It is important because Israel is a rogue pariah state. It is an apartheid extremist state committing genocide so far without let or hindrance on the people of Palestine and has been starving Palestians for several months, refusing to allow UNRWA, the UN aid agency operate within Gaza, refusing to allow food and aid enter Gaza, has destroyed a huge percentage of Gaza including 95% of agricultural land, and has besieged Gaza for over 600 days thus displacing and killing and maiming huge numbers of innocent Palestinians of whom almost 40% of known deaths are children and 33% women.  The UN has stated Israel has furthermore targetted civilian infrastructure including hospitals, schools and refugee camps relentlessly. According to Haretz 82% of Israelis are in favour of ethnically cleansing Palestinians from Gaza. The Israeli government has made no proposals public on where to rehouse or provide facilities to Palestinian residents/survivors  when or if it ever ends its all out war on them. Therefore Israel must be stopped by imposing the severest sanctions on where and how it receives funding. Accordingly Ireland and the Irish Central Bank must recognize their responsibility and cease facilitating Israel raise money using debt instruments (war bonds). 

1.       The loss of the Court sitting in Youghal, would have a huge negative impact both socially and financially.   Court sittings in Youghal are very important and provide a significant boost to the local economy.  2.      Justice should be administrated locally and not put the expense on people to travel to Dungarvan.  Also when its administrated locally, there is deterrent effect of having to face one’s neighbours, friend and members of the local community in Court, in public in one’s own town should never be underestimated.  3.      It would also affect access to Justice for Family Law.   Commitment was given that a District Court Register would attend the Mall Arts Centre in Youghal, every day on which Youghal District Court sits, to provide a Family Law service.  This gives assistance with application for protection Order, Safety Orders and Barring orders.  This commitment has been fulfilled and is fully utilised.  There is a separate room available in Youghal for this consultation, but not available in Dungarvan.  It is now envisaged that applicants will now have to travel to Waterford City to lodge their applications.    4.      There would also be a lack of Gardaí in the town on court dates, which are already slack, if they must attend court in Dungarvan.  

