Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty has called on AIB to publish any and all operations instructions issued to 3rd parties acting on its behalf in debt recovery.
Speaking after the recent revelations that a private investigator working on behalf of AIB is facing criminal charges, Doherty said “for months I have been working with a gentleman who is desperately trying to avoid AIB repossessing his home.
“A number of months my constituent asked if I could help. I have written multiple letters, made numerous calls, and even had a meeting with AIB CEO Bernard Byrne, in a bid to reach a mutually beneficial resolution to all parties involved. I sought personally at the meeting the operational instructions issued by AIB directing 3rd parties acting on their behalf."
“The accusations which have been made against the agents in question are of the most serious nature. I am confident and beyond satisfied that the criminal investigation initiated by the Assistant Data Protection Commissioner will be executed with the level of professionalism and seriousness required. I am also pleased to know that the Department of Social Protection is cooperating fully with the Assistant Commissioner.
“Notwithstanding this, AIB continues to pursue a man for the repossession of his home.
“Today, I have made a fresh request to AIB’s Bernard Byrne to issue to me a copy of any and all operational instructions for agents who act on behalf of AIB with their customers. Additionally, I have written to the Joint Oireachtas Committee for Finance, of which I am a member, and asked that they too request this documentation from AIB."
Monday, December 14, 2015
Farmers in Meath to get €761,000 in AEOS payments, which are to begin this week
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Doherty, pictured above with the Minister said “The Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney has announced that the AEOS payments to farmers in Meath are to begin this week, following the completion of detailed verification checks by his Department. These checks are required under EU regulations.
“The scheme is designed to help protect wildlife habitats, endangered species of flora and fauna and the broader rural environment in Meath and underpin the production of quality food in an environmentally friendly manner.
“In total more than €45 million will be paid out to farmers across Ireland before Christmas. This will bring the total paid out on AEOS for the year to in excess of €75 million.
“It follows on from over €5 million paid out to the remaining REPS farmers at the end of November, which brought the total paid in REPS for 2015 to over €30 million for the year.
“These payments will be a welcome boost to farmers in Meath. Fine Gael has a long term plan to keep the recovery going and part of this plan is to ensure we support and assist our farmers, who are the backbone of this country and our economy.”
Pyrite homeowners no longer have to pay for testing to avail of LPT exemption
Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has said that legislation in the Dáil today (Friday), will ease the burden on homeowners affected by pyrite, by removing the necessity for them to pay for testing in order to avail of the exemption from Local Property Tax (LPT).
“The move to exempt homeowners affected by pyrite from Local Property Tax (LPT) was a positive one. However it soon became apparent that these homeowners were still being unnecessarily punished due to an anomaly whereby pyrite affected homeowners were expected to pay for expensive core sample testing in order to avail of their exemption from LPT.
“I first raised this issue with the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, earlier this year, and at this point the Minister accepted that legislative change may be needed to deal with the anomaly. I am delighted now that this matter is being addressed.
“The Local Property Tax legislation going through the Dáil today deals comprehensively with this anomaly and rectifies the situation. This legislation will extend the LPT exemption to properties whose owners don’t have the required certification but, nevertheless have properties that have been proven to have been damaged by pyrite to a significant extent.
“The exemption is being extended to properties that have been included in the official pyrite remediation scheme without the need for testing, properties that are remediated as a result of a successful insurance claim and properties that are remediated by the builder or property developer who constructed the property.
“It simply wasn’t right that homeowners who were already burdened with pyrite had to pay out for expensive testing in order to avail of the exemption from the LPT that they are entitled to. It was counter intuitive and unfair. Today’s legislation puts this right and ensures that these homeowners will not be unfairly punished.”
“The move to exempt homeowners affected by pyrite from Local Property Tax (LPT) was a positive one. However it soon became apparent that these homeowners were still being unnecessarily punished due to an anomaly whereby pyrite affected homeowners were expected to pay for expensive core sample testing in order to avail of their exemption from LPT.
“I first raised this issue with the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, earlier this year, and at this point the Minister accepted that legislative change may be needed to deal with the anomaly. I am delighted now that this matter is being addressed.
