Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan and Monaghan, Brendan Smith has again called on the Government to act in the Budget to support both local and national newspapers to ensure the continued viability of the sector.

In a question to Minister for Communications, Eamon Ryan in Dáil Eireann, Deputy Brendan Smith commented, “Despite our differences with newspapers at times, they contribute enormously to democratic, social, cultural, sporting, economic and business life. The journalism produced by the news publishers who are members of NewsBrands Ireland and Local Ireland is read by 82% of the population. 

“Significantly, this represents four out of five adults. The viability of these publications and associated jobs is at stake. The Government must act in this budget by helping to ensure the continued viability of this sector. People must not be subjected to a reliance on unregulated social media for information and news, or, in many instances, misinformation and fake news.”

The Cavan and Monaghan TD added: “Ireland is one of the few countries that impose a high level of tax on print and digital newspapers. NewsBrands Ireland and Local Ireland, representing our national and regional newspapers, such as The Anglo-Celt and The Northern Standard, have cogently outlined the crucial need to reduce the VAT rate on newspapers, in print and digital formats, to 0%.”

In response, Minister Ryan agreed with Deputy Smith’s assertions and stated that he believed that “if we become reliant on social media feeds where we only hear from people of the same views, that will result in a deepening sense of division and a coarsening of society”, adding: “It will lead to a disparaging of other people in a way that is not good for our health, our souls or our future.”

The Minister also spoke of the “threats that exist in the social media environment if it is not a space for regulated journalism that asks the hard questions”, adding that newspapers provide a different perspective and present different information in a way that is mediated by professional journalists and this is why it is important that they survive and continue to develop to fulfill this critical role in our democracy.

ENDS

Four pop up COVID-19 clinics will be held this week in Cavan Town, Ballyjamesduff, Monaghan and Carrickmacross offering both primary and booster vaccination doses to eligible cohorts.

The first clinic takes place Tuesday September 20th in Drumalee GAA Clubhouse St. Felim’s Park, Drumalee, Cavan, H12 DY88.

Vaccines available are:

·       Dose 1, Dose 2, and booster vaccines for those aged 12 + years

·       Second boosters for those aged 12- 49 years deemed medically vulnerable

·       Second booster for those aged 50 years and over

·       Booster vaccines for Healthcare workers

The second clinic will be held in Old Courthouse, Ballyjamesduff, Co. Cavan on Friday 23^rd September.

Vaccines available are:

·       Dose 1, Dose 2, and booster vaccines for those aged 12 + years

·       Second boosters for those aged 12- 49 years deemed medically vulnerable

·       Second booster for those aged 50 years and over

·       Booster vaccines for Healthcare workers

The third clinic will be held on Wednesday 21^st September in St Joseph’s Pastoral Centre, Broad Rd, Mullaghmonaghan, Co. Monaghan, H18 VK77.

Vaccines available are:

·       Dose 1, Dose 2, and booster vaccines for those aged 12 + years

·       Second boosters for those aged 12- 49 years deemed medically vulnerable

·       Second booster for those aged 50 years and over

·       Booster vaccines for Healthcare workers

·       Dose 1, Dose 2 for those aged 5 – 11 years

·       Booster 1 for those aged 5-11 years that are Immunocompromised.

The fourth clinic will be held on Saturday 24^th September in Primary Healthcare Centre, Oriel Rd, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan, A81 C642.

While walk in’s are welcome, we would encourage people to book their appointment at www.hse.ie to ensure a suitable time and for the easy flow of the centre.

Deputy Operational Lead for the Cavan Monaghan COVID-19 Vaccination Service Geraldine Keenan said “We welcome those who are medically vulnerable between the ages of 12 and 49 years for their second booster vaccination at any of our pop up clinics in Cavan and Monaghan this week. We know immunity from COVID-19 vaccination and previous COVID-19 infection decreases over time so getting your booster when it’s due will give you the best protection from serious illness, and increase immunity against infection from COVID-19.  We are also inviting those aged 50 years and over who are also eligible for their second booster vaccinations. This is in addition to Healthcare workers for their second booster vaccination.”

Cavan/Monaghan Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith has welcomed the approval by Cavan County Council of a planning permission application submitted by Cavan Monaghan Education and Training Board in respect of the provision of 8 new classrooms at St Bricin’s College, Belturbet.

“The 8 classrooms will include 2 special education rooms and there will also be additional accommodation including office and toilet facilities and a multi-sensory room.  I welcome this planning approval which will enable the ETB to progress this important building project which will enhance considerably the accommodation at St Bricin’s College”, stated Brendan Smith TD

19/09/2022

Three pop up COVID-19 clinics will be held this week offering both primary and booster vaccination doses to eligible cohorts.

The first clinic will is taking place today Wednesday 14th September 2022 in St Joseph’s Pastoral Centre Broad Rd, Mullaghmonaghan, Co. Monaghan, H18 VK77.

Vaccines available are:

·       Dose 1, Dose 2, and Booster vaccines for those aged 12 + years

·       Second boosters for those aged 12- 49 years deemed medically vulnerable

·       Second Booster for those aged 50 years and over

·       Booster vaccines for Healthcare workers

The second clinic will be held on Thursday 15^th September in the Iontas Centre, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan, A75 HK09.

Vaccines available are:

·       Dose 1, Dose 2, and Booster vaccines for those aged 12 + years

·       Second boosters for those aged 12- 49 years deemed medically vulnerable

·       Second Booster for those aged 50 years and over

·       Booster vaccines for Healthcare workers

The third clinic will be held on Friday 16th September in the Old Courthouse, Ballyjamesduff, Co. Cavan. 

