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THE decision to discontinue a class for children with special needs at St Senan’s National School, Kilrush has been branded “inhumane and incon- siderate”’.

Maura Clohessey, whose six-year- old granddaughter is one of three pupils in the Mild General Learning Disability (MGLD) class at St Sen- an’s, said her family are “saddened and annoyed” at the decision.

Maura said her granddaughter has severe physical and intellectual dis- abilities and that it would not be appropriate for her to go into main- stream education.

St Senan’s is the only school in the west Clare peninsula that offers spe- cial needs supports.

“She would have to go into Ennis and she would not by physically able for a 70-mile round-trip every day. It’s inhumane and inconsiderate and the families weren’t even consulted,” added Maura. Maura described the school as a “home away from home” for her granddaughter.

‘She has an excellent teacher, Deir- dre Kenny, and she gets great support from the special needs assistants. The learning style is appropriate to her needs,’ added Maura.

School principal Paddy McInerney said the MGLD class at St Senan’s now catered for children with severe OURS leye bales

“This is in no way equitable; it’s just plain picking on the softest tar-

get. They have obviously not thought this through, because if they did they would have looked at individual cas- es,’ added Mr. McInerney.

Sean McMahon, INTO representa- tive for Clare, labeled the announce- ment by Education Minister Batt O’ Keeffe to close 128 special classes for children with mild learning dif- ficulties “a disgrace”.

Mr McMahon continued, “Coming as it did on a day when billions in tax payers’ money was found to recapi- talise the banks, 1t showed without any doubt how those who had noth- ing to do with the country’s economic difficulties are paying a huge price.”

Reacting to Minster O’Keeffe’s comments that many children would integrate easily into mainstream edu- cation, Mr McMahon said, “It is pat- ent nonsense to return these children to classes in which, through no fault of their own, they couldn’t cope with in the first place. These mainstream classes are themselves now even more over-crowded than they were when the children were withdrawn because of the other recent budget cutbacks, which resulted in signifi- cant increases in class sizes.”

IT WAS Michael Doherty’s friends who started the row outside Su- pemac’s, defence counsel told the jury. Senior Counsel Patrick Gageby told the jury that the proper verdict was ‘not guilty.’

“The prosecution sees no alterna- tive to murder. By doing that, they have ignored all the difficulties in the

case,” he said.

In his closing speech, Mr Gageby told the jury it would be wrong to have a prejudice against either Trav- ellers or the gardai. Mr Doherty, he said, came from a Traveller back- ground, while the accused’s father is a garda in the traffic corps. “No part of this case is anything to do with that,” he said.

Mr Gageby said that three witness-

es did not tell gardai that the accused had used the word ‘knacker’ until several days after the incident. The three, he said, made the claim “‘sud- denly on the 3rd and 4th (July), out of the woodwork,” in what he said was an “extraordinary coincidence”’.

He said if they had heard that word being used, surely it would have MeAUCC) QB UOMO SLoiDmmeauN NTO lcae

“Why the collective amnesia? What

a coincidence,” he said.

He said it was Dylan Dinan – a friend of Mr Doherty – who started the trouble, by saying to McGovern, ‘Do you know who you are messing ele eae

“Dylan Dinan said John had punched Michael into the jaw. Dr Curtis found no such mark on Michael’s face,” he said.

Mr Gageby made reference to the

comment Kate McDaid said had been made by McGovern, that Mr Doherty was a *knacker.’ “He should not have said it. It was very wrong to say. It was said in a time of stress. . . SCRA Eom D ice hobcam-Deeloye realm nu los 010 Kmaem als said. However he told the jury, “You can’t convict somebody because they said that.”

He said the accused took “one swing” of the knife and the blow came using “moderate force’, ac- cording to the Deputy State Patholo- gist Dr Michael Curtis, who carried out the post mortem examination on Mr Doherty’s body.

He said that the accused had been previously assaulted in Ennis and was “hardly likely to be the guy to start a fight. . . I suggest Michael’s friends caused the row.”

He told the jury the issue of self-de- fence must be considered. ““The knife was taken out with a view to keeping the man back. Look at how danger- ous he was with his fists,” he said.

“There was no intention to kill or cause serious injury. He used no more force than was necessary at the time. Murder isn’t in it one bit at all, nor is manslaughter,” he said.

