Traffic / Roads Update - Notification of Road Works on the Old N3 – Dunshaughlin

Traffic / Roads Update - Notification of Road Works on the Old N3 – Dunshaughlin. A stop/go traffic management plan will be in place. - Tuesday 24th January 2012 from 10am until 5pm.

Date Released: 23 January 2012

Reference: Notification of Road Works on the Old N3 – Dunshaughlin.

Location: Old N3 Dunshaughlin – Navan side of the Ratoath Junction.

Purpose: To facilitate the installation of a public lighting system.

Date: Tuesday 24th January 2012 from 10am until 5pm.

Note: A stop/go traffic management plan will be in place for the duration of the road works. Road users can expect delays.

Statutory maternity leave should be introduced for female politicians - Doherty

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Friday) called for statutory maternity leave to be introduced for female politicians. Deputy Doherty made her comments at the ‘How to Elect More Women’ conference held in Dublin by Minister of State Kathleen Lynch.

“The lack of maternity leave provision for female politicians is just one of the many factors that are discouraging many women from entering the world of politics in Ireland. Female members of the Oireachtas are not considered to be employees, and therefore they are not currently entitled to statutory maternity leave. This is archaic and anti-women, and it is one of many issues I would like to see addressed without delay.

“Today’s conference provided a refreshing opportunity to debate the issues and obstacles preventing women from taking up a role in politics. The very nature of politics can seem completely incompatible with having children; late night local branch meetings and Dáil sittings can be very difficult to juggle with having a family.

“As a first time female TD and a mother of four, I was struck by how much Leinster House can still seem like an old boys’ club at times. Take a quick glance across the Dáil chamber and you will be greeted with more middle-aged male faces than anything else. Our national parliament must be representative of society; we need more women and more people from a range of different backgrounds.

“There are more female representatives in 31st Dáil than ever before; however women still only account for a paltry 15% of representatives. I believe the Electoral Amendment Bill, which has been published by the Minister for the Environment, Phil Hogan, will make significant strides in addressing this imbalance.

“The Bill, once it is passed into law, will penalise political parties if they do not have at least 30% female and 30% male candidates at the next general election. As a female representative of Dáil Eireann, I represent men, women and children alike. This Bill offers us the chance to truly change the face of our national parliament, for the betterment of Irish society as a whole. We are on the cusp of something really significant here; now let’s get on with it.”

Doherty welcomes progress on UN Rights of the Child report

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has welcomed confirmation from the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, that Ireland will present a report to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child later this year.

“This Government is committed to not only enhancing child protection, but also enshrining the rights of the child in our Constitution. We have set out an ambitious agenda for this area, and as well as improving our own legislative provisions, we are also committed to living up to our international obligations.

“Ireland ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1992; we submitted our second progress report to the UN Committee in 2005/2006, but unfortunately a third report which was due in 2009 was not submitted by the previous Government.

“We must cement our reputation as a country that puts child protection at the heart of our national agenda. Minister Fitzgerald has directed that a substantial progress report, which will cover the period 2006 to 2011 inclusive, should be submitted to the UN Committee later this year. It will outline developments achieved during that period, and plans for 2012-13.

“This report will be prepared in tandem with the wider ongoing work being carried out to improve and enhance our child protection structures. For too long in Ireland, children were not given the legal recognition and protection they deserve. This Government is determined to ensure this situation does not prevail.

“A number of advancements are being made in the area of child protection; work on the Children’s Rights Referendum is progressing and legislation that requires all organisations to comply with the Children’s First Guidelines and to share relevant information in the best interest of children is passing through the Houses of the Oireachtas. I would like to commend Minister Fitzgerald for her work on this area.”

Doherty welcomes establishment of expert group to examine abortion issue

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has welcomed the establishment of an expert group to look at the issues raised by a European Court ruling on abortion. The group has been set up by the Government, and is due to report back within six months.

“The establishment of this group was a commitment in the Programme for Government, and it arises from a European Court of Human Rights ruling dating from December 2010. It found that Ireland had failed to implement existing rights to a lawful abortion where a mother’s life is at risk, established in the Supreme Court X case of 1992.

“This is an issue that goes right to the very heart of the Irish psyche. It is a complex area, both morally and legally, and must be treated with respect and sensitivity. We cannot ignore the European Court ruling, and I am glad that the group has now been set up to look at the issue in a comprehensive manner.

“The expert group, established by the Minister for Health, James Reilly, consists of a range of health and legal professionals who will make recommendations to the Government on how this issue should be handled.

“The Government is also committed to legislate to regulate stem cell research and to clarify the law surrounding assisted human reproduction (AHR). The Department of Health is currently developing policy proposals to regulate these areas. The work involved in developing these proposals will examine and consider - among other things - the issues arising from the frozen embryos Supreme Court judgment.

