Latest news with #PaulMcAuliffe
RTÉ News
20-05-2025
- Health
- RTÉ News
Assessment of needs important step in children's lives
Parents who know their child requires a bit more support to navigate everyday life never forget the contrasting emotions when their needs are crystallised. In the Dáil this evening, Fianna Fáil TD Paul McAuliffe said it has been described to him as both the best and most difficult day of their lives. It is a big statement, but it unflinchingly captures the magnitude of that moment. There is an awareness that a mountain lies ahead, but when it is done well an assessment of need provides a map to help the child and their family find their footing. It is not the end by any means, but it is an important step. But by the end of this year, there could be up to 25,000 children waiting for that assessment even though the law states that it should be provided within six months. All this against the backdrop of indisputable evidence that early interventions are essential for a child's development. As disability rights campaigner, teenager Cara Darmody, began her 50-hour protest at Leinster House to highlight this issue, she called on Government to declare this a national emergency. She will sleep outside the national parliament tonight to urge the Government to do more. There is an acceptance in Government that the current system is broken. Minister for Children Norma Foley is going to pare back the central place of the assessment when it comes to accessing services. "Making these therapies far more accessible is seen as the key to resolving this seemingly intractable problem." Already it is not a requirement for most health services and from now on it will not be needed for the Domiciliary Care Allowance. There will be more therapists hired, and funding will be made available to have assessments carried out by private operators. The fundamental change though is a planned altering of the current legislation. It is not clear if the six-month deadline will be amended but it seems certain that the number of hours taken to complete the process will be cut. This currently ranges from 37 to 90 hours per assessment and there is a view in government that expert therapists could be better deployed helping children directly. And making these therapies far more accessible is seen as the key to resolving this seemingly intractable problem. But it is not without risk given that a child usually has just one chance to have their needs accurately measured. Anything that looks like a watering-down of that process will no doubt draw the ire of the opposition. More importantly it could leave children and parents with a needlessly incomplete guide to living a life where they hope challenges can be overcome and potential can be actualised.
Irish Independent
29-04-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Food-delivery drones could require regulation, says Taoiseach
Drones have been permitted to carry out food delivery flights, leading to swarms over suburbs on weekends in particular as families order take-out. Paul McAuliffe, Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Northwest, said drones were operational in terms of food deliveries, "but obviously the application could be extended". "The issue was raised with me because it's a very unregulated area," he said, and there were issues with intrusion and safety. There is a commitment in the Programme for Government for drones to come under the newly established Air Navigation Division section of the Irish Aviation Authority. The issue of invasion of privacy, safety and noise nuisance from drone deliveries of fast food and even coffee, taking place in particular around west Dublin has been hotly debated on RTÉ Radio One's Liveline in recent days. Residents in his own area are concerned, Mr McAuliffe told the Dáil. "They have come to me, and it highlights the absence of regulation in this area. There are reasonable concerns around hours of work, the safety of the drones themselves, and how safe they are to fly above residential areas,' the TD said. He said his constituency bordered Dublin Airport and there was the question of the impact of the airport and boundaries. "It's an area where we shouldn't stifle innovation, but we should have regulations," he said. The Taoiseach said he "would be definitely inclined to agree, because this is an area of development." "We are all endeavouring to try and comprehend drones flying left, right, centre, performing various functions," Micheál Martin added. "It does raise the question of a regulatory framework to govern all of that, and a safety framework as well. I think that point is well made." He suggested a Dáil committee could take the matter up, examining all the issues in greater detail.
