The Annual TASC lecture

will be held in the Royal Irish Academy on June 4th
TASC is pleased to announce that the annual TASC lecture will be held in the Royal Irish Academy on June 4th. The event will start at 6.30 p.m. and will be followed by a wine reception.Professor James Galbraith (University of Texas at Austin) and Professor Maria Rodrigues (Institute of European Studies (ELB), Brussels University) will be speaking, and the event will be chaired by Dr. James Browne, President of NUI Galway.“There are no quick fixes, no easy return to “normal,” no going back to a world run by bankers, and no alternative to taking the long view” – James Galbraith“This is a systemic and global crisis requiring key reforms in the capitalist system and a new global governance order, necessary for the emergence of a new development model” – Maria RodriguesWe believe that this event will provide a stimulating analysis of where we are – and how we got here.RSVP to contact@tascnet.ie.

Muslim protest turns violent in Athens

24/05/2009
ATHENS, Greece -- More than 1,000 Muslim protesters clashed with police in central Athens on Friday (May 22nd), causing havoc in the streets. Police fired tear gas and stun grenades to disperse the protesters. At least 14 people, seven Muslim immigrants and seven policemen, were injured, and 46 people were arrested. More than 70 cars, ten stores and one bank were damaged. The protest was prompted by a police check in a coffee shop Thursday, when a policeman allegedly took a Koran from a customer, ripped it apart, threw it on the floor and stomped on it. Police have launched an investigation into the incident.
In other news Saturday, attackers threw firebombs at an Athens shop used as a Muslim prayer centre for immigrants, injuring at least three people. The assailants smashed the shop's windows and set it ablaze, police said. Police are investigating whether the arson attack is linked to the Muslim protests. (DPA, AFP, Reuters, DW, Kathimerini, Mina - 23/05/09; ANA-MPA, Reuters - 22/05/09)

Muslim clerics in Indonesia

Facebook, religion, social media
A group of 700 Muslim clerics in Indonesia gathered together yesterday to ponder the possibility of forbidding followers from engaging in illicit activities--such as flirting on Facebook, the most visited site in that country.
Indonesia, which boasts the world's largest Muslim population, claims about 831,000 Facebook users, which is a 645 percent increase over last year. That number will likely continue to increase exponentially, given that only 0.5 percent of the country's population is currently connected to the Internet thus far.
"People using Facebook can be driven to engage in distasteful, pornographic chatting," Amidan, an attendee of the conference told The Associated Press.
While the decisions of the conference wouldn't have any legal weight, Facebook still spoke out against the negative connotations. Said Facebook spokeswoman Debbie Frost:
People are typically using Facebook to connect with their friends, family or learn about local and world issues and events. We have seen many people and organizations use Facebook to advance a positive agenda.

