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Last Updated: February 7, 2013 by Mary Mitchell O'Connor

Ban on students photographing each other and staff in schools welcome

Incidents of young children ‘sexting’ can have serious repercussions into adult life.

Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire Deputy, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, has today (Tuesday) welcomed the ban imposed by the Joint Managerial Body (JMB) which prohibits secondary school children from taking photographs of each other or of school staff in a bid to combat cyber bullying.

Deputy Mitchell O’Connor went on to say that incidents of ‘sexting’, whereby young children and adolescents send sexually explicit messages or photographs to each other via their mobile phones, are having a detrimental impact on our children’s lives and giving them a distorted perception of the world around them.

“The move by the JMB to advise its 400 members that students should not be allowed to take photographs of each other or staff members within the school setting, unless it is for a school project, will go some way towards tightening the grip on cyber bullying.

“The victimisation of school children and staff via social websites or mobile phone technology is getting out of hand, with three young deaths being attributed to it in as many months. Action is being taken, through this and other measures with the Association of Community and Comprehensive Schools (ACCS) taking steps to deal with online abuse and the harassment of staff and pupils. The Minister for Education, Ruairí Quinn TD, is also engaged with an Expert Group which is working on comprising up-to-date rules and guidelines which will assist schools in dealing with bullying of all sorts, including that which occurs online.

“Our children are growing up in a world that is very different to even a decade ago. Advances in technology is leading, in many ways, to the sexualisation of our children at much earlier stages of life, as they have access to all manner of images and adult content online.

“Sexting, which is increasingly common, not only among our adolescents but also among younger children, desensitizes young people to sexual activity and leads them to believe that this kind of behaviour is, in fact, normal. If this explicit communication is treated as a bit of risqué fun among the peer group, our children are being given an exceptionally distorted view of the world around them as they develop and grow, with serious consequences being stored up for the future.

“Our children are so vulnerable and when it comes to things of a sexual and explicit nature, they do not often know right from wrong. It’s time to take a step back and to ensure that technology is given the space it deserves in our and our children’s worlds; to teach them and enhance their lives in a positive way.”

Last Updated: February 4, 2013 by Mary Mitchell O'Connor

Budget presents opportunity to assist smokers to quit

Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire Deputy, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, has today (Wednesday) said that the upcoming Budget presents an opportunity to assist smokers to quit.

“For many, the battle to quit smoking is something they grapple with all year around. New Year, birthdays and Budget time are all milestones throughout the year when smokers regularly make a pact with themselves to give up smoking.

“Giving up, especially after years of smoking, poses a significant challenge. A considerable amount of willpower is required, as is a dramatic change in habit. This ensures the best chance of success. To assist those who are attempting to make this positive change, proper support systems need to be in place. Initiatives such as the National Smokers’ Quitline, which is supported by the HSE, together with websites such as www.quit.ie and associated campaigns aim to educate smokers about the impact smoking is having on their lives and encourages them to quit.

“Increasing the cost of cigarettes in the upcoming Budget and investing all savings made into cessation programmes could assist hundreds in their goal to quit. There is a concern, however, that a rise in the cost of cigarettes fuels the smuggling trade which ends up costing the Exchequer in the end. Figures from the Irish Heart Foundation suggest that it is possible to increase the cost of cigarettes while, at the same time, tackling the underground trade.

“It suggests that while the cost of cigarettes in the UK rose by 77% between 2001 and 2011, the level of smuggling fell from 21% to 9% during the same time. I have written to the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan TD, to ask about the revenue that could be generated by a budgetary increase on cigarettes, which could perhaps then be ringfenced for anti-smoking campaigns and support services. I have also asked the Minister about the possibility of imposing a profit tax for tobacco companies or whether an individual sector taxation could realistically be introduced.

“Smoking is costing us dearly every year, both in real terms, as our healthcare services struggle to deal with smoking related illnesses, and in human terms, as one in every two smokers die of a tobacco related disease.”

