Vacant NAMA Board position should be filled by representative from Northern Ireland - Doherty

Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has today urged the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, to seriously consider filling the vacant role on the Board of NAMA with a representative from Northern Ireland. 

“During yesterday’s meeting of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, the issue of NAMA’s property portfolio in the north came under scrutiny. Northern members of the Joint Good Friday Committee who sit on the Committee raised a serious concern over a potential fire sale of these properties and the detrimental knock on effect this will have on the Northern Ireland property market. 

“Given the serious concerns expressed by the northern members of the Committee, we have decided to write to Minister Noonan asking him to give serious consideration to filling the vacant role on the Board with a representative from the north, so that their concerns can be taken into consideration in relation to any decisions made by the agency.” 

RTÉ ‘HEROES’ USES RESOURCES TO HELP SUPPORT IRISH JOBS

VIDEO: Words of encouragement from Drogheda actor Colin O'Donoghue & professional Golfer Des Smyth RTÉ ‘HEROES’ USES RESOURCES TO HELP SUPPORT IRISH JOBS With unemployment and emigration a reality for many people, RTÉ is currently running an innovative campaign using many of its resources to help support Irish jobs.  Entitled Local Heroes, this is a multi-platform campaign on television, radio, print and online which highlights the actions we can all take to make a difference in our communities and to our wider economy. The campaign centres around a six-part television series, Local Heroes – A Town Fights Back, which runs until Wednesday 14 December on RTÉ One.  In it the people of Drogheda work alongside campaign leader Senator Feargal Quinn and an assembled team of experts  to try to kick-start their local economy. RTÉ Radio 1 has also joined in the initiative, with Pat Kenny's daily show visiting towns around Ireland to see how they are adopting the Local Heroes initiatives along the Drogheda lines. A Local Heroes website is now live and features a full catalogue of the ideas and resources for individuals, groups, jobseekers and businesses who want to revitalise their towns and contribute to the local economy. For more information please click here.

KEEP IT KELLS! Drogheda’s actions have also inspired Kells, Co Meath, which will hold its Local Heroes public meeting on 1 December at 7pm in the Headfort Arms Hotel. Hosted by the Kells & District Chamber - with the support of Kells Town Council – the meeting will start with an introduction on how the Local Heroes Toolkit works and a brief discussion on the current issues facing Kells, followed by an Ideas Summit to come up with possible solutions to the issues raised. Geraldine Gaughran, president of Kells & District Chamber, attended the open day in Local Heroes Drogheda. “I was inspired to try and think of other things we could do in Kells. We’ve decided to not just focus on the heritage in Kells - the Book of Kells and monastic legacy - but to try and grow food tourism too. There is a huge amount of food producers in the area, including Sheridans Cheesemongers.” The Keep it Kells campaign encourages people to shop locally, with the slogan stating: Spend money in Kells = Keep jobs in Kells = Create jobs in Kells. “There’s lots happening. A number of good ideas came out when we put our submission together for Local Heroes. There was a lot of good stuff happening here already but it’s given us that focus.”

The case of Father Kevin Reynolds

"The Minister for Communications, Pat Rabbitte T.D. has announced that the case of Father Kevin Reynolds was considered at today’s Government meeting. It was decided by Cabinet that there should be an independent inquiry to determine the true facts and circumstances which led to the Prime Time programme on Fr Reynolds being broadcast on RTE in May of this year. The Minister noted that The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) is the independent regulator responsible for the oversight of compliance in relation to broadcast content. It has a Compliance Committee which monitors and enforces compliance by broadcasters with various aspects of the relevant legislation relating to fairness, impartiality and enforcement of standards. Minister Rabbitte today requested that the BAI Compliance Committee use its powers under section 53 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 and to determine whether RTE has met its statutory responsibilities around objectivity, impartiality and fairness. He has asked that the Committee then report and make any recommendations in respect of this to the Authority. The decision of Government requests that the Report be concluded within two months."

Government appoints new Secretary General of Department of Jobs

The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD, today (Tuesday) announced that the Government has appointed John Murphy as Secretary General of the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. The appointment will be effective from tomorrow (23^rd November). 

Mr Murphy holds a BA in History and Politics from UCD, a Certificate in Public Administration from the IPA and a M.Sc. (Econ) in Public Policy Studies from TCD/IPA. He is currently Assistant Secretary for Transport Investment, Public Transport and Finance in the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, and has previously held roles in the Departments of Labour, Finance, Environment as well as Revenue. 

Making the announcement, Minister Bruton said: 

“This Department faces many challenges over the coming months and years. Most importantly, we will be at the centre of the government’s effort to address the jobs crisis, get growth in the real economy again and plan for our long-term economic well-being. It is also my firm ambition to place this Department at the leading edge of reform and best practice across government. 

“Since I have come into this Department I have been struck by the ability, commitment and workrate of the team both in the Department and within the agencies under my remit. Driving my agenda has placed many extra burdens and challenges on them and their response has been excellent. 

