Martin must state whether he condones his justice spokesperson’s intervention in a criminal trial

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Thursday) called on Fianna Fáil leader, Micheál Martin, to state whether he stands over his justice spokesperson’s intervention in a criminal trial.

“Micheál Martin must publicly state whether he thinks it is appropriate for his Party’s justice spokesperson to seek to influence the sentencing of a convicted drug dealer.

“It is not credible for Micheál Martin to stay silent on this issue.

“The actions of Deputy Collins leave his role as justice spokesperson severely compromised.

“As Party leader, Micheál Martin has a duty to state whether he condones the actions of Deputy Collins and whether he thinks it is acceptable for his Party’s justice spokesperson to plead for leniency in the sentencing of a drug dealer.”

McGuinness proves he is not an impartial chair with PAC outburst

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Friday) strongly criticised Fianna Fáil TD, John McGuinness, for his outburst at two HSE chiefs during a hearing of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) yesterday, saying his comments prove he is not an impartial Chairman.

"Being Chair of the PAC seems to have gone to John McGuinness' head and he now sees himself as judge, jury and executioner. It is completely inappropriate to launch the kind of political attacks on public servants that he did at the PAC today.

“How can any future witness feel assured that they are in the hands of a fair, impartial and effective Chair when he cannot even control his own intemperate outbursts?

“The PAC has a proud tradition of getting to the truth in a non-political, professional manner and McGuinness risks undermining the entire committee system with his desire to turn it into a show trial.
“Furthermore, John McGuinness’ comments take absolutely no account of the fact that the budgetary challenges facing the Department of Health are a direct result of his Party’s mismanagement of the economy while he was a senior member of government.

“This is not the first time that Deputy McGuinness’ judgement has been brought into serious question. This is the man who:

• Last year said the taxpayer should pay for ministers’ spouses on official trips after he was found to have brought his wife on State trips when he was minister
• Took severance pay of more than €60,000 in 2011, despite an order from his Party leader for all former ministers to forgo such payments
• Approved an upgrade of his ministerial office which ended up costing the taxpayer €250,000
• Defended overtime payments of more than €30,000 in one year to his son, who worked for him while he was minister

“John McGuinness has left himself in an extremely compromised position following his latest case of poor judgement, when he saw fit to call for the heads of two senior public servants when he should have been acting as an independent Chair. His behaviour is unacceptable, and it is doing the PAC a disservice.”

Buttimer and Doherty urge HSE to allow patients to continue to receive vital MS drug

Fine Gael TDs and members of the Oireachtas Health Committee, Jerry Buttimer and Regina Doherty, have urged the HSE to take action to ensure Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients can continue to receive a new drug which is significantly improving their condition. The TDs were speaking after they met with MS sufferers using the drug.

The drug - fampridine (Fampyra®) - is not currently available on the General Medical Scheme, and has been provided free of charge on a trial basis by the manufacturer to certain MS sufferers.

Deputy Buttimer said: ‘The use of the drug fampridine has had a huge impact on these patients’ lives. It helps MS sufferers with their mobility and walking speed, and also has an impact on hand function, allowing those with the disease to carry out routine functions much more easily’.

“The manufacturers of the drug have been supplying it free of charge on a trial basis to some patients, however the MS sufferers we met with today are concerned about what will happen when this trial ends at the end of this month. We are calling on the HSE to actively engage with the company to find a way forward. The patients simply won’t be able to afford to pay for the drug themselves for the foreseeable future.”

Deputy Doherty said: ‘I was struck by just how big a difference this new drug is making to those suffering with MS. It is not suitable for every MS patient; in fact it is only effective for about one in three of those with the disease. But for those for whom it is effective, their quality of living is vastly improved’.

“I know that the HSE has considered the inclusive of fampridine in the General Medical Scheme and Community Drugs Schemes, but it decided that the manufacturer didn’t prove that the drug provided value for money.

“However studies are ongoing which clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of the drug, and I understand that the manufacturer is going to submit a revised application, which will be reconsidered by the HSE. It is crucially important that the HSE fully considers the impact this drug is having on the lives of certain MS sufferers. I am calling on the company to make every effort to put a compelling case forward to prove that this drug is vitally important to MS patients.”

Cemeteries regulator needed to ensure the bereaved aren’t ripped off

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Friday) supported the call for the establishment of a cemeteries regulator, saying it is necessary to ensure the bereaved are not paying over the odds to bury their deceased loved ones. Deputy Doherty was speaking during the Dáil debate on the Cemetery Management Bill 2013.

