Clondalkin News

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major cut to child benefit

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27TH MAy 2013 P.O. BOx 3430, TALLAGHT, DuBLIN 24 TEL: 451 3822 email: info@newsgroup.ie web: www.newsgroup.ie

Dublin South West Sinn Féin TD, Seán Crowe, has called on the Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton to end the uncertainty and unnecessary worry being experienced by families surrounding the continuation of child benefit.

He was speaking after the Joint Committee on Education and Social Protection heard submissions from the National Women’s Council of Ireland and the End Child Poverty Coalition regarding the Mangan Report on Child

Benefit.

Deputy Seán Crowe said: “The Government, via the Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore, Minister for Education Ruairí Quinn and Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton, have sent out mixed messages over the last week regarding child benefit.

“Ruairí Quinn has suggested that further cuts to child benefit could be introduced to subsidise an additional free pre-school year.

Eamon Gilmore has said after that no further changes to child benefit

will happen. But the Oireachtas Social Protection Committee has already heard that Joan Burton has asked the Advisory Group on Tax and Social Welfare, Chaired by Ms. Ita Mangan, to look again at her Child Benefit thresholds.

“We know that the first report of the Advisory Group has already been brought to Cabinet by Joan Burton.

“I am urging Minister Burton to end the doubt and shelve this Mangan Report and recommit to her original Labour

Party election promise, not to cut child benefit.

“We know that when Ms. Mangan gave a detailed technical briefing on her report to journalists and lobby groups that she added to the uncertainty. Her comments that there was "no point in suggesting there won’t be losses for some people in this change," contradicted those of Eamon Gilmore.

“She initially suggested better off people will lose and some lower income families will gain, which seems fair,

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€24k for south dublin tidy towns Groups Your FREE Local Newspaper

“I am delighted to support the grant for €24K for tidy towns groups throughout South Dublin including: Clondalkin, Lucan, Rathcoole, Newcastle, Palmerston, Saggart each receiving €3K for the purposes of Walking Routes, Heritage Buildings and Features, Public Realm Focal Points, Public Realm Blackspots, Painting and Signage, Branding, Festivals and Markets. The primary purpose of this fund was to drive initiatives which would result in an increase in footfall in the villages and thus drive

economic development and retail and tourism in particular.” said Cllr Trevor Gilligan “I am also delighted to see that the trees have finally been planted outside Tuthills and outside the Mill Centre on the Ninth Lock road. Clondalkin Tidy Towns have been looking for these trees for a long time now and I am grateful to the council for listening , supporting and helping clondalkin village grow.”

Gilligan concluded

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major cut to child benefit .....from paGe 1

but she also worryingly indicated that some lower income families will also lose.

"Minister Burton seems to be planning the introduction of a second tier of child that will benefit involve a major cut to child benefit right across the system.

"The report she outlined to Cabinet under which families will only qualify for the maximum payment if they earn less than €25,000 and a reduced standard rate of about €110 a month would be paid for each child, down €20 from the current €130.

“This would create a two-tier system of child benefit.

“The largest possible weekly “top-up” would be €38, but the supplement would then be cut as income increases beyond €25,000. Parents would

also have to apply for the “top-up” online where they would be required to make a full declaration of household income, which would add a further layer of bureaucracy to the scheme.

“In my opinion any second tier of child benefit or support should only be considered as an addition to existing benefits, not as a direct cut.

"A far more practical way of delivering this saving would be to reduce the income limits used to assess qualification for Family Income Supplement and to increase the dependent child allowance associated with other social welfare payments.

"This proposal would be fairer, easier to operate and end the uncertainty that families and parents are currently experiencing.”

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Prospective purchasers should note all development works at Newtown Manor are now complete. The estate is mature and finished to a high standard and is ready for taking in charge by Kildare Co. Council. This is very important in the times we live in with unfinished housing estates all over the country.

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Kill is a friendly, modern country village resting comfortably on the outskirts of the Greater Dublin Area and beside the N7 motorway. Residents take great pride in the up-keep of the village and it has won and been runner up in the tidy towns competition in recent years.

The new park and ride on Luas at Saggart is only 5 minutes away, and only 10 minutes drive to the Red Cow Roundabout. The Village has its own large brand new primary school which caters for boys and girls. It opened in September 2011.

Kill also has a super-market, shops, bars and restaurants and other amenities. Kill boasts one of the largest equestrian centres in Ireland and has its own G.A.A. club and Soccer Club. Numerous golf courses and Punchestown and Naas Race Course are close by.

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dublin communities to Get inVolVed in heritaGe initiatiVe urGed

Fine Gael Dublin Senator, Catherine Noone, has urged Dublin communities to get involved in the Friend of Irish Heritage initiative launched this week by the Minister of State at the Office of Public Works (OPW), Brian Hayes TD. “In the year of the Gathering, I think it is especially important that we all get involved in the promotion and protection of our local heritage. The OPW manages almost 800 national monuments, including major attractions in Dublin such as Dublin Castle and the Phoenix Park.

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initiative follows on from last year’s Community Involvement Initiative, which was a great success. Last year, some of the successful initiatives included local community groups arranging and carrying out tours in the Keep in Trim Castle, Dublin Battlefield Tours, tours of Selskar Abbey, Co Wexford and Nenagh Castle, Co Tipperary.

“I think the community involvement aspect could add significantly to the tourism draw of many historical sites across the country. Tourists come here not just to see all that Ireland has to offer, but to meet Irish

people. This initiative provides that perfect combination.

