tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84581394638108706462024-02-07T17:37:10.661+00:00Senator Tony MulcahyConnect with Tony Mulcahy, Fine Gael Senator.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger94125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458139463810870646.post-87278918748522656462015-11-05T14:32:00.001+00:002015-11-05T14:32:12.853+00:00<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<b>Istanbul Convention </b></div>
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Minister Fitzgerald welcomes the signature by Ireland of the Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence</div>
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· “Today marks an important milestone for all those who have campaigned for better protections and supports for victims of domestic violence” – Minister</div>
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· Minister publishes Action Plan for implementation of Istanbul Convention in Ireland.</div>
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5 November 2015</div>
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The Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald TD has today welcomed the signature by Ireland of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, commonly referred to as the Istanbul Convention.</div>
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The Convention was signed by Ambassador Peter Gunning, Permanent Representative of Ireland to the Council of Europe on behalf of Ireland at the Council of Europe Offices in Strasbourg today.</div>
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Minister Fitzgerald stated: “Domestic violence is a terrible crime which should have no place in 21st Century Ireland. Regrettably, domestic violence persists and what is more stark is that too many incidents of domestic violence still go unreported. Too many victims are afraid to come forward.”</div>
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“Today marks an important milestone for all those who have campaigned for better protections and supports for victims of domestic violence.</div>
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“The signing today by Ireland of the Istanbul Convention reaffirms the commitment of Government to foster a culture and to implement meaningful changes which can help reduce the incidence of domestic violence, better support victims and bring the perpetrators to justice. Violence against women is a societal problem and the Istanbul Convention is an important instrument in tackling that problem.</div>
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“While the signing of the Istanbul Convention is a significant step, it is only a step on a much more substantial journey. I recently received Government approval for an Action Plan for implementation of the Istanbul Convention in Ireland. This outlines the steps required of Ireland to fully ratify the Istanbul Convention in due course.”</div>
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Current Irish legislation and administrative practice already implements many of the provisions contained in the Istanbul Convention and the Minister today facilitated a consultation with the community and voluntary sector on the actions agreed for the next Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence, which will incorporate the actions as set out in the Action Plan under the Istanbul Convention.</div>
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The Minister explained that the multi-annual Action Plan outlines a range of additional legislative and administrative actions necessary to enable Ireland to ratify the Convention and provides timescales for implementation.</div>
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Actions contained in the Plan include:<br />
· A range of legislative measures including the new Domestic Violence Bill and the Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Bill;<br />
· Provision of education and training of public sector staff involved in this area;<br />
· Development and delivery of training for legal professionals;<br />
· Implementation of co-ordinated, integrated national helpline service provision for responding to domestic and sexual violence<br />
· Development of a Risk Assessment Matrix by An Garda Síochána</div>
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The new Domestic Violence Bill, which is currently being drafted, will improve the protections available to victims of domestic violence, most critically for those victims in crisis situations and will also make the courts process easier for victims of domestic violence.</div>
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The principal improvements proposed in the Bill are as follows:</div>
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· Access to an interim barring order for 8 working days in an emergency or crisis situation will be extended. The person will no longer have to have a greater or equal property interest in the property from which the perpetrator is being barred.<br />
· A victim will be able to bring a friend, family member or support worker into court to support her or him during proceedings.<br />
· It will be possible for a victim to give evidence by televisual link to avoid the risk of intimidation by the perpetrator or an associate.<br />
· The court will be able to appoint an expert to ascertain the views of a child where an order is sought on behalf of, or will partly relate to, the child.<br />
· There will be restrictions on the categories of person allowed to be in court during these proceedings, so that the victim will not have to give evidence, potentially of a distressing nature, before a large number of strangers.<br />
· The Courts Service will be required to give information to the victim on referrals to support services.<br />
· The anonymity of the victim, dependants and of the perpetrator will be protected in criminal proceedings for breaches of orders, other than where the victim chooses not to be anonymous. This provision is intended to protect the privacy of a victim. However, the media will be able to report on these proceedings, providing that they respect the obligations concerning anonymity.<br />
· It will be possible to bar a perpetrator from communicating with the victim electronically<br />
· Provisions on domestic violence will be brought together in one piece of legislation to make the legislation easier to use.</div>
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The landmark new Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Bill, which will be published shortly seeks to put victims at the heart of the Justice system. The Bill will introduce, for the first time, statutory rights for victims of crime</div>
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</span>Tony Mulcahyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15433041934663083174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458139463810870646.post-30843249165245646022015-08-20T14:51:00.001+01:002015-08-20T14:51:32.506+01:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Government reviews taxation of entrepreneurs and the self employed<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">A review of the taxation of entrepreneurs and the self-employed being undertaken by the Department of Finance will help support those who create the jobs on which the local economy in Clare depends, according to Fine Gael Senator Tony Mulcahy.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The Government review is considering a number of key questions on tax and entrepreneurship, including what role should the tax system play in encouraging entrepreneurship, what existing tax measures are effective in supporting small business and encouraging entrepreneurs, and whether there scope for greater alignment in terms of how the self employed and PAYE taxpayers are treated. The review also explores what barriers exist to establishing enterprises in the current tax system.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">"The purpose of the review is to assess what tax measures are and are not working effectively as well as considering options for change to better incentivise entrepreneurship," stated Senator Mulcahy.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">“This review will take a close look at how our tax system can best support the entrepreneurs and self-employed people on whom our economy is so reliant. The businesses they create are fundamental to having a dynamic and competitive economy and they create a huge amount of jobs, the taxation from which funds the running of the State. Around 70% of the workforce in County Clare are employed by SMEs or are self-employed," he added.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">“It is vital that we create an economy that supports SMEs and entrepreneurs," stated Senator Mulcahy. "This Government is determined to replace all of the jobs lost under Fianna Fáil with sustainable, long term jobs. In order to achieve this we need strong Irish indigenous industry, and a strong SME sector to create and sustain these jobs. This can be achieved through taking smart, practical taxation measures which support our job creators."</span></div>
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</span>Tony Mulcahyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15433041934663083174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458139463810870646.post-33693240939677670532015-07-24T12:07:00.001+01:002015-07-24T12:07:13.881+01:00<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
At Last - JUSTICE !</div>
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Minister Fitzgerald publishes heads of new Domestic Violence Bill</div>
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“Domestic violence persists as true horror in too many homes in 21st Century Ireland” - Minister Fitzgerald</div>