“Not within an inch could this be described as murder and not within an inch culpable homicide.”

He told the jury the accused was of good character and it was “highly unlikely he started or was interested in starting the fight.”

“The fact that Michael is dead 1s the greatest tragedy. His people are very nice people. The boys he was out with that night, I can’t say the same about them,” he said.

MINISTER of State Tony Killeen TD this week said that the prepara- tion of a UNESCO World Heritage Site nomination for the Burren re- mained a key priority for the Depart- ment of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

The North Clare TD explained that Environment Minister John Gorm- ley was committed to developing a management plan, which would have to be undertaken as part of the nom1- nation process.

The World Heritage List includes 878 properties in 141 countries, which the World Heritage Commit- tee considers as having outstanding universal value. They include monu- ments and landmarks as diverse at the Great Wall of China, the Great Bar- rier Reef, the Sydney Opera House, Machu Picchu in Peru, as well as the historic centres of famous cities such as Venice, Prague, Rome and Paris.

Ireland currently boasts two list- ed World Heritage Sites; Skellig Michael (1996) and Archaeological Ensemble of the Bend of the Boyne (1993). Each World Heritage Site 1s the property of the state on whose territory the site is located, but it 1s considered in the interest of the in- ternational community to preserve each site.

According to Minister Killeen, “A

key initiative of the Department’s UNESCO world heritage programme is the preparation of a UNESCO World Heritage Site nomination for the Burren. Munister Gormley has informed me that work on progress- ing the nomination will be brought forward in the context of the priori- tisation of the constituent elements of the Department’s UNESCO world heritage programme.”

“IT am especially delighted to learn from the minister that consultation with all relevant stakeholders and interested parties will be an inte- gral part of this nomination process. Consequently, I urge all local people to join in the discussion around the Burren region’s attempt to acquire World Heritage Site status’, he add- ed.

Minister Killeen noted that achiev- ing World Heritage Site status would be an important milestone for the future of the Burren. He explained, “Such status would not only help raise the profile of the Burren and at- tract additional tourists but it would help ensure the conservation of the fragile landscape for future genera- tions. The continued protection of habitats, including Special Areas of Conservation designated under the EU Habitats Directive, and conser- vation of sustainable farming prac- tices are also vitally important to the Burren region.”

A FORMER Clare FM radio pre- senter has instituted legal proceed- ings to take a bullying and harass- ment case against the company that operates the radio station.

The case by Frances O’Byrne (42) of St Patrick’s Terrace, Nenagh, Co Tipperary against Clare Community Radio Holdings plc was mentioned yesterday in court before Clare County Registrar, Pat Wallace and he was told that the case would take one day to hear all the evidence.

The case is to be heard during the forthcoming civil court sittings at Ennis Circuit Court.

In the case, Frances O’Byrne — known to listeners by her pseudo- nym Pam Wilson – is accusing Clare Community Radio Holdings ple of having working conditions in place that caused or permitted her to be subjected to bullying, harassment and/or intimidation in the work- place.

As aresult, Ms O’ Byrne claims that She has suffered, sustained and in-

curred severe personal injuries, loss, damage and expense.

In aresponse affidavit, Clare Com- munity Radio Holdings plc strenu- ously denies the allegations made by Ms O’Byrne.

The company specifically denies it or its agents “engaged in any con- duct towards Ms O’Byrne which amounted to bullying or harassment or intimidation in the workplace or that she was caused to suffer, sustain and incur the alleged or any personal injuries, loss, damage or expense, as

alleged or at all”.

In its response affidavit, Clare Com- munity Radio Holdings plc denies that it has fallen below the standards of a reasonable and prudent employer in its dealings with Ms O’Byrne and that at all stages, the company dealt with Ms O’Byrne “in a reasonable, appropriate and proper manner and in accordance with its legal obliga- tions”.

THERE have been renewed calls for the Irish Government to order gardai to search all US military aircraft which stop at Shannon Airport fol- lowing news that a fugitive wanted by the FBI managed to fly into and out of the mid-west aerodrome with millions of euro worth of gold with- out being detected.

