As New Survey Reveals Extent of Litter Problem Oireachtas Committee to Meet with
Main Anti-Litter Groups
31st May 2010
As a new survey released today showed that 63.5% of all areas assessed were slightly littered and that 25.7% of areas were moderately polluted, the Oireachtas Committee on Environment, Heritage and Local Government will met will the key agencies charged with helping keeping Ireland litter-free.
Irish Business Against Litter, the County and City Managers Association and Officials from the Department of the Environment will give their assessment of the survey’s results and address what needs to be done to improve the results in future.
The meeting will take place tomorrow (1st) at 3:30 pm in Committee Room 3 of Leinster House.
Committee Chairman, Se n Fleming TD said;
“We decided to convene this meeting due to the significant rise in incidence of roadside dumping and littering on our streets. This problem has become more pronounced of late and has become a big issue for local authorities and Oireachtas members.
There still seems to be a significant problem will rubbish in this country. Unfortunately some people continue to flout the law and refuse to dispose of their litter responsibly.
At tomorrow’s meeting we will hear from those who are centrally involved in encouraging people to keep Ireland litter free and enforcing the law in this area. We are keen to learn their opinions on these results and find out what they are planning to do to further combat this scourge.”
Meath Tourism
Meath Tourism Historical Sites
Monday, May 31, 2010
Legal Highs
Combating Legal Highs and Head Shops on Agenda at Oireachtas Health Committee
31st May 2010
The measures introduced to counteract the sale of “legal highs” and how the public can be made aware of their dangers will be examined at tomorrow’s (1sT) meeting of the Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children.
Officials from the HSE and the Department of Health and Children will outline to the Committee how they intend keep control over the sale of legal highs and what steps are being taken to educate people of the harm these substances can cause.
Committee Chairman, Se n O’Fearghail TD said;
“Recent legislation has brought under control approximately 200 individual substances which were on sale in head shops. However, there is a danger people will try to circumvent the recent measures by importing other substances which are currently not subject to the ban. We are anxious to establish how this potential threat will be addressed.
The HSE are also rolling out a national awareness campaign on the dangers of these legal highs and we would like to know more about how this plans to inform people of the perils of these substances.”
31st May 2010
The measures introduced to counteract the sale of “legal highs” and how the public can be made aware of their dangers will be examined at tomorrow’s (1sT) meeting of the Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children.
Officials from the HSE and the Department of Health and Children will outline to the Committee how they intend keep control over the sale of legal highs and what steps are being taken to educate people of the harm these substances can cause.
Committee Chairman, Se n O’Fearghail TD said;
“Recent legislation has brought under control approximately 200 individual substances which were on sale in head shops. However, there is a danger people will try to circumvent the recent measures by importing other substances which are currently not subject to the ban. We are anxious to establish how this potential threat will be addressed.
The HSE are also rolling out a national awareness campaign on the dangers of these legal highs and we would like to know more about how this plans to inform people of the perils of these substances.”
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Dead Children - Who Is Counting?
Eighteen children were killed, died from drugs or by suicide while in state care over the past ten years, the Health Service Executive (HSE) said last tonight.
Children's rights and protection groups said the records, released after weeks of severe criticism, were shocking but only gave half the story.
Alan Shatter, Fine Gael TD, accused the HSE of failing to tell the truth.
"The HSE has in its statement utterly failed to truthfully explain why as recently as March 2010 the Minister for Children (Barry Andrews) was informed that the number of child deaths in care was 23 and how it is that nine weeks later the number has grown to 37," he said.
"Today's revelation is not only an indictment of the incompetence and failure of the HSE, but also an indictment of the utter failure of Government to ensure the proper monitoring and governance of our childcare and protection services."
The official figures from the HSE said:
:: Five children died by suicide;
:: Five were drug related;
:: Two were unlawful killings;
:: Three died in road traffic accidents;
:: Three died in other accidents.
It is understood Daniel McAnaspie's death is not included on the list as a Coroner has not ruled on time of death.
He went missing on February 26 but his body was not recovered until earlier this month when a farmer found his remains in a ditch in Co Meath.
The HSE said another 19 children died from natural causes and ill health problems such as brain tumour, leukaemia, surgical complications and heart disease. Of the total 37 deaths, 20 were teenagers and 17 were younger children.
Jillian van Turnhout, of the Children's Rights Alliance, said each of the deaths in care - including those from natural causes - must be automatically included in the independent review ordered by Children's Minister Barry Andrews.
"We need to know if anything could have been done to save them," she said.
"It could be they should have been taken in to care sooner or needed an operation.
"We need to learn lessons from each case."
Ms Turnhout warned the figure would rise if homeless youngsters in need of emergency accommodation were included in the list.
Health Minister Mary Harney and HSE management up to chief executive Professor Brendan Drumm had rejected reports that the true figure of all child deaths in state care was as high as 200 and suggested the number was closer to 23.
Fergus Finlay, Barnardos chief executive, said: "It's worrying that the figure is so much higher than 23 - the Minister for Health seemed to be confident about it.
"The final figure will be a good deal higher when the wider search is completed. A significant number of cases will have to be added to that. I don't think we know the full story yet."
There are 5,500 children in state care. The official figures cover January 1 2000 to April 30 2010. Details on the total number of deaths of children and young adults, who were in state care at some point or were known to social workers, will be released next Friday.
Jennifer Gargan, director of the Irish Association of Young People in Care, said: "It's substantially more than was originally stated so that's very worrying.
"Any death is a death too many - it's shocking that they didn't have the information previously.
"They're only the ones who we hear about because they died - there's many more young people seriously at risk living in the streets and in tragic and unhappy circumstances who are under the radar."
Sinn Féin's Caoimhghin O Caolain called for full disclosure from the HSE and added: "One death of a child in state care is a death too many.
"We need to be told the services provided or not provided in the case of each deceased child so that lessons can be learned and implemented."
Labour Senator Alex White said even though the figure was considerably smaller than some speculation, it was still deeply disturbing that so many children died while in the direct care of the state.
