Anne Rabbitte TD Minister of State at Department of Children, Disability, Equality, Integration and Youth - Galway East
Inside Look - Minister Anne Rabbitte - October Newsletter 2023
Welcome Note
A chara:
Welcome to my October 2023 newsletter. As we reflect on the events of the past month, I am pleased to share some noteworthy milestones and achievements, whilst acknowledging the challenges that demand our attention.
I am delighted to announce several milestones that made October special.
- Launch of a new HSE Roadmap to improve Children’s Disability Services 2023-2026.
- Launch a new housing project for people with intellectual disabilities, called “Living my Life”.
- Official opening of the Joe & Helen O’Toole Community Nursing Unit
- Launch of the Green Bean Café in Athenry – A Social Enterprise
- Official opening the new Mental Health & Disability Services Building at The Grove in Tuam
These wins are a testament to the dedication and collaborative spirit of our community members.
I extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who contributed to these successes and milestones.
However, as we celebrate our own milestones, we cannot turn a blind eye to the ongoing conflicts and struggles faced by communities around the world.
In particular, the recent events in Israel and Gaza have weighed heavily on my heart and I am sure for you.
It is a stark reminder of the importance of fostering understanding, empathy, and peace in the face of adversity.
A Message of Peace:
In times of conflict, our commitment to promoting peace becomes more critical than ever.
Let us stand united in our belief that dialogue, compassion, and understanding can pave the way for a more harmonious world.
While the path to peace may be challenging, it is through collective efforts and a shared commitment to justice that we can overcome adversity.
As a community, let us all strive to be beacons of hope and agents of positive change.
Together, we can contribute to building a world where differences are celebrated, and conflicts are resolved through dialogue and mutual respect.
Thank you for being a part of our community and for your continued support.
All we can do is to move forward with hope, resilience of human spirit, and a shared vision for a brighter future.
Anne
Budget 2024
Substantial investment under Budget 2024 in The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY)
- Thrilled to have secured an investment of €195m in Specialist Community Based Disability Services, which transferred to the Department in March, bringing the total budget to €2.8bn.
- Government has unveiled an investment package worth €1.1bn for early learning and childcare for 2024, building on the substantial investment in Budget 2023 and delivering a 70% increase in total State investment in the sector since 2020.
- Families receiving the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) universal subsidy will see a further 25% average reduction in the cost of using full time early learning and childcare services. Also from September 2024, families using childminders can start to benefit from the NCS for the first time.
- Significant investment of over €1bn has been secured for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. Foster Carers will receive an increase in the Foster Care Allowance
- I have secured an investment of €195m in Specialist Community Based Disability Services, which transferred to the Department in March, bringing the total budget to €2.8bn. This includes increased funding to enhance residential places, respite services, PA hours, Home Support and provide additional day places for school leavers.
| Budget 2024 - Disability Services 2024 |
| Budget 2024 - Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, Youth |
€22.5 billion health budget that will facilitate the continued delivery and expansion of quality, affordable healthcare services.
Budget 2024 will provide:
- €500 million to tackle waiting lists, including opening, and staffing six new surgical hubs
- expansion of the free contraception scheme to include women aged 17 – 31
- increased funding for mental health, including additional staff for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) teams.
- increased funding for digital health
- the first full-year programme of publicly-funded Assisted Human Reproduction services including in vitro fertilisation (IVF)
- €36.3 million package of surge measures to respond to periods of heightened demand across acute and community services
| Budget 2024 - Health |
Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage unprecedented budget package of near €7bn announced
| Budget 2024 Housing, Local Government & Heritage |
Government announces record Social Protection Budget worth €2.3 Billion
- Largest Social Protection Budget Package in the history of the State
- Suite of financial supports to assist people with the Cost of Living
- Double payment of Child Benefit in December
- €400 Disability and Carer’s Lump Sum in November
- €400 lump sum for Working Family Payment recipients in November
- €300 Fuel Allowance lump sum in November
- €200 lump sum for those in receipt of the Living Alone Increase
- €100 Per Child once off payment for those who receive an Increase for a Qualified Child on their Social Welfare Payment
- Christmas Bonus and January Cost of Living Bonus to be paid to 1.3 million people
- Across the board increases in weekly payments of €12 from January 2024
| Budget 2024 - Social Protection |
Government announce details of over €10.5 billion education funding in Budget 2024
The key features include:
• Some €67 million funding for free schoolbooks and classroom resources for Junior Cycle students. This will bring total investment in free school books at primary and post-primary school level to some €115 million.
