Change to rates system will provide a boost to local businesses – Doherty

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Thursday) said that a change to the law on rates will provide a welcome boost to local businesses in Meath. Under legislation put forward by Deputy Doherty’s colleague, Waterford TD Paudie Coffey, businesses will no longer be forced to pay rates arrears from the previous tenant when they take on new premises.

The legislation has been accepted by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan TD, and is being included in the Local Government Reform Bill 2013.

“This is a very positive and proactive measure, which I know businesses in Meath have been seeking for some time. Under the old legislation, which dates back to 1838, tenants who vacated a property with rates due are not be liable and instead the new tenant is forced to pay the rates arrears. This law is still affecting Irish businesses in the 21st century despite being brought into effect before the Famine.

“Now, thanks to a change in the law, new tenants will no longer be liable for the rates arrears of previous tenants. This will allow new businesses to take up new premises and existing businesses to change premises without the fear of having a massive rates bill hanging over them after they move in.

“I am pleased that the Government has taken this step in recognition of the great difficulty being faced by businesses around the country – this will go some way to make the rates system fairer.

“The unfair practice where new business tenants were held liable for the rates arrears of previous tenants will no longer apply; a move which will improve the business environment in towns and cities around the country.”

Health Comm hears no evidence that plain packaging would increase cigarette smuggling

Fine Gael Meath East TD and member of the Oireachtas Health Committee, Regina Doherty TD, has today (Thursday) said representations made to the Committee have made it clear that there is no evidence to suggest that the introduction of plain packaging would increase the rate of cigarette smuggling. 

Today’s Committee heard representations from Derek Byrne, Assistant Garda Commissioner; Gerard Moran, Assistant Secretary, Revenue Commissioners; and Gavin Maguire, Assistant National Director, National Tobacco Control Office.

“The evidence provided at the Committee meeting should help to dispel some of the rumours surrounding the introduction of plain packaging for cigarettes. Assistant Garda Commissioner, Derek Byrne, reassured the Committee that there is no evidence available to the Gardaí that introducing plain packaging would lead to an increase in the trade of illicit tobacco. 

“The Committee also heard that customs officials in the UK and mainland Europe have indicated clearly that there is no evidence to link plain packaging to an increase in counterfeit cigarettes. Assistant Commissioner Byrne also gave a commitment that the Gardaí will closely monitor the black market after the introduction of plain packaging, and implement any changes to control measures if necessary. 

“Authorities here are closely watching the impact of the introduction of plain cigarette packaging in Australia. I found it particularly interesting to hear from the HSE that initial figures from Australia indicate that the number of young people taking up smoking there has fallen by 15%. This is extremely encouraging, and something which would be very welcome if we could replicate it here. 

“I absolutely believe that the introduction of plain packaging is a positive step forward and will help in our fight to reduce smoking rates here. The evidence given at today’s Health Committee further strengthens this view.”

Doherty welcomes 60% drop in trolley figures at Our Lady’s Hospital in Navan since 2011

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Tuesday) welcomed new figures which show that the number of people waiting on trolleys at Our Lady’s Hospital in Navan has dropped by 60% since 2011. Deputy Doherty added that the positive results were a clear endorsement of the work of the Special Delivery Unit, which was set up by the Minister for Health, James Reilly TD, to tackle the high numbers of patients waiting on trolleys.

“It is fantastic news that the number of people waiting on trolleys at Navan Hospital has fallen by 60% since this Government took Office. This is a clear sign that the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), set up by the Minister for Health, James Reilly TD, to tackle trolley waiting figures, is working. And it is also testament to the hard work and determination of the management and staff in Navan, who must be commended for their efforts.

“Nationally, the number of people waiting on trolleys has fallen by almost 30,000 since 2011. It’s is eight years since the number of patients waiting on trolleys on a given day exceeded 500 and Mary Harney declared the problem a ‘national emergency’. For the following five long years, the problem spiralled out of control.

“The reforms implemented by this Government have tackled a problem in less than three years, that Fianna Fáil failed to get a grip on for fourteen long years in Government. In their last term of office, the number of patients waiting on trolleys increased by 49%. During the last three years under this Fine Gael-led Government, the number of patients on trolleys has reduced by more than a third.

“This has been achieved despite considerable pressures on the health sector, which has experienced a 20% budget reduction, a 10% reduction in staff numbers and an 8% increase in population demands. Significant progress is also being made in a number of other areas. We are on target to reduce both inpatient and outpatient waiting lists. MRSA rates have fallen by a fifth and drug costs have been cut by a third.

“It is vitally important that we constantly strive to make our hospitals more efficient, so we can care for patients better. The reform programme will continue apace in the year ahead, as we continue to roll out the Money Follows the Patient model and the establishment of new Hospital Groups.

“I am very pleased that such positive progress has been made in Our Lady’s Hospital and I look forward to further progress in the year ahead.”

