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figures reveal 42% jump no more sky in Housing Waiting lists or upC bills

New figures obtained by Fianna Fáil have revealed a surge of 45% in social housing waiting lists across the country in less than two years, with a 42% increase in South Dublin County Council, according to General Election Candidate for Dublin Mid-West John Curran.

John Curran has described the secret surge as ‘shocking’. “The Government claims that they have the housing crisis under control. However these figures reveal that the crisis is far worse than

we imagined. In South Dublin County Council the figures have increased by 2,590 people on the housing waiting list in the space of 2 years. The figures were 6,217 in 2013 and are now at 8,807 in 2015.

The government is significantly understating the extent of the crisis, using figures that are actually two years out of date. Not only have the public and the Dáil been misled, housing charities and those working on the ground to help the homeless

have also been given out of date information. The official government figure state that there are 89,000 people on waiting lists. However data revealed to Fianna Fail now shows that this has exploded by 45% to over 130,000 households nationwide. All official figures quoted by the Government on social housing waiting lists are from 2013, and are therefore two years old. The documents received by Fianna Fáil show that since then, local authorities across the country have seen a

massive increase in demand for social housing. Over that period a number of have authorities witnessed their waiting list double. The old 2013 figures were used as the basis of their construction projections for their Social Housing 2020 strategy. “The government has to start facing up to the reality of the housing emergency. Up until the end of 2014 it only built 1,252 new units, compared to 15,000 units built between 2007-2010. This is the primary cause of this emergency. We have to start getting to grips with it by building homes that families want to live in. Fianna Fáil is proposing a new national housing roadmap to build 150,000 new homes by 2021 including 45,000 social housing units. I am urging the Government to give strong consideration to our fully costed plans,” said John Curran.

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“The most worrying aspect of these figures is the surge in the number of young children and families that have nowhere to call home. It is highly irresponsible of the Government to attempt to downplay the extent of this crisis,” concluded John Curran.

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Speaking after the vote on the Right2Water Sinn Féin MEP Lynn Boylan welcomed the passing othe Boylan report on the Right2Water.

‘This is a victory for civil society and for Right2Water campaigners not only in Ireland but across Europe. The 1.8 million to the signatories Right2Water ECI, the first ever successful example of this

mechanism have finally received the support they deserve from an EU institution.

Commission’s ‘The initial response to the ECI was vague, disappointing and did little to answer their demands. In this report I and fellow progressive MEPs have come together to produce a report which better answers their campaign.

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‘Whilst it is disappointing that Fine Gael’s cronies in the European Parliament managed to water down some mention of the need for non-profit cooperation and introduced the call to also promote publicprivate partnership as well as public-public partnerships, the result overall is a major wakeup call for the Commission. ‘We have won key which amendments called on the Commission; to produce legislative proposals which would enshrine

the human right to water in EU legislation, to not promote the privatisation of water services and to ensure that water affordability issues are assessed. I am very happy to see that the European has Parliament supported me to make sure that the EU recognises that the human right to water is recognised.

The European Parliament has now voted in favour of keeping water services out of the internal market and the TTIP

and has called on the Commission to not promote privatisation of water and to respect Member States’ choice of water ownership.

I am pleased that the Parliament chose to reject the alternative motion put forward by Fine Gael’s EPP group and the Tory ECR group which did nothing to answer the citizens’ concerns and ignored the need to enshrine the human right to water in legislation. It was a motion which reflected their views, not the citizens.’

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CHildren WitH speCial needs faCing upHill battle for resourCes 4

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Dublin South West TD, Seán Crowe has claimed that parents with children with special needs are facing an uphill struggle getting and holding on to resources.as they move primary to from secondary education . Crowe said that the process should be seamless with trapdoors

that currently exist for students moving from one school to another removed and that educational supports need to travel throughout the education cycle with the child. The government has promised additional funding in the budget, but this will not benefit any of the children who

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have been informed of a cut to their early learning entitlement in recent weeks. Deputy Seán Crowe said: "Parents with a child of school going age and with special needs face an uphill battle to get resources for their child or children. "The first barrier they confront is trying to get

a school to take their loved one and depending on the resources of the school, getting supports for their child. "Parents of children with special educational needs are literally worn out by the demands of their loved one and should not have to go to what seems like the ends of

the earth to get support. "The lack of continuity in support services from primary to post-primary schools continues to impact negatively on children. It should be and the seamless trapdoors that currently exist for a student moving from one school to another need to be removed.

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"Surely if a psychologist has said the child need supports and the disability determines that they need supports, then they should get those supports. "Why can’t we have a system that looks at the child and determines what they actually need for supports during their time in the education system and the supports stays with the child. "Five years ago a free pre-school year was introduced, giving families an entitlement of 15 hours early learning for each child prior to their entry into

primary school. "This initiative has not been backed up by sufficient resources with the most vulnerable cohort, children with special needs, not getting the supports they require whether it be in terms of access to pre-school services, or insufficient services within the preschool setting. "It is unacceptable that there are currently children with special needs who are having their hours cut. These are families that have fought tooth and nail to attain the supports their children need. "The Government have promised additional funding in the upcoming budget, but currently parents face an uphill battle to access and hold onto the educational supports their children need for their development."

Dublin Senator Catherine Noone, has said that practical changes to what parents are putting in lunchboxes can have an impact on the children’s lives for many years to come. Senator Noone is also pointing out the positive change that improving fitness levels can make to the lives of young people. “Here in Ireland one in four Irish children have been classified as overweight or obese, whilst the World Health Organisation recently predicted Ireland would be the fattest nation in Europe by 2030. “We need to make real and practical changes in all of our lives if we are to combat this trend. This week’s public meeting will provide practical tips for fitness, meals and lunchbox ideas. One of the speakers on the night will be leading nutritionist Heather

Leeson, who is cofounder and director of Positive Nutrition. She will be offering advice on how to provide your child with healthy, nutritious alternatives for their optimum wellbeing. “Child fitness expert and occupational therapist Brenda Cassidy will also be a speaker on the night. She is currently the Director of 'Zoom Boom Kids' a physical skills and fitness building program for primary school aged children to boost their fitness and health. “The best way to tackle this growing trend of childhood obesity is through practical measures, which will have life-long effects. I would encourage parents to come along on Wednesday night and get some valuable tips, which will help them improve the diet and fitness levels of their children.”

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Housing announCements represent good progress in meeting demand - keane

Fine Gael Seanad Spokesperson on Housing, Cáit Keane, has welcomed the news that over 800 housing units are currently being made available to help meet demand and protect homeless and vulnerable households. announcement “The that over 800 housing units are being made available for Dublin over recent and coming months, represents good progress in the efforts to ease the demand for housing, and protect homeless and vulnerable households.

“Since February, Local Authorities had been mandated to ensure that 50% of all housing allocations go to homeless and vulnerable households. This has so far yielded almost 530 homes for these households in Dublin over the last few months.