“It will soon be possible to make submissions on the OPW website (www.opw.ie). Applicants will be required to outline how their communities and groups propose to work with the OPW at a local level to raise awareness of heritage sites, generate more visitors and organise events. I know there are lots of great ideas out there about how we should be maximising the potential of our heritage. So I would encourage anyone with inspiration to get involved in this worthwhile initiative.”

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chanGinG liVes for the better

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“you can use your qualification to change the lives of others for the better”. That’s according Marcella Finnerty, Programme Director of the Institute of Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy (IICP) speaking at the annual conferring ceremony which saw 68 students from throughout Ireland graduate with qualifications in counselling and psychotherapy on Friday, 3rd May at The Maldron Hotel in Tallaght.

Among the graduates were Laura Turner from Kilnamanagh, Dublin 24; and Paula Gately from Citywest, Dublin 24 who were awarded the Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Dave Harris also from Tallaght was awarded the BA (Hons) Degree in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Ms Finnerty said, “Our graduates are rich with skills, knowledge and experience that will change their lives.

Importantly, they can use their qualifications and their experiences to help to change the lives of other people for the better. This is an immense privilege and an immense responsibility yet one that undoubtedly our graduates will rise to.”

IICP was established in 2003 with the aim of providing a comprehensive training service for those who

wish to pursue professional accreditation in the mental health services.

The Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy programme is now in its 10th year and the ceremony marks the eighth conferral for graduates.

The ceremony marks the second cohort of graduates of the BA (Hons) Degree in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Ms Finnerty continued, “In November 2003, we opened a small counselling college in Killinarden, Dublin 24 with just 15 students and the idea of providing a supportive and interactive learning environment where people can reach their full potential. Ten years

later - in this academic year alone - more than 300 students have undertaken courses of study in IICP. Over the last decade, we have worked tirelessly to expand IICP, to achieve accreditation and to work in close partnership with the professional and academic bodies without compromising on the dedication and support that we provided to those first 15 students.”

The Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy is recognised by The Irish for Association Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) and the BA (Hons) Degree is validated by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (formerly HETAC).

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€20 Spring Three Course Dinner (available at all times) Dave Harris from Tallaght, Dublin 24; Laura Turner from Kilnamanagh, Dublin 24; and Paula Gately from Citywest, Dublin 24 pictured at the Institute of Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy Graduation Ceremony 2013 with Programme Director, Marcella Finnerty (centre). (Photo: Maxwells Photography)

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South Dublin County Council have welcomed the publication of the Framework Service Level Agreement (SLA) between local authorities and Enterprise Ireland for new Local the Enterprise Offices (LEOs). The SLA along with the new branding for the LEO offices were revealed by Minister for Jobs and Innovation, Mr Richard Bruton TD, Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government, Mr Phil Hogan TD and Minister of State for Small Business John Perry TD. LEOs will act as a one-stop-shop to support micro and small businesses in each county. The LEOs are being delivered through a Framework Service

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South Dublin County Council is committed to playing its part to ensure that the LEO will be up and running by the end of 2013.

The Ministers launched the initiative, in Fingal County Council, Swords. The LEOs are the result of a major restructuring of State support for small and micro sized businesses, which was previously delivered by County and City Enterprise Boards.

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County Manager. “The ultimate aim is to create enhanced, integrated and tailored support in South Dublin County, benchmarked

by Enterprise Ireland and delivered in partnership with South Dublin County Council”

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callinG all primary school teachers in dublin! maths – it is rocket science course is ready for lift off! ~ Registration for ESERO Ireland and Department of Education and Skills approved Summer Course now open for Primary School Teachers ~

Registration for the popular European Space Education Resource Office (ESERO) Ireland and Department of Education and Skills approved, professional course development ‘Maths – It is rocket science’ is now open.

The week long course teachers a offers unique opportunity to learn how to develop numeracy skills in an integrated way through the theme of space.

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south dublin county council is deliGhted to announce the introduction of a pilot wi-fi project in lucan VillaGe Your FREE Local Newspaper

Lucan is the first village in South Dublin County to offer free Wi-Fi to the public in 2013. This is a pilot scheme and it is hoped that Wi-Fi provision will be eventually extended to other towns and villages throughout the County. The introduction of free Wi-Fi zone in Lucan Village is in co-operation

with local businesses as part of the new ‘Villages Initiative’. The Elected Members agreed as part of the Council’s annual budget process to allocate specific funds for the development of designated villages within the County. The primary purpose of this fund was to deliver initiatives which

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Do big things with your small change! That was the message from Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin and Temple Street Children’s Hospital as they launched Heaven Cent, a joint fundraising initiative which aims to raise €2 million to help fund their work treating sick children from all over Ireland.

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imperative that our villages are recognised as hubs of economic and social activity and the ‘Villages Initiative’ encompasses thoughtful landscaping, multi year action plans and strong partnership between the Council, local voluntary groups and businesses. The Council is committed to the provision of digitally inclusive centres and this pilot project is a great example of how the Council is dedicated to the delivery of a host of innovative projects which aim to benefit local businesses and communities here in South Dublin County.

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The availability of free Wi-Fi will compliment the public realm schemes currently planned for our towns and villages and I am confident that this project will prove successful and that we can replicate this initiative in other towns and villages with the support of local businesses and residents.”

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proGressiVe scheme to help lone parents return to work announced

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The Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton TD, has published details of a progressive new scheme to assist lone parents on the pathway back to work.

Jobseeker’s Transition is designed to allow former recipients of One-Parent Family Payment (OFP), whose

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youngest child is under 14 years of age, to receive the full support of the Department’s activation services to help them return to work, training or education, while recognising the particular difficulties they face, such as childcare and long-term absence from the

labour market.

