Fine Gael Meath East TD and member of the Oireachtas Health Committee, Regina Doherty, has received a commitment from the Minister for Health, James Reilly TD, that he will consider reinstating funding for the Irish Society for Quality and Safety in Healthcare (ISQSH), the not-for-profit organisation that promotes quality and safety improvement throughout the Irish health service.
Deputy Doherty raised the issue with Minister Reilly during today’s meeting of the Health Committee, where the investigation into the death of Savita Halappanavar was among the issues discussed.
“If we are to learn anything from the tragic death of Savita Halappanavar, it is that we must listen to the experience of patients within the Irish healthcare system. The series of reports which have been published into Savita’s death detail a catalogue of errors, which could have been avoided.
“A team led by Ian Carter has been charged with looking at the recommendations from the three reports and ensuring they are implemented. But if we are to really change the way patients are treated in our hospitals, we need to ensure we are collecting their views and recording their experiences.
“The ISQSH is a non-profit body which promotes quality in the Irish healthcare system by surveying patients and using their experiences to improve the standard of healthcare services. The group was due to carry out a survey earlier this year on maternity services, but it had to be dropped due to a lack of funding. I have called on Minister Reilly to immediately reinstate funding to this body, so it can continue its good work.
“I understand that there is no money to spare within our healthcare system at the moment. But I think spending a small amount of money to learn a lot about what patients think about our healthcare system could reap dividends. Put simply, this is about saving lives.
“I am encouraged that Minister Reilly has said he will consider this matter, and I look forward to pursuing it with him further.”
Friday, October 18, 2013
Doherty calls for funding for healthcare safety body to be reinstated
Doherty welcomes creation of 100 new jobs at Alltech in Dunboyne
Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Friday) welcomed the announcement that 100 new jobs are being created at Alltech’s European Headquarters in Dunboyne. Alltech develops and manufactures natural feed supplements for the agricultural sector.
“This announcement will double Alltech’s workforce in Dunboyne from 100 to more than 200, and it’s a great vote of confidence in the local workforce. This facility is Dunboyne has gone from strength to strength since it first opened. Specifically, the newly expanded Bioscience Centre has trebled the capacity of the facility.
“As the centre for Alltech’s European operations, the new facility will play a major role in research, marketing and quality control. The company has invested more than €10 million in this expanded venture, which illustrates its commitment to this Dunboyne location.
“The creation of 100 new jobs will have a positive knock on impact on other businesses in Dunboyne, and I am sure that this announcement will lead to further job creation in local indigenous enterprises.
“Alltech’s decision to expand in Dunboyne has undoubtedly been influenced by the high calibre of graduates available locally. The company’s presence here is also very positive for the local agric-food sector, which is so important for the economy in Co. Meath. The Government is committed to the development of the smart agri-food economy as set out in Food Harvest 2020. Companies like Alltech will help make this policy a major success.”
Doherty welcomes creation of 100 new jobs at Alltech in Dunboyne
Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Friday) welcomed the announcement that 100 new jobs are being created at Alltech’s European Headquarters in Dunboyne. Alltech develops and manufactures natural feed supplements for the agricultural sector.
“This announcement will double Alltech’s workforce in Dunboyne from 100 to more than 200, and it’s a great vote of confidence in the local workforce. This facility is Dunboyne has gone from strength to strength since it first opened. Specifically, the newly expanded Bioscience Centre has trebled the capacity of the facility.
“As the centre for Alltech’s European operations, the new facility will play a major role in research, marketing and quality control. The company has invested more than €10 million in this expanded venture, which illustrates its commitment to this Dunboyne location.
“The creation of 100 new jobs will have a positive knock on impact on other businesses in Dunboyne, and I am sure that this announcement will lead to further job creation in local indigenous enterprises.
“Alltech’s decision to expand in Dunboyne has undoubtedly been influenced by the high calibre of graduates available locally. The company’s presence here is also very positive for the local agric-food sector, which is so important for the economy in Co. Meath. The Government is committed to the development of the smart agri-food economy as set out in Food Harvest 2020. Companies like Alltech will help make this policy a major success.”
