New jobs and falling unemployment rate show Govt jobs policies working

Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has today (Thursday), said that the positive CSO Live Register figures show clearly that the Government’s jobs creation policies is working and that the economy is improving. 

“In 2012, the unemployment rate was at a record high of 15.1%, this figure has dropped to 11.1% with employment now at its highest level since 2009. 

“In Meath’s Mid-West region, the CSO figures indicate that 3,793 more people are back at work than this time last year.

“It is also extremely encouraging that in the past twenty four hours, 690 new jobs have been announced at three locations across the country. The jobs created range from manufacturing to engineering, finance, data science, as well as sales and customer operations.

“These jobs will benefit many regions across the country, in particular Dublin’s commuter belt which includes County Meath.

“The significant amount of jobs created in the last two years is no accident. The Government has committed to creating jobs and to pursuing policies that are focused on job creation. Positive changes in the tourism and construction sectors are a clear example that these policies are working. 

“The 9% VAT rate in the hospitality sector and the abolition of the Air Travel Tax has contributed to the creation of 8,000 jobs in the tourism sector over the past year. Overseas visitor numbers are up by 9.4% for the first eight months of 2014 and today we learned that the number of domestic holidays increased by 6.7%.

“In addition, measures introduced to boost the construction sector such as the Home Renovation Initiative have helped bring about an increase of 3,500 jobs in the sector.

“While the growth in the economy is now very real and to be very much welcomed, there are still 370,000 people on the Live Register and too many families have yet to feel the benefit of the recovery. The Government remains focused on creating 100,000 jobs by 2016 and to bringing the recovery to all regions of the country through the new Regional Enterprise Strategy.”

Doherty urgently calls for new temporary planning guidelines to deal with wind farm application

Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has today (Thursday), called on the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Alan Kelly TD, to immediately implement new temporary planning guidelines to deal with Wind Farm applications, specifically in relation to an application made for a vast wind farm in North County Meath.

“I am calling on Minister Kelly to immediately and urgently issue new temporary planning guidelines. This was supposed to be done by the end of this year but due to the number of submissions received, I have been informed that it will be January or February 2015 before this happens. In the interim I believe it is essential that temporary guidelines are issued without delay to deal with applications.

“This week an application was made for a huge wind farm in North County Meath consisting of 46 turbines with a maximum height of a massive 169m and a permanent meteorological mast of 80m. It is proposed that this industrial project would be located in what is a rural, but highly residential area, and I find it totally unacceptable that a vast project such as this would be allowed to slip through the net without proper scrutiny.

“In recent years the size of wind turbines has increased threefold and it is accepted that the planning guidelines as they stand are not fit for purpose. The process is fundamentally flawed and it would be wrong for major decisions, such as this one, to be made in accordance with guidelines that do not work. All applications made should be cognisant of the impending new regulations.

“I take serious issue with such a substantial application being made on behalf of a shelf company affecting the rich heritage and hundreds of families in North County Meath.

“I have been very clear about my feelings on the current planning regulations and I intend to express to the Minister in no uncertain terms the gravity of this situation as it stands. Temporary guidelines are needed now to fill the void before the official new regulations are ready to be implemented. We cannot allow applications to sneak through a broken process.”

Micheál Martin admits that overspending on health was Govt policy under FF

Fine Gael TD for Meath East and member of the Oireachtas Health Committee, Regina Doherty, has highlighted the double standard employed by Fianna Fáil leader, Micheal Martin, this morning when he admitted that it was his policy to overspend and require supplementary budgets while he was Minister for Health. This came the day after his outrageous claim that the Government’s health budget policy was putting people’s lives at risk.

“Micheál Martin admitted on Morning Ireland this morning that the Government intentionally and habitually overspent their health budget while he was Minister for Health. Deputy Martin blithely stated that he provided supplementary health funding as matter of policy, stating that extra funding was allocated ‘on demand led basis. We didn’t set a ceiling.’

“Contrast this with his outrageous statement yesterday that when this Government overspent on health and needed a supplementary budget we were, ‘putting people’s lives at risk’.

“Supplementary health budgets were the norm under Micheal Martin at time when the Government had more money than at any time in its history. Ireland’s health budget rose from €3 billion in 1997 to €15 billion in 2007. Despite this five fold increase in spending, Minister Martin and his Government colleagues regularly went back to the Minister for Finance demanding more money.

