Congress Centres locations

2
Contents
Map and contents pages...………………………….2-3
Foreword……………………………………………...4-6
Testimonials…………………………………………..7
DACT………………………………………………….8-9
Momentum Skills…..………………………………..10
Momentum at Mullingar (Testimonials)..………… 11
Youth Guarantee………………………………….....12-13
Skillnet………………………………………………..14
Face up to Racism…………………………………..15
Benefit4……………………………………………….16-17
Co. Antrim / Down (Belfast)…………………………18
Co. Clare (Ennis)...……………………..............…..19
Co. Donegal (Letterkenny)………………………….20-21
Co. Dublin (Fingal Centre)…………………………..22-23
Co. Dublin (Dublin 12)……………………………….24
Co. Dublin (Tallaght)……........................................25
Co. Galway (Galway)..............................................26
Co. Kerry (Cahersiveen)...…………………….........27
Co. Kerry (Tralee)………........................................28
Co. KIldare (Leixlip and Newbridge)…..…..……….29
Co. Kildare (Athy)…..…..…..…..…..…..…..…........30-31
Co. Kilkenny (Kilkenny)…………………….............32
Co. Leitrim (Manorhamilton)……………….............33
Co. Limerick (Limerick)……………………..............34-35
Co. Longford (Longford)……………………............36-37
Co. Louth (Drogheda)……………………………….38
Co. Louth (Dundalk)…………………………………39
Testimonials…………………………………………..40
Co. Mayo (Castlebar & Ballina)……………............41
Co. Roscommon (Roscommon).............................42-43
Co. Westmeath (Athlone)…………………..............44
Co. Westmeath (Mullingar)………………………….45
Testimonials…………………………………………..46
Co. Wicklow (Bray)…………………………………..47
Speech by Michael Higgins, ‘Did you know?’….....48-49
Intreo……………….................................................50
Nevin Institute..……………….…..…..…..…..…..….51
Leonardo Da Vinci (Trip to Patras)………………....52-53
EirCode………………………………………………..54
Jobseekers Allowance……………………………….55
The benefit of Community Employment…………...56
Testimonials…………………………………………..57
Centre snapshots………………………………........58
QQI validated Modules……………………………...59

3
By Sylvia Ryan
Training and Development Co-ordinator of Congress Centres Network

T
he Congress Centres Network was established experiencing unemployment are offered in most
in 1985 when the Irish Congress of Trade centres these include:
Unions Youth Employment Committee and
• Community Employment Schemes
FÁS worked together to identify a method of
• Local Training Initiatives
response to mass employment,
• Jobs Initiative
This was a Trade Union response to the recession of • Disability Activation
the 80’s but intended for involvement of the entire • Momentum
community. In 1987 Social Welfare schemes and labour • Job Seeker Support Programmes
activation courses offered by FÁS were promoted • Pre-Employment Courses
through the centres along with education services and • European Mobility Programmes
recreational facilities. Campaigns are supported by the Congress Centres
for the Trade Union and Government Departments
The network has grown and developed and twenty six
in a variety of ways i.e. by offering facilities to hold
Congress Centres exist today throughout Ireland, both
meetings and talks, speakers with experience of
North and South.
unemployed issues communicate with agencies,
We currently have a record number of 1.4M client users writing articles for and disseminating newspapers,
which reflects the economic downturn experienced leaflets. Centres have worked to support the following
from late 2008 to date. campaigns. ‘Get up Stand Up, Decency at Work, There
is still a Better Fairer Way, Yes for Equality, Dunnes
There are approximately 700 participants on Stores Campaign. A Living Wage, Respect Equality and
Community Employment schemes, 110 participants on Ethics at Work, Face Up to Racism, Changes to the One
Job initiative Schemes and 50 young people attending Family Payment, Youth Connect.
Local Training Initiatives. These Labour activation
schemes are sponsored by the Congress Centres In 2006 Congress Centres Network established FETAC
voluntary boards of management, who are also trade Quality Assurance Status. FETAC certified programmes
council members and nominated by different Trade offered in the Congress Centres have been designed
Unions. and developed with the adult learner in mind and have
gone through a validation process with QQI. Each
The Board of Management members are volunteers minor and major award leads to certification and all are
running not-for-profit Centres with the obligations mapped onto the European Qualifications Framework.
of Employment Law, Health and Safety Law and are
responsible for entering into contracts for leases on The advantage of this status means learners can
premises and government contracts. engage in pursuing their education and have their
certification recognised throughout the world. On 6
Board of Management meetings promote collaborations November 2012, Quality and Qualifications Ireland
between unions. This is where different union officials (QQI) was established as a new integrated agency
can learn and share information at the local level. (replacing the Further Education and Training Awards
Local issues are communicated to the Executive Council, the Higher Education and Training Awards
Council of ICTU and inform research. The Centres are Council and the National Qualifications Authority of
the shop window for the Trade Union Movement and all Ireland and incorporating the functions of the Irish
the benefits of being a member of a union are promoted Universities Quality Board).
and offered within the Centre.
QQI is responsible for the external quality assurance
The Centres recruit over 400 people to join Trade of further and higher education and training (including
Unions on an annual basis. Through CNN Trade English language provision) and validates programmes
Union officials are invited to speak with participants and makes awards for certain providers in these
engaged in programmes and explain their rights in sectors. QQI is also responsible for the maintenance,
the workplace. Centres promote and deliver training development and review of the National Framework of
offered by Trade Union Skillnets nationwide. Qualifications. The Irish Congress of Trade Unions is
Labour Market activation programmes that support represented on the Advisory Board of QQI Community
trade union members and their families that are and Voluntary Sector. For a list of courses see page 59.
4
The Board of Management and Staff of Congress Congress Centres are a ‘One Stop Shop’ for the
Centres Network are offered Continuous Professional unemployed and for those in training, assisting the
Development training annually to sometimes include unemployed and soon to be employed workers in the
a summer school hosted by similar organisation in the areas of career change, training, retraining, job search
European Union. and enterprise opportunities.
The representatives working in the Congress Centres
This ensures we are constantly striving to maintain Network are aware of the strong, but understandable
Best Practice standards while learning from our feelings of frustration, disillusionment and in many
neighbours what the current skills demands are cases shock and anger that unemployed people feel.
internationally. This training is certified by QQI and
Europass and also gives the Board of Management Many of the representatives in the Congress Centres
and Staff an opportunity to develop relationships with have experiences of unemployment first hand.
organisations abroad and share knowledge.
The client centred and holistic approach adopted by
The Congress Centres are open to all members of the Congress Centres is evident throughout all labour
public, both unemployed and those in employment. activation programmes and training we offer and this
All interaction with the Congress Centres are approach has ensured our success over a twenty-five
confidential and independent of statutory agents. year period.

What the participants had to say...

The Fetac 5 Customer Care I have just completed 11
course was a very positive weeks of ECDL training
experience. The tutors Ankush under David Lewis and Clare
and Brian were very helpful Curran. Both trainers
and patient.
work on an ethos of
They listened to everyone ‘Respect’ which is widely
and covered all aspects of displayed throughout.
the course very thoroughly in
a user-friendly way. They got With their encouragement
excellent group interaction and support I thoroughly
right from the beginning. enjoyed each week.
I am delighted I took the
The use of role play & video opportunity to undertake the
was definitely worthwhile even
ECDL course here in the
though everyone feared it.
I got a lot from the course Centre.
and I would recommend it to The course exceeded my expectations in terms of both the
others. content and quality of delivery.
Margaret McBride-McKinley
The attendees were given support and encouragement
throughout the programme and the training was delivered at a
pace that worked for all participants.
Olwyn Ryan

During my time working in the Drogheda Resource Centre I have gained great experience working in
administration, typing, computing and training, including Train the Trainer. More recently I have been
working as an Information Officer at the front desk. I have made great friends and built up my confidence.
Siobhan

5
 Central Co-ordination Team
A Central Co-ordination Team was established in 2004 • Accessing learners for labour activation
to ensure standards and professionalism would become programmes, re-training and career change
a distinct feature of the Congress Centre Networks training
training provision and services.
• Identify funding streams for Congress Centres
In 2006, FETAC Status was achieved by head office and Network
an additional eighteen centres.
Each year 3000 FETAC certificates are awarded to • Continuous Professional Development for CE
learners through the Congress Centres. Supervisors, their staff and client users.

All education provided by Congress Centres is certified The Central Co-ordination Team represents the
and mapped to the National Qualifications Framework. interests of Centres with statutory agencies and
AONTAS Star Awards have been won by many centres government. In addition to holding quarterly meetings
for their exceptional adult education programmes. for all CE Supervisors of the Congress Centres
Network, the Co-ordinator and members from the
The Programme Manager seeks to secure necessary Coordinator Network Committee represents the
funding to support the ongoing work of the Congress Congress Centres on various boards to ensure best
Centres Network Central Coordination Team. practice and to marry top down decisions with bottom
up experiences and ideas.
The Central Co-ordination Team at all times seeks to
develop and implement services that adhere to best • CE Monitoring Committee
practice and policies promoted by Department of
Enterprise Trade and Innovation. • EURES

It is also in a unique position to create and maintain • Advisory Group on Labour Activation
a strong and effective network that works towards Programmes
a common vision, of providing comprehensive and
• Social Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Task
strategic labour activation training programmes across
Force
the community sector.
• POBAL Local Job Creation Project
The Central Co-ordination Team plays a pivotal role in
coordination and management of the national network • EU Advisory Committee on Social Security
and facilitates the development, best practice and
standards in the area of vocational education and • EU Advisory Committee on Workers Mobility
training with cost effective provision of services e.g.
FETAC QA. • Interreg Monitoring and Evaluation Committee

Primary Aims of Central Co-ordination Team: • Leargas Monitoring Committee

• National Executive Committee of the Irish

• Promotion of Best Practice and Quality Assured National Organisation of the Unemployed
Training Provision
• Community and Voluntary Pillar of Social
• Expertise and Support to Board of Management Partnership
of Congress Centre Network
• TUS Skillnet
• Representing Congress Centres Network on
National & International Boards • Positive 2 Work Skillnet

• First Point of contact for Congress Centres • AONTAS Community Education Network
Network FAS / POBAL / DSP/CV Pillar and many other
statutory bodies. • Pobal

• Mechanism for policy formation testing and • European Anti Poverty Network
racking over time.
• Steering Group for “Towards 2016”
• Dissemination of Rights and Entitlements for
• National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA)
the unemployed workers.

• Development of Redundancy Seminars and Job

Search Training

Far left: Louisa Gavin

(Administrator),
Congress Centres
Network

Left: Joanne Brown

(Project Manager),
Congress Centres
Network

6
I found the DACT course very The Computer Literacy course
beneficial. We had three FETAC enabled me to develop my typing
Level 3 modules on the course skills and my knowledge of
including Computer Literacy, computer software and health and
Personal and Interpersonal skills safety. Class sizes were small and
and Work Experience. the tutors were very helpful and
patient throughout.
As I was out of work for a year
beforehand I was low in confidence I am now beginning work
and found it difficult to apply for experience in the Galway Peoples’

“
jobs as I would be anxious about an Resource Centre and feel ready to
interview. apply me skills that I have learned
The Computer during my time on the course. I
The Personal and Interpersonal Literacy course now feel confident that my CV is up
skills module helped me to enabled me to to date and feel more ready to seek
overcome these fears and helped suitable employment.
me identify my strengths rather develop my typing
Lorna Geraghty
than focusing on my weaknesses. skills and my “
knowledge of
computer software

I joined the Congress Centre in Caherciveen in June aspects of getting future employment, from starting
2013 on a Community Employment Scheme as a my own business to applying for suitable job roles.
Training Co-ordinator. At the time I was unemployed
and I was delighted to get the opportunity to take up I completed my time on the Scheme this June and
this role and over the last two years I have had nothing after 2 years I am leaving with new skills and have also
but huge support from Mike Morris, my CE Supervisor. been successful in getting a part-time employment.
So many thanks to Mike and the Caherciveen
He has sent me on numerous courses and the training Congress Centre CE Scheme.
I received was excellent. I was also encouraged in all
Marcia Evans

Through the Congress The tutors were all very

Resource Centre in approachable and I found
Letterkenny I have recently that they made the course
completed a 12 week DACT content easy to understand
course in which I achieved and follow, especially for
three FETAC level certificates someone like myself who
in Computer Literacy, Personal has never used a computer.
/Interpersonal Skills and Work
Experience. It was also beneficial in
teaching about the various
At first I did have my interview techniques and
reservations about doing this skills required for the
course as it had been years modern workplace, plus
since I had been in any form of the tutors were a great
education. However, from the assistance to me in finding

“
beginning I felt at ease. my work experience with a
I found everyone involved in local business in the town.
the course to be very friendly The tutors were a
Patrick Crossan
and helpful. great assistance to me
in finding my work
experience with a local “
business in the town
7
 dact
stated “These projects will provide vital
learning to my Department on how best
to ensure that people with disabilities
are enabled to avail of progression,
education and development
opportunities”.

The Disability
Please do not hesitate to contact Sylvia
Ryan, DACT Project Manager on
01-8897745 - email Sylvia.ryan@

Activation
ictu.ie or Athena Kelly, DACT Project
Administrator on 01-8897704 - email
Athena.kelly@ictu.ie should you need

Project
further details.
Training Options Initiative was the largest of
13 Disability Activation Programmes funded by
Department of Social Protection and the European
Social Investment Fund. The programme was delivered
in the Border Midlands and Western Region through the
The ICTU “Training Options” Programme is part of Congress Centres Network.
the Disability Activation (DACT) Project funded by the
Twenty six courses accommodated 412 learners
European Social Fund (ESF) and the Department of
during April 2012-April 2015. The Irish Congress of
Social Protection (DSP) and is targeted at the Border,
Trade Unions has been working with and for people
Midlands and Western region (BMW).
experiencing a disability for over twenty years.
The target group for this funding is people with a
The Congress Centres through their many Community
disability, 16 to 65 years of age, in receipt of disability/
Employment Schemes would have trained and provided
illness welfare payments who reside in the BMW region.
work placements for many people. Training Options
DACT aims to increase the capacity and potential
was our opportunity to enhance and fine tune our
of people on disability / illness welfare payments to
programmes.
participate in the labour market.
After taking part in a Leonardo da Vinci Lifelong
Congress plans to deliver education and training to
programme to Iceland in 2011 we researched a peer
enhance the competencies of people with disabilities in a
mentoring programme that was very successful with the
range of personal development, Information Technology
RED Cross in Iceland and decided to add mentoring and
and work related programmes.
peer support to our pre-employment courses. Mentors
Officially announcing the funding on 25th October 2012, are trained in Career Guidance, supporting a learner
Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton TD, and assisting with goal setting and pathways to work
or employment. This person centred approach is key to
alleviating fears and barriers people experience having
been disconnected from the work place.

DACT participants at the Drogheda Centre with David Begg, General Secretary, I.C.T.U. (standing middle row third from right
with Centre Co-ordinator Jacqui Taaffe on his right) at the awards ceremony

8
Building confidence can only happen when people have We take the opportunity to explain grants available to
resources such as access to transportation and childcare the employer and incentives available to our learners
to participate in programmes, this is a built in support on should they return to work. We also strive to train and
Training Options Programme. retain Disability Champions in our organisation who will
be a sustainable asset for
Each learner has the
the community and provide
opportunity to achieve
supports going forward.
3 FETAC component
Certificates, 10 days work
We ask for the continued
placement, one to one
support of the Department
mentoring and apply to be an
of Social Protection
mentor/Disability Champion
in mainstreaming this
working part-time in the
programme and rolling it out
Congress Centres Network.
nationwide.
Everyone will work with their
mentor to complete their On 28th of April 2015 the
Individual learner progression Closing Ceremony of the
plan and have a clear pathway programme was hosted in the
to either further education Employment Development
and training or return to work and Information Centre
options. Longford and this was our
opportunity to see the initial
Workshops are provided by objectives for the programme
statutory agencies to explain reach fruition.
all aspects of training and
To date we have 412 learners
education available in the local
complete the process and
area.
40 have trained as mentors.
The objectives started off as 125 employers offered work
follows: experience and 69 learners
gained employment.
• 390 learners
• 1170 FETAC Component Certificates Thank you to all those individuals and organisations
• 3900 work placement days for supporting Training Options Today and we would
• 23400 Training days appreciate your support should we be in a position to run
this again.
This was an ambitious programme in the current
economic climate and we worked with employers, Trade
Union officials and healthcare workers locally to recruit
participants and secure work placements that lead to
employment for the learners.

Left: Taoiseach Enda

Kenny, Sylvia Ryan
(Programme Manager)
and Pat Kellagher (Board
Member of EDI Centre
Longford) discussing the
ICTU “Training Options
Programme”,
9th December 2013

9
 Many Sectors of the Economy are growing and are in need career guidance, personal development, motivation and
of motivated employees. training,
After completion of 4 FETAC Level 5
MOMENTUM, a Solas initiative, is
Cert’s in Customer Service, Personal
there to provide that workforce.
Effectiveness in the Workplace,
The initiative funds the running
Business Computing and Work
of free education, training and
Experience, along with Certification
work placement projects for those
in Forklift Driving, Manual Handling
unemployed for over one year.
and Safe Pass each learner will
Momentum is jointly funded by
be equipped with the skills and
European Social fund, EU structural
experience required for a range of
fund and Solas.
employment in the Warehousing
Up to 6,500 people in Ireland and Logistics Sector.
will go through the Momentum
The course runs for 23 Weeks (30
programme in 2014/2015.
Hours per Week) with an additional
Approximately 30% of these will be
4 weeks for under 25’s. Included in
under the age of 25.
these weeks learners will have 6/10
MOMENTUM is supported by weeks full time Work placement.
the Labour Market Education & (10 weeks for under 25’s).
Training Fund which is part of the
Each Learner will have one on
Government’s Action Plan for Jobs
one mentoring on a weekly basis
programme and is administered by
to help support them through the
SOLAS. This initiative is funded by the
duration of the course and for a
European Social Fund/European
further 6 months when course ends
Structural Funds Programme 2014-
to support them into employment.
2020.
Recruitment Agencies are brought
Irish Congress of Trade Unions in to discuss current job availability
Momentum Looking Forward and to encourage the learner to
(Warehousing and Logistics) sign up with the Agency for future
Programme job opportunities.

Looking Forward: (Including Forklift Driving Certification). This Once the initial 23/27 weeks are complete the learners will
Unique Training programme will provide Learners with both take part in a number of jobs clubs for a further six months to
the skills and supports for progression to employment through further develop their interview and job searching skills.

The Programme’s main objectives:

• Generate positive and sustainable employment outcomes • Assist statutory bodies to raise awareness of their
for unemployed people. programmes and CCN can offer additional capacity
in areas of effective recruitment to further-education
• Introduce participants to the benefits of joining a Trade Union. programmes.
• The methods used during the programme will build • Introduce employers and participants to the JobsPlus
the capacity of the participants to become effective incentives. JobsPlus is an
communicators incentive from the Department
and confident of Social Protection to
goal-focused encourage and reward
individuals. employers who offer
• Develop the employment opportunities to
expertise of the the long term unemployed.
participant to Grants of €7,500 and €10,000
utilise their own are available.
“lived experience”
and translate that Looking Forward 1, 2013/2014
effectively into recruited 40 learners in 3
the development locations. 39 completed
and production of the programme and
Peter Thornton, Dundalk class 2014 / 2015 42% progressed onto either employment or further
their own training
methodologies, education. This programme was shortlisted for an
peer support and mentoring. Aontas Star award.

