Tallaght News

Tallaght News

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Minister Zappone says the successful applicants have been selected from community, not for profit and private services to ensure the widest spread possible and cover every community in South County Dublin.

Making announcement Independent TD

the the and

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs said: “From September we will see the biggest expansion of free childcare since the scheme was established.

Families in Tallaght and across the South County Dublin Area will see the number of free weeks they are entitled to increase from an average of 38 to 61, with children entering pre-school from the age of 3.

This funding is to ensure that providers are in a position to meet expected demand with the money intended to go towards building work, refurbishment and additional play equipment.

The volunteers, staff and managers in the childcare sector have transformed homelife for many local families by providing opportunities for children to learn and grow while at the sametime giving some time and space to parents.

The fact that 96% of children in our communities avail of the pre-school service underline its value to families.

Now we are beginning the next chapter of this scheme and it is an exciting one for all involved.

I want to wish the children, parents and the childcare providers every success and to assure them that as Minister I look forward to continue working with the sector to deliver further improvements in childcare quality, availability and affordability in the coming year.”

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from September to offer families access to pre-school from the age of three.

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Free childcare services across South County Dublin are receiving €250,000 to allow for a major expansion which will benefit thousands of families, according to Dublin South West TD and Minister for Children, Dr Katherine Zappone.

The Independent Minister is confirming that 40 local childcare providers have been successful in securing funding to ensure they can meet demand when free childcare is extended

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Zappone says funding will benefit thousands of families

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LOCAL CHILDCARE GETS €250,000 BOOST

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O’CONNOR CRITICISES DECISION REGARDING TALLAGHT GARDA STATION RE-DEVELOPMENT

Titles: Tallaght News, Clondalkin News, Lucan News and Rathcoole & Saggart News Printed by: Celtic Media Group.

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Local Councillor Charlie O’Connor has criticised the decision not to proceed with what he considers to be the urgent need for the re-development of the Tallaght Garda Station.

He raised the matter at the May meeting of the Tallaght Area Committee when he proposed a motion that “this Tallaght Area Committee calls on Frances Fitzgerald TD the Minister for Justice to review the policing arrangements for Tallaght, Dublin 24 given that our major

population centre has suffered much crime in recent times and asking the Minister to confirm plans to allocate additional manpower, vehicles and resources and also state when the long promised redevelopment of the current Garda Station will be undertaken”.

has yet to reply to the committee but in a recent reply in the Dail she said that she had been told by the Garda Commissioner “that there are no plans to provide a new Station or for major refurbishment works to Tallaght Garda Station at this time”

The motion was passed unanimously by members of the Tallaght Area Committee and the manager undertook to convey the business to Frances Fitzgerald TD, Minister for Justice. The Minister

According to Charlie O’Connor this is a very short-sighted view being adopted and he said that the Tallaght Garda Station, which was first built around 1987, is in need of serious re-development

and this should now be a priority given the pressures on the Station.

He added that the view from Garda Headquarters needs to be seriously challenged and said that the issue

clearly needs strong political intervention.

As an elected public representative for the Tallaght area, he intends to give this matter his particular attention and continue the campaign.

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MAKING HOMES IN DUBLIN 24 SAFE AND WARM FOR PEOPLE WITH ASTHMA New ‘Warmth and Wellbeing’ pilot scheme launched in local communities

People over 55 with asthma and Chronic Pulmonary Disease in Firhouse, Jobstown, Tallaght and other parts of the Dublin 24 post code should check if they can avail of a new scheme to make their home winter ready,

according to Dublin South West TD and Independent Minister, Dr Katherine Zappone.

Minister Zappone says the decision to pilot the ‘Warmth and Wellbeing’ Scheme to make local homes

more energy efficient is welcome and must be used to improve the quality of life of people in particular during periods of cold weather.

Under the scheme home and energy improvements can be carried out on the home

of those with Asthma or Pulmonary disease once a number of provisions are met, including that they are in receipt of fuel allowance and they have approval of a health care official.

Minister Zappone said: “The success of this

scheme in our local communities will ultimately lead to a decision as to whether it should be rolled out nationally, so there is a responsibility to get the word out to people who are eligible to have work carried

out on their homes.

Works covered by the scheme include attic and wall insulation, boiler replacement and draught proofing.

Once an application is approved then a survey will be carried out to identify what works are necessary, so there is no room for delay if people are to have their home is winter ready before the end of the summer.

It is important that we get the word out to health professionals and that a special guide which was produced

to promote the scheme is circulated to local doctor surgeries, health and community centres.

A special helpline is also available at 1800 250 204 or people with asthma or pulmonary disease can ask their HSE representative.

Making all homes energy efficient not only helps keep energy bills down but is very important for the health, in particular for people who are already vulnerable to colds, infections and other complications.”

HIGHER RENT SUPPLEMENT LIMITS IN DUBLIN WILL HELP WITH RISING RENTS Fine Gael T.D for Dublin South West, Colm Brophy has welcomed the news that higher Rent Supplement limits are being introduced in Dublin to help with rising rents “Minister for Social Protection Leo Varadkar and Minister for Housing, Planning & Local Government Simon Coveney have confirmed that Cabinet has agreed to increase rent limits under the Rent Supplement and Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) schemes.

“Dublin has a maximum rent limit, within which Rent Supplement can be paid. The new measure agreed by Cabinet today means that maximum rent limits will increase in Dublin and in every part of Ireland, with the increase reflecting the pressures on rental properties in each particular location.

“In Dublin there increases are : · Single shared - €430 · Couple Shared - €500 · Single – €660 · Couple - €900 · Couple/ One Parent Family – 1 Child - €1250 · Couple/ One Parent Family – 2 Children - €1275 · Couple/ One Parent Family – 3 Children - €1300 “The new limits mean that people in Dublin who cannot afford the full cost of private rented accommodation, will receive greater assistance from the State.

“Anyone in Dublin who has entered an informal top-up arrangement with their landlord is advised to contact their Community Welfare Service for assistance, as the Department of Social Protection will regularise these top-ups in most cases.

“This will provide more stability for tenants in Dublin and reduce the danger of families becoming homeless when their rent is increased.

“This Government wants to ensure that our recovering economy works for everyone in Dublin. We aim to achieve this by promoting an enterprise economy, making work pay, investing in public services, ensuring opportunity and a fair go for everyone. We must ensure that everyone in Dublin has a roof over their head.”

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THE GREEN ISLE HOTEL - A HIDDEN GEM IN THE MIDDLE OF WEST DUBLIN

by Lynda O’Donoghue Donnelly

With more than 270 bedrooms, an exquisite selection of food, live music and a refurbished leisure centre the Green Isle Hotel has established itself as the ideal location for family getaways.

Newly appointed Operations Manager Kevin Cumiskey believes that the hotel is a hidden gem in the middle of West Dublin and wants local people to spread the word.

Couples carvery special ..... Exquisite food

Kevin explained that Clondalkin customers have been very supportive of the local business with many people visiting the hotel for lunch and dinner.

He said: “We have an amazing deal on at the moment – three courses for two people just €25.

That runs every day from 12.30pm to 3pm and 5pm to 9pm,throughout July and August, it really is fantastic

value. We want local people to come in and try out the food here, it is excellent.”

As well as this outstanding value the hotel has also started live entertainment on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday to attract additional guests.

As part of the new entertainment schedule the Green Isle Hotel will host three special Cabaret nights next month.

Tickets, priced just €29, include a four course meal and entertainment with top class tribute acts performing on different dates.

August 5th will see the Elvis Experience at the hotel while Simply Sinatra will take place on August 12th before the final Cabaret evening on August

26th will see the Legend of Luke Kelly take over.

Tickets must be purchased in advance with the meal served at 7pm and entertainment from 9.15pm until late.

