Inside Look - Minister Anne Rabbitte - July - August 2024
Welcome NoteA chara As we navigate these challenging times, it's important to acknowledge the progress being made and the hope it brings for a better future. I have been impressed with Vice President Kamala Harris's campaign offering a glimpse of hope. Through effective diplomacy and charisma, we may see other alternative pathways to peace. It was a proud moment for me to officially open the €2.8m redevelopment of Connacht Harbour in my hometown Portumna, as well as the Lough Derg Blueway Extension in the town, a significant milestone for our community. This was swiftly followed by €16,733,690 million investment for new and improved sports facilities and equipment throughout Galway under the Community Sport Facilities Fund, formerly the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme. These clubs and organisations are the lifeblood of many communities, bringing people together and fostering a sense of unity. These developments are a testament to the resilience and determination of the people who came into politics to try and make a difference. By working together and advocating for change, we can continue to shape a more just and equitable society. In this summer newsletter, I'll delve deeper into positive trends and wins for our own community. I'm also excited to share updates on my ongoing efforts to address the issues that matter most to you. If you need assistance with any issue, small or large, do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for your continued support. Anne Constituency News30 Centres in County Galway eligible to apply for funding for older personsThis scheme will be available to support around 400 Section 39 community organisations across the country by providing extra financial support of up to €25,000 per organisation. The funding is designed to support improvements to the physical premises for Day Centres and Meals on Wheels services. It can be used to upgrade kitchens and other facilities, and to purchase equipment.Since its establishment, the Meals on Wheels service has been vital to many communities across the country, providing approximately 2.7 million meals last year.
Community Centres Investment Fund 2024 - Refurbishment GrantThis capital fund of €20 million will provide funding for the improvement and refurbishment of existing community centres in both urban and rural areas. Funding will be available under 2 Categories, with grants of between €10,000 and €100,000 available:
Large Extension and Refurbishment Project for the Mercy College, Woodford, Co. GalwayMinister for Disability and Fianna Fáil TD for Galway East, Anne Rabbitte, has welcomed confirmation from the Minister for Education today (Thursday) of a large extension and refurbishment project for the Mercy College in Woodford, Co. Galway. It has been confirmed that the school has been given the go ahead for the development of:
€150,000 to support three Town Centre First Projects in GalwayMinister for Disability and Fianna Fáil TD for Galway East, Anne Rabbitte, has today welcomed funding of €150,000 for three towns in Galway to support the development of a range of ‘Town Centre First’ projects. Eyrecourt, Clonbur and Ahascragh will receive funding to support pre-development works for projects and support costs including detailed design, planning, procurement, professional fees, assessments and other development costs. Eyrecourt and Clonbur will receive €50,000 each, while Ahascragh will receive €48,925.
Government announces €3 million to enhance visitor experience at Forest Parks across Ireland
The government has announced funding of €3 million to develop and upgrade visitor and recreational amenities at Coillte Forest Parks across Ireland. The investment is part of a strategic partnership between the Department of Rural and Community Development and Coillte to maintain and manage existing trails in Coillte forests, and to develop new recreation opportunities.
Limerick Athletes Sign partnership deal ahead of Paralympic Games in ParisTWO Limerick athletes bound for the Paralympic Games in Paris have signed new partnership deals to help boost their preparations for the August-September event. Uber announced details of the new initiative at an event, at the Uber’s Centre of Excellence in Limerick, which was attended by Drombanna swimmer Róisín Ní Ríain and Boher rower Tiarnán O’Donnell. Ní Ríain recently took home five medals at the European Para Swimming Championships in Portugal including a gold medal in the 100m breaststroke.
National NewsSimon Harris, Minister Roderic O'Gorman and Minister Anne Rabbitte announce publication of the Autism Innovation StrategyThe Autism Innovation Strategy responds to a clear commitment in the Programme for Government to action on autism. • The strategy will be implemented over an 18-month period, delivering over 80 clear and simple actions which will make a positive impact on people’s lives. • The strategy was developed in collaboration with autistic people, parents, professionals, organizations supporting autistic people, and government departments and agencies.
€23m Capital Funding has been allocated for disability capital projects in 2024
Minister of State for Disabilities, Anne Rabbitte, has announced €23m in capital funding has been allocated for disability capital projects in 2024. Minister Rabbitte has also asked the HSE to develop the first ever disability specific multi-annual Capital Strategy. The allocation follows the development of the Action Plan for Disability Services 2024-2026, which was launched in December 2023.
Ministers O'Gorman and Anne Rabbitte host pre-Estimates forum for Disability ServicesThe event brought together a wide variety of stakeholders to discuss priorities for the upcoming Budget and was the first in what will be an annual event held by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Seeking to build on work progressed in 2024, the Ministers brought together a broad range of stakeholders to inform preparation for the 2025 Estimates process.
Increased Investment in Residential Services as part of National Ability Supports Report LaunchThe Minister of State for Disability, Anne Rabbitte, has launched the National Ability Supports System (NASS) report for 2023. The report, which tracks current use, and future need, for specialist disability services, shows the scale of specialist provision, with almost 32,000 adults availing of a range of services that include personal assistance, home help, day services, multi-disciplinary supports, respite, and residential care.
