Latest news with #LeahFarrell
Irish Examiner
29-07-2025
- Irish Examiner
The racist attack on an Indian man in Tallaght recently was not a once-off. Ireland must act
When I first watched the now-removed social media video of a man bloodied and stripped in a Dublin street, I felt my stomach turn. The images were violent, yes, but the silence of the onlookers hit harder. Helpless and humiliated, the victim of the ruthless actions of a few anti-social elements stood surrounded, not by support, but by scrutiny. No one intervened until much later. And somehow, in the noise that followed, the narrative became not about the victim, but about invented claims against him. What happened in Tallaght on the evening of July 19 wasn't just a senseless brutality. It was the culmination of misinformation, racial profiling and a deeper discomfort with confronting racism when it shows up at our doorsteps. As someone from India now living in Dublin, I find this incident both frightening and painfully familiar. Within hours of the man's video going viral, false rumours about him had spread like wildfire on social media. The original lie that he had exposed himself to children was debunked by the Gardaí. Yet, the damage was done. People believed the falsehood because it was easy to do so. In our digitally connected world, fabricated information often travels faster and farther than facts. This is what happens when misinformation and disinformation are taken at face value. It is deeply unfortunate that something like this even happened in the first place. However, this one incident has triggered broader debates and much-needed conversations. It has nudged people to think more actively about racial violence and false narratives that perpetuate such violence. Protesters marching to the Dáil to protest against the Indian man's brutal assault in Tallaght. Photo: Leah Farrell/© In the days since, I've heard countless stories from others in the Indian and wider migrant community. Many recounted experiences of racial slurs, glares, harassment and in some cases, assault, which go unreported or are not investigated swiftly. The common thread in most of these stories? The perpetrators were often teenagers. This incident has heightened my safety concerns. I still believe in Ireland's potential as a welcoming place. I've been embraced by Irish friends, neighbours and colleagues who have shown immense warmth. But I now walk a little faster past certain groups. I look over my shoulder more than I used to. And I find myself worrying more for my friends and for those who are yet to arrive here. What has brought some solace during this painful time is the powerful mobilisation of the Indian community and the support from other migrant groups as well. Last week, a delegation of the Indian community met with Ambassador Akhilesh Mishra at the Embassy of India in Ireland to present their concerns. They were answered with compassion and clarity which is the need of the hour. It was confirmed that the matter has been reported to higher authorities in India and Ireland. Margaret Byrne from Tallaght with her dog Pablo at an anti-racism protest organised by the Community group Dublin South-West Together (DSWT) in Tallaght at the weekend. Photo: Leah Farrell/© Taking into account the fact that many Indian students come to Ireland every year, a safety advisory for such incoming students will soon be issued. These initial steps are welcome, but what is needed is strong safeguards and speedy investigations. Community leader Raghav Dixit, who helped convene the delegation, echoed what many of us have been feeling. 'The first and foremost thing about the speedy investigation. Usually in such sensitive cases, the Garda Commissioner or Superintendent makes a public statement. Nobody has made that statement so far.' All of us appreciate the Gardaí's formal acknowledgement of the incident as racially motivated but it has come far too late. There are also concerns about Ireland's juvenile justice system, where there is a need to reform how serious offences committed by minors are handled. Let me be clear, this is not an Indian versus Irish issue. This is something that concerns all of us. This is about accountability, safety and human dignity. Members of the migrant community in Ireland marching to the Dáil to protest against the Indian man's brutal assault in Tallaght. In the days since, I've heard countless stories from others in the Indian and wider migrant community of racial slurs, glares, harassment and in some cases, assault, which go unreported or are not investigated swiftly. Photo: Leah Farrell/© Migrants don't just come to Ireland seeking jobs or education; they come here to build lives. Many South Asians arrive on critical skills visas, filling essential roles in healthcare, IT and education. We contribute, we belong, and we deserve protection. What we do not deserve is for our pain to be politicised or dismissed. The rise in anti-immigrant rhetoric online only fuels division and endangers real people. Thankfully, we have also seen compassion. From people like Jennifer Murray who stepped up to help the victim and gave out a clear message on what humanity truly means and from everybody who has come out in our support. Now we must look further and beyond. The Gardaí must be resourced adequately. Investigations must be swift and transparent. Hate crime laws must be enforced decisively, not after weeks of public pressure. And we must build solidarity, not walls, between communities. I still want to live here. I still feel at home, like many from India who have become naturalised citizens of Ireland and also represent us in the government. But silence is not an option anymore. Hate needs to be called out. If Ireland is to truly be the country it strives to be, diverse, kind, just, then what happened in Tallaght must be the beginning of a reckoning, not just another news cycle. I remember what several migrant communities shouted at a recent march in Dublin in condemnation of this incident: 'This is not the Ireland we came to, this is not what Ireland represents.' Let's make sure that remains true. Read More Colin Sheridan: Institutional racism wears a necktie
