Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has welcomed the news that the ‘Free Day’ for heritage sites on the first Wednesday of every month will continue this year. Deputy Doherty said the initiative, run by the Office of Public Works, is clearly working, as visitor numbers at the Battle of the Boyne site have jumped by 142%.
“I am delighted that Minister of State for the OPW, Brian Hayes, has decided to extend this initiative, which gives visitors free access to heritage sites on the first Wednesday of every month. This is a great way of encouraging locals and visitors to explore the huge array of fantastic historical sites on offer across the country.
“The initiative has been a huge success in Co. Meath, where ‘Free Wednesday’ led to an extra 1,000 people visiting the Battle of the Boyne site and visitor centre. In total, visitor numbers jumped by 142% on free admissions days in the second half of last year, compared with the same days a year earlier.
“Tourism is a valuable contributor to the local economy in Meath, and a vital source of jobs. Boosting visitor numbers at attractions like the Battle of the Boyne has a very positive knock on impact for the towns and villages nearby who benefit from increased footfall and traffic as people spend time in the area. People who take a day out to visit a heritage site are likely to stop for a bite to eat, or to do some shopping, all of which is of major benefit to local businesses.
“I hope people from across Meath, as well as people visiting the county, will take the chance to avail of our world class heritage sites over the coming months.”
Friday, March 09, 2012
"Growing up in Ireland" provides essential insight to inform public policy
Fine Gael Meath East TD, Chair of the Internal Fine Gael Committee on Health and Children, has today said that the Growing Up in Ireland study provides an essential and valuable insight into the lives of our children. Deputy Doherty was speaking following the publication of the latest instalment of the study, which examines how our children’s emotional state is impacted by their families.
“This study is proving to be an extremely valuable resource for the Government, when formulating child centred policies. The latest report looks at how children are affected emotionally and socially by their families. The vast majority of nine year olds are developing well, but up to one and five are classified as having significant levels of difficulty. The study also highlights the fact that children from lower income and single parent households are more likely to experience difficulties. This provides both a challenge for their parents and for the State.
“Our children are our most important asset, and they must be valued and cherished appropriately. This Government has placed children’s issues at the heart of policy making, by establishing a dedicated Ministry for Children. We must ensure that information like that contained in the Growing Up in Ireland report feed into public policy to ensure that our children are being best served.
“The establishment of the new Children and Family Support Agency will be a key step in ensuring that our children are better protected. I am encouraged to receive confirmation from Minister Frances Fitzgerald that significant progress is being made on the new Agency, which will incorporate key children’s services.
“The Agency forms just one part of a significant reform agenda, including placing the Children’s First Guidelines on a statutory basis and the establishment, for the first time, of a dedicated budget for children and family services.
“I commend the Government on the work that has been completed to date and I urge Minister Fitzgerald to ensure that the Growing Up in Ireland plays a key role in the formulation of policy into the future.”
“This study is proving to be an extremely valuable resource for the Government, when formulating child centred policies. The latest report looks at how children are affected emotionally and socially by their families. The vast majority of nine year olds are developing well, but up to one and five are classified as having significant levels of difficulty. The study also highlights the fact that children from lower income and single parent households are more likely to experience difficulties. This provides both a challenge for their parents and for the State.
“Our children are our most important asset, and they must be valued and cherished appropriately. This Government has placed children’s issues at the heart of policy making, by establishing a dedicated Ministry for Children. We must ensure that information like that contained in the Growing Up in Ireland report feed into public policy to ensure that our children are being best served.
“The establishment of the new Children and Family Support Agency will be a key step in ensuring that our children are better protected. I am encouraged to receive confirmation from Minister Frances Fitzgerald that significant progress is being made on the new Agency, which will incorporate key children’s services.
“The Agency forms just one part of a significant reform agenda, including placing the Children’s First Guidelines on a statutory basis and the establishment, for the first time, of a dedicated budget for children and family services.
“I commend the Government on the work that has been completed to date and I urge Minister Fitzgerald to ensure that the Growing Up in Ireland plays a key role in the formulation of policy into the future.”
Wednesday, March 07, 2012
Local community needs urgent action on Slane bypass rejection
Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Wednesday) expressed her deep disappointment at the decision by An Bord Pleanála to refuse permission for the proposed Slane bypass. Deputy Doherty has raised this issue with the Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar, asking for urgent action to be taken to address the decision.
