Speaking in the Seanad on the 2020 Strategy on the Irish Language

Speaking in the Seanad paying tribute to former Senator Jimmy Mulroy

€5 million fund for Heritage Projects announced.

Senator Mary Moran has today welcomed the announcement by Jimmy Deenihan TD. Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, that 618 projects across Ireland in protected buildings and historic structures are to receive funding from a €5million scheme.

“Buildings and structures of historical significance can be beautiful to look at but also very expensive to maintain and conserve. I am delighted that this initiative covers a wide range of projects from thatched cottages to cathedrals, private and commercial buildings. The Built Heritage Jobs Leverage Scheme 2014 requires that successful applicants for funding must at least match the funding that they draw down from the scheme and the Department indicates that the€5million in taxpayer funding will unlock €16million in private funding for these projects.  This will give a very welcome boost to the construction industry as well as ensuring that buildings which are an integral part of our heritage get the attention they need.  In County Louth alone 21 projects have been allocated funding under this scheme to the value of €162,000.”

Big beach clean-up in Templetown this Sat 29 March 11am

Don't forget Daffodil Day tomorrow Friday 27 March

Daffodil Day is the Irish Cancer Society’s biggest annual fundraiser. It is community based and raises funds for their free nationwide patient care services and research. This will be its 27th consecutive year running.

Government approval for admissions to schools Bill a great step forward

Senator Mary Moran, Labour spokesperson on Education in the Seanad, has welcomed Government approval of the Education (Admissions to Schools) Bill 2014. This new legislation aims to ensure that the enrolment process in all primary and post-primary schools is inclusive, transparent and fair.

“Parents all over the country should be very happy with this announcement as this legislation will ensure that enrolment criteria will be consistent, fair and possibly for parents the most important thing, transparent. About 20% of schools in the country are over-subscribed and it is particularly in the case of these schools that the Admissions to Schools Bill will be of particular importance.

“As a member of the Joint Committee on Education and Social Protection, I was part of the process where the submissions of parents and education partners, among others, were heard. The recommendations from the Committee will be considered further in the context of the drafting of the Bill.

“Among the provisions in the new Bill, will be a requirement for all schools to make an explicit statement in their admissions policy that they will not discriminate against an applicant for admission on the grounds of disability, special education needs, sexual orientation, family status, membership of the traveller community or race.

“I am particularly pleased that the Bill will also deal with children with Special Education needs and children for whom no school is available. The National Council for Special Education and the Child and Family Agency will be enabled to designate a place for these children if the need arises.”

Samaritans launch new free to call number 116 123

 Samaritans has launched a new free to call number today - 116 123 - for people who are struggling to cope. The number will make it possible for people to access the service round the clock, every single day of the year, free of charge.  

 

The new free to call number has been made possible by a partnership between Samaritans and the telecommunications industry.   The HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention is providing funding to support the Samaritans to build their capacity to roll out 116 123.

 

Welcome for funding for Anti-Litter and Anti-Graffiti Awareness in Louth

Following on the announcement earlier this week that Co Louth is to benefit to the tune of €90,000 in funding to assist the local authority in preparing and maintaining the public areas ahead of the busy tourism season and summer months, today Minister Phil Hogan TD has allocated an additional €22,670 for anti-litter and anti-graffiti awareness schemes for Louth.  In all, €850,000 will be provided country-wide from the Environment Fund to local authorities under the 2014 Anti-Litter and Anti-Graffiti Awareness Grant Scheme. The money can be used to provide funding support to appropriate public education and awareness initiatives in relation to both litter and graffiti. There is a particular focus on voluntary initiatives involving schools, young people and community groups.

I am very pleased that this funding has been allocated to support the huge efforts that communities in Co Louth make in maintaining the wonderful high standards evident in the recent successes in Tidy Towns and Environmental awards. We need to actively encourage and educate the general public in the benefits to all of living in a beautiful county and to make sure we keep up the high standards that have been reached. 

The appearance of our towns, villages, rural and coastal environments is of great importance to both social and economic activity across the country and we all benefit from the jobs which are created in the tourist industry when people come to the Wee County.

