Latest news with #Lucey
Irish Examiner
4 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Letters to the Editor: We're only in phase one of Ireland's presidential election
As I contemplate the upcoming presidential election, I am reminded of three almost Newtonian laws of Irish politics as enunciated by our literary greats. For the period prior to launching a presidential campaign, Morrissey (of the multi-generational diaspora) once said: 'Shyness is nice and shyness can stop you from doing all the things in life you'd like to.' To cover the period immediately after launching a presidential campaign (and in equal but opposite reaction), you have Castleisland's legendary Con Houlihan: 'Who does Roy Keane think he is? Maurice Fitzgerald?' As we await the starter's pistol, spare a thought for the candidates as they trudge towards the Phoenix Park through clouds of casual derision, because the law that covers the middle and end of a presidential campaign is elegy and vivisection combined. Brendan Kennelly put it best: 'The good are vulnerable... And when most vulnerable / Are most themselves.' The nation holds its breath. Michael Deasy, Bandon, Co Cork Bishop 'a thorn in establishment's side' I must take issue with those seeking to conflate the record of the late Bishop Cornelius Lucey with that of those members of the Church, to which many of us belong, who were guilty of horrendous treatment of children. Ill-informed would be kind to them, bigoted would be more accurate. Some seeking to denigrate his reputation have made reference to the fact that he was mentioned in the infamous mother and baby report. However, if one took the trouble to inform themselves of exactly why he was mentioned, it would be clear that there is nothing in the report to suggest that Bishop Lucey had any responsibility for the more shameful practices mentioned in it. On the contrary, his involvement in providing for children born in the homes was to promote a framework for legal and structured adoption services and to encourage the faithful of his diocese to see structured and legal adoption as better than institutional upbringing or boarding out. Bishop Lucey was an eminent canon lawyer who gave his people credit for intelligence. It was his respect for the intelligence of the ordinary people that caused him to deliver his commentary on complex theological and social issues and led him to address these in his confirmation homilies. It was his interest and concern for the poor and underprivileged that led him to earn his reputation for being 'a thorn in the side of the establishment', a position that his present day detractors should try to emulate. However, whatever the merits of his leadership of his diocese during his time as bishop, it was what he did when he retired that he most accurately demonstrated the kind of man he was. As is known, he found himself obliged to restrict the ministry of his good friend Fr James Good — resulting in Fr Good ministering in Turkana. But when the burden of the episcopy was lifted from him, he placed himself at the service of Fr Good in that most inhospitable place. Only a man of genuine humility and grace would have behaved in this way. If we had leaders capable of demonstrating the same humility, intelligence, erudition, generosity, and leadership, Ireland would be a far better place. Cork should be proud of one of its finest citizens and proud that a place is called after him. Edward O'Leary, Ballintemple, Cork What's your view on this issue? You can tell us here Renaming park akin to 'show trials' My interpretation of the motive behind the motion to rename Bishop Lucey Park, proposed by councillor Ted Tynan, of the Workers' Party, and passed by Cork City Council on July 14, 2025, is as follows: That Bishop Lucey is unworthy because he was the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church in the diocese of Cork and Ross and is condemned because clerical abuse was going on during his tenure, though there is no evidence that he knowingly facilitated this abuse or even knew about it. The renaming to Women's Park is put forward as a form of reparation for these perceived wrongdoings. I voted against the motion because I view this move as akin to historical 'post-mortem show trials' which were commonplace in the 50s, 60s, and 70s in oppressive regimes such as USSR and China, where the reputations of the deceased were targeted because they had died holding unacceptable opinions. I believe it is wrong to judge Bishop Lucey for alleged failures without evidence of personal wrongdoing. Instead of focusing on retrospective judgment, I urge those supporting the renaming to address pressing issues like the trafficking and exploitation of women and girls in Cork's brothels and massage parlours, as confirmed recently at a conference in UCC. I call for a reconsideration of this renaming proposal, emphasising the need for fairness, historical context, and action on present-day challenges. I stand for protecting the dignity of all individuals and preserving Bishop Lucey's legacy. Councillor Albert Deasy, Bishopstown, Cork Don't tar and feather all religious My formal schooling got off to a great start in the local Mercy Primary School, where I encountered dedicated and encouraging teachers who awakened my passion for knowledge. After four years, we boys transferred to the local CBS Primary School where my values, ambitions, and loyalties began to take shape under the direction of teachers who attached