Thank You To All Special Needs Assistants Who Participated In My Recent Survey

I would like to thank Special Needs Assistants who participated in my survey in recent weeks.

I am delighted with the enthusiastic response I received to the survey with over 2,500 SNAs around the country participating.

In my role as rapporteur for the Education and Social Protection Committee report on the 'The Role of the Special Needs Assistant' I look forward to further engagement with all of the relevant stakeholders regarding this matter.

The survey is now closed but I would encourage SNAs and other groups or individuals with an interest in this matter to contact me on 042 932 9052 or mary.moran@oir.ie to further discuss their views.

Delighted To Welcome Monksland N S To Leinster House Today

Speaking in the Seanad Order of Business Today on Recent Local Health Service Issues

SNA Survey Closing Today At 5pm

To access the SNA Survey click here .

Survey Deadline - TODAY before 5pm

I am seeking the thoughts and opinions of Special Needs Assistants as rapporteur for the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Social Protections' report on 'The Role of the Special Needs Assistant'.

Since being appointed committee rapporteur I have been actively engaging with various stakeholders in this area including SNAs to better inform the findings of this report.  I have published a 10-question online survey on Survey Monkey titled 'Role of the Special Needs Assistant - SNA Survey'.  

I am encouraging Special Needs Assistants in Co. Louth and across the country to fill in the survey at their earliest opportunity.  The survey is anonymous and the data compiled will be used in the committee report.

I believe it is crucial to have as much input from SNAs as possible in order to better establish the role as prescribed and the role in practice as well as the best way to go forward.  

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

Survey Deadline - TODAY before 5pm

Speaking in the Seanad Wednesday on Statements on Children's Mental Health Services

Delighted To Welcome Dundalk Grammar School Students To Leinster House

Speaking in Education & Social Protection Committee Meeting Today on Illness and Disability Related Social Protection Payments

Dundalk Grammar School Students Participating In A Panel Discussion With Minister Howlin & Oireachtas Colleagues

I was delighted to organise a panel discussion with Minister Brendan Howlin and Senator Marie Louise O'Donnell today for Dundalk Grammar School students.  We answered questions on a range of issues that the students were interested in.  

The students also went on a tour and viewed the proceedings in both Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann.

Many thanks to Mr Paul Brady for bringing the students to visit Leinster House.

Delighted To Host Special Olympics Coffee Morning Today

Special Olympics Ireland CEO Matt English, Minister Kathleen Lynch & Special Olympics Athlete Rachel

Delighted to once again host a coffee morning in aid of Special Olympics Ireland in Leinster House.  The coffee morning was a great success and raised funds for Special Olympics athletes travelling to Los Angeles this summer for the World Games.  Many thanks to everyone for their continued support.

Special Olympics CEO Matt English, SOI Athlete Fiona, SOI Athlete Rachel, Peter O'Brien Special Olympics

Deputy Arthur Spring, Senator Tony Mulcahy and Deputy Anne Ferris meeting SOI Athletes Fiona and Rachel and SOI CEO Matt English

SOI CEO Matt English, SOI Athlete Rachel, Deputy Joe Costello and SOI Athlete Fiona

With SOI Athletes Fiona & Rachel

Breastcheck - Are You On The Register?

Breastcheck reminds women aged between 50-64 years to attend their regular mammogram when invited and to make sure they are on the Breastcheck register on www.breastcheck.ie or at Freephone 1800 45 45 55.

A short video is available on going for a mammogram on www.breastcheck.ie.  The website also provides information on screening and where screening is available.

Breastcheck began in February 2000 and has provided over 1.2 million mammograms to over 450,000 women detecting over 7,400 cancers.  The risk of breast cancer increases with age and it is important women aged 50-64 avail of their regular free mammogram every two years so that changes can be identified at an early stage when treatment is easier and there are more treatment options available. 

Wondering what a BreastCheck mammogram would be like, watch this video: #BreastCheck https://youtu.be/mSfs4cmDcEg​

SNA Survey Deadline Before 5pm on Thursday, 30th April

To access the SNA Survey click here .

