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IVF publicly funded through private clinics won't start until September 2023

The public system will be built up over the year to provide IVF services through six fertility hubs around the country.

PUBLICLY FUNDED ACCESS to IVF will be phased in from September 2023, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has said. 

It was announced in yesterday’s budget that publicly funded IVF services would be rolled out from next year.  

Speaking to reporting in Government Buildings today, Donnelly said €10 million is being provided for IVF services provision for the final four months of next year. Funding is set to increase in 2024 to take in the entire 12-month period. 

“Ireland is an outlier and we should be providing funding for publicly accessible IVF. It simply isn’t fair that there are couples that desperately want to have a child an because it is so expensive to do so, can’t even try or maybe they can try one round and that’s it,” he said. 

The minister said he is determined to move to a much more “fairer and equal” system, which will be phased in from next year. 

The Government will allocating money to build up the public system, such as resourcing the six fertility hubs around the country, which will become the point of delivery for the new publicly delivered IVF services. 

“But from my perspective that wouldn’t give us the result we need quickly enough, because with the best will in the world it is going to take several years to build up the full public system,” he added. 

The minister said he has set aside funding for people to access IVF through private clinics from September. 

“Exactly how that will work in terms of criteria, rounds, and so forth is now something we are going to work through now that we know how much money we have,” he said, stating work will begin with stakeholders, patients, patient groups and the private clinics. 

He said he would like to see public provision of IVF services in fertility hubs to begin next year also, but said it will probably be at a “low base” with the private clinics “bridging the gap”. 

Over time, the minister wants it to transition to a publicly delivered service. 

The minister said he could not give an exact date as to when he would like to see the criteria and eligibility details published, stating that it will depend very much on stakeholder engagement. 

Donnelly said he “fully recognises” that many people will be “waiting on tenterhooks” for the details, but he added that his department hope to have it agreed “as soon as possible”

In the UK, IVF is only offered on the NHS if certain criteria are met and there are different rules around the number of cycles available depending on a woman’s age. 

Contraception

Separately, the minister outlined that he is awaiting legal advice around the provision of free contraception to women aged 16 to 30.

The current age limit for free contraception is 17-25.

The current age of consent is 17, however the medical age of consent is 16, said the minister. 

Donnelly said it is his view that if the State is providing termination services free of charge to 16 year old women, which it is, then it must provide free contraception to 16 year olds.

“I find it very difficult how we could do otherwise,” he said, while adding that he is awaiting legal advice on the issue. 

In addition, the minister outlined that free GP visit cards will be provided to households where the median income is on or below €46,000. 

When asked why he had not consulted with GPs prior to the announcement, the minister said the doctors have pointed out they need more capacity, acknowledging that there are not enough GP in the country. 

“Sometimes you wait for the perfect and if you wait for everybody to be satisfied, that everything they need is in place before we do the right thing, sometimes the right thing takes far too long to happen,” said the minister. 

He said informal talks with IMO have been taking place for the last few weeks, adding that he is aware of their concerns and the need to invest in GP capacity.  

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    Mute Derek Poutch
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    Jul 4th 2025, 11:40 AM

    If Mehole says they didn’t, they did.

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    Mute jn
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    Jul 4th 2025, 11:33 AM

    fffg spin doctors in formula one mode with deflection tactics uni costs child care social welfare allowance kiddies never ending hospital housing mess with nothing to rent in west or south for low income, fffg with untrustable independents ducking and diving till 3 months long holidays, Keep ringing your local TD and ask the hard questions

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    Mute John McEvoy
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    Jul 4th 2025, 11:34 AM

    Why say something about something that probably got mentioned in person or print?

    195
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    Mute Louis Jacob
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    Jul 4th 2025, 11:41 AM

    @John McEvoy: That doesn’t matter anymore. Short news cycle. It’s day to day shenanigans with these guys. They just keep replacing one scandal with another one. And sadly; it works.

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    Mute John Paul
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    Jul 4th 2025, 12:30 PM

    @John McEvoy: Because they were asked the question.I always have to laugh at people who give out about politicians answering questions.If he didn’t answer the question you’d be even more annoyed.

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    Mute Elliot Alderson
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    Jul 4th 2025, 12:39 PM

    @John Paul: I have to laugh at gobdaws like you replying to everyone as if you are some superior being when all you are is a ‘Doe’ troll.

