Page 37

Posted: August 25, 2015 by Mary Mitchell O'Connor

Supporting Physical Education & Activity in Primary Schools

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, South Dublin and Kildare Sports Partnerships are jointly running a free seminar on Tuesday 22 September 2015 in the Citywest Hotel entitled ‘Supporting Physical Education & Activity in Primary Schools’. The seminar aims to build on the success of a similar seminar run in 2014 for secondary schools and will focus on how primary schools can engage with and reach their pupils and to raise awareness of the options and supports available to schools.

The schedule for the afternoon has been drawn up with the input and support of various agencies involved in this area including; Education Centres, INTO, IPPEA, Active School Flag and PDST, to make sure it is appropriate and valuable for teachers and indeed also school completion officers and others involved in the primary school system.

The presentations will be short and snappy (20 minutes each) with direct examples from local schools – urban/rural, junior/senior including:

A look at the latest research in the area of participation through the life cycle, focusing on Primary Level; both pathways & influences.
Understanding the provision of professional development and supports for primary teachers in sport and physical activity.
Supports the LSPs can provide in driving & increasing participation within the school setting.
A look at the various national programmes your school might consider.
Insight into how three local schools are adding to their PE curriculum on a daily and weekly basis; increasing regular participation in sport and physical activity among their pupils.
Research and best practice in adapted physical education and a look at the European Inclusive Physical Education Training programme.

Also present on the day will be a large number of information stands from sports governing bodies such as Athletics, Hockey, GAA, Rugby, Cricket, Frisbee and more. There will be a refreshment break during the seminar to facilitate schools to link in with these sports.

This event coincides with the European Week of Sport (EWoS) and the Irish Sports Council is also an event partner viewing this as a flagship event for the week.

Attendance is FREE but places are limited and people are asked to register their place at https://primaryschoolssportsseminar.eventbrite.ie

Supporting Physical Education Activity in Our Primary Schools

Last Updated: August 25, 2015 by Mary Mitchell O'Connor

Community Sports Clubs – Partial Rates Exemption

The Valuation Office is implementing the provisions of the Valuation (Amendment) Act 2015, which came into effect on 8th June 2015, in connection with Community Sports Clubs. The Act amends Schedule 4 of the Valuation Act 2001 and provides a newpartial exemption from commercial rates for Community Sports Clubs that are registered under the Registration of Clubs (Ireland) Act, 1904.

Community Sports Clubs not registered under the 1904 Act, and which operate on a not for profit basis, will continue to be exempt from rates and do not need to make an application.

Under the new partial exemption, Community Sports Clubs registered under the Registration of Clubs (Ireland) Act 1904 will not be liable for commercial rates on buildings, or parts of buildings, used:

exclusively for community sport and not for the generation of income, or
to generate income from participants in community sport, or
by community organisations that use the building or part of the building for community purposes.

Buildings or parts of buildings, used for or in conjunction with the sale or consumption of alcohol or food, retail use or hire for profit (other than outlined in the previous paragraph) are liable for rates.

Over the coming months, the Valuation Office will revise the valuations of Community Sports Clubs benefiting from the amendment to Schedule 4. This process requires Community Sports Clubs to complete and submit an application (Form R2) and the accompanying documents no later than 15th September 2015.

The completed application (Form R2) and accompanying documents should be posted or delivered to Sports Club Applications, Valuation Office, Block 2, Irish Life Centre, Abbey Street Lower, Dublin 1, D01 E9X0, to arrive no later than Tuesday September 15th 2015.

There is no fee for the application.

Form R2 Revision Application (pdf -132kb)

Last Updated: August 20, 2015 by Mary Mitchell O'Connor

Trading Online Voucher boosting recruitment across the country

Fine Gael TD, for Dun Laoghaire, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, has welcomed the results of the Growing Small Business Through Online Trade report, showing that SMEs who availed of the Government’s Online Trading Voucher, are growing.

“We know that 67 per cent of all of the new jobs created in Ireland are created by start-ups in their first five years of business so it is essential that we do everything we can to support these business and to drive them into the future. This is why Fine Gael launched the Standing Up for Small Business campaign and why the Government introduced the Online Trading Voucher.

