Previous Day
Setting standards for elderly care
NEW STANDARDS of care in nursing homes are to be introduced by Government following their approval by the Health Information Quality Authority (Hiqa). It is not before time. Almost three years ago, an RTÉ television programme into the treatment of vulnerable people at Leas Cross Nursing Home caused a public outcry; forced the closure of the institution and focused attention on legislative deficiencies and inadequate policing. p
Broadband weakness
ONE OF Ireland's most striking competitiveness weaknesses in the last decade has been the failure, mainly by government but also by eircom, to narrow and close a broadband gap that has opened up with our international trading partners. That gap, a succession of international surveys has shown, is widening. Broadband speeds are far slower in Ireland than elsewhere and usage costs are higher. Broadband subscribers are also fewer, though last year there was a sharp increase, while broadband coverage remains limited in less populated areas. p
Opinion
Education must be at heart of debate on immigration
CONTRADICTORY VIEWS abound in relation to immigration in Ireland. On the one hand immigrants are perceived as key contributors to economic success, while on the other they are perceived as challenging traditional ways of "doing" and "being" in Irish society. pSecuring the Irish pub as a social hub
Pubs serve a vital function, particularly in rural areas, but their viability is threatened by proposals targeting the social drinker, when drunk driving is the problem. Retail outlets must also stop irresponsible alcohol promotion pDemise of politics inseparable from our society's ills
The Bertie Ahern situation reminds us that parties no longer stand for anything - their only desire is to get into office and to retain office, writes Vincent Browne pPolish people have a spring in their step as the good times beckon
Political changes and the young educated Polish population are bringing about a dramatic turnaround in the outlook for the country`, writes Ania Majewska pIt's time to kick Rev Ian upstairs - Paisley for President
NEWTON'S OPTIC: AS THE DUP moves to oust Dr Ian Paisley, the question of his political future concerns all the people of the islands we call "these". pDon't sign an EU contract you can't even understand
The Lisbon Treaty is unintelligible and for that reason alone should be rejected, writes Tony Allwright p
An Irishman's Diary
Exciting news from the world of computer games, where the next generation of technology promises to eradicate that scourge of sedentary children's lives: the need to move their thumbs constantly. p