"The manner in which this affair has been handled by the government and the HSE has been quite chaotic, and damaging to public confidence in the system," Mr White said.
Children's Minister Barry Andrews criticised the 10 weeks it took for health chiefs to hand over the figures, which he requested in March.
He also said it was a matter of deep concern that there was a significant difference between the original figures of 23 presented and the higher number announced.
"The overall discrepancy between the figures reported raises serious questions about the management of information in the HSE in an extremely sensitive area and I will be requiring both an explanation and assurances from the Board and Senior Management in the HSE," he added.
Mr Andrews revealed he was also awaiting information on the death of any child known to the HSE child protection system and the death of young adults in the care of the HSE in the period immediately prior to their 18th birthday.
"I am informed by the HSE that this information will be available by Friday June 4," he added.
Children's rights and protection groups said the records, released after weeks of severe criticism, were shocking but only gave half the story.
Alan Shatter, Fine Gael TD, accused the HSE of failing to tell the truth.
"The HSE has in its statement utterly failed to truthfully explain why as recently as March 2010 the Minister for Children (Barry Andrews) was informed that the number of child deaths in care was 23 and how it is that nine weeks later the number has grown to 37," he said.
"Today's revelation is not only an indictment of the incompetence and failure of the HSE, but also an indictment of the utter failure of Government to ensure the proper monitoring and governance of our childcare and protection services."
The official figures from the HSE said:
:: Five children died by suicide;
:: Five were drug related;
:: Two were unlawful killings;
:: Three died in road traffic accidents;
:: Three died in other accidents.
It is understood Daniel McAnaspie's death is not included on the list as a Coroner has not ruled on time of death.
He went missing on February 26 but his body was not recovered until earlier this month when a farmer found his remains in a ditch in Co Meath.
The HSE said another 19 children died from natural causes and ill health problems such as brain tumour, leukaemia, surgical complications and heart disease. Of the total 37 deaths, 20 were teenagers and 17 were younger children.
Jillian van Turnhout, of the Children's Rights Alliance, said each of the deaths in care - including those from natural causes - must be automatically included in the independent review ordered by Children's Minister Barry Andrews.
"We need to know if anything could have been done to save them," she said.
"It could be they should have been taken in to care sooner or needed an operation.
"We need to learn lessons from each case."
Ms Turnhout warned the figure would rise if homeless youngsters in need of emergency accommodation were included in the list.
Health Minister Mary Harney and HSE management up to chief executive Professor Brendan Drumm had rejected reports that the true figure of all child deaths in state care was as high as 200 and suggested the number was closer to 23.
Fergus Finlay, Barnardos chief executive, said: "It's worrying that the figure is so much higher than 23 - the Minister for Health seemed to be confident about it.
"The final figure will be a good deal higher when the wider search is completed. A significant number of cases will have to be added to that. I don't think we know the full story yet."
There are 5,500 children in state care. The official figures cover January 1 2000 to April 30 2010. Details on the total number of deaths of children and young adults, who were in state care at some point or were known to social workers, will be released next Friday.
Jennifer Gargan, director of the Irish Association of Young People in Care, said: "It's substantially more than was originally stated so that's very worrying.
"Any death is a death too many - it's shocking that they didn't have the information previously.
"They're only the ones who we hear about because they died - there's many more young people seriously at risk living in the streets and in tragic and unhappy circumstances who are under the radar."
Sinn Féin's Caoimhghin O Caolain called for full disclosure from the HSE and added: "One death of a child in state care is a death too many.
"We need to be told the services provided or not provided in the case of each deceased child so that lessons can be learned and implemented."
Labour Senator Alex White said even though the figure was considerably smaller than some speculation, it was still deeply disturbing that so many children died while in the direct care of the state.
"The manner in which this affair has been handled by the government and the HSE has been quite chaotic, and damaging to public confidence in the system," Mr White said.
Children's Minister Barry Andrews criticised the 10 weeks it took for health chiefs to hand over the figures, which he requested in March.
He also said it was a matter of deep concern that there was a significant difference between the original figures of 23 presented and the higher number announced.
"The overall discrepancy between the figures reported raises serious questions about the management of information in the HSE in an extremely sensitive area and I will be requiring both an explanation and assurances from the Board and Senior Management in the HSE," he added.
Mr Andrews revealed he was also awaiting information on the death of any child known to the HSE child protection system and the death of young adults in the care of the HSE in the period immediately prior to their 18th birthday.
"I am informed by the HSE that this information will be available by Friday June 4," he added.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Artisan Market for Navan
The announcement by Navan Town Council that it is to proceed with an artisan type market in Kennedy Road on Sunday Afternoons, is a much welcomed announcment.
The Council is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified/experienced individuals and or groups who wish to take part in the market.
Application forms are available by contacting Ms Aubrey Norris, Staff Officer, Navan Town Council, Town Hall, Watergate Street, Navan, County Meath. Tel: 046-9029078. All expressions to be in the office before 4pm on Friday 11th June 2010.
All applicants must be Tax complient.
The Council is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified/experienced individuals and or groups who wish to take part in the market.
Application forms are available by contacting Ms Aubrey Norris, Staff Officer, Navan Town Council, Town Hall, Watergate Street, Navan, County Meath. Tel: 046-9029078. All expressions to be in the office before 4pm on Friday 11th June 2010.
All applicants must be Tax complient.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Bord G CEO
Bord G is Chief Makes Positive Noises on Future Reduction in Energy Bills at Oireachtas Committee
26 May 2010
The outlook for further reductions in gas and electricity prices by Bord G is are positive, the company’s chief executive, John Mullins told the Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources today.
Mr Mullins said that increased competition in the energy market, improved world supply of gas and better technology all have the strong potential to decrease the prices domestic consumers pay for their gas and electricity. He outlined to the Committee that in the last fourteen months Bord G is had reduced its prices on three occasions totalling 25%.
The Committee also heard of the new procedures now in place to protect sensitive customer information, following the theft of four laptops from the company’s offices in Dublin last year. Details of almost 94,000 customers were stolen, which contained information such as account numbers, homes addresses and branch details.
