Notice on changes which will affect Jobseeker’s Benefit payments.

16 July 2012

We have received notice of changes to the above and I print below a copy of letter which is being sent to all recipients of the allowance.  If you have any query or need assistance in relation to this matter please let me know, or contact your local welfare office directly.

Dear Customer,

  Important Notice on changes that will affect Jobseeker’s Benefit payments

As announced in Budget 2012, the amount of the Jobseeker’s Benefit payment will, from 26^th July,  reflect a five day week rather than a six day week as at present.  This measure will not affect you in any payment week in which you are unable to get work.

Open Ireland 2nd Newsletter – Making Waves!

I was surprised, but delighted, at the number of hits on my blog when I recently put a link to Open Ireland’s 1st Newsletter on it.  It shows the thirst for news of any initiatives which can promote, stimulate and gather ideas which will generate a can do attitude  if we all pull together, especially at local level.

The waves creative thinking can become an ocean which will spread out globally.    On their 2nd Newsletter they have feedback from a number of sectors so I urge you to log on www.openireland.com, be inspired, and join this initiative.  ’We cant turn back the clock but we can wind it up again’

Minister Hogan’s Dept reduces Council’s LGF by 3,918,237- Roads to suffer.

The County Manager has advised us that notification has come from Min Hogan’s Dept that a reduction of 3,918,237 is being made in our Local Government Fund allocation.  In view of the size of the reduction, each Directorate across the organisation of Cork County Council has immediately to review all service areas with a view to cutting budget allocations to give effect to reduced income anticipated to year end.  This is bad news for the level of service we hoped to deliver, not least of these, our roads projects.

€2.25 billion Infrastructure Stimulus Package

Every week, if not daily, I meet men and women who have lost their jobs and who are really stressed because of the horrible financial situation they find themselves in, often through no fault of their own. Any proposals that will ACTUALLY DELIVER jobs on the ground will be very welcome. Hopefully, the spending of this package will be fast tracked with minimal red tape. Obviously, every penny spent will have to be scrutinised but fast delivery of jobs is the name of the game and the only show in town.

Child and Family Support Agency to be established

·        The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs,  has announced that she had received Government approval for the drafting of Heads and a General Scheme of a Bill to establish the Child and Family Support Agency. The Heads and a General Scheme of a Bill will now be drafted by her officials.
·        This will allow for the reform of child protection services by removing child welfare and protection from the HSE and creating a dedicated Child Welfare and Support Agency.
·        The legislation will underpin the changes already underway in relation to organisational and accountability arrangements.  

Information Leaflet for Businesses

Information Leaflet for businesses:
The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Mr. Richard Bruton TD has launched an information leaflet outlining 15 schemes available to businesses seeking to start-up, expand and create jobs.
It outlines a number of financial supports for businesses who want to start-up, expand, take on new employees or access credit.  The Minister has said “While progress is being made with the Action Plan, it has become clear to me that there is a serious gap in business awareness of the actual supports that already exist. That is what this leaflet is about – setting out in short order what is available to help you to start or run your business successfully”.

Mental Health- 6th Report from Expert Group

Mental Health:
The Minister for Disability, has  published the Sixth Annual Report of the Independent Monitoring Group on A Vision for Change – the Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy, which welcomes the development of the National Mental Health Programme Plan, the continued closure of unfit facilities and the decision to develop a new Forensic Mental Health Service.

Re Organisation of Defence Forces

Minister Shatter announce the details of the re-organisation of the Permanent Defence Force yesterday, which will consolidate the current three Army Brigades into two larger Brigades and ensure an appropriate balance between infantry and support elements.

• In December 2011 a revised ceiling of 9,500 personnel for the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) was announced. The Cabinet agreed to stabilise the PDF at this level and recognised that a three Brigade structure was no longer viable.
• No reduction in the strength of the Permanent Defence Force will result from yesterday’s announcement.

Douglas Land Use and Transportation Strategy 24th July Rochestown Park Hotel 3pm to 9pm

Cork County Council is currently developing the Douglas Land Use
and Transportation Strategy. The vision for the strategy is:
To secure a successful vibrant urban centre with a more efficient
transport network for Douglas that provides an improved public
realm, reduces congestion, encourages greater levels of walking
& cycling, and improves the quality of life for the community,
thereby enabling sustainable future growth

Report on Flooding Event of 28th June 2012 in Cork County

On Monday last the County Manager gave a report on flooding events in the county. You can view the full report by clicking on the link below.

Obviously while I am concerned for people and businesses all over the county, my focus on the day was Douglas Village when I received the call informing me of the terrible events.  Many are still in shock and dont know where to turn, hoping they can get access to financial support which is the most critical element.