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The Journal
14 hours ago
- Politics
- The Journal
Minister criticised after recent deportation flight took off without human rights monitor on board
A GOVERNMENT CHARTER flight that flew to Nigeria earlier this month has been criticised after it emerged that no independent human rights observer was on board the flight. Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon accused the government of 'skipping independent scrutiny' in favour of 'theatre' by allowing the flight to make its journey without a monitor on board. These independent human rights observers were on board the government's two previous charter flights, which saw a combined 71 people deported to Georgia. This was followed by a special charter flight this month where some 35 people, including five children, were deported from Ireland to Nigeria. The flight was heavily criticised afterwards by a Dublin school and by a Clondalkin community group as each had members of their community on board. In response to a Parliamentary Question from Gannon about the makeup of the professional personnel involved in the flight, Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan disclosed that 'due to technical reasons outside the control' of the Department of Justice, the human rights observer was not able to accompany the flight to Lagos. O'Callaghan defended himself from criticism of the flights, telling Gannon that planning and consideration had been given to 'ensure the safety and wellbeing' of the people being removed from Ireland to Nigeria. Role of human rights observers The role of the independent human rights observer is to monitor the use of force and restraints for deportees on the flight. Such observers are currently not mandatory for charter deportation flights in Ireland. However, there are requirements to have such monitors so as to ensure fundamental rights are upheld during forced returns of people. These requirements feature in the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture (OPCAT) but Ireland remains the only EU member state yet to ratify the protocol , despite having signed it in 2007. It is included in the current Programme for Government . They had been present at Dublin Airport before the flight took off and later received a debrief from gardaí who were on board the plane, according to O'Callaghan. In addition to Garda personnel, the returnees on the flights were accompanied by a doctor and an advanced paramedic. The flights are carried out by the Garda National Immigration Bureau. Advertisement In his response to Gannon, seen by The Journal , O'Callaghan said the independent observer was briefed by gardaí afterwards. 'For the charter flight to Nigeria the observer was present in Dublin Airport to monitor the operation prior to departure of the charter flight on 4 June 2025 and meet with returnees including the families concerned,' O'Callaghan said. 'However, due to technical reasons outside the control of my Department, the observer was not able to accompany the flight to Lagos. The observer has been debriefed by a nominated Garda escort on the operation of the flight.' Gannon had asked about the number of professionals present on board, including medical staff, child protection professionals and psychological support personnel. The Dublin Central TD told The Journal that the minister needed to clarify whether he believes a human rights observer is 'essential' for the flights. If so, then O'Callaghan needed to outline 'why did he let the Nigeria flight go ahead' without an observer. He repeated a criticism of the minister's use of the flights as a form of PR and a submission to anti-migrant demonstrations seen over recent years. 'Having the Gardaí who carried out the deportation 'debrief' the observer afterwards isn't oversight, it's theatre,' Gannon said. 'This flight involved children. The State has a legal and moral duty to safeguard their rights at every stage, not just when it's convenient. Skipping independent scrutiny when children are being forcibly removed strips away any pretence of a rights-based approach. What we're seeing is a government more committed to appearing tough than doing things properly. Gannon added that the deportation flights will 'go down as a shameful episode' in the life of the current government. 'It may play well in certain corners of the political world, but anyone with a shred of decency can see how wrong this was,' Gannon claimed. The Fianna Fáil minister said he accepted that deportations were 'challenging' for the people involved. He added that they had received legal orders to leave the State and that the flights were required to ensuring that Ireland's immigration system is 'robust and rules based'. He noted that any person who has been ordered to leave the State is committing a criminal offence and 'can be arrested without warrant if they come into contact with An Garda Síochána'. The 2,113 deportation orders signed this year are nearing last year's total of 2,403 orders. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Belfast Telegraph
18 hours ago
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
Derry to Dublin air route expected to re-open ‘next year', says Irish minister
Foyle MP Colum Eastwood tonight has welcomed progress on the restoration of the route following a meeting between Irish Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien and City of Derry Airport today. Mr O'Brien has confirmed that he expects services to commence later in 2026. Mr Eastwood said: 'This is great news for Derry and it's another important part of enhancing connectivity between every part of the island to drive investment, create jobs and deliver more opportunities for people in the North West. 'The Irish Government set out a clear and positive commitment to establish a new public service obligation route between Derry and Dublin in the Programme for Government this year and I am delighted that Minister Darragh O'Brien and others have wasted no time in rolling up their sleeves and getting to work. 'This is a great example of how prioritising investment across our shared island can deliver for people and communities in every part of Ireland. I'm looking forward to continuing to work with the Minister and the whole Irish Government to deliver on shared priorities.' Earlier, Mr O'Brien met with the Chief Executive of Derry City and Strabane District Council John Kelpie and management of City of Derry Airport. They discussed the progress to date on the service between Dublin and Derry City airports, and the preparatory work under way. Mr O'Brien said: 'In the context of building our shared Island, the Programme for Government includes a very clear commitment to engage with relevant stakeholders to establish air connectivity between Dublin and Derry City airports. "We had a very constructive meeting today on progressing this commitment, and once the preparatory work is completed, I expect services will commence later in 2026 following a procurement process.' Irish Department of Transport officials are also engaging closely with colleagues in the Shared Island Unit, Stormont's Department for the Economy, the UK Department for Transport, and the European Commission in relation to any State aid implications and obligations. A Market Sounding Exercise is planned by the Department this year, to better inform the level and frequency of services that may be required on this Public Service Obligation (PSO) air route. Attendees at today's meeting were Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport Charlie McConalogue; Donegal County Council Chief Executive John McLaughlin; Chief Executive of Derry City and Strabane District Council John Kelpie; Chairman of City of Derry Airport Albert Harrison; Deputy Chairman of City of Derry Airport Paul Byrne; Director of City of Derry Airport Seamus Neely; Managing Director of City of Derry Airport Steve Frazer; and Department of Transport officials.
