Latest news with #JohnPaulO'Shea
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Health
- Irish Independent
Cork pharmacies sign up for free HRT scheme of ‘transformational' potential to women's health
HRT is a medicine-based treatment used to relieve symptoms of menopause and perimenopause. Most pharmacies in Cork and nationwide have signed up to participate in the scheme, with the numbers increasing daily. Cork North West TD John Paul O'Shea said 208 pharmacies in Cork will offer the free medication to women, which is 'extremely positive.' 'The majority of pharmacies across the country are now participating in the scheme, and this figure is increasingly daily, meaning that all women will be able to access this free medication in a pharmacy convenient for them. 'In Cork, already 208 pharmacies will offer the free medication to women, which is extremely positive. 'It's important to note that the new arrangement includes a pharmacy dispensing fee, so medication will be completely free,' he said. Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill was commended by her party colleague Mr O'Shea, who said he was 'grateful' to the Minister for her role in the scheme. 'The symptoms women encounter during perimenopause and menopause are varied and women's lives can be hugely impacted 'HRT is such an important medicinal regime for women and can positively improve their lives and make daily living much easier. 'This scheme is transformational for women. 'I commend the pharmacies in Cork who have joined the scheme to continue to provide vital healthcare for their communities,' concluded Mr O' Shea. Women who have been private patients and who wish to avail of this will need to possess a Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS) card. Medical card holders can continue to access HRT medication as normal – a DPS card is not necessary. Women can find their nearest pharmacy to them that is providing the service via:
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- General
- Irish Independent
Cork carers will receive €2,000 next Thursday as part of the Carer's Support Grant
The annual Carer's Support Grant is available to all carers in Cork who provide full-time care to an older person or a person with a disability regardless of their means or social insurance contributions. This year's grant has increased to €2,000 from €1,850 in the last Budget. Fine Gael TD for Cork North West John Paul O'Shea said carers 'do some of the valuable work there is' and are a 'huge benefit to society.' 'This grant should assist carers to provide the best care possible, to reduce the risk of injury, to help family carers cope with the emotional and psychological aspects of their role,' he said. Cork carers who provide for two or more people will receive a grant in respect of each person being cared for in order to tackle the expense and challenges associated with caring for multiple people. 'If you are already in recipient of Carer's Allowance (full rate or half rate), Carer's Benefit or Domiciliary Care Allowance, there is no need to apply, you will automatically receive the grant. 'However, if you are not receiving any of this payment but are a full-time carer, you can still apply for the grant,' Mr O'Shea added.
Irish Independent
27-05-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Macroom Youthreach Centre receive positive news in their quest for a new building
Cork College of FET Macroom Youthreach Centre offers young people who are out of mainstream education an alternative educational pathway. Young people aged between 15 and 20 are offered an opportunity to remain in education and acquire a qualification in a friendly and welcoming setting. High expectations are placed on each individual and students are supported in order to achieve a positive outcome. Equal emphasis is placed on developing academic skills in partnership with practical life skills and preparation for the world of work or further education. The Department has confirmed that a due diligence process is currently underway, which will assess value for money, educational needs, and compliance with environmental and procurement standards. Cork ETB is providing regular updates to SOLAS, and it is anticipated that a lease application could be submitted by the end of the summer. Fine Gael TD for Cork North West John Paul O'Shea welcomed confirmation from the Minister for Further and Higher Education James Lawless that progress is being made on the new Youthreach facility. 'I'm very pleased to hear that Cork ETB has now been given the green light to enter lease negotiations with Bus Éireann for a potential site in Macroom. This is a significant step forward for the Youthreach programme locally, which plays a crucial role in supporting and re-engaging young people with education.' The Cork TD has consistently highlighted the urgent need for a modern, fit-for-purpose education centre for young people in the area who have left the formal school system. 'I know how important this facility is to the community and to the dedicated staff and learners in the Youthreach programme. I will continue to work closely with the Department, Cork ETB and all stakeholders to ensure this project is delivered without delay. 'Youthreach provides a vital second-chance education option for early school leavers. The new facility in Macroom will provide these young people with the support and resources they need to reach their full potential, he added. Speaking to The Corkman in April, Christina Cronin who is the Coordinator of Macroom Youthreach Centre said securing a new building is vital for the continued progression of Macroom Youthreach. 'The current building is not fit for purpose. We need central heating, more bathrooms and basic things like that. Simple things like that can make a big difference. Some of the staff have working in the building for years and it is so cold. We will be in the current building for the foreseeable future and we will do the best with what we have. 'A new building is needed and has been needed for the last ten years,' said Ms Cronin. 'It would be great for the staff and the students. It would give everyone a great boost. The current building doesn't reflect the hard work that has been done there by the staff and students over the years which is a shame. We want our dream to become a reality.'
