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Irish micromobility start-up Zipp Mobility said it will create at least 30 additional jobs in the coming year in Ireland as it prepares to launch e-scooter services throughout the country. The company already has a fleet of 450 e-scooters in Britain and is waiting legislation to be passed in Ireland on use of electric scooters here.Once legislation governing the use of electric scooters has been passed in the Republic, the company will look at rolling out services here.Founded in 2019 by Charlie Gleeson, the NovaUCD headquartered company has great plans ahead. Speaking about their success Mr. Gleeson said;“This last year has been a very successful one for the company and we are currently operating in more UK locations than some of the bigger industry players which is a great achievement for a young Irish start-up such as Zipp.” “With new e-scooter legislation set to be passed in Ireland early this year our plan for 2021 includes completing a Series A funding round and launching our service across the country creating at least 30 new jobs in the process.”Restrictions on public transport during the coronavirus pandemic have led commuters to seek out other forms of transport. However, electric scooters have yet to be officially sanctioned for use on Irish roads, although legislation has been promised for some time.<h4>Shared scheme</h4>The micromobility company has four additional launches lined-up for the coming months, including what it said will be the first public shared e-scooter scheme on the island of Ireland.The company raised €500,000 in an angel investor funding round in September, with former Irish rugby captain Brian O’Driscoll among the investors backing the fledgling company. The money, which brought the company’s total funding to more than €1 million to date, was to be used for the company’s planned launch in the UK.“Our overall vision for Zipp is ‘mobility done right’ and our aim for the year ahead is to lead the Irish e-scooter-sharing market and expand our operations internationally,” Mr Gleeson said.<h1>Find out more about Zipp Mobility <a href="https://zippmobility.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a></h1><h1>As soon as the jobs are officially listed we will share that information asap, so watch this space!</h1>

Zipp Mobility to hire 30 as it rolls out e-scooter services

Mind yourself during lockdown. Hopefully the following tips will help;- Remember you can only try your best, this is new to us all. We are all learning as we go.- Properly disconnect if and when you can, switch off devices unless they’re really necessary. - Take a walk, without the phone.- Check in with family, friends and work colleagues now and then, just to just ask how they are.- If you get any spare time wrap yourself in a warm blanket and read a book.- Make sure to do something fun each day, if you have a pet play fetch with them, if you have children why not play a board game or teach them how to play cards.- Breath - try the <a href="https://www.wimhofmethod.com/" target="_blank">Wim Hof method</a> – for breathing exercises.- Get in the sea/lake or take a cold shower to reset the mind.- Develop a night routine before bed - 1 hour before bedtime no screens (TV, phone), stretch, meditate, read fiction (hardback).- To also help with sleep, cut out caffeine for a couple of days and see can you notice a difference.Remember this storm will pass<ul></ul><ul>Graphic: The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse - Charlie Mackesy</ul>

This Storm will Pass

Are you a jobseeker looking for a career in Healthcare in Ireland? The Department of Social Protection and EURES Ireland are teaming up with the Health Service Executive, Nursing Home Ireland and Home and Community Care Ireland to recruit workers for the healthcare sector across Ireland.SO FAR - 55+ Companies Registered, 620+ Positions on OfferDATE OF EVENT: THURSDAY, 28 JANUARY 2021 FROM 10:00 UTC-15:00 UTCNever before have we become so aware of the importance of healthcare workers in caring for people in their own homes, in nursing homes and healthcare facilities around Ireland.  The demand for healthcare professionals over the coming months will be significant, as we continue to deal with the demands arising from Covid-19. You are invited to apply for these opportunities by attending ‘Healthcare Recruitment in Ireland’ online event.<ol><li>Find and apply for jobs In advance of the event you will be able to search and apply for jobs that match your profile, make contact with employers and book one or more job interviews.</li></ol> <ol><li>Step by step to succeed On 28th January 2021 you can join the event online and virtually attend a programme of interesting presentations by excellent Irish healthcare providers and EURES Advisors.</li></ol> <ol><li>Chat online with EURES advisors and employers.</li></ol>In order to participate online, you need to register for the event in advance. Registration HERE Save the date and join us online on 28th January 2021EURES Ireland eures@welfare.ieYou can follow EURES Ireland social media for updates on jobs and employers attending this event: ​<a href="www.facebook.com/euresireland" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/euresireland</a>    <a href="www.twitter.com/euresireland" target="_blank">www.twitter.com/euresireland</a>   <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/eures-ireland/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/company/eures-ireland/</a>

