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Extra.ie
a day ago
- Health
- Extra.ie
Taoiseach: 'Horrific, shocking' nursing home revelations demand review of HIQA framework
The Health Information and Quality Authority's regulations will have to be examined after 'shocking' care failings in nursing homes, the Taoiseach has said. Micheál Martin said yesterday that the nursing homes regulator failed to detect what he described as 'horrific, shocking and unacceptable' treatment of elderly patients captured in an RTÉ programme. RTÉ Investigates' Inside Nursing Homes aired this week showing vulnerable elderly people being left unsupervised for long periods, shortages in key items such as incontinence pads, and requests to use the toilet being unanswered for lengthy periods. The Health Information and Quality Authority's regulations will have to be examined after 'shocking' care failings in nursing homes, the Taoiseach has said. Pic: Getty Images Despite repeated complaints, there were delays in Hiqa inspections taking place at the homes run by the country's largest private nursing home provider Emeis, which owns the two nursing homes that featured in the programme, The Residence in Portlaoise and Beneavin Manor in Glasnevin, Dublin. Yesterday, Emeis Ireland apologised to the residents of Beneavin Manor and The Residence Portlaoise and their families. The company expressed regret for 'the pain and distress imposed on them, due to clearly identified failures in care,' and said it is cooperating with Hiqa and the HSE. RTÉ revealed that Hiqa had banned The Residence from admitting new patients because of poor compliance with regulations on April 22 but that several more patients were admitted after this date. Micheál Martin said yesterday that the nursing homes regulator failed to detect what he described as 'horrific, shocking and unacceptable' treatment of elderly patients captured in an RTÉ programme. Pic: Leah Farrell/© Emeis said 'due to an administrative error on our part regarding the date to cease admissions, admissions continued for eight days until April 30, 2025 in The Residence Portlaoise'. The company added that Hiqa and the HSE visited the two nursing homes featured and acknowledged that the content of the programme was 'shocking and unacceptable and unquestionably equated to poor and abusive practice'. In yesterday's statement, Emeis also said it would aim to improve six areas, one of which is 'addressing a culture of fear or poor reporting'. Another area it said needed improvement was 'ensuring the immediate safety of all residents', as well as 'improving staff training and competence'. RTÉ Investigates' Inside Nursing Homes aired this week showing vulnerable elderly people being left unsupervised for long periods, shortages in key items such as incontinence pads, and requests to use the toilet being unanswered for lengthy periods. Pic: Getty Images RTÉ reported that the Taoiseach, speaking about Hiqa failures said: 'There has to be an examination of this situation in terms of the regulatory framework that didn't catch very horrific and shocking behaviour towards elderly people in nursing homes.' 'What was uncovered by RTÉ Investigates was horrific. It was absolutely unacceptable,' he said. Hiqa confirmed it is carrying out a review of all 27 Emeis Ireland nursing homes. Clare Doyle, a teacher training healthcare assistant, told RTÉ's Liveline that she had reported an Emeis nursing home to Hiqa two years ago after some of her students raised concerns about practices there. 'It's very difficult for me to listen to what Hiqa has said, that they're shocked by what was witnessed on Wednesday night's show, because we provided evidence of this happening two years ago,' she said, adding that it took 17 weeks to carry out an inspection at a home she reported. Liveline also heard from a woman who removed her father from Beneavin House, on the same Glasnevin campus to the nursing home featured in the programme. She said her father was subject to 'neglect and abuse' during his 11 months in the home before she removed him and she noticed 'red flags from the beginning'. She said: 'My brother visited at half ten in the morning to find my dad in a wet bed, still in his pyjamas, and having not had his breakfast. He had two falls within three weeks of being there.' She also said her father had an incontinence incident with his bowels and the room wasn't properly cleaned before his supper was brought to him, with carers claiming they couldn't do anything because no housekeeping staff were available.
