Road Safety
- Details
- Category: Welfare
- Published on Wednesday, 30 June 2010 11:56
The number of Irish road deaths fell to 239 in 2009, the lowest level on record, down 40 from 2008. The Government’s road safety target of achieving no more than 252 deaths per annum by the end of 2012 was achieved three years ahead of schedule.
The 239 who died consisted of 40 pedestrians, 7 cyclists, 128 drivers, 38 passengers and 27 bikers. 17 of those killed, died on Limerick roads.
Other figures show:
• 40% of deaths were aged under 25.
• Sunday was the most dangerous day of the week with 51 deaths.
• 49% of road deaths happened at the weekend.
• The hours between 6pm and 8pm were the most dangerous, with 30 deaths (13%).
• The average monthly fatality rate was 20 in 2009 compared to 23 in 2008 and 28 in 2007.
• The safest month of the year was September when 13 deaths occurred. This is also the safety month on record.
Here are a number of tips to stay safe on the roads:
• Be aware of cyclists and pedestrians.
• Don’t use your phone while driving.
• Don’t ever drink and drive.
• Watch out for animals on the road.
• Put on lights if visibility is low.
• Be Patient.
• Indicate.
• Take corners slowly.
• Don’t drive if feeling agitated or sleepy.
• Don’t overtake unless you can see.
• Buckle up.
• Walk on the path or if there is none, at the edge and against the traffic. Get a reflector. Look both ways. (And right again!) Don’t risk a tight crossing. When cycling: wear a helmet and reflector.
Below is a video produced by Media students Michelle Ryan and Noel Byrne on the dangers of taking drugs and driving:
News
- Details
- Category: Welfare
- Published on Tuesday, 23 February 2010 09:21
Student Parent Workshops
For further information: Tel or Text - Nicola Hurley, Student Parent Co-Ordinator – 087-9501160
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Pregnancy & Parenting Support Contacts
- Details
- Category: Welfare
- Published on Tuesday, 12 August 2008 12:13
With so many choices it is really important to find guidance and information from people who really understand your needs; you will find the support and encouragement you need from the appointed staff in the college who deal with crisis pregnancy.
Mary Immaculate College Medical Centre:
Nurses- Helen O’ Dea & Anne Marie McCarthy (061) 204343
Mary Immaculate College Counselling Service:
Telephone Nessa Breen (061) 204919
Telephone Bríd O’Connell (061) 204948
Mary Immaculate College Student Parent Co-ordinator:
Nicola Hurley text ‘Appointment’ to 087-9501160
email:
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Directory of Supports and Services in the Mid West
Useful websites:
www.positiveoptions.ie www.crisispregnancy.ie www.parentline.ie
FAMILY PLANNING
www.thinkcontraception.ie
The Think Contraception website is primarily designed to support people in choosing a contraceptive method that best suits their health and lifestyle. Each method is presented in a clear and simple format and covers questions such as how effective the method is, does it protect against STIs, and how it is used. The site also provides contact details of where to turn with questions regarding contraception, STIs and unplanned pregnancy. The Crisis Pregnancy Agency has developed a compact information leaflet for people interested in finding out more about contraceptive methods.
Irish Family Planning Association (IFPA)
Cork – Dublin – Dundalk – Galway – Letterkenny – Limerick – Sligo – Waterford
Phone 1850 49 50 51 (Callsave) for information & appointments
The lines are open from 9am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday.
By making a counseling appointment, you will be seen quickly and in total privacy. You will have about one hour to explore your feelings in friendly, supportive surroundings. In a counselling session the Counsellor will help you to work towards finding a solution to your unexpected pregnancy.
Counselling involves giving time, attention and respect in a confidential relationship. It provides an opportunity for you to explore your feelings about your pregnancy and to discuss the options open to you.
This organisation offers pregnancy counseling services in total confidence and privacy. These services are free of charge to you no matter what your income is, how old you are, or where you live.
GPs (General Practitioners)
Family Planning (contraceptive) services are provided by most GPs. For a list of GPs participating in General Medical Services (GMS), contact your local Community Care Office. Many family doctors also provide services for women with unplanned pregnancies. If you need support and help, think about contacting a local family doctor. All positive options organisations offer free post abortion counseling.
