Upcoming Legislation - Week 11

GSOC Legislation & Criminal Justice (Suspended Sentences of Imprisonment) Bill 2016

Last week I joined my Cabinet colleagues in approving a proposal for legislation to be drafted to strengthen the powers of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC). The proposal by the Minister for Justice, Francis Fitzgerald, will ensure a strengthening of powers for GSOC in the course of investigating complaints against members of the Gardaí.

The Bill will now be drafted in consultation with a number of key stakeholders with a view to ensuring the mechanisms put in place by the state are adequate and that GSOC is adequately equipped to receive protected disclosures. Last week we also saw the Criminal Justice (Suspended Sentences of Imprisonment) Bill 2016 in the Dáil, which will ensure that the suspended sentences regime, an integral part of our criminal justice system, operates efficiently and effectively.

This Bill will allow for an appeals process for the triggering offence before consideration of the withdrawal of the suspended sentence. This crucial piece of legislation also gives provision for the Garda Síochána, the Governor of a prison or a probation officer to apply to the court for a hearing to revoke a suspended sentence in the instance of a breach of this sentence. 

Particularly in the context of the spate of thefts and burglaries that we have seen in recent months across county Meath, I am hopeful that this change in law will prevent these crimes taking place in our communities, many of which are performed by repeat offenders – a bleak reality which I was informed of when my own home was broken into last summer.

It is vitally important that we continue to ensure that the mechanisms of the state are equipped with the necessary laws to deal with threats to individuals and communities across Meath. I am delighted to have the opportunity to work closely with Minister Fitzgerald and my other Fine Gael and independent Ministers in my role as Government Chief Whip to ensure the delivery of just that.

Minister McGrath visits Prosper Meath

Funding needed for an expansion of services for disabilities in Meath

I extended an invite to Minister of State with special responsibility for disabilities, Finian McGrath, to visit Prosper Meath on Monday 27th February. I was delighted that Minister McGrath took the time to visit Prosper Meath and its service users in Ashbourne to witness first-hand the incredible work that takes place there every day. We made a compelling case to the Disabilities Minister for much needed capital investment.

I have been working closely with Prosper Meath for several years. What is clear is that there is a rapidly growing demand on the services provided by the Prosper team. We have already secured planning for 5,000 ft2 of land in Navan with a view to expanding services throughout the county. What is needed now is the necessary Capital Funding from the Department of Health – and that’s where I am doing everything in my power to bring the necessary capital investment to Meath.

I can say with confidence that my job has been made a lot easier following a stellar presentation by the Prosper team and its services users during the Minister's visit. The support that Prosper Meath provides is truly second-to-none. I have seen first-hand the impact that these services can have on the individual and indeed their family. The team behind Prosper provide gentle and encouraging care to service users hailing from Ashbourne, Meath, Dunshaughlin and Dunboyne.

It certainly did not take long for Minister McGrath to realise the value that this service has on an individual, family and community level. We had a very positive meeting with the Minister in Ashbourne who listened attentively to the needs of Prosper. I will continue to work closely with Minister McGrath and his officials with a view to procuring the necessary capital funding.

Upcoming Legislation - Week 6 2017

We have two pieces of upcoming legislation that I am very excited about. They are the Domestic Violence Bill and the Mediation Bill.

Domestic Violence Bill

• This Bill represents a very important piece of legislation for our country. It is intolerable in this day and age that people are allowed to suffer mental and physical abuse. We need to take a firm stand against domestic violence, which is why this Bill is very welcome. 


• This Bill will make it easier for those affected by domestic violence to find the protection they need. Let us not forget that women and children are disproportionately affected by violence in the home. 


• Measures included in legislation include the provision of a new emergency barring order which can last for up to eight working days. There will also be changes to the current law allowing victims to avoid appearing in court in person and can giving evidence via video link instead. 


• A further aspect of the Bill will make underage marriage a thing of the past.Fine Gael in Government is committed to the implementation of the Istanbul Convention on tackling Domestic Violence and the commitments contained in the recently published Second National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.

Mediation Bill

• The aim of the Bill is to promote mediation as an alternative to court proceedings, thereby reducing legal costs, speeding up the resolution of disputes and relieving the stress of court proceedings.


• The Bill obliges legal advisors (lawyers and barristers) to inform their clients as to the availability of mediation.


• Mediation can take place on agreement by both parties involved in a dispute.


• Mediation is a much quicker pathway to resolving disputes thus significantly reducing the cost of legal fees (court proceedings are often lengthy)


• Mediation is available to all and any parties willing to engage in the process.


• Agreements on the outcome of mediation, once agreed upon by all parties and the mediator, will be put in writing and are legally binding.


• The Mediation Bill makes provision for the future establishment of a self-financed Mediation Council which will be responsible for the regulation of mediation and mediators.