“In 1997, when Fianna Fáil came into government there were 65,000 staff in the health services. When Fianna Fáil left office the number of health staff was almost 120,000. The problems in running our health system were underscored by the disastrous way in which the HSE was created by Micheál Martin. Despite increasing health spending five fold, we got an inferior service, with a bloated and financially draining management class.

“When this Government provides extra funding to the health service on top of what was budgeted, Micheál Martin uses emotive and irresponsible language to try to frighten people who are reliant on the service. Yet when they occur under his watch he says they were Government policy.

“The reality is much simpler. Last year we allocated money to our health service based on projected needs. During the course of the year, it became clear that more money would be needed. The HSE’s service plan was modified and more money was found to ensure that the health service was run properly and safely. As such we have acted responsibly within the extremely challenging economic circumstances that Fianna Fáil bequeathed to the country.

“As Micheal Martin well knows, the current challenges in funding and running our health system have their roots in Fianna Fáil’s destruction of our economy and the incompetent manner in which he set up the HSE.

“Fianna Fáil still has no health policy, nor did it in its Party manifesto before the last general election. Micheál Martin is high on criticism but short of solutions. Instead of using fear to mislead the public about the health system, he should sit down with his health spokesperson and try and come up with a health policy.”

Why won’t Fianna Fáil publish their health policy? Because they don’t have one

Fine Gael Meath East TD Regina Doherty has called on Fianna Fáil to stop hoodwinking the Irish people and to actually take the time to publish a health policy of their own.

“Fianna Fail has no policy whatsoever on health and this has been clear for some time. Instead, they take the cheap, lazy, option of criticising Fine Gael and Government policies. Three- and-a half-years into this Dáil term, for the largest opposition party to have no health policy at all, much less a credible one, is beyond belief.

“Over a year ago, Fianna Fáil said they would be bringing out ‘radical’ proposals on the health service. Yet when he was asked this week for details on that health policy, Fianna Fail’s Health Spokesperson Billy Kelleher gave a vague answer about publishing it 'in the months ahead'. I called on them nearly six months ago to publish their health policy, and they still don’t have one. Sadly, they have form in this area - Fianna Fáil didn’t even bother to have a health policy in their last General Election manifesto.

"Perhaps if he is serious about developing a health policy, Billy Kelleher might seek the assistance of former Fianna Fáil Minister Mary Hanafin, who this weekend shone a light on her own Party's complete dearth of policy.

“The only ‘policy paper’ Billy Kelleher could refer to is an independent report carried out on their behalf by an academic. Even then, this same academic paper says that ‘the views expressed in this report are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of…..Fianna Fáil.’

“Fianna Fáil taking a non-committal view of someone else’s work just won’t cut it as a health policy. It’s another example of a weak front bench, long on hot air, long on rhetoric, but sadly short of ideas, solutions or commitment to helping the Irish people.”

4% increase in number of people at work in mid-eastern counties

Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty has today (Tuesday), welcomed the publication of the CSO’s Quarterly National Household Survey which points to an increase in employment and a decrease in emigration in Meath.

“ Today’s figures show a continued improvement in the jobs market, with 31,600 jobs created in the last 12 months and over 70,000 since the launch of the Action Plan for Jobs in 2012. This means employment is at its highest level since 2009.

“It is extremely encouraging to see that the jobs market continues to grow at pace. In the mid-east there has been an increase of four per cent in the number of people at work since this time last year. This means that almost 10,000 more people are back at work.

“What is particularly encouraging is that these new jobs are full-time jobs, showing the sustainability of our jobs recovery . We are now seeing that the difficult decisions taken by this Government over the past few years and the sacrifices made by the Irish people have been worthwhile.

“Figures released today also show that outward migration in the year to April 2014 is estimated to have fallen to 21,400, a decrease of 11,700 on the previous year’s figure. The rate at which people are emigrating is finally slowing as people get work and stay at home.

“In Meath, we suffered severely from job losses and from emigration during the economic downturn and w hile the figures today are encouraging, we need to remain vigilant and continue laying the foundation for jobs growth through the Action Plan for Jobs.

“ The national unemployment rate is now at 11.3%, down from a peak of 15.1%. This is a big improvement but we want to see more. Jobs remain a top priority for the Government and I am committed to ensuring that people can see and feel the recovery in their everyday lives.”

