Friday, June 9, 2017

ASD unit at Boyle Community College

June 9th 2017

Feighan welcomes funding approval for ASD unit at Boyle Community College

Senator Frank Feighan has welcomed funding approval for a new Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) unit at the Abbey Community College in Boyle
“I am delighted that this funding has been approved by the Department of Education for this ASD unit which I have lobbied strongly for on behalf of the school.
“This announcement clearly demonstrates the Government’s commitment to supporting children with special educational needs.
 “This funding allocation is great news for the Boyle secondary school and works will proceed once the tendering process has been completed.
“Projects such as these also help to stimulate economic activity by supporting jobs in the local economy.
“It is important to note that no details are given in relation to the amount of the grant-aid approved as the publication of the level of funding could prejudice the tendering process.

“The School Building Unit will issue a detailed letter informing the school of the amount of grant aid sanctioned by the Department.”

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Seeking clarity on Syrian refugees in a former hotel in Ballaghaderreen.

Senator Frank Feighan has said he will be seeking clarity on a number of issues at a special Ministerial briefing on Wednesday regarding the planned accommodation of Syrian refugees in a former hotel in Ballaghaderreen.

“I have already had a constructive discussion with David Stanton, Minister of State for Justice with special responsibility for Equality, Immigration and Integration. Minister Stanton is to hold a special briefing with relevant Oireachtas members this Wednesday afternoon in Leinster House where a range of issues of concern will be raised.
There is no absolutely no question at all that people in Ireland, Roscommon and Ballaghaderreen want to help these families who have been tragically displaced by war.We have all seen the horrific images on television where ordinary men, women and children are being killed in the Syrian conflict and the humanitarian case to help these refugee families fleeing from blood-shed is overwhelming.
Compassion must be to the forefront as we simply cannot even imagine the horrors that these people have gone through.At the same, it is clear that there has been a lack consultation with local public representatives to establish exactly what the plans are and what resources will be available to adequately cater for these refugees.As a local public representative, I want to work with the community and all stakeholders to clarify issues of concern which have been raised legitimately by the people of Ballaghaderreen.

Language support, health services and integration are just some of the issues which need to be addressed in a positive manner and I will be seeking clarity in this regard.”

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Feighan welcomes €468,000 in ICT funding for Roscommon schools



Senator Frank Feighan has welcomed a total of €468,000 in funding for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment for Roscommon schools.

“Allocated by the Minister for Education, Richard Bruton, this funding for 99 primary and secondary schools in Roscommon will support the development and implementation of an eLearning Plan for each school to embed ICT in teaching and learning.

“Some examples of the infrastructure that schools can purchase with this funding are:
·         Teaching computers/shared student computers. These may include desktop PCs, laptops, tablets or hybrid devices.
·         Projectors including short throw or ultra-short throw, long throw, interactive, or interactive flat screens (IFS).
·         Cloud based tools and applications to support learning.
“This investment marks the start of the Government’s €210 million Digital Strategy for Schools. As Minister Bruton said today in announcing this funding, the ability to think critically and develop solutions in the digital world will be vital for these students’ prospects in life.
 “The Digital Strategy for Schools sets out a clear vision to realise the potential of digital technologies to transform the learning experiences of students.
“The ICT funding rates payable are €2,000 per school plus €22.20 per mainstream pupil in primary schools, with additional per capita payments for pupils in DEIS schools, Special Classes and Special Schools.


"At post-primary, the rates payable are €2,000 per school plus €31.90 per student, with an additional per capita payment for students in DEIS schools. These payments are made directly into the schools’ accounts.”