Niall Collins, TD and Minister of State at the Department of Justice, on Wednesday 18th June, launched Archways’ new five-year Strategic Plan at an event in Buswells Hotel in Dublin.

The new plan establishes the framework for Archways’ future growth whilst ensuring that children, young people, and families are very much at the core of what they do.

Archways’ Strategic Plan 2025-2030 details how the organisation will change and grow over the next five years.

In order to contribute to a society where children and families experiencing challenges are empowered to create change in their lives, Archways will continue to transform the lives of these children and families by challenging, championing, and empowering stakeholders through universal and targeted prevention and early intervention services that are evidence-based.

The plan has four Strategic Pillars:

• Strengthening our Programmes
• Supporting our People
• Growing our Organisation
• Securing the Future

Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Niall Collins TD, said:
“As Minister with Responsibility for Youth Justice, I know the importance of the work done by Archways to research, develop, and promote evidence-based programmes for young people and the professionals that support them cannot be overstated.

Archways is a primary service provider for the Greentown programme, which is internationally awarded for its approach to breaking the link between criminal groups and children. We know that the most effective outcomes are achieved by youth justice interventions such as these.

Without Archways and other partner organisations in communities, our youth justice approach simply would not work. I congratulate them on the launch of their new Strategic Plan and look forward to continuing to work closely with them.”

John Curran, Chairperson of Archways, said at the event:
“We are proud to present Archways’ new Strategic Plan which sets out our priorities for the next five years. The plan was developed after a lengthy consultation process which began in April 2024.

I would like to thank all the staff at Archways, the key stakeholders, and my Board and subcommittee colleagues who engaged enthusiastically throughout the process to make sure the plan was the best it could be.

We were encouraged by the incredibly positive feedback provided by everyone that we consulted with, including partner organisations and funders. As one said:
‘Archways is very good at the toughest end of the spectrum.’

As is often said when new plans are launched, the real work starts now. Working in partnership with statutory agencies and community organisations is fundamental to implementing this strategy.”

Also speaking at the event, Hugh Doogan, CEO at Archways, said:
“This five-year plan is realistic, challenging, and achievable. The Strategic Pillars were designed to inspire us to a unified strategic vision. The Strategic Plan is designed to help us have the greatest impact on the children, young people, families, professionals, and communities that we work with.”

Further information on Archways please visit http://www.archways.ie

Brendan Smith TD has received confirmation this week that Cuan, the national Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Agency, is actively in the process of identifying sites in the Cavan/Monaghan region for the development of a new 8-unit domestic violence refuge.

In response to a Parliamentary Question from Deputy Smith, Dr. Stephanie O’Keeffe, CEO of Cuan, confirmed that the Agency is actively working with Safe Ireland, Cavan and Monaghan County Councils, and the Department of Housing to advance the refuge project.

“I am pleased to hear that sites are now being identified for this much-needed refuge in Cavan-Monaghan. After years of highlighting the urgent need for a dedicated domestic violence refuge in our area, it’s encouraging to finally see the project making progress.

“Access to safe accommodation and support services is absolutely essential, especially for individuals and families in rural communities like ours. This facility is urgently needed in the Cavan-Monaghan area. Right now, neither county has a dedicated centre for victims of domestic abuse, and those affected have been waiting far too long for this vital support.

Site visits have been conducted with key stakeholders including Safe Ireland, the lead Approved Housing Body, both County Councils, the Department of Housing, and the Housing Agency to assess potential locations. Additionally, Safe Ireland’s Cavan-Monaghan branch has received extra resources to expand emergency refuge and Safe Home accommodation services.

“I will continue to work closely with the Minister, Cuan, and all parties involved in this project to ensure the refuge is delivered as quickly as possible.”

Currently, nearly three-quarters of Ireland’s population can reach a refuge within 30 minutes. Cuan’s Corporate Plan 2025 to 2027 commits to further expanding this access, with a strong focus on rural and underserved areas such as Cavan-Monaghan.

Today, Minister Dara Calleary has got Cabinet approval for the extension of eligibility for the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance to children in foster care – a vital step that will benefit around 2,300 children nationwide.

As a once-off payment for 2025:

Children aged 4–11 will receive €160

Those aged 12–22 will receive €285

This is part of a wider scheme helping 114,000+ families every July, with over €54 million allocated this year alone.

In Fianna Fáil, we are committed to supporting families who need it most – and this is another strong step in the right direction.

Applications for eligible foster care families open today

You can apply at: http://www.MyWelfare.ie

Local Fianna Fáil TD, Brendan Smith, has received confirmation from the Minister for for Children, Disabilty and Equality Norma Foley that €125,000 is to be provided for a youth facility in Clones under the Department’s Making Spaces for and with Teenagers Pilot Project.

Clones Teen Haven: Where Stories Unfold is a project run by Monaghan County Council and provides recreation amenities, such as social ‘hang out’ spaces and multi use games areas.
“This is a very welcome development and will provide an inclusive and safe space for teenagers throughout the county to gather,” said Brendan Smith TD.

