Connect with us

News

KDYS host Child care laws seminar

Published

on

0259020_kdys_childcare_010.JPG

 

Berni Smyth, CEO of KDYS hosted a panel discussion on Child Care Laws and how they impact on children’s lives in KDYS Killarney centre last week.

This event was arranged to celebrate her first year in the CEO role with the organisation. The subject was very topical due to a number of proposed changes to Irish Child Care Laws currently under discussion and debate nationally.

The expert panel included Dr Maria Corbett, CEO of the Child Law Project, JP O’Sullivan, Networking and Communications Manager with MECPATHS and South Kerry man, Thomas O’Driscoll who is a qualified social worker with care experience and strong advocate for the rights of children in care and their parents.

The panellists encouraged an audience from a wide range of statutory and voluntary agencies across Munster to become familiar with the current proposals to revise the 1991 Child Care Act, enact the Child and Family Courts Bill and plans to implement ‘Fagin’s Law’ for child victims of criminal exploitation later this year.
While all of these measures were welcomed by the panel, there was a general consensus that legislation must be supported by strong implementation plans that are adequately resourced and every effort made to ensure that the application of these laws leads to child-centred decisions that will improve the quality of children and families’ lives.

Dr Maria Corbett advised the audience to take opportunities to provide feedback ‘by engaging in consultations and making representations to local politicians in order to address any areas for improvement or gaps now.”

JP O’Sullivan commented that “there is greater awareness and understanding of the challenges vulnerable children face including inter-generational patterns of abuse and the complex dynamics of child trafficking including grooming children into crime.”

Berni Smyth, CEO of KDYS, concluded the discussion by saying that “despite growing pressures on services caused by issues such as poverty, homelessness and the Ukrainian crisis, there is much to be hopeful about. More child-centred legislation will also support frontline workers on the ground who are usually best placed to identify concerns and who have long called for an effective, integrated response across child welfare and criminal justice laws.”

Advertisement

News

Funding Imminent for Fitzgerald Stadium Development

The long-awaited development of Fitzgerald Stadium is set to take a major step forward, with an announcement on further funding expected imminently, according to Kerry Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill. […]

Published

on

The long-awaited development of Fitzgerald Stadium is set to take a major step forward, with an announcement on further funding expected imminently, according to Kerry Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill.

Deputy Cahill said the project must not be allowed to stall, urging that momentum be maintained as it moves into its next phase.
“The proposed development of Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney needs to be moved on now and not allowed to fall behind in its planned progression,” he stated, adding that he is confident of a positive funding decision soon.
Cahill has raised the Fitzgerald Stadium Development Plan in Dáil Éireann with several senior government figures, including An Taoiseach Micheál Martin and the Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan.
“They are well versed in the detail of it, and I feel that we are going to get a positive announcement shortly on further funding for this crucial project for Kerry,” he said.
The proposed upgrades to the iconic stadium are seen as a key development not only for Killarney, but for the entire county. The venue would be able to host major sporting events and large-scale entertainment such as concerts featuring world-renowned performers.
“Kerry as a whole will benefit from having such a facility in Killarney,” said Cahill. “Hospitality providers of all hues and in all parts of Kerry will gain additional business when the Fitzgerald Stadium Development is completed.”
He also praised the application submitted by the Kerry County Board, calling it “fantastic” and deserving of support. “This will be a massive boost for Killarney and the entire county, will significantly increase footfall and will be great for the local economy. I believe that Fitzgerald Stadium will secure major funding under the IIP scheme in the very near future,” he said.

Continue Reading

News

Fossa roadworks concerns realised

Predictions made by elected members of the Killarney Municipal District (KMD) regarding the Fossa roadworks have come to fruition this week. A video has surfaced showing a local farmer driving […]

Published

on

Predictions made by elected members of the Killarney Municipal District (KMD) regarding the Fossa roadworks have come to fruition this week.

A video has surfaced showing a local farmer driving a tractor with a hay turner encountering a French-registered camper van in the village.
The footage shows very little space for the two vehicles to pass each other.
Concerns have been raised that if a camper van, which is similar in size to an ambulance, struggled to pass, it could create significant issues for emergency vehicles needing to use the road.
The ongoing major roadworks in Fossa were previously the subject of heated discussion at a Killarney Municipal District Council meeting.
At that time, councillors were warned about potential gridlock and traffic problems due to the narrowed road width. It was highlighted that with the road being just six metres wide and large vehicles measuring up to 3.5 metres, encounters could lead to “complete gridlock and traffic mayhem.”
Despite these warnings, council officials had stated that the construction work was too far advanced to make changes. The recent video validates the earlier concerns raised by elected members.

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport