#Repatriated to Ireland

[stairnaheireann]

#OTD in 1920 – Following a mutiny in India by soldiers of the Connaught Rangers in protest at events in Ireland, Private James Daly is court-martialled and executed by firing squad.

The Connaught Rangers (‘The Devil’s Own’) was an Irish regiment of the British Army originally raised in 1793 as the 88th Regiment of Foot (Connaught Rangers), which gained a reputation both for indiscipline and for its prowess as shock troops and street fighters with the bayonet while serving under the Duke of Wellington during the Peninsular War in Spain. It was one of eight Irish regiments…

[sagefrizzle]

No, Irish people aren't racist. They are sick and tired of being replaced and invaded by government sanctioned invaders

[beardedmrbean]

A man has been found guilty of the rape and murder of an Irish woman backpacking in India.

Danielle McLaughlin, 28, from County Donegal, was found dead in a field in the western state of Goa in March 2017.

A post-mortem examination found brain damage and strangulation as the cause of death.

Vikat Bhagat was found guilty at the District and Sessions Court in south Goa, India, on Friday and could face life imprisonment, but prosecutors have asked for the death penalty.

His defence team appealed for leniency.

He will be sentenced next Monday.

'Cruelly ending her beautiful life'

In a statement afterwards, Danielle's mother Andrea Brannigan and her sister Joleen McLaughlin Brannigan, said justice "has finally been achieved".

"There was no other suspect or gang involved in Danielle's death and Bhagat was solely responsible for cruelly ending her beautiful life," they said.

The family said they have "endured what has been effectively" an eight-year murder trial with many delays and problems.

The "quest for truth" has been "very tiring" and family said they "are glad it is over".

"We are content now with the judicial confirmation in public of what we already sadly knew," they added.

The family said "in memory of Danielle", they had stayed "patient and respectful of the Indian legal system".

"We are glad to have visited the area where Danielle spent her last days on this earth, painful and difficult as that was," the statement continued.

"We now hope that not only that Danielle can rest in peace but that we, as a family, can have some peace and comfort knowing that the person who brutally raped and murdered our precious Danielle has been convicted."

A statement was also posted on behalf of the family on the Trust for Danielle McLaughlin Facebook page, saying they never got to see the woman Danielle would have become.

"Because of Vikat she will forever be 28," the statement said.

"We will never see her smile or hear her laugh and we appreciate all that they have done for our campaign fighting for this outcome.

"She was so much more than a daughter, sister and best friend. She lit up every room she entered and touch the lives of all who met her."

Rape victims cannot usually be named under Indian law. Their identities are often hidden in a bid to protect them from being shunned in society.

In this case, Danielle McLaughlin's family have spoken to the media to raise awareness of her case.

Ms McLaughlin, who grew up in Buncrana, had travelled to India in February 2017.

She was there for two weeks before she was murdered..

The Liverpool John Moores University student had been staying in a beach hut with an Australian friend.

The pair had been celebrating Holi, a Hindu festival, in a nearby village.

She left the village at night and her body was found the next day by a local farmer in an isolated spot.

On Friday morning, Tánaiste (Irish Deputy Prime Minister) Simon Harris paid tribute to Ms McLaughlin's family, in particular her mother "for her determination and resilience in the face of unimaginable tragedy".

"While nothing can ease the pain of their loss, I hope that this verdict represents some closure for the family," he said.

"May Danielle rest in peace."

Ms McLaughlin, who had dual Irish and British citizenship, travelled to India using a British passport.

In 2018, the then Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Leo Varadkar met and apologised to her family after a misunderstanding about her citizenship.

Her body was brought home to Donegal with the help of the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust.

She is buried in her hometown of Buncrana in the Republic of Ireland.

[dearly]

Under-18s should not be pushed into pop stardom, one of the UK’s leading songwriters has said, in the wake of the tragic death of former One Direction star Liam Payne.

As Payne’s father, Geoff, arrived in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to arrange the repatriation of his son’s body, fans were still taking in the news of the 31-year-old’s fall from a third-floor hotel balcony. Many also joined the Girls Aloud singer Cheryl Tweedy, an ex-partner, in decrying the lurid coverage of Payne’s death scene in some news outlets.