Extra.ie
29-07-2025
- Extra.ie
One in three gardai not trained to drive at high speed -- or use lights and sirens
A third of Garda drivers are not trained to drive at speed or to use lights or sirens, can reveal. There are now calls to change the entire driving training system to a new model, which will see more members of the force being able to respond to calls without fear of discipline. There have been several incidents in recent years in which members of the force have faced legal or disciplinary difficulties for chasing alleged criminals. A third of Garda drivers are not trained to drive at speed or to use lights or sirens, can reveal. Pic: Leah Farrell/Rolling News In total, there are just 4,700 members of the force who are trained to the level where they can use lights and sirens while also breaking the speed limit to respond to calls. The remaining 8,913 Garda members have only completed the basic driving assessment, which allows them to drive patrol cars. To drive at higher speeds and use equipment such as lights or sirens, gardaí are required to pass a specific level of training called Competency Behaviour Driving 2 (CBD2). CBD2 is a two-week course aimed at frontline Garda drivers. This course contains road techniques and emergency response driving. Last year, just under 600 members were trained in CBD2. The number so far for this year is 277. The Garda Representative Association (GRA), along with other Garda associations, has repeatedly said that the threat of internal investigation or discipline has resulted in gardaí being fearful of doing their jobs. Detective Garda Mark Ferris of the GRA has claimed that no gardaí in the country are specifically trained for pursuits. Pic: KarlM Photography/Shutterstock A new Garda Spontaneous Pursuits Policy was published in December 2024. It states that gardaí are now permitted to chase scramblers, motorcycles, and electric bikes in a more proactive way, a change from previous restrictions, where they were often told to step down from any pursuits of these vehicles. Detective Garda Mark Ferris of the GRA has claimed that there are no gardaí in the country who are specifically trained for pursuits. He said: 'There is no member of An Garda Síochána trained and appropriately authorised in pursuit driving which renders the policy inoperable. 'Competency Based Driving 2 [CBD2] drivers, which make up the vast majority of response drivers, are not trained in any element of pursuit. To allow these pursuits magnifies the risks to the health and safety of rank-and-file gardaí and jeopardises their career trajectory with the potential for disciplinary or even legal action in the event of a mishap. In total, there are just 4,700 members of the force who are trained to the level where they can use lights and sirens while also breaking the speed limit to respond to calls. Pic: Artur Widak/NurPhoto/Shutterstock 'Until An Garda Síochána addresses this lack of training, pursuit policies will remain theoretical and expose everyone involved to high-risk situations. Inadequate or no training results in individuals making poor decisions or, worse again, no decisions. 'The risk to the public is great in situations where people are not equipped appropriately to deal with dynamically unfolding events.' In a statement, An Garda Síochána said it does not comment on internal procedure documents. However, a spokesman said that Garda HQ had been criticised in the past for having a pursuit policy that was too restrictive. He said: 'The policy statement clearly states, 'It is the aim of An Garda Síochána to preserve the safety of members of the public and Garda personnel when a spontaneous pursuit is initiated'.' He added: 'Any decision to engage in a pursuit must be done in the interests of public safety, to protect life, to prevent crime and to apprehend offender(s) in line with the statutory obligations set out in the Garda Síochána Act 2005. 'A key consideration is to ask if the pursuit is necessary and balanced against threat, risk and harm for which the subject driver is being/about to be pursued. An Garda Síochána has previously been subject of adverse criticism, internally by various garda representative associations, and mainstream media and public, that the previous pursuit policy was too restrictive. 'The current documents provide guidance and direction to Garda personnel who in the course of their duties engage in the use of pursuit tactics and pursuit management in order to reduce the risk associated with pursuits and stopping of subject vehicles, rather than a prescriptive process.