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• Reformed and consolidated Domestic Violence Bill delivers on Programme for Government commitment<br />• New bill will improve the protections available to victims of domestic violence, making it much easier for victims to obtain interim barring orders.<br />• Reforms will bring Ireland a stop closer to ratifying the Istanbul Convention</div>
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Frances Fitzgerald TD, Minister for Justice and Equality, has today published the heads and general scheme of the new Domestic Violence Bill. The general scheme has been approved by Government. The preparation of reformed and consolidated legislation on domestic violence delivers on a Programme for Government commitment.”</div>
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The Minister said: “Domestic violence persists as true horror in too many homes in 21st Century Ireland. In addition, too many incidents of domestic violence still go unreported. Too many victims are afraid to come forward.</div>
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“I hope my new Domestic Violence Bill will help in tackling this horror head-on and giving fresh hope to victims that they are not alone.</div>
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“Protecting and supporting victim has been a key priority for me as Minister for Justice. This new legislation to protect and support victims of domestic violence builds on the broader Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Bill, which I announced last week.”</div>
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“This new bill will particularly improve the protections available to victims of domestic violence, most critically for those victims in crisis situations, making it much easier for them to obtain interim barring orders. The Bill will remove of the requirement that a person must have at least an equal interest in a property to apply for an interim barring order (for 8 working days) in an emergency or crisis situation.”</div>
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The Minister added: “This new bill will also make the courts process easier for victims of domestic violence.”</div>
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“The reforms proposed will help a victim through the court process. A victim will have the right to be accompanied to court by a family member or friend. A victim or a witness will be able to give evidence by televisual link so as to reduce the risk of intimidation. There will be limits on those entitled to attend the court proceedings so as to make it easier for a victim to give evidence and so as to reduce the risk of intimidation. The victim’s anonymity will be protected except where the victim chooses otherwise.”</div>
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The principal improvements proposed in the Bill are as follows:</div>
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• Access to an interim barring order for 8 working days in an emergency or crisis situation will be extended. The person will no longer have to have a greater or equal property interest in the property from which the perpetrator is being barred.</div>
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• A victim will be able to bring a friend, family member or support worker into court to support her or him during proceedings.</div>
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• It will be possible for a victim to give evidence by televisual link to avoid the risk of intimidation by the perpetrator or an associate.</div>
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• The court will be able to appoint an expert to ascertain the views of a child where an order is sought on behalf of, or will partly relate to, the child.</div>
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• There will be restrictions on the categories of person allowed to be in court during these proceedings, so that the victim will not have to give evidence, potentially of a distressing nature, before a large number of strangers.</div>
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• The Courts Service will be required to give information to the victim on referrals to support services.</div>
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• The anonymity of the victim, dependants and of the perpetrator will be protected in criminal proceedings for breaches of orders, other than where the victim chooses not to be anonymous. This provision is intended to protect the privacy of a victim. However, the media will be able to report on these proceedings, providing that they respect the obligations concerning anonymity.</div>
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• It will be possible to bar a perpetrator from communicating with the victim electronically.</div>
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• Provisions on domestic violence will be brought together in one piece of legislation to make the legislation easier to use.</div>
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The Minister added that the enactment of the Domestic Violence Bill will also represent a major step forward on the road to Ireland’s ratification of Council of Europe’s Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, more commonly known as the Istanbul Convention. The Minister intends to seek Government approval for Ireland to sign the Istanbul Convention in the Autumn.</div>
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The Minister concluded: “It is in the interests of victims that we get this legislation drafted and enacted as soon as possible.”</div>
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Ends.../</div>
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Note for the editor: The General Scheme of a reformed and consolidated Domestic Violence Bill was approved by Government on 14 July. It incorporates the provisions outlined above and consolidates the provisions contained in the Domestic Violence Act 1996, the Domestic Violence (Amendment) Act 2002, the Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010, the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011, the Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013 and the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015.</div>
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The General Scheme is being referred to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality for pre-legislative scrutiny and to the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel for formal drafting of the Bill.</div>
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</span>Tony Mulcahyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15433041934663083174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458139463810870646.post-19242997387060677012015-06-19T15:34:00.001+01:002015-06-19T15:34:22.685+01:00<span id="fullpost">
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Community fund application process to open July 1st<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Clare Fine Gael Senator, Tony Mulcahy says a €5m Government fund will be opened to community and voluntary sector organisations from<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_885494727" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(100, 100, 100); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; cursor: pointer; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Wednesday, July 1st</span></span> next.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (DECLG) together with the Department of Social Protection (DSP) and the Department of Health (DOH) are sponsoring the Dormant Accounts Fund, which is being made available to provide a range of supports for disadvantaged groups and local communities.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">According to Senator Mulcahy: "This vitally important fund is aimed at financing eight Measures that promote youth employment; supports for home carers; capital grants for social enterprises; initiatives to prevent substance misuse; and supports for people with disabilities."<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">"The Fund will be open to eligible community and voluntary sector organisations, local development companies and statutory and other public agencies from <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_885494728" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">1st July</span></span> with a closing date of <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_885494729" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">22nd July 2015</span></span>. Applications will be sought from eligible organisations under the Measures, which will be administered and managed by Pobal."<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Full details on each of the Measures and the online application process are available on the Dormant Accounts Fund page at <a href="http://www.pobal.ie/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.pobal.ie</a>.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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Tony Mulcahyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15433041934663083174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458139463810870646.post-82453280439514815532015-06-04T10:32:00.001+01:002015-06-04T10:32:28.822+01:00<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; line-height: 14.7200002670288px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 30.6666641235352px;">Shannon to stage dazzling airshow to celebrate 70<sup>th</sup>anniversary of first commercial transatlantic flight<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24.5333347320557px;">Acts from across Europe to delight huge crowds with sky acrobatics and dare-devil feats<u></u><u></u></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4666652679443px;">Family fun day to also include wide array of free activities on the ground<u></u><u></u></span></i></b></div>
