The Pro Social Ireland Programme is a road safety initiative which was set up in 2012 in Donegal at the request of Judge Paul Kelly, Inspector Michael Harrison and Tim Coughlan from the probation services.
We at Pro Social Ireland were tasked with designing and developing a cognitive behavioural programme that would seek to improve both the awareness and the driving behaviour of those drivers referred to our service.
Participants for our programme are initially identified through the justice and legal system, with referrals coming directly from judges, the probation service as well as from various solicitors. We also take referrals from parents and concerned others, and we also accept self-referrals.
The Programme is delivered by a team of hugely experienced and highly trained professionals, all of whom have counselling and facilitation qualifications. The orientation for the Programme is client centred, with various disciplines and interventions used. Motivational Interviewing (MI) has proven to be a very successful approach for us and it continues to be the framework that underpins our work.
The Programme has received National recognition and to date has won a number of major awards for its contribution to road safety here in Ireland.
Pro Social Ireland CLG Board Members
Mick Quinlivan, Chairman, Pro Social Ireland
Mick is a retired member of An Garda Siochana and former CEO of Cairde Le Cheile, which is a registered charity, who employ people with intellectual disabilities. As a member of An Garda Siochana for over 30 years, Mick witnessed first-hand the devastation road traffic accidents cause and has a firm belief that the Pro Social Drivers programme will contribute to making the roads safer for all road users.
Rosaleen Gallagher, Secretary
Rosaleen is a former manager of Access Skills Ireland, a subsidiary of the Belfast Unemployed Congress Resource Centre in Belfast. Rosaleen provided and coordinated courses from entry level to high end IT throughout Ireland and has many years of experience working with young people in Community based projects. Rosaleen is a former Manager of Cairde le Cheile, who provide sporting, social and employment opportunities for people with disabilities in Co. Donegal.
Pat Keating, Treasurer
Pat is a retired Chartered Accountant, in practice for over 40 years. Pat is Treasurer of the Letterkenny Lions Club, former President of the Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce and a member of Letterkenny Golf Club.
Michael Galvin, Board Member
Michael is a retired member of An Garda Siochana having spent 30 years in the Donegal Garda
Division with his last 11 years as a Detective Sergeant based in Letterkenny. Michael is the current chairperson of the Donegal Athletics Board and is a juvenile coach with St. Eunans GAA club.
Patrick Doherty, Board Member
Paddy recently retired from the N.A.S after having served as a Paramedic for 35 years. Paddy also served as member of the Letterkenny Fire Brigade for 14 years and was Station officer for 5 years. Paddy has been involved with the Donegal Road Safety Working Group for 20 years, has given presentations to participants attending the Pro-Social Ireland Drivers Programme and to Secondary School students advising them of road safety and the dangers involved while using our roads, encouraging safe driving for themselves and other road users.