Forthcoming Budget.....needs based

by Kevin T. Walsh - Social Justice and Ethics Mon Nov 12, 2007 18:59

Quotation
'On being proactive - Elena, member of a weaving collective from Guatemala, exiled in Mexico......

Presenting women as 'victims' goes hand in hand with discrimination. We must become the protagonists in our own struggle'

I think we are the Protagonists in our demands for proper health services now and we have basic human rights to have our needs fairly dealt with.

Michelle

by Michelle Clarke - Social Justice and Ethics Sun Dec 02, 2007 00:17

Recall please the homeless - the 58 people who have died sleeping out over the last 16 months. Put in place the proper supports, the space exists, it just needs to be earmarked and people given accommodation and basic needs without the proviso to stay out between 9 and 5.

Baggot Street in the heart of Dublin 4 is an example of the plight of the these people.....standing around all day, with little options, like the basic toilet facilities and coffee shop. Years ago, Mr. Bewley ensured that there was always space for people - particularly in Westmoreland Street......it was a healthy culture of all mixing particularly on a cold early morning or late night.

Mental Health services are short of degenerative. We note the media coverage of the breast cancer improper readings and the uproar. The people via organisations like the Irish Country Women's Association can mobilise and support women but alas stigma reigns supreme in Ireland and mental health will never earn the respect and pledges from the Health Services, that say cancer is receiving at the moment. Does anyone ever think of how many people who have mental health problems often die from undetected cancer? At all times let our health service be equitable.

Education: More children are leaving school early or mitching. Stop the research and speculation and use the internet the research studies in the US, Canada and other countries and realise all children are not suited to school. Recall Donacha O'Malley in the 1960's and 70's and the setting up of the vocational schools. Too many people in the universities in Ireland are allowed research projects and vast sums of money. They lack a real insight into children who stray way......let's use common sense, bring in psychology and remember Ireland is now a Knowledge Society with life long learning possibilities.

Medical conditions and research ought to allow patients participate information on an equal footing. I am delighted to watch the programme on RTE last week with Professor Gill and Professor Robertson - Genetic medicine and neuropsychology combined. This is a combination of mindsets reviewing the brain, the most misunderstood part of the human being. I am so pleased to note that they have included some people who have sustained brain injury in their research programme. It is pure common sense and provides the injured person with some sense of fulfilment in a much altered life.

Mr. Cowen.......don't let negative equity take hold. Search out alternatives like get the banks to take a year without a mortgage and add it on to the end of the mortgage. Stress, Anxiety lead to mental illness and this is not good for young mothers, fathers and children......it involves high delayed health costs.

Any other points of view from people out there........We just might be heard.......our views area free and often valid.......

Michelle Clarke

by Turps Sun Dec 02, 2007 01:07

We need an effective health system, but the current one is irrational and excessively centralised as far as some services i.e. cancer testing and treatment, are concerned. The whole who-does-what attitudes of the medical professionals is a stumbling block to effective delivery, besides increasing the expense of medical services.

Yes, Donacha O'Malley was the great populist minister who shook up the class-based second and third level education system. He took the vital decision to establish RTCs or Regional Technical Colleges. They now call themselves Institutes of Technology (a snob title, a bit of a reference to the toffeynosed attitudes of technologists towards technicians) and are working towards full university status. There is a problem about the Institutes in that provision for club and social activity by students is inadequate. Many buildings are overcrowded and lack proper meeting rooms for clubs, and comfortable common rooms for students needing a rest and respite from the damp weather.

Agreed that more provision needs to be made for the homeless.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is painfully aware of the many families in town and country who have been bypassed by the so-called celtic tiger economy. There is a need in many nooks and crannies of society where private enterprise won't go for an employment creation organisation that would continue to make paid socially useful work available to the unemployables of various ages. Something like FAS, which does not see itself as an employment agency.

by Michelle Clarke - Social Justice and Ethics Sun Dec 02, 2007 17:37

Turps - well done. By chance, I just found it.

If you read the Village Magazine (Vincent Browne), he clearly states what the people lack and what the need. We ought to stand ashamed, do we not realise that standards set post independence to introduce and fair and equitable health system. Michael Scott, Architect and his team travelled at the behest of De Valera and others to vet hospitals and primary care in the European countries.

