Latest news with #HildegardeNaughton
Irish Independent
10-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Chime open new resource centre in Louth
The official opening of Chime's new centre in Park Street was performed by Minister of State at the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, Hildegarde Naughton TD. It is one of 12 locations nationally which are vibrant centres for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people, offering a broad range of assistance, including hearing aid and other tech services, as well as one-to-one and group support. Minister Naughton praised Chime for its caring support of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community, and for the new services on offer for people in Louth, Meath, Monaghan, and Cavan. The centre offers advice and support, including hearing aid services, assistive technology and support groups. Nationally, Chime also offers the support of its Explore Programme to support with access to further education and employment, and Child and Family services including social workers and a Deaf specialist multi-disciplinary team. 'As a charity, Chime's provision of advice, services, and community support to Deaf and Hard of Hearing people, as well as its championing of equal rights and full inclusion, is remarkable,' said Minister Naughton at the opening. 'This opening is a continuation of my, and the Government's, commitment to improving services for people with disabilities, and ensuring that they can live full lives with the same rights and access to services, education, transport, sport, culture, careers and means to live independently as all other citizens enjoy.' Sharing her personal story at the launch, Catriona McCaughey, a client of Chime, expressed her gratitude to the charity. 'Chime have supported me through some very stressful times,' she said. 'I hope that by sharing my story, I can help raise awareness of the challenges Deaf people face, and highlight the importance of communication, connection, and equal access. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more 'There are still too many barriers in Ireland, but with greater understanding and the right changes, we can build a society where no Deaf person is left behind.' Chime CEO, Mark Byrne, said the centre would provide much needed services to the north-east, where there are over 20,000 people who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. 'We are delighted to bring this service to Dundalk as part of our network of 12 dedicated centres and over 30 outreach clinics nationwide,' said Mr Byrne. 'Our goal is to bring essential services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people directly into communities, supporting individuals throughout their hearing care journey. 'It will offer vital support, connection, and accessible resources to the local community. 'Chime is committed to building an inclusive community where Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals feel valued, supported and empowered.'
Irish Post
26-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Post
Call to action as new research reveals barriers to disability sports in Ireland
NEW research has revealed striking inequalities in access to Para sports in Ireland. The report found girls and those who become disabled in later life face more challenging pathways when attempting to access disability sports. The far-reaching study, a collaboration between the University of Limerick and Paralympics Ireland, examined the lived experience of Para athletes and coaches across the country. It found that girls with disabilities begin participating in Para sport nearly a decade later than boys. The finding 'points to a stark gender disparity that limits early engagement' the report authors state. The study also found that individuals with acquired disabilities face significantly more obstacles to participation than those with congenital disabilities. Pictured at the launch (l-r) Dr Seán Healy, research assistant Alan Dineen, Paralympics Ireland COO Neasa Russell, Disability Minister Hildegarde Naughton, Limerick Councillor Frankie Daly, the University of Limerick's Professor Elaine Murtagh and Dr Ian Sherwin (Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile) Despite these challenges, the report highlighted the 'profound impact' of Para sport in improving physical and mental health, fostering independence, and enhancing quality of life for participants. The report calls for better use of the untapped potential of schools, families, and rehabilitation settings as entry points into sport. These environments, the study finds, are 'critical to long-term engagement but remain underutilised'. The research also calls for 'targeted investment in local programmes, increased access to trained coaches, and improved availability of adaptive equipment to create more inclusive sporting opportunities across Ireland'. Ireland's Disability Minister, Hildegarde Naughton attended the launch of the report, titled Gateways & Pathways: Athlete and Coach Experiences of Para Sport in Ireland, at the University of Limerick this month. 'Sport and physical activity is crucial for the health and wellbeing of our society, she said. 'I am a firm believer that all people should have the right to enjoy sport which brings so much to all our lives. 'It keeps us healthy, and it is the backbone of our communities.' She added: 'Despite recent and welcome progress, there remains an enduring participation gap between persons with a disability and those living without such challenges. 'The research we are publishing today will form a critical part of how we will continue to work together, as a government and a sporting community, to break down barriers to sport.' Dr Sean Healy, who was the lead researcher on the project, said that the findings of their study must be a catalyst for change. 'This research is a call to action,' he said. 'By identifying where the system is falling short, we now have the opportunity to reshape how Para sport is delivered in this country.' He added: 'The recommendations offer a clear roadmap for making sport more inclusive, equitable, and impactful for people with disabilities.' Neasa Russell, Paralympics Ireland's Chief Operating Officer, said the findings reinforce what was 'already felt' among the Para sports community. 'This research shines a powerful light on both the barriers and the opportunities within Irish Para sport,' she said. 'It confirms what many in our community have long felt – that access is unequal, especially for girls and for those who acquire a disability later in life. 'But it also highlights the transformative role sport can play when those barriers are removed.' She added: 'Our job now is to act on these findings and ensure that every person with a disability, regardless of gender, age, or background, has a clear and supported pathway into sport. 'That is the vision we are committed to delivering.' Paralympics Ireland and University of Limerick will now begin working with key stakeholders to explore steps to implement the report's recommendations. See More: Barriers, Disability, Ireland, Para Sports, Report
RTÉ News
25-06-2025
- Health
- RTÉ News
Research shows significant gender disparity in para sport
