Latest news with #Harkin
Irish Independent
an hour ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Minister Harkin welcomes record €275.4bn National Development, pledges regional investment for Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal
The updated plan, published by Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, Jack Chambers, includes an additional €34 billion in capital funding compared to the original 2021–2030 framework. This brings the total investment to €102.4 billion over the next five years, with a further €100 billion earmarked through to 2035. This revised NDP represents the most substantial capital allocation in the history of the State, aiming to secure Ireland's future and deliver on vital infrastructure projects. 'This is a once-in-a-generation investment that must deliver real progress for people in Sligo, Leitrim and South Donegal' said Minister Harkin The revised NDP focuses on transformational infrastructure across key sectors including housing, water, energy, and transport, alongside major investments in health, disability services, and education. Speaking after the launch Minister Harkin said ' I support the plan's emphasis on Balanced/Equitable regional development, ensuring all parts of the country benefit from this investment. This is absolutely crucial for me because we have seen a history of underinvestment in the Northern and Western region. "This Review commits to ensuring a 50:50 distribution of future growth as outlined in the National Planning Framework and this will mean more investment in infrastructure, roads, rail, water, electricity, the construction of homes for families and individuals in the region and the provision of adequate services especially in healthcare and education including lifelong education which relates to my Department. "We also need to ensure sensible, long-term planning, particularly in the face of global trade tensions and ongoing economic uncertainty. Equally investing in children's disability services and expanding access to childcare and school places is an important part of the plan.' In regard to her own Department she stated: 'Investing in further education and vocational training to meet the growing demand for construction workers required to deliver the expanded pipeline of national projects is central to the delivery of housing. "My department's emphasis on expanding the number of apprenticeships especially in construction and green skills will play a central role here and combined with the drive to embed modern methods of construction in our apprenticeship courses we hope to see an acceleration of construction delivery in the next number of years'. 'Each Government Department has now been charged with delivering essential infrastructure, and I will continue to ensure that the revised NDP achieves meaningful outcomes for the people of Sligo, Leitrim and South Donegal,' she said.
Irish Independent
03-07-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Fears Donegal hospital will be downgraded if rejected as location for surgical hub in favour of Sligo
The ongoing debate on Sligo University Hospital (SUH) being selected as the preferred option for a new surgical hub in the North West, with no consideration being given to Letterkenny University Hospital (LUH), was raised on Wednesday in the Dáil. It comes as Minister for State, Deputy Harkin stated on Highland Radio that the location of the surgical hub in Sligo was decided as part of a deal made during negotiations on the Programme for Government to secure support from the Independent TDs. Speaking on Highland Radio, Minister Harkin said, 'One of the things I was insistent on was that we had, what then was in the HSE business plan, described as a surgical hub for Sligo and I still support that.' Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has said no decision has been made on the location of the surgical hub. HSE West and North West has submitted a business case supporting the implementation of a North West Surgical Hub. Within the business case, a greenfield site owned by the HSE in Sligo has been identified as a potential development location for a hub. However, Consultants and General Practitioners from Donegal have met with the Minister for Health to discuss Letterkenny University Hospital and the positioning of the surgical hub in the North West. The doctors believe that based on geography, population and demographics, day case numbers, staffing numbers and a range of other key metrics, the surgical hub should be at LUH. Speaking in the Dáil, Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty said if the surgical hub is located in Sligo, LUH is at risk of losing the accident and emergency department and maternity services while the hospital could be downgraded to a model three hospital. 'We have heard from an unprecedented number of doctors, surgeons and consultants in Letterkenny hospital and they have told us that without the surgical hub there, they are at serious risk of losing accident and emergency services and maternity services within a short period. ADVERTISEMENT "That is why they and all the politicians in Donegal have come together and made it very clear that we need to see a surgical hub delivered in Letterkenny. "This would not be to the detriment of Sligo – we believe the north-west region has been left behind for far too long – but there has to be a location in Letterkenny,' said Deputy Doherty. Deputy Doherty called on the government to come clean and questioned if the Department ascertained whether there was any 'secret deal' in respect of the location of the surgical hub. 