This Thursday, October 27th, when the nation will choose a new President, you will also be asked to vote on two important referenda which would change the wording of our Constitution.
You will be asked whether or not you feel the Irish parliament should be given stronger powers to investigate matters of public importance. This will put a new system in place that is quicker and much more cost-effective than the lengthy tribunals that we have seen drag on for years in the past.
In 2002, a Supreme Court judgement in the Abbeylara Case found that there was legal doubt regarding the power of the Oireachtas – that is the Dáil and the Seanad - to carry out inquiries. The Government believes this must be addressed to ensure accountability in public life, which has been seriously lacking in recent times.
If passed, the 30th Amendment to the Constitution (Houses of the Oireachtas Inquiries) Bill, 2011, will strengthen our democracy so that inquiries in the public interest can be carried out in our national parliament. These sort of investigative powers are already the norm in other parliaments across the world.
It will provide a transparent and effective alternative which will mean that those responsible for failures which have cost the public dearly can be held properly to account.
I firmly believe that those who have failed the public dearly should be held to account. A system of stronger Oireachtas investigation would provide a transparent and effective alternative to tribunals. Fine Gael wants to strengthen the power of parliament to act on behalf of the people to secure accountability in our society in areas where significant systemic failures have taken place. A ‘Yes’ vote will ensure that this happens.
Inquiries will be fairly conducted, clearly defined and carried out in a cost-efficient way and any attempt to harm the constitutional rights and liberties of the individual, as has been suggested by some, will be rigorously safeguarded against. Under the proposed new system, fair procedures must be abided.
This referendum will not to serve the Government of the day or any one particular party-political agenda. In the spirit of the current Committee system, it will provide for a cross-party parliamentary system of inquiry which will ensure that matters of general public importance that come to light can be subjected to full investigation and rigorous inquiry. We want a system whereby costs are reduced and all parties work together to investigate key issues affecting the people of Ireland.
I believe that for too long people who have let this country down have not been held accountable for their actions. A ‘Yes’ vote on the 27th will ensure that we can get to the bottom of the issues closest to people’s hearts and build a more open, transparent and inclusive society for all. Through the banking crisis and our economic demise, spending scandals in the public service and the arrival of the IMF, many people rightly felt that questions have gone unanswered. We now have a chance to get answers to these questions.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
Ashbourne Badminton Club FUNDRAISER
Friday 18th November 2011
8.00pm sharp
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€40 - Tables of 4
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Friday, October 21, 2011
Doherty Criticises Banks for Indignation over Possibility of Regulation
Meath East TD, Regina Doherty has this week criticised those within the banking sector who have hit out at the statement made by Financial Regulator, Matthew Elderfield, late last week.
In the wake of the request by the Financial Regulator for banks to cease raising interest rates on customers’ variable rate mortgages and the threatened action if they fail to comply with this request, members of the banking sector have come out to say that it would be unfair to impose such policy and restrictions on them.
Deputy Regina Doherty is incredulous “When, in their eyes, is the right time to regulate their sector? It seems to me that the banking sector believe themselves above regulation.”
The Deputy goes further to say “People in this country are paying for banking mistakes of the past. We are paying for the reckless lending and irresponsibility of those who acted without thought from 2003 onwards.”
“The audacity of those from within the sector who have gone on public record to state that the banks need to ‘recoup their losses’ and that regulating interest rates would limit this amazes me. They are no longer in a position to dictate to policy makers or people of this country. It is time that responsibility was accepted and they realise that changes need to be made. They owe the people of Ireland, who have bailed them out, that much.”
In the wake of the request by the Financial Regulator for banks to cease raising interest rates on customers’ variable rate mortgages and the threatened action if they fail to comply with this request, members of the banking sector have come out to say that it would be unfair to impose such policy and restrictions on them.
Deputy Regina Doherty is incredulous “When, in their eyes, is the right time to regulate their sector? It seems to me that the banking sector believe themselves above regulation.”
The Deputy goes further to say “People in this country are paying for banking mistakes of the past. We are paying for the reckless lending and irresponsibility of those who acted without thought from 2003 onwards.”
“The audacity of those from within the sector who have gone on public record to state that the banks need to ‘recoup their losses’ and that regulating interest rates would limit this amazes me. They are no longer in a position to dictate to policy makers or people of this country. It is time that responsibility was accepted and they realise that changes need to be made. They owe the people of Ireland, who have bailed them out, that much.”
Tourism is doing its part to aid our recovery
Deputy Regina Doherty, TD for Meath East believes that tourism is doing its part to aid Ireland’s recovery. This statement comes as today with the publication of CSO figures on overseas travel from the period January 2011 to August 2011.
