SNA Report Update - Education Committee Meeting Tomorrow to Discuss the Role of Special Needs Assistants

As a rapporteur for the Oireachtas Education Committee, I have organised a committee meeting on Wednesday, 1st July with the NCSE, Department of Education and Skills, National Parents Council - Primary, National Parents Council - Post Primary and IMPACT to discuss the role of special needs assistants.

The meeting will see presentations from each of the five groups with contributions from myself and committee members.  The meeting is set to begin at 1pm tomorrow and you can watch the proceedings live at:

http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/watchlisten/live-flashplayer/committeeroom3/

I will also be posting a video of the proceedings as soon as it becomes available.

I look forward to a constructive discussion with each of the groups tomorrow which will feed into the final committee report on 'The Role of the Special Needs Assistant'.

Four Organisations in Louth Have Been Awarded Funding Today Under a National Lottery Grant Programme

I can confirm that four organisations in Louth have been awarded funding today under a National Lottery Grant programme.

The organisations and their corresponding grants include: 

-Louth Community Drug and Alcohol Team to roll out enhanced services in a new premises
-Hidden Treasures After School Club Dundalk to purchase physical activity equipment
-Irish Wheelchair Association Drogheda to purchase a storage unit
-Dignity 4 Patients Drogheda to upgrade IT

The monies awarded will have a positive impact on these services and I want to commend my colleague in the Department of Health, Minister Kathleen Lynch, for her input. 

These are once-off grants made available through the Department’s National Lottery Discretionary fund specifically for the provision of health-related services. The fund is aimed at community groups and voluntary organisations all over Ireland and I am pleased that our own locality is one of those communities to benefit.

A second round of grants under the fund will be announced in November. 

Delighted to Attend New Children's Hospital Briefing This Week

I met with John Pollock, the Project Director of the new Children's Hospital at a briefing on the project this week.

Attending the North South Inter-Parliamentary Association Meeting Today in Stormont

I am attending the North South Inter-Parliamentary Association meeting today in Stormont to discuss cross-border health issues and human trafficking.

Proposals Being Sought To Advance Female Entrepreneurs in Rural Areas - Deadline 9th July 2015

My colleague, Minister of State for Rural Economic Development and Labour Ann Phelan TD announced this week that the Department of Agriculture has issued a request for tender seeking service providers to develop and run an entrepreneurial development programme.

The programme is part of the CEDRA Rural Innovation and Development Fund and will assist female entrepreneurs living in rural areas.

The tender has been posted on the etenders website www.etenders.gov.ie with a closing date of 9th July 2015.

Conlon's Food Hall Charity Walk in Aid of Dundalk Parents & Friends on Sunday, 12th July - All Welcome!

Conlon's Food Hall Charity Walk in aid of Dundalk Parents & Friends of the Intellectually Disabled will take place on Sunday, 12th July 2015. Participants will begin their 14 1/2 mile Monaghan Way Sponsored Walk at the Kavanagh Centre, Inniskeen at 9.30am sharp where a bus will transport the walkers to Castleblayney where they start their trek. If you would prefer to participate in the shorter 6 mile trek you can meet us at Culloville Railway Station at 12.30pm.

Tickets are €20 and include lunch and refreshments so no need to pack a lunch. Our journey will finish in Inniskeen for an evening meal, entertainment and raffle prizes from 5pm. For anyone who would just like to attend the meal on Sunday, 12th July tickets are €10. Walkers can pay on the day or confirm by phone to Mary D'Arcy 087 257 0661 or Peter Conlon 087 602 4101.

The Conlon's Food Hall Charity Walk on 12th July will be a great day out for families and friends for a great cause. Dundalk Parents & Friends provides supports to parents and works with local services for adults and children with an intellectual disability. We hope you will join us on 12th July for what will be a fun hike through the fields and Drumlins of Kavanagh Country.

Education (Welfare) (Amendment) Bill 2015 Published Today

The purpose of the Bill is to increase the school leaving age to 17 years.  A number of countries have set the school leaving age at 17-18 years and I feel strongly this is the appropriate next step in Ireland.  Legislation over the last number of decades has increased the school leaving age from 14 years under the School Attendance Act 1926 to most recently, 16 years in 2000.

