Deaf mum-of-three delivers powerful talk at Limerick conference on deaf parenting
Held this Tuesday, the Supporting Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Disabled Parents' Conference brought together representatives from Disabled Persons Organisations, HSE, Tusla, disability service providers, parenting support providers, and Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and disabled parents, along with academics from across the country.
One of the most powerful moments came from Elaine Grehan of the Irish Deaf Society, a deaf mother-of-three hearing children.
Ms Grehan spoke about the challenges deaf and hard-of-hearing parents face, particularly in overcoming the attitudes that cast doubt on their capabilities.
Disability advocate and author Ann Marie Flanagan drew on her own experience as a disabled parent and discussed the lack of dedicated support – for example, adapted baby equipment – and the ingenuity required of disabled parents who often must be the architects of their own solutions.
Julie Helen, a disabled mother and vocal advocate, urged for 'human rights-focused support, respect, understanding, improved communication, and trust-building.'
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth was represented by Joanne McGarry, who affirmed the Department's commitment to building inclusive parenting supports. 'We're working to develop initiatives that cater to all parents, including those who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, or disabled,' she said.
Conference organisers Professor Donal Fortune and Dr Elaine Rogers described the event as a 'beginning,' saying they were 'delighted with the support for this event' and eager to see momentum continue.
'We look forward to the development of peer and professional support networks for Deaf, hard of hearing and disabled parents in Ireland,' they said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Times
2 hours ago
- Irish Times
Employee suspensions lasting more than a decade ‘extraordinarily rare', say lawyers
The paid suspension of an employee lasting more than a decade is 'extraordinarily rare' but can indicate the seriousness of alleged wrongdoing, according to people working in employment law. The Irish Times reported on Monday that two Health Service Executive employees have been suspended with pay or have been on administrative leave for 11 years. Generally, in employment, suspensions are a precautionary measure during a workplace investigation into alleged misconduct. They can last for months if not years in some rare circumstances. However, one breaching two years is considered unusual, so how could a suspension last 11 years? Although employers are now encouraged to avoid suspensions where possible due to the potential reputational damage suffered by the off-work employee, they are sometimes necessary, particularly where safety concerns are at play, according to Alan Eustace, an assistant professor of private law at Trinity College Dublin. READ MORE Allegations at the more serious end of the scale may require a 'more robust procedure' that can result in lengthy suspensions, he said. Dr Eustace, who has a particular interest in employment law, said suspensions of employees subject to allegations of misconduct can often be necessary if their presence is deemed to be 'potentially dangerous'. 'In general, it's quite rare to find people on very lengthy suspensions, unless there's been an extremely serious allegation made against them, and the investigation into that case is extremely complicated,' he said. While all employees have a right to fair procedure, through thorough and fair investigations of alleged misconduct, this procedure can be made more complex in the public sector where collective agreements can see procedures vary between roles. [ Two HSE staff suspended with pay or on administrative leave for 11 years Opens in new window ] On the other hand, employees can take legal action to halt investigations. If the employer in question is found to be proceeding incorrectly or unfairly, they can be ordered to restart the investigation. Sick leave, potentially due to stress as a result of the investigation, can also result in the process being paused entirely until they are well enough to engage again, he said. While suspending an employee can be costly, it can end up 'cheaper than sacking them unfairly and being sued for that later on', Dr Eustace said. Due to its potential reputational damage to the employee in question, suspension, even with pay, has become 'much harder to do', according to Anne O'Connell, principal of employment law firm AOC Solicitors. Historically, there was little preventing employers from suspending employees during investigations in the past, once the employee was paid. However, in the last decade or so, more stringent steps have been required to do so. A botched or rushed investigation could result in costly legal proceedings down the line, she said, and an investigation must run its course before any disciplinary action, including dismissal. 'You can't just fire somebody before a full investigation is complete, they have a right to fair procedures,' she said, stressing that the outcome of investigations may not warrant dismissal and any allegations could be deemed unfounded. Unforeseen events, such as relevant court proceedings, can delay investigations, she said. Regardless, '11 years is very rare – extraordinarily rare', she said.
Irish Examiner
5 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
ieExplains: What is the new covid variant and is it in Ireland?
