Dualta Roughneen argues that no matter which way we look at international aid or charitable giving to those living in less prosperous or more volatile countries, walking away shouldn’t be countenanced Are we suffering from an excess of empathy that creating compassion fatigue? In an increasingly globalised and interconnected world, the internet – and our…
The new programme for Government informs that it will “prioritise a radical step change in housing supply to rise to that fundamental challenge” and “build on the momentum generated to achieve our target of delivering more than 300,000 new homes by the end of 2030”. Considering there were just over 30,000 homes built last year,…
It took them long enough! Finally, the Iona Institute, whose CEO is David Quinn, a columnist with The Irish Catholic, has had their ban on X (formerly Twitter for those of you as social media disinclined as I am) lifted. Crazily, the ban on advertising on Twitter was imposed in 2019, so the charity (yes, it is a Charity) has been a victim…
I came across a video a few weeks ago from a mediocre Irish band from Dundalk, who were talking rubbish about religion. It was clear that they were not impressed: “We hate Imams as well.” “I shudder to think of what sort of a fella would say ‘I want to be an Imam when I…
For years I never paid much attention to the growing narrative around childfree couples – and more visibly – childfree women. I was living my life and hadn’t really got that call to have children. I am still suspicious of whether men ever really get the call the way women do. It is rare that…
It is that time of year again. Or rather, it is one of those times of year again, where I rail against the appropriation of Ireland’s Christian heritage by elements who co-opt religious Feast Days for secular enjoyment. We are becoming accustomed – inured almost – to the annual attempts to re-cast Christmas as a…
Pope Francis, on January 9 speaking to the members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See, raised the issue of fake news. “We see increasingly polarised societies, marked by a general sense of fear and distrust of others and of the future, which is aggravated by the continuous creation and spread of fake news.…
It is not very long ago that people with disabilities were treated in an often callous and inhumane manner in Ireland and across the world. Often, we look at the past through the lens of ‘presentism’ where we judge the actions of the past through our current values, systems, resources and knowledge. It is easy…
Today, October 10, is World Sight Day. This year, this important international day focuses the world’s attention on the importance of eye care in young people and inspiring children everywhere to love their eyes. World Sight Day is an opportunity to highlight the importance of protecting our eyes and vision, raise awareness of vision impairment and…
The Irish Catholic Autumn Legacy Supplement 2024 I am writing this from the Mater hospital. I went in last week with a sore throat and a week later I am just on the verge of getting out. I have always been healthy. I don’t think I have ever taken a sick-day in more than 25…