President Michael D Higgins launched the 1913 Lockout Tapestry Project on Tuesday (6th November) in Liberty Hall, Dublin. The Tapestry Project is an ambitious, large-scale, collaborative visual arts project to commemorate the centenary of the 1913 Lockout.
At the launch, President Higgins, said: “It is through the power of collective action that the workers of the Irish Transport and General Workers’ Union sought to establish their right to organise to secure a better deal for the ordinary workers of Dublin, and it is very fitting that it is through collaboration that they are being remembered.”
President Michael D Higgins launched the 1913 Lockout Tapestry Project on Tuesday (6th November) in Liberty Hall, Dublin. The Tapestry Project is an ambitious, large-scale, collaborative visual arts project to commemorate the centenary of the 1913 Lockout.
At the launch, President Higgins, said: “It is through the power of collective action that the workers of the Irish Transport and General Workers’ Union sought to establish their right to organise to secure a better deal for the ordinary workers of Dublin, and it is very fitting that it is through collaboration that they are being remembered.”
He added: “This tapestry project is a rich symbol of how a new living community of voluntary groups, trade unions, colleges, schools and volunteers can actively participate in reclaiming and understanding the past rather than accepting traditional orthodoxies. Ní neart go cur le chéile - we are stronger together than separated. The evidence will be displayed by this wonderful project which shows just what can be done when many people come together, each to play their own part in a greater project.
President Higgins said that the 1913 Lockout centenary had a special place in the decade of upcoming anniversaries of seminal events in Irish history.
“In this case, the conflict was not with a dominant colonial power with whom we had shared a troubled history. The perceived enemy was within. The 1913 Lockout has a different emphasis to other upcoming centenaries in that it was primarily a class based struggle between labour and capitalism.”
Following his speech in the Liberty Hall Theatre the SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor, presented President Higgins with a silver union badge to acknowledge his life-long commitment to the values of solidarity and equality.
It is planned to complete the Tapestry Project in time for the centenary of the beginning of the Lockout in August 2013.
Artists, Cathy Henderson and Robert Ballagh, have been commissioned by SIPTU and the National College of Art and Design to create a visual narrative of over 30 panels. The panels will be laid out in a tapestry consisting of multi-media textile pieces sewn and embroidered by volunteers.
NEWS
Vote Yes in Children’s Referendum
By Tanya Ward
On Saturday (10th November), Ireland will be presented with a unique opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of children in Ireland, by voting ‘Yes’ in the Children’s Referendum.
For anyone working with vulnerable children, this referendum is long overdue and absolutely necessary. It’s a chance to finally bring our laws in line with our values as a society and make a statement that we value childhood. The amendment comes on foot of 17 official reports that catalogue how Ireland has failed thousands of children who were subjected to ill-treatment and abuse. The referendum will put children at the heart of our Constitution and our child protection system.
Five of Ireland’s trade unions have called on the people of Ireland to vote YES in the Children’s Referendum this Saturday. Representing thousands of workers around the country, senior representatives of ICTU, INTO, SIPTU, Mandate and IMPACT have added their voice to the Yes for Children campaign. Each took part in the Yes for Children photo call, to underline their commitment to improving the lives of the most vulnerable children in our society.
On Saturday (10th November), Ireland will be presented with a unique opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of children in Ireland, by voting ‘Yes’ in the Children’s Referendum.
For anyone working with vulnerable children, this referendum is long overdue and absolutely necessary. It’s a chance to finally bring our laws in line with our values as a society and make a statement that we value childhood. The amendment comes on foot of 17 official reports that catalogue how Ireland has failed thousands of children who were subjected to ill-treatment and abuse. The referendum will put children at the heart of our Constitution and our child protection system.
We believe that the amendment wording deals with critical problems in relation to children in the Constitution. The provision inserts a new article into the Constitution. In addition, it replaces Article 42.5 which provides that the State can intervene for ‘physical or moral reasons’ in exceptional circumstances to ‘supply the place of parents’. The new provision modernises Article 42.5 and will act as the foundation for our child protection system. The proposed change is not an attack on parents or the family, nor is it a radical shift. The marital family is very well protected in Article 41, which will remain unaltered, and safeguards have been added to protect against over-intervention by the State.