Kevin said: “Passing by outside people might think there are just rooms here but we have so much more – the food is fantastic, we have renovated our health club and have new experienced instructors in place plus we have the entertainment.”

The hotel also boasts an extensive conference centre with space for up to 1,000 people for corporate events and smaller spaces which can accommodate 21st parties, weddings, anniversaries

The conservatory afternoon tea area

Main bar area

funerals, civil ceremonies.

The Green Isle is also offering special membership rates for the upgraded gym and leisure centre.

Another new feature at the Clondalkin venue is the addition of Afternoon Tea to the menu for just €12 per person.

Impressive facilities, carvery specials and excellent customer service are part of what makes the Green Isle Hotel a place to visit all year round for couples, families and business guests.

For more information about the services offered at the Green Isle Hotel, or to book a room, simply visit www.greenislehotel. com or call 014593406.

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EUROPEAN COMMISSION PLAYING POLITICS WITH DOMESTIC WATER CHARGES

Responding to the latest statement by EU Commissioner Karmenu Vella on the issue of domestic water charges, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Water Eoin Ó Broin TD has accused the Commission of ‘flatly contradicting previous on the record statements’ and of ‘playing politics with domestic water charges in Ireland’.

Deputy Ó Broin said: “The latest response

by Commissioner Vella to a question from MEP Marian Harkin flatly contradicts previous on

the record statements on the issue from his office. Until today, the official position of the Commissioner was that he did not respond to hypothetical questions.

“On a number of occasions, Commissioner Vella has told Lynn Boylan MEP and other Irish MEPs that the issue of the Irish Governments use of the derogation on water charges contained in Article 9.4 of the Water Framework Directive could only be considered in the context of the Second River Basin

Management Plan.

This plan is currently being drafted and will be submitted to the Commission next year.

“Article 9.4 is very clear. Member States may seek an exemption from applying the polluter pays principle if they can demonstrate that their overall plan allows them to achieve the objectives of the Directive.

“Equally, replies from the Commission on the issue of what constitutes ‘established practice’ relates to practices in place at the time

of the transposition of the Directive. At this time, there were no domestic water charges in Ireland.

“Commissioner Vella’s latest statement represents a very significant shift in position from what he has said on the matter previously. It appears that he is playing politics with the issue of domestic water charges in Ireland. This is very unfortunate as it gives the impression of the Commission actively interfering a highly contested domestic political debate in a

very partisan manner.

“Both I and Lynn Boylan MEP will be meeting with officials from the Water Unit in Commissioner Vella’s Department in the coming weeks to discuss this issue.

“Sinn Féin’s position remains the same.

We believe that the Government can and should invoke the exemption contained in Article 9.4 as party of their Second River Basin Management Plan. In doing so, they must clearly outline how they intend to deliver on the objectives of

the Water Framework Directive including a more ambitious capital investment programme to bring our water and sanitation system up to EU standards.

“If the Commission were to reject

the Second River Basin Management Plan solely on the grounds of domestic water charges, the Government should then seek legal advice before deciding how best to proceed.”

TWEET OF THE WEEK

by Lynda O’Donoghue Donnelly South Dublin County Council elected a new Mayor recently with long-serving Independent councillor Guss O’Connell taking the chains.

The Palmerstown native will focus on Community during his time as first citizen while Labour councillor Martina Genockey will serve as Deputy Mayor.

Mayor O’Connell’s priorities will include the theme of ‘Celebrating Community’ with a strong focus on those who are marginalised; especially those with a disability, ethnic minorities and older people.

Our Tweet of the Week is from South Dublin County Council congratulating the new Mayor.

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NEW EDUCATE TOGETHER PRIMARY SCHOOL TO OPEN IN GREENHILLS

The Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton T.D. announced the opening, from September 2016, of a new primary school under the patronage of Educate Together. This development is part of the process of primary school divestment and follows surveys of parents on patronage choice in some 43 towns.

The aim of the surveys was to establish the level of parental demand for a wider choice in the patronage of primary schools within these areas of stable population.

Following agreement with the Archdiocese of Dublin, the new school will open in September 2016 in permanent accommodation in the former St. Peters Boys’ National School, Limekiln Road, Greenhills, Dublin.

The Minister said: “I am delighted to announce

the opening, from September 2016, of a new primary school under the patronage of Educate Together in Greenhills, Dublin.”

“We are determined to provide more choice for parents and to make it easier for parents to enrol their children in multidenominational schools, where they wish to do so.”

“That is why the Programme for Government commits to reaching 400 non-denominational and multidenominational schools by 2030. That is a highly ambitious target, and represents more than a trebling of the current rate of transfer of Catholic schools to multidenominational patrons.”

“We will continue to work with all stakeholders to facilitate the divesting process and strengthen parental choice and diversity within our school system”.

PROPOSED PSO LEVY WILL MEAN A FOURFOLD INCREASE ON 2011 LEVEL AND WILL WIPE OUT ALMOST 50% OF RECENT SAVINGS ON ELECTRICITY SAYS ST VINCENT DE PAUL The Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) has told the energy regulator that the proposed 36% increase in the Public Service Obligation Levy (PSO) on electricity bills is a fourfold increase on the 2011 level.

And that the increase will wipe out almost 50% of recent savings for electricity customers.

In its response to the Regulator’s latest consultation document SVP says that the proposed PSO increase will add about €90 (including VAT) a year to domestic bills.

This is an increase of about €23 (including VAT) on the current levy.

Recent price reductions in electricity charges have saved customers approximately €50 a year.

John-Mark McCafferty,

Head of SVP Social Justice and Policy says, “The PSO is a longstanding instrument of Government energy policy and the Regulator’s role is only to calculate the levy in accordance with Government policy.

“But it remains a largely forgotten tax which will raise €0.44bn in 2016/2017 to subsidise the energy industry, “It is imposed on all domestic customers at a flat rate, creating an increased burden on low income customers and those with a history of arrears and indeed multiple debts.

“Given the levy increase envisaged, the PSO can be viewed as a regressive tax.

“With VAT added domestic customers are effectively

paying a tax on a tax.

“In the interest of social justice and fairness, we urge a review of the PSO application for low income and struggling energy customers.” he said Customers are in a nowin situation with the PSO, says SVP. When wholesale electricity prices drop customers pay a higher PSO because the generating plants covered by the PSO have to be compensated but if wholesale prices increase the increase is passed on to the customers.

The PSO levy was designed by the Irish Government to support its national policy objectives related to renewable energy, indigenous fuels (peat) and security of energy supply.

Some of the required funding (subsidies) ended in 2015 but new (renewable) schemes continue to be added subject to Government and EU approval.

“At this stage the security of supply and indigenous fuels recede in importance and some 75% of the proposed levy is funding renewables.

“In 2011 the annual levy per customer (less VAT) was €19.33. It is now €60.09 and the proposal is to bring it up to just €80 from October next, a four-fold increase in five years.

“While we are in favour of supporting renewable and sustainable energy, in the light of such an increase the operation of the PSO levy must now be reviewed.” said Mr McCafferty.

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CALLS FOR VISION AND IMPLEMENTATION PLAN FOR HEALTH SERVICE

Dublin South West TD Seán Crowe an active member of the Tallaght Hospital Action Group has said that the local hospital in Tallaght has been starved of resources since its opening in 1998 and that the long pattern of cuts and shortages has

impacted negatively on patients and staff working in the hospital.

Crowe described the Programme for Government as high on aspiration, light on detail and without any big plan or vision to fix our

broken health system.

The Tallaght based Deputy was taking part in a solidarity protest outside Tallaght Hospital as part of a Sinn Féin citywide campaign to highlight the challenges facing staff and patients in the health system

Deputy Seán Crowe said: “Tallaght Hospital has faced unique challenges in terms of staff, resources and a shortage of finance since its opening 18 years ago.

