It is vitally important that Ireland's Central Bank stop facilitating the sale of Israeli debt instruments within the EU. Ireland's government leaders and society have openly called Israel's actions in Gaza genocide. Ireland cannot say one thing and do another. Ireland and its institutions must be consistent and halt the facilitation for the sale of Israeli bonds by our Central Bank. The Irish directors of The Central Bank must resign on principle in support of Ireland's position and the management of The Central Bank must ensure the bonds are no longer available through its offices regardless of EU rules where ethical or humanitarian issues are not addressed. 

I am one of the 2,000 recipients of the Basic Income for the Arts (BIA) pilot scheme, a transformative initiative that has provided crucial support to artists across Ireland. This scheme is due to conclude in August 2025, and as of early June, there has been no clear communication from the government regarding its future. This uncertainty is causing real stress and anxiety among artists who have come to depend on this support to sustain not just their livelihoods, but their creative contributions to Irish society. The BIA provides a weekly payment of €325. For me and for the other 2,000 recipients, it has been life changing. Over the past three years, it has enabled us to cover essential costs like rent, bills, and other basic living expenses. It has allowed us to invest in our practices, stay rooted in our communities, and contribute to Ireland’s cultural life with greater freedom and stability. Importantly, this payment is not a handout. We are assessed on it as self-employed individuals, and it is taxed at the standard rate of 20 percent. We are also required to log our time and artistic activity in detail. Every hour spent on our creative work must be entered into a diary. We are regularly surveyed throughout the scheme to measure its outcomes. This is a structured, accountable programme that recognises artistic work as real work. Recipients of the BIA were selected to reflect the full diversity of Ireland’s artistic community—across all disciplines, career stages, geographic regions, age groups, genders, and backgrounds. This includes visual artists, writers, musicians, performers, filmmakers, dancers, and many others working across traditional and contemporary forms. The aim was to create a representative sample of working artists in Ireland—not just elite or high-profile names—so the scheme’s impact could be fairly measured and understood. To have this support cut off abruptly, with no transition plan, would not only be a personal and professional crisis for many artists, but a major setback for the wider creative ecosystem. A recently published 2025 report by Dr. Jenny Dagg provides compelling evidence of the scheme’s success. It documents measurable improvements in artistic output, financial stability, and mental health and wellbeing. The report confirms what we already know: basic income works for artists. It enables us to plan for the future and focus on creating meaningful work. Minister for Arts Patrick O'Donovan has expressed hope that the scheme will be retained, extended, and expanded, but to date, there is no sign of concrete action. With the pilot’s end just weeks away, the lack of a clear commitment is deeply unsettling. We are calling on the government to: 1. Retain the Basic Income for the Arts for current recipients 2. Extend the scheme beyond its pilot phase 3. Expand access to include all eligible artists in Ireland To lose this scheme now, without a roadmap for continuation, would be a serious blow to the artistic and cultural life of our country. It would undo the progress already made in recognising the value of creative work and the people who do it. I am calling on current recipients, artists across Ireland, and members of the public who believe in supporting creativity to sign this petition and urge the government to act now. Keep the BIA alive. Support Ireland’s artists. Secure the future of our cultural sector.

Why is it important? Because none of us are safe under a mental health system that’s stuck in 2001. The Mental Health Act 2001 still allows forced treatment, restraint, and seclusion—even though these practices are now widely recognised as harmful, especially to neurodivergent people (like those with autism, ADHD, or trauma-related conditions). It treats emotional overwhelm as illness. It punishes difference as danger. This law was written before most people had smartphones. Before we had language for sensory overload, neurodivergence, or digital expression. It’s outdated, invasive, and not trauma-informed—and it puts thousands of people at risk every year. Why should others join? Because you don’t have to be in crisis to care. This campaign is about protecting our freedom, dignity, and human rights. It’s about making sure no one is silenced, secluded, or forcibly medicated for being misunderstood. If you’ve ever: • Had your feelings dismissed as “too much” • Been misdiagnosed • Been afraid to seek help because the system might punish you Then this campaign is for you. We need to audit the Mental Health Act 2001—and bring Ireland in line with modern science and EU human rights law. Join us. Share. Demand better. ACTIVATE. AGITATE. AMPLIFY!

