The focus of defending Irish territory and resources has overshadowed the need to defend the best interests of the Irish people. This raises the question of who exactly should be included in the category of “the people” that need to be defended. As the likelihood of a united Ireland within the next decade or two increases, it becomes important to include all individuals living on the island of Ireland as part of the Irish people. This should also extend to the “new Irish” who have chosen Ireland as their home.
Unfortunately, there is a small vocal minority that opposes the integration of these new arrivals and uses racist and xenophobic arguments to support their views. However, it is worth noting that humans have only inhabited Ireland for the past 10,000 years, so in reality, we are all relatively recent migrants.
In addition, a significant number of Irish people have migrated out of Ireland due to reasons such as colonial persecution, poverty, famine, and ineffective governance. This has resulted in an Irish diaspora spread throughout the world. It is crucial that we defend the best interests of our diaspora and consider them as part of our extended family.
In an increasingly vulnerable and interconnected world, it is in our best interest to consider all of humanity as our kinfolk. The most effective way to defend our people is by actively promoting international peace and global justice. Irish, European, and international politicians should refrain from exacerbating the war in Ukraine and instead focus on working tirelessly to end all conflicts.
Edward Horgan
Castletroy, Co Limerick
The maltreatment of male calves is truly sickening and immediate action must be taken to prevent it. I commend the RTÉ Investigates team for their thorough exposure of the abusive and cruel treatment that hundreds of thousands of young male calves are subjected to during exportation from Ireland each year.
It is a disgrace that politicians, farm leaders, and farmers turn a blind eye to this scandal. The Agriculture Minister and officials in his department, as well as Teagasc advisers, can no longer hide behind the promise of an “investigation” into the behaviors captured on camera. Similarly, the dismissive statements from farmers and their leaders are no longer acceptable.
No animal should ever be subjected to such barbaric treatment, regardless of its age. The sickening consequences of the dairy industry in Ireland must come to an end immediately.
The government has the responsibility to implement strict measures, including rigorous enforcement, to address the dumping of male calves. There must be adequate levels of inspection and monitoring throughout the entire process, from the birth of the calves on farms to their transportation and delivery on the continent. Heavy fines should be imposed for any violations. It is not a valid defense to claim that these abuses only apply to a few individuals. All dairy farmers have a duty to ensure that such practices are eradicated.
Eileen Brennan
College Square, Kilkenny
The role of a nursing home inspector is incredibly challenging, especially during a time when the governance and inspection of nursing homes are under scrutiny. To provide some context, HIQA conducts inspections of all nursing homes in Ireland to evaluate compliance with regulations and standards.
While inspections are typically unannounced, a nursing home can expect at least one announced inspection within a three-year registration cycle. Assessing compliance is undeniably crucial, but the level of guidance provided by HIQA can be overwhelming. The inspection process covers various aspects of capacity, capability, quality, and safety, with each individual regulation described in immense detail in a 124-page guide.
Interestingly, although individual care plans are essential for personalized care, HIQA allows nursing homes in Ireland to use different care plan templates, creating a lack of consistency that further complicates the inspector’s job. While I understand the concerns about the inspector’s workload, I am surprised that the inspection metrics do not prioritize quality of life and only vaguely refer to it in reports.
Living a good life should be regarded as equally important as clinical excellence and infection control. Although I have newfound respect for the nursing home inspector, I wonder if they have become too focused on the details and may have lost sight of the bigger picture.
Annette Condon
Cahir, Co Tipperary
It is quite ironic that the “rewetting” law recently passed by the European Parliament has proven to be so challenging in Ireland. With farmers, tourism operators, and local authorities struggling to navigate waterlogged fields, activity parks, and roads across the country, one has to wonder if the abrupt change in stance by the five Fine Gael MEPs in supporting the nature restoration law will ultimately be seen as a self-defeating move.
Our little island on the side of the Atlantic seems to have its own unique perspective on nature and what constitutes rewetting, defying the efforts of science and politics to dictate its ways. Perhaps there is wisdom to be found in the old traditions of our ancestors and the influence of St Swithin as we plan for the future on the Emerald Isle.
Tom McElligott
Listowel, Co Kerry
If the roles were reversed, the headline for the interview with Eileen Walsh – “Men can be pretty disgusting” – would not have been the same. It is highly unlikely that an article with the title “Women can be pretty disgusting” would ever be published. Mr. O’Sullivan correctly points out that Eileen Walsh is an actor and should understand the impact of words. However, she can never win an award in the “actor” category, but she may have a chance in the “actress” category. This may explain the sexist headline that was used.
Peter Declan O’Halloran
Belturbet, Co Cavan
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