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The Fianna motion, which passed earlier

Fáil was this

with false and exaggerated claims. Deputy Curran commented, “We want to ensure that consumers get a fair deal and have put forward a series of measures, which would reduce these inflated premiums. The passing of this motion was the first step in a process, which will hopefully clamp down on soaring motor insurance premiums, the Government must now take action to tackle motor insurance rip-off.

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“The Government must act without delay. In particular, I am calling on the Ministers for Finance and Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation

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massive hikes in their motor insurance premiums – with the latest CSO figures revealing that the annual rate of increase in motor insurance hit a record 35.5% in May of this year.

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Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Mid-West John Curran says the government must take urgent action to tackle exorbitant motor insurance costs, following the passing of a Fianna Fáil motion in the Dáil.

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CLLR. GUSS O’ CONNELL ELECTED MAYOR OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL At the Annual Meeting of South Dublin County Council held on Friday 24th June, 2016 in County Hall, Tallaght, Councillor

Guss O’ Connell (IND) representing the L u c a n / Pa l m e r s t o w n electoral area was elected Mayor of South Dublin County.

Tributes were paid to the outgoing Mayor, Councillor Sarah Holland and Deputy Mayor Francis Noel Duffy, who thanked their fellow Councillors, Chief Executive, Daniel McLoughlin and the management and staff of the Council for their help and support during their term in office. Councillor O’ Connell was proposed for Mayor by Councillor Paul Gogarty (IND) and was seconded by Councillor Danny O’Brien (SF) Following a roll call vote Councillor O’ Connell was deemed elected to the Office of Mayor.

Mayor Guss O’Connell and Deputy Mayor Martina Genockey

Mayor O’ Connell in his acceptance speech said “I am deeply honoured to be elected as Mayor and First Citizen of

South Dublin County.” He added “during my term of office I want to focus on community, in this our centenary year of 1916, I want to give expression to that part of the proclamation that states, we will cherish all our children equally”. This is not only about young people but about all persons living in our Republic irrespective of creed, colour or allegiance”

outlined his priorities for his year in office which will include the theme of ‘Celebrating Community’ with a strong focus on those in our County who are marginalised especially those with a disability, ethnic minorities and older persons.

Mayor O’ Connell then

Mayor O’ Connell concluded his speech by stating that “South Dublin County has a very rich spread of people from different

to take the necessary steps to ensure that consumers are protected from these rip-off rates. A credible, transparent system which guarantees a fair deal for personal and business customers must be brought

forward”, explained Deputy Curran. “While we do not yet have figures for the amount paid out on claims in 2015, the amount paid out in claims in 2014 was 36% less than the amount paid out in 2011.

backgrounds and cultures. I am glad to note that both indigenous and immigrant people play a full and active role in society. It’s our job as public representatives to provide the leadership that will enable our communities to be fully integrated and enjoy the quality of live that they deserve. I will make myself available during my term as Mayor to do

just that and I look forward to doing so with the full support of all Councillors”

Therefore these figures do not substantiate the assertion by the industry that motor insurance claims are the main reason behind rocketing premiums. This makes it all the more important that the actions set out in a recently agreed Dáil motion on motor insurance, initiated by Fianna Fáil, are implemented by this Government without further delay.

took the opportunity during today’s Leaders Questions to pursue the Government to detail what is being done to implement the measures detailed in our motion. Fianna Fáil will continue to hold the government to account on this issue and will be insisting on the full implementation of the motion passed. It is not acceptable for the Government to agree to the passage of a Dáil motion and then do nothing to implement it.”

Councillor Martina Genockey (LAB) representing the Tallaght South Electoral Area was elected Deputy Mayor. Councillor Genockey was proposed as Deputy Mayor by Councillor Mick Duff (LAB) and seconded by Councillor Liona O’Toole (IND)

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LAUNCH OF MAJOR PROJECT TO ASSIST WITH MOTHER AND BABY HOMES COMMISSION OF INVESTIGATION

Justice for Magdalenes Research (JFMR) and Adoption Rights Alliance (ARA) have launched a major project which will offer support to those who wish to make a statement to the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes and Certain Related Matters. The project will provide individuals with free witness statement drafting assistance and it has been endorsed by Philomena Lee and her daughter Jane Libberton. It will be known as Clann: Ireland’s Unmarried Mothers and their Children: Gathering the Data (Clann) [http://www. clannproject.org] and it will be delivered in association with global law firm Hogan Lovells. JFMR and ARA believe firstly that it is crucial that those who wish to give evidence to

the Commission of Investigation have access to legal assistance at no cost, and secondly that the putting in place of such assistance will help ensure that the Commission of Investigation conducts the most comprehensive investigation possible and that it makes appropriate findings and recommendations.

Everyone who compiles a witness statement with Hogan Lovells’ assistance will retain a copy and will be free to use it for any other purpose, including making a written submission to the Commission should they wish not to appear in person. The Clann project has also created a Guide to the Commission of Investigation as a resource. Clann’s assistance will

be available to people living anywhere in the world. Assistance will be offered to anyone with experience of Ireland’s treatment of unmarried mothers and their children, and now adult adopted people, even if they do not fall under the list of 18 institutions initially being investigated by the Commission. ARA and JFMR have supplied the Commission with details of 170+ institutions, organisations, agencies and individuals who were involved with unmarried mothers and their children in 20th century Ireland. The Commission has statutory powers to request a widening of its focus and we believe that if a thorough and transparent investigation is to be made, the Commission will include all relevant bodies. In addition to

individualised assistance, Clann will anonymise donated statements and will gather documentary and archival materials in order to make a public group report to the Commission of Investigation, the Irish Government, and international human rights bodies. The Clann submission will also consider the range of forms of redress that may be due to various individuals, including access to records, disclosure of the whereabouts of remains and financial compensation. The witness statement gathering process forms part of a larger project to create a permanent archive of the experiences of Ireland’s unmarried mothers and their children via the Clann website. ARA and JFMR are concerned that the Commission of Investigation into

Mother and Baby Homes and Certain Related matters has no current plans to hold any public hearings or to allow public access (or access to those affected) to the documentary/ archival evidence that it is considering. Clann aims to provide public access to as much non-sensitive documentary evidence as possible, in order to create public awareness of the Commission’s investigations, in the hope that members of the public will contribute documentary evidence to both the Commission and Clann, and so that individuals affected can comment on the evidence. The Clann website will act as a resource for individuals affected by the issues and will be available to the wider public for ongoing education and research.

5 COVENEY MUST PUBLISH HOUSING ACTION PLAN BEFORE DÁIL RECESS Responding to the publication of the May homeless figures by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government which show yet another rise in homeless numbers, Sinn Féin housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD has said “given the dramatic rise in the numbers of people presenting a homeless Minister Coveney must publish his Action Plan on Housing before the Dáil recess.” Deputy Ó Broin said: “The latest homeless figures published by the Department of Housing show a 79% increase in the number of children in living in emergency accommodation since May last year. “There are now 3993 adults and 2177 children officially homeless. These figures do not include all those individuals and families sofa surfing, living with family in overcrowded accommodation or those imminently at risk of becoming homeless. “Every single day the housing and homeless crisis is getting worse. There is an urgent need for the new Minister for Housing Simon Coveney to act. “Given the dramatic rise in the numbers of people presenting as homeless Minister Coveney must publish his Action Plan on Housing before the Dáil recess. If this requires delaying the recess until later in July then the Government must do that. Providing homes for the 2177 children who will sleep in emergency accommodation tonight is far more important than renovation works in the Dáil or allowing TDs to return to their constituencies. “I will be writing to Minister Coveney this week urging him to bring forward the date for the publication of his Action Plan and calling on him to incorporate the recommendations of the Dáil Housing and Homeless Committee report, published yesterday, into his plan.”

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NEW LEGAL OPINION CLEARS THE WAY FOR GOVERNMENT TO DROP BAPTISM BARRIER IN STATE SCHOOLS

EQUATE, a children’s rights organisation which advocates for a substantial change in how primary and secondary school education is delivered in Ireland, has published new legal advice from three leading constitutional experts on how the State can move immediately to amend legislation to strike down the “baptism barrier” which allows Schools to legally refuse to admit children from different

faiths or none. Michael Barron Director of EQUATE said “This new legal advice from three leading constitutional experts’ points to a clear pathway for legislators to reform the Equal Status Act 2000 and in so doing to strike down the unfair baptism barrier. Over ninety per cent of our State schools are under the patronage of the Catholic Church and these schools can legally refuse to admit

children from different faiths or none. This baptism barrier where parents of minority or no faith are forced to baptise their child just to gain access to their local schools isn’t fair in a modern, diverse and fair society. It can’t continue. This legal advice shows that if the political will is there legislators can quickly move to make the necessary changes to the law to allow children of all faiths and none equal access to

their local state school. The current imbalance in the protection of religious freedom in the education system is unjust and by reforming section 7(3) (c) of the Equal Status Act 2000 it is possible to right that wrong. I very much hope that the Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald T.D. and the Minister for Education Richard Bruton T.D. will work together to amend this legislation in the interests of all children.”

