1960s

• Seán Lemass (1899-1971)

  • Seán Lemass was born in Dublin, participated in the 1916 Easter Rising, the Irish War of Independence, and helped found Fianna Fáil in 1926.
  • He served as Minister for Industry and Commerce and as Minister for Supplies during WWII.

  In 1959, Lemass became Taoiseach and led the First Programme for Economic Expansion with T.K. Whitaker, focusing on free trade, foreign investment, and grants to businesses and farmers.
• Radio Telefís Éireann (RTÉ)


  Independent authority for radio and television established by the 1960 Broadcasting Authority Act
• Telefís Éireann launched


  31st December 1961
• Telefís Éireann


  • Transformed society by broadcasting international perspectives and controversial topics
  • Challenged authority
  • Influenced societal attitudes
• Education reforms


  • Free schooling up to the Intermediate Certificate
  • Free transport to school
  • Grants for building schools
• Education reforms introduced


  Increased the number of students completing secondary education
• Minister for Education


  Donogh O'Malley
• Education reforms introduced


  1966