Deputy Regina Doherty announces this evening that Minister James Reilly, responding to her question today at the Health & Children Committee meeting, has agreed to establish an Oireachtas enquiry for the victims of Dr. Michael Shine.
“The Minister has promised that there will be a full enquiry into the Michael Shine case and all that were affected by it. For so long now, the people at the centre off this issue have been left with so many unanswered questions. When the planned referendum this October is passed, it will allow the Dail Committee to compel witnesses before it and a full enquiry can take place..
Minister Reilly stated the issue was about the abuse of patients and he believed that patients had suffered as a result of not being able to air matters and be believed.
Doherty stated “This enquiry will in no way mend the harm that was done by Dr Michael Shine and the subsequent treatment of victims, but it will go some way to giving those individuals involved some sort of relief.”
I have only been involved with Dignity 4 Patients for the past 5 months, but I am particularly pleased to have assisted in some small way to help achieve their goal.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Investment in library services can only help literacy rates
Regina Doherty TD today welcomes the announcement by Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government that 5.8million has been allocated for new Capital Programme for local Libraries in Ireland.
The aim of this programme is to provide a range of facilities for Local Library services including refurbished premises and mobile libraries. It is estimated that €4.8million will be spend on existing library upgrades in 2011 with a further €1million being distributed used to purchase new stock for libraries.
Navan library is set to benefit from this injection of funds and has been allocated a sum of €100,000.
Deputy Doherty states “Investment in local library services is imperative and an extremely welcome announcement. By investing locally in resources like these it benefits not only individuals but communities as a whole.”
“Library services in Meath include everything from language and computer courses to book and homework clubs. This wide range of services all members of the community; those who are seeking work and those who want a social outlet and academic support.”
“More and more people are frequenting and availing of local library services, over the past year 16million visits were recorded in local libraries around Ireland. Investing in reading material and support services offered can only but benefit individuals and tackle the issue of illiteracy in Ireland. It is very positive news.”
The aim of this programme is to provide a range of facilities for Local Library services including refurbished premises and mobile libraries. It is estimated that €4.8million will be spend on existing library upgrades in 2011 with a further €1million being distributed used to purchase new stock for libraries.
Navan library is set to benefit from this injection of funds and has been allocated a sum of €100,000.
Deputy Doherty states “Investment in local library services is imperative and an extremely welcome announcement. By investing locally in resources like these it benefits not only individuals but communities as a whole.”
“Library services in Meath include everything from language and computer courses to book and homework clubs. This wide range of services all members of the community; those who are seeking work and those who want a social outlet and academic support.”
“More and more people are frequenting and availing of local library services, over the past year 16million visits were recorded in local libraries around Ireland. Investing in reading material and support services offered can only but benefit individuals and tackle the issue of illiteracy in Ireland. It is very positive news.”
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
National Paediatric Hospital Review
The Minister for Health, on 6 July 2011, announced that the National Children’s Hospital will be located on the campus of the Mater Hospital, Dublin. This follows an independent expert review which in commissioned in May. An application for planning permission will now be submitted to An Bord Pleanála.
The report, which carried out a detailed comparison of the costs of providing the hospital on alternative sites, and an analysis of the clinical benefits involved, is unanimous in its recommendation in favour of the existing site.
It concludes that the cost of developing the facility there is similar to the costs which would be incurred if the project was provided on any of the alternatives examined. The report gives ‘unanimous and unequivocal support’ for the Mater site.
The Government will make a final decision on proceeding with the project in the context of its overall review of capital spending, which will be completed in September.
In the meantime, the Minister for Health has called on the three children’s hospitals in Dublin to work very closely together, and to continue their discussions on forming a single governance structure well in advance of the opening of the new hospital.
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to building the National Children’s Hospital. It is the Government’s intention to achieve the best possible clinical outcome for children within the resources available.
The report, which carried out a detailed comparison of the costs of providing the hospital on alternative sites, and an analysis of the clinical benefits involved, is unanimous in its recommendation in favour of the existing site.
It concludes that the cost of developing the facility there is similar to the costs which would be incurred if the project was provided on any of the alternatives examined. The report gives ‘unanimous and unequivocal support’ for the Mater site.
