The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD today (Thursday) announced the 15 successful Lifesciences, Cleantech and Industrial companies that have been awarded funding under Enterprise Ireland’s Competitive Start Fund. This is one of four rounds of the fund rolled out by Enterprise Ireland over the past 12 months. The Competitive Start Fund provides young companies with the critical early stage funding to test the market for their products and services and progress their business plans for the global marketplace.
Minister Bruton also announced that four more rounds of the Competitive Start Fund are planned for 2012, the first of which is being launched today Thursday, with advertisements in national press. The closing date for applicants is Thursday 9 February, and this call is open to start-ups from both ICT and Industrial sectors including sub-sectors such as Internet, Games, SaaS, Cloud Computing, Enterprise Software, Telecoms, Lifesciences, Cleantech and Industrial Products.
Making the announcement Minister Bruton said: “If we are to get out of this crisis, we must work hard to create an indigenous engine of growth. While multinational investment in Ireland is and will remain crucial, it is vital that we find ways of enabling our indigenous firms to perform better and take full advantage of export opportunities. As I have said before, our industrial policy must not just be aimed at attracting the next Google or Microsoft to Ireland – we must strive to create the next Google or Microsoft here in Ireland, and in the coming weeks the government’s Action Plan for Jobs will implement a series of measures to deliver on our ambitious aims.
“Enterprise Ireland’s Competitive Start Fund has clearly struck a cord with the innovative and ambitious entrepreneurial community. The continuing strong response and the quality of the applications submitted is proof that there are significant numbers of entrepreneurs with the necessary technical and commercial skills willing to take a risk and set up their own businesses. My priority is to ensure that they are fully supported to do what they do best, starting new businesses. Access to early stage funding is critical, and this fund is part of the Government’s and Enterprise Ireland’s response to support them to get into business, expand, create jobs, and contribute to our recovery”.
Commenting on the announcement, John O’Dea, Enterprise Ireland Manager Industrial High Potential Start Ups, said: “We see this fund as a strategic investment in these young companies. They represent some of Ireland’s newest and most exciting entrepreneurs and this fund gives a vital injection of funding and support when they most need it”.
About the Enterprise Ireland Competitive Start Fund Under the terms of the Competitive Start Fund, start ups will receive an equity investment of up to €50,000 for a 10% ordinary equity stake. In addition to funding, each start up will be provided with an experienced business mentor to support them. The application process has been designed and improved to be fast and efficient to allow the new start ups to concentrate on validating their business concept and getting to market entry stage as quickly as possible. Visit www.enterprise-ireland.com/csf
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Navan trolley figures improve by one third thanks to the SDU
Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has said that the number of people waiting on trolleys in Our Lady’s Hospital in Navan has been reduced by almost a third (30%), thanks to initiatives undertaken by the Special Delivery Unit (SDU) over the winter months.
“I have been provided with a regional breakdown of figures, which show that between January 3rd and 25th this year there were a total of 109 people waiting on trolleys at Our Lady’s in Navan; that’s a drop of 30% compared to the figures for the same period in 2011.
“I realise that having 109 people waiting on trolleys over a three week period is still too many, but the key point here is that we are moving in the right direction. The SDU, which was established by Minister James Reilly last June, is producing tangible improvements in how hospitals provide care and manage the inflow of patients, particularly at peak times of year. It’s providing tailored guidance to hospitals on how to cope with, and reduce, overcrowding in emergency departments.
“The work of the SDU is being carried out in the context of a severely restricted Budgetary situation. But these figures show that radical reform can be delivered in a very challenging environment. These encouraging local figures have been replicated at a national level; the total number of people waiting on trolleys in hospitals across the country for the first 16 days of January 2012 was 27% lower than the same period last year.
“Further progress is being made when it comes to scheduled care. Ninety-five per cent of hospitals have met the target of ensuring no patient is waiting more than 12 months for elective surgery. This accounts for 41 hospitals; the figure for 2010 was just 28 hospitals.