The key element of Jobseeker’s Transition is that recipients will be able to seek work on a part-time rather than a full-time basis if this is better suited to their family requirements.

They will also be able to access existing childcare supports to

enable them to engage in education and training programmes.

Minister Burton said: “Research demonstrates that paid work is the best way out of poverty and social exclusion, and it is crucial that lone parents are helped in a compassionate, supportive and effective way to return to work in a manner that best suits their family circumstances.

This is what Jobseeker’s Transition is designed to do.”

The scheme will be introduced as part of a wider series of social welfare measures in the Social Welfare and Pensions (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2013, which will be published tomorrow and go before the Oireachtas next month. under reforms announced in Budget

2012, the age threshold of the youngest child for a parent to qualify for One-Parent Family Payment (OFP) is being reduced on a phased basis to 7 years of age between July 2013 and July 2015.

These reforms are aimed supporting former OFP recipients back into work and financial independence, and to prevent long-term dependency on welfare.

Jobseeker’s Transition will be a targeted version of the Jobseeker’s Allowance scheme, providing means-tested financial assistance to jobseekers who are unemployed and looking for work.

under Jobseeker’s Transition, former OFP recipients will be required to fully engage with the Department’s activation process.

As part of this process

they will be profiled, participate in group engagement sessions, and will develop a personal development plan in conjunction with their case officer.

This personal plan will identify suitable education, training and employment programmes that will enhance their skill sets and make them more job-ready. Recipients who do not engage in the activation process will be subject to the same penalty rates and disallowances as every other jobseeker.

OFP recipients to seek part-time work rather than full-time work if this better suits their family circumstances.

The transitional period will run until their youngest child reaches 14 years of age.

However, recipients of Jobseeker’s Transition will be exempted for a transitional period from the full conditionality of the Jobseeker’s Allowance scheme, specifically the criteria that jobseekers must be available for and genuinely seeking full-time work.

This will allow former

Minister Burton said: “Seeking full-time work is not a reality for some lone parents, who, until their child is older, will only be able to work part-time. It is also the case that some lone parents are much more distant from the labour market because they may not have been in a position to complete their education or work for extensive periods. under this scheme, lone parents will get the full support of the Department’s activation services to help them on the pathway back to work, but in a manner that recognises the reality of their circumstances.”

City Centre) from 116pm. To donate, drop along on the day or

contact Sinead in Ronanstown youth Service on 01 457 0363.

fitzGerald supports clondalkin Volunteers

€5 Local T.D and Minister for Children and youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, has backed local volunteers, Danielle McDade and Nadine Brazil as they prepare to volunteer in South Africa this summer.

Danielle and Nadine have been involved in Ronanstown youth Service for many years, taking part in projects and are members of the youth Advisory Board of Jigsaw Clondalkin.

✄

“Danielle and Nadine have been fantastic at

supporting others locally through their involvement in the youth Service and the youth mental health project, Jigsaw. Their commitment and passion for helping others locally is phenomenal and I know that their talents will shine in South Africa too,” said Fitzgerald.

Both girls need to raise €2,700 for their journey and are taking part in a Cyclethon, cycling the distance between Dublin and South Africa on the 18th May outside the Woollen Mills (Lower Ormond Quay,

Danielle and Nadine with Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald

to adVertise in any of our publications tel: 01 451 3822

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18

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bonner determined to cut property tax by 15% in 2015

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Labour Councillor Breeda Bonner has publicly stated that she will seek to cut the property tax in South Dublin by 15% if given the opportunity to do so in 2015. under the Property Tax law, each county council has the power to vary the Property Tax in their area by plus or minus 15% from the beginning of 2015. Cllr. Bonner is determined that hard pressed homeowners in Clondalkin be given relief with a maximum reduction in the Property Tax allowed under the law.

Breeda Bonner said: "Nobody likes this tax but after Fianna F signed us up to it in 2010 there was simply no getting out of it. I

am glad that the Government is giving councils the power to vary the property tax rate by 15% from 2015, and I will be pushing for the rate to be reduced by the full 15% from 2015. Many families in Clondalkin are struggling to get by and pay for the basics, and I think it is only right that they be given as much relief as possible as soon as possible."

"As soon as we have the power to lower this tax, I will be pushing for a full reduction of 15% to lower the burden on families in Clondalkin and the rest of South Dublin. We've had tax increases, cuts and high unemployment for 5 years now and people need to be given some

relief to help them get by. I think that if we in the council can ease the burden on people without hitting services, we should do that. For that reason I will be pushing for a full reduction of 15% in the Property Tax from 2015."

"80% of the Property Tax will be going straight to the county council with no middleman. This means that 80% of the money paid locally will stay locally to pay for council services. From my understanding, the council will be well able to absorb a 15% cut in the Property Tax hitting without services, and would most likely still increase its revenue from what it was under the old

system. If the Council can take a 15% cut and still be in the black, then we should go all out and reduce the Property Tax by 15%."

"I want to also pay tribute to Robert Dowds TD for all his work to make sure that the money which was raised locally would stay locally. The original plan from the Thornhill Report was for less of the tax to stay local.

Thanks to the work of Robert and others in Labour, that figure was increased to 80% staying local. This means the council should be able to lower the rate paid by homeowners, give relief to people in South Dublin, and still be in the black."

“all we want is for our younG people to be safe”

Chris Hass took his own life on February 1st, devastating his family and friends. Chris's parents, Jean and Danny, handled things in a unique way.