Speaking this weekend, Guy Cham­bers, the songwriter and friend of Robbie Williams, has called for the industry to hold back from working with talent under the age of 18. “I do think putting a 16-year-old in an adult world like that is potentially really damaging. Robbie experienced that, certainly,” he told the Observer.

The need for better protection for vulnerable young male pop stars has gained urgency in the aftermath of Payne’s death, prompted by criticism of the music industry’s treatment of the former teenage star, who had spoken of his struggles to find mental stability after his sudden fame as a member of One Direction.

The band was formed on ITV’s The X Factor in 2010, when a 16-year-old Payne came back for a second audition on the talent show and joined up with Harry Styles and fellow members. One of the show’s judges was Tweedy, with whom he later had a child, Bear, who is now seven. Payne had first auditioned for the show aged only 14.

Louis Theroux, executive producer of the upcoming BBC series Boybands Forever has spoken of the perils of “getting everything you dreamed of, and it not being what you imagined”.

Theroux’s new series, which goes out on BBC2 in the middle of next month and was made with his wife, Nancy Strang, will look at both the dramatic highs of gaining instant fame and the contrasting depths of despair it can prompt. With “searingly honest” contributions from Williams, formerly of Take That, and Brian McFadden of Westlife, it focuses on the earlier years of the boyband ­phenomenon in Britain and Ireland, from the 1990s to the late 2000s.

Talking about his year-long work on the show, Theroux said the artists will discuss their “highs and lows” over three episodes that centre “on a generation of young men and their managers, who were wildly successful and also immensely vulnerable, having the times of their lives and, also, in some cases, cracking up.”

Due to the death of Payne, issues the series examines have already prompted leading names in the British music industry to urge action.

Chambers said: “I have four children, so I think about this a lot. I know in Robbie’s case, with Take That, there wasn’t any proper protection set up to look after what were teenage boys. That was a long time ago, but I don’t see much sign of change. There is not much more real care taken, that I have observed, from people involved in the big television talent shows.”

Chambers, who co-wrote the hits Angels and Let Me Entertain You with Williams, believes the entertainment business should set new standards: “I would suggest that people should not be in a boyband until they are 18, and the industry should stick to that, too.”

These worries are echoed by Mike Smith, the former music industry boss at Warner/Chappell, who has also worked at EMI and Columbia. “I am not sure if it is something for ­legislation, but the longer a young person can postpone a career in music the better,” he said.

“Of course, there is nothing wrong with forming a band in your teens, but my admiration goes out to anyone who comes out of an early professional career in good mental shape. I signed a young Irish band called the Strypes once, and I was uncomfortable with the level of responsibility I felt. People are still immature at 16, so the very thought of going through all that madness when you have no idea who you are yet is alarming.”

However, Smith, who has worked with many bands and singers, including Blur, Robbie Williams, Supergrass and Arctic Monkeys, as well as the X Factor winner Matt Cardle, believes there is now much more caution about handling young singers and songwriters.

“When I was at Warners in 2018, we did improve on this. We set up a fund in the contract of our songwriters to cover their mental health care because we were seeing around 25% of them suffering anxiety or depression – and these were not even the frontline pop stars.

“Around that time, the major music companies were all doing similar things to help – taking people on to the payroll to advise the artists and their staff. That wasn’t around early enough for Robbie, I know, but it is better now, partly because we are having the conversations about it.

“I don’t think I really understood it earlier. But what hasn’t changed, of course, is the incredible pressure these young artists are under. Everyone expects you to be living your best life, but then you find you can’t function. People want you to be happy all the time and you are constantly scrutinised.”

[scifrey]

Listen.

If you've read my fics, you know that I love history. I love pageantry. I love symbolism. I love beautiful clothes, and art, and jewels. I love going behind the scenes and seeing into castles and manor houses. I love parades, and the hidden meaning behind coronations, and the fairytale unreality of the lives of the gentry.

I believe, however, that all of these things should be ARTIFACTS.

I believe there is literally no point in upholding a monarchy or commonwealth any more.

Allow commonwealth countries become republics. Allow Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales to return to being seperate nations if they vote to become so. Allow those republics to create their own network of mutual support, should they so choose to. There's no reason to not keep up Commonwealth ties and festivals even if there's no Commonwealth.

