Speaking in the Seanad today during Statements on Gaza

Louth families urged to speak up on nursing home standards

Labour Senator, Mary Moran, is encouraging local people with family members in nursing homes to have their say on national standards for the care home sector. She was speaking as HIQA launched a new public consultation on standards for nursing and residential care homes.

“It is vital that families are reassured that their loved ones in nursing homes are receiving the best possible standard of care, and that concerns regarding patient safety and quality of care are addressed. HIQA have updated the national standards which apply to nursing homes around the country, and are looking for feedback from residents of care homes, their families, and indeed staff.

“The experience and advice of actual residents and staff are just as important as those of experts or HIQA managers. They are the people receiving the care and working at the frontlines, and their views and suggestions will be of great value in charting the way forward.

“I would strongly encourage people who are affected by this area to make their views known. The public consultation feedback form is available on the HIQA website, and interested parties have until September 24^th to have their say.”


The feedback form is available from: http://www.hiqa.ie/publications/draft-national-standards-residential-care-settings-older-people-ireland-2014

Re-opening of Dunleer Market House

With Edel Byrne

With Martin Naughton

Delighted to attend the opening of Dunleer Market House. Great credit is due to Dunleer Community Development Board for their work in restoring this lovely building and opening it up for use by the community.
I have no doubt that it will be a tremendous facility for individuals, groups, artists and business people in the future.

Ireland's largest Steam Traction Engine Road Run to visit Blackrock at 4pm today

Ireland’s largest Steam Traction Engine Road Run will visit Blackrock today(Thursday).
The fleet of engines will travel around the bypass in Dundalk and head for the Fairways Hotel, arriving around 3pm.
A number of the engines will then proceed to the promenade, via the Greengates, arriving at 4pm and remaining there until around 7pm.
The run is in aid of TinyLife, Northern Ireland’s premature baby charity.

Closing date for new grant applications to SUSI is August 1st

The closing date for all new applications for the 2014/15 academic year is August 1st.

Making an Application

Applications to SUSI may be made online through the Online Student Grant Application System.


You need a Personal Public Service Number (PPSN) to apply for a student grant. If you do not have a PPSN, please contact Client Identity Services in the Department of Social Protection to apply for one.

Please ensure that you, your parent(s), legal guardian(s), spouse, civil partner or cohabitant, as applicable, complete all the relevant sections of the application form. It is important to read and confirm the Data Protection Statement before you submit your application.

If you become aware that any of the information you submitted was incorrect or has changed you must inform SUSI immediately by emailing support@susi.ie. You must also inform SUSI if there is a change in your circumstances that may affect your eligibility for a grant.

If you, your parent(s), legal guardian(s), spouse, civil partner or cohabitant, as applicable, provides information that is false or misleading, you or they may be guilty of an offence and liable to prosecution leading to a fine, a prison term or both, under section 23 of the Student Support Act 2011.
 

Assessment of your Application

When you have submitted your application SUSI may ask you to submit photocopies of documentary evidence to support the information you provide in your application. Incomplete documentary evidence will delay the processing of your application and will consequently delay payment, if you are deemed eligible for a student grant.

You will also be asked to complete a declaration form confirming that your application and any documents you submit in support of your application are complete and accurate. SUSI will assess your application based on the information and documents you provide before making a decision on your application. 

 

If you require any assistance on this matter please contact my office on 042-9329052/01-6183522

Dundalk Positive Mental Health welcome Dundalk FC support with Green Ribbon Campaign

 

Peter Cherrie, Stephen Kenny, Cillian Moran, Senator Mary Moran, Derek Pepper (SHine and member of Dundalk Positive Mental Health Forum) Gabriel Savva, Sean Bannon and Keith Ward. 

Dundalk Positive mental Health welcome  Dundalk Fc  support with Green Ribbon Campaign to give stigma on mental health issues the red card.



Dundalk Positive Mental Health Forum teamed up with Dundalk Fc at their match against Athlone on Sunday night to show their support for the nationwide SeeChange Green ribbon campaign to encourage everyone to take part in conversations about mental health.

