Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, today encouraged local youth clubs to apply for funding from the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme, details of which can be found on the Department of Children and Youth Affairs website.
“This Scheme provides funding for the support of youth work activities at a local level. These grants are made available to youth clubs and groups through the local Vocational Education Committee.
“ The funding responds to the realities and practicalities experienced by local voluntary youth groups in the provision of activities to young people.
“I’d like to encourage all local youth groups to apply for this grant, which provides financial recognition of the diverse range of voluntary youth clubs and groups in existence, supporting and promoting volunteerism as well as club activity at local level. “
The closing date for receipt of applications is 30th June 2012
Friday, June 01, 2012
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Ireland's Jump in World Competitive Rankings
Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, today welcomed the results of the annual world competitiveness rankings produced by Swiss business school IMD.
“This survey reveals that Ireland continues to improve its competition rankings, jumping from 53rd in 2008, to 20th in 2012, a remarkable achievement.
“Ireland was ranked first in the world in the category of availability of skilled labour. We are also ranked first for flexibility and adaptability of workforce. In addition, the country is top for "investment incentives" something which one imagines will be scrutinised very closely by some of our EU peers.
“The survey’s encouraging results show that Ireland is moving towards meeting the Taoiseach’s target that by 2016 Ireland will be the best small country in the world in which to do business, and the Government has started to implement our plan to deliver on this.
“With the Action Plan for Jobs, the Government are implementing a raft of changes to reduce costs to business, improve access to finance and encourage greater innovation and in the coming months Minister Bruton will be developing a list of areas in which Ireland’s performance is lagging internationally and a plan to address this.
“Today’s results show that there has been a noticeable improvement since 2011, and the Government will to deliver real reform across the economy, improving our competitiveness and ensuring that we can get jobs and growth back into the economy again”.
“This survey reveals that Ireland continues to improve its competition rankings, jumping from 53rd in 2008, to 20th in 2012, a remarkable achievement.
“Ireland was ranked first in the world in the category of availability of skilled labour. We are also ranked first for flexibility and adaptability of workforce. In addition, the country is top for "investment incentives" something which one imagines will be scrutinised very closely by some of our EU peers.
“The survey’s encouraging results show that Ireland is moving towards meeting the Taoiseach’s target that by 2016 Ireland will be the best small country in the world in which to do business, and the Government has started to implement our plan to deliver on this.
“With the Action Plan for Jobs, the Government are implementing a raft of changes to reduce costs to business, improve access to finance and encourage greater innovation and in the coming months Minister Bruton will be developing a list of areas in which Ireland’s performance is lagging internationally and a plan to address this.
“Today’s results show that there has been a noticeable improvement since 2011, and the Government will to deliver real reform across the economy, improving our competitiveness and ensuring that we can get jobs and growth back into the economy again”.
Move Clears The Way To New Health Directorate
Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty,welcomed yesterday’s Government announcement that it had approved the Heads of a Bill which will see the formal abolition of the Board of the Health Service Executive and the establishment of a new Directorate structure for the organisation.
“Yesterdays approval by the Government to bring about major changes to the governance of the HSE is a key step along the road to the establishment of a health service that has as its highest value the best outcomes for patients."
“The intention is to put in place a system of Universal Health Insurance ending the current “two-tier” system and ensuring access for patients on the basis of need rather than means. "
“The new Directorate Structure of the HSE will provide a new administrative architecture designed to guide the organisation towards the roll out of Universal Health Insurance.
"This Government reform reflects the need for greater operational management focus on the delivery of key services and greater transparency about funding, service delivery and accountability."
“Yesterdays approval by the Government to bring about major changes to the governance of the HSE is a key step along the road to the establishment of a health service that has as its highest value the best outcomes for patients."
“The intention is to put in place a system of Universal Health Insurance ending the current “two-tier” system and ensuring access for patients on the basis of need rather than means. "
“The new Directorate Structure of the HSE will provide a new administrative architecture designed to guide the organisation towards the roll out of Universal Health Insurance.
"This Government reform reflects the need for greater operational management focus on the delivery of key services and greater transparency about funding, service delivery and accountability."