ON-LINE EVENT:  55 Companies Recruiting, 620 Positions on Offer

** Job Vacancy being re-advertised**It’s that time of year again!Billy O’Connor and his partner Alice Hayes, who own three cottages and a coffee shop on the Great Blasket Island are to post a vacancy this week. They are looking for candidates to manage the Accommodation and Coffee Shop.Speaking about the opportunity Mr. O&#x27;Connor said; “We’ve decided to add some job criteria as last year when we started to receive applications it took us a month just to get through them,” Mr O’Connor said. “It’s absolutely fantastic that so many people want to come here, but many didn’t realise what the living conditions are like.”He added that with the travel restrictions, which are expected to be in place for months to come, he does not think as many interested couples or friends will apply.He said: “We would like a duo of friends or a couple from abroad to get the jobs eventually as they would have a different perspective to bring but with concerns around Covid-19 that will limit foreign applications, I would think. But maybe they would feel safer on the island as it is very remote.”About The Great Blasket IslandLocation of the Great Blasket IslandThe Great Blasket Island – the most westerly point in Europe – is the largest Island of a group of islands located 3 miles off the tip of the Dingle Peninsula 13 kilometers west of Dingle town.Occupied from pre-history, the island overlooks the location where a number of the Spanish Armada ships were wrecked. The small farming and fishing community exceeded a population of 150 in the early 20th century, but had dwindled to a small number when the island was vacated in 1953. The old village above the Trá Bán (White Strand) is situated on the north-eastern side of the island, facing the mainland and Slea HeadIsland WildlifeThe island has an abundance of walks on both a green road and mountain tracks. There is attractive flora and fauna, pre-historic remains, abundant sea-life and extensive bird life.In the past few years a number of the houses have been restored and amenities provided for visitors to the island.HOW TO APPLYKeep checking in as the application process will be opening on-line in the next few days.Please share if you know of anyone interested.

Caretakers Required Great Blasket Island

A new application service is available to apply for a PPS number at <a href="www.MyWelfare.ie" target="_blank">www.MyWelfare.ie</a> for people living in Ireland who are at least 18 years of age and need a PPS Number to avail of social welfare benefits, public services and information in Ireland. To apply for a PPS Number online, a person will need to have a basic <a href="https://www.mygovid.ie/" target="_blank">MyGovID</a> account.In the interests of the public health advice and observing social distancing people are asked, if possible, not to attend their local Intreo Centre. Instead, they should avail of the online services available through <a href="www.MyWelfare.ie" target="_blank">www.MyWelfare.ie.</a>

New On-line Service to Apply for PPS Numbers

Self-employed people in receipt of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) who are looking to maintain their business can earn up to €960 over an eight week period, while retaining their full PUP entitlement.There is no formal application process and a self-employed person simply needs to inform the Department if they earn over €960 in any eight week period.This was confirmed in a Government publication today which showed that 398,000 people received the Pandemic Unemployment Payment this week and the number of people in receipt of Enhanced Illness Benefit grew fourfold to over 6,400.The quickest and easiest way to apply for PUP and Enhanced Illness Benefit is online at www.MyWelfare.ieThe number of people receiving a PUP payment this week represents an increase of 62,607 (18.7%) on the 335,599 people paid last week.These figures are in addition to the 189,860 people who were reported on the Live Register as of the end of December.The sector with the highest number of people receiving PUP this week is Accommodation and Food Service activities (106,387). This is followed by Wholesale and Retail Trade (65,300) and Administrative and Support Service Activities (34,459).The sector that has seen the highest increase in people receiving PUP this week is Wholesale and Retail. Some 65,300 people working in this sector will receive payment tomorrow, compared to 46,853 last week.This is followed by the Construction sector which has seen an increase in PUP recipients from 23,080 last week compared to 32,151 this week. The number of people in this sector in receipt of PUP is expected to increase further next week following the imposing of restrictions that took effect last Friday evening.Speaking today on the latest PUP figures, Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys said:“This week’s figures show that just short of 400,000 are now in receipt of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment.“These statistics outline the stark impact the Covid-19 Pandemic continues to have on the Labour Market.“The decisions taken by the Government to impose increased restrictions on sectors such as construction, retail and education were not taken lightly.“But these decisions are necessary in order to protect lives, livelihoods and our frontline workers. Minister Humphreys continued:“It is essential that every individual and family follows the health guidelines if we are to suppress the virus. Now more than ever, we need to stay at home as much as possible, limit our contacts, maintain our social distance and wash our hands. The more we comply with the guidelines, the sooner we can begin to re-open the economy.“PUP remains available to anyone who is eligible. I want to remind people again that the quickest and easiest way to apply is via www.mywelfare.ie.“I would also strongly advise businesses to consider availing of the Employment Wage Subsidy scheme and the Covid Restrictions Support scheme – administered by Revenue - during the current restrictions. These are designed to protect businesses and seek to maintain the important link between businesses and their employees during these extremely difficult times.”Control MeasuresThe Department conducts a series of pre and post payment checks on all PUP claims. Subject to these checks being cleared the Department then processes payments based on the clients’ self-declaration.Subsequently, the Department runs post payment checks that includes verifying data against Revenue records, examining cases where the same Bank account is used multiple times, examining cases where an employer or members of the public report concerns, and the use of data analytics to identify and check claims. We also undertake employer inspections.This work is undertaken by the Department’s Special Investigation Unit, which, for the past six years, includes over 20 Gardaí on secondment to the Department.Covid-19 Enhanced Illness Benefit PaymentSince last March, some 105,372 people under the age of 66 have been medically certified for receipt of the Covid-19 Enhanced Illness Benefit. Of these, 11.5% have been diagnosed with Covid-19 while the remainder have been required to medically self-isolate.7,308 of these people were first medically certified last month and of these 1,629 have been certified with having the Covid-19 virus.The number of people medically certified to receive the Enhanced Illness Benefit has increased in every county since last week with Dublin showing the highest increase of 2,007.There has also been an increase in the number of people in every sector medically certified to receive Enhanced Illness Benefit.The two sectors with the highest number of employees medically certified to receive this payment are Wholesale and Retail (22,642) and Human Health and Social Work Activities (18,595).Today, some 6,412 people are currently in receipt of an Enhanced Illness Benefit payment – up from 1,661 compared to this day last week.  Minister Humphreys commented:“The significant increase in the number of people receiving the Enhanced Illness Benefit is another demonstration of the increased presence of the virus in our communities.“The increase of people in receipt of the Enhanced Illness Benefit certainly coincides with the increase in virus numbers.“This is further evidence of the need for us all to take the current situation very seriously and adhere to all public health guidance to help suppress the virus.”

