New Opinion Poll Shows Significant Support for Pro-Life Position

Over two thirds of Irish people want to see the right to life of the unborn child protected in law, according to a new poll commissioned by the Pro Life Campaign and launched at a press conference in Dublin yesterday. The poll was conducted by Millward Brown Lansdowne on a national random sample of 984 adults. 

Respondents were asked: “Are you in favour or opposed to constitutional protection for the unborn that prohibits abortion but allows the continuation of the existing practice of intervention to save a mother's life, in accordance with Irish medical ethics?”

61 per cent favoured constitutional protection for the unborn child, with 17 per cent opposed. Twenty two per cent didn't know or had no opinion.

The survey also asked about the issue of protection for human embryos.

59 per cent favoured the Government legislating to protect the human embryo, 16 per cent were opposed and 26 per cent did not know or had no opinion. 

Read more about the poll findings here

Doherty Addresses the Neonatal experts on World Premature Awareness Day

from left Ms Silke Mader, Chairwoman of the Executive Board;Dr Jan Franta, Neonatal Sub Committee of the Faculty of Paediatrics, RCPI (author of the Irish EFCNI Benchmarking Report) ;Regina Doherty TD, Member of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children;Dr John Murphy, Clinical Lead of the HSE Neonatology Programme; Ms Mandy Daly, Parent and Family Liaison Manager, Irish Premature Babies ;.Pic:Maxwells 

Deputy Regina Doherty today (Thursday 17^th November) addressed members of Irish Premature Babies along with the Neonatal Sub Committee and the European Foundation of the Newborn Infants (EFCNI). Doherty spoke on the growing issue of prematurity in Ireland and the need for a National Neonatal health care programme at the Royal College of Physicians on Nassau St.  

Deputy Doherty was contacted by the Premature Babies group to address the launch of the Irish Chapter of the European Foundation of the Newborn Infants today, World Premature Awareness Day. This group aims to promote policy on Neonatal care in Ireland as well as promoting supports for parents of those infants born prematurely. The event which was sponsored by Abbott Laboratories was chaired by Dr. John Murphy, National Clinical lead for neonatology in Ireland and marks a milestone in the life of the Irish Premature Babies.

Deputy Doherty says “I was flattered to be asked to address this meeting on such an important and often overlooked issue. Over 4500 babies are born pre-term in Ireland and of that studies show nearly 500 will pass away. Although this is a huge number, it is not for the lack of the fantastic care which is done by the neonatologists in the 19 maternity units throughout Ireland.”

“I was shocked and dismayed when I contacted the HSE and was informed that in Ireland we do not have a Neonatal Healthcare policy. We have superb health care professionals in all our maternity hospitals, providing the best practice in neonatal care, but it is fragmented with significant disparities across the country; hospitals are working in isolation. The establishment of a national neonatal health care programme governing all aspects of neonatal health in Ireland is essential.”

“Minister for Health Dr. James Reilly assured me that he is aware of these issues and the need for them to be addressed. The HSE is currently working to identify areas of specific and projected needs in paediatrics nationally to ensure the best class of care in Paediatric services going forward and have provided additional funding to support this.”  

“As a member of the Joint Committee of Health and Children I will not let this issue fall by the wayside and will work to make sure that the development of such policy stays on the political agenda.”

Reforming, reshaping and refocusing the public sector will mean better service delivery

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty has said the public service reform measures outlined by the Government today (Thursday) will ensure a more streamlined and efficient public service that is better equipped to deliver improved services. 

“From day one, this Government has led the charge when it comes to political reform in ensuring that change starts at the top. The pay of the Taoiseach, Tanaiste and Ministers has been reduced, Ministerial ‘mercs and preks’ have been eradicated, new pay ceilings have been introduced for senior public servants and legislation has been published to reduce public sector pensions. 

