Tallaght News

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28TH. NOV. 2016 TEL: 01 451 3822 / 01 451 9000 email: info@newsgroup.ie web: www.newsgroup.ie

Dublin South West TD Seán Crowe has welcomed the launch of the Oireachtas Finance Committee report on Rising Costs of Motor Insurance but said that swift action was now needed to stop the rising fees and rip off Insurance premiums.

Deputy Seán Crowe said: “This is a timely report produced over a number of weeks

which outlines 71 recommendations that when implemented should reduce the cost of premiums.

We now need these recommendations to be swiftly acted on and followed up on in a timely manner by a number of organisations including the Government.

Some of the report’s key recommendations

include:

· An end to the “closed shop” mentality of the industry and calls for full transparency in relation to claims information; · Calls for the Central Statistics Office to be given a statutory role in collating insurance data; · That consumers be given a detailed cost information in renewal

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notices; · Calls for more proactive regulation of the industry by the Central Bank of Ireland with a greater focus on consumer protection; · That insurance companies be compelled to inform the consumer whether they have taken into account the mandatory medical assessments for over 70s drivers when calculating insurance premiums for this group; · That greater powers for the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB), with the objective of increasing the number of claims cases settled by PIAB, thereby reducing claims and costs generally; · That insurers be compelled to notify customers in advance of settling claims made against them; · That the Book of Quantum be reviewed and updated on a regular basis; · That recent changes to the monetary jurisdictions of the civil courts be reviewed.

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TIME TO GET TWEETING!

Community, education and training groups should consider applying for a new grant scheme to train the one-in-five people who do not know how to get online, according to Dublin South West TD and Independent Minister, Katherine Zappone.

The Government is pledging support for groups willing to train people who never use the internet, email or social media.

Minister Zappone says the new ‘Digital Skills for Citizens’ grant scheme is an opportunity to make

sure that people in Tallaght of all ages can access the internet for work and play.

Speaking following the announcement of the scheme Minister Katherine Zappone added: “For many people accessing the internet at work,

SWIFT ACTION NOW NEEDED FROM PAGE 1 “Clearly there are specific recommendations that require prompt government action including the suggestion that the Central Statistics Office be given a statutory role in collating insurance data and that there be pro-active regulation of the industry by the Central Bank of Ireland with a greater focus on consumer protection.

“While many media headlines have quite rightly focussed on the role of fraud, my party Sinn Féin have also focused in on

the fact that many of the insurers’ excuses simply don’t add up.

The elephant in the room when it comes to insurance increases has been the business model of the insurers who are facing less profitability in their investments and piling it on to customers’ premiums.

“The provision of raw data from the industry is another crucial way to improve transparency which in turn will lead to better outcomes for drivers. As well as making this aggregate

data available for analysis, insurers need to be compelled to notify and provide detailed information to customers in advance of instances where insurers have decided to settle claims privately.

“Customers have a right to ask why such an approach is being taken and the rationale behind the decision should be supplied in writing to party who will ultimately be facing an increase in their insurance premium.”

school or at home is part of everyday life – and something which is often taken for granted. However for a variety of reasons 17% of Irish people do not use the internet.

This scheme is aimed at breaking down that barrier by showing people the enormous benefits of being able to go online for shopping, social interaction and to support their work or training.

Community, education and training groups who wish to be considered are being asked to train at least 1,000 people over the course of a year on topics including accessing the web, using websites and social media such as Facebook in Twitter.

Under the Grant Scheme, citizens who have never used the Internet will be provided with 10 hours of classroom training, free of charge.

Organisations applying for grant assistance

are encouraged to target training at specific groups such as people over 45, small business owners, the unemployed, persons with disabilities and disadvantaged groups. It is expected between 25,000 and 30,000 people will be supported so they can move online.

Multi-group applications will also be considered which should make it easier for the smaller organisations which exist across Tallaght and in neighbouring areas.

Groups wishing to apply can get full details about the Grant Scheme are available on the Department’s website at www.dccae. gov.ie and searching for Digital Skills for Citizens.

Closing date for receipt of completed application forms is 5pm on 12th December 2016.”

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MINISTER URGED TO GRANT ESSENTIAL FUNDING TO TACKLE ILLEGAL DUMPING with communities in an attempt to tackle and combat illegal dumping. In light of the Pure Project coming to the end of its ten year funding programme I asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to continue to provide funding for the Pure Project.

In his reply to my Parliamentary Question, the Minister has said that this funding proposal is currently under examination and that he expects to make a decision shortly. I have called on the Minister to allocated funding to this vital project as a matter of urgency.

If funding is made

available to the PURE project this year CCTV will be introduced in the Dublin Mountains to deter and prosecute offenders.”

“It is shameful that parts of this natural landscape are being turned into dumping grounds by repeated illegal dumping and fly tipping. We have to do more to deter this behaviour and assist in prosecuting people.

There are a number of sites in South Dublin County and Dublin Mid-West that are extremely prone to illegal dumping. FlyTipping and illegal dumping is escalating in the scenic areas of the Dublin Mountains The Protecting Uplands & Rural Environments

(PURE) is a regional environmental partnership initiative which unites statutory and non-statutory interests in the Wicklow/Dublin Uplands including the relevant local authorities, Coillte, the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS), Fáilte Ireland and a number of nonstatutory organisations represented by the Wicklow Uplands Council.

The Department originally agreed to provide funding of €350,000 over the three year lifespan of the pilot project (2006-2008) through the Environment Fund. The original three year period

angry residents who are critical that not enough information has been given to the public with regard to the works. They certainly believe that details of the schedule being followed should have been publicized and many say that they wonder “if the works are to last forever”.

Kings Boat Take Away in Tallaght Village, Dublin 24.

Local Councillor Charlie O’Connor has demanded that Council Management take urgent and effective action to deal with the serious concerns of Kilnamanagh residents and the wider community in respect of current works on the Amazon site which has caused serious traffic congestion on Mayberry Road, Greenhills Road and the wider area.

Please contact: 01 4664777 or email: fernecheah@gmail.com.

The problem has existed for several weeks and he has confirmed that he has received many calls, particularly over the last week, from

with the public rests with the contractor for the scheme.”

He said that he would certainly challenge the Council in respect of the matter and believes that the Council should take action to ensure that the contractor is not involved in works which are clearly causing great inconvenience to the local community.

He added that road works associated with the site are now taking place on the Mayberry Road and the Airton Road and the issue has now become one of major concern.

illegal dumping and fly tipping in South County Dublin and the Dublin Mountains.

Speaking on the issue Deputy Curran said: “The Pure Project works on the ground

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O’CONNOR DEMANDS ACTION ON ROAD WORKS

According to Charlie O’Connor, the Council has stated that “the Council has granted a Licence for the contractors to allow them to proceed with the works but responsibility for liaison

expired at the end of 2008 and, following a positive review of the effectiveness of the project, the Department agreed to extend the lifetime of the project for two further three year terms, 2009-2011, 2012-2014, and then for an additional two year period from 20152016. An allocation of funding in the amount of €90,000 per annum

was provided over the most recent funding commitment, which runs until December 2016.

Fly Tipping still exists and the PURE Project have many plans to do more to combat this issue, I am urging the Minister to continue to fund this worthwhile project as a matter of urgency,” concluded John Curran.

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CHILDREN IN EMERGENCY ACCOMMODATION BREACHING INTERNATIONAL LAW Dublin South West TD Seán Crowe has welcomed comments by Dr Geoffrey Shannon, Special Rapporteur on Child Protection that the placement of homeless children in emergency

accommodation is contrary to International Law and said that the scandal of children spending years in bed and breakfast type rooms must be tackled as a matter of urgency.

World COPD Day at Tallaght Hospital

To mark World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Day members of the Outreach & Inpatient Respiratory Team at Tallaght Hospital hosted an information session and afternoon tea for patients. If you know of anyone that suffers from COPD please share this link with them http://bit.ly/2eCogIM. There is also a COPD Freephone Advice line 1800 83 21 46 Pictured are: Ciara Scallan, Bridget Lanley (Balrothery), Marie Slye (Harold’s Cross) and Gerard Kilcullen.

Deputy Crowe said: "I want to welcome and support Geoffrey Shannon's recent comments that the placement of homeless children in emergency accommodation is contrary to International Law. "Placing young children in many of these settings is wholly inadequate and something which my party Sinn Féin and others have been highlighting to the Government for some time now but to no avail.

“The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children is also on record and recommended that children should be placed in emergency accommodation for a short time only, and that placing a child in temporary accommodation is not a permanent or suitable response to

homelessness.

"Currently there are over 2,000 children who find themselves in emergency accommodation across the state with many of them based in Dublin.

“The Special Rapporteur believes that this ‘temporary solution’ is in breach of international law.

“We need to remove it as an option permanently, by giving all homeless children and their families the right to suitable alternative accommodation and the right to their own home.

“Many of them are packed into totally unsuitable one hotel rooms with no cooking facilities and far away from school and friends "Parents of these children are clearly not to blame with many of them having lost their homes and livelihoods

during the recession.