What it does is essentially set out the basis for how the State intervenes to protect children. It empowers the State by ‘proportionate means’ to intervene when the safety or welfare of a child is likely to be ‘prejudicially affected’. This would, in our view, move the State’s emphasis to the well-being of the child and should provide more support to families at risk. It refocuses this provision on the child instead of the parents’ failings. Intervening earlier can bring significant savings (both financial and human) by keeping families together, and reducing the numbers of children who are abused or are taken into State care.
It will also allow us to reform our adoption laws. Presently, it is practically impossible to adopt children in long-term foster care, denying hundreds of children a second chance at family life. Also, married parents cannot give their consent for their child to be adopted. The amendment will allow the Oireachtas to address these long-standing concerns.
The amendment will also mean that the Oireachtas must legislate to ensure that the ‘best interests’ will be the decision-making basis for judges in care and family law proceedings. Written in 1937, the Constitution unintentionally undermines what is in the best interests of children and what will keep them safe. A judge in a custody battle, for example, doesn’t have to put the interests of children first or listen to their views when making life-changing decisions for the children involved. This can also happen in child protection and access cases, leading to bad decisions that are not based on the best interests of children.
The amendment also means that the Oireachtas will have to legislate to ensure that the views of children are taken into account by judges in care and family law proceedings. The Ryan Report, which exposed the systemic and horrific abuse of children in industrial schools, clearly shows the devastating consequences of institutions putting their interests first and not listening to children. For decades, vulnerable children tried to complain about neglect, abuse and starvation, but no one listened. Listening to children, bearing in mind their age and maturity is critical, if our courts are to make good decisions for children.
While we are hugely optimistic about the potential of the amendment, we are not naïve. The amendment will not, and cannot, solve all ills. Much further work is needed. However, we believe the successful passage of the referendum, with a high turnout, has the potential to be a game-changer for children’s rights in Ireland.
Get out and vote!
SIPTU members have a long history of campaigning for social justice in this country, and as frontline workers many of you know first-hand how important it is to protect our children. You are among the strongest advocates for children, and well placed to discuss the issues with your colleagues, friends and families, and urge them to vote ‘Yes’ to make a real difference to the lives of children.
We can’t take away the abuse of the past, and we can’t protect every child from abuse. But we can draw a line in the sand and insist that our Constitution respects, protects and listens to children.
It’s time now to shift from passive support to taking action. With only a few weeks to go, we cannot be complacent, we need to make sure we all do our bit to get information out there and then get everyone out to vote ‘Yes’ for children on Saturday 10 November. Our children are counting on you.
Tanya Ward is Chief Executive of the Children’s Rights Alliance
Resources on the Children’s Referendum:
The Children’s Rights Alliance has produced a number of resources on the proposed wording, which you will find on www.childrensrights.ie. Key documents are listed below:
Summary explanation of the referendum wording
Short briefing note on the referendum
Detailed analysis of the amendment wording, its objectives and likely impact if the referendum is passed
Legal and policy overview, providing background information on the amendment.
For more information about the Yes for Children campaign go to www.yesforchildren.ie
Next Budget must forge 'route to recovery based on growth, hope and jobs'
Congress General Secretary David Begg has urged Government to change course and use the coming budget to forge a ‘route to recovery based on growth, hope and jobs.’
Speaking at the launch of the Congress Pre–Budget Submission on Wednesday (7th November) Begg said December’s budget must rebalance the adjustment in favour of working people and raise more revenue from those with greater resources.
Congress General Secretary David Begg has urged Government to change course and use the coming budget to forge a ‘route to recovery based on growth, hope and jobs.’ Speaking at the launch of the Congress Pre–Budget Submission on Wednesday (7th November) Begg said December’s budget must rebalance the adjustment in favour of working people and raise more revenue from those with greater resources.
“Even the IMF has conceded that the approach adopted in Ireland was based on flawed calculations and therefore destined to fail. Almost 360,000 people have lost their jobs since the crisis began – that’s 360,000 compelling reasons to change course now and forge a route to recovery based on growth, hope and jobs.”
