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The Journal
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Journal
Thousands of controversial Chinese surveillance cameras installed in public places across Ireland
IN GOVERNMENT CORRIDORS, hospital wards, university campuses and council offices across the country, thousands of CCTV cameras record the comings and goings of everyday life. But behind the lens is a brand at the centre of an international security storm – Hikvision. Banned from sensitive government sites in the UK, United States and Australia, The Journal Investigates can reveal how the Chinese surveillance giant's equipment is in widespread use right across Ireland. That includes over 700 cameras installed by councils. They record footage in swimming pools, courthouses and even a brand new Civil Defence HQ unveiled in Co Cavan last year. Despite multiple warnings from security experts over use of the equipment, no action has been taken by the government to either remove the devices or issue security advice over their use. Experts warn Ireland's current approach to the potential dangers posed by Hikvision raises urgent questions about data privacy, potential foreign access and the State's alignment with international partners. 'When it comes to things like security cameras, I think it would be naive to wave that aside and not at least have a very in depth conversation about the potential security risks,' Dr Edward Burke, UCD's assistant professor of war, told us. 'The EU has consistently warned member states to try and firewall critical security, critical national infrastructure, from companies threatening the European Union with mass espionage. 'And one of those countries that they have identified is, of course, China.' Two Hikvision cameras operating outside the Public Service Centre in Letterkenny Co Donegal. The Journal Investigates The Journal Investigates Investigations like this don't happen without your support… Impactful investigative reporting is powered by people like you. Support The Journal Investigates Cameras in maternity hospital and courthouse Concerns regarding use of Hikvision surveillance technology in Irish government buildings, including inside and outside Lenister House, were first raised in policy and academic circles in 2019. However, it wasn't until late 2022, when other countries such as the UK banned the devices from 'sensitive' government sites, that public focus shifted to Ireland's use of the security cameras. In a letter sent to the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission , the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) called for removal of all Hikvision devices from government buildings. The February 2023 letter warned that 'the presence of Hikvision cameras in Irish public buildings represents an unacceptable risk to privacy, data security, and human rights'. More than two years on, Hikvision cameras remain installed both inside and outside the Oireachtas. Today, the organisation renewed it's call for the State to remove the cameras in a new report which coincides with extensive research by The Journal Investigates. Our investigaton, along with information gleaned from records supplied to our team by ICCL, exposes the true extent of their use. These records, obtained via Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, show that most councils in Ireland use Hikvision equipment in public and private spaces. Many told us that they had never received security advice on their use. That includes Cavan County Council, which owns and manages the county's new, state-of-the-art Civil Defence Headquarters and Training Centre. Officially opened by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment last year, the facility was billed as a flagship for modern emergency response. It was fitted with 15 Hikvision CCTV cameras as part of strict security measures around the site. The council confirmed to The Journal Investigates that these cameras are just a handful of the 135 Hikvision devices installed across council buildings countywide – including Virginia courthouse, the county museum and the main recycling centre. Advertisement A spokesperson said the local authority 'has not received any official advice against using cameras made by this company'. The Department of Defence, which contributed €150,000 to the HQ's construction, told us it has no oversight or input into the security provisions for Civil Defence units, leaving such decisions to the local authority. File photo of garda beside cameras at Leinster House. Councils cite lack of national security advice It's not just Cavan using the controversial CCTV systems. Councils in Meath, Kilkenny, Clare, Donegal, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown and many more have rolled out hundreds more of these Chinese cameras in public spaces. Meath County Council confirmed it currently has 288 Hikvision cameras installed across public facilities, while Kilkenny County Council uses 151 Hikvision cameras at 17 locations. Just a handful of councils were able to confirm the exact number of Hikvision CCTV cameras currently in use on their sites – this amounted to over 700 across dozens of locations. Some councils, like Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, have even installed models with 'smart facial detection' and 'behaviour analysis' capabilities – though they state these features are not activated. Monaghan, Offaly, Longford, Sligo, Cork City and Wicklow also have similar Hikvision cameras. They too denied using any facial recognition technology inbuilt on the devices. Not all councils were able to provide The Journal Investigates with information on their current use of the surveillance cameras. Clare and Donegal, both identified in 2022 FOI research by ICCL as users of Hikvision, failed to respond to repeated queries from The Journal Investigates on whether they still use the devices. Our team checked and found Hikvision cameras outside Donegal County Council premises earlier this month. Many councils cited a lack of national direction as justification for continuing to use Hikvision products. Kilkenny County Council said it 'queried' security concerns with its supplier and received a letter from Hikvision's UK and Ireland HQ stating that 'its products present no threat to Ireland's national security'. Decisions by the UK, United States and Australia to ban the cameras were influenced by government reviews, parliamentary committee reports and security risk assessments. The UK ban was prompted by a Cabinet Office security review, while findings from the US Department of Defense, the Federal Communications Commission and other agencies, identified Hikvision as posing an 'unacceptable risk' to US national security. The company claims that 'no respected technical institution' has found evidence of security risks, and insists its products are compliant with Irish law. In a statement to The Journal Investigates , a Hikvision spokesperson said its products meet 'internationally recognized industry standards' for safety and security. 