PASSPORT OFFICE NEEDS TO BE PREPARED FOR CASCARINO EFFECT

Fine Gael Senator, Neale Richmond, has urged the Department of Foreign Affairs to prepare for the ‘Cascarino effect’ with the potential for large numbers of British citizens with Irish grandparents applying for Irish passports, in the wake of the result of the UK referendum on EU membership. “Prior to the referendum, applications for Irish passports from UK residents had risen by over forty percent; this included two of my cousins who are English born and bred but with an Irish father.

“I acknowledge that the Passport Office has already hired additional staff this year to cope with increased demand, but this may now need to be looked at again. The recent increase in British citizens with Irish grandparents applying for Irish passports could now move from a torrent to a flood. The ‘Cascarino effect’ is likely to put unprecedented pressure on the passport office at its busiest time.”

CHILDREN PAINT A BRIGHT FUTURE WITH DUBLIN BUS

Over 100 primary school students from the Mid-West of Dublin attended the 2016 Dublin Bus Children’s Art Competition Awards at City Services Social Club, Clondalkin. The art competition is part of an overall campaign by Dublin Bus to promote the concept of respecting public transport amongst school children. Each year Dublin Bus School Co-ordinators visit schools, based within the individual catchment areas, relaying the message to young people how to use and respect public transport in their respective areas. Since its inception, the annual Children’s Art Competition has gone from strength to strength and this year saw over 26 primary schools across the Greater Dublin Area entering the competition. Pictured were Caitlin Nugent, Katie McDonnell, Lucy Gleeson & Emily Maher all from Clonburris National School, Clondalkin who were just some of the 40 winners of the Dublin Bus Art Competition 2016. (Photo Chris Bellew / Fennell Photography)

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SUMMER DROWNINGS CAN BE PREVENTED

Thirty seven children aged fourteen and under drowned in a decade and in just a few weeks half a million children will be on summer holidays.

Irish Water Safety is appealing to primary school teachers to give children the vital information they need before the

summer

holidays.

Children are naturally curious about water therefore parents should check if their local primary school has yet introduced Irish Water Safety’s primary school curriculum that teaches children how to stay safe around water. Much of the programme is easily delivered as

TWEET OF THE WEEK by Lynda O’Donoghue Donnelly There was high praise indeed for Tallaght MMA fighter Paddy Hoolohan who opened SBG Tallaght alongside The Notorious Conor McGregor and coach John Kavanagh earlier this month. It has been the Tallaght fighters dream to open a gym in his hometown for many years and that dream became a reality with the opening of the new premises on the Belgard Road. SBG Tallaght, our Tweet of the Week for this edition, is open to all and caters for every level from beginner to advanced.

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it is classroom based yet many primary schools have yet to deliver this training. With just weeks to go before schools close, there is still time for teachers and parents to teach essential life skills to keep children safe from drowning. People drown silently, quickly and sometimes in only inches of water. An average of eleven

people drowns every month. They can drown beside others who are completely unaware. Children are particularly at risk and need constant supervision near water. Water Safety Week highlights the risks and the steps that need to be taken to avoid drowning over the summer:

Swim at Lifeguarded

zones listed at iws.ie Avoid swimming in unfamiliar places. Swim within your depth in case of cramp Lifeguards are not babysitters, take care of your child Beware of currents that may carry you away from a safe exit point Be aware of water temperature to avoid hypothermia Swim in daylight

not in darkness. Swim parallel and close to the shore. Pay attention to signs on the beach. Even if your child can swim, constant uninterrupted supervision is essential Learn to use equipment before trying it out. Never use inflatable toys in open water Swim in view of Lifeguards and heed their advice.

Wear a Lifejacket with crotch strap when boating or fishing from shore. Learn swimming, survival and water rescue skills Swim with others, never alone. Irish Water Safety (IWS) is appealing to parents to enrol their children in one of the IWS swim weeks at open water venues nationwide.

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WATER SERVICES BILL ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF GOVERNMENT KICKING DIFFICULT ISSUES INTO TOUCH Sinn Féin TD and spokesperson on Housing, Planning and Local Government Eoin Ó Broin has called the Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2016, “another example of this government kicking difficult issues into touch.” Despite the majority a majority of the 32nd Dáil being elected on an antiwater charges platform, the Bill that was debated today only provides for the suspension of domestic water charges for nine months. The Bill also fails to deal with the issue of arrears from the first year of billing. Deputy Ó Broin said: “The Bill debated today is a result of a ‘grubby little deal’ made between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil to secure power. “This Bill doesn’t provide for the abolition of Irish Water and it does not guarantee that domestic water charges

will be discontinued. “It only offers a temporary suspension of domestic water charges, which is contrary to all Fianna Fáil’s pre-election promises. “The expert commission does not provide a ‘clear path for an end to water charges’. “All the suspension and commission does is buy time for the government. “For a real review to be effective, the expert commission must address the key concerns of water poverty and water conservation, and not solely focus on payment models for water charges. “The enormous problems in our water and sanitation services are as a result of decades of severe under investment by Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil led governments. “The government does not want to invest in water and sanitation services. It has chosen tax cuts over investment

in public services. “The Right2Water movement has outlined an alternative to failed water policies of previous governments. “Water will be provided for on the basis of need and not on ability to pay. Water services will be funded through direct taxation. “Public ownership of water and water services must be enshrined in the Constitution. “It will be delivered through a democratically accountably and transparent board working with the river basin management groups and local authorities. “It will implement an ambitious capital investment programme in the water and sewage system, while meeting the broad objectives of the European Water Framework Directive. “The Right2Water movement will be watching Fine Gael and Fianna

Fáil closely on this issue. “There will be a huge electoral cost for any politician that was elected

on a platform for the abolition of charges and then fails to keep their promise. “Sinn Féin will continue

to campaign for the total abolition of domestic water charges and keep our manifesto promise.”

DIGITAL MARKETING OF JUNK FOOD TO YOUNG TEENAGERS NEEDS TO BE REGULATED NOW

Fine Gael Senator Catherine Noone has called for urgent regulation of the digital marketing of junk food to young teenagers. “The new report by the Irish Heart Foundation is very worrying. It has found that junk food companies are purposely targeting young Irish teenagers, on social media sites such as Facebook, and encouraging them to buy and consume unhealthy products, which have a link to childhood obesity. “I have long highlighted the dangers of the growing childhood obesity problem in Ireland. The World Health Organisation has predicted Ireland is on course to be the fattest country in Europe by 2030 and currently 1 in 4 children are overweight or obese.

“This new report reveals that companies use sophisticated techniques to target children online. These methods include Facebook’s likes, tags, comments, photos, links and hashtags, which they use to promote their products.

“These online ads have an emphasis on fun and humour, with links to sports events and festivals. The ads even regularly feature sports stars and celebrities, who are popular with children. This is not permitted under broadcasting codes for TV and radio, so why should it be allowed online? “If these companies are using hi-tech analytics to target children directly and monitor those who are more reactive to food and drink marketing, then there is no reason why we can’t

turn these hi-tech analytics on their head, and use them to introduce regulation, to ensure children and young people are not targeted by these companies “Most of us are aware of the ads that are shown on TV, but the specific nature of digital marketing means that parents are often unaware of companies targeting their children online. “I have previously highlighted the issue of alcohol companies targeting young people on social media and called for regulation of this genre of digital marketing. I am now also calling for this to be extended to food companies as a matter of urgency. We must not risk the long-term health of our young people.”

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TALLAGHT CHILDCARE CENTRES URGED TO AVAIL OF NEW SUPPORTS FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES Young children with disabilities in Tallaght and surrounding communities will enjoy improved access to pre-school services under a series of initiatives launched by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs and local TD, Katherine Zappone. Minister Zappone hosted the national launch and a new information website at the Ashling Nursery in Tallaght and encouraged local childcare providers and parents to act now to ensure enrolments would start in September. Both providers and parents of children with disabilities are being advised by the Dublin South West TD to go to www. preschoolaccess.ie to get more information on the new ‘Access Inclusion Model: AIM’. Speaking at the launch Minister Zappone said: “This is an important step to break-down barriers preventing children with disabilities from taking part in the Early Childhood Care and Education Programme. Parents and pre-school providers who wish to avail of AIM should make their applications now so that they can plan for enrolments in September. I am committed to working towards a more vibrant, inclusive and tolerant society which supports all children, equally, to realise their potential – today we have taken another important step to achieve that.

Our approach is child centred. From the website providers and parents in Tallaght can view how we are working to ensure that children with disabilities can better access childcare. A new inclusion charter, support from a team of 50 experts as well as access to specialised equipment. We hope to have an impact immediately with the first enrolments taking place as a result of AIM this September – but for that to happen it is

Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin MidWest John Curran is advising low income families to apply now for Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowances. “The school holidays may just be upon us, but I am urging low income families in Clondalkin and Lucan to apply for back to school clothing and footwear

allowances now. Families can spread the cost of uniforms and other back to school costs by applying early for this allowance,” said Deputy Curran. “The payments are funded by the Department of Social Protection. Parents receive €100 for each eligible child aged between 4 and 11 years and €200

important that preparations are made now and it is important that people do visit www.preschoolaccess.ie It is an honour to see at first hand the fantastic work being carried out in our communities by facilities such as the Ashling Nursery and as someone who has campaigned tirelessly on the issue of access to childcare I believe AIM is an important step to services which are equal and fair.”