“More recently Dublin City Council has identified in excess of 100 houses for purchase and 100 for leasing by Dublin City Council. This is in addition to 100 houses being made available specifically for homeless people from via the Approved Housing Bodies in the voluntary sector. “The current problems with homelessness are the result of the very complicated factors and the solution lies in the provision of more housing. The announcement of the recent 800 units represents good progress but a lot more can be done. “A big part of the solution is bringing vacant housing units back into use and almost €6 million has been provided across Dublin for this purpose in 2015. 3,000 housing voids have so far been brought back into use

across the country. “There is also plenty of scope for the building of more housing units in Dublin. The recent Urban Regeneration and Housing Bill introduced a Vacant Site Levy to encourage development on sites that were being left vacant. “This Government is responding proactively to the current demands on housing. Minister Coffey is working hard to resolve the issues and an upcoming Cabinet subcommittee will look again at all the options. Housing funding was increased by 40% to €800m in the last Budget. We have a €4 billion Social Housing Strategy to deliver 35,000 housing units by 2020 and to reduce the waiting lists nationally by 25% by 2017. We need the input of all stakeholders and we need to stick to the plan to ensure success.”

tHe aHmadiyya muslim youtH assoCiation ireland raise €4,000 for CHarity

The Mayor of South Dublin Cllr. Sarah Holland at the start line The Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association Ireland, an auxiliary organization of Ahmadiyya Muslim association Ireland, successfully organized a 5K charity walk on Saturday, 5th September 2015 to raise funds for the National Children's Hospital Tallaght, Dublin. The Mayor of South Dublin Cllr. Sarah Holland graced this event. People from all walks of life participated in this noble cause. Among of some them was Imam of Galway Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Noonan, President Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, Ireland, Dr M A Malik. Members of community from Galway, Cork, Drogheda and many other parts of country travel specially to attend this very charity walk. There were also a noticeable representation from Lajna Imaillah, Women’s Auxiliary organization of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. More than 120 people run for this charity walk.

Fund Raising As of last Wednesday the total amount collected €3728.62 The final figure is likely to increase to €4000 The entire amount collected,without any deduction, will be presented The National Children's Hospital Tallaght fund raising department next week. special thanks to: The National Children’s Hospital Tallaght for giving us opportunity to raise some funds on behalf of them. South Dublin County Council Environment, Water and Climate Change Department South Dublin County Council Sports Partnership The Community Garda. we also gratefully acknowledge ours sincere gratitude to all those who contributed in making this walk a memorable success.

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o’Connor WelComes Confirmation in respeCt of greenHills road

Local Councillor Charlie O’Connor has welcomed confirmation from South Dublin County Council Management that there are no plans to build a new access road from the Greenhills Road, opposite the Cuckoos Nest, into Treepark Road.

He was responding to enquires he had received residents of from Kilnamanagh Estate who are dealing with rumours that the Council has such plans. In its response, the Council

stated “the Council has no plans to construct a new access road from the Greenhills Road opposite the Cuckoos Nest to Treepark Road, Kilnamanagh (the Ring Road). The Part 8 for the upgrade of the Greenhills Road at this location was approved in 2006, but has not progressed to detailed design/construction stage arising from the lack of funding due to the economic downturn. The Part 8 proposals did not

include any access road to Treepark Road at the location in question”. According to Charlie O’Connor, this subject has created a lot of attention recently and he hoped that the statement from the Council would give assurances to those in the community who are concerned.

In that regard he promised, as a local Councillor for the area, to continue to give this matter his particular attention.

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The importance of physical and mental health and wellbeing is being highlighted by the ‘Get Your Ass Off the Couch’ initiative from South Dublin County Council. Mayor of South County Dublin Sarah Holland will launch Health and Wellbeing Week at Tallaght Stadium on Monday with the help of RTE presenter Miriam O’Callaghan. The initiative is a collaborative event between the council, HSE, Tallaght Hospital, Pieta House, South Dublin County Partnership and Trinity College Centre for Health Sciences with events set to take place

by Lynda O'Donoghue Donnelly

until Friday. Council Chief Executive McLoughlin Daniel believes that the second year of the programme can be just as successful as the first. He said: “Last year there were over 40 events organised for Health and Wellbeing Week and approximately 8,500 people participated. A number of workshops that were delivered as part of the week are still ongoing including horticultural therapy and sports programmes. “This week will give people at risk of exclusion opportunities to get out and get involved in activities

and develop improved awareness of physical and mental wellbeing.” A number of Health and Wellbeing Ambassadors from across the county have been chosen to help spread the word throughout this week and they include Tallaght man James Reynolds from the Irish Transplant Sports Team, Clondalkin councillor and former Olympic medallist Kenneth Egan and Lucan Operation Transformation leader Louise Ormsby. The varied week-long programme of events will feature activities that will highlight the services and facilities available within the county.

There will be Ballroom Dancing, Mindfulness for Adults, a Health Fair, Disability Activity Programme, Mental Health talks and Al Porters Grandparents Day off to name just a few. Mayor Holland said: “I encourage everyone to get involved in the planned activities and to help make Health and Wellbeing Week 2015 a success. This is a great opportunity for young and old to participate in a range of activities and events which encourage health and wellbeing” For more information and details about event specifics visit www.sdcc.ie.

Pictured from left to right – Cllr. Kenneth Egan, Ruth Scott (2 FM), Teresa Costello (Patient Ambassador for Breast Cancer Ireland), Mayor Sarah Holland, Jenny Egan (Irish and International Kayaker), Jack Woolley ( Matt Dowling, Tus Nua (Older persons forum), Aisling Finnegan, Dublin Rose, Dr. Catherine Darker, Healthy Council Ireland)

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usi Calls for urgent aCtion to address aCCommodation Crisis

The Union of Students in Ireland is calling for action on student accommodation, to address shortages in the short and longer term. USI President Kevin Donoghue said: “Digs will alleviate the problem in the short term, but with student numbers expected to grow, that willbecome less sustainable as time moves on.” USI is warning that additional measures are needed to tackle the issue. “There need to be other supports to help those who are struggling and can’t even afford digs,” saidDonoghue. “An increase in the Student Assistance Fund would help many students who will struggle to pay for basic utilities in the coming months due to increased rent and travel costs. “Also, the ‘adjacency rates’ need to be fixed. Currently, students whose family home is less than 45km from their chosen college receive a lower grant – but we know from the national travel survey in 2013 that the average work commute is 18km. “Increasing financial supports for students who live 24-45km away would help to alleviate the overall problem.” Mr Donoghue struck a note of concern over possible tax-breaks for developers. “We have a tendency to believe we can tax-cut our way out of every mess in this country. “Whilst I think tax incentives will play a part in solving the issue, they can’t be used on their own as some sort of a fix-all solution.”

improved litter rating for tallagHt a good start 9

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An improvement in Tallaght’s ranking in the annual league tabled published by Irish Businesses Against Litter is welcome but also shows that there is no room for complacency, according to Dublin South West Election Candidate and Independent Senator, Katherine Zappone. Tallaght has improved its standing from 38 out of 40 urban areas surveyed last year to 31 out of 40 in figures just published and is ranked

Enforcement is key to improve local communities for all

‘moderately as littered’. The Independent Senator is calling for a community wide push to further improve the standing and to ensure Tallaght continues to be a pleasant location to live and to visit. Senator Zappone added: “The improvement in Tallaght’s ranking is a tribute to all those who play an active role in and protecting improving our streets, public spaces and parks.