'Hikvision UK & Ireland does not decide where to install or maintain devices,' a spokesperson said. 'To be clear; we make the cameras and do not connect them to the end users' computer systems which cannot be accessed by any CCTV manufacturer, including ourselves.' The company added that it 'issues clear guidelines' for installers on how to secure its devices to third party networks and encourages industry best practices and 'proper cyber hygiene'. One of the main concerns raised about Hikvision is its links to the Chinese Communist Party and the threat of espionage and data harvesting by the Chinese state. Dr Kris Shrishak, a public interest technologist, told us many investors have red marked Hikvision, citing 'serious human rights concerns' and involvement 'in the suppression of Uyghur minorities'. A 2023 investigation reported a product from the company with 'Uyghur detection' features was detailed in a Chinese local government contract. Hikvision told The Journal Investigates it 'has never conducted, nor will conduct, any espionage-related activities in the world' and 'categorically opposes forced labour and child labour'. Government stays silent on security advice Following the British government's announcement it was to remove Hikvision cameras from sensitive locations, several councils across the UK followed suit. That includes Edinburgh City Council, which began phasing out use of the Chinese manufacturer's surveillance in late 2022. The Journal Investigates and ICCL both independently attempted to retrieve information on what security advice the government received in relation to Hikvision surveillance equipment. Sign up The Journal Investigates is dedicated to lifting the lid on how Ireland works. Our newsletter gives you an inside look at how we do this. Sign up here... Sign up .spinner{transform-origin:center;animation:spinner .75s infinite linear}@keyframes spinner{100%{transform:rotate(360deg)}} You are now signed up The Office of Public Works (OPW), which maintains security systems across the government portfolio, refused both requests on security grounds. Instead, a document titled 'CCTV Specification' was provided which details which brands of surveillance should be used within the government estate. Three brands made the list. One of those is Hikvision. When asked why this was the case, given security concerns around the brand, OPW and Office of the Taoiseach told The Journal Investigates it could not comment on security matters. Shrishak, who works as an Enforce senior fellow at ICCL, detailed his efforts since 2022 to obtain information from various government departments on their links with the Chinese surveillance manufacturer. He found that most requests were redirected to the OPW, which provided little to no information on the government's reliance on Hikvision equipment. ICCL's Kris Shrishak says many investors have serious human rights concerns about Hikvision. The Left in the European Parliament via Flickr, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 The Left in the European Parliament via Flickr, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 Over 400 cameras in Beaumont Hospital Our investigation also reveals how the reach of Hikvision extends beyond councils. Some of Ireland's largest hospitals – including Beaumont Hospital and the National Maternity Hospital – use Hikvision cameras in their security systems. Beaumont told us it currently uses 400 Hikvision cameras installed across its buildings. The Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital in Dublin says 80% of its CCTV cameras are Hikvision-branded. While some hospitals told The Journal Investigates they have launched reviews of their systems after learning of the risks, most say they are satisfied their networks are secure and not connected to the cloud or external monitoring. There was also concern reported in recent years over the installation of Hikvision cameras in the new National Children's Hospital. Universities are also affected, with FOI records obtained by ICCL revealing that at least 15 higher education institutions use Hikvision equipment. This includes Dublin Dental University, the University of Limerick, Technological University Dublin and the Royal College of Surgeons. In statements to The Journal Investigates , each stated they were satisfied the devices did not present a security risk and confirmed that facial recognition capabilities were not being used. China identified as threat to the State Despite the international backlash, Hikvision points to the UK's continued use of its cameras at non-sensitive sites, and the Oireachtas Committee's decision to keep the cameras in Leinster House as evidence of their safety. Hikvision itself claims that 'regulatory clarity' in the UK and Ireland 'removes any confusion regarding our viability'. However, privacy advocates and security experts warn that Ireland is lagging behind its international peers in addressing the risks posed by foreign-made surveillance equipment. 'If you look at the latest defence review, it identifies China as a potential threat to the State,' UCD's Burke told The Journal Investigates . 'So we cannot look at China in a way that we look at democratic countries and anticipate that there is a significant degree of separation between the intelligence services and the private sector. In China, that's just not true.' Burke said that taking action to protect the State's national security and infrastructure does not mean Ireland cannot do business with China. 'Other European countries have had this conversation, but there are certain sectors of the State that may need to be off limits. 'The only way to decide that is having very sophisticated and regular security briefings to ensure that the infrastructure is not compromised,' he said. There needs to be a much greater degree of cross-cabinet, cross-government awareness of these types of security threats. 'It's also time to make security assessments more public when it comes to things like critical national infrastructure or security infrastructure in the State.' The Journal Investigates Reporter: Patricia Devlin • Editor: Maria Delaney • Social Media: Cliodhna Travers • Video: Nicky Ryan • Main Image Design: Lorcan O'Reilly (photo via Investigations like this don't happen without your support... Impactful investigative reporting is powered by people like you. Over 5,000 readers have already supported our mission with a monthly or one-off payment. Join them here: Support The Journal