PUBLIC LISTENING MEETING IN LOUTH Tell the HSE what you think about the mental health services

 

Paddy McGowan, interim Head of Service User, Family Member and Carer Engagement on the HSE National Mental Health Management Team is planning a series of nationwide meetings to hear directly from people who have experience of the mental health services, their family, friends, and/or carers or anybody who has an interest in this area.

The meetings will allow people who use mental health services and their family/friend/carers to share their views on how mental health services should be developed and delivered.  

The HSE is committed to implementing mental health policy as outlined in ‘Vision for Change’.  In this context it is recognised that service users, family members and carers are at the heart of all of its services.

Feedback from these meetings will go directly to the National Mental Health Management Team and inform their decisions about mental health services.  

A public meeting in Louth is being organised on the following date:  

Location:      Drogheda  
Date:             Monday, 31st March
Venue:          West Court Hotel, 29 West Street, Drogheda – 041 - 9830965
Time:            2pm

Paddy has a long and distinguished history as a campaigner on mental health issues. He has personal experience of the mental health services, both as a service user and as a carer. He has also been involved in advocacy around issues both nationally and internationally for many years.

Urging people to attend the meetings and share their views he says: ‘‘I want to ensure that everyone who wants their voice heard on these matters gets an opportunity to do so. My appointment is a unique opportunity to ensure that the perspective of Service Users, Family Members and Carers are built into decision making about the mental health service at every level.

‘‘We held initial consultation meetings in September and December. From these meetings I really believe that it is important to host nation wide meetings to give an opportunity to a wider group of service users, family members and carers to have their say about mental health services.’’


The mental health division carries operational and financial authority and accountability for all mental health services with the core objectives of:

·        Providing high quality services by implementing A Vision for Change (Vision) to deliver a modern, recovery focused, clinically excellent service built around the needs and wishes of service users, carers and family members.
·        Supporting improvement in the mental health of the population and in our approach to suicide prevention.
·        Implementing the Health Reform programme fully within mental health services in a way which ensures appropriate integration with other health and social services.

The spectrum of services provided through the mental health division extends from promoting positive mental health through to supporting those experiencing severe and disabling mental illness.

It includes specialised secondary care services for children and adolescents, adults, older persons and those with an intellectual disability and a mental illness.

Issued by:

Area Communications Office
HSE Dublin North East
Bective Street, Kells, Co. Meath
t: 046 - 9251313
e: communications.dne@hse.ie

10 Louth schools to benefit from first round of summer works funding

I warmly welcome the  announcement today that 8 primary and 2 post-primary schools in Louth have been approved for funding under the 2014 Summer Works Scheme.  The total funding allocation for the first round of the Summer Works Scheme totals almost €36m and will deliver approximately 2,500 local jobs across the country this summer.
 A total of 3,112 children in Co Louth will benefit from the improvements that include gas, electrical and mechanical works.
'This year alone the government will be investing nearly €470m in our school building infrastructure and we remain committed to providing an improved educational environment for students and educators across the country.  A total of 386 schools have been approved in this first round of funding.
'This announcement will not only greatly benefit the school atmosphere and infrastructure but will also have a positive effect for those involved in the local construction industry.
'I am delighted that 10 Louth schools have been approved in this first round and will continue to work with Minister Quinn on educational issues effecting our area.  I look forward to the the positive local effect this announcement will have for our communities over the coming months.'
The second round of funding for the Summer Works Scheme will be announced over the coming weeks.

Curves Dundalk helps out Women's Aid, Why not give it a go?

Curves Dundalk are encouraging ladies to help them with their promotion this month. 
There is no joining fee charged during March when you bring along a bag of non-perishable food to Curves. The food will be donated to Women's Aid Dundalk.
Where can you find Curves?

They are located on 

First Floor, ISEP Building, Coes Road Dundalk, 086 846 8996 (042) 935 4242

http://www.curves.ie

Email    dundalk@curves.ie   Contact Paula Duff for more information

COUNTY LOUTH TOURISM FESTIVALS AND EVENTS ASSISTANCE SCHEME 2014

Louth Local Authorities have a limited number of small grants available to assist with the promotion and development of Festivals and Events taking place in County Louth during 2014.  Application forms are available to download HERE or email tourism@louthcoco.ie

Completed forms must be returned to Kathy Mulligan, Business Support Unit, Louth Local Authorities, Millennium Centre, Dundalk, Co Louth by 5pm on Friday 4^th April 2014.

