Clondalkin News by Newsgroup

14th May 2018

WHAT NEXT! The Irish Cancer Society has announced emergency funding so that women directly affected by the CervicalCheck controversy can have free counselling in their own community.

Funds will be made available for an additional 500 counselling sessions in 25 Irish Cancer Society-affiliated

Support Centres across the country, including Cancer Support Sanctuary LARCC, Tallaght Cancer Support Group and Balbriggan Cancer Support Centre and in Dublin. The Society has taken the step in response to the significant increase in the numbers of women seeking advice and support from the charity around CervicalCheck and their

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smear test results. The announcement brings to 8,000 the number of free counselling sessions for people affected by cancer which the Irish Cancer Society will provide funding for in 2018. Donal Buggy, Head of Services and Advocacy at the Irish Cancer Society, said: “Over the past few days we have received a huge

number of queries from women who are very concerned by the revelations about CervicalCheck. “Understandably, many women are deeply affected and need support, reassurance and practical help. Through our existing network across the country, we are making additional money for counselling available so women in Dublin can get the support they so desperately need at this time.” Nurses from the Irish Cancer Society will also be assisting in calling back women who have contacted the CervicalCheck helpline this week and are waiting for a response. Mr Buggy added: “Women are out there worrying and waiting for a call back so they can have their concerns and worries addressed. We want to help reassure these women. Our panel of specialist cancer nurses will work with the CervicalCheck helpline to make sure as many of these

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CREDIT UNIONS EMERGE AS MOST HIGHLY REGARDED ORGANISATION IN IRELAND Published by: Newsgroup, Unit 3 Floor 2 St. Dominics Shopping Centre, St. Dominics Road, Tallaght, Dublin, D24 HK49. Titles: Tallaght News, Clondalkin News, Lucan News and Rathcoole & Saggart News Printed by: Meath Chronicle Distributed by: Local Post Co. Contact Details: Email: info@newsgroup.ie Website www.newsgroup.ie www.facebook.com/newsgroup.ie Twitter @NewsgroupIRL www.linkedIn.com/company/newsgroup Registered in Ireland: 497158 Tax and VAT Registration: IE 3354179CH Advertising: Anthony Russell Sales Director anthony@newsgroup.ie Design & Editorial: John Russell john@newsgroup.ie Administration: Sarah Brooks Office Manager admin@newsgroup.ie

Credit unions have earned the top spot in a national study measuring the highest regarded organisations in Ireland. Tallaght West Credit Union and its sister credit unions were ranked number one out of 100 companies surveyed for the 2018 RepTrak® report. With a score of 82, credit unions not only emerged in first place, but were also well ahead of the average score of 57.5 amongst other financial services organisations. Over 7,000 members of the public were surveyed for the annual study which examines the emotional connection between people and the different companies and organisations they interact with. Companies were ranked on a Reputation Pulse score from 0-100, based on levels of trust, respect, esteem and admiration. There were 17 different categories of organisations, with credit unions claiming the top spot overall. RepTrak stated that credit unions won for their

‘role in providing trusted financial services to local communities and being at the heart of communities in Ireland.’ Commenting on the achievement, Irish League of Credit Unions Head of Marketing and Communications, Paul Bailey, said; “Credit unions are fully committed to their communities, and the needs of the 3.6 million credit union members across the island are always at the heart of everything they do. This award is recognition of the selfless work and tireless commitment of credit unions to the local communities they have served for sixty years now. As credit unions are owned by their members, the people who save with them and borrow from them, everyone – credit union members, staff and volunteers – should all be proud of this accolade.” Also speaking about the award, Daren O’Neill of Tallaght West Credit Union said “We are proud to be

part of a movement that is regarded so highly across the country. Our dedicated staff and volunteers genuinely care about what our members want, and this is why we have consistently tailored our services and products to our members’ specific needs. We are delighted to celebrate this good news and we would like to say a heartfelt thanks to all our valued members for their continued loyalty.” Daren continued “Since first opening our doors in 1982, we have forged a strong bond with our members and indeed the wider community not just

for our commitment to the provision of member-driven, not-for-profit savings and loan services, but also through our programme of sponsorship and donations to local sporting clubs, youth initiatives and charities. We always stand ready and willing to support and assist those living and working in our community. I would encourage anyone in the community who feels they could benefit from affordable and straightforward credit, or any of the many services we offer, to drop in for a chat and find out how we can be of help.”

WHAT NEXT! FROM PAGE 1 women are contacted as soon as possible.” For more information contact Irish Cancer Society Communications: 01 231 6673 / 087 645 3867. Anyone with concerns about cervical cancer – be they going through the illness, or if they are a

family member or friend of a cervical cancer patient – can receive confidential advice and support by contacting the Irish Cancer Society’s Freephone Cancer Nurseline on 1800 200 700 (lines open Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm). CervicalCheck Helpline: 1800 45 45 55

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MINISTER FOR HOUSING STILL HAS NO PLAN IN PLACE TO REVERSE RE-DESIGNATION OF APPROVED HOUSING BODIES Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD has criticised the Minister for Housing for having no plan in place to work towards reversing the Eurostat decision to redesignate approved housing bodies (AHBs) as part of

the government sector. Given that AHBs built more council homes that all local authorities last year, it is vital that these bodies should continue to be adequately funded by central government to continue delivering homes.

Deputy Ó Broin said: “Eurostat announced its decision to re-designate AHBs as part of the government sector in March this year. However, the government knew this decision was likely since early 2017 and did nothing. “Since the Eurostat announcement was made, the Department of Housing has not yet met with the AHB sector, nor has it set out a clear plan. “In response to a parliamentary question I submitted on the matter, I was told that the Department of Finance has acknowledged the decision of Eurostat and that is as far as the government has gotten. “The Draft Stability Programme update published by the Department of Finance in

April this year states that the practical implication of the Eurostat re-designation is that: ‘It will raise the level of general government debt by c. €100 million (0.03 per cent of GDP) and to increase the general government deficit by €470 million (0.15 per cent of GDP) in 2018’. “This is the annual accumulating cost to the State as a result of this redesignation which means in order to fill the budgetary void cuts will have to be made elsewhere. “AHBs are set to deliver over a quarter of the government’s 40,000 real social homes target set out in Rebuilding Ireland. We all know these homes are desperately needed. The Department of Housing must urgently set out a plan as to how it plans to reverse the Eurostat decision.”

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OPENING OF TALLAGHT CROSS PRIMARY CARE CENTRE IS JUST A STEP TOWARDS EFFICIENT HEALTHCARE Local Fianna Fail Councillor, Charlie O’Connor has said that the official opening of the Russell Centre Primary Care unit in Tallaght marks a step in the right direction towards delivering efficient healthcare to the people of South County Dublin. O’Connor, who is one of the party’s General Election Candidates in Dublin South West, has been consistently raising the need for these services at the Dublin MidLeinster Regional Health Forum over the past three years. Commenting following Friday’s opening he said, “The newly opened Primary Care Centre at Tallaght Cross encountered many delays over the years that it was in the pipeline but I am thrilled for all those who were dedicated to its development that it’s finally here. “Its official opening is in my

view down to the hard work and commitment of the six local GP’s and in particular Dr. Tom O’Dowd who never relented on his vision for primary care in Tallaght. “This centre serves a community of almost 90,000 people and has changed how most in the area receive essential care such as Occupational Therapy, Psychology and Physiotherapy. “Fianna Fáil is committed to enhancing public health nationwide and the provision of accessible primary healthcare services is central to that ambition. “We must continue to push for similar facilities to be delivered elsewhere across South Dublin to ensure people of all ages, demographics and background can avail of a wide range services in a community setting,” he concluded.”

