Welcome to Ireland’s Tattersalls Horse trials this weekend

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, today welcomed this week’s Tattersalls International Horse Trials

“Following on from the success of the event in 2011, I would  like to congratulate Tattersalls on their second  Tattersalls International Horse Trials and Country Fair  which will take place from May 31st to June 3rd 2012.

“With this event, Meath will welcome even more international riders & visitors to Ireland in what is an Olympic year. The horse trials are established  not only as a world class equestrian competition but as an entertaining family day out with an abundance of activities for all members of the family.

This is a great opportunity to see Irish riders such as Camilla Spiers, Mark Kyle and Jayne Doherty as they compete amongst the best in the world.”

“Entries once again demonstrate the standing of the event internationally. It is great to see so many top international riders coming over to compete”

Welcome Incentives for Keeping and Creating Jobs

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has urged business to take advantage of an number of recent  improvements and  incentives designed to help businesses retain staff and take on new employees over the past year.

“Times are very challenging at the moment, and the Government has put in place a range of initiatives to set the scene for future growth.
“The Employment and Investment Incentive (EII) and Seed Capital Schemes replace the previous Business Expansion Scheme and Seed Capital Scheme and provide tax relief for investments in small and medium-sized enterprises. The new schemes provide relief for investments in companies operating in most sectors of the economy.”
Tax relief is also available for start-up companies and in addition to this, the Revenue Job Assist scheme is available to all employers who employ qualifying individuals who have been unemployed for at least 12 months. This scheme provides a double deduction from Income Tax and PRSI for employers. A deduction from Income Tax is also available for the employee. This scheme was extended in Finance Act 2012 such that individuals who are signing for PRSI credits can also qualify.
All companies in receipt of the R&D tax credit now have the option to use a portion of the credit to reward key employees who have been directly involved in the development of R&D. This option was introduced in order to help companies to retain key employees. It is envisaged that there would be no additional cost to the Exchequer as the bonus comes from the R&D credit already received by the company and the employee still pays the full tax liability on their other income. This change will be monitored closely and if abused will be removed.
The Finance (No. 2) Act 2011 provided for a second reduced VAT rate of 9% on a temporary basis in respect of certain tourism-related services and goods for the period 1 July 2011 to 31 December 2013. This measure is aimed at contributing towards boosting tourism and the creation of additional jobs in that sector. Initial analysis of the effectiveness of the 9% VAT rate indicates that employment numbers in the tourism and restaurant sector have increased, prices have reduced and Tourism Ireland is targeting growth in overseas visitor numbers in 2012.
In addition, the Department of Social Protection provides for the Employer Job (PRSI) Incentive Scheme. Under this scheme, if an employer takes on an additional member of staff in 2012 that has been unemployed for 6 months or more, an exemption from employers’ PRSI for 18 months is available. Primary responsibility for this incentive rests with the Minister for Social Protection.

An Taoiseach: European Stability Treaty Address

Next Thursday, in the referendum on the European Stability Treaty, you will be asked to make a decision that will have enormous implications for our country’s future.

In short, this Treaty strengthens the economic and budgetary rules that apply to countries like Ireland that share the euro currency.

It will create stability in the Eurozone. This is essential for growth and job creation.
A strong Yes vote will create the certainty and stability that our country needs to continue on the road to economic recovery.

This Treaty will not solve all of our problems, but it is one part of the solution.
One of the many foundation blocks we need to put in place to ensure that our economy stands on firm ground in the future.

A Yes vote will send out a powerful message internationally about the kind of country Ireland is.
The government I lead was given a strong mandate by the Irish people last year.
Since then, we have worked hard to stabilise Ireland’s economy and to get the country pointed in the right direction.

We have made a start, but there is a long way to go.

I acknowledge that some of the measures we have had to take have been painful for many people.
But it is clear that the sacrifices that everyone is making are starting to make a difference.
Our public finances are coming under control.

