Fine Gael TD Regina Doherty has today spoken of the need to treat the Commemorations of the foundation of the Irish State and the Northern Ireland peace process over the next decade delicately and with a conscious sense of inclusiveness. This statement from the Deputy follows a meeting of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement (Thursday 12th October) where members met with representatives from communities in the North of the country.
These representatives included Dr. Ian Adamson, High Sheriff of Belfast, Mr. Sean Murray, Mr. Jackie McDonald, Mr. George Newell and Professor Wesley Hutchinson.
Deputy Regina Doherty TD, a member of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement says that “there is a huge onus on the organisers of these commemoration ceremonies to treat the events as an opportunity to be all inclusive to all corners of society.”
“We must be mindful that we do not organise ceremonies and mark these occasions in history in such a way that will result in the alienation of people in Northern Ireland or indeed those in the south. It is up to us as members of this committee to work with our counterparts in the North to develop a shared approach to commemorations of events in our history like 1916 Rising, The Civil War (1922-1923), the Anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement etc. We must develop a joint approach to these events so we can ensure that no area of society feels disenfranchised.”
Deputy Doherty believes “We have the opportunity as Public Representatives to lead this all inclusive approach, to work with those influential people in all our communities, in order to influence and educate young people of our shared history. We must, with these events, show young people that it is not a case of north versus south, as they may believe, but that we have both had troubled histories and no history is greater than the other.”
Deputy Doherty goes further to state “Since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement on 10th April 1998 there has been great progress with peace process. This process, however, is an on-going one which needs to be nurtured. This nurturing will happen as a result of inclusivity by reaching out to every member of society, taking into account individual communities’ histories and being sensitive to those. The fear that I have if we do not adopt this approach is that we will leave seeds for future conflicts as a result of people feeling excluded.”
“It is up to us to celebrate the next 10years without being divisive.”
Friday, October 14, 2011
Bus Éireann announces changes to Cavan-Dublin and Meath-Dublin Commuter Routes
Following customer feedback, Bus Éireann will introduce a number of improvements on its Route 109 Cavan-Dublin service, Route 109A DCU-Navan service, Route 187 Kells-Oldcastle service, Route 107 Dublin-Kingscourt service and its Route 108 Dublin-Bailieboro service on and from Sunday 23rd of October.
Customers are advised that on route 109 Cavan-Dublin services to/from Cavan will no longer operate via Dublin Airport and the Port Tunnel. These services will now operate via the Navan Road and the Mater Hospital.
All weekday services to/from Cavan will now operate via Navan and then operate via the M3 Motorway to Dublin. This excludes the 6am and 7am ex Cavan and the 4.30pm and 5.30pm ex Dublin, which will not serve Navan offering customers quicker journey times.
There will be a bus every 30 minutes from Dunshaughlin to Dublin during off peak times. Some off peak services to and from Navan will now operate via Johnstown Road and the Kentstown Road.
Customers from Cavan and Virginia wishing to travel direct to Dublin Airport should take the Route 30 service or interchange with other Bus Éireann network services such as the Route 109A at Kells.
On the route 109A service, customers should be aware that the route has been extended to Kells offering customers a wider network of services and providing a direct service to Dublin Airport and Dublin City University. Service frequency will remain the same.
The number of services between Oldcastle and Kells on route 187 will be doubled with some changes in service times.
Services will no longer operate direct to Dublin on route 107. The route 107 will now terminate at Navan. Customers travelling to Dublin will now have to change to the 109 service at Navan.
The number of services between Kingscourt and Navan will be doubled offering customers more availability with a greater choice of services.
The number of services between Bailieboro and Kells on the route 108 service will remain the same, but there will be some changes in scheduled times.
“Bus Éireann is always looking at ways to improve our services and meet customer needs. Following local consultation and a review we decided to implement these changes on the M3 Corridor Routes. This will allow customers to enjoy the comfort and convenience of travelling by high-quality coaches without the worries and hassle of car parking, toll charges and fuel costs,” said Joe Kenny, Regional Manager East Bus Éireann.
All of these timetable changes are in response to local customer requests.
These changes have been sanctioned by the National Transport Authority (NTA).
Customers on routes where alterations come into effect from Sunday the 23rd of October 2011 will be informed of the change to their service.
