Not many people know that it was John Bruton, Taoiseach at the time, that led the way for the Irish government to lend its support to the Bloody Sunday Justice Campaign. In honour of his involvement, we’re delighted that John Bruton has agreed to launch Setting the Truth Free in Connolly Books, Temple Bar, this coming Monday.

Having had our first Northern Ireland launch last night, for Setting the Truth Free, with Christy Moore launching and attendees including Bishop Daly, Martin McGuinness and Eamonn McCann, we are looking forward to a special night, commemorating not only those who were killed or injured, but the fight their families led over the following 40 years. We will also be launching this book in London, Friday 3 January, with Gareth Peirce, esteemed solicitor and human rights activist launching the book.

Details of both launches are below and invites attached!

DUBLIN:
WHERE: Connolly Books, 43 East Essex St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2
WHEN: Monday 30 January, 2012, 6.30pm
WHO: John Bruton for Julieann Campbell

LONDON:

WHERE: Bookmarks, 1 Bloomsbury St, London, WC1B 3QE
WHEN: Friday 3 February, 2012, 6.30pm
WHO: Gareth Peirce for Julieann Campbell

20th January 2012

Press Release

Murphy Welcomes Decision to Exempt Unfinished Estates

From Household Charge

Dunboyne Councillor Maria Murphy has welcomed the decision by the Department of Environment Community & Local Government to exempt unfinished estates from the household charge. However there are anomalies in the list which has recently been published and the matter will have to be revisited.

“In 2011 officials from the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government carried out a national survey of unfinished housing developments. As part of this survey, all unfinished developments were examined and categorized from numbers 1 through 4. The Department has now announced that the estates listed in Categories 3 & 4 are entitled to a waiver from payment of the household charge in 2012. Category 3 is where a receiver has not been appointed and the developer is still in place but effectively inactive and Category 4 is where the development has been effectively abandoned and is posing serious problems for residents “.

“It makes absolute sense that unfinished housing estates be exempt from the €100 household charge. Residents of these estates face daily distress as they view half completed houses all around them. There are 23 housing estates on the list in Co. Meath.

I believe that this is a positive decision by the Department as it recognises the particular circumstances of these estates”.

“Estates such as Fairlands in Dunboyne and Kribensis Manor in Clonee are included on the list however Summerseat in Clonee has been omitted. The developer of Summerseat recently applied for an extension of his planning permission from 5 to 10 years. This planning permission is for a total of 377 housing units. At present there are up to 100 incomplete housing units on the site. I

strongly believe that Summerseat should also be included on the list of estates exempted this year from payment of the charge. There are other similiar examples across the County. Meath County Council played no part in drafting the list or assigning the category numbers to the estates and this is the result. I can appreciate that this is the first time for this exercise but it will have financial ramifications for the householders. The list has to be reviewed if we are to be fair to all our householders. I am making representations on this issue to the Minister for the Environment, Phil Hogan TD”.

ENDS

For more details contact:

Cllr. Maria Murphy, 3 The Close, Lutterell Hall, Dunboyne, Co. Meath.

Mariacmurphy@eircom.net

087-6579895

PR and Communications for Community Groups

Website Development for Community Groups

Make the Most of your Community Facility

Oral History Training Programme

Local Tour Guide Training

Care and Conservation of Historic Graveyards

If you would like to reserve a place please contact Áine on 046 9280 790 or email aine.duffy@meathpartnership.ie. Places are filling up so book early to avoid disappointment.

The second issue of “From the Minister of State’s Desk” the Newsletter from the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Shane McEntee, TD.

This Newsletter is now available to view on the Departmental website at the following link:

http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/aboutus/ministersnewsletters/ministerofstatemcenteesnewsletter/

We hope you find this Newsletter informative and helpful.

Doherty Addresses the Neonatal experts on World Premature Awareness Day

Deputy Regina Doherty today (Thursday 17th November) addressed members of Irish Premature Babies along with the Neonatal Sub Committee and the European Foundation of the Newborn Infants (EFCNI). Doherty spoke on the growing issue of prematurity in Ireland and the need for a National Neonatal health care programme at the Royal College of Physicians on Nassau St.

Deputy Doherty was contacted by the Premature Babies group to address the launch of the Irish Chapter of the European Foundation of the Newborn Infants today, World Premature Awareness Day. This group aims to promote policy on Neonatal care in Ireland as well as promoting supports for parents of those infants born prematurely. The event which was sponsored by Abbott Laboratories was chaired by Dr. John Murphy, National Clinical lead for neonatology in Ireland and marks a milestone in the life of the Irish Premature Babies.

