Bilateral cochlear implants allocated €3.2m in HSE service plan

One of the most positive pieces of news in today's publication of the HSE Service Plan for 2014 is that €3.2million has been allocated for the provision of bilateral cochlear implants for those children who need them.  A great day for all those involved in the HappyNewEar campaign!
A special word for the Dundalk parents who spearheaded the campaign for children who have been diagnosed with profound deafness.

Deanna Cairns and Denise Martin with Billy and Erin

WALKPEER programme in action in Dundalk

Had a great time today with members of the WALKPEER programme. Thanks to everyone involved, including Nikki, Aisling, Orla and Kyle who allowed me to shadow them in their work places: New Look, Boots, Headlines and Martin Foods.
Special word of thanks to Eimear Marron of WALKPEER.

Minister Ruairí Quinn visits 4 Dundalk schools today

I was delighted to welcome Minister Ruairí Quinn to Dundalk today. He met with staff, parents and pupils in Dundalk Grammar School, St Brigid's School, O Fiaich College and St Joseph's Avenue Rd.
He received a very warm welcome in all the schools and was very impressed by all the work being done by staff and students.

 A little helping hand for Ruairí in St Joseph's

 With Ruairí, Cillian and Denise in St Brigid's

 Cutting the ribbon on the new lift in St Brigid's

 T.Y. Students in O Fiaich College show the Minister how they work on their IPads

Very hard work going on in St Joseph's.

John Major in Dublin last night to mark the 20th anniversary of the Downing St Declaration.

I was delighted to meet Mr Major who joined the Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore  at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Iveagh House, for a commemorative lecture on the significance of the accord.
Signed on December 15, 1993, by Mr Major and then Taoiseach Albert Reynolds, the declaration marked a new beginning in Anglo/Irish relations.

 With Senator George Mitchell

Former US senator George Mitchell, who chaired the Northern Ireland peace talks that led to the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, also spoke at the event.
Mr Mitchell said: "A large part of my heart and emotions are in Northern Ireland - great people, great place."

With former Labour Party leader Dick Spring

€58,000 awarded to Drogheda Skateboard Park

The Department of Sport in partnership with Irish Public Bodies and Local authorities announced funding to create and enhance sport and recreational facilities in local areas. Drogheda Skateboard Park has been allocated the maximum amount of funding available at €58,000.

'It is terrific news that €58,000 has been allocated to Drogheda Skateboard Park as I am sure it will be put to great use and will improve an already wonderful for young people interested in the sport. Allocations such as these are vital to local communities and I am very much welcome that funding have been allocated to a youth oriented project in this instance.

'This announcement comes just one day after the allocation of €50,000 to Drogheda's Boomerang Youth Cafe and €50,000 to Omeath Youth Cafe. It is of the utmost importance that we continue to provide outlets and funding to the youth in our community. Projects such as the Skateboard park and the youth cafes give kids a safe and fun environment in which they can go to meet with friends and that parents can trust.

'I welcome the two announcements of funding in recent days and look forward to the positive impact they will have in Co. Louth.'

€100,000 allocated to Drogheda and Omeath Youth Cafés

Approved capital funding of €100,000 for two new youth cafés in Omeath and Drogheda has been announced today. In total, €1.5million has been allocated in capital funding for the provision of 30 new youth cafés around the country. This additional funding brings the total investment for new youth cafés to €2.2million since 2011.

I am delighted that that Omeath District Development Company and Drogheda Boomerang Youth Café have been allocated funding for the provision of new youth cafes. Youth cafés are important spaces for the young people and parents in our communities as they offer a safe environment that parents can trust and a place for young people to socialise.

These local youth cafes offer not only a social dimension but they also offer unique opportunities for different groups and organisations to engage with local young people on issues affecting them.

I would like to welcome the announcement of funding allocated to Omeath District Development Company and Drogheda Boomerang Youth Café and congratulate the members on a successful application.

Dundalk Accessibility Study highlights obstacles for those with mobility issues.

John Morgan, along with his colleague Seamus O Grady, has compiled an extensive accessibility study in Dundalk town. A wheelchair user himself he set out to ascertain what accessibility issues were of concern in the town centre, not only for wheelchair users but also for the elderly, parents with prams or buggies or even people making deliveries to businesses.
John set out in his wheelchair, using the Market Square as a starting point, and surveyed the surrounding streets, with his colleague Seamus taking photographs. While the recently refurbished Square proved ideal for wheelchair users, John quickly encountered problems when he ventured along the streets of Dundalk. The drop in height between the footpaths and roads means wheelchair users may experience stress to their necks. Gullies and uneven surfaces also cause difficulties for all pedestrians but especially for wheelchair users, the elderly and parents with buggies.
This is an extensive and detailed study which highlights the areas of difficulty and also points out those areas which have good accessibility. Louth is an "Age-Friendly" county, and prides itself on having this label. There is an urgent need to address the problems of accessibility and solve the problems that wheelchair users and the elderly can endure on a daily basis in the town,
I have written to the Director of Services and the town Engineer seeking an immediate meeting to discuss the findings of John's report.  I have also written to the Director of Services regarding seating arrangements for wheelchair users in the Táin Theatre along with the inaccessibility of the disabled toilet on the ground floor.
For the past two years I have been honoured to present the Louth Access Awards and I would like to commend all those businesses and workplaces which have improved their accessibility.