The Journal
3 days ago
- Health
- The Journal
'The real work starts now': Long-awaited inquiry into drug that causes birth defects begins
A LONG-AWAITED inquiry into an antiepileptic drug that can cause serious birth defects if used during pregnancy has finally gotten underway, nearly five years after the Government committed to holding one. The non-statutory inquiry into the historical licensing and use of sodium valproate will have three strands, with statements from those affected by the drug expected to be taken from September. Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has welcomed the commencement, saying that it 'will give those directly affected by sodium valproate an opportunity to have their voices heard'. The inquiry was approved by Cabinet in July 2023 , almost three years after the then-health minister Stephen Donnelly committed to holding a probe into the drug. Barrister and mediator Bríd Flaherty was announced as the chairperson of the non-statutory inquiry in June 2024, with Donnelly saying at the time that he intended to get it up and running ' in a matter of weeks ', but this did not take place. The delay in the commencement of the inquiry is understood to have been due to the fact that the data regulations had yet to be finalised. Sodium valproate can cause serious birth defects and developmental disorders to an infant if taken during pregnancy and women have been advised against using it unless no other treatment is possible. The drug was prescribed in Ireland and elsewhere for years after the danger was discovered and many countries are now investigating its use. Today, the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) states that the drug can cause birth defects and problems with the development and learning of the child if their mother takes it during pregnancy. Advertisement Children exposed to the drug while in the womb are at a high risk of serious developmental disorders (in up to 30-40% of cases) and congenital malformations (in approximately 10% of cases). Symptoms of fetal valproate syndrome (FVS) vary, but can include characteristic facial features, spina bifida, congenital heart defects, cleft lip and/or cleft palate, genital abnormalities, skeletal abnormalities and developmental delay. The drug's risk to infants has been made public in recent years, but campaigners in the UK found documents in the National Archives that indicated health regulators were aware of the risk as far back as 1973 but chose not to warn patients, saying it 'could give rise to fruitless anxiety'. A HSE report published in 2018 estimated that 1,250 children have been affected by valproate since 1975 in Ireland. In 2021, an investigation by The Journal Investigates found that around 3,000 Irish children were potentially harmed by exposure to the drug in the womb. Read The Journal Investigates's investigation into the valproate scandal . Last January, doctors began informing men of the potential risks that taking sodium valproate can have on their future children before prescribing it to them following precautionary measures recommended by the European Medicines Agency. Inquiry The Department of Health said the inquiry will have three strands. The first strand will be the review phase, which will establish a timeline for the use of sodium valproate in Ireland 'in women of childbearing potential including information on regulation, prescribing, dispensing and safety information issued'. The inquiry will seek to document the evolution of the regulation of the drug and the practices around the control of it. The Department said the inquiry 'will have responsibility to request documentation and submissions from a range of stakeholders', and the chair will record 'difficulties encountered where such requests are refused as part of their reporting function'. The second strand of the inquiry will seek oral statements from anyone impacted by the use of the drug, including people diagnosed with Foetal Valproate Spectrum Disorder (FVSD), their mothers and other family members who may wish to participate. This is anticipated to begin in September. Anyone who wishes to take part in this strand of the inquiry can register their interest on its website . These sessions will be held in private, and other stakeholders may also be invited to provide oral statements in separate sessions. Related Reads Chairperson appointed to probe into drug that causes birth defects after almost a year's delay Six months on, chairperson yet to be appointed to inquiry into drug that causes birth defects Doctors to inform men taking sodium valproate of risks to unborn children The third strand will focus on assessing the health service's current capacity to respond to safety issues 'related to use of anti-seizure medications (ASMs) in women of childbearing potential'. This will involve an assessment of the current systems in place to respond, disseminate and implement measures that address these potential safety issues, the development of other recommendations regarding current control systems for sodium valproate and other ASMs, and the services and supports for those impacted by sodium valproate. The Department said the results of this assessment will inform future service development. A communications campaign will be launched in the coming weeks to raise public awareness and support engagement with the inquiry. 'The real work starts now' Last month, when the inquiry had yet to commence, the Organisation for Anticonvulsant Syndromes (OACS) Ireland group, which supports families that have been impacted by the drug, told The Journal that it was seeking a meeting with the Minister for Health to discuss the status of the inquiry. Today, Carroll MacNeill said she was 'grateful' to meet with OACS Ireland recently 'and I know this is an important day for them and the families they represent'. 'I have every confidence that the Chair will conduct an independent and fair Inquiry and finally get answers for those affected and their families,' she said. In a statement, chair of OACS Ireland Karen Keely, whose three adult sons have been affected by exposure to sodium valproate, said: 'The real work starts now. 'The Inquiry will draw a spotlight on a public health issue which, whilst life-changing, is perhaps not as well known or understood by the public as other public health issues,' Keely said. Solicitor Ciara McPhillips, who represents OACS Ireland within the inquiry process, said: 'Together with OACS, I look forward to working with all stakeholders under the stewardship of the Chair to ensure those affected understand how it arose that women and mothers were prescribed a medication, which whilst very effective in preventing seizures, was so devastatingly detrimental to their children – many of whom will never live independent lives.' 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