Doherty congratulates Lourdes Hospital on top hygiene standards

Fine Gael Meath East TD and member of the Oireachtas Health Committee, Regina Doherty, has today (Wednesday) congratulated the Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda for achieving a 92% compliance level for hand hygiene.

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) conducted an audit of the hospital in line with the national programme for monitoring standards for the prevention and control of infections in our hospitals. Hand hygiene is considered to be extremely important to preventing the spread of infections.  

“All of the staff at the Lourdes Hospital should be very proud of these results which show that a culture of hand hygiene practice is well embedded amongst workers at the hospital. The results are particularly impressive when compared with those of other hospitals, which are falling behind in terms of hand hygiene. 

“Study after study has shown that washing your hands is the most effective way to prevent the spreading of infections in hospitals. But unfortunately making this a common practice has been challenging in many health facilities, so I am very pleased that the Lourdes Hospital is performing so well.

“I would like to pay particular tribute to Margaret Swords, the General Group Manager of the Louth Meath Hospital Group, for her work in pursuing high standards across the hospital group.”

Doherty welcomes more than €346,000 in funding for Meath community group

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Wednesday) welcomed confirmation from the Minister for the Environment, Phil Hogan TD, that €346,246 in funding is being provided for Meath Community Rural and Social Development Partnership Ltd, under the Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP).

“This funding is part of €47.7 million being allocated to organisations around the country next year under the LCDP, which tackles poverty and social exclusion in disadvantaged communities and is a key tool for the Government in providing supports for the ‘harder to reach’ in the most disadvantaged areas in society. 

“The Meath Partnership will work with local people through one-to-one interventions in a bid to help them get back to work. Over the last year, the LCDP has helped thousands of people across the country to take part in education and training, and progress into employment. 

“This €346,246 in funding should make a considerable difference to Meath Community Rural and Social Development Partnership Ltd, and will allow the group to continue its good work at a local level. 

“The LCDP is due to be redesigned next year as part of the Government’s plans to enhance the role of local government in community development. Under the new structures, Local Community Development Committees will be established to manage the LCDP. 

“The Meath Partnership plays a very important role in supporting the local community by making it easier for people to access education and training, and improving their work readiness. I have no doubt that the group will put this funding to very good use.”

Doherty welcomes appointment of Judge Murphy to symphysiotomy process

Fine Gael Meath East TD and member of the Oireachtas Health Committee, Regina Doherty, has today (Tuesday) welcomed the appointment of Judge Yvonne Murphy to the resolution process for women who underwent symphysiotomies. Judge Murphy’s appointment was announced by the Minister for Health, James Reilly TD, this evening. 

“I am pleased that Judge Murphy has been appointed to help bring closure to the women who have been waiting for decades for a resolution. Symphysiotomies were barbaric procedures, which have left hundreds of women in pain for decades. Lives were irreparably damaged by this medical procedure, which was carried out in most instances without any permission sought from the women concerned. 

“Judge Murphy will work with each of the women on an individual basis, in a bid to reach a just outcome with the State Claims Agency and the insurance companies. After this consultation process, Judge Murphy will provide a report to the Government, which will inform its final decision. 

“I know many of the women will be disappointed by the Government’s decision not to lift the Statute of Limitations. However, I support the Government’s view that whatever funds are available should be directed towards the women who have suffered, and not towards paying legal costs. Many of the women involved are older, and I do not believe that a lengthy court battle, which would ensue through the lifting of the Statute, would be in their best interests. 

“Because much of these procedures were carried out such a long time ago, many of the women do not have medical records or other relevant pieces of information. This means that the legal route would be littered with risks. What I hope can be achieved for the women involved is a fair resolution, where they receive all of the payments available, rather than scarce money being absorbed by legal costs. 

“I hope this process can finally be brought to a close in the coming months. These women have been failed by previous Governments, and they have waited long enough for some form of justice. They won’t be failed by this Government.”

Doherty welcomes maintenance of Pay and File deadlines

Fine Gael Meath East TD and member of the Oireachtas Finance Committee, Regina Doherty, has today (Wednesday) welcomed the decision by the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan TD, not to introduce any changes to the pay and file regime for next year. 

“This is the vindication of the consultation process that has taken place between the tax industry and members of the Oireachtas in recent weeks. Through representations at the Finance Committee, members of the Irish Tax Institute made it abundantly clear that a change to the pay and file regime would have a detrimental impact on small businesses and self-assessed taxpayers. 

“The consultation process worked, and I am very pleased that the Finance Minister has taken the very real concerns on board of those who would be affected by any changes. It was made clear to TDs that small businesses have no money to pay their tax earlier, and a change to next year’s pay and file date could cause serious cash flow difficulties and potentially put businesses in jeopardy. 

“The old adage of if it’s not broke, don’t fix it springs to mind. Self-assessed tax payers account for just 4% of the total tax take. But last year a compliance rate of 98% was recorded. In my view, the negative fallout that could be brought about by a change to the system far outweighs the benefits. 

“While I note that the Minister has said that any changes would be made by way of the Finance Bill, not coming into effect until 2015, I would hope that this issue could be taken off the table for good. The concerns expressed in recent weeks will not have diminished by next year.”

