Budget 2013 - A Fairer Way to Recovery

Fianna Fáil has published its submission for Budget 2013 “A Fairer Way to Recovery”.

The party’s submission proposes a budget adjustment package of €3.5 billion with an almost even split between taxation and expenditure measures.

According to the party’s Finance Spokesperson, the submission is based on three key priorities.

Deputy McGrath stated, “First, we are proposing that education, mental health and disability services be fully protected. Second, enterprise is at the heart of our budget approach and we will not add to the cost of employing people. Third, we are committing ourselves to a progressive approach to the budget unlike last year’s budget which hit poorer income households the hardest.

“We have also been able to exceed the government’s taxation targets without including a residential property tax. We are proposing a number of targeted stimulus measures, we are publishing an innovative package of measures for those stuck in a negative equity trap and we are proposing to extend mortgage interest relief for first time buyers for another year.

“The package we are publishing today is not a template for an easy budget, but we believe it is fair, progressive and it supports the very enterprises who have the ability to lead this country to recovery,” Deputy McGrath said.

Spokesperson on Public Expenditure and Reform Sean Fleming added, “The planned €550 million cut to the capital budget is too deep and we are proposing an extra €150 million in capital spending. We believe overall Social Protection expenditure can be reduced without cutting payment rates and we are urging the Government not to touch child benefit. We also propose a target of additional savings of €350 million across public sector pay.”

Spokesperson on Jobs and Enterprise Dara Calleary added, “The Government’s Jobs Initiative has failed to make any dent whatsoever in the jobs crisis, with the number of people in work dropping by 24,000 since the start of this year alone. We propose increasing the places in local employment schemes and investing further in employment-intensive capital projects. We also propose a series of measures providing greater supports to SMEs that will tackle the burden of commercial rates, provide stricter controls over the availability of credit and avoid transferring the cost of sick pay onto employers.”


A Fairer Way to Recovery - Fianna Fáil Proposals for Budget 2013

Fianna Fáil publishes legislation to cut bankers’ exorbitant pensions

Posted on 20/11/12 by Michael McGrath

Fianna Fáil has published a Bankers Pensions Bill which proposes substantial cuts to the exorbitant pensions being paid to a number of the country’s retired banking executives.

The party’s Spokesperson on Finance, Deputy Michael McGrath stated, “The Oireachtas has a duty to respond to the justifiable public anger surrounding the extraordinary pensions being paid to some of the country’s most senior retired banking executives. The issue came to a head when AIB confirmed at a recent Oireachtas Finance Committee meeting that the Defined Benefit Pension Scheme which benefitted from a €1.1 billion bailout is the same scheme that pays enormous pensions to the bank’s retired top brass.

“The Fianna Fáil bill builds on the pension reductions already imposed on retired public servants and proposes tiered reductions in pension entitlements of over €100,000 by between 20% and 40% for banking executives and retired executives in the covered institutions (guaranteed banks). In view of the exceptional level of support provided by the State to the covered institutions, I believe the introduction of legislation to reduce certain pension entitlements is reasonable and justified.

“In recent parliamentary questions, I have asked the Minister to provide details of funds paid into the banks’ pension schemes over recent years. I have also asked the Minister to provide details of the level of pension payouts being made by the covered banks to retired executives. To date, the Minister has failed to provide these pieces of information and I am calling on him to do so without delay.

“Our pre-budget proposals, to be launched this week, will also include further reductions in the pension entitlements of retired senior public servants, including government ministers.

“On the specific issue of the remuneration levels currently being paid to senior bank executives, Minister Noonan has appointed Mercer consultants to assist his Department in reviewing pay levels across the banking system and to report before the end of year. We await the Minister’s response to this review and we expect him to deal with the fact that over 1,700 bank employees earn basic salaries of over €100,000.

“I am calling on the government to accept this straightforward piece of legislation to bring some semblance of justice to the pensions being paid to retired executives.”


Bill to reduce pensions of retired bank executives

Students forced out of college due to delays in student grants - Troy

No money left in Hardship Fund at AIT 

Students at Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT) have been forced to withdraw from college because of delays in access to student grants, according to Longford Westmeath Fianna Fáil TD Robert Troy.

Deputy Troy was speaking as the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) steps up its campaign

 of protest against cuts to student grants, increases in student fees and the on-going crisis in the SUSI system. 

“Last week I attended a meeting organised by the Students’ Union at AIT and I was horrified at some of the stories,” said Deputy Troy.

“Fr Shay Casey who is the Welfare Officer at Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT), told me there is no money left in the college’s hardship fund and that he knows of students whose only food on a weekly basis is a bag of pasta and tomato ketchup as they wait for their grants. This is incredible and a serious indictment of Minister Quinn and his Government.

“A student also contacted my constituency office to tell me he was withdrawing from college because he did not have access to college facilities and he could not pay his rent. Students are dropping out of college on a daily basis and the Government continues to bury its head in the sand.”

Students in AIT were joined by protestors in NUI Galway and GMIT last week as part of a nationwide campaign by the Union of Students in Ireland, which has already seen hundreds of students attend public meetings in Westmeath and across the country to voice their anger about the planned increase in student fees, the cuts to grants and the on-going crisis in the new SUSI system.