Repatriate artifacts, art and jewels to their nations of origin. Offer monetary compensation/support for cultures violated and impoverished by colonialism. Help establish democracies where needed, and butt the hell out where they're not. (And especially don't establish puppet democracies, ew.)

Let the British royal family become symbolic tourist attractions, let them fund their own charities, and throw their parties, and knight their artists, and uphold their royal orders of garters and baths, and maintain their personal properties--and make them do it with their own wealth and real estate investments. They're multi-billionaires. They can afford it. They'll be fine.

But remove them from the machine of governance. Detach them entirely from public spending, dependance, or influence.

And if they do participate in traditions of parliament (like the Opening, which is actually really cool and fascinating panto, which I quite like and hope they WOULD continue), man, do it without the silly hat. If the King wants to wear the silly hat, make him pay for the upkeep of the silly hat out of his own pocket. It's HIS silly hat, after all. It's not like we all get a turn with it, even though we do pay for it.

(Actually, the Crown Jewels are owned by the British Public so like... if they want to take them along when they go, make the royal family buy them. And then let them charge museums a fee to loan them for exhibition, just like privately owned paintings by famous Masters are loaned to art galleries.)

Let the royals continue to do all the things the royals do, if they want to do them. Just… make them pay for it themselves. Dissolve the Sovereign Grant, and use all that money to pay for things like restitution, repatriation, and hey maybe increasing public spending on health care and social infrastructure.

Turn the public-owned properties into, yeah, tourist attractions in part (gotta fund their upkeep somehow). But also put public offices in there. Maybe some social housing. Maybe hospitals, with well-paid front-line staff. Event spaces. Seniors care homes. Something.

If Hampton Court Palace can do it, so can Buckingham.

Balmoral and Sandringham are privately owned, there's lots of land and buildings for the family to occupy. They won't be homeless.

Keep the royal family, if the royal family wants to be kept. Include the royal family if the royal family wants to be included. Just make them pay for their own stuff with their own money. And do BETTER things with the savings.

Yes, I'm aware that this may be wishful thinking.

Yes, I'm aware that unscrupilous people may take advantage of monetary support given to commonwealth nations and keep it for themselves. (And I'm not unaware that it would happen in ALL the nations, yes, even Canada where I live. There are a LOT of currently-serving politicians who are vile, scummy, self-serving arseholes.) Yes, I'm aware that mutual support between nations of the commonwealth is all that is preventing famine or religious war in some places.

Yes, I'm aware none of this is as easy as I'm making it sound.

But I think it's time to stop celebrating and upholding centuries of brutal militaristic colonialism and the destruction and subversion of so many beautiful cultures for the sake of some tourist bucks. I especially think it's time for the public to stop PAYING for it.

I love history. I love symbolism. I love the stories of royalty and treachery and gallantry and seduction. I love the architecture of great houses, and the meaning behind golden spoons from over a thousand years ago, and the fascination of birthrights and bloodlines. I love paintings, and balls, and the gorgeous work of exceptionally talented artisans that go into making all the amazing silly hats.

I write historical romances for goshsakes.

And I also think it's time to stick it all where it belongs -- in a museum.

[osmanthusoolong]

One of the tree oldest birchbark canoes from North America, recently repatriated from Ireland. We got to talk to a local artist whose ancestor made all three of them, and his work repatriating them, tracking them down, repairing them, and building new ones in the traditional style. It was wonderful talking with him.

[visionaryvogues03]

How Multinational Companies Use Tax Optimization to Stay Competitive?

The tax planning can be a daunting task at times for organizations. International tax planning isn’t an easy job or a one-day process. Organizations function in several organizations where they require tax optimization. As companies expand globally, they face complex challenges such as transfer pricing, foreign tax credits, and managing indirect taxes like VAT. Failing to address these issues effectively can result in significant financial losses or legal complications.

Leveraging International Tax Structures

One of the primary ways MNCs optimize their taxes is by structuring their business entities in a way that minimizes tax burdens. This often involves leveraging favorable tax jurisdictions and aligning business functions with countries offering the most beneficial tax treatments.

