Additional Paramedics Assigned To Ennistymon Ambulance Station

Minister of State Tony Killeen has confirmed that three additional paramedics have been assigned to the HSE’s Ambulance Station in Ennistymon.

The North Clare T.D. said the move will further enhance the level of 24/7 cover provided by the Ennistymon Ambulance Station.

Minister of State Killeen added: “The HSE’s Chief Ambulance Officer in County Clare has confirmed to me that the assigning of the additional paramedics has reduced on call for Paramedics from 96 to 12 hours per week. The additional staff with the reduction of on call will greatly improve response times to emergencies throughout the greater North Clare region.”

The Minister of State noted that all ambulance staff in Clare are trained to paramedic level while a number of personnel have recently been trained to Advanced Paramedic level. “Advanced Paramedics have a greater knowledge of basic science, can use more advanced interventions and administer a wider range of medications”, he concluded.

Suckler Welfare Scheme Payments Are Issued

Junior Agriculture Minister Tony Killeen has reminded Clare farmers seeking payments under the Suckler Welfare Scheme to complete and return their applications without delay.

The Clare T.D. said that it is imperative that applicants continue to complete and return their forms as quickly as possible, and certainly within 12 months of the birth of the animals. “The sooner farmers complete these important returns the sooner these cases can be processed”, he added.

Minister of State Killeen issued the call after the Department commenced payments under the 2009 Suckler Welfare Scheme. These payments will be worth some EUR30 million in respect of 2009 born calves for the 53,000 applicants in the scheme and payments will continue into 2010

He continued: “Payments of EUR40 per cow will continue on a rolling basis in respect of the 2009 born calves, as additional animals become eligible. The Department will issue letters in the near future to farmers where there are queries. I urge farmers to reply quickly to any correspondence in relation to Suckler Welfare Scheme.”

Farmers seeking clarification regarding the query letters should contact the following Lo-call number: Tel: 1890 252 707

Killeen Urges Voluntary Organisations To Apply For Counselling Services Funding

Minister of State Tony Killeen T.D. is urging County Clare’s voluntary organisations which provide family counselling services to apply to the Family Support Agency for funding under their 2010 scheme of grants.

The Clare Fianna Fail Deputy said, “The focus of this scheme is on the development of support services in the community for families to enhance stability in family life and assist families and their members to deal with difficult periods, which they may experience. The aim is to ensure a larger and more accessible service, to ensure the highest level of service possible and that the service is provided at the lowest cost to the client.”

He noted that over a dozen organisations throughout Clare received funds under the 2009 Scheme. Over 11.3 million was allocated euro to almost 600 voluntary and community groups nationwide last year. A similar amount is being made available under this year’s scheme.

Grants under the Scheme are available for Marriage Counselling, Marriage Preparation Courses, Child Counselling Services (in relation to parental separation) and Bereavement Counselling/Support Services.

According to Minister of State Killeen: “The Family Support Agency has issued application forms and information leaflets to almost 750 voluntary and community organisations nationwide, I would urge other organisations who feel they may qualify for a grant to contact the Agency immediately for further information.”

The Clare groups that received funding allocations in 2009 included Clare Haven Services Ltd, Amethyst Resource For Human Development (Killaloe), Compass, STEM (Strength Through Every Meeting), Congress Information and Opportunities Centre; Rainbows Shannon, Shannon Bereavement Group, Rainbows St. John Bosco College, Kildysart, Shannon Family Resource Centre Ltd., Scoil Chriost Rí (including Rainbows), Ennis, Ennis National School, including Rainbows, and Rainbows Scoil na Maighdine Mhuire, Newmarket-On-Fergus.

Application forms and further information about the scheme of grants, including assessment criteria, are available from the Family Support Agency, St Stephen's Green House, Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2. Website: www.fsa.ie or telephone: 01 611 4100.