Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has today (Thursday) welcomed the decision from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to seek an explanation on how AIB has used the billions of euro in taxpayers’ money, which they received specifically to support distressed mortgage holders.
“This week, AIB raised their variable mortgage interest rate in an attempt to become commercially viable again. This move takes no account of the thousands of people who are barley managing to make ends meet, and in reality it will push more and more people into arrears. There is a distinct lack of clarity around the money given to AIB, by the taxpayer, to assist distressed mortgage holders. These families and individuals deserve an explanation. Where is that money, was it used to assist distressed mortgage holders, and if so, how many were helped and by how much?
“The PAC agreed today to write to the Department of Finance requesting a full breakdown on how this money was spent and whether or not the full amount has been used to help distressed mortgage holders.
“I look forward to a comprehensive response to these issues being given to the Public Accounts Committee. We need clarity and transparency on this issue."
Friday, October 05, 2012
Thursday, October 04, 2012
Let's get in gear for The Gathering
Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Thursday) called on communities across Co. Meath to start getting ready for The Gathering, the nationwide tourism initiative that is aiming to attract 325,000 extra visitors to Ireland next year.
“We’ve just three months left in the year, so now is the time for communities and organisations across Co. Meath to get in gear for The Gathering. It will be the biggest tourism event ever planned for Ireland and it will be a great opportunity for us to showcase our communities and attract as many visitors as possible.
“The Minister for Tranport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar TD, has been busy in recent months promoting The Gathering overseas. Just last week, Minister Varadkar was on a whistle-stop trip of four cities in the United States to drum up interest in all of the events that will be taking place here next year.
“The US and Canada are two of Ireland’s most important tourism markets, and were worth a combined €696 million to the Irish economy in 2011. There were more than a million trips to Ireland from the US and Canada last year. I believe that through The Gathering we can boost this number even further, and there’s every reason for Meath to benefit.
“The importance of the British market should not be underestimated. The UK is the single most important market for tourism here. Last year, 45% of all visitors to Ireland were from Britain. A major focus of The Gathering is to encourage our diaspora to come back home. So let’s reach out to our families and friends in the UK and further afield and encourage them to take a trip back home.
“There will be a large number of festivals running through next year. But The Gathering isn’t just about big events; it’s also about communities coming together and holding their own gigs. Whether it’s through your local sports club or community organisation, I’m encouraging people in towns and villages across Co. Meath to get involved.
“Tourism has a hugely positive impact on our economy. The tourism sector supports hundreds of thousands of jobs across the country. An increase in visitors will help small local cafes and family run hotels, as well as major visitor attractions. In other words, we all stand to benefit from making The Gathering a major success.”
“We’ve just three months left in the year, so now is the time for communities and organisations across Co. Meath to get in gear for The Gathering. It will be the biggest tourism event ever planned for Ireland and it will be a great opportunity for us to showcase our communities and attract as many visitors as possible.
“The Minister for Tranport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar TD, has been busy in recent months promoting The Gathering overseas. Just last week, Minister Varadkar was on a whistle-stop trip of four cities in the United States to drum up interest in all of the events that will be taking place here next year.
“The US and Canada are two of Ireland’s most important tourism markets, and were worth a combined €696 million to the Irish economy in 2011. There were more than a million trips to Ireland from the US and Canada last year. I believe that through The Gathering we can boost this number even further, and there’s every reason for Meath to benefit.
“The importance of the British market should not be underestimated. The UK is the single most important market for tourism here. Last year, 45% of all visitors to Ireland were from Britain. A major focus of The Gathering is to encourage our diaspora to come back home. So let’s reach out to our families and friends in the UK and further afield and encourage them to take a trip back home.
“There will be a large number of festivals running through next year. But The Gathering isn’t just about big events; it’s also about communities coming together and holding their own gigs. Whether it’s through your local sports club or community organisation, I’m encouraging people in towns and villages across Co. Meath to get involved.
“Tourism has a hugely positive impact on our economy. The tourism sector supports hundreds of thousands of jobs across the country. An increase in visitors will help small local cafes and family run hotels, as well as major visitor attractions. In other words, we all stand to benefit from making The Gathering a major success.”
