tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2714073318000746722024-02-22T03:06:29.033+00:00SIPTU CommunityThe SIPTU Community Campaign fights to defend vital jobs and services in the Community Sector.
The Community Sector has become a critical pillar in the provision of a range of vital services and programmes such as childcare, youth projects, community development, eldercare and training.
SIPTU members and activists have been leading the fight to protect jobs and services. If we are to defend our jobs, projects and communities we need to challenge the cut backs.SIPTU Communityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02577587281083085214noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271407331800074672.post-17355700962480866142016-01-08T11:46:00.002+00:002016-01-08T11:46:32.498+00:00SIPTU members Condemn Cut in Funding to Disability Services<div class="MsoNormal">
SIPTU members and service users have condemned a cut in
funding to the Personal Assistant service which provides vital support for
people with disabilities.<o:p></o:p><u1:p></u1:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
SIPTU Sector Organiser, Darragh O’Connor, said: “The
decision by the HSE to reduce funding to disability services in its 2016
service plan has been met with dismay by workers and service users.<o:p></o:p><u1:p></u1:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“This cut will result in the loss of 100,000 hours of
services provided by Personal Assistants that enable people with physical
disabilities to participate in their communities and workplaces”. <o:p></o:p><u1:p></u1:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
SIPTU activist and Personal Assistant (PA), Declan
McCarthy, said: “The PA service can help transform people’s lives. There is a
lot of talk about economic recovery but I don’t see it when disability services
are being cut like this."<o:p></o:p><u1:p></u1:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtkCf0PLz55GQgn02YIb0WM91vLz1lGd3izUWxxrxNlI2CthjwJ0K9ja5si9Yu5IKpARJYaMQoym_NIxG7wz-kUlkSWTAupldHA1ie2FVivOaAo4D4UigYOTUWN-S2IR0oWOQ7TDT-ag/s1600/without+a+PA.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtkCf0PLz55GQgn02YIb0WM91vLz1lGd3izUWxxrxNlI2CthjwJ0K9ja5si9Yu5IKpARJYaMQoym_NIxG7wz-kUlkSWTAupldHA1ie2FVivOaAo4D4UigYOTUWN-S2IR0oWOQ7TDT-ag/s320/without+a+PA.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
PA service user and disability activist, Dr. John Roche,
said: “People with disabilities depend on PA services to live independent lives
in their communities. Without these supports, people can be confined to their
beds, homes or institutions. Without a PA service you don’t have a life, you
have an existence.”<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Darragh O’Connor added: “People with disabilities want to
work, socialise, live a normal life and Personal Assistants can make this
happen. Cutting PA services when there is a growing demand is indefensible.
SIPTU is calling on the Minister of Health, Leo Varadkar, to do the right thing
and reverse this cut and invest adequately in PA services.”<o:p></o:p><u1:p></u1:p></div>
SIPTU Communityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02577587281083085214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271407331800074672.post-80098561100677553282015-12-22T10:52:00.003+00:002015-12-22T10:52:21.061+00:00High Level Forum brings together workers and decision-makers<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A new High Level Forum for the Community Sector will bring together workers’ representatives directly with officials from government departments and agencies.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">SIPTU and Impact negotiators proposed the establishment of the Forum during the talks leading up to the Lansdowne Road Agreement. The creation of this Forum is a significant breakthrough for workers in the Community Sector.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It has been agreed that government departments and statutory agencies’ officials will meet on an ongoing basis in the High Level Forum to:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">• Ensure the effective exchange of information on relevant issues in the Sector</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">• Receive updates on public expenditure levels in the sector</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">• Receive regular information updates on service delivery and best outcomes in the Sector</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">• Address with full consideration issues such as pensions and terms and conditions of employment related to employment in the Sector</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The High Level Forum will be convened by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and will meet on a quarterly basis.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">SIPTU Vice President, Gene Mealy, a lead negotiator in the talks establishing the new High Level Forum, said: “This Forum is probably the most important initiative secured for workers in the sector in recent years. It overcomes a major difficulty experienced by unions in resolving any serious industrial relations issues affecting their members. While recourse to the Labour Court has resulted in</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">supportive recommendations some government departments and agencies have failed to honour them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“The new High Level Forum for the sector provides a formal mechanism to</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">enable fruitful engagement and negotiated solutions for union members.”</span>SIPTU Communityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02577587281083085214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271407331800074672.post-22834285650249278642015-11-23T16:53:00.001+00:002015-11-23T16:53:11.230+00:00SIPTU Campaign for Disability Services <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>SIPTU Campaign for Disability Services </b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">#StrongerTogether</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 20px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 10pt;">SIPTU has </span><span style="line-height: 13.3333px;">launched</span><span style="line-height: 10pt;"> a </span><span style="line-height: 13.3333px;">campaign</span><span style="line-height: 10pt;"> calling on Government to invest in </span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;">Personal Assistant (PA) service so that people wi</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;">th disabilities have the services they need & PA workers have a decent wage.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/3WSxr0ZhNGE/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3WSxr0ZhNGE?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 20px;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 22px;">Because of a lack of fundi</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">ng many people with disabilities are not getting the Personal Assistant support they need, making some prisoners in their own home.</span></span></div>
<div class="petition-text embedly" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">
<div class="why" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 25px; word-break: normal; word-wrap: break-word;">
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">PAs have also suffered cuts to their pay and conditions, making ends meet a real challenge for many.</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">People with a disability deserve to live with dignity and workers deserve a living wage.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN BY SIGNING THE PETITION <a href="https://www.coworker.org/petitions/invest-in-disability-services" target="_blank">HERE</a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We all have the right to own independence, it's time to make this a reality for all.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
SIPTU Communityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02577587281083085214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271407331800074672.post-35279600959955708672015-11-18T15:32:00.000+00:002015-11-18T15:32:03.912+00:00Family Resourse Centres are Getting OrganisedWorkers in Family Resource Centres (FRC) across the country are getting organised in SIPTU to ensure they have strong voice nationally.<br />
<br />
Workers in the over 100 FRCs support families in difficult circumstances and provide<br />
practical assistance to community groups delivering training and education.<br />
<br />
County Kerry FRC worker and SIPTU activist, Suzanna Griffin, said: “FRCs play a vital role in communities. They base their work on community development principles, and involve people from marginalised groups and areas of disadvantage. FRC workers support families, help children, and look after the elderly and disabled.”<br />
<br />
She added: “However, they have suffered massively due to cuts. Currently, 50% of FRCs have to fundraise to meet their basic wage costs and pay basic overheads, such as heating and lighting.<br />
<br />
“Most FRC core staff have had a pay freeze since 2008, with no increments awarded, and no increase in rates of pay since then. Others have taken pay cuts to ensure their centres have remained open. During this time, FRC staff workloads have increased significantly such is the demand for the services they provide.”<br />
<br />
Griffin, who is also a SIPTU NEC Equality Subcommittee member and the union’s representative on the National Womens Council, added: “With TUSLA (the Child and Family Agency) taking over the funding of FRCs there will be changes. By organising with SIPTU, workers will be in a better position to protect jobs and the delivery of vital community services.”SIPTU Communityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02577587281083085214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271407331800074672.post-53111759863655629642015-11-18T15:29:00.000+00:002015-11-18T15:29:03.286+00:00Services and Jobs focus of Disability Campaign The SIPTU Community Sector is to launch a campaign to safeguard quality Personal Assistant (PA) services and jobs with workers, service users and providers later this year.<br />