Self Employed - Earn up to €960 over 8 weeks & keep PUP Payment

<h2>Becoming a Foster Carer</h2>Foster carers offer a safe and stable family home for children and young people who are unable to live with their own families and are in the care of the State. There are all sorts of reasons why children come into foster care and Agencies work with foster carers to place children and to support them for as long as they need it. Agencies across Ireland work in partnership with Tusla to offer fostering placements to children and young people in care. Becoming a foster carer is a big decision and there are a number of things you need to know before deciding whether it is right for you and your family. There are also some essential requirements that must be in place before you start the fostering journey. You will need to also consider your own family as they will have an important part to play in the success of a fostering placement. Support is provided by the fostering services and allowances will also be paid to foster carers, this ranges between €325 - €352 per week per child. The allowance you receive when fostering in Ireland with us is exempt from taxation under the Finance Bill 2005. This also means that the money you receive is not usually classed as income when applying for certain benefits. The fostering allowance takes into account the costs of living with a foster child. This includes, food, clothing, basic travel, household bills, education costs, everyday living, holidays and summer camps and special occasions such as birthdays and Christmas.Fostering is an amazing journey that can turn a child&#x27;s life around - find out more about fostering with Tusla or with one of the agencies such as the ones below.<a href="https://www.tusla.ie/services/alternative-care/foster-care/" target="_blank">Tusla</a><a href="https://www.fosteringfirstireland.ie/" target="_blank">Fostering First Ireland</a><a href="https://www.orchardfostering.ie/" target="_blank">Orchard Fostering</a><a href="https://www.fiveriversfostering.ie/" target="_blank">Five Rivers Fostering</a><a href="https://fostercareireland.ie/" target="_blank">Foster Care Ireland</a>

Could you Foster a Child?

Have you tapped into the hidden jobs market? Statistics show that the majority of jobs are not advertised. That’s worth repeating. All of the jobs advertised make up only a small proportion of total opportunities out there. A natural next question is, but why are these jobs not advertised? Well often companies already have a bank of potential candidates that have applied without advertisements. Another huge proportion of jobs are filled through employee referrals. This relates back to trust mentioned in an earlier article. Finally companies often directly target employees through LinkedIn or social media. Ok says you, I see your point but I’m not yet convinced to put in all that extra effort. Well then, let me bring out the big boys...There is a fundamental difference of character in this active approach of contacting companies rather than waiting for them to advertise positions. It’s all well and good including key character traits like proactive on your CV. It’s another thing entirely to demonstrate these traits from the get-go in your very first interaction with your potential new company. This sends a clear message to them that you are a proactive individual, ready and willing to take the reigns of your life. You’re not sitting back waiting for life to happen to you but instead going out there and making life happen.More importantly than how you’ll be perceived by employers is how you will change how you feel about yourself. Our self-image is built largely through our actions. If we build a habit of going to the gym regularly we begin to think of ourselves as ‘somebody who goes to the gym or a disciplined/healthy/fit/active person’. This perception has the potential to spread into other areas of our life and can have real impact on how we live in those other situations. By thinking for ourselves about our own values first, and then going out and finding a company or field that fits who we are, we are affirming our own inherent worth as an individual. This is a way for us to take back our power. It can be easy to feel like a small cog in a massive often multinational machine of a company. But the truth is each of us have valuable skills, character traits and strengths to offer. It’s time to reframe the inward dialogue and start seeing how lucky most companies would be to have us as part of their team. With that all in mind, how can we get a piece of that hidden jobs market pie?Put simply we need to let the companies know about us before they even know they need us. First we need to make the companies aware of us and then keep contact well before a job even arises. This might mean identifying the key person in your area of interest within the company. Send them an email telling them why you are interested in the company, how you think you are a good fit and most importantly, what you can contribute. Follow up with a phone call after two weeks to keep cultivating that relationship. This makes sure we’re in their bank of potential candidates when they start the recruitment process as soon as a position becomes available. Secondly, we should definitely make sure we are included in any of our friends&#x27; referrals. To make sure this happens, <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/article/making-an-ask-an-unconventional-approach-to-your-next-job" target="_blank">we need to make an ask</a>. Lastly, the onus is on us to have our LinkedIn profile tailored to the specific role or industry we want to pursue. It’s important to remember these are only some ways to go about it. I’m sure you have plenty of ideas of your own. I’d be happy to hear of the creative ways you figured out yourself to build a direct relationship with companies. You can find my email above.

