Accepting, without ambition to change, the numbers now living in emergency accommodation is fatal to tackling the problem, writes Cliodhna O’Neill of the ISPCC.
We are failing to learn lessons from the past on child protection. It is a shameful mark of disrespect to the many children who have suffered abuse and neglect in Ireland.
Last week Childline said its service deals not just with abuse children, but with children who are worried about the recession and how it’s impacted on their families.
Childline should be expanding. Instead we’re faced with the awful possibility that a child calling in desperation might have no one to answer their call.
Ahead of the charity’s AGM in Dublin today, the ISPCC said it is now at breaking point and could be forced to close Childline at night – when children need them most.
Children’s charities have been critical of the lack of access to services for children who have been sexually abused, as the HSE does not have the specialist staff to treat them.
The charity has published advice for parents in light of the alleged attack in Athlone. It urges parents to teach basic rules to children from the age of two.
YESTERDAY, THE CABINET signed off on the plan to provide three €200 energy credits over the next several months.
The plan was announced initially as part of Budget 2023, but there had been some criticism around the measure being universal and not targeted at those who need it most.
Advertisement
This included Sinn Féin, with party leader Mary Lou McDonald saying that payment amounts should have been provided based on income levels.
She proposed giving a higher payment of €500 to those earning €21,000 or less, and €407 to those on less than €40,000.
The first €200 payment is expected to be issued in early November, while the remaining two will be issued in the new year.
With that in mind, we want to know: Do you think the €200 electricity credits should be targeted based on income?
Breezy with considerable cloudiness
Max: 16 °C
Min: 11 °C
Breezy; a passing shower in the morning
Max: 14 °C
Min: 7 °C
Cloudy
Max: 14 °C
Min: 10 °C