Rememberance Tree in Earl St Dundalk

Once again this year the Rotary Club have organized their Remembrance Tree on Earl St Dundalk . Members of the public can treasure the memories of special people in their lives by placing a ribbon of remembrance on the tree. There is no standard charge for doing this but voluntary contributions are welcomed and all funds raised will go to locally based organisations and charities and designated Rotary international humanitarian projects.
Members of the public are invited to join members and friends of the Rotary Club in a short interdenominational Prayer Service of dedication and carol singing at the Tree in Earl St on Friday Dec 20th at 4pm.
The Tree will remain open and manned by Rotarians and friends from 11am to 5pm each day until Christmas Eve.

Dundalk Stadium looking to a great future

 

 

Dundalk Stadium has won the prestigious Racecourse of the Year award at the Horse Racing Ireland Awards at Leopardstown yesterday.

Chairman Leo McCauley and manager Jim Martin were on hand to collect the award on behalf of the stadium, which celebrated 10 years in business at the end of last month.
Dundalk is Ireland’s only all-weather race track and is popular for its dual horse racing and greyhound meetings.
At the event, the stadium also revealed plans for the future, which is a floodlit national hunt track.
If this goes ahead, Dundalk will have the first floodlit racing course with jumps in the world.
 

 

Consultation process to begin on use of technology in schools

The introduction of computer technology had brought Irish education to “a turning point in teaching and learning”, the Minister for Education said at the launch of a public consultation on use of technology in schools. 

“ICT (information and computer technology) is not another subject, it is another set of tools,” Minister Ruairí Quinn said on Tuesday. But while its potential was huge it was important to question what benefits we expected to see coming from use of technology in education.

The consultation is aimed in particular at schools, parents, industry and academics. It will feed into the development of a national strategy for use of ICT in classrooms, a document which Mr Quinn said would be ready by summer 2014. 

This public outreach complements online surveys of school principals and teachers earlier this year. Meetings with focus groups will follow next year and all of these findings and results from the public consultation will inform the new ICT strategy, the department said. 

A strategy was needed that would not become redundant as new technologies emerged, Mr Quinn said. There was a temptation to be obsessed by the hardware but the real goal of the strategy was how do you change the entire way that knowledge is explored and conveyed and communicated with the help of new technology.

The last strategy was published in 2008 but since then there had been a rapid change in the availability of advanced hardware at a lower cost, he said. The technology offered a real opportunity to contribute to education.

Submissions under the public consultation must reach the department by 31 January, 2014 and those seeking to contribute can do so on line at www. education.gov.ie 

Speaking today in the Seanad in Private Members' Business on Mental Health Services

Could you be a volunteer in Co Louth?

For anyone wanting to volunteer in Co Louth the Louth Volunteer Centre is making the process as easy as possible . Based in Dundalk Town Hall, the Centre has so far this year logged 21,000 volunteer hours across the county, providing support to over 360 non-profit organisations in the county.
An information meeting on volunteering with guest speakers giving information about volunteering in the areas of disability and social work takes place in Dundalk Youth Centre today, Wednesday Dec 4th from 6-7pm.
Another meeting for organisations takes place in Lios Dubh Community Centre on Tuesday 10th December from 6-7.30pm.The topic is "Myths and Facts about Garda Vetting" and will cover all aspects of Garda Vetting.


Opportunities available for volunteers at the moment include:
St Brides GFC in Knockbridge who are looking to recruit a volunteer Marketing and Events assistant. this involves working with other volunteers and committee members to help organise and promote events for the club.

Ages and Stages Creche is looking for a volunteer in IT roles to update current website and suggest changes to website, maintain/give ideas on how it could be better maintained.

The Walk Peer Programme is looking for a volunteer who will be trained to support young people with disability, to develop skills and competencies to access the mainstream labour market.

Creative Spark is urgently looking for a volunteer to assist the facilitator in a fashion design class, using sewing machines and working with a group of 10 teenagers.

O Callaghan Edible Garden: Grow It Yourself organic gardener is looking for a volunteer to help produce organic food for local people using the resources, skills and co-operation of the community.

