Fitzgerald Launches Clondalkin Rainbow Alliance Charter

Minister Frances Fitzgerald launched Clondalkin’s first ever Rainbow Charter at the Clondalkin Rainbow Alliance Conference in the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel on Friday. The event took place on International Day Against Homophobia and was supported by the national organisation BeLongTo and local groups such as The Quarryvale Family Resource Centre, the Clondalkin Drugs Taskforce and a whole host of Clondalkin-based youth, community and drugs projects. The Rainbow Alliance is asking local groups to subscribe to the Charter in order to set out best practice for social inclusion in the locality and send a strong and supportive message to members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.

“I am delighted to be here today to launch this Charter and see my own area of Clondalkin leading the way when it comes to developing and implementing guidelines for equality and rights in community initiatives,” the Minister told the gathering of over fifty.

 

Supporting Clondalkin Volunteers

Local T.D and Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, has backed local volunteers, Danielle McDade and Nadine Brazil as they prepare to volunteer in South Africa this summer.

Danielle and Nadine have been involved in Ronanstown Youth Service for many years, taking part in projects and are members of the Youth Advisory Board of Jigsaw Clondalkin.

“Danielle and Nadine have been fantastic at supporting others locally through their involvement in the Youth Service and the youth mental health project, Jigsaw. Their commitment and passion for helping others locally is phenomenal and I know that their talents will shine in South Africa too,” said Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald Sings Youth Band’s Praises

Local T.D. and Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, attended Clondalkin Youth Band’s Gala Concert this week in the Green Isle Hotel, Clondalkin. Clondalkin Youth Band played host to over 200 members of Ohio University’s Wind Ensemble and Marching Band, who are on a European Tour, and delighted a packed audience with their musical skill.
 
“It was a great joy and privilege to witness the energy and talent of both our own Clondalkin Youth Band and Ohio University’s Wind Ensemble and Marching Bands. Ohio’s Marching Band got us off to a lively start and both Bands played a beautiful programme on the night. It was also particularly apt to welcome Ohio to Clondalkin in this, the year of the Gathering,” said Fitzgerald.
 
“Clondalkin Youth Band has been an integral part of our community for 27 years. They bring great pride to Clondalkin every time they play, whether it is at Championships, the St. Patrick’s Day parade or hearing them practice around the Village. In recognition of all the work they do, I was pleased to approve a €5,000 grants last year to them for musical instruments.

Fitzgerald Welcomes Proposed €13.4mil Investment by Microsoft in Grangecastle

Local Minister, Frances Fitzgerald, has welcomed news that Microsoft look set to purchase lands at Grangecastle for the development of further datacentres on a 112.5 acre site. In a report, due to come before Councillors at next week’s Council Meeting, the County Manager recommends the disposal of a 112.52 acre Council-owned site at Grangecastle to Microsoft in what would be an estimated €13.4million deal.

“It looks likely that South Dublin County Council will next week approve the disposal of 112.5acres of land at Grange Castle, to Microsoft for the development of further data centres. This investment comes only two months after Microsoft announced plans to develop datacentres on a 3 hectare site in the expanding business park,” said Minister Fitzgerald.

“In what is estimated to be a €13.4 million deal with the Council, if approved, this will be yet another important investment and jobs boost for the Lucan and Clondalkin area. The Government’s Action Plan for jobs names attracting data centres as a key pillar of for economic growth and I am delighted that Grangecastle has been the beneficiary of a number of data centres. Microsoft are a leader in this growing industry and it is a vote of confidence for our local economy and our skilled workforce, that they have selected their site Grangecastle for such massive-scaled expansion and investment,” concluded Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald Opens New Local Counselling Service for Children and Teens

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald this week launched a new child and adolescent service run by Clondalkin woman Catriona Kearns. The service based in the Village Counselling Service in Killinarden was opened on the twentieth anniversary of the tragic murder-suicide of the Gorman family in Saggart. The new therapy room has been dedicated to the memory of Sarah-Jane who died under tragic circumstances at eight years of age.

