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13TH May 2013 P.O. BOx 3430, TallaGHT, DUBlIn 24 Tel: 451 3822 email: info@newsgroup.ie web: www.newsgroup.ie

Dublin South West representative, Seán Crowe TD, has said the Government must back up its announcement that it aims to facilitate the creation of 20,000 jobs in the manufacturing sector by 2016, with imaginative initiatives. Crowe pointed to the Government's abysmal employment creation record and believes that any new initiative would first have to first tackle the high costs

incurred by businesses in producing and their transporting products. Deputy Seán Crowe said: “Unemployed workers and their families are crying out for good news that will give them some hope, and an opportunity to get back into the workplace. “But there is understandable scepticism and, considering the Government’s track

record since coming to power, a fear that this latest announcement will amount to little more than spin. “I for one will not be holding my breath waiting for actual job announcements from this Government. “The Government has done little to address the decline in the manufacturing sector in this state. In the past ten years this sector has contracted significantly and tens of thousands

of jobs have been lost. “This Government, and previous Governments, promised much in relation to supports for Irish manufacturing, but they have failed to deliver. “They promised favourable tax reliefs, reductions in energy and transport costs, legislation on upward only rents, and yet nothing has actually happened to see a reduction in the costs that get goods from this

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cases, we offer you the benefit of our advice to deal with all the legal aspects of your accident and will on request process your claim efficiently and speedily. CALL US NOw ON 1890 947076 Romaine Scally & Company Solicitors are situated at Main Street, Tallaght, Dublin 24 and have a dedicated team of people specially trained in all aspects of the law surrounding accidents. DON’T DELAY – CONTACT US TODAY. Romaine Scally & Co, Solicitors operate a FREE LEGAL ADVICE CLINIC. See Romaine’s legal column on page 20 for full details

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Sinn Féin Dublin Mid-West representative eoin Ó Broin has called on Fine Gael TD Derek Keating to ‘reimburse the lucan Gazette for newspapers dumped by his advisor Tommy Morris.’

He also suggested that Deputy Keating and his advisor should offer to distribute door to door the newspapers that they removed from circulation. Ó Broin said: ‘The actions of Derek

Keating’s political advisor Tommy Morris were not only wrong, they have put the jobs of those working in the lucan Gazette at risk. The newspaper relies on commercial advertising for its revenue. If, as has been claimed, Tommy Morris isposed of up to 3,000 papers, then that could have a negative impact on future advertising revenues. ‘It is not enough for Keating to Deputy distance himself from the actions of his aide or to discipline Mr for his Morris outrageous behaviour. He must act to rectify the problems caused by his employee. ‘The best way to do this would be to establish the total number of papers stolen and to reimburse the Gazette for the cost of these editions. ‘Deputy Keating and Mr Morris could go further and offer to distribute door to door a number

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of newspapers equal to those removed from circulation. ‘This would assure advertisers that there has been no negative impact on them. ‘Contrary to Deputy Keating’s initial claims, Mr Morris did not act following a “sudden rush of blood to the head”. Over a number of days Mr Morris removed hundreds if not thousands of lucan Gazette’s from shops across lucan. He did this in order to prevent the public reading a story critical of the behaviour of Deputy Keating. ‘Deputy Keating should apologise to both the lucan Gazette and the people of lucan for the behaviour of his employee and he should show by his deeds that he has fixed the problem which his employee created.’ See ‘Open Letter to Derek Keating’ on page 19

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island to their markets. “all too often ministers make these announcements, yet at the same time implement cuts, such as increasing the pupil-teacher ratio for the Further education and Training sector, that make the delivery of many of these type of training initiatives

just not possible. “all long-term job creation strategies must afford people the opportunity to up-skill and re-skill, in order to ensure they can avail of new employment opportunities. “any initiative which seeks to maximise opportunities for growth by attracting

investment, reducing company tax costs, and making efficiency savings in energy and waste regulation, will be warmly welcomed. “The people of Dublin South West, especially those who have seen their traditional manufacturing jobs disappear, deserve no less."

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People Before Profit Councillor Gino Kenny will be hosting a young peoples assembly in Clondalkin to see the effects of austerity and what impact it is having on young peoples lives.The event will take place on Wednesday May 22nd in the new refurbished Rowlagh Community Centre. Speaking about the upcoming event Councillor Kenny said “The idea of a young peoples’ assembly is to bring young people together from the locality to see the effects of austerity and what its effects is doing to their lives. young people under the age of twenty five have been badly hit by the economical recession. youth unemployment and emigration has seen record levels over the past five years. The social damage of cuts to youth services, education, social welfare and its general accumulative effect is having immeasurable effect on young people’s lives". "This assembly hopes to address some of the issues that young people have to deal with in Ireland today. The assembly will be addressed by young people from the area on issues that matter to them and the issues that affect the community as a whole. also having Bernadette Devlin Mc aliskey to speak is a great inspiration to all young people in Ireland. Bernadette has been to the forefront of social justice and youth empowerment for the last forty five years" Vanessa O Sullivan who will be speaking at the assembly said,” as a young person who is growing up in neilstown I can see what austerity is doing to young people of my age .young people need a voice and a place to air their views and what austerity is doing to them"

a guest speaker at the assembly will be Bernadette Devlin Mcaliskey. Bernadette was the youngest female MP to be elected to the British Parliament back in 1969 at the age of twenty one. Bernadette was at the forefront of Civil Rights Movement in northern Ireland in the late sixties and early seventies. She is currently a community activist in Tyrone. yOUnG PeOPleS RaDICal aSSeMBly. Wednesday May 22nd 1PM -5PM ROWlaGH COMMUnITy CenTRe Registration: 1pm to 1.15pm. 1.15pm- 2.15pm enOUGH IS enOUGH! Roisin Kearney

2.30pm 3.15pm. What does it mean to be young in Clondalkin today. Vanessa O Sullivan

3.25pm- 4.20pm Bernadette Devlin Mc aliskey 4.25pm – 5pm Generation austerity.young People and Politics. Peter Ennis For More Information Contact Cllr Gino Kenny 0857211574.

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One4all is calling on Dublin to nominate your favourite teacher!

Celebrating the end of the school year, One4all is asking parents and students to nominate their favourite teacher to be in with the chance of winning the title of ‘Best Teacher in leinster’ and a €200 One4all Gift Card. The One4all Thank you Teacher competition will not only recognise and reward teachers in Ireland, but the crowned winner will receive a €200 One4all Gift Card and the nominator will receive a €50 One4all Gift Card.

aoife Davey, marketing manager at One4all said, “Our One4all Thank you Teacher Gift Card gets more popular every year. We thought why not celebrate teachers by asking parents and students to tell us how amazing they are. We are really looking forward to seeing the entries and hearing about the best teachers in Ireland.”

