Publication Of Framework For Junior Cycle 2015 Welcome

I welcome the publication today of the Framework for Junior Cycle 2015 by Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O'Sullivan TD. 

The Framework document published today takes into account the important engagements carried out in May and July with a number of educational stakeholders and provides a detailed outline of the reforms to be carried out in relation to assessment, teaching and learning. 

The reforms outlined in Framework 2015 are aimed at providing a more well-rounded curriculum at Junior Cert level and will place the students at the core of teaching and learning while providing them with the necessary skillsets going forward. 

I welcome the decision by teachers' unions to ballot their members on the new Junior Cycle proposals and look forward to continued positive engagement from all stakeholders in the implementation of these reforms. 

We need to support continuity from primary level through to the progression on to senior level. The Framework published today will help to provide a modernised and balanced curriculum for Junior Cert level students.

The Framework for Junior Cycle 2015 is available: 

http://www.education.ie/en/Publications/Policy-Reports/Framework-for-Junior-Cycle-2015.pdf

Knockbridge Vintage Day - Sunday,13th September

Calling On The Head Of The Dominicans To Communicate With Parishioners

Tallaght Relay Walk participants on Saturday in Ashbourne

I have expressed my disappointment today at the response received from Dominican headquarters in Tallaght on Saturday last when she and a group of parishioners walked from Drogheda to Tallaght to hand in a petition of over 22,000 signatures in support of Saving the Dominican Church in Drogheda.

The priests in Drogheda received word last year that the Dominican church and Priory in Drogheda would be closing after 800 years of association in the town.

Since then I have worked with the campaigners urging the Prior in Tallaght to rethink this decision and to engage with the priests and parishioners in Drogheda. I have been immensely touched by the quiet but determined manner of both the priests and the people of Drogheda who have held numerous events throughout the year in support of the campaign. 

Saturday's walk to Tallaght was made to demonstrate our determination and to encourage the head of the order to communicate with the group. Our walk was made with positivity and hope. 
On our arrival however we received negativity and disdain. It was heartbreaking to watch the elderly priests and parishioners be withered with a callous response, some of whom who were visibly upset. Calls to make a further appointment with the Prior were rejected . Calls to engage with the priest in the order who answered the door were rejected.

Over the past year I have written to and phoned the main house in Tallaght and received no response. On Saturday evening, despite informing the prior we would be attending we were informed he was not at home. We were met at the door instead by a priest who was indifferent and apathetic to the campaign.

In recent years the church has received a lot of negativity I really feel that this is a time when the clergy should be encouraging people to return to mass and to the church and certainly not be treating them impassively when they call for their church to remain open. 

I am now calling on the Prior and Council of the Dominican Order to meet with the campaigners in Drogheda- to sit down and listen to the people and their priests - to communicate. 
We may have received a poor response on Saturday but this has actually made us stronger. We will now take the campaign to Rome and ask the head of the Dominican Order to listen.

Students In Asylum Protection System Can Now Access Student Supports & Continue Education

Minister Jan O'Sullivan

I welcome the announcement by Minister for Education, Jan O'Sullivan TD that from September 2015 students in the asylum protection system will have access to student supports previously unavailable to them after completing the Leaving Certificate.

This is a very welcome announcement for students in the asylum protection process who have completed their second level education and are seeking further opportunities in our education system. The opportunity to access student supports is crucial for this group of young people so that they may continue to develop the skill-sets necessary for employment, have hope for their future and one day pursue their goals.

In some cases and through no fault of their own, students have waited many years for their applications to be processed in the asylum protection system with their lives essentially placed on hold after completing their Leaving Cert.  I am delighted this matter is being addressed by the Minister but would urge that we find a solution to the long wait times for applications in the asylum protection process.

My colleague, Minister O'Sullivan has announced the access to supports for students in the asylum protection system on a pilot basis for the 2015/2016 academic year.  In order to access student supports the following criteria must be met:

• Meet the definition of a protection applicant or a person at leave to remain stage (other than those at the deportation order stage);
• Obtained their Leaving Certificate;
• Have been accepted on an approved Post Leaving Certificate course or an approved undergraduate course;
• Have attended a minimum of five academic years in the Irish school system, as at 31 August 2015; and
• Have been part of an application for protection or at leave to remain stage( other than those at deportation order stage) for a combined period of 5 years as at 31 August 2015.

Students who meet the criteria will be able to apply to the Department of Education and Skills from the 1st September 2015 with application forms and information available on the department website http://www.education.ie/en/.

