The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD, today [Thursday] launched a €10million International Start-Up Fund, aimed at encouraging overseas entrepreneurs to locate start-up businesses in Ireland:
· The fund will be administered by Enterprise Ireland and will be open to company promoters anywhere in the world, but will be targeted particularly at the Irish diaspora, international expatriates, the “New Diaspora” (people from overseas who have previously worked or studied in Ireland), as well as serial and mobile entrepreneurs
· Key geographical targets will include North America, UK, Europe and Australia
· Key target sectors include Internet, Games, Cloud Computing, Medtech and Financial Services sectors
· The fund will target investor-ready projects seeking between €200,000 and €500,000
· Funding will be in the form of an equity stake taken by the State in the company
To support the marketing of the fund overseas Enterprise Ireland will be appointing a number of high profile successful Irish entrepreneurs to act as International Start Up Ambassadors. Dylan Collins, one of the most experienced Internet entrepreneurs in Europe, is one of the first to accept the role of fund Ambassador.
Announcing the fund, Minister Bruton said:
“This Government’s ambition is not only to turn the country around and get employment growing again, but to once again create a dynamic economy that is the envy of the world and has over two million people at work.
“This will not be easy, but one key strand of our new industrial strategy will be to create a genuine indigenous engine of growth. As I have said before, our ambition must not only be to attract the next Google or Microsoft to Ireland, but we must also seek to grow the next Google or Microsoft in Ireland. Indigenous companies provide proportionally more than three times more benefit to the Irish economy than multinational companies.
“Today’s announcement is a direct intervention by government to create more start-up companies here. Across the world, many of the start-up companies which go on to succeed and create jobs are driven by people within a small class of mobile, innovative, serial entrepreneurs. What the Irish Government is saying very clearly today to the international technology community gathered in Dublin is – come and start your company in Ireland, we are open for business, and we will support you”.
“There is no reason why Ireland should not be a global centre for international start-ups. We already have a growing number of mobile start-ups locating here, and with strong Government supports, a business-friendly environment, a deep pool of skills as well as all the benefits that come with a base of multinational companies that is the envy of the world”.
Commenting on the new initiative Frank Ryan, Enterprise Ireland Chief Executive said:
‘Stimulating the flow of new High Potential Start-Ups and supporting their growth are fundamental building blocks in Enterprise Ireland’s strategy for economic growth and job creation. We want mobile entrepreneurs to locate their businesses in Ireland and to see Enterprise Ireland as their dedicated partner.
‘The addition of the €10m fund provides a core offering around which the rest of our overseas entrepreneurship marketing and promotion efforts will be centred. The attraction of overseas entrepreneurs to Ireland is an important opportunity to expand our start up activity and they will significantly add to the diversity and skill-base of the Irish start up community’.
Dylan Collins, Irish serial entrepreneur who has established highly successful companies in various countries, said:
“I am delighted to be the first international ambassador for this start up fund. It’s an excellent way to build on Ireland’s position as one of the leading startup hubs in Europe. If you’re in a startup anywhere in the world which has international ambition, you need to come and talk to us right now”.
Louis Ravenet, a serial US entrepreneur who earlier this year set up his company 2PaperDolls in Ireland, commented on what motivated him to move his business to Ireland:
“Ireland has a number of advantages for an early-stage business - it’s efficient, highly networked, co-operative and it is extremely refreshing that there isn’t a ‘hold cards close to the chest’ attitude here. 2PaperDolls is growing and we have found skilled software developers in good supply in the Irish market. And from a cost perspective, Ireland is a great place to do business - you have the low corporate tax rate and it’s inexpensive compared to other world-class capital cities for office space, housing, schools and getting around”.
To find out more about the International Start Up Fund and Ireland as a location for your business visit: www.startinireland.com
To apply for the fund contact:
Start in Ireland Enquiry Desk, Tel: +353 1 7272140, startinireland@enterprise-ireland.com
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
30th Amendment to the Constitution
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.
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.
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.
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