Enough is enough. Sign this petition because the government is not treating the housing crisis as an emergency. People are not just statistics, and emergency accommodation should not be the new normal. More than 15,000 people remain homeless, and thousands more face sky-high rents and insecure tenancies. Meanwhile, corporate landlords continue to profit and exacerbate this housing crisis. The only solution now is for tenants and communities to take direct action. Stand in solidarity, sign the petition, show up, and take a stand.

No to Shannon LNG.   No to fracked gas.   No to fossil colonialism.   No to complicity in genocide. A Critical Moment for Climate Action and Environmental Leadership Approving the Shannon LNG terminal is a reckless step backwards. It locks Ireland into decades of fossil fuel dependence and undermines our climate commitments. This is a decisive moment in our fight against climate change. We cannot afford to build infrastructure that prolongs the life of fossil fuels and sabotages our path to renewable energy. Ireland must choose to lead with action, not complicity. Fracked Gas Is a Public Health Crisis Fracked gas is not a solution; it is a threat to public health and environmental justice. The horrific consequences of fracking—including cancer, birth defects, and toxic water contamination—are well-documented. Ireland cannot, in good conscience, import a fuel that is poisoning communities abroad while jeopardizing the health of future generations. It’s time to reject this harmful practice and make a real commitment to the health of our citizens and the planet. Rejecting Complicity in Global Injustice & Genocide New Fortress Energy’s involvement in the Shannon LNG project links Ireland to violence and human rights abuses. By associating with a company entangled in the Israeli military-industrial complex, Ireland risks becoming complicit in war crimes and genocide. This is a line Ireland must not cross. We have a moral duty to reject this project and uphold our reputation as a champion of human rights and international justice. The Strength of Public Opposition and Collective Action The Irish people have made their voices heard. Communities across the country, from grassroots organizations to climate activists, have stood firm in opposing the Shannon LNG terminal. This is not a small resistance; it is a nationwide demand for change. The people of Ireland have drawn a clear line in the sand: we will not allow this destructive project to proceed. Our collective power is unstoppable. Ireland’s Energy Future Must Be Clean, Not Fossil Fueled The future of Ireland’s energy lies in renewables, not in fossil fuel projects that will burden future generations. We do not need the Shannon LNG terminal to secure our energy future; we need investment in green, sustainable energy sources. Renewable energy is the only path forward, and it’s time for Ireland to embrace innovation, energy independence, and a just transition for all. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has said clearly: "There is no need for investment in new fossil fuel supply projects if the world is to reach net-zero by 2050." This project undermines Ireland’s global leadership on climate and makes a mockery of the Climate Action Plan and Ireland’s commitments under the Paris Agreement. A Defining Moment for Ireland’s Legacy The decision on Shannon LNG is not just about energy, it is about Ireland’s moral compass. Do we stand for a future rooted in justice, sustainability, and peace, or do we sell out to fossil fuel profiteers and war profiteers? This is our moment to act, to reject the forces that threaten our planet and our values. Ireland’s future is in our hands, and we will not let it be dictated by those who profit from destruction. The time for action is now. Relevant links:  Stop Shannon LNG Coalition Press Conference 26/03/2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFJ3LnoTbh4 Find the contact details of your TD here: https://www.contactyourtd.ie/ References: 1. LNG energy estimate based on 170,000 m³ per refill, ~6 refills/year, 1 m³ LNG ≈ 1.033 MWh → ≈5.69 TWh/year   2. CRU (2023) – avg. household use = ~4,200 kWh/year. https://www.cru.ie/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CRU23105-Electricity-and-Gas-Customers-Experience-Survey-2023.pdf   3. CSO (2022, 2024) – https://www.cso.ie/en/statistics/energy/ and https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-csr/   4. EirGrid (2024) – https://www.eirgridgroup.com/site-files/library/EirGrid/All-Island-Generation-Capacity-Statement-2024-2033.pdf   5. IEA (2021, 2023) – https://www.iea.org/reports/net-zero-by-2050 & https://www.iea.org/reports/world-energy-outlook-2023   6. Technion & H2Pro – https://whoprofits.org/technion-israel-institute-of-technology/ & https://www.h2-view.com/story/h2pro-latvenergo-ink-deal-to-develop-green-hydrogen-project-in-latvia/   7. ICJ Genocide Ruling – https://www.icj-cij.org/public/files/case-related/192/192-20240126-ORD-01-00-EN.pdf   8. IEN, Friends of the Earth, Gas Free Ireland – https://www.ien.ie/, https://www.foe.ie/, https://www.gasfreeireland.ie