“Years of no new social housing, no new housing builds and the lack of rent certainty has created the perfect storm where families and children are paying the ultimate price.

“The deposits that are being asked for by many landlords for rented accommodation are beyond the means

of most applicants.

"We need action not meaningless handwringing to tackle this crisis immediately. " E m e r g e n c y accommodation is not conducive to the development of any child, and we are failing these children as a result. “ E m e r g e n c y accommodation,

save in exceptional circumstances, even for short periods must become a thing of the past.

"We need to ensure children are moved from these locations as soon as possible. That involves delivering as soon as possible housing with some stability, and solving the rent certainty crisis."

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ALCOHOL NUMBER 1 KILLER CLAIMS CROWE

Dublin South West Seán Crowe TD has criticised the Government’s lack of any plan or realistic measures aimed at tackling alcohol misuse in Irish society. Alcohol has been included in the work of Drug Task Forces since 2012 but with no additional mainstream resources, Crowe believes it is simply not a credible approach.

The Sinn Fein representative made his comments after attending a

joint meeting of the Ballyfermot and Tallaght Drugs & Alcohol Task Forces Conference called ‘Alcohol- What’s the harm’.

The conference heard that alcohol poisoning has the highest rating when it comes to drug deaths. 11% of all the healthcare budget or 1.5 billion euro is spent annually on beds (3.6% of all day beds) every day in our hospitals treating alcohol related symptoms.

Deputy Seán Crowe

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said:“Many of us drink alcohol but there is another side to drinking and the harm generated from the way we drink, the harm it causes to the individual, families and wider society as a whole.

“Alcoh ol misuse in Ireland currently claims three lives a day and is also responsible for a huge burden on our health services.

It’s responsible for 11% of the health budget. 1,500 beds are occupied by people with alcohol-related illnesses every night, at an estimated cost of €1.5 billion annually.

“As a country we have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. Harm that

is caused by drinking extends far beyond the individuals who are drinking and impacts on their wider families, communities, schools, hospitals and businesses throughout Ireland. Alcohol also plays a major role in serious issues such as drink-driving, assaults, suicide, self-harm, domestic violence and child protection.

“Since 2012 the Government has included alcohol in the work of all Drug Task Forces but have failed to deliver any mainstream funding and put the onus back on local areas to deliver more with less.

“The most recent figures from 1995 to

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2013 show that 17,120 people died from drug related poisoning with alcohol featuring in the majority of deaths.

“Alcohol is the State’s biggest killer when it comes to all death by poisoning.

“If this amount of people died on our roads in one year there would be an outcry and rightly so.

“Drug and Alcohol Task Forces clearly need additional resources and support. It is unreasonable and stretching credibility to think that by lumping alcohol onto the Task Force workload that it is somehow sorted.

“Alcohol is the number 1 killer, it needs to be taken more seriously

by Government.”

Kerrie Harris (Hallie Brady Age 2) and LeahAnn Harris (Leo Gaul 12 weeks) pictured at NMH Foundation coffee morning for World Prematurity Day. (Pic Patrick O’Leary)

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GOVERNMENT STALLING AT FIRST HURDLE TO PROVIDE 200 NEW RAPID BUILD HOMES BY YEAR END

“Focus must be on implementation of housing policy to move families out of emergency accommodation” Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Mid-West and Chair of the Housing and Homelessness Committee John Curran says Government needs to show a greater commitment and urgency to actually implement policy to address the housing

crisis.

Deputy Curran made the comments in response to a reply from Minister Coveney to a Parliamentary Question on the Government’s progress to date to build 200 new Rapid Build Homes by the end of 2016.

Deputy Curran said: “The Government’s report on housing ‘Rebuilding Ireland’ was launched four months ago and was

specific in regard to a range of actions. It’s very first action was to provide 1,500 new units to move families out of emergency accommodation.

200 of these were to be provided in Quarter 4 of 2016.

The Minister has now confirmed to me in a Parliamentary Question that a total of 22 rapid build units have been built. We are now well into Quarter

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4 of this year and little urgency is being shown to implement the plan in order to tackle the crisis that is homelessness for many families living in hotels and B&B’s.

22 completed units at this stage in the year out of a plan to build 200 by the end of the year is very disappointing, this plan is making very little progress to move the unacceptable level of families in emergency accommodation into suitable homes.

If the implementation of this report was

being carried out in a timely fashion we should be rapidly reducing the number of homeless people, but the situation is getting worse. This is very frustrating for me as a local representative, only this morning news to my office came of two local people sleeping rough in Clondalkin village. However the housing action plan is yet to increase the supply of housing and move families out of emergency accommodation,” concluded Deputy Curran.

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O’CONNOR CALLS FOR PROGRESS ON TALLAGHT ICU Local Councillor Charlie O’Connor has called on the HSE to ensure that progress is made regarding the clear need for additional beds at the Intensive Care Unit in Tallaght Hospital.

The need for such an expansion has been evident for such time and Charlie O’Connor has made strong representations to the HSE but also to Simon Harris TD, the Minister for Health.

He raised the matter at the November meeting of the Regional Health Forum, Dublin MidLeinster and stressed the importance of the issue.

The CEO of the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group, Dr Susan O’Reilly told Charlie O’Connor that “The Dublin Midland Hospital Group has been actively collaborating with its constituent hospital concerning Critical Care Capacity and as part of its Estimates and Winter plan submissions have requested increased Critical Care Capacity for sites at St James’, Tallaght and Tullamore. In addition the Group has also prioritized the expansion of critical care beds at Tallaght as a key strategic capital development.”

According to Charlie O’Connor, the CEO also told him that she has initiated the process through which the additional beds at the ICU in Tallaght Hospital will be delivered but he is not satisfied with the schedule being followed. He added that lives are clearly at risk in respect of any delay in delivering these additional beds and progress must now be made.

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Mr Christmas Lighting predicts a warm white Christmas Ireland looks set to have a warm white Christmas when it comes to illuminations this year, according to the man known to many as Mr Christmas Lighting.

Gabriel Byrne founded Fantasy Lights over 29 years ago, and has been responsible for providing Christmas lighting to thousands of families – and many of our most popular streets – since then.

“This year the trend is definitely going away from ice or blue white creations to a warmer white as a more traditional look returns, combined with gold or copper-coloured fittings,” according to Mr Byrne.

“We are also seeing a lot of red and gold lighting, combined with warm white strings of lights.”

And after a recession which saw people scaling down their Christmas lights displays, this looks like being the busiest lighting season in years as Irish families prepare to switch on their biggest displays yet.

And although outdoor Christmas lighting is seen by many as being a maledriven industry, it is the female influence that

decides what colour lights will be sparkling in Ireland’s gardens this Christmas.

“Men just love colours, and they will go for the brightest flashing display that they can. However, women love white, and this year their taste is veering more towards a warmer softer colour, which is strongly reflected in our sales," said Gabriel.

“We also saw fuschia lighting coming into play last year, but again, that is giving way to warmer white this season.”

And while estates were once full of waving Santas, this year the trend is for lots of copper and goldcoloured pieces.

Fantasy Lights, whose Christmas showroom in Walkinstown opens in early January every year, became the home of outdoor Christmas lighting when Ireland really started to put lights outside in the early nineties.

“Ireland brought Christmas outside as a result of more people returning from travelling to America in the late eighties and early nineties," he said.

“The influence was definitely more US than

UK. The early designs that appeared over pubs were very much of the American waving Santa variety, rather than the British harnessed coloured lights, which were just an extension of the summer season in places like Blackpool.”

The company have also been involved in festive street lighting in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and many provincial towns for over 25 years, and many of their creations are responsible for the festive atmosphere on the capital’s main thoroughfares every year.

Fantasy Lights are launching a large range of low voltage outdoor safety lighting on to the market this season, so that customers can cut down drastically on their electricity bills, and ensure that their lighting systems are safe.

“People need to use proper outdoor transformers for exterior lights, with rubberised cables,” said Gabriel.

“I would always suggest that outdoor Christmas lights users get a good quality outdoor twin socket installed in the off-season, that will handle all of their lighting needs in a safe and protected manner.

“You must ensure that any electrical fittings you are using comply with the strict electrical standards designed to protect us.

“We use submarine connections on all of our joints, but I shudder sometimes when I see some of the chances people take with electricity when it comes close to the festive season.”

Gabriel maintains that much of what is sold as outdoor lighting is not suitable for the Irish climate.

Mr Christmas Lights - Gabriel Byrne of Fantasy Lights, who is predicting a warm white Christmas for Irish decorations this year. (Picture Conor McCabe Photography)

“You might notice that when you go to put your lights back up after one year’s use and 11 months’ storage that they are all brown and may not work. That is simply due to poor quality and the product not being suitable for our inclement weather," he said.

“I find it annoying that people are spending up to a hundred euro on fittings that are only designed to last a month."

Fantasy Lights, is located in Mulcahy Keane Estate, Greenhills Rd, Walkinstown, Dublin 12 (Picture Conor McCabe Photography) Looking ahead to 2017, Gabriel predicts that the new trend in commercial Christmas lighting will finally settle all arguments about the colour of Christmas lights.