• Develop the capacity of Congress Centres Network Looking Forward 2, 2014/2015 recruited 296 Learners in 10
and other local organisations. It is envisioned that the locations. By May 2015, 154 will have either completed the
methodologies used on the programme will be reproduced programme or progressed into employment.
by participants in their working lives, demonstrating, using The remaining 142 will finish September 2015.
themselves as examples first-hand of the potential benefits
and possibilities for the future.
10
 Momentum at Mullingar
6th October 2014 to 24th April 2015
Stephen Lytton’s testimonial, Mullingar
On starting the Momentum Looking
Forward 2 course in Warehouse and
Logistics, I was glad to return to an
environment of learning and working
with 17 new colleagues. It can be
difficult when you have no routine, no
social circle or nothing to be working
on. But all of these needs were met
when I began this Momentum class.

Our tutor, Betty Beirne, was one of

the most pleasant and patient tutors I
have met. She was very professional in
introducing each module, presenting
the tasks and ensuring that each person
met the targets required by Fetac. The
tutoring standards are obviously very
high when it comes to Fetac courses.

The course contained material that

was relevant to all aspects of the
Above: Week 6 of the course, presenting the participants with their Healthy work environment. Communications,
Eating Certificates. Pauline McEnerney (wearing white top, seated centre) interpersonal skills and a basic
delivered the Healthy Eating Programme to the participants. understanding of how people ‘tick’
was very useful as a whole for those
who didn’t have much experience
of the work environment as yet, and
also for others who may have difficulty
interacting with others.

From public presentations to video

recorded interviews, the boundaries
were pushed for each member of the
class, and each person was successful
in completing the tasks.

The course also involved two modules

in forklift training, resulting in acquiring
two separate forklift licenses, the Reach
and the Counterbalance. Coupled
with both a Safepass and Manual
Handling qualification, this was a great
advantage in boosting the chances of
gaining future employment.
Above: End of week 23 when the over 25 year old participants completed their
course with Tutor Betty Beirne seated in the middle. Stephen Lytton is standing The course also involved a period of
second from left. work experience in an actual place
of business, which not only helped
to increase our knowledge of the
workplace environment but even had
the potential to secure employment in
that particular place of work.

To upgrade my skills and certificates

was the primary goal of completing
this course. But it was also great to
meet and to get to know new people
in the process. To engage in deep
conversations and debates regarding
many different work policies and
life issues with a mix of humour and
intelligence was an absolute pleasure,
all of which I would include as an
added bonus to the experience as a
whole.

Between the tutor, the course material,

additional teachers and instructors,
and the rest of my class colleagues, the
experience was one that I am very glad
Above: End of week 27 when the under 25 year old participants completed their
to have attended, and one I would also
course and we had a ceremony to present everyone with their Forklift, SafePass
highly recommend to others.
and Manual Handling certificates. Mullingar Congress Centre Co-ordinator
Susan Bray is standing forth from left. Stephen Lytton
11
Youth Guarantee
National Steering Committee of Youth Guarantee.
In 2013 the EU adopted a Council Recommendation to
During this pilot programme
we have seen innovative
member states on a Youth Guarantee. The aim of the programmes meet people
EU-wide Youth Guarantee, supported by central EU where they are at.
funding of €6 billion, is to provide young people under A community willing to offer
the age of 25 with a good quality offer of employment, second third or maybe fourth
continued education, an apprenticeship or a traineeship chances.
within a short time of becoming unemployed.

• Pilot schemes took place across Europe in 2013

including one in Ballymun, Dublin that was one of the
first to receive EU funding. Partnership is so important. ICTU has worked with the
unemployed for the last 30 years and the trade union
• In 2014 the Irish Government expects to provide a movement has a role to play and seeks to achieve a
Youth Guarantee to around 30,000 young people who just society for all. The Irish Congress of Trade Unions
are at a very high risk of long-term unemployment. were very happy to be a part of the National Steering
It is an ambitious programme that will take time to Committee and work in partnership with Statutory
fully implement and will require ongoing investment bodies and local Implementation groups.
and sustained effort by Government, employers and
jobseekers alike. • We had the hard conversations regarding Sanctions
and sought out a transparent process.
• Jobseeker’s Allowance is 30 percent lower for
new entrants aged 22-24 and 23 percent lower for • We implemented a work experience protocol that
those aged 25. seeks to protect existing staff.
• Department of Public Expenditure and Reform • Designed a Memorandum of Understanding for
estimate that 32 million will be saved over the course Employers with the assistance of
of 2014. the Irish National Organisation of
•Options for young people seeking the Unemployed.
work are severely limited.
• Clarified the acceptable roles
•Jobs Strategy is urgently needed created for the participants of the
to tackle the crisis of youth Gateway Scheme.
unemployment.
Irish Congress of Trade Unions
Basic Premise of Youth as a training provider offered 30
Guarantee places on flexible ‘Get Ready for
Work’ programme. Twenty four
• Long-term cost of youth young people attended and six
unemployment and inactivity is people accepted job offers at the
greater that the cost of setting up end of the six weeks.
a scheme.
• Activation tailored to the needs This programme offered taster
of the young people. sessions on a variety of career avenues that the
• Good Offer defined by offer of job, apprenticeship, learners expressed their interest in. Modules included
traineeship, work experience or continued education. Hairdressing, Childcare, IT and Construction. Two
• Excellent supports and career planning. weeks work experience was included in a sector
Improve their long term sustainability on the labour matching the learners chosen field.
market and not merely the achievement of short term
outcomes. This approach gave ownership of the programme
to the learners from the outset. Mutual trust and
The unemployed are not a homogeneous group they are respect was nurtured throughout the process
a complex group. Some unemployed have significant with constant communication between all the
barriers to overcome including: low educational stakeholders, coordinator, learner, mediators from
attainment, criminal records, addiction, disability, little jobs club, employers offering work experience and the
or no social capital. Department of Social Protection.
13.5% of the live register figure consists of people aged
under 25years. The national accepted poverty rate line The holistic, integrated approach resulted in positive
dropped in 2014 to €10,612 for Ireland yet a social outcomes for learners and stakeholders, pooling
welfare rate of €100 per week equates to €5200 per resources removed financial barriers for the learners.
annum which is less than half the poverty line. Young Access to the flexible fund allowed discretion to be
People aspire to live independently, have their own applied by the training providers. A critical takeaway
home and family. This is not achievable on this rate. from this experience was that unless the subject
The Pilot Programme in Ballymun took place from offerings matched the learning outcomes valued by the
January 2014 to December 2014. young person they simply did not show up.
Guidance, mentoring and intensive supports cannot be
underestimated.
12
This six week programme is really a bridging in temporary employment. This compares to 37.5%
programme that helps a young person navigate their in the EU. This points to increasing labour market
next step. Investing in bridging programmes that are segmentation for young people.
short and lead to work paths or education paths can Young people on intermittent contracts are locked out
reduce the revolving door experience for all parties, of a living wage and job security.
save time and money. Learners are far more likely to Employers need to understand the financial
engage and complete when they own the decision, they consequences to the employee when offering
need to have the option to self select a program and intermittent contracts, short hours over five days can
really understand the requirements. lock people out of social welfare support. Somebody
working a couple of hours out of a day or being sent
The cost of mismatching is not only financial but can home early unpaid are being penalised for taking the
negatively impact on other groups of learners who opportunity of work.
cannot access places due to ring fencing and eligibility
requirements. Providers of training are working with The DSP needs to review their systems of processing
limited capacity and resources and must show outputs claims based on days worked as opposed to hours
so it is unfair to all involved to get this part wrong. worked. We need to make work pay and support
The trade union movement are employers and in workers in their efforts.
their role as employers, two of our affiliated unions, To quote the Nevin Group: ’We always said work was
IBOA and CWU, offered work experience on the ICTU the best way out of poverty, the evidence for this being
programme. A thank you for their support and all the the case universally is dwindling.
employers who assisted.
We have learnt during this pilot that there needs to be
A collaborative decision was made by all stakeholders a strategic response from the Department of Children
of the National Steering in relation to supporting
Committee to define the Youth Sector and
the role of work innovative programmes
placement. ICTU took for young people.
on the role of designing
the Memorandum of The Department of
Understanding for Justice has a role to
Employers which is play in reviewing the
mutually beneficial. This longevity of criminal
was created to explicitly records for minor
explain that a work offences, if we are to
placement should be a overcome these barriers
quality experience for and allow young people
the learner. gain entry to the labour
market.
It must include a work This Pilot was a success
plan that complements due to The National
learning outcomes set out by awarding bodies such as Steering committee and the Local implementation
QQI. group having the challenging conversations and
It is vitally important that work placements do not understanding the amount of support and trust
negatively impact on existing staff by either replacing required to activate a learner. I’m talking about daily
staff or reducing their hours or opportunity to support, phone calls - phone calls with parents in the
accessing overtime. background often heard screaming ‘get out of bed’.

In addition the unemployed must be protected from It would be unrealistic to expect one state agency to do
being exploited in the workplace. this alone. Without the synergy between the DSP and
The role of the employer is crucial to learners in all the other organisations involved the success would
teaching them what is expected in the workplace. For not have been so evident. It takes informal chats and
this reason resourcing an employer liaison person is tea breaks to truly engage with another person and
very welcomed development and we wish Gina well in the process takes flexibility, time, perseverance and
her new position. vocation. Resourcing community organisations that can
access young people is crucial.
However, despite the process to date it is crucial we
have a jobs strategy which will create sustainable work. It is easy to say: ‘it is not my problem’, but we all need
According to an EU report by the commission in Feb to look out for each others’ children, have the difficult
2015. conversations and create sustainable jobs. Only then
A worrying trend has arisen in the Irish Youth Labour can we expect individuals to take their place in the
Market which shows an increase in involuntary part- workforce and be a contributing member of society.’
time work which stands at 41.4% of those aged 15-24

13
 Training experience and qualifications

Skillnet
Trade Union Skillnet (TUS)
Our tutors of Workplace Representative / Trade Union
studies category of training courses will have a primary
degree in Business Studies / Industrial Relations, or
equivalent qualification or competence and hold a
qualification in Training and Development.
31-32 Parnell Square West, Dublin 1 For craft/technical courses – the trainers will be time
served craft workers with a National Craft Certificate or
equivalent, and will hold a qualification in Training and
Development.
Trainers will have a minimum of 5 years’
post-apprenticeship work experience in adult education
and training.
Trade Union Skillnet (TUS) is a new network comprised of
affiliates of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions operating Previous clients and organisations to which we have
in the private sector. The new network is representative of delivered training
a majority of sectors in the Irish economy.
A range of Trade Unions and private sector employers.
Courses
• Fair & Legal Series Ms Pauline Corr
• Fair & Legal: dealing with (Network Administrator)
insolvency Telephone number:
• Fair & Legal: Evidence 01 889 7707
and Witness Procedures Email address:
pauline.corr@tuskillnet.ie
About us and our Website:
training programmes www.tuskillnet.ie
Types of training
provided (Training Training providers
Networks Programme have chosen training
Main): Workplace subjects on our list of
Representatives Skills/ course categories to best
Trade Union studies, match their training offer.
Women in leadership, IT skills, You should always check with
Technical/craft training, Health the training provider which exact
and Safety, Communication Skills/ courses and training are on offer.
Team-working, Personal Development,
Language/Business language skills, Leadership and Positive 2 Work Skillnet
Strategic Management, etc. The Positive2Work Skillnet is made up of small, medium
and large companies form all sectors of the Irish
Subjects in which we provide training Economy.
Bullying and Harrassment, Career Information,
Communications, Customer Service, E-learning, This Skillnet member companies have come together
Effective Meetings, Employment Law, English Language to explore how the intervention of effective strategies,
training, Equality & Diversity, HETAC Certificate in Trade supported by training solutions and people development,
Union Studies, Interview skills, Introductory course can positively impact on the quality of employees working
for women members, Leadership, Media, Negotiation lives and the competitive environment within which
Skills, Organising Skills, Pension Bargaining, Pension network member companies operate.
Trustees, Personal development, Preparation for
Work, Professional development, Role of activist, Shop The aim of the project is to create a Positive2Work
Stewards Advanced, Shop Stewards Introductory, environment for all employees within the member
Team-working, Technical courses (occupation specific), companies of Skillnet.
Train the Trainer, Union Learning Representative.
Other relationships
(Please note that the subjects listed do not reflect the Although Congress Centres Network were unsuccessful
exact training subjects covered by this training provider). in our bid to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and
Regions where we provide training Innovation for the strand of funding in the Labour
Activation Fund 2010, we played an active role in
Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Cork, Dublin, Galway, Kerry, recruiting and screening learners and processing
Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Leitrim, Limerick, Longford, successful candidates through FETAC for other
Louth, Mayo, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, successful organisations such as Career Decisions
Sligo, Tipperary, Waterford, Westmeath, Wexford, and NALA.
Wicklow.

14
R
acism is one of the nine grounds of In March, 20 staff and volunteers from the Congress
discrimination recognised in Irish Law. Centres attended a training session as part of
The other grounds are: gender, civil status, Face up to Racism. The training focused on
family status, age, religion, disability, understanding racism-why it occurs, and what can
sexual orientation and membership of the Traveller be done to respond to the problem when it arises.
Community.
A key part of the work focuses on main streaming
The Congress Centres network, working with the use of www.iReport.ie as a tool for monitoring
European Network Against Racism Ireland and the racism.
Irish Human Rights and Equality Authority, have
recently begun a dynamic new project, specifically The project enjoyed its national launch in April at a
designed to respond to racism. major event held in Buswells Hotel, Dublin, which
was attended by Louise Gavin from ICTU. Emily
The programme is called Face up to Racism, Logan, CEO of the Irish Human Rights and Equality
and is overseen by a small steering committee, Authority launched the project.
including Sylvia Ryan, Programme Manager with the
Congress Centres Network. Feedback from the project participants has so far
been very positive.
To date all Co-ordinators and their information
officers have taken part in training about the ENAR and Congress centres will continue to work
programme and how to use the ‘iReport’ to capture on the project together over the course of the
incidents of racisim nationwide. coming months.

ENAR is a national network of anti-racism NGOs, Look out for www.ireport.ie and check out ENAR
which aims to work collectively to highlight and Ireland on Facebook and Twitter.
address the issue of racism in Ireland through the
promotion and monitoring of EU and global anti-
racist initiatives. ENAR Ireland is the Irish National
Coordination for the European Network Against
Racism (ENAR) based in Brussels.

15
 Benefit 3 and Benefit 4 have proved a
very important capacity building and
social inclusion tool opening a window of
opportunity for people in rural Counties.
The chance to engage for the first time in a
‘safe environment’ with computer technology
and the World Wide Web is key to the success of
the programme.

Most of the participants are rural dwellers, many from

ICTU has delivered basic computer training to 5100 the farming community, who would not have worked with
learners over the past 3 years funded by the Department of computers or indeed have had a chance in the past to
Communications Energy and Natural Resources. Training up-skill in this area. Indeed most people over the age of 50
includes using a computer from turning it on, setting up an years would not have engaged in computer technology as
email account, surfing the internet, uploading a photo and computers were not available in the mainstream educational
using Skype. system or in the world of work until relatively recently.
Participants are directed to the Trade Union web sites for the Then, unless trained in a work situation, many people in this
internet section and encouraged to connect in some way with age bracket would never have taken the step to up-skill by
the Trade Unions offerings e.g. training courses etc. themselves. This is especially true in farm family situations
The Congress Centres have processed the bulk of the where most of our
training with Trade participants have
Unions also offering engaged with
courses in their the programme
Centres. through our
advertisements in
In addition the local livestock
to promoting marts, through
government web notes in the weekly
sites such as motor parish newsletters,
tax, revenue online, ICTU’s lifelong
purchasing items learning
on line such as bus, promotions and
train, plane tickets vocational skills
and banking online, development
we also promoted the advertisements
benefits of being a and the all-
member of the Trade important ‘word of
Union movement Above: The Benefit 4 Group, May 2015 in the Letterkenny Congress Resource Centre with mouth’ – our very
and the rich historic tutors Irene Franczak and Raymond Tighe standing at the back functional ‘bush
legacy of James telegraph’!
Larkin and James Connelly. 2013 was a very important year
as it was the commemoration of the Lock Out 1913 and the The first hurdle for many of our participants is getting them
Benefit 4 programme enabled the general public to be more over the fear barrier; fear of failure, fear of ridicule from
aware of the calendar of events and participate in all the their peers, fear of breaking the ‘machine’, and these fears
activities. are addressed and alleviated by our team of focused, rural
development orientated tutors concentrated on enabling,
Many of our Benefit 4 participants were made aware of the empowering and developing the potential of rural dwellers
Trade Union Skillnet suite of training courses and went on to to self-develop and access opportunities and improve
participate in these. In conclusion Benefit 4 is an excellent communication skills through digital technology.
vehicle to impact on an individual’s life in all aspects.
The Benefit programme assists greatly in developing the
This programme is very useful to members and their families. potential to enable rural dwellers to access employment
The Testimonial and ‘Jobs’ article (overleaf) are excellent opportunities, and enhance entrepreneurial spirit which in
indicators of the impact of the programme to date. turn contributes to fostering new economic opportunities
in rural areas. Investing in the skills of rural people is also
Benefit 4 enables unemployed people to grasp the skills of crucial in building their capacities to cope with crisis and
emailing an employer or HR department attaching their confront social, economic and environmental challenges
CV to the email in response to job advertisements. facing individuals and communities today.
The previous paragraph is testimony of this. The core Benefit programme is tailored to address the
specific needs of our target groups and has proved
immensely popular and empowering.

16
IT-4-2-DAY
Trade Unions Supporting Learning
Alive and
Clicking!

If you or a member of your family need a click-start in computer You will also receive 2 hours of training on a choice of options
basics, then this 6-hour training course is ideal – such as an introduction to digital photography - using the
– and whatʼs more, itʼs free! internet for voice or video - and the use of Government and
During the sessions, you will spend 4 hours learning how to use other public services online.
a computer as well as simple online transactions. There will be a maximum of 8 students per class.

To be eligible to attend one of these free courses

you must tick one of the following:
Courses will be available in:
• if you have no computer experience Letterkenny Kildare Mullingar
OR Galway City Athy Wicklow Bray
• if you have not used a computer in the Manorhamilton Leixlip Ennis
last 12 months Castlebar Newbridge Kerry
In addition to the above, you must tick one of the Ballina Kilkenny City Caherciveen
following: Sligo Town Longford Killarney
• Be unemployed Dublin 1 & 3 Dundalk Tralee
• Be without recognised formal education Dublin 12 Drogheda Limerick City
• Have a disability Athlone Waterford City
• Live alone
This training project is led by the
• Live in a rural area Irish Congress of Trade Unions with the
• Be a single parent participation of a number of trade unions
(though courses are open to members of all
• Be a member of the travelling community Trade Unions) and NGO partners.