Irish Examiner
3 days ago
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Quantity of cocaine seized in EU countries has almost doubled in past three years
The quantity of cocaine seized in EU countries has almost doubled in the past three years, according to the bloc's drugs agency. The European Union Drug Agency said 419 tonnes of cocaine was seized in 2023, compared to 323 tonnes in 2022 — up 30%. Figures previously produced by the agency showed there were 303 tonnes seized in 2021 and 211 tonnes in 2020. The agency said cocaine was the second most common problem drug for people seeking treatment for the first time, accounting for 26% of all new entrants. Irish figures show cocaine was the most common problem drug for new entrants in 2023, accounting for 46% of all new entrants. The agency said that, given there was a long gap between first use and seeking treatment, there could be a 'surge' in treatment demand for cocaine in the coming years. In its European Union Drug Report 2025, the agency also reports: Increased availability of synthetic (artificial) cathinones, with 'unprecedented imports and seizures', resulting in some users not knowing what they are buying; A rise in the potency of cannabis resin, with a doubling in the amount of the active THC ingredient over the last decade, and a wide range of other high-potency cannabis products, such as edibles and extracts; Wider availability of semi-synthetic cannabinoids, a combination of chemicals designed to mimic the effects of cannabis and cannabis itself, including HHC, seen in Ireland; Rising availability of fake medicines containing nitazenes, the highly potent synthetic opioid that caused emergencies in Dublin and Cork among the homeless heroin-using communities in late 2023 and in a number of Irish prisons in 2024; Greater diversity in drug polices in Europe, with Germany, Luxembourg, Malta and Netherlands, allowing for home growing of cannabis, non-profit growing clubs and cannabis use in private — but the European Union Drug Agency urges the policies be evaluated to grasp their impact on health and security. The agency said the availability of high-potency cannabis extracts and edibles was of 'particular concern', as they had been linked to acute drug-toxicity presentations in hospital emergency departments. The report said that, in addition, some cannabis products may be adulterated with potent synthetic and semi-synthetic cannabinoids. 'In Ireland, nitazenes were mis-sold as heroin in 2013 and as benzodiazepines in 2024, resulting in inadvertent consumption and multiple overdoses,' report said. Picture: Leah Farrell/ It said many of the semi-synthetic products involved HHC, with hospital cases typically involving 'young people' after consuming jelly sweets or other edibles. The agency said despite the crackdown on opium production by the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, the production and trade in heroin has continued, which it said was due to 'significant opium stocks'. It said the sizeable profits for organised crime groups from the cannabis trade has resulted in violence between competing gangs. In relation to synthetic opioids, such as nitazene, it said: 'In Ireland, nitazenes were mis-sold as heroin in 2013 and as benzodiazepines in 2024, resulting in inadvertent consumption and multiple overdoses.' The report said countries with large container ports, that were being used by cocaine traffickers, were experiencing 'high levels of drug related crime', including corruption of port staff, intimidation and violence. The MV Matthew, where 2.25 tonnes of cocaine was seized in September 2023. Picture: Larry Cummins It said Columbia, Brazil and Ecuador were estimated to have contributed to the increase in cocaine trafficked into Europe. It said in addition to commercial containers, trafficking gangs used other methods in a bid to evade detection. 'For example, in September 2023, Ireland seized 2.25 tonnes of cocaine from a cargo ship off its southern course,' the report said, referring to the MV Matthew, prosecutions in relation to which are before the criminal courts. Launching the report, Magnus Brunner, European Commissioner for internal affairs and migration, said: 'The illicit drug trade poses a severe threat to the health and security of our citizens. It fosters an environment of intimidation and corruption, undermining the fabric of our communities, businesses and institutions. The fierce rivalry among criminal networks not only heightens gang violence and homicides but also increasingly involves the recruitment of minors into criminal activities.' European Union Drug Agency executive director Alexis Goosdeel said: 'Amid global instability and fast-changing drug trends, Europe faces multiple challenges that put its citizens at risk. The rise of highly potent substances and more complex patterns of drug use is placing health and security systems under strain.'