To nominate a teacher for this fantastic prize simply visit the One4all Facebook page and say in 50-100 words why your teacher is the greatest! Closing date for ‘Thank you Teacher’ is 12pm, May 20th 2013. For further information and to enter visit www.facebook.com/one4all

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Specsavers Tallaght is calling on all Tallaght residents to dust off their runners for the upcoming Freedom 5km Fun Run in aid of Saoirse Women’s Refuge Tallaght. This exciting run is part of Specsavers Tallaght commitment to raising €10,000 for the charity over the next two

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address the prevention of domestic abuse in Irish society by working with an array of other agencies linked with families at risk by providing and information and support sessions to local groups. The 5km Freedom fun run will take place on 19 May in Tymon Park, Tallaght. Starting at 11am the run promises to be an exciting day out for all the family. Whether you chose to walk, run or push your buggy around the parkland course, your support will provide

valuable resources for Saoirse. To put a bit more pep in your step on the day Specsavers Tallaght will award €100 each to the first male and female finishers on the day. Specsavers Tallaght will also be providing great family fun entertainment at the finish line for all the little supporters on the day. The Specsavers Family FunZone will include a bouncy castle as well as face painters to ensure plenty of fun for everyone. Specsavers Tallaght Store Director, lisa

Walsh commented ‘ We are really thrilled to be supporting such a worthy organisation as Saoirse this year and urge as many people as possible to get out an support the cause whilst also enjoying the challenge of 5km. Our own team of 25 staff members is already training hard and looking forward to hitting the route.’

Cllr. Trevor Gilligan has noted the disposal of 18.9 acres or thereabouts at Grange Castle Business Park to Microsoft Ireland Operations limited. The Council at its meeting held on 11th February, 2013 noted the disposal of a further 2.94 hectares (7.26 acres) or thereabouts to Microsoft Ireland Operations limited. Microsoft have now applied to purchase a further area of 62.17 acres

with an option to purchase a further 50.35 acres to cater for the phenomenal growth in the data centre and cloud computing sector. at the next council meeting the council will propose disposing of lands totalling 112.52 acres or thereabouts at Grange Castle Business Park to Microsoft. The cost will be €199,000 per acre or €22.4M. The Council shall be entitled to charge interest at a rate of eight per cent

(8%) per annum on any outstanding sums in the event of failure by Microsoft Ireland Operations limited to pay the foregoing sums on specified dates.”

Registration for the run costs just €15 with all proceeds going to support the work of Saoirse Women’s

Refuge. accompanied children can run for free.

Those interested in registering can do so via the Saoirse Women’s Refuge website: saoirsewomensrefuge.ie

This is the first of many fundraising initiatives Specsavers Tallaght has planned for the coming months to help reach their fundraising goal, upcoming events include table quizzes and plenty of in store activity.

€22.4m winDfall for south DuBlin CounCil “I fully support this disposal and I am calling on the council to ring-fence the funds for the local community here in Clondalkin. We have massive unemployment in this area. This money must go into

local projects and local services – such as environment, roads, education and so on. I would ask that Microsoft gives a guarantee that a portion of the jobs are sourced locally here in Clondalkin. Clondalkin has many talented individuals, highly educated and trained in an ever-growing IT sector. With so many cuts this money must be used to further employment in Clondalkin.

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retaininG JoBs is eVery Bit as important as CreatinG new JoBs

With over 640 jobs saved in B&Q, and a further 137 jobs saved in Pamela Scott, Deputy eamonn Maloney TD has said that it was a good day for job retention, particularly in Tallaght, where 90 jobs approximately were saved.

"Saving these jobs was a vindication of both the examiner process and the renegotiation of commercial rents, and made sense in the current economic climate. Retaining jobs is every bit as important as creating new jobs. The additional investment and the negotiated rent reductions will ensure a more realistic overhead expense for the operation of both companies. These businesses are now on a firm financial basis

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and this gives them great confidence for the future. It also lifts the great stress and worry experienced by the workers of both companies in recent months.

"The struggle to retain jobs is also highlighted by the experience of xtra-vision which has been placed in receivership. I hope that the receiver will save jobs and ensure that an enterprise capable of competing with cutting edge technology and the downloading revolution will emerge from the receivership process. I call on the state authorities to cooperate with the receiver in all efforts to ensure the survival of the group with the maximum number of jobs saved."

The Green Dog Walkers programme was launched by Mayor Cathal King in Sean Walsh Park, Tallaght on the 30th april. Present to help with the launch were memebers of the DSPCa, the Kennel Club, the Council’s Dog wardens and local resident dog owner Sharon Murphy. Green Dog Walkers (GDW) is a regional programme involving South Dublin County Council, Dun laoghaire- Rathdown County Council, Fingal County Council, Meath County Council and Wicklow County Council.

It is a non-confrontational, friendly way to change attitudes about dog fouling in South Dublin County. Green Dog Walkers is a community based scheme that volunteers in the community can adopt in their own area and promote. The Mayor Cathal King “I welcome this initiative and am delighted to officially launch the Green Dog Walkers programme in Sean Walsh. Dog fouling is a very serious health issue. young children are particularly at risk. Dog owners should take responsibility for their dogs and make sure they clean up after the dog. The Green Dog Walkers programme is a great way to raise awareness of the way to look after your dog. I look forward to meeting lots of green dog walkers in the County.” Volunteers wear a Green Dog walkers armbandwhich signifies that they have "taken the pledge" to always: ∙ clean up after their dog ∙ wear the armband or put the Green Dog

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Walkers collar on their dog when walking ∙ carry extra dog waste bags ∙ be happy to be approached to 'lend' a dog waste bag to those without ∙ be a friendly reminder to other dog walkers to clean up after their dogs

The green arm band acts asa friendly reminder to please pick up after your dog. all you have to do is sign a pledge form which can be got through www.socialcredits.ie then we will post you out a Green Dog Walker armband and a GDW bone dog bag dispenser.

you can also run a scheme in your area by adopting the Green Dog Walker programme for your area.

To adopt the Green Dog walker you need to: ∙ be a constituted community group ∙ administer the project eg distribution of materials, meeting mailing costs, etc. ∙ help with promotion of the campaign in your area ∙ run or take part as a volunteer in at least 3 pledge booths or GDW events annually ∙ help with the monitoring and evaluating of the campaign at a local level e.g. before and after surveys, participate in questionnaires sent and feedback on the number of armband wearers approached to ask for a dog bag etc. If you are interested in rolling out the campaign in your local neighbourhood or would like some more information call 01 4149000 or email info@sdublincoco.ie or log onto www.socialcredits.ie

Philip Behan, SDCC Dog Warden; the Mayor of South Dublin County Council; John O’Driscoll, SDCC Dog Warden Rob O' Connor

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GoVernment must enD Cruel DisCrimination aGainst ChilDren with Down synDrome

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POLYGREEN

Speaking after attending a briefing by Down Syndrome Ireland, Dublin South West TD Seán Crowe

called on education Minister Ruairí Quinn to add Down Syndrome to the list of ‘low Incidence Disabilities’

in order to enable children affected qualify for access to Resource Teaching Hours.

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Deputy Seán Crowe said: “Research shows that children with Down Syndrome will have educational better outcomes if they attend mainstream rather than special schools, yet access to vital resource teaching hours within the public school system is being withheld from these children despite their obvious need. “Down Syndrome is by its nature complex and affects intellectual ability, speech, language, hearing, memory, vision, motor skills and general health. “This is a condition which seriously disadvantages children and affects a pupil’s ability to cope with the school curriculum. Down Syndrome affects 1 in every 546 births in Ireland each year. “every year about 120

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children are born with Down syndrome and approximately 80 of these will begin primary mainstream education each year. “It is clearly by definition a complex low incidence disorder yet remarkably it is not one of the 11 ‘low Incidence Disabilities’ that qualify for extra Resource Teaching Hours. "Prior to 2005 all children with Down syndrome received Resource Teaching Hours, but some genius in the Department of education and with a compliant Fianna Fáil Minister came up with this new policy in order to supposedly save money. “The cut literally means that about 30 children with Down Syndrome who have IQ scores in the mild range of learning disability do not now qualify for

specifically allocated resource hours despite the very small numbers needing these supports each year. "This cruel cut needs to be reversed as it is impacting negatively on these children with special needs. "education Minister Ruairí Quinn is aware of this negative policy and currently has a report on his desk outlining the problems that are effecting the educational outcomes of these children. "We are talking about a huge expense here but it will have a huge positive impact on Down Syndrome Children currently in or the entering

educational system. “It could easily be resolved by simply adding Down syndrome to the list. It’s a small number and is the kind of support that will have a huge impact on these children’s lives.

