Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today
(Thursday) called on Fianna Fáil leader, Micheál Martin, to state whether he
stands over his justice spokesperson’s intervention in a criminal trial.
“Micheál Martin must publicly state whether he thinks
it is appropriate for his Party’s justice spokesperson to seek to influence the
sentencing of a convicted drug dealer.
“It is not credible for Micheál Martin to stay silent
on this issue.
“The actions of Deputy Collins leave his role as
justice spokesperson severely compromised.
“As Party leader, Micheál Martin has a duty to state
whether he condones the actions of Deputy Collins and whether he thinks it is
acceptable for his Party’s justice spokesperson to plead for leniency in the
sentencing of a drug dealer.”
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Friday, June 13, 2014
McGuinness proves he is not an impartial chair with PAC outburst
Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Friday) strongly criticised Fianna Fáil TD, John McGuinness, for his outburst at two HSE chiefs during a hearing of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) yesterday, saying his comments prove he is not an impartial Chairman.
"Being Chair of the PAC seems to have gone to John McGuinness' head and he now sees himself as judge, jury and executioner. It is completely inappropriate to launch the kind of political attacks on public servants that he did at the PAC today.
“How can any future witness feel assured that they are in the hands of a fair, impartial and effective Chair when he cannot even control his own intemperate outbursts?
“The PAC has a proud tradition of getting to the truth in a non-political, professional manner and McGuinness risks undermining the entire committee system with his desire to turn it into a show trial.
“Furthermore, John McGuinness’ comments take absolutely no account of the fact that the budgetary challenges facing the Department of Health are a direct result of his Party’s mismanagement of the economy while he was a senior member of government.
"Being Chair of the PAC seems to have gone to John McGuinness' head and he now sees himself as judge, jury and executioner. It is completely inappropriate to launch the kind of political attacks on public servants that he did at the PAC today.
“How can any future witness feel assured that they are in the hands of a fair, impartial and effective Chair when he cannot even control his own intemperate outbursts?
“The PAC has a proud tradition of getting to the truth in a non-political, professional manner and McGuinness risks undermining the entire committee system with his desire to turn it into a show trial.
“Furthermore, John McGuinness’ comments take absolutely no account of the fact that the budgetary challenges facing the Department of Health are a direct result of his Party’s mismanagement of the economy while he was a senior member of government.
“This is not the first time that Deputy McGuinness’ judgement has been brought into serious question. This is the man who:
- Last year said the taxpayer should pay for ministers’ spouses on official trips after he was found to have brought his wife on State trips when he was minister
- Took severance pay of more than €60,000 in 2011, despite an order from his Party leader for all former ministers to forgo such payments
- Approved an upgrade of his ministerial office which ended up costing the taxpayer €250,000
- Defended overtime payments of more than €30,000 in one year to his son, who worked for him while he was minister
Buttimer and Doherty urge HSE to allow patients to continue to receive vital MS drug
Fine Gael TDs and members of the Oireachtas Health Committee, Jerry Buttimer and Regina Doherty, have urged the HSE to take action to ensure Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients can continue to receive a new drug which is significantly improving their condition. The TDs were speaking after they met with MS sufferers using the drug.
The drug - fampridine (Fampyra®) - is not currently available on the General Medical Scheme, and has been provided free of charge on a trial basis by the manufacturer to certain MS sufferers.
Deputy Buttimer said: ‘The use of the drug fampridine has had a huge impact on these patients’ lives. It helps MS sufferers with their mobility and walking speed, and also has an impact on hand function, allowing those with the disease to carry out routine functions much more easily’.
“The manufacturers of the drug have been supplying it free of charge on a trial basis to some patients, however the MS sufferers we met with today are concerned about what will happen when this trial ends at the end of this month. We are calling on the HSE to actively engage with the company to find a way forward. The patients simply won’t be able to afford to pay for the drug themselves for the foreseeable future.”
Deputy Doherty said: ‘I was struck by just how big a difference this new drug is making to those suffering with MS. It is not suitable for every MS patient; in fact it is only effective for about one in three of those with the disease. But for those for whom it is effective, their quality of living is vastly improved’.