“We cannot ignore these difficult issues. The Government must comply with its international obligations on human rights, while also taking account of the public mood on this issue. I am hopeful that the report produced by the expert group will help bring clarity to the area.”

Ratoath GAA lub Job_Bridge_Club_Development_PM

Meath County Board is currently accepting applications for the position of "Ratoath CLG - Club Development Project Coordinator". The position based in Ratoath/Ashbourne area is open to eligible candidates under the "JobBridge - National Internship Scheme".  CATEGORY OF INTERNSHIP:  Club Development Project Coordinator  ASSIGNED TO:  Ratoath GAA Club, Ratoath, Co. Meath  SUPERVISOR:  Mick Brazil, Club Chair  MENTOR:  Brian Carberry, County Coaching Officer   PROPOSED TIMELINE:  February - October  SECTION 1 DESCRIPTION, ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES The intern will gain practical experience in relation to coordinating Games Development and Skill Development Initiatives within Ratoath GAA Club. The intern will receive formal/informal training in the following; Coaching & Games Development. On completion the intern will have attained skills in IT as well as enhancing their interpersonal, organisational, communication, administrative, coaching and games development skills.  The intern will be accountable to and supervised by Mick Brazil. Brian Carberry, County Coaching Officer, will act as mentor to the intern and assist the intern’s professional development. The intern will be responsible for the implementation of a project/set of projects as outlined in GAA Games Development Policy within Ratoath GAA Club and in associated Community/Schools. The intern will be responsible for the following: A.     Supporting the supervisor in their day-to-day activities including  Communicating with groups within the Club, associated Schools and Community;  Maintaining key lines of communication with project stakeholders to ensure the successful completion of the project(s); Implementing audits within the Club and associated Schools in relation to Player Development, Coaching Standards, Facilities and Resources. Working with the County Board team and liaising with Provincial and County Games Development Personnel.  B.     Organising and coordinating in conjunction with the supervisor: Games Opportunities – a regular programme of games appropriate to the age and ability of playing groups at Child/Primary, Youth/Secondary and Adult/Club as well as Adult/Recreational. Skill Development Initiatives – coaching and skill development initiatives – primarily through the Club/School link - appropriate to the age and ability of the various playing groups at Child/Primary and Youth/Secondary. Education Programmes – a programme of courses and workshops appropriate to the requirements of Coaches, Administrators and Referees to fulfill their various functions in a Games Development context. Support Initiatives – to support the development of a sustainable sports system by managing the identification, recruitment and training of key personnel within the Club and associated Schools to develop Gaelic Games effectively in the community.   C.     Complete any other duties as may reasonably be assigned by the supervisor. Please Note: This is an internship. An Allowance of €50 per week will be paid in addition to your current Social Welfare payment.See eligibility criteria above. SECTION 2 SKILLS REQUIREMENT The ideal candidate is a quick learner with an excellent work ethic. The following skills are desirable:  Interpersonal and communication skills  Administrative and IT skills  Ability to build and sustain good working relationships Time management skills i.e. reliable and punctual, able to manage multiple projects and deadlines SECTION 3 SUPERVISOR Mick Brazil, Club Chair, will act as supervisor during the internship SECTION 4 MENTOR  Brian Carberry, County Coaching Officer, will act as mentor during the internship SECTION 5 DURATION Nine Months SECTION 6 DAYS, HOURS & START DATE The intern must be able to work and attend evening and weekend meetings/activities in addition to normal day to day activities.  DAYS PER WEEK: To be advised/ Flexible HOURS PER DAY: To be advised/ Flexible HOURS PER WEEK: 30-40 hours START DATE: February 2012 SECTION 7 EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS Third Level qualification is desirable. GAA Foundation Level Coaching Qualification is desirable. The ideal candidate will have a passion for Gaelic Games. SECTION 8 APPLICATIONS Applicants can Download the STANDARD APPLICATION FORM HERE and  post FOR THE ATTENTION OF: HANNAH HORAN, ÁRAS LAIGHEAN, PORTLAOISE, CO. LAOIS Or via e-mail hannah.horan.leinster@gaa.ie Please submit applications before Jan 20th, 2012. If you have queries, please contact  hannah.horan.leinster@gaa.ie SECTION 8 OTHER INFORMATION Ratoath GAA: http://www.ratoathgaa.ie   Job Bridge website: http://www.jobbridge.ie/ JobBridge reference: Click on this link to access the JobBrisge Intern website reference Meath GAA reference: http://www.jobbridge.gaa.ie/system/app/pages/search?scope=search-site&q=ratoath

Spring cleaners beware of bogus charity clothes collections

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has urged people to be wary of bogus charity clothes collections, ahead of the spring clean season.

“We’re coming to that time of year when many of us will decide to do a bit of a clear out, ridding our homes of unwanted goods and clothing. Most of us will have received leaflets through our letter boxes for clothing collections, but it’s important to make sure only genuine charities benefit from any donations.

“Clothing collections are of huge value to legitimate charities, providing them with a much needed income stream, which makes it all the more important to ensure you aren’t being duped by a bogus operator. Phoney collections give the false impression that they are selling donated clothes for charitable causes, when in reality that could not be further from the truth.

“According to Oxfam Ireland, the clothes are often sold in parts of Eastern Europe, Russia or Africa, with none of the money going to charity. In some cases the goods are sold at car boot sales in Ireland.

“These nefarious practices are of course hitting the very charities that donors are trying to help out. The bogus operators are disrupting an essential source of revenue for charitable organisations, and they are stymieing the generosity and good deeds of members of the public.

“Charities such as Oxfam, Barnardos, the St Vincent de Paul and Enable Ireland rely on the clothing donations to fund their services or stock to their shops. So if you are considering clearing out the wardrobe or the cupboard over the next month or so, please make sure your goods are going to a good cause.

“While many of the leaflets that come through your door may at first glance look genuine, it’s worth taking a closer look. Reputable collections should have a website on the label and their bags should bear the Irish Charity Shops Association logo; a coat hanger symbol with ICSA written inside. They should also have an address and registered charity number, as well as a landline to contact.

“If you have any doubts, you should log on to the Irish Charity Shops Association website www.icsa.ie to check out a list of charities in your area.”

HSE Response re. Winter Vomitting Bug at Our Lady's Hospital, Navan

Visitor restrictions are in place at Our Lady's Hospital Navan  due to a suspected outbreak of Norovirus/Winter Vomiting Bug

Visiting is restricted in all areas of the hospital and is permitted only to very ill patients at the discretion of  the Ward Manager or their  deputy . As per the visiting policy there is strictly NO visiting permitted for children at anytime on the general wards.  

Visitors who have had vomiting and/or diarrhoea should not visit the hospital for 48 hours after symptoms have ceased and they are feeling well.  

All visitors are requested to clean their hands before and after visiting, by handwashing or using the alcohol gels available at the hospital.  

No fruit or flowers are allowed on wards during this suspected outbreak.

Job Vacancy - General Operative - Meath local Authorities

General Operative - 2 year Fixed Term Contract

Please note starting pay for new entrants will be at the minimum of the scale.  The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy.

Closes Friday 20th January, 2012 at 5pm.

 General Operative - 2 year Fixed Term Contract - Application form doc, 201kb

 General Operative - 2 year Fixed Term Contract - Position Details doc, 57kb

Email this application to: humanresources@meathcoco.ie  

Alternatively, you can also post your application to the address below. 

JobBridge – The National Internship Scheme

The following positions are available with Meath County Council and are being advertised under JobBridge – The National Internship Scheme.

Landscape Gardener x 2 positions
Local History Research Assistant x 1 position
Research Assistant - Irish Language Collection x 1 position
Applications for the above 4 positions to be submitted by Wednesday 16th November, 2011

Heritage Education Research Officer x 1 position
Assistant Event Co-Ordinator x 1 position
Project Assistant - Reconciliation Analysis x 1 position
Applications for the above 3 positions to be submitted by Friday 18th November, 2011

Please refer to www.jobbridge.ie for details on each internship and applicants Eligibility Criteria.

All applications to be made by submitting a Curriculum Vitae to:

Human Resources Department,
Meath County Council,
Innovation House,
Railway Street,
Navan,
Co. Meath

or by email to humanresources@meathcoco.ie

Contact

Human Resources
Meath County Council
County Hall
Navan
County Meath

Tel: 046-9097044

Please state the name of the position you are applying for on the envelope.

FF’s criticism of local authority workers utterly unhelpful - Doherty

Minister intent on addressing deficiencies in local government with reform package to be announced in coming months 


Speaking on the Local Authority Public Administration Bill 2011 this morning (Friday) in the Dáil, Fine Gael Deputy for Meath East, Regina Doherty, said the Bill, introduced by Fianna Fáil, amounted to little more than public criticism of local authority workers and did little to address the issues facing local authorities. 

“Fianna Fáil’s attempt at local government reform clearly involves a lot of finger pointing in the direction of local authority workers, whose aim it is to deliver for their communities with, in some cases, seriously depleted resources, and little in the way of workable solutions to maximise resources. 

