Increased numbers of SNA’s for local schools

Local TD and Tánaiste, Frances Fitzgerald has today (Wednesday) welcomed the provision

of over additional Special Needs Assistants to schools in Dublin for the coming year.

The allocation is part of a national provision of 975 additional Special Needs Assistants which will be available for allocation to schools over the period September to December 2017, a 7.5% increase, in order to meet the level of assessed demand.

Fitzgerald said: “This increase reflects the growing participation of children with special educational needs in our local schools and will support their full participation and progression within the educational system.

“Today’s announcement reflects the Government’s commitment to ensure that all children with special educational needs can maximise their potential. I am in regular discussion with my Cabinet colleague, Minister for Education and Skills Richard Bruton, highlighting the need for extra supports for children with special needs in local schools.

“The extra posts announced today will ensure that every child that needs access to SNA support in schools across Lucan, Palmerstown, Clondalkin and the Four Districts can receive this support.

Remember to make sure your passport is in order before you travel

Local Fine Gael TD and Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald, has urged locals to make sure their travel documents are in order before they travel.

“Before you book your trip it is important to look at your passport and check its expiry date. If you’re booking for your children, remember to check their passports too.”

“When applying, allow at least six weeks for your passport application. Delays are often encountered when forms are incorrectly completed and the six weeks allows time for any issues to be dealt with.

“Turnaround times for passports can vary depending on demand volumes but the Department of Foreign Affairs recommends allowing 3 weeks for renewals and 4 weeks for first time applicants.

“For genuine emergencies there is a Rapid Renewal Service. Certain specific documentation is required for this and candidates have to go to the Passport Office on Lower Mount Street in Dublin. There are, however, limitations to this service, so it’s best to check your passport now and get your application in on time.

“It’s also important to familiarise yourself with the visa requirements of the country you are visiting.

“Visa requirements differ from country to country outside the European Union, so it’s best to check with the country’s embassy or consulate prior to making your travel arrangements.

“Remember, if something goes wrong when you’re travelling abroad and you need help, you can contact your local Irish Embassy or Consulate.

In general, in the provision of consular care, the Department of Foreign Affairs can:

· Issue emergency passports/travel documentation (if certain criteria are met).
· Advise and support you in the case of an accident, serious illness or death.
· Help liaise with local police or other authorities, particularly if there is a language barrier.
· Contact your family or friends on your behalf.
· Visit you in prison if you have been detained.
· Advance cash to you in an emergency situation provided that the amount you need has been lodged in advance with us at our offices in Dublin or Cork or at a Garda Station.
· Provide a list of English-speaking lawyers, doctors or interpreters in a country.
· Provide a list of local undertakers in the event of a death.

“The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade provides regularly updated travel advice for every country in the world and I strongly encourage you to visit it before making travel plans. This is all available on the website - https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice - and through a special free Smartphone App called TravelWise" she concluded.

ENDS

Fitzgerald welcomes new model for allocating resource teachers to schools

Local TD, Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald, has welcomed the announcement today that a new model for allocating Special Education Teaching Resources to mainstream primary and secondary schools will be introduced from September 2017.

“I receive a lot of queries from parents who want to know what resources are available to support their children with Special Educational Needs in our mainstream schools. A new model has been announced today that will see an additional 900 teaching posts provided to support the introduction of a new Special Education Teaching Resources allocation model, which will remove barriers in children accessing resources.

“This new model will allow schools allocate resources to pupils, taking into account their individual learning needs, as opposed to requiring a particular diagnosis of disability. It will also remove the barrier of having to wait for a specific diagnosis to access resources and instead allow schools to cater to that child’s need immediately, allowing early intervention and supporting inclusion in our schools,” confirmed Fitzgerald.

The provision of up to 900 additional teaching posts will ensure that no school receives an allocation of resources less than those received in the current school year. Furthermore, up to 1,000 schools will receive additional allocations, where the new model indicates additional need.