“I know that the HSE has considered the inclusive of fampridine in the General Medical Scheme and Community Drugs Schemes, but it decided that the manufacturer didn’t prove that the drug provided value for money.
“However studies are ongoing which clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of the drug, and I understand that the manufacturer is going to submit a revised application, which will be reconsidered by the HSE. It is crucially important that the HSE fully considers the impact this drug is having on the lives of certain MS sufferers. I am calling on the company to make every effort to put a compelling case forward to prove that this drug is vitally important to MS patients.”
The drug - fampridine (Fampyra®) - is not currently available on the General Medical Scheme, and has been provided free of charge on a trial basis by the manufacturer to certain MS sufferers.
Deputy Buttimer said: ‘The use of the drug fampridine has had a huge impact on these patients’ lives. It helps MS sufferers with their mobility and walking speed, and also has an impact on hand function, allowing those with the disease to carry out routine functions much more easily’.
“The manufacturers of the drug have been supplying it free of charge on a trial basis to some patients, however the MS sufferers we met with today are concerned about what will happen when this trial ends at the end of this month. We are calling on the HSE to actively engage with the company to find a way forward. The patients simply won’t be able to afford to pay for the drug themselves for the foreseeable future.”
Deputy Doherty said: ‘I was struck by just how big a difference this new drug is making to those suffering with MS. It is not suitable for every MS patient; in fact it is only effective for about one in three of those with the disease. But for those for whom it is effective, their quality of living is vastly improved’.
“I know that the HSE has considered the inclusive of fampridine in the General Medical Scheme and Community Drugs Schemes, but it decided that the manufacturer didn’t prove that the drug provided value for money.
“However studies are ongoing which clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of the drug, and I understand that the manufacturer is going to submit a revised application, which will be reconsidered by the HSE. It is crucially important that the HSE fully considers the impact this drug is having on the lives of certain MS sufferers. I am calling on the company to make every effort to put a compelling case forward to prove that this drug is vitally important to MS patients.”
Friday, June 06, 2014
Cemeteries regulator needed to ensure the bereaved aren’t ripped off
Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Friday) supported the call for the establishment of a cemeteries regulator, saying it is necessary to ensure the bereaved are not paying over the odds to bury their deceased loved ones. Deputy Doherty was speaking during the Dáil debate on the Cemetery Management Bill 2013.
“Planning a funeral for a loved one can be one of the most challenging, emotionally draining and stressful occasions any of us will face. Bereaved individuals are in a vulnerable state, and I believe the law needs to be strengthened to protect their interests and make sure they are not ripped off due to a lack of competition in the management of cemeteries.
“Currently there are huge variations in the cost of a burial plots in different parts of the country. The increasing commercialisation of the funeral and burial industry has served the industry, rather than the bereaved. In some parts of Dublin, for example, the cost of opening a new grave costs in the region of €4,000, but it can be up to four times higher in other parts of the city. Why the discrepancy?
“The establishment of a cemeteries regulator will make the process fairer and more transparent.
Cemeteries will be awarded licences from the regulator with strict management obligations attached – for example, they must not engage in commercial activities other than interments at their own cemetery.
“The need for a regulator becomes all the more apparent if you consider the situation regarding the Glasnevin Trust, which controls a number of large cemeteries in Dublin. The group has charitable status but engages in commercial activities which ensure it has a monopoly over cemeteries in many parts of the city, and complete control over how much the bereaved are charged.
“Those seeking to bury their loved ones are suffering as a result of the lack of competition in the market. Under the proposed new legislation, cemetery authorities which engage in commercial activities will not be allowed to claim charitable status and the legal structure under which cemeteries operate will be modernised.
“It is my hope that this proposed legislation will make one of the most difficult times in our lives a little easier.”
“Planning a funeral for a loved one can be one of the most challenging, emotionally draining and stressful occasions any of us will face. Bereaved individuals are in a vulnerable state, and I believe the law needs to be strengthened to protect their interests and make sure they are not ripped off due to a lack of competition in the management of cemeteries.