Pope Benedict XVI

During his historic visit to the Middle East, Pope Benedict XVI, the self-described “pilgrim of peace,” took the golden opportunity and spent a lot of time to strength frayed ties with both Muslims and Jews.Many Muslim leaders have forgiven the German-born pope for remarks made during a speech in his native land a few years ago.Pope Benedict has to be commended for undertaking this visit to the Middle East.By all standards, his visit was not only highly successful, but it also speeded up the healing process.During his papacy, the present pope has infuriated both Muslims and Jews. First it was the pope’s speech linking Prophet Muhammad to violence.Pope Benedict also angered the Jews with when he lifted the ex-communication of a Holocaust-denying bishop.A Vatican spokesman, commenting on the pope’s visit to the Middle East, said the trip was a sign of hope that the pope can contribute to reconciliation in the Middle East.The stop in Jordan was Pope Benedict’s first visit as pope to an Arab country, although he visited predominantly Islamic Turkey three years ago.The pope’s itinerary for Jordan surprised many, both in length and substance.Pope Benedict spent three days in Jordan.Included in the visit was a major address at a mosque built in honour of the late King Hussein of Jordan.There is no doubt Pope Benedict is trying his best to mend relations with Muslims and Jews.The pope puts a lot of stress on the importance of Christian-Muslim relations for the 21st century.Pope Benedict is most eager to renew his message to the Islamic world.That message has four aspects:1. Mutual respect between Christians and Muslims2. Religious liberty for all3. Shared witness to religious witness to religious values against secularism4. The importance of reason for all believers.During the visit to Jordan, Pope Benedict was full of praise for Islamic faith and culture.He did not issue another apology for his 2006 Regensburg address, which raised questions about the status of violence within Islam.His remarks were met with anti-Christian riots throughout the Muslim world.However, the pope insisted that Christians and Muslims must live together in mutual respect and harmony.The pope appealed to Christians to “build bridges” with other religions and cultures.The same message is also being spread by many other moderate Muslim leaders.Since he became the pope, Benedict has surprised many with his attempts to improve dialogue with the Muslim world.The pope has already said he was “deeply sorry” over the reaction to his speech.It is time to move on.The pope has been encouraging Christians to build new bridges to enable a fruitful encounter of people of different religions and cultures.Others have to do the same if we are determined to enrich the fabric of society.And, during the trip to Jerusalem, the pope called for the establishment of a Palestinian state as Israel’s new Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has refused to endorse the idea, sat silently a few steps away.This was a bold statement from a highly respected pope.United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has also called on Israel to fundamentally change its policies on settlements and prove its commitments to a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

SeaWay News

Unemployed

The Department has a range of benefits available to people who are unemployed. The application forms for Jobseeker's Allowance and Benefit can be accessed through the Useful Links box on the right.
Jobseeker Supports
Jobseekers Benefit
If you are unemployed you may qualify for Jobseeker's Benefit (JB) which is based on your social insurance record. A fundamental qualifying condition for Jobseekers Benefit is that you must be available for full time work.
Jobseekers Allowance
If you are unemployed and do not qualify for Jobseekers Benefit you may qualify for Jobseeker's Allowance (JA) which is based on your weekly means
Jobseekers Benefit and Jobseekers Allowance Frequently Asked Questions
Supplementary Welfare Allowance
Supplementary Welfare Allowance
Supplementary Welfare Allowance is run by the Health Service Executive through Community Welfare Officers at local offices of the Health Service Executive. The Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme consists of a basic payment, called Supplementary Welfare Allowance, is a weekly allowance paid to people who do not have enough means to meet their needs and those of their qualified adult or any qualified children.
Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) - Will I Qualify?
Rent Supplement
If you are having difficulty paying your rent and you are getting a social welfare or Health Service Executive payment, you may qualify for a Rent Supplement.
Mortgage Interest Supplement
If you are having difficulty paying your mortgage and you are getting a social welfare or Health Service Executive payment, you may qualify for a Mortgage Interest Supplement.
Back to Work
Back to Work Allowance (Employees)
If you are getting certain social welfare payments, the Back to Work Allowance (BTWA) for employees can provide you with a financial cushion to help you to return to work. Under this scheme, you may keep a portion of your social welfare payment for 3 years, without having to pay tax or PRSI on it
Very Long Term Unemployed
The objective of the programme is to address the particular problems faced by the very long term unemployed in gaining a foothold in the active labour market. The Allowance incorporates an additional payment of €44.50 per week for up to six weeks compulsory training with an employer followed by an automatic transfer to the BTWA when the person takes up regular employment. The Programme is targeted at those who are at least five years on the Live Register. Recipients of One Parent Family Payment, Carers Allowance, Disability Allowance and Blind Persons Pension can also qualify (subject to the 5 year condition). In addition, you will also receive two payments of €254. One when the six week training is completed and the second payment when you complete six months in employment.
Revenue Job Assist
If you are getting a jobseeker's payment for at least 12 months and take up a job for at least 30 hours a week, which you expect to last at least 12 months, you may qualify for Revenue Job Assist.
Continued Child Payment
This scheme provides for continued payment, for up to 13 weeks, of increase for a qualified child (IQC), where payable at the full rate, to certain persons who have been receiving jobseeker's payments (JA/JB) for a year or more and who take up full-time employment for at least 4 weeks.
Part-Time Job Incentive Scheme
The Part-Time Job Incentive Scheme allows certain long-term unemployed people to take up a part-time job and receive a special weekly allowance instead of their jobseeker's payment.
Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (Self Employed)
This is a weekly payment for unemployed people who set up their own business. It allows you to keep a portion of your social welfare payment for 4 years and is not subject t o tax or Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI)
Educational Supports for Jobseekers
You can avail of a full-time second or third level course, VTOS or an educational training and development course, and still receive a jobseekers payment. If you are not eligible for any of these options or if you don't wish to do a full-time course, you can attend a part-time course
Back to Education Allowance (Second & Third Level Options)
If you would like to return to education, and wish to pursue a second level course of education at any community, comprehensive, secondary or vocational school or a third level course at any university, third level college or institution or you may qualify for Back to Education Allowance (BTEA).
Education, Training & Development
If you are getting a jobseeker's payment and your choice of course is not covered under the Back to Education Allowance Scheme, you may keep your jobseeker's payment while doing a course of education, training or development. It must be clear that the course will enhance your employment prospects
Partnership
Your local partnership company offers a range of supports, including information, training and assistance about finding work.
Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI)
'Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI)Credits' while unemployed
'Credits' are automatically given for any period you get Jobseeker's Benefit. 'Credits' may also be given for periods of Jobseeker's Allowance or if you participate in an education or part-time work scheme for unemployed people.
If you are sick or unemployed, you may qualify for 'credits' even if you are not getting Illness Benefit or an unemployment payment. This can happen, for example, if you:
do not have enough PRSI contributions to qualify for benefit;
have used up your benefit, or
are disqualified from getting unemployment payments because of a trade dispute.
If you are unemployed, you may be entitled to sign for 'credits' at your local Social Welfare Office.
In order to get 'credits' while you are ill and unfit for work, you must send regular medical evidence as long as your illness lasts to the:
Department of Social and Family AffairsP.O. Box 1650Dublin 1or hand in your medical certificate at your local Social Welfare Office
Employer’s Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) Exemption
If you, the employer are taking on new employees who receive the Back to Work Allowance for the first time, at the date they start work with you, you may qualify for the Employers' PRSI Exemption Scheme. This means that you will be exempt from paying the employers share of the employees PRSI contribution for a maximum of 2 years subject to you submitting a current Tax Clearance Certificate or C2 card.
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18 May, 2009 - Universities to get share of new €40m fund for small-scale building works - Minister O'Keeffe

