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 

Equality for Children, Irish Gay Dads and LGBT Ireland are calling on the Irish Government to immediately amend  and commence the Assisted Human Reproductive Act (AHR Act), as was promised by their predecessors, and to immediately commence the CFRA (2015) section of the AHR Act, to ensure that all children born through Assisted and Donor Reproduction to LGBTQ+ families in Ireland, have a pathway to a legal connection with both of their parents. “We urge you to sign our petition in order to push the Irish government to take the actions our children so desperately need.” Ranae von Meding, CEO of Equality for Children says, “Thousands of children in Ireland, including my youngest child, are denied legal parent-child relationship with both of their parents. This includes children born to gay dads through surrogacy, children conceived outside of clinical settings and children conceived or born outside of Ireland. As we celebrate 10 years of Marriage Equality, we cannot help but reflect on the fact that we have not truly achieved equality until children born into same-sex marriages in Ireland are afforded the same protections as children born into all other marriages in Ireland." “This must change. It’s not equal and it’s not what we voted for.” Seamus Kearney Martone, Chairperson of Irish Gay Dads says, "As we approach the 10-year anniversary of the marriage equality referendum, we celebrate how far Ireland has come—but we also recognize the work that remains. For gay dads in Ireland, the journey to parenthood is still filled with legal and practical barriers. We urge the government to amend and commence the Assisted Human Reproduction legislation without further delay. We’ve had positive discussions with the Departments of Health, Justice, and Children, and now that a new government has been formed we are committed to continuing these conversations to ensure that the voices of gay dads are heard and included in shaping this legislation. " "Equality must extend to all families, and now is the time to make that a reality."

There is a consistent shortage of teachers, both in certain geographical areas and for certain subjects. The impact of this shortage means that government departments are now turning to the idea of allowing primary school teachers to work in secondary schools and vice versa. There also is an ever increasing need for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision, but currently there is not enough teachers available to meet the demand for mainstream teachers, let alone SEND teachers. Introducing a specific SEND teacher training pathway would be a great way to alleviate this issue in. Children and young people have a wide range of needs and deserve access to the most suitable educational supports possible. If they are not offered the necessary supports, these pupils are far more likely to experience educational disadvantage, limited career prospects and lower life satisfaction compared to their peers. If unaddressed, their additional needs could also result in them experiencing physical, mental and emotional health challenges. Despite the fact that so many pupils face these challenges, which have such a huge impact both on their lives and on their potential in the classroom, current teacher training programmes do not cover much content about SEND provision. This makes it hard for teachers to cater for their pupils’ increasingly complex needs. There are pupils of all backgrounds and abilities with varied personal interests in schools across the country, which is very encouraging to see and makes it easier for pupils to find peers who they can relate to. Unfortunately, this diversity is rarely reflected in Irish staffrooms. The cost of university, the high entry requirements and the time it takes, deters many people from undertaking teacher training. Of course there needs to be high entry standards so that the students go on to become competent and professional educators. However, this intense training system edges out people who have the potential to be great teachers.  Having high exam results does not automatically mean that someone would make a great teacher, nor do low exam results automatically mean that someone would not be a great teacher. There is more to education than just grades, which pupils struggling with the demands of the school curriculum would be glad to hear. People often want to have a career where they can give something back and help people as an appreciation for the help they got in their own lives. For SEND pupils, they might like to become a SEND teacher themselves, especially as they would have a great understanding of their future pupils’ needs since they have been through the special education system themselves. It can be very comforting for pupils to know that that the person who is there to help you has experienced similar challenges so totally understands how you feel. However, these SEND pupils are often the pupils who might find it difficult to get into teacher training due to the challenges they face, so are not able to fulfil their wish of helping pupils in similar circumstances to them.  Even if they did not receive special education themselves, some future teachers know before they start teaching that they would like to work in special education rather than in a mainstream classroom environment, but currently there is no option to go directly into SEND teacher training, which might discourage them from going into teaching at all. Opening up a teacher training pathway so that trainees could specialise in SEND from the start would be a great option for the following reasons; It would help to address the teacher shortage, both at primary and secondary school levels, as it would allow people with an interest in the area to train and work directly in SEND, rather than schools struggling to fill SEND teaching roles with non-SEND teachers due to a lack of SEND specific teachers. It would be a great way to attract potential teachers to the sector who might not like the idea of working in a typical classroom environment so therefore might opt to avoid teaching altogether. It would open up teacher training to more people, especially those who do not meet the usual teacher training entry requirements (for example if they did not do Irish in school due to specific learning difficulties or not having been raised in the Irish education system).  It will allow for a greater diversity of teachers, which will more accurately represent the ever increasing diversity of pupils with all different backgrounds, abilities and interests in our schools. It would give people who have experienced SEND provision (either directly themselves or from seeing the positive effect it has had on other people in their lives) more opportunities to give back to the system that they have benefitted from themselves. It would improve the quality of SEND provision in schools, as current traditional teaching programs cover very little about SEND provision, so having people trained specifically in this area would help to counteract that. It might help to reduce the demand and points for traditional teacher training courses, which would give more people the opportunity to pursue typical teaching courses, helping to alleviate the teacher shortage even further.  Thank you for taking the time to read this, hopefully it will result in the introduction of SEND teacher training pathways in the near future!   Amy Reynolds* *I am a qualified Special Needs Assistant (SNA), Teaching Assistant (TA) and Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) teacher. I am passionate about education, particularly inclusive education, and the benefits it brings, especially for pupils with SEND. I myself have not been able to reach my dream of becoming a teacher due to limited entry pathways and high entry requirements for teacher training course. I now work in pharmacy and am completing an apprenticeship pharmacy technician style course. I would like my future work to combine education and pharmacy / healthcare*

