City Council Must Act on Water Shortages
Sinn Féin councillor Jonathan O'Brien has called on the City Council to act immediately to alleviate the problems with water supply in the city before the situation becomes a crisis.
Cllr O'Brien said:
"In the past two days I have received literally dozens of phone calls from people who do not have water, due either to frozen pipes and stopcocks or to problems with the water supply."
"Other councillors are reporting a similar volume of calls. Altogether, there are hundreds of people experiencing problems, particularly in the Northside of the city."
"City Council's response to the problem to date has been non-existent. Phone calls to local council depots and to City Hall are not being answered. There is no advice on the council's website for people who find themselves with frozen pipes. Council offices are due to close from tomorrow, potentially leaving hundreds of people without water for Christmas."
"The council should make available the free phone number it has in reserve for emergencies, so people are who phone City Hall are not meet with just a mailbox. A simple list of "Dos and Don’ts" for dealing with frozen pipes and stopcocks should be issued and placed on the council's website. And the local authority should consider supplying tanked water to the worst affected areas, as it did after last year's floods."
"It is time City Hall got its act together and started dealing with the situation before its gets worse."
For further information or comment contact Cllr Jonathan O'Brien @ 085-2133907
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Council Should Issue Emergency Free-Phone Number
Council Should Issue Emergency Free-phone Number
Sinn Féin Councillor Henry Cremin last night called on the city council to release the free-phone number it has in reserve for emergencies in response to the extreme weather conditions.
Cllr Cremin said:
“Some weeks ago, in answer to a question from myself, the City Manager said the council had an emergency free-phone number available which it could issue to the public in the event of extreme weather conditions. Given the extent of the current cold snap, I believe this number should be made available to the public now, so that people suffering from burst pipes, water shortages or unable to access their homes and housing estates due to the ice can contact the council directly.”
“Areas of the city have come close to paralysis in the past few days as snow and ice renders roads nearly impassable, and the council’s response in terms of salting and gritting has been disappointingly slow. Publicising the free-phone number would facilitate members of the public to alert the council where there are problems and ensure a more targeted and effective response.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Henry Cremin @ 086-2662874
Sinn Féin Councillor Henry Cremin last night called on the city council to release the free-phone number it has in reserve for emergencies in response to the extreme weather conditions.
Cllr Cremin said:
“Some weeks ago, in answer to a question from myself, the City Manager said the council had an emergency free-phone number available which it could issue to the public in the event of extreme weather conditions. Given the extent of the current cold snap, I believe this number should be made available to the public now, so that people suffering from burst pipes, water shortages or unable to access their homes and housing estates due to the ice can contact the council directly.”
“Areas of the city have come close to paralysis in the past few days as snow and ice renders roads nearly impassable, and the council’s response in terms of salting and gritting has been disappointingly slow. Publicising the free-phone number would facilitate members of the public to alert the council where there are problems and ensure a more targeted and effective response.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Henry Cremin @ 086-2662874
Council Budget Reflects Failed Government Policies-O'Brien
Council Budget Reflects Failed Government Policies
Sinn Féin’s leader on Cork City Council, Jonathan O’Brien, has hit out at Fine Gael and Labour for supporting failed Fianna Fail policies by adopting last night’s council estimates.
Cllr O’Brien said:
“These estimates translate failed national policies into local politics. Central government funding to Cork City Council has been cut by 17.4% since 2009. This has led to a reduction in staff numbers across all Departments and a restricted ability to provide local services.”
“The consequences can be seen in the slow pace of salting and gritting across the city in the past week which has left some people trapped inside their homes. It can be seen in our cemeteries, where the council no longer has sufficient workers to cut the grass or provide other basic maintenance. We see a slower response to requests for housing maintenance, delays in assessing people for housing, and the closure of local housing offices across the city. There is only one plumber in the whole of the Northside to look after the maintenance of the council’s housing stock. In the past year we have seen the management of the city car parks outsourced because of staff reductions, and two refuse trucks taken off the road. Across the whole range of council services, our capacity to deliver is being stretched to breaking point by cuts.”
“The way is being paved for increased privatisation and outsourcing of local services. In the long run, this will be bad for council employees and will cost the council and the taxpayer more. With the government proposing to transfer responsibility for water services away from local authorities to a dedicated water utility, we face the prospect that in a few years Cork City Council may have responsibility for neither refuse collection nor water supply, and may be building no new houses.”
“A few weeks ago the council’s housing list reached 8,600 – in comparison to a total housing stock of 8,300. But this budget sees the capital allocation for housing reduced further. Next year Cork City Council will build or acquire a mere 96 new houses, although thousands more applicants are expected to come onto the list.”
“Meanwhile the allocation for conference expenses in being increased from €141,000 to €145,700. The Lord Mayor’s allowance is to be €108,000. And chairs of Strategic Policy Committees will continue to get €6,000 for the trouble of attending a few meetings each year.”
“The government’s policy of cutbacks has failed. It has not delivered economic stimulus or jobs, it has simply led to rising unemployment, emigration, and a prolonged recession. These cutbacks, which are forced upon us by central government, simply translate failed Fianna Fail policies to the local level. I am astounded to see Fine Gael and Labour supporting them on Cork City Council while claiming to oppose Fianna Fail in the Dail.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Jonathan O’Brien @
Sinn Féin’s leader on Cork City Council, Jonathan O’Brien, has hit out at Fine Gael and Labour for supporting failed Fianna Fail policies by adopting last night’s council estimates.
Cllr O’Brien said:
“These estimates translate failed national policies into local politics. Central government funding to Cork City Council has been cut by 17.4% since 2009. This has led to a reduction in staff numbers across all Departments and a restricted ability to provide local services.”
“The consequences can be seen in the slow pace of salting and gritting across the city in the past week which has left some people trapped inside their homes. It can be seen in our cemeteries, where the council no longer has sufficient workers to cut the grass or provide other basic maintenance. We see a slower response to requests for housing maintenance, delays in assessing people for housing, and the closure of local housing offices across the city. There is only one plumber in the whole of the Northside to look after the maintenance of the council’s housing stock. In the past year we have seen the management of the city car parks outsourced because of staff reductions, and two refuse trucks taken off the road. Across the whole range of council services, our capacity to deliver is being stretched to breaking point by cuts.”
“The way is being paved for increased privatisation and outsourcing of local services. In the long run, this will be bad for council employees and will cost the council and the taxpayer more. With the government proposing to transfer responsibility for water services away from local authorities to a dedicated water utility, we face the prospect that in a few years Cork City Council may have responsibility for neither refuse collection nor water supply, and may be building no new houses.”
“A few weeks ago the council’s housing list reached 8,600 – in comparison to a total housing stock of 8,300. But this budget sees the capital allocation for housing reduced further. Next year Cork City Council will build or acquire a mere 96 new houses, although thousands more applicants are expected to come onto the list.”
“Meanwhile the allocation for conference expenses in being increased from €141,000 to €145,700. The Lord Mayor’s allowance is to be €108,000. And chairs of Strategic Policy Committees will continue to get €6,000 for the trouble of attending a few meetings each year.”
“The government’s policy of cutbacks has failed. It has not delivered economic stimulus or jobs, it has simply led to rising unemployment, emigration, and a prolonged recession. These cutbacks, which are forced upon us by central government, simply translate failed Fianna Fail policies to the local level. I am astounded to see Fine Gael and Labour supporting them on Cork City Council while claiming to oppose Fianna Fail in the Dail.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Jonathan O’Brien @
Estimates Vote Puts Councillors' Priorities in the Spotlight-O'Leary
Estimates Vote Puts Councillors’ Priorities in the Spotlight
Sinn Féin councillor Chris O’Leary said last night’s vote on Cork City Council’s budget shone a spotlight on councillors’ priorities. He was speaking after a motion from Sinn Féin, which would have increased the provision for housing maintenance by nearly €200,000 at the expense of conference fees and the Lord Mayor’s pay, was voted down by the other parties.
