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.”

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.”