Melissa
@melissabreen.bsky.social
writer | screenwriter | editor | tiocfaidh ar lá | saoirse don Phalaistíne | sí/í
There's no such thing as non-political art!!! It's the whole entire point of art!!! If you try to claim your art doesn't mean anything, that in itself is a meaning. Staying apolitical is a political choice and a political statement. If it's not political it's not art, it's just a piece of paper
February 14, 2026 at 12:49 PM
There's no such thing as non-political art!!! It's the whole entire point of art!!! If you try to claim your art doesn't mean anything, that in itself is a meaning. Staying apolitical is a political choice and a political statement. If it's not political it's not art, it's just a piece of paper
Reposted by Melissa
🚨 In a remarkable twist, one of Europe’s most pro-Palestine nations may face off against the world’s most anti-Palestine thugs — boycott NOW!
www.thecanary.co/uk/analysis/...
www.thecanary.co/uk/analysis/...
"Boycott Israel" — Irish football team rally against Zionist sport-washing
In a remarkable twist, one of Europe’s most pro-Palestine nations may face off against the world’s most anti-Palestine thugs — boycott now!
www.thecanary.co
February 14, 2026 at 10:31 AM
🚨 In a remarkable twist, one of Europe’s most pro-Palestine nations may face off against the world’s most anti-Palestine thugs — boycott NOW!
www.thecanary.co/uk/analysis/...
www.thecanary.co/uk/analysis/...
Mentally ill people are being sent to prison because there isn't enough space in our psychiatric hospitals
www.rte.ie/news/investi...
www.rte.ie/news/investi...
Pressure mounts over mentally ill people held in prisons
In the days following RTÉ Investigates' two-part documentary on acute psychiatric care, questions about how the State treats its most vulnerable patients moved quickly to what needs to happen next.
www.rte.ie
February 14, 2026 at 10:33 AM
Mentally ill people are being sent to prison because there isn't enough space in our psychiatric hospitals
www.rte.ie/news/investi...
www.rte.ie/news/investi...
Our medical system is so close to collapse. We need more doctors, more nurses, and more physical infrastructure
Women are contemplating paying cash for private treatment in the west and north-west of the country due to the long wait time they are experiencing between their breast cancer diagnosis and appointments for public service therapies, an Oireachtas committee was told this week jrnl.ie/6956697
jrnl.ie
February 14, 2026 at 10:14 AM
Our medical system is so close to collapse. We need more doctors, more nurses, and more physical infrastructure
Reposted by Melissa
Today! Saturday 14th, join the #DropAllianz protest at Croke Park. No business with funders of apartheid Israel’s genocide of Palestinians.
#BDS #FreePalestine
#BDS #FreePalestine
February 14, 2026 at 9:23 AM
Today! Saturday 14th, join the #DropAllianz protest at Croke Park. No business with funders of apartheid Israel’s genocide of Palestinians.
#BDS #FreePalestine
#BDS #FreePalestine
Reposted by Melissa
‘Former Washington Post staff writer Gillian Brockell has been tracking the movements of ICE-contracted aircraft and documenting repeated stopovers in Shannon since last May.’
- Colin Sheridan @gbrockell.bsky.social www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...
- Colin Sheridan @gbrockell.bsky.social www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...
Shannon Airport and ICE deportation flights raise fresh questions over Irish neutrality
ICE deportation stopovers at Shannon Airport reignite debate about neutrality, accountability and Ireland’s complicity in US removals
www.irishexaminer.com
February 14, 2026 at 6:12 AM
‘Former Washington Post staff writer Gillian Brockell has been tracking the movements of ICE-contracted aircraft and documenting repeated stopovers in Shannon since last May.’
- Colin Sheridan @gbrockell.bsky.social www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...
- Colin Sheridan @gbrockell.bsky.social www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...
Reposted by Melissa
No ICE in Ireland.
I know our Taoiseach is allergic to doing anything about anything, but this needs to be a red line.
#speirgorm
I know our Taoiseach is allergic to doing anything about anything, but this needs to be a red line.