great importance to a good education. I began to make the link between study and future success in life. My teachers, both religious and lay, were fair-minded and enthusiastic. Corporal punishment was (allowed) at the time, but use of the 'leather' wasn't excessive. The local CBS Secondary School emphasised study, sport, Catholicism, and republicanism, which suited me down to the ground. During my five years in secondary school, playing on the football and basketball teams was character building. My second-level education was a very happy experience. Corporal punishment still existed, but most of the physical punishment I took was delivered in good spirits on the playing fields. Great days indeed! I am very grateful to the sisters and brothers who educated me and prepared me for a fulfilling life. They were dedicated people, many of whom I remain friendly with. I never personally experienced the brutality perpetrated on other young people. I deeply regret that any pupil suffered physical or sexual abuse at the hands of sadistic or paedophilic teachers, lay or religious. But I would appeal to people not to tar and feather all religious. In any sample population, there is a percentage of evildoers. In my experience, the vast majority of religious are blameless in their devoted lives. Billy Ryle, Spa, Tralee, Kerry What's your view on this issue? You can tell us here Alan Shatter is living on a different planet I would like to commend the Irish Examiner's Paul Hosford and Gráinne Ní Aodha for Tuesday's article in relation to former justice minister Alan Shatter's position on the Occupied Territories Bill. I am appalled to glean that he repeatedly described the bill as a Father Ted measure, and then went to compare it to Jewish people being targeted during the Second World War. He seems to be living on a different planet when he proffers the notion that this bill was based on falsehoods, and that the bill itself abandoned all lessons that we should have learned from our own peace process. I found it insulting and egregious that he would draw comparisons with Nazi-era legislation. I deemed it to be an outrageous slur. I believe that Ireland taking this stance sends out a very powerful signal to the world that this country is taking a strong line on what is happening. One can't speak for those who are proposing this bill. However, one senses their argument would be that these settlements were set up illegally in violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention, and that Ireland has to take action against that. It's my contention that we cannot ignore what's happening in the Middle East. Mr Shatter's claim that the Occupied Territories Bill is a thing of complete irrelevance to peace, and comparing the bill to Father Ted is, in my mind, beyond incredulity. I am curious as to what Mr Shatter has to say about the seven innocent Gazan children who were recently killed by Israeli military while waiting for water at a distribution point? This is about morality and not about economics. John O'Brien, 28 Heywood Rd, Clonmel, Co Tipperary Cashless society forces us online The cashless society being 'accelerated' by Christine Lagarde — whom we did not vote for — to October, is the most sinister, stealthy move to take away our financial independence and privacy. Our 'Government' is playing dumb. We are being walked into a situation where 'others' will see and control our every transaction, forcing us online into a virtual world. We need to stop this. The majority of people are not even aware of this further and final grab for control of our own money. We must do more to resist this dictat from the World Economic Forum, which the Government is allowing to control all aspects of our lives. Máire Úna Ní Bheaglaoich, Aonach Mhargadh na Feirme, BÁC
Irish Examiner
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Cork councillors vote to consider renaming Bishop Lucey Park after major revamp
Ireland has become a "cold place for Christians and Catholics", a Fianna Fáil councillor said as Cork city councillors voted to consider a renaming process for Bishop Lucey Park which is undergoing a multi-million revamp. They voted 17-11 on Monday night to approve a Section 140 motion submitted by Worker's Party Cllr Ted Tynan, Green Party Cllr Oliver Moran, and Social Democrats Cllr Niamh O'Connor, calling for the renaming process. Earlier this year, Mr Tynan said much of the documented clerical abuse, sexual, physical, or psychological, occurred during Bishop Lucey's time, both as a serving priest and as bishop of the Diocese of Cork and Ross from his appointment in 1952 until his retirement in 1980. Fianna Fáil Cllr Terry Shannon objected to the move, criticising what he described as 'this headlong rush to change for what many people are the old certainties'. He said people like him respect the 'new certainties and new ideas,' but he said that this isn't being reciprocated. 'There is an attempt now to rewrite history in this country,' he said. 'We see a lot of the old certainties now for an awful lot of people being shoved to one side. This country is becoming a cold place for Christians and Catholics. 'Will we take Fr Mathew down off his statue? Will we rename St Patrick's St, Pope's Quay? Where will it end?' Bishop Lucey Park under re-development by Cork City Council. Picture: Larry Cummins The church has a lot to answer for, but it was just one part of society, he said, pointing out that Bishop Lucey introduced the credit union system to Cork. "It wasn't all bad,' he said. Independent Cllr Kieran McCarthy, a historian, said the redevelopment of the park will create new stories, new memories, and symbols, and the revamp presents an opportunity. 