“The success of the SDU to date will be further built on over the coming year, with more ambitious targets than before. It will aim to ensure that 95% of patients will be discharged or admitted within six hours of registration at an emergency department. We also want to ensure no one is waiting nine months for planned surgery and further targets will be set to improve access to outpatient and diagnostic services.
“I would like to commend the local hospital management and staff at Our Lady’s for their work in delivering such impressive results over the last year. With focussed determination we can ensure this momentum is maintained during the year ahead.”
“I have been provided with a regional breakdown of figures, which show that between January 3rd and 25th this year there were a total of 109 people waiting on trolleys at Our Lady’s in Navan; that’s a drop of 30% compared to the figures for the same period in 2011.
“I realise that having 109 people waiting on trolleys over a three week period is still too many, but the key point here is that we are moving in the right direction. The SDU, which was established by Minister James Reilly last June, is producing tangible improvements in how hospitals provide care and manage the inflow of patients, particularly at peak times of year. It’s providing tailored guidance to hospitals on how to cope with, and reduce, overcrowding in emergency departments.
“The work of the SDU is being carried out in the context of a severely restricted Budgetary situation. But these figures show that radical reform can be delivered in a very challenging environment. These encouraging local figures have been replicated at a national level; the total number of people waiting on trolleys in hospitals across the country for the first 16 days of January 2012 was 27% lower than the same period last year.
“Further progress is being made when it comes to scheduled care. Ninety-five per cent of hospitals have met the target of ensuring no patient is waiting more than 12 months for elective surgery. This accounts for 41 hospitals; the figure for 2010 was just 28 hospitals.
“The success of the SDU to date will be further built on over the coming year, with more ambitious targets than before. It will aim to ensure that 95% of patients will be discharged or admitted within six hours of registration at an emergency department. We also want to ensure no one is waiting nine months for planned surgery and further targets will be set to improve access to outpatient and diagnostic services.
“I would like to commend the local hospital management and staff at Our Lady’s for their work in delivering such impressive results over the last year. With focussed determination we can ensure this momentum is maintained during the year ahead.”
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Clinical leadership and local staff key to continued health reforms
Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Wednesday) said that clinical leadership and the commitment of local staff will be key to the continued deliverance of major health reforms over the coming year. Deputy Doherty was speaking following an update from the Department of Health on the progress to date made by the Special Delivery Unit (SDU) and the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF).
“Huge progress has been made over the last year, thanks to the commitment and drive of local clinical managers, nursing staff and health professionals, who have shown an impressive desire to embrace change. If we take a look at our emergency departments; the total number of people waiting on trolleys in hospitals across the country for the first 16 days of January 2012 was 27% lower than the same period last year.
“When it comes to scheduled care, impressive results are being achieved. Ninety-five per cent of hospitals have met the target of ensuring no patient is waiting more than 12 months for elective surgery. This accounts for 41 hospitals; the figure for 2010 was just 28 hospitals.
“The Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which was established by Minister Reilly last June, is producing tangible improvements in how hospitals provide care and manage the inflow of patients, particularly at peak times of year. The SDU is providing tailored guidance to hospitals on how to cope with, and reduce, overcrowding in emergency departments.
“The success of the SDU to date will be further built on over the coming year, with more ambitious targets than before. It will aim to ensure that 95% of patients will be discharged or admitted within six hours of registration at an emergency department. We also want to ensure no one is waiting nine months for planned surgery and further targets will be set to improve access to outpatient and diagnostic services.
“Hospital management and frontline health staff must be commended for their tremendous work over the last year. What they have achieved shows reform can be realised even in an environment of severe cutbacks. 2012 will be a year of massive challenges for the health sector, but I believe significant further reforms can be achieved. This can’t work without the continued support of the public servants who are bringing about real change. They must be commended and supported in this difficult task.”
“Huge progress has been made over the last year, thanks to the commitment and drive of local clinical managers, nursing staff and health professionals, who have shown an impressive desire to embrace change. If we take a look at our emergency departments; the total number of people waiting on trolleys in hospitals across the country for the first 16 days of January 2012 was 27% lower than the same period last year.