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Doherty calls for funding for healthcare safety body to be reinstated
Fine Gael Meath East TD and member of the Oireachtas Health Committee, Regina Doherty, has received a commitment from the Minister for Health, James Reilly TD, that he will consider reinstating funding for the Irish Society for Quality and Safety in Healthcare (ISQSH), the not-for-profit organisation that promotes quality and safety improvement throughout the Irish health service.
Deputy Doherty raised the issue with Minister Reilly during today’s meeting of the Health Committee, where the investigation into the death of Savita Halappanavar was among the issues discussed.
“If we are to learn anything from the tragic death of Savita Halappanavar, it is that we must listen to the experience of patients within the Irish healthcare system. The series of reports which have been published into Savita’s death detail a catalogue of errors, which could have been avoided.
“A team led by Ian Carter has been charged with looking at the recommendations from the three reports and ensuring they are implemented. But if we are to really change the way patients are treated in our hospitals, we need to ensure we are collecting their views and recording their experiences.
“The ISQSH is a non-profit body which promotes quality in the Irish healthcare system by surveying patients and using their experiences to improve the standard of healthcare services. The group was due to carry out a survey earlier this year on maternity services, but it had to be dropped due to a lack of funding. I have called on Minister Reilly to immediately reinstate funding to this body, so it can continue its good work.
“I understand that there is no money to spare within our healthcare system at the moment. But I think spending a small amount of money to learn a lot about what patients think about our healthcare system could reap dividends. Put simply, this is about saving lives.
“I am encouraged that Minister Reilly has said he will consider this matter, and I look forward to pursuing it with him further.”
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Doherty welcomes filling of regional posts for child abuse services
Fine Gael Meath East TD and member of the Oireachtas Health Committee, Regina Doherty, has today (Thursday) welcomed confirmation from the Minister for Children, Frances Fitzgerald TD, that the HSE has been asked to fill four posts for regional coordinators for services for victims of child abuse.
Deputy Doherty was speaking after Minister Fitzgerald addressed the Health Committee earlier today.
“The report published by the Rape Crisis Centre yesterday, which detailed shocking levels of sexual abuse, underlined the need for a national coordinated approach to support sex abuse victims. The news that the HSE is to hire four regional coordinators for services for victims of child abuse is a very positive step.
“We need to ensure that children who have suffered sexual abuse have access to the best possible services and care. Minister Fitzgerald is committed to developing a national approach for sexual abuse services for children and young people.
“The Rape Crisis Centre’s report also highlighted the very disturbing fact that more than a third of abusers are children under 18. In a bid to address this problem, the HSE will also be filling four posts for regional coordinators providing services for children demonstrating sexually harmful behaviour.
“We must constantly seek to improve the services we provide to sexual abuse victims, and potential abusers. This week’s report provided stark evidence about those perpetrating sexual abuse, which is difficult to face up to, but impossible to ignore. I am glad that the HSE is filling coordinator posts that will both help those who have suffered abuse, and hopefully help to prevent young adults from abusing in the first place.”
Deputy Doherty was speaking after Minister Fitzgerald addressed the Health Committee earlier today.
“The report published by the Rape Crisis Centre yesterday, which detailed shocking levels of sexual abuse, underlined the need for a national coordinated approach to support sex abuse victims. The news that the HSE is to hire four regional coordinators for services for victims of child abuse is a very positive step.
“We need to ensure that children who have suffered sexual abuse have access to the best possible services and care. Minister Fitzgerald is committed to developing a national approach for sexual abuse services for children and young people.
“The Rape Crisis Centre’s report also highlighted the very disturbing fact that more than a third of abusers are children under 18. In a bid to address this problem, the HSE will also be filling four posts for regional coordinators providing services for children demonstrating sexually harmful behaviour.
“We must constantly seek to improve the services we provide to sexual abuse victims, and potential abusers. This week’s report provided stark evidence about those perpetrating sexual abuse, which is difficult to face up to, but impossible to ignore. I am glad that the HSE is filling coordinator posts that will both help those who have suffered abuse, and hopefully help to prevent young adults from abusing in the first place.”
Tuesday, October 08, 2013
Doherty encourages children to take part in Winter Solstice Art Competition
Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has today (Tuesday) called on children in Meath to take part in the Winter Solstice Art Competition, which is running from now until November 15th, with the winning entrants being present for the Winter solstice at Newgrange on December 21st 2013.