Is there a new strain of covid? Yes. It is called NB.1.8.1, and is a sub-variant of the Omicron variant. Omicron was the dominant strain in Ireland at the end of 2021 and 2022. The new strain was first detected in January 2025. What is the new strain? In May, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated the NB.1.8.1 strain of covid as a 'variant under monitoring", and the public health risk posed by it is "evaluated as low at the global level". It said: "Currently, approved covid vaccines are expected to remain effective to this variant against symptomatic and severe disease. "Despite a concurrent increase in cases and hospitalisations in some countries where NB.1.8.1 is widespread, current data does not indicate that this variant leads to more severe illness than other variants in circulation." The new strain comprised of 13.6% of all cases in the week ending May 18. While the percentage remains low, this is an increase from 0.7% in the week ending April 20. Have there been any cases in Ireland yet? Yes. As of June 9, there are 19 cases linked to this variant of the virus detected in Ireland. The first case was detected here on April 16. In the five-week period from April 20 to May 24, the new strain accounted for 13.6% of all sequenced cases — compared to 4.3% in the previous five weeks. Those figures are based on GISAid sequence data. GISAid is a global science initiative that monitors and provides access to data on influenza viruses. In response to a query from the Irish Examiner, the HSE said that based on WHO data and on the mutation profile, there is no evidence of increased severity or impact on vaccine effectiveness against severe disease. The HSE added that since the end of March 2025, levels of covid have shown a slow but steady increase. However, "levels of hospitalisations, ICU admissions, and deaths remain low". Is it the only covid variant? No. There are still multiple covid variants. In a statement last week, the WHO said that the variants "continue to evolve". They said: "Between January and May 2025, there were shifts in global SARS-CoV-2 variant dynamics. At the beginning of the year, the most prevalent variant tracked by WHO at the global level was XEC, followed by KP.3.1.1. "In February, circulation of XEC began to decline while that of LP.8.1 increased, with the latter becoming the most detected variant in mid-March. Since mid-April, the circulation of LP.8.1 has been slightly declining as NB.1.8.1 is increasingly being detected." At the moment, six variants are being tracked. What are the symptoms of the new covid variant? Common symptoms align with typical Omicron subvariants from the height of the pandemic in 2021. They include fatigue, fever, muscle aches, and a sore throat. Writing in The Conversation, Australian virologist Lara Herrero said: "The evidence so far suggests NB.1.8.1 may spread more easily and may partially sidestep immunity from prior infections or vaccination. These factors could explain its rise in sequencing data. "But importantly, the WHO has not yet observed any evidence it causes more severe disease compared to other variants." The WHO does note that the global public health risk associated with covid remains high. There has been evidence of "decreasing impact on human health" throughout 2023 and 2024. The HSE has said that anyone with covid symptoms, even mild ones, should stay at home until 48 hours after their symptoms are mostly or fully gone. People should also avoid contact with other people, especially people at higher risk of severe covid.
Irish Independent
6 hours ago
- Irish Independent
More than 4,000 affected by Tipperary boil water notice
The notice is being issued to protect the health of around 4,170 customers following operational issues which impacted the treatment process at the plant. The notice applies only to customers on the Carrick on Suir (Linguan) public water supply which includes customers on the north side of the River Suir as well as those on Friar Street Upper, Corpse Road, Rack Hill, South Quay and Bridge Street on the South side of the River Suir Members of the public should note that boil water notice does not apply to Uisce Éireann customers supplied by the Carrick on Suir Crotty's Lake Water Supply. Customers can check if their property is included by visiting the water quality section of and entering the property's Eircode or by calling the Uisce Éireann's customer care helpline, open 24/7, on 1800 278 278. Drinking water experts from Uisce Éireann are working to rectify the turbidity issues at the treatment plant and lift the notice as quickly and as safely as possible, in consultation with the Health Service Executive (HSE). Pierce Faherty, Uisce Éireann operations lead, said he regrets the inconvenience to impacted customers. 'Public health is Uisce Éireann number one priority and we would like to assure customers that the notice has been put in place to protect public health. 'We acknowledge the inconvenience caused to homes and businesses and would like to assure customers that we are working to resolve the issue and lift the notice as quickly and as safely possible,' he said. Uisce Éireann's drinking water standards, as per EU Drinking Water regulations, are strict and include wide safety margins, said a spokesperson. Where risks to water quality are identified through Uisce Éireann's enhanced testing and monitoring programme, the HSE is consulted, and boil water notices are issued to protect public health. In all instances immediate action is taken to address the cause of the issue to enable the lifting of the notice as quickly as it safe to do so, in agreement with the HSE. Vulnerable customers who have registered with Uisce Éireann can receive direct communication on boil water notices. Customers are reminded that the water is safe to consume once boiled. Water must be boiled for drinking, drinks made with water, preparation of salads and similar foods, which are not cooked prior to eating, the brushing of teeth, and the making of ice. Discard ice cubes in fridges and freezers and filtered water in fridges. Make ice from cooled boiled water. What actions should be taken? Use water prepared for drinking when preparing foods that will not be cooked, for example, washing salads. Water can be used for personal hygiene, bathing and flushing of toilets but not for brushing teeth or gargling. Boil water by bringing to a vigorous, rolling boil - with an automatic kettle - and allow to cool. Cover and store in a refrigerator or cold place. Water from the hot tap is not safe to drink. Domestic water filters will not render water safe to drink. Caution should be taken when bathing children to ensure that they do not swallow the bathing water Preparing infant formula: where a boil water notice is in place, customers can prepare infant formula from tap water that has been boiled once, a rolling boil for one minute, and cooled beforehand. Bottled water can also be used to make up infant formula. All bottled water, with the exception of natural mineral water, is regulated to the same standard as drinking water. It is best not to use bottled water labelled as 'Natural Mineral Water' as it can have high levels of sodium (salt) and other minerals, although it rarely does. 'Natural mineral water can be used if no other water is available, for as short a time as possible, as it is important to keep babies hydrated. If bottled water is used to make up infant formula it should be boiled once – a rolling boil for one minute - and cooled in the normal way. Ready-to-use formula that does not need added water can also be used. Great care should be taken with boiled water to avoid burns and scalds as accidents can easily happen, especially with children. Uisce Éireann say they are committed to keeping customers informed across multiple platforms 24/7 and encourage customers to engage with them through their website, X channels @IWCare and @IrishWater, on Facebook and LinkedIn and through a customer care helpline which is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278. Uisce Éireann also has a free text service, providing real-time updates for local issues. Customers can sign up with their Eircode and mobile number at
