WebElevevate Programme

Applications are now open for the WebElevate Programme!

This is a 12 month part-time higher education and training programme where graduate jobseekers can benefit from free skills training.

This programme provides participants with the opportunity to develop their existing knowledge and skills by reskilling in Digital Media production and application development.

For more information, visit http://www.digitalskillsacademy.com/

Deadline for applications is Friday 5th August

If you have any questions or queries on the application process, please do not hesitate to contact me no 016183280 or john.lyons@oir.ie

Deputy Lyons welcomes coordinated support for fans travelling to Moscow

I have welcomed the responses I have received from the FAI and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore, stating that a coordinated approach is being taken to address the concerns of fans travelling to the Ireland v Russia European Championships Qualifier in September.

The FAI and the Department of Foreign Affairs have provided detailed responses to the concerns I raised with them on behalf of Irish fans. These replies state that the Department and the FAI are coordinating their efforts and consulting on key logistical and safety issues.

It was also stated that comprehensive travel advice that draws on the previous experiences of Irish fans will be posted on the Department’s website and distributed through the FAI and travel agents.

Travelling supporters will be advised on where to stay and do’s & don’ts when in the city. I also understand that the FAI and the Irish Embassy in Moscow have identified a particular area in the city for Irish fans to socialise in and information on this will be passed onto fans.

A team from the FAI have made one visit to Moscow already and have liaised with the relevant Russian authorities. A second visit is planned to further discuss the security arrangements for the team and our supporters.

I welcome the precautions being taken by the FAI and the Department of Foreign Affairs to ensure the safety of our fans. Irish supporters have a great name abroad and those travelling for this crucial qualifier will be able to support our lads knowing that all efforts have been made to address their concerns.”

Apply now for Student Grant Scheme 2011/2012!

Applications are now open for the Student Grant Scheme!

The Department of Education is urging students to apply as soon as possible for a grant and to ensure that forms are correctly completed.



This will prevent log jams in the system or delays to decisions. Previously, those who wait until very late in the process, frequently only after a CAO offer, faced delayed decisions.

In addition, up to 60% of applications in some areas have to be returned because they are not fully completed, they are inaccurately completed or don’t have the necessary supporting documentation. Again, this contributes significantly to delays.

Students from Dublin North-West (and indeed all of Dublin) should can fill out the application and get more information on www.studentfinance.ie

If you have any questions on the application process please consult the student finance website or contact me 01 618 3280 or john.lyons@oir.ie

Deputy Lyons Speaking on the Finance No 3 Bill

Concerns of fans travelling to Moscow must be addressed

I have written this week to the FAI and the Minister for Foreign Affairs regarding fans' concerns about safety for the Ireland v Russia European Qualifier on September 6th. 

After the worrying reports from fans who travelled to the game in Moscow in 2002, the Irish fans considering travelling for the upcoming game have legitimate concerns that must be addressed.

In response to the fans concerns which were brought to my attention, I have submitted a Parliamentary Question to the Minister for Foreign Affairs. In this, I asked what contact his department has had with the Russian authorities regarding security arrangements for the match and the travel advice the Department will be issuing to fans. I have also written to the FAI about their plans to assist travelling fans.

This is a crucial qualifier and all fans wishing to travel should be able to do so safe in the knowledge that there will be no repeat of the events of nine years ago.

The safety of our travelling fans is paramount and I have urged the Department of Foreign Affairs and the FAI to provide all necessary advice and assistance to those intending to travel.

Sinn Fein opposition to reversing minimum wage cut, a cynical exercise

Sinn Fein's decision to vote against measures to restore the minimum wage, suggests they care more about political grandstanding than they do about the incomes of those on low wages.

As a Labour TD, I am proud of the fact that last week, we delivered on one of our key pre-election pledges to reverse the €1 cut in the minimum wage, a cut introduced by the previous Fianna Fail led government.

The Social Welfare and Pensions Bill, which was brought through all stages in the Dail by Minister Joan Burton, has at its heart the restoration of the minimum wage to €8.65 per hour.

It is most disappointing that despite setting themselves up as champions of the disadvantaged, Sinn Fein has opposed this Bill. Many vulnerable workers rely on the minimum wage to protect them against exploitation and we are pleased that one of our first actions in government has been to reverse this shameful cut.

The position adopted by Sinn Fein can only be seen as cynical in the extreme and they are clearly more interested in playing party politics rather than standing up for the interests of ordinary workers who stand to benefit from the passage of this Bill. 

Lyons Welcomes Noonan comments on Anglo and INBS senior bondholders

Speaking in response to statements from the Minister for Finance Michael Noonan indicating that the Government will seek to impose losses on senior unsecured bondholders in Anglo and INBS, I have welcomed the comments as a significant development.


Minister Noonan's remarks that Anglo and Irish Nationwide are now just warehouses for bad debts will come as no surprise to the Irish public who have been left with the bill for the recklessness of these failed institutions.
Their toxic legacy and the mistake of the bank guarantee have also greatly complicated subsequent efforts to address the banking and fiscal crises we face.


Thankfully, the Minister has now signalled a change in approach that will hopefully lead to significant losses imposed on holders of unsecured, unguaranteed senior bonds.

I would urge the Minister to proceed with all haste on this issue and with Government efforts to secure a reduction on the interest rates paid on the bailout loans - to secure the greatest possible savings for the Irish people.