“Re-investing the benefits of the economic recovery into services in order to build a fair and compassionate society is my focus in Government. Education is the best means of delivering a fairer society, breaking down cycles of disadvantage and ensuring that all our people, in particular those with special educational needs, are able to participate in that progress and fulfil their potential.

“Special Education Needs provision accounts for one fifth (€1.5billion) of the overall education budget. This investment demonstrates the commitment to improving services and supporting children accessing education. Government has agreed to provide additional resources to implement this model including €18 million in funding and 900 extra resource teachers.

“The model which has been carefully worked up is aimed at ensuring that we can deliver better outcomes for children with special educational needs, and eliminate unfairness and other problems which exist in the current model.

“This model has already been postiviely received in a number of pilot schools throughout the country. I hope that parents in Lucan, Clondalkin, Newcastle, Rathcoole, Saggart, Palmerstown and Brittas will also reap the benefits of the new model from September onwards,” concluded Fitzgerald.

Local clubs should register now for Sports Capital Funding

-    €30 million available nationwide in 2017

-    Applications must be in by 24^th February 2017

Local TD and Tánaiste, Frances Fitzgerald is encouraging sports clubs and organisations in Clondalkin, Lucan, Newcastle, Palmerstown, Rathcoole and Saggart to apply for Sports Capital funding.

Fitzgerald was speaking after confirmation from Minister for Sport, Patrick Donovan TD, that €30million has been secured for Sports Capital Programme funding in 2017.

Commenting on the announcement, she said, “I am delighted that once again, Sports Capital funding will be provided to clubs and local organisations around the country in the coming year. I recognise the role of sport and sports clubs in our communities and the imperative to invest in the clubs.

“As local TD and Tánaiste, I am committed to continuing investment in sport and supporting the volunteers who keep our sports clubs going. The Programme for Government contains the aim of allocating sports capital grants on an annual basis and since being given responsibility for sport. The Sports Capital Programme is an extremely effective way of bringing investment into local communities.
“Since the reopening of the programme in 2012, a number of clubs have been successful in receiving funding. This investment supports and rewards the great spirit of volunteerism that see hundreds of coaches every week supporting thousands of children and young people in sport.

“The application form has been significantly shortened, and the Department have issued new guides for completing the form. The upcoming holiday period provides a good opportunity for clubs to get registered online, familiarise themselves with the guide and undertake any other preparatory work in advance of formally submitting their application.

“As with previous years, there will be a two-step process, where clubs are required to register on the online system first and then submit the application subsequently. The online system will open today and online applications will be accepted from the 23rd January to the 24th February, 2017. Clubs not previously registered on the Department’s online application system need to do so in advance of this date and I strongly encourage clubs to register now.

She concluded, “I know a number of clubs will be submitting strong and ambitious applications for funding and I will be supporting them with their applications.  I wish them the very best of luck with their applications.”


ENDS

Fitzgerald announces 60 new jobs for Liffey Valley

Tánaiste and Local TD, Frances Fitzgerald TD was on recently hand to announce the creation of 60 new jobs in Liffey Valley, with COSMO Restaurants opening a 280-seater restaurant in early December.  In addition to this, plans are also underway to open two further restaurants in the Dublin area within the next 18 months, bringing the total number of jobs to over 150.

Speaking about Cosmo Group and the creation of 150 jobs for Dublin Fitzgerald stated, “I am delighted to welcome these 60 jobs to Liffey Valley and to the Dublin area, and pleased that COSMO decided to locate their first restaurant outside of the UK and Northern Ireland her in Liffey Valley.

 This is another welcome investment in Liffey Valley, creating jobs for local people and families throughout the Lucan and West Dublin area. This investment and creation of such a large number of new jobs, shows great confidence in the area.

 I wish Bock, the management and staff of Cosmo Liffey Valley the best of success, in particular in the build up to Christmas, which is always a popular time to enjoy a meal out with friends and family."