Local govt reform welcome but funding issues need to be addressed

Outstanding issues related to legacy debt of Town Councils and an increase in funding in line with population

Speaking on the Local Government Bill 2013 in the Dáil, Fine Gael Meath East Deputy, Regina Doherty, said that while local government reform is long overdue, there are a number of issues that need to be addressed to ensure that Meath is operating on a fair and equal playing field to other jurisdictions.

“The radical reform of the local government system that is underway represents the biggest shake-up of local government in the history of the State, which will result in greater efficiencies and improved service delivery for the people. There are a number of issues, however, relating to funding that need to be addressed in county Meath.

“In a move which will see the number of Councillors reduced by 42% nationally and the number of Councils being reduced from 114 to 31, at a cost saving of €420 million, Meath County Council will at last have our population size reflected in the number of Councillors that will be elected, with 40 members set to be elected to the Council. Unfortunately, this proportional representation is not being extended to our funding allocation which remains the same.

“As one of the fastest growing ‘commuter belt’ counties which ballooned in population over the last 10-15 years, and especially so during the Celtic Tiger years, the local government funding for Meath has not seen a corresponding increase in financial resources for the administration of local government functions. If comparisons are made with other counties of much smaller population size, it is often the case that they get the same amount of funding as Meath; a situation that is wholly unacceptable. 

“When it comes to the dissolution of Town Councils, the responsibility for which will be subsumed into the County Councils, legacy debt is a cause for concern in some instances. Meath currently has three Town Councils which will be abolished next May. Each of them carries quite considerable deficits which, if carried over to the County Council will significantly hinder the new administration, placing a millstone around its neck.

“I am calling on the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan TD, to take these issues into consideration so that the best path forward can be chartered for the people of Meath. For decades, reform of the local government structure was ignored by Fianna Fáil. The whole point of local government reform is to ensure that our local Councils deliver better services for their citizens.  Confidence in local government needs to be restored and this Bill genuinely lays the foundations for that to happen. In order to maximise the impact these far-reaching reforms have on the people of Meath, these legacy debt and funding issues will need to be addressed.” 

Launch of 3rd Be Winter Ready campaign highlights the importance of being prepared during winter

Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has today (Monday) welcomed the launch of the 3^rd annual Be Winter Ready campaign, which encourages people to be prepared, stay safe and know where people can go for help if they need it in the event of extreme weather.

“With the launch of the third annual Be Winter Ready campaign, I am encouraging everyone in Meath to be prepared, stay safe and know where to find help if you need it. As we head into another winter, it is now more important than ever to be prepared for any inclement weather conditions we may face. 

“The public service is well prepared and on high alert so that in the eventuality of extreme weather conditions, members of the public will still be able to go about their daily business without too much disruption.

“Lessons have been learned over the last number of years. Keeping our major roads, airports and rail systems functioning is imperative during the winter months. The transport operators all have plans in place to deal with inclement weather conditions and the Department of Transport will be publishing on its website a Severe Weather Transport Information Guide to inform commuters on roads and transport options available to them during poor weather. 

“Substantial stocks of salt are already in storage for immediate use to treat roads during icy weather and frontline emergency services have been planning and training for any eventualities we may face this winter.

“I would also encourage people to get involved in local community groups and identify any vulnerable members of society who may need assistance as the cold weather sets in. 

“More information can be found at www.winterready.ie which has a host of tips to get everyone ready for the winter ahead.”

Doherty welcomes Ministers Noonan’s amendment on Single Parent Tax Credit

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan TD, of his intention to amend the Finance Bill at Committee Stage to allow for the Single Parent Tax Credit to be used by a non-primary carer in situations where the primary carer has no tax liability.

“Following the announcement of Budget 2014 last month, it was announced that the One Parent Family Tax Credit was to be replaced with a new Single Person Child Care Credit from 1st January 2014 and that the payment would be restricted to the primary carer only in accordance with current arrangements for child benefit.

“As an unintended consequence of this measure separated fathers would have been discriminated against;  as the designated ‘principal carer’ is usually the mother. The proposed change did not take account of the increasing role fathers play in the care of their children.

“I was very pleased to hear the Finance Minister state in the Dáil yesterday that he would amend the Finance Bill to allow a change to his Budget proposal to replace the Single Parent Tax Credit. Having spoken to the Minister, he informs me that he will bring forward an amendment to the Finance Bill at Committee Stage which will allow the credit to be used by a non-primary carer in situations where the primary carer has no tax liability

In practical terms it will be of significant financial benefit to a great many people, mainly separated fathers, as it will mean that every family, regardless of its make-up, will be entitled to claim one benefit.

“There is a long way to go in terms of equality for separated fathers but this change provides certain recognition and affirmation of their position. In that sense it is progress and I congratulate the Minister on his decision. Most separated fathers, while not principal carers take a significant role in the care and welfare of their children, and it is my firm view that they need to be supported in this task.”