This petition speaks to a critical gap in Ireland’s maternity and childcare systems—one that affects thousands of women and families every year. Right now, working mothers are being punished for contributing to society: • The state provides no financial support during the final 16 weeks of maternity leave—leaving mothers without income, even when no childcare is available for infants under 12 months. • Maternity benefit is flat-rate, unrelated to income or tax paid, creating financial hardship. • Childcare waiting lists are 12–18 months long, yet women are expected to return to work after 6 months. • Women face lost pension contributions and healthcare costs while on leave—deepening the gender gap. First letter sent to the Government of Ireland on 20th May 2025 (full letter link  https://docs.google.com/file/d/1KGTvpZDcaKTbiOquWvgjv0YIWljZeKwX/edit?usp=docslist_api&filetype=msword) To: The Government of Ireland — especially the women who lead our country Subject: A Plea for Real Change in Maternity Support, Childcare, and Equity for Working Mothers in Ireland Dear Ministers, TDs, and all with power to make real change, I write this letter with a full heart, a weary mind, and deep concern for the state of maternity and childcare support in Ireland. I speak as a woman who believes in hard work, resilience, and contribution. And yet, I now ask: How has Ireland let its working women down so deeply and for so long? My Journey: Hard Work Without a Safety Net I’ve been working since I was 15. Now 36, I’ve built a career in Human Resources. I supported myself through college—working 20 hours a week, every summer, without any grants, as my father’s hard-earned income excluded me from supports. I’ve never expected handouts. I’ve worked hard and built a life brick by brick. I purchased a home in County Dublin—a three-bedroom semi-detached property—for over €525,000. As a second-time buyer with a self-employed husband, we were excluded from any government schemes. Still, we managed our mortgage and rising costs through sheer determination and work ethic. A Time of Joy… Shadowed by Fear In January 2025, we received the news: we were expecting our first child. Excited and nervous, we began to plan. I’ve remained in work despite difficult pregnancy symptoms, with the support of my employer. But as I sat to plan maternity leave, reality hit hard. I contacted over 20 childcare providers within a 20km radius. None would accept a child under 12 months. Most told me to get on a waiting list after the baby was born, with average wait times of 12–18 months. My plan to return to work after 26 weeks suddenly seemed impossible. Maternity Benefit: Inadequate, Unfair, and Disconnected from Reality I’m grateful my employer offers maternity top-up for the first 26 weeks. Without it, we couldn’t afford to start a family. But the lack of any state support during the final 16 weeks—despite national recommendations for parental care during a child’s first year—is unacceptable. Our monthly expenses exceed €4,000: mortgage, insurance, utilities, car, groceries. I approached my bank to explore options like a mortgage moratorium or interest-only payments, but was told I’d need to be in arrears first. In other words—I must fail before I qualify for help. This is not just my issue. Many women I know are quietly facing the same situation: unable to return to work, unable to stay at home without falling into debt, unsupported by the state despite decades of contributions. A System That Punishes Contribution How is it possible that if I had never worked, I might now be better off? Let’s break it down: • Maternity Benefit: A flat rate that doesn’t reflect my earnings or tax history. • Extended Leave: 16 weeks of unpaid leave—no state support. • Parents Benefit: Too low to keep a roof over our heads. • Healthcare: Employer-paid health insurance may be lost or owed back after unpaid leave. This is a system that punishes responsibility. It penalises work, discourages independence, and widens the gender gap by undermining the financial stability of mothers. It’s out of touch with today’s reality. The Emotional Toll I should be enjoying this time, preparing for my daughter’s arrival in October. Instead, I’m battling stress, sleepless nights, and financial uncertainty. Will I fall into debt? Will I return to work earlier than planned? Will I owe money to my employer for continuing healthcare? These are not thoughts a pregnant woman should have. We are told to plan our families, support the economy, and bridge the gender gap. Yet we’re left without the tools to do it. How can we be asked to raise the next generation while being economically abandoned? A Call for Real, Urgent Reform To the Ministers and leaders of this country—especially the women: how can you let this continue? How can Ireland claim to be progressive while mothers are pushed to the brink just for having children? We need you to act. Not in a year. Not after “review.” Now. We call on you to: 1. Review the maternity benefit system – Introduce a tiered model tied to income and contributions. 2. Fund extended maternity leave – Support families during the 16 weeks of unpaid leave. 3. Solve the childcare crisis – Increase capacity, affordability, and access for children under 12 months. 4. Protect financial stability for women – Ensure pensions, healthcare, and job protections during leave. 5. Implement equitable policies – Recognise that a flat-rate system penalises contributors and working-class families. In Closing I am writing this letter because I believe in Ireland and its people. But I do not believe in a system that abandons women during one of the most vulnerable and meaningful times of their lives. We need real reform. And we need it now. I speak on behalf of every mother who returned to work too soon, every woman who delayed starting a family due to fear, and every child who lost valuable time with a parent because the system made no space for them. Please—do better. We are not asking for more than we deserve. We are asking for fairness, dignity, and the right to raise our children without being penalised. I have started a public petition to amplify this call. The support behind it is growing. I hope those in power will not only hear us—but finally act. Sincerely,  A hard-working woman  A mother-to-be  A voice among many

For the wellbeing of 6th years in st.aidans

Action must be taken before this road claims a life

Increased bus services means Increased independence, especially for young people, older people and those who don’t use a car https://www.uplift.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/MyUplift-banner-politician-SVG.svg

We need fair business practices and not have bigger businesses bullying new businesses and creating a monopoly and no choice for the customer

All women should be able to access HRT, not just those who can afford it. Former health minister, Stephen Donnelly announced in 2024 that from January 2025, HRT would be free of charge. Over four months into 2025, HRT is still costing women €40-€80 per month. The media have reported that the Irish Pharmacies Union and the HSE are “in talks” to resolve the matter. Why has it taken so long? Why not use the same format that is used to dispense free contraception? 

