Gerry Adams says Dáil bar should be subject to normal licensing laws
Bars in the Dáil should be subject to the same licensing laws as every other establishment, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams.
His comments follow speculation that TDs had been drinking the Dáil’s private members’ bar during the discussion his week on the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill, which was debated for 13 hours on Wednesday night and into Thursday morning.
Speaking today Deputy Adams said there is an onus on Oireachtas members to be sober and correct when debating and voting on legislation.
“There has been an understandable focus once again on the opening hours of the Dáil bars,” he said.
“It is the intention of Sinn Féin to ensure that the sale of alcohol in these establishments is subject to the same licensing laws as every other establishment.”
Leinster House has two bars. One is the public bar which closes at normal hours and is open to members, journalists, Oireachtas staff, and the general public admitted to the grounds, while the other is a private members’ bar which only TDs and senators can enter.
“It is ridiculous that alcohol is available here, as it was during the debate on the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill, until five in the morning,” Deputy Adams added.
“There is also obviously an onus on Oireachtas members to be sober and correct when debating and voting on legislation which affects every citizen in this state.
“This behaviour would not be acceptable in any other work place. This is a work place and it should not be acceptable here.”
The Government has denied there was excess drinking during the abortion debate and defended sitting through the night.
Drugs misuse linked to 110 deaths in North of Ireland last year
Police still investigating deaths linked to ‘Green Rolex’ ecstasy tablets
About 110 people died in Northern Ireland last year as a consequence of drugs misuse. Police are still investigating a number of deaths linked to ‘Green Rolex’ ecstasy tablets.
About 110 people died in Northern Ireland last year as a consequence of drugs misuse.
Minister for Health Edwin Poots reiterated the dangers as police continued to investigate a recent spate of eight sudden deaths in the region linked to illegal substances.
Two of the deaths have been linked to a lethal batch of fake ecstasy tablets, so-called “Green Rolexes”.
The type of pills, which are embossed with a crown, have also been linked to seven deaths of young people in Scotland in recent months.
The other six sudden deaths being investigated by police in Northern Ireland potentially involved other drugs.
The eight people who died in greater Belfast and Coleraine over recent weeks were all aged in their 20s and 30s.
On Friday Mr Poots was briefed by senior police and community representatives about the drugs problem.
“The recent deaths of eight people in Northern Ireland are tragic and my thoughts and sympathies are with the families, but I must make it clear that this is by no means an isolated incident,” he said.
“Around 110 people died last year as a result of drugs misuse, whether that’s prescription drugs or illegal drugs — about nine people per month.
“This is far too many and totally unacceptable. No drugs are safe, the illegal drugs industry is not regulated and people have absolutely no idea what they are putting into their bodies, so I urge people to think again before taking any illegal drugs.
Mr Poots said he was particularly concerned about the ongoing availability of psychoactive substances, sometimes referred to as legal highs.
“These substances are not safe and in many cases when tested they have been found to contain banned drugs,” he said. “Therefore, by taking these substances you are risking your health, and also risking being prosecuted.”
Lapgate TD Tom Barry not relishing facing his wife Kathleen
Fine Gael Cork TD Tom Barry pictured above with Aine Collins admitted he was not looking forward to facing his wife after he caused major controversy by pulling a female TD on to his lap during an early morning Dáil abortion debate.
“I have put my two hands up and said I am sorry. It won’t happen again. I did a really stupid thing but I had no intention of offending anyone or being sexist,” said the Cork East TD.
The incident took place just before 3am in the chamber on Thursday as TDs gathered for a vote on the abortion legislation. A video capturing Mr Barry pulling Áine Collins on to his knee became an internet sensation.
Speaking from Dublin yesterday morning, Mr Barry said he “was getting hammered” but he “deserved it”. He said he would go home soon to his wife Dr Kathleen Quane, a lecturer in anatomy at UCC. The couple live in Killavullen and have three children.
Last month, Mr Barry, a regular Mass-goer who initially had serious concerns about the abortion legislation, spoke of how he had been given assurances by Catholic Church leaders that he would not be excommunicated for supporting the bill. He said he received “a very decent letter” from Cardinal Seán Brady assuring him he would still be welcome in the Church but outlining the Church’s stance on the then-proposed legislation.
