James Carroll has welcomed the 100 extra PLC places for County Louth announced by the Minister for Education Batt O’Keeffe.
“Minister O’Keeffe has announced the providers of the extra 1,500 Post-Leaving Certificate (PLC) places from September as part of the Government’s response to the education and training needs of workers who face unemployment or who’ve lost their jobs.
The PLC programme will be offered around the country by 140 VEC schools, 23 secondary, and 26 community and comprehensive schools. “The extra PLC places form part of an increase of almost 7,000 new places on education courses included in the supplementary Budget last month.
‘These measures are a clear indication of the Government’s commitment to investing in those who are out of work so that they can return to employment as soon as possible.’
‘These measures are a clear indication of the Government’s commitment to up-skilling and re-skilling those who’ve lost their jobs or who face unemployment so that their prospects of getting back into the workforce as quickly as possible are optimised.’
Minister O’Keeffe said that a 2006 ESRI survey on school leavers who left school in the 2003/04 academic year showed that about 75pc of those who took PLC courses completed their studies, with 93pc of those getting certificates.
‘In our new economic circumstances, I expect that there will be very strong demand for these extra PLC places in County Louth as learners recognise the importance of up-skilling and retraining for a changed labour market.
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Notes
PLC courses are full-time and generally last one year.
They’re provided predominantly in the VEC sector but some community and comprehensive schools and secondary schools provide courses, too.
There are over 1,000 courses to choose from in more than 60 disciplines.
Through the Higher Education Links Scheme, PLCs courses are an alternative route to higher education in the Institutes of Technology for those who’ve completed the Leaving Certificate Applied programme or who were unable to enter third-level education after leaving school.
Maintenance grants were introduced on a means-tested basis from September 1998 for all PLC participants.
The rates of grant and means-testing criteria for the scheme follow the lines of the existing third-level schemes.
Summary of activation places in education sector outlined in the April Supplementary Budget
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Interview with James Carroll, theFianna Fáil Candidate for Louth County Council (Drogheda East electoral area):
“I went to Harestown NS and St Oliver’s Community College. I am the only son of former nurse Judy Bell and mechanic Jim Carroll. I have two sisters Briege and Fiona. In 2007, I graduated with a law degree from UCD. While in UCD, I was President of UCD Students’ Union (2005/06) and Chairman of the Kevin Barry Cumann (2006/07). I am currently Parliamentary Assistant to Monaghan TD Margaret Conlon. I play gaelic with Naomh Mairtin GFC. I am a member of Seapoint Pitch and Putt Club in Termonfechin.
Drogheda, the coast and south Louth needs a fresh approach to its problems. Different people, different ideas and different ways of doing things is what is crucial if we are going to change the way we do business locally and regionally. A good councillor is one that can get the message of the needs of the people of south Louth to Government level. A good Councillor will fight for the people of Drogheda each and every day and ensure that they get a better deal. Without a hard working and dedicated Councillor, the people of Drogheda, the coast and south Louth will go unheard. I will ensure that this does not happen.
My specific priorities:
I am running for Louth County Council in the Drogheda East electoral area and Drogheda Borough Council in the Drogheda North electoral area. I would encourage everyone to go out and use their vote on Friday 5th of June to elect the candidate they think will best represent their needs. I am that candidate.
If you would like to contact me, please call me at 087-7535653 or email me at james.m.carroll@gmail.com or check out my website www.jamescarroll.ie.”
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A Government investment scheme in school insulation will help reduce energy bills in Drogheda schools, according to Fianna Fáil local election candidate for Louth County Council, James Carroll.
“The Government is investing €20 million in a new scheme to improve roof and cavity wall insulation levels in school buildings. This is in addition to the €80 million that was announced last week under the Summer Works Scheme, under which a number of local schools will receive refurbishment”, added the new, young and first-time candidate.
“Schools in Drogheda can now apply to the Department of Education for 100% grant-aid to carry out energy-efficient works over the summer months.”
“The devolved energy efficiency scheme, which is being implemented with the help of Sustainable Energy Ireland, will allow schools to apply for funding on a once-off basis to upgrade the fabric insulation in attics and the external cavity walls of their buildings.”
“These measures will make buildings more comfortable, cut energy costs and contribute to the Government’s national targets of reducing carbon dioxide emissions.”
“This should help to significantly cut energy bills in Drogheda schools when you consider that about 73pc of a school’s energy consumption is on heating and hot water, with the remainder on lighting and other small-power appliances,” concluded James Carroll.