They had an ‘Open Door’ for more than 2 weeks which allowed Chris's friends go to his room and spending time talking and playing music. One group left and another came to take their place.

This had the effect of drawing parents to the Haas household to empathise with the family. This very open approach brought together the community of Kingswood which lead to Chris’s mother, Jean, to establish NINA (Need Information Need Advice).

NINA is a community based Suicide Awareness group.

Jean formed a committee and has held HSE Safe Talk Training nights which has had over 30 people including sports couches, youth leaders, teachers and concerned parents from the Kingswood estate.

She said "Chris was a very strong young man both mentally and physically who was the one his friends came to for help." I believe that if Chris was able to take his own life then anybody can.

There is no protocol for suicide - everybody is vulnerable."

“Sometimes I get upset that I had to lose my son for this to happen, but i think it is so important to provide awareness and educate people about

suicide”.

'The seminar has given local people, many of whom are working with young people, the tools to see the warning signs, If you are concerned for some body never be afraid to ask the question.

“We are networking with agencies like PIETA HOuSE, HSE, Dublin 15 Suicide Awareness, TeenLine and Village Counselling in Killinarden.”

“We have touched base with other communities in Tallaght which are also losing their young people to suicide. All we want is for our young people to be safe and to know where to go if they need help.

We would also like to teach our young people to express how they are feeling and to take the stigma away from talking about your mental health.”

Jean and Danny cannot thank the community enough for their help and support. NINA for life Suicide Awareness will endeavour to create a model within the community that will touch all ages and let people know that help and some one to talk to is only a phone call away.

The official NINA website will be up and running in the coming weeks. NINA is active on Face Book so go on like and share and there is also a selection of helpful numbers and information.

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A memorial bench was erected in NewLands Park in Kingswood Heights on Wednesday 22nd of May in memory of Chris Haas. The bench in Chris's Honour is a place where people can stop to rest for a while and reflect on all the beautiful things life has to offer

19

GoVt must increasinG fundinG for suicide preVention

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Sinn Féin Dublin Mid-West representative Eoin Ó Broin has called on Fine Gael and Labour to increase the funding provision for suicide prevention services.

The call comes after new research reveals that every 18 days a child under the age of 18 takes their own life.

Ó Broin said ‘Suicide is a major problem in our society that has broad reaching effects. It is something that all public and wider representatives society must try to combat.

‘A new report funded by suicide prevention campaign 3Ts published this week highlighted the fact Ireland has the fourth highest suicide rate in the Eu of

people aged between 15 and 24.

That is very worrying societal trend.

‘Areas with high levels of unemployment and deprivation, such as Dublin Mid-West, experience higher than average levels of suicide.

‘The report also found that over 80% of victims were male with 17% of those aged just twenty.

‘It is also deeply worrying that, as revealed in the report, a hospital would refuse to treat an individual displaying suicidal tendencies, as they claimed the person in question was, ‘not our area’.

‘This attitude is unacceptable and those who are responsible for administering care should do

so accordingly.

‘This is a damning indignation of the attitude of many people towards suicide. Suicide is a tragedy and it should not be stigmatized. The Government has attributed funding of €35 million towards mental health services, €13 million of which is directed for suicide prevention.

‘This is clearly not enough given the scale of the problem. I am calling the Government to increase funding for suicide prevention services. Fine Gael and Labour TDs must put more pressure on Government to ensure that in Budget 2014 sufficient funding is provided to tackle what is clearly a growing problem.’

prints, the exhibition features a striking display of textile hats made by 3rd class pupils from St Thomas’ National School, Jobstown, Tallaght.

Milliner Laura Cassidy, a member of the Crafts Council of Ireland’s Craft Education Panel, completed the textile hat project with the pupils alongside their teacher Corrina Doyle.

photographs that capture the joy that making can bring to the lives of young pupils, opening up new worlds of possibility to them.”

the crafts council of ireland presents work from the crafted primary schools programme at the county library, tallaght

A photographic exhibition of work by young children taking part in the Crafts Council of Ireland’s CRAFTed Learning Skills for Life Primary Schools programme has opened at the County Library, Tallaght and runs until June 5th 2013. CRAFTed is organised in partnership with the Education Centers in Ireland.

The CRAFTed exhibition features a critical selection of photographs documenting the vibrancy of craftwork created in classrooms by children taking part in CRAFTed projects throughout the country.

Showcasing an array of craft disciplines such as textiles, fashion, jewellery, ceramics, glass and woodwork, the photographs wonderfully depict the enthusiasm and imagination of young children engaging with craftsmanship and making.

In addition to the photographic

Commenting on the CRAFTed photographic exhibition, Muireann Charleton, Education and Innovation Manager with the Crafts Council of Ireland said, “We are delighted to be working with the County Library in Tallaght who are kindly hosting the CRAFTed photographic exhibition. It is so important to highlight the level of skill and impressive quality of craft being made through the experience young pupils have with the CRAFTed programme. It is very rewarding to see on display

The Crafts Council of Ireland’s CRAFTed programme gives primary school children and teachers an exciting opportunity to explore their creativity and learn new skills by working with professional craftspeople.

The CRAFTed photographic exhibition at the County Library, Library Square, Tallaght, Dublin 24 runs until June 5th 2013.

Opening times: Mon: 9.45 - 8.00 Tues: 9.45 - 8.00 Wed: 9.45 - 8.00 Thurs: 9.45 - 8.00 Fri: 9.45 - 4.30 Sat: 9.45 - 4.30 Closed Saturdays and Mondays of Bank Holiday Weekends Tel: 01 462 0073

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Pictured at the opening of the CRAFTed exhibition at the County Library, Tallaght were Una Phelan, Senior Executive Librarian and Muireann Charleton, Education and Innovation Manager, Crafts Council of Ireland with pupils from St Thomas’ National School, Jobstown, Tallaght.

