Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith has called for a greater emphasis on North-South cooperation in the area of Further Education.  

The Cavan-Monaghan TD added the value of All-Ireland cooperation in the health and education sectors cannot be underestimated. 

Substantial public funding has been committed to an all-island investment from 2021 to 2030 through the Share Island Initiative, Peace Plus and Project Ireland 2040.  

“It was heartening recently to listen during the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement to representatives of the All-Island Cancer Research Institute, AICRI outlining how important shared island funding had been for them,” Deputy Smith said.  

“Universities and hospitals on this island, North and South, are working together and with counterparts in Britain and America. Fabulous work and research is being done to try to cope with the terrible disease of cancer and the frightening prospect of how much more it will impact on the population.”  

Deputy Smith called on Taoiseach Leo Varadkar in the Dáil to prioritise Further Education.   

“I would like emphasis to be placed on Further Education. There is scope to have our colleges of Further Education, North and South, working together, identifying courses that can be delivered in Enniskillen for students from the South and in Cavan and Monaghan for our neighbours in Northern Ireland,” he said.  

“There could be a much greater sharing of resources in Further and Higher Education. Recently, I had the opportunity to meet the provost and her senior personnel at the University of Ulster. They were excited about the possibilities of more co-operation with their counterparts in this State through shared island funding.”  

In response Mr Varadkar said he agreed with Deputy Smith that health has been one of the areas in which there has been “considerable progress” in North-South cooperation.  

“It has been done in a low-key, effective way whether it is cardiac services in Altnagelvin, cancer, paediatric services, or cardiothoracic surgery in Crumlin hospital. It is a really good example of co-operation,” the Taoiseach said.  

“We are a very small island and we can treat conditions as an island of 7 million people in a way we could not as jurisdictions of 5 million and 2 million people. I would love to see more co-operation in that regard. I agree with Deputy Brendan Smith’s comments on Higher Education, particularly with regard to co-operation in the north west.”   

ENDS 

21/03/2023

The HSE is continuing to offer COVID-19 vaccinations to those in Cavan and Monaghan.

A number of locations are available as well as pop up clinics to get your COVID-19 vaccinations in the two counties.

Those aged 6 months to 4 years can receive their primary COVID-19 boosters, appointments for which can be made via www.hse.ie  

The vaccine is also available to those aged 12 years and over with those aged 12 to 16 years needing to be accompanied by a parent/guardian, at the below times and dates in Cavan Monaghan.

With a number of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, in circulation in the community, the HSE are highlighting the importance of eligible people availing of COVID-19 vaccinations to protect themselves and those around them from serious COVID-19 illness.

All people in the 18-49 years age group are eligible for their second COVID-19 booster, provided it is six months since their last vaccine or since they had a COVID-19 infection.

You can check the number of COVID-19 vaccines you have already received and the date of your last COVID-19 vaccine on your digital COVID-19 certificate.

 To book your vaccination

• Go to a walk-in COVID-19 booster clinic  
• Book a COVID-19 booster appointment online at HSE vaccination clinics
• Get your COVID-19 booster vaccine at a participating pharmacy, check the list of pharmacies or your GP

You can get your COVID-19 vaccinations in Cavan Monaghan at the below times and dates:

Drumalee GAA Club House, St. Felim’s Park, Drumalee, Cavan, H12 DY88 

Wednesday March 22^nd

1pm to 6pm -12 years and over

Wednesday March 29^th

10am to 11.30am – 6 months to 4 years

12pm to 2pm – 12 years and over

Vaccination Unit, Drumalee GAA Club Car Park, Cavan, H12 DY88 

Saturday April 1^st

10am to 1pm- 12 years and over

Cavan General Hospital, Mobile vaccination Unit, Lisdarn, Cavan, H12 Y7W1

Wednesday  March 29^th

11am  to 2pm – 12 years and over

Cavan Monaghan Vaccination Hub St. Davnet’s Campus, Monaghan, H18 ED80

Tuesday  March 21^st

10am to 11.30am –  6 months to 4 years

12am to 2pm – 12 years and over

Saturday March 25^th

10am  to 1pm – 12 years and over

Thursday March 30^th

1pm to 6pm – 12 years and over

 Mobile Vaccination Unit, Peacelink, Clones, Co.Monaghan

Tuesday March 21^st

11am to 2pm – 12 years and over

Sinead McConnell, General Manager, COVID-19 Vaccination Programme HSE Community Healthcare Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan, Sligo said: “COVID-19 has not gone away. We are offering many locations throughout Cavan and Monaghan where people can get their COVID-19 vaccinations. We would ask that people ensure they are up to date with the COVID-19 vaccination schedule.”

For information on how to book a COVID-19 vaccine, visit www.hse.ie  or call HSELive on 1800 700 700.

16/03/2023

Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith has said more needs to be done to fight against the “utterly deplorable” persecution of Christians across the world.  

The Cavan-Monaghan TD called on the Tánaiste Michael Martin to ensure action is taken against the maltreatment of people of the Christian faith. 

A recent report by Irish charity Church in Chains claimed more than 200 million Christians in 60 countries face persecution because of their faith. 

Deputy Smith said: “The persecution of Christians and people of any faith is utterly deplorable. The international community must do more to speak out against this continued maltreatment of Christians throughout the world. 

“We must be relentless in highlighting in as many international forums as possible the unacceptable suffering being endured by so many people.”   

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Fianna Fáil leader Michéal Martin, in response to a parliamentary question, told Mr Smith that the Government is considering the Church in Chains report.    

“Ireland strongly condemns all forms of persecution on the basis of religion or belief, irrespective of where they occur or who the victims are,” Mr Martin said.  

“The promotion of freedom of religion or belief is a priority for Ireland and the EU’s human rights engagement at both bilateral and multilateral level, as reaffirmed in The Global Island: Ireland’s Foreign Policy for a Changing World.” 

The Tánaiste added: Ireland continues to work with EU partners to address the persecution of Christians and other religious minorities through the EU Action Plan for Human Rights and Democracy 2020-2024, which includes an express reference to stepping up action to combat discrimination on any ground, including religion or belief. 

“Ireland has also spoken out at the UN Security Council to raise issues relating to freedom of religion or belief. In March 2021, Ireland shared its experience from the Northern Ireland peace process on the role which religious leaders played as mediators in conflict. Once again, Ireland condemned the use of religion or belief to create a hierarchy of humanity from which Christians and other religious communities can be subjected to violence and persecution.”

ENDS 15/03/2023

The HSE are advising people who have not already done so to make sure they are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccination schedule in Cavan Monaghan.

Those aged 6 months to 4 years can receive their primary COVID-19 boosters, appointments for which can be made via www.hse.ie

The vaccine is also available to those aged 12 years and over with those aged 12 to 16 years needing to be accompanied by a parent/guardian, at the below times and dates in Cavan Monaghan.

With a number of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, in circulation in the community, the HSE are highlighting the importance of eligible people availing of COVID-19 vaccinations to protect themselves and those around them from serious COVID-19 illness.

All people in the 18-49 years age group are eligible for their second COVID-19 booster, provided it is six months since their last vaccine or since they had a COVID-19 infection.

You can check the number of COVID-19 vaccines you have already received and the date of your last COVID-19 vaccine on your digital COVID-19 certificate.

 To book your vaccination

• Go to a walk-in COVID-19 booster clinic  
• Book a COVID-19 booster appointment online at HSE vaccination clinics
• Get your COVID-19 booster vaccine at a participating pharmacy, check the list of pharmacies or your GP

You can get your COVID-19 vaccinations in Cavan Monaghan at the below times and dates:

Drumalee GAA Club House, St. Felim’s Park, Drumalee, Cavan, H12 DY88 

Monday 13^th March

10am – 11.30am, 6 months to 4 years

12pm to 2pm -12+ yrs

Pop up clinic- Old Court House Ballyjamesduff, Co.Cavan, A82F1WE

Friday 10^th March

10.30am to 3.30pm -12+ yrs

Carrickmacross Primary Care Unit, Oriel Rd, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan, A81 C642