The company had now resolved to;
1. Insist on a strict regime of access to customer data on a “needs only” basis.
2. Encrypt all laptops
3. Inform all staff that personal data should not be downloaded to local drives
Committee Chairman, MJ Nolan TD said;
“Any future reductions in energy prices are welcomed by the Committee. We have often heard that Ireland is an expensive place to live and do business. If our economy is to get back on its feet we need to reduce costs such as energy prices to makes sure Ireland can be competitive and to lessen the burden on households. So the remarks today by Bord G is Chief Executive are helpful.
The Committee also heard that Bord G is’ “Big Switch” initiative had broken the one million mark for gas and electricity customers.
26 May 2010
The outlook for further reductions in gas and electricity prices by Bord G is are positive, the company’s chief executive, John Mullins told the Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources today.
Mr Mullins said that increased competition in the energy market, improved world supply of gas and better technology all have the strong potential to decrease the prices domestic consumers pay for their gas and electricity. He outlined to the Committee that in the last fourteen months Bord G is had reduced its prices on three occasions totalling 25%.
The Committee also heard of the new procedures now in place to protect sensitive customer information, following the theft of four laptops from the company’s offices in Dublin last year. Details of almost 94,000 customers were stolen, which contained information such as account numbers, homes addresses and branch details.
The company had now resolved to;
1. Insist on a strict regime of access to customer data on a “needs only” basis.
2. Encrypt all laptops
3. Inform all staff that personal data should not be downloaded to local drives
Committee Chairman, MJ Nolan TD said;
“Any future reductions in energy prices are welcomed by the Committee. We have often heard that Ireland is an expensive place to live and do business. If our economy is to get back on its feet we need to reduce costs such as energy prices to makes sure Ireland can be competitive and to lessen the burden on households. So the remarks today by Bord G is Chief Executive are helpful.
The Committee also heard that Bord G is’ “Big Switch” initiative had broken the one million mark for gas and electricity customers.
Petrol Prices
Apple garage on the Slane Road, in Ashbourne, County Meath is offering the best price on petrol in Coutny Meath today 26th May 2010 - Unleaded at 126.9 and Diesel at 119.9.
It pays to shop around and thats what we have done to find te best price for you.
It pays to shop around and thats what we have done to find te best price for you.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Education
‘One size fits’ all approach to education a major factor in early school leaving
Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education and Science
The ‘one size fits all’ instruction and assessment approach in Ireland’s current school system is fundamentally wrong, does not facilitate many young people to grow or demonstrate and realize their full range of talents and skills and is a major contributory factor in early school leaving, particularly among boys, according to a new report by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education and Science.
Early school leaving and its related problems of poverty, deprivation and exclusion should be understood in a holistic context that is much broader than the education system, the report Staying in Education: A New Way Forward – School and out of School Factors Protecting Against Early School Leaving says.
The Department of Education and Skills needs to develop policy that strongly discourages streaming, or separating students along purely academic lines, at least in the first and second years, it found. Policy should be targeted particularly at schools in disadvantaged communities and all schools where boys are enrolled, according to the report which carried out 41 interviews with individuals and groups dealing with early school leaving and which had input from a 25-member expert group of practitioners and researchers.
Streaming is associated with negative outcomes and disengagement from school, particularly for students in the lower stream. Boys, Travellers, students with lower literacy levels and/or special educational needs, and from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and ‘at risk groups’ are more likely to be in the ‘bottom’ stream and the likelihood that they will disengage is higher, the report concluded.
Early parental involvement is of key importance in engaging children in education, according to the report. It also found that early parental involvement and an intergenerational approach to literacy development are effective for both children and their parents, and that gains in literacy persisted over time with this approach. Strong associations between poor literacy and disengagement from schooling were among the report’s findings.
Rappateur to the Committee Senator Fidelma Healy-Eames who produced the report said:
“One in six young people leave school before completing the Leaving Cert. These are the forgotten kids. They do not show up in the yearly education statistics for sitting the leaving cert or entering college. Sadly, for many of them, the only time they feature in State data is in a negative sense, through statistics for unemployment, the courts or drug abuse. This situation needs to be addressed urgently.
“It is clear from this report that the over-loaded exam-based system does not suit many young people. It loses them early. The majority of these young people are carrying embedded difficulties with school and learning from primary level. Any school system that largely relies on a ‘one size fits all’ instruction and assessment approach is fundamentally wrong. It does not facilitate these young people to grow or indeed to demonstrate and realize their full range of talents and skills.
Our post-primary education system as currently constructed and paced is doing these youngsters a grave injustice and society is paying the price in the long run. This does not represent equality of opportunity. The aim of this report, through its findings and recommendations, is to effect change across the education system and above all, contribute to better lives for our young people.”
Among the report’s other recommendations are:
The DES needs to develop policies and practices to enable schools to achieve the target that all children leaving primary school will be able to demonstrate at least basic literacy as appropriate to the local context of the school. ‘Basic literacy’ could be defined on the basis of a level of literacy that permits independent functioning and equitable participation in society.
In order to better support families with literacy needs, and given the evidence of substantial returns to the State, the annual budget for family literacy initiatives should be increased substantially from its current figure of 200,000 euro.
A national tracking system needs to be put in place that is capable of following the educational and training pathways of all young people to tackle early school leaving.The system, which the report says could be set up by a working group from the Department of Education and Science, the Health Service Executive and the Office of the Minister of Children and Youth Affairs, should track children from pre-school through to primary, post-primary and further education on an individual basis, the report said. It should also have the potential to track individual-level attendance in order to better inform the work of the National Education Welfare Board.
In parallel with the development of the tracking system, the Department of Education and Skills (DES) needs to develop a strategy for retention that focuses in the short term on maximising retention at Junior Certificate level, and in the medium term, on a strategy that aims to achieve a minimum educational qualification of Leaving Certificate or its equivalent.