Cork TD Áine Collins has said she is embarrassed about the incident but that she does not believe she was mistreated.
Speaking to the Irish Examiner yesterday, she said: “I’m finally getting to Cork. We’re all tired, it’s been a long week and I want to get away from it all.”
Asked if her husband had said anything about the incident, she replied: “I haven’t really spoken to him yet. It’s just been a very long week.”
Asked if she felt she had been mistreated, the Cork North West TD replied: “No. It was unfortunate. I just want to get away.”
She said it was “factually correct” to say she was embarrassed by the whole incident. Ms Collins said Taoiseach Enda Kenny had spoken to her about the incident. She said she did not want to comment further on the issue.
8 very effective herbs for your Heart’s Health and lifestyle
Improved functioning of the heart depends highly on the quality of blood and blood flow. This can be achieved by proper intake of quality food, a healthy exercise regime, and a general diet and lifestyle that are both healthy and balanced.
In addition to all this, however, natural supplements that support the nourishment of your body and help provide it the right amount of additional energy, never hurt. These supplements can be found in several herbs that enhance efforts to maintain a healthy, beneficial-for-heart lifestyle.
Several herbs have become famously known over centuries for their healing and supportive properties in favor of the heart.
Below are eight of the most effective herbs for a healthy heart.
Oregano. Known for its ability to prevent and cure several ailments to a great extent, oregano is a rich source for controlling cholesterol& fighting dietary fiber, as well as antioxidants such as vitamin-C. (To store fresh oregano, snip off its tips and keep the stalks upright in some water, just like flowers.)
Antioxidants fight against free radicals (which are basically charged molecules capable of causing undesired chemical reactions) and thus help prevent heart disease, among other health issues. Oregano helps fight off inflammation inducing free radicals, and protect the heart against ‘bad’ cholesterol (LDL).
Green Tea. Green tea is becoming increasingly known for its benefits to the heart. Cells that line the blood vessels in and around the heart are delicate, and consumption of green tea briskly improves their health, condition and performance. The 2008 issue of European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation reported that researchers have found green tea to improve blood vessel function within 30 minutes of consumption! Green tea has a high concentration of the antioxidant/flavonoid called ECGC (EpiGalloCatechinGallate).
Garlic (Allium sativum). There is a reason that most cultures include garlic as an ingredient in their culinary preparations: the Egyptians are known to have found more than 195 medical uses for the herb! The Chinese too, value the herb to such an extent that one of their everyday teas is Garlic-based. Furthermore, several studies have shown that a single clove of garlic a day (which roughly translates into 500 – 1000 mg in powder form) is good for healthy cholesterol levels. Similar studies have also proven garlic to be a blood pressure normalizer.
Regular consumption of this herb treats Atherosclerosis as it softens arteries by breaking the cholesterol and fat that cling to their inner walls, improving their flexibility.
Hawthorn (CrataegusOxycanthus). Scientific research provides evidence for positive correlation between hawthorn and blood vessel dilation, which lowers blood pressure. It thus leads to an overall stronger heart that can then function better, providing improved blood circulation and oxygen reach to the rest of the body. The component of hawthorn responsible for this chain of benefits is the pigment found in hawthorn berries, flowers and even its leaves, which contain strong antioxidant properties.
Hawthorn is also known for ensuring even distribution and effective use of Vitamin C reserves, protecting and improving the functioning of smaller capillaries and vessels.
Lavender. Lavender oil is known for its abundant antiseptic, antibacterial and sedative properties. Its balancing effects help strengthen the heart’s cardiac muscles, which improves contraction and relaxation of the heart’s arteries and ventricles. Its sedative properties also help reduce palpitations and general hypertension.
Chokeberry. More formally known as Aronia berries and rich in vitamins A, C and K, chokeberries were found by researchers in 2010 to be beneficial for people with metabolic syndrome, patients of which suffer from several health problems that increase the risk of heart disease. A rich source of antioxidants, it is known to significantly decrease blood pressure and LDL.