The Hidden Jobs Market - An unconventional approach to your next job

Paddy O' Leary

<h2>According to the Irish Times, the Revenue are set to tell wage-subsidy recipients how much they owe next week</h2>Thousands of workers who availed of State wage subsidies during 2020 will be informed next week by Revenue of any outstanding tax liability associated with those payments.The shortfalls, which could be more than €1,000 for some employees, arise because when the Government rushed to introduce schemes as the Covid-19 pandemic hit last March it did not allow for subsidies to be taxed at source. This means that those who received payments, such as the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) and Pandemic Unemployment Payment,must now arrange to settle bills, where they arise, on those payments.The move from Revenue to collect unpaid taxes comes as the Government disclosed that weaker tax receipts for 2020, as well as Covid-related spending, are set to push public finances deep into the red. Exchequer returns for 2020, published by the Department of Finance on Tuesday, reveal that the budget deficit for 2020 is expected to be €19 billion. This contrasts with a surplus of €1.4 billion in 2019.Source: <a href="https://www.irishtimes.com/business/personal-finance/thousands-of-workers-to-get-covid-19-tax-bills-next-week-1.4450928?fbclid=IwAR0B6tpDoPTjxD9H3HexhfSDpzBvme8s4an0ZStgr0zzTPaTS3_nU01oUtI" target="_blank">IRISH TIMES</a>Back in October the Irish Times reported that three-quarters of taxpayers believed the Government should waive tax bills and that most people never understood they were building up tax bills under Covid wage subsidy schemes.The temporary wage subsidy scheme (TWSS) brought pay up to a maximum 85 per cent of net weekly pay. It also allowed employers, where they could afford it, to top that figure up to a maximum of 100 per cent of net weekly pay.At the time, it was a critical support for companies struggling to keep operating and for their workers. More than 663,000 people availed of the payment at some point. It has since evolved into the employment wage subsidy scheme which is paid at a lower rate.The money was paid without any tax being deducted by Revenue. Many people, who were used to tax being deducted at source, assumed there was no tax liability due for the payments. This was reinforced for them as the money they received was equal to or less than they normally received after tax from their employer.<h4>Payback period</h4>However, the Revenue Commissioners stated that tax would be liable on the payments and that the amounts due would become clear at the end of the tax year.Source: <a href="https://www.irishtimes.com/business/personal-finance/tax-bill-waiver-on-wage-subsidy-schemes-urged-1.4372839" target="_blank"> IRISH TIMES</a>According to Revenue.ie the following information applies;<h1></h1><h1>COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) tax liability</h1>PUP is available to employees and the self-employed who have lost their job on or after 13 March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. PUP is paid by the Department of Social Protection (DSP).PUP is not taxed in real-time (when it is paid). It is liable to Income Tax (IT) at the end of the year.<h2>How PUP is taxed</h2>In January 2021, Revenue will make a Preliminary End of Year Statement available to you. The Preliminary End of Year Statement will show:<ul><li>detail of any income received and reported by your employer or employers</li><li>information on the amount of PUP you received</li><li>a preliminary calculation of your IT and USC for 2020</li><li>whether your tax position is balanced, underpaid or overpaid for the year.</li></ul><h3></h3><h3>What you need to do</h3>When the Preliminary End of Year Statement is available, you will have an opportunity to update your personal record in <a href="https://www.ros.ie/myaccount-web/home.html" target="_blank">myAccount</a>. You can do this by completing an Income Tax Return to:<ul><li>declare any additional income</li><li>and</li><li>claim any additional tax credits due, such as qualifying health expenses or the Stay and Spend Credit.</li></ul>The additional information that you provide may impact your final IT or USC position.<h3>What happens if you owe IT?</h3>You can either fully or partially pay any IT liability through the &#x27;Payments/Repayments&#x27; facility in myAccount.Alternatively Revenue will collect the full or any remaining liability, interest free, by reducing your tax credits over four years (2022 to 2025).The reduction of tax credits will start in January 2022.