#speirgorm
‘Former Washington Post staff writer Gillian Brockell has been tracking the movements of ICE-contracted aircraft and documenting repeated stopovers in Shannon since last May.’
- Colin Sheridan @gbrockell.bsky.social www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...
- Colin Sheridan @gbrockell.bsky.social www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...
Shannon Airport and ICE deportation flights raise fresh questions over Irish neutrality
ICE deportation stopovers at Shannon Airport reignite debate about neutrality, accountability and Ireland’s complicity in US removals
www.irishexaminer.com
February 14, 2026 at 8:07 AM
No ICE in Ireland.
I know our Taoiseach is allergic to doing anything about anything, but this needs to be a red line.
#speirgorm
I know our Taoiseach is allergic to doing anything about anything, but this needs to be a red line.
#speirgorm
This is also due to the housing crisis and the cost of living crisis. If you're suicidal because of your circumstances then you need a change in circumstances. You can't positive think your way out of poverty www.thejournal.ie/suicides-aft...
Hundreds of people died by suspected suicide after recent contact with HSE services
Almost 450 suicides were reported to the HSE between 2022 and 2024 by healthcare staff across a range of patient services, including Emergency Departments.
www.thejournal.ie
February 13, 2026 at 8:02 PM
This is also due to the housing crisis and the cost of living crisis. If you're suicidal because of your circumstances then you need a change in circumstances. You can't positive think your way out of poverty www.thejournal.ie/suicides-aft...
Reposted by Melissa
In incredible news, the European Parliament has voted overwhelmingly for "The Full Recognition Of Trans Women As Women."
Even the center-right European People's Party voted for the declaration.
It will form a foundation for their position at the UN Commission on the Status of Women.
Our latest.
Even the center-right European People's Party voted for the declaration.
It will form a foundation for their position at the UN Commission on the Status of Women.
Our latest.
European Parliament Votes Overwhelmingly For "The Full Recognition Of Trans Women As Women"
The resolution, though nonbinding, is a significant shot at those who seek to erode transgender rights on the continent.
www.erininthemorning.com
February 13, 2026 at 5:17 PM
In incredible news, the European Parliament has voted overwhelmingly for "The Full Recognition Of Trans Women As Women."
Even the center-right European People's Party voted for the declaration.
It will form a foundation for their position at the UN Commission on the Status of Women.
Our latest.
Even the center-right European People's Party voted for the declaration.
It will form a foundation for their position at the UN Commission on the Status of Women.
Our latest.
Meta is continually going out of its way to put women in more danger. Their glasses are already the creepiest thing ever. Most of society sees owning them as a massive red flag. Yet they're making them even creepier and more dangerous??
Facebook plans to put facial recognition in its glasses and they think we’re too stupid to fight back.
Their internal memo: “We will launch during a dynamic political environment where many civil society groups that we would expect to attack us would have their resources focused on other concerns.”
Their internal memo: “We will launch during a dynamic political environment where many civil society groups that we would expect to attack us would have their resources focused on other concerns.”
Meta Plans to Add Facial Recognition Technology to Its Smart Glasses
www.nytimes.com
February 13, 2026 at 6:18 PM
Meta is continually going out of its way to put women in more danger. Their glasses are already the creepiest thing ever. Most of society sees owning them as a massive red flag. Yet they're making them even creepier and more dangerous??
Reposted by Melissa
Facebook plans to put facial recognition in its glasses and they think we’re too stupid to fight back.
Their internal memo: “We will launch during a dynamic political environment where many civil society groups that we would expect to attack us would have their resources focused on other concerns.”
Their internal memo: “We will launch during a dynamic political environment where many civil society groups that we would expect to attack us would have their resources focused on other concerns.”
Meta Plans to Add Facial Recognition Technology to Its Smart Glasses
www.nytimes.com
February 13, 2026 at 12:16 PM
Facebook plans to put facial recognition in its glasses and they think we’re too stupid to fight back.
Their internal memo: “We will launch during a dynamic political environment where many civil society groups that we would expect to attack us would have their resources focused on other concerns.”
Their internal memo: “We will launch during a dynamic political environment where many civil society groups that we would expect to attack us would have their resources focused on other concerns.”