If you have any questions about these bills, you can contact me at Regina.Doherty@Oireachtas.ie

Action Plan for Education 2017

Action Plan for Education 2017

The quality of an Irish education has been one of the secrets to our success in the global economy. That reality has not changed, and education is still central to our ambitions as a nation. The Action Plan for Education is based on a simple goal - to make Ireland's education and training system the best in Europe within a decade. To achieve that, we will focus on a number of key areas.

Wellbeing

• Every school will be required to have dedicated guidance counselling time available for students
• A Junior Cycle Wellbeing programme will be implemented
• 10 additional NEPS psychologists will be appointed
• A wellbeing steering committee will be established to develop a policy statement and identify gaps in existing services, which we will then rectify

Technology in Education

• The implementation of computer science as a leaving cert subject is being brought forward 12 months to September 2018
• A new primary level maths curriculum will see students taught computational thinking and coding
• A new advisory group led by industry and educational experts will be established to develop new plans for greater use of technology in education 

Disadvantage

• We will shortly be publishing our plan for future supports to tackle educational disadvantage
• We will be building on existing DEIS supports, with new schools being phased into DEIS from next September
• A School Excellence Fund will be developed and a pilot commenced, and commence pilot, initially in DEIS schools

Skills: 

• 13 new apprenticeships and 2 new traineeships will be developed in 2017
• Work experience at post primary level will be reviewed
• Innovative responses will be developed to address skills shortages in ICT languages and biopharma
• Quarterly meetings will be held between education and enterprise 

Research

• New initiatives to attract world-leading researchers to Ireland, particularly in the context of Brexit

Costs

• We will be publishing a strong circular with an emphasis on reducing costs to parents, including school uniform costs

After School Care Provision

• Guidelines will be published for the use of school buildings out of hours, following engagement with property owners and school authorities (e.g. to provide afterschool care provision for school age children to offer more options and flexibility to parents)

Languages

• A new foreign languages strategy will be published to outline new languages options, with ambitious targets
• Consideration will be given to greater use of “CLIL”, or teaching of mainstream subjects through second and third languages, as means of teaching Irish and other languages in a more effective way at primary and secondary

Gaeltacht

• The Gaeltacht Education Strategy will be implemented, and arrangements for a Gaeltacht school recognition process will be published

Infrastructure

• 46 large-scale building projects will be completed
• 6,000 additional permanent post primary places will be provided in 2017

Special Educational Needs

• The new model for allocation of teachers in mainstream schools to support children with SEN will be introduced
• A new Inclusion Support Service will be established
• A comprehensive assessment of the Special Needs Assistants (SNA) scheme will be completed

Third level

• A new higher education funding model (RGAM) will be in place for the 2018 budget
• A policy review will be published to design and implement a multi-annual funding model involving increased Exchequer and employer contributions from 2018
• Drafting of Higher Education Reform Bill will be finalised

Meath's Roads make a "Compelling Case" to Minister Ross

This week I was delighted to invite Meath County Council (MCC) CEO Jackie Maguire, Minister English, Minister McEntee, Senator Butler, Fine Gael Whip Cllr Gerry O'Connor and a number of MCC planning and engineering officials to Government buildings to meet with the Minister for Transport, Shane Ross. We were there to address the issue of funding for Meath's roads.

There was fantastic energy in the room from the Meath contingent who presented a thorough and realistic case to the Minister. There are several vulnerable points in our road network in Meath primarily that of our regional and local roads which are under growing pressure.

The nature of our transport needs in Meath is entirely unique to that of other counties, given the rate of our economic and population growth - the fastest growing in the country. Minister Ross showed a great interest in our country's situation, which he indicated to be a ‘compelling case’. He will be considering any further assistance his Department may be able to provide.

For the last number of years Meath has received funding and investment which has regularly been increased by between €1-2 million on the basis of appeals by MCC and public representatives. While I welcome the continued positive response from the Department and its respective Ministers over the years, this is not a sustainable means of addressing our deteriorating local and regional road networks in Meath.

A long-term county wide plan is something which was requested at this week’s meeting – a recommendation which was certainly welcomed and agreed on in principal. MCC has committed to working closely with the Department to ensure that this plan is as efficient and comprehensive as is necessary.

Meath’s population continues to grow which, coupled with recent national and multi-national investment from companies such as Facebook, Shire and Avoca, is in urgent need to be met with adequate investment on our road network. This critical national infrastructure is paramount and is the basis on which people travel to work, goods are transported to and from the county and visitors arrive from near and far. If we want our economic growth to continue we must provide the necessary foundation upon which this growth will take place – connectivity.

