LAST UPDATE | 24 May 2024

GOOD MORNING.

Here’s all the news that you need to know as you start your day.

World Schizophrenia Day

1. Ireland needs to stop “just talking” about mental health and actually invest in vital services, the HSE’s National Clinical Lead on early intervention in psychosis has said.

Dr Karen O’Connor, a consultant psychiatrist, said around €30 million in additional funding is needed to set up the extra 20 early intervention in psychosis (EIP) teams required to meet the current level of demand.

International Court of Justice

2. The top United Nations court will today rule on a plea by South Africa to order a halt to the Israeli military offensive in Gaza, with Pretoria accusing Israel of genocide.

Pretoria has urged the International Court of Justice to order an “immediate” stop to Israel’s campaign, including in the southern area of Rafah, and facilitate access of humanitarian aid.

Mallorca

3. The roof of a restaurant in Spain’s popular tourist island of Mallorca collapsed on Thursday, killing four people and injuring 21 others, local rescuers said.

“There are four dead and around 21 injured,” an emergency services spokeswoman said, adding that “several nationalities” were among the victims.

New train stations 

4. A planning contract has been awarded for the creation of eight new commuter railway stations in Cork.

The new stations will spread across the Cobh, Midleton and Mallow lines. A new depot will also be built and the rail network will be electrified.

Uninsured drivers 

5. Justice Minister Helen McEntee will today officially launch a new law enforcement system aimed at tackling uninsured driving.

Under the new system, which was introduced in January, frontline gardaí have access to the information details of more than three million vehicles.

Following its introduction at the start of the year, the new system has led to the seizure of 7,307 vehicles. Some 1,840 vehicles were seized last month relating to no insurance.

Gaza

6. Ireland’s recognition of Palestine is welcome, but it must be followed by real action, Jamil Sawalmeh and Karol Balfe have said.

In an opinion piece, they say only a ceasefire will make a difference to the people of Gaza.

“Whilst continuing to keep pressure on the European Union, we must accept our own obligations including enacting the Occupied Territories Bill… and pressuring the EU for meaningful actions such as suspending the EU-Israel Trade Agreement,” they write.

Race to the White House

7. Former US President Donald Trump has campaigned in one of the most Democratic counties in the nation by holding a rally in the South Bronx.

Trump addressed supporters in Crotona Park, days before a Manhattan jury begins deliberations on whether to convict him of felony charges in his criminal hush money trial.

Right to Disconnect 

8. Over 60% of senior civil servants say they have been contacted about work while on leave, and 83% say they receive work related communication outside of working hours.

The survey findings have led to calls for “stronger” Right to Disconnect policies by the Association of Higher and Civil Public Servants.

The AHCPS has around 4,000 members across 50 branches in the commercial and non-commercial State sector.

Podcast

9. On World Schizophrenia Day, the latest The Explainer x Noteworthy podcast examines how the lack of investment in vital early intervention in psychosis services is putting lives at risk and costing more money in the long run.