Rathcoole & saggart news 10:06:13

rathCoole & saGGart

key aCtions to improve CrèChe standards

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10TH JuNE 2013 P.O. BOx 3430, TALLAGHT, DuBLIN 24 TEL: 451 3822 email: info@newsgroup.ie web: www.newsgroup.ie

Local Fine Gael TD and Minister of State, Brian Hayes, has welcomed details of eight key actions being implemented by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald TD, which will ensure improved standards and more robust inspections for crèches.

“The minds of the public have been on the focussed standards in crèches across the country since the recent Primetime programme uncovered distressing and entirely unacceptable mistreatment of children in a number of crèches.

Minister Fitzgerald has committed to a range of actions to address this issue including stricter regulations, better training, more robust inspections and harsher sanctions.

“It is important to realise that inspections alone are not the answer.

What is required is a multi-faceted approach, and since this Government came to office we have been working to ensure issues relating to child protection and welfare are put front and centre.

The establishment of a Department of Children and Youth Affairs was

recognition of the huge body of work which needs to be done in this area.

“Much of this work is now well underway and I very much welcome the action the Minister for Children is taking to ensure the well-being of children in crèches and the implementation of a pre-school quality reform agenda.

“The 8 key actions which have been identified by the Minister for Children are:

1.

Increasing the required qualification standards of childcare

staff.

All staff will have to have, as a minimum, a childcare qualification to Fetac level 5; 2.

All childcare providers must be registered;

3.

New national pre-school standards to be implemented;

4. A more robust and consistent inspection will be system introduced;

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soCial proteCtion statement in relation to JobbridGe and ChildCare

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key aCtions to improve CrèChe standards From paGe 1

providers, including the possibility of losing State funding;

7.

Quality and curricular supports to Aistear and Siolta Frameworks will be improved for childcare providers; 8. Inspection reports will be published online

as soon as possible after being completed.

“Many parents entrust their children to the care of a crèche. It is essential that we do everything possible to ensure these children receive quality care from qualified staff in a undergoing system robust inspections

which are available publicly to view.

are many There excellent crèches in our community and these new actions will ensure that trust in crèche services is enhanced.

This will be good for children, good for parents and good for the sector.”

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The Department of Social Protection has confirmed that none of the three childcare facilities currently being investigated by the Garda Siochana and Health Service Executive on foot of the RTE Prime Time programme will be permitted to access the JobBridge national internship scheme pending the outcome of those investigations. In addition, access to JobBridge will not be available to any of the three firms regardless of location.

It is important to note that there have never been any JobBridge interns in any of the locations referred to in the Prime Time programme.

Two of the firms have not previously placed any JobBridge interns.

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The remaining firm placed one JobBridge intern but not in the location featured in RTE Prime Time.

This placement finished in April 2013.

Childcare placements: JobBridge general guidelines stipulate that the host organisation must be fully compliant with current workplace health and safety and all other legal and regulatory requirements; and that the host organisation must comply with Garda vetting procedures where required.

Control and monitoring: JobBridge is subject to strict control measures to protect the intern and ensure the integrity of the scheme. These measures seek to

ensure that the internship provides appropriate training and development experience; that suitable mentoring and support is provided to the intern; and that the internship does not displace an existing position.

To ensure that both the host organisation and intern are abiding by the spirit and the rules of the scheme, the Department of Social Protection undertakes ongoing monitoring of internships.

This includes the conducting of random monitoring site visits.

The Department has conducted over 2,100 monitoring visits to-date and 98% of these visits have been of a satisfactory nature.

Remedial action is taken in cases of

non-compliance. Any individual who suspects that an internship may be in breach of the scheme’s criteria including quality issues, lack of appropriate mentoring and support, or cases of suspected displacement - may contact the JobBridge team. All such reports are fully investigated.

JobBridge delivers valuable internship opportunities for jobseekers and independent research has demonstrated it is an effective and efficient scheme.

The independent evaluation, by Indecon Economic Consultants, demonstrated that 61% of interns who completed their placements subsequently progressed to paid employment.

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3

Jump in eleCtriCity and Gas disConneCtions CausinG hardship For dublin Families 4

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Fianna Fáil Cllr. Trevor Gilligan has said he is extremely concerned about the alarming rise in electricity and gas disconnections and has said it calls into

question the role and performance of the energy regulator.

The South Dublin County Councillor said, “People have been

shocked to hear that 20,000 homes either had their gas or electricity cut off last year.

“There are many families in my own area of Clondalkin and right across Dublin who are under enormous pressure with their mortgages and household bills at the moment. This is will only increase their

stress and anxiety.

Incredibly, gas disconnections rose by 82% in 2012 and come at a time when the utility companies are making massive profits.

“Fianna Fáil has repeatedly called on Minister Pat Rabbitte, who has responsibility for the energy sector, to take more of an interest in spiraling

energy costs for households and to do his job and raise concerns with the Commissions for Energy Regulation (CER). This is a very serious issue that the Regulator must address as a priority.

“Electricity prices rose by 9% last year, with gas prices increasing by 12%. The families I am meeting every week are under huge strain and

GanG riots in tallaGht

Local Sinn Féin TD Seán Crowe has called for an emergency summit of all relevant agencies, including the Garda and community services, to be convened by South Dublin County Council and involving all local TDs to prevent residents being terrorised by running gang battles in Springfield, Tallaght, as happened last Thursday night.