<br />
SIPTU activist and PA, Stephanie McNamara, said: “People with disabilities deserve the right to fully participate in their communities, to have an education, a job and family. For many people with significant disabilities this is made possible by SIPTU members who work as PAs in the Irish Wheelchair Association and the Centres for Independent Living.”<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/mqyF-cbO_z8/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mqyF-cbO_z8?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
Since 2008 the overall disability budget has been cut by €159 million and PAs have suffered pay cuts and reduced hours. Meanwhile demand for PA services and other home care support grows.<br />
<br />
The Department of Health is also proposing to put the Assisted Living Service out to tender; if this happens unchecked it will drive down wages for PAs. The impact of tendering in home care services for elderly people has resulted in some private companies paying as little as €9 per hour to workers.<br />
<br />
However, the SIPTU PA campaign will focus on increasing funding and ensuring fair rates of pay.<br />
<br />
For more information contact Shonagh Byrne at 01 858 6381 or sbyrne@siptu.ie.SIPTU Communityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02577587281083085214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271407331800074672.post-7219015856441087042015-11-18T15:24:00.001+00:002015-11-18T15:24:09.820+00:00High Level Forum brings together workers and decision-makers<span style="font-family: inherit;">A new High Level Forum for the Community Sector will bring together workers’ representatives directly with officials from government departments and agencies. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">SIPTU and Impact negotiators proposed the establishment of the Forum during the talks leading up to the Lansdowne Road agreement. The creation of this Forum is a significant breakthrough for workers in the Community Sector. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It has been agreed that government departments and statutory agencies’ officials will meet on an ongoing basis in the High Level Forum to:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">• Ensure the effective exchange of information on relevant</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">issues in the Sector</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">• Receive updates on public expenditure levels in the sector</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">• Receive regular information updates on service delivery</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and best outcomes in the Sector</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">• Address with full consideration issues such as pensions and terms and conditions of employment related to employment in the Sector</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The High Level Forum will be convened by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and will meet on a quarterly basis.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">SIPTU Vice President, Gene Mealy, a lead negotiator in the talks establishing the new High Level Forum, said: “This Forum is probably the most important initiative secured for workers in the sector in recent years. It overcomes a major difficulty experienced by unions in resolving any serious industrial relations issues affecting their members. While recourse to the Labour Court has resulted in</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">supportive recommendations some government departments and agencies have failed to honour them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“The new High Level Forum for the sector provides a formal mechanism to enable fruitful engagement and negotiated solutions for union members.”</span>SIPTU Communityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02577587281083085214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271407331800074672.post-85332040359777395132014-01-17T14:28:00.000+00:002014-01-17T14:28:27.184+00:00Kiely’s CRC package exposes double standard in the C&V Sector <div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">SIPTU Vice-President, Patricia King, has said double standards
within the Community and Voluntary (C&V) sector have been exposed with the
retirement package of over €740,000 for the former Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) of the Central Remedial Clinic (CRC), Paul Kiely. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">The revelation at the Public Accounts Committee that the massive
lump sum and redundancy package had been provided to the former CEO is in stark
contrast to the experience of</span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">workers</span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">, </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">including
very low paid employees, in the C&V Sector, she said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Over eighty workers from a range of publicly funded C&V
projects have been waiting up to three years for the State to honour twenty
Labour Court and Rights Commissioner findings in relation to redundancy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Patricia King said: “There appears to be a two tier community
sector. One where ordinary workers are denied basic entitlements while those in
positions of power enjoy premier league pay-outs. We are calling on the
Government to honour the outstanding Labour Court recommendations and introduce
a standard redundancy regime for the C&V sector to avoid such gross
inequalities in the future.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
SIPTU Communityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02577587281083085214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271407331800074672.post-77235432009596713952013-11-13T15:00:00.002+00:002013-11-13T15:00:42.407+00:00Community Sector Assembly<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #002060; font-size: 20.0pt;"><br />ICTU Community Sector Committee</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The ICTU Community Sector committee has will be convening an Assembly for workers employed in the Community and Voluntary sector on:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Monday 18th November<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">2pm<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Liberty Hall, Dublin 1 <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Workers in the sector are facing severe challenges to their
jobs and livelihood in the immediate future due to the accumulated impact of
continuous funding cuts and the imposition of major policy and programme
changes now underway and affecting all jobs and services.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Community workers assembly will provide an unique
opportunity to present the implications of these changes and to ensure that
workers are better informed and better organised in response to this challenge.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There will be keynote speakers including Brain Harvey (Researcher), Ann Irwin (CWC), Patricia King (SIPTU Vice President) and Kevin Callaghan (IMPACT). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There will also be an open discussion on the challenges and response of workers to the ongoing threat to jobs and services. </div>
SIPTU Communityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02577587281083085214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271407331800074672.post-85493101077533132582013-06-24T14:59:00.002+01:002013-06-24T14:59:14.105+01:00Politicians to attend forum on inner city youth services
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 16.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A public forum to discuss “The future of Youth
Services in the North Inner City” will be held in the, SWAN Youth Service
St Agatha’s hall, Dunne St, D1 on Wednesday 26<sup>th</sup> of June from 6.00
p.m. – 8.00 p.m. The meeting has been organised by six different projects
from the north inner city including the Adventure Sports Project, Ballybough
Youth Service, Bradog Regional Youth Service, Lourdes Youth and Community
Services, SWAN Youth Service and the Wexford Centre Project.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 16.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The meeting will be an opportunity for Youth Service
organisations from the North Inner City to showcase what they do and to
highlight the detrimental impact of proposed further government cuts to
budgets. SIPTU activist Ashling Golden, a youth service worker from the SWAN
Centre explained: “Some projects have already lost over 30% of their budgets,
are running with no programme budget and have lost workers too, yet demand for
youth services has never been higher. This meeting will give the communities
most affected by austerity an opportunity to discuss with local TDs and
councillors what future there will be for the youth services in their area.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 16.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The meeting will be chaired by UCD researcher and
author of the book ‘Sins of the Father’, Conor McCabe, and will also hear
contributions from Anastasia Crickley, the Head of the Department of Applied
Social Studies in Maynooth and from local young people, parents and youth Workers.TDs
who have already confirmed their attendance are Mary Lou McDonald, Paschal
Donohoe and Maureen O’Sullivan, while a number of other councillors and
representatives from various community and political groups are also expected
to be present on the night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 16.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">SIPTU Sector Organiser, Darragh O’Connor, urged people
from the local communities affected to attend on the night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 16.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">“The future of youth services is at stake here.