“I was devastated to learn of An Bord Pleanála’s decision this morning. The people of Slane feel incredibly let down and immediate action is needed to address their concerns surrounding road safety in the village.
“I have written to Minister Varadkar asking him to instruct the National Roads Authority to consult with Meath County Council on foot of today’s decision. I believe the NRA and the Council have a duty to come back to the people of Slane within three months with positive and realistic options on how road safety in the village can be improved.
“I have also been in contact with local councillors, urging them to enforce a HGV ban in the village, at least until a long-term solution is found. The Council previously decided to hold off on a HGV ban, due to the belief that it could hamper the planning application for the bypass. We now know this was pointless.
“Lives are being lost in Slane, due to the treacherous traffic situation. The 30km speed limit is being ignored. Twenty-two people have died in accidents on the bridge or on its approaches, and I fear more lives could be lost as a result of today’s decision. Immediate action is needed.”
“I was devastated to learn of An Bord Pleanála’s decision this morning. The people of Slane feel incredibly let down and immediate action is needed to address their concerns surrounding road safety in the village.
“I have written to Minister Varadkar asking him to instruct the National Roads Authority to consult with Meath County Council on foot of today’s decision. I believe the NRA and the Council have a duty to come back to the people of Slane within three months with positive and realistic options on how road safety in the village can be improved.
“I have also been in contact with local councillors, urging them to enforce a HGV ban in the village, at least until a long-term solution is found. The Council previously decided to hold off on a HGV ban, due to the belief that it could hamper the planning application for the bypass. We now know this was pointless.
“Lives are being lost in Slane, due to the treacherous traffic situation. The 30km speed limit is being ignored. Twenty-two people have died in accidents on the bridge or on its approaches, and I fear more lives could be lost as a result of today’s decision. Immediate action is needed.”
Irresponsible alcohol advertising proves self-regulation isn’t working
Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has said that some leading supermarkets are cashing in on the Six Nations by running irresponsible advertising encouraging customers to buy large volumes of cheap alcohol for the rugby tournament.
“I was annoyed, but not surprised, to see full page ads running in weekend newspapers advertising the sale of cheap alcohol to coincide with the Six Nations. Not only did one ad for a major supermarket encourage the public to buy 24 cans of beer for €24, it also urged customers to start drinking in time for the rugby kick-off time at 3pm.
“This sort of irresponsible advertising proves yet again that self-regulation on the sale of alcohol is not working. It’s my view that major supermarkets and other discount stores are failing to take account of the impact of their actions when they peddle cheap alcohol as a means of getting people through their doors.
“This is made all the more clear when a national sporting event, which should be an occasion of pride, is used as an opportunity to push the sale of cheap alcohol. This just further encourages a culture of binge drinking.
“The damage that alcohol inflicts on society cannot be underestimated. According to the Department of Health, the cost to Irish society of alcohol related problems is currently in excess of €3.5 billion a year. It’s estimated that alcohol plays a role in more than 50% of all suicides here. Tackling this problem is one of the biggest challenges facing us today, from a health, societal and economic point of view.
“Introducing sensible and fair regulations on the sale of alcohol will be a major step forward. Minister of State at the Department of Health, Roisin Shorthall, is drafting legislation that will directly address the issue. I am hopeful that it will include a ban on below cost selling, restrictions on advertising multi-pack offers and restrictions on price point advertising. Forcing supermarkets and other stores to have a separate entrance point for their off-licence sales would also be a progressive move.
“Self-regulation on the sale of alcohol is failing us. I look forward to the publication of the new legislation, which should help us get a handle on this problem in a meaningful and constructive way.”
“I was annoyed, but not surprised, to see full page ads running in weekend newspapers advertising the sale of cheap alcohol to coincide with the Six Nations. Not only did one ad for a major supermarket encourage the public to buy 24 cans of beer for €24, it also urged customers to start drinking in time for the rugby kick-off time at 3pm.
“This sort of irresponsible advertising proves yet again that self-regulation on the sale of alcohol is not working. It’s my view that major supermarkets and other discount stores are failing to take account of the impact of their actions when they peddle cheap alcohol as a means of getting people through their doors.
“This is made all the more clear when a national sporting event, which should be an occasion of pride, is used as an opportunity to push the sale of cheap alcohol. This just further encourages a culture of binge drinking.