Ginseng. Ginseng is essentially an immune system booster. Studies have provided promising correlations between ginseng and reduced blood pressure as well as reduced heart disease risk. Slight precaution is advised as ginseng increases blood pressure in some people.
Ginkgo (Gingko Biloba). Gingko is more famous for its memory improving effects, but it is a powerful natural medicine for cerebrovascular disease. Ginkgo leaf extracts have been proven by studies to dilate vessels, thus leading to increased blood flow. It is also known to prevent and reduce congealing of blood platelets. Improved blood circulation to all major organs help reduce the risk of strokes.
The easiest and most effective way to consume these herbs is in their tea form – just brew these herbs in water, add a bit of lemon or cinnamon here and a bit of honey there for additional taste, and you’re good to go.
Of course, these should be used as per your doctor’s consultation, especially if you are already on other medication or prone to allergic reactions.
Swimming with Dolphins do they have mystical powers that heal the sick?
Do dolphins have special, mystical powers than can heal the sick and reduce the symptoms of autism and other developmental disorders? An entire industry has sprung up around this utterly unproven belief, taking advantage of the deep bonds that humans yearn to experience with these animals, the most intelligent creatures of the sea.
Dolphin Assisted Therapy (DAT), where patients enter the water with captive dolphins at “swim with” facilities, is expensive. And according to scientists who have investigated the practice, there is no hard evidence to prove it is effective, or even safe.
Take-Part has reported on swim-with-dolphin programs, even a couple seeking “dolphin-assisted birth.”
Dr. Lori Marino, a leading neuroscientist and dolphin expert at Emory University and The Kimmela Center for Animal Advocacy, is an unrelenting opponent of DAT, swim-with programs, and indeed any form of captivity for marine mammals.
Marino recently published a blistering critique of DAT in Aeon magazine, and agreed to speak with Take-Part about the industry’s claims, myths, and potential dangers to humans and dolphins alike.
Take-Part: Give us a brief history of swim-with-dolphins and dolphin-assisted-therapy (DAT) programs. When and where did they begin?
Dr. Lori Marino: DAT formally began through the efforts of the educational anthropologist Betsy Smith, then at Florida International University. In 1971 Smith watched as her mentally disabled brother waded into the water with two adolescent dolphins. She noted that the dolphins treated him gently as though they knew he was disabled. Soon after, Smith established therapy programs at two facilities in Florida, offering them free of charge. But she later concluded that DAT was ineffective and exploitative of both the dolphins and the human patients, and in 2003 she publicly denounced it, calling it “cynical and deceptive.”
When did you start opposing them, and why?The first time I heard about DAT was in the 1990s. At that time my colleague Scott Lilienfeld and I decided we would find out for ourselves whether there was any validity to it. I knew about dolphins, and he knew about therapy. So it was a perfect match. We conducted an extensive methodological analysis of all the published DAT studies at that time and concluded in our own 1998 paper that the studies were so poorly done that they could not support the claim that DAT is effective.
We conducted a similar analysis on more DAT papers, came to the same conclusion and published our results in 2007. So I did not set out to “oppose” DAT but it was clear from the outset that this was an industry making unsubstantiated claims.Is there an estimated number of swim-with/DAT centers, and dolphins held captive by that industry?DAT has proliferated globally throughout Asia, Europe, Mexico, the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean with several centers in the United States, mainly in Florida and Hawaii.
It is uncertain how many dolphins are involved because it is difficult to obtain records from facilities in other countries. As many as 18 U.S. facilities offer some kind of “dolphin encounter” program, including DAT. The number of bottlenose dolphins currently living in captive facilities around the world is in the hundreds, with many thousands having perished in captivity.
Exactly what happens during a DAT session and how much do they cost?DAT typically involves several sessions either swimming with or interacting with captive dolphins, while more conventional tasks, such as puzzles and motor exercises, are offered, which amounts to standard behavioral therapy in most cases.
The typical price of DAT sessions is $2,000 to $6,000 dollars, not including travel and accommodations and it is important to note that the cost of DAT is significantly higher than what one would pay if one went to a traditional facility for the same kinds of therapeutic interventions without the dolphin.
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