Minister Frances Fitzgerald T.D. launches information website for Children’s Referendum
The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Ms. Frances Fitzgerald T.D. today launched www.childrensreferendum.ie, which is the dedicated information website for the Children’s Referendum.
Minster Fitzgerald was joined by children to officially launch the website at an event in Merrion Square, Dublin.
The website, which has been developed by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, is provided in both Irish-language and English-language versions. The website includes the Referendum wording as well as a guide to the proposed changes, factsheets on topics such as adoption and foster care and answers to frequently asked questions about the Referendum.
At the launch, Minister Fitzgerald stated: “The debate on this Referendum must not belong solely to constitutional lawyers or politicians. This is a debate for all of us. That is why the Government has committed to running a major information campaign for the Referendum which includes this website www.childrensreferendum.ie as well as the distribution of an information booklet to every home in the state”.
The website launch took place the day after the Thirty-first Amendment of the Constitution (Children) Bill 2012 completed all stages of debate in the Oireachtas, with the full support of TDs and Senators.
Commenting on the wording agreed by the Oireachtas, Minster Fitzgerald stated: “I would encourage everybody to read the wording on the information website www.childrensreferendum.ie. If you do, you will see that it is very clear in its objective. It’s about treating all children equally, in particular by removing inequalities in adoption. It’s about protecting children from abuse and neglect. It’s about supporting families; and it’s about recognising children in their own right”
Wednesday, October 03, 2012
Microfinance Scheme will help Meath businesses succeed
Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Tuesday) said the new Microfinance Scheme, launched by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD, will help small businesses in Meath to succeed. The Scheme, which is open for business, will provide funding to businesses who have been refused credit by the banks.
“The Government recognises that access to credit remains one of the biggest challenges facing small and medium businesses. Without sufficient access to credit, growth potential is stifled and in some cases businesses are forced to close. The Microfinance Fund is the latest initiative from Government to tackle this problem.
“Any business or sole trader employing up to ten people and with a turnover of less than €2 million who have been refused by the banks for loans of up to €25,000 can apply to the Scheme. It is expected to lend over €90 million over its ten-year timeframe, supporting 5,500 small businesses and creating up to 7,700 jobs.
“Small businesses are a vital source of local jobs, and helping and supporting this sector will be essential in tackling our unemployment crisis. Through the Microfinance Scheme we are directly targeting small businesses and traders who want to grow their business and create jobs, but who are struggling to do so due to a lack of credit.
“The Microfinance Scheme will help existing businesses succeed and it will help start-ups to get off the ground. If we want entrepreneurs and business leaders to play a pivotal role in our recovery, we must ensure the right supports are in place. This new Scheme will provide loans primarily to newly established and growing microenterprises across all industry sectors. This is a significant change, as previous enterprise supports have been focused on the exporting sectors.
“The first port of call for anyone interested in the new Scheme should be their local County Enterprise Board, which can help applicants put business cases together. The Scheme is being run by Microfinance Ireland, and further details can be found at www.microfinanceireland.ie.
“Through the Microfinance Scheme, and a range of other supports introduced under the Action Plan for Jobs including the Loan Guarantee Scheme, the Development Capital Scheme and the Innovation Fund, the Government is committed to giving viable businesses the support they need to succeed and create jobs.”
“The Government recognises that access to credit remains one of the biggest challenges facing small and medium businesses. Without sufficient access to credit, growth potential is stifled and in some cases businesses are forced to close. The Microfinance Fund is the latest initiative from Government to tackle this problem.
“Any business or sole trader employing up to ten people and with a turnover of less than €2 million who have been refused by the banks for loans of up to €25,000 can apply to the Scheme. It is expected to lend over €90 million over its ten-year timeframe, supporting 5,500 small businesses and creating up to 7,700 jobs.
“Small businesses are a vital source of local jobs, and helping and supporting this sector will be essential in tackling our unemployment crisis. Through the Microfinance Scheme we are directly targeting small businesses and traders who want to grow their business and create jobs, but who are struggling to do so due to a lack of credit.