Anyone interested in any of these positions should drop in to the Volunteer Centre in Dundalk Town Hall, Crowe St on
Mon-Thurs        9.30 - 5
or phone  086-0431379
Further information on the website www.volunteerlouth.ie

SNAs increased to 11,000 for 2014 in response to demand

Labour Senator Mary Moran has welcomed the announcement yesterday afternoon that Minister Quinn will be increasing the SNA cap of 10,575, set by Fianna Fáil in 2010, to 11,000 for 2014. An additional 390 Special Needs Assistants posts have been added overall with 170 to be added immediately and 220 to be added in the new year.
'It is Government policy that every child who needs an SNA allocation should receive one and this increase in the cap of SNAs proves that we have listened to our educational partners and the parents on the ground on this issue and we will remain true to our policy.
'I very much welcome the announcement that 170 SNA posts will be added immediately. As a member of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Social Protection I engage with many advocacy, parent and education groups on the issue of special needs education. I have been made acutely aware that there has been an increasing number year on year of children enrolling in schools which in turn means there is also a rise in the number of supports needed for children with special educational needs, which can vary along a wide spectrum. All of the 390 newly added posts are greatly welcomed but I am very happy that there has been a recognition at Cabinet level that 170 posts must be allocated immediately.
'The NCSE will allocate the new SNA posts on the basis of need which means those schools and children most in need of such supports will receive them in the very short term.
'Minister Quinn has listened and responded to those on the ground on this issue. Through my work on the Education Committee and as Labour Seanad Spokesperson on Education and Disability, I will continue to work with all groups and my colleagues to ensure that special education remains a priority and our children are afforded the best possible opportunities in schools.'

Irish teens near top of major assessment table in reading and science

Labour Senator Mary Moran has welcomed the new PISA results released today, showing significant improvements for Ireland's 15-year-olds in all subjects.
“I strongly welcome these results which show Ireland is ranked 4th out of 34 OECD countries in reading. In this area, we are now on par with the high performance education of Finland and ranked higher than all other European countries. It has been shown that we have also greatly improved in the area of science where we are now ranked 9th out of 34. This is no surprise considering the impressive results our young scientists have achieved at international level in recent years.
“The results published today are proof of the high quality of our educators and the emphasis placed on the importance of education at Government level. Minister Quinn has been continually working to safeguard education during tough economic times and will continue to work with relevant partners in order to ensure the best for our children.
“Every student and school should be congratulated on these fantastic results. I am sure we will continue to see improvements in the next OECD PISA results as educators and students continue their hard work day in and day out.”

International Day for persons with Disabilities: We need to include disability in all aspect of our work moving forward

Labour Senator Mary Moran recognises the achievements in disability in Ireland and throughout the world but asks legislators at home and abroad to remain vigilant in moving forward. Today, 3 December 2013, marks the International Day for Persons with Disabilities worldwide and this year's theme is 'Break Barriers, Open Doors: for an inclusive society and development for all.'
'The United Nations estimates that over one billion people around the world live with some form of disability--this is approximately 15% of the world's population. The International Day for Persons with Disabilities has been in existence since 1992 and presents an opportunity to highlight the importance of developing and working together to create an inclusive society for all people 
'As Labour Seanad Spokesperson on Disability, I have raised the issue of equal rights and inclusiveness for people with disabilities on numerous occasions. Most recently I moved a Private Members Motion before the Seanad on the great work of Special Olympics Ireland. I have also had the great opportunity to work with local people in my area to make our town a more accessibility friendly place for those with disabilities and limited mobility. A local Dundalk man, John Morgan recently completed the tremendous comprehensive study of the accessibility in Dundalk and I look forward to continuing to work closely with him and our local partners on this issue.
'The International Day for Persons with Disabilities enables the many  support groups to highlight the need for the further inclusiveness in our society. Many of us are fortunate enough to not have to worry about the width of a doorway, the looks of a stranger or the whether sign language will be provided during an event. Disability advocacy and rights groups each day work to raise awareness amongst legislators and ordinary people on the ground and without them many of would not have a clue on the struggles and exclusion some people with disabilities face.
'In my role as a Labour Senator I will continue to highlight the issue of inclusiveness for those with disabilities within the Seanad and in my own local community and would encourage others to do the same. I would like to thank and recognise the great work that all of the disability support groups and agencies do 365 days of the year in raising awareness and providing important community supports.'

Dundalk Positive Mental Health Forum talk tonight on coping with Adolescent Anger

Dundalk Positive Mental Health Forum is an initiative made up of service providers or interested parties who wish to promote positive mental health awareness in Dundalk. The Emphasis is the promotion of Positive Mental Health, through the linking up of existing services, identifying the gaps and looking for solutions to close these gaps.