Pictured are (l-r) Lorraine Dempsey Parents Representative, Erica Traynor Manager of the Ashling Nursery, Minister for Children and Dublin South West TD Katherine Zappone, and Teresa Heeney of Early Childhood Ireland at the Naitonal Launch of the AIM initiative to improve access for children with disabilities to preschool.

CALL FOR PARENTS TO APPLY FOR BACK TO SCHOOL ALLOWANCES

for each child aged between 12 and 22 years. Parents can apply online www.welfare.ie , via SMS (text Form BTSCFA followed by the name and address to 51909) or by emailing the Department at BSCFA@welfare. ie. If a customer has a query regarding this payment they may call - LoCall 1890 66 22 44.

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BOYLAN SLAMS EU PROPOSAL TO PUT HEALTH CLAIMS ON ENERGY DRINKS Sinn Fein MEP Lynn Boylan has slammed the EU Commission’s proposals to put health claims on energy drinks. The proposal comes on the back of the so called health benefits of caffeine such as improved concentration and alertness. However due to a failure of the European Commission to legislate for nutrient profiles, these health claims can now be advertised on products, such as energy drinks which are clearly far from healthy. Speaking on the proposal the Dublin MEP said “This proposal from the EU Commission is reckless, some of these energy drinks contain a staggering 20 teaspoons of sugar in an average 500 ml bottle. We now find ourselves in the ridiculous situation where the EU commission instead of regulating these unhealthy drinks actually want to put health promotions on the front!” “A recent study by the European Food Safety Agency showed that the 10-18 year olds are the age group most likely to drink energy drinks and the World Health Organisation have voiced their concerns around the impact such drinks have on younger people. “Ignoring the potential health risks for young people posed by a significantly growing trend for energy drink consumption among that age group is a risky strategy. Instead of pushing forward with health claims which help to promote these energy drinks, the Commission needs to reassess its priorities for safeguarding health and especially the health of children and adolescents” added Ms Boylan.

ARTS BURSARY AWARD WINNERS 2016 CONGRATULATED

South Dublin County Council supports leading artists from across the county through its annual bursary award scheme. The 2016 recipients of the awards have now been announced. Eleven awards have been presented, totalling €15,300, in the categories of music, literature, and visual arts. The awards range from €300 to €2,000. Mayor Holland met with the award winners in County Hall to congratulate them on their achievements and their contribution to the artistic development of the County. Orla Scannell, Arts Officer, spoke about the history of the bursary awards which were established in 2000 and the significant impact of the awards for artists. The meeting provided a wonderful opportunity for the artists to meet each other and exchange information about their practice. The winners of the The Annette Halpin Memorial Award for Young Musicians 2016 are: Garry O’Nuaillean, to complete an EP and tour; Killian Farrell, to train as a Repetitor; Luke Kehoe Roche, to attend masterclasses in violin and Killian

White, to attend masterclasses in cello. The Annette Halpin Memorial Award for Young Musicians is made possible by the generosity of the Halpin Family working together with South Dublin County Council and Music Generation

South

Dublin.

The Young Artists Development Award 2016 has been awarded to Eoin McAuley to publish graphic art novel. The individual Artist Bursary Awards 2016 have been awarded to:

Writer Eileen Casey, to complete a new publication; Music Composer Robert Coleman, to create a new multidisciplinary work; Musician Jane Hackett to complete a Masters Degree in classical strings performance; Musician Emma

Kenrick, to attend the Guild Hall Music Therapy programme; Singer Gemma Ni Bhriain, to attend the International Opera Studio in Zurich; Visual Artist Jane Fogarty, to create new works in resin and Curator Jennie Guy, to develop her curatorial practice.

Pictured Left to Right: Jane Hackett, Jane Fogarty, Emma Kenrick, Mayor Sarah Holland, Eileen Casey, Robert Coleman and Orla Scannell Arts Officer

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BARNARDOS SUPPORT MORE CHILDREN THAN EVER

Barnardos worked with more than 13,100 children and families in 2015 – more than ever before.

Releasing the figures, the children’s charity called on the new Government to act now to support those children who have been unaffected by the so-called economic recovery. Fergus Finlay, CEO, Barnardos, said, “The new Partnership

Government has promised to deliver a Fairer Ireland for all. If it’s not a Fairer Ireland for children, then it’s not a Fairer Ireland for anyone. “The government is currently preparing its first budget – its first chance to put its money where its mouth is. It must make the right choices and ensure that every one of those 13,100 children Barnardos

supported last year can look forward to a brighter future.” June Tinsley, Head of Advocacy, said, “Barnardos worked with more children and families than ever in 2015, so we know better than most how important it is to take action to support the 1,000s of children living in devastating poverty and who are still waiting for the so-called recovery to reach them.

“In the four months since the General Election about 300 more children have become homeless, there have been more than 14,000 referrals to Tusla, the Child and Family Agency and parents have, on average, forked out €2,672 on full time childcare per child. “Our advice to the new Partnership Government is simple:

invest in public services, not tax cuts; deliver on the programme for government pledge of prevention and early intervention – which will require prioritisation and investment, and above all, prioritise children. “As an example; a 1% cut in USC would cost the State over €300 million and mean just €4 extra per week in the pocket of someone on €40,000. For the same

money the Government could introduce a subsidised system of childcare and make primary education free for all children.” Niamh Kavanagh, a mother from Ballyfermot, said, “Just think what you could do for a community with all the money given to bankers and their pensions. And all the housing lost in the banking crisis and all the people becoming homeless. We’re only just hanging on ourselves. There are nine of us in the house plus a baby in a three bedroom house but the corporation told us we’d be years waiting for less overcrowded accommodation.”

Mark Kavanagh, her husband, added, “They say the recession is over but nothing has changed where we live, except people have more debt and the sense of community is gone. There are good services out there but without enough funding they can’t help people. “You have to catch kids at an early age. Our child was diagnosed with learning difficulties at an early age and is doing really well but I wasn’t diagnosed with dyslexia until I was an adult. School failed me, the teacher never taught me. The school system is still letting an awful lot of people down.”

NEW REPORT IMPORTANT STEP IN TACKLING HOUSING SUPPLY AND HOMELESSNESS Regretful that not everyone is prepared to work together to find solutions Fine Gael TD for Dublin South-West, Colm Brophy, says the new report today from the Oireachtas Committee on Housing and Homelessness is an important step in tackling the lack of housing supply and the increasing problem of homelessness. However Deputy Brophy has hit out at committee member Deputy Ruth Coppinger for her decision to walk away and introduce her own minority report.

and homelessness. “One of the key recommendations is that local authorities provide 50,000 new social housing units by 2020 and that planning be fast tracked on key projects.

“This Housing and Homelessness report is the work of all the members of the crossparty committee, which has been meeting for the past nine weeks and doing really positive work to find real solutions. It contains a number of key recommendations, which will hopefully make a real difference in solving the problems of housing supply

“I regret that Anti Austerity Alliance TD Ruth Coppinger has now chosen to step away from this process, by rejecting the report and introducing her own minority report. It is a pity that someone who worked with the committee on this, is now stepping away and playing politics with an issue that is having such a huge impact on people’s lives.”

“This committee was a very real example of all members of the Oireachtas working together to come up with solutions to a huge and wide-ranging problem facing so many people in Ireland.

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MINISTER BRUTON ANNOUNCES 860 EXTRA SPECIAL NEEDS ASSISTANTS BY END 2016 Government also agrees to carry out comprehensive assessment of the SNA scheme under National Council for Special Education aimed at providing better outcomes for students with special educational needs

The Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton TD, has announced the provision of 860 additional Special Needs Assistants which will be available for allocation to schools over the period September to December 2016, a 7% increase, in order

to meet the level of assessed demand. This will bring the total number of Special Needs Assistants to 12,900, at a total gross annual cost of €425m. This increase reflects the growing participation of children with Special Needs and will support their full participation

The Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton TD

and progression within the educational system. The Government also decided to proceed with a comprehensive assessment of the SNA Scheme, to be carried out by the National Council for Special Education. The aim of this process will be to provide better outcomes for students with special educational needs and to ensure that we are making the best form of additional investment for children with special needs. The announcement reflects the Programme for Government commitment to ensure that all children with special needs can maximise their potential. Minister Bruton said: “The aim of this Government is to use our economic success

to create a fair and compassionate society. In few areas is this more important than in making sure that children with special educational can fully participate in schools and maximising their chances of going on to other opportunities. “That is why I am very happy to announce that 860 additional Special Needs Assistants will be available to allocate to schools by the end of this year. That’s a 7% increase to meet the level of stated demand”. “I am also requesting the National Council for Special Education to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the SNA scheme, aimed at providing better outcomes for students and ensuring that we are making the best

additional investment for children with special educational needs. This Government is committed to providing the best possible results for the children and students in this area, and this process is the best way of ensuring that we deliver on that”. The NCSE will now proceed to notify schools of their SNA allocations for the coming 2016/17 school year and will publish details of these allocations on their website www.ncse.ie The NCSE will also notify schools in respect of new special classes which will be opened for 2016/17 and special schools staffing allocations for 2016/17. Details of these allocations will be published on the NCSE website.