Lower fees removes barrier for children of Irish emigrants

Children of Irish emigrants who have spent at least 5 years in an Irish primary or post primary school and whose families emigrated for economic or social reasons will now be eligible for lower higher education fees.  This will also apply similarly to other European citizens who have sent their children to school in Ireland or in the EU for the qualifying 5 year condition.

Senator Mary Moran said: “The difficulties within the Irish and broader world economy have caused many people to seek work and provide for their families elsewhere.  Unfortunately, a number of Irish families have been affected by the emigration of loved ones in recent years.

“This announcement by Minister Quinn removes a barrier for children of Irish emigrants who wish to return to Ireland and pursue higher education.  Under this new system, any Irish student who has spent 5 years in primary or post primary school will be charged the same rate as other EU nationals to study at undergraduate level.

“The new fee scheme is to be introduced for the 2014/2015 academic year with arrangements for this currently underway.  The implementation for the coming school year is very important for those young people living abroad as it now opens further options for their third level education.”

Government buildings go green for St Patrick's Day in Dublin.

Blackrock will hold it's second St Patrick's Day parade on Monday 4pm

Cross Border meeting of Special Olympics at the Good Friday Committee

€191,000 AVAILABLE TO LOUTH CO CO FOR COASTAL PROTECTION & FLOOD DEFENCE-

Labour Senator Mary Moran has welcomed the availability of €191,000 for the repair and restoration of coastal protection and flood defence works for Louth County Council following the severe and damaging storms of December and January.

'Many coastal counties were effected by the storms over the Christmas period with extensive damage caused to infrastructure, homes and businesses. Co. Louth experienced it's own share of damage with Louth County Council estimating repairs totalling €225,000 in mid-January.

'I know that many Dundalk businesses based at the Quays and on the Promenade in Blackrock were forced to close due to flood waters and necessary clean-up during the first week of January. Speaking with business owners, I am aware that these damaging storms coupled with the post-Christmas lull has had a detrimental effect overall on their business.

'The local infrastructure also suffered with works required on the coast road from Ballagan to Whitestown due to erosion along many sections; to footpaths and seawalls in the Blackrock area; sea defences and road works required at Ballagan; and other necessary repairs throughout the area.

'The announcement of €191,000 being made available will specifically address the damage done to our coastal protection and flood defences and give needed assistance to the council in carrying out the repairs. The OPW is very conscious of the need to carry out many of these works quickly and has offered to consider requests of advance funding of up to 80% to local authorities where a contract for works has been made.'

What's happening in Dundalk over St Patrick's Weekend? Look and see.

Louth Volunteer Centre encourages everyone in Louth to ‘Lens a Hand’

In the spirit of National Volunteering Week and the Drogheda Arts Festival, Louth Volunteer Centre is combining volunteering and art by organising an amateur photographic competition and exhibition, ‘Lens a Hand’.

The aim of the competition (open March 07 – April 04) is to capture the spirit of volunteering in Louth. Best entries will get exciting prizes and be featured in the exhibition, to be displayed in the Drogheda Town Centre as a part of the Drogheda Arts Festival (May 01 – 10).
 
John Cotterell, Manager of Louth Volunteer Centre , said ‘the competition will be showcasing the diversity of volunteering in action and illustrating its positive impact in local communities, as well as promoting the vital work of the charitable and non-profit organisations in Louth”
 
Albion Rovers FC Secretary, Liam Callan, has described the project as “an exciting and creative way of sharing the experience of helping others, its benefits and its stories, while inspiring more people to volunteer”.
 
For more information on categories, prizes, how to enter or vote, visit www.volunteerlouth.ie.
 
Louth Volunteer Centre provide a free volunteer matching service for people who would like to volunteer but may not know where to start. Anyone can make an appointment to meet someone in the local offices in Drogheda, Ardee or Dundalk to discuss the local volunteer opportunities that might suit them by calling 041 980 9008 or 086 043 1379.
 
