Put down your smartphones if you want to help your children, ESRI tells parents
Irish parents' overuse of smartphones is damaging their children's mental health, a new report from the ESRI says.
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Irish Independent
4 hours ago
- Irish Independent
‘We need someone to carry the torch,' says Dublin dad with MND urging for new Irish voice in fight against disease
His plea comes as Kenny Logan and a team of sporting stars complete a 555-mile charity cycle at the Aviva Stadium today. Andrés Estevez-Guersanik (45), originally from Argentina but living in Dublin for 20 years, said Ireland needs a public champion to raise awareness and funding for MND, warning that momentum could fade without a high-profile voice. The father-of-two said: 'We had Charlie Bird and Fr Tony Coote. They made such a difference as they got the nation talking, but they're not here anymore and no one has stepped in. And without that voice, that figure, the momentum is at risk of fading. 'We need someone new to carry the torch for awareness and to change how people treat this disease, how quickly you're diagnosed, how services work. That only happens when someone with a platform says, 'Enough.' When they say, 'This matters.'' Andrés was speaking as he prepares to greet Logan and the team to Dublin and the Aviva Stadium today as they complete Doddie's Lions Challenge – a 555-mile cycle around Ireland raising funds for My Name'5 Doddie Foundation. Andrés described his own diagnosis as a 'rollercoaster of emotions'. A passionate runner and cyclist, he said it was devastating to learn he had an incurable illness. 'Suddenly, everything has a different meaning,' he said. 'I value small things much more, and these small things are now the essence of life — sitting down for a coffee and chatting, or the possibility of doing simple little things.' He spoke as Scotland rugby hero Logan led a team including football legend Ally McCoist, broadcaster Gabby Logan, and actor Jamie Bamber on the final leg of Doddie's Lions Challenge, a gruelling cycle raising funds for MND research through My Name'5 Doddie Foundation. The group — cycling around 100 miles a day across Ireland's rugby heartlands — has already raised more than £500,000, with further donations supporting both the Foundation and the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association. Andrés, once a keen marathon runner and cyclist, now relies on support from the IMNDA and is awaiting a hospice bed for respite care. He said public figures are key to changing how people respond to the disease. 'A voice helps people connect with MND — that's the shift we need in Ireland. Because MND can happen to anyone, and people deserve better when it does,' he added. Kenny Logan will lead a team of celebrities on the cycle including his wife, broadcaster Gabby Logan, football legend Ally McCoist, and actor Jamie Bamber. The group will cycle approximately 100 miles a day across some of Ireland's most scenic and historic rugby heartlands, stopping at the home clubs of Lions' legends throughout. The former Scotland winger said: 'Doddie put MND on the map, and we're committed to carrying on his legacy. If this ride helps shine a light and inspires someone in Irish sport to pick up the torch, then it's already a success. 'We've had an unbelievable time in Ireland and it's been incredible to meet members of the rugby and MND communities who have welcomed us with open arms. We're all excited to get to the Aviva to watch the game with Andrés – even though we'll be cheering on different sides!'
