Approximately 10 people attending

The following agenda was agreed:

• Shannon
• Cork LETS
• Immigration issues
• Amnesty campaigns; slow food
• Irish Neutrality
• Local Environmental Issues
• CSF Seminar/Event

CORK LETS
An explanation of how LETS works was given, and a new initiative of LETS was
outlined, whereby community groups/voluntary organisations are to be
included to a greater degree. Proposal for changes being drafted;
submissions welcome to email hanrahanone@hotmail.com
A discussion followed considering some of the changes possible, including
groups offering music services, LETS for asylum seekers (who are not legally
permitted to work for hard currency). Website under construction. A LETS
market is to be held in Cork City at Tig Filí on 20.12.'03 from 3pm to 6pm

C.S.F. EVENT
Discussions from previous CSF meetings were summarised, about the
possibility of having a seminar/conference type event, with workshops,
stalls etc. Options discussed included a one-day event in either Cork City
or West Cork, or a two-day event with one day in each location.
One suggestion for a theme for the event was the forthcoming Irish
Presidency of the EU. It was noted that there are other organisations doing
considerable work on this theme, such as Dóchas, who may be of assistance.
It was agreed that CSF needs to publicise itself as an organisation, and
such an event would be an ideal opportunity.

SHANNON & IRISH NEUTRALITY
There was a general discussion on neutrality. It was noted that Irish
neutrality is not officially enshrined in the constitution, but the Shannon
demo was against American war mongering rather than promoting /defending
neutrality.
Experiences from the Shannon demo of the previous week were discussed, with
the following being noted: Gardaí more proactive/ lack of communication
amongst various groups/ high proportion of young people/ important not to
de-humanise Gardaí/tactics - is Shannon demo still relevant? Non-violent
workshops were suggested - Mike offered to facilitate

LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Poor recycling facilities in Fermoy were discussed. A local environmental
issue was discussed, whereby a small local laboratory is dumping illegal
waste into a skip that was not suitable for such biological waste (live
cultures). Statutory authorities were informed, but were very slow to
respond. One employee who complained was fired. It was suggested that a
database of such incidents be kept.
There was a waste transfer facility outside Fermoy, where waste (including
chemical waste) was stored above ground in tanks. It was developed on a site
where people had been turned down planning permission to build a house for
safety reasons, as it was too close to the road.
Roscarbery dump, which was lined, was filling up with leachate (liquid waste
from dump), which was being pumped into a septic tank before being
discharged out into the bay. This was inadequate treatment for leachate.

IMMIGRATION
While 10% of the population are not Irish born, only a very small percentage
of these people are asylum-seekers. Yet, asylum-seekers are viewed
negatively by sections of society/media. There was a discussion on these
issues, with an appeal for people to get involved in support/solidarity.

AMNESTY
Literature & postcards relating to Amnesty campaigns was available and
distributed. Literature/campaigns included Child Soldiers, Mental Health
legislation, Group News & Catalogues.

"Slow food" was discussed, which is an alternative to the fast food culture
espoused by the likes of McDonalds.

NEXT MEETING
Monday 19th January at Creedons, Inchageela

From January onwards, meetings will be on the third Monday of every month at
Creedon's Hotel, Inchigeelagh, unless otherwise stated.