Accepting, without ambition to change, the numbers now living in emergency accommodation is fatal to tackling the problem, writes Cliodhna O’Neill of the ISPCC.
We are failing to learn lessons from the past on child protection. It is a shameful mark of disrespect to the many children who have suffered abuse and neglect in Ireland.
Last week Childline said its service deals not just with abuse children, but with children who are worried about the recession and how it’s impacted on their families.
Childline should be expanding. Instead we’re faced with the awful possibility that a child calling in desperation might have no one to answer their call.
Ahead of the charity’s AGM in Dublin today, the ISPCC said it is now at breaking point and could be forced to close Childline at night – when children need them most.
Children’s charities have been critical of the lack of access to services for children who have been sexually abused, as the HSE does not have the specialist staff to treat them.
The charity has published advice for parents in light of the alleged attack in Athlone. It urges parents to teach basic rules to children from the age of two.
DESPITE OPPOSITON FROM environmental groups, Amazon has secured planning permission for two new data centres in Dublin.
The development prompted calls from the Social Democrats for a moratorium on the building of the computer system warehouses until their impact on electricity supply and prices can be determined.
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The party’s climate spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland that the situation must be analysed in view of recent energy Amber Alerts and the potential of black outs this winter.
Data centres are responsible for 14% of all electricity usage in Ireland as of 2021. This is a 32% increase compared to 2020 and a 265% increase compared to 2015.
Last week a €450 million data centre was also granted planning permission in Co Clare, despite local opposition.
So, today we’re asking: would you support a ban on more data centres in Ireland?
Clouds and sun, a t-storm; not as warm
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