“There was an expectation following the amalgamation of the Adelaide, Meath and National Children’s Hospitals that funding would naturally follow but this hasn’t been the case.

“It’s the busiest trauma hospital in the country so it cannot cherry pick its patients and has been consistently penalised for failing to reach HSE targets.

“The crisis for many patients and their loved ones is going from bad to worse.

Seán Crowe protesting at Tallaght Hospital

“Behind many of these hospital figures

are individuals some in pain, dependent on medication, with their lives on hold while awaiting life changing procedures.

“Staff shortages, a lack of hospital beds in the system and vital equipment like an additional MRI machine also impacts on the efficient running of the hospital.

“A lack of vision and an implementation plan that delivers for our Health service has led to the current broken system.

“Most neutral observers would agree that the Government’s health approach is deeply flawed, lacks coherence and is increasingly failing patients across the various sectors limping

from crisis to crisis.

“The new Minister for Health Simon Harris needs to take urgent action to address the growing waiting lists and the scandal of our A&Es. The Minister has repeatedly stated that there is no recruitment ban where hospitals have resources to recruit but he knows that our hospitals like Tallaght are underfunded and under resourced.

“Soundbites combined with denials and empty government

rhetoric will hardly address the failings in current system.

“We need to stop training our nurses and doctors for export.

The Programme for Government is high in aspiration and light on detail.

“Investment in the provision of extra beds, extra nurses, stepdown facilities, long term care and nursing home beds will and is the only long term sensible solution to the waiting list crisis.

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OMBUDSMAN FOR CHILDREN CALLS FOR COMMITMENT FROM STATE EXAMINATION COMMISSION TO ISSUE CLEAR GUIDELINES FOR RACE SCHEME TO BENEFIT STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES Communication and oversight of RACE scheme prevalent in complaints

The Ombudsman for Children, Dr. Niall Muldoon, has called for a commitment from the State Examination Commission to issue clear guidelines for the Reasonable Accommodations at Certificate Examinations (RACE) scheme, ensuring fair and timely access to exam support for the Leaving Certificate students of 2017.

The Ombudsman was speaking following the publication of a report outlining complaints

made in relation to the State Examination C o m m i s s i o n ’s administration of the RACE scheme for students with special educational needs.

“My office has been dealing with the same types of complaints in relation to the RACE scheme for a number of years now and I do not want to see this repeated next year.

“In 2014 and 2015, the Ombudsman for Children’s Office (OCO) received 132 complaints about the

State Examinations C o m m i s s i o n ’s administration of the RACE scheme. So far in 2016, the office has received an additional 55 complaints.

“Issues such as communication, fairness and oversight of the scheme were common across all of the complaints.

“A fundamental concern was that the State Examination Commission did not provide applicants with the reason why their application was

refused. Parents and students were put in a position where they had to appeal decisions without knowing the reason why that decision was made.

“In May 2016, the State Examination Commission began to provide reasons for its decision to refuse applications.

While this was very late in the 2016 cycle, I very much welcome the commitment to continue this practice in the future.

“It was also found that many students who qualified for the

scheme for Junior Certificate were refused for Leaving Certificate. Although the process for decision making is different, the scheme states that the eligibility criteria for both exams is the same. This resulted in confusion and frustration for both students and parents.

“Complaints received by this Office highlighted the issue of late notification of decisions in many cases.

Leaving Certificate students with disabilities should know what supports

will be provided to them in a much timelier fashion, and not in the final year, or even the final weeks, of their school education.

“I am calling on the State Examination Commission to accept and implement the recommendations of this report in reviewing the criteria for the RACE scheme for students with special educational needs.

“Similar issues to those discussed in this report were addressed in the High Court in recent weeks and the State Examination

C o m m i s s i o n s u b s e q u e n t l y undertook a review of some cases for 2016.

“As Ombudsman for Children, I would expect that this report, alongside those judgments, will inform the overall review of the scheme to ensure that the State Examination Commission will meet its commitments to children with a disability. That would help to ensure that students sitting the Leaving Certificate in 2017 will not experience the same difficulties.”

IMPACT EVENTS IS LAUNCHING A CIVIC MARKET FOR BALLYFERMOT Bargains and banter as Impact Events continues to centre local spirit on community building

Combining the spirit of community building and social enterprise Impact Events is launching Ballyfermot’s own market at the Civic Community Centre, Ballyfermot Road, Dublin 10 on Sunday, July 17th. Gates will be from 8am until 1pm and general public and vendors are welcomed to bargain and banter in Joxer’s heartland.

The event is open to traders for €20 a space, tables available for €5, food, refreshments and tea and coffee, face painting and toilet facilities on site. Trader spaces are limited to 57, cars only no vans or trailers, and can either be pre-booked online, via Facebook @ ballyfermotcivicmarket or reserved by calling 087 2717638 then

paying at the gate. A large crowd is expected.

Ballyfermot has been overlooked as an ideal, central location for bargain hunters in the surrounding suburbs for a rummage on a Sunday, while also being located close to amenities such as the Phoenix Park, Strawberry Beds, the Liffey walkway and the Memorial Park, the Grand Canal and on the route into town. Local support is also anticipated to be strong and the event is set to grow. July 17th is planned as the first of many and to continue throughout the year with the event moving indoors for the winter. Event Manager for Impact Events, Kate Higgins-Jackson is delighted with the initiative saying, “I am

very excited about the launch. There will be a wide range of items on offer and many gems to be found, with the Ballyfermot Civic Market itself being the biggest. We invite all those who love a bargain to come along and haggle and have the craic or just pop by if you’re out and about, going to mass or taking the dog for a walk.

It’s here to be found”.

Impact Events is one element of SEDCo., the social enterprise of CEO Rónán Ó Dálaigh, the purpose of which is to empower the community and voluntary sector by creating fundraising initiatives to generate the revenue to re-invest into their own projects, at a time when such organizations are

underfunded and under-resourced.

The Ballyfermot Civic Market will build upon the success of Impact Events’ WinWin Bingo, which also takes place in the Community Civic Centre on Friday nights, with more nights being planned.

Kate continued, “Community projects are our mission at Impact Events. Being a local myself, I am very much looking forward to seeing more community-based activity in our area. We encourage community members to contact us with a project idea or to volunteer with us.

“So come along on Sunday the 17th, snag a bargain and enjoy the spirit of the Ballyfermot Civic Market”.

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PROGRESS ON PRIMARY CARE CENTRE WELCOMED Local Councillor Charlie O’Connor has welcomed confirmation from the HSE that the new Primary Care Centre at Tallaght Cross will be operational next month.

He raised the matter at the July meeting of the Regional Health Forum, Dublin Mid-Leinster and sought full information with regard to the services to be provided.

HSE management tabled a report that “ HSE Primary Care Services will operate from two floors in the building at Tallaght Cross building.

The Centre will house the Primary Care Team and will also provide network services to the wider Tallaght Community (population approximately 90,000) The services provided will include: ● Springfield Primary Care Team ● Adult and Paediatric Occupational Therapy, P h y s i o t h e r a p y, Speech and Language Therapy, Dietetics,

Psychology and Community Nursing. ● Regional Audiology Services There will be significant opportunity for an integrated approach to the delivery of services with the acute sector and discussions have already commenced with AMNCH and The Coombe regarding same.

The building is expected to be handed over to the HSE in early July. It is expected that services will move into the building sometime in August with the building becoming fully operational by September/ October of this year.”

According to Charlie O’Connor this is a most significant development with regard to Primary Care services in Tallaght and he congratulated all concerned in the development. He also promised that he would continue to monitor the situation on behalf of the community.