Limerick Family Planning Clinic, 27 Mallow St, Limerick Tel: 061 312 026
Opening Hours: Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm, Sat: 9am–1pm & 2pm–5.30pm
Most services are covered free of charge by the General Medical Services (GMS) Medical Card.
Women’s Health Clinic
North Quay, Newcastle West, Co. Limerick Tel: 069 62933
Opening Hours: Tues–Fri: 10am–1pm, Wed/Fri: 7pm–9pm
PARENTING SUPPORT
Barnardos (National Children’s Resource Centre)
10 Sarsfield St, Limerick Tel: 061 208680
Email:
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Web: www.barnardos.ie
One Family (formerly Cherish) Tel: 01 662 9212
Voice/Support/Action for One-Parent Families Lo Call Tel: 1890 66 22 12
Cherish House, 2 Lower Pembroke St, Dublin 2. Web: www.onefamily.ie
Opening Hours: Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm Email:
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Parent Support Programme, Limerick
Limerick Social Services Centre, Henry St, Limerick Tel: 061 411 643
Email:
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Opening Hours: Mon–Fri: 9.30am–5.30pm
Lifelong parenting information and support is available to all parents in Limerick City and County via the Parent Support Programme, Limerick. All issues relevant to parenting are covered, where possible. This service is provided free of charge to parents of children of all ages.
Parent Support Programme (Mid-West Region) Tel: 061 483455
Opening Hours: Mon–Fri: 9.30am–1pm & 2pm–5pm 87 O’Connell St, Limerick.
Community Mothers Programmes
The Community Mothers Programme is a home visiting service for parents with new babies/young children living in Limerick City and County and North Tipperary. A community mother is an experienced mother who is trained to visit parents in their homes and share information on many issues, including a child’s development and how to enjoy and participate more fully in a child’s life.
The visits are usually monthly for the first year of the child’s life, or more often, if requested. There is no charge for this service.
Limerick City and County, contact Parent Support Programme, Limerick.
North Tipperary Community Services, Loreto HSE, Kenyon Street, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary. Tel: 067 31800
TREOIR
(National Federation of Services for Unmarried Parents and their Children)
Support for unmarried parents and information on financial, legal and parenting issues.
14 Gandon House, Custom House Square, IFSC, Dublin 1. Tel: 01 670 0120
Email:
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Lo Call Tel: 1890 25 20 84
Opening Hours: Mon–Fri: 9.30am–1pm & 2.15pm–5pm Web: www.treoir.ie
Gingerbread
Carmichael House, Brunswick St, Dublin 7. Tel: 01 814 6618
Email:
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Web: www.gingerbread.ie
Parentline (National Helpline)
Offer support, guidance and information on all aspects of being a parent and the reassurance that, whatever the problem, you’re not the first parent to face it.
Tel Lo Call: 1890 927 National Office 277 Email:
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Web: www.parentline.ie
Rollercoaster.ie
Pregnancy and Parenting Website ‘For the Ups & Downs of Pregnancy & Parenting’, a guide to pregnancy and parenting, advice on pregnancy, being pregnant, pregnancy week by week, stages of pregnancy, having a baby, pregnancy calendar etc..
Web: www.rollercoaster.ie
PREGNANCY COUNSELLING
Positive Options
Positive Options is a directory of agencies skilled in the area of crisis pregnancy counseling.
For details, visit www.positiveoptions.ie or (from a mobile phone) Freetext the word LIST to 50444.
Alternatively contact the Crisis Pregnancy Agency for a printed leaflet.
Cura
National Office: St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth, Co. Kildare.