He said Congress believed the period of adjustment should be extended to 2017 - “to allow the economy room to breathe” - and a comprehensive investment programme introduced to promote growth and create jobs.
“Congress has already costed a programme that would invest as much as €3 billion a year and create almost 100,000 jobs, over three years,” he said.
Referring to the Congress submission, Begg said it contained a menu of possible options on how Government could raise up to €3.4 billion in new revenue.
“Over three out of every five euro raised in new taxes since 2009 has come from working people, which helps explain why domestic demand has literally collapsed. That has to change.”
He said that among the budgetary measures being proposed by Congress were:
A new 48% tax rate for individual incomes over €100,000
A 1% Wealth Tax
In common with many other EU countries, a Financial Transaction Tax which could raise €500 million annually
Profitable corporations should pay more
We must deal effectively and comprehensively with the Pensions Crisis
Broaden the Apprenticeship system and provide a Youth Guarantee to link young people to skills training and the workplace
Increase monitoring of employment standards to stop the loss of tax revenue due to misguided public procurement practices
Address Poverty Traps and growing inequality
For a full copy of the Congress proposals and to view a short film clip on the submission visit www.ictu.ie
SIPTU holds pension rally outside Leinster House
SIPTU members held a rally outside Leinster House on Wednesday (7th November), to demand that the Government protect the real value of the State Pension in Budget 2013. The protest highlighted the fact that the majority of retired people depend on the State Pension to keep them out of poverty and that any cut to its levels would have a devastating impact on older peoples’ lives.
SIPTU Vice President Patricia King (right with glasses) and union members stage a rally outside Leinster House, on Wednesday (7th November), to demand that the Government backdates the Home Makers Scheme to 1964.
SIPTU members held a rally outside Leinster House on Wednesday (7th November), to demand that the Government protect the real value of the State Pension in Budget 2013. The protest highlighted the fact that the majority of retired people depend on the State Pension to keep them out of poverty and that any cut to its levels would have a devastating impact on older peoples’ lives.
The rally demanded that changes, which came into effect on 1st September 2012 for new claimants of the State Pension and which make it harder for workers with interrupted PRSI records (due, for instance, to time spent in the home caring for children or the Marriage Bar) to meet new requirements regarding yearly average social insurance contributions, are reversed.
SIPTU Retired Members Section National Committee member, John Walsh, said: “Many occupational pension schemes are in difficulty due to poor returns on investment and illogical accounting standards. As more workers will rely on social welfare for their retirement income, we must protect State Pensions, not cut them.
“We worked hard all our lives and paid our PRSI contributions for our State Pensions. We've paid for our pensions. We are demanding that the Government protects the pensions we have already paid for.”
SIPTU member, Tim O’Reagan, said: “My family is directly affected by the changes to the State Pension that were introduced in September. My wife, Carmel, worked in Aer Lingus and was forced to leave because of the Marriage Bar. She cannot receive a full pension even though she played a vital role in the Irish economy by supporting our family.”
Several TDs including Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald, Sandra McLellan and Aengus Ó Snodaigh, Independent, John Halligan and the ULA’s Richard Boyd Barrett attended the rally, along with SIPTU Vice President, Patricia King.
SEAI and SIPTU host national conference on Sustainable Energy and Jobs
Sustainable energy is important for protecting and supporting jobs in Ireland. That was the message from a conference focussed on sustainable energy and jobs hosted by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and SIPTU at Croke Park on Thursday (1st November). 200 business leaders and major Irish employers attended the conference aimed at raising awareness of the jobs potential associated with sustainable energy and how Ireland can best maximise this.
L-R: SIPTU General President, Jack O'Connor, SEAI Chief Executive, Dr. Brian Motherway and Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte, TD Sustainable energy is important for protecting and supporting jobs in Ireland. That was the message from a conference focussed on sustainable energy and jobs hosted by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and SIPTU at Croke Park on Thursday (1st November). 200 business leaders and major Irish employers attended the conference aimed at raising awareness of the jobs potential associated with sustainable energy and how Ireland can best maximise this.