• Be an ex-prisoner
• Be an immigrant
• Be over 55

Testimonial
Michael Lavin is a single man, approximately 60 years Jobs
old, with a disability, living in a remote area of north
County Roscommon. He had no knowledge of computer To date 40 learners have completed
technology until his participation on the Benefit programme. the Train the Trainer programme
FETAC, level 6. Twenty of our
He is an accomplished writer with published pieces both in locations have up to 40 trainers working on
prose and verse over the past number of years. Michael’s this project. We have 15 of our participants
participation on the Benefit programme has resulted in him in the Finglas, Dundalk and Drogheda region
having secured employment and they are
investing in a laptop.
aged less than 25 years.
Thus, Michael acknowledges that participating on the course An additional 40 learners in the The
has greatly enhanced his ability to communicate effectively Border, Midland and Western (BMW) region
through email and social networking with his many literary progressed onto further education, with 22
connections. Also, he is empowered with his new-found ability obtaining jobs and these participants would
to managing his writings through creating files on his new have disabilities.
computer.
3 participants in the Wicklow region from
Last week Michael won the coveted Co. Roscommon VEC/ETB the travelling community progressed
Active Age perpetual trophy for Verse. Michael has accredited into employment with 1 going into self-
the Benefit 4 programme as a catalyst in taking him to a new employment. A number of participants have
pursued community employment. In the
level of writing.
Athlone region many of the participants are
pursuing ECDL courses.
Partner Organisations
These outcomes exclude Irish Rural link
outcomes as we also worked in
partnership with them to train
approximately 500
additional learners.

17
 BElfast Unemployed Resource Centre

45/47 Donegall Street, Belfast, BT1 2FG • Tel: +44(0)28 90961111 • Email: info@burc.org • Web: www.burc.org

B
elfast Unemployed Resource Centre continues to They set themselves as a peer support group to support their
develop bespoke programmes with a community young people with mental health issues and accessing services.
development and peace and reconciliation focus, The group meet weekly. At this group they identify areas of
with communities of interest and geographical skill and knowledge which they want to improve. These benefit
communities, targeting hard to reach communities, including are not just experienced by the Youth Justice Agency but also
women, young people and ex combatants. We are currently other agencies they are involved with such as; Ascert, Fasa,
involved in solas training and ETB’s. Our Eures cross border Opportunity Youth, Concensus. The group have developed a
work is continuing. Our welfare advice service continues to be leaflet and are undertaking lobbying skills training and personal
busy. development. They have also facilitated a similar group to
develop in Newcastle Co Down.
The Dalaradia group is a group of ex combatants made up of
members from the UVF ,UDA and Red Hand Commando’s. EURES has traditionally been a function of the Belfast
They are focused on shared history as a pathway to peace and Unemployed Resource Centre’s advice giving section.
exploring community tensions through debugging the myths of However, in line with the EURES Cross Border Partnership’s
the past. The group have an interest in the Ulster Scots tradition 3 Year Plan, BURC has developed a number of community
and got their name from a region in Antrim formerly known engagements to encourage integration and the development
as Dalaradia. This area was linked to a region in Scotland also of relationships between cross border workers and service
called Dalaradia. provision in the eligible cross border region, directly engaging
over 130 participants in
This mixed group consisted project based activities.
of men and women from 3
different areas; Rathcoole, BURC have a working
White-abbey and Carrick, relationship with Solas
all of whom have a shared and ETBs. We are on the
interest in improving Solas/ETB list of approved
community relations within contracted training
each area collectively. This companies, the National
has led to a mutual interest Register of Contracted
in developing a project, Training Tenderers List
namely the ‘Dalaradia (CTTL) as a registered
Project’, which was first Solas/ETB training
developed in Scotland and provider which means we
Top photo: Aisling Cartmill, Centre Co-ordinator (second from left) with
has seen many benefits the EURES group. Above: Busy participants on the Momentum courses
are part of an extended
such as encouraging more network of certified
visitors to enjoy the natural landscape and encourage more training providers.
communities to come together in the development of the
Dalaradia. We specialise in working with long-term unemployed,
individuals seeking to re-skill, up-skill and provide additional
The group have since developed a booklet charting their supports for clients and have expertise in working with
personal journeys from combatants to community workers and businesses in addressing their training needs.
continue to pursue the development of an Ulster Scots Trail in
Northern Ireland. We were also successful in attaining three courses. Introduction
Parents Action Support Group are a group of parents whose to Tourism through the Momentum initiative which we are
young people are involved in the juvenile Justice agency. currently running in Dublin city centre, Dublin 12 and Sligo.

Board Members: Joe Bowers (Chairperson), P. Mackel (Treasurer), Laurence Galbraith (Secretary), Avril Hall-Callaghan,
Anne Molloy, Kevin Doherty, Brendan Mackin, Noreen Moore, Mary Gray, Flo Wardle (Staff representative)
18
 cONGRESS INFORMATION & OPPORTUNITY CENTRE

Connolly House, Unit 7A, Elevation Business Park, Clonroad, Ennis, Co. Clare
Tel: (065) 6841009 • Email: info@cioc.ie • Web: www.cioc.ie

T
he establishment of the Clare Unemployment Resource The provision of developmental
Centre in October 1991 resulted from the identification and educational facilities including
of the need for services to the increasing number of Information Technology courses
unemployed in County Clare. i.e. ECDL, ECDL Expert,
Computer Literacy FETAC L3,
The Clare Unemployment Resource Centre was unique in its Introduction to Internet FETAC
establishment in close co-operation with the VEC. L3, Information Technology Skills
The Adult Education Office provided the necessary premises FETAC L4, Computer Applications
for the Centre to open in October 1991 to September 1996. FETAC L4 and Reception Skills
The name of the Centre was subsequently changed to Congress FETAC L5.
Information & Opportunity Centre.
2. We are a FETAC Approved
Over the years, the Centre has developed into an accredited Training Centre.
Centre for Information Technology Training, which are of huge
benefit to our Target Groups in their endeavour to improve their 3. Representation for the
chances of getting gainful employment, or going on to further Unemployed/Unwaged in their Andrea Lynch,
Andrea Lynch,
training and education courses. relations with Department of Social Co-ordinator
Co-ordinator
Welfare and other State Agencies.
The objectives of the Centre have continued since our 4. The protection and promotion of gainful employment for the
establishment as outlined: Unemployed.
1. The provision of services to the Unemployed, low paid 5. Highlight issues affecting the Unemployed, through the
workers and other disadvantaged groups. media and to Public Representatives and also through the Irish
Congress of Trade Unions, our National Representative body.

Board of Management - Members and Contacts: Brian Higgins (Chairperson), Brendan Cunningham (Secretary),
Seamus Ryan (Treasurer), Sinead Wynne (Board Member), Tommy Guilfoyle (Board Member), Tony Carroll (Board Member)

Services
• IT Training – FETAC, • Counselling Service for
ECDL and ECDL Expert. Children of Separated
Parents, funded by
• Information
TUSLA .
Provision – Information
Officer available for • SOLAS Suicide Support
queries on Social – Group and One to One
Welfare entitlements, Counselling available for
redundancies, etc. people whose lives have
been affected by suicide
• CIOC Jobs Club – or who may feel suicidal.
FREE Service for CV
Preparation, Interview River Fergus going • Discount Card Scheme
through Ennis
Skills, Mock Interviews, - A discount card for
Sourcing Training and people on a Social
Employment, Access to Internet and Email Welfare payment, which provides discounts with participating
businesses around Co. Clare.
• Special Initiative for Travellers - The Special Initiative for
Travellers focuses on job-ready and supports their access into • Secretarial Service -A low cost Secretarial Service is available
employment. to the public for typing, photocopying, internet access, etc.
• FREE Bereavement Counselling Service, funded by
the TUSAL.

CIOC, Ennis

19
 Letterkenny Congress Resource Centre
Pearse Road, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal • Tel: 074 91 28010
Email: coordinator.letterkenny@congresscentres.net
Web: www.resourcecentreletterkenny.com

Marie Slevin (top)

Centre Co-ordinator
Veronica McElhinney
Centre Supervisor

T
he Congress Resource Services
Centre, Pearse Road, The Centre provides a wide range of services for people who
Letterkenny, was opened are unemployed, marginalised groups and for those in work:
in November 1995.
It is part of the Congress Centres • Welfare rights information
Network and is the only one in • Employment rights information
Donegal. • Regional Employment Service (RES)
• Low cost computer training
The Centre provides independent • CV preparation
support and information services • Clerical services and access to telephone, fax and internet
working to represent and further • Graphic design and digital media creation
the interests of the trade union • Room hire
movement at local level. Computer Training
Basic Computers
ECDL, ECDL Advanced Word, Excel, Access and Powerpoint
Values FETAC Level 3 Computer Literacy
We will strive to achieve social cohesion and social justice by FETAC Level 4 Information Technology
upholding the values of solidarity, fairness and equality through FETAC Level 4 Computer Applications
training, education, advocacy and other services in communities. FETAC Train the Trainer Level 5
FETAC Social & Civil Information Level 6

The President of the Irish Congress of

Trade Unions (ICTU), John Douglas, was
in Letterkenny 14 January 2015 to present
certificates to those who had completed
courses at the Congress Resource Centre.

Mr Douglas, who is also General Secretary

of the Mandate Trade Union, described
the local Centre as “very vibrant” and
paid tribute to the staff involved and the
recipients of certificates for their approach.

The courses included DACT 2 and 3,

Communications, Train the Trainer,
Computer Literacy, ECDL, and Customer
Services. Also in attendance at the
presentation function at the Public Services
Centre was Sylvia Ryan, Programme
Manager ICTU.
Above: Training Options participants who completed the course. The management at the back row, from left: Mark Murray (Department
of Social Protection), James McCauley (participant), Charlie Kelly (Company Secretary), John Douglas, Veronica McElhinney, John Quinn
(Chairperson), Sylvia Ryan and Marie Slevin. Front row from left, participants Alice Moore, Anna Marie Meehan, Mary Gallagher,
Brid McCallion and Paddy Walsh
20
 The Co. Donegal Board of Management
Back row: John Quinn (CWU)
(Chairperson), P.J. Hannon (SIPTU)
(Board Member), Brendan O’Donnell
(Board Member)
Front row: Fidelma Carron (SIPTU)
(Treasurer), Michael Ferry (SIPTU)
(Board Member), Ann Wilkinson (SIPTU)
(Vice-Chairperson)
Insert: Charlie Kelly (Company
Secretary)

Customer Service courses

The Customer Service courses in the Letterkenny Centre the necessary skills when dealing with the public at large at
proved to be incredibly popular with the public. The courses whatever level. We’ve had a very good response so far to the
were booked-out fast. The teaching responsibilities on the courses that we’ve run. We are confident that this course will go
course were shared equally between Brian McArt and Ankush from strenght to strenght.
Shinghal. From the point of view of setting up a business or being
involved in one, customer service plays a crucial role and these
Both men have a vast experience to draw from, Brian being
courses can ensure
involved for almost
that you are fully
forty years in the
prepared for that
retail and wholesale
role,”
sector and Ankush
having worked as The main modules of
a duty manager for the course are:
almost ten years in
one of the largest • Customer
hotels in Contact Skills
Co. Donegal. • Customer Focus
Brian McArt: • Quality Service,
“Quality customer Policy & Practice
service is a very • Dealing with
important part of any Difference
business venture and
our course enables • Consumer
learners to develop A light-hearted moment during the Customer Service course. Legislation
Standing, tutors Brian McArt (left) and Ankush Shinghal

The RES staff (from left):

Helen Clarke (Project Officer),
Mary Higgins (Outreach Officer),
Deirdre O’Donnell (Administrator)

The R.E.S. provides a range of services to set you on the road to These are just some of the services we offer:
employment, improving those prospects every step of the way. • Put together a professional CV
• Fill out application forms
Run and managed by the Board of Management of the Congress • Prepare properly for your interview
Resource Centre, the R.E.S. was set up in Letterkenny in 1997. • Provide access to emerging job opportunities
• Provide details of the advantages of taking up employment
Based at the Congress Resource Centre on the town’s Pearse
Road, its aim is to provide an independent, integrated and Personnel at the R.E.S. will outline the approach and procedures
personalised service to meet the needs of the target groups who to help take that potential stepping stone into the workplace.
include long term unemployed, women in the home, and lone There is also an outreach service that extends throughout the
parents. The service helps them access meaningful employment DLDC catchment area.
and employment related opportunities - signposting those
opportunities along the way. R.E.S. staff can provide a job match service for employers to
ensure that only the suitable are put forward.
21
 The Fingal Centre

5 Cardiffsbridge Road, Finglas West, Dublin 11 • Tel: 01 8845228 • Email: director@thefingalcentre.ie

Web: www.thefingalcentre.ie

Aontas Star Awards 2015 in the Ballsbridge Hotel, Dublin

on Monday 23rd February

At the ninth STAR Awards

ceremony, seven outstanding
adult learning projects
received an award in
recognition of their work.
The winning projects deal
with a range of issues such
as homelessness, drug use,
disability, unemployment,
upskilling and the isolation of
older people.
Dr. Tom Collins presented
the winners with their awards
at the ceremony in the
Front row: Louisa Gavin, Sylvia Ryan and Joanne Brown Ballsbridge Hotel.
(all Congress Centres Network) Over 300 people representing
At the back: Debbie Delaney (Fingal Centre), 38 adult education groups
Marie McCann (Fingal Centre) and Mary Sorohan were in attendance.
Far Left: The training
room

Left: The Momentum

Fingal Class of
2013 / 2014

Left: The Fingal

Centre took part in
‘The Pathways To
Work’ Employment/
Training and Guidance
Event on Thursday
5th June 2014 in
Asbourne Community
Centre, Ashbourne,
Co. Meath.

Services we provide At the Fingal Centre we also run a Free 8 Hour Training
Course which consists of learning how to:
• Employment support • Information/Advice
• Voyages programme • Momentum • Set up and use an Email account • Search Online
• Benefit 4 • Tuning in programme • Shop Safely Online • YouTube
• Community garden • Heritage • Skype • Book Flights and hotel accomodation

22
 O
ur Progression Rates, from community employment to
full-time employment / education, are excellent.
On a yearly basis we continue to provide 85% to 90%.

Voyages
An education and training programme for adults who are stabilized or
in early recovery from drug addiction.
This programme runs for 26 weeks and is funded by Finglas / Cabra
local Drug Task force.
Momentum
A warehouse and logistics programme aimed at long term unemployed.
Participants receive 4 FETAC level 5 awards, 2 forklift licenses
(counter balance and reach), Manual handling and safe pass, they also
receive on the job work experience.
Benefit 4
The Fingal Centre provides free computer training to the community.
This training covers e-mail, internet, social networking and Skype.
Tunin Programme
This is a family support programme that is in existence since 2011.
The Centre works with young people at risk of early school leaving
and their families.
Heritage
The Fingal Centre provides a Heritage walking tour. There are 12 key
points of Historical interest in Finglas. This tour has proven to be very
popular especially with the local schools.
Employment support
• One To One CV preparation • Job seeking skills
Above: Marie McCann, the Fingal Centre Co-ordinator • Welfare rights information • Provision and assistance
in her office with form filling.

Board of Management: Odran Reid, Liz Clare, Mick Creedon, Paul Rogers, Patricia Tobin, Pat Mooney, Neil Flanagan,
Larry Dooley, Joe Corr, Pat Carey, Liam Thompson

The Fairlawn Prospect Hill Community Garden

Through funding received With the co-operation of all
from Dublin City Council residents and the work of
we were asked to create the Centre and Dublin City
a community garden in Council it is now a
a derelict site between beautiful garden with
Fairlawn housing estate and 40 allotments that have
Prospect Hill apartments. all been tended to by the
This site was creating huge residents and are now in
problems for both sets of full crop.
residents as it was attracting
anti social behaviour. Since the work has begun
on the site there have been
The purpose of this garden no reports of anti social
was to develop a partnership behaviour and the garden
within the local community has become a safe haven
to provide the necessary for residents to integrate
space and skills in order with each other.
for the local community to
grow their own fruit and It was initially planned to
vegetables and provide create 20 allotments spaces
a focal point where the but with the demand we
community can come have to provide 40 spaces
together with a common and still have a waiting list.
purpose and a sense of
We have provided two
belonging where they are
raised beds for wheelchair
always welcome and have a
users and they have
sense of ownership.
been allocated to the
meeting place club a local
organisation for children
with disabilities.

23
 The Dublin 12 Congress Centre
New Grange House, 390 Clonard Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12

T
Tel: 01 4926797 • Email: coordinator.dublin12@congresscentres.net
he Dublin Centre for the unemployed is a non-profit learning plan (ILP) which monitors their training and special
organisation. The centre was set up in 1999 by former awards.
trade unionist Mr Hugh Geraghty who sadly passed An information officer on the premises the centre also provides
away in Feb 2007. confidential help with social welfare issues such as:
• Entitlements • Welfare to Work • Education Rights
His main objective was to target the socially excluded and the • Labour Law • PRSI / Tax • CV services • Social issues
marginalised in the Dublin 12 area, acting as the vocal point
in the local community, providing a range of services utilising The Dublin 12 Congress Centre also provides a Jobs Club.
trade union and community developments principles. This is an interactive two week course that covers:

The Centre has fifteen outreach Centres to whom we second • Effective Job seeking skills
26 community employee’s to local • Interview techniques
community centres, e.g. senior • Mock interview
citizens day centre, youth centres, • Up to date CV’s
Irish Kidney Association, addiction • Social Welfare and
response centres, after school clubs, • Community Welfare Support
elderly help line and outreach • Education and training
information officers. • supports available to
adults thinking of returing to
The Centre is affiliated with the education
Irish Congress of Trade Unions • Aptitude / psychometric test
(ICTU) and is an ICTU centre and
FETAC approved training centre. Above left: Margaret Fitzpatrick, Centre Co-ordinator The Dublin 12 Congress Centre is
and far right: Hugh Geraghty, Founder of the Centre also the sponsor and the managing
The Centre encourages participants to avail of all training agent of the Job Initiative (JI) programme.
which is offered to the individuals needs (among others FETAC They have 26 outreaches in the Dublin area.
/ HETAC accredited certifications. They all have an individual
Assistant Supervisor: Board of management: Tom Redmond (Chairman), Susan Collins (Treasurer),
Yvonne Eccles John Lucas (Secretary), Eamon Devoy (Director), Frank Walsh (Director)

Services BENEFIT 4 - First Steps to IT

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions ICTU
Basic lessons in your first steps to learning computer skills.
Courses facilitated by the Dublin 12 Congress Centre
(Book airlines tickets / Online Banking Intro / Chat / Set up
provides funds for the following:
Email). Department of Social Protection DSP / Rathmines
Pembroke Partnership provided funding for:
Maximise Your Options: A six week course FETAC 3
Home repair and maintences course FETAC level 4/5
modules and ongoing mentoring:
• Plumbing • Basic electrical • Landscape construction
• Career planning
• Painting • Tiling • Safe Pass • Manual handling
• Personal and interpersonal skills
• First aid / AED defibrillator • Home repair
• Work experience
• Wall / floor / tiling / landscape and construction
maintenance (hard and soft landscaping) 4 weeks
World Irish ICANDO
(covering same subjects as above).
A five day digital media skills course (includes 30 hours of
They will provide all the secretarial, administration,
work experience).
advertising and support for this course.
24
 Tallaght Centre for the Unemployed Ltd.