“Minister Quinn and his Government cannot continue to discriminate against children with Down syndrome. These children have the right to the same education as every other child in the country and the state or the Department of education should be supporting these children and not putting more barriers in their way.”

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thresholD welComes prtB inDex as “ComprehensiVe & aCCurate sourCe” of information for tenants, lanDlorDs anD GoVernment

Threshold, the national housing charity, has welcomed the new rent index published by the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) as the most comprehensive and accurate source of data on the private rented market. The index, which shows rent levels throughout Ireland, is based on data collected from landlords registered with the PRTB. The index published today tracks trends in rent levels since 2007. From now on, the PRTB will publish its rent index on

a quarterly basis.

Welcoming the new index, Senator aideen Hayden, Chairperson of Threshold, said it is a valuable source of information for tenants and landlords. “The publication of this index is a very welcome move. This provides more accurate information on rent levels for the first time,” she said. “Up to now, we have been reliant on data from property websites to track trends in rent levels. although useful, the information from

such sites is based on the levels of rent being sought by landlords, as opposed to the levels of rent actually being received. “However, the rent index is only as good as the number of properties registered with the PRTB. In this respect, a recent Dublin City Council study of ‘flat land’ showed the level of registration may be as low as 40 per cent in some areas. It is Threshold’s experience that landlords who do not register with the PRTB are most likely to take

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top-up payments from tenants, thereby masking real rent levels. The PRTB has made progress recently in stepping up its activities to ensure all landlords are registered; however, more needs to be done,” she said. “Demand for rented accommodation has grown consistently in recent years with almost one in five people now living in the private rented sector. The result is that rents have remained buoyant despite the recession,” said Bob Jordan, Chief executive of Threshold. “as anticipated, the PRTB index shows rents decreased by about 20 per cent at the beginning of the downturn but, since 2010, they have remained stubbornly high, while average house prices have fallen by up to 50 per cent. “at the same time, the Department of Social Protection has slashed

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rent supplement levels by more than 25 per cent. The PRTB index shows that the Department’s strategy of seeking to bring down rents by reducing rent supplement payments has not worked. Instead, because rents have remained high, it is Threshold’s experience that many rent supplement tenants are being forced to make illegal ‘top-up’ payments to their landlords to keep a roof over their heads. “The facts and figures contained in the PRTB index need to be taken on board by the Department of Social Rent Protection. Supplement levels are currently being reviewed by the Department and they must take note of the high rents being paid by tenants, especially in urban areas,” added Mr. Jordan. Further information on Threshold is available at www.threshold.ie.

GoVernment must stop preparations to Cut ChilD Benefit

Speaking following government proposals to divert money from the child benefit budget to fund a free pre-school year, Sinn Féin Social Protection Spokesperson, Deputy aengus Ó Snodaigh, called on government to stop their preparations to cut child benefit. The Dublin South Central TD said; “The government have today proposed to cut child benefit by either means testing it or taxing it in order to provide a second free pre-school year. “We are in favour of increased childcare services but it would be far more appropriate to fund childcare services like this through a third tax band of 48% over €100,000. “This would return more to the exchequer than any cut to or tax on child benefit as taking it from the Social Welfare Budget merely ensures that those who are poorest are hit hardest. “This move will see unemployed women already hit by the recession, being targeted yet again, with Joan Burton taking a hatchet to an already fragile social welfare system. “Child benefit as a payment to children in an attempt to cherish all children equally and this is not a move to help children – it is merely another convenient offence on the austerity front. “Social Protection Minister Burton has signed off budgets that continue the futile austerity programme year on year which make the vulnerable and the poor pay the price yet again. “no concrete proposal has been made here and no costings have been done. “This is the Government paving the way for cuts to child benefit in the next budget. “Children and families deserve better than this.”

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free site helps DuBlin people new to the internet to Get online Your FREE Local Newspaper

IBM volunteers and a diverse group of not-for-profit organisations have collaborated to build a free to access website which helps new users in county Dublin to explore and learn about being social online. Social Computing for the Community aims to simplify the web for people new to computing. The website which has just been released – www.socialcomputing.i e is already being used by community groups in county Dublin and around the country. Business in the Community Ireland initiated and led the project between IBM volunteers and active Retirement Ireland, age action, age & Opportunity, Third age and the Older Women’s network. The user is presented with a choice of nine buttons from

Keeping in Touch, to newspapers, Radio and TV to Health and Well-being and Money Matters. It is an indexing of the internet specifically tailored for an Irish audience to bring them directly to online such as banking sites, newspaper sites and TV players. “The internet provides a great portal for communication and keeping in touch with the world. However, for people unfamiliar with it, it can seem very daunting, a labyrinth of endless information. This website provides a simple step by step guide to new users and takes away the element of fear or anxiety about where to start when exploring the internet.” said Tina Roche CeO, of Business in the Community Ireland. The IBM volunteers involved in the project worked closely with

members of the various nGOs to find out what they really wanted from the site. “Since getting involved in this project I am learning how to use Skype and other social media tools which is opening up a whole new world of communication for me and hopefully for others who are starting to use the site.” said Kevin

Molloy from the working group and a member of active Retirement Ireland.

as part of the project, over 100 computers have also been supplied for refurbishment by other Business in the Community Ireland member companies to be given to local groups. community nGOs that have assisted

in the refurbishing side of the project are IaSIO (Irish association for the Social Integration of Offenders), FIT (Fast Track to IT) and Camara. The first six computers have already been distributed to a group in Gorey along with webcams and headpieces donated by logitech. The project was funded through grant funding from IBM.

Pictured at the launch are Kevin Molloy, member of Active Retirement Ireland, Tina Roche, CEO of Business in the Community Ireland and James Cunningham, IBM Ireland volunteer.

alloCation of one million euro in funDinG for amateur BoxinG CluBs welComeD

Dublin South West Sinn Féin TD, Seán Crowe, has welcomed the Department of Sport’s decision to allocate one million euro in funding for amateur boxing clubs in 2013. Deputy Crowe said: “amateur boxing clubs are a vital part of many communities around the country, including the Dublin South West constituency. “They provide top-class training and exercise to a huge amount of children and adults in every county on this island. In the north, boxing clubs also helped to break down sectarianism and division. “However boxing clubs have always had to scrape together funding in Ireland, and many of them are totally underfunded, despite the international success our boxers have had on the world stage. “This latest allocation of funding is specifically ear-marked for female changing rooms, heating systems, and shower rooms, and the maximum amount a club can apply for is €25,000. There is also €5,000 available for remedial repairs. “ear-marking funding for female changing rooms is directly related to the surge of interest from women and girls in boxing, which has followed Katie Taylor’s exciting gold medal Olympic win. “In order to be eligible for this funding a club must have full planning permission for the work, an up to date fire certificate, and a disabled access certificate. “To avail of the funding clubs need to firstly apply in writing to the Irish amateur Boxing association (IaBa) and they should contact the IaBa for more detailed information about the funding.”