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    Mute John McEvoy
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    Jul 4th 2025, 12:52 PM

    @Elliot Alderson: yep. He’s got a response to almost every message sent. And in response to it I’ll say because politicians have this knack for avoiding giving answers to questions. Especially Simon Harris and Martin.

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    Mute John Paul
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    Jul 4th 2025, 1:30 PM

    @Elliot Alderson: na,you’re the gobdaw,you are following a party that will NEVER get into government and are obviously like the rest of the entitled layabouts in here that feel you are not getting enough free stuff.As I said,cry harder,I can’t hear you.

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    Mute Elliot Alderson
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    Jul 4th 2025, 2:00 PM

    @John Paul: As I told you before you lying sos I’m ex FF and follow no party blindly anymore. I’m also almost 60 and have worked all my life and never have taken anything from the state title. But you continue the auld Leobot concannonbot spin and propaganda to label anyone who might dare criticise Gov failures as following parties ‘that will NEVER get into Government’ and/or ‘entitled layouts’. Your the ‘entitled’ ‘layabout’ in here every day, who hypocritically whinges about whinging, who insults people and smears people, while claiming to have some moral superiority when your don’t. You are are nothing but Gov apologist ‘Doe’ troll.

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    Mute Elliot Alderson
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    Jul 4th 2025, 2:00 PM

    @Elliot Alderson: ‘anything from the state test’

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    Mute Mary BINTon
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    Jul 4th 2025, 2:45 PM

    @John McEvoy: They are so far behind with their workloads, nothing is getting done, everything Gov’t related is delayed, and they’re panicking, FF & FG have failed miserably since becoming one in 2016.

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    Mute David Corrigan
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    Jul 4th 2025, 11:32 AM

    I wouldn’t believe the Lords word out of him. The man is a certifable liar and sleeveen.

    461
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    Mute barry williams
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    Jul 4th 2025, 11:35 AM

    @David Corrigan: 100% if he told you your name was David you would have to go home and check your birth cert just to make sure

    358
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    Mute David Corrigan
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    Jul 4th 2025, 12:19 PM

    @barry williams: Knowing our country is being managed by the likes of MM is gut wrenching. Completely clueless but what makes it worse is that he firmly believes he is a world leader and is doing a wonderful job.

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    Mute John Paul
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    Jul 4th 2025, 12:25 PM

    @David Corrigan: What makes it worse is the gobdaws in here like yourself think that Mary Lou is a world leader and would do a better job.cry harder till the next election and you’ll see that they will still be rejected.

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    Mute Elliot Alderson
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    Jul 4th 2025, 12:32 PM

    @John Paul: Your the gobdaw in here that gets triggered by any complaints of the Gov replying with your but, but SF bs. There is lots of people from all walks of life, think that this Gov conned the electorate to get votes and is an absolute joke at present, including even some that voted for FFG.

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    Mute John Paul
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    Jul 4th 2025, 12:42 PM

    @Elliot Alderson: No,I just correct people’s naivety that the opposition would be way better.Ive never said the government are doing a good job(go to ANY country and ask are their government doing a good job and they’ll tell you no)I don’t like this government,but I cannot stand any of the opposition.

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    Mute John Paul
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    Jul 4th 2025, 12:44 PM

    @Elliot Alderson: And the people spoke in the last election and they agree with me as well.The opposition were rejected rightfully again.This idea that the general public are thick and are sheep to keep on electing the same people is nonsense….They just don’t believe the opposition or trust them.

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    Mute D C
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    Jul 4th 2025, 1:03 PM

    @John Paul: what’s your ideas so or are you full of it?

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    Mute John Paul
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    Jul 4th 2025, 1:27 PM

    @D C: I’ve explained….until a better opposition party comes along(I won’t hold my breath)this crowd(who I’m not a fan of but am happier that they are in government)will always get in.

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    Mute Gerry Lamont
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    Jul 4th 2025, 1:46 PM

    @David Corrigan: Unfortunately for the rest of us non FFG voters their supporters believe he walks on water.

    198
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    Mute David Corrigan
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    Jul 4th 2025, 1:59 PM

    @John Paul: Where did I say that? From what I see, none of them can do the job they are handsomely paid to do. That’s both sides of the house.
    You need to cool your jets also when people call out the fact your party are not up to the job. Getting all worked like that will only make you sick.

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    Mute Mary BINTon
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    Jul 4th 2025, 3:03 PM

    @John Paul: Your a dole fraudster, you get paid 3c per post by the trolling company you work for in cash.