Save The Dominican Church Drogheda 57km Walk To Tallaght This Saturday

Save The Dominican Group Walking to Tallaght on Saturday

The Save the Dominican Church Campaign Drogheda have organised a Relay Walk to Tallaght this Saturday, 29th August.

A walk to the Dominican Headquarters in Tallaght to deliver the petition of over 22,000 signatures in support of saving the church will begin at 7am on 29th August at the Dominican Church. Fr Jim, Fr Joe and Fr Tony will all be participating.  I will also be participating in the walk which has been organised in a relay format.

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.

Delighted to Show My Support For Nursing Staff at St. Mary's Drumcar Today

The Irish Hospice Foundation Forum 2015 Photo Mosaic Project Deadline Friday, 28th August

Copyright Irish Hospice Foundation

The Irish Hospice Foundation has announced the opportunity to take part in creating an interactive photo mosaic art project at Forum 2015.  The photo mosaic will be unveiled at the end of the conference and will comprise hundreds of photos of loved ones sent in by Conference participants and the public.

To participate in the project you just need to email your photo to:  photoproject2015@hospicefoundation.ie 

When making the submission you should include the following information:

• Name of person making the submission
• Name of person in photo
• Relationship to person in photo
• Verify you are the owner of the photo or have obtained permission from the owner to submit the photo
• Any additional brief details you would like to include about the person in the picture or why you have chosen this particular photo as a tribute

Closing date for receipt of photos is Friday, 28th August.

For more information and to read the terms and conditions for Forum 2015 Photo Project click here.

Save The Dominican Church Drogheda Relay Walk To Tallaght - Saturday, 29th August

Save The Dominican Group Walking to Tallaght on Saturday

The Save the Dominican Church Campaign Drogheda have a number of upcoming events including the Relay Walk to Tallaght on Saturday, 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 begin at 7am on 29th August at the Dominican Church. Fr Jim, Fr Joe and Fr Tony will all be participating.

I will participating in the walk which has been organised in a relay format. 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.

Further events are due to take place in September including a trip to Rome where I will be travelling with Save the Dominican Church Campaigners to raise the closure of the church at the highest level and deliver the petition of over 22,000 signatures.

On Friday, 18th September Mary Duff along with other special guests will put on a show in The Dominican Church Drogheda.  Doors open at 7pm. Tickets can be purchased in the church gift shop or CD World Drogheda.

Reminder - Louth County Council Closing Date for Expressions of Interest in Choice Based Lettings - 26th August 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 should email:  choicebasedlettings@louthcoco.ie or visit Louth County Council offices where the Customer Services Team will forward your request to the Housing team.  

Offers for these properties will be subject to the Scheme for Allocations of Social Housing and Garda Clearance.

Expressions of interest made for the properties may also be used for the future allocation of properties in Beechmount Drive or Moneymore Drogheda.

The closing date for expressions of interest is 5pm on Wednesday, 26th August 2015.  

233 Moneymore, Drogheda

2 storey

3 bedroom mid-terraced 

Gas central heating

Double Glazing

Fitted Kitchen

Parking at front

Small rear garden

383 Beechmount Drive, Cox's Demesne, Dundalk

2 storey

3 bedroom end of terrace

Gas fired central heating

Double Glazing

Fitted Kitchen

Front & rear garden

Louth Events Taking Place During National Heritage Week - 22nd-30th August

National Heritage Week begins tomorrow and will run through 30th August.  Over 1,800 events are scheduled nationwide and 14 events have been organised in Louth.

Further information is available for each of the events below and other events nationwide on heritageweek.ie.

Louth National Heritage Week Events:

• Cord Cemetery Tours & Workshops
• Cord Cemetery
• 22nd August - 11am-3pm; 23rd August 11am-1pm; 26th August 11am-1pm; 29th August 11am-4pm
• Carstown House Down Through The Centuries
• The 'History Loft' above Slan's Public House, Annagassan
• 27th August 8pm-9pm
• A Mountain Walk in Glendurrougha
• St. Mary's Church
• 29th August 11am-3pm
• Decade of Centenaries Collection Day
• Louth County Archives Service, Old Gaol, Ardee Road, Dundalk
• 24th August 2pm-4pm

