November - December Newsletter 2023
Welcome NoteA chara We're thrilled to have you with us as we dive into another month of political discourse and analysis. 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..... Each issue will bring you a mix of news, opinion pieces, interviews, and in-depth analyses. We'll 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 National NewsMinister Rabbitte announces awardees under the Disability and Participation Awareness Fund – A total of twenty projects to receive grants under €3m fundA total of twenty projects to receive grants under €3m fund Minister of State with Special Responsibility for Disabilities, Anne Rabbitte, has this week announced that twenty projects will receive funding under the Disability and Participation Awareness Fund. Launched in February of this year, the funding has been allocated to support a range of initiatives under four different strands, designed to support the participation of people with disabilities in local activities, to provide valuable employment experience for persons with disabilities, and to help remove barriers to community involvement. A total fund of €3 million has been made available under four strands, with grants ranging from €69,608 to €393,826.
Government have launched the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) and Historic Structures Fund (HSF) for 2024Malcolm Noonan TD, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, launched the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) and the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) for 2024. The total funding of €9 million across the two schemes is expected to support repair and maintenance of over 550 historic structures in every local authority area across the country in 2024.
Government announce funding of €1.3 million for the provision of new computers, laptops, ipads other information and communication technology in public libraries across the country, Galway County €115,617.54Communities across the country are set to be benefit from the initiative – with a particular focus on supporting young people, our elderly and our disadvantaged. The funding will also support the new public library strategy, ‘The Library Is The Place’ .
Budget 2024: Government backing business in the face of ongoing challengesThe Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney announced a Budget 2024 package which recognises the ongoing challenges businesses are facing. The government also secured approval for the Increased Cost of Business Scheme (ICOB), which is a once-off grant to benefit up to 130,000 small and medium businesses at a cost of €250 million.
Government delivers record €1.159 billion investment in Budget 2024 to support families, communities, and a net-zero futureMinister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, has secured €1.159 billion in Budget 2024 to support families and communities with energy costs while continuing the drive towards a low-carbon, digitally-connected future.
Minister Rabbitte welcomes specific derogations for Disability Services under the HSE Recruitment PauseThe Minister of State for Disability, Anne Rabbitte, welcomes specific derogations for categories of staff employed across HSE and Section 38 disability services under the HSE recruitment pause.Since assuming responsibility for disability services in March of this year, the Department has committed to investing in the sector and improving outcomes for service users; through the expansion, enhancement and reform of services, including the creation of additional disability service posts and recruitment to these positions.
Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage unprecedented budget package of near €7bn announcedThe Government’s significant investment in Housing, Local Government and Heritage was reaffirmed today [10th October] as Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, Minister of State with responsibility for Local Government and Planning, Kieran O’Donnell TD, and Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD, unveiled a budget package for 2024 of €6.94bn.
€1.95 additional funding will be invested in Disability Services for 2024, total investment €2.8bnMinister Rabbitte has welcomed an additional €195m will be invested in Disability Services for 2024, bringing total investment to €2.8bn. Funding will be directed towards the enhancement of person-centred supports and services, supporting the progressive rollout of the Action Plan for Disability Services and the Roadmap for Children’s Disability Services.
Minister Rabbitte welcome Dáil passing of legislation to ban vaping products being sold to under 18sMinister Rabbitte has wholeheartedly welcomed Dáil passing of legislation to ban vaping products being sold to under 18s The Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill passing all stages of the legislative process in the Dáil. The Bill will now proceed to the Seanad.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities and the Purple Lights campaign 2023
International Day of Persons with Disabilities and the Purple Lights campaign took place on Sunday 3 December 2023. The Purple Lights campaign sees Government buildings local and national, major companies, civic and educational institutions turning purple to celebrate the UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3rd.
Constituency NewsMinister Rabbitte welcomes fodder scheme for farms along the Shannon CallowsMinister for Disability and Fianna Fáil TD for Galway East, Anne Rabbitte, has welcomed confirmation from Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue that he is currently finalising the details of a fodder support scheme for farmers impacted by flooding on the Shannon Callows.
Minister Rabbitte told Portumna Primary Care Centre to open by June 2024Minister for Disability and Fianna Fáil TD for Galway East has received confirmation that the Portumna Primary Care Centre will open by June 2024. The Portumna Primary Care Centre was one of six new primary care centres identified and prioritised in the HSE’s Capital Plan for 2023. In an update received from the Department of Health, Minister Rabbitte has been told that the facility will now become operational in Quarter 2 2024.