St. Dominic’s Hall, Main Street, Tallaght, Dublin 24 • Tel: 01 4512983 • Email: tcuinfo@eircom.net

T
allaght Centre for the Unemployed (TCU) is a long the public on a daily basis and we operate as a drop-in centre
established and well respected centre in the heart of where members of the public can avail of the various services
Tallaght Village. A founder member of the Congress administered by the staff and management of the Centre.
Network, the Centre officially opened in 1990, but
Mission Statement
has been in existence since the late 80’s and the core purpose
of the Centre has been to provide training, education, advice & Tallaght Centre for the Unemployed Ltd. is a people centred
information and support services to people in Tallaght and the organisation which is focussed on the needs of the long term
surrounding area. unemployed, unemployment and related issues.
The Centre is located beside the ITT in Tallaght Village, The Centre is committed to protecting the welfare and rights
adjacent to the High Street and The Square. We are open to of all individuals irrespective of background or culture.
Centre Co-ordinator: Board Members: Cecil Johnston (Chairman), Jim Fay (Secretary), Harry Toher (Treasurer),
Madeleine Moralee Angela Pidgeon, Margaret Deaton, Dermot Richardson, Charlie O’Connor

Facilities and services

The Centre provides a wide range of facilities designed to The projects are:
satisfy the needs of the local community, but particularly those TCU Main Scheme: Madeleine Moralee (Supervisor).
affected by multi-dimensional issues such as marginalisation TCU Crèche: Helen Kelty & Marion Kearns (Supervisors
within the community, unemployment or being socially Jobs Initiative), Betty Whelan & Helena Mullins, Team Leaders.
excluded and economically
disadvantaged. The Centre has a fully
equipped computer training
Services are varied and room with Broadband access
include the following: and the capacity for 10
students. Numerous training
• Resource Drop-in Centre
programmes have been
• Advice and Information
delivered over the years with
Service
many hundreds of students
• Typing and CV Service
availing of training. The
• On-site Training Room
government sponsored Benefit
• Access to DSP, Intreo, Obair
programme has been in
and other local employment
operation since its inception.
services • TCU Crèche
• Tallaght Men Shed The computer training room with full Broadband access The Centre provides work
• TCU Staff experience opportunities to
individuals who are training or participating on programmes
Tallaght Centre for the Unemployed Ltd. sponsors Community
outside the Centre.
Employment and Jobs Initiative programmes with 70 staff in
total; the employees on the projects receive on the job training Tallaght Centre for the Unemployed Ltd. is committed to a
for their particular project as well as individual training to universal workplace and treats all individuals equally.
enhance skills and abilities. The Centre has a structured system that sets quality objectives
which measures its activities against its vision, mission and ethos.

25
 GALWAY PEOPLES’ RESOURCE CENTRE
St. Clare’s Walk, Merchants Road, Co. Galway

G
Tel: 091 564822 • Web: www.gprc.ie • Email: info@grpc.ie
alway Peoples’ Resource rights, an advocacy service to research individuals’ queries/
Centre, our information and complaints as required and to provide representation or
training centre, is located in referral for clients to appropriate bodies. This office has made
the heart of the city. successful appeals on behalf of numerous clients this year, with
The G.P.R.C. has been working for and a great portion of these being in relation to disability allowance
with the people of Galway claims.
since 1986.
The Equality Office provides information and
In 2011, the Centre moved practical help to refugees, asylum seekers, other
to its new premises on minority groups and any resident wishing to
Merchants Road. initiate a complaint under Equality Legislation.
This new city centre Equality Legislation endeavours to protect
location has a state of the the individual against discrimination based on
art computer training room gender, civil status, family status, age, disability,
and en suite meeting room. race, sexual orientation, religious belief and
membership of the Traveller Community.
The Education Office runs a variety of quality There are three equality officers within the
assured FETAC accredited courses throughout the centre. All are trained to the highest level and all
year, with an emphasis on practical job-centred Margaret Cullinane, conversations are strictly confidential.
skills and personal development. Centre Co-ordinator
The equality office also provides an advocacy
Information on all educational and training options is also service to research individuals’ queries or complaints as
offered as well as assistance with application forms such as required and to provide representation or referral for clients to
CAO and Maintenance Grants. The education office also appropriate bodies.
collaborates with other service providers such as the Local
Employment Service Network on training initiatives and is also Westword is the Centre’s free magazine. Published every eight
a provider of Benefit 4 basic computer skills training. weeks, it is available in various libraries, post offices, CWO
offices and shops around the city. Westword features up to the
The Welfare Rights Office provides information on welfare minute information on projects, services, events and festivals
entitlements and /or secondary benefits. All enquiries are dealt being run by voluntary and community groups.
with in complete confidentiality and advice is offered in a
helpful and non-judgemental manner. The services provided by It details welfare entitlement changes and reforms when they
the Welfare Rights office include: occur and it also provides information on education & training
opportunities and initiatives with a particular emphasis on
A comprehensive information service on all social welfare information that is of relevance to the unemployed or those
entitlements, tax matters, also full-time and part-time workers on a low income.

Board of Management: Tom Browne (chairperson), John Carty, Sean Purtell, Mary Gibbons, Brendan Duffy, Mark Lohan,
Val Coakley, Pat Hardiman, Margaret Cullinane

Services The G.P.R.C. is a fully accredited FETAC and FÁS

• Computer Literacy (FETAC Level 3) registered Training Centre. The training room is
• Personal and Interpersonal (FETAC Level 3) available to rent on an hourly or daily basis.
• Work Placement (FETAC Level 3)
• Computer Applications (FETAC Level 4) Low cost Secretarial and Computer Services are
• Computerised Accounts (FETAC Level 5) provided in the centre also, these include help with
• Reception Skills Course (FETAC Level 5) compiling CV’s, covering letters, as well as typing
• Train the Trainer (FETAC Level 6) reports, theses and essays.
• Secretarial Services The Centre also provides a
• One-to-one tuition low-cost photocopying service,
• English to Foreign Students free computer access and
• Personal Development low-cost employment related
• Interview Skills internet access.
• Children’s Computer Summer
School. Other Services Available in the
Centre:
Introduction to Computers (not JOBS CLUB - Develop practical
accredited) job-seeking skills in a group
Stress management and Relaxation setting - 091 566485.
(not accredited) OBAIR L.E.S.N. - One to one
Arts and Crafts (not accredited) career guidance and employment
Computer Literacy (Fetac Level 3) support sessions.
Career Preparation (Fetac Level 3)
26
 Cahersiveen Congress Information Centre
The Marina, Cahersiveen, Co. Kerry
Tel: 066 9472866 • Email: coninfcentre@gmail.com

Above: Angela Meade, receptionist

Far right: Centre participants on a
Career Preparation Course in the
Cahersiveen Congress Centre
Below: Mike Morris, Centre
Co-ordinator

T
he Cahersiveen Congress Centre was established The Cahersiveen Congress Centre Organisation is available to
in 1992. It provides an information / representation support the community and voluntary groups.
service for workers and their dependents, for the The objective of this Centre are as follows:
unemployed, people with disabilities, lone parents, the
elderly, employers and to anyone who wishes to avail of our To ensure that participants in the CE project are provided with
services. quality work experience and training opportunities thus
promoting their progression.
The enquiries to our Centre are mainly concerned with
Social Welfare allowance, Health Board entitlements, To provide the local community with an Information and
Pensions, Housing, Education, Work permits, Lone Parents secretarial service so as to make these facilities available
Supplementary Welfare, Employment Legislation. to everyone in the community.
The Centre in Cahersiveen was previously known To support the community and voluntary groups with
as ‘The Cahersiveen Centre for the unemployed’ participants placements from our CE scheme.
In June 2011 the name was changed to ‘The We liaise with the local Employment Service
Cahersiveen Congress Information Centre’. in running a Jobs Club in the Centre to help the
The Centre has sponsored Community unemployed get skills to get them employment.
Employment Schemes for the past nineteen To give every participant working through
years and each scheme has been an this Centre the opportunity to access good quality
outstanding success. training courses.
To support the unemployed and any person seeking
help or advice.

Board Of Management: Con Casey (Chairperson), Paul O’Loughlin (Secretary), Joseph McCrohan (PDO)

Services provided by the Centre

Secretarial services: Information we also provide:
This service provides help with compiling CV’s, letters, The information office continues to serve the needs of the
assignments, projects and all other typing requirements. unemployed and others in the area. While the majority of
This service also provides real work experience for CE information clients are social welfare recipients, some of the
participants. In addition to improving their skills, it also labour law queries have started coming from employers.
affords them the opportunity to meet and deal with the We can help with Information on:
public, which in turn will enhance their confidence.
• Community Employment Schemes • Social Media / Internet tools for job seekers
• Job Initiatives • Local Training Initiatives • Occupational First Aid FETAC
• Social Welfare Entitlements Redundancy Information • Reception / Front line Office FETAC
• Education & Training • Start your own Business • Landscape Gardening FETAC
• Disability Rights • Childcare • HACCP FETAC • Manual Handling • Fire Training
• Advice on union Membership • Safe Use of Horticultural Equipment FETAC
• Education and Training Courses • Computer Literacy FETAC
• Interview Skill Technique / CV Preparation • Career Preparation FETAC
27
 TRALEE CONGRESS INFORMATION CENTRE

Milk Market Lane, Tralee, Co. Kerry • Tel: 066 7127617 • Email: traleecongresscentres@gmail.com
In recent times there has been an increase
in the level of unemployment and job
insecurity with more jobs becoming part
time or contract work.
The Centre assists people to participate
fully and equally in the economic, social
and cultural life in the Tralee area,
Ireland and the European Union.

We can also refer you to the Tralee

Local Employment Service officer,
who will provide free, friendly and
confidential advice assistance in
exploring employment, training and
education options, suitable courses and
referrals information on job vacancies,
community employment, community
work placement, work placement
programme, back to work incentives,
back to education allowance, funding and
starting your own business.

Kevin O’Connor, Mediator/Guidance

W
Officer, Tel: 066-7180013
e support the unemployed and their dependants. What can we do for YOU!
We provide information and representation of Are you unemployed?
your rights and entitlements in a non-threatening, Finding it hard to find work?
friendly and confidential atmosphere. Do you know your Social Welfare
entitlements?

Left: The Yes to Equality Campaign Bus visiting the Tralee

Centre on Wednesday 13th May 2015
From left: Con Casey, Mary McDermot, Marilyn Bulman
(Co-ordinator, Tralee Congress Information Centre) and
Sue Griffin

Below: Lisa addressing the crowd (left) and the Lord Mayor
of Kerry, John Brassil (right)

26
28
 Newbridge Resource Centre
Lower Eyre Street, Droichead Nua, Co. Kildare • Tel: 045 432763 • Email: twc1@eircom.net
Leixlip Resource Centre
Unit 3, Lexlip Shopping Mall, Leixlip, Co. Kildare • Tel: 01 6242511• Email: leixlipresourcecentre@eircom.net

T
The Newbridge Resource Centre

he County Kildare Resource Centres for the We continue to have a

unemployed were founded in 1984 through Kildare presence in Kildare Town
Council of Trade Unions. holding a clinic one
morning a week.
We were set up to offer support and training to those who This is expected to
were unemployed. Unemployment was at a very high level improve soon with the
then, as it is now. It was not until 1986 we recieved official imminent opening of a
recognition. new community Centre
With this recognition achieved we went on to open Centres to house voluntary
in five locations. groups like ours.
Our first District Centre was opened in Droichead Nua The overall responsibility
followed by Centres in Athy and Leixlip, Naas and Kildare for the running of the
Town. five district Centres is in
the hands of our Board of Theresa Whelan (top)
With the geographical spread being as large as it is, Directors. Co-ordinator, Newbridge Centre
Newbridge Resource Centre became our head office with the (Head Office)
administration of all the offices taking place from here. The Centre in Newbridge
consists of one IT Pam Fleming
A supervisor was appointed in each of the five Centres with Co-ordinator, Leixlip Centre
the Districts being independent of each other. Unfortunately training room with a
since then we have had to close two Centres, Naas and facility of 8 computers
Kildare. with projector. The rent for the Newbridge Centre is €900.00
and the Centre is available after 5 each evening.

Services • Starting a business

Clerical • Work Permit / Sick leave and sick pay
Typing up CV’s / Documents / Thesis Housing
Binding / Laminating / Faxing / Internet / Photocopying Household Charge / Mortgage Interest Relief / Stamp Duty /
Designing Brochures / Business Cards, Applying for Local Authority Housing / Tenant’s Rights and
Wedding Booklets and Personalised Invitation Cards Obligations / Housing Adaption Grant, Home Repossession
Education and Training
We also provide information on:
Early Childhood Care and Education / School Terms.
• Social Welfare / Rent Supplement
• Jobseeker’s Allowance We offer advice on Financial help with going to school,
• One Parent Family Payment • Child Benefit Special Needs Education, Leaving Certificate, Grants for
• Family Income Supplement • Disability Allowance Third-Level Students.
• Income Supports for older people
Travel and Recreation
Employment Applying for an Irish Passport / Full Driving Licence /Motor
• Minimum rates of pay Tax / European Health Insurance Card / Change of Vehicle
• Annual Leave / Maternity Leave / Retiring from work Ownership / Penalty Points / Disabled Person’s Parking
• Public holidays • Redundancy Payments Permit.
30 29
 Athy Resource Centre
The Manse, Woodstock Street, Athy, Co. Kildare • Tel: 059 863 8523
Email: athyresourcecentre@eircom.net • Web: www.athyresourcecentre.ie

Athy Resource Centre,

T
Duke Street, on a sunny day
he Athy Resource Centre is one of three centres Since 2013, the centre had moved to its new premises on
apart of Co. Kildare Centres for the Unemployed Woodstock Street.
Ltd. It employs over 18 part time staff which
consists of receptionists, information officers, The new centre has larger size rooms, a fully kitted training
computer operators and tutors. All of the Centre’s room with training facilities, a meeting/board room, staff
operations are overseen by Mary Maguire, the Centre’s room, reception room, canteen, staff parking, and other
Co-ordinator and the only full time member of staff. amenities.

The centre offers a variety of computer based and non- We also provide renting of our board room for business
computer based training services for adults of all skills meetings or private functions that is spacious and
and backgrounds. The Centre is FETAC/QQI accredited competitively priced. Since the move the Centre has grown
to deliver training from level 3 through to level 6 and is from strength to strength, even though austerity. This would
also accredited by the Irish not have been possible without the
Computer Society to deliver the hard work and dedication of all
European Computer Drivers its staff members and the tireless
Licence (Syllabus 6) and ECDL work and vision of Mary Maguire.
Advanced.
As the centre continues to appeal
We also provide special to this generation and the next,
reduced rate services such as a Facebook page was set up a
graphic design, business and number of years ago and had
personal printing, mono and provided a very successful means
colour photocopying, binding, of communication of events and
laminating, faxing, emailing, services to the public, which has
internet access and typing served as an invaluable marketing
(CV’s, letters, projects, etc.). tool.

Our information officers provide This year sees the launch of our
all our customers, free & easy own website with the goal of
to understand information on providing information of our
governmental and regional courses and services to a greater
entitlements and regulations; number of online users with the
from education, housing, option to contact us or to register
grants, employment rights and Above: Mary Maguire, Co-ordinator, Athy Resource Centre for a course, all online. If you like
everything in between. to register for a course or avail of
our services, please contact us
today.

Co. Kildare Board Members: Fr. Mícheál MacGréil, Peter Kennedy, jimmy Kelly, Pat McCarthy, John Delmer, Marian Dillon,
Sally Purcell, John Keenan, Catherine Murphy, Jack Wall, Miles Wickham, Willie Hamilton
30
Left to right: Theresa Whelan (Co-ordinator), David Begg (General Secretary, Students of the 1st Momentum Programme
I.C.T.U.), Sylvia Ryan (C.C.N.), Dick Maher (Board Member) at the Athy Resource Centre, 2015

David Begg addressing the Annual Fr. Mícheál MacGréil Joanne Brown (CCN) David Begg speaking at the 26th
General Meeting of the Co. Kildare (Hon. President) addressing addressing students A.G.M. at the Co. Kildare Centres
Centres for the Unemployed in Athy the A.G.M. of the Co. Kildare of the Momentum for the Unemployed in Athy
Centres for the Unemployed Programme held in the
Centre

Courses
Although the Kildare Centres offer a number of training any three of the four modules.
courses at the centre, the most successful has been the The Centres has run a number of government funded
European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL). With the new programmes designed to up-skill learners to begin using
version Syllibus 6, there is now more of a choice of what computers and to help gain employment for the unemployed.
modules to study and there are also three ways to become
certified: • Benefit 4 is a free programme designed to teach adults who
never used a computer to be able to use the internet, email,
• Full ECDL Certificate – Candidate must pass 7 modules skype and social networking sites. It has become more popular
out of a choice of 12. every year, in particular with learners of senior years.

