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15TH AUGUST 2016 TEL: 01 451 3822 / 01 451 9000 email: info@newsgroup.ie web: www.newsgroup.ie
COST OF ILLEGAL DUMPING LAST YEAR Dublin South West Sinn Fein TD Sean Crowe has said he was ‘shocked’ at the reply he received recently from South Dublin County Council when they outlined that they paid out a whopping €1,307,747 in costs for recovery and disposal of 3,811 tonnes of illegally dumped material in the county last year. Crowe said that at a time when resources for essential community projects are so limited it was criminal and unacceptable that
this amount of money needed to be spent on removing illegal waste and called on South Dublin Council to adopt a more proactive approach in tackling the growing problem. Deputy Seán Crowe said: “South Dublin County Council spent €1,307,747 on the recovery and disposal of 3,811 tonnes of waste material in the county. This huge tonnage and cost does not include the waste disposed of from
litter picks, litter bins and street sweeping.
on the neighbourhood or local environment.
“It is soul destroying to wake up and see your green space or area strewn with rubbish bags or worse. “The Council has engaged and encouraged residents, youth groups and community associations to get involved in ‘clean ups’ and litter awareness programmes, but there is a small cohort who continue to dump regardless of its impact
“It is not always easy for residents to intervene or stop this dumping and some areas are worse than others.
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“At a time when resources are extremely scarce for community led projects, we need a new and fresh approach to illegal dumping. “The use of cameras has been successful in detection but this clearly needs to be extended in a more imaginative way particularly to the hot spots where the large scale dumping is happening on a regular basis. We also need to see more pro-active litter wardens issuing fines and making a more visible presence in the areas worst affected. “The latest news from South Dublin County Council of a 20% hike at the Ballymount Civic Amenity and Recycling Centre for green waste transported by cars increasing from €8 to €9.50.and general waste increasing from €15 to €18 will certainly not help end illegal dumping and will only be welcomed by the refuse company. ”
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LOCAL EXPECTANT PARENTS MUST ACT TO SECURE PATERNITY BENEFIT
Local perspective parents should take time now to ensure they can benefit from paid maternity leave which starts in September, according to Dublin South West Independent TD and Minister for Children, Dr Katherine Zappone.
The Minister says it is important that families in Tallaght and surrounding communities should do a checklist of the steps needed to ensure that they receive their entitlements, which will commence on 1st September. Paternity Benefit
will be paid at a rate of €230 a week for two weeks, to both employees and those who are self-employed. Minister Zappone added: “Paid paternity leave will benefit families right across Tallaght and surrounding communities and is a very welcome development. However it is important that perspective parents do take a little time to ensure they receive their entitlement. There are a number of steps which must be taken. A Public Service
Card is required in order to apply for Paternity Benefit while those at work need to give four weeks’ notice to their employer to qualify for the accompanying Paternity Leave.
The leave can be taken at any time within the first 26 weeks of the child’s life, or following adoption. Applications for the scheme can be made online www.welfare. ie/paternitybenefit or more information is available by calling 1890 66 22 44. The arrival of a new
baby is a time of great excitement and celebration in any home, however it can also put parents under
pressure – this scheme is aimed at assisting families through that. An information campaign is currently
away on social media however it is also important that community, public and medical services across
Tallaght remind parents of the need to do a little planning in advance to avail of this new important support.”
GARDA DRUGS SQUAD NUMBERS CONTINUE TO FALL An overall cut of 107 Gardaí assigned to Divisional Drugs Units nationwide
Fianna Fáil TD and Spokesperson on National Drugs Strategy has said that the number of Garda Síochána currently assigned to each Divisional Drugs Unit is problematic to the ongoing work required to tackle the escalation in drug related crime nationwide. Figures released to Fianna Fáil reveal that the number of An Garda Síochána currently assigned to each Divisional Drugs Unit has substantially decreased since 2011. Areas in Dublin
have seen a severe reduction in resources for dedicated drugs squads, with the number of officers cut from 147 in 2011 to 114 in 2016. The Dublin South division has lost half of its drugs squad cut from 31 to 16 over four years, while 11 Gardaí have been pulled from the Garda drugs unit in Dublin west, with 15 fewer in south Dublin. Speaking on the cuts Deputy Chambers said, “The policy of ignoring Ireland’s drugs crisis has put communities and vulnerable
individuals at serious risk for far too long. “As drug related crime has spread over recent months, we saw condemnation from the Minister and repeated promises to crack down on criminal gangs. Despite this, crime has continued while we remain without a Garda Armed Support Unit which was promised to be operational by June. “The fact that some Garda divisions including Cavan/ Monaghan and Laois/ Offaly are without any dedicated drugs unit underscores
how uncommitted this Government is to effectively defeating country wide drug operations and the crime associated with them. “As the level of crime linked to drugs has escalates and violence continues to pose a danger to our communities, people are asking why more isn’t being done. The reinstatement of fully resourced dedicated drugs units in all Garda divisions is a necessary component of the overall response required,” added Chambers.
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SOCIAL HOUSING DELAY CAUSED BY CUMBERSOME DEPARTMENT RULES tendering
rules.
and Homelessness committee in delaying the delivery of social housing is the approval, procurement and tendering requirements of central government. “Sinn Féin believe that this procurement process for social housing could be substantially shortened, while m a i n t a i n i n g transparency and building quality and also including social clauses in public procurement contracts.
Sinn Féin TD and spokesperson on Housing, Planning, and Local Government Eoin Ó Broin has said that the delay in social housing construction is down to the cumbersome procurement and approvals process imposed by the Departments of Housing and Public Expenditure as Reform as well as the legacy of chronic under-funding from central government. Deputy Ó Broin said: “The release of figures
from the Department of Housing indicates a paralysis in social housing construction over the last number of years. This is not down to local authorities failing to respond to the housing crisis as insinuated by An Taoiseach. It is a direct result of local authorities being starved of essential funding for years by his government and due to the Department of Housing’s cumbersome approval, procurement
and
Sinn Féin Councillor Mark Ward has voiced concerns at the means by which South Dublin County Councils plans to roll out the Housing Needs Assessment saying “I feel that the Councils instructions that will see people
on the housing waiting lists having to fill a form out online, could potentially mean that constituents who have not got the necessary skills will see their applications terminated for social housing supports”.
Cllr Ward said: “South Dublin County Council is commencing a Housing Needs Assessment in accordance with Sections 3 and 21 of the Housing Act, 2009. The Council will write to each applicant on its Social Housing List prior to 21st September 2015 using the current address provided by the applicant. The danger is that if someone has subsequently moved address, they may not get this letter. I would advise anyone who has moved addresses to notify the Council as they could have their application for social
housing terminated. “Each applicant will be asked to complete an online form and provide documentary evidence of any changes in their circumstances and return this information to South Dublin County Council.
Fine Gael Senator, Neale Richmond, has warned Leaving Cert students that a Facebook event purporting to advertise a Leaving Cert results night festival in Marlay Park is a scam, and that they should not purchase tickets or turn up to the park on the 17th August expecting a festival. “A bogus event page has been created on Facebook advertising a major music festival, featuring famous international acts such as Eric Prydz, to be
held in Marlay Park on the 17th August to coincide with the Leaving Cert results.
“The Department of Housing has itself stated that this process can take up to two years and involves a four stage approvals process. This leads to repeated and unnecessary toing and froing between the department and respective local authorities. “In fact one of the key issues identified by the Dáil Housing
“The Action Plan for Housing adopted an important recommendation of the Dáil Housing and Homeless Committee report, which is the establishment of a Procurement Centre of Excellence in the Housing Agency. This is a welcome development; however more can be done to speed up the process. “Sinn Féin believes a one stage approval
process could be put in place and it would be ran on the basis of reporting by exception instead of engaging in a time consuming back and forth with the Department. “This would be complemented with the creation of a new integrated design and build framework agreement. This would cover the design and construction of new builds. This kind of framework agreement
would be suitable for a long term programme of work and would cut down on onerous tendering procedures. “The Department of Housing needs to review its own procedures, and see how it can help to unblock and streamline the social housing building process. And the Taoiseach needs to stop passing the buck for his Government’s failure over the last five and a half years to tackle the housing crisis”
DIGITAL DIVIDE COULD SEE PEOPLE LOSING THEIR PLACE ON THE HOUSING LIST TWEET OF THE WEEK by Lynda O’Donoghue Donnelly It is almost that time of year again – when the people of Tallaght come together to illustrate their unique community spirit at Tallafest. There will be lots of exciting free events and activities for families in Tallaght Village on Saturday, September 10th as the annual town and country fair takes place. From 12 noon until 5pm there will be arts, nature, heritage and cultural walks, talks and activities for all ages. The Square recently tweeted about the event on its account – with all the details of what to expect on the day….