wINDOw-MAN, PADDY wINSTON “I have been in the window trade since I left school at the age of 15. and now, at the age of 51, I have many years and lots of experience in the design, manufacture and fitting of aluminium and uPVC windows, doors and conservatories. Over the years, through the boom, I noticed that, even though there was plenty of money around for the purchase of houses, builders still managed to fit the cheapest, most unreliable windows and doors they could possibly get there hands on, most of these are now giving terrible trouble with broken handles, hinges, locks etc. etc.. So, I decided to set up this service, to get your windows and doors to perform in the manner they were designed and that’s to keep the heat in and the cold out... IF YOU ARE HAVING PROBLEMS wITH YOUR wINDOwS OR DOORS, GIVE ME A CALL...CHEERS...PADDY”

Gum litter taskforCe enVironmental awareness CampaiGn launCheD

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year two of the renewed three-year Gum litter Taskforce campaign was launched last week in Tallaght IT by Mayor of South Dublin County, Councillor Cathal King.

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The campaign aims to reduce gum litter by raising awareness amongst the public that dropping gum on the ground is littering and carries a €150 fine. The GlT campaign encourages the public to dispose of their used gum responsibly.

Speaking at the launch, Mayor of South Dublin County, Councillor Cathal King said “ I am delighted to launch the anti Gum litter Campaign her in the IT Tallaght. It is wonderful to see the involvement of the Students Union here to highlight the blight of gum litter . We hope that when the local authorities, industry and the general public work together this will make a tangible difference to South Dublin County streets.

The theme of the 2012-2014 advertising campaign is “Bin It your Way” and it features a series of professionally choreographed and highly innovative dance moves which communicate the responsible disposal of gum litter in an engaging way. The campaign also includes: · a four month mass media advertising campaign (TV, outdoor, print and online). · a schools education programme aimed at first and second year secondary school students called “Bin It!” This includes an actor-led workshop tour which take place in schools each autumn and which is

supported by materials and tools for teachers to download and integrate into lesson plans. (www.chewitbinit.com) · a dedicated website www.gumlittertaskforce.ie and Facebook page www.facebook.com/binityourway · Distribution of Point-of-Sale materials to over 1,000 retailers around the country. · litter monitoring by local authorities to assess how much littered gum is reduced on- streets as a result of the campaign. · Sponsorship of three awards in the TidyTowns competition.

last year the GlT campaign achieved a 28% reduction in gum litter nationally. a nationwide on-street attitudes and awareness survey also showed there was a significant improvement in public perception, with gum that is irresponsibly disposed, clearly viewed as ‘litter’ by those surveyed. GlT Chairman Mr Paul Kelly welcomed the significant increase in local authority uptake this year. “local authority involvement is absolutely critical to the success of the campaign.. I look forward to working closely with them to make the campaign a success. We were delighted with the results of the 2012 GlT campaign as it achieved its main goals of reducing the overall level of gum litter on our streets and promoting a change in the culture and attitude towards gum litter.” added Mr Kelly.

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Mayor Cathal King pictured with SDCC Staff, members of the student union and members of the welfare crew.

fitzGeralD sinGs youth BanD’s praises

local T.D. and Minister for Children and youth affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, attended Clondalkin youth Band’s Gala Concert last week in the Green Isle Hotel, Clondalkin. Clondalkin youth Band played host to over 200 members of Ohio University’s Wind ensemble and Marching Band, who are on a european Tour, and delighted a packed audience with their musical skill. “It was a great joy and privilege to witness the energy and talent of both our own Clondalkin youth Band and Ohio University’s Wind ensemble and Marching Bands. Ohio’s Marching Band got us off to a lively start and both Bands played a beautiful programme on the night. It was also particularly apt to welcome Ohio to Clondalkin in this, the year of the Gathering,” said Fitzgerald. “Clondalkin youth Band has been an integral part of our community for 27 years. They bring great pride to Clondalkin every time they play, whether

it is at Championships, the St. Patrick’s Day parade or hearing them practice around the Village. In recognition of all the work they do, I was pleased to approve a €5,000 grants last year to them for musical instruments. “My father founded a community band so I know the hard work that goes on behind the scenes. I would like to thank Band leader, Vincent Dolan, and all the volunteers for the opportunities the Band have given young people in Clondalkin. It is also important to note the phenomenal support from parents and friends that has also been vital to Clondalkin youth Band’s success over the years. “I look forward to cheering on Clondalkin youth Band for many more years to come and wish them the best of luck for the World Marching Band Championships in Holland this July,” concluded Fitzgerald.

an open letter to Derek keatinG t.D.

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a Derek, a chara On Thursday, 25th april, your election team dropped a leaflet from you into houses in the lucan area. The theme of the leaflet was that “Derek has delivered” for the people of lucan. That leaflet has generated a lot of comment in our school community. It has angered a great many of us, to the point where I feel compelled to write to you and express some of the dismay your leaflet has generated. In that leaflet, you refer to the “9 new schools being built, or extensively renovated, in Dublin Mid-West”. you tell us that you “initiated, led and delivered these programmes in the first 2 years since my election to Dáil Éireann”. I read this piece from your leaflet with incredulity. Derek, you never once contacted our school, Griffeen Valley, in relation to our forthcoming school extension. neither did anybody from our Board of Management or staff contact you or seek your assistance in relation to the extension. you had absolutely nothing to do with this development, and yet you distribute a leaflet in the lucan area claiming to have “initiated, led and delivered” this extension. This is nothing but gross cynical opportunism on your behalf which I find objectionable and depressing. The last time you had contact with Griffeen Valley School was when you visited at the request of parents with children with special needs in our school. In the last 2 years [since Fine Gael and labour came to power] our school has lost 4.5 Special needs assistants for these vulnerable children and has seen the allocation of 1:1 Resource-Teaching Hours for these children reduced by 15%. I recall Derek that you shook your head in shame when parents outlined to you the manner in which the devastating cuts you had voted for were having on the lives of their children. neither the school, nor those parents, heard from you after that meeting. The school could easily have invited you to another meeting after that, this time with the parents of children from the 4 corners of the planet, who have english-language needs. Before you and your colleagues came to power, our school used to have 3 english-language teachers for these disadvantaged children. now we have none. On the basis of our lack of success with you at the special needs meeting, parents decided it was not worthwhile talking to you again.

Derek, these losses are 2 very tangible things that you have delivered for the children in our school and for our community in lucan. Can I respectfully remind you that you have voted for every single cutback that you and your colleagues in Fine Gael and labour have put through our parliament. I am sure you would be interested to know the cumulative effect of those votes by you and your colleagues, and how those same votes have impacted upon the lives of people in our community. • From being a community where most families were doing reasonably ok, our school community is one where now a majority struggle to make ends meet;

• There has been a huge increase in unemployment among parents;

• almost every week we bid farewell to children, and their parents, who take to the skies in search of a basic quality of life and standard of living in another country;

These constitute some of the effects of your delivery for lucan in the context of the Griffeen Valley School community. at a broader, national level, you and your colleagues have delivered an increase of at least 40,000 children living in poverty in our country – something which is profoundly shameful. Derek, you have also delivered austerity in its billions for ordinary people with catastrophic effect. at the same time, you and your colleagues • do nothing to stop the granting of outrageous salaries to bankers

• effortlessly pick up the billions of debts of the developers

• ensure that every red cent is paid to those who gamble in the casino economy. Misery for the many and largesse for the few – hardly a record to be proud of Derek.

