Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty has welcomed the news that France is to introduce standardised packaging for cigarettes, saying that Ireland is a world leader in the fight against smoking.
“The news that France is to introduce standardised packaging for cigarettes is remarkable and highlights Ireland’s position as one of the world leaders in the fight against smoking.
“We were the first European country to commit to standardised packaging for cigarettes in 2013 and the second country in the world to do so. The fact that France, a country considered to be tobacco friendly is now following in our lead, just proves how successful the measure is considered to be.
“I hope that many more European countries follow the Irish lead on this. It is good to see that the UK has also produced draft regulations on this matter. Plain packaging was introduced in Australia in 2012 and the measure has been shown to have had an impact on the marketing power of tobacco companies and help reduce the numbers of young people taking up smoking.
“We must do whatever it takes to curb the numbers of young people smoking and plain packaging is a good first step. It is great to see other countries following the Irish example on this.”
Wednesday, October 08, 2014
Ratoath GAA Club plays key role in Govt decision to extend rate exemptions to sports clubs
Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has hailed the role of Ratoath GAA Club in helping to push for an extension of rate exemptions to sports clubs. This follows the announcement today (Wednesday) by the Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Simon Harris TD, that an amendment is to be made to ease the rates burden on many local sports clubs.
“Ratoath GAA Club, which is my local club, started the grass roots campaign to reform rates for sports clubs and deserves a serious pat on the back from other clubs around Ireland who will now benefit the change.
“I am glad to have played a role in this process. I met with Larry McGowan, the then Chairman of Ratoath GAA Club soon after I was elected as a TD and listened to his concerns about how rates were unfairly affecting sports clubs. I then approached Conor Tormey, the Chairman of Meath County Board who played an important role in helping to get the support of all GAA clubs in the county on this matter. More recently Donal O’Grady, the current Chair of Ratoath GAA Club contacted me to support the legislation which was announced today.
“At a national level, I raised the issue as a Topical Issues debate in Dáil Eireann and then met with the Minister for Public Expenditure, Brendan Howlin, about this issue. Having backed this reform from the start, I am delighted to see it come to fruition.
“An amendment to the Valuation (Amendment)(No.2) Bill 2012 will mean sports clubs that previously paid rates on its bar and on sporting buildings, will now only pay rates for the part of the building that generates income i.e. the bar in most cases. In practical terms this will reduce significantly the size of the building for which sports clubs must pay rates and it will provide a welcome boost for clubs provided by volunteers for volunteers.
“This measure introduced by Minister Harris will mean that buildings that are used for the sale of alcohol or food, retail outlets etc. will be subject to rates but buildings that are used for community sport will be exempt. If a sports club’s only commercial facility is the bar then it is only the bar and ancillary facilities that will be rated.
“This is an example of a piece of legislation that will have a very real impact on local communities. The Government is committed to improving facilities and services in all regions of the country. The economy is improving because the policies pursued are working and changes such as the amendment announced today are another indication of our dedication to supporting local communities across the country.”
“Ratoath GAA Club, which is my local club, started the grass roots campaign to reform rates for sports clubs and deserves a serious pat on the back from other clubs around Ireland who will now benefit the change.
“I am glad to have played a role in this process. I met with Larry McGowan, the then Chairman of Ratoath GAA Club soon after I was elected as a TD and listened to his concerns about how rates were unfairly affecting sports clubs. I then approached Conor Tormey, the Chairman of Meath County Board who played an important role in helping to get the support of all GAA clubs in the county on this matter. More recently Donal O’Grady, the current Chair of Ratoath GAA Club contacted me to support the legislation which was announced today.
“At a national level, I raised the issue as a Topical Issues debate in Dáil Eireann and then met with the Minister for Public Expenditure, Brendan Howlin, about this issue. Having backed this reform from the start, I am delighted to see it come to fruition.
“An amendment to the Valuation (Amendment)(No.2) Bill 2012 will mean sports clubs that previously paid rates on its bar and on sporting buildings, will now only pay rates for the part of the building that generates income i.e. the bar in most cases. In practical terms this will reduce significantly the size of the building for which sports clubs must pay rates and it will provide a welcome boost for clubs provided by volunteers for volunteers.
“This measure introduced by Minister Harris will mean that buildings that are used for the sale of alcohol or food, retail outlets etc. will be subject to rates but buildings that are used for community sport will be exempt. If a sports club’s only commercial facility is the bar then it is only the bar and ancillary facilities that will be rated.