WHITESTOWN WAY, TALLAGHT, DUBLIN 24 TEL: 01 4598946

20

european council must tackle tax eVasion Your FREE Local Newspaper

Sinn Féin spokesperson on foreign affairs, trade, and diaspora, Seán Crowe TD, has called on the European Council to propose measures to tackle tax evasion and improve tax collection efficiency throughout the Eu. Deputy Crowe said: “This topic has been discussed with multinationals in parliaments

In this edition of the paper, Romaine Scally, Principal in the Firm of Romaine Scally and Co, Solicitors answers more readers queries. This month they include the question of Jury service, a deposit on a new car and a reader who feels that they may have been overlooked for promotion at work. As always please send your queries to Romaine Scally, Main Street, Tallaght Village, Dublin 24.

Telephone 4599506, Email – legal@scally.ie.

Q. I HAVE BEEN CALLED FOR JURY SERVICE BUT DON’T REALLY wANT TO DO IT. I DON’T EVEN KNOw IF I wILL BE PAID IF I TAKE TIME OFF wORK. AM I LEGALLY OBLIGED TO ATTEND ON THE DAY APPOINTED?

A. Jury service is governed by the Juries Act 1976, as amended by the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2008.

Since the 1st January 2009, people who fail to turn up for Jury Duty without a valid excuse will face a €500.00 fine (a tenfold increase on the previous penalty of £50 set down by the 1976 Act). In addition to this increased fine, the removal of the upper age limit of 70 years for Jury members means that every Irish Citizen aged 18 years and over, who is entered on the Register of Electors, is now eligible for Jury service.

While Jury service is meant to be expression of service to ones country, recent figures released to RTE, under the Freedom of Information Act 1997, pointing to the high number of persons excused from Jury service in 2007, indicate otherwise. In other words, there seems to be a substantial number of 'excusals' from Jury service.

in European member States and the uS, with tax evasion and Ireland being linked in more than one parliament committee hearing.

“Although this State has avoided being labelled a tax haven by international bodies such as the OECD, some academics and high profile economists believe that it is.

“It seems that we are operating two very different tax systems, one for big multinational corporations and a second more onerous system for smaller companies and individuals. This is not a fair system of commerce and is undoubtedly hurting our domestic economy.

The Legal Column

With regard to your question concerning pay in your absence from work on Jury duty, this is covered under Section 29 of the 1976 Juries Act, when an Employee or Apprentice is called for Jury service, he/she is deemed to be employed during the period he/she is absent from work.

In other words, Jury duty does not constitute a break in service and all pay, annual leave and other benefits due to the employee will continue to accrue.

Employers can verify attendance at Jury duty by asking the employee to produce a Certificate of Attendance, which will be produced by the County Registrar.

Anyone with a Contract of Employment is entitled to be paid by their employer while they are on duty service. Any contractual provision or agreement that attempts to exclude or limit an employer’s liability for the payment of wages during such absence is void.

However, the 1976 Act does not set out any method for calculating pay and difficulties can arise in relation to the calculation of overtime, commission and bonuses. Employers will often take the position that the most reasonable solution is to average the employees' pay.

An employee may receive a Jury Summons, specifying the date and time their attendance has been requested for Jury service. The Summons will set out the list of persons that are ineligible, disqualified or excusable as of right from Jury service. Section 7 of the 1976 Act sets out persons who are deemed ineligible for Jury Service. Such persons include: (a) Those involved with the administration of Justice - e.g. Judges, Solicitors, Gardai, Prison Officers etc. (b) Those who are incapable of serving by reason of physical or mental illness, or those who have a disability, or are unable to read.

Those who are DISQuALIFIED from Jury Service, are set out in Section 8 of the 1976 Act, and those include:

(a) Those sentenced to a term of imprisonment of five years or more, or (b) Those who have been sentenced to a term of imprisonment or a period of detention in a mental institution of 3 months duration within the past ten years.

An employee may apply to be excused from Jury service in accordance with Section 9 and part 2 of the First Schedule of the 1976 Act. The employee can apply

to the Registrar who summoned him/her and state the reasons why he/she should be excused as fully as possible on the relevant form J2. The Employee should enclose any certificate or documentation that supports this application. Such an application may be made on the Employees behalf where he/she is too ill or injured to apply. However, an employer cannot make such an application on behalf of any of his employees.

A self-employed individual, whose attendance at Jury duty may mean he/she cannot earn a living, may also qualify for excusal. If the Registrar refuses to exclude the individual, this decision may be appealed to the Court at which he/she had been summoned to attend. The decision of the Court is final. under Section 60 of the 2008 Act, failure of an individual to serve without an excuse may result in a fine of up to €500.

In accordance with the intention of the Safety, Health and Welfare at work Act 2005, and the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997, where an employee works nights, he/she should be allowed an adequate rest period between Jury service and work. Alternatively, that employee may seek to be excused in the manner set out above.

An employee is not entitled to travel expenses from the State for attending Jury service, but will receive a Lunch if they are actually serving on a Jury.