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<b>Wednesday, 03 June 2015: </b> Shannon Airport will deliver an air display extravaganza on July 18<sup>th</sup> to mark a key milestone in Irish aviation history – the 70<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the first commercial transatlantic flight at the airport.<u></u><u></u></div>
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An estimated 40,000 people are expected at the airport for the airshow.<u></u><u></u></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">The airshow will provide a visual treat from some of Ireland and Europe’s leading aerobatics performers, parachutists, helicopters, jet fighters and stunt fliers during the six hour event.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #333333;">In addition to the </span>sky manoeuvres on the day, there will be plenty of on-the-ground action, including a static aircraft and tank display, entertainment zone, live music and a catering zone with an array of dining choices.<u></u><u></u></div>
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The entertainment area will be especially geared to children, with activities to include a bungee run, obstacle course, a 30ft spider climber, a party-bouncer, a giant Jenga game, puppet shows, a 40 seater carousel, face painters, magicians, a nail art station and much, much more.<u></u><u></u></div>
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Arrangements are well advanced for the airshow, which will see the attendance pass through specially installed access points to the airfield, from where they will view the airshow and enjoy an array of family fun festivities. Some 4km of fencing will be put in place around the airfield as well as creating access two vehicular access points and a pedestrian entry.<u></u><u></u></div>
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Tickets for the event will cost just €5 and are available now on Eventbrite -<a href="http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fshannondisplay15.eventbrite.ie&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEOi3orPCfc_HbY1KwosU-2SlXOig" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://shannondisplay15.<wbr></wbr>eventbrite.ie</a> – children under 6 years are free and all activities on the airfield are free and ticket-holders will also be entitled to free access that weekend to a choice of either Bunratty Castle, King John’s Castle or Craggaunowen visitor attractions.<u></u><u></u></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">The Shannon line-up will include the Blacknights, the most successful parachute team to ever come out of Ireland and involving members made up from army, air corps and navy. The Iolar, which is a replica of the original aircraft that heralded the founding of Aer Lingus in 1936, and the Chipmunks, a popular training aircraft for both civil and military aviation, will also perform.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Among those also displaying their air skills will be the Norweigan Airforce with its ‘historical squad’, which will bring the Mig-15 for its first ever visit to Shannon. The RAF Hunter Jet, first flown in 1955, will also be performing. O’Brien’s Flying Circus, one of the UK’s most daredevil acts, will also thrill audiences with their crazy stunts, including landing on a moving trailer at 55mph.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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The airshow will celebrate the anniversary of the first ever scheduled commercial transatlantic passenger plane which landed at Shannon Airport on 24<sup>th</sup> October 1945<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">. The aircraft was the ‘Flagship London’, an American Overseas Airline (AOA) DC4 which was flew from Gander to Shannon in 8 hours 20 minutes. <u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">From that time on, Shannon became synonymous not only with aviation in Ireland but globally as it became the original airport gateway between the US and Europe and went on to achieve a number of global firsts for aviation, including being the birthplace of Duty Free. Today it operates services to 33 destinations across the UK, Europe and the US. <u></u><u></u></span></div>
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Looking ahead to the airshow, Shannon Airport Chairman Rose Hynes said, “This is an important year for us and we have a number of events marking this very special anniversary but the airshow is most definitely one of the highlights. It allows us mark the first commercial transatlantic flight at Shannon, which took place 70 years ago this year, a hugely significant event in Irish aviation.<u></u><u></u></div>
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“We are very proud of our place in global aviation and it is right that we honour that history in style with the festivities in Shannon on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_955958746" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">July 18</span></span><sup>th .</sup>and giving due recognition to the pioneers of 70 years ago who thought it possible to create an airport here in Shannon that would play a key role in Ireland’s economic development.” <u></u><u></u></div>
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Said Airport Operations Director Niall Maloney: “It is 25 years since we last had an airshow here at Shannon and our ultimate aim in staging our 2015 airshow is to provide an exciting, action packed day of fun and entertainment with plenty of thrills for all.<u></u><u></u></div>
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“Shannon is very much a family airport so we have put a major emphasis also on developing a strong family fun programme for the event, not least in terms of providing a range of activities for children to enjoy. There will be plenty to see in the skies but a whole lot for them to enjoy on the ground also so there’s much to look forward to.</div>
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</span>Tony Mulcahyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15433041934663083174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458139463810870646.post-90615207861189988812015-05-29T12:50:00.001+01:002015-05-29T12:50:12.870+01:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Beef Data and Genomics Programme deadline extended</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Clare Fine Gael Senator Tony Mulcahy is reminding farmers in the county that the deadline for submitting applications to the Beef Data and Genomics Programme has been extended to next </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Friday 5<sup>th</sup> June.<span style="color: black;"><u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">An estimated 15,000 farmers have already applied for the Beef Data and Genomics Programme.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Senator Mulcahy commented: “I know that some beef farmers had concerns around the flexibility of being in a six year programme. However the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney, has highlighted that many farmers have more land than is needed to qualify for the full payment under the scheme and so there won’t be compliance issues if they are to sell off or lease some of their land within the six-year time period."<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">“Where the land is sold, leased, gifted or willed, the obligations of the scheme will transfer to the new owner," he added.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Farmers with any queries in relation to the scheme should read the Frequently Asked Questions document on the Department of Agriculture’s website, or to contact the Department directly on Lo-call 1890 200 510 or 01 607 2000.</span></div>
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</span>Tony Mulcahyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15433041934663083174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458139463810870646.post-63499323398374095282015-05-13T17:04:00.003+01:002015-05-13T17:04:29.171+01:00<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<b>Irish Water must expedite Shannon wastewater infrastructure improvements - Mulcahy</b></div>
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Clare Senator Tony Mulcahy has said that Irish Water's commitment to improving wastewater infrastructure in Shannon and Bunratty is "not before time" and he called on the water utility company to expedite the process.</div>
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The Shannon-based Senator's comments follow the announcement by Irish Water of how it intends addressing a number of historical issues with the wastewater infrastructure in the ar<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">ea, including the longstanding odour nuisances associated with the infrastructure in Shannon Town.</span></div>
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Irish Water is currently undertaking a number of briefings with residents, the local business community and elected representatives, to update them on the proposed works.</div>
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Senator Mulcahy said he hoped that the cleaning and surveying of sewers in the Shannon Town area would happen as quickly as possible after which he said long term fixes should be considered to ensure the odour nuisance does not reoccur.</div>
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He said: "For many years, I have raised the issue of substandard wastewater infrastructure in the wider Shannon area. The residents of Shannon have been given few answers as to the source of the odour nuisance. A definitive answer remains outstanding on this issue. I also believe that the inadequate infrastructure has acted as a disincentive to companies considering locating to or expanding in the area."</div>