An online list of volunteering opportunities makes it easier for people to see where they might volunteer in Louth is also available on www.volunteerlouth.ie. The Volunteer Centre also provides a service for community groups in Louth by offering support and training on how to recruit and involve volunteers. The Centre is also authorised to process Garda Vetting forms on behalf of organisations. 
 Further Information: Joana Rebola, 041 980 9008   joana@volunteerlouth.ie


 

Family Fun Day in Oriel Active for children with special needs and their families

Special Olympics Ireland North & South address the Good Friday Committee in Leinster House

Pictured at Leinster House on Thursday with John McKernan CEO Special Olympics Ulster, Matt English CEO Special Olympics Ireland, Shaun Cassidy Regional Director Special Olympics Ulster and Liam McGarry, volunteer with Special Olympics Ireland.;

Following my invitation, the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement heard presentations from Special Olympics representatives North and South on the excellent, valuable and coordinated work they do day in and day out.

As a member of the committee and vocal supporter of Special Olympics Ireland, I was delighted they were afforded the opportunity to present their fantastic work to members and bring further needed awareness to the organisation and the multifaceted work they engage in.  

In July 2013, I tabled a Private Member's Motion commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Special Olympics World Summer Games in 2003 and to highlight the organisation's continued work since this historic milestone.  Following my Private Member's Motion, I have continued to press upon my Government colleagues the importance of viewing the area of disability on a cross-departmental basis and not just in the narrow scope of health.

Special Olympics reaches across the 32 counties of Ireland, with 400 established community clubs and 1 in 3 people with an intellectual disability in Ireland participating.  The organisation has 25,000 committed volunteers who have given thousands of hours of their time.

Representatives presented to members the different Governmental approaches to funding and how cross border support for the organisation can be enhanced.  I will continue to actively engage with Ministers across the departments on this issue in support of Special Olympics.

I look forward to the National Games in Limerick and wish Special Olympics Ireland and all of the athletes every success in June.

 

Asking Minister Kathleen Lynch about the lack of child psychiatrist and mental health services for children with an intellectual disability in Louth

Speaking in the Seanad on the topic of Child Beauty Pagents:They have no place in Ireland

CHILD BEAUTY PAGEANTS HAVE NO PLACE IN IRELAND-MORAN

Labour Senator Mary Moran fully supports the Seanad Private Member's Motion on Child Beauty Pageants brought forward by Senator Jillian van Turnhout. The motion proposes to make a societal stand against child beauty pageants in Ireland and recognises that childhood should be distinct and separate from adulthood. Speaking in the debate on the motion, Senator Moran highlighted some of the harmful elements of the American-style child beauty pageants that threaten to take hold in Ireland such as fake tanning, waxing, facial-threading, botox, flippers-fake teeth for children, and more.
'There is a laundry list of things that tarnish and at times ruin childhood, as a legislator and parent I have a responsibility to stand against unnecessary harms like child beauty pageants. Without question, judging a 7 year old young girl or boy on his or her physical characteristics and swimwear is an unnecessary harm and I believe, a violation.
'These pageants teach one primary lesson to the children competing--that their importance lies in their physical attributes. This would obviously have damaging mental and physical affects on young children competing in such an atmosphere.
'I fully support Senator van Turnhout in her motion and will continue to stand against competitions which value superficial opinions over substance. We have an opportunity to be ahead of the curve in this regard and we must seize the opportunity because every child has a right to a childhood.
'I will continue to work and pursue this issue with my Government and cross-party colleagues. I welcome the Government commissioned international review on the response to child beauty pageants taking place this year.'

Education Committee publishes recommendations on Schools Admissions legislation

Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/oireachtas/12952150343/


The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Social Protection has called for first-come-first-served school waiting lists to be phased out, given that they can discriminate against newcomers to an area. With the so-called "section 29" appeals process to be replaced, the Committee is calling for an independent and transparent appeals process, which could possibly be provided for on a regional basis.
In a report on upcoming schools admissions legislation, the Committee also expresses concern at the proposals for a derogation for children of past pupils and school staff members, and argues that a school should not be permitted to give priority to a student on the grounds that he or she is the son or daughter of a former student or a staff member of the school.
The Committee considers that a school should be permitted to give priority to a student who has a sibling who is currently attending the school.
The recommendations are contained in the Committee’s Report on the Draft General Scheme of an Education (Admissions to Schools) Bill 2013, launched this morning.
Other recommendations include that:

· Where a school is designated to enrol a student with special educational needs, resources should be provided by the Department of Education and Skills within a statutory timetable· The proposals protect the integrity of Irish medium schools while ensuring that no discrimination takes place in relation to admissions. For instance, schools could allow a high priority in their enrolment policies to the small percentage of schoolchildren who are native speakers of Irish (outside of the Gaeltacht).
· Schools’ admission policies be written in a simple and plain style so that they are accessible to all parents.