“Today, the Government took the reform agenda one step further by committing to reduce public sector numbers, axing quangos and State bodies, drawing a line under decentralisation and cutting back on excessive annual leave entitlements for the public sector. 

“The Public Service Reform Plan contains almost 70 recommendations and 200 cost saving and efficiency producing actions. These include the sharing of services in the areas of HR, payroll and pensions, to streamline operations and remove duplicate activities. 

“Public service numbers are to be radically scaled back, with a reduction, through natural wastage, of 23,500 posts by 2015. At that point, public service numbers will have fallen by some 37,500, or 12%, since 2008, reducing our pay bill by over €2.5 billion. This will result in a leaner and more efficient public service that is capable of delivering more with less. 

“The number of State bodies and quangos is also set to be reduced with the rationalisation of 48 bodies by the end of 2012, and a review of a further 46 bodies planned by the end of June next year.  To ensure that the number of State bodies never again balloons as it did under the previous administration, a ‘sunset clause’ is to be contained in State body legislation ensuring that the body will cease to exist after a predetermined date unless its mandate has been specifically renewed. 

“A line has also been drawn under what is often considered the most ill-judged and badly planned ideas of the last government: decentralisation. And annual leave allowances have been standardised, with the abolition of historically based local leave arrangements such as festival and race days for staff. This will lead to greater uniformity of terms and conditions and will enhance the fluid movement of staff between different sectors and organisations. 

“A lack of political leadership has acted as a barrier to the delivery of an efficient public service for too long. Public servants have been trapped in a system that has stifled their productivity and frustrated their development. These reform measures will make for a more slimmed down and fitter public sector that is able to realise its true potential in delivering for all citizens.” 

Decentralisation another failed and costly Fianna Fáil legacy

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has said that the decentralisation programme, which has been scrapped by the Government today, is yet another failed and costly legacy that we have Fianna Fáil to thank for.

“As part of major reform plans outlined today that will cut red tape, eliminate waste and create a more modernised, integrated and efficient public service, the Government has announced that it’s scrapping one of the most misguided policies pursued by any Government in recent years: decentralisation.

“Decentralisation is yet another example Fianna Fáil waste that this Government has been left to clean up. Let’s be clear here; it was never a good idea. It was a poorly thought out strategy lacking in long term planning that came as a bolt out of the blue when it was first introduced in 2003. Eight years on and the scheme is in a complete shambles.

“The two previous Fianna Fáil governments utterly failed to follow through on this policy. And unsurprisingly, it has led to a scandalous amount of waste. The 2009 Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General found that €290 million euro was spent on property under the decentralisation programme, with €7 million being incurred on leases. The report also notes that €44 million was spent on 12 sites where decentralisation is not being progressed.

“Today the Government is taking a decision that should have been taken years ago: decentralisation is being cancelled. Forty projects, where no permanent accommodation or staff are in place are being completely scrapped. Some 32 projects will remain in place, while a further 22 will be reviewed.

“In almost every constituency in the country over priced sites were bought and lavish offices were built for this ill judged and dubious policy. Workers were subjected to unnecessary upheaval in a haphazard manner. And in many cases where decentralised offices are in operation, staff take up was hugely below predictions, leading to waste and inefficiency.

“I am glad that decentralisation has finally been halted. It should never have been allowed to begin in the first place.”

Road closure notice

Having given notice, Meath County Council has made an order to temporarily close the following road:

• 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 28^th November 2011 to 23^rd December 2011.

Alternative Routes:

The diversion route is 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.

Notice of Declaration of Public Roads: Old Mill, White Ash Park, Maelduin

Notice of Declaration of Public Roads: Old Mill, White Ash Park, Maelduin - Maps showing the roads proposed to be made public may be inspected at the following locations during normal working/office hours from Monday 21st November to Friday 16th December 2011.