Funding cuts are having a major impact on service delivery, and the sector is
being de-professionalised by the imposition of part time hours, and fixed term
contracts. The right to representation by our members is at the core of many of
these issues because to date the voices and concerns of community workers have
been ignored by this government,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
SIPTU Communityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02577587281083085214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271407331800074672.post-67970993775003127942013-05-27T22:13:00.001+01:002013-05-27T22:13:20.221+01:00Check Out the latest edition of Community Work News!<a href="http://www.cwc.ie/2013/05/cwc-community-work-news-spring-2013/" target="_blank">http://www.cwc.ie/2013/05/cwc-community-work-news-spring-2013/</a>SIPTU Communityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02577587281083085214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271407331800074672.post-27174213751904413282013-04-24T16:13:00.000+01:002013-04-24T16:13:00.885+01:00CS Shake Up "Must Consider Communities and Workers"
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: RaleighBT-ExtraBold; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">THE West Cork
Development Partnership met with local Labour TD Michael McCarthy<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: RaleighBT-ExtraBold; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">on Friday, 5th
April, to express its concerns over plans by Minister for Environment,<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: RaleighBT-ExtraBold; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Community and
Local Government Phil Hogan to radically alter existing funding and management
structures for community services.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: RaleighBT-ExtraBold; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: RaleighBT-DemiBold; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The West Cork
Development Partnership currently delivers a wide range of essential community,tourism,
agri-support, eldercare and employment projects across the<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: RaleighBT-DemiBold; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">West Cork region.The
Government’s local government reform document Putting People<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: RaleighBT-DemiBold; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">First sets out an
“alignment” between local authorities and LDCs that will have major impact for
both workers and local community services. This alignment is due to be </span></span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: RaleighBT-DemiBold; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">completed in the
coming months. More than 50 Local Development Companies based throughout every county
in the State currently deliver a range of quality community-based services with
regard to enterprise, education and training in areas of disadvantage. Under
the Minister’s plans, close to half of these companies will close.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: RaleighBT-DemiBold; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: RaleighBT-DemiBold; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">SIPTU claims
proposals to “align” these services within local government structures also put
millions of euro of European funding at risk. Speaking after the meeting SIPTU Organiser,
Trevor Quinn, told Liberty: “Michael McCarthy expressed support for our view
that there should be a worker representative added to the Implementation Group
charged with overseeing this ‘alignment’. “Michael is chair of the Joint Oireachtas
Committee for Environment Culture and Gaeltacht, and so his voice should carry
some </span></span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: RaleighBT-DemiBold; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">weight. We welcome
his support for SIPTU’s position on the Minister’s plans.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: RaleighBT-DemiBold; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: RaleighBT-DemiBold; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He added: “If
Minister Hogan is intent on making such big decisions about our jobs and our
local services the least we would expect is a process of consultation with our
union about these plans and their implications for both employees and the
communities<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: RaleighBT-DemiBold; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">they work
with.“The bottom-up approach of independent Local Development<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: RaleighBT-DemiBold; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Companies has been
internationally recognised as a best practice model.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: RaleighBT-DemiBold; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“The independent
nature of these companies is also a stipulation for continued receipt of
millions of euro in European rural development funding. </span></span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: RaleighBT-DemiBold; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Any change must
consider the interests of communities and workers.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "StymieBT-Bold","serif"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: StymieBT-Bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
SIPTU Communityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02577587281083085214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271407331800074672.post-43493556360617516332013-03-28T11:24:00.000+00:002013-03-28T11:24:37.516+00:00Dublin youth projects bring campaign to the Dáil<h2>
</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Ga3Q0xEwfN7xmOVLi8SM-gj6qh0SGbQ3eYEUftTJDAimkOrQjkpxv5oDqAmdbO00i-tP7WPaZlM1wXytMaXs80Wi31tTD_IU9cDjIu0j8ZEAd40CBlsRu7g2p5nB1HQjknvZ2t_GYQ/s1600/8594_482732828461243_1079080516_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Ga3Q0xEwfN7xmOVLi8SM-gj6qh0SGbQ3eYEUftTJDAimkOrQjkpxv5oDqAmdbO00i-tP7WPaZlM1wXytMaXs80Wi31tTD_IU9cDjIu0j8ZEAd40CBlsRu7g2p5nB1HQjknvZ2t_GYQ/s320/8594_482732828461243_1079080516_n%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Date Released: 27 March 2013<br />
Dublin based youth workers and young people met with politicians in Leinster House on Wednesday (27th March) to discuss the impact further cuts will have on the vital work carried out by youth projects in the city.<br />
The meeting followed the announcement that the Minister for Children, Frances Fitzgerald, is seeking to impose a further 10% funding cut on City of Dublin Youth Services Board (CDYSB) youth projects. <br /><br />Sinn Féin TD, Sandra McLellan, facilitated the meeting between both opposition and Government politicians and over 40 young people.<br /><br />Youth projects help guide the personal and social development of young people, particularly in areas of disadvantage. There are 70 CDYSB youth projects engaging with 28,341 young people. This infrastructure also supports 2,926 volunteers.<br /><br />SIPTU Sector Organiser, Darragh O’Connor, said: “Since 2009, projects funded by the CDYSB have experienced a 25% cut in funding, this has resulted in pay cuts, redundancies and a reduction in services for young people. Any further cuts are simply unsustainable.”<br /><br />He added: “A recent Indecon report showed that for every €1 spent on youth work, the State saves €2.22 on other services. SIPTU members are calling on the minister, Frances Fitzgerald, to recognise the social, personal and economic benefits of youth work and reverse this cut. The union and the young people affected are committed to continuing their campaign until the cuts decision is reversed.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br clear="both" />SIPTU Communityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02577587281083085214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271407331800074672.post-91932073180564043712013-03-22T14:47:00.004+00:002013-03-22T14:47:53.481+00:00Tommy’s advice to CE workers... join SIPTU!<h2>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IE; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IE;"><img height="194" id="_x0000_i1025" src="http://siptucommunicationsdepartment.newsweaver.ie/files/1/21161/114645/3400405/_nw_test_mailing/5efd9735b8084f07ea8b2a05/tommybyrne.jpg" width="293" /></span></h2>
Date Released: 21 March 2013<br />
Tommy Byrne’s decision to join SIPTU while working as a participant in a CE scheme was instrumental in ensuring his contract was renewed.<br />
<span id="articleSummary_13844535" style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet,Trebuchet MS,Tahoma,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">Tommy, who works as a caretaker for the Crosserlough Community Development Scheme in county Cavan, was told that his contract would not be renewed at the end of his first year on the scheme.</span><br />