YOUNG PEOPLE URGED TO PARTICIPATE IN FIRST NATIONAL LGBT STRATEGY

Young people in Tallaght and surrounding communities are being encouraged by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone TD to get involved in forming a new National Strategy to confront homophobia, discrimination and bullying of members of the LGBT Community.

The Dublin South West TD is confirming that she will lead on the development of the First Ever National LGBT Strategy for young people and wants the voices of local youth groups to be heard.

The Minister says over the coming months she wants to hear from those groups in Tallaght who took a lead role in securing a Yes Vote for Marriage Equality.

Minister Zappone added: “The lead taken

by young people across Tallaght in securing history by campaigning for Marriage Equality is one of the most enduring memories I have in what has been a momentous year for all who believe in fairness and justice.

However despite the huge steps forward we know that bullying, discrimination and even hate still confront many young people as they recognise their sexuality.

Recent research in the area makes for disturbing reading and as Minister for Children and Young People I am determined that the Government will respond.

I am delighted to confirm that my own Department is now preparing for the launch of the First Ever National LGBT Strategy for Young People. With that in mind I am

asking teenagers and people in their early twenties in Tallaght to have their say.

It is only by listening to those voices that we can deliver a strategy which will work in terms of promoting equality and showing

solidarity for those who feel isolated, lonely or unable to come forward about their sexuality.

We will be using social media, online forums and other ways to canvass views and I look forward to this process delivering real

results in the Autumn.

The Young People of Tallaght have shown what can be achieved by working together and I urge them to once again work together for equality, fairness and justice.”

Minister Zappone and her Spouse Ann Louise Gilligan campaigning in Tallaght during the Marriage Equality Referendum

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GLOBAL SEX TRADE IN IRELAND RUHAMA SEE 16% INCREASE IN THE RANGE OF NATIONALITIES SEEKING SUPPORT

Ruhama, the national support service for women affected by sex-trafficking and prostitution today launches its Annual Report for 2015.

Through, 12,140 phone calls, 8146 text contacts & 1281 direct face-to-face casework meetings, Ruhama assisted 301 women with diverse and complex needs.

In addition to this emotional support, advocacy and information provision, the organisation also provided a broad range of additional services such as: housing and welfare support, counselling and an education & development programme.

228 women benefitted from intensive casework support, including 94 victims of sex trafficking. A further 73 were supported

exclusively through our Street Outreach service, or with noncasework support.

Sarah Benson, CEO said: “Of particular note in 2015 was a 16% increase in the number of different nationalities of women engaged with.

We engaged with and provided assistance to women from 43 different countries. When we look at prostitution and sex trafficking it is critical that we become more alert to the gendered dimension of migration and the risks to women and girls.

So many women and girls already face exploitation and abuse while in transit, therefore; it is truly devastating to know that many reach what they believe to be a safe harbour only to find themselves thrust into brothels

to be sold for sex.”

Even those women who migrate for ‘economic’ rather than ‘asylum’ purposes can find themselves equally at risk to exploitation by the organised crime gangs managing the majority of the Irish commercial sex trade.

Of particular concern to Ruhama is the dearth of safe, appropriate, affordable accommodation accessible to women exiting prostitution or fleeing a trafficking situation, women who are desperate to move on with their lives.

An additional barrier for migrant women from the European Economic Area is the Habitual Residency Condition as they cannot access any social welfare supports, even if they have been trafficked and sexually exploited here in Ireland.

Sarah Benson

continued: “The terrible irony we experience is that we are facing such challenges to get appropriate housing for the women we help, while at the same time most of the victims of trafficking we support were being kept by organised crime gangs in houses used as brothels in ghost estates, urban apartments and other rented accommodations right across the country.

It is critical that the public are vigilant to the exploitation that is occurring right on our doorsteps. In some cases women have simply fled into the streets to get away from their abusers.”

Ruhama believes more can be done to prevent trafficking and exploitation in Ireland. Sarah Benson said: “A Red C poll

conducted in 2015 shows that 8% of Irish men have bought sex.

This is very low relative to the numbers who buy sex in countries where they have fully decriminalised/ legalised the trade but still enough to drive a lucrative and highly criminally organised business worth an estimated €250million per year.

Following Sweden’s example, France has just enacted new legislation which decriminalises individuals who are in prostitution, criminalises the sex buyer as the source of demand for prostitution & continues to target pimping and trafficking.

Ruhama are calling on the Irish Government to follow suit and uphold the human rights of those most at risk by enacting similar laws as a matter of urgency.”

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CALLS FOR HEALTH BUDGET FUNDS TO BE RING FENCED FOR HOME CARE PACKAGES Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Mid-West John Curran has called on the Health Minister to set aside some of the €500m in additional health spending specifically for home care packages. Over the past number of years, home help hours have been slashed and waiting lists for home care packages have increased dramatically.

Deputy Curran explained, “Home care packages are a central part of community health care. They allow older people, who may need assistance and support to stay in their homes rather than having to be treated in hospital or in a nursing home.

Many older people want to stay at home in familiar surroundings than be forced into a residential setting. The fact that these people are being seen in their homes also frees up capacity in hospitals and other

step

down

facilities.

“Despite the obvious benefits of the scheme, the last Government slashed home help hours and reduced the number of home care packages.

This is putting immense pressure on families here in Dublin Mid-West and across the country.

funding, announced this week, to home care packages.

This will ease the pressure on families and carers, and enable older people to remain in their homes, surrounded by their family and friends”, concluded Deputy Curran.

“Without adequate investment in home care packages and home help hours, older people will be forced into already crowded acute hospitals like Tallaght, which is already buckling under the pressure of an overburdened health system.

“This issue needs to be addressed as a matter of priority. If we are to show care, support and dignity to elderly people, something has to be done. I am calling on Minister Simon Harris to allocate some €500 million health

DÁIL HOUSING COMMITTEE REPORT WOULD MEAN 5,000 SOCIAL HOUSES FOR SOUTH COUNTY DUBLIN

Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Mid-West Eoin Ó Broin has highlighted a number of recommendations made within the Dáil Housing and Homeless Committee report that will help alleviate the housing crisis in South County Dublin.

Ó Broin said: “The Dáil Housing and H o m e l e s s n e s s Committee published its report last week.

There was cross party agreement that the current government housing plan is not working.

Fianna Fáil TD John Curran

“The Committee strongly recommended a shift in Government away from using private sectors housing to meet social housing need.

The reports central recommendation is the provision of 50,000 real social houses over

the next five years. “ South County Dublin has 10% of the total housing need in the country. There are over 9,000 families on the Council waiting list and over 200 homeless families.

Minister for Housing must provide more funding to the Council to allow them to increase the use of its CPO powers to acquire these units and bring them into the social housing stock.

“If the new Minister for Housing Simon Coveney adopts the Dáil Housing and Homelessness Committee’s report this would mean 5,000 real social housing units for South County Dublin over the next five years. The current government plan would provide less than 600 Council houses.

“Increasing the stock of social housing will alleviate pressure on the private housing market. In the interim, a number of measures were proposed to help families stay in their rented homes.

“This figure includes a c q u i s i t i o n s , refurbishments and new builds. The recent Housing Agency report showed that there are over 5,000 vacant properties in South County Dublin. The

The report recommended that rent certainty be introduced, by linking rent reviews to an index such as the CPI, in order to provide some stability for both tenants and landlords.

“This measure could be introduced in tandem with rises in rent supplement and housing

assistance payment.

“Tenant rights should also be strengthened and this includes providing additional protection to tenants in repossessed buy-to-lets.”

“Minister Coveney has the opportunity to be both ambitious and radical in his Action Plan for Housing and I hope he includes all of the 109 recommendations made in the Committee report.