The Journal
15-07-2025
- Business
- The Journal
Thousands in Irish public money spent on pushing cheap substitute 'milk' in West Africa
OVER €250,000 IN public funds have been used to help Irish dairy giants push products in West Africa that are 'putting its small scale farmers out of business'. That is according to a new investigation with DeSmog and Nigerian news outlet Premium Times on the impact of Ireland's booming fat-filled milk powder (FFMP) industry. The team can also reveal that certain brands are targeting advertising at Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal's parents, claiming the product is good for their children. It follows an investigation last year by The Journal Investigates and Premium Times exposing how large volumes of the cheap substitute 'milk' was being exported to West Africa, outcompeting local milk on price. Fat-filled milk powder is made by spray-drying skimmed milk combined with vegetable fats like palm or coconut oil because its dairy fats were removed to make more profitable products like butter. It cannot be sold in the EU as 'milk' because of the addition of palm or vegetable oil – with the vast majority shipped outside of Europe. While countries like the Netherlands, Germany, France and Poland also export FFMP, Ireland is by far the biggest player, exporting 30% of the EU's FFMP. Lakeland Dairies, Tirlán and Ornua, which had a combined turnover of €7.8bn in 2024, were the top exporters of FFMP to Nigeria and Ghana from 2021 to 2024 according to Volza export-import trade data. None of three companies responded to the team's requests for comment. Little known in Ireland, fat-filled milk powder is the State's largest (by volume) dairy export, and its fourth most valuable – worth €813 million last year. But its success continues to come at a cost for farmers in countries in West Africa, including Nigeria. Ireland's food and drink authority Bord Bia helped promote the product in these countries with a €170,745 taxpayer-funded 2023 trade mission and €82,500 on joint campaigns with Ornua for World Milk Day from 2021 to 2024. A number of other Irish products, including full-fat milk powder, were also promoted at these events. The Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM) said that this 'was the first agri-food Ministerial Trade Mission to the West Africa region since 2015″. It included 'government-to-government meetings and Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland engagements with leading customers for Irish agri-food and agri-tech'. 'Meetings also took place with UN Food and Agriculture Organisation and UN World Food Programme in relation to food security and humanitarian needs in the region.' Miksi, which is partly supplied by Lakeland Dairies, advertised in a shop in Nigeria. Beloved John / Premium Times Beloved John / Premium Times / Premium Times Investigations like this don't happen without your support… Impactful investigative reporting is powered by people like you. Advertisement Support The Journal Investigates Selling dairy to 'lactose intolerant' people The World Milk Day campaign promoted Ornua's FFMP product Kerrygold Avantage, alongside its full-cream milk powder which is made of full-fat milk. Details of this campaign, released following an Oireachtas question, included partnerships with social media influencers as well as making food and drinks with Kerrygold Avantage FFMP. A Bord Bia spokesperson told the investigative team that 'the campaigns were implemented across digital media channels (X and Instagram) incorporating promotion partnership with people or groups who have a significant following on social media'. Documents obtained from Bord Bia through Freedom of Information (FOI) requests highlight how market research demonstrated that the dairy industry could be selling lactose-high products to 'lactose intolerant' young people in Nigeria. The FOI documents also show how executives from Ireland's Lakeland Dairies, Tirlán and Ornua attended a slideshow presentation as part of the mission to 'increase knowledge of Irish dairy' in Nigeria and Senegal. While parts of the slideshow have been redacted, it reads 'the consumption of milk among young adults is low' adding 'many of them are lactose intolerant' in Nigeria. Fat-filled milk powder contains up to 37% lactose and intolerance to it can cause bloating, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. 'It's a common health issue in the country,' said Nigerian nutrition specialist Auwalu Aliyu. Market research commissioned by Bord Bia also showed that most consumers are unaware of the differences between whole milk powder and FFMP – an issue previously reported by The Journal Investigates . In relation to the promotion of FFMP, a DAFM spokesperson said that 'the placement of product on the market is a commercial decision for companies to make in accordance with the applicable legislation and market demand'. 'While promotional campaigns are an operational matter for Bord Bia, they have advised that their activities promoting Irish dairy to international customers are not typically product specific.' Redacted trade mission presentation, obtained from Bord Bia, which mentions lactose intolerance. Bord Bia (via FOI) Bord Bia (via FOI) 'Importance of brand building' Companies involved in the trade mission also enjoyed privileged access to key market players in Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria and Dakar in Senegal with attendees asked if they 'would be interested in a ministerial Top to Top meeting with [their] customer'. Bord Bia said it held a number of government-to-government meetings during the visit, while Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland held engagements with 'leading customers for Irish agri-food and agri-tech'. 