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"I look forward to a full and frank period of consultation between the public, elected representatives and Irish Water ahead of contracts being prepared for the construction of a new two-kilometre sewer in Shannon, the cleaning and surveying of sewers in the area, and sampling and analysis of the broader network. It is important that Irish Water is left in no doubt as to the concerns of those who live and work in the area so as to ensure this issue can be put to bed once and for all," concluded Senator Mulcahy.</div>
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</span>Tony Mulcahyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15433041934663083174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458139463810870646.post-9038957112844401872015-05-13T17:04:00.000+01:002015-05-13T17:04:09.496+01:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">AMERICAN AIRLINES</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The fact that the world's largest airline is once again operating out of Shannon Airport will send a clear message to all other airlines that Shannon is very much open for business. I warmly welcome the return after a 13 years absence of the flag of American Airlines on the runway here in Clare. Operating from today until mid -October, the Shannon to Philadelphia service will deliver an additional 114 flights in comparison to last year when the route was served under the US Airways brand.<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">This extended summer service will deliver a significant influx of tourists from the US East coast and regions served by Philadelphia's main airport. It also provides wonderful onward connectivity for people from this side of the Atlantic travelling to other parts of the USA as Philadelphia is an American Airlines hub.<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I want to congratulate the management at the airport for their wonderful work in seeking new business. I also hope that this service will be further extended in the near future.<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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</span>Tony Mulcahyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15433041934663083174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458139463810870646.post-16489537685065142792015-04-30T16:58:00.001+01:002015-04-30T16:58:11.617+01:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Funding approved for Doolin coastal study<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Clare Fine Gael Senator Tony Mulcahy says that funding has been approved for a coastal erosion and flood risk management study along a 1.5km stretch of coastline in Doolin.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Senator Mulcahy was informed by Minister of State, Simon Harris T.D. today that the study will cover the length of coastline shown from Crab Island, located south of Doolin Point, to the mouth of the River Aille.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">"Doolin was badly affected by the succession of storms that battered the county during the period from late December 2013 to February 2014. The carpark area and access road to the pier were particularly badly affected. In light of the shortly to be completed €6m pier at Doolin, it is imperative that steps be now taken to minimise the risk of flood damage in the future," stated Senator Mulcahy.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">"This funding announcement is particularly welcome considering it follows on foot of an announcement by Government last week of a similar coastal erosion and flood risk study for the section of coast from Quilty to Milltown Malbay with particular focus on Quilty, Spanish Point and Whitestrand. The section of coast in question, which includes Seafield, was one of the worst affected by serious tidal flooding and storm damage last year," added Senator Mulcahy.</span></div>
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</span>Tony Mulcahyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15433041934663083174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458139463810870646.post-78653065677888981012015-04-30T16:23:00.001+01:002015-04-30T16:23:50.176+01:00<div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Shannon Group makes positive start as first annual report shows all units of business achieving progress<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.5999984741211px;">Group targeting sustained growth, significant reinvestment and cost containment/efficiencies<u></u><u></u></span></i></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_13238108" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Thursday, April 30, 2015</span></span>:</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> Shannon Group plc has delivered significant progress on key objectives set for 2014 and is now embarking on a programme to address group-wide underinvestment and improve cost efficiencies, its first annual report has revealed.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The inaugural report covers the four month financial period from the establishment of the Group on 5 September to 31 December 2014. The Group’s four strategic business units – Shannon Airport, Shannon Heritage, Shannon Commercial Properties and the International Aviation Services Centre (IASC) – have, however, been working together throughout 2014, prior to the Group</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">s official formation.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The Group, which employs over 600 people in high season, recorded a €21.1 million turnover in its first four months and returned a post-tax profit of €600,000, which, Chairman Rose Hynes said, amounted to a satisfactory result given that this period is off-peak for the Airport and Shannon Heritage.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Ms Hynes stated that the Group is working to a five-year strategic plan aimed at continued revenue growth, continued focus on innovation, securing a sustainable cost base through efficiencies and achieving profit growth at each of the four separate business units. The plan also incorporates an ambitious capital investment programme to ensure the Group remains firmly focused on delivering growth opportunities, which will be essential to maintain the competitiveness of the Group’s business.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">“Through the generation of sustainable growth and profitability across all of our businesses and by the implementation of our five-year strategic plan, combined with an ongoing focus on innovation, I am confident that Shannon Group will make an enduring positive impact on our communities and the economic landscape of Ireland,” she said.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">“Cost containment and improving financial performance through further efficiencies remain an ongoing focus for the Group. Our aim is to establish a more sustainable and robust business model and to improve our profitability across the Group.”<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Commenting on the Group results, CEO Neil Pakey, “As we continue our task of building on the momentum and solid achievements of 2014, I believe the combination of our four strategic business units within a single group will unlock opportunities for further co-operation and synergies.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">“Taking advantage of these synergies will be important as we strive to enable Shannon Group to fulfil its potential and become an important conduit for stimulating growth across the regional and national economy in the years ahead. It is vital the Groups’ businesses are competitive within the European marketplace. Our transformation must continue to evolve this year with emphasis on change, continuous improvement and improved efficiencies, combined with ensuring we continue to build the platform for the future sustainability of Shannon Group.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">“With the creation of our five-year strategic plan, we now have a road map on which to build an exciting and sustainable future.”<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span lang="IT">Shannon Airport</span></b><b><span lang="FR">’</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">s</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> profitability for the full financial year 2014 improved considerably, with earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) of €4.6 million, an increase of 34% on 2013. Addressing historic underinvestment in airport infrastructure also began in 2014 through a €4.4million airport capital expenditure programme. Among these projects were an airport runway overlay upgrade, fire safety upgrade works, a new retail IT system and a new traffic management system. <u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The airport continued its growth trajectory with a significant increase in passenger numbers (17%) and improvements in connectivity for the second successive year. European traffic showed the largest gains with a 70% increase. Transatlantic traffic continued to perform strongly, increasing by 10% and UK traffic recorded a 5% increase. The Group’s intention to develop a cargo hub at the airport was also boosted this week by Turkish Airlines, through its subsidiary Turkish Cargo, who announced that it is to commence </span>Ireland’s only direct all-cargo air service to North America from Shannon.<u></u><u></u></div>
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Shannon Airport first welcomed Turkish Airlines in early March this year when the airline began making refuelling stops at the airport. Turkish Airlines will now operate a new weekly Shannon–Chicago service on Fridays through its cargo subsidiary Turkish Cargo, significantly boosting options for Irish exporters, from multi-nationals to SMEs.<u></u><u></u></div>