“When it comes to scheduled care, impressive results are being achieved. Ninety-five per cent of hospitals have met the target of ensuring no patient is waiting more than 12 months for elective surgery. This accounts for 41 hospitals; the figure for 2010 was just 28 hospitals.
“The Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which was established by Minister Reilly last June, is producing tangible improvements in how hospitals provide care and manage the inflow of patients, particularly at peak times of year. The SDU is providing tailored guidance to hospitals on how to cope with, and reduce, overcrowding in emergency departments.
“The success of the SDU to date will be further built on over the coming year, with more ambitious targets than before. It will aim to ensure that 95% of patients will be discharged or admitted within six hours of registration at an emergency department. We also want to ensure no one is waiting nine months for planned surgery and further targets will be set to improve access to outpatient and diagnostic services.
“Hospital management and frontline health staff must be commended for their tremendous work over the last year. What they have achieved shows reform can be realised even in an environment of severe cutbacks. 2012 will be a year of massive challenges for the health sector, but I believe significant further reforms can be achieved. This can’t work without the continued support of the public servants who are bringing about real change. They must be commended and supported in this difficult task.”
Oireachtas alcohol report provides blueprint for tackling our drink problem
Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Wednesday) said that the report on alcohol and drug misuse published by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children, provides a blueprint on how we can tackle our national drink problem.
“As a society, we cannot continue to ignore our chronic drink problem and the effects alcohol abuse is having on our health, our economy and our national wellbeing. This report, which is the culmination of three months of work by the Committee, puts forward a series of recommendations on how we can tackle this problem head on.
“Reducing the consumption of alcohol can only be achieved by addressing pricing and availability. We are now in a situation in Ireland where cheap alcohol is widely available, with large retailers selling drink at below cost, displaying a total disregard for the impact this is having on society.
“Advertising is a key element in this situation; the Committee is recommending a ban on advertising of discounted alcoholic products, as well as the introduction of a watershed, so no alcohol advertising could be aired on TV before 9pm. The advertisement of alcohol on social networking sites should also be looked at, considering the popularity and influence of these sites among young people.
“On the issue of availability, the Committee has proposed that an outright ban should be considered, to prevent alcohol being sold in a wide range of outlets; this could include the sale of alcoholic products alongside groceries, confectionary and food.
“A number of other proposals have been put forward, including the ending of VAT refunds on below-cost sales, and banning the delivery of alcoholic products to consumers homes – a practice which has given underage teens easy access to drink. The prospect of introducing a minimum price for alcohol was also explored by the Committee.
“The statistics speak for themselves; alcohol is responsible for approximately 100 deaths per month, it accounts for 2,000 beds being occupied every night in hospitals around the country and 3 out of every 10 emergency department attendances. Furthermore, one in four deaths in young men is due to alcohol. We need to change our attitude to drink in this country. For too long we have happily accepted a reputation of being a heavy-drinking society. This needs to change.”
“As a society, we cannot continue to ignore our chronic drink problem and the effects alcohol abuse is having on our health, our economy and our national wellbeing. This report, which is the culmination of three months of work by the Committee, puts forward a series of recommendations on how we can tackle this problem head on.
“Reducing the consumption of alcohol can only be achieved by addressing pricing and availability. We are now in a situation in Ireland where cheap alcohol is widely available, with large retailers selling drink at below cost, displaying a total disregard for the impact this is having on society.
“Advertising is a key element in this situation; the Committee is recommending a ban on advertising of discounted alcoholic products, as well as the introduction of a watershed, so no alcohol advertising could be aired on TV before 9pm. The advertisement of alcohol on social networking sites should also be looked at, considering the popularity and influence of these sites among young people.
“On the issue of availability, the Committee has proposed that an outright ban should be considered, to prevent alcohol being sold in a wide range of outlets; this could include the sale of alcoholic products alongside groceries, confectionary and food.
“A number of other proposals have been put forward, including the ending of VAT refunds on below-cost sales, and banning the delivery of alcoholic products to consumers homes – a practice which has given underage teens easy access to drink. The prospect of introducing a minimum price for alcohol was also explored by the Committee.