Irish Independent
19-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Over 3,000 people in Cork in receipt of unemployment payment for over 12 months or longer
Figures released to the chairperson of the Social Protection Oireachtas Committee, Deputy John Paul O'Shea showed that overall 47,764 people nationally were in receipt of the Jobseeker's Allowance payment with 3,365 people in Cork in receipt of an unemployment payment for over a year. Fine Gael TD for Cork North West John Paul O'Shea who recently obtained a county-by-county breakdown of those in receipt of an unemployment payment expressed serious concerns over the figures. 'At a time when small businesses all across the country are crying out for staff, it's hard to fathom why anybody would be in receipt of an unemployment payment for over a year. Yet figures from the Department of Social Protection show that 47,764 have been in receipt of a Jobseekers' Allowance payment for over 12 months.' 'We have record employment levels in Ireland,' said the Cork TD. 'There is a job out there for everybody that wants one. We need to seriously ask the question, why are some people still not entering the workforce? 'There are a plethora of supports in place to help people with further education, training and reskilling. We also have programmes like Community Employment and the Work Placement Experience Programme which help people get hands on work experience,' he added. Deputy O'Shea said the reasons behind the figures need to be examined in more detail. 'Are there welfare traps which are acting as a disincentive to people taking up employment? Do we need to examine the penalty rates for those who refuse to engage with back to work supports?' Mr O'Shea reiterated his belief that a major focus is required to get long term jobseekers back to work. 'There are small businesses in towns and villages across the country who cannot get staff particularly in the hospitality sector as we approach the busy summer season.' Deputy O'Shea called on the Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary to publish a comprehensive new employment strategy to tackle the issue of long-term unemployment. 'I am calling on Minister Calleary to publish a comprehensive new employment strategy which focuses on intensive engagement with those who are long term unemployed. 'We should not be complacent because Ireland is at full employment. If anything now is the time to redouble our efforts so we can help address labour shortages in the economy by supporting those most distant from the labour market into the workforce,' he added.
Irish Independent
25-04-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
North Cork hospital to get over €7m in funding for the completion of capital projects
The funding will also stretch to provide the outpatient/day clinic ward with 10 clinical rooms and establish an obesity clinic on the ground floor of the hospital. Cork North West Fine Gael TD John Paul O'Shea said he is looking forward to seeing the project progress during the year. 'This extension was built during Covid times and it's great now to see this part of the project moving forward. 'The different wards are very busy in Mallow General Hospital and it has a very busy Local Injury Unit open to the public each day. 'I look forward to seeing this project progress during 2025,' he said. Mallow General Hospital is part of the Cork University Hospital group and provides a range of services including acute in-patient medicine, injury unite, medical assessment unit, an endoscopy suite and theatre. Mr O'Shea welcomes further investment in the hospital in the future. 'I welcome the further investment in the hospital for 2025 and once operational, the entire new building will be providing many vital services to the people of the area. 'The staff there do great work and there is always such positive feedback from the patients there. 'I look forward to this continuing into the future,' he added.