“The damage that alcohol inflicts on society cannot be underestimated. According to the Department of Health, the cost to Irish society of alcohol related problems is currently in excess of €3.5 billion a year. It’s estimated that alcohol plays a role in more than 50% of all suicides here. Tackling this problem is one of the biggest challenges facing us today, from a health, societal and economic point of view.
“Introducing sensible and fair regulations on the sale of alcohol will be a major step forward. Minister of State at the Department of Health, Roisin Shorthall, is drafting legislation that will directly address the issue. I am hopeful that it will include a ban on below cost selling, restrictions on advertising multi-pack offers and restrictions on price point advertising. Forcing supermarkets and other stores to have a separate entrance point for their off-licence sales would also be a progressive move.
“Self-regulation on the sale of alcohol is failing us. I look forward to the publication of the new legislation, which should help us get a handle on this problem in a meaningful and constructive way.”
Tuesday, March 06, 2012
Time for FF to say how they would increase women TDs
Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Monday) called on Fianna Fáil to clarify how it proposes to increase the number of female politicians in our national parliament. Deputy Doherty’s comments come after a motion to introduce gender quotas was defeated at the Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis.
“Considering Fianna Fáil doesn’t have a single female TD in the Dáil, I would have thought that the Party would be particularly keen to boost the number of women politicians. But apparently not. I was shocked to learn that a motion calling for gender quotas to be introduced was defeated by Fianna Fáil members at the weekend.
“As one of the few female TDs in the Dáil, I recognise the need to address the gender imbalance in Leinster House. Our national parliament should be representative of society. This is something the Government is acutely aware of, and that’s why we have introduced progressive legislation to directly address this issue.
“The Electoral Amendment Bill will introduce gender quotas, to ensure each party has 30% of women and 30% of men as candidates. Any party that fails to comply will face a cut in State funding. This legislation is a significant step forward in making our national parliament a more representative, modern force for change.
“Increasing the number of female politicians in the Dáil will benefit society as a whole. For too long Leinster House has been a closed environment for a closeted few; Fine Gael wants to encourage men and women from all sectors to enter public life and make a contribution. Indeed, I would argue that if more women had been present, different choices may have been made on issues of national importance in recent years.
“Fianna Fáil failed to address this problem in Government; now it seems they can’t even agree on a credible approach in Opposition.”
“Considering Fianna Fáil doesn’t have a single female TD in the Dáil, I would have thought that the Party would be particularly keen to boost the number of women politicians. But apparently not. I was shocked to learn that a motion calling for gender quotas to be introduced was defeated by Fianna Fáil members at the weekend.
“As one of the few female TDs in the Dáil, I recognise the need to address the gender imbalance in Leinster House. Our national parliament should be representative of society. This is something the Government is acutely aware of, and that’s why we have introduced progressive legislation to directly address this issue.
“The Electoral Amendment Bill will introduce gender quotas, to ensure each party has 30% of women and 30% of men as candidates. Any party that fails to comply will face a cut in State funding. This legislation is a significant step forward in making our national parliament a more representative, modern force for change.
“Increasing the number of female politicians in the Dáil will benefit society as a whole. For too long Leinster House has been a closed environment for a closeted few; Fine Gael wants to encourage men and women from all sectors to enter public life and make a contribution. Indeed, I would argue that if more women had been present, different choices may have been made on issues of national importance in recent years.
“Fianna Fáil failed to address this problem in Government; now it seems they can’t even agree on a credible approach in Opposition.”
Friday, March 02, 2012
Huge hurdles still to cross on gender pay gap
Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Friday) said that the European Commission study which shows that Irish women are earning 17% less than men proves there are still huge hurdles to cross when it comes to addressing the gender pay gap.
“It didn’t come as a huge surprise to me to learn that Irish women continue to earn considerably less than men. While there has been progress in recent years, we still have a long way to go when it comes to equality in the workplace.
“As a female TD, while I may earn the same as my male colleagues, I also work in an environment that is grossly unequal. Women are severely underrepresented in the Dáil. The nature of our political system is extremely difficult to juggle with having a family, and female Oireachtas members do not receive maternity leave.
“The Government is attempting to address the inequality within our national parliament through the Electoral Amendment Bill, which will enforce gender quotas for candidates in the next general election. While this will go some way to address an aspect of the inequality associated with public life, today’s European Commission survey clearly shows that significant progress is needed to address the inequality that persists within the private sector.
