We Shouldn’t Blank Out Faces of Legitimate Protesters
We often see genuine protesters walking down O’Connell Street or on Merrion Square, and it’s puzzling why their faces are not hidden like those of militant individuals. While there may be legal reasons for this, it’s difficult to understand why the identities of genuine protestors are revealed while those causing trouble remain anonymous. It is my hope that An Garda Síochána can track down and bring these troublemakers to justice. – Donough O’Reilly, Kilmacud, Co Dublin
Education Minister Right to Delay Exam Changes
I applaud Education Minister Norma Foley’s decision to postpone proposals for teacher-based assessments due to concerns about the use of AI in exam performance. Project-based assessments linked to external examinations have proven effective, as seen in the Junior Certificate and aspects of the Leaving Certificate. Our education system also relies on reliable aptitude tests to identify students’ potential and guide decision-making for additional support and higher education programs. I believe there is room to explore broader use of these methods. Traditional exams don’t work for all students, cause stress, and turn entry to higher education into a lottery based solely on points. Leaving Certificate reform should involve a combination of current methods and standardized aptitude test results. – Joe Harrison, Spanish Point, Co Clare
CPC Training Needed for Newly Qualified Drivers
It’s high time the Road Safety Authority introduces a form of CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) driver training for newly qualified drivers. Statistics show that approximately 25% of road fatalities involve drivers between 16 and 26 years old, with an even higher percentage sustaining serious injuries in road traffic collisions. In contrast, professional drivers of trucks and buses are required to undergo seven hours of annual CPC classroom-based training to maintain their qualification. Newly qualified drivers should undergo a similar training program over a five-year period, followed by refresher training and assessment upon license renewal. – Patrick Donovan, Bishopstown, Co Cork
Another Successful Culture Night
I thoroughly enjoyed this year’s Culture Night; however, my only criticism is that there were too many fantastic events happening simultaneously, and they were all free. I attended an event at my local library featuring poet Rita Anne Higgins, who read from her collection and invited audience members to share their own or other well-known poems. Then I went to an amazing concert by Aimee Banks, followed by an Irish music and song evening organized by An Bruach Thoir. I even managed to catch the end of Galway United’s victory in the First Division Title. It’s wonderful to see efforts to revive the Irish language. Culture Night was a massive success, and I hope it continues for years to come. – Tommy Roddy, Ballybane, Galway
Dáil Protests Should Be a Wake-Up Call
Having spoken to serving members of An Garda Síochána, it’s clear that their vote of no confidence in Commissioner Drew Harris was not personal. What they want to emphasize is that there are major problems within the senior leadership team at Garda Headquarters that need to be addressed. The bureaucratic style of management has overshadowed the principles of community policing, with civil servants dictating how incidents should be handled. This diminishes the role of experienced and trained garda investigators. The top officials and the government are to blame for their lax approach to threats from extremists. It’s time for TDs to remove the restraints on the gardaí and let them protect us. – Christy Galligan, retired Garda Sergeant, Letterkenny, Co Donegal
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