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VETTING DELAYS LIMITING OPTIONS FOR PARENTS “DELAYS OF UP TO THREE MONTHS ARE STILL BEING ENCOUNTERED”

Fine Gael Senator, Neale Richmond, has sought clarity from the Department of Justice on the matter of Garda Vetting and the delays in processing applications. Senator Richmond tabled a Seanad debate on the matter and received an update from Minister of State in the Department of Justice, Finian McGrath. “The issue of Garda Vetting has unfortunately become an increasingly frustrating one for many voluntary groups, schools and commercial entities due to the delays involved. This frustration is accentuated at what is a very busy time of year for those who work with children, as the school holidays bring about

increased activity. “Vetting is a cornerstone of any child welfare strategy and is essential to best practice when recruiting people who work with children or vulnerable persons. The protection and safeguarding of our nation’s children is rightly at the forefront of the vetting process. However, the current delays are impacting on those who we rely on to safely work with children. “It is now nearly two months since the new e-vetting system went live however the feedback I have received from my local childcare facilities, kid’s sports camps, schools and clubs is that the inordinate delays still remain.

Compounding the problem is the fact that these groups and companies find it impossible to obtain information and establish the status of their applications. “Under the previous system it was claimed that the turnaround time was four weeks but unfortunately this was never the case. While it may have taken less than four weeks for the Gardaí to log and enter the vetting application, delays of up to three months were still being encountered at the formal vetting stage undertaken by an outside body. One constituent who contacted me explained that in 10 years of working with children, the quickest he ever had a vetting

application completed was 10 weeks all in. “The lengthy waiting times are unsustainable especially for commercial entities working in this sector, many of whom rely on part time or seasonal staff. “I tabled a debate in the Seanad asking the Minister to provide realistic waiting times for these bodies and discussed the ways in which we can eradicate the delays. I have asked the Minister to investigate the new system and to quantify the true waiting time for vetting. “The current delays are still hurting the many groups and businesses who cannot get new staff vetted in time, which in turn is limiting the options of parents.”

*Example €10,000 over 5 years interest rate 7.5%, APR 7.76 Monthly repayments of €229 and total cost of loan €11,872.57. Information correct as at 12/02/2016

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TALLAGHT JOB SEEKERS URGED AVAIL OF FREE THIRD LEVEL COURSES IT in Tallaght offers High Tech, Computing and Culinary Skills People seeking jobs in Tallaght and surrounding communities should take time to check out if they qualify for thousands of free third level courses available under a €28m investment, according to local Independent TD and Minister for Children, Katherine Zappone. The IT in Tallaght is joining up

with other Dublin colleges and third level institutions across the country to offer free courses which will improve the prospects for people seeking work. Minister Zappone has welcomed the active role of the local Institute of Technology in the new ‘Springboard+’ initiative by offering courses

on Innovation and Technology, Science in Computing as well as Culinary Skills. Welcoming the announcement the Independent TD for Dublin South West said: “By providing over 5,000 places on free courses ‘Springboard+’ is offering an opportunity for

people of all ages to increase their job prospects by securing qualifications in an area which interests them. The courses on offer have been selected for inclusion because they provide training and skills in those industries where employers are having difficulty in filling job vacancies. Overall 180 courses are being provided in 36 colleges. The availability of courses locally through the IT is particularly welcome and does offer opportunity to job seekers in Tallaght and surrounding areas on their doorstep – although people can of course apply to any participating college. It is also important to note that courses are being provided on a full time and part time basis, with many available through

evening classes. Tallaght Job-Seekers and those throughout Dublin South West should take some time to examine the information available on the special website www. springboardcourses.ie or by using a special freefone helpline

at 1800 303 523. Information will be provided both in terms of the type of courses available as well as eligibility criteria. There is no time to waste and I would urge people seeking work to act now if they wish to avail of this initiative.”

Independent TD and Minister for Children, Katherine Zappone

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OMBUDSMAN FOR CHILDREN URGES SPEEDY CHANGES TO LEGISLATION TO PROTECT CHILDREN IN DIRECT PROVISION The Ombudsman for Children, Dr Niall Muldoon, has welcomed the Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald’s confirmation of her commitment to extend the remit of the Ombudsman for Children to include access for children in Direct Provision centres, but has called for urgency in bringing this change into being. “I am very much encouraged by Minister Fitzgerald’s renewed commitment to extend the remit of this Office to include access for children in Direct Provision. However, the relevant changes to legislation must be made without delay to protect children in Direct Provision.

“Earlier this year, I raised the issue of children in Direct Provision in Geneva at a meeting of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child. The committee recommended that the State should consider amending the Ombudsman for Children Act 2002 so that my Office can investigate complaints from children in a refugee, asylumseeking and/or irregular migration situation. “Implementation of these recommendations will give children living in Direct Provision the same access to my Office as all other children living in Ireland. This will enable my Office to make a constructive contribution

to the overall welfare of children living in Direct Provision accommodation. “I know that amending the legislation to allow this change to take place is a priority for the Minister of Justice and I look forward to working with her Department over the weeks ahead to assist in this process. I also welcome the Minister’s report about the implementation of other recommendations from the McMahon Working Group and I urge her to keep progressing these as a matter of urgency so that all those in Direct Provision, especially the children and young people, can be assured of access to their full and proper rights.”

FINE GAEL TO EXAMINE ACTIONS OF LENDING INSTITUTIONS IN RELATION TO HOME REPOSSESSIONS Acting Chair of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party, Minister of State Catherine Byrne, has said the Fine Gael party is to examine the matter of home repossessions and the actions of lending institutions in this regard. Deputy Byrne was speaking after the Fine Gael Party passed a motion submitted by Bernard Durkan TD on the matter. The motion called on the Fine Gael

Party to examine the extent to which various lending institutions continue to press for the repossession of family homes or buy to let properties, which may have an impact on the number of applications for Local Authority Housing. A report will be conducted on this matter by the Fine Gael party, with a view to making recommendations to Government.

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The Legal Column

by Romaine Scally

Romaine Scally is the principal in the firm of ROMAINE SCALLY AND COMPANY SOLICITORS Main Street Tallaght, Dublin 24 TEL 4599506 FAX 4599510 email: legal@scally.ie are entering into a Contract with the seller. The information in the holiday brochure provided to you must not be false or misleading. You should receive a written copy of the Contract before you travel containing information such as: -

In this edition of the paper, Romaine Scally, Principal in the Firm of Romaine Scally and Co, Solicitors, answers more readers queries. In this issue we deal with queries with particular reference to holidays. As always please send your queries to: Romaine Scally, Solicitors, Main Street, Tallaght Village, Dublin 24. Telephone 4599506, Email legal@scally.ie. Q. I am just home from our family holiday and was very disappointed with the whole experience. The hotel was half a construction site and the pool only opened during the second week of our holiday as it was undergoing repairs. None of this was notified to us before we went on holiday. We just go on one family holiday a year and really look forward to it so we were very disappointed. Is there anything we can do? A. The answer to your question depends on whether or not you booked a package holiday or booked your accommodation directly with the venue or through a booking site online. In order to avail of the protection afforded to consumers who book package holidays, you must come under the strict definition of a “package holiday” under the Package Holidays and Travel Trade Act 1995. A package holiday is defined as a prearranged holiday that is sold at an inclusive cost which must last more than 24 hours or include an overnight stay. It must also include at least two of the following: a) transport; b) accommodation; c) a tourist service or activity (for example: day tours, children’s activities not directly linked to transport or accommodation but which makes up a significant part of the package) If you book a flight from an airline website and then book your accommodation from a link on that website, this is not defined as a package holiday under the legislation and therefore you do not have the same legal protection. Under Consumer Law, it is the organiser (tour operator or travel agent) who is responsible for ensuring that the holiday arrangements run smoothly. If you are unhappy with any element of the package, you should contact the organiser and insist that your concerns are addressed. When you book a package holiday, you

a) the cost of the holiday; b) the destination and duration of the holiday; c) the type of transport involved and departure times and places; d) the location, type, and category of the accommodation and details of any meal plan; e) any taxes or compulsory charges; f) the complaints procedure if the organiser fails to carry out their part of the Contract; g) cancellation arrangements for the organiser and consumer (for example where a minimum take up is required for the package holiday to take place) Before you buy your package holiday, the organiser must give you additional information such as: a) passport and visa requirements, if applicable; b) travel insurance requirements and details as to whether or not you need any special vaccinations; If you buy a package holiday from an operator that is based outside of Ireland, ask them or your travel agent what arrangements are in place in the event of the operator going out of business. If the information provided in the brochure is false or misleading, you may seek compensation from the tour operator or travel agent for any loss suffered or damage caused as a result. If you are not satisfied with the organiser’s response, you can contact the Consumer Association of Ireland in writing and should forward copies of all relevant documentation such as booking forms, brochures, and letters of complaint or contact the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission Freephone helpline: 1890 432 432. It is important to point out however, that you will only be able to avail of the protection of this Act if you comply with the above and have not booked your holiday directly with the airline and then again directly with the hotel under a separate arrangement. We hope that this has been helpful. Q. We have booked a holiday to Florida for September and it was a two centre holiday with two hotels in different parts of Florida. We put a lot of work into the planning and particularly chose these hotels and dates to suit the hotel availability and family commitments. We have now been told by our tour operator that they have to