Unemployment, though still far too high, is stabilising.
Growth, although modest, has returned to the Irish economy.
We are continuing to improve the terms and cost of our Troika programme.
And, Ireland’s international reputation has been restored.
We have proven that we are a country working hard to solve the economic crisis.
This has led to increased international confidence in Ireland as a place in which to invest, and in which to do business.

So here are three VERY positive reasons to Vote Yes on Thursday.
First - a Yes vote is the best way of ensuring that the strong flow of investment in jobs continues and grows.
Throughout my recent visits to the United States, China and elsewhere, the consistent message from both political and business leaders is that they want to see certainty about Ireland’s place in the Eurozone.
A Yes vote will provide that certainty and will confirm to investors that Ireland is a reliable place, with stable conditions and a brilliant workforce.

In the last few months, you have seen many multinational companies showing their confidence in Ireland by investing and creating jobs here.

Companies like Paypal in Dundalk, Apple in Cork, Merit Medical in Galway, and Abbott in Sligo, to name but a few. Many others are considering doing likewise.

Their decisions will create thousands of new jobs directly, and will also boost smaller Irish firms who supply them with goods and services.

Second - only a Yes vote will give Ireland guaranteed access to Europe’s permanent rescue fund - the European Stability Mechanism, should Ireland ever need it.

I want this country to have the same access as all other Euro countries to this insurance policy. This is important.

Third - a Yes vote will ensure that good housekeeping rules are put in place so that responsible budgeting becomes the norm throughout Europe.

While the creation of budget rules alone will not be enough to solve Europe’s economic problems, it will ensure that no future government will be able to behave recklessly with the people’s money.

I want people to be fully informed about the contents and implications of this referendum before they vote.
That’s why we have sent a copy of this Treaty to every home in Ireland.

It has been signed by 25 countries and its contents will not be changed.
It is also important that you are aware of what is not covered by this Treaty.
It has nothing to do with corporation tax. There is nothing in it that would allow other countries impose service cuts or charges on Ireland.

We can’t fix all our problems on Thursday but we can take another step to keep our country moving in the right direction.

You have played your part in the progress Ireland has made in the last year.
And I thank you for that.

I ask you to make a further contribution by coming out to Vote Yes on Thursday.

Yes to stability.
Yes to investment.
Yes to recovery,
and Yes to a Working Ireland.

Go raibh maith agat.

Training Initiative Set for Expansion – Doherty

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today welcomed confirmation that the successful Springboard initiative to provide part time higher education places for unemployed people in areas of current and future skills needs is to be expanded.

A further 6,000 part-time Springboard places are being launched in the roll-out of Springboard 2012.
“This initiative provides graduates with vital skills and qualifications that sectors of our economy need to grow and expand”.

"Since 2011, Springboard has supported almost 5,000 unemployed people to undertake part-time higher education programmes in areas of identified skills needs such as ICT, Medical Devices, Entrepreneurship and the Green Economy. About 3,500 of those students will graduate next month, with the remainder continuing their studies".

 The eligibility criteria have been expanded to include people who were previously self-employed and people in receipt of an extended number of social welfare payments such as Disability Allowance and Carer’s Allowance.

New standards to provide guidance to business on adopting cloud computing – Minister Bruton

New Cloud Computing Standard Launched by NSAI and IIA

The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD, today launched new Government-backed standards to help provide guidance to businesses small and large on moving to cloud computing.

The announcement marks the delivery of a Q2 measure under Action Plan for Jobs 2012.

Cloud services are reshaping the future of computing, but one of the primary concerns with the emerging Cloud paradigm is the lack of standards to guide its adoption and implementation. The National Standards Authority of Ireland (an agency of Minister Bruton’s Department) in partnership with the Irish Internet Association (IIA), this morning launched the new standards, entitled, “SWiFT 10: Adopting the Cloud – decision support for Cloud computing”. The standard is designed to provide guidance to organisations both large and small on the various issues that need to be considered when moving to the cloud.