'It will be a new public space and park, and it is timely, 40 years on. And there is precedent in this city to replace street and placenames,' he said. Bishop Lucey became Bishop of Cork in 1952, with the diocese of Ross added six years later. He built five new churches named after the five Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary in the city's rapidly developing suburbs, and went on to oversee the foundation of 13 churches during his time as bishop. He founded the St Anne's Adoption Society in 1954 and started the Cork diocesan mission to Peru in the mid-1960s. He died in 1982 and the park was named in his honour when it opened in 1985 as part of the Cork 800 celebrations. Independent Cllr Kieran McCarthy, a historian, said the redevelopment of the park will create new stories, new memories, and symbols, and the revamp presents an opportunity. Picture Denis Minihane. Cllr O'Connor said this is not a matter of 'renaming' a park – it's a new park deserving of a new name. 'When the new park opens, it will bear absolutely no resemblance to the park that was there previously," she said. "A new park presents a unique opportunity to choose a name that reflects what we value as a city." The park has been closed since December 2023 for the revamp, which is on course to be completed by November. Read More Cork City councillors retain plan for new bridge despite warnings it will limit use of the Lee
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Sleeping pill might reduce Alzheimer's protein level in the brain: Study
Alzheimer's disease is a condition that continues to puzzle scientists. While we still don't know exactly what causes it, research is uncovering strong links between poor sleep and the risk of developing Alzheimer's. In fact, sleep disturbances may appear years before memory loss and cognitive decline set in. A new study published in 2023 shows that improving sleep, even with the help of sleeping pills, might reduce the build-up of proteins in the brain associated with Alzheimer's. While it's too early to say sleeping pills are the answer, this study adds to growing evidence that good sleep isn't just restful, it may be protective. How sleeping pills can help combat Alzheimer's disease A team of researchers from Washington University in St. Louis conducted a study in 2023 to explore the link between sleep and Alzheimer's at the molecular level. They discovered that suvorexant, a common sleeping pill, may help reduce the buildup of toxic proteins in the brain associated with Alzheimer's During sleep, the brain has a natural process to clear out waste, including toxic proteins. Sleeping pills might help enhance this process, leading to a reduction in protein buildup. This could potentially slow down or even prevent the progression of Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that sleeping pills could help improve this cleaning process, potentially reducing the risk of Alzheimer's. Why this matters for Alzheimer's prevention This study supports the growing idea that better sleep could help protect the brain against Alzheimer's. Since amyloid and tau build-up can begin years before symptoms, improving sleep early may be one way to slow or reduce risk. But experts like Dr. Brendan Lucey, who led the study, are careful to point out that it's still too early to recommend sleeping pills like suvorexant as a preventative treatment for Alzheimer's. The research is promising. The risks of relying on sleeping pills While sleeping pills can help people fall asleep, they're not always the best solution in the long run. Dependence: It's easy to become reliant on them for sleep. Poor sleep quality : Some pills lead to lighter sleep rather than deep, restorative rest. Temporary effects: As shown in the study, the reduction in harmful proteins didn't last long. Earlier research by Lucey's team also found that people who got less deep, slow-wave sleep had higher levels of amyloid-beta and tau. So, the quality of sleep is just as important as the quantity. What you can do to support brain health Even if sleeping pills aren't the answer, there are still many safe, healthy ways to improve your sleep and potentially protect your brain: Stick to a regular sleep schedule Avoid screens and heavy meals before bed Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet Treat underlying sleep issues like sleep apnea Exercise regularly but not too close to bedtime Also read | Harvard Health warns: Gum disease might be linked to heart disease; know its risk factors and prevention
The Journal
27-06-2025
- Health
- The Journal
Mental Health Commission finds 'concerning' attitude towards rules in HSE inpatient centres