Deputy Doherty says “I was flattered to be asked to address this meeting on such an important and often overlooked issue. Over 4500 babies are born pre-term in Ireland and of that studies show nearly 500 will pass away. Although this is a huge number, it is not for the lack of the fantastic care which is done by the neonatologists in the 19 maternity units throughout Ireland.”

“I was shocked and dismayed when I contacted the HSE and was informed that in Ireland we do not have a Neonatal Healthcare policy. We have superb health care professionals in all our maternity hospitals, providing the best practice in neonatal care, but it is fragmented with significant disparities across the country; hospitals are working in isolation. The establishment of a national neonatal health care programme governing all aspects of neonatal health in Ireland is essential.”

“Minister for Health Dr. James Reilly assured me that he is aware of these issues and the need for them to be addressed. The HSE is currently working to identify areas of specific and projected needs in paediatrics nationally to ensure the best class of care in Paediatric services going forward and have provided additional funding to support this.”

“As a member of the Joint Committee of Health and Children I will not let this issue fall by the wayside and will work to make sure that the development of such policy stays on the political agenda.”

-ENDS-
Notes to the Editor:
· Positive Steps in Prematurity is Irelands inaugural benchmarking report on the burden of preterm birth on support services for premature babies.
· Irish Premature Babies are a registered charity ( CHY 19532) set up in 2009 to support and provide information for parents who have premature babies in Ireland and organisers of the event.
www.irishprematurebabies.com
· Neonatal Sub-Committee are the Irish specialist group of neonatal physicians
· European Foundation of the Newborn Infants (EFCNI)- aims is to strengthen parents of preterm or newborn infants with illnesses throughout Europe and worldwide. EFCNI supports and cooperates with the different national and global parents’ organizations and assists in setting up national parents’ organizations where missing. www.efcni.org

Shane McEntee TD
8th, Dec, 2011

Increase in mortgage interest relief major boost to boom time buyers – McEntee

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture Shane McEntee has welcomed the decision by the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, to honour a very public Fine Gael commitment to increase mortgage interest relief for those who bought their first home at the height of the property boom, between 2004 and 2008. Speaking after Minister Noonan’s Budget announcement Minister McEntee said:

A commitment was made in the Programme for Government and I am happy to say that we have fulfilled our promise. The decision to increase the rate of mortgage interest relief to 30 per cent for first time buyers who took out their first mortgage in that period will help thousands of households throughout Ireland. Meath in particular saw a huge increase in population during the boom times as housing estates shot up around the county. Unfortunately people paid above and beyond what would now be considered a reasonable price for their homes and I think it only right that we assist them now that prices have plummeted.

Mortgage interest relief will no longer be available to house purchasers who purchase after the end of 2012 and will be fully abolished from 2018. However, first time buyers who wish to buy a home in 2012 will get mortgage interest relief at a rate of 25 per cent rather than the 15 per cent proposed by the previous Government and, non-first time buyers will benefit from relief at 15 per cent instead of the reduced rate of 10 per cent proposed by the last Government.

Ends -

For further Information:
01 6072967
086 0287771

Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement hears from leading sports figures on combating sectarianism

8 December 2011

The Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement today turned its attention to the role of sport in alleviating sectarianism, racism, and discrimination in Ireland, North and South.

Addressing the Committee were Garrett Mullen, Co-ordinator of ‘Show Racism the Red Card’; Trevor Ringland MBE, former Irish Rugby International; Ryan Feeney, Head of Community Development, Ulster GAA, and Robin Wilson, Founder of Democratic Dialogue who worked on the Irish Football Association’s ‘Football for All’ campaign.

Committee Chairman Dominic Hannigan, TD said: “The Committee today heard how leaders in soccer, rugby and gaelic games are helping reconcile the two main traditions on the island.

“Reflecting the spirit of the Good Friday Agreement, the Committee is exploring practical ways towards reconciliation in its discussions. The sporting dimension was articulated with great passion today.

“The meeting touched on the deeply held views around the playing of anthems in Dublin and Belfast and serves as a reminder of the profound influences of politics on sport and vice versa.

“The Committee takes on board the strong views expressed on the FAI’s recruitment of talented young soccer players in Northern Ireland, particularly given the great strides made by the IFA to make Windsor Park a warmer place for members of the Nationalist community.

“We were concerned to hear the perception that sectarianism is growing rather than diminishing, particularly in urban parts of Northern Ireland. Nonetheless, the Committee believes that sporting passions, harnessed appropriately, can be a great positive unifier across religion, class and ethnicity on the island.

“The Committee is also encouraged to hear about the positive role the main sporting organisations are playing in integrating immigrant communities and combating racism on the island.