 

The Next

Dundalk Positive Mental Health Forum Meeting

Will Take Place On

 

Monday 2^nd December 2013 @ 7:30pm

Dowdallshill G.F & A.C

Pairc Naomh Brid

Newry road

Dundalk

 

The Discussion Topic for This Meeting will be:

 

Coping With Adolescent Anger

 

Presenting on the night

 

Ger Matthews

Dundalk Counselling Centre

‘Oakdene’

 

All Welcome

5 Louth Schools selected for major works in 2014

Labour Senator Mary Moran has welcomed the announcement by Minister Ruairí Quinn that 5 Louth schools have been selected for major works to be carried out in 2014. In total, 70 schools have been selected to have major works carried out in 2014 as part of a €2bn five year plan announced in 2012.
'I am delighted that 5 schools from Louth will benefit from major works in 2014. This is one of many announcements from Minister Quinn in recent times on investment in our education infrastructure. Most recently, the announcement that 75 primary schools in Louth are due to receive a grant to enable small-scale repairs as well as the re-opening of the Summer Works Scheme.
'The announcement that 2 new schools are to be built is very welcome as this will have a significant effect on the surrounding communities. I am delighted that St. Mary's College in Dundalk and Ardee Educate Together have been given the go-ahead to begin construction on new schools in 2014. Additionally, CBS Primary, St. Joseph's CBS and Scoíl Uí Muirí will all benefit from a new extension to their buildings.
'These school works will have a knock-on effect for the construction sector throughout the country with an estimated 3,200 jobs being created and 640 indirect jobs.
'I look forward to the positive effect these works will have in Co. Louth throughout 2014 for those in the construction sector and the educators and students that will benefit from the finalised project.'
All buildings works will go ahead in 2014 subject to planning permission.
ENDS
NOTE: Schools selected for works and type of work carried out.
CBS Primary Chapel Street, Dundalk Extension
Ardee Education Together Dundalk Rd, Ardee New School
St. Joseph's CBS Newfoundwell Rd, Drogheda Extension
St. Mary's College Dundalk New School
Scoíl Uí Mhuirí Barn Rd, Dunleer Extension

Important development for long-suffering symphysiotomy survivors

IMPORTANT DAY FOR LONG-SUFFERING SYMPHYSIOTOMY SURVIVORS - MORAN

Labour Senator Mary Moran has welcomed the announcement this week of the appointment of Yvonne Murphy as the Judge to liaise with survivors of symphysiotomy. Judge Murphy will now meet with the survivors to address the long-standing issues in this area.

“This is indeed an important day for these women and their families. Symphysiotomy is a surgical procedure in which the cartilage of the symphis pubis is severed to widen the pelvis allowing for easier childbirth. Many of the survivors of symphysiotomy have been left permanently disabled, incontinent and in constant pain. Many of these ladies are now in advanced years and in declining health. I am delighted that their plight is being acknowledged by the Government.

“Since entering the Seanad, I have worked alongside many wonderful people who have long campaigned for these women including Olivia Kearney, herself a symphysiotomy survivor and long-time activist for women who underwent a symphysiotomy.”

Dundalk and Drogheda selected for ABC programme for 2013-2016

Labour Senator Mary Moran has welcomed the announcement today that Dundalk and Drogheda have been selected as one of the additional nine areas to enter the design stage of the Area-Based Childhood (ABC) Programme 2013-2016.
“I sincerely welcome the decision to move the Louth proposal, The Genesis Programme, forward to the design stage of the ABC programme. The Genesis Programme proposal focuses on 74 small areas across Dundalk and Drogheda and will target deeply disadvantaged areas in these two towns. The proposal aims to build on the great work already taking place across the 8 primary schools in Dundalk and the 4 primary schools in Drogheda who currently implement Incredible Years.
“The Genesis Programme proposal was developed by the Louth Working Group which is comprised of primary school principals, parents, HSE representatives and community leaders. The group put in a substantial amount of work in their submission to the Department of Children and Youth Affairs which is evidenced by the great news that Dundalk and Drogheda have been chosen as one of the thirteen areas across the country.
“The ABC programme will target additional investment in evidence-based early interventions to improve the short, medium and long-term outcomes for children and families living in both towns. I have been in contact with the Louth Working Group on this proposal over the last six months and I believe they have compiled a very detailed submission and action plan while also joining up with all of the relevant partners in our area.
“Early intervention into the lives of children and families living in disadvantaged areas is key. At other sites around the country there have been significant improvements shown in reducing parental stress and improving parental well-being; improvements to school attendance and children's behaviour toward each other; and helping to deal with the early on-set of behavioural and emotional problems some children may experience.
“The Incredible Years in Dundalk and Drogheda is already producing great work and I look forward to committed members of the Louth proposal and their partners in building upon the successful work already in progress. Congratulations to all members of the Louth Working Group on moving to the draft stage of the ABC programme and I wish them every success.”