“I believe we need to look as a society at how we support women in the workplace. Appropriate maternity cover and childcare supports are essential. But I think a greater cultural shift is also needed; as women must challenge casual sexism, rather than choosing to ignore it. We must also ensure we are properly valued in the workplace; there is plenty of anecdotal evidence to suggest that in many cases women are paid less, simply because they do not ask for more.
“Despite the fact that girls perform better in school and at college than their male counterparts, a gaping pay difference persists in the workplace. However, it is somewhat encouraging to see that the gap is smaller for younger women, which indicates that we are moving in the right direction.
“Discrimination must not be tolerated. Greater income transparency within companies could help to address pay gaps. But in reality, legislation and workplace standards can only achieve so much. We must demand equality in attitudes and behaviour from each other if we are truly to become a progressive and just society.”
“It didn’t come as a huge surprise to me to learn that Irish women continue to earn considerably less than men. While there has been progress in recent years, we still have a long way to go when it comes to equality in the workplace.
“As a female TD, while I may earn the same as my male colleagues, I also work in an environment that is grossly unequal. Women are severely underrepresented in the Dáil. The nature of our political system is extremely difficult to juggle with having a family, and female Oireachtas members do not receive maternity leave.
“The Government is attempting to address the inequality within our national parliament through the Electoral Amendment Bill, which will enforce gender quotas for candidates in the next general election. While this will go some way to address an aspect of the inequality associated with public life, today’s European Commission survey clearly shows that significant progress is needed to address the inequality that persists within the private sector.
“I believe we need to look as a society at how we support women in the workplace. Appropriate maternity cover and childcare supports are essential. But I think a greater cultural shift is also needed; as women must challenge casual sexism, rather than choosing to ignore it. We must also ensure we are properly valued in the workplace; there is plenty of anecdotal evidence to suggest that in many cases women are paid less, simply because they do not ask for more.
“Despite the fact that girls perform better in school and at college than their male counterparts, a gaping pay difference persists in the workplace. However, it is somewhat encouraging to see that the gap is smaller for younger women, which indicates that we are moving in the right direction.
“Discrimination must not be tolerated. Greater income transparency within companies could help to address pay gaps. But in reality, legislation and workplace standards can only achieve so much. We must demand equality in attitudes and behaviour from each other if we are truly to become a progressive and just society.”
Thursday, March 01, 2012
Make your views known on septic tank standards
Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, is encouraging Co. Meath householders and interested members of the public to make their views known on the draft standards for septic tanks, which have been published today (Thursday) by the Minister for the Environment, Phil Hogan. Public submissions will be accepted for the next four weeks before the standards are finalised.
“The Government wants to listen to the views and concerns of the public, when drawing up a finalised list of standards for septic tanks. The standards will be used as the basis of a new inspection regime, which will ensure our groundwater supplies are protected.
“The Opposition has been engaging in a huge amount of rabble rousing and scaremongering in recent months in relation to the new septic tank inspection regime. Rather than unnecessarily scaring people, it’s much more constructive to look at the fact; there will be no inspection fee, registration charges are being kept at an absolute minimum of just €5 for those who register in the first three months, and the Minister has said he will consider providing financial support to those who need major work carried out on their system.
“The draft standards set out the responsibilities of septic tanks owners. For example, you need to know where your tank is located and you should visually examine it once a year. You also need to ensure only domestic waste water is treated in your tank and that it only discharges from appropriate points.
“We need these standards, not only to comply with our European obligations and avoid huge fines, but more importantly to safeguard our groundwater supplies. Ensuring high water quality will also help to attract inward investment from sectors such as pharmaceuticals and ICT.
“This Government is taking a practical and pragmatic approach to this issue; unlike Fianna Fáil who consistently ignored it for political reasons and increased our risk of being imposed with large fines.
“So if you are interested in this issue, now is the time to make your views known. Submissions can be made by post or online over the next four weeks. The Minister will consider these submissions, before a final set of standards are drawn up. The Environmental Protection Agency is developing a National Inspection Plan for local authorities, with inspections expected to begin next year.”
“The Government wants to listen to the views and concerns of the public, when drawing up a finalised list of standards for septic tanks. The standards will be used as the basis of a new inspection regime, which will ensure our groundwater supplies are protected.
