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]

Roberta Murray and  Shane O’Brien are Irish activists facing deportation from Germany, ordered to leave by April 21, 2025. Two other activists, Cooper Longbottom (US) and Kasia Wlaszczyk (EU) have also been issued orders. For the sole reason of protesting Germany’s complicity in the ongoing genocide in Palestine, Berlin’s Senate Administration has ordered their expulsion, arbitrarily accusing them of "antisemitism" and supporting "terrorist organisations".  Neither of them has a criminal record. Lawyers for their case are trying to secure court injunctions in an attempt to stop the orders. They have appealed the deportation orders on the grounds that they undermine civil liberties for EU citizens living in Germany, as neither have been convicted of any criminal offences in the German courts. This is not justice. Their lawyer, Alexander Gorski, said the allegations were “unfounded”.  Owing to the lack of criminal conviction, under EU law, this is a “removal of the right to free movement”, despite EU citizens being allowed to move freely between EU member states. This is an unprecedented escalation with dire implications. These escalations should alarm movements confronting state violence everywhere. Their deportation is a political act.  This is not the first instance of Germany weaponising migration law.  Arbitrary arrests made at protests, combined with false charges, are used as pretexts to justify extrajudicial deportation measures, circumventing any notion of independent judicial process and the rule of law. We categorically condemn Germany's complicity in genocide and reject these unlawful measures. We are calling for members of the Oireachtas to condemn this politically motivated action. We stand in solidarity with all those—in Ireland, in Germany and globally—facing persecution for their support for the Palestinian people. From Gaza to Berlin, the struggle continues. No deportation will stop us.  Within our lifetime, Palestine will be free! Read the Full statement here: Statement Read the Irish Times article: Times Online Listen to the Interview on RTE: Morning Ireland Read the RTE article: RTE Online Read the Independent article: Independent Online

  Domestic abuse cuts across all genders, yet male victims face unique stigmas that hinder them in getting help. Men's Aid provides an invaluable service to these victims with its anonymous helpline but more resources are needed to expand their domestic violence helpline to a 24/7 service. At the moment Men's Aid only has it's hotline open Monday through Friday, 9 to 5, that leaves 128 hours where the service isn't available every week, where calls are missed and victims don't get help.  1,310 calls to Men's Aid were missed in 2023, largely due to the helpline's closing times. A study by the mankind initiative revealed that 64% of male victims would not have sought help from their helpline, if the helpline was not anonymous. This demonstrates why anonymous helplines like that of Men's Aid can be even more vital in providing help and a safe spaces for desperate male victims who face extreme social stigma that motivates them to keep quiet publicly about the abuse they're enduring. The anonymity provided by Men's Aid helpline empowers victims, breaking the barriers of the deep-seated stigmas and fear that deter men from reporting domestic abuse they suffer. Male victims are six times less likely to report domestic abuse to the Gardaí, making support services like Men's Aid even more crucial to the journey towards rectifying this inequality. I urge you to sign this petition, calling for the government to increase its funding for Men's Aid, so this organization will have the resources to expand it's helpline to 24/7 service, . Your signature could mean the difference between victim suffering in silence, being unable to reach help when they need it most or in the moment where they're strong enough to seek it. This would help to bring Men's Aid in line with Women's Aid who has a 24/7 helpline, ensuring that any victim, regardless of their gender, can seek help whenever they need it. Please sign this petition now! 

I urge you to join this campaign because eating disorders don't discriminate but access to treatment does. Men continue to face stigma, misdiagnosis and lack of accessible care.   • Boys and men now make up about one-third of those diagnosed with an eating disorder (Mitchison, D., et al., Psychological Medicine, Vol. 50, No. 6, 2019).  • 25% of children with anorexia are male. (Broadwater, 2018).  • 50% of people with binge eating disorder are men. (Jackson & Jackson, 2024) "I want to be a minor chink in the armour of stigma, that often still portrays eating disorders as more of a female distress. I want to show how easy it is to be romanced into the trap, regardless of age, gender, sexuality or ethnicity- as eating disorders don't discriminate but infiltrate your heart and begin to destroy"(1 in 4 Men: Christopher’s Eating Disorder Story, 2023) Christopher urges men to speak out, to not suffer in silence and to challenge this gendered stereotype. 

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 

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*

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.

Men with Prostate Cancer who have come to end of chemotherapy may require a therapy called Pluvicto , to help extend what ever time they have left. The vast majority  of men in this country will not be able to afford this treatment. Up to at least 100 men a year will require this treatment and while we understand this treatment is expensive , we have to ask are Irish men’s lives and the time they have left less important than any other Irish citizen who needs a treatment. This treatment is widely available in the EU and as such we feel as paying members of the EU we should be entitled to receive this treatment in Ireland. It is not just men with cancer who would benefit from this  being available, wives,  partners , children, mothers ,brothers ,sisters and friends would  love to have some extra time with their loved ones in the last stage of prostate cancer

Here’s why you should sign: ✅ Hold Politicians Accountable – If an elected official ignores their campaign promises or fails to take action on critical issues, voters should have the power to respond before the next election. ✅ Strengthen Democracy – Other democracies like the US, Canada, and parts of Europe already allow citizens to recall politicians. Ireland should modernise its system to give people a stronger voice. ✅ Ensure Promises Are Kept – Campaigns should not be built on empty promises. If politicians know they can be recalled for inaction, they will have a stronger incentive to follow through on their commitments. ✅ Empower Citizens – Democracy doesn’t stop at the ballot box. Irish voters deserve a mechanism to ensure they are truly represented throughout a politician’s term. Signing this petition is a step toward real accountability in Irish politics. Let’s make sure our leaders work for the people—not just for re-election. Sign now to demand change!