“Colour changing lights are the new big thing on the

commercial end and this year we are assembling large stars, spheres, manufactured in fibre glass and finished off with a colour changing Led. “Each light is separately colour sourced and you can

have thousands of colour changing options in each piece, controllable via a mobile phone app.”

For more information, special offers and competitions, go to fantasychristmaslights.ie.

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LOCAL ASPECT OF NEW DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CAMPAIGN IS KEY “What Would You Do?” campaign challenges us all to act A new national campaign on domestic violence entitled ‘What Would You Do?’ must have a strong local element to reach as many people as possible across Dublin South West, according to local TD and Independent Minister Katherine Zappone.

The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs says no community is immune from this abuse and it is important to get the message out that we all have a responsibility to act.

The campaign raises the question ‘What Would You Do’ if you witness domestic violence.

Minister Zappone says in addition to national TV, radio and billboards ads it is important that local frontline agencies, libraries and public offices in South County Dublin are used to get the message out.

Minister Katherine Zappone adds:“The Tánaiste and Minister for Justice,

Frances Fitzgerald, is to be congratulated for acting on the recommendations of frontline organisations by launching the new ‘What Would You Do?’ campaign.

The message is clear.

This campaign calls on us as relatives, friends neighbours, bystanders and witnesses to collectively say that domestic violence is not right and it must stop.

It is about empowerment and it's about support. It offers hope and support to victims of such violence and it empowers us as witnesses to find out what we can do to help stop domestic violence and to support people who are caught up in this most devastating of human experiences.

In addition to the national ads the Government is committed to localising the campaign.

In South County Dublin it is my hope that frontline

agencies, libraries and public offices will add their support. Screens in public areas should be used to relay the TV ads which are accessible on YouTube while the website www. whatwouldyoudo.ie should be widely promoted.

The website gives advice to people who have witnessed or are worried about domestic violence.

It is recommended that bystanders and witnesses to a domestic violence incident should only get involved if it is safe and legal to do so. If the situation is already violent or looks like escalating quickly, people should not intervene directly. Call the Gardaí on 999.

We must get that message out to ensure that victims in South County Dublin and across the country are offered protection and support.”

SUGAR TAX SHOULD COST INDUSTRY NOT THE CUSTOMER Fine Gael Senator for Dublin, Catherine Noone, has called for the sugar tax to be brought in line with the UK and Hungarian models, which levy industry and not the customer.

“I commend the Government on its actions towards tackling obesity issue here in Ireland and I strongly encourage the introduction of the sugar tax. However I am proposing that drinks companies do not pass on the cost to the customer here in Ireland.

“Several countries, such as Mexico, France and

Hungary, have introduced a sugar tax, but their implementation of this tax has varied.

“Britain will be implementing a Soft Drinks Industry Levy within the next two years. Rather than target the consumer however, the levy will make soft drinks companies pay a charge for drinks with added sugar, therefore encouraging them to lower the sugar content of their drinks in order to avoid the tax.

“A similar tax has been implemented in Hungary

and researchers found that companies took action to remove unhealthy ingredients from their products in order to avoid placing higher costs on their activities.

“The UK and Hungarian model is the ideal approach as far as I am concerned.

As has been demonstrated in Hungary, forcing the industry to take on the cost encourages companies to lower the sugar content in their products, therefore tackling the sugar consumption issue at its root.”

40 Years Under Water!

For the last 39 years a Christmas Day swim in the Grand Canal has been held opposite Kelly's Pub (Blackhorse Inn) in Inchicore , Dublin , and the 40th such event will be held this Christmas Day !

The swim was first held on 25 December 1976 and , whilst organised by the same organisation - CABHAIR - it has changed location (from Clondalkin to Inchicore) and has progressed from being merely a fund-raiser (which it still is) to something of a family day out : local shops and pubs now donate crisps , lemonade , sweets and cakes etc which the organisers display on two tables and which the kids and their mammies and daddies help themselves to !

Santa has been known to drop by for a

visit and has been seen standing around the mini-bonfire , bottle of 'lemonade' in hand , dancing to the music from the speaker-system, toasting the health of the swimmers!

The event officially starts at 12 Noon but the first of the swimmers usually take to the water at about half eleven , as they are , understandably , anxious to get it over with - start early and finish early , as the canal bank on a Christmas Day is not the warmest location to be standing around whilst dressed only in swimming trunks!

Your readers are welcome to attend to ensure that each swimmer 'earns' his/her sponsorship money!

All Welcome !

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POLITICAL GAMES CONTINUE OVER WATER CHARGES

Responding to reports that Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil are at loggerheads over the composition of the Oireachtas Committee on Water, Sinn Féin TD Eoin Ó Broin questioned Minister Coveney on the controversy this afternoon in the Dáil.

Deputy Ó Broin said: “A special Oireachtas Committee on the future of water charges is due to start meeting in the coming weeks to

review and discuss the recommendations on the future of domestic water charges proposed by the so-called expert commission. It would seem as if the decision on the composition of this Oireachtas Committee has been delayed.

Contrary to Minister Coveney’s claims during questions today, no proposal was tabled at the today’s Oireachtas

Sinn Féin TD Eoin Ó Broin

TWEET OF THE WEEK A very famous face was spotted around Tallaght recently – preparing for his upcoming show at the Civic Theatre.

Bosco, one of the most recognisable Irish personalities of all time, was reportedly hanging out at the Square Luas stop this week.

The red-haired, red-cheeked personality will play a very special family show at the Civic Theatre in Tallaght on December 29th.

For more information visit the Civic Theatre website at www.civictheatre.ie

Business Committee, despite what we were led to believe following discussions with the Minister yesterday.

would have to wonder whether this is just an attempt by both parties to delay the inevitable vote on water charges.

“If the Irish Times report that Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil are squabbling over the composition and chairpersonship of the committee is true, that is regrettable. One

“Sinn Féin has no objections to the Minister’s proposals for a 20 member committee, so long as it is inclusive. In fact, on the basis of what the Minister has outlined to

members, there is a strong likelihood that the Committee will have a strong antiwater charges majority.

While this would be welcome as it would reflect the democratic will of the electorate, it is important that the committee will undertake its work quickly to the enable the Dáil to make a final

decision on this issue by the end of February.

“The majority of those elected last February were elected on an anti-water charges platform. The government should have accepted this before potentially wasting nearly €300,000 of tax payers’ money on an expert

commission. Domestic water charges need to be abolished and the issue must be put to bed. Sinn Féin has demonstrated in our Alternative Budget how water charges can be scrapped, while at the same time, significantly increasing investment in upgrading our decrepit water services.”

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DUBLIN HOMELESS CRISIS REACHES NEW EXTREME

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for Dublin has described the increase in homelessness in the capital is a critical situation in need of an emergency response.

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Away we are giving our FREE VOUCHER as an additional voucher so you can give it as a separate gift, a Kris Kindle or include it as part of a gift. Christmas Vouchers will be available from throughout December in the following denominations: Purchase a €30 voucher Get a €5 voucher Free Purchase a €50 voucher Get a €10 voucher Free Purchase a €100 voucher Get a €20 voucher Free Vouchers are valid for 6 months and can be redeemed against any of our products and treatments.

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Latest figures compiled by the Dublin Region Homeless Executive, show that the number of homeless people in Dublin has risen 35% within a year.

There were a total of 5,146 adults and children in emergency accommodation last

month, a 35% increase in the year.

Commenting on the figures Deputy Lahart, said, “I am deeply concerned to learn by further increases in the number of people being forced into homelessness.

This Government have been aware of the acute homeless situation for some time, yet few tangible measures have been introduced to effectively alleviate the problem.

“People’s standard of living is being

continually eroded due to excessive rent inflation which is putting enormous pressure on family incomes and is the primary source of the homeless crisis.

“This is not sustainable and there is an urgent need to introduce Rent Certainty Regulation measures to limit rent inflation in the short to medium term until the supply of housing increases.

“Fianna Fáil have put forward a series of amendments to the

Residential Tenancies Act to enhance security of tenure and occupancy for tenants.

These amendments are set to remove the ability of receivers to summarily evict existing tenants from rental properties that have been repossessed.

“Minister Coveney must take immediate action on these issues to put a stop to the spiralling number of people falling into homelessness in the capital.”

ON CHRISTMAS DAY, OUR CHILDLINE VOLUNTEERS WILL ANSWER OVER 1,100 CALLS FROM CHILDREN IN DISTRESS Last Christmas day, Childline received 1,176 calls from children in distress.

Children scared, neglected, sad, or lonely. Christmas day is just another day for so many children all over Ireland, which is why we’re here for children all day, every day.

Every year, the incredible Childline volunteers give up their Christmas. They sacrifice their time with loved ones, so that they can be there for so many children who need our help. Letting a child know that there is somebody who wants to listen, someone who cares, can make all the difference.