The Irish Sun
5 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
‘Always keep a watchful eye' – Irish pet owners issued stark warning over mistake that can be fatal
IRISH vets have warned of the dangers of heatstroke as temperatures continue to sizzle. Across the country, with temperatures set to exceed 29C, The Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) is advising owners to be 'vigilant of their 2 Irish dog owners are being urged to keep a close eye on their furry friends Credit: Getty DSPCA bosses said it is essential for owners to 'keep pets cool and safe'. The rescue vets warned that heatstroke is a 'life-threatening condition' that can develop if an animal becomes too hot. This can cause seizures, organ damage, internal bleeding, coma and even death. READ NORE IN FABULOUS It can also be caused by being in a warm room without proper ventilation, being kept somewhere hot such as a Any dog can develop heatstroke, but flat-faced, overweight, giant-breed, thick-coated, very old and very young dogs are most at risk. Head of Operations at the DSPCA, Suzanne McGovern, said: 'With hot temperatures forecast for the rest of the week, we must be mindful of how important it is to keep our pets comfortable. 'The warm and dry temperatures can be dangerous for our pets, so it is vital that you follow the advice for keeping your pets cool during these periods. MOST READ IN THE IRISH SUN 'Ensure they have access to lots of water and there are shaded areas where they can rest. 'Always keep a watchful eye on your pets and be responsible when exposing them to the conditions.' Galway family in tears at reunion with dog stolen two years ago Dog owners should only go on walks when it is cool, early morning and evening. Do not walk any dog during the hottest hours of the days between 12pm-4pm. Ensure your pooch is only doing light exercise only. When playing with your furry friend allow lots of time for breaks in shade, provide water, and allow your dog to cool down. Owners need to provide lots of shade and plenty of water. Do not take your dog on unnecessary journeys. Never leave dogs in cars even if windows are open; a car will remain too hot for any pet. Owners of breeds with flat-faced, overweight, giant-breed, thick-coated, very old and very young dogs must be extra cautious. If you see an animal in trouble or distress, particularly in a car even if the window is open or in an outdoor area without shade or water, please contact the DSPCA on 01 4994700 or info@ How hot is too hot? Getty Image • 16-19 C Generally safe to exercise at all times of days. Dogs most at risk of heat stroke should only be lightly exercised in the cool parts of the days (early morning, late evening). • 20-23 C No dog should be exercised rigorously. All exercise should take place during cool parts of the day. Play time should be short and have lots of time to cool down. • 24-27 C Extreme caution should be taken. Exercise should only be extremely light and take place when the sun has set. Focus on giving your dog cooling treats, toys and plenty of opportunity to spend time in shade. • 28-31 C Dangerous for all, but life threatening for larger breeds and puppies as well as dogs who are flat-faced or obese. Stay cool and in the shade with lots of water. • 32 C Heat stroke is a major risk for all. While 20°C may not seem overly hot, pets – especially dogs – can still struggle in the heat, particularly during exercise or if left in enclosed spaces like cars or conservatories. 2 Owners should not walk their dogs between noon to 4pm during heatwaves Credit: Getty
Irish Examiner
16 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Why many women are deciding not to have a child
A new National Women's Health Survey, commissioned by the Irish Examiner and carried out by market researchers Ipsos B&A, found that, among women who are currently pregnant or who have had a child, one in five experienced fertility difficulties. Four in five of these women sought medical advice in relation to their infertility or their partner's, while 52% underwent fertility treatment such as IVF. A total of 1,078 women aged 18 and above responded to the survey. While 45% of the women who had had a child said they plan to have another, 49% said they don't want to. Galway woman Serena Matthew, who is in her early 40s, falls into that cohort: 'Two children were always in my head as an [ideal] number. I now have an 11-year-old girl and a 14-year-old boy. My husband would have loved a third, but we decided that after our second, it just wasn't an option.' Their decision was based on their finances. 'We saw the cost involved in bringing up two children. We've a four-bed house and the fourth bedroom is small, so we didn't have the space. Moving wasn't an option with prices going up. Two is what we could handle. We didn't want to put ourselves in a difficult position financially.' Matthew is not alone in her position. More than one in three National Women's Health Survey respondents report not feeling financially in a position to have a child, or another child. 11% disagree, and a large number 'don't know' or are unsure. Dr Dora Tuda, an ESRI research officer is not surprised by the finding that one-quarter of all women say they have delayed, or will delay, having children until they have reached certain financial or career goals — a thinking more characteristic of middle-class women. Tuda points out that nowadays, in Ireland, the EU and the US, more women than men hold a third-level degree: 'In Europe in 2022, 48% of women held a third-level degree compared to 37% of men. Why do people get a higher-level degree? To get a better job, a higher income. So if women are considering having a child, they also need to think about leaving the labour market for a while, which corresponds to some income loss.' While acknowledging that it sounds harsh, Tuda highlights what economists refer to as a 'child penalty' — the pay cut that having a child involves and that falls disproportionately on women. 