Get behind the CRC

A NORTHSIDE TD has called on members of the public to get behind the Central Remedial Clinic (CRC) in Clontarf.

Dublin Bay North TD Finian McGrath (Ind) made the call after the appointment of a new Board of Governors and chief executive was announced last week.

“We now need a fresh start and I call on all members of the public to get behind the CRC,

? he told Northside People.

Deputy McGrath, who has been a supporter of the charity for many years, commended the students, parents and staff at the CRC.

“The bad old days are gone and we all need to rally around the CRC now,

? he added.

Donna Cooney, a Green Party candidate in the local elections in the Clontarf ward, said she hopes that the appointment of the new board will prove to be a key moment in repairing the reputation of the charity sector.

“People need to have their trust restored in the charity sector,

? said Ms Cooney.

“I hope this is the start of a new era of transparency and honesty in Irish charities, and I wish them the best of luck.

“The staff (at the CRC) are hard working and they have felt the pressure of all the bad publicity. This is positive news, and hopefully the necessary improvements will now happen.

?

The new CRC board members are voluntary and will receive no remuneration. Their role will be to govern, guide and support the CRC as it moves forward and rebuilds its reputation both nationally and internationally.

The appointment of the new board follows the resignation of the previous board in December 2013.

The new members were identified and selected by an independent organisation, Boardmatch, on the basis of their skills, expertise and experience. Members have been drawn from a number of different disciplines and industry sectors including accountancy, law, information technology, academia and large corporate business.

Stephanie Manahan has been appointed as the new chief executive and will take up her position on June 1.

Ms Manahan, who has extensive experience in the health and social care arena, emphasised the importance of rebuilding the morale of staff.

“The CRC’s staff have a long tradition, over 60 years, of providing excellent services and support to children and adults with physical disabilities,

? she said.

“My focus will be to further build on this great work and to continually emphasise to staff that the recent governance issues in the CRC in no way reflects on the fantastic work they undertake, day-in and day-out, for the children and adults who attend the clinic.

?

Ms Manahan added:

“I look forward to continuing the exceptional contribution the Central Remedial Clinic makes to the health, education and wellbeing of all of the children and adults who use our services and in building a new, positive future for the CRC going forward.

?