“There are a number of things concerning me about this process. Notably, those who may not have the necessary digital skills to fill out these online forms could be most at risk of losing their place on the housing list. There are groups of people within the County that do not
or are unable to access the internet. The digital divide includes older people and also is impacted by people’s economic status.
“According to a report by the Central Statistics Office (CSO), only 60% of single adults who live alone use the internet and one third of these single adults have never used the internet. “Only 63% of households who have no employed resident use the internet. “I would like to see what the Councils plan is to incorporate these people on the other
side of the digital divide. According to the memo the Councillors received today, anyone who fails to return the housing needs assessment within the specified time, will see their application for social housing support terminated. “I agree that there is a need for an up to date live register to assess our housing needs. However, I would like to see the Council being flexible and to cater for different groups in
our county. I hope that this does not turn into a cull of the housing list and that people are giving sufficient time to return their forms and that extra supports are giving to those that can’t. “Finally, I would advise everyone who are on the waiting list, whether they have changed address or not, to contact the Council and clarify that their information in correct prior to the roll out of this process.”
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WARNING TO LEAVING CERT STUDENTS OF SCAM MARLAY PARK FESTIVAL Take the Stress “Already this event has attracted 2,700 interested attendees and it appears to be a very legitimate and professionally organised event. However, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council has neither received any applications to stage such a festival, nor has it granted a license for one.
“This event is a straight up scam, looking to extort money out of young festival goers who associate Marlay Park with existing, legitimate concerts that are very popular and bring great excitement to the area in July. “I have reported the event to the Gardaí and I am warning any wouldbe festival goers and parents/guardians that this is a scam. Do not pay for tickets and do not show up to Marlay Park on the 17th August expecting a festival.”
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BARNARDOS SURVEY EXPLODES FREE EDUCATION MYTH
Dublin South West TD Seán Crowe has described a Barnardos Survey on back to school costs as exploding the myth of free education with parents having to struggle financially to meet the rising costs of sending a pupil to school.
Deputy Seán Crowe said: “The Government’s propagated myth of free education has been blown away by this latest Barnardos survey into the cost of sending a pupil back to school. “Parents right across the country are now in the grip of enormous pressure as they prepare to send a child or young adult off to education to a
primary, secondary or a university setting. “The findings suggest that sending one child to primary school costs €340 and to secondary school costs a whopping €775. These annual rising costs are huge and for parents with more than one child of school going age, they are financially crippling. “It is not about buying a school uniform and school books and that’s the end of it. There are additional costs that add to this and they vary from one school to another such as the use of iPads or the emphasis placed on so called voluntary contributions. “The incremental costs
of an education are driving many people further and further into debt, with additional pressure on voluntary organisations such as St. Vincent de Paul who try to assist families with these mounting costs. “The idea of a student loan for university students is being suggested but has created a monster of debt in other countries. “Barnardos believe that investment by the Government of €103 million would overnight provide for all primary school books, remove the voluntary contribution and classroom resources fees, restore the capitation rates back to 2010 levels and
history into particular focus: its role in the events of Easter 1916. A small professional brigade under the command of Captain Thomas Purcell worked throughout the week of the Rebellion to save lives and property in a city which became a battlefield. In the immediate aftermath of the Rising they faced a city on the verge of destruction and went to work to stop the spread of the flames and bring the great fires under control. Throughout this year Dublin Fire Brigade has played a major
role in commemorative events, including the parade during the State Commemoration on Easter Sunday, honouring those who wore the Dublin Fire Brigade uniform in 1916. Speaking at the launch, Mayor O’Connell commented, “That small band of firefighters wrote a long forgotten page in the history of the events of 1916 and it gives me great pleasure to see their story brought to light in this exhibition and highlighted for a new generation.” The launch was also attended by Deputy
provide free transport for those using the badly depleted School Transport Scheme. “This initiative would immediately give relief and take some of the financial strain off hard pressed parents The Government needs to wake up to the reality facing parents and the actual cost of sending pupils and young adult into education. “Meaningless words of support from Ministers of Education in previous years were just that. We need initiatives like Barnardos turned into action. If not another year will have passed, without anything realistically being done about the annual back to school rip off.”
FIRM DIRECTIVE NEEDED TO CHANGE SCHOOL UNIFORM PRACTICES
John Lahart TD, Dublin South West, says a firm directive from the Government to school boards of management is needed to change archaic school uniform practices. Deputy Lahart was responding to the publication of Barnardos Children’s Charity annual ‘School Costs Survey’, which points out that current uniform policies are heaping unnecessary costs on struggling parents. “Every September we have the same absurd situation where families have to go into debt to pay for school uniforms. While the Back to School Allowance is a help to many, this provides little comfort to the families whose income falls just above the income threshold to receive the grant,” said Deputy Lahart “Fianna Fáil has argued that the Back to School Allowance needs to be widened to include more low income families. In the meantime simple
measures can be taken by schools to reduce the cost of uniforms, such as allowing parents to buy low cost generic uniforms and iron on crests. “It truly is remarkable that more schools have not taken on board calls to make school uniforms more cost effective. While the Department of Education has given advice to schools to standardise the selection of uniforms, many have not taken on board this guidance. The schools that have done so should be commended. “I believe now is the time for the department to issue a directive to schools to adopt generic uniforms. While I recognise uniform selection is a prerogative of boards of management, making school uniforms more cost effective would significantly lessen costs for families. It would reduce the increase in household debts associated with school costs each September.”
DUBLIN FIRE BRIGADE AND THE 1916 RISING EXHIBITION NOW ON DISPLAY AT COUNTY LIBRARY, TALLAGHT
The Dublin Fire Brigade and the 1916 Rising Exhibition was launched by Mayor Guss O’Connell at County Library, Tallaght on Tuesday 2nd August.
Founded in 1862, Dublin Fire Brigade is a Dublin institution in every sense of the word. In the 154 years since it was founded it has served and protected the people of Dublin and visitors to our city and county. Dublin Fire Brigade has had many proud moments in its history and this exhibition brings one aspect of that
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Denis Keeley, Mayor Gus O’Connell and Las Fallon with Dublin Fire Brigade Firefighters dressed in replica 1916 Dublin Fire Brigade uniforms. Chief Fire Officer Denis Keeley, and Las Fallon, Head of Heritage Projects with
the Dublin Fire Brigade. South Dublin County Council, through its library service,
is delighted to host this exhibition as part of our 1916 centenary activities.
The exhibition runs at County Library, Tallaght until 9th September 2016.
NEW GATE FEES FOR ADMISSION TO CIVIC AMENITY CENTRE AT BALLYMOUNT
South Dublin County Council advises patrons that new gate fees will apply to certain vehicles gaining admission to the Civic Amenity Centre at Ballymount from Monday 1st August 2016. The Ballymount facility, which opened in 1997, is currently operating under contract between South Dublin County Council and Panda Waste. The new gate fees, which come about following a recent
review of charges applicable at the Ballymount facility, have remained static since 2007, and are included in the following table. Vehicle Type Fee from 1st August 2016 Car – Black Bag €15 Car van /Estate – Black Bag €21 Car & Trailer €42
Small Van – eg Caddy €42 Medium Van – eg Hi Ace €60 Large Van – eg Transit / VITO €84 Car – Green Waste €9.50 Car & Trailer - Green Waste €30 Recyclables No fee It should be noted that, as
heretofore, no charge will be applied to vehicles which only contain the following waste streams: Cardboard, Waste Oil, Paper, Glass Bottles/ Jars, Aluminium Cans, Plastic, Textiles/Clothing, Ink Cartridges, Batteries, Gas bottles and Waste Electrical/WEEE. However, a vehicle which contains both chargeable and non-chargeable waste streams will be charged at the applicable rate.
There is no increase in respect of the first two vehicles included in the schedule of fees relating to black bag / domestic waste, while other admission fees for bulky waste have been increased. The fee structure for black bag / domestic waste, arrived at through discussions with Panda Waste, aligns with the national freeze on charges relating to kerbside collections of domestic waste.
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JUSTICE FOR MAGDALENES RESEARCH AND ADOPTION RIGHTS ALLIANCE JOINT STATEMENT ON PUBLICATION OF MOTHER AND BABY HOMES COMMISSION OF INVESTIGATION INTERIM REPORT Justice for Magdalenes Research (JFMR) and Adoption Rights Alliance (ARA) are concerned that witnesses who have given evidence to the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes are not aware of the Commission’s procedures, in particular, that the Commission has two separate Committees. We welcome that the Confidential Committee wants to take the time to meet all of the people who have expressed an interest in sharing their experiences. However, we are concerned that the Commission is not sufficiently advertising the existence or procedures of its Investigation Committee. Only the Investigation Committee will make specific findings in relation to any wrongful treatment of unmarried mothers and their children by institutions or individuals. We encourage the Commission to be proactive in inviting people to give evidence
to the Investigation Committee and to explain to those affected the different powers of both Committees. JFMR and ARA have discovered that people who thought they had made a submission for the purpose of the Commission’s Investigation had in fact just met with the Confidential C o m m i t t e e .