Saturday 11^th March

10am to 2.45pm – 12+ yrs

Cavan Monaghan Vaccination Hub St. Davnet’s Campus, Monaghan, H18 ED80

Thursday 9^th March

4pm to 6pm 5-11 years

Tuesday 14^th March

10am to 2pm – 12+ yrs

Thursday 16^th March

10am to 2pm – 12+ yrs

Sinead McConnell, General Manager, COVID-19 Vaccination Programme HSE Community Healthcare Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan, Sligo said: “COVID-19 in still very active in our communities. We would ask that people in Cavan and Monaghan make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations to avoid serious illness from COVID-19.”

For information on how to book a COVID-19 vaccine, visit www.hse.ie or call HSELive on 1800 700 700.

ENDS

9/03/2023

I welcome the allocation of€192,000 by Minister Malcolm Noonan to a number of projects throughout Cavan and Monaghan under the government’s Built Heritage Investment Scheme.

This funding is important in assisting the preservation and restoration of our built heritage.  The Heritage Minister stated that this year’s funding represents 12.5% increase on the 2022 allocation and it underlines this government’s continuing commitment to protect and preserve our built environment.  I also compliment Cavan and Monaghan County Councils and their Heritage Officers in progressing these applications.

I wish all the successful applicants every success with their projects.

Members of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly have unanimously adopted a motion on the contribution of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement while recognising that more needs to be done to address the impact of the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

The interparliamentary body that consists of lawmakers of all parties in the UK’s legislatures and the Houses of Oireachtas agreed the motion at an extraordinary meeting ahead of the 25th anniversary of the signing of the deal.

Watch live from 09.30 on Twitter (@BritishIrishPA) or the NI Assembly website.

The 63^rd Plenary of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly (BIPA) will begin in the Parliament Buildings in Stormont, Belfast, tomorrow to mark the 25^th anniversary year of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement. 

The special session of British and Irish lawmakers will be addressed by former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Sir John Holmes. Sir John was Principal Private Secretary to Sir John Major, who helped establish the text of the deal, and Tony Blair who signed the Agreement alongside Ahern. Sir John Holmes was knighted for his services to peace in Northern Ireland. Both will speak to the significance of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement and its enduring importance. 

They will then take Q&A from an audience consisting of members of both houses of Oireachtas and Parliament, the devolved legislatures, Crown Dependencies and British Overseas Territories.

Women’s Coalition members Kate Fearon, Bronagh Hinds, Dr Avila Kilmurray and Jane Morrice will then take part in a discussion hosted by British Vice-Chair Karin Smyth.

Dr Jonny Byrne of Ulster University’s School of Criminology will address the forum on policing under Agreement.

The United Kingdom’s Co-Chair to BIPA Karen Bradley MP said, “I want to welcome all our friends from across the island of Ireland, the British Isles and even further afield. This plenary, only our second in Belfast, would not have been possible without the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement which we are gathering to mark.” 

“The historic importance of the Agreement cannot be understated. It has provided an enduring peace that though at times fragile, remains uncontested. We want the relations built here between to help contribute to that process.”

Brendan Smith TD, the Irish Co-Chair, said, “I’m grateful to be able to bring my Irish colleagues to Belfast to mark a quarter of a century of peace brought about by the Agreement.”

“Coming together is a reminder that we cannot take the advances made for granted and that we must do all we can to strengthen bi-lateral ties.”  

BIPA meets twice a year studying areas of mutual interest of the UK and Ireland to identify areas of cooperation while strengthening the bonds of friendship between the two countries. 

Notes to Editors

You will find a full business programme attached to this email.

Plenary details:

Date: Monday 6 March

Time: From 09.30

Place: Stormont Parliament Buildings, Belfast

Press access: Proceedings from the Assembly Chamber will be streamed live here. Press can view the plenary from the Press Gallery in Parliament Buildings.

Footage requests: Footage of proceedings or any part of the plenary can be obtained by emailing sound&vision@niassembly.gov.uk with time stamps of the clipping. 

