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.

When there are cuts to Special Educational Services and Additional Needs Services, mainstream teachers are required to do far more with less support and less resources for children with a significant range of abilities. This affects the provision of education to all children. This affects all the children of Ireland. We can and need to do better. Schools have had enough cuts and need to be sufficiently resourced.

We kindly ask for your support in this matter. Signing this petition would greatly strengthen our case for increased safety measures, speed limit enforcement, and special speed designations on the approaches to the school gate.

Dublin faces a critical shortage of accessible green spaces, particularly during winter and after heavy rain, making it harder than ever for children to enjoy safe outdoor facilities. Delaying this project would set a discouraging precedent for similar initiatives across the city, stalling momentum and dampening hopes for the many other clubs—and countless boys and girls—who need these community spaces. Please sign the petition to support the creation of an enhanced space at Kenilworth that will make a real difference for children across Dublin!

Installing a pedestrian crossing/traffic lights would improve safety for pedestrians of all ages, including children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, when crossing the busy roads in Kilmuckridge. Drivers are more likely to pay attention to and yield to pedestrians at a designated crossing.  Advocating for this would help encourage a culture of mutual respect among pedestrians and drivers, so we can all contribute to a safer community for residents and visitors in Kilmuckridge, Co. Wexford. 

Holy Family is a vital cornerstone of the community, playing a central role in the lives of local families.  The current conditions jeopardise both the children's health and ability to learn. Without urgent attention, these issues will only worsen, further compromising the wellbeing of the pupils and staff. 

The evidence regarding the detrimental impact of unregulated access to the internet and social media on our children and young people is overwhelming. It is an evolving youth mental health crisis which is a societal challenge and requires leadership and political will to address. In the words of Prof. Matthew Sadlier (Chair of the Irish Medical Organisation Consultants Committee) at the Gen Free launch in Greystones on Sept 17th, “The radical changes in behaviour of children that we have seen since the introduction of immersive digital technology is having an overwhelming harmful effect”. Legislation is urgently needed and our campaign is now giving a clear call to action. Let’s make our voices heard and protect children online. The time is now With an election fast approaching, now is the time to get this on the agenda for every decision-maker and TD in the country.  #GenFree #FreetobeKids Campaign coverage: https://www.rte.ie/news/2024/0918/1470524-online-safety-children-campaign/   People and Organisations supporting this campaign; • Irish Medical Organisation, (IMO) • Dr. Richard Hogan, Family Psychotherapist, • Dr. Catherine Conlon, Senior Medical Officer, HSE, • Prof. Mary Aiken, Professor of Cyberpsychology, • Dr. Brigid Teevan, Doctor in Childhood Studies, • Dr. Joanna Fortune, Psychotherapist & Clinical Author, • Dr. Colman Noctor, Child & Adolescent Psychoanalytical Psychotherapist • Dr. David Coleman, Clinical Psychologist & Author, • CyberSafeKids, • Temple Carrig Secondary School, • It Takes a Village, • Barnardos, Rahoo, • Noone Cyber Services, • Counselling Forward. • A Path Appears.

The affected families have been integrated into many parts of our town in Blackrock so it would have an impact on many people in the community. It is within our interest to maintain them as a key part of this community going forward. 

We have found out that our community youth  space is about to be closed because the council won't continue to fund it.  The Factory Youth Space in Limerick City is a space for all the community. Every week hundreds of people use if for youth groups, dance classes, sports and disability groups. The place is hopping! Yet the council just couldn’t be bothered to guarantee funding to keep this essential space open. We are calling on John Moran, the Newly Elected Mayor of Limerick to use his new position to make a real difference to the people of Limerick and save our youth space. By Christmas the youth and sports groups will be made homeless as there are no other community spaces to be found. Even Scrooge wouldn’t kick young people with out into the cold.  We won’t go quietly and are going to kick up a stink. If enough of us shout loud enough together, they can’t pretend not to hear us. We are calling on Mayor John Moran to act on behalf of the people he is supposed to be serving.  Sign the petition to help make our voice loud enough that the Mayor can’t pretend not to hear us.   Limerick Youth Voices

So many of us were horrified to learn about the extent of sexual abuse that has taken place in religious run schools in Ireland. A scoping inquiry report uncovered 2,395 allegations of abuse against 884 alleged abusers over a 30 year period in schools run by religious orders. Despite this wide-scale abuse, more than 90% of schools are still controlled by religious institutions. We are calling on this government to end religious patronage of schools in Ireland and to offer all children the safe, secular education they deserve. Education Minister Norma Foley has been dragging her feet on this issue for too long. It's long past time for action. 

As the two family representatives who recently stepped down from the Service Improvement Board and working groups for the Progressing Disabilities Roadmap, we requested a meeting with Minister for Disability, Anne Rabbitte. In our meeting, we discussed various issues and agreed that we must urgently review the Progressing Disability Services (PDS) model. We believe this review is crucial to ensure that the services for children with disabilities are effective, inclusive, and respect their rights as outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). We will not accept a system that fails to acknowledge the inherent dignity and humanity of children, families, and staff. We urge that the review of Progressing Disabilities be led by stakeholders, including families, people with disabilities, staff, and representative organizations. Let’s come together to assess what is working, what isn’t, and what needs to happen next to shift towards a human rights framework for children in Ireland.  The time has come for us to lead the change we want to see. We have waited long enough, and our children simply do not have the luxury of time. Many challenges in disability services can prevent children with disabilities from having their rights and voices heard. By advocating for a stakeholder-led review, we aim to evaluate the effectiveness of current services, identifying best practices and areas for improvement. Our goal is to ensure that the views and rights of children and their families are prioritized, leading to fairer and more accessible support for everyone. To make meaningful change happen, we are seeking your support to help build a strong coalition that advocates for the rights of children with disabilities and promotes a culture of inclusion and understanding.

1. Community Well-being: A community with sufficient recreational spaces is a healthier, more vibrant place to live. Playgrounds are not just for children; they foster community interaction and engagement among parents and families, creating a stronger sense of unity and belonging. 2. Child Development: Playgrounds are essential for children’s physical, cognitive, and social development. By supporting this campaign, you help provide our children with safe places to play, which are crucial for their growth and overall well-being. 3. Safety Concerns: Without adequate playgrounds, children are often forced to play in unsafe areas like streets and roads. By advocating for more play spaces, we can significantly reduce the risks associated with traffic and other hazards. 4. Reduce Screen Time: Many parents currently rely on electronic devices to keep their children occupied due to the lack of outdoor options. More playgrounds would encourage physical activity, reducing screen time and its associated health issues, such as poor vision and lack of exercise. 5. Long-term Community Benefits: Investing in playgrounds is an investment in our community’s future. It makes Dundalk a more attractive place for families, potentially increasing property values and local business patronage. 6. Support for Working Families: Many working parents struggle to find time and places for their children to play safely. More playgrounds can ease this burden, offering easily accessible locations for children to engage in healthy activities. By joining this campaign, you are not only advocating for the immediate needs of our children but also contributing to a brighter future for Dundalk. Together, we can create a community that prioritizes health, safety, and happiness for all its residents. Let’s make Dundalk a place where our children can thrive.