“The Clones Teen Haven project is very much driven by the needs of local young people. The Council, working with their local Comhairle na nÓg, were invited to develop and submit a proposal for a project to address the recreational needs of teenagers in their local authority area, up to a maximum cost of €125,000.
“Monaghan County Council submitted an excellent proposal and is one of only two local authorities in the country to receive the maximum amount of €125,000.

“This initiative gives young people a strong voice in how services should be developed for them and it represents an investment in the future of our communities, allowing young people to thrive, learn and grow,” concluded Deputy Brendan Smith.

“I welcome the approval by my colleague Minister Dara Calleary of  €306,792 for local community groups throughout Cavan and Monaghan under this year’s Local Enhancement Programme.

This small scale funding will enable community groups to carry out minor improvement works, purchase IT equipment and can also help to meet ongoing operational costs.

We are very fortunate to have such a vibrant and progressive community spirit throughout Cavan and Monaghan and the facilities that have been developed over the years play an important role in the everyday lives of local residents.

I wish all the groups continued success with their work and I will be glad to continue to support their efforts in providing enhanced and indeed additional facilities and amenities for the benefit of our local communities ” stated Brendan Smith TD

Below is a reply in Dáil Eireann on Wednesday 11th June by the Minister for Enterprise for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to a Parliamentary Question I tabled regarding the concerns of workers and the need to ensure the maximum level of government support to safeguard employment in Wellman Mullagh.

On Tuesday I spoke to Minister Peter Burke and I clearly outlined to him the issues that were raised at the meeting last Thursday evening by Wellman employees and the obvious need to secure employment.

______________________________________________
For Written Answer on : 11/06/2025
Question Number(s): 110 Question Reference(s): 31298/25
Department: Enterprise, Tourism and Employment
Asked by: Brendan Smith T.D.
______________________________________________


QUESTION

To ask the Minister for Enterprise; Tourism and Employment if he will ensure that the maximum possible support is provided by his Department, and the industrial promotion agencies under the remit of his Department, to a company (details supplied) to ensure the maximum possible employment level retention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. (Details Supplied) Wellman International Ireland has filed a petition to place its operation at Mullagh, Co Cavan into examinership and employees and the local community are very anxious that the maximum level of employment possible should be retained at this facility.

REPLY

Wellman International is a wholly owned subsidiary of Indorama Ventures PCL, one of the world’s leading petrochemical producers and a leading global manufacturer of wool yarns. The broader Indorama Group is based in Bangkok, Thailand.  As the Deputy will be aware, Wellman International Ltd, Mullagh, County Cavan produces polyester staple fibres, made primarily from recycled material, and the company entered the examinership process on 3rd June 2025.  Examinership is a court-overseen process whereby a company is placed under court protection for a period of time in order to allow for the potential rescue and return to financial health of a company which may be in severe financial difficulty, but which is potentially viable.

My foremost concern, and that of the Government, is for the potentially impacted employees and their families during this difficult and uncertain time. And I can confirm that my Department received a collective redundancy notification from Wellman International Limited on 6th June 2025, the details of which are for the company to disclose. However, it should be noted that Ireland has a robust suite of employment rights legislation in place to protect and support workers where collective redundancies are proposed by an employer.

The Protection of Employment Act 1977 imposes certain legal obligations on employers in these situations, including the requirement to consult and provide information to employees’ representatives for a 30-day period, before any notice of redundancy can issue. The consultation with employees’ representatives should include the possibility of avoiding the proposed redundancies, reducing the number of employees effected or mitigating their consequences. The proposed collective redundancy must also be notified to the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment at least 30 days before the first dismissal takes effect.

In parallel, Government provides a range of supports to any employees facing job losses and the Intreo service of the Department of Social Protection can assist with income supports and relevant employment and training opportunities where needed. Our enterprise agencies will also assist where possible in helping those impacted to find alternative employment, and this support can include:

• Provision of a detailed skills profile for the employees which can be shared with other potential employers;
• Identification and connection with other employers who may be hiring across the locality and wider region;
• Information sessions by the Department of Social Protection’s Intreo Office on social welfare services and employment support services;
• Identification and provision of training and further education opportunities for employees; and
• Exploring opportunities to start your own business through LEOs and Enterprise Ireland.

While being very careful not to comment on the Examinership process itself, as this is before our Courts, I can confirm IDA Ireland have been engaging continuously with the company for some time and working to provide all necessary supports.  IDA has worked closely with the Irish leadership team to help improve the company’s competitive position before the company took its recent decision to follow the Examinership route.

IDA will continue its engagement with the parent company, Indorama in Bangkok, and with the impacted workers. 

Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan, Brendan Smith, has welcomed the opening of applications for the 2025 Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance, with over €54 million secured to support families across Ireland, including over 3,457 recipients in Cavan and Monaghan alone.

This once-off payment helps families cover the rising cost of essential school items like uniforms and shoes. In 2025, eligible families will receive €160 for children aged 4–11 and €285 for those aged 12 and over in secondary school.

Deputy Smith said, “I’m delighted to confirm that applications are now open for the 2025 Back-to-School Allowance. We’ve secured €54.4 million for this scheme to ensure families don’t face unnecessary pressure gearing up for the school year.”