Tel: 01 505 3040/1
National Helpline: 1850 622626
Cura (Limerick), Social Service Centre Email:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Contact: Anne McCarthy Tel: 061-318207
Irish Family Planning Association (IFPA)
Web: www.ifpa.ie
National Office, 60 Amiens St, Dublin 1
Tel: 01 806 9444
Operational Hours: Mon–Fri: 9am–5pm
Email:
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Appointments for counseling at centres Galway, Limerick, Sligo and Letterkenny must be made through the IFPA National Pregnancy Helpline Lo Call Tel: 1850 49 50 51
SUPPORTIVE ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation and Support during Pregnancy in Limerick City Centre
For further information contact:
Limerick Social Service Centre
Henry Street, Limerick Tel: 061-314111
16 Altamira Court, Thomondgate, Limerick. Tel: 061 326563 / 326649
Financial Support
- Details
- Category: Welfare
- Published on Thursday, 06 August 2009 16:03
The information on the following page has been taken from
www.citizensinformation.ie and www.studentfinance.ie
PLEASE NOTE: In reality, it is very difficult to be awarded money unless you are well organised. Make sure you include all receipts, bank statements and any evidence of your financial situation in your application. All this information helps and even though it may seem like alot at the time, the more effort you put in, the more you'll get out of it!
Fund for Students with Disabilities
Financial Supports for Mature Students
Schemes to help with Fees and Matinence
Other Finance: Bursaries & Scholarships
Mary Immaculate College – Support Services
The Access/Disability Officer is Maura Moore and she is based in Student Services. Her contact details are: Tel: 061 204927/204510 or e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Click here to find out more about the services provided by the Access/Disability Officer
Student Parent Co-Ordinator is Nicola Hurley and she is based in G33b which is down the corridor from An Siopa. Her email address is This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Click here to find out more about the services provided by the Student Parent Co-Ordinator
Post-Grad Funding for more information on Post-Graduate Funding please contact Postgraduate Office. Tel: 061 204556/204348 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Click here for information on Postgraduate Funding available from Mary Immaculate College
Grants Office The grants office is based in Student Services. Contacts are as follows: Tel: 061-204909 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Click here for more information on the MIC Grants Office
The maintenance grant is the main source of financial help available from the Irish State for students in full-time Post Leaving Certificate Courses (PLCs) and full-time higher education undergraduate/postgraduate courses. Support is available to eligible students in most colleges in Ireland as well as eligible Irish students in many colleges in Northern Ireland, the UK and other EU States. For eligible students, the maintenance grant is there to help with the various costs of participating in further or higher education. Students on part-time courses, access or foundation courses (in higher education institutions) and short courses are not eligible to apply for a maintenance grant.
This Project is co-funded by the Irish Government and the European Union under the European social fund
The Student Assistance Fund provides financial assistance for full-time higher education students who are experiencing financial difficulties whilst attending college. Students can apply for Student Assistance to help them with either temporary or ongoing financial difficulties. Applications for funding should be made by the individual student to the access/disability officer in their institution. The Fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis.
Fund for Students with Disabilities
This Project is co-funded by the Irish Government and the European Union under the European social fund.
The Fund for Students with Disabilities allocates funding to further and higher education colleges for the provision of services and supports to full-time students with disabilities. The Fund aims to ensure that students can participate fully in their academic programmes and are not disadvantaged by reason of a disability.
Eligible students can receive assistance from the Fund from PLC level right up to doctoral level. You do not have to be in first year of a course to be eligible to apply for the Fund, closing dates apply each year. Application for the first time can be made during any year of study on an approved course at further or higher education level.
Applications to the Fund are made on behalf of an eligible student by their college following an assessment of need. Applications cannot be made directly to the Fund by students. Colleges are also responsible for the management of the funding approved for eligible students.
Applicants to the Fund for Students with Disabilities are not means-tested. A minimum age for application applies, however. Students with disabilities enrolled in part-time courses, access or foundation courses in higher education institutions or short courses are not eligible for consideration under the Fund.
Financial Supports for Mature Students
If you wish to enter or return to third-level education and you are over 23 years of age Irish colleges and universities have places on their courses for mature students. You will have to consider the costs of fees and maintenance depending on whether you are going to do a full-time or a part-time course. If you are leaving work to study full-time you may be eligible for a third-level maintenance grant. If you do not qualify for a maintenance grant and you are doing a full-time undergraduate course you may be eligible for free fees(If you are applying for an undergraduate course you are not eligible for a maintenance grant or free fees if you have already completed an undergraduate course.)