‘Town Hall’ meetings for The Gathering 2013
Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty today welcomed Minister Michael Ring’s announcement of series of Town Hall-style community meetings which will be held around Ireland.
“I would like to encourage people to get involved in The Gathering Ireland 2013, the year-long festival of festivals taking place next year, 2013.
“The Gathering 2013 is a people’s project and local Gathering organisations are being set up in every county, comprising sporting bodies, cultural and musical organisations, local authorities, and local development companies. A series of Town Hall-style community meetings will also be held around Ireland over the summer and in the year ahead.
“The Gathering Ireland 2013, is Ireland’s biggest ever tourism initiative and will involve local representatives to engaging within their own communities and with citizens to design, create and implement a range of innovative ideas to make The Gathering 2013 a success in their own areas. No event is too small.
Sporting organisations, clubs, teams, representative groups and communities can all get involved and to make The Gathering Ireland 2013 a resounding success.”
“The Gathering 2013 is a people’s project. In order to spread the message and get everyone involved, we are calling on local networks, like this local organisation, to come on board. It’s extremely important that this initiative is not confined to big cities, but will be a truly countrywide event which shows off Ireland at its best. Everyone can help by doing something as simple as sending an e-mail or postcard to a relative or friend abroad inviting them to Ireland in 2013.”
“I would like to encourage people to get involved in The Gathering Ireland 2013, the year-long festival of festivals taking place next year, 2013.
“The Gathering 2013 is a people’s project and local Gathering organisations are being set up in every county, comprising sporting bodies, cultural and musical organisations, local authorities, and local development companies. A series of Town Hall-style community meetings will also be held around Ireland over the summer and in the year ahead.
“The Gathering Ireland 2013, is Ireland’s biggest ever tourism initiative and will involve local representatives to engaging within their own communities and with citizens to design, create and implement a range of innovative ideas to make The Gathering 2013 a success in their own areas. No event is too small.
Sporting organisations, clubs, teams, representative groups and communities can all get involved and to make The Gathering Ireland 2013 a resounding success.”
“The Gathering 2013 is a people’s project. In order to spread the message and get everyone involved, we are calling on local networks, like this local organisation, to come on board. It’s extremely important that this initiative is not confined to big cities, but will be a truly countrywide event which shows off Ireland at its best. Everyone can help by doing something as simple as sending an e-mail or postcard to a relative or friend abroad inviting them to Ireland in 2013.”
Welcome to Ireland’s Tattersalls Horse trials this weekend
“Following on from the success of the event in 2011, I would like to congratulate Tattersalls on their second Tattersalls International Horse Trials and Country Fair which will take place from May 31st to June 3rd 2012.
“With this event, Meath will welcome even more international riders & visitors to Ireland in what is an Olympic year. The horse trials are established not only as a world class equestrian competition but as an entertaining family day out with an abundance of activities for all members of the family.
This is a great opportunity to see Irish riders such as Camilla Spiers, Mark Kyle and Jayne Doherty as they compete amongst the best in the world.”
“Entries once again demonstrate the standing of the event internationally. It is great to see so many top international riders coming over to compete”
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Welcome Incentives for Keeping and Creating Jobs
Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has urged business to take advantage of an number of recent improvements and incentives designed to help businesses retain staff and take on new employees over the past year.
“Times are very challenging at the moment, and the Government has put in place a range of initiatives to set the scene for future growth.
“The Employment and Investment Incentive (EII) and Seed Capital Schemes replace the previous Business Expansion Scheme and Seed Capital Scheme and provide tax relief for investments in small and medium-sized enterprises. The new schemes provide relief for investments in companies operating in most sectors of the economy.”
Tax relief is also available for start-up companies and in addition to this, the Revenue Job Assist scheme is available to all employers who employ qualifying individuals who have been unemployed for at least 12 months. This scheme provides a double deduction from Income Tax and PRSI for employers. A deduction from Income Tax is also available for the employee. This scheme was extended in Finance Act 2012 such that individuals who are signing for PRSI credits can also qualify.
