Thursday, October 04, 2012
Minister Frances Fitzgerald T.D. launches information website for Children’s Referendum
The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Ms. Frances Fitzgerald T.D. today launched www.childrensreferendum.ie, which is the dedicated information website for the Children’s Referendum.
Minster Fitzgerald was joined by children to officially launch the website at an event in Merrion Square, Dublin.
The website, which has been developed by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, is provided in both Irish-language and English-language versions. The website includes the Referendum wording as well as a guide to the proposed changes, factsheets on topics such as adoption and foster care and answers to frequently asked questions about the Referendum.
At the launch, Minister Fitzgerald stated: “The debate on this Referendum must not belong solely to constitutional lawyers or politicians. This is a debate for all of us. That is why the Government has committed to running a major information campaign for the Referendum which includes this website www.childrensreferendum.ie as well as the distribution of an information booklet to every home in the state”.
The website launch took place the day after the Thirty-first Amendment of the Constitution (Children) Bill 2012 completed all stages of debate in the Oireachtas, with the full support of TDs and Senators.
Commenting on the wording agreed by the Oireachtas, Minster Fitzgerald stated: “I would encourage everybody to read the wording on the information website www.childrensreferendum.ie. If you do, you will see that it is very clear in its objective. It’s about treating all children equally, in particular by removing inequalities in adoption. It’s about protecting children from abuse and neglect. It’s about supporting families; and it’s about recognising children in their own right”
Wednesday, October 03, 2012
Microfinance Scheme will help Meath businesses succeed
Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Tuesday) said the new Microfinance Scheme, launched by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD, will help small businesses in Meath to succeed. The Scheme, which is open for business, will provide funding to businesses who have been refused credit by the banks.
“The Government recognises that access to credit remains one of the biggest challenges facing small and medium businesses. Without sufficient access to credit, growth potential is stifled and in some cases businesses are forced to close. The Microfinance Fund is the latest initiative from Government to tackle this problem.
“Any business or sole trader employing up to ten people and with a turnover of less than €2 million who have been refused by the banks for loans of up to €25,000 can apply to the Scheme. It is expected to lend over €90 million over its ten-year timeframe, supporting 5,500 small businesses and creating up to 7,700 jobs.
“Small businesses are a vital source of local jobs, and helping and supporting this sector will be essential in tackling our unemployment crisis. Through the Microfinance Scheme we are directly targeting small businesses and traders who want to grow their business and create jobs, but who are struggling to do so due to a lack of credit.
“The Microfinance Scheme will help existing businesses succeed and it will help start-ups to get off the ground. If we want entrepreneurs and business leaders to play a pivotal role in our recovery, we must ensure the right supports are in place. This new Scheme will provide loans primarily to newly established and growing microenterprises across all industry sectors. This is a significant change, as previous enterprise supports have been focused on the exporting sectors.
“The first port of call for anyone interested in the new Scheme should be their local County Enterprise Board, which can help applicants put business cases together. The Scheme is being run by Microfinance Ireland, and further details can be found at www.microfinanceireland.ie.
“Through the Microfinance Scheme, and a range of other supports introduced under the Action Plan for Jobs including the Loan Guarantee Scheme, the Development Capital Scheme and the Innovation Fund, the Government is committed to giving viable businesses the support they need to succeed and create jobs.”
“The Government recognises that access to credit remains one of the biggest challenges facing small and medium businesses. Without sufficient access to credit, growth potential is stifled and in some cases businesses are forced to close. The Microfinance Fund is the latest initiative from Government to tackle this problem.
“Any business or sole trader employing up to ten people and with a turnover of less than €2 million who have been refused by the banks for loans of up to €25,000 can apply to the Scheme. It is expected to lend over €90 million over its ten-year timeframe, supporting 5,500 small businesses and creating up to 7,700 jobs.
“Small businesses are a vital source of local jobs, and helping and supporting this sector will be essential in tackling our unemployment crisis. Through the Microfinance Scheme we are directly targeting small businesses and traders who want to grow their business and create jobs, but who are struggling to do so due to a lack of credit.
“The Microfinance Scheme will help existing businesses succeed and it will help start-ups to get off the ground. If we want entrepreneurs and business leaders to play a pivotal role in our recovery, we must ensure the right supports are in place. This new Scheme will provide loans primarily to newly established and growing microenterprises across all industry sectors. This is a significant change, as previous enterprise supports have been focused on the exporting sectors.