“The Growing Small Business Through Online Trade report shows that over 70 per cent of small businesses that took part in the Government’s Trading Online Voucher Scheme expect to recruit more staff.

“The Trading Online Voucher Scheme was launched in 2014 to boost the number of small firms trading online. It offers small businesses a grant of up to €2,500, as well as training, mentoring and networking support to help them develop their online trading capability.

“Small business is the cornerstone of a sustainable economy and these local businesses support many jobs here Dun Laoghaire. In Ireland, €700,000 is spent online every hour. That is a staggering statistic and I want Dun Laoghaire businesses to benefit from this trend.

“Some 225 companies received the Online Trading Vouchers and they have experienced a huge jump in inquiries and a 21 per cent increase in sales. The scheme is administered by Local Enterprise Offices and I would encourage any interested business owners to get in touch.

“The Online Trading Voucher has proven a great success for SMEs, but having consulted with local business through our Standing Up for Rural Ireland campaign, we know that one of the biggest issues is the need to standardise the tax treatment of the self- employed and PAYE workers, as well as the need for continued reductions in the general tax burden.

“Fine Gael TDs and Senators are working to ensure that these issues are addressed in the upcoming budget.”

Last Updated: August 20, 2015 by Mary Mitchell O'Connor

Major re-development of the National Rehabilitation Hospital to go ahead

Fine Gael TD for Dún Laoghaire, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, says today’s announcement of extra funding of €15 million for the re-development of the National Rehabilitation Hospital is great news, especially for all the patients who use the service.

“This €15 million funding boost for the NRH in Rochestown Avenue, Dún Laoghaire, which has been announced today by the Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar, will see the existing ward accommodation replaced by a new 120 bed facility.

“This re-development is something that has been badly needed for a long time, by both patients and staff. It is something that I have raised with the Minister for Health and have worked for, along with my constituency colleagues.

“The National Rehabilitation Hospital provides vital treatment and rehabilitation to patients from across Ireland and is one of the country’s most important health facilities, helping improve the patients’ quality of life.
“This new development will be purpose built to accommodate the needs of patients requiring complex specialist rehabilitation services and will comply with best international practice and guidelines. The facility will include integrated therapy spaces, hydrotherapy and sports facilities on the NRH Campus.

“This is great news for the patients and staff at the National Rehabilitation Hospital. I would like to pay tribute to the staff for their outstanding professionalism and also to the Board of the National Rehabilitation Hospital.”

Posted: July 31, 2015 by Mary Mitchell O'Connor

Registration for free GP care for over 70s begins today

For Online Registration & Further Details Visit www.gpvisitcard.ie

Minister for Health Leo Varadkar and Minister for Primary Care Kathleen Lynch have today announced the start of registration for the Free GP Care service for people aged 70 and over, which will commence on August 5th. This second phase of universal GP care extends a GP service without charges to everyone aged 70 years and older.

This new measure applies to those aged 70 and over who do not currently hold a medical or GP visit card.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Varadkar said: “This is the next step to universal healthcare. From August 5th, all 400,000 people aged 70 and over will be able to see their GP without paying fees. It’s an important step because, for the first time, the eldest and youngest in our society will be able to access GP care without being charged.”

Minister Lynch added “This Government is committed to strengthening and further developing primary care services. As we continue to expand free GP care to those under 18 years of age, we will also provide more services in primary care. We will focus on early intervention, providing services such as minor surgery and managing chronic illnesses such as diabetes and asthma in primary care. As the number of primary care teams and centres continue to increase, so too will the range of services being provided.”

A HSE public information campaign on the new service is also starting which is aimed at encouraging just under 40,000 people aged 70 years or older, who do not already have a medical card or GP visit card to register for this service.

Mr John Hennessy, HSE National Director of Primary Care explained; “ A simple online registration system is available from Friday July 31st on www.gpvisitcard.ie. Registration of a person aged 70 or older just requires the person’s name, PPS number, gender, date of birth, contact details and the selection of a GP of choice. Alternatively people can download a form from the website www.gpvisitcard.ie, or locall 1890 252 919 to receive a copy by post. The registration form will also be available in pharmacies and local health offices”.