“The Local Property Tax legislation going through the Dáil today deals comprehensively with this anomaly and rectifies the situation. This legislation will extend the LPT exemption to properties whose owners don’t have the required certification but, nevertheless have properties that have been proven to have been damaged by pyrite to a significant extent.
“The exemption is being extended to properties that have been included in the official pyrite remediation scheme without the need for testing, properties that are remediated as a result of a successful insurance claim and properties that are remediated by the builder or property developer who constructed the property.
“It simply wasn’t right that homeowners who were already burdened with pyrite had to pay out for expensive testing in order to avail of the exemption from the LPT that they are entitled to. It was counter intuitive and unfair. Today’s legislation puts this right and ensures that these homeowners will not be unfairly punished.”
€5,000 for small businesses in Meath affected by flooding due before Christmas
Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has said that payments of €5,000 for small businesses in Meath East affected by flooding are due to be paid before Christmas.
Doherty, pictured above with Minister Harris and Cllr Alan Tobin, said “Minister for Defence, Simon Coveney and Minister for the OPW, Simon Harris have announced that small businesses in Meath with up to 20 employees and who are not covered by flood insurance, are to receive emergency humanitarian support.
“The scheme will commence immediately, meaning that businesses will qualify for up to €5,000 aid which is expected to be issued before Christmas. It is expected that this will meet the needs for the majority of small businesses. The application process is designed to be as straight forward as possible for businesses.
“Earlier this year I joined Fine Gael Cllr for Ashbourne, Alan Tobin, in welcoming Minister Harris to Ashbourne to see first-hand the damage and persistent flooding risks which our town faces. Work has been ongoing for the last year to ensure that Meath sees adequate protection and that we never again have to see flooding damage like that which we saw last year.
“In the event that businesses have incurred significant damages above €5,000, further support of up to €15,000 will be available, bringing to €20,00 the maximum payment available. The application for the second payment will be a more lengthy process and will require a detailed assessment.
“I hope this scheme will go some way towards alleviating the hardship suffered by small businesses affected by flooding. I have seen at first hand the effects of this flooding and the costs that businesses must incur in order to get back up and running.
“This money will help small businesses in Meath to reopen as soon as possible. It will assist with the replacement of flooring, fixtures, fittings and damaged stock.
“The scheme will be administered by the Irish Red Cross and only businesses who could not secure flood insurance are eligible.
“Businesses in Meath are determined to get back on their feet as soon as possible and I hope that by introducing this scheme quickly, normal life can resume that little bit sooner.”
Doherty, pictured above with Minister Harris and Cllr Alan Tobin, said “Minister for Defence, Simon Coveney and Minister for the OPW, Simon Harris have announced that small businesses in Meath with up to 20 employees and who are not covered by flood insurance, are to receive emergency humanitarian support.
“The scheme will commence immediately, meaning that businesses will qualify for up to €5,000 aid which is expected to be issued before Christmas. It is expected that this will meet the needs for the majority of small businesses. The application process is designed to be as straight forward as possible for businesses.
“Earlier this year I joined Fine Gael Cllr for Ashbourne, Alan Tobin, in welcoming Minister Harris to Ashbourne to see first-hand the damage and persistent flooding risks which our town faces. Work has been ongoing for the last year to ensure that Meath sees adequate protection and that we never again have to see flooding damage like that which we saw last year.
“In the event that businesses have incurred significant damages above €5,000, further support of up to €15,000 will be available, bringing to €20,00 the maximum payment available. The application for the second payment will be a more lengthy process and will require a detailed assessment.
“I hope this scheme will go some way towards alleviating the hardship suffered by small businesses affected by flooding. I have seen at first hand the effects of this flooding and the costs that businesses must incur in order to get back up and running.
“This money will help small businesses in Meath to reopen as soon as possible. It will assist with the replacement of flooring, fixtures, fittings and damaged stock.
“The scheme will be administered by the Irish Red Cross and only businesses who could not secure flood insurance are eligible.