• The Great Northern Brewery Talk with Seamus Lennon
• Louth County Archives
• 25th August 2.30pm
• Ringing of the Bells
• Carlingford Heritage Centre
• 22nd August 12pm-12.20pm
• Zoe Conway & John McIntyre's Summer Series
• Carlingford Heritage Centre
• 23rd August 4pm-5pm; 30th August 4pm-5pm
• Historical Talk & Re-enactment
• Dominican Abbey
• 30th August 3pm-5pm
• Whale Watch Ireland
• Port Oriel, Upper Car Park
• 23rd August 2pm-5pm
• A Medieval Day Out At Old Mellifont Abbey
• Old Mellifont Abbey
• 23rd August 10am-5pm
• Free Guided Tours of Old Mellifont Abbey
• Old Mellifont Abbey
• 23rd August 10am-5pm; 30th August 10am-5pm
• Summer Art Exhibition 2015
• Listoke House
• 22nd-30th August 11am-9pm
• Your Story, Dundalk History
• Dundalk Institute of Technology
• 26th August 9am-4pm
• Tours of Rokeby Hall
• Rokeby Hall
• 22nd-30th August 10am-2pm
• Breeda Craig Memorial Heritage Walk
• Drogheda Tourist Office (The Tholsel)
• 23rd August 9.45am-11.30am & 30th August 9.45am-11.30am
• Peninsula Ploughing & Field Day
• Cooley
• 23rd August 12pm-6pm
• Beekeeping Talk & Garden Walk
• Killineer House
• 23rd August 2pm-4pm
• End of Summer Walk & Picnic
• Ravensdale Forest Park
• 23rd August 1.30pm-3.30pm
• Blasts from the Past
• Drogheda Museum Millmount
• 23rd August 2pm-5pm
• Walk & Talk 7 - Drogheda's Industrial Heritage
• The Statues at Scotch Hall, Drogheda
• 26th August 7.30pm-9pm

Community Broadcasting Support Scheme 2015

Copyright Broadcasting Authority of Ireland

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland has announced details of the 2015 Community Broadcasting Scheme which is open to fully licensed Community and Community of Interest TV and radio stations.

The scheme is designed to offer support community and community of interest broadcasters to further advance from an organisational development perspective.  The total fund available for the scheme is €30,000.  It is expected that funding decisions will be announced by the end of October 2015.

For more information on the scheme please visit:

http://www.bai.ie/index.php/2015/08/community-broadcasting-support-scheme-2015/

The closing date for application is 1st October at 12 noon.

New Red Rock Training Scheme Announced - Special Open Day Event on 19th September

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, Screen Training Ireland and TV3's drama series Red Rock have announced details of a the Red Rock Training Scheme which will be launched this September.   The Red Rock Training Scheme will offer a certain number of placement opportunities on set during production of Season 2 of the series.   The placements on set will be six weeks in duration and participants will be introduced to skills in areas such as Locations, Wardrobe, Hair/Make-Up, Art Department, Continuity and Post Production. A special open day event will take place on Saturday, 19th September on the Red Rock production base in Dublin.  The event will be open to a maximum of 100 attendees.  Those interested in taking part in this open day should register here . For more information you may visit the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland's website at: http://www.bai.ie/index.php/2015/08/new-training-scheme-announced/

Save the Dominican Church Relay Walk to Tallaght - Saturday, 29th August

The Save the Dominican Church Campaign Drogheda have a number of upcoming events including the Relay Walk to Tallaght on Saturday, 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 begin at 7am on 29th August at the Dominican Church. Fr Jim, Fr Joe and Fr Tony will all be participating.

 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.

Further events are due to take place in September including a trip to Rome where I will be travelling with Save the Dominican Church Campaigners to raise the closure of the church at the highest level and deliver the petition of over 22,000 signatures.

On Friday, 18th September Mary Duff along with other special guests will put on a show in The Dominican Church Drogheda.  Doors open at 7pm. Tickets can be purchased in the church gift shop or CD World Drogheda.

The Irish Hospice Foundation Forum 2015 Photo Mosaic Art Project

Copyright Irish Hospice Foundation

The Irish Hospice Foundation has announced the opportunity to take part in creating an interactive photo mosaic art project at Forum 2015.  The photo mosaic will be unveiled at the end of the conference and will comprise hundreds of photos of loved ones sent in by Conference participants and the public.

To participate in the project you just need to email your photo to:  photoproject2015@hospicefoundation.ie 

When making the submission you should include the following information:

• Name of person making the submission
• Name of person in photo
• Relationship to person in photo
• Verify you are the owner of the photo or have obtained permission from the owner to submit the photo
• Any additional brief details you would like to include about the person in the picture or why you have chosen this particular photo as a tribute

Closing date for receipt of photos is Friday, 28th August.

For more information and to read the terms and conditions for Forum 2015 Photo Project click here.

Louth County Council Choice Based Lettings - Closing Date For Expressions of Interest 26th August 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 should email:  choicebasedlettings@louthcoco.ie or visit Louth County Council offices where the Customer Services Team will forward your request to the Housing team.  

