Natalie Chalk is a UK-based journalist who works on the news desk of the Daily Mail. She also works as Late Breaking News Editor at inews on weekends. Prior to this she has contributed articles to The Mail on Sunday, The Big Issue, The Guardian, Daily Express, Sunday Mirror, Women’s Health, TNT ...

Northern Ireland XL Bully ban decision could come soon, Government officials say

13 Jan 2024  |  inews.co.uk  |  English  |  Public Safety

Northern Ireland is considering a ban on XL Bully dogs, following similar actions by England, Wales, and Scotland due to public safety concerns. The ban would address the breeding, selling, or abandonment of these dogs. Northern Ireland's Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is reviewing the situation and may use the Northern Ireland Executive Formation Act 2022 to make a decision, despite the suspension of devolved powers. Animal shelters in Northern Ireland have reported an increase in calls to rehome dogs to avoid restrictions. Advocates like Nora Smith from the USPCA urge not to hastily follow the English legislation, emphasizing the need to address irresponsible breeding and ownership. The UK Government has already enacted new rules under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, requiring muzzling and leashing of XL Bully dogs, with ownership without an exemption certificate becoming a criminal offense from February 1.

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UK Government Northern Ireland Animal Welfare Charity (USPCA) Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Almost Home Animal Rescue Assisi Animal Sanctuary

Norma Costello is a journalist based in Dublin, Ireland.

The 'Charlie Hebdo' Massacre Raises Awkward Questions for Free Speech in Ireland

14 Jan 2015  |  www.vice.com  |  English  |  Censorship

The article discusses the implications of Ireland's blasphemy laws in the context of the Charlie Hebdo massacre, highlighting the potential legal challenges Irish media could face if they published similar content. It critiques Ireland's outdated censorship laws and the Censorship of Publications Board, emphasizing the need for legal reforms to align with contemporary societal values. The article also mentions a potential referendum to remove the crime of blasphemy from the constitution, reflecting on the broader issues of free speech and censorship in Ireland.

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Irish Government Censorship of Publications Board National University of Ireland Charlie Hebdo

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Deaglán de Bréadún (pronounced: Deg-lawn de Bray-doon)  is a freelance journalist, broadcaster  and author based in Dublin, Ireland. He previously worked as Political Correspondent with The Irish Times; Political Editor of The Irish Sun; Local Radio Correspondent with the Irish parliament's ...

Obituary: John Kelly, academic and former professor of engineering at UCD who was a key figure in college life

27 Nov 2022  |  www.independent.ie  |  English  |  Academia

John Kelly, a former professor of engineering at University College Dublin (UCD) and a key figure in college life, passed away after a short illness. He was instrumental in UCD's international collaborations, a supporter of the SDLP, and an advocate for students with disabilities through his work with Ahead. Kelly also contributed to the development of the UCD Engineering and Materials Science Centre and promoted gender balance in engineering. His book on James Joyce was published in 2021. He is survived by his wife Nora and their children.

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Government of Ireland Higher Institute of Advanced Science & Technology National Board of Science and Technology University of Missouri University of Maryland Ahead SDLP Department of the Taoiseach

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Leo Enright is an award-winning broadcast journalist specializing in the politics and culture of Ireland (not sport), and in space exploration.  

He is a former Head of Radio News at Ireland's national broadcaster, RTE,  and was the BBC's correspondent in Ireland for more than a decade ...

Landmark abortion vote in Ireland looks to have wide-ranging impact

24 May 2018  |  CTVNews  |  English  |  Women's Rights

Ireland is set to vote on a referendum to repeal its strict anti-abortion law, a decision that has polarized the nation. If the 'yes' vote prevails, the government plans to introduce legislation allowing abortion within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. The debate has been influenced by social media and the availability of abortion drugs online. High-profile cases, such as that of Savita Halappanavar, have highlighted the need for change. Both sides have campaigned vigorously, with the 'yes' side emphasizing compassion and solidarity, while the 'no' side stresses traditional values and the sanctity of life.

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Government of Ireland Iona Institute Facebook Google Irish Times Irish Health Service Supreme Court

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Tim Healy is a journalist based in Antananarivo Renivohitra, Madagascar.