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Louth is to benefit from an investment of over €39 million under the Social Housing Investment Programme for 2009, according to Fianna Fáil local election candidate, James Carroll.
“My colleague, the Minister for Housing and Local Services Michael Finneran TD has informed me that over €39 million will be allocated for social and other housing in Louth. The funds will be given to Drogheda Borough Council, Louth County Council and Dundalk Town Council.”
“Drogheda Borough Council will receive €6 million under the Social Housing Investment Programme. Under the Capital Loan and Subsidy Scheme the three Councils will receive a total of €9,855,000; €975,000 under the Capital Assistance Scheme; €650,000 for Traveller Accommodation and €1,233,000 million for the Rental Accommodation Scheme.”
“Under the Improvement Works Allocations for improvements to social homes, €250,000 has been allocated to Drogheda Borough Council for central heating and €350,000 for remedial works. A total of €195,000 will be divided between the three Councils for retrofitting and energy measures with Drogheda Borough Council receiving €100,000.”
“I am pleased that even in these difficult economic times that the Government is prioritising those who need the most help. It is vital that we continue to invest in social housing in a bid to meet the increasing need and that those homes that are owned by the Councils are well maintained. I am delighted to see that funding has been given for retrofitting and energy measures that are not only important for the environment but will also help those on low incomes with their heating and energy bills,” concluded Carroll.
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Local candidate in the forthcoming local elections for Louth County Council, James Carroll has said that 7 schools in the area are to benefit from the Summer Works programme.
“The Summer Works Scheme covers school projects such as gas, electrical and mechanical works, roof replacements and repairs, window replacement, toilet upgrades, structural improvements and access works.”
“I’m delighted that SN Padraig Naofa will are set to receive funding for new windows; SN Bhride will get new windows; St. Mary’s Diocesan School will get structural improvements and work to the roof; Our Lady’s College Greenhills will get funding for work to the exterior of the school; Drogheda Institute of Education will get funding for their access to all works and St. Oliver’s Community College will get new toilets. This will improve the education facilities in the area enormously and will provide a better environment for the pupils to grow and learn.”
“Education Minister Batt O’Keeffe is providing €80 million this year for the programme and asked schools to ensure they get the best value for money in a more competitive construction market. The Planning and Building Unit will contact the school shortly with further details and instructions on how to proceed.”
“Local Fianna Fáil representatives have worked hard to ensure our school facilities improve and I know that students and parents alike will be delighted with this positive news,” concluded the new, young, first-time candidate James Carroll.
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Name: James Carroll
Profile: I was born in Our Lady of Lourdes hospital. I went to Harestown NS in Monasterboice and St Oliver’s Community College. I am the only son of former nurse Judy Bell and mechanic Jim Carroll. I have two sisters Briege and Fiona. In 2007, I graduated with a law degree from UCD. While in UCD, I was President of UCD Students’ Union (2005/06) and Chairman of the Kevin Barry Cumann (2006/07). I am currently Parliamentary Assistant to Monaghan TD Margaret Conlon. I play gaelic with Naomh Mairtin GFC. I am a member of Seapoint Pitch and Putt Club in Termonfechin.
Do local politicians have an impact on the daily lives of people in Drogheda
and if so how?
I believe they do. Councillors are the people that see how legislation, tax changes, school facilities and medical care affects the people of Drogheda on a daily basis. A good councillor is one that can get the message of the needs of the people of Drogheda to Government level. A good Councillor will fight for the people of Drogheda each and every day and ensure that they get a better deal. Without a hard working and dedicated Councillor, the people of Drogheda, the coast and south Louth will go unheard.
One thing Drogheda needs?
Drogheda needs many things. All communities do, and these needs change all the time. When Mary in number 14 gets her medical card, her needs are no longer for a medical card but maybe for better classroom facilities. She wants to make sure her family is healthy and gets a good education. I believe as a Borough and County Councillor, I can help Mary and all residents of Drogheda, the coast and south Louth solve some of their daily worries. On a specific level though, the north side of Drogheda needs a playground. We also need better activity-based facilities for the young and elderly people of Drogheda. I also know that my interest in Gaelic football and Pitch and Putt growing up has no doubt shaped my views. I want to make sure that opportunity is more readily available and more attractive to young people.
Person most admired?