Help for students with disabilities or educational disadvantage when filling out CAO forms

It's getting to that time of year when students are  putting their minds to filling out CAO forms for college entry in 2014. For students with a disability or educational disadvantage there is the opportunity to apply for two schemes which could make a big difference to  them. These are the DARE or the HEAR schemes.

 

1) DARE Scheme

 DARE stands for Disability Access Route to Education and it is a scheme that allows students with disabilities or significant illnesses to apply for college places on reduced points. Students use their CAO form, either online or paper, to indicate their intention to apply.

 

Applicants will first be asked to indicate that they have a disability. By doing this, they are giving the institutions an indication that they may need extra support on enrolment. This will in no way prejudice the applicants. Next, students will be asked to indicate if they wish to apply for the DARE scheme. This needs to be done by February 1. DARE is aimed at school-leavers who have the ability to succeed in third-level education but who may not achieve the points for their desired course because of their disability. However, access to support in third-level for students with disabilities is not confined to those who enter via the DARE scheme.

 

The applicant will be asked to give information about their disability or illness and how it has impacted on their learning. This information will be filled out on-line and must be completed by March 1. Finally, applicants will be asked to send evidence of their disability from their consultant, psychologist or relevant professional. This may take some time.

This evidence, along with an academic reference completed by the school, must be with the CAO by April 1. For more information see www.accesscollege.ie.

 

 

2) HEAR scheme

 HEAR stands for Higher Education Access Route and this scheme allows students who are considered educationally disadvantaged to enter third level on reduced points.

It is not intended for students or families who may be experiencing shortterm financial difficulty and the grant may be more appropriate for these families.

There is a bit of work involved in this application so it is important to begin the process as early as possible.

Applicants who are in the care of the state will automatically qualify but still must complete the online form.

To be eligible for HEAR you must meet certain indicators or criteria related to your financial, social and economic circumstances.

You must also be under 23 years of age on 1 January of the year the course starts.

Indicators

• Financial (for entry autumn 2014):

• 1. Income: Your total family income for the year 2012    was within the HEAR income limits (see table below)
• 2. Medical card: You, your parent(s) or guardian(s) hold a medical card or GP visit card on 31 December 2012
• 3. Social welfare: Your parent(s) or guardian(s) were getting a means-tested social assistance payment for at least 26 weeks in 2012

• Social and cultural:

• 4. Group: You come from a socio-economic group that is under-represented in higher education, for example: non-manual workers; semi-skilled and unskilled manual workers; agricultural workers
• 5. School: You have completed 5 years of second-level education at a school in the DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) programme
• 6. Area: You are living in an area of concentrated disadvantage and social exclusion with, for example, high unemployment and poverty and few community facilities

HEAR income limits 2013

Number of dependent children* in your family	Family income in 2011
Fewer than 4	€48,811
4-7	€53,637
More than 8	€58,230

Add €4,980 to the total income for every sibling/parent enrolled in a full-time college, university or Post-Leaving Certificate further education course.

Fulfilling the indicator requirement

Of the 6 indicators above you must meet the low income indicator 1 and a combination of 2 other indicators.

What HEAR is not?
HEAR is not a maintenance grant, it is an admissions scheme to help students who may not traditionally go on to third level.
The maintenance grant, or Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) as it is now known, is the main source of financial help available from the Irish State for students in full time post leaving certificate cources (PLC's) and full time education undergraduate and post graduate courses.
If you apply to HEAR you should also apply to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) for the higher education maintenance grant if you think you may be eligible. For more information on this you can log onto: http://www.studentfinance.ie/mp7232/maintenance-grant/index.html.

Applicants must indicate their intention to apply for the HEAR scheme though the CAO by February 1. The online application form must be completed by March 1.

Once this section is completed, applicants will receive a personalised list of supporting documents which must be sent to the CAO by April 1. Application advice clinics will be held nationwide on January 11, 2014.

Applicants who intend to apply to the HEAR or DARE schemes may bring their information to these clinics where they can receive advice.

Further information available at www.accesscollege.ie

Students should consult with their school guidance counsellors for advice and assistance on applying to the CAO.
 

 

 

 

 

 

Ardee public information event focuses on safety in the home

The HSE’s Ardee Primary Care Team is hosting a health promotion day, focusing on safety in the home in Lanney’s Supervalu, Ardee on Friday 29^th November from 10:00am – 1pm.