Can I also remind you Derek that just a few short months ago, you handed back €7,500 euro of public money, which you had wrongly claimed in expenses. This came as a result of an independent audit of T.D.s expenses. last year, you took part in a worthless junket of T.D.s to Taiwan which cost us a “fortune”, but which produced not a single tangible benefit for those of us who paid for it.

nothing in this open letter Derek is intended to question your integrity or to attack you personally. I’m sure you believe in what you are doing in leinster House. However, I respectfully suggest that the “Derek is delivering” leaflet is an example of the kind of political cynicism that seems to infect many of our politicians when they are join the ranks of our political elite in Dáil Éireann.

If you had an involvement in the delivery of a new post office or a new social welfare office [a dubious achievement, given your government’s very poor record on employment!!] then I would be happy to congratulate you on this. However, if you had as much to do with these welcome developments as you had with the extension proposed for Griffeen Valley, all of which you claim credit for, then people might do well to hold on to their congratulations. Is mise le meas

Tomás O Dúlaing

[Principal, Griffeen Valley eTnS, Personal Capacity]

mensa offers free personality profile with iQ test in DuBlin

Mensa are holding an IQ test session in Dublin offering people the chance to discover their IQ score. Those interested in finding out their IQ score can attend a Mensa supervised IQ test session on Saturday 18 May (1.45pm) at St Conleth’s College for just €25.80. Plus, Mensa are currently offering a FRee personality profile to all those that book. To book visit www.mensa.org.uk/mensa-iq-test; alternatively call +44(0)1902 772 771 (option 1) or email bookatest@mensa.org.uk for more information. everyone who achieves an IQ score

todulaing@hotmail.com, 087-7518210

within the top two per cent of the population will be invited to join Mensa. The Chairman of British Mensa, Chris Tyler, said “If you are curious about IQ then a Mensa IQ test is an ideal way to discover your potential.” new members would join over 110,000 members of The High IQ Society based around the world; with 22,000 Mensans based in the British Isles. Members of Mensa receive a monthly magazine, can join Special Interest Groups and are invited to the society’s excellent events programme. There are currently 66 Mensa members in Dublin.

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raBBitte tarGets enerGy poVerty in soCial housinG Your FREE Local Newspaper

The Minister for Communications, energy & natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte T.D., has committed to targeting people experiencing energy poverty, regardless of tenancy – be it private or social housing, for inclusion on the Better energy Warmer Homes scheme as a key component of the energy affordable Strategy that was

launched in november 2011.

In response to a parliamentary question raised by Deputy Simon Harris, the Minister stated that: “The SeaI, along with my Department, are currently undertaking a pilot programme involving two local authorities. The pilot will test a number of delivery mechanisms in

In this month’s edition of the paper, Romaine Scally Solicitor, of Romaine Scally & Company, Solicitors, Main Street, Tallaght, Dublin 24, Telephone 01-4599506 email legal@scally.ie deals with more legal issues. Q. I was stopped coming out of a shop about 6 months ago and was wrongly accused of stealing certain items. I have been very annoyed about this and have been trying to get the shop to apologise to me. They keep writing back to say that they are investigating the matter and will revert as soon as possible. However, time is passing and I wonder if I should force their hand by doing anything further? I would prefer the matter not to go to Court if at all possible but I was very embarrassed at the time.

a. Firstly, you certainly appear to have been accused in the wrong of theft, although it would be important to make out a written statement of the exact events leading up to you being stopped at the exit to the shop with particular reference to the words used and action taken by the shop staff and/or security people. Time can blur everybody’s memory and it would be very important to have a very accurate account of events leading up to this upsetting incident. Secondly, it is extremely important to be

providing energy retrofits to a targeted group of low-income families living in local authority housing within the longford County Council and South Dublin County Council districts.

The outcome of the pilot will inform future policy in this regard.” The estates being considered for the scheme are Kiltalown

estate, Tallaght, D24 and Deansrath estate, Clondalkin, D22. It is envisaged that 55-60 homes will be covered in Kiltalown and 40 in Deansrath estate, with addresses to be confirmed.

The Better energy: Warmer Homes scheme has been allocated €17million euro in exchequer funding for 2013 and is anticipated

to deliver upgrades to approximately 10,000 homes this year. Measures available include draught proofing, attic insulation, lagging jackets, low energy light bulbs and cavity wall insulation. These are provided free of charge to the customer. The principle aim of the scheme is to assist those at risk of energy poverty.

The Legal Column

aware that the Statute of limitations in defamation cases is limited to One yeaR. For your average Personal Injuries action, you have two years in which to consider taking legal action after the event. This however is reduced to one year only for all defamation cases. Therefore, time has started to run and, if you cannot get any satisfaction yourself in correspondence, you will be left with no alternative but to take action through the Courts, forcing the shop to clear your good name and, if appropriate, award you compensation. Remember that even if you leave it up until the last minute to consider pursuing the matter through the Courts, you need to allow your Solicitor time to investigate the incident. as such, given that you have not had any satisfaction after 6 months, it seems highly unlikely that the shop will actually satisfy your requirements in this regard. Indeed, they could be deliberately engaging in protracted correspondence with you in the hope that the one year will pass without you realizing the implications of same. as such, we strongly recommend that you consult a Solicitor as soon as possible with a view to bringing matters to a satisfactory resolution.

Q. My marriage is in difficulty and my husband and I are hoping to keep the cost of a separation to a minimum. If we go to Mediation, can we sign off on the Mediated Agreement without going to Solicitors?

a. Obviously, it is hugely upsetting for you and your husband to be entering into this phase of your relationship. Presumably, you have already exhausted other avenues such as marriage guidance counseling? assuming this to be the case, Mediation can work very well for couples with a view to trying to keep costs to an absolute minimum. Indeed some Mediators provided by the Court Service do not charge at all or, charge only a nominal fee.

The problem however about converting a Mediated agreement into a Separation agreement is that it is the Mediator who will advise both parties to seek legal advice on the contents of the

Mediated agreement. Remember, a Mediated agreement in itself is not legally binding. This agreement allows both parties the opportunity to take legal advice to ensure that neither party are being unfairly treated. It would not be a wise idea to sign off on a Mediated agreement without seeking legal advice. It may well be that you could simply attend for a once-off consultation with a Solicitor at a small cost, and seek advice as to whether or not the bones of the agreement are fair. again, for the purposes of trying to keep these costs to a minimum, both parties should prepare affidavits of Means prior to seeking legal advice. This is a sworn document in relation to the assets and liabilities of each spouse. Failure to accurately disclose assets can lead to an agreement subsequently being overturned so it is essential that both parties do not leave anything out and prepare an accurate summary of assets and liabilities no matter how big or small. On balance however, it is not a good idea to even consider signing off on a Mediated agreement without seeking legal advice. We hope that this helps and that matter progresses well for you.

Q. I have an adult son who has had issues with drugs over the past number of years. I am now in my seventies and am seriously concerned about including this son in my will. I think that if he were to inherit a lump sum, it could be used for all the wrong reasons with possible tragic consequences. would it be safe for me to leave him out of the will? a. This is always a difficult situation for any parent. Obviously you wish it were otherwise but, from what you say, you are left in no doubt but that your sons’ problems are ongoing. However, it is always possible that he might come around and I assume that efforts are being made to encourage him to seek help. It is of course always possible to leave

ConVersational irish Get-toGether:

molloy's foxes Covert, every thursday at 8pm.