“Businesses in Meath are determined to get back on their feet as soon as possible and I hope that by introducing this scheme quickly, normal life can resume that little bit sooner.”
DOHERTY encourages everyone in Meath to shop local this Christmas and support Meath businesses
Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty is encouraging everyone in Meath to shop local this Christmas and support Meath businesses.
Pictured above shopping at the Christmas Fair which took place in Ashbourne Community School last week, Doherty said “Small and family businesses in Meath are the lifeblood of our local economy and have played a crucial role in the recovery that is now well underway. I’m calling on everyone in Meath who’s going out to do their Christmas shopping in the coming days and weeks to think local first.
“I would also like to remind employers in Meath that they can now gift their staff Christmas bonus vouchers of up to €500 tax free. Up until now, an employer could only provide an employee with a once-off, annual non-cash tax-free benefit to the value of €250. This tax change is a great incentive for employers to reward staff with a larger bonus for Christmas and it will provide a significant boost to the local economy here in Meath, where I would encourage people to spend those vouchers.
“Fine Gael has a long term plan to keep the recovery going and we’re working to ensure more people feel the benefits of a recovering economy in their own lives. Supporting local businesses here in Meath this Christmas will further help to ensure the recovery is felt by an many people as possible this Christmas.”
Pictured above shopping at the Christmas Fair which took place in Ashbourne Community School last week, Doherty said “Small and family businesses in Meath are the lifeblood of our local economy and have played a crucial role in the recovery that is now well underway. I’m calling on everyone in Meath who’s going out to do their Christmas shopping in the coming days and weeks to think local first.
“I would also like to remind employers in Meath that they can now gift their staff Christmas bonus vouchers of up to €500 tax free. Up until now, an employer could only provide an employee with a once-off, annual non-cash tax-free benefit to the value of €250. This tax change is a great incentive for employers to reward staff with a larger bonus for Christmas and it will provide a significant boost to the local economy here in Meath, where I would encourage people to spend those vouchers.
“Fine Gael has a long term plan to keep the recovery going and we’re working to ensure more people feel the benefits of a recovering economy in their own lives. Supporting local businesses here in Meath this Christmas will further help to ensure the recovery is felt by an many people as possible this Christmas.”
Tuesday, December 08, 2015
Minister for Justice opens Regina Doherty’s Ratoath constituency office
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| Regina Doherty TD pictured above Minister for Justice, Frances Fitzgerald, Kieran Coleman and Alan Boyce at the official opening of her Ratoath constituency office |
Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty last week welcomed Minister for Justice, Frances Fitzgerald, to officially open her office on the Fairyhouse Road in Ratoath.
The Meath East TD said “I was absolutely thrilled to welcome Minister Fitzgerald to Meath where she officially cut the ribbon at my Ratoath office on the Fairyhouse Road. The Minister’s visit was certainly fitting given what appears to be a recent surge in local and rural crime evident not only in Ratoath, but also right across County Meath.
“We also had with us a number of constituents who used the opportunity to raise their concerns and questions with the Minister regarding local and rural crime, immigration, and Budget 2016. It was a markedly important day coinciding with the formal announcement on www.publicjobs.ie of the commencement of the 2016 recruitment campaign for new members of An Garda Síochána. The 600 new Gardaí to be recruited next year will bring to 1,150 the total number of new recruits since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014. So far 295 of these recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and are on the ground in communities nationwide.”
Doherty continued “before breaking for the Christmas holidays, over the next two weeks we will see some critical pieces of legislation pass through the Dail, namely the new Bail Bill.
“Crime is a major issue for people in rural Ireland and it is something that I have been highlighting for some time. Action has been taken in the form of a new Bail bill to strengthen the law for crimes committed by offenders out on bail and also by reopening Templemore and restarting recruitment.
“I would like to echo Minister Fitzgerald’s comments on how Budget 2016 will benefit us here in Meath, and not just from a crime perspective. Broadband is another key issue for the people of Meath. We know that in order to attract investment and to create jobs broadband is a necessity. This Government has allocated €275 million for the National Broadband Plan and we are continuing with the roll out of the Regional Action Plan for Jobs, which aims to spread the recovery to all parts of the country.”