Irish Independent
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Finglas cheerleading team wins world championship title in Florida
Strike Force Cheer, based in New Cross College, Finglas West, Dublin 11, came out on top in the international competition in Florida last week. The school's senior team, known as SL4TE, are now world champions after winning the International Open CoEd Level 4 NT. Teams from all around the world were judged on athleticism, skill, technique and performance quality. Deja Blue, the school's junior team, secured a silver medal in their division. 'Making not only Strike Force history, but Irish Cheer history as the very first Irish team to place first in a competitive division in the US,' they said. 'An absolute pinch me moment! We celebrate 37 athletes, two teams and two world placements to be extremely proud of. 'Deja Blue and SL4TE, it's been an absolute pleasure getting to watch you chase your dreams this season. 'When we started this journey we just wanted to put out good quality cheer and now we're here in the US hitting zeros. This journey has been an absolute dream.' Conor Reddy, People Before Profit Councillor, said: 'A massive congratulations to Strike Force Cheer on bringing a world title home to the area.' Fianna Fáil TD, Paul McAuliffe, added: 'Huge congratulations to everyone in Strike Force. What an amazing achievement to succeed on the world stage. 'I've no doubt it involved endless practice and preparation. In representing Strike Force, they have also represented the entire community of Finglas and we are so proud of them.' Learn more Founded in 2008, the group combines gymnastics, acrobatics and intricate choreography. They pride themselves on being Ireland's leading cheerleading program. 'Our passion for cheerleading and commitment to excellence set us apart,' their website reads. 'Experience the thrill of competitive cheerleading and to be part of a community that supports and encourages each other. 'With Strike Force, you'll gain life lessons that you'll take with you far beyond your years of cheerleading. 'We see our athletes achieve success through gaining confidence, building lifelong friendships, developing a strong work ethic, and understanding that a team is only successful when hard work towards a common goal is achieved.'
Irish Independent
22-04-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
‘Finglas deserves better', Dublin TD sets up petition to oppose proposed gaming arcade
The planning application for the ground floor of 44 Main Street, Finglas, was lodged with Dublin City Council on February 13. The proposed development reads: 'Change of use of the ground floor from commercial unit to gaming/amusement arcade with ancillary site works.' Paul McAuliffe, Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin North West, has been working with Finglas Tidy Towns, other local organisations, local businesses and residents who are leading the opposition to a proposed gaming arcade. According to Mr McAuliffe, formal objections have already been lodged to Dublin City Council, but were unsuccessful, with an appeal now being submitted to An Bord Pleanála. 'This development is not in line with the community's vision for Finglas,' Mr McAuliffe said. 'We want a main street that supports families, local businesses, and a safer, more vibrant village – not one shaped by gambling and anti-social behaviour. 'The arcade does not align with the Dublin City Development Plan's focus on sustainable, community-led regeneration 'It risks damaging the character of the village and setting a harmful precedent. It's too close to schools and youth services and could increase late-night disturbances. 'Finglas deserves better. An Bord Pleanála can help protect our village by rejecting this proposal. 'Formal appeals can only be lodged by those who originally objected, and it is expensive. But this petition will be cited in the appeal being lodged – your voice can help show how strongly felt our objections are,' he added. ADVERTISEMENT Rory Hearne, Social Democrats TD for Dublin North West, also spoke out on the proposal. 'Unfortunately, Dublin City Council has granted planning permission for a gaming/amusement arcade in Finglas village, despite objections from myself and others on behalf of Finglas residents. 'A lot of local people, including Finglas Tidy Towns, have been on to me today very concerned about this. 'As has been pointed out by the Finglas Cabra Drug and Alcohol Task Force – an organisation that does great work in providing support for families of people with gambling-related issues – a gaming/amusement arcade will normalise gambling, particularly for younger people. 'A development like this is in direct conflict with the Dublin City Development Plan which prohibits amusement centres in residential areas. Finglas Village already has five bookmaking shops, is this really a development that residents need? 'There are serious concerns among residents that the development of a gambling-related business such as the one proposed could result in increased anti-social behaviour. 'There are many services near the proposed development which cater to the needs for vulnerable people. 'Finglas Village would be much better served by developments such as youth and community spaces, cultural spaces, restaurants and shops, which serve and enrich the community. We will continue to work on stopping this.' Dublin City Council and An Bord Pleanála have been contacted for further comment.
