Latest news with #Lenehan
Agriland
20-05-2025
- Business
- Agriland
Watch: Agri-Food Regulator confident of further powers
The chairperson of the Agri-Food Regulator (An Rialálaí Agraibhia) has indicated that he is confident that the regulator will be afforded further powers in order to carry out its functions. Speaking to Agriland at the inaugural conference of the Agri-Food Regulator today (Tuesday, May 20), Joe Healy said that, with the powers the regulator currently has, it is not possible to 'get the full picture'. It emerged in February that the board of the Agri-Food Regulator had written to Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon to seek an 'urgent meeting'. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the regulator's request for additional powers, which would allow for the regulator to compel businesses in the agri-food supply chain to provide price and market information for reporting purposes. Speaking at today's conference, Healy explained why those powers were being sought, saying: 'The purpose is…that we be able to carry out our function, and unfortunately, up to now, while we've carried it out to the best of our ability, when you aren't getting the whole picture, there's always that vacuum. 'We're very straight, very independent and very honest with the businesses, but we want them to give us the information as well,' Healy added. 'We are happy, having met the minister…[that] the government is committed in the Programme for Government to giving us enough power to do our job, he said his department are treating it as a priority…and that it his intention as minister for agriculture to ensure that the Agri-Food Regulator has the powers to carry out the duties it was set up to do,' the regulator chairperson said. The purpose of today's conference was to discuss the results of the regulator's first Supplier Survey. The aim of the regulator is to carry out such a survey annually. While the survey noted a high level of supplier satisfaction with how buyers conduct their business, one-in-seven respondents still reported being subject to an unfair trading practice. Fear of commercial retaliation is one of the reasons cited for suppliers not engaging in the regulator's complaint process. Commenting on this, the CEO of the Agri-Food Regulator, Niamh Lenehan, told Agriland: 'What I would say is that, obviously, the regulator operates a confidential complaints service, but also, commercial retaliation is one of the unfair trading practices. 'So my message is, suppliers, please come forward in confidence. We don't even need to know your name,' Lenehan added. The Supplier Survey saw the regulator work with eight businesses, with the aim that those businesses would send the survey out to their suppliers. While six of those businesses engaged in that process, two did not. Commenting on this, Lenehan said: 'I'm very disappointed, but next year, we intend that this will be an annual survey, and that it would be part of what we do on an annual basis. So there's lots of of opportunity [for those businesses] to still get involved and give a voice to their suppliers.'
Agriland
20-05-2025
- Business
- Agriland
1-in-7 agri-food suppliers report unfair trading practices
One-in-seven agri-food suppliers have reported being subject to unfair trading practices (UTPs) according to a survey carried out for An Rialálaí Agraibhia (Agri-Food Regulator). The regulator has released the findings of its first supplier survey which gathered feedback from agri-food suppliers on their experiences of trading with eight specific buyers in the retail and wholesale sectors. Conducted by Coyne Research, the Agri-Food Regulator's Suppliers Survey covered two main areas: compliance with the UTP regulations; and other general trading issues. The survey provided feedback on over 940 trading relationships. The results of the survey form the basis of the inaugural conference of the Agri-Food Regulator, which is being held today (Tuesday, May 20). The regulator said that results indicate an overall high level of supplier satisfaction with how buyers conduct their business. While a 'high level of compliance' with the UTP regulations was also noted, the survey found that one-in-seven respondents still report being subject to an unfair trading practice. The two most common issues faced being faced by respondents were being required to pay for loss or deterioration of a product, and delayed payments. Lack of awareness on rights, and the wish to maintain long-term relationships, where cited ad the key reasons for suppliers not raising issued with buyers. Furthermore, less than half the respondents were aware that the regulator's compliant procedure is confidential. The year ahead for agri-food suppliers 70% of suppliers said that cost increases and inflation were the biggest concern for the year ahead. Commenting on these results, CEO of the Agri-Food Regulator, Niamh Lenehan said: 'I'm pleased to release the findings from what we intend to be an annual suppliers survey. 'We are grateful to those six businesses who cooperated with the regulator to distribute the survey to their agri-food suppliers – Aldi Ireland, BWG Foods, Lidl Ireland, Marks and Spencer Ireland, Musgrave Group and Tesco Ireland. 'I very much welcome these survey findings which will be used to inform our work programme for the year ahead. 'This will include using the information received to progress the development of guidelines for buyers, and the conducting of further risk-based inspections with respect to compliance with unfair trading law,' she said. Lenehan did admit that she is concerned that 14% of respondents reported experiences that they characterised as unfair trading practices. She said it was concerning that some suppliers reported that they may not raise a potential breach of the regulations with either the buyers or the regulator. 'Fear of retaliation and potential damage to trading relationships are clear concerns expressed and which then potentially impact negatively on the efficient functioning of the supply chain. 'With less than half of the respondents aware that the regulator operates a confidential complaint process, we acknowledge that we have a significant amount of work to do in creating greater understanding and awareness of unfair trading practices and the role of the regulator,' Lenehan said. The conference taking place today will also examine wider aspects of the agri-food landscape – including the biggest challenges facing suppliers in the year ahead, and the progress being made at national and EU level towards greater transparency for primary producers.