Thousands of workers to get Covid-19 tax bills next week

<h2>Minister for Education Norma Foley TD has confirmed that all schools will regrettably remain closed to students from Monday 11 January.</h2>The Government decision, taken on 6 January, on foot of public health advice to reduce mobility in the community, was to close schools for the vast majority of students for a period of three weeks.As of Monday 11 January students, including children with special needs, will resort to a programme of remote learning in line with the rest of the government restrictions.There has been continuous engagement with education partners on this matter since Monday, building on weekly engagement between partners and public health throughout the school year.Today Department of Education officials met with education partners including trade unions, and school management bodies to discuss the safe provision of in-person learning to pupils in special classes and special schools and to Leaving Certificate students, and remote learning to other students from Monday 11 January.This meeting was attended on behalf of Public Health by senior public health specialists.In a meeting lasting over two hours Public Health provided their reassurance that it is safe for both students and staff to operate schools at this time utilising the preventative measures that are in place.During that meeting Public Health reiterated their belief that schools are safe environments.Closing schools has hugely adverse consequences at individual, family and societal level.For children, it impacts on wellbeing, learning, on social and emotional development.School closure has significant impacts on children with special educational needs. School closure also heightens student anxiety, particularly for the Leaving Certificate cohort, in relation to state examinations.In this context the government decided to prioritise in-person teaching and learning for two specific cohorts; pupils/ students attending special schools and classes and final year Leaving Certificate students. This decision was supported by the public health advice available to Government.NPHET and Public Health continue to hold the clear view that schools are safe places, as outlined in the letter to Government from the CMO, published today.Minister Foley said:<blockquote>&quot;It is with regret that I announce that, despite the confirmation by Public Health that schools remain safe, that children in special schools and special classes and Leaving Certificate students will not be extended in-person learning.</blockquote><blockquote>&quot;My department has engaged with the unions and public health officials with a view to maintaining on site learning for this vulnerable group of students.</blockquote><blockquote>&quot;It remains my strong belief that this period of time is crucial for the mental wellbeing of all children with special needs.</blockquote><blockquote>&quot;I also felt it was the right thing to extend in-class teaching to our Leaving Certificate students who are approaching a crucial time in their exam year.</blockquote><blockquote>&quot;Unfortunately I am left with no alternative but to pause the limited reopening on Monday to allow further engagement with all education stakeholders.&quot;</blockquote>