'Branded milk powder is clearly the consumers' choice,' notes one slide. Another reveals nearly all Nigerian shoppers buy branded milk powder – up from 84% in 2017 to 99% in 2023. A further line crossed out in the document noted 'the importance of brands and brand-building in Nigeria, even among lower social classes'. Separately, Bord Bia has said that there is 'difficulty in differentiating high and low quality FFMP' and that 'having more branded products with information on provenance and specifications can support the differentiation of our quality product'. The same presentation notes that West Africa's increasing population is a driving factor for growth in FFMP imports – summarised in the slideshow as 'more mouths to feed'. Urbanisation was equated to 'easier to access mouths'. Related Reads Irish products among cheap EU dairy forcing some West African farmers out of business Health and environmental claims Cheaper than fresh milk, FFMP has a longer shelf life and is marketed as a 'good' source of protein. It is used as a milk substitute, tea and coffee 'creamer' and a base for yoghurts, drinks and desserts. Perceptions of the product as healthy and sustainable are carefully crafted in West Africa, where consumers are targeted through social media, billboards, TV and in-person campaigns. Analysis of hundreds of Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok posts from 2022 to 2024, found brands frequently make claims about the health benefits and environmental impacts of their products. Kerrygold Nigeria promotes its products as sustainable, claiming on X that its dairy 'reduces its environmental footprint, while also providing nutritious foods and livelihoods around the world'. It also claimed that Kerrygold Avantage Milk guarantees 'rich creamy goodness'. Ornua, who makes this, did not respond to the investigative team's queries. However, Barry Newman, the then regional head for Ornua North & Central Africa, addressed sustainability at the launch of Kerrygold Avantage FFMP in Nigeria in 2019. He said that Kerrygold Avantage was 'always going to be sourced on the island of Ireland which has a long long history of milk production'. He also said that the company was proud that 'the palm oil that is used in Kerrygold will be from responsibly sourced palm oil producers which constitutes 20% of the world's palm oil production'. A post on Instagram by Kerrygold Nigeria promoting the Avantage FFMP product. @kerrygoldnigeria on Instagram @kerrygoldnigeria on Instagram A DAFM spokesperson did say that 'Ireland's carbon footprint per unit of milk produced is one of the lowest amongst milk-producing countries due to our grass-based production system' but did not provide any links to research which supports that statement. Miksi, a major fat-filled milk powder brand partly supplied by Ireland's Lakeland Dairies, said on Facebook it 'contains all the calcium, proteins and vitamins essential for the proper development of growing children'. Though Lakeland Dairies is not the ultimate seller of Miksi in Nigeria, it is listed on Volza export data as shipping milk powder containing vegetable fats and oils under the Miksi brand name. On it's website, Lakeland Dairies states that its fat-filled milk powder is 'a staple in global markets due to its quality, consistency, flavour and functionality'. Tirlán, who claims to be the largest producer of FFMP in Europe, states online that its product 'is designed to offer an affordable alternative source of dairy nutrition without compromising on taste and texture'. 'Zero health outcome data for this product' While some experts told the investigative team there has been little research on the nutritional qualities of FFMP and 'zero health outcome data', the product was celebrated as 'a fabulous success story for Irish farmers' at a May symposium on milk drying technology in Cork. 'A lot of the public just see butter and cheese and think, that's the dairy industry,' director of Dairy Industry Ireland, Conor Mulvihill, said at the conference. He added: We are no longer a dairy industry, we're a nutrition industry. 'There's a huge demand for Irish butter… which means we have a lot of grass based protein powders that then can be shipped at ambient temperatures around the world.' We asked dairy experts at the event about the nutritional impact of replacing milk fat with vegetable oils to make FFMP. The Irish and US panellists stayed silent while Gert Hols from Danone in the Netherlands said: 'There is research happening.' Dr Emma Feeney, an assistant professor at University College Dublin's School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, said it's 'almost a bit of a black box – there isn't a huge pile of work on the nutritional side of it'. Dr Shireen Kassam, a haematologist and honorary senior lecturer at King's College Hospital, said: 'We have absolutely zero health outcome data for this product.' Sign up The Journal Investigates is dedicated to lifting the lid on how Ireland works. Our newsletter gives you an inside look at how we do this. Sign up here... Sign up .spinner{transform-origin:center;animation:spinner .75s infinite linear}@keyframes spinner{100%{transform:rotate(360deg)}} You are now signed up EU regulations state that fat-filled milk powder should contain at least 23% protein and a maximum of 30% fat. Packaging analysed by this investigation showed Miksi FFMP sold in Nigeria contains only 10% protein and 35% fat, while Kerrygold Avantage met the requirements. Tom Lynton Tom Lynton Nigerian farmers are struggling Farmers in the region told The Journal Investigates last year that it was cheaper to import milk than buy it locally. That continues to be a problem. 'The FFMP exported to West Africa is putting African farmers out of business, while simultaneously driving up Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions,' Paul Murphy TD told the investigative team. Aliyu Ilu, chief executive of five-acre Little Acres dairy farm in Abuja, Nigeria said they 'struggle with several things'. 'These range from electricity to transportation to the high cost of feed for the cattle' as well as the lack of security, climate complications, infrastructure issues and little government funding. Meanwhile in Ireland, where the Environmental Protection Agency continuously highlights how agricultural intensification is impacting waterways and risking government climate targets, dairy is heavily subsidised through Common Agricultural Policy. Bord Bia – and Ireland's dairy industry – routinely claim Irish dairy production is sustainable and has one of the lowest carbon footprints in Europe due to 'grass-based production'. Dr Elaine McGoff, head of advocacy for Ireland's National Trust An Taisce said this oft cited claim is 'based largely on old, outdated data' with a study claiming that, later debunked. Researchers instead found 'Ireland had the fourth highest emissions in Europe for dairy production'. She added: 'The intensification of agriculture, particularly dairy expansion, over the last decade is driving all of our environmental indicators off a cliff.' But not all Irish farmers consider intensive farming a 'success story'. 'The problem is that the dairy production that we have a lot of, is far beyond what the capacity of the ecosystems can carry in terms of water, in terms of energy,' said Fergal Anderson, vegetable farmer and member of Ireland's grassroots farmers group Talamh Beo. He added: 'I think most farmers wouldn't be happy to think that FFMP is where their milk ends up… that it's actually undermining a farm family somewhere else.' The Journal Investigates Reporters: Shauna Corr , Brigitte Wear , Phoebe Cooke and Beloved John • Investigation Partners: DeSmog and Premium Times • Social Media: Cliodhna Travers • Main Image Design: Lorcan O'Reilly Investigations like this don't happen without your support... Impactful investigative reporting is powered by people like you. Over 5,000 readers have already supported our mission with a monthly or one-off payment. Join them here: Support The Journal