Concluding, Doherty said “In order to live happily in rural Ireland we need jobs, we need services and we need a good standard of living for our families. Families are being supported in this budget not only by lowering USC, but also by providing a €5 increase in child benefit. The free pre-school year has been extended to children aged 3 to 5 from next September and free GP care will also be provided to all children under 12. I know families are under pressure due to all the costs that they have to meet and I feel that these measures make a small but significant difference.
“I want more for the people of Meath and more for Ireland, but I believe that we are on the right road. This Government is committed to creating more jobs, while providing relief and better services for the Irish people.
Better support for 16,000 of elderly people in 16,000 as Christmas approaches
Christmas bonus for over 580,000 pensioners across Ireland
Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has said that this Government is continuing to protect the elderly, and is providing better support to over 16,000 of elderly people in Meath.Speaking on Friday from at her public meeting on Senior Citizen Entitlements in Moynalty, the Meath East TD said “Fine Gael has always sought to protect elderly people in Meath and will continue to do so. This year, as a result of Budget 2016, across Meath, approximately 16,000 of pensioners are benefitting from a small increase of €3 in the weekly rate of all pension payments, for those aged 66 and over.
“We had a great turnout in Moynalty on Friday, despite the bad weather. Budget 2016 certainly has been one of the most beneficial for the elderly in recent years and speaking with the dozens of senior citizens at our meeting this morning really does go to show just how much these increases mean. I will now be holding a monthly clinic in Moynalty to accommodate our senior citizens in the North of the county.
“In a further move to support older people, the Government decided to increase the Christmas bonus in Budget 2016. In Meath, over 16,000 of elderly people will receive a 75% Christmas bonus, on top of their pension. It means a pensioner couple who are both in receipt of the non-contributory State Pension will receive a bonus payment of €328.50. The bonus, which was abolished by the Fianna Fáil government in 2009, will be paid during the first week of December.
“Elderly people in Meath are also benefiting from an increase in the rate of the Fuel Allowance by €2.50 per week, from €20 to €22.50 per week. The allowance is paid for 26 weeks from October to April. Budget 2016 also introduced an increase in funding for Free Travel by €3 million, from €77 million to €80 million, ensuring sustainability of the service for 836,000 Free Travel pass holders
“Fine Gael’s top priority is to keep the recovery going and thanks to the Irish people we are now seeing economic progress, with 135,000 more people at work. More people in work means less tax for working people and more revenue to invest in better services. This will ensure more people and families feel the benefits of a recovering economy in their own lives. It also means we can afford to give a little back to the people who need it most. I am pleased that Fine Gael is continuing to support elderly people by increasing the Pension, the Christmas bonus and the Fuel Allowance.”
Wednesday, December 02, 2015
Basic Farm Payments of € 45 million supporting farmers in Meath
Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has said that Basic Farm Payments of almost €45 million paid so far in 2015, are supporting Meath farmers.
“In Meath, 3,483 farmers have received Basic Farm Payments so far in 2015, making up 96% of payments. In 2016, €1.2 billion in direct funding will be made available from the EU to fund the Basic Payment Scheme nationally.
“This money is essential to support agriculture and farming families in Meath. Basic Farm Payments are also key to supporting the local economy as farmers can spend this money with local suppliers and in small businesses.
“The food industry in Ireland is worth €26 billion and directly employs 170,000 people. Farmers are at the centre of this and it is essential that we offer every support possible. For two successive budgets farming agri-taxation measures have played a central part in the Budget.
“Major new initiatives on ‘Family Transfer Partnerships’ have been introduced to assist in the transfer of land. We have also renewed relief measures on general stock income tax; for young trained farmers and registered farm partnerships. Stamp duty exemptions have been maintained on transfers of land to young trained farmers. This Government has also increased the tax free threshold for Capital Acquisitions Tax by about one quarter from €225,000 to €280,000.