The Government will make a final decision on proceeding with the project in the context of its overall review of capital spending, which will be completed in September.
In the meantime, the Minister for Health has called on the three children’s hospitals in Dublin to work very closely together, and to continue their discussions on forming a single governance structure well in advance of the opening of the new hospital.
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to building the National Children’s Hospital. It is the Government’s intention to achieve the best possible clinical outcome for children within the resources available.
Children first-must mean we put children First
Following from the publication of the Cloyne Report this week, Deputy Regina Doherty believes we should do more to protect our children. The first step in this endeavour is the Children First National Guidance 2011.
Deputy Doherty, who sits on the Joint Committee for Children and Youth Affairs, said at the launch of the Childrens First National Guidance that she believes we have a serious obligation towards children and their welfare. The Children First National Guidance 2011 informs organisations, public bodies and we, the general public, what we need to do if we are concerned about a child’s safety and welfare. The scope of the guidance goes beyond reporting the incident to statutory bodies.
Deputy Doherty states “The protection of our children has never been more important, as proven by the revelations this past week. We must work towards a system that allows for 100% transparency and inter-agency co-operation when it comes to the welfare of children. Information must be shared among agencies and bodies so that abuse of any kind can be detected and will not slip through the cracks.”
“Harrowing stories were told this week by victims and parents of deceased victims. The litany of abuse continued because there were no systems in place, no communication and too much covering-up going. We must ensure that this never happens again”
“I completely agree with the mandatory sentencing of individuals who do not report cases of abuse and my personal opinion that 5years is not long enough. People with the knowledge of abuse and do nothing, are just a culpable as they abusers.”
“Children first must mean we put children first and these guidelines as well as the proposed legislation from Minister Shatter are all positive steps to achieving this.”
Deputy Doherty, who sits on the Joint Committee for Children and Youth Affairs, said at the launch of the Childrens First National Guidance that she believes we have a serious obligation towards children and their welfare. The Children First National Guidance 2011 informs organisations, public bodies and we, the general public, what we need to do if we are concerned about a child’s safety and welfare. The scope of the guidance goes beyond reporting the incident to statutory bodies.
Deputy Doherty states “The protection of our children has never been more important, as proven by the revelations this past week. We must work towards a system that allows for 100% transparency and inter-agency co-operation when it comes to the welfare of children. Information must be shared among agencies and bodies so that abuse of any kind can be detected and will not slip through the cracks.”
“Harrowing stories were told this week by victims and parents of deceased victims. The litany of abuse continued because there were no systems in place, no communication and too much covering-up going. We must ensure that this never happens again”
“I completely agree with the mandatory sentencing of individuals who do not report cases of abuse and my personal opinion that 5years is not long enough. People with the knowledge of abuse and do nothing, are just a culpable as they abusers.”
“Children first must mean we put children first and these guidelines as well as the proposed legislation from Minister Shatter are all positive steps to achieving this.”
Catholic Arch Bishops must act on any priest refusing to take part in Garda vetting
Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has today called on the four Arch Bishops of Ireland to act as a matter of urgency and insist that the priests who have so far refused to take part in the Garda vetting procedures, do so immediately.
“According to the National Board for Safeguarding Children, the majority of the 2,200 serving priests in Ireland have voluntarily undergone the vetting procedure.
“This means that there are still a number of priests who have refused to be vetted and this is simply unacceptable. I am calling on the four Arch Bishops of Ireland to act immediately and ensure that these priests are vetted – especially for those that are in regular contact with children.
“The Arch Bishops know who these priests are and they must act immediately and mandate that they undergo Garda vetting. In the event of a priest declining to undergo vetting, he should be removed from any pastoral duties involving children until such time as he does
“According to the National Board for Safeguarding Children, the majority of the 2,200 serving priests in Ireland have voluntarily undergone the vetting procedure.
“This means that there are still a number of priests who have refused to be vetted and this is simply unacceptable. I am calling on the four Arch Bishops of Ireland to act immediately and ensure that these priests are vetted – especially for those that are in regular contact with children.