Irish Post
27-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Post
Protest in Dublin following racially-motivated attack on Indian national in Tallaght
HUNDREDS of people took to the streets of Dublin on Saturday to protest against a racially-motivated attack on an Indian national in Tallaght last Saturday. The protestors gathered at City Hall before marching to the Dáil to highlight such attacks, which they say are growing in frequency but are under-reported. The event, organised by members of the migrant community in Ireland, saw demonstrators carrying placards reading 'Stop racist attacks' and 'Don't blame migrants, blame the system'. In a statement this week, gardaí said they were treating the incident, which occurred in Kilnamanagh, as racially-motivated. (Image: Leah Farrell / Footage of the bloodied victim has appeared online, alongside false claims that he had been acting inappropriately with children prior to the attack. "We are aware of misinformation and disinformation in circulation regarding the circumstances prior to this assault — this baseless speculation is completely false," added gardaí. The victim, who had only been in Ireland for a week, had reportedly been beaten and striped from the waist down after being set upon by a gang of teenagers. (Image: Leah Farrell / Saturday's protest was supported by numerous organisations including United Against Racism, Migrant Rights Centre Ireland, Migrant Nurses Ireland and Unite the Union. Ahead of the march, organisers attributed such attacks in Ireland to the rise of the far-right. "This Indian man came here to work in a multinational company," read a statement. "A huge contribution is made by migrant workers to Ireland's economy and society. (Image: Leah Farrell / "But the growth of racism and the far-right internationally is allowing hate, lies and division to spread and making these type of assaults more common. "This protest is about the entire migrant community in Ireland coming together — and of course we also appeal to Irish people, trade unions and community groups to come out in support so that we can send a powerful message to racists and build a strong united front against racism." On Friday, a silent protest was held at the Department of members of the Indian community in Ireland, while an anti-racism vigil was held later that evening in Tallaght. See More: Dublin, Kilnamanagh, Tallaght
Extra.ie
24-07-2025
- Business
- Extra.ie
State spending watchdog hits out at 'poor budgeting' by Government
The State's spending watchdog has accused the Government of 'poor planning and budgeting' in its spending plans. The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council (IFAC) has repeatedly warned about the dangers of relying on windfalls from large amounts of corporation tax. On Tuesday, Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe unveiled the Summer Economic Statement (SES), which sets out €9.4billion in spending plans for Budget 2026. On Tuesday, Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe unveiled the Summer Economic Statement (SES), which sets out €9.4billion in spending plans for Budget 2026. Pic: Leah Farrell/ The IFAC, which was established after the financial crisis to monitor Government budgetary planning, yesterday released its analysis of the SES. It shows that despite the economy performing well, the country would have a budget deficit of almost €11billion if windfall corporation tax receipts were excluded. The SES pledged a total budgetary package of €9.4billion, an increase of €1.1billion from last year's Budget. Some €1.5billion is being committed to tax cuts, with about €1billion of this being spent on reducing the VAT rate for the hospitality sector. Pic: Shutterstock Some €1.5billion is being committed to tax cuts, with about €1billion of this being spent on reducing the VAT rate for the hospitality sector. The remaining €7.9billion will be spent on increases in spending, up 7.3% on last year. The projections are based on the unlikely scenario of no tariffs being imposed following the conclusion of negotiations between the EU and the US in the coming weeks. The SES said that if there is a 'deterioration in the tariff landscape', the Government will 'recalibrate its fiscal strategy'. But the IFAC said that this runs contrary to 'standard economic advice' against reducing the level of spending. It wrote: 'The SES states that if there is a deterioration in the tariff landscape, the Budget 2026 package would be smaller. This is exactly the opposite of standard economic advice. 'Countercyclical policy means giving more support when the economy is weak and less when it is strong.' The IFAC, which is chaired by economist Professor Séamus Coffey, wrote that overspends were 'inevitable' and estimated that spending would increase by €1billion more than planned for in the SES. The watchdog's analysis shows that spending is set to double between 2025 and 2026 and that it expected the figures outlined to increase. 'Budget 2025 had planned a €3billion increase in spending,' it said. 'Yesterday [Tuesday], this was revised up by €3.3billion, meaning the actual 2025 increase will be more than double the original plan. Based on spending data for the first six months of the year, this upward revision is likely insufficient. Analysis by the council suggests current spending is likely to be around €1billion higher than the SES figures.' The IFAC predicts 'this year's spending overrun is likely to carry into next year' and that this needs to be accounted for by the Government to avoid budgetary overruns. 'If this is not acknowledged before Budget Day, further spending overruns next year are almost inevitable,' the report said. The IFAC wrote bluntly that 'this all points to poor planning and budgeting'. The body also criticised the Government for being too 'short-term' in its economic outlook. 'The Government has yet to outline a fiscal framework. It has not set a limit for what it sees as a sustainable pace of net spending growth,' the report stated. The spending watchdog called on the Government to publish a medium-term fiscal-structural plan, which it committed to doing alongside the SES in the Programme for Government.
Extra.ie
16-07-2025
- Business
- Extra.ie
An Post on the brink -- but cabinet sources warn there will be NO bailout
An Post is facing a 'dire financial situation' with its cash reserves dropping below €1 million for the first time ever, can reveal. Communications Minister Patrick O'Donovan has briefed the Cabinet on the bleak financial realities facing the State's postal service. The Cabinet was told that without the significant once-off revenue generated from election-related posts last year, when general, local and European elections were held, the organisation would have made a 'substantial loss'. Communications Minister Patrick O'Donovan has briefed the Cabinet on the bleak financial realities facing the State's postal service. Pic: Leah Farrell/ Political sources insisted last night that there would be 'no bailout' for An Post despite its deteriorating long-term financial wellbeing. A Coalition row could be brewing, however, with Minister of State and Independent TD, Michael Healy-Rae, who is also a postmaster, advocating for more funding for the network. Postage revenue has collapsed in line with mail services in other countries. A recent analysis by consultancy firm Grant Thornton found that, between 2019 and 2023, the level of mail processed by An Post dropped by 25%. Political sources insisted last night that there would be 'no bailout' for An Post despite its deteriorating long-term financial wellbeing. Pic: Dirk Hudson/Shutterstock Latest company accounts for the company show that cash balances decreased from €45.7million in 2022 to €11.3million in 2023. The boost from the elections masked this with a spokesman for An Post saying their final position was €38million in cash balances. An Post's Annual Report for 2024 will be laid before the Oireachtas tomorrow, having been presented to Cabinet yesterday. One Cabinet minister told that the organisation was facing a 'dire financial situation', which was highlighted by cash reserves dropping below €1million last year. An Post's Annual Report for 2024 will be laid before the Oireachtas tomorrow, having been presented to Cabinet yesterday. Pic: File A separate Government source said last night that 'a decision will have to be made on whether we are willing to fund it or not and what it looks like in a digital age'. New Economy and Recovery Authority (NewERA), who provide financial and commercial advice to Government ministers and departments, have been actively involved with An Post in assessing its financial future. 'They still have a mail infrastructure for an old-style postal service, so that will be subject to review,' one Cabinet source said. An options paper has yet to be provided to Mr O'Donovan, but one is expected 'imminently'. A spokesman for An Post told that their balance sheet is 'strong with little debt', and that small loans from the European Investment Bank and Bank of Ireland are both 'being fully serviced'. Pic: RollingNews A spokesman for An Post told that their balance sheet is 'strong with little debt', and that small loans from the European Investment Bank and Bank of Ireland are both 'being fully serviced'. They added: 'The company has reduced its debt significantly in the past two years – by €48million – including the repayment of a Government loan of €30million from its own resources. 'At December 2024 year end the company had spare cash resources of €38million and undrawn bank facilities of €30million, ensuring it had working capital facilities for its trading operations.' An Post operates as a commercial entity and does not receive State funding. However, the post office network, most of which are privately owned and run by postmasters under contract to An Post, receives a €10million annual subvention from Government. An Post is currently in negotiations with the post office network, with the existing contract between the pair, which sees post office providers paid per transaction, expiring this month. In May, the Irish Postmasters' Union, representing the post office network, made a submission to Government in which it insisted the current €10million in annual funding 'is no longer sufficient'. The submission by Grant Thornton described the postal network as being 'at tipping point' as they sought a €5million increase in their annual funding. 'The current annual Government investment of €10million, while welcome, is no longer sufficient to secure the network,' the report said. Speaking to last night, Seán Martin, president of the Irish Postmasters' Union, said that 'up to 400 post offices' would face closure without the increase in funding. 'Speaking at the Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Minister of State at the Department Charlie McConalogue said that 'we're very committed to continue to support the post office network' through the budgetary process. However, he said this was being done through the €10million allocation. The row has the potential to place the two main Coalition parties on a collision course with the junior coalition partners of Independent TDs. Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture and Independent TD for Kerry, Mr Healy-Rae, told last night that 'the constant delivery, excellent service, outreach, [customers] entitled to a service every day – from a social point of view… we'll be advocating for €15million'. Mr Healy-Rae said that the retention of the existing model of service delivery, which sees post delivered five days a week in addition to other services provided, has support across the political divide. Asked if the Government should support An Post if it was no longer economically viable, Mr Healy-Rae said that he hoped that it could be 'made to be viable by directing more business through it'.