We have been informed that both Buncrana and Letterkenny Fire Services are facing a drastic reduction in resources. This includes the removal of our second fire engine, a significant cut in crew numbers, and, in the case of Letterkenny, the loss of the vital water tanker and incident command vehicle. These resources are essential for effectively responding to emergencies and ensuring the safety of both the public and our firefighters. The decision to implement these cuts has been presented to us as a fait accompli, with management stating that the changes will proceed regardless of our concerns. We were told, "if you don't like it, take us to court." This dictatorial approach is deeply disrespectful and undermines the vital role we play in protecting our community. We are particularly troubled by the justification given for these cuts. We are being told that these reductions are a consequence of firefighters seeking a better work-life balance. While we firmly believe in the importance of work-life balance for all workers, including firefighters, we refuse to accept that the safety of our community should be compromised as a result. It is unconscionable to punish firefighters for seeking reasonable working conditions, and, more importantly, to punish the public by diminishing the emergency services they rely upon. These cuts will have a devastating impact. Fewer firefighters and fewer resources mean slower response times, increased risk to both firefighters and the public, and a diminished ability to effectively handle complex emergencies. The loss of the water tanker in Letterkenny, for example, will severely hamper our ability to fight fires, especially in areas with limited water supply.

It was promised in the Budget to be rolled out in January 2025, but the government hasn't delivered free HRT. This would support a struggling demographic, i.e. Peri-menopausal and menopausal women.  HRT can enable women going through menopause to manage symptoms such as increased anxiety, depression, hot flushes, misophonia, panic attacks, insomnia etc (there are at least 35 symptoms) thereby ensuring women can live a more productive and fulfilling life and maintain good relationships.  HRT is also heart and bone loss protective. It supports working single women who receive very little tax benefits compared to those that are married and or are mothers through no fault of their own. 

The Triple Lock is an integral part of Ireland's neutrality and Foreign Policy. Removing the Triple Lock is an attack on our neutrality. This change opens the door to Irish troops being seconded to NATO and EU missions, with almost free-range given to the government of the day. The Triple Lock means Irish Defence Forces troops are only deployed on UN-mandated missions. A UN mandate gives legitimacy to peacekeeping missions which will be impossible to replace. The blue beret, that Irish troops have always worn, also offers them a huge level of protection. There is currently an attack on the UN with Elon Musk recently stating the United States should leave the institution. The proposed plans from the government are a further undermining of the UN at a time of increasing militarisation. So what? This is a fundamental change in Ireland's stance on neutrality - so we believe it should be put to the people in a national plebiscite. Every citizen in Ireland deserves to have a direct say on whether the Government should make this change. We recognise the importance of democratic consultation in shaping Ireland's future foreign policy, which is why we believe the only truly democratic option is a direct vote through a vote by the people on the whether Ireland should retain the Triple Lock.

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 vast majority of people in Ireland support our neutrality and want to keep the Triple Lock in place too.  The government has been meeting with arms lobbyists and spreading disinformation about the Triple Lock, which in reality does a great job of keeping us safe and making sure Irish soldiers only serve on UN sanctioned peacekeeping missions and not unsanctioned operations like the illegal invasion of Iraq. • The Triple Lock is a system designed to keep Ireland out of wars overseas. • We are are incredibly proud of our neutrality and understand that it keeps us and our families safe. • That's why people in Ireland rejected two EU referendums (Nice and Lisbon) that had sections about us getting dragged into EU wars  • As a compromise we were made to vote a second time in those referendums but were given special allowances so that we wouldn't get dragged into these wars. This is where we got the Triple Lock which, to quote Micheal Martin in 2013, "is the core of our neutrality"  • The Triple Lock basically means that in order for Ireland to send more than 12 troops to any overseas missions, there needs to be approval from: • 1. The Government • 2. The Dáil (which is the government and the opposition) • 3. The UN • This can be authorised by either the UN Security Council OR the UN General Assembly , where there is NO veto (The government won't tell you that)  The Triple Lock works extremely well. The government has been deliberately misleading the public into thinking that Russia can stop us from participating in UN missions because of their veto at the UN Security Council, but this problem was actually fixed back in 2006. The Defence (Amendment) Act 2006 says that we can get authorisation from the UN General Assembly instead where no country has a veto. As we mentioned earlier, no country has a veto at the UN General Assembly. The UN General Assembly is the closest thing we have to the opinion of the rest of the world. They've consistently passed resolutions for a ceasefire in Gaza, to end the blockade of Cuba, and to eliminate nuclear weapons globally. We have absolutely no business taking part in wars without a UN sanction. The only thing the Triple Lock stops the government from doing is taking part in wars that the UN doesn't agree with, like the illegal invasion of Iraq or Afghanistan. While we're on the topic, there has also been disinformation spread about evacuating Irish citizens from overseas. Once again, the Triple Lock allows us to do this. There is no good reason to get rid of the Triple Lock. It allows us to take part in peacekeeping missions that have been given the green light by the UN and keeps us out of wars for profit and oil that have not been given UN permission. Wars are the worst thing that humans do. The only people who benefit from wars are arms dealers who make billions selling weapons and don't care about the lives of ordinary people who are killed and maimed. It's clear that these arms dealers have been pushing this idea of scrapping our neutrality and getting rid of the Triple Lock because they see Ireland as an opportunity to make money. Now the Irish government is fast-tracking legislation to get rid of the Triple Lock and the govt have done a complete 180 on their past positions  Polling shows that across all ages, regions and even political parties, the vast majority of people in Ireland value our neutrality exactly as it is and do not want our soldiers sent off to fight in foreign wars for the profits of a small few. Block the Bodybag Bill

