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Sunday World
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
Irish model reaches top five in international pageant final in Egypt
Kristine Subrovska was the recent first-ever winner of Ireland's Next Top Model IRELAND'S Kristine Subrovska is celebrating coming in the top five of the Top Model of the World pageant in Egypt. Dubliner Kristine, who was born in Latvia but grew up in Citywest from the age of seven, was flying the flag for Ireland among 30 countries competing for the top prize last night in Hurghada. Kristine was the recent first-ever winner of Ireland's Next Top Model, and soared past hundreds of global contestants to achieve the highest placement ever for an Irish representative since the pageant's launch in over three decades. 'Egypt was an unforgettable experience and an incredible honour to represent my country to a sold out arena' Kristine said. The televised pageant was won by Miss Colombia. Kristine has quickly emerged as a voice for children's rights, advocacy, and change. Kristine Subrovska in Egypt News in 90 Seconds - May 31st Since winning the Irish title, Kristine has worked closely with Fashion House Ireland in preparation for Dublin Fashion Week, playing a hands-on role in shaping the future of Irish designers. Her work includes motivational podcasts that give aspiring creatives and unheard voices a chance to be heard. In recent times, Tusla, Ireland's Child and Family Agency, has come under increasing scrutiny due to issues in staffing, resourcing, and service delivery, especially in the areas of child protection and welfare. HIQA inspections have uncovered deeply concerning gaps in some regions, large numbers of vulnerable children were left without assigned social workers, and many were not assessed or safeguarded in time. Having learned of these reports, Kristine felt compelled to act. 'This isn't just about statistics it's about real children, real lives,' Kristine said. 'No child in Ireland should ever be left without care, without protection, or placed in unsafe situations. If I can use my platform to amplify this crisis and help create change, then I will not stay silent.' Determined to make a difference, Kristine is now actively collaborating with charities, child welfare advocates, and policymakers to push for reform and bring greater visibility to these critical issues. 'What matters most is what I do with this platform now. I'm committed to helping our youth, standing up for vulnerable children, and showing that Irish models can stand for more than beauty—we can stand for change.' She admits it was difficult leaving Latvia and everything she knew behind at such a tender age. 'It was tough,' she confirms. 'But it made me stronger. It taught me that no matter what happens, I can rise.' With a degree in Business and Law and a powerful presence in the charity world, Kristine uses her opportunity to uplift, inspire, and give back. From working with Dean Ryan on youth-focused events to championing causes like the DSPCA and the Irish Cancer Society, her passion is matched only by her compassion — especially after her own mother's battle with cancer. Earlier this year she had her crowning moment the iconic George Bar in Dublin. The venue was packed with energy as the colourful drag queens Davina Devine and dazzling Dolly Grip joined the festivities. The crown was officially placed on Cormac Branagan of Tallafornia fame. 'This is more than fashion,' Kristine says. 'It's about proving to every girl who's ever felt small that she's powerful beyond measure. I want them to see me and say — if she can, so can I.' With Kristine returning home to Dublin, anticipation for Ireland's Next Top Model 2026 is already reaching new heights. Applications are flooding in from across the country, and pageant director Micheal Martin Byrne has confirmed a structured competition in regional heats nationwide, leading to a glamorous grand finale in Dublin.
Irish Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Irish Times
Teenager who ‘aged out' of secure care placed in Dublin city centre apartment where staff ‘drop in'
A teenager who 'aged out' of his secure-care placement last weekend has been placed by Tusla in a two-bedroom apartment in Dublin city centre with security guards and care staff 'dropping in'. The High Court heard on Thursday plans for the 18-year-old, who has an emerging personality disorder, were 'grossly inadequate' and would have a 'monumental effect on his behaviour' with potentially 'seismic consequences'. Judge John Jordan was told the young man had been in a secure-care unit for three years until last Friday where he had 'responded well' to antipsychotic medication prescribed by an on-site psychiatrist. A child or young person who is deemed to be at such a risk to themselves, or others, as to need therapeutic residential care may be detained in secure care by the High Court. READ MORE The young man was now in an apartment 'without an adult psychiatrist', said Shane Costello SC, for the man's parents. 'He is being released into the community without even someone to prescribe the medication. He does not yet have a GP. He has nothing to do.' The court heard agency care staff would 'drop in' to visit the young man in his new accommodation. Mr Costello said: 'There is no assessment of needs . . . There is no aftercare document. It is grievously wrong that this is the best we can do in this country for someone with [the teenager's] presentations. 'My clients are distraught. They feel it is only a matter of time before [he] finds himself in great conflict with society which may result in further criminal charges.' Judge Jordan heard the adolescent was before another court on Thursday facing criminal charges relating to events while he was in special care. The parents were 'worried sick' by the situation and 'my heart goes out to them', he said. But as their son was now 18 he could not make orders in respect of his aftercare. Nor could he 'fix' those aspects of mental health services that were 'hugely deficient' in responding to children and young adults with 'emerging personality disorders'. It was an issue 'that needs to be addressed', said the judge 'because it is creating a situation where children coming of age are falling between stools'. 'They are not getting the care or support that they need, It is terribly unfortunate because it seems to me there is good support for the view that [the young man's] prospects are prospects that one can be optimistic about if he gets the mental healthcare and interventions that he needs.' He listed the matter for further review on July 3rd, saying he wanted updates on Tusla's and the HSE's support plans. 'It's not too much to ask and it's not too much for [the man] and his parents to ask,' he said. Earlier, the court heard updates on a case involving 'an incredibly vulnerable girl' aged 17 with an emerging personality disorder, in secure care and fearing she will be 'left with nothing' in mental health supports on reaching 18. 'It is very apparent from the reviews she is a highly intelligent, highly articulate girl with a difficult diagnosis that State services are struggling to manage in respect of a emotionally unstable personality disorder,' the court heard. Judge Jordan was 'not satisfied' sufficient planning was under way for the girl's aftercare. 'I will if needs be, be listing this matter on a frequent basis to expedite the planning,' he said. The number of operational secure-care beds increased from 14 to 15 since last week, the court heard. Among those who got one was a 15-year-old boy who, the court had heard, was 'free falling' and whose father believed would 'die' without secure care.
Irish Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Irish Times
Gardaí fear mother was held captive in Dublin ‘house of horrors' for many years
The mother of a family living in Dublin may have been kept captive by the father for years in what has been described in court as a 'house of horrors'. Gardaí are trying to locate the man, who they believe is still in the jurisdiction. They suspect he may have hoarded money he received in social welfare rather than spend it on caring for his family, the Dublin District Childcare Court heard on Wednesday. The children in the house were taken into care after the authorities were prompted to visit the house, as one of the children had attempted suicide. Locks on the internal doors in the house, the neglect of the children, and other factors have led to fears the woman was severely restricted in her movements for many years, possibly more than a decade and a half. READ MORE However, questions have arisen about the authorities' responses to concerns raised about the woman's welfare in hospital when giving birth to her children, some of whom are now teenagers. Judge John Campbell, of the Dublin District Childcare Court, asked for the Health Service Executive (HSE) to be represented in court for Wednesday's hearing. He is concerned that one of the children, a girl with severe difficulties, is about to reach 18 years, after which she will no longer be governed by the Childcare Act. Solicitor Brian Horkan, for the HSE, told the judge a high-level meeting is to be held later this week with the Tusla Child and Family Agency . The meeting will discuss funding and other aspects of support the teenager will require after she ages out of the childcare system. She is currently receiving medical care. The court heard the teenager has already been diagnosed as having 'complex post-traumatic stress disorder' and may have an emerging personality disorder. The lack of a plan for the girl's future needs 'is causing her distress', said solicitor David Stafford, for the children's court-appointed representative (guardian ad litem ). 