2016 Docklands Business Awards

Government Chief Whip celebrates accomplishments of Dublin Docklands Business Community

Meath East Minister of State and Government Chief Whip Regina Doherty has joined the Docklands Business Forum in recognising and celebrating the extraordinary accomplishments of the area’s business community.

The Meath based Minister said “I was delighted to speak this evening at the Docklands Business Forum’s awards ceremony which has recognised an impressive scope of achievements, ranging from excellence in innovation, lifestyle, local business and responsible business.

“These awards do not only demonstrate the community activity evident in the Dockland area but also displays to the wider national and international audience the level of vibrancy and economic activity that inhabits this area of Dublin.

“Despite living in Meath for over twenty years, as a Dublin native, I know that this part of the city was not always the shining example of city living and business activity that it is today. This area of the Dublin docks had for centuries been the hub around which the commercial life of the city revolved. The great, Gandon designed, Customs House was built as a gateway to dockland Dublin, and one of the many fine buildings dotted around Dublin which stand as examples set in stone of the ambition and optimism with which Georgian Dublin viewed its future.

“The members of the Dockland Business Forum are the inheritors of the ambitions of the past, both ancient and recent, for this area and this city. Chairman Michael Noel Harte, CEO Alan Robinson with the staff and members of the Docklands Business Forum are providing the leadership, hard work and vision for the future which is essential for this area to not just survive but thrive in the current economic climate.

“I know that the Forum is looking towards the future and how the untapped potential of the river Liffey and the wider Dublin Bay area, central to the historic function of the docklands, can be used to encourage tourism and the economic development of boating and marine activities. It is fitting that the river that was the life blood of the economy of the docklands in the past now has the potential to again contribute to the economic growth of this area in a different and innovative way. I wish those involved in developing that potential well.”

Concluding, Government Chief Whip and Minister of State, Regina Doherty said “It would be naive not to accept that the economic crisis of the last decade had a significant impact upon those working and living in the Docklands area. Like every part of our country the business people, employees and local residence in this area felt the devastating consequences of economic downturn. The businesses in the Docklands have been central to driving our economic recovery not just in Dublin but nationwide. The results of this recovery can be seen most clearly in the continuing decline in the number of people on the live register. We are now seeing the benefits of five years of focusing on job creation through initiatives such as the Action Plan for Jobs and that is thanks to the efforts of businesses such as those based in the Docklands and people such as those honoured here tonight.”

ESB Update - Ashbourne

Letter received from Seán Murphy, Manager Public Affairs, ESB



Dear Minister Doherty,

I write to brief you on the fault that occurred this morning.

At 7.15am this morning, a power outage occurred to the north of Ashbourne, with the initial loss of power to 2,915 customers.  This was quickly reduced to just under 200 customers who remained off until before 12:00 when the problem was rectified.  

This was not a transient fault, but was as a result of a line coming down in a field. ESB Networks are working to establish the root cause of this at present.
 
In recent months, ESB Networks has undertaken significant works to improve the quality of supply within the Ashbourne area, in particular it has implemented improvements which mitigate against transient faults and also, help to isolate and return supply to customers faster.  

Whilst this was not a transient fault, these modifications helped isolate the fault and expedited the return of supply to the majority of customers.  
 
ESB Networks is committed to improving the supply in this area and will be undertaking further improvements in the Ashbourne area over coming months.  

We would like to take this opportunity to apologise for any inconvenience caused by this fault.  
 
Sincerely,

Seán Murphy,
Manager Public Affairs, ESB

Agri Cashflow Support Loan Scheme Update

Progress on low cost agriculture loan scheme is good news for Meath farmers

Minister of State and Government Chief Whip Regina Doherty has confirmed that progress has been made on the establishment of the ‘Agri Cashflow Support Loan Scheme’, which she says is good news for Meath farmers.

“The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed TD, has confirmed to me that important progress has been made in the establishment of the ‘Agri Cashflow Support Loan Scheme’, which is very positive news for farmers in Meath. The Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) has now invited banks and other lenders to take part in the new loan scheme that will make €150 million available to primary agriculture SMEs, including farmers. It is hoped that loans will be available through the participating financial institutions early in 2017. Minister Creed has spoken to the main banks and urged them to participate.

“Under the scheme, farmers will be able to borrow up €150,000 for up to six years, at a low cost interest rate of 2.95%, which is far cheaper than the rate they would get if they pursued other forms of finance. The loans will also be flexible, with interest only facilities of up to three years.

“The long period of lower commodity prices has had a real impact on the cashflow of many farmers here in Meath and this low cost loan scheme is going to be hugely beneficial to them in mitigating that. The whole idea of this scheme is to help farmers improve the management of their cashflow and reduce the cost of their short-term borrowings. 