Offers for these properties will be subject to the Scheme for Allocations of Social Housing and Garda Clearance.

Expressions of interest made for the properties may also be used for the future allocation of properties in Beechmount Drive or Moneymore Drogheda.

The closing date for expressions of interest is 5pm on Wednesday, 26th August 2015.  

233 Moneymore, Drogheda

2 storey

3 bedroom mid-terraced 

Gas central heating

Double Glazing

Fitted Kitchen

Parking at front

Small rear garden

383 Beechmount Drive, Cox's Demesne, Dundalk

2 storey

3 bedroom end of terrace

Gas fired central heating

Double Glazing

Fitted Kitchen

Front & rear garden

Louth Events Scheduled As Part Of National Heritage Week - 22nd-30th August

National Heritage Week will take place from 22nd to 30th August 2015 with over 1,800 events scheduled nationwide and 14 events taking place in Co. Louth.

Louth National Heritage Week Events:

• Cord Cemetery Tours & Workshops
• Cord Cemetery
• 22nd August - 11am-3pm; 23rd August 11am-1pm; 26th August 11am-1pm; 29th August 11am-4pm
• Carstown House Down Through The Centuries
• The 'History Loft' above Slan's Public House, Annagassan
• 27th August 8pm-9pm
• A Mountain Walk in Glendurrougha
• St. Mary's Church
• 29th August 11am-3pm
• Decade of Centenaries Collection Day
• Louth County Archives Service, Old Gaol, Ardee Road, Dundalk
• 24th August 2pm-4pm
• 'The Great Northern Brewery' Photographic Exhibition
• Louth County Archives Service
• 24th August 9.30am-1pm & 2pm-4pm; 25th August 9.30am-1pm
• Ringing of the Bells
• Carlingford Heritage Centre
• 22nd August 12pm-12.20pm
• Zoe Conway & John McIntyre's Summer Series
• Carlingford Heritage Centre
• 23rd August 4pm-5pm; 30th August 4pm-5pm
• Historical Talk & Re-enactment
• Dominican Abbey
• 30th August 3pm-5pm
• Whale Watch Ireland
• Port Oriel, Upper Car Park
• 23rd August 2pm-5pm
• A Medieval Day Out At Old Mellifont Abbey
• Old Mellifont Abbey
• 23rd August 10am-5pm
• Free Guided Tours of Old Mellifont Abbey
• Old Mellifont Abbey
• 23rd August 10am-5pm; 30th August 10am-5pm
• Summer Art Exhibition 2015
• Listoke House
• 22nd-30th August 11am-9pm
• Your Story, Dundalk History
• Dundalk Institute of Technology
• 26th August 9am-4pm
• Tours of Rokeby Hall
• Rokeby Hall
• 22nd-30th August 10am-2pm

Further information is available for each of these events and other events nationwide on heritageweek.ie.

Delighted To Visit St. Joseph's N S Summer Camp 'Mind Fit Body Fit' Today

I was delighted to visit St. Joseph's N S Summer Camp today and view their excellent 'Show & Tell' presentation.  

This is the 6th year St. Joseph's has hosted a  summer camp and the focus this year is on literacy and numeracy and promoting health eating and sport through these subject areas.

The children put together an excellent cooking demonstration video.

Delighted To Attend Launch Today Of The Playroom Project At Mullaharlin Community Creche

SOSAD 5K For Life Upcoming Dates In Dundalk, Drogheda, Navan & Tullamore

Congratulations To Students On Leaving Cert Results

I would like to congratulate the 57,929 Leaving Certificate students across the country receiving their results today. 

The statistics released this morning by the State Exams Commission show Leaving Cert students as a whole did well this year and the results are similar to those of last year. I welcome the increase in the percentage of students taking biology, chemistry and physics this year. 

As students collect their results this morning it is important to note that help is available to them for any query they may have over the coming days. The National Parents Council Post Primary has provided a Freephone helpline which will be open Wednesday and Thursday from 10am to 7pm and Friday from 10am to 1pm. The helpline is staffed by experienced guidance counsellors and will be open to provide advice and support until Wednesday, 19th August. 

I would urge students to think carefully about their future on receipt of these results. It is important to research all options before the first round of CAO offers next week. 

As a mother of a daughter receiving her Leaving Cert results today I understand that this is a stressful time for young people and their families. I would like to acknowledge the encouragement and support of parents and teachers who have aided students in reaching this point and will continue to provide much needed support in the coming days. 