Senator Mary Moran, Chairperson of the group warmly welcomed the support of Dundalk FC for this initiative. "We distributed green ribbons and a useful  bookmark with information on service providers in the Dundalk area to everyone who attended the match. We are extremely grateful for the support from the Dundalk FC team, Manager Stephen Kenny and officials from the club who afforded us the opportunity to promote the campaign at the match.

"While I feel we have come a long way in reducing the stigma of mental health in recent years, there is still a huge amount to be done. Having the support of a major sporting club like Dundalk FC is fantastic as it provided us with the opportunity to further raise awareness of the importance of looking after our mental health and giving  the  stigma surrounding  mental health issues the red card.
Dundalk Positive Mental Health Forum is an initiative made up of service providers and interested parties who wish to promote positive mental health awareness in Dundalk. Since its inception in 2013, the forum have held a number of awareness events in and around the Dundalk area .

SeeChange, the National stigma reduction partnership rolled out the national Green Ribbon Campaign to get people openly talking about mental health problems. More than 300,000 green ribbons have been distributed nationwide free of charge to spark a national conversation about mental health throughout Ireland.

I am delighted with the feedback we got last night from people who attended the match and am  confident  that the green ribbons and information details that we distributed  will help keep this campaign going. If the details provided help even one person to seek help then I feel it is worthwhile.
I will certainly work with my colleageus in Dundalk Positive Mental Health to keep the conversation going and reduce the stigma on mental health issues further.

Vital funding restored for health, disability groups

I have welcomed the news that Minister for the Environment, Alan Kelly, has provided approximately €1.3 million in bridging funding to 30 health, disability and other organisations for a 12-month period, pending a review.

“I met with Minister Kelly to discuss the matter earlier this week and I am glad to see that a solution has been reached by restoring this funding for 12 months. Over this time, a review will be carried out to identify a solution to the funding problems faced by these organisations, and to ensure better efficiency in future.

“Minister Kelly has listened carefully and intently to the concerns of the groups involved, and I commend him for taking such swift action so soon into his new position. Labour Minister for Disability Kathleen Lynch, also played a key role in the process.
“Bodies which are to benefit include the Irish Deaf Society, the Neurological Association of Ireland, the Irish Heart Foundation and Arthritis Ireland. The work of these organisations is crucial to ensuring that people with a range of disabilities and health issues in Ireland have important advocacy services and adequate representation at the negotiating table.
“I am pleased that Labour has played a critical role in ensuring the viability of these services until such time as a more sustainable solution can be realised. In the meantime I want to thank Ministers Kelly and Lynch for their foresight and decisiveness in this matter.”

Fantastic support for Green Ribbon campaign for today's match in Oriel Pk.

Changing minds about Mental Health: One Conversation at a Time

With Derek Pepper from SHINE, Stephen Kenny and the Dundalk FC boys, and no 1 fan Cillian at Oriel Park.
Fantastic support for the Green Ribbon campaign from Dundalk FC

Oriel Centre Dundalk July concerts Thursdays 8pm

Oriel Centre Summer Show - 'Comhaltas Seisiún 2014'

Each Thursday throughout July / August we offer a feast of Traditional Irish entertainment in a uniquely historic setting.  Relax with a drink from our theatre bar while you watch, listen (and even participate!) as the best of talented traditional musicians, singers and dancers perform in a lively and colourful evening of traditional music, song, dance and storytelling.  The evening finishes with a cupán tae, ceol & craic.

July performance dates -   Thur 24^th July 8.pm
Thur 31^th July 8.pm
 

 Admission €10 ; Family ticket  €30
 

Tickets for this and all events available to book online at www.orielcentre.ie
Ph 042 9328887  | email info@orielcentre.ie


--
*
Comhaltas Ceoltoirí Éireann
Oriel Centre, Dundalk Gaol
Carrickmacross Rd
Dundalk
Co. Louth*
Ph  042 9328887 | Fax 042 9328873 |
www.orielcentre.ie<http://www.orielcentre.ie>

Speaking in Private members business on Eye Care where I seconded the motion

Delighted to second the motion put forward by Fine Gael Senators today on Eye Care. The motion received cross-party support.

