Killeen Welcomes Funding Boost For Three Clare Groups

Mr. Tony Killeen, Minister of State and Clare T.D. has welcomed the Government’s announcement of EUR33k grant aid to three community-based groups in County Clare.

The allocations to Caring for Carers Clare (EUR30,030), Tulla Senior Citizen Security Section (EUR3,198) and Ballyvaughan Community Alert (EUR400) will be used to help improve the security and social support of older individuals. The groups have been awarded the funding by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, under the scheme of Community Supports for Older People.

Minister Killeen said he was very aware of the hardships that that older people can face on a daily basis. He continued, “I welcome any initiatives that seek to improve confidence, security and comfort levels among older people in our society allowing them to continue to live independently.” The Junior Agriculture Minister added, “The security devices that older people may now benefit from under this scheme include smoke alarms, the once-off cost of installing socially monitored alarm systems, security lighting, and window locks, door locks and door chains designed to strengthen points of entry to dwellings.”

A further 37 organisations throughout the country were allocated grants this week bringing the total number of groups to benefit to date this year to 73 under the Scheme of Community Support for Older People. The scheme for Community Supports of Older People is administered by local community and voluntary groups and funded by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. Applications can be made throughout the year, thereby allowing applicants to benefit from the wide range of security aids available as the need arises.

Killeen Welcomes Funding Boost For Three Clare Groups

Mr. Tony Killeen, Minister of State and Clare T.D. has welcomed the Government’s announcement of EUR33k grant aid to three community-based groups in County Clare.

The allocations to Caring for Carers Clare (EUR30,030), Tulla Senior Citizen Security Section (EUR3,198) and Ballyvaughan Community Alert (EUR400) will be used to help improve the security and social support of older individuals. The groups have been awarded the funding by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, under the scheme of Community Supports for Older People.

Minister Killeen said he was very aware of the hardships that that older people can face on a daily basis. He continued, “I welcome any initiatives that seek to improve confidence, security and comfort levels among older people in our society allowing them to continue to live independently.” The Junior Agriculture Minister added, “The security devices that older people may now benefit from under this scheme include smoke alarms, the once-off cost of installing socially monitored alarm systems, security lighting, and window locks, door locks and door chains designed to strengthen points of entry to dwellings.”

A further 37 organisations throughout the country were allocated grants this week bringing the total number of groups to benefit to date this year to 73 under the Scheme of Community Support for Older People. The scheme for Community Supports of Older People is administered by local community and voluntary groups and funded by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. Applications can be made throughout the year, thereby allowing applicants to benefit from the wide range of security aids available as the need arises.

Minister Killeen Welcomes Ireland-Belarus Agreement

Minister of State Tony Killeen T.D. has welcomed the formal signing of an International Agreement allowing for children from the Republic of Belarus to continue visiting the Mid West Region.

The International Agreement relates to future visits of children affected by the Chernobyl disaster in Belarus in April 1986. Minister Killeen said, “The negotiations on this Agreement, which began in September of last year, culminated with a delegation of Irish Government officials meeting with Belarus officials last December. The wording of the Agreement was finalised at that time and I am now delighted to hear that the Government of the Republic of Belarus and our Ambassador have formally signed the Agreement.”

The local Deputy added, “I know that many families around Clare, Limerick and Tipperary will be relieved that the agreement has been formally signed. It enables thousands of children from the contaminated areas in Belarus to continue to visit Ireland for many years to come.”

Minister Killeen paid tribute to the many local families who have hosted Belarussian children in recent years. “During the Christmas period over 100 children stayed with families throughout the Mid West Region. I am delighted that the signing of the agreement between the Republic of Belarus and Ireland will enable such visits to continue in the future. In this regard, I would like to wish the host families and the Chernobyl Children’s Project the very best.”