Deputy Crowe, who lives in the neighbouring estate, said: "Eyewitnesses told me that it was like a scene out of a Hollywood movie with rival gangs wielding knives, bars, bats and other weapons while terrified families tried to shield their children from the violence.

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communities, need to identify ways to prevent this happening again before someone is killed."

Deputy Crowe added: "A rise in criminality by a tiny minority is not being effectively tackled and gangs running round at will are angering local communities and causing real fear for families."

do not need the added pressure of potentially having their electricity or gas cut off. At a time when 1 in every 4 families can’t afford to pay their utility bills in full, Minister Rabbitte and the regulator need

to look again at their priorities. They must put real solutions in place to help customers in genuine difficulty, and stop the problem from getting progressively worse,” Cllr Gilligan said.

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rabbitte oFFiCially opens proposal to abolish seanad welComed winCor-niXdorF in Citywest Your FREE Local Newspaper

The announcement by An Taoiseach and An of the Tánaiste referendum to decide on the future of the Seanad has been welcomed by Eamonn Maloney TD.

The Minister for Communications, Energy & Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte, T.D., was in Citywest to officially launch the new offices of Wincor-Nixdorf, a German company and global market leader in automated cash and banking systems and services. He was joined by Mr Ian Byrne, Banking Director of the uK and Ireland operations.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Rabbitte praised the company for its commitment to the local area and for the creation of sustainable jobs. He was given a tour of the offices by Mr Byrne, where he saw a demonstration of the software used in automated bank transactions.

Mr Byrne told the audience ‘I believe we are a great success story. We have a very young workforce, the majority local to Tallaght, Clondalkin and Rathcoole and many have benefited from our preference to promote and develop internally.’

Wincor-Nixdorf have been based in Dublin since the mid ‘70’s and have undergone considerable growth in the last 3 years, increasing from about 35 to 110 employees, against the current economic trend.

Pictured are (LtoR) Ian Byrne, Banking Director, UK and Ireland with Pat Rabbitte, Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources as he opens Wincor Nixdorf offices in City West Business Campus. (Photo: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland)

Deputy Maloney said: "The Seanad which was constructed as a voice for Southern Irish aristocracy, was both elitist and undemocratic. To this day it has remained true to its roots and serves no useful purpose.

“The second house has a purpose in federal states but not in a

unitary state such as Ireland. As De Valera said in 1928 and repeated frequently: 'We think that the proper thing to do is to end the Senate and not to mend it. It is costly and we do not see any useful function it really serves'.

"Since the 1920s some 11 special committees have examined various aspects of the workings of the Seanad with practically no meaningful reform resulting. Indeed the 7th. amendment to the constitution in 1979 was a modest attempt to the 'democratise'

university representation by widening the electorate to include graduates of all Higher Educational Institutes.

Although passed by 92.4% it was never enacted. There is simply no interest or strong argument to make a coherent case for its continued existence.

"In 2007 the Report on Seanad Reform identified one key problem for the Seanad as ‘it has no distinctive role in the Irish Political System' To this day it is, in many cases, a reward for failed politicians and a playschool for

aspiring politicians, which makes it a very costly quango.

"The All-Party Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution, in its 1997 report on Seanad Eireann, quoted Abbe Sieyes at the end of the report as follows: 'If a second chamber dissents from the first, it is mischievous; if it agrees, it is superfluous'.

"I have waited a long time for this announcement and I will be actively campaigning for the final scrapping of the Seanad".

o’ Connor Calls aGain For aCtion on tallaGht hospital

Fianna Fáil Local Area Representative Charlie O’ Connor has again called on Dr James Reilly Minister Health to confirm that he will ensure the full implementation of all the HIQA recommendations in respect of Tallaght Hospital.

He once again made the call after the visit by the Minister to Tallaght Hospital. A former member of the Tallaght Hospital board, Charlie O’ Connor welcomed the Minister's visit but still believes he must now guarantee the full implementation of the HIQA report which was carried out following the

death of a patient in the A&E department. He also said that the Minister should confirm his previous undertaking that the HIQA recommendations on Tallaght Hospital would also be implemented nationally.

According to Charlie O’ Connor these issues are important in the context that the community must continue to have full confidence in Tallaght Hospital and he intends to continue to pursue the matter with the Minister.

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Fine Gael’s Area Representative for and Rathcoole Newcastle, Cllr. Emer Higgins has described as ‘utterly disappointing’ the decision of the Local Electoral Boundary Committee to divide Rathcoole and Saggart into two different electoral wards.

“The decision by the Local Electoral Boundary Committee to split Saggart and Brittas, from Rathcoole and Newcastle is utterly disappointing for local residents and a blow to local democracy in the area. These villages are all in the same parish and have traditional allegiances to one

another. Dividing them up when it comes to local representation has the potential to negatively affect community spirit for residents in Saggart, Brittas, Slade Valley and Crooksling. With relatively low populations in these areas, there is a danger that it will fall between two stools,” said Cllr.

Emer Higgins.

The new boundary draws a line through Slade Valley which sees Saggart and Brittas move to the Tallaght South Ward.