Speaking today in the Order of Business re Housing and Dundalk Pride

Speaking in the Seanad on the reduction in the training allowance for SOLAS students

Best wishes to two Dundalk Boxers heading for European Championships

Two Dundalk boxers, Amy Broadhurst and Orla Garvey will represent Ireland in the European Youth and Junior Women's Championships in Italy on July 19th.

Both boxers are members of the Dealgan boxing club in Dundalk with Amy taking part in the Youth category and Orla in the Junior category.

The Irish team will leave for Assisi on July 19th, having spent time in their training camp in preparation for the big event.

We wish them every success in their competitions and have no doubt that they will do Dundalk and Ireland proud.

Blackrock just pipped for Best Kept Small Town award

Blackrock has been pipped by just one point by Hillsborough, Co. Down for the award for Ireland's Best Kept Small Town 2014.  The awards were presented aboard the S.S. Nomadic in the Titanic Centre in Belfast recently. Blackrock received 215 points out of 250, while Hillsborough got 216.  Former national Tidy Towns winner Aughrim, Co. Wicklow got 203 points.


This is an amazing achievement for Blackrock and it's a tremendous tribute to the whole community to have brought the village up to these standards.


The competition was judged during May, when the village was visited twice by the judges.  Adjudication covered seven different categories, with Blackrock beating Hillsborough by one point in one category and equaling them in five others.  However under the "Presentation of Residential Areas and Private Frontages" category Hillsborough beat Blackrock by two points giving them the award.

Seanad debate with Minister Cannon on an unsuccessful application for the Summer Works Scheme

Speaking in the Seanad today in the Order of Business

Clear Assurance from Minister on Travel Pass

I welcome today the categorical assurances from Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton that there is no threat to the free travel pass for older people in the upcoming Budget.

“The free travel pass is a prized possession for older people, and enables them to get out and about in their daily lives. The pass has recently been targeted by opposition and other groups for the purposes of shameless scaremongering, with suggestions being put out that the free travel pass is somehow under threat.

“Having protected the pass during three consecutive budgets, the government has made it clear that it will be further protected in this year’s Budget.  

“Groundless claims have been given a clear and direct response by Tánaiste and Minister Joan Burton on the floor of Dáil Éireann this week – there is no threat to the free travel pass.

“Those groups, inside and outside the Dáil, who have sought to whip up the fears of elderly people should welcome this assurance by Minister Burton, and rethink their publicity campaigns around this issue.”

Speaking in the Seanad on the matter of a suitable placement for a school leaver with an Intellectual Disability

Cyberbullying discussion with chair of key online group

 

I am hopeful that a number of new recommendations, designed to tackle the growing problem of cyberbullying and online harassment, will be in place by September.

Last week I  met with Dr. Brian O’Neill, the Chair of the Internet Content Advisory Group, which recently presented a key report to the Government on various aspects of internet governance.

At this meeting I discussed with him the urgent need to deal with a number of complex issues surrounding internet usage and young people nowadays. Cyberbullying and online harassment is one such aspect of this.

“Parents and teachers can only do so much in terms of policing online behaviour; recent cases such as the ‘NekNomination’ craze have shown how the clear need for a more strategic, Government-led response to the issue. The Labour Party in Government has been working hard on this front, and the efforts of Dr. O’Neill and the online advisory group have been central to this process. Local parents need reassurance that we are making real strides to tackle this problem and I am pleased to report that September has been mooted as a realistic target for the implementation of some of the group's recommendations.

“The group has suggested beefing up legislation, and making sure that the issue of internet safety is on the top of the agenda by enhancing the role of the Office for Internet Safety. They also want to make Internet Service Providers more responsible by doing more to offer family-friendly packages to consumers which promote safe online usage for kids.

“I am hugely cognisant of the concerns of local parents in relation to this issue of online safety. This marks the first time that practical, tangible steps will be taken to arrest the growing problems posed by unregulated online behaviour. I want to assure people that the Labour Party is strongly committed to reform in this area, both through regulatory and legislative change, and educational initiatives at school level.”