Pictures stills: No cameras will be allowed in the Chamber or the gallery apart from those employed by BIPA. The images taken will be shared with media and are also available on request from Tim West (wesstb@parliament.uk) or Áine McMahon (aine.mcmahon@oireachtas.ie). Cameras are however allowed in the media pen in the Great Hall. Please note, that the Great Hall is also a public space.

Interviews: With either of the Co-chairs, Karen Bradley MP and Brendan Smith TD, can be arranged by emailing 

ENDS

For more on BIPA, see here.

Follow us on Twitter for updates: @BritishIrishPA

Assembly Co-Chairs:

UK: Rt Hon Karen Bradley MP (CON) Staffordshire Moorlands

Ireland: Brendan Smith TD (Fianna Fáil) Cavan-Monaghan

Media Contacts:

UK: Tim West (westtb@parliament.uk) +44 7933 386 949

Ireland: Áine McMahon (aine.mcmahon@oireachtas.ie) +353 85 800 7312

Follow us on Twitter for updates: @BritishIrishPA

Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan Brendan Smith has welcomed the decision by his party colleague Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue that all valid ACRES applications will be approved. 

This announcement represents more than 46,000 ACRES applicants being accepted into the scheme for 2023. 

Funding had initially been budgeted for 30,000 applicants however Fianna Fáil Minister Charlie McConalogue has now confirmed that over 46,000 applicants will be accepted into the scheme. 

Deputy Smith said: “I’m delighted to see this announcement by Minister McConalogue that over 46,000 applicants will be accepted into ACRES 2023. Farmers are firmly behind becoming more environmentally sustainable and this announcement from Government is evidence of Fianna Fáil supporting farm families to do that. 

“ACRES applicants will be contacted by the Department in the next couple of days to formally issue letters of approval. I’d like to thank Minister McConalogue for this work on this and his strong commitment to farm families and rural Ireland.” 

ACRES is Ireland’s new agri-environment climate scheme under Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan. This new €1.5 billion flagship agri-environment scheme is a farmer-friendly scheme to help address biodiversity decline while delivering an income support for up to 50,000 farm families in Ireland.

ENDS 

1/03/2023

Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith has said society cannot tolerate terrorism in any shape of form as he condemned the “despicable” shooting of an off-duty PSNI officer in Omagh.

The Cavan-Monaghan TD made the comments after the attempted murder of Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell on Wednesday. Police have blamed dissident republican group the new IRA for the attack.

Speaking in the Dáil on Thursday Mr Smith said: “The despicable shooting in Omagh reminds us starkly of that awful era in our country when so many innocent people lost their lives and so many were seriously injured.

“This horrific incident strongly reinforces the message that the Government must always ensure every necessary resource is provided to An Garda Síochána and all other relevant statutory agencies to rid our society of this small number of criminals and thugs who shamelessly masquerade as so-called republicans.  

“It is also essential we continue to have the best possible cross-border collaboration in policing and security issues.”

Deputy Smith also said An Garda Siochana needs to have the ability to apprehend terrorists who may come in to its jurisdiction.  

“There are unique policing demands in border regions,” he said. “Garda authorities at national level in allocating resources must be mindful of those additional demands on our Garda personnel. I sincerely hope the PSNI does the same in Northern Ireland.”  

“The political vacuum in Northern Ireland serves the interest of nobody and it is to be hoped we will have progress quickly in that respect.”

Tánaiste Micheál Martin, in response, said he “wholeheartedly” agreed with Deputy Smith “who has a long-standing commitment to peace on the island”.  

“In his work as a public representative over many years he has been a significant contributor to peace on the island, particularly in the Border region, so I know his comments are heartfelt,” Mr Martin added.  

The Tánaiste told the Dáil he was “shocked at the callous and depraved manner” of the attack on Wednesday, which he said “injures society as a whole within Northern Ireland and on this island”.  

He described Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell as “highly respected” among his peers and among the Garda for his “extraordinary work in detecting many serious crimes”.  