“Changes made to the taxation of the self-employed will impact on most farmers who will benefit from the new €550 tax credit and reduced USC rates. These changes will mean over €800 in additional net income.
“In Meath, 3,483 farmers have received Basic Farm Payments so far in 2015, making up 96% of payments. In 2016, €1.2 billion in direct funding will be made available from the EU to fund the Basic Payment Scheme nationally.
“This money is essential to support agriculture and farming families in Meath. Basic Farm Payments are also key to supporting the local economy as farmers can spend this money with local suppliers and in small businesses.
“The food industry in Ireland is worth €26 billion and directly employs 170,000 people. Farmers are at the centre of this and it is essential that we offer every support possible. For two successive budgets farming agri-taxation measures have played a central part in the Budget.
“Major new initiatives on ‘Family Transfer Partnerships’ have been introduced to assist in the transfer of land. We have also renewed relief measures on general stock income tax; for young trained farmers and registered farm partnerships. Stamp duty exemptions have been maintained on transfers of land to young trained farmers. This Government has also increased the tax free threshold for Capital Acquisitions Tax by about one quarter from €225,000 to €280,000.
“Changes made to the taxation of the self-employed will impact on most farmers who will benefit from the new €550 tax credit and reduced USC rates. These changes will mean over €800 in additional net income.
Friday, November 20, 2015
Planning decision on Emlagh Windfarm expected within 14 days.
Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has said that solicitors for An Bord Pleanala have issued a notice stating that a decision for the Emlagh Windfarm planning application will be made within the next fourteen days.
The Meath East TD said “this evening solicitors for An Bord Pleanala (ABP) issued a legal notice stating that the Board will make its decision with regard to the proposed development of Emlagh Windfarm in North Meath within the next fourteen days.
“Earlier this week the Board received the report from the Inspector some three months later than expected. This delay is assumed to be attributed to the extraordinarily high volume of written and oral submissions made in objection to the proposed development which could see the erection of 46 industrial wind turbines in Co. Meath.”
Doherty continued “for almost two years we have witnessed mammoth public outcry and given the hundreds upon hundreds of people who showed at the Oral Hearing before the summer, should planning be granted I really do fear for the worst!
“It is clear that the masses are utterly against this development, the proposed location of which is wrong on so many levels. Last June we saw ABP refuse planning permission for the development of Cregg Windfarm, also located in County Meath. The reasons provided by ABP for this rejection include unprecedented and undue interference to the landscape. If 6 turbines in North Meath are refused on these grounds, well then there is something seriously wrong if 46 industrial sized wind turbines are not considered to pose the same, let alone bigger, problem.”
Concluding Doherty said “I have said from day one that wind is one option in a wider plan for greener energy in Ireland. However, what I am absolutely and categorically against is forcing families and communities live and work within an industrial sized wind farm. The current planning guidelines permit for such an intrusion on our personal lives and I am truly disappointed that we have yet to see the publication of our revised guidelines from Minister White and Minister Kelly. This is our last chance to do what is right by the people of Meath.”
The Meath East TD said “this evening solicitors for An Bord Pleanala (ABP) issued a legal notice stating that the Board will make its decision with regard to the proposed development of Emlagh Windfarm in North Meath within the next fourteen days.
“Earlier this week the Board received the report from the Inspector some three months later than expected. This delay is assumed to be attributed to the extraordinarily high volume of written and oral submissions made in objection to the proposed development which could see the erection of 46 industrial wind turbines in Co. Meath.”
Doherty continued “for almost two years we have witnessed mammoth public outcry and given the hundreds upon hundreds of people who showed at the Oral Hearing before the summer, should planning be granted I really do fear for the worst!
“It is clear that the masses are utterly against this development, the proposed location of which is wrong on so many levels. Last June we saw ABP refuse planning permission for the development of Cregg Windfarm, also located in County Meath. The reasons provided by ABP for this rejection include unprecedented and undue interference to the landscape. If 6 turbines in North Meath are refused on these grounds, well then there is something seriously wrong if 46 industrial sized wind turbines are not considered to pose the same, let alone bigger, problem.”