Affordable childcare will support families returning to work

I  welcome the announcement today that the after-school childcare (ASCC) programme and the community employment childcare (CEC) are to be expanded and improved, thereby increasing access for low income families to childcare.
From 14th of July the after-school programme will be available to recipients of Jobseeker’s Allowance, Jobseeker’s Benefit and One-Parent Family payments who participate in a Department of Social Protection employment programme and the CE scheme is expanding to provide subsidised childcare places for CE participants with primary school children aged up to 13 years of age.

'The cost of childcare and after school care has been a serious issue for parents of young children who want to take up employment or participate in back to work schemes so I am particularly pleased that the Departments of Social Protection and Children and Youth Affaires have collaborated on the provision of these changes. Supporting parents to return to employment is a fundamental element of this Government’s vision. Providing affordable and high-quality childcare is one of the cornerstones of support which parents urgently need. “

Need for greater social housing investment in Louth

I welcome the announcement today that Louth will be allocated €76,000 for the refurbishment of vacant social housing by Minister for Housing and Planning, Jan O'Sullivan TD.

The announcement today comes when affordable social housing is very much in demand.While any investment in social housing is welcome, unfortunately the number of people seeking social housing in Louth remains extremely high. I am pleased that this funding will benefit some people who are seeking social housing. However I have asked Minister O Sullivan to ensure that housing for people with a disability also remains a priority as I believe the number of people in our area with a disability who are awaiting suitable housing remains a problem.

In some cases empty houses in housing estates have been vandalised when abandoned and can depreciate the value of the surrounding houses. The refurbishment of vacant homes in Louth will create jobs in the construction sector for people who are unemployed. The positive psychological impact of having a job is equally as beneficial as the financial benefit to the long-term unemployed in our community. With economic growth recorded by the ESRI recently, we still need further investment in social housing and for the needs of the people of Louth to be met, for the economic and social recovery of this country. This includes reaching out and supporting people who are long-term unemployed.

Louth Business Awards 2014. Enter your business or nominate one by 29 August.

Dundalk Chamber has just launched the Louth Business Awards for 2014. Anyone who has a business can enter their own business or anyone is free to nominate other businesses who you feel desere an award in any of the 14 categories below.

The aim of the Awards Scheme is to recognise the achievements of companies and individuals in promoting excellent products and services in a top class manner. They also encourage companies large and small to continually improve their business. Even in these tough times many businesses are beating the trend and deserve to be recognized.

The 14 categories are :
Best Customer Service Award
Best Retail Premises for both exterior and interior visual impact.
Special Community Group
Age Friendly Award
Best Exporter of the Year Award
Best Pub/Bar Award
Best Training Initiative
Best Tourist Attraction
Dundalk's Best High Growth SME
Best Use of Internet Technology
Best Marketing Campaign
Best Eating Establishment
Corporate Social Responsibility Award

To enter: Click on www.dundalk.ie/awards
You can enter 4 categories.
The awards will be presented to the winners at the Chamber Gala Dinner in the Fairways Hotel Dundalk on Saturday 15th November 2014.
There will be 4 finalists in each category. the shortlisted businesses will be announced on Wednesday 1st October.

Speaking today in the Seanad in the Order of Business

New App to reduce Cyberbullying and Sexting among teens

SelfieCop is a new App for Smartphones which works by sending parents/guardians a copy of *every* photo or video taken by their child. This includes all photos & videos captured by popular social networking apps, such as:
- SnapChat
- WhatsApp
- Instagram
- Facebook
- Twitter
This helps deter unsafe behaviour by making kids STOP-&-THINK before they take a picture.

Andrew Jackson, the Anti-Cyberbullying Co-Ordinator for the ISPCC has described the App as "a useful new tool for safeguarding children".
The App also featured in this week's Sunday Independent and costs just €2.99

SelfieCop is a useful new option when  discussion takes place on ways to improve "Internet Safety" with schools and parents.

