Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty has today (Tuesday), welcomed the publication of the CSO’s Quarterly National Household Survey which points to an increase in employment and a decrease in emigration in Meath.
“ Today’s figures show a continued improvement in the jobs market, with 31,600 jobs created in the last 12 months and over 70,000 since the launch of the Action Plan for Jobs in 2012. This means employment is at its highest level since 2009.
“It is extremely encouraging to see that the jobs market continues to grow at pace. In the mid-east there has been an increase of four per cent in the number of people at work since this time last year. This means that almost 10,000 more people are back at work.
“What is particularly encouraging is that these new jobs are full-time jobs, showing the sustainability of our jobs recovery . We are now seeing that the difficult decisions taken by this Government over the past few years and the sacrifices made by the Irish people have been worthwhile.
“Figures released today also show that outward migration in the year to April 2014 is estimated to have fallen to 21,400, a decrease of 11,700 on the previous year’s figure. The rate at which people are emigrating is finally slowing as people get work and stay at home.
“In Meath, we suffered severely from job losses and from emigration during the economic downturn and w hile the figures today are encouraging, we need to remain vigilant and continue laying the foundation for jobs growth through the Action Plan for Jobs.
“ The national unemployment rate is now at 11.3%, down from a peak of 15.1%. This is a big improvement but we want to see more. Jobs remain a top priority for the Government and I am committed to ensuring that people can see and feel the recovery in their everyday lives.”
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Friday, July 18, 2014
Doherty urges Kelly to publish new wind energy guidelines as soon as possible
Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty TD, has today
(Friday) urged the newly appointed Minister for the Environment, Alan Kelly TD,
to publish the new guidelines on wind energy as soon as possible.
“There is significant concern in the villages across North Meath about Element’s plans to build 45 wind turbines. I am urging Minister Kelly to publish the new wind energy guidelines, which are currently being drafted, as a matter of priority.
“The swift publication of the wind energy guidelines would at least help to allay some of the concerns of local residents, and would ensure that any application submitted by Element is considered under the updated guidelines.
“It is important to add that if Element submits a planning application, it would take between six and twelve months for it to be considered by An Bord Pleanála. It is essential, however, that the planning authority, which is fully independent, takes full cognisance of the new guidelines when they are published, even if it has already started considering the Element application.
“There is a lot of misinformation being circulated, which is adding to residents’ concerns. I would urge the Sustainable Energy Association of Ireland (SEAI) to step in and take a role here. The Association should provide impartial, independent information on the pros and cons of wind farms and other green energy projects. It is important for the public to feel like they have somewhere to turn for unbiased information. This will become increasingly important as the number of green energy projects increases in the coming years.
“The consultation process for our new green energy paper – which will drive the Government’s renewable energy policy - closes this coming Thursday, July 24th. If people feel passionately about what direction our energy policy should take, I would urge them to make a submission before it is too late.”
“There is significant concern in the villages across North Meath about Element’s plans to build 45 wind turbines. I am urging Minister Kelly to publish the new wind energy guidelines, which are currently being drafted, as a matter of priority.
“The swift publication of the wind energy guidelines would at least help to allay some of the concerns of local residents, and would ensure that any application submitted by Element is considered under the updated guidelines.
“It is important to add that if Element submits a planning application, it would take between six and twelve months for it to be considered by An Bord Pleanála. It is essential, however, that the planning authority, which is fully independent, takes full cognisance of the new guidelines when they are published, even if it has already started considering the Element application.
“There is a lot of misinformation being circulated, which is adding to residents’ concerns. I would urge the Sustainable Energy Association of Ireland (SEAI) to step in and take a role here. The Association should provide impartial, independent information on the pros and cons of wind farms and other green energy projects. It is important for the public to feel like they have somewhere to turn for unbiased information. This will become increasingly important as the number of green energy projects increases in the coming years.
“The consultation process for our new green energy paper – which will drive the Government’s renewable energy policy - closes this coming Thursday, July 24th. If people feel passionately about what direction our energy policy should take, I would urge them to make a submission before it is too late.”
Tuesday, July 08, 2014
New Meath LEO will act as a hub for job creation
Fine Gael Meath East, Regina Doherty, has said the new Meath Local Enterprise Office (LEO), which was opened in Navan yesterday (Tuesday) by the Minister for Small Business, John Perry TD, will act as a hub for local job creation.