Mahatma Gandhi; he motivated people by his actions not his words. He swore to speak the truth and this got him into much trouble. I respect him so much because he always did what he believed to be the right thing regardless of the popularity of it.
The North-East acquitted itself well with all 5 players finishing in the top 20 at last weekend’s inaugural World Pitch and Putt Individual Strokeplay Championship outside Montpellier in south France.
Two Cork men, two Spanish and a Dutch man claimed the top five spots to mark this historic event in the development of international Pitch and Putt.
Stackallen’s Sean Downes finished strongly to claim 6th spot on -9 while -6 got Bellewstown’s Anto Kavanagh and Ian Farrelly finishing joint 11th while fellow clubman Damien Mullaney claimed joint 20th with Castletown and Seapoint’s James Carroll joining him on -2 overall.
Very tough conditions prevailed in Round Two with a gale wind picking up which led to most players slipping down the leaderboard. One of the few to go up the leaderboard was Castletown’s and Seapoint’s James Carroll who shot a fine 51 after his disappointing opening 56 to leave himself -1 going into the final day.
Tropical storms greeted the players when they woke on Sunday morning and it seemed highly likely that the Championship would be curtailed to 36 holes. However, on Sunday afternoon the rain cleared up and play continued. Overnight leader on -10, Fernando Cano from Spain was not to be caught and he added a superb 48 to be the only player not to have one bogey for all 3 rounds; a truly incredible feat which rightfully earned him the title as first ever World Pitch and Putt champion.
ENDS
Local 4th, 5th and 6th year students to take up the offer of MMR vaccination ahead of the summer break after an outbreak of mumps cases in this age group.
This call comes from local election candidate for Louth County Council James Carroll. It follows an announcement by the Health Service Executive (HSE) that it will be offering the vaccination to older teenagers to help prevent the further spread of this highly infectious disease.
Speaking following the announcement, Mr Carroll said, “I would encourage the parents of teenagers attending 4th, 5th or 6th year to urge their children to take up this offer of an MMR vaccine. Outbreaks of mumps have become increasingly frequent in 15 to 24 year olds in recent years and this programme is aimed at preventing the further spread of this disease.”
“We all know how dangerous mumps can be and this vaccination programme will help to prevent any more teenagers from contracting the disease. It will not only help protect them now but also long into the future. The reason for this outbreak is that there are a lot of teenagers who have not had two doses of the MMR vaccine so the risk of spreading the disease is increased. There have been reports around the country of outbreaks in secondary schools, colleges, universities and sports clubs. That is why it was decided to target this age group.”
“According to the latest research receiving one does of MMR is approximately 80% effective at preventing mumps, while a second dose raises that level of prevention. The HSE will be arranging these immunisation clinics in schools in the comings weeks and I want to encourage as many students as possible to take up the offer of the vaccination,” James Carroll added.
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Additional Notes:
Mumps is an acute viral illness that causes fever, headache and painful, swollen salivary glands. It requires isolation or quarantine, and can cause people to miss up to two weeks from school, work, studying, taking exams or socialising. Generally complications are mild but mumps can cause meningitis, deafness or inflammation of the pancreas or testicles. MMR vaccine provides protection from mumps, as well as measles andrubella.
Recent studies estimate that one dose of MMR is approximately 80% effective and estimates for two doses of MMR range from 88-95% effective in preventing mumps illness. If a young person’s MMR history is not known, an extra dose of MMR will do no harm, and could offer valuable protection against mumps.
The vaccination programme will take place in the weeks before the summer break, and any schools that are not targeted will be followed up in September.
More information is available from www.mumps.ie or the HSE infoline 1850 24 1850.
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Local Fianna Fail election candidate James Carroll has welcomed the news that a local homeless aid group is to receive Government funding of €26,844 to support them in their work.
“The Drogheda Homeless Aid Association will receive the funds from the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.”
“The groups targeted by Drogheda Homeless Aid Association are the most vulnerable in our community.”
“The group was set up in 1982 and now has a 22-unit purpose built hostel. Over average 100 residents stay in the hostel each year.”
“Drogheda Homeless Aid Association targets those who most need support in our community and I would like to commend the staff and volunteers for their work and commitment.”
“In these difficult economic times it is vital that the Government continues to provide essential funding to groups like Drogheda Homeless Aid who work at the heart of their community to provide the services that are most needed,” concluded James.
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Contact Senator James Carroll, Seanad Eireann, Leinster House, Dublin 2
Tel: 01-6184374
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