Daily Mirror
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
'We're terrified our kids' futures will be destroyed by huge education shake-up'
Parents and disability campaigners. are deeply concerned the government's reform of the SEND system will mean children with EHCPs will not be able to access mainstream education Terrified parents have condemned a government threat to shake-up SEND education, amid fears that 250,000 pupils at mainstream schools could lose their legal guarantee of additional support. The outcry follows suggestions by government SEND adviser Dame Christine Lenehan this week that they are considering restricting education, health and care plans (ECHPs) to children in special schools. With the latest figures for January 2024 showing that nearly 250,000 pupils with ECHPs were in mainstream schools, compared to around 186,000 in special schools, parents fear the fall out could be devastating. Speaking at the Schools and Academies Show in London, when asked if the Government's redesign of the SEND (special educational needs and disability) system would mean fewer EHCPs, Dame Lenehan said: 'I think probably so.' To questions asking if narrowing of EHCPs would mean they only applied to children in special schools, she replied: 'I think, to be honest, that's the conversation we're in the middle of.' While insisting that any new system would 'still be able to recognise and support children's needs,' she added that the structure around ECHPs was 'not fit for purpose.' Regarded as a 'lifeline' by many parents of SEND kids, EHCPs are legal documents that ensure children will receive a certain level of support in school to help with their special needs. However the number of plans has surged in recent years from 237,000 in 2016 to 576,474 in January 2024, and schools and other services have struggled to keep up with the demand. The latest news has been met with alarm from parents and disability campaigners. Anna Bird, chair of the Disabled Children's Partnership, a coalition of 120 charities, tells the Mirror: 'The idea of scrapping Education, Health and Care Plans [in mainstream schools] will terrify families. 'The reality parents and children face now is that an EHCP is the only way they can get an education.' Broadcaster and autism campaigner Carrie Grant MBE, mum to four children with additional needs, adds: 'When an EHCP ring-fences provision for a particular child there is a sense of safety, or at least a basis for negotiation between parents and school. If this money becomes available in a different form how do we make sure our child's needs are met? These are very hard times.' Hayley Harding, founder of SEND parent organisation, Let Us Learn Too, says: 'These children have done nothing to hurt anyone yet Bridget Phillipson and her department seem to want to make their lives even harder than they already are." Asked by the Mirror whether the Department of Education is considering restricting EHCPs to children in specialist schools, a spokesperson said it is 'actively working with parents and experts on the solutions'. They continued: 'The evidence is clear that this government inherited a SEND system left on its knees – with too many children not having their needs met and parents forced to fight for support. 'As part of our Plan for Change, we will restore the confidence of families up and down the country and deliver the improvement they are crying out for so every child can achieve and thrive.' Parents of SEND children are horrified by rumours that EHCPs will be restricted to children in specialist schools. Aimee Bradley and husband Davin, both 41, live in Hampshire with their three autistic children, Autumn, 12, Ashton, six, and Blake, three. Aimee says: ''I am absolutely terrified. I cannot put into words the fear and panic this causes. My daughter is in mainstream school and would be completely lost without her EHCP. It is the only thing that makes it possible for her to attend school, to learn, to feel safe. 'My youngest is only three and may never get the chance to access support. If these changes go ahead, they'll destroy children's futures. EHCPs are not a luxury. They are the only thing standing between our children and complete exclusion from education. 'My middle child, Ashton, is in a specialist provision. My youngest, Blake, is just three. He is due to start infant school in 2026 and we are in the process of applying for his EHCP. Not clearly suited to mainstream or specialist school, without a EHCP, I have no idea how he will access education at all. 'I help run SEND Reform England and every single day we receive messages from terrified parents. Our Facebook group is full of desperate families who feel ignored and broken by the system.' Influencer and author Lisa Lloyd, 40, lives in Aylesbury with husband Terry and their two autistic children Poppy, seven, and Finley, ten. She says: 'This is absolutely appalling. EHCPs are a lifeline for many children with SEND. 