FF publishes ‘Investing in Tomorrow’, discussion paper on Early Childhood Care and Education

Posted on 03/09/13 by Robert Troy

Fianna Fáil has today published proposals to reform childcare and education in early childhood, focussing on raising quality standards, improving inspections and making childcare more accessible and affordable for parents.

Publishing the document, Spokesperson on Children Robert Troy commented: “Many parents this week are dealing with the transition of their children moving from pre-school into the full classroom setting and all of the challenges that come with that change.  In that context we are publishing a detailed document looking at the early years.  We know from extensive research of the sector that this is an extremely important time in the development of children.

“Effective early childhood care and education has a significant role to play in reducing educational underachievement, particularly for children who are faced with barriers to learning.  Ultimately, the right investment in the early years saves money in the long-run.

“Among the proposals we have looked at is increasing capitation which would allow providers to incentivise staff to seek further training and qualification.  We are proposing to expand and increase inspection and registration and gradually roll out a €15m Professional Early Childhood Training Fund.  The document also proposes a second full free pre-school year for all children with special educational needs.”

Deputy Troy added: “One of the main issues that families continue to face is the cost of childcare and the need for greater support for parents.  We have proposed that the Government undertake an analysis of costs in the sector with a specific remit of identifying relief proposals.  We also want transferable paid parental leave made available immediately and proposing a gradual extension of paid maternity leave, growing to 52 weeks by 2019.

“Over the decade 2000 to 2010, €425 million was invested in capital funding for childcare, and two specific programmes created 65,000 childcare places across the country.  The positive benefits of having physical infrastructure in place enabled the roll out of the free-school year and this progress needs to be built on in the years ahead.

“While I accept that not all of the recommendations in this discussion document are likely to be taken on by Government, I would ask the Government parties to accept this discussion paper in the spirit it is being presented - a genuine attempt to promote an informed conversation between parents, stakeholders and policy-makers as we strive to ensure all children get the best start in life to enable them to reach their full potential.”

You can access the full document here and a summary of some of the proposals under five key headings are listed below.

Investing in Tomorrow

Raising Quality Standards
•Move responsibility for Early Childhood Care and Education to one Government Department
•Incrementally increase GDP ratio in relation to investment in ECCE
•A revised inspection system including a registration process expansion of HIQA role

Supporting and Professionalising workforce
•Develop Professional Early Childhood Training Fund (€15m 2014-2017) using needs-led targets
•Increased capitation to allow for better remuneration of staff who train to graduate level Inclusion of Children with Special Educational Needs
•A National Inclusion Policy for the early childhood care and education sector
•Move to mainstream SEN Assistants being directly employed by HSE
•Provision for second free pre-school year for all children with special educational needs

Childcare for working parents
•Government commissioned study on cost of childcare, examining relief proposals
•Extension of statutory maternity leave to one year by 2019
•Transferable paid paternal leave for parents Tackling Obesity
•Develop National Obesity Prevention and Treatment strategy
•Establishment mandatory requirement of outdoor play spaces for new early childhood services

Government failing to deliver on standards for childcare and early education – Troy

by Robert Troy TD

 Fianna Fáil offers full support on Dáil time to pass important legislation

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Children Robert Troy has described the RTÉ ‘Prime Time Investigates’ programme into care in a number of crèches as “very distressing to watch and will worry many parents about the standard of care being deliv...ered in crèches.”

Deputy Troy said: “There are clear failings to deliver professional and high educational and care standards for children in early childhood settings and these must be addressed as a matter of urgency.

As an immediate priority, Fianna Fáil is calling for:

§ The establishment of a special HSE helpline for parents
§ The publication of the Children First and Child and Family Agency Bills
§ A clear timeline for the recruitment of additional inspectors where gaps have been identified
§ A commitment from the HSE that inspection reports will be provided to parents
§ The immediate publication of full inspection reports
§ The introduction of fines on crèche operators where regulations are breached
§ The withdrawal of State funding for facilities guilty of significant breaches of regulations
§ Serious consideration of appropriate monitoring mechanisms for crèches found to be in breach of regulations, including possible introduction of CCTV where parents agree

Deputy Troy commented: “We have offered the Government full co-operation on providing the Dáil time needed to pass the Children First and the Child and Family Agency Bills. This legislation is now two years late and must be delivered without further delay.