So far, SelfieCop has been well received. Various child protection groups and police forces around the world (Australian National Police, East Sussex e-Safety Group, Essex police, Jersey police) have expressed a lot of interest.
SelfieCop was fully developed in Ireland.


= = How SelfieCop works = =

Step 1: Download & install SelfieCop onto your child's phone or tablet.
Step 2: Enter a private email address to which copies of images will be sent.
Step 3: Lock the app with a password (so the child cannot disable it).

That's it. From now on, you (the parent) will be emailed a copy of every photo or video taken on your child's smartphone or tablet.

= = Why SelfieCop works = =

There is evidence that teens will change their behaviour if they know they are being observed. SelfieCop provides a robust, secure & easy-to-use way to monitor the photos & videos taken by children.

1. SelfieCop DETERS unsafe behaviour
It forces teens to Stop-&-Think "Do I really want Mum to see this?"

2. SelfieCop DETECTS unsafe images
It gives parents a visual early warning system for unsafe behaviour.

3. SelfieCop DEFUSES potential crises
It gives parents time to act to prevent damage before it begins.


= = The team behind SelfieCop = =

SelfieCop is the brainchild of a father & two uncles. The three of them are also software developers. Read more about them at www.selfiecop.com/team

Email: shane@selfiecop.com

Speaking in the Seanad on the proposed closure of All Hallows College

Referendum on Civil Marriage Equality Set for Spring 2015

As Labour Seanad Spokesperson on Equality, I welcome the announcement by An Taoiseach Enda Kenny that a referendum on civil marriage equality will be held in Spring 2015.

I am delighted that the people of the country will have the opportunity to have their say on the issue of marriage equality. As a member of the Constitutional Convention I welcomed the topic of Marriage Equality as a key issue for discussion. I look forward to the campaign ahead.

 

24 Local Sports Clubs Allocated Sports Capital Funding

I would like to welcome the news that €1,054,444 in sports capital grants is being awarded to a number of sports clubs in Co. Louth.

I would like to warmly congratulate local clubs that have been successful in their applications. These grants are an important boost for local organisations and their communities, who are trying to raise finances in difficult times.

By delivering this funding for sports facilities and equipment, the government is showing its commitment to encourage more people to take part in sport.

While I am disappointed for those clubs that have missed out, I have no doubt that these grants will allow the successful clubs to enhance and complete their facilities for  participants at all levels.

A full list of the grants is listed below:

Louth € 1,054,444.00

ARDEE ARCHERY CLUB € 10,000.00

Ardee Community School € 100,000.00

Blackrock Sports & Recreation Community Group € 6,000.00

Boyne AC € 8,000.00

Collon Philipstown Boxing Club € 4,000.00

Dealgan Boxing Club € 12,000.00

Drogheda and District Athletic Club € 4,000.00

Drogheda Boys FC € 7,000.00

Drogheda Special Olympics Club Ltd. € 130,000.00

Dundalk Lawn Tennis and Badminton Club € 100,000.00

Dundalk Town FC Ltd € 8,000.00

Geraldines GFC € 28,000.00

Holy Family Boxing and Community Centre € 28,000.00

Hunterstown Rovers GFC € 70,000.00

Kilkerley Badminton Club € 500.00

Na Piarsaigh GFC € 120,000.00

Naomh Fionnbarra GFC € 130,000.00

O'Hanlon Park Boxing Club € 22,000.00

Quay Celtic € 21,000.00

Rock Celtic FC € 50,000.00

St Mochtas GFC € 100,000.00

Termonfeckin Celtic FC € 2,000.00

Tredagh Amateur Boxing Club € 15,000.00

Walshestown Juvenile Football Club € 78,944.00

East Meath

East Meath United Limited € 100,000.00

Laytown United Football Club € 5,000.00

Louth and Meath Education and Training Board € 65,000.00

Speaking in the Seanad today on the Prevention and Mental Health Fund Bill 2014

Variety Concert in aid of St Vincent de Paul in Blackrock Community Centre Sat 5th July at 8pm

Come along and support Mary Quinn and guests in this entertaining concert she is presenting in aid of the St Vincent de Paul on Saturday July 5th in Blackrock Community Centre.