1. Establishing Operations in Tax-Friendly Jurisdictions

Many multinational firms set up regional headquarters or subsidiaries in countries with lower corporate tax rates. Countries such as Ireland, Singapore, and Luxembourg have long been attractive destinations due to their business-friendly tax policies.

Example: Tech giants like Apple and Google have established operations in Ireland, benefiting from its low corporate tax rate and favorable tax treaties.

2. Utilizing Holding Companies

MNCs often create holding companies in jurisdictions that offer tax incentives on dividends and capital gains. This allows profits to be accumulated in low-tax environments before being distributed to parent companies or reinvested in global operations.

Example: Many European firms use the Netherlands as a holding company hub due to its extensive tax treaty network and tax-efficient profit repatriation policies.

Transfer Pricing Strategies

Transfer pricing is a widely used tax optimization technique where MNCs allocate revenues and expenses among subsidiaries in different countries. By setting internal pricing for goods, services, and intellectual property, companies can shift profits to lower-tax jurisdictions while ensuring compliance with international tax laws.

1. Pricing Intellectual Property and Services

Companies that own valuable intellectual property (IP), such as patents, trademarks, and proprietary software, often assign these assets to subsidiaries in low-tax countries. Royalties and licensing fees paid by other subsidiaries to the IP-holding entity can significantly reduce taxable income in higher-tax jurisdictions.

Example: Pharmaceutical companies frequently register patents in tax-friendly countries and charge subsidiaries licensing fees, reducing their tax burden in high-tax markets.

2. Cost Allocation Between Subsidiaries

Multinational corporations distribute expenses strategically to allocate costs in high-tax jurisdictions while shifting profits to subsidiaries in lower-tax countries. This can involve pricing services like IT support, consulting, and research and development at rates that optimize tax outcomes.

Maximizing Tax Credits and Incentives

Many governments offer tax incentives to attract foreign investment and encourage innovation. MNCs take advantage of these programs to further reduce their global tax liabilities.

1. R&D Tax Credits

Research and development (R&D) tax incentives are available in many countries to encourage innovation. Multinational firms strategically locate their R&D activities in jurisdictions that offer generous tax credits. These tax optimization techniques help in saving substantial amounts of money. 

Example: The U.S., UK, and Canada provide significant tax breaks for R&D expenditures, making them attractive locations for corporate research centers.

2. Green Energy and Sustainability Incentives

With increasing global emphasis on sustainability, many governments offer tax credits for investments in renewable energy, energy-efficient infrastructure, and carbon reduction initiatives. MNCs leverage these incentives to align with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals while optimizing their tax strategies. These tax optimization strategies have been in pratice since quite some time now. 

Example: Automotive companies investing in electric vehicle production may receive tax breaks for sustainable manufacturing practices.

Navigating Global Tax Regulations and Compliance

While tax optimization offers substantial financial benefits, MNCs must also ensure compliance with evolving international tax regulations. Failing to do so can result in reputational damage, legal consequences, and financial penalties.

1. Adapting to BEPS Regulations

The OECD’s Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) initiative aims to prevent tax avoidance strategies that exploit loopholes in international tax laws. MNCs must adjust their tax planning to align with these global standards.

Example: The introduction of country-by-country reporting (CbCR) requires multinational firms to disclose detailed financial data, making aggressive tax strategies more transparent to regulators.

2. Digital Services Tax (DST)

Many countries are introducing digital services taxes to ensure that multinational tech companies pay their fair share of taxes in the regions where they generate revenue. Companies must recalibrate their tax strategies to adapt to these new levies.

Example: The European Union and several Asian countries have imposed DST on tech firms, prompting businesses to adjust their digital revenue structures.

Balancing Tax Efficiency and Corporate Responsibility

As governments and the public increasingly scrutinize corporate tax practices, MNCs are under pressure to adopt responsible tax strategies. Transparent tax policies and ethical tax optimization approaches help maintain brand reputation and regulatory trust.

Public Perception: Aggressive tax avoidance strategies can lead to negative media coverage and consumer backlash. Companies that demonstrate fair tax contributions gain trust and loyalty.

Long-Term Sustainability: Ethical tax planning ensures that businesses maintain good relationships with regulatory bodies and avoid costly legal battles.