“The Winter Solstice Art Competition is an exciting competition which takes place every year for primary and secondary students in advance of the Winter solstice on December 21st. This competition is a great opportunity for young people to show off their creative talents and be in with a chance of being a part of the Winter solstice at Newgrange.
“The theme of this year’s competition is Newgrange – the Winter solstice. Entrance to the competition is free and the winner will be present in the chamber with a parent/guardian for one of the most important events in the heritage calendar.
“With the advance of technology resulting in children today having access to a host of devices such as iphones, ipads and laptops, the focus on creative arts has been a diminishing hobby for young children. Art requires only a few tools and is a healthy and creative way for children to spend their free time. I am encouraging children in primary and secondary schools across the county to take up a paint brush and create their own artistic version of the Winter solstice.”
“The Winter Solstice Art Competition is an exciting competition which takes place every year for primary and secondary students in advance of the Winter solstice on December 21st. This competition is a great opportunity for young people to show off their creative talents and be in with a chance of being a part of the Winter solstice at Newgrange.
“The theme of this year’s competition is Newgrange – the Winter solstice. Entrance to the competition is free and the winner will be present in the chamber with a parent/guardian for one of the most important events in the heritage calendar.
“With the advance of technology resulting in children today having access to a host of devices such as iphones, ipads and laptops, the focus on creative arts has been a diminishing hobby for young children. Art requires only a few tools and is a healthy and creative way for children to spend their free time. I am encouraging children in primary and secondary schools across the county to take up a paint brush and create their own artistic version of the Winter solstice.”
Wednesday, October 02, 2013
Desperation hits as Fianna Fáil accuses its own An Bord Snip report of ‘lies’
Colm McCarthy group said in 2009 that abolition ‘would give rise to savings of around €25 million a year’
Fine Gael Deputy Director of Elections for the Seanad Abolition Referendum, Regina Doherty TD, today expressed shock as Fianna Fáil resorted to accusing the Oireachtas Commission, the
Referendum Commission and An Bord Snip Nua of “lies” as desperation hit their referendum campaign in the final days before polling.
She was responding after Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin TD on last night’s Prime Time debate and Director of Elections Niall Collins repeatedly on Morning Ireland today called the €20 million
figure a lie.
“As we have said repeatedly during the campaign, €20 million is the only independently verified figure for how much it costs to run the Seanad. It is provided by the Oireachtas Commission, the
independent body that is responsible for running the Seanad. It was endorsed by independent Referendum Commission on Morning Ireland on 23rd September last.
“Furthermore, the An Bord Snip group which Micheál Martin’s Fianna Fáil Government established, reported in 2009 that abolishing the Seanad ‘would give rise to savings of around €25million a
year’.
“By stating repeatedly that this figure is a lie, Fianna Fáil is effectively calling these three authoritative independent bodies liars. It is shocking but, given their record, not surprising that they should resort to such desperate tactics in the final days of this campaign.
“Fianna Fáil have no credibility on the Seanad. They contested the 2011 election on a Seanad abolition platform but as soon as it suits their political and electoral goals they performed a spectacular u-turn. And they are claiming to be seeking reform of the Seanad even though they ignored several reports on reform during the 14 years they were in power.
“The people will decide whether they believe the Oireachtas Commission, the Referendum Commission, and Colm McCarthy’s An Bord Snip Nua – or Fianna Fáil.
“I believe that when people go out to vote this Friday they will vote Yes to be part of the biggest change in our political system in many years, a change that will save €20 million, reduce the number of politicians, and bring us in line with best practice in other successful countries of our size”.
Fine Gael Deputy Director of Elections for the Seanad Abolition Referendum, Regina Doherty TD, today expressed shock as Fianna Fáil resorted to accusing the Oireachtas Commission, the
Referendum Commission and An Bord Snip Nua of “lies” as desperation hit their referendum campaign in the final days before polling.
She was responding after Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin TD on last night’s Prime Time debate and Director of Elections Niall Collins repeatedly on Morning Ireland today called the €20 million
figure a lie.
