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.

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.”