Twelve young people from South Dublin have participated in the Foróige Leadership for Life Conference in NUI Maynooth this week (2nd- 6th Aug 2016). The international youth leadership conference was attended by over 250 young people from across Ireland, the USA, Saudi Arabia and India.
The programme also included workshops on team building, critical thinking, communication skills and peer discussions on matters of global importance.
We also welcome the Commission’s expressed desire that its social history module is comprehensive. If this is to be achieved, we expect that the Commission will meet its terms of reference by extending
this social history report to all (170+) institutions, agencies and individuals which were involved with the treatment of unmarried mothers, and not just the limited group of 18 institutions which the Commission is initially investigating. The Commission’s terms of reference require that the social history module examine the treatment of unmarried mothers and their children generally.
any of the 170+ institutions, agencies and individuals involved in the treatment of unmarried mothers and their children. If the Commission’s Investigation continues to be confined to a list of 18 institutions, it will not be possible for it to make comprehensive findings and recommendations and the majority of people affected by the issue will not have the opportunity to be heard.
We continue to recommend that the government widen the Commission’s Terms of Reference so that it has the ability to investigate allegations of abuse concerning
In the meantime, ARA and JFMR encourage witnesses affected by any of the 170+ institutions, agencies and individuals to avail of free statement drafting assistance
under the Clann project (http://www. clannproject.org), which was recently launched by ARA and JFMR, in association with global law firm Hogan Lovells. Clann can assist witnesses to submit their statements to the Commission and will accept statements from those who wish to share their testimony with the project. Clann will anonymise shared statements and will gather documentary and archival materials in order to make a public group report to the Commission of Investigation, the Irish Government, and international human
rights bodies. The witness statement gathering process forms part of a larger project to create a comprehensive, permanent archive of the experiences of Ireland’s unmarried mothers and their children via the Clann website.
first interim report. As the first interim report of the Commission has been published just after the Dáil has broken for the summer recess we ask that time be allocated on the resumption of the Dáil for the report to be debated in both Houses.
The Clann project has also created a Guide to the Commission of Investigation, which includes information on the differences between the Confidential Committee and the Investigation Committee. The Guide will now be updated with new information contained in the Commission’s
We are also concerned that there is a lack of awareness of the Commission’s work, particularly among the diaspora, and we also therefore urge the Commission to increase its advertising of both the Investigation Committee and Confidential Committee processes both within and outside of Ireland.
TWELVE TEENS FROM SOUTH DUBLIN HAS GRADUATED FROM FORÓIGE’S INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME
As part of the weeklong conference, inspirational lectures were given by RTE Broadcaster Joe Duffy, Fitness Guru Pat Divilly and Senator Joan Freeman who founded Pieta House.
Foróige Chief Executive Seán Campbell said: “Leadership is a singular ability which is vastly important in the modern world and can be learned. It begins with leading oneself. “Great leadership is grounded in respect and the ability to inspire. These young leaders have been on an amazing journey
this week where they have discovered the greatness within themselves and their own unique leadership style.
“This conference gives teenagers from vastly different cultures and backgrounds a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet with one common purpose – the development of our next generation of leaders.” At the end of the Foróige Leadership for Life Conference, the 250 delegates received certificates of achievement in youth leadership.
Dublin South delegates attending the Foróige Leadership for Life Conference in Maynooth University. Front Row: Lily-Rose Chattem, Jennifer Moody, Molly Behan Second Row: Grace Nestor, Caoimhe Dungan, Ruth Whelan, Charlotte Lahert Third Row: Eoghan Keenan, Sorcha Brennan, Liam Lee, Rachel Teeling, Courtney McCarthy
USI WARNS STUDENTS TO STAY AWAY FROM FENTANYL DRUG AFTER DRUG-RELATED DEATHS
The Union of Students in Ireland is urging young people to stay away from Opiate drugs known as ‘Fentanyls’ after a number of drug-related deaths in Dublin and Cork in recent weeks. Fentanyl is a narcotic analgesic used in both anaesthetics and for analgesia, but a number of non-pharmaceutical Fentanyls have been implicated in deaths where it was believed to be Heroin. USI is warning young people and students that Fentanyl can be up to
600 times more potent than Morphine and may be sold as, and mistaken for, ‘designer’ fentanyl or ‘synthetic’ heroin. In Ireland so far, five deaths are being investigated where Fentanyls have been involved.
Deaths have occurred after users have injected or smoked the drug. Overdose results in respiratory depression which is reversible with naloxone.
“The HSE have told us that Fentanyls are sold in powder form, probably mixed with Heroin, or mixed with caffeine or Paracetamol.” Annie Hoey, USI President, said. “Therefore the drug can be snorted, injected or swallowed. Whatever way it is used, the drug is extremely dangerous and we are urging students and young people to stay away from this drug because it has been implicated in five deaths so far in Ireland.” USI said Fentanyls are very potent and may even be absorbed through
the skin – even the smallest amount can cause overdose and fatalities. For support around drug and alcohol use the HSE Drugs & Alcohol Helpline that is available Monday to Friday, 9.30am and 5.30pm. This confidential service has both a freephone Helpline (1800 459 459) and an email support service (helpline@ hse.ie). Information is also available on drugs.ie in relation to this substance.
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FF SECURES RESTORATION OF NATIONAL DOCTORS & NURSES LEAVING TREATMENT PURCHASE FUND IN HUGE NUMBERS - Restoration of NTPF a key part of Confidence & Supply Arrangement -
Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin MidWest, John Curran says his party played a key role in securing the restoration of the National Treatment Purchase Fund following the announcement that up to €50m will be invested in the scheme from 2017. Deputy Curran pointed out that the restoration of the NTPF was a key priority in Fianna Fáil’s election manifesto, and the party insisted that it be included in the Confidence and Supply Arrangement to facilitate the formation of a minority Government.
“The previous Fine Gael led Government decided to abolish the NTPF despite several organisations warning that the decision would have a detrimental impact on our health service. The decision to abolish the NTPF proved to be disastrous, and led to record waiting lists in our hospitals and chaos in our health service. In Tallaght Hospital alone there are 20,498 people on waiting lists to see a consultant, these are shocking figures,” said Deputy Curran. “Fianna Fáil has been
consistently calling for the restoration of the NTPF since 2011. We made it a priority in successive budget proposals and it formed a key part of our General Election manifesto. We also insisted that its restoration be included in the Confidence and Supply arrangement to facilitate a minority Government. “It’s positive to see Fine Gael finally acknowledging the importance of the NTPF after Fianna Fáil insisted on its restoration,” concluded Deputy Curran.
WHY ARE JUST 1 IN 5 CLAIMING TAX RELIEF ON MEDICAL EXPENSES? Survey Reveals: Almost 60% of people fail to ever get what’s owed from the Taxman
It is Ireland’s most claimed tax relief and yet in a survey of its clients, Taxback.com revealed fewer than 1 in 5 people say they claim back medical expenses every year. The tax relief on medical expenses was introduced in 1967 and while it was reduced from a person’s marginal rate of tax to 20% in 2009 experts at Taxback. com say that it’s still a very lucrative tax relief and that it “beggars belief” that more people still don’t claim. Christine Keily, Head of Direct Taxes with Taxback.com, explained: “Most people incur medical expenses throughout the year – particularly parents with young children. Trips to the doctor’s surgery become commonplace for a lot of families over the years and every trip can cost someone anywhere from €40 to €70. So if a couple with 3 children takes even just 5 trips to their GP in a year that bill hits approx. €250 – you could get €50 of this back from the Revenue. It makes so much sense to claim… but why
don’t people do it? From our survey it looks like anywhere up to about 60% of people have never claimed – and it has to be remembered that this is a survey of our clients – so they are all taxpayers and eligible to claim. Of the 60%, 20% say they’d like to but don’t for certain reasons – one of which is the fact that they say the process is too complex and time consuming. I can understand why people might think this – anything to do with tax & form filling tends to make people’s eyes glaze over! But in reality this is one of the most straightforward things you’ll ever do in terms of “personal admin” – easier than shopping online I would say”. When asked “Have you ever claimed tax relief on medical expenses” Taxback.com survey respondents answered as follows: - Yes every year 19.5% - I did once or twice but not all the time 23.5% - I’d like to but I always lose my receipts 10% - I’d like to but the
process is too complex & time consuming - No never
10% 39%
Christine continued, “Some people cited “losing receipts” as a reason not to claim – two remedies to this are a) start keeping your receipts in a shoebox or a drawer in the future b) request copies of your receipts from your GP – some practices charge a small fee for this but that should not be prohibitive i.e. you’re still going to get back more than you’ve spent. In addition, most pharmacies will be able to give you a “year-end” receipt, totalling your spending during the year. Some are even promoting this as a means of keeping customers” Christine concluded, “Last year refunds on medical expenses cost the Revenue €145.9 Million but we would guess that if everyone claimed their entitlements this figure could be doubled. So our message is simply – get your receipts together and get what’s owed!”