Meanwhile; Rathcoole and Newcastle will be represented by a different set of Councillors in the Clondlakin current

electoral area.

"I worry that the decision will undermine the coordinated efforts being made by South Dublin County Council’s Village Initiative and will affect community spirit in the area by dividing up a cohesive parish,” continued Higgins.

Higgins contributed to the local Fine Gael submission to the Boundary Committee which she states asked that the boundary for the ward stay the same.

“The Constituency Boundary will still encompass the villages of Saggart and Brittas, but now residents of these areas will have new Councillors to deal with. The decision is

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very disappointing for these areas. Children Brittas and from Saggart traditionally go to the second level school in Rathcoole and have a natural affiliation to Rathcoole.

It is very sad to see their local representations them being split by the Committee, but I will continue to support residents on both sides of this new dividing line,” concluded Cllr.

Higgins.

Regardless of the decision Cllr Higgins said she would continue to represent residents on both sides of the line and support community groups throughout the area.

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kids Go Free weekends on luas For the summer holidays RPA is pleased to announce that the popular “Kids go Free” weekends on Luas special offer will be further extended until the end of August.

Due to hugely positive feedback, the family-friendly offer will be available over the June Bank Holiday weekend, including the Bank Holiday Monday. The offer has been running very successfully through the months of February, March, April and May 2013.

Two children may travel free of charge with each adult who has a valid Luas Adult ticket every Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday until the end of August. RPA has recently carried out a poll and the reaction has been very positive.

This is one of a range of new fare initiatives which the National Transport Authority and the transport operators will be bringing to the travelling public over 2013.

Luas carried a record 29.4 million passengers in 2012 and it is clear that this free offer has encouraged even more customers onto one of Europe’s most successful light rail systems.

Many parents have availed of the offer already and numbers are expected to grow as people become aware of it and use Luas to explore the delights of the city, many of which are also free.

laCk oF intelliGent transport tiCket holdinG baCk south dublin

Sinn Féin Dublin South-West TD, Seán Crowe, says the lack of an integrated transport ticket is holding back the South Dublin area and impacting negatively on jobs and tourism there.

The Tallaght-based deputy was responding to remarks made by Junior Minister for Transport, Alan Kelly, who said that he hoped the ticket would become available next summer.

Deputy Crowe said that it was unbelievable that the production of a simple ticket, that would allow a transport commuter use the LuAS, suburban train, Bus Éireann or Bus Áth Cliath, should take years to produce.

Deputy Seán Crowe said: “Minister Alan Kelly is claiming, like his predecessors, that an integrated ticket for commuters is on the horizon and if all goes well be introduced next summer.

“Surely, a simple ticket that would allow a transport commuter to use the LuAS, a suburban train, Bus Éireann or Bus Áth Cliath shouldn't take years of planning and endless discussions to produce.

“Templates exist in other cities and countries for an intelligent integrated transport ticket. The technology has been available for decades, and yet, Irish

commuters are being asked to wait for a ticket that would allow them easier access to available transport options without an exorbitant cost.

“I know from my involvement in South Dublin Tourism over the years that the lack of an integrated transport ticket is holding the area back in terms of organisation of events, potential for business, specifically hotels and b&bs.

“The lack of a

comprehensive ticket also makes it extremely difficult for job seekers and narrows the job options for those without access to private transport.

“The Minister should be embarrassed. He has ignored this important issue and it is clearly not on his or his department’s priority list. It is hard-pressed commuters who are suffering the fall-out from his laid back approach."

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prinCess arrives in ireland

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Leading ferry company, Stena Line, transported a 150 year old steam engine called ‘Princess’ from Wales to Dublin Port as part of The Gathering Ireland recently. ‘Princess’ is owned by the world’s oldest railway, Ffestiniog Railway in Wales, the first narrow gauge railway in the world to use steam engines. ‘Princess’ will be displayed in Heuston Railway Station, Dublin for approximately six weeks, from the 6 June, at the ticket desks where she will be enjoyed by thousands of travellers passing through one of Ireland’s busiest cities.

Pictured welcoming ‘Princess’ to Ireland at Dublin Port is Gill McAlinden and Barry Kelly from Stena Line with Chris Parry, Welsh Highland Railways (far right).

drop to 13.7% unemployment rate ConFirms positive trend

The announcement from the CSO that the unemployment rate has dropped to 13.7% is very good news.

Eamonn Maloney Labour Party TD, Dublin South West said that “Since entering government just over two years ago, Labour’s number one priority has been to tackle the jobs crisis and get our people back to work.

More than a quarter of a million people lost their jobs between 2008 and 2011 under the last Fianna Fail

government. This high level of unemployment has had a devastating impact on families and communities across the country.

Labour in government has been determined to tackle this problem head on. under the Action Plan for Jobs, 250 actions were put in place to support local job creation and attract inward investment.

There have been some earlier encouraging signs including the creation of 12,000 new jobs in 2012. Now news that the unemployment

rate has decreased to 13.7% has confirmed this positive trend.

There is clearly still a long road ahead. But the drop in the unemployment rate to under 14% announced today shows that progress is being made and the government is creating the right environment in terms of new jobs and business creation.

