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Posted: June 16, 2014 by Mary Mitchell O'Connor

Well done to Cuala Women!

Congratulations to Cuala’s latest All-Ireland winners, Martha Byrne and Caitriona Murphy who won the U21 Ladies Football All Ireland final last Sunday against Meath.

Last Updated: July 29, 2014 by Mary Mitchell O'Connor

Mitchell O’Connor urges interested parties to make submission to prevent closure of Dun Laoghaire courthouse

Friday, June 13^th 2014

Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire TD, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, has today (Friday) urged interested parties to make submissions to the Courts Service to help prevent the closure of the town’s courthouse. Deputy Mitchell O’Connor added that closing the courthouse would have a negative impact on businesses in the town.

“The Courts Service is conducting a second round of consultation with local interests in Dun Laoghaire in relation to the proposed closure of the courthouse. I understand that the Court Service is looking at this in the context of efficiencies and how it provides services across the entire city, but it must take into account the negative impact the closure would have on the town.

“I am acutely aware of the concerns shared by local businesses about how they would be affected if the courthouse was to close. Dun Laoghaire is home to a considerable number of legal professionals who not only conduct business at the courthouse, but also bring increased trade to local restaurants, shops and cafes in the process.

“The courthouse is used each weekday, and deals with a range of adult and juvenile cases, as well as small claims cases. In my view its closure simply does not make sense. It is bound to result in cost implications for the local Gardaí if the closure plans go ahead, as officers would incur increased travel expenses to attend court hearings.

“The Courts Service has committed to write to all parties which were previously consulted during its original review last year asking them to provide further submissions. I am urging all interested parties locally to engage in this process and outline why the courthouse is needed in the town.

“This is not a done deal. It is incumbent on local representatives and business people to impress upon the Courts Service that closing the courthouse would be a retrograde step for Dun Laoghaire.”

Photograph from South Dublin Today

Last Updated: June 12, 2014 by Mary Mitchell O'Connor

Mitchell O’Connor urges TDs and Senators to support the HEALTH initiative to make the nation healthier

Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire TD and member of the Oireachtas Health Committee, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, is calling on TDs and Senators to support the HEALTH initiative to help make their constituents healthier. The initiative has been developed the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute (INDI) as part of Nourish Ireland Week.

“I am delighted to team up with the INDI for this worthwhile initiative and I am calling on other TDs and Senators to get behind it too. As elected representatives, we can act as messengers and health ambassadors in every county across the country.

“It is time that we as a nation that we faced up to our obesity problem. One in four Irish adults is obese. In the decade between 1990 and 2000, the level of obesity here increased by a massive 67%. We now have a situation where one in five Irish five to twelve year olds is overweight or obese. We must constantly look at new ways to address this escalating problem.

“The INDI wants to get TDs and Senators on board to help spread the message about healthy eating and to use our influence as public representatives to support the development of a nutrition policy for Ireland.

“Poor nutrition and bad diet choices are impacting on our daily lives, and they are costing the country billions. Not only does being overweight have an impact on your self-esteem, it has a major impact on your health.

“Being overweight can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and some cancers. We need to ensure we are all armed with the facts. The INDI is explaining to TDs and Senators about how they can help to make the nation healthier and I hope we can all play a role in making this a reality.”

Last Updated: June 11, 2014 by Mary Mitchell O'Connor

Plain packaging the latest progressive step in fight against smoking

Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire TD and member of the Oireachtas Health Committee, Mary Mitchell O’Connor TD, has today (Tuesday) welcomed the publication of legislation which will introduce plain packaging for tobacco products, describing it as the latest progressive step in the fight against smoking.

“This legislation will remove all forms of branding including trademarks, logo, colours and graphics from cigarette packs and represents yet another progressive step in this Government’s commitment to radically reduce smoking rates.

“Ireland has developed a strong reputation as being a world leader in the fight against tobacco; under the previous Government we became the first country in the world to introduce a workplace smoking ban, and now we are the first country in the EU to introduce plain cigarette packs.

“For decades, the tobacco industry has pumped billions of dollars into getting us hooked on cigarettes. Step by step we have been loosening their grip. Smoking rates in Ireland have fallen in recent years, but we cannot become complacent and must take every stop possible to reduce rates further and save lives.

“Seven thousand people die from smoking related diseases in Ireland every year, and half of all smokers will die as a result of their tobacco habit. Smoking is the single most important preventable cause of illness and death, and it’s costing our health services €1 billion a year.

“Plain packaging will help to reduce smoking rates further and should help to prevent young people from taking up the habit in the first place. This is a very progressive public health initiative, and I would like to commend Minister Reilly for his commitment to this issue.”

Last Updated: June 10, 2014 by Mary Mitchell O'Connor

Almost 350 places available on Springboard courses in IADT and UCD

Fine Gael TD, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, for Dun Laoghaire has today (Monday) welcomed the announcement from the Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn TD, that 6,100 new free higher education places are being made available to jobseekers as part of this year’s round of the Springboard programme.

Almost 350 places are being made available in the Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art Design and Technology and University College Dublin across of range of specialties such as innovation, entrepreneurship and biopharmaceutical production. Springboard courses aim to help people who are without a job to get back into the workforce by giving them qualifications in expanding enterprise sectors.

“This is the fourth year of Springboard, which helps jobseekers to boost their skills so they can access employment in growing enterprise sectors, which are leading our economic recovery. It is great news that almost 350 places are being made available in IADT and UCD, including courses in enterprise and entrepreneurship.’

“Most courses are part-time, they are all free, and they generally allow participants to maintain their social welfare payments while they are completing the course.

“This year, work placements are being offered on almost every Springboard course because such placements are a really important way of improving employment prospects. The system is also being made more flexible, as you will no longer have to be long-term unemployed to be eligible.