Ireland’s rights watchdog takes State to court over asylum seekers left homeless

01 Oct 2023  |  www.independent.ie  |  English  |  Legal Action

Ireland's human rights watchdog, the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC), has initiated High Court proceedings against the Government for failing to provide accommodation to all international protection applicants for the second time this year. This marks the first instance of IHREC using its statutory powers to take legal action concerning human rights issues.

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Government of Ireland Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission

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Niamh Hennessy is a journalist based in Cork, Ireland.

Should grandparents be paid for minding their grandkids?

20 Mar 2024  |  Irish Examiner  |  English  |  Economics

Research from Trinity College indicates that a significant portion of grandparents in Ireland provide childcare, with varying hours per month. The practice of grandparents caring for grandchildren is common in various countries, including China and the United States. The issue of whether grandparents should be paid for this service is complex and depends on individual circumstances, family bonds, and financial situations. Some experts believe that while grandparents may not expect payment, offering some form of compensation could be appropriate. A few years ago, there was a proposal for a government-supported grant for grandparents in Ireland, but it did not materialize. Additional research from Trinity College suggests that providing extensive childcare can negatively impact grandparents' mental health, and in Britain, grandparents can claim tax credits for childcare.

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Government of Ireland Trinity College

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Wulan Kusuma Wardhani is a journalist based in East Jakarta, Indonesia.

Fighting Social Norms, Programs Guide Women Into STEM Fields

08 Mar 2019  |  international.thenewslens.com  |  English  |  Women Empowerment

Programs like 'Coding Mum' and organizations such as Clevio Coder Camp, ERM, and Thinkweb are actively working to empower women in STEM fields in Indonesia. Despite societal norms that often discourage women from pursuing technology careers, initiatives supported by entities like the Indonesian Agency for Creative Economy and the UN's Pulse Lab Jakarta are making strides in promoting gender diversity. Mentorship, supportive work environments, and family encouragement are highlighted as crucial factors in increasing women's participation in STEM. The article underscores the importance of breaking gender barriers and fostering inclusive policies to support women in technology.

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Government of Indonesia Embassy of Ireland Indonesian Agency for Creative Economy (BEKRAF) UN Pulse Lab Jakarta Girls in Tech Global

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Joe Lo is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom who is available to cover any event in London but specialises in politics and football.

British governments are making it cheaper to fly – and the environmental damage will be immense

27 Apr 2019  |  The Independent  |  English  |  Air Travel

British governments are reducing air travel costs, contradicting their stated climate concerns. The UK aviation sector emits 34 million tonnes of CO2 annually, more than Myanmar's total emissions. Devolution has led to reduced air passenger taxes in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, with Scotland and Wales considering similar cuts. The Scottish government's proposed Air Departure Tax cuts are stalled due to opposition and EU rules. Tax cuts could lead to increased flights and greenhouse gases, disproportionately benefiting the wealthy. The article argues for the necessity of reducing air travel to combat climate change.

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Welsh government Scottish government Republic of Ireland Northern Ireland executive UK’s aviation sector Westminster’s Committee on Welsh Affairs Edinburgh airport Scottish Greens

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Laura Lynott is a senior journalist based in Dublin, Ireland who has worked in national and local newspapers for 15 years.  Laura has worked freelance for almost three of those and has written for magazines and websites in the U.K. and Ireland.
Throughout her lengthy career, Laura has written ...

Cop 28: Taoiseach will pledge €225m a year to take on climate change

30 Nov 2023  |  Irish Independent  |  English  |  International Relations

The Irish Government has committed to funding climate change initiatives with an annual pledge of €225 million in response to global extreme weather events. Taoiseach Mr Varadkar emphasized Ireland's duty to act 'harder and faster' for a safe environment. The 2023 summit, seen as crucial for assessing progress on the 2015 Paris Agreement, will focus on emissions reduction, renewable energy, and climate finance. Mr Varadkar will address the conference, highlighting Ireland's commitment to nations most affected by climate change. The conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine will also be discussed, although key leaders like US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not attend.