Doherty urges Kelly to publish new wind energy guidelines as soon as possible

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty TD, has today (Friday) urged the newly appointed Minister for the Environment, Alan Kelly TD, to publish the new guidelines on wind energy as soon as possible.

“There is significant concern in the villages across North Meath about Element’s plans to build 45 wind turbines. I am urging Minister Kelly to publish the new wind energy guidelines, which are currently being drafted, as a matter of priority.

“The swift publication of the wind energy guidelines would at least help to allay some of the concerns of local residents, and would ensure that any application submitted by Element is considered under the updated guidelines.

“It is important to add that if Element submits a planning application, it would take between six and twelve months for it to be considered by An Bord Pleanála. It is essential, however, that the planning authority, which is fully independent, takes full cognisance of the new guidelines when they are published, even if it has already started considering the Element application.

“There is a lot of misinformation being circulated, which is adding to residents’ concerns. I would urge the Sustainable Energy Association of Ireland (SEAI) to step in and take a role here. The Association should provide impartial, independent information on the pros and cons of wind farms and other green energy projects. It is important for the public to feel like they have somewhere to turn for unbiased information. This will become increasingly important as the number of green energy projects increases in the coming years.

“The consultation process for our new green energy paper – which will drive the Government’s renewable energy policy - closes this coming Thursday, July 24^th. If people feel passionately about what direction our energy policy should take, I would urge them to make a submission before it is too late.”

New Meath LEO will act as a hub for job creation

Fine Gael Meath East, Regina Doherty, has said the new Meath Local Enterprise Office (LEO), which was opened in Navan yesterday (Tuesday) by the Minister for Small Business, John Perry TD, will act as a hub for local job creation.

“The Government is establishing LEOs in every local authority around the country to provide local businesses and start-ups with targeted supports to help them prosper and create jobs. They pull together national support and advice with local expertise to ensure businesses are given the best possible chance to succeed.

“Entrepreneurs are playing a crucial role in our jobs recovery; indeed two thirds of all new jobs are being created by start-ups. The Government wants to make sure that these job creators have access to all of the supports they need.

“Through the new LEO, Meath businesses will be able to access advice and support from a wide range of agencies, including Revenue, Social Protection, Microfinance Ireland, Credit Review Office, Skillnets, and the new Education and Training Boards.

“The number of people on the Live Register in Meath has fallen by almost 9% over the last 12 months. This is positive progress, but we still have a lot of work to do. I am confident that the new LEO in Navan will help local businesses to grow and create more jobs.

“The roll out of 31 LEOs nationwide was a key commitment of this year’s Action Plan for Jobs, which has a specific focus on boosting entrepreneurship.

“I would also like to encourage young Meath entrepreneurs to enter the search for Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur, which is open individuals aged 30 years and under. Winners at county level are eligible for investment in their business of up to €25,000, while the winners at national level can receive an additional investment of up to €50,000. Information and application forms can be found at www.ibye.ie

Over €1.6 Million in sports capital grants for county Meath

Here are the sports capital grant allocations for Co. Meath

Well done to everyone concerned and commiserations to those who worked hard on their applications and didn’t succeed this year…. Next year hopefully