“The Committee notes that athletes from Northern Ireland will form part of the Olympic teams of Ireland and of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, depending on the sport. Taking place on the announcement that the Olympic flame will visit Dublin in June, today’s meeting was timely reminder of the potential of sport to transcend divides.”

Follow this Committee on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/GFAIC

Ends

For further information please contact:
Paul Hand,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2

P: +3531 618 4484
M: +353 87 694 9926
F: +3531 618 4551
paul.hand@oireachtas.ie

Radio interviews can be organised by contacting Chairman of the Committee’s Office on (01) 6183010.

Members of the Committee:
Deputies Seán Conlan, Seán Crowe, Clare Daly, Regina Doherty, Alan Farrell, Frank Feighan, Martin Ferris, Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan, Dominic Hannigan, Michael P. Kitt, Joe McHugh, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, Joe O’Reilly, Brendan Smith and Joanna Tuffy.
Senators Jim D’Arcy, Maurice Cummins, Martin McAleese, Mary Moran, Mary White. Chairman: Dominic Hannigan, TD Vice-Chairman: Joe O’Reilly, TD

Editor’s notes:

Trevor Ringland MBE is a former Irish rugby international, having played for Ballymena RFC, Ulster, Ireland, and the British and Irish Lions. Since retirement, he has served as a committee member of the Irish Rugby Football Union. Trevor is active with Peace Players International, an organization aimed to promote cross-community unity in Belfast. In 2006 he was appointed as an independent member of the Northern Ireland Policing Board.

Garrett Mullan is the Co-ordinator of Show Racism the Red Card, an initiative set up to harness the profile of sports personalities to promote anti-racism education. Previous to his current position, Garrett worked as a social care worker, spent a year as a Probation and Welfare Officer and worked as an Outreach worker and researcher with the Dublin Simon Community.

Ryan Feeney is the Head of Community Development, Strategy and Public Affairs with the Ulster Council GAA. Ryan oversees the implementation of the Ulster GAA Health and Wellbeing Programme and the Cultural and Heritage aspects of the Ulster GAA’s strategic plan. In 2011, Ryan was appointed to the Northern Ireland Policing Board as an independent member.

Dr Robin Wilson is an international expert on intercultural dialogue, bringing his specialist knowledge of the Northern Irish troubles to addressing how football can promote relationships across community divides. Robin assisted in drafting the policy A Shared Future by the Office of the First Minister and the deputy First Minister in 2005. He has served as an advisor to Football Against Racism, co-drafted an intercultural plan for the FAI, and evaluated the IFA’s Football for All campaign.

Shane McEntee TD

8th, Dec, 2011

Meath Farmers to benefit from 2012 Bioenergy Scheme for Willow and Miscanthus – McEntee

Following an announcement by Simon Coveney TD, Minister for
Agricultur, Food and the Marine, Minister McEntee spoke about the new bioenergy scheme:

“I am glad to confirm the launch of the Bioenergy Scheme to grant aid the planting of willow and miscanthus crops as part of the re-opening of a range of targeted Agriculture
Modernisation measures. Many farmers in Meath could benefit from this new scheme e the quality of land in Meath is very suitable for willow and miscanthus production”

The terms and conditions of the scheme have been amended so that participants are no longer required to maintain the crop for seven years as a condition of receiving grant-aid. Minister McEntee welcomed this saying:

“The removal of this condition should help to make the scheme more attractive to farmers without reducing their commitment to
establishing and properly managing the crop once they make the planting investment. I believe the scheme will lead to increased interest from farmers who wish to become involved in energy crop production”
The closing date for submission of applications for pre-planting approval is Wednesday 18th January 2012.

Details of the 2012 Bioenergy Scheme and application forms can be obtained from Biofuels Policy Unit, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Kea-Lew Business Park,
Mountrath Road, Portlaoise, Co. Laois. Telephone 057-8692231/8692240 or at www.agriculture.gov.ie (Click here)

Note to Editors

The legal basis for the Bioenergy Scheme is Council regulation (EC) No. 1698/2005, as amended, on support for rural development by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. Eligible costs include ground preparation operations, vegetation management, planting and the purchase of planting stock.

Ends -
For further Information:
01 6072967
086 0287771

Thursday, December 1st 2011
Lower interest rates needed for spiralling credit card debts – Doherty

Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has said that a more flexible approach needs to be taken by the banks to help people burdened with large credit card debts. Deputy Doherty said the situation facing many people was stark, with a total of €3 billion owed on credit cards in this country.