The report acknowledges that multiple patronage and ethos as a basis for policy can lead to segregation and inequality in the education system and that the the objectives of admission policy should be equality and integration. Joanna Tuffy TD, Chair of the Committee says: “In a more diverse and changing society, it is clear that admission to school must adapt to meet prevailing circumstances and expectations. This important piece of legislation sets out to regulate the admission of children to primary and post-primary schools, with the overarching goal of ensuring fair, consistent and transparent schools admissions processes.
“As part of this Committee’s pre-legislative scrutiny process, we issued a call for submissions on proposals late last year. The public engagement with a wide range of range of stakeholders that followed highlighted for the Committee how admission to schools has not met the standards of equity or transparency that citizens have a right to expect from their public services. Informed by the diverse stands of opinion we heard, the Committee has compiled a report to assist the shaping of each section of the legislation in this challenging policy area.”
A copy of the report is being forwarded to the Minister for Education and Skills Ruairi Quinn TD, to assist in finalising his legislative proposals in relation to this issue. The report will also inform Committee stage consideration of the Bill when it is presented to the Houses of the Oireachtas later in the year.
Access report: http://bit.ly/1ic0yP4

Speaking in the Seanad on Wednesday on the Reform of Further Education and Training

Today is National No Smoking Day

Today, Wednesday 5^th March, is National No Smoking Day, and HSE is urging the thousands of smokers who will try to quit smoking this week to use the range of free support services that can double their chances of succeeding. The HSE's QUITline Service is moving to a new Freephone number 1800 201 203 from today and there are a range of other supports available on www.quit.ie.  
 
As part of the HSE’s QUIT campaign, two new TV adverts, featuring the late Gerry Collins, from Greystones, Co Wicklow and his family will be aired today.  Gerry’s new ads tell more of his story and his thoughts about smoking and his terminal illness. Through the series of QUIT ads, Gerry and his family have generously shared their experience, of Gerry’s battle with terminal lung cancer, in the hope of inspiring other people to quit smoking and to help others avoid the pain of illness and bereavement as a result of smoking.  
 
You can see all three of Gerry and the Collins’ family adverts on www.youtube.com/HSEireland. There has been an overwhelming response from smokers and quitters to Gerry’s courage and inspiration in sharing his story.  Using the numbers of people signing up to online QUITplans since the first ad aired in January, we estimate that over 60,000 people in Ireland have made quit attempts this year, thanks to Gerry.  
 
Gerry’s QUIT campaign adverts were created on the shared understanding with Gerry and his family that they would continue to be used after Gerry’s death. The two new ads are being aired this week, as planned, and in accordance with the Collin’s family and Gerry’s wishes.
 
Dr Stephanie O’Keeffe, National Director, Health & Wellbeing said ‘Quitting smoking is the best thing that you can do for your health, and if you use one the range of support services available, you can as much as double your chances of your quit attempt succeeding. Also, if you’ve tried before and it didn’t work, remember most smokers make several attempts before quitting for good. The trick is to keep on trying, because the change you can bring about in your health and your life is worth it.’  
 
The HSE's QUITline Service is moving to a new Freephone number 1800 201 203 today. This means that smokers in need of help and support to quit can call free of charge on 1800 201 203.  The QUITline is provided on the HSE's behalf by the Irish Cancer Society and gives professional counselling support to smokers on their quit journey.
 
This is the first time the national smokers Quitline service will be free of charge, and it is hoped that the removal of any cost will encourage smokers to call for support. The HSE and the Irish Cancer Society aim to ensure that our evidence-based support services are available to as many potential quitters as possible.  The previous LoCall number for the Quitline, will continue to operate as usual until the end of June.
 
If you smoke, remember you can QUIT and we can help;
 
Visit www.quit.ie and sign up for an online QUIT plan
Call the QUITline 1800 201 203
Join the Facebook support group www.facebook.com/HSEquit
Contact your local HSE smoking cessation service via QUIT.ie
Talk to your GP or pharmacist for help, and also supports and medications