Minister Foley confirms that all schools will remain closed to students

<h2>Safety for children, childcare professionals and parents</h2> 1. Are childcare services safe?Public health experts have confirmed that it is safe for early learning and childcare services to operate. NPHET have advised the Government that the incidence of Covid-19 positive cases in children 12 and under remains significantly lower than the population at large.  Childcare settings remain safe environments for children and staff. Restrictions and closures are in place as part of the wider national effort to reduce movements and dramatically reduce opportunities for the virus to spread. 2. Will there be restrictions on how childcare is managed within centres?No additional measures are required at present. The advice from the national public health experts is that no change is required to the Infection Prevention and Control guidance for settings providing ELC/SAC during the pandemic. Services have been following this guidance effectively since reopening last June and it has helped to minimise risk of spread of infection within settings. As a consequence the incidence of Covid-19 within childcare settings has remained very low.The Department, in conjunction with the HSE, will keep this under review and will update as appropriate. 3. Is there a higher risk from the new variant of Covid-19? Reports from the UK suggest it spreads more easily and that infection rates in children are higher than other Covid-19 strains.  The situation with regard to the new variant of Covid-19 from the UK is being closely monitored.The most recent risk assessment from the European Centre for Disease Control states that the new UK variant has increased transmissibility compared to previously circulating variants. It is not clear whether that increased transmissibility applies across all the population age groups. There is no evidence to suggest that people become any more unwell with this new variant. 4. Are there new symptoms which service providers, staff and parents need to look out for? Has the advice on runny noses changed? Services, staff and parents are advised to take a very precautionary approach where a staff member or a child or someone in their household or family unit is displaying any symptoms of Covid-19. They should not attend the service if they or the children are displaying symptoms. They should stay home and contact their GP. If a child becomes newly unwell, such as with a runny nose, then a precautionary approach should be taken to observe them at home for 48 hours, to assess whether any further symptoms develop. Any symptoms of concern should be discussed with their GP. <h2>What childcare services are open, which are closed, and how do I know whether or not to send my child?</h2>5. Closed servicesServices that only operate the ECCE Programme will be closed. 6. Open services, and which children should attend themOther types of services can continue to operate including services that provide full day care, part time day care, stand-alone school age childcare services and childminders.These services are currently only open to eligible children. Eligible children consist of:▫ children who have a parent who is works in an essential service[1]and▫ vulnerable children. Vulnerable children are described below. 7. If parents who work in essential services or parents of vulnerable children wish to avail of additional hours of provision or access a new service, can they do so?Yes, but this is subject to availability and agreement with provider. 8. Why is the ECCE Programme not resuming for January?The rationale for not resuming the ECCE programme is to reduce movement, in line with public health advice. Other provision remains open to enable essential workers to continue to do their job and provide valuable services to vulnerable children. <h2>Understanding ‘essential worker’</h2>9. What is an essential worker?An essential worker is someone who works in an essential service. The full list of essential services is available <a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c9158-essential-services/" target="_blank">here</a>. An essential worker may be working from home. 10. Do both parents need to be essential workers?No. If one parent is an essential worker, their child is eligible to access the service. <h2>Understanding ‘vulnerable children’</h2>11. Who is a vulnerable child?Children who are currently engaged in NCS sponsorship arrangements are all defined as vulnerable for the purposes of determining eligibility to services during the period 11 to 31 January.  These categories are:<ul><li>Children who are in need of additional care and protection as part of the provision of child care and family support services by Tusla, and who are deemed by Tusla to require childcare services in order to promote their welfare</li><li>Children whose families are receiving support under Meitheal</li><li>Children known to the child protection system (level 2 or level 3)</li><li>Children in care </li><li>Children under 4 where a Child and Family Health Needs Assessment has been done by a Public Health Nurse and this has deemed the child to be in need of early intervention and require additional supports under child developmental needs, parental capacity and environmental factors, and where there is an identified need for childcare as an additional support to the home environment to meet the child developmental needs.</li><li>Children of Programme refugees within the meaning of section 59 of the International Protection Act 2015 (IRPP applicants) to enable either parents or children to access education, integration and other relevant supports</li><li>Children whose parents are homeless or moving out of homelessness </li><li>Children of parents under 18 years of age so their parent may remain in education and training through access to childcare services.</li></ul>Children may be vulnerable because of factors related to their personal development, features of their family life, or because of wider influences that impact on them within their community. Some children who fall outside of the above categories may also be considered vulnerable for a range of reasons. Some of these reasons may include<ul><li>Children who experience family poverty; </li><li>Children and families with complex support needs;</li><li>Children living in households where there is domestic violence;</li><li>Children whose families are significantly adversely affected by ill health or bereavement.</li></ul>Providers are requested to make every effort to accommodate vulnerable children. 12. How will vulnerable children be supported to access to servicesFor families who are entitled to NCS support (either through sponsorship arrangements, means-tested subsidies or universal subsidies) or support of the legacy funding schemes, this support will be provided on the basis of non-term-time hours between 11 and 31 January. New applications for NCS continue to be accepted during this time. Arrangements are being made to enable children identified as in need of service provision to access sponsored places on an expedited basis.Further information about applying for the NCS is available <a href="https://earlyyearshive.ncs.gov.ie/faqs/faq-ncs/" target="_blank">here</a> and local City and County Childcare Committees can assist making arrangements for sponsored children. Contact details for each CCC are <a href="https://myccc.ie/" target="_blank">here</a>.<h2>Accessing services</h2>13. What do I do if I feel I am entitled to access a services (due to being an essential worker or having a vulnerable child) and my provider says that they are closed or cannot take me?In these circumstances, parents are advised to contact their local City or County Childcare Committee. Contact details of CCCs are available here. <h2>Parental Fee</h2>14. I am not an essential worker, and therefore cannot send my children to childcare. Do I still need to pay fees?Early learning and childcare providers have been requested by the Minister for Children to pause payment of fees, return fees paid in advance for the period of service that they have not been able to access, or arrange a credit for another time. The Government has confirmed that the Employee Wage Subsidy Scheme, which was made available to all childcare services to avail of, will continue at the revised increased rates to ensure the sustainability of the sector where income was adversely affected due to closures or reductions in fee income. 15. I am an essential worker, but have chosen not to send my children to early learning andchildcare. Do I still need to pay fees?If there is no restriction in your access to a service which you have an agreed contract for, the expectation is that fees would still be required.If you wish to change your childcare arrangements, your contract with your provider will indicate what notice period or other conditions will apply.16. If my child is in full time childcare but also has benefit of ECCE hours, will the ECCE hours still be funded? Can my child still avail of full time hours? Will I have to pay extra fees?Children who attend for ECCE hours and additional hours can continue to do so and the ECCE funding should continue to be deducted from their fee. <h2>Vaccinations for Childcare Professionals</h2>17. When will childcare professionals be vaccinated?Currently early learning and childcare practitioners are Priority 11 for vaccination, ahead of people aged 55-64 and workers in other occupations important to the functioning of society. The timing of vaccination will depend on approval of additional vaccinations and supply coming on stream. <h2>Childminding and ‘childminding bubbles’</h2>18. Can childminders still operate?Childminders (both regulated and unregulated) can operate on the same basis as centre-based provision i.e. providing services to the children of essential workers only and to vulnerable children. 19. Can grandparents or other relatives/close friends mind children?A household of an essential worker can form a bubble with another household for the purpose of providing childcare. However, parents are asked to bear in mind the increased risk from Covid-19 for older people. [1] A list of essential services at Level 5 is available at <a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c9158-essentialservices/" target="_blank">https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c9158-essentialservices/</a>