Cllr O’Leary said:
“This year’s estimates propose a €200,000 reduction in housing maintenance, at a time when we already have a huge backlog of tenants waiting for repairs. It follows last year’s reduction of €1 million in the funds allocated to maintenance.”
“This can be avoided. By placing a moratorium on conference fees for just twelve months, the council would save €145,700. Together with a reduction to €60,000 in the Lord Mayor’s allowance, this would provide €194,000 to plug the gap in housing maintenance.”
“My proposal is that this money be ring-fenced as an emergency fund for repairs associated with the current cold spell – such as attic insulation, boiler and heating repairs, etc.”
“The fact that the three pact parties – Fianna Fail, Labour and Fine Gael – voted en bloc to reject this proposal is a disappointing reflection of their priorities. Surely in the current economic climate councillors could have foregone payments for conferences for one year to enable badly needed repairs to the housing stock.”
“It was particularly disappointing to see Labour councillors voting solidly alongside Fianna Fail and Fine Gael to oppose the motion.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Chris O’Leary @ 087-2794307
Sinn Féin councillor Chris O’Leary said last night’s vote on Cork City Council’s budget shone a spotlight on councillors’ priorities. He was speaking after a motion from Sinn Féin, which would have increased the provision for housing maintenance by nearly €200,000 at the expense of conference fees and the Lord Mayor’s pay, was voted down by the other parties.
Cllr O’Leary said:
“This year’s estimates propose a €200,000 reduction in housing maintenance, at a time when we already have a huge backlog of tenants waiting for repairs. It follows last year’s reduction of €1 million in the funds allocated to maintenance.”
“This can be avoided. By placing a moratorium on conference fees for just twelve months, the council would save €145,700. Together with a reduction to €60,000 in the Lord Mayor’s allowance, this would provide €194,000 to plug the gap in housing maintenance.”
“My proposal is that this money be ring-fenced as an emergency fund for repairs associated with the current cold spell – such as attic insulation, boiler and heating repairs, etc.”
“The fact that the three pact parties – Fianna Fail, Labour and Fine Gael – voted en bloc to reject this proposal is a disappointing reflection of their priorities. Surely in the current economic climate councillors could have foregone payments for conferences for one year to enable badly needed repairs to the housing stock.”
“It was particularly disappointing to see Labour councillors voting solidly alongside Fianna Fail and Fine Gael to oppose the motion.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Chris O’Leary @ 087-2794307
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Gerry Adams in Cork to Promote Sinn Féin's Economic Alternative
Gerry Adams in Cork to Promote Sinn Féin’s Economic Alternative
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams is in Cork today to promote the party’s economic recovery strategy and support its candidates at the upcoming general election.
At 11 am he will take part in a photo-call at the National Monument with the party’s general election candidates, Cllr Jonathan O’Brien and Cllr Chris O’Leary. Sinn Féin is targeting seats in both Cork City constituencies at the next general election.
Subsequently he will join Sinn Féin activists at a protest outside the GPO to mark the passing of the EU/IMF bailout deal yesterday by the Dáil.
At 12.30 Gerry Adams will lead a round-table discussion on “Ireland’s Economic Crisis: The Sinn Féin Alternative” at the Imperial Hotel. The event will involve local community, trade union and business representatives.
Afterwards the Sinn Féin President will visit City Hall to pay tribute to the memory of Lord Mayors Terence MacSwiney and Tomás Mac Curtain, whose 90th anniversaries took place this year, and mark the burning of Cork. He will be received by the Lord Mayor.
Commenting on the visit Cllr Chris O'Leary, who is Sinn Féin’s general election candidate in Cork South Central, said:
“Sinn Féin is the only political party offering an alternative to the government’s failed economic policies. That is the message Gerry Adams will bring to Cork today. Fine Gael and Labour have criticised individual measures, but are committed to following the main outlines of the government’s economic strategy – four more years of cutbacks, reducing the deficit to 3% of GDP by 2014, accepting an EU/IMF bailout for the banks.”
“Sinn Féin has argued consistently that cutbacks would only prolong the recession – and we have been proven right. We have argued that the bondholders should take their losses, and the resources of the National Pension Reserve Fund be invested in an economic stimulus package and job creation rather than poured into the black hole that is the country’s banks. We reject the government’s targets for reducing the deficit and we will not saddle Ireland with more debt to bail out international bondholders. Today’s opinion poll, which shows our party doubling its support, confirms what we have been hearing on the doorsteps over the past few months – that more and more people are recognising Sinn Féin is the only party offering a real alternative.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Chris O’Leary @ 087/2794307.
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams is in Cork today to promote the party’s economic recovery strategy and support its candidates at the upcoming general election.
At 11 am he will take part in a photo-call at the National Monument with the party’s general election candidates, Cllr Jonathan O’Brien and Cllr Chris O’Leary. Sinn Féin is targeting seats in both Cork City constituencies at the next general election.
Subsequently he will join Sinn Féin activists at a protest outside the GPO to mark the passing of the EU/IMF bailout deal yesterday by the Dáil.
At 12.30 Gerry Adams will lead a round-table discussion on “Ireland’s Economic Crisis: The Sinn Féin Alternative” at the Imperial Hotel. The event will involve local community, trade union and business representatives.
Afterwards the Sinn Féin President will visit City Hall to pay tribute to the memory of Lord Mayors Terence MacSwiney and Tomás Mac Curtain, whose 90th anniversaries took place this year, and mark the burning of Cork. He will be received by the Lord Mayor.
Commenting on the visit Cllr Chris O'Leary, who is Sinn Féin’s general election candidate in Cork South Central, said:
“Sinn Féin is the only political party offering an alternative to the government’s failed economic policies. That is the message Gerry Adams will bring to Cork today. Fine Gael and Labour have criticised individual measures, but are committed to following the main outlines of the government’s economic strategy – four more years of cutbacks, reducing the deficit to 3% of GDP by 2014, accepting an EU/IMF bailout for the banks.”
“Sinn Féin has argued consistently that cutbacks would only prolong the recession – and we have been proven right. We have argued that the bondholders should take their losses, and the resources of the National Pension Reserve Fund be invested in an economic stimulus package and job creation rather than poured into the black hole that is the country’s banks. We reject the government’s targets for reducing the deficit and we will not saddle Ireland with more debt to bail out international bondholders. Today’s opinion poll, which shows our party doubling its support, confirms what we have been hearing on the doorsteps over the past few months – that more and more people are recognising Sinn Féin is the only party offering a real alternative.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Chris O’Leary @ 087/2794307.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Government TDs Have a Last Chance to Redeem Themselves
Government TDs Have a Last Chance to Redeem Themselves
Sinn Féin councillor Jonathan O’Brien has said it is imperative that the EU/IMF bailout package is rejected in today’s vote, and said government backbenchers have a last chance to redeem themselves before an election by voting against taking on additional €85 billion in debt to bail out the banks.
He was speaking after it was revealed that the EU will be charging Ireland a premium of 3% on its portion of the bailout over what it will cost to borrow the money on the international markets.
Cllr O’Brien said:
“Due to the threat of legal action from Sinn Féin, the government has reluctantly been forced to bring this agreement to a vote in the Dáil.”
“It is now imperative it is defeated. If the bailout package is implemented, it will saddle every man, woman and child in this state with an unpayable debt which will further depress economic growth – all to provide another bailout to the banks.”
“Last night it was revealed the European Financial Stability Mechanism is charging a premium of 3% on its part of the bailout package. In other words, the EU will be charging Ireland 3% more in interest than it will be itself charged by the international market. The cost of this to Ireland will be €5 billion over the full period of the deal.”
“This just serves to underline what an appalling deal the government has brought home. Indeed, the same facility has previously leant money to Latvia, Hungary and Romania – none of whom are in the Euro zone – without charging a premium.”
“Certain backbenchers in Fianna Fáil have in the past been vocal in their criticism of government policies, but continued to support them in the Dáil. Now is their last chance to make a stand and do some service to the country by voting down this deal. If they do not, people will be forced to assume that their criticisms were cynical posturing designed to deflect public anger at the government’s policies from themselves.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Jonathan O’Brien @
Sinn Féin councillor Jonathan O’Brien has said it is imperative that the EU/IMF bailout package is rejected in today’s vote, and said government backbenchers have a last chance to redeem themselves before an election by voting against taking on additional €85 billion in debt to bail out the banks.
He was speaking after it was revealed that the EU will be charging Ireland a premium of 3% on its portion of the bailout over what it will cost to borrow the money on the international markets.
Cllr O’Brien said:
“Due to the threat of legal action from Sinn Féin, the government has reluctantly been forced to bring this agreement to a vote in the Dáil.”
“It is now imperative it is defeated. If the bailout package is implemented, it will saddle every man, woman and child in this state with an unpayable debt which will further depress economic growth – all to provide another bailout to the banks.”
“Last night it was revealed the European Financial Stability Mechanism is charging a premium of 3% on its part of the bailout package. In other words, the EU will be charging Ireland 3% more in interest than it will be itself charged by the international market. The cost of this to Ireland will be €5 billion over the full period of the deal.”
“This just serves to underline what an appalling deal the government has brought home. Indeed, the same facility has previously leant money to Latvia, Hungary and Romania – none of whom are in the Euro zone – without charging a premium.”
“Certain backbenchers in Fianna Fáil have in the past been vocal in their criticism of government policies, but continued to support them in the Dáil. Now is their last chance to make a stand and do some service to the country by voting down this deal. If they do not, people will be forced to assume that their criticisms were cynical posturing designed to deflect public anger at the government’s policies from themselves.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Jonathan O’Brien @
Friday, December 10, 2010
It's Not Our Debt- Rally at the National Monument Tomorrow- O'Leary
It’s Not Our Debt – Rally at the National Monument Tomorrow
Sinn Féin will hold a rally tomorrow to protest against the budget and call for the deal with the IMF to be torn up. The event will begin at the National Monument in the Grand Parade at 2pm, with a public meeting scheduled afterwards at the Victoria Hotel.
Sinn Féin councillor Chris O’Leary said:
“The EU/IMF bailout deal will place a millstone of debt around the neck of every taxpayer in this country for a generation, all to pay for the reckless behaviour of a few highly placed gamblers. This is not a bailout for Ireland, it is bailout for the banks - but taxpayers and public service users are the ones being called upon to pay.”
“On Tuesday the first instalment of the bill came due, and once again it was low-paid workers and those on social welfare who footed most of the cost. Some categories of wealthy taxpayers were actually left better off by the changes in the tax code.”
“The threat of legal action by Sinn Féin has now forced the government to put the deal with the IMF to a Dáil vote. We call on every TD and party who has the national interest at heart to vote against it. We are also calling on any political party which hopes to form the next government to make a commitment to bring in a new budget which will reverse the cutbacks to social welfare and the minimum wage and place the burden of tax increases firmly on those who can afford to pay more.”
“We must tear up the deal with the IMF and tell the bondholders in our banks to take their losses. Ireland cannot afford to pay for their mistakes. Our remaining reserves in the National Pension Reserve Fund are needed to invest in the economy, stimulate growth and create jobs.”
“I invite anyone who opposes this budget and the IMF deal and wants to reclaim Ireland’s status as a sovereign nation to gather at the National Monument tomorrow at 2pm.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Chris O’Leary @ 087-2794307.
Sinn Féin will hold a rally tomorrow to protest against the budget and call for the deal with the IMF to be torn up. The event will begin at the National Monument in the Grand Parade at 2pm, with a public meeting scheduled afterwards at the Victoria Hotel.
Sinn Féin councillor Chris O’Leary said:
“The EU/IMF bailout deal will place a millstone of debt around the neck of every taxpayer in this country for a generation, all to pay for the reckless behaviour of a few highly placed gamblers. This is not a bailout for Ireland, it is bailout for the banks - but taxpayers and public service users are the ones being called upon to pay.”
“On Tuesday the first instalment of the bill came due, and once again it was low-paid workers and those on social welfare who footed most of the cost. Some categories of wealthy taxpayers were actually left better off by the changes in the tax code.”
“The threat of legal action by Sinn Féin has now forced the government to put the deal with the IMF to a Dáil vote. We call on every TD and party who has the national interest at heart to vote against it. We are also calling on any political party which hopes to form the next government to make a commitment to bring in a new budget which will reverse the cutbacks to social welfare and the minimum wage and place the burden of tax increases firmly on those who can afford to pay more.”
“We must tear up the deal with the IMF and tell the bondholders in our banks to take their losses. Ireland cannot afford to pay for their mistakes. Our remaining reserves in the National Pension Reserve Fund are needed to invest in the economy, stimulate growth and create jobs.”
“I invite anyone who opposes this budget and the IMF deal and wants to reclaim Ireland’s status as a sovereign nation to gather at the National Monument tomorrow at 2pm.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Chris O’Leary @ 087-2794307.
It’s Not Our Debt – Rally at the National Monument Tomorrow
Sinn Féin will hold a rally tomorrow to protest against the budget and call for the deal with the IMF to be torn up. The event will begin at the National Monument in the Grand Parade at 2pm, with a public meeting scheduled afterwards at the Victoria Hotel.
Sinn Féin councillor Chris O’Leary said:
“The EU/IMF bailout deal will place a millstone of debt around the neck of every taxpayer in this country for a generation, all to pay for the reckless behaviour of a few highly placed gamblers. This is not a bailout for Ireland, it is bailout for the banks - but taxpayers and public service users are the ones being called upon to pay.”
“On Tuesday the first instalment of the bill came due, and once again it was low-paid workers and those on social welfare who footed most of the cost. Some categories of wealthy taxpayers were actually left better off by the changes in the tax code.”
“The threat of legal action by Sinn Féin has now forced the government to put the deal with the IMF to a Dáil vote. We call on every TD and party who has the national interest at heart to vote against it. We are also calling on any political party which hopes to form the next government to make a commitment to bring in a new budget which will reverse the cutbacks to social welfare and the minimum wage and place the burden of tax increases firmly on those who can afford to pay more.”
“We must tear up the deal with the IMF and tell the bondholders in our banks to take their losses. Ireland cannot afford to pay for their mistakes. Our remaining reserves in the National Pension Reserve Fund are needed to invest in the economy, stimulate growth and create jobs.”
“I invite anyone who opposes this budget and the IMF deal and wants to reclaim Ireland’s status as a sovereign nation to gather at the National Monument tomorrow at 2pm.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Chris O’Leary @ 087-2794307.
Sinn Féin will hold a rally tomorrow to protest against the budget and call for the deal with the IMF to be torn up. The event will begin at the National Monument in the Grand Parade at 2pm, with a public meeting scheduled afterwards at the Victoria Hotel.
Sinn Féin councillor Chris O’Leary said:
“The EU/IMF bailout deal will place a millstone of debt around the neck of every taxpayer in this country for a generation, all to pay for the reckless behaviour of a few highly placed gamblers. This is not a bailout for Ireland, it is bailout for the banks - but taxpayers and public service users are the ones being called upon to pay.”
“On Tuesday the first instalment of the bill came due, and once again it was low-paid workers and those on social welfare who footed most of the cost. Some categories of wealthy taxpayers were actually left better off by the changes in the tax code.”
“The threat of legal action by Sinn Féin has now forced the government to put the deal with the IMF to a Dáil vote. We call on every TD and party who has the national interest at heart to vote against it. We are also calling on any political party which hopes to form the next government to make a commitment to bring in a new budget which will reverse the cutbacks to social welfare and the minimum wage and place the burden of tax increases firmly on those who can afford to pay more.”
“We must tear up the deal with the IMF and tell the bondholders in our banks to take their losses. Ireland cannot afford to pay for their mistakes. Our remaining reserves in the National Pension Reserve Fund are needed to invest in the economy, stimulate growth and create jobs.”
“I invite anyone who opposes this budget and the IMF deal and wants to reclaim Ireland’s status as a sovereign nation to gather at the National Monument tomorrow at 2pm.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Chris O’Leary @ 087-2794307.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Social Housing List Keep Rising- Gould
Social Housing List Keeps Rising
Sinn Féin councillor Thomas Gould last night reiterated that the council’s housing policy has failed, as the number of families waiting for housing in the city rose to 8,400.
Cllr Gould said:
“Every month since I have been elected to this council, around 200 additional families have come onto the housing list, while maybe 40 applicants have been offered housing.”
“You don’t have to be Einstein to figure out that at this rate, we will never make any inroads into the housing problem in Cork. Indeed the number on the housing list is now equal to the entire stock of houses owned by the council.”
“There needs to be a recognition that the current policy is a failure, and a commitment to work together to find solution.”
“Last July, Cork Sinn Féin published our own set of proposals on how to deal with the housing crisis. But we would be happy to engage with everyone in the council chamber to sit down and come up with a way of dealing with this issue.”
“Otherwise the number on the housing list will simply continue to rise, to 10,000 by the end of next year and beyond.”
“Recently a government report indicated that Cork has the highest number of ghost estates of any county in Ireland. It is disgraceful that we have up to 300,000 properties across the state lying idle while families are waiting years for a house. Many of these vacant properties are in NAMA, or soon will be. It is time to take the keys off the developers and hand them to families who are in need of a home.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Thomas Gould @ 087-3021551
Sinn Féin councillor Thomas Gould last night reiterated that the council’s housing policy has failed, as the number of families waiting for housing in the city rose to 8,400.
Cllr Gould said:
“Every month since I have been elected to this council, around 200 additional families have come onto the housing list, while maybe 40 applicants have been offered housing.”
“You don’t have to be Einstein to figure out that at this rate, we will never make any inroads into the housing problem in Cork. Indeed the number on the housing list is now equal to the entire stock of houses owned by the council.”
“There needs to be a recognition that the current policy is a failure, and a commitment to work together to find solution.”
“Last July, Cork Sinn Féin published our own set of proposals on how to deal with the housing crisis. But we would be happy to engage with everyone in the council chamber to sit down and come up with a way of dealing with this issue.”
“Otherwise the number on the housing list will simply continue to rise, to 10,000 by the end of next year and beyond.”
“Recently a government report indicated that Cork has the highest number of ghost estates of any county in Ireland. It is disgraceful that we have up to 300,000 properties across the state lying idle while families are waiting years for a house. Many of these vacant properties are in NAMA, or soon will be. It is time to take the keys off the developers and hand them to families who are in need of a home.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Thomas Gould @ 087-3021551
Council Must Move Now to Cap Expenses- O'Leary
Council Must Move Now to Cap Expenses-O'Leary
Sinn Féin’s general election candidate for Cork South Central, Cllr Chris O’Leary, last night called on Cork City Council to take action against councillors who have abused the system of conference expenses.
Cllr O’Leary said:
“In the past 12 months Cork City Council has paid councillors €145,277.95 to attend conferences.”
“Some 15 councillors claimed more than the €4,700 limit on conference payments imposed by Minister Gormley. Three councillors received over €10,000 in expenses, with one claiming as much as €15,000.”
“It is ironic that some of the councillors who routinely feature at the top of the league table for conference expenses often fail to grace us with their presence in the council chamber on a Monday night.”
“Perhaps they are too busy clocking up the mileage to perform their basic duty as public representatives.”
“I am challenging the city council to take action against those members who are consistently abusing the system, and to implement the cap on conference fees that is already part of national legislation.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Chris O’Leary @ 087-2793407
Sinn Féin’s general election candidate for Cork South Central, Cllr Chris O’Leary, last night called on Cork City Council to take action against councillors who have abused the system of conference expenses.
Cllr O’Leary said:
“In the past 12 months Cork City Council has paid councillors €145,277.95 to attend conferences.”
“Some 15 councillors claimed more than the €4,700 limit on conference payments imposed by Minister Gormley. Three councillors received over €10,000 in expenses, with one claiming as much as €15,000.”
“It is ironic that some of the councillors who routinely feature at the top of the league table for conference expenses often fail to grace us with their presence in the council chamber on a Monday night.”
“Perhaps they are too busy clocking up the mileage to perform their basic duty as public representatives.”
“I am challenging the city council to take action against those members who are consistently abusing the system, and to implement the cap on conference fees that is already part of national legislation.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Chris O’Leary @ 087-2793407
Council Must Move Now to Cap Expenses- O'Leary
Council Must Move Now to Cap Expenses-O'Leary
Sinn Féin’s general election candidate for Cork South Central, Cllr Chris O’Leary, last night called on Cork City Council to take action against councillors who have abused the system of conference expenses.
Cllr O’Leary said:
“In the past 12 months Cork City Council has paid councillors €145,277.95 to attend conferences.”
“Some 15 councillors claimed more than the €4,700 limit on conference payments imposed by Minister Gormley. Three councillors received over €10,000 in expenses, with one claiming as much as €15,000.”
“It is ironic that some of the councillors who routinely feature at the top of the league table for conference expenses often fail to grace us with their presence in the council chamber on a Monday night.”
“Perhaps they are too busy clocking up the mileage to perform their basic duty as public representatives.”
“I am challenging the city council to take action against those members who are consistently abusing the system, and to implement the cap on conference fees that is already part of national legislation.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Chris O’Leary @
Sinn Féin’s general election candidate for Cork South Central, Cllr Chris O’Leary, last night called on Cork City Council to take action against councillors who have abused the system of conference expenses.
Cllr O’Leary said:
“In the past 12 months Cork City Council has paid councillors €145,277.95 to attend conferences.”
“Some 15 councillors claimed more than the €4,700 limit on conference payments imposed by Minister Gormley. Three councillors received over €10,000 in expenses, with one claiming as much as €15,000.”
“It is ironic that some of the councillors who routinely feature at the top of the league table for conference expenses often fail to grace us with their presence in the council chamber on a Monday night.”
“Perhaps they are too busy clocking up the mileage to perform their basic duty as public representatives.”
“I am challenging the city council to take action against those members who are consistently abusing the system, and to implement the cap on conference fees that is already part of national legislation.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Chris O’Leary @
City Hall Cartel Stifles Debate-O'Brien
City Hall Cartel Stifles Debate
Sinn Féin councillor Jonathan O’Brien last night slammed Labour and Fine Gael for voting with Fianna Fáil to block a debate on the economic crisis facing the country, and accused them of operating a cartel within City Hall to share out positions and stifle debate.
Sinn Féin had put forward a motion requesting the suspension of standing orders so councillors could discuss the EU/IMF bailout and its implications for the city’s budgetary position. After it was voted down, several members of the public who were watching proceedings from the gallery staged a brief protest.
Cllr O’Brien, said:
“It is not surprising that Fianna Fail would object to the council discussing the unprecedented crisis facing our country. But that Labour and Fine Gael voted alongside them to block a debate on the IMF bailout is incredible.”
“Maybe it is because they are in a pact with Fianna Fail to share out well-salaried positions, including the Lord Mayorship, that they are anxious to stifle dissent within the council chamber.”
“Maybe it is because both parties are committed to the same failed strategy of cuts as the government. Labour and Fine Gael both accept the completely arbitrary and unattainable goal of reducing our budget deficit to 3% of GDP by 2014. Both of them have pledged to accept the deal with the EU and IMF once in government.”
“Whatever the reason, Labour in particular has consistently voted against motions to trim council expenses, subject conference fees to more scrutiny, and now a proposal to debate the economic crisis facing the country.”
“While Eamon Gilmore is shouting treason from the opposition benches in Leinster House, his councillors in Cork City Hall are working hand in glove with Fianna Fáil. Labour and Fine Gael present themselves as an alternative to the government, but the cosy cartel they operate together on Cork City Council suggests they are more like tweedledum and tweedledee”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Jonathan O’Brien @ 085-2133907
Sinn Féin councillor Jonathan O’Brien last night slammed Labour and Fine Gael for voting with Fianna Fáil to block a debate on the economic crisis facing the country, and accused them of operating a cartel within City Hall to share out positions and stifle debate.
Sinn Féin had put forward a motion requesting the suspension of standing orders so councillors could discuss the EU/IMF bailout and its implications for the city’s budgetary position. After it was voted down, several members of the public who were watching proceedings from the gallery staged a brief protest.
Cllr O’Brien, said:
“It is not surprising that Fianna Fail would object to the council discussing the unprecedented crisis facing our country. But that Labour and Fine Gael voted alongside them to block a debate on the IMF bailout is incredible.”
“Maybe it is because they are in a pact with Fianna Fail to share out well-salaried positions, including the Lord Mayorship, that they are anxious to stifle dissent within the council chamber.”
“Maybe it is because both parties are committed to the same failed strategy of cuts as the government. Labour and Fine Gael both accept the completely arbitrary and unattainable goal of reducing our budget deficit to 3% of GDP by 2014. Both of them have pledged to accept the deal with the EU and IMF once in government.”
“Whatever the reason, Labour in particular has consistently voted against motions to trim council expenses, subject conference fees to more scrutiny, and now a proposal to debate the economic crisis facing the country.”
“While Eamon Gilmore is shouting treason from the opposition benches in Leinster House, his councillors in Cork City Hall are working hand in glove with Fianna Fáil. Labour and Fine Gael present themselves as an alternative to the government, but the cosy cartel they operate together on Cork City Council suggests they are more like tweedledum and tweedledee”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Jonathan O’Brien @ 085-2133907
Monday, December 6, 2010
Delany Brothers 90th Anniversary Commemoration -Sunday December 12th 12pm
A commemoration to mark the 90th anniversary of the Delany Brothers (Jeremiah & Con) will take place on Sunday December 12th, assemble 12pm at the Grotto in Blackpool, the march will led by the MacCurtain/MacSwiney Republican Flute Band to the monument on Dublin Hill, speakers will be Cllrs Thomas Gould & Jonathan O'Brien.
Also remembered will be their comrade Vol Sean O'Donoghue who was shot dead by Free State troops at the Delany Household on Dublin Hill on the 28th September 1922.
The commemoration is organised by the Phoenix Historical Society.
Sinn Féin to Seek Council Debate on Economic Crisis-O'Brien
Sinn Féin to Seek Council Debate on Economic Crisis
Sinn Féin members of Cork City Council will seek the suspension of standing orders at today’s meeting so the council can debate the EU/IMF bailout and its impact on the council’s services and budget in the years ahead.
The leader of the Sinn Féin group in City Hall, Cllr Jonathan O’Brien, said:
“This evening I will be putting a motion requesting the suspension of standing orders to the council so we can have an opportunity to discuss the EU/IMF bailout and its implications.”
“The developments of the past few weeks will have a profound effect on our city and our country for years to come. It is important that the elected members of the council get the opportunity to discuss them. This is especially vital given that a government in its dying days, which has lost the confidence of the public and is clinging to power only by the expedient of delaying the three bye-elections that remain due, is currently taking decisions that will shape this country for years to come.”
“There are serious concerns for the future of local services, given the agenda of privatisation and cutbacks written into the terms of the EU/IMF bailout package. Of particular concern is the proposal to transfer responsibility for water supply from local authorities to a new water utility. Alongside the introduction of water charges, this is clearly preparing the way for privatisation.”
“The cutbacks imposed by the EU/IMF and the government’s four year plan will also have a major impact on the council’s budgetary position, and on the prospects for economic recovery in Cork. We need a discussion on how we can secure revenue and maintain council services in the future, and promote job creation and growth in the city.”
“I hope other parties on the council will support our motion to suspend standing orders later today.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Jonathan O’Brien @ 085-2133907
Sinn Féin members of Cork City Council will seek the suspension of standing orders at today’s meeting so the council can debate the EU/IMF bailout and its impact on the council’s services and budget in the years ahead.
The leader of the Sinn Féin group in City Hall, Cllr Jonathan O’Brien, said:
“This evening I will be putting a motion requesting the suspension of standing orders to the council so we can have an opportunity to discuss the EU/IMF bailout and its implications.”
“The developments of the past few weeks will have a profound effect on our city and our country for years to come. It is important that the elected members of the council get the opportunity to discuss them. This is especially vital given that a government in its dying days, which has lost the confidence of the public and is clinging to power only by the expedient of delaying the three bye-elections that remain due, is currently taking decisions that will shape this country for years to come.”
“There are serious concerns for the future of local services, given the agenda of privatisation and cutbacks written into the terms of the EU/IMF bailout package. Of particular concern is the proposal to transfer responsibility for water supply from local authorities to a new water utility. Alongside the introduction of water charges, this is clearly preparing the way for privatisation.”
“The cutbacks imposed by the EU/IMF and the government’s four year plan will also have a major impact on the council’s budgetary position, and on the prospects for economic recovery in Cork. We need a discussion on how we can secure revenue and maintain council services in the future, and promote job creation and growth in the city.”
“I hope other parties on the council will support our motion to suspend standing orders later today.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Jonathan O’Brien @ 085-2133907
Minimum Wage Cut Will Force Families On Welfare-O'Leary
Minimum Wage Cut Will Force Families On Welfare
Sinn Féin’s general election candidate for Cork South Central, Cllr Chris O’Leary, has said the proposed cut in the minimum wage will see more families claiming Family Income Supplement and will cost the government money.
Cllr O’Leary said:
“The proposed cut in the hourly minimum wage from €8.65 to €7.65 is not only grossly unfair – it will cost the government money.”
“It will push a significant number of families, particularly those with only one earner, under the threshold at which they can claim Family Income Supplement.”
“This will further increase the social welfare bill, which is already soaring because of the government’s calamitous failure to tackle the unemployment crisis. In effect, the government will be using the welfare system to supplement employers who pay their workers poverty wages.”
“This is not only unjust, it does not make economic sense. People are entitled to a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work. The minimum wage should be set at a level that allows people live with dignity, not one that leaves them dependent on the social welfare system to get by.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Chris O’Leary @ 087-2794307
Sinn Féin’s general election candidate for Cork South Central, Cllr Chris O’Leary, has said the proposed cut in the minimum wage will see more families claiming Family Income Supplement and will cost the government money.
Cllr O’Leary said:
“The proposed cut in the hourly minimum wage from €8.65 to €7.65 is not only grossly unfair – it will cost the government money.”
“It will push a significant number of families, particularly those with only one earner, under the threshold at which they can claim Family Income Supplement.”
“This will further increase the social welfare bill, which is already soaring because of the government’s calamitous failure to tackle the unemployment crisis. In effect, the government will be using the welfare system to supplement employers who pay their workers poverty wages.”
“This is not only unjust, it does not make economic sense. People are entitled to a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work. The minimum wage should be set at a level that allows people live with dignity, not one that leaves them dependent on the social welfare system to get by.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Chris O’Leary @ 087-2794307
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Halt to Disconnections Welcomed-O'Brien
Halt to Disconnections Welcomed
Sinn Féin councillor Jonathan O'Brien has welcomed the announcement by the ESB, Airtricity and Bord Gais that they are to cease disconnections during the period of cold weather.
Councillor O'Brien said:
"The announcement by the utility companies that they will temporarily cease disconnections, as well as the decision by the Energy Regulator to halve the cost of reconnection, will be welcomed by thousands of hard-pressed families around the country."
"For much of this year, disconnections have been running at almost 1,000 a month as families experienced the impact of the recession and frequently met an unsympathetic response from the utility companies."
"This week’s developments reflect the efforts of ESB campaigner Seamus Sherlock and those who supported him. Many people will be familiar with the Limerick father of three whose protest outside ESB headquarters sparked a national campaign."
"Sinn Féin was glad to support Seamus in his campaign. This week's announcements show what "the power of one" can do the bring about change."
"What is needed now is as permanent end to disconnections for people who can show they are making an effort to pay their bills."
For further information or comment contact Cllr Jonathan O'Brien @ 085-2133907.
Sinn Féin councillor Jonathan O'Brien has welcomed the announcement by the ESB, Airtricity and Bord Gais that they are to cease disconnections during the period of cold weather.
Councillor O'Brien said:
"The announcement by the utility companies that they will temporarily cease disconnections, as well as the decision by the Energy Regulator to halve the cost of reconnection, will be welcomed by thousands of hard-pressed families around the country."
"For much of this year, disconnections have been running at almost 1,000 a month as families experienced the impact of the recession and frequently met an unsympathetic response from the utility companies."
"This week’s developments reflect the efforts of ESB campaigner Seamus Sherlock and those who supported him. Many people will be familiar with the Limerick father of three whose protest outside ESB headquarters sparked a national campaign."
"Sinn Féin was glad to support Seamus in his campaign. This week's announcements show what "the power of one" can do the bring about change."
"What is needed now is as permanent end to disconnections for people who can show they are making an effort to pay their bills."
For further information or comment contact Cllr Jonathan O'Brien @ 085-2133907.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Cllrs Claimed €145,000 in Conference Fees in 2010-O'Leary
Councillors Claimed €145,000 in Conference Fees in 2010
Sinn Féin’s general election candidate in Cork South Central, Cllr Chris O’Leary, has slammed the payment of over €145,000 in conference fees by Cork City Council in 2010.
Cllr O’Leary said:
“In the past 12 months Cork City Council has paid councillors €145,277.95 to attend conferences.”
“Given the current economic state of the country, and the hardship government cutbacks are imposing on ordinary people, this is simply not acceptable.”
“It is particularly scandalous that 15 councillors claimed more than the €4,700 limit on conference payments imposed by Minister Gormley.”
“Three councillors received over €10,000 in expenses, while another five claimed between €8,000 and €10,000.”
“Ten councillors, including the five Sinn Féin representatives, claimed no money for conferences.”
“These figures represent a shocking abuse of the system, which must be stopped. Nobody can justify councillors claiming thousands of euro to attend conferences on Facebook while people on social welfare and the minimum wage face cuts in their income.”
“€145,000 could be better spent providing long-overdue repairs for dozens of the council’s housing tenants who live with draughty windows or rising damp. And while councillors like to claim conferences equip them better to do their job, I am sure some of the academics at UCC who are experts in housing or planning policy could provide seminars for city councillors in these areas at far smaller cost to the taxpayer.”
“At the upcoming council estimates Sinn Féin will once again be proposing a substantial reduction in the allowance for conference fees. If other the parties want the public to retain any faith in politics, they should support us.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Chris O’Leary @ 087-2794307 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 087-2794307 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.
Sinn Féin’s general election candidate in Cork South Central, Cllr Chris O’Leary, has slammed the payment of over €145,000 in conference fees by Cork City Council in 2010.
Cllr O’Leary said:
“In the past 12 months Cork City Council has paid councillors €145,277.95 to attend conferences.”
“Given the current economic state of the country, and the hardship government cutbacks are imposing on ordinary people, this is simply not acceptable.”
“It is particularly scandalous that 15 councillors claimed more than the €4,700 limit on conference payments imposed by Minister Gormley.”
“Three councillors received over €10,000 in expenses, while another five claimed between €8,000 and €10,000.”
“Ten councillors, including the five Sinn Féin representatives, claimed no money for conferences.”
“These figures represent a shocking abuse of the system, which must be stopped. Nobody can justify councillors claiming thousands of euro to attend conferences on Facebook while people on social welfare and the minimum wage face cuts in their income.”
“€145,000 could be better spent providing long-overdue repairs for dozens of the council’s housing tenants who live with draughty windows or rising damp. And while councillors like to claim conferences equip them better to do their job, I am sure some of the academics at UCC who are experts in housing or planning policy could provide seminars for city councillors in these areas at far smaller cost to the taxpayer.”
“At the upcoming council estimates Sinn Féin will once again be proposing a substantial reduction in the allowance for conference fees. If other the parties want the public to retain any faith in politics, they should support us.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Chris O’Leary @ 087-2794307 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 087-2794307 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.
O'Brien Welcomes Red C Poll Result
O’Brien Welcomes Red C Poll Result
Sinn Féin councillor Jonathan O’Brien has welcomed today’s Red C Poll which shows support for Sinn Féin at 16%.
Cllr O’Brien said:
“A poll is only a poll and needs to be treated as such. Nevertheless the rise in support for Sinn Féin recorded in today’s RED C Poll reflects what we have been hearing on the ground for some time.”
“More and more people are coming to recognise that Sinn Féin is putting forward a real alternative to the failed policies of the establishment parties. While Fianna Fail has run this state into the ground, Fine Gael and Labour are proposing nothing different.”
“Sinn Féin is the only party unambigiously committed to burning the bondholders at Anglo Irish Bank and imposing a deep haircut on bondholders at Bank of Ireland and AIB. We are the only party who will tear up the agreement with the EU and IMF if we get into government, rather than see our country condemned to a decade of economic bondage.”
“We are the only party to propose a stimulus package for the economy and to produce a detailed job creation strategy. We were the only party to reject the completely arbitrary goal imposed by the EU of reducing our budget deficit to 3% of GDP by 2014 – a goal which even the government now recognises is unrealistic.”
“We are the only party to date to put forward a fully costed alternative budget.”
“The growing support for Sinn Féin – as evidenced by Pearse Doherty’s massive bye-election victory in Donegal – shows people are coming to realise there is a better way.”
“Whenever the next general election is called, Sinn Féin will be going out to win seats in both Cork North Central and Cork South Central. Building on our strong base in local government, and with growing popular support, I believe we will succeed and provide a strong radical voice for people in this city.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Jonathan O’Brien @ 085-2133907
Sinn Féin councillor Jonathan O’Brien has welcomed today’s Red C Poll which shows support for Sinn Féin at 16%.
Cllr O’Brien said:
“A poll is only a poll and needs to be treated as such. Nevertheless the rise in support for Sinn Féin recorded in today’s RED C Poll reflects what we have been hearing on the ground for some time.”
“More and more people are coming to recognise that Sinn Féin is putting forward a real alternative to the failed policies of the establishment parties. While Fianna Fail has run this state into the ground, Fine Gael and Labour are proposing nothing different.”
“Sinn Féin is the only party unambigiously committed to burning the bondholders at Anglo Irish Bank and imposing a deep haircut on bondholders at Bank of Ireland and AIB. We are the only party who will tear up the agreement with the EU and IMF if we get into government, rather than see our country condemned to a decade of economic bondage.”
“We are the only party to propose a stimulus package for the economy and to produce a detailed job creation strategy. We were the only party to reject the completely arbitrary goal imposed by the EU of reducing our budget deficit to 3% of GDP by 2014 – a goal which even the government now recognises is unrealistic.”
“We are the only party to date to put forward a fully costed alternative budget.”
“The growing support for Sinn Féin – as evidenced by Pearse Doherty’s massive bye-election victory in Donegal – shows people are coming to realise there is a better way.”