“He is a very significant person in his own right, in policing terms and in terms of community support as well. That idea of ensuring the proper resources and proper co-operation, which is at a high level between the PSNI and the Garda, is without question,” he added.

ENDS 

25/02/2023

Fianna Fail TD for Cavan Monaghan Brendan Smith has urged farmers to apply for a new 60% grant to install solar panels on their farms.  

He said the grant is a great opportunity for farmers in Cavan and Monaghan to invest in their future. 

It is part of the Government’s new €370 million Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3).   

The TAMS 3 scheme, which will run until 2027, provides funding for capital investments on farms. It was launched by Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue on Monday.  

There are a range of new improvements to the TAMS scheme including increased grant aid rates, investment ceilings, new investments, and new support categories.  

This includes enhanced grant-rate of 60% compared to a lower rate of 40% in TAMS II in respect of investments under the Low Emission Slurry Spreading Equipment, Organic Capital Investments and Farm Safety Investments. 

Deputy Smith said: “TAMS is a hugely beneficial scheme, which has been significantly expanded this year, so I would encourage all farmers to apply and avail of these very beneficial grants.  

“The latest scheme will continue to support productive farming but it will also be used to align more with climate and sustainability goals through renewable energy, low emission spreading equipment and higher grant rates for organic farmers.  

“The new solar panels and battery storage measures have a separate €90,000 ceiling with a 60% grant. Solar panels can now be placed on farm homes as well as on sheds and buildings, which is a dynamic step forward. There will also be a separate €90,000 ceiling for Low Emission Slurry Spreading equipment.” 

“The scheme will enable every farmer to generate their own power for their dwelling and holding and will help to achieve a more sustainable rural economy, assisting farmers in reducing energy costs on their holdings.”  

TAMS 3 has an investment ceiling of €90,000, and all farmers, even if they have reached their maximum under TAMS 2, will have access to the full €90,000 ceiling under TAMS 3.  

The scheme features almost 100 new investment items compared to its predecessor, including underpasses, farm roadways, supports for the equine sector, cattle fencing, milk recording equipment, PTO generators, and pasture management machinery.  

It aims to increase the number of young farmers and women farmers as well as improve farm safety with higher grant rates for these areas.  

This scheme will be a huge driver of economic activity in rural Ireland and a key component of the new €9.8bn Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). 

Deputy Smith added: “TAMS funding futureproofs farms and farmyards for the next generation. This scheme is clear evidence that the Government is committed to rural Ireland and Irish farm families.” 

TAMS 3 will run for five years and will include 10 schemes; it is will open for receipt of applications on a phased basis by scheme. 

Applications for solar grants are now available.  

ENDS 

Note to editors: 

Under the On-farm Capital Investment Scheme know as TAMS 3 there will be 10 individual schemes.  These are as follows: 

• Animal Welfare, Nutrient Storage Scheme (AWNSS) at 40% grant rate, with a €90,000 investment ceiling. 
• Tillage Capital Investment Scheme (TCIS) at 40% grant rate, with a €90,000 investment ceiling. 
• Pig and Poultry Capital Investment Scheme (PPIS) at 40% grant rate, with a €500,000 investment ceiling. 
• Dairy Equipment Scheme (DES) at 40% grant rate, with a €90,000 investment ceiling. 
• Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme (YFCIS) at 60% grant rate, with a €90,000 investment ceiling. 
• Women Farmer Capital Investment Scheme (WFCIS) at 60% grant rate, with a €90,000 investment ceiling. 
• Organic Farming Capital Investment Scheme (OCIS) at 60% grant rate, with a €90,000 investment ceiling. 
• Farm Safety Capital Investment Scheme (FCIS) at 60% grant rate, with a €90,000 investment ceiling. 
• Solar Capital Investment Scheme (SCIS) at 60% grant rate, with a €90,000 investment ceiling that is separate from other schemes. 
• Low Emission Slurry Spreading Equipment Scheme (LESS) at 60% grant rate, with a €90,000 investment ceiling that is separate from other schemes. 

The full range of investments and the Reference Cost Documents are also be available here. 

ENDS