<span id="articleSummary_13844535" style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet,Trebuchet MS,Tahoma,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">He said: “I was devastated because there was no work out there and I faced the dole again. I was also in the middle of a level 3 Computer Course to upgrade my skills. </span><br />
<span id="articleSummary_13844535" style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet,Trebuchet MS,Tahoma,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">“However, I was told that only 25% of participants could have their contracts extended and that there was nothing that could be done.”</span><br />
<span id="articleSummary_13844535" style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet,Trebuchet MS,Tahoma,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">Fortunately, Tommy had attended a meeting with Noreen Parker from SIPTU’s Strategic Organising department a couple of months earlier and had signed up for membership.</span><br />
<span id="articleSummary_13844535" style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet,Trebuchet MS,Tahoma,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">He continued: “I worked in Britain for many years as a carpenter and was always in the union, so I didn’t have to think twice about joining.”</span><br />
<span id="articleSummary_13844535" style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet,Trebuchet MS,Tahoma,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">Upon hearing that his contract would not be renewed, he immediately contacted Parker and discovered that while there had been changes to the eligibility criteria for remaining on CE, he had in fact every right to an extension. </span><br />
<span id="articleSummary_13844535" style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet,Trebuchet MS,Tahoma,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">Tommy raised the issue again and pointed out that he was entitled to receive a further contract. </span><br />
<span id="articleSummary_13844535" style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet,Trebuchet MS,Tahoma,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">When he still met with resistance he weighed in with a letter from his union outlining his entitlements.</span><br />
<span id="articleSummary_13844535" style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet,Trebuchet MS,Tahoma,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">Tommy also enlisted the help of local TD, Caoimhghim Ó Caoláin, who raised the issue of entitlements for CE workers in the Dáil. </span><br />
<span id="articleSummary_13844535" style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet,Trebuchet MS,Tahoma,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">As a result, Tommy’s contract was renewed but he is keen to highlight the issue for other CE workers who may be facing a similar plight.</span><br />
<span id="articleSummary_13844535" style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet,Trebuchet MS,Tahoma,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">He told Liberty: “There is a lot of misinformation out there as to who is and who is not entitled to renew on CE. </span><br />
<span id="articleSummary_13844535" style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet,Trebuchet MS,Tahoma,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">“Being in SIPTU gave me the confidence to establish what my rights were and to insist that they were respected.”</span><br />
<span id="articleSummary_13844535" style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet,Trebuchet MS,Tahoma,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">Tommy found the experience empowering and is now looking forward to playing a bigger role within SIPTU through the newly-established Cavan District Committee.</span><br />
<span id="articleSummary_13844535" style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet,Trebuchet MS,Tahoma,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">He added: “I would urge anyone working on a Community Employment scheme to join the union – not just to ensure your own rights are protected but also to support SIPTU’s campaign to maintain CE schemes which have been under sustained attack from government cuts for the last number of years.” </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />SIPTU Communityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02577587281083085214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271407331800074672.post-71422797070697145792013-03-22T14:46:00.000+00:002013-03-22T14:46:16.245+00:00Offering a media alternative to empower local communities <h2>
<span style="color: #080808; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IE; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-IE; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><img height="228" id="_x0000_i1025" src="http://siptucommunicationsdepartment.newsweaver.ie/files/1/21161/114645/3400405/_nw_test_mailing/b510bf9194297b612405f7d3/nearfm.jpg" width="293" /></span> </h2>
Date Released: 21 March 2013<br />
For some, the words “community radio” bring to mind small, amateur outfits, with a narrow focus on local issues and often with a short life-span.<br />
<span id="articleSummary_13844505" style="color: #080808; font-family: Trebuchet,Trebuchet MS,Tahoma,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">The reality is very different – if the experience of Near FM is any kind of indicator. Near serves north-east Dublin and is this month celebrating 30 years on the airwaves. </span><br />
<span id="articleSummary_13844505" style="color: #080808; font-family: Trebuchet,Trebuchet MS,Tahoma,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">Near started out in March 1983 as a tiny pirate station, tucked away in a disused room in St David’s School in Coolock and has grown to become a solid fixture in Irish broadcasting, with more than 100 volunteer broadcasters and 24-hour radio output. <br /><br />The Near Media Co-op – now also producing TV and web content – is one of the driving forces in a broad movement that is seeking to build a democratised or “bottom-up” media, owned and produced by ordinary people as an alternative to commercial and state-controlled media. <br /><br />In listenership terms, Near compares respectably with mainstream broadcasters in its north-east Dublin catchment area, but for those whose passion and work keeps the station going, the question of how many people are listening comes second to the question: who is making the programmes? <br /><br />Near’s head of radio Sally Galiana, originally from Madrid, told Liberty: “Community radio is open to anyone, but in order to balance under-representation in mainstream media, we target certain groups and help them make programmes – for example, women, migrants, older people, young people and people with disabilities.” <br /><br />Galiana, who is also vice president of AMARC Europe (the European association of community media broadcasters), said: “Community radio is completely different from mainstream radio. We look at people as potential volunteers rather than as someone to sell to. <br /><br />“Mainstream media delivers information to people – we let people create their own information and decide what is important.” <br />As part of its mission to democratise media, Near trains local people in how to make programmes. There are weekly programmes made by Polish, Croatian and Brazilian people, broadcast wholly or partly in their native language. <br /><br />Since 1995, the co-op has also offered “media literacy” training in north Dublin. Near FM co-founder Jack Byrne describes media literacy as the “first step” in creating an alternative media. <br />“Media literacy is about understanding the hugely powerful influence of mainstream media in shaping so many aspects of our lives,” said Byrne, who at the time of Near’s founding was a shop steward with the Marine, Port and General Workers’ Union (now part of SIPTU). <br /><br />He describes media literacy as an “empowerment tool” for all citizens and is currently in discussion with several trade unions to provide media literacy training. <br /><br />The community radio sector is thriving, with almost 25 stations in the Republic.<br /><br />A Red C survey in June 2012 found that of adults living in the catchment area of community radio stations, 34% had listened to a community station in the previous week, which translates into 307,000 listeners. <br /><br />In Near FM’s case, another survey showed that 12,000 people listen to the station in any given week. <br /><br />Near has also branched into television. The co-op was one of the main players in the setting up of Dublin Community Television (DCTV) in 2008. <br />Thirty years of broadcasting is quite an achievement, but the folks at Near FM are not resting on their laurels.<br /><br />The station has just launched a new ‘citizen journalism’ scheme in conjunction with the website boards.ie, which will train people to go out and gather news. <br />This could eventually feed into another ambitious idea that Near proposed at a major conference it hosted this month to mark its 30th birthday, “a national, alternative news service that would bypass the mainstream media and could be shared between all of the 30-plus community broadcasters on the island of Ireland.” <br />Watch this media space.<br /><br />Near FM broadcasts on 90.3 FM and www.near.ie. DCTV is available on NTL channel 802. <br />For a list of community radio stations in Ireland, see www.craol.ie </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br clear="both" />SIPTU Communityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02577587281083085214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271407331800074672.post-90482463140356308652013-03-22T14:43:00.000+00:002013-03-22T14:43:02.752+00:00SIPTU Commence “Communities First” Lobbying Campaign<h2>