Conclusion

In an increasingly complex global tax landscape, tax optimization remains a vital tool for multinational companies to stay competitive. By leveraging international tax structures, transfer pricing strategies, and government incentives, MNCs can minimize tax liabilities while ensuring compliance with evolving regulations. However, balancing financial efficiency with corporate responsibility is essential for long-term success.

For businesses navigating global markets, a strategic approach to tax optimization can drive profitability, foster innovation, and sustain competitive advantage in an ever-changing economic environment.

Uncover the latest trends and insights with our articles on Visionary Vogues

[thewul]

C'est l'une des rares photos d'époque de l'entrée en service du navire entant que paquebot de croisières Professeur, renommé MV Victoria par la suite, la ressemblance est frappante avec la planche de Hergé et j'ai la certitude qu'elle en est l'origine, tout y est y compris l'angle et l'orientation du navire Bravo! Mais pourquoi vous intéresse t il tant? Car nous allons le construire Professeur, ce navire appartiens aux Éditions Moulinsart, c'est le quartier général flottant de Tintinophiles, il fait le tour du monde, soirées déguisées et réceptions comprises A l'identique?! En apparence oui, y compris la cheminée blanche que Hergé a transposé a celle ci, mais son intérieur est autre, spacieux et composé de suites pour la plupart et sa construction est moderne, du classique neuf Dans le monde du yachting ce navire serait unique, c'est tout une époque, neuf et hors du temps c'est tout a fait cela… Sapristi… Le MS Époméo?! Exact

SS VICTORIA Incres Line's MV VICTORIA had one of the longest and most glorious histories of any passenger ship. Built by Harland and Wolff of Belfast in 1936 for Union-Castle Line as the DUNNOTTAR CASTLE for the company's round Africa service from London, she was a modest combination passenger cargo liner who served her owners well. She and her sister, DUNVEGAN CASTLE, were requisitioned for armed merchant cruiser service in World War Two, but the DUNVEGAN was far less fortunate and was torpedoed off Ireland with a loss of 24 lives in 1940. DUNNOTTAR continued in war service as a troop transport, her most noteable duty carrying British soldiers to Normandy in 1944. She continued in repatriation service after the war until 1949, when after a quarter million miles and troops carried, she was returned to Union-Castle. DUNNOTTAR CASTLE resumed her round Africa service and was joined by a series of newer vessels in the early 1950s. In 1958, she was offered for sale, and, quite remarkably, bought by Incres Lines who were seeking a solidly constructed ship to rebuild into the ultimate luxury cruise liner. DUNNOTTAR CASTLE sailed to Rotterdam, where a complete rebuilding was performed at the Wilton-Fijenoord shipyard, transforming her into the sleek, deluxe MV VICTORIA. She was given a new bow and stern and a vastly enlarged and modified superstructure. Her B&W diesel engines were replaced with brand new Fiat engines. The only original parts of the ship left were the hull and inner portion of her upper superstructure, where the bridge and officer's areas still retained their Union-Castle features. Gustavo Pulitzer-Finale was responsible for VICTORIA's chic interior stylings, which were replete with fine wood paneling and trend-setting midcentury Italian furniture. Her decks were named after precious and semi-precious jewels and color coordinated accordingly. On Amber Deck, one would find amber colored bannisters and carpeting. Same for Coral, Sapphire, and Emerald, etc. VICTORIA had a dining room with a barrel shaped domed ceiling and musician's balcony as well as a two deck high auditorium. Emanuele Luzzati created most of the artworks, which were based on Roman themes and in media ranging from metallic panels to elaborate ceramics. Like many other cruise ships, VICTORIA was a victim of the fuel crisis and high operating costs. Incres Line folded in 1975 and the VICTORIA was laid up at Brooklyn. Chandris Cruises purchased the then 39 year old ship for spare parts and furniture for their other vessels, but after reexamining her, they realized she would make an excellent asset to their cruise fleet. Instead of stripping her and selling her for scrap, they refitted the ship and gave her the slightly amended name of THE VICTORIA. Her capacity increased from 430 to 548 passengers. THE VICTORIA was a huge hit with budget-minded passengers and became a renewed fixture in Caribbean and European cruise service. She stayed in the Chandris fleet until 1993, when the Cypriots purchased her for the burgeoning cruise market from Limassol to Egypt and Israel. Her new owners, Louis Cruise Lines, renamed the ship PRINCESA VICTORIA and kept her in excellent condition for the next ten or so years. In 2001, she was laid up at Eleusis following the glut in European tourism caused by the terrorist attacks of September 11. By this time, her nearly 60 year old hull and forty year old machinery were in need of expensive maintenance. With the rise in scrap prices, it was inevitable that the PRINCESA VICTORIA would meet her end at Alang. Under the delivery name VICTORIA I, she sailed off from her Greek anchorage in the spring of 2004, arriving at Alang that summer. source: midshipcentury.com/victoria