“This is an example of a piece of legislation that will have a very real impact on local communities. The Government is committed to improving facilities and services in all regions of the country. The economy is improving because the policies pursued are working and changes such as the amendment announced today are another indication of our dedication to supporting local communities across the country.”
Thursday, October 02, 2014
We must extend Breastcheck
Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty has today (Tuesday) said that it is imperative we extend the successful Breastcheck programme to women over 65 in order to save more lives.
“Today I attended the launch of the campaign to have Breastcheck extended to women over 65. I fully agree with this proposal, as to extend the free national screening programme will certainly help to save lives.
“The Breastcheck programme, has been incredibly successful in Ireland so far. However unfortunately it is not yet reaching everyone. According to the Irish Cancer Society, the incidence of female breast cancer and deaths from breast cancer is second highest amongst the 60-69 age group. Only half of this group is currently covered by Breastcheck.
“Every family knows somebody who has been touched by breast cancer. The cost of extending Breastcheck is only in the region of €3 million and it is estimated that 87 lives will be saved every year; you can’t put a value on that.
“The Programme for Government lists extending Breastcheck to women aged 65-69. I would very much like to see this happen as soon as possible and I will continue to work with my colleagues in Government calling for this change to be made.”
New Investigations Division will raise standards and protect Ireland’s reputation
Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has today (Wednesday), welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney TD, that a new Investigations Division is to be established in the Department of Agriculture.
“As part of the modernisation of the Department being undertaken by Minister Coveney and in keeping with the public service reform process currently underway, it was found that an Investigations Division was needed. This Investigations Division will ensure a process that is strong, cohesive and effective.
“I am very supportive of an Investigations Unit in the Department of Agriculture that will ensure transparency, streamline processes and deliver the best service to those affected. Many high profile investigations have taken place in the past in the Department of Agriculture, most recently relating to the horsemeat crisis. The new Investigations Division will ensure that issues such as these will be dealt with in accordance with the highest levels of legal compliance to protect the health of consumers, to promote the Agri-food industry and to protect Ireland’s reputation at home and abroad.
“The Investigations Division will determine whether an investigation is warranted and if so, whether this should be conducted by the Investigations Division or referred to the Garda Síochána. The new Investigations Division reports to an Investigations Steering Group which is headed by a Senior Superintending Veterinary Officer and supported by a team of investigators. This new Investigations Division will perform the functions previously undertaken by the Special Investigations Unit and brings all investigation capability, both internal and external, into one Division.
“The establishment of an Investigations Division enhances our capacity to protect Ireland’s international reputation.
“The Department of Agriculture carries out very important, sensitive and technical work in investigating issues that arise relating to the agri-food sector. I am pleased that the new Investigations Division will assist the Department in carrying out this work, while also developing the public service reform agenda.”
New jobs and falling unemployment rate show Govt jobs policies working
Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has today (Thursday), said that the positive CSO Live Register figures show clearly that the Government’s jobs creation policies is working and that the economy is improving.
“In 2012, the unemployment rate was at a record high of 15.1%, this figure has dropped to 11.1% with employment now at its highest level since 2009.
“In Meath’s Mid-West region, the CSO figures indicate that 3,793 more people are back at work than this time last year.
“It is also extremely encouraging that in the past twenty four hours, 690 new jobs have been announced at three locations across the country. The jobs created range from manufacturing to engineering, finance, data science, as well as sales and customer operations.
“These jobs will benefit many regions across the country, in particular Dublin’s commuter belt which includes County Meath.
“The significant amount of jobs created in the last two years is no accident. The Government has committed to creating jobs and to pursuing policies that are focused on job creation. Positive changes in the tourism and construction sectors are a clear example that these policies are working.
“The 9% VAT rate in the hospitality sector and the abolition of the Air Travel Tax has contributed to the creation of 8,000 jobs in the tourism sector over the past year. Overseas visitor numbers are up by 9.4% for the first eight months of 2014 and today we learned that the number of domestic holidays increased by 6.7%.
“In addition, measures introduced to boost the construction sector such as the Home Renovation Initiative have helped bring about an increase of 3,500 jobs in the sector.
“While the growth in the economy is now very real and to be very much welcomed, there are still 370,000 people on the Live Register and too many families have yet to feel the benefit of the recovery. The Government remains focused on creating 100,000 jobs by 2016 and to bringing the recovery to all regions of the country through the new Regional Enterprise Strategy.”