Date Released: 14 November 2011
MEATH COUNTY COUNCIL
ROADS ACT 1993 (SECTION 11)
ROADS REGULATIONS 1994
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT ACT 2000

NOTICE OF DECLARATION OF PUBLIC ROADS

Notice is hereby given that Meath County Council proposes to make a declaration that the roads in the following housing developments should be public roads.

Location                                  Name of Housing Development

Ratoath                                    Old Mill
Ashbourne                               WhiteAshPark
Dunshaughlin                            Maelduin

Maps showing the roads proposed to be made public may be inspected at the following locations during normal working/office hours from Monday 21st November to Friday 16th December 2011.

Dunshaughlin Civic Offices, Drumree Road, Dunshaughlin, Co. Meath
Ashbourne Library, Killegland Street, Ashbourne, Co. Meath.

Objections or representations to the proposed declaration may be made in writing to The Area Administrator, Dunshaughlin Civic Offices, Drumree Road, Dunshaughlin, on or before Friday 6th January 2012.

White Ash Park Display Map 

Old Mill Display Map   

Maelduin Display Map  

Doherty welcomes return of general surgery to Navan Hospital

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has welcomed confirmation from the HSE that general surgical services are returning to Our Lady’s Hospital Navan.

The service will resume from this Monday, November 21st. “It’s a great relief to receive confirmation from the HSE that surgical services are returning to Our Lady’s Hospital in Navan.

The Louth Meath Hospital Group Management met with senior staff and heads of departments at the hospital yesterday, to advise them that minor and intermediate general elective surgery will resume from next Monday.

“Surgery was halted at Navan Hospital in September of last year, leaving local people concerned about the long term viability of their hospital. The return of surgery to Navan is a significant boost to the community. “There have been other positive developments at the hospital, with a chronic pain service expected to commence in January.

This will save patients in the Louth/Meath area from having to travel to Dublin for the service. And there’s further good news in relation to the regional rheumatology service, which was launched in September. As well as the rheumatologist already dedicated to this service, a second consultant post will be provided, together with a musculoskeletal physiotherapist.

“I would like to commend the hard work and efforts of the staff at Our Lady’s Hospital, who consistently provide an excellent service to members of the public from across Meath and further afield. I will continue to work with the Minister for Health, James Reilly, to ensure the best possible level of service is maintained in Navan going into the future.”

Sports Conference 2011 - "Mind over Matter...the road to success"

Meath LSP have announced details of their annual sports conference to be held on Thursday 8th Dec at 7.30pm in the Ardboyne Hotel, Navan. The conference entitled “ Mind over Matter… the road to success” will be attended by former Olympian Sonia O Sullivan, former Irish & Munster rugby star Alan Quinlan and top Irish sports psychologist Gerry Hussey.

This is your opportunity to meet these 3 legends of Irish sport and hear what they have to say in relation to this topic. Conference fee is €20 per person, application forms are available from the office on 046 9067337 or online at www.meathsports.ie. Places are limited, so early booking is advisable. The conference is open to all over 16 years.

Home Security Exhibition Ardboyne Hotel, Navan, Co. Meath 26-11-11.

Sergeant Dean Kerins, the Crime Prevention Officer Meath, has organised a Home Security Exhibition which will be held in the Ardboyne Hotel, Navan, Co. Meath on Saturday 26 November 2011. It will be open from 11am to 7pm and entry is free. There will be 30 companies covering every aspect of home security. This will be a fantastic oppurtunity to come along and speak with all the companies
and get advice on any question you may have on improving your home security. A full list of the exhibitors can be seen on his facebook page Meath Crime Prevention in the event guide.

Dáil Aid: TDs and Senators record a song for charity

MIRIAM LORD

Mon, Nov 14, 2011

Fine Gael’s Peter Mathews seemed the best candidate for the mantle of Bono

THE SCENE before showtime was strained. Performers sitting around in a circle of apprehension, like nervous dental patients awaiting the dreaded call to surgery.