Article III of the genocide convention makes it a crime to be complicit in the crime of genocide. This makes Allianz in breach of international law.  Article I states that governments have a responsibility to prevent and punish genocide. This makes the Irish Government responsible for punishing these companies in breach of the Genocide Convention eg Allianz. The GAA cutting ties with Allianz will send out a massive statement that the GAA will not be complicit in genocide. 

Ensuring affordable and accessible halal meat and poultry options in major Irish retailers is not just about meeting the dietary needs of the Muslim community—it’s about fostering inclusion, equity, and mutual respect in a diverse society. Here’s why this matters: 1. Economic Fairness: Many families are struggling with rising costs, and the higher prices of halal-certified products in specialty stores place an additional burden on Muslim households. Access to affordable options can ease financial pressure and ensure fair treatment for all consumers. 2. Cultural Inclusion: Ireland is home to a growing multicultural population. By providing halal-certified products, major retailers can demonstrate their commitment to inclusion, respect for diversity, and the values of a progressive, welcoming society. 3. Convenience and Accessibility: Currently, many families must travel long distances or pay premium prices to access halal meat and poultry. Introducing halal products in major retailers will make it easier for individuals and families to meet their dietary needs without unnecessary hardship. 4. Health and Well-Being: For many, halal food is more than a dietary choice—it’s a fundamental part of their faith and identity. By supporting this campaign, we can ensure that everyone in our community can access food that aligns with their values and beliefs. 5. Support Your Neighbors: Joining this campaign is an act of solidarity with your Muslim neighbors and friends. It’s a way to show that you care about their well-being and believe in equality for all. 6. Build a Stronger Community: When communities work together to address shared challenges, we create a more united, compassionate, and inclusive society. 7. Encourage Positive Change: By advocating for accessible halal products, you’re helping to ensure that businesses adapt to the changing needs of our diverse population, setting a positive example for other industries. 8. Set a Precedent for Inclusion: Supporting this initiative sends a powerful message to policymakers, businesses, and organizations across Ireland that inclusivity is not optional—it’s essential. Together, we can create a fairer, more inclusive Ireland where everyone feels supported and valued. Your signature can make a difference. Join us today!

Statistics from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry indicate that over 50% of new petrol and diesel cars, bought in 2023, were SUVs [1]. Environment: According to the Financial Times, sales of SUVs in Ireland have risen dramatically and are now amongst the highest in the EU [2]. These vehicles, largely driven in urban areas, contribute disproportionately to greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and traffic congestion. Their larger size and weight result in increased fuel consumption and road wear, further exacerbating these issues. Their electric counterparts, due to their excessive size are contributing to global shortages of critical metals such as lithium, causing significant environmental degradation & reshaping global politics. Road Safety: Crash data from Belgium from 2017 to 2021 also shows that a 10cm increase in the height of vehicle fronts raises the risk of death by 30% when a car hits a pedestrian or cyclist, according to a study by the Vias Institute, previously the Belgian Institute for Road Safety.  The study also illustrated that the risk of fatal injury to drivers involved in road accidents with these vehicles is also higher[3]. In Europe, the average width of new passenger cars increased by about 10 cm since the early 2000s, while average weight has climbed by over 200 kg[4]. By imposing an additional VRT on the sale of non-commercial heavy vehicles, we can encourage manufacturers to stop increasing the size of their cars, and incentivize consumers to choose more environmentally friendly options, such as smaller, more fuel-efficient cars or public transportation. This would help to reduce our carbon footprint, meet our legally binding climate targets and improve air quality. A higher VRT on heavy non-commercial vehicles is a necessary and effective measure to protect our environment and promote sustainable transportation and public health improvements. “The Irish transport system is car dependent by design, is high in greenhouse gas emissions and does not support improved well-being.” — OECD 2022 report Public Health Risks: Cancer and Air Pollution Exhaust fumes from petrol and diesel vehicles are a major source of air pollution, particularly nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and particulate matter (PM), both of which have been linked to serious health conditions. The World Health Organization classifies diesel exhaust as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning it is a known cause of cancer in humans, particularly lung cancer. Children, the elderly, and those with existing health conditions are especially vulnerable. SUVs, due to their larger engines and higher fuel consumption, emit more pollutants than smaller vehicles. Reducing the number and size of these vehicles on our roads could significantly decrease pollution-related illnesses and healthcare costs,  and help cut road deaths whilst improving overall public health—especially in densely populated urban areas. What we want is not radical. What is radical is that it is not being done.   Promoting Equity: By taxing non-commercial vehicles that disproportionately contribute to emissions, a sales weight tax could create a more equitable system where the costs of environmental damage are more fairly distributed between urban and rural dwellers. This could free up resources for other groups such as farmers to be rewarded for investing in sustainable practices. We propose that the revenue collected be directed into improving nationwide public transit as well as better connectivity and parking options for rural communities. Different solutions for different places.   Tax the problem. Train the people. Use vehicle weight tax revenue can also be used to create skilled jobs and skills transfer programmes for those working in the automotive sector.