If you are applying for a postgraduate course you will have to pay fees unless you get a maintenance grant. You will also have to pay fees if you are intending to study part-time or do a distance learning course. If you do have to pay fees you may be able to get tax relief at the standard rate.
The website studentfinance.ie has detailed information on the range of grants and funds for students in further and higher education.
Schemes to help with fees and maintenance
If you satisfy certain criteria and attend courses approved by the Department of Education and Science, you can get help with fees and maintenance throughout the period of your studies. The main schemes that apply to mature students (generally persons over 23 years of age) are:
- - The Higher Education Grants Scheme, which is available to students who plan to study full time on approved third-level courses (of at least two years duration), including mature students.
- - The Vocational Education Committees' Scholarship Scheme, which generally applies to students who have completed a Level 6 (National Certificate) or a Level 7 (National Diploma) course and are progressing to an approved degree course.
- - The Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) enables those who are in receipt of unemployment, one-parent family or disability payment to retain those payments whilst participating in approved full-time courses in further and higher education. Approved programmes range from foundation courses to postgraduate courses. Participants receive a standard rate of payment that is not means-tested. Eligibility for payment of a Maintenance Grant does not affect eligibility for the BTEA or the rate of payment. In addition, income from part-time work does not affect the basic BTEA payment. BTEA is not an unemployment payment and participants are not required to ‘sign on’
- - S.P.I.D.A.S. is a small discretionary fund which is administered through the VEC’s to enable disadvantaged adults attend accredited undergraduate courses in recognised third level institutions. The aim of this scheme is to provide accredited training for disadvantaged students who cannot attend full-time third level courses. Specifically, applicants are expected to pursue a course of training which will enable them to enter the employment market and for which there are no other funding sources. Contact the local Adult Guidance Service or Community Education Facilitator (usually one of each per county) to see what they may be able to support. The Adult Guidance Officer will probably be familiar with most of the different types of support available.
Higher Education Grants Scheme:
Postgraduate students are entitled to Higher Education (“county/city council”) grants just the same as undergraduate students. The income limits and maintenance grant rates are the same, but there are some rules regarding payment of fees.
Local County Councils will only pay a maximum of €5,028 in course fees (after the registration fee), so if your fees are over that limit you must pay out of your own pocket. They will also only pay for four years of Post-Grad fees in total. This includes combinations of H.Dip. Masters, Ph.D.
The Post-Grad course must be a progression of your previous studies, and not be of the same level. This means you can’t get a grant for a Ph.D. and then look to get a grant for a Masters, whereas you can first receive a grant while in a Masters Course, and then a grant while you are studying for your Ph.D. See also section on Higher Education grants.
Irish Funding Agencies:
There are a number of Irish funding agencies which support the education base in Ireland, and fund many postgraduate students in their studies, particularly in research-based activities. Below are the main agencies, but for particular agencies relevant to your studies please contact your faculty office.
- - Irish Research Council for the Humanities and Social Sciences (IRCHSS) aims to encourage excellence in the Humanities and Social Sciences and operates the Postgraduate Government of Ireland Scholarships scheme. For more information see www.irchss.ie or contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . All IRCHSS applications are processed through the Postgraduate Office, which offers an IRCHSS applications information session to research postgraduate students in the autumn.
- - The O’Reilly Foundation offers scholarships for post-graduate studies at Ph.D. or equivalent level, with a preference being given to Business Studies, Law, Marketing, Media Studies, Technology and the Arts. Applicants should have First Class or 2:1 Honours undergraduate record to date. Students receive €25,400 per annum, and awards are generally given for two years maximum. For more information see www.oreillyfoundation.ie or contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. see www.hrb.ie contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- - Fulbright Scholarships offer funding for postgraduate student who wish to carry out research in America. Information on Fulbright schemes can be found at www.fulbright.ie
Other Finance: Bursaries & Scholarships
Did you know that there is a broad range of bursary or scholarship schemes in operation which provide an opportunity for students or potential students to access additional financial support if they meet the criteria? Schemes are available which are specifically targeted at students with limited means, students with disabilities and students from minority ethnic groups. In the main, bursary or scholarship schemes are focussed on higher rather than further education; however there are a number of exceptions.
www.studentfinance.ie has compiled details of schemes currently in operation. The list featured on studentfinance.ie does not contain every scheme available in Ireland.
