The 62nd Plenary of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly concluded on Tuesday October 25^th following a two day Plenary meeting held at the Farnham Estate Hotel in Co Cavan, Ireland.

Lawmakers from Ireland and all the British legislatures, and the Crown Dependencies and British Overseas Territories gathered to discuss matters of mutual interest, debate trade and publish reports on a range of issues including post Brexit trade and vaccine rollout.

In their opening remarks, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin T.D. and UK Minister of State for Northern Ireland Steve Baker MP both paid tribute to the work of the Assembly and its importance in strengthening bi-lateral ties.

Mr Baker and Mr Martin called on parties in Northern Ireland to take their seats in the Northern Ireland Assembly and to work to avoid another election.

Members of the Assembly raised concerns with speakers about the current political impasse in Northern Ireland,the impact of the Ireland/Northern Ireland Protocol, Legacy issues, plans to mark the 25^th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

Speaking at the conclusion of the plenary, Irish Co-Chair Brendan Smith TD commented, “Since Sunday evening I was delighted to host a very successful Plenary meeting of our Assembly in Cavan.  We were delighted to have An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin T.D., and Minister Steve Baker contribute at length to our discussions along with a number of other guest speakers covering a wide range of topics.

A clear message throughout our proceedings is the absolute need to have the political institutions established under the Good Friday Agreement fully functioning and working in the best interests of all the people of Northern Ireland.  Implementing the Good Friday Agreement benefits the people of both Ireland and Britain. Discussing the challenges we share will also enable us to build solutions together.  

As a Parliamentary Assembly we will continue to strengthen British Irish bilateral relations and we will be ambitious and energetic in our work.  As neighbours with so many mutual concerns and interests we must talk to each other more and we must also listen to each other more.”

British Co-Chair Karen Bradley MP commented: “This plenary has highlighted how incredibly important our work is to bring together the various views of these isles to improve understanding and cooperation. 

It was a great honour to welcome the Taoiseach and Steve Baker and they have our thanks for treating this plenary and this institution with enormous respect. It is a recognition of the work we do to lay the foundation for better bilateral relations. 

Members on our Committees have done great work in the reports adopted by the Assembly that will result in further cooperation between the UK and Ireland.”

Notes to Editor 

Photography credit: Thomas Whyte – no repro fee.

The British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly (BIPA) was set up in February 1990 to act as a link between the Houses of the Oireachtas and the Houses of Parliament at Westminster.

BIPA’s members meet in plenary session twice a year and the main work of the Assembly falls to four Committees, which deal with sovereign matters, European affairs, economic affairs and environmental and social affairs.

BIPA Committees have published reports on the post-Brexit trading environment, the vaccine rollout and bilateral ties – read the reports here. 

For more on BIPA, see here.

Follow us on Twitter for updates: @BritishIrishPA

Media inquiries: 

Áine McMahon  – aine.mcmahon@oireachtas.ie 

Tim West  – westtb@parliament.uk 

26/10/2022

The HSE is advising that Flu and COVID-19 vaccines give your immune system the top-up it needs to help protect you from serious illness.  Three pop up COVID-19 clinics across Cavan and Monaghan will be offering primary vaccinations and adapted bivalent mRNA booster doses to eligible cohorts this week.

Flu and COVID-19 viruses are now circulating in our communities and you will need two vaccines to be protected, as COVID-19 and Flu are different viruses. 

Getting the Flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself, your family, colleagues and our health services. To book your Flu vaccine and to check if you are one of the eligible groups please contact your GP or check with your local pharmacy.  You can also check which pharmacy is delivering flu vaccines via the pharmacy finder: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/flu/pharmacies-flu/ 

New adapted COVID-19 vaccines are now being offered as booster doses.  People aged 29 years and younger will be offered Pfizer booster vaccines, and those aged 30 years or older will be offered Moderna booster vaccines when attending for their booster vaccination in line with NIAC recommendations.

Please see following information for eligibility and COVID-19 vaccine course. 

• 65 years and older,  1st round of vaccination, 1st Booster dose, 2nd  Booster dose, 3rd Booster dose
• 50 to 64 years, 1st round of vaccination, 1st Booster dose, 2nd  Booster dose
• 12 to 49 years, (with certain long term medical conditions; residents of long-term care facilities), 1st round of vaccination, 1st Booster dose, 2nd  Booster dose, 3rd Booster dose
• Healthcare Workers, 1st round of vaccination, 1st Booster dose, 2nd  Booster dose   
• 12 to 49 years, 1st round of vaccination, 1st Booster dose,
• 12 years and older (with a weak immune system), 1st round of vaccination, Additional dose, 1st Booster dose, 2nd  Booster dose, 3rd Booster dose
• Pregnancy, 1st round of vaccination, 1st Booster dose, 2nd  Booster dose
• Children 5 -11 years, 1st round of vaccination
• Children 5 -11 years (with a weak immune system), 1st round of vaccination, Additional dose, 1st Booster dose

The first two clinics will take place Monday 24^th and Tuesday 25^th of October in Drumalee GAA Clubhouse, St. Felim’s Park, Drumalee, Cavan, H12 DY88.

Monday 24th October

10.30am to 1pm and 1.45pm to 4pm – 30 years and over 

Tuesday 25th October

10.30am to 1pm and 1.45pm to 4pm – 30 years and over

The third clinic will be held on Wednesday 26^th October in St Joseph’s Pastoral Centre, Broad Rd, Mullaghmonaghan, Co. Monaghan, H18 VK77.

Wednesday 26^th October

10.30am to 2pm – 30 years and over

2.45pm to 4pm – 5 to 11 years of age

You can book your COVID-19 vaccine appointment online at www.hse.ie/bookk  or you can walk-in to the centre. There are different times offered for different age cohorts, therefore please ensure you book/walk-in to the correct clinic for your age.

Operational Site Manager for Cavan and Monaghan COVID-19 Vaccination Services Paula Loughran said “We are urging people to top-up their immunity with the COVID-19 and Flu vaccines to make ensure they are protected in the months ahead.”

ENDS – 21/10/2022

Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan and Monaghan, Brendan Smith has highlighted the worrying plight of small and medium businesses along the border who are struggling with the impact of increasing energy costs with the Taoiseach in Dáil Eireann.

Deputy Brendan Smith commented, “The economy of Cavan-Monaghan and the wider Border region is heavily dependent on SMEs. These enterprises are concerned about the increasing costs facing businesses. When such enterprises commence, their first export markets are Northern Ireland and Britain, but there are additional costs due to Brexit. There have also been supply chain difficulties in sourcing products for manufacture or addition to manufacturing and for export.

“In my recent engagements with SMEs, particularly over the weekend, they were very concerned by the increase in energy costs. They are appealing for very strong Government support to assist them through these particularly difficult months. Many of them fear that their businesses will not be viable if current energy costs remain. In his recent visit to Cavan, the Taoiseach engaged with other public representatives and me. He will recall that we raised SME concerns in this regard and the need for support through these difficult times, particularly with costs.”

In response, Taoiseach Micheál Martin stated: “The Deputy is correct in saying that many companies depend on the Northern Ireland or British market in terms of initial exports of goods leaving Ireland and going into the UK market. This is why it is important to us that the UK economy is strong. 

“If the UK’s economy is strong, Ireland’s economy is strong. Energy costs are significant and that is why we have brought in the TBESS. We have also brought in a range of other guaranteed loan schemes to try to help, right down to the micro company level, and to see if we can ensure that we keep companies operating. We will keep the situation under review because the nature of the costs is significant and severe.”

ENDS 20/10/2022

Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan and Monaghan, Brendan Smith has called on the Minister for Higher Education to examine the inclusion of students studying in Northern Ireland in the €1,000 State financial support towards student fees announced in the Budget.

Speaking to the Taoiseach in Dáil Eireann on the issue, Deputy Brendan Smith commented, “A welcome provision in the budget was the introduction of a €1,000 State financial support towards student fees. It is a once-off payment. Unfortunately, it is not applicable to students studying in Northern Ireland, Britain or outside our State. That is wrong. We have to encourage students to travel to study on a cross-Border basis. That should be revisited.

“There is also a welcome introduction of the rental tax credit of €500 to parents of third level students paying their child’s rent in a tenancy that is registered with the Residential Tenancies Board, RTB. That must be also applicable to students who are renting in registered accommodation outside our State.”

In response, Taoiseach Micheál Martin stated: “I understand Deputy Smith has very strong concerns as a border Deputy. He understands full well the implications. There could be complications around that, but I will have the matter examined in terms of what possibly can be done to support students. However, there are complications. I will have the matter examined.”

ENDS

20/10/2022

Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan and Monaghan, Brendan Smith has highlighted the worrying plight of small and medium businesses along the border who are struggling with the impact of increasing energy costs with the Taoiseach in Dáil Eireann.

Deputy Brendan Smith commented, “The economy of Cavan-Monaghan and the wider Border region is heavily dependent on SMEs. These enterprises are concerned about the increasing costs facing businesses. When such enterprises commence, their first export markets are Northern Ireland and Britain, but there are additional costs due to Brexit. There have also been supply chain difficulties in sourcing products for manufacture or addition to manufacturing and for export.

“In my recent engagements with SMEs, particularly over the weekend, they were very concerned by the increase in energy costs. They are appealing for very strong Government support to assist them through these particularly difficult months. Many of them fear that their businesses will not be viable if current energy costs remain. In his recent visit to Cavan, the Taoiseach engaged with other public representatives and me. He will recall that we raised SME concerns in this regard and the need for support through these difficult times, particularly with costs.”

In response, Taoiseach Micheál Martin stated: “The Deputy is correct in saying that many companies depend on the Northern Ireland or British market in terms of initial exports of goods leaving Ireland and going into the UK market. This is why it is important to us that the UK economy is strong. 

“If the UK’s economy is strong, Ireland’s economy is strong. Energy costs are significant and that is why we have brought in the TBESS. We have also brought in a range of other guaranteed loan schemes to try to help, right down to the micro company level, and to see if we can ensure that we keep companies operating. We will keep the situation under review because the nature of the costs is significant and severe.”

Taoiseach and NI Minister to speak at interparliamentary event

The 62^nd plenary of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly will be held on Monday and Tuesday October 24-25 at the Farnham Estate Spa & Golf Course, Cavan, Ireland.

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin, UK Northern Ireland Minister Steve Baker will address the assembly on Monday. British Ambassador to Ireland, Paul Johnson is also due to speak.

Lawmakers from Ireland and all the British legislatures, and the Crown Dependencies and British Overseas Territories gather twice a year to discuss matters of mutual interest. Politicians from all these areas are due to debate trade while three of its Committees will present reports to members, including on the impact on UK-Irish trade of Brexit from the Economic Affairs Committee.  

Irish Co Chair of BIPA Brendan Smith TD said: “We look forward to welcoming parliamentarians to Cavan for the 62^nd Plenary meeting of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly.”

“This is a timely opportunity to engage with colleagues from a number of legislatures on a range of topics of particular concern across Britain and Ireland at present. As we approach the 25^th Anniversary of the historic signing of the Good Friday Agreement the work of BIPA will contribute to a strengthening of British-Irish bilateral relations and by working together we can successfully address issues of critical importance in both jurisdictions.”

British Co Chair of BIPA Karen Bradley MP said: “Next week will be the first plenary in Ireland for more than two years and I speak for all UK members when I say we are very much looking forward to it. It comes at a time of heightened international tensions where cooperation, constructive debate and friendly relations with friends, which is exactly what BIPA provides, has rarely been more important.” 

 Gardaí in Cavan renew appeal into Belturbet bombing

I welcome the announcement by An Garda Síochána that a Senior Investigating Officer has been appointed to lead a further investigation into the Belturbet bombing Of December 1972 and I wish to appeal again to anybody who might have any information to ensure that they contact An Garda Síochána. 

I sincerely hope that progress can be made in this investigation of this desperate atrocity which took the lives of 2 young teenagers, Geraldine O’Reilly and Patrick Stanley and injured many others.

In September 2020 I put on the record of Dáil Éireann information that had come to me through the good investigative work of Professor Edward Burke of the University of Nottingham in relation to the Belturbet bombing.  Subsequently the Minister for Justice confirmed to me that she had referred this information to An Garda Síochána for investigation.

I wish An Garda Síochána well with this extremely important investigation and I hope that there will be co-operation, North and South, from the public and also from all Authorities that will help to identify the perpetrators of that heinous crime.

At this time as we approach the 50^th Anniversary of this despicable bombing I would like to pay tribute again to the O’Reilly and Stanley families who have always campaigned for justice for their loved ones with the utmost grace and dignity through decades of grief.

(1) Cavan Monaghan Garda Division | Facebook

19/10/2022

HSE’s Winter Vaccination Programme encourages people to be winter ready with five pop up COVID-19 clinics across Cavan and Monaghan offering primary vaccinations and adapted bivalent mRNA booster doses to eligible cohorts.

Vaccination is proven to be the best protection against the Flu and COVID-19 viruses that are expected to circulate this winter.

New adapted COVID-19 vaccines are now being offered as booster doses.  People aged 29 years and younger will be offered Pfizer booster vaccines, and those aged 30 years or older will be offered Moderna booster vaccines when attending for their booster vaccination in line with NIAC recommendations.

Please see following information for eligibility and COVID-19 vaccine course. 

·       65 years and older,  1st round of vaccination, 1st Booster dose, 2nd  Booster dose, 3rd Booster dose

·       50 to 64 years, 1st round of vaccination, 1st Booster dose, 2nd  Booster dose

·       12 to 49 years, (with certain long term medical conditions; residents of long-term care facilities), 1st round of vaccination, 1st Booster dose, 2nd  Booster dose, 3rd Booster dose

·       Healthcare Workers, 1st round of vaccination, 1st Booster dose, 2nd  Booster dose   

·       12 to 49 years, 1st round of vaccination, 1st Booster dose,

·       12 years and older (with a weak immune system), 1st round of vaccination, Additional dose, 1st Booster dose, 2nd  Booster dose, 3rd Booster dose

·       Pregnancy, 1st round of vaccination, 1st Booster dose, 2nd  Booster dose

·       Children 5 -11 years, 1st round of vaccination

·       Children 5 -11 years (with a weak immune system), 1st round of vaccination, Additional dose, 1st Booster dose

The first two clinics will take place Monday 17^th and Tuesday 18^th October in Drumalee GAA Clubhouse, St. Felim’s Park, Drumalee, Cavan, H12 DY88.

Monday 17th October

10.30am to 1pm and 1.45pm to 4pm – 30 years and over 

Tuesday 18th October

10.30am to 1pm and 1.45pm to 4pm – 30 years and over

The third clinic will be held on Friday 21^st October in Old Courthouse, Ballyjamesduff, Co. Cavan, A82F1WE.

Friday 21st October        

10.30am to 1pm and 1.45pm to 4pm – 30 years and over

The fourth clinic will be held on Wednesday 19^th October in St Joseph’s Pastoral Centre, Broad Rd, Mullaghmonaghan, Co. Monaghan, H18 VK77.

Wednesday 19th October         

10.30am to 2pm – 30 years and over

2.45pm to 4pm – 12 to 29 years

The fifth clinic will be held on Saturday 22^nd October in Primary Healthcare Centre, Oriel Rd, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan, A81 C642.

Saturday 22nd October

10am to 1pm – 30 years and over

1.45pm to 2.45pm – 12 to 29 years

You can book your COVID-19 vaccine appointment online at www.hse.ie/bookk  or you can walk-in to the centre. There are different times offered for different age cohorts, therefore please ensure you book/walk-in to the correct clinic for your age.

Operational Site Manager for Cavan and Monaghan COVID-19 Vaccination Services Paula Loughran said “We are urging people to be winter ready by getting their next COVID-19 vaccination at any of our upcoming pop up clinics across Cavan and Monaghan.”

ENDS

14^th October 2022

HSE Media Release

Now in its 17^th year, the all-island festival of maths and numeracy kicks off tomorrow, Saturday 15^th October and runs until Sunday 23^rd October.

Over 5,506 pupils from all over Cavan and 2,901 pupils in Monaghan have signed up adding to the over 400,000 registered participants nationwide with more registering each day.

Maths Week is designed to promote a positive attitude towards maths and its applications. It is co-ordinated by Calmast, South East Technological University’s STEM Engagement centre and supported by the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Discover Programme, the Department of Education, and Business in the Community Northern Ireland.

This year sees the return of Maths Week to classrooms, museums, universities, theatres, libraries, and auditoriums all over the country. A number of online events are also planned to make the event as accessible as possible. ‘MathsWeekTV’ is scheduled to broadcast daily shows online for primary and secondary schools across the island.

Activities will not only be based in the classroom; the popular Puzzles in the Park will return to parks around the country including Merrion Square, Mountjoy Square, Dun Laoghaire, Kilkenny, Castlebar, Limerick, Waterford, Galway and Cork. Maths Week have also partnered with FoodCloud again to distribute maths puzzles and pop out games to direct provision centres, homeless shelters, and nursing homes across the country. As maths is for everyone, we want to make sure no one is left out.

The full programme and details of how to get involved are available on the Maths Week website www.mathsweek.ie.

I have received confirmation from the Health Service Executive that a capital submission for a new Oncology Day Unit at Cavan General Hospital was considered recently by the National Capital and Property Steering Group.

The HSE state that this capital project will be considered for inclusion in the Capital Plan for 2023 and that the prioritisation process will commence shortly.

This welcome reply from the HSE follows on from Parliamentary Questions I tabled in Dáil Éireann highlighting the need to progress this project in view of the inadequate accommodation facilities at Cavan General Hospital at present.

I also spoke to the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly T.D., about the great value and importance of these cancer services for large numbers of patients in #Cavan #Monaghan and neighbouring areas and the resultant pressure on staff who work extremely hard in outdated accommodation.

12/10/2022