All companies in receipt of the R&D tax credit now have the option to use a portion of the credit to reward key employees who have been directly involved in the development of R&D. This option was introduced in order to help companies to retain key employees. It is envisaged that there would be no additional cost to the Exchequer as the bonus comes from the R&D credit already received by the company and the employee still pays the full tax liability on their other income. This change will be monitored closely and if abused will be removed.
The Finance (No. 2) Act 2011 provided for a second reduced VAT rate of 9% on a temporary basis in respect of certain tourism-related services and goods for the period 1 July 2011 to 31 December 2013. This measure is aimed at contributing towards boosting tourism and the creation of additional jobs in that sector. Initial analysis of the effectiveness of the 9% VAT rate indicates that employment numbers in the tourism and restaurant sector have increased, prices have reduced and Tourism Ireland is targeting growth in overseas visitor numbers in 2012.
In addition, the Department of Social Protection provides for the Employer Job (PRSI) Incentive Scheme. Under this scheme, if an employer takes on an additional member of staff in 2012 that has been unemployed for 6 months or more, an exemption from employers’ PRSI for 18 months is available. Primary responsibility for this incentive rests with the Minister for Social Protection.
“Times are very challenging at the moment, and the Government has put in place a range of initiatives to set the scene for future growth.
“The Employment and Investment Incentive (EII) and Seed Capital Schemes replace the previous Business Expansion Scheme and Seed Capital Scheme and provide tax relief for investments in small and medium-sized enterprises. The new schemes provide relief for investments in companies operating in most sectors of the economy.”
Tax relief is also available for start-up companies and in addition to this, the Revenue Job Assist scheme is available to all employers who employ qualifying individuals who have been unemployed for at least 12 months. This scheme provides a double deduction from Income Tax and PRSI for employers. A deduction from Income Tax is also available for the employee. This scheme was extended in Finance Act 2012 such that individuals who are signing for PRSI credits can also qualify.
All companies in receipt of the R&D tax credit now have the option to use a portion of the credit to reward key employees who have been directly involved in the development of R&D. This option was introduced in order to help companies to retain key employees. It is envisaged that there would be no additional cost to the Exchequer as the bonus comes from the R&D credit already received by the company and the employee still pays the full tax liability on their other income. This change will be monitored closely and if abused will be removed.
The Finance (No. 2) Act 2011 provided for a second reduced VAT rate of 9% on a temporary basis in respect of certain tourism-related services and goods for the period 1 July 2011 to 31 December 2013. This measure is aimed at contributing towards boosting tourism and the creation of additional jobs in that sector. Initial analysis of the effectiveness of the 9% VAT rate indicates that employment numbers in the tourism and restaurant sector have increased, prices have reduced and Tourism Ireland is targeting growth in overseas visitor numbers in 2012.
In addition, the Department of Social Protection provides for the Employer Job (PRSI) Incentive Scheme. Under this scheme, if an employer takes on an additional member of staff in 2012 that has been unemployed for 6 months or more, an exemption from employers’ PRSI for 18 months is available. Primary responsibility for this incentive rests with the Minister for Social Protection.
Monday, May 28, 2012
An Taoiseach: European Stability Treaty Address
Next Thursday, in the referendum on the European Stability Treaty, you will be asked to make a decision that will have enormous implications for our country’s future.
In short, this Treaty strengthens the economic and budgetary rules that apply to countries like Ireland that share the euro currency.
It will create stability in the Eurozone. This is essential for growth and job creation.
A strong Yes vote will create the certainty and stability that our country needs to continue on the road to economic recovery.
This Treaty will not solve all of our problems, but it is one part of the solution.
One of the many foundation blocks we need to put in place to ensure that our economy stands on firm ground in the future.
A Yes vote will send out a powerful message internationally about the kind of country Ireland is.
The government I lead was given a strong mandate by the Irish people last year.
Since then, we have worked hard to stabilise Ireland’s economy and to get the country pointed in the right direction.
We have made a start, but there is a long way to go.
I acknowledge that some of the measures we have had to take have been painful for many people.
But it is clear that the sacrifices that everyone is making are starting to make a difference.
Our public finances are coming under control.
Unemployment, though still far too high, is stabilising.
