ALAN
FARRELL TD Working for you in Dublin North
www.alanfarrell.ie
DUBLIN NORTH NEWSLETTER Three New Schools Secured for Dublin North
Fingal who wish to continue their studies as Gaeilge. This is set to be completed by 2014, while the long awaited secondary school facility for Rush and Lusk will be completed within the next six years.
This news will provide some welcome relief to residents in Rush and Lusk who have been waiting for this news for many years with many parents fearing that the facility would never be realised. There are many families in the area that would otherwise have been facing a difficult battle to find second level places for A new primary school facility will their son or daughter. be built in Swords between 2012 I had discussed this matter before and 2015, and two long awaited this announcement with the second level schools have been Department of Education and issued allocated in Balbriggan, and a Parliamentary Question to the Rush and Lusk. Minister relating to the plans for a post primary school in Lusk. I commend Minister Quinn for a c k no w l e dg i ng that the present facilities cannot sustain the rapid population growth that these towns have experienced in the past few years. It was good news for parents in North Dublin as the Department of Education announced that of the 40 new schools planned over the next six years, Dublin North has been earmarked for three facilities, both primary and secondary having been overlooked in recent years.
Despite cutbacks and financial constraints, I am pleased that the Glór na Mara have worked very welfare and education of our hard to campaign and plan the young people is a priority for the much needed Gaelcholáiste in new Government. Balbriggan, which already has 500 students on its waiting list and will For more information on this committee please visit cater for students from all over www.alanfarrell.ie Flying Kites - Alan Farrell TD and Minister for Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht Affairs Jimmy Deenihan TD stand back as Red Kites take first flight at Newbridge Demense, Donabate.
A Roaring Success – Alan Farrell TD and Leinster Rugby mascot Leo the Lion attend Green Flag Award ceremony at St. Oliver Plunkett’s National School, Malahide.
Meeting Key Stakeholders of the Croke Park Agreement
My next step was to set up a meeting with the Implementation Body of the Croke Park Agreement which was attended by Chairperson PJ Fitzpatrick and members of the Body’s Secretariat. It has been one year since the agreement was signed, and the conclusion of the most recent report pointed both Since being nominated by An to successful amendments with Taoiseach Enda Kenny, TD as minimum opposition, but also to Chairperson of the Internal great challenges ahead. Committee of Public Expenditure My focus as Chairperson of this and Reform, I have set out an initial committee is to ensure that we hit strategic plan for the committee to the ground running when it comes liaise with key stakeholders of the to building active relationships Croke Park Agreement. within the key groups. Our next step My first priority was for the Minister is to invite a senior representative for Public Expenditure and Reform, from the Irish Congress of Trade Brendan Howlin TD to address Unions to discuss the potentials the committee. This was the first of this agreement and how we can meeting of its kind to be addressed work with the unions in a positive by a member of another political and progressive manner. party, and illustrates how policy For more information on this overrides politics when it comes to committee please visit the working relationship between www.alanfarrell.ie the two Government parties.
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Updates on Continued Government Investment in Fingal I am pleased to keep you informed of the various grants and investment that has been allocated to Dublin North since April this year. Transport Fingal road maintenance has had an increase in funding this year of up to €125,000 due to the expected weather conditions during the coming winter months, which is an increase of €14,279 from what was originally allocated. This will ensure that local authorities are in the best position to react to tough conditions quickly, which will hopefully reduce the difficulty experienced by members of the public last year. Resources A New Library Programme was announced by the Government, allocating €190,000 for a mobile facility in the Fingal area. This is the first time in two years that Fingal has been included in the Capital Programme for Public Libraries and I believe this will yield huge benefits in terms of personal and community development for people of all ages and backgrounds. The ongoing provision of a free library service is of particular importance to me, having officially reopened public libraries in both Malahide and Garristown after extensive works during my term as Mayor of Fingal in 2008. Community The Fingal Community and Voluntary Forum is set to receive funding of €24,851 from the Department of the Environment. This is a positive investment for Fingal and I commend the Minister for ensuring that the Community and Voluntary Forum will continue to respond effectively to the needs of the community. Maintenance Over the coming months, Fingal County Council will receive funds totalling €207,000 from the Department of the Environment to improve flood relief in Aspen, Swords, and Rolestown in North County Dublin. This should alleviate long standing drainage issues affecting homeowners in the area.
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Rates & Rent Reviews
Proposals to end upward only rent reviews are currently being examined and reviewed. This, as wel l as pending up-to-date valu ations on local authority rates will assist local bus inesses by making the rati ng system fairer and more affo rdable.
Dáil Visits
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Working Group is a Positive Step Forward for Homeowners Affected by Pyrite I have recently welcomed the announcement by Environment Minister Phil Hogan that his department will be establishing an Independent Working Group to facilitate homeowners affected by pyrite. Having experienced the issue with my own home, I have been through almost five years of strife and worry that came with the discovery of pyrite. Along with hundreds of households in Dublin North, I know first hand that dealing with the significant amount of misinformation and misleading advice that seems to surround the issue is very difficult to contend with. I welcome the formation of an independent expert group that will have the interests of the homeowners in mind, and that despite the government having no legal liability in this matter, it is committed to acting as a facilitator to find a resolution for the issue.
Community of the Year
s It has been a truly uplifting few weeks for Skerrie after being named Community of the Year in this years ‘People of the Year Awards’ and giving Dublin Captain Bryan Cullen a heroes welcome for bringing home to the Sam Maguire. It has proved to be a great year the be a Dub, but an even greater year to celebrate that courageous and admirable sense of community Skerries has shown in recent times.
comprehensive submission to the Working Group. I would urge all resident groups in Dublin North to engage fully and positively with the new Working Group. Although I do believe that this is a positive forward, I am also aware that very serious questions need to be asked by this group to determine how this can resolved. However I am committed to ensuring that representatives from Dublin North will have the opportunity to fully engage with the process.
Gaelscoil Facility for Swords Scoil An Duinninigh, Feltrim Road near Swords first opened its doors in September 1986 and for the first time in its 25 year history has a purpose built school facility having been scandalously neglected during the boom years. In September 2011, students, parents and teachers alike have been settling into their new two storey 16 classroom school on Feltrim Road. I would like to commend the staff and parents association for their dedicated work in delivering this new building. My local priority is the delivery of social infrastructure such as much needed schools across north Dublin.
The working group will consist of An Independent Chairperson alongside appropriate experts who will call in all relevant bodies involved, including Homebond, developers, quarries and the Construction Industry Federation. However the group will also be instructed to engage with affected homeowners and associations. Earlier this year, I called on the Minister to ensure that preventative measures were published so as to protect new homeowners from this epidemic, which resulted in the improvements of building regulations. It is now essential that in every estate where homes are affected by pyrite that the householders unite together, become organised and make a
Alan Farrell TD visits Public Library in Malahide
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being shown in addressing the famine. We must have a full and constructive debate on how overseas aid is best delivered. We must make sure that every cent of Irish taxpayers’ money is well spent and that it reaches its intended recipients. There is a major conference on Aid Effectiveness in South Korea this December and that really is the last chance for the international community to reform this process fully and decisively.
Alan Farrell TD meets Swaziland MP at OECD International Aid Conference
Ireland Should Lead the Call for More Effective International Aid Recently I attended July’s OECD Working Party on Aid Effectiveness as a member of the European Parliamentarians with Africa supported by Irish Aid, Ireland’s official programme of assistance to developing countries.
I urge the Irish Government and the Irish TDs and NGOs who will attend that conference to bring a real sense of urgency to proceedings and to ensure that preventative steps are taken to avert crises in the future. Having orgnaised a Goal Mile at Malahide Castle each Christmas for the past four years, I would like to ask you to play your part by donating to many worthy charities doing their bit in Africa. They need your help and donations can be made at the following websites www.oxfamireland.org, www.goal.ie, www.concern.net, www.trocaire.org. For more information please visit www.alanfarrell.ie
It is my view that the famine in the Horn of Africa should be a wake up call to Ireland, and I have urged the international community to do everything possible to improve the effectiveness of overseas development aid.
On the 27th October 2011 the people of Ireland will be asked to cast their vote in three very significant referenda; the Presidential Election, Judges Renumeration and the inquiry powers of the Houses of the Oireachtas. I believe that this in an opportunity for the Irish people to choose a President that understands our past and believes in our future, and who can revive those core qualities that built this country. I strongly believe that we need a President who can perform on and has experience of the international stage, as well as remaining connected with the people of Ireland. The people will also be asked to vote on the issue of amending the constitution so that judges salaries are subject to the same amendments as all public servants in this country. This amendment will result in judges salaries being amended to include the pension levy reduction, of which they are currently exempt. The third referendum will empower the House of the Oireachtas to hold inquiries into matters in the interest of the public. I would encourage all constituents in Dublin North to take an interest in each of these referenda and to exercise your right to vote.
Alan attends OECD conference on behalf of European Parliamentarian Organisation AWEPA
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Although there is a range of principles that aims to make international aid more streamlined and effective, I would question whether enough urgency is
Referendum Day 27th October
Assisting Jobseekers and Businesses a Key Priority for Government JobBridge, the new National Internship Programme, is a hugely welcome initiative which will help thousands of people who feel stuck on the Live Register gain access to the jobs market.
those taking part in other state training courses or schemes to apply mmediately, without having to wait another 3 months as was originally required.
Facts about JobBridge: Since the launch of the scheme, there • Anyone who has been on the Live have been 2600 opportunities available Register for at least three months on the JobBridge website with 1124 is eligible to apply individuals placed on internships so far. In the last few weeks the Minister has • Internships will run for six or nine months responded to feedback on the scheme and I am pleased to confirm that the • Interns will receive an extra allowance of €50 a week qualifying guidelines have changed since the initial launch of the scheme to allow
• There is no cost to employers I am encouraging job seekers and employers across Dublin North to check out this new scheme. For job seekers, the programme offers invaluable handson experience and access to contacts and references that can only enhance the possibility of securing full time employment. Interested parties can log on to www.jobbridge.ie now for more information or visit www.alanfarrell.ie
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Government Report Card A look at some of the national issues that have been resolved recently in the first term of the 31st Dáil. Bailout Interest Rate On July 21st 2011 An Taoiseach Enda Kenny negotiated a 2% decrease in our bailout interest rate with our European counterparts, saving €600 - €800 million for Ireland each year. Banking Sector Minister for Finance Michael Noonan has announced that private investors have committed to buy up to €1.123 billion of the State’s shares in Bank of Ireland, reducing accordingly the State’s obligation to capitalise for this amount as part of the March stress tests. There has been ongoing replacement of preSeptember 2008 bank directors, and we have secured troika support for a managed and orderly downsizing of the banking system to avoid excessive fire sale losses and limit taxpayer support. There has been a comprehensive restructuring and recapitalisation plan for the banking system to release at least €30 billion in new domestic lending in the period 2011 to 2013. Dáil Reform Significant Dáil Reform has taken place since the beginning of the 31st Dáil. Measures include; • Increasing number of sitting hours by 50%
• Reducing Dáil holidays • Introducing Gender Quotas to increase female participation • Ensuring all by elections take place within 6 months • Planned referendum on the abolition of the Seanad • Banned political donations • Capping the funds available for elections • Commitment to reducing the number of Oireachtas members by 30% • Cutting number of Dáil committees • More effective Dáil business, such as topical issues of the day. The Cloyne Report Abuse victims finally have a voice strong enough to hold the Vatican to account after the publication of the Cloyne Report. New legislation is being drawn up by the Minister for Justice to ensure that no adult can withhold information about child abuse, taking power from the religious orders and protecting children’s welfare. Putting Children First The Ryan implementation oversight group is now chaired by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. We have initiated the design of a new agency for child protection and the provision of family support. Jobs & Funding Jobs is the number one priority for this government, and within 20 weeks the following has been invested in job creation; • An extra €75 million for shovel-ready transport projects to create 1,000 jobs
An extra €40 million for the 2011 summer works scheme for 453 schools to create 2,400 jobs • Extra funding has been committed for an applied research centre in cloud computing and also a new energy research centre. • A new support programme for home energy retrofitting to create an estimated 2,000 jobs • A new memorandum of understanding between China and Ireland which will foster stronger trade links. •
Public Expenditure In respect of the public finances, a comprehensive review of expenditure has commenced and is practically completed. We have also been successful in the delivery of targeted payroll reductions under the Croke Park agreement. Health The board of the HSE has been replaced, ahead of the introduction of legislation to abolish it. The new special delivery unit to tackle unacceptable hospital waiting lists has been implemented.
Clinic Times First Monday of each month Donabate Community Centre 7 - 7.30pm Rush Community Centre 8 - 8.30pm First Thursday of each month Balbriggan Town Hall 7 - 7.45pm Swords Senior Citizen Centre 8 - 8.30pm
James Reilly TD Cllr Anne Devitt Minister for Health Swords Ward Tel: 01 890 1300 Tel: 01 8409728 james.reilly@oireachtas.ie anne.devitt@fingalcoco.ie
Cllr Tom O’Leary Balbriggan Ward Tel: 087-2411626 tom.oleary@fingalcoco.ie
Cllr Anthony Lavin Malahide Ward Tel: 087-9931329 anthony.lavin@fingalcoco.ie
Cllr Larry Dunne Balbriggan Town Council Tel: 01 – 8414356 larry.dunne@balbriggan.ie
0612
Your Local Fine Gael Team:
ALAN FARRELL TD
Chairperson, Internal Committee for Public Expenditure and Reform Dáil Éireann, Leinster House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2. Tel: 01 6184008 alan.farrell@oir.ie www.alanfarrell.ie www.twitter.com/alanfarrell
Gay Mitchell MEP Tel: 01 6198444 gay.mitchell@europarl.europa.eu
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