“Whenever the next general election is called, Sinn Féin will be going out to win seats in both Cork North Central and Cork South Central. Building on our strong base in local government, and with growing popular support, I believe we will succeed and provide a strong radical voice for people in this city.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Jonathan O’Brien @ 085-2133907
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Government's Four Year Plan Anti-Jobs-O'Leary
Government's Four Year Plan Anti-Jobs
Speaking today after the release of the Live Register Figures for November, Sinn Féin's general election candidate for Cork South Central, Cllr Chris O'Leary said that soaring emigration is masking unemployment figures and the Government's four-year plan was a strategy that would cost jobs.
Cllr O'Leary said:
“These figures show two things - that emigration is masking the true extent of unemployment and that long-term unemployment is on the rise. One third of those on the dole are now long-term unemployed."
"By the end of this year 70,000 people will have left the country. The ggovernment have based their four year strategy on the expectation that 100,000 people will emigrate over that period. This is the only target in the plan they are likely to meet. Young people are leaving the country in droves, and it is no coincidence that half of those who left the Live Register in the past month were under 25.”
“It was also revealed yesterday that one third of those on the dole are now categorised as long term unemployed.”
“The government have failed categorically to produce a job creation strategy for the country. Instead they have given us a four-year plan for further misery. As well as costing 25,000 jobs directly in the public service, the plan will cost thousands more indirectly across the economy as it takes money out of circulation and reduces our potential for growth. To add insult to injury, the unemployed are to see their benefits progressively reduced across the four years, having already suffered a reduction in the last budget as well as the withdrawal of the Christmas bonus.”
“Long term unemployment and emigration are once more becoming ingrained into Irish life, and this government is only making things worse.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Chris O’Leary @ 087-2794307
Speaking today after the release of the Live Register Figures for November, Sinn Féin's general election candidate for Cork South Central, Cllr Chris O'Leary said that soaring emigration is masking unemployment figures and the Government's four-year plan was a strategy that would cost jobs.
Cllr O'Leary said:
“These figures show two things - that emigration is masking the true extent of unemployment and that long-term unemployment is on the rise. One third of those on the dole are now long-term unemployed."
"By the end of this year 70,000 people will have left the country. The ggovernment have based their four year strategy on the expectation that 100,000 people will emigrate over that period. This is the only target in the plan they are likely to meet. Young people are leaving the country in droves, and it is no coincidence that half of those who left the Live Register in the past month were under 25.”
“It was also revealed yesterday that one third of those on the dole are now categorised as long term unemployed.”
“The government have failed categorically to produce a job creation strategy for the country. Instead they have given us a four-year plan for further misery. As well as costing 25,000 jobs directly in the public service, the plan will cost thousands more indirectly across the economy as it takes money out of circulation and reduces our potential for growth. To add insult to injury, the unemployed are to see their benefits progressively reduced across the four years, having already suffered a reduction in the last budget as well as the withdrawal of the Christmas bonus.”
“Long term unemployment and emigration are once more becoming ingrained into Irish life, and this government is only making things worse.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Chris O’Leary @ 087-2794307
Burn the Bondholders While We Still Can
Burn the Bondholders While We Still Can
Responding to the latest details about the terms of the government’s deal with the EU/IMF, Sinn Féin councillor Jonathan O’Brien has said we need to burn the bondholders while we still can, and keep the National Pension Reserve Fund for investment in our economy rather than the banks.
Cllr O’Brien said:
“What the EU and IMF are proposing is a bailout for the banks, not for Ireland. Some €17.5 million of the money is from our own funds – you cannot bail out yourself. But while the banks are being bailed out, it is Irish citizens who are being asked to foot the bill.”
“This state still has options. We can burn the bondholders in Anglo Irish bank. We can offer the bondholders in AIB and Bank of Ireland hugely discounted rates to go away before we fully nationalise both banks, or burn them. They took a gamble and they lost. The debt is bank debt, not Irish government debt or sovereign debt. Forcing the bondholders to take their losses is a market solution to a market problem.”
“The government wishes to use €12.5 billion from the National Pension Reserve Fund as part of the latest banking bailout. Once more our reserves are being raided to fund the defunct banking
system. When Sinn Féin proposed using this money to fund a stimulus package to promote jobs and recovery we were told it could not be touched. But the fund has repeatedly been raided to bail out the banks.”
“The EU and the IMF are keen for Ireland to become dependent on their cash. This cannot be allowed happen. Not one further cent out of the pension reserve fund should be handed over to the banks.”
“If the government implements its proposals, Ireland’s future options and our potential for recovery will be severely limited. We must burn the bondholders while we still can.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Jonathan O’Brien @ 085-2133907
Responding to the latest details about the terms of the government’s deal with the EU/IMF, Sinn Féin councillor Jonathan O’Brien has said we need to burn the bondholders while we still can, and keep the National Pension Reserve Fund for investment in our economy rather than the banks.
Cllr O’Brien said:
“What the EU and IMF are proposing is a bailout for the banks, not for Ireland. Some €17.5 million of the money is from our own funds – you cannot bail out yourself. But while the banks are being bailed out, it is Irish citizens who are being asked to foot the bill.”
“This state still has options. We can burn the bondholders in Anglo Irish bank. We can offer the bondholders in AIB and Bank of Ireland hugely discounted rates to go away before we fully nationalise both banks, or burn them. They took a gamble and they lost. The debt is bank debt, not Irish government debt or sovereign debt. Forcing the bondholders to take their losses is a market solution to a market problem.”
“The government wishes to use €12.5 billion from the National Pension Reserve Fund as part of the latest banking bailout. Once more our reserves are being raided to fund the defunct banking
system. When Sinn Féin proposed using this money to fund a stimulus package to promote jobs and recovery we were told it could not be touched. But the fund has repeatedly been raided to bail out the banks.”
“The EU and the IMF are keen for Ireland to become dependent on their cash. This cannot be allowed happen. Not one further cent out of the pension reserve fund should be handed over to the banks.”
“If the government implements its proposals, Ireland’s future options and our potential for recovery will be severely limited. We must burn the bondholders while we still can.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Jonathan O’Brien @ 085-2133907
Burn the Bondholders While We Still Can
Responding to the latest details about the terms of the government’s deal with the EU/IMF, Sinn Féin councillor Jonathan O’Brien has said we need to burn the bondholders while we still can, and keep the National Pension Reserve Fund for investment in our economy rather than the banks.
Cllr O’Brien said:
“What the EU and IMF are proposing is a bailout for the banks, not for Ireland. Some €17.5 million of the money is from our own funds – you cannot bail out yourself. But while the banks are being bailed out, it is Irish citizens who are being asked to foot the bill.”
“This state still has options. We can burn the bondholders in Anglo Irish bank. We can offer the bondholders in AIB and Bank of Ireland hugely discounted rates to go away before we fully nationalise both banks, or burn them. They took a gamble and they lost. The debt is bank debt, not Irish government debt or sovereign debt. Forcing the bondholders to take their losses is a market solution to a market problem.”
“The government wishes to use €12.5 billion from the National Pension Reserve Fund as part of the latest banking bailout. Once more our reserves are being raided to fund the defunct banking
system. When Sinn Féin proposed using this money to fund a stimulus package to promote jobs and recovery we were told it could not be touched. But the fund has repeatedly been raided to bail out the banks.”
“The EU and the IMF are keen for Ireland to become dependent on their cash. This cannot be allowed happen. Not one further cent out of the pension reserve fund should be handed over to the banks.”
“If the government implements its proposals, Ireland’s future options and our potential for recovery will be severely limited. We must burn the bondholders while we still can.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Jonathan O’Brien @ 085-2133907
Responding to the latest details about the terms of the government’s deal with the EU/IMF, Sinn Féin councillor Jonathan O’Brien has said we need to burn the bondholders while we still can, and keep the National Pension Reserve Fund for investment in our economy rather than the banks.