Growth, although modest, has returned to the Irish economy.
We are continuing to improve the terms and cost of our Troika programme.
And, Ireland’s international reputation has been restored.
We have proven that we are a country working hard to solve the economic crisis.
This has led to increased international confidence in Ireland as a place in which to invest, and in which to do business.
So here are three VERY positive reasons to Vote Yes on Thursday.
First - a Yes vote is the best way of ensuring that the strong flow of investment in jobs continues and grows.
Throughout my recent visits to the United States, China and elsewhere, the consistent message from both political and business leaders is that they want to see certainty about Ireland’s place in the Eurozone.
A Yes vote will provide that certainty and will confirm to investors that Ireland is a reliable place, with stable conditions and a brilliant workforce.
In the last few months, you have seen many multinational companies showing their confidence in Ireland by investing and creating jobs here.
Companies like Paypal in Dundalk, Apple in Cork, Merit Medical in Galway, and Abbott in Sligo, to name but a few. Many others are considering doing likewise.
Their decisions will create thousands of new jobs directly, and will also boost smaller Irish firms who supply them with goods and services.
Second - only a Yes vote will give Ireland guaranteed access to Europe’s permanent rescue fund - the European Stability Mechanism, should Ireland ever need it.
I want this country to have the same access as all other Euro countries to this insurance policy. This is important.
Third - a Yes vote will ensure that good housekeeping rules are put in place so that responsible budgeting becomes the norm throughout Europe.
While the creation of budget rules alone will not be enough to solve Europe’s economic problems, it will ensure that no future government will be able to behave recklessly with the people’s money.
I want people to be fully informed about the contents and implications of this referendum before they vote.
That’s why we have sent a copy of this Treaty to every home in Ireland.
It has been signed by 25 countries and its contents will not be changed.
It is also important that you are aware of what is not covered by this Treaty.
It has nothing to do with corporation tax. There is nothing in it that would allow other countries impose service cuts or charges on Ireland.
We can’t fix all our problems on Thursday but we can take another step to keep our country moving in the right direction.
You have played your part in the progress Ireland has made in the last year.
And I thank you for that.
I ask you to make a further contribution by coming out to Vote Yes on Thursday.
Yes to stability.
Yes to investment.
Yes to recovery,
and Yes to a Working Ireland.
Go raibh maith agat.
In short, this Treaty strengthens the economic and budgetary rules that apply to countries like Ireland that share the euro currency.
It will create stability in the Eurozone. This is essential for growth and job creation.
A strong Yes vote will create the certainty and stability that our country needs to continue on the road to economic recovery.
This Treaty will not solve all of our problems, but it is one part of the solution.
One of the many foundation blocks we need to put in place to ensure that our economy stands on firm ground in the future.
A Yes vote will send out a powerful message internationally about the kind of country Ireland is.
The government I lead was given a strong mandate by the Irish people last year.
Since then, we have worked hard to stabilise Ireland’s economy and to get the country pointed in the right direction.
We have made a start, but there is a long way to go.
I acknowledge that some of the measures we have had to take have been painful for many people.
But it is clear that the sacrifices that everyone is making are starting to make a difference.
Our public finances are coming under control.
Unemployment, though still far too high, is stabilising.
Growth, although modest, has returned to the Irish economy.
We are continuing to improve the terms and cost of our Troika programme.
And, Ireland’s international reputation has been restored.
We have proven that we are a country working hard to solve the economic crisis.
This has led to increased international confidence in Ireland as a place in which to invest, and in which to do business.
So here are three VERY positive reasons to Vote Yes on Thursday.
First - a Yes vote is the best way of ensuring that the strong flow of investment in jobs continues and grows.
Throughout my recent visits to the United States, China and elsewhere, the consistent message from both political and business leaders is that they want to see certainty about Ireland’s place in the Eurozone.
A Yes vote will provide that certainty and will confirm to investors that Ireland is a reliable place, with stable conditions and a brilliant workforce.
In the last few months, you have seen many multinational companies showing their confidence in Ireland by investing and creating jobs here.