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    Mute John Paul
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    Jul 4th 2025, 3:32 PM

    @Mary BINTon: lol,I make about 10/15 posts a day…check back on today for example.So I’m due 30c today.lol.im in my fifties and I’ve worked all my life and am doing very well for myself as an electrician.Its always the same nonsense thrown at anybody that talks about the opposition negatively….You’re a paid bot,try harder Mary.

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    Mute Mary BINTon
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    Jul 4th 2025, 3:46 PM

    @John Paul: It’s not my fault you don’t have the skills to get a real job, and I wouldn’t blame you taking the 3c in cash per post. Every little helps.

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    Mute Niall Binéad
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    Jul 5th 2025, 6:11 PM

    @John Paul: give it a rest JP, you’re full of it just like your boss MM!

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    Mute BL Music
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    Jul 4th 2025, 12:05 PM

    20 Jan 2025 — The State spent €1.43 billion on accommodation for asylum seekers and Ukrainian refugees during the first nine months of 2024, according to the latest figures.

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    Mute P. J.
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    Jul 4th 2025, 12:23 PM

    @BL Music:
    Money well spent if it riles up the 0.6 percenters!

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    Mute John Paul
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    Jul 4th 2025, 12:28 PM

    @P. J.: Exactly,it comes out in all of the whingers in here,the people who made really bad beds for themselves in a booming economy and like to blame everyone else for their mistakes and bad decisions.

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    Mute Elliot Alderson
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    Jul 4th 2025, 12:38 PM

    @John Paul: stop whinging about your perceived whinging you hypocrite.

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    Mute John Paul
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    Jul 4th 2025, 1:25 PM

    @Elliot Alderson: Try again in English.

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    Mute Declan Young
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    Jul 4th 2025, 1:25 PM

    @John Paul: who do you blame for your bad grammar?

    159
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    Mute John Purcell
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    Jul 4th 2025, 1:26 PM

    There doesn’t seem to be any talk of increasing tax bands / credits for the group of people that pay for everything so far

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    Mute Paddy C
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    Jul 4th 2025, 11:40 AM

    Can’t believe a word of it, they’re absolutely hopeless. It’s moreso annoying knowing there’s a shower of incompetent clowns running the country along the edge of a cliff with public finances not be handled correctly. No way the country would be able to withstand a recession with huge numbers entering the country and then all ending up on social welfare the deficit would be catastrophic.

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    Mute Paddy C
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    Jul 4th 2025, 11:43 AM

    not to mention even more numbers claiming rent allowance etc we’re on thin ice with they’re management, absolutely careless and reckless.

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    Mute Jb Walshe
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    Jul 4th 2025, 1:51 PM

    Two habitual liars

    239
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    Mute Patrick Fitzgibbon
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    Jul 4th 2025, 11:53 AM

    Sad face ……happy face

    141
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    Mute Daniel Skelton
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    Jul 4th 2025, 12:28 PM

    Yes, we know they’re Gae and a Fail.

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    Mute Veil
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    Jul 4th 2025, 11:42 AM
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    Mute John Paul
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    Jul 4th 2025, 12:35 PM

    @Veil: You are not allowed to talk about social welfare fraud/disability fraud/council rent arrears/council housing wrecked.You are only allowed to whinge that not enough is handed to you for free and you’re not getting enough entitlements.

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    Mute Elliot Alderson
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    Jul 4th 2025, 12:41 PM

    @John Paul: oh look you nearly spammed everyone on the article, how classy of you.

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    Mute Thesaltyurchin
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    Jul 4th 2025, 1:17 PM

    @Veil: How many social welfare fraudsters are Irish you reckon? I’d say the entire rest of them apart from this lad! : ) kinda makes you wonder why it would only now be news tbh!

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    Mute John Paul
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    Jul 4th 2025, 1:21 PM

    @Elliot Alderson: I’m sure I included you a few times in the comment,probably why you are triggered.

    1
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    Mute Brian D'Arcy
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    Jul 4th 2025, 2:01 PM

    @John Paul: I have a disability and have no welfare payments, I bet not once in your life have you thought of how hard it is for people working with disabilities plus the fact that their financial costs are far higher than the ordinary worker,but is that attiyude of people who think only about themselves and ‘their’ money. In fact I’s imagine it sickens you that the state pays out for high-tech medication which the richest of the rich couldn’t afford throughout their life although I’d suspect you’d prefer to have them put down to save ‘your’ money.