Minister Rabbitte welcomes announcement of next phase of expansion of the training of healthcare professionalsIn July, our Government approved the prioritisation of funding to support the expansion of training places in priority healthcare areas including Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy. This will contribute to delivering expansion in the region of 35% in these vital disciplines over the next two academic years.
Government announce 168 additional primary schools have been approved for Hot School Meals ProgrammeProviding school meals in primary school offers so many benefits to children, parents/guardians and teachers. These meals ensure that students have access to nutritious food, which is essential for their growth, development, and, indeed concentration.
Additionally, many surveys have reported improved academic performance, behaviour, and overall well-being and they can foster a sense of community and equality among pupils, as everyone enjoys the same meal together.
For many children, school meals might be their most reliable source of nutrition, helping to combat food insecurity and its associated health problems. Nutritious school meals can transform a child’s life.
South West Mayo Development Company Announce the Ready to Work: Inclusive Pathways to Employment Programme Their services include education, training, skill development, and in-work support, all tailored to meet your unique needs, abilities, and potential.
Ready to Work is dedicated to helping people with disabilities find the right job and build a fulfilling career.
Their services include education, training, skill development, and in-work support, all tailored to meet your unique needs, abilities, and potential.
Minister Rabbitte calls for GAA and RTE to review operation of GAAGOAnd the day of making your way up to Croker, with flags billowing in the wind, ham sandwiches, Marietta biscuits and flasks in the boot, is well and truly a distant memory for so many GAA fans. “Remember when I pulled up and said, ‘Get in the car,’ and then canceled my plans just in case you’d call, back when I was living for the hope of it all.”— August” from Folklore
Government launches Work and Access - New Employment Programme
Work and Access is an exciting new Employment Programme aimed at removing barriers that disabled people may face in the workplace.
Government announce extension of Paid Parents Leave and Benefit to 9 weeks
From 1 August, parents will be able to avail of 9 weeks paid Parent’s Leave and Benefit. The measure means that under the Parent’s Leave and Benefit schemes, the number of weeks that parents can take time off work, with financial support from the State, increases from 7 weeks to 9 weeks. The support applies to both parents and is part of the Government’s ambition to ensure that parents can enjoy meaningful quality time with their new-born in the knowledge they will be financially supported. Parent’s Leave and Benefit is available to eligible parents with a child under 2 years of age or who have adopted a child within the last 2 years. Áit Shona in Co. Laois, Europe’s first specialist respite centre for both children and adults with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS).Minister of State for Disabilities, Anne Rabbitte, formally opened Áit Shona in Co. Laois, Europe’s first specialist respite centre for both children and adults with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). The registered provider of the centre is Resilience Healthcare, who are providing the service on behalf of the Health Service Executive. The facility is able to accommodate up to four people at a time. This service will provide individuals the opportunity to enjoy a much-needed break away without the worry of managing any difficulties associated with their condition, while giving carers a break also.
I know that Resilience Healthcare works hard to ensure the needs of each individual service user are met and that the staff that have the specialised skills and training necessary to provide services at the high standard we expect.
New Baling Assistance Payment (BAP) scheme to run in tandem with the Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM)Minister for Agriculture, Food & the Marine Charlie McConalogue T.D, has launched a new Baling Assistance Payment (BAP) scheme to run in tandem with the Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM). The BAP scheme is a payment available to successful applicants to the SIM 2024 who have withdrawn a parcel from SIM and decided to bale the parcel instead of chopping/incorporating.
EventsMinister Rabbitte welcomes the opening of the Paralympic Games 2024 at the City of Light, ParisIreland saw a team of 35 extraordinary athletes and ambassadors represent us on the world stage at the 17th Paralympic Games in the City of Light, Paris. The enduring power of hope and the human spirit is perhaps most evident in the realm of athletics, especially among Paralympians. These athletes, facing immense physical challenges, embody the unwavering belief that limitations can be overcome. Their perseverance, often fuelled by a deep-seated hope, inspires others to push beyond their perceived boundaries. Paralympians demonstrate that with determination and resilience, even the most daunting obstacles can be transformed into opportunities for triumph. Their stories serve as a testament to the extraordinary strength and courage of the human spirit, inspiring us all to never give up on our dreams.
Funding and Training OpportunitiesACORNS marks decade of support for female entrepreneurship with launch of 10th year of development initiativeTurnover of 57 entrepreneurs who completed ACORNS 9 increased by more than forty per cent in 6 monthsWindow for applications for ACORNS 10 opens today (August 6) and closes at midnight September 20thACORNS is today celebrating a decade of support for female entrepreneurship in rural Ireland with the launch of the 10th cycle of the business development programme. The free initiative for early-stage female entrepreneurs based in rural Ireland has been running since 2014. The scheme is funded through the Rural Innovation and Development Fund by the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine (DAFM).
Countdown to Budget 2024In Other NewsParalympics Paris 2024 Highlights |