• Over €20 million in additional capitation funding to assist schools now and longer term with increased day-to-day running costs. This will support a permanent restoration of funding for all primary and post-primary schools, bringing the basic rate of capitation to €200 per student in primary schools and to €345 in post-primary schools.
• In addition, to particularly support schools this year with inflationary pressures, Minister Foley has secured an additional €60 million in cost of living supports, which will be paid to all primary and post-primary schools in the free scheme.
• €92 million in additional funding for the School Transport Scheme to provide additional places for children with special educational needs, increased bus contractor costs and a continued reduction in school transport fees.
• €82 million for an additional 1,216 Special Needs Assistants and 744 additional Special Educational Needs Teachers in classrooms providing for 2,700 new places for children with special educational needs.
• Provision of an additional €11 million for special schools catering for children with special educational needs to remove the threshold for the appointment of an Administrative Deputy Principal and provide for a further 100 teaching posts.
• €20 million in funding for the Enhanced Summer Programme totalling €40 million for summer 2024.
• Additional allocation for curricular reforms, which includes funding for the accelerated roll out of the Senior Cycle Redevelopment programme and the delivery of additional physical activity initiatives in schools.
• Additional allocation for social inclusion measures, including enhancing the capacity of the Tusla Education Support Services and additional educational welfare officer posts.
• Provision made for the pilot counselling services to continue for another year.
• Actions to address teacher supply issues through an incentive scheme to partially refund future Professional Masters in Education (PME) fees and additional up-skilling teacher programmes for in demand subjects.
• Additional posts of responsibility allocated to assist the leadership and management in schools.
• A capital allocation of €940 million for 2024 for the addition of essential capacity in schools through building new schools and the rollout of additional accommodation in existing schools.
• Under Project Ireland 2040, the school sector will receive a total of approximately €4.4 billion capital investment over the period 2021-2025.
| Budget 2024 - Education |
Budget 2024 to deliver further reductions in fares and introduce new services for families and commuters
- Further reductions to the Young Adult Card giving 50% discounts on fares for 24 and 25 years olds on PSO and commercial services. This commitment has been secured for 2 years.
- Retention of 20% discount on public transport for all on PSO services
- 90-minute ticket on PSO services for all users
- Continued roll out of new and enhanced bus routes through Bus Connects, Connecting Ireland and town services
- Purchase of 101 double-deck electric buses for BusConnect programmes in other cities, for Cork, Galway and Limerick
- Funding of €102m for the promotion of electric vehicles including grants and infrastructure measures to highlight the benefits of going electric and savings that can be made by the consumer
- €21m ringfenced for road safety including improvements to dangerous junctions and to conduct a review of the driver testing curriculum
| Budget 2024 - Transport |
Government prioritises farm incomes in Budget 2024
• New separate TAMS investment ceiling for slurry storage tanks.
• Accelerated Capital Allowances on Slurry Storage continued.
• €8m in targeted support for Tillage farmers.
• Key agri-taxation supports secured and land leasing targeted at active farmers.
• Expanding ACRES to accommodate the full 50k participants promised under the CSP.
• Schemes for soil sampling and multi species swards.
• €57m allocation to support Organic farmers.
• €110m in funding provided to drive ambitions of the Forestry Programme.
• €6.5m dairy beef scheme.
• €5m funding for the genotyping programme.