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    Mute Veil
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    Jul 4th 2025, 2:29 PM

    @Thesaltyurchin: WRONG. An English woman was jailed recently for Illness benefit fraud. Don’t try to pull the racist card!

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    Mute Thesaltyurchin
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    Jul 4th 2025, 4:47 PM

    @Veil: Lol!… an ‘english’ woman you say? okay, so 2 people The rest all Irish we can agree? And this media site is picking up the trail eh? : )

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    Mute Ailbhe MacThomais
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    Jul 4th 2025, 11:41 AM

    Guaranteed the costs of asylum seekers and the other scamigrants won’t have any financial limits imposes as just to hurt the natives

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    Mute Veil
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    Jul 4th 2025, 11:43 AM
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    Mute John Paul
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    Jul 4th 2025, 12:31 PM

    @Ailbhe MacThomais: Pity the natives wouldn’t work to keep themselves warm and have personal responsibility for themselves.115K unemployed in a country with full employment.

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    Mute Elliot Alderson
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    Jul 4th 2025, 12:39 PM

    @John Paul: Pity you don’t stop trolling

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    Mute Shimo F
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    Jul 4th 2025, 12:57 PM

    @Veil: Crazy, should have been jailed or deported.

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    Mute Ailbhe MacThomais
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    Jul 4th 2025, 4:30 PM

    @John Paul: I have seen friends,relatives and neighbours had to give up work due to taking care of elderly relatives as can’t afford nursing homes or employers get tax right off to employ migrants over native people.

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    Mute Joe Beirne
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    Jul 4th 2025, 11:33 AM

    Re the story below with respect to alleviating prisoners anxiety, should they not feel anxious going to prison, is that not the point of the deterrent?

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    Mute Brendan O'Brien
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    Jul 4th 2025, 11:45 AM

    @Joe Beirne: The loss of freedom is the punishment and the deterrent. Additional punishments are not supposed to be piled on top of that.

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    Mute Joe Beirne
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    Jul 4th 2025, 12:19 PM

    @Brendan O’Brien: Give over, you think they think about your feelings?

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    Mute Brian D'Arcy
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    Jul 4th 2025, 1:56 PM

    @Joe Beirne: He is right no matter how much you disagree with him. Instead of punsihing prisoners even further, their loss of freedom should be put to good use in helping them leave the prison and never come back by such simple things as teaching them to support themselves in the real world. What you seek is to keep them coming back to prison hence institutionalising them for life. Break the trend and you get them out the lifestyle that has brought them to that position, in fact the way things are, they are more likely to leave prison with a drug habit, even if they didn’t have one before.

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    Mute Joe Beirne
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    Jul 4th 2025, 2:33 PM

    @Brian D’Arcy: And we wonder why the country is the way it is.

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    Mute James King
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    Jul 4th 2025, 11:42 AM

    Social welfare is too high anyway. Huge amount of population doesn’t work in claims disability gets free housing .

    Increased payments should be for those who actually paid into the tax system over years and for X Y or Z reason lost their job

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    Mute Jimmy Kiely
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    Jul 4th 2025, 11:54 AM

    @James King: where are they getting the free houses, not a house anywhere in the country for reasonable rent. Plus we’re been told the affordable houses in Dublin are coming in around a half a million euros, what family can afford those prices and still have a life after.

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    Mute John Paul
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    Jul 4th 2025, 12:33 PM

    @Jimmy Kiely: Tens of thousands of council houses in this country are free….ie,people’pay’ their rent out of their dole.

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    Mute Elliot Alderson
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    Jul 4th 2025, 12:40 PM

    @John Paul: more rubbish troll

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    Mute Fiona Wyse
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    Jul 4th 2025, 1:02 PM

    @John Paul: correction it’s not their dole money it’s their wages…. this one makes me laugh every time whenever I hear it.

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    Mute thomas molloy
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    Jul 4th 2025, 11:47 AM

    Other countries are social engendering their work shy towards Ireland by restricting welfare payments. Overloaded lifeboats sinking springs to mind.

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    Mute Hunt Ley
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    Jul 4th 2025, 3:26 PM

    If asylum seekers can find work, why can job seekers not find same? No more money for chronically unemployed.

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    Mute S banter
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    Jul 5th 2025, 4:39 PM

    @Hunt Ley: a lot of home grown people are lazy and feel entitled. Even when they have contributed absolutely nothing, they demand everything.

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