2cf30?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Ireland's bidding system for buying homes is pushing up prices, and today's other top stories","description":"<p>Our system of home-buying is <a href=\"https://irishtimes.com/business/2026/02/09/irelands-bidding-system-for-homes-driving-prices-higher/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">stoking bidding wars</a> and pushing property prices higher, according to the ESRI.</p><p><br></p><p>In the space of two years, a <a href=\"https://irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/02/09/were-just-in-limbo-defective-concrete-puts-donegal-childcare-centres-under-huge-stress/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">playschool in Co Donega</a>l went from applying for planning permission to expand to receiving an order of condemnation due to defective concrete blocks.</p><p><br></p><p>Donald Trump could deflect Maga criticism of AI for the loss of jobs in <a href=\"https://irishtimes.com/business/2026/02/09/donald-trump-could-deflect-maga-criticism-of-ai-for-the-loss-of-jobs-in-us-towards-ireland/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">US towards Ireland</a>. If the AI sector collapses, he might try to blame over-regulation in Europe.</p><p><br></p><p>Culling ‘risky’ ideas from Leaving Cert curriculum would do a disservice to students, writes <a href=\"https://irishtimes.com/opinion/2026/02/09/unthinkable-culling-risky-ideas-from-leaving-cert-curriculum-does-a-disservice-to-students/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Joe Humphreys in his Unthinkable column today</a>. Some teachers argue the curriculum should – and does – deal with viewpoints on the right and even far right.</p><p><br></p><p>Tattoos are generally considered safe, but there are <a href=\"https://irishtimes.com/health/your-wellness/2026/02/09/tattoos-are-generally-considered-safe-but-there-are-things-you-should-know/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">things you should know</a>, writes Dr Muiris Houston.</p><p><br></p><p>Presented by Aideen Finnegan.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>","author_name":"The Irish Times "}