Cllr O’Brien said:
“What the EU and IMF are proposing is a bailout for the banks, not for Ireland. Some €17.5 million of the money is from our own funds – you cannot bail out yourself. But while the banks are being bailed out, it is Irish citizens who are being asked to foot the bill.”
“This state still has options. We can burn the bondholders in Anglo Irish bank. We can offer the bondholders in AIB and Bank of Ireland hugely discounted rates to go away before we fully nationalise both banks, or burn them. They took a gamble and they lost. The debt is bank debt, not Irish government debt or sovereign debt. Forcing the bondholders to take their losses is a market solution to a market problem.”
“The government wishes to use €12.5 billion from the National Pension Reserve Fund as part of the latest banking bailout. Once more our reserves are being raided to fund the defunct banking
system. When Sinn Féin proposed using this money to fund a stimulus package to promote jobs and recovery we were told it could not be touched. But the fund has repeatedly been raided to bail out the banks.”
“The EU and the IMF are keen for Ireland to become dependent on their cash. This cannot be allowed happen. Not one further cent out of the pension reserve fund should be handed over to the banks.”
“If the government implements its proposals, Ireland’s future options and our potential for recovery will be severely limited. We must burn the bondholders while we still can.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Jonathan O’Brien @ 085-2133907
Public Meeting on Housing Cancelled
The public meeting on housing scheduled for tonight in Knocknaheeney has been cancelled due to the ongoing severe weather conditions. The meeting was due to have taken place at 7.30pm in Terence MacSwiney School. Local Sinn Féin councillor Jonathan O'Brien said the meeting would be rescheduled for a later date once weather conditions improve.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Bondholders at Anglo Should Not Get a Cent
Bondholders at Anglo Should Not Get a Cent
Speaking after yesterday's occupation of Anglo-Irish Bank, Sinn Féin councillor Jonathan O'Brien said bondholders at the institution should not get a cent when the cost of bailing them out is cutbacks to social welfare and public services.
Cllr O'Brien said:
"Yesterday members of the campaign group Cork Social Welfare Defenders occupied Anglo Irish Bank to protest against the government's policy of imposing cutbacks on those receiving social welfare while spending billions bailing out the banks."
"Along with a number of other public representatives, I took part in the protest and occupation."
"While the Governor of the Central Bank has announced the nameplate at Anglo will be changed within weeks, the reality is the government intends to pay €32 billion or more of taxpayers' money to bondholders at the bank as it winds down over the coming years."
"The people who are being asked to foot the bill are the most vulnerable in society - the unemployed, the elderly, the sick - many of whom took part in yesterday's march."
"The bondholders who invested in Anglo Irish Bank took a gamble on the Irish property market and lost. They should take their hit. There is no reason why the Irish taxpayer should bail them out, especially at the cost of least well off in our society. It is not enough to change the nameplates - the bondholders should be burned and not another cent of our money paid to Anglo-Irish Bank."
For further information or comment contact Cllr Jonathan O'Brien
Speaking after yesterday's occupation of Anglo-Irish Bank, Sinn Féin councillor Jonathan O'Brien said bondholders at the institution should not get a cent when the cost of bailing them out is cutbacks to social welfare and public services.
Cllr O'Brien said:
"Yesterday members of the campaign group Cork Social Welfare Defenders occupied Anglo Irish Bank to protest against the government's policy of imposing cutbacks on those receiving social welfare while spending billions bailing out the banks."
"Along with a number of other public representatives, I took part in the protest and occupation."
"While the Governor of the Central Bank has announced the nameplate at Anglo will be changed within weeks, the reality is the government intends to pay €32 billion or more of taxpayers' money to bondholders at the bank as it winds down over the coming years."
"The people who are being asked to foot the bill are the most vulnerable in society - the unemployed, the elderly, the sick - many of whom took part in yesterday's march."
"The bondholders who invested in Anglo Irish Bank took a gamble on the Irish property market and lost. They should take their hit. There is no reason why the Irish taxpayer should bail them out, especially at the cost of least well off in our society. It is not enough to change the nameplates - the bondholders should be burned and not another cent of our money paid to Anglo-Irish Bank."
For further information or comment contact Cllr Jonathan O'Brien
Friday, November 26, 2010
Protest Against Cutbacks This Saturday- O'Brien
Protest Against Cutbacks this Saturday
Sinn Féin Councillor Jonathan O'Brien has called on people to take to the streets of this Saturday to protest against the government's economic policies and the EU/IMF bailout.
Cllr O'Brien said:
"This government is pawning Ireland's sovereignty to the EU and IMF to bail out banks and bondholders, and has published a four-year plan of cutbacks that will deepen the recession and kill any prospect of growth."
"They must not be allowed to bring in their budget on 7th December or conclude a deal with the IMF that would mortgage our country's future for a generation. We need Fianna Fail out, and an immediate election."
"Many people will be travelling to Dublin on Saturday to support the ICTU protest, but for those who cannot, it is important that there is an opportunity for people in Cork to show their disgust and anger at the government. I would encourage people to meet outside Brown Thomas at 2pm on Saturday to tell Brian Cowen that "Ireland is Not For Sale"
For further information or comment contact Cllr Jonathan O'Brien @ 085-2133907.
Sinn Féin Councillor Jonathan O'Brien has called on people to take to the streets of this Saturday to protest against the government's economic policies and the EU/IMF bailout.
Cllr O'Brien said:
"This government is pawning Ireland's sovereignty to the EU and IMF to bail out banks and bondholders, and has published a four-year plan of cutbacks that will deepen the recession and kill any prospect of growth."
"They must not be allowed to bring in their budget on 7th December or conclude a deal with the IMF that would mortgage our country's future for a generation. We need Fianna Fail out, and an immediate election."
"Many people will be travelling to Dublin on Saturday to support the ICTU protest, but for those who cannot, it is important that there is an opportunity for people in Cork to show their disgust and anger at the government. I would encourage people to meet outside Brown Thomas at 2pm on Saturday to tell Brian Cowen that "Ireland is Not For Sale"
For further information or comment contact Cllr Jonathan O'Brien @ 085-2133907.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Ireland is Not For Sale-Protest at Cork City Hall
Ireland is Not For Sale - Protest at City Hall
Several hundred people took part in a protest outside City Hall last night organised by Cork Sinn Féin. Starting at the National Monument, the protest proceeded along the South Mall to City Hall, where it was addressed by speakers who included Sinn Féin councillors Jonathan O'Brien and Chris O'Leary and economist Tom O'Connor. Protesters rejected the government's plans for an IMF bailout and called for an immediate general election.
Cllr Jonathan O'Brien said:
"Today the government unveiled the four year plan of cutbacks that has been dictated to them by their masters in Brussels and the IMF. Once more their target is the low-paid, the unemployed and those dependent on public services. The minimum wage is to be cut by €1, social welfare payments reduced, and low-paid workers brought into the tax net. All to bail out the banks and ensure the German and British bondholders who lent to them get their money back."
"The government wants to sell our sovereignty and mortgage our future to rescue the banks."
"Our message today is - Ireland is not for sale. The government has no authority to do this. Fianna Fail is a discredited party that has lost the confidence of its junior partners in government, the independents, and most importantly, the Irish people. It is deliberately delaying bye-elections in Waterford, Donegal North East and South Dublin in order to cling on to power. It has no mandate to negotiate with the IMF on our behalf or tie us into an economic straight-jacket for the next four years."
"We want the people to have a say. We want Fianna Fail out, and an election now."
For further information or comment, contact Cllr Jonathan O'Brien @ 085-2133907
Four Year Plan Will Only Deepen Recession-O'Leary
Four Year Plan Will Only Deepen Recession-O'Leary
Sinn Féin Councillor Chris O'Leary has said the government’s four year plan for the economy is an attempt to make the unemployed, the sick, the low paid and students pay for the sins of the wealthy, and will only deepen the recession.
Councillor O'Leary said:
“This plan lets the