“Parents shouldn’t have to worry about affording basics like school shoes or uniforms. This support means they can focus on what really matters, their child’s education, not their bank balance.”

The majority of families, over 114,000, will receive their payment automatically, covering approximately 197,000 children. These automatic payments, totalling €42 million, will be issued during the week starting 14th July 2025. Families will be notified via MyWelfare or by post.

Anyone who doesn’t receive an automatic notification can apply online at www.MyWelfare.ie from today, Monday, 9th June.

Deputy Smith added, “More than 75% of payments will go out automatically this July. I urge all families to check their MyWelfare account and ensure they’re not missing out on this vital help.”

He concluded, “This scheme is a lifeline for many, especially during times of rising living costs. I’ll continue working with the Minister to keep supports like this in place for the families who need them most.”

Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan–Monaghan, Brendan Smith, has called on the Government to ensure that towns and villages across Cavan and Monaghan are prioritised for expanded CCTV coverage to strengthen local crime prevention and community safety.

Raising the matter directly with the Minister for Justice during Parliamentary Questions, Deputy Smith stressed the importance of this infrastructure for supporting Garda work and providing reassurance to local communities.

“CCTV systems have proven to be an essential tool in tackling anti-social behaviour and supporting Gardaí in their investigations,” Deputy Smith said. “Many communities in Cavan and Monaghan have been calling for improved surveillance to help deter crime and make their towns safer.”

In response, the Minister confirmed that €1 million has been made available in 2024 to support the development and upgrade of community-based CCTV systems, with applications now open to Local Authorities. The grant scheme can also assist with maintenance of existing systems, helping communities keep vital infrastructure operational.

Deputy Smith welcomed the confirmation and urged local councils and communities to act swiftly. “I would strongly encourage our Local Authorities to apply for this funding, and to work with local communities to identify priority areas for CCTV installation or upgrade.”

The Minister also outlined plans for reform under the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Act 2023, which will give a greater role to new Local Community Safety Partnerships (LCSPs). These bodies, which will include residents, local councillors, Gardaí and council staff, will be central in identifying needs and making proposals for new CCTV schemes.

“These new partnerships can give local people a direct say in how safety measures are implemented in their own communities,” said Deputy Smith. “I will continue to press for the establishment of these partnerships without delay in Cavan and Monaghan, so that important initiatives like CCTV rollout are not held up.  I was unhappy and voiced my concerns that the structure of the former Joint Policing Committees was not continued with the establishment of the new Safety Partnership model and I sincerely hope that the good work of those Joint Policing Committees will be continued.  I know that the input of public representatives was critical to those engagements.”

Concluding, Deputy Smith stated, “Every community, rural and urban, deserves to feel safe. With this available funding, and a new structure being put in place to support local decision-making, we have an opportunity to make real progress. I will be working closely with my Fianna Fáil colleagues and local stakeholders to ensure we deliver enhanced safety for the people of Cavan and Monaghan.”

Local Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith has welcomed confirmation from his party colleague and Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary, that the Carer’s Support Grant will be paid to 3,993 Cavan and Monaghan carers today.  

The grant is not taxable and is available to all carers providing full-time care to an older person or a person with a disability, regardless of their means or social insurance contributions.

The rate of the Carer’s Support Grant has been increased this year by €150, from €1,850 to €2,000 – it’s highest ever level.

The Carer’s Support Grant is paid in respect of each person being cared for to take account of the additional cost of providing care and to recognise the particular challenges faced by these carers.

Welcoming this news Deputy Smith said, “I very much welcome news today that 3,227 carers across Cavan and Monaghan will receive the Carer’s Support Grant of €2,000 today.

“The Carer’s Support Grant this year has been increased by €150, to €2,000, its highest level ever. This is one of a number of improvements introduced this year in recognition of the vital role of carers and the contribution they make to society.

“The Grant will be paid automatically to those who are receiving the Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit and Domiciliary Care Allowance schemes. It is also available to other full-time carers not receiving these payments and is paid in respect of each person being cared for.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank all carers for the vital and valuable contribution they play in our society and in our local communities.”

Further information on the Carer’s Support Grant is available at www.gov.ie/csg

I welcome the approval by Minister Dara Calleary of €464,000 for a number of Clubs in
Cavan and Monaghan under his Department’s Community Recognition Fund.

The successful applications include:
✅ Killinkere Leisure Centre – €50,000 for accessibility improvement works 
✅Denn GFC – €94,445 for installation of all weather pitch 
✅ Ballinagh Leisure and Sports Complex Trust- €50,000 for upgrading of Astro-turf
facilities 
✅Mullagh Community Sports Centre- €50,000 for refurbishment works 
✅ Killygoan play park upgrade-€67,785
✅ MUGA upgrade in Cloughvalley – €82,199
✅ Provision of basketball court and equipment in Ballybay-€69,161.

I compliment the successful applicants and this funding will assist in the provision of new and enhanced facilities benefitting local communities across recreation and sporting activities.
Government funding is essential in supporting local organisations and local authorities in providing a wide range of community facilities throughout rural parishes, towns and villages.
In recent years there has been a very substantial investment in community facilities,” stated
Brendan Smith TD.