The Journal
09-07-2025
- Health
- The Journal
Almost 25% of 'urgent' patients waiting too long for breast clinic appointments
MANY PEOPLE REFERRED for urgent appointments in breast diseases clinics are waiting longer than they should to be seen. New data obtained by the Irish Cancer Society shows that just 76.3% of patients got their appointment within the target of 10 working days. The figures have been described as a 'shocking postcode lottery', with patients living in certain areas less likely than others to get a much-needed appointment. This comes as The Journal Investigates reported the detrimental physical and psychological impacts delays to cancer care are having on people across the country. Earlier this week, our team showed that not only are hospitals failing to consistently start chemo on time, but people are waiting for diagnostic scans, surgeries and other treatments. READ OUR FULL SERIES HERE >> 'Early treatment dramatically reduces your risk of dying from cancer,' Averil Power, CEO of the Irish Cancer Society said. 'A person's chances of surviving cancer are up to four times higher when treated at Stage 1 than at Stage 4. 'Today's figures highlight alarming failures to meet those targets in many cancer centres, due to shortages of staff, physical space and equipment.' They also reveal a shocking postcode lottery in Irish cancer care, with where you live determining how quickly you can access lifesaving tests and treatment. The charity is calling for an extra €20 million investment in development funding in Budget 2026. Wait times vary substantially by hospital. For urgent breast disease clinics, from March 2024 to February this year, Mater University Hospital had the lowest compliance. Fewer than three in 10 patients there (28.9%) got appointments within the recommended time. Only 54.5% of patients were seen on time in St James's Hospital in Dublin and this was just 59.8% in Letterkenny Hospital. Patients trying to access urgent prostate rapid access clinics also faced delays during that period. Nationally, just 74.2% were seen within the recommended 20 working days, but again this varied between hospitals. This time, Galway University Hospital had significant delays, with just 12.7% of patients getting their prostate appointment on time. Regional disparities were also evident in cancer treatment data reported by The Journal Investigates on Monday , with a number of hospitals continuing to drastically underperform. 'Significant demand on existing services' In a statement issued in response to these findings, the HSE said that access to diagnostics and capacity within assessment and treatment services were key challenges. The spokesperson gave a number of reasons for the cause of 'significant demand on existing services, as evidenced by performance data'. These include 'increased referrals driven by population growth, heightened awareness of symptoms and improved detection' and 'increasing complexity of both diagnostic pathways and cancer care'. Advertisement 'Today, over 220,000 people in Ireland are living with or after cancer, which is a 50% increase compared to a decade ago.' To improve efficiency of services, the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) 'is introducing more streamlined clinical pathways based on clinical evidence'. Liam Downey, president of the Irish Institute of Radiography and Radiation Therapy (IIRRT) told The Journal Investigates earlier this week that a more streamlined service was possible by having units that are 'purely scheduled care'. The HSE spokesperson said that 'a mammography-only breast route' and 'a dedicated family history pathway for those at increased risk' are among the pathways being introduced. 'Infrastructure investments are ongoing to expand theatre capacity, inpatient beds, systemic therapy day wards and aseptic compounding units.' But the HSE also said: To sustain this progress, consistency and assurance around future funding would be helpful. 'The NCCP is actively engaging within the HSE and with the Department of Health to ensure adequate resources are in place for 2026 and beyond.' Relying on ageing equipment Readers of The Journal told us these delays were having drastic physical and psychological impacts on them. They felt forgotten, holding their breaths, unable to think about their future. Margaret Higgins, who resorted to getting a private scan due to the backlog, said: 'The system is so broken… If you haven't got somebody strong to fight for you, you just get left behind.' The Society of Radiation Oncology says an ongoing equipment replacement programme is needed. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Commenting on the data released today, John Armstrong, president of the Irish Society of Radiation Oncology (ISRO), said that sustained investment is needed 'to address the chronic staff shortages we are facing'. He also said that ageing equipment needs to be upgraded. 'We need an ongoing replacement programme so that every ten years we don't find ourselves in the unacceptable situation of relying on predictably inefficient machinery.' On this, the HSE spokesperson said that 'a national radiation oncology equipment replacement programme, along with the expansion of the radiotherapy facility at the Beaumont Centre… is further enhancing radiation treatment capacity'. When asked about delays being experience in cancer services, the Department of Health told us that 'since 2017, funding of €105 million has been invested in the National Cancer Strategy, including €23 million in 2025″. They added: 'The Programme for Government commits to building on our progress in cancer control and improving the lives of people living with and beyond cancer.' — Maria Delaney is the editor of The Journal Investigates . Our investigative unit is dedicated to lifting the lid on how Ireland works. This takes time and it takes resources. 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The Journal