It is worth noting that our communities are now listed above other parts of Dublin, including the city centre, but there is still work to do. Too many residents are living in the shadow of illegal dumping on back roads around our communities. Not only is this unsightly but it poses health risks and a danger to playing children as well as attracting vermin. We must now build on the progress made by

using every possible means to identify those involved in such activity. Mobile CCTV units together with the examination of illegally dumped waste has worked successfully in the past in locating the culprits and both Central Government and South Dublin County Council should re-examine the resources being deployed to combat what is a crime, often carried out under the cover of darkness.

Tallaght has always had a proud community spirit and we must not allow a small minority to come along in the middle of the night and damage the good work being carried out.

I am confident that by improving our enforcement efforts together with the ongoing efforts of community, voluntary and residence groups as well as local business we will see our rating improve even further in 2016.”

o’Connor raises luas Hospital entranCe issue

Local Councillor Charlie O’Connor has again raised with Tallaght Hospital Management the question of the gateway to Tallaght Hospital from the Luas Hospital site.

He is regularly receiving calls from the public in respect of this issue and feels that such a gateway would be of great

benefit to those visiting the Hospital. In response to the representations by Charlie O’Connor, Hospital Management replied as follows “We wish to advise that the design for the Luas entrance has been issued to the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board who will lodge the Planning Application for the new Luas entrance as

part of the process for the National Childrens Hospital Satellite unit. We expect to have the Luas entrance operational by early 2016”.

According to Charlie O’Connor this is quite an important issue for the community and he promised to continue to give this matter his ongoing attention.

older people need a break

South Dublin County Councillor John Lahart has said the upcoming Budget must involve a significant easing of the burden on older people.

The Fianna Fáil election candidate has carried out an analysis which shows that Dublin pensioners have been hit with cuts and tax increases to the tune of €1,200 a year under this Government.

“Pensioners have been hit particularly hard by a range of cuts to supports and tax and it’s increases causing distress for many of them,” said Cllr Lahart. “Older particularly people, those on state pensions, budget on a weekly basis and it and many are finding now that they cannot make ends meet. “My analysis of measures introduced by Fine Gael and Labour since 2011 shows that

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pensioners have taken an annual hit of €1,200 a year on average. The fuel allowance has been cut, free electricity and gas units have been reduced, the telephone allowance has been scrapped and households have been hit with property tax and water charges. “The property tax is the same for a widow in receipt of the state pension as it is for a working couple. There is a substantially greater burden on the single person. “On top of this, drug prescription charges have jumped from 50cent to €2.50, the carbon tax has been imposed on coal, turf and home heating oil, DIRT tax and motor tax have been increased and the levy on private pension funds has hit retirement savings across the country to the tune of €2.4 billion. There has also been a dramatic cull of

medical cards for the over-70s. “Many families are also hurting from cuts to the respite care grant. On top of these cuts, a range of new stealth taxes have hit older people making it hard for them to get from week to week. “I have spoken to many older people locally are seriously who struggling to make ends meet. I could cite countless examples but one struck me particularly – a widow living alone whose family has emigrated and are paying her private health insurance from abroad because she cannot afford it. Several older people have told me that they are extremely worried that they won’t be able to heat their homes over the winter. Others have lost their medical cards and cannot afford their medical bills. Others are struggling to cope

with living in their own homes following cuts to a range of disability supports. “Older people are

remarkably resilient and they endure a lot without quibbling. I’m hearing their stories, told quietly and in a

dignified way, on the doors. Many say they lent their vote to this government in good faith but they have

been let down very badly. The next budget needs to relieve some of the pressure for them.”

government must end Confusion and anXiety over free travel

Government must The immediately move to reassure those dependent on free travel that they are not going to be left stranded as a result of any changes to the scheme, according to Dublin South West General Election Candidate and Independent Senator Katherine Zappone. The Independent Senator says fresh speculation that the free travel passes will not be accepted during peak periods is causing great concern – in particular for those who have early morning or evening medical appointments or family commitments. Senator Zappone says for many in Tallaght, Citywest and Rathfarnham the pass is a necessity and not a luxury which can be cut. The Independent Senator added,

“For older people, those with a medical condition and many others the free travel pass is a lifeline which allows them to attend urgent appointments, make journeys to the shops and perhaps most importantly to meet their friends and neighbours. It is wrong that the Government has failed to bring clarity on the future of the scheme at a time when media speculation of cutbacks and changes has continued unabated. I have argued that any company taking up a public transport route should be required to accept travel passes – and sought clarification on this when a number of local bus routes out of Tallaght were selected for privatisation. Clarification on the Government’s plans is now a

matter of priority, not just for those living in outlying areas such as the rural parts of Dublin South West but also those across Citywest and Tallaght, Rathfarnham who have to visit hospitals or GPs on a regular basis. I will be raising this matter with the relevant Ministers at the earliest opportunity.”

Senator Katherine Zappone

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55+ daily aCtivity booklet noW available

The 55+ Daily Activity booklet was produced by South Dublin County Council’s Community Development Team to help older people find information on what’s going on every day in their local area. Essentially the 55+ Daily Activity is a snap shot of just some of the many activities and community groups for older people in the Clondalkin Lucan Palmerstown and Newcastle areas. Inside the booklet you will find information from where older people can go for a cuppa and a chat to where they can go for lunch / dinner. There is also information on everything from dancing, swimming, bowling, card games, fitness and much more. The 55+ Daily Activity booklet will be launched as part of Health & Wellbeing Week in Tallaght Stadium on Monday the 14th September 2015.

You can download a copy of the booklet from South Dublin County Council web site. http://www.sdcc.ie/services/neighbourhoods-communities/initiatives/age-friendlycounty-programme. You can also contact Valerie Brien or Frank Price on 086 850 2194 / 086 606 3683 for a copy. The Community Development Team are also currently working on producing the 55+ Daily Activity booklet for the whole of South Dublin County. The County Wide Planner will be launched during Social Inclusion Week which commences on the week beginning the 16th November 2015. If you would like to make sure that your group or activity are listed please contact Cian Ó Lonargáin or Su Clarke on 01 414 9270.

The Legal Column

by Romaine Scally

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 to be an ‘Inordinate Delay’ in them receiving their bequest. Usually however, this does not apply within the one year rule but we would suggest that you start to administer the Estate as soon as possible as there can be lengthy delays in getting an appointment from the Probate office for personal applications. We wish you the best of luck in this regard.