• ECDL Start Certificate – Candidate must pass • Maximise your options

the 4 core modules.
• The centre also hosted a very successful
• ECDL Component Certificate – Candidate must Momentum programme for the first time this year
pass any 1 or more modules. at the centre. Funded by the Department of Social
Protection, the programme is designed to educate
The new syllabus offers a wider variety of modules and retrain young men to help them secure
to choose from. Those are: employment and/or to gain experience.
• Computer Essentials • Online Essentials • Word This includes exercises such as teambuilding,
Processing communication, preparation of their CV’s,
• Spreadsheet Methods • Databases • Presentations manual handling, forklift training as well as
• Online Collaboration • IT Security • Web Editing work experience with the goal of leaving the live
• Image Editing • Project Planning • 2D CAD register and securing employment.
FETAC / QQI
We are one of a few established training centres to
cover all modules in the programme. We also offer a The Centres runs a number of popular FETAC/
walk-in test centre for learners not registered in our QQI courses ranging from levels 3 through 6.
centre such as eLearning students. Some of the more popular courses include:

For those who already have ECDL accreditation, • Train the Trainer (Level 6)
the Centres now offer the ECDL Advanced certification. This • Web Design (Level 5)
course further advance on the existing knowledge covered in • Manual and Computerised Accounts (Level 5)
the ECDL and a certificate is awarded on completion of each • Manual and Computerised Payroll (Level 5)
module. There are 4 modules to choose from: • Information Technology (Level 4)
1. Advanced Word Processing • Basic Computers (Level 3)
2. Advanced Spreadsheets • Text Production (Level 3)
3. Advanced Databases • Computer Literacy (Level 3)
4. Advanced Presentations • Communications (Level 4)
Learners can earn the ECDL Expert Certificate by completing • Work Experience (Level 4)
31
 Noreside Resource Centre
3 Canice’s Court, Dean Street, Co. Kilkenny
Tel: 056 7762146 • Email: noresideresourcecentre@gmail.com

t
he Noreside Resource Centre for the Unemployed Achieving personal development through giving people an
is in existence since 1987 and have been involved opportunity to return to education and for them to understand
with Social and Community Employment since its that education is life-long learning.
inception.
The primary goal of our centre is to offer Computer Training to
A large number of people who have participated on these the public. We achieve this by delivery courses that needs of the
programmes over the years have in many public no matter how big or how small those
cases found a purpose to their lives and have needs may be.
gone on to find full time employment. In The Noreside Education Centre is here
terms of meeting the objectives of our project to provide our region with effective and
we would have to state that as providers affordable computer application training in a
of services to some of the most vulnerable friendly, state-of-the-art training facility.
members of the community our objectives
are of necessity both recurring and ongoing. We believe what makes The Noreside
Education Centre special is the initiative and
We assist people in making their lives better high calibre of our staff, our dedication to
whether it is by giving them social outlet to professionalism and quality in creating and
nurture their personal development, or the supporting outstanding training and our team
satisfaction that they got the job they wanted spirit.
through their involvement as participants We are committed to providing you with
either at our Resource Centre or through our high quality tools and a learning environment
educational programmes at the Education conductive to learning. Most importantly,
Centre. Yvonne Moriarty, Centre Co-ordinator The Noreside Resource Centre wants to
provide the public with the opportunity
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions along with the Network for growth.
of Centres for the Unemployed are looking at new ways We hope that you will find our courses challenging, interesting,
of servicing the changing needs of the public, taking into and fun.
consideration the changing economy and increasing social We are conveniently situated in the heart of Kilkenny City
abuse, ex-offenders and the increasing problems associated and our modern bright computer rooms create a nice relaxed
with asylum seekers. atmosphere to study and learn.
Noreside Education Centre We run numerous FETAC Accredited Courses suited to
All successful organizations know that it takes more than beginners’ right up to experienced users, and we also provide
a good plan to succeed in business. It takes an empowered courses in ECDL standard and advanced as well as one to one
organization, focused on realistic goals, with impassioned tuition at whatever subject/level is required.
leadership. It takes vision. It takes consensus. It takes a sense Due to the numerous enquires we received as a result of limited
of purpose! The Noreside Education Centre empowers people internet access, we now provide an ‘Internet Café’ to the people
to learn new skills, interact with each other, become socially in Kilkenny with a reduced rate for people receiving Social
aware and become mature people within society. Welfare Payments.
Board of management: John Cooney (Chairperson), Margaret Butler (Secretary), Bernard Scott (Director), St. John Donovan
(Director), Yvonne Moriarty (Director), Seamus Dowling

Services Secretarial Services

Computer Learning Centre The secretarial service is used by unemployed and employed
The computer learning centre provides Book Keeping, persons, students and the general public. Those in receipt of
Payroll, Communications, Customer Services, Desk Top Social Welfare payments are offered a reduced rate.
Publishing, Reception, Retail Selling, Spread Sheets, The
Internet, Word Processing, ECDL. This service provides help with compiling CV’s, letters,
assignments, projects and all other typing requirements.
This service also provides real work experience for CE
Workers. In addition to
improving their skills, it
also affords them the
opportunity to meet and
deal with the public,
which in turn will
enhance their confidence.

Far Left: Train the Trainer-

course
Left: Brian Cody visits our
Momentum group

32
10
31
 North Leitrim Resource Centre
New Line, Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim
Tel: 071 9856029 • Email: nlresourcecentre@eircom.net

Above: Gerry Cornyn, Centre Co-ordinator

Left: The entrance to the Centre

T
he North Leitrim Congress Centre is now in its Present areas of activity include citizens information, rural
nineteenth year of operation on the New Line, tourism, working with the committee of the local ‘ballroom
Manorhamilton. of romance’, sports centres, community halls, the local credit
union, a drop-in centre for persons in recovery from addiction
The past few years has seen major increases in the activities and several environmental projects.
and services of the Centre. Apart from the main Centre in
Manorhamilton it has now thirty three participants actively Extensive and various training courses are also sourced and
involved in various community work throughout Leitrim and provided to assist the participants in seeking employment, work
parts of Sligo. It works closely with local sub-sponsoring experience and further education and training. The Centre is
groups and community organisations. still sponsored by Sligo Leitrim Trades Council and is funded
mainly by the Community Employment budget from the
Department of Social Protection.

Services
The secretarial service is used by unemployed and employed A tracking system called Management Information System
persons, students and the general public. will be put in place to track all queries and activities that
operate in the Centre on a daily basis.
Computer Learning Centre This will eliminate the need for statistics to be returned to
The computer learning centre provides computer I.C.T.U. at the end of every month.
literacy FETAC Level 3, Computer
Applications Secretarial Services
FETAC Level 4, Accounting - The secretarial service is used by
Manual and Computerised FETAC unemployed and employed persons,
Level 5. students and the general public.
In addition to this we run ECDL and Those in receipt of social welfare
Advanced ECDL Word, Powerpoint payments are offered a reduced rate
and Excel. for typing.

Information This service provides help

The information office continues to with compiling CV’s, letters,
serve the needs of the unemployed assignments, projects and all other
and others in the area. A view of one of the outdoor environmental sites typing requirements. This service
While the majority of information also provides real work experience
clients are Social Welfare recipients, some of the labour law for CE Workers. In addition to improving their skills, it also
queries have started coming from employers. affords them the opportunity to meet and deal with the public,
which in turn will enhance their confidence.

Board members: Hugh McConville (Chairperson), Patricia O’Malley (Secretary), Joe McDonagh (Treasurer)
33
 Limerick Resource Centre for the Unemployed
9 Cecil Street, Co. Limerick
Tel: 061 312718 • Email: lrcu@eircom.net

Padraig Malone,
Centre Co-ordinator

T
he Limerick Resource Centre for the Unemployed Along with being a service provider, the Centre is also prepared
opened its doors for business at 33 Thomas Street, to become involved in campaigns around issues of relevance to
Limerick in January 1987 having been formally its client base.
established by the Limerick Council of Trade Unions
the previous year. The first Co-ordinator of the
Centre was John Ryan who
The premises in Thomas Street went on to become a Mayor of
were made available to the Limerick and he was followed
Trades Council by Limerick by Joan Condon who held the
City Council and the late Jim position for twelve years from
Kemmy, TD, along with others 1989 to 2001.
- including former TD and Since 2001 the position has been
Councillor, Frank Prendergast held by Padraig Malone.
who died in February 2015 -
were instrumental in bringing From the time of its
this about. establishment by the Trades
Council in 1987, the Centre has
The Centre remained there maintained a strong association
until 2004 when it moved into Above: IT-facilities at Limerick Resource Centre for the with the local trade union
a converted factory in Hunts Unemployed movement and is part of the
Lane under a lease from Shannon Congress Centres Network.
Development. The latter building Many trade union stalwarts both
was sold to a private company past and present have served
in June 2012 and the Centre was on its board of management
forced to relocate again when the – among them long-standing
new owners declined to renew Trades Council President and
its lease that was due to expire at SIPTU activist Bill Davoren
the end of 2013. who passed away in 2014.
In January 2014 it re-opened at
9 Cecil Street. It has also had a long and
fruitful association with the Irish
From the very beginning of its National Organisation of the
Above: Frank Prendergast (left) and Jim Kemmy
existence, the Centre established Unemployed (INOU) – which
a good reputation in the areas of welfare rights information and also started in 1987 – and its current Co-ordinator is a National
adult education and training - especially basic IT training and Vice-Chairperson of the INOU.
since 1999 it has been an ECDL Test Centre.
In 2012 Limerick Resource Centre for the Unemployed marked
It also provides job-seeking supports such as CV typing and its twenty-fifth anniversary. It looks forward to at least another
access to communications facilities such as phone, fax and quarter-century of playing a significant and constructive role in
internet. the economic, social and community life of Limerick.

Board of Management: Albert Cullen (Chairperson, SIPTU), Peggy Hansberry (Secretary Mandate), Maura McKeown
(Treasurer, SIPTU), Sean Treacy (Vice-Chairperson, TEEU), Maura Nash (Impact), Esther Dillon (Mandate), Ger Cowhey
(TEEU), Terry Clancy (SIPTU), Patricia Hartnet (Independent), Frank McDonnell (SIPTU), Liam O’Meara (Mandate)

34
 Renata Jagodzinska
at the reception

Re-Location of the Centre, 2014

In November 2013, a two-year initial lease was signed, which
In the middle of 2013 the Centre was informed by the owners of came into operation on 1st January 2014.
its premises at Hunt’s Lane that they would not be renewing the
lease, which was due to expire at the end of that year. While the building was very suitable in terms of space and
location it required
The Centre had been at considerable work
this location since June to meet with the
2004, having previously Centre’s requirements,
been forced to quit particularly the setting
its original building up of a training facility
in Thomas Street due and providing IT
to health and safety connections throughout
concerns. the building.
The Board of All this was very
Management were faced costly especially given
with the decision either the Centre’s scarce
of closing the Centre or financial resources.
finding a new premises However, a determined
with all the attendant and successful effort
costs and difficulties Above: Limerick Resource Centre for the Unemployed Welfare Rights
staff at a DSP / Eures Jobs Fair in Limerick November 2014. was made to raise the
involved. It was agreed necessary finance from
to seek a new building From left: Anne Cremins, Martina Fitzgerald and Ann Vandehaegen
a variety of sources
and in this quest matters including fundraising
soon took a somewhat and by the beginning
fortuitous turn. of 2015 the cost of the
In looking at a building relocation had been met
in Davis Street that had with little or no bills
for many years been outstanding.
occupied by FAS, it was Among the
found that it was about contributions towards
to be taken over by the this project was
Red Ribbon Project – a €10,000 from the J.P.
community-based sexual McManus Benevolent
health awareness group. Fund, generous grants
This in turn meant that from a number of trade
the building in Cecil unions and from the
Street that the project PAUL Partnership
had occupied for thirteen (the Limerick City
years was about to Local Development
become vacant and this Company).
Above: At a CE Jobs Fair in May 2015, which was jointly organised by
was an ideal location for the Limerick Congress Centre, Limerick City CE Supervisors Network The Centre has now
the Centre. and PAUL Partnership with the support of the Department of Social settled into its new
Protection. building and is looking
Left to right: Padraig Malone (Limerick Centre Co-ordinator), forward to remaining
Frank McGlynn (Assistant Principal, DSP), Lynda McAvinue (Centre there for many years to
Staff), Celine Alaoui (Centre Staff), Jim Lynch (Divisional Manager, DSP) come.

Services provided by the Centre

• Computer classes, including ECDL – registered Test Centre • CV preparation and general typing service
• Photocopying and access to phone/fax/email • Hire of IT Training Facility • Welfare Rights Information
35
 Longford EDI Centre
11A2 Mastertech Business Park, Athlone Road, Co. Longford
Tel: 043 3347515 • Email: coordinator.longford@congresscentres.net
Web: www.edilongford.ie

Above, left to right: Adrian Green (CEO Longford Community Resources Ltd.) (LCRL)), Rita Slevin (Mediator LCRL), Mary Smith
(Co-ordinator EDI Centre), Pat Kelleher (Committee Member EDI Centre), Sylvia Ryan (Project Manager, Congress Centres Network),

L
Eddie Higgins (Executive Director, EQUAL Ireland)
ongford Employment, Development & Information • To provide ongoing support in an environment that
Centre is a Resource & Training Centre for the encourages continued participation and social interchange
Unemployed. One of 24 Congress Centres for the
Unemployed affiliated to the Irish Congress of Trade • To campaign for change
Unions. The EDI Catering and Life-Skills
Centre in Longford was Project
established in 1998
by Longford District The need was identified
Council of Trade in 2007 for further
Unions and Longford training for unemployed
Community Resources youth. The catering sector
Ltd. was chosen as a suitable
area to develop training
Objectives of the EDI as progression routes into
Centre: employment and further
• To inform welfare training.
dependent people of their This LTI Programme
entitlements and rights commenced in July 2011
• To provide practical with a co-ordinator, an
services that will assist assistant co-ordinator
welfare dependent and 16 trainees. They
people to find complete FETAC
The Catering / Lifeskills Programme presentation of certificates at the EDI Centre modules in: Cookery,
employment Longford on 6th September 2013.
Food Service, Maths,
• To provide education Back Row: Donal Sheahan (Tutor), AnnMarie Butler, Helen McCormack, Melissa Communications,
and training at McTiernan, Adam Mee, Symone Donnelly, Ewelina Pajak, Aisling Reilly, Sabrina Career Preparation and
introductory, progressive Butler, Samantha Russell. Computers.
and advanced levels Front Row: Pat Joe McLoughlin (Board of Management), Serena Burke, Breda
Greaves (Course Co-ordinator), Mary Smith (EDI Centre Co-ordinator), Terri
Clarke (Senior Development Officer FÁS), Helen Masterson (Tutor),
Michael Egan, (Board of Management), Jessica Shanley

Additional services
• Information provision • Catering and Life Skills Training Project
• Typing service for the public • Pre-Employment and Pre-Development Programmes
• Computer Training • Mediation – A mediator employed by LCRL provides
• Outreach support for men’s group and women’s groups advice and support to encourage progression into further
• Revamp Training Project training / education / employment.
36
Above left: Mary Smith presentng yew candle holders to Taoiseach Enda Kenny. The candle holders were made by local craftsman
Sean Foghlu. The occasion was a presentation of certificates to participants of the Traditional Skills Training Programme
Above right: The 1913 Lockout commemoration at the Longford Centre

REVAMP Training Project This project is jointly funded by the ESF and DSP and is
Furniture restoration was identified as a viable carrot to attract targeted at the Border, Midlands and Western region (BMW).
trainees to broader training. FAS Local Training Initiative as The plan is to deliver training and education to enhance the
established in Dec 2002, with 1 co-ordinator, 2 part time tutors competencies of people with disabilities in a range of personal
and 16 trainees. development, IT and work related programmes.
The programme provides FETAC accredited local training in:
Upholstery & Furniture Repair, Tiling, Woodwork, Personal The Benefit 4 scheme is designed to provide basic IT training
Development, Math,Computer Skills and Work Placement. to those who may have little or no experience of computers.
It provides confidence and helps to develop skills in using the
REVAMP 3R Furniture Store Internet for a variety of activities.
Revamp is a non-profit making Furniture Recycling and Reuse The Momentum Programme is jointly funded under Labour
Project established in 2002 as a Social Enterprise to provide Market Education & Training Fund, European Social Fund
training for young people from a welfare dependent background (ESF) and the Department of Social Protection (DSP). The
and to reduce waste. programme includes
Customer Service,
It provides free collection
Personal Effectiveness in
and delivery Service,
the Workplace, Business
furniture repair service and
Computing, Work
provides quality furniture at
Experience, Manual
affordable prices.
Handling, Safe Pass,
Building on the success of Forklift Driver both Reach
the Furniture Recycling and Counter Balance.
Project, Revamp have
completed research and
Staffing and Trainees
a business plan on White
Good Recycling. Centre co-ordinator with
A training programme in 18 Part time CE Staff, and
Appliance Repairs will a part time administrator
commence shortly and will Local Training Initiatives –
lead to further full or part 2 co-ordinators, 1 full time
time jobs. The Longford EDI Centre supporting Decency for Dunnes trainer and 8 part time plus
Workers campaign, April 2015 32 trainees
The Disability Activation
Project (DACT) aims to increase the capacity and potential of 3R Store - Manager, 4 full time and 4 part time staff
people on disabilities/illness welfare payments to participate in The Centre accommodates contracted training providers, with
the labour market. approx 130 attending training daily.
Over 500 people have completed training in the past year.

Board of Management: Anthony McCormack (Chairperson), Michael Egan (Secretary), Pat Joe McLoughlin (Treasurer),
Bernie Nolan (Treasurer), Pat Kelleher, Rita Slevin, Edel Kelly, Bee Hughes, Mary Walsh, Frank Horne, Padraic Gallogly,
Vera Kiernan, Michael Wall, Niall Phillips, Bernard Cox (Committee Members)

37
 Drogheda Resource Centre
7 North Quay, Drogheda, Louth

T
Tel: 041 9835754 • Email: bernadettedowd@yahoo.ie
he economic downturn of the 1980’s Front Desk staff now supply detailed information on topics
was a time of high unemployment as diverse as employment law and adult education, while
throughout Ireland. In Drogheda, continuing to act as an interface between the public and various
a number of high profile company social service departments.
closures threatened to turn the town into an In addition to information and training, the Resource Centre
unemployment blackspot. provides a range of other services.
In response to this situation, the Drogheda A well-equipped and professionally staffed crèche offers
Resource Centre was established in 1988 to affordable childcare. The Centres snack bar offers light meals
campaign for the rights of the unemployed, the and refreshments and has become a popular meeting place for
marginalised and the excluded. many local people. Secretarial services are also available on site,
where jobseekers are supported to develop effective CV’s and
The Centre was one of the earliest in a network application letters.
developed by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions with the On 15th May 2014
support from FÁS.
the Drogheda Resource
While the Trade
Centre was awarded
Unions movement
a Corporate Social
had for many years
Responsibility
defended the rights
Award Certificate
of workers, the new
of Recognition from
network of centres
Supported Employment
began to identify and
Malta Services
meet the needs of those
Drogheda.
who were out of work.
The Drogheda Council
This Certificate
of Trade Unions,
Snapshot from the Momentum course and right: Co-ordinator, Jacqui Taaffe was awarded to the
quickly became a focal
Drogheda Resource
point for those seeking support.
Centre for “creating a workplace that values and respects people
The front desk, originally designed to provide information about from diverse backgrounds and the unique combination of talents,
social welfare entitlements, has adapted with the needs of its experiences and perspectives of each member of the team.
target group.
Assistant Co-ordinator: Board of Management: Seamie Briscoe (Chairperson), John King, Danny Churchill,
Bernadette Dowd Phil Conyngham, Sean Fay, Brian Hoey, Jim Moore, Martin Walsh, Tracy Osment, Paul Henry

Services
Information/Advice: On Social Welfare and Employment BENEFIT 4: A free basic computer training course which
Rights. Providing and supplying social welfare booklets and consists of 8 hours computer training delivered over two days.
forms, Health Service Executive Forms, and Revenue Claim DACT (Disability Activation Project) or Training Options:
Forms. We also offer a The Centre ran 3 DACT
service to fill out these forms Programmes in the past
and a referral to the relevant year. Each course took place
organisation. over a 12 week period with
Typing services: Compiling 15 participants per course.
and typing CV’s, projects, The programme offers three
assignments, college thesis’, FETAC Level 3 modules
reports and letters. We also comprising – Computer
offer a very competitive rate Literacy – Personal/
for our photocopying service. Interpersonal Skills/Work
Crèche facilities: Fully
Joan Burton, Tánaiste Experience. The DACT 1
and Minister for Social
supervised morning and Protection with DACT participants were presented
afternoon sessions for
participants with their certificates
children aged from two by David Begg, General
to five years of age. (Toilet Trained) Fully qualified and Secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions
experienced ECCE for the morning sessions. Also sessional at an award ceremony in the D Hotel in Drogheda.
afternoon places for children aged two years upwards. Momentum: The Centre ran one Momentum course last year
and a second one is currently running.
Snack bar: Various menus, sandwiches, scones, snacks, tea and The target group for the Momentum Project in for those in
coffee. receipt of Jobseekers Allowance or Jobseekers Benefit or
Room hire: Rooms available to hire at very signing for credits for the last 12 months.
competitive rates. Work Experience: Throughout the year the Drogheda
D.T.I. (Drogeda Training Initiative): A programme to target Resource Centre facilitates students with work experience
young unemployed men between the ages of 18 and 25 years to placements.
train and enhance their work skills.