Vaccines available are:

·       Dose 1, Dose 2, and Booster vaccines for those aged 12 + years

·       Second boosters for those aged 12- 49 years deemed medically vulnerable

·       Second Booster for those aged 50 years and over

·       Booster vaccines for Healthcare workers

·       Dose 1, Dose 2 for those aged 5 – 11 years

·       Booster 1 for those aged 5-11 years that are Immunocompromised.

While walk in’s are welcome, we would encourage people to book their appointment at www.hse.ie to ensure a suitable time and for the easy flow of the centre.

Deputy Operational Lead for the Cavan Monaghan COVID-19 Vaccination Service Geraldine Keenan said “We welcome those who are medically vulnerable between the ages of 12 and 49 for their second booster vaccination at any of our pop up clinics in Cavan and Monaghan this week. We are also inviting Healthcare workers for their second booster vaccination. This is in addition to those aged 50 years and over who are also eligible for their second booster vaccinations.”

ENDS

Need information and advice on COVID-19? Go to www.hse.ie/coronavirus

14^th September 2022

HSE Media Release

Community Healthcare Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan, Sligo

I welcome the approval of grant aid for a number of projects in Cavan and Monaghan under the Clár Programme.  I compliment Cavan County Council, the various Clubs and other organisations in Cavan and Monaghan on submitting successful applications which will result in the enhancement of local facilities.  These facilities, catering for different needs and interests, will be beneficial for local communities and visitors to our counties. Community and public facilities are being used more and more for recreation and bring benefits to communities throughout the country.

This substantial funding is being provided under this government’s Our Rural Future policy which assists and promotes rural development.

4 projects in Co Cavan will receive grant aid totalling €162,638 and 5 projects in Co Monaghan will receive grant aid of €193,930”, stated Brendan Smith TD.

Below are the list of successful applicants –

ST. BRICIN’S COLLEGE – BRENDAN SMITH TD

“I welcome the confirmation from the Department of Education that approval has issued to Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board in respect of the upgrading of toilet facilities at St. Bricin’s College, Belturbet.

This approval is in addition to the decision some months ago by the Minister for Education, Norma Foley T.D., to sanction the provision of 8 classrooms through modular buildings at St. Bricin’s.  Cavan and Monaghan ETB has submitted a planning application to Cavan County Council in respect of that major development.

I compliment the ETB on submitting these successful applications, which I was glad to strongly support through representations to Minister Foley.   I wish all involved with these projects every success”, stated Deputy Brendan Smith.

ENDS

Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan Brendan Smith has written again to the Minister for Education to stress that a “major mobilisation of every possible bus service” takes place to ensure school transport is provided for all eligible students. 

The Fianna Fáil TD said, “We are inundated with very concerned and indeed angry parents in relation to the non-provision of transport at present. 

“The concessionary tickets have been an important part of school transport for decades.  

“Now we have students who had transport in the past and have no such provision for this school year.

“As a matter of urgency there must be a major mobilisation of every possible bus service, naturally with proper standards, to put in place these essential services.  

“Many families are not in a position to bring their children to school, through work commitments or not having a car available to them.

“Again I stress the need to have additional capacity in place for all students with absolute urgency.” 

I welcome the inclusion of Ballyconnell and Clones as two towns to benefit
under the Streetscape Enhancement Initiative.
Each town will receive €100,000 and eligible projects will include the
upgrading of building facades, street furniture, lighting, artwork and murals.
This funding will help to make towns more attractive and is another measure in
the government’s rural development strategy.
Relatively small-scale investment can make a positive difference in helping to
regenerate towns and villages and also assist local businesses where there are, in
many instances, particular challenges for retailers

Oireachtas Members of the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly held an informal meeting with the Minister of State for Northern Ireland Conor Burns MP at Leinster House in Dublin today, Monday August 29^th.

Items discussed during the meeting included British-Irish relations, the Northern Ireland Protocol and the Legacy and Reconciliation Bill.

Co-Chair of the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly (BIPA) Deputy Brendan Smith TD said: “The Oireachtas Members of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly had an engaging discussion with Minister Burns on a wide range of issues. We welcome the Minister’s commitment to have future talks on the challenges and opportunities to strengthen our bilateral relationship.”

The next plenary of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly will be held on October 24^{th and 25th} in Co Cavan.

Politicians from all of the UK and Irish legislatures, as well as from the Crown Dependencies; Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man, will gather to discuss issues of mutual interest and concern to the nations represented.

Notes to Editor 

The following Oireachtas BIPA members attended the meeting: Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, Sorca Clarke TD, Senator Lorraine Clifford-Lee, Senator Martin Conway, John Lahart TD, Senator Vincent P. Martin, Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD, Neale Richmond TD and Co Chair Brendan Smith TD.

Back row (L-R) – Neale Richmond TD, John Lahart TD, Sorca Clarke TD, Senator Martin Conway, Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD. Front row (L-R) – Senator Lorraine Clifford Lee, Co-Chair of BIPA Brendan Smith TD, Minister of State for Northern Ireland Conor Burns MP, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD. 

29/08/2022

I welcome the initial approval for a major extension at St. Clare’s College, Ballyjamesduff.

For some time I had highlighted to Minister Foley the need to progress this application and this accommodation will enhance considerably the range of educational facilities in St. Clare’s College.

I compliment the Principal, Teresa Donnellan, her staff colleagues, the Board of Management and the Parents’ Association on their work in advancing this project to this stage.

I wish the school community continued success with their work”, stated Brendan Smith TD.

ENDS