This covers only the tuition aspect of fees. It does not cover registration or exam fees.
Undergraduate courses must:
- - be carried out in an approved college;
- - be of at least two academic years duration;
- - n the case of courses carried out in colleges and institutions that require approval by the Department of Education and Science for the purposes of this tax relief, the course must be approved by that Department.
Postgraduate courses must:
- - be carried out in an approved college
- - be of at least one academic year but no more than four academic years in duration
- - lead to a postgraduate award based on either a thesis or an examination.
Also, the person taking the course must already have a primary degree or equivalent qualification.
Tax relief is available at the standard rate of income tax for recognised courses up to a maximum of €5000. If another individual pays qualifying fees for a course you are undertaking, they can claim tax relief on them. Contact your local tax office or www.revenue.ie
Allied Irish Bank
Student accounts are for full-time students only. Loans for educations purposes would be personal loans at standard rates.
Bank of Ireland
Student accounts are for full-time students only. Loans for educations purposes would be personal loans at standard rates.
Credit Unions
Some credit unions give grants / bursaries to support members undertaking education. They may also give loans at preferential rates for educational purposes. This is not a national scheme and varies from credit union to credit union. Contact your local credit union.
National Irish Bank
There are no accounts specifically tailored towards students. Loans for educations purposes would be personal loans at standard rates.
Ulster Bank
Part-time students are eligible for student / graduate accounts (which have more favourable conditions than standard accounts). Loans to undergraduates for educational purposes do not qualify for any concessions. However, loans to graduates for educational purposes may be given at preferential rates.
Note: Student Card & proof of identity are required to open accounts!
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Community Welfare Services For rent allowance, medical cards, supplementary benefit, hardship grants, etc., contact the
Clare Tipperary North/ Limerick East
Department of Social and Family Affairs
Family Income Supplement (FIS) One-Parent Family Payment (OFP), Pension Services Office, College Road, Sligo
Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS)
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Financial Support Contacts
- Details
- Category: Welfare
- Published on Tuesday, 12 August 2008 12:09
Community Welfare Services
For rent allowance, medical cards, supplementary benefit, hardship grants, etc., contact theSuperintendent Community Welfare Officers (in your area)
Clare
Sandfield Centre, Ennis, Co. Clare
Tel: 065 686 8090
Mon–Fri: 9.30a.m–1pm & 2pm–5pm
Limerick
St. Joseph’s, Hospital, Mulgrave St, Limerick
Tel: 061 461489
Mon–Fri: 9a.m–1pm & 2pm–5pm
Tipperary North/ Limerick East
Unit 8 Friar Court, Pearse St, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary.
Tel: 067 31003
Mon–Fri: 9am–1pm & 2pm–5pm
Department of Social and Family Affairs
Web: www.welfare.ie
Main Tel: 01 874 8444
Mon–Fri: 10am–1pm & 2pm–5pm
Family Income Supplement (FIS)
Social Welfare Services Office, Government Buildings, Ballinalee Rd, Longford.
Tel: 04345211/01 7043000
Mon–Fri: 9.15am– 5.15pm
Maternity/Child Benefit, Social Welfare Services Office, St. Oliver Plunkett, Road, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal.
Tel: 01 704 3000
Lo Call Tel: 1890 40 04 00
Mon–Fri: 8.30am–6pm
One-Parent Family Payment (OFP), Pension Services Office, College Road, Sligo
Lo Call Tel: 1890 50 00 00
Tel: 01 704 3000
Mon–Fri: 8.30am–6pm
Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS)
Lo-call Helpline 1890 283438
MABS (Limerick) 87 O’Connell St, Limerick.
Tel: 061 310 620 Web: www.mabs.ie
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Financial Support