Companies like Paypal in Dundalk, Apple in Cork, Merit Medical in Galway, and Abbott in Sligo, to name but a few. Many others are considering doing likewise.
Their decisions will create thousands of new jobs directly, and will also boost smaller Irish firms who supply them with goods and services.
Second - only a Yes vote will give Ireland guaranteed access to Europe’s permanent rescue fund - the European Stability Mechanism, should Ireland ever need it.
I want this country to have the same access as all other Euro countries to this insurance policy. This is important.
Third - a Yes vote will ensure that good housekeeping rules are put in place so that responsible budgeting becomes the norm throughout Europe.
While the creation of budget rules alone will not be enough to solve Europe’s economic problems, it will ensure that no future government will be able to behave recklessly with the people’s money.
I want people to be fully informed about the contents and implications of this referendum before they vote.
That’s why we have sent a copy of this Treaty to every home in Ireland.
It has been signed by 25 countries and its contents will not be changed.
It is also important that you are aware of what is not covered by this Treaty.
It has nothing to do with corporation tax. There is nothing in it that would allow other countries impose service cuts or charges on Ireland.
We can’t fix all our problems on Thursday but we can take another step to keep our country moving in the right direction.
You have played your part in the progress Ireland has made in the last year.
And I thank you for that.
I ask you to make a further contribution by coming out to Vote Yes on Thursday.
Yes to stability.
Yes to investment.
Yes to recovery,
and Yes to a Working Ireland.
Go raibh maith agat.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Training Initiative Set for Expansion – Doherty
Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today welcomed confirmation that the successful Springboard initiative to provide part time higher education places for unemployed people in areas of current and future skills needs is to be expanded.
A further 6,000 part-time Springboard places are being launched in the roll-out of Springboard 2012.
“This initiative provides graduates with vital skills and qualifications that sectors of our economy need to grow and expand”.
"Since 2011, Springboard has supported almost 5,000 unemployed people to undertake part-time higher education programmes in areas of identified skills needs such as ICT, Medical Devices, Entrepreneurship and the Green Economy. About 3,500 of those students will graduate next month, with the remainder continuing their studies".
The eligibility criteria have been expanded to include people who were previously self-employed and people in receipt of an extended number of social welfare payments such as Disability Allowance and Carer’s Allowance.
A further 6,000 part-time Springboard places are being launched in the roll-out of Springboard 2012.
“This initiative provides graduates with vital skills and qualifications that sectors of our economy need to grow and expand”.
"Since 2011, Springboard has supported almost 5,000 unemployed people to undertake part-time higher education programmes in areas of identified skills needs such as ICT, Medical Devices, Entrepreneurship and the Green Economy. About 3,500 of those students will graduate next month, with the remainder continuing their studies".
The eligibility criteria have been expanded to include people who were previously self-employed and people in receipt of an extended number of social welfare payments such as Disability Allowance and Carer’s Allowance.
Monday, May 21, 2012
New standards to provide guidance to business on adopting cloud computing – Minister Bruton
The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD, today launched new Government-backed standards to help provide guidance to businesses small and large on moving to cloud computing.
The announcement marks the delivery of a Q2 measure under Action Plan for Jobs 2012.
Cloud services are reshaping the future of computing, but one of the primary concerns with the emerging Cloud paradigm is the lack of standards to guide its adoption and implementation. The National Standards Authority of Ireland (an agency of Minister Bruton’s Department) in partnership with the Irish Internet Association (IIA), this morning launched the new standards, entitled, “SWiFT 10: Adopting the Cloud – decision support for Cloud computing”. The standard is designed to provide guidance to organisations both large and small on the various issues that need to be considered when moving to the cloud.
Launching the new standards, Minister Bruton said: “A central part of the Government’s plan for jobs and growth is targeting key sectors where Ireland has competitive advantages and the potential to foster growth. One such sector is cloud computing, and various studies have reported that Ireland has potential to create high levels of growth and jobs in this sector if we move early. That is why the Action Plan for Jobs sets out a number of measures that the Government will deliver in 2012 to help deliver on this potential.