The former Cumann Gaelach in Tallaght, are trying to re-establish and they will be holding an Irish language conversational get-together in Molloy's Foxes Covert every Thursday evening at 8pm (Horseshoe lounge). Those wishing to attend don't need to be fluent, so long as they are willing to make the effort to speak as much Irish as they have.

by Romaine Scally an adult child out of your Will but, it can be challenged. Obviously every parent has a legal and moral duty to provide for their children and this is obviously particularly imperative when children are young and still being educated for adult life. It becomes more blurred as children move on to adulthood and have had an education and a start in life. There is no automatic duty to leave your estate to your adult children, provided that they have had a reasonable start in life and the same chances as the other children in the family. Unfortunately, however, there are many cases challenging Wills for all sorts of reasons and many of them never even get to Court. Many are settled without a full hearing so it is safe to say that it happens more than one might imagine. It would be very important for you to take detailed advice from a Solicitor in relation to your proposed plan. If your son is married with children, you could perhaps put his share of money aside to be held on trust for his children. Most importantly however, it would be very important for the instructed Solicitor to take detailed notes in relation to the reasons why you would propose to leave your son out of your Will. Remember that you can change your Will at any stage during your lifetime. a Will only speaks from the date of death and it is only the last Will which is the relevant one. as such, if your son turns his life around and proves himself to be a responsible citizen again then, you can change your Will to include him. Our advice is to see a solicitor and ensure that your Solicitor is fully informed in relation to all the reasons why you have doubts about including your son in your Will. I hope that this has been helpful.

ROMAINE SCALLY & CO, SOLICITORS

operate a FREE LEGAL ADVICE CLINIC on the second Wednesd ay of every month from 2.00pm until 6.00p m at their offices in Main Street, Tallaght, Dublin 24. NEXT CLINIC: WED. 12TH JUNE. No Appointment is neces sary. We look forward to answ ering your legal queries in person.

Romaine Scally is the principal in the firm of ROMAINE SCALLY AND COMPANY SOLICITORS Main Street Tallaght, Dublin 24 TEL 4599506 FAX 4599510 email: legal@scally.ie

Your FREE Local Newspaper

work on your tan from the insiDe 22

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Most people agree that a nice tan makes you look healthier and sexier. Did you know that science has found a natural way to enhance your tan from the inside with help from biologically active plant substances? you don’t necessarily have to lie on the beach and bake in the sun for hours to get a nice tan. according to Scottish scientists, increasing your intake of carotenoids can help you tan while limiting the damaging effects of UV rays. By studying how fruit and vegetable extracts affected the skin of 35 volunteers, researchers found that after six weeks, not only did the diet change add colour to their skin, but it even made others perceive the volunteers skin as being more attractive.

take a Capsule

The compounds responsible for this effect are known as carotenoids and include beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, and astraxanthin. These compounds, which give fruit and vegetables their characteristic bright colours, can also be taken in capsule form.

This makes it a lot easier to enhance the colour of your skin without having to eat large quantities of fruit and veg.

safe tanninG

Besides giving your skin a natural glow, carotenoids serve as excellent protection against UV-damage. In fact, that is how they work in nature, as they protect the fruits and vegetables against UV-damage. In humans, carotenoids have a similar effect and combat potentially harmful molecules known as free radicals. These are generated in our skin in response to ultraviolet exposure, so by increasing your carotenoid intake you get a nicer skin colour while also bolstering your natural defence against sun-induced skin damage. However, you should always remember to use sunscreen, for added protection.

what are CarotenoiDs?

Carrots, melons, tomatoes, you name it, they all have bright colours that make them look appealing, but there is more to it than that. Different carotenoids give fruits, plants and vegetables their characteristic colours, and these compounds also serve to protect against the ultraviolet sun rays and the potential damage they impose. In humans, carotenoids also have a protective effect by shielding cells from free radicals that are generated in the skin in response to sunlight. In addition, carotenoids stimulate the production of melanin which is not only responsible for darkening the skin but also for protecting the deeperlayers from damage. Some of the carotenoids that are most relevant for skin colour and protection are: • Beta-carotene (carrots) • Lycopene (tomatoes) • Lutein (marigold) • Astraxanthin (micro-algae)

how elastiC is your skin?

Skin elasticity (or resilience) is what enables your skin to bounce back in place when you pull or stretch it. Try this: with the thumb and index finger of your right hand make a skin fold by pinching the skin on the back of your left hand. See how long it takes for your skin to fall back into place. The more elastic your skin is, the sooner it will regain its normal appearance. You can preserve your skin elasticity by taking carotenoids when exposing yourself to sun light.

warninG aGainst the DanGers of BounCy Castles anD trampolines Your FREE Local Newspaper

as temperatures rise and more of us venture outside, Vhi SwiftCare Clinics are calling on parents to be aware of the potential dangers posed by bouncy castles

and trampolines. May 2012 saw 45 patients presenting to the Vhi SwiftCare Clinics with injuries relating to bouncy castles and trampolines and in april

2013 there have already been a number of presentations. Of those presenting in May 2012, nearly 56% were female and under 10 years of age and the vast

majority of the injuries suffered were sprains and breaks of arms and legs. Commenting on the findings Dr Brian

launCh of youth emiGration researCh – ‘time to Go?’

The national youth Council of Ireland’s (nyCI) report ‘Time to Go?’, which was launched last week, is the first qualitative study exploring the experience and impact of emigration on Ireland’s youth over the past two years. The results provide an insight into the opportunities and difficulties faced by young emigrants in Canada, the UK and beyond.

The main findings from the research include: Reasons for emigrating · Many young Irish emigrants are moving abroad to experience new horizons and access greater opportunities. limited employment options and lack of · opportunities at home were cited as a determining factor prompting their decision to leave. Use of ICT Skype, free web apps and other ICTs were · regarded by research participants as essential for keeping in touch with home in a cost effective way, and many stated that they spoke more frequently to their parents now than when they lived in Ireland. adjustment problems and challenges · emigrants still encounter significant adjustment problems and often struggle with periods of intense homesickness, stress over financial concerns, accommodation, and job searching. · But many young people stated that their emigration was much harder for their parents, than it was for them. Plans for the Future · The vast majority of participants interviewed expressed the intention and desire to return home after a period of time provided they could get a job.

“In the past 2 years over a quarter of our population has been affected by the emigration of a close family member, and half of our 18 – 24 years olds have said they would consider

emigrating themselves, so it is vital that this issue is given the consideration it deserves, and that a dedicated Government policy response is developed to support our young emigrants and tackle the challenges they face,”* said Marie-Claire Mcaleer, Senior Research and Policy Officer at nyCI.

Recommendations as a result of this report include: appoint a Minister with responsibility for · emigration policy and for responding to and connecting with the Irish abroad. · Government should develop and implement a strategy for emigrants. · Fund an existing agency that operates in the Republic of Ireland to provide assistance to prospective emigrants intending to emigrate. Centralised Data Collection on emigrants to · inform the development of a policy response. · launch a campaign to promote foreign languages at second level and third level education. · Department of Social Protection, and Department of Foreign affairs and Trade to collaborate in the creation and maintenance of a portal site which would function to map and direct the user to existing websites providing information at a local level. · Promotion of Internships, Work Placements or employment Opportunities abroad. Officially launching the report, Ms Marian Harkin, MeP said: “This is a particularly valuable piece of research in that it doesn't simply document the phenomenon of emigration, it also examines appropriate policy responses that need to be put in place both before and after people emigrate. However "Time to Go?" focuses on people as much as policy and indeed the policy responses have their genesis in the collective responses of our emigrants”.