Addressing the conference, Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte, T.D., said: “We are committed to Ireland meeting its 20% renewable and energy efficiency targets by 2020. In doing so it is critical that we equip our construction sector workforce, now badly hit by redundancy, with new skills so that it can evolve into a customer-focused, highly motivated, quality driven workforce in the continually-expanding sustainable energy sector.”
Commenting Dr Brian Motherway, Chief Executive of SEAI said: “Sustainable energy is relevant to all types of jobs, whether it’s about reducing costs or looking at new technologies. Businesses are now realising that they need to think about energy and prepare for the future by cutting energy use and enhancing competitiveness.“
Dr Motherway continued, “In the last five years Irish companies have cut their energy bill by over €150 million. That equates to significant bottom line savings and many jobs being protected in the process.”
Jack O’Connor, SIPTU General President commented: “The trade union movement has been advocating a jobs and investment strategy as an essential prerequisite for economic recovery. The energy sector clearly offers important potential for job creation and retention through a nationally rolled out retro-fitting programme for homes and businesses, the reduction of energy costs through efficiencies and the creation of new jobs by the existing utilities and through the new renewable technologies.”
Key speakers at the conference included Chief Executives: Sean O’Driscoll (Glen Dimplex); John Shine (ESB); John Mullins (Bord Gáis); and Sean O’Sullivan (SOS Ventures), as well as Business Development Director Gary Treanor (Kingspan), and Sustainability Manager Audrey O’Shea (Glanbia).
2,000 march in support of Home Helps in Cork
More than 2000 people took to the streets of Cork on Saturday (3rd November) to protest against cutbacks to Home Help services.
Marchers carrying a symbolic coffin with words “Home Help Service RIP” led the defiant crowd who had travelled from across the country to mark the launch of SIPTU’s Time To Care campaign.
Pipers lead the Home Helps march in Cork on Saturday, 3rd November.
More than 2000 people took to the streets of Cork on Saturday (3rd November) to protest against cutbacks to Home Help services.
Marchers carrying a symbolic coffin with words “Home Help Service RIP” led the defiant crowd who had travelled from across the country to mark the launch of SIPTU’s Time To Care campaign.
The new national campaign is aimed at organising Home Helps to defend the vital services they provide from budget cutbacks and ongoing privatisation. Pipers and drummers kept spirits high on a bright and sunny afternoon and the protestors received a rousing welcome from the shoppers and taxi drivers in Cork city centre as they marched from Connolly Hall to Grand Parade.
Participants in the SIPTU organised rally called on Minister for Health, Dr James Reilly, and the Health Service Executive to end their short sighted policy of slashing Home Help services.
SIPTU Organiser, Ted Kenny, said: “500,000 home help hours have already been removed in 2012 and now the HSE is seeking to slash a further 600,000 hours before the end of this year.
“It would seem that the most vulnerable in our society are being made suffer for the benefit of private 'for profit' health companies who stand to benefit once the HSE has overseen the destruction of our highly efficient home help service.”
Home Helps and their supporters wore red to symbolise the danger in which they said elderly and vulnerable clients would be placed if one million hours were cut from the Home Help service by the end of this year.
SIPTU represents almost 10,000 Home Helps across Ireland.
Sector Organiser Darragh O Connor said the rally was the first in a series of events planned as part of its ‘Time to Care’ campaign ahead of next month’s budget.
Speaking to the crowd on Grand Parade, Catherine Krauss, a Home Help worker from Cork declared “We want dignity and respect restored to the vulnerable clients of the service. We want an end to the cutting of our work hours and to the outsourcing of home help services.”
Pre-Budget Anti-Austerity Protest
SIPTU warns that proposed changes to fire service could threaten safety
SIPTU has warned that the safety of the public and emergency staff could be threatened by proposals presented by the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management which would result in a reduction in the number of fire-fighters manning a fire appliance.
SIPTU Full-Time Fire-Fighters National Committee spokesman, Brian Murray, said: “Changes proposed by the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management would ultimately lead to a reduction in the number of fire-fighters manning a fire appliance.