 

“It is so heartening to see such this proactive and positive initiative opening its doors to children and teenagers in the wider Tallaght area. The provision of good quality mental health care for young people has been a key priority for me and I have no doubt that this service will make a crucial difference to thousands of families,” said Minister Frances Fitzgerald. 

“I want to commend the fantastic staff including Marcella Finnerty and Catriona Kearns from Clondalkin and all the volunteers who make this service possible. All volunteers receive intensive training from the staff of the Centre and their time and expertise volunteered means that there is an accessible and professional service available to anyone who needs it in the Tallaght and Greater Dublin area. It is vital that services are accessible when people need them most and with no waiting lists and late night and Saturday appointments available,” concluded Minister Frances Fitzgerald. 

The Village Counselling service and appointments are available Monday to Friday from 8am to 10pm and Saturdays from 8am to 8pm.

We Have Moved!

Over the past few years, Minister Frances Fitzgerald has had a busy full-time constituency office in the heart of Clondalkin Village.

We have recently moved premises just around the corner to 9 Main Street, Clondalkin, Dublin 22. 

The office continues to provide a full time service to constituents and we look forward to seeing you in our new premises soon!

Comprehensive Govt plan to tackle mortgage arrears will provide much-needed relief to homeowners – Fitzgerald

Local TD and Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, has said that measures introduced by the Government to help restructure mortgages would help tens and thousands of people stay in their homes.

“Last week’s Central Bank figures show that 94,500 mortgages accounts are over 90 days in arrears, and 23,500 are in arrears for over 720 days.

“Measures announced by the Government this week will go a long way towards reducing that figure by ushering in widescale restructuring of mortgages for people whose loans are in distress. The banks must now step up their engagement with borrowers in difficulties so as to allow those in arrears to stay in their homes.

“New targets stipulate that by the end of June 2013, the banks should have proposed sustainable mortgage solutions for 20% of distressed borrowers. By the end of September 2013, this will have reached 30%, and by the end of 2013, the banks should have proposed sustainable mortgage solutions for 50% of distressed borrowers.

Lucan and Clondalkin’s Parents, Teachers and Youth Workers invited to help Delete Cyber Bullying.

Lucan Delete Cyber Bullying Event – St Joseph’s College,

Tuesday March 5^th at 8pm

Clondalkin Delete Cyber Bullying Event – Moyle Park Community College, Thursday 7^th March at 8pm

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Frances Fitzgerald is calling on parents, teachers and youth workers to help her in the campaign to delete cyber bullying. As part of her ongoing efforts to address this issue, Fitzgerald is running events in Lucan and Clondalkin with experts from the leading social media site Facebook to inform and equip parents and teens in the battle against cyber bullying. 

Events will take place next Tuesday (5^th March) in Lucan’s St Joseph’s College and Thursday (7^th March) in Clondalkin’s Moyle Park College with industry experts as guest speakers.

“Social media is something not all adults are experts in and parents often feel helpless if their child is being targeted. I will be hosting a local information event where experts from Facebook and Webwise will be among those explaining the best way to protect your children and teenagers from cyber-bullying. If you are a parent or you work with, children or teenagers then this is an event for you. Experts from Facebook and Webwise will be going through tips, information and best practice advice on protecting children and young people online,” explained Fitzgerald.

“Unfortunately, cyber bullying is becoming a more familiar phrase to us all. To simplify it it’s a form of aggressive and harassing messaging carried out online or through text message. It isn’t always as straight forward as the sending of intimating messages and can also take the form of impersonation, for example setting up social media accounts in the name of others. Like any form of bullying its destructive and can have huge consequences on confidence, on self esteem and on capacity to learn. Research commissioned by my Department shows that 24% of 9 to 17 year olds report being bullied, this is something that requires whole of school and whole of community action. The Delete Cyber Bullying Event’s I’m hosting in Clondalkin and Lucan next will be an opportunity to inform and empower parents, teachers, youth workers and indeed teenagers themselves,” concluded Minister Frances Fitzgerald.

 

The Lucan event will take place in St Joseph’s College, Tuesday March 5^th at 8pn with the Clondalkin information evening being held in Moyle Park Community College, Thursday 7^th March at 8pm.