Survey Deadline - Thursday, 30th April before 5pm

I am seeking the thoughts and opinions of Special Needs Assistants as rapporteur for the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Social Protections' report on 'The Role of the Special Needs Assistant'.

Since being appointed committee rapporteur I have been actively engaging with various stakeholders in this area including SNAs to better inform the findings of this report.  I have published a 10-question online survey on Survey Monkey titled 'Role of the Special Needs Assistant - SNA Survey'.  

I am encouraging Special Needs Assistants in Co. Louth and across the country to fill in the survey at their earliest opportunity.  The survey is anonymous and the data compiled will be used in the committee report.

I believe it is crucial to have as much input from SNAs as possible in order to better establish the role as prescribed and the role in practice as well as the best way to go forward.  

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

Survey Deadline - Thursday, 30th April before 5pm

WALK PEER Programme Funding Extended Until July

With WALK PEER Programme CEO Joe Mason

I am delighted WALK PEER Programme funding has been extended until July for current participants.  I have worked with staff in WALK PEER Programme over the last number of months to ensure this valuable service continues in Co. Louth as it has proved an enormous benefit for many people with disabilities and their families.

I remain committed to working with Tánaiste Joan Burton and Minister Kevin Humphreys regarding this matter and future opportunities for this excellent programme.

Meeting With Youth Work Ireland Representatives As Part of Youth Work Ireland Week

Minister O'Sullivan and I meeting with Youth Work Ireland representatives as part of Youth Work Ireland Week

Delighted To Meet With Comhairle na nÓg Louth Representative in Leinster House Last Week

Delighted to meet with the Louth representative on the Comhairle na nÓg National Executive, Ridwan Bodunrin to discuss the Let's Go Mental 2015 series of events for teenagers to promote positive mental health.

Dundalk FM Updates & Opportunities

____________________________________________________________________________ Dundalk FM Looking For Advertising Representative  Closing Date Friday, 8th May 2015 Advertising Representative required to create radio advertising campaigns including programme sponsorships and outside broadcasts. Knowledge of how to script radio ads and sponsorship stings and to manage on-air and social media competitions and giveaways would be an advantage. The candidate should be able to demonstrate their experience in brand promotions. Candidates should have excellent IT skills. Send a covering letter and CV to The Manager, Dundalk FM, Partnership Court, Park Street Dundalk or email alanbyrne@dundalkfm.com.  Closing date for applications is Friday 8 May 2015. This position is funded by Pobal Community Services Programme. ____________________________________________________________________ Dundalk FM will be at Vantastival 2015 2-3 May 2015 Dundalk FM will have an event on Saturday and Sunday at this year's Vantastival. Anyone who is interested in performing, interviewing, helping to meet and greet, hand out leaflets and generally give a hand contact Marissa Lucchesi at the station.

Ceol Oirghialla Presents: A Choral Meditation on Thursday, 30th April at 7pm St. Nicholas' Church Dundalk

Delighted to Speak at Maynooth University Maths Support Centre Event Celebrating 8 Years and 100,000 Students Reached

Delighted To Attend The Official Launch Of The New Organ in the Fr. McNally Recital Room DkIT

Public Consultation on Future Investment in Early Years and School-Age Care & Education Services

The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs is inviting submissions from interested groups, organisations and individuals to inform the work of the recently established Inter-Departmental Group on Future Investment in Early Years and School-Age Care and Education Services.

Two forms have been made available online at www.dcya.gov.ie:

-one form is available specifically for parents and guardians

-the other form available is to all stakeholders with an interest in the field

Important Dates To Note:

-Closing date for submissions from the early years sector is Friday, 1st May

-Closing date for submissions from parents and guardians is Monday, 4th May.

Annual National Collection Day TODAY In Aid Of Special Olympics Ireland

Reminder - Closing Date For SNA Survey - before 5pm on Thursday, 30th April 2015

To access the SNA Survey click here .

Survey Deadline - Thursday, 30th April before 5pm

I am seeking the thoughts and opinions of Special Needs Assistants as rapporteur for the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Social Protections' report on 'The Role of the Special Needs Assistant'.

