Category Archives: Misc

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Graphs in the Higher Education Authority’s National Review of Gender Equality in Irish Higher Education Institution, published today

An expert group commissioned by the Higher Education Authority – and chaired by Máire Geoghegan-Quinn – reviewed gender equality, or lack thereof, within Ireland’s third-level institutions.

Publishing its report today, the group states it recommends that:

– Each higher education institution introduce mandatory quotas for academic promotion, based on the flexible cascade model where the proportion of women and men to be promoted/recruited is based on the proportion of each gender at the grade immediately below.

– Gender equality is identified as a national priority and key system objective in the Higher Education System Performance Framework.

– Agreed targets and indicators of success are included in higher education institutions’ compacts with the HEA. Funding will, therefore, be linked to institutions’ performance, and will be withheld if they fail to meet agreed targets.

– In so far as possible, the final pool of candidates at the final selection step in the appointment process for new presidents of higher education institutions will be comprised equally of women and men.

– All candidates for presidential appointments at higher education institutions will have demonstrable experience of leadership in advancing gender equality, and this will be included in the recruitment criteria.

– Each institution will appoint a vice-president for equality, who will be a full academic member of the executive management team and who will report directly to the president.

– Key decision-making bodies (concerned with resource allocation, appointments and promotions) in higher education institutions will consist of at least 40% women and at least 40% men.

– The recruitment and promotion procedures currently used by higher education institutions will be reviewed to ensure they are gender-sensitive.

– Higher education institutions will apply for and achieve an Athena SWAN institutional award within three years. Within seven years, research-funding agencies will require institutions to have attained an Athena SWAN silver institutional award to be eligible for funding. (Athena SWAN is a system of awards – granted at bronze, silver and gold levels – to recognise institutions and departments for progress in addressing gender inequality).

– The HEA will establish a comprehensive database of staff in higher education institutions to provide an evidence base for monitoring progress in addressing gender inequality.

– A national committee to support gender equality in higher education will be established by the HEA, in partnership with the Irish University Association and Institutes of Technology Ireland.

The report can be read in full here

Previously: Trinity College: A Woman’s Place

Sexism And Trinity

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Written response to a question put forward by Independent MEP Marian Harkin seeking confirmation about the Water Framework Directive and water charges in Ireland

RTÉ reports:

The European Commission has confirmed that it does not believe Ireland has a derogation from water charges under a key European Union directive.

The Commission has said that it considers the application of water charges as qualifying as Ireland’s so-called “established practice” under the Water Framework Directive.

The clarification by the Commission increases the likelihood that it could take action against the Irish Government if it abandons water charges.

In a written statement to Irish MEP Marian Harkin, the Commission says that Ireland cannot “revert to any previous practice” as to how it complies with the Water Framework Directive.

…The Commission’s response confirms a report broadcast by RTÉ News on 31 May.

Meanwhile…

No derogation from water charges, Commission says (RTÉ)

Previously: ‘I’m Saying That RTÉ’s Report Is Not Balanced’

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Joe Collins writes:

We all know they tweak with fares but its worthwhile seeing it in action now and again. Aer Lingus prices to Paris for this coming Sunday, the day Ireland ‘might’ have played had they won. Before and after yesterday’s game. The 13:40 flight was €414.99 before KO and down to €167.99 after the Boys in Green’s adventure was ended.

Anyone?

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Independents 4 Change TDs Mick Wallace and Clare Daly

Further to Health Minister Simon Harris’ claim that a bill proposed by Independents 4 Change TD Mick Wallace – which would allow for abortion in cases of fatal foetal abnormality and is identical to a bill previously proposed by TD Clare Daly – is unconstitutional…

For years, we have heard a litany of Government ministers and TDs offer sympathy to the couples involved, wring their hands, and agree that “something” must be done. But they have done nothing. Doing nothing is simply not an option anymore.

Roughly two diagnoses of fatal foetal abnormality are made in Holles Street alone each week. The Liverpool Women’s Hospital sees between two and four Irish women every week, with a five-week waiting list. Each week’s delay is subjecting more and more people to cruel and inhumane treatment.

When the bill was moved last year, the Government relied on the advice of the Attorney General, which suggested that it was unconstitutional as a result of the Eighth Amendment. They are again seeking her opinion this time round.

I want to see that opinion published. It cannot be used as a fig leaf to cover the inaction of politicians.

The truth is that all it is is an opinion. Actual unconstitutionality can only be determined by the courts. So why not allow the bill to pass, get the President under Article 26 to refer it to the Supreme Court?

The Constitution allows 60 days to have the matter determined. If they agree it is compatible with the Constitution, then we can — at least in these circumstances — end the inhumane treatment of Irish women.

If they find it is not constitutional, then we will only be in the situation that we are in now.

Independents 4 Change TD Mick Wallace writing in today’s Irish Examiner.

We can, and we must, stop subjecting parents to this cruelty (Mick Wallace, Irish Examiner)

Related: Mick Wallace: Courts should decide fate of abortion bill (Daniel McConnell, Irish Examiner)

Previously: What’s Your Advice?

Was It Really Unconstitutional?

Pic: Rollingnews

Boats are Safe by Fab Cow Design at The Irish Workshop

A Vast Ocean of Possibility by Fab Cow Design at The Irish Workshop

Dreams Require Risk by Fab Cow Design at The Irish Workshop

Glug.

New Inspirational drawings available at The Irish Workshop.

Alison Wheeland writes:

What a game, what a team. After all of the drama of Euro 2016, we here at The Irish Workshop feel in need of some start-of-the-week inspiration.Check out these inspirational messages {above) by Dublin-based Fab Cow Design.

Artist Fran says that the aim his work is to capture the essence of those universal themes which affect us all, and we certainly agree, as they’ve managed to lift us out of our post-match slump and brighten our day with their sweetly simple designs.

Fight!

Boats are Safe:

A Vast Ocean of Possibility:

Dreams Require Risk

The Irish Workshop

Irish made stuff to broadsheet@broadsheet.ie marked ‘Irish Made Stuff’.

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Founder and CEO of Console, Paul Kelly, who resigned last week

Following a spate of scandals in 2014, the then government established the Charities Regulatory Authority. The effectiveness of this new organisation can be summed up in just one sentence taken from its website: “We are not currently empowered or resourced to conduct statutory investigations of charities.”

Anthony Sheridan,
Cobh,
Co Cork.

Time for reform of charity sector (Irish Times letters)

Previously: Inconsolable

Pic: RTE

Mechanic

What you may need to know:

1. Great, I have the NCT coming up in a few weeks and my wheels need aligning.

2. Here’s 90 minutes of Jason Statham scowling, shooting, stabbing, punching, kicking and blowing stuff up.

3. Why? Because he’s The Stath.

4. Tommy Lee Jones fills the Donald Sutherland “I’ll do owt for cash, me” role.

5. This was shot back in 2014. The first Mechanic was shot in 2009 and released in 2011. Nothing says confidence like a two-year delay.

6. Broadsheet prognosis: The Bald and the Beautiful.

Release Date: August 26.

(Mark writes about film and TV at ScreenTime.ie)