Reposted by CharlesWendy Lyon @wendylyon.eurosky.social · 43mGiven that Irish government TDs have cited Sweden's decision to introduce a language test for citizenship as justification for Ireland introducing one, it seems relevant that Sweden is finding it difficult to actually do it 0189
Reposted by Charlespolifeed @feed.gavreilly.com · 54mTheJournal.ie: Taoiseach criticised for misrepresenting how citizenship rules workthejournal.ieTaoiseach criticised for misrepresenting how citizenship rules workThere have also been calls for the government to introduce a permanent residency visa if it insists on changing current rules. 043
Reposted by CharlesWendy Lyon @wendylyon.eurosky.social · 22hOnce again it needs to be stressed that this is something happening across the board in Irish immigration- changes in practice leading to refusals that would not have occurred in previous years. We are in a very dark time for the rights of people migrating to Ireland and their families. 412066
Reposted by CharlesAlberto Alemanno @alemanno.bsky.social · 01/10/2026Today we filed a formal complaint against the European Commission for failing to protect our right to free movement. What’s a stake isn’t only Schengen but the rule of law in EU, what has led former Commissioner Josep Borrell, Nicolas Schmit, Laszlo Andor to join thegoodlobby.eu/the-commissi... 28432
Reposted by CharlesDavid Flood @maoltuile.bsky.social · 30/09/2026www.irishnews.com/news/norther... 062
Reposted by CharlesDr Panti Bliss-Cabrera @pantibliss.bsky.social · 30/09/2026Well this is going to go just great and ease tensions and solve everything! 46718
Reposted by CharlesRuth Fletcher @ruthfletcher.bsky.social · 28/09/2026Here’s the first of a series of 10 blogs we’re doing this week for #SafeAbortionDay #Sept28 To call for more legal witnessing of soft law barriers to abortion care and challenge harmful exclusions and unworkable time limits dflw.ie/witnessing-l... Time to address failed EMA up against 12 weeks!dflw.ieWitnessing legal implementation after #repealedthe8th: Soft law and the curious case of discontinuous care after a failed early medical abortion - Doing Feminist Legal Work“It was like an epiphany. We just felt a weight lifted off us to know that there was even an option. They told me someone local to me where I could go and 197
Reposted by Charleskevin @beirne.bsky.social · 28/09/202620,000 secondary school teachers are starting industrial action next week because the government refuse to pay them properly but sure let’s spend €300m on training people to use the fraud machine that turns your brain to porridge 25638
Reposted by CharlesColin Murray @colinmurray.bsky.social · 25/09/2026These campuses have been tried for decades by UK institutions and they are almost always either a distraction or a full on curse. The current Irish Government is now so immigration-obsessed that effective higher education policy doesn't get a look in... 0103
Reposted by CharlesAnna Landre @annalandre.com · 22/09/2026“When will a Prime Minister’s “tough decisions” mean, for example, rerouting money into making train stations accessible, of which 39% are not? The Institution of Mechanical Engineers says this would add £176bn a year to the economy …” Read the rest: www.lbc.co.uk/article/pip-...lbc.co.ukPIP would cost less if politicians invested in making life easier for people like me | LBCIf Government wants to spend less on disability benefits over time, it has to remove the daily barriers that create these costs, writes disability campaigner Anna Landre 03616
Reposted by CharlesAnna Landre @annalandre.com · 22/09/2026My latest for @lbc.co.uk: If politicians want to reduce the PIP and wider benefits bill, they should make basic investments in accessible infrastructure and services ⬇️ 23820
Reposted by CharlesÉidín Ní Shé @eidin.bsky.social · 20/09/2026“At a sectoral level, in real terms, the Government now gives less money per student to universities than it did in 2008.” www.irishtimes.com/ireland/educ...irishtimes.comUniversity of Galway deficit threatens teaching jobsRecent year-end funding gap measures for third level institutions have fallen out of favour 022
Reposted by CharlesDan Sohege @danielsohege.bsky.social · 19/09/2026There has been a noticeable lack of serious reaction over Turkish persecution of LGBTQIA+ community from the global community. As in many other countries, Türkiye tries to mask persecution by claiming being LGBTQIA+ isn't illegal and then using "obscenity laws". www.theguardian.com/global-devel...theguardian.comTurkey detains dozens in crackdown on LGBTQ+ activists and journalistsProtesters teargassed as minister claims widespread raids and arrests under obscenity laws were to ‘protect families’ 10865509
Reposted by CharlesAlan Dunne @aldunne.eurosky.social · 18/09/2026you have to hand it to this government, not only is it one of the least productive (legislation-wise) we've ever had, it's also making a hames of the basic functions involved in running a country 0217