Last Updated: February 4, 2013 by Mary Mitchell O'Connor

Mitchell O’Connor welcomes commitment to great transparency in family law cases

Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire Deputy, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, has welcomed the commitment from the Minister for Justice, Alan Shatter TD, that he will bring forward legislation in the coming weeks to allow for greater transparency in family law cases.

Deputy Mitchell O’Connor raised the issue of family law proceedings with the Justice Minister in the Dáil last July.

“I was delighted to hear Minister Shatter confirm at the weekend that he will introduce legislation following on from the Children’s Referendum to increase transparency where family law cases are concerned. The Minister stated that the ‘in-camera’ rule, during which family law and child care cases are heard in private, has been an issue which has concerned him for a number of years.

“It is essential that a balance is struck when dealing with family law and child care cases as the sensitivity of these cases dictates that the privacy of those at the centre of proceedings is protected. By ensuring greater transparency, however, cases will be subjected to an increased level of scrutiny by the public, allowing them the opportunity to understand how the Family Court works.

“The Children’s Referendum next Saturday gives us a chance to make a real difference to how children are protected and families are supported in this State and gives may children who are currently trapped in legal limbo when it comes to adoption, the chance, for the first time, of a second chance at a loving and caring family.

“The Referendum will also give children a chance to have their voices heard in family court proceedings where access, guardianship and adoption are concerned by taking account of their views, where it is appropriate and where the child’s level of maturity allows.

“The changes being made by this Government in terms of how are children are cared for puts them front and centre of decision making and prioritises their rights. The family is still acknowledged as the best place for a child to be, but in a small number of cases, the family environment is not a safe place to be. By casting a vote in favour of the Children’s Referendum this Saturday, we will be sending a strong signal to our young people that they really matter. Minister Shatter’s introduction of legislation to ensure a greater level of transparency in family court and child care proceedings will further bolster what is to become a more supportive and protective environment for all families into the future.”

Last Updated: February 4, 2013 by Mary Mitchell O'Connor

Government prioritises children with €2.25m in capital funding for youth cafes and recreational facilities

Youth groups in Dun Laoghaire – Rathdown encouraged to apply for funding.

Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire TD, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, has welcomed the announcement of €2.25 million in capital funding which is being made available to build and develop youth cafes and to support recreational facilities in Dun Laoghaire – Rathdown and beyond.

Deputy Mitchell O’ Connor encouraged youth groups and local organisations to apply for funding if they have not already done so.

“The Minister for Children, Frances Fitzgerald TD, is making €2.25 million available so that children across Ireland will have safe, drug and alcohol free places to play and to enable local communities to embark on youth projects which will deliver play facilities for our children.

“The funding will be made up of €500,000 for youth cafes this year, for which applications have already being received and are currently being assessed. One and a half million euro will go towards youth capital projects next year, including further youth cafes, and €250,000 will be available for play and recreation initiatives. This funding will be accessible, in part, through local authorities with further details of the project scheme being announced by the Department of Children & Youth Affairs in the coming weeks.

“I would encourage local groups, clubs and organisations in Dun Laoghaire – Rathdown to apply for funding so that local children and young people can be given the chance to avail of a suitable place to play and an environment that facilitates growth, development and physical activity.

“So many of our children are living increasingly sedentary lives with the result that obesity is on the rise. It is up to us to ensure that children are getting the physical exercise they need so that they are not beset with heart disease and other illnesses down the line.

“This Government has put children front and centre of policy decisions. For the first time ever we have a Minister for Children whose sole focus is on making Ireland a better place for our children to live. Our children’s emotional, social and physical wellbeing is dependent upon the decisions we make on their behalf. That is why a new National Play and Recreation Network was established earlier this year to oversee the delivery of local play and recreation services in communities like Dun Laoghaire – Rathdown and across the country. It is also why the Government is campaigning so hard for a Yes vote on Saturday in the Children’s Referendum.

