1,000 signatures reached
To: Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris
Keep Our Angel Shop Open
Allow Angels With Dirty Faces, a retail and holistic health shop in Ballyfermot, to continue trading as an essential service under Schedule 1 Regulation 3. (4) of S1 No 121/2020 of the Health Act (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (Covid 19) Regulations 2020 and also under Regulation 3.3 14 (N) of Statutory Instrument No 121/2020 pertaining to the mental health and wellbeing of the community
Why is this important?
This is hugely important for many reasons. A file is being prepared for the DPP after a number of complaints, by a sole complainant, has been made. This complainant made contact with Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris after local Gardaí investigated complaints made at local level and this store was deemed essential. The complaint, in my opinion, is vexatious in nature and should it be upheld, will discriminate against this shop owner. All of the products she sells are available in large chain stores throughout the country and in other health shops.
Angels With Dirty Faces has been an integral part of the community of Ballyfermot and further afield for 14 years, not just for the items that can be bought there but for the wonderful care and commitment of the owner and proprietor Angela.
Angela has been of great service to the people of Ballyfermot. She has helped many people, especially those suffering with mental health issues and those in recovery from addictions. The elderly in particular have benefitted from Angela's kindness. She not only assists them with small things like writing their cards for them but is also a listening ear. She offers them time, patience and makes them feel valued in a time where they feel largely ignored and especially lonely. She has checked on elderly in the community that she hasn't seen in a while. She rings them, assists them with needs that go way beyond that of a store owner. I have witnessed her console a lady in her 90's who cried at the loss of her normal life and allay her fears that she may not live to see normal again.
Ballyfermot has been rocked by many deaths and suicides. This shop has been a safe haven for many people, those suffering grief and loss, unable to properly mourn their loved ones with restrictions on numbers for funerals. Many times people come in just to let out the pain and anguish they're feeling. It has also been an outlet for people with mental health issues. We're seeing more and more young and old alike, suffering anxiety, stress, fear, lethargy and myriad other complaints. Having access to this shop is paramount in the upkeep of mental health for a large number of people from the Ballyfermot area.
This beautiful little shop sells a wide range of holistic health items. Among these items you will find Crystals (which are an accepted form of alternative treatment, especially for those recovering from addictions), Incense, Essential Oils, Handmade Soaps and Bath Products made from natural ingredients which are non-toxic, relaxing and calming. Salt Lamp, which are good for the lungs and breathing problems such as asthma.
The shop also sells religious products such as Rosary Beads, Mass Cards, Bibles, Prayers, Communion and Confirmation items and Christening Candles.
One point that needs to be considered when making a decision regarding the classification of this store. The shop operates by way of a locked door. Entry is gained by ringing a bell and there is never more than 4 people in the store at any given time. This has always been the case, even prior to current guidelines. This is to enable visitors to the store to have the privacy they need and also to allow Angela to give them personal attention when dealing with sensitive issues.
I'm appealing to you to do the right thing and allow this shop to remain open under the essential services regulations.
Angels With Dirty Faces has been an integral part of the community of Ballyfermot and further afield for 14 years, not just for the items that can be bought there but for the wonderful care and commitment of the owner and proprietor Angela.
Angela has been of great service to the people of Ballyfermot. She has helped many people, especially those suffering with mental health issues and those in recovery from addictions. The elderly in particular have benefitted from Angela's kindness. She not only assists them with small things like writing their cards for them but is also a listening ear. She offers them time, patience and makes them feel valued in a time where they feel largely ignored and especially lonely. She has checked on elderly in the community that she hasn't seen in a while. She rings them, assists them with needs that go way beyond that of a store owner. I have witnessed her console a lady in her 90's who cried at the loss of her normal life and allay her fears that she may not live to see normal again.
Ballyfermot has been rocked by many deaths and suicides. This shop has been a safe haven for many people, those suffering grief and loss, unable to properly mourn their loved ones with restrictions on numbers for funerals. Many times people come in just to let out the pain and anguish they're feeling. It has also been an outlet for people with mental health issues. We're seeing more and more young and old alike, suffering anxiety, stress, fear, lethargy and myriad other complaints. Having access to this shop is paramount in the upkeep of mental health for a large number of people from the Ballyfermot area.
This beautiful little shop sells a wide range of holistic health items. Among these items you will find Crystals (which are an accepted form of alternative treatment, especially for those recovering from addictions), Incense, Essential Oils, Handmade Soaps and Bath Products made from natural ingredients which are non-toxic, relaxing and calming. Salt Lamp, which are good for the lungs and breathing problems such as asthma.
The shop also sells religious products such as Rosary Beads, Mass Cards, Bibles, Prayers, Communion and Confirmation items and Christening Candles.
One point that needs to be considered when making a decision regarding the classification of this store. The shop operates by way of a locked door. Entry is gained by ringing a bell and there is never more than 4 people in the store at any given time. This has always been the case, even prior to current guidelines. This is to enable visitors to the store to have the privacy they need and also to allow Angela to give them personal attention when dealing with sensitive issues.
I'm appealing to you to do the right thing and allow this shop to remain open under the essential services regulations.