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NEW EU RULES FOR CROSS-BORDER PARCEL DELIVERY CHARGES New rules adopted at the European Parliament should lead to lower delivery costs for online consumers from next year, said Brian Hayes MEP. “This is a welcome development. Currently, many online shoppers and retailers across the European Union are being confronted with high prices for deliveries to another EU country. In Ireland, 26% of our firms report online sales, but this figure could be higher if there was more confidence around delivery charges. “It’s not just that parcels sent from one country to another can be five times more expensive than parcels sent domestically, it’s that there can be significant differences when shipping a parcel from two different EU countries to the same destination. “For example, research conducted at the European Parliament found that sending a 2 kilogram parcel from Belgium to Italy would

cost €32.80, while the same package sent from the Netherlands to Italy would cost €13. “The European Commission is to set up a website for price comparison of parcel delivery. On this platform, both consumers and online retailers will have the possibility to check the list of prices and look for the best deals. Aside from this, courier services will have to provide customers with clear information on the delivery prices and conditions, while national postal authorities will collect data from shipping companies to monitor the market and assess unreasonably high tariffs.

Inspector Drake’s Last Cast

Clondalkin Drama Group are proudly performing Inspector Drake’s Last Cast by David Tristram from Tuesday the 22nd to Saturday the 26th of May. Each show will be held at 7:30pm upstairs in Quinlan’s Black Lion Pub in Clondalkin Village. Tickets are €10 per person - but there is a preview night special on Tuesday the 22nd, where tickets will be half price (€5). Tickets are on sale in East Village Coffee in Clondalkin village everyday from 3pm. Better get them while they’re hot! Tickets will also be on sale on the nights at the door. Inspector Drake’s Last Case is a delightfully

witty twist on the age old “whodunnit” think cluedo meets slapstick comedy. It is your typical murder mystery gone incredibly wrong! You are invited inside the Gagarin residence to help the Inspector unravel the complexities of a murder most foul. There are many clues to help you make a decision on who the murderer is from the coloutful confusion of characters. Could it be her cunning business partner, her pompous son, a bitter guest, or her simple staff? The murder of Mrs. Gagarin will have you ‘amateur sleuths’ at the edge of your seats. I mean, it is always the Butler...right?

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SEANAD PASSES BILL TO BAN LGBTQ CONVERSION THERAPIES

Senator Fintan Warfield has welcomed the passing of the Prohibition of Conversion Therapies Bill 2018 through second stage in the Seanad.

sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression to be inherent to a person and as such, cannot be ‘changed’ or ‘converted’.

Senator Warfield said “This bill not only bans the deceptive and discredited practice of LGBTQI conversion therapy, but it sends a message from this State that we consider

“Brazil, Malta and Ecuador are the only other countries in the world to have enacted nationwide bans on a practice that has been discredited by worldwide by institutions such as the

UN Committee against Torture, the European Parliament and by the Irish Council for Psychotherapy. “I am heartened the Seanad has passed this bill and sent a message to our LGBTQI community both here and worldwide that we value them and celebrate their identities. I look forward to the further legislative stages of the bill.”

Noel Kelly (Inspector Drake), Michaela Courtney (Ms. Gardener), Alan McNally (Mr. Gagarin)

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SCHOOL ADMISSIONS REFORM FOR FAIR NATIONAL FAMINE ACCESS TO EDUCATION IN DUBLIN MEMORIAL DAY

Fine Gael TD for Dublin South West Colm Brophy said that reforms announced yesterday by the Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton will have a major impact on how a child accesses their local school.

The first of these changes will remove the role of religion in school admissions for virtually all primary schools in Dublin. Deputy Brophy said, “Fine Gael in government have prioritised education. We have set the ambition to make Ireland’s education and training service the best in Europe by 2026. “It is unfair that a local child of no religion is passed over in favour of a child of religion, living some

distance away for access to their local school. Parents should not feel pressured to baptise their child to get access to education locally.

“The amendment being published by the Minister will remove religion as a criterion which can be used in school admissions in over 95% of our primary schools. “Under the proposed new law, there will be a protection to ensure that a child of minority faith, can still access a school of their faith. This change balances the rights of three different groups: minority religion families, catholic families, and non-denominational families. “Our education system needs to be open to

everyone. Families need to have an equal opportunity to get their child educated in their own community here in Dublin South West, regardless of their religious beliefs.

“The proposed changes will allow Irish language schools (where it is their policy to do so) to give priority in admission to students who have a reasonable age appropriate level of oral fluency in the Irish language, taking account of any special educational need a child might have.

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“We are investing more in education than ever before to help us deliver on this ambition – over €10 billion in 2018, the biggest ever budget for education. Our capital budget has increased by 56% since 2012,” Deputy Brophy said.

“Education is key to our ambitions as a nation. It helps us to grow a strong economy and gives everyone the opportunity to fulfil their full potential. This government has set the

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Members of the Committee for the Commemoration of Irish Famine Victims (CCIFV) pictured with Peadar Toibin TD. The bill for fixed day for the National Famine Memorial Day (NFMD) received a second hearing recently. From 2019, the third weekend in May will set the National Famine Memorial Day as part of the National calendar.

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OVER €2M IN HOUSING GRANTS FOR OLDER PEOPLE AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES Local Fine Gael TD, Frances Fitzgerald, has welcomed the allocation of over €2m for Local Housing Adaptation Grants. This funding will help older people and people with disabilities living in Clondalkin, Lucan, Palmerstown and the Four Districts make changes to their homes to facilitate their needs. Allowable works may include making it wheelchair accessible, extending it to create more space, adding a groundfloor bathroom or adding a stair-lift.

Detailing the grants this funding will provide Fitzgerald said: “Grants of up to €30,000 are available to assist people with a disability in carrying out necessary works and up to €8,000 to assist older people with essential repairs and improvements carried out. Up to €6,000 is also available for mobility aids. These grants are available through South Dublin County Council and you can get more information online at SDCC.ie or by calling my office.”

for the local economy by creating within jobs in the construction sector” added Deputy Fitzgerald.

“Government has just committed over €2million to South Dublin County Council for their Housing Grants fund. These funds will be used for individual grants for eligible homeowners in order to assist with the updating or accessibility adaptions of their home. This will allow older people and people with disabilities to remain in their homes for longer and will help make their day to day lives easier” said Deputy Fitzgerald

“Local Housing Adaptation Grants are 80% funded from exchequer by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government with 20% funding from local authorities, combining money contributed by taxpayers and collected through local property tax to make a real difference to people living in our community. These types of schemes also have a knock on positive effect

150 schools and preschools taking part in Pilot, bringing speech and language therapists and occupational therapists into the classroom Government focuses on early intervention and tailored supports The Minister for Education and Skills, Mr. Richard Bruton T.D and the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Ms. Katherine Zappone, will tomorrow (May 14th 2018) launch the first ever project

“I believe that money invested in improving to quality of life for senior citizens and people with disabilities is money well spent. This funding will help people transform their

homes to better cater for their needs and allowing them to remain living independently in their own homes for longer. I would encourage individuals in my constituency to look at these schemes and to make enquires about the amount of funding available to them” concluded Deputy Fitzgerald.