New research into disability sports has found there is a significant gender disparity when it comes to participation in such activities. The study shows that girls begin para sports nearly a decade later than boys. The report also identifies a number of obstacles when it comes to participation, with cost, lack of facilities and other infrastructural absences making it more difficult for those with a physical or visual impairment to access sporting activities. The research is a collaboration between Paralympics Ireland and the University of Limerick. It is being launched at an event at UL this afternoon, by Minister for Disabilities Hildegarde Naughton. 'Athlete and Coach Experiences of Para Sport Gateways and Pathways in Ireland' has been billed as a pivotal moment in the campaign to build a more inclusive, responsive and sustainable para sport infrastructure. The research takes in the views and experiences of around 150 athletes. It shows that girls with congenital disabilities, on average, engage in sport for the first time when they are over 21, compared with an age of 12 and half for boys. Those with acquired disabilities report more barriers than those with congenital disabilities, and impediments in terms of coaching and facilities are a constant bugbear. As well as identifying the challenges faced when it comes to access and participation, the authors say they have also provided a blueprint for further development. The study says this will require collaboration and structured approaches among local sports groups, those working in the disability sector, and governing bodies at a national level. It calls for increased funding, particularly away from large urban centres, to ensure coaching, equipment and facilities are made available to encourage greater take up of para sports. The report says involvement in para sport has an overwhelmingly positive impact on the lives of those involved, improving physical and mental health, promoting personal independence and helping to broaden horizons and provide connections to others living with a disability. One of its authors, Dr Séan Healy, said the findings provided a "clear roadmap for making sport more inclusive, equitable, and impactful for people with disabilities." Minister Naughton said she was committed to ensuring that the report would be used to encourage greater participation, citing the multiple benefits this would bring to people with disabilities all over the country. She described the study as a critical part of an effort to break down barriers. Chief Operating Officer Paralympics Ireland Neasa Russell said that anecdotally it was known that there had "definitely been a drop off" since the pandemic of participation by people with a disability "accessing and developing sport." She said that just one-third of people with disabilites "regularly partake" in sport, compared with 50% of those without disabilities. Speaking on RTÉ's News at One, she said that we know that Covid had a profound impact on people's ability to access sport, "and unfortunately at the moment, people with disabilities are twice as likely to be sedentary. "When we stand back and look at that from a Paralympic Ireland, para-sport and Team Ireland perspective, we're looking at where is our next generation of athletes coming from. "But more importantly, where are our role models, and how are we really benefitting the disability community by making sure that there is enough access and entry points and awareness of those for the disability community itself," she said. Ms Russell said the research uncovered that at the first stage of participation quite a stark difference between when males would typically "get into para-sport, which is around age 12, but for females it's actually age 21." She said it found that the "signposting" to para sport from family and friends is "quite different." "So actually about 20% of males would have been signposted to para-sport through their friends and family, yet only 2% of females. "Similarly in school ... 25% of male athletes would be signposted to para-sport, only 9% of females." Ms Russell said the figures for signposting from medical and heathcare professionals was 35% for males and 11% for females. "We definitely have a little bit more work to do to understand what's going on here, and indeed start to rectify it," she said.
Irish Post
17-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Post
Minister attends opening of leading Irish medtech firm's new manufacturing facility
A LEADING Irish medtech firm has opened a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Co. Galway to increase production on one of its leading products. Neurent Medical has produced a non-surgical solution for people suffering with chronic rhinitis - a persistent inflammation of the nasal passages, which can cause symptoms such as a runny nose, nasal congestion, and post-nasal drip for more than 12 weeks. Their product Neuromark targets the underlying drivers of the condition so effectively that there is growing demand for the technology both in Ireland and in the US. To meet demand, the firm has launched its new manufacturing site at Westlink Commercial Park in Oranmore. Pictured (l-r) Minister Hildegarde Naughton, Jenny Melia of Enterprise Ireland and Brian Shields, CEO Neurent Medical 'We're proud to scale our operations in Galway, where the MedTech ecosystem continues to thrive,' Neurent Medical CEO Brian Shields said. 'Our new Westlink facility gives us the manufacturing capacity to meet growing demand for Neuromark, while creating high skilled employment opportunities and contributing to economic vitality in the west of Ireland.' He added: 'As an Irish-founded company, we're excited to manufacture our product locally with the exceptional skills available and deliver Irish-engineered MedTech innovation to the world.' The new facility will bring 125 new highly skilled jobs to the Galway area by the end of 2028, the company has confirmed. The new jobs will range across key functions in engineering, quality control, operations, supply chain management, and sales and marketing. Originating from the Enterprise Ireland-supported BioInnovate Ireland Programme, Neurent Medical has grown from concept to commercialisation within a decade, emerging as one of Ireland's medtech success stories. Minister Hildegarde Naughton and Jenny Melia, CEO (Designate) of Enterprise Ireland, who have supported the firm, were at the opening of the new site. 'I want to congratulate Neurent Medical on this significant achievement,' Minister Naighton said. 'Galway is known as a major player in medical technology, being home to eight of the world's top 10 medtech companies. 'As a native myself, I am particularly proud to see 125 new highly skilled jobs being created by a company based in Oranmore,' she added. 'It is also highly notable that this is an Irish company, supported by Enterprise Ireland, and selling into the US market. 'I have no doubt, given their impressive growth to date, that this will be but one of many major achievements for the company.' See More: Enterprise Ireland, Galway, Irish, Medtech, Neurent Medical
The Irish Sun
12-06-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Six new social welfare changes to little-known €245 weekly payment – are you eligible?
