Welcome Note

A chara,

We're thrilled to have you with us as we dive into another month of political discourse and analysis and to celebrate Imbolc, the traditional arrival of Spring and the promise of longer days and a bountiful year.

This newsletter is designed to keep you informed about the latest happenings in our political landscape and within the constituency of East Galway, the milestones, the wins, the getting theres.....

We cover everything from local politics to international affairs, ensuring you stay updated on all fronts.

In an age of misinformation, our team is committed to providing unbiased, accurate, and insightful content.

I believe that knowledge is power, and I aim to empower our readers by keeping them well-informed.

Remember, your voice matters in shaping the political narrative. We encourage you to engage with us, share your thoughts, and join the conversation.

Thank you for being part of our community, and if there is any area I can be of assistance, be it large or small, please do not hesitate to contact me

Anne

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Constituency News

University of Galway has secured €814,000 under a special funding programme to improve access to higher education and learning for people with intellectual disability.

​University of Galway has secured €814,000 under a special funding programme to improve access to higher education and learning for people with intellectual disability. The funding will enable the University to put in place a new programme for students with intellectual disability called ‘Cumas – a Foundational Certificate in Learning and Community’.

The aim of the programme is to provide students with a third level learning experience which will develop their knowledge, social engagement and employment prospects.

Minister Rabbitte opens National Disability Strategy Town Hall Event in Galway

Minister of State at the Department of Health and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Anne Rabbitte TD, opened a Town Hall event on the National Disability Strategy at the Galmont hotel in Galway.

€43.2 m in funding for improving and maintaining Galway roads – Rabbitte

Local Fianna Fáil Minister Anne Rabbitte, has welcomed over €43.2m in funding for improving and maintaining Galway roads.

This is part of a significant investment package of €658m nationwide aimed at restoring the network which is essential for maintaining social and economic connectivity, linking people and places across the country.

Central to this is the need to ensure that the journeys that people take are as predictable and as safe as possible

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National News

St Brigid’s Day celebrations around the World

The Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minster for Defence, Micheál Martin TD has announced that more than fifty of Ireland’s diplomatic missions worldwide will mark St Brigid’s Day this year.

The global St Brigid’s Day programme will celebrate the creativity and prowess of Irish women across the world.

St Brigid’s Bank Holiday weekend water safety appeal from the Irish Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland

Ahead of the first long weekend of 2024 celebrating St Brigid, the Irish Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland have issued a joint water safety appeal, asking people to stay safe when in, near or on the water.

Government launch a public consultation on new regulations governing the childminding sector.

The Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman has today announced the launch of a public consultation on new regulations governing the childminding sector.

This step marks a key moment in efforts to improve and enhance the quality and assurance of childminding services across Ireland.

The consultation process, starting on 08 January 2024 and running until 02 May 2024, will be an opportunity for childminders and parents see the proposed draft regulations and have the chance to voice their opinions.

Professor Orla Muldoon appointed to the Medical Council

Following a nomination from the Royal Irish Academy (RIA), the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has appointed Professor Orla Muldoon to the Board of the Medical Council with effect from 25th January 2024 until 31st May 2026.

Government welcomes Ireland’s progress to top ten for Digital Government

Ireland has placed in the top 10 international performers in the 2023 Digital Government Index (DGI) published by the OECD.

Ireland is ranked alongside countries such as Korea, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Norway, and Canada.

The Digital Government Index is an annual report that assesses the efforts made by governments to establish the foundations necessary for a digital transformation of the public sector that is coherent and human-centred.

Government announces comprehensive St. Patrick’s Day Programme, promoting “Ireland’s Future in the World”

he Government today announced the St Patrick’s Day programme for 2024, which will see the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, and representatives of the State engage in an extensive international programme to promote Ireland and Irish interests and values around the world. St Patrick’s Day is an unparalleled opportunity to promote Ireland as a great place to visit, work, study, trade with, and invest in. This year, in all, 38 representatives of the State will bring Ireland’s message to 86 cities in 48 countries.

Government confirms opening of Mortgage Interest Tax Relief scheme for 2023 claims from today

The Minister for Finance Michael McGrath T.D. has announced that PAYE taxpayers can from today, 31 January 2024, submit claims in respect of Mortgage Interest Relief for 2023 through Revenue’s myAccount service.

In Budget 2024, Minister McGrath announced the introduction of a temporary one-year Mortgage Interest Tax Relief scheme up to a value of €1,250.

Significant Progress on FAI Reforms: Ministers publish MOU implementation report by Sport Ireland

The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, and the Minister of State for Sport and Physical Education, Thomas Byrne TD, have published a report on the progress made by the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) in the implementation of reforms set out in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreed with the Government in January 2020.

Events

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Funding Opportunities

All eligible new applicants accepted to the 2024 Organic Farming Scheme

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Minister of State Pippa Hackett announced that 1,050 additional farmers will participate in the Organic Farming Scheme this year.

Government invites applications from schools for funding of up to €15,000 to work together in Creative Clusters initiative

Minister for Education Norma Foley TD has today invited schools and YouthReach centres across Ireland to apply to take part in Creative Clusters for the two years commencing September 2024.

Up to €575,000 has been made available this year for Creative Clusters and this will enable up to 210 schools to come together across 42 clusters.

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