The prioritisation of services for 0 to 6-year-olds should receive dedicated attention in the work of the Office of the Minister of Children and Youth Affairs in co-ordinating the efforts of all relevant bodies, developing strategy, identifying gaps and minimising duplication of services.
An evaluation of the Early Childhood Care and Education scheme that focuses on indicators of uptake and quality of provision should be initiated immediately.
A comprehensive and large-scale survey of the school-going population is needed to ascertain the views of boys in particular about the education system and what, in their view, serves to engage or disengage them
The DES’s policy on bullying needs to be updated and widely disseminated with reference to the relevant Acts. It should include clear guidelines on sensitive issues including sexuality, sexual harassment and ethnicity with reference to the findings of this study.
Paul Gogarty, TD, Chairman of the Joint Committee on Education and Skills, said: “From the outset, the Committee sought to produce a report grounded in reality supported by facts. Our intention was to ascertain the truth behind the media headlines. I genuinely believe that the published report has managed to quantify the true extent of the problem in Ireland today and through concrete and feasible recommendations to provide a clear directional path from which to move towards in the future.”
Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education and Science
The ‘one size fits all’ instruction and assessment approach in Ireland’s current school system is fundamentally wrong, does not facilitate many young people to grow or demonstrate and realize their full range of talents and skills and is a major contributory factor in early school leaving, particularly among boys, according to a new report by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education and Science.
Early school leaving and its related problems of poverty, deprivation and exclusion should be understood in a holistic context that is much broader than the education system, the report Staying in Education: A New Way Forward – School and out of School Factors Protecting Against Early School Leaving says.
The Department of Education and Skills needs to develop policy that strongly discourages streaming, or separating students along purely academic lines, at least in the first and second years, it found. Policy should be targeted particularly at schools in disadvantaged communities and all schools where boys are enrolled, according to the report which carried out 41 interviews with individuals and groups dealing with early school leaving and which had input from a 25-member expert group of practitioners and researchers.
Streaming is associated with negative outcomes and disengagement from school, particularly for students in the lower stream. Boys, Travellers, students with lower literacy levels and/or special educational needs, and from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and ‘at risk groups’ are more likely to be in the ‘bottom’ stream and the likelihood that they will disengage is higher, the report concluded.
Early parental involvement is of key importance in engaging children in education, according to the report. It also found that early parental involvement and an intergenerational approach to literacy development are effective for both children and their parents, and that gains in literacy persisted over time with this approach. Strong associations between poor literacy and disengagement from schooling were among the report’s findings.
Rappateur to the Committee Senator Fidelma Healy-Eames who produced the report said:
“One in six young people leave school before completing the Leaving Cert. These are the forgotten kids. They do not show up in the yearly education statistics for sitting the leaving cert or entering college. Sadly, for many of them, the only time they feature in State data is in a negative sense, through statistics for unemployment, the courts or drug abuse. This situation needs to be addressed urgently.
“It is clear from this report that the over-loaded exam-based system does not suit many young people. It loses them early. The majority of these young people are carrying embedded difficulties with school and learning from primary level. Any school system that largely relies on a ‘one size fits all’ instruction and assessment approach is fundamentally wrong. It does not facilitate these young people to grow or indeed to demonstrate and realize their full range of talents and skills.
Our post-primary education system as currently constructed and paced is doing these youngsters a grave injustice and society is paying the price in the long run. This does not represent equality of opportunity. The aim of this report, through its findings and recommendations, is to effect change across the education system and above all, contribute to better lives for our young people.”
Among the report’s other recommendations are:
The DES needs to develop policies and practices to enable schools to achieve the target that all children leaving primary school will be able to demonstrate at least basic literacy as appropriate to the local context of the school. ‘Basic literacy’ could be defined on the basis of a level of literacy that permits independent functioning and equitable participation in society.
In order to better support families with literacy needs, and given the evidence of substantial returns to the State, the annual budget for family literacy initiatives should be increased substantially from its current figure of 200,000 euro.
A national tracking system needs to be put in place that is capable of following the educational and training pathways of all young people to tackle early school leaving.The system, which the report says could be set up by a working group from the Department of Education and Science, the Health Service Executive and the Office of the Minister of Children and Youth Affairs, should track children from pre-school through to primary, post-primary and further education on an individual basis, the report said. It should also have the potential to track individual-level attendance in order to better inform the work of the National Education Welfare Board.
In parallel with the development of the tracking system, the Department of Education and Skills (DES) needs to develop a strategy for retention that focuses in the short term on maximising retention at Junior Certificate level, and in the medium term, on a strategy that aims to achieve a minimum educational qualification of Leaving Certificate or its equivalent.
The prioritisation of services for 0 to 6-year-olds should receive dedicated attention in the work of the Office of the Minister of Children and Youth Affairs in co-ordinating the efforts of all relevant bodies, developing strategy, identifying gaps and minimising duplication of services.
An evaluation of the Early Childhood Care and Education scheme that focuses on indicators of uptake and quality of provision should be initiated immediately.
A comprehensive and large-scale survey of the school-going population is needed to ascertain the views of boys in particular about the education system and what, in their view, serves to engage or disengage them
The DES’s policy on bullying needs to be updated and widely disseminated with reference to the relevant Acts. It should include clear guidelines on sensitive issues including sexuality, sexual harassment and ethnicity with reference to the findings of this study.
Paul Gogarty, TD, Chairman of the Joint Committee on Education and Skills, said: “From the outset, the Committee sought to produce a report grounded in reality supported by facts. Our intention was to ascertain the truth behind the media headlines. I genuinely believe that the published report has managed to quantify the true extent of the problem in Ireland today and through concrete and feasible recommendations to provide a clear directional path from which to move towards in the future.”