“As we have said repeatedly during the campaign, €20 million is the only independently verified figure for how much it costs to run the Seanad. It is provided by the Oireachtas Commission, the
independent body that is responsible for running the Seanad. It was endorsed by independent Referendum Commission on Morning Ireland on 23rd September last.
“Furthermore, the An Bord Snip group which Micheál Martin’s Fianna Fáil Government established, reported in 2009 that abolishing the Seanad ‘would give rise to savings of around €25million a
year’.
“By stating repeatedly that this figure is a lie, Fianna Fáil is effectively calling these three authoritative independent bodies liars. It is shocking but, given their record, not surprising that they should resort to such desperate tactics in the final days of this campaign.
“Fianna Fáil have no credibility on the Seanad. They contested the 2011 election on a Seanad abolition platform but as soon as it suits their political and electoral goals they performed a spectacular u-turn. And they are claiming to be seeking reform of the Seanad even though they ignored several reports on reform during the 14 years they were in power.
“The people will decide whether they believe the Oireachtas Commission, the Referendum Commission, and Colm McCarthy’s An Bord Snip Nua – or Fianna Fáil.
“I believe that when people go out to vote this Friday they will vote Yes to be part of the biggest change in our political system in many years, a change that will save €20 million, reduce the number of politicians, and bring us in line with best practice in other successful countries of our size”.
Tuesday, October 01, 2013
Doherty expresses concern at RTE’s exclusion of non-political voices from Primetime Seanad debate panel
Fine Gael’s Deputy Director of Elections for the Seanad Abolition Referendum, Regina Doherty TD, has this evening (Monday) expressed concern that the national broadcaster, RTE, is determined to exclude non-political voices from tomorrow’s Primetime debate panel on the Seanad Referendum.
“The absolute essence of a Referendum is that the public have their say - not just the politicians – and I am very surprised that RTE is denying those other public voices a seat on the debate panel.
"To date RTE has not offered any valid reason for excluding non-political voices from the panel of their proposed debate, probably because one doesn't exist. It is inexplicable that the key public voices who have been active participants in the debate on the proposed abolition of the Seanad are to be excluded from a Primetime panel debate on the matter.
“This approach is also clearly a break with the practice in previous referendums where, to cite one recent case, RTE’s major set piece debate just days before the Stability Treaty Referendum featured Eamon Gilmore, Mary Lou McDonald, Declan Ganley and Nora Casey. That panel more accurately reflected the actual public debate which was taking place at the time on what was a very important issue.
“On a similarly important issue such as the Seanad Abolition Referendum, it seems very odd that RTE is refusing to adopt a consistent approach.
“Fine Gael has said that it will participate in all debates possible on the abolition of the Seanad, and tomorrow evening is no exception. But there are many voices on both sides of this debate and it is important that they are heard. Rather than trying to artificially manufacture a Leaders' debate, for whatever reason, I believe non-political voices should also be heard on tomorrow evening’s Primetime panel.”
“The absolute essence of a Referendum is that the public have their say - not just the politicians – and I am very surprised that RTE is denying those other public voices a seat on the debate panel.
"To date RTE has not offered any valid reason for excluding non-political voices from the panel of their proposed debate, probably because one doesn't exist. It is inexplicable that the key public voices who have been active participants in the debate on the proposed abolition of the Seanad are to be excluded from a Primetime panel debate on the matter.
“This approach is also clearly a break with the practice in previous referendums where, to cite one recent case, RTE’s major set piece debate just days before the Stability Treaty Referendum featured Eamon Gilmore, Mary Lou McDonald, Declan Ganley and Nora Casey. That panel more accurately reflected the actual public debate which was taking place at the time on what was a very important issue.
“On a similarly important issue such as the Seanad Abolition Referendum, it seems very odd that RTE is refusing to adopt a consistent approach.
“Fine Gael has said that it will participate in all debates possible on the abolition of the Seanad, and tomorrow evening is no exception. But there are many voices on both sides of this debate and it is important that they are heard. Rather than trying to artificially manufacture a Leaders' debate, for whatever reason, I believe non-political voices should also be heard on tomorrow evening’s Primetime panel.”