“The Government recognises the need for our graduates and jobseekers to have the skills necessary for our new economy, which is based on enterprise and innovation, rather than the old economy which was overly reliant on construction and banking. Springboard specifically targets areas where there are job opportunities and growth, allowing students to gain awards at certificate, degree and post-graduate level.

“I would encourage jobseekers in Dun Laoghaire looking to upskill, to check out the range of local courses available at www.springboardcourses.ie.”

Last Updated: June 6, 2014 by Mary Mitchell O'Connor

Better access to Dalkey Island

This summer people will have better access to Dalkey Island after a new slipway was opened earlier this week. This will allow for easier berthing on the island meaning people can once again visit safely. The old slipway had fallen into a state of disrepair, restricting access at low tides.

Dalkey Island is a unique place with significant and important ecological, archaeological, architectural, and cultural heritage.

The new slipway will also enable a boat to be licensed to provide access for members of the public to the island in coming weeks.

Many thanks to those who helped and contributed with the reconstruction of the new slipway!

Posted: June 6, 2014 by Mary Mitchell O'Connor

Blue Flag Status for Seapoint and Killiney Beaches

Get you buckets and spades ready!

I am delighted to hear that Seapoint and Killiney beaches have retained their Blue Flag Status heading into this summer!

Thanks to Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council for all their efforts in maintain our very special coastline.

Last Updated: June 3, 2014 by Mary Mitchell O'Connor

Mitchell O’Connor supports UK expert’s call for health warning on sugary drinks

Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire TD and member of the Oireachtas Health Committee, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, has today (Thursday) backed a call for prominent health warnings to be displayed on sugary drinks. The proposal has been made by one of the UK’s leading experts on public health, Professor Simon Capewell of the University of Liverpool.

“We need to take radical steps if we are serious about tackling our spiralling obesity problem. We now know that many people are drinking more calories than they are eating; high sugar drinks are significantly contributing to our obesity problem, and they do more damage to health than many people realise.

“Professor Capewell has suggested that the UK should follow California’s lead by placing health warnings on sugary drinks. I believe Ireland should do the same; we have been a world leader in introducing tobacco control measures to reduce smoking, now it’s time we lead the field in anti-obesity measures.

“A recent European study showed that adults who drank more than one can of sugary fizzy drinks a day had a 22% higher risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes than those who drank less than a can a month.

“Professor Ivan Perry of University College Cork has previously pointed out that more than 1,000 deaths from heart disease or strokes could be prevented each year in Ireland if a few simple steps were taken. Cutting down on salt, sugars and fats in processed food would reduce the death rate considerably.

“We need to give consumers as much information as possible, so they can make responsible decisions about the food and drink they buy. Stark warnings on cigarette packets leave us in no doubt about the consequences of smoking. Why do we not take the same approach to other products which can cause diabetes, heart disease and stroke?

“Information needs to be very clear, graphic and hard hitting. I believe that a two litre bottle of fizzy soft drink, for example, should have a hard-hitting warning with words and pictures which take up at least 25% of the available labelling space. We cannot continue to tolerate the negative impact high sugar drinks are having on the nation’s health.”

Last Updated: June 3, 2014 by Mary Mitchell O'Connor

Change of approach on medical cards is right decision-Mitchell O’Connor

Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire TD and member of the Oireachtas Health Committee, Mary Mitchell O’Connor TD, has welcomed the Government’s announcement regarding the eligibility criteria for discretionary medical cards, saying a change of approach is the right decision.

“The review of discretionary medical cards has been causing considerable upset and stress for many families. A number of cases have been highlighted where very ill and vulnerable patients were subjected to unnecessary anxiety and concern.

“I am pleased therefore that the Government has taken the decision to take a fresh look at the eligibility governing the allocation of discretionary medical cards, to ensure it takes account of medical conditions. As a result, the review will be suspended.

“It is essential that the expert panel being set up by the HSE casts a humane and reasonable eye over the factors that are taken into account when a discretionary medical card is being awarded. We must ensure that those who are severely ill get the support they need.

“I also note that the Department of Health has been mandated to develop a policy paper on the further rollout of free GP care, which will be a further step towards Universal Health Insurance.”

Last Updated: May 6, 2014 by Mary Mitchell O'Connor

Passport Office’s Rapid Renewal Pilot Scheme to aid last minute travellers

Fine Gael TD for Dun Laoghaire, Mary Mitchell O’Connor has welcomed the Rapid Renewal Scheme, a new pilot programme being introduced by the Passport Office. This will see applications being processed on the day.

“This excellent new scheme is available to people travelling within three days. It is important to note that this is an appointment only service, that it is available to those renewing passports only and there will be a maximum limit of 20 of these premium appointments available each day.

“I strongly urge all passport holders to do two things at once. Check your passport NOW to make sure it is well in date for any travel plans you have and to do the same for any other family members, especially children; Make sure passports are kept in a safe place, and remember where that is.

“The Passport Office has done a great job being responsive and imaginative at a time when resources are tight and demand continues to rise. Over 63o,000 passports were issued last year. Few public services deal in so much short term, urgent drama and crisis.

“In emergencies where people need to travel due to death or serious illness of a family member, applications are generally turned around on the same day if proof of the emergency is provided.

“The Passport Express Service is hassle free and operates through over 900 post offices. It is the fastest and cheapest way to apply. The Passport Office aims to have passports back within 10 working days.

“For those with urgent travel needs, a passport appointment system for quick turnaround is now also available at the Passport Offices in Dublin and Cork. This allows customers to book a guaranteed time slot online. All of the relevant information about passports can be found on the Department of Foreign Affairs website: www.dfa.ie“