“The first port of call for anyone interested in the new Scheme should be their local County Enterprise Board, which can help applicants put business cases together. The Scheme is being run by Microfinance Ireland, and further details can be found at www.microfinanceireland.ie.
“Through the Microfinance Scheme, and a range of other supports introduced under the Action Plan for Jobs including the Loan Guarantee Scheme, the Development Capital Scheme and the Innovation Fund, the Government is committed to giving viable businesses the support they need to succeed and create jobs.”
Tuesday, October 02, 2012
Annual Children’s Book Festival will be launched at a public event in Ashbourne Library on Saturday 6th October by author Eoin Colfer
The annual Children’s Book Festival takes place this October and is organised by Meath County Council’s Library Service. All through October school children will visit Meath Libraries to see authors, illustrators, storytellers, and take part in drama and circus workshops throughout the county.
The festival will be launched at a public event in Ashbourne Library on Saturday 6th October by author Eoin Colfer
Download our full brochure from the link below, for details on all events.
The Children’s Referendum will take place on Saturday 10th November 2012 - Supplement Register of Electors 2012/2013
Important Notice
Supplement Register of Electors 2012/2013
The Children’s Referendum will take place on Saturday 10th November 2012. You must be an Irish citizen, ordinarily resident in the constituency, and 18 years or over on polling day to vote in the referendum. All electors are advised to check the current Register to ensure that they are registered to vote. If you are not on this Register and you wish to vote in the forthcoming Referendum, you need to apply to Meath Co. Council to be included in the Supplement Register of Electors 2012/2013.
Completed forms for entry on the Supplement Register of Electors should be submitted to Corporate Services, Meath County Council, Co Hall, Railway Street, Navan, immediately, or no later than close of business on Tuesday 23rd October 2012.
The 2012/2013 Register of Electors may be viewed at:
- County Hall, Railway Street, Navan.
- Council Area Offices, Libraries, Post Offices, Garda Stations, Courthouse, Trim.
- www.meath.ie or www.checktheregister.ie
Application forms for entry on the Supplement Register of Electors are available at the above locations.
Monday, October 01, 2012
Health Committee calls for ‘Sale of Alcohol’ Bill to be brought forward
The Joint Committee on Health and Children today called on the Government to bring the ‘Sale of Alcohol’ bill before the Oireachtas as quickly as possible.Committee Membership:
There was unanimous cross-party support for the motion moved by Deputy Robert Dowds.
Committee Chairman, Jerry Buttimer TD said: “The motion was timely, not only because this is a day being hijacked as a marketing gimmick by a major drinks company, but also given the important body of work done in this area by former Minister of State Roisín Shortall. Members of the Committee from all parties paid tribute to Deputy Shortall’s achievements and commitment during her relatively short time in the Department of Health and wished her well for the future.”
Deputies
Jerry Buttimer, Fine Gael
Catherine Byrne, Fine Gael
Michael Colreavy, Sinn Fein
Ciara Conway, Labour Party
Regina Doherty, Fine Gael
Robert Dowds, Labour Party
Peter Fitzpatrick, Fine Gael
Seamus Healy, Independent
Derek Keating, Fine Gael
Billy Kelleher, Fianna Fáil
Eamonn Maloney, Labour Party
Charlie McConalogue, Fianna Fail
Mattie McGrath, Independent
Denis Naughten, Independent
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, Sinn Fein
Senators
Colm Burke, Fine Gael
John Crown, Independent
David Cullinane, Sine Fein
John Gilroy, Labour Party
Imelda Henry, Fine Gael
Marc Mac Sharry, Fine Fail
Jillian Van Turnhout, Independent
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Health Committee calls for ‘Sale of Alcohol’ Bill to be brought forward
27th September 2012
The Joint Committee on Health and Children today called on the Government to bring the ‘Sale of Alcohol’ bill before the Oireachtas as quickly as possible.
There was unanimous cross-party support for the motion moved by Deputy Robert Dowds.
Committee Chairman, Jerry Buttimer TD said: “The motion was timely, not only because this is a day being hijacked as a marketing gimmick by a major drinks company, but also given the important body of work done in this area by former Minister of State Roisín Shortall. Members of the Committee from all parties paid tribute to Deputy Shortall’s achievements and commitment during her relatively short time in the Department of Health and wished her well for the future.”
