Author: Ailbhe Conneely
The Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, has pledged to invest in modernizing mental health services following the findings of the Mental Health Commission’s report. The report expressed concerns about the failure of services to comply with minimum standards, particularly in areas like staffing, care planning, and risk management. Minister Donnelly emphasized the need for rapid access to compliant, patient-focused facilities for all patients requiring mental health support. He highlighted the government’s commitment to investing in services and improving capacity. Despite improvements in some areas, the report noted a decrease in compliance rates and highlighted issues such as physical restraints and…
The number of Ukrainian arrivals in Ireland has shown significant growth from February to June this year, with over 2,500 more people coming to the country. As of 2 June, 107,406 individuals from Ukraine have arrived in Ireland since March 2022, compared to 104,870 arrivals in February. The spike in numbers led to the introduction of a 90-day accommodation policy for Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection, providing state accommodation and weekly allowances. Kenmare in Co Kerry was noted as having the highest number of Ukrainian arrivals at 2,844. A recent report by the CSO revealed that 46% of the arrivals…
Concern is rising over the potential homelessness faced by asylum seekers granted refugee status in Ireland. The International Protection Accommodation Service is advising those in Direct Provision to seek alternative housing. The European Migration Network found that recognized refugees are struggling to move out of Government-provided accommodation. For example, Shelley and her children were moved 200km away, causing her to leave her job and her daughter to face challenges in school. Challenges accessing autonomous housing, coupled with the policy of not evicting individuals into homelessness, lead to long stays in IPAS accommodation. This hinders integration and career progression. Discrimination by…
Unlocking Housing for Refugees in Ireland: Challenges and Solutions A recent study by the European Migration Network (EMN) in Ireland has shed light on the struggles faced by recognised refugees in transitioning from government-provided accommodation to autonomous housing. The EMN, part of the Economic and Social Research Institute, highlighted the increasing challenges faced by refugees in accessing suitable housing. The research revealed that barriers such as the shortage of social and affordable housing, inadequacies in support services, language barriers, and discrimination are preventing refugees from moving into independent housing. As of January 2024, about 6,000 people with International Protection status…
A recent study by the European Migration Network (EMN) in Ireland has revealed that a significant number of recognised refugees are experiencing difficulties transitioning from government-provided accommodation to independent housing. The EMN, a branch of the Economic and Social Research Institute, highlighted the challenges faced by refugees in accessing suitable housing, which not only impacts the individuals but also strains the capacity of government-provided accommodation for asylum seekers. Main barriers identified included a shortage of social and affordable housing, insufficient mainstream support services, language barriers, lack of information, and discrimination. The study reported that as of January 2024, around 6,000…
The final report of a scoping inquiry into historical sexual abuse in day and boarding schools run by religious orders is set to be delivered to the Minister for Education today. This follows a series of abuse allegations from the 1960s and 1970s in schools operated by religious congregations. The report, exceeding 200 pages, will provide recommendations from Senior Counsel Mary O’Toole regarding the Government’s response to the revelations. The inquiry focused on ensuring survivor input was a key component and engaged with religious orders throughout its process. It also included a critical analysis of the response of religious orders…
David Ryan, a survivor featured in the RTÉ Radio 1 documentary ‘Blackrock Boys’, is urging other victims of historical sexual abuse at St Declan’s Special School in Donnybrook to come forward. He bravely shared his story of being abused by Fr Dermot Casey during the 1970s, before attending Blackrock College. After revealing his abuse on the campus of Blackrock College with his late brother Mark, Mr. Ryan called for justice and accountability from the Jesuit Order. Despite receiving a formal apology, he still feels ignored and dismissed by the organization. He emphasized the importance of victims sharing their stories and…
Homelessness crisis worsens in April as more than 14,000 people access emergency accommodation, including 9,803 adults and 4,206 children. The figures show a 14% increase in homelessness over the past year, with 1,996 families and 59 more children becoming homeless in April alone. Homeless charities like Focus Ireland and Depaul are calling on the Government to implement key recommendations to address the crisis, including increasing social and cost-rental housing to 20% of the national stock and taking emergency action to address Ireland’s housing deficit. In Dublin, over 10,000 people are in emergency accommodation, leading to a gridlocked housing system. The…
The Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, defended immigration checks on the border in Ireland, emphasizing the need to protect the Common Travel Area while preventing abuse. She highlighted the importance of identifying and addressing any misuse of the system through collaboration with the PSNI and UK counterparts. Addressing the rise in asylum applications, Minister McEntee stressed the need for a faster and more efficient international protection system to ensure timely decisions and support for those with legitimate claims. Funding was allocated to the Legal Aid Board to meet the growing demand for services. Concerns were raised by the Irish Refugee…
Today, a protest is being held at the proposed memorial site for survivors of institutional abuse at the former Magdelene Laundry in Dublin. The memorial site is meant to honor those who suffered in industrial schools, Magdalen Laundries, and other institutions, but survivors feel it does not truly represent their experiences. Despite a State apology 25 years ago, survivors feel the Government has not adequately listened to their needs. The bill going through the Oireachtas to support survivors has been criticized for not addressing key recommendations, such as providing a full State contributory pension to those living in poverty. CSUL,…