SIPTU has warned that the safety of the public and emergency staff could be threatened by proposals presented by the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management which would result in a reduction in the number of fire-fighters manning a fire appliance.
SIPTU Full-Time Fire-Fighters National Committee spokesman, Brian Murray, said: “Changes proposed by the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management would ultimately lead to a reduction in the number of fire-fighters manning a fire appliance.
“Despite a long standing request from SIPTU to make available risk assessments and any other research showing what increased dangers may result from its proposals the Directorate has failed to provide this information.”
He added: “In light of this failure to provide SIPTU fire-fighters with the information they need to fully assess the risks associated with its proposals, at a meeting on Thursday (1st November), union representatives informed the Directorate that they will no longer engage with it in relation to the proposed changes.”
SIPTU Public Administration and Community Division Organiser, Gene Mealy, said: “The directorate are unwilling, or are unable, to provide union representatives with the relevant risk assessment and research documentation they require. It is unacceptable that SIPTU representatives are being asked to agree to changes to work practices which could compromise the safety of members and the public.”
SIPTU represents the majority of the country’s full-time and retained fire-fighters.
Better Health Care Better Jobs National Rally
Unions form alliance to defend public ownership of Irish Water
Trade union representatives voted on Wednesday (7th November) to form an alliance focused on defending the public ownership of water services in Ireland.
At a meeting in Liberty Hall, trade unions representing over 3000 workers in Bord Gáis and the Local Authorities pledged to oppose attempts by the Government to expand the use of private contractors in the new body, Irish Water, at the expense of the public service and direct labour workforce.
Trade union representatives voted on Wednesday (7th November) to form an alliance focused on defending the public ownership of water services in Ireland.
At a meeting in Liberty Hall, trade unions representing over 3000 workers in Bord Gáis and the Local Authorities pledged to oppose attempts by the Government to expand the use of private contractors in the new body, Irish Water, at the expense of the public service and direct labour workforce.
At the meeting, SIPTU General President, Jack O'Connor, said: “Maintaining our water infrastructure in public ownership is of major importance for future generations. It is essential that we ensure that this asset is maintained under democratic control and not allowed to fall into the hands of those who would wish to exploit this resource for private profit at the expense of the public interest.”
SIPTU Sector Organiser, Michael Wall, said: “The alliance will focus on the role of staff in the new company and highlighting the consequences for the country if the process of privatisation of water services is continued.
"The unions will develop a joint policy and actions across the country as the efforts to reduce public ownership of water services is rolled out."
The unions involved in the new alliance are SIPTU, UNITE and the TEEU representing workers across Bord Gáis and the Local Authorities.
Annual Mass for Deceased Members
LIBERTY VIEW
Commissioner Rehn takes the wrong track, again…
The EU Commissioner, Ollie Rehn, is apparently examining whether the Government should make a greater adjustment than the €3.5 billion planned cuts in the forthcoming budget after lowering his forecast for Irish economic growth.
Rehn appears to believe that the solution to falling growth targets is to deepen the austerity programme currently in place under the supervision of the EU/IMF/ECB troika.
In reality, the more one-sided austerity is imposed, with its consequent hardship on lower and middle income earners, and the most vulnerable in society, the worse the prospects become for economic recovery.
This is what has happened over the past five years and the EU Commissioner, and his right wing allies across Europe and in Ireland, know this only too well. A further depression of domestic demand by taking more money out of the economy will retard rather than enhance growth.
Unless there is a plan to invest significantly in jobs and growth, as Congress has urged yet again in its pre-Budget submission in recent days, there can be no escape from the vicious cycle of austerity and recession and no return to sustainable economic growth.
The EU Commissioner, Ollie Rehn, is apparently examining whether the Government should make a greater adjustment than the €3.5 billion planned cuts in the forthcoming budget after lowering his forecast for Irish economic growth.
Rehn appears to believe that the solution to falling growth targets is to deepen the austerity programme currently in place under the supervision of the EU/IMF/ECB troika.
In reality, the more one-sided austerity is imposed, with its consequent hardship on lower and middle income earners, and the most vulnerable in society, the worse the prospects become for economic recovery.