Q. I FEEL THAT I HAVE BEEN OVERLOOKED FOR A PROMOTION AT wORK. IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO? A. Normally such employment grievances are dealt with through the Company's grievance procedure, and employees should seek to resolve the matter through this prior to seeking alternative remedy. your contract of employment or workplace manual should set out this procedure. you do not say why you feel you were overlooked and this is important. The Employment Equality Acts 1998 to 2008 (the EEA), prohibits unlawful discrimination in relation to, inter alia, promotion on grounds of gender, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, race, religion or belief, colour, nationality, ethnic origin,

“This is contributing to our stagnant economy and keeping unemployment currently at 14%.

“All Eu countries need to improve their tax collection efficiency and tackle tax evasion and fraud because it is ordinary workers and their families who are paying for the shortfall in revenue.”

by Romaine Scally

disability, age, pregnancy, and membership of the Traveler Community.

If an Employee feels he or she has been discriminated against on any of the above grounds, that employee could potentially make a complaint of discrimination to the Equality Tribunal for investigation. There is also another mechanism which could be an option if the reasons for the refusal for promotion are more general in nature. An employee could make a complaint to the Rights Commissioner under the Industrial Relations Acts 1969-2001 (effectively in respect of a Trade Dispute). Whilst such recommendations are not binding on an employer, they do exert some pressure to resolve the matter and can become binding on appeal to the Labour Court.

Q. I PAID A DEPOSIT ON A NEw CAR BUT, FOUND A BETTER DEAL ELSEwHERE. THE GARAGE IS REFUSING TO RETURN MY DEPOSIT. CAN THEY DO THAT? A. When you paid a deposit on the car, you created a consumer contract with the garage to buy their product. The deposit served as a guarantee on both sides that the deal would go ahead. If you back out of a contract after paying a deposit, you are not entitled to have your money returned. The garage may agree to repay or partly refund your deposit but that is entirely up to them. They are not legally required to do so. The garage's policy regarding deposits should be laid out in the terms and conditions of the contract or receipt you got when you paid them. If they continue to refuse to return your deposit, then, you must decide whether the 'better deal', is still a better one once you incorporate the loss of your deposit. Situations such as this show why deposits should not be treated lightly.

Never pay a deposit unless you are sure you want to go ahead with the deal, or can afford to lose the money.

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

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21

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”

research shows that when men join a slimminG world Group they lose more weiGht than women

22

As new data reveals that men are better slimmers than women, one Tallaght man is certainly doing it for the boys after losing 7 stone.

Research by Slimming World, presented at the European Congress on Obesity 2013 this week, shows that when men join a Slimming World group they lose more weight than women, with male slimmers losing an average of 6.1 per cent of their weight in three months compared to their female counterparts who lose an average of 4.6 per cent of their weight in the same time.

Tallaght’s super(man) slimmer David spent years feeling unhappy with his weight and desperate to drop the pounds. But now, thanks to Slimming World,

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it’s a different story. He’s gone from 23 stone 12 lbs to 16stone 12lbs since joining his local group in Kingswood in May 2012, and been named Kingswood’s Slimming World Man of the year 2013.

David says: “I hated being overweight and I did try to do something about it, I’d go to the gym and watch what I ate but I’d never lose much weight – if any. I’d always thought that slimming groups were just for women, but it was becoming clear that ‘going it alone’ wasn’t working for me and I needed some extra motivation. So when David saw a poster he then checked out the Slimming World Website and decided to give it a go. I was extremely nervous walking into the group for the first time but everyone was so friendly and I realised it was

daft to feel like the odd one out just because I’m a bloke because we’re all there for the same reason. I haven’t looked back since and at 7st lighter I definitely don’t have any regrets about joining the group.

I recommend it to everyone now!”

On joining the group David’s Slimming World’s Food Optimising eating plan, which is a big hit with men because slimmers can eat hearty meals without worrying about portion sizes and still lose weight. He says: “The great thing is you don’t go hungry.

It’s about healthy eating – and man-sized helpings of healthy food too – not fads and gimmicks. Now I regularly cook for my wife Sabrina and make my favourite meals in a low-fat way, so I can still have

curries and Chinese dishes, steak and chips and roast dinners.”

As the pounds started to drop off, David had more energy and began to find being active much easier. He says: “Slimming World encourages you to boost your weight loss and get fitter by becoming more active, but you start as big or as small as you like. I started doing 30 minutes exercise in the gym 3 times a week which I initially found very difficult but as the pounds kept coming off I increased my activity level to 2 hours feeling full of energy and like a new man.

I can honestly say I feel like a different man since losing weight. Now one year on I feel much fitter and healthier and have no problems doing a 20k cycle and 5k run and feel full of

energy. I put in a lot of hard work by following the Slimming World plan and staying to group every week which gave me the motivation and got me to where I am today.

Suzanne, who runs the Kingswood Slimming World group that David attends, says she is incredibly proud of him: “David is proof that men can benefit from getting support to eat more healthily and become more active as much as women. He’s a real inspiration. Lots of local men have joined the group after hearing about David’s success and I just hope that when other men read his story they’ll come along to Slimming World too, especially now they know they won’t be the only man and that the research shows they’re likely to do really well!

It’s extremely important because the

obesity crisis doesn’t just affect women – in fact, there are more overweight men than women in the Ireland.”

For further information please contact Suzanne on 0863054814 or email sfarrell64@hotmail.com.

Size matters: David Flynn lost 7 stone

Join a warm and friendly group near you today...