Reposted by CharlesRob @robosullivan.bsky.social · 17/09/2026As Terry Pratchett regularly highlighted, "privilege" means "private law". One rule for me and another for you. O' Callaghan is working hard to exacerbate that inequality and hurt those who effectively live and contribute as second class citizens in Ireland. It's just plain racism #spéirgormrte.ieCitizenship a privilege, says minister ahead of overhaulMinister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan said "citizenship is a privilege, not a right" ahead of new rules for people seeking Irish citizenship. 211351
Reposted by CharlesLydia Mulvey @lydiamulvey.bsky.social · 16/09/2026🎶 so tired of these mennnnn 🎶 191
Reposted by CharlesWendy Lyon @wendylyon.eurosky.social · 16/09/2026To say Irish citizenship is “given out like smarties” betrays an ignorance that is unworthy of an elected member of the Oireachtas. Also deeply insulting to the many people who have had to wait years for it due to sheer governmental incompetence. 410741
Reposted by CharlesWendy Lyon @wendylyon.eurosky.social · 16/09/2026"In Dublin alone, the Bar of Ireland said hundreds of people who stand convicted of serious criminal offences remain in the community awaiting sentence, due to their scheduled sentence hearings being adjourned throughout the month of July." 0108
Reposted by CharlesUna Mullally @unamullally.bsky.social · 14/09/2026Wrote about how making it harder for people to become Irish citizens is a move that cannot be isolated from a broader context in which immigrants are being scapegoated. The reasoning around bringing Ireland in line with other EU states is also very thin.irishtimes.comUna Mullally: It’s easy to look tough on immigration. It’s much harder to build empathyIn practical terms, new citizenship rules will be another bureaucratic obstacle for people. But its other meaning is arbitrary cruelty-by-admin 59628
Charles @oscharles.bsky.social · 09/09/2026A ghoul of a human, no redeeming characteristics, no moral compass 042
Reposted by CharlesWendy Lyon @wendylyon.eurosky.social · 09/09/2026The IT journo hasn’t picked up on it, but the Law Society letter throws a delicious bit of shade at Jim over his obvious failure to understand what a “case” actually is in criminal law bsky.app/profile/iris... 0123
Reposted by CharlesIrish Council for Civil Liberties 🏳️🌈 @iccl.bsky.social · 08/09/2026No rationale, research or evidence has been presented by the Justice Minister for his proposed changes restricting citizenship access. These plans that are simply aimed at making Ireland a hostile place for migrants who contribute so much to our economy and society. www.iccl.ie/news/citizen...iccl.ieCitizenship proposals will destroy a crucial route to integrationHuman rights organisations express serious concerns about proposals that will significantly restrict access to Irish citizenship. 15024
Charles @oscharles.bsky.social · 08/09/2026Many of the same politicians who did not think to make Irish a working language of the EU until 2007 are now telling you it’s a dealbreaker for citizenship - we joined in 1973. It’s jingoistic racism to cover for their lack of actual solutions, just like their copying the HRC to social housing. 010
Reposted by CharlesDonal Coffey @donalcoffey.bsky.social · 08/09/2026We are launching the Research Centre for Legal Historyon 16.09.26. I am delighted to say that we have a great line up of incredible speakers. We have a very limited number of spaces in the room, but wanted to open it up to the wider legal history community www.eventbrite.com/e/2000181837...eventbrite.comResearch Centre for Legal History LaunchThis event is the launch the Mayooth University School of Law and Criminology's newly established Research Centre for Legal History. 01414
Reposted by CharlesDonncha O’Connell @donnchalaw.bsky.social · 07/09/2026‘Nothing short of laughable’ – Justice Minister criticised over legal aid dispute as courts at a ‘standstill’. Solicitor says Jim O’Callaghan’s claims that proceedings are running ‘effectively’ is ‘simply nonsense’. www.independent.ie/irish-news/c...independent.ie‘Nothing short of laughable’ – Justice Minister criticised over legal aid dispute as courts at a ‘standstill’Solicitor says Jim O’Callaghan’s claims that proceedings are running ‘effectively’ is ‘simply nonsense’ 001
Reposted by CharlesDr Panti Bliss-Cabrera @pantibliss.bsky.social · 07/09/2026Absolutely fuck this. This is a dog whistle masquerading as policy. New citizens not having an "understanding" of Ireland is not and has not ever been a problem. Fuck this from a height 2830469
Reposted by CharlesGeorge Monbiot @georgemonbiot.bsky.social · 07/09/2026If the police & security services didn't see this coming, it was a massive intelligence failure. If they did, but still gave the impression of being caught on the hop, it's something worse. 1231460494
Reposted by CharlesCriodán Ó Murchú (he/him) @criodanomurchu.bsky.social · 07/09/2026This phrasing is purely directed at their voter base, but it should be illustrative for people who don't fit into the traditional workers model. What about carers? What about parents? It's nauseating listening to this tripe when you do get up for work early and your money goes less far each week! 47411
Reposted by CharlesLouise Troy @louisetroy.bsky.social · 03/09/2026“Operating effectively” Spits out coffee…. No, Jim, they are not operating at all. #Speirgorm 043