Fitzgerald Welcomes Additional Train Services from Newcastle and Adamstown Stations

Local TD and Tánaiste, Frances Fitzgerald has today welcomed additional services between Hazelhatch Station, Adamstown and the City Centre.

“I am delighted with today’s announcement by Iarnród Éireann that new commuter services will run from Hazelhatch and Adamstown to the City Centre via the Phoenix Park Tunnel line. These additional services will commence on Monday 21st November," Fitzgerald commented.

“I have continuously been a supporter of the need to reopen the Phoenix Park tunnel to benefit commuters travelling direct to the city centre and docklands.  I am pleased that the National Transport Authority provided €13.7million in funding for the upgrading of the Tunnel route.

“I highlighted the need for additional services from Hazelhatch and Adamstown to the City Centre in Iarnród Éireann’s recent public consultation. From speaking to residents, I know that these additional routes will be an advantage for commuters in both the Lucan and Newcastle areas.”

Fitzgerald marks Father’s Day with publication of Paternity Bill

Local TD and Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald marked Father’s Day by confirming publication of the Paternity Bill to provide fathers with two weeks of paternity leave and two weeks of paternity benefit.

Fitzgerald and her colleague Minister for Social Protection Leo Varadkar TD visited Farmleigh on Father’s Day to promote the Bill to families. It will be formally published today (Monday) and introduced to the Dáil this coming Friday.

Fitzgerald said: “This legislation has been a priority for me since the new Partnership Government was established in May. This will be very welcome news for local fathers and local families, and will afford them the opportunity to be more involved at the earliest stages of a child’s development. In fact it will be beneficial for the whole family, as studies show that targeting investment in a child’s early years leads to better outcomes for both the child and wider society.

“I have been a strong advocate for the necessity of paid paternity leave for many years. Consistent findings show that targeting investment in a child’s early years leads to better outcomes for both the child and wider society.

86,000 due to receive Carer’s Support Grant this week

86,000 due to receive Carer’s Support Grant this week

Local TD and Tánaiste, Frances Fitzgerald has confirmed that 86,000 carers are due to receive the Carer’s Support Grant later this week, Thursday June 2nd, and those who are not automatically eligible to apply.

She said “The grant is paid automatically to some carers but I am urging all carers who qualify to apply for the grant, there is still time to make an application.”

“The Carer’s Support Grant has been restored to its previous level of €1,700. This is an important grant which is paid automatically to carers who are already in receipt of schemes like the Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit and Domiciliary Care Allowance,” Fitzgerald said.

“Other full-time carers who are not eligible for these schemes can also apply for the Grant, and I would advise them to make an application as soon as possible. Carers who provide full-time care for more than one person may also be entitled to €1,700 for each person that they are caring for.

"The payment, previously known as the Respite Care Grant, had been reduced by €325 during the economic crisis. However, I am very pleased that we have been able to restore it to its previous level of €1,700.”

The grant is an annual payment available to all carers providing full-time care and attention to an older person or a child or adult with a disability, regardless of their means or PRSI contributions. The annual Carer’s Support Grant is paid in respect of each care recipient to take account of the additional cost of providing respite care for one or more recipients of care. 

“The Government is very aware of the vital service provided by carers across Lucan, Clondalkin, Rathcoole, Newcastle, Saggart, Brittas and Palmerstown. The Department of Social Protection provides funding to support training for carers and in the last two years, over €900,000 has been provided to 16 groups, including €300,000 to Family Carers Ireland. 

“This year €500,000 is being made available again, through the Dormant Accounts Fund, for programmes to help home carers with the transition at the end of their caring role.  These programmes will be administered by Pobal and guidelines are currently being finalised for the application process,” concluded Fitzgerald.

The new Partnership Government will work for the people to make their lives better and build a fairer Ireland

Local TD Frances Fitzgerald was appointed Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality on Friday 6^th May following the formation of the new Partnership Government.