Doherty urgently calls for new temporary planning guidelines to deal with wind farm application
Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has today (Thursday), called on the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Alan Kelly TD, to immediately implement new temporary planning guidelines to deal with Wind Farm applications, specifically in relation to an application made for a vast wind farm in North County Meath.
“I am calling on Minister Kelly to immediately and urgently issue new temporary planning guidelines. This was supposed to be done by the end of this year but due to the number of submissions received, I have been informed that it will be January or February 2015 before this happens. In the interim I believe it is essential that temporary guidelines are issued without delay to deal with applications.
“This week an application was made for a huge wind farm in North County Meath consisting of 46 turbines with a maximum height of a massive 169m and a permanent meteorological mast of 80m. It is proposed that this industrial project would be located in what is a rural, but highly residential area, and I find it totally unacceptable that a vast project such as this would be allowed to slip through the net without proper scrutiny.
“In recent years the size of wind turbines has increased threefold and it is accepted that the planning guidelines as they stand are not fit for purpose. The process is fundamentally flawed and it would be wrong for major decisions, such as this one, to be made in accordance with guidelines that do not work. All applications made should be cognisant of the impending new regulations.
“I take serious issue with such a substantial application being made on behalf of a shelf company affecting the rich heritage and hundreds of families in North County Meath.
“I have been very clear about my feelings on the current planning regulations and I intend to express to the Minister in no uncertain terms the gravity of this situation as it stands. Temporary guidelines are needed now to fill the void before the official new regulations are ready to be implemented. We cannot allow applications to sneak through a broken process.”
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Micheál Martin admits that overspending on health was Govt policy under FF
Fine Gael TD for Meath East and member of the Oireachtas Health Committee, Regina Doherty, has highlighted the double standard employed by Fianna Fáil leader, Micheal Martin, this morning when he admitted that it was his policy to overspend and require supplementary budgets while he was Minister for Health. This came the day after his outrageous claim that the Government’s health budget policy was putting people’s lives at risk.
“Micheál Martin admitted on Morning Ireland this morning that the Government intentionally and habitually overspent their health budget while he was Minister for Health. Deputy Martin blithely stated that he provided supplementary health funding as matter of policy, stating that extra funding was allocated ‘on demand led basis. We didn’t set a ceiling.’
“Contrast this with his outrageous statement yesterday that when this Government overspent on health and needed a supplementary budget we were, ‘putting people’s lives at risk’.
“Supplementary health budgets were the norm under Micheal Martin at time when the Government had more money than at any time in its history. Ireland’s health budget rose from €3 billion in 1997 to €15 billion in 2007. Despite this five fold increase in spending, Minister Martin and his Government colleagues regularly went back to the Minister for Finance demanding more money.
“In 1997, when Fianna Fáil came into government there were 65,000 staff in the health services. When Fianna Fáil left office the number of health staff was almost 120,000. The problems in running our health system were underscored by the disastrous way in which the HSE was created by Micheál Martin. Despite increasing health spending five fold, we got an inferior service, with a bloated and financially draining management class.
“When this Government provides extra funding to the health service on top of what was budgeted, Micheál Martin uses emotive and irresponsible language to try to frighten people who are reliant on the service. Yet when they occur under his watch he says they were Government policy.
“The reality is much simpler. Last year we allocated money to our health service based on projected needs. During the course of the year, it became clear that more money would be needed. The HSE’s service plan was modified and more money was found to ensure that the health service was run properly and safely. As such we have acted responsibly within the extremely challenging economic circumstances that Fianna Fáil bequeathed to the country.
“As Micheal Martin well knows, the current challenges in funding and running our health system have their roots in Fianna Fáil’s destruction of our economy and the incompetent manner in which he set up the HSE.
“Fianna Fáil still has no health policy, nor did it in its Party manifesto before the last general election. Micheál Martin is high on criticism but short of solutions. Instead of using fear to mislead the public about the health system, he should sit down with his health spokesperson and try and come up with a health policy.”
“Micheál Martin admitted on Morning Ireland this morning that the Government intentionally and habitually overspent their health budget while he was Minister for Health. Deputy Martin blithely stated that he provided supplementary health funding as matter of policy, stating that extra funding was allocated ‘on demand led basis. We didn’t set a ceiling.’
“Contrast this with his outrageous statement yesterday that when this Government overspent on health and needed a supplementary budget we were, ‘putting people’s lives at risk’.