07-07-2025
- Health
- The Journal
'It's breaking me': Our readers share the impact of cancer scan delays
NOBODY WANTS TO hear the word cancer, but thankfully as science advances, it is becoming more treatable and people are living longer with the disease. But from diagnostic scans to treatment to surgery to surveillance, people are encountering delays in the Irish healthcare system at every step on their cancer journey. Delays in diagnosis and treatment 'are Ireland's biggest obstacle to improved cancer outcomes', according to Averil Power, CEO of the Irish Cancer Society. The Journal Investigates reported earlier today that hospitals are failing to consistently start treatments including chemotherapy on time. Before ever reaching this step, many people anxiously wait — often for weeks or months — for tests needed to diagnose or monitor their cancer. This is not a small number. Over 300,000 people were waiting on scans in Ireland at the end of March 2025, with a shocking 15% waiting over 18 months. That is the waitlist for all conditions, but it includes tests that are vital for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, such as urgent and surveillance CT, MRI and ultrasound scans. Readers contacted us from across Ireland to share the physical and psychological impacts these delays are having on their lives. They felt forgotten, holding their breaths, unable to think about their future. Thank you to everyone who got in touch. Here's what you told us. 'I'm in a constant panic by not knowing' Emma Aspell from Dublin, who has two young children, received news she was dreading last week — her cancer was back, and had spread to her lungs. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 and finished treatments for it in May 2024. Unfortunately, a year on, her surveillance scan wasn't clear and lung cancer was subsequently confirmed. But now she is waiting for a plan. I have been so optimistic. I've had so much fight in me. But my anxiety is winning. Emma said her consultant can't make a plan until she has a biopsy and the wait is three weeks. 'My consultant said he feels for me, but as they need a CT scanner to do a lung biopsy the wait is this long. 'It's breaking me. This could be the difference of life and death for me.' — Investigations like this don't happen without your support… Impactful investigative reporting is powered by people like you. Support The Journal Investigates Advertisement 'The system is so broken' Margaret Higgins said that, after many 'gruelling' months of chemotherapy and radiation, monitoring to see if her cancer has returned is her 'lifeline'. Due to a backlog, her mammogram at a large hospital in Dublin was delayed so she resorted to a private scan. Her next annual check-up was also pushed out by a number of months. 'The system is so broken,' she told The Journal Investigates. 'The staff are killing themselves' but whoever is making funding decisions 'is not doing a good job'. If you haven't got somebody strong to fight for you, you just get left behind. 'When you're not feeling well, you can't fight for your yourself,' Higgins added. Margaret was just one of numerous readers who told us that their mammograms were significantly delayed. Martina Balte, a breast cancer survivor, is waiting for an appointment for her overdue annual mammogram. It was due in May, but she doesn't even have a date. 'I contacted my breast cancer nurse — who couldn't help with an appointment and she told me to do regular breast checks myself while waiting on my appointment.' 'When I was diagnosed at 48, my symptoms were a pain under my arm. When I got my diagnoses of a 5 cm lump, I couldn't feel it. To put the responsibility on me to check for recurrence due to imaging not being available is wrong. 'Cancer survivors live with a fear of recurrence every day. There should be no delays with their appointments, mammograms or scans.' 'You're forever left with 'what if' Muireann Mc Colgan was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer two weeks after her daughter Aobh was born. Getting access to scans continue to be an ongoing issue for her, even after diagnosis. That includes yearly mammograms. But her last appointment was pushed out by five months. 'You feel forgotten about,' she said. The delay made her feel like she didn't matter to the health service 'because she was going to eventually die to the disease'. Muireann Mc Colgan feels forgotten by the health service. Muireann Mc Colgan Muireann Mc Colgan Alongside two other women with breast cancer, Niamh Noonan and Ziva Cussen, she started a campaign — Too Young To Be Heard — calling for improvements across a number of areas of cancer care, especially for young women. The ability to get scans or biopsies on the same day as a BreastCheck appointment is one of their key asks. Muireann said that women who are waiting for tests are 'terrified'. Rather than wait for a place in the public system, she said: 'Honestly, without freaking them out, I just tell them to go private.' She told us that 'the whole thing is a mess'. You're forever left with the 'what if'. What if it been done earlier? What if I had pushed for it? Other issues the campaign group say need to be addressed include lowering the age of public breast cancer screening, immediately referring women with symptoms to specialist clinics regardless of age or family history, as well as financial assistance with treatment and lost earnings. The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) is to examine extending breast cancer screening beyond the current ages of 50-69. This comes as guidance issued in the United States last year recommended it should start at age 40. Niamh Noonan, Ziva Cussen and Muireann Mc Colgan set up Too Young To Be Heard to amplify Irish breast cancer voices. Muireann Mc Colgan Muireann Mc Colgan Related Reads 'It's getting tougher': Hospitals failing to consistently start chemo on time Cancer diagnoses could double by 2045 without urgent action, warns Irish Cancer Society Funding removed from large cancer centre Mater University Hospital diagnoses over a fifth of all breast cancers in Ireland. When asked about delays to mammograms, a spokesperson for the hospital said that it 'is facing significant capacity constraints due to high demand and a lack of funding'. Last year, 'dedicated funding for additional mammography lists was removed, which directly impacted on the unit's ability to meet the demand for services'. The Mater's unit receives about 7,500 referrals every years and also receives patients post diagnosis from the Breastcheck unit. 