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Working from home and public services

Sir, – “Remote workers cite work-life satisfaction” (News, April 27th) makes interesting reading. There is no doubt but that a happy workforce leads to general satisfaction all-round.

However, questions need to be asked about the satisfaction of those needing to avail of services, especially public services, at this challenging time for all. To be informed that someone working from home cannot redirect you to the appropriate section because of “home working”, or that you must send an email that may take some time to acknowledge due to working arrangements, is not what one should expect. The voicemails alone can be frustrating and distressing to those needing a service.

If this situation is likely to continue, it is important that “home workers”, especially in the area of public services, have all the facilities available to them to ensure “customer satisfaction”. – Yours, etc,

ALICE LEAHY,

Director of Services,

Alice Leahy Trust,

Dublin 8.

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National Women’s Council and exclusion

Sir, – Yesterday morning, Mykhailo from Ukraine, who uses our service, had wished us “Happy International Women’s Day” when he called to say his mother has safely reached these shores.

Having earlier read “National Women’s Council has done itself a lot of damage” (Anne Harris, Opinion & Analysis, March 8th), the following comment resonated with me: “What is deeply troubling for lifelong feminists is that what was once a very pluralist women’s council is now a ‘protest’ platform requiring a homogeneity of ideas associated with certain political parties.”

En route to work yesterday morning in a bus driven by another Anne, a great woman, we wished each other “Happy International Women’s Day”, knowing that we both meant what we said sincerely. However, we were aware that many women would feel excluded today from the national conversation and the hype surrounding it.

The National Women’s Council is heavily funded by our Government through the taxpayer, and it raises the question if other umbrella groups claiming to speak on behalf of everyone could so easily become exclusive. – Yours, etc,

ALICE LEAHY,

Director of Services,

Alice Leahy Trust,

Dublin 8.

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Comfort, hope and inspiration

Sir, – Jennifer O’Connell (Opinion & Analysis, January 1st) made an important point shared by many. “Night after night a changing cast of suited men at podiums told us about decisions that will affect all our lives for years, maybe decades”.

Research no doubt would show that the majority of people, doctors and nurses, caring for critically ill patients in overcrowded hospitals, etc, are women.

These dedicated women and men who care compassionately and professionally too often are taken for granted and poorly paid. Bonuses and spin would not enter their heads. They are too busy providing compassionate and professional care to seriously ill patients. Their thanks must be in the knowing that they bring comfort, hope and inspiration to so many worried people at this time.

Their work when acknowledged is what will enable change. – Yours, etc,

ALICE LEAHY,

Director of Services,

Alice Leahy Trust,

Dublin 8.

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Justice system and mentally-ill prisoners – Alice on Irish Times

Sir, – “Ireland’s justice and health systems are failing people in the prison system who are mentally ill” according to the report published by the Mental Health Commission (November 15th).

Having spent a number of years visiting all prisons in this State as a member of the Sentence Review Group, and witnessed the number of reports written over that time, I can state with respect that it is not a new phenomenon.

Working with people who are homeless for nearly half a century, we continue to see people struggling to cope with serious mental health issues, so often ending up in Garda stations, the only door open to them.

We have heard some people say prison offered them a welcome respite, in this day and age we should and must do better. Prison continues to be a dumping ground for so many of society’s problems that should be addressed, long before imprisonment takes place.

I have met so many committed healthcare workers, prison staff and others working in various disciplines, not forgetting the struggling relatives who have often felt themselves isolated in a bureaucratic world when they attempt to describe their difficulties and seek help and support.

Some readers will remember the much publicised Care in the Community of some years back, it was never properly planned or resourced and remains a mirage.

What we witness still is a reminder of how we dealt with problems in the recent past and with the assurances that it could never happen again. All sections of society have a role to play in acknowledging and addressing this very serious problem. Everyone is entitled to be treated with dignity and respect.

– Yours, etc,

ALICE LEAHY,

Director of Services,

Alice Leahy Trust,

Dublin 8.

 

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