Extra.ie
6 days ago
- Climate
- Extra.ie
Met Éireann delivers its 'Leaving Cert weather' verdict
With the Leaving Cert getting underway this week, hopefully it's an indication for some sunny days ahead — exam time has become synonymous with good weather! Following on from a bout of beautiful weather last month, Ireland has been met with windier conditions, though temperatures have been in the mid-teens. A yellow rain warning comes into effect for Galway, Mayo and Kerry from 2pm on Monday until 10pm Monday night, with localised flooding and difficult travelling conditions potential impacts. With the Leaving Cert getting underway this week, hopefully it's an indication for some sunny days ahead — exam time has become synonymous with good weather! Pic: Leah Farrell/ While the Leaving Certificate gets going on Wednesday, it's not an immediate indication that the windy conditions will subside with Carlow Weather's Alan O'Reilly forecasting 'scattered showers and sunny spells' for the week ahead. He said: 'No great heat, temperatures only struggling to get about 15 or 16 degrees in some areas.' 'The weekend ahead, little bit uncertain yet. Friday could be wet enough; Saturday looks showery, Sunday does look a good day at the moment as high pressure does try to build up but I don't know if it's going to stay there. At the moment it looks like low pressure from the west could just know it back.' A nice start to Bank Holiday Monday but turning wet and windy this evening and a mixed week ahead with sunny spells and showers. Still some hope that high pressure will return around middle of the month but too far to be sure. — Carlow Weather (@CarlowWeather) June 2, 2025 Met Éireann are similarly forecasting unsettled conditions for the week with rain or showers every day and blustery conditions at times. Rain is set to develop on Monday afternoon and spread eastwards though the evening where it is expected to turn heavier with possible spot flooding. Tuesday will be breezy with a combination of sunshine and showers and temperatures between 12 and 16 degrees. Rain is set to develop on Monday afternoon and spread eastwards though the evening where it is expected to turn heavier with possible spot flooding. Pic: Colin Keegan/Collins Dublin The showers will continue overnight leading to another day of sunny spells and scattered showers on Wednesday, with showers lingering overnight on Wednesday. Met Éireann say Thursday will see outbreaks of rain clear the southeast coast through the afternoon but showers and sunny spells elsewhere. On Friday, they say it will be 'mostly cloudy with showers merging to longer spells of rain.' Met Éireann's extended forecast shows a 'much more settled picture' for next week as the exams enters its second week, with high pressure heading towards the south, so perhaps there will be some 'Leaving Cert weather' this season! 'Temperatures will likely be around or slightly above normal,' Met Éireann forecast, 'Much of the country will be drier than normal though there is the potential for above average amounts in the north, most likely from early in the week.'
The Journal
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Journal
Brendan Gleeson and Johnny Sexton among those honoured with Lord Mayor's Awards
BRENDAN GLEESON AND Johnny Sexton are among those who have this evening been awarded with Lord Mayor's awards in Dublin. Seven awards were presented by Dublin's Lord Mayor Emma Blain this evening at the Mansion House. The awards have been presented annually since 1989. 'These awards are a chance for me to say thank you, on behalf of all the citizens of Dublin, to some people who have made a real difference to the social fabric of life in our city,' Blain said. 'Some of the award recipients will be well known to many of us, others not so. However, they are all very worthy of this award and I am delighted to be able to honour them in this way.' Gleeson was given an award in recognition of his 'outstanding achievements' in acting and social justice, while Sexton received his for his achievements in rugby. Athlete Rhasidat Adeleke received an award for her achievements in athletics and 'inspiring a new generation of female athletes'. Brendan Gleeson with the Lord Mayor, Emma Blain and his award in recognition of his outstanding achievements in acting and social justice. Leah Farrell / © Leah Farrell / © / © Identical twins Allen and Jay Bobinac were given an award for their voluntary service to the people of Dublin and their 'dedication to helping the homeless in our city'. Advertisement The brothers, originally from Croatian island Krk, began their time in Ireland sleeping rough and with the help of homeless charity Tiglin have gone on to graduate with masters' degrees in Social Care. A posthumous award