Children call Childline for a number of reasons on Christmas Day. Some are lonely and just need someone who will listen to them, children like Anna who woke up on Christmas Day to find there were no presents under the tree. Anna knows her mum and dad would have liked her to have a nice Christmas. But today she is afraid of what will happen when they wake up. Will dad be angry if she gets in his way again? Will mum be crying? Will there be dinner? Maybe Santa will still come.

Childline, and these children, need your help to continue answering calls like those from Anna.

This year, the ISPCC has a number of different ways you can support and donate to our services. We will have our Holly Pins on sale across the country, while our Christmas baubles, launched

by Laura Woods, are the perfect way to donate to the ISPCC in lieu of gifts. Our colourful festive baubles are available in denominations of €10, €20 or €50 and will be posted directly to you.

The online shop will also have Christmas cards and Santa letters available.

For a small amount, you can make sure that we are there to answer every call on Christmas Day – and every day. You can find more details for the ISPCC shop here at https://www.ispcc. ie/files/ChristmasShop/. You can also donate by logging on to ispcc.ie/donate. Your donation will be part of every call and text we answer.

Childline volunteer, Jenny Nolan, said: “My memories of Christmas as a child have always been of family, happiness and joy. It is very hard to leave my own family on Christmas Day while they are all enjoying games, fun and laughter. But when I think that I may be one of the only listening ears for a child in need, I feel privileged to be

a part of that child’s Christmas – a child who may not share in the happiness and joy that I go home to after my shift.”

ISPCC Chief Executive, Grainia Long, stated: “Christmas should mean safety, warmth and happiness, but for many children that call our Childline service, this isn’t the reality. Our Childline volunteers won’t be home at Christmas, they will be in our Childline units, all

around the country, taking calls from over 1,100 distressed children who need someone to talk to.

The ISPCC is calling on the public to support our Christmas shop and help volunteers continue to have conversations with children, not just on Christmas Day but 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

“Never give up on a child. Ever. You can help us try keep that promise.”

Laura Woods with her son Alex Arigho (3), Foxrock and his friend Lottie Kilbride, Rathfarnham, launched the ISPCC's Christmas Shop, featuring Christmas baubles in lieu of gifts, cards, ornaments, e-cards and Santa letters.

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NATIONAL LEARNING NETWORK, TALLAGHT MAKES PRESENTATION TO SOUTH DUBLIN COUNCILLORS

Picured with the Lord Mayor, at the National Learning Network Tallaght presentation to South Dublin Councillors, are staff and students of the Catering Traing Unit Inset: Lord Mayor, Guss O’Connell with Paul Hodkinson, Nessa Canavan, Kate Hanlon (ex student) and Councillor Brian Leech

STATEMENT FROM FIANNA FAIL SPOKESPERSON ON COMMUNITY AND NATIONAL DRUG STRATEGY WELCOMED

Local Councillor Charlie O’Connor has welcomed the positive response of Jack Chambers TD, the Fianna Fail spokesperson on Community and National Drug Strategy, following his recent visit to Tallaght, which included stops at Tallaght Rehabilitation Project and Fettercairn Community Centre.

line workers who are trying to address drug and alcohol problems on a daily basis.

The session in Fettercairn Community Centre was particularly impressive and I met service providers including Fettercairn Estate Management, Foroige, KDDPG, Lorien Barnardos and SWAN Family Support Group.

The spokesperson had been invited to Tallaght by Eamon Dolan, the chairperson of the Tallaght Drug and Alcohol Taskforce and Charlie O’Connor confirmed that it was a most successful visit.

I noted in particular the very strong case was made for the need to support families to ensure there is a stable and supportive background for people trying to overcome addiction.

In his statement, Jack Chambers TD stated "I was very pleased to be able to visit the Tallaght Drug and Alcohol Task Force recently and to see for myself the many challenges facing front

It was also hugely beneficial to meet with service users in the Tallaght Rehabilitation Project (TRP) to get firsthand accounts of what services are required to help those dealing with addiction.

The success of the TRP highlights the need for community based initiatives offering a range of supports and services. The provision of centres like TRP should be replicated across Dublin and around the country.

I will take on board all I learned from my visit to the Tallaght Drug and Alcohol Task Force in my work formulating a policy response in the area of drug and alcohol addiction. I am now calling on the Minister to properly fund and resource Tallaght and the other task forces to be able to continue and expand on their important work."

Councillor Charlie O’Connor also took the opportunity to join Deputy Jack Chambers in applauding the work of Tallaght Garda Drugs Unit.

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SOCIAL ENTERPRISE, RECYCLE IT ARE PAKMAN AWARD WINNERS 2016

The Pakman Awards are a national awards programme that recognize excellence in waste management and recycling among businesses, organisations, community groups and individuals in Ireland.

The overall awards

are arranged by Repak and whether you are a recycler, a tidy towns group just starting out, or a large organisation recovering, processing or transporting waste materials, you are encouraged to submit an entry.

In late summer 2016

Recycle IT submitted its first application to the Pakman Awards and were delighted to be shortlisted.

Subsequently at the awards ceremony on October 27th 2016, Recycle IT were announced as winners in the category

Pictured is Recycle IT, winners of the Environmental Education and Awareness Initiative Award, sponsored by Repak, at the 2016 Pakman Awards. From L to R: Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Mr. Denis Naughten, Una Lavelle and John McEntee of Recycle IT, and CEO of Repak Recycling, Seamus Clancy.

(Photo Chris Bellew / Fennell Photography Copyright 2016)

Environmental Education and Awareness Initiatives Una Lavelle, General Manager and John McEntee, Marketing Manager from Recycle IT, expressed delighted on receiving this award. The award was presented by Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Mr. Denis Naughten, TD and CEO of Repak, Mr. Seamus Clancy.

Una said “this award is positive recognition of our work in promoting and offering a range of electrical recycling services to homes, businesses, schools, charities and community groups across Dublin and surrounding areas”.

John said “winning this award increases awareness of our recycling service and acknowledges the value of our work both internally and externally”.

CURRAN WELCOMES INCREASED RAIL SERVICES FOR CLONDALKIN/FONTHILL

Fianna Fáil TD in Dublin Mid-West, John Curran has welcomed the expansion of the rail network for Clondalkin/ Fonthill with added services now serving Park West.

Connolly and Canal Dock.

Grand

Beginning on Monday November 21st, a new Newbridge/Hazelhatch to Grand Canal Dock service will to begin via the re-opened Phoenix Park Tunnel. The new services give a new direct public transport connection between stations in west Dublin and north Kildare and the central business district between

Commenting on the announcement made

by Irish Rail, Deputy Curran said, “Our local transport system links our people and our businesses to the Dublin County, via what should be a rapidly expanding integrated transport network.

Businesses and consumers benefit from the well-developed road infrastructure but there are glaring deficits on the West side of the city, with capacity and integration the key ones.

Fianna Fáil TD in Dublin Mid-West, John Curran

“Any measures to avoid the localities future being seriously undermined by standstill traffic congestion and expensive public transport are very much welcomed. I hope that this added train service will enhance the competitiveness and attractiveness of

Dublin Mid-West as a destination for living, visiting, for locating and doing business.

“However, more must be done to increase affordability of public services.

This Government has allowed extensive fare hikes across bus, rail and Luas services.

Cumulatively over the last four years, these have been predatory and made a significant dent in people’s pockets while at the same time reducing the attractiveness of public transport.

“While this is a welcome development, more capacity is needed on the rail network throughout Dublin midwest to keep up with the increased number of commuters who rely on the train services to get to work on time, this must include an expansion to off-peak and weekend services,” concluded Curran.

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ST VINCENT DE PAUL CALLS ON PUBLIC TO SAY YES AND HELP 50,000 FAMILIES AVOID AN EMPTY CHRISTMAS The Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) expects to receive over 50,000 calls for help in the run-up to Christmas.

“The level of help we can provide will depend on the generosity of the Irish people”, said SVP National Vice-President Kieran Stafford at the launch of the Society’s Annual Appeal.

“While our immediate concern is to help families avoid an empty Christmas,” said Mr. Stafford, “our longer term focus is on helping families to break the cycle of poverty.

“Support from the Society is primarily given to help people through particularly difficult times, but we also work with families to avoid the same difficulties recurring through generations.”

The theme of the SVP Annual Appeal, which was launched by RTE’s Ryan Tubridy, is “Your yes can last a lifetime”.

A series of advertisements to highlight this message will be published during the Annual Appeal, which runs until the end of the year.

They are all based on real examples from the experience of SVP members visiting families in their homes.

One tells the story of Katie.

When Katie was 5, her mother got sick for two weeks. This led to two weeks without pay from her casual cleaning job.

The family fell behind on their rent. It was all the excuse their landlord needed to evict them.

Katie’s education never recovered from the many moves that followed.

When she started her own family, she had no qualifications and a low income. Putting food on the table soon became a struggle.

Another tells the story

of Jane.

At 3 years old, Jane’s father began suffering from depression and this in turn led to alcoholism.

Her mother tried to look after the seven children but family life was difficult and it wasn’t long before they were in debt.

At 18, Jane got a lowpaid job and moved out.