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Government of Ireland United States Israel

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Yaiza Martín-Fradejas is a Spanish journalist based in Paris, France. She is specialized in international information in audiovisual media. She has experience in radio and television, but also in web. She is currently working for Radio France International and Euronews but she is open to possible ...

Luis de Guindos could be the new Vice President of the European Central Bank

07 Feb 2018  |  es.euronews.com  |  Spanish  |  Economic Policy

Luis de Guindos, Spain's current Minister of Economy, has been proposed by the Spanish Government as a candidate for the Vice Presidency of the European Central Bank, to serve under Mario Draghi. He competes against Philip Lane, the governor of the Central Bank of Ireland, and requires the support of 14 out of the 19 Eurozone countries. De Guindos played a significant role in managing Spain's economic crisis, and the government sources consider him the best candidate for the position, highlighting his contribution to Spain's economic recovery and the survival of the euro.

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Central Bank of Ireland Spanish Government European Central Bank

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Olivia McGill is a freelance journalist, editor, content writer and comms and PR expert based in Dublin, Ireland.

'The cheapest hotel in Dublin tonight is €240' - Businesses say VAT hike will ensure tourists stay away, and call on Ross to resign

10 Oct 2018  |  www.independent.ie  |  English  |  Economic Impact

The Irish Government's decision to increase VAT from 9% to 13.5% has sparked significant concern among businesses in the tourism sector. Stakeholders, including Adrian Cummins of the Restaurants Association of Ireland and Pat McDonagh of Supermac's, argue that the hike will lead to job losses and deter tourists. The sentiment is largely negative, with calls for Minister Shane Ross to resign. The increase is seen as particularly harmful given the looming uncertainty of Brexit. While Fáilte Ireland acknowledges the challenges, it remains optimistic about long-term growth. The overall reaction from the industry is one of disappointment and concern over the economic impact.

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Government of Ireland Tourism Ireland Fáilte Ireland Restaurants Association of Ireland Irish Hotels Federation

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Andrew Naughtie is a journalist based in Edinburgh, United Kingdom.

Why Ireland's leaders are willing to be tougher on Israel than most

10 Nov 2023  |  www.euronews.com  |  English  |  Conflict

Ireland's leaders, including Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and President Michael D Higgins, have taken a notably tougher stance on Israel's actions in Gaza compared to other European governments. This is partly due to a historical resonance with the Palestinian cause among Irish nationalists and a complicated political reality stemming from past incidents, such as the use of forged Irish passports by Mossad agents. The Irish government is currently engaged in intense diplomatic efforts to secure the release of an Irish citizen, Emily Hand, believed to be held hostage in Gaza. While condemning the Hamas massacre, Irish leaders have also criticized Israel for what they see as a disproportionate response and a disregard for international humanitarian law.

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Israeli Government Government of Ireland Hamas

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A journalist based in Dublin, Ireland, with strong storytelling skills. Interested in social issues, human rights and humanitarian issues. Possesses experience in researching, writing and creating content while remaining informative and interesting.

Students set to march to the Dáil today and urge government to tackle accommodation crisis

04 Oct 2023  |  Irish Independent  |  English  |  Budget 2024

Students from across Ireland will march in Dublin to urge the government to use its €65 billion 'rainy day' fund to address the student accommodation crisis. The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) calls for 30,000 new student beds and free public transport for students. USI President Chris Clifford criticizes the government for not utilizing the budget surplus to alleviate student hardships. People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd-Barrett supports the demonstration, emphasizing the need for fair and accessible education funding.

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Government of Ireland Union of Students in Ireland People Before Profit

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Chris Page is a journalist based in Ōsaka-shi, Japan. Writing on a broad range of topics, such as current affairs, culture, society, literature, travel, and film, I have contributed to the BBC World Service, CBC (Canada) TV News 1, The Japan Times, Time Out Kyoto City Guide, The London News Review, ...

