Senator Mary Moran

Senator Mary Moran

Tuesday, 31 March 2015

Seanad Commencement Debate on Drugs Counselling Services For The Under-18s In Dundalk


Delighted To Support IASE Job Shadow Day on 22nd April 2015


Delighted To Present Certificates at NLN Ceremony On Monday

I was delighted to be asked to speak and present certificates to students at the National Learning Network Certification Ceremony on Monday morning.

Congratulations to the students and their families on this wonderful achievement.


 


                             



Well Done To Dundalk Grammar School On 'Digital Footprint Competition'

The entire month of March was ISPCC Anti-Bullying Month and Dundalk Grammar School paid particular focus to Internet Safety.  

Dundalk Grammar School organised a number of school assemblies and a 'Safer Internet Day' on Friday, 27th February.  The Parent Teacher Associations are supporting a special 'Digital Footprint Competition' for Junior and Secondary School students.


Speaking at Public Meeting for Special Needs Assistants Monday Night in Crowne Plaza Dundalk



I hosted a well-attended Public Meeting for Special Needs Assistants last night in the Crowne Plaza Dundalk.  As the Joint Committee on Education and Social Protection rapporteur for the report on 'The Role of the Special Needs Assistant', I invited Special Needs Assistants to attend the meeting to discuss the report and their views on the role.

I have been actively engaging with educational stakeholders and have also published a survey for Special Needs Assistants to fill in which can be found HERE.  

The meeting provided an excellent insight and will assist in compiling the report over the coming weeks.

I would like to thank everyone who has completed the survey and attended the meeting yesterday evening.






Monday, 30 March 2015

Speaking in Seanad Order of Business Today on NLN Certification Ceremony and O'Fiaich College Being Named Project of the Year Winner at Sky Sports Living Awards


Reminder - Public Meeting This Evening at 8pm in Crowne Plaza Dundalk to Discuss Committee Report on 'The Role Of The SNA'


PUBLIC MEETING


ON THE OIREACHTAS EDUCATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON
‘THE ROLE OF THE SPECIAL NEEDS ASSISTANT’


HOSTED BY SENATOR MARY MORAN


WHEN: MONDAY, 30TH MARCH 2015


TIME:  8:00PM-9:00PM


WHERE:  CROWNE PLAZA DUNDALK


THE MEETING IS OPEN TO ALL SPECIAL NEEDS ASSISTANTS AROUND THE COUNTRY.  THE VIEWS EXPRESSED WILL PLAY AN INTEGRAL PART IN COMPILING THE COMMITTEE REPORT ON ‘THE ROLE OF THE SPECIAL NEEDS ASSISTANT’.



FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

SENATOR MARY MORAN 

MARY.MORAN@OIR.IE

042 932 9052 / 01 618 3522



I have also published a survey which I am encouraging Special Needs Assistants  around the country to fill in if possible.  To access the SNA Survey click here .

I would encourage anyone interested in discussing this report further to contact me on 042 932 9052 or mary.moran@oir.ie

Friday, 27 March 2015

Marriage Equality Bill Passes Seanad


The Thirty-Fourth Amendment of the Constitution (Marriage Equality) Bill 2015 completed the final stages and passed in the Seanad chamber this afternoon.

I am delighted that the Marriage Equality Bill 2015 passed all stages to round of applause in the Seanad chamber.  This is a truly historic moment for our country and members of the public will now have the opportunity to voice their opinion in the upcoming referendum on one of the most pressing issues in recent years.

In the weeks to come, I would call for a tolerant and respectful debate from all parties involved.

Speaking in Today's Seanad Debate on Thirty-Fourth Amendment of the Constitution (Marriage Equality) Bill 2015


Reminder - Sports Capital Programme Registration Deadline Friday 10, April & Application Deadline - Friday, 24 April



The 2015 Sports Capital Programme Is Now 

Open For Applications


Registration Deadline - before 5pm on Friday, 10 April 2015

Application Deadline - before 5pm on Friday, 24 April 2015


To register and apply please 

visit:  www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie


YouTube Channel with a guide for registering and 

making an application online for the Sports Capital Programme


Please feel free to contact my office at any stage if I can be

 of any assistance.

Reminder - Public Meeting Monday, 30th March at 8pm in Crowne Plaza Dundalk to Discuss Committee Report on 'The Role Of The SNA'


PUBLIC MEETING


ON THE OIREACHTAS EDUCATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON
‘THE ROLE OF THE SPECIAL NEEDS ASSISTANT’


HOSTED BY SENATOR MARY MORAN


WHEN: MONDAY, 30TH MARCH 2015


TIME:  8:00PM-9:00PM


WHERE:  CROWNE PLAZA DUNDALK


THE MEETING IS OPEN TO ALL SPECIAL NEEDS ASSISTANTS AROUND THE COUNTRY.  THE VIEWS EXPRESSED WILL PLAY AN INTEGRAL PART IN COMPILING THE COMMITTEE REPORT ON ‘THE ROLE OF THE SPECIAL NEEDS ASSISTANT’.



FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

SENATOR MARY MORAN 

MARY.MORAN@OIR.IE

042 932 9052 / 01 618 3522



I have also published a survey which I am encouraging Special Needs Assistants  around the country to fill in if possible.  To access the SNA Survey click here .

I would encourage anyone interested in discussing this report further to contact me on 042 932 9052 or mary.moran@oir.ie


Thursday, 26 March 2015

2015 SuperValu TidyTowns Competition Officially Launched


The 2015 SuperValu TidyTowns competition was officially launched today by Minister of State Ann Phelan and Martin Kelleher, Managing Director of SuperValu.  The SuperValu TidyTowns competition includes the main competition and ten special competitions and the closing date for entries this year is 22nd May 2015.

The SuperValu TidyTowns competition has benefited many local communities in Co. Louth throughout the years.  I would like to commend all of the volunteers in local communities across the county on their tireless efforts year round to improve the areas they live in.

This competition has been hugely successful for many local TidyTowns groups and I look forward to the continued positive impact made by local groups in the coming months.  I would like to wish TidyTowns groups in Co. Louth the very best of luck in this year's competition.

To obtain an entry form or further information visit www.tidytowns.ie or phone the TidyTowns Unit in the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government on 096-24309


Delighted to Welcome Minister Michael Ring to Dundalk Today




Delighted to welcome Minister Ring to Oriel Park today to meet with Stephen Kenny and Dundalk FC officials





Sinead and Jean with Minister ring this morning in the Dundalk Tourist Office



Meeting in the Dundalk Tourist Office with members of Dundalk Bids Office




Meeting with Loyalist Resident Groups in Leinster House on Wednesday



Wednesday, 25 March 2015

Congratulations to O'Fiaich College Dundalk On Being Named Sky Sports School Project of the Year


I would like to congratulate O'Fiaich College in Dundalk on being named Sky Sports School Project of the Year.  This is a huge accolade for the students, teachers and school community.

The students at O'Fiaich College set up a 10 week project to encourage goal-setting and raise motivation levels with each student setting goals both behaviourally and physically at the start of the project.  During the 10 week project students worked on a different sport each week.  At the end of the project their was clear improvements in attendance and overall outlook.

Congratulations to everyone involved on their hard work and dedication in making this project a success.  I would also like to commend teacher, Brendan O'Malley on being nominated for the Sky Sports Teacher of the Year Award.

The students will be receiving the award this weekend in Wembley Stadium.


Speaking in Today's Order of Business on Additional Resources Made Available to Support Children with Down Syndrome & The Hope Foundation's #SHEis Campaign


Reminder - Public Meeting Monday, 30th March at 8pm in Crowne Plaza Dundalk to Discuss Committee Report on 'The Role Of The SNA'


PUBLIC MEETING


ON THE OIREACHTAS EDUCATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON
‘THE ROLE OF THE SPECIAL NEEDS ASSISTANT’


HOSTED BY SENATOR MARY MORAN


WHEN: MONDAY, 30TH MARCH 2015


TIME:  8:00PM-9:00PM


WHERE:  CROWNE PLAZA DUNDALK


THE MEETING IS OPEN TO ALL SPECIAL NEEDS ASSISTANTS AROUND THE COUNTRY.  THE VIEWS EXPRESSED WILL PLAY AN INTEGRAL PART IN COMPILING THE COMMITTEE REPORT ON ‘THE ROLE OF THE SPECIAL NEEDS ASSISTANT’.



FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

SENATOR MARY MORAN 

MARY.MORAN@OIR.IE


042 932 9052 / 01 618 3522

Tuesday, 24 March 2015

Expressions of Interest Sought On Leader Programme

I welcome the launch of the €250 million Rural Development Programme by Ministers Alan Kelly and Ann Phelan.

The funding launched today will support the delivery of the LEADER Programme.  An open call for expressions of interests has commenced from today with local groups who wish to be considered as a Local Action Group and LEADER companies being asked to submit their ideas in how LEADER Programme funding may be best spent in our local area.

Earlier this month, Co. Louth was allocated €6.1 million in funding to deliver the LEADER Programme which aims to support economic development in rural communities and target the issue of rural isolation.

I would encourage anyone interested in participating in this process to visit www.environ.ie for further information or contact my office.

Additional Resources To Be Made Available To Support Children With Down Syndrome


I welcome the announcement by Minister Jan O'Sullivan today that Government has agreed, to allocate additional resources to schools to support children with Down Syndrome who are not already supported through the NCSE annual allocation process.

These interim allocations to support children with Down Syndrome are being made pending the introduction of a new allocation model for children with special educational needs.  Schools will receive 2.5 resource teacher hours per week for each qualifying child and these interim allocations will remain in place until the new model for allocations comes into effect with the Department of Education and Skills currently working on a pilot model.

I spoke with many parents of children with Down Syndrome and Down Syndrome Ireland regarding this pressing issue in recent weeks and I am delighted that provision has been made for these families and their children.