FAS, has the market but as sure as hell it has lost insight as to what its function is to creating employment. Worse, as you say it manages to prevent entrepreneurship of other social groups to create tailored employed in line with specific needs of people in need.

For those who may not have the chance to view Vincent Brownes articles, I will synopsise very important points of injustice in our health system.

Heading: CANCER IN THE BODY POLITIC

Killing them softly: Fact 'Poor people die younger of all the major diseases because of deprivation............Why? On whose conscience does this rest?

'It has been estimated that 5,400 fewer people would die prematurely each year if death rates were reduced to match social deprivation and inequalities' Ruth Barrington, Health Research Board.

After the so called Celtic Tiger, how can these figures be so. What changed the system that has led to these inequalities.

Death rates from all causes were twice to three times higher in the lower occupational class. In our Constitution it states Equality for all men and women and children on this Island. Where does our Minister for Health stand on this Human Rights Issue? Why is RTE continually failing to do its duty to inform the public about Health - it should take note of the Village this week and create some informed and educated debate.

Morally, RTE has an obligationed to keep the people of Ireland informed - those people who in fact pay their wages. Between defamation cases and high living shows, the taxpayer is no longer getting value for money. O Sorry there is one - Beverly Flynn - RTE provided a grant for telling 'lies' to Beverly by halfing her legal costs, in her failed action against them. I wonder how many people who have not paid their licence languish in Mountjoy?

For circulatory diseases death rates were 120% higher

For cancer: 100% higher

For respiratory diseases, death rates were 200% higher...

The Report goes on: 'As well as the huge gap in mortality between poorest and richest., for many diseases there was a steep graadient across all social groups both in Northern Ireland and the Republic. (1989-1998)

The report becomes more startling

For all infectious and parasitic diseases in the Republic death rates were over 370% (x 5 - scary)

TB - death rates were over 300% (add to this low immune systems, ME, HIV, MRSA and others.....)

Neoplasms - death rates exceed 110%

Malignant neoplasms of the oesophgus 230%

For malignant neoplasms of the larynx and trachea, bronchus, lung, death rates wre 280% higher.

Endocrine nutritional and metabolic diseases - 230%

Diabetes militus - 230%

For mental and behavioural disorder - 360% (Why? Stigma, Shame,)

For alcohol abuse - 280%

For drug dependence, toxic mania -500% (Why the neglect of our social capital, the suppliers of our pension in our old age)

Pneumonia - 200%

Chronic Lower Respiratory disease 340%

Stomach ulcer - 340%

Chronic liver disease - 170%

What a sense of hopelessness this causes? If we seriously thought about equality, perhaps we would be less inclined to tax drink and cigarettes so high and allow people a form of equality to make their own decisions about what they want to do.

Last night in Clontarf Castle there was a party for Fianna Fail, Joe Burke was shown in the Sunday Mail taking in a large bunch of flowers - One question tonight I ask William Finnerty about Joe Burke - how can this man be bankrupt over a year ago with 2.5 million losses and now be Chairman of the Port Tunnel. Bertie was guest of honour last night, accompanied by Des Richardspn - developers from all creeds and counties. I believe there were few trade unionists there also with their bottle blond women. 450 Euros per head - now would somebody take time to inform the Mahon Tribunal where this money has come from.......

Public private partnership: Surely it makes sense to let the old system continue, to provide more beds and continue with the secret that the consultant has x beds for his private patients. Then the consultant can motivate himself to cater an overall premises, functional, clean, no chance of staff skiving and no hellish budgets of public or private each year......and

The Govt. made a mammoth swipe to give OAPs the medical card but I would suggest they are shooting themselves in the foot. Over 70's go to the GP, the GP states there is no room on the list, they find another but the previously private patient feels ill at odds. They may get a referral to a local hospital but then it is not like the Mater private they once visited. There is a sense of dissatisfaction. Next thing the old person realises well I still have my VHI card.......let's have a visit and a rest. They go to the Beacon for about Euros 500+++++++ and all add-ons at separate prices.....Does this really make sense? Are we brining into Ireland plush private hospital, taking the services of our public consultants based on hours and then forcing these hospitals to claw out a market. Private hospitals can go broke too.