“The Microfinance Scheme will help existing businesses succeed and it will help start-ups to get off the ground. If we want entrepreneurs and business leaders to play a pivotal role in our recovery, we must ensure the right supports are in place. This new Scheme will provide loans primarily to newly established and growing microenterprises across all industry sectors. This is a significant change, as previous enterprise supports have been focused on the exporting sectors.
“The first port of call for anyone interested in the new Scheme should be their local County Enterprise Board, which can help applicants put business cases together. The Scheme is being run by Microfinance Ireland, and further details can be found at www.microfinanceireland.ie.
“Through the Microfinance Scheme, and a range of other supports introduced under the Action Plan for Jobs including the Loan Guarantee Scheme, the Development Capital Scheme and the Innovation Fund, the Government is committed to giving viable businesses the support they need to succeed and create jobs.”
Tuesday, October 02, 2012
Annual Children’s Book Festival will be launched at a public event in Ashbourne Library on Saturday 6th October by author Eoin Colfer
The annual Children’s Book Festival takes place this October and is organised by Meath County Council’s Library Service. All through October school children will visit Meath Libraries to see authors, illustrators, storytellers, and take part in drama and circus workshops throughout the county.
The festival will be launched at a public event in Ashbourne Library on Saturday 6th October by author Eoin Colfer
Download our full brochure from the link below, for details on all events.
The Children’s Referendum will take place on Saturday 10th November 2012 - Supplement Register of Electors 2012/2013
Important Notice
Supplement Register of Electors 2012/2013
The Children’s Referendum will take place on Saturday 10th November 2012. You must be an Irish citizen, ordinarily resident in the constituency, and 18 years or over on polling day to vote in the referendum. All electors are advised to check the current Register to ensure that they are registered to vote. If you are not on this Register and you wish to vote in the forthcoming Referendum, you need to apply to Meath Co. Council to be included in the Supplement Register of Electors 2012/2013.
Completed forms for entry on the Supplement Register of Electors should be submitted to Corporate Services, Meath County Council, Co Hall, Railway Street, Navan, immediately, or no later than close of business on Tuesday 23rd October 2012.
The 2012/2013 Register of Electors may be viewed at:
- County Hall, Railway Street, Navan.
- Council Area Offices, Libraries, Post Offices, Garda Stations, Courthouse, Trim.
- www.meath.ie or www.checktheregister.ie
Application forms for entry on the Supplement Register of Electors are available at the above locations.
Monday, October 01, 2012
Health Committee calls for ‘Sale of Alcohol’ Bill to be brought forward
The Joint Committee on Health and Children today called on the Government to bring the ‘Sale of Alcohol’ bill before the Oireachtas as quickly as possible.Committee Membership:
There was unanimous cross-party support for the motion moved by Deputy Robert Dowds.
Committee Chairman, Jerry Buttimer TD said: “The motion was timely, not only because this is a day being hijacked as a marketing gimmick by a major drinks company, but also given the important body of work done in this area by former Minister of State Roisín Shortall. Members of the Committee from all parties paid tribute to Deputy Shortall’s achievements and commitment during her relatively short time in the Department of Health and wished her well for the future.”
Deputies
Jerry Buttimer, Fine Gael
Catherine Byrne, Fine Gael
Michael Colreavy, Sinn Fein
Ciara Conway, Labour Party
Regina Doherty, Fine Gael
Robert Dowds, Labour Party
Peter Fitzpatrick, Fine Gael
Seamus Healy, Independent
Derek Keating, Fine Gael
Billy Kelleher, Fianna Fáil
Eamonn Maloney, Labour Party
Charlie McConalogue, Fianna Fail
Mattie McGrath, Independent
Denis Naughten, Independent
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, Sinn Fein
Senators
Colm Burke, Fine Gael
John Crown, Independent
David Cullinane, Sine Fein
John Gilroy, Labour Party
Imelda Henry, Fine Gael
Marc Mac Sharry, Fine Fail
Jillian Van Turnhout, Independent
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Health Committee calls for ‘Sale of Alcohol’ Bill to be brought forward
27th September 2012
The Joint Committee on Health and Children today called on the Government to bring the ‘Sale of Alcohol’ bill before the Oireachtas as quickly as possible.