“I would urge him to bring forward the publication of this plan to before the Dáil summer recess as the homelessness problem is getting worse.

“We cannot afford to sit back for the summer and wait more families and children to become homeless.

We need action now.”

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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 01 4599 506 FAX 01 4599 510 email: legal@scally.ie

In this edition of the paper, Romaine Scally, Principal in the Firm of Romaine Scally and Co, Solicitors, deals with Employment issues. As always please send your queries to: Romaine Scally, Solicitors, Main Street, Tallaght Village, Dublin 24. Telephone 4599506, Email legal@scally.ie.

Q. I have been working for seven years for the same company, but I am shortly to be made redundant. My Employer says that, in addition to my redundancy, I will get two weeks’ notice. He said that this is because I am paid fortnightly. Is this correct?

A. An Employee shall be entitled to the longer of either the Notice Period as set out in their Contract of Employment or the minimum entitlement set out in the MINIMUM NOTICE AND TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT ACTS, 1973 – 2015. In order to be entitled to the statutory minimum, the Employee must have been working for his/her Employer for at least 13 weeks. Once the Employee has worked for the Employer for 13 weeks, the amount of notice he/she is entitled to by Law will depend on how long he/she has been working for the Employer. The following are the minimum notice periods: Duration of Employment: 13 weeks – 2 yrs.

2 yrs. – 5 yrs.

5 yrs. – 10 yrs.

10 yrs. – 15 yrs.

15 yrs. or more

Minimum Notice 1 week 2 weeks 4 weeks 6 weeks 8 weeks

While the notice entitlements under the Employee’s Contract of Employment can exceed the minimum periods set out above, any provision for notice in the Contract for less than the above period is invalid. In other words, your Employer is incorrect and you should point out to him that you are entitled to a minimum of 4 weeks’ notice, irrespective as to what, if anything, is in your Contract of Employment. On another note, you may be required to work the notice period or may accept payment in lieu of notice.

You should check your Contract to see if there is any provision for this. It can however be agreed with your Employer.

Section 7 of the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act 1973 does set out that an Employee can agree to accept payment in lieu of the appropriate notice but of course it must be at the correct rate and for the correct period.

shall not be taken as constituting discrimination on the age ground if; a) it is objectively and reasonably justified by a legitimate aim and; b) the means of achieving that aim are appropriate and necessary.

Q. I am approaching 65 years of age and have been in the same job for over 20 years. My Employer has not mentioned anything about retirement and I am wondering what the Law says on compulsory retirement.

Could you please provide some guidelines on retirement legislation?

This is a notable change for Employers, giving fixed terms Contracts postretirement are now used with greater frequency since the increase in the State pension age.

In providing objective justifications for the fixed term Contract, an Employer should not rely upon the same justifications as those provided for the Contractual Retirement Age, as this may result in undermining the Contractual Retirement Age. Consideration should be given by all Employers to objectively justify both their contractual retirement age and a fixed term contract, if one is provided post-contractual retirement age. Reasons which have been accepted by the Courts in the past include succession planning for younger employees and the promotion of inter-generational fairness. The means of achieving the aim must be both appropriate and necessary. Employers should ensure that they have a retirement age written into their contracts of employment and engage with their Employees well in advance of their retirement age.

A. In Ireland, there is currently no prohibition on Employers imposing a compulsory retirement age for Employees, subject to the Employer having objective grounds justifying the retirement age. Retirement ages, where imposed, are usually set out in the Contract of Employment or, in the case of Company Officers, retirement age may be contained in the Company Constitution.

Retirement age usually correlates to the State Retirement Age (currently 66) or the retirement age specified in any Occupational Pension Scheme. There is a statutory (i.e. a retirement age set by Law) retirement age for some public servants.

Some occupations, for example the Gardaí, firefighters and the Defence Forces, have provisions for earlier retirement.

The Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2015 which came into effect on 1st January 2016 aligns national legislation with European Law in relation to retirement ages. The Act amends the Employment Equality Acts 1998 – 2015 providing that Employers must be in a position to objectively justify their mandatory retirement age. The mandatory retirement age should seek to achieve a legitimate aim, such as fairness within the workplace in relation to the age profile of all Employees and allowing for younger employees to have the opportunity to progress within the company, if relevant.

The Act gives a statutory basis to what has been the position of the European and National Courts for a number of years.

Prior to the commencement of the 2016 Act, Section 6 of the Employment Equality Act provided that offering a fixed term contract to Employees over the compulsory retirement age did not constitute discrimination on the grounds of age.

Section 6 of the Employment Equality Acts has now been amended to read as follows: Offering a fixed term contract to a person over the compulsory retirement age for that employment, or to a particular class or description of Employees in that employment

Where Employers receive a request from an Employee to work beyond their retirement age, the Employers need to carefully consider how they respond to this. The legislation does not prevent offering a worker a fixed term contract passed retirement age. However, the decision to employ the person under a fixed term contract must now be objectively justified.

Such requests should be dealt with on a case by case basis with Employers being mindful that the granting of such requests creates a precedent for other Employees who may request such extensions and make it more difficult for Employers to endorse their normal retirement age.

You do not say whether or not there is a retirement age built into your Contract of Employment. You should check this carefully. Either way, you should consider approaching your Employer and asking him to consider a fixed term contract postretirement age. Although your Employer has not mentioned your forthcoming retirement, nonetheless, it is something which cannot be avoided and best to agree a plan with your Employer now rather than for a decision to be forced upon you when the time comes. We wish you the best of luck in this regard.

Q. I am travelling with my elderly mother on holiday next month and it will be the first time that I have travelled alone

with her since she has become confined to a wheelchair. I am a bit concerned about the trip and wonder what my rights are with regard to travelling with somebody who is wheelchair bound.

A. Firstly, we hope that you and your Mother have a wonderful holiday abroad. Thankfully, under EU Regulations for passengers travelling with reduced mobility, you are now guaranteed improved access and assistance when flying.

Under EU regulations, all airlines and airports in the EU must provide equal treatment of passengers with disabilities/ reduced mobility, free assistance in all EU airports, and on board assistance. People with disabilities or reduced mobility, are entitled to free assistance to help them through all EU airports and they must not be discriminated against. You do not have to have a permanent disability or a physical disability to receive assistance. Anyone who has difficulty moving around for example, because of age or a temporary injury, can receive help. The airport must look after you and your luggage until your luggage is stored and you are seated in the aircraft. After that, the airline take over.

When you are booking your flight, you should tell your airline, tour operator or travel agent, that you will need assistance. It is important that this is done at least 48 hours before your flight.

Airlines cannot refuse to carry wheelchair users or reduced mobility passengers or charge you extra but, the airline must be informed of your need for assistance at least 48 hours in advance. Airlines must be able to carry up to two items of mobility equipment per person as well as any medical equipment needed on a flight.

The airline should also give boarding priority to people with reduced mobility and accompanying people. They must also make a reasonable effort to arrange seating to meet the needs of individuals with reduced mobility, if asked to do so, and must assist them in getting to toilet facilities, if required. Where a person with a disability has a care assistant, the airport must make reasonable efforts to seat them nearby. Remember to check your airline for its full rules. For example, some operators will only carry a maximum of four persons with reduced mobility on any one flight. If you feel that your mother is not being properly accommodated and you feel that your rights have not been respected, you should complain first to the airport management or airline.

However, hopefully operate smoothly, as the required notice and/or travel agent, be.

We wish you

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

the trip will long as you give to your airline as the case may a happy holiday.

21

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HOLIDAY MAKERS RELYING ON HEALTH INSURANCE FOR TRAVEL COVER COULD FACE COSTLY BILLS

Thousands of Irish consumers may travel abroad this Summer with little or no travel cover in place running the risk of costly bills to cover unforeseen accidents or illnesses.