'Removing them means that we are basically being told our child doesn't matter. 'Taking away the EHCPs from children in mainstream schools who need them is going to have a knock on impact on everyone, including the teachers. 'We need everybody to shout from the rooftops because this cannot happen.' Nicola Holmes, 55, lives with husband Wayne and their two autistic children, Ethan, 18, and Ella, 16, in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire. She says: 'I'm a mother of two disabled teenagers. My daughter is autistic and doesn't fit neatly into either mainstream or special school. My son is also autistic, and has Down's Syndrome. 'EHCPs give us hope - hope that someone, somewhere in the system will have to listen. They give us a sliver of power in a system where parents are often made to feel powerless. 'The idea of reducing, replacing, or restricting these plans terrifies thousands of families like mine. ''If the government truly wants to fix SEND, it must start by listening, really listening to the people who live it every day. ' Amy White , 38, from Hampshire is mum to Jack, 11 who has autism and ADHD, and daughter Esmae, three, as well as stepmum to her partner Sam's son Charlie, eight. She works as a SEND advocate and has written to her MP saying: 'I cannot overstate how damaging such a move would be – not only to the children and families directly affected but to our entire society. 'Parents are being gaslighted and misled by local authorities. Children are denied their basic rights to an appropriate education simply because they are different. 'They are different, not less. They are the change-makers of tomorrow – but only if we protect their rights today.' Charlotte Galbraith, 29, lives in Denham, Buckinghamshire, with her partner Callum, 29, and sons Angus, eight and Oscar, seven, who both have autism and ADHD and attend a specialist school. She says: 'EHCPs are essential for children with SEND to receive the support they need, particularly in mainstream schools. Without these plans, I worry it could lead to a rise in mental health crises among young people.' Georgina Davies, 42, lives in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, with son Jonah, 14, who has autism and severe learning disabilities. She says: 'Removing EHCPs for children that need them would be catastrophic for countless children and families. 'Plunging the elderly and disabled into poverty isn't enough for this government now they want to sacrifice education for SEND children.' Siobhan Stephenson , 30, from Durham, is mum to Frankie, 11, who has autism and global development delay and Ava-Mae, eight, who is autistic. She says: 'Without EHCPs for our most vulnerable children, this would be setting them up to fail. 'The government wants the next generation to be in work to better the country. But how can that be possible without an education that meets their needs?' What we know about EHCPs Campaign Manager for the Disabled Children's Partnership, Stephen Kingdom, has explained the story so far, concerning EHCPs. Q. Are EHCPs going to be scrapped? A. The fact that the Government's most senior SEND adviser has said what she has certainly suggests it is a possibility. But we do not know for certain. Q. What will they be replaced with? A. Until the Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, makes an announcement we don't know. We are very concerned that children will lose the legal right to the support they need to succeed in school. Q. Where will the support come from if my child doesn't have an EHCP and attends a mainstream school? A. Again, until an announcement, it is unclear where provision will come from. Most requests for EHCPs come from schools themselves, because they can see the support a child needs but don't have allocated funding in their core budgets, or shared investment from local health and social care departments, to provide that support. Q. Will existing EHCPs be honoured? A. If an entirely new system is introduced, you would expect there to be a proper, well-funded transition period over a number of years. Q. Where will extra funding come from without an EHCP? A. This is the million dollar question. The fear is that the government is prioritising saving public money over the lives and wellbeing of children and families. Q. My teenager is about to leave school but will need support to go to college. What will happen to his support? You would hope that provision for school leavers will continue while they are in education, up to the age of 25, as it does currently.