</h2>
Activists from SIPTU’s “Communities First “campaign commenced the first in a nationwide series of meetings with public representatives in Co Leitrim on 11th March last to highlight the threat to Local Development Companies (LDC’s) posed by government plans to cut, outsource and close key parts of the community sector through an “alignment” process with local authorities.<br />
Government back bench TD Tony McLoughlin (FG), Sinn Fein TD Michael Colreavy, Independent TD Luke “Ming” Flanagan and Fianna Fail Senator Paschal Mooney were all in attendance along with a number of local councillors to meet with board members and staff from the Leitrim Local Development Company (LDC) in the Mayflower Community Centre in Drumshanbo.<br />
SIPTU Official Noreen Parker explained the threat to jobs and services posed by the Coalition’s plans to “align” services of LDC’s under the remit of local authorities. Job losses, the contracting out of services, and the loss of vital funding streams from the EU were all likely outcomes if government plans are not altered. She called on elected representatives to support the workers’ demands to maintain existing structures and the independent status of the LDC network. Local councillors have already given support to this issue passing a motion that Leitrim LDC should not be “aligned”with Leitrim County Council.<br />
Donal Fox, Co-ordinator of Services to the Unemployed for Leitrim LDC and SIPTU shop steward, outlined the wide range of services provided by the Company and the crucial role it plays in the local economy with over 200 employed through Rural Social Schemes, TUS, Job Initiative and Community Employment Programmes.<br />
Bernie Donoghue, who also works as a Co-ordinator with the Leitrim LDC stressed how the current independent structure has ensured that the company is accessible to the needs of the community.<br />
Michael Colreavy TD spoke for many when he expressed fears as to where the current funding would end up once it is transferred from the local development company to the local authority as envisaged in the government document <em>Putting People First</em>.<br />
The meeting had a positive outcome in that all four Oireachtas members present agreed to write a joint letter expressing their concern at Minister Hogan’s proposals and to revert back through SIPTU with regard to their progress on this issue.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />SIPTU Communityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02577587281083085214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271407331800074672.post-25224545179031177772012-12-14T14:45:00.003+00:002012-12-14T14:55:46.816+00:00Fears over future of community services as LCDP budget slashed <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The future of vital
community services are in doubt after the Department of Environment, Community
and Local Government (DCELG) informed fifty Local</span><span style="color: red; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">&</span><span style="color: #1f497d; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Community Development Programme (LCDP) projects
that their budgets would be cut by between 7% and 11%. This cut follows the
continuing decline in LCDP funding from €84.7 million in 2008 to €49 million in
2013, a cut of 42% in total.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Manus Bree,
Community Worker and Chairperson of SIPTU’s Local Development Company Committee
said: “LCDP<span lang="EN-US"> delivers a range of vital supports to vulnerable
communities and families who have been hit elsewhere in this budget. Older
people, those with disabilities and lone parents rely on L</span><span lang="EN-US">CD</span><span lang="EN-US">P
projects and services and for many it is a lifeline. These cuts are also a
false economy; early school leaving, drug misuse, family breakdown and mental
health problems are just some of the issues to which the LCDP programme
responds. The social and economic costs that will be incurred in the
future will be far greater than any savings made now.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">The LCDP programme
delivers a range of vital services targeted at education, enterprise and
employment, particularly in disadvantaged communities. A recent report by POBAL
showed that in 2011 the LCDP programme supported 4,110 local communities
groups, helped 1,121 people into employment and 5,042 into self-employment and
saw 11,393 participate in education with a further 11,781 participating
in labour market training. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">SIPTU Sector Organiser
Eddie Mullins stated: “There are huge challenges facing community programmes in
2013, not least of which is this disproportionate budget cut and the local
industrial relations issues it will cause. If we are to minimise the impact on
community services there needs to be a real engagement between workers,
employers and the Department.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQcStUvIbzbrRncBE_52IZULc8YnGXMzPgtqyIbES2dNHM0MbnHKIo9KQr7fTPSYe_FPX1x1ISir49ZGKJQ8L6qQ40y3B9f0BkgO4Y6KhS5v055SL7EZ5O7pgK5GlOVJQFw8P_s5iVXg/s1600/Siptu+banner+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQcStUvIbzbrRncBE_52IZULc8YnGXMzPgtqyIbES2dNHM0MbnHKIo9KQr7fTPSYe_FPX1x1ISir49ZGKJQ8L6qQ40y3B9f0BkgO4Y6KhS5v055SL7EZ5O7pgK5GlOVJQFw8P_s5iVXg/s320/Siptu+banner+photo.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">SIPTU Community Members at the DCTU Anti Austerity March, 24th November 2012 </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />SIPTU Communityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02577587281083085214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271407331800074672.post-58289957590603159422012-11-23T11:26:00.001+00:002012-12-14T14:54:35.312+00:00Communities To Protest “Slash and Burn” Policies of Government<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thousands of Community Sector
workers will play a leading role in this Saturday’s Anti-Austerity March in
Dublin. SIPTU’s Communities Against Cuts campaign is mobilising workers from
right across the Community sector which has seen cuts of between 35 and 50% in
core funding to vital services such as childcare, disability, mental health,
youth and environmental work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Community Employment (CE) Schemes
and Local Community Development Partnership Companies (LCDP’s) have been
particularly badly hit with many companies struggling to survive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">According to SIPTU’s Community
Campaign Co-ordinator Darragh O’Connor<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“
LCDP’s created over 6000 new jobs in 2011 at a cost of just €5000 per job<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>compared to a cost of over €12000 for each
job created by Enterprise Ireland. How can it make sense to have their budgets
cut again? Many childcare CE projects are on the point of collapse because of
changes made to entitlements for lone parents. A continuance of this “slash and
burn” approach in this next budget will bring about the closure of many of
these companies along with the loss of vital community services.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Elaine Harvey from the Galway
City Partnership explained “We are organising through SIPTU to defend our jobs
and our services. On Saturday we will send a strong message to government-if
you continue to cut our funding, our communities will take the fight directly
to the doorsteps of the politicians who vote for these cuts. There will be no
hiding place.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Communities Against Cuts
Campaign is one of the four main organisations behind Saturdays march alongside
The Dublin Council of Trade Unions, The Spectacle of Defiance and Hope and the
Campaign against Household and Water Taxes. Marchers will assemble at Parnell
Square from 1pm this Saturday 24<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> November.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
</div>
SIPTU Communityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02577587281083085214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271407331800074672.post-64478825710666668622012-11-13T14:33:00.000+00:002012-11-13T14:33:20.142+00:00CE Cutbacks Leading to Exclusion of Lone Parents<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">SIPTU Press Release: 13th November 2012</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">New figures from the
Department of Social Protection have shown a dramatic fall in the participation
rate of lone parents in Community Employment (CE) schemes, according to SIPTU.