All persons aged 70 or older will be able to access a GP service without charges, replacing the existing GP service arrangement for this age group which is based on a means-test. Their dependents, including spouses or partners, who are under the age of 70 will continue to have access to a GP service without fees where they meet the existing income limits. Please note that persons Over 70 who already hold a medical or GP visit card do not need to register.

If anyone needs help or guidance they can contact the helpline 1890 252 919 (weekdays 8am-8pm)

Last Updated: July 31, 2015 by Mary Mitchell O'Connor

New Govt apprenticeships scheme provide opportunities for school leavers in Dun Laoghaire

Fine Gael TD for Dun Laoghaire, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, has said that a Government scheme to support new apprenticeships will provide great opportunities for school leavers in Dun Laoghaire. These will be in the areas of Manufacturing and Engineering, Tourism and Sport, Financial Services, Information Technology, Transport Distribution and Logistics, and Business Administration and Management.

“The new apprenticeships announced by the Government will provide great opportunities for school leavers. Twenty five of the new apprenticeships are going to be prioritised and made available in the next 12 months. Up until now, apprenticeships were only available across five sectors and the expansion. We must work to incentivise small businesses to take on apprentices.

“The new apprenticeships are due to be developed over the next two months, and some of them will give participants the opportunity to gain qualifications up to a level 8, or honours undergraduate, degree as part of their training.

“Up until now apprenticeships, with the exception of printing, have been four years long leading to a Fetac Level 6 qualification. As well as keeping young people off the Live Register, an apprenticeship can now be a great way of allowing someone to attain a higher education qualification while getting practical skills and experience on the job.

“We must now do more to incentivise small businesses to take on apprentices. Fine Gael has been running a campaign called Standing Up for Small Business, which has sought the views of small business owners around the country to see what more we can do to encourage their success and help them to grow. Currently apprenticeships involve block periods working on the job and block periods in training centres. This has made it very difficult for a small business to take on an apprentice when they know that person will have to spend weeks away from their work in education. Perhaps there could be some flexibility in the amount of time the apprentice has to spend away from the workplace.

“I commend the Minister for Skills, Research and Innovation, Damien English for bringing this important scheme forward. The Government’s Action Plan for Jobs has seen over 100,000 jobs created since its launch in February 2012. We must keep going on this trajectory. Apprenticeships are a great way of keeping young people off the Live Register and ensuring they gain both the qualifications and the practical experience and skills to help them build successful careers.”

Last Updated: July 27, 2015 by Mary Mitchell O'Connor

Regulation of Audiologists

This week I called upon the Minister for Health to further regulate hearing aid suppliers through legislation that would ensure that only qualified audiologists can fit and prescribe hearing aids. I have long championed for such regulations in order to protect the best interest of consumers, as shown throughout my participation within various Oireachtas Committee’s on Health and Children. This is an important issue that I will continue to advocate. Please find my full Parliamentary Question and answer from the Minister.

QUESTION NO: 502

DÁIL QUESTION addressed to the Minister for Health (Leo Varadkar)
by Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor for WRITTEN ANSWER on 16/07/2015

* To ask the Minister for Health his plans to legislate to ensure that qualified audiologists fit and prescribe hearing aids in view of the fact that at present it is open to persons to set up anywhere and sell hearing aids, often costing up to €4,000 to €6,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Mary Mitchell O’Connor T.D.
REPLY.
The Health and Social Care Professionals Council and the registration boards, also known by the umbrella name CORU, established under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 are responsible for protecting the public. They do so by promoting high standards of professional conduct and professional education, training and competence amongst registrants of the professions designated under the Act.

The 14 professions currently designated under the Act do not include that of audiologist. However, the Act provides that the Minister for Health may, under section 4(2), designate a health and social care profession not already designated if he or she considers that it is in the public interest to do so but only if and when specified criteria have been met.

My priority is to establish the registration boards and their registers for the professions currently designated. A total of 8 registration boards have so far been established and it is hoped that the remaining boards will be established before the end of 2016. It is likely that CORU will be requested to risk assess and prioritise in terms of public protection the professions aspiring to be regulated under the Act.

