Latest news with #DSGBV
Irish Independent
10 hours ago
- Health
- Irish Independent
Letters: We need fewer strategies and greater clarity from government ministers
I believe the minister when he says he is 'building on what has already been achieved' – by previous government strategies, one imagines – 'strengthening implementation and identifying the action we need to take now and where we need to go next to prepare a clear pathway towards the fourth national strategy'. Clear, then. And the fourth national strategy already in sight. How about achieving this 'third' strategy before moving on? As for the flowery political-speak, would it not be much better to speak plainly and simply to the instigators, purveyors and perpetrators of DSGBV ('violence against your partner' could be substituted here), and say: 'We've got this, we will prosecute you, and we will ensure that the extreme level of this problem will be dealt with, also at an extreme level.' Peter Declan O'Halloran, Belturbet, Co Cavan Opportunity squandered to pay tribute to Dr Lynn in name of new hospital As Minister for Health in 2018, now Tánaiste Simon Harris considered naming the new national children's hospital after a wealthy donor as a way of funding the project. Independent senator Victor Boyhan, along with many other voices, suggested naming it in memory of Dr Kathleen Lynn. Such a choice would have universal agreement. However, current Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has named the hospital the National Children's Hospital Ireland. We have been very fortunate with the calibre of citizens who, on the premise of volunteer participation, have given sterling service to assist the poor, the sick and the marginalised and are worthy of recognition by the State. Dr Lynn and her partner Madeleine ffrench-Mullen should surely have been considered. Dr Lynn set high standards of care for the less well-off and destitute children at a time when the nascent Free State could not cope. Tom Cooper, Templeogue, Dublin 6 Fine Gael's front-runners for presidency should be ashamed of their records The prospect of Mairead McGuinness or Seán Kelly, both Fine Gael MEPs, occupying Áras an Uachtaráin in 2025 fills me with dismay. In October 2019, they, along with Maria Walsh and Frances Fitzgerald, voted against a European Parliament resolution calling for enhanced search-and-rescue operations in the Mediterranean. The motion, defeated by just two votes, aimed to compel EU states to save lives at sea. Their votes were pivotal. The consequences were devastating for the many who have drowned since. No amount of Jesuitical rationalisation can justify their stance. Rather than seeking high office, they should hang their heads in shame. Eileen Seery, Gorey, Co Wexford We're blessed with many talented citizens, so why aren't they in Áras race? It is shocking to think we don't have a strong list of candidates champing at the bit to run for the Áras ('Timing is crucial as candidates for Áras are considered', June 26). Surely Michael D has inspired many with his outstanding presidency. We have wonderful, well-educated people – writers, artists, leaders – who could bring immense inspirational qualities to the office. I would ask them to stand up – we need new candidates. We certainly don't need tired politicians or celebrities who have run the course and had their say. The office is too important. Aidan Roddy, Cabinteely, Dublin 18 Cancer institute's award was very well deserved – I can't thank them enough Huge congratulations to all the staff at the Trinity St James's Cancer Institute (TSJCI) on receiving an award from the Organisation of European Cancer Institutes (OECI) recognising robust standards in cancer care. I am not surprised at the high standards of excellence this wonderful hospital has attained. When I was diagnosed with blood cancer in 2008 and needed a bone marrow transplant, I was sent to St James's Hospital for this life-saving procedure. Under Prof Elisabeth Vandenberghe and her wonderful team, I recovered after seven weeks. I cannot thank the caring professionals enough. From clerical to catering, security, administration, cleaners, carers and the staff at the nearby blood bank, I was always greeted with a warm smile and tenderness and the encouragement to continue to get back up on the horse. It all meant so much to my worried family and friends when they came to visit. Thank you all so much. Tom Towey, Cloonacool, Co Sligo Capping judicial review is no solution to delays in infrastructure projects Recent commentary blames judicial review for delays in infrastructure and housing projects, prompting proposals to cap legal costs for successful applicants at €35,000. Judicial review exists not to frustrate policy, but to meet Ireland's obligations under the Aarhus Convention, which requires access to environmental justice to be 'fair, equitable, timely and not prohibitively expensive'. Given our expensive legal system, capping legal fees at €35,000 would effectively deny access to justice for many. Meanwhile, the State would remain free to spend unlimited sums on its own legal team. This imbalance undermines the constitutional guarantee of equality before the law and the principle of 'equality of arms' in legal proceedings. Instead of undermining this essential right, we should address the real issue: Ireland spends just 0.07pc of its GDP on its legal and judicial system – the lowest in Europe. Chronic underfunding, not judicial review, is the main cause of court delays. Tony Lowes, Friends of the Irish Environment, Eyeries, Co Cork Our fridge is still going strong after 30-odd years – can anyone beat that? Claire Byrne's radio programme last Tuesday discussed the lifespan of washing machines and fridges. We have a Hotpoint fridge-freezer in our garage, more than 30 years old and still working away. I judge the age on my being retired since 2010, and we had it for many years before that. Is this a record ? I must away now, to reverse a litre of milk out of the garage.
Extra.ie
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Extra.ie
Jarring figures reveal domestic violence epidemic across Ireland
Gardai are receiving almost 1,000 reports of domestic abuse and sexual violence every week. The shocking new figures were provided by Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan in response to Labour TD Marie Sherlock, who warned the country is in the grip of a 'domestic violence epidemic'. There were 19,417 reports of domestic and sexual abuse across the country up until May 27. The highest case numbers were in the Dublin Metropolitan Western region (1,874), followed by the Dublin Metropolitan Northern region (1,582), Louth-Cavan-Meath (1,329), Wexford-Wicklow (1,283), Meath-Westmeath (1,211), Kildare-Carlow (1,196), and Dublin Metropolitan South (1,195). Gardai are receiving almost 1,000 reports of domestic abuse and sexual violence every week. Pic: MementoJpeg/Getty Images And Mr O'Callaghan indicated the scale of the problem could be even higher, stressing the figures are not 'reflective of the full breadth of incidents'. He added: 'I have been advised by An Garda Síochána that they intend to publish a more comprehensive report relating to these matters.' The figures follow the publication of research by Women's Aid which found victims of domestic abuse are being 'retraumatised' during court proceedings. Ms Sherlock said figures 'support the Women's Aid report on the pervasiveness of domestic violence'. The Dublin Central TD told the MoS: 'This must act as a wake-up call for the manner in which our family law system can be used to both perpetuate and exacerbate the abuse and increase the risk to the victim and crucially also to children. 'If we are to live up to the zero-tolerance system all parties have espoused, we have to get real about making serious changes to our family law system.' There were 19,417 reports of domestic and sexual abuse across the country up until May 27. Pic: Getty Images The Labour Health spokeswoman agreed with the Women's Aid research findings that the family court system must be more domestic violence and abuse (DVA) focused. Social Democrats children's spokesman Aidan Farrelly said 'we need to move to a trauma informed code of practice'. This would involve 'training for… solicitors, gardaí, judges, so that we create a system where the voice of the child, often in precarious circumstances, can be heard.' The Kildare North TD noted: 'Any interaction with the justice scenario is traumatic, and we should consider dealing with children in a place of convenience to them rather than in courts.' Regarding the figures, Mr O'Callaghan stressed he is 'committed to combating all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence'. He said: 'Zero Tolerance, the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (DSGBV), set out an ambitious five-year programme of reform to achieve a society which does not accept DSGBV or the attitudes which underpin these crimes. 'An Garda Síochána and my department continue to work hard to strengthen trust and confidence in the system, so that victims will feel confident to report what has happened to them and get justice.'
