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Friday 31 March 2023 Dublin: 10°C

# Maria Delaney

This year
2023
# Recovery Files
Cash for reforms: €700 billion EU recovery fund sparks concern and criticism
Analysis by Noteworthy and European journalists finds that Ireland is among several member states who repackaged old promises in reform plans.
# silent treatment
Slow rollout of eating disorder services 'destroying lives'
Just four of the planned specialist eating disorder teams are operating, with recruitment issues cited by the HSE for the delay.
Last year
2022
# Hands On Deck
The Explainer x Noteworthy: Are migrant fishers exploited in Ireland?
Maria Delaney of Noteworthy and Geela Garcia in the Philippines tell Susan Daly about our latest cross-border investigation.
# Fishing industry
Underpaid and overworked: The serious allegations by migrant fishers to the WRC
Analysis of cases heard by Workplace Relations Commission paint grim picture.
Fishers took cases against vessel owners, with some awarded thousands in compensation
Findings include 72-hour working weeks, forging of mandatory employment records and unfair dismissal
THE MORNING LEAD
'We had to eat leftover meat and fish': Modern slavery in the Irish fishing industry
A report by
Maria Delaney and Geela Garcia
Migrant fishers who left vessels due to exploitative treatment ‘ignored’ in recent cross-departmental review.
Inspection reports reveal potential trafficking and deficiencies relating to hours of work and rest
Researcher: "The problems in Ireland can be traced to very specific policies and laws here"
The Explainer x Noteworthy: Are migrant fishers exploited in Ireland?
Navy boardings find 10 fishing vessels almost fully crewed by migrant fishers
# Hands On Deck
Navy boardings find 10 fishing vessels almost fully crewed by migrant fishers
Standard sea fishing boat licence conditions require at least 50% EU crew.
THE MORNING LEAD
Irish justice system 'failing' migrant fishing workers who report exploitation
A report by
Maria Delaney and Geela Garcia
Our investigation finds 35 referrals of human trafficking in sector – but no prosecutions.
US report states Ireland has systemic deficiencies in victim identification, referral and assistance
Alleged trafficking victim: "It hurt. I felt the punch land. I told him if he did that again I’d report him."
# Investigation
Blind Justice: How prison is leaving Travellers isolated and traumatised
From unfair treatment to overuse of protection regimes, Noteworthy and The Journal investigate inequality in Ireland’s justice system.
From unfair treatment to overuse of protection regimes, Noteworthy and The Journal investigate inequality in Ireland's justice system
Reports of prison staff using anti-Traveller language, with experts saying 'systematic change' and 'accountability' is needed
Traveller Advocate: There is 'structural racism in the criminal justice system'
# no room
Wheelchair user facing homelessness condemns lack of Government support
With few accessible options on the private rental market, little support is available for disabled people who fall outside social housing threshold.
# holy land
The Explainer x Noteworthy: Are religious property proceeds going to redress?
Noteworthy’s Maria Delaney tells Susan Daly about how over €90 million worth of properties were sold.
THE MORNING LEAD
Religious orders involved in redress sold properties totalling €90 million since 2016
A report by
Maria Delaney
Investigation by Noteworthy finds these congregations paid €27m to the State in redress during this time.
Investigation by Noteworthy finds these congregations paid €27m to the State in redress during this time
70% - or just under €250m - of redress for institutional child abuse now paid by congregations
Mother and baby institution survivor: "I have no expectations... It’s cold, hard business."
# Overcrowding
Over 60% acute hospitals operating at unsafe bed occupancy levels
Five hospitals had an average monthly bed occupancy of 100% or more from January to March 2022.
# State of Emergency
Easy as ABC? Solving Ireland's lethal Acute Bed Capacity crisis
Inpatient bed numbers among lowest in EU and nowhere near demand predicted by capacity reviews.
Inpatient bed numbers among lowest in EU and nowhere near demand predicted by capacity reviews
Maria Delaney of investigative platform Noteworthy examines why despite overcrowding constantly being reported, hundreds of people continue to die
Full capacity protocol activated weekly at University Hospital Limerick, often resulting in cancelled ops
# Data Protection
Alleged excessive data gathering by Department of Social Protection being examined
Noteworthy investigation reveals the Department had a database of individual free travel journeys until 2020.
The Data Protection Commission is looking at use of free travel pass data, writes Maria Delaney
Noteworthy investigation reveals the Department had a database of free travel journeys until 2020
We also find Leap card system usage records, including journey data, are being retained for over a year
# delayed delivery
None of the 91 community teams for children with disabilities are fully staffed
There is an average vacancy rate of about 25% across teams, the Joint Committee heard this week.