Monday, May 24, 2010
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Children in Need
PRESS RELEASE 21 May 2010 SO12/09/10 PUDSEY BEAR HOSTS BANK HOLIDAY FUN DAY AT STORMONT Bank Holiday Monday (31 May) will see the Stormont Estate play host to Pudsey Bear at a family fun day for Children in Need. Now in its third year, this annual event promises to be a fantastic day of fun, games and entertainment for the whole family. Parliament Buildings, Stormont will be the venue for a performance from Dundonald Community Concert Band, story-telling, family photographs with Pudsey and tours of the iconic building. Commenting on the event, Speaker of the Assembly William Hay, MLA said: “We want as many people as possible to attend the event and to use the opportunity to come into Parliament Buildings, see this magnificent building and engage with the Assembly. This event is a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy these wonderful surroundings. To download the event programme and for more information, visit
Friday, May 21, 2010
Gardai Appeal
Gardaí have arrested two men in connection with the death of 25-year-old Errol Dunne following a serious assault in Clogherhead, Co Louth on March 7th.
The men aged 35 and 27 were arrested in Castleblaney, Co Monaghan early this morning.
They are being detained at Drogheda Garda Station under the provisions of section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.
Mr Dunne, a father of one, died after suffering a severe head injury during a melee involving up to 20 people near the Harbour Bar in Clogherhead.
It is believed a number of men may have assaulted Mr Dunne and he was left lying on the roadway. A passer-by raised the alarm and phoned an ambulance.
Gardaí are urging anyone with information to call Drogheda gardaí on 041-9874270, Clogherhead Garda station on 041-9822222, or the Garda confidential line 1800-666-111.
The men aged 35 and 27 were arrested in Castleblaney, Co Monaghan early this morning.
They are being detained at Drogheda Garda Station under the provisions of section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.
Mr Dunne, a father of one, died after suffering a severe head injury during a melee involving up to 20 people near the Harbour Bar in Clogherhead.
It is believed a number of men may have assaulted Mr Dunne and he was left lying on the roadway. A passer-by raised the alarm and phoned an ambulance.
Gardaí are urging anyone with information to call Drogheda gardaí on 041-9874270, Clogherhead Garda station on 041-9822222, or the Garda confidential line 1800-666-111.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Gardai Appeal
Gardaí investigating the murder of Daniel McAnaspie who went missing while in State care believe more than one person was involved in the teenager's death.
The body of the 17-year-old, who was originally from Finglas in Dublin, was found dumped in a ditch on farmland in Co Meath last week.
At a briefing in Finglas Garda station today, Supt John Gilligan confirmed Daniel died from multiple stab wounds to the upper body.
Supt Gilligan described the killing as a “desperate act” against an innocent young man, and vowed gardaí would pursue the case to the end.
He said detectives were already following up to 450 different lines of inquiry in relation to the murder.
Daniel was living at a care home operated by Health Service Executive in Donabate, north Co Dublin, when he failed to return there on the night of February 25th last.
The teenager was seen in the company of friends outside the Erin’s Isle GAA club in Finglas earlier that day.
He is known to have later gone to the Whitestown area of Blanchardstown where he was last seen at 3.30am on the morning of February 26th.
Supt Gilligan said Daniel was taken way in the early hours of that day and “never seen again”. His body was discovered in a ditch by a farmer in the townland of Gillianstown in Rathfeigh, Co Meath last Thursday.
Gardaí said his remains were discovered some 200 metres from the N2 road between Ashbourne and Slane. "We don't know how Daniel's body ended up here or if he was brought alive to this place," Supt Gilligan said.
He expressed his and the gardaí’s condolences to the family, saying Daniel was a fine young man who was well respected by his family, and who had never been any trouble to the gardaí.
Garda Dave Dowling, who is leading the investigation, said: “We are asking anyone who is living in that area or who has any knowledge of how Daniel’s body got there to contact gardaí at Blanchardstown [01 666-7000].”
One of six siblings whose father died in 1996 and whose mother died in 2007, Daniel could not read or write and had been in the care of the HSE since 2003.
Daniel's elder sister Catríona McAnaspie claimed yesterday her brother did not get the assistance he required while in care.
More than 20 children have died in the care system over the past decade but Daniel McAnaspie is the first to have been murdered.
The body of the 17-year-old, who was originally from Finglas in Dublin, was found dumped in a ditch on farmland in Co Meath last week.
At a briefing in Finglas Garda station today, Supt John Gilligan confirmed Daniel died from multiple stab wounds to the upper body.
Supt Gilligan described the killing as a “desperate act” against an innocent young man, and vowed gardaí would pursue the case to the end.
He said detectives were already following up to 450 different lines of inquiry in relation to the murder.
Daniel was living at a care home operated by Health Service Executive in Donabate, north Co Dublin, when he failed to return there on the night of February 25th last.
The teenager was seen in the company of friends outside the Erin’s Isle GAA club in Finglas earlier that day.
He is known to have later gone to the Whitestown area of Blanchardstown where he was last seen at 3.30am on the morning of February 26th.
Supt Gilligan said Daniel was taken way in the early hours of that day and “never seen again”. His body was discovered in a ditch by a farmer in the townland of Gillianstown in Rathfeigh, Co Meath last Thursday.
Gardaí said his remains were discovered some 200 metres from the N2 road between Ashbourne and Slane. "We don't know how Daniel's body ended up here or if he was brought alive to this place," Supt Gilligan said.
He expressed his and the gardaí’s condolences to the family, saying Daniel was a fine young man who was well respected by his family, and who had never been any trouble to the gardaí.
Garda Dave Dowling, who is leading the investigation, said: “We are asking anyone who is living in that area or who has any knowledge of how Daniel’s body got there to contact gardaí at Blanchardstown [01 666-7000].”
One of six siblings whose father died in 1996 and whose mother died in 2007, Daniel could not read or write and had been in the care of the HSE since 2003.
Daniel's elder sister Catríona McAnaspie claimed yesterday her brother did not get the assistance he required while in care.
More than 20 children have died in the care system over the past decade but Daniel McAnaspie is the first to have been murdered.
Protest
Security at the Dáil is to be stepped up tonight, with another protest planned for outside Leinster House.
Last week a group broke away from a larger protest and tried to enter the compound, but gardaí managed to keep them out.
The violent scenes came at the conclusion of a march organised by the Right to Work Campaign, against the Government's plans to inject billion of euro into the country's banks.