“Planning a funeral for a loved one can be one of the most challenging, emotionally draining and stressful occasions any of us will face. Bereaved individuals are in a vulnerable state, and I believe the law needs to be strengthened to protect their interests and make sure they are not ripped off due to a lack of competition in the management of cemeteries.

“Currently there are huge variations in the cost of a burial plots in different parts of the country. The increasing commercialisation of the funeral and burial industry has served the industry, rather than the bereaved. In some parts of Dublin, for example, the cost of opening a new grave costs in the region of €4,000, but it can be up to four times higher in other parts of the city. Why the discrepancy?
“The establishment of a cemeteries regulator will make the process fairer and more transparent.
Cemeteries will be awarded licences from the regulator with strict management obligations attached – for example, they must not engage in commercial activities other than interments at their own cemetery.

“The need for a regulator becomes all the more apparent if you consider the situation regarding the Glasnevin Trust, which controls a number of large cemeteries in Dublin. The group has charitable status but engages in commercial activities which ensure it has a monopoly over cemeteries in many parts of the city, and complete control over how much the bereaved are charged.

“Those seeking to bury their loved ones are suffering as a result of the lack of competition in the market. Under the proposed new legislation, cemetery authorities which engage in commercial activities will not be allowed to claim charitable status and the legal structure under which cemeteries operate will be modernised.

“It is my hope that this proposed legislation will make one of the most difficult times in our lives a little easier.”

Funding Announced For Pyrite Remediation Scheme

Fine Gael TD for Meath East Regina Doherty, has welcomed the announcement of further funding for the pyrite remediation scheme by Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan TD.

She said: "Today's announcement brings to €20m the amount of funding to be allocated by the Pyrite Resolution Board. People in Ashbourne, Dunshaughlin and Dunboyne have been severely affected by pyrite problems in their homes. The Government is working hard to help these people who have been in limbo for some time.

"For the past year the Government has been working to put in place a funding model for the pyrite remediation scheme, I am delighted that the initial €10 million fund has now been doubled ensuring that the scheme will be well funded into 2015.

"Pyrite is problem that has arisen through no fault of home owners and people have been waiting for a resolution for a very long time.

"The PRB estimates that there are approximately 1,000 dwellings affected by significant pyritic heave across the country. So far 418 homeowners have completed applications with 146 others in the process. Significant progress has been made in tackling this issue but there is more to do."

‘Welcome to Ashbourne’ for the first time in a long time

Fine Gael TD for Meath East Regina Doherty, today (Tuesday) welcomed news from the National Roads Authority that maintenance works are set to take place on the Rath Cross Roundabout and the Nine Mile Stone Roundabout, on either side of Ashbourne.

“Ashbourne is the second largest town in Co. Meath; thousands of people enter and exit every day. It is unfortunate that for many years they have been greeted with run down, unkempt roundabouts that indicate a similarly neglected town, and not the vibrant community that we actually have.

“The roundabouts on the M2 have been in a dilapidated state for some time. Even as far back as 2010, I was part of a team on Meath County Council who introduced the Roundabout Sponsorship Scheme. It was hoped that through this scheme local businesses could sponsor the roundabouts and ensure that they are always kept in supreme condition.

“However, as the roundabouts are part of the NRA road network, it was not within the remit of the Council to allocate funds or to appoint businesses to sponsor under this Scheme. For too long the roundabouts were neglected. After many letters, emails and phone calls to the NRA, I am delighted to announce that our roundabouts are to receive the attention that they need.

“Ashbourne is a great town with a lot to offer. When people arrive the first thing they see should be clean, tidy and attractive. The works on the roundabouts should finally achieve this.”

Capital Gains Tax Exemptions to provide relief for Meath farmers on foot of changes to Common Agriculture Policy

Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, today (Thursday) welcomed the announcement by Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan TD that he intends to provide a capital gains tax (CGT) exemption in this year’s Finance Bill.

“The news of CGT exemptions is really positive news for farmers who dispose of their single farm payment entitlements as a result of changes introduced under the new EU Common Agriculture Policy (CAP).
 
“A technical change made at EU level to the new CAP arrangements for replacing the Single Payment Scheme for farmers with the Basic Payment Scheme, impacts on farmers who let all of their land and has a knock on effect on farm payment entitlements. Due to the changes, farmers in this position will lose their farm payment entitlements and they have been advised by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to sell those entitlements to active farmers. Farmers who take this advice would be subject to CGT.

“The changes to the new CAP would have meant that farmers who lease their land would either lose their farm payment entitlements or they would be forced to sell and be subject to CGT. The Minister for Finance recognised that farmers were unable to prepare for this change and so is making an exemption from CGT available to any chargeable gains arising from the disposal by the owners of payment entitlements under the scheme, where all of those entitlements were leased out in 2013 and where the owners were advised by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to transfer their entitlements.