Deputy Doherty says “these figures show an increase of 11% in the number of visitor to Ireland in comparison to this time in 2010. 4.5million people visited Ireland within the first eight months of this year, this is huge, it is the biggest growth within the industry since 2007.”
Deputy Doherty points out that “We have had a fantastic year in terms of tourist ‘attractions’. Nationally we had President Obama’s visit and the Visit by the Queen. But locally, in County Meath, as well as having our heritage sites which the OPW allowed free access to the first Wednesday of every month over the summer period, we had our own tourism attractions, like the Solhiem Cup in Kileen Castle.
“The reduction of VAT rates for restaurants etc. to 9%, the halving of employer PRSI for those on modest wages and the introduction of the tourist visa waiver are just a few initiatives by Government which added to the success of the tourism industry so far this year.”
“I am excited for the future plans announced by the Minister for Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar TD at the Global Irish Forum, to launch a year-long national arts and event programme for 2013-The Gathering. I hope that this too will have the same positive effect of the last number of months. I also very much look forward to seeing what we as residents of Meath can contribute to this year-long festival which is hoped will attract and additional 300,000 visitors.”
Deputy Doherty says “these figures show an increase of 11% in the number of visitor to Ireland in comparison to this time in 2010. 4.5million people visited Ireland within the first eight months of this year, this is huge, it is the biggest growth within the industry since 2007.”
Deputy Doherty points out that “We have had a fantastic year in terms of tourist ‘attractions’. Nationally we had President Obama’s visit and the Visit by the Queen. But locally, in County Meath, as well as having our heritage sites which the OPW allowed free access to the first Wednesday of every month over the summer period, we had our own tourism attractions, like the Solhiem Cup in Kileen Castle.
“The reduction of VAT rates for restaurants etc. to 9%, the halving of employer PRSI for those on modest wages and the introduction of the tourist visa waiver are just a few initiatives by Government which added to the success of the tourism industry so far this year.”
“I am excited for the future plans announced by the Minister for Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar TD at the Global Irish Forum, to launch a year-long national arts and event programme for 2013-The Gathering. I hope that this too will have the same positive effect of the last number of months. I also very much look forward to seeing what we as residents of Meath can contribute to this year-long festival which is hoped will attract and additional 300,000 visitors.”
Doherty Welcomes Government Plans to Tackle Alcohol Misuse
Deputy Regina Doherty TD welcomes the announcement made this week by Minster Roisín Shorthall, that the Government will be developing a National Substance Misuse Strategy to incorporate drugs and alcohol over the coming months. This announcement by Government was made at the opening of the National Advisory Committee on Drugs seminar where the impact on children of parental misuse of drugs and alcohol was discussed.
Deputy Doherty very much welcomes the move to tackle the abuse and over consumption of alcohol in Ireland.
“The issues of the misuse and abuse of alcohol is huge in this country. We need to fundamentally change the way in which we see alcohol in order to educate future generations. The reduced sale price and the ready availability of alcohol contribute greatly to the abuse which exists in this country.”
“I 100% believe that there needs to be stricter regulation on the sale and consumption of alcohol. Alcohol is a drug, and should be treated as such. If we continue down the path of this misuse, it will cost us dearly in the future in terms of our health, the health of our children. Already we have seen that roughly one in eleven children in Ireland live with a parent who had alcohol problems.”
“As a member of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children, I very much look forward to the meeting next week where there will be a discussion on Alcohol Marketing from the Youth addiction perspective led by Tabor Lodge and Fellowship House. I am determined, as a member of the internal and external health committees to work hard in order to tackle these issues head-on.”
Deputy Doherty very much welcomes the move to tackle the abuse and over consumption of alcohol in Ireland.
“The issues of the misuse and abuse of alcohol is huge in this country. We need to fundamentally change the way in which we see alcohol in order to educate future generations. The reduced sale price and the ready availability of alcohol contribute greatly to the abuse which exists in this country.”
“I 100% believe that there needs to be stricter regulation on the sale and consumption of alcohol. Alcohol is a drug, and should be treated as such. If we continue down the path of this misuse, it will cost us dearly in the future in terms of our health, the health of our children. Already we have seen that roughly one in eleven children in Ireland live with a parent who had alcohol problems.”
“As a member of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children, I very much look forward to the meeting next week where there will be a discussion on Alcohol Marketing from the Youth addiction perspective led by Tabor Lodge and Fellowship House. I am determined, as a member of the internal and external health committees to work hard in order to tackle these issues head-on.”
