Donegal's newly appointed Judge Desmond A Zaidan has lambasted the Oireachtas for failing to recognise the serious drink problem which exists within the country.
During last week's sitting of Letterkenny District Court Judge Zaidan was presented with two cases in which young men had to be arrested for their own safety as they were drunk to such and extent that they might endanger themselves or someone else. He expressed his annoyance with the fact that the maximum penalty he could impose was a fine of ¤127.
"In my experience on the bench alcohol abuse is as prevalent as drug abuse. I want the message to go from here to the Oireachtas that the fact the maximum fine I can impose is ¤127 is an insult to the bench and an insult to law and order given the extent of alcohol abuse in our society today."
In dealing with the case of a young man who was arrested for his own safety Judge Zaidan stated that gardai had better things to be doing with their time than "arresting drunken fools".
Donegal hosting hill farming conference
The IFA Hill Farming Committee is organising a hill farming conference to highlight the issues facing hill farmers.
Donegal IFA Hill Farming Committee Rep John Kennedy said that the first conference will be held in the Great Northern Hotel, Bundoran, Co. Donegal on Monday, 5th March, 2007 at 8pm. This conference will be addressed by Department of Agriculture, Bord Bia and IFA and will address key issues like the REPS 4 scheme, initiatives for hill sheep, Single Farm Payment, hill walking and SACs. This conference is aimed at hill farmers in Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim and West Cavan.
Mr Kennedy said: "This is a vital time for hill farmers and it is important that as many hill farmers as possible attend this important conference."
Food business seminar in Gweedore
Beatha Breá Teo is hosting a seminar in Ostán an Chuirt, in Gweedore, on Friday 9th March. Beatha Breá is a cross border project with the North West Institute in Derry which is part-funded by the European Union through the Interreg IIIA Programme with co-funding from Údarás na Gaeltachta'.
This seminar will give an insight into the food industry and will highlight the training opportunities and assistance available to individuals who would like to learn more about setting up a food business
Helena Mhic Laifeartaigh, project co-ordinator said: "This will be an excellent opportunity for anyone who ever thought they would like to grow, make, bake, produce and sell their produce to come and listen to speakers 'tell their story'.
Speakers have significant experience in a range of topics within the food industry from planting and growing food produce, to food production both small and medium scale and sourcing and retailing local produce. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from their experience and will also be able to view some locally produced products, as a number of local producers and suppliers will be showcasing their products at the seminar.
The seminar is just the start of a Beatha Breá project that will be running until 2008, involving a number of workshops and seminars. These workshops will aim to assist, advise and encourage individuals who are considering setting up a food business.
Registration for the event on Friday 9th March is at 9.45 a.m and the event will run until 12 noon, when a light lunch will be provided. Due to the funding secured the event is free of charge but places are limited. Therefore anyone interested in attending should contact Roisin/Elaine at 074 9165777.
Conflict resolution course
Raphoe Reconciliation Project is to run a two day introductory course on Conflict Resolution and Mediation Skills on Friday March 9 and Saturday March 10 from 10 am to 4 pm. Michael Doherty from the Peace and Reconciliation Group in Derry will facilitate the training. There is no charge for the two day course and lunch; tea/coffee will be provided. Place must be booked, to do so or for further information please contact Margaret on 9145810.