The aim of this event is to inform members of the public, in particular older people about safety in the home. HSE primary care staff and health promotion personnel will be on hand to offer advice and information on the steps people can take to improve their personal safety at home, including falls prevention. Representatives from Garda Liaison, St. Vincent de Paul and Good Morning Louth will also be available to give advice and leaflets on the day in relation to fire safety, personal alarms, smoke and heat alarms and crime prevention.

Members of the public are encouraged to pop along to this free public information event.

C'Mon The Town by Jim Murphy launched in the Lilywhite

The much anticipated launch of the new book by Jim Murphy – “C’Mon The Town: A Dundalk FC Miscellany” was launched on Friday night. The book is currently on sale from the Dundalk FC Stand in the Marshes.

The culmination of years of work  - this stunning book is a celebration of one of the League OF Ireland’s most successful clubs, comprising photographs, statistics, memorabilia, profiles and stories, covering the club’s first 88 seasons in the National League that will consist in the main of previously unpublished material.

Beautifully printed on gloss paper, this is a full colour publication containing more than 360 A4 pages and will become a must buy for every Dundalk supporter and an ideal Christmas gift.

Compiled by Jim Murphy, author of ‘The History of Dundalk FC..The First 100 Years’, the proceeds are entirely for the benefit of the club!

Man Up campaign receives full support from Dundalk Women's Aid

Women's Aid Dundalk say they are proud to be part of the MAN UP campaign which is raising awareness about domestic violence. While the majority of men are appalled by violence inflicted on women and children in the home, unfortunately there are still many instances of domestic abuse.
The campaign is based on Irish research which shows that long-term abuse activates a "freeze mechanism". This can prevent the woman from taking in the messages and information that are designed to help them find safety. It is only when something out of the ordinary happens that she may find herself able to recognise and access the support services that are there.
For further information and to see the video go to SafeIreland.ie/manup

You can contact Women's Aid Dundalk on 042-9333245
In 2012 Women's Aid Dundalk responded to 978 Helpline calls. There were 104 admissions to refuge, 84 women and 99 children.

Congratulations to Dundalk student who wins art competition sponsored by the HSE

Congratulations to Eden Leavy Cassidy from Réalt Na Mara School in Dundalk who has won the fifth class category in a HSE sponsored competition as part of Science Foundation Ireland's Science Week 2014 to highlight the issue of superbugs, the importance of keeping hands clean and preventing the spread of infection. Over 2,000 children from around the country entered the competition. Eden designed a superbug called Rayza to win the competition.

The website www.ebug.eu is an EU wide educational tool provided free, through the HSE, for classroom and home use.
 
Over 2,000 children from around the country have designed their very own superbugs to highlight the importance of keeping their hands clean and preventing the spread of infections.  The HSE sponsored competition took place as part of Science Foundation Ireland’s Science Week 2014, and to promote www.ebug.eu an EU wide educational tool provided free, through the HSE, for classroom and home use.  This site is a great resource for teachers, parents and children to have fun while learning about microbes and how to protect themselves from infection.  It includes lots of classroom activities, lesson plans for teachers, and online games. The e-bug website has a dedicated section for Ireland and is available in both English and Irish.

To see all the winners of the competition  go to http://hse.ie/eng/health/hl/hcaiamr/handhygiene/resourceschildren/

Speaking in the Seanad Order of Business Tuesday Nov 12th

Staff from Louth/Meath Hospitals to host information events to mark World diabetes Day

 

World Diabetes Day takes place on Thursday 14 November 2013. To mark the occasion, staff from the diabetes department in the Louth/Meath Hospital group are hosting free diabetes information events in Dundalk and Drogheda. Anyone who has been diagnosed with diabetes, or people at risk of developing diabetes are encouraged to visit the Outpatients Department in Louth County Hospital on Wednesday November 13th, or  the health promotion corner on the ground floor of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital on Thursday November 14th between 10am and 4pm.  Diabetes nurse specialists and dietitians will be on hand to provide advice and information on managing diabetes, in relation to food, physical activity, foot-care, and pre-pregnancy planning for women with diabetes. Staff from the diabetes department will also be available in the Longwalk shopping centre, Dundalk and Laurence shopping centre, Drogheda from 11am to 3pm on Friday November 15th to offer free diabetes advice. Speaking in advance of the diabetes information events, Pauline O’ Hanlon Diabetes Nurse Specialist said, “Diabetes is a significant health problem in Ireland. Based on the latest census information, Diabetes Ireland estimate that during 2011 the total number of people in Ireland in all age groups with type 1 and type 2 diabetes reached 190,000. Many people may have type 2 diabetes for over seven years without realising it. It's very important to be aware of the risk factors, which include being overweight, having a family history of diabetes, and in relation to women, having a history of gestational diabetes. However, both type 2 and type 1 diabetes can be managed effectively by incorporating a healthy diet and physical activity, monitoring blood glucose, medication and attending for regular follow up with their GP or hospital diabetes clinic". Due to the rise in obesity, type 2 diabetes is becoming more common in children and young adults, including women of child-bearing age. For women with diabetes, pregnancy carries certain risks for mother and baby. Due to the increased demand, a Pre-Pregnancy Care Clinic has been established in the Louth/Meath Hospital group . Linda Matthews, Diabetes Nurse Specialist, Pre-Pregnancy Care said: "Risks can be reduced with proper healthcare before, during and after pregnancy and the majority of women with type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies. The Pre-Pregnancy Care Clinic offers women with diabetes specialist advice and support to plan a pregnancy in order to achieve the best possible outcome for mother and baby."