Since being appointed committee rapporteur I have been actively engaging with various stakeholders in this area including SNAs to better inform the findings of this report.  I have published a 10-question online survey on Survey Monkey titled 'Role of the Special Needs Assistant - SNA Survey'.  

I am encouraging Special Needs Assistants in Co. Louth and across the country to fill in the survey at their earliest opportunity.  The survey is anonymous and the data compiled will be used in the committee report.

I believe it is crucial to have as much input from SNAs as possible in order to better establish the role as prescribed and the role in practice as well as the best way to go forward.  

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

Survey Deadline - Thursday, 30th April before 5pm

To access the SNA Survey click here .

St. Joseph's N S Students Presenting Their Excellent Debate Speeches To Seanad Colleagues and Oireachtas Staff

St. Joseph's N S Dundalk Visiting Leinster House Today

St. Joseph's N S visiting Leinster House today

Reminder - Sports Capital Programme Application Deadline Friday, 24th April

2015 Sports Capital Programme 

Upcoming Application Deadline

Application Deadline:

before 5pm on Friday, 24 April 2015

To apply visit:  

www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie

YouTube Channel with a guide for

making an application online

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

be of any assistance.

Job Shadow Day 2015 Promotes Inclusion & Employment Equality

I participated in the Job Shadow Day 2015 and was shadowed in Leinster House today by two Co. Louth natives, Conor McIntyre and Maria McCabe.

I am delighted to have been asked to participate once again in the IASE national Job Shadow Day as I believe it presents an excellent opportunity to everyone involved.  It provides an opportunity for job shadowers to experience a workplace or area of work they may be interested in while also highlighting the important employment contributions people with a disability can make when given the opportunity.

Conor and Maria shadowed me during my work day in Leinster House which included attending briefings, committee meetings, Seanad debates as well as seeing the work that is carried out in my office.  I truly enjoyed working with Conor and Maria throughout the day.

Job Shadow Day provides an opportunity that is both informative and interesting for the job shadower and sometimes more so for the employer.  

I would like to commend everyone who promoted and participated in this year's Job Shadow Day and brought attention to the importance of equal employment opportunities being made available for people with a disability every day of the year.

Delighted To Have Maria & Conor Shadow Me In Leinster House For IASE Job Shadow Day 2015 Today

With Job Shadow participant, Conor

With Grainne Berrill from WALK PEER and Job Shadow participant, Maria

Job Shadow Day with Maria, Conor and Minister Sean Sherlock

Emma, Rachel & Conor at Leinster House for Job Shadow Day 2015

With Minister Kevin Humphreys, Minister Sean Sherlock and Tánaiste Joan Burton on IASE Job Shadow Day 2015

Reminder - Sports Capital Programme Application Deadline Friday, 24th April

2015 Sports Capital Programme 

Upcoming Application Deadline

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

To register and apply visit:  

www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie

YouTube Channel with a guide for 

making an application online

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

be of any assistance.

€7M in Capital Funding Announced For Early Years Services

A total of €7 million in capital funding for Early Years services has been announced today with €5 million of this funding specifically being made available for the not for profit/community childcare services.

The funding allocated through the Early Years Capital Programme 2015 launched today will have a strong and positive impact for the successful Early Years services' applicants across the country.  

The majority of the €7 million capital funding launched is being made available to community/not for profit childcare services.  The funding will provide assistance in making significant upgrades to services and will allow for essential maintenance to be carried out.

Applications will be accepted from Wednesday, 29th April and further information on the Early Years Capital Programme 2015 can be found on www.pobal.ie or by contacting my office on 042 932 9052.

Reminder - Closing Date For SNA Survey - 5pm on Thursday, 30th April 2015

To access the SNA Survey click here .

I am seeking the thoughts and opinions of Special Needs Assistants as rapporteur for the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Social Protections' report on 'The Role of the Special Needs Assistant'.

Since being appointed committee rapporteur I have been actively engaging with various stakeholders in this area including SNAs to better inform the findings of this report.  I have published a 10-question online survey on Survey Monkey titled 'Role of the Special Needs Assistant - SNA Survey'.  