I am conscious of the high level of unemployment in the Tallaght area and in

particular, the high level of youth unemployment and I will continue to do everything I can to make sure that this Government redoubles their effort in tackling this serious problem. In particular I look forward to progress being made on the implementation of the Eu Youth Guarantee, a measure that was agreed in principle recently at a meeting of Eu Social Protection Ministers, chaired by Joan Burton.” concluded Maloney

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people beFore proFit CounCillor Calls For immediate termination oF south dublin County CounCil's ContraCt with Cantour equine limited over hiGh Court rulinG

Clondalkin Councillor Gino Kenny will be tabling a motion at June's meeting of the county council in which he will be calling for the immediate termination of Cantour Equine Limited's contract with South Dublin County Council. The contractor is responsible for the rounding up and disposal of equine in the South Dublin County Council area. A recent High Court Ruling found that Cantour Equine Limited was in breach of the

implementation of the Control of Horses Act 1996 in it's disposal of equine in 2011.

Councillor Kenny who has consistently called for a review of Horse Bye Laws said: "The contractor in question has breached its own contractual obligations to South Dublin County Council. I am amazed that as far back as July 2011 the council were aware of these serious misdemeanours. It's simply implausible that a company such as Cantour

is still the functioning contractor. The contractor clearly mislead the council in 2011 in making it believe that horses that were deemed to rehoused were later destroyed. Again I reiterate the question what happened to the other horses that were deemed rehoused since 2011" "I will be tabling a motion at June's county council meeting calling on my fellow councillors to support my motion to

immediately expunge Cantour Equine Limited's contract to the council in carrying out the bye laws in relation to the disposal of equine in the county. It will be a vote of no confidence in the contractor in carrying out any further obligations in relation to the disposal of horses under the bye laws. The contractor in my opinion has lost all credibility in its ability and duty in this jurisdiction."

luCan sisters take internet by storm

Two sisters from St. Joseph’s College in Lucan have won the national Trend Micro “What’s Your Story” which competition, promotes safety online among school goers around the world.

Minister for Children Affairs Youth and Fitzgerald Frances presented the sisters, Tessy and Judith Ehiguese, with their and prize €3,000 commended them on their talent and vision.

“I was delighted to

present Judith and Tessy with this national award for their music ‘Internet video, which Sensation’, the celebrates opportunities of today’s digital age. I recently hosted a ‘Delete Cyber Bullying’ event in, St College, Joseph’s Lucan, where Judith and Tessy attend; so I know how dedicated the staff and pupils are when it comes to online safety,” said Frances Fitzgerald T.D., Minister for Children and Youth

Affairs..

“Judith and Tessy did a fantastic job in bringing to life a teenagers attitude towards the ever-changing online sphere. Touch screens and smart phones bring extra wonderful possibilities into the lives of children today.

We need to control and safety digital promote the world of opportunities offered online. It’s a difficult balance to strike, but i t is hugely encouraging to see companies like

TrendMicro promoting this positive message for young people in schools right around the country,” continued Frances Fitzgerald.

Judith and TessyEhiguese created the winning video “Internet Sensation” in which they wrote a song, and filmed an accompanying music video, to promote the many positive aspects of the Internet for young people.

Avril Ronan of Trend Micro said, “The Internet is an amazing resource for young people and at Trend Micro we want to promote the positive sides of the Internet, while also helping school children to understand about digital safety”, explained Avril Ronan, co-ordinator of the Internet Safety for Schools & Families programme at Trend Micro.

“The unique

thing about this competition, as well as channelling school-goers’ creativity to create a video or poster about Internet Safety, is that young people become advocates of the message, as the winner is decided upon based on a combination of views and ratings, as well as final judging.

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saorview approved 3

Minister Fitzgerald with Judith, Tessy and Principal Audrey Doyle receiving cheque from Trend Micro

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peers, promoting their videos”.

“Congratulations to Judith and Tessy as well as the sixth class of Scoil Mhuire in Lucan who designed a runnerup project “Manga Magic” poster.

It’s great to see Lucan girls taking the internet by storm and local students making such a big impact on this prestigious competition,” concluded Fitzgerald.

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more aCtion needed on unFinished estates

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Sinn Féin Dublin Mid-West representative Eoin Ó Broin has called for “more action from Grant Thornton, O’Dwyer Property Management Company and Dublin County South Council” to resolve the issue of unfinished estates in Lucan and Newcastle. The call comes after Sinn Féin conducted door to door surveys in

One Family

Ballynakelly/Newcastle Lyons in Newcastle and The Paddocks in Lucan last month.

Ó Broin said: “In May Dublin Sinn Féin Mid-West conducted door to door surveys in Ballynakelly -Newcastle Lyons in Newcastle and The Paddocks in Lucan. The purpose of the surveys was

to establish the experiences of local residents on the build quality of their homes, their management companies, and the unfinished portions of both estates.

“The results demonstrate the enormous impact that the unfinished portions of the estate are having on the quality of life of many residents.

“60% of residents in The

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Following that the estates should be taken in chare by South Dublin County Council.

“While some progress has been made since last September more action is needed from Grant Thornton, O’Dwyer Property Management Company and South Dublin County Council to resolve the outstanding issues.

“I have written to Grant Thornton, O’Dwyer Property Management and South Dublin County Council, providing them with copies of the surveys and requested meetings to discuss how best to resolve the residents’ concerns.”