Unmarried mothers' repatriations: 'I should never have been in Ireland'

29 Jun 2023  |  BBC News فارسی  |  English  |  Human Rights

The article explores the traumatic experiences of Maria Cahill, who was repatriated from Britain to Ireland as a baby and placed in a mother-and-baby home. It raises questions about the forced repatriations of unmarried mothers by state authorities and religious charities from the 1930s to the 1970s. Maria and her daughter Fiona have spent decades uncovering the truth about her early years, revealing the emotional and social impact of these repatriations. The article also discusses the significant influence of the Catholic Church in Ireland and the need for an official apology to the survivors.

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Irish government Sisters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Catholic Protection and Rescue Society of Ireland Crusade of Rescue Catholic Church Westminster Social Welfare Committee

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Jack Parrock is a journalist based in Brussels, Belgium. He is specialised in live and packaged TV and radio news and moderating live events.

Varadkar: Judges will be 'very reluctant' to issue eviction notices

01 Oct 2023  |  Irish Examiner  |  English  |  Homelessness

The Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, asserts that judges will be very reluctant to issue eviction notices, emphasizing that eviction notices can only be issued by the courts. The Government's decision to end the eviction ban has sparked concerns among homeless charities, with Threshold's CEO, John-Mark McCafferty, warning of a bleak outlook for renters. Varadkar argues that the eviction ban has not effectively prevented homelessness, citing the increase in emergency accommodation numbers despite the ban. He also believes that most landlords are reasonable and that courts are hesitant to evict people into homelessness for humanitarian reasons.

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Government of Ireland Threshold

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Sir Ivor Roberts is a former British diplomat who served as ambassador in former Yugoslavia, Ireland and Italy. He is the editor of Satow's guide to diplomacy and on the advisory board of The Counter-Extremism project. He is based in Oxford, United Kingdom.

A hard Border would bring destructive clarity to the North

28 Jan 2019  |  The Irish Times  |  English  |  Peace Process

The article discusses the potential dangers of a hard border in Northern Ireland, emphasizing the risk of reigniting violence and exacerbating community divisions. It highlights warnings from former security officials and the negative impact of Brexit negotiations on the peace process. The author argues for a more constructive approach to avoid a hard border and calls for continued talks between the Irish and British governments. The piece also addresses the role of technology and social media in enabling extremist groups.

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Irish government British government Police Service of Northern Ireland MI5 European Commission New IRA Counter Extremism Project

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Dr. Tristen Taylor is a South African journalist, researcher and academic: he is a regular columnist at South Africa’s largest newspaper, Sunday Times. He is also a National Geographic Explorer and a Research Associate of the Unit of Environmental Ethics of Stellenbosch University.

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The plans for giant seaweed farms in European waters

03 Aug 2022  |  BBC  |  English  |  Environmental Impact

A breakthrough in seaweed farming was achieved off the Dutch coast with the world's first mechanical harvest of an offshore seaweed farm by North Sea Farmers. The seaweed industry, valued at $40bn in 2020, is projected to grow significantly, with European producers aiming for large-scale cultivation. The European Commission is backing this with financial support, and countries like the Netherlands, Germany, and Ireland are leading the way. The Seaweed Company is pioneering sustainable seaweed farming across various locations. The environmental impact of large-scale seaweed farming is still being studied, but initial findings are promising.

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Kiel University of Applied Science Republic of Ireland Dutch government North Sea Farmers Seaweed for Europe European Commission Seafood Development Agency

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Margaret Ward is an award-winning journalist based in Dublin, Ireland. She was formerly the Foreign Editor and China correspondent at Ireland's public service broadcaster RTE and has twenty years experience, mostly covering foreign affairs. She is available to report and comment on Irish politics ...

The great disappearing act: Irish female musicians

05 Oct 2023  |  Irish Examiner  |  English  |  Cultural Discrimination

Irish female musicians face significant underrepresentation on Irish radio, with only 3% of the top 100 songs in 2023 sung by Irish women. Despite various campaigns and data highlighting this disparity, Irish radio stations have not taken substantial action to address the issue. In contrast, UK radio stations have made significant strides towards gender parity. The article calls for government intervention, including data collection, targets, quotas, and financial penalties, to bring about change. It also urges Media Minister Catherine Martin to conduct a culture audit and hold stations accountable for their lack of diversity.

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Government of Ireland WhyNotHer? Irish Radio Stations British Radio Stations

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