“Instead of seeking to address the issues facing local authorities and offering constructive suggestions, Fianna Fáil Deputies have today engaged in an unabashed attack on local authority workers who are attempting to do more with less. 

“In the case of Meath County Council, which is the most under resourced Council in the country per capita, public servants are successfully punching above their weight in terms of service provision and delivering for the people of Meath. This situation is being replicated right across the country. 

“Local authority workers are under considerable pressure which the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan, is intent on addressing through his radical local government reform package to be announced in a matter of months. 

“Attempting to paint over the cracks in the way proposed by Fianna Fáil is less than helpful. We need to be inventive and look for reforms through the increased use of technology and shared services so that resources are freed up and workers are allowed to do the job they are paid to do. Furthermore, devolving more power to local authorities will give them control over how and where resources are utilised, allowing them to be used to maximum effect. 

“Local government reform is key to unlocking the full potential of all of our local authorities. Supporting local authority staff and boosting morale goes a long way too. After their spectacular mismanagement of our economy over the last decade, Fianna Fáil’s attack on public servants, in place of any practical or helpful proposals, is disingenuous and insulting.”   

Note on changes to Materials & Training Grants re CE Schemes

Community Employment schemes provide a very important and valued contribution to social employment, training and progression for unemployed people. Furthermore, many Community Employment schemes provide vital community services right across the country.

There are currently 1,143 CE schemes in operation nationally with 23,300 participants. The overall estimated budget stands at €315,194 million for 2012.

The Department of Social Protection has recently taken over full responsibility for Community Employment schemes as the previous FAS Employment Services division joined the Department of Social Protection with effect from 1 January.

CE schemes play an important role in our communities, in particular by providing services which have an intrinsic social value like helping the disabled to live independently or delivering meals on wheels to our older citizens.  This point sometimes gets lost in a purely economic analysis of CE schemes, which views them as not delivering sufficient progression into the labour market.

While it is true that many CE schemes do need to improve the manner in which they provide labour activation services, there will always be a role for schemes that are primarily directed towards the provision of crucial social services, often for disadvantaged communities who are in dire need of services like childcare, elderly care and drug treatment programmes.

The Minister for Social Protection has stated that she is determined to ensure that the contribution of such schemes is recognised in any future decisions on the future operation, funding and role of community employment.

As this area has only recently come under the Department of Social Protection, Minister Burton has asked for an initial review of the financial resources of all schemes to be completed in March 2012. Standard templates have been developed and issued to the employment officers involved. The review will be carried out between local CE sponsors and the Departmental employment officer responsible for the scheme under local management.

The discussion that will be undertaken with schemes will be conducted in an enabling manner and all support possible will be provided to help the schemes to remain viable.  Employment officers are currently making initial contact with schemes. In addition to these local discussions, discussion and consultation with the main representative bodies and stakeholders involved in schemes will take place over the coming weeks in relation to funding.

Separately the former FÁS Research unit has been asked to complete a strategic value for money review of a number of schemes administered by the Department. Community Employment will be reviewed as part of this exercise. This outcome of this review will guide future policy development and is expected to be completed by the end of March.

Minister Burton has announced that she will engage in a stakeholder consultation event in order to better understand the role that Community Employment schemes play across the entire country and to obtain the views and feedback of scheme sponsors, supervisors and participants.

The outcome of these reviews will inform the overall approach to be taken by the Department of Social Protection in relation to how to secure the best outcomes for the schemes and for their participants taking account both of the large amount of money we spend on CE schemes and the valuable contribution that many of them make to their communities.

The purpose of the review by the former FÁS Research unit is to examine the income and funding of sponsoring organisations in terms of their ability to continue deliver the programme.  It is also being carried out in the context that there are community and voluntary sponsoring organisations that receive funding from a multiplicity of state agencies. Alternative sources of support will be examined, particularly with reference to funding from other state agencies to avoid duplication.

The review will also seek to establish if income is generated by scheme activity and the potential for utilisation of these funds to cover project costs.

This is a listening government and the Government has been listening carefully to the concerns raised by the community and voluntary sector about the impact that changes to the training and material grant could have on Community Employment Schemes pending the outcome of the review. Following on from changes to the training and materials grant for Community Employment schemes announced in Budget 2012 Minister Burton made a commitment that no Community Employment Scheme would close pending the completion of this review.

The Government has been clear that in the event that the changes in the training and material grant announced in the Budget create financial difficulties for schemes, the Department of Social Protection will continue to provide funding for those schemes and funding has been made available in this context.

Community employment participants can continue to avail of education and training programmes that are available to them free of charge from existing State funded providers. This facility will also form part of the arrangements that will be developed as part of the establishment of SOLAS.