“Currently there are huge variations in the cost of a burial plots in different parts of the country. The increasing commercialisation of the funeral and burial industry has served the industry, rather than the bereaved. In some parts of Dublin, for example, the cost of opening a new grave costs in the region of €4,000, but it can be up to four times higher in other parts of the city. Why the discrepancy?
“The establishment of a cemeteries regulator will make the process fairer and more transparent.
Cemeteries will be awarded licences from the regulator with strict management obligations attached – for example, they must not engage in commercial activities other than interments at their own cemetery.
“The need for a regulator becomes all the more apparent if you consider the situation regarding the Glasnevin Trust, which controls a number of large cemeteries in Dublin. The group has charitable status but engages in commercial activities which ensure it has a monopoly over cemeteries in many parts of the city, and complete control over how much the bereaved are charged.
“Those seeking to bury their loved ones are suffering as a result of the lack of competition in the market. Under the proposed new legislation, cemetery authorities which engage in commercial activities will not be allowed to claim charitable status and the legal structure under which cemeteries operate will be modernised.
“It is my hope that this proposed legislation will make one of the most difficult times in our lives a little easier.”
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Funding Announced For Pyrite Remediation Scheme
Fine Gael TD for Meath East Regina Doherty, has welcomed the announcement of further funding for the pyrite remediation scheme by Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan TD.
She said: "Today's announcement brings to €20m the amount of funding to be allocated by the Pyrite Resolution Board. People in Ashbourne, Dunshaughlin and Dunboyne have been severely affected by pyrite problems in their homes. The Government is working hard to help these people who have been in limbo for some time.
"For the past year the Government has been working to put in place a funding model for the pyrite remediation scheme, I am delighted that the initial €10 million fund has now been doubled ensuring that the scheme will be well funded into 2015.
"Pyrite is problem that has arisen through no fault of home owners and people have been waiting for a resolution for a very long time.
"The PRB estimates that there are approximately 1,000 dwellings affected by significant pyritic heave across the country. So far 418 homeowners have completed applications with 146 others in the process. Significant progress has been made in tackling this issue but there is more to do."
She said: "Today's announcement brings to €20m the amount of funding to be allocated by the Pyrite Resolution Board. People in Ashbourne, Dunshaughlin and Dunboyne have been severely affected by pyrite problems in their homes. The Government is working hard to help these people who have been in limbo for some time.
"For the past year the Government has been working to put in place a funding model for the pyrite remediation scheme, I am delighted that the initial €10 million fund has now been doubled ensuring that the scheme will be well funded into 2015.
"Pyrite is problem that has arisen through no fault of home owners and people have been waiting for a resolution for a very long time.
"The PRB estimates that there are approximately 1,000 dwellings affected by significant pyritic heave across the country. So far 418 homeowners have completed applications with 146 others in the process. Significant progress has been made in tackling this issue but there is more to do."
Tuesday, May 06, 2014
‘Welcome to Ashbourne’ for the first time in a long time
Fine Gael TD for Meath East Regina Doherty, today (Tuesday) welcomed news from the National Roads Authority that maintenance works are set to take place on the Rath Cross Roundabout and the Nine Mile Stone Roundabout, on either side of Ashbourne.
“Ashbourne is the second largest town in Co. Meath; thousands of people enter and exit every day. It is unfortunate that for many years they have been greeted with run down, unkempt roundabouts that indicate a similarly neglected town, and not the vibrant community that we actually have.
“The roundabouts on the M2 have been in a dilapidated state for some time. Even as far back as 2010, I was part of a team on Meath County Council who introduced the Roundabout Sponsorship Scheme. It was hoped that through this scheme local businesses could sponsor the roundabouts and ensure that they are always kept in supreme condition.
“However, as the roundabouts are part of the NRA road network, it was not within the remit of the Council to allocate funds or to appoint businesses to sponsor under this Scheme. For too long the roundabouts were neglected. After many letters, emails and phone calls to the NRA, I am delighted to announce that our roundabouts are to receive the attention that they need.
“Ashbourne is a great town with a lot to offer. When people arrive the first thing they see should be clean, tidy and attractive. The works on the roundabouts should finally achieve this.”