change one of the hotels and re-route us through a different airport, making it a much longer flight and losing nearly a full day of our holiday. We are not happy about this. Do you have any advice? A. Firstly, it seems clear from what you have said that you do qualify to avail of all the protections under the Package Holidays and Travel Trade Act 1995. Effectively, your tour operator has now significantly altered an essential term of the Contract with you and they must give you the following options: a) a replacement holiday of equivalent or superior quality, if the tour operator can provide this or; b) a lower grade holiday with a refund of the difference of price, if the operator can provide this or; c) a full refund. Therefore, you will need to have a conversation with your tour operator and advise them that, if they cannot provide you with what you have contracted to buy from them, or an equivalent to your satisfaction then, you do have the option for a full refund. We suggest that you make an appointment to discuss the matter in some detail with your operator. You still have plenty of time in which to arrange a suitable alternative or book elsewhere on the basis of a full refund. We wish you the best of luck. Q. I have just returned from a holiday to Greece. The holiday itself was excellent but my bag got lost en route and I was only reunited with my bag a week into my holiday. This was very disappointing and I am wondering what rights I have, if any. A. The Montreal Convention deals with lost, mislaid, or damaged luggage when travelling by air. Under this convention, checked in baggage is considered “lost” if it has not arrived 21 days after the day on which it was due to arrive. Until then, some airlines claim that you are not at a loss as it is only “delayed” and will eventually turn up. In the case of baggage delay, the airline is liable, unless it took all reasonable measures to avoid the delay or it was impossible to take such measures. If they do offer compensation for a delay, some pay a set amount per day and some offer a refund of any essential expenditure you incurred, as long as you provide receipts. Aer Lingus and Ryanair are among the airlines who say that they will arrange to have delayed baggage delivered to your local address as soon as possible. If none of the above have been successful however, you need to consider a complaint to your airline. It is important however that the complaint is made immediately on arrival at your destination when you become aware that your baggage has been mislaid. You should report the problem at

the airport baggage hall. You should keep your boarding card and baggage reference number. Most airlines will want you to complete a property irregularity report before leaving the baggage hall. Filling it out proves that you notified them of the problem at the time of discovery. Make sure you get a copy of this form. Secondly, you then need to make a second written claim to your airline. You can seek compensation of up to around €1,200.00 for delay, damage or loss. The exact figure changes with international currency fluctuations and the length of time which you have been without your baggage and the distance you have travelled. The amount varies. We trust that this has been helpful. Q. My elderly parents were denied boarding on their flight to join us on our family holiday in Spain earlier on this Summer. The airline advised that they had overbooked and they had to deny boarding to four people. They did manage to get a flight out later that evening but we are wondering if they would be entitled to any compensation? A. This was indeed unfortunate, but not unheard of. The airlines are entitled to deny boarding if a flight is overbooked, for obvious safety reasons. Nobody is going to be happy if they are chosen to be the person or parties refused boarding. However, there are obligations on the part of the airline in this event. You must be offered an alternative flight or refunded the price of your ticket. You must also be provided with food, refreshments and reasonable access to telephone/ email. If necessary, the airline must also provide you with overnight accommodation while you wait on an alternative flight, as well as transport between the airport and accommodation. In your parent’s case, thankfully, they got out to join you the same day. They would however be entitled to compensation and this varies depending on the length of your journey. For travel up to 1,500 kilometres, compensation of €250 per person is applicable, going up to €400 per person for trips between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometres. Passengers are not entitled to compensation if they have been given at least two weeks’ notice that their flight has been cancelled or indeed if parties are denied boarding because airline staff believe that the person who is being refused is behaving in such a way which would be incompatible with safe travel. Also, people can be denied boarding in the event of a late check-in or if they are travelling free of charge or at a reduced rate not available to the public. If your parents have not been compensated then they can write to the Commission for Aviation Regulation who is responsible for overseeing the rules on compensation and assistance to passengers. We hope that this has been helpful.

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

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‘CLERYS LIKE’ CLOSURES COMING TO A STORE NEAR YOU

Dublin South West Sinn Féin TD Seán Crowe speaking on the anniversary of the closure Dublin’s iconic clothing store Clery’s has said that there is every chance that with no new proactive legislation for vulnerable workers that more ‘Clery like’ closures are likely to be coming to a store near you. The overnight closure of the Dublin department store saw 460 people lose their jobs without redundancies while the owners walked away with profits of up to €15 million euro. Deputy Crowe said that Sinn Féin will be introducing legislation this week which seeks to include a provision to close the current loophole and deal

with similar so-called ‘tactical insolvencies’.

Deputy Seán Crowe said: “This is the first Anniversary of the closure of Clerys and the shocking way in which the iconic Dublin store was liquidated. The Gordon Brothers Group essentially split the company in two parts allowing the company directors avoid any legal responsibility to the 460 loyal staff (some who had worked for decades) and walk away with a handsome, €15 million profit. “Sinn Féin, will introduce legislation that seeks to insert a new provision in the Companies Act 2014 in order to try and deal with so called ‘tactical insolvencies’ that leave many

employees without the basic or minimum redundancy package. “Sinn Féin’s legislation hopes to bridge the gap where assets and the rights of employees are legally allowed to be overlooked and in many such cases, simply ignored. “This appears to have happened in the case of the Clery’s with their employees being left high and dry while the company walked away and pocketed millions.

“Our legislation attempts to hold unscrupulous business owners to account and at the same time protect vulnerable workers. Currently the system in effect allows the separation or legal ‘personality’ of a company away from its

Director’s, protecting them from any liability of their business’s obligations to its employees in cases of tactical insolvency. “There is no denying that Gordon Brothers walked away from the Clerys sale with multi millions of euro in profits that left Irish taxpayers with the added responsibility to pay holiday money and redundancies to these workers. “The company also walked away from a whopping €2 million that they supposedly owed to the concession holders in the store. “The new legislation hopes to close the current loophole and prevent other rogue employers from engaging in tactical insolvencies with the

sole purpose of avoiding legal responsibilities to their creditors and employees.

“I believe that without new and proactive legislation there is every chance that

more and more of these ‘Clery like’ closures are coming to a store near you.”

87% OF STUDENTS FEAR HAVING TO DROP OUT OF COLLEGE BECAUSE OF COST OF EDUCATION 87% of students fear having to drop out of college because of cost of education, according to new research released by the Union of Students in Ireland who had more than 870 responses to a national survey of students. 74.3% of students have thought about dropping out because of the cost of education and 75.4% have worked leading up to and/ or during exams. When asked ‘have you missed lectures because of work?’ 63% answered ‘yes’, while 67.3% said their work negatively affected their academic success. 61.6% said they had worked to the point of burnout to pay for college. USI said the registration fee of €3,000, which is already the second highest

in Europe, should be reduced to make college affordable for every young person who wants to progress to third level education, and to make funding college less stressful. “It’s extremely worrying that so many students are working to the point of burnout, during exams and missing lectures to pay for college.” Kevin Donoghue, President of the Union of Students in Ireland, said. USI stressed that the dropout rate and the rate of students who fear having to drop out of college is directly linked with the cost of education, and are calling on Minister for Education and Skills Richard Bruton to put more financial support in place for students such as increasing the maintenance grant, reducing the registration fee.

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ROUND TOWER VISITOR CENTRE

South Dublin County Council is pleased to announce the recent signing of a contract for the construction of the Round Tower Visitor Centre and Garden in Clondalkin. The contract, valued at €2.32 million, was signed with Gem Construction Company based at Athlone Road, Longford. Gem Construction have an excellent track record in conservation projects and are responsible for the much-admired restoration of St. Mel’s Cathedral in Longford town. South Dublin County Council have previously worked successfully with Gem on large housing refurbishment programmes in Tallaght . Work on the project is underway and is scheduled to last 12 months. The project will include the refurbishment of the 19th century Mill Cottages at numbers 1, 2 and 3 Millview Terrace and numbers 15 and 16 Tower Road. The upgraded cottages will house a series of exhibition

spaces and small specialist retail unit. A new extension to the rear of the existing cottages will contain a bright café and associated service areas including lift and stairs. The entrance to the centre will be from a new public plaza on Tower Road. The café area will have an external terrace enjoying views of the 7th century Round Tower and a new garden.

Mayor Cllr Sarah Holland said “I enthusiastically welcome the development of the Round Tower Visitor Centre and see the Centre enhancing the visitor experience for our County, as well as putting Clondalkin Village, which is excellently located beside the Grand Canal Greenway, Corkagh Park, many nearby accommodation offerings and close to the Red Cow Luas hub, on the tourism map for Dublin.” The development will achieve a key South Dublin tourism strategy objective

of connecting our many parks and greenways, in the form of the Corkagh Park and the Grand Canal Greenway (links in turn into the City Centre) to local Villages, like Clondalkin. This will ultimately deliver an integrated tourism experience featuring heritage trails and interpretation, food and outdoor Park and Canal-side walks. The development of the Round Tower is opportune as the Council are also commissioning a study of adjoining Corkagh Park to explore options for further enhancement of recreation facilities for locals and visitors alike. The centre will also act as an attractor to retain in our County the many tourists staying the in corridor of well-located hotels on the nearby N7 and indeed for the 20,000 or so annual visitors to Camac Caravan and Camping Park. The Visitor Centre location close to Corkagh Park and

Round Tower Visitors Centre, view from south along Tower Road

the Grand Canal Greenway should meet the need for new and different heritage experiences beyond the City Centre and close to the natural outdoors which is an inherent part of Failte Ireland’s marketing of Dublin as “The vibrant capital city bursting with a variety of surprising experiences-where city living thrives side by side with the natural outdoors.” The permanent exhibition to be housed in the building will offer insight into Clondalkin’s early Christian

heritage including the history of round towers and monastic centres in Ireland and will also illustrate the urban development of Clondalkin, its people and stories over the last 1,200 years. The building is designed to accommodate other temporary exhibitions and children’s’ activities promoted and organised by South Dublin’s Libraries and Arts Office. The new development will complement the active local scene in Irish language, music and culture. The Council has received help

and support from a range of community groups in developing the project. The overall offering will enrich the County heritage experience, which is already home to St.Endas/ Pearse Museum and Rathfarnham Castle, which reopened to the public in October 2015, and will further meet the demands of key market profiles that Fáilte Ireland are targeting in their marketing campaigns such as culturally curious visitors to Ireland. The Centre will open in 2017.