Miriam O’Shea Slimming world Firhouse Victory Centre Firhouse Road Dublin 24 Times: Tuesday Mornings 9.30am, 3.30pm & 11.30pm Tuesday Evenings 5.30pm & 7.30pm Mobile: 087 9703016 Pauline Lawlor Slimming world Tallaght (Plaza Hotel) Business Suite Plaza Hotel Belgard Road Tallaght Dublin 24 Times: Thursday Evenings 9.30am, 5.30pm & 7.30pm Mobile: 085 7704751 Helena Murtagh Slimming world Citywest Citywest Hotel Saggart Co.Dublin Times: Monday Evenings 3.30pm, 5.30pm & 7.30pm Mobile: 085 8260528 Tracy Slimming world Clondalkin The Green Isle Hotel, Newlands Cross Dublin 22 Times: Monday’s 3.30pm, 5.30pm & 7.30pm Monday Morning 9.30am & 11.30am Mobile: 085 7125138

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23

24

eQuality in education demands the remoVal of priVate education subsidy Your FREE Local Newspaper

Speaking in the Dail on the School Completers What Next? and Early School Leavers reports, Deputy Eamonn Maloney T.D., thanked both the Minister and the Department of Education for producing the up-to-date statistical information

is required which reading by everyone interested in education, particularly equality in education.

especially at second level. They indicate the disadvantages for children of working class families who do not complete second level education and for those who do, the difficulties they experience in accessing third level university

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"Both reports highlight the level of work which is required at national level to bring about equality in education,

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education.

"These findings vindicate my life long view that the State should not provide financial support to private fee paying schools. The children attending these schools have a definite advantage in that they are three times more likely to access third level education than children from working class backgrounds who

schools in attend working class areas. If we are to ensure equality in education the funding of private schools must cease.

When we look at our neighbours in Northern Ireland, private schools do not receive any public money, they operate independently.

One private fee paying school in our State with an excellent record in academic achievement

- 90% of its students going on to third level, reported a €400,000 surplus in its 2012 accounts to the Companies Registration Office. This was an increase on the surplus of €300,000 recorded for the previous year.

Some argue that due to the difficult economic situation in which we find ourselves, it is necessary to continue paying nearly €100

to private million schools. This argument does not stand up. We are paying money to schools that are producing a substantial surplus in their accounts. The abolition of this funding is justified and if we are to ensure fairness and equality in second level education, the subsidisation of private fee paying schools must end."

talented lucan student receiVes texaco award

Lily Gale (5), from Lucan, has won a top award in this year’s 59th Texaco Children’s Art Competition.

is pictured Lily receiving her Special Merit Award from Enda Riney, Chairman of Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited, at a prize giving ceremony held in Dublin recently. Her winning entry was one of 126 winners chosen from thousands of entries received from all of the thirty-two counties of Ireland.

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dominic’s bealtaine craft competition 2013

Dominics Community Centre had a fantastic evening on the 8th May when Mary Kennedy from RTE’s Nationwide came to the Centre to present certificates of participation to all entrants and to judge and present awards for the Dominic’s Bealtaine Craft Competition 2013 52 people entered the competition with 105 items to be judged.

The range of crafts included knitting, crochet, jewellery making, flower arranging, art, creative writing, and stitchcraft The overall winner was Phyllis Royal for one of her crochet items Over 140 people attend the evening and the entertainment on the night was provided by our VEC Irish classes who receited the poem “Tir Na Og”.

Pictured top: Mary Kennedy was presented with flowers by the Chairperson Anthony Keane and the Mayor Cathal King Pictured bottom: Overall winner Phyllis Royal

tallaGht woman named as irish homecare ‘carer of the month’

Professional carer Therese Armstrong, from Tallaght, Dublin 24 has been named as Irish HomeCare ‘Carer of the Month’ for May 2013.

Therese, who has been working with Irish HomeCare since 2009, received the accolade for her dedication and passion for providing the best possible quality support to those in her care.

Sally Murtagh, Founder and Managing Director of Irish HomeCare said, “Therese is most deserving of this award.

She is 100% percent committed to those in her care and makes a real and positive difference to their lives. Carers are rarely recognised for the vital work that they do on a

daily basis. At Irish HomeCare, we believe it is important to celebrate and highlight the great work that carers do in our communities each and every day.”

Therese received a one-4-all gift voucher from Irish HomeCare in recognition of a job very well done.

Irish HomeCare is an independent, Irish, family-run business established in 2005 by professional carer Sally Murtagh. Through its network of over 450 professional, highly trained carers, Irish HomeCare provides care and support to enable people to live independently, at home in their own communities.

Therese Armstrong from Tallaght who has been named as Irish HomeCare's Carer of the Month, May 2013

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youth knocked down on monastery road, petition for pedestrian crossinG

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“Recently a serious accident took place on the monastery road, where a young boy was knocked down by a car. Thankfully he was luckily to escape without serious injury. This has not been the first of such accidents. There have been several serious accidents on the Monastery Road in the past.

I am greatly concerned about the potential loss of life on Monastery Road, Clondalkin especially at the entrance to the Round Towers GAA Pitches which is the height of constant activity.” said Cllr Trevor Gilligan

“I am asking residents to support my petition for a Pedestrian Crossing @ the Monastery Road, the more support we have, the more we can get this through the council. To support my petition please email me info@trevorgilligan.com. We need a proactive rather than a reactive approach on the council. We cannot wait for a fatality here before the pedestrian crossing goes in. I am hopefully that the council will support this petition and install a pedestrian crossing at this location in the very near future” concluded Gilligan.

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noVenas noVenas noVenas noVenas

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. T.C.

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. D.P.P.

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. M.B.

NOVENA TO ST. JUDE May the Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved 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. M.B.

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. E.F.

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. M.M..

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. G.C.

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. J.M.G.

