IFA support for Stability Treaty referendum is significant

Active campaign planned for its almost 90,000 members

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty , has described the decision by the Irish Farmers Association’s (IFA) Executive Council on Tuesday to recommend a Yes vote on the Stability Treaty to its almost 90,000 members as a significant step in the campaign to ratify the Treaty.

“By making this decision, the IFA has recognised and acknowledged the huge benefits that membership of a stable currency regime, the Common Agriculture Policy and the EU brings to farming families, their businesses and the rural economy.

“Many of the terms of the Stability Treaty on budget deficits and Government debt are already agreed and in place at an EU level and our ratification of the Treaty will bring these into Irish law . Acceptance of the Stability Treaty by Ireland on May 31st will allow successful sectors such as agri-food production and exports, to continue to grow and expand for the benefit of the entire Irish economy.

“As part of their campaign for a Yes vote, the IFA will embark on a communications drive to their 90,000 members of the benefits of of the Stability Treaty and regional meetings will commence around the country. On Thursday 5th April, the IFA President, John Bryan, will address the Oireachtas Sub-Committee.”

Significant progress being made on Children’s First Bill

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has said that significant progress is being made on the Children’s First Bill, which will bring statutory guidelines into law by the end of the year. Deputy Doherty was speaking after the Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children, of which she is a member, received a request from the Children’s Minister, Frances Fitzgerald, to examine the Heads of the Bill.

“This legislation has been a long time coming. As stated by Minister Fitzgerald at the Fine Gael Ard Fheis at the weekend, the legislation was first promised by Fianna Fáil 14 years ago, but it was never delivered. Now, this Government is determined to finally place the Children First guidelines on a statutory footing.

“Last year, with the publication of the Cloyne Report, we were once again reminded of the horrendous abuse and neglect visited upon our children in the distant and recent past. But this isn’t just a legacy issue; child abuse and neglect is happening every day in this country. As a government, we need to ensure we put the protection in place to safeguard these children.

“The Children First Bill will send out the message that it is absolutely critical that if somebody has, on good faith, reasonable concerns over the abuse or neglect of a child then those concerns must be reported to the relevant authorities. Complying with Children First will also mean we take a much more comprehensive approach that will lay down the responsibilities of organisations in contact with or providing services to children.

“Minister Fitzgerald is due to submit a draft General Scheme and Heads of the Children First Bill to Government at the first meeting after Easter. She will also seek Government approval to refer the Heads of the Bill to the Committee on Health and Children.

“I look forward to examining the draft Bill, and helping to prepare this legislation that will completely overhaul our approach to child protection. This is just one piece of the jigsaw when it comes to improving our child protection structures. Work is also progressing on the Children’s Referendum, which will ensure the best decisions are made for vulnerable children, as well as addressing a number of other anomalies in our law which mean children are not being given the care they deserve.”

Research programme will help Ireland generate business in $148 billion cloud computing sector

Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has today (Monday) welcomed the announcement by Minister for Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation, Richard Bruton, of a €1.2 million research programme in the Cloud Computing Technology Research Centre, which is aimed at identifying ways to generate business and profit from the burgeoning cloud computing sector.

“This Government is intent on attracting investment and creating opportunities for Ireland in the cloud computing sector. That is why we have invested in this research consortium to help us identify ways to generate business and profit from cloud computing.

“Ireland has established a firm foothold in this extremely lucrative market which, it is estimated, will be worth $148 billion by 2014. We are keen to further exploit opportunities in this market.

“Having worked in the IT sector for over 20 years, I am greatly encouraged by pro-active measures that are being taken to help capitalise on the massive potential that exists in this sector. This initiative will assist some of our brightest people in our third level institutions to help find ways that Ireland can benefit from growth of the cloud computing sector.

“The funding will be allocated over 12 months to a consortium of higher education institutions to carry out the initial research programme. The research consortium will be made up of teams from University College Cork, Athlone Institute of Technology, the Innovation Value Institute at NUIM and Dublin City University, which will lead the consortium.

“The consortium will focus on four principal research areas: cloud computing technology architecture, service management, business research and cloud security.