CALL FOR DUBLIN STORIES OF IRELAND’S RURAL ELECTRIFICATION SCHEME Local people with memories of Ireland’s Rural Electrification Scheme are being sought to retell their tales as part of a new publication due out later this year. The book ‘Then There Was Light’ will provide a valuable snapshot of the time Ireland left the dark ages by allowing power and light into even the most remote communities. The publishers are asking people with memories of the Rural Electrification Scheme to get in touch, as well as people who may have heard stories of that time from older generations. The book will be accompanied by an RTE radio documentary to coincide with the celebrations surrounding the 70th anniversary of the commencement of the Rural Electrification Scheme. The stories for the collection and radio programme will

provide a frank insight into the suspicions, worries and welcomes faced by the ESB’s light brigade as they began work on one of the most important undertakings in modern Irish history. The stories from all over the country will encapsulate and preserve how rural Ireland came to terms with a rapidly changing society. The book and documentary will be co-edited by ‘Around The Farm Gate’ editor PJ Cunningham and Dr Joe Kearney. In November 1946 the first pole in ESB’s Rural Electrification Scheme was erected in a field in Kilsallaghan, near Oldtown, County Dublin. It took over two months before the connections were in place for throwing the first switch on January 15, 1947. The village hall was packed with local people, while up on the stage

sat a group of leading citizens, the parish priest and senior ESB officials. There was, however, a snag of which the audience was unaware. Severe winter storms had caused a last-minute fault in the supply line and even as the speeches commenced, a line crew was working frantically in the pitch darkness over a mile away to put things right. Seconds before the engineer in charge, W. F. Roe, was about to admit defeat, he got a signal to say that the first switch on would happen. And then there was light… All stories received will be considered for inclusion in the radio documentary and book. People looking to share their memories should contact Dr Joe Kearney (087 2633041) joe. kearney@eircom.net or PJ Cunningham (086 8217631) pjcunningham1@gmail.com

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CARMICHAEL CENTRE CALLS FOR STRONGER GOVERNANCE CHARITY BOARDS STRONGLY URGED TO TAKE STOCK OF THEIR GOVERNANCE ROLE

With yet another scandal breaking in the charity sector, and the consequent damage being wrought on all charities, Carmichael Centre strongly urges charity boards to take stock of their governance role. “RTÉ Investigates - Broken Trust” revealed a litany of failings in one charity around financial oversight, independence of the board, tax irregularities, misrepresentation and deception. The Governance

Code for Community and Voluntary and Charitable Organisations is a practical tool for charities to get to grips with good governance. It prompts the board to look at five key areas of governance: leadership, control, t r a n s p a r e n c y, effectiveness and integrity. All of these are underpinned by the principle of trust that is placed in charity boards to make sure the charity is doing what is right. When trust is broken

it is very hard to fix it. Carmichael Centre as a leading provider of training and supports to the sector of Good Governance practice reminds all organisations and the media that we along with our partners continue to promote good practice to deliver the highest standards in our sector. We support compliance with the Governance Code through our Governance Code Support Service. We would also ask all organisations to

ensure that they are fully compliant with all the requirements of the Charities Regulatory Authority, in particular, that they have met their annual reporting obligations. Other initiatives very recently launched by Carmichael Centre to promote Good Governance include the Template Constitution for Company’s Limited by Guarantee (CLG’s), the Board Chairs Network and the Good Governance Awards which will take place on the 18th October.

INSTABILITY AHEAD, BUT WE MUST REMAIN CALM AND FOCUSED Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Mid-West John Curran has reacted to the news that the UK has voted to leave the European Union, calling on the Government to move quickly to reassure Europe of Ireland’s position. Deputy Curran commented, “The decision of UK voters to leave the EU is a massive disappointment and is a truly seismic event. The full consequences are unknown, but they will be significant and the implications for Ireland especially so. “The constant negativity about Europe over decades and the failure to sell the

positives of European membership during this campaign have led to this result. “It is crucially important that the Irish Government move immediately to reassure the international community that we remain committed to our European membership and to constructive relations with the U.K. “There is a period of serious instability ahead. It is important that Irish representatives remain calm and focused,” concluded Deputy Curran.

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REVENGE PORN MUST BE CRIMINALISED

Fine Gael Senator Catherine Noone has called for revenge porn to be criminalised. “I was shocked to hear a victim of cyber harassment, or what’s more commonly known as revenge porn, talk about her ordeal on radio this week. The young woman endured an outrageous violation of her privacy, when explicit pictures and a video were posted online by her disgruntled ex-boyfriend. The young woman was completely unaware that she was being video- recorded on his webcam at the time. “Having spoken to many in the legal profession about this, it’s clear that currently the investigation of revenge porn is very poorly provided for under Irish law. This is wrong and leaves Gardaí with limited scope to act. “Irish legislation is weak when it comes to protecting adults who have been seriously victimised on

social media or online, including being depicted in intimate private photographs and videos. “Last year the UK passed legislation, making it illegal to disclose a private sexual photograph or film without the consent of the person depicted in the content. In the US, 34 States currently have revenge porn laws. Meanwhile Australia and New Zealand have also recently introduced state laws criminalising revenge porn abuses. Ireland must now follow suit. “The fact that there is no legal deterrent in this country for anyone who wishes to violate a person’s privacy in the most explicit way is totally unacceptable. I am now calling for the introduction of legislation, in line with the UK, to provide adequate protection for adults against the scourge of cyber harassment and revenge porn. There is an urgent need for updated legislation for this cyber age.

TALENTED CLONDALKIN STUDENTS WIN TEXACO AWARDS Four Clondalkin students are among 40 Dublin winners who have been presented with top awards in this year’s 62nd Texaco Children’s Art Competition. Pictured is Alex McGowan (7), from St. Mary’s Junior School, who won a Special Merit Award in the competition. Presenting him with the award is James Twohig, Director Ireland Operations of Valero. Other winners from the area, who also received Special Merit Awards at a ceremony held in Dublin recently, were

Holly Melia (17) and Connor Murray (16), both from St. Joseph’s

School, Tallaght and Lydia McGee (17), from Templeogue.

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

MIRACLE PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked for many favours. This time I ask you for a very special one. Take it, dear Heart of Jesus, and place it within your own broken heart where your Father sees it. Then in His merciful eyes it will become your favour and not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for three days. Promise publication and favour will be granted no matter how impossible. Never known to fail. J.O.D. MIRACLE PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked for many favours. This time I ask you for a very special one. Take it, dear Heart of Jesus, and place it within your own broken heart where your Father sees it. Then in His merciful eyes it will become your favour and not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for three days. Promise publication and favour will be granted no matter how impossible. Never known to fail. A very special ‘Thank You’ to the Angels G.L. MIRACLE PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked for many favours. This time I ask you for a very special one. Take it, dear Heart of Jesus, and place it within your own broken heart where your Father sees it. Then in His merciful eyes it will become your favour and not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for three days. Promise publication and

favour will be granted no matter how impossible. Never known to fail. A.K. PRAYER FOR HEALING Heavenly Father, I call on you right now in a very special way. It is through your power that I was created. Every breath I take, every morning that I wake, and every moment of every hour, I live under your power.Father, I ask you now to touch me with that same power. For if you created me from nothing you can certainly recreate me. Fill me with the healing power of your spirit. Cast out anything that should not be in me. Mend what is broken. Root out any damaged cells. Open any blocked arteries or veins and rebuild any damaged areas. Remove all inflammation and cleanse any infection. Let the warmth of your healing pass through my body to make new any unhealthy areas so that my body will function the way you created it to function. And Father, restore me to full health in mind and body so that I may serve you the rest of my life. I ask this through Christ Our Lord Amen. I.B. MIRACLE PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked for many favours. This time I ask you for a very special one. Take it, dear Heart of Jesus, and place it within your own broken heart where your Father sees it. Then in His merciful eyes

it will become your favour and not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for three days. Promise publication and favour will be granted no matter how impossible. Never known to fail. T.C. MIRACLE PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked for many favours. This time I ask you for a very special one. Take it, dear Heart of Jesus, and place it within your own broken heart where your Father sees it. Then in His merciful eyes it will become your favour and not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for three days. Promise publication and favour will be granted no matter how impossible. Never known to fail. D.O.R. As our regular readers will know we have asked for your generosity in supporting very worthy charities over the last few years including NCBI Solas Centre in Clondalkin, Tir na nOg (Cheeverstown House) and Laura Lynn Children’s Hospice . These charities have all been involved in providing vital services to children with special needs and their families. We would like to thank all readers who have supported our chosen charities to date and while we will still be supporting Laura Lynn Children’s Hospice going forward, we are delighted to support The Irish Pilgrimage Trust. We are appealing to you our loyal newspaper