Dublin South West TD Seán Crowe has claimed that doctors and nurses are leaving Ireland and the health service in huge numbers. Almost 9 out of every 10 trainee nurses are planning to leave when they qualified he claimed citing an NUIG survey where career opportunities, working conditions and lifestyle were the top three factors by some 88 per cent of the 2,000 students surveyed. Newly qualified Doctors are also leaving in their droves with 1,000 leaving between the years 2009 and 2013. Deputy Seán Crowe said: “Last year, a NUI Galway survey of 2,000 students across six medical schools found almost 9 out of every 10 trainee nurses, and those who had qualified through the process, planned to leave or were contemplating leaving Ireland when they finished their training. Career opportunities, working conditions and lifestyle were cited as the top three factors by some 88 per cent of over 2,000 students surveyed. Another survey in May this year carried out by the Royal College of Surgeons came to similar conclusions with doctors and nurses citing a ‘general disrespect’ for health professionals as the primary cause for leaving Ireland. Newly qualified Doctors are also leaving in
their droves with 1,000 leaving Ireland between the years 2009 and 2013. To put these numbers in context Ireland trains 157 GPs a year.
“Only last week, revelations in respect of the HSE recruitment campaign highlighted the scarcity of qualified nurses coming in to work in the Irish health system. This has all the hallmarks of a broken health system, without any realistic plan for meaningful reform it will continue to limp along, losing staff and crucially failing to attract the necessary talent that our health services and our patients demand. “The greatest barriers to retaining and recruiting nurses and doctors to our public health system is the low pay, long hours, a lack of permanency and the toxic work environment. Doctors and nurses need to believe that their work environment, pay and conditions will improve, getting better and stay better. “Is it any wonder the Health Service Executive are experiencing unprecedented difficulties in encouraging nurses, doctors and other health workers to work in our public health service .when you consider the overcrowding, the intimidation, and shortages of staff. “Half-hearted
recruitment efforts simply will not cut it especially to those newly qualified who have experienced the current system.
“Any effort to retain existing and recruit further doctors and nursing staff will only succeed if a believable financial long term commitment is made by government to expand health workforce numbers to the level needed. “We also need to change the current system by radically reshaping the working environment in our health system. “The Government, its Minister for Health and HSE needs to address the root causes of its failure to recruit and the heart of this lies in the workplace. “We have seen in recent times many of the health unions, in an unprecedented manner, threatening industrial action not about pay or job security but about the failure of the HSE to deliver on its commitment to its workforce. This again is more evidence on what needs to be done to keep doctors and nurses in Ireland. “Our healthcare workers and our doctors and nurses are the envy of the world. They deserve decent pay, respect and recognition for their professionalism and most of all a decent place to work in.”
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CALLS FOR ACTION ON BOHERNABREENA CEMETERY
Local Councillor Charlie O’Connor has renewed his calls to South Dublin County Council for action in respect of concerns brought to his attention in respect of Bohernabreena Cemetery. Council Management has responded to Charlie O’Connor “In this regard, I wish to fully acknowledge that there is indeed an issue in respect of the management and maintenance of the Cemetery, in terms of the method and approach used and the interval between routine maintenance works such as grass cutting, which has caused distress to those visiting their loved ones graves. In an effort to address these issues and other concerns which have been brought to the Council’s attention, a complete review of the management, operation and maintenance of our Burial Grounds, including that of Bohernabreena is currently taking place.
URGENT GOVT ACTION NEEDED ON MOTOR INSURANCE PREMIUMS - ‘Working Group’ on cost of insurance held first meeting this week -
Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Mid-West John Curran says the government needs to intensify its efforts to address the unsustainable increases in motor insurance premiums. Deputy Curran was commenting as the ‘Working Group’ set up by the government in response to a Fianna Fáil private members’ Dáil motion
on motor insurance last month held its first meeting this week. Deputy Curran commented, “I welcome the fact that, in response to the Fianna Fáil Dáil motion, the government has set up a working group to specifically examine the cost of insurance, with an initial focus on motor insurance premiums. I understand the working group
held its first meeting this week and is being chaired by Minister of State Eoghan Murphy. This working group needs to knuckle down to its task and make recommendations to address the crazy increases in motor insurance premiums. “The most recent CSO data confirms the stories we are hearing from motorists about
the rate of increase in premiums. Premiums are up by a staggering 38.8% in the year to the end of June and by 2.5% in the month of June alone. This simply cannot be allowed to continue. The factors leading to these increases need to be identified and recommendations made to address the problem. We then need
to have a timeline for implementation of these measures. “Fianna Fáil will support any proposals in the Dáil that are necessary to deal with the ridiculous increases in motor insurance premiums. We will continue to put pressure on the government over the summer and autumn to tackle this vital consumer issue.”
LEAD PIPES ‘ANOTHER LEGACY OF LACK OF INVESTMENT IN WATER INFRASTRUCTURE’ – EOIN Ó BROIN TD
CEMETERY SUNDAY, LUCAN
It is expected that this review will be completed in the coming weeks and that measures will be put in place on foot of the review to safeguard that Bohernabreena Cemetery is managed and maintained to the standard befitting the memory of all those loved ones buried in the Cemetery”.
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Water Eoin Ó Broin TD has broadly welcomed proposals to invest almost €400m in replacing lead piping affecting 180,000 homes.
The Annual Mass for the Dead will take place (weather permitting) in ESKER CEMETERY, LUCAN on Sunday 28th August at 3pm.
According to Charlie O’Connor, it is important that Council Management have acknowledged that problems do exist which are of concern to the local community especially those visit the Cemetery. He has assured those who have contacted him that he will continue to give this matter his particular attention.
Deputy Ó Broin said:“Plans to replace the lead pipes are welcome. However, the fact that this issue is only being remedied now is another
example of the glaring deficit in our water infrastructure after decades of neglect and under-investment by Fine Gael/Fianna Fáil led governments. “More capital spending initiatives like the one today are desperately needed to bring our water infrastructure up to scratch. This looks unlikely given the low level of capital investment
the government has allocated to Irish water for 2016/17. “Sinn Féin believe the government must increase capital investment to upgrade our crumbling water and sanitation infrastructure in Budget 2017. “Sinn Féin also welcome the grant scheme on offer from the Department of the Environment which will
assist householders with the cost of replacing lead pipes within the boundary of their homes. “However, flexibility must be applied to the scheme to ensure that no household is prevented from replacing the pipes due to inability to cover the funding gap between the grant available and the actual cost of the works.”
Prayers will be offered for those laid to rest in all of the five burial grounds in the Lucan/Esker area
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REMEMBERING A 1916 PIPER by Uilleann Piper Eamonn Walsh Eamonn Ceannt – dedicated to Irish freedom and culture was an Irish republican and Nationalist born in Ballymoe Co Galway on Sept 21st 1881. He was one of the Leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising and was one of the seven men to sign the Proclamation of the Republic of Ireland on April 18th 1916. Ceannt was fascinated by Irish culture and the Irish language, and in 1899 he joined the central branch of the gaelic league.The main purpose of the League, set up in 1893, was to educate people on Irish culture and revive the Irish language. The following year,Ceannt founded the first uilleann pipers club in Dublin.He himself was an accomplished uilleann piper, his musical talents earning him a gold medal at the 1906 oireachtas.He also played the tin whistle,flute and fiddle. In 1901, Ceannt even made his theatrical debut playing the role of the Blind Piper in Douglas Hyde’s play “Casadh an tSugain”
at Dublin’s gaiety Theatre. To celebrate the jubilee of Pope Pius XI, in Sept 1908, he traveled to the Vatican with a group of Irish Athletes and musicians who were members of the Catholic Young Men’s Society. When the Irish team entered the Arena, they were led by Eamonn Ceannt dressed in a colourful traditional Irish piper’s costume. One of the airs he played was “The wearing of the Green”. Ceannt spent much of his holidays traveling throughout Gaeltacht regions collecting old Irish airs. He met his wife Aine through the Gaelic League, and they married in June 1905 in St Jame’s Church in Dublin.Their son Ronan was born in June 1906 and baptized in Dolphin’s barn Church. During their time in Dolphin’s Barn, the Ceannt’s lived at several addresses including Reuben Ave and Herberton lane, before finally moving to number 2, Dolphin’s Tce on the South Circular Road.This would be the house Ceannt would leave for the last time on Easter Monday 1916.