“Cloud computing enables people to gain access to a shared pool of computing resources including networks, servers, storage and applications through a web browser and only pay for the time they are using them. As well as providing cost savings, cloud computing also offers consumers levels of security, reliability and support that are often prohibitively costly to all but the larger organisations.

“Cloud computing opens up an endless range of possibilities; virtualise all servers and PCs, set-up your printer for internet printing, give everyone a tablet and they can work from anywhere. Some companies are giving away a free VDI (virtual desktop interface) with a premium broadband connection which allows you to load software onto the VDI and access your PC from a tablet or Smartphone from anywhere, running on a resilient server so it won’t fail and your data is safe. With cloud your data is online all the time and you can share it with other users increasing productivity and output. Cloud computing is the way of the future. The Minister willingness to embrace it and drive the sector forward will ensure that Ireland realises its potential in this area and contributes to the jobs and growth we so badly need.”

Mahon highlights disturbing approach of former FF Ministers

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Thursday) said that the Mahon Tribunal Report highlights the deeply disturbing culture of Fianna Fáil in Government. Deputy Doherty specifically referred to comments made by senior Fianna Fáil Ministers criticising the Tribunal, while it was investigating the affairs of then Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.

“In his introduction, Judge Mahon specifically refers to how the Tribunal came under ‘sustained and virulent attack’ from a number of senior Government Ministers in 2007/2008 when it was inquiring into matters relating to Bertie Ahern.

“I agree wholeheartedly with Judge Mahon when he says that it was entirely inappropriate for members of the Government to launch partisan attacks against a Tribunal of Inquiry. I find it completely abhorrent that Fianna Fáil Cabinet Ministers would deem it appropriate to try to undermine the conduct of the Tribunal while it was inquiring into their then leader and Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern.

“We know, for instance, that the current Fianna Fáil leader, Micheál Martin, criticised the way the Tribunal investigated what he described as ‘bizarre’ allegations made by Tom Gilmartin. Former Fianna Fáil Minister, Dermot Ahern, labelled the Tribunal’s questioning of Bertie Ahern as ‘astounding’. We also had the incredible statement from current TD and former Minister, Willie O’Dea, saying that he was waiting for the day the tribunal would start questioning what Bertie Ahern did with his First Communion money. Former Minister Dick Roche, meanwhile, saw fit to describe the Tribunal as ‘petty’ and ‘prurient’.

“These comments are even more shocking today than they were at the time. Given the Tribunal’s findings, do all of these current and former Fianna Fáil politicians stand over these statements?

“Judge Mahon draws the conclusion that the objective of these attacks was to erode the Tribunal’s independence and force its collapse. I believe the individuals involved should account for their actions. Some of those who were Cabinet Ministers at the time are members of the current Dáil; they should not remain silent on this issue.

“The Mahon Tribunal Report draws a line under the corrupt environment that polluted all levels of Government over the last couple of decades. All of the major political parties in this State must carefully study its contents. It will take some time to digest all of Judge Mahon’s findings and recommendations.
“I look forward to the report being scrutinised by the DPP and the Garda Commissioner, to establish whether any legal prosecutions can be brought.”

North east hospitals will benefit from Acute Medical Programme

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Friday) said that hospitals in the north east are set to be among the first to benefit from the new Acute Medical Programme, which will overhaul how patients are admitted, and make hospitals operate in a more efficient manner.

“The Minister for Health, James Reilly, is implementing a series of reforms on how our hospitals are run by overhauling clinical programmes. This will deliver greater efficiencies and, crucially, it will lead to better outcomes for patients.

“The Acute Medical Programme (AMP) will radically change the way hospitals deal with patients who come into Emergency Departments. It will improve the experience of sick people by ensuring that they are dealt with through a number of different ‘streams’ into the hospital.

“Four hospitals in the Dublin North East Region will be among the first to benefit from this new programme. The AMP will be rolled out this year in Our Lady’s Hospital in Navan, Our Lady of Lourdes in Drogheda, Beaumont and Cavan General.