For further information please contact:
Ciaran Brennan,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +3531 618 3903
M: 086-0496518
F: +3531 618 4551
Committee Membership:
Deputies
Jerry Buttimer, Fine Gael
Catherine Byrne, Fine Gael
Michael Colreavy, Sinn Fein
Ciara Conway, Labour Party
Regina Doherty, Fine Gael
Robert Dowds, Labour Party
Peter Fitzpatrick, Fine Gael
Seamus Healy, Independent
Derek Keating, Fine Gael
Billy Kelleher, Fianna Fáil
Eamonn Maloney, Labour Party
Charlie McConalogue, Fianna Fail
Mattie McGrath, Independent
Denis Naughten, Independent
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, Sinn Fein
Senators
Colm Burke, Fine Gael
John Crown, Independent
David Cullinane, Sine Fein
John Gilroy, Labour Party
Imelda Henry, Fine Gael
Marc Mac Sharry, Fine Fail
Jillian Van Turnhout, Independent
The Joint Committee on Health and Children today called on the Government to bring the ‘Sale of Alcohol’ bill before the Oireachtas as quickly as possible.
There was unanimous cross-party support for the motion moved by Deputy Robert Dowds.
Committee Chairman, Jerry Buttimer TD said: “The motion was timely, not only because this is a day being hijacked as a marketing gimmick by a major drinks company, but also given the important body of work done in this area by former Minister of State Roisín Shortall. Members of the Committee from all parties paid tribute to Deputy Shortall’s achievements and commitment during her relatively short time in the Department of Health and wished her well for the future.”
For further information please contact:
Ciaran Brennan,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +3531 618 3903
M: 086-0496518
F: +3531 618 4551
Committee Membership:
Deputies
Jerry Buttimer, Fine Gael
Catherine Byrne, Fine Gael
Michael Colreavy, Sinn Fein
Ciara Conway, Labour Party
Regina Doherty, Fine Gael
Robert Dowds, Labour Party
Peter Fitzpatrick, Fine Gael
Seamus Healy, Independent
Derek Keating, Fine Gael
Billy Kelleher, Fianna Fáil
Eamonn Maloney, Labour Party
Charlie McConalogue, Fianna Fail
Mattie McGrath, Independent
Denis Naughten, Independent
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, Sinn Fein
Senators
Colm Burke, Fine Gael
John Crown, Independent
David Cullinane, Sine Fein
John Gilroy, Labour Party
Imelda Henry, Fine Gael
Marc Mac Sharry, Fine Fail
Jillian Van Turnhout, Independent
Decision on Sports Capital Grants not expected for at least two months
Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Thursday) said that decisions on the latest round of Sports Capital Grants are not expected for at least two months. Deputy Doherty was speaking after she received an update on the issue from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.
“I know lots of sports groups across Co. Meath are waiting anxiously to find out if they have been successful in the latest round of Sports Capital Grants. I have been advised by the Department that it will be November or December before clubs are advised whether they will receive funding. There is on-going contact between the Department and sporting organisations in relation to previous grants that have not been drawn down, but when it comes to the new round of funding, there will be no contact until a final decision has been made.
“There has been a huge demand on the scheme since this new round of funding was announced earlier in the year. More than 2,150 sports clubs and organisations have applied for funding for projects amounting to a total of €370 million. Unfortunately, due to the budgetary constraints we face, the available funding is limited to €30 million.
“In Meath’s case, 75 applications have been received for projects worth a total of €8.6 million. In previous rounds Meath has been approved in the region of €2 million, so I think it is inevitable that there will be some disappointment this time around. However, I have no doubt that the approved funding will make a huge difference to the successful clubs and I will remain in close contact with the Department over the next few months to make sure progress is being made
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Energy companies must comply with Code of Practice
With thousands getting their electricity cut off – are all customers being offered pay as you go meters?
Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has called on the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte, to examine whether energy companies are complying with the Commission for Energy Regulation’s Code of Practice, which states that suppliers must offer customers facing disconnection the option of pay as you go meters, instead of proceeding with disconnection. Deputy Doherty raised the matter during Topical Issues in the Dáil yesterday (Tuesday).
“Hundreds of thousands of people across the country are struggling to pay their energy bills, and I am concerned that many of them may not be aware of the payment options available for customers in trouble. More than 11,000 people had their electricity cut off last year and I have been told that hundreds of families a week are being disconnected in the Greater Dublin Area.
“Under the Code of the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), energy companies are required to offer customers pay as you go meters to customers facing disconnection. Considering the large number of people being disconnected, the question has to be asked; are customers in arrears being offered a pay as you go meter in every case?