“The statistics speak for themselves; alcohol is responsible for approximately 100 deaths per month, it accounts for 2,000 beds being occupied every night in hospitals around the country and 3 out of every 10 emergency department attendances. Furthermore, one in four deaths in young men is due to alcohol. We need to change our attitude to drink in this country. For too long we have happily accepted a reputation of being a heavy-drinking society. This needs to change.”
Ulster Bank make a generous donation to Pulse
Tom Roddy, manager of Ulster Bank, Blanchardstown, makes a generous donation of €2,000 to youth members of the Pulse committe, Tara McCamley, Michelle McCamley, Katie Courtney, Naoise Collins and Hope Courtney. Also pictured are Regina Doherty TD, who coordinated the donation, and Tony Groves, manager of Ulster Bank, Ashbourne.
Pulse brings comedy showcase to Ratoath
Some of Ireland's top comedians will descend on Ratoath next week to perform a fundraising comedy showcase in aid of the Ratoath Pulse project. As part of the projects final fundraising push, The Venue Theatre is hosting the event on Thursday, 26th January, at 8.00pm.
The show will feature Jason Byrne, Joe Rooney, Greg Marks, John Henderson, and other guests. Tickets for the event are selling fast and can be purchased in the community centre box office, or you can contact Gerry (087)2510998 or Fergus (087)6472747
The comedy night will also give local residents an opportunity to come together in support of a great community-based initiative.
The Pulse committee's efforts to raise funds to build a dedicated youth activity centre are well advance, having so far raised €30,000. Their objective is to raise another €25,000 in coming months so that the first building block can be put in place this spring.
Once the facility is built, the Pulse committee will be relying on the community's continued generosity in furnishing the place as well as sustaining its viability for the long term.
Organisers are asking Ratoath residents to sign up to a monthly standing order of €10 to Ratoath Youth Forum (Bank of Ireland Ratoath 90-36-48 2608 4644). And while not everybody is in a position to commit to such a fixed payment, people are asked to make a single donation to the above account number or leave a contribution into Ratoath Community Centre.
The Ratoath Pulse committee would like to thank the following who have shown continued support to provide a safe drug/alcohol free environment for local teens: olds Aidan Flanagan, Aisling Connor and An Garda Siochána, Cllr Nick Killian, Cunningham's Supervalu, Daragh Dempsey, Dave Tormey, The Auld Stand, Des Kelly Interiors, Donnelly's Hardware, Homeworld, HSE, John Kirwan-Solano Ltd, John Murphy of Ratoath Inn, Mary Wallace, Meath Partnership, Meath VEC, Lysaght architects, Pat's Carpets, Ratoath Books, Ratoath College, Ratoath National Schools, Regina Doherty TD, Ross Print, Square-1 Web & Graphic Design, Tesco Express, Ulster Bank, Vogue Bathrooms, Kenna & Co Auditors, WP O'Reilly & Associates and Bank of Ireland.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Traffic / Roads Update - Notification of Road Works on the Old N3 – Dunshaughlin
Traffic / Roads Update - Notification of Road Works on the Old N3 – Dunshaughlin. A stop/go traffic management plan will be in place. - Tuesday 24th January 2012 from 10am until 5pm.
Date Released: 23 January 2012
Reference: Notification of Road Works on the Old N3 – Dunshaughlin.
Location: Old N3 Dunshaughlin – Navan side of the Ratoath Junction.
Purpose: To facilitate the installation of a public lighting system.
Date: Tuesday 24th January 2012 from 10am until 5pm.
Note: A stop/go traffic management plan will be in place for the duration of the road works. Road users can expect delays.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Statutory maternity leave should be introduced for female politicians - Doherty
Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Friday) called for statutory maternity leave to be introduced for female politicians. Deputy Doherty made her comments at the ‘How to Elect More Women’ conference held in Dublin by Minister of State Kathleen Lynch.
