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Danny Healy-Rae welcomes decision to push back changes for cataract payments

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The Health Service Executive has deferred a move to cut the price it reimburses people for cataract treatments in the European Union and in Northern Ireland, under its overseas treatment schemes and a separate system for the North.

The prices were due to change from the start of this month, but the HSE has pushed the date back so that no one is disadvantaged, and to fully communicate with patients, treatment consultants and providers, cost changes will not come into effect until September 1.

The payments for less complex eye treatments were due to fall from €1,912 to €863 or the National Health Service equivalent of £766 in Northern Ireland. The most common cataract procedure payments were due to reduce from €1,456 to €1,171.

The HSE said that the vast majority of procedures fall into this new payment price. It said that the more complex glaucoma/cataract treatment payments will rise from €1,912 to €4,206.

Danny Healy Rae welcomed the news saying, "Following my representations and raising of this matter in the Dáil, I am glad that the HSE have agreed that they will continue to reimburse the higher rates for cataract procedure for those carried out up to the end of August 2024.

"I am advising anyone who needs to have their cataracts removed to do so now before the change to reimbursement amounts comes in."

All cataract treatment carried out in Belfast after the 1st September 2024 will be subject to the new DRG rates.

Honouring the Kerry women of the revolutionary period

Kerry County Council is to invite expressions of interest next week for the commissioning and development of a commemorative and artistic piece which will honour the role played by women in Kerry during the revolutionary period between 1912 and 1923.

The project follows a joint motion by the five female members of Kerry County Council who called for the development and commissioning of a meaningful and lasting commemorative piece which would reflect the significant and diverse roles and activities of women and their involvement in the campaign for Irish Independence at the beginning of the twentieth century.

A Working Group, including the five female councillors, has been developing a design brief, and the Council intends to publish a detailed brief for the memorial next week and expressions of interest will be invited.

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Fossa/Two Mile Comhaltas plans two St Patrick’s Céilithe

Members of the Fossa Two Mile Comhaltas recently gathered at the Fossa Community Centre to mark a significant milestone for their branch while giving back to the community. Catherine Joy, […]

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Members of the Fossa Two Mile Comhaltas recently gathered at the Fossa Community Centre to mark a significant milestone for their branch while giving back to the community.

Catherine Joy, Tim Kissane, and Therese Kissane were proud to present a cheque for €3,234.00 to Catherine Foley, who accepted the donation on behalf of Children’s Hospital Crumlin and Ronald McDonald House Charities. The funds were the result of a series of successful events held throughout the past year to celebrate the branch’s 20th anniversary.
The journey to this donation began in September 2025 with a special 20-Year Reunion Celebration that brought members past and present together to reflect on two decades of music and culture. This was followed by a vibrant Céilí in December 2025, which was organised with the help of the branch’s dedicated set dancing teacher, Catherine Joy. The combined proceeds from these celebrations highlight the incredible generosity and spirit of the local Fossa community and the ongoing support for the branch’s work.
The celebrations are far from over as the group looks toward a busy spring season. Fans of traditional music and dance can look forward to the Annual Rambling House, which is set to take place on March 14 at the Castlerosse Park Hotel. Shortly after, the group will return to the Fossa Community Centre for another Céilí on Sunday, March 22. These upcoming events offer another chance for the community to come together in celebration of Irish heritage and the branch’s continued success.

Photo Caption: Catherine Joy, Tim and Therese Kissane presenting €3,234 to Catherine Foley on behalf of Fossa Two Mile Comhaltas. Photo by Michelle Cooper Galvin.

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10-minute plays will linger in the memory

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The West End House School of Arts is delighted to take part in this year’s St Patrick’s Day Festival with a special evening of entertaining readings on Friday, March 13 at 7.30pm.

It promises to be a vibrant showcase of five original 10-minute plays written by emerging local playwrights, each of whom has recently completed a playwriting course with Fiona Doyle (pictured).


Diverse in style and subject matter, these beautifully crafted pieces promise an evening of laughter, tears, and powerful storytelling and each reading will be performed by West End House actors from Kerry.


Together, they highlight the remarkable talent of these up-and-coming writers and actors, who are the future of theatre in our community.

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