GOVERNMENT TO LAUNCH NEW PROJECT TO BRING SPECIALISED THERAPISTS INTO THE CLASSROOM to provide in-school and pre-school therapy services in Presentation Primary School, Warrenmount. 150 schools and pre-schools are taking part in the pilot, bringing speech and language therapists and occupational therapists into the classroom. There will be a media opportunity with Minister Bruton and Minister Zappone and you are invited to send a representative.

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LEIXLIP ROCK THE YARD LINE-UP ANNOUNCED

WEEKEND TICKETS ON SALE FOR OPENAIR FESTIVAL MUSIC SPECTACULAR Championed by everyone from Annie Mac to DJ Yoda, Kormac’s Big Band is set to Rock the Yard for the first time at this year’s Court Yard Leixlip Festival, headlining Friday night on the main stage with their floor-filling banging tunes. Also new on the festival line-up for 2018, sensational folk rock duo Hudson Taylor will wow music fans as Saturday night’s main act; while festival favourites and Lucan locals, The Riptide Movement, are back again on Sunday night for one of their legendary live shows! Some of the biggest names on the Irish music scene are confirmed for this year’s Leixlip Festival open-air music spectacular, Rock the Yard, at the Court Yard Hotel. The festival runs from Friday, 1st June until Monday, 4th June and, again, the Moriarty Group’s Court Yard Hotel has weighed in with

the top home-grown music and entertainment. Musical talent overflows in the support act line-up too, with Indie folk band Brave Giant, a four-piece from Longford, supporting The Riptide Movement, while the uniquely delicious vocal harmonies of all-girl trio, Wyvern Lingo, will herald the arrival of Hudson Taylor. Synonymous with dance culture ever since Maniac 2000 shot to #1, DJ Mark McCabe is onstage on Friday night, with his stellar collection of edits and remixes and plenty of his own exciting new material, guaranteed to rock the yard. The eagerly-awaited Leixlip music festival, this June Bank Holiday weekend, also sees the return of the massively popular Monday night headliners, Smash Hits, and their powerful riproaring feel-good boogie! Rock the Yard is four days

and nights of top music, featuring over a dozen leading Irish bands and DJs, according to Laura Moriarty of the Court Yard Hotel. “Massive names who play the likes of Electric Picnic, and who tour worldwide, are again lined up for Rock the Yard 2018. We’re out to thrill music fans, and cement our reputation as one of Ireland’s top local music festivals”, the Director at the family-run hotel says. Tickets for the highly anticipated open air music weekend are now on sale on the Court Yard website at https://www.courtyard. ie/ticket-sales.html, with an unbeatable €30 weekend ticket deal on four great nights of live music for the price of three. Individual day tickets are available in advance via the website too, for €10, and are sold at the gate each day, subject to availability.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS OVER COOKSTOWN DEVELOPMENT MUST BE ADDRESSED

Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin South West, John Lahart has said that developers must consult with local residents regarding the proposed development of large scale residential and commercial units in Cookstown. The Deputy was commenting following his attendance at a public meeting in Tallaght on the matter recently. He said, “The rejuvenation of dilapidated parts of our area such as the Cookstown Industrial Estate is absolutely essential. There is also a very strong demand for good quality residential development

in our area. However, residents are concerned that developers may use those twin pressures as a pretext for inappropriate development. Shown to be a completely integrated part of the community in this part of Dublin South West. It is essential therefore that concerns raised by local groups including the relevant residential associations must be adequately heard and addressed. representatives of the development company at the centre of these plans

should engage with locals to share their vision for the regeneration of the area and provide the assurances that people are seeking” concluded Deputy Lahart.

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RACHEL ALLEN JOINS DOWN SYNDROME IRELAND AND HB HAZELBROOK FARM TO LAUNCH THE 2018 HB FUNDAYS CAMPAIGN

Who can resist a party? Particularly if it includes some friends sharing a little magic over some delicious HB Hazelbrook Farm ice cream while supporting a very worthy cause! Celebrity chef Rachel Allen

was on hand today to bring all of these ingredients together, as she announced the details of this year’s HB Fundays campaign which calls on the public to raise much needed funds for Down Syndrome Ireland

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(DSI) by hosting a party with HB Hazelbrook Farm ice cream. This year, DSI and HB Hazelbrook Farm hope to raise €350,000 from the HB Fundays campaign, with funds raised going towards educational support for children with Down syndrome. The funds raised will give these children the very best start in life, with an education that suits their individual needs and prepares them for independent living. Celebrating the very first HB Fundays Party of 2018, Rachel was joined by children and young adults with Down syndrome along with their parents which took place at King’s Hospital Secondary School in Palmerstown, Co. Dublin. Friends and local businesses joined the very special day, which saw attendees learn to make fun ice cream treats and enjoy party games with Rachel, all while receiving great ideas on how to host a HB Fundays Party of their own. Speaking about the 2018 Fundays campaign, Rachel Allen, a staunch supporter

of Down Syndrome Ireland for years, said: “This is my second time launching HB Fundays and I am delighted to be part of the initiative once more. I know first-hand, having friends and neighbours who have children with Down syndrome, how vital it is to have the correct educational supports in place. By organising your own HB Fundays Party, you can make a difference by lending your support to this important fundraising drive. After the fun that we have had today, I’m looking forward to organising my own ice cream party at home.”

Speaking about much needed funds, Fidelma Brady, Education Officer with Down Syndrome Ireland said: “The HB Fundays Campaign is a really fun way to fundraise for children with Down syndrome. The support from the public means that we can maintain the quality of advice, information and support for parents and their children on the ‘education journey’ through pre-school, primary

school and post-primary school, as well as providing vital support and training for schools and teachers”.

Down Syndrome Ireland and HB Hazelbrook Farm have been in partnership for 17 years and the HB Fundays Campaign has raised a fantastic €3.2 million to date. The HB Ice Cream Fundays parties are about having fun and taking time out with family, friends, colleagues, while enjoying Ireland’s favourite ice cream. Each HB Fundays party makes a real and lasting difference to children

with Down syndrome and their families throughout Ireland. The campaign is an integral source of funding for the development of Down Syndrome Ireland’s nationwide support services. For more information on how you can get involved in the campaign, freephone 1890 37 37 37 register online at www.downsyndrome. ie or email sorcha@ downsyndrome.ie , for a free HB Ice Cream Fundays pack, which includes vouchers for HB Hazelbrook Farm ice cream. Join the conversation online using the hashtag #HBFundays.