In Ireland, employees and researchers in both private companies and universities create valuable patents and innovations, but under current law, they receive no compensation or recognition. This discourages creativity and innovation, harms morale, and keeps Ireland’s talented workers from getting their fair share of the wealth they help create. Other countries like Germany and Japan already offer fair compensation for inventors, which drives even more innovation. It’s time Ireland did the same—starting with a legal right for inventors to share in the success of their own creations. Ensuring fair treatment for inventors benefits not just individuals, but the country as a whole, by fostering a more vibrant and competitive research and development environment.

Why is it important? This greenway could change how we live and connect in North Tipperary. Right now, the riverside trail in Nenagh is a peaceful, beautiful space, but it ends too soon, forcing cyclists and walkers onto unsafe roads. Families with children, older people, and visitors are all missing out on the chance to enjoy our natural surroundings without fear of traffic. Extending this trail all the way to Dromineer would create a safe, scenic, and accessible route between town and lakeshore. It would promote healthier lifestyles, boost tourism and local business, and offer people a way to enjoy nature without needing a car. I went on a cycle with my daughter and was struck by how wonderful the experience was until the path ended. It made me realise how much more this community deserves. If you believe in safer streets, greener travel, and making Nenagh even better, please add your name to this petition. Together, we can make this greenway a reality.

These courts are vital for the physical and mental health of our community, especially our young people. We, the local residents and supporters of Inchicore, are calling on Dublin City Council to stop the planned demolition of the two basketball courts beside Inchicore Sports Centre, Dublin 8, which is due to take place around April 14th, 2025 as part of the Emmet Road Development. These courts are an important part of our community. They are regularly used by children, teenagers, families, and local sports groups. Removing them would take away one of the few safe and accessible places where people of all ages can play sports, stay healthy, and connect with others. Under Irish planning law, Dublin City Council must protect recreational and open spaces when developing new housing. But right now: • The plan to build a new pitch in Mercy Secondary School has been cancelled. • Goldenbridge Cemetery is being counted as open space, but it is private property, and not suitable for active sports or public access. • The Emmet Road Development will increase the local population by 800–1,000 people, yet it is reducing active sports space instead of increasing it. According to national planning guidelines, there should be at least 2.5 hectares of public open space per 1,000 residents, with a balance between active and passive recreation. The planned demolition clearly goes against these standards. ✍️ Please sign this petition to protect our local sports spaces.  Let’s work together to make sure Inchicore remains an active, healthy, and fair place to live.

The genocidal attack on Gaza isn't just fought with weapons; it's fought with money. Every penny to Belfast City council, rates, events in Waterfront, Titanic, employee wages, goes through Barclays Bank which is profiting from the genocide and handling Israeli war bonds. Barclays Bank holds the tender for Belfast City Council banking services, and we call on Council to take its money, your money, elsewhere. Since October 2023, Israel has raised nearly $20 billion through government bonds, explicitly stating it's for the war. Major financial institutions, including Barclays and the Central Bank of Ireland, have played a direct role in this, facilitating the sale of these bonds as ‘primary dealers’. And investors, like Allianz, have poured in hundreds of millions of dollars. We need to ask ourselves: what are the ethical implications of profiting from bloodshed and conflict? To do business with Barclays is to do business with a state perpetrating genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and apartheid. Barclays is bankrolling Israel's assault, investing over £2 billion and providing £6.1 billion in financial services to companies arming Israel. Their 'primary dealer' role directly facilitates the raising of funds for these war crimes. For months, activists from IPSC Belfast and the BDS movement have been on the streets,  protesting outside Barclays every week since October. We have collected signatures, spoken to countless members of the public, informing them of Barclays’ link to funding a genocide, and implored them to boycott Barclays and stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza.  Their voices, our voices, are a testament to the growing demand for justice for the Palestinian people.