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<b><span lang="IT" style="color: windowtext;">Shannon Heritage</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext;">, the company</span><span lang="FR" style="color: windowtext;">’</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext;">s heritage visitor attraction business, also experienced a positive year, with an overall 11% increase in visitor numbers in its portfolio of visitor attractions and entertainment venues throughout the wider Shannon region and in Dublin. The company recorded over 637,000 visitors in 2014, with admission numbers to day visitor attractions up over 13%.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext;">Shannon Heritage reported turnover of €11.9 million for the full financial year ended 31 December 2014, a 7.6% increase on the previous year, reflecting its best operational year since 2007. These results show a clear correlation with passenger growth at Shannon Airport.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span lang="IT">Shannon Commercial Properties</span></b><span lang="FR">’ </span><span lang="EN-US">operating profit from continuing activities and before impairments for the full financial year 2014 amounted to €0.6 million versus a loss of €1.6 million in 2013. Shannon Commercial Properties also undertook a detailed review of its property portfolio and put in place a business plan to enhance its portfolio commencing with significant investment that is required for the redevelopment of key areas within the Shannon Free Zone (SFZ).<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The Group is continuing to address the historic underinvestment in Shannon Commercial Properties</span><span lang="FR">’ </span><span lang="EN-US">infrastructure. When the Group inherited the property portfolio there was a low overall building occupancy rate, a challenge that the Group is actively working to resolve. A key initiative in addressing this will be the implementation of a capital investment programme in the years ahead to enable it to have available property solutions for investment and job creation in an improving economy.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US">IASC</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> has been established to build on the existing network of aviation related services in Shannon in order to continue to grow the existing globally </span>recognised<span lang="EN-US"> and internationally competitive aviation cluster. The core IASC team was assembled during the year and work is underway to build relationships with international partner companies and key players in the global aerospace industry.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span lang="DE">Ends</span></b></div>
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</span>Tony Mulcahyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15433041934663083174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458139463810870646.post-37497773590646437482015-04-24T14:39:00.002+01:002015-04-24T14:39:18.838+01:00<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<b>Senator seeks lowering of legal starting age in Irish education system</b></div>
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Clare Fine Gael Senator Tony Mulcahy has proposed that the legal starting age in the Irish education system for a child be reduced to 3 years of age in order to extend special education support services to preschool-going children.</div>
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Senator Mulcahy was speaking in Seanad Éireann this week in response to an address to the upper house by Education Minister Jan O'Sullivan in which she outlined the proposed introduction of a new inclusion support service to assist schools in supporting children with special educational needs.</div>
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Administered by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), the service will include the special education support service which provides training for schools in how to assist pupils with special educational needs, as well as the national behaviour support service which provides guidance and support to schools in dealing with behavioural issues. Until now these support services have been managed separately within the Department of Education.</div>
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"No one in society should be denied the right to go to preschool because they cannot get the special education support services they need," Senator Mulcahy said in response to Minister O'Sullivan's address.</div>
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He commented: "We have children in preschools with challenging behaviour getting six hours of special education support services, provided by Health Service Executive, meaning that they must stay at home for three out of five school days each week. Once a child enters the educational system, there should be a line from start to finish which they follow as part of the education process. A child with special needs requires 24 hours, seven days a week support."</div>
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Senator Mulcahy, whose daughter has special needs, said he believed the starting age in the education system for a child should be when they enter preschool at the age of three.</div>
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"Education should start at preschool right through to the end. It must be about the child’s ability, not their disability. This must be done through the one Department. I have already spoken to the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy James Reilly, who provides some funding in this area too. I propose we streamline children's movement into primary school and further streamline it when they go into second and third level education. There should be one single channel," said Senator Mulcahy</div>
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"The managers and providers of preschool services may identify a need for dealing with challenging behaviour which the parents may not have noted themselves or accepted. There are children who may not be allowed to avail of preschool because they may not have a support for dealing with challenging behaviour and the service provider may not be able to deal with the matter. Service providers are passionate about what they do. They are not looking for supports that are not a necessity but this area has to be addressed," he concluded.</div>
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</span>Tony Mulcahyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15433041934663083174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458139463810870646.post-29407011051365501612015-04-16T15:42:00.000+01:002015-04-16T15:42:02.348+01:00<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<b>Transaero exits examinership</b></div>
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Shannon-based Fine Gael Senator for Clare, Tony Mulcahy today congratulated the workers and management of Transaero in Shannon on successfully exiting examinership this week.</div>
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The aircraft maintenance specialist exited High Court protection on Wednesday after a three-month examinership succeeded in rescuing the business.</div>
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"This is a hugely positive story as it secures the future of a significant aircraft maintenance facility, which it will also give confidence to other operators considering investment in Shannon," said Senator Mulcahy.</div>
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"It is important that Transaero's customers and suppliers also be acknowledged for their support for the company. This important Shannon operation can move forward with confidence and I am particularly delighted that job security has now been confirmed for workers there," he added</div>
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<span id="fullpost">
</span>Tony Mulcahyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15433041934663083174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458139463810870646.post-29180189950971740422015-03-12T11:24:00.001+00:002015-03-12T11:24:40.901+00:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Contract extension for Cratloe Post Office<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Clare Fine Gael Senator Tony Mulcahy says he has received confirmation from An Post that Cratloe Post Office is to remain open for at least another 18 months.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Senator Mulcahy said the contract for the operation of the Post Office, which was due to end this month, has been extended until September 2016.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The Shannon-based Senator said An Post's decision is a credit to the work of the local community and the Cratloe Post Office Action Group which have "campaigned vigorously" against the closure during recent months."<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">He described the extension of the Post Office contract as "a victory for community action."<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">"I attended a number of meetings in Cratloe and at the GPO in Dublin at which the people of Cratloe outlined the many reasons why the Post Office should remain open and how its closure would potentially impact the village and surrounding areas. This community approach worked and has served to convince An Post that its plan to not renew the Post Office operating contract was premature," said Senator Mulcahy.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">"Specific credit must go to Josefa McGelligott of the Cratloe Post Office Action Group who took a stand on this issue and helped to reverse a decision I am convinced would have negatively impacted the lives of local people. An Post's decision is a victory for them and their community. I also wish to acknowledge Aonghus O'Lafferty of An Post for giving the local community the opportunity to raise their concerns, as well as Cathaoirleach John Crowe, Cllr. PJ Ryan, other local Elected Members and my Oireachtas colleagues for their support for retaining this vital community service," added Senator Mulcahy</span></div>
