Change to jobseekers system recognises importance of part-time fire-fighters

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has welcomed a provision contained in the Social Welfare Bill which will give greater certainty to part-time fire-fighters by removing restrictions on their access to jobseekers benefit and jobseekers allowance.

“Up until now, part-time fire-fighters have faced uncertainty, and often find it difficult to access jobseekers payments, due to the system that has been in place. Since the early 1970s, the social welfare system has essentially subsidised the cost of providing a part-time fire service, by allowing the fire-fighters involved to claim the dole.

“However, this approach wasn ’t underpinned by legislation, and as a result, individual fire-fighters could encounter difficulties in particular due to what is known as the ‘proximity clause’. A requirement for part-time fire-fighters to live near their station means they could be refused jobseekers allowance if they turned down a job because it would take them too far away from their station.

“The Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton TD, has recognised the challenges this can pose, and as a result a provision has been included in the Social Welfare Bill 2013 to recognise the good work of fire-fighters by ensuring they can access dole payments.

“Part-time fire-fighters provide an extremely valuable service in communities across the country, and it is only right that their role is recognised and supported. I am glad that the Government is taking a pragmatic view of this situation, and I hope this small change can give part-time fire-fighters greater certainty.”

€6.4bn Strategic Investment Fund will create jobs and stimulate the economy

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Friday) said that the new Strategic Investment Fund, set to be established by the Government, will create jobs and stimulate the economy. Under new plans published by the Government, the National Pension Reserve Fund (NPRF) will be used by the Government to provide €6.4 billion for commercial investment.

“This is about using the resources we have to create jobs and stimulate economic activity. The Government has decided to redirect the €6.4 billion in the NPRF into a new Strategic Investment Fund, which will directly support economic growth.

“In tandem with the new investment fund, legislation being drafted by the Government will also put NewERA on a statutory footing, which will identify new investment opportunities. This will provide the framework for the Government to invest in key sectors like water, energy and telecommunications.

“This is delivering on a key commitment in the Programme for Government, and will help to support and attract investment into Ireland, and crucially, it will create jobs. As well as stimulating employment now, it will provide the basis for sustainable jobs and growth for the next generation.

“It is very significant that at a time of severe economic constraints, the Government is creating a â ?¬6.4 billion fund for economic investment. Over the last two and a half years, this Government has been working tirelessly to get the economy back on track and to repair our damaged international reputation. Now, we are once again attracting investment into this country and we want to use our own available resources to invest in the Irish economy.

“Confidence has returned to the Irish economy; that’s why we’re once again signing Public Private Partnerships to invest in our roads and other infrastructure. In a similar way, the €6.4 billion Strategic Investment Fund will be leveraged to attract private sector investment in the Irish economy.

“As well as creating direct jobs, this will also help to make Ireland a more attractive place for investment. I am hopeful that Meath will stand to benefit from job creation as the Strategic Investment Fund begins investing in our water, electricity and broadband network.”

Meath County Council to receive €2.1 million for road repairs

Fine Gael Meath TDs have today (Tuesday) welcomed confirmation from the Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar TD, that Meath County Council is being allocated €2.1 million for the repair of regional and local roads across the county.

The allocation has been made following consistent calls by Deputies Damien English, Ray Butler, Regina Doherty and Helen McEntee, for additional funding for Meath roads. The Deputies held a meeting with the Minister last month urging him to make monies available to Meath County Council. The €2.1 million is being provided for surface restoration works. However, if Meath County Council wants to progress particular safety schemes urgently, it can apply to the Department of Transport to use some of the funds on that basis.

Deputy Ray Butler said: ‘This is a very significant allocation for Co. Meath, and indeed it is one of the largest allocations received by any local authority outside out of our cities. We have been making the case with Minister Varadkar that Meath roads deserve considerable attention, and this allocation makes is clear that our concerns have not been ignored’.

Deputy Helen McEntee said: ‘I am very optimistic that this funding will make a considerable difference to the state of the roads in north Meath and across the county. This money is being made available through the sale of State assets, which is to be welcomed. Being in a bailout has constrained our borrowing ability, but once we exit the programme at the end of this year, we will be in a much better position to borrow money to tackle a range of issues, such as the poor state of our roads’.

Deputy Regina Doherty said: ‘The funding is being provided directly to Meath County Council, taking into account the length of roads to be repaired and the amount the Council spends itself on road repairs, which is considerable. The work needs to be completed this year, so an immediate improvement should be apparent on the most damaged roads. Areas such as north Meath and Slane should be prioritised when Meath County Council is selecting roads for repair. This funding will help to address the problems on Meath roads. But I have no doubt that further funding will be needed, especially given the high density of roads in Meath, and I will continue to work with my colleagues to secure it’.