Many students will look to celebrate their achievements over the coming days and I would urge them to do so wisely. For the students who may not have achieved the results they had hoped for I would encourage these students to look at all of their options and know that help is available to them. It is important to remember that there are many different pathways into desired courses.  I would like to congratulate Leaving Certificate students today and wish them every success in whatever path they choose next. 

Reminder - 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 4pm on Thursday, 13th August.

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

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

Save The Dominican Church Drogheda Campaign - Upcoming Events

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

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 will began at the Dominican Church Drogheda at 7am with Fr Jim, Fr Joe and Fr Tony participating.

 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 doors open at 7pm - Mary Duff along with other special guests will put on a show in The Dominican Church Drogheda.  Tickets can be purchased in the church gift shop or CD World Drogheda.

Wishing Leaving Cert Students Well Ahead Of Results On Wednesday

I would like to express my good wishes to all students who are awaiting their Leaving Certificate results on Wednesday, 12th August.

As a mother of a student awaiting her Leaving Certificate results I understand that this is a stressful time for both students and their families.  There are many pressures surrounding not only the day of the results but in the subsequent days when decisions are being made regarding college places and courses.

A free helpline will be available to students and parents which will offer information and advice for any query they may have once they receive their results.  The helpline is provided by the National Parents' Council Post Primary and will be staffed by experienced guidance counsellors.  

The Freephone number is 1800 265 165 and will be open from Wednesday, 12th August to Wednesday, 19th August.

I would like to wish all students the very best and appeal to everyone to celebrate responsibly over the coming days.


Helpline opening hours:

Wednesday, 12th August - 10am-7pm
Thursday, 13th August - 10am-7pm
Friday, 14th August - 10am-1pm
Monday, 17th August - 8am-7pm
Tuesday, 18th August - 8am-7pm
Wednesday, 19th August - 8am-1pm

Louth Events During National Heritage Week - 22nd-30th August

National Heritage Week will take place from 22nd to 30th August 2015 with other 1,800 events scheduled nationwide and 14 events taking place in Co. Louth.

Louth National Heritage Week Events:

• Cord Cemetery Tours & Workshops
• Cord Cemetery
• 22nd August - 11am-3pm; 23rd August 11am-1pm; 26th August 11am-1pm; 29th August 11am-4pm
• Carstown House Down Through The Centuries
• The 'History Loft' above Slan's Public House, Annagassan
• 27th August 8pm-9pm
• A Mountain Walk in Glendurrougha
• St. Mary's Church
• 29th August 11am-3pm
• Decade of Centenaries Collection Day
• Louth County Archives Service, Old Gaol, Ardee Road, Dundalk
• 24th August 2pm-4pm
• 'The Great Northern Brewery' Photographic Exhibition
• Louth County Archives Service
• 24th August 9.30am-1pm & 2pm-4pm; 25th August 9.30am-1pm
• Ringing of the Bells
• Carlingford Heritage Centre
• 22nd August 12pm-12.20pm
• Zoe Conway & John McIntyre's Summer Series
• Carlingford Heritage Centre
• 23rd August 4pm-5pm; 30th August 4pm-5pm
• Historical Talk & Re-enactment
• Dominican Abbey
• 30th August 3pm-5pm
• Whale Watch Ireland
• Port Oriel, Upper Car Park
• 23rd August 2pm-5pm
• A Medieval Day Out At Old Mellifont Abbey
• Old Mellifont Abbey
• 23rd August 10am-5pm
• Free Guided Tours of Old Mellifont Abbey
• Old Mellifont Abbey
• 23rd August 10am-5pm; 30th August 10am-5pm
• Summer Art Exhibition 2015
• Listoke House
• 22nd-30th August 11am-9pm
• Your Story, Dundalk History
• Dundalk Institute of Technology
• 26th August 9am-4pm
• Tours of Rokeby Hall
• Rokeby Hall
• 22nd-30th August 10am-2pm

Further information is available for each of these events and other events nationwide on heritageweek.ie.

Summer Seisiún August Dates at the Oriel Centre Dundalk Gaol

Summer Seisiún Dates at Oriel Centre Dundalk Gaol:

Thursday, 6th August at 8pm
Thursday, 20th August at 8pm
Thursday, 27th August at 8pm

Seisiún is a unique staged thematic performance of authentic Irish traditional culture.  The evening concludes with an informal traditional session where attendees are invited to participate in Irish dances or a song if they so wish.

The show is followed by light refreshments.

For tickets phone 042 932 8887 or email info@orielcentre.ie

To book online visit: www.orielcentre.ie

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 4pm on Thursday, 13th August.

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

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