'Even in Scandinavian countries — [considered] more 'equal' than other countries — women on average experience a 20% income loss after having a child compared to men with the same experience and qualifications. This is because of maternity leave — once they return to work, it takes time to catch up. They may lose chances of promotion.' Dr Dora Tuda, a research officer with the ESRI. Equality in leave In Ireland, parental leave is set up so women are more likely to take leave after having a child — 26 weeks paid maternity leave compared to two weeks paid paternity leave for fathers. 'The system is [such] that the income loss from having a child is taken on by women and not equally between men and women,' says Tuda, adding that Norway — and more recently Spain — are taking steps to counteract this. 'Spain has introduced a mandatory equal parental leave for both parents — they're each given six months. The mother takes the first six months, after which she returns to work, and the second parent takes the next six months. If the second parent doesn't take it, the leave goes away.' That more than one in three women here don't feel, financially, they could have a child, or another child, is also put in context, says Tuda, by the rising cost of child-rearing. 'Recent estimates from Laya Life say to raise a child up to age 21 costs €169,000.' However, delaying having children is not all down to cost. 'People are spending longer in education compared to earlier. They're also taking longer to reach job stability. Gap years abroad, unpaid internships — all valid decisions young people take to get ahead, to have better opportunities when seeking a more stable permanent job, but it also delays having children.' As do housing challenges — Tuda points out that in 10 years, the median age of buyers taking out residential property mortgages climbed by four years. 'In 2010, the median age was 33 years. In 2021, it was 37. Being older when buying property can automatically delay starting a family.' In the mix, too, says Tuda, is a sense of changing cultural norms — a move towards smaller families or even remaining childless. 'You hear this more often than you did 20 years ago.' Bonnie O'Halloran: 'One friend wants children with her boyfriend. But most people my age feel similarly to me. They don't fear pregnancy as I do — they focus more on the climate and financial aspect. None of us has stable enough careers to consider having kids. Most of us still live with our parents.' Picture: Moya Nolan Not wanting a child Of respondents to the National Women's Health Survey, who are aged under 50 and who have not yet had a child, 37% said it is unlikely they will have a child, and one-fifth are adamant they won't. One of these respondents — 25-year-old Bonnie O'Halloran from Naas — explains why, for a variety of reasons, she does not want to have children. For one, she suspects she has endometriosis — there is a family history — and she fears what pregnancy will do to her body. 'I've not wanted kids for as long as I can remember. Being a woman, it's said to you a lot — 'when will you have kids?' When you say you don't want that, you're told 'you will when you're older'. That didn't happen for me. My youngest brother was born when I was 11. I got to watch him growing up, and the responsibility of being there for another human being isn't something I wanted for myself.' 'I also saw what parenting did to my parents, not in any horrible way, but the things they had to give up. My mum went to college when she was 40 and I'm really proud of that but she couldn't do it sooner. I don't want to put that kind of pressure on myself.' Yet O'Halloran, who has a degree in illustration and currently works as a substitute teacher, loves children and thinks she might adopt when she's in her 40s. But she also sees the world's current political atmosphere, as well as climate and financial realities, as factors in deciding not to have children — a feeling she says many of her peers share: 'One friend wants children with her boyfriend. But most people my age feel similarly to me. They don't fear pregnancy as I do — they focus more on the climate and financial aspect. None of us has stable enough careers to consider having kids. Most of us still live with our parents.' While a recent CSO report indicates that our fertility rate is declining, Tuda confirms that, at 1.55 births per woman, it remains above the European average of 1.46. Among the under-50 survey respondents, who have yet to start a family, about two in five say they are 'definitely' or 'very likely' going to do so, with a further 10% saying they are 'quite likely'. Click here to read our National Women's Health Survey. The Irish Examiner Women's Health Survey 2025 Ipsos B&A designed and implemented a research project for the Irish Examiner involving a nationally representative sample of n=1,078 women over the age of 16 years. The study was undertaken online with fieldwork conducted between April 30 and May 15, 2025. The sample was quota controlled by age, socio-economic class, region and area of residence to reflect the known profile of women in Ireland based on the census of population and industry agreed guidelines. Ipsos B&A has strict quality control measures in place to ensure robust and reliable findings; results based on the full sample carry a margin of error of +/-2.8%. In other words, if the research was repeated identically results would be expected to lie within this range on 19 occasions out of 20. A variety of aspects were assessed in relation to women's health including fertility, birth, menopause, mental health, health behaviour, and alcohol consumption.