This is according to Ireland’s leading health insurance expert Dermot Goode of www. t o t a l h e a l t h c o v e r. i e who is urging people to ensure that have checked both their private medical insurance and their travel insurance plans to ensure they are covered.

Dermot explained, “Most private hospitals abroad will look for either evidence of comprehensive travel cover or a deposit on your credit card before treating you.

A deposit of €1,500 €2,500 is not unusual and you can expect to pay €750 - €1,000

per day depending on the hospital and the medical treatment required.

However if you have private health insurance most health insurance policies include €55,000 €100.000 worth of ‘Emergency Cover Whilst Abroad.’ Travel insurers will give you a discount if you have private health insurance cover as your health insurer covers the first part of any claim up to the limit on your policy.

The concern is that many consumers rely on this instead of taking out full travel cover which is not sufficient.

The fact is that if you have an accident while on holidays and if your medical costs exceed these limits, then you are personally liable for the difference.

This could be tens and even hundreds

of thousands!”

The experts at t o t a l h e a l t h c o v e r. i e say that some health insurance policies have no cover for foreign travel at all.

For example, if you join GloHealth and don’t opt for their personalised package for Travel Cover, then you will have no travel cover at all.

Dermot continued, “Even if you take out travel cover on top of private health insurance you need to check & double check your policy as the devil is always in the detail.

For example, most policies limit any one trip from anything from 30 – 60 days depending on the policy. If your trip extends beyond these limits, then you will have no cover.

Some policies insist that you contact their ‘Emergency Assist’ number first and they

organise all your treatment for you.

This means that if you organise everything yourself and look for payment on your return, you may find yourself with an invalid claim.

Anyone with a preexisting medical condition needs to be very careful.

If you don’t have health insurance in place, many travel policies will exclude any conditions that have been treated for in the past 18 – 24 months. If you travel abroad against medical advice or specifically to get certain medical treatment, you may not be covered at all by your policy”.

Dermot concluded, “The bottom line is that before you travel you should contact your travel insurer and your health insurer prior to travelling to doublecheck the following;

- Are there any preexisting exclusions on the policy - Is there an excess that you need to be aware of - What number do you call in the event of an emergency – you don’t want to be searching from this at 2am in a foreign hospital - Are the jurisdictions on your itinerary all covered by the policy - Are you within your time limits for your trip - Will you be engaged in any hazardous sports that might not be covered, e.g. some policies insist that you must wear a helmet when on a bicycle; others exclude professional sports such as horse riding or motor sports; I recall one policy that covered the first bungee jump but not the second one!!

- Dental cover is often limited on these policies and may only apply in emergencies – make

sure you check your cover with the insurer - Most policies are designed to cover hospital admissions only. Therefore, if you are treated in an A&E facility but not actually admitted to the hospital, you could run up a sizeable bill which you’ll be expected to pay first. Always have a credit card and check this element of your cover with your insurer as well Repartriation is covered by most policies but this is at the discretion of the travel insurer, i.e. you can’t make the arrangements

yourself and expect them to pay the claim.

You really can’t have enough cover when you’re travelling abroad.

Whilst the majority of us will never need to see a doctor, accidents do happen and children especially do fall ill.

Non-nationals are often charged higher rates as they expect you to have insurance and you really have no alternative. As well as the medical cover, a good travel insurance plan will also include cover for cancellations, flight delays, lost luggage etc”.

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IRISH ARTIST GEAROID O’DEA WINS €40K SKY ACADEMY ARTS SCHOLARSHIP FOR MENTAL HEALTH INSTALLATION Dubliner one of four emerging artists selected from over 1,100 applicants across the UK & Ireland

Irish visual and street artist Gearoid O’Dea, who was the creator of a 35 foot street art installation inspired by the Women of 1916 in Dublin earlier this year, has been announced as one of five winners of the 2016 Sky Academy Arts Scholarship with a bursary of €40,000 each.

Sky Academy Arts Scholarship will fund Gearoid’s first solo exhibition ‘The Had, The Have and the Should’. The exhibition will comprise eight large scale pieces and is supplemented with a central sculpture in a street installation, inspired by mental health and anxiety. A mix of gallery exhibition and pieces installed in the streets of Dublin give O’Dea’s practice a vitality and scope which can be seen in the subject matter of

his work. The works are done using the mediums of gouache paint and colouring pencil with a focus on meticulous detail and the blending of objects physical forms.

Speaking about the Scholarship, Gearoid O’Dea said: “I’m incredibly humbled and unbelievably excited to be chosen as a part of the Sky Academy Arts Scholarship. I’m really looking forward to creating a new body of work for my first solo exhibition in Dublin and London.

The Scholarship will afford me the time and opportunity to expand my art practice to new heights and reach a far wider audience. I’m still in a bit shocked to be one of only five artists chosen out of the 1,100 who applied, especially considering

I am the only Irish artist be selected for the Scholarship. I am really pleased to be part of this initiative that promotes the arts and gives artists much needed opportunities and access to a wider audience. “

scholars who will be receiving a £30,000 bursary, plus mentoring for a year to pursue their chosen practice and set them on the

path to winning their own South Bank Sky Arts Awards in the future.”

Scholarships presented to:

Sky Ireland’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mark Deering commented: ‘Sky Ireland welcomes the opportunity to support young Irish artistic talent through the scholarship programme and we hope that Gearoid’s career will go from strength to strength’.

Phil Edgar Jones, Director of Sky Arts said: “We are delighted to be able to recognise a broad range of incredibly imaginative and talented people - and to announce our next set of Sky Academy

Pictured are Gearoid O’Dea and 1916 mural

were Yinka

Ayinde (Creative Producer from London), Sarah Grant (Animator from Glasgow), Jasdeep Singh Degun (Indian Classical Sitarist

and Composer from Leeds), Caitlin McLeod (Theatre Director from London) and Gearoid O’Dea (Visual Artist from Dublin).

23

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USI WELCOMES SECOND FEMALE PRESIDENT IN TWO YEARS The Union of Students in Ireland has welcomed its second elected female President in two years. 27-year-old Annie Hoey will take on the role as President two years after Laura Harmon was elected to the position. Annie’s main priorities for her year-long term will include repealing the 8th; reducing the registration fee; rejecting the proposal for any governmental income-continent loan schemes; student accommodation; LGBT rights and equality.

“I’m very excited to be the new President of the Union of Students in Ireland.” Annie Hoey, President of USI, said. “I want to hit the ground running and expect to have a very busy year ahead, focusing on repealing the eight; LGBT rights; reducing the registration fee of €3,000; fighting any proposals for loan schemes; finding solutions to the student accommodation crisis; and increasing

student support.”

Hoey studied Women’s Studies in UCC and was the USI Deputy President for the 2015/2016 term and the USI Vice President for Equality and Citizenship for the 2014/2015 and the 2015/2016 terms.

Annie Hoey spoke about the campaigns she worked on and how this experience will inspire her in the future - “I have worked on major national campaigns during my time at USI, such as the marriage referendum campaign, where we registered over 40,000 students to vote, and the #MakeGraTheLaw hash tag reached international audiences and media, had a ripple effect of positivity in the LGBT community, and, ultimately, was a contributor to the outcome of the referendum.

“I also organised Pink Training, the biggest LGBT training event in Europe, for the past two years, and hope

to transfer the skills from these experience to my role as President of the Union of Students in Ireland.”

Hoey was also at the forefront of the USI campaign against the MSM blood ban, and welcomed the recent announcement by Minister for Health Simon Harris that he is accepting the IBTS (Irish Blood Transfusion Service) recommendation to move to a one year

deferral period for gay and bisexual men.

