‘Understanding Palestine’ talk next week
‘Understanding Palestine’ is the title of a public event in the Galway Mechanics’ Institute, Middle Street, on Thursday next January 11 at 8 pm.
The event is jointly organised by the Galway Council of Trade Unions, and the Irish Centre for the Histories of Labour and Class, based at the University of Galway. Two invited speakers will present papers on aspects of the background to the ongoing conflict.
Zoë Lawlor, chair of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign, will provide a historical overview of circumstances in the region.
Rania Muhareb, a researcher at the Irish Centre for Human Rights at the University of Galway, will discuss the background to South Africa’s referral of a case to the International Court of Justice, on the basis of its claim that Israel is carrying out ‘genocidal acts’ in Gaza.
Admission to the event is free and all are welcome.
Markey calls for tech grants for older people
Government schemes to help older people live in their homes for longer are outdated and need a complete overhaul, according to Fine Gael’s Colm Markey.
The Midlands-North-West MEP said that funding for the Seniors Alert Scheme should be amended to include assistive technology.
Certain people over the age of 65 can avail of a personal monitored alarm as part of the scheme.
However, MEP Markey said there are other types of technology that can allow older people live more independently:
“The Seniors Alert Scheme has been a hugely successful initiative and has given many families peace of mind however I believe we should go further. In the near decade since the scheme was introduced, technology has come on leaps and bounds. Many different types of devices and robotics are now available which can improve mobility, communication and security. We need to start thinking how to prevent an emergency in the home rather than responding to one and these technologies could make a huge difference.
MEP Markley said he believes there is scope within the SAS or other schemes to include assistive technologies such as health monitoring devices or even simple things like iPads to allow older people stay in touch with family and friends more regularly and avoid loneliness.
“Allowing older people to live in their homes for longer has many benefits including continued social engagement within the community, being close to a trusted support network and lower care costs.
“With our population reaching an all-time high, we need to think about how to better support our older people, and technology can play a key role in improving their quality of life and allowing them to live independently.
I welcome the recent announcement of 2.7 million being made available to the Seniors Alert Scheme in 2024 but call on the Government to examine the potential role that new technologies can play in improving the lives of older people and allowing them live in their homes for longer,” he concluded.