“The Arch Bishops know who these priests are and they must act immediately and mandate that they undergo Garda vetting. In the event of a priest declining to undergo vetting, he should be removed from any pastoral duties involving children until such time as he does
Funding approved for Ashbourne/Kilbride Sewage Upgrade
Deputy Regina Doherty TD welcomes the news from the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government that funding has been approved for over-due necessary improvements on the Ashbourne/Kilbride sewage network.
This funding approval will allow Meath County Council to accept the tender of over €1.64 million to carry out the necessary improvements.
Doherty explains “USSR Ltd put in a tender for the contract to carry out the necessary work on the network. Today the Minister has approved this funding so that the works may commence. These repairs and improvements will be carried out under the Department of Environments Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012.”
“There will be rehabilitation of the most severe defects in the current system in the Ashbourne, Kilbride and Ratoath drainage system. The plan is to also seal all the leaks to prevent infiltration in the existing drainage network.”
“This announcement is welcome news given the issues that the residents of Kilbride have had over the past year with the horrendous smell being emitted in the area. Improvements of this kind will complete the provision of high quality sewage infrastructure in the area as it should be in the 21st century!”
This funding approval will allow Meath County Council to accept the tender of over €1.64 million to carry out the necessary improvements.
Doherty explains “USSR Ltd put in a tender for the contract to carry out the necessary work on the network. Today the Minister has approved this funding so that the works may commence. These repairs and improvements will be carried out under the Department of Environments Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012.”
“There will be rehabilitation of the most severe defects in the current system in the Ashbourne, Kilbride and Ratoath drainage system. The plan is to also seal all the leaks to prevent infiltration in the existing drainage network.”
“This announcement is welcome news given the issues that the residents of Kilbride have had over the past year with the horrendous smell being emitted in the area. Improvements of this kind will complete the provision of high quality sewage infrastructure in the area as it should be in the 21st century!”
Pretty in Pink- The result of ‘boys banter’
Deputy Doherty states “Pink Friday which was held today show that that something positive can evolve from something negative. The initiative was organised in response to disgraceful comments made by 3 independent TD’s in relation to my party colleague Mary Mitchell O’Connor.”
“The behaviour and comments of the 3 offending TD’s says more about them than anything and is a sad reflection on the respect they show the parliament and its members. “
Deputy English sais “ Today’s fundraiser was an example of the calibre of women and the diversity of thought we have in politics-by thinking outside the box and by not letting negative comments affect her, Deputy Mitchell O’Connor has raised awareness and support for a great cause and I would congratulate her on that.”
“Deputy Ray Butler also congratulated his colleague on her professionalism and wished her well.”
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Additional teaching places for Agricultural Colleges are Welcome in Meath
Deputy Regina Doherty TD today welcomes the announcement made by Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney that six extra teachers will be appointed to Teagasc Agricultural Colleges.
Over the past few years there has been a surge in the number of people applying to agricultural colleges. This surge has led to an exception to the Moratorium on hiring in the public sector and the Minister creating and prioritising six new teaching posts in Agricultural Colleges in Ireland.
Teachers will be allocated based on the needs of the colleges and class sizes.
“This is great news for those wishing to pursue a career in farming in Meath. Although Warrenstown College is now closed, the fact that there will be additional teachers available in other colleges throughout Ireland to cater for those interested in Agriculture is a welcome decision. The availability of educated skilled workers is key to the success and sustainability of the agricultural industry in Ireland.”
“The Food Harvest 2020 Bill has set ambitious targets for growth within the Agriculture and Agri-food sector and decisions like the one made today by the Minister for Agriculture will make these even more feasible than before.”
Over the past few years there has been a surge in the number of people applying to agricultural colleges. This surge has led to an exception to the Moratorium on hiring in the public sector and the Minister creating and prioritising six new teaching posts in Agricultural Colleges in Ireland.
Teachers will be allocated based on the needs of the colleges and class sizes.
“This is great news for those wishing to pursue a career in farming in Meath. Although Warrenstown College is now closed, the fact that there will be additional teachers available in other colleges throughout Ireland to cater for those interested in Agriculture is a welcome decision. The availability of educated skilled workers is key to the success and sustainability of the agricultural industry in Ireland.”