# delayed delivery
Over half of children with disabilities not receiving any services, new survey reveals
Two recent surveys highlight concerns that services are getting worse rather than better.
# silent treatment
The Explainer x Noteworthy: How is inadequate care impacting people with eating disorders?
Noteworthy’s Maria Delaney tells Susan Daly about the chaotic state of services through people’s experiences.
# silent treatment
People waiting longer to access specialist eating disorder care
The latest data shows an increase in people waiting more than eight weeks for assessments and treatment.
# Lost in Transition
'Eating disorders don't just stop': Teenagers losing services on transition to adult care
Noteworthy finds that many children are being blocked from specialist treatment once they turn 18.
THE MORNING LEAD
Delays, distress, deterioration: Health system failing people with eating disorders
A report by
Maria Delaney
Noteworthy investigates the chaotic state of services and reveals that most cannot access adequate care.
Noteworthy investigates the chaotic state of services and reveals that most cannot access adequate care
Only 55% of the staff for three new teams promised for 2021 have been recruited, reports Maria Delaney
People with eating disorders reporting that specialised care reserved for those at 'brink of death'
# Health Crisis
HSE reports 'surge' in referrals to adult eating disorder services
Referrals to St Vincent’s University Hospital in Dublin increased by more than 120% last year.
# funding fertility
The Explainer x Noteworthy: Why are people still paying thousands for fertility treatment?
Noteworthy’s Maria Delaney tells Susan Daly about how the private fertility sector is making millions as patients are left in debt.
THE MORNING LEAD
HSE pays €800,000 over asking price for Sisters of Mercy convent
A report by
Maria Delaney
The HSE told Noteworthy that the building – bought for over €2.7m – ‘has strategic value’ as it adjoins Beaumont Hospital in Dublin.
Convent site near Beaumont Hospital sold for over €2.7m last year, reports Maria Delaney of Noteworthy
It had been listed on the market for €1.9m just six months before the HSE bought it for its 'strategic value'
A report released to Noteworthy states there was 'no appetite on the vendors side' to move away from the tender process
All time
THE MORNING LEAD
Irish boats landing five times recommended catch of fish important to ecosystem
A report by
Maria Delaney
‘An appalling waste of marine life’: Over 60% of sprat landed in 2021 was designated for fishmeal.
'An appalling waste of marine life': Over 60% of sprat landed in 2021 was designated for fishmeal, reports Noteworthy's Maria Delaney
Wildlife organisations are concerned of the impact sprat fishing is having on other marine life
More than half of sprat landed since 2019 was by large vessels over 18m in length
THE MORNING LEAD
Families still waiting for inquiry into use of drug that causes birth defects
A report by
Maria Delaney
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly committed to an inquiry over a year ago, reports Noteworthy.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly committed to an inquiry a year ago, reports Noteworthy's Maria Delaney
The 'vast majority' of the recommended services for affected children have not been put in place
Four nurses - a key measure to 'reduce harm in the future' - are still not appointed
THE MORNING LEAD
'Wild West': Private fertility sector making millions as patients left in debt
A report by
Maria Delaney
The Noteworthy team also reveals numerous decisions have not been finalised by Government on long-promised public IVF services.
Noteworthy reveals numerous decisions have not been finalised on long-promised public IVF services
Reporter Maria Delaney finds people are using house deposits to pay for fertility treatment
A lack of legislation is leaving Ireland a ‘Wild West’ when it comes to treatment provision
# new report
TDs and Senators recommend public sector hiring targets to tackle Traveller unemployment
Recommendations of an Oireachtas report also include mandatory anti-racism training and temporary repeal of trespass legislation.
# Awards
Two Journal Media reporters win Irish Red Cross Journalism Excellence Award 2021
Maria Delaney and Michelle Hennessy won for their series Tough Start which investigated challenges faced by Traveller children.
# Tough Start
Tough Start Live: How can the cycle of disadvantage be stopped for Traveller children?
Watch our discussion with key Traveller advocates on the major investigative series by Noteworthy and The Journal.
# Education
The Explainer x Noteworthy: Why are the school days of Traveller children being reduced?
Noteworthy’s Maria Delaney and social care worker Anne Marie Quilligan tell Susan Daly about the conditions faced by Traveller children in the country’s education system.
THE MORNING LEAD
'Revolving door': Traveller women imprisoned for minor offences such as driving without tax
A report by
Maria Delaney and Michelle Hennessy
Noteworthy and The Journal examine the impact of the justice system on Travellers, with a focus on children.