“In the longer term Minister Fitzgerald needs to make significant progress on establishing funding for training and raising standards, while rolling out a more robust inspection regime.

“A comprehensive strategy entitled ‘A Workforce Development Plan for the Early Childhood Care and Education sector in Ireland’ was brought forward in 2010 but seems to have been put on the long finger by the Government which is failing to follow through on supports and training for people working in the early education and childhood care.

“A clear pathway to a professionalised, quality service in early childhood care and education was developed in consultation with the industry and Minister Fitzgerald needs to explain why she has not implemented the plan to date. A quality service cannot be delivered without a quality workforce and we’re talking about delivering very important care for children in the early years.

“Parents put enormous trust in childcare and those delivering early childhood education. For many families, childcare is an absolutely essential service. The Government and the entire political system owes it to these families to ensure that the processes are in place to ensure proper standards and quality are delivered.”

Time for town centres to fight back – FF

 

Posted on 17/05/13 by Barry Cowen

Fianna Fáil launches a new town centre policy document tackling crippling commercial rates, high rents, unfair parking charges and derelict buildings



Speaking today at the launch of “Streets Ahead” a new Fianna Fáil policy document setting out a fresh vision for the future of Irish town centres Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Environment and Local Government Barry Cowen T.D. said “Towns across Ireland are suffering particularly badly with business closures and job losses. They need a concrete plan backed up by real actions to get them moving again. Our Policy tackles crippling commercial rates and rents, the burden of parking charges, and introduces new town teams to take the lead in revitalising Irish towns”.

According to Deputy Cowen shock closures of high profile businesses such as Blacktie and HMV underline the challenges that Irish retailers face in towns the length and breadth of Ireland. “It’s an all too familiar sight in every town in Ireland. Over the past number of years businesses have moved out of town centres or closed leaving a hole in the heart of Irish towns. The burden of commercial rates and high rents combined with heavy parking charges is killing off businesses. Our policy document set out a series of initiatives to address the grave challenges facing towns across Ireland” said Deputy Cowen.

Outlining some of the proposals Deputy Cowen commented that addressing commercial rates was at the heart of the policy. “We are proposing a new commercial rates system that incentives new businesses, has an inability to pay clause, places a rates surcharge on out of Town Centres that will help ensure a fairer rates system. This will help ensure new start-ups are encouraged and struggling retailers and business are given space to breathe”. Deputy Cowen also re-iterated Fianna Fáil’s position to abolish upward only rent reviews to help tackle exorbitant rents.

“We also need to make it easier to get people into towns, and creating a flexible parking charge system that encourages short term stays and rewards return shoppers is a vital part of that” according to Deputy Cowen.

“Towns are a vital part of the economic and social life of communities. This policy reflects the need to create safe lively town centres that form the heart of their communities. Cultural events festivals, reforming planning laws, engaging in safe street purple flag campaigns all led by specific town teams will help revitalise the vibrancy of Irish towns.”

“Our policy document is as a result of extensive consultation with the stakeholders, party colleagues and members. This will form part of series of proposals that will be brought forward over the coming months. We would hope that the Government will seriously consider our proposals and provide the necessary tools, direction and policy to drive these concepts to bring about a thriving business sector in our towns,” Deputy Cowen concluded.

 

 

 

 

Streets Ahead Policy Paper 170513

Troy concerned by high volume of calls to Childline

Posted on 17/05/13 by Robert Troy

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Children Robert Troy has expressed concern at the number of calls received by Childline last year.

Deputy Troy commented: “I am particularly worried about the volume of calls that went unanswered last year. With one in three calls going unanswered there is a clear need for additional resources to support children in distress.

“Obviously any extra resources should be targeted at out-of-hours with Childline reporting that 80% of calls and other contacts with children happening outside of normal hours. The fact that more children are also making contact by text, email and through online chat shows the importance of having a fully interactive service available to children in need.

“The passage of the Children’s Referendum last year showed a clear will on the part of the people to have more protection, more support and more resources available to help children. Childline have reported that over 14% of contact with them last year related to issues of child abuse and welfare. This is obviously still a huge cause for concern.