“Fine Gael is working to ensure that the economic progress we have made in Government is used to benefit everyone in society. This means prioritising our agri-food sector and supporting farmers to face the challenges caused by price volatility, particularly in light of the Brexit vote.

“The ‘Agri Cashflow Support Loan Scheme’ forms part of Minister Creed’s ‘three pillar strategy’ in response to income volatility, announced in the recent Budget.  Along with tax measures and farm payments, it will alleviate some of the pressures being caused by the current market difficulties, including currency fluctuation in the aftermath of the Brexit referendum.

“We are determined to support farmers here in Meath to improve their working capital position and provide them with longer-term financial stability”.

Meath Towns and Villages to benefit from €380,000 under Renewal Scheme

Minister Regina Doherty TD
Government Chief Whip
Meath East

4^th November 2016

Meath Towns and Villages to benefit from €380,000 under Renewal Scheme – Doherty

Meath East Minister of State and Government Chief Whip Regina Doherty has said that towns and villages in Meath are to benefit from funding under the €10m Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

“My colleague, the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Heather Humphreys, has today (Friday) announced that 172 towns and villages across the country are set to benefit from €10 million in funding under the 2016 Town and Village Renewal Scheme. 

“The delivery of an enhanced Town and Village Scheme in time for Budget 2017 was a commitment in the Programme for A Partnership Government. Under Budget 2017, Minister Humphreys also announced that she has secured increased funding for the scheme for 2017, when €12 million will be made available to towns and villages in Meath and across the country. 

“The funding awarded to towns and villages in Meath is being used for a wide variety of projects, identified by Meath County Council, in conjunction with local community groups and businesses in Meath. These include improving playgrounds and footpaths, tourism amenities, public art pieces and a wide range of works to improve the streetscape and public realm of towns and villages nationwide, to help make towns and villages in Meath more attractive and more sustainable places in which to live and work.

The following local projects are to receive funding:

- Duleek - €63,300 for Streetscape and Traffic management
- Dunshaughlin - €31,450 for footpaths
- Ratoath - €31,450 for Signage, road surfacing and footpaths
- Skryne - €31,450 for footpaths
- Stamullen - €31,450 for pedestrian crossings & footpaths
- Dunderry - €63,000 for provision of footpaths
- Enfield - €62,900 for footpaths
- €65,000 – final project TBC with Meath County Council

“We are determined to get this funding out to rural Meath as quickly as possible. Now that the projects have been approved, work can get underway on improving Meath’s towns and villages.

“This scheme is an important part of Fine Gael’s commitment to rejuvenate and revitalise rural Ireland. We are also rolling out a range of other initiatives, including the REDZ scheme, the recently reopened CLÁR scheme and the Rural Recreation Scheme. In addition, work on the Action Plan for Rural Development is progressing well.

Rural development is a key priority for Fine Gael. Our towns and villages are the heart of our rural communities, but many of them are still recovering from the economic downturn. The Town and Village Renewal Scheme is designed to help breath life back into our rural towns and villages here in Meath.”

Significant investment in Ashbourne will prevent future power outages

Minister Regina Doherty TD
Government Chief Whip
Meath East

4th November 2016


Significant investment in Ashbourne will prevent future power outages - Doherty

Meath East Minister of State and Government Chief Whip Regina Doherty has said that Ashbourne is to receive significant investment which will prevent future power outages in the town following a meeting with Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Denis Naughton.

The local Minister said “We have recorded a total of 25 power outages in Ashbourne town throughout the summer months of June, July and August, which is the known peak time for outages nationally throughout the calendar year. Hundreds of Ashbourne based businesses and residents were affected as a result of this high occurrence of power outages. 

“I have been working closely alongside local Councillor Alan Tobin with the key stakeholders affected by these power outages including business owners, residents and the Ashbourne Chamber with a view to collecting information as to how the intermittent supply of power to Ashbourne has been affecting people’s daily lives. 

“I subsequently arranged a meeting with Minister Denis Naughton and invited his Department Officials and representatives from the ESB with a view to establishing a solution for Ashbourne and eliminating such high instances of power outages in our town. 

“Both the Department and the ESB were incredibly co-operative and accommodating as to the concerns presented to them at our meeting in Government Buildings yesterday. Minister Naughton and his delegation presented us with a number of reasons identified as the cause of our outages and the solution and investment which is already underway with a view to eliminating future power cuts in the town.

“The nuts and bolts of this solution will see a separation of supply between rural and urban Ashbourne to allow for greater continuity on the basis of needs of a particular demographic.  

“Some of the 25 outages were due to lightening, others due to bird strikes, whatever the reason there is no doubt about it – this issue can be rectified and will be. 