Replying to a parliamentary question on 8<sup>th</sup> November Minister for
Social Protection, Joan Burton, confirmed that just 3060 lone parents were
working on such schemes to the end of September this year, compared to 4508 for
the same period last year - a drop of 33%. This fall follows cuts to payments
for lone parents in last December’s budget restricting them to a single payment
while on CE, and making no allowance for costs such as childcare.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The drop off in
participation by lone parents has had a particularly detrimental effect on
community childcare schemes, many of which are supported through Community
Employment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">SIPTU Community Sector
Organiser Darragh O’Connor explained: “Lone parents have played a major role in
the staffing and success of CE Childcare schemes, but this route out of welfare
and back to work has effectively been closed due to budget cutbacks. It is
ironic that in the wake of the ‘Yes’ vote in the Children’s referendum
affordable community childcare services are struggling to survive because of
these cuts.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Reacting to the figures Stuart Duffin from One
Family, Ireland’s leading organisation for one-parent families said:
“Community Employment provided a gateway to work for many lone-parents. That
gateway has narrowed following the cuts in last year’s budget which saw the
poorest families and children becoming even poorer as a direct result of the ill-thought
out changes. The Government needs to support the engagement of lone parents in
community employment and help to make work pay for them and their families.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
SIPTU Communityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02577587281083085214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271407331800074672.post-2181663499194704222012-10-25T09:32:00.000+01:002012-10-25T09:32:24.488+01:00Community Sector Protest - 24th November <br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
COMMUNITIES AGAINST CUTS </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Government is going to make choices for Budget 2013 that
will affect the community sector. It will choose how much money goes to
services such as childcare, youth work and community employment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Previous budget cuts have brought the Community Sector to
breaking point; we have to ensure that this time the Government makes the right
choice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Union activist<span style="color: #1f497d;">s</span> have
spent the past year campaigning and lobbying politicians and telling them why
the sector needs to be protected, but now is the time to hit the streets. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">On <b>24<sup>th</sup> November, 1pm</b> the SIPTU and Communities
Against Cuts will be joining the Dublin Council of Trade Union’s pre-budget
demonstration at <b>Parnell Square, Dublin</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We are asking all workers and supporters to join us and send
a message to Government; cutting communities will mean pain for you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Attached is a poster that you can put up in your project or
give to your colleagues, friends and family.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
I look forward to seeing you there. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjULzHAc6bipkDdQOL4YAUFX5vRywsZ3ZhwV7XSFqd8aFHbKt0SfCp5znSQv9YmyqqO6Bn8Ha7hwogMJ65KNNzttT7VVrrPUjCnvNkA4w2kYBfh-r8Zd1ct7bolKEgVUkn1bdIsDnS1A/s1600/Protest+Poster+SIPTU.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjULzHAc6bipkDdQOL4YAUFX5vRywsZ3ZhwV7XSFqd8aFHbKt0SfCp5znSQv9YmyqqO6Bn8Ha7hwogMJ65KNNzttT7VVrrPUjCnvNkA4w2kYBfh-r8Zd1ct7bolKEgVUkn1bdIsDnS1A/s320/Protest+Poster+SIPTU.jpg" width="222" /></a></div>
</div>
SIPTU Communityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02577587281083085214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271407331800074672.post-72299818257799736952012-10-17T15:00:00.004+01:002012-10-31T16:20:28.500+00:00SIPTU activists call on Government to protect CE<div>
SIPTU activists made a strong call for the protection of funding for vital Community Services in the coming budget at a meeting in the Oireachtas today. The delegation from SIPTU’s Community Campaign was making a presentation to the Oireachtas Committee on Education and Social Protection on the value of Community Employment (CE) Schemes.<br />
<br />
A range of essential community services across the state such as childcare, meals on wheels, eldercare and disability are dependent on CE workers and CE funding to remain in existence. However, due to budget cuts of between 30% and 40% last year to the training and materials grants many of these schemes are in difficulty.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5g9NAuoJSM8YFBhJKBtAyYkoP8-8GCRBpEIM9majxcdGRLO0RS2VxBT8fO_6_9p6Yp-WEjg8a0kKl6pChPR9ucOrfHWAQMzlq7hQnheBzE0Z0pkQBBbvFAwMrl4Y6WG_TFTAZEkZeTw/s1600/SIPTU+Dail+Delegation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5g9NAuoJSM8YFBhJKBtAyYkoP8-8GCRBpEIM9majxcdGRLO0RS2VxBT8fO_6_9p6Yp-WEjg8a0kKl6pChPR9ucOrfHWAQMzlq7hQnheBzE0Z0pkQBBbvFAwMrl4Y6WG_TFTAZEkZeTw/s320/SIPTU+Dail+Delegation.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Speaking after the meeting, SIPTU Campaign Co-ordinator Darragh O’Connor said “It’s critical that the number of CE Schemes and places are not subject to further cuts. The need for these schemes is greater now than at any time in the last 10 years. It is also essential that participants continue to have access to quality accredited training to assist them back into full time employment.”<br />
<br />
The issue of cuts to payments of lone parents and people with disabilities who take up community employment was also raised. Describing the impact of these cuts CE Supervisor and SIPTU activist Seamie Briscoe said: “CE is no longer a financially viable path to employment and training for lone parents and people with disabilities. This is a tragedy because the progression rate for lone parents back into full time employment was close to 100% in many of these schemes. The additional expenses incurred by these groups must be addressed in the upcoming budget.”<br />
<br />
The delegation also stressed the importance of maintaining placements for up to three years in order to facilitate completion of recognised training courses and work experience.<br />
<br />
Darragh O’Connor concluded: “We welcome the establishment of an Employment Schemes Advisory Committee where the voices of CE supervisors, workers and other stakeholders can be heard with regard to the future shape, structure and funding of Community Employment.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br clear="both" />SIPTU Communityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02577587281083085214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271407331800074672.post-77325219726381323422012-10-11T10:04:00.001+01:002012-10-11T10:04:10.635+01:00Cork's Politicians Urged to Stand Up for CE-Evening Echo Report<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAn71O3gUP9VO2AtGfOBXn3vKVEiSGSUiUUilFHr_5ZLm3CY-CyDpA63CcEsRT6Q1TVoOaEBr2slZjkYKzIRr7_ywHH4SLoxus8AT4mczyDr1U_aLzCbHyhRJ3Jl4jZv5ABKe5_5qO2Q/s1600/corkacademyconcert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAn71O3gUP9VO2AtGfOBXn3vKVEiSGSUiUUilFHr_5ZLm3CY-CyDpA63CcEsRT6Q1TVoOaEBr2slZjkYKzIRr7_ywHH4SLoxus8AT4mczyDr1U_aLzCbHyhRJ3Jl4jZv5ABKe5_5qO2Q/s640/corkacademyconcert.jpg" width="534" /></a></div>