I am encouraging Special Needs Assistants in Co. Louth and across the country to fill in the survey at their earliest opportunity.  The survey is anonymous and the data compiled will be used in the committee report.

I believe it is crucial to have as much input from SNAs as possible in order to better establish the role as prescribed and the role in practice as well as the best way to go forward.  

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

To access the SNA Survey click here .

Supporting Job Shadow Day 2015

RTÉ Radio 1 Arts Tonight Programme on Monday, 13th April To Feature Upcoming Louth Contemporary Music Society Concerts

RTÉ Radio 1 Arts Tonight programme on Monday, 13th April 2015 at 10pm will focus on two upcoming Louth Contemporary Music Society concerts: 

Kurtág Ghosts on 2 May 2015 at Drogheda Arts Festival
Christian Wolff: A Celebration on 30 May 2015 in Dundalk

The programme features interviews with pianist Marino Formenti who will perform Kurtàg's Ghosts in Drogheda, esteemed author on contemporary music Paul Griffiths and Christian Wolff, one of the New York school of composers. 

The programme opens with the first radio broadcast of Louth Contemporary Music Society's recently recorded David Lang track and commission "just (after the song of songs)" soon to feature in the new Paolo Sorrentino film  'Youth'.

Please find further details of radio programme on Monday, 13th April on RTÉ and the upcoming Louth Contemporary Music Society concerts:

http://www.rte.ie/radio1/arts-tonight/ 

http://www.eventbrite.ie/e/christian-wolff-a-celebration-featuring-christian-wolff-robyn-schulkowsky-and-rohan-de-saram-tickets-15768879142

http://www.eventbrite.ie/e/kurtags-ghosts-performed-by-marino-formenti-at-drogheda-arts-festival-2015-tickets-15762014610?aff=erellivorg

www.droghedaartsfestival.ie

www.louthcms.org

Final Reminder - Sports Capital Programme Registration Deadline Today

2015 Sports Capital Programme 

Upcoming Registration Deadline

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

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

To register and apply visit:  

www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie

YouTube Channel with a guide for registering and

making an application online

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

be of any assistance.

Thousands of Louth Children & Pensioners To Get Free GP Care This Summer

Approximately 8,600 children aged 5 and under in Louth will be entitled to access free GP care from the end of June, it has been confirmed today. 

Local people aged over 70 who still pay to visit their GP will also now be entitled to the free service. 

It comes on foot of news this afternoon that agreement on free GP services has been reached between the Department of Health, the HSE and the IMO. 

I welcome news of the agreement.  This is a major step forward that will deliver huge savings for local families and pensioners, and help promote health and well-being throughout the county.

Today’s announcement means that approximately 8,600 of Louth children aged 5 and under will now be entitled to free GP care from the summer. This figure includes those who already have medical cards. 

Local people aged over 70 who currently still have to pay to see their GP will also now be able to access the free service. 

Confirmation that an agreement has been reached by all sides is a breakthrough which will make a significant difference to the lives of the youngest and the oldest in our local community. We expect the service to begin from the end of June.

Enthusiastic Response From SNAs As Closing Date For Survey Approaches

To access the SNA Survey click here .


I would like to encourage any Special Needs Assistants interested in participating in a survey on their role in schools,  the results of which will be used anonymously for the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Social Protection report on 'The Role of the Special Needs Assistant', to do so before the closing date of Thursday, 30th April 2015 at 5pm.

The survey has received a tremendous response from Special Needs Assistants across the country with almost 2,000 SNAs participating to date. I would like to thank everyone who has completed the survey and encourage any further people who wish to participate to visit my blog page to complete a survey by 5pm on Thursday, 30th April : http://www.marymoran.ie/ .

As rapporteur for the Oireachtas Committee for Education I am keen to get the views of all stakeholders for the report on 'The Role of the Special Needs Assistant' I have been engaging with Special Needs Assistants across the country culminating in a final successful public meeting I recently hosted, this survey, one on one meetings and written and oral submissions.

I would like to thank the Special Needs Assistants who have participated to date and look forward to further engagement with all educational stakeholders on this matter.



To access the SNA Survey click here .