[nctjpeg]

maybe I will repatriate to Ireland

[brookstonalmanac]

Events 7.21 (after 1950)

1951 – Canadian Pacific Air Lines Flight 3505 disappears while flying from Vancouver to Tokyo. The aircraft and its 37 occupants are never found. 1952 – The 7.3 Mw  Kern County earthquake strikes Southern California with a maximum Mercalli intensity of XI (Extreme), killing 12 and injuring hundreds. 1954 – First Indochina War: The Geneva Conference partitions Vietnam into North Vietnam and South Vietnam. 1959 – NS Savannah, the first nuclear-powered cargo-passenger ship, is launched as a showcase for Dwight D. Eisenhower's "Atoms for Peace" initiative. 1959 – Elijah Jerry "Pumpsie" Green becomes the first African-American to play for the Boston Red Sox, the last team to integrate. He came in as a pinch runner for Vic Wertz and stayed in as shortstop in a 2–1 loss to the Chicago White Sox. 1960 – Sirimavo Bandaranaike is elected Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, becoming the world's first female head of government 1961 – Mercury program: Mercury-Redstone 4 Mission: Gus Grissom piloting Liberty Bell 7 becomes the second American to go into space (in a suborbital mission). 1961 – Alaska Airlines Flight 779 crashes near Shemya Air Force Base in Shemya, Alaska killing six. 1964 – A series of racial riots break out in Singapore. In the next six weeks, 23 die with 454 others injured. 1969 – Apollo program: At 02:56 UTC, astronaut Neil Armstrong becomes the first person to walk on the Moon, followed 19 minutes later by Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin. 1970 – After 11 years of construction, the Aswan High Dam in Egypt is completed. 1972 – The Troubles: Bloody Friday: The Provisional IRA detonate 22 bombs in central Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom in the space of 80 minutes, killing nine and injuring 130. 1973 – In Lillehammer, Norway, Mossad agents kill a waiter whom they mistakenly thought was involved in the 1972 Munich Olympics Massacre. 1976 – Christopher Ewart-Biggs, the British ambassador to the Republic of Ireland, is assassinated by the Provisional IRA. 1977 – The start of the four-day-long Libyan–Egyptian War. 1979 – Jay Silverheels, a Mohawk actor, becomes the first Native American to have a star commemorated in the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 1983 – The world's lowest temperature in an inhabited location is recorded at Vostok Station, Antarctica at −89.2 °C (−128.6 °F). 1990 – Taiwan's military police forces mainland Chinese illegal immigrants into sealed holds of a fishing boat Min Ping Yu No. 5540 for repatriation to Fujian, causing 25 people to die from suffocation. 1995 – Third Taiwan Strait Crisis: The People's Liberation Army begins firing missiles into the waters north of Taiwan. 2001 – At the conclusion of a fireworks display on Okura Beach in Akashi, Hyōgo, Japan, 11 people are killed and more than 120 are injured when a pedestrian footbridge connecting the beach to JR Asagiri Station becomes overcrowded and people leaving the event fall down in a domino effect. 2005 – Four attempted bomb attacks by Islamist extremists disrupt part of London's public transport system. 2008 – Ram Baran Yadav is declared the first President of Nepal. 2010 – President Barack Obama signs the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. 2011 – NASA's Space Shuttle program ends with the landing of Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-135 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. 2012 – Erden Eruç completes the first solo human-powered circumnavigation of the world. 2019 – Yuen Long attack or "721 incident" in Hong Kong. Triad members indiscriminately beat civilians returning from protests while police failed to take action. 2023 – The Barbenheimer phenomenon begins as two major motion pictures, Greta Gerwig's fantasy comedy Barbie and Christopher Nolan's epic biographical thriller Oppenheimer, are released in theaters on the same day and audiences, instead of creating a rivalry between the extremely dissimilar films, instead attend and praise both as an informal, surreal double feature.