In this edition of the paper, Romaine Scally Solicitor, of Romaine Scally & Company, Solicitors, Main Street, Tallaght, Dublin 24, Telephone 014599506 email legal@scally.ie deals with the matter of Wills or the absence of, on the death of a family member. Q. My sister died without making a will earlier this summer and i am taking on the job of administering her estate. our parents are deceased but we have three surviving siblings and three nieces and nephews by a deceased brother. My siblings have agreed to me administering the estate but the nieces and nephews of my deceased brother are objecting. is there anything they can do to stop me administering the estate?

A. In the event that someone dies without making a Will, it is the entitlement of the immediate next-of-kin to apply for letters of Administration Intestate. As a sister of the deceased, you are equally entitled with your other siblings to apply for a Grant of Administration. It can be cumbersome to have all the siblings apply and your siblings are therefore entitled to authorise you to act on behalf of the entire family. Your nephews and nieces are further down the line in terms of their entitlement to administer the Estate and therefore cannot successfully object to your application. However, they are entitled to a share of the Estate. In effect, they are entitled to the share that their parent would have taken. If there is property involved and they are objecting to a sale of a property then they cannot do so but, strictly subject to them receiving their appropriate inheritance. The only way the nephews and nieces could object to your dealing with the Administration of the Estate is if there is what is considered

Q. i am trying to establish what happened in my Grandfather’s estate. He died in or around 1986 in west Cork but i do not know whether or not his estate was administered. is there anything i can do to make preliminary enquiries without consulting a solicitor?

A. If you believe that the Estate was administered then, you can apply to take up a copy of the Grant of Probate or the Grant of Administration if there was no Will. You can apply to the Probate Office care of Cork Court Offices. You will however need to provide them with as much information as possible such as the date of your Grandfather’s birth, his full name and last known address, and the date and place of his death. We wish you the best of luck in this regard.

Q. My brother died recently and appointed me as the executor in his will. i am very apprehensive however about starting an application for a Grant of probate as it seems as if my brother had more debts than assets. Could i be liable for those debts if i took out a Grant of probate?

A. Firstly, we would like to sympathise with you on the death of your brother. To answer your question, no Executor can be responsible for the debts of the deceased over and above the value of the Estate. You are not personally liable for any of these debts but there is a responsibility on the Executor to call in all the assets, maintain their value and ensure that creditors are paid as far as is possible. No creditor can come after you personally and, even if they were to threaten to sue you, the net value of the Estate is the extent of your exposure. This however is of course subject to any execution honestly dealing with the Administration of the Estate of the deceased and not giving unfair priority to one creditor over another. In a complex case such as this, it would be worth having a consultation with a Solicitor to advise

you fully in relation to how it is best to proceed. You should gather together the details of all the assets and liabilities to present to the Solicitor so that the best advice possible is given to you before you make a decision as to which way to proceed. We hope that this has been helpful.

Q. My father died recently and, despite every effort, we have been unable to find a will. we have to conclude therefore that he died intestate. unfortunately, the Family Home was in his sole name and, there are very few assets over and above the value of the family home. there are six children and, following a family meeting recently, all but two have agreed to waive our share in the estate back to my Mother. However, the rest of us are really worried that our Mother might have to sell the house to pay off the other two siblings. what is the position here?

A. Firstly, we would like to sympathise with you on the passing of your Father. Unfortunately, the situation is not straightforward and your Father has left a number of problems behind which will now have to be resolved as best as possible. As you say, you now have to conclude that your Father died without making a Will and, as such his Estate has to be administered according to the laws of Intestacy as set out in the Succession Act, 1965. Your Mother is therefore automatically entitled to two third of the entire Estate (including the value of the family home) with the remaining one third to be divided between all the children. All but two of you have agreed to waive your rights in favour of your Mother. The question arises as to what and how your Mother will satisfy the share of the two children who have declined to waive their rights. The answer to this will depend firstly on the value of the Estate. If, for arguments sake, the house is worth €250,000.00 and the remaining financial assets worth €50,000.00 thus giving a total value in the Estate of €300,000.00. Your Mother is automatically entitled to two thirds of this amounting to €200,000.00. She can obviously apply this to her share of the family home and the remaining €50,000.00 is divided between the six children, giving a share to each of them of approx. €11,666.00. To pay off the two children would require your Mother to pay

out €23,332.00 but not out of the cash, as this has already been accounted for in your Mother’s share. Perhaps the family could come to some arrangement with the other two children that they might get their share on the death of your Mother. Alternatively, there is a provision whereby the surviving spouse can apply to Court to have the dwelling house given to him or her either without paying the difference or by paying such sum as the Court thinks reasonable. The Court may make such an Order if it thinks that hardship would otherwise be caused, either to the surviving Spouse or to a dependent child. Perhaps a conversation should be had with the two children regarding their Mother’s entitlement to have their share dispensed with and, perhaps in the light of this possible option available to your Mother, a more acceptable solution might be arrived at. We wish you the best of luck in this regard.

Q. My Father remarried after my Mother died. He has three children by his marriage to my Mother and, when he remarried ten years ago, his new wife had two teenage children. My Father died recently and, in his will, he appointed me as his executor and left everything to be divided equally between his own blood children and his second wife. My stepmother is not happy that her two children have been left out of the will. she is talking about challenging the will. they are now in their early 20s. Do they have any rights?

A. As a general rule, stepchildren are not considered to bear the same relationship to their stepparents as natural children. Interestingly, however, they are regarded as having the same relation to their stepparents under the Capital Acquisitions Tax Act, but not under the Succession Act. As such, your stepsiblings would be unlikely to succeed in any challenge to the Will but that it not to say that they might not do so. In the absence of a detailed consultation, it would be difficult to advise you fully. Their case may be that their stepfather always “promised them something after he died” and that he failed to deliver on that promise. However, in the absence of any such evidence, they are not provided for under the Succession Act and are not considered to be equal to the relationship of parents to their natural children. We hope that this clarifies matters.

In contentious business a Solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement

greater government support needed to fully realise arts CounCil strategy

The Arts Council has released its new ten year strategy, Making Great Art Work, setting out its plan for the development of the arts from 20162025.

Commenting on the strategy, Sinn Féin Councillor for Templeogue-Terenure, Fintan Warfield welcomed its release but stressed the need for Government to step up to the plate in order to realise the potential of our artistic institutions and bodies. Cllr. Warfield said;“Priority placed on the artist and public engagement is a positive, so too is the Arts Council's commitment to change and renewal. However, without Government ideology that champions and protects the arts, the agency tasked with funding, developing and promoting the sector will fall short of its responsibility. “Minister Heather Humphreys has said, that ‘national cultural institutions... are essential building blocks of the cultural identity and creativity of Ireland’ - almost certainly at odds with close to a 50% cut in recent years”. "Making Great Art Work also set out objectives to ensure that artists are supported at key stages in the life cycle of their careers."

Warfield concluded; “That statement has particular relevance given that many young people face a sector with barriers so high, that many intensely, creative individuals never manage to scale them in order to flourish and be deservedly recognised”.

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enHanCed role for mabs in provision of information, adviCe and assistanCe to borroWers in mortgage distress

The Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection Kevin Humphreys TD has outlined the enhanced role for the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) to assist mortgage distressed holders in the context of the Government measures to support mortgage holders who are in arrears.

