The Irish elections have concluded, and once again, the status quo has been upheld. However, we must look to the future and ensure that the voices of all Irish citizens—both at home and abroad are heard in shaping our democracy. For too long, the voices of those who have emigrated have been excluded, despite their continued ties to Ireland and the very policies that have pushed them away. Every year, over 60,000 of our young people leave Irish shores, driven away by a country that has become increasingly inhospitable to those seeking a decent quality of life. The policies of successive governments have failed to address the crises we face in housing, workers' rights, healthcare, and the broader quality of life for ordinary people. Instead, the status quo persists, upheld by an electorate that does not reflect the full breadth of Irish voices. We call for the inclusion of Irish citizens living abroad in our democratic process through postal voting rights. These are people forced to emigrate due to the inability of this government to provide for its citizens. Their voices matter. The decisions made here affect their future, their families, and their hope of ever returning to a better Ireland. This petition highlights the following urgent concerns: 1. Failed Government Policies: Successive governments, particularly the Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil coalition, have prioritized enterprise and profits over people. This has led to: ·        An unprecedented housing crisis, forcing families into homelessness and driving young people out of the country. ·        A voluntarist model of collective bargaining, leaving Irish workers with some of the weakest protections across OECD states. ·        A shift towards privatisation of public services, reducing job quality and diminishing workers' rights while prioritising profits over service provision. 1. A Mass Exodus: Our rich culture, community, and potential are being eroded as young people emigrate en masse. This government has stripped Ireland of what makes it vibrant and sustainable for future generations. 2. Lack of Representation: The recent election results reflect a system that excludes the voices of those most impacted by these policies. Our emigrants must have the right to vote, to ensure the government is held accountable not just by those who remain but also by those forced to leave. By signing this petition, you are standing up for: • The right of emigrants to have their voices heard. • The need to address low voter turnout by ensuring more inclusive participation. • A fairer, more inclusive Ireland that prioritises its people. Let us reflect on our voting policies and build a country that future generations can call home.

The Central Bank of Ireland is still selling Israeli bonds, despite the state's ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people. Israel is marketing these bonds as a means to support its onslaught in Gaza. The Central Bank says it can't stop selling these bonds unless the Irish government puts sanctions in place that prevent it from doing so.  Together, we are calling on Micheál Martin and Simon Harris to impose immediate sanctions on Israel that would stop the Central Bank from selling these bonds once and for all. 

Donald Trump is set to become president of the United States for the second time, and he's already promising an extreme regime that will see serious negative consequences for so many people.  RTÉ is currently running ads promoting Trump's Doonbeg hotel and golf club. Our national broadcaster shouldn't be taking money from a dangerous man who promises to make life worse for people from marginalised backgrounds. Together, we're calling on RTÉ director general Kevin Bakhurst to pull these ads with immediate effect.

The Late Late Toy Show is more than just a TV program—it’s a beloved Irish tradition that brings families together to celebrate the magic of childhood. For many children, it’s the most anticipated night of the year, a chance to see toys, hear stories, and experience the joy of Christmas kicking off. However, the current 9:30 PM start time is simply too late for most young children. By then, many are too tired to fully enjoy the show or can’t stay up at all. This leaves parents torn between letting kids miss out on the excitement or allowing them to stay up and face the consequences of a late night. Moving the Toy Show to 7 PM would: • Allow children to fully participate in this iconic event without sacrificing their sleep. • Create magical family moments for parents and kids to share together. • Honor the tradition of the Toy Show as a celebration for all ages, ensuring that no one feels excluded. This is about making a small but meaningful change that aligns with the Toy Show’s mission of joy, connection, and inclusivity for all Irish families. Let’s make it happen!