“Students in Westmeath and Longford have been treated appallingly by Labour and Fine Gael since they got into power. Many young people and their parents across the region voted for these parties based on their solemn pledge not to increase student fees. It quickly became clear though that Labour and Fine Gael made these promises with the sole purpose of getting into power, and had no problem abandoning them once they achieved it.

“The palpable anger among students at Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT) is completely justified. Not only do they feel betrayed by the Education Minister Ruairí Quinn and his colleagues, many of them are seriously worried about how they will now afford to stay in college. Far from reducing the cost of college as he promised he would do, Minister Quinn actually plans to increase the student registration fee by at least €1,000 within his term in office. He has also slashed grants, and he continues to preside over a deeply flawed grant processing system that has left thousands of students across the Midlands still waiting for their grants.

"In the Dáil last week, Fine Gael and Labour TDs in this region failed to stand up for the students and families who elected them. They refused to support a Fianna Fáil motion opposing further increases in student fees and cuts to frontline education services. I am calling on them to listen to the students who are protesting here today and to reconsider their damaging increases in the cost of college,” said Deputy Troy.

FIANNA FÁIL LAUNCHES NATIONAL POLICY ON YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH

Posted on 31/10/12 by Averil Power

Fianna Fáil has launched targeted proposals to promote positive youth mental health within the education system and reduce the alarmingly high rate of suicide among young people.  

The author of the document, Fianna Fáil Seanad Spokesperson on Education Averil Power, has said that mental health is the most critical health issue facing young people in Ireland.

“Up to one in four students at any given time experience psychological problems. For some the cause may be a psychiatric illness, while for others it is bullying, problems at home or difficulties coming to terms with their body image or sexual orientation. The fact that Ireland’s youth suicide rate is now the fourth highest in Europe clearly shows that we are not doing nearly enough to help our young people to cope with such problems,” said Senator Power.

 “The proposals launched today are designed to greatly enhance the role that our education system plays in promoting positive mental health and equipping young people with coping skills. They also aim to ensure the availability of community-based youth mental health support services in all counties so that young people requiring specialist help can access this directly or through their schools.”

The proposals include:

• A focus on positive mental health promotion at all levels of the education system, from pre-school to third level;
• The implementation of effective strategies to tackle bullying in all its forms, including cyber bullying, with a major emphasis on peer support and students being encouraged to stand up for classmates who are being bullied;
• All schools and colleges to have their own mental health promotion plans, with students, staff and parents being involved in the development and implementation of these plans;
• Each school to put in place a care team to oversee the implementation of its mental health initiatives, to be made up of staff, students, parents and appropriate external bodies such as professional mental health workers and local youth services;
• A national ‘Positive Schools’ initiative, similar to the ‘Green Schools’ programme with schools being awarded ‘Positive Schools Flags’ for promoting mental health and having effective strategies to tackle bullying and support students experiencing mental health difficulties;
• A reversal of the Government’s decision to abolish dedicated guidance counsellor allocations for schools, which has dramatically reduced access for young people to counselling supports;
• Headstrong to be funded to establish a Jigsaw centre in every county so that young people can get access to appropriate professional support in a welcoming environment;
• A greater emphasis in schools on the importance of physical exercise and diet to students’ mental well-being and a focus on ensuring that all students, particularly those in exam years, get the recommended number of hours of PE classes;

The proposals have been developed following an extensive consultation process, including a Fianna Fáil national conference on youth mental health last June, subsequent meetings with mental health organisations, teachers and students and a public meeting in Sutton, Dublin last month.

Huge Delays with Student Grants!

 Posted 31st October 2012 by Cllr Frankie Keena

This week Cllr. Frankie Keena said that he has deep concerns about the alarming rate of third level grant applications that have been refused so far this year and the massive backlog in unprocessed applications.

This was confirmed last week by Minister for Education Ruairí Quinn by answering a parliamentary question in the Dail when he stated that 72% of the grant applications processed so far this year have been refused. In addition to this, 78% of applicants are still waiting to hear back from the Department of Education. It is nearly November and there are still approximately 52,000 students waiting to hear if they will receive a grant, he said.

It seems unbelievable to me that the Department are turning away nearly 3 out of every 4 applicants that are processed so far and it is becoming clear that the new SUSI system is riddled with problems. This system was designed to speed up the administering of third-level grants, but it is not delivering, he stated.

 I am receiving a lot of representations from parents who are anxious to know if they will get a grant for their sons or daughters , it is wrong that they are being left in limbo two months into the college year, declared Cllr. Keena.

 I am now calling on the Education Minister to urgently explain these massive delays and alarming rate of rejections. When the SUSI system was launched, Minister Quinn said the process would be ‘quick and easy’ and that it would end the possibility of students facing ‘undue hardship as a result of delays’. Instead we have a situation where tens of thousands of students across the country are still in the dark about their grant applications, he concluded.

FF pledges strong support to family of murdered Longford woman Sharon Coughlan

‎26th October 2012

FF pledges strong support to family of murdered Longford woman Sharon Coughlan

Fianna Fáil has pledged its full support to the family of murdered Longford woman Sharon Coughlan in their campaign against the Government’s plans to send her killer home to his native country, the Czech Republic.