Information on service changes will be available from local travel centres, leaflet drops, onboard buses and viewable at www.buseireann.ie
Customers are advised that on route 109 Cavan-Dublin services to/from Cavan will no longer operate via Dublin Airport and the Port Tunnel. These services will now operate via the Navan Road and the Mater Hospital.
All weekday services to/from Cavan will now operate via Navan and then operate via the M3 Motorway to Dublin. This excludes the 6am and 7am ex Cavan and the 4.30pm and 5.30pm ex Dublin, which will not serve Navan offering customers quicker journey times.
There will be a bus every 30 minutes from Dunshaughlin to Dublin during off peak times. Some off peak services to and from Navan will now operate via Johnstown Road and the Kentstown Road.
Customers from Cavan and Virginia wishing to travel direct to Dublin Airport should take the Route 30 service or interchange with other Bus Éireann network services such as the Route 109A at Kells.
On the route 109A service, customers should be aware that the route has been extended to Kells offering customers a wider network of services and providing a direct service to Dublin Airport and Dublin City University. Service frequency will remain the same.
The number of services between Oldcastle and Kells on route 187 will be doubled with some changes in service times.
Services will no longer operate direct to Dublin on route 107. The route 107 will now terminate at Navan. Customers travelling to Dublin will now have to change to the 109 service at Navan.
The number of services between Kingscourt and Navan will be doubled offering customers more availability with a greater choice of services.
The number of services between Bailieboro and Kells on the route 108 service will remain the same, but there will be some changes in scheduled times.
“Bus Éireann is always looking at ways to improve our services and meet customer needs. Following local consultation and a review we decided to implement these changes on the M3 Corridor Routes. This will allow customers to enjoy the comfort and convenience of travelling by high-quality coaches without the worries and hassle of car parking, toll charges and fuel costs,” said Joe Kenny, Regional Manager East Bus Éireann.
All of these timetable changes are in response to local customer requests.
These changes have been sanctioned by the National Transport Authority (NTA).
Customers on routes where alterations come into effect from Sunday the 23rd of October 2011 will be informed of the change to their service.
Information on service changes will be available from local travel centres, leaflet drops, onboard buses and viewable at www.buseireann.ie
Taoiseach's latest video message
If you would like to view the Taoiseach's latest video message, in which he discusses his meeting with President Barosso, you can watch it here:
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Spirits of Meath
Halloween Festival
Oct 21st - Nov 6th 2011
Fun by Day Frights by Night
County Meath – uniquely where it all began – is bringing you Ireland’s spookiest and most electrifying Halloween Festival with over 35 events… Fun by Day, Frights by Night!! Samhain, the ancient Celtic Festival that we now call “Halloween”, originated in Co. Meath more than 2,000 years ago. Samhain marks the end of the old Celtic Year and the beginning of the New Year. The Celts believed that this was a time of transition, and the spirits of all who had died since the last Night of Samhain moved on to the next life. One of the main spiritual centres of the ancient Celts was located on top of the hill of Tlachtga, now called the Hill of Ward, one mile east of Athboy, Co. Meath. It was here on the festival of Samhain that the sacred fire was kindled. The lighting of the sacred fire was a solemn and weird ritual. Torches were lit and carried to seven other hills around the county including Tara and Loughcrew, and then on to light up the whole countryside.
To download a complete list of events click HERE
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Publication of the Report of the Inter-Departmental Working Group on Mortgage Arrears
The Report of the Inter-Departmental Group on Mortgage Arrears has been published by the Government this morning.
The Government’s Economic Management Council instructed that an interdepartmental group be established to consider further measures to alleviate the increasing problem of mortgage over-indebtedness.
In establishing the group, the Government set two core objectives:
Work is underway to implement key elements of the report:
Minister Penrose will shortly launch two mortgage-to-rent schemes in line with the report’s recommendations.
These will operate on a pilot basis initially, subject to prompt review ahead of wider roll-out. Under each scheme, households in extreme mortgage distress who are eligible for social housing will be able to remain in their homes as social housing tenants with either the lending institution or a housing association taking ownership of the property.
Minister Penrose’ officials will be kick-starting this process next week.
Minister Shatter has already undertaken extensive work on the Heads of a Personal Insolvency
Bill as set out in the report and these will be published shortly.
Minister Noonan has instructed the Banking Division of the Department of Finance to begin discussions with the banks to ensure speedy implementation of the measures set out in the report.