38
 Dundalk Resource Centre
30 Clanbrassil Street • Tel: 042 933 8820 • Email: supervisor@drcu.ie • Web: www.drcu.ie

Staff at the Centre with Eileen Doohan,

Centre Co-ordinator, front row, second

W
from left

e provide Welfare Rights information and As part of our service we provide:

advocacy services to: Individual unemployed • Information supports by telephone and email
people, people in receipt of Social Welfare • Direct advocacy services for individuals when dealing
payments, individuals, organisations and groups with the Department of Social Protection
working with people facing social exclusion.
• Assistance in preparing Social Welfare Appeals
The aim of our service is to ensure that unemployed people, • Referrals to other organisations and groups
and those in receipt of Social Welfare payments seeking to • Assistance in filling out official forms
return to employment, have access to comprehensive Welfare
Rights information and advocacy services. • Providing information on all Social Welfare
Entitlements, Consumer Rights and Taxation, etc.
Board of Management: Frank O’Brien, Jim Byrne, John Callan, Isabelle Murphy

Clerical services • Information on all Social Welfare Entitlements,

Consumer Rights and Taxation, etc.
• CVs Prepared • Cover Letters • projects typed and
printed • letters • emails • posters Our Training Department provides people with training
courses that are Accredited by FETAC, from Level 3 to Level 5.
We provide Welfare Rights information and advocacy Some of these courses and programmes include:
services to: • DACT • Momentum • IT Skills
• Individual unemployed people Other courses include Benefit 4 aimed at people with little or
• People in receipt of Social Welfare payments no computer skills and ECDL training and certification.
• Individuals, organisations and groups working with
people facing social exclusion. We run a Second Hand School Bookshop, which opens from
June to September every year. We take in old schools books
The aim of our service is to ensure that unemployed people, (Primary and Secondary) that are in good condition and are
and those in receipt of Social Welfare payments seeking to on the current curriculum.
return to employment, have access to comprehensive Books can be purchased at a reduced rate.
Welfare Rights information and advocacy services.
The Centre has two computer training suites:
As part of our service we provide: Suite 1 to accommodate 15 learners
• Information supports by telephone and e-mail. Suite 2 to accommodate 20 learners
• Direct advocacy services for individuals when dealing Both suites are fully equipped with computers, printers and
the Department of Social Protection. have overhead projectors.
• Assistance in preparing Social Welfare Appeals Both have canteen facilities. Suite 2 is at ground level and
• Referrals to other organisations and groups has full wheelchair access, including to the toilet facilities.
• Assistance in filling out official forms This also has an integrated classroom.

39
 My name is Mary Daly and I participated in the DACT gentle encouragement and persuasion of Betty my
Training Options 2 Course at the Mullingar Congress confidence in myself and that of life slowly but surely
Information and Development Centre under restored. I discovered that I would like to
the direction of Centre Co-ordinator Susan go down the road of tutoring. As a result
Bray from February to May 2014. of the course an opportunity for a position
on a CE scheme in the Centre became
Due to a life crisis my world had turned available for which I applied and was
upside down two years previously and with successful.
that my confidence in myself and with life
was at an all-time low. Training Options could I have since completed the Trainer the
not have come at a better time. Trainer, Fetac Level 6 and have completed
The first day, under the leadership of the Computer Applications, Fetac Level 4 and
course tutor Betty Beirne, a whole new Manual and Computerised Payroll, Fetac
world opened up to me and since then I have Level 5. I have shadow tutored classes
gone from strength to strength. The ethos and I am presently delivering Benefit 4

“
of the Centre is “no judgement” and the classes (Computers for beginners).
emphasis on mental health is priority, I have applied to do the JEB course
which I loved. ‘Training which is a Teacher/Trainer Diploma
Options’ could in IT Skills. This will allow me to be
The class were from all various
backgrounds and we all became friendly
as we got to know one another. In the
not have come at
a better time
“ on the National Register of Trainers.

A million thanks to Mullingar

first few weeks of the course our tutor Congress and course tutor Betty
Betty brought in a birthday cake to one Beirne for rescuing me from the dark days and
of the girls who lives thousands of miles from home restoring my confidence in myself and life again.
and she was in tears with joy that people actually
cared. As the course progressed and with the Mary Daly

I undertook the challenge of the Train the Trainer There are so many different levels on which to
Course back in November 2013 and having approach lessons and lessons plans that I got a real
completed it, I thought I’d give my experience of the confidence in my own abilities.
course:
I feel now, that if I had to teach a class that I would
Recently the course structure has changed. When be able to incorporate all the different types of
I completed the course it was done over a four day learning into the module I would be teaching.
period. It was manageable but at the same time it was
a little on the stressful side having The classes prepared me well for
to get the presentation prepared. my presentation and on the day
everything ran smoothly. I had no
I think with the new structure nerves delivering my presentation
anybody who wants to do this and equally all of my classmates
course will find it a less stressful gave very clear and precise
experience because it will be taught presentations.
over a period of time.
It was very enjoyable and I learned
I found the course fun, interesting a lot from what the others gave
and very educational. in their presentations. I was
I had never considered the skills pleasantly surprised and even
required to teach and especially though I was second last to give my
in adult training. It’s very different presentation, I felt like the time had
to teaching young people. flown.
Adult training is more based on

“
interaction rather than dictation. If anybody was looking to
This becomes quite clear early in I found the Train undertake Train the Trainer, I would
the lesson. the Trainer recommend it because you can
learn a lot from it and it is a skill
Watching our trainer, Amanda,
course fun, that will stand you well in the future.
inspired me to think on a broader interesting and “ Oliver McBride,
aspect of how to get across the very educational Former website and newsletter editor
information that I should be giving with the Congress Resource Centre
people that I would be teaching.
40
 Mayo Centres for the Unemployed
Teeling Street, Ballina • Tel: 096 70885 • Email: cfuballina@eircom.net
Tucker Street, Castlebar • Tel: 094 9027684 • Email: cfucastlebar@eircom.net

I
Coordinator.mayo@congresscentres.net • www.mayocentresfortheunemployed.com
n 1986 The Mayo Centres for the and forms on all relevant entitlements and discuss
Unemployed was set up in response to the their concerns privately and confidentially with our
high unemployment rates in the Mayo region, Information Officer.
with particular focus to the unemployment
black spot of Ballina. They can also receive basic computer training on
a 1:1 or small group basis (6 max.). Information
A committee formed under the auspices of the is also provided on Job seeking Skills such as CV
Trades Councils in Ballina and Castlebar sponsors Preparation and Interview techniques and a notice
a Community Employment Scheme that is funded board of current job vacancies is updated daily with
by the DSP Employment Services. facilities available for clients to apply for these jobs
online.
We have two offices in Mayo, one in Ballina the
In 2012 we launched our website which contains
other in Castlebar. This scheme allows for the day helpful links, tips and templates to make our
to day staffing of the Centres and the secretarial
service accessible to more people. We also maintain a
and office services that are provided to the presence on Facebook (Unemployed Ballina) or Twitter
community. (cfuballina).
The scheme has employed an average of 20
In 2010 the Ballina office moved to a larger centrally
to 30 local people per year. In addition to the
practical skills the participants gain in running located office (the old FBD offices at the Font). We
the centre and its secretarial service each now have the space to provide training and meeting
participant receives customised training each access to larger groups and our ground floor premises
year. ensures access to all people in the community.
In 2012 our office in Castlebar moved to a more central
At present the centre offers a drop in service location in Tucker Street.
to the public with specific focus on the Lucy Cunningham (top) In 2014 5755 individuals utilised our information
Unemployed. People can access information on and Deirdre Carroll service in the Ballina office alone with a similar volume
Social Welfare queries as we provide booklets Centre Co-ordinators in Castlebar.
(Jobshare)

Board of Management: Eddie Lavelle (Chairman), Trevor Ardill (Treasurer), Cathy Blake (Secretary)
Mary Clarke, Matt Farrell, Joe Hennigan, Sean Moran (Board Members)

Services In accordance with our policy of working with other service

Queries were not restricted to Social Welfare entitlements. providers in the county we had over 300 referrals to other
A general breakdown on the queries received were: organisations.

Counselling • Community Employment / Job schemes To assist our clients we now have a computer in reception to
• Classes / Courses / Training • Education • Employment allow them search for and apply for jobs online. We also have
Support • Farmers Support • Assisting with Form Filling a printing service with a free (subject to fair usage) facility for
• Housing • Facilities • Health Labour Law • Social Welfare people to print out their CVs or job related research.
• Legal and Taxation.
For the last few
years we have
been very happy
to provide training
under the BenefIT4
programme through
ICTU.

This 8 hour training

on accessing the
web is free to those
Unemployed, over
55, Living Alone or
Living remotely.

We encourage
anyone interested
in this training to
contact us and we
will do all in our
power to facilitate
them.

41
 North Roscommon Centre for the unemployed
Arigna, Co. Roscommon
Tel: 085 1376500 • Email: mary.guihen@gmail.com

I
n 2011 the North Centre Development
Roscommon Centre for Slowly the Centre has grown with local volunteers coming on
the unemployed and board and eventually in 2013 the Centre applied for and was
underemployed was granted a Tús worker to help with the growing service.
established to build the capacity Many professional volunteers give of their time freely adding
and resilience of disadvantaged value and expertise to the advice and guidance service.
and socially excluded
individuals in North County The Centre has now progressed to accommodate the Arigna
Roscommon. catchment area with service users from a wide hinterland
incorporating areas north of Boyle in Co. Roscommon Geevagh
The Centre was pioneered and beyond in County Sligo and Drumshanbo, Drumkeerin and
in answer to the emerging on to Dromahaire in Co. Leitrim and into County Cavan.
Centre Co-ordinator
Mary Guihen unemployment and A replacement Tús worker has come on-board in 2014.
underemployment situation
developing as a result of the There are a dedicated group of volunteers involved in
economic decline manifesting with the closure and downsizing the Centre who regularly give of their time unselfishly.
of business in the area. Many low skilled manual workers were Employment and education/training advice and guidance is
losing jobs or having to move to short-time contracts as a result. provided in a confidential, relaxed and homely atmosphere as
per the ethos of the centre.
Many of these workers were anxious for their future and in
serious need of assistance in the areas of CV preparation, One of the hidden difficulties which has manifest in the area is
interview skills, career guidance, and computer literacy a literacy and numeracy problem among a significant cohort of
programmes. This deficit coupled with low self-esteem meant people who have attended the Centre. Many are unwilling to
that individuals were, for various reasons, slow to seek help discuss the issue. (The problem was initially identified by one
with agencies outside of the local area. of the volunteers who is also a trained literacy tutor with ETB).

The problem was recognised locally and volunteers tentatively The Centre also promotes computer literacy classes and have
offered help with CV preparation initially at weekends and found that people do not have a difficulty with admitting
time-off from college/work etc. Many users of the service computer literacy problems. Thus the Centre has assisted with
had left school early and were at a very vulnerable juncture as the roll out of a computer literacy programme in the area.
immigration or migration would be problematic at this stage in This has provided an opportunity to people without computer
their lives. expertise to gain training. It has also given an opening to people
with literacy problems to avail of training and this opportunity
This bespoke assistance added a new impetus into the has been taken-up and utilised by many.
community slowly initially and received its first support
from Roscommon LEADER Partnership through space in the It has become evident that people are slow to seek assistance
Partnership office. Thus many practical supports, which would with basic literacy problems. However, computer literacy, on
not otherwise have been accessed from mainstream sources, the other hand, does not evoke the same perceived stigma.
were provided to vulnerable people at a local level. As a result a new-found confidence has manifest in attendees
with many rural dwellers completing basic computer classes
and willing to go further. These classes have helped some
people to seek further literacy assistance.

Below: The Momentum Roscommon Class; A day out at the Arigna Mining Experience to showcase to the participants a very
challenging work environment, which closed relatively recently, and its association with the ITGWU (now Siptu).
The participants saw at first hand how all conflict had to be put aside unconditionally to survive in the underground
dangerous workplace - a lesson worthwhile for employed and unemployed alike.

42
 One defined group of people who can be identify as service welfare issues including safeguarding mental health is a vital
users of the centre are socially isolated rural dwellers especially consideration also.
men, many single, in the area. The computer classes, where
class-mates are all from similar backgrounds has developed as The Centre founder is currently conducting an elective college
a social gathering with a tutor who is familiar to the group and group project on the attitudes and understanding of GP’s and
accepted with a general consensus from all of being in a “safe Medical students of suicide.
place”.
The Centre is a flagship for volunteerism, community
Current Progress development, social responsibility and community partnership.
At the AGM in Issues of
January 2015 isolation,
the Centre was inequality and
renamed the East disadvantage are
Connaught Further addressed using
Development a community
Centre to reflect development
the current approach
capacity building thus building
work across the the strength,
catchment area. knowledge
The name change and capacity
was to reflect two of people in
things: one of the most
disadvantaged
The geographical areas of County
hinterland of the Roscommon and
Arigna catchment its environs.
area encompassing
distinct adjacent The foot fall
communities across Out supporting the Dunnes Stores workers in Roscommon Town through the centre
adjoining counties. are representative
The reach of the Centre can be recognised as encompassing of union members many of whom are now unemployed as a
the wide area base historically associated with Arigna and its result of the economic downturn.
mining history
Promoting the ethos and importance of the trade union
The ethos of the Centre servicing unemployed and movement has always been part of what the Centre promotes.
underemployed people has evolved into a rural support centre As the Centre progresses people into employment and assists
for local predominantly rural dwellers in a disadvantaged young people in career choices etc. this ethos will be embedded
socially isolated area. While assisting people who are further in service users of the centre.
unemployment and underemployment is a big part of what the
centre does it also looks at areas where the lives of socially The Centre recently supported the Dunnes Workers in
isolated and excluded people living remotely in the catchment Roscommon Town in their quest for equality and fairness.
area can be enhanced. The Centre is a proponent of fairness, dignity and respect for
workers employed and part-employed - the underemployed.
The Centre recognises also the horrific devastation causes by The Centre also extends a beacon of light to socially isolated
suicide across the country. This area has experienced more and excluded, hard to reach people in our society.
instances than most and therefore promotion of health and
Members of the Roscommon Centre: J. Tansey, M. Earley and Mary Guihen (CWU). The centre is affiliated to the
Roscommon Leader Partnership where the ICTU Representative is Seamus Campbell

Below: The Food Hub Training Centre, Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim with the Nutrition and Healthy Options FETAC Level
3 course. This course was organised by the Roscommon Centre and 90% of the participants on the course had also
participated on the DACT programme. This course promoted independent living and assisted with the social integration
of the participants.

43 45
 Dr. Stevens Resource Centre
Dr. Stevens Resource Centre, First Floor, Block A, Irishtown Central, Athlone, Co. Westmeath
Tel: 09064 73001 • Email: drstevensresourcecentre@eircom.net • Web: www.drstevenscentre.ie

D
r. Stevens Centre’s Mission Statement is to provide effectiveness in addressing the needs of its clients.
quality services to empower
individuals and communities to The Dr. Stevens Resource Centre was
become caring, competent and established in 1992 by the Athlone Council of
responsible for their own well-being through Trade Unions in co-operation with FÁS and the
education, training and self-esteem. Irish Congress of Trade Unions. The purpose of
the Centre is to assist the unemployed and their
The Centre was established to meet the dependants, as well as promoting their social,
specific needs of unemployed people and other personal, economic and cultural interests.
marginalised groups (Asylum Seekers and We provide an information service for
Migrant Workers) and is committed to providing Community Employment workers and full time
high quality services in information, training/ workers.
education and career development.
We are a non-discriminatory organisation and
The success of the project can be evaluated welcome people regardless of sex, race or
in terms of progression of its participants religion.We are not affiliated to any political
into employment or education and also its
Bernie Mannion, Co-ordinator parties.

Board Members: Mr. Cyril Dully, Mr. Brendan Grehan, Mr. Joe Lacumbre, Mr. Denis Rohan, Ms. Teresa McCourt,
Ms. Bernie Mannion, Ms. Helen Rohan (Staff Representative)

Services we offer
1. Personal Development The success of the interlinking of Personal Development and
From previous experience the Dr. Stevens Resource Centre Job Seeking services with the computer module has been
is aware of the positive effect Personal Development has on reflected in the high pass rate achieved by clients who have sat
participants. The case studies that we undertook showed that the computer examinations at the Dr. Stevens Resource Centre, i.e.
Personal Development Module is an effective way of building 95% success.
self-esteem, confidence, goal setting skills and motivation.
In addition it broadened many participants horizons and the 4. Information
result was that they undertook interventions e.g. computer The information office continues to serve the needs of the
classes, mediation/job seeking skills which they otherwise unemployed and others in the area. The Information Workers
would not have. have built up a solid network of contacts with I.N.O.U.,
I.C.T.U., Comhairle, C.I.C. and the Dept of Social Protection.
2. Career choice evaluation/mediation
Career Guidance 5. Education
At Dr. Stevens we now offer a career guidance service. In addition to computer services, the Centre offers courses in
If you are a leaving cert student we will work with you to: Personal Effectiveness (FETAC Level 3), Communications
(FETAC Level 4), Reception (FETAC Level 5), Occupational
• Find the career options that are most suitable for you. First Aid (FETAC Level 5), Safe Pass, Bookkeeping Manual
• Make the correct course choices when completing and Computerised (FETAC Level 5), Payroll Manual and
your CAO form. Computerised (FETAC Level 5), Job Seeking Skills and
• Put a plan in place to ensure you get the career teaching English to foreign students.
you want.
7. Second Hand Bookshop
If you are looking to change job or career we can help you to: The Dr. Stevens Resource Centre has for the past 19 years
• Explore what type of work will give you better job operated a second-hand schoolbook shop where clients can both
satisfaction. buy and sell schoolbooks at a fraction of the new cost. This
• Find the career options that are most suitable for you. provides a major source of additional resources for the Centre.
• Put a plan in place to make your career change happen. The book scheme is staffed by a combination of Supervisor and
Our career guidance consultant is a fully qualified coach and Community Employment workers from the Centre.
psychometric tester.
8. Secretarial Service
3. Computer Learning Centre This year the secretarial service was used by unemployed and
As a result of being out of the labour force, unemployed employed persons, students and the general public. Those in
people generally have a skills deficit in computer literacy. For receipt of social welfare payments are offered a reduced rate for
this reason all participants will be encouraged to undertake a typing. Because of low income, many social welfare recipients
computer course. These courses are ECDL, ECDL Advanced, lack access to the resources needed for job seeking or contact
Basic Computers (FETAC Level 3), Intermediate Computers with statutory organisations etc. The secretarial service to some
(FETAC Level 4), Internet (FETAC Level 5), Data Entry extent compensates for this by the provisions of CV’s, letters,
(FETAC Level 4) and Digital Camera. assignments, projects and all other typing requirements.
Participants progress from Basic Computers right through to This service also provides real work experience for CE workers.
ECDL and Advanced ECDL, thus ensuring they have a widely In addition to improving their typing skills, it also affords them
recognised certificate. the opportunity to meet and deal with the public, which in turn
will enhance their confidence.

44
 Mullingar Congress Centre
Unit B, Harbour Court, Friars Mill Road, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath
Tel: 044 9345060 • Email: congresscentre@eircom.net • Web: www.mullingarcongress.com

T
he Mullingar Congress unemployed / migrant workers
Centre has built a strong and marginalised groups of
presence in the community Mullingar and the most rural parts
and has well established of Co. Westmeath.
links.
We are recognised for providing The Centre’s ability to change and
quality services, information and adapt to changes in the local and
support to Mullingar and the wider national economic climate is to
region. the advantage of our clients.
The centre is involved with
It is a drop-in centre for all your WCDL disability working group
information queries and we offer cut and organises the disability events
price services to the unemployed. In throughout the year and plays a
particular, we excel in the areas of IT major part in decision making on
training, up-skilling / re-skilling and local disability service funding. Susan Bray
job seeking supports. Centre Co-ordinator
Holistic Approach
We are a recognised FETAC training centre and so our We also believe in a more holistic approach to unemployed
standards in training & development are very important to us. people. Your health is your wealth and sometimes the focus
This year we have provided funding through Skillsnet for IT, can be only on employment.
Interpersonal Skills and Work Experience Courses. We also With this in mind we offer a lot of social classes at a very
provide funding, through Skillsnet, for Security training for low cost because we believe it is important to look after
local unemployed Men in Door Security Procedures, Retail your mental health and physical well being while waiting for
Sales & Stadium Security. Mentoring for unemployed people is employment or further education / re-skilling.
provided by a team of qualified mentors.
It is important to have something to look forward to every
After fifteen years in existence the service has now established week and regardless of the class it is a way to stay in touch
itself as an integral part of the supports available to the with the wider community and to stop the feelings of isolation.

Board of Management: Des Sheridan (Chairperson), Patrick Collins (Treasurer), Sheamus McNamee (Secretary)

Low cost secretarial services • Free one day Beginners Computer Classes
• CV preparation / guidance, CV typing & mentoring • Next Steps follow on Computer Classes
• Free Information to inform people of their welfare • Photocopying, Emailing & Faxing
rights & entitlements • Laminating & Printing
• Training courses for the unemployed. Training for • Rooms for hire for training or conferences
those in employment but wishing to up-skill for • Information officers available on a strictly
promotion prospects confidential basis
• Courses with ECDL & FETAC that cover a wide range of • Presentations and seminars delivered on a wide
accredited courses such as Payroll, Train the Trainer, range of topics (Free of charge to community groups)
DACT, Momentum, Benefit 4, Computer Applications, • Second Hand School Book Shop every year
Security,Personal Interpersonal Skills, Reception Skills, 8 June - 24 to September (buy books at a fraction of
Work Experience and many more the cost and sell your old ones)
• Social courses with our ‘Widen Your Horizons • Low cost councillor
Programme’ – This includes Yoga, Tai Chi, Meditation, • Low cost therapies with Acupuncture & Massage
Arts & Combined Painting, Knitting, Embroidery & • AWARE (group meetings for people with depression)
Crocheting, Pilates, Digital Photography & Stress • Over-eaters Anonymous Meetings
Management • Children’s Classes in Computers, Yoga, Tai Chi,
Glee Kids dance classes, Creative Writing
Left: Some of the
many activities
on offer at
the Mullingar
Congress
Centre, reflecting
the focus on
individual health
and growth

45
Francis Wynne is a single man, living alone yet These are but two of comprehensive list of further
close to his extended family in Leitrim. Francis is a individuals who have an equally intriguing story to tell
wheelchair user and a very charismatic, sociable, well with regard to engagement with computers for the first
known and well-loved character in the local mainly time through Benefit 3/4.
rural community and beyond.
They range in age up to 85 years,
Francis grew up in a time where with Teresa Gilmartin, one of
presenting with a disability was our most senior participants,
an especially difficult situation communicating with her daughter
for families to cope with resulting in Switzerland, her son in New
in Francis not having progressed York and her many grandchildren
through education in the all over the globe through Skype.
conventional manner - leaving
school after primary level. Teresa came to the course
completely new to computers
Francis had never used a computer and having been given a tablet
until participating on a Benefit 4 with which to be part of her
course. Francis is now honing and grandchild’s christening in New
refining his new-found knowledge York as she felt unable to make
and is preparing to help people the journey.
especially farmers in his locality to
place adds on sites like DoneDeal, Teresa Gilmartin from Arigna, This she accomplished and she is
eBay etc. Co. Roscommon (right) with Roscommon making weekly Skype dates with
Centre Co-ordinator Mary Guihen her family since.

I am doing this course I had previously worked for years as a

called Looking Forward to manager in one of the local clothing shops
Warehousing & Logistics. so I had already a good experience in dealing
Since I have started this course with customers on a daily basis. However,
I have gained so much in having a certificate to show is always a plus
experience and most of all in my in seeking new employment.
confidence. I would never stand The Fetac 5 Customer Care course was just
up in front of a class and talk what I was looking for.
before.
Our tutors had a lot of client experience
I would feel sick in my stomach. themselves to share with us and many new
Now I can do it and I still feel I details emerged which I had been unaware of
need to work on my confidence before, for example in consumer legislation.
but I have come on so much
since joining the course. I had no problem with the role-playing.
It was good fun, it taught us how tricky
I also have made great friends situations with the public sometimes can be
with all the lads in the class. and brought the group more together.
I got the opportunity to sit my
Forklift Driving Licence before The Customer Care course is an extremely
Christmas before Christmas and beneficial course, not just if you want to work

“
I passed both the Reach and the in, say, a shop or at a reception, but it will be
Counterbalance test. useful in almost any kind of work-situation
because it teaches you a lot about interaction
I am hoping that having this Having a between people in general.
licence together with my Fetac certificate
Courses will help me get a job in I can truly recommend this course
the Warehousing area.
to show is to anyone.
Martin Lynam (Mullingar)
always a plus Brid McCallion
in seeking new “
employment
49
46
 WICKLOW TRADE UNION CENTRE
97 Main Street (Rear), Bray, Co. Wicklow
Tel: 01 2866730 • Email: bray@congresscentres.net • Web: www.ictu.ie

At back: Marion Cushen (DSP). Front row from left: Dairine Moran (tutor), Gary Connolly
(tutor), Sylvia Ryan (Manager of the Congress Centres Network), Patricia Shortt
(Co-ordinator, Wicklow Trade Union Centre), John Douglas (President Irish Congress of
Trade Unions), Dermot Tobin (Board of Management), Joanne Brown (ICTU)

T
he Centre recently celebrated 21 years of providing a internal training in Accounts, Reception, Information provision,
service to County Wicklow. Tutoring, Canteen Management, Public Relations and
The Centre has gone from strength to strength Administration.
and in 2014/15 the demand for services required The Centre continues to run the ECDL and Equal Skills and can
that we explore ways of expanding to meet these demands. run courses for women on the Equality for Women, at present a
FETAC Level 5 Computerised and Manual Payroll.
2014 saw the opening of the new training room which allows
us to accommodate 26 Learners. The room can also be used for The Information Section has been increasingly busy and have
meetings. brought cases to the LRC regarding redundancy Matters and
This extra capacity meant that we have 100% success.
were able to facilitate Momentum The Secretarial Service offers a CV
and Maximise Your Options. preparation and guidance service
which the DSP sent people to avail
The Centre staff saw this as of. This coupled with the Jobs
an opportunity to revamp and Board has proved very successful.
rearrange the offices and moved
the ‘hub’ of the Centre to a lower The Training the Centre provides
floor and this in turn lead to are accredited, FETAC and ECDL /
the installation of a jobs board Equal Skills, Payroll Computerised
catering which is available to and Manual, Book-keeping
people using the Centre and the Computerised and Manual.
learners attending classes. The facilities of the Centre include
Top photo: Centre recently refurbished and presentation of 2 training /meeting rooms, car
The Centre has 19 Community ‘Maximise your Options’ which were presented by parking, canteens, photocopying
Employment staff, receiving John Douglas, General Secretary of Mandate. and typing service.
Above: Snapshot of the computer facilities in the Centre

Sponsor Committee Members: George Sheehan (Chairperson), Dermot Tobin (Treasurer), Derek Casserly (Secretary)

Below: Quiz night held for Wicklow Trade Union Centre

47
 Speech by President Michael D. Higgins, Liberty Hall, 30th April 2015
Dear friends, community, democratic flourishing, and solidarity with
other workers, in Ireland and abroad.
It is a great pleasure to be here in Liberty Hall to
hear and share with you all some of the fruits of the The terms “respect”, “equality”, “trust”, “honesty”,
Irish Congress of Trade Unions’ “Ethical Workplace “transparency”, “security”, “effort” and “creativity”
Initiative.” recur in many of the collected messages, outlining a
vision of the good workplace as that where workers
May I thank Patricia King for her presentation to me, are enabled to pursue their material well-being
on behalf of Congress, of this beautiful handcrafted and personal development in conditions of dignity,
box, enclosing as it does a valuable treasure – the economic security and equal opportunity, and also that
voices of hundreds of workers on what an ethical where workers are enabled to participate, as citizens.
workplace means to them. Such a sense of well-being and involvement is to the
benefit of society as a whole, and thus it is also, in a
“The Ethical Workplace Initiative” is the trade broad sense, highly productive.
unions’ response to “The President of Ireland’s Ethics
Initiative”, which I launched over a year ago with Trade unions have an essential role to play in
a view to encouraging debate across all sectors of defending and advancing such a conception of the good
Irish society on the values and principles we deem workplace, in a global context characterised by a huge
fundamental to our living together in harmony and and increasing concentration of wealth in the hands
cohesion – values and principles around which a of financial capital, and an overwhelming tendency
consensus might emerge, of an inter-generational kind. to measure the worth of large companies primarily in
It was, and remains, my belief that such a reflection on terms of their ability to maximise shareholder value.
ethics must constitute the base
– the necessary groundwork – These shareholders, whose
for any serious reconstruction interests are defended
of our economy and society, by executives, usually
in the wake of what was not incentivised and rewarded
only a dire financial, economic, by bonuses, are often
social and political crisis, but removed from the workforce.
also a moral one. Tracing decision-making
and achieving accountability
The question of what we in such a context become
consider as decent work is, labyrinthine.
of course, absolutely central
to such a reflection. Work, The task facing trade unions,
involving as it does the then, is far from an easy one.
expression of the energy of Nor is it a task for which
mind and body in differing they alone can or should take
degrees through the life-cycle, responsibility. The state and
is an intrinsically human our democratically elected
activity. What we experience, representatives have an
define, or even recognise, as important role to play in
work takes place in contexts of General Secretary Patricia King with President ensuring that citizens can
power, as conveyed in gender Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina Higgins earn a decent living wage,
relations, in conditions of and that no company can
hierarchy and sometimes in an overtly or covertly feel
atmosphere of authoritarianism. justified in shifting its social responsibility onto the
state’s welfare system.
Our definition of the rights and obligations of
employers and employees towards one another as well Ultimately, these issues have an intrinsically political
as towards society; the manner in which we conceive of dimension and should be treated as such, rather than
and cultivate the relation of work to human flourishing as some inexorable consequence of the natural order
– these are issues that are essential, not just to our of “The Market.” By saying so, I am not disputing the
present coexistence as citizens, but to the type of relevance of the market per se, a social institution
society we will hand down to future generations. which long predates contemporary capitalism. Rather,
I am seeking to address the assumptions associated
I am very happy, therefore, that ICTU and its 44 with a specific brand of economics that recast “The
affiliated unions embraced the opportunity afforded by Market” – with a capital M – as a general principle
this National Initiative to spark discussions amongst for regulating the economy, treating labour, land and
their members on ethics in the workplace. The words money as if they were pure commodities. I am also
of the men and women captured in the film we saw suggesting that the scope, reach, and processes of
earlier, and the postcards and other messages shown today’s market should be made transparent.
in this exhibition, all point to a vision of labour that is
so much more than a tradable commodity, a resource Accordingly, if I may highlight just one dimension
amenable to the fluctuating needs of the market; these amongst the many challenges facing collective
words sketch out a conception of good work that goes action today, I would emphasise the urgent need for
way beyond material survival. As philosopher Simone widespread economic literacy amongst our citizens.
Weil put it: “To strive from necessity and not for some Indeed I believe that, just as surely as modern
good – driven not drawn – in order to maintain our democracy needed literacy to be experienced by all for
existence just as it is – that is slavery.” its promises to be vindicated, today economic literacy,
supported by a pluralist scholarship, is essential if we
The voices of workers convey a rich and holistic are to move beyond the illusions at play in so many
understanding of work as a source of personal parts of the worlds of production, consumption and
dignity and freedom, family stability, prosperity in the finance.
48
 In order for labour to organise itself in the face of the movement that can be an important element in a wider,
heady pace of global production, trade and financial comprehensive strategy enabling workers – including
speculation, workers must first feel confident that no the mass of the precarious workers, those who are not
financial or economic matter is ever so complex as to members of trade unions, and the unemployed – to be
be lifted out of the frame of democratic debate and part of the economic discourse, gain control over their
public understanding. Workers must be enabled to professional lives, acquire social and economic security
apprehend with clarity the new world of work of which and access a fairer share of vital social assets.
they are part.
It is also my hope that ICTU’s “Ethical Workplace
I understand that several Irish trade unions have been Initiative” can be a meaningful step in the trade unions’
running training courses in political economy so as wider endeavour at seizing back the lead in the debate
to equip their members with a conceptual framework on what constitutes decent work. I understand that
allowing them to grasp more clearly power dynamics ICTU intends to build upon this Initiative by drafting
and the increasing inequality, throughout our world, in an “Ethical Workplace Charter” over the next year or
the division of wealth and resources. so. The ‘raw material’ presented in today’s exhibition
thus constitutes the genesis of this Charter, and it will
That is a valuable contribution to active citizenship. be interesting to see how the voices of the workers find
I was also delighted to learn of a very popular training their way into the final text.
course on global finance and banking, which shows, for
example, how processes such as ‘creative accounting’ May I thank all of you, once again, for your contribution
or ‘securitisation’ directly affect workers’ wages. to the “Ethical Workplace Initiative”, and wish you all
the very best in your future endeavours. I look forward
Another important development has been the to the rest of today’s programme: what better way to
establishment, by Irish trade unions, of the Nevin celebrate work, as defined in its broadest and most
Economic Research Institute, where I was invited to creative form, with its rich connections to all the other
give the inaugural lecture in May 2013. The Nevin spheres of human achievement, than through poetry,
Institute has become a respected voice in the Irish music and song!
economic debate – a voice that enriches the public
Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir
discourse by outlining alternative perspectives
and economic policy options geared towards the Michael D. Higgins
achievement of a more just society.
For further information on ‘The President of Ireland’s
All these developments form a very positive Ethics Initiative’ please visit www.president.ie
movement, which, I hope, will continue to grow as
we craft, together, a new era for human work. It is a

Did you know... Did you know...

that employers issuing
redundancies in the workplace are obliged that employees receiving
to give employees time off to search redundancy can claim back part of the
for employment and training tax they pay on their redundancy sum?
opportunities?

The Congress Centres Network has developed a service for Union Officials, Union Members and employers faced with a
redundancy situation and unemployment due to the recent economic downturn. These seminars are very successful with
both employer and the employee finding the information very helpful as redundancy is a complex issue.

We offer seminars for the unemployed, employees in their workplace and trade union members and provide an
information pack covering the following areas:

● Social Welfare rights ● Law and redundancy

● Employers’ obligations ● Redundancy payments
● Maximising your options ● Curriculum Vitae sample
● Job seekers benefit / allowance ● Questions and answers
Our centres are situated throughout the country and can service both rural and urban areas.
We are available to provide this service to any of your members if they wish to avail of it at a small charge to the employer
to cover the costs of materials.

Seminars for Union Officials will run monthly in Congress and Head Office.

If you or your members require this service please contact me at: 01 8897745 / 087 0557025
or email sylvia.ryan@ictu.ie to make further arrangements.

Kind regards,
Sylvia Ryan
Training and development Co-ordinator
49
 What services and supports are provided by
Intreo?
• Employment services and income supports
available in one place.
• Expert assistance and advice on employment,
training and personal development opportunities.
• A focus on jobseekers individual needs to assist
these enter the workforce.
• Self-service facilities to provide jobseekers with
information and guidance on employment and
training opportunities.
• Access to information on job vacancies through
www.jobsireland.ie.
Intreo is a new service from the Department of
Social Protection which will help jobseekers with • Information on the full range of income supports
employment and income support services needs. provided by the Department of Social Protection,
Intreo will provide a personalised service, based for example:
on individual needs including: advice on education, - Jobseeker’s Payments
training and personal development opportunities,
job search assistance as well as information on and - Back to Work and Back to Education payments
access to our range of income supports. - One-parent family payments, pensions and others

Speaking at the launch, Taoiseach Enda Kenny Also, any queries in relation to jobseekers or
stated that: one-parent family payment will continue to be dealt
with by the team in the local Intreo Centre.
“Intreo is an important step in transforming the way
income and employment supports are provided. Intreo was formally launched in the Intreo Centre,
It is a key element of the Government’s response to Sligo on the 15th October 2012.
the employment crisis and supports the objectives
set out in the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs and
the Pathways to Work initiative.
It links the payment of income supports to the task of
supporting people in their pursuit of employment and
improving their life chances.”

50
 Will we take this
opportunity?
A New Course for New Times Conference of ICTU 11 April 2015 (Abridged)
by Tom Healy
“Ireland has many opportunities to break free from the failed in the market for enterprise lending, small to medium-sized
Anglo-American model of capitalism by moving closer to a saver deposits and investment in ‘green technology’.
European norm of public goods and taxation – if it wishes.
Ireland is faced with many threats – not least the prospect of Such a bank could work in tandem with the European
long-term climate change and environmental damage. Investment Bank and help rebuild the damaged areas of our
economy.
Key to a new strategy that works, I believe, will be the In regards to the immediate task before us I suggest the
following six critical areas of public policy: following:

1. A new banking system that works for households and • The best way to reward work is to pay decent living wages.
enterprises.
• The best relief to give hard-pressed
2. Adequate levels of taxation to pay for working families is to stop cutting further
excellent public services in a reformed into education, health and welfare which
and accountable government system at only impact disproportionately on poorer
local and central level. households.
3. Reform of our health and education • The best way to ensure greater social
systems to make them accessible to all equality is to increase Ireland’s ‘social
and to raise, further, the quality of their wage’ by way of a proper employer
outcomes. and employee-funded social insurance
system – this will pay for education,
4. A national investment strategy health and income during periods of
to rebuild and renew Ireland’s learning, unemployment, sickness or
infrastructure especially in the areas of Tom Healy (Director of the Nevin Economic retirement.
social housing, early childhood care and Research Institute)
education, renewable energy, • The best way to tackle poverty is
retro-fitting, water and broadband. to create decent jobs that pay, not welfare-dependent
households which must rely on a fragmented combination of
5. A strengthening of collective bargaining rights and tax reliefs and welfare payments.
employment protection to tackle the economically and
socially damaging area of low-pay and precarious work.
• The best way to create employment is through enterprise –
public, private and voluntary/not-for-profit and not excessive
6. A gradual movement towards a decarbonised economy
reliance on large footloose multinational companies
through appropriate investment and shifting of taxation to
(welcome as they are).
‘bads’ allied to an adequate living income for all.

