Louth Over 70s Can Now Sign Up For Free GP Visits

I welcome the opening of the registration process for over 70s free GP care today. 

Anyone who is over 70 and does not already have a medical card or GP visit card is now eligible to sign up for free doctor’s visits. The service will be available from Wednesday. 

I am delighted that those over 70 years can now avail of the free GP care scheme. Those eligible will be able to sign up from today onwards when the HSE open their public registration process, and the service itself will begin on 5th August.

Those who have a valid Medical Card or GP Visit Card, do not have to register for this scheme. In other words they do not need to take any action. However, for those that do, registration can be done online or manually - forms will be available through the local health office network and pharmacies.

The provision of free GP care to those over 70 was a key focus for Minister for Primary Care, Kathleen Lynch, and builds on the recent successful launch of free GP care for under 6s.

To register online or find out more go to www.gpvisitcard.ie or call 1890 252 919.

57 Louth Childcare Services Allocated Grant Funding

I welcome the announcement today that 57 Louth childcare services have been allocated grant funding through the Department of Children and Youth Affairs as part of an overall almost €7 million in capital grant funding allocated to early years services across the country.

I am delighted that 57 Louth childcare services will receive grant funding to make various improvements to their facilities.  Seven services in our county have been allocated funding towards works to improve the Building Energy Rating of the facility and medium scale essential maintenance works.  Fifty-four services have been allocated funding for upgrades to ICT equipment.

I look forward to the positive impact these improvements will have for each of the 57 childcare services in Louth who have been allocated funding.

Save The Dominican Church Campaign - Upcoming Events:

The Save the Dominican Church Campaign Drogheda have a number of upcoming events:

30th-31st July and 1st August:

Campaign volunteers will be in Drogheda Town Centre and people will have an opportunity to sign their names in support of the Save the Dominican Church campaign

29th August:

A walk to the main house in Tallaght to deliver the petition of over 22,000 signatures in support of saving the church will take place on Saturday, 29th August.  The walk has been organised in a relay format and anyone interested in participating or in supporting the campaign can contact the Dominican Mass Office or 086 153 3953.  A free bus will leave for Tallaght from the Dominican Church at 5pm and those travelling will have the opportunity to walk the last 200 yards with the relay team to deliver the petition.

September:

I will be travelling with Save the Dominican Church Campaigners in September to the Vatican to raise the closure of the church at the highest level and deliver the petition of over 22,000 signatures.

Friday, 18th September - Mary Duff and her band along with other special guests will put on a show in The Dominican Church Drogheda.  Further details to be posted in the coming weeks.

Wellness Workshop in Co. Cavan on 25th September - Free Places Available

Call For Applications To Support Promotion of Positive Attitudes Towards Disability

The Department of Justice and Equality are calling for applications that support the promotion of positive attitudes towards people with disabilities under the Disability Awareness Raising Grant Scheme 2015.  The grant awards range from €5,000 to €40,000 per project.

I am delighted that grant funding is being made available to promote positive attitudes towards disability.  The Department is seeking applications from organisations whose project proposals raise awareness particularly to those in the following areas:

-delivering mainstream services and information
-community activities
-employment
-sporting activities
-social activities
-media
-education
-local business

Everyone has a role to play when it comes to ensuring we provide an inclusive society for all of our citizens.  I look forward to the implementation of the successful applications and the positive impact it will have in communities across Ireland in raising raising awareness and promoting positive attitudes towards people with disabilities.

I would encourage any group or organisation interested in making an application to visit the Department of Justice and Equality's website where application forms can be downloaded and a Guidance Manual for Grant Applicants is available.   The closing date for completed applications is Thursday, 13th August at 4pm.

For more information visit the Department of Justice and Equality website:

http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/WP15000115

Updates & Upcoming Events from Macra na Feirme

It’s Not Too Late to Get Involved!
	Know Your Neighbour Weekend with Calor is taking place across the country this weekend, the 25th and 26th July. It’s not too late to check out what’s happening in your area or to organise your own event! Check here for events listings or here to register your event. It doesn’t take long to organise a BBQ on your local green or a coffee morning for your local charity so why not make the most of the summer spirit. Macra’s Know Your Neighbour initiative, supported by Calor, is in its tenth year with events taking place countrywide. The initiative aims to encourage more interaction between neighbours. Macra na Feirme National President, Seán Finan, said, “Macra and Calor have played major roles in Irish Communities for decades. This is our chance to build strong friendships with our neighbours and have some summer fun. I am encouraging everyone to get involved and make sure to register your event on knowyourneighbour.ie.” Calor, along with Freemount Macra, hosted a family fun day in Freemount, Co. Cork last Saturday featuring a BBQ cooking demo with TV chef, Catherine Fulvio. This was a free event for the whole family and over 140 people attended. It was a great way to kick off the initiative. Special thanks to Freemount Macra for hosting the event. Calor CEO, Tom O’Carroll, added, “Events like the National Family Fun Day are what the initiative is all about. We would like to wish everyone the best of luck with their ‘Know Your Neighbour’ events this weekend, and throughout the rest of the summer.”
€22,000 Worth of Prizes Up for Grabs
	The FBD National Farmyard Awards, brought to you by the Irish Farmers Journal are back by popular demand for 2015. The competition is open to all farmers across Ireland who keep tidy, well-maintained and safe farmyards. This year’s competition is split into three main categories: - Livestock (Beef & Sheep) - Dairy - All other farm enterprises (e.g. Tillage, Horticulture, Equine, Pigs, Poultry or Mushroom) The overall national winner will receive €5,000 while the category winners will receive €3,000 each. The competition also aims to award special merit prizes of €500 for areas such as kitchen gardens, preservation of heritage or traditional features and excellence in farm safety practice. For queries, email farmyard@farmersjournal.ie or contact 01-4199578. Closing date for entries is August 7 2015.

Women's Fund for Ireland Seeking Applications On Community Approaches to Preventing Domestic Violence

The Women's Fund for Ireland is seeking applications to develop new community-based approaches to preventing domestic violence from local groups or not-for-profit organisations.

The focus is on developing on community-based approaches which can include but are not limited to the following:

• Early childhood interventions
• Working with men and boys on changing gender norms
• School/education based interventions
• Influencing policy

Any groups that wish to make an application should demonstrate:

• How the project will contribute to the prevention of domestic violence
• Why your organisation is best placed to lead a project such as this
• The need for such a project

The deadline for applications is Friday, 7th August at 5pm.  The maximum grant amount in this round of funding is €2,000.

For more information:  http://www.foundation.ie/apply-for-a-grant/types-of-grant/the-womens-fund/

Eircodes Being Sent To All Louth Premises Today

‘Eircodes’ are being dispatched to all homes and businesses in Louth today as the new national postcode system swings into gear.  

Letters will be sent to every residential and business address in the county today, informing them of the new Eircode for that specific address. 

Homes and businesses across Ireland are being notified of their Eircode over a two-week period. Premises in both Dundalk and Drogheda are being targeted today.   

Fresh data shows that 23% of premises in Dundalk and 16% in Drogheda currently share their address with 1 or more properties. This causes all sorts of problems for postal services, businesses and ambulance services when they are trying to locate local addresses. 

Eircode rectifies this problem by allocating every premises with their own unique code, removing the potential for error. 

From now on, emergency services will be able to find the correct address more quickly, businesses can deliver goods and services more efficiently, while members of the public can shop easier online. It’ll also give people that extra bit of confidence that their mail now goes to the correct recipient.

I’d urge people in Louth to look out for their letter advising them of their seven digit, easy-to-remember code that you simply add to the end of your address. 

In the meantime, if people want to log onto eircode.ie there is an online tool available where they can find out their Eircode now. 

The delivery of a modern, efficient postcode system is something which has been promised by successive Governments over the past decade - I am pleased that we have delivered it. 

C'mon The Town!

Wishing Special Olympics Athletes The Very Best Of Luck As They Travel To The World Games In LA

Speaking in the Seanad Order of Business Today on Special Olympics Ireland Heading to the World Games in LA & Upcoming Dundalk FC Match

Delighted to Attend Dundalk LGBT Pride 2015 on Saturday

Delighted to Attend the Launch of 2015 Poc Fada on Saturday

I was delighted to attend the launch of this year's Poc Fada in the Dundalk Tourist Office on Saturday last.  The All-Ireland Poc Fada Finals will take place on Saturday, 1st August at Annaverna Mountain.

Proposed Material Alterations to the Draft Louth County Development Plan 2015 - 2021

Members of Louth County Council having considered the Draft Louth County Development Plan 2015-2021 and the Chief Executive's Report in respect of submissions received have resolved to amend the draft development plan.

A copy of the Chief Executive's Report in respect of submissions received on the Draft Louth County Development Plan 2015-2021 will be available for public inspection until Tuesday, 28th July at the following locations during normal opening hours:

• Louth County Council Customer Services Desk - County Hall, Millennium Centre
• Louth County Council Customer Services Desk - Town Hall, Crowe Street
• Louth County Council Customer Services Desk - Fair Street, Drogheda
• Louth County Council Customer Services Desk - Mid-Louth Civic Service Centre, Fairgree, Ardee

Copies of the proposed material alterations are also available for public inspection at the following libraries during their respective opening hours:

• County Library, Roden Place, Dundalk
• Drogheda Library, Stockwell Lane
• Ardee Library, Market Square
• Dunleer Library, Station House
• Carlingford Library, Newry Street

A copy of the Proposed Material Alterations and all accompanying documentation are also available on:  www.louthcoco.ie

Written submissions or observations with respect to the Proposed Material Alterations to the draft development plan 2015-2021 may be made to the Planning Authority until Tuesday, 28th July.  You must clearly state:

• Name of the person, body or agency making the submission
• Address of the person, body or agency making the submission
• Submission should be clearly marked - Proposed Material Alterations to the Draft Louth County Development Plan 2015-2021

Submissions should be sent to Louth County Council, Forward Planning Department, Civic Centre, Crowe Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth or countyplan@louthcoco.ie . Submissions may be made available to the public.

Workers' In Louth Set To Benefit From Collective Bargaining

I welcome the enactment in the Oireachtas this week, of collective bargaining legislation which will benefit workers’ in Louth. 

I am very proud that we have delivered on implementing collective bargaining. We have consistently championed improving working conditions for all workers. 

Collective bargaining will improve working conditions because it requires employers to negotiate with their employees. Furthermore, this legislation also gives all workers the right to be represented by a trade union. 

Many businesses in Louth and across the country already have collective bargaining arrangements in place for many years with their employees and recognise the benefits.  Collective bargaining is a positive step for employers and employees alike because it provides a legal framework for both to plan pay and working conditions. 

 The implementation of collective bargaining is part of a range of policies we are introducing in Government to deliver better pay and better work.

Encouraging Everyone to Show Their Support For Dundalk FC By Displaying Black & White Next Week

I would like to express my congratulations to Dundalk FC following their excellent performance last night in the qualifier round of the Champions League against Bate FC in Belarus.

The team and fans did the town proud last night. We now have a realistic chance to advance in the champions league if we can secure a 1-0 minimum victory in Oriel next week. 

I think this is now is a great opportunity for everyone to get behind the team next week and would encourage businesses, shops and families alike to show their support by displaying black and white on their windows and premises. 

I am looking forward to an electric atmosphere in Oriel next Wednesday night when I have no doubt the people of Dundalk will get behind the league champions and display a fantastic community spirit.

Speaking in the Seanad Order of Business Today on School Transport

RTÉ 2FM & Ryan Turbridy Visit Holly's Horse Haven in Omeath

Eircode Officially Launched Today

Carlingford Castle Allocated €85,000 For Access, Safety & Presentation Works

I welcome the announcement this morning that Carlingford Castle will benefit from an €85,000 capital funding allocation to fund works for access, safety and presentation.  

A total of €350,000 in capital funding for conservation, preservation or presentation of historic properties and national monuments was agreed today for 2015.

Upcoming Events - Save the Dominican Church Campaign Drogheda

The Save the Dominican Church Campaign Drogheda have a number of upcoming events this summer:

30th-31st July and 1st August:

Campaign volunteers will be in Drogheda Town Centre and people will have an opportunity to sign their names in support of the Save the Dominican Church campaign

29th August:

A walk to the main house in Tallaght to deliver the petition of over 22,000 signatures in support of saving the church will take place on Saturday, 29th August.  The walk has been organised in a relay format and anyone interested in participating or in supporting the campaign can contact the Dominican Mass Office or 086 153 3953.  A free bus will leave for Tallaght from the Dominican Church at 5pm and those travelling will have the opportunity to walk the last 200 yards with the relay team to deliver the petition.

September:

I will be travelling with Save the Dominican Church Campaigners in September to the Vatican to raise the closure of the church at the highest level and deliver the petition of over 22,000 signatures.

Conlon's Food Hall Charity Walk in aid of Dundalk Parents & Friends This Sunday, 12th July

Speaking in Today's Joint Oireachtas Education Committee Meeting with Ms Brigid McManus, Chair Designate of NCCA

Speaking in the Seanad Last Night During Committee Stage of the Teaching Council (Amendment) Bill 2015

Dundalk Chamber to Host Louth Business Awards Free Seminars

Dundalk Chamber will host free information seminars on the Louth Business Awards 2015 where attendees will be provided with information on how to submit an entry.

Sessions will take place on:

-Wednesday, 22nd July from 1-2pm at Mc Geough's Bar, Roden Place, Dundalk

&

-Tuesday, 11st August from 8-9am at Crowne Plaza Dundalk

To book a free place at this event visit:  www.dundalk.ie/awards/seminar  

Dundalk Chamber recently launched the 2015 Louth Business Awards.  People are welcome to enter their own business or may nominate other businesses in up to four of the sixteen categories.

The Louth Business Awards aims to recognise the achievements of companies and individuals in promoting excellent services and products.

For further information on how to apply visit: 
www.dundalk.ie/awards/apply

Remembering Srebrenica Today Outside Leinster House

This year is the 20th anniversary of the genocide at Srebrenica.  The Bosnian Community in Ireland organised a commemoration outside of Leinster House today and I was delighted to join them for a few minutes of remembrance.  

Bronagh & Mirza Catibusic from Dundalk, Co. Louth with Senator Ivana Bacik and Minister Jan O'Sullivan

Bronagh & Mirza Catibusic with Tánaiste Joan Burton and Senator Ivana Bacik

610 Additional SNA Posts Approved for September 2015

I welcome the announcement that up to 610 additional SNA posts have been approved for September 2015 for children with additional needs.

As rapporteur for the Education Committee report on The Role of Special Needs Assistants, I convened a meeting of the committee with IMPACT, the Department of Education and Skills, the NCSE and the National Parents Council Primary to discuss the role of SNAs on Wednesday last.  The issue of uncertainty as to the allocations of SNA posts for next year was a major issue raised and a matter which I pushed to be resolved as a matter of urgency.

The additional posts announced today are a result of a significant increase in assessed need and point to our commitment in ensuring that children with additional needs are appropriately supported in schools.  The next school year will see 11,820 whole-time SNA posts being made available at both primary and post-primary level and represents an 11.7% increase since 2011.

I also welcome the announcement by Minister Jan O'Sullivan that she has requested the Department of Education and Skills and the NCSE to review the SNA scheme.  The review will examine the scheme in terms of meeting its objectives, reasons for the increase in demand this year, use of resources and timing of applications and allocations.  I fully agree that each of these areas need to be examined to ensure that children with additional needs receive the most appropriate and effective supports and that SNA posts are used in the most effective and fair manner possible.

I look forward to continued engagement with the Minister, the Department of Education, the NCSE, SNAs and other relevant stakeholders to see the scheme move forward in an appropriate fashion and strike a fair balance for all involved.

HSE Louth/Meath Mental Health Services to Host Public Information Evening on Tuesday, 14th July at 6pm

The HSE Louth/Meath Mental Health Services are hosting a public information evening on Tuesday, 14th July at 6pm in the Westcourt Hotel Drogheda to discuss the formation of a consumer panel to represent the voice of service users and their families within Louth/Meath Mental Health Services.

The HSE is inviting members of the public who use or have used HSE mental health services along with their families and supporters.

The meeting will be hosted by the Louth/Meath Advancing Recovery in Ireland steering group which is made up of HSE staff, service users and family members.

A further meeting will also be held in the Newgrange Hotel, Navan, Co. Meath on Tuesday, 21st July 2015 at 7pm.

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

Delighted to Attend DKIT Sport Event This Morning

I was delighted to attend the DKIT event this morning in the new DKIT Sport facility.  I was very impress with the fantastic facilities and wheelchair accessibility.

DKIT President, Denis Cummins

Information on Funding Opportunities for Local Community Groups & Organisations

€5M Fund Available to Community Groups:

Funding is now available to community and voluntary sector organisations as well as local development companies to promote youth employment; supports for home carers; capital grants for social enterprises; initiatives to prevent substance misuse; and supports for people with disabilities.  

Applications are being accepted until the closing date of 22nd July 2015.

Further details & application forms are available at:
https://www.pobal.ie/FundingProgrammes/DormantAccountsFund/Pages/default.aspx




Grants Available For Local Mental Health Projects:

The Community Foundation of Ireland is now accepting applications from local groups working on mental health projects.  The Community Foundation of Ireland are seeking organisations to replicate the BeWell Bray project in local towns and have grants of up to €7,000 available.