[vinit07]

A Comprehensive Guide to the Ireland Tourist Visa for First-Time Travelers

Ireland, the Emerald Isle, beckons with its rolling green hills, charming villages, vibrant cities, and rich history. For many, a trip to this enchanting land is a dream come true. However, for those traveling from countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland, securing a visa is a crucial first step. This comprehensive guide will equip you with all the necessary information to navigate the Ireland Tourist Visa application process, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey to the land of leprechauns and Guinness.

Who Needs a Visa to Visit Ireland?

The need for a visa depends entirely on your nationality. Citizens of EEA countries and Switzerland can enter Ireland without a visa, provided they have a valid passport. However, if you are from a country outside this group, you will likely require a visa to visit Ireland, even for a short-term tourist stay.

Types of Irish Visas

There are several types of visas available for Ireland. For tourist purposes, the Short-Stay Visa (C Visa) is the most relevant. It allows you to stay in Ireland for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period.

Requirements for the Ireland Tourist Visa

To apply for the Ireland Tourist Visa, you will need to gather the following essential documents:

A Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Ireland and have at least two blank pages for visa stamps.

Visa Application Form: Complete the online application form truthfully and accurately.

Passport Photos: Submit two recent passport photos meeting the specified requirements.

Proof of Financial Means: Provide evidence that you can financially support yourself during your trip. This may include bank statements, payslips, or a letter of sponsorship from a family member or friend.

Travel Itinerary: Include a detailed itinerary with confirmed travel bookings for flights, accommodation, and planned activities.

Travel Insurance: Provide proof of travel insurance covering medical emergencies and repatriation.

Return Ticket: Present a confirmed return ticket or onward travel arrangements.

Invitation Letter (if applicable): If you are visiting friends or family, an invitation letter from your host is required. This letter should include their address and contact details.

Visa Fee: Pay the applicable visa fee online or at a designated visa application center.

Applying for the Tourist Visa

There are two ways to apply for the Ireland Tourist Visa:

Online Application: Submit your application directly to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) website. This is the preferred method, as it is faster and more efficient.

Through a Visa Application Centre (VAC): If online application is not possible, you can submit your application through a VAC located in your country of residence.

Processing Time

The processing time for an Ireland Tourist Visa can vary depending on several factors, including the volume of applications, your nationality, and the completeness of your application. The typical processing time is about 15 working days, but it can take longer in some cases. It is highly recommended that you apply at least six weeks before your intended travel date.

Visa Application Tips

Complete the application form accurately: Be meticulous and ensure all information is correct.

Provide supporting documents: Gather all required documents and submit them in a clear and organized manner.

Be prepared for an interview: If your application is selected for further review, you may be called for an interview at the Irish embassy or consulate in your country.

Check the visa requirements: Regularly check the INIS website for any updates or changes in the visa requirements.

Additional Information

Multiple Entry Visa: You can apply for a multiple entry visa that allows you to enter Ireland multiple times within a specified period. This is a good option if you plan to visit Ireland frequently.

Visa Validity: The validity of your visa will be indicated on your visa sticker. Ensure you respect the maximum permitted stay and exit Ireland before the expiry date.

Visa Refusal: If your visa application is refused, you will receive a notification explaining the reason. You can appeal the decision but be aware that it may be difficult to overturn the initial decision.

Conclusion

Securing an Ireland Tourist Visa can seem daunting, but with meticulous planning and thorough preparation, the process can be streamlined. This guide has provided you with all the necessary information to navigate the application process effectively. By following these guidelines, you can increase your chances of getting your visa approved and enjoy an unforgettable adventure in the Emerald Isle. Remember to start your application well in advance of your planned trip to avoid any last-minute delays.

Enjoy your journey to Ireland!

