Latest news with #Jesuitical
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.
Irish Daily Mirror
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Irish Daily Mirror
Gerry Adams to donate €100k to Irish language and Palestinian charities
Gerry Adams said he will donate the €100,000 (£84,000) he is to receive in damages from the BBC to charities that help children in Gaza, the homeless in Ireland and Irish language groups. Mr Adams took the BBC to court over a 2016 episode of its Spotlight programme, and an accompanying online story, which he said defamed him by alleging he sanctioned the killing of former Sinn Fein official Denis Donaldson, for which he denies any involvement. Last Friday a jury at the High Court in Dublin found in his favour and awarded him €100,000 (£84,000) after determining that was the meaning of words included in the programme and article. The BBC will also have to pay Mr Adams's legal costs. During an eight-minute video posted on the official Sinn Fein YouTube channel, Mr Adams accused the BBC of showing "arrogance" when it did not resolve the dispute after he issued legal letters nine years ago. In Putting Manners On The BBC – The Gerry Adams Blog, Mr Adams said that the BBC has been held accountable for the content it broadcasts. Mr Adams said: "As for the money that the jury awarded me in damages, I will donate this to good causes. "These will include the children of Gaza, groups in Ireland involved in helping the homeless, Cumann Carad, the Irish language sector and other projects like this in west Belfast." He added: "When the case began six weeks ago, the BBC's legal strategy was evident very quickly. Their narrative was that pursued by successive British and Irish governments for years. "They blamed everything during the conflict on Irish Republicans and by extension, during this trial, on me. "The BBC lawyers embarked on a Jesuitical presentation of the case that tried to convince the jurors that the words broadcast and published by the British Broadcasting Corporation, that I had sanctioned the murder of Denis Donaldson, did not, in fact, mean that I sanctioned the murder of Denis Donaldson. "They were, they said, that's the British Broadcasting Corporation, not defending the truth of the accusation. "Instead they were defending, they claimed, their journalism, which they said was fair and reasonable, in the public interest and made in good faith. "They concluded their case by trying to exert moral pressure on the jurors by claiming that a defeat for the British Broadcasting Corporation would be a blow to freedom of speech and a setback to victims. "In the end the jury didn't buy in to any of this. "On all the key issues the jurors unanimously accepted that the script used by the Spotlight programme did mean that I had sanctioned and approved the murder of Denis Donaldson." He said that after the BBC's decision to air the Spotlight programme, he decided to sue the broadcaster. Mr Adams said the BBC could have resolved the dispute there and then. "They chose not to. Why? That's a question to be asked. Why did they not resolve this issue when they could have? "Was it arrogance? Yes, that's part of it. But I also suspect political interference. "In January, the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer responded to a decision in the High Court in Belfast, which included that I and, by implication, up to 400 other former internees, were wrongfully detained and that we were entitled to compensation. "Mr Starmer told the British Parliament that he would look at every conceivable way to block compensation being paid." Mr Adams also urged the Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan to meet Denis Donaldson's family. He signed off by saying "slan agus tog go bog e", which means goodbye and take it easy. Earlier this week the BBC was granted time to consider appealing against the jury's decision. The broadcaster was granted a stay on paying the full costs and damages to allow it time to consider whether to lodge an appeal. The stay was subject to paying half the damages (€50,000 or £42,000) and €250,000 (£210,000) towards solicitors' fees.
Powys County Times
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Powys County Times
Gerry Adams to donate 100,000 euros to Irish language and Palestinian charities
Gerry Adams said he will donate the 100,000 euros (£84,000) he is to receive in damages from the BBC to charities that help children in Gaza, the homeless in Ireland and Irish language groups. Mr Adams took the BBC to court over a 2016 episode of its Spotlight programme, and an accompanying online story, which he said defamed him by alleging he sanctioned the killing of former Sinn Fein official Denis Donaldson, for which he denies any involvement. Last Friday a jury at the High Court in Dublin found in his favour and awarded him 100,000 euros (£84,000) after determining that was the meaning of words included in the programme and article. The BBC will also have to pay Mr Adams's legal costs. During an eight-minute video posted on the official Sinn Fein YouTube channel, Mr Adams accused the BBC of showing 'arrogance' when it did not resolve the dispute after he issued legal letters nine years ago. In Putting Manners On The BBC – The Gerry Adams Blog, Mr Adams said that the BBC has been held accountable for the content it broadcasts. Mr Adams said: 'As for the money that the jury awarded me in damages, I will donate this to good causes. 'These will include the children of Gaza, groups in Ireland involved in helping the homeless, Cumann Carad, the Irish language sector and other projects like this in west Belfast.' He added: 'When the case began six weeks ago, the BBC's legal strategy was evident very quickly. Their narrative was that pursued by successive British and Irish governments for years. 'They blamed everything during the conflict on Irish Republicans and by extension, during this trial, on me. 'The BBC lawyers embarked on a Jesuitical presentation of the case that tried to convince the jurors that the words broadcast and published by the British Broadcasting Corporation, that I had sanctioned the murder of Denis Donaldson, did not, in fact, mean that I sanctioned the murder of Denis Donaldson. 'They were, they said, that's the British Broadcasting Corporation, not defending the truth of the accusation. 