“Ashbourne is the second largest town in Co. Meath; thousands of people enter and exit every day. It is unfortunate that for many years they have been greeted with run down, unkempt roundabouts that indicate a similarly neglected town, and not the vibrant community that we actually have.
“The roundabouts on the M2 have been in a dilapidated state for some time. Even as far back as 2010, I was part of a team on Meath County Council who introduced the Roundabout Sponsorship Scheme. It was hoped that through this scheme local businesses could sponsor the roundabouts and ensure that they are always kept in supreme condition.
“However, as the roundabouts are part of the NRA road network, it was not within the remit of the Council to allocate funds or to appoint businesses to sponsor under this Scheme. For too long the roundabouts were neglected. After many letters, emails and phone calls to the NRA, I am delighted to announce that our roundabouts are to receive the attention that they need.
“Ashbourne is a great town with a lot to offer. When people arrive the first thing they see should be clean, tidy and attractive. The works on the roundabouts should finally achieve this.”
Thursday, May 01, 2014
Capital Gains Tax Exemptions to provide relief for Meath farmers on foot of changes to Common Agriculture Policy
Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, today (Thursday) welcomed the announcement by Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan TD that he intends to provide a capital gains tax (CGT) exemption in this year’s Finance Bill.
“The news of CGT exemptions is really positive news for farmers who dispose of their single farm payment entitlements as a result of changes introduced under the new EU Common Agriculture Policy (CAP).
“A technical change made at EU level to the new CAP arrangements for replacing the Single Payment Scheme for farmers with the Basic Payment Scheme, impacts on farmers who let all of their land and has a knock on effect on farm payment entitlements. Due to the changes, farmers in this position will lose their farm payment entitlements and they have been advised by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to sell those entitlements to active farmers. Farmers who take this advice would be subject to CGT.
“The changes to the new CAP would have meant that farmers who lease their land would either lose their farm payment entitlements or they would be forced to sell and be subject to CGT. The Minister for Finance recognised that farmers were unable to prepare for this change and so is making an exemption from CGT available to any chargeable gains arising from the disposal by the owners of payment entitlements under the scheme, where all of those entitlements were leased out in 2013 and where the owners were advised by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to transfer their entitlements.
“Agriculture is a major industry in Co. Meath and farmers in the area should be pleased with this change. The Government is dedicated to supporting and encouraging farmers and in ensuring that economic recovery is felt in all regions and in all sectors. The Minister today has put an end to uncertainty for farmers who are affected.”
“The news of CGT exemptions is really positive news for farmers who dispose of their single farm payment entitlements as a result of changes introduced under the new EU Common Agriculture Policy (CAP).
“A technical change made at EU level to the new CAP arrangements for replacing the Single Payment Scheme for farmers with the Basic Payment Scheme, impacts on farmers who let all of their land and has a knock on effect on farm payment entitlements. Due to the changes, farmers in this position will lose their farm payment entitlements and they have been advised by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to sell those entitlements to active farmers. Farmers who take this advice would be subject to CGT.
“The changes to the new CAP would have meant that farmers who lease their land would either lose their farm payment entitlements or they would be forced to sell and be subject to CGT. The Minister for Finance recognised that farmers were unable to prepare for this change and so is making an exemption from CGT available to any chargeable gains arising from the disposal by the owners of payment entitlements under the scheme, where all of those entitlements were leased out in 2013 and where the owners were advised by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to transfer their entitlements.
“Agriculture is a major industry in Co. Meath and farmers in the area should be pleased with this change. The Government is dedicated to supporting and encouraging farmers and in ensuring that economic recovery is felt in all regions and in all sectors. The Minister today has put an end to uncertainty for farmers who are affected.”
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
FF is wrong on the Children First Bill – Doherty
Sanctions included in suite of legislation aimed at strengthening child protection
Fine Gael Meath East TD and member of the Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children, Regina Doherty, has today (Tuesday) criticised Fianna Fáil’s response to the publication of the Children First Bill, adding that the Party is wrong when it claims that no sanctions are in place for those who fail to report children at risk.
“It has become entirely predicable for Fianna Fáil to give a negative kneejerk reaction to any legislation published by the Government, regardless of its merit. The Children First Bill will, for the first time, place the Children First Guidelines on a statutory footing.
