Noteworthy

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Open

BACKYARD BURN: Are authorities failing to crack down on private waste burning?

Ireland

It is illegal to burn waste in your garden as it releases harmful chemicals into the air we breathe, contaminates surrounding vegetation and can cause uncontrolled fires.

6 Backers raised €145 of €1930

Open

ASBOS ON TRIAL: Are Anti-Social Behaviour Orders being used fairly and effectively?

National

Anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs) have been used in Ireland for over 15 years but how they are applied and how effective they are is under scrutiny.

1 Backer raised €15 of €2730

Open

BORN TO BE WILD: Who is profiting from the unregulated exotic animal trade?

International

In Ireland, you need a licence to own a dog or television but not to own an exotic animal such as a tiger or python. This lack of regulation has allowed this trade to flourish unabated, with potential serious impacts on the health and welfare of the animals sold.

5 Backers raised €95 of €2400

Open

PROLONGING GRIEF: Is the coroner process of investigating tragic deaths failing families?

Ireland

Over 20 years ago, radical reform and major reconfiguration of the coroner service was recommended, yet a recent report stated that most of these reforms remain incomplete.

4 Backers raised €120 of €2930

Completed

HANDS ON DECK: Are migrant workers being exploited in the Irish fishing industry?

Ireland

Extremely long working hours with few breaks and very low wages are among the poor conditions that face migrant workers in the Irish fishing fleet.

5 Backers raised €200 of €200

Open

OFF LEASH: How can we bring loose dogs under control?

Ireland

While dog ownership has exploded since the pandemic, with an estimated 800,000 pet dogs now in Ireland, there are also calls for increased control of dogs.

9 Backers raised €255 of €2340

Funded

WATCHING THE WATCHDOG: How is GSOC dealing with the public’s complaints?

Ireland

The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) has the power to independently investigate gardaí but since its establishment in 2007, issues have been raised in relation to whistleblowers, resources and handling of cases.

5 Backers raised €2540 of €2540

Open

FALLING DOWN: Is our building inspection regime papering over the cracks?

Ireland

In the wake of the Mica scandal in Donegal, there have been renewed calls for a mandatory inspection regime during construction of all builds, similar to the system in Northern Ireland.

4 Backers raised €220 of €2760

Open

PUSHING PILLS: Is there an overprescription problem in our nursing homes?

Ireland

The inappropriate prescribing of drugs to residents of nursing homes is a global problem and Ireland is no different.

20 Backers raised €500 of €3770

Open

BILL OF HEALTH : Are wellness pyramid schemes preying on Irish consumers?

Ireland

The wellness, health and beauty industries have become big business in recent years globally - but not all players are interested in the wellbeing of their clients. A nasty side shoot has sprung up of so-called wellness schemes that make dubious claims of health benefits and promise easy money in return for an initial investment.

1 Backer raised €20 of €2300

Open

BOTTOMLESS PIT: Why are some quarries operating outside planning laws?

Ireland

There are a spate of rules and regulations in place to ensure that quarries operate within the bounds of national and European law.

18 Backers raised €650 of €4290

Open

EMPTY THE TANK: Are our septic tanks being managed correctly?

Ireland

There are nearly half a million septic tank systems in operation that can contaminate water sources with harmful bacteria, viruses and excess nutrients if not built and maintained properly.

8 Backers raised €135 of €1840

Open

BEHIND THE SCENES: Is there a culture of harassment within the Irish film industry?

Ireland

The Me Too movement shook up Hollywood and put the spotlight firmly on a sordid history of sexual abuse and harassment within the film industry in the US.

2 Backers raised €25 of €2925

Open

FAILURE TO PROTECT: Are children being left in the hands of sexual abusers?

Ireland

Most cases of child sexual violence in Ireland are perpetrated by a family member. Yet, only 4% of cases reported to gardaí are prosecuted.

8 Backers raised €310 of €3820

Open

NEXT OF KIN: Is the State failing to support older people providing full time care for their grandkids?

Ireland

Under Irish law, grandparents may foster their grandkids where parents are unable to provide an appropriate level of care.

3 Backers raised €100 of €3490

Open

SOAKED UP: Are lax rules on water abstraction affecting our local water supplies?

Ireland

Water is taken from our rivers, lakes and groundwater in large volumes by the private sector, including water bottling companies and agri-food companies, and recreational businesses such as golf clubs.

25 Backers raised €780 of €2640

Completed

BLIND JUSTICE: Is everyone equal in the eyes of the Irish law and prison system?

Ireland

Around the world, minority groups are overrepresented in prisons. In New Zealand, indigenous Maori people make up 15% of the population but half of the prison population while, in the US, black people are over five times more likely than white people to go to prison.

58 Backers raised €1890 of €1890

Completed

ACADEMIC UNCERTAINTY: How are universities and institutes of technology allowed to employ so many researchers and lecturers on precarious contracts?

Ireland

In Ireland, we hold academics in high esteem but are they being treated properly by their employers and the Government?

44 Backers raised €1300 of €1300

Completed

PARENT RIGHTS: Why are same-sex couples and other parents still in legal limbo with their own children?

Ireland

Half a decade after Ireland’s historic marriage equality vote, many same-sex couples and so-called ‘non-traditional families’ still face discrimination when it comes to their rights as parents.

24 Backers raised €751 of €750

Completed

IRELAND’S ADDICTION: Why is there so little regulation of the ‘crack cocaine’ of gambling?

National

Gambling in Ireland is a gigantic industry with at least €5 billion - or €9,500 every minute - staked in bets last year.

23 Backers raised €2425 of €2400

Completed

COMPO CLAIMS: Does Ireland really have a ‘compensation culture’?

National

The government minister responsible for the insurance industry has said there are 'clusters' for compensation claims in Ireland.

8 Backers raised €1260 of €1250