But without a family she could fall back on, times were tough. It wasn’t long before she was overdue on her first bill.

Kieran Stafford said: “These stories demonstrate how one problem can tip a family into a crisis.

Most of those who seek the support of St Vincent de Paul are struggling week in and week out on a basic minimum income.

“It is when they encounter an unexpected cost or a period that requires higher spending, such

as Christmas, that they critically need SVP. The Society spends almost €35m per year on direct assistance.

We help with the costs of food, energy, and education, as well as toys at Christmas.”

“We depend almost entirely on donations from the public and corporate supporters in order to be able to provide this help. We ask people who want to support our work to please say yes to our Annual Appeal and give locally or online.”

Nichola Mullen, Head of SVP Fundraising, said that in addition to making donations directly there are other options to support at www.svp.ie/appeal.

These include the Giving Tree appeal, the Food Appeal and a virtual gift store.

“Another way to support the campaign this year is to buy a copy of the RTÉ album ‘As Seen On The Late Late Show,” said

Nichola, “the album features unique live performances from the show and all artists, labels and RTÉ are donating their profits to help the work of SVP. The album is available in all good record shops and available for digital download.”

There is a diversity of organisations planning campaigns to support SVP

* The Aldi ‘Give a Gift’ for SVP campaign will take place from Monday November 21st until Monday December 12th. Customers are invited to drop off an unwrapped gift at any Aldi store. * Bank of Ireland will be organizing a ‘Christmas Smiles’ campaign among its staff around the country to volunteer their time to

collect food and toys for people in need in their community * RTE’s album ‘As Seen on The Late Late Show’ is available in all good record shops and available for digital download.. * There will also be Giving Trees in many retail outlets and offices around the country.

The SVP Annual Appeal, which was launched by RTE’s Ryan Tubridy

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The Legal Column Romaine Scally is the principal in the firm of ROMAINE SCALLY AND COMPANY SOLICITORS, Main Street , Tallaght, Dublin 24.

TEL 01 4599 506

In this edition of the paper, Romaine Scally, Principal in the Firm of Romaine Scally and Co, Solicitors, discusses the issue of the dwelling house relief, mortgaging and the Fair Deal Scheme. This is the second article of a two part series.

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

Q. We are a couple in our late 60’s and have one child. Our mortgage has been paid off on our family home. At the moment, it would be worth about €400,000.00. We would very much like to leave it to our daughter. However, as it presently stands, she would probably have to sell the house to pay the inheritance tax. We were wondering if it would make sense legally to take out a mortgage on the property now so that by the time our daughter might come to inherit the property, the value of the house would be reduced by the amount of any outstanding mortgage. We are unlikely to get life cover at our age. What do you think?

A. Before you consider remortgaging your family home particularly for reasons which are not financially driven by your own needs, you need to consider what other options you have available to you. Have you considered the special exemption available for the dwelling house under Section 86 of the Capital Acquisitions Tax Consolidation Act 2003? This provides for an exemption for a gift or inheritance of your home from inheritance tax provided certain conditions are met. In particular, the property must be the dwelling occupied by the beneficiary as his or her only main residence. You do not say whether or not your daughter lives with you at home.

She does not necessarily have to live with you now but, she must have lived in the house as her main residence for a period of three years up to the date of the gift or inheritance. There are exceptions in the case of beneficiaries temporarily working abroad on contract but, the most important thing is that the beneficiary cannot be entitled to an interest in any other dwelling at the date of the gift of inheritance.

In addition, the beneficiary must retain ownership of the property for six years after the date of the gift or inheritance unless the beneficiary was over the age of 55 at the date of the gift or

FAX 01 4599 510

inheritance.

In addition, they must continue to occupy the dwelling as their main residence for 6 years from the date of the gift. In effect therefore, this is the ideal situation to resolve your issues and avoid a re-mortgage which you probably do not really want anyway.

Assuming that your daughter has not purchased an alternative property then, provided she qualifies under the conditions set out above, you can either gift the property to her during your lifetime or leave it to her in your Will.

You would need to discuss it with your daughter to ensure that she is aware of your plans and that she must avoid purchasing an alternative property up to the time of the gift or inheritance and must retain ownership and use the property as their principal private residence for the period of six years after the gift or inheritance.

In effect therefore, there is no need for you to consider re-mortgaging provided that your daughter qualifies under the above exemption.

Q. My parents are in their seventies and have no mortgage over their house.

They would like to raise some money to pay for a deposit for my sister to buy her first home. Would this be possible?

A. Given the elderly age of your parents, it might be difficult for them to secure a mortgage and, if they have to look at a reversion scheme, they will be discounting the value of the share they sell to the finance company considerably just to get your daughter a leg-up on the property ladder. You do not say what the property is worth. However, would it be possible for your parents to sell the house to one or both of you reserving to themselves a right of residence for life? Remember that they can avail of the generous gift tax relief available to children and currently, this would mean a Capital Acquisitions Tax allowance for each of you of €310,000.00.

In addition, if your sister does not own any other property, she could benefit from the special tax exemption for dwelling houses under Section 86 of the Capital Acquisitions Tax Consolidation Act 2003 and I would refer you to our earlier question for further information on this.

On balance therefore, it would seem best for all of you to consider other options rather than for your parents to try to raise money on a house at their age or to be tempted to sell a portion of it to a finance company under the Reversion Scheme thus discounting the value of the share hugely, often by 50%. I hope that this has been helpful.

Q. My mother is a widow and lives alone in the family home. Her health is not great and she herself is thinking about moving into a nursing home.

However, she is

email: legal@scally.ie

thinking about gifting the house to her three children before she does so. Would this have any impact on an application for the Fair Deal Scheme?

A. It is very important that your mother would take independent legal advice before considering making a gift of her property to her children.

Obviously, it would of course be her intention to benefit her children on her death. However, if she does seriously need to consider nursing home care then, she needs to be aware that in assessing the contribution for the Fair Deals Scheme, all assets including those known as “transferred assets” will be taken into account when assessing the contribution required to be paid by the beneficiary of the scheme. Relevant assets means all forms of property whether situated in the State or not other than cash assets. Transferred assets are defined separately as “an interest of the person in any assets (whether a cash asset or a relevant asset) which have been transferred at any time in the period of five years prior to the date on which an application for State support is first made by or on behalf of that person.

This includes any transfer made either; a. for b.

no

consideration

or;

for nominal consideration or;

c. for consideration that is less than 75% of the estimated market value of the interest of the person in the asset at the time of the transfer.

It must be pointed out therefore, that if your mother were to make a gift to her three children of her property for no consideration then, under the Fair Deal Scheme, the value of the asset will be included in her assets in assessing her contribution as the house would then be regarded as a “transferred asset” assuming that it was done within five years of her moving into a nursing home.

Remember, it does not mean that your mother cannot transfer the house to you, merely that she cannot ignore the value of the asset in assessing her contribution towards the Fair Deals Scheme.

I hope this information has been helpful.

Q. We are a young couple who hope to buy our first home early next year.

People are telling us that we should make a Will when we buy a house but we are only in our twenties!

Do you think this is necessary.

A. Firstly, congratulations on your forthcoming purchase.

This is always a very exciting time and I hope that the purchase will be a happy and successful one for you. With regard to making a Will, it is really never too early to make a Will. Remember that when you take out your mortgage, you will also be

taking out a Mortgage Protection Policy.

Effectively this means that if anything were to happen one or both of you then, the mortgage would be paid off in full.

If you are a married couple, it may well be your intention to leave everything to the survivor and similarly if you are a couple living together.

However, the situation you need to consider is in the, albeit very unlikely one, that something should happen both of you together.

In this instance remember that you have a very valuable property with no mortgage and, no instructions as to what should happen the property after your death. It would be a terrible shame to have both your respective families possibly fighting over who was to benefit from the house. The most sensible thing to do is to chat together and agree on who would benefit in the unlikely event of something happening both of you together. You would need to agree this between you and, once agreed, you should immediately instruct your solicitor to draft such a Will.

It may seem like a very unlikely scenario and indeed thankfully it is. However, it is a small investment in protecting your most valuable asset in the event of some catastrophe arising resulting in family having to sort out what should happen to your assets. Obviously, if you have children, then it is imperative with or without property to make a Will giving clear instructions as to who should act as guardians in the event of something happening.

Whatever about people fighting over your assets, you certainly do not want them fighting over your children!

On balance therefore, it is essential for people with children to have properly executed Wills which indeed should be up-dated as the years go by. In addition however, for young couples who buy their first home together, or indeed single people, they should equally make sure that they make a point of having a Will prepared at the same time as the house purchase is completed. It is very easy to forget about something like that and the years can pass by very quickly. Many solicitors will offer either a discounted rate if you are executing a Will at the same time as buying a house or indeed, might even offer the Will inclusive of the legal fees on the house purchase.

We hope that this has been helpful. ** Please note that the dwelling house relief referred to is subject to changes which are part of the Finance Act and if enacted will be confined to inheritances and not gifts. We will update you if and when the legislation has passed.

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

21

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HIGH PRAISE FOR ‘NIA BY HANA EFENDIC’ 17 year old Hana Efendic is currently in first year in Trinity College. Hana was born in Dublin to Bosnian parents, who moved to Ireland in the 1990's.

As head Girl for the 2015/16 academic year in St. Mac Dara’s Community College, Hana was involved in many different activities including camogie, debating and fundraising for Trocaire.

Writing has always been a love for Hana and she is a member of the Virginia House Writers based in Tallaght. Hana explains how writing is her love ' Writing is my favourite form of expression and communication. I use it as a medium to get across what I mean to say in the most accurate way possible and sometimes, writing can also feel like a duty that I have to fulfil solely for myself.

Hana added 'I’ve been writing from many years now since around the age of eleven when I began writing my first book ‘Nia’. The story started off as a class exercise and gradually, I kept on adding more pages and chapters to it until it resembled a novel. From then, I rewrote it a couple of times until it just seemed to fit well altogether.'

When it comes to the writing, Hana mostly write opinion pieces, short stories, hints of poetry and sometimes songs including a song against racism last year for the ‘Show Racism the Red Card’ Competition and her class performed it in the Aviva Stadium for the event.

‘Nia’ is a book about the life of a fourteen year old girl living in Dublin during the recession.

It’s a story about her

life predominantly and the struggles that she faces whilst growing up- in her home, (in Blackwater Estate) and in her secondary school, (St. Claire’s) and how she eventually oversteps them. Her father, Karl is a modern man with a business who finds himself a young girlfriend and moves out of the house early on, leaving Nia with her mother and sister. Jane is Nia’s mother who is an unemployed alcoholic

Hana Efendic¸ author of 'Nia'

and finds it incredibly difficult to sympathise and understand her daughter Nia. There is continuous tension between them as Nia tries to convince her to pay the mortgage bills and avoid eviction, to get a job and to last a day without Joey’s, the pub.

Nia’s older sister, Stephanie has a better relationship with her mother than her younger sister which means Nia has two people to contest with in the house.

Meanwhile in school, she is faced with other problems such as escaping the wrath of her tutor and defending herself against the school bully, Miranda who gets her in heaps of trouble with various teachers.

Wherever the protagonist goes, there is a challenge awaiting her which she tries to overcome whilst searching for

her happiness and bliss.

No matter what may happen to her, she still tries to see the goodness in complex people and the positivityin the hardships, meaning there are true moments of humour and credibility to be found in all the situations she encounters.

Throughout the novel, Nia meets a Russian girl, Kunko whom she knows Jane certainly would never accept.

Karl reveals a massive secret to her which her family has been hiding for her entire life and she falls in love with a boy called Gaz when she’s in hospital.

The questions to ask are: will there come a time where Jane and Nia get along? Will her friendship with the Russian Kunko last along with her house? Is contentment a possibility for the

young character? These can all be answered in this fast paced, thrilling novel that explores the themes of family, struggle, hardship and friendship that you won’t be able to put down after the first page.

Many people have read it including Irish author,

poet and playwright Jack Harte who has praised it very highly.

The book is currently available to buy on Amazon.co.uk where it can be purchased as an Ebook or read on Kindle.

It can be located precisely on Amazon by looking up ‘Nia by Hana Efendic’.

23

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HEALTH INSURANCE AUTHORITY LAUNCHES INFORMATION CAMPAIGN ON POLICY RENEWALS

FOR SALE

“Before you renew, see what’s right for you” campaign seeks to help consumers make better

As policy renewal notifications start to fall through letterboxes this November, the Health Insurance Authority is advising policy holders to check their current plan to ensure they are getting value for money from their health insurance cover. The Authority kicks off a print, radio, TV and digital advertising campaign with the message “Before you renew, see what’s right for you” to encourage policy holders to actively review their current health insurance cover and get information on

decisions around their choice of health insurance"

plans and prices before they renew policies for 2017.

Launching its campaign, Health Insurance Authority CEO, Don Gallagher, said: “With average premiums in 2016 at €1,174 per person, health insurance is a significant annual cost for many families.

However, the health insurance market is competitive. One of the ways in which health insurers compete is by targeting different demographic groups of consumers with insurance plans at different levels

TO ADVERTISE IN THIS NEWSPAPER TELEPHONE 01 451 9000

email: info@newsgroup.ie

of cover.

In our community-rated health insurance market any customer, irrespective of age or health status, is entitled to avail of any plan offered by any insurance provider.”

Mr. Gallagher added: “The range of insurance plans on offer is changing all the time. Personal and family circumstances also change and this can change the level or type of health insurance needed. Someone who hasn’t reviewed their level of cover, and the price they are paying, in the last three years is unlikely to be getting the best value they can for the cover they need. Switching health insurance product or provider is a very straight forward and easy process.”

Switching

Research conducted on behalf of the Authority in 2015 indicated that there is a fairly low level of switching in the health insurance market. Just 24% of policy holders have switched provider at any time since taking out private health insurance. For those that have switched, the main reasons given were cost savings (65%) and the level of cover available (23%). 70% have made no change in the level of cover they have in the previous two years, and 80% had no plans to change their cover in the next 12 months.

Advice The Health Insurance Authority is advising health insurance consumers to take the opportunity of their policy renewal to consider the level

of health insurance cover they need for themselves and their families, the cover they have under their existing policy and how much they are paying. They should then check to see what else is available from their current health insurer and from the other insurers and be prepared to switch plan or provider to secure savings and get better value.

Information The details of every health insurance plan being offered on the Irish market are publicly available on the Health Insurance Authority website at www.hia.ie. The Authority’s website also includes an easy-to-use tool to help consumers select and compare health insurance plans and prices.

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LOCAL ENTERPRISE OFFICE SOUTH DUBLIN – SUPPORTS FOR START UP BUSINESSES Local Enterprise Office South Dublin is the “First Stop Shop” within South Dublin County Council for anyone seeking information and support on starting or growing a business in South Dublin County. Our role is to drive the development of local enterprise, putting local micro and small business at the heart of job creation. We support business start-ups and work to increase the job potential of new and existing micro and small businesses with information, advice, training, mentoring, seminars and selective financial support.

In 2015 alone LEO South Dublin successfully delivered a range of supports to microenterprise clients including the following headline achievements: • Over €550k in grant approvals for 32 projects with a potential for 174 jobs; • financial supports of €375k paid directly to clients; • Training programmes provided to 722 participants • Mentoring assistance given to 487 clients through clinics and appointments LEO South Dublin has continued this level of client service in the current year, participating in a comprehensive range of national and local initiatives as well as placing ourselves to the

forefront in engagement with the local business community and promotion of South Dublin County as a positive place to do business.

The range of services specifically targeted at Start – up businesses includes, but is not limited to, the following: Priming Grants Priming support is to help fund the cost of starting a small business in South Dublin. It is for new businesses within the first 18 months after start up.

The overall maximum support is €80,000. In general the level of funding will also relate to the level of employment provided in the short to medium term at an indicative rate of €8000 per new job created. To qualify for any of these funding supports, all projects must have the potential to be commercially viable within a reasonable timeframe, employ 10 or less and must be located within South Dublin County LEO jurisdiction. Priority is given to manufacturing and internationally traded service projects.

Mentoring The Mentoring Service aims to help young or growing eligible companies improve their chances of survival and growth.

Occasionally, developing or

start-up businesses encounter a specific problem or want to undertake a specific project that requires skills beyond the normal range of the Owner/Manager.

Our panel of ‘Mentors’ are all experienced business executives and consultants who are skilled in working with the owner/manager to specify the problem, identify solutions and implement them.

Training Programmes Regular business training and events are one of the pillars of our supports to micro enterprise, see online bookings for the selection available. Our training aims to help young or growing companies improve their chances of survival and growth by offering regular comprehensive courses in • Starting a Business, • Financial management, • Technology, • Online Marketing, • Social Media, • Computerised Bookkeeping, • Business Planning, • Intellectual Property, • Employment Law, • Time Management,

and many more.

Sector specific programmes such as Food Academy Start are offered to early stage food production

companies.

Management Development Programmes such as Plato, Hi Start, Accelerate are also offered to owner / managers wishing to take their business to the next level.

Business Networking Networking is an extremely powerful concept in business and this is especially so for small business. Currently the South Dublin Local Enterprise Office offers the Plato network programme to clients. Plato is an all island business support network dedicated to the successful development of owner managed small to medium sized businesses in every area of commercial activity. There are PLATO networks situated throughout Ireland and Europe. Plato has been running in South Dublin for more than 10 years. Participants of PLATO join a network group of 10-15 businesses who are starting PLATO at the same time. The group meets once a month and the programme lasts about 20 months. Parent Companies provide some of their best and experienced managers to act as facilitators to a group.

Trading Online Voucher Scheme The Trading Online Voucher Scheme provides grant assistance to small businesses to trade online.

Eligible businesses can apply for a

voucher to invest in developing their ecommerce capability, of up to €2,500 matched by own funding to develop a trading online component to their business.