“The Government is establishing LEOs in every local authority around the country to provide local businesses and start-ups with targeted supports to help them prosper and create jobs. They pull together national support and advice with local expertise to ensure businesses are given the best possible chance to succeed.
“Entrepreneurs are playing a crucial role in our jobs recovery; indeed two thirds of all new jobs are being created by start-ups. The Government wants to make sure that these job creators have access to all of the supports they need.
“Through the new LEO, Meath businesses will be able to access advice and support from a wide range of agencies, including Revenue, Social Protection, Microfinance Ireland, Credit Review Office, Skillnets, and the new Education and Training Boards.
“The number of people on the Live Register in Meath has fallen by almost 9% over the last 12 months. This is positive progress, but we still have a lot of work to do. I am confident that the new LEO in Navan will help local businesses to grow and create more jobs.
“The roll out of 31 LEOs nationwide was a key commitment of this year’s Action Plan for Jobs, which has a specific focus on boosting entrepreneurship.
“I would also like to encourage young Meath entrepreneurs to enter the search for Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur, which is open individuals aged 30 years and under. Winners at county level are eligible for investment in their business of up to €25,000, while the winners at national level can receive an additional investment of up to €50,000. Information and application forms can be found at www.ibye.ie
“The Government is establishing LEOs in every local authority around the country to provide local businesses and start-ups with targeted supports to help them prosper and create jobs. They pull together national support and advice with local expertise to ensure businesses are given the best possible chance to succeed.
“Entrepreneurs are playing a crucial role in our jobs recovery; indeed two thirds of all new jobs are being created by start-ups. The Government wants to make sure that these job creators have access to all of the supports they need.
“Through the new LEO, Meath businesses will be able to access advice and support from a wide range of agencies, including Revenue, Social Protection, Microfinance Ireland, Credit Review Office, Skillnets, and the new Education and Training Boards.
“The number of people on the Live Register in Meath has fallen by almost 9% over the last 12 months. This is positive progress, but we still have a lot of work to do. I am confident that the new LEO in Navan will help local businesses to grow and create more jobs.
“The roll out of 31 LEOs nationwide was a key commitment of this year’s Action Plan for Jobs, which has a specific focus on boosting entrepreneurship.
“I would also like to encourage young Meath entrepreneurs to enter the search for Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur, which is open individuals aged 30 years and under. Winners at county level are eligible for investment in their business of up to €25,000, while the winners at national level can receive an additional investment of up to €50,000. Information and application forms can be found at www.ibye.ie
Thursday, July 03, 2014
Over €1.6 Million in sports capital grants for county Meath
Here are the sports capital grant allocations for Co. Meath
Well done to everyone concerned and commiserations to those who worked hard on their applications and didn’t succeed this year…. Next year hopefully
A total of €1,600,931.00 was awarded today to the following groups
Ashbourne cricket club €5,000.00
Ashbourne United association football club limited €150,000.00
Athboy celtic football club €75,000.00
Boyerstown community development association €10,000.00
Boyne hockey club €600.00
Castletown GFC €75,000.00
Comhlacht Oibre An tSeanbhaile €10,000.00
Cormeen community development limited €14,000.00
Duleek and district AC €12,000.00
Dunboyne amateur boxing club €12,000.00
Dunboyne athletic club €90,000.00
Dunberry GAA Club €70,000.00
Dunshaughlin community centre limited €12,000.00
East Meath United Limited €100,000.00
Kells Handball club €50,000.00
Kilmainham GFC €15,000.00
Kiltale Hurling and Camogie club €50,000.00
Laytown united football club €5,000.00
Louth and Meath education and training board €65,000.00
Meath local sports partnership €5,600.00
OMP united €12,000.00
Park Celtic summerhill FC €23,731.00
Rathmore Handball club €12,000.00
Ratoath Harps AFC €150,000.00
Ratoath Tennis club limited €7,000.00
Ribbontail paddlers canoe club €25,000.00
Scoil Mhuire €18,000.00
Ratoath sports campus €150,000.00
St. Ultan’s GFC €35,000.00
St. Vincent’s GFC €75,000.00
Summerhill community centre €60,000.00
Syddan GAA club €27,000.00
Tara Athletics club €20,000.00
Trim Celtic AFC €70,000.00
Wolftones GFC €90,000.00
Tuesday, July 01, 2014
Doherty welcomes compensation package for symphysiotomy survivors
Fine Gael Meath East TD and member of the Oireachtas Health Committee, Regina Doherty, has today (Tuesday) warmly welcomed the compensation package approved by the Government for survivors of symphysiotomies. Deputy Doherty has been working with the women involved and has been urging the Government to bring closure to the issue.