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Gaffney, medical director, Vhi SwiftCare said “We Clinics wholeheartedly support children playing outside and staying active but year on year we see an increase in these type of easily avoided injuries as more parents invest in trampolines or hire bouncy castles for communions and birthday parties. Children can suffer a nasty break which can be traumatic for everyone involved. We are calling on parents to take a number of straight-forward precautions with a view to minimising bumps and bruises and reducing the number of these type of injuries we treat this summer.”

Dr Gaffney suggested taking the following steps: 1. always have a responsible adult supervising this type of activity. Most accidents take place in that split second when backs are turned and attention is elsewhere – remember prevention is better than cure. 2. Ideally only one child should be on a trampoline or bouncy

castle where possible. If this isn’t the case then ensure that the children are the same age and size and aren’t wearing any shoes or sharp items (such as belts etc). 3. Make sure bouncy castles are correctly anchored before use and inspect the netting around trampolines to make sure there aren’t any gaps or tears. 4. If it has been raining, make sure that surfaces are dried off correctly before children start to play – bouncing on slippery surfaces is a recipe for disaster. 5. Position bouncy castles and trampolines on grass, well away from hard surfaces or protruding items – many accidents happen when people are stepping on and off. 6. Do not allow anyone – adult or child – to attempt somersaults or flips on a trampoline or bouncy castle. This is extremely dangerous and could lead to spinal injuries, concussion or a host of serious injuries. 7. If adults decide to try their bouncing skills insist on one person at a time and ensure no alcohol has been

consumed. While most of the accidents we see are in children, there are usually a handful of parents who present with injuries each year.

Dr Gaffney concluded by advising that “If the worst happens and someone is injured, take the following steps”: · Stay calm and don’t rush to stand up or to get the person to stand up. · If someone cannot feel their arms / legs, has hit their head or lost consciousness call an ambulance immediately. · If you have a severely broken bone i.e. a bone has broken through your skin you should go straight to your nearest accident & emergency Department. · If you suspect you have a broken bone or a sprain then you can either visit your local urgent care centre or your local accident & emergency Unit. · In all instances where you suspect a sprain, strain or break you should remember to PRICe: P = protect, R = rest, I = ice, C = compress, e = elevate.

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three out of fiVe seCure employment followinG JoBBriDGe internship

according to an independent evaluation published earlier this week by Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton, three in five participants in JobBridge secure employment following their internship, making it one of the most successful work activation schemes in europe. Cllr Breeda Bonner said “The Government has an ambitious plan to modernise and improve our work activation services as part of our Pathways to Work strategy, and JobBridge was a key early scheme to help deliver on this agenda. “It is now clear that

JobBridge is delivering for thousands of jobseekers by providing them with valuable opportunities to gain relevant work experience, knowledge and skills in a workplace environment. Three in five interns gain employment following the scheme which is a testament to the potential that exists in providing new work placement opportunities to jobseekers and employers. “JobBridge has proven to provide a very effective pathway back to work, with an overall progression rate of 61% into employment. Since Minister Joan Burton launched the scheme in

2011, more than 16,700 people have participated in it - and the independent evaluation proves its immense value. The scheme is making a real difference to the lives of jobseekers, including those experiencing long-term unemployment. “The evidence shows the majority of employers and interns both gain significantly from JobBridge. Minister Burton encourages employers and jobseekers who have not yet considered availing of JobBridge to do so, and see the huge benefits it could bring to them.” Bonner concluded

oBsessiVe eaters anonymous

Is your eating Behaviour worrying you? are you constantly worried about your weight and size ? Secret eating, binges, throwing up, constant snacking are all signs that help may be needed. What is the real problem ? Come along to one of our meetings and find help through the 12 Steps. Confidentiality and anonymity are assured.

There is a meeting next Monday at 10.30 am in St Jude's Pastoral Centre,St Jude's Church, Templeogue, Dublin 6W or next Tuesday at 7.15 pm in Beechwood Community Centre ,Mountain View Road, Ranelagh , Dublin 6 Further information is available on our website www.obsessiveeatersanonymous.org or you can call us on 087 2390595.

noVenas noVenas noVenas

MIRACLE PRAYER THANKSGIVING Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked for many favours. This time I ask you for a very special one. Take it, dear Heart of Jesus, and place it within your own broken heart where your Father sees it. Then in His merciful eyes it will become your favour and not mine. amen. Say this prayer for three days. Promise publication and favour will be granted no matter how impossible. never known to fail. H.L.

MIRACLE PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked for many favours. This time I ask you for a very special one. Take it, dear Heart of Jesus, and place it within your own broken heart where your Father sees it. Then in His merciful eyes it will become your favour and not mine. amen. Say this prayer for three days. Promise publication and favour will be granted no matter how impossible. never known to fail. U.R.

mine. amen. Say this prayer for three days. Promise publication and favour will be granted no matter how impossible. never known to fail. A & J.L

throughtout the world now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus pray for us. St Jude worker of miracles pray for us. St Jude helper of the hopeless pray for us. Say this prayer 9 times a day, by the eighth day your prayer will be answered. Say it for 9 days. It has never been known to fail. Publication must be promised.C.H.

MIRACLE PRAYER - THANKSGIVING Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked for many favours. This time I ask you for a very special one. Take it, dear Heart of Jesus, and place it within your own broken heart where your Father sees it. Then in His merciful eyes it will become your favour and not mine. amen. Say this prayer for three days. Promise publication and favour will be granted no matter how impossible. never known to fail. H.L.

PLEASE NOTE: If you wish to have your novena published please make a donation to our selected charity. Send a postal order or cheque made payable to Solas Centre (NCBI) and send, along with your novena to: Newsgroup, PO Box 3430, Tallaght, Dublin 24. If you require any further information call us on 01 4519000.

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keane welComes announCement that tallaGht is shortlisteD for town anD City reViVal initiatiVe

Fine Gael Senator for Dublin South-West, Cáit Keane, has welcomed the announcement that Tallaght has been shortlisted as one of 100 towns and cities nationwide for a national Town and City Revival Initiative that was launched by Retail excellence Ireland in 2012. In July of last year, a national Town and City Revival Committee was established to endeavour to improve the fortunes of Ireland's towns and cities. This followed a Retail excellence Ireland (ReI) review of town and city performance which indicated that there was room for improvement in many towns and cities in terms of their citizen engagement. "I am pleased at the

announcement that The Town & City Revival Committee Retail incorporating excellence Ireland (ReI), Chambers Ireland, an Garda Síochána, the Dublin BID, the County & City Managers association and Failte Ireland are seeking applications from shortlisted towns and cities to become one of two pilot towns and cities in Ireland. Tallaght has been shortlisted as one such town and I think this represents a great opportunity for the local stakeholders in Tallaght to come together and work in collaboration with the ReI to help the area to realise its full potential. The competition is now open and I am confident that Tallaght