• Research & Development funding of more than €22m, in addition to support for Teagasc and the Marine Institute.
• Continued support for coastal communities through investment in fisheries harbours and community piers.
• €8m for capital investment in the food sector.
• €14.35 million to support the National Strategy for Horticulture
• Continued support for State agencies supporting our Agri food and fisheries sectors.
| Budget 2024 - Agriculture |
Government delivers record €1.159 billion investment in Budget 2024 to support families, communities, and a net-zero future
- Highest-ever Budget allocation for the Department demonstrates the Government’s commitment to achieving a climate neutral, sustainable and digitally-connected Ireland
- Three €150 energy credits giving over two million households €450 towards energy bills this winter
- Record funding for retrofitting and solar PV
- €348 million for the National Broadband Plan; high-speed broadband will be available to half of all houses in rural Ireland by the end of 2024
- This Government is committed to ensuring that no sector of society or community is left behind in the movement to a low-carbon future. For this reason, €45 million has been secured to ensure a Just Transition in the Midlands counties most affected by the ending of peat extraction.
| Budget 2024 - Environment, Climate and Communications |
The government announced a Budget 2024 package which recognises the ongoing challenges businesses are facing.
The government also secured approval for the Increased Cost of Business Scheme (ICOB), which is a once-off grant to benefit up to 130,000 small and medium businesses at a cost of €250 million.
- once-off €250 million Increased Cost of Business Scheme
- €145 million Smart Regions Fund announced
- increase in R&D Tax Credit to 30%
- additional €27 million for IDA Ireland to accelerate Regional Property and Enterprise grants programmes
- €9 million for Local Enterprise Offices to help business with green journey and digital transformation
- new Angel Investment Scheme with 16% CGT Rate for Innovative SMEs
- new National Enterprise Hub
| Budget 2024 - Enterprise, Trade and Employment |
What’s the Scéal? Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Budget Highlights 2024
Record funding of €134m for the Arts Council
• Doubling of funding for women in sport
• Support for Tourism sector funding for sustained recovery and downstream business supports
• A new €1.9m pilot initiative to support our regional arts infrastructure to meet their building and equipment needs
• Increased funding for national sporting organisations and for high-performance athletes in Olympic year
• Investment in Irish language skills among teachers and early years educators
• Additional €500,000 to further support the full and successful implementation of the Official Languages Acts 2003 to 2021
• Increased funding of €4.8m to TG4 to support delivery of their strategy
• €6m for Media Fund
| Budget 2024 - Tourism, Culture, Arts Gaeltacht, Sports @ Media |
National News
Launch of a new HSE Roadmap to improve Children’s Disability Services 2023-2026.
The Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’ Gorman, Minister of State for Disabilities Anne Rabbitte and HSE CEO Bernard Gloster have announced the launch of a new HSE Roadmap to improve Children’s Disability Services 2023-2026.
The new Roadmap contains an important set of actions that, collectively, will enhance children’s disability services in Ireland.
They include significant measures to integrate and improve access to services, expand the workforce and advance better communication and engagement with families.
| Read more |
Constituency News
Tánaiste Micheál Martin visited Tuam for the official opening of the Joe & Helen O’Toole Community Nursing Unit
THE late Joe and Helen O’Toole are the Chuck Feeney’s of this region, according to An Tánaiste Micheál Martin, as he officially opened the new €25 million Community Nursing Unit in Tuam – named after the Tuam business couple.
The generosity and altruism of Joe and Helen O’Toole can not be understated and will benefit future generations. Doing work that matters.
Choosing to participate in initiatives that will positively impact and help make a difference is community.
| Read more |
Launch of the Green Bean Café in Athenry – A Social Enterprise
It was a pleasure to attend the launch of The Green Bean Café in Athenry, Co. Galway in the Athenry Primary Care Centre.
The Green Bean Café, a social enterprise that aims to empower young adults with intellectual disabilities; changing lives one brew at a time.
| Read more |
Welcoming Tánaiste Micheál Martin TD, along with Mary Butler TD, to officially open the new Mental Health & Disability Services Building at The Grove in Tuam on Monday.