Minister Fitzgerald Encourages People to Participate in Family, Gender Roles and National Identity Survey

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald T.D., has encouraged the recipients of 5,000 surveys on family, gender roles and national identity to participate in the international research by filling out and returning their questionnaire.

The research programme is part of an international investigation, tracking attitudes and behaviour over the past twenty-five years in 48 countries worldwide. Questionnaires will be arriving in 5,000 homes across Ireland this week in an attempt to provide an accurate account of views on nationality, family life and Ireland’s global positioning. The research is funded by the Department and Children and Youth Affairs and the Irish Research Council and is being conducted by researchers from University College Dublin’s School of Sociology and the Geary Institute.

“This national survey has been sent to 5,000 homes throughout Ireland. The questionnaire looks at issues ranging from attitudes to marriage, family, child rearing and balancing a working life with parenthood to defining Irishness and exploring attitudes in relation to our relationship with our European counterparts and Northern Ireland,” said Minister Frances Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald Encourages Local TY Students to Get Filming for The Gathering

Local TD and Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, has called on local Transition Year Students to get involved with The Gathering by making a short film showing the best of what their hometown has to offer. The Gathering, in collaboration with the Department of Education and Skills and Bank of Ireland are offering a prize of €1,000 to the students who win as well as €400 for their school.

“We have a lot to be proud of in Clondalkin, Lucan, Saggart and Rathcoole. Whether it is the rich heritage in Newcastle and Rathcoole, the Round Tower in Clondalkin, the Lucan Festival or the strong sense of community in all these places, we have something special to offer and I hope students can find a way of communicating that,” said Fitzgerald.

The competition, open to Transition Year Students, is looking for a 3 minute short film made by an individual student or a group of three classmates, showcasing what is great about where they live. The closing date for applications is the 22^nd of February 2013, with regional finalists having their video uploaded for public voting on Youtube in March.

2,000 extra CE places will help jobseekers locally

Local TD and Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, has said that an additional 2,000 Community Employment places are being made available to help those out of work to get a job. Minister Fitzgerald added that the Government will spend €1 billion this year on retraining and up- skilling programmes aimed at getting people back to work.

“These extra places on the Community Employment (CE) programme will be specifically targeted at helping the long term unemployed get back into the workplace. More than 12,000 new jobs were created in the private sector last year, but one of the biggest challenges we face is ensuring those on the live register are able to take up the new jobs being created,” said Fitzgerald.

The extra places mean a total of 25,300 places are being made available on CE schemes this year. Over the next 12 months, the Government will spend €1 billion on activation programmes and other supports aimed at helping people get back to work. For example, in the Budget, €11 million was allocated to provide the extra CE places and 8,000 additional other training places this year across a range of schemes.

Minister for Children & Youth Affairs Congratulates Lucan’s Young Scientists

Local Minister Frances Fitzgerald has congratulated students from Lucan Community College , St Josephs and Colaiste Phradraig won awards at last week’s BT Young Scientist Exhibition.

 

“It’s great to have so many of our local students participating in this prestigious competition and for five projects from Lucan Community College , St Joseph ’s and Colaiste Phradraig to receive awards is a huge achievement for our area. Every student involved in this competition challenged themselves enormously and showed their potential on this national stage. The girls in St. Joseph’s who looked at exercise and spent coffee product as a fertiliser came up with truly innovative ideas which they developed through research, experimentation. In the case of the coffee run-off project the students created a user-friendly primary school workbook to ensure the eco-friendly ethos of their project can be put to practical use,” said Minister Frances Fitzgerald.

“Coláiste Phádraig’s Adam Doran, Gary O’Flynn, Mark Lynam looked at ways of developing a fetal pacemaker that utilises piezoelectric energy to tackle a fatal illness. Together, they combined science and engineering to look at ways to save the lives of unborn children. Their ambition, drive and innovation are genuinely inspiring and I have no doubt that they have a future in the important area of medical research,” continued Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald Hails Calliaghstown Decision a Victory for Rural Rathcoole

Local T.D and Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, has welcomed the upholding of her and Cllr. Tony Delaney’s objections to An Bord Pleanala with respect to a controversial planning application for a cemetery in Calliaghstown, Rathcoole. Frances Fitzgerald backed local residents concerns and successfully objected to the proposal for this cemetery when planning permission was first sought. The Council upheld the concerns of locals and refused permission for the project but the developers later appealed their decision to An Bord Pleanala. Fitzgerald and Delaney again made detailed submissions on the proposal and highlighted the huge concern locally. Their concerns were taken into account by An Bord Pleanala who this week have refused permission for the cemetery in what Fitzgerald has described as a victory for the people of Rathcoole.

“This is a victory for the people of rural Rathcoole. The scenic surrounds of Rathcoole are, unfortunately, often the setting for inappropriate planning applications. Together with residents in Rathcoole Village and Windmill Hill we are currently fighting plans for a waste processing facility at Behans Quarry and the people of Calliaghstown and I have been fighting against this proposed cemetery for a number of years. It is great to at last have closure on this issue and I hope that we will have as successful a result in our An Bord Pleanala case on Behan’s Quarry,” said Minister Frances Fitzgerald.

 

Fitzgerald, along with her Fine Gael Colleagues Tony Delaney and Emer Higgins, has made a detailed submission on a planning decision at the nearby Behan’s Quarry.

“A cemetery at this location would have been very concerning for the area and had the potential to have detrimental consequences on this water supply. The cemetery was to be situated on a hill above the water supply and in a very strong limestone area. This had the potential for huge consequences on the local water supply.”

 

Minister Fitzgerald also highlighted the issue of traffic congestion, explaining that the roads locally are not suitable.

 

“The Council, in their refusal of this application, acknowledged that a development on the site would pose a serious threat to road safety in the area. As the roads are narrow around Calliaghstown, cars would have to give way and there were concerns that this could cause accidents, considering the increase in traffic volume,” explained Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald welcomes provision of thousands of new training places for long-term unemployed

Local TD and Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, has welcomed the announcement that free educating and training places are being provided for up 6,500 people who are long-term unemployed. The MOMENTUM programme is a new Government initiative, which has been launched by the Minister for Education, Ruairí Quinn TD, and the Minister of State for Training and Skills, Ciarán Cannon TD.
“Creating job opportunities, particularly for the long-term unemployed, is a key aim for this Government. We are completely rebuilding what was a broken economy, and a crucial part of this process is ensuring that our workforce has the right skills to meet the challenges of tomorrow. These 6,500 new education and training places are particularly focussed on giving jobseekers across Clondalkin, Lucan, Newcastle, Rathcoole, Saggart and Palmerstown access to opportunities,” said Fitzgerald.
“Under this initiative, a huge range of programmes will be provided by 36 education and training providers in the public and private sector. They will be spread right across the country, and will focus on the expanding employment areas of ICT, digital media, healthcare and social services, the green economy, food processing and sales and marketing.

“The courses will be specifically tailored to meet the needs of the long-term unemployed, using international best practice to suit the Irish context. For younger jobseekers, a range of activation projects will also be available for those aged under 25 to help them get into the workforce.

Fitzgerald Congratulates ClonTidy on Their Successful Year

Local Minister Frances Fitzgerald has paid tribute to the efforts and hard work of the Clondalkin Tidy Towns committee. The group celebrated their first year at a Chirstmas social in the Round Towers GAA Club last weekend. Local Minister Frances Fitzgerald was joined by Robert Dowds T.D. and Councillors Tony Delaney and Breda Bonner at the event to mark the achievements of the group. 

Frances paid tribute to the hard work of individual members and the leadership of the organisation. 

“Everyone who rolls up their sleeves and helps out in their community the way the volunteers of this group do deserve huge praise. Under the leadership of Ronan Connolly and Tommy Keogh this group has delivered visible improvements in our area. Your hard work has made our community more vibrant and our area a better place,” said Minister Fitzgerald.

Over a hundred members of the Clondalkin community attended the Tidy Towns Christmas Party in the Round Towers GAA Club.