A total of €1,600,931.00 was awarded today to the following groups

Ashbourne cricket club €5,000.00

Ashbourne United association football club limited €150,000.00

Athboy celtic football club €75,000.00

Boyerstown community development association  €10,000.00

Boyne hockey club €600.00

Castletown GFC €75,000.00

Comhlacht Oibre An tSeanbhaile €10,000.00

Cormeen community development limited €14,000.00

Duleek and district AC €12,000.00

Dunboyne amateur boxing club €12,000.00

Dunboyne athletic club €90,000.00

Dunberry GAA Club €70,000.00

Dunshaughlin community centre limited €12,000.00

East Meath United Limited €100,000.00

Kells Handball club €50,000.00

Kilmainham GFC €15,000.00

Kiltale Hurling and Camogie club €50,000.00

Laytown united football club €5,000.00

Louth and Meath education and training board €65,000.00

Meath local sports partnership €5,600.00

OMP united €12,000.00

Park Celtic summerhill FC €23,731.00

Rathmore Handball club €12,000.00

Ratoath Harps AFC €150,000.00

Ratoath Tennis club limited €7,000.00

Ribbontail paddlers canoe club €25,000.00

Scoil Mhuire €18,000.00

Ratoath sports campus €150,000.00

St. Ultan’s GFC €35,000.00

St. Vincent’s GFC €75,000.00

Summerhill community centre €60,000.00

Syddan GAA club €27,000.00

Tara Athletics club €20,000.00

Trim Celtic AFC €70,000.00

Wolftones GFC €90,000.00

Doherty welcomes compensation package for symphysiotomy survivors

Fine Gael Meath East TD and member of the Oireachtas Health Committee, Regina Doherty, has today (Tuesday) warmly welcomed the compensation package approved by the Government for survivors of symphysiotomies. Deputy Doherty has been working with the women involved and has been urging the Government to bring closure to the issue.

“It is an important day for the survivors of symphysiotomy; finally the pain and injustice they suffered is being fully recognised. The graduated compensation scheme will make a big difference to the women involved; most of whom are more than 75 years old.

‘Survivors of symphisiotomy have had their entire lives blighted by a barbaric procedure that had more in common with the Middle Ages than modern medicine. The Minister for Health, James Reilly, has been committed to addressing this issue and I am relieved that a resolution has finally been found.

“In accepting the recommendations of Judge Yvonne Murphy, the Government is sending a very strong message to survivors of symphysiotomy that it understands what they have gone through. I also think it is very important that the Government has clearly condemned the practice of symphysiotomies, describing them as ‘indefensible and wrong’.

“I understand that victims of the procedure have been frustrated at the time delays they have experienced. But the important thing is that we now finally have a compensation scheme in place. This is yet another legacy issue which has been dealt with by this Government, and by Minister Reilly in particular.

“The Government has also stated its commitment to continuing to provide a wide range of services to the women, including the provision of medical cards.

“Thankfully, Ireland is now one of the safest places in the world in which to have a baby. But this was not always the case, as our legacy of symphysiotomies proves. The women who were subjected to this horrific procedure deserve justice, and I am pleased that Minister Reilly has been the person to deliver it.”

Supplementary health budget was €595 million in FF’s last year in Government

Fine Gael Meath East TD and member of the Oireachtas Health Committee, Regina Doherty, has today (Thursday) reminded Fianna Fáil that the supplementary budget for Health was €595 million during the Party’s last year in Government. Her comments come after Micheál Martin criticised the Government over the challenges facing the health budget for this year. 

“Fianna Fáil has absolutely no credibility to talk about the management of our health services or the health budget. In 2010, Fianna Fáil’s last year in Government, the supplementary budget for health was €595 million. In 2001, when Micheál Martin was Minister for Health and money was plentiful, the supplementary budget was €250 million. 

“In 14 of the last 17 years, there has been a supplementary budget in health. When Fianna Fáil was in charge of the health service it failed to introduce reforms and its only legacy is the establishment of the HSE, which has proven to be a completely inefficient structure.

“It is farcical that Fianna Fáil’s health spokesperson, Billy Kelleher, would claim that under Fianna Fáil, supplementary budgets were used to introduce ‘new services’. I wonder can Billy tell us what new services were introduced in 2010, when the biggest ever supplementary budget was needed?

“It is impossible to talk about the challenges facing the health sector without taking account of the huge budget reductions that have been necessary thanks to Fianna Fáil’s mismanagement of the economy. The health service has endured budget cuts totalling €3.3 billion, while at the same time demand has increased significantly and staff numbers have been reduced by 14,000.

“It’s also hard to listen to Fianna Fáil lecturing on health, when it doesn’t even have a policy of its own. Fianna Fáil went into the last General Election with a manifesto that didn’t even have a health section. 

“In 2013, Micheál Martin published a policy guide promising a detailed document on how the health system should work at a later stage. There’s still no sign of it. And the paper authored by Brian Turner, which the Party loves to mention, contained the following disclaimer: 'The views expressed in this report are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the School of Economics, University College Cork or Fianna Fáil.' 

“We recognise that our health system is dysfunctional, and that’s why we are replacing it with a new system of Universal Health Insurance with strong financial incentives through the introduction of Money Follows the Patient. Under very difficult circumstances, we are gradually getting health spending under control. Fianna Fáil should reflect on its own terrible record in health rather than shout hypocritically from the Opposition benches.”