“I am delighted that the Government has appointed John Murphy to lead this team at this very important time. I am happy to have a candidate with the skills and experience to lead this Department in developing and implementing policies to address the jobs crisis. I am also satisfied that he will be able to play a key role in realising my ambition of placing this Department at the cutting edge of reform across Government, and in addressing the significant organisational and resource challenges that we like all public bodies face. 

“I would like to wish John well in filling this role”.

Ratoath BMX Club First Race Nov 27th

Hope everyone is getting ready for our big day, the first race on our new BMX track is lining up to be a spectacular event.

In an effort to try and make this event run as smooth as possible and help us, help you on the day, since it is all very new to the Club and its members, I have a few pointers to help those participating on the day.

1. Registration is between 9am and 10:30am, it is early but we have limited light and the numbers of riders is going to top the 150 mark judging by the interest level. No registrations are allowed after this time. You can also register online here before the race on Sunday.
2. After the rider receives his/her frame number plate and Practice pass you need to take your bike to scrutiny area where bike and helmet check is performed, if you have gloves or knee/elbow pads please bring them. When you pass you will receive a Pass sticker.
3. Practice will be in two groups A&B Over 13s first practice and Under 13s second practice. Practice will run for approximately 30 mins to 1 hour in total.
4. Announcer will call ‘Name Check Printed’. This means you must go to the Moto Boards area beside the Pens to check a) Your Name is correct b)Number is correct c) Age group/Class is correct. If they are not correct go back to registration.
5. After this, Announcer will call ‘Moto Sheets Printed’. You must go to Moto Boards again and find your Age Group/Class, find your name and write down on your hand or on the frame sticker the three sets of numbers beside your name e.g. from below Matthew Campbell would write down 4:7, 13:4 and 22:2 which means he is in race 4 lane 7, race 13 lane 4 and race 22 lane 2. This is very important.

6. When racing begins go to pens and search for your correct Pen with your race number on it for your first race and line up. You will be guided in and guided out of these pens to ensure you are in the correct one.
7. You will then watch the Race number flip chart so you know when your race is getting close.
8. The same process applies for Semi final and Finals races.

Please ensure you have your membership card or Sticker and your Cycling Ireland License if you have one.

Note:  Parking is very limited at the track and there could be many spectators, Can I ask all local Ratoath members to leave their cars at home and cycle down or drop the kids off and walk down to the track. I don’t want to cause any congestion in the village on our first event.

Please enjoy yourself , take your litter home and watch some spectacular Racing from our local kids and from our UK visitors including current UK number 1 and many time world Champion Kelvin Batey.

Doherty supports call to rename River Boyne bridge in honour of President McAleese

Taoiseach’s support will be sought this week

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has lent her support to the campaign to have the River Boyne Bridge renamed in honour of Mary McAleese, to mark the major achievements of her Pesidency. The proposal has been put forward by Fine Gael Louth Senator Jim D’Acy.

“I think this is a wonderful idea, which would serve as a fitting tribute to the incredible work carried out by Mary McAleese during her fourteen years as Pesident. The theme of her presidency was ‘Building Bridges’, and while at the time of her inauguration this may have seem a little lofty, she surpassed all expectations of what could be achieved within the limitations of the Pesidential office. 

“Mary McAleese immediately set about improving relations throughout this island when, at the end of her first month in office, she took communion at a Church of Ireland service in Christchurch. As a committed Catholic, this was a significant indication of how she intended to conduct her Presidency. 

“This small act was followed by countless others which help to gradually build on fragile foundations and greatly enhance the normalisation of relations between the Republic and the North. Mary McAleese visited the North on 138 occasions, constantly and diligently constructing the bridges she vowed to build. 

“Her efforts culminated with the visit of Queen Elizabeth earlier this year, when a country looked on in awe and wonder at how far we have all come. I agree with Senator D’Arcy that Mary McAleese’s achievements should be recognised and I think the renaming of the Boyne Bridge – a state-of-the-art monument of our modernity – would be a fitting commemoration. 

“As a female politician I would also welcome the prospect of having a major monumental civic structure named after a woman. I will be raising this issue in the Dáil this week in a bid to gain the Taoiseach’s support for the idea. In the meantime I would urge other members of the Oireachtas to lend their voice to this worthwhile and positive initiative.”

Ratoath Chamber Christmas Festival Festival kicks off on December 4th

Less then 2 weeks to go until Ratoath's Christmas Festival Festival kicks off on December 4th! 

There are only a few stalls left so if you haven't booked yours yet please do so NOW to avoid dissapoinment. We are delighted to bring this winter wonderland to the Village and are super excited about everything that will be taking place at the "Nollaigh Shona I Rath Tó" - 

There will be a magical array of stalls with all sorts of goodies and gifts! A petting farm, story telling, Santa & many other activities for the kids! Entertainment & live music will be happening on the main stage and we are delighted to have Shade of Light singing their Christmas Charity Single which is due for official chart release this Friday! International caricaturist Matt Ryder will be there on the day giving you the chance to have your festive faces done! As well as all this adding to our own local talents who will be out in full force for the event, we will officially be switching on the Christmas Tree of Ratoath 

There is so much more happening on the day for both children & adults and it is fantastic to have all our local businesses and community groups come together and join in the festive spirit....this is one not to miss!