We would like Fingal County Council to make our Seabury pathways safer by fixing the damaged pathway areas outside houses  number 8 and number 9 Estuary Road Malahide. The raised areas and potholes at this location are a dangerous tripping hazard for pedestrians. They have caused many young children to fall off of their bikes and scooters while on their way to school or to the local playground. Location: (53.4538894, -6.1819346). There are also many elderly residents living near this location who are at risk of falling.  It is so easily preventable. Just a bit of concrete here and the path will be made safe. I have contacted the county council months ago and have not had any proper response. Please sign our petition to get this fixed and make Seabury a safer place for all! :)

By signing this petition, you are lending support to help with some challenges our local soccer club, Sporting Greystones Football Club, is currently facing. Sporting Greystones FC is a young, community-focused grassroots football club that provides local children with the opportunity to learn and play football. Despite having over 300 playing members and 40 active volunteers, we are facing significant challenges due to limited resources and facilities: 1. Overcapacity and Waiting Lists: We have over 100 children on waiting lists because our current facilities cannot accommodate everyone. 2. Insufficient Access to Local Facilities:   PITCHES - We have a long term leased grass pitch at Dr Ryan Park that is not of sufficient size to accommodate 11 a side football and we have to travel to Kilmacanogue to hire private pitches.    TRAINING  - We are restricted to only 2 hours of evening use on the council-owned astro turf pitch at Dr Ryan Park. Extending access by just 1 hour (until 9pm) would allow additional training slots at no extra cost. 3. Logistical and Financial Burden: We are forced to train in 5 different locations and play home games in two, which is unsustainable environmentally (adding to our carbon footprint) and economically by skyrocketing the costs for a volunteer-led club. 4. Urgent Facility Upgrades Needed: • Secure storage for equipment and goalposts. • Provision of sufficient LOCAL facilities so that we don't have to leave the area to train or play HOME matches  • Proper floodlights at Dr Ryan (currently relying on inadequate battery-operated lights). • General upkeep and modernisation of existing facilities. 5. Call for Support from Politicians and Council:  We need elected representatives to advocate for increased facility access, improved infrastructure, and long-term planning for community needs We are calling on Wicklow County Council and local representatives to prioritise community-focused solutions so we can continue to serve our young players. We want to work with the community to achieve this - Please sign this petition to show your support for Sporting Greystones FC and help us secure the resources and facilities our club and community desperately need!  Together, we can ensure every child has the opportunity to participate in football in OUR community. If you are in any way able to support us further on this, please contact [email protected] Kind Regards, The greater Sporting Greystones FC community

Last week, Conor McGregor was found liable in a civil case for sexual assault. Afterwards, Nikita Hand said she hoped the outcome of her case would encourage other victims to speak up. McGregor was ordered to pay Hand €248,000 in damages – but he'll make that money back in no time thanks to his alcohol brands Forged Irish Stout and Proper Twelve whiskey.  Carry Out off licences is Ireland's biggest off licence brand. Days after McGregor was found liable, Carry Out off licences are still selling his products.  If we can get enough people signing, we can demand that Carry Out off licences stop selling Forged Irish Stout and Proper Twelve whiskey – and together, we'll hit Conor McGregor's bottom line.

I am launching this petition to shine a light on the unfair practices that are being done by Sam Dennigan. Every signature I am truly grateful for and this helps bring us closer to a more just Ireland. Located in Wolganstown, Palmerstown, Oldtown, Co. Dublin, A45 W306. I, along with countless other dedicated employees, mostly of Balkan and Slavic descent, have been victims of a grim workplace environment. We have been subjected to micromanagement, treated unfairly, and discriminated against—often due to language barriers, which dampens the spirit of those who put in sincere efforts to uplift the company's status. The rampant workplace discrimination is daily stripping employees of their self-esteem, and the refusal to pay overtime not only affects individual's financial health but also tampers with the ethics of work-life balance. Yet, in companies like Sam Dennigan, such practices persist, undermining the rights and dignity of workers. In addition to this, the aggressive haggling over rights and forcing workers into submission through fear of job loss is reprehensible. This culture of harassment and bullying is evidence of workers being exploited for their lack of familiarity with labor laws.  You have the opportunity and the means to trigger a change. Let us support the rights of workers by signing this petition. It's time we demand justice for all employees at Sam Dennigan.

Child trafficking is taking place every day in communities across Ireland and is having a profound impact on those who are trafficked, their families and the wider community. It is time for action. Children as young as 7 and 8 years old are being trafficked into criminal activitiy.  