“It is an important day for the survivors of symphysiotomy; finally the pain and injustice they suffered is being fully recognised. The graduated compensation scheme will make a big difference to the women involved; most of whom are more than 75 years old.
‘Survivors of symphisiotomy have had their entire lives blighted by a barbaric procedure that had more in common with the Middle Ages than modern medicine. The Minister for Health, James Reilly, has been committed to addressing this issue and I am relieved that a resolution has finally been found.
“In accepting the recommendations of Judge Yvonne Murphy, the Government is sending a very strong message to survivors of symphysiotomy that it understands what they have gone through. I also think it is very important that the Government has clearly condemned the practice of symphysiotomies, describing them as ‘indefensible and wrong’.
“I understand that victims of the procedure have been frustrated at the time delays they have experienced. But the important thing is that we now finally have a compensation scheme in place. This is yet another legacy issue which has been dealt with by this Government, and by Minister Reilly in particular.
“The Government has also stated its commitment to continuing to provide a wide range of services to the women, including the provision of medical cards.
“Thankfully, Ireland is now one of the safest places in the world in which to have a baby. But this was not always the case, as our legacy of symphysiotomies proves. The women who were subjected to this horrific procedure deserve justice, and I am pleased that Minister Reilly has been the person to deliver it.”
“It is an important day for the survivors of symphysiotomy; finally the pain and injustice they suffered is being fully recognised. The graduated compensation scheme will make a big difference to the women involved; most of whom are more than 75 years old.
‘Survivors of symphisiotomy have had their entire lives blighted by a barbaric procedure that had more in common with the Middle Ages than modern medicine. The Minister for Health, James Reilly, has been committed to addressing this issue and I am relieved that a resolution has finally been found.
“In accepting the recommendations of Judge Yvonne Murphy, the Government is sending a very strong message to survivors of symphysiotomy that it understands what they have gone through. I also think it is very important that the Government has clearly condemned the practice of symphysiotomies, describing them as ‘indefensible and wrong’.
“I understand that victims of the procedure have been frustrated at the time delays they have experienced. But the important thing is that we now finally have a compensation scheme in place. This is yet another legacy issue which has been dealt with by this Government, and by Minister Reilly in particular.
“The Government has also stated its commitment to continuing to provide a wide range of services to the women, including the provision of medical cards.
“Thankfully, Ireland is now one of the safest places in the world in which to have a baby. But this was not always the case, as our legacy of symphysiotomies proves. The women who were subjected to this horrific procedure deserve justice, and I am pleased that Minister Reilly has been the person to deliver it.”
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Supplementary health budget was €595 million in FF’s last year in Government
Fine Gael Meath East TD and member of the Oireachtas Health Committee, Regina Doherty, has today (Thursday) reminded Fianna Fáil that the supplementary budget for Health was €595 million during the Party’s last year in Government. Her comments come after Micheál Martin criticised the Government over the challenges facing the health budget for this year.
“Fianna Fáil has absolutely no credibility to talk about the management of our health services or the health budget. In 2010, Fianna Fáil’s last year in Government, the supplementary budget for health was €595 million. In 2001, when Micheál Martin was Minister for Health and money was plentiful, the supplementary budget was €250 million.
“In 14 of the last 17 years, there has been a supplementary budget in health. When Fianna Fáil was in charge of the health service it failed to introduce reforms and its only legacy is the establishment of the HSE, which has proven to be a completely inefficient structure.
“It is farcical that Fianna Fáil’s health spokesperson, Billy Kelleher, would claim that under Fianna Fáil, supplementary budgets were used to introduce ‘new services’. I wonder can Billy tell us what new services were introduced in 2010, when the biggest ever supplementary budget was needed?
“It is impossible to talk about the challenges facing the health sector without taking account of the huge budget reductions that have been necessary thanks to Fianna Fáil’s mismanagement of the economy. The health service has endured budget cuts totalling €3.3 billion, while at the same time demand has increased significantly and staff numbers have been reduced by 14,000.