The Tenant-in-Situ (TiS) scheme was created to prevent homelessness by allowing local authorities to purchase homes where tenants are at risk of no-fault evictions. But right now, it’s failing the people it was meant to protect. Instead of keeping renters in their homes, the scheme is underfunded, tied up in red tape and restricted by narrow criteria. Local authorities are often unable to buy properties in high-demand areas, even when the tenant qualifies — simply because they’re priced out or the home needs renovation. This is despite the fact that an estimated 75% of rental properties don’t meet minimum housing standards. People are being forced out of their homes, away from their communities, schools, doctors and support networks — not because it’s inevitable, but because the system isn’t working. Tenant-in-Situ should be a powerful tool for prevention — not just a box-ticking exercise. It's time to fix it so individuals and families facing eviction can truly stay in their homes and communities. ✍️ Sign this petition and help us hold the government accountable.#MakeTiSWork  #TenantInSitu #HomesNotEvictions #HousingCrisis #FixTheSystem Firsthand Accounts from CATU Members Affected by the Failed Tenant-in-Situ Scheme: Jenny Roche, a CATU member who was denied the Tenant in Situ Scheme, commented: “A scheme like Tenant-in-situ cannot work effectively without the ability to compel both local authority and landlord to engage, possibly in a CPO-type arrangement. Otherwise tenants- regardless of length of tenure - are at the whim of landlord greed in a 'sky's the limit' property market and/or local authority ineffectiveness. My own experience of 9 months of hope dashed 5 days before our notice of termination came due because the landlord refused the council's offer was devastating. My family had been tenants of the house for almost 20 years and the landlord expected us to vacate immediately. I had been advised by the office of my local TD Catherine Connolly's office that the scheme was 'a joke' and that proved to be the case.” Amelia Melanson, CATU member, added: “The Government’s policy not to refurbish homes is a failed opportunity to upgrade Ireland’s housing stock, which is in terrible condition. Nearly three-quarters of privately rented properties inspected by local authorities fail to meet minimum standards. Denying tenants this scheme due to refurbishment costs effectively punishes them for their landlord’s neglect. Moreover, in a housing crisis and in a climate crisis, we should not just be focused on building more housing but ensuring that existing property is safe and liveable for tenants.” Another CATU member who is facing eviction after being denied the Tenant in Situ Scheme commented: “It’s terrifying to be in this position – knowing we have nowhere else to go. It’s devastating to realise that even when you’ve done everything right – paid your rent, built a life, raised your child in a community – the system can still turn its back on you. The uncertainty is affecting every part of our lives: my ability to parent, maintain friendships, and keep working. We’re stuck in limbo – we can’t make plans, we don’t know what’s coming, and we’re carrying the weight of a crisis we didn’t create. I live every day with the fear of losing our home.” Catarina Koch, CATU member commented: “We need an eviction ban now. Eviction does not just force people out of their homes. It forces people away from their school, their livelihood, and their support network. The Tenant in Situ scheme is another powerful tool to keep people in their communities and out of homelessness. Instead of expanding this vital safety net, the Government is slowly restricting it so that fewer tenants can avail of the scheme. The Government should be listening to people who have been denied this scheme to understand what the real problems are and understand how to make Tenant in Situ work.” Another CATU member who is facing eviction after being denied the Tenant in Situ Scheme commented:“I’ve gone back to college as a part-time mature student while also working. I’ve fought tooth and nail to build a life for me and my child — to keep a roof over our heads through everything, even during illness and unemployment. I never missed a rent payment, never missed a bill. I always made sure the landlord was paid first. I’ve held this household together completely on my own, with no family support, for over a decade. Through sheer grit and determination, I’ve managed to improve our lives — only to now have our security and stability ripped away. All those years of sacrifice, of blood, sweat, and tears — it feels like they meant nothing. The housing crisis sends a cruel message: even your absolute best is never enough.” No one should have to face eviction alone. If you or someone you know has been affected by a failed Tenant-in-Situ case or is facing the threat of homelessness, get in touch with CATU: [email protected]

