THE findings by Ombudsman Peter Tyndal of systemic failings by Tusla are both revealing and shocking. Revealing because of his forensic examination of the practices of the child and family agency, and shocking because his report unearths a litany of mistakes and malpractices.

Emily Logan says if we use existing legal structures and treat individuals around us as human beings, we won’t need to go on air to have our rights upheld.

Additional charges imposed on older people and their families under the Fair Deal scheme stop some from accessing nursing home care.

The Devereauxes’ case highlights the desperate measures citizens must seek out in order to affirm their rights, writes Michael Clifford.

In the end, no amount of red tape could withstand the outrage on the national airwaves, and the threat of separating an elderly couple after 63 years of marriage evaporated.