 

"It is a particular honour, one that I recognise and value highly, for me to be appointed as Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality. It is a true honour to have been entrusted with this responsibility and I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported me.

 

"This partnership Government is not just new; it is profoundly and radically different. As everybody knows, it has taken time, commitment, energy and effort to reach this point. It has taken a willingness to listen, to question and to accept differing viewpoints, traits that are important and that we need in abundance if we are to meet the socioeconomic and international challenges that we face in this world.

 

"The new Partnership Government will work for all the people to make their lives better and build a fairer Ireland. Following many weeks of intense negotiations, my colleagues and I have listened carefully to what people said at the election, and I feel positive that the programme for government, which has now been agreed upon, reflects that. This Government will work to create a fairer Ireland with the support of a strong economy, and will work to address the key issues that have been raised about housing and homelessness, health, jobs and better public services.

 

"The Programme for Government has clear and measurable targets, including:

ü meeting the target of building 25,000 new homes needed every year by 2020

ü creating 200,000 jobs by 2020, including 135,000 outside Dublin

ü increasing Garda numbers to 15,000

 

"This Government wants to ensure we have thriving communities, and a country that looks after its people from the time they come into the world to the time they leave. This new Partnership Government wants to ensure that everyone is given the opportunity to succeed, nobody is left behind and the best life opportunities are possible for all our people.

 

"As Tánaiste and a member of this Government, I am ready to tackle the many challenges faced by the country and I am mindful of my duty to put the people first. I want everyone to have the peace of mind that comes from feeling safe and secure in their lives and I’m committed to working every day for the people to achieve that goal. Success for us will be measured by an improved quality of life for our people and by the opportunities a fair society provides for every single citizen.

 

"I look forward to continuing my work in Lucan, Clondalkin, Palmerstown, Newcastle, Rathcoole, Saggart and Brittas and striving to make a real difference and delivering a stable and fair Ireland in the months and years ahead," she concluded.

Statements on Crime Dáil Éireann 5 May 2016

Statements on Crime

Dáil Éireann 5 May 2016

Minister’s Opening Remarks

 At the outset I must say that I very much welcome the opportunity that this debate provides to discuss the measures we've taken to tackle crime in all its forms and to look at how to improve our strategies to protect and support communities throughout the country.

Crime creates victims… and even if you are not the victim, crime can be disturbing. It can be frightening.

When a house on your road is burgled;

When a farm down the road is robbed;

When a gang-related shooting occurs in your neighbourhood;

It is all frightening.

But it doesn’t mean we have to accept it.

As Minister for Justice I have been committed to doing all we can as a state to disrupt and prevent crime… and to make our streets and our communities safer.

Gang-related crime

The evil and sinister cycle of gangland violence  in our Capital is shocking and disturbing. The loss of life, including the life of those who played no part in gang related feuds, is intolerable.

This violent feud is unprecedented in its audacity. The gangs show no regard for public safety. The events we have seen are outrageous.

Vote Frances Fitzgerald No.1

 

Dear Residents,

This is an special edition of my regular monthly e-mail newsletter.

I want to thank you for taking the time to engage with my team and I over recent weeks and months, and for sharing your views, your hopes, your fears and your frustrations. I have listened residents in Clondalkin, Lucan, Palmerstown, Newcastle, Rathcoole, Saggart and Brittas and with your support I will be a strong voice for your concerns in the Dáil.

I have a consistent record of keeping in contact with residents, visiting local estates and working on local issues – not just at election time!

As a mother of three sons, I realise the importance of investing in facilities and supports for families, and have worked hard to do this. Over the past five years I have;

Ø Supported Community, Youth and Older People Services;
Ø Ensured funding for long-awaited school buildings and extensions;
Ø Supported important grants for local sports clubs.

In fact I have worked on all of the issues relevant to our community. As many of you know, myself and my team also work hard to assist with any individual queries through my full time constituency offices. The next five years are vital for our country. Fine Gael has a plan to keep the recovery going and to bring it to every family, every home and every business in Clondalkin, Lucan, Palmerstown, Newcastle, Rathcoole, Saggart and Brittas.