“I await a complete breakdown from the ESB as to the investment in our local critical infrastructure, however, Ashbourne is without doubt a priority for the Department and the ESB with on the ground works and network amendments to be completed no later than the second quarter of 2017. Without the provision of a long-term solution for Ashbourne’s power supply issues will see hefty regulatory fines placed on ESB which I know they are keen to avoid. 

“Many of the technical and infrastructural solutions currently in progress by the ESB could be implemented much sooner, however, due consideration must be given local landowners to allow for seasonal tillage and construction projects.”

Concluding, Minister Doherty said “I will circulate the specifics of the solution for continuity of power supply for Ashbourne as soon as I have received them from the Department. I look forward to next summer when these works will be completed and we will see a noted reduction in power outages during its peak season. This is a priority for the Minister, his Department and the ESB and I will continue to make representations to all bodies until we see this solution through to its fruition.” 

Ridgeway's Investment means Jobs for Meath

Ridgeway’s recent expansion and boost in business cannot go un-noted in the context of the current economic climate – Doherty

Meath East Minister of State and Government Chief Whip Regina Doherty has today officially opened Ridgeway’s newest depot in Ashbourne, Co. Meath.

The Meath based Minister, speaking at the opening this morning said “it certainly comes as no surprise that Ridgeway has joined many other national and multinational companies in coming to County Meath. Facebook, Shire and Ridgeway alike, have chosen to locate in Meath due to its close proximity to Dublin Airport, Dublin Port and the M50, notwithstanding the abundance of highly skilled and educated work-force located across the county. 


“The decision to locate in Ashbourne was indeed primarily based on the town’s infrastructure and extensive connectivity, however, there has been a welcomed boost in business from new customers in the immediacy of South Meath and North Dublin.  Ridgeway’s recent expansion and boost in business providing supplies to the construction and engineering industries cannot go un-noted in the context of the current climate of the national economy.” 

Doherty continued “our economy is stronger now than it was before the economic crash - the fastest growing in Europe in 2015 (GDP). It is through the facilitation of a practical environment in which to do business, Ridgeway, through its continued growth since its establishment in 1969 at its first premises in Belfast, is one of many contributors to the drop in Ireland’s unemployment rate which is now down to 7.9% since its peak of 15.1% in 2011. 

“Ridgeway, in all of its operations both north and south of the border, with its strong ability to trade nationally, is supporting local economies by employing locally and procuring supplies locally. Providing everything from fencing, scaffolding and building products to workwear, Ridgeway’s most recent investment is reflective of the reawakening from a slumber of 9 years (plus) for the construction industry. 

“I have lost count of the amount of opening and re-opening ceremonies of businesses I have attended, both locally and nationally, since January, with several more scheduled before the year is out. This Government continues to support job creation, which is also reflected in the announcement earlier this week of €22.3 million in funding for the research of 40 major research projects to include the promotion of industry collaboration.”

Concluding, Doherty said “we have not yet managed to get everybody back to work, or bring all of our economic migrant sons, daughters, nieces and nephews home to work; however, our stable Partnership Government will continue to deliver on our promise to do just that.” 

Fine Gael makes childcare more affordable

Fine Gael makes childcare more affordable for thousands of hard pressed families – Doherty

Families with children aged 6 mths - 3 yrs to receive universal payment

Fine Gael TD for Meath East and Government Chief Whip Minister Regina Doherty, has said that in Budget 2017 Fine Gael has ensured that childcare is made more affordable for thousands of hard pressed families. 

‘This is a budget for families – young and old. The childcare package is a signature element of this. In Budget 2017 Fine Gael is taking another step forward in supporting parents back into work or education, by designing more accessible and affordable childcare. The new scheme will be both universal and targeted in its approach.
  
“I know that affordable and quality childcare is on the mind of every parent, either in work or considering the cost of going back to work. Today, we are announcing measures that will help those families in a real and practical way. Starting next September, we are introducing a robust new scheme that is fair and built on the principles of equality of opportunity, enterprise and reward.

“I am particularly delighted to see Fine Gael’s election proposal for universal childcare support for parents of children aged 6 months to 3 years being implemented in this Budget.  It bridges that gap between a return to work after maternity leave and the start of the Free Pre School Years. This payment will go directly to the registered childcare provider, whether that is a crèche or a registered childminder, in line with international best practice. It will provide support to parents whose child is in fulltime childcare, to the value of €960 per year.

‘In Budget 2017 there is also increased support for parents who choose to stay at home and care for their children. The Homecarer’s Tax Credit is being increased by 10%, from €1,000 to €1,100.

“The Early Years are a priority for Fine Gael in supporting young children, but also their parents juggling so many different things. Fine Gael is using the benefits of a strong economy to improve people’s lives and as well as the affordable childcare schemes we have introduced: 
- a second free pre-school year (saving parents on average €4,000 per child)
- two weeks paid Paternity Leave for new fathers 
- free GP care for under 6s. 