Christopher Warren (26), who has Since been arrested in the US, was wanted over a $100m (€78m) mort- gage scam in California. He spent a day in Shannon earlier this month af- ter chartering a private jet in Las Ve- gas. US authorities believe Warren may have had up to €4m worth of gold, weighing over 160 kilograms, in his possession when he arrived in Ireland however he managed to pass through Shannon without being stopped.

Millions of euro of taxpayers’ mon- ey 1S spent at Shannon to provide round-the-clock armed protection for US military aircraft. Despite the security presence at the airport and countless claims that US planes have illegally carried armaments and pris- oners through the airport on small private jets, no searches are carried out on aircraft there.

Retired Irish Army Commandant and prominent anti-war campaigner Edward Horgan has reiterated his calls for all US planes to be searched at Shannon, describing the airport as

the “wild west”.

“Gold is a harmless and completely inert substance to be taking through Shannon, but it does emphasise that Ireland, and Shannon airport is the “wild west” as far as controls are concerned. It now appears that any- thing can be brought through Shan- non Airport mainly because the gardai have been told not to search any US aircraft, especially executive type jets, in case they may turn out to be CIA planes carrying prisoners. This of course would embarrass the Irish Government and expose their complicity with the torture rendition programme.”

Mr Horgan added, “Again, I strong- ly recommend that the garda do their duty at Shannon and carry out regu- lar and random checks on all aircraft, including and especially US aircraft, to ensure that no such aircraft are carrying contraband of any sort, es- pecially drugs, dangerous explosives or kidnapped prisoners.”

The jet which Warren had char- tered made a refuelling stop at Shan- non on February 3rd where the pilot and crew took a rest break before flying the fugitive on to Jounieh in Lebanon.

Warren was apprehended last week after attempting to return to the US using a false passport.

When caught he was carrying two false passports while immigration officers also found a total of $70,000 (€54,554) in cash; $lm (€778,970)

in Swiss bank certificates and nearly $6,000 (€4,675) worth of platinum. Warren now faces charges of con- spiracy, fraud and conducting a fi- nancial crime.

It appears that the FBI was unaware of Warren’s movements until after he had left Shannon.

It 1s believed that neither gardai nor customs were informed by US

authorities that Warren was passing through Shannon.

A JURY was instructed to return a verdict of ‘not guilty’ against a Kil- rush man who faced two charges of erty

Simon Rogers (20) of Willowgreen Kilrush pleaded not guilty to charges of assault on Dylan Shannon and Luke Shannon at Mount Charles Ter- race, and Smith’s Gardens, Kilkee respectively on February 17, 2008.

A jury had been empanelled and Stephan Coughlan BL for the State told them that the prosecution case

would be that Dylan Shannon suf- fered a severe cut to his head in the assault while Luke Shannon was kicked in the ribs.

When called to the witness box, each witness in turn said they did not wish to give evidence against the ac- CITerer

Judge Ray Fullam told the jury that as there was no evidence being offered, they should find him not guilty.

EMPLOYERS body IBEC have announced plans for a practical in- formation briefing for employers in Limerick, Clare and North Tipper- ary on the critical people manage- ment issues that businesses have to face to survive this recession.

The event will take place between 8.30am and 10.30am on Tuesday, February 24 in the Strand Hotel, Limerick and is open to all, IBEC members and non-members alike.

“The economic downturn is of grave concern The role of manage- ment is to chart a course through these challenges. In doing this, IBEC can provide the support and advice that a business needs in order to po- sition itself to weather the storm and come out stronger at the other end.” stated IBEC Director for the mid- west, Chris O’Donovan

SW slomm oyulosibercamrsU0 mele (onlAU Ram nelommOyon tions and risks for businesses to con- sider when making decisions on pay costs, downsizing and absenteeism, among other issues, in the current economic environment. It will also highlight key legal issues involved when addressing people manage- ment issues.

A spokesman for IBEC explained what will take place during the brief- ing.

“Topic one of the IBEC briefing will specifically focus on under- standing your costs Payroll costs are a significant cost in every organisa- tion. IBEC will guide you in how to scrutinize your pay costs so you can ensure every element is adding value; what to examine in reviewing pay costs; how to measure the cost of absence; sector, national and interna- tional comparators.”

