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Mental Health
Overhaul of mental health law which 'deprives people of liberty' may not happen before election
The long-awaited Mental Health Amendment Bill would bring about the largest overhaul of the State’s mental health laws in decades.
Mental Health Reform said the protracted delay in publishing the Mental Health Amendment Bill is "completely unacceptable"
The proposed legislation would strengthen regulation around people consenting to the type of treatment they receive
Fiona Anderson, a long-time activist, said patients like her need to have a greater say in their treatment
assembly's final report
Ireland has 'once in a generation' chance to decriminalise personal drug use, Paul Reid says
A special Oireachtas committee will be established to examine the Citizens’ Assembly’s recommendations, Drugs Minister Hildegarde Naughton confirmed.
The Citizens' Assembly on Drug Use today published its final report
The document includes 36 recommendations to overhaul Ireland's drug policy and establish a more health-led approach
A special Oireachtas committee will be set up to examine the report and suggest new legislation
Pensions
'Our lives didn't have to be this way': Unmarried parents reflect on landmark Supreme Court ruling
Thousands of families may be entitled to extra pension payments.
definition of family
Man entitled to widower's pension despite not being married to partner, Supreme Court rules
John O’Meara said today’s ruling will help many other families in similar situations.
durable relationshipsSupreme Court ruling in widower's pension case could have implications for referendum
AARON SIKORSKI
HSE apologises to boy whose throat was corroded by button battery after delay in ordering X-ray
During this nine-day delay, the battery corroded Aaron Sikorski’s throat and he had to undergo surgery, the High Court heard.
March Referendums
Referendums: Flac suggests changing 'durable relationships' wording, warns about misinformation
The Free Legal Advice Centre says the proposed changes, as currently worded, are “symbolic” and “will not deliver meaningful enforceable rights”.
chemsex
Detoxing from G is '100 times worse than alcohol withdrawal', expert warns
Chemsex – using drugs like G to enhance and prolong sex – has become more common in Ireland in recent years.
GHB or GBL is used socially and for the purposes of chemsex
The drug is highly addictive and its potency varies widely
Every year dozens of people seek help to detox from G at the Club Drugs Clinic in Dublin
sexual health
70% increase in gonorrhoea cases due to lack of condom use - and better testing
Over 6,700 cases of gonorrhoea were reported in Ireland last year, up from 3,976 in 2022.
Some 6,748 cases of gonorrhoea were reported up to 23 December 2023, compared with 3,976 cases in 2022
The majority of cases reported in Ireland last year (5,200) were among men
Ireland has one of the highest incidence rates of gonorrhoea in Europe
EurovisionRTÉ receives over 600 emails asking it to boycott Eurovision due to Israel’s involvement
Ringsend
'Someone could be killed': Fears grow as gardaà probe 'worrying trend' of arson attacks
No arrests have been made to date but a number of investigations are ongoing.
The Irish Network Against Racism has expressed concern that the issue will only be taken seriously if someone is badly injured or killed
There have been around 20 arson attacks, or attempted attacks, on properties earmarked to house international protection applicants
Multiple garda investigations into the Ringsend, Rosscahill and other arson attacks around the country are ongoing
richard haassClaim IRA members were in Colombia on holiday, not to train FARC, 'insulted US intelligence'
Achtung tonyTony Blair wanted to have 'a good time' during 1993 trip to Ireland, ideally involving U2
State Papers
'Reproductive fascism': Read the letters calling on Mary Robinson to intervene in X Case
Many people, from Ireland and abroad, contacted the president about the controversial case in 1992.
The X Case centred on a 14-year-old girl who became pregnant after being raped
The letters to Robinson highlight how divisise the issue was in Ireland and abroad
'It is with disbelief and disgust that we heard about the young girl who has been forbidden to leave Ireland'
Sinn FéinSF should move away from violent links to stop attracting 'head bangers', Adams agreed in 2001
John F KennedyJackie Kennedy rang Irish Embassy to ensure Defence Forces would play role in JFK's funeral
State Papers
Ireland considered making 21 age of consent for gay people when decriminalising homosexuality
One 1993 document noted that moving from “criminalisation to equality might be too major a change at one go”.
The age of consent for heterosexual intercourse at the time was, and still is, 17 years old
21 was described as "probably the age most acceptable to those who do not want decriminalisation but recognise that there is no choice"
However, if 21 was chosen, "there would be an attempt to portray this country as backward", officials warned
Clondalkin'Vital' addiction support service in Dublin to remain open after campaign by staff and locals
9 at 9
The 9 at 9
Famine risk in Gaza, national day of mourning in Czech Republic and public transport strike in Northern Ireland
Addiction
GP centre won't prescribe 'highly addictive' painkillers due to concerns over illegal drug trade
There have been growing concerns in recent weeks about the sale of opioids and other powerful painkillers.
A GP centre in Dublin is refusing to prescribe powerful painkillers like Oxycontin or "highly addictive" benzodiazepines
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said prescription medications often end up being sold on the street
Benzodiazepines are generally prescribed to treat anxiety, sleep disorders and seizures