Rachel Allen joins Down Syndrome Ireland and HB Hazelbrook Farm to launch 2018 HB Fundays Campaign

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TRANSPORT MINISTER STILL HAS NO PLAN FOR CLONBURRIS SDZ DESPITE NTA PROMISE - 6 months of inaction since NTA vowed to publish plan to improve transport infrastructure ahead of new housing development –

John Curran TD has said that the lack of forward planning by Minister Ross and this government to deal with the 8,000 new homes to be built as part of Clonburris SDZ will weaken an already stretched

transport infrastructure. The Deputy once again raised the matter directly with the Minister for Transport, Shane Ross TD recently. Speaking in Dáil Éireann he said, “Since

the plans for Clonburris SDZ were first brought to the table, I have been highlighting the need to extend external transport links to absorb the pressure on transport services that will undoubtedly arise once

TALLAGHT GIVES RACISM THE RED CARD

Students from St Aidan’s National School, Brookfield, at the Tallaght Stadium for the Show Racism the Red Card Creative Awards 2018, with Colin Bell, Republic of Ireland women’s manager, Martin O’Neill, Independent Dublin South West Minister Katherine Zappone and Joe Molloy of Newstalk. Speaking at the event Minister Zappone said ‘through local schools, clubs and organisations our young people are speaking with the loudest voices against discrimination, racism and hate’.

the population increases. “The residents are growing increasingly concerned of the lack of comprehensive transport plan being put in place to withstand the introduction of 8,000 new homers in the area. “Without a long-term strategic planning framework, the already stretched transport services will be further crippled once new homes are occupied and more people move into our community. “The NTA previously confirmed to me in correspondence that it would publish an Integrated Implementation Plan for the Greater Dublin Area “in the coming months.” That was 6 months ago but there has been no movement since. “The success of Clonburris SDZ as a new community in the region very much is dependent on the integrated development of transport infrastructure and services into the surrounding communities on a phased basis. “Unless

the

level

housing development is matched with appropriate, permanent increases in transport capacity and infrastructure then we can already predict the problems that will arise further down the line. “If this Transport Minister had any degree of

understanding of the plans needed to deal with 8,000 new homes in an area already suffering with transport issues , he would more promptly follow through on the commitment from the NTA to publish an Integrated Implementation Plan,” Curran concluded.

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BILL INTRODUCED TO PROTECT STUDENTS FROM RENT HIKES Eoin Ó Broin TD, together with Education spokesperson Kathleen Funchion TD, has recently introduced a Bill that will give students living in student specific accommodation under license the full protection of the Residential Tenancies Acts. The Residential Tenancies (student rents, rights and protections) Bill 2018 also ensures that students in student specific accommodation under license agreements are included under the rent pressure zone legislation and have access to the dispute resolution process under the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). Deputy Ó Broin said: “Currently students living in student specific accommodation under license agreements may not be covered by the tenant protection measures within the Residential Tenancies Acts. “Since 2014 the reported cost of accommodation for the student term in Shanowen has increased from around €4,500 to

nearly €9,000 for next term. “This legislation if passed would mean that student accommodation providers would have to adhere to the rent pressure zone legislation. “The Bill would also ensure that tenants have access to the RTB dispute resolution process in cases such as deposit retention and maintenance issues. “It is still not clear if student license agreements are covered by current RTB legislation. “In the meantime our Bill seeks to make it clear in legislation that students in student specific accommodation under license agreements can avail of the full protections offered by the Residential Tenancies Acts. “We aim to bring forward this Bill during Private Members Time and given the huge level of support for the DCU students protesting about this issue we hope the Bill receives cross party support when it is debated at second stage. “

CHILD AND ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AT CRISIS POINT Dublin South West TD, Seán Crowe, has stated that the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in the country are at crisis point. The Sinn Féin TD is a member of the Oireachtas Committee on the Future of Mental Health Care and he was speaking after the launch of the Committee’s report on Mental Health Services. Crowe said the problems were causing a national emergency and it is having tragic outcomes for many young people and their families. Teachta Seán Crowe said: “TDs from all parties and none have been saying to the Minister and his Department that CAMHS is simply not meeting the needs of young people who are often in very desperate circumstances and need immediate care. “There are 2,603 children and adolescents waiting for an appointment with a child and adolescent Mental Health Team, who treat vulnerable children in Ireland with moderate

to severe mental health problems. 1,322 have been waiting more than 3 months. “This is unacceptable and due in large part to a failure to recruit and retain the staff needed to fully operate a CAMHS team. At present, and for quite some time now, around half of the positions in CAMHS teams across the country are vacant. “This means that, in many cases, no consultant psychiatrist to assess new presentations or no clinical psychologist to support that assessment. There are also gaps across the teams in widely different, but

essential, disciplines. “Last week I took part in the launch of the interim report of the Committee on the Future of Mental Health Care. The report included 31 new proposals to improve recruitment such as a pay review, subsidised housing, and allowing doctors from other jurisdictions to take up posts. “No new measure should be too big or costly when young people are dying through lack of basic care. Since coming on the Committee I have been outlining, as a backdrop to each meeting, the shocking reality of suicides in Dublin South West which are no doubt being silently reflected in other areas around the

country. “We also need to see greater moves towards 24/7 services and the development of an 18-24 year old transitional CAMHS service so that no one in need of care or currently receiving care should be slipping through the cracks due to their age. “If we are to build a truly inclusive society then we need to start treating young people, their families, and the staff charged with caring for them a lot better. The recommendations of the Committee’s report on Mental Health are sensible and transformative in nature. They need to be fully implemented. ”

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SUPPORT FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES TO CUT POWER BILLS “Small firms can apply to €3m Government fund for energy efficient lights” Small and medium sized businesses across Dublin South West can receive Government funding to switch to energy efficient lighting, according to local Independent Minister Katherine Zappone. Under a new scheme businesses can receive up to one third of the cost of the new lights – which will then pay for themselves by cutting electricity bills. Minister Zappone says the scheme makes economic sense for businesses in Rathfarnham, Tallaght, Citywest and other local communities and can also help reduce the impact of climate change. Welcoming announcement Zappone said:

the Minister

“Lighting is a huge expense for small businesses dependent on showrooms, factory floors or open plan spaces. Helping to reduce energy bills will support

those companies which form the very backbone of the local economy – by accounting for 9 out of every 10 jobs. The new €3m scheme is being run by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. It will allow firms to switch to upgrade smart and low energy lights. The development of LED lights has been a huge step forward in reducing the need for power and fuel. Up to a third of the cost of a lighting upgrade will be provided – but the real savings will be on power bills which can fall by as much as 90%. This not only makes economic sense but represents an investment in the future of our own communities and of the planet. Recent extreme weather events have served as a reminder of what can happen if we allow climate change to remain unchecked.

The grants are available to all firms with less than 250 employees and which have an annual turnover under €50m. So the vast majority of our local employers can apply. Applications will be accepted throughout the month of May with the upgrades to take place before the end of September. Full details are available at www.seai.ie/ grants. I encourage all local business people to take time in the coming days to examine the supports and ensure that their lighting needs are clean, efficient and sustainable.”

Minister Katherine Zappone

MODULAR – THE NEW PROPERTY LADDER

With house prices soaring, one Westmeath company have engineered a solution for buyers to get on the property ladder. SkyClad Ltd specialise in high quality modular homes at affordable prices. Each home is manufactured in their state of the art facility in Milltownpass, Mullingar. SkyClad offer buyer’s off-the-shelf and bespoke modular solutions that can be tailored to their unique specifications and requirements.