The country's seven universities will for the first time get funding for small-scale building works and high-tech equipment upgrades as part of a €40 million scheme announced today by the Minister for Education and Science, Batt O'Keeffe TD.
The fund, which until now only covered works in the country's Institutes of Technology sector, has been extended to the universities.
Projects carried out in the past includes refurbishments, lighting, signage, security works, resurfacing of roads and footpaths, drainage and health and safety works.
But the scope of works under the scheme has now been broadened to cover the upgrade of information communications technology and investment in science facilities.
Announcing the move, Minister O'Keeffe said: 'Students can expect to return to more modern campuses this September as a result of the €40 million fund I'm announcing today.
'The scheme had been providing funding of about €15 million each year to help the institutes of technology to undertake a range of small-scale capital works.
'So I'm pleased to announce that we've almost tripled the fund, broadened its scope and extended it to include both universities and institutes of technology.
'Each institution gets a basic allocation of €68,500 and then €235 for every student enrolled.
'The extra amount for high-tech equipment and investment in science facilities is paid at €80 per student.
'Three-quarters of the grant will be allocated over the coming weeks, with the remaining amount paid in October and November.
'It's expected that most of the works will be carried out over the quiet summer months to minimise the disruption for students.
'By devolving the funding, the institutions can manage their own projects without recourse to the Department.
'However, I'd ask each institution to ensure that they get best value for money on prices for jobs in the more competitive construction market.'
Please see link below which details the allocations.
http://www.education.ie/servlet/blobservlet/PR09-05-18A.doc