<span id="fullpost">
</span>Tony Mulcahyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15433041934663083174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458139463810870646.post-56106875514897152622015-03-11T15:04:00.001+00:002015-03-11T15:04:48.212+00:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Fleadh decision “thoroughly deserved but long overdue” - Mulcahy<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Clare Senator Tony Mulcahy says the naming of Ennis as the host venue for the 2016 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is the result of an "unprecedented countywide effort" by Clare's cultural organisations to secure the prestigious event.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Senator Mulcahy said the decision of the Ardchomhairle of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann to select Ennis as the host location is "thoroughly deserved but long overdue."<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">"It has been almost four decades since Clare hosted this event which is a shame considering the County is very much the spiritual home of Irish traditional music and song. The perseverance of the local Fleadh Working Group and cultural organisations throughout the County has been instrumental in delivering this huge announcement,” said Senator Mulcahy.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">“Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann will bring up to 350,000 people to Ennis, more than 10,0000 of whom will be musicians. The economic and cultural benefits are significant not only for Clare but the entire Mid West with the event expected to generate €40 million for the Region. The Fleadh also provides a platform for the people of Clare to show the rest of Ireland and the world of their capacity to host large scale cultural events, while at the same time demonstrate the scale of cultural activity ongoing in the county,” added Senator Mulcahy.</span></div>
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</span>Tony Mulcahyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15433041934663083174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458139463810870646.post-4292693901827953442015-03-11T14:58:00.002+00:002015-03-11T14:58:53.790+00:00<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><b>Clare records 21% drop in unemployment levels since early 2012</b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">County Clare has recorded a 21% drop in unemployment levels during the past three years with more than two thousand people returning to work, according to Clare Fine Gael Senator Tony Mulcahy.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Senator Mulcahy was responding to latest CSO figures showing that unemployment nationally has fallen for 31 months in a row since the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs was launched in early 2012.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">“Another drop in the Live Re</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">gister in January emphasises that the economy is in recovery and that more people are entering the jobs market. I am particularly encouraged that the Live Register here in Clare has dropped by 20.74%, down from 10,508 to 8,329,” said Senator Mulcahy.<br />“This progress has been mirrored throughout the country. The national unemployment rate has fallen from 15.2% in 2012 to 10.5% now. There is however, more work to be done and I expect to see a further drop in these figures in the coming months.<br />“There have been some encouraging jobs announcements here in Clare in recent months. I want to ensure that we are able to compete with Dublin and Cork in attracting further foreign direct investment to the county. According to the IDA, 37% of investments in 2014 were made outside the main centres and the Government will work to continue this trend.<br />“Unemployment is falling steadily across the country, but very significantly we are now seeing a drop in rural areas as CSO figures show that the live register dropped in all eight regions of the country over the course of 2014. This year there will be an increased focus on job creation outside of the main urban centres as the Minister for Jobs, Richard Bruton is preparing to launch a pilot programme of the Regional Enterprise Strategy. This strategy will specifically address growing economies in rural areas,” added Senator Mulcahy</span><span id="fullpost">
</span>Tony Mulcahyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15433041934663083174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458139463810870646.post-65520026437194752102015-03-11T14:57:00.002+00:002015-03-11T14:57:58.208+00:00<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<b>€9M Leader fund for Clare</b></div>
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Fine Gael Senator for Clare, Tony Mulcahy has welcomed a funding package of almost 9 million euro for the LEADER element of the Rural Development Programme in County Clare.</div>
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Senator Mulcahy described the allocation of €8,920,224 to County Clare as of "huge significance to community led projects" in Clare.</div>
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“The LEADER programme is all about community led projects; it is focused on making the recovery local. Once approval for the programme has been given by the European Commission, Local Action Groups of Clare will be invited to submit ideas for how funding should be spent. These groups will be set up in accordance with the EU Regulations and will consist of representatives across public and private socio-economic interests," he said.</div>
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“I know in Clare there are any number of projects where funding is needed and will be of huge benefit. Due to the new Local Government Reform Act 2014, this money will be controlled at a local level and therefore the allocation of resources will be much more targeted, cost effective and efficient. Streamlining operations at a local level should maximise the funding available to support important projects and the local communities in Clare," added Senator Mulcahy.</div>
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</span>Tony Mulcahyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15433041934663083174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458139463810870646.post-61972121661540315492015-03-05T16:23:00.001+00:002015-03-05T16:23:24.428+00:00<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">A great article in today's Clare Champion highlighting the need for stronger legal protection for victims of domestic violence:</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Law Favours Dogs over People</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">By Dan Danaher</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">ANIMALS enjoy more protection under the law than adult victims of domestic violence in Ireland, a prominent Clare politician has claimed.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Senator Tony Mulcahy, has called on Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald to introduce more stringent penalties against perpetrators of this crime.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">The Fine Gael Senator made the plea noting that someone who inflicts cruelty on a dog can be fined up to €250,000, or face up to five years imprisonment, while there is far less protection for someone over the age of 18, either male or female, who is a victim of domestic violence.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">A person convicted in the district court of causing harm can receive a maximum fine of €1,500 or up to 12 months in prison.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">“If we can introduce law to protect animals, we should be able to protect a man or woman that is being brutalised in their own home,” he said.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">“Friends of mine in the gardaí pointed me to the 2002 Children’s Welfare Act and the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. They outlined that the animal welfare legislation provides for penalties, including powers of detention, imprisonment and fines.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">“If I give a dog a kick up the backside, I can be detained for seven days, with a fine of up to €250,000 or five years imprisonment but there is little or no provision to protect someone over the age of 18, either male or female.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">“We already have the powers in the acts. I plead with the minister to ensure that we introduce the legislation this year,” he said.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">While the 2002 Children’s Act protects children under the age of 18 from domestic abuse, Senator Mulcahy insists existing laws do not offer enough protection for adults from this abuse.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Acknowledging that it is impossible to stop domestic violence, he stressed increased penalties would help reduce the incidence of this crime. He said domestic violence goes beyond a man and a woman, to include grandparents, uncles and aunts and any form of violence in the home.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">While Clare Haven manager Denise Dunne has welcomed Minister Fitzgerald’s commitment to introduce the Istanbul Convention later this year, she called on the Government to reverse the cutbacks that have seen a €98,000 slash in their funding since 2009.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Ms Dunne said Clare Haven has been forced to concentrate on providing its core emergency services for victims of domestic violence and has had to abandon several activities, such as training with community groups and information sessions in schools.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">She said it is vital for the Government to properly fund all support organisations, such as the Safe Ireland Network, to ensure its new laws can be implemented.