The Government will now propose that the Dáil have an opportunity to debate the findings and recommendations of the report and will make time for a debate next week. This will give all sides of the House the opportunity to contribute in a constructive and realistic manner to the deliberations on this important issue.
The Minister for Finance and the Minister for Justice and Equality will form an implementation strategy to be set out at the conclusion of the Dáil debate. This implementation strategy will set out the necessary steps to put into effect all of the measures that are deemed feasible.
Recommendations of the Report:
The report provides a range of options within a defined framework for lenders and distressed mortgage holders to deal with what is a very stressful situation for the homeowners involved.
The main conclusions of the report are as follows:-
The group does not advocate blanket debt/negative equity forgiveness and instead indicates that the issue of mortgage difficulty can only be considered on a case by case basis having regard to the individual circumstances of each case.
While mortgage forbearance measures are appropriate in many cases, long term forbearance will not be sufficient in all cases and it will have to be recognised by borrower and lender that some mortgages are currently unsustainable and that more sustainable solutions will have to be advanced for such cases.
The Government’s Economic Management Council instructed that an interdepartmental group be established to consider further measures to alleviate the increasing problem of mortgage over-indebtedness.
In establishing the group, the Government set two core objectives:
- To assist those facing real difficulties to remain in their own homes where appropriate, and
- To ensure a distinction between those who cannot afford to pay their mortgages and those who choose not to pay their mortgages.
Work is underway to implement key elements of the report:
Minister Penrose will shortly launch two mortgage-to-rent schemes in line with the report’s recommendations.
These will operate on a pilot basis initially, subject to prompt review ahead of wider roll-out. Under each scheme, households in extreme mortgage distress who are eligible for social housing will be able to remain in their homes as social housing tenants with either the lending institution or a housing association taking ownership of the property.
Minister Penrose’ officials will be kick-starting this process next week.
Minister Shatter has already undertaken extensive work on the Heads of a Personal Insolvency
Bill as set out in the report and these will be published shortly.
Minister Noonan has instructed the Banking Division of the Department of Finance to begin discussions with the banks to ensure speedy implementation of the measures set out in the report.
The Government will now propose that the Dáil have an opportunity to debate the findings and recommendations of the report and will make time for a debate next week. This will give all sides of the House the opportunity to contribute in a constructive and realistic manner to the deliberations on this important issue.
The Minister for Finance and the Minister for Justice and Equality will form an implementation strategy to be set out at the conclusion of the Dáil debate. This implementation strategy will set out the necessary steps to put into effect all of the measures that are deemed feasible.
Recommendations of the Report:
The report provides a range of options within a defined framework for lenders and distressed mortgage holders to deal with what is a very stressful situation for the homeowners involved.
The main conclusions of the report are as follows:-
The group does not advocate blanket debt/negative equity forgiveness and instead indicates that the issue of mortgage difficulty can only be considered on a case by case basis having regard to the individual circumstances of each case.
While mortgage forbearance measures are appropriate in many cases, long term forbearance will not be sufficient in all cases and it will have to be recognised by borrower and lender that some mortgages are currently unsustainable and that more sustainable solutions will have to be advanced for such cases.
The report sets out a range of possible solutions for such cases and also sets out a “decision tree” approach to aid assessment of individual cases; however, the report indicates that these solutions are not intended to be exhaustive or proscriptive and that these and other solutions will need to be developed over time.
The possible solutions that will need to be advanced by banks to address mortgage over indebtedness include
- trade down mortgages
- split mortgages
- sale by agreement.
The State also has a significant role to play and the group proposes the introduction of two “mortgage to rent” social housing schemes utilising approved housing bodies and the leasing of houses by banks to local authorities in appropriate circumstances. Associated with this, the group also proposes that the mortgage interest supplement scheme should become time limited.
The report proposes that a more specialised mortgage advice service be established, that could link into MABS, to provide specialist advice and assistance to mortgage holders in difficulty to enable them consider and evaluate their options in their engagement with mortgage lenders.
Underpinning the range of possible solutions, the report also states that reform of the bankruptcy and personal insolvency law is fundamental and that without this the mortgage problem will not be resolved.
Friday, October 07, 2011
Doherty welcomes confirmation of early 2012 date for Children’s Referendum
Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has welcomed confirmation from the Minister for Justice, Alan Shatter, that the children’s rights referendum will be held early in the New Year.
