Visas will now be required for
#Southafricans
traveling to Ireland. This is going to stall the employment permit process by doubling the for employment permit processing times. South Africans are filling many jobs where there are labour shortages in Ireland such as HGV drivers
I am absolutely delighted and honoured to have been selected this evening to run as the Social Democrats candidate for Ireland South. I'm looking forward to getting out and meeting as many people as possible over the next few weeks. Thank you to everyone for your support.
For the first time, the
@SocDems
will contest the European elections in Ireland South.
Tonight, Cork-based solicitor
@SusanDoyleSD
was selected as our candidate.
@dublincomments
@RoryHearneGaffs
Many haulage companies simply cannot get the staff they need locally. They have no choice but to look outside of Europe for drivers.
The Prime Time debate is starting. So disappointed to be excluded this evening. The Social Democrats have 6 elected TDs and 22 Councillors.
#primetime
#rte
I am very disappointed not to be included in the Prime Time Election Debate for Ireland South taking place on the 30th of May. As an immigration law expert I believe I have a lot to contribute to the debate. And the Social Democrats have 6 TDs and 22 Councillors and are polling
In 2012 I spent five months in Cambodia working in a community legal education centre.
Most of my work focused on teaching labour rights to small communities and fighting for labour rights in 'sweatshops'.
It was shocking to see how few obligations international companies had
Today the
@SocDems
launched its European and local government manifestos. Both are focused on tackling the issues which have been neglected by consecutive governments such as housing, public health, public transport and disability rights.
This is just typical, very few female candidates being put forward and now a refusal to put a female candidate forward for the commission. How I'll women ever be fully represented in politics if this attitude continues?
Since the beginning my campaign, the amount of abuse online has been astounding (example below). On the doors people are amazing. Online I've had abuse for months. No dialogue. Is this the kind of future we want for our country? Are these the people we want in government?
#primetime
I have worked in the immigration system for many years. There were delays of up to 5 years in processing claims in 2019. This was long before covid and the huge increase in migration. Why wasn't the system fixed then. The system is shambolic.
One off payments to households and then a general election? We've seen it time and again. Why is the money not being invested into long term supports and an improved health system. People are going to see through this and I hope vote for parties who offer long term solutions to
This is why we need to fight for EU laws which impose obligations on member states to enable people with disabilities to live in their own communities with the correct supports.
We had a great day meeting the residents in Silverdale and Beaumont. Lots of issues raised such as the need for better footpaths and accessibility in the area. Many people worried about health services also and the lack of investment in health generally.
The key areas coming up on the doors are housing, childcare, disability services and public health. These are the things that matter to real people throughout this country. The EU is a social and economic bloc and we legislate for social change which will benefit all.
I attended a debate at SIPTU this evening where I signed a pledge to oppose 'union busting' if elected and to support legislation allowing collective bargaining. We need strong voices in Europe protecting workers rights. I plan to focus on improving social policy in Ireland if
#migration
is a key area in the European Union and the system will be overhauled over the coming years. We need strong voices in the EU to ensure the system is just and effective. At the moment the system is stalled in Ireland due to lack of investment.
We need drastic change so that young people see a future in Ireland. We need housing, public transport, a lower cost of living and strong, thriving communities. Ireland is a wealthy country. We have billions of surplus funds and untapped funds and grants in the EU.
I'm asking
Ireland South covers over a million people across Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford, meaning we have a lot of ground to cover. Each poster costs 10 euros, so any donation would make a massive difference!
Follow the link to donate the campaign
#primetime
John Mullins talking about migration saying FG has invested in the system. As a solicitor working in the area I have seen zero improvements in processing times. IPO staff are doing their best but under massive pressure and cannot function.
What a great night at the May Day Event
@TheLeftBankSD
. It was incredible to share the stage with
@sineadgibney
and
@RoryHearneGaffs
. Such incredible candidates with a wealth of knowledge in EU law and policy.