'That is news to us, the TDs who sat across the table from the Minister for about an hour and a half making the case for the surgical hub because the Minister will eventually be the person who decides on the location. "It is news to us, having sat repeatedly in meetings with the HSE arguing the toss about why the surgical hub should be in Letterkenny. "I am sure it was news to the 160-plus surgeons, consultants and doctors who signed the letter making very reasonable medical arguments for the locations. 'I want the Minister of State to come. That clarity is needed,' said Deputy Doherty. Deputy Pádraig MacLochlainn said the Donegal TDs are not asking for special treatment but are asking that citizens do not have to travel long distances for care that should be provided in their own community. 'We are asking that our emergency services not be allowed to collapse and that we have the necessary number of surgeons and consultants in Letterkenny University Hospital. "If there is to be only one surgical hub for the north-west region, a huge region extending from the top of Donegal down into Roscommon, I imagine, and that hub is not in Letterkenny, it will be a disaster for County Donegal and our services. "Those are not my words but those of the consultants.' Deputy MacLochlainn also raised that the number of permanent surgeons at LUH has reduced from six to three in a short period of time. "We cannot attract the level of surgeons we need. "If the Minister decides the surgical hub for the Northwest is in one place, Sligo, it is just a death knell. "It is extremely serious. I have never seen 171 doctors, consultants and GPs, sign a letter. I do not know anywhere in this State where this has happened. "That is how serious this is. "I will reiterate that we are not playing the game of divide and conquer. "Sligo, the north-west, Donegal and all of us deserve this. "There is an absolute unique case now for a surgical hub in Letterkenny and Sligo to be delivered at exactly the same time to have the quality of services our people deserve, to protect what we have and to protect our emergency services,' said Deputy MacLochlainn. Speaking on behalf of the government, Minister of State at the Department of Education and Youth, Deputy Michael Moynihan said no decision has yet been made on the location of the north-west surgical hub. "The Minister is taking time to consider and understand the situation in Donegal. "This includes engagement with local representatives, doctors and consultants. "I know she was due to meet some of them last night. She remains committed to positively engaging with everyone who is interested in delivering the best healthcare for the people of Donegal.' Deputy Moynihan said the Government is committed to the ongoing development of the hospital and has allocated significant resources to meet the needs of patients there, including an increase in the hospital's budget by 57% over the last five years. "I will take the points the Deputies raised back to the Department and seek clarification for them,' said Deputy Moynihan.
New York Post
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Australian teachers union urges educators to use ‘gender-neutral' terms in the classroom
The NSW Teachers Federation union has called for 'gender-neutral' greetings in classrooms in a push for schools to become more 'inclusive'. The quarterly magazine article released by the union has angered some educators and suggests using the terms 'epic and awesome humans' instead of 'boys and girls', to avoid gendered language. 'While most teachers have moved away from saying phrases like 'Okay boys and girls', there are times when we may, accidentally, be addressing whole classes or groups using gendered language,' the Journal of the NSW Teachers Federation wrote. 3 The union suggests using the terms 'epic and awesome humans' instead of 'boys and girls.' Monkey Business – Speaking to Sky News, Colleen Harkin, Institute of Public Affairs Schools Program Director and Research Fellow, said the attempt at inclusivity is 'nothing but virtue signaling'. 'Parents would rightfully be appalled at this latest attempt to jam even more woke activism into classrooms,' Harkin said. 'As a former teacher myself, my students would have rightfully laughed me out of the room had I attempted to call them 'epic and awesome humans'. It's a dehumanizing pursuit of ideological conformity that denies biological reality.' 3 The change in greetings in classrooms is a push for schools to become more inclusive, according to the union. Nina L/ – The article also includes 'subject specific' terms. It suggests music students be referred to as composers and math students as 'mathematicians, critical thinkers or problem solvers'. There are also 'empowering' terms including 'experts, intellectuals, learners, future leaders, change makers and superstars'. The article suggests English students are referred to as 'readers, writers, actors, playwrights and poets'. 3 They also suggest that music students be referred to as composers and maths students as 'mathematicians, critical thinkers or problem solvers.' Vasyl – Some teachers wrote into 2GB radio station with concerns. 'Words such as 'experts' and 'intellectuals' have a clear definition and meaning in society,' one teacher said. 'We're now expected to categorize students in Year 9 woodworking class, with the ranks of intellectuals.' has contacted the NSW Teachers Federation for comment.