'What is her future? Where is she going to live?' he asked. The child 'is going back into a deterioration phase, and we need to know where she is going to live'. Confirmation of funding for future care, for a least a year, is required, though longer would be better, he said. Solicitor Seona Ní Mhurchú, for the mother, who was in court and is receiving support, said her client is 'very concerned' about what was going to happen to her daughter. The court heard the authorities found about €7,000 in cash in a safe in the house, yet the family was living in very poor conditions. A Garda witness told Ms Ní Mhurchú and Judge Campbell that efforts to date to serve a protection order on the husband regarding his wife and children have not been successful. The witness said the man, who came to Ireland some years ago and may have applied for asylum, is now a naturalised citizen. He does not seem to have any known associates or hobbies, and is no longer drawing social welfare. 'He appears to have vanished,' the judge said. 'He appears to be in the country, but can't be found.' Border alert orders have been issued and there is no indication he has tried to leave the jurisdiction. Mary Phelan, barrister for Tusla, said the agency will meet with the HSE and inform the court next week of the decisions made on the care of the girl due to reach 18 years. 'We all know the clock is ticking,' she said. The judge described as 'extraordinary' the fact that the girl's younger brother had somehow at the age of 14 opened a Bank of Ireland account into which a substantial sum, in the low tens of thousands of euro, was deposited, apparently by his father. 'All we hear about money laundering and [money] mules and this [teenager] can have [tens of thousands of euro]' in a bank account and the bank 'seems not at all concerned', the judge said. The teenager, who is also in care, had recently begun to withdraw the money and was 'going through it like a dose of salts', the judge said. The current balance in the account is less than €1,000. Several Garda inquiries into the man are ongoing, including into his finances and possible domestic abuse and coercion. The Garda witness agreed to make inquiries of her colleagues regarding matters that would be relevant to the care of the man's children.
RTÉ News
5 days ago
- General
- RTÉ News
Inspectors criticise uniform policy at Dublin school
Department of Education inspectors have criticised student uniform and code of behaviour policies at a Dublin fee-charging school, saying their implementation does not support students' educational, social and personal wellbeing, and in some cases impedes it. In what is an unusually critical Whole School Evaluation (WSE) report, department inspectors recommended that The High School in Dublin's Rathgar review the sanctions that it applies to students for breaching the policies. It has recommended that the school "prioritise" amending both the school's code of behaviour policy and its procedures for students who have been suspended "in order to align with the existing Tusla guidance". Inspectors spent a number of days at the co-educational Church of Ireland school earlier this year. The inspection included the observation of teaching and learning as well as meetings with staff, parents and groups of students. They noted that during focus group meetings students expressed ongoing concern at what they deemed the "unfair" application of sanctions at the school. In their report, published this month, inspectors found that leadership and management at the co-educational school required "improvement to achieve a good standard". They added that trust and positive working relationships at the school had been eroded by "ineffective communication practices coupled with a lack of a system to resolve concerns". The WSE report also found that the majority of teachers at the school did not feel that their views were valued in the school's decision-making processes. In criticisms of the school leadership and management the inspectors noted that policy development practices did not sufficiently reflect the views of teachers and draft policies were not shared with students. It recommended that the board and senior management team "should actively take account of the views of students and teachers to develop policies that are more inclusive". The WSE report said communication between teachers, and the principal and board "lacked sufficient effectiveness" and that "many teachers expressed frustration, a lack of trust and poor relationships with the board and the principal". It added that students felt "unheard" by the school. However, the inspectors noted positive developments around implementation of new national 'Bí Cineálta" anti-bullying procedures and a "highly committed" student council which meets with the principal once per term. The school has not ensured that all teaching staff have completed the necessary Child Protection Procedures for Schools training, the report said. It states: "Members of the board should be aware of the responsibilities associated with their role, particularly concerning child protection procedures". It also noted that students in 'form three' finished the school year a week earlier than students elsewhere. Last Friday, Form 3 students at The High School began their summer holidays, once again a week earlier than students at other second level schools. This is despite criticism of the practice "over the last three years" in the WSE report. The inspectors have called on the school to ensure that all students are provided with the required minimum of school days and hours of tuition. 