SIX changes to a little-known social welfare payment worth €245 each week have been confirmed. The upcoming Advertisement 3 The scheme is designed to support more disabled people into employment Credit: Getty 3 Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary, Minister of State in attendance Hildegarde Naughton, Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley Credit: Niall Carson/PA Wire The Wage Subsidy Scheme gives financial support to employers who employ people with disabilities. The scheme is designed to support more disabled people into employment. The changes announced are a result of the recommendations from a review of the WSS, which was carried out by the Department of Social Protection in August 2024. Advertisement Read more in Money The employer will pay the employee the going rate for the job. And the basic rate of subsidy is €6.30 per hour with the maximum annual subsidy to the employer of €12,776, based on a 39-hour week. And this equals around €245.69 each week. The employee must work at least 15 hours a week. Advertisement MOST READ IN MONEY Speaking at the event last week, the Taoiseach said: "I am delighted to launch these improvements to the Wage Subsidy Scheme. Little known social welfare benefits thousands are entitled to "Supports like this play not only a critical role in closing the employment gap for people with disabilities, reducing poverty and supporting families and communities, but also for employers in bringing new ideas, skills and knowledge to their businesses. "I am committed to advancing the rights and improving the lives of people with disabilities including through removing barriers to employment. "Supports such as this revised Wage Subsidy Scheme recognise that the perspective, talents, and contributions of people with disabilities across society add immeasurably to the quality, the richness and the diversity of all our lives." Advertisement SIX NEW CHANGES TO WSS THE reformed scheme now implements the six recommendations made in the review: Reduce the minimum required hours for the scheme. The minimum hours requirement to avail of the subsidy has been reduced from 21 hours to 15 hours to enable those with more limited work capacity to be included. Remove the term 'productivity deficit' from the scheme. The scheme no longer focuses on a productivity deficit but on the need to adapt the role to a disabled person's ability. Expand the scheme beyond recruitment to include retention of people returning to work. This is particularly important as most disabilities are acquired. People who return to work on Partial Capacity Benefit and who have acquired their disability or health condition in the previous 12 months are now eligible. Expand the scheme to the community and voluntary sector and commercial state-sponsored sector. This will increase employment opportunities for disabled people by expanding the scheme beyond private sector employers to all non-public sector employers. Review the subsidy rate on a regular basis. This will ensure that the subsidy continues to sufficiently support employers. The subsidy rate will be reviewed at least every three years. Promote and improve knowledge of the scheme. The Minister has today launched a nationwide publicity campaign for the Wage Subsidy Scheme to promote and improve knowledge of the scheme. Minister Calleary added: "I strongly encourage employers to consider how the Wage Subsidy Scheme can improve their business and offer substantial and sustainable employment to disabled people." "I believe that the changes made to the Wage Subsidy Scheme will make it more accessible and flexible for both employers and disabled people. "People with disabilities have the talents and skills that employers need. "Improving employment prospects for disabled people is an absolute priority for me, the Taoiseach and this government." Advertisement There are around 1,500 employers who are already taking part in the Wage Subsidy Scheme across the country. WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR WSS? You must be at least 18 years of age to participate in the WSS and you cannot take part if you are eligible to apply for the State Pension. The scheme is not available to self-employed people, people on the Community Employment scheme, Tús, or the Rural Social Scheme, or those who are on the Work Placement Experience Programme. You can qualify for the WSS without a medical assessment if you are getting one of the following disability payments: Advertisement Disability Allowance Blind Pension Disablement Pension - at 20 per cent or more for life Illness Benefit Invalidity Pension If you are not getting a disability payment, you can still apply for the WSS. To apply, you need a recent specialist's report or doctor's letter confirming your disability. Your doctor must also fill out a confidential medical report form confirming that you have a disability which will reduce your ability to work. Minister for Advertisement "There is so much potential and talent that can be tapped into. "I hope these improvements to the scheme will encourage more employers to become involved and provide real opportunities for people with disabilities to showcase their talents and abilities.' 3 Taoiseach Micheal Martin and the Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary last week announced the expansion of the scheme Credit:
