Other News In Brief

FF Pledge To Restore Geography As Core Junior Cert Subject

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Education, Thomas Byrne TD, has said the party will restore Geography to the core Junior Certificate curriculum if they are in Government after the next General Election.

Speaking as thousands of school children took part in protests across the country against a lack of action on climate change, Deputy Byrne said: "Today we see hundreds of children protest, both outside Leinster House, and in their own schools across the country, against the lack of Government action in tackling climate change. Through geography, among many other issues, we learn to understand climate change along with its causes and impacts and its importance cannot be denigrated. I have met with Geography teachers and I have spoken to academics who have serious reservations about the demotion of the subject.

"The Association of Geography Teachers of Ireland have created a petition, calling for the restoration of Geography as a core subject on the Junior Cycle curriculum and already have over five thousand signatures. There is great support out there for the restoration of these key subjects. The Fianna Fáil Party has already committed to restoring history as a core junior cert cycle subject, regardless of the review which Minister McHugh has commissioned."

Former Finance Minister Richie Ryan Dies

An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has expressed his condolences following the death of former Fine Gael TD, Minister for Finance and Member of the European Parliament Richie Ryan.

Mr Ryan was Minister for Finance during Liam Cosgrave's Government from 1973 to 1977, and died aged 90.

Mr Varadkar paid tribute, saying he learnt of the death with "great sadness".

"Richie served the people of Dublin as a TD in several constituencies for almost a quarter of a century, followed by a further 14 years as a Member of the European Parliament. Throughout his distinguished career, Richie served as Fine Gael spokesperson on Health and Social Welfare (1966–1970) and on Foreign Affairs and Northern Ireland (1970–1973).

"Though not having had the privilege to serve alongside Richie, the legacy of distinguished and selfless service he gave Fine Gael, his constituents and the country remains a benchmark for those of us in public service today."

Dublin Fire Brigade Emergence Services Controller Wins International Award

An Emergency Services Controller for the Dublin Fire Brigade, Darragh Clarke, has won the accolade of Navigator Dispatcher of The Year at the International Academy of Emergency Dispatchers (IAED) awards.

Darragh was nominated for his role in guiding a 999/112 caller through bystander CPR which led to the full recovery of the patient. His calm instructions to the caller ensured that the person was given the best possible chance of recovery. Firefighters, Paramedics, Advanced Paramedics and an emergency doctor arrived on scene and provided Advanced Life Support to the patient, who regained a strong cardiac output before transport to hospital.

At the time Darragh did not know that the patient was Dominic McNabb, retired Dublin Fire Brigade Firefighter and Senior Instructor of the IAED program in DFB. The caller was Dominic's daughter, Cora. Dominic had trained Darragh in dispatch and control, prior to him starting in the Eastern Regional Control Centre. At a ceremony in Blanchardstown, Darragh was presented with the award by Pam Stewart- Chair of the board of certification IAED.



(JG)