Doherty Welcomes Eirgrid Road Improvements in Advance of the Winter Months
Meath East Deputy, Regina Doherty TD, warmly welcomes news from Eirgrid that repairs will be carried out on roads in the Dunshauglin District in advance of the winter months.
“This news, from Eirgrid comes as somewhat of a surprise but welcome one” says Doherty.
“Originally, the agreement with Eirgrid was that repairs and resurfacing would be carried out when all works on the East West Interconnector project were completed in the area. It has since been realised that many sections of road in the Dushaughlin District are in such bad state that it would be counterproductive and dangerous to leave them in this state for the winter months.”
Repairs will be carried out in various locations along the Eirgrid route which include Elgarstown, Ballymore, Lagore Little & Flemmingtown and are due to be commence out immediately.
“I am pleased that Eirgrid have realised that these repairs are necessary and that road users and residents alike will have peace of mind when driving on them during the winter months.”
“This news, from Eirgrid comes as somewhat of a surprise but welcome one” says Doherty.
“Originally, the agreement with Eirgrid was that repairs and resurfacing would be carried out when all works on the East West Interconnector project were completed in the area. It has since been realised that many sections of road in the Dushaughlin District are in such bad state that it would be counterproductive and dangerous to leave them in this state for the winter months.”
Repairs will be carried out in various locations along the Eirgrid route which include Elgarstown, Ballymore, Lagore Little & Flemmingtown and are due to be commence out immediately.
“I am pleased that Eirgrid have realised that these repairs are necessary and that road users and residents alike will have peace of mind when driving on them during the winter months.”
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Health Committee concludes its examination of the issue of non-consultant hospital doctors
The Health Committee has today, Thursday, 20th October completed its examination of the issue to non-consultant hospital doctors (NCHD’s). The Committee identified this issue as one of its key priority areas for investigation. Over the last three weeks the various stakeholders have come before the Committee to discuss this issue.
During the three week consultative process the Committee heard from James Reilly, TD, Minister for Health together with representatives from the Health Service Executive, Medical Council, Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Irish Medical Organisation and the Irish Hospital Consultants Association.
Speaking after today’s meeting, Regina Doherty, TD said: “NCHD’s play a pivotal and vital role in the delivery of our nation's health service. They work long hours in sometimes difficult conditions and we must as a priority focus on a permanent solution to the issue of recruiting and retaining NCHD’s. It is clear that we must strive to retain Irish doctors at home, improve the training structure and provide a clear and defined career path for our young doctors.”
During the three week consultative process the Committee heard from James Reilly, TD, Minister for Health together with representatives from the Health Service Executive, Medical Council, Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Irish Medical Organisation and the Irish Hospital Consultants Association.
Speaking after today’s meeting, Regina Doherty, TD said: “NCHD’s play a pivotal and vital role in the delivery of our nation's health service. They work long hours in sometimes difficult conditions and we must as a priority focus on a permanent solution to the issue of recruiting and retaining NCHD’s. It is clear that we must strive to retain Irish doctors at home, improve the training structure and provide a clear and defined career path for our young doctors.”
Meath Partnerships Older Persons Survey happening now
Meath Partnership Older Persons Survey Volunteers will be taking to the roads over the next 3 weeks. They will be calling to random houses throughout the county and asking people over 55 to complete a survey. The survey, which is being carried out in collaboration with Active Retirement Ireland, seeks to establish the level of satisfaction with services and facilities available to older people in Meath. It will also look at other issues that impact on the lives of over 55’s in the county. ‘It is hoped that this study will play a major role in the introduction of the ‘Age Friendly County’ Initiative to County Meath’ says Meath Partnership’s Kay O Connor. ‘It’s important that with the ageing population nationwide, provisions are put in place to cater for the specific needs of people as they age’. Meath Partnership has given a commitment to act on the results of the survey. ‘The findings of the survey will go a long way in informing us on funding priorities in the future.’
‘Over the last few months our team of researchers has been working with an advisory panel of older people from all over the county. The panels’ advice and direction has helped to ensure that the survey questions are relevant, sensitive and that the survey itself is carried out in the most appropriate way possible.’ Meath Partnership hopes to gather responses from over 500 older people across the county. Kay is urging everyone approached to take part. ‘We have also recruited over 70 older volunteers. They will spend the next 3 weeks going around to houses in County Meath to complete the questionnaire with people aged 55 and over. The volunteers will be knocking on people’s doors during daylight hours over the 3 week period. The questionnaires can be completed on the doorstep or can be left with the person to be collected at a later time. The volunteers have been told not to enter the person’s house unless they are invited to do so as it is not necessary to go inside.’ The surveyors can be easily identified by photographic ID and branded high visibility jackets.