Education is crucially important to the future prospects of many young people particularly in the growing knowledge-based economy in which we find ourselves.  By increasing the school leaving age with my Bill we can ensure that our young people avail of the top quality education that is on offer in the many secondary schools across the country until the age of 17.

Delighted to Welcome The Marshes ICA Guild Dundalk to Leinster House Today

Launch of 'Sexual Assault - Support & Information An Accessible Booklet' on Monday, 29th June at 11am

New Strategy For Suicide Prevention Launched This Week

I believe that the new National Suicide Prevention Strategy launched this week will empower communities and individuals to improve their mental health. 

The new strategy, ‘Connecting For Life’, aims to reduce the rate of suicide and self-harm by 10% over the next five years. 

Suicide and self-harm prevention is everyone's concern and communities like our own have a critical role to play in helping to bring rates down.   

This new national plan sets out how Government and the whole of society can work together to reduce the rate of suicide and self-harm among specific groups who are most at risk. 

Dealing with the current high levels of suicide and deliberate self-harm is a priority for myself and my colleagues in Government.  Minister Kathleen Lynch has done a significant amount of work in putting structures in place to ensure that people get the right type of treatment in the right place at the right time. 

The development of this new strategy is one example of Minister Lynch’s work and I am hopeful that it will lead to a greater integration of services, heightened awareness in communities and better-supported local organisations.

It contains 69 separate actions and it replaces the previous Suicide Prevention Strategy, ‘Reach Out’, which came to the end of its 10-year term at the end of last year.

Among those actions include promoting a better understanding of suicidal behaviour; supporting communities; targeted approaches for vulnerable groups; improved access, consistency and integration of services; providing safe and high-quality services; and better data and research.

Delighted to Attend the Nursing Homes Ireland Briefing Today

Meeting with Fintan from Dealgan House Dundalk earlier today

Introducing the Education (Welfare) (Amendment) Bill 2015 in the Seanad Today

I have officially introduced my Bill, the Education (Welfare) (Amendment) Bill 2015 in Seanad Éireann today.

The purpose of the Bill is to increase the school leaving age to 17 years.  A number of countries have set the school leaving age at 17-18 years and I feel strongly this is the appropriate next step in Ireland.  Legislation over the last number of decades has increased the school leaving age from 14 years under the School Attendance Act 1926 to most recently, 16 years in 2000.

Education is crucially important to the future prospects of many young people particularly in the growing knowledge-based economy in which we find ourselves.  By increasing the school leaving age with my Bill we can ensure that our young people avail of the top quality education that is on offer in the many secondary schools across the country until the age of 17.

Delighted to Attend the Hands Up For Children Event Today

With Deputy Joe Costello at the Hands Up For Children event today

I was delighted to attend the Hands Up For Children event earlier today and discussed the importance of prevention and early intervention for children and young people.  

Speaking in the Seanad Order of Business Today on Family Income Supplement

Delighted to Attend the Union of Students in Ireland Briefing Today

I was delighted to attend the USI Oireachtas Briefing today and meet with USI representative Jack.

Dundalk Chamber Shop Local Voucher Scheme

Dundalk Chamber has launched their Shop Local Voucher Scheme and are encouraging the public to think local when they shop.  Vouchers are available in €10, €20 and €50 denominations and are valid for 2 years.  

Vouchers can be bought online at www.dundalk.ie/vouchers or by phoning Dundalk Chamber on 042 933 6343.

A list of businesses where vouchers can be redeemed can be found below:

Upcoming Save The Dominican Church Campaign Events

With Save the Dominican Church campaigners before the VHI Women's Mini-Marathon

I have made a commitment to participate in the upcoming Tallaght Walk with campaigners and will travel with the group to the Vatican in the coming months in solidarity with their campaign to stop the closure of the Dominican Church in Drogheda.

I will be participating in the upcoming Tallaght Walk on Saturday, 15th August with Save the Dominican Church campaigners and Prior Fr. McMullan and Fr. Jim Donleavy.  We will walk from the Dominican Church in Drogheda to the Dominican House in Tallaght to deliver 22,000 signatures in support of saving the church.  

The Save the Dominican Church campaign Drogheda have also organised a trip to the Vatican to raise the closure of the church at the highest level.  I have committed to travelling with the group in solidarity with their campaign later this summer.

I have been fully supportive of the campaigners and and can attest to their dedication and love of this local church.  I have been involved with the group over the last year and most recently participated in the VHI Women's Mini-Marathon in support of the Save the Dominican Church campaign Drogheda.

I look forward to the Tallaght Walk in August and raising this issue at a higher level when we travel to the Vatican.

Anyone who would like to get involved with the Tallaght Walk and the Save the Dominican Church Campaign can visit their Facebook page or contact the Dominican Mass Office or 086 153 3953 for further information.

Delighted To Raise Presentation Primary School's Fourth Green Flag Raising Ceremony

I was delighted to attend Presentation Primary School's Green Flag Raising Ceremony on Thursday.  This is the fourth Green Flag for the school and an excellent achievement for the students, teachers, staff and the wider school community.  I was honored to speak at the event and celebrate not only their fourth Green Flag but also take part in their Ruby Jubilee celebrations.

Conlon's Food Hall Charity Walk in Aid of Dundalk Parents & Friends on Sunday, 12th July - All Welcome!

Conlon's Food Hall Charity Walk in aid of Dundalk Parents & Friends of the Intellectually Disabled will take place on Sunday, 12th July 2015. Participants will begin their 14 1/2 mile Monaghan Way Sponsored Walk at the Kavanagh Centre, Inniskeen at 9.30am sharp where a bus will transport the walkers to Castleblayney where they start their trek. If you would prefer to participate in the shorter 6 mile trek you can meet us at Culloville Railway Station at 12.30pm.

Tickets are €20 and include lunch and refreshments so no need to pack a lunch. Our journey will finish in Inniskeen for an evening meal, entertainment and raffle prizes from 5pm. For anyone who would just like to attend the meal on Sunday, 12th July tickets are €10. Walkers can pay on the day or confirm by phone to Mary D'Arcy 087 257 0661 or Peter Conlon 087 602 4101.

The Conlon's Food Hall Charity Walk on 12th July will be a great day out for families and friends for a great cause. Dundalk Parents & Friends provides supports to parents and works with local services for adults and children with an intellectual disability. We hope you will join us on 12th July for what will be a fun hike through the fields and Drumlins of Kavanagh Country.

Delighted To Welcome Minister Ó Ríordáin To Dundalk

Minister Ó Ríordáin visiting Craobh Rua

I was delighted to welcome Minister of State with special responsibility for Equality, New Communities, Culture and Drugs Strategy,  Aodhan Ó Ríordáin TD to Dundalk today to meet with local groups to discuss the National Drugs Strategy and the ongoing issue of drug use in the under 18s age group.

I was delighted to organise a meeting with the relevant local groups and Minister Ó Ríordáin to discuss the ongoing issue of drug use amongst local young people and drugs counselling services available locally.  The meeting was attended by representatives of the local HSE addiction services, ISPCC, Tusla and An Garda Síochana Juvenile Liaison Officer. 

I have been raising the closure of drugs counselling services in Market Street Dundalk over the last number months following serious concerns raised locally.  Drugs counselling services are crucial as first port of call for young people who are dealing with addiction and particularly young people who do not have the option to attend private counselling services.

I also welcomed the opportunity to invite Minister Ó Ríordáin to visit Craobh Rua and see first-hand the excellent work they are undertaking with local youths.  

The dedication and commitment to addressing this issue was evident amongst each of the groups that met with the Minister.  I look forward to continuing to work with these local groups and Minister Ó Ríordáin on this important matter over the coming months.

I also invited the Minister to visit Women's Aid Dundalk in his role as Minister of State at the Department of Justice & Equality.  Women's Aid Dundalk is a crucial service in our community and most importantly a safe and secure place for women and children in need.  I was eager for the Minister to learn of the invaluable work carried out by Women's Aid Dundalk on an ongoing  basis and the issues they deal with daily.

                                     

Minister Ó Ríordáin visiting Dundalk Gaol 

Speaking in the Seanad Order of Business Today on HIQA Reports Published on Saint John of God's Drumcar

Registration Now Open For New Free GP Care Service For Children Under 6

The registration for the under-6s free GP care service is now open with service commencing on July 1st.

The online registration process requires each child's PPS number, gender and date of birth, a parent's or guardian's PPS number and contact details and the selection of a GP of choice.  If your GP is accepting online registrations you will submit your application and await GP acceptance.  If your GP of choice is not accepting online registrations, you will complete the form online, print it and bring it to your GP of choice for acceptance and return to the HSE by post.  The full list of participating GPs from Co. Louth can be found on www.gpvisitcard.ie.

From July 1st all children under 6 will be eligible for free GP care as well as age-based assessments at 2 years and 5 years focused on health and well-being.

For more details and to register your children for the new service visit www.gpvisitcard.ie.  If you require assistance you may also phone the LoCall helpline on 1890 252 919.

Building Expected To Commence on New Courthouse in Drogheda This November

I welcome the announcement today that a new courthouse will be built in Drogheda on Wellington Quay site at Linenhall Street/Patrickswell Lane.  The new courthouse will consist of 2 courtrooms and associated facilities.  Construction is expected to commence in November 2015 with final delivery due in November 2017.

The announcement was made today by the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) that BAM PPP PGGM is the Preferred Tenderer for the Courts Bundle PPP Project.  The Courts Bundle PPP Project is part of of the €1.4bn PPP stimulus package.  

The Courts Bundle project involves refurbishing three courthouses and building four new courthouses.

Moran Seeks Urgent Meeting With SJOG Drumcar Management Following Disturbing HIQA Findings

I am seeking an urgent meeting with Saint John of God Drumcar management following the recently published HIQA report which found major non-compliance in nine of the ten areas inspected during an unannounced inspection in April 2015.

The findings of the HIQA report are very worrying from every angle.  There are very significant concerns for the human rights of the residents living in the two houses inspected on the Saint John of God Drumcar campus.

I, along with many family members of residents now have very significant concerns on the level of care provided and the safety of the residents while in the care of Saint John of God.  The residents availing of this service are some of the most vulnerable people in our society whose families have given their trust to staff and management to provide high quality care and maintain appropriate safety standards for their family member.

I have contacted the Saint John God Management locally and in Dublin to seek an urgent meeting to address these findings.  This is a service which is essential to many families who are now left very worried and upset following the HIQA report findings of poor safeguarding practices, inadequate response to allegations, disclosures or suspected abuse and a lack of support in clinical decision making as well as locking residents alone in a unit and insufficient staffing levels.

I have also contacted Minister Kathleen Lynch to request an urgent meeting to discuss the Saint John of God residential service in Drumcar as an HSE-funded facility.  I will continue to pursue this matter until the family members and residents receive the answers they are entitled to and the residents receive the level of care and dignity they deserve at all times.

National Disability Strategy Inclusion Consultation Process Open For Submissions Until 26th June 2015

The Department of Justice and Equality, the National Disability Authority and the National Disability Strategy Implementation Group chaired by Minister of State Aodhán Ó Ríordáin are undertaking a consultation process to seek the views of stakeholders as to how the National Disability Strategy should be progressed over 2016-2019.

The consultation process is open to submissions from interested stakeholders and recommendations are being sought on key areas such as service provision, accommodation, health, employment and education.

The deadline for submissions is Friday, 26th June 2015.  Further details on the consultation process are available at www.justice.ie. 

Submissions can be emailed to: disabilityinbox@justice.ie 

or

Submissions can be posted to:

Disability Policy Unit

Department of Justice & Equality

Bishop's Square

Redmond's Hill

Dublin 2

Back To School Clothing & Footwear Allowance Will Automatically Issue To Over 100,000 People In July

The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance will issue automatically to 106,460 people in the week ending Friday, 17th July along with their regular weekly social welfare payment.  

I am delighted that over 100,000 parents and family members will have their Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance payment for 2015 issued automatically with their weekly social welfare payment.  This is a very important payment to many families as it helps to provide with the necessary costs for growing children as they head back to school in the autumn. The early notice received by parents and family members that they will receive the payment in July allows them to have certainty and plan accordingly when preparing their child or children in their return to school.

Anyone who did not receive notification by the 12th June should apply to the Department of Social Protection at the earliest opportunity and will be notified by the Department directly either by text or letter.  I would urge anyone who feels they are entitled to this payment and have did not receive notice to request a form by calling 1890 66 22 44 or by texting FORM BTSCFA followed by your name and address to 51909.

Funding Approved For Minor Flood Mitigation Works & Coastal Protection in Louth

I welcomed the announcement today that over €100,000 in funding has been approved to Louth County Council for Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.

I am delighted that four projects have been approved for funding under the scheme.  The works include:

-repair the sea defence at Seabank Castlebellingham - €13,500

-construction of rock armour revetment at Annagassan - €10,800

-placing of rock armour along embankment at Bellurgan Dundalk - €9,000

-Coastal Erosion Risk Management Study for Dundalk Bay - €81,000

The works in Castlebellingham, Annagassan and Bellurgan will help to repair and secure these areas in the coming months.  I look forward to the upcoming improvements in each of these locations and the contribution of the Coastal Erosion Risk Management Study to be undertaken.

Speaking in the Seanad Order of Business Today to Welcome the Recent Funding Made Available to Support People with a Disability, Carers and Substance Abuse Prevention Initiatives

Raising a Seanad Commencement Debate on the Need for the Parents Charter

Speaking in the Seanad Order of Business Today on the Leaving Cert Higher Level Maths Paper

€2.7M Announced To Support People With Disabilities & Substance Abuse Prevention Initiatives Very Welcome

I welcome  the announcement that €2.7m is being made available under the Dormant Accounts Fund to help support people with disabilities and for substance abuse prevention initiatives.

The Department of Health is sponsoring five measures coordinated by the HSE:

-substance abuse prevention initiatives

-person-centred innovations in the delivery of non-centre based respite services for people with disabilities

-local area coordination in disability services

-advancing best practice in meeting National Standards for Residential Services for People with Disabilities - minor capital and training initiatives

-health-related supports to assist young people with disabilities and autism to make the transition from second level education to further education, training and employment

I particularly welcome the inclusion of health-related supports to assist young people with a disability or autism who are making the crucial transition from secondary school to the next stage of their life.  This can often be an anxious period in the individual's and families' life as it marks a new routine and new challenges to face.  Additional assistance in this transition is very welcome.

The focus on advancing best practice in residential services for people with disabilities is also very important and something I have worked on locally for some time.  It is of the utmost importance that residential services are in line with HIQA and provide the best care possible for the service user.

I would also like to welcome the focus on substance abuse prevention initiatives.  I have met with local stakeholders regarding the ongoing substance abuse issues in our community particularly for the under 18s.  I am committed to working with local partners and my colleagues in Government to address substance abuse and how this can best be prevented and treated locally.

Applications are open to eligible community and voluntary sector organisations and statutory and other public agencies from July 1st.  The closing date for applications is July 22nd.  The five measures sponsored by the Department of Health and coordinated by the HSE will be administered and managed by Pobal.

Pobal are providing a series of four regional pre-application information meetings during the month of June.

Full details on all measures, the online application process, and how to register for the pre-application meetings are available from Pobal’s website on www.pobal.ie.

Ireland 2016 Local Public Workshop Tonight in Dundalk Library 7pm

Ireland 2016 is the national and international initiative to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising.  Ireland 2016 public workshops will be take place in Dundalk Library tonight, Tuesday, 9th June at 7pm.  

A further public workshop will is scheduled to take place on Thursday, 11th June at 7pm in Ardee Library.