FAQs - Children in Early School Learning & Childcare

While the threat of the Covid Pandemic is still present and restrictions are changing by the day, the fact remains that a lot of people can technically work from virtually anywhere these days. If you had a choice, where in the World would you rather be based to work remotely?While we dream, we’ve taken a look at some countries that are actively encouraging remote workers to spend time with them as they try to boost their local economies.Barbados – Welcome StampThe Barbados Government recently announced the introduction of a 12-month Barbados Welcome Stamp. This new remote work programme establishes a visa to allow people to work remotely in Barbados for a maximum of 12 months. The visa is available to anyone who meets the visa requirements and whose work is location independent, whether individuals or families. More Information <a href="https://barbadoswelcomestamp.bb/" target="_blank">HERE </a>Iceland - Work in Iceland programIceland allows remote workers to stay for up to six months. To apply, you must work for a non-Icelandic company or be self-employed and have appropriate health insurance. More information can be found <a href="https://work.iceland.is/working/icelands-remote-work-long-term-visa" target="_blank">HERE </a> Mauritius - Premium Travel VisaApplicants must earn their income off-island and can stay for 1 year.Details are scarce, and the application form is still in the works. But according to Mauritius&#x27; Economic Development Board website, the only requirements are that applicants work for themselves or companies outside of Mauritius (aka that their source of income is and remains outside of the island); that they provide proof of their long-term stay plans, such as a rental home; and that they have travel and health insurance. More information <a href="https://www.edbmauritius.org/premium-visa" target="_blank">HERE </a>Cayman Islands – Global Citizen Concierge ProgramOffer for remote workers to stay tax free for up to two years. More information <a href="https://www.visitcaymanislands.com/en-gb/global-citizen-concierge/" target="_blank">HERE </a>Antigua and Barbuda – Nomad Digital Residence ProgramThe program that will allow people to work from there for up to two years. To get this special resident status, workers must prove that they can support themselves as well as any family members joining them. They must also prove that their employers are based outside of the Caribbean country, and must maintain health insurance throughout their stay. More information <a href="https://antiguanomadresidence.com/" target="_blank">HERE </a>Dubai in the United Arab Emirates - One-year Virtual Working ProgramThe visa issued will allow remote workers and their families to stay in the city for up to a year, while working for companies that are based overseas. If approved, they&#x27;ll be able to open a local bank account, get a local phone number and internet access, and enrol their kids in school. Best of all, Dubai doesn&#x27;t charge any income tax. More information <a href="https://www.visitdubai.com/en/business-in-dubai/dubai-for-business/work-remotely-from-dubai#:~:text=Your%20virtual%20working%20programme%20is,telecoms%2C%20utilities%2C%20and%20schooling." target="_blank">HERE </a>Estonia - Digital Nomad Visa ProgramThe digital nomad program will be open to all EU and International travellers. Launched officially in August, they say the program is the first of its kind in the European Union.Applicants must prove that they can do their job remotely, and that they are either employed by a company that&#x27;s registered outside of Estonia, self-employed with a business that is registered outside of the country, or that they are freelancers that work mostly with clients based outside of the nation. More Information <a href="https://e-resident.gov.ee/nomadvisa/" target="_blank">HERE </a>Bermuda - Residency Certificate PolicyThe policy allows remote workers and students to live on the Caribbean island for up to a year. In order to qualify, the applicant must be older than 18, have health insurance, supply proof of employment and/or enrollment in an educational program, and show sufficient means and/or a continuous source of income, according to the Government of Bermuda. More Information <a href="https://www.gov.bm/articles/one-1-year-residency-certificate-policy" target="_blank">HERE </a>MexicoLive and work in Mexico for up to four years with the country&#x27;s temporary resident visa. Their temporary resident visa allows visitors to live in Mexico for a year and after that, it could be extended for an additional three years. More information <a href="https://fmm-mexico.org/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA3NX_BRDQARIsALA3fIIPzujtxTFPQrwzdOjZQbBSFmWbyb6pbeme7OQxfflKlibqmlTCZ_AaAuqPEALw_wcB" target="_blank">HERE</a>These are just a few of the options – As a member of the EU and if thinking you’re thinking about remotely working in another EU Country, check out this site for information regarding working and living in another EU Country – <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=851&amp;langId=en" target="_blank">HERE </a>

Destinations around the World  welcoming Remote Workers

An Irish company based in Cork is urgently seeking experienced Aran Hand Knitters to help them complete an order of Aran hand knitted Hats, Scarves, Jumpers and Cardigans for a company in America for Autumn/ Winter 2021.All you need is your own needles, all wool will be supplied.This work is not limited to this year, if you are successful, more work is envisaged for 2022. The Hand Knitted Aran was made popular again recently by Taylor Swift enjoying a revival on an unprecedented scale in the US. When Taylor Swift dropped her album Folklore in July, its title and the Aran jumper she wore for an accompanying photoshoot were a combination calculated to signal authenticity. But Swift was not the first musical artist to use the garment to bolster such a message. In the early 1960s, Irish musicians the Clancy Brothers, who emerged in the hip Greenwich Village folk scene that would also make Bob Dylan, famously wore Aran jumpers on the Ed Sullivan Show.The garment signals both heritage and modernity, the hand-knit is made from báinín (undyed yarn) and was first made for the islanders’ fishermen.The jumpers became a favourite for American visitors, they&#x27;d buy them in the dozen on their visits to Ireland.If you would like to find out more information please contact Helen Moynihan on 087 2231919 or send her an email helenbweeng@gmail.com

