CCBS Shortlisted for Think Tank Award
CCBS was one of four organisations shortlisted by Prospect Magazine in the 2014 edition of its Think Tank Awards. Included in the "One to Watch" category, alongside the Higher Education Policy Institute, Legatum Institute, and Transform Drug Policy, the panel of expert judges considered CCBS and the other shortlisted organisations to have shown "exceptional progress and focus".  On the night (16 July), the award was given to the Higher Education Policy Institute -- many congratulations to them!
More details 

CCBS Director participates in panel discussion at the Institute for Government
CCBS Director Ruth Taillon participated in a panel discussion on ‘Scotland in a changing union: ensuring effective cooperation after the referendum’ at the Institute for Government in London on 16 July 2014.  The other speakers were Scottish MP Pete Wishart (SNP) and Plaid Cymru Councillor Liz Saville Roberts. The event was part of the Institute’s Governing after the Referendum project, sponsored by the Economic and Social Research Council as part of its Future of the UK and Scotland programme coordinated by the University of Edinburgh. 
View video of the event and report 

CCBS responds to SEUPB Consultation
CCBS submitted its response to the current SEUPB consultation on the new PEACE and INTERREG programmes for 2014-2020.  In its response, CCBS has highlighted the need for more explicit reference to be made to cross-border activities, and recommended that 15% of the PEACE budget be ring-fenced for cross-border projects. Among other issues it raises, CCBS also recommended that within the Civil Society strand of PEACE, a proportion of the allocated budget be reserved for distribution outside local authority Peace Action Plans, and that Competitiveness of SMEs become an objective within the INTERREG programme.
Read summary of the response 
Read the full response 

Access to Acute Hospital services in Border Region
CCBS and Cooperation and Working Together (CAWT) cross-border network of health authorities have been working together to identify the locations of acute hospital services in Border Region, to help inform key policy makers and services providers about the provision and accessibility of hospitals and the specialities available in border area.

The All Island Research Observatory (AIRO), based at NUI Maynooth have developed a pilot mapping tool.  The mapping tool maps accessibility (based on travel time) to ENT, opthamology, vascular and urology and radiology services (in-, out- and day-patients) in the border region.  It also illustrates the projected difference in access to services that will be the result of the new radiotherapy unit in Altnagelvin when it opens in 2016. Two seminars to show case the mapping tool to health service staff including senior health service planners from both jurisdictions have been held.
For more information about the project and to view the mapping tool

ICLRD Executive Training and Animation Programme Concludes
The Executive Training and Animation Programme formally concluded at the Glencarn Hotel, Castleblayney on 10 July 2014 with a plenary session involving presentations by participant working groups. The presentations focused on the potential for enhanced cross-border cooperation in four key thematic areas: developing low-carbon initiatives; improving connectivity in the agri-food and tourism sectors; supporting community planning and regeneration; and, harnessing the export potential of SMEs.  The training forms part of the CroSPlaN II programme managed by ICLRD, funded by the Special EU Programmes Body under EU INTERREG IVA. 

Shared Services Website Launched
A new website dedicated to exploring shared services in local government has been developed and launched by ICLRD under the CroSPlaN II initiative. The resources available through the site highlight cross-border and trans-boundary cases, agreements, and examples of shared service arrangements involving local government on the island of Ireland and further afield, emphasising ‘front-line’ services (as opposed to back office functions). The website is designed to inform key decision- and policy- makers, as well as practitioners, about the modalities and benefits of adopting a shared services approach in a range of service domains, including on a cross-border basis.
See website 

Informative Seminar on Cross-Border Social Security Co-ordination 
The Border People seminar on 'Cross-Border Social Security Co-ordination' took place in Dundalk on 18th June 2014.  Siobhan Duffy, Your Europe Legal Advisor was keynote speaker. Other speakers included Dara McLoughlin, Department of Social Protection, Lee Hatton Law Centre NI, and Annmarie O’Kane Border People Project CCBS.  The seminar was attended by representatives from both jurisdictions, including, Government, Citizens Advice, Citizens Information, Advice NI, voluntary and community organisations, and elected representatives. Delegates found the seminar very informative, providing EU legislative context on social security entitlements for cross-border workers and the opportunity to share information on the application of EU law in this context. 

First Shared Services Learning Network Seminar Takes Place
The first Shared Services Learning Network seminar took place on 9 July 2014 at the Four Seasons Hotel, Monaghan. The seminar, which was attended by representatives from a diverse range of organisations engaged in cross-border cooperation, was addressed by Dr Brendan O’Keeffe, Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick, who shared his knowledge and insights concerning collaboration on greenways and emergency services in Spain and Portugal. To register your interest in receiving information on further seminars proposed for the Autumn, please
email Andrew McClelland

Scholars at Risk (SAR)
News and updates will be posted on the SAR section of the Universities Ireland website regularly. 

Cross-Border Events

European Citizens Rights Exhibition
The European Commission in Ireland has launched a new exhibition on European Citizens' Rights: "What does it mean to be a citizen of the European Union?".  It will be showcased in the several Europe Direct Information Centres around Ireland including Dundalk Library from 1st August until 18 September 2014.