David Brozovsky, a Czech national with 27 previous convictions, was sentenced to life in prison for the rape and murder of the 37 year old mother-of-two near her home in Longford in 2007. The Minister for Justice Alan Shatter now plans to allow him serve out the remainder of his sentence in his home country.

A delegation from Fianna Fáil, including Longford-Westmeath TD Robert Troy, Spokesperson on Justice Niall Collins TD and Spokesperson on Social Protection Willie O’Dea TD met the family and friends of Sharon Coughlan at Leinster House in Dublin this week. They were among 5,500 people to sign a petition submitted to the Minister for Justice Alan Shatter.

Speaking at Leinster House, Deputy Troy pledged his full support to the Coughlan family.

“This is an absolutely heartbreaking story and the Coughlan family’s pain and grief is only worsened by the Justice Minister’s plans to allow her killer to be sent home to the Czech Republic,” said Deputy Troy.

“The Coughlan family want to know how a brutal murderer deserves this special treatment. Minister Shatter says he has been given ‘assurances’ by the Czech authorities that they will ensure Mr Brozovsky serves at least 20 years in prison. But for the Coughlan family, this is not enough. Mr Brozovsky pleaded guilty to raping and strangling a young Irish mother and her family want to ensure that justice is done. Sharon’s two young children are struggling to understand why the Minister has decided to listen to their mother’s killer rather than to the victim’s loved ones,” said Deputy Troy.

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Justice Niall Collins said, “I’ve attempted to raise this in the Dáil with Minister Shatter but so far have been refused a special debate on the matter. I will continue to seek a full explanation from the Minister until the Coughlan family get the treatment they deserve.”

 

Positive and Active Campaign will ensure Children's Amendment Passed – Troy

Tuesday, 23 October 2012

Positive and Active Campaign will ensure Children's Amendment Passed – Fianna Fáil

Fianna Fáil has called for an honest and positive campaign in the Children’s Referendum ahead of the public vote on November 10th as Leader Micheál Martin launched the party’s campaign for a Yes vote.

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Children Robert Troy TD said: “This referendum is an extremely important moment for Ireland and the future of our children. The Irish people will decide on a proposal to enshrine specific rights of children in Bunreacht na hÉireann. The Irish people do not lightly vote to change the Constitution and we will be working in the days and weeks ahead to inform the public as to why we believe this change is right for our children and right the country.

“The proposed changes will strengthen the rights of children, will ensure the voice of the child is heard in key proceedings regarding their care and wellbeing and offers a unique opportunity to begin a cultural change in Ireland on the care and welfare of all children. This is one of those rare times when the day-to-day politics can be put aside in support of a very important issue that is non-political in my view.

“Fianna Fáil has already begun a series of meetings around the country to inform our members of the proposal being put before the people on November 10th and there will be more meeting held around the country in the weeks ahead. I am delighted that Barry Andrews is undertaking the role of Director of Elections in the campaign. As Minister for Children he significantly progressed the proposition that the public will be voting on. Barry will be a strong and positive voice in the Yes campaign.”

Director of Elections Barry Andrews said: “From the meetings I have attended already it is clear that there is a strong base of support among Fianna Fáil members for the proposed Constitutional change. I am looking forward to a very active campaign from the party over the coming weeks.

“As we know from previous referenda on a range of issues complacency has often let down the yes side. However on this occasion I know the Fianna Fáil party will be working to ensure that a positive and consistent message is brought to the public through our elected representatives and members. As we get closer to polling day the public will engage more and more with the issues and there will be a strong campaign from Fianna Fáil through to polling day in an effort to ensure there is a broad consensus from the Irish public and that a strong yes vote is returned on November 10th.”

Mullingar Town Council Update

Posted By Cllr Ken Glynn on 22/10/2012

Questions:

2.5 Cllr.Glynn: To ask Westmeath County Council when works will be carried out to help improve safety for all pedestrians on the approach to All Saints National School.

2.6 Cllr.Glynn: To ask Westmeath County Council to give a firm commitment that outstanding works at the entrance to Ardleigh Crescent, including additional planting, restoring the fence mesh and upgrading the roundabout which serves as an entrance to both Ardleigh Crescent and Greenpark Meadows, be carried out, as previously requested.

2.7 Cllr.Glynn: To ask Westmeath County Council what progress has been made in relation to establishment of ownership of the lane behind The Moorings and the completion of fencing at the front of this estate, which is necessary in the interests of public safety.

2.8 Cllr.Glynn: To ask Westmeath County Council what progress is being made in providing essential services in Cloon Lara such as completed road and footpath surfaces, outstanding sewerage and drainage issues and the completion of the entrance, including a right filter turning lane in to the estate, which is vital in the interests of public safety.

Motions:

5.3 Cllr.Glynn: That Westmeath County Council would advise when it intends to move the pedestrian crossing further away from the roundabout beside Mullingar Regional Hospital, as it is currently extremely dangerous for pedestrians using this crossing due to its close proximity to the roundabout.

