Letters to the Editor: Nobody is working for Cork
An 'Irish Examiner' reader fears for the future of Cork after planning was refused for more homes. Picture: Larry Cummins
I have read again that An Bord Pleanála has refused more homes in Cork.
This is the second major refusal totalling 2,000 homes in Cork in recent months.
A short few months before his last term as taoiseach came to an end in July 2022, Micheál Martin stated in Dáil Éireann: “However, there is a broader issue, it seems to me, following engagements I have had with the Traveller community that we need to comprehensively review. There is an otherness developing. Basically, the stock approaches are not working.”
Now with the imminent return of Mr Martin to the office of the taoiseach, it is time for him to walk the walk — we have heard him talk the talk.
The time to comprehensively address the Traveller accommodation and homelessness crisis is now.
Earlier this week, Martin Mongan wrote an article — ‘2 Johnnies felt ‘compelled’ to release new episode on infamous GAA catfish story’ — ( January 13).
Catfishing is an invisible crime with devastating consequences.
The release of the third instalment of the infamous GAA catfish saga by the 2 Johnnies earlier this week has reinforced my conviction that we must shine a light on this issue and work tirelessly to eliminate it.
In Ireland, a new bill is being introduced to criminalise catfishing, which will empower gardaí to take action against offenders.
At the EU level, the Digital Services Act is a positive step forward, as it holds platforms accountable for fake profiles.
However, it does not go far enough. We need tougher measures to protect people across the EU.
That’s why I am calling on the European Commission to take decisive action against catfishing by introducing an EU-wide identity verification requirement for social media platforms.
It’s time for Europe to step up and introduce robust rules to ensure social media platforms verify the identities of their users.
Protecting citizens from emotional exploitation and financial scams must be a top priority.