readers to show your generosity in helping us to support an equally worthy charity, The Irish Pilgrimage Trust. The Irish Pilgrimage Trust is a registered charity in Ireland (Charity Number: 5992), and for over 40 years the Trust has been travelling on pilgrimage/ holiday to Lourdes with young people with special needs, from all over Ireland. The Trust has over 1100 people travelling at Easter time and it is divided into small groups of approx 10 young people and 12 volunteer carers who stay in one of the many Hotels in Lourdes. In June we bring a group of 110 people to Hosanna House in Lourdes for what is a unique experience both Carer and Guest. We have two facilities in Kilcuan, Co. Galway and Cois Cuain, Co. Wexford each offering

different opportunities. Both facilities provide Friendship weeks during the Summer. Application forms are available from our Office at 091 796622. For more information on the Irish Pilgrimage Trust please contact us at 091 796622 or Email info@ irishpilgrimagetrust. com or visit our web page on http://www. irishpilgrimagetrust.com for more information.. If you would like a Novena published please send a postal order or cheque made payable to The Irish Pilgrimage Trust and send it, along with your Novena to: Newsgroup, Unit 3, Floor 2, St. Dominic’s Shopping Centre, St Dominic’s Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24 If you require any further information call us on 087 6535443.

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ALARMING ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION FINDINGS WARRANT IMMEDIATE ACTION FF Dublin West TD calls for Government to progress Public Health (Alcohol) Bill

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for Community and National Drug Strategy Jack Chambers has called on the Government to prioritise the Public

Health (Alcohol) Bill in the wake of a new report which shows a frightening rise in alcohol related illnesses in Ireland over the past 20 years. The report by the

Health Research Board shows that the level of alcoholic liver disease has trebled in Ireland since 1995. Three people now die in Ireland every day due to harmful drinking.

HAROLD’S CROSS TALLAGHT MUSICAL SOCIETY WIN AWARD WITH IRISH PREMIERE OF URINETOWN

Deputy Chambers said, “The latest figures are deeply concerning and more proof of the terrifying scale of the problem of harmful drinking here. Ireland had the fourth largest consumption of alcohol out of 36 countries in the OECD in 2012. We have arrived at this current situation through a combination of apathy and disinterest. Ireland’s alcohol problem was a ticking time bomb but, based on these

figures, it appears this bomb has gone off. “The average alcohol intake of 11 liters per person is massively ahead of the State’s stated target. Beyond the enormous public health problems that this is having, the knock-on effects of our excessive drinking is just as concerning when we see there were 160,000 alcohol related hospital bed admissions in 2013. This resulted in a €1.5bn

cost to the tax payer. Deputy Chambers also pointed out the worrying trends identified in the report among young drinkers, including those as young as 15 years old. “Hospitals around the country are identifying health defects, particularly liver problems, among people in their teens and 20s which traditionally were only identified in much older people who

have been consuming alcohol all their lives. This is arguably the most shocking finding and immediate action is required.” Deputy Chambers called on the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald to progress the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill, which contains a range of measures including minimum unit pricing and structural separation in shops selling alcohol, as quickly as possible.

ACTION DEMANDED ON GALLAGHER SITE

Julie Donnelly and members of Harold’s Cross Tallaght Musical Society Dublin celebrate after it was announced they won the ‘Best Overall Show Gilbert Section’ for the production of ‘Urinetown’ at the AIMS (Association of Irish Musical Societies) annual music theatre awards in the INEC, Killarney at the weekend. (Photo: Don MacMonagle)

Councillor Charlie O’Connor has called on South Dublin County Council to take whatever action is possible in respect of the condition of the former site of Gallagher Cigarettes at the Airton Road/ Greenhills Road junction and has confirmed that he is receiving many representations from the local community in that regard. He raised the matter directly with Council Management and has received the following response:“I wish to advise that we are currently drafting a Notice pursuant to Section 3 (1)(a) of the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act 1964, on the owners of the site requesting that the existing chain link fencing be removed and replaced with Pallaside fencing to match

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existing fencing on site. We have also requested that all entry points be blocked on up site. We are also drafting a Notice pursuant to Section 11 of the Derelict Sites Act 1990, requesting the removal of all overgrown vegetation and weeds, remove all rubble/rubbish from site and ensure site is inspected regularly and maintained in a neat and tidy condition. We have been in touch with the Company in charge of the site (the owner is overseas) and explained the urgency regarding these matters. We would expect to have both Notices issued within the next week” According to Charlie O’Connor there is much concern in the community in respect of the site and he is anxious that effective action be taken.

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TALLAGHT HOSPITAL SEES HUGE NUMBERS SIGNING UP FOR 2016 CHARITY CYCLE 120 people register to take part, a 136% increase on 2015 The annual Summer 99 Charity Cycle at Tallaght Hospital is going from strength to strength, with large numbers signing up for the 2016 event. 120 people have registered according to the hospital, more than twice as many who took part in 2015. Registration for 2016 is now closed and organisers of the event are thrilled with the uptake. The Summer 99 event, which takes place on June 25th, promises not only to be an enjoyable day out for all, but also a chance to support the vital renal

service at Tallaght Hospital. All funds raised at the Tallaght Hospital Charity Cycle will be donated to the Hospital’s Renal Unit. The Renal Unit at Tallaght Hospital provides the second largest Hospital Haemodialysis service and the largest peritoneal dialysis centre in Ireland. While traditionally all dialysis was delivered in hospital, Tallaght Hospital now offers patients, that are suitable, the option of having their dialysis at home. This means that patients no longer have to spend up to 20 hours away from home

every week getting treatment; they can have their dialysis at a time that suits them and their schedule, and gives them more time to spend with their family and friends. This year’s cycle route covers three counties, departing from Tallaght Hospital and passing through Clane and Naas before taking in Blessington and the lakes and then returning to the Hospital. Those who live along the route are encouraged to show their support and cheer on the cyclists. Professor George Mellotte, Renal Consultant at Tallaght

Hospital said, “It is brilliant to see such a high number of people registering to take part in this year’s charity cycle. All funds raised will go to support renal services and will be invaluable in helping us to maintain and improve our service. I wish all the participants the best of luck and I hope they have a very enjoyable day.” Lucy Nugent, Deputy CEO of Tallaght Hospital said, “I want to thank all of the 120 people who registered to take part in this year’s charity cycle for the very worthy cause of renal services . I also want to thank

all the organisers and volunteers who give generously of their time to make this event a success. We are also extremely grateful to the local community for their support at the two stationary cycles, located in the Hospital and at the Square Shopping Centre. It is fantastic to see the number of participants for this year more than double and I wish the cyclists and volunteers a safe and enjoyable day.” Last year’s event raised over €15,000 for Stroke Services at Tallaght Hospital, with over 50 cyclists taking part.

TWO WEEKS PAID PATERNITY LEAVE FOR FATHERS WELCOME NEWS FOR FAMILIES The Paternity Bill has formally introduced to the

been Dáil.

This will be very welcome news for fathers and will afford them the opportunity to be more involved at the earliest stages of a child’s development. In fact it will be beneficial for the whole family, as studies

show that targeting investment in a child’s early years leads to better outcomes for both the child and wider society.he added When enacted, this legislation will allow new fathers in to start the combined package of paternity leave and paternity benefit, at any time within the first six months following birth. It will also apply

to the fathers of newly adopted children. The Department of Social Protection will provide fathers in with paid paternity benefit of €230 per week for the two weeks of Paternity Leave. Employers will also have the option of providing a further top-up to the Dad’s regular salary if they so choose.

Pictured from left to right: Tallaght Hospital Staff participating in one of two stationary cycles held in aid of the Summer 99 Charity Cycle for Renal Services, Stuart O’Connor, Amy Carswell and Niamh Carolan were part of a large team of staff and hospital volunteers that supported the stationary cycles

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Entertainment Guide

With

by Lynda O’Donoghue Donnelly email: lynda@newsgroup.ie

Covering ● Tallaght ● Clondalkin ● Lucan ● Rathcoole ● Saggart ● Newcastle TOP FIVE FILMS – Summer With the sun high in the sky for the beginning of Summer we are all keep our fingers crossed that those dark clouds will stay away. Just in case the Irish weather is its usual stormy self we have picked out Top Five Films – Summer to give readers an outlet during the inevitable bout of Irish Summer rain. Our picks have everything from sun, sea and sand to love, gore and humour to keep your indoor Summer evenings entertaining. 1. Point Break – The 1991 version starring Patrick Swayze and Keanu Reeves is the story of a gang of bank robbers, the expresidents, who are surfers in their spare time. An undercover FBI agent thinks he can infiltrate the ring. Quality movie with some great, cheesy acting. Has recently been remade but the 2015 version doesn’t live up to the original. 2. My Girl – This film is the quintessential Summer

movie about love, loss and growing up. Vada and Thomas as best friends who do everything together – but Vada is hard work; she is obsessed with death, teases Thomas for being allergic to ‘everything’ and is in love with her English teacher. Despite that Thomas sticks by her as she tries to deal with her dad falling in love again after the death of her mother. Make sure you have tissues at the ready. 3. Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants – This movie might be pretty heavy on the schmaltz factor but it is entertaining and has some great performances. Four best friends try to stay connected as they part ways for the Summer and their lives take off in different directions. They vow to share a pair of jeans posting them to each other to keep their bond alive through some tough times. 4. Weekend at Bernie’s – One of the funniest movies you are likely to see. Two

employees pretend that their murdered boss is still alive so as they can party at his beach house. However, they are unaware that a hapless hitman is trying to finish the job; putting them in serious danger with hilarious consequences. One to make you laugh out loud. 5. Jaws – As Summer movies go this could be one of the most terrifying ever made. A great white shark terrorizes a beachside town, killing, maiming and frightening families and tourists. Authorities are unsure what they should do – they don’t want spook tourists but people are dying. It is time to hunt down the predator. Possibly one of the greatest movies of all time. These are our best picks for the Top Five Films – Summer and are bound to keep you on all those rainy Irish Summer days. So if you want to see the sun grab one of these movies and kick back to enjoy.