Reposted by CharlesLisa Carey @msleedy.bsky.social · 03/09/2026This government's attitude that spending money on public services is some kind of terrible loss to the state coffers rather than THEIR ACTUAL JOB is going to tip me over the edge, I stg. 412844
Reposted by CharlesAidan O’Brien @aidanobrien.bsky.social · 03/09/2026Increasing bus fares while passing € 1 billion in fuel subsidies is a conscious decision. Cancelling public transport infrastructure projects while approving new roads is a conscious decision. Underpaying solicitors & public servants while the country has a massive budget surplus is a....thejournal.ieBus and train fares for adults to increase by average of 15% from January, NTA confirmsThe move has been criticised by opposition parties. 312265
Reposted by CharlesM a r c u s 🏳️🌈🇧🇧 @marcusjdl.bsky.social · 03/09/2026Due to the unique way the BBC is funded by you we can have a man stand in the sea wearing a shirt harassing desperate people fleeing Afghanistan 582421680
Reposted by CharlesJohn Oxley @joxley.jmoxley.co.uk · 30/08/2026Men will suggest "vassalage for young people" before making the case for "broad based tax rises". 19453117
Charles @oscharles.bsky.social · 28/08/2026Does anyone actually find this faux-folksy David Brooks-esque nonsense of value? 000
Reposted by CharlesThe Empty City @davidallengreen.bsky.social · 28/08/2026Another UK Prime Minister, this time a Labour one, who has not read the Good Friday Agreement. The Northern Ireland Act also expressly provides there must be a referendum if certain conditions are met. 22708237
Reposted by CharlesEoin Daly @eoinmauricedaly.bsky.social · 27/08/2026The whole gist of the 1998 peace agreement is that sovereignty over Northern Ireland is decided by its population. And then the British just say stuff like this - like they have the final say. To the British, NI is simultaneously ‘other’, but ‘ours’. 28321
Reposted by CharlesDarach Ó Séaghdha @darach.bsky.social · 27/08/2026“…recognise that it is for the people of the island of Ireland alone, by agreement between the two parts respectively and without external impediment, to exercise their right of self-determination on the basis of consent, freely and concurrently given… to bring about a united Ireland”. 69834
Reposted by CharlesDonncha O’Connell @donnchalaw.bsky.social · 26/08/2026Law Society hits back at Jim O’Callaghan over 'fundamentally unhelpful commentary' on criminal legal aid row www.thejournal.ie/legal-aid-di...thejournal.ieLaw Society hits back at minister over 'fundamentally unhelpful commentary' on legal aid rowThe group said this evening that two core issues with the scheme remain unresolved. 023
Reposted by CharlesYashar Ali 🐘 @yasharali.bsky.social · 25/08/20261. AFM, the labor union representing professional musicians in North America, is paying tribute to Dolly Parton, who was a member of its Nashville Local 257 for 58 years. AFM says that for decades, Dolly consistently filed union contracts for her recording sessions, live gigs and tours. 51746500
Charles @oscharles.bsky.social · 25/08/2026I have been rewatching Designing Women as a comfort watch and a few weeks ago I got to this with Dolly 020
Reposted by CharlesJoel @itsjoels.bsky.social · 25/08/2026This is the letter kids got at the end of Dolly’s Imagination Library. I defy you to read this and not cry. 7253894411287
Reposted by CharlesDun Jun @clustertuck.bsky.social · 25/08/2026-why is it the ONLY unforgivable sin?" And then she told me, "I finally figured it out. The Holy Ghost is that part of God that lives in everybody, and the way you sin against it is by not loving everybody with all your heart, for exactly who they are."youtube.comDolly Parton - Travelin' Thru [Official Music Video]YouTube video by NettwerkMusic 194040739
Reposted by CharlesDun Jun @clustertuck.bsky.social · 25/08/2026RIP Dolly Parton ❤️ Here's a lovely Dolly story: We worked together on "Transamerica." She told me that the bible passage that used to puzzle her the most was, "the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men." She said, "How the heck do you sin against the Holy Ghost, and- 183177701
Reposted by CharlesFergal @fergalc.bsky.social · 25/08/2026Strange to say but the fact that Dolly Parton was such a great person actually sort of distracted from her towering artistic genius. 313222
Reposted by CharlesKyle Griffin @kylegriffin1.bsky.social · 25/08/2026Dolly Parton's Imagination Library gifted more than 332,000,000 books since it was first created 31 years ago. 219239475930
Reposted by CharlesAmadi Lovelace @amaditalks.bsky.social · 25/08/2026Remember that if you got the Moderna Covid vaccine, you have Dolly Parton to thank, she gave the largest individual contribution toward their research to make it possible. 46149534076
Reposted by CharlesSocial Policy Blog @socialpolicyblog.bsky.social · 25/08/2026New on the Social Policy Blog: “When Coordination Fails, Citizens Pay the Price: Lessons from Spain’s Long-Term Care System" by Jorge Hernández-Moreno socialpolicyblog.co.uk/2026/08/25/w...socialpolicyblog.co.ukWhen Coordination Fails: Lessons from Spain's Long-Term Care SystemWhy Spain's long-term care system struggles to coordinate across regions and sectors, leaving citizens facing long waits and unequal care. 121