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Major decision on €325 weekly payment for thousands of Irish in 6-month move amid fresh ‘kicking can down the road' fury
THOUSANDS of Irish people getting a €325 weekly payment have been handed a six-month lifeline - in a move that's been slammed as "kicking the can down the road". The Basic Income for the Arts is a pilot The main aim of the payment is to address the job and financial instability faced by many in the creative industry. There were 2,000 creatives selected to The Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O'Donovan confirmed today the pilot scheme will be extended for a further six months. The READ MORE IN NEWS He said the six-month extension will allow for both allow time for "the full evaluation of the pilot" and "stakeholder engagement". "Confirming the plans in a statement today he said: "The Programme for Government commits to assessing the Basic Income for the Arts pilot research scheme to maximise its impact. "In order to allow for the preparation of proposals for a new scheme, based on the research and consultation with the sector, I am today announcing a six-month extension of the current scheme. "I fully appreciate the importance of the Basic Income support for artists and am glad to be able to bring some certainty to those currently on the scheme." Most read in Money He continued: "I know there is broad-based support for the scheme, and I intend to bring proposals for a successor scheme to Cabinet as part of Budget 2026. "The extension I am announcing today will provide time to finalise the research programme and to undertake stakeholder engagement which will provide the Government with a comprehensive evidence base upon which to base future policy decisions about the Basic Income for the Arts. New online application system opens for €360 or €180 Domiciliary Care Allowance applications "To facilitate this work, I am extending the pilot scheme for those currently participating in the pilot for six months to February 2026.' However, the move has been met with strong criticism claiming it leaves artists in "limbo" rather than aids them. The Labour Party blasted Minister O'Donovan and claimed the extension was part of a "drip feed of promises". Labour's Arts spokesperson Rob O'Donoghue said the TD was "kicking the can down the road" with the new extension. He fumed: "This scheme has been a tremendous success, with artists across the board stating how it has been instrumental in their ability to work more effectively and more creatively in their vocations. "Why then has the Minister simply added a 6-month Sword of Damocles hanging over their heads? With no further information as to what the successor scheme will entail, how can the Minister leave artists in limbo?" 'BEGGING BOWL' He added: "We know there are some adjustments that require addressing for example the criteria for entry, the lack of inclusion of certain artistic forms, and the nebulous appeals process for those who did apply for the scheme in the first place. But will these really be addressed with a six month extension?" 'Ireland has always managed to produce some of the best artistic talent the world has ever known. Our support for our artists must be extended and done so with a clear vision. 'I'm calling on the Minister to stop kicking the can down the road. Artists need security and not have to worry about bringing the begging bowl back to the Government table.' 'CONSISTENT, POSITIVE IMPACT' As part of assessing the current benefits the Basic Income for the Arts payment is providing the Department of Finance is preparing a report on the first two years. The Department detail while research is ongoing, current data highlights a positive impact. They said: "It is clear from evidence collected to date that the BIA payment is having a consistent, positive impact across almost all indicators - affecting practice development, sectoral retention, well-being, and deprivation." Artists receiving the payment are reported able to produce more work and devote more time to their work. Those on the scheme have also reported a wellbeing boost and the reduction of anxiety. 1 Thousands will continue to receive the payment over the next half a year Credit: Getty Images
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Irish Independent
Threats of violence could trigger suspension of bus services in Limerick, union warns
Siptu organiser Andrew Quigley said he received numerous reports of increased levels of anti-social behaviour on Bus Éireann's route 303 service in recent days. The incidents include young people throwing stones at bus windows and workers being subjected to verbal abuse and threats of violence. Mr Quigley claimed some incidents are not being reported due to delayed responses from gardaí as a result of high levels of demand on their resources. 'Our members are raising serious concerns about their safety and well-being while operating this route,' he said. He called on Bus Éireann to hold meetings with all stakeholders, including trade unions, the local authority and gardaí, to work on eliminating the threat to passengers and workers. Siptu has written to the company to request an urgent meeting to discuss the incidents. Mr Quigley said there was serious damage to buses and endangerment of workers in recent days. 'If action is not taken to deal with what is a long term and recurring issue on this route then our members will be forced to suspend services,' he said. 'This is something they do not wish to do as they fully understand the detrimental impact which it has on the local community.' Siptu sector organiser John Murphy said the solution to a crisis of anti-social behaviour on the public transport network is the creation of a standalone transport policing service. The union has called for the introduction of this service as part of a Respect Transport Workers campaign. Mr Murphy said the Government has included this objective in its Programme for Government. 'Our members stand ready to work with all stakeholders to make the creation of such as service a reality in as short a time frame as possible,' he said. 'However, prior to this goal being achieved services must continue to operate in all communities. We believe the engagement with stakeholders to immediately bring greater safety for workers can be done in tandem with the work necessary to establish the foundations of the new transport policing service.'
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- General
- The Irish Sun
Thousands more Irish qualify for €160 or €285 once-off payment open NOW under ‘flexible' new criteria rules after years
AN estimated 2,300 children across Ireland are now expected to qualify for a once-off payment worth either €160 or €285. The cash boost, expected to 2 Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary confirmed thousands more are now eligible for the payment Credit:2 The BSCFA is paid out at two different rates Credit: Getty Images - Getty The Many families and don't need to apply. However, those who haven't been notified of the payment on their MyWelfare account or through post could miss out on the lump sum. And foster carers, who are the READ MORE IN MONEY The once-off, means tested payment aims to assist eligible families with the cost of school clothing and footwear. And commenting on the latest extension of the payment, Minister for Social Protection He said: "Foster carers play an essential role in our care system, and I am committed to supporting them. "That's why I am really pleased to announce that children for whom Foster Care Allowance is being paid will now be eligible for the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance. MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN "In the Programme for Government, we said that we would examine the Back-to-School eligibility criteria to allow flexibility for foster carers and I am pleased to fulfil this commitment. I'm a mum-of-2 but will never fork out for naff school photos - they're tacky, a rip off and any parent who buys them is either rich or just stupid "We expect some 2,300 children in foster care will now be eligible for this important allowance and I encourage foster care families to apply online at MyWelfare." Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley TD vowed to work alongside Calleary to continue providing further supports for foster carers. She said: "Foster carers look after around 87 per cent of children in State care and they do so much great work every day. "They have campaigned for years for the right to get the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance for the children they care for, and it is fantastic that this now has become a reality." The rates of payment for the 2025 Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance scheme are €160 for children aged 4-11 years and €285 for children aged 12-22 years on or before 30th September 2025. The children must be of age on or before September 30. NO COVER OF EXTRA COSTS MINISTER for Social Protection Dara Calleary last year confirmed that the BSCFA will not cover extra costs parents face ahead of the school year. When asked by But the Calleary said: "Applications for financial support which fall outside the rules and timeframe of the scheme may be considered for an Additional Needs Payment under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme. Any person who considers they may have an entitlement to an Additional Needs Payment is encouraged to contact their local Community Welfare Service." And students aged between 18-22 years must be returning to full-time second-level education in a recognised school or college in the autumn of 2025 to retain an entitlement to the payment. Deputy Emer Currie, Fine Gael's spokesperson on childcare, said the new criteria is "an extremely welcome move" and urged all those eligible to apply for the cash. She said: "Fine Gael is committed to reducing the cost of education and ensuring that all children reach their full potential at all stages of life. BUDGET MEASURES "Further investment in childcare and education in last year's Budget was further proof of this commitment. "My party in Government has worked hard to ensure every child in both primary and special schools can avail of a hot lunch through the Hot School Meals programme. "Other measures include the Free Schoolbooks Scheme, which covers all students from primary school right through to the Leaving Certificate in the provision of schoolbooks and core classroom resources. "Foster carers currently look after around 87 per cent of children in State care and I know they have campaigned to be included in this scheme." She added: "I will continue to work with my Government colleagues on their behalf to ensure they have the supports they need for the children in their care."