He was executed by firing squad at Kilmainham Jail on May 8th 1916 at the age of 34. In the years after his death, Aine’s house in Dolphin’s Barn was raided by soldiers-both British and free State- so often as to rended the place uninhabitable. She and her son Ronan moved away initially to Ranelagh and later to Churchtown, where she died in 1954.Their son Ronan, a solicitor died in 1974. Eamonn Ceannt’s set of uilleann pipes were presented by his son Ronan to Ceannt Barracks at the Curragh Camp Military Museum in July 1961. It was recorded that Eamonn Ceannt last played the pipes at an event on St Patrick’s Day 1916. His traditional Piper’s costume is on display in the National Museum at Collin’s Barracks. The Eamonn Ceannt park in Crumlin is named in his honour. His centenary Mass was concelebrated by Archbishop Diarmuid Martin in the Church of Our lady of Dolours Dolphin’s Barn on Sunday May 8th 2016.
YOUNG PEOPLE IN KILLINARDEN, BROOKFIELD AND RONANSTOWN BENEFIT FROM NEW FUNDING
Pic in attachment: Uilleann Piper Eamonn Walsh playing a lament for fellow piper Eamonn Ceannt at Arbour Hill. (Picture courtesy of Mark O’Connor)
Groups working with young people in Killinarden, Brookfield and in Ronanstown are to benefit from a new round of funding announced by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone. The Independent TD for Dublin South West has confirmed that over €80,000 is being made available to three groups to allow them to carry out refurbishment work and to purchase equipment for sports, health programmes and IT courses. The money to the South Dublin County area is to support small works which will benefit local children and young people. Confirming the funding Minister Zappone said: “Youth projects provide vital services to our communities in South and West Dublin, which continue to have some of the youngest populations in the country. This money is being targeted at small scale works which can have a big impact in terms of providing support, services
and enjoyment for our teenagers. Three projects will benefit: Killinarden Community Council will receive €12,000 to purchase sports and kitchen equipment, West Dublin YMCA in Brookfield are receiving €19,000 to buy educational games and IT equipment while the Ronanstown Youth Centre is receiving €48,000 for extensive refurbishment work. I am asking that the funding would be made available as quickly as possible so that young people can benefit at the earliest possible date. Providing activity and programmes in local areas if we are to ensure that teens have an alternative to hanging around street corners where they can fall into anti-social behaviour. As an Independent Minister in Government I am continuing to work that those working with young people in our communities and across the country are provided with every possible support.
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EIRCODE EMERGENCY SERVICE ADVERTS ARE PREMATURE Sinn Féin MEP Lynn Boylan has stated that the current television advertisement campaign being run by Eircode is premature. The Dublin MEP said “One of the biggest and most well documented criticisms of Eircode since its rollout has been that many of the codes distributed to households around the country are either wrong, misleading, or missing. “ “It would be more in line for Eircode to run a public awareness campaign to get citizens across the country to check that their code is actually correct, and in the cases where the codes are incorrect that they are then rectified as soon as possible. “What makes such an advertisement even more worrying is that it appears to have no endorsement from the
Health Service Executive or the National Ambulance Service, or any of our blue light emergency services. “Last month Communications Minister Denis Naughten staunchly defended Eircode by saying that giving out about the system after only 12 months in operation is like criticising a crawling baby for not being able to run. “What we need first and foremost is a campaign to get people to check their code, given that only five percent of people across the country know what their code is, and secondly, we need people to check to see if their code is in fact correct. It is only once we can verify that the system is working that we should be advertising for their use in emergency situations.”
IN MEMORY OF AILBHE MULLALLY-MCGETTRICK.
The Children’s Heart Centre, Crumlin Hospital were recently presented with equipment and a cheque for €10,545 to the in memory of Ailbhe Mullally-McGettrick. Ailbhe’s parents, Catharine & Paul, would like to sincerely thank everyone who contributed so generously over the past two years and for helping to make this presentation possible. It will make a big difference to the children and staff in the CHC. Special thanks to Mark Elmore and Mike Gargan and everyone involved in the amazing charity salsa night in Ailbhe’s memory and to Alan Mullally for his fantastic Achill run. Thanks also to Sarah Staunton, Siobhan Clancy, Aida Alonso Velasco, Eamon Mullally, Aisling Kenny, staff and students in Dundalk Institute of Technology and our neighbours in Woodford, Clondalkin. The money raised includes 100% of the proceeds of numerous car boot sales, coffee mornings, cake sales, raffle/tombola and Ailbhe’s penny collection, as well as all donations made through Ailbhe’s web page. Ailbhe is smiling down from above.
13 FURTHER EDUCATION AT DEANSRATH COMMUNITY COLLEGE Located in Clondalkin Dublin 22, Deansrath Community College has been providing Further Education Courses to a variety of learners from school leavers to those returning to education or to those looking for a complete career change. Our courses are QQI accredited to Level 5 and range from Healthcare to Childcare, Business and Computers, Engineering Technology, English Language and Hair and Beauty. Eligible students can apply for the SUSI grant or they might qualify for Back to Education Allowance. We also offer a number of V.T.O.S. places. Our large range of courses reflect todays labour market needs and hence our graduates will have acquired the knowledge, skills, competence and confidence to enter the workplace or indeed to continue with their studies at university to diploma or degree level. Our college has strong links with Higher Education Institutes such as the Institute of Technology Tallaght which delivers the Electronics module in our Engineering Technology course. This course can provide opportunities for learners to go directly into Apprenticeship Programmes or can act as a stepping stone into Third Level. This is also an opportunity for those awaiting College places through CAO to consider this route to an Engineering degree. If you are looking to gain formal qualifications, upskill or to change career direction you can do so at Deansrath Community College
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TALLAGHT HOSPITAL LAUNCHES REVAMPED WEBSITE New site offers an insight into the work and services provided at the Hospital
Tallaght Hospital has introduced a newly revamped website. The website will offer users an excellent online introduction to Tallaght Hospital and the services it provides. The redesign was carried out after feedback from staff and patients through the Patient Community Advisory Council. As well as detailing all the many services provided by the Hospital, the site now provides insights into the important work of the hospital in a variety of different areas such as patient advocacy, the volunteer service and academia. The site also includes a series of short videos introducing key staff members at the Hospital and gives an overview of the many different departments within the hospital. These introductions demonstrate the Hospital’s ethos of
“People Caring For People”. The new layout and colour scheme also make the website more navigable for users and easier to read. The launch of the revamped website is part of a series of recent technological innovations that have been implemented at Tallaght Hospital. In recent weeks, the Hospital also announced the provision of free, family friendly WIFI for all patients. In addition, Tallaght Hospital is one of the first hospitals to create internal maps for patients and staff, thereby providing a simple solution to the challenges that some patients and new staff face in finding their way around the building. The revamped website also provides an additional platform to share these innovations and others. David Wall, Director of
ICT at Tallaght Hospital, said, “This was a large project to take on and we are delighted to see the final result. We place great emphasis on innovation and this new website is part of our mission to renew and update all aspects of the Hospital. Also, as well as presenting the work of the hospital in a manner that is more detailed than the previous website it is also adaptable to work on all devices, making it easily accessible for all internet users. We value our strong relationship with our patients and we will happily welcome any and all feedback on what additional web content that people would like to see.” David Slevin, CEO of Tallaght Hospital, said, “An important value of our Hospital is ‘People Caring For People’ and our newly improved website enables us to demonstrate
the breadth of its application in Tallaght. We now have the opportunity to provide our patients and the wider community with a deeper insight and focus into the work that we do and the services we provide. This enhanced site is also an
excellent opportunity to showcase the many advantages of working in Tallaght Hospital as well as the various opportunities that exist. I wish to congratulate everyone involved in the creation of this improved website.”
LAHART COMMENDS TALLAGHT BASED SOFTWARE COMPANY, FLEETMATICS. Local TD and Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Dublin, John Lahart, has commended the Tallaght-based software company, Fleetmatics, on the news that it is to be acquired by US communications giant Verizon, for $2.4 billion. Lahart said: “Since 2004, when Fleetmatics opened their headquarters here in Tallaght, with just 10 employees, the company has gone from strength to strength and has emerged as one of the real Dublin success stories. “I want to wish founder Peter Mitchell and all the staff in Tallaght and worldwide every success for the future. They are leading by example and proving that Tallaght is an ideal place to set-up and succeed in business”
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The Legal Column Romaine Scally is the principal in the firm of ROMAINE SCALLY AND COMPANY SOLICITORS Main Street Tallaght, Dublin 24. TEL 01 4599 506 FAX 01 4599 510 email: legal@scally.ie Q. In relation to the questions we face from the Social Worker what details will they want in relation to our mother’s finances?