[mariacallous]

Albania’s Special Prosecution Against Corruption and Organised Crime, SPAK, and Special Court ordered custody for 31 people accused of involvement in a scheme that enabled Albanian citizens to enter the UK and Ireland illegally.

Some 26 of the 31 suspects have been caught so far and one of them, according to the police, is a police officer. Another 35 people were arrested in Spain in a joint operation.

A laboratory for forging documents was also discovered. The documents being forged were IDs, passports, driving licences, bank and healthcare cards that were used by Albanians entering the UK and Ireland illegally.

“Albanian citizens were leaving Albania with their original Albanian passports to EU countries, inside the Schengen area. The forged documents were then mailed to hotels where they stayed in Spain or residential addresses,” the Albanian police said.

BIRN asked the police if they knew how many people benefited from the scheme, and about the location of the laboratory that produced the forged documents. Police responded that they “do not have this data yet, it will come out of the investigations”.

EUROPOL, SPAK and US Security Office at the US embassy in Tirana collaborated in the operation.

According to the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford, some 16,000 Albanians applied for asylum in Britain in 2022; roughly 12,000 arrived by small boats across the Channel.

British authorities say the deal struck between British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his Albanian counterpart Edi Rama at the end of 2022 has since cut the flow by 90 per cent.

But BIRN’s reporting in northern Albania shows that a number of those repatriated under the deal have already made it back to Britain again.

[macksamuels]

Reparations – As a 4th generation immigrant from Germany/Switzerland/Hungary/Ireland, that also makes me a 3rd generation native American. If we give America back to the “victims,” to where can I be repatriated? Or maybe they just kill me? Quarter me, and send my quarters abroad?

[beardedmrbean]

Police began dismantling about 200 tents housing asylum-seekers in Ireland's capital, Dublin, early Wednesday.

The government said police and other authorities were removing the migrants from the tents on Mount Street in the center of the capital and moving them to shelters. Buses were on standby to take the people away.

People will not be allowed to return to the camp once it is cleared, Prime Minister Simon Harrishad said on Tuesday.

"Once we clear Mount Street and provide people with a safer setting and access to sanitation, we need to make sure that the laws of the land are applied and it is not allowed to happen again because we do not live in a country where makeshift shantytowns are allowed to just develop," he said.

The tents first appeared about a year ago on the sidewalks around the office of the International Protection Office, which examines asylum claims.

Housing crisis meets migration crisis

Ireland is trying to accommodate record numbers of refugees while struggling with a housing shortage. After running out of accommodation, the government agency responsible for housing asylum-seekers began handing out tents to some new arrivals last December.

Protests over housing and the added pressure of new arrivals have been mostly peaceful. But far-right activists attacked police last December after three children were stabbed to death by a man identified by Irish media as being born in Algeria.

Six people were arrested last week after a standoff with police at a building in Wicklow, south of Dublin. The building is meant to house asylum seekers.

Dispute with UK over migrants

The number of undocumented asylum-seekers arriving in Ireland, mainly through the open border with Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom, has increased significantly recently, according to the Irish government.

According to media reports, more than 6,700 people have applied for asylum in Ireland since January. That's almost 90% more than in the same period last year.

Harris said he would send irregular migrants back to the UK and plans to introduce legislation to do so. However, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak refuses to do so until the EU takes back migrants from the UK.

[msamba]

In 'The Repatriation of King Skellig Mör,' Duke Riley Explores the Bizarre Relationship Between Nature and Institutional Power | Colossal

MAY 31, 2024 JACKIE ANDRES All photos by Robert Bredvad, courtesy of Praise Shadows Art Gallery The most famous goat in the history of Boston was named Skellig Mör. During the early 1900s, Skellig Mör’s name plastered headlines as an arduous legal battle for his custody ensued. The famed goat was born in Killorglin, a town in County Kerry, Ireland. Prior to being bought by Americans and taken…

[the-cooler-king]

Shaking my ass like it's 1999 because the United States is genuinely too fucking disrespectful to ask native descendants for permission to display their stolen artifacts so they're returning them 💛 2024 is the year we repatriate EVERYTHING including the kingdom of Hawaii, native lands, and we are also unifying Ireland. Because I said so