“Topic two will focus on reduc- ing costs. What are your options and what do you need to consider to make the right decisions? Redundan- cy, Lay-off and short-time working, Pay reductions, Leave, Implications of the national wage agreement”

“Topic three is about manag- ing people. For those left behind, how do you cope with the ‘survivor syndrome’; communications- who, when, how? Managing performance, cross-skilling; managing absence,’ he added.

“In 2007, National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) inspectors carried out over 14,000 inspections and detected 2,344 breaches of em- ployment legislation securing almost €2.5 million in arrears for employ- ees. Compliance with constantly changing employment law is becom- ing more challenging than ever.

“Membership of IBEC provides companies with access to specialists in a broad range of business areas including human resources. Local services include practical industrial relations assistance, including IBEC attendance at any third-party repre- sentation.

“Your local office is also a mecha- nism to ensure policy issues of local importance are raised at national level,’ he concluded.

If you would like to attend the briefing, please book online at www. ibec.ie/O/briefing.

TWO men who pleaded guilty to drug-dealing have been told they will not go to prison if they have clear drug-tests for the next two years.

James McCauley (23) from Kil- nasoolagh Park in Newmarket-on- Fergus and Glen Cullinane, Lodge Road, Sixmilebridge both pleaded guilty before the Circuit Court in Ennis to possession of cocaine and ecstasy for sale or supply.

Detective Garda Stephan Ryan told

the court that he searched the boot of a car on March 16 last and found 55.635 grammes of cocaine and 37 ecstasy tablets in a plastic box.

He told Judge Ray Fullam that the cocaine was contained in 32 self- sealed bags of two grammes each which sell for €100.

He told the judge that when they were arrested on the night in ques- tion, both men “co-operated fully” with the gardai.

“They both made a full admission. Both of them had a very serious co-

caine addiction and they got into se- rious debt. The were selling to fund their addictions and to pay their debts but the problem was so serious that a large portion of the drugs which I found were for their personal use,’ the garda told the court.

The court heard that both men were consuming large quantities of co- caine “on a daily basis”.

Counsel for Cullinane said her cli- ent was spending between €500 and €600 a week on cocaine.

Garda Ryan said that he advised

Loke]Hatmpee(oJ0 MMO er-LmmBeloyiam t(oic10 (ole mm KOM ore) help for their problem.

“Since then, they have taken that advice and made amazing progress. They have sought counselling and really turned their lives around,” the ee NOE MT B(G

‘*T believe these two men have posi- tively changed and it is unlikely they will be before the courts again,” the garda continued.

Judge Fullam heard that both men have been in counselling and are now giving regular urine samples which

prove they are drug free.

Noting that Garda Ryan had gone much further to advise and help the two men than was necessary in his job and the fact that he spoke posi- tively about the steps both had taken to tackle their problems, the judge said he would put the case back for two years.

The judge said that he would need a progress and probation report.

“If there is complete rehabilitation in that time, I will be applying the probation act,” he said.

60 council workers to lose jobs

Pay and expenses figures from mid- 2004 until the end of 2008 reveal that three of the six most expensive councillors in Clare came from the Ennistymon electoral area.

The six councillors have shared €§83,896.33 in total between them since mid-2004, an average of €147,316.05 per councillor.

Cllr Flan Garvey (FF) topped the list with a total of €167,511.58 in ex- penses and wages.

OT Cra (mao aio eme- ee \y EhVOmmOys Clare and received a special alloca- tion of extra expenses as a result of Wek

Some of the larger expenses claimed by Cllr Garvey include €1,515.64 for

a trip to the Milwalkee Tourism Pro- motion Conference and €1,733.34 for a twinning trip to Australia in 2007.

As well as this, Cllr Garvey, who is currently Chairman of the Board at the Institute of Technology in Tralee, received €2,829.50 for the completion of a Masters in Business hi wACLelor

Second highest earner in the area was Cllr Richard Nagle (FF) whose total of 161,255.20 includes a special allowance for his work as chair of one of the SPC.

Cllr Joe Arkins also serves as chair of an SPC and is third in the list in north Clare with a total of IRE orh Rope

The lowest total of expenses and pay in the area was to Michael Kelly (FF) at €131, 359.58 fol- lowed by Martin Conway (FG) at €133,359.58 and Martin Lafferty at €134,759.66.