5.4 Cllr.Glynn: That Westmeath County Council would take immediate action to improve sight distance for motorists coming from the Blackhall direction and using the mini roundabout in Mullingar Business Park, which currently forces motorists to move into the roundabout in order to properly view traffic coming from the right.

Govt has left mortgage holders in Longford & Westmeath at the mercy of merciless banks – Troy

Posted by Robert Troy TD

Govt has left mortgage holders in Longford & Westmeath at the mercy of merciless banks – Troy 

“As interest rates continue to rise on mortgages and loans the Government has left thousands of borrowers in Westmeath and Longford to the mercy of banks despite promises to help”, according to local Fianna Fáil TD Robert Troy. 

Deputy Troy said: “I am meeting people every week in Longford and Westme

ath who fear the cost of surviving week-to-week is being put further and further beyond their reach. The latest increases in variable interest rates by AIB and Bank of Ireland will take more money out of people’s pockets in the weeks before Christmas and there is no sign that this Government is prepared to do anything to help. As a result of this rate hike mortgage holders will have to pay an extra €30 a month for every €100,000 borrowed.

“The official mortgage data shows almost 11% of occupied properties are in arrears of 90 days or more. But what are of huge concern to me are the real lives of people in Longford and Westmeath behind those statistics. When you look beyond the headline figures you see that by value, more than one in four (27%) residential mortgages is either in arrears or has been restructured already. On top of that a recent report by Davy stockbrokers said over 50% of residential mortgages is in negative equity, including the majority of those taken out since 2000.

“The real problem with negative equity is that the banks hold all the cards. If the term on a customer’s fixed interest rate is up the bank can increase the rates, knowing the borrower has no choice because they can’t switch mortgage provider.

“Every time the banks increase interest rates they take more money out of people’s pockets, more money out of the economy and actually push those very borrowers closer or into arrears, causing yet more trouble for the banks. The domestic economy is still in a very weak state and retail sales continue to show a year-on-year decline. How can it be in the interest of banks to stop their borrowers from spending in the local economy in Westmeath and Longford, helping a local shop in Longford, Mullingar or Westmeath, which in all likelihood has loans out from those same banks?

Deputy Troy concluded: “This Government promised to help borrowers in Longford and Westmeath but instead what we see every month is more mortgage holders in difficulty and independent reports showing that banks are not lending to businesses in the way they should – and when they are lending they’re doing so at punitive interest rates. How long is this government going to leave borrowers at the mercy of banks which are showing no mercy at all?”

Root and branch re-think on State’s treatment of young offenders is essential – Troy

Posted by Robert Troy TD

Root and branch re-think on State’s treatment of young offenders is essential – Troy

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Children Robert Troy has said that severity and graphic nature of the report into St. Patrick’s Institution must be treated with the utmost seriousness. He commented: “The detention of 17 year olds at St. Patrick’s should cease immediately and they should be transferred to Oberstown or other appropriate rehabilitation facilities. The focus must shift from simple punishment to rehabilitation.

Deputy Troy said: “We can no longer wait for the May 2014 deadline. The report into St. Patrick’s Institution has called for a review of this timeline and I will support any initiative Minister Shatter or Minister Fitzgerald seek to put in place to provide an appropriate setting for these vulnerable young people. No child should ever be detained at St. Patrick’s again. This is the first time a report has identified that the human rights of young people were being seriously violated by the conditions at St. Patrick’s Institution.

“I think it is important to remember that these are children first and young offenders second. Of course where criminal offences take place the appropriate sanction must be applied but we must have a system in place that will rehabilitate young people back into society, and one that is not simply focussed on detention. It is clear from the Inspector of Prisons’ report that far from rehabilitating offenders St. Patrick’s Institution has hardened many prisoners and allowed drug abuse to foster in a completely unsuitable environment for children.

“I want to commend the Inspector of Prison for his report. His dogged and determined efforts to get to the bottom of what has really been going on at St. Patrick’s Institution shows a great commitment to public service and the welfare and right of children.”

Fianna Fáil to Support Long Awaited Children’s Referendum – Troy

Posted on 19/09/12 by Robert Troy

Spokesperson on Children Robert Troy has said his party will be calling for a 'YES' vote in the Children’s Referendum on November 10th, following the long awaited publication of the wording of the proposed amendment.

“Given that the wording is almost identical to that proposed by our Director of Elections Barry Andrews and agreed by the previous Government in January 2011, Fianna Fáil will be supporting the proposed Constitutional and mounting a vigorous ‘YES’ campaign.

“I will be working alongside Barry and the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party urging our own members and the public at large to support this important change to the Constitution. Simultaneously, I plan to make a strong case to the Minister for adequate resources to be put in place to support the measures introduced by the change, including additional social workers and child protection structures.

“It is a matter of fact that significant progress has been made in the area of child protection over the last 10 years. This constitutional change is the natural next step in that process.”

The following is the text to the proposed changes to the Constitution:

Thirty-First Amendment of the Constitution

PROPOSED NEW ARTICLE 42A

Children

1. The State recognises and affirms the natural and imprescriptible rights of all children and shall, as far as practicable, by its laws protect and vindicate those rights.
2. 1° In exceptional cases, where the parents, regardless of their marital status, fail in their duty towards their children to such extent that the safety or welfare of any of their children is likely to be prejudicially affected, the State as guardian of the common good shall, by proportionate means as provided by law, endeavour to supply the place of the parents, but always with due regard for the natural and imprescriptible rights of the child.
   
   2° Provision shall be made by law for the adoption of any child where the parents have failed for such a period of time as may be prescribed by law in their duty towards the child and where the best interests of the child so require.
3. Provision shall be made by law for the voluntary placement for adoption and the adoption of any child.
4. 1° Provision shall be made by law that in the resolution of all proceedings-
   
   i brought by the State, as guardian of the common good, for the purpose of preventing the safety and welfare of any child from being prejudicially affected, orii concerning the adoption, guardianship or custody of, or access to, any child, the best interests of the child shall be the paramount consideration.
   2° Provision shall be made by law for securing, as far as practicable, that in all proceedings referred to in subsection 1° of this section in respect of any child who is capable of forming his or her own views, the views of the child shall be ascertained and given due weight having regard to the age and maturity of the child.

Westmeath & Longford students face uncertainty over grants ahead of first round of college offers – Troy

Posted by Robert Troy TD 16/08/2012

• Westmeath & Longford students face uncertainty over grants ahead of first round of college offers – Troy
  
  
  Longford-Westmeath Fianna Fail TD Robert Troy has said that it is “hugely unfair that a large number of leaving certificate students and their families in Westmeath and Longford continue to face huge uncertainty over changes to third level grants only a few days before they are expected to make a decision on college offers.”
  
  Deputy Troy said: “On Monday leaving cert students will receive their first round of CAO offers. Students from farming and self-employed families in the midlands will be expected to make a decision on whether to accept a college place despite not knowing if they will qualify for grants for the duration of their time in college due to the continuing uncertainty over Minister Quinn’s planned changes to the third level grants system.
  
  “Minister Quinn’s agenda in this regard was made quite clear again this week when figures were released by the HEA showing that 40% of farmers and close to 50% of self employed people secured a college grant for their children. However, what is not mentioned in these figures is that the average farm income continues to be €24,000.
  
  “Minister Quinn’s plan to include capital assets in means testing for grants is wrong. If he proceeds with this it is another attack on farm families and small business owners in Longford and Westmeath who want the opportunity for their son or daughter to go to college. The true test of whether someone is eligible for a grant has to be their income not their assets. Students can’t be expected to make a decision on a college offer when they have no idea if they will qualify for a grant and be able to afford to complete their third level qualification.
  
  “Minister Quinn has already put postgraduate education out of reach for thousands of people from don’t have the financial means to pay for it. Unfortunately, we now face a situation where a large number of young people in the midlands and across the country will also be denied access to undergraduate education. With college offers due on Monday, Minister Quinn needs to immediately make clear what his intentions are in regard to third level grants. At an absolute minimum, the Minister needs to give an assurance in the next few days to this year’s leaving cert students now awaiting CAO offers that they will not be facing into a situation whereby they could lose a grant which is essential to maintaining them in education after just one year at third level.”

NAMA must explain role in closure of Harvey Norman, Mullingar – Troy

Posted by Robert Troy TD 15/08/2012

• NAMA must explain role in closure of Harvey Norman, Mullingar – Troy

  
  Jobs lost as agency refuses to budge on high rent
  
  
  Longford-Westmeath Fianna Fáil TD Robert Troy has described NAMA’s refusal to negotiate with Harvey Norman on the rent at its outlet in the Lakepoint retail park in Mullingar as “disgraceful.”
  
  Deputy Troy met Blaine Callard, Chief Executive Officer of Harvey Norman Trading (Ireland) Ltd. at its Mullingar store (Monday, 13 August) following its closure on Sunday with the loss of 22 jobs.
  
  Deputy Troy said: “I was astonished to find out that Harvey Norman had made efforts to put five concrete proposals to renegotiate the rent on its building, initially to the developer and subsequently to NAMA which has the retail park among its portfolio. It is disgraceful that NAMA refused to engage with the company. The rent is almost €200,000 a year. Instead of keeping a major retailer in the property at a lower rent NAMA has now lumbered itself with another vacant property.
  
  “Harvey Norman’s lease on its Mullingar store contains an ‘upward only’ rent clause. Fine Gael committed to banning upward only rent reviews in the election last year, a promise it has since abandoned to the frustration of retailers across the country. While rent is not the only difficulty for the company as there has been a fall-off in sales, it has been made it clear to me that if there had been some relief on its rent it could have reinvested the money saved in marketing and other activities in order to prevent closure.
  
  “Where is NAMA’s long-term vision for the future of the retail park? There are already two vacant premises in the park and now it has lost one of its anchor tenants. These empty units are leading to reduced foot-fall and more pressure on the businesses remaining. The Government is supposedly committed to job creation but at the same time a major agency with enormous power has stood idly by while jobs that could have been retained were lost. I met the staff at the store and they were very loyal and committed to the company. I sought assurances from the chief executive that the staff would be accommodated and received them at the meeting. The company has offered redeployment to its store in Blanchardstown but the commuting costs have put this option beyond the reach of many. The solution was for NAMA to be proactive and engage with the company at an early stage.
  