Meet your candidates

2) Meet your candidates for the Local and European elections * Have your say in June the 5thMeet your candidates for the Local and European elections and see what they can do for you:DONAGHMEDEMonday 18th May @ 7 pmTrinity Sports and Leisure Centre, Donaghmede, Dublin 13EUROPEAN ELECTIONS SPECIALThursday 21st May @ 7 pmNorthside Civic Centre, Bunratty Road, Coolock, Dublin 17CLONTARFThursday 28th May @ 7 pmLe Cheile, Donnycarney Community Centre, Collins Avenue East, Dublin 5http://list.activelink.ie/lt/t_go.php?i=283&e=Mjc1NTk=&l=-http--www.activelink.ie/ce/active.php--Q-id--E-2199** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *3) www.ivote.ie - a website Supporting Immigrant Participation in Elections 09* ivote.ie is an initiative of Integrating Ireland – its aim is to provide basic non-party political information on voting to support member groups working on active citizenship and civic participation projects in advance of the 2009 local and EU elections.iVote: 09 - Don’t forget to register to vote by May 18th!www.ivote.ie will support immigrant organizations and immigrant voters around the country to have access to and share basic information and materials on registering to vote and the voting process as well as events and activities taking place in the run up to the elections:http://list.activelink.ie/lt/t_go.php?i=283&e=Mjc1NTk=&l=-http--www.activelink.ie/ce/active.php--Q-id--E-1901*

Al-Qaeda, the times

Al-Qaeda inspired extremists recruit Muslims youths for jihad
London (PTI): Al-Qaeda-inspired extremists in Britain used the premises of a mosque in south London to recruit Muslim youths and encouraged them to travel to Pakistan for terrorist training, a media report claimed on Sunday.
In the first insider account of how radicals are preying on vulnerable Muslim youths, an 18-year old teenager described being approached by Islamic extremists at the Stockwell mosque that was used by bombers, who plotted the failed 21/7 terror attack on London's transport network.
Aged 15, Adam, whose real name was withheld by the paper, was the youngest of about 50 "recruits" who were shown "martyrdom" videos and encouraged to travel to Pakistan to receive terrorist training, The Sunday Times said.
"They showed us a jihadist video with the martyrdom flags behind the guy speaking, and the message I got was that I should prepare myself to martyrdom.
"I know a few of the others accepted that they would go (for training in Pakistan). Some of the young people said, "'I'm going to go'," the youth told the paper.
While Adam quit the group after a year, the whereabouts of most of the other recruits is unknown, the report said.
Adam's new mentors were Mohammed Hamid, a preacher with links to the 21/7 bombers who called himself Osama Bin London, and Atilla Ahmet, a former aide to Abu Hamza, the cleric of Finsbury Park mosque in north London.

Netanyahu will face US President Obama

On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu will face US President Obama for the first time – in a meeting that could make the difference between war and peace in the Middle East.[1] Ordinary Israelis and Palestinians still want peace, and polls show they want Obama to lead.[2] Experts agree that only such strong leadership from Obama can forge an agreement now, but powerful extremists in the region and the US stand in his way. Israel’s far-right foreign minister is even boasting that Obama will do as he’s told.[3] On Monday we’ll find out – Netanyahu will ask Obama to take a back seat in a new flawed process designed to fail. We urgently need to show Obama that ordinary people in the region and around the world will back him to exercise a strong and fair leadership role – click below to watch the new TV ad campaign and help saturate the US airwaves with it in the next 72 hours: https://secure.avaaz.org/en/obama_for_peace?cl=234628101&v=3314