Noteworthy and The Journal examine the impact of the justice system on Travellers, with a focus on children
Reporters Michelle Hennessy and Maria Delaney found young Travellers detainee numbers jumped last year
Children who spoke to the investigation team said they felt fear and anxiety around interactions with gardaí
Home by 10am: 'Misuse' of reduced school days leaving a generation of Traveller children 'lost'
Traveller health 'not being prioritised' despite 'shocking' outcomes for children
# Tough Start
Home by 10am: 'Misuse' of reduced school days leaving a generation of Traveller children 'lost'
Noteworthy and The Journal can reveal that many Traveller children are routinely put on ‘reduced hours’ at school – with at least one student on just 40 minutes a day.
Noteworthy and The Journal can reveal that many Traveller children are routinely put on 'reduced hours' at school - with at least one student on just 40 minutes a day
Reporters Maria Delaney and Michelle Hennessy work with Traveller focus groups to expose this issue
Over 60 children on one halting site in Munster received no digital supports during Covid lockdowns
Tough Start Live: How can the cycle of disadvantage be stopped for Traveller children?
The Explainer x Noteworthy: Why are the school days of Traveller children being reduced?
THE MORNING LEAD
Traveller health 'not being prioritised' despite 'shocking' outcomes for children
A report by
Maria Delaney
Noteworthy delves into the uphill battle facing Traveller children and reveals a lack of targeted health actions.
In its latest in-depth investigation, Noteworthy delves into the uphill battle facing Traveller children and reveals a lack of targeted health actions
Reporters Maria Delaney and Michelle Hennessy examine numerous obstacles to children's health
The Traveller Health Action Plan to be published 'soon' but advocates frustrated it has taken over a decade
'Revolving door': Traveller women imprisoned for minor offences such as driving without tax
Home by 10am: 'Misuse' of reduced school days leaving a generation of Traveller children 'lost'
# Children's Rights Alliance
Many teenage Travellers not returning to school following pandemic closure challenges
Young Travellers found remote schoolwork extra challenging due to lack of access to digital and other resources during the pandemic.
# Addiction
'No plans' to reinstate HSE rehab unit closed during pandemic
The Keltoi Rehab Unit was converted to an isolation facility, with previous Health Minister Simon Harris promising its reopening.
The Keltoi Rehab Unit continues to be used as a Covid isolation facility, reports Maria Delaney of Noteworthy, our investigative platform.
Keltoi closed 18 months ago, with previous Health Minister Simon Harris promising its reopening
Addiction service advocates are frustrated with the HSE response and are calling for a clear reopening date
# Selling our genes
Government investment in DNA-collecting company Genuity Science loses value
The Ireland Strategic Investment Fund had invested €66m in the private genetics company acquired in a deal announced yesterday.
# No Target
‘A significant challenge’: Unclear when public transport will be fully accessible
Despite some improvements in recent years, ongoing obstacles to accessibility are leading to isolation and anxiety for disabled people.
Despite improvements in recent years, ongoing obstacles to accessibility are leading to isolation and anxiety, reports Maria Delaney of Noteworthy, our investigative platform.
The NTA and Department of Transport could not give a date for a fully accessible public transport system.
Inaccessible infrastructure is preventing disabled people from travelling on accessible trains and buses.
# costly cut
'No plans to reinstate' transport schemes for disabled people that activists say are 'vital'
The Motorised Transport Grant and Mobility Allowance schemes remain closed after a review was recommended over eight years ago.
# REFUSED ENTRY
Stranded, refused and left waiting: Disabled people 'on tenterhooks' trying to access taxis
Most accessibility-related complaints involved taxi drivers refusing to take guide dogs or wheelchair users.
Advocates are concerned low availability of accessible taxis is leading to reduced independence, reports Maria Delaney of Noteworthy, our investigative platform.
Most accessibility-related complaints involved taxi drivers refusing to take guide dogs or wheelchair users.
Two-thirds of the current wheelchair accessible vehicles in the taxi fleet are based in the Greater Dublin area.
# Voices Unheard
'White elephant': The €2.7m transport training centre causing conflict in disability community
Disabled people feel that once again they were not consulted about a major project that most affects them.
Disabled people feel that once again they were not consulted about a major decision that most affects them, reports Maria Delaney of Noteworthy, our investigative platform.
The NTA and Department of Transport (DOT) were aware of lack of consultation before funding decision.
Concerns were raised numerous times at the DOT Accessibility Consultative Committee.