“It’s also hard to listen to Fianna Fáil lecturing on health, when it doesn’t even have a policy of its own. Fianna Fáil went into the last General Election with a manifesto that didn’t even have a health section.
“In 2013, Micheál Martin published a policy guide promising a detailed document on how the health system should work at a later stage. There’s still no sign of it. And the paper authored by Brian Turner, which the Party loves to mention, contained 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.'
“We recognise that our health system is dysfunctional, and that’s why we are replacing it with a new system of Universal Health Insurance with strong financial incentives through the introduction of Money Follows the Patient. Under very difficult circumstances, we are gradually getting health spending under control. Fianna Fáil should reflect on its own terrible record in health rather than shout hypocritically from the Opposition benches.”
Friday, June 20, 2014
Doherty and Buttimer urge HSE to fast track assessment of life changing MS drug
Fine Gael TDs and members of the Oireachtas Health Committee, Jerry Buttimer and Regina Doherty, are urging the HSE to fast track the assessment of a new life changing drug being used to treat Multiple Sclerosis. A number of MS patients are currently benefitting from a trial of Fampyra, but the trial is due to end shortly and the medication is not currently available on the General Medical Scheme (GMS).
The Deputies met with MS sufferers taking Fampyra last week and raised the issue with the Minister for Health, James Reilly TD, in the Dáil this week.
Deputy Doherty said: ‘The manufacturers of Fampyra, Biogen, were originally refused access to the GMS when they first applied. Biogen has made the drug available free of charge on a trial basis for some MS sufferers. It has had a transformative effect on their lives. These patients are now very concerned about how they will deteriorate when the drug trial ends later this month’.
“I was pleased to learn that Biogen has reapplied for inclusion in the GMS, which would allow the State to cover the cost of providing to these patients. I have urged the Minister to ensure the HSE fast tracks the application process so the MS sufferers can be put at ease about the supply of their medication.
“I agree with the Minister’s call for drug companies to engage in greater risk sharing when it comes to covering the cost of new medications. The State cannot be expected to foot the entire bill in every case. The Minister has said the HSE will deal with the Biogen application without delay, so I hope the application process can go ahead as quickly as possible.”
Deputy Buttimer said: ‘Fampyra has had a huge impact on the lives of patients with a certain strain of MS. It helps with 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. While it is encouraging that the manufacturer has resubmitted its application for inclusion on the GMS, I would also call on the company to continue to provide the drug free of charge until the situation is resolved’.
“Minister Reilly has said that he understands how anxious these patients are due to the impending end of their drug trial. They simply will not be able to afford to pay for the medication themselves and therefore I hope HSE can act quickly and include the Famprya on the GMS and community drugs schemes.”
The Deputies met with MS sufferers taking Fampyra last week and raised the issue with the Minister for Health, James Reilly TD, in the Dáil this week.
Deputy Doherty said: ‘The manufacturers of Fampyra, Biogen, were originally refused access to the GMS when they first applied. Biogen has made the drug available free of charge on a trial basis for some MS sufferers. It has had a transformative effect on their lives. These patients are now very concerned about how they will deteriorate when the drug trial ends later this month’.
“I was pleased to learn that Biogen has reapplied for inclusion in the GMS, which would allow the State to cover the cost of providing to these patients. I have urged the Minister to ensure the HSE fast tracks the application process so the MS sufferers can be put at ease about the supply of their medication.
“I agree with the Minister’s call for drug companies to engage in greater risk sharing when it comes to covering the cost of new medications. The State cannot be expected to foot the entire bill in every case. The Minister has said the HSE will deal with the Biogen application without delay, so I hope the application process can go ahead as quickly as possible.”
Deputy Buttimer said: ‘Fampyra has had a huge impact on the lives of patients with a certain strain of MS. It helps with 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. While it is encouraging that the manufacturer has resubmitted its application for inclusion on the GMS, I would also call on the company to continue to provide the drug free of charge until the situation is resolved’.
“Minister Reilly has said that he understands how anxious these patients are due to the impending end of their drug trial. They simply will not be able to afford to pay for the medication themselves and therefore I hope HSE can act quickly and include the Famprya on the GMS and community drugs schemes.”
Thursday, June 19, 2014
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.”
“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.”
Friday, June 13, 2014
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.
"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
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.”
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.”
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