  “If NAMA is going to continue to act in this way with tenants who are warning of closures and job losses because of unsustainable rents then the Government must intervene to ensure jobs are protected. It is not the remit of NAMA to put people out of work. I cannot see how having another vacant property on its books and no rent coming in is in the best interests of NAMA or the taxpayer.”

TROY URGES GOVT TO CONSIDER FF PLANS ON TACKLING YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT

Posted by Robert Troy TD 09/08/2012

• Troy urges Govt to consider FF plans on tackling youth unemployment
  
  
  Longford-Westmeath Fianna Fáil TD Robert Troy has called on the Government to seriously consider Fianna Fáil's proposals on tackling youth unemployment. It comes after the CSO revealed last week that the rate of unemployment among under 25s reached nearly 40% last year.
  
  
  Fianna Fáil published a detailed strategy on tackling youth unemployment in May. The proposals included an ICT training scheme for 100,000 young job seekers, a new IFSC internship scheme for 1,000 young job seekers, the addition of 5,000 more graduate places on JobBridge, and dramatic reform of education, welfare and employment services including the introduction of education and training vouchers for under 25s.
  
  Deputy Troy said: “We now have a situation where nearly half of young people in some parts of the country are unemployed. In Longford there are just over 1,000 people under 25 are on the Live Register and almost double that in Westmeath (see table) and we know that the extent of the problem nationwide is being masked by the number of people emigrating for work or staying on in education. We urgently need an ambitious plan to deal with this crisis.
  
  Social Welfare Office Jul-2012 (U-25s)
  Longford County total 1005
  Westmeath County total 1997
  Westmeath breakdown:
  Athlone 799
  Castlepollard 218
  Mullingar 980
  Source: Central Statistics Office
  
  “The latest CSO figures must act as a wake-up call for the Government. Their various jobs plans have all failed to address the specific issue of youth unemployment, and have completely underestimated the extent of the problem. We need to show young people that there will be opportunities and that there is a future for them here, and that specific targeted measures are being introduced to support them in getting on the career ladder.
  
  Deputy Troy concluded: “Fianna Fáil’s proposals are realistic and affordable and I am urging the Government to give them serious and urgent consideration. We estimate that the plan will require an initial investment of €52 million but the cost of not taking any action is far greater.”

Minister needs to fully implement Child Protection Report - Troy

Posted by Robert Troy TD 27/07/2012

• 
  

  Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Children, Robert Troy TD, has called on the Minister with responsibility for Children, Frances Fitzgerald TD, not to cherry pick but fully implement all 47 recommendations of the 2011 Report of the Special Rapporteur for Child Protection.
  Deputy Troy commented: “While I welcome the publication of the report and the sterling work put in by its author Dr Geoffrey Shannon, I find it disturbing that the Minister has held onto the report for six months before publishing it.

  
  “The Minister has cherry picked certain recommendations contained in the report and ignored other ones. It is disingenuous of the Minister to say a number of these recommendations are already being implemented, she delayed the report’s publication while she got her house in order. Why did it take six months to publish the report that was completed in February? Minister Fitzgerald needs to implement the report in its entirety.
  “The Minister needs to implement a coherent plan and strategy to ensure that all 47 recommendations are implemented.
  
  “In the Minister’s statement on the report, she has omitted three priority areas that should be addressed. Firstly, the Minister seems to have overlooked the key recommendation in the report, that is to amend the Childcare Act 1991 so as to enable any person to apply to the court seeking an order or direction in respect of a child who is not the subject of proceedings under the Child Care Act 1991 or the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964, but who has been brought to the attention of the HSE, where there are reasonable grounds for believing that the child inquestion is not receiving adequate care and protection.
  
  “ Secondly, the Minister is ignoring the fact the report is highly critical of the existing support network for families. More needs to be done to protect and help struggling families.

New child protection standards must be backed up by resources – Troy

Posted by Robert Troy TD

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Children Robert Troy has called on the Children’s Minister Frances Fitzgerald to commit to providing the necessary resources for the full implementation of new child protection standards.
Deputy Troy has warmly welcomed the standards published by HIQA today, but has raised concerns that the current under-resourced social worker system may not be equipped to fully implement them.

“These new standards are a very welcome step towards enhancing child welfare, and the Government will have the full support of my party in implementing them. However, if the standards are to achieve their aim of reaching children at risk who are currently falling through the cracks of the system, and responding to institutional abuse quickly and thoroughly, then they must be backed up by the necessary resources.

“There are still gaping holes in our social worker system and front-line social workers are stretched to their limit. We have less social workers in place now than last year. Minister Fitzgerald has promised that front-line social worker posts are exempt from the public service recruitment embargo, but a leaked internal HSE memo identifies mental health workers and primary care workers as the only HSE staff exempt from the embargo. There is no mention of social and family services.

“I am calling on Minister Fitzgerald to commit to a strict timeline for the filling of social worker posts. The new child protection standards spell out a real opportunity for meaningful improvements in child protection in Ireland, but they will only work if they are backed up by the necessary resources.”