“This was recommended in the Ryan Report in 2009, while Fianna Fáil were in government, but the Party did nothing to implement it. Fianna Fáil has a poor record on child protection; an area which was neglected during its 14 consecutive years in power, despite a litany of reports detailing shocking instances of abuse.
“Fianna Fáil is wrong when it claims that there are no sanctions for those who fail to report child abuse concerns. The Children First Bill is just one element of a suite of legislation which includes serious sanctions for those who withhold information about a child at risk.
“The Children First Bill should be viewed in tandem with the Withholding of Information Act and the National Vetting Bureau Bill. Under these three pieces of legislation individuals can be sanctioned or prosecuted if they are found to have put a child at risk by not reporting suspected abuse.
“The Children First Implementation structures, which will be put on a statutory footing through this Bill, will pave the way for further sanctions that include the withdrawal of funding from state-funded organisations which are not in compliance with Children First.
“Fianna Fáil failed to act while it was in government to strengthen protections for children at risk. It didn’t treat child protection as a priority, leading to fragmented services and an inconsistent approach.
“The series of measures put in place by this Government, under the stewardship of the Minister for Children, Frances Fitzgerald TD, is transforming the way we deliver child protection services in this country and will, I believe, make Ireland a safer place for children.”
“It has become entirely predicable for Fianna Fáil to give a negative kneejerk reaction to any legislation published by the Government, regardless of its merit. The Children First Bill will, for the first time, place the Children First Guidelines on a statutory footing.
“This was recommended in the Ryan Report in 2009, while Fianna Fáil were in government, but the Party did nothing to implement it. Fianna Fáil has a poor record on child protection; an area which was neglected during its 14 consecutive years in power, despite a litany of reports detailing shocking instances of abuse.
“Fianna Fáil is wrong when it claims that there are no sanctions for those who fail to report child abuse concerns. The Children First Bill is just one element of a suite of legislation which includes serious sanctions for those who withhold information about a child at risk.
“The Children First Bill should be viewed in tandem with the Withholding of Information Act and the National Vetting Bureau Bill. Under these three pieces of legislation individuals can be sanctioned or prosecuted if they are found to have put a child at risk by not reporting suspected abuse.
“The Children First Implementation structures, which will be put on a statutory footing through this Bill, will pave the way for further sanctions that include the withdrawal of funding from state-funded organisations which are not in compliance with Children First.
“Fianna Fáil failed to act while it was in government to strengthen protections for children at risk. It didn’t treat child protection as a priority, leading to fragmented services and an inconsistent approach.
“The series of measures put in place by this Government, under the stewardship of the Minister for Children, Frances Fitzgerald TD, is transforming the way we deliver child protection services in this country and will, I believe, make Ireland a safer place for children.”
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Legal letters from banks cannot be considered a ‘sustainable solution’
Fine Gael Meath East TD and member of the Oireachtas Finance Committee, Regina Doherty, has today (Thursday) called on the Central Bank to clearly redefine what it considers a ‘sustainable solution’ in terms of mortgage arrears. Deputy Doherty was speaking after representatives from Bank of Ireland appeared before the Finance Committee this morning.
“I have been less than impressed with the presentations given to the Finance Committee by the main banks in recent days, but comments from Bank of Ireland this morning were particularly disappointing. Serious flaws in how the banks are dealing with their customers in mortgage arrears have been revealed.
“It is not acceptable for banks to issue a legal letter to a distressed mortgage holder, and for that to be considered a ‘sustainable solution’. The banks are using these letters – which are being issued in their thousands – to claim that they are meeting the mortgage restructuring targets as set down by the Central Bank.
“The Central Bank needs to push the banks much harder on this issue. It must clearly redefine what it considers a ‘sustainable solution’. Otherwise the banks will continue to try to hoodwink us with claims that they are doing their best to accommodate homeowners in mortgage arrears.
“To put it plainly, none of the banks would be able to claim that they are meeting the Central Bank targets were it not for these legal letters, which do nothing to help those in arrears find a long term solution for their mortgage.