THE MENTAL HEALTH Commission (MHC) has said that it has identified 'concerning attitudes towards compliance' in a number of HSE-run mental health centres which are persistently out of step with the rules of safe care. It comes against the backdrop of the standards of compliances improving overall in centres across the country that offer mental health services. The MHC has also said in its annual report for 2024 that there has been a 'sustained decline' in the use of restrictive practices in centres. Just six centres nationwide achieved 100% compliance with the regulations. 31 Enforcement actions had to be taken over incidents, events and serious concerns that arose in 20 centres which failed to meet regulations in response to the inspector's report. The findings found the worst failings in a small number of HSE operated facilities. Inspector of Mental Health Services Jim Lucey said that these enforcement actions show that the MHC has strengthened its commitment to 'regulatory vigilance' but that they also highlight issues that need to be addressed by HSE leadership. 'Closer attention by the HSE to underperforming approved centres would transform the national picture,' he said. Individual care planning, staffing levels, and the state of mental health facility buildings were identified as areas where the most centres were failing to meet the regulations. Advertisement A HSE spokesperson said that it welcomes the MHC report, and acknowledged that a number of HSE centres have 'recurring or increasing levels of non-compliance' that are 'disproportionately' impacting the health service's 'overall rating'. They added that the HSE will continue to invest in mental health services. There were also positive findings noted in the MHC report, including a reduction in the admission of children to adult mental health centres. Just five of these admissions occurred in 2024, which is the lowest annual number recorded to date. Lucey praised the decline in the use of coercive and restrictive practices and said that the finding indicates 'one of the most notable human rights advances in mental health care in Ireland in recent times'. Restrictive and coercive practices refers to patients being physically restricted and secluded for challenging behaviour, which mental health professionals are now trying to avoid in favour of other methods. The report notes similar levels of compliance with the rules across approved centres to 2023, but it notes that 'there was a marked difference in levels of compliance achieved across the HSE's Community Healthcare Organisations. 'Overall average compliance across all adult centres within a HSE CHO was just under 81% in 2024,' it states. CHO 6 (Wicklow, Dun Laoghaire, Dublin South East) had the worst average rate of compliance at 64.65%. Eight of the non-compliances found in the Acute Mental Health Unit in Cork University Hospital were deemed to be of a critical risk level, compared with six of the non -compliances in the centre in Tallaght Hospital, and four in the Midland Regional Hospital in Portlaoise. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
RTÉ News
26-06-2025
- Health
- RTÉ News
31 enforcement actions taken to safeguard mental health patients
31 enforcement actions were issued last year to safeguard mental health patients and residents in 20 centres nationwide. The Mental Health Commission's Annual Report for 2024 highlighted deficiencies in some HSE facilities that inspectors say must be addressed by the Executive's leadership. ''Closer attention by the HSE to underperforming approved centres would transform the national picture," said the Chief Executive of the Mental Health Commission, John Farrelly. In 2024, overall compliance across HSE-funded adult centres was just under 81%, while independently run adult centres achieved 88.5% compliance. There was an increase in the number of high and critical non-compliances in 2024 compared to previous years. 366 non-compliances were recorded in total with critical non-compliances concentrated in a few HSE-approved centres. Six facilities achieved 100% compliance including Aidan's Residential Healthcare Unit; Ashlin Centre; Carraig Mor Centre; Grangemore Ward, St Otteran's Hospital; and St Patrick's University Hospital. Those achieving 70% overall compliance or below with regulations include Acute Psychiatric Unit, Tallaght Hospital (70%); Units 2, 3, 4 and Unit 8 (Floor 2), St Stephen's Hospital, Cork (66.67%); Dept of Psychiatry, Letterkenny University Hospital (63.33%); Elm Mount Unit, St Vincent's University Hospital (62.07%); Acute Mental Health Unit, Cork University Hospital (60%); and the Central Mental Hospital, Portrane (56.67%). Examples of non-compliances may include lapses in individualised care planning, risk management, staffing, and premises. The HSE welcomed the publication of the Mental Health Commission (MHC) Annual Report. It acknowledged that, in some areas, compliance with regulations for premises, staffing, risk management and care planning remain areas of concern. As part of Sláintecare, the HSE said that a new regional structure will improve how services are run in each area and provide a consistent quality of care across the country. The HSE budget for mental health for 2025 is €1.458bn, 5.4% of the overall HSE budget this year. Restrictive practices are also declining in favour of a more rights-based approach for mental health patients and residents. "The decline in the use of coercive and restrictive practices represents one of the most notable human rights advances in mental health care in Ireland in recent times," said Inspector Lucey. "These advances demonstrate how regulation can drive important human rights improvements and result in key behavioural change in the way services are delivered." The Mental Health Commission is an independent statutory body that aims to foster and promote high standards of care and good practice in the delivery of mental health services. It also ensures that the interests of those involuntarily admitted are protected under the Mental Health Act 2001.
