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Lack of clear approach leading to financial distress – Kerry TD

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Deputy Michael Healy-Rae has called on the newly appointed Minister for Higher Education, Innovation and Research, Simon Harris, to ensure a clear and consistent approach on the return to third level for students, at least during first semester is provided immediately.

“Many rural parents in particular are out of pocket putting down large deposits on accommodation which may not be needed due to the blended learning approach of colleges brought on by the COVID-19 crisis," he said this week.

"In some instances families who receive no grant support are being asked to pay a first instalment deposit of €4,100 by the beginning of August to secure accommodation, which may not actually be needed as some colleges will opt for an online approach which may see the student only attending the college one day a week.”

Due to the fact that many students have not been able to work, they are now once again over depending on their family for financial support.

“Parents will always do the very best that they can do for their children to attend college especially in rural areas. But at a time when accommodation has never been more difficult to source and never been more expensive, is it really fair to ask parents to pay for accommodation that they might only need for one night a week, while colleges are getting their COVID-19 return plans in place.”

“We need to have clear timetables and direction from all third level institutions on how they will deliver their learning to enable parents and students make informed decisions about accommodation. Currently many are being put through unneeded distress at a time when many may have already lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 crisis.”

Deputy Michael Healy-Rae hopes that the newly created Department for Higher Education, Innovation and Research gives this matter its full attention.

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HeartBeat to host Advanced Healthcare Directive information night

Anne O’Shea Clarke, Regional Manager of SAGE Advocacy Mid & South West Regions, will provide a comprehensive explanation of the process involved in properly creating an Advanced Healthcare Directive (AHD) […]

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Anne O’Shea Clarke, Regional Manager of SAGE Advocacy Mid & South West Regions, will provide a comprehensive explanation of the process involved in properly creating an Advanced Healthcare Directive (AHD) on Tuesday, April 29, starting at 8pm in the Parish Centre, Park Road.

An ADH is a document which sets out your instructions in relation to healthcare treatments in the future, when you no longer have the capacity to decide. AHDs are not solely relevant to older individuals. Young adults can also significantly benefit from putting these directives in place for themselves or when assisting loved ones. Attendees will gain valuable ‘Knowledge is Power; regarding legal and personal matters
The meeting will specifically look at two key application forms: the standard AHD Form and the Think Ahead / my form.
Prior to the main meeting, a Blood Pressure. and Pulse Clinic will be available from 7:15pm until 8:00pm sharp. Following O’Shea Clarke’s presentation, there will be a Question & Answer session, followed by tea and coffee.
SAGE Advocacy, the national service for older people, works to ensure access to information, support, and independent advocacy, while also providing safeguarding services across various settings, including homes, day centres, hospitals, and nursing homes.
They also support vulnerable adults and healthcare patients in situations where other services may not be available.
For further information, email anne.osheaclarke@sageadvocacy.ie or visit www.sageadvocacy.ie.

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Singer-songwriter Lillie Foley releases second single

Local singer-songwriter Lillie Foley, from Whitebridge Manor, has released her second single of 2025, titled ‘That’s Life’, on all major streaming platforms. ‘That’s Life’ is described as a powerful blend […]

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Local singer-songwriter Lillie Foley, from Whitebridge Manor, has released her second single of 2025, titled ‘That’s Life’, on all major streaming platforms.

‘That’s Life’ is described as a powerful blend of pop and soul music, drawing on Foley’s own life experiences. The track marks a further step in the promising career of the emerging local artist.
Recorded at the renowned Windmill Lane Recording Studios in Dublin, ‘That’s Life’ showcases Foley’s emotive lyrics, soulful vocals, and a sound that is both modern and deeply personal. Collaborating with music producer and audio engineer Hermann Ogulla, Foley has crafted a song that blends her Irish background with contemporary musical styles, aiming to resonate with listeners in Ireland,and beyond.
Foley said: “This is a song about resilience and accepting that bad things happen in life and we just have to get on with it and move on as best we can.”
‘That’s Life’ is the second of several songs Foley has planned for release in 2025.

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