'Action plan to resolve the issues' In relation to support for student wellbeing, the report noted that teachers and students expressed "serious concerns" about the uniform policy and implementation of the policy by the principal. It has recommended that the board and senior management seek the views of staff and students to clarify their concerns "and implement an action plan to resolve the issues". The inspectors noted as "concerning" the rate of student suspensions and noted "reports of high levels of sanctioning applied to students relating to lateness and uniform by some of the senior management team". It has called on the board, senior management and teachers to collaborate "to agree approaches that will better support positive behaviours with a view to prioritising consistency and inclusion". The inspectorate has recommended changes to the school's board structure "so that it aligns with the spirit of partnership as espoused in the Education Act". Inspectors categorised the overall quality of support for students' wellbeing as well as the quality of teaching, learning and assessment observed as "good". It found that interactions among students, and between teachers and students were "respectful and positive". They have recommended that the school leadership, in consultation with teachers, establish "more effective systems of communication, including processes for addressing concerns, seeking and valuing teachers' views to inform decision-making and rebuilding relationships". The report has also recommended that the school strengthen student and parent partnerships in the school. Responding to this critical Whole School Evaluation report, the school said the findings "will be carefully considered for consequential next action". It said: "A series of engagements are under way and planned across the whole school community to consider the findings presented in the report. "The report findings will be reviewed along with the quantitative results from [a] survey conducted among parents, students and teachers to form a comprehensive and balanced perspective and to determine the appropriate response."
RTÉ News
5 days ago
- RTÉ News
Daniel McAnaspie's sister calling for State apology over death
The sister of Daniel McAnespie has called for her family to receive a State apology for failings in the protection and care of her brother, who was 17 years old when he was murdered while in State care. "They [the State] need to be held accountable. We never got a sorry, we've never been offered support or help in 15 years," said Cathriona McAnaspie. In February 2010, Daniel McAnespie was stabbed to death at Tolka Valley Park near Blanchardstown. His badly decomposed remains were found in a deep drain on a farmer's land in Rathfeigh, Co Meath, two months later. Speaking on RTÉ's Oliver Callan programme today, Ms McAnaspie said: "It's 15 years, they probably thought we were going away, but we're not going away. We're still fighting for Daniel's voice and we will continue to do that." Two weeks ago, the jury at an inquest into Daniel McAnespie's death recommended the State carry out an urgent review of its approach to child protection and welfare. Returning a verdict of unlawful killing, the jury also made a number of other recommendations that, if implemented, could lead to changes in the delivery of child protection and education services. Ms McAnespie said that she agreed with this, as there are still children waiting for State care accommodation in 2025, and in her view nothing has changed in 15 years, only that Tusla has taken over the role from the HSE. She said that the lack of beds was "shocking" and that it was time for Tusla to "wake up" and help these young children. Originally from Finglas in Dublin, Daniel 'Dano' was one of six siblings. He and his siblings, along with their mother, entered a State care home after their father died of a heart attack on Christmas Day in 1996. Shortly after this, their mother turned to alcohol which saw her removed from a care home. Although she went to rehab and tried to return, she later died from addiction. Ms McAnespie explained that after their mother died, the children started playing up and missing school and eventually were taken out of the care home one by one by the HSE. She said that Daniel found it very hard to separate as they were all very close to one another. She later ended up at a girl's hostel in Ballymun in Dublin, and turned her life around with the help of a social worker who encouraged her to do her Leaving Certificate, being the first McAnaspie to do so. She said that problems began for Daniel when he was moved around, with records showing he had more than 20 care placements in the 15 months prior to his death. She explained that he felt he was a burden to his family and he wanted security, but that the family did not know that he had had a suicide attempt until it was brought up during the inquest. They also did not know that he had PTSD. "He knew himself he needed help and he wanted the help," she said. She said that her brother did not die over drugs or owing a debt, he was randomly attacked. Before his death, there were three or four applications for accommodation in a secure unit but all were refused, and there were no beds available for him. "What child asked to be locked up? He wanted help and that was the only way out: lock me up, help me," she said. She said that although she knew her brother was in danger, hanging around where he was in the city, she never thought he would be murdered and it came as a shock. She described the men involved in her brother's murder as evil.