A scene from Weekend at Bernie’s

Lucan East Educate Together makes its mark Lucan East Educate Together will make its mark by launching a brand new book which tells the history of the multidenominational school. ‘Le Cheile Le Chroi’ tells the story of how Lucan East Educate Together came about and the exciting first eight years

of the brand new school. The school first opened its doors in 2008 and has gone from strength to strength in the years that have passed – with the very first students set to graduation this year. Margaret Callan Bergin from Garbo Productions has been working with the school on different arts and education

projects since the very beginning and is proud of their latest collaboration. Margaret said: “Arts in Education may seem like a new buzz term in both the arts and education world but while the term may be new, the concept and the practice are far from new.” Sixth class students from the

school alongside teachers Alan Deegan and Linda Maher, guided by Margaret, put the book together over a period of one year. Margaret added: “Among the many aspects to the project, the students became history detectives and created personal archive boxes, investigated the school story and engaged in drama workshops. They then went on to interview all of their teachers and their principal Eddie Fox.” The project also encompassed the 1916 celebrations across the country with a wall mural to commemorate the project and ‘Le Cheile Le Chroi’. Margaret said: “It will be an emotional farewell to these two sixth classes who were the first junior infants through the door of this school in 2008, but while they may be gone, their time in this school will not be forgotten, as their artistic and historic footprint will remain there forever

through this wonderful book and project.” ‘Le Cheile Le Chroi’ is a limited edition and will be

launched on June 30th by Educate Together CEO, Paul Rowe, as part of the sixth class students graduation.

LOCAL PRESENTER TO FRONT NEW 3e CHILDREN’S SCHEDULE Starting this week Irish television channel 3e will bring a whole new brand of entertainment to TV screens – delving into much-loved children’s programmes. The new TV strand, 3Kids, went live on the channel on Monday and will feature classic shows including Barney & Friends, The Wiggles, Teletubbies, Origanimals, Babar and Badou and more. Indeed, there was a special atmosphere at the new programming announcement last week as Barney and Friends visited ‘Imaginosity: Dublin’s Children’s Museum’ in Dublin. At the launch 3e announced a raft of new shows for the station’s children-centred programming including Big Bear and Squeak, Tip The Mouse, Little Princess, Stella and Sam and Ready Steady Wiggle. The shows will run from 7am to 10am seven days a week on 3e with two new Irish presenters Claire Flynn and Ollie Kelly. The duo will bring both youth and enthusiasm to the line-up with

Rathfarnham native, Claire, excited at the opportunity. She said: “I have three nieces and five nephews so I know how much kids love waking up to their favourite programmes in the morning. “We’ll largely be intro’ing and outro’ing the shows but I hope we can make it a lot of fun in between for all the little ones at home.” Claire and Ollie were chosen

from a pool of hopefuls to front the station’s new “fun filled mornings” as in-vision continuity presenters. Ollie said: “Claire and I have lots of great ideas for the boys and girls at home so we’re looking forward to meeting them all when we go live.” 3Kids is currently live and will broadcast from 7am to 10am every morning on 3e.

Barney and Friends were at ‘Imaginosity: Dublin’s Children’s Museum’ to launch 3e’s new children’s TV strand ‘3Kids’. 3Kids, which will broadcast from Monday 27th June, will feature some all-time kids favourites like; Barney & Friends; The Wiggles; Teletubbies; Origanimals; Babar and Badou and lots more. (PIC Paul Sharp/SHARPPIX)

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Covering ● Tallaght ● Clondalkin ● Lucan ● Rathcoole ● Saggart ● Newcastle

NEW PEUGEOT 2008 SUV ARRIVES JUST IN TIME FOR JULY 162-REGISTRATION PLATE The new Peugeot 2008 Compact SUV enters Irish showrooms this June, just in time for the July 162-registration plate. The latest Peugeot 2008 has been restyled and features enhanced specifications. A more assertive and appealing SUV design is delivered thanks to a new vertical front grille. New wheel arch extensions and scuff plates are standard from Allure level three versions. Access, Active and Allure levels are now complemented by the new sporty GT Line level four version, which has Grip Control as standard. Retail prices start from €19,400 plus delivery related charges for the Access 1.2 PureTech petrol 82bhp model, rising to €27,280 plus delivery for the GT Line 1.6 BlueHDi diesel 120bhp STT model. The new Peugeot 2008 SUV is available to test drive at all Peugeot Dealerships now. Access level one models, from €19,400 plus delivery, maintain their high level of existing specifications to include 6 airbags, air conditioning, Bluetooth, 2

x 12V sockets, LED daytime running lights, LED 3D claw rear lights, aviation style handbrake, front electric windows, cruise control + speed limiter, spare wheel, roof bars, tyre underinflation detection and height adjustable driver’s seat. All models benefit from Peugeot’s unique i-Cockpit interior combining a compact steering wheel with an innovative driving position and head up instrument panel. Active level two models, from €20,455 plus delivery, gain the following over level one: automatic dual zone air conditioning, a 7” touch screen, automatic headlights, automatic windscreen wipers, electrochrome rear view mirrors, front fog lights, 16” alloy wheels, front and rear electric windows, leather steering wheel, rear parking sensors and electrically folding door mirrors. The new model introduces a rear privacy glass on Active models. The Allure version, from €22,400 plus delivery, sees the addition of a

cielo panoramic roof with ambient lighting, chrome door mirrors, one-touch electric front and rear windows, chrome side window weatherstrips, height adjustable passenger seat, cornering assist fog lights and Mistral Oxford Black premium half leatherette trim. The new Peugeot Allure model further offers a rear view

Peugeot’s unique i-Cockpit interior combining a compact steering wheel with an innovative driving position and head up instrument panel.

parking camera, front and rear scuff plates, wheel arch and body sill extensions and specific Allure 16” Aquila alloy wheels as standard. MirrorScreen introduces MirrorLink® and Apple Car Play™ to the 2008 Allure model for increased connectivity. The new GT Line version, from €24,835 plus delivery, adds Grip Control, 17” alloys, satellite navigation, dark-tinted side windows / rear screen and aluminium sports pedals. Adopting the GT Line styling signature, already introduced on 208, 308 and 508 models, it features GT Line front and rear badges, gloss black roof bars, a body coloured spoiler with gloss black trim, black door mirror shells and GT Line grille. Inside, red stitching, a flat bottomed sports steering wheel with red stitching, seat belts with red border and black mats with red stitching complete the sporty look. Grip Control, patented by the PSA Group and now standard on the new 2008 GT Line, broadens the scope of the 2008 thanks to

an adapted traction system in low grip conditions. Grip Control optimises traction according to the terrain by acting on the front wheels. The system works handin-hand with a generous 16cm ground clearance and combined with All Season Goodyear Vector tyres, it has genuine versatility in all weather conditions and in snow, mud or sand. New colour options include Ultimate Red, first seen on the new Peugeot 308 GTi and Emerald Crystal. Active City Brake and Park Assist are also now available as options. The 1.2 litre PureTech petrol (82bhp, 110bhp, 130bhp) and 1.6 litre BlueHDi diesel (75bhp, 100bhp, 120bhp) engines on offer are highly efficient with four Best-inClass engines. The PureTech petrol engine has just won an International Engine of the Year 2016 award for its category for the second year running. Equipped with a wide choice of manual, ecomatique and now for the first time, a 6-speed automatic gearbox, all power trains

boast consumption of under 4.9 litres / 100km, with CO2 emissions ranging from 90g to 114g/km. Colin Sheridan, Sales and Marketing Director at Gowan Distributors Limited, Peugeot Importers in Ireland, said, “The Peugeot 2008 has been a tremendous success. It entered the market in 2013 and immediately appealed to Irish new car buyers, enjoying continuous growth in sales volumes in Ireland and across Europe, with production of over 500,000 units worldwide to date. This success is illustrated by a consistent podium place in the segment in Europe, firmly established since launch. We have no doubt that the refreshed styling, extra equipment, more colour options and the addition of the GT Line will allow us to continue to appeal to customers in 2016 and beyond.” The new Peugeot 2008 SUV is on offer for the new July 162-registration plate with 3.9% APR PCP low cost finance plus €3,000 scrappage.

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