I read today in a paper that now deep in the Govts. gut, it realises that the two tier system will not work. It has to be equal at point of entry. Mary Harney spoke of this emotionally during the Vote of No Confidence in her - her words were I represent a constitutency where there are no barristers, no developers, just ordinary people who just make a living and she said - I am here for those people and people who know me will believe me and for some reason I believe her. She added the rich can look after themselves - I will close by saying Mary - Please do not let the Plain People of Ireland down.

Michelle and Kevin

by Michelle Clarke - Social Justice and Ethics Tue Dec 04, 2007 18:15

Listening to Olivia 0'Leary on Drivetime has given me a different view on Minister Cowen, a kind of inside a colleague has of a fellow worker. I greatly enjoyed hearing about his hearty sense of humour and his ability to mimic his Dail mates with such accuaracy - and people like George Bush, Blair and no doubt Revd. Ian Paisley.

I agree with the point made by Olivia O'Leary about the kind of person who seeks out the distinct factor and thereby has the pinacle for the mimicry. From this Olivia O'Leary extends this to his ability to listen ardently, using his sharp politically attenae thereby contributing a unique input to the Dail Debate. Listening is a gift that so many of us have missed out on.

Brian Cowen apparently particularly bright local solicitor. He is a supporter of effectiveness and efficiency. His mindset is that things should work and to him the public sector does not. This he would share with a considerable number of the population who are consumed by a bureacracy that fails to act on behalf of their clients, the plain people of Ireland.

Consensualism has failed us recently......Is it time for a person with different qualities to take over. Attributes like Party Loyalty is a core value that could shake off the image of Tribunals, Corruption, growth of underclass, Sick Health Service - and maybe the time has come.

If needs be I would suggest raising taxes ...... make changes e.g. properties bought abroad and tax relief but also be creative and motivate people to create the Knowledge economy that was predicted for us - the economy that Chinese are watching out for, while they engage in technology.

Michelle Clarke

Quotation Yellow Wolf of Nez Perces in 1870
One Side of the Story
'The whites told only one side. Told it to please themselves. Told much that is not true. Only his own best deeds, only the worst deeds of the Indians, has the white man told.

I ask has too much dirty linen been hurled from the ditch. Great the tribunals have done a good job but then so many lawyers have earned a lot, and it is in their vested interest to making the tribunals last ad infinitem....

by Michelle Clarke - Social Justice and Ethics Sat Sep 06, 2008 18:56

It is reality check time, and the time is now appropriate to read the foregoing to take a perspective of a view this time last year - a time when no world financial crisis was foreseen, let alone what has happened to the housing market.

Factors that need attention:
EU commitments involve our housing stock meet Green Criteria this year......it will have a cost but certain laid off construction employees could be trained via FAS to deal with the market. Dublin has a high stock of Georgian houses e.g. Merrion Square, Fitzwilliam Square, Elgin Road....that are owned by landlords, some pre 1963, and just left idle or with tenants awaiting social housing. Someone needs to plan ahead here or else these house could end up for demolition and become development potential sites.....this would be a distinct loss to the tourism factor in Dublin.

In the 1980's, many in the contruction industry had to emigrate and they did, first to the UK and then onwards. Given the inflow of Europeans over the last 20 years (facilitated in a large way by FAS), we may have a similar challenge to travel to Europe, so the learning of a European language is to be advised. The EU office in Dawson street is well worth a visit - it provides space, computers, literature and no doubt scope for the innovative mind....The impetus behind EU membership revolved arond widening scope, exports, knowledge of what was an Island community over reliant on the UK markets. In 1995, we engaged with the 2nd pillar of EU membership and we embraced the Euro.

Where are the visionaries? D. O'Malley (inspite of his shortened lift) saw the value of eduction at a variety of levels. The Celtic Tiger reaped the benefits here. People who had emigrated earlier in the 1950' s were coaxed home to markets that enabled them to practice their professions or set up businesses. There was a wealh of experiece from Sir. Tony O'Reilly who had worked with Heinz, to Mr. Peter Sutherland now working for BP oil via Russia, we had the likes of Kerry Co-op, Avonmore Creameries, Waterford Co-op (combined now Glanbia, exploring foreign markets for Irish Food products being marketed at home and abroad. The transport industry developed, oil supply companiesx and petrol stations gained prominent positions throughout Ireland.