“Thousands of people are trying in vain to clear their credit card, but getting on top of the debt mountain can be extremely difficult due to the high interest rates being charged. We’re not talking about huge debts here; plenty of people may have run up debts of between €5,000 and €10,000 on their credit cards during the boom, and many of those who are lucky enough to have hung onto their jobs have had their incomes significantly reduced. So how are they supposed to clear a credit card debt, when interest rates of up to 30% are being charged by some banks?

“I have been contacted by a member of the public who faces 20 years of repayments to clear €10,000 of credit card debt due to the penal rate of interest she is being charged. This is a scandalous situation.

“When burdened with this level of interest rates, consumers find the money they are paying off each month is only having an impact on the interest being charged, with minimal reduction on the overall debt. If you are in this cycle, it is very hard to get out of it. I think it’s time the banks took a much more flexible approach, by issuing personal loans at a more reasonable rate of interest to their customers, to allow them to repay their debts.

“This makes economic sense. With reduced monthly repayments, consumers would have more money to spend in the real economy. It wouldn’t require the banks to stump up any cash; this solution would simply involve them taking a more realistic approach by allowing their customers to repay their debts in a sustainable way.

“I have raised this issue with the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, and I intend to pursue this matter further. I would encourage the Minister to examine what powers lie within his office, or that of the Central Bank, to put pressure on our two pillar banks. Under the current code of conduct, lenders cannot make unsolicited contact with consumers in arrears on credit cards – but what about actually helping them to overcome these debts?”

ENDS

Contact:
Sarah Meade
Fine Gael Press Office 01 618 3379

McENTEE WELCOMES THE 2012 PROVISION FOR FORESTRY, HORTICULTURE AND GREYHOUND SECTORS

Shane McEntee T.D., Minister of State at the Department of
Agriculture, Food and the Marine with responsibility for the forestry, horticulture and greyhound sectors has today welcomed the allocation of almost €112 million for the 2012 forestry programme, €3.5 million for the Commercial Horticulture sector and €11.3 million for Bord na gCon.

Forestry

The funding announced for forestry programme in the Estimates for 2012 will be augmented by a carryover of capital savings from 2011. He pointed out that “the provision by the Government of almost €112 million is a reflection of the importance attached to an industry that provides employment opportunities predominantly in rural communities for more than 16,000 people, in the growing, harvesting and processing of forest products”.

Minister of State McEntee further stated “Despite our economic difficulties, the Government recognises the importance of forestry to the economy, as evidenced by the maintenance of funding for the sector at levels close to what was provided in 2011. Our 2012 funding is strong evidence of the Government’s commitment to forestry at a time when there are significant adjustments in all areas of public expenditure. The allocation covers afforestation grants, ongoing premium commitments and the support schemes, which are vital for the successful management of the forest estate. Timber as a raw material is in demand and this demand has the potential to increase
significantly over the next 20 years, where in addition to the traditional outlets in the wood processing sector, the demand for wood energy has continued to increase”.

Minister of State McEntee added “Funding for approximately 7,000 hectares of planting, as well as for the other schemes in the programme has been provided. As ever, the principal task will be to spend the money both efficiently and effectively for the benefit of the sector and the wider economy”.

Horticulture

With regard to Horticulture, Minister McEntee went on to say that “notwithstanding the on-going tight Exchequer finances, I am delighted to announce continued Government support for the Horticulture Sector during 2012. €3.25 million has been allocated for the fifth round of the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector, which is funded under the National Development Plan (2007-2013)”.

This aid, which is set at 40%, (50% in the case of young farmers), of total eligible capital investment, will fund projects in commercial horticulture undertaken during 2012. The scheme covers all
horticultural sectors – protected crops, nursery crops, field vegetables, soft fruit, apples, beekeeping and, mushrooms. Minister McEntee added “The Scheme is aimed at assisting growers to efficiently produce high quality products to meet the increasing demands of a very competitive market. It will also contribute to increasing Irish fruit and vegetable consumption towards the recommended target of 5-a-day as part of a healthy diet”.

Bord na gCon

In relation to the greyhound sector Minister of State McEntee observed “Greyhound racing is a traditional industry which plays an integral role in the rural landscape of this country both socially and economically. The greyhound racing industry is a very significant one in this country responsible for sustaining in excess of 10,000 full and part-time jobs directly and indirectly, many in rural communities. With seventeen racing tracks throughout the country and greyhound owners, breeders and trainers in every county in the country, the economic benefit of the industry is well distributed geographically. The industry injects an estimated €500 million into local economies”.

Minister of State McEntee added that “the funding provision made for Bord na gCon in the Budget demonstrates the on-going commitment of the Government to this very important industry, one in which Ireland excels”.

ENDS
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