Increasingly unpredictable weather means that traditional builds can end up being a costly endeavour that can easily go over budget, unlike a SkyClad Home, which is constructed in a factory setting. Once your home is constructed the finished product is placed on a truck and transported to site. It is then craned into position and connected to services. The process from sign off of design to handing over of keys is complete in a number of weeks.

SkyClad Modular Homes are more affordable than site-built homes. Their 60% shorter build time will save customers money on the overall construction while reducing preliminary costs. SkyClad build to the highest regulations and energy saving standards to reduce the running costs of the house, therefore, saving customers money on monthly expenses.

SkyClad Modular Homes are so affordable that many of their customers have opted for personal loans as opposed to mortgages. This means greater financial freedom while also providing customers with a stepping stone onto the property ladder. Go to www.skyclad.ie or call +353 (0)44 92 22 655 for more information.

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ADVICE FROM AN EXPERIENCED TEACHER ON HOW TO FIGHT THE HOMEWORK BLUES Why is homework so difficult and stressful for some parents and children? I personally feel it is due to the fact you are just too close to your child. You know what you want them to achieve. You expect them to work independently and understand everything they have been taught in school. You are their parent, not their teacher and home is not school. It is where they feel they can be their true selves. If they are finding something difficult then this is where the stress is going to show and you are the person who is going to take the brunt of that stress. However, homework is an important part of your child’s education. It gives you a chance to become involved in the learning process and a good homework routine from an early age will develop good study habits that will help your child later on in their school careers when they are sitting exams and writing coursework. There are things you can do to make the whole process easier. So don’t stress! Here are our top tips to becoming a homework champion 1. ROUTINE – Establish a study routine at the beginning of term and stick to it. Discuss what you expect from them when they get home from school. What time will the homework be completed in the week and how much time will they spend on activities like watching T.V or playing on the Wii? Set clear ground rules from the beginning and you will find it much easier to get everything completed without any tears or protests. 2.TIME The amount of time a primary school aged child spends on homework should increase with age, from a maximum of 20 minutes per day at the start of primary school to 45 minutes per day in 6th Class. 3. READ Remember to encourage your child to read for enjoyment. If you make sure they have access to a range of books that excite their interest, reading homework will never be a chore. 4.STRESS FREE Try and keep homework as stress free as possible. If your child is aware of your own anxieties about how well they are performing they may become stressed and switch off learning altogether. Find a quiet time and place. Let your child work independently but be on hand to help if they start to struggle. Make sure you never tell your child the answer just to get the homework finished. If your child is really struggling with any aspect of their homework make sure you communicate this to their teacher. 5.REMEMBER THE GOLDEN RULE OF HOMEWORK If you sense a fight brewing then step out of the ring! If you and your child are frequently locking horns over homework then take a step back. Sarah Davies BSc, MSc, PGCE Secondary, MSc Educational Leadership, PGDip Speech & Language Difficulties

CANADIAN AMBASSADOR LAUNCHES THE FAMILY MEDIATION PROJECT IN TALLAGHT, KILLINARDEN, QUARRYVALE, BALLYBODEN AND KILNAMANAGH. An exciting new research initiative has been launched by Canadian Ambassador Kevin Vickers in South County Dublin, offering meanstested family mediation to parents and their children in their communities. The team aim to provide an appointment within 10 days and the service is being offered in four Family Resource Centres. The issues that can be mediated are Guardianship, Custody, Access and Maintenance. Mediators from Dublin Community Mediation will provide the service at each of the Family Resource Centres. To be eligible the participants must each have a gross income of less than € 22,000, and have less than € 5,000 in savings. Fees are charged at € 25 per hour. The project offers bigender co-mediation, and skype sessions, where one participant is geographically distant in Ireland, or residing in another country. The Family Mediation Project is a not-for-profit means-tested research initiative, by Waterford Institute of Technology, based on a family mediation model developed by Dr Roisin O’ Shea, following her doctoral research at W.I.T. on the Family law courts, which was funded

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by the Irish Research Council and published in 2014. The project led by W.I.T.’s Dr Sinead Conneely (coordinator) and Dr Roisin O’ Shea (principal investigator), Partner in Arc Mediation, is testrunning a new family mediation process, based on developments in family mediation internationally, and is gathering anonymised data to prove that the new process works. Mediation for parents and their children, or Grandparents and their children and grandchildren, is now available through Quarryvale Family Resource Centre tel; 01 6230264, Killinarden Family Resource Centre tel; 01 4527143, St Kevin’s Family Resource Centre Tel; 01 4627149 and Ballyboden Family Resource Centre tel; 01 4935953. Call or drop into any of the four FRCs to find out more.

Canadian Ambassador to Ireland Kevin Vickers with the team from Dublin Community Mediation of Glenview, Tallaght.

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MINISTER MURPHY CHANGING THE DEFINITION OF HOMELESSNESS TO BRING NUMBERS DOWN

Sinn Féin housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin has criticised Minister Murphy’s ongoing attempt to “alter the definition of homelessness in order to bring the figures down”. The Dublin Mid West TD said that “the vast majority of adults and children removed from the March homeless report are homeless and should be returned to the figures”. Speaking recently during questions to the Minister for Housing Deputy Ó Broin said: “Instead of working to resolve the causes of homelessness Minister Murphy is now attempting to alter the definition of homelessness in order to bring his Department’s figures down. “People sleeping in emergency accommodation

are homeless. They have no lease and no tenancy agreement with either a private landlord or the local authority. “The Ministers claim that people who have been left languishing in emergency accommodation for up to two years should no longer be deemed homeless is astounding. “The vast majority of adults and children removed from the March homeless report are homeless and should be returned to the figures “In fact the Department of Housing monthly homeless figures are an underestimation of the true levels of homelessness. They don’t include the 1,562 women and 2,223 children in Tusla funded domestic violence shelter accommodation. “They don’t include the

520 people with leave to remain who are trapped in direct provision effectively using it as emergency accommodation. “They don’t include the more than 100 adults and children in emergency shelters like Morning Star and Regina Coeli because these hostels don’t receive any government funding. “The Minister is attempting to lower the bar. Having an accurate picture of the number of adults and children in emergency accommodation is important as it is the only way to know if the problem is getting better or worse. “The Minister’s attempt to alter the definition of homelessness in order to bring the figures down is wrong and must be reversed.”

SCOPING INQUIRY MUST INDIVIDUALLY ASSESS PERFORMANCE OF EACH LABORATORY USED BY CERVICALCHECK

Speaking after the publication of the terms of reference for the Scoping Inquiry into the CervicalCheck scandal, Sinn Féin’s health spokesperson Louise O’Reilly has said the Minister for Health must clarify that the inquiry will assess the individual performance of each laboratory used by CervicalCheck.

reference for the inquiry, I have some reservations about how some aspects will work in practice. I will be asking the Minister for Health at the earliest available opportunity to clarity that the Scoping Inquiry will assess the individual performance of each laboratory used by CervicalCheck.

“I welcome the appointment of Dr Gabriel Scally as the international expert to carry out the Scoping Inquiry into the CervicalCheck scandal, and I especially welcome the appointment of Dr Karin Denton, an international expert in women’s health, to assist with the inquiry.

“It is extremely important that the inquiry analyses the performance of all laboratories involved and that there is a comparison of the laboratories who were involved in testing the cervical smear tests so we can definitively see which laboratories were performing to the standard required and see which failed.

“While I welcome the publication of the terms of

“Furthermore, in our submission to the Minister

Teachta O’Reilly said:

we have explicitly requested that the government use the time available during the Scoping Inquiry to ensure that amendments are made to the legislation governing the establishment of Commissions of Inquiry to make this legislation robust and fit for purpose. “This will allow for bespoke terms of reference which will ensure the statutory inquiry into the CervicalCheck scandal is conducted thoroughly and quickly. “We hope that this recommendation will be taken up by the government so it can be ensured that the second statutory stage in the process takes place in pubic and generates the answers which the women themselves and society in general are seeking.

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TACKLING GLOBAL INEQUALITIES: EDUCATE TOGETHER STUDENTS SHOWCASE GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP & ENVIRONMENT PROJECTS AT DEVELOPMENT EDUCATION EXPO

The Global Citizenship Education Student Showcase 2018, an initiative led by students from Educate Together’s nationwide network of second-level schools, took place on Thursday 10 May at Hansfield Educate Together Secondary School. The exhibition showcased students’ work in the area of Development Education and Global Citizenship. Development Education (DE), also known as Global Citizenship Education, is an educational process aimed at increasing awareness and understanding of the rapidly changing, interdependent and unequal world in which we live. By challenging stereotypes and encouraging independent thinking, DE helps students critically explore the root causes of global justice issues and how they interlink with our everyday lives. Global

Citizenship Education forms an important part of the Ethical Education Curriculum, a subject unique to Educate Together schools.

Presented World Café style, each participating Educate Together school showcased their work on Development Education in an array of innovative ways - multimedia presentations, performance and musical pieces and a display of artwork. “Development Education and taking part in the event today has really helped me gain a wider perspective on the world” said one student presenting at the showcase. “As young adults we shouldn’t be sheltered from what’s going on globally, if we’re to do anything to address global inequalities, it’s really important that we understand the causes.”

Some of the presentations on display included topics such as Ethical Consumption and Production, Gender Equality and Climate Change. Participating schools included Hansfield ETSS, Stepaside ETSS, Clonturk Community College, Ballymakenny College, Bremore ETSS, Kishoge Community College, Celbridge Community School and North Wicklow ETSS.

The Global Citizenship Education Student Showcase was proudly supported by Educate Together and Worldwise Global Schools, Ireland’s national Development Education programme for post-primary schools. The showcase also provided an opportunity to explore Educate Together’s unique model of post-primary education in action. In

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Educate Together second-level schools, subjects are taught through cross-curricular projects that spark the creativity of students. Educate Together at second-level is about more than preparing students to sit State exams: the schools have moved away from ‘teaching to the test’ towards a truly integrated school experience. Pictured shows Students from Hansfield ETSS presenting their project on Ethical Consumption & Production at the Global Citizenship Education Student Showcase. Hansfield ETSS students performing at the Global Citizenship Education Student Showcase. All the Educate Together second-level student presenters at yesterday’s Global Citizenship Education Student Showcase.

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SHEER LACK OF POLITICAL WILL TO AVAIL OF €27M FUND TO KICK START HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTH DUBLIN - New figures reveal Government’s failure to provide key infrastructure is causing a delay in housing provision

Local Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Mid-West, John Curran has called for an immediate end to the go slow approach to developing the local infrastructure required to kick-start the provision of essential housing. New information received by the Deputy through Parliamentary Question reveals that less than 2% of the funding allocated to 15 Local Authorities through the Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF), has been drawn down for use. Deputy Curran commented, “In October 2016, €266 million worth of funding was ring fenced for a number of local authorities nationwide to provide the infrastructure necessary to kick start housing development in their region. “The Government has previously committed to the delivery of 3,000 new homes in Dublin Mid-West by 2021 based on the LIHAF

available to Authority.

our

Local

“Over €27million was made available to South Dublin County Council to provide the key infrastructure necessary to prompt housing development in the area yet not a single cent of this fund has been touched to date. “The areas identified by South Dublin County Council are all prime urban sites suitable for social and affordable housing development. It is therefore difficult to fathom why such funding wouldn’t be drawn down to urgently aid the construction of housing and alleviate the market. “It is very disappointing to learn that there is no sense of urgency to utilise this available funding considering that so many families and young couples in the locality are desperate for housing. “Week in week out this Government are claiming to be doing everything it

can to allay the crisis in homelessness, particularly here in Dublin, but that is clearly not the case given

the abysmal uptake of local authority funding. More must be done to encourage the use of the €27 million

fund in South Dublin. “If anything, the information I have recently received emphasises the severe lack

of political will to reduce the pressure on the housing market by providing more units,” he concluded.

TEMPLEOGUE SCHOOLS OPEN FOR 1,000 LOCAL CHILDREN The official opening of the Bishop Shanahan and Bishop Galvin National Schools has delivered eight new classrooms, six new resource rooms and accessible toilets for 1,000 students, according to Dublin South West Independent Minister, Katherine Zappone. The Minister said the official opening by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar represents an investment of over €2m by the Government. Both schools are located on the same site at Orwell Park, Templeogue. Minister Zappone said: “Ensuring children of all ages have access to modern, comfortable and safe classrooms is important if we are to ensure that they learn skills for life.

By providing the best possible environment we can ensure that the 36 teachers and 13 resource teachers can focus firmly on lessons – and not be distracted by poor facilities, cold classrooms or damaged windows and doors.

schools every success into the future. The opening of both Bishop Shanahan and Bishop Galvin Schools is an important occasion not just for

children, parents and teachers but for the entire Templeogue community. The pupils represent the very future of the local area.”

It is in these new buildings that they will give a love of knowledge, an education and talents to children. This will remain with the children for the rest of their lives. The Bishop Shanahan school caters for the very youngest up to second class, while Bishop Galvin teachers prepare students from third class to their start in secondary school. I wish all who use the

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Independent Minister Katherine Zappone are shown one of the new classrooms in Bishop Shanahan and Bishop Galvin National Schools, Templeogue by proud students.

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CURRAN CALLS ON HSE TO ENSURE NO FURTHER DELAY ON TEMPLEOGUE SCHOOLS HOSTS FYFFES ‘FIT SQUAD’ INITIATIVE DELIVERING ROWLAGH PRIMARY CARE CENTRE

After years of inaction, planning permission has finally been submitted -

Local Fianna Fáil TD, John Curran has urged the Health Service Executive to continue with its progress on the much needed Rowlagh Primary Care Centre and to provide a time frame for its completion as soon as possible. The Deputy received confirmation recently from the Head of Estates with the HSE, Jim Curran, that planning permission has been lodged for the construction of the centre in Clondalkin. Commenting on the news

Deputy Curran said, “The provision of primary care and multi-disciplinary services in a community setting plays a crucial role in ensuring that those who do not need to be in acute care are removed from a hospital setting.

“Despite repeated promises there have been no primary care services in our area, which has a population of over 45,000 people, for quite some time. “It’s been 7 years since the Rowlagh Primary Care Centre was first announced under the infrastructure stimulus package with a planned completion date of late 2016.