'Instead they were defending, they claimed, their journalism, which they said was fair and reasonable, in the public interest and made in good faith. 'They concluded their case by trying to exert moral pressure on the jurors by claiming that a defeat for the British Broadcasting Corporation would be a blow to freedom of speech and a setback to victims. 'In the end the jury didn't buy in to any of this. 'On all the key issues the jurors unanimously accepted that the script used by the Spotlight programme did mean that I had sanctioned and approved the murder of Denis Donaldson.' He said that after the BBC's decision to air the Spotlight programme, he decided to sue the broadcaster. Mr Adams said the BBC could have resolved the dispute there and then. 'They chose not to. Why? That's a question to be asked. Why did they not resolve this issue when they could have? 'Was it arrogance? Yes, that's part of it. But I also suspect political interference. 'In January, the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer responded to a decision in the High Court in Belfast, which included that I and, by implication, up to 400 other former internees, were wrongfully detained and that we were entitled to compensation. 'Mr Starmer told the British Parliament that he would look at every conceivable way to block compensation being paid.' Mr Adams also urged the Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan to met Denis Donaldson's family. He signed off by saying 'slan agus tog go bog e', which means goodbye and take it easy. Earlier this week the BBC was granted time to consider appealing against the jury's decision. The broadcaster was granted a stay on paying the full costs and damages to allow it time to consider whether to lodge an appeal. The stay was subject to paying half the damages (50,000 euros or £42,000) and 250,000 euros (£210,000) towards solicitors' fees.
Evening Standard
05-06-2025
- Evening Standard
Gerry Adams to donate 100,000 euros to Irish language and Palestinian charities
'The BBC lawyers embarked on a Jesuitical presentation of the case that tried to convince the jurors that the words broadcast and published by the British Broadcasting Corporation, that I had sanctioned the murder of Denis Donaldson, did not, in fact, mean that I sanctioned the murder of Denis Donaldson.
Irish Times
04-05-2025
- General
- Irish Times
Fast-track planning approval for 112 houses and apartments in Co Cork overturned by High Court
A fast-track planning approval for more than 100 houses and apartments in Co Cork has been overturned after the High Court dismissed An Bord Pleanála's 'conveniently Jesuitical' reading of the county development plan. The permission was quashed over the board's failure to justify, in accordance with planning law, its material contravention of objectives of the Cork county development plan (CDP) providing that it 'should' carry out a proper historic buildings assessment, in this case of a post-medieval heritage structure, Highlands House, and associated buildings, before granting planning approval. The board defended its decision on the basis of the notion that the best interpretation of the wording, intention and purpose of the CDP was to say 'that 'should' means you don't have to do it' and the word 'assess' means to assess after the decision has been taken to knock the structure down, Mr Justice Richard Humphreys said. Neither the developer nor board had inspected the interior of Highlands House, which appears on maps from the 1840s and therefore benefits from the protections in the objectives of the CDP, he said. READ MORE The board incorrectly placed 'outsize reliance' on the non-inclusion of the buildings in the Record of Protected Structures and the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage. The scheme of the CDP was clearly to extend protection for structures not included in those, he held. In his judgment on Friday, he rejected the board's 'conveniently Jesuitical reading' of the CDP and upheld the challenge by a local resident, Deirdre Condon, to the permission granted in late May 2022 to Ruden Homes Ltd. The permission was for demolition of existing buildings and the construction of 112 residential units – 72 houses and 40 apartments – on the site at Ballynaroon, Glounthaune. Cork County Council objected to permission in the absence of an archaeological assessment of the site structures and the board's approval was made under what the judge described as the 'ill-fated', 'much-criticised' and since repealed strategic housing development (SHD) procedure. This particular application was coming before the board as its record of SHD permissions in breach of development plans was 'coming to something of a crunch point, as its deputy chairperson [Paul Hyde] stepped aside on May 10th, 2022', he noted. A board inspector had completed a site visit on May 16th 2022 and, in his report, had recommended permission be granted. The report said Highlands House and other buildings had been heavily modified over time, with 'little' remaining of importance, and disagreed with the local authority's view the house should not be among structures for demolition. Having agreed with the inspector's report, the board directed on May 31st, 2022 that permission be granted. The judge agreed with the board that the relevant CDP – which was replaced on June 6th, 2022 by the Cork County Development Plan 2022-28 – was not mandatory in relation to preserving historic buildings in situ. Before demolition, other options included preservation by a record or by recovered artefacts. However, an assessment, in the clearly intended sense of a physical survey, was envisaged by the CDP as required in advance of demolition, he said. In this case, the board had decided that a full physical survey was required but argued that did not have to be done before a grant of permission and could instead be addressed via a planning condition. That logic was 'incompatible' with the view that there was compliance with the CDP, the judge held. The primary purpose of a survey of historic buildings can only be to guide whether development consent should be granted. Otherwise, if anything of interest that would affect the permission to demolish was discovered in the survey, all that could then be done was to close an empty door 'with the runaway horse just a dot on the horizon'.