She said that while progress has been made in the MSM blood ban area, Ireland still has a long way to go to achieve LGBT equality.

“Ireland has made huge progress in the past year in areas like LGBT rights, equality and mental health,” Hoey said. “But it still has a lot further to go and for the coming year I hope to make USI a key player in further progress.”

Annie Hoey

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58% OF STUDENTS MISS MEALS TO STAY IN COLLEGE!

58.1% of students miss meals to stay in college, according to new research released today by the Union of Students in Ireland who had more than 870 responses to a national survey of students. More than a third (38.7%) of students said they go hungry to fund or stay in college while 34.2% said they go without heat. A further 25.4% said they go to their Students’ Union, Saint Vincent de Paul or a food bank for food.

The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) has criticised recent suggestions to increase the registration fee by more than €1,000 and said the implications of this proposed increase include plunging students further into poverty, disabling social mobility, and increasing the gap between the rich and the poor. A paper prepared by officials at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for recently-appointed Minister Pascal Donohue said the increase of €1,000 in registration fees would be insufficient to solve the funding gap in third level education, and an even greater increase is needed.

“Increasing the registration fee beyond €4,000 is a ludicrous proposal.” Kevin Donoghue, USI President, said. “It’s no surprise that the paper given to the minister suggests that the increase isn’t a solution to the funding crisis. Our research shows that more than half

of students miss meals - they’re literally going hungry - so an increase of €1,000 annually will only worsen the situation. Any government that proposes raising costs in an area already crippled by cuts and high expenses is deluded and out of touch with the public. This suggested increase will deter young people from applying to college, which is already unaffordable for so many.”

According to the USI research, 77.1% of students borrow, or have borrowed, money off friends or family to stay in college; 34.2% said they go, or have gone, without heat; 4.2% said they go, or have gone, without water; while 8.5% said they go, or have gone, without electricity. When asked ‘what is the main way you pay for college?’, 41.8% of students said ‘grants’, 27.2% said ‘my parents’, 16% said ‘my job’, and 6.5% said ‘loans’.

According to the Irish Times, the paper prepared for Minister Pascal Donohue suggests that such a scheme, involving an increase in the present student contribution from €3,000 to €4,000 would ultimately fail as a solution to the funding crisis in higher education. In addition, it argues that the scheme would be “socially regressive” by requiring all students, irrespective of their socio-economic background, to pay the registration fee.

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IRISH OPINIONS UNVEILS NEW WEBSITE FOR RECESSION GENERATION TO SAVE ON SHOPPING BILLS WITH ONLINE SURVEYS

Irish Opinions has a new website, making it even easier for people to save on their shopping bills by taking online surveys from home.

Thousands of people are following this trend, with more and more giving their time and opinions in exchange for vouchers.

The website’s new look and green colour scheme is fresh and easy to navigate, so that members can get the information they need when they need it.

They’ve streamlined their surveys and registration so that members are just a few clicks from registration to rewards. This makes it easier than ever to earn vouchers to help buy that special something, or just to help pay for the everyday shop at

the supermarket.

The new site is designed with smart phones and tablets in mind so that money-savvy users can take surveys on the bus as easily as they can from home.

The Senior Manager for member experience, Nicholas Chrissi, worked on the new site.

“More people now use websites on mobile than on desktops, and this new site will give users a better experience to take surveys on the go.”

“Everything has been designed to streamline the process for members, and the new design is both easier and faster.” he said.

Irish Opinions redesigned their website to make their experience more enjoyable, faster and more relevant to

their individual needs.

Doing surveys with Irish Opinions is easy - they just need a few details and anyone over the age of 18 can register with just one click.

Every survey costs nothing to take and each member can earn up to €5 per survey to spend wherever they like.

Members choose where they’d like to spend their rewards, and help save money on everything from the everyday to something special. That’s why people choose to save money with Irish Opinions by taking surveys every day to cut their shopping bills.

Tesco vouchers are one of the most popular choices. Either in store or online at www.Tesco. ie people can either save on their weekly

shop or put money towards that bigger purchase they’ve been eyeing up.

People can choose to spend their credit on gift cards at Boots which can be spent on anything in any of the Boots stores nationwide.

Irish Opinions also

offers vouchers to, Easons.com.

The online bookshop has a range of titles, games, puzzles and stationery items available for purchase online.

Irish Opinions provides members with an opportunity to complete paid surveys and donate

the money they earn to World Vision Ireland.

World Vision are an international d e v e l o p m e n t organisation dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by addressing the

causes of poverty.

Many members choose to devote their time and opinions to help those in need around the world.

To sign up to Valued Opinions to earn vouchers for online surveys visit www. irishopinions.com.

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. F.O.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. P.M.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. M.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. S.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. G.N. 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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YOUNG PEOPLE USING THEIR CREATIVE TALENTS TO RAISE AWARENESS OF MENTAL HEALTH Jigsaw Clondalkin recently ran a photography competition to raise local young people’s awareness of the Jigsaw Clondalkin mental health service and how we each look after our own mental health.

The competition was based on 5 a Day for Mental Health.

We are all familiar with the 5-a-Day for physical health, a useful framework that we can use in being proactive in taking care of our mental health. These five ways to wellbeing are based on evidence about what promotes and supports our mental health according to the UK-based New Economics Foundation.

The 5 a Day for Mental Health includes the following: 1. Connect - staying connected with others.

2. Be Active - getting out and about and exercising.

3. Take Notice - of the world around us and how we are feeling.

4. Get involved - having a say and making a difference.

5. Give - of our time, energy and talents to help others.

Young people were asked to put their creative eye to the test and capture a strong image that linked either to the idea of five a day for your mental health or services that support young people’s mental health. There were many wonderful entries and Jigsaw Clondalkin would like to say a big thank you to everyone who took the time to enter.

It was a challenge to narrow down the favourites, but a number of photos were decided upon. Jigsaw Clondalkin would like to say big congratulations to our three winners: Endija Lasmane

Emma Mc Callion And our group entry winners - Endija Lasmane & her younger sister Armand Lasmane.

They each captured powerful and beautiful images that connect in some way with the idea of 5 a day for mental health and they will be framed and mounted in the Jigsaw hub for all to see.

Jigsaw Clondalkin is a service provided by Jigsaw (The National Centre for Youth Mental Health) and provides a safe and confidential space where young people aged 12-25 can avail of free one-to-one support as well as access clear pathways to specialist services if necessary.

It is available to young people living in Clondalkin, Lucan, Palmerstown and Newcastle.

ACTIVE CAN MEAN FUN TOO! It doesn’t take much to be active. It strengthens your mind, comforts your soul and trains your muscles! We love getting out there into nature, this is where everything becomes more alive!

Sports in nature are more fun!

Picture by Endija Lasmane and Armand Lasmane - Group Entry

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26

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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 Blockbusters With the month of July comes huge Hollywood expectation – big budgets, special effects and top stars – so this edition we take a look at our Top Five Films – Summer Blockbusters.

The Summer is very important for the film industry with the kids off school, more free time for families and holidays on the horizon.

Many studios save their big budget flicks for Summer releases and bank on them to bring in the bug bucks to allow production for another year.

Our top five managed to do the job – becoming some of the highest grossing movies of all time.

1. Jurassic World – One of the most eagerly anticipated films in recent years the movie was a praised by critics and viewers. Chris Pratt sparkles as the dinosaur trainer who really understands the animals while the visual effects are simply outstanding.

The dinosaur theme park has

had an amazing makeover for the modern viewer and after watching the film you will immediately wish it was a real thing.

2. The Dark Knight – Heath Ledger’s Joker will remain as one of the best performances from a baddie in any superhero movie ever. This film, along with The Dark Knight Rises, stands out as a movie that united comic book fans and cinema goers.