Speaking in the Order of Business today on the Symphysiotomy announcement

With representatives of the Carers Association today

Delighted to meet with representatives of the Carers Association when they made their pre-Budget submission today in Buswells Hotel

Ruairí Quinn was a dedicated and reforming Minister for Education

As Spokesperson for Education I would like to commend Minister Quinn for his tireless work as Minister for Education and Skills during difficult economic times.  Minister Quinn hit the ground running in his role and has forever changed the landscape of education in Ireland in just 3 short years.
 
He has not only provided dedication in his role as Minister but to his constituents of Dublin South East for many years as Councillor, Senator and TD.  
'I would like to thank my colleague for his work and dedication to the area of education.  He has been an excellent Minister to work with and his energy and vision will be greatly missed.  Minister Quinn has undertaken wide-ranging reforms and addressed important issues which have included pluralism and patronage, Junior Cycle reform, school costs, bullying, literacy and numeracy, creation of SOLAS, inclusive enrolment policies and too many more to list. He was a very receptive Minister who always provided a listening ear no matter how big or small the problem may have been.  
   
I would like to pay tribute  to his dedicated efforts over the last 40 years as a public representative and as a Labour Party member.  He has made an immeasurable contribution to our party and to public life.  I have the utmost respect for Minister Quinn and have enjoyed working with him over the last three years.  I am very sad to learn he has resigned his position but I would like to wish him the very best for the future.  His conviction, vision, creativity and ability to deliver will be greatly missed.

Speaking in the Seanad on the Education(Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2014

Monaghan Way Sponsored Walk Sun July13th in aid of Dundalk Parents and Friends of the Intellectually Disabled

Come and join the Dundalk  Parents and Friends for a great day out on Sunday 13th July for the Monaghan Way Sponsored Walk. The Conlon's Food Hall Charity Walk will take place along sections of the scenic Monaghan Way and you can choose the length of walk according to your level of fitness.
For an entrance fee of €20 you can do the 6 mile or the 14.5 mile trek finishing with an evening meal in Inniskeen. All refreshments included courtesy of Peter Conlon.

Contact Peter at 087-6024101 or Mary Darcy at 087-2570661

€34Million Redress Scheme agreed for Symphysiotomy survivors

Pictured today with members of Patient Focus an SOS Ltd

With Olivia Kearney, Sheila O Connor and Geraldine Moore, Dundalk

With Geraldine Moore

  I am delighted to welcome today the announcement by Minister Reilly that a redress scheme will be put in place for women who underwent symphysiotomy procedures. Today's announcement will help bring closure for the many women who have suffered for decades following this procedure. I have worked tirelessly since entering the Seanad on ensuring  a satisfactory resolution  for those affected. 'The programme for Government committed to address the issue of Symphysiotomy and I am delighted that we have carried through on our promise. Unfortunately time is not on the side of many of these women who are now elderly but I am glad that the wrong done to them has now been acknowledged, while paying tribute to the ladies who are not here for today's announcement.
 
'I am pleased that the long-awaited 2013 Walsh Report and the Murphy Report commissioned late last year will now be published. I have repeatedly called for the publication of these reports on behalf of the survivors and have urged my Cabinet colleagues to publish Judge Murphy's report regarding a redress scheme as soon as possible over the last number of months. 
 
'I would like to pay tribute to the unwavering courage, bravery and determination of the survivors who have never given up hope and I am delighted that their day has now come. Many of these women continue to suffer physical and mental anguish and I hope that today's announcement will bring some comfort and closure on the many decades of suffering these women and their families have endured.
'I remain in constant contact with representatives from Patient Focus and SOS Ltd and have consistently advocated on their behalf since entering the Seanad.  While I welcome the long-awaited publication of these reports and the decision to provide compensation to these women, I will continue to advocate on behalf of the survivors as there is still work to be done and further details to be addressed going forward. The State Claims Agency has agreed to administer the scheme and it has estimated that it will take around 8 working weeks to put in place the operational details for the scheme with awards ranging from €50,000 to €150,000.'