Gardaí were forced to draw batons against a small number of the protestors as the attempted to breach the gates of Leinster House. At least three people sustained minor injuries, including a garda.
The Right to Work Campaign is also organising tonight's demonstration, set to being at 7.30pm.
Last week a group broke away from a larger protest and tried to enter the compound, but gardaí managed to keep them out.
The violent scenes came at the conclusion of a march organised by the Right to Work Campaign, against the Government's plans to inject billion of euro into the country's banks.
Gardaí were forced to draw batons against a small number of the protestors as the attempted to breach the gates of Leinster House. At least three people sustained minor injuries, including a garda.
The Right to Work Campaign is also organising tonight's demonstration, set to being at 7.30pm.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Lobbyists
17 May 2010
A new publication which has analysed how lobbyists and interest groups are regulated throughout the world will be the topic for consideration at tomorrow’s (18th) meeting of the Oireachtas European Affairs Committee at 2pm in Committee Room 4 of Leinster House.
One of the book’s authors, Dr Raj Chari, Department of Political Science TCD will be the witness at the meeting.
The book asks why there is no mandatory lobbying registration in the European Commission and examines existing regulatory regimes for the effectiveness and success.
Committee Chairman, Bernard Durkan TD said;
“It has long been proposed that a register of lobbyists be created in this country in order to create proper accountability and transparency in this sector. Sometimes, the impression can exist that lobbyists and interest groups operate in shadowy unrestricted environments and have unlimited access to decision makers.
Within the EU there are a significant number of lobbyists based in Brussels. Our deliberations at tomorrow’s meeting will allow the Committee to consider if there needs to be a formal register of those working as lobbyists and what form this should take.”
The book was co-authored by Dr John Horgan, (DIT) and Prof. Gary Murphy.
A new publication which has analysed how lobbyists and interest groups are regulated throughout the world will be the topic for consideration at tomorrow’s (18th) meeting of the Oireachtas European Affairs Committee at 2pm in Committee Room 4 of Leinster House.
One of the book’s authors, Dr Raj Chari, Department of Political Science TCD will be the witness at the meeting.
The book asks why there is no mandatory lobbying registration in the European Commission and examines existing regulatory regimes for the effectiveness and success.
Committee Chairman, Bernard Durkan TD said;
“It has long been proposed that a register of lobbyists be created in this country in order to create proper accountability and transparency in this sector. Sometimes, the impression can exist that lobbyists and interest groups operate in shadowy unrestricted environments and have unlimited access to decision makers.
Within the EU there are a significant number of lobbyists based in Brussels. Our deliberations at tomorrow’s meeting will allow the Committee to consider if there needs to be a formal register of those working as lobbyists and what form this should take.”
The book was co-authored by Dr John Horgan, (DIT) and Prof. Gary Murphy.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Quinn Direct - NI
Assembly Committee holds useful meeting with Administrator for Quinn Insurance The Northern Ireland Assembly Committee for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, today met with the Administrator for Quinn Insurance Ltd to discuss the future of the business. Chair of the Committee, Alban Maginness MLA said, “We took the opportunity today to stress the importance of opening up the profitable aspects of the Quinn business in Northern Ireland and the UK as soon as possible. Following today’s productive conversation we are hopeful this will happen in the near future. He added, “While the possibility of any staff redundancies was not discussed, we need to agree the importance of staff being the first to know any specifics on the future of the Quinn business. We will continue to keep in touch with the Administrators and Quinn employee representatives and offer our assistance and support wherever we can.†ENDS Committee Membership: Mr. Alban Maginness (Chairperson) Mr. Paul Butler (Deputy Chairperson) Mr. Gregory Campbell Mr. Leslie Cree Ms. Jennifer McCann Dr. Alasdair McDonnell Mr. Gerry McHugh Mr. Daithà McKay Mr. Stephen Moutray Mr. Sean Neeson Mr. David Simpson Media enquiries to: Jennifer Pleavin Communications Officer Northern Ireland Assembly Phone: 028 9052 1606 Mobile : 07502 379339 Email: jennifer.pleavin@niassembly.gov.uk Sinead Murphy Deputy Communications Officer Northern Ireland Assembly Phone: 028 905 25938 Mobile : 07825 146794 Email: sinead.murphy@niassembly.gov.uk
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Royal Appearance
Royal Appearance for the Palace - Coronation Streets' Actresses Brooke Vincent and Sacha Parkinson who play Sian Powers and Sophie Webster in the famous TV soap will be jetting into Ireland on Friday 14th May 2010 for a speacial appearance in the Royal County's Palace Nite Club in Navan. Big crowd expected so get there early.
Kilronan Castle Estate and Spa
Ballyfarnon, County Roscommon
ONLY 60 Euro pp sharing 8-21st May 2010.
Kilronan Castle Estate and Spa
Ballyfarnon, County Roscommon
ONLY 60 Euro pp sharing 8-21st May 2010.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Dog Breeding
Interested Parties to Outline Varying Views on Dog Breeding Bill at Oireachtas Committee
10 May 2010
Several organisations holding diverse views regarding the Dog Breeding Establishment Bill will outline their stance at tomorrow’s (11th) meeting of the Oireachtas Committee on Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
The Irish Greyhound Owners and Breeders Federation, the Irish Greyhound Board, the Dogs Trust, the Hunting Association of Ireland, the Foot Harries Association and Rural Ireland Says Enough (RISE) will all have representatives at the meeting.
The meeting will take place at 3:30pm in Committee Room 4 of Leinster House.
The Bill aims to provide safeguards for dogs in breeding establishments and give assurances to customers that pups and their mothers are well treated in these facilities. Under the Bill, each local authority will be required to have a register of dog breeding facilities and will require operators to register and pay an annual fee.
Committee Chairman, Se n Fleming TD said;
This bill has been introduced to ensure that adequate legislation exists in the area of breeding and puppy farms.