“Today’s launch of new Government-backed standards to help guide businesses of all sizes that are looking to move to the Cloud marks the delivery of one of these measures. This is an important move by Government to help increase the numbers of Irish businesses, small and large, who successfully adopt the Cloud. I am determined that over the coming months we will continue delivering these measures on time so that we can achieve the growth in the economy and in employment that we need”.
Developed by IIA Cloud Computing Working Group and adopted by the NSAI as SWiFT 10, this collaboration has delivered a comprehensive roadmap for businesses to encompass all Cloud delivery and deployment models. It is intended for use as a means of assessing Cloud adoption prioritisation and suitability. The IIA Cloud Computing Working Group is a collaboration of expert practitioners and business leaders (Chief Information Officers, Chief Technical Officers, Heads of IT, Legal, and Consultancy) from a variety of business sectors and organisation sizes in Ireland.
Maurice Buckley, Chief Executive, NSAI, said, “Many people are already using Cloud computing in everyday life without even realising it. Services such as e-mail, social networking and photo sharing are all forms of Cloud computing. SMEs in particular will be receptive to this standard, as every effort has been made to make it as user friendly and straightforward as possible. Many businesses are already making the transition, moving elements of their business to the more mature and better known aspects of the Cloud, such as email or file storage. We hope that SWiFT 10 will enable and encourage more Irish businesses to move to the Cloud in the coming years, which we believe will give Ireland an early adopter and market advantage in this space.”
The Decision Support Matrix contained within SWiFT 10 has been divided into a number of categories, which address the challenges and business benefits to be considered in developing and implementing a Cloud migration strategy. Using the guide will support organisations in thoroughly assessing the practical suitability of Cloud computing across the gamut of business operations. It includes a thorough review of all legal, security, maturity and cost/benefit considerations.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Meath Men take GAA Initiative
Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty today leant her support to the Meath GAA Social Initiative .
The Initiative, established by the GAA in 2009 in conjunction with Áras an Uachtaráin, provides a social outlet for older male members of society and particularly those in rural areas. It is a community-based project aimed at older men who would benefit from an enhanced engagement within the local community.
“I would like to congratulate the GAA for taking up the mantle. This scheme has the potential to transform the lives of the individuals involved and contribute significantly to community life. These men have no doubt contributed handsomely in various ways to their respective communities in the past and the project provides an ideal opportunity for the community to express their deep gratitude to them while also offering the men the opportunity to continue to utilise their great experience and wisdom for the benefit of society."
“There are great benefits for clubs getting involved in this initiative out from the visible benefits of improving the quality of life of particular people in your area the club will also be in a stronger position to make applications for grants from various agencies outside the GAA.”
Participation in the project will involve the clubs organising social activities in their respective areas - some of which will be GAA orientated. However, it is important to note that the Initiative is not exclusive to GAA members and the hope would be to have all men within a Club's parish to be made feel welcome.
Paddy Kelly has been appointed as a provincial co-ordinator to help and encourage clubs in Meath to join this initiative. Those who are interested can contact him at: 086 8282458
The Initiative, established by the GAA in 2009 in conjunction with Áras an Uachtaráin, provides a social outlet for older male members of society and particularly those in rural areas. It is a community-based project aimed at older men who would benefit from an enhanced engagement within the local community.
“I would like to congratulate the GAA for taking up the mantle. This scheme has the potential to transform the lives of the individuals involved and contribute significantly to community life. These men have no doubt contributed handsomely in various ways to their respective communities in the past and the project provides an ideal opportunity for the community to express their deep gratitude to them while also offering the men the opportunity to continue to utilise their great experience and wisdom for the benefit of society."
“There are great benefits for clubs getting involved in this initiative out from the visible benefits of improving the quality of life of particular people in your area the club will also be in a stronger position to make applications for grants from various agencies outside the GAA.”
Participation in the project will involve the clubs organising social activities in their respective areas - some of which will be GAA orientated. However, it is important to note that the Initiative is not exclusive to GAA members and the hope would be to have all men within a Club's parish to be made feel welcome.
Paddy Kelly has been appointed as a provincial co-ordinator to help and encourage clubs in Meath to join this initiative. Those who are interested can contact him at: 086 8282458
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