“We cannot achieve all we want to in one year, but we are using the benefits of a strong economy to improve people’s lives and make childcare more affordable for hard pressed families.”

National Broadband Plan Update

“It’s a decision on the scale and significance of rural electrification in the last century” – Minister for Communications Denis Naughten TD

 High Speed Broadband one step closer as key decisions by Cabinet moves NBP procurement process into formal dialogue phase

·        Government chooses ownership model for NBP network

·        Up to 170k additional premises to be addressed as part of NBP

·        Procurement moves to next stage, with qualified bidders to be invited to participate in dialogue

Speaking after the Government meeting today, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Denis Naughten, T.D., has announced three key milestones in the delivery of the largest ever telecommunications procurement undertaken by the State.  Minister Naughten said: “Today marks an important milestone in the process of delivering high speed broadband to every citizen and premises in Ireland.  This procurement is on the scale and significance of rural electrification in the last Century.”

Ownership Decision

Following a recommendation by Minister Naughten the Government has today chosen the Commercial Stimulus Model as the optimum ownership model for the network that will be part-funded by the Exchequer under the procurement process.  The Government considered two ownership models, having narrowed the options down last December, from five models. The two models are:

a)      Commercial Stimulus (or ‘Gap Funding’) – the private sector finances, designs, builds, owns and operates the network, with contractual obligations to the Department.

b)      Full Concession – the private sector finances, designs, builds and operates the network with contractual obligations to the Department.  The asset is handed back to the State after 25 years.

Minister Naughten stressed that both Models would deliver “the same network, with the same service specifications and controls, for 25 years. In both models, the winning bidder(s) will be subject to stringent contract provisions to ensure that the network delivers quality, affordable high speed broadband to all parts of Ireland that cannot currently access services”.

The Minister said that his Department had commissioned detailed costings, “down to every individual home in the Intervention Area” and on that basis, had modelled the likely cost of each ownership model.

“While I recognise the potential long-term value in the State owning any network that is built, I am advised that under a Full Concession Model, the entire cost of the project would  be placed on the Government’s Balance Sheet, with serious implications for the available capital funding over the next five to six years.  Given that both models will deliver the same services and be governed by an almost identical contract(s), I cannot justify reducing the amount of money available to Government for other critical priorities such as Climate Change, Housing and Health, over the next six years”. The Minister stated that two models differed principally after 25 years, when the asset would either revert to the State, or to the full control of a commercial telecoms operator. “I am confident that we can put in place measures to ensure that services continue after 25 years, in the case of the Commercial Stimulus model” Minister Naughten said. In this regard, he noted that he has already raised the question of a Universal Service Obligation (USO) for High Speed Broadband, at EU level. He is also in discussion with ComReg about a form of USO in areas where commercial providers have already built high speed broadband networks, but where issues might arise with new-builds.

Mapping

Minister Naughten also announced today, his intention to change the High Speed Broadband Map published by his Department last December, to include up to 170,000 more premises in the “AMBER” area.  This is to take account of commercial telecoms investment which has not materialised and for which the Department does not have any concrete alternative investment plans from the sector.

Minister Naughten said “the NBP aims to deliver high speed broadband to every home, school and business in Ireland. This is being achieved through a combination of investment by the telecoms sector, primarily in cities and towns across Ireland, and a State-led Intervention, predominantly in rural areas, where there is no certainty that the telecoms sector will invest”.  

The Minister noted that the State intervention would deal conclusively with connectivity issues in rural Ireland and that all 757,000 premises currently in the AMBER area on the Department’s High Speed Broadband Map would ultimately have access to quality, affordable services, as a result of the current procurement process. “I have a responsibility however to ensure that nobody is left behind” Minister Naughten said. “For this reason, my Department has been closely monitoring the rollout of services by the commercial telecoms sector in the so-called “BLUE” areas on the High Speed Broadband Map”. As a result of this monitoring, and dialogue with industry, it has emerged that there are up to 170,000 premises of the 1.6m premises in the BLUE area, for which there is no certainty that services will be provided. The Minister noted that work was ongoing in the Department to identify the exact number and location of premises involved.

This work will conclude in the coming months and will be reflected in an updated High Speed Broadband Map. In the meantime, the Department will inform qualified bidders in the procurement process, that the Intervention area is likely to expand by up to 170,000 premises.

The Minister stressed that the addition of up to 170,000 premises in the Intervention Area would not in any way, hold up the procurement process, or the rollout of services, as many of the premises are likely to be on the border between existing BLUE and AMBER areas.

