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KPFA staff serve strike notice over pay disparities

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Medical and care staff working for Kerry Parents and Friends have served strike notice and will not report for work from next Tuesday.

The dispute centres on pay disparities. Most medial and care staff employed by the Health and Safety Executive are paid under Section 38 pay structures.

However KPFA is funded by government under Section 39 and that rate is lower that Section 38 employees.

KPFA is having difficulty retaining staff as many to more-lucrative Section 38 jobs.

In a letter seen by the Killarney Advertiser, Marie Linehan, the KPFA’s chief executive outlined her concerns.

She said: “KPFA is losing staff who are taking up employment directly with the HSE or with a Section 38 employer. In the current year, up to the end of July, we have lost a significant number of staff for these very reasons. KPFA fully supports the need for pay parity, and we have long advocated for this. Unions have asked KPFA to address the issue of pay parity for our employees, but we are not funded to do this and we have forwarded this request to the HSE, our primary funders, to seek this level of funding.”

The situation has now escalated and strike action has been served.

Ms Linehan added: “We have in the last week been advised by unions, that following a ballot of their members who are KPFA employees, the have unanimously voted to proceed with strike action.”

Strike action will commence on Tuesday and the staff will not return to work until there is some resolution of a renewed round of talks.

“Obviously, this is a very serious situation and I would like to assure you that we are seeking engagement with unions,” she added, “We also recognise the significantly disruptive impact strike action will have on people we support and their care givers and families and this remains a priority for the Senior Management team.”

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Women’s Aid highlights rising femicide figures following Killarney death

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Women’s Aid highlights rising femicide figures following Killarney death

Following the violent death of Jamey Carney in Killarney on Tuesday, national charity Women’s Aid has released a stark update regarding violence against women in Ireland.

According to the Women’s Aid Femicide Watch for the Republic of Ireland, eight women have died in violent circumstances so far this year.

This figure already exceeds the total of seven women recorded during the entirety of 2025.

Sarah Benson, CEO of Women’s Aid, said:

“Violence, abuse, and even at its extremes, death, are still a reality for many women living in Ireland. After the devastating murder of Ashling Murphy in 2022, Ireland said never again. But Ireland has not lived up to that promise.

“Since then, 40 women have died violently in Ireland. That is 40 women with lives, dreams, family, friends and communities.

“Since we started the Women’s Aid Femicide Watch in 1996, 286 women have died violently in Ireland. Every death is an outrage. An absolute tragic loss of life resulting in utter heartache and trauma for those left behind.

“We are thinking today of those who will be deeply impacted by the loss of life in Killarney. Prevention of all domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is crucial and urgent.”

“The Women’s Aid Femicide Watch shows that 87% of women (where the case has been resolved) were killed by a man known to them. We also know that in Ireland, one in three women has been subjected to domestic abuse of some kind.

“Every woman has the right to be safe in her home and in her community, and this is just not the case. We must do the work required to achieve equality and safety for all, to make Ireland a country that truly has zero tolerance for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.”

Support is available on the Women’s Aid 24-Hour National Freephone Helpline on 1800 341 900, or go to womensaid.ie to use the Instant Message Service or for more information on domestic violence and abuse.”

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Killarney Gardaí await post-mortem results as Muckross Road scene remains cordoned off

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Killarney Gardaí await post-mortem results as Muckross Road scene remains cordoned off

Gardaí investigating the discovery of a woman’s body at a residence on Muckross Road in Killarney are awaiting the results of a post-mortem examination to determine the direction of their inquiries.

It is understood that a full murder investigation is expected to be launched.

The deceased has been named locally as Jamey Carney, an American national in her 40s and the mother of a 13-year-old girl.

The scene at the domestic residence remains cordoned off today for a full technical examination, with a visible Garda presence continuing at the location.

An incident room has been established at Killarney Garda Station under a Senior Investigating Officer. Local businesses in the area have already begun supplying CCTV footage to assisting officers.

Speaking to the Killarney Advertiser, local councillor Martin Grady expressed the deep sense of shock in the area.

“I want to offer my condolences to the family,” Cllr Grady said. “This is an awful shock to the local community. I encourage anyone to come forward with any information they may have to An Garda Síochána. Whoever committed such a crime is a cowardly person and should get the maximum penalty.”

Gardaí continue to appeal to anyone who was in the Muckross Road area between the evening of Monday, July 6 and the afternoon of Tuesday, July 7 to come forward. They are particularly appealing to road users and business owners who may have dashcam or CCTV footage from the area during those times.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Killarney Garda Station on 064 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

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