Surgery at Navan hospital to resume - The Irish Times - Monday, November 21, 2011

FIONA GARTLAND - Irish Times

OUR LADY'S HOSPITAL: GENERAL SURGERY services at Our Lady’s Hospital in Navan are to be reinstated from today.

Surgery was stopped at the hospital in September 2010 after concerns about outcomes for some patients.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) had said at the time that six cases had resulted in poor clinical outcomes. It was also concerned that there were low volumes of certain types of surgery at the hospital.

Locals marched in protest at the cessation of surgery. A subsequent review, published last July, recommended the return of some surgical services to the hospital.

Last week, management of the Louth Meath Hospital Group met senior staff and heads of departments at the hospital to advise them of plans for the reintroduction of general surgical services to the hospital, the HSE said.

Staff were told minor and intermediate general elective surgery would resume today.

Staff were also told a chronic pain service would be introduced at the hospital from next January and that a regional rheumatology service was planned from next September.

This would include an additional consultant post and a musculoskeletal physiotherapist.

Fine Gael TD Regina Doherty welcomed the reopening of general surgical services at the hospital.

“It’s a great relief to receive confirmation from the HSE that surgical services are returning to Our Lady’s Hospital in Navan.”

Ms Doherty also said the planned chronic pain service would save patients in the area from having to travel to Dublin.

New Fund invests €2million in five high-growth Irish companies to create 92 jobs – Bruton

Minister announces first investments under AIB Start-Up Accelerator Fund

The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD, today (Monday) announced the first five investments by the AIB Start-Up Accelerator Fund, managed by ACT Venture Capital and established early in the term of this Government as part of the banking recapitalisation mandate. 92 jobs will be created in the coming 12 months in five high-growth Irish companies in key sectors as part of the investment. The companies in which the Fund has made investments of €2million include:

·        Storyful.com, the online media company established by RTE journalist Mark Little
·        Online gaming software development company Swerve, 
·        Award-winning financial services software company Barracuda FX
·        UCD-based medical diagnostics company Biosensia

The Fund contains a total of €22million, of which €20million was contributed by AIB in the context of the bank recapitalisation mandate, and €2million was contributed by Enterprise Ireland. It is one of four specialist Seed Capital Funds, totalling €124million, formed as part of the bank mandate. Investment is by way of an equity stake in the company by the Fund.

The investments made by the new Fund will focus on developing high-growth, export-oriented companies in emerging sectors such as Digital Media, Internet, Software, CleanTech and Medical Devices. The €2million invested by the Fund as part of today’s announcement comes as part of total fundraising of €5million by the five companies.

Making the announcement today, Minister Bruton said:

“If we are to turn this country around and create a new economy which can support the levels of employment we need, central to that will be dynamic Irish companies. That is why a key part of the Government’s jobs plan is to target policies at sectors where Irish companies have the capacity to break into export markets and grow quickly to create jobs. ICT, financial services and life sciences are sectors where Ireland has a long record of success in attracting multinational companies, but the challenge now is to convert that into success also for Irish companies.

“Today’s announcement is evidence that this plan is starting to succeed. This Fund is one of a series of measures the Government is putting in place to ensure that these companies have access to credit at all stages of their development. My aim is that, with the right policies in place, companies like these can succeed, grow, and create the large numbers of jobs we so badly need”.

John Flynn, Managing Director of ACT Venture Capital, said the Fund had experienced a very high level of activity in its first six months of operation and that he expects the current investment pace to continue. ‘This helps to position Ireland as one of Europe’s most active locations for seed funding and will create a strong pipeline of expansion companies and funding opportunities over the coming years’, said Mr Flynn who added that ‘ACT is particularly keen to partner with entrepreneurs where we can exploit our international network to help them expand’. 

Brendan O'Connor, Head Of Commercial Banking, AIB Bank said: 
“The Fund is an important element of AIB’s seed capital capability and the Bank now has facilitated the creation of €75m in funding making it the largest seed capital provider in the country. With today’s announcement, it means AIB is facilitating, on average, one new investment per month in equity capital for fast growth and high potential Irish owned businesses, supporting the creation of new jobs across the country’. 

Nominate Now for the Diverse Ireland Awards 2011

Nominate Now ... Nominate the person or entity you think has made a significant contribution to Integration. Anyone may make a nomination and you may nominate for as many categories as you wish. To make your nomination click here.. The categories are Politician, Local Authority, School, Journalist, Individual, Support Service, Sporting Organisation, The Arts/Cultural Organisation, Multinational, & SME Business. The deadline for nominations is 5pm, Friday 2nd December. The Diverse Ireland Awards 2011  Mercantile, Dame St, Dublin 2  14th December, 3-5pm MC: Izabella Chudzicka, Entrepreneur, & TV Presenter Awards presented by: Ray Shah - DJ; Emma Waldron, Miss Ireland 2010; and others..