This new facility provides for over 1,000 people from across the county with staff providing care of the highest standard.
It’s so important that people can access the care they need close to where they live.
Facilities such as The Grove will bring us closer to having not only a fully functioning and effective children’s disability service here in Galway that will meet all the needs of children with disabilities and their families, but a service that we can all, as a community, be very proud of.
| Read more |
Minister Donnelly officially launch of Galway Oncology Radiation Centre
- new radiation oncology centre delivered at a cost of €70.7 million as part of National Cancer Strategy is the largest infrastructure development to date on UHG campus
- new centre will provide greater capacity for radiation therapy treatment and the ability to provide new sophisticated radiation therapy treatments in Galway for the first time
- funding provided in 2021 and 2022 supported the recruitment of 35 additional staff to radiation oncology services in Galway
| Read more |
Living My Life - Housing Demonstration Project
It was a career highlight for me to launch a new housing project for people with intellectual disabilities, called “Living my Life”.
The initiative is a collaboration between Ability West and the Brothers of Charity, which will provide access to housing for adults with intellectual disabilities throughout Galway City and County.
| Read more |
Research and learning to grow in the Burren through new partnership between University of Galway and NPWS
The partnership will support programmes for academic research and study, participation in events which promote nature conservation, research and study in the Burren, and learning activities for students in local schools and University of Galway.
The partnership underpins shared management and access to two facilities in the Burren region – the Carron Field Research Facility and the Finavarra Research Station, for education, research and outreach.
The Carron Field Research Facility was originally established by the University in 1975 as a base for research in the Burren.
| Read morehttps://annerabbitte.ie/national-parks-wildlife-npws-and-university-of-galway-partner-academic-research-and-study-of-the-burren/ |
National Breast Cancer Research Institute and University of Galway announce new €2m research partnership
University of Galway has announced a new partnership with the National Breast Cancer Research Institute (NBCRI) with the charity committing a €2 million research investment fund over two years.
The collaboration builds on a longstanding relationship between NBCRI and the University, which dates back to the 1990s and has involved support for numerous projects and developments in breast cancer research.
| Read more |
Government meet with Gaelic Games Associations on integration process
Gaelic Games plays an elemental role at the heart of Irish society, with a stronghold in every community across the country.
I believe that the integration of the Gaelic Games Associations will be a positive step forward, not just for female participation, but for the association as a whole.
It is heartwarming to see the expert guidance being given by former President McAleese to the process.
The confirm €2.7 million in Government funding for Sport Ireland Women in Sport Programme in 2023
| Read more |
Minister Rabbitte welcomes €400 million investment in student accommodation – equating to 2,700 additional student beds across Ireland.
| Read more |
Galway: The future of Innovation and Job Creation – Galway Tech Sector announce more than 350 new jobs.
Galway is rapidly becoming a major hub for technology and innovation. In recent years, the city and county have attracted a growing number of tech startups and multinational companies, as well as a talented pool of workers. This has led to Galway being dubbed the “New Silicon Valley” of Europe.
Galway has a very supportive business environment and the government is committed to attracting and supporting technology companies, and we now have so many organisations that provide resources and support to startups.
Another 350 technology jobs welcomed to Galway in October 2023!
| Read more |
The government have announced a significant expansion in courses outside the CAO system for students in the next academic year.
Expanding the number of courses is part of the historic reform our government are driving in order to truly improve the further and higher education system.
We are doing this by allowing more and more students access education no matter the points they get.
| Read more |
Funding Opportunities
The Sport Energy Support Scheme (SESS)
Sport Ireland have launched a third phase of the Sports Energy Scheme to support sporting organisations with the rising energy costs associated with the provision of sport e.g., indoor activity in winter, the provision of outdoor floodlighting etc.