The Minister also encouraged members of the public to contact the Department with any queries in relation to their premises. Members of the public can access the map at broadband.gov.ie and can scroll through the map, enter their eircode, or address to find their own premises. The Department also has a dedicated mail box – broadband@dcenr.gov.ie and members of the public are encouraged to contact the Department with their eircode with any queries in relation to services in their area.

Procurement Process

The Minister also noted that the first two stages of the formal procurement process for the State Intervention is now complete. “The Pre-qualification process commenced on 22 December 2015”, Minister Naughten said. “Responses were received from 5 companies, representing 32 consortia on 31 March 2016”. These responses have been evaluated by the Department from a technical, financial and legal compliance perspective. A number of companies have now qualified to proceed to the next stage of the procurement process and all companies are being notified today”.

The next stage of the procurement process is the Invitation to Participate in Dialogue, in which qualified bidders will be invited to formally dialogue with the Department, based on detailed schedules drawn up by the Department, which give detail on the various aspects of the updated Intervention Strategy published in December 2015. The Minister noted that the ambition of the programme was to have formal contract(s) in place by June 2017, with the network build commencing as quickly as possible thereafter. The key steps in the procurement process are as follows:

·         Step 1: Publication of the Pre-qualification Questionnaire (PQQ)  - this step was launched on 22 December 2015;

·         Step 2: Five responses received to the PQQ, by the deadline of 31 March (which was extended by one month, from 29 February to 31 March at the request of bidders). These responses have been evaluated and at the end of June 2016, the qualifying bidders will be invited to commence dialogue with the Department;

·         Step 3: The commencement of detailed dialogue with qualifying bidders, in relation to technical, commercial and governance matters (Invitation to Participate in Dialogue). Commencing July 2016;

·         Step 4: Following the dialogue outlined in Step 3, bidders will be invited to submit detailed solutions for further dialogue (Invitation to Submit Detailed Solutions) ;

·         Step 4a: Bidders submit detailed solutions for evaluation;

·         Step 5: Bidders will be invited to submit final, formal tenders following dialogue;

·         Step 5a: Bidders submit formal tenders;

·         Step 6: The formal tenders submitted by qualified bidders will be evaluated;

·         Step 7: Preferred bidder or bidders are identified;

·         Step 8: A 25 year contract or contracts will be awarded  - 2017.

The timing of each stage of the procurement is dependent on a number of factors including the number of bidders and the complexities that may be encountered during the process. 

Ends

	Press Office
	Department of Communications, Energy & Natural Resources 29-31 Adelaide Road, Dublin, D02 X285, Ireland www.dcenr.ie | @dcenr T:+353 1 678 2441 | M:087 6937 580 | E:Press.Office@dcenr.gov.ie

National Broadband Plan Presentation

Rural broadband is a key issue for many of my constituents, so it was great to be briefed by Minister for Communications, Denis Naughten, on the National Broadband Plan. There are many areas in Meath; businesses, schools, and homes, that still need an adequate internet connection, so it's good to see progress being made. I will continue to work on your behalf with the Department and the Minister until everyone in Meath has the broadband connection that they're entitled to.

I have included a copy of the presentation below, which you can review. If you have any questions or queries, you can reach me at Regina.Doherty@oireachtas.ie

Click here for the National Broadband Plan Presentation

Doherty urges eligible parents to apply for Back to School allowance

Fine Gael TD for Meath East, and Minister of State at the Department of An Taoiseach, Regina Doherty, is reminding families that the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance will be made available again this year, and urged families who are not automatically entitled to make an application before the August deadline.

Minister Doherty said “The support provided through the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance helps parents to help with the cost of the new school year. The Department of Social Protection has allocated €38.8 million for the payments this year. I would remind families, who do not automatically receive the allowance, that they can still make an application before the August deadline.

“In 2015 over 153,000 families with 281,000 children benefited from the payments. The payment rate is €100 for each child aged 4 to 11 and €200 for children aged 12 to 22.

“As in previous years, a large proportion of Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance payments will be fully automated and no application form will be required. Letters will issue in the week ending 10th June informing families of their entitlement and notifying them of the expected payment which will be made during the week ending 15th July.”

Concluding, Doherty said “Further payments will be made for applications submitted to the Department of Social Protection. Application forms will be available in Department of Social Protection offices, via the Department’s SMS form request service and by download from www.welfare.ie from 10th June 2016. Further details of the application process for the 2016 payments will be made available at a later date.

Still time to apply for carers support grant as deadline looms

Fine Gael TD for Meath East, and Minister of State at the Department of An Taoiseach, Regina Doherty, has today urged carers to apply for the support grant, if not automatically eligible, which is due to be paid at the end of this week.

The Meath East TD said “this morning the Minister for Social Protection advised that over 86,000 carers are due to receive their support grant by the end of this week. This grant is automatically paid to some carers; however, I would urge anyone eligible who has not yet made an application, to do so as soon as possible in order to as soon as possible, there is still time.