Frances Lights up Liffey Valley’s Giving Tree for SVP

Local Minister Frances Fitzgerald was on hand to perform the honours for St. Vincent de Paul at the launch of their Giving Tree in Liffey Valley Shopping Centre. The local Clondalkin branches of the S.V.P. were shaking their buckets throughout the weekend and encouraging shoppers to pick up something extra and donate it to children whose families can’t afford gifts this Christmas.

“It’s great to see so many locals here today collecting for this great cause,” said Minister Frances Fitzgerald. 

The tree, right in the centre of Liffey Valley, is proving an attraction for shoppers and carol signers from Collinstown Park Community College provided Christmas cheer.

“Christmas time is the happiest time of the year for many, but for others it’s a financially difficult and hugely stressful time. It’s so important that people who can give to others who need help do; and that’s the message that the local Neisltown and Clondalkin branches of St. Vincent de Paul are sending here tonight,” said Frances Fitzgerald.

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Announces New Supports for Children and Families

• 6,000 places in a new After-School Childcare Scheme
• €2.5 million for new Area Based Approach to Child Poverty initiative
• Capital funding for National Children Detention Facility – to end the practice of detaining 16 and 17 year olds in St. St Patrick’s Institution;
• Savings to be matched by reforms and value-for money reviews.

Frances Fitzgerald T.D., Minister for Children and Youth Affairs today welcomed the 2013 Estimate for her Department which includes a number of new initiatives aimed at supporting children and families.
The 2013 Department of Children and Youth Affairs estimates package includes:

• Over 6,000 places in a new After-School Childcare Scheme, for children in primary school, to support low-income families to take up employment;
• €2.5 million for a new ‘Area Based Approach to Child Poverty’ initiative
• Retention of the universal free-pre-school year;
• €20.4m in capital funding for development of National Children Detention Facility at Oberstown - to end the practice of detaining 16 and 17 year olds in St Patrick’s Institution;
• Savings across a number programme area, to be matched by reforms and value-for money review.

The 2013 estimate include an allocation of €443 for the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. This represents an increase of €16m over 2012 allocation and consists of €417 million in current expenditure and €26 million in capital expenditure. The separate 2013 estimate for HSE Child & Family Services is €546m. This funding line will be transferred to the new Child & Family Support Agency when established in 2013.

Commenting on the overall estimates package, Minister Fitzgerald stated: “The 2013 Estimate shows the continuing commitment of this Government to the ongoing development of quality and effective services to support children and families. As part of our efforts to address Ireland’s deficit, my Department, like all others, has had to find savings. However our overall approach has been to prioritise investment in child and family services and to reform funding streams and delivery mechanisms in order to make the best possible use of resources.”

After-School Childcare Scheme

Minister Fitzgerald in conjunction with her colleague the Minister for Social Protection has today announced a new After-School Childcare Scheme,. This joint initiative will provide over 6,000 afterschool childcare places for children in primary school. This will begin with a pilot scheme in early 2013. The places will be targeted at low-income families and will support parents availing of an employment opportunity. Both Ministers emphasised the initiative is part of the Government's overall strategy to support parents in low income families to take up employment. The funding provision for this initiative will be €14 million in a full year. Officials of both Departments will work closely on the operational details of the scheme and the estimated costs in 2013 will be reviewed in this context.

The new After-School Childcare Scheme will further augment my Department’s programme of childcare supports for low income parents, which with this additional funding will now amount to over €88m. This programme includes the existing Childcare Community Subvention (CCS) scheme and the Community Employment and Training Scheme (CETS). This is addition to the universal free pre-school year which has a separate budget of €175 million (see below).

Minister Fitzgerald said: “Extending childcare provision has been a key priority for me. This initiative shows how Departments are working together to deliver on this Government’s agenda to promote employment and to support children’s development.”

Area Based Approach to Child Poverty’ Initiative

Minister Fitzgerald has welcomed the new ‘Area Based Approach to Child Poverty’ initiative for which €2.5 million has been provided for in the 2013 Estimates.

This initiative will build on and continue the work of the Prevention and Early Intervention Programme (PEIP) which supported projects in Tallaght, Ballymun and Darndale. These projects involve a range of pilot programmes to improve outcomes in areas such as literacy, speech and language, parenting, health and pro-social behaviour. These programmes are currently being evaluated by national and international experts. Minister Fitzgerald said that it was important that we mainstream the learning from these pilot projects so that proven and effective supports for children and families could be delivered right through the country, including through the range of services to be provided by the new Child & Family Support Agency.