Reposted by Melissa
Love that an English hotel chain sets up in Dublin and five minutes later is going to the courts to try and shut down a long-running staple of our nightlife.
Hoxton? More like Poxton, amirite?
Hoxton? More like Poxton, amirite?
February 13, 2026 at 4:07 PM
Love that an English hotel chain sets up in Dublin and five minutes later is going to the courts to try and shut down a long-running staple of our nightlife.
Hoxton? More like Poxton, amirite?
Hoxton? More like Poxton, amirite?
Reposted by Melissa
40% of children in homelessness experience serious mental health impacts.
This is a child protection issue, and the Social Democrats do have solutions.
Start with a ban on evicting families into homelessness.
This is a child protection issue, and the Social Democrats do have solutions.
Start with a ban on evicting families into homelessness.
February 13, 2026 at 2:00 PM
40% of children in homelessness experience serious mental health impacts.
This is a child protection issue, and the Social Democrats do have solutions.
Start with a ban on evicting families into homelessness.
This is a child protection issue, and the Social Democrats do have solutions.
Start with a ban on evicting families into homelessness.
Reposted by Melissa
I know that this is exactly what those opposed to our existence are afraid of: that knowledge = identity shifts. But the thing ppl keep failing to realize is this: my identity never changed. I just gained the framework to express & accept it, & am much happier & healthier for it. +
February 13, 2026 at 2:10 PM
I know that this is exactly what those opposed to our existence are afraid of: that knowledge = identity shifts. But the thing ppl keep failing to realize is this: my identity never changed. I just gained the framework to express & accept it, & am much happier & healthier for it. +
Reposted by Melissa
Alternatively, if you come out as a child with the support of your parents, you are able to experience this adjustment within a context of loving support. Plus your appearance is pretty easy to adjust, bc young people look more alike.
February 12, 2026 at 5:39 PM
Alternatively, if you come out as a child with the support of your parents, you are able to experience this adjustment within a context of loving support. Plus your appearance is pretty easy to adjust, bc young people look more alike.
Reposted by Melissa
It was believed in medieval times that hedgehogs had spikes so they could roll over fruit to carry home to their children, which is not true but is a really cute idea
February 13, 2026 at 11:26 AM
It was believed in medieval times that hedgehogs had spikes so they could roll over fruit to carry home to their children, which is not true but is a really cute idea
Here is a petition to urge the Football Association of Ireland to boycott any game with genocidal Israel and to demand the UEFA stop Israel, who are committing mass murder, from playing.
my.uplift.ie/petitions/fa...
my.uplift.ie/petitions/fa...
FAI Boycott Israel Games!
Ireland should not play UEFA games against Israel. We should demand Israel are banned from the competition. Sign and share the petition if you agree
my.uplift.ie
February 13, 2026 at 1:41 PM
Here is a petition to urge the Football Association of Ireland to boycott any game with genocidal Israel and to demand the UEFA stop Israel, who are committing mass murder, from playing.
my.uplift.ie/petitions/fa...
my.uplift.ie/petitions/fa...
Reposted by Melissa
This is an important finding, as many people are blamed for their poor health. Lifestyle is important up till one point, but lifestyle is dependent on the socioeconomic situation and that is often not in the hands of the individual.
Genetics bring with them the fact that illness is often random.
Genetics bring with them the fact that illness is often random.
"In other words, the historical sway of extrinsic factors in those studies was obscuring just how influential intrinsic factors — the DNA that we inherit from our ancestors — truly are. The new estimate was based on accounting for some of those muddling data points."
www.statnews.com/2026/01/29/h...
www.statnews.com/2026/01/29/h...
Genes influence human lifespan far more than thought, new study suggests
How big of a role do our genes play in our lifespan? Quite a bit more than previously thought, a new study suggests.
www.statnews.com
February 13, 2026 at 1:27 PM
This is an important finding, as many people are blamed for their poor health. Lifestyle is important up till one point, but lifestyle is dependent on the socioeconomic situation and that is often not in the hands of the individual.