“I would encourage everyone who cares about our children’s futures to ensure they go out to vote next weekend and for local clubs and organisations to ensure they avail of youth facility funding which will reap so many benefits for our children into the future.”

Last Updated: July 1, 2019 by Mary Mitchell O'Connor

Patents Amendment Bill

This legislation is the outcome of a pro-business and pro-enterprise approach on the part of the Government.

A particular concern for Ireland is the new patent box regime due to come into effect in the UK in April 2013. The previous Governments decision to abolish the tax exemption for Irish patent royalties has left us susceptible to losing inward investment from high technology companies as the UK patent box regime will make that country’s tax code more competitive in attracting foreign direct investment by global high technology companies. The UK Government proposes to introduce a 10% rate of corporation tax in respect of income from qualifying patents. Qualifying income comes under three headings: income from licence fees and royalties received for use of an invention, income from the sale of products which incorporate inventions from qualifying patents and income from the sale of patents. Furthermore, once a patent is granted a company can claim patent box benefits for any income arising between the date of application and the date on which the patent is granted, up to a maximum of four years prior to the date of granting.

This new regime possibly presents a competitive threat to Ireland. We need to send out a strong message that Ireland is open for business and welcomes foreign direct investment. The UK initiative on patents, alongside continued reductions in corporation tax rates, should receive our careful attention.

Last Updated: February 7, 2013 by Mary Mitchell O'Connor

Combatting cyber bullying is everyone’s responsibility

Parents need to make sure that children are neither the victims nor the perpetrators of bullying behaviour.

Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire Deputy, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, has today (Wednesday) said that combatting the growing abuse of children online is the responsibility of teachers, parents and the children who are aware that it is being carried out.

“In recent months we have witnessed a spate of tragic deaths of young girls, that have been linked to campaigns of cyber-bullying and abuse of these children at the hands of their peers. It is incumbent on all of us to get to grips with this and to ensure that this targeting of vulnerable people does not go unabated.

“First and foremost, we need to open up the conversation with our children that bullying should not be tolerated and that any attempts at bullying should be reported to a teacher, a parent or a trusted adult in authority. This should be the case, not only where the child is experiencing harmful and threatening behaviour directly, but if he/she is aware that another child is being victimised.

“Children should also be encouraged not to engage with bullies, but to block the sender and to save any evidence which can be used to build a case.

“Where teachers and parents are concerned, we must clearly relay to children the consequences that bullying can have on a child’s life. Children must be made aware that threatening behaviour will not be tolerated and that children may be held accountable, in the home and with the authorities, for the unthinkable outcomes of what they may perceive to be a bit of harmless fun.

“In addition to keeping a close eye on our children to ensure they are not being victimised, we must also ensure that they themselves are not the perpetrators of bullying behaviour. By employing the traditional values of the 4Ws; Where is your child? Who are they with? What are they doing? And at what time will they be home?; parents should be able to monitor their children’s activities.

“Bullying is an age-old problem which it is naïve to think we will ever completely eradicate. What we must do, however, is to work together to highlight the extreme outcomes for which bullying behaviour can sometimes be responsible. It is time to lift the lid of secrecy on bullying so that our children have the confidence to report it, allowing them to get on with a stress-free and bully-free childhood.”

Last Updated: February 4, 2013 by Mary Mitchell O'Connor

Shop around for the best value in health insurance

Fine Gael TD for Dun Laoghaire, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, is today (Friday) urging everyone with private health insurance to shop around for the best value as there are many different schemes that offer the same packages at better value than others on the market. Deputy Mitchell O’Connor was speaking following a meeting of the Health Committee and the Irish Insurance Federation.

“Following a meeting with the Health Committee and the Irish Insurance Federation this week, it became apparent that there are significant price variations for the same schemes with different insurance providers in this State.