One of the key strands of the 2016 Centenary Programme is Community Participation.  The public workshops provide an opportunity for people to get involved in the development of a 1916 centenary programme for Co. Louth.  

New €1M Carers Fund Announced

I am urging eligible groups in Louth to apply for a new €1 million funding scheme that has been announced for Home Carers.

On Monday, Tánaiste and Social Protection Minister Joan Burton announced her Department was providing the €1m support and training fund. The money, which will come from the Dormant Accounts Fund, was confirmed in conjunction with National Carers’ Week. 

I welcome this new scheme which will help fund schemes which provide training, information and related support services for Home Carers. 

Home Carers play a vital role in many families across Louth. It is important that the Government supports their valuable work and I want to thank my colleague and party leader, Joan Burton, for giving this scheme the green light because it will ensure that Carers get much-needed support in the community. 

The purpose of the scheme is to upskill carers to help them provide the best care possible, to reduce their risk of injury, and help them cope with the emotional and psychological aspects of their role.

Eligible groups in Louth should apply to get their share of funding when the application process gets underway on July 1st. It will run for three weeks. In addition, four pre-application regional meetings will also take place around the country during June.

Full details on this measure, the online application process, and how to register for the pre-application meetings are available from Pobal’s website on www.pobal.ie.

Louth County Council Choice Based Lettings - Closing Date For Expressions of Interest Wednesday, 17 June at 5pm

Louth County Council is seeking expressions of interest from anyone currently on the housing list who may be interested in becoming a tenant in the properties available for letting shown below.

To express an interest in one of the properties you can email:  choicebasedlettings@louthcoco.ie or visit Louth County Council offices in Dundalk, Drogheda or Ardee.  Offers for these properties will be subject to the Scheme for Allocations of Social Housing and Garda Clearance.

The closing date for expressions of interest is Wednesday, 17th June 2015 at 5pm.  

382 Beechmount Drive, Cox's Demesne, Dundalk, Co. Louth

2 storey, 3 bedroom

Gas central heating

Double glazing

Front & Back Garden

9 Oakland Park, Dundalk

2 storey, 2 bedroom

Gas central heating

Double glazing

Front & back garden

Delighted To Run VHI Women's Mini-Marathon In Support Of Save The Dominican Church in Drogheda Campaign

Photo includes Fr Jim and Fr Tony (who was in Dominican Dundalk) and Rita Hanratty Chair of Save the Dominican Church Campaign along with other campaign supporters

I participated in the VHI Women's Mini-Marathon on Monday, 1st June in support of the Save the  Dominican Church in Drogheda campaign.

I have participated in the VHI Women's Mini-Marathon over the last number of years in aid of many great organisations.  I was delighted to participate in this year's mini-marathon in support of a dedicated local group 'Save the Dominican Church' in Drogheda.

The supporters and campaigners are passionately opposed to the closure of the church and I have fully supported their campaign since its inception.

The VHI Women's Mini-Marathon provided a great opportunity to further highlight the 'Save the Dominican Church' campaign and the importance of the church in the local community.  The Save the Dominican church campaign has organised many events over the past year to save it from closing. I am in total support of Fr Jim and the Dominican community in Drogheda who do not want their church to close.

Women For Election INSPIRE Conference

I recently addressed the Women for Election INSPIRE Conference as the keynote speaker in Co. Cavan.  The INSPIRE session was titled 'My experience inspiring your success'.

I was honoured and delighted to be invited as the keynote speaker at the recent Women For Election INSPIRE Conference.  I had the pleasure of meeting many inspiring and accomplished women from north and south of the border. 

The conference provided a platform to discuss the reasons why I became politically active and my own personal experience in political life from the everyday to the extraordinary.  I discussed what it was like to run for office for the first time, some of the challenges I have faced along the way and the positive aspects of a life in politics.  

I was delighted to have the opportunity to share my experience and hopefully encourage some of the conference attendees to get politically active or consider running for election.  We need to see more women be not only encouraged but supported by both male and female colleagues to run for election. Women have a considerable and valuable voice to add to the political landscape in Ireland. 

Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann are resoundingly comprised of male politicians with around 16% of representatives in the Dáil being female and 32% of representatives in the Seanad.  We have an excellent opportunity in the next General Election to elect new and strong female voices to the Houses of the Oireachtas but need to leap over the first hurdle and encourage and support women to stand for election.  

I was delighted to share the more personal side of politics and my own political journey with attendees at the INSPIRE Conference.  My life prior to holding political office mirrors that of many women and my main message to them is while the job is not without its challenges, it is possible and so rewarding.

Louth County Council Is Inviting Submissions From Residents Associations & Community Groups On Vehicle Speeds In Housing Estates

Louth County Council is inviting submissions from Residents Associations and Community Groups as part of a review of vehicle speeds in housing estates.  Residents Associations and Community Groups are being invited to make submissions regarding the adequacy or otherwise of existing speed limits in their area and would welcome submissions regarding the possible introduction of a 30km/h speed limit.

Deadline for submissions is Friday, 5th June before 5pm.

Submissions can be made in writing to:

Eugene Mc Manus
Louth County Council
Town Hall
Crowe Street
Dundalk
Co. Louth

Reminding Holidaymakers To Be 'Passport-Ready'

I am urging people in Co. Louth planning to travel abroad for the summer holidays to double check that their passports are in date well before they travel. 

For the week ending 20th May, Passport Express services are taking, on average, 10/13 working days to process for first time applicants or for those who have lost or had their passports stolen. Renewal applications are taking, on average, 10 working days. 

This is a busy time of the year for those renewing their passports or getting new ones in advance of the holidays, so now is the time to be passport-ready. 

In order to ensure that your holiday goes to plan, please check your passports are in date before you travel and if necessary get them renewed straight away. It is also a good idea to check with family members to ensure they are passport ready as this could be the difference between heading off on time and not going at all. 

For those who check today and are going in less than 3 days, there is a dedicated website www.passportappointments.ie for emergency renewals, which is user friendly and proven to work effectively.

The progress of a person’s submitted application can be tracked on the Department’s website, www.dfa.ie. 

Wishing Louth Students The Best Of Luck During State Exams

I would like to send my good wishes to Louth students as they start their State Exams today.

In Co. Louth, over 1,700 students are expected to begin the Leaving Cert and over 1,900 students are expected to begin the Junior Cert today. Across the country almost 119,000 students are expected to begin the State Exams today which represents an overall increase on the number of students compared to last year. 

I would again urge students to know the timetable and times of exams, read the papers carefully paying attention to exactly what you are being asked, allocate appropriate time for each question and most importantly try to keep calm during what can be a very stressful time. Students always know more than they think.  I would like to wish each student the very best of luck over the coming days.

With Fellow VHI Women's Mini Marathon Race Goers on Monday in Support of Save the Dominican Church Drogheda

Delighted to Welcome Former Pupils To Leinster House

Wishing Students Taking State Exams The Best Of Luck

I would like to send my good wishes today to all students as the State Exams begin. From my teaching experience  and also as a mother I know how stressful exam time can be for students, but I would urge them to keep calm and remember that students always know more than they think. I would advise students to read the papers carefully before attempting to answer the questions and to allocate appropriate time for every question.

As a mother of  a daughter sitting her Leaving Certificate I am well aware of the pressure that students can place on themselves. However students should look at exam time as an opportunity to demonstrate their talents and a showcase for the culmination of all their hard work.

I would also like to thank and acknowledge teachers and parents of students sitting State Exams for their dedication and support to our students.

Speaking in Seanad Private Members Business on Springboard Courses & DkIT Springboard Courses

Information on Upcoming Ireland 2016 Local Public Workshops

Ireland 2016 is the national and international initiative to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising.  Three upcoming local Ireland 2016 public workshops will be taking place in our area in the coming weeks:

• Wednesday, 3rd June - 7pm in Drogheda Library
• Tuesday, 9th June - 7pm in Dundalk Library
• Thursday, 11th June - 7pm in Ardee Library

One of the key strands of the 2016 Centenary Programme is Community Participation.  The public workshops provide an opportunity for people to get involved in the development of a 1916 centenary programme for Co. Louth.  