Friday, September 27, 2013
Colm McCarthy joins Referendum Commission in endorsing €20million cost of running the Seanad
No side strangely silent after An Bord Snip Chairman endorses Seanad costs
Fine Gael Deputy Director of Elections for the Seanad Abolition referendum, Regina Doherty TD, has (today) welcomed a statement from economist Colm McCarthy who again endorsed the Oireachtas Commission figures stating that it costs €20 million to run the Seanad every year. Deputy Doherty was speaking after she took part in a debate on the Seanad referendum on Today FM’s The Last Word programme with Matt Cooper.
“From the start of the campaign the No side have been disputing the costs associated with running the Seanad. This is despite the fact that the independent Oireachtas Commission – who have responsibility for running the Seanad – have repeatedly stated that it costs €20 million every year to run the Seanad.
“Earlier this week we heard Judge Elizabeth Dunne, head of the Referendum Commission, state clearly that it costs €20million to run the Seanad every year. Now today we have heard Colm McCarthy, who examined this issue as head of the An Bord Snip process under the last Fianna Fáil Government, yet again confirm that this is the correct figure.
“Now that the €20 million running costs for the Seanad has been definitively nailed down by a string of independent experts, the No side have remained silent on the cost issue. The No side have been quick to dismiss the savings that would be generated by scrapping the Seanad, but the reality is €20million is enough to pay for 350 primary teachers, or 1,000 new Garda cars.
“This Government has a strong record of rationalising public sector bodies, and of delivering savings when we do so. As Colm McCarthy said today, it will be up to the Government to ensure that the full €20million is saved if the Seanad is abolished. And as we have said repeatedly, we are determined to ensure the full savings are delivered.
“Scrapping the Seanad will bring Ireland into line with international best practice, reduce the number of politicians in line with European norms and save €20million of badly needed taxpayers’ money.”
Fine Gael Deputy Director of Elections for the Seanad Abolition referendum, Regina Doherty TD, has (today) welcomed a statement from economist Colm McCarthy who again endorsed the Oireachtas Commission figures stating that it costs €20 million to run the Seanad every year. Deputy Doherty was speaking after she took part in a debate on the Seanad referendum on Today FM’s The Last Word programme with Matt Cooper.
“From the start of the campaign the No side have been disputing the costs associated with running the Seanad. This is despite the fact that the independent Oireachtas Commission – who have responsibility for running the Seanad – have repeatedly stated that it costs €20 million every year to run the Seanad.
“Earlier this week we heard Judge Elizabeth Dunne, head of the Referendum Commission, state clearly that it costs €20million to run the Seanad every year. Now today we have heard Colm McCarthy, who examined this issue as head of the An Bord Snip process under the last Fianna Fáil Government, yet again confirm that this is the correct figure.
“Now that the €20 million running costs for the Seanad has been definitively nailed down by a string of independent experts, the No side have remained silent on the cost issue. The No side have been quick to dismiss the savings that would be generated by scrapping the Seanad, but the reality is €20million is enough to pay for 350 primary teachers, or 1,000 new Garda cars.
“This Government has a strong record of rationalising public sector bodies, and of delivering savings when we do so. As Colm McCarthy said today, it will be up to the Government to ensure that the full €20million is saved if the Seanad is abolished. And as we have said repeatedly, we are determined to ensure the full savings are delivered.
“Scrapping the Seanad will bring Ireland into line with international best practice, reduce the number of politicians in line with European norms and save €20million of badly needed taxpayers’ money.”
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Why you should vote YES to abolish the Seanad
The choice facing the Irish voting public on October 4th is a very simple one; do you want to abolish the Seanad, yes or no? A Yes vote will save €20 million a year, reduce the number of national politicians by a third, and bring us into line with other European countries of our size, all of which have just one chamber of parliament.
Everyone agrees that the current Seanad is not fit for purpose. It is totally undemocratic; in fact just 1% of the population voted to elect the Seanad, and just over 3% of the population are entitled to vote in Seanad elections in the first place. The Seanad electorate consists of graduates from Trinity College and NUI, and existing politicians. Most of those who are successfully selected to sit in the Seanad are former politicians of one variety or another. And on top of this, the Taoiseach of the day can nominate 11 people of his own choosing to the Seanad, a move which usually guarantees a Government majority.