@dublincomments
@RoryHearneGaffs
And many positions are filled by EU nationals but certain industries cannot fill positions from within the EU for a number of reasons. Our health services are one example of this. We have doctors and nurses from all over the world. Also health care assistants are difficult to
Thank you for the invitation to the
@ifut_MIC
Branch during the
@irishcongress
#TradeUnionWeek
today. The issue of precarious employment in higher education is definitely one I will be championing if elected as MEP and I'll be sending on my pledge asap
#TradeUnionWeek
We had a great day in Charleville. Many issues raised including housing and infrastructure. The town is really suffering with the amount of traffic blocking up the main street and needs a ring road now.
This is me celebrating my Masters graduation day with my husband, Kieran, and our son Cal.
I started my Masters in International Human Rights Law and Policy at UCC in 2012 and completed it in 2014. (P1)
Best of luck to everyone starting their leaving certificates today!! It's not the be all and end all. I didn't decide to do law until years after my leaving certificate. Try different things and enjoy your youth! You might be in a completely different career in 10 years time.
I attended this rally yesterday. The community came out fighting and won't stop until the elected Councillors start listening! People don't want this development.
There are currently over 13,000 people who are homeless and relying on emergency homeless accommodation in Ireland. If you want change you have to vote for it.
#primetime
the Migration Pact is being used as a band aid by FF and FG. They are trying to say it will fix everything but really a failure to invest is the issue with the international protection system.
I am curious to see how processing of international protection cases can be reduced to 12 weeks. Quick decisions lead to mistakes. I hope that the Irish State impliments the pact with full respect for asylum seekers rights.
@rtenews
Out list of safe countries doesn't align with most other EU country's lists. I do not believe that Egypt should be added. A country should only be added to the list when it meets the criteria. It shouldn't just be used as a way to speed up the process.
The first question relates to migration. The delays in processing asylum claims is one of the biggest issues which we have. The system needs investment. Billy Kelleher is speaking about needing faster applications. Ireland does not need the migration pact to speed up
I have worked with people seeking safety orders and barring orders through the courts. One of the major problems in this country is that domestic violence is not treated the same way as a normal case of assault. In many cases, victims of domestic violence are forced to take court
Had a fantastic day in Clon with
@isobeltowse
. Clonakilty has such a vibrant and welcoming community. Also it's Ireland's first autism friendly town and definitely a great example of inclusiveness.
Ireland just needs investment in the IPO and in the international protection system in general to speed up asylum claims. The pact is irrelevant to this. Political will is lacking.
#rte
#primetime
It is extremely concerning that immigration lawyers are being targeted by the far right in the UK. These lawyers uphold the rule of law and protect human rights. I hope those responsible are brought to justice.
This is extremely sad. I had the pleasure of speaking with Leigh Gath when working with Inclusion Ireland. She was the confidential recipient at the time. An amazing disability advocate and person.
Farmers are the back bone of Irish society. We need to protect their livelihoods in Europe and at home. We need further grants and subsidies, education and incentives for diversification and reduction ot carbon emissions.
This is an absolute disgrace. All people in Ireland should be able to access potentially life saving drugs. It is not acceptable that there are 2 tiers of health care, one for private and one for public patients. We need
#slaintecare
now.
The housing crisis is the reason so many young people are leaving Ireland. We need 250000 houses now. Not tomorrow. We need an EU housing action plan to ensure this crisis is dealt with. If the fiscal rules can be changed for defense, why not for housing?
We now have people sleeping in abysmal unsafe conditions and when a housing solution is found we have people starting fires. Why have we not built the direct provision centres promised. This has to stop.
This is a massive issue for farmers and home owners. The disease in ash trees means that roadside trees could die and cause serious injury by falling. The cost of removing the trees is high and people need the government's help with this.
I met loads of students in UCC to discuss their views on Ireland and the EU. It was so disheartening to hear so many say that they felt they had no option but to emigrate after finishing their studies.
Most of them said they would prefer to stay in Ireland but didn't see a
@trequart1sta_21
The new rules mean people will need to apply for an employment permit first which takes 2-3 months and then when they get this they will need to apply for a visa which will take another few months.
#primetime
John Mullins speaking about immigration. He's talking about the improvements with the Gardai. There is a 4-6 month wait to register permissions in Cork due to lack of Gardai.