If you have any queries you can contact Meath Partnership on 046 9280 790 or contact your local Gardai.
‘Over the last few months our team of researchers has been working with an advisory panel of older people from all over the county. The panels’ advice and direction has helped to ensure that the survey questions are relevant, sensitive and that the survey itself is carried out in the most appropriate way possible.’ Meath Partnership hopes to gather responses from over 500 older people across the county. Kay is urging everyone approached to take part. ‘We have also recruited over 70 older volunteers. They will spend the next 3 weeks going around to houses in County Meath to complete the questionnaire with people aged 55 and over. The volunteers will be knocking on people’s doors during daylight hours over the 3 week period. The questionnaires can be completed on the doorstep or can be left with the person to be collected at a later time. The volunteers have been told not to enter the person’s house unless they are invited to do so as it is not necessary to go inside.’ The surveyors can be easily identified by photographic ID and branded high visibility jackets.
If you have any queries you can contact Meath Partnership on 046 9280 790 or contact your local Gardai.
Water supply shutdown
Meath County Council wishes to advise consumers in the Cabinhill, Hallstown and Scalestown areas of Ratoath of a water supply shutdown on Tuesday morning the 25th of October between 10:00am and 13.:00pm
This is due to essential maintenance works.
Meath County Council regrets any inconvenience caused.
This is due to essential maintenance works.
Meath County Council regrets any inconvenience caused.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Temporary Closure of Roads
MEATH COUNTY COUNCIL
Temporary Closure of Roads
Roads Act 1993
(Roads Regulations 1994)
Meath County Council hereby gives notice of its intention to temporarily close the following roads:
• The L-5017 (through Lagore Little, Brownstown, Ballymore, Bradystown, Elgarstown, Curkeen, Commons, Wilkinstown and Powderlough) from its junction with R125 at Lagore Little to its junction with the L-5046-0 at Powderlough;
This closure is necessary to facilitate Eirgrid’s East West Interconnector Project.
Duration:
The intended road closure is from Monday 28th November 2011 to Friday 23rd December 2011.
Alternative Routes:
The diversion routes are as follows:
Traffic normally travelling south on L5017: Travel west along the R125 (Ratoath - Dunshaughlin road) as far as Dunshaughlin, turn left at the traffic lights onto the R147 and continue south through Dunshaughlin. Continue along the R147 to the south end of the closed road just before Rathbeggan.
Traffic normally travelling north on L5017: Travel north-west along the R147 (old N3) to Dunshaughlin. Continue through Dunshaughlin and turn right at the traffic lights onto the R125 towards Ratoath. Continue along the R125 to the north end of the closed road at the cross roads at Lagore Little.
Diversion signs will be in place.
Local Access:
Access for residents and property holders will be facilitated throughout the closure period.
Submissions relating to these proposed temporary road closures should be made in writing to the Area Administrator, Meath County Council, Dunshaughlin Civic Offices, Drumree Road, Dunshaughlin, Co. Meath on or before 13.00 hrs on Tuesday 1st November 2011.
Temporary Closure of Roads
Roads Act 1993
(Roads Regulations 1994)
Meath County Council hereby gives notice of its intention to temporarily close the following roads:
• The L-5017 (through Lagore Little, Brownstown, Ballymore, Bradystown, Elgarstown, Curkeen, Commons, Wilkinstown and Powderlough) from its junction with R125 at Lagore Little to its junction with the L-5046-0 at Powderlough;
This closure is necessary to facilitate Eirgrid’s East West Interconnector Project.
Duration:
The intended road closure is from Monday 28th November 2011 to Friday 23rd December 2011.
Alternative Routes:
The diversion routes are as follows:
Traffic normally travelling south on L5017: Travel west along the R125 (Ratoath - Dunshaughlin road) as far as Dunshaughlin, turn left at the traffic lights onto the R147 and continue south through Dunshaughlin. Continue along the R147 to the south end of the closed road just before Rathbeggan.
Traffic normally travelling north on L5017: Travel north-west along the R147 (old N3) to Dunshaughlin. Continue through Dunshaughlin and turn right at the traffic lights onto the R125 towards Ratoath. Continue along the R125 to the north end of the closed road at the cross roads at Lagore Little.
Diversion signs will be in place.
Local Access:
Access for residents and property holders will be facilitated throughout the closure period.
Submissions relating to these proposed temporary road closures should be made in writing to the Area Administrator, Meath County Council, Dunshaughlin Civic Offices, Drumree Road, Dunshaughlin, Co. Meath on or before 13.00 hrs on Tuesday 1st November 2011.
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