There was unanimous cross-party support for the motion moved by Deputy Robert Dowds.
Committee Chairman, Jerry Buttimer TD said: “The motion was timely, not only because this is a day being hijacked as a marketing gimmick by a major drinks company, but also given the important body of work done in this area by former Minister of State Roisín Shortall. Members of the Committee from all parties paid tribute to Deputy Shortall’s achievements and commitment during her relatively short time in the Department of Health and wished her well for the future.”
For further information please contact:
Ciaran Brennan,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +3531 618 3903
M: 086-0496518
F: +3531 618 4551
Committee Membership:
Deputies
Jerry Buttimer, Fine Gael
Catherine Byrne, Fine Gael
Michael Colreavy, Sinn Fein
Ciara Conway, Labour Party
Regina Doherty, Fine Gael
Robert Dowds, Labour Party
Peter Fitzpatrick, Fine Gael
Seamus Healy, Independent
Derek Keating, Fine Gael
Billy Kelleher, Fianna Fáil
Eamonn Maloney, Labour Party
Charlie McConalogue, Fianna Fail
Mattie McGrath, Independent
Denis Naughten, Independent
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, Sinn Fein
Senators
Colm Burke, Fine Gael
John Crown, Independent
David Cullinane, Sine Fein
John Gilroy, Labour Party
Imelda Henry, Fine Gael
Marc Mac Sharry, Fine Fail
Jillian Van Turnhout, Independent
The Joint Committee on Health and Children today called on the Government to bring the ‘Sale of Alcohol’ bill before the Oireachtas as quickly as possible.
There was unanimous cross-party support for the motion moved by Deputy Robert Dowds.
Committee Chairman, Jerry Buttimer TD said: “The motion was timely, not only because this is a day being hijacked as a marketing gimmick by a major drinks company, but also given the important body of work done in this area by former Minister of State Roisín Shortall. Members of the Committee from all parties paid tribute to Deputy Shortall’s achievements and commitment during her relatively short time in the Department of Health and wished her well for the future.”
For further information please contact:
Ciaran Brennan,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +3531 618 3903
M: 086-0496518
F: +3531 618 4551
Committee Membership:
Deputies
Jerry Buttimer, Fine Gael
Catherine Byrne, Fine Gael
Michael Colreavy, Sinn Fein
Ciara Conway, Labour Party
Regina Doherty, Fine Gael
Robert Dowds, Labour Party
Peter Fitzpatrick, Fine Gael
Seamus Healy, Independent
Derek Keating, Fine Gael
Billy Kelleher, Fianna Fáil
Eamonn Maloney, Labour Party
Charlie McConalogue, Fianna Fail
Mattie McGrath, Independent
Denis Naughten, Independent
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, Sinn Fein
Senators
Colm Burke, Fine Gael
John Crown, Independent
David Cullinane, Sine Fein
John Gilroy, Labour Party
Imelda Henry, Fine Gael
Marc Mac Sharry, Fine Fail
Jillian Van Turnhout, Independent
Decision on Sports Capital Grants not expected for at least two months
Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Thursday) said that decisions on the latest round of Sports Capital Grants are not expected for at least two months. Deputy Doherty was speaking after she received an update on the issue from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.
“I know lots of sports groups across Co. Meath are waiting anxiously to find out if they have been successful in the latest round of Sports Capital Grants. I have been advised by the Department that it will be November or December before clubs are advised whether they will receive funding. There is on-going contact between the Department and sporting organisations in relation to previous grants that have not been drawn down, but when it comes to the new round of funding, there will be no contact until a final decision has been made.
“There has been a huge demand on the scheme since this new round of funding was announced earlier in the year. More than 2,150 sports clubs and organisations have applied for funding for projects amounting to a total of €370 million. Unfortunately, due to the budgetary constraints we face, the available funding is limited to €30 million.
“In Meath’s case, 75 applications have been received for projects worth a total of €8.6 million. In previous rounds Meath has been approved in the region of €2 million, so I think it is inevitable that there will be some disappointment this time around. However, I have no doubt that the approved funding will make a huge difference to the successful clubs and I will remain in close contact with the Department over the next few months to make sure progress is being made
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