There has been a divergence of opinions regarding the worth of the legislation. Some groups fully welcome it saying that it will protect the welfare of dogs and regulate their breeding. However, some have claimed that the bill will burden them with additional costs and will cause welfare problems for some dogs, while others argue that the bill is entirely unnecessary.
Tomorrow’s meeting will give a forum for those of all sides of the debate to voice their opinions and viewpoints on the matter.”
The Committee can be viewed on line at:
http://www.oireachtas.ie/ViewDoc.asp?fn=/documents/livewebcast/Web-Live.htm&CatID=83&m=o
10 May 2010
Several organisations holding diverse views regarding the Dog Breeding Establishment Bill will outline their stance at tomorrow’s (11th) meeting of the Oireachtas Committee on Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
The Irish Greyhound Owners and Breeders Federation, the Irish Greyhound Board, the Dogs Trust, the Hunting Association of Ireland, the Foot Harries Association and Rural Ireland Says Enough (RISE) will all have representatives at the meeting.
The meeting will take place at 3:30pm in Committee Room 4 of Leinster House.
The Bill aims to provide safeguards for dogs in breeding establishments and give assurances to customers that pups and their mothers are well treated in these facilities. Under the Bill, each local authority will be required to have a register of dog breeding facilities and will require operators to register and pay an annual fee.
Committee Chairman, Se n Fleming TD said;
This bill has been introduced to ensure that adequate legislation exists in the area of breeding and puppy farms.
There has been a divergence of opinions regarding the worth of the legislation. Some groups fully welcome it saying that it will protect the welfare of dogs and regulate their breeding. However, some have claimed that the bill will burden them with additional costs and will cause welfare problems for some dogs, while others argue that the bill is entirely unnecessary.
Tomorrow’s meeting will give a forum for those of all sides of the debate to voice their opinions and viewpoints on the matter.”
The Committee can be viewed on line at:
http://www.oireachtas.ie/ViewDoc.asp?fn=/documents/livewebcast/Web-Live.htm&CatID=83&m=o
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Dunderry Fair
Sunday, 9th May, 2010, and I am just back from a wonderful day at Dunderry Fair, please see my slide show at the top of the Blog.
The sun shinned down as thousands enjoyed the many traditions, events, shows and fine traditional cooking that was on offer at Dunderry today.
Stalls offering the finest of homemade foods including jams, chucknies, Breads and buns sat easily along side the ladies and gentlemen who were cooking traditional champ and fried eggs for hungry fair goers.
Horse shoes were beaten out of hot steel as the blacksmith displayed traditions too rarely seen in the modern age. Sheep sheerers gave an impressive short, back and sides to many ewes who were gald to have their heavy burden lifted from their back as the sun beat down on what could have been a mid summers day.
Horses, goats, cows, bulls, donkeys, Shetland ponies, rabbits, ducks, geese, drakes, chickens and even, as pictured above, a Vietnamese Pot Bellied Pig were on display and some were for sale.
The Meath Hunt turned out with their fine Hounds an attraction that caught the eye of the thousands of fair goers.
The Travellers work shop Navan presented some of their finest work and traditions which were a credit to all those involved.
The Vintage tractors, cars and other antiquities were turned out in their full glory, the hands that keep these magnificant machines in top order are nothing less than magical.
The Dog show seen some fine animals of various breeds take to the parade ring and I have no doubt that the judges had their work cut out for them. There was no end of competitions for the Human kind either as Bonny Babies were turned out, the Dunderry Queen was selected and even the Matchmaker made his mark.
Basket weaving, stool making, bucket making, horse shoe making all attracted an enthusiastic crowd. The music provided a wonderful back drop to what has been yet again a memorable Dunderry Fair.
The sun shinned down as thousands enjoyed the many traditions, events, shows and fine traditional cooking that was on offer at Dunderry today.
Stalls offering the finest of homemade foods including jams, chucknies, Breads and buns sat easily along side the ladies and gentlemen who were cooking traditional champ and fried eggs for hungry fair goers.
Horse shoes were beaten out of hot steel as the blacksmith displayed traditions too rarely seen in the modern age. Sheep sheerers gave an impressive short, back and sides to many ewes who were gald to have their heavy burden lifted from their back as the sun beat down on what could have been a mid summers day.
Horses, goats, cows, bulls, donkeys, Shetland ponies, rabbits, ducks, geese, drakes, chickens and even, as pictured above, a Vietnamese Pot Bellied Pig were on display and some were for sale.
The Meath Hunt turned out with their fine Hounds an attraction that caught the eye of the thousands of fair goers.
The Travellers work shop Navan presented some of their finest work and traditions which were a credit to all those involved.
The Vintage tractors, cars and other antiquities were turned out in their full glory, the hands that keep these magnificant machines in top order are nothing less than magical.
The Dog show seen some fine animals of various breeds take to the parade ring and I have no doubt that the judges had their work cut out for them. There was no end of competitions for the Human kind either as Bonny Babies were turned out, the Dunderry Queen was selected and even the Matchmaker made his mark.
Basket weaving, stool making, bucket making, horse shoe making all attracted an enthusiastic crowd. The music provided a wonderful back drop to what has been yet again a memorable Dunderry Fair.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Haiti
Minister Tells Committee that 86% of 1.5 million Homeless in Haiti have now been Reached
6th May 2010
Four months on from the devastating earthquake in Haiti, 3.5 million people have now received emergency food rations and humanitarian agencies have reached 86% of the 1.5 million homeless people needing emergency shelter materials, the Minister for Overseas Development, Peter Power TD revealed at today’s Oireachtas European Affairs Committee.
The Minister was briefing the Committee regarding the upcoming EU Development Council meeting in Brussels. The Council meeting will review the developments in Haiti.
He also disclosed that the constant rains of recent weeks had revealed that some tents were not waterproof and the distribution of additional plastic sheeting was necessary. The identification of appropriate space for more durable hurricane-resistant shelter is also still a major problem.
According to the Minister, the Irish Government has pledged €13 million in assistance over the next three years. In total, the EU has promised more than €1.2 billion.