Building on actions already taken, the measures aim to increase the supports available to people in arrears and to increase the numbers of people availing of them.

The Minister said: “I am pleased that the role of MABS is being enhanced to enable it to provide:

A greater role in offering information, advice and assistance to mortgage holders through all stages of

the Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process (MARP) and to borrowers who have already been through the MARP;

A Dedicated Mortgage Arrears MABS which will focus on post-MARP cases assisting mortgage holders in assessing the extent to which the option on offer from the lender is the best and most sustainable option, and where required negotiate with the lender on behalf of its client. Sixteen (16) Dedicated Mortgage Arrears MABS services are finalising arrangements for the provision of this service in the coming weeks, with a further eleven (11) planned to be in place by year end, providing nationwide coverage; An in – house Personal

Insolvency Practitioner role (PIP) for those who face an imminent risk of losing their home and who cannot afford to pay for professional advice to deal with their debt. A Public PIP is being piloted in Waterford MABS and Bankruptcy advice in Cork MABS;

A national network of “Court Mentors” is being established to attend with clients and offer support and advice on Court proceedings as well as direct referral back to MABS where a case is adjourned; and Improvement to the MABS website and the CIB microsite www.keepingyourhome .ie.

“The combination of these measures will enable MABS to play a greater role in assisting

mortgage distressed holders by targeting its resources at those most in need of assistance.”

The Minister continued: “The enhancement of MABS’ role to provide a mortgage dedicated advice service will provide greater support for distressed mortgage holders in their dealings with their lenders. I want to thank MABS and the CIB for their extensive work over the summer period to ensure these services will be available as quickly as possible to borrowers in mortgage distress.

The Citizens Information Board has worked closely with MABS, a trusted, accessible and credible provider of free and impartial debt advice to develop this enhanced service which is being rolled out nationwide in

the coming months.

The Minister added: “We are currently in the process of selecting and appointing dedicated mortgage arrears advisors from within MABS to provide the enhanced services. Sixteen MABS services have been identified and will commence offering the enhanced service in the coming weeks”. The pilot of the Court Mentor service at six locations (Dublin, Cavan, Wexford, Trim, Castlebar & Roscommon) has been very successful and viewed positively by the stakeholders involved. Under the pilot Court Mentor service, direct support was provided by MABS to debtors on Court proceedings, as well as direct referral back to MABS, where appropriate.

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soutH dublin County signs sister Cities agreement of partnersHip WitH tHe City of tampa, florida

The Mayor of South Dublin County Council, Cllr. Sarah Holland officially signed a Sisters City Agreement with the City of Tampa, Florida, USA in County Hall, Tallaght.

The visiting delegation included the Mayor of Tampa, Mr. Bob Buckhorn, Robert, J. Rohrlack, CEO of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce along with a number of other delegates representing the education and business sectors in Tampa. Sherri Brennan, President and Peter Byrne CEO of South Dublin Chamber were also present with Mark Redmond CEO of

the American Chamber of Commerce, Mr Thomas Stone, President of the Institute of Technology Tallaght, Mr. Daniel McLoughlin C.E. of South Dublin County Council and Mr. Stuart Dwyer, Deputy Chief of Mission representing the US Embassy. Mayor Sarah Holland speaking at event said “On behalf of the Citizens and Elected Members of South Dublin County Council, I am honoured in my capacity as Mayor to welcome you to our on the county, wonderful occasion of the signing of the Sister Cities Agreement of Partnership between

the City of Tampa and South Dublin County. I am convinced that this friendship agreement will be of mutual benefit to our communities by exploring the many educational, economic and cultural opportunities, this agreement will provide for the years ahead”.

When Mayor Holland took office in June, she outlined her intention to use her role as an ambassador to promote the benefits of South Dublin County as far afield as possible and to promote civic, educational, business and tourism links within Ireland and abroad.

The aim of the Sister Cities Agreement of Partnership is to improve global cooperation, promote cultural understanding,

and stimulate economic development. This agreement will enable South Dublin County and the City of Tampa to work

together, to build a long and lasting friendship that will promote sustainable partnerships that will benefit our respective

citizens and develop even further the goodwill that exists between Ireland and the United States of America.

novenas 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. b.l.

not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for three days. Promise publication and favour will be granted no matter how impossible. Never known to fail. p.p.w.

unFailinG pRayeR to st. antHony O holy St. Anthony, gentlest of Saints, your love for God and Charity for his creatures, made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Miracles waited on your word, which you were ever ready to speak for those in trouble or anxiety. Encouraged by this thought, I implore of you to obtain for me (request). The answer to my prayer may required a miracle, even so, you are the Saint of Miracles.

Delegates of South Dublin County and City of Tampa

O gently and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the Sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms; and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours.

saint JoseMaRía esCRivà FounDeR oF opus Dei pRayeR O God, through the mediation of Mary our Mother, you granted your priest St. Josemaria countless graces, choosing him as a most faithful instrument to found Opus Dei, a way of sanctification in daily work and in fulfilment of the Christian’s ordinary duties. Grant that I too may learn to turn all the circumstances and events of my life into occasions of loving you and serving the Church, the pope and all the souls with joy and simplicity, lighting up the pathways of this earth with faith and love. Design to grant me, through the intercession of St. Josemaría, the favour… (make your request). Amen Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory be to the Father. novena to st. Rita Helper of the hopeless Holy Patroness of those in need, St. Rita you were humble, pure and patient. Your pleadings with your divine Spouse are irresistible, so please obtain for me from our risen Jesus the request I make of you (mention it). Be kind to me for all the greater glory of God, and I shall honor and sing your praises forever. Glorious St. Rita, you miraculously participated in the sorrowful passion of our Lord Jesus Christ. Obtain for me now the grace to suffer with resignation the troubles of his life, and protect me in all of my needs. Amen

as our regular readers will know we have asked for your generosity in supporting very worthy charities over the last few years including nCbi solas Centre in Clondalkin, tir na nog (Cheeverstown House) and laura lynn Children’s Hospice . these charities have all been involved in providing vital services to children with special needs and their families. we would like to thank all readers who have supported our chosen charities to date and while we will still be supporting laura lynn Children’s Hospice going forward, we are delighted to support tHe iRisH pilGRiMaGe tRust.

We are appealing to you our loyal newspaper readers to show your generosity in helping us to support an equally worthy charity, tHe iRisH pilGRiMaGe tRust.

tHe iRisH pilGRiMaGe tRust is a registered charity in Ireland

(Charity Number: 5992), and for over 40 years the Trust has been travelling on pilgrimage/holiday to Lourdes with young people with special needs, from all over Ireland.

The Trust has over 1100 people travelling at Easter time and it is divided into small groups of approx 10 young people and 12 volunteer carers who stay in one of the many Hotels in Lourdes. In June we bring a group of 110 people to Hosanna House in Lourdes for what is a unique experience both Carer and Guest. We have two facilities in Kilcuan, Co. Galway and Cois Cuain, Co. Wexford each offering different opportunities. Both facilities provide Friendship weeks during the Summer.

application forms are available from our office at 091 796622.

