Housing issues keep asylum seekers in direct provision; cuts to public servant free car parking
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Almost 5,000 asylum seekers with permission to stay in Ireland are stuck in direct provision
Nearly 5,000 asylum seekers who have been given permission to stay in Ireland are still living in direct provision centres because they can’t find housing of their own.
And the government’s efforts to help these people move into their own accommodation has been delayed by nearly a full year due to the war in Ukraine, amid unprecedented strain on the state’s ability to process those seeking refuge here. Tender documents published by the Department of Integration show it is seeking a partner to work with asylum seekers who are given permission to remain in Ireland, acknowledging that many face “barriers” to housing.
Cuts to free parking for public servants could start next year as part of climate overhaul
Tánaiste Micheál Martin has said that he supports the new Climate Action Plan’s aim of starting the phasing out of free parking for public servants as early as next year.
There will have to be consultation with public sector unions, as Taoiseach Leo Varadkar acknowledged, but this in itself would be a radical step.
The Climate Action Plan suggests that radical change is on the way in transport, agriculture and every other sector of the economy.
Analysis: We can’t drive our way out of transport emissions problem
Electric cars are part of the solution in our bid to become more environmentally friendly, but alone, they will never come close to being a silver bullet, writes Brian Caulfield, associate professor in Trinity College Dublin. Read his op-ed for the Business Post here.
Duolingo sparks idea for Cork startup to help people with Parkinson’s
Teleatherapy is a Cork city-based business that has developed an app for people with Parkinson’s to aid with retaining their speech skills. The Business Post spoke to Clare Meskill, its chief executive and co-founder, to find out what drives the company – and where it might be headed next.