Sky News AU
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Sky News AU
'Nothing but virtue signalling rubbish': Educators furious as NSW Teachers Federation calls for gender-neutral greetings in classroom instead of 'girls' and 'boys'
The NSW Teachers Federation has made a controversial call to use ''gender-neutral greetings'' in the classroom that has infuriated some educators, marking the latest attempt for schools to become more "inclusive". The union's quarterly magazine recommends teachers withdraw traditional classroom terms such as "girls" and "boys" and instead replace them with language such as "awesome humans". "While most teachers have moved away from saying phrases like 'Okay boys and girls', there are times when we may, accidentally, be addressing whole classes or groups using gendered language," the Journal of the NSW Teachers Federation wrote in its magazine under a section that is dedicated to gender-neutral greetings. Colleen Harkin, Institute of Public Affairs Schools Program Director and Research Fellow, told the attempt at inclusivity is "nothing but virtue signalling rubbish from the NSW Teachers Federation". "Parents would rightfully be appalled at this latest attempt to jam even more woke activism into classrooms," Ms Harkin said. 'As a former teacher myself, my students would have rightfully laughed me out of the room had I attempted to call them 'epic and awesome humans'. It's a dehumanising pursuit of ideological conformity that denies biological reality. 'Our education system is already in crisis with declining standards in core subjects. Schools need to focus on ensuring students are proficient in reading, writing and numeracy not radical social justice causes.' Teachers have been provided with more than 20 inclusive terms to choose from to address their students by the magazine. The range starts with "easy basics" such as class, people, students, everyone and everybody that are "perfect for those starting out with changing their language." Empowering terms such as "change-makers", "future leaders" or "superstars" have also been recommended over "inappropriate" gendered language. The recommendation then extends to subject-specific language in which English students are 'readers, writers, actors, playwrights' and 'poets', while Science students are "scientists", "explorers", "investigators". Furious teachers reached out to radio station 2GB's Ben Fordham to express their concerns over the recommendations and criticised the various gender-neutral terms they are recommended to implement. "Words such as experts and intellectuals have a clear definition and meaning in society,' one teacher said. 'We're now expected to categorise students in Year 9 woodworking class, with the ranks of intellectuals." "My quarterly magazine from the NSW Teacher's Federation has arrived in the mail and it included some hints for inclusion, as a primary school teacher in a support unit, this offends me," another wrote.
The Courier
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Courier
Back Doune The Rabbit Hole to return in 2026 as bosses say Fratellis pulling out was 'completely out of their control'
Back Doune the Rabbit Hole will return in 2026. Organisers of the Stirlingshire music festival are banking on this year's revival to be a success, despite Saturday headliners The Fratellis suddenly pulling out. They cancelled their set, due to take place at the Cardross Estate event over the weekend of August 1-3, after third-party promoter Wannasee failed to pay them their deposit. Wannasee is currently entering liquidation, with several music festivals across England called off as a result. The Fratellis' replacement has yet to be announced, but Back Doune the Rabbit Hole bosses are keen to distance themselves from the debacle given the festival's history. Doune the Rabbit Hole ran for a decade before it was cancelled in 2023, owing £800,000 to performers and workers. Brian Harkin is behind the festival's 2025 return, along with Colin Black and Paul Aspey of Rock Artist Management. Brian told The Courier the news that The Fratellis had not been paid their deposit was a 'shock' and 'unexpected'. He confirmed the rest of the event is being run in-house, with a replacement headliner to be decided this week. Mr Harkin explained: 'We had been paying them [Wannasee] the deposits for the performers they had booked. 'Then we found out last week that it had not been done when the company went into administration.' Mr Harkin said: 'Obviously, the reason this has come as such a major blow is because of what has happened previously with the event. 'It was the last thing we needed. 'Everything had been going absolutely great. 'Everyone is really excited for the event to go ahead again. 'We have at all stages tried to reassure everyone that we are an experienced team in this business. 'What happens with external suppliers is completely out of our control to a degree. 'We didn't see this coming at all – nobody in the industry did.' The organisers have pledged their dedication to Back Doune the Rabbit Hole being a 'long-term event' and hope to give back to the local community. Brian added: 'This year was about getting the festival back on the map and being budget conscious in terms of what we were putting on, so we went for the four stages. 'Next year we'll have an introducing stage for up-and-coming Scottish bands.' A spokesperson for Wannasee said: 'To clarify, Wannasee Ltd has never held a shareholding or directorship in Back Doune the Rabbit Hole, nor has it ever had any ownership of the event. 'Wannasee Ltd is now in the process of entering liquidation following wider industry challenges affecting its own portfolio of events. 'We wish the team at Back Doune Ltd every success in delivering what we're sure will be a fantastic festival this summer.'