Micro Finance Ireland Loans Microfinance Ireland was established by the Government to provide additional lending to start-up and existing micro enterprises. Under a partnership between Microfinance Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices, Business Loans are now available through the Local Enterprise Office South Dublin at a reduced Interest Rate of 6.8% APR for LEO clients Microenterprise/Start-up Support (Rates) In order to encourage new micro enterprise and where previously vacant enterprise space is made available to, and occupied by, a new microenterprise, a graduated “rates holiday” for up to two years is available(subject to terms & conditions).

Signposting Service The Local Enterprise Office also provides a signposting service to the many other agencies providing supports to the business community locally, regionally and nationally.

Q&A The Irish Fairy Door Company

Niamh Sherwin Barry, Co-Founder The Irish Fairy Door company was set up in 2013 to ensure that the housing needs of the Irish fairy population were being adequately addressed. They were specially selected by the Fairy Council to provide handcrafted fairy doors for all locations – be it your home, your garden, the office, school or care centre. Actually made by their carpenters in the workshop of a 200 year old cottage in the heart of Ireland, each fairy door is given a portion of magic so that your new fairy can come and go between our world and Fairyland.

We spoke to Niamh Sherwin Barry, Chief Story Teller with The Irish Fairy Door Company, about the journey from idea formation to worldwide distribution.

What was your motivation to start your own business back in 2013?

“Like many people, myself and my husband, along with our business partners Aoife and Gavin, had been hard hit by the recession and found ourselves out of work. Myself and Aoife had previously bought fairy doors and were one day discussing the things we’d done to make them more

magical for our children.

Then it clicked. While what we had bought were just pieces of wood, we had created an entire magical experience! We saw what we could do and what could be done, we saw it’s potential.”

“From those 4 people at the start, we now directly employ 23 full time staff.”

What was your biggest challenge early on?

“Undoubtedly, it was our lack of start-up capital.

We literally didn’t have a tenner to rub together between us. We knew we had a wonderful idea, both conceptually and financially, we knew it would work but we had no spare money. Luckily, my Mother was able to help us out. She had stopped smoking 9 years previously and gave us the €8,500 she had saved from doing so. We’re still not sure if she believed in the idea or just wanted to keep us in the country! We were very close to emigration at this stage!”

How do you feel you are different from your competitors?

“We’re the market leader in the fairy door business right now, and for good reason.

While there were fairy doors in existence before us, our brand was a new concept within this area. Other companies were selling just little pieces of wood, there was no magic, no follow up work after the initial sale.

We were first out of the blocks with the magic we created. While we do have some real competition now, people have bought into the magic we provide. Once one of our doors is bought, you can register the name of your fairy and we will provide news, stories and activities every Friday without fail. We provide the full service.”

What is the next step for The Irish Fairy Door Company?

“Well we can now safely say that every second child in Ireland has a fairy door.

We’re in a strong position nationally, now we want to replicate this in the UK and in America. We’ve hired PR companies in both areas so that we can start to really get our name out there.

While Irish people are fantastic at supporting their own and recognising a great story behind a business, this isn’t something we can rely on abroad. We need to get past this and get our genuine magic out there.”

How have you been received internationally?

“We’ve been received very well. Ireland is viewed across the world as a land of mythology, magic and fairies, and we’re also liked too! The Irish are storytellers by trade, and we’re bringing that worldwide. Through our storytelling, we’ve even created a whole new world called ‘Fairy Valley’!

In the US, we knew the amount of positive goodwill there is towards Ireland, so keeping the name ‘Irish’ in our brand was a definite positive for us. We weren’t so sure about the UK though, but we researched the matter and actually discovered that our rich mythological heritage was known and loved in the UK!”

funding available at the time. I can still remember getting the phone call off of my husband, saying we’d gotten the money. We were all balling crying!

How did the South Dublin Local Enterprise Office help you when you were starting out?

“They were fantastic from the very start! Our business advisor truly understood what we were trying to do. She got it, and she believed in us. It was a confidence we needed as a small operation. We were guided through the entire process, and we received the maximum amount of

What is the main piece of advice you’d have for budding entrepreneurs?

“I’m creative and a great communicator, yet I haven’t a clue of numbers or the more technical side of the business. This I know, but I’m surrounded by people who can cover these gaps in my knowledge, while I cover for theirs.

If you have a good idea that you can sell, get likeminded people around you, have a

The Irish Fairy Door team

team! Even if it’s just two people! I’m convinced no one person has every skill needed to do this all on their own. Even if it means giving a piece of your business away, you need to surround yourself with good people.”

And finally, where can we find your magical fairy doors?

“Our website is the best place to find our products, we’ve a selection of doors and accessories that you can choose from. Our site also has a list of all our stockists internationally for those who want to but instore.”

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Local CAREGiver honoured for commitment and service to older people in the community Local professional caregiver, Margaret Sinnott from Tallaght, has been selected as this year’s National CAREGiverSM of the Year by Home Instead Senior Care. She is being recognised for commitment and service to older people and families in the local community.

“Professional caregivers like Margaret are the foundation of our business,” said Hugh McGauran, Owner

and Managing Director of Home Instead Senior Care in Rathfarnham.

“These dedicated individuals live the Home Instead Senior Care organisation’s mission, To enhance the lives of older people and their families, by providing personcentred care that can help older people age independently.

Caregivers their hearts and provide the support that helps older adults remain in their homes

longer than they otherwise could.”

“Margaret has been working with my 90 year old mother for the last while and she is literally the angel who walked through our door. Her devotion and ability to tackle all assignments and personal care activities with devotion and a smile is beyond exemplary. My mother has become very attached to her and I can safely allow

myself a sigh of relief and some free time when she arrives to our home. Congratulations Margaret for this welldeserved accolade”, says Liz Knowles, adult daughter and family carer.

Home Instead caregivers provide a variety of services including companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, m e d i c a t i o n reminders, personal

and Alzheimer’s care, incidental transportation, errands and shopping. Prior to being placed in a client’s home, caregivers are screened, trained, bonded and insured, and have completed criminal background checks.

“Balancing the demands of families and careers while taking care of their older loved ones can take its toll,” said Hugh McGauran.

“Home

Instead caregivers could serve as a respite to families and provide companionship and encouragement to local seniors.”

The Home Instead Senior Care office in

Rathfarnham is located at Nutgrove Enterprise Park, Nutgrove Way. For more information regarding opportunities or company services, call 01 424 1945 or visit HomeInstead.ie.

Professional caregiver, Margaret Sinnott

150 NEW JOBS FOR DUBLIN -COSMO RESTAURANTS EXPANDS IN THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND-

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald TD was on hand to announce the creation of 60 new jobs in Liffey Valley, with COSMO Restaurants opening a 280-seater restaurant in early December.

In addition to this, plans are also underway to open two further restaurants in the Dublin area within the next 18 months, bringing the total number of jobs to over 150.

COSMO is an award-winning restaurant chain with 16 branches across the UK, including a Belfast branch which opened in 2012. The restaurant chain has a “cook fresh, eat fresh” philosophy and the new restaurant in Liffey Valley will offer

a variety of cuisines from around the world as well as live cooking stations, including Teppanyaki, which will provide a theatre of tastes, aromas and sounds - a dining experience unlike any other.

In the spirit of doing business locally, Cosmo, where possible will source all its produce and supplies from local distributors.

With the wide selection of food, live cooking stations enhancing the dining experience, the restaurant will appeal to families as well as groups of friends or colleagues looking for great value that’s a little bit different.

Speaking about Cosmo Group and the creation of 150 jobs for Dublin Tánaiste

and Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald TD stated, “I am delighted to welcome these 60 jobs to Liffey Valley and to the Dublin area, and pleased that COSMO decided to locate their first restaurant outside of the UK and Northern Ireland her in Liffey Valley. This is another welcome investment in Liffey Valley, creating jobs for local people and families throughout the West Dublin area. This investment and creation of such a large number of new jobs, shows great confidence in the area. I wish the Management and staff the best of success, in particular in the build up to Christmas, which is always a popular time to enjoy a

meal out with friends and family.”

Speaking about the Liffey Valley opening Bock Liang, Regional Director said,” We have been inundated with enquiries by our Dublin fans visiting the Belfast restaurant asking when we were bringing the restaurant concept to Dublin. We spent about six

LPD

years looking for a suitable location and are delighted that finally we will be opening the doors in a few weeks’ time. It’s a very exciting time of expansion for the COSMO Restaurant group, with more new openings in the UK and we are also planning more Dublin locations in the city centre and South Dublin in

the next 18 months.”

COSMO will be open seven days a week (closed Christmas Day) and customers can expect to enjoy unlimited courses for one set price, (prices for Lunch and Dinner vary).

For more information or to make a booking, please visit www.cosmo-restaurants.ie

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Pictured are members of Cosmo Restaurant Team. The 280-seater restaurant is due to open in early December and will provide authentic flavours and cultures with a choice of over 150 dishes from around the world. (Photograph: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland)

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WINTER IS COMING: AA RESCUE GEARS UP & WARNS DRIVERS TO PREPARE THEIR VEHICLES “Your battery could let you down but your tyres might get you killed.”