Concluding Doherty said “I have said from day one that wind is one option in a wider plan for greener energy in Ireland. However, what I am absolutely and categorically against is forcing families and communities live and work within an industrial sized wind farm. The current planning guidelines permit for such an intrusion on our personal lives and I am truly disappointed that we have yet to see the publication of our revised guidelines from Minister White and Minister Kelly. This is our last chance to do what is right by the people of Meath.”
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Meaningful progress for children with disabilities
Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has said that the new programme for providing supports to children with disabilities in pre-school is a great day for educational equality for our children.
Speaking at the launch of the new programme, Doherty said “today is a great day for our children with disabilities, particularly those attending preschool. Accessibility to our education system was one of the primary reasons why I first entered into politics as two of my four children at home have learning disabilities.
“I knew quite quickly that I couldn’t influence meaningful change in our educational system from home and I am very proud to say that we have achieved a great amount for both children and adults living with disabilities in the last five years.
“I have worked closely with Minister for Children, James Reilly, and Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar, for many years and I am thrilled to say that more than 7,500 children will benefit from this truly inclusive care and education system. Early years are vital for all children and this new Government funded support model will certainly make a real difference to children with disabilities allowing them to fully participate in free pre-school in mainstream school.
“We have seen many reports on education and children with disabilities; however the key differentiator in this instance is that the findings and actions included in the IDG Report launched today is the Budget of €17 million to ensure we see its recommendations through to their fruition.
“This is a model of support that is built up around the needs and abilities of each child, and their parents. Disability is obviously a broad spectrum, with different levels of complexity. The seven levels of supports range from universal supports to highly targeted ones based on the needs of the individual child.
“The model of supports launched today include: enhanced continuing professional development for early years practitioners; grants for equipment, appliances and minor alterations, increased capitation for certain complex cases, as well as access to therapeutic intervention. A Cross-Sectoral Implementation Group has been established to oversee implementation, and to monitor and review progress as the new model is embedded across the system, to develop a pre-school sector that is truly inclusive.”
Concluding, Doherty said “my children are no longer of pre-school going age but I know first-hand the struggles that some parents and children with disabilities may bear when entering pre-school, or not as the case may be. Today’s announcements will certainly make life easier for so, so many, and will have long term benefits for our children as they progress through the education system.”
Speaking at the launch of the new programme, Doherty said “today is a great day for our children with disabilities, particularly those attending preschool. Accessibility to our education system was one of the primary reasons why I first entered into politics as two of my four children at home have learning disabilities.
“I knew quite quickly that I couldn’t influence meaningful change in our educational system from home and I am very proud to say that we have achieved a great amount for both children and adults living with disabilities in the last five years.
“I have worked closely with Minister for Children, James Reilly, and Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar, for many years and I am thrilled to say that more than 7,500 children will benefit from this truly inclusive care and education system. Early years are vital for all children and this new Government funded support model will certainly make a real difference to children with disabilities allowing them to fully participate in free pre-school in mainstream school.
“We have seen many reports on education and children with disabilities; however the key differentiator in this instance is that the findings and actions included in the IDG Report launched today is the Budget of €17 million to ensure we see its recommendations through to their fruition.
“This is a model of support that is built up around the needs and abilities of each child, and their parents. Disability is obviously a broad spectrum, with different levels of complexity. The seven levels of supports range from universal supports to highly targeted ones based on the needs of the individual child.
“The model of supports launched today include: enhanced continuing professional development for early years practitioners; grants for equipment, appliances and minor alterations, increased capitation for certain complex cases, as well as access to therapeutic intervention. A Cross-Sectoral Implementation Group has been established to oversee implementation, and to monitor and review progress as the new model is embedded across the system, to develop a pre-school sector that is truly inclusive.”
Concluding, Doherty said “my children are no longer of pre-school going age but I know first-hand the struggles that some parents and children with disabilities may bear when entering pre-school, or not as the case may be. Today’s announcements will certainly make life easier for so, so many, and will have long term benefits for our children as they progress through the education system.”
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