Trim_Area_Newsletter

DAMIEN

ENGLISH TD Meath West News: ➤ Latest Political Reforms ➤ Reassurance to Rural Primary Schools ➤ Reversal of Cut in Minimum Wage ➤ Butler Wins Second Seat in Meath West ➤ News from Cllr Carey ➤ Joe Fox takes over from Butler ➤ Fine Gael on Trim Town Council

Thank You “Thank you for your support and vote at the recent General Election

for myself and my Fine Gael colleagues. Your endorsement resulted in Ray Butler joining me to represent you in Dáil Éireann and in Government”

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Latest Political Reforms Announced A further series of tangible reforms, as promised under the Programme for Government, which will overhaul how our political system works have been introduced in recent weeks by the new Government.

1. The Government will change the terms of the Constituency Commission, which will ultimately result in a reduction in the number of TDs. A Constituency Commission is due to be established once the recent Census results are published in June. That Commission will report within three months of the publication of final census results in 2012.

2. Government have committed to introducing legislation which will guarantee all bye-elections are held within six months of a vacancy arising.

3. Government plans to reduce the spending limits for the presidential election by more than €500,000. It will be cut from €1.3 million to €750,000 and the amount candidates can be reimbursed for expenses are being slashed by €60,000 to €200,000.

4. A number of other reforms already introduced by the Government as soon as it took office were, the reduction in the pay of the Taoiseach and Ministers, the removal of the automatic entitlement to State cars (a.k.a. the Ministerial Mercs!) and drivers. Work is already underway on a referendum to propose the abolition of the Seanad.

The Government is clearly starting as it means to go on. I will keep you updated on additional government reforms as they arise.

Damien English TD with Cllr Bill Carey & Cllr Joe Fox at Council Buildings in Navan, April 2011

Taoiseach offers reassurance to small rural primary schools Fine Gael TD for Meath West, Damien English, received the assurance by An Taoiseach Enda Kenny that the Government will not pursue a policy of shutting down small, rural primary schools.

“An Taoiseach stated, at the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party meeting, that he spoke with Minister Ruairi Quinn who confirmed there is no government policy aimed at shutting down small, rural schools.

“As a representative of several affected rural communities, I saw this issue as a matter of priority and sought clarification from the Taoiseach, especially as so many schools were unsure of where they stood in relation to this matter. This was leading to a sense of trepidation and inability to plan for the future.

“This assurance is a tremendous relief to teachers, parents and pupils in rural Ireland. Small schools are an integral part of the life and future of these communities, affording children the opportunity to be educated in the bosom of where they are from.”

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13/05/2011 12:04:06

Govt committed to protecting lower paid workers by reversing cut in minimum wage

Damien English TD Meath West Constituency Office, 20 Watergate Street, Navan, Co. Meath.

Tel: 046 9071667 / 086 8143495 Email: damien.english@oireachtas.ie www.damienenglish.ie

The announcement by Minister for Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD, of the Government to reverse the cut in the minimum wage is a significant move and a clear indication of the Government’s commitment to protect lower paid workers according to Fine Gael Meath West TD Damien English.

“The recent announcement made by Minister Bruton to reverse the cut in the minimum wage as part of the jobs initiative is warmly welcomed by the thousands of workers in lower paid jobs.

“Fine Gael has repeatedly stressed the importance of protecting lower paid workers and this move signals the Government’s intention to do just that.

“Jobs are at the very top of the Government’s plan for economic recovery and it is essential that people are encouraged to take up employment and that they feel that work is worthwhile. By reversing the minimum wage cut we are ensuring that the lowest paid workers are protected and that entrepreneurship and a willingness to work are rewarded”

Check out www.damienenglish.ie for the latest news, opinions, speeches and competitions

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Working with Damien English TD in in South Meath Ray Butler TD 1 St Martin’s House, Finnegan’s Way, Trim, Meath.

T Tel: 087 2596680

News from Cllr Bill Carey Member of Meath County Council Enfield, Co. Meath. (085) 7135073

Pelican Crossings in Enfield and Longwood Cllr Carey is delighted to inform parents and school goers that following his representations a number of Pelican crossings are to be provided in Enfield and Longwood. The aim of these crossings is to encourage children and others to walk or cycle safely to school. Work should start in the next couple of months.

Taking in Charge Estates The long going saga of getting housing estates taken in charge is at last coming to an end after several unexpected delays with legal implications. It is hoped to have Delmere & Moyfenrath (Enfield); Beechcroft (Summerhill); Ribbontale Way (Longwood) advertised in about 2 months.

Playing Pitches s I am hoping to get plans finalised to provide grounds from County Council land for Clonard and Killyon GAA clubs who badly need new playing pitches.

News from Cllr Joe Fox Member of Meath County Council Clondoogan, Summerhill, Trim, Co. Meath. (087) 2631318 C Fox takes over Reigns from Butler on Meath County Council a great honour to be selected for the position. I look forward to working with people, community groups and local businesses for the betterment of our area.”

In these tough economic times, his main priority will be to attract industry into Meath. It should become the norm, as the economy recovers, that people can work and live in a sustainable way in our local communities. I will work with Damien English TD and Ray Butler TD,, and myy colleague g on Meath Countyy Council,, Cllr William Carey in the Trim Area, tto o achieve this.

Damien English TD

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T recent General Election saw both The Damien English & Ray Butler elected as TD’s to represent the Meath West a constituency in Dáil Éireann. As a c rresult a vacancy arose on Meath County Council in the Trim Electoral Area.

C In March a selection convention for the this Trim electoral area vacancy was held where Joe Fox was co-opted to the vacant seat.

Cllr Fox is delighted to have been selected to represent the people of the Trim and surrounding areas on the Council. It is

20 Watergate St, Navan, Co. Meath.

Ph: 046 9071667 Fax: 046 9072225 Email: denglish@oireachtas.ie

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