The Irish Finacial Services Centre........is about the real visionaries in the midst of dark deep depression, particularly in cities like Dublin, Belfast, Cork. Let us not forget, that it was only in the 1980's that hideous derelict buildings bedecked either side of the canal......We must think of Oscar Wilde's words 'We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.....'. It was people of this calibre that jettisoned the old narrow views and paved the way for a new dimension. Some these had been emigrants, builders, in England but what they had learnt from work in other countries was that it was now possibile for them organise enough cash for tenders and starting a generative process in Ireland.

I am talking about the building of Shannon Airport in the 1960's, the building of Krups factories in the Shannon Free Trade Industrial Estate.......and the massive funds directed towards housing people who had been living in squalid housing conditions - often referred to as tenements. We must realise how far we have come.....it is this that will keep us inspired to ensure that O'Devaney Gardens (the PPP forfeited at the last ditch).

The Budget: Please do not forget our Prisons and mainitaining minimalist convictions to prison. In relation to debt, let us advance to avoid prison. MABS.......and the Citizen Advice centres, Comhairle at Hume House, have made great inroads towards helping people deal with fiancial, emotional, support problems. However, so much now revolves around the ability to use the net.......e.g. some companies can receive job applications only by net.......but it is suggested that only 50% can use the net. This target ought to be near 100% otherwise where is the Equality. People are becoming more excluded e.g. ask someone who lives on the streets and they say yes, they answer but they have no medical card, so they have no script for glasses.. Where is the empowerment? Who knows they may be addled from addiction problems, or even as I have been with acquired brain injury. A little more compassion is needed but for this to be so our health services need to improve. Health Centres e.g. Baggot Street hospital ought to heightened in performance, education and research to the maximum level so as to involve and encourage people. There is a start through activelink, which is educational, socially partcipative, interaction.

Then......the Belfast Agreement back in 1990's..........In time, as in the recent Arms finds, the PSNI, the Dutch and the Gardaii combined effots to eradicate as much criminal gangster activity becomes more successful and entrenched, the benefits of the Peace Process will become more apparent (if one was talking economics....one would sum it up by saying economies of scale would occur. People have the capacity to strip other's naked to boost their own identity....corporates can do this also. Let us promote Social Ethical Responsibility Inspiration Vision........

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These re just a few thoughts for this proposed budget.......Mr. Taoiseach,. all I must say is that I find it hard to accept that people who have all the benefits of a splendid country like Ireland, who have their jets and even the landing patches - it is not fair nor right that they are allowed to avoid taxation (the 188 day rule).......yet, they are allowed to have their epitaghs stand resplendid in our Universities.....There are philantropists out there......giving as distinct from vanity.

Everyone can contribute in some way, with some suggestions.....call it participative.

by Kevin T. Walsh - Social Justice and Ethics Sun Sep 07, 2008 12:18

Michelle
A brilliant piece of writing. You actually managed to tie in all the networks and interacted them for a purpose and that purpose being for the economy to gain some sense of purpose and momentum.

I watched our Taoiseach on Friday night last on the Late Late Show - some journalists gave a reserved judgement in their articles in today's papers - Biffo did not look his usual self. As one journalist said, he is shaken at the speed in the downturn of the economy.

Your piece on oil is very important as you are well aware and furthermore your comment about which departments will have large cutbacks is very important.

We have had 10 years of Consultants, fat cats, PR, advisors and just look at the deficits caused here.

I read through some of your articles last night on the economy - sadly, some of what you projected has come to fruition. In simple terms, as far as the HSE goes, the old Dean Martin song applies, 'there are two many chiefs and not enough indians'.

I close by saying' listening to Marianne Finucane's show a.m. on our prisons - you are right Michelle, there must be accountability and this lies with every individual governor in Ireland regarding his prison. If there are cut backs in this area - God Help Us. In the last four days, there have been arrests both sides of the border and in Holland. There has been seizures of Cash 1.5, false passports, heroin, and a factory of dangerous weaponry involving semi automatic uzies, silencers and other dangerous weaponry. All the papers are pointing to the Tosser Meehan in Portlaoise prison and a mobile phone - I find this in the year 2008 appalling, that Meehan doing life for the murder of a journalist could organise all of this from a prison cell. I mean really this is happening in Ireland today and my question is that the Governor of that prison and the Minister for Justice, Mr. Dermot Ahern, have to be held responsible.