AA Rescue is planning for a surge in car breakdowns in the

coming weeks as winter arrives. This means an increase in hazardous

weather conditions, a lot less daylight, and unfortunately for

motorists a higher risk of having their car break down. AA Rescue

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. L.C.N. 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.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. Special thanks to St. Martin, St. Therese, St. Gerard, the Holy Angels and Saints. P.W.

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.

J.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.

is urging motorists to do a little preventative care now.

Battery faults are very common in winter because of the way that low temperatures affect them and because of increased demands on a car’s electrics. But wet or icy roads and more hours of darkness mean that in an emergency worn or damaged tyres can be lethal. Research carried out by the Road Safety Authority earlier this year found that defective tyres are a contributory factor in 9% of fatal road traffic incidents.

“A quarter of all breakdowns are electrical and batteries cause more AA call outs than anything else.” Says Director of Consumer Affairs Conor Faughnan.

“But tyres are even more important and unfortunately in Ireland we tend to neglect them. We would urge all drivers to take a few minutes to check that the tyres have a good amount of tread left on them, with no cuts or damage, and are properly inflated.

Worn tyres should be replaced.”

In its 2016 Annual Cost of Motoring report the AA calculated the annual cost of oil, tyres, repairs, replacements and servicing of a family car at over €1,000 per year.

Unplanned breakdowns or unexpected repairs invariably cost more, are often more time consuming than a regular service, and come when you least want them to.

“We gear up for this in AA Rescue because we know that the breakdowns are coming.” Says Director

of Consumer Affairs Conor Faughnan.

“We will have extra resources out and we’ll have stocks of batteries but if your car is due a service then now is the time to get it done.” says Faughnan.

The AA is also warning of the dangers posed by the large number of cars with defective lights on Irish roads.

A particular scourge are the ‘one-eyed monsters,’ or cars with one functioning headlight that are if anything even more dangerous than cars with no lighting at all.

Cars with one defective headlight may appear like a motorbike to oncoming traffic with tragic results.

Defective vehicle lights put motorists at greater risk of collision in the event of a breakdown.

Meanwhile, defective brake lights reduces the amount of time motorists travelling behind have to react in the event of an emergency stop.

“This is very common in Ireland an in fact the worse a counties roads the more likely they are to have defective headlights, according to research we have done in the past.” Says Faughnan.

“Banging and shaking over potholes can cause bulbs to fail over time but these must be fixed straight away.”

While the AA is warning about winter now, motorists are also encouraged to make car maintenance a year round habit.

The AA’s top tips to ensure your car is winter-ready: Change your battery: Batteries generally should be replaced every five years –

ensuring these are replaced before it reaches its life expectancy could save a great deal of inconvenience and time at the side of the road. If your car is struggling to start it’s usually a sign that the battery is weak. That will certainly catch you out when weather is colder as batteries have to work harder in low temperatures Check your tyres: While the minimum legal requirement for tyre thread depth is 1.6mm in Ireland, AA Rescue recommends replacing your tyre when the thread depth falls below 3mm. It also advises drivers to pay particular attention to their tyre pressure as cold weather can cause it to drop.

Check your lights: See and be seen, keep your indicators and headlamps clean and working.

Replace your wiper blades: The average set of wipers blades should last about a year, so if yours is due an upgrade, now is a good time to have them replaced.

Clean your windscreen: The glow of winter’s low sun can be dazzling and dangerous to drive in when your windscreen is smeared and dirty. So make sure to give your windscreen a good clean inside and out. It’s also good to use proper washer fluid rather than just water as it won’t freeze when temperatures drop.

Prepare an in-car safety kit to ensure you’re equipped for all winter driving conditions.

This should include a: de-icer and scraper, shovel, demisting cloth, jump leads, torch, necessary medication, warning triangle, AA Membership card, sand/ salt or other traction aid, and so on.

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TEL: 01 451 9000

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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 – 1980's The 1980’s was an unbelievable decade for film with some of the greatest movies of all time released during the period.

Alongside the likes of The Goonies, Dirty Dancing and Beetlejuice there were scores of fantastic movies made at the time.

These films are the basis for our Top Five Films: 1980s where were have gone outside of the usual 80s picks to bring you some absolute classics.

There is action, romance, time-travel, evil villains and adventure amongst our selections so let’s get started…

1. The Terminator – Spawning some of the most quotable lines for an entire

generation this movie made Arnold Schwarzenegger a star. A deadly robot is sent to destroy a young boy who holds the fate of the world in his hands – only his mother can save him. Lynda Hamilton is outstanding as Sarah Connors.

One wrong move and his then-teenage parents might never meet and fall in love – meaning Marty will cease to exist. With the help of mad scientist Doc Brown Marty must find his way back to the future.

2. The Karate Kid – An uplifting and spirited story about a young boy who moves to a new neighbourhood only to find himself being picked on by aggressive bullies. His neighbour begins to teach him to defend himself and soon he starts to become a warrior.

4. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom – Adventure, mystery and some great villains Indiana Jones really does have it all.

Up against a tribe carrying out human sacrifice Indy has it all to do. But with his sidekick, Shorty and his sharp wit he is well-armed.

A little gory but well worth a watch.

3. Back to the Future – Marty McFly finds himself travelling back through time trying not to disturb the very fabric of the universe.

5. Top Gun – Maverick is a talented, but arrogant, fighter pilot so when he is chosen for one of the most elite

TOY SHOW TREATS FOR ALL Both RTE and TV3 will air their toy show extravaganzas on Friday, December 2nd with viewing figures set to soar once again.

In 2015 more than 1.5 million people tuned in to RTE’s Late Late Toy Show hosted by Ryan Tubridy with youngsters from across the country showcasing the hottest toys of the year.

Early predictions suggest that the 2016 instalment will be just as popular with Penneys coming on-board to offer a range of Late Late Toy Show pyjamas and accessories for the special night.

There will also be a host of surprise special guests as well as the usual music fun and frolics during the live broadcast.

Some of the most soughtafter toys on Christmas lists this year are Hatchimals, an interactive toy that hatches itself from an egg, anything from the Trolls movie and the Nintendo NES Classic mini console.

TV3 will also host a special Christmas show entitled the Toy Show Teaser which will air at 8pm on the same night and be hosted by Lucy

Kennedy and Dustin the Turkey.

Lucy and Dustin will also be showcasing some of the ‘most wanted’ toys on Santa’s wish-list and rumour has it that there will be a special appearance from the man himself – Santa!

Lucy said: “As a mum of smallies, I know how special a Christmas Toy Show is, so I'm really chuffed to have been asked and very excited. We'll have great fun on the night with lots of laughs and great prezzies to show you all.”

The TV3 show is hosted in

partnership with AddressPal from An Post, a new delivery service which allows customers to shop on UK websites that don’t ship to Ireland.

The local station will also air a very special episode of The Seven O’Clock Show on December 2nd which will countdown to the main event at 8pm.

‘Seven’s Countdown to Christmas’ will be hosted by Martin King and Muireann O’Connell who will be joined by Yvonne Connolly cooking some festive treats in the kitchen.

Lucy Kennedy and Dustin the Turkey

squads in the world he is not one bit surprised.

What does surprise him, however, is the difficult decisions and relations he must make to survive. He

draws confidence from his wingman and best friend but when tragedy strikes will Maverick ever be the same? Top notch stuff from the usually bland Tom

Cruise.

So, put on your best legwarmers and neon colours to celebrate all things 80s with these classic picks.

A scene from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

IRISH HOME ESSENTIALS How many products could you name that are uniquely Irish and can undoubtedly be found in homes up and down the country? A new pocket-sized book from Seamus Ó Conaill will tell you all you need to know.

Irish Home Essentials is a book like no other which gives a tongue-in-cheek rundown on all of the strange things that Irish people are so attached to.

From tangled Christmas lights to woodchipped wallpaper and wooden spoons to Holy Water for the car the Irish are somewhat of an enigma.

There are tons of situations, suggestions and rituals that we can all relate to in Dublin author Ó Conaill’s new pocket-book.

Sodastream, stolen pint glasses from the local, the RTE Guide and wallpaper covered school books – it is all here, expertly illustrated by Emma Byrne.

Perhaps most importantly of them all is Ó Conaill’s cover star – Sudocrem, the antiseptic healing cream that made every rash, cut, bruise or sore magically better.

There are very few homes

across the country that won’t have a grey tub of the magic white cream in the back of the medicine cabinet and surely no household that hasn’t heard of it.

Reading this cleverly put-together and wellillustrated pocket edition of Irish Home Essentials is guaranteed to raise a smile, maybe even a laugh and bring nostalgia by the

bucket-full.

This book lets you take a trip down memory lane to revisit all of those old and quintessentially Irish artefacts found in homes across the country.

A handy size and lovely stocking-filler in the lead up to Christmas, Irish Home Essentials is published by The O’Brien Press and is available now priced from €6.99.

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