HSE Staff in Louth County Hospital to Host Local Haemochromatosis Awareness Events

HSE staff from the Haemochromatosis/Venesection Clinic in the Louth County Hospital will be hosting information sessions in Dundalk and Drogheda on Thursday, 4th June:

• Marshes Shopping Centre in Dundalk from 9am to 8pm
• Town Shopping Centre in Drogheda from 9am to 5pm

Louth County Hospital staff want to raise awareness of Haemochromatosis through these information sessions and are encouraging members of the public to attend on Thursday, 4th June to learn more about the condition, the symptoms and treatment.

Haemochromatosis is more common in Ireland than in any other country in the world as many as 1 in 83 Irish people have the condition.  Haemochromatosis is an iron overload disorder.

The information sessions in Dundalk and Drogheda have been organised to coincide with the Irish Haemochromatosis Association Awareness Day on Thursday, 4th June.

Speaking in the Seanad on Statements on Health Services for People with Intellectual Disabilities

Louth Gets Housing Funds Boost

I welcome the news that Louth County Council is to receive €1,374,568 to improve housing for the elderly and disabled people in the locality. 

I am delighted that Louth  is getting its fair share of the housing adaptations grants for the elderly and disabled in our local community. 

The grant allows extensions to be built for people with a disability, and also housing adaptations to improve mobility, by funding items such as stair lifts and access ramps. This is hugely important for those affected as it can greatly improve their quality of life. 

The funding was made available as part of a €91m housing investment package confirmed  by Minister Kelly. 

Under the package, a further €482,247  is being provided towards local authority house adaptations and extensions to meet the needs of local tenants with a disability and to deal with overcrowding.

A major plank of the funding will also be channelled into addressing vacant housing units. 

I’m pleased that nine vacant local authority units in Louth  will also now be put back into productive use locally following the commitment of €225,615  to help address vacancy problems. 

One of my huge frustrations is seeing boarded up social housing not being used, so it’s important to see these vacant units come back on stream as quickly as possible.

I am also pleased that €908,256  funding has been provided to Louth  to help make local authority houses more energy efficient.

Speaking in the Seanad Order of Business Last Week on the Marriage Equality Referendum & Seeking a Debate on Medical Cards

Attended the Opening of the New Horseware Headquarters in Dundalk

With Minister Kevin Humphreys at the official opening of the new Horseware Headquarters in Dundalk

With Ciaran Herr at the launch of the new Horseware Headquarters

Delighted To Present Awards to Athletes at Special Olympics Awards Evening

I was honoured to present awards to athletes at the recent Special Olympics Awards Evening in the Glenroyal Hotel Maynooth.  Over 300 athletes competing in Bocce, Basketball, Football and Bowling received awards.  I would like to commend the athletes on this great achievement as well as parents, supporters and volunteers for their commitment and support for Special Olympics Ireland.

Addressing Women For Election INSPIRE Conference

I was honoured to be invited by Women For Election to be the keynote speaker at their recent INSPIRE conference.  The title of the session was 'My experience inspiring your success'.  I was delighted to meet with many interesting women at the conference and share my experience.

I Welcome The Announcement On Reforms To The Student Immigration System For International Education

I have welcomed the announcement of Government approval of reforms to the student immigration system for international education.

I would like to welcome the announcement today by Ministers O Sullivan and Fitzgerald. Recently we have seen a number of college closures which is devastating for the students involved. Many have lost tuition fees and are forced to return home without completing their course.

The reforms announced today will ensure that programmes offered will have to meet EU quality Assurance standards. The reforms will also tackle the abuse that can occur in Ireland's immigration regime and provide greater protection for international students.

Ireland has a strong record for providing quality education and I am delighted that the ministers have today announced details of reforms which will ensure that colleges and students will have quality assured and fully accredited courses and so maintain our reputation as a model destination for quality education for our international students.