There is something for everyone mixing action, clever one-liners, drama and romance. Two superb superhero action films.

3. Guardians of the Galaxy – A surprise hit and another super performance from the very likeable Chris Pratt.

He stars as Peter Quill, a human who is forced to lead a band of intergalactic criminals in order to save the galaxy. Once again the special effects are beyond impressive and the characters are unlike anything you will have seen before. One for the whole family.

4. Minions – If you haven’t heard of these little yellow guys you have been living under a very large rock.

The adorable, silly and hilarious little creatures first appeared in Despicable Me and garnered a cult following. Cue a big budget film about their quest to find an evil master – and how they always seem to lose the baddie through their sheer stupidity.

Laugh-out-loud family fun.

5. Suicide Squad – Although it has not been released yet Suicide Squad is set to be the biggest release of 2016; the quintessential Summer blockbuster. Starring Margot Robbie, Will Smith, Ben Affleck and Jared Leto the film sees Supervillains from across the comic book world contracted to carry out a special black-ops mission.

Another eagerly anticipated big budget blockbuster.

So whether you are planning a Summer staying in or going out there is something for everyone in our Top Five Films – Summer Blockbusters.

A scene from Suicide Squad

DAMIEN DEMPSEY TAKES HIS TOUR TO THE CIVIC THEATRE Dublin singer Damien Dempsey is on the road again with his Irish tour bringing him all across the country throughout July and August.

His unique voice, honest lyrics and easy manner have won him fans in all

corners of Ireland as well as celebrity admirers – including Morrissey and Bruce Springsteen.

He will take his national tour to the Civic Theatre in Tallaght on Thursday, August 25th.

Damien Dempsey Solo will see the talented Dublin musician trying out some new material for his next album which is due to be released in early 2017 as well as playing his hits.

Writing about addiction,

depression, suicide, imperialism and oppression one thing rings true in his music – an eternal hope.

He makes it his business to document Irish life; the heroes, the hardships and the history and his new material is set to bring more of the same.

His unique sound, passion and raw talent have seen the Irishman sell out show after show all around Ireland.

With the voice of a balladeer and deep connection with the history of Ireland and all of its people it is no wonder the singer/songwriter has such a loyal following.

Damien will also visit

Kerry, Meath, Cork, Galway and Tullamore as well as playing four Dublin venues on this tour which will bring him back to his roots.

His Tallaght date at the Civic Theatre is the only gig on this side of the city

and is sure to be a sell-out.

A limited number of tickets are still available from the Civic Theatre Box Office priced from €25.

For more information, visit www.civictheatre.ie.

Dublin singer Damien Dempsey

BOOK LAUNCHED IN AID OF COUSIN WHO SURVIVED BERKELEY BALCONY COLLAPSE Local author Kathryn Crowley launched her brand new book – Room for One More – in front of a packed crowd at Ballyboden St Enda’s GAA Club this week.

Kathryn is donating the proceeds from the publication to the rehabilitation fund for her cousin, Aoife Beary, a survivor of the tragic Berkeley balcony collapse in 2015.

Aoife was one of seven Irish students seriously injured in the tragedy which killed six young people last June.

On Thursday her mother, Angela Beary, launched Kathryn’s book on what was an emotional night for the whole family.

Author Kathryn, who is a school principal in Dublin, said: “Aoife is one of the bravest and most determined young people I have the privilege to know. I hope any funds raised from the sale of my collection of stories will help defray the significant costs of her journey to recovery and help to make her future brighter in some small way.”

The book, is made up of memoirs from Kathryn’s life, each one accompanied by a short fictional story which was inspired by real life events.

Room for One More holds a special place in the memory of the

whole family who spent many Summers together.

Angela, who officially launched the book, said: “I am so grateful to Kathryn for all she has done to support our family in the last year. She has been a true friend and, as they say, ‘cousins are friends from the same family tree’.

“Kathryn and I spent many summers together as children. When going on family holidays, my mother believed there was always some more room left in the car for cousins! We reminisce often on these happy times growing up, but Kathryn’s memories are

much clearer than mine.”

The book is published by Emu Ink and publisher Emer Cleary believes that Kathryn has found a very special formula for writing.

Emer said: “Room for One More is a wonderful collection with a unique format.

The memoirs each give great insight into the life of the author, while the short stories they inspire will leave the reader guessing where the next one will take them.

What’s the connection?”

The book is currently available in paperback, eBook and to rent digitally from emuink.ie.

27

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Motoring with Newsgroup Covering ● Tallaght ● Clondalkin ● Lucan ● Rathcoole ● Saggart ● Newcastle

EURO NCAP FIVE-STAR RATING FOR THE SEAT ATECA

●

The Ateca features outstanding accident safety for adult passengers and child safety

●

The emergency braking and pedestrian recognition system Front Assist has proven to be highly effective

●

The recognition comes shortly before the Ateca reaches the dealership network

The SEAT Ateca has received the highest score in the Euro NCAP test programme. The first SUV in the history of the Spanish brand fully demonstrated the high level of safety it offers and was given five stars. The Ateca received an excellent classification in each of the categories included in the Euro NCAP tests, with particular emphasis on adult passenger and child safety, as well as in pedestrian protection and driver assistance systems.

were used, and the number and severity of the testing methods have also increased.

This recognition comes shortly before the Ateca is scheduled to reach the sales network. The Ateca is the first model in the product offensive that SEAT will roll out in the next 18 months, which includes a total of four models, featuring an SUV crossover in 2017. In addition, the classification has been obtained in a year when the Euro NCAP has increased the number of tests that vehicles must perform and has also set higher standards when making its assessment. In this sense, to verify the level of passenger protection, several new sizes and types of crash test dummies

The SEAT Ateca’s success in the test programme is owing to its advanced safety systems fitted as standard, which have proved to be highly effective. The new model, which has been wholly designed and developed in Barcelona, features the emergency city or motorway braking system Front Assist with pedestrian recognition, which Euro NCAP has been testing since 2016. In addition, this safety programme also evaluates the lane keeping system, which is available on the SEAT Ateca range.

SEAT’s new SUV, which is set to become the brand’s third pillar next to the Ibiza and the Leon, is equipped with seven airbags as standard, including the driver knee airbag, as well as seatbelts with pretensioner and load limiter in the front and rear seats. This latter feature is a great benefit for restraining occupants of all sizes, as the pretensioner keeps the belt snug against the passenger’s torso and pelvis at the

moment of an impact, guaranteeing better restraint for both adults and children.

The Ateca, the model that represents SEAT’s debut in one of the fastest growing segments of the market, also features other outstanding safety systems,

including the Isofix and Top Tether anchoring points on the outboard rear seats, the high/ dipped beam assistant, blind spot detector + rear cross traffic alert, 360° camera with rear vision, drowsiness detector, speed limiter and the visual rear seat fasten seatbelt reminder.

Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV), are currently up 9% (867) on June last year (799) and year to date are up 26% (18,417) overall. While Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV)

registrations, have witnessed a decline of -29% for the month of June (112) 2016 when compared to the same month last year (157), however registrations are up 42% year to date.

161 REGISTRATIONS TOP 100,000 UP 23%

The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) have issued the official 161 car sales figures for the first half of the year. New car registrations were up + 23% (101,338) ahead

on the same period last year (82,337) while the month of June saw an increase of 12% (1,626) compared to June 2015 (1,448).

In the business sector

Commenting on the figurers SIMI Director General Alan Nolan said “At the start of the year we predicted that this year’s registration numbers should reach 150,000 for the first

time since 2008 and these figurers keep us on track to deliver that.

From today of course the focus turns to the 162 registration period.

This year promises to be the first normal year

of registrations since the recession and with the range of attractive offers available across all brands we are confident that 162 will also deliver in the coming months.”

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