Deputy Damien English said: ‘This €2.1 million must be spent by Meath County Council this year, and should be used for surface restoration. While this money is being provided directly by the Government, it is important that the Council continues to spend their own resources on the local road network. This will be taken into account when allocations are being made by the Government for 2014. In the meantime, I look forward to the difference this funding will make in improving the condition of roads across the county’.

Website trying to dupe holiday makers into paying for FREE European Health Insurance Card

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Thursday) warned consumers to be aware of at least one website which is trying to dupe holiday makers into paying for the free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which allows Irish people to access free health care when travelling in Europe.

“The EHIC card, formerly known as the E111, is a fantastic system which allows Irish holiday makers to access health care services in other EU countries. It offers an important safety net to the tens of thousands of Irish people who holiday in Europe every year.

“The card is completely free of charge, and can be applied for through the HSE website. However, I have become aware of at least one website which is wrongly using the ‘HSE’ tag in its address, and is trying to dupe holiday makers into paying for the EHIC card.

“The top result when one types ‘European Health Insurance’ into Google is a website (http://www.hse-ehic.net/book.html) which has absolutely no connection with the HSE and is trying to charge people up to €20 for what is a free service.

“I have no doubt that many people could be easily conned into stumping up for the EHIC card, when they shouldn’t have to pay anything at all. I have informed the HSE about the existence of this website and I have asked the Executive to address the misuse of its name in the website’s URL.

“Anyone intending to travel in Europe this summer can apply for a EHIC card on the HSE’s website or by going to www.ehic.ie. You can fill out forms online and your card will be posted out to you before your departure.”

Meath FG TDs welcome announcement of major funding to repair local and regional roads

Fine Gael Meath TDs have today (Wednesday) welcomed the announcement from the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar TD, that €50 million is being made available to repair regional and local road surfaces across the country. The package has been announced as part of the Government’s Investing in Infrastructure and Jobs plan.

Today’s announcement follows a meeting last month between Deputies Damien English, Ray Butler, Regina Doherty and Helen McEntee, and Minister Varadkar, where the Meath TDs called for action on the state of the roads in North Meath. The funding is being provided directly to local authorities, with work due to be carried out this summer and autumn. 

Damien English said: ‘Today ’s announcement is a clear indication that our representations to Minister Varadkar did not fall on deaf ears. The Minister took our concerns on board, and he also listened to the views expressed by a delegation from Meath County Council, including councillors and officials. I would like to thank the Minister for listening to our concerns and for treating the issue as a priority. It is particularly welcome that this funding is being made available this year, so works can be carried out during the summer and autumn months’. 

Deputy Butler said: ‘This funding will be used to improve road surfaces, which will come as a welcome relief to local people across Meath. The roads in Meath have been left in a terrible state for far too long. It is very welcome that Minister Varadkar has recognised the gravity of this situation, and that additional funds are now being made available so work can be carried out in the coming months’.

Deputy Doherty said: ‘This significant investment in our roads should make the network in Meath safer and easier to navigate. The poor quality of local and regional roads in North Meath has been having a major impact on the daily lives of those who use them; I am confident that this funding allocated by Minister Varadkar should make a significant difference’. 

Deputy McEntee said: ‘Minister Varadkar saw the poor state of the roads in Meath during the bye-election in March, so I know he has an acute understanding of just how bad the situation is. This funding for road repairs and restoration is being provided directly to the local authority, so Meath County Council should be in a position to carry out this work shortly’. 

Doherty holds constructive meeting with retail reps on problems facing the sector

Fine Gael Meath East, Regina Doherty, has described as very constructive a meeting she held with representatives from retail sector in her constituency office in Ashbourne earlier today (Friday). The meeting was attended by the President of the National Federation of Retail Newsagent in Ireland, Joe Sweeney, and Kathryn Fanning, proprietor of Easons in Ashbourne and member of the Ashbourne Retail Association.

“I am acutely aware of the challenges facing businesses in Ashbourne, and I was delighted to meet with Joe and Kathryn today to get their perspective on what needs to be done to help businesses keep their heads above water. The two most significant issues raised today were the illicit tobacco trade and the on-going problems with retail rates.

“Joe Sweeney pointed out that while we have eight ports in this country, we have only two port scanners, used to detect illegal cigarettes. Clearly, this is less than desirable. The Programme for Government includes a commitment to provide x-ray scanners at major ports to combat the drugs trade. These machines could of course also be used to detect counterfeit cigarettes, and I intend to raise this issue with the Minister for Justice to see what progress is being made.

“The illicit tobacco trade costs the State hundreds of millions of euro every year, and it is putting our retailers under unnecessary additional pressure. I think it may be worth considering setting up a special Garda taskforce to crack down on the trade, and reduce its impact on both the exchequer finances and local retailers.