The aim of the exhibition is to increase awareness of your rights as a European Citizen and make full use of them. 
For more information and full details of where the exhibitions will take place 

Publications

Census 2011 Ireland and Northern Ireland
The Central Statistics Office and Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency have produced a report 'Census 2011 Ireland and Northern Ireland'. It presents an all Island analysis across a range of topics including demographics, households, place of birth, religion, health, housing and travel. This follows publication of the individual Census 2011 results from the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Download the report 

European Matters

New ECC-Net: Travel App supporting consumer rights on holiday
The European Consumer Centres have developed a new app for people travelling in Europe, the ECC-Net: Travel App. It is designed to help consumers deal with difficult situations on their holiday abroad and assert their consumer rights in the language of the country they are in. For example, if your flight is delayed, you need medical treatment, or have problem with car rental. 

The app can be downloaded free of charge and works off-line to avoid data roaming charges. It provides legal information and language support in 23 EU languages plus Norwegian and Icelandic.
For more information and to download the app 

Committee of the Regions calls for greater territorial focus in EU strategy for growth
The Committee of the Regions reiterated its call for a territorial dimension to be introduced on the occasion of the review of the EU's growth strategy.  It also advocated closer involvement of local and regional authorities in the economic and financial policy coordination process ("European Semester") and stressed that territorial impact assessments should be mandatory in the European's Commission's impact analysis of new legislative proposals.  The Committee of the Regions further suggested putting special emphasis on the development of cross-border solutions, interregional networking and macro-regional strategies by also extending the use of European Groupings for Territorial Co-operation as an instrument for other EU policies. 
More information

Ireland ranks well in European single market scoreboard 
The European Commission released a scoreboard of Member States' performance in implementing the European single market.  Ireland came out as above average in the areas of helping citizens do business across EU borders, and travelling and working in other EU countries. Ireland's performance was average in the areas of transposing single market rules into Irish law.
For more information 

Commission acts to ensure that European legislation is fully and properly implemented in Ireland 
In its monthly package of infringement decisions, the European Commission is taking action against Ireland and other Member States for failing to comply properly with their obligations under EU law in the areas of Health Policy, Employment and Social Affairs, and Transport. This is to ensure proper application of EU law for the benefit of citizens and businesses.

Full implementation of the cross-border healthcare Directive (2011/24/EU) and the Directive laying down measures to facilitate the cross-border recognition of medical prescriptions has been for called for.  The European Commission has requested that Ireland ensures that people who qualify for carer's allowance under Irish social security law can obtain it even if they reside in another Member State.

Other areas where Ireland has been asked to comply fully with law are Single European Sky policy and the 'Eurovignette Directive' relating to roads that are part of the TEN-T network. 
For more information

Right to a basic bank account for all European citizens
The EU’s Council of Ministers has adopted a Directive on the transparency and comparability of payment account fees, payment account switching and access to a basic payment account. This Directive will support the creation of a real Single Market for retail financial services bringing many benefits to EU citizens. These include the right to a basic payment account regardless of your place of residence or financial situation. It will also improve the transparency of bank account fees and make it easier to switch a bank account from one bank to another.

The Directive will now be signed by the European Parliament and published in the Official Journal of the European Union. Member States will then have two years after its entry into force to implement the Directive into their national law.
For more information

Peacebuilding

UNESCO Croke Park Symposium on Youth Civic Engagement and Leadership through Sport and Recreation
On August 28, 2014 at Croke Park Stadium, UNESCO Croke Park Symposium on Youth Civic Engagement and Leadership through Sport and Recreation will be held. The aim of the Symposium is to highlight and advance international youth development.  It represents the scholarly commitment of Penn State and its partners in Ireland and Northern Ireland to advancing international youth development programs and policy. Penn State University, Professor Mark Brennan, Professors Pat Dolan NUI-Galway and Alan Smith University of Ulster will open the Symposium.  This symposium will bring together experts, practitioners, members of development organisations, UNESCO goodwill ambassadors, and youth leaders to create innovative solutions to issues that directly impact youth and their communities. It will develop a series of key policy directions and a major formal declaration on utilising sports and recreation as mechanisms for youth development worldwide.  
For more information about the Symposium 

Dissolving Boundaries Programme reaches its 50,000th pupil
The Dissolving Boundaries programme links young people together across the border through technology in Education.  It has just celebrated reaching its 50,000th pupil. The programme uses Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to facilitate cross-cultural educational links between schools in the North and South of Ireland.  It is jointly funded by the two Departments of Education.
Learn more about the programme
See insight to key lessons which have emerged from the programme by Professor Roger Austin, Co-Director of the Dissolving Boundaries Programme 

Impact and legacy of the First World War in Ireland
A series of joint lectures 'The Road to War' exploring the impact and legacy of the First World War in Ireland are taking place, beginning in August and ending in October 2014. The lectures will be hosted by National Museums Northern Ireland and the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland. 
For more details on the lectures and to register 

Restorative Practice Courses 
Facing Forward are offering two opportunities to train in Restorative Practices, with Justice Janine Geske from Wisconsin U.S.A, Restorative Justice Facilitator, Trainer and Advocate. To book and for more information please email or telephone Catherine O'Connell on 00353 879936237

If you would like to include a cross-border event, research or news item in the next issue of Border-Zine please send to Claire Toner by Thursday 28th August.