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Paddocks and 58% in Ballynakelly/Newcastle Lyons are currently experiencing problems with their estate, mainly the unfinished sections of the estate.

“The survey also highlights other issues affecting residents including the cost of management fees.

“Both of these estates were built by Maplewood The Developments. company went bust last year and Grant Thornton was appointed receiver.

“The best solution from the residents point of view is for Grant Thornton to release the funds necessary to complete both estates.

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support your tan the natural way 16

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Summer is here and many of us are longing for beautifully bronzed skin. Science has discovered how certain natural compounds can contribute to the process that makes your skin turn dark.

It’s a fact – most of us feel more confident with a tan. That’s why we spend such a substantial part of our sun holidays lounging by the pool. Excessive sunbathing is not good for your skin, however, so it comes as good news that science has discovered a way to support the tanning process from the inside – with help from natural ingredients. These compounds have been integrated in a new tanning supplement.

the importanCe oF Copper

A key player in this tanning supplement is the mineral copper which contributes to normal skin and hair pigmentation.

This nutrient also contributes to the body’s production of melanin, which is the pigment that causes skin to turn dark.

Melanin is produced by melanocytes in our skin. Depending on your skin type, you produce more or less melanin when exposed to sunlight.

Copper supports cuproenzyme which is an enzyme the body needs in order to make melanin.

You get a certain amount of copper from your diet but a supplement is a convenient way of making sure that your copper levels are adequate for supporting this particular enzyme function.

support your body’s defense against this by taking carotenoids like betacarotene, which is a precursor of vitamin A. Both copper and vitamin A contribute to the protection of cells against oxidative stress.

not a maGiC bullet

No matter how you look at it, excessive sunbathing is not good for you. A certain amount of sunshine is required to ensure that you make enough vitamin D, and, as mentioned earlier, we all like to be a little tanned. With help from natural ingredients like copper and beta-carotene you can help your body by supporting the tanning process and keeping the skin’s own defense mechanisms in good working order. This effective tanning supplement also contains the carotenoids lycopene, astazanthin, and lutein

proteCtion aGainst oXidative stress

This tanning supplement also contains beta-carotene which is helpful for supporting your skin’s protection against oxidative stress. When your skin is exposed to sunlight, undesirable molecules called free radicals are generated in your skin. These molecules can “stress” your skin by oxidizing the lipids in the membranes of skin cells but you can

how elastiC is your skin?

Skin elasticity (or resilience) is what enables your skin to bounce back in place when you pull or stretch it. Try this: with the thumb and index finger of your right hand make a skin fold by pinching the skin on the back of your left hand. See how long it takes for your skin to fall back into place.

The more elastic your skin is, the sooner it will regain its normal appearance. you can preserve your skin elasticity by taking carotenoids when exposing yourself to sun light.

sod turned at newlands Cross interChanGe 17

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Work is officially starting on the Newlands Cross flyover today after Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar and local Minister Frances Fitzgerald turned the sod on the site.

At the event Fitzgerald confirmed that she will be closely monitoring the construction phase to ensure that disruption to Clondalkin and its residents is minimised.

“I have made representations to both the NRA and BAM requesting that consideration is made to residents and local traffic during the construction phase of this project. There was confidence today at the sod turning that this project will be carried out in as timely and accommodating manner as possible and I very much welcome that. In such a populated area it is imperative that local residents and commuters are taken into account during the construction and that disruption is minimised,” said Minister Fitzgerald who represents the Clondalkin area in Dail Eireann. ““This is the first Public

Private Partnership road project to be signed since 2007 is now officially underway, in an important signal for economic recovery. Residents in the area have benefited from the upgrade of the Red Cow and look Roundabout forward to the similar benefits that the upgrade of Newlands Cross will bring in the coming years. I would appealed to commuters for patience throughout the construction phase but do on supporting intend residents who experience major difficulties during the construction period and hope that you can assist in this regard,” continued Fitzgerald.

“My Fine Gael colleague Councillor Tony Delaney last month initiated the establishment of a consultative working group for the duration of the construction of the Newlands Cross Interchange. This Group will be representative of our community and will liaise with the Council, the NRA and the contractors who will be carrying out the work to build a flyover at the busy junction. This is a

er h s a d e h t s i denn shinG the dry da speCialist

positive and progressive move for residents and commuters in the area and I would remind people that my office in Clondalkin village is open to anyone who experience ongoing difficulties during the construction phase of this project,” concluded Fitzgerald.

Speaking at the official opening of the project Minister for Sport, Transport and Tourism, Leo Varadkar said; “These are two very important projects which will make a big difference to road users in Dublin and the east of the country.

They will remove two serious bottlenecks which have caused untold delays to commuters, hauliers and road users over the years.

The financing of these projects also represents a breakthrough for the Government in terms of new funding for roads. The N7 flyover at Newlands Cross will remove the last set of traffic lights between the outskirts of Belfast and the Dunkettle roundabout in Cork. To give an idea of the difference this will make, some 80,000 vehicles pass

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The contractor BAM Civil Ltd (BAM PPP & PGGM Infrastructure Cooperatie) will start work on both projects within a matter of days, and construction is expected to take just over two years.