was given to Isobel Henderson, who passed away earlier this month. She was previously the Vice President of the Girls' Brigade Ireland , which has been described as a 'international, interdenominational youth organisation which strives to help girls develop new skills, knowledge and confidence in a safe and fun environment'. She was given the award as a result of her 'outstanding service and unwavering dedication' to the organisation. Team Power of 1 were given an award in recognition of their achievement in the World's Toughest Row. The team rowed 5,000km across the Atlantic in memory of Saoirse O'Driscoll to raise funds and awareness for Heart Children Ireland and Children's Heart Centre. Saoirse passed away as a result of congenital heart disease at the age of 13 in April 2024. The team have continued on her legacy by raising awareness of the disease and stressing the importance of organ donation. Bryan Murray and Una Crawford O'Brien pictured at the launch of the 30th anniversary of Alzheimer's Tea Day in March 2024. Sasko Lazarov / © Photocall Ireland Sasko Lazarov / © Photocall Ireland / © Photocall Ireland Actors Bryan Murray and Úna Crawford O'Brien are known for their roles in Fair City. They were given an award in recognition of their 'outstanding contribution to the arts, on stage and on screen and for raising awareness of dementia'. Bryan was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease six years ago at the age of 69. His longtime partner Úna has been involved with Alzheimer Society of Ireland and has been behind several initiatives to raise awareness of the disease. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Extra.ie
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Extra.ie
American deportee plane 'was permitted to land in Shannon'
An American flight carrying deportees from the US to Africa was legally allowed to land at Shannon, the Department of Transport has said. The New York Times reported that a plane carrying eight deportees, in violation of a court order by a federal judge in Boston, stopped at the airport in Co. Clare this week. The judge had barred the US administration from deporting people to countries that were not their own without giving them enough time to object. Shannon Airport. Pic: Shutterupeire/Shutterstock The article said that the flight landed at Shannon at around 9.39pm US time on Tuesday and departed at about 11.47pm before going on to Djibouti. 'I'm trying to establish the facts on this now in real time, because I'm aware of the US media reports,' Tánaiste Simon Harris told RTÉ Radio. 'We've been very active, from an Irish embassy point of view, in providing consular support to citizens who have been caught up in these stronger, for want of a diplomatic phrase, enforcement policies around migration.' He added: 'I have no reason to believe the procedures in place for the use of Irish airports by foreign aircraft has been breached by the United States, but I am seeking more information from my department this morning on this matter.' Tánaiste Simon Harris. Pic: Leah Farrell/ Asked if Ireland was complicit in illegal US deportations, he said: 'I want to get legal clarity in relation to this before speaking with great certainty, because of the seriousness of the matter. 'But I think complying with US law is obviously a matter for the US administration. Complying with our own laws is obviously a matter for the Irish State and the Irish Government. So let me try and establish more in relation to this, as my department is.' He continued: 'There are very clear rules in relation to flights that can and can't stop over in Shannon and what they must do and not do, and we need to see whether this was in compliance with that. 'This is a story that's only emerged in US media, so I'm trying to get on top of it now.' Shannon Airport. Pic: Shutterupeire/Shutterstock A spokesman for the Department of Transport confirmed that the flight was allowed to land in Shannon Airport. He said: 'The Convention on International Civil Aviation (the Chicago Convention), and its associated annexes, established the framework for the operation of international civil aviation. Both Ireland and the United States are contracting parties to this convention.' 'Article 5 of this convention provides for the right of air operators of contracting parties to operate non-scheduled overflights and stops for non-traffic purposes (e.g. refuelling) in the territory of the other contracting parties. 'This provision is provided for in Irish law in Article 3 of the Air Services Authorisation Order 1993.' Mr Harris has said he does not believe weapons are being flown through Irish airspace to Israel, but added that more international co-operation was needed to find out what is being flown above Ireland.