“Agriculture is a major industry in Co. Meath and farmers in the area should be pleased with this change. The Government is dedicated to supporting and encouraging farmers and in ensuring that economic recovery is felt in all regions and in all sectors. The Minister today has put an end to uncertainty for farmers who are affected.”

FF is wrong on the Children First Bill – Doherty

Sanctions included in suite of legislation aimed at strengthening child protection

Fine Gael Meath East TD and member of the Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children, Regina Doherty, has today (Tuesday) criticised Fianna Fáil’s response to the publication of the Children First Bill, adding that the Party is wrong when it claims that no sanctions are in place for those who fail to report children at risk.

“It has become entirely predicable for Fianna Fáil to give a negative kneejerk reaction to any legislation published by the Government, regardless of its merit. The Children First Bill will, for the first time, place the Children First Guidelines on a statutory footing.

“This was recommended in the Ryan Report in 2009, while Fianna Fáil were in government, but the Party did nothing to implement it. Fianna Fáil has a poor record on child protection; an area which was neglected during its 14 consecutive years in power, despite a litany of reports detailing shocking instances of abuse.

“Fianna Fáil is wrong when it claims that there are no sanctions for those who fail to report child abuse concerns. The Children First Bill is just one element of a suite of legislation which includes serious sanctions for those who withhold information about a child at risk.

“The Children First Bill should be viewed in tandem with the Withholding of Information Act and the National Vetting Bureau Bill. Under these three pieces of legislation individuals can be sanctioned or prosecuted if they are found to have put a child at risk by not reporting suspected abuse.

“The Children First Implementation structures, which will be put on a statutory footing through this Bill, will pave the way for further sanctions that include the withdrawal of funding from state-funded organisations which are not in compliance with Children First.

“Fianna Fáil failed to act while it was in government to strengthen protections for children at risk. It didn’t treat child protection as a priority, leading to fragmented services and an inconsistent approach.

“The series of measures put in place by this Government, under the stewardship of the Minister for Children, Frances Fitzgerald TD, is transforming the way we deliver child protection services in this country and will, I believe, make Ireland a safer place for children.”

Legal letters from banks cannot be considered a ‘sustainable solution’

Fine Gael Meath East TD and member of the Oireachtas Finance Committee, Regina Doherty, has today (Thursday) called on the Central Bank to clearly redefine what it considers a ‘sustainable solution’ in terms of mortgage arrears. Deputy Doherty was speaking after representatives from Bank of Ireland appeared before the Finance Committee this morning.

“I have been less than impressed with the presentations given to the Finance Committee by the main banks in recent days, but comments from Bank of Ireland this morning were particularly disappointing. Serious flaws in how the banks are dealing with their customers in mortgage arrears have been revealed.

“It is not acceptable for banks to issue a legal letter to a distressed mortgage holder, and for that to be considered a ‘sustainable solution’. The banks are using these letters – which are being issued in their thousands – to claim that they are meeting the mortgage restructuring targets as set down by the Central Bank.

“The Central Bank needs to push the banks much harder on this issue. It must clearly redefine what it considers a ‘sustainable solution’. Otherwise the banks will continue to try to hoodwink us with claims that they are doing their best to accommodate homeowners in mortgage arrears.

“To put it plainly, none of the banks would be able to claim that they are meeting the Central Bank targets were it not for these legal letters, which do nothing to help those in arrears find a long term solution for their mortgage.

“I was appalled by the approach of Bank of Ireland at the Committee earlier, when its executives stated that the bank will not consider writing off any debt if there is security behind the loan. They claim they are engaging with the Personal Insolvency Service, yet they will veto every case involved a Bank of Ireland loan.

“The Bank of Ireland representatives not only showed contempt for the Committee, but also for its customers, for whom they are doing very little to help.

“The Governor of the Central Bank is due before the Committee this week, and I look forward to speaking with him about how the banks need to be tackled on how they are dealing with mortgage arrears.”

Doherty raises concerns about future of Climber Hall with the HSE

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Thursday) said that she has held discussions with the Health Service Executive (HSE) about the future of Climber Hall in Kells. Deputy Doherty raised concerns about the facility earlier this week after it was suggested that it may have to close to allow for the local reconfiguration of mental health services.

“I was extremely worried by suggestions made earlier this week that Climber Hall could be forced to close due to plans for the reconfiguration of local mental health services in Louth and Meath. The Kells facility provides a fantastic day service to about 40 people. Its closure would have a devastating impact on those who use the service.