Troy calls for common sense approach for school transport fiasco

Posted by Robert Troy TD 25/07/2012

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Children, Robert Troy TD, is calling on the Government to intervene and use common sense with plans to restrict free school transport.

The Longford Westmeath TD said: “I have been contacted by numerous parents in the past week who have been told that their children will not be eligible for free school transport from September because of new criteria introduced. The Government needs to take a common sense approach with this latest fiasco.”

Under the rules, children are only eligible for State supported transport if they attend their nearest school. This is an issue which affects both primary and secondary schools.

“I believe this is an approach that makes no financial sense. In most cases the school bus is already travelling from these town lands but new pupils will not be entitled to a place without paying a concessionary charge and can only travel if there is spare capacity on the bus. As a result, some children starting school in September will find they are not allowed to travel on the same bus as their older siblings while families with medical cards will still have to pay these costs.

“The changes will also mean that many children would have to attend a school in another parish because the school is technically closer. Also it means that many students who attended preschool are no longer able to attend primary school with their young friends. Some primary schools would historically be seen as feeder schools for secondary ones which is also been overlooked.

“The matter has been raised with Minister Ciarán Cannon on several occasions but he has so far refused to consider the impact of his decision on families in Westmeath, Longford and across the country.

“As parents now start thinking about budgeting for September, I am appealing to the Minister to reconsider before it’s too late. Before the election many current Government TD's were bending over to emphasise that measures such as these would be avoided if they were in Government. It is now time to live up to the pre-election talk,” said Deputy Troy.

Troy calls on Minister to guarantee Custume Barracks future

Posted by Robert Troy TD

Fianna Fáil TD for Longford Westmeath, Robert Troy TD, has called on the Minister for Justice Alan Shatter to reiterate his commitment to retain 1,000 personnel of Custume Barracks in Westmeath is secure.

Deputy Troy commented: “The Minister has already abolished the Western Brigade, downgrading Custume Barracks where the Brigade has been headquartered. Today’s announcement that Custume Barracks will lose 4 field CIS Company, 4 Field Engineer Company, 4 Calvary Squadron, 2 Field Artillery Regiment as well as the brigade headquarters is hugely worrying.

“The Minister has promised that Custume Barracks will retain a 1,000 strong force but with so much capability now being lost, I fear for many jobs at the barracks. The Minister needs to be upfront on this and say if he is planning more cutbacks of personnel at Custume Barracks.

“The least the army personnel at Custume Barracks deserve is the truth as to what the future holds for them.”

Reaction to Defence Forces realignment and Custume Barracks, Athlone. Cllr Aengus O'Rourke

Posted by Cllr Aengus O'Rourke 18/07/2012

• A short 4 weeks ago Alan Shatter came to Athlone in a cloak of secrecy, following that visit it was clear that the 4th Western Brigade was to be disbanded. On Monday he came again to Athlone and true to form, like the Grim Reaper, soon after we learn that up to 200 soldiers will be relocated as a result of changes to some units following the recent downgrading.

   So the story spun to the media at the time of a core compliment of 1000 soldiers being retained will already be broken come November when for example the Signals Corp, all 67 of them are relocated along with others.

   The arrogance and disregard this Minister and Fine Gael are showing for Defence Forces personnel is shocking. I am 4 weeks looking for a meeting with Enda Kenny and Eamonn Gilmore to discuss the downgrading issue and still they refuse to meet the Council Delegation that I organised. 

   I stand over my prediction from the start, we have a job on our hands to keep Custume Barracks open while Fine Gael are in Government. The rot has started, we all need to be as vocal as possible on this issue and reject moves to further diminish the numbers and morale in our barracks.

  
  

  

  
  

Skate Park For Mullingar Public Consultation Process

Posted by Cllr Ken Glynn 17/07/2012

Today on my proposal Westmeath County Council commenced the public consultation process to select the location for the provision of a Skate Park in Mullingar. The process will involve public engagement in selecting the right site
and also invite submissions for any other potential site not currently selected by the Council. It is hoped that come the September meeting the Council will be in a position to select a location which will allow them at that stage to seek funding for the project.
The five locations selected are as follows:
1-Town Park
2-Fairgreen Large Green area
3-Large green area along canal near old Grange Motors site.
4-Behind Childcare Centre on lands in Robinstown where the proposed regional sports centre has been planned.
5-Green area behind Council Buildings at rear of car park known as Bleach Yard.
These locations can be added to and the Council will welcome submissions suggesting any other potential site. Drawings will soon be available to view on the Westmeath County web site which will allow you see the exact locations. As soon as I have dates for the commencement of the consultation process I will post here immediately. Additionally these sites are only proposals and no definite decision will take place until after the process has been completed.
Additionally on my proposal €10,000 was allocated to the design work for this project and I today also proposed that substantial monies from paid parking be made available for the Skate Park in the next year’s budget estimates.

Troy expresses disappointment at closure of Mullingar Harvey Norman

Posted by Robert Troy TD 10/07/2012


Longford Westmeath TD Robert Troy has expressed his huge disappointment at the announcement that Harvey Norman will close its store in Mullingar.
Deputy Troy commented: “It was with huge regret that I heard of the impending closure of the Harvey Norman in Mullingar. This is yet another blow to Westmeath which has experienced job losses and business closures over the past number of years.