I attended the IFA hustings last night where the overwhelming feeling amongst farmers was anger and frustration that they were not being effectively represented in Europe. The main concerns were low income, red tape and the unreasonable pressures being placed on farmers.
(P6)The EU hasn’t introduced enough legislation to protect the rights of people with disabilities.
If elected, I will fight for disability rights to be at the heart of all legislation in Europe.
#susandoyleforirelandsouth
@SocDems
These so called
#nationalists
do not care about our country. They want to sow hatred and division. Decent Irish people know this. There are 30000 asylum seekers in Ireland. We should be able to accommodate them. People need housing, healthcare and proper public services.
Hey
@claires
. What were you thinking? Is coquette really a word suitable for kids products? It may be a term used by the fashion industry but that doesn't make it OK. Marketing can influence girls in how they view themselves. This is just wrong.
@RTE_PrimeTime
"Farmers feel under siege", John Mullins doesn't agree. Farmers need so much more support. They're being put under massive pressure to help us to reach our climate goals. This needs to be fair and farmers must be supported more!
#primetime
Simon Harris on Pat Kenny saying the state can provide shelter and not homes but the state isn't even providing shelter. No planning, no foresight and no solutions.
Irish farmers need to be listened to and their politicians need to acknowledge Ireland's unique position in agriculture in Europe. If elected I will keep the channels of communication open and consult continuously to make sure that farmers voices are being heard in Europe.
@ArnseIos
And the bottle neck can only be dealt with by processing the claims. You cannot remove the right to appeal or you'll end up tying the courts up for years. We need to comply with constitutional, European and international laws. We can't risk retuning people to their deaths.
We are seeing so much of this in the office at the moment. People with high medical needs are being made homeless and no assistance is given in relation to emergency accommodation until they are actually homeless which creates a huge amount of stress. Many people are being
@DeeForbzed
There are thousands of South Africans here with employment permits and thousands visit every year as tourists. These numbers are much higher than the amount of people seeking asylum. There are asylum seekers here also and many are given full refugee status or permission to remain
The situation is getting more and more ridiculous. Now Northern Ireland's High Court has said that asylum seekers in Northern Ireland cannot be sent to Rwanda.
(P2) Sharon has an intellectual disability, something that made me fiercely protective of her growing up. In the 80s in Ireland, disability rights were nonexistent.
(P3) When I say it was small, it really was, I was the sole staff member for the first year. In 2023, we moved to Douglas and now there are six of us.
We do a lot of work in disability law, housing, immigration law, and discrimination.
@RTE_PrimeTime
whoever is elected will be involved with negotiating and legislating for the new CAP. The next CAP needs to protect farmers, help them to diversify and support food security in Europe.
We need to ensure that we have an opt out to any defense pact. We need to maintain our incredible record as peacekeepers and use our experience in the North to be peace brokers. We are in a unique position with our history.
@RTE_PrimeTime
#rtept
#irelandsouth
This bill will have massive implications for Ireland. 3 weeks ago the High Court ruled that the UK was not a safe country to return asylum seekers to. This bill will ensure that the High Court ruling will not be overturned in the Supreme Court.
The housing shortage can force some people with
#disabilities
into residential care and can mean a complete lack of independence. On top of all the other social issues caused by the
#housingcrisis
, this is a breach of the state's obligations under the
#UNCRPD
. Accessible housing
(P2) I was pregnant towards the end of that period, and in fact I defended my thesis three weeks after I gave birth. It was a busy time!
I have always had an interest in international and rights-based law, and in 2019 I set up a small practice on Grand Parade in Cork.
Returning people to the UK simply will not be possible unless the UK accepts them. Also the Irish High Court have said that the UK is not a safe Country. There is a lot that needs to be worked out before anyone is returned to the UK
Disability services are in such a mess in this country and there doesn't seem to be any political will to fix it. We need to focus our attention on disability and mental health services before this crisis gets any worse.
(P3) I studied law because I wanted to help people like my sister. I worked for a time at Inclusion Ireland in an advocacy and policy role and today I’m a Solicitor and disability rights are a central part of my practice.
We can do so much more to improve disability rights at an EU level. Please vote for me on the 7th of June because if you want change, you have to vote for it.