To make the Cleveragh area more safe and accessible for everyone. So that we can all access the beautiful surrounds and facilities safely.  

If the Irish government bans HHC, it will cause more harm than good. Here’s why it’s crucial to keep HHC legal in Ireland: 1. A Ban Will Create a Dangerous Black Market Prohibition doesn’t stop demand it just pushes sales underground. Illegal HHC will be unregulated and unsafe, increasing the risk of contamination with harmful chemicals. Consumers will turn to riskier alternatives, including synthetic cannabinoids that are known to cause serious health issues. Criminal markets will profit, taking money away from responsible Irish businesses and putting it in the hands of unregulated dealers. 2. Legal HHC Ensures Consumer Safety Right now, HHC products in Ireland are lab-tested, properly labeled, and sold by licensed retailers. Keeping HHC legal means quality control—consumers know exactly what they’re getting. With a ban, people will be forced to import unregulated products online or buy from street dealers with no oversight. 3. The Economic Impact Will Be Devastating Irish businesses will suffer. Vape shops, wellness stores, and distributors who rely on HHC sales will be forced to shut down or lose major revenue. Jobs will be lost as businesses cut staff or close entirely. The government will lose tax revenue. Instead of benefiting from regulated sales, they’ll push the entire market into illegal, untaxed transactions. 4. There’s No Clear Scientific Justification for a Ban Unlike synthetic drugs like "Spice," HHC is naturally derived and has not been proven to cause serious harm. HHC is milder than THC, making it a safer alternative for those who want relaxation without extreme psychoactive effects. Many people in Ireland use HHC for pain relief, anxiety, and sleep disorders—why take away a product that helps them? If public health is a concern, introducing regulations like age limits and lab-testing requirements is a smarter approach than an outright ban. 5. A Ban Would Be Hypocritical and Unfair Alcohol and tobacco—both proven to cause serious harm—remain legal. It makes no sense to ban HHC while keeping these much more dangerous substances available. Personal freedom matters. Adults should have the right to choose what they consume, especially when it’s a safer alternative to other substances. 6. Ireland Should Follow Smarter Policies, Not Outdated Prohibition Many countries are moving towards harm reduction and regulation, not bans. Regulation is the answer, not criminalization. Instead of banning HHC, Ireland should introduce sensible laws: 18+ age restrictions Mandatory lab testing for purity and safety Clear labeling and dosage guidelines Conclusion: Keep HHC Legal and Regulated The government must consider the long-term consequences before banning HHC. A ban will: ✅ Increase illegal sales ✅ Make products more dangerous for consumers ✅ Destroy Irish businesses and jobs ✅ Take away a safer alternative to more harmful substances Instead of banning HHC, Ireland should focus on proper regulation to ensure safety, quality, and responsible use. REPUBLIC OF IRELAND 🇮🇪

This will be an important resource for local fitness & possibly allow us to organise a weekly park run.

  No child should be left without the care they need to grow, learn, and thrive — yet across Donegal and Ireland, children with disabilities have been forgotten. Families have waited years, sometimes a decade, for essential services like occupational therapy, speech therapy, and early intervention. My own child has gone without occupational therapy for the past two years, with only 4–5 appointments in the last ten years. This is not an isolated case — it’s a nationwide crisis. By joining this campaign, you are standing up for every child who has been denied the opportunity to reach their full potential. You are giving a voice to parents who have been fighting, unheard, for the care their children deserve. And you are demanding accountability and immediate action from the government to fix this failing system. Together, we can push for real change — increased funding, reduced waiting lists, and a future where no child is left behind. Your support can make the difference between years of neglect and a system that truly serves the most vulnerable in our communities. Let’s fight for their future — because every child matters.