The introduction of a food ombudsman and legislation on the Fair Deal scheme will be tackled by the current Government, Taoiseach Micheál Martin told the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) yesterday.
SEEKING ADVICE
Big budget and previous minister having one were arguments Junior Ministers used in pitches to land special adviser
Exclusive
31 Dec 2020, 8:00
A BIG budget and the previous minister having one, are among the arguments Junior Ministers used when seeking approval to hire a special adviser.
Documents released to the Irish Sun show a number of pitch letters were sent to the Public Expenditure Minister.
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The pitch letters were sent to Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Michael McGrathCredit: PA:Press Association
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Fianna Fail TD Anne Rabbitte
The Ministers of State sent the notices to Michael McGrath looking for the right to appoint their own special advisor.
Free professional mental health support available online this Christmas
Christmas can be a difficult time for young people and families, and never more so than this year, with numerous challenges weighing down on people’s mental health.
With that in mind, Minister for Mental Health and Older People Mary Butler is encouraging those who need it to avail of turn2me services.
These services have been extended to support young people aged between 12 -17, and their families this year.
turn2me provides 24/7 support 365 days a year – including Christmas day.
All of turn2me’s services are facilitated by mental health professionals entirely online – and this is the first service that the charity has provided for the under-18 age group.
Tipp FM
Text 083 311 3311
Photo courtesy of HSE
It’s claimed political intervention is the only thing that can prevent the downgrading of the Dean Maxwell Nursing Home in Roscrea.
That’s the view of Deputy Michael Lowry following a meeting by Tipp Oireachtas members with HSE officials and the Health Minister.
At yesterday’s gathering HSE officials admitted that they plan to downgrade the unit from a fully-fledged nursing home to a short stay/step down unit and Day Care Centre.
Deputy Lowry says only one thing can prevent this from happening.
“The HSE in my view after listening to them yesterday are not for turning.”
Extra funds for safe visiting spaces in nursing homes
Updated / Friday, 11 Dec 2020
20:06
Social Affairs & Religion Correspondent
Funding to enhance and create additional safe visiting spaces in nursing homes has been announced by the Department of Health.
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly and Minister for Older People Mary Butler say the funds will help facilitate visiting over the winter period and Christmas.
The Temporary Assistance Payment Scheme (TAPS) has been expanded on a once-off basis to allow a claim of up to €2,500 per eligible nursing home.
The fund will enable providers to create additional safe visiting spaces and enhance current visiting spaces.