“I am urging everyone with private health insurance to do some research to determine what providers are offering what packages to ensure that you are getting the best value for money for your specific health requirements.

“There are many different options available, especially if you work for a company that has a group scheme. We are living in very difficult times where every penny counts, so, by shopping around, people may be able to make savings which will go some way towards alleviating financial pressures.”

Last Updated: March 6, 2013 by Mary Mitchell O'Connor

Old Bray Road Cornelscourt – Parking Issues

A draft proposal for the introduction of Pay & Display (P&D) parking controls on Old Bray Road Cornelscourt in the vicinity of the shops and at The Mart was discussed with the owner/occupier of the main retail premises at this location in 2010. This proposal was not accepted. Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Transportation Department is required to consider its policy on the introduction of P&D schemes into residential areas because of financial constraints and introduce schemes in areas that are commercially viable for the Council with the objective of becoming self-financing.

The Transportation Department in introducing P&D in residential areas is committed to introducing all day parking and it is not proposed to amend the parking periods as set out in the proposal presented in 2010. It should be noted that at this time there are a number of areas requesting the introduction of P&D and in considering the introduction of P&D all areas must be assessed individually for prioritisation in line with the objects set out.

Last Updated: February 4, 2013 by Mary Mitchell O'Connor

Additional €2m available for The Gathering 2013

Event organisers in Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown should apply for funding to ensure maximise impact for events and festivals.

Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire Deputy, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, has welcomed the announcement of an additional €2 million in funding for the Gathering 2013 which is being supplied, in equal measure, by the Government and IPB Insurance. These additional funds are being made available due to the huge number of festivals and events that are being planned across the country as a means of attracting the Irish Diaspora to come home to Ireland next year.

“Two million euro in additional funding is being supplied to assist the people of Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown and beyond in their attempts to organise events and activities at local level as part of The Gathering 2013; the biggest tourism initiative ever planned in Ireland.

“The fund will be administered by local authorities to support activities and I am encouraging anyone in Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown who is interested in planning an event, to apply for funding from their local authority. City and County Councils will be administering grants of between €25,000 and €60,000 which will support up to three flagship events in each Council area. Grants of between €500 and €2,500 will also be available for other local and community events.

“The Gathering 2013 is a fantastic opportunity for each locality to demonstrate all they have to offer. It’s a fantastic excuse to bring friend and family home or to encourage those who merely have an interest in Ireland and Irish culture to pay us a visit. It is hoped that the year-long series of festivals and events will bring an additional 325,000 tourists to Ireland next year which have a significant impact on our economy, contributing to our overall economic recovery.

“The Gathering will not only have benefits for tourism in Dun Laoghaire/ Rathdown but it should also bring enhanced opportunities for the business community in terms of forging links and relationships for future trade.

“To date, there have been between 6,000 and 7,000 people attending meetings to organise events in every constituency in Ireland. It is estimated that the additional funds announced today will help to support a further 700 events across the country. IPB is to be commended for its generosity in making funds available and I would encourage anyone in Dun Laoghaire who is interested in getting involved with The Gathering to contact their local authority to apply for funding.”

Last Updated: March 6, 2013 by Mary Mitchell O'Connor

Luas to DART via UCD – Cycle and Pedestrian Route

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown is currently developing a cycle and pedestrian route from Windy Arbour Luas Station to
Booterstown Dart Station via UCD. This route forms part of the DLR Cycle Network and will provide excellent permeability for all users.

The route travels through a number of residential areas (Columbanus, Mulvey Park, Gledswood, Woodbine and Trimleston) and it should be noted that it is not proposed to alter or remove any parking in these areas. As per the recommendations in the National Cycle Manual the speeds and volumes of vehicles are sufficiently low that the installation of cycle lanes would not be warranted. It is proposed to install wayfinding signage at various points within these areas.

See http://www.dlrcoco.ie/newsevents/latestnews/title,8755,en.html for more information