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Highlighting the need for a new integrated approach, she called for the establishment of a Cabinet sub-committee to deal with domestic and sexual violence to co-ordinate the implementation of new laws between the Department of Justice, Environment and Tusla, the new family and children’s agency.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">She said, last year, the refuge accommodated 78 families and 157 children. However, it was unable to cater for another 128 families due to the lack of capacity, the longer length of stay for victims of domestic abuse and the lack of available accommodation in the private rental sector.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">The service also provided 778 support visits to victims who required assistance from a support worker to deal with a wide variety of issues, such as processing requests for legal orders.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">...</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Addressing a Seanad debate on Tuesday, Senator Mulcahy said he was speaking on behalf of the many thousands of victims and victims-to-be who are out there and looking for a permanent solution in this problem.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">In addition to introducing appropriate penalties, fines and periods of detention, he said there is a need for proper recording of the crime to ensure evidence is collated in a proper fashion.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">As a member of the Justice Committee, Senator Mulcahy said he has been told by domestic violence campaigners that he has raised the bar quite considerably by campaigning for reforms in this area.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">He requested the minister to implement the EU victims’ directive, ratify the Istanbul Convention on domestic violence and implement the report of the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality on domestic violence.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Senator Mulcahy also wants to replicate in this jurisdiction the DASH risk identification and assessment model, which operates in Northern Ireland.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Having sent a copy of this system of recording all crimes of sexual or domestic violence to the minister and new Garda Commissioner, Noirín O’Sullivan, he stressed this is a far more effective method compared to using an “old black notebook” or putting details on the Garda PULSE system.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">“The perpetrator of domestic violence is the person, not the victim, who should be looking for the bed and breakfast. The victims and families should be left in the family home,” he said.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">After the incident, he said an order should be put in place to remove the perpetrator for whatever term is needed.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Minister Fitzgerald said the Government is committed to the introduction of consolidated and reformed domestic violence legislation to address all aspects of domestic violence, threatened violence and intimidation in a way that provides protection to victims.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">She said it is important to have one consolidated piece of legislation, rather than the various Acts introduced in the past.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">“The Garda Commissioner has announced plans to develop a system of risk assessment for victims of domestic violence who come to the attention of the gardaí. The Garda Commissioner has announced a series of initiatives on the reorganisation of how child protection and sexual and domestic violence are dealt with by the gardaí.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">“That will also help to deal more effectively with reports of domestic violence and domestic abuse, as well as the decision to allocate two officers in every division with responsibility for victims. That is an extremely good initiative,” she said.</span><span id="fullpost">
</span>Tony Mulcahyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15433041934663083174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458139463810870646.post-21810797766054182015-02-23T10:44:00.001+00:002015-02-23T10:44:07.475+00:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Mulcahy confident extended Shannon guarantees can be secured<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Clare Fine Gael Senator Tony Mulcahy says he believes a longer term guarantee can be secured from IAG in relation to Shannon Airport's Heathrow slots and service levels along with "solid commitments" in relation to Aer Lingus' transatlantic services.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The Shannon-based Senator last week threatened to resign the party whip if the Government sells its 25.1% shareholding in Aer Lingus to IAG on the basis of a 5-year Heathrow slot guarantee and in the absence of any commitment to future transatlantic services at the Clare airport.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">"I made my position clear to Transport Minister Paschal Donoghue and at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1917692531" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Wednesday</span></span> night's Parliamentary Party meeting and I believe the Government is committed to rebuking any approach for its 25.1% shareholding in the airline unless certain commitments are introduced as part of IAG's offer. This includes IAG guaranteeing Shannon Airport's Heathrow slots for a period greater than the five years offered and a defined commitment in relation to transatlantic services. Any offer from IAG that falls short of this would be simply unpalatable to me and for many senior Government colleagues," said Senator Mulcahy<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Senator Mulcahy expressed his disappointment with some Fine Gael TD's who had indicated that they would support IAG's bid in its current format, adding that they had "disregarded the concerns of the people of the West of Ireland".<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">"Quality connectivity to and from Shannon Airport is extremely important for ensuring balanced regional development and attracting investment into the west of the country. The already proposed 5-year guarantee should be increased to give greater investor confidence while a long term commitment should be extended to transatlantic services," he added.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">"If Willie Walsh is as committed to growing business out of Shannon as he told me he was at a recent Joint Oireachtas Committee meeting, then delivering such guarantees as part of IAG's bid for Aer Lingus should not be a problem. The Government's 25.1% shareholding in Aer Lingus gives it significant bargaining power. Now is the time to use it which I am confident the Government will," said Senator Mulcahy.</span></div>
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</span>Tony Mulcahyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15433041934663083174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458139463810870646.post-10409872606293474622015-02-12T17:39:00.001+00:002015-02-12T17:39:02.802+00:00<span id="fullpost">
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Fine Gael Senator to resign whip if Government sells Aer Lingus share to IAG<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Clare Fine Gael Senator Tony Mulcahy has said he will resign the party whip if the Government sells its 25.1% shareholding in Aer Lingus to IAG.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Senator Mulcahy was speaking following today's appearance by IAG Chief Executive Willie Walsh at the <em><span style="font-style: normal;">Oireachtas Transport Committee.</span></em></span><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal;"><u></u><u></u></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal;">During the meeting, </span></em><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Mr. Walsh responded to a question from Senator Mulcahy stating he could not guarantee the future retention of Aer Lingus' transatlantic services to and from Shannon Airport.</span><u></u><u></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">"While Mr. Walsh confirmed to me IAG is in a position to guarantee Shannon Airport's Heathrow slots for a period of 5 years but that he could not guarantee the future retention of transatlantic services from the County Clare airport," said Senator Mulcahy.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">"I cannot support any proposed sale of Aer Lingus to IAG as the risks are far too great for Shannon Airport, and the people of Clare and the West of Ireland. Should the Government sell its shares to IAG I will resign the party whip and Fine Gael will no longer be able to rely on my vote," concluded Senator Mulcahy.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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Tony Mulcahyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15433041934663083174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458139463810870646.post-90415185788142068972015-02-06T12:51:00.001+00:002015-02-06T12:51:46.588+00:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Fund announced for introduction of new speed limits<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Clare Fine Gael Senator Tony Mulcahy has said the Government's announcement of a €2m Speed Limits Review fund for local authorities should provide the impetus for Clare County Council to consider introducing new speed limits in housing estates and residential areas.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Senator Mulcahy said he welcomed the news that Clare County Council has already engaged the general public regarding the proposed introduction of new measures to reduce vehicle speeds in residential areas.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">He stated: "Road Safety in built up areas and particularly areas where children are present is extremely important. I see the increased use of a 30km/h speed limit in residential areas as a measure that will help to keep pedestrians, cyclists and children at play safe."<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">"I am glad that the Council recently consulted the public to identify what estates should be included. It is important that the Council now act on the recommendations received and avail of the funding being made available by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. This funding will be allocated to local authorities as they come forward with their proposals to implement the lower speed limit and introduce new measures<span style="color: black;">," said Senator Mulcahy.</span></span></div>