Normally, the same people would go rigid with excitement at the sight of a camera. Stick a voice recorder under their noses and they’ll talk forever. But on Saturday, the prospect of standing in front of a microphone while cameras rolled had the politicians in a state of high anxiety.

One by one, they were summoned before trudging next door to the darkened studio, while those colleagues left behind called out encouragement.

Then, a few minutes later, the door would burst open to reveal the nervous lamb, now smiling broadly and walking with a bit of a rock star swagger. “Did it!”

The TDs and Senators in Ballyfermot College of Education on Saturday morning found themselves way outside their comfort zone when they gathered – Band-Aid style – to record their version of Bridge Over Troubled Water for Pieta House, the suicide awareness organisation.

There were no tantrums. The only slight note of discord came from the men, all of whom wanted to be Bono. In the end, it might be Fine Gael’s Peter Mathews who fits that bill with his stand-out mellow bass contribution.

The cross-party singing group numbered almost 20, and most of them managed to make their date with their musical destiny.

Those who couldn’t – including Joan Burton, Simon Coveney, Michael Ring and Eamon Coghlan – are recording their bits of Bridge Over Troubled Water in Leinster House this week and will be spliced into the video later.

We so wanted to hear Joan sing, but she was busy on Saturday, what with the Labour Women’s conference and then a television chatshow appearance in the evening.

Back in Ballyer, we hadn’t seen Minister of State Lucinda Creighton look so worried since the heave against Enda.

Senator Averil Power admitted her only singing experience was The Green Fields of France at three in the morning.

“I’m doing a [charity] boxing match in two weeks’ time and I’m less nervous about that,” she pointed out.

Musical director Jim Sheridan called the politicians to the stage individually and then in groups. Mick Wallace arrived late and with his arm in a new sling, having injured it again when he prematurely removed the sling he had been wearing for a previous injury.

The Independent TD isn’t the sweetest of singers, it must be said. He explained his robust style comes from years of singing at football matches – whereupon he burst into a noisy rendition of Molly Malone.

Music producer Dave Kearney, who is behind the project along with Fine Gael TD Derek Keating, buried his head in his hands. “It’s not the right song, but who cares,” he sighed.

Finian McGrath produced his guitar and the politicians had a rowdy cross-party sing-song.

Then Mick confessed he hadn’t learned his lines.

Meath East TD Regina Doherty brought along her daughter Grace (who’ll be 10 next month), who said she would love to be a famous singer. More than a politician, like her mum? “I’d rather be a politician,” she said loyally.

Stephen Donnelly (Ind) and Robert Troy (FF) clustered around the microphone with Finian and Lucinda, clutching their headphones the way the big stars do and warbling with all their might.

Peter Mathews was in his element. “Do you want me to go lower,” he asked the control room, his voice already down in the basement.

The musical director was impressed. “Peter has a lovely deep voice and I think any musical society would want to recruit him,” said Jim Sheridan, who also singled out Sinn Féin’s Pádraig Mac Lochlainn for honourable mention.

Deputy Terence Flanagan (FG) took it in his stride. But then, the deputy for Dublin North East is used to big musical occasions, having played side drum with the Artane Band on All-Ireland final day.

His colleague Frank Feighan was flushed with success, having managed to sing a song other than his party piece, Oh, What a Beautiful Morning , which will come as a relief to his weary party colleagues.

In Minister Burton’s absence, Senator Lorraine Higgins kept the red flag flying.

The politicians were kept on track by two gospel choirs in full gowned regalia, and the wonders of audio/visual technology will do the rest.

“This isn’t costing us a penny to produce,” said Dave Kearney. “Jim, who is the Late Late Show musical director, is giving his services free, as is everyone else working on the track. Ballyfermot College have given us full use of their facilities, and the students came in to work on the filming.” RTÉ’s Mooney Show will be promoting the song, while distribution network Indi entertainment will distribute it on six different worldwide platforms, including iTunes.

© 2011 The Irish Times