“I know many carers in Meath will welcome the full restoration of the carers grant to its previous level of €1,700, following cuts to the grant during the economic crisis, which is paid to carers who are already in receipt of schemes such as Carers Allowance, Carers Benefit and Domiciliary Care Allowance.

“Other full-time carers, who are not in receipt of these schemes, can also apply for the support grant, which was formally known as the Respite Care Grant. The grant is an annual payment available to all carers providing full-time care and attention to an older person or a child or adult with a disability, regardless of their means or PRSI contributions.”

Continuing, Doherty said “the Government is very aware of the vital service provided by carers. The Department of Social Protection provides funding to support training for carers and in the last two years, over €900,000 has been provided to 16 groups, including €300,000 to Family Carers Ireland. The estimated expenditure on the Carer’s Support Grant this year is €157.6 million.”

Concluding, Minister Doherty said “I would urge anyone who is currently working in the capacity of a carer to consider applying for this grant before the scheme closes for the year in the coming days. There is still time to make an application, and I would invite anyone in need of assistance in making their application to contact my office on 01 8257204.”

Eirgrid arrogant and disrespectful

Fine Gael TD for Meath East, and Minister of State Regina Doherty, who attended the final day of the An Bord Pleanala (ABP) Oral Hearing today, said in her closing statement that Eirgrid, has behaved with what can only be described as arrogance, and with very little respect for the public, affected communities and landowners.
The Meath East TD said “this afternoon I made my final oral submission at the ABP Oral Hearing for the North South Interconnector. I joined a room full of landowners, concerned parents and business owners in contributing to the closing statements of this public consultation process.

“I can only describe the behaviour of Eirgrid, throughout this whole public consultation process as arrogant and gravely lacking in respect for the public. I noted this afternoon in my closing statement, that it is almost exactly ten years since I first attended a public meeting in Trim, organised by NEPPC, for the initial proposal for the North South Interconnector.

“I find it incredibly difficult to fathom, exactly how Eirgird, ten years later, have made so many last minute, but substantial, changes to their planning application, despite having had six years since their initial application to ABP for the interconnector.”

Continuing, Doherty said “for the second time, we have seen a planning application from Eirgrid which is inherently flawed, in the form of what one can only assume to be carefully choreographed changes to 50 access routes, which have left both members of the public, and affected landowners, completely in the dark.

“As a result, we have been left unable to engage with these changes, and I am reliably informed, that some affected landowners have not even been notified by Eirgrid as to these changes, despite Eirgrid stating otherwise.

“Eirgrid, has essentially robbed Meath landowners and communities from being able to partake in what should have been a thoroughly democratic and transparent public consultation. I also share the confusion which was voiced in the room today as to whether ABP will be adjudicating upon this planing application either with, or without, the extensive amendments to access routes presented by Eirgird.

Concluding, Doherty said “again, I echoed the striking absence of a fully costed alternative undergrounding, or partial undergrounding, of the interconnector, which, in and of itself, most are in agreement is a much needed upgrade to our critical national infrastructure. We cannot, and will not, take Eirgird on its word, that undergrounding is not feasible for long-term viability and sustainability reasons, given its behaviour of late, and particularly its CEO, Mr Slye’s admission at an Oireachtas Committee that undergrounding is technically feasible.

Pictured with Padraig O'Reilly and Amy Treacy from the NEPPC

“I would like to congratulate all of the members of the NEPPC, and indeed the many hundreds of people who have together invested a considerable amount of time in presenting both written and oral submission to the board. Without their efforts, we would not have been in a position to make such a strong and thorough submission to the Board.” 

Doherty welcomes removal of Green Bin charge

Fine Gael TD, and Minister of State, Regina Doherty, has welcomed the decision by Minister Simon Coveney, to remove the mandatory minimum pay by weight charge for the collection of recyclable (green bin) waste as part of the new household waste collection regime.

"I believe it was the right decision to drop the green bin charge, as it will encourage even more people to recycle.

"I also welcome the introduction of paying by weight for other non-recyclable house hold waste. In accordance with the polluter-pays principle, the new scheme will give households more control of their waste costs and should provide better value for households, who prevent waste and recycle.

"Moreover, it will stimulate the prevention of waste and ensure a more environmentally sustainable approach to the management of waste in Ireland.

"As a knock-on effect of this, it will help Ireland achieve current and future EU waste targets in relation to recycling rates and the diversion of recyclable and biodegradable waste from landfill. This is crucial for Ireland’s economy and our international reputation.

"It is the quintessential win-win situation, as this new scheme is also expected to result in job creation, as a result of the processing of increasing quantities of recycling and organic waste."