“The lack of maternity leave provision for female politicians is just one of the many factors that are discouraging many women from entering the world of politics in Ireland. Female members of the Oireachtas are not considered to be employees, and therefore they are not currently entitled to statutory maternity leave. This is archaic and anti-women, and it is one of many issues I would like to see addressed without delay.
“Today’s conference provided a refreshing opportunity to debate the issues and obstacles preventing women from taking up a role in politics. The very nature of politics can seem completely incompatible with having children; late night local branch meetings and Dáil sittings can be very difficult to juggle with having a family.
“As a first time female TD and a mother of four, I was struck by how much Leinster House can still seem like an old boys’ club at times. Take a quick glance across the Dáil chamber and you will be greeted with more middle-aged male faces than anything else. Our national parliament must be representative of society; we need more women and more people from a range of different backgrounds.
“There are more female representatives in 31st Dáil than ever before; however women still only account for a paltry 15% of representatives. I believe the Electoral Amendment Bill, which has been published by the Minister for the Environment, Phil Hogan, will make significant strides in addressing this imbalance.
“The Bill, once it is passed into law, will penalise political parties if they do not have at least 30% female and 30% male candidates at the next general election. As a female representative of Dáil Eireann, I represent men, women and children alike. This Bill offers us the chance to truly change the face of our national parliament, for the betterment of Irish society as a whole. We are on the cusp of something really significant here; now let’s get on with it.”
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Doherty welcomes progress on UN Rights of the Child report
Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has welcomed confirmation from the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, that Ireland will present a report to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child later this year.
“This Government is committed to not only enhancing child protection, but also enshrining the rights of the child in our Constitution. We have set out an ambitious agenda for this area, and as well as improving our own legislative provisions, we are also committed to living up to our international obligations.
“Ireland ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1992; we submitted our second progress report to the UN Committee in 2005/2006, but unfortunately a third report which was due in 2009 was not submitted by the previous Government.
“We must cement our reputation as a country that puts child protection at the heart of our national agenda. Minister Fitzgerald has directed that a substantial progress report, which will cover the period 2006 to 2011 inclusive, should be submitted to the UN Committee later this year. It will outline developments achieved during that period, and plans for 2012-13.
“This report will be prepared in tandem with the wider ongoing work being carried out to improve and enhance our child protection structures. For too long in Ireland, children were not given the legal recognition and protection they deserve. This Government is determined to ensure this situation does not prevail.
“A number of advancements are being made in the area of child protection; work on the Children’s Rights Referendum is progressing and legislation that requires all organisations to comply with the Children’s First Guidelines and to share relevant information in the best interest of children is passing through the Houses of the Oireachtas. I would like to commend Minister Fitzgerald for her work on this area.”
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Doherty welcomes establishment of expert group to examine abortion issue
Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has welcomed the establishment of an expert group to look at the issues raised by a European Court ruling on abortion. The group has been set up by the Government, and is due to report back within six months.
“The establishment of this group was a commitment in the Programme for Government, and it arises from a European Court of Human Rights ruling dating from December 2010. It found that Ireland had failed to implement existing rights to a lawful abortion where a mother’s life is at risk, established in the Supreme Court X case of 1992.
“This is an issue that goes right to the very heart of the Irish psyche. It is a complex area, both morally and legally, and must be treated with respect and sensitivity. We cannot ignore the European Court ruling, and I am glad that the group has now been set up to look at the issue in a comprehensive manner.
“The expert group, established by the Minister for Health, James Reilly, consists of a range of health and legal professionals who will make recommendations to the Government on how this issue should be handled.
“The Government is also committed to legislate to regulate stem cell research and to clarify the law surrounding assisted human reproduction (AHR). The Department of Health is currently developing policy proposals to regulate these areas. The work involved in developing these proposals will examine and consider - among other things - the issues arising from the frozen embryos Supreme Court judgment.
“We cannot ignore these difficult issues. The Government must comply with its international obligations on human rights, while also taking account of the public mood on this issue. I am hopeful that the report produced by the expert group will help bring clarity to the area.”
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