“The delivery of the three proposed Primary Care Centres in the greater Clondalkin and Lucan areas have faced alarming delays to date but thankfully we are now seeing some slight movement.

“For the first time, the HSE have confirmed in their correspondence with me that the proposed development in Rowlagh when operational will employ 36 staff and provide a substantial range of primary care services including a GP Clinic, a Nurse managed Clinic, suites for speech & language therapy, occupational and physiotherapy therapy, a dental Clinic, a pediatrics

suite and a Mental Health Suite from 9am-6pm every weekday and some out of hour GP services. “Every effort must be made now to ensure that the HSE fulfil its commitment to this centre and allow the people of North Clondalkin access to essential Health Care. “I am cautious to be too optimistic about how promptly this planning permission will be granted so construction can commence but I will persist in highlighting the need for this centre to be completed and operational as soon as possible and that they encounter no unnecessary delays,” he concluded.

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH - MORE MUST BE DONE TO ENFORCE LAW AND ORDER

Cllr Timmons says ‘’ The number of cars shows the scale of the Anti-Social Behaviour that residents have had to put up with in this area . This alongside Scramlers and Quads is making residents lives hell , residents have had enough but most feel too intimidated to report ongoing crime for

fear of retaliation. How much more are residents expected to take before there is immediate action’’

‘I am aware and involved with the High Level task force for St Cuthberts Park and efforts to reclaim the park but criminal behaviour and anti-social behaviour must be dealt with as a

matter of urgency. It is not acceptable that people have to live like this I would welcome urgent action by SDCC and the Guards’’ Cllr Timmons stated “A number of residents have reported Anti-social behaviour and drug use. I have contacted the

local station in relation to this and as of yet have had no response. This is not acceptable and unfortunately has become the norm in some areas and the Law needs to be enforced. If there is not enough resources then they must be made available to combat crime in our community’’.

Students at Bishop Galvin Primary and Bishop Shanahan National Schools in Templeogue are first in line when it comes to fitness. Schools and sports clubs interested in participating in the project are asked to visit www.fyffesfitsquad.ie

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PARENTS ARE TO BE GIVEN A SAY ON THE FUTURE OF PRESCHOOLS & CHILDCARE Parents are to be given a say on the future of preschools, childcare and other early year services under a new partnership announced by Dublin South West Independent Minister Katherine Zappone. Under the partnership the National Parents Council will also provide supports to parents of preschool children while information workshops will be held for parents with children making the move from preschool to primary.

Speaking on the launch of this new partnership Minister Zappone said: “My office works closely with childcare providers, practitioners and the various organisations that are working hard to represent and develop the world class early years sector that our communities in Dublin South West deserve. This new partnership with the National Parent’s Council, who for years have strongly advocated on behalf of parents at primary

level, will allow parents with children in preschools, crèches and with childminders to have their voices heard at the highest level. I feel it represents a significant, progressive step forward.” As part of the new supports on offer, the National Parent’s Council will be rolling out a series of workshops for parents who have children moving from pre-school settings to primary education. CEO of the NPC, Áine Lynch

remarked: “We have rolled out a similar programme for parents with children moving from primary to post primary which has been positively received and we feel that the move into primary school also represents a key milestone. Supporting this transition will hopefully assist the best possible start for parents and their children on their journey at primary level.”

Ms Lynch added: “The growth of the early years sector in Ireland has been phenomenal in recent years. The range of supports now available for children, their parents and services compared to five years ago is wonderful, but this also presents challenges for parents to navigate the range of supports on offer. We will be working closely

with the DCYA to offer up to date advice and information to parents going forward”. Parents can find out more about the National Parent’s Council and their new Transitions workshops by visiting www.npc.ie Information on the current range of childcare supports available to families can be found at www. affordablechildcare.ie

Pictured Minister Katherine Zappone with CEO of the NPC, Áine Lynch

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BIFE GRADUATE SHOW 2018 Opening Tuesday 22nd May 19.30 to 21.00

Exhibition remains on view until Friday 25th May Bray Institute of Further Education is pleased to present this year’s Graduate Show. The exhibition comprises work from all art and design courses representing the high quality of work produced by students who complete certificate and diploma courses at the college. This year’s show comprises the Art Portfolio class displaying pages from their portfolios and exhibiting original paintings and drawings. The Fine Art class have curated a combination of first and second year 2D and 3D work, including an exciting site-specific piece, with which the public can interact. Art, Craft, Design students have explored personal themes to produce paintings, ceramic pieces and print work. The

exhibition

continues

with Garden Designers revealing the new area in the college enhanced by their designing, construction, and planting.

Final year Fashion Designers are exhibiting their unique collections which they have designed and created, look out for first year costume pieces located throughout the exhibition. Furniture Designers are presenting a selection of project work including tables they designed and produced, and other pieces demonstrating accomplished of techniques such as woodturning. Mood boards displaying drawings and designs by the architecture students support the 3D models they have constructed. Finally interact with computer games created by the Games Development students.

BIFE Graduate Show 2018 is exhibiting 10.00-16.00 Wednesday 23rd, 10.0021.00 Thursday 24th May and 10.00-13.00 Friday 25th May.

There will also be on Open Evening on Thursday 24th from 7pm to 9pm where prospective students can meet the teachers and view the fabulous teachers.

Palmerstown Camera Club

BIFE offers relevant courses to art and design students and aims to develop the necessary knowledge, commitment and creative skills for students to engage in a rapidly changing global culture. For further information, contact the Institute on 012829668 or check out www. bife.ie.

On the sunniest weekend of 2018 so far, the members of Palmerstown Camera Club went on their annual weekend away.Picture above was taken by Nina Butler. Picture below was taken by Lorraine Kelly. In June the club will visit Saltees Island, a nature reserve for birds in Wexford it’s a nature reserve for birds. Palmerstown Camera Club meet every Wednesday at 8pm to10pm in the Parish Hall Kennelsfort Road, Palmerstown. New members welcome. Visit www. palmerstowncameraclub.com or see their Facebook Page ‘Palmerstown Camera Club’.

Previous Art and Design graduates from BIFE have continued with further education at third level and are prevalent in all art and design fields.