<br />SIPTU Communityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02577587281083085214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271407331800074672.post-18500817064265981732012-10-11T09:34:00.004+01:002012-10-11T09:34:58.262+01:00Pictures from Cork's "Concert for Communities"<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPgZ6nUyzS5Gbms5xk8C1Zo_BkBayhkKAIkC3qy2jW_ZYNZ3GvpVDGFDcmUZx3kMetoPCDvBWqvoebyOHqe_jTabhkPSf03BFPexWa-zfLSq2KO2aWiCF1Qhnay4kMEhle-2ILJ6YzBw/s1600/Corkacademyyouth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="102" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPgZ6nUyzS5Gbms5xk8C1Zo_BkBayhkKAIkC3qy2jW_ZYNZ3GvpVDGFDcmUZx3kMetoPCDvBWqvoebyOHqe_jTabhkPSf03BFPexWa-zfLSq2KO2aWiCF1Qhnay4kMEhle-2ILJ6YzBw/s320/Corkacademyyouth.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> The Cork Academy'sYouth Initiative Rocks The House!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5li5ZHQvm_5YzUeY5aR4cMpH3Utv4rfK29ELA1X8ieHqUWSqJ7jD4sAGr2aeoM8NsMIPC7BLJdVOV1Y8bCovvEWBGGdipAcH8uqmbu5NTgUix7giimmRglYqlihEVEnY-DEa3UmdHJQ/s1600/DSC_1723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="91" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5li5ZHQvm_5YzUeY5aR4cMpH3Utv4rfK29ELA1X8ieHqUWSqJ7jD4sAGr2aeoM8NsMIPC7BLJdVOV1Y8bCovvEWBGGdipAcH8uqmbu5NTgUix7giimmRglYqlihEVEnY-DEa3UmdHJQ/s320/DSC_1723.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Cantabile Vocal Ensemble Choir captivate a spellbound audience</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNGiifrY6w42uCLMHDpz5yyCP9lmkLUNLsfG_5U_zD3iPnAN7uKvuXEdVs4tafN2AoMIbaQ0KHZdgekY7oJmun99FKbktF26CrJbD9aayrS9W_mopIZsJJUvNic7lJlnu5P7MxDsXDA/s1600/corkacademyconcert1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNGiifrY6w42uCLMHDpz5yyCP9lmkLUNLsfG_5U_zD3iPnAN7uKvuXEdVs4tafN2AoMIbaQ0KHZdgekY7oJmun99FKbktF26CrJbD9aayrS9W_mopIZsJJUvNic7lJlnu5P7MxDsXDA/s320/corkacademyconcert1.jpg" width="166" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Muireann ni Chonnalain delivering a stunning version of "Boots of Spanish Leather"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8QyN9nZAMgf-3Tslb15bRgbzPi2GoUq7M-sEoFWao6nXYmAc4BoSIUmDBAp4uumi9yBCgSrMmmLzZ0XHJbVxcaaapCqRoVOsuCLUGDv2tTk4jyOHsY9Jx9PUqgU0MgT6CpaDG5FnXnQ/s1600/corkacademyconcert5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8QyN9nZAMgf-3Tslb15bRgbzPi2GoUq7M-sEoFWao6nXYmAc4BoSIUmDBAp4uumi9yBCgSrMmmLzZ0XHJbVxcaaapCqRoVOsuCLUGDv2tTk4jyOHsY9Jx9PUqgU0MgT6CpaDG5FnXnQ/s320/corkacademyconcert5.jpg" width="230" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkuRmTpf1meTlqQHywi_IOWGKvS4L1ZMtHyzDtxlmnJjw7rf5xeCpKSmh3jw3E5ilo2PqzdUhWO7yzlbS1Y4yzv_WgpedUQfBK2_rXwZ_I4dAvSxMZ0z3ctvBO9nT_cs6Vc3nQdibEaw/s1600/Corkacademyconcert2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkuRmTpf1meTlqQHywi_IOWGKvS4L1ZMtHyzDtxlmnJjw7rf5xeCpKSmh3jw3E5ilo2PqzdUhWO7yzlbS1Y4yzv_WgpedUQfBK2_rXwZ_I4dAvSxMZ0z3ctvBO9nT_cs6Vc3nQdibEaw/s320/Corkacademyconcert2.jpg" width="187" /></a></div>
<br />SIPTU Communityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02577587281083085214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271407331800074672.post-22044806572475128492012-10-05T09:53:00.001+01:002012-10-05T09:53:03.656+01:00Cork Academy Rock the Triskel!
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Triskel Arts Centre was
packed last night for a special “Concert for Communities” to showcase the value
of Community Employment (CE) schemes throughout the city. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>CE participants from the Cork Academy of Music
and Togher Music Project rocked the city centre venue with polished
performances of rock, jazz and pop standards combined with an impressive set of
original material. The audience were also treated to a stunning vocal recital
from the <span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Cantabile Vocal Ensemble
Choir.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Among those attending on the night were Lord Mayor John Buttimer, his brother
Jerry Buttimer TD, former Lord Mayor Joe O’Callaghan, and a number of local
councillors including Chris O’Leary and Henry Cremin. SIPTU’s Trevor Quinn opened
proceedings with an impassioned call to the city’s politicians to recognise the
value of Community Employment. He also called on government parties to reverse
cuts to vital funding which were now placing the future of some projects in
doubt;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“The Community Sector has suffered disproportionate cuts to funding of 35%
and more already. These schemes <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>make a
major difference to people’s lives by helping them out of unemployment and
setting them on a new career path out of poverty and into gainful employment.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">MC for the night Evelyn Grant of Lyric FM stressed the value that the Cork
Academy of Music places on further education and learning progression. The work
of CE staff and tutors was perhaps best showcased by the performance from the
Cork Academy’s Youth Initiative participants who wowed the audience with an
accomplished and diverse opening set despite only having begun to play music
just six months ago.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Reflecting on the progress of CE participants, many of whom have gone on to
achieve Degrees, Masters and even PhD’s, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cork Academy of Music Founder Bob Seward said “It
shows what can be achieved with just a small amount of investment in these
people, and the real value of Community Employment”</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
SIPTU Communityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02577587281083085214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271407331800074672.post-20440280024510978292012-10-04T08:38:00.001+01:002012-10-05T10:35:58.158+01:00FREE CONCERT FOR COMMUNITIES AT TRISKEL ARTS CENTRE TONIGHT<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Cork Academy of Music is
combining with SIPTU and other Community Employment (CE) projects in the city
to present a free musical “Concert for Communities” this evening Thursday 4<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>
October at 8pm at the Triskel Arts Centre. Renowned musician and Lyric FM
presenter Evelyn Grant has been confirmed as the MC for the night. The purpose
of the event is to showcase the value of Community Employment Projects in the
city and the talent of current course participants.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Academy was established by
Bob Seward as a voluntary initiative in 1994 in recognition of the need for a
musical institute on the North side of city. This initiative was set up to give
marginalised adults and young people the opportunity to learn music using this
as a way to encourage them to access further education and to improve their
skills for employment opportunities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Over 700 people have now graduated
from this innovative CE scheme and most have gone to enjoy paid employment and a
career in the music industry. Dozens of students have gone on to complete Degrees,
Masters and even Ph. D’s thanks to the work of the dedicated tutors and staff
of the Academy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This year the academy has
initiated a full time music course for fifteen young people at risk with
support of the RAPID programme (Revitalising Areas through Planning, Investment
and Development)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">At a time when
funding for Community Employment schemes is under unprecedented pressure from
government cutbacks the participants are determined to play their part in promoting