Fred Barry, CEO of the

National Roads Authority said: “We are very pleased with the commencements of works at N7 Newlands Cross Junction and at the N11 Arklow to Rathnew. It is five years since we last started the construction of a large scale improvement scheme. The Government has committed to fund a

number of road PPP schemes and we look forward to this being the first of a revitalised programme of major improvement works.

I would like to acknowledge the effort put forth by all those involved and look forward to the completion of this scheme.”

Pictured are (l-r) Fred Barry (NRA), Mayor Cathal King, Deputy Derek Keating, Minister Leo Varadkar, Deputy Robert Dowds, Minister Frances Fitzgerald, BAM Constuctions, Minister of State Brian Hayes

time to put tobaCCo industry baCk in its boX

18

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Dublin Fine Gael Senator, Catherine Noone, has welcomed the Government’s plans to become the second country in the world to introduce standard or plain packaging on tobacco products.

“This is a welcome

move, and it’s great to see Ireland continuing to be at the forefront of anti-tobacco initiatives following our leading role in introducing a smoking ban in 2007.

Plain packaging has already been introduced in Australia,

where the Government is aiming to bring down smoking rates from 16.6 per cent in 2007 to less than 10 per cent by 2018.

Fine Gael Councillor Brian Lawlor, has welcomed changes in the passport application process, saying that new passports will now be delivered more speedily and at a lower cost.

allow for applications to be processed faster with guaranteed turnaround times being more realistically met,” He explained. “People should be aware that made applications through standard postal service will no longer be processed after June 30.

“In conjunction, a new appointment service will be in operation at the Passport Office on Molesworth Street for

those who need to have passports issued at short notice. This new streamlined service will make it easier for people to obtain passports quickly and to have their business conducted in a more efficient way.

“These changes are an endorsement of our post office network and the valuable role they play in our communities. It is also another example of

“I believe that initiatives like this will help us to curb our own

addiction to tobacco nationally, which will help to dramatically reduce the cost of treating tobacco-related illnesses. Studies show that packaging plays an important role in encouraging young

people to start smoking, and research also shows that smokers believe cigarettes in plain packaging taste worse.

“The reality is that the tobacco industry is afraid of this legislation.

Studies have shown that shocking pictures, like those to be displayed

on the new packaging, increase the awareness of the negative implications of smoking among young adults, while almost half of young people have reduced consumption as a result of the changed packaging.

welcomed this forward-thinking from the Minister for Health.

Learning from the Australian experience, we know that the tobacco industry will fight this tooth and nail. We should not be deterred by this resistance, and I would urge the Government to draft the legislation as soon as possible.”

new passport serviCe will improve turnaround times For delivery novenas novenas

“From the beginning of July, all passport postal applications will have to be submitted through the Passport Express services at local post offices. This will

how this Government is seeking to improve services.

“I would encourage everyone who is expecting to travel as the summer months approach, to check the validity of their passport so as to avoid any last minute scrambles for a new one to be issued,” the Councillor / Local Area Representative concluded.

“I am glad that the Irish Cancer Society and Irish Heart Foundation have

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

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

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. nOvEnA TO ST. JudE May the Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughtout the world now and forever.

Sacred Heart of Jesus pray for us. St Jude worker of miracles pray for us.

St Jude helper of the hopeless pray for us. Say this prayer 9 times a day, by the eighth day your prayer will be answered. Say it for 9 days. It has never been known to fail. Publication must be promised. H.L.

PLEASE nOTE: if you wish to have your novena published please make a donation to our selected charity. Send a postal order or cheque made payable to Solas Centre (nCbi) and send, along with your novena to: newsgroup, PO box 3430, Tallaght, dublin 24. if you require any further information call us on 01 4519000.

POLYGREEN

MiRACLE PRAyER - THAnkSgiving Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked for many favours. This time I ask you for a very special one. Take it, dear Heart of Jesus, and place it within your own broken heart where

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100’s oF new walkinG Groups to be established throuGh new Get ireland walkinG initiative

Minister of State in the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Alan Kelly TD launched a new Get Ireland Walking Initiative today which aims to build a culture of walking in Ireland where people are walking more on a daily basis for improved health!

The new initiative seeks to promote the benefits of walking and is aiming to support the set up of 100’s of new walking groups in communities, town and cities around the country.

The Get Ireland Walking national base will be based in the new Sport HQ building in Dublin and will provide information, advice and guidance about walking and support to communities in setting up walking groups and walking programmes. The initiative will also link in with GP’s around the country, encouraging them to promote walking for improving health and will also be promoted at county level through Local Sports Partnerships and other

health promotion agencies.

Get Ireland Walking is an initiative funded by the Irish Sports Council and the Health Service Executive (HSE) and supported by Mountaineering Ireland, Irish Heart Foundation, Age and Opportunity, Gaelic Athletic Association, Institute of Leisure and Amenity Management, Arthritis Ireland and others.

Further information available on www.getirelandwalking.ie

The Legal Column

In this edition of the paper, Romaine Scally, Principal in the Firm of Romaine Scally and Co, Solicitors considers questions relevent to the holiday period.

May of us have enjoyed, or indeed may be planning, a holiday abroad which will involve either travel by plane, with or without a complete holiday package.

Readers may find the following questions of interest.