Again Michelle - brilliant piece. Keep writing

by Michelle Clarke - Social Justice and Ethics Sat Jan 17, 2009 17:07

People went on a run. Regulation at a national level was limited because in reality an element of risk was required to attract clients, developments, healthcare provision in independent centres.

There apparently has been quite considerable development and expenditure in accommodation for the elderly, people with neurological problems and private health care options particularly those public partnerships under the auspices of the Department of Health; Mary Harney, Minister.

I note from some of the press articles that Anglo Irish invested in health care in quite a focused way. We know that Quinn direct have taken a significant hit but I wonder who else was exposed.........what about the VHI? Has anyone heard about the new healthcare provision acquired by certain directors of the Independent newspaper?

Did Anglo Irish fund the emerging private health care system?

As a Judge once said
Beware of the vested interests

Any views out there........

by Michelle Clarke - Social Justice and Ethics Sun Mar 15, 2009 18:27

We find ourselves accepting a further dose of mini budgets. Ireland must just scrape up the money until we pay our Debts.

Point 1.....
Charlie Flanagan stated today on RTE that our prison system has increased by 25% in 12 years. This is astonishing. The reasons now being: they are doubling up in single cells. As FG C. Flanagan said this will not rehabilitate anybody back into society. The cost of the prison system is enormous and as Liam Herrick of the Penal Reform said - the Judiciary would want to have an inner debate of what is the last resort. E.g.....Maura Harrington should morally not be in prison tonight.

In a recession with our debts rising daily by having to borrow millions to keep the economy afloat it cost the Irish taxpayer Euros125,000 annually for one prisoner. Of course, murderers, rapists, paedos!!!; gangland; need locking up but there are hundreds like Maura Harrington that don't. A century ago the city of Dublin had many debtors courts - with MABS in place, can we not help people to stay out of prison

I really recommend the Financial Times.........it broadens your view and can be so interesting.

Some news

Mr. Mandelson is in praise of ther French strategy........I have seen no comment in our papers.

UK equities surge as fears of banks ease...................we need some self belief and confidence to get back to here and dealing in our stock marker

Well listen this Babcock and Brown who bought substantially into Eircom collapsed into bankruptcy.......there have been sfaff changes at Eircom a few months ago and broadband cover part of Ireland and not the remote mostly beauty spots that draw on creativity.

Warren Buffett - Wealth but a philantropist; and man of wisdom and knowledge from America
Berkshire Hathaway (his company) has lost its credit rating with Fitch........a little honesty.......the markets are volatile.....

Eddie Hobbes practical programme: Try barter and negotiation and always start by asking for the recession price i.e a reduction of 20%

If Mr. Vincenbt O'Brien wants the London based Independent closed, we hopefully presume he will come home with his new Independent company and lead it to great success.

Enough: Please let the people press contribute ideas, and they can be discussed and rationalised.

Ruari
Thank you again. (Do you know Suzie Byrne - we were in Trinity togets and being ill for a few years I have lost touch with all.

PRESERVE THE UNITY OF IRELAND IN RESPECT TO ALL WHO DIED FOR THE CAUSE AND ASPIRATION

by Kevin T. Walsh - Social Justice and Ethics Fri Mar 20, 2009 21:10

I don't know about you, but we have our old green bin but with new labelling that says Greyhound.

We are an apartment block so have 3 environmental bins as well as black smaller bins - content collected on different days.

There have been weeks and our bins in Dublin 4 have not been collected

Some Suggestions:

Know exactly what is accepted in the green bin and compact same to smallest size. Examples: Tetra Pak; Cardboard boxes, Newspapers;

Wine bottles.........why can't these and others be handed back to off license with a fee for returned bottle......nb 1970's - kids delighted to collect bottles say TK lemonade and get an amount of money back.

Be careful with glass products

Don't leave on tops......what about something constructive to encourage people to collect tops.