Question- A couple of weeks ago, my husband and two young daughters aged ten and eight were travelling from our home to Liffey Valley Shopping Centre. The two girls were strapped into the back seats. Unfortunately, a driver drove into the back of us as we pulled up at lights and, immediately he admitted that the accident was his fault. We brought the girls to the GP the following day and he did not identify any physical injuries. However, since then, the girls have been complaining of headaches and are both showing signs of panic when large vehicles pass the car. I am wondering if we could bring a Personal Injuries claim on their behalf in spite of the fact that the doctor was not able to find any physical injuries. A – This was an extremely unfortunate accident for your two young girls who must have been very shocked when they found themselves suddenly jolted from behind with no warning. We would strongly advise that you bring your daughters back to the GP and ask him to refer you on to somebody else to assess the effect this accident has had on their mental health. You can make an emotional injury compensation claim against the driver of the negligent vehicle and assuming that a doctor will diagnose an emotional injury, the girls will be compensated. As they are both under eighteen years of age, either you or your husband will have to bring the claim on their behalf. We would strongly recommend that you attend with a solicitor as soon as possible with a view to commencing the process. We wish you the best of luck and a speedy recovery for your daughters. Question – My elderly mother and I were travelling to Cork for a weekend away when suddenly, without any warning, while traveling at some speed, the sunroof blew off causing a very loud noise which sounded like a bomb. Thankfully, I was able to brake sharply but in so doing, my mother sustained whiplash type injuries. She has not been the same since and at seventy six years of age, I am worried about her. Would she have a claim? A – This was a most unusual accident and potentially very dangerous. It is a credit to you that you were able to brake the car without causing further injury to yourself or your mother or indeed to any other road user. You need to get to the root of the problem with the sunroof. You do not give many details in relation to the car itself. You would need to attend with a solicitor to discuss when you bought the car and from whom. Obviously, no sunroof should blow off like that and there is clearly a defect somewhere. If you bought the car from a garage within the past six years then, subject to an engineering inspection, you may well have a perfectly legitimate claim against the garage from whom you bought the car. We would strongly recommend that you attend with a solicitor as soon as possible to start the process. You will need the assistance of a special motor engineer to establish how exactly the sunroof came to blow off and full details will need to be taken in relation to when you purchased the car and indeed when you had your last NCT carried out. It is very probable that you do have a claim but you will need to attend with a solicitor to establish against whom that claim should be. We wish you the best of luck and your mother a speedy recovery. Question – About two months ago, my friend and myself were out jogging when I was hit by the wing mirror of a passing van. The van driver did stop and to be fair, he drove me to hospital where I was treated for injuries to my wrist, elbow and shoulder. It turned out that I sustained a fracture of the wrist and had to wear a cast for some weeks which was very inconvenient. The driver of the van said that it was my fault as I had been jogging two abreast on the road. However, my friend recalls that the driver had pulled in significantly when trying to avoid an oncoming wide vehicle. Would I have a claim? A – This was a very unfortunate accident and one hopefully from which you will go on to make a full recovery. It was also very frightening. It would seem as if you do indeed have a cause for action here. I take it from what you have said that the driver of the van was behind you and therefore would have had you in his visibility for some time. As such, there is really no excuse not to have seen you and to have taken whatever action was necessary to avoid making contact with you. We strongly suggest that you attend with a solicitor as soon as possible with a view to giving details and commencing a claim for personal injury. Your injuries were relatively serious and as such, the matter should not be ignored. Further details will have to be taken in relation to the clothing you were wearing at the time and indeed the time of day as to whether or not it was daylight or dark. However, there is very definitely a cause of action here and one which you should pursue as soon as possible before memories fade or indeed the driver of the van does not report the accident to his insurance company. Notification to his insurers at the earliest possible moment is very important. We wish you the best of luck and a speedy recovery. Question – I was involved in an accident some weeks ago when I was rear ended. I was very shaken and at five months pregnant, also very worried about my unborn child. I did attend my maternity hospital for a check up and they reassured me that both my baby and myself were alright and the advice was simply to take it easy. However, I am worried that my baby might show some signs of injury following his/her birth following this impact which was quite severe with some €3,000.00 worth of damage to my car. Would I have a claim here for my unborn child? A – This was a very disturbing incident for you at a time when you are worried about your unborn child. It was reassuring for you to attend at your maternity hospital to be checked out. However, inevitably, you will continue to worry until your baby is safely born. The most important thing here is to seek constant medical reassurance during the rest of your pregnancy and to make sure that you follow whatever medical advice is given. Hopefully, all will go well over the coming months and that your fears will come to nothing. However, clearly this is a very stressful time for you and we would urge you to attend with a solicitor with a view to making a note of the incident and taking full particulars so that after the birth of your baby, you will be in a position to pursue an action if needed. The mental stress alone is cause for action but your concerns obviously centre around your child. We would strongly advise that although you attend with a solicitor, you do not commence any action until the birth of your child and the full extent of your claim can be assessed at that point. We wish you the very best of luck with the rest of your pregnancy and a safe delivery.

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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. In greateful thanks to the Sacred Heart and Our Holy Mother for many favours and blessings received. P.G. 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. Y.F. Novena TO ST. JUDE Most holy apostle, St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honors and invokes you universally as the patron of hope. Please intercede on my behalf. Make use of that particular privilege given to you to bring hope, comfort, and help where they are needed most. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and help of heaven as I work with my challenges, particularly (here make

your request). I praise God with you and all the saints forever. I promise, blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor, to always honor you as my special and powerful patron and to gratefully encourage devotion to you. Amen. Y.F. As our regular readers will know we have asked for your generosity in supporting very worthy charities over the years. Going forward, we are delighted to support Laura Lynn Children’s Hospice. LauraLynn, Ireland’s Children’s Hospice provides palliative care to children with life-limiting conditions and their families, from the point of diagnosis to end of life, and throughout bereavement.Our holistic approach ensures we support the whole family through a unique care plan that may include: symptom management; planned short hospice stays (respite); unplanned hospice stays (emergency care); end of life care; music & play therapy; psychological & bereavement support; Social Work and Chaplaincy. All care is provided free to families. Care can be availed of in the hospice, at hospital, in the community, or in the family home, depending on the child and family’s preference. It costs €5.2million to keep LauraLynn’s Children’s Hospice open, €3.5million of which must be generated each year through fundraised income. Since opening in 2011, LauraLynn has cared for more than 325 children and their families and provided more than 265,000 hours

of short stay care provided to children in LauraLynn Hospice. For further information please visit lauralynn.ie. If you would like a Novena published please send a postal order or cheque made out to Laura Lynn Children’s Hospice, along with your Novena to: NEWSGROUP, Unit 3 Floor 2 St Dominics Shopping Centre, St Dominics Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24. If you require any further information please call 01 4519000 or email info@ newsgroup.ie.

Close to 700 children need the specialised care provided by LauraLynn

SINN FÉIN’S LYNN BOYLAN MEP HAS RE-ITERATED HER CALL FOR ROBUST LEGISLATION REGARDING ONLINE ADVERTISING IN REFERENDUMS. The Dublin MEP said that Facebook should implement this more extensive ban from Google to ban advertisements from Ireland for the final weeks of the campaign. Speaking following the announcement from Google, Ms. Boylan said: “I welcome this ban which has come about as Google update their worldwide election integrity efforts, but in the long term selfregulation will not work. “We need to take our

democratic process out of the hands of internet giants. “Google are also banning advertising from Ireland and Facebook should follow given the amount of money which could be spent on adverts. “Most worryingly, we have no way to ascertain what these figures actually are. “I am calling on the Irish Government to enact robust legislation and reform the electoral act to prevent the problem reoccurring. “The Government must take the initiative to regulate

this kind of advertising opposed to the selfregulatory models which have come to the fore over the last two days. “Our electoral law forbids campaign groups from receiving funding from outside the state but this does not apply to social media and internet companies. “Robust legislation is the only solution on this threat to our democracy from both inside and outside of Ireland.”

TOGETHER FOR YES CAMPAIGN…WALKABOUT AROUND PORTOBELLO…Pic shows Orla O Connor,Sarah Monaghan and Ailbhe Smyth as they walk the streets around Portobello to promote a YES vote

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