As always please send your queries to Romaine Scally, Main Street, Tallaght Village, Dublin 24. Telephone 4599506, Email – legal@scally.ie.

Q. i was a passenger on a flight to Malaga recently when i was quite badly burned with a hot cup of tea which was being passed to me by the flight attendant. i was burned and required first aid treatment. When i got to Malaga i went to a local clinic and was told that i could be scarred. i was given special cream. On my return, i went to my g.P. and he has said that it will take some time for the scars to fade on both thighs. This ruined my holiday as i was very self-conscious wearing shorts and bathing wear. Also, i was told to keep the scars out of the sun. is there anything i can do?

A. In a case such as this, the same rules of negligence apply whether the incident happened locally or in the course of a flight. The airline company will most likely be the responsible party, if negligence can be proved. It is important to point out, however, that very detailed instructions would have to be taken to establish how exactly the cup managed to fall. undoubtedly, this was an extremely painful and upsetting experience for you at the beginning of your holidays.

However, the airline must be the body either wholly or partly responsible for causing your injury and a detailed attendance would have to be taken from a solicitor establishing the critical facts.

It may seem simple enough but, airlines tend to be extremely careful when dealing with catering for obvious reasons and generally if a flight is experiencing turbulence, the captain will order that the refreshments are ceased for the duration of that turbulence.

The unfortunate fact remains that you have suffered the injury but, to succeed in a claim for negligence you must nonetheless establish the same principles of negligence as you would in any other case involving an accident causing an injury. Our advice is to consult a solicitor as soon as possible.

Q. i am just back from a package holiday to Portugal with our two children. included in the package was a “cubs club” for children from 8 – 12 years of age. during one of the activities, my 10 year old fell from one of these little trains which circulate the camp. in my opinion, it was vastly overcrowded at the time. She sprained her arm in the course of the fall and had to be taken to the local medical centre. This was only on the third day of our holidays and for the remaining 11 days, she had to wear a sling and had to stay out of the water. We were all very upset.

The travel representative made a note of the accident but said very little else. is there anything we can do given that the accident happened in Portugal?

A. From what you have said, it would appear as if your holiday is one which is defined in the Package Holidays and Travel Trade Act, 1995. under this Act, all Travel Agents/Tour Operators have a duty to provide a safe package holiday for qualifying persons. Assuming that you booked both your flights and accommodation through the agent/operator then, you can consider taking action in Ireland under this Act, irrespective as to the venue of your holiday.

This was clearly a very distressing incident for you and, in particular, your child. Safety features were obviously at a minimum if a train was overcrowded with youngsters. To decide on what course of action is available to you, it

will be necessary to attend at a Solicitor to consider the travel documentation.

Some package holiday contracts include what is known as an “Arbitration Clause”.

Your Solicitor will have to consider the conditions of booking at the back of your Contract with the operator and see if indeed a Clause regarding Arbitration is included.

If the conditions of booking are not subject to an Arbitration Clause then, your Solicitor will most likely decide to take an action probably in the Circuit Court in Ireland. The jurisdiction will depend on the extent of the injury but, from what you tell me, it is likely to be in the Circuit Court. The appropriate Defendant will be known to you and you should bring documentation with you to your Solicitor confirming your booking and any conditions thereof. If the facts of the accident are established as against the Tour Operator/Travel Agent then, you have every chance of succeeding in your case here in Ireland against the Tour Operator/Travel Agent arising from your holiday abroad. Our advice therefore is to go to see a Solicitor.

Q. We booked our holiday through a Tour Operator but have now been told that the Tour Operator has gone into liquidation.

Enquiries so far have disclosed that we should get our money back in full. However, we are now too late to book anything else of a similar nature for the remaining summer holidays and are wondering if we could sue for the disappointment and upset.

A. I am assuming that the Tour Operator ran into difficulty as a result of the downturn in tourism and fall in domestic consumer spending. If this is the case then, the business of the Tour Operator may not be left with many assets to cover its liabilities. In accordance with normal practice, when a company goes into voluntary liquidation, a Notice is usually published in a daily newspaper advising that a meeting of creditors will be held at a certain location.

This meeting is generally held in accordance with Sections 266 – 268 of the Companies Act. This part of the Companies Act involves the appointment of a Liquidator for the

by Romaine Scally

purposes of winding up a company.

Certain details relating to all limited companies are disclosed for public information in the Companies Act and a search may reveal what money is owing as of a certain date and what money is due in by way of credits. unfortunately, this is not an unusual occurrence and whether or not you can successfully sue for the loss of your holiday will depend on whether or not there are assets likely to cover any such claim. You are, however, considered a creditor until such a time as you receive your deposit back in full. Most Travel Agents are now insured for these losses but, once a Notice of Creditors Meeting has been posted in a local paper, you are entitled to attend the meeting as a legitimate creditor. Hopefully, however, you will at least get your money back in full.

Q. i was in France recently on my holidays. i went to buy a train ticket but when i tried to pay with loose change, the clerk at the ticket office refused to accept my coins. What are my rights?

A. The natural assumption to make in a situation like this one is that, as long as you pay for your ticket, it should not matter how you do so. However, while many retailers are far happier to accept small change than loose notes, there are not always obliged to do so.