“I was appalled by the approach of Bank of Ireland at the Committee earlier, when its executives stated that the bank will not consider writing off any debt if there is security behind the loan. They claim they are engaging with the Personal Insolvency Service, yet they will veto every case involved a Bank of Ireland loan.
“The Bank of Ireland representatives not only showed contempt for the Committee, but also for its customers, for whom they are doing very little to help.
“The Governor of the Central Bank is due before the Committee this week, and I look forward to speaking with him about how the banks need to be tackled on how they are dealing with mortgage arrears.”
“I have been less than impressed with the presentations given to the Finance Committee by the main banks in recent days, but comments from Bank of Ireland this morning were particularly disappointing. Serious flaws in how the banks are dealing with their customers in mortgage arrears have been revealed.
“It is not acceptable for banks to issue a legal letter to a distressed mortgage holder, and for that to be considered a ‘sustainable solution’. The banks are using these letters – which are being issued in their thousands – to claim that they are meeting the mortgage restructuring targets as set down by the Central Bank.
“The Central Bank needs to push the banks much harder on this issue. It must clearly redefine what it considers a ‘sustainable solution’. Otherwise the banks will continue to try to hoodwink us with claims that they are doing their best to accommodate homeowners in mortgage arrears.
“To put it plainly, none of the banks would be able to claim that they are meeting the Central Bank targets were it not for these legal letters, which do nothing to help those in arrears find a long term solution for their mortgage.
“I was appalled by the approach of Bank of Ireland at the Committee earlier, when its executives stated that the bank will not consider writing off any debt if there is security behind the loan. They claim they are engaging with the Personal Insolvency Service, yet they will veto every case involved a Bank of Ireland loan.
“The Bank of Ireland representatives not only showed contempt for the Committee, but also for its customers, for whom they are doing very little to help.
“The Governor of the Central Bank is due before the Committee this week, and I look forward to speaking with him about how the banks need to be tackled on how they are dealing with mortgage arrears.”
Friday, April 04, 2014
Doherty raises concerns about future of Climber Hall with the HSE
Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Thursday) said that she has held discussions with the Health Service Executive (HSE) about the future of Climber Hall in Kells. Deputy Doherty raised concerns about the facility earlier this week after it was suggested that it may have to close to allow for the local reconfiguration of mental health services.
“I was extremely worried by suggestions made earlier this week that Climber Hall could be forced to close due to plans for the reconfiguration of local mental health services in Louth and Meath. The Kells facility provides a fantastic day service to about 40 people. Its closure would have a devastating impact on those who use the service.
“I have raised the issue in person and in writing with Dermot Monaghan, the HSE’s Area Manager in Louth/Meath, and Stephen Mulvany, the HSE’s Director of Mental Health Services.
“The HSE has confirmed to me that there are no immediate plans to close Climber Hall, but more importantly, the Executive has stated that no decisions will be taken without full consultation with service users.
“Crucially, the HSE says that no service will be removed without being replaced by a comparable service within the community. The HSE has also given a commitment that no patient will lose services.
“Existing services will continue to be provided while consultation on the reorganisation of community-based services is carried out. I am urging patients, their families and health care workers to make their views heard, so we can make it clear that this vital mental health day care service must be maintained.”
“I was extremely worried by suggestions made earlier this week that Climber Hall could be forced to close due to plans for the reconfiguration of local mental health services in Louth and Meath. The Kells facility provides a fantastic day service to about 40 people. Its closure would have a devastating impact on those who use the service.
“I have raised the issue in person and in writing with Dermot Monaghan, the HSE’s Area Manager in Louth/Meath, and Stephen Mulvany, the HSE’s Director of Mental Health Services.
“The HSE has confirmed to me that there are no immediate plans to close Climber Hall, but more importantly, the Executive has stated that no decisions will be taken without full consultation with service users.
“Crucially, the HSE says that no service will be removed without being replaced by a comparable service within the community. The HSE has also given a commitment that no patient will lose services.
“Existing services will continue to be provided while consultation on the reorganisation of community-based services is carried out. I am urging patients, their families and health care workers to make their views heard, so we can make it clear that this vital mental health day care service must be maintained.”
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