Press and Journal
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Press and Journal
Gallery: The best images as 1,750 runners take part in Run Garioch
John Lenehan proved the man for the big occasion as he celebrated a fourth 10km win at Run Garioch. The 40-year-old Irishman, representing Edinburgh AC, is no stranger to Run Garioch, having won the first two editions of the event and the 10th anniversary race in 2015. In hot conditions Lenehan was first home in a time of 32min 33sec, 10 seconds ahead of last year's winner Aaron Odentz, with Fraser Mackenzie third in 33:41. He said: 'It's nice to come back and win it for a fourth time today. It was tough out there in the heat but it's an honest course. 'Aaron ran a really good race and could have made it easy on himself by tucking in behind but credit to him, he ran side by side to the very end. 'I never felt comfortable so to come out on top in the end has made it a great day for me.' Lenehan was quick to praise the organisers for helping grow Run Garioch into an event which attracted more than 1,700 runners on Sunday. He said: 'It's been fantastic to be back and it's awesome to see how much the event has grown. 'Every year it seems to get better and when I look around and see the events for the kids and the big field taking part it's brilliant. 'I'm here with my cousin and his three-year-old and they've had a brilliant time. It's a great showcase for Inverurie and Aberdeenshire in general.' Louise Mckenzie made it back-to-back titles in the women's event after retaining her title in a time of 37:32. Nikki Kidd was second in 38:13 while 2022 winner Nicola MacDonald (Metro Aberdeen) was third in 38:26. Mckenzie was delighted to better her time of 41:07 a year ago as she retained her title in style. She said: 'It was really hot again but I was able to run a lot faster this year so I'm really pleased with that. 'I had to do that as I was up against a really tough field. They're really nice girls but I knew I had to get round quick against them. 'I went out fast at the start and hoped I'd hang on, and I've managed to do that, so I'm delighted. 'I've had a great year with a few PBs everywhere. Two years ago I was getting injured a lot but I feel as if I've had a good clear run on that front this year so hopefully it continues.' Aaron Cardno enjoyed a happy homecoming as he won the half marathon title for the first time. The 18-year-old from Inverurie is studying in Edinburgh and was understandably delighted to return and win his home event. Cardno was first home in 1hr 14min 56sec with Scott Melville of Metro Aberdeen second in 1:17:19 while Insch Trail Running Club's Jonathan Gamble was third in 1:19:05. Cardno joked: 'Whoever designed the course is a psychopath. It's a challenge for anyone. 'I've done parts of the course before, including the big hill which is just the worst, but I've never ran the full course, so to do it and win is brilliant. 'I'm Inverurie born and bred and it feels like this is an event everyone comes out for. 'I'm away in Edinburgh for university this year which is why it feels so special to come back. I feel like I'll have to come back now I've won.' Women's half marathon winner Chelsea Cook was equally pleased to mark her first running in Run Garioch in style. Cook was first home in 1:28:55 with Jessica Cairns second 1:30:49 and Kerry Berry of Jog Scotland Kintore third home in 1:34:04. Orkney AC's Cook, who was second in the Run Balmoral Devil of Deeside Challenge two weeks ago, said: 'It was brilliant. The weather was amazing, there was plenty along the course which meant it wasn't too hot. 'It's my first run at Garioch but I'll definitely be back. 'It's been a funny year as I actually broke my toe last year when I was training for the Inverness half marathon. 'I've been on a bit of a comeback since then and feel as if I've only really come into form in the last month or two. 'I feel like it's been long awaited but I've worked really hard and it's finally starting to pay off now. 'I've got a few races this summer including the Stonehaven half marathon which is quite similar to this one in terms of the undulating nature of the course, so this has been great preparation for that.' In the 5km, Harris Pagett was relieved his early error did not prove costly as he pipped defending champion Aaron Odentz to the title. The Unsanctioned Athletics runner's time of 15:38 was enough to finish seven seconds clear of Odentz while half marathon winner Cardno was third in 15:53. Pagett said: 'It was brutal out there as I took a wee wrong turn and said to myself 'all right, let's go.' 'It was way too early as I still had 4k to go at that point so the timing was not great and I had to burn it up all the way. 'Thankfully I felt Aaron drop off behind me which helped me relax a little. 'I work for Run4it and I won a ballot for a free entry so I'm here by complete chance, but it's been great.' In the women's event, 12-year-old Millie Glass Park of Young Meldrum Runners showed why the age limit for the race has been reduced to allow 12-year-olds to enter as she claimed the 5km title in18:27. Moira Davie of Forres Harriers was runner-up in 18:39 with Glass Park's clubmate Ava Smith coming home third in 18:41. Glass Park said: 'This was my first year and it is a decent time for me so I'm happy. 'It was pretty hot out there and after the hills I was feeling pretty tired but I was able to finish strongly.'