Launching the new standards, Minister Bruton said: “A central part of the Government’s plan for jobs and growth is targeting key sectors where Ireland has competitive advantages and the potential to foster growth. One such sector is cloud computing, and various studies have reported that Ireland has potential to create high levels of growth and jobs in this sector if we move early. That is why the Action Plan for Jobs sets out a number of measures that the Government will deliver in 2012 to help deliver on this potential.

“Today’s launch of new Government-backed standards to help guide businesses of all sizes that are looking to move to the Cloud marks the delivery of one of these measures. This is an important move by Government to help increase the numbers of Irish businesses, small and large, who successfully adopt the Cloud. I am determined that over the coming months we will continue delivering these measures on time so that we can achieve the growth in the economy and in employment that we need”.

Developed by IIA Cloud Computing Working Group and adopted by the NSAI as SWiFT 10, this collaboration has delivered a comprehensive roadmap for businesses to encompass all Cloud delivery and deployment models. It is intended for use as a means of assessing Cloud adoption prioritisation and suitability.  The IIA Cloud Computing Working Group is a collaboration of expert practitioners and business leaders (Chief Information Officers, Chief Technical Officers, Heads of IT, Legal, and Consultancy) from a variety of business sectors and organisation sizes in Ireland.

Maurice Buckley, Chief Executive, NSAI, said, “Many people are already using Cloud computing in everyday life without even realising it. Services such as e-mail, social networking and photo sharing are all forms of Cloud computing. SMEs in particular will be receptive to this standard, as every effort has been made to make it as user friendly and straightforward as possible. Many businesses are already making the transition, moving elements of their business to the more mature and better known aspects of the Cloud, such as email or file storage. We hope that SWiFT 10 will enable and encourage more Irish businesses to move to the Cloud in the coming years, which we believe will give Ireland an early adopter and market advantage in this space.”

The Decision Support Matrix contained within SWiFT 10 has been divided into a number of categories, which address the challenges and business benefits to be considered in developing and implementing a Cloud migration strategy.  Using the guide will support organisations in thoroughly assessing the practical suitability of Cloud computing across the gamut of business operations.  It includes a thorough review of all legal, security, maturity and cost/benefit considerations.  

Joan Mulvihill, CEO, Irish Internet Association, said "We are so proud and pleased to have the NSAI endorse the great work of the IIA Cloud Computing Working Group. Cloud discussion tends to be quite vendor led and product focussed.  SWiFT 10 has been specifically designed with the customer in mind.  All of the research has shown that while SMEs are convinced of the merits of the Cloud, they are hesitant to take those first steps. SWiFT 10 will guide business owners and managers through the process and assist them in making the appropriate decisions and setting the right course for their Cloud adoption strategy."

Meath Men take GAA Initiative

Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty today leant her support to the Meath GAA Social Initiative .
The Initiative, established by the GAA in 2009 in conjunction with Áras an Uachtaráin, provides a social outlet for older male members of society and particularly those in rural areas. It is a community-based project aimed at older men who would benefit from an enhanced engagement within the local community.

“I would like to congratulate the GAA for taking up the mantle. This scheme has the potential to transform the lives of the individuals involved and contribute significantly to community life. These men have no doubt contributed handsomely in various ways to their respective communities in the past and the project provides an ideal opportunity for the community to express their deep gratitude to them while also offering the men the opportunity to continue to utilise their great experience and wisdom for the benefit of society."
“There are great benefits for clubs getting involved in this initiative out from the visible benefits of improving the quality of life of particular people in your area the club will also be in a stronger position to make applications for grants from various agencies outside the GAA.”
Participation in the project will involve the clubs organising social activities in their respective areas - some of which will be GAA orientated. However, it is important to note that the Initiative is not exclusive to GAA members and the hope would be to have all men within a Club's parish to be made feel welcome.
Paddy Kelly has been appointed as a provincial co-ordinator to help and encourage clubs in Meath to join this initiative. Those who are interested can contact him at: 086 8282458

'Everyone can do something'

Adult volunteers from Ratoath Foroige Club recently visited Leinster House, where they were showen around by Regina Doherty TD.