has every chance of succeeding in becoming of the two chosen towns and cities. "The ReI has expressed its commitment to assisting towns and cities as part of a collaborative approach that can be established between local businesses, the local authority, chamber of commerce, business association and the many other stakeholders who have an interest in the wellbeing of the town or city. There are many such groups of stakeholders or “Town Teams” at work in Ireland today. To assist these “Town Teams” the ReI has created a Framework which offers guidance and advice as to what might work in a particular town or city. "The Framework was

created following consultation with Town and City Managers, authorities, local Central Government including the Minister for environment, Community and local Government, Phil Hogan, international experts and stakeholders in towns and cities around Ireland. I am now urging the stakeholders in Tallaght to come together and begin the application process to become one of the two pilot towns and cities. The benefits of selection as a pilot town or city are support from committee organisations to establish a “Town Team”, assistance with the development of a town plan, and specific support from County and City Managers and

the Dublin BID regarding interventions which have worked to re-engage citizens with their civic space. "The application process is now open and the closing date for receipt of completed applications is 24th May 2013. Completed applications must be returned to Retail excellence Ireland, 38|39 Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin 2 and the announcement regarding the two successful towns and cities will be made on 7th June 2013. I am strongly urging the stakeholders in Tallaght to come forward and apply for this initiative as it represents a wonderful opportunity to make the area a better place for future generations to enjoy and share."

anti-litter anD anti-Graffiti awareness Grant sCheme 2013

Cllr Trevor Gilligan advises that South Dublin County Council is accepting now applications for funding of projects which qualify as anti-litter and anti-Graffiti awareness Initiatives. anti-litter and antiGraffiti-awareness Initiatives should seek to promote public awareness and education in relation to litter and/or graffiti. This Grant Scheme has a particular focus on voluntary initiatives by community and environmental groups,

and on involving schools and young people in anti-litter and anti-graffiti awareness actions.

The Dept. of environment fund 70% of the grant with SDCC funding 30%. There is no upper limit to the amount the applicant can apply for. Only aPPlICaTIOnS WITH eDUCaTIOn & aWaReneSS DIMenSIOnS WIll Be COnSIDeReD FOR FUnDInG. email: info@sdublincoco.ie to apply. Deadline, Wednesday 5th June 2013.

to aDVertise in any of our puBliCations tel: 01 451 3822 or Visit our weBsite on www.newsgroup.ie

euROLInk... WHAT’S HAPPenInG In THe euROPeAn PARLIAmenT

Dublin MEP shares horrors of Palestine

Irish MeP emer Costello has appealed to the government and the international community to insist that Israel end its occupation of Palestinian lands in east Jerusalem and the West Bank. The labour MeP, who spent last week in the region as head of an eU delegation, concluded that only an end to the occupation could restore the basic rights of the Palestinian people, which she said are currently being denied. Speaking on her return to Dublin, Ms Costello said the delegation witnessed first hand how the freedom of the Palestinian people is being crushed by a “strategic Israeli plan” to force Palestinians off their lands and remove their residency rights, particularly in the Jerusalem area. “Freedom of movement is denied, as checkpoints restrict access to work and schools, and the separation wall has annexed vast tracts of the West Bank, disconnecting families and preventing Palestinians from going about their daily lives.” “Freedom to live without harassment is denied, as Israeli settlers engage in

violence against Palestinian people and their properties with impunity, and Israeli police fail to investigate and charge the perpetrators.” “They are denied the freedom to develop their homes and lands, as a two-tier planning system allows Israeli settlements to develop and expand while Palestinian homes and essential infrastructure are being demolished daily,” said Ms Costello. The delegation said Palestinians are being denied the freedom to walk and drive on the same streets as Israelis in Hebron, nor are they allowed to live peacefully as Bedouins in the Jordan Valley but are being evacuated from their homes at short notice. They added that in Jenin, Hebron and Bethlehem, Palestinian governors, mayors and the business community are unable to develop the local economy of their towns and villages because taxes are withheld and economic projects are refused permission. Ms Costello praised what she described as the “remarkable resilience” of the Palestinians despite the undermining of their rights and freedoms. “They have at all times retained their dignity and demonstrated their

commitment to non-violent resistance in pursuit of their right to self-determination and statehood,” she said. The labour MeP urged the eU's High Representative for Foreign affairs Catherine ashton to insist that Israel cease its “illegal policies” that are preventing a resumption of negotiations to bring about an end to the occupation. The delegation also expressed concern about the treatment of Palestinians in Israeli prisons and said a fact-finding mission to assess their conditions should be held “as a matter of urgency.” Dublin pupils and MEPs do the “European Handshake”

Children across the capital were kept busy shaking hands with each other this week, as part of nationwide celebrations for europe Week. local MePs visited schools across the city to share the “european Handshake” in a spirit of solidarity and to rejoice in the diversity in our schools. The handshake is one of a series of initiatives centred around europe Day on May 9th, commemorating the day in 1950 when France and Germany vowed never again to go to war, which led to

the creation of what has become a union of 27 countries. labour MeP for Dublin emer Costello explained the significance of being european during her visit to St Clare's Primary School in Harold's Cross this week. "The european Handshake connects students and schools across Ireland to the wider european continent and is a powerful symbol of our resolve for peace and unity across the eU. Through the physical bond of a handshake, students embrace the concept of solidarity and celebrate diversity," said Ms Costello. Because of Ireland's six-month eU presidency, and also to mark the 40th anniversary of Ireland's eU membership, it was decided this year to extend europe Day to a whole week of celebratory events. They included dozens of cultural, entertainment and business events, such as the europe Day Breakfast Briefing in Dublin. The Irish exporters association organised the breakfast to showcase the success abroad of local companies in the capital. Other events included the europe for Citizens Round-table Conference at the european Parliament Office in Dublin, europe Day live on nearFM radio

station, and an exhibition of european Works in the national Gallery. EU enlargement could halve Irish MEP numbers

a Fine Gael MeP has claimed Ireland could lose up to half its MePs by the year 2019 because of the allocation of seats to new countries likely to join the eU. Jim Higgins MeP warned that unless the government develops a negotiating strategy for retaining the maximum number of seats, Ireland risks a serious loss of power and influence on eU policy over the next few decades. Speaking from Brussels, Mr Higgins said Ireland could start by using its veto to block the planned loss of one MeP seat in the 2014 elections. “If you look at the population of the seven countries most likely to join over the next decade, there will be a need to allocate roughly 60 of the current 751 seats to these new member states. It means that Ireland could go from a situation of having had 15 MePs in 2004 to just seven or eight by 2019, unless the government sets out its stall clearly,” he warned. Croatia is next in line to join the eU on 1st July this year, and its accession will mean

the loss of one Irish seat come next year's european elections. Other countries waiting in the wings include albania, Bosnia-Hercegovnia, Montenegro, Serbia, Turkey, Macedonia and Kosovo. Iceland has already met the criteria laid down to join the eU, but its progress towards membership is threatened by a dispute over mackerel fishing. Turkey is also being held up, by ongoing disputes with Cyprus, while progress for some of the Balkan countries is being slowed by eU concerns around freedom of expression, organised crime and corruption. Jim Higgins urged the government to “wake up” and develop a coherent strategy to secure Ireland's level of influence at eU level. “Ultimately, the european Parliament is broken up into 22 committees. If you don't have an Irish MeP keeping an eye on committees, you will have legislation going through with absolutely no consideration for the Irish position,” he warned. He also pointed out that cutting the number of Irish MePs would not mean a saving for the Irish taxpayer, as we will still have to pay the same amount to fund the european Parliament.

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