In his final address as president, Michael D Higgins expressed gratitude for the support and kindness of the Irish people during his two terms in office, emphasizing the importance of shared values in addressing global challenges. He highlighted the need for solidarity and compassion in the face of division, inequality, and environmental degradation, urging a rejection of cynicism and a commitment to transformative ideals. Higgins called for a renewed sense of solidarity and shared responsibility towards building a just and compassionate world, invoking the spirit of Saint Patrick to inspire unity and care for one another on St. Patrick’s Day 2025.
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Disused banks, pubs and equestrian centres could be used to house asylum seekers – The Irish Times
The Department of Integration is seeking to expand temporary legislation to allow for the use of various property types, including banks, nightclubs, and equestrian centres, for international protection accommodation. Current rules around asylum seeker housing may be loosened to include different building types, with the possibility of extending the deadline for this legislation until 2032. Government officials are considering repurposing vacant commercial buildings and are aiming to stabilize asylum seeker numbers by 2028 through the...
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