“This will change the way the Emergency Departments are run in these hospitals by improving safety and ease of access, especially for very ill patients. The AMP will stream these patients away from crowded Emergency Departments to purpose-designed areas for rapid investigation and treatment, called Acute Medical Units.

“As well as changing the pattern of admissions, the AMP also includes a National Early Warning Score (NEWS) which will help to monitor the patient’s condition, and trigger a medical response if there is a deterioration. This may lead to the patient being moved to a more appropriate care setting.

“The AMP is aiming to save 500,000 bed days used, which means it will free up much needed bed space. This, together with the Special Delivery Unit, will help to make a serious dent in the problem of overcrowding in our hospitals. The AMP will be introduced in at least 18 hospitals in 2012 and in all other hospitals in 2013.”

Health Committee to discuss substance misuse strategy with Minister Roisin Shortall

Minister of State with responsibility for primary care, Roisin Shortall, TD, will attend the meeting of the Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children tomorrow, 15th March to discuss the Steering Group Report on a National Substance Misuse Strategy.

Committee Chairman, Jerry Buttimer TD said: “In January this Committee launched a major report The misuse of alcohol and other drugs which called for an end to VAT refunds on below-cost sales of alcohol and for the Government to explore the option of a ban on all retail advertising relating to the discounting of alcoholic products. The report also confirmed that a majority of the Committee support moving towards introducing minimum pricing in respect of alcoholic drinks.

This report will complement the Steering Group Report on a National Substance Misuse Strategy which was launched last month. Therefore it is timely that Minister Shortall and Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, should attend our meeting tomorrow to discuss the findings of the report and provide members with an overview of some of the evidence presented by the Steering Group on the adverse implications of alcohol on society.

It is the Committee’s belief that there is no single measure which will solve the problem of alcohol misuse. Rather, a package of measures is needed to change our attitudes towards, and behaviour regarding, the consumption of alcohol.

We would hope that the implementation of findings and recommendations from both reports will help to bring about a change in attitudes towards the misuse of alcohol by illustrating the huge personal and economic costs caused by hazardous drinking.”

The meeting takes place, Thursday, 15th March, 11.30am in Committee Room 2, LH 2000. Committee proceedings can be followed live at: http://bit.ly/24YmPIw

Meath groups to benefit from Lotto funding

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Wednesday) said that community and voluntary groups in Meath are in line to benefit from fresh funding allocated to the HSE by the National Lottery. Organisations involved in health and personal social services can apply for once off funding under the scheme.

“The HSE has announced that the latest round of Lotto funding has been approved, and I’m encouraging local community groups and organisations in Meath to make their case by applying for funds from the HSE Dublin North East.

“The grants can make a huge difference to local groups providing hugely worthwhile supports and services to communities across Meath. These groups are helping young families, the elderly and the disabled in their everyday lives.

“As well as supporting the groups involved with once off funding, the money can also be used to improve the building, equipment and furnishing of health facilities and clinics.

“This round of Lotto funding will also go towards the Respite Care Grant Scheme; this annual payment made to carers is a valuable means of support for those caring for their loved ones at home. The payment can be used to provide respite care, or for anything else that the carer needs.

“National Lottery Grants have proven to be a valuable source of support to local community groups in recent years. Any groups in Meath who would like to apply for this latest funding to get in touch with the HSE Dublin North East before the closing date on April 20^th.”

Help make the most of Meath’s best heritage sites

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Monday) encouraged people across Co. Meath to help promote and enhance historic sites in their local area. The Office of Public Works (OPW) wants to get community groups more involved to make sure that we are getting the most of the fantastic array of world class heritage sites across the country.

“I am urging community groups and organisations in Meath to make their views known on how we can develop tourism locally by using our national monuments and sites. The Minister of State at the OPW, Brian Hayes TD, wants to have at least 25 partnerships in place nationally between the OPW and local organisations by this summer.

“This is a new departure for the OPW; up to now there has been no major volunteer effort in how we present our heritage. It also builds on the success of the recent Free Days initiative, which grants free access to heritage sites on the first Wednesday of every month. It has been a huge success in Meath, with a 142% increase in visitor numbers to the Battle of the Boyne site on free days.