In this edition of the paper, Romaine Scally, Principal in the Firm of Romaine Scally and Co, Solicitors, deals with issue of the Fair Deals Scheme. As always please send your queries to: Romaine Scally, Solicitors, Main Street, Tallaght Village, Dublin 24. Telephone 4599506, Email – legal@scally.ie. Q. My mother had a fall some months ago and is now recovering in a step down facility. It looks as if she will not be able to return home and she is currently in the process of being assessed for the Fair Deal Scheme. Can you give us some details as to what is involved? A. Firstly, I am sorry to hear of your mother’s failing health and hope that she will regain health and confidence in her longer term facility. As you have probably been informed by the Social Worker attached to the hospital, the Nursing Home Support Act 2009 came into force on the 27th October 2009. It provides for the Nursing Home Support Scheme, commonly known as the “Fair Deal Scheme”. The scheme provides financial support to people who require long term residential care services. In answer to your question, there are 3 steps involved in an application for the assistance under the scheme. 1. 2. 3.
The care needs assessment determines the long term services required. The financial assessment determines the level of financial support required. The applicant’s contribution and the optional step for applying for ancillary state support – often referred to as a “Nursing Home Loan”.
A successful application for ancillary state support results in the creation of a Charging Order against the Applicant’s property. In other words, if your mother is the owner of her home then, if she is assessed as being eligible for ancillary state support then, the loan will be registered against your mother’s property in the same way as a mortgage. This ancillary state support is repayable on the occurrence of a “relevant event” as defined by the Act, most frequently upon the death of the applicant.
A. The financial assessment undertaken by the relevant authority will take account of income, cash assets, and relevant assets of your mother and indeed that of the her partner where the applicant is one of a couple. The definition of the “relevant assets” means all forms of property other than cash assets and includes what it known as “transferred assets”. Section 42 of the Act provides that where a person, in connection with the assessment does not disclose or makes a mis-statement in relation to the value of income or assets and receives a greater amount of state support than would have been the case had there not been a non-disclosure or mis-statement, then the excess amount is payable by the person to the HSE on demand and may be recovered as a simply contract debt. Therefore, absolute honesty is required when submitting the application to the HSE. These are important forms and could come back to bite the applicant in years to come if they are incorrectly completed by with-holding, innocently or otherwise, of financial information. Q. Our mother owns the home where she lives with our father. He is still living in the home and although he would not be able to look after our mother, he is fit and well enough to live in the house alone. If anything were to happen to our mother would the house be taken off him? A. Firstly, when there is an application for ancillary state support, the HSE must satisfy itself that the applicant has an interest in the property which can be charged under the scheme. Evidence of title must be submitted with the application for ancillary state support. Life interests and possessory title or tenancies are not acceptable for ancillary state support. Original title documents do not have to be submitted but copies are required so you may need to contact your mother’s Solicitor in relation to this. If there is an existing mortgage on the property then, the consent of the first Mortgagee must be obtained if it is proposed to create a second charge or mortgage over the property. To answer your question, assuming your father is still living in the house at the time of your mother’s death then, Section 20 of the Act deals with the repayment of monies advanced by way of ancillary state support where a deferral has been applied for. In this event it will be necessary to apply to the HSE for a deferral of repayment
on the basis that your father is still living in the home. This application is made under Section 20 (4) of the Act and will be granted if the conditions relating to the deferral are met. Remember, that it may not be necessary to sell the house in order to repay monies owing to the HSE. If there are other cash assets those can be used instead and the charge registered against the property will be released. Obviously, it is too early to predict what might happen into the future but, you can take it that the HSE would be agreeable to a deferral of any repayment due provided that your father is still living in the house and that the deferral meets the conditions set out in the Act. Q. My father had been living in a Nursing Home for the last 6 years and passed away recently. I am appointed as his Executor and know that I have to repay monies due to the HSE. What obligations do I have in this regard? Firstly, we are sorry to hear of the recent passing of your father. To answer your question, we assume first of all that the HSE registered the Ancillary State Support against your father’s property. If there are no cash assets to repay this loan then, the property will have to be sold to make the repayment. As Executor you will be obliged to comply with Section 27 of the Nursing Home Support Scheme Act and this requires you as Personal Representative of your father to submit a Schedule of Assets to the HSE and furthermore, when the Grant issues, to give notice of your intention to distribute the assets as soon as practicable and certainly not less than 3 months before any distribution of assets where financial support was provided at any time. Remember that as the Personal Representative, you may be the person primarily responsible for the repayment of the ancillary state support which is collected by the Revenue Commissioner. This places quite a responsibility on you in relation to the administration and distribution of your father’s estate. If you are making a personal application for Probate, you must remember to furnish a copy of the Inland Revenue Affidavit (Schedule of Assets) to the HSE. They will require this for the purpose of assessing whether or not there are sufficient cash assets to repay the loan to the HSE without requiring the sale of the property. In the event that there are insufficient assets then, they will require the estate to be wound up promptly and generally will postpone any question of penalties or interest for a period of one year following the date of death to allow for the administration of the estate and repayment of the loan. If the application
goes on for longer, and unless the Revenue are kept informed and advised of any particular reasons for a delay then, they do have the right to charge interest on the outstanding loan and even penalties. This is however discretionary but, it does place an onus on the Executor to proceed promptly with the administration and keep the HSE informed in relation to when they are likely to recover the debt. Q. Can you give us some idea as so how the ancillary state support is calculated for the purposes of the Fair Deal Scheme? A. With regard to the formula used by the HSE under the Act in calculating the contribution to be made by the resident the following may be of some assistance. Firstly, you take 80% of the income of the resident. You then take the value of the cash assets over €36,000.00 (or €72,000.00 if a member of couple) multiple it by 7.5% and divide by 52 to get the “Assessable Cash Assets”. The total relevant assets are the assessable cash assets less any assets disregarded. If there are no cash savings, you can bring forward the €36,000.00 exemption to set against the value of the principal private residence. For example, a person has a pension of €230 per week. 80% of this is €190 per week. Assume that the person has savings of €20,000.00. Allowing for the €36,000.00 cash exemption then, the assessable cash assets are nil leaving a further allowance of €16,000.00 to be used to further reduce the value of any property. Assuming that the house is valued at €216,000.00, you can set of the €16,000.00 which is carried forward from the assessable cash assets leaving the house value at €200,000.00. The resident is then assessed on €200,000.00 multiplied by 7.5% and divided by 52. That is €15,000.00 divided by 52 equal to €288.46. This relates specifically to the house and add on the assessable cash assets of €290.00 per week thus giving the assessable client contribution of €478.46 per week. If the nursing home cost is €1,000 per week the state support is €1,000 less the €478.46 ie. €521.54 per week. Ancillary support can be availed of on the basis of an assessable contribution by the resident of the €478.46 weekly for a maximum of 3 years. If, after 3 years, the income remains the same (that is 80% of the pension) and the cash assets remain the same, the principal private residence is removed and goes to zero. Therefore, the client’s assessed contribution is now €190 per week. If the nursing home cost is still €1,000 then, the state support increases to €810 per week. The person’s contribution decreases and the state contribution increases.
In contentious business a Solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement
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MICRO-CREDIT INITIATIVE WELCOMED
Dublin South West and Sinn Féin TD Seán Crowe has welcomed the new micro-credit initiative from the Irish League of Credit Unions and said it will give many individuals and families another alternative to illegal moneylenders. The initiative will provide for small loans with an average payment of €500 and with reasonable and affordable interest rates being charged for the loan. Deputy Seán Crowe said: “This is a significant and welcomed initiative from the Irish League of Credit Unions who are once again giving leadership and responding to the financial difficulties that many individuals and families unfortunately find themselves in. “The initiative is designed to support and help those who currently have no other financial recourse
but to go to illegal moneylenders. Many illegal moneylenders are charging 5 times the original loan in additional interest charges. “According to the Irish League of Credit Unions, the initial roll out of the project has shown great success, delivering a realistic alternative and crucially membership of a Credit Union is not compulsory in seeking a loan. “A number of Credit Unions have signed up to the new initiative but it will ultimately be up to each credit union individually to decide if they want to join and roll out the programme. “Thankfully many individuals and families locked out of Irish lending institutes through poverty will now have an another affordable avenue when faced with a financial emergency or the need for credit in the future.”