This is what has happened over the past five years and the EU Commissioner, and his right wing allies across Europe and in Ireland, know this only too well. A further depression of domestic demand by taking more money out of the economy will retard rather than enhance growth.
Unless there is a plan to invest significantly in jobs and growth, as Congress has urged yet again in its pre-Budget submission in recent days, there can be no escape from the vicious cycle of austerity and recession and no return to sustainable economic growth.
ECONOMY
Major action needed to tackle long-term unemployment
SIPTU has said that the highest priority must be placed on tackling the problem of long-term unemployment as new figures published by the Central Statistics Office on Thursday (1st November), show the number of people signing on for more than 12 months has risen by 8,344 or 4.6% this year.
SIPTU economist, Marie Sherlock, said; “The growing problem of long-term unemployment is the biggest issue which emerges from the latest Live Register figures.
SIPTU has said that the highest priority must be placed on tackling the problem of long-term unemployment as new figures published by the Central Statistics Office on Thursday (1st November), show the number of people signing on for more than 12 months has risen by 8,344 or 4.6% this year.
SIPTU economist, Marie Sherlock, said; “The growing problem of long-term unemployment is the biggest issue which emerges from the latest Live Register figures.
“It is now more important than ever that all stakeholders in Irish society prioritise investment plans which seek to maximise job creation.”
The number of women signing on for more than 12 months has increased by 11.5% (5,687) in the ten months to the end of October, while the number of men has risen by 2% (2,657) in the same period.
The total number of long-term claimants on the Live Register stands at 188,117.
TASC’s Proposals for a More Equitable Budget
Independent equality think-tank TASC is proposing that tax reform should be the overriding priority when tackling the deficit in the public finances. TASC provides a fully costed set of tax proposals that achieve 80% of the Government’s target of €3.5 billion for 2013. TASC provides details of an equitable model of property tax, substantial reform to pension tax reliefs that benefit higher earners, targeted excise increases, environmental taxation and increases on the Universal Social Charge and social insurance charged on salaries over €100,000.
Independent equality think-tank TASC is proposing that tax reform should be the overriding priority when tackling the deficit in the public finances. TASC provides a fully costed set of tax proposals that achieve 80 80% of the Government’s target of €3.5 billion for 2013. TASC provides details of an equitable model of property tax, substantial reform to pension tax reliefs that benefit higher earners, targeted excise increases, environmental taxation and increases on the Universal Social Charge and social insurance charged on salaries over €100,000.
TASC Director Nat O’Connor said that an increasing range of economic evidence, including from the IMF and OECD, is pointing to the role of economic inequality in causing the global crisis and to the role of economic equality in providing part of the resilience of those countries that have been least effected by the crisis.
“The next three budgets are not just about bringing taxation and public spending into line, they involve decisions that will shape Irish society for years to come. We need to envisage the kind of society we want and begin to plan what role public services will play in contributing to the quality of life for everyone living in Ireland. If we want to achieve Western European standards of public services and welfare supports, we will have to achieve major tax reform to pay for it.” Dr O’Connor said.
TASC’s economist, Tom McDonnell spoke about the need for more attention to be paid to the economic effects of different forms of taxation.
“The least damaging form of taxation, from the point of view of maintaining employment in the economy, is taxation on wealth and assets”, he explained.
“TASC’s model of an equitable property tax is designed to maximise the yield to the state, while ensuring equality through an ‘ability to pay’ system of deferred payment.” McDonnell concluded
Also speaking at the launch of TASC’s budget proposals, Dr Aoife Ní Lochlainn, policy analyst, pointed to some examples of how cuts to secondary benefits and to entitlements in Budget 2012 has left some lone parent families with very severe reductions in their incomes.
“Social transfers to, and services for, low income and other vulnerable groups should be immune from cuts in Budget 2013. This should include secondary benefits, which are often designed to provide targeted income supplements to particularly vulnerable groups. The cumulative effect of cuts and changed eligibility requirements for secondary benefits can lead to major loss of income for many people, such as lone parents. In fact, TASC’s proposals provide for sufficient savings to allow for the reversal of the cuts to lone parents and some other welfare cuts made in Budget 2012.” Dr Ní Lochlainn said.