“One area that is being worked on at the moment is whole issue of bullying. Childline say over 10,000 contacts last year were about bullying. This is an area where the government simply isn’t doing enough. We need to see much more urgency on the part of the Minister for Children and the Minister for Education in tackling this issue and raising awareness about the damage bullying can cause.”

Deputy Troy concluded: “I want to commend Childline for their ongoing commitment to child protection and highlighting the issues facing young people at the moment. There is no question that they’re work of huge benefit to thousands of children across the country and that must be recognised and appreciated.”

Presidential Address by Micheal Martin TD at 74ú Árd Fheis RDS

Motion to Mullingar Town Council to support Community Groups opposition to Industrial Wind Farms.

Posted by Cllr Ken Glynn
19th April 2013


Notice of motion I have put down at next weeks Mullingar Town Council meeting where I will seek all party support to stand behind local communities against plans to build industrial wind farms throughout our county.

4.2 Cllr.Glynn:To call on Mullingar Town Council to support the growing number of local community groups in opposing plans to build industrial wind farms throughout the county which will then be used to source power to the UK.

Troy disappointed by Rabbitte refusal to consider moratorium on wind farms

By Robert Troy TD
19th April 2013


 National Energy Strategy needed to ensure communities are central to process

Longford-Westmeath Fianna Fáil TD Robert Troy has said he is extremely disappointed the Minister for Energy and Natural Resources has flatly refused to consider implementing a moratorium on wind farms while a new national renewab...le energy strategy is developed.

Deputy Troy has raised the issue directly with Minister Rabbitte in the Dáil in light of what he described as “widespread concern and anxiety among communities across the midlands” at the prospect of the largest wind farm in Europe being built in region.

Deputy Troy said: “The proposed wind farm will affect entire communities across the midlands which are not being consulted. Given that the scale of the development will mean that any potential application will need to go directly to An Bord Pleanála, does the Minister not believe we need something more than non-binding wind energy guidelines to influence a decision? This is a national issue and it warrants a national strategy on renewable energy. The Government should introduce a moratorium on any future development until such a strategy is introduced. The national strategy should encompass all renewable energy sources - wind, biomass, solar and others. There should be consultation with the various industries, the local community groups, environmental groups and the various Departments.

“I believe such a strategy could then inform the Government and take into account competing interests. The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport and Communications could be charged with formulating the strategy, looking at various countries where best practice exists.

“It makes sense to have a moratorium in place until the guidelines are reviewed, amended and put on a statutory footing. These guidelines should deal with issues such as ensuring communities are aware of potential planning applications and that proper comprehensive public consultation is carried out. The distance between the residence and any proposed turbine should reflect the height of the turbine. Environmental impact assessments need to be carried out. We need scientific studies on noise, flicker and shadowing. We need to use the most up-to-date research from the World Health Organization to ensure that no potential development will have a detrimental effect on people's health.

“We need to ensure our targets are met under the EU directive before we start exporting excess energy but consultation and a proper process must be adhered to. A national strategy would ensure this but would also ensure that the State would benefit more than simply a 12.5% corporation tax. I find it amazing that if one were to add an extension to the back of one's house of 40 sq. m or more one must adhere to primary legislation on planning permission so I do not see the big issue with regard to introducing legislation on the governance of industrial wind farms in our area.

“During the Dáil debate Minister Rabbitte suggested a moratorium might act as a barrier to creating jobs. However I believe it is incumbent upon us to make sure that we go forward in a sustainable manner, creating jobs, generating renewable energy but also ensuring that we don’t infringe negatively upon rural dwellers and rural life in Ireland.

“When I raised these issues with Minister Rabbitte he acknowledged that there was genuine concern in the midlands and that these concerns are being raised by all parties. I welcome the fact that the Minister is engaging on the issues but I am very disappointed that he appears unwilling to consider a moratorium in the interests of local communities and getting the process right. What I have proposed to him is based on common sense and seeks to avoid a situation where communities feel they are being railroaded into accepting projects with limited consultation and in inappropriate locations due to a lack of legislation. I urge the Minister to look again at this issue and concern the proposals I have put forward.”