Genetics bring with them the fact that illness is often random.
Genetics bring with them the fact that illness is often random.
If you're using alt text for anything other than explaining what is visible in the image you are making it even less accessible. It's not there for your extra thoughts or when you can't fit your words into a post. You're misusing it and making things so much harder for the visually impaired
February 13, 2026 at 12:07 PM
If you're using alt text for anything other than explaining what is visible in the image you are making it even less accessible. It's not there for your extra thoughts or when you can't fit your words into a post. You're misusing it and making things so much harder for the visually impaired
Reposted by Melissa
"Space for kids, just like affordable housing and culture, should be a fundamental part of Dublin’s planning," writes Neil Dunne, of the inspiration for the illustration he did for our print edition #119. www.dublininquirer.c...
February 13, 2026 at 9:40 AM
"Space for kids, just like affordable housing and culture, should be a fundamental part of Dublin’s planning," writes Neil Dunne, of the inspiration for the illustration he did for our print edition #119. www.dublininquirer.c...
Reposted by Melissa
I have a piece in Today's @irishexaminer on some major problems with the Garda Powers Bill
An Garda Síochána has routinely denied it racially profiles – & repudiate evidence of racial profiling by denying there's data
This Bill fails to get that data
www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...
An Garda Síochána has routinely denied it racially profiles – & repudiate evidence of racial profiling by denying there's data
This Bill fails to get that data
www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...
New Garda powers bill could conceal abuses
Gardaí can consistently deny racial profiling because there is no data on who is stopped and searched — but the new powers bill doesn't allow this data to be collected. Why, asks Cian Ó Concubhair
www.irishexaminer.com
February 13, 2026 at 9:41 AM
I have a piece in Today's @irishexaminer on some major problems with the Garda Powers Bill
An Garda Síochána has routinely denied it racially profiles – & repudiate evidence of racial profiling by denying there's data
This Bill fails to get that data
www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...
An Garda Síochána has routinely denied it racially profiles – & repudiate evidence of racial profiling by denying there's data
This Bill fails to get that data
www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...
Reposted by Melissa
'The proposed (LNG) project would be close to a €1bn investment in new fossil fuel infrastructure. This is completely inconsistent with Ireland's legal climate obligations.'
Dr Aideen O'Dochartaigh appearing at recent Oireachtas Committee session on proposed 'Gas Bill'
@aideenod.bsky.social
Dr Aideen O'Dochartaigh appearing at recent Oireachtas Committee session on proposed 'Gas Bill'
@aideenod.bsky.social
A report to the Minister is being drafted this week. Follow the @uplift.ie link to let TDs and Senators on this committee know that the public do not support climate-wrecking LNG!
action.uplift.ie/campaigns/em...
Dr Aideen O'Dochartaigh on behalf of @antaisce.bsky.social at last week's hearings:
action.uplift.ie/campaigns/em...
Dr Aideen O'Dochartaigh on behalf of @antaisce.bsky.social at last week's hearings:
February 12, 2026 at 4:26 PM
'The proposed (LNG) project would be close to a €1bn investment in new fossil fuel infrastructure. This is completely inconsistent with Ireland's legal climate obligations.'
Dr Aideen O'Dochartaigh appearing at recent Oireachtas Committee session on proposed 'Gas Bill'
@aideenod.bsky.social
Dr Aideen O'Dochartaigh appearing at recent Oireachtas Committee session on proposed 'Gas Bill'
@aideenod.bsky.social
Reposted by Melissa
NEW 🚨 The new Irish housing bill offers minor concessions but fails to protect tenants from skyrocketing rents and predatory landlords.
www.thecanary.co/global/world...
www.thecanary.co/global/world...
"A landlord's charter" — Irish housing bill slammed for rent rises
The new Irish housing bill offers minor concessions without protecting tenants from skyrocketing rents and predatory landlords
www.thecanary.co
February 12, 2026 at 10:55 AM
NEW 🚨 The new Irish housing bill offers minor concessions but fails to protect tenants from skyrocketing rents and predatory landlords.
www.thecanary.co/global/world...
www.thecanary.co/global/world...