We can stay on GMT time and stay in line with the other countries on our meridians and parallels.  I have asked Chat GPT to find out what he can about the adverse affects, as they have been long affecting me, myself and I am sure others. Read this:  The disruption caused by Daylight Saving Time (DST) can have various effects on people’s health, well-being, and daily routines. One of the most immediate consequences is the shift in sleep patterns. When clocks are set forward in the spring, people lose an hour of sleep, which can lead to sleep deprivation and increased fatigue. This disruption can affect cognitive performance, mood, and alertness, particularly in the days following the transition. Studies have shown that the risk of car accidents and workplace injuries increases after the time change due to reduced sleep and impaired concentration. In addition to sleep issues, DST has been linked to negative health effects. Research has shown an uptick in the incidence of heart attacks, strokes, and even mental health challenges in the days following the time change. The abrupt shift can also alter circadian rhythms, which regulate sleep-wake cycles, leading to disturbances that may take several days to recover from. This is especially challenging for people with pre-existing sleep disorders or those who have difficulty adjusting to changes in their routine. The long-term disruption caused by DST may also affect productivity, as people may struggle to adapt to the new schedule, leading to decreased efficiency at work or school. Furthermore, the societal rhythm of modern life, with its reliance on precise scheduling and 24/7 connectivity, makes the twice-yearly shift in time feel particularly jarring. In response to these concerns, some regions have moved to abolish DST altogether or are considering making DST permanent, arguing that the disruptions outweigh the benefits of extended daylight hours. However, while the debate continues, the evidence suggests that the transition, particularly in the spring, can be a significant disruption to daily life. Don't you think it would be more economically and socially viable to abolish it?  We would be more productive and healthy a society without it. And one further request: please encourage other countries to follow suit. Go raibh mile maith agat, Taim, Sarah O'Connor

The risks posed by pesticides, including the widely used chemical glyphosate, to both human health and the environment are too significant to be ignored, particularly in areas where our children spend a considerable amount of their time. The Irish Schools Sustainability Network, other environmental groups and educational organisations aim to bring about a national ban of pesticide use in these sensitive environments. Health Risks to Children Numerous studies have raised alarm about the potential health hazards of glyphosate. Classified as a "probable human carcinogen" by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), exposure to glyphosate has been linked to an increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and other cancers. Children are particularly vulnerable to environmental toxins due to their developing bodies, the vulnerability of their immune systems and the fact that they may come into direct contact with treated grass, soil and outdoor equipment. The long-term effects of even low-level exposure to glyphosate remain poorly understood, but the precautionary principle dictates that we must err on the side of safety, especially when the health of children is at stake. Environmental Impact Chemical pesticides are not just a threat to human health but also to the environment. For example the widespread use of glyphosate has been associated with a decline in biodiversity, as it indiscriminately kills plants, leading to the destruction of habitats for insects, birds, and other wildlife. In particular, glyphosate has been linked to the decline of pollinator species, such as bees, which play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems and food production. Furthermore, runoff from school grounds into nearby waterways can contaminate water supplies, affecting aquatic ecosystems and potentially entering the food chain. Alternatives to pesticides  There are safer, more sustainable alternatives to glyphosate and other pesticides that do not pose the same risks to human health or the environment. Mechanical weeding, organic herbicides, and other integrated pest management strategies can be employed to maintain school grounds without compromising the safety of our children or the surrounding ecosystem. A Call for Action Given the mounting evidence of glyphosate’s risks, it is crucial that we take proactive measures to protect our children and the environment. Banning the use of pesticides on school grounds would be a significant step towards creating a healthier, safer environment for students and reducing the broader ecological impact of harmful chemicals. We urge you to consider the growing body of scientific research, as well as the actions taken by other countries, such as Austria and France, that have restricted or banned pesticide use on school grounds. By doing so, you will demonstrate a strong commitment to public health and environmental stewardship.

A once in a lifetime achievement, recognition should be rewarded with this small reward in her hometown.