Monitor clothes dump; wash; and organise for clothes to go to registered sources v. scams

Cleaning: Lemon is great for cleaning kitchens and bathrooms.........so is Vinegar (mind you this has a strong scent)

Is there a book exchange in existence? Surplus books - anyone willing to take them on a charitable basis

Kevin T. Walsh

I am sure people out there can add to this

by Michelle Clarke - Social Justice and Ethics Mon Mar 23, 2009 17:50

I can't understand why people don't want to share ideas about the ways we can reduce the NATIONAL DEBT SITUATION, THAT we the ordinary and vulnerable people have inherited from could only be described as a pending susceptible group Bankers, Financiers, Offshore (outside qualifications), developers, money laundering etc.

I took the bus today....I find the buses excellent and a nice way to travel.

What thoughts came into my head

Last night I ran out of money and needed some. Luckily I keep a glass jar and put all the copper coins into it. We could extend this from home situations, to shops etc........and this mean we would reduce some of the Euros 342 m. cash never presented to the banks and therefore is not part of the constructive use of of reducing our national debt. Can you imagine something like this operated at all airports....It would work......Let's us try.....Can anybody add to this......Perhaps the bankers would pay a bonus percentage on the copper coins produced.

Tourism. What can we do here. We are complaining about the Irish going up North to buy cheap products particularly drink but what are we doing to encourage people in the North to come and enjoy the Cead Mile Failte. Dublin is now a fine city again (Remember it was the 2nd city of the British Empire before the Rising). I note there is a Irish French Literature festival on the 2nd to 4th April 2009 - there is an opportunity to market ourselves in the wee north. After all Mr. Paisley and his wife seemed more than comfortable on the Late Late Show

The Green bins.....weeks seemed to pass with no collective but competitive advantage has resulted in Change and now it is Greyhound. Note this company specifies exactly what rubbish is accepable. Let's all admit it we are not as diligent as we ought to be.

People on disability and in particular those with psychiatric problems tend to get the worst service from the community services and the medical profession. If you are on prescribed medication, you find doctors being time conscious and target the script and nothing else. Years ago the blood pressure was a must and eyes were tested. I have seen people virtually with no site living in sub-standard accommodation or homeless with no glasses prescribed........all overlooked....and these are the vulnerable.

Proper acknowledgement for our canine friends. Dogs ought to be allowed into pubs. I can't understand the hostility and the fact that elderly and people have to fight to be included in the pub scene if they have a dog........Are the publicans afraid of something????? What about illegal substances.....cocaine in the loos......I don't know. It is safer walking home from a pub with a yappy dog - I would have thought.

Any suggestions out there,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Ireland is very different from the 1980's and we all know it. Ity is up to us to maintain the standard and work at combatting crime white and otherwise

Gem: Trevor Bayliss faced retirement took a look in his shed and came up with a radio that put Africa on the map

One more observation. We all know of Dracula/Bram Stoker. The plaque was neatly placed over the door on a house opposite the Dail. All that remains is a slight indication of its existence - yes it has been removed. I love taking photos of plaques that you see in the squares of Fitzwilliam, Merrion, Mountjoy (the man who designed this concept got the patent and became a very wealthy man indeed).

Then there is Art....drawing dogs, painting dogs - the Field magazine is worth a look.......www.artneville.com / Remember competitive advantages mean that we now can buy cannine kennels; you can send you dog to classes to unlock his potential; you can hire remote trainers, dog radio fences; Bespoke dog trailers; hotels that welcome dogs (for business...reasons naturally

Recommendation: Purchased book on Green Cleaning under 4 euros at Reeds in Dublin....some great tips. Written by Briggs and Vivian Head. Bread soda gets mentioned a lot.

The talk today appears close down the Shannon - it is elitist, undemocratic......etc. I have decided to give an alternative view from William Butler Yeats who upholds the concept of checks and balances.

...'I think it is also very important to this Seanad because of the nature of its constitution, that we should show ourselves as interested as the Dail is in every person in this country. Wer do not represent constitutencies; we are drawntogether to certain forms of special knowledge, certain speciaql interests, but we are just as much passdionately concerned in these great questions as the Dail

Personally, I appreciate people in the Senate, like David Norris, Mary O'Rourke,and the hound who got the scent on the Anglo Irish; Nationwide trail and hunted it down.......

Michelle Clarke

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