I am committed to working, delivering and supporting our families and communities. I would love to have the opportunity to continue this work, but to do so I need your No.1 Vote on Friday.

Please feel free to forward this message to any of your friends and family in the Dublin Mid West area.

Warm regards,

Frances

Fine Gael plans to ensure older years are better years

Fine Gael plans to ensure older years are better years

Package of measures worth €870million for Older People

           

Frances Fitzgerald, Local TD and Minister has today [Wednesday 10 February] highlighted plans to support older people and ensure that older years are better years.  The plan will safeguard and improve State entitlements for older people, and will provide enhanced supports for older people to live independently in their homes amongst their own communities in Lucan, Clondalkin, Palmerstown, Newcastle, Rathcoole, Saggart and Brittas.

Speaking about the plan, Fitzgerald said “I understand from meeting older people in Lucan, Clondalkin, Palmerstown, Newcastle, Rathcoole, Saggart and Brittas that they want a sense of reassurance and peace-of-mind in the years ahead.

Fitzgerald Welcomes Local Unemployment Drop

Fitzgerald Welcomes Local Unemployment Drop

• Signs of a deepening recovery that will deliver a bright future for all
• Live Register fell by 35% in Clondalkin and Lucan since July 2012

Local TD and General Election candidate, Minister Frances Fitzgerald TD, has acknowledged the ongoing decline in unemployment across Dublin Mid-West during the lifetime of the Government in which she served.

“I welcome the official confirmation of the decrease in the Live Register. Overall, those signing on from the Clondalkin office fell from a high of 9,472 in July 2012 to January’s figure of 6,118, a drop of 35%. Our national unemployment rate is also down to 8.6% as the recovery takes hold.

Fitzgerald welcomes reopening of swimming pool funding

Fitzgerald welcomes reopening of swimming pool funding

Frances Fitzgerald, local TD for Lucan has warmly welcomed today's announcement by the Minister for Sports Michael Ring TD that the government funding scheme for local authority swimming pools has now reopened for the first time since 2000.

Letters have issued to all local authorities seeking applications for a limited number of new pools. The deadline for applications is 29th January.

Frances stated: "As local TD I have been a consistent supporter of the campaign for a Lucan Swimmign Pool. Last year I facilitated a meeting between Minister for Sports Michael Ring and the CEO of South Dublin County Council Danny McLoughlin to seek to secure the reopening of Governemnt funding."

Fitzgerald proposes new powers for City and County Councils to regulate the planning of new licensed premises

Fitzgerald proposes new powers for City and County Councils to regulate the planning of new licensed premises
 
- Local Authorities to be allowed to include policies in their City and County Development Plans

- Provisions included in new Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill

- Move follows concerns about proliferation of new off-licences in certain urban areas

Frances Fitzgerald Local TD and Minister for Justice and Equality has announced proposals to give new powers to City and County Councils to regulate planning of new licensed premises such as pubs, off-licences and nightclubs.

In conjunction with her colleague Minister of State for Planning, Paudie Coffey TD, Fitzgerald has agreed a proposal to explicitly allow City and County Councils to include objectives in their Development Plans relating to “regulating, restricting or controlling the development of licensed premises.” The making of a Development Plan is a reserved function for elected councillors.

Fitzgerald Launches Saint Vincent de Paul Giving Tree

Frances Fitzgerald, Local TD and Minister, launched the annual St. Vincent de Paul Giving Tree in Liffey Valley Shopping Centre on Friday. Members from the local SVP branches in Clondalkin, Lucan and Ballyfermot were shaking their buckets throughout the weekend and encouraging shoppers to pick up something extra and donate it to children whose families cannot afford gifts this Christmas.

New DNA database another tool for Gardaí to tackle crime

Frances Fitzgerald, Local TD and Minister for Justice, has announced the commencement of DNA legislation and launch of a new state-of-the-art DNA Database System. The database will become operational on 20 November 2015 and is another important tool that Gardaí can use to tackle crime.