I hope this interim measure and the introduction of a new allocation model will provide the supports and assistance necessary and more fairly to students with Down Syndrome and all students with a special educational need.

Information for schools on how to apply for the interim allocations and supports will made available shortly on the NCSE website:  www.ncse.ie.


Dundalk Counselling Centre - Upcoming Courses

Dundalk Counselling Centre
Introduction to Counselling Skills & 
Personal Development Workshop

6 Week Introduction to Counselling Skills:
  • Would you like to become more self-aware?
  • Would you like to develop effective listening & questioning skills?
  • Would like to learn the basic skills of counselling?
  • Would you like to understand the basic theories of counselling?
Time Commitment: Two Hours - One Day a Week for Six Weeks - 6.30pm-8.30pm
Cost:  €75

Phone the Dundalk Counselling Centre on 042 933 8333 for further details or to book your place. Places are limited.




Dundalk Counselling Centre
Personal Development Course

Objectives:
  • Identify your anger triggers
  • Know your anger cues
  • Know your anger style
  • Deal with your anger effectively
Time Commitment: Two Hours - One Day a Week for Six Weeks - Day or Evening Available

Phone the Dundalk Counselling Centre on 042 933 8333 for further details or to book your place. Places are limited.


Special Olympics Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities




Special Olympics Leinster is approaching a very busy period in their events calendar and are looking for volunteers to support the delivery of events in the coming months.  All volunteers will receive training where required.

If you are interested in volunteering please contact Paul Divilly, Regional Development Officer - Volunteers & Clubs, by email:  paul.divilly@specialolympics.ie  or phone:  01 869 1662 .



Event
Venue
Date
Approx Times
Special Olympics Leinster & Leinster Rugby Wristband Sales

RDS Arena, Merrion Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
Friday 27th March
5:00pm – 8:00pm
Regional Football Blitz Day
Naas Sports Centre, Naas, Co. Kildare
Saturday 11th April

10:00am – 2:00pm
Special Olympics Annual Collection Day
Nationwide
Friday 24th April

Selection of times throughout day
Regional Football Blitz Day
Naas Sports Centre, Naas, Co. Kildare
Saturday 2nd May

10:00am – 2:00pm
South Leinster Equestrian Event
Pitfield Equestrian Centre, Castledermot, Co. Kildare
Wednesday 6th May

8:00am – 5:00pm
South Leinster Athletics Event
The Watershed Sports Centre, Kilkenny City, Co. Kilkenny
Saturday 9th May

8:00am – 5:00pm
North Leinster Equestrian Event
Kells Equestrian Centre, Kells, Co. Meath
Thursday 14th May

8:00am – 5:00pm
North Leinster Athletics Event
Bush Post Primary School, Dundalk, Co. Louth
Saturday 16th May
 
8:00am – 5:00pm
Special Olympics Leinster Awards Night
To be confirmed
Wednesday 27th May

4;00pm – 10:00pm
Leinster Pitch & Putt Event
St Patrick’s Pitch & Putt Club, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford
Tuesday 16th June
8:00am – 5:00pm

Bridge Street Studios EAT ART TALK Event Thursday, 26th March

3rd EAT ART TALK event on Thursday 26th March

The evening begins with wine and a buffet feast on the top floor.

Then you will be treated to talk and demonstration by Mary Cowan Ceramicist, who will show her secrets in ceramic mould making.

Guests take their glass of wine and move downstairs with Rachel Tinniswood Textile artist who will give you insights into her wonderful world of felt.

The evening ends with an array of deserts in the Gallery. 

 

buy tickets

Tickets are €25
purchase online by clicking button
OR call us at 042 9351712


Monday, 23 March 2015

Speaking at International Women's Day Event Organised By eDundalk & Creative Spark on Saturday



Delighted to Visit Coláiste Lú & Coláiste Chúchulainn




Attending Launch of 'Here I Am' Exhibition in Celebration of World Down Syndrome Day at Dublin Castle




With Pat Clarke, Chief Executive of Down Syndrome Ireland








Delighted to Present Diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapy to Graduates at Dundalk Counselling Centre Friday


Public Meeting - Monday, 30th March at 8pm in Crowne Plaza Dundalk to discuss committee report on 'The Role Of The SNA'


PUBLIC MEETING


ON THE OIREACHTAS EDUCATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON
‘THE ROLE OF THE SPECIAL NEEDS ASSISTANT’


HOSTED BY SENATOR MARY MORAN


WHEN: MONDAY, 30TH MARCH 2015


TIME:  8:00PM-9:00PM


WHERE:  CROWNE PLAZA DUNDALK


THE MEETING IS OPEN TO ALL SPECIAL NEEDS ASSISTANTS AROUND THE COUNTRY.  THE VIEWS EXPRESSED WILL PLAY AN INTEGRAL PART IN COMPILING THE COMMITTEE REPORT ON ‘THE ROLE OF THE SPECIAL NEEDS ASSISTANT’.



FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

SENATOR MARY MORAN 

MARY.MORAN@OIR.IE


042 932 9052 / 01 618 3522