The Echo Chamber from Tortoise Shack

It was a pleasure to be joined by singer, songwriter and longtime activist, Mary Coughlan in advance of tomorrow's National Maternity Hospital Rally.

In this short podcast Mary talks about her history of standing up against Church and State and why recent events around the world show us why it is essential that we do not allow a public hospital be privately owned.

See you at the Rally tomorrow.

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Closing Schools to Pay the Debt!

This Reboot Republic talks to Dereje Alemayehu, Executive Coordinator of the Nobel Prize nominated Global Alliance for Tax Justice. Dereje has served as Senior Economic Justice Advisor at Christian Aid. Prior to that he was Christian Aid’s Country Manager for East Africa for 15 years and he has a PhD in Economics.

We discuss the African debt crisis , and where it came from, and what are the solutions. How it results from scavenger capitalism, how western countries and their financial institutions such as the IMF, and banks, have imposed austerity, and forced African countries into poverty and essentially destroying them to get them to pay pack their debt, while multinationals make massive profits while paying very little tax to African countries, and how the west extracts huge natural resources. The solution is action through the UN - to get a coordinated international response, based on solidarity, and Ireland has a key role.

More info:https://www.globaltaxjustice.org/

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You might have seen this week that Octogenarian Anti-War Activists, Ken Mayers and Tarak Kauff were found guilty of interfering with the operation, management or safety of Shannon airport.

Joining me to discuss this and their treatment by the Irish State is spokesperson for Shannonwatch, Edward Horgan. We discuss the fine of €10,000 that was imposed in addition to them already having received other penalties. Edward talks about the anti-war movement and Ireland's neutrality through the prisim of our role in assisting the US War Machine.

You can support Shannonwatch here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/u7p6wj-support-vets-fighting-us-war-machine-in-ireland?fbclid=IwAR0-CnXnaqmBoKRxOFKW5wDN38MrtcVL8lCrX7ml2ES-jFYWbeRZNY1Jupw

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On this episode of Policed The Beat, Vicky is joined by Echo Chamber Cohost, Tony Groves and Director of UglyMugs.ie, Lucy Smith.

They discuss the recent story in the Irish Examiner by Aoife Moore - Hundreds of reports of men claiming to be Gardaí attacking sex workers - Here:https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40858064.html

Lucy talks about the fears sex workers have in going to the Garda for help, the ways they feel dehumanised and how this mindset alongside inadequate laws has made them more vulnerable to predatory practices. We discuss what can be done and ask if there's any political will do actually do it.

We want to thank Lucy for her time on what is an issue that needs much more coverage than it receives.

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While the Government are trying to give assurances about the ownership of the National Maternity Hospital, the public, several politicians and many legal experts are far from convinced. Joining me to discuss the #MakeNMHOurs campaign and their deep concerns over the lack of transparency and many aspects of this deal are Bernie Linnane, Karen Sugrue and JoAnne Neary.

Rather than spreading disinformation as claimed by Minister Donnelly, the campaign is only asking valid questions and looking to protect rights hard earned into the future. Please have a listen and join us on May 14th at the Rally!

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Why we need Personal Assistant Services with James Cawley of ILMI

This Reboot Republic talks to the always wonderful James Cawley, policy officer with Independent Living Movement Ireland (ILMI) and proud disabled person, about the ILMI's campaign for Personal Assistant Services for disabled people, to be available as a right.

The ILMI is led by disabled people and James explains how it promotes a rights-based social model of disability, challenging the charity/medical view of disability. James outlines the barriers in society such as the lack of Personal Assistant Services that prevent the active and equal participation of disabled people. We also discuss how the housing crisis has a particular impact on disabled people who face additional costs of living.

The podcast is released to mark European Independent Living Day and the ILMI is hosting a webinar today about their campaign for Personal Assistant Services. Check out ILMI or email [email protected] to find out more.

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For over a year now, Echo Chamber Cohost Martin McMahon has been digging into an issue he spotted with the Public Services Card. Thanks to the great work of investigative reporter at Noteworthy/The Journal, Maria Delaney, we can now reveal what is massive state surveillance that has no legal basis.

Martin, Maria and Data Solicitor, Simon McGarr joined Tony to tell you how it was happening and what the Dept of Social Protection have done about it. This is a scandal that has repercussions for the Free Travel Pass and the Leap Card. You can read Maria's full report here:https://www.thejournal.ie/prev/5752187/dv1cOo3Tf7J6/

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This Reboot Podcast talks to Dr Rob Sweeney of TASC and author of the new report 'Trading Places: Report on Land and Housing'.

Rory and Rob discuss what role land speculation plays in our housing crisis, and how it impacts on market supply of housing, and what role the state could be playing in being an active manager and purchaser of land to provide affordable housing. They discuss the value of setting up a state construction company and how to tackle dereliction.

Read the Excellent Report - Trading Places - here:https://www.tasc.ie/assets/files/pdf/tasc_report_on_land_and_housing.pdf

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It was a pleasure to be joined by Dublin Inquirer Reporter, Shamim Malekmian, Prison Officer Whistleblower, Noel McGree and Martin for our rundown of the week that was.

We discuss the State failing to recognise Climate Refugees, the investigation into Prison catering services, the US student debt campaign's links to Ireland, a terrible week for Roderic O'Gorman, Ukraine, cost of living, intimidation of political candidates in NI and the handling of deaths in childbirth by the HSE investigative unit.

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It was a pleasure to be joined on the tortoise shack by human rights campaigner, proud Traveller and activist, Rose Marie Maughan, to hear about the reality behind the shocking quality of life statistics that she shares as part of her activism.

We discuss how Traveller children are traumatised by the education system and decades of neglect. We discuss the fatigue and frustration of having to continue to reach out to others who have preconceived ideas about you and your community. Rose Marie talks about the need for really allyship and people power that will raise up all marginalised groups in our society. Please have a listen.

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Follow Rose Marie @Minceirbeoir