For more information on the Irish Pilgrimage Trust please contact us at 091 796622 or Email info@irishpilgrimagetrust.com or visit our web page on http://www.irishpilgrimagetrust.c om for more information.. if you would like a novena published please send a postal order or cheque made payable to tHe iRisH pilGRiMaGe tRust and send it, along with your novena to: newsGRoup, unit 3, FlooR 2, st. DoMiniC's sHoppinG CentRe, st DoMiniC's RoaD, tallaGHt, Dublin 24 if you require information call 6535443.

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young people going baCk to eduCation targeted by government stealtH Cuts

Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD and Sinn Féin spokesperson for Social Protection has received confirmation from the Department of Social Protection that twice the number of young people from low income households have been affected by government cuts to the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) since last year.

BTEA is a means-tested payment for jobseekers who return to education. Since 1 January 2014, the majority of BTEA recipients under 26 have been subjected to a rate cut of €28 a week – the allowance is €160 instead of €188. This cut is further compounded during the summer months as the under 26s are then paid only the cut-rate Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) of €100, not the full rate of €188.

Teachta Ó Snodaigh said: “This discriminatory rate of Back to Education Allowance is an admission by Joan Burton’s Department that the recovery the Government claim to have arrived is a ‘myth’, or to use Joanna Tuffy’s recent analogy a ‘Fairy tale’, for disadvantaged young people wishing to better their changes of a job by returning to education. In reality more young people trying to return to education will be impacted by these discriminatory BTEA rates with the passage of time. “The letter from the Department puts paid to recent Labour/Fine Gael assertions that the economy has recovered. They are at pains to convince us that economic fortunes have changed during

their time in power. In recent months the Labour party have been encouraging the good people of Ireland to ‘get a ‘kitchen makeover’ with the extra disposable income they’ve put in our pockets. Joanna Tuffy was trumpeting the increase in new car sales and foreign holidays this year as a triumph of her party’s years in power. “The Labour Party and their deputies are out of touch with the harsh realities of life that hundreds of thousands of our citizens have had to deal with as a result of this Governments austerity agenda. As with the case I have highlighted today, it shows they are willing to target some of the most disadvantaged in society, those surviving on welfare payments and trying to return to education to help their chances of future employment. It is the most disadvantaged that are being made pay for the elite’s and government’s gambling and mistakes.

“Cutting Back to Education Allowance rates for young people is totally contrary to this government’s promise to protect “core social welfare rates” or to protect the most vulnerable and is a form of discrimination against young people. It gives lie to their statements in the Programme for Government that they “will maintain social welfare rates” and were committed to protecting the vulnerable and to burden sharing on an equitable basis”. We in Sinn Féin believe in a fair recovery for all our citizens and we will deliver on this based on our policies rooted in equality and social justice.”

to advertise in any of our publiCations telepHone 01 451 3822

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dublin Cllrs seCure agreement on vaCant Housing units for tHe Homeless Minister must put his money where his mouth is on new social housing developments

Dublin City Councillors have secured an agreement from the Environment Minister Alan Kelly to make all vacant housing units in the city available to homeless families by the end of the year. It follows a longawaited meeting between Minister Kelly and the leaders of the party groupings on the council yesterday. There are currently 950

vacant housing units in the city that are in need of refurbishment before they are habitable. The Minister has now agreed to demands from Dublin Councillors to immediately invest in bringing these units up to scratch by the end of the year. The Fianna Fáil Leader on Dublin City Council McAuliffe Paul explained, “It is completely

unacceptable that we have nearly a thousand vacant housing units sitting idle in the city while there are so many homeless families for desperate somewhere to go. Many of these units need very little work to make them suitable homes.

these housing units to people on waiting lists. While the number is relatively small in terms of the housing that is needed, this measure will at least provide a much-needed home to nearly a thousand families and individuals by the end of the year. “It is essential that the Minister keeps his word on this. Unfortunately we have seen all too many promises from

Minister Kelly over the past few months that resulted in have nothing, and the housing and homeless crisis has got immeasurably worse.

We on Dublin City Council will be holding the Minister to his promise to provide whatever funding is necessary to free up all of 950 vacant housing units by the end of the year.”

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any bruCe lee Wannabes amongst you sHould take a visit to dublin 12 asap!

The reason? Champion Martial Arts and Fitness, on The Long Mile Road, is the place to be for circuit & weight training, kids taekwondo, advanced and beginners kickboxing and an awful lot more!!!!! Tallaght native Mark Casserly, who has a huge running in the day-to-day affairs of the establishment, was a taekwondo enthusiast from the age of twelve and came close to reaching the 2008 Beijing Olympics eleven years later. After training in camps all across the globe he quickly had the 2008 Games in his sights and spent eight years in training, before narrowly losing out on qualifying for the event. To qualify for Beijing, Mark was sent to fight in Paris and won his first contest, before eventually losing to the then reigning Olympic champion, which sent him home. Casserly is now involved

in the running of Champion Martial Arts and Fitness, which has just opened up in the Spin Dance complex, from whom they rent their rooms, on The Long Mile Road. The establishment runs taekwondo classes for kids between the ages of five to sixteen years of age and thai boxing for all age groups. There is room for up to forty people in each class and it’s open from between either seven am or ten am and closes at ten pm each night.

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luCan festival suCCess is doWn to “Hard Work” and Community spirit by Lynda O'Donoghue Donnelly

The success of the sixth Lucan Festival last weekend is down to the “hard work” and spirit community showed by residents, businesses and the ordinary people in the area.

Festival chairman Joe Byrne has been involved with the initiative since the beginning and has been delighted by the continued success each year. Joe believes that the dedication and hard work put in by the committee is instrumental in building a fun, interactive and entertaining event for the people of Lucan. He said: “The business community in the area play a significant part contributing by financially and this year they have stepped up to the plate. “South Dublin County Council was our main financial supporter and we were again

delighted that Lucan Credit Union supported us.” The chairman also mentioned the stellar work of the committee which was formed in November of last year and includes Donal Walsh, Andrea Molly, Paul Madden, Anne Stallings, Caitriona McClean, Joe Reid, David O'Brien, Joe Malone, Dara MacCraith, Eamon Tuffy and Treasurer John Gleeson. Throughout the weekend there were a number of planned events and activities with the Lucan Harriers five mile Road Race on Saturday as well as special tours of Lucan House. For the second year running the Italian Ambassador opened the grounds of the impressive residents on Saturday afternoon as part of the festival. Joe said: “We are once again indebted to His

Excellency Mr Giovanni Adorni Braccesi Chiassi, Italian Ambassador who has allowed us the use of the grounds of Lucan House so that the public can view the historical grounds where once the Sarsfield’s, Vesey’s and Colthurst’s walked. “We have always tried to incorporate items of Historical and Heritage into the Festival and this year we had a conducted walk of the Village, an illustrated slide show on the Lucan tram and our Primary fifth classes asking our Senior Citizens about their schooldays.” The 2015 festival was rounded off on Sunday with a family fun day in the village which saw two music stages taken over by local bands as well as puppets, food stalls, vintage cars, street entertainers, a talk on the Tramway and rafting over the weir. Minister for Justice and Equality Frances

Fitzgerald TD, who helped to launch the festival, praised the organisers of the event. She said: “The Lucan Festival Committee, chaired by Joe Byrne, has worked hard over the past year to put together another fantastic array of events for this year’s Festival.