Deputy Doherty has leant her support to the club's drive for adult volunteers. Entering their ninth year, the club offers young people the opportunity to run the club for themselves with the support and guidance of trained adult volunteers.

"Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something by volunteering. This is a wonderful opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our young people and for volunteers. Foroige offers the opportunity make new friends, discover new talents and learn new skills for your own development of career," said deputy Doherty.

Ratoath Foroige are currently seeking adult volunteers to help in the running of the club, every Tuesday, 7.00-8.30pm. Induction and continued training will be provided.

For further details contact Foroige regional youth officer Joeanne O'Brien (086) 6579606

Regina Doherty T.D. on whether there is a enough time and information for voters

A Yes vote will help keep Meath on the road to recovery

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Friday) said that a Yes vote in the Stability Treaty Referendum will help keep Meath on the road to recovery, by bringing about the certainty needed for jobs growth.

“As someone who has worked in the private sector for most of my career, I understand the need for certainty. International job creating investors thinking about coming here also crave certainty. They want to know that Ireland is moving forward on the road to recovery. We can give this to them by voting Yes in the Stability Treaty Referendum

“We’ve seen the benefit of Foreign Direct Investment in recent months in the North East, with the announcement from PayPal that it is creating 1,000 jobs in Dundalk, and a series of high profile announcements in Dublin from companies like Cisco, Amgen, Mylan, Mastercard and Sky. If we want to continue to attract this kind of inward investment, we need to send out a message of stability and certainty by voting Yes on May 31st.

“There are a number of positive reasons to vote in favour of the Stability Treaty. Firstly, it will give Irish and global companies the confidence they need to invest here and create jobs. The Treaty will also ensure governments stick to sensible budget rules, to avoid the reckless mistakes of the past from being made again. “And crucially, voting Yes to the Stability Treaty ensures we will have access to the ESM, Europe’s new bailout fund, should we ever need it.

Despite what Sinn Féin and others may claim, this is set out in black and white in the Treaty document; if we reject the Treaty, we will be cut off from these funds. “We need to borrow about €19 billion to run the country in 2014, after our current funding runs out.

Those opposing the Treaty cannot explain where we would get this money from if we block ourselves off from the ESM. “It’s also important to make clear what the Treaty does not do. It has absolutely no impact on our corporation tax rate; in fact the word tax does not feature at all in the Treaty document.

It does not threaten our sovereignty; decisions about Ireland and our finances will continue to be made by our government. “The Stability Treaty won’t solve all of our problems overnight. We still have a lot of work to do, and the Treaty will help us get there.”

Levy on construction industry would be fairest resolution of pyrite problem

Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has called for the introduction of a mandatory multi-annual levy on the construction industry to cover the cost of repairing pyrite affected homes. Pyrite is a building material which has caused significant damage to homes.

Pyrite has been used in the construction of an estimated 20,000 houses in north Dublin, Meath and Kildare and has left homeowners facing massive bills for problems such as cracked walls and floors.
“With the pyrite panel due to report imminently, affected homeowners are extremely keen to know who will pay for the repair of these homes.

“I don’t believe it is fair that the individual homeowners should have to pay for the significant bills to fix their homes, given that they bought their houses in good faith. Nor do I believe that the taxpayer should pay for it. I think the fairest solution is that a mandatory multi-annual levy be imposed on the construction industry in order to recoup the costs that will be incurred in repairing these homes.

“The repair of these people’s homes is a major priority and I hope the report of the pyrite panel will kickstart this process. I believe the construction industry should welcome this process in that it will provide much needed employment to the sector. It will also give the value back to this large swathe of our housing stock which is currently highly compromised.

“I have been contacted by numerous homeowners who are experiencing serious defects within their homes and am acutely aware of the impact that this issue has had on people. These people, many of whom bought their houses during the peak of the property boom, have had to endure the nightmare scenario of their homes being destroyed in front of their eyes.

“I believe that it would be fundamentally wrong for the homeowners to have to pay for the repairs and it would be wrong to foist the charge on Irish taxpayers who have already had to fund payments to bondholders of our banking institutions.”