Latest from Irish Post
Irish Post
4 hours ago
- General
- Irish Post
New network connects Irish women in Wales
A NEW network is being launched to connect Irish women living in Wales. The Irish Women's Network in Wales is designed to bring together those with "a strong connection to Irish identity, culture, or heritage" and its founding organisers have issued a call out to those who may wish to join. 'The network aims to provide a vibrant, supportive, and inclusive space for Irish women of all backgrounds, generations, and professions who are living, working, or studying in Wales,' they told The Irish Post. Founding members of the Irish Women's Network in Wales (l-r) Sharon Thompson, Cllr Jennifer Burke, Ciara Riordan, Michelle Ryan, who is Ireland's Vice-Consul to Wales, Aoife Blight, Margaret Keenan and Pauline Lomax 'It will celebrate heritage, build community, and amplify Irish women's voices in Welsh society, arts, education, and civic life,' they added. The group is calling out for members to help shape the vision of the network further. 'Whether you're second-generation Irish, a recent arrival, a student, artist, carer, teacher, activist, or business owner, your input and presence are valued,' they said. 'This is a chance to be part of something new and meaningful,' they added. 'A space where Irish women can connect, collaborate, and feel seen. 'We want this network to reflect the diversity and strength of Irish women in Wales today.' Planned activities include cultural events, networking meet-ups, creative collaborations, heritage projects, and advocacy work. The network is also keen to explore intergenerational conversations, and partnerships with other women's groups, Irish organisations, and Welsh cultural institutions. The first meeting of the network is due to take place this week, on July 16 at 6pm. For further details or to get involved, email [email protected]. See More: Irish, Irish Women's Network In Wales, Wales, Women
Irish Post
4 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Post
Two pubs closing each week in Ireland
OVER 2000 pubs have closed in Ireland in the last twenty years, according to a new report commissioned by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI). The study, by economist and DCU associate professor Anthony Foley, paints a bleak picture for the future of Irish pubs, especially in rural areas. From 2005 to 2024, the number of licensed pubs in Ireland dropped from 8,617 to 6,498, amounting to a decline of more than 25%. While closures have been widespread across all 26 counties, rural areas have been hit hardest. Counties like Limerick, Offaly, and Cork experienced the steepest drops, with decreases of 37%, 34%, and 32%, respectively. Meanwhile, Dublin saw the smallest decline at just 1.7%. The report underscores a troubling trend: the erosion of pubs in rural communities, where they often act as much more than just a place to drink. 'There has been a pattern of pub closures across Ireland, particularly in rural Ireland, in recent years,' said Professor Foley in the report. These pubs are frequently the heart of their communities, offering a vital social and cultural hub as well as a key attraction for tourism. According to DIGI Secretary Donall O'Keeffe, the primary reason behind these closures is the high costs imposed by the state, including taxes and regulatory burdens. Ireland currently has the second-highest tax rate on alcohol in the European Union, alongside a 23% VAT rate. These costs, coupled with rising operating expenses and falling rural populations, are making it harder for family-owned pubs to stay afloat. 'The addition of profound economic uncertainty through US trade tariffs and reduced levels of inbound tourism further threaten the financial foundations of family-owned pubs across the country,' said Foley. DIGI is calling for a 10% cut in excise duty in the upcoming budget to help ease the financial burden on pub owners. 'With Irish consumption of alcohol having fallen to average EU levels and likely to continue dropping, it is no longer justifiable that pubs should be faced with the second-highest excise rates in Europe,' said O'Keeffe. The report projects that between 600 and 1,000 more pubs could close over the next decade if nothing changes. See More: Anthony Foley, DIGI, Donall O'Keefe, Irish Pubs
Irish Post
6 hours ago
- Health
- Irish Post
Ireland sees record number of abortions as figures reach over 10,000
IRELAND has recorded its highest number of abortions since the practice was legalised in 2018. Figures released by the Department of Health this week reveal that 10,852 terminations were carried out across the country in 2024. This is a marked increase on the 8,156 abortions reported in 2022. The majority of the terminations were early medical abortions, involving the use of tablets prescribed by a doctor within the first couple of months of pregnancy. A small percentage were carried out due to fatal foetal abnormalities, risk to the life of the mother or emergency medical interventions. The report further revealed that of the women who had terminations 4,125 were based in Dublin, followed by 957 in Cork, 507 in Galway, and 441 in Limerick. A total of 450 women did not disclose their county, and eight women travelled from Northern Ireland for an abortion. The Department of Health's annual report also noted that the highest number of terminations occurred in January, followed closely by May. Dr. Shirley McQuade, medical director of the Well Woman Centre, expressed surprise at the scale of the increase, suggesting that factors beyond population growth may be at play. She pointed to the availability of free contraception for women aged 17 to 35 and said that while contraceptive failure is possible, it's generally rare. The use of online consultations, introduced during the pandemic, has also made access to abortion services easier. One of the two required doctor appointments can now take place over the phone or by video. Meanwhile, the number of Irish women travelling to Britain for abortions has dropped dramatically from 2,879 in 2018 to just 201 in 2022. In 2022, 63 percent of these British and Northern Ireland based abortions fell under 'Ground C,' a legal provision allowing termination if continuing the pregnancy poses a greater risk to a woman's physical or mental health than ending it. That figure rose from 50 percent the previous year. Abortions under 'Ground E,' which covers cases involving serious foetal issues, dropped from 50 to 37 percent. While Ireland's abortion numbers continue to rise, Britain is undergoing its most important reform of abortion law in nearly six decades. In a landmark vote last month, the House of Commons approved legislation that decriminalises self-managed abortions in England and Wales. The new law ensures that no woman can be investigated, prosecuted or imprisoned for ending her own pregnancy - regardless of how far along she is. Previously, women who took abortion pills later in pregnancy faced criminal charges. The most high-profile example of this was Nicola Parker, who was arrested and jailed after taking medication at home at around 26 weeks, mistakenly believing she was only six weeks pregnant. She was ultimately acquitted, but her case sparked widespread criticism of Britain's outdated abortion laws. MP Tonia Antoniazzi, who championed the reform, told Parliament that the new law is about support, not criminalisation, and called the previous rules 'outdated' and 'Victorian.' However, critics argue the reform doesn't go far enough. Abortions in clinical settings must still be approved by two doctors, and medical professionals who assist in late-term abortions could still be prosecuted. A broader amendment to fully decriminalise abortion and enshrine it as a legal right was blocked from a vote, leading MP Stella Creasy to call it a missed opportunity. The new law still requires approval from the House of Lords but is expected to pass. Because of the UK's devolved system of government, the legislation will apply only to England and Wales, with Scotland and Northern Ireland maintaining their own abortion rules. These reforms are the biggest change to British abortion policy since the 1967 Abortion Act. Similarly, Ireland has also been facing calls to reform their laws, seven years after legalisation. A Department of Health commissioned review led by barrister Marie O'Shea recommended several changes, including removing the mandatory three-day waiting period, eliminating potential criminal sanctions for doctors and clarifying what constitutes a fatal foetal abnormality. The Oireachtas health committee supported these reforms, but the current Programme for Government has not committed to implementing them.