“I have raised the issue in person and in writing with Dermot Monaghan, the HSE’s Area Manager in Louth/Meath, and Stephen Mulvany, the HSE’s Director of Mental Health Services.

“The HSE has confirmed to me that there are no immediate plans to close Climber Hall, but more importantly, the Executive has stated that no decisions will be taken without full consultation with service users.

“Crucially, the HSE says that no service will be removed without being replaced by a comparable service within the community. The HSE has also given a commitment that no patient will lose services.

“Existing services will continue to be provided while consultation on the reorganisation of community-based services is carried out. I am urging patients, their families and health care workers to make their views heard, so we can make it clear that this vital mental health day care service must be maintained.”

Where is Fianna Fáil’s health policy?

FF Spokesperson criticises UHI, but the Party has no policy of its own

Fine Gael Meath East TD and member of the Oireachtas Health Committee, Regina Doherty, has today (Wednesday) said Fianna Fail's attacks on the Government's White Paper on Universal Health Insurance (UHI) exposes the Party’s complete lack of a policy on health.

"After years of outsourcing health policy to the PDs, Fianna Fáil went into the last General Election with a manifesto that didn't even have a health section.

"Not much has changed in the meantime. In April 2013, Micheál Martin published a policy guide promising a detailed document on how the health system should work at a later stage. That detailed document still hasn’t materialised.

"Any claim that Fianna Fáil has published a document on health needs to be taken with a pinch of salt. The Party published a paper authored by Brian Turner, with the following disclaimer: 'The views expressed in this report are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the School of Economics, University College Cork or Fianna Fáil.'

“Despite the fact that Micheál Martin is a former Minister for Health, his Party seems incapable of coming up with any health policies. This perhaps isn’t surprising given his disastrous stewardship of the health service and his establishment of the HSE. A couple of weeks ago, the HSE Chief Executive Tony O'Brien described the way in which the HSE was set up in 2004 as being 'like a high speed car crash'. Yet Fianna Fáil wants to stick with this failed system rather than making radical changes.

"No wonder all FF do is criticise. The Party doesn’t have the credibility, or the policies, to say anything else on health."

Doherty calls for lower charges for homeowners with hard water

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has written to the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), urging it to take issues such as hard water into account when it sets rates for water charges, which are due to be introduced at the end of this year. Deputy Doherty also raised the issue in a Parliamentary Question to the Minister for the Environment, Phil Hogan TD.

“Meath has a significant hard water problem, which has an impact on pipes, kettles, irons and washing machines. If scale builds up on heating elements it can shorten the life span of expensive home appliances. 

“Rather than just being an inconvenience, hard water has a financial impact on homeowners, not only because appliances need to be replaced earlier than normal, but also because it requires the purchase of water softeners, descaling devices and water filters. 

“This problem has been acknowledged by Meath County Council, which has issued a leaflet to homes offering advice on how to deal with hard water. 

“I have written to the Chairperson of the CER, Dermot Nolan, asking him to enforce regulations which will ensure that the pricing structure agreed for Irish Water will take heed of issues such as hard water. I believe that slightly lower tariffs should be agreed for homeowners dealing with hard water. I have also raised the matter with Minister Hogan. 

“I look forward to hearing back from the CER and Minister Hogan in relation to this matter.”

Doherty welcomes commitment from Minister Hayes of €350k investment in heritage sites

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Wednesday) welcomed a commitment from the Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Brian Hayes, that €348,000 is to be reinvested in heritage sites. Minister Hayes made his comments at a meeting of the Select Sub Committee on Public Expenditure and Reform.

“This money was generated by Heritage Services last year, but rather than allow it to be swallowed up in the OPW’s general budget, Minister Hayes has promised that it will be invested back into heritage sites in 2014, which is a very welcome commitment. 

“The investment of this €348,000 will create a strong incentive to increase activity at heritage sites and improve business opportunities for locations around the country. With regards to my own constituency, I raised the issue of the visitor centre at the Hill of Tara directly with the Minister. 

“The Tara visitor centre is closed more weeks than it is open due to staffing problems, and I am pleased to have received a commitment from the Minister that he will look at the situation in a bid to ensure that it could be open year round. The opportunity to improve access to Tara must be taken now, at a time when an increased national investment is being made in heritage sites. 

“I also raised the prospect of private sector involvement in heritage sites, which I believe could pump some life back into some of the struggling sites across Meath. Minister Hayes was open to the idea, and I intend to pursue this matter with him further. 

“The Minister also confirmed at the Finance Committee that after an absence of a number of years, the OPW is to reintroduce its apprenticeship programme. This will result in 20 places being offered on the apprenticeship programme in areas such as stonemasonry and craft carpentry.”

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.”