We don’t have any power to stop him, but we can show how we feel and maybe he will actually think about what he’s doing if reasonable people around the world let him know. The political opposition in the USA, whose job this really is, are virtually silent 

Our Concerns: 1. Unclaimed Deposits:  A significant portion of the €100 million in deposits collected during 2024 remains unclaimed, yet the public has limited information on how these funds are managed and spent. Re-turn must disclose how these funds are being allocated and reinvested to benefit environmental initiatives.  2. Executive Salaries: Re-turn has refused to disclose the salaries of its CEO and executive team, despite handling millions of euros in public funds. 3. Accountability: As a not-for-profit organisation operating a nationwide scheme, Re-turn must be fully transparent about its financial operations to maintain public trust. Our Demands: 1. Full Disclosure: Publicly release the salaries of Re-turn executives and provide an annual financial report detailing the allocation of unclaimed deposits. 2. Public Oversight: Establish an independent review committee to ensure that funds are being used responsibly for environmental and community benefits. 3. Legislative Review:  We urge the Irish government to introduce regulations that enforce financial transparency for organisations managing public deposit schemes, including strict guidelines on the allocation of unclaimed deposits.  The Deposit Return Scheme was created to encourage recycling, not to generate undisclosed profits. The Irish public deserves clarity on how their money is being used. By signing this petition, we demand greater accountability and transparency from Re-turn. Let’s ensure that this initiative truly serves the public and environmental good.

The dedicated staff who work there are asking for our support to help them keep their jobs local. The Centre supports our schools and local community. It is too valuable a resource to loose. Please sign and share my petition if you wish to give your support to my campaign. Alone I can do nothing, together we have a chance to succeed. Thank you all so much.

Currently the cost of HRT is prohibitive.  In 2024 the Irish government promised free HRT for all starting on 1 January 2025.  This promise has not been fulfilled.

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!

There are several reasons why Ireland might benefit from not turning the clocks back in autumn and staying on daylight saving time (DST) year-round: 1. More Evening Daylight: Sticking with DST year-round would mean more daylight during the evening hours, which could lead to higher productivity, more time for outdoor activities, and increased well-being. Extra light in the evening could also be a boost for local businesses and tourism, as people tend to shop, dine, and enjoy activities longer when it’s lighter outside. 2. Improved Mental Health and Well-being: A longer period of daylight after work or school is linked to better mental health and mood. The reduction of evening darkness in winter could help combat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is common in places with shorter daylight hours. 3. Road Safety: Studies have shown that road accidents tend to increase after clocks are turned back, largely because of darker evenings. More evening daylight can improve visibility for drivers and pedestrians, potentially reducing the risk of accidents. 4. Energy Savings: Although this is debated, some studies suggest that extra daylight in the evening could reduce the demand for electricity, especially in households where lights and heating are used more intensively in darker hours. 5. Alignment with Europe rather than the UK: Since Brexit we no longer need to be the same as the UK. The European Union has been considering abolishing the biannual clock changes, though a final decision hasn’t been implemented. Ireland remaining on DST permanently could align it with other European countries if they decide to adopt this approach, reducing confusion and potentially benefiting trade, travel, and communication. 6. Better Routine for Children and Families: Sticking with DST year-round could make routines easier for families, as the body adjusts better to consistent daylight hours, and it would make outdoor play and activities after school more accessible. Though there are also counterarguments, like darker mornings, the benefits of consistent daylight in the evenings could outweigh them for many people in Ireland.