“Supplementary health budgets were the norm under Micheal Martin at time when the Government had more money than at any time in its history. Ireland’s health budget rose from €3 billion in 1997 to €15 billion in 2007. Despite this five fold increase in spending, Minister Martin and his Government colleagues regularly went back to the Minister for Finance demanding more money.
“In 1997, when Fianna Fáil came into government there were 65,000 staff in the health services. When Fianna Fáil left office the number of health staff was almost 120,000. The problems in running our health system were underscored by the disastrous way in which the HSE was created by Micheál Martin. Despite increasing health spending five fold, we got an inferior service, with a bloated and financially draining management class.
“When this Government provides extra funding to the health service on top of what was budgeted, Micheál Martin uses emotive and irresponsible language to try to frighten people who are reliant on the service. Yet when they occur under his watch he says they were Government policy.
“The reality is much simpler. Last year we allocated money to our health service based on projected needs. During the course of the year, it became clear that more money would be needed. The HSE’s service plan was modified and more money was found to ensure that the health service was run properly and safely. As such we have acted responsibly within the extremely challenging economic circumstances that Fianna Fáil bequeathed to the country.
“As Micheal Martin well knows, the current challenges in funding and running our health system have their roots in Fianna Fáil’s destruction of our economy and the incompetent manner in which he set up the HSE.
“Fianna Fáil still has no health policy, nor did it in its Party manifesto before the last general election. Micheál Martin is high on criticism but short of solutions. Instead of using fear to mislead the public about the health system, he should sit down with his health spokesperson and try and come up with a health policy.”
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Why won’t Fianna Fáil publish their health policy? Because they don’t have one
Fine Gael Meath East TD Regina Doherty has called on Fianna Fáil to stop hoodwinking the Irish people and to actually take the time to publish a health policy of their own.
“Fianna Fail has no policy whatsoever on health and this has been clear for some time. Instead, they take the cheap, lazy, option of criticising Fine Gael and Government policies. Three- and-a half-years into this Dáil term, for the largest opposition party to have no health policy at all, much less a credible one, is beyond belief.
“Over a year ago, Fianna Fáil said they would be bringing out ‘radical’ proposals on the health service. Yet when he was asked this week for details on that health policy, Fianna Fail’s Health Spokesperson Billy Kelleher gave a vague answer about publishing it 'in the months ahead'. I called on them nearly six months ago to publish their health policy, and they still don’t have one. Sadly, they have form in this area - Fianna Fáil didn’t even bother to have a health policy in their last General Election manifesto.
"Perhaps if he is serious about developing a health policy, Billy Kelleher might seek the assistance of former Fianna Fáil Minister Mary Hanafin, who this weekend shone a light on her own Party's complete dearth of policy.
“The only ‘policy paper’ Billy Kelleher could refer to is an independent report carried out on their behalf by an academic. Even then, this same academic paper says that ‘the views expressed in this report are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of…..Fianna Fáil.’
“Fianna Fáil taking a non-committal view of someone else’s work just won’t cut it as a health policy. It’s another example of a weak front bench, long on hot air, long on rhetoric, but sadly short of ideas, solutions or commitment to helping the Irish people.”
“Fianna Fail has no policy whatsoever on health and this has been clear for some time. Instead, they take the cheap, lazy, option of criticising Fine Gael and Government policies. Three- and-a half-years into this Dáil term, for the largest opposition party to have no health policy at all, much less a credible one, is beyond belief.
“Over a year ago, Fianna Fáil said they would be bringing out ‘radical’ proposals on the health service. Yet when he was asked this week for details on that health policy, Fianna Fail’s Health Spokesperson Billy Kelleher gave a vague answer about publishing it 'in the months ahead'. I called on them nearly six months ago to publish their health policy, and they still don’t have one. Sadly, they have form in this area - Fianna Fáil didn’t even bother to have a health policy in their last General Election manifesto.
"Perhaps if he is serious about developing a health policy, Billy Kelleher might seek the assistance of former Fianna Fáil Minister Mary Hanafin, who this weekend shone a light on her own Party's complete dearth of policy.
“The only ‘policy paper’ Billy Kelleher could refer to is an independent report carried out on their behalf by an academic. Even then, this same academic paper says that ‘the views expressed in this report are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of…..Fianna Fáil.’
“Fianna Fáil taking a non-committal view of someone else’s work just won’t cut it as a health policy. It’s another example of a weak front bench, long on hot air, long on rhetoric, but sadly short of ideas, solutions or commitment to helping the Irish people.”
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
4% increase in number of people at work in mid-eastern counties
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.”
“ 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.”
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.”
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