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…
Urgent meeting sought with @eu_comission who seem to keep moving water goalposts. Have they learned nothing from #Brexit vote? #right2water
— Lynn Boylan MEP (@LNBDublin) June 27, 2016
No derogation from water charges, Commission says (RTÉ)
Previously: ‘I’m Saying That RTÉ’s Report Is Not Balanced’
How Much?
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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?
Ah Here
at
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
zhOra – heading to Wacken, helping launch new metal night in Cork
What you may need to know…
01. Sludgy, progressive metal emerges from the Premier County in the form of beardy four-piece zhOra.
02. Formed in 2011, the band quickly set about getting on metal bills around the country, currying favourable comparison with the likes of Mastodon in reviews. 2012’s EP Feet Nailed to the Ground was a glimpse at some promising heft.
03. Streaming above in its entirety is the band’s last release, 2013’s Almaz. Mastered by the standard-bearer of stupidly heavy tones, James Plotkin (Khanate, OLD). 2014’s live set at the Siege of Limerick was also committed to ones and zeroes, and is available for free download here.
04. The boys recently won the annual W:O:A Metal Battle, pipping several other Irish metal outfits to a slot at the world’s biggest metal festival, Wacken Open Air. As a warm-up, the lads are taking to Cork’s UrbanJungle on July 9th, headlining the debut edition of Welcome to the Jungle, a new monthly metal night.
Verdict: A well-deserved step onto a bigger stage for the Tipperary heftmongers. Here’s hoping it leads to further new material in due course.
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!
Irish made stuff to broadsheet@broadsheet.ie marked ‘Irish Made Stuff’.
Toothless
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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
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)
Boyd Solider
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Spotted on a billboard on Wellington Quay, at the corner of Parliament Street, Dublin 2.
Republican prisoners (possibly Dick Donoghue, left, and Tom Doyle, right) with a Socialist-led British Army escort en route to Kilmainham Gaol in 1916.
Thanks Julien