“While it is hoped to redeploy the 45 employees at the store, the loss will be felt by the town of Mullingar. Much needed finance and consumer spend will be lost to the town as the retailer expands its operation in Dublin.

“This news is very disappointing and it just goes to show the difficulties so many businesses are facing at the moment with high rents and rising production costs. The Government needs to take immediate action to halt the rising number of businesses across Westmeath closing. The reneging of the promise to tackle the problem of upward only rent reviews has contributed to the problems many businesses face.

“The Government’s failure to amend legislation and change the valuation act to deal with crippling commercial rates is another huge problem for businesses. Our IDA park remains empty and while the IDA fails to promote Westmeath with potential investors.

“Mullingar has lost Columb Barracks in the past few months and the promised decentralisation to Mullingar, which hundreds had signed up to will also not go ahead.

“Harvey Norman says Lakepoint Retail Park has underperformed and is no longer viable for several reasons including high rents, prolonged vacancies in the retail park, and migration of shopping back to Dublin. We need to be proactive in our response and Mullingar must again be promoted as an excellent town in which to do business without the hassle of shopping in the capital.

“I am calling on the Minister for Enterprise to step in and make a concerted effort to promote Mullingar as a town to invest in.”

Accountability and transparency needed in Shannon flood warning system – Troy

Posted by Robert Troy TD 3rd July 2012

Longford-Westmeath Fianna Fáil TD Robert Troy has called for a new protocol to be agreed between the agencies responsible for alerting the public to potential flooding along the Shannon.

Deputy Troy said: “Flooding in the Shannon basin has been a regular occurrence over the decades and little is done to prevent damage. There appears to be confusion about acting on early warning systems. Currently the OPW, Waterways Ireland and the ESB are charged with monitoring the Shannon. No single agency is accountable or in charge of taking action when early warning signs are put in place. It’s is time for the Government to put in place a protocol as a matter of urgently to ensure that actions are streamlined and implemented.

“As part of this it is important that water levels are reviewed urgently and a protocol should be put in place for the opening of gates down river when there is heavy rainfall.

“Farmers along the Shannon in Longford and Westmeath maintain that summer flooding is becoming more frequent and severe. We know that this June was been the wettest on record. This is seriously affecting farmers and their ability to manage grazing and access to fodder. Farmers in the region are genuinely concerned about costs and about being able to provide for their families.

“It is essential that one agency is responsible and accountable on this issue. Hundreds of farmers and thousands of acres have been affected by flooding for the last several weeks. The Minister for Agriculture should also be taking a leading role in this matter and engaging with the farming community with a view to providing assistance to affected areas.”

Banks should not be allowed to dictate progress in Personal Insolvency – Troy

Posted by Robert Troy TD 3rd July 2012.

Westmeath & Longford residents need assurance that new law will be balanced if they need it.



Longford-Westmeath Fianna Fáil TD Robert Troy has described the new Personal Insolvency legislation as a major opportunity to address the debt crisis facing thousands of people, but has questioned the decision to allow banks dictate progress.

Deputy Troy said: “This legislation is long overdue. It has taken six months for the Government to progress this vital issue while the scale of the personal debt crisis facing thousands of people has worsened. I know from my own constituency that many people in Westmeath and Longford are feeling under enormous pressure with debt and mortgage payments. We welcome the decision to reduce the bankruptcy discharge period to bring it into line with the European norm.

“There is a unique opportunity for the Government to break the hold the banks have over borrowers and the State, but on first reading this opportunity appears to have been missed. The Bill as published requires that creditors holding 65% of a person’s debt agree with the proposed debt settlement arrangement or personal insolvency arrangement. For the vast majority of people, this will mean their bank is still in control. There will be great unease about this in the midlands. The banks cannot hold an unfair balance of power in this process.
“We need to ensure in this legislation that there is an appropriate balance of power between financial institutions and borrowers. When read alongside the decision to restrict access to Mortgage Interest Supplement relief, there is a real danger that the Government’s response to the mortgage crisis is increasingly relying on the good faith of bankers.

“We will study this Bill in detail and we will be engaging with interest groups and bringing forward amendments to the legislation. Ireland is not going to get another opportunity like the one that exists now to comprehensively deal with this social and economic crisis.

“We are concerned that the Government appears paralysed by the scale of the mortgage crisis with 10.2% of all private residential mortgages now in arrears of more than 90 days. The banks have not stepped up the mark to date in tackling this issue and have similarly failed to support the SME sector to stimulate the domestic economy.

“Our view is that, where a person’s total debt level is clearly unsustainable, the best way of dealing with that is through a comprehensive assessment of that person’s financial position by an independent statutory non-judicial debt settlement office. We have brought forward sound legislation to allow such an office, but the Government has refused to examine the proposal.

“If we are to learn anything from this crisis it is that the banks cannot be left to progress these issues as they see fit. This is not a banking issue. It is a social and economic issue that must be addressed by Government and driven by an independent body. The new Insolvency Service of Ireland must be well resourced and I am concerned that the Government is not dealing with this crisis with the speed necessary to give confidence to borrowers in difficulty.”