Committee Chairman, Bernard Durkan TD said;
“The Minister informed us today of some encouraging developments in Haiti following the devastating earthquake. Now that the disaster is largely off the media agenda is it easy for people to forget the suffering and hardship which continues in the country.
While there are some positive signs, we cannot become complacent. There will be a massive reconstruction effort required over the coming years if the island is to get back on its feet, so we must not forget about Haiti’s plight.
It is positive that the European Union and Ireland are taking such a central role in Haiti’s long term redevelopment.”
The EU has agreed to commit to a co-ordinated response programme. A task force of member states and the European Commission is being formed to the steer the programming exercise.
6th May 2010
Four months on from the devastating earthquake in Haiti, 3.5 million people have now received emergency food rations and humanitarian agencies have reached 86% of the 1.5 million homeless people needing emergency shelter materials, the Minister for Overseas Development, Peter Power TD revealed at today’s Oireachtas European Affairs Committee.
The Minister was briefing the Committee regarding the upcoming EU Development Council meeting in Brussels. The Council meeting will review the developments in Haiti.
He also disclosed that the constant rains of recent weeks had revealed that some tents were not waterproof and the distribution of additional plastic sheeting was necessary. The identification of appropriate space for more durable hurricane-resistant shelter is also still a major problem.
According to the Minister, the Irish Government has pledged €13 million in assistance over the next three years. In total, the EU has promised more than €1.2 billion.
Committee Chairman, Bernard Durkan TD said;
“The Minister informed us today of some encouraging developments in Haiti following the devastating earthquake. Now that the disaster is largely off the media agenda is it easy for people to forget the suffering and hardship which continues in the country.
While there are some positive signs, we cannot become complacent. There will be a massive reconstruction effort required over the coming years if the island is to get back on its feet, so we must not forget about Haiti’s plight.
It is positive that the European Union and Ireland are taking such a central role in Haiti’s long term redevelopment.”
The EU has agreed to commit to a co-ordinated response programme. A task force of member states and the European Commission is being formed to the steer the programming exercise.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Mystery Shopping in Meath
Yesterday 4th May 2010 shoppinginmeath.blogspot.com visited both Dunnes and Tesco stores in Navan and Ashbourne and came to one overall conclusion, these shops need to have a shake up and wake up day. Perhaps it was the fall out from the long weekend however and what ever it was, many staff appeared to be sleeping on their feet.
While there was a range of good value in both Dunnes and Tesco the reality was that the shopping experience was spoiled by half sleeping, group talking, self obsessed staff who in the majority of cases appeared to be in need of a duvet day.
We are living in difficult times, profit margins can be up or down, budgets can be surpassed or surpressed depending on customer service. If I go to Lidl I dont expect anything from the staff, they simply scan through the goods and take the money. However, If I take the time to shop in Dunnes or Tesco and in some instances pay a little more for the goods compared to Lidl, I do expect customer service. There is no value in having a customer service desk if it is simply a place for staff to congregate and talk about their drinking exploits on Saturday night. I am very tempted here to name staff according to their name badges, but I wont on this occassion.
shoppinginmeath.blogspot.com is voluntary it is run by people who have a days work to do and then in order to try and get people to shop local we do mystery shopping and try and point people towards good customer service and value for money. shoppinginmeath.blogspot.com is of the opinion that just because one outlet provides cheap products this does not necessarily mean good value for money. Would I want my Granny shopping in any of the four shops I visited yesterday? No, is the simple answer, she would have been more likely to get information about Vodka or Fat Frogs from staff than she would about the Home Bake Isle.
Be warned folks we will name and shame those staff who appear uninterested and uncaring in relation to their customers who at the end of the day pay your wages.
While there was a range of good value in both Dunnes and Tesco the reality was that the shopping experience was spoiled by half sleeping, group talking, self obsessed staff who in the majority of cases appeared to be in need of a duvet day.
We are living in difficult times, profit margins can be up or down, budgets can be surpassed or surpressed depending on customer service. If I go to Lidl I dont expect anything from the staff, they simply scan through the goods and take the money. However, If I take the time to shop in Dunnes or Tesco and in some instances pay a little more for the goods compared to Lidl, I do expect customer service. There is no value in having a customer service desk if it is simply a place for staff to congregate and talk about their drinking exploits on Saturday night. I am very tempted here to name staff according to their name badges, but I wont on this occassion.
shoppinginmeath.blogspot.com is voluntary it is run by people who have a days work to do and then in order to try and get people to shop local we do mystery shopping and try and point people towards good customer service and value for money. shoppinginmeath.blogspot.com is of the opinion that just because one outlet provides cheap products this does not necessarily mean good value for money. Would I want my Granny shopping in any of the four shops I visited yesterday? No, is the simple answer, she would have been more likely to get information about Vodka or Fat Frogs from staff than she would about the Home Bake Isle.
Be warned folks we will name and shame those staff who appear uninterested and uncaring in relation to their customers who at the end of the day pay your wages.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Gerry Ryan
Gerry Ryan a Tribute
Gerry you were a hero
One of the very best
You were fearless and professional
And so stood out from the rest
Your interviews were magic
No stone was left unturned
Without your searching character
Much would have went unlearned
I am sorry that you’re gone now
Things just won’t be the same
You were one of a kind
A replacement not easy to find
I know you are in heaven
For that’s where you belong
We will not forget you
We the ordinary folk
Your witty yarns
And spontaneous joke
Take care now in Heaven
I’m sure God has work for you
I guess God just wanted
A famous Ryan interview
Slan
Gerry you were a hero
One of the very best
You were fearless and professional
And so stood out from the rest
Your interviews were magic
No stone was left unturned
Without your searching character
Much would have went unlearned
I am sorry that you’re gone now
Things just won’t be the same
You were one of a kind
A replacement not easy to find
I know you are in heaven
For that’s where you belong
We will not forget you
We the ordinary folk
Your witty yarns
And spontaneous joke
Take care now in Heaven
I’m sure God has work for you
I guess God just wanted
A famous Ryan interview
Slan
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