STATEMENT: Children At Risk Due To Lack Of Safe Placements

Patrick Costello, Green Party TD for Dublin South Central, warned that children in care are being put at risk due to the lack of adequate placements, as demonstrated in the latest Child Law Project Reports published today. Deputy Costello, a former child protection social worker and vice-chair of the Oireachtas Children’s committee stated “These reports…

STATEMENT: ‘Our leaders and governing partners need to demonstrate what sectors are picking up the shortfall if Agriculture is given lower targets’ – Patrick Costello TD

Patrick Costello TD for Dublin South Central was speaking following reports in the media that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael TDs will not back high sectoral emission reductions on agriculture, set by the Climate Change Advisory Committee. He began, “The introduction of the Climate Action Act was one of the key policies of this Government,…

WATCH: More Judges are Needed to Ensure Access to Justice

Full transcript: Yesterday, in her remarks on her retirement, Ms Justice Irvine commented on how the lack of judges was hampering access to justice. We see this at every level of our justice system. A solicitor, Mr. Gareth Noble, reported on a family list in the District Court in Meath which could not be cleared…

New bill targets dog fouling with 1000% increase in fines

Green Party Justice Spokesperson Patrick Costello TD today introduced new legislation designed to dramatically increase the fine for dog fouling from €150 to €1500. The proposed bill would amend the Litter Pollution Act 1997 and aims to provide for public health and cleaner streets by increasing the deterrent for those failing to scoop the poop…