Welcoming the introduction of such a system for the first time in this jurisdiction Fitzgerald said “the new DNA database, which will be based in the Phoenix Park, will offer Gardaí the most modern technology available in the fight against crime. This high quality intelligence tool will be especially invaluable in the fight against ‘volume crime’, such as burglary and theft, and also in the investigation of serious offences against the person.

Fitzgerald welcomes over €750,000 for sports clubs in Dublin Mid-West

•  All-weather pitch for Lucan United FC
  
• New clubhouse for Round Towers GAA club, Clondalkin
• Extension to gym for St. Patrick’s GAA club, Palmerstown
• Pitch developments for Lucan Sarsfields GAA club
• Athletics track upgrade for Lucan Harriers
• Funding also for Clondalkin Cricket Club, Bawnogue Boxing Club & Commercials GAA club, Rathcoole

  

Frances Fitzgerald, local TD for and Minister for Justice & Equality, has today warmly welcomed the allocation by Government of over €750,000 in Sports Capital funding to sports clubs in Dublin Mid West.

Minister Fitzgerald stated: “I am delighted to announce the Government has approved Government funding of over €750,000 for eight clubs in Lucan, Clondalkin, Palmerstown and Rathcoole who has all applied for Sports Capital funding.

“I had actively supported our local clubs in their funding applications, including meeting with my colleague Minister for Sports Michael Ring.”

Minister Fitzgerald announces unprecedented Capital Investment in Justice Sector

Investing in 21^st Century Policing to prevent and tackle crime in both urban and rural communities 

• €875 million in capital funding for Justice sector in addition to new public-private partnership (PPP) projects 
• PPP projects to deliver state of-the-art Family/Children Courts Complex in Dublin and new Garda station construction nationwide
• €46 million for new Garda vehicles
• Major additional investment of €205m in Garda Síochána technology and systems
• €18 million for refurbishment of Garda stations
• Funding for development of new Forensic Science Laboratory

 

Frances Fitzgerald TD, Minister for Justice and Equality has today welcomed the unprecedented allocation of €875 million in capital funding along with approval for further public-private partnership projects in respect of An Garda Síochána and the Courts Service. The Minister sets-out the strategic objectives for the planned investment in the Justice sector as outlined in the Government Capital Plan 2016-21.  
 
“This allocation demonstrates this Government’s commitment to investing in 21^st Century policing,  by ensuring An Garda Síochána have the vehicles and technology to be effective, mobile and responsive to prevent and tackle crime in both urban and rural communities.”

“This investment will also finally ensure appropriate state-of-the-art facilities where family law cases can be heard through the construction of a new state-of-the-art Family & Children’s Court complex at Hammond Lane in Dublin.”

Fitzgerald Congratulates Lucan Festival Committee on Enormous Success

Frances Fitzgerald, Local TD and Minister, has congratulated the Lucan Festival Committee on another successful year.

“This year’s Lucan Festival was the best one yet. The village was buzzing throughout the weekend and everyone seemed to enjoy all the attractions on offer. As always, it was great to get the opportunity to tour the Garda Station and have the Garda Band entertaining the crowd. Many thanks also to the Italian Ambassador, Giovanni Adorni Braccesi Chiassi for opening his residence to the public on Saturday. As always, there was a fantastic range of activities for all ages on offer over the weekend.

“I was also delighted to open the newly renovated Bank of Ireland branch. I wish Manager Yvonne and her team all the very best.

 “There was involvement from a wide range of local clubs and organisations, including sports clubs, dancing, music and many more. There is no doubt that community spirit in Lucan is at an all-time high.

“Organising a celebration like this is no mean feat and I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate all those involved in organising the event, the volunteers who helped out on the day and all those who came out to support this positive and proactive community initiative ” concluded Minister Frances Fitzgerald.