So what role does this utterly undemocratic institution play in the functioning of our democracy? The truth is, very little. The Seanad has almost no power. It can only delay, not overturn legislation, and the last time it actually did so was 50 years ago. In the words of my colleague, Minister Richard Bruton, what good is a watchdog that only barks every 50 years?
Defenders of the Seanad argue that it should be reformed. Micheal McDowell, with his former Government partners Fianna Fáil, is leading calls for the Seanad to be retained and reformed. This is despite the fact that both McDowell and Fianna Fáil were previously in favour of Seanad abolition, and neither did anything during all their time in Government to reform the second house. Voters shouldn’t be fooled by this political opportunism; there is no reform option on the ballot paper. And for good reason; ten reports have already been published on reforming the Seanad, and nothing has changed. I believe the Seanad has proved itself incapable of reform, and I don’t believe a country of Ireland’s size needs two chambers of parliament.
Ireland is the odd one out among European countries of our size in terms of political representation. Not only are we the only European country of our size with two chambers of parliament, we also have a third more politicians than the average. The abolition of the Seanad and the reduction in the number of TDs by 8, which has already been agreed by the Government, will mean Ireland has the same ratio of politicians as other small European states.
I fundamentally believe that a reformed Dáil can and should perform all of the roles of the Seanad more effectively, saving tens of millions of euro in the process. In tandem with the referendum on the future of the Seanad, the Government is radically overhauling the committee system to make it more independent and to allow external experts to be put centre stage. Changes will be made to the way draft laws are considered to allow for closer scrutiny of key legislation. This will allow for far greater oversight than a powerless and costly second house of parliament.
I believe that the Seanad is a luxury the political system can no longer afford. And I believe a reformed Dáil can deliver accountable government with fewer but more effective politicians, just like every other small country in Europe. If you agree, then I urge you to vote Yes to abolish the Seanad.
Everyone agrees that the current Seanad is not fit for purpose. It is totally undemocratic; in fact just 1% of the population voted to elect the Seanad, and just over 3% of the population are entitled to vote in Seanad elections in the first place. The Seanad electorate consists of graduates from Trinity College and NUI, and existing politicians. Most of those who are successfully selected to sit in the Seanad are former politicians of one variety or another. And on top of this, the Taoiseach of the day can nominate 11 people of his own choosing to the Seanad, a move which usually guarantees a Government majority.
So what role does this utterly undemocratic institution play in the functioning of our democracy? The truth is, very little. The Seanad has almost no power. It can only delay, not overturn legislation, and the last time it actually did so was 50 years ago. In the words of my colleague, Minister Richard Bruton, what good is a watchdog that only barks every 50 years?
Defenders of the Seanad argue that it should be reformed. Micheal McDowell, with his former Government partners Fianna Fáil, is leading calls for the Seanad to be retained and reformed. This is despite the fact that both McDowell and Fianna Fáil were previously in favour of Seanad abolition, and neither did anything during all their time in Government to reform the second house. Voters shouldn’t be fooled by this political opportunism; there is no reform option on the ballot paper. And for good reason; ten reports have already been published on reforming the Seanad, and nothing has changed. I believe the Seanad has proved itself incapable of reform, and I don’t believe a country of Ireland’s size needs two chambers of parliament.
Ireland is the odd one out among European countries of our size in terms of political representation. Not only are we the only European country of our size with two chambers of parliament, we also have a third more politicians than the average. The abolition of the Seanad and the reduction in the number of TDs by 8, which has already been agreed by the Government, will mean Ireland has the same ratio of politicians as other small European states.
I fundamentally believe that a reformed Dáil can and should perform all of the roles of the Seanad more effectively, saving tens of millions of euro in the process. In tandem with the referendum on the future of the Seanad, the Government is radically overhauling the committee system to make it more independent and to allow external experts to be put centre stage. Changes will be made to the way draft laws are considered to allow for closer scrutiny of key legislation. This will allow for far greater oversight than a powerless and costly second house of parliament.
I believe that the Seanad is a luxury the political system can no longer afford. And I believe a reformed Dáil can deliver accountable government with fewer but more effective politicians, just like every other small country in Europe. If you agree, then I urge you to vote Yes to abolish the Seanad.
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