BUDDING ACCOUNTANTS ATTEND FIRST APPRENTICESHIP OPEN DAY 100 budding accountants will be given the opportunity to earn while they learn as Ireland’s firstever accountancy apprenticeship programme gets under way in September. The new apprenticeship will address the 66% increase in demand for qualified accounting technicians last year, say Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI), who showcased the programme at an Open Day in Dublin recently. Major accountancy firms throughout Ireland and ATI are offering both young school leavers and mature students a unique pathway towards an Accounting Technician qualification, with the opportunity to progress to Chartered A c c o u n t a n c y. Apprentices will spend four days working with the employer and one
day in college during the two-year course, which is due to begin on September 12. The graduates can then continue their studies to become a fully qualified Chartered Accountant. The ATI are holding a further Open Day at their offices at Chartered Accountants House, 47-49 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, on Tuesday August 23 from 3pm, where interested applicants can find out more about the jobs on offer, the companies and colleges taking part and the qualification itself. The inaugural Accounting Technician Apprenticeship will be based in colleges in Cork, Dublin, Monaghan and Wicklow, subject to approval. ATI, Ireland’s leading professional body for Accounting Technicians, is extending the
programme into the Republic of Ireland after two successful years in Northern Ireland, which saw student numbers rise from 27 at two colleges to 90 in all six regional colleges. “This course is perfect for students who recently sat their
Leaving Cert, and are looking to get straight into the workforce and get on a path to a career in accountancy,” says Richard Mullins, ATI’s Marketing and Digital Media Manager. “It is also a fantastic opportunity for mature learners and working people who now
want to move into an accountancy role.” This year, the course will be delivered in Blackrock Further Education Institute, Rathmines College of Further Education, Bray Institute of Further Education, Monaghan Institute and Cork College of Commerce.
Gillian Doherty, COO, Accounting Technicians Ireland, Shirley Esther Mpiwa, Dun Laoghaire and Craig Knowles, Clondalkin at the open day to showcase Ireland’s first-ever accountancy apprenticeship programme, which aims to address a large rise in industry vacancies for the skill. Details from: www.accountingtechnicianapprenticeship.ie (Picture: Conor McCabe)
NOVENAS 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. P.O.K. 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. A.Mc.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. B.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. P.K. 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. P.M.D. 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.com
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 any further information call us on 087 6535443.
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Miriam O’Shea Slimming World Bohernabreena St.Annes GAA Club Bohernabreena Tallaght Dublin 24 Times: Tuesday Mornings 9.30am & 11.30am Tuesday Evenings 3.30pm, 5.30pm & 7.30pm Mobile: 087 9703016
Pamela Slimming World Old Bawn The Maldron Hotel Tallaght Dublin 24 Times: Monday Evenings 3.30pm, 5.30pm & 7.30pm Tuesday Mornings 9.30am Mobile: 086 1231774
Caroline Slimming World Kilnamanagh Kilnamanagh Community Centre Tallaght Dublin 24 , Times: Monday Evenings 5.30 & 7.30pm Wednesday Evening 5.30 & 7.30pm Mobile: 086 3057403
Sharon Daly Slimming World Citywest Citywest Hotel Saggart Co.Dublin Times: Wednesday evening 5.30 & 7.30 Mobile: 085 1402870
Pauline Slimming World Plaza Hotel Plaza Hotel 1st Floor Belgard Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24 Times: Thursday Mornings 9.30am & 11.30am Thursday Evenings 5.30pm & 7.30pm Mobile: 085 770 4751 Sandra Slimming World St Marks GAA Club McGee Park Cookstown Road, Tallaght Dublin 24 Times:Tuesdays 5:30pm and 7:30pm Wednesday Mornings 9.30am Mobile: 085 148 4669
Sandra Slimming World Maldron Hotel Tallaght Maldron Hotel, Tallaght, Dublin 24 Times: Friday 9:30am Mobile: 085 1484669 Sharon Daly Slimming World Jobstown Jobstown Community Centre, Tallaght, Dublin 24 Times: Tuesday 7.30pm Mobile: 085 1402870 Lorraine Slimming World Firhouse Firhouse Community & Leisure Centre Tallaght Dublin 24 Times: Monday Evenings 7.30pm Mobile: 086 875 0714
Karen Stokes Slimming World Kingswood Kingswood Community Centre Tallaght, Dublin 24 Times: Thursdays 5:30pm and 7:30pm Mobile: 087 9066423 Karen Slimming World Plaza Hotel Plaza Hotel Belgard Road Tallaght Times: Wednesdays 5:30pm and 7:30pm Mobile 087 9066423 Karen Brady Slimming World Green Isle Hotel Naas Road, Newlands Cross, Clondalkin Dublin 22 Times: Wednesdays 3.30pm, 5.30pm & 7.30pm Mobile: 086 4104823 Karen Brady Slimming World Neilstown St Peter Apostle Senior School, Neilstown, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 Times: Thursdays 5.30pm & 7.30pm Mobile: 086 4104823
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HORSES FOR COURSES
DUBLIN RECYCLING CHAMPION
Roadstone Supports Fettercairn Youth Horse Project
Roadstone Ltd, a CRH company, has announced it is to make a donation to the Fettercairn Youth Horse Project, South Dublin’s Equestrian Centre, in support of a new initiative to open up its facilities to more young people in Tallaght and the wider community. The donation will fund a new voucher system to enable young people in the community to be provided with free introductory lessons at the project. Roadstone Ltd, the construction and building materials suppliers based on the Cookstown Road, has
been supporting the project since 1998. Fettercairn Youth Horse Project offers equine based recreational, educational and d e v e l o p m e n t opportunities to local young people. Jim Rea, Human Resources Manager at Roadstone Ltd, said: “The Fettercairn Youth Horse Project is a shining light in the local community and Roadstone is proud to support the excellent work being done by the staff here. As a neighbour in the Tallaght region, we recognise the value
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of having a positive community initiative like the Fettercairn Youth Horse Project for young people in this area which provides them not just with lessons and accredited training but with a full understanding and appreciation of all aspects of equine care.” Sheilann Monaghan, Chair of the Fettercairn Youth Horse Project, said: “We are delighted with the donation and the support we have received from Roadstone over the years. The donation will go towards vouchers for taster sessions for the local community to come down and avail of our great facilities. Last year Fettercairn Youth Horse Project had over 7,000 attendances including from local schools, disability organisations and youth services from
the South Dublin area. Roadstone has been a steadfast supporter of our work for many years and this has helped us to grow and develop our Project. We hope that support will continue for many years to come.” Cllr Sarah Holland, Mayor of South Dublin County Council, said: “Roadstone is one of Ireland’s most successful companies, and has a global footprint. However, they have not forgotten their grassroots and this donation to the Fettercairn Youth Horse Project is a testament to that. The Fettercairn Youth Horse Project enables the wider community to learn about, love and care for horses and as such, is an invaluable amenity. Roadstone’s donation will help them to sustain that.”
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The competition is in its fourth year and has achieved, on average, a 56 per cent reduction in black bin waste over the last number of months. Dublin woman Margaret Dunlea was announced as this year’s Recycling Champion last week and awarded the top prize of €1,000. She achieved the title after moving 115 per cent of waste from her black bin to her green and brown bins during the competition. The waste output of 38 households was recorded over an eightweek period by the Clondalkin company before the competition was whittled down to two finalists. After the two week final Ms Dunlea from Inchicore was named the
winner of €1,000 and a three-month supply of Obeo food waste boxes. Greyhound Household’s Managing Director, John Brosnan, said: “The amount of waste reduction achieved by all the participating households was very impressive. It is indicative of what households everywhere can achieve by embracing recycling. “Pay-by-weight is designed to encourage such waste segregation and provides households with an opportunity to make substantial savings. My heartiest congratulations to the winner, Margaret Dunlea.” Greyhound’s Iosach O’ Riain presented Dublin’s newest Recycling Champion, Ms Dunlea, with her prize earlier this month.