the real value of quality training provided by Community Employment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">SIPTU Organiser Trevor Quinn
confirmed “Workers from the academy will be joined <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>by participants from the Togher CE music project
and the <span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cantabile Vocal
Ensemble </span>Choir, and will be supported by CE workers from the Triskel
Arts Centre in a unique collaboration to promote the value of high quality
Community Employment Training Projects in Cork City. All local councillors and
TD’s from the city and county will be invited and urged to ensure their
continued support for CE schemes in the city.” For more information on the
concert contact Trevor Quinn on 0872906803.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
SIPTU Communityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02577587281083085214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271407331800074672.post-62505095685812589052012-09-14T11:23:00.000+01:002012-09-14T11:28:33.480+01:00CORK ACADEMY STRIKES THE RIGHT NOTE FOR COMMUNITY EMPLOYMENT!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlZf9Z38KxkVyf_b6xdf51mGU4jGlrRfLYofxylA8zop6ROQhNWW5w4OJ_6lCBZWa3kejozcrCggrwlxKm4B8DrNlLmiDgJyhEXwJLHdOYmLimZDTY7CF9FFeONkqYE64EXv_NMDIWA/s1600/Bob+and+Noreen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlZf9Z38KxkVyf_b6xdf51mGU4jGlrRfLYofxylA8zop6ROQhNWW5w4OJ_6lCBZWa3kejozcrCggrwlxKm4B8DrNlLmiDgJyhEXwJLHdOYmLimZDTY7CF9FFeONkqYE64EXv_NMDIWA/s200/Bob+and+Noreen.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bob Seward and Noreen Keane</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The transformational nature of
the Community Employment Scheme ran by the Cork Academy of Music only becomes
clear when you meet and talk to course participants. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3rzh8wxPQazKE-SToRCKsGTwztYNS1EJToN2YFSsL9hF_BFlXIeqcuiw7TzBC9yFBBKUSUfz4Ymf4yrbKTcLljUTFJVBwapnu3UTOjZzMzEPzMLfLuzwcPUWoAH51bsdBBbPLmLwLPQ/s1600/Cork+Academy+of+Music.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3rzh8wxPQazKE-SToRCKsGTwztYNS1EJToN2YFSsL9hF_BFlXIeqcuiw7TzBC9yFBBKUSUfz4Ymf4yrbKTcLljUTFJVBwapnu3UTOjZzMzEPzMLfLuzwcPUWoAH51bsdBBbPLmLwLPQ/s200/Cork+Academy+of+Music.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Muireann ni Chonnaláin,Glen Kelly, Gerard O'Regan, and Bairbre Flood</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Glenn Kelly had previously worked
in construction and was three years out of work, living back at home, and
receiving just €10 a week from social welfare. “I was long term unemployed, and
depressed. I’d lost everything.” In just one year Glen has qualified to Grade 5
of Music Theory with the Royal Academy of Music in London. He intends to
achieve grade 7 in the coming months and then move on to UCC to complete a
degree in Music.<o:p></o:p></span>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Muireann ni Chonnaláin is another
who has radically altered her life through the scheme. “I was a single parent
struggling to find a way back into work. I grabbed this opportunity to study
and work full time with music and it’s been a brilliant experience” In just nine
months she has become an accomplished musician (piano)who has already achieved
Grade 5 qualification in Music Theory . She is busy composing her own songs and
looking forward to further education and a career in teaching and performing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Gerard O’Regan is a fifty one
year old former laboratory worker who had been five years out of work before
joining the Academy. “CE has enabled me to reinvent myself through the training
and education on offer. My long term goal is to study for a degree in Music Therapy.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used to drop my wife to work and then
go home for the day. Now I have a path forward into work and a career through
music.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bairbre Flood joined the course
last November and is studying music theory, guitar, drums and singing. Her progress
can be measured by the fact that her first album is now available on
bandcamp.com (and is well worth a listen!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Academy was established by
Bob Seward as a voluntary initiative in 1994 in recognition of the need for a
musical institute on the North side of city. It was set up to give marginalised
adults and young people the opportunity to learn music using this as a way to
encourage them to access further education and to improve their skills for
employment opportunities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Staff member Noreen Keane explains
the philosophy of the Academy as “using music to engage participants in to the
process of learning. “An important aspect of this holistic approach is a focus
on training in personal and social skills which contribute to entry
requirements for third level education. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Over 700 people
have now graduated from this innovative CE scheme and most have gone to enjoy
paid employment and a career in the music industry. Dozens of students have
gone on to complete Degrees, Masters and even Ph. D’s thanks to the work of the
dedicated tutors and staff of the Academy. Reflecting on the achievements of
the last 18 years Bob Seward is in no doubt about the value of the training
provided through CE;</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> “I</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> believe the progress and progression pathways of our
students demonstrate the benefits of CE for adults in the community towards further
education as well as entry into the labour market.”</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">At a time when
funding for Community Employment schemes is under unprecedented pressure from
government cutbacks the Academy participants are determined to play their part
through SIPTU in promoting the importance of continued funding and support for Community
Employment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEe8z16VkKpDzEwhbRXUTnPJxxehTiHBfvpJqMqhThi0z1moOJXIq5sYe1abXakLatnkcr_iGK3GXAtACQ0NJFuW5zZ_x76d1wXq7fI2dVRfaitCe6Uvg7cd8r0WuCirxAZJaEhJBGQ/s1600/Musicians+rehearsing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEe8z16VkKpDzEwhbRXUTnPJxxehTiHBfvpJqMqhThi0z1moOJXIq5sYe1abXakLatnkcr_iGK3GXAtACQ0NJFuW5zZ_x76d1wXq7fI2dVRfaitCe6Uvg7cd8r0WuCirxAZJaEhJBGQ/s320/Musicians+rehearsing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To this end, in conjunction with
SIPTU, they are organising a free public concert in the Triskel Arts Theatre on
4<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> October in Cork City Centre to showcase the talent and value
that this ground breaking CE scheme has delivered. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">SIPTU Organiser Trevor Quinn
confirmed “Workers from the academy will be joined on the night by participants
from the Togher CE music project and the <span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cantabile Vocal Ensemble </span>Choir, and will be supported
by CE workers from the Triskel Arts Centre in a unique collaboration to promote
the value of high quality Community Employment Training Projects in Cork City. All
local councillors and TD’s from the city and county will be invited and urged
to ensure their continued support for CE schemes in the city.” For more
information on the concert contact Trevor Quinn on 0872906803.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
SIPTU Communityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02577587281083085214noreply@blogger.com0