“This is a fantastic display of community spirit, with involvement from all sectors of the community Lucan including businesses, dance groups, sports clubs and many more.” Organisers will take a well-earned break in the coming months before preparing for the 2016 event.

Pictured (left to right) Festival chairman Joe Byrne, Minister for Justice and Equality Frances Fitzgerald TD, His Excellency Mr Giovanni Adorni Braccesi Chiassi, Italian Ambassador and Cllr Vicki Casserly

youtH unemployment figures stagnate

Dublin Sinn Féin MEP Lynn Boylan has called on the government to come clean about the rate of youth unemployment in Ireland. Commenting on CSO statistics Ms. Boylan said: “The figures clearly indicate that the level of Youth Unemployment has stagnated at 20.7%, holding here for the past three months. “This figure has is compounded by a number of factors. “Critically the fact that the Government has yet to implement many of

the recommendations put forward in various reports published in 2014/2015 relating to the Youth Guarantee Scheme and the dramatic fall in those taking up place on the exploitative JobBridge scheme. “To me this is a clear indication that this Government has relied on JobBridge, and similar schemes, not as a method of up-skilling, but as a cynical mechanism to reduce live register figures. “In doing so, Minister Burton has failed to address the underlying

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issues facing young people attempting to the labour access market. “Sinn Féin has presented the Tánaiste a raft of with alternatives and measures which seek to tackle youth unemployment. “However our focus, unlike the Governments, is on decent pay for decent work, where a reduction in the live register is not the main aim but rather a symptom of a progressive welfare system.”

eXtending opening Hours of tymon park proposed

Fianna Fáil Councillor Paul Foley has secured agreement from South Dublin County Council to consider extending the opening hours of Tymon Park.

The local Councillor put a motion before the Council calling for Tymon Park to be opened earlier in the morning. It currently opens at 10.00am, which Cllr Foley says is far too restrictive in terms of local use. “At the moment, people living in and Templeogue

Tallaght can’t access Tymon Park before 10.00am. It means that anyone who wants to go for a morning jog, a walk or cycle cannot use this excellent community amenity. Given that many people take their outdoor exercise in the morning, it makes no sense whatsoever to leave the park closed until after 10am,” the Fianna Fáil Councillor said. “I put a motion before South Dublin County Council asking that the

gate be opened earlier in the morning in the interests of facilitating an active and healthy community. The Council has replied to me saying that the park rangers do not come on duty until 10am so cannot open the gates before then. As an alternative, the Council is considering the option of electronic gates that would allow people to access the park at an earlier time.

“This week is South Dublin County Council’s Health and Wellbeing

week (14-19 September) and I believe it is the perfect opportunity for us to do what we can to encourage the use of our local amenities for exercise and leisure activities. I will be pursuing the Council on this. If we have a fantastic amenity on our doorsteps, it’s only right that we maximise its use. Allowing access to Tymon Park in the morning is just one small step we can take to foster a healthy and active local community.”

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Newsgroup is expanding and we have learned from extensive feedback from our readers and advertisers that there is huge potential and benefit to having a free fortnightly entertainment guide in our newspapers that is delivered to 60,000 homes.

HEADING OUT? CATCH SOME CLASSICS ON THE BIG SCREEN

We at Newsgroup are delighted to welcome Lynda O’Donoghue Donnelly to our growing team. Lynda has many years experience in writing and will be a contributor to our new Entertainment Guide with Newsgroup going forward. This edition we are looking at staying in with the kids at back to school time and classic movies on the big screen. Watch this space for updates on what’s happening in your area….

Are you a local sports club, community group or organisation? Do you have a fundraiser or event happening in the coming months? Email info@newsgroup.ie with all the information!

TOP FIVE FILMS – Back-to-School

Mean teachers, undercover students, warring monsters and life lessons to be learned – just some of the themes across the education-based movies in our brand new Top Five Films feature. In each edition we will chose a different topic and give you a rundown of our best picks from that genre to enjoy a memorable night in with family or friends. Back-to-school blues can affect the whole family but why not help everybody relax by getting together for a night in front of the TV. For school-base flicks that are sure entertain even the most fidgety of moviewatchers we have selected some classics…

Mean Girls – With an amazing comedy cast and so many laugh-out-loud moments this may just be the most complete back-toschool movie. A girl who has been home-schooled takes the leap into mainstream education – and gets way more than she bargained for with school politics, popularity and backstabbing in abundance. Get the popcorn out and settle

down for two hours of pure laughter.

Ferris bueller’s Day off – Sophistication, hilarity and some high-tech pranks make this a classic back-to school movie for all the family. The kids will not believe their eyes as Ferris’ intricate plan to take a day off school comes off in almost perfect fashion. And don’t be surprised if your youngsters aspire to trick you with recorded messages, pillows under their blankets and funny sunglasses!

Monsters university – A prequel to the original smash hit animated movie Monsters Inc. this film shows how best friends Mike and Sully met at university. Things were not always plain sailing for the top scarers but their friendship thrived – after a difficult start. The kids will absolutely love this movie but, perhaps surprisingly, so will adults. There is lots of humour and clever dialogue with plenty to keep the whole family engaged. 21/22 Jump street – Why not make a night of it and double up with both movies.

Monsters University is a vibrant, rollicking ride of a film

Great films for a date night or just to relax. Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill go back-to-school as undercover officers trying to bust a drugs ring. The two leads are hilariously good and the cameo from Jump Street alum Johnny Depp is brilliant. Even the action sequences are funny!

the breakfast Club – Widely regarded as the best school movie ever made this is one that cannot be overlooked. Sometimes funny, occasionally heartbreaking and completely insightful there are lots of lessons to be learned here. Although it may not look as slick as more recent movies this is a thought-provoking must-see film. So there you have it, five classic movies for any occasion that will help the whole family forget the back-to-school blues for a few hours. In our next edition we will have another Top Five Films to delight, engage and inform your cosy night at home. Look out for competitions and your chance to win over the coming months.

Nebraska is a 2013 American black-and-white comedy-drama film directed by Alexander Payne and written by Bob Nelson Some movies are just better on a big screen and as most of us do not have the luxury of a cinema screen at home when the classics are reshown in all their cinematic glory get out and see them.