News2
Ailliliú Fionnuala, new solo play about Shell Corrib gas project
Benbo Productions presents Ailliliú Fionnuala, written and performed by Donal O’ Kelly, directed by Sorcha Fox, designed by Robert Ballagh, in Theatre Upstairs @ Lanigans’ Bar, Eden Quay, Dublin 1
1pm Mon-Sat, 5th November – 17th November. (50 mins duration)
Tickets: €10 (€8 Student concession), with soup and bread. Booking: Tel 085 7727375 or email theatreupstairs@gmail.com
Benbo Productions presents Ailliliú Fionnuala, written and performed by Donal O’ Kelly, directed by Sorcha Fox, designed by Robert Ballagh, in Theatre Upstairs @ Lanigans’ Bar, Eden Quay, Dublin 1
1pm Mon-Sat, 5th November – 17th November. (50 mins duration)
Tickets: €10 (€8 Student concession), with soup and bread. Booking: Tel 085 7727375 or email theatreupstairs@gmail.com
Ailliliú Fionnuala takes place on the shore of Sruwaddaconn Estuary in Erris, North Mayo, where the Shell high-pressure raw gas pipeline is under construction.
Ambrose Keogh works for Shell. When the Tunnel Boring Machine he named Fionnuala sinks into the bog, he comes face to face with Fionnuala of the Children of Lir herself in a fairy fort. Fionnuala puts a geas on him – he’s bound to tell the truth about Shell’s operations in Erris, such as the attack on Willie Corduff in the Shell site at Glengad.
Ambrose Keogh is joined in this ordeal by his primary school classmate, Malachy Downes, now an anti-pipeline campaigner. They are pushed to reveal truths about how the holders of power operate in Ireland, behind closed doors, with no regard for civil rights of citizens, then and now.
Ambrose Keogh was the silent underling in Donal O’Kelly’s international success Bat The Father Rabbit The Son, premiered by Rough Magic in 1988, later touring to acclaim in Edinburgh, New York and Australia. A generation later, Keogh’s found his voice, but what else has changed?
A writer and actor, this is Donal O’Kelly’s sixth solo play, following Rabbit, Bat The Father Rabbit The Son, Catalpa, Jimmy Joyced! and Running Beast. Other plays include The Cambria, Jimmy Gralton’s Dancehall, The Adventures Of The Wet Señor, Vive La, Operation Easter, The Hand, Judas Of The Gallarus, Asylum! Asylum! and The Dogs.
Donal is glad to perform this play about Rossport, too often seen as remote and therefore peripheral, in the most central theatre in Dublin – Theatre Upstairs on Eden Quay.
The foyer will accommodate a photographic exhibition of events connected with the Shell Corrib gas pipeline and an information stand.
Further Info: benboproductions@gmail.com or 087 6734773. Supported by the justice and human rights organisation Afri.
Are employee participation rights under pressure? Trends at national and EU level
Where do we stand 11 years later? Just a few weeks before the launch in autumn 2012 of a new Action Plan on Company Law and Corporate Governance by Internal Market Commissioner Michel Barnier, the time is ripe to assess the EU’s commitment to this safeguarding principle. Concerns have been raised as to whether the relevant provisions of EU law do actually provide the requisite protection (Van het Kaar 2011) and the question is all the more topical in a current economic context which, in the opinion of some parties, should rather enhance employee involvement at company level. As the European Parliament put it in a June 2012 resolution: ‘the financial crisis has demonstrated the need for a clearer corporate governance framework which focuses more strongly on stakeholder participation’ (European Parliament 2012).
Where do we stand 11 years later? Just a few weeks before the launch in autumn 2012 of a new Action Plan on Company Law and Corporate Governance by Internal Market Commissioner Michel Barnier, the time is ripe to assess the EU’s commitment to this safeguarding principle. Concerns have been raised as to whether the relevant provisions of EU law do actually provide the requisite protection (Van het Kaar 2011) and the question is all the more topical in a current economic context which, in the opinion of some parties, should rather enhance employee involvement at company level. As the European Parliament put it in a June 2012 resolution: ‘the financial crisis has demonstrated the need for a clearer corporate governance framework which focuses more strongly on stakeholder participation’ (European Parliament 2012).