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.

freeze the issue of new taxi licences for one year

Speaking in the Dail on the Taxi Regulation Bill 2012, Deputy Eamonn Maloney called on Minister Alan Kelly to stop issuing new licences for twelve months so that the new Bill can be bedded down securely.

"The deregulation introduced by previous governments did provide some crumbs of comfort for the consumer, but in general and with the benefit of hindsight, deregulation was a disastrous policy decision. The problems have been well documented "This is a good Bill and it will clean up the industry. It addresses the difficulties that arise from the erosion of the occupational role

of the full time taxi driver through the glut of part time drivers.

Many taxi drivers will tell you that the industry is a difficult one in which to invest due to unfair and illegal activities. The Bill addresses these issues.

What we require is a full time taxi industry operating in a safe environment for both the consumer and the taxi driver.

"In order to close the book on the turmoil and disorder experienced in the recent past by the failed deregulation policy, I am asking the Minister to stop issuing new taxi licences for a period of one year so that the new Bill has time for its regulations and new measures to come into effect."

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

J1 visa threat “unfair and unworkable”

Irish MEP Sean Kelly has vowed to lobby strongly against a uS Senate proposal which he warns would effectively “wipe out” the J1 visa.

The Fine Gael MEP was responding to a clause in the immigration reform bill currently going through the uS Senate, calling for a €500 charge to be imposed on the popular J1 visa. The restriction would mean that Irish and European students would not be granted the visa unless a potential employer in the States agreed to pay the sponsorship fee.

Mr Kelly described the proposal as “unfair and unworkable” and pledged to raise the issue at the Transatlantic Legislators’ Dialogue, which takes place in Dublin at the end of May. The annual meeting of uS and Eu parliamentarians aims to improve the political discourse between legislators in both continents.

“I would hope to build up enough momentum to torpedo this before it gets too far. I will be very firm;

this is not a significant amount of money in terms of promoting good relations between the uS and the Eu,” said Mr Kelly.

“We had over 7,000 Irish students who went out to the States last year. The J1 visa is very important to students; it gives them the chance to make a few bob and pay off their fees. Most of them only get jobs when they’re out there. What employer is going to fork out €500 to get a student for the summer who they’ve never even met?” he added.

If the new bill is passed, it will come into force next year, thwarting the hopes of many Irish students planning to work in the States in the summer of 2014.

Breakthrough on EU “discrimination” against Irish language

The President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz has agreed to give the go-ahead for an Irish language version of the parliament's official website, following intensive lobbying by Irish MEPs. The website, www.europarl.europa.eu, is currently available in 22 out

of the 23 official Eu languages, excluding Irish.

Fianna Fáil MEP Pat the Cope Gallagher, who has been pushing for years for the site to be accessible as Gaeilge, said the decision will reverse what has been “a matter of discrimination” against the Irish language.

“I raised the issue publicly in March and charged the parliament of discriminating against Ireland and the Irish language. President Schulz offered me a meeting, and told us that he will now give the necessary instructions to the governing body of the parliament to establish an Irish language version.

Hopefully it will be up and running by the end of the year,” said Mr Gallagher.

“There were suggestions from some Eu quarters that it could be quite expensive to translate the site and that there was no need to do so, as everyone in Ireland understands English. But everybody in Malta also understands English, yet they have their own website. This is a major breakthrough, and it's important that it came during the course of Ireland's Eu presidency,” he added.

Fine Gael MEP Gay Mitchell, who also attended the meeting with President Schulz, pointed out that the other institutions of the European Commission and European Council already have Irish language websites available. “The European Parliament is the only directly-elected institution of the Eu and therefore has a duty to effectively communicate to all its citizens,” said Mr Mitchell.

Domestic violence victims get EU-wide protection

Victims of domestic violence, stalking or gender-based harassment who have protection orders in Ireland are to be given the same protection in all Eu member states, following a decision by MEPs this week.

The European Parliament voted in favour of new civil laws to ensure that victims of abuse can move freely throughout Europe with the same level of protection that they have in their home country. The cross-border regulation will take effect from January 2015, once it has been approved by the European Council of

Ministers.

Labour MEP Emer Costello, who supported the measure, said it will give great reassurance to the 1,000 or so women in Ireland who benefit from protection orders. “I’ve spoken to women who have barring orders or protection orders against someone who has abused them, and they feel nervous about travelling abroad because they’re not offered the same protection. This will give them the freedom to travel abroad for holidays, work or for longer periods without fear,” said Ms Costello. under the legislation, any victim of gender-based violence who has been granted protection in one member state will just need to complete a standard multilingual form to have their right to protection enforced in every other Eu country. The only exception is Denmark, which has not opted in to the new law.

MEPs back EU-wide banking supervision

Eu-wide banking supervision moved a step closer this week when MEPs in Strasbourg approved draft

laws setting up a single supervisory system. The European Central Bank is to supervise the eurozone’s largest banks directly, and will have a say in supervising other banks.

However, the European Parliament will only give its final seal of approval when it is satisfied with the ECB’s internal accountability arrangements. MEPs insisted that extensive accountability rules within the ECB must match its new supervisory powers, and that the displacing of authority from national level must go hand in hand with creating transparency at Eu level. Fine Gael MEP Gay Mitchell said the establishment of an Eu-wide banking supervisor is aimed at preventing the kind of reckless banking practices that have fuelled the current economic crisis.

“National central banks and regulators will continue to do what they do, but the ECB will have the authority to oversee this. If there is any systemic risk, or threat to the eurozone, it will have the right to intervene and give instructions,” said Mr Mitchell.

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