“I was very pleased to hear that during his speech to UN member states in Geneva, Minister Shatter confirmed that the much awaited referendum on children’s rights will be held in early 2012. This is a hugely welcome development, and further proof that this Government is committed to strengthening children’s rights where the previous administration failed.
“On its formation, the Government made it clear that the protection of children is a top priority by establishing a dedicated Department of Children and Youth Affairs. In the wake of the Cloyne Report, the Government also committed to putting the Children’sFirst Guidelines on a statutory footing.
“There has been some criticism that this referendum was not held earlier. However, this is an extremely sensitive and complex issue, and getting the wording of a constitutional amendment right is essential. Work on this issue has been ongoing within the Department of Children, under the guidance of Minister Frances Fitzgerald, for a number of months. I am confident that this work will conclude in time for a referendum to be held early next year.
“For too long, it was assumed that it was somebody else’s job to protect and cherish children. By placing the Children’s First Guidelines on a statutory basis we will all be actively involved in providing a safe, nurturing environment in which our children can grow.
“The ancient African proverb that it takes a village to raise a child rings true; it does take a village,and to develop that kind of support we must begin with ourselves. Community,like charity, begins at home. I believe we will all benefit from having our responsibilities in relation to children clearly enshrined in our Constitution.”
“I was very pleased to hear that during his speech to UN member states in Geneva, Minister Shatter confirmed that the much awaited referendum on children’s rights will be held in early 2012. This is a hugely welcome development, and further proof that this Government is committed to strengthening children’s rights where the previous administration failed.
“On its formation, the Government made it clear that the protection of children is a top priority by establishing a dedicated Department of Children and Youth Affairs. In the wake of the Cloyne Report, the Government also committed to putting the Children’sFirst Guidelines on a statutory footing.
“There has been some criticism that this referendum was not held earlier. However, this is an extremely sensitive and complex issue, and getting the wording of a constitutional amendment right is essential. Work on this issue has been ongoing within the Department of Children, under the guidance of Minister Frances Fitzgerald, for a number of months. I am confident that this work will conclude in time for a referendum to be held early next year.
“For too long, it was assumed that it was somebody else’s job to protect and cherish children. By placing the Children’s First Guidelines on a statutory basis we will all be actively involved in providing a safe, nurturing environment in which our children can grow.
“The ancient African proverb that it takes a village to raise a child rings true; it does take a village,and to develop that kind of support we must begin with ourselves. Community,like charity, begins at home. I believe we will all benefit from having our responsibilities in relation to children clearly enshrined in our Constitution.”
Global Irish Economic Forum
The two day Global Irish EconomicForum got underway this morning in Dublin Castle. Many of the most influentialIrish and Irish-connected individuals abroad have travelled to Dublin inorder to attend, each of them at their own expense.
They did so for no reason other than to attempt to assist in our country’seconomic recovery and I am very grateful indeed to them for sacrificingtheir valuable time in this way. A small number of senior Irish based figuresfrom the business and political spheres are also attending and PresidentBill Clinton will address the Forum tomorrow.
They did so for no reason other than to attempt to assist in our country’seconomic recovery and I am very grateful indeed to them for sacrificingtheir valuable time in this way. A small number of senior Irish based figuresfrom the business and political spheres are also attending and PresidentBill Clinton will address the Forum tomorrow.
Doherty calls for heightened level of debate on upcoming referendums
Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has called on the Government, the Opposition and the media to engage in a proactive and visible debate on the forthcoming referendums on judge’s pay and on the powers of Oireachtas committees. “It’s regrettable to say the least that these referendums have been so sidelined that the public are barely aware that they are taking place in less than twenty days time. Amendments to the Constitution are matters of significant national importance and deserve to be receiving as much attention and publicity as possible, so voters are in a position to make an informed decision at the ballot box.
“I am calling on the Government,the Opposition and those media commentators who have previously called for political reform to become more proactive in bringing this debate to public attention. Apathy only creates a culture of ‘if you don’tknow – vote no’. The issues before the people are important and warrant a large scale public airing before polling day.
“While I acknowledge the role of the Referendum Commission in informing the public on these matters, it is a faceless entity which the public may not relate to. These referendums need personalities to come forward and show leadership on how they believe people should vote.