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</span>Tony Mulcahyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15433041934663083174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458139463810870646.post-68780332436473910852015-02-03T10:28:00.003+00:002015-02-03T10:30:35.958+00:00Senator Mulcahy's Speech on Energy Production<br />
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Tony Mulcahyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15433041934663083174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458139463810870646.post-77943315695988436742015-01-23T16:53:00.002+00:002015-01-23T16:53:38.113+00:00<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<b>Electric Ireland urged to reduce energy prices</b></div>
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Fine Gael Seanad Spokesperson on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Senator Tony Mulcahy has called on the Electric Ireland to replicate the decision of Bord Gais Energy to reduce its prices for gas and electricity.</div>
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Bord Gais Energy's move comes a week after Senator Mulcahy called on the Regulator and energy companies to explain why electricity bills had not been reduced in light of continued significant falls in gas a<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">nd oil prices.</span></div>
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"I welcome Bord Gais Energy's decision to reduce its electricity prices by 3.5% for gas and 2.5% for electricity. The onus is now on Electric Ireland to follow suit," said Senator Mulcahy</div>
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"Any reduction in electricity or gas bills would provide a tremendous boost the economy and would help reduce overheads for households and businesses. Far too often we see companies using any hike in gas and oil prices as an excuse to raise prices and therefore, it is only right that the pressure be put on them to reduce bills are when such prices drop," he added.</div>
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Senator Mulcahy said he has already raised the issue in the Senate with Minister Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Alex White, TD., who is scheduled to meet the chief executives of energy companies next week to outline whether wholesale energy price reductions are being adequately reflected in household bills.</div>
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</span>Tony Mulcahyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15433041934663083174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458139463810870646.post-57715707111036829492015-01-15T17:30:00.003+00:002015-01-15T17:38:03.518+00:00<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
NEW Back to work Family Dividend </div>
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The government have just rolled out an new Back To Work Family Dividend. You can apply immediately, however no payments will be made until April 2015.</div>
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For one-parent families and long term jobseeker families with children who find or return to work, they will be able to retain the Qualified Child Increase of €29.80 per child, per week, for 12 months and then 50% of the rate for a second year. This applies to employment and self-employment. This Back to<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">Work Family Dividend (BTWFD) will be in addition to eligibility for Family Income Supplement (FIS) and will not affect the level of FIS payment.</span></div>
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In order to be eligible for the BTWFD then a person must be coming off their main social welfare payment (One-Parent Family Payment, Jobseeker’s Allowance or Jobseeker’s Allowance – Transition), in full and going into employment or self-employment. A person who is already in employment and in receipt of One-Parent Family Payment (OFP) and who then increases their hours of employment to the point that they are no longer eligible for OFP because their earnings from work are in excess of €425 a week (gross) or who is no longer entitled to an OFP payment because of the age of their youngest child may then qualify for the BTWFD.</div>
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You can download the application form here or contact my office 061 590661 for further information.</div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.welfare.ie%2Fen%2Fpdf%2FBTWFD1.pdf&h=yAQFBB3JH&enc=AZMFE0RP5osGAnM4pg0wBV7YIcT-vvxVrUvhTrB85Q1VUISoqDNH_C5z4Ett-hIa-xf5tINfaCSlLJyCrVgMq66cPVeCqAq2LhrJeNV8W6-F88yvlLOkgpmnndFclv-yz2kXoUjY39FuNtobhRupxS0jGERq_mhzpyigxzwSn6LUAg&s=1" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">https://www.welfare.ie/en/pdf/BTWFD1.pdf</a></div>
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</span>Tony Mulcahyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15433041934663083174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458139463810870646.post-72466236504512235352015-01-14T21:58:00.003+00:002015-01-14T21:58:59.425+00:00<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"> Clare Co.Co. have issued a red alert weather warning. They have also set up an Emergency number Weather warning. The emergency number is 1890 252 943. This has been established for members of the public to report any fallen trees, blocked roads or flooding. </span><span id="fullpost">
</span>Tony Mulcahyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15433041934663083174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458139463810870646.post-37488235469026422002013-12-04T15:41:00.001+00:002015-01-08T18:41:02.785+00:00<h2 class="singletitle">
<a href="http://www.dunphypr.com/?p=11196" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to Mulcahy urges Region to support new Ryanair services">Mulcahy urges Region to support new Ryanair services</a></h2>
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<strong>Clare Fine Gael Senator Tony Mulcahy has said the future viability of Shannon International Airport has been greatly enhanced by Ryanair’s announcement of 8 new services.<br /><br /><span id="more-11196"></span></strong></div>
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The Shannon-based Senator said today’s announcement heralds a new beginning for Shannon and is a further indication of the return to growth at the airport.</div>
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Ryanair says that from April 2014 it will begin operating from Shannon to Berlin, Faro, Fuerteventura, Krakow, Munich, Nice, Paris and Warsaw, delivering an additional 300,000 passengers per annum to the airport.<br />
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He stated: “In previous years, Shannon was very much dependent on Ryanair and in doing so suffered greatly when the airline withdrew many of its services during 2009 and 2010. However, we are in a much different situation as we head into 2014 with a number of transatlantic and short haul operators now based at Shannon. For example, the short period since autonomy was granted to Shannon Airport has seen some very significant, positive developments take place including Aer Lingus’ new service to Faro, Flybe’s new service to Glasgow and the addition of numerous transatlantic services.”<br />
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Senator Mulcahy said it is now up to the people of the West of Ireland to ensure that the services are maintained into the future. He continued: “We, as a region, cannot afford to be complacent about the services on offer at Shannon as seen with the loss of other services down through the years. By supporting existing services, the people of this region can play an important role in protecting Shannon Airport’s future. To consolidate the future of these new services, I would ask the people of this Region to support Shannon Airport when considering a trip abroad while tourism and hospitality operators can also play their part by promoting the airport as the key gateway to Ireland.”</div>
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“As a local community, we have fought long and hard to promote Shannon Airport as the West of Ireland’s transatlantic airport and as provider of quality connectivity to other international locations. Together, we can complement the good work being undertaken by airport management in recent months by supporting the newly announced Ryanair services.<br />
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“I want to commend the Government for its decision to scrap the Air Travel Tax from April 2014. This disastrous Fianna Fáil-imposed tax undermined the efforts of airports to retain existing routes and develop new services. I also want to acknowledge Ryanair and Michael O’Leary for fulfilling their promise of restoring services at Shannon should the tax be abolished,” concluded Senator Mulcahy.</div>
</div></span>Tony Mulcahyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15433041934663083174noreply@blogger.com0