Gaeilge is an essential part of our culture and heritage. It is important for us as a younger generation to carry on this culture in a practical and open way. I understand that the reasons for the Sráith Pictiúrí is for students to see what is in front of them and communicate to the examiner in our native language what is happening. I know that it is not your wish for students to learn them off by heart and recite them like robots. The aim is to embrace and grow our language and teach students to speak it as well as understand it. For this reason i strongly believe that 10 Sráith pictiúr will have just as much benefit, if not more, to accelerating our knowledge of irish, then 20. Randomly selecting one from 20 is the same as randomly selecting one from 10, except that it allows students to relax that little bit more and be more capable of having confidence in themselves to speak the language more fluently. Relieving the stress without decreasing the academic benefit will be endlessly helpful for festering a love for our native tongue in the younger generation. Something which is vital for the continuation of our unique and wonderful culture.

We need peace in the world

Israel is committing war crimes and genocide against the people of Palestine. Thousands of children are dying before our eyes. Families are being wiped out. Lives are being destroyed. Expelling the Israeli Ambassador would communicate a strong message that we, the people of Ireland, do NOT accept genocide and mass destruction. It would give courage to other nations around the world to stand in solidarity and do the same. It would send the message that - no matter how small the nation, our voices will be heard. We can not afford to be quiet today. We need to raise our voices for those who cannot and take a stand. Sign the petition to Expel the Israeli Ambassador NOW!

You visited Ireland just six months ago to mark peace on our island, the contribution to it of the US government and your own much loved Irish heritage. We know well the imperfections of the peace in Northern Ireland, and how far we still have to go. But the days of constant killings, and unbearable suffering are over here. At times it seemed impossible, but it was done. Now we are watching in horror as the leader of the Israeli government, Benjamin Netanyahu launches a genocidal war on the people of Gaza, who are without food, water, fuel or electricity, having already lived in an apartheid state for decades. As President of the United States of America, you have an unique role to play. We ask you to do all in your power to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and work towards a sustained peace in the region grounded in justice, freedom and equality for all.

On the back of the Citizens' Assembly, urgent change to cannabis policy is needed.

Recent floodings show us that Midleton needs proper protection from flooding, so that residents, business owners and the whole town can feel safe during storms or high tides. Floods are destroying many homes and businesses in Midleton, recent damages show that the situation is very bad. The Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for leading and co-ordinating flood relief schemes to provide flood protection for towns either directly or in association with relevant Local Authorities. Midleton needs a proper flood relief scheme, expedited, as the town has already suffered multiple floods. Floor relief scheme can save the town and further suffering of residents. It is vital not only for protecting property and ensuring public safety but also for fostering sustainable development, preserving the environment, and enhancing the community's ability to withstand and recover from natural disasters.

Recent floods show us that Youghal needs proper protection from flooding, so that residents, business owners and the whole town can feel safe during storms or high tides. Floods are destroying many homes and businesses in Youghal. By prioritizing the implementation of a flood relief scheme, Youghal can effectively protect its infrastructure, preserve its cultural heritage, sustain its tourism industry, protect its coastal ecosystems, and enhance the overall resilience of its community in the face of coastal flooding and related natural hazards. **** Phase 1 of Flood Relief Scheme in Youghal is done. Phase 2 should be implemented as soon as possible, not within next 5 or 10 years, as otherwise town will be flooded yet again. [1] Flood Relief Scheme document for Youghal - Blackwater: https://www.floodinfo.ie/publications/?t=22&a=669

If we are going to reverse the consequences of climate change on our planet, we will have to all play our part, town by town, city by city, country by country, starting with our own humble Ballyragget.

As we approach the 11th anniversary of Savita Halappanavar's tragic passing on October 28, we reflect on the seismic impact it had on Ireland. In 2012, Savita died from sepsis at University Hospital Galway after being refused an abortion. Her untimely demise ignited a resounding call to struggle, propelling a monumental public movement to repeal the Eighth Amendment. This movement championed the fundamental rights of women to assert control over their bodies and make autonomous decisions regarding their reproductive health. It is a monumental stride towards individual freedom and women's emancipation in Ireland and gives further impetus to the global feminist revolt. While the current legislation, though in effect, still harbours room for improvement, it undeniably signifies a watershed moment in recent Irish history. Savita's unwarranted sacrifice became the catalyst for this transformative shift. Having lived, worked, and tragically met her end here in Galway, ROSA Galway passionately advocates for a mural as an enduring tribute in her honour in Galway City.

Parents and Guardians are extremely concerned about the safety on the R405 and that risks that 853 (457 Gaelscoil Uí Fhiaich and 396 Maynooth Educate Together National School) shool going children and their parents face on a daily basis.

All human life is precious. No matter where we come from, we all deserve to live free from violence and to put our children to bed, knowing that they will wake up safely. The world has been horrified by the loss of life that has taken place in Israel and Palestine over the last week. Benjamin Netanyahu and his far-right government have launched a vicious, all-out attack on civilians trapped inside Gaza and is planning on bombing the people there, nearly half of whom are children, to extinction. The killing of so many innocent people by Hamas sent shockwaves throughout the world and we grieve for all the lives unjustly lost. But here more than anywhere, we know that this response will lead only to more death, loss and horror. At times like this, we must hold fast to our humanity. We in Northern Ireland know all too well the devastating impact of cycles of violence, and how they reverberate across generations. We call on you to do all you can to stop the war and the slaughter of innocent civilians in this conflict. A future of peace and safety, grounded in justice, freedom and equality for all, is the only option.

Ms Von De Leyen has endorsed a war crime in the name of EU citizens. Not only is this morally repugnant but it is a serious breach of democratic protocol which threatens the very fabric of the European project and has seriously weakened the EU's ability to respond to war crimes in the future. If the EU is to regain any credibility and salvage its ability to respond to war crimes in the future, then Ms Von De Leyen must be censured and removed from office immediately. The longer Ms Von De Leyen remains in office the more damage this breach of protocol will do to the European project.