Positive news today for the 35 "Neary Women"

I am delighted today to hear the announcement that applications are now being invited from the women who were excluded from the original Lourdes Hospital Redress Scheme.

I have met with many of these ladies since entering the Seanad and subsequently campaigned to extend the redress scheme to include these women, many of whom were excluded simply because they were over the age of forty. These women suffered unnecessary hysterectomies or had unwanted removal of one or both ovaries and suffered further as they were excluded from the original redress scheme on age grounds.

The plight of these 35 Neary women and the survivors of symphysiotomy have been at the core of my work in recent years. I am delighted with today's announcement and I hope that good news for the survivors of symphysiotomy will now follow quickly. To that end I am again calling on Minister Reilly to announce the appointment of the judge and the publication of the Walsh report in the coming weeks. Time is not on the side of these women and every day is a day too long in my opinion.

I welcome the announcement that the applications are now open for these ladies and that the injustice meted out to them will now be addressed. The applications will remain open until 5pm on Wednesday 11 December. Further information may be obtained by contacting the State Claims Agency on 0123784370 or by email at lourdespaymentscheme@ntma.ie.

A+ for Minister Quinn on tackling school uniform costs

Louth Senator Mary Moran today commended Minister Quinn on his announcement that he is to invite education partners to engage with Department officials on decisions on school uniforms in their schools. This will include compiling a template questionnaire that schools can use to consult with parents on uniforms.

"As a mother, a former teacher, a member of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education, and Spokesperson on Education in the Seanad, the issue of school uniforms and their costs are something I engage with on a daily basis. Some parents find the cost of school uniforms beyond their reach, particularly when some schools demand that uniforms must be bought in certain shops and must have certain labels. This can be particularly distressing for many families, especially when virtually the same uniform may be bought in another shop at half the price.

I welcome Minister Quinn’s announcement today that parents will now be consulted and asked to voice their opinion through a questionnaire, giving their opinions on what type of uniform they would prefer.  The template questionnaire will be issued to schools by the end of this month and schools are to compile the ballots by the end of February. This will give the schools time to consider the parents' wishes before deciding on the uniform policy for the next school year.

Special Olympics Connect Magazine welcomes Seanad debate on the merits of Special Olympics

Delighted to feature in the current Special Olympics Connect Magazine. In July 2013 I proposed a Private Members Motion on Special Olympics 10th Anniversary of the games in Ireland and this was the first time that the merits of the Special Olympics movement was debated in a national parliament. I was delighted that the debate which was broadcast all over the world highlighted the excellent work that is being done by Special Olympics Ireland. I look forward to supporting and participating in their next event The National Polar Plunge on Saturday, 8 December 2013. Sponsorship welcome! I would encourage anyone else who is interested in participating to contact me or Special Olympics Ireland for further details.

Louth - an Inclusive County.

I was delighted to receive an invitation to the one-day conference exploring issues around integration in Co Louth. It was organised by Co Louth Peace and Reconciliation Partnership and Louth Network for Peace.

With Amaka at the conference in the Crowne Plaza Dundalk

Speaking on the Social Welfare Bill 5Nov

Speaking in the Seanad on new HIQA inspections of residential facilities for people with disabilities and calling for answers for the families of The Disappeared

Politicians v Journalists football match

 

 

The Irish Mail obviously saw the similarity between Maradona's "Hand of God" and my penalty-taking right foot! Highlights available on YouTube  at http://youtube/HdlFFxongp8

 

43,000 students awarded grants by SUSI on schedule.

The student grant awarding body, SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland), has so far paid grants to 39,000 students for this academic year 2013/2014.  Of these, 20,000 are first time applicants and  19,000 are students who have renewed their grants with SUSI.
 
Because of improvements to its system, SUSI has been running more efficiently and on schedule. 43,000 students – 23,000 first-time applicants and 20,000 renewal students - have already been notified that they have been awarded grants, compared to just 6,000 this time last year.  The 4,000 students who have  already been awarded grants and are still to be paid will receive their grants as soon as their colleges confirm that they are registered and attending and when students provide their bank details.
 
All eligible students who met SUSI’s priority processing  deadlines and have submitted all the documents required to support their applications have now been awarded, in line with SUSI’s three-month timeline which began on 5^th August. Those applicants that supplied documents within deadline and have been asked subsequently for additional information are expected to receive notification of their grant status within four weeks of providing the information.  
 
Processing continues
SUSI expects to award a total of 60,000 grants for this academic year – 40,000 of them to new applicants - and processing  continues on those applications which came in after SUSI’s priority processing deadlines.  Students can follow the progress of late applications on the online tracker system on https://www.grantsonline.ie/eseries/
 
Payments
Additional payment dates have been put in place to ensure that students get paid as early as possible.
 

Payment dates   The earliest that payments could be made was during October, when colleges began confirming that students were attending their courses. The earliest payment dates were:   ·         11th October for renewal students ·         18th October for first-time university and college applicants ·        25th October for post-leaving certificate students.   Those students who  were not included on the first payment runs will start to be paid (including back payments) on one of the subsequent  payment dates, starting 1st November and running  weekly then fortnightly.     Subsequent maintenance payments will be made monthly over nine months.   More details on payments can be found on www.susi.ie

 
 
Final Course Acceptance Forms
Students who have been provisionally awarded a grant and who have  been asked to return  a completed  Final Course  Acceptance  (FCA) form should do so as quickly as possible. The form can be completed and submitted in a matter of minutes online at www.susi.ie   Once this document is in, the award can be finally confirmed and SUSI can  notify the relevant college that an applicant  has  been awarded a grant. The college can then confirm that the student is registered and attending. Only then can a grant be paid.
 

Students will receive payment provided they have: Received an award letter from SUSI or had their grant renewed Sent in an FCA form if they are non-CAO first-time applicants  Registered with their college for the new academic year  Been confirmed by their college to SUSI as having registered. (This process can take up to ten working days)  Given SUSI their bank details. More details can be found under Payments on www.susi.ie

 
 
Call for documents
SUSI is still awaiting documents from 18,000 students, of whom 7,000 have not submitted any documents to support their applications. Last year 10,000 students decided not to proceed with their applications. For those who are proceeding with their applications, SUSI is calling, in particular, for the following documents to be returned:
 

·         For the self-employed and farmers, a Notice of Assessment of Income for 2012 from Revenue is required. Without this document, their applications cannot be finally assessed.
 
·        For those applicants who have applied as independent students, the correct documents to prove independent living should be sent in.
 
·        Proof that applicants have been resident  in Ireland or another EU country for three out of the last five years.
 

More information on the type of documents accepted can be found on http://www.susi.ie/Info/News/Documents-Alert.aspx 
Those students who have not returned any documents to SUSI this year are being asked to advise the SUSI helpdesk to cancel their applications, if they are not proceeding with them.
 
The SUSI helpline number is 0761 087874.  Email: support@susi.ie

All teachers to be registered from Jan 2014

On November 1st the Minister for Education and Skills, Mr. Ruairí Quinn,signed the commencement order for Section 30 of the Teaching Council Act 2001 to become operational from 28 January 2014.
This legislation introduces a major reform whereby only registered teachers in recognised schools may be paid from public funds. “It is in all our interests for all of our children to be taught only by registered teachers who engage in continuous learning and development,” Minister Quinn said.
This measure will enhance the status of the teaching profession through fair and transparent regulation of entry to, and continued membership of, the profession.
The Minister urged any teachers who are not currently registered with the teaching council to apply for registration immediately. 
For more information please see www.teachingcouncil.ie

Launch of Walk Peer Programme in Bellingham Castle

  I was delighted to attend the official launch of the WALK PEER Programme which seeks to support young people with disabilities between 16-24 years in achieving education and training and ultimately sustainable employment.  Minister Joan Burton officially launched the programme, which is scheduled to run until early 2015, in Bellingham Castle.  It was indeed an honour to attend the launch  and meet the fantastic team for the Louth WALK PEER programme.  The WALK PEER programme is a great local and social project as it affords young people with disabilities the opportunity to access routes of education, training and employment and most importantly it helps them to discover their own potential and abilities. Programmes such as WALK PEER provide an extremely valuable service to local young people with disabilities as it sets them on a path to realise goals and sets them on a course to achieve further opportunity after school has finished.  The programme is person-centred and taps into what the individual wants while working with existing local bodies to help best realise what is appropriate for that person. School leavers with disabilities often have fewer choices once they are finished with their secondary school education.  PEER WALK begins working with these teenagers early on to help develop an avenue of employment.  It is crucial to the well-being of many people in our society that they become active in the jobs market and their local community--this programme creates the opportunity to access both in an otherwise narrow prospects.