As part of the application process, groups will need to indicate the following:

-Why such a project is needed in the community
-How the 'Be Well' model can be applied in a local context
-How does this fit with other mental health work in the area

Closing date for application is 24th July 2015.

To find out more: 
http://www.foundation.ie/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/here3.pdf

Ireland's Best Young Entrepreneur Competition - Open for Applications Until 31st July 2015

Ireland's Best Young Entrepreneur Competition is now open for applications until 31st July 2015.  A €50,000 investment fund will be shared between the three Category Winners in Co. Louth.  A further €100,000 is available to the winners of the competition's National Final.

The competition is aimed at people aged between 18 and 30 who have a business or business idea.

For further details and to make an application visit:  www.ibye.ie or www.localenterprise.ie

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

Medical Cards for Under 18s With Cancer Diagnosis

I strongly welcome the announcement that children under the age of 18 with a cancer diagnosis will be issued with medical cards effective from 1st July 2015.

Following my repeated representations in the Seanad and with my ministerial colleagues, I am delighted that children and young people under 18 years with a cancer diagnosis will be awarded a medical card for a period of 5 years from today. Children who have received a cancer diagnosis in the last five years will also be awarded a medical card.

Parents, families and children who receive the very difficult news that their child has been diagnosed with cancer should be adequately supported with the obvious additional costs associated with a situation of this nature.

Families should not feel as though they need to fight for a medical card when faced with this situation.  Since entering the Seanad I have worked on behalf of many individuals and families in relation to medical cards, disability payments and other supports and have advocated that a sensitive approach be administered.

In some instances it can be very difficult to encapsulate the real-life situation the family is experiencing on a medical card form.  When a child receives a cancer diagnosis this has a life-changing effect on the family unit in their day to day life as well as taking an emotional toll.

I fully support this move and will remain vigilant on the matter to ensure that families and children with a cancer diagnosis receive an efficient and responsive service from the HSE.

Speaking in Today's Seanad Order of Business

Delighted To Welcome DPE Camera Club To Leinster House Today

Meeting Held This Week with Stakeholders on Education Committee Report on Role of SNAs

I met with IMPACT, the National Parents Councils Primary, the NCSE and the Department of Education and Skills to discuss her report on 'The Role of the Special Needs Assistant' as rapporteur for the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education and Social Protection.

I invited these stakeholders to make presentations to the committee as I feel they are involved in many important stages of the SNA Scheme.  These groups are involved in the policy, implementation and administration of the scheme as well as provide the first hand experience on how the scheme works in practice.

We had a very constructive discussion during our meeting with many topics and issues covered including SNA training, administration of medications, respect for the role, casualisation of employment, fragmentation of posts, and how the scheme is being carried out on the ground amongst others.  The feedback received today will be directly incorporated into the drafting of the report.  

It is evident from our meeting and my consultations over the last number of months that there are a number of matters which need to be addressed in the SNA Scheme and I am dedicated to working with all partners to develop workable recommendations to allow the scheme to evolve and appropriately function into the future.

Video Clip of the Education Committee Meeting on the Role of SNAs - Part 1

Video Clip of the Education Committee Meeting on the Role of SNAs - Part 2

Video Clip of the Education Committee Meeting on the Role of SNAs - Part 3

Video Clip of the Education Committee Meeting on the Role of SNAs - Part 4

Meeting with Clerys Workers Outside of Leinster House This Week

I was delighted to sign the Justice for Clerys Workers Petition and meet with workers outside of Leinster House this week.

Delighted To Have Been Selected As A Candidate For Louth/East Meath In Next General Election

My family with Minister Brendan Howlin before last night's Selection Convention in Drogheda

I have been selected as a General Election candidate for the Labour Party in the Louth/East Meath constituency at the selection convention held last night in the Governor's House Drogheda.

I am delighted to have been officially selected as a candidate to run in the next General Election.  

Since I entered the Seanad Éireann in 2011 I have taken great pride in working for the people of Louth/East Meath over the last four years.  My experience on the ground working on a number of issues relating to education, housing, mental health, disability and social welfare among others have equipped me to efficiently and accurately represent the constituency at a national level.

I believe I have a great deal to contribute in the coming years and want to continue my work with local groups and people on issues of local and national importance.

I look forward to continuing to work on behalf of the people of Louth/East Meath in the coming months and dedicating myself to better serve them through my General Election campaign for Dáil Éireann.