swine flu

No-one yet knows whether swine flu will become a global pandemic, but it is becoming clear where it came from – most likely a giant pig factory farm run by an American multinational corporation in Veracruz, Mexico.(1) These factory farms are disgusting and dangerous, and they're rapidly multiplying. Thousands of pigs are brutally crammed into dirty warehouses and sprayed with a cocktail of drugs -- posing a health risk to more than just our food -- they and their manure lagoons create the perfect conditions to breed dangerous new viruses like swine flu. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) must investigate and develop regulations for these farms to protect global health. Big agrobusiness will try to obstruct and scuttle any attempts at reform, so we need a massive outcry that health authorities can't ignore. Sign the petition below for investigation and regulation of factory farms and tell your friends and family and we will deliver it to the UN agencies. If we reach 200,000 signatures we will deliver it to the WHO in Geneva with a herd of cardboard pigs. For every 1000 petition signatures we will add a pig to the herd: http://www.avaaz.org/en/swine_flu_pandemic

Water mellon art مهرجان البطيخ

NCT & Penalty Points Take Heed

Points Panic has NCT in a Spin
The announcement that from 1st of May motorists can get up to 5 penalty points for not having an NCT cert has caused widespread concern, even panic. Motorists in their thousands have been desperately trying to get their test booked and the NCT has found both its switchboard and its website bombarded. It is not now possible to get at test before the end of June. Conor Faughnan advises that there is no need for fuss or panic and no need to worry about the penalty points measure.
With effect from 1st May there will be five new offences for which penalty points can be given. These include failure to have an NCT certificate or failure to rectify a fault indentified by the NCT. This sounds severe but the points are only likely to be applied in the most serious of cases.
This is not the same as the penalty points that are issued automatically for speeding. If you drive past a speed camera today you will receive a penalty points notice in the post. You will NOT be issued with penalty points on the spot or in the post because you do not have your NCT. This can ONLY happen when you are charged, taken to court and successfully convicted. At the moment, you can be fined up to €1,500 and from 1st May you can also be given up to 5 penalty points.
It's clear proof that motorists care a lot more about penalty points than they do about the threat of a fine. The reality is that this law is targeted at people who are driving defective or dangerous vehicles. If you have broken lights or smoke vomiting out of the exhaust then you should not be driving on the public road and the law just got a little tougher on you.
Not having an NCT cert is technically an offence, but even if they wanted to the Garda could not possibly prosecute large numbers of motorists who are compliant and law abiding but are simply late with their NCT. You are no more likely to get 5 points next week than you are to get a €1,500 fine today. Legally possible, perhaps, but very unlikely unless there are other offences or your car is clearly in a dangerous condition.
A lot of people have contacted the AA because they are worried about the issue. One member asked if she could park outside the supermarket and return to the car to find that she has 5 penalty points. The answer is no, that will not happen. These points can only be applied by a court after conviction.
Having said that, drivers cannot ignore the NCT long term. When the system was brought in originally it was not possible to re-tax the car without a valid cert. This made for a very simple and easy system which was essentially self-policing. Unfortunately that link was broken years ago. To make matters worse the NCT has not been able to send reminder letters to motorists to tell them that their test is due. The AA has criticised them for that as in our view it is a fairly basic level of customer service that should be provided.
Worse again, the NCT was not prepared for the public reaction to the law changes. When people tried to contact them and book tests their system was overwhelmed.
Vehicles of four years and older must undergo an NCT test every two years. The system was introduced in 2000 so it has been running for nearly ten years. Over 500,000 cars are tested each year. The system has worked well and the Irish NCT compares favourably with any of the other versions that exist around Europe. Certainly it is superior to the British MoT, that system having been designed in the 1960s.
The NCT is carried out on the State’s behalf by a private company, SGS, which has been operating a ten year contract. At the start of 2010 control will pass to a new company, the Spanish organisation Applus+, which won the contract through an open tender process. Motorists are unlikely to notice any difference from the change.
Driving a dangerously defective vehicle or driving without a certificate of road worthiness will also incur a possible five penalty points from 1st May. There will be a three-point penalty for driving a vehicle without fixing a fault uncovered at the NCT or for drivers of trucks that strike an overhead bridge.
The five new categories will bring to 42 the total number of penalty point offences under the system, which was introduced under the Road Traffic Act in 2002. Over 750,000 notices have been issued to motorists under the legislation.