Through Local Sports Partnership’s, this phase will target community owned sports facilities which do not currently qualify for TBESS or other Government support schemes through DRCD, Local Authorities etc.
The Eligibility period will relate to increased costs sustained between September 1st 2022 and July 31st 2023 VS September 1st 2019 – July 31st 2020
Clubs or facilities affiliated to Sport Ireland recognised National Governing Bodies should access support directly through their NGB, ie GAA, FAI etc.
General cost of living increases such as rising costs in accommodation, rent, rates or labour costs are not eligible. Fuel costs associated with machinery, vehicles, travel or transport do not qualify.
For more information, please contact galwayactive@galwaycoco.ie
| Register for the Grant |
Housing Adaptation Grant
| All About Housing Adaptation Grant |
| Scheme of Housing Aid for Older People |
| Galway County Council Housing Adaptation Grant |
How-to’ reference guide supports inclusive community engagement
| Inclusive Community Engagement in Local Planning & Decision Making |
Training Opportunities
Training supports for clubs and groups in Galway City and County.
Galway Sports Partnership have linked with Volunteer Galway Volunteer Galway to arrange 4 FREE training supports for clubs and groups in Galway City and County.
The training is designed to help get the best from volunteers within your club.
All courses are on-line, and one individual can attend all 4 or people from your club attend individual courses as is appropriate for their position within your club.
The courses are funding under the Dormant Accounts Fund through the Volunteer Supports programme with Sport Ireland
Finding and Keeping Volunteers for Sport Clubs and Organisations - Wednesday November 15th, 7-9pm -Register HERE.
Managing Diversity in Sports Clubs and Organisations - Wednesday November 22nd, 7-9pm - Register HERE
DEW - Women in Entrepreneurship
The Digital Entrepreneurship for Women (DEW) project, funded by the European
Union's Erasmus+ program, The DEW project stands out for its ability to meet the challenges faced by women aspiring to create and develop their own businesses.
DEW is aimed at all women entrepreneurs, whatever their sector of activity.
It offers exceptional educational resources, training and policy recommendations to support women seeking to set up their own businesses.
The DEW project is closely aligned with the key priorities of the Erasmus+ program.
including inclusion and diversity in education and training, digital transformation,
adapting vocational training to the needs of the labor market and increasing the
flexibility of vocational training opportunities.
DEW's Open Educational Resources (OR) are designed to be accessible and significantly enhance opportunities for women entrepreneurs, while strengthening project partners, as
well as local, national and European entrepreneurship support and vocational
training providers.
| Learn more about DEW |
SHE supports women across rural Ireland to become county councillors and to be part of their campaign teams.
SHE provide FREE online political education, a free comprehensive practical guidebook, and a continuous series of FREE interactive workshops covering all the different areas any woman running for election or part of her campaign team needs to think about and have a plan for.
- SHE is a feminist, community led, rural initiative to support women into political life.
- SHE believe in an inclusive Ireland where women’s human rights and equality are respected and protected, and women are not discriminated against.
- SHE believe in showing dignity and respect to everyone irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, class, age, religious beliefs, political beliefs, ability, and sexual orientation.
- SHE believe in working positively and respectfully together to change inequality in political participation.
- SHE are committed to working from a feminist perspective to advocate these values.
Anyone wishing to engage with their initiative is required to hold these same values.
Any political party or organisation you are associated with or are a member of must also align with our statement of values in order for you to join in the workshops.
| Learn more about SHE |
SMART VILLAGES SOUTH GALWAY
Blue Teapot are looking for aspiring actors aged 18+
Galway County Public Participation Network (PPN) are calling on all grass root groups from Parish Halls and Community Centres, to Mens Sheds and Womens Sheds, Voluntary Community Youth Groups and Senior Citizen Groups to register with the PPN so that they can be informed of upcoming funding opportunities, to cover running, energy costs and other capital grants to purchase equipment and upgrade community amenities and facilities.