The new initiative announced today reflects the Programme for Government commitment to adopt an area based approach to child poverty in co-operation with philanthropic partners, drawing upon best international practice and existing services, to break the cycle of child poverty where it is most deeply entrenched.

In line with this commitment, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, in conjunction with the Office of the Tanáiste and the Departments of Social Protection, Communities, and Education will work in 2013 to expand the number of project sites from 3 to 6. By 2015, the Exchequer funding for the initiative is expected to be in the region of €4.75 million.

Minister Fitzgerald said that the new initiative will not simply be a continuation of the PEIP scheme but will instead seek to implement programmes which have already been evaluated and proven to work in improving outcomes for children and families at risk of disadvantage,

Fitzgerald Welcomes €178,000 Grant for Clondalkin’s Round Towers

Local Minister Frances Fitzgerald has confirmed that a grant of €178,000 was approved for the Clondalkin Round Towers GAA Club at the weekend.

The announcement came on Sunday as part of the Sports Capital Grant Programme and local members of the hugely successful club are said to be thrilled with the news.

“This funding is a huge boost to the Round Towers and builds on the massive voluntary efforts and fundraising already done by the Club. This is the first Sports Capital Grant Programme in four years and it is fantastic news that the Round Towers are set to benefit to the tune of €178,000. This money, together with the member’s contributions and their fundraising will enable the club to complete the development of the Monastery Roads Grounds,” explained Minister Frances Fitzgerald.

“I attended the Towers launch of their plans for this €750,000 all-weather floodlit pitch just over two years ago. From day one of this project it’s been a really exciting venture. This development will prove a fantastic resource for the local community as well as members of the club and young people throughout Clondalkin. I am delighted that Fine Gael’s Minister Ring has approved funding to help complete the project,” said Minister Frances Fitzgerald.

The Minister paid tribute to her colleague Tony Delaney, Chairman of the Round Towers and his committee for their leadership on this exciting project.

Fitzgerald Encourages Local Businesses to Have Their Say

Local T.D. and Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, has called on the local business community to engage with the public consultation on the Credit Review Office (CRO). The consultation was launched by Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, and is seeking suggestions from members of the public on what more the CRO can do to ensure SMEs are getting the support on bank lending they require.

“This Government is committed to doing all it can to strengthen businesses in order to create more jobs in our economy. One of the ways in which we are delivering this, is through the Action Plan for Jobs 2012. The Action Plan contains a commitment to assess the CRO to ensure that SME’s are getting the support on bank lending they require,” explained Fitzgerald.

The CRO helps SME’s who have had an application for credit declined, reduced or disagree with changed terms and conditions on their existing loan. They can then review this decision with 60% of cases referred to them resulting in bank’s original decision being overturned by the CRO.

“The CRO is already providing an important opportunity for businesses to review credit decisions by banks. I welcome the announcement by Minister Noonan that he has opening this consultation process up to members of the public who feel they have suggestions which could further enhance the work of the CRO.

Local T.D. and Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, has called on the local business community to engage with the public consultation on the Credit Review Office (CRO). The consultation was launched by Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, and is seeking suggestions from members of the public on what more the CRO can do to ensure SMEs are getting the support on bank lending they require.

“This Government is committed to doing all it can to strengthen businesses in order to create more jobs in our economy. One of the ways in which we are delivering this, is through the Action Plan for Jobs 2012. The Action Plan contains a commitment to assess the CRO to ensure that SME’s are getting the support on bank lending they require,” explained Fitzgerald.

The CRO helps SME’s who have had an application for credit declined, reduced or disagree with changed terms and conditions on their existing loan. They can then review this decision with 60% of cases referred to them resulting in bank’s original decision being overturned by the CRO.

“The CRO is already providing an important opportunity for businesses to review credit decisions by banks. I welcome the announcement by Minister Noonan that he has opening this consultation process up to members of the public who feel they have suggestions which could further enhance the work of the CRO.