In regards to taxation I am deeply worried that the calls for • The best way to fix our public finances is to grow the
tax cuts will be acted on. How can anyone talk of tax cuts economy – not to continue cutting our way out of a deficit.
when our public services are grossly under-funded in key
areas of human need? • And the best way to raise levels of happiness and well-
being is by economically empowering individuals and
We cannot have a European style public service without communities so that they can live lives of worth and mutual
European norms of taxation including social insurance and support and caring.
local taxation.
It is time to break free and face the future with a new vision
Without a re-structured and cleaned up banking system we for this Republic.
will not see the speed of economic recovery needed to bring
about full employment. I would suggest a Banc Glas – a new It is time to break free and face the future with a new vision
Green Bank formed as a separate commercial entity from AIB for this Republic.”
and BOI, publicly controlled and accountable and competing

Nevin Economic Research Institute

31/32 Parnell Square, Carlin House
Dublin 1, Ireland 4-6 Donegall Street Place
Tel: +353 1 8897722 Belfast BT1 2FN, Northern Ireland
Tel: +44 28 902 46214

Web: www.nerinstitute.net • Email: info@NERInstitute.net

51
 leonardo da vinci
Trip to Patras, Greece

I
n February 2012 an application was made to Leargas One objective of the trip was to exchange ideas and
under the Vocational and Training Professionals experiences in relation to vocational education and
(VETPRO) category by Congress Centres Network training provision. The aim of the project is to identify
to travel to Greece and visit training facilities and possible innovations in the area of service provision
projects that facilitate unemployed learners similar to and delivery in the community services relevant to
CCN unemployment centres. unemployed people in Ireland.

In June 2013 the funding was secured to take a group Everyone on the trip got on well and enjoyed the
of 13 coordinators and tutors from the CCN to Greece experience. All participants felt it was fantastic to see
and the University of how another country
Patras kindly offered to operates the positive
be a partner and host interventions for
the visit. We arrived in the unemployed and
time to celebrate the different pedagogies
50th birthday of the applied in the area
University of Patras. of childcare. This
exchange also gave the
The Irish Congress participants the time to
of Trade Unions had reflect and appreciate
developed a relationship the good services we are
with Sofia Kasola offering within the local
during a Leonardo community throughout
da Vinci Transfer of Ireland. How to ensure
Innovation Project we stay abreast of new
‘REVOW’ in 2010-2011. research and implement
Sofia Kasola works proven techniques into
as an International our practice.
Co-Ordinator and
researcher with The Congress Centres
University of Patras. Network together with
Sofia and her colleagues the host University
Professor Yannis and of Patras organised
Professor Professor and devised a five day
Hatitantis worked on programme for the
the REVOW project group in Greece. The
that focused on programme comprised
Recognition of Work of visits to the
Place Learning and unemployment centres,
creating a mechanism to Euroteam offices that
capture the skill set of Professor Haritantis, Professor design and develop
workers without formal Karalis and Mr. Antoniou current programmes
(University of Patras) with Aileen
qualifications. Morrissey (Mandate) and vocational training
centres that deliver
The initial idea was to skills based learning.
go to Greece and to observe and learn to about their We also attended workshops on topics including the
systems of education, childcare, grassroots organisations Barriers to Education for adults, European Qualification
and innovative techniques when working with the Framework and the Greek social welfare system and
unemployed. Exchanging information and bringing ideas the Trade Union Movement response to assisting the
back to Ireland and using new techniques to improve unemployed by offering basic education.
aspects of our training provision.

52
- vetpro mobility

The University of Patras

The group learned that unemployed people can receive There was no hiding the significant challenges being
up to €400 per month with over 3 million not in receipt encountered by the Greek people, face with up to 40%
of any financial support. Teachers spoke to us about cuts to salary, long hours and low pay in a stagnated
the difficulties they encounter motivating students economy, Greece has one of the highest unemployment
to persevere with education and keep hope that the rates throughout Europe.
employment opportunities will improve.
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions will sustain the
The main concern is that all people learn to engage relationship established with our Greek fellow European
with society in a positive way from a young age and citizens and hope to work together in the future. This
solutions are trip took place
found to assist in May 2014 and
Greece create all participants
employment and Photo captions? completed
have a bright two FETAC
future for all Level 5 minor
their citizens. It awards and will
was a brilliant also receive
learning curve a Europass
and the groups Mobility
were overall Document.
extremely
impressed with The Congress
the Greek way Centres
of offering free Network strives
education as is to encourage
protected in their the continuous
constitution. professional
The Trade Union Sofia Kasola development of
movement has all the members
got involved of the network
in offering while building
supports to the relationships
unemployed and networking
by means of with similar
providing free organisations
education and internationally.
second language
classes. The project
overall
There was also a was hugely
visit to the Greek Sylvia Ryan with representative successful and
Confederation of GSEE (General Confederation the Congress
of Workers to of Greek Workers) Centres
discuss vocational Network hopes
education & to run one again
training for the in the future.
unemployed.

53
Let’s get ready
Ireland is introducing postcodes this summer and an There are 23 ‘Outreach Champions’ leading the drive
outreach programme is in place to ensure that no one is throughout the country to reach these people and offer
left behind. Dónall Geoghegan, Programme Manager for the them basic information and reassurance on the change.
Eircode Community Outreach Programme explains:
They are getting in touch with volunteers in community and
An Eircode is a smart location code for all Irish addresses. voluntary organisations right around the country, asking
Unlike other countries, where postcodes define clusters or them to reach out within their own community to ensure
groups of addresses, an Eircode will identify an individual that nobody gets left behind.
address – rural or urban –
and help show exactly where We are particularly
it is located. This means concerned that people
every residential address and reach out to people they
business will receive a unique know, friends, family and
Eircode. neighbours, who are older,
isolated or vulnerable and
There are numerous benefits may not understand or may
to introducing Eircode into become confused by what
Ireland. Not only will it make this change means.
the delivery of services
and goods to households Could you help out? Could
easier, but in the case of a you hold an event this
medical emergency, being summer to reach some of
able to accurately and quickly the target group in your
identify an address can save valuable minutes. area? Could you get the word out through your local
organisation? We’d love to hear from you.
This July, all residents and businesses will receive a letter
notifying them of the Eircode for their address. Addresses See www.wheel.ie/eircode for the contact details of the
will not be changing; an Eircode will simply be added to ‘Outreach Champion’ for your area, or email
current addresses. Dónall Geoghegan at donallg@wheel.ie or ring me at
087-222-5691.
The Wheel, working closely with Irish Rural Link, are Dónall Geoghegan (Programme Manager)
leading a nationwide effort to reach out to people who may Eircode Community Outreach Programme
get left behind when Eircodes are introduced. The Wheel

How Eircode Works

Further general information on Eircode is available at www.eircode.ie

54
 Jobseeker’s Allowance (JA)
Transitional Arrangement
The JA transitional arrangement, which was implemented The JA transitional arrangement caters for the caring
in legislation in the Social Welfare and Pensions responsibilities of former OFP recipients with young
(Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2013, caters for One- children (up to the age of 14 years) who move to the
Parent Family Payment (OFP) recipients who lose JA scheme when their entitlement to the OFP payment
their entitlement to the OFP payment from July, 2013, ceases. The arrangement exempts these customers from
onwards, who have a youngest child aged under 14 the JA criteria that recipients must be available for, and
years, and who are entitled to the JA payment. genuinely seeking, full-time employment. These criteria
would be difficult for lone parents with young children to
These customers are exempt from the JA conditions meet. As such, without the scheme, it is likely that many
that require them to be available for, and genuinely former OFP recipients would not be able to qualify for a
seeking, full-time work, and also, from having to prove JA payment as their caring responsibilities would prevent
unemployment. They can work part-time without them from being available for, and genuinely seeking, full-
restrictions and still receive the JA transitional payment time work.
– subject to a means test. They also have access to the
Department’s ‘Intreo’ process and to related supports Significantly, the JA transitional arrangement links these
to enable them to become job-ready and/or to find customers to the Department’s ‘Intreo’ process – with
employment. which all JA recipients are required to engage. As part of
this process, lone parents have a one-to-one engagement
The exemptions from the full JA conditionality remain and are encouraged to develop a personal development
in place until their youngest child reaches the age of plan in conjunction with their Case Officer.
14 years – at which point, should they continue to
claim the JA payment, they are subjected to the full JA This personal development plan will subsequently
conditionality. identify suitable education, training, and employment
programmes that will enable them to improve their skills
The JA transitional arrangement is a special provision set and make them more employable. As such, lone
that is designed to assist former OFP recipients to make parents are obliged to engage in education, training, and
their transition onto the JA scheme. This is required as employment programmes in order to retain their social
the OFP scheme has limited conditionality associated welfare income support payment.
with it whereas the JA scheme has considerably more
conditionality. Recipients of the JA transitional arrangement must
continue to parent alone.

55
 The Benefit of...
Community Employment

It is regarded as an invaluable stepping stone to These courses are available to our CE workers and also
employment or further education and can, and does, to the local community,” Co-ordinator of the Letterkenny
open up career opportunities for participants. Centre, Marie Slevin reveals.

For anyone stagnating in the cess-pool of the jobless Anyone working on a Community Employment Scheme
market, Community Employment undoubtedly offers will tell you they are just 20 euro a week better off for
viable alternatives as anyone who has been involved in working nineteen and a half hours a week. But the
the schemes can readily testify. benefits far outweigh any financial drawbacks – with the
support of Community Employment, you get to meet new
Participants are employed to work part-time in their own people, to learn new skills, and build confidence in your
community on a yearly contract by community groups. own ability to do a good job.
In the Congress Resource Centres, which are sponsored
by the local District Trade Union Councils, participants “For many people who have been out of work for a while,
have the opportunity to work in the Centres and to retrain it’s the confidence gained in getting back to work that
and learn new skills while also gaining experience in the is the most important part of Community Employment.
job sector. People often say it’s the support, help and friendships
from their co-workers, the feeling that you have helped
“Staff in our centres know well what it’s like to be others and that you have done a good job.
unemployed and they understand the problems and
difficulties that many people experience because As a result of the training and the work experience gained
of unemployment. We provide a confidential and on Community Employment, it’s great knowing that you
independent information service to the local community have the skills that employers are looking for and that you
with our trained staff. are ready and confident to apply for that job and get it.”
We also offer a range of accredited training courses from Participants on C.E. schemes are eligible to take up other
basic to advanced computers, FETAC Customer Service, part-time work during their placements.
Level 5 to Train the Trainer, Level 6.

Group of participants completing the popular ECDL course mid-June, 2015 at the Letterkenny Congress Resource Centre.
Back Row: Irene Franczak, Damir Knezovic, Raymond Tighe.
Middle row: Anne Boyce, Ann Doherty, Olwyn Ryan, AnnMarie Carroll, Michelle Lam
Front row: Nessa McGahey, John Doherty, Aidan Boyle

56
Experiences from some of our CE participants
As part of an IT Support FÁS I Started my CE Scheme in the
course I was scheduled to Congress Resource Centre
undertake six months work September 2013 till September 2014.
experience. I had tried a
It was great for me as I had been out
couple of places until one
of work for 2 years and needed to
day I was walking past the
find some way of getting back into
Congress Resource Centre
Employment and had handed out
in Letterkenny and called
CV’s left right and centre and heard
in to see if anything was
nothing back.
available.
In this time I worked with the
The Centre Supervisor,
Regional Employment Service and
Veronica McElhinney offered
found it very Interesting plus I was
me work immediately and
learning a new skill myself as I had
I started doing two days a
never done office work. There is also
week in reception.
plenty of courses to do while in the Centre. I completed a
I got chatting to Marie Information/Social Course where I achieved a Merit and
Slevin and Brian McArt a Distinction which I have never thought I could have
about getting further part- achieved.
time or full-time work and I was put in touch with a few people.
Everyone in the Centre were very friendly and I still pop in
As a result I started a part-time job at the Radisson Hotel in
to say hello and I have made some very good friends.
Letterkenny waiting on tables.
If I had not joined the centre I would have never heard of
It was thanks to the Resource Centre that I got this work. applying for Public Jobs which I got a 6 months Temporary
The Centre has been very beneficial to me and I really enjoy my Contract out of. It has now been extended for another 8
time working there. The staff there are very friendly and there is months.
always a great atmosphere.
Tanya Storey
Robert Egan

I have just finished and completed my 5th DACT Training Options in Letterkenny
Congress Resource Centre. I taught Work Experience and Personal and
Interpersonal Skills. Each and every time I delivered the modules I got so much
out of it.
All learners were very different and diverse in each way which made the DACT
programme more interesting and challenging. Everyone really enjoyed their time
spent on the course. It gave each of them such purpose, and structure to their day
which they haven’t had for a long time.
I learnt so much from many of my students. It has been a very rewarding and
gratifying time for me as I have seen each of the students’ confidence and
self-esteem grow and develop immensely from the 1st day we met, which was
particularly rewarding for me. It gave me a deeper in-site to everyone on the
course. We had lots of fun as we all got to know each other very well.
I believe that we worked well together in securing future progression after the
courses were completed. 98% of all students progressed onto further education,
CE Scheme or full time job.
Julie Gavigan

My first contact with the Congress Resource Centre, Letterkenny was in early 2013 when I
attended an Advanced Word ECDL course. My job had been made redundant the previous
September and the course was suggested by the DSP. Initially I did have reservations about
going into a classroom environment again but the Tutors and indeed the staff in the Centre soon
alleviated any concerns I had.
Later in the year CE Scheme placements in the Centre was advertised, I applied and was lucky
enough to get accepted.
Since then I haven’t looked back. I had enjoyed my time at home but felt that it was time to get
back to the real world. The Centre has given me the opportunity to explore other avenues of
possible employment and acquire new skills that I might not have thought about otherwise.
The ongoing support and encouragement that is given here is brilliant. It has given me structure
to my days, improved my confidence and motivation and as an added bonus I have made great
friends.
Anne Boyce

57
Centre snapshots

Left: The Fingal Centre held a

hugely successful and entertaining
‘Stars In Your Eyes’ fundraiser on
Saturday 16th November 2013

Below: Brian McArt and AnnMarie

Carroll in the Information office at
the Letterkenny Centre under the
cool gaze of George Clooney

Right: The ‘Vote

YES’ campaign
bus visits the
Letterkenny
Congress
Resource Centre

Left: Congress Centres Network Above: The YES campaign supported

Magazine 2015; compiled, by the Centre Management
illustrated and designed by
Christopher Ammentorp
(Letterkenny Congress
Resource Centre)
58
CONGRESS CENTRES NETWORK QQI VALIDATED MODULES
Level Component Title Code Target Major Award
Level 3 Validated Modules
Level 3 Art and Design 3N0608 General Learning Major Award 3M0874
Level 3 Breakfast Cookery 3N0895 General Learning Major Award 3M0874
Level 3 Cake Baking and Decoration 3N0539 General Learning Major Award 3M0874
Level 3 Career Preparation 3N0896 General Learning Major Award 3M0874
Level 3 Communications 3N0880 General Learning Major Award 3M0874
Level 3 Computer Literacy 3N0881 General Learning Major Award 3M0874
Level 3 Craft - Sewing 3N1035 General Learning Major Award 3M0874
Level 3 Digital Photography 3N0791 General Learning Major Award 3M0874
Level 3 Floor and Wall Tiling 3N0523 General Learning Major Award 3M0874
Level 3 Health and Safety Awareness 3N0532 General Learning Major Award 3M0874
Level 3 Internet Skills 3N0931 General Learning Major Award 3M0874
Level 3 Managing Personal Finances 3N0921 General Learning Major Award 3M0874
Level 3 Mathematics 3N0929 General Learning Major Award 3M0874
Level 3 Office Procedures 3N0888 General Learning Major Award 3M0874
Level 3 Personal & Interpersonal Skills 3N0564 General Learning Major Award 3M0874
Level 3 Work Experience 3N0587 General Learning Major Award 3M0874

Level 3 Bread, Pastry and Desserts 3N0522 Culinary Skills 3S0924
Level 3 Culinary Operations 3N0549 Culinary Skills 3S0924
Level 3 Nutrition and Healthy Options 3N0887 Culinary Skills 3S0924

Level 3 Digital Media Skills 3N0552 Information and Communication Technologies 3M0877

Level 3 Restaurant Service 3N0577 Restaurant Skills 3S0686
Level 3 Tourism Awareness 3N0579 Restaurant Skills 3S0686

Level 4 Validated Modules

Level 4 Communications 4N0689 General Learning Major Award 4M2010
Level 4 Customer Service 4N1989 General Learning Major Award 4M2010
Level 4 Data Entry 4N1113 General Learning Major Award 4M2010
Level 4 Functional Mathematics 4N2138 General Learning Major Award 4M2010
Level 4 Home Repairs and Maintenance 4N3774 General Learning Major Award 4M2010
Level 4 Information Technology Skills 4N1125 General Learning Major Award 4M2010
Level 4 Reception Skills 4N1867 General Learning Major Award 4M2010
Level 4 Retail Sales Techniques 4N1183 General Learning Major Award 4M2010
Level 4 Stock Control 4N1184 General Learning Major Award 4M2010
Level 4 Teamworking 4N1169 General Learning Major Award 4M2010
Level 4 Word Processing 4N1123 General Learning Major Award 4M2010
Level 4 Work Experience 4N1168 General Learning Major Award 4M2010
Level 4 Workplace Safety 4N1124 General Learning Major Award 4M2010
Level 4 Personal & Interpersonal Development 4N1131 General Learning Major Award 4M2010

Level 4 Career Planning 4N1109 Employment Skills 4M0857

Level 4 Computer Applications 4N1112 Information & Communications Technology Skills 4M0855

Level 4 General Office Skills 4N1116 Office Skills 4M2070

Level 5 Validated Modules
Level 5 Bookkeeping Manual and Computerised 5N1354 eBusiness 5M0828
Level 5 Communications 5N0690 eBusiness 5M0828
Level 5 Customer Service 5N0972 eBusiness 5M0828
Level 5 Desktop Publishing 5N0785 eBusiness 5M0828
Level 5 eBusiness Studies 5N1369 eBusiness 5M0828
Level 5 Payroll Manual and Computerised 5N1546 eBusiness 5M0828
Level 5 Reception and Frontline Office Skills 5N1407 eBusiness 5M0828
Level 5 Retail Selling 5N1619 eBusiness 5M0828
Level 5 Spreadsheet Methods 5N1977 eBusiness 5M0828
Level 5 Start Your Own Business 5N1418 eBusiness 5M0828
Level 5 Teamworking 5N1367 eBusiness 5M0828
Level 5 The Internet 5N1611 eBusiness 5M0828
Level 5 Web Authoring 5N1910 eBusiness 5M0828
Level 5 Word Processing 5N1358 eBusiness 5M0828
Level 5 Work Experience 5N1356 eBusiness 5M0828

Level 5 Contact Centre Skills 5N1361 Contact Centre Operations 5M2071

Level 5 Occupational First Aid 5N1207 Healthcare Support 5M4339

Level 5 Union Organising Skills 5N5328 Trade Union Studies 5M5165

Level 6 Validated Modules

Level 6 Global Development 6N4126 Trade Union Studies 5M5165
Level 6 Training Delivery and Evaluation 6N3326 Training and Development 6S3372
Level 6 Training Needs Identification & Design 6N3325 Training and Development 6S3372

59
Printed June 2015