“The Food Harvest 2020 Bill has set ambitious targets for growth within the Agriculture and Agri-food sector and decisions like the one made today by the Minister for Agriculture will make these even more feasible than before.”
Thursday, July 07, 2011
Doherty Welcomes the Minister For Children’s Vision for future
Meath East Deputy Regina Doherty, following today’s Oireachtas Committee meeting on Health and Children has welcomed Minister Frances Fitzgerald’s ambitious plans for the future of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.
Plans and priorities for the future of the Department were discussed in detail at today’s meeting where members of the Committee were introduced to the new Secretary General of the department, Mr. Jim Breslin. Deputies also posed questions to the Minister regarding her proposals for the future of the Department.
“Today’s meeting was hugely positive and it is clear from the ministers’ enthusiasm for her new role that we will see serious changes in the way we deliver services to children in Ireland.”
“My particular interest is in how we deliver services to children with special needs that span across several departments eg OT, Speech Therapy, Counselling Services etc.. Child centred services must be employed, as it is no longer acceptable that children and their parents be pushed from pillar to post when trying to get help for their child. We must also support the families of children with special needs, as the stress they experience is profound and often find they have no-one to reach out to in their time of need. The new Child & Family Support Agency that this Minister is proposing is very welcome. Finally, we have some joined up thinking by politicians.”
Some of the other topics that were discussed were the status of the Children’s Referendum, the placing of the Children’s first guidelines on a statutory footing and the progress that has been made so far in relation to transferring the responsibilities for children and youth affairs from the Department of Health.
The meeting clearly outlined the importance being attached area of Children and Youth Affairs. The meeting enabled the Minister to clearly outline how she intends to progress schemes like Early Childhood Education Scheme and a new childcare policy in Ireland.
Plans and priorities for the future of the Department were discussed in detail at today’s meeting where members of the Committee were introduced to the new Secretary General of the department, Mr. Jim Breslin. Deputies also posed questions to the Minister regarding her proposals for the future of the Department.
“Today’s meeting was hugely positive and it is clear from the ministers’ enthusiasm for her new role that we will see serious changes in the way we deliver services to children in Ireland.”
“My particular interest is in how we deliver services to children with special needs that span across several departments eg OT, Speech Therapy, Counselling Services etc.. Child centred services must be employed, as it is no longer acceptable that children and their parents be pushed from pillar to post when trying to get help for their child. We must also support the families of children with special needs, as the stress they experience is profound and often find they have no-one to reach out to in their time of need. The new Child & Family Support Agency that this Minister is proposing is very welcome. Finally, we have some joined up thinking by politicians.”
Some of the other topics that were discussed were the status of the Children’s Referendum, the placing of the Children’s first guidelines on a statutory footing and the progress that has been made so far in relation to transferring the responsibilities for children and youth affairs from the Department of Health.
The meeting clearly outlined the importance being attached area of Children and Youth Affairs. The meeting enabled the Minister to clearly outline how she intends to progress schemes like Early Childhood Education Scheme and a new childcare policy in Ireland.
Tuesday, July 05, 2011
Govt to review interconnector project
Meath East TD Regina Doherty has very much welcomed the Government announcement that it is to review the case for a north/south electricity interconnector.
An international expert commission will be established to review the project with a view to reporting back within six months.
The Minister for Energy, Pat Rabitte, has said he will finalise and announce the composition of the three-person expert Commission within the next few days.
"It is vital that the terms of reference for this review are wide enough and do not just concentrate on financial costs. I want to thank the minister for his attention to this issue issue since his appointment"
"There is deep frustration in rural communities on this issue and how it has unfolded over the past few years and this is an opportunity to right some wrongs"
An international expert commission will be established to review the project with a view to reporting back within six months.
The Minister for Energy, Pat Rabitte, has said he will finalise and announce the composition of the three-person expert Commission within the next few days.
"It is vital that the terms of reference for this review are wide enough and do not just concentrate on financial costs. I want to thank the minister for his attention to this issue issue since his appointment"
"There is deep frustration in rural communities on this issue and how it has unfolded over the past few years and this is an opportunity to right some wrongs"
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