“These two referendums are by no means trivial. The issues that arise from the referendum on judge’sremuneration include the relationship between the Oireachtas and the judiciary and the traditional separation of powers. The referendum on Oireachtas committees grants significant powers on Oireachtas members which must be examined and considered in full before the public can decide whether they are in favour of them.
“We are currently surrounded by a media clamour pertaining to an office with a primary role of protecting our Constitution. It would only be fitting that significant changes to the same Constitution should receive some level of attention, which has been absent to this point.”
“I am calling on the Government,the Opposition and those media commentators who have previously called for political reform to become more proactive in bringing this debate to public attention. Apathy only creates a culture of ‘if you don’tknow – vote no’. The issues before the people are important and warrant a large scale public airing before polling day.
“While I acknowledge the role of the Referendum Commission in informing the public on these matters, it is a faceless entity which the public may not relate to. These referendums need personalities to come forward and show leadership on how they believe people should vote.
“These two referendums are by no means trivial. The issues that arise from the referendum on judge’sremuneration include the relationship between the Oireachtas and the judiciary and the traditional separation of powers. The referendum on Oireachtas committees grants significant powers on Oireachtas members which must be examined and considered in full before the public can decide whether they are in favour of them.
“We are currently surrounded by a media clamour pertaining to an office with a primary role of protecting our Constitution. It would only be fitting that significant changes to the same Constitution should receive some level of attention, which has been absent to this point.”
Huge turnout for national launch of FG Presidential campaign
“The national launch of the Mitchell for President campaign took place in Dublin this week and it was a huge success. The room was packed to the brim with the parliamentary party, as well as councillors and party members from across the country.
“With just three weeks to go until polling day on October 27th,the enthusiasm in the room was infectious as Gay Mitchell spoke about his vision for the Presidency. As someone who grew up during hard times, he knows what people are going through and he knows that we can come through this.
“Ireland needs someone with experience as President. Gay Mitchell MEP was a TD for 26 years and an MEP for seven. I believe that he has the experience and the international contacts that we need to help bring jobs to this country.
“For too long, we have forgotten what we were good at and what we do well.Agriculture is the star of this economy at the moment and a major creator of jobs. A big part of his role as President would be to help open up new markets and develop existing ones, so that more people can find work in this vital area.
“Gay also spoke about his proposals to lead the charge in promoting mental health, especially for young people. He wants to work with voluntary groups who do important work in the area of mental health. This generation is under great pressure, and we’ve seen too many people take their own lives.It’s time for us to tackle this in a meaningful way.
“Over the next three weeks I will be canvassing the length and breadth of Meath to gather support for who I believe is the best person to be President of Ireland.”
Extra funds will help to retrain redundant construction workers
Regina Doherty TD, has welcomed the news that the European Commission has approved funding worth €55 million for the retraining of redundant construction workers. The money is being made available under the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, and must still be approved by the European Council and the European Parliament. “This is very positive news for thousands of construction workers who were made redundant during the height of the economic crisis. The ECF will help to co-finance a range of retraining measures to help up to 9,000 people from the building trade who lost their jobs between July 1st 2009 and March 31st 2010.
“Like areas right across the country Meath has been severely affected by the unemployment crisis, which was accelerated by the collapse in the construction sector. Hundreds of former construction workers across Meath are struggling to find work and many of them need to adapt their skills to ensure they can find sustainable employment for the long-term.
“At least €22 million under this programme has already been invested in training initiatives to date. This additional EGF support will help to provide a range of opportunities from evening training and further education courses to full-time third level education programmes. These measures are firmly aimed at getting people into the workforce.
“An inter-agency group within the Department of Education is focused on maximising the supports available to redundant workers. I am hopeful that the additional money being made available will be of benefit to many people across Meath.”
“Like areas right across the country Meath has been severely affected by the unemployment crisis, which was accelerated by the collapse in the construction sector. Hundreds of former construction workers across Meath are struggling to find work and many of them need to adapt their skills to ensure they can find sustainable employment for the long-term.
“At least €22 million under this programme has already been invested in training initiatives to date. This additional EGF support will help to provide a range of opportunities from evening training and further education courses to full-time third level education programmes. These measures are firmly aimed at getting people into the workforce.
“An inter-agency group within the Department of Education is focused on maximising the supports available to redundant workers. I am hopeful that the additional money being made available will be of benefit to many people across Meath.”
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