Irish Post
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Irish Post
Ireland's membership of CERN approved with start date confirmed
IRELAND'S bid to become a member of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) has been approved it was confirmed today. In a statement Tánaiste Simon Harris and Science Minister James Lawless revealed they have 'jointly secured Government approval of the final steps for Ireland to join the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, CERN'. 'Having personally advocated for Ireland's Associate Membership of CERN for a long time, it is a pleasure to officially announce that Ireland will join CERN in October this year,' Minister Lawless said. Mr Harris said Ireland's associate membership will demonstrate the nation's 'commitment to science and reaffirm our reputation as a centre for scientific investment'. The CERN centre in Geneva, Switzerland (Pic: CERN) 'It will create opportunities for Irish researchers, students and industry to join world-class teams at CERN, and it will give CERN access to Ireland's talent and expertise,' he added. Ireland's membership was approved by Cabinet today, in a move which 'authorises the final legal steps', Mr Lawless confirmed. 'Following today's decision, the Taoiseach signed a Government Order to enable the State to meet its obligations under the CERN Protocol on Privileges and Immunities,' he explained. 'The remaining steps are now for Ireland to notify the Director-General of CERN that the internal approval procedures for the Associate Membership Agreement are complete, and to deposit an Instrument of Accession to the CERN Protocol on Privileges and Immunities with UNESCO. 'Following a mandatory waiting period, Ireland's Associate Membership is expected to begin officially in October.' Ireland's associate membership of CERN will make Irish citizens eligible for staff positions and fellowships there Minister Lawless added: 'Associate Membership of CERN is a long-standing national ambition and a commitment in the Programme for Government. 'However, joining CERN is only the beginning of Ireland's journey. It is a priority for me as Minister to ensure Ireland's success as an Associate Member State. 'My Department will establish an expert advisory group in the coming months to guide our national approach to CERN membership. 'This group will work with my Department to maximise benefits for both Ireland and CERN.' Associate membership of CERN is expected to bring benefits to Ireland across research, industry, skills, science outreach, and international relations. It will open doors for Ireland's researchers to participate in CERN's scientific programmes and will make Irish citizens eligible for staff positions and fellowships at CERN. It will also be possible for Irish citizens to access CERN's formal training schemes and to develop skills in industry-relevant areas such as electronics, photonics, materials, energy systems and software. Membership will also allow Irish businesses to compete for contracts with CERN.
Irish Post
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Irish Post
Russia ‘not interested in peace' says Ireland's EU Affairs Minister ahead of Brussels meet
IRELAND will stand strong alongside Ukraine as its war with Russia continues, EU Affairs Minister Thomas Byrne said today. Mr Byrne is in Brussels for a meeting of EU Foreign Ministers where the ongoing conflict between the two nations will be among the topics up for discussion. 'EU support for Ukraine, in the face of Russia's ongoing aggression, must remain steadfast,' Mr Byrne said this morning. EU Affairs Minister Thomas Byrne pictured in Brussels for today's meeting (Pic: 'The escalation in Russia's brutal attacks on Kyiv, and cities across Ukraine, continue to demonstrate that Russia is not interested in peace.' The situation in the Middle East and the deepening political tensions in Georgia will also be on today's agenda. 'The humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic,'Mr Byrne said. 'We urgently need to see humanitarian aid delivered at scale, into and throughout Gaza, and a ceasefire and hostage release deal reached. 'The situation in the West Bank continues to be deeply concerning,' he added. 'In Brussels today I will join fellow EU Ministers to discuss the need for action, to improve the situation on the ground, and I will raise follow-up to the review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.' Regarding the situation in Georgia, where the Georgian government has jailed a number of politicians from the main opposition party in recent weeks, he added: 'We will also have an opportunity to discuss the situation in Georgia,' 'The EU must send a clear message to the Georgian government that it is heading in the wrong direction.' See More: Georgia, Ireland, Middle East, Russia, Ukraine