Minister for Disability Anne Rabbitte TD launches a new housing project for people with intellectual disabilities, called “Living my Life”.Minister for Disability Anne Rabbitte TD today launched a new housing project for people with intellectual disabilities, called “Living my Life”. The initiative is a collaboration between Ability Westand the Brothers of Charity, which will provide access to housing for adults with
Minister Rabbitte welcomes financial support for Galway during Storm DebiMinster for Disability and Fianna Fáil TD for Galway East, Anne Rabbitte TD, has welcomed confirmation that the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is being made available to support those living in properties directly affected by flooding in County Galway following Storm Debi.
Minister Rabbitte welcomes €135k funding for three new outdoor recreation projects in GalwayMinister for Disability and Fianna Fáil TD for Galway East, Anne Rabbitte, has welcomed funding of €135,747 for the development three outdoor adventure projects in Galway. The investment comes under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS), which aims to enhance our outdoor amenities such as our walkways, cycleways, rivers, lakes and beaches.
Iarnród Éireann has announced it has awarded a contract for the major redevelopment of Galway’s Ceannt Station to BAM IrelandThe redevelopment is funded by the Department of Housing’s Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) and the National Transport Authority. It will ensure Ceannt Station – perhaps the best located railway and bus station in Ireland’s major cities – becomes an expanded and integrated transport hub in the heart of Galway.
New TFI Local Link Service from Portumna to NenaghMinister for Disability Anne Rabbitte TD has welcomed a new TFI Local Link service launched this week from Portumna to Nenagh in Co. Tipperary. Route 322 will operate four daily return trips Monday to Saturday, with an additional return service between Puckaun and Nenagh, as well as three daily return services on Sunday.
Minister Rabbitte visits Leitrim in the aftermath of the tornadoMinister Rabbitte has confirmed that the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is available to provide support to those living in properties directly affected by Storm Fergus and the tornado in Leitrim.
Minister Rabbitte visits social enterprise Meals4Health – Eat Well, Age WellIt was an absolute joy to visit Meals 4 Health, a social enterprise on a mission driven approach. The important of social enterprises lies in their ability to blend business acumen with social responsibility, offering a sustainable and holistic approach to community development.
National Events HSE announces fund to strengthen children’s disability servicesService providers and community groups that offer services or supports to children with disability can NOW apply for funding under the new HSE children’s disability service grant fund. The aim of this fund is to strengthen services for children with a disability currently waiting for Children’s Disability Network Team services (CDNTs).
Government announces funding to support and improve employment opportunities for disabled people.The WorkAbility: Inclusive Pathways to Employment Programme is a new employment focused programme which aims to support disabled people to enter education and employment. The programme began in January 2024, with grants available of up to €200,000 per year.
Galway East TD Minister Anne Rabbitte is calling for County Boards to use funding provided by JP McManus funding to improve clubs’ accessibilityGalway East TD Minister Anne Rabbitte is calling for County Boards to use funding provided by JP McManus to improve accessibility of facilities. The McManus’ Charitable Foundation is donating €1 million to every county board, to be evenly divided between GAA, camogie and ladies Gaelic football clubs.
In Other NewsGovernment approval to submit Ireland’s formal application to join the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) as an Associate Member.Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD has today secured Government approval to submit Ireland’s formal application to join the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) as an Associate Member. CERN is one of the world’s largest and most respected centres for scientific research.
Government announce the commencement of Domestic Violence LeaveMinister Roderic O’Gorman has announced the commencement of Domestic Violence Leave. Under the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023, anyone experiencing or at risk of domestic violence will be entitled to take five days leave in order to access supports. They will also be entitled to full pay during the period of leave.
Ireland steps forward to take up the D9+ Presidency for the first half of 2024Dara Calleary, Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, today joined fellow D9+ ministers in Brussels today to discuss key trends in the digital economy and to formally accept Ireland’s chairmanship of the D9+ in 2024. The D9+ brings together the top-ranked European countries in the European Commission annual Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI), plus a small number of other countries who share similar ambitions for the Digital Single Market.
WHO Director General, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus visit to Ireland Taoiseach Leo Varadkar welcomed World Health Organisation (WHO) Director General, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, to Dublin for discussions on the strengthened partnership between Ireland and the WHO across a range of global and domestic health areas. They also discussed the appalling and worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, and all are agreed for the need for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.
|