“Families are under pressure. Not only does having your electricity supply cut off cause great stress, it also increases financial hardship. Disconnection and reconnection fees apply; for example with the ESB each fee is in the region of €90. It can take up to five days to get your supply reconnected; meaning families are being left with no electricity for days on end.
“I recognise and welcome the fact that energy companies have made significant steps in introducing payment plans, and Bord Gáis in particular has installed tens of thousands of pay as you go meters. But considering the large number of people still being disconnected, questions have to be asked about whether enough is being done to avoid residential supplies being cut off.
“Customers need to be made aware of the payment options available. I believe, in many cases, people are so stressed that they feel there are no options open to them. It is incumbent on the energy companies to make it clear that being in arrears does not need to result in disconnection.
“We also need to consider introducing a system of social energy tariffs, like that in place in the UK. Under this system, energy suppliers must offer discounted energy bills to customers in need, such as the elderly, people living in fuel poverty and those on benefits. We’re heading into the winter, with thousands of people living in fear that their heat or electricity could be cut off. We need to ensure everything possible is being done to prevent households suffering as a result of disconnection.”
Monday, September 24, 2012
Children’s Referendum will mean all children are treated equally
Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Monday) said that passing the upcoming Children’s Referendum will mean that all children are treated equally. The Referendum will be held on Saturday, November 10th.
“The best place for a child is with their family. But for a small number, this is unfortunately not the case. When children are being abused or neglected, we need to ensure a system is in place where decisions are taken in their best interest. The Children’s Referendum will make this possible.
“By voting Yes to the Referendum, we will be giving children individual rights for the first time. Our Constitution defines this country, and it is long overdue that we put children at the centre of it. By failing to properly recognise children’s rights up until now, we have failed children. We need only to look at the litany of horrific abuse cases to come to light in recent years for proof of this failure.
“It is important to stress that this is not about micro-managing families. The Referendum deliberately refers to ‘exceptional cases’ and ‘proportionate’ intervention. There are more than one million children in this country. Last year there were 1,500 confirmed cases of sexual, physical or emotional abuse of children. We must do everything we can to protect this small and vulnerable minority. By passing the Referendum, we will ensure every decision taken on behalf of these children is focussed on their best interests.
“Another very important aspect of the Referendum and the supporting legislation is its impact on abortion. It will mean that children who have been abandoned have the right to be adopted, regardless of the marital status of their parents. All children should be subject to the same rights and protections; each child in this country must be treated equally in the eyes of the State and society. A Yes vote in the Referendum will make this a reality.
“I am very encouraged that there has been such a whole-hearted and positive response to the wording of the Referendum by a variety of children’s groups. I think everyone can agree that we must do our utmost to protect vulnerable children. This Referendum is just one section of a suite of measures being implemented by the Government to safeguard children. All of this action is long overdue; in fact, we’ve been waiting 20 years for this Referendum and for the rights it will give children. Let’s not wait any longer to put that protection in place.”
“The best place for a child is with their family. But for a small number, this is unfortunately not the case. When children are being abused or neglected, we need to ensure a system is in place where decisions are taken in their best interest. The Children’s Referendum will make this possible.
“By voting Yes to the Referendum, we will be giving children individual rights for the first time. Our Constitution defines this country, and it is long overdue that we put children at the centre of it. By failing to properly recognise children’s rights up until now, we have failed children. We need only to look at the litany of horrific abuse cases to come to light in recent years for proof of this failure.
“It is important to stress that this is not about micro-managing families. The Referendum deliberately refers to ‘exceptional cases’ and ‘proportionate’ intervention. There are more than one million children in this country. Last year there were 1,500 confirmed cases of sexual, physical or emotional abuse of children. We must do everything we can to protect this small and vulnerable minority. By passing the Referendum, we will ensure every decision taken on behalf of these children is focussed on their best interests.
“Another very important aspect of the Referendum and the supporting legislation is its impact on abortion. It will mean that children who have been abandoned have the right to be adopted, regardless of the marital status of their parents. All children should be subject to the same rights and protections; each child in this country must be treated equally in the eyes of the State and society. A Yes vote in the Referendum will make this a reality.
“I am very encouraged that there has been such a whole-hearted and positive response to the wording of the Referendum by a variety of children’s groups. I think everyone can agree that we must do our utmost to protect vulnerable children. This Referendum is just one section of a suite of measures being implemented by the Government to safeguard children. All of this action is long overdue; in fact, we’ve been waiting 20 years for this Referendum and for the rights it will give children. Let’s not wait any longer to put that protection in place.”
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