When a group registers it becomes part of the County PPN Structure. Registered groups receive regular updates, information on funding opportunities and also benefit from advertising their own community activities free of charge.
Registration is easy and free of charge!
| Register Now |
Disability Awareness Training - 'Inclusive Community Groups' - for PPN Members
Monday, 20th November from 15.00–16.30
Topics Covered
• The principles of Inclusion
• Communication
• Building Accessibility
• Group Management and planning of Activities
• Case Studies
Guest Speaker: Carmel Craven (expert by experience).
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAsdOuhqDIsHdFk5vp9wglCVFNKoHq8Xj43
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
This is a FREE Online Training for PPN Members.
This training is taking place as part of Galway County Social Inclusion Week (20th-24th November 2023).
The Wheel is calling for groups to sign up for membership!
The Wheel is Ireland’s national association of charities, community groups and social enterprises.
As a representative voice, they provide leadership to the charity and community sector and we advocate on behalf of our growing community of members.
As a supportive resource, they offer advice, training and other opportunities to people working or volunteering in the charity and community sector.
Organisations with an income under 25k get free membership!
The Wheel focus on the following areas of work:
- Public Policy and Campaigning: promoting the interests of both their members and the wider sector by building public support and securing the optimal legislative, policy and regulatory environment for community and voluntary action. Work in this area includes advocacy, campaigning, influencing, media engagement and research. Read more.
- Skills and Leadership Development: providing a wide range of affordable unaccredited and accredited training to people working and volunteering in the sector. Key offerings in this area are our training and development programme and the Nonprofit Sector Leadership Academy.
- Networking Programme: facilitating and supporting networks of interest, opening doors for collaboration and networking across traditional boundaries.
- Their current networks focus on topics such as social enterprise, small organisations, insurance, charity finance managers, HSE-funded groups and more.
- Information Services Programme: providing a vast range of practical information and advice tailored to the practical needs of people working and volunteering in charities, community and voluntary organisations and social enterprises.
- Key activities include our helpdesk, websites, newsletters and Fundingpoint database of funding opportunities.
- Delivering Special Programmes: partnering with public agencies and philanthropic bodies to deliver projects that promote theirmission and strategic aims and support the work of the sector.
- The Wheel are currently delivering several EU programmes and the iCommunity project under the Shared Island Initiative.
| Join the Wheel |
Your Voice Matters, Your Vote is important.
| Checktheregister.ie |
FUNDING FOR TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS: A ROADMAP TO ERASMUS+
The Wheel - Online information session, 22 Nov 2023 – 2:30pm to 4:00pm
Read more HERE.
This event is FREE.
Erasmus+ is the EU’s funding programme for education, training, youth and sport.
It provides a variety of opportunities for Irish civil society organisations and communities to collaborate with European partners to develop and innovate.
One of the programme’s target audiences is community & voluntary organisations - their staff and service users alike.
Williamstown Bottletop Mural
Williamstown Bottletop Mural is now in place, adding a slash of colour and fun to the village.
Biddy Early - A Folk Opera
Composed for Kinvara Community Orchestra by Stephen Johnston, with additional lyrics by Helen Lane, ‘Biddy Early’ will have its premiere at Kinvara Community Centre, on December 2nd and 3rd 2023, under the baton of Garry O’Briain.
The folk opera, performed by 9 singers and over 40 musicians, explores the extraordinary life of herbalist and clairvoyant Biddy Early, of Co. Clare.
With an orchestration that is unashamedly romantic, the style is rooted in Irish traditional music, ballads and airs.
Kinvara Community Orchestra (KCO) was founded in 2020 by Fiona Buckley as a community initiative.
The Orchestra operates under the patronage of Tigh Sayre, Kinvara and Gort Resource Centre. KCO is very grateful to Creative Ireland and Galway County Arts Office for their financial support for this production.
Yes its true! Its beginning to look a lot like.....
Anne Rabbitte TD Minister of State at Department of Children, Disability, Equality, Integration and Youth - Galway East
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