July 21, 2020 / Last updated : July 21, 2020 Brendan News

New Milltown GP to Start on September 1st Statement by Brendan Griffin TD (FG) Kerry Friday, July 17th, 2020 Kerry Fine Gael TD and Deputy Government Chief Whip, Brendan Griffin, has received confirmation from the HSE that the new General Practitioner for Milltown will begin work on September 1st. In correspondence sent to Deputy Griffin today, the HSE said that it has supported the Milltown GP Service for the last 20 months since the retirement of the previous GP and will continue to fund a locum service until September 1st. Deputy Griffin said that confirmation of the commencement of the new GP is great news for Milltown and the surrounding areas. He thanked local stakeholders and staff within the health services for working closely with him on the issue and wished the new GP the best for the time ahead. Deputy Griffin said that he gave a firm commitment to the people of the locality to do his best to solve the problem when plans to close the Milltown GP service were announced in late 2019 and is now glad to have helped deliver on the issue. Further information from Brendan on 0858892939

Follow me!

Categories: News

Previous article

Fine Gael TD Brendan Griffin urges students to apply for SUSI grants for the 2020/2021 academic year Fine Gael TD, Brendan Griffin has today urged students who have not yet applied for SUSI grants for the 2020/2021 academic year to do so before July 9th. Deputy Griffin has reassured students that the grant scheme is flexible and can address loss of income as a result of Covid-19. “Students and their families who have experienced a fall in income can seek to have their application reviewed under the change of circumstances provision within the scheme, provided they can demonstrate that any change in income is ‘likely to obtain for the duration of the approved course or for the foreseeable future’. “Fine Gael is committed to building an inclusive higher education system and SUSI grants are an excellent resource for eligible students to avail of. “Covid-19 has caused significant disruption across the country and students have had to deal with the closure of colleges and a disruption to their studies. “We are conscious this pandemic has also resulted in a loss of income for many families and created a time of financial worry in many households. I want to assure people that there is scope to address loss of income as part of the grant scheme,” Deputy Griffin concluded. As of Friday 3 July, SUSI received over 77,000 applications. Of these 77,000 applications over 38,000 were from renewal applicants and over 39,000 were from new applicants. Our latest figures show that over 46,000 students have now been awarded funding for academic year 20-21. Of these 46,000 students, 13,000 are new applicants. Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris said: “I am conscious there are families that may not have qualified for SUSI grants previously could qualify this year due to Covid-19. “The deadline for priority applications is later this week and I would really encourage people to get the applications in. “SUSI grants are designed to help students and their families with the cost of returning to college. But we know fewer people are qualifying for them due to an improved economy. Student supports and how we help families will be a priority for me going forward.” ENDS For further information please contact Brendan on 087-2549116

July 8, 2020

Next article

14th August 2020 Sole traders in Kerry urged to apply for Enterprise Support Grant – Griffin Self-employed people in Kerry should apply for the newly-revamped Enterprise Support Grant to help them get back on their feet after Covid-19, Deputy Government Chief Whip, Brendan Griffin TD has said. The grant, worth up to €1,000 per person, is aimed at sole traders such as plumbers, electricians, carpenters, taxi drivers etc, who do not pay commercial rates and therefore do not qualify for the Government’s Restart Grant Plus Scheme. Deputy Griffin said, “My colleague, Social Protection Minister, Heather Humphreys, has today opened applications to people who need assistance in getting back on their feet and their businesses back up and running. “The Enterprise Support Grant previously supported entrepreneurs who were setting up new enterprises. But it has now been revamped to specifically provide once-off supports for self-employed people who have been severely impacted and have had to cease operations as a result of the pandemic. “I would strongly encourage self-employed people in Kerry to apply for this grant, whether it’s to assist with operating costs or salaries for their staff, so that they continue to provide the crucial services that our communities in Kerry depend upon. “Anyone wishing to apply for the grant can download the application form on www.welfare.ie and, when completed should be sent to their local Intreo Centre. “Many sole traders and small business owners in Kerry have in recent months been in receipt of the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP). “The PUP has been a crucial support for people who, through no fault of their own, found themselves out of work and that is why Minister Humphreys decided to extend the payment until April next year,” Deputy Griffin concluded. The Department of Social Protection has stated that this Grant will assist those people who transitioned from the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment into self-employment since May 18th, which marked Phase One of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business. Once-off funding of up to a maximum €1,000 will be available to assist them with re-opening their business. The support is available to small business owners who employ fewer than 10 people, are not liable for commercial rates and have an annual turnover of less than €1 million – providing kick-start funding to those enterprises that do not have an entitlement to other business re-start grants. Announcing details of the grant, Minister Humphreys said, “Whether it’s paying wages, fuel costs, purchasing PPE or signage – this is an important grant to assist the self-employed to reopen their business and get back doing what they do best: Providing crucial and essential services in their communities. “So if you’re a plumber, carpenter, beautician, gardener or electrician who is transitioning back to work, or the taxi driver getting your car back on the road – this grant may be of interest to you.” ENDS Notes to Editors: The Enterprise Support Grant will be available to tax and PRSI compliant self-employed individuals who: • Have been in receipt of the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment or a Jobseekers payment and have closed their claim on or after 18th May 2020; • Have been operating a business prior to March 2020; • Have reopened their business which was closed due to Covid; • Are not liable for commercial rates; and • Employ fewer than 10 people & have an annual turnover of less than €1 million; Funding may be sought for a range of costs incurred in reopening a business including: • Purchase of equipment including signage and personal protective equipment; • Repairs, maintenance and installation of safety measures; • Salaries; and • Vehicle running costs including fuel. For further information please contact Brendan on 087-6528841

August 18, 2020