“We have a host of great heritage sites in Meath, including the Hill of Tara, the Battle of the Boyne site and Newgrange, and I’m sure there are plenty of great ideas locally on how these sites, and other historical amenities and monuments, can be better promoted.

“Ahead of the busy summer season, it’s vital that we are doing all we can to attract as many people as possible to these sites. Visitors from at home and abroad who come to see heritage also tend to spend some time in the local town or village, and may even choose to stay nearby, providing a much-needed revenue stream for local businesses.

“The reality is that we don’t have any extra money to extend opening hours at heritage sites or increase the guide service on offer. But through this partnership approach being led by Minister Hayes, community groups can help to address shortcomings by coming up with innovative ideas. Local input will also help to instil a sense of confidence and ownership in heritage sites, and could form part of the overall tourism strategy for a local town or village.

“Tourism is a key driver of the local economy in Meath; recent figures show that Ireland’s tourism market recovered significantly last year, and now is the time to build on this progress. I’m urging community and heritage groups in Meath to make their views known, and help us boost our tourism potential even further. You can email the OPW at communities@opw.ie or call 046 9426106 or 046 9426061. A national conference will take place in April and the OPW will provide training and support for the groups selected to be part of the pilot in 2012.”

142% boost for Battle of the Boyne visitor numbers

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has welcomed the news that the ‘Free Day’ for heritage sites on the first Wednesday of every month will continue this year. Deputy Doherty said the initiative, run by the Office of Public Works, is clearly working, as visitor numbers at the Battle of the Boyne site have jumped by 142%.

“I am delighted that Minister of State for the OPW, Brian Hayes, has decided to extend this initiative, which gives visitors free access to heritage sites on the first Wednesday of every month. This is a great way of encouraging locals and visitors to explore the huge array of fantastic historical sites on offer across the country.

“The initiative has been a huge success in Co. Meath, where ‘Free Wednesday’ led to an extra 1,000 people visiting the Battle of the Boyne site and visitor centre. In total, visitor numbers jumped by 142% on free admissions days in the second half of last year, compared with the same days a year earlier.

“Tourism is a valuable contributor to the local economy in Meath, and a vital source of jobs. Boosting visitor numbers at attractions like the Battle of the Boyne has a very positive knock on impact for the towns and villages nearby who benefit from increased footfall and traffic as people spend time in the area. People who take a day out to visit a heritage site are likely to stop for a bite to eat, or to do some shopping, all of which is of major benefit to local businesses.

“I hope people from across Meath, as well as people visiting the county, will take the chance to avail of our world class heritage sites over the coming months.”

"Growing up in Ireland" provides essential insight to inform public policy

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Chair of the Internal Fine Gael Committee on Health and Children, has today said that the Growing Up in Ireland study provides an essential and valuable insight into the lives of our children. Deputy Doherty was speaking following the publication of the latest instalment of the study, which examines how our children’s emotional state is impacted by their families.

“This study is proving to be an extremely valuable resource for the Government, when formulating child centred policies. The latest report looks at how children are affected emotionally and socially by their families. The vast majority of nine year olds are developing well, but up to one and five are classified as having significant levels of difficulty. The study also highlights the fact that children from lower income and single parent households are more likely to experience difficulties. This provides both a challenge for their parents and for the State.

“Our children are our most important asset, and they must be valued and cherished appropriately. This Government has placed children’s issues at the heart of policy making, by establishing a dedicated Ministry for Children. We must ensure that information like that contained in the Growing Up in Ireland report feed into public policy to ensure that our children are being best served.

“The establishment of the new Children and Family Support Agency will be a key step in ensuring that our children are better protected. I am encouraged to receive confirmation from Minister Frances Fitzgerald that significant progress is being made on the new Agency, which will incorporate key children’s services.

“The Agency forms just one part of a significant reform agenda, including placing the Children’s First Guidelines on a statutory basis and the establishment, for the first time, of a dedicated budget for children and family services.

“I commend the Government on the work that has been completed to date and I urge Minister Fitzgerald to ensure that the Growing Up in Ireland plays a key role in the formulation of policy into the future.”