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Motoring with Newsgroup Covering ● Tallaght ● Clondalkin ● Lucan ● Rathcoole ● Saggart ● Newcastle
THE NEW PEUGEOT EXPERT IS A GENERATION AHEAD The new Peugeot Expert is destined to further strengthen the lion-brand’s sales position within the light commercial vehicles market in Europe. New Peugeot identity codes, mirrored on the newly launched Peugeot 2008 SUV, have been adopted to give the new Expert van a strong, robust and attractive character. Built on a brandnew vehicle base, Peugeot’s modular EMP2 platform, the new Expert introduces innovative features to the segment for the first time. Carrying a maximum load of 1400kg, it is available in three lengths, from the new Compact version at just 4.60m up to 5.30m. It is a van particularly well suited to city life, with a reduced height of 1.90m. It has the highest safety level in its category, achieving a 5-star rating in Euro NCAP tests. It arrives in Ireland this summer. Prices and equipment levels will be announced closer to launch. The Peugeot Expert’s proportions are sleek and harmonious, with compact overhangs and wheels positioned at the four corners to give it a powerful presence and suggesting manoeuvrability and optimal use of internal space. The new elevated vertical grille features the lion in the centre whilst the front bumper houses the distinctive Peugeot LED light signature. The short, high bonnet sits above the wide, protective bumper, tailored to the daily needs of professionals. The low side protections and the solid black front bumper, that
integrates air inlets across the entire width of the car, emphasises the robust look of the new Peugeot Expert. On board, the Peugeot Expert offers improved ergonomics and driving comfort. The step provides easy access to its elevated seating position. The vertically positioned instrument panel, touch screen and steering wheel, immerse the driver in an environment somewhere between the SUV for the commanding position and the saloon for comfort. Robust materials are matched to ergonomic controls for maximum comfort and control. Available in three lengths and with two or three seats in the front, Peugeot Expert offers up to 6.6m3 of useful space and 1400kg of useful load with a useful length of 4m. The Standard and Long versions, at 4.95m and 5.30m, are designed for the core market. The Compact 4.60m version, unique in the segment, allows loads of up to 5.1m3 and 1400kg, with a useful length of 3.32m. Its reduced dimensions and overhang allow the new Peugeot Expert to offer great m a n o e u v r a b i l i t y, particularly popular with professionals working in urban areas on a daily basis. Its reduced height of 1.90m, rare in this segment, guarantees the new PEUGEOT Expert access to all car parks. To respond to professionals’ needs, the new Peugeot Expert is further available in combi guise, as a people
carrier with up to nine seats, as a platform cab as a conversion base and as a crew cab, with five or six fitted or fold-up seats. The new Peugeot Expert is designed to respond to a variety of different uses and the search for efficiency by professionals. Thanks to the modular EMP2 platform, the new Peugeot van combines compact external dimensions with maximum load capacities which are so vital in this segment. The new platform makes it possible to achieve a weight reduction of between 100kg and 150kg, depending on the engine options, compared with the previous generation Peugeot Expert. The combination of this platform with Peugeot’s BlueHDi engine options allows Peugeot Expert to achieve record fuel consumption levels. With a 1.6 BlueHDi 95bhp and 115bhp engine and a 2.0 BlueHDi 120bhp, 150bhp and 180bhp automatic on offer, consumption ranges from 5.1l/100km to 6.1l/100km, with CO2 from 133g to 151g. The BlueHDi engine options incorporate SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) upstream of the additivated DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter). They also meet the Euro6 standard with the most effective pollution control technology on the market. Their AdBlue 22.4l tank provides a range of 15,000km. AdBlue is filled up easily using the exterior filling flap, located in the middle pillar, which is invisible when the driver’s door is closed.
The new Peugeot Expert offers a number of latest generation features that are rare or exclusive in the segment: the hands-free sliding side doors are unprecedented
in the market; the advanced modularity of the passenger space with Moduwork, the head-up display and sign reading system with speed limiter recommendation are also unique in the
segment; the Active Safety Brake and automatic switching to main beam lamps, are rare in the segment; for the first time ever, one of the brand’s vehicles is equipped with new voice-
control connected 3D navigation and real-time traffic information, VisioPark 1 reversing camera with 180° overhead rear view and rear view zoom and Driver Attention Alert.
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Entertainment Guide
With
by Lynda O’Donoghue Donnelly email: lynda@newsgroup.ie
Covering ● Tallaght ● Clondalkin ● Lucan ● Rathcoole ● Saggart ● Newcastle
TOP FIVE FILMS – Upcoming Releases Summer is a time for hugely anticipated, bigbudget movies that see people flock to theatres no matter what the weather. A trip to your local movie theatre can be the perfect way to treat yourself and enjoy a night out with friends or family. However, with so many new films in and out of the cinema it can be tough to choose the right movie to ensure everyone has fun. In our Top Five Films – Upcoming Releases we take a look at the best new movies for you to enjoy over the next few weeks…. 1. Bad Moms – A stellar cast including Mila Kunis, Kathryn Hahn and Christina Applegate come together for this laugh-out-loud comedy.
Mean Girls for the adult world three moms decide they won’t be pressured by the other snooty moms at their kid’s school. Released on August 26th. 2. Suicide Squad – Undoubtedly the biggest release of the year this movie is full of superstars playing super villain superheroes; so we expect it to be pretty super! The story sees a band of villains come together to undertake a secret special ops mission for the Government. Released this week. 3. Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates – Two wild brothers promise their parents that they will bring respectable dates to their sisters impending wedding. They place an ad online for
two sweet girls but get much more than they bargained for when they are scammed by two secretly wild girls. The brilliantly funny Anna Kendrick and Adam Devine star alongside Zac Efron. Released August 10th.
social media; a time when people actually met up face-to-face. Dicky Mick Dicky O’Connor sets about making matches for lonely singletons from all parts of the country – often with hilarious results. At the very heart of The Matchmaker is John B. Keane’s unique way with words, his sharp wit and talent for storytelling. The experience of McEvoy and Kenny brings a uniquely Irish feel to the
Jon Kenny and Mary McEvoy
crushing truth is that being bought means being eaten. When the food finds out it is time to fight back. Released on September 2nd. So there you have it, some
of the biggest releases of the Summer coming to a cinema near you over the next six weeks so get out there and enjoy the best that Hollywood has to offer.
4. Bridget Jones’s Baby – Years after the last film comes this follow up to the hugely successful franchise. Renee Zellweger and Colin Firth return but Bridget and Mark have split. Now in her 40s Bridget once again doesn’t know where her life is headed. Released on September 16th. 5. Sausage Party – This one might look like it was designed for the kids but it most certainly was not. An animated movie for
THE MATCHMAKER AT THE CIVIC THEATRE Bringing together the best elements of Irish playwriting and humour The Matchmaker has toured the country playing sell out shows in many venues. This inception of the John B. Keane play is handled masterfully by the hugely talented and experienced lead actors Mary McEvoy and Jon Kenny. The show will return to The Civic Theatre in Tallaght this September for two nights only and will be presented by Michael Scott. Scott has an impressive CV with his productions staged all over the world including Ireland, England, Germany, USA, Iceland, Wales, Scotland and France. Heavily influenced by his very musical family the director and producer also draws inspiration from David Bowie, Brian Eno and Broadway musicals. The Matchmaker is one of the most well-known Irish plays and regularly plays to packed out crowds across the globe. The play brings the audience back to a time before Internet dating, matchmaking apps and
adults, Sausage Party is the hilarious brainchild of Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill and Evan Goldberg. Supermarket food dreams of being bought by humans – but the
play that keeps audiences coming back for more. The Matchmaker will return to the Main Auditorium in the Civic Theatre on Friday, September 2nd and Saturday, September 3rd at 8pm. The Tallaght venue is also offering a special ‘Meal Deal’ offer on the evening – for more information visit www.civictheatre.ie. Tickets priced from €18 are available from the Civic Theatre Box Office on 014627477 now.
A scene from the Sausage Party
MORRISSEY AND MARSHALL ON THE ROAD AGAIN
Tallaght duo Morrissey and Marshall are on the road again ahead of the launch of their brand new single, Stand Down, which is released on August 24th. Darren Morrissey and Greg Marshall have been building a steady following both here and in the UK over the last 18 months and will return to Dublin with a date in the Unitarian Church in September. In the meantime, the two Tallaght lads are playing a number of gigs in the UK and Ireland throughout August to coincide with the release of Stand Down. The single is an upbeat tune with plenty of energy and catchy riffs; the video was released this week with the official launch for
the single on August 24th. They have been compared to Simon and Garfunkel and the Everly Brothers but in truth the Dublin duo have a unique, accomplished sound. The new single underlines their impressive lyrical ability – offering an important message about coming together for the greater good. Speaking about the single Darren said: “This song sparks the idea that there will eventually come a time when we’ll come together, rise above the fear and use truth, honesty and love to start fixing all of the things that need to be fixed. “I feel that now, more than ever ‘Stand Down’ is an important
song for this time.” Morrissey and Marshall will play gigs in Southampton and London before returning to Ireland for dates in Listowel, Tullamore and Limerick. The impressive venue at the Dublin Unitarian Church will host the band on Saturday, September 10th. Morrissey and Marshall will also play in Skerries as support for Something Happens on Saturday, September 24th. Tickets are available from the band’s website and on Ticketmaster. For more information about Morrissey and Marshall, or to hear the new single before it is released on August 24th, visit www. morrisseyandmarshall.com.
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