The film industry is an important part of New Zealand (NZ) culture and source of patriotic pride, particularly since the successes of Peter Jackson and Weta Workshop with The Lord of the Rings films(LOTR). It is also economically significant; in 2004, 150 000 foreign tourists gave the Lord of the Rings as one of the main reasons for their visit to New Zealand. Globally, LOTR is the highest grossing motion picture trilogy of all time, and the joint record holder for the number of Oscars.
The film industry is an important part of New Zealand (NZ) culture and source of patriotic pride, particularly since the successes of Peter Jackson and Weta Workshop with The Lord of the Rings films(LOTR). It is also economically significant; in 2004, 150 000 foreign tourists gave the Lord of the Rings as one of the main reasons for their visit to New Zealand. Globally, LOTR is the highest grossing motion picture trilogy of all time, and the joint record holder for the number of Oscars.
For the premiere of “The Hobbit – An Unexpected Journey”, a prequel to LOTR, on 28 November 2012, New Zealand is going Hobbit mad. Wellington will be turned into “The Middle of Middle Earth” and international visitors will receive commemorative immigration stamps.[1]
For many in the New Zealand trade union movement though, the opening of The Hobbit will not inspire pride or excitement. Instead, the film serves as a reminder of how fragile our rights are when under assault from the fear of capital flight.
You are invited to attend a press conference organised by Claiming Our Future: “There are alternative choices for Budget 2013: Plan B: maintain spending, invest in jobs, tax higher incomes & wealth” on November 15th at 10.30am in the Central Hotel. We are also asking you to forward around to your organisation/group the email below encouraging them to sign the plan B petition which we will be handing in to the Minister for Finance before the Budget,
November 15th, 2012 10.30am
Central Hotel, Exchequer St, Dublin 2
Speakers: Fergus Finlay, CEO Barnardos, Siobhan O Donoghue, Claiming Our Future Plan B, Marie Sherlock, Economist with SIPTU, Michael Taft, Economist with Unite
You are invited to attend a press conference organised by Claiming Our Future: “There are alternative choices for Budget 2013: Plan B: maintain spending, invest in jobs, tax higher incomes & wealth” on November 15th at 10.30am in the Central Hotel. We are also asking you to forward around to your organisation/group the email below encouraging them to sign the plan B petition which we will be handing in to the Minister for Finance before the Budget,
November 15th, 2012 10.30am
Central Hotel, Exchequer St, Dublin 2
Speakers: Fergus Finlay, CEO Barnardos, Siobhan O Donoghue, Claiming Our Future Plan B, Marie Sherlock, Economist with SIPTU, Michael Taft, Economist with Unite
The press conference will outline a Plan B for Budget 2013: how billions in revenue could be raised from making the taxation system more effective and fair, including taxing wealth. The point will be made that Budget 2013 should maintain spending on public services, the vulnerable and their communities. This will support domestic demand, central to getting us out of the recession, by protecting low and middle income earners and communities.
Plan B includes investment in jobs, taxing wealth, and maintaining spending on essential services. Tell the Government you want Plan B for Budget 2013 - sign the petition at http://claimingourfuture.revolutionaries.ie/takeaction/ and show that you want the government to choose taxing wealth and higher incomes instead of cuts for low & middle income families. We will be handing the petition into the Minister for Finance before the budget.
The 25 November is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and is an opportunity for trade unions, and all those who would like to promote gender equality to mobilise to curb sexual violence. In the case of Congo, we must firstly as a matter of urgency organise awareness-generating campaigns for the general public.
Dear Editor, Equal Times has a new piece on the fresh upsurge in violence against the women of the Congo: http://www.equaltimes.org/news/fresh-upsurge-in-violence-against-the-women-of-congo The 25 November is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and is an opportunity for trade unions, and all those who would like to promote gender equality to mobilise to curb sexual violence. In the case of Congo, we must firstly as a matter of urgency organise awareness-generating campaigns for the general public.
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