Experienced Aran Hand Knitters Required

<h2>The National Minimum Wage increased on 1 January 2021 from €10.10 to €10.20 per hour.</h2>All employees in Ireland who currently earn €10.10, should see a 10 cent increase in their hourly salary. Employers in Ireland must comply with the National Minimum Wage Act, with the exception of certain employment of people under the age of 18 or people employed pursuant to Employment Regulation Orders and registered employment agreements. Employers should be sure to raise salaries to meet the new minimum wage. Intra-Company Transfer Permit and Contract for Services Permit holders allow employers to count certain allowances, such as housing or health insurance, toward meeting the minimum salary threshold required for the visa category. Employers should adjust the base remuneration to meet the higher national minimum wage before adding the allowances.Employers should identify employees whose salaries require adjustment and make the appropriate increases to meet the new statutory minimum wage. Employers should also consider this when hiring any new employees.Back in Oct when it was first announced, Minister Heather Humphreys said that the move would benefit 122,000 low-paid workers.She said; “I also want to ensure that the increase in the minimum wage does not result in employers having to pay a higher level of PRSI charge solely due to this increase,” she said.“I will make regulations that will increase the employer PRSI threshold from €395 currently to €398 from 1 January 2021.”The recommendation for a 10c rise in the minimum wage was made last month by the Low Pay Commission.However, trade unions withdrew at a late stage from the government-established commission. This followed a disagreement between the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) and other members over the proposed rate of increase. The move led to clashes in the Dáil between the Taoiseach and Mary Lou McDonald. The Sinn Féin leader accused the government of turning its back on workers.   Micheál Martin, on the other hand, accused Sinn Féin of trying to make political capital from the dispute. More information on Employment Rights and Conditions, Pay and Employment can be found here;<a href="https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/employment/employment_rights_and_conditions/pay_and_employment/pay_inc_min_wage.html" target="_blank">https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/employment/employment_rights_and_conditions/pay_and_employment/pay_inc_min_wage.html</a>

Minimum wage increased from €10.10 to €10.20 per hour

What better way to spend your time, if you’re finding yourself at a lose end during Lockdown. Check out the many volunteer opportunities available on websites such as I-VOL or Volunteer.ie. You can take part in important research, light up someone&#x27;s day by writing letters to people in various care centres. Use your skills by doing some social media management for important support services. There’s so many different opportunities.The Irish Genealogical Research society are looking for volunteers to help with creating hugely important databases of genealogically valuable records. More hands are always needed to move these projects along. Current projects include a Registry of Deeds and Early Irish marriages.Transcribe a story in Irish or English from the Dúchas Schools Collection and discover traditional lore, crafts, customs and local history.Help the National Biodiversity Data Centre with their new initiative ‘Backyard Biodiversity’, to record species found in gardens. The scheme seeks to obtain sightings of 20 recognisable species that can be found in urban and rural gardens. This is something that the whole family can get involved with.Take part in the Be My Eyes project where every day, sighted volunteers lend their eyes to solve tasks big and small to help blind and low-vision people lead more independent lives. Be My Eyes is a free app that connects people for visual assistance through live video calls.Count penguins in remote regions to help Oxford University, understand their lives and environment. Penguins are globally loved but under threat. Why are penguin populations are in decline? Help monitor penguins and answer this question.The National Library of Ireland also need help with dating and providing information on images. They use ‘The Commons’ on Flickr to upload hundreds of photos, prints and manuscripts. The public are then invited to help date and provide information on the images, helping add to the National Library’s archive.Read more and volunteer through the following sites;<a href="https://www.i-vol.ie/advanced-search/" target="_blank">https://www.i-vol.ie/advanced-search/</a>and<a href="https://www.volunteer.ie/volunteers/microvolunteering/" target="_blank">https://www.volunteer.ie/volunteers/microvolunteering/</a>

Ever thought about volunteering – well now you can do it virtually.

Pamela Doyle

<h2>SIPTU calls for the fast tracking of recruitment for thousands of health care staff in the fight against COVID-19</h2>SIPTU representatives have called on the management of the Health Service Executive (HSE) to fast track the recruitment of thousands of additional staff as a matter of urgency in the fight against COVID-19.SIPTU Health Divisional Organiser, Kevin Figgis, said: “The health service is under incredible pressure right now and health care workers are extremely fearful that they will not have the numbers to meet the challenges from the next wave of this virus. The health service cannot close, health care workers have worked around the clock fighting COVID-19 every day since early 2020 and face the new year with possibly their gravest challenge yet. They are exhausted and must have the necessary resources to ensure we win this battle while we await the roll out of the vaccine in the weeks and months ahead. The Department of Health and HSE must now do all in their power to ensure health care workers have the necessary resources needed to provide life-saving care on the frontline.”The Government pledged an additional €4 billion for the health service in Budget 2021. The funding was earmarked to prioritise the development of health services in the community, deliver 2,600 additional beds and recruit up to 16,000 additional healthcare staff. SIPTU is demanding these initiatives are fast tracked so that the health care workforce is fully supported in the challenging weeks and months ahead.He added: “Since the budget announcement in October, our members have seen little evidence of additional recruitment to assist the front line workforce within the health service. It is essential that roadblocks are removed for vitally needed healthcare workforce supports. Our members within the Acute, Community, Primary, Mental Health and National Ambulance Service settings urgently need additional resources. National approval for local recruitment must be issued to ensure additional staffing levels can be secured in the shortest timeframe possible.” Date Released: 04 January 2021Source; <a href="https://www.siptu.ie/media/pressreleases2019/mainnews/fullstory_22204_en.html" target="_blank">https://www.siptu.ie/media/pressreleases2019/mainnews/fullstory_22204_en.html</a>

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