Posted: July 23, 2015 by Mary Mitchell O'Connor

New local authority homes to benefit elderly and disabled people in Dun Laoghaire

The provision of 42 new homes in Dun Laoghaire for elderly people and those with intellectual or physical disability will greatly benefit these individuals and their families according to Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire TD Mary Mitchell O’Connor. Mitchell O’Connor was speaking following the announcement by Minister for the Environment, Community & Local Government, Alan Kelly, and Minister for State for Housing, Planning & Construction, Paudie Coffey, of a major nationwide programme to provide housing to vulnerable individuals.

“This is fantastic news. It will directly benefit these individuals and their families and will greatly help to reduce the pressure on Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. Furthermore it will provide us with a legacy of improved housing stock for those who are unable to provide for themselves. It is extremely welcome that we will have these new dedicated social housing units to provide these supports to those who find themselves in need of housing support.

“This announcement comes on the back of the announcement by the Government in May of increased funding for local authorities to undertake adaptations to houses to support people with a disability and the elderly.

“The investment, which comes to over €151 million nationally and €7,432,700 in Dun Laoghaire, will be given to Approved Housing Bodies, to assist those with specific needs such as elderly people, persons with intellectual or physical disability and homeless persons. The newly acquired homes will be ready for people with housing needs this year while the newly constructed homes will be completed by 2017.

“The construction and upgrading of these housing units will also help create local employment, the benefits of which will be felt by businesses in our community.”

Last Updated: July 23, 2015 by Mary Mitchell O'Connor

Strategic investment in childcare will improve affordability and accessibility for parents

Fine Gael TD for Dún Laoghaire, Mary Mitchell O’Connor said that today’s proposals for strategic investment in childcare would improve affordability, quality and accessibility for parents and children across Ireland.

“This major new childcare report, launched by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr James Reilly TD, proposes important changes on how best to invest in childcare services over the coming years. By putting forward costed options it provides a clear path for future investment and represents the most ambitious and detailed plan for childcare ever produced for Government.

“The report proposes three main areas where investment can be targeted:

· A period of paid parental leave, which could be shared by both parents
· An enhanced ECCE provision (currently the ‘free pre-school year’), which would be extended to the point at which primary school starts (this would ensure that from the age of 3, all children in Ireland would be entitled to free education, either in pre-school or in primary school)
· A new single subsidy scheme for pre-school and school-going children, with simplified eligibility based on income. It would cover both community and private settings, rather than the community sector alone as at present. The report says this should be designed to be progressively universal over time

“The report recommends measures to embed quality in the sector, including a quality audit and proposals for upskilling of the workforce, as well as measures to make sure there is adequate supply for future demand. It also recommends carrying out a survey to establish the scope for using school buildings for after-school care.

“I am especially delighted that my own proposal is included in the report for a once-off capital fund to support after-school services using community and private providers.”

“This report provides a sound basis for real improvements in affordability, quality and accessibility in the childcare sector, which will improve parental choice and help remove barriers to work.”

Posted: July 21, 2015 by Mary Mitchell O'Connor

Leopardstown Link Road Contract – Traffic Information

On Wednesday 22 July 2015 from 10am there will be a new road layout on Leopardstown Road East in the environs of the Leopardstown Roundabout. The new Leopardstown Link Road will provide access to Leopardstown Race Course, Leopardstown Park Hospital and South County Business Park.

Existing access to South County Business Park and Leopardstown Park Hospital off Leopardstown Roundabout will be closed as will existing access to Leopardstown Race Course.

Road users should be aware that:-

Traffic accessing the New Link Road from Leopardstown Road East/N11 will:

– Turn left at the new traffic lights

Traffic accessing the New Link Road from Brewery Road will:

– Take the first exit on Leopardstown Roundabout

– Turn right at the new traffic lights

Traffic accessing the New Link Road from Burton Hall Road will:

– Take the second exit on Leopardstown Roundabout

– Turn right at the new traffic lights

Traffic accessing the New Link Road from Leopardstown Road West/M50 will:

– Take the third exit on Leopardstown Roundabout

– Turn right at the new traffic lights

With the exception of closing the access/egress to South County Business Park & Leopardstown Park Hospital, the Leopardstown Roundabout will operate as normal.