“On the issue of rates, a proposal was raised for the Government to introduce legislation similar to the ‘Tesco Tax’ in Northern Ireland. In the North, retailers with a rateable value of more than £500,000 must pay an additional 8.52% levy, and the extra revenue generated is used to reduce rates for smaller retailers. As a result, more than 24,000 small businesses have had their rates cut by an average of £735.

“I have given a commitment to raise this issue with the Minister for Finance to see how many retailers could benefit from a similar measure here, and how much would be yielded.

“Tens of thousands of jobs have been lost in the retail sector in the last five years, and the sector remains under considerable pressure. It is important that we listen to the views of the sector as we come up with new ways to maintain existing staff and give businesses the potential to expand and create jobs.”

Doherty encourages Meath groups to apply for Caring Communities grants

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Thursday) encouraged community groups in Meath to apply for funding under the Caring Communities initiative, which is run by the Community Foundation for Ireland.

“This is the second round of Caring Communities grants, and this time around awards will be made under four categories; LGBT communities, youth unemployment, emergency respite care and older people. The grants are aimed at funding innovative projects and successful applicants are encouraged to work with other grantees to share their learning and experience.

“The Community Foundation, which is a charitable organisation, has given out more than €12 million in grants since it was established in 2000. This latest round of grants will allow a range of groups to benefit from extra funding, and I would encourage community organisations in Meath to check out if they are eligible to apply.

“It is the first time that grants are being made available for youth unemployment initiatives. Funding will be made available to groups who engage with young people who aren’t in training, employment or education. Respite care grants will be given to those not currently receiving support from the State, while grants will also be targeted at projects which help older people engage in advocacy roles and active citizenship.

“The Community Foundation has been a long supporter of the LGBT foundation. As part of this round of grants, the Foundation will support groups working with the LGBT sector.

“I would encourage groups in Meath to explore whether they could benefit from the Community Foundation’s benevolence. More information can be found at www.foundation.ie.”

Vitamin D screening could help prevent return of rickets

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Wednesday) urged the Minister for Health, James Reilly TD, to consider introducing a screening programme to identify vitamin D deficiency in children. Deputy Doherty raised the issue in a recent Parliamentary Question to the Minister.

“Reports in the UK suggest that rickets, a bone disease associated with the 18th century, is on the increase, due to a combination of dietary and lifestyle measures. The disease can be extremely painful and can cause stunted growth, bowed legs and enlarged wrists and ankles.

“The return of rickets has been attributed to a number of factors including the overuse of sun cream, poor diet and our increasingly sedentary lifestyle. I believe a screening programme or an information campaign could help to prevent this very serious health problem from making a comeback.

“The Minister has confirmed to me that the Department of Health has not carried out any recent studies of the vitamin D levels of Irish children, and therefore it is very difficult to ascertain the scale of the problem. However recent national dietary surveys carried out by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland have identified low and, in some cases, deficient intakes of vitamin D in children.

“The Minister also pointed out that vitamin D deficiency is a problem for all age groups living in Ireland because of poor sunlight and the fact that, apart from oily fish, there are not many good natural sources of the vitamin. A national policy of vitamin D supplementation of all infants in Ireland has been implemented and the targeted needs of other sub-groups in the population such as pregnant women are currently being examined.

“This issue has attracted considerable attention in the UK recently, after a six year old boy was diagnosed with rickets because he was wearing too much factor 50 sun cream. While this kind of case might be rare, I do think we need to take heed of worrying trends and consider what we can do to prevent a return of rickets in this country.”

Special Olympics Leinster medal presentation 25th May 2013

70 new jobs for Meath East demonstrates wealth of talented and skilled workers available in the county

Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has today (Monday) welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD, that Mafic (Black Basalt) Ireland Limited (Mafic) will create 70 jobs over the next three years with a multi-million Euro investment in its new production facility in Kells, Co. Meath. This development has been made possible with the support of the Succeed-in-Ireland Initiative.

“I am very pleased with today’s announcement. There is a wealth of talented and skilled workers in Meath East who are ready and able to take on the challenge and help Mafic succeed as the manufacturing centre of excellence and production headquarters.

“A big congratulations must go to the directors of the company, Jane Walsh and Brian Dougan, who are first time company directors who have expertly steered the company since it launched in November, to today’s announcement of a multi-million euro investment in the new production facility in Kells and the creation of 70 new jobs.

“This Government’s number one priority is to create jobs and position Ireland as the best small company in which to do business and I’d like to thank all those involved in the Succeed in Ireland initiative, and Minister Bruton, who have been heavily involved in bringing today’s announcement to fruition. ”