Topical Debate on the need for a National Strategy for Development of wind energy - Troy

By Robert Troy TD

I secured a topical debate on need for a national strategy for development of wind energy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdEj7dGZpi4

 

 

Banks hold all the cards in new Personal Insolvency regime – Collins

 

Posted on 18/04/13 by Niall Collins

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Justice Niall Collins has described the new personal insolvency regime as ‘fundamentally flawed’, as the banks still hold all the cards.

Deputy Collins said the new insolvency guidelines published today will not change the fact that Minister Shatter’s new framework is essentially a Bankers’ Charter.

“These guidelines will provide little comfort to families crippled by debt. When it comes down to crunch talks with debtors, the balance of power will remain firmly in favour of the banks,” said Deputy Collins.

“The Government has ensured that the dysfunctional banking system will still hold all the cards in personal insolvency negotiations. As long as the banks retain a veto, ordinary homeowners will continue to struggle in their efforts to get a fair deal and secure a decent future for their families.
“The thousands of people across the country who are simply unable to cope with crippling mortgage and personal debt do not need a system that allows the banks to retain all the control. What they need is an independent debt settlement office that will ensure fairness and consistency in insolvency agreements. I and my party have published legislation to allow for this and it is deeply disappointing that the Government has failed to consider it.

“Minister Shatter has described this as 'the best solution'. But an insolvency regime needs to deliver for those in genuine difficulty who have no other way out. It needs to offer a fair and realistic way forward. Unfortunately, this falls far short of that mark,” said Deputy Collins.

Replies to issues raised at Mullingar Area meeting

At last weeks meeting of the Mullingar Area Committee Cllr Ken Glynn received the following replies to the issues he raised.

Questions:

Q.7 Cllr.Glynn: To ask Westmeath County Council to prioritise Newbrook Grove and Newbrook Drive in this years’ road resurfacing budget.

Reply: Potholes at Newbrook Drive will be repaired as soon as possible.  This road will be considered for resurfacing in 2013.

Q.8 Cllr.Glynn: To ask Westmeath County Council to prioritise Columb Drive and Fairgreen in this years’ road resurfacing budget.

Reply: Potholes at this area will be repaired as soon as possible.  Columb Drive will be considered for resurfacing in 2013.

Q.9 Cllr.Glynn: To ask Westmeath County Council to outline what works it will carry out on the old St.Laurence’s Terrace area and consult with all local residents to see what long term plan can be put in place for this section of land.

Reply: The Council’s Housing Section demolished these old houses last year in order to make the area safe.  The Housing Section has advised that it will carry out an examination of this section of land but any proposals recommended would be subject to the availability of funding.

Motions:

6.9 Cllr.Glynn: To call on Westmeath County Council to immediately take steps to have the broadband company reinstate the green area at the entrance to Ashefield Estate to its original condition and that works are carried out to rectify this matter to the satisfaction of all local residents.

Reply: Westmeath County Council has received a cash bond from the broadband installers.This bond will not be refunded until all works are satisfactorily completed.

6.10 Cllr.Glynn: To call on Westmeath County Council to set in place a plan to carry out a review of the winter gritting schedule as a matter of priority.

Reply: The Council currently treats approximately 490km of public roads in the county, including all national routes, most regional routes and some local roads in the main towns.  The priority routes were reviewed in 2011 and 30km of additional routes were added to the list.  There is no capacity at present, in terms of staff and equipment, to extend the routes any further.  However, the NRA does intend to contract out the winter maintenance of the M6 and M4 before the 2013/2014 winter season and this change would necessitate a full review of the Council’s winter maintenance operations.  If the NRA proceeds to contract, this review will be undertaken before October 2013.

6.11 Cllr.Glynn: To call on Westmeath County Council to bring forward measures to prevent the ongoing problem of illegal dumping at Butlers Bridge near Lough Ennell.

Reply: Butlers Bridge is a litter black spot and is included on a rota of regular inspections.  All incidents of littering/dumping are investigated and the continued support of the public is essential in forming the response from the Council’s Environment Section. Appropriate enforcement action will be taken, which may include closing part of this road to vehicular traffic.

6.12 Cllr.Glynn: To call on Westmeath County Council to prioritise the road at Keoltown, Ballinea for road resurfacing as many parts of this road are in a poor state of repair and also to erect a name sign at the top of the road.

Reply: Potholes on this road have been repaired. There are two signs at the end of the road indicating Road L 51432.