“The Opposition has been engaging in a huge amount of rabble rousing and scaremongering in recent months in relation to the new septic tank inspection regime. Rather than unnecessarily scaring people, it’s much more constructive to look at the fact; there will be no inspection fee, registration charges are being kept at an absolute minimum of just €5 for those who register in the first three months, and the Minister has said he will consider providing financial support to those who need major work carried out on their system.
“The draft standards set out the responsibilities of septic tanks owners. For example, you need to know where your tank is located and you should visually examine it once a year. You also need to ensure only domestic waste water is treated in your tank and that it only discharges from appropriate points.
“We need these standards, not only to comply with our European obligations and avoid huge fines, but more importantly to safeguard our groundwater supplies. Ensuring high water quality will also help to attract inward investment from sectors such as pharmaceuticals and ICT.
“This Government is taking a practical and pragmatic approach to this issue; unlike Fianna Fáil who consistently ignored it for political reasons and increased our risk of being imposed with large fines.
“So if you are interested in this issue, now is the time to make your views known. Submissions can be made by post or online over the next four weeks. The Minister will consider these submissions, before a final set of standards are drawn up. The Environmental Protection Agency is developing a National Inspection Plan for local authorities, with inspections expected to begin next year.”
Local Heroes Making an Impact
Sean Nolan, Associate Director, of Amárach Research, which carried out part of the research on Local Heroes, commented that the campaign is "hitting the nail on the head in terms of matching the public's mood."
More importantly, that goodwill is having a positive impact on behaviour. In an online survey conducted by RTÉ Audience Research, seven people in ten, who had come in contact with the campaign, said they intend to shop locally more often as a result. Local Heroes provides communities with the inspiration and start-up material needed to support local jobs. For more information about how to get your community involved log on to www.rte.ie/localheroes
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Almost €1 million approved to improve homes of elderly and disabled in Meath
Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has welcomed the news that almost €1 million has been approved for Meath County Council to improve or adapt the homes of older people and people with a disability. Deputy Doherty said that the improvements will make a huge difference to those who benefit from the grant aid.
“This funding is being made available as part of an overall national allocation of €67.75 million by the Minister for Housing and Planning, Jan O’Sullivan. It is specifically aimed at making improvements to the homes of elderly people or those with a disability.
“This will be very welcome for many residents in Meath, who have been badly in need of some small remedial or improvement works that will make a big difference to their daily lives. I think the most positive aspect of this funding is that it allows people to remain in their own homes, rather than being forced to move into long term residential care.
“I also find it very encouraging that, despite our economic difficulties, the Government has chosen to prioritise these grants. The works carried out under the grants will also provide a welcome boost to the local economy in Meath, by boosting activity among suppliers and tradespeople.
“Allowing people to live independently in the community is one of the central planks of the Government’s new Housing Strategy for People with a Disability. It sets out a framework for the delivery of housing to people with disabilities through mainstream housing policy, to help them stay in their own homes.
“The grants under this scheme will allow for a range of works to be carried out. Mobility Aid Grants, of up to €6,000, can be used to install facilities such as stairlifts. Up to €10,500 can be granted for older people who need to have repairs or improvements carried out in their homes, while up to €30,000 can be secured for improvement works and extensions to facilitate a person with a disability.”
“This funding is being made available as part of an overall national allocation of €67.75 million by the Minister for Housing and Planning, Jan O’Sullivan. It is specifically aimed at making improvements to the homes of elderly people or those with a disability.
“This will be very welcome for many residents in Meath, who have been badly in need of some small remedial or improvement works that will make a big difference to their daily lives. I think the most positive aspect of this funding is that it allows people to remain in their own homes, rather than being forced to move into long term residential care.
“I also find it very encouraging that, despite our economic difficulties, the Government has chosen to prioritise these grants. The works carried out under the grants will also provide a welcome boost to the local economy in Meath, by boosting activity among suppliers and tradespeople.
“Allowing people to live independently in the community is one of the central planks of the Government’s new Housing Strategy for People with a Disability. It sets out a framework for the delivery of housing to people with disabilities through mainstream housing policy, to help them stay in their own homes.
“The grants under this scheme will allow for a range of works to be carried out. Mobility Aid Grants, of up to €6,000, can be used to install facilities such as stairlifts. Up to €10,500 can be granted for older people who need to have repairs or improvements carried out in their homes, while up to €30,000 can be secured for improvement works and extensions to facilitate a person with a disability.”
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