'A comprehensive business case' for extra staff and resources has been submitted by the hospital. The Dublin hospital said that it 'regrets any inconvenience caused to our patients due to the capacity constraints of the service' and it is 'working to find solutions to the issue'. 'Patients are consistently advised to consult their GP for re-referral if they develop symptoms of concern.' 'Inefficiency in the system' The readers that contacted us attended a wide variety of hospitals, so it is clear that cancer units right across Ireland are impacted by these capacity constraints. One reader who lives in the midlands has been waiting for years to find out if her symptoms are, in fact, cancer. She first had them around three years ago, and between delays and lack of capacity, she only had a biopsy in April. 'It's almost three months since I had the procedure and getting close to three years since I first reported symptoms to my GP and I still have no results. 'I fully understand the pressure on hospital staff, but I also think there is a significant degree of inefficiency in the system.' Other readers recounted their hurt and frustration about the treatment of their relatives who died of cancer. Many cited delays in diagnosis while waiting for PET and CT scans, even as an inpatient or when attending the emergency department with cancer-related symptoms. Kiri, who is based in the south, told us that his wife had to endure this 'hell'. 'Simply in order to get the required MRI scans my wife had to spend four days (of what turned out to be her last two weeks) on a trolley in corridors and later a basement storage room, with lights constantly on, waiting for the scan the doctor had ordered.' Because of the lack of capacity, she had to be admitted as an inpatient to get further tests. Despite her not needing to stay in hospital, she was forced to stay in an overcrowded ward for a further five days away from her family simply to hold her place in the queue. Claire, who contacted us about her mother's care, told us that a follow-up scan wasn't scheduled until she, and her sisters, pushed the hospital for it. When the scan eventually happened, the cancer had regrown. 'From waiting for weeks for scans, further weeks for results and constantly having to follow up ourselves… I am convinced that if we had not been there to advocate for her, her life would have been cut even shorter.' From investigation to consultation in 8 days We also received a positive story from reader Peter Larner living in the midwest. He was diagnosed with bowel cancer following routine screening by the HSE. I received, in a matter of days, a letter with an invitation for more tests. A CT scan was scheduled for the following week and Peter had an appointment with a surgeon a few days after that. He said it took eight days from 'investigation to consultation' and he had surgery within five weeks. This experience was 'hugely positive thanks to the HSE', he told us. Radiographers calling for dedicated units There is a need for dedicated units to prevent delays, according to Liam Downey, president of the Irish Institute of Radiography and Radiation Therapy (IIRRT). Sign up The Journal Investigates is dedicated to lifting the lid on how Ireland works. Our newsletter gives you an inside look at how we do this. Sign up here... Sign up .spinner{transform-origin:center;animation:spinner .75s infinite linear}@keyframes spinner{100%{transform:rotate(360deg)}} You are now signed up 'If you had units that are purely scheduled care… it's more streamlined and better for patients,' he told us. Unscheduled care, such as a trauma patient after a car crash or an ICU patient who needs an urgent scan, mean there is a 'constant balance' between ensuring they can be seen and fitting in outpatient scans. 'They're all coming through one system.' Downey said his members 'are seeing delays to oncology patients needing a scan after radiation or chemotherapy'. 'Trying to meet these timelines is a particular challenge. There isn't capacity there to get them back in.' That is an issue that the Irish Cancer Society's Averil Power also raised. 'Effects on the body can be quite harsh, so you don't want to be giving somebody chemotherapy if it's not working. 'It's really important that people are getting regular scans' to check this, she told The Journal Investigates. As a result of not getting these scans, she said: Patients are starting their treatment later, and also patients are potentially being given treatment that isn't working. That is hugely concerning. As well as more investment in diagnostic capacity the charity is calling for dedicated cancer centres. That is the 'long-term goal' so that 'cancer isn't competing with other diseases' when it comes to scans, treatment slots or surgery. A Department of Health spokesperson told us: 'The Government is fully committed to improving cancer care, ensuring better prevention, maintaining improvements in cancer survival rates, and timely access to treatments.' They said that since 2017, €105 million been invested in the National Cancer Strategy, including €23 million this year. 'This has enabled the recruitment of over 670 staff to our national cancer services, including 200 nursing staff, 100 consultants, and 180 health and social care professionals in designated cancer centres.' In relation to delays in diagnosis of cancer, the spokesperson told us: 'The Department is reviewing utilisation of diagnostics and this will utilise the National Integrated Medical Imaging System (NIMIS) to provide hourly usage data of machines and look at enablers to use machines on evenings and weekends.' IIRRT's Downey told us 'there are huge efforts being put in across the country to increase the capacity'. Radiographers are working on call, evenings and weekends in some places. 'But without the resource behind it, it doesn't actually lead to any increase in volume.' To address this, he said more staff are needed. The IIRRT have submitted a business case on this to the HSE and Department of Health. Though he also warned that even with all units running at full capacity 'we're constantly behind the curve'. 'By the time we increase infrastructure, we are already behind what is needed.' The Journal Investigates Reporter / Editor: Maria Delaney • Main Image Design: Lorcan O'Reilly • Social Media: Cliodhna Travers Investigations like this don't happen without your support... Impactful investigative reporting is powered by people like you. Over 5,000 readers have already supported our mission with a monthly or one-off payment. Join them here: Support The Journal