There are plenty of film clubs, special screenings and one-off events happening all over the city so you can observe some must-see movies as they were intended – on a giant screen. Lots of mainstream cinemas have occasional special screenings of great movies, particularly at certain times of the year but smaller facilities also have events all year round. Film At Draíocht is one of events with movies catering

for every taste taking place regularly as well as specially screened films for second level students. To kick off the film season on Friday, September 18, there is a free screening of 2013 Oscar nominated film Nebraska in Draíocht which has partnered with Access Cinema. Taking place in the main auditorium of the Blanchardstown venue tickets must be booked in advance and the show will start at 8pm. Over the next few weeks Draíocht will also screen Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, which will be shown on September 30 and Jane Eyre on October 14. Later in the series people can see classics Rear Window and To Kill a

Mocking Bird on the big screen while November and December will see fantastic Christmas movies Elf and It’s a Wonderful Life restored to their cinematic splendour. Next month Lighthouse Cinema will reincarnate some of the best vampire movies of the 90s with its Bram Stoker Festival showing Blade, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and From Dusk Till Dawn. These festivals and films must be booked in advance so whether you are contemplating a big date, bringing the family out for the evening or simply love the movies make sure to plan ahead. For further details visit www.draiocht.ie or www.lighthousecinema.ie.

venue: RUA RED Café Wall Space, South Dublin Arts Centre, Blessington Road, Tallaght Dublin 24. Dates: 12th 26th

September 2015. open times: Monday Saturday only, the café is open until 3pm but you can still see my work until 6pm. Web: http://ruared.ie/

RUA RED Arts Centre

Catherine Ryan’s Café wall exhibition in RUA RED Arts Centre in Tallaght runs from 12th - 26 September 2015 In the Café Wall her new works celebrating the diversity of New York City, The Big Apple. Little Slices of The Big Apple... Previously her tribute to Dublin, Dublinski, was shown in the Summer exhibition. Materials were found on the streets of both cities and reinvented as organised chaos cityscapes. Come and take a bite!

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THE CIVIC THEATRE

tHe CiviC tHeatre,tHe tHeatre for soutH dublin County entertainment on your doorstep

Here at the Civic Theatre, we are delighted to announce our Autumn seasonpacked with entertainment on your doorstep, for all the family! From the Martin McDonagh classicThe timeless Lonesome West to Hooked as part of the Dublin Theatre festival on tour, our drama enthusiasts will be spoiled for choice!

For our fans of music, we have The Legend of Luke Kelly, the music and lyrics of Steven Sondhiem presented by Helen Jordan and The Nualas return with their

highly entertaining evening ‘Lock up your Husbands’. After 30 years of incredible music, numerous hits, endless tours and all the ups and downs of the music business Bagatelle are calling it a day! They will appear as part of their farewell tour in the Civic this October. We have exciting family events too with Jackula; spooky childrens Halloween shows on 31st October and Puss in Boots in November as part of the Red Line Book Festival. To tickle your funny bone, local comedian Al Porter

returns in September which is set to be another sell-out, so book soon.

As part of Culture Night, we are proud to stage a reading of Under Milk Wood by Dylan Thomas, presented by Blood in The Alley Theatre Company. Admission is free but subject to ticket availability which must be booked & collected in advance. Call our Box Office on 01 4627477.

So check out our website, we have something for everyone. For a full listing of events see www.civictheatre.ie

This September the Civic Theatre are delighted to stage the Martin McDonagh classic Black Comedy, The Lonesome West. Presented by Blood in the Alley Theatre Companythis promises to be a fantastic night at the Theatre

RED LINE BOOK FESTIVAL

The Red Line Book Festival (www.redlinebookfestival.ie )returns this autumn to South Dublin from 11-17 October with more of the best national and international writers and speakers including Jennifer Johnston, Joe Duffy, Conor Kostick, Mary Costello, Carlo Gébler and Dutch historian Joost Augusteijn. Red Line Book Festival is funded by South Dublin County Council and managed by South Dublin Libraries and Arts. Since its inception in 2012 the

festival has been growing in popularity attracting over 2,000 people every year. At the launch, the Mayor highlighted how “the extremely positive response to the Red Line Book Festival so far has been pivotal in promoting South Dublin County as an attractive place to visit and as a hub of cultural activity”. Speaking at the launch, Catherine Dunne said that “Red Line Book Festival is an embarrassment of riches: its vision, as ever, is to be

entertaining, inclusive and stimulating”. With low admission fees for theatre events and free admission for events for schools and in libraries, there is something for everyone interested in books and literature in this inclusive Festival. South Dublin is now firmly placed on the map of literary festivals with such high quality venues as the Libraries, Civic Theatre, RUA RED Arts Centre, Pearse Museum, St Enda’s Park and ITT Dublin.

GAIETY THEATRE

are you tHere, gartH? it's me, margaret by fiona looney 13tH – 25tH oCt. 2015 – gaiety tHeatre

Staring Deirdre O'Kane, Are You There, Garth? It's Me, Margaret is a brand new Fiona Looney play that takes a sharp pen to country music and Ireland's darkest hour. The producers of Fiona Looney’s new play are delighted to announce that Fair City’s Maclean Burke will be playing the part of Garth when he joins Deirdre O’Kane for the premiere run of this laugh out loud take on the crises that gripped the nation only twelve short months ago. A tale of Cowboys, Mexicans, Angry Residents, Happy Residents, Civil Servants, Courts, Politicians, a Lord Mayor and one woman's hopes and dreams, Are You There, Garth? It’s Me, Margaret is a show that thankfully isn't subject to planning permission so will be opening in Dublin's Gaiety Theatre on Weds Oct 14th Commenting on Maclean’s inclusion Fiona Looney said, “I’m thrilled to have Maclean on board, his ability to bring the script

alive is a pure joy to watch and his comic timing would even rival the incredible gag-rate that our own former Lord Mayor Christy Burke honed so well during the whole sorry saga”. Maclean himself is thrilled to be on board saying, “The moment I heard about this one I wanted it, then I read Fiona’s brilliant script and I wanted it even more. I can’t wait for the public to see this show as I know it’s one they will fall for just as much as I have”. Margaret's life is in a rut, stuck in an endless cycle of ironing, cooking and carrying her husband and children through the world. She takes solace in chatting daily from her kitchen to country mega star Garth Books as she irons her latest mountain of crumpled clothing. Garth, it turns out is a good listener, which is just as well - as Margaret doesn't really want another voice in the room while she tells him her woes. Starring Deirdre O'Kane as Margaret, Are You There,

Garth? It's Me, Margaret is a laugh out loud comedy with a tender heart that tells the sorry tale of the concerts that never were in all their glory. Joining Margaret on stage will be all the key players who added such uniquely Irish colour to a story of high drama, huge laughs and countless thousands of unsold pink Stetsons. From the creator of ANGLO: The Musical, the writer of Dandelions, October and Pheasant Island and the director of The Field and The Night Joe Dolan's Car Broke Down, Are You There, Garth? It's Me, Margaret opens in Dublin's Gaiety Theatre on Wed Oct 14th. Preview Tues. 13thOctober and runs from 14th to 25TH OCT. 2015 at the GAIETY THEATRE. Tickets available from The Gaiety Theatre Box Office & Ticketmaster outlets nationwide. www.gaietytheatre.ie | www.ticketmaster.ie | 0818 719 330

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