The consumers right to pay with coins, in fact, depends on the number of coins involved in the transaction. According to the Economic and Monetary union Act, 1998 (Section 10), businesses are not obliged to accept more than 50 coins in a single transaction. If your payment consisted of fewer than 50 coins, the ticket clerk would have been legally obliged to accept them. This is more difficult to enforce when you are away but, the Law applies throughout the European union. If you feel your rights have been infringed, you should complain in writing to the relevant train company.

ROMAINE SCALLY & CO, SOLICITORS

operate a FREE LEGAL ADVICE CLINIC on the second Wednesd ay of every month from 2.00pm until 6.00p m at their offices in Main Street, Tallaght, Dublin 24.

NEXT CLINIC: WED. 12TH JUNE. No Appointment is neces sary.

We look forward to answ ering your legal queries in person.

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

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21

WindOW-MAn, PAddy WinSTOn “i have been in the Window trade since i left school at the age of 15. and now, at the age of 51, i have many years and lots of experience in the design, manufacture and fitting of aluminium and uPvC windows, doors and conservatories.

Over the years, through the boom, i noticed that, even though there was plenty of money around for the purchase of houses, builders still managed to fit the cheapest, most unreliable windows and doors they could possibly get there hands on, most of these are now giving terrible trouble with broken handles, hinges, locks etc. etc.. So, i decided to set up this service, to get your windows and doors to perform in the manner they were designed and that’s to keep the heat in and the cold out... iF yOu ARE HAving PRObLEMS WiTH yOuR WindOWS OR dOORS, givE ME A CALL...CHEERS...PAddy”

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revised maXimum rent limits For rent supplement

23

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irish ambassador For nupo

The Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton T.D., has announced her intention to implement revised rent limits under the Rent Supplement scheme.

These new rent limits will come into force on Monday 17 June 2013 and will be in place until 31 December 2014.

Irish TV3 presenter Elaine Crowley unveils her new look as Irish ambassador for Nupo, a new weight loss programme to enter the Irish market.

Developed in Denmark 30 years ago and now launching for the first time on the Irish market, Nupo is a weight loss programme that is the perfect solution to many of the challenges that face dieters in Ireland! Nupo is now available for purchase online and in pharmacies nationwide.

Elaine lost 14 pounds in just over two weeks on Nupo. (Photo:Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland)

The purpose of the Rent Limit Review is to establish new maximum rent limits from June 2013 which are in line the most with up-to-date market data available. This review continues the previous rent limit reviews’ emphasis, to ensure that value for money is achieved while at the same time ensuring that people on Rent Supplement are not priced out of the market for private rented accommodation.

The Department has

completed a full review of rental costs throughout the country using data received from the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) of actual rental tenancies registered with them.

The Department has also used publicly available data sources including the Central Statistics Office rental indices, the Daft.ie Rental Report and websites advertising rental properties to ascertain both the market trends and the current asking prices for rental of one, two and three-bedroom properties.

Due to the increase in the overall volume of persons renting property, the market share for Rent Supplement has fallen from 40% to approximately 30%.

This review sets Rent Supplement maximum

rates generally at the 35th percentile of availability – ie, to ensure that 35% of the relevant market is suitably priced for Rent Supplement recipients.

This will ensure sufficient housing stock is available for those on Rent Supplement. It is expected that the cost of this measure will be €7 million in 2013.

The new rent limits increases in show Dublin and Galway in line with trends in these rental markets.

These increases will benefit Rent Supplement tenants due to increased availability of property within the rent limits.

There have been reductions in rent limits rural counties in reflecting conditions in these rental markets.

Minister Burton said: “I am aware that the rental market has changed since new rent

limits were last introduced in January 2012. The revised limits reflect the current market conditions and will increase in a of urban number locations.

These increases will help customers sourcing in accommodation these areas within the prescribed limits. It is also my intention to introduce revised limits in the commuter areas of North Kildare and Bray which will

alleviate the pressures experienced by customers in these locations, as indicated by the findings of the review. I am pleased to say that the revised limits will be implemented from June rather than July as had been previously indicated at a cost of some €7 million for the remainder of this year.

This will be met from within the Department’s existing budget for the year.”

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phone 01 451 3822 or visit our website on www.newsgroup.ie

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aMeriCan ‘jelly belly’ soda drink 4 x 355Ml only

large glass jars sCented Candles Were €5.99 noW only

€9.99 €1.00

€2.00

astonisH

terry CHoColate orange noW only

€1.00

lynx body sprays only

tub oF jellies Were €6.99 noW only

€2.00

€2.00 €3.00

€2.00

neuro soniC energy drink

€1.00 4 For

1 kg siúCra only

€1.00

8pk skips / 8pk disCos / 8pk Frisps / 10pk spaCe raiders

€3.00 any 3 For

box oF top brand Crisps

€2

45 paCkets

only

a box

giant blue roll only

pink leMonade 12 bottles

sMall glass jars sCented Candles noW only 3 For

1.5 litre Mi Wadi orange 2 For

€2.00 €2.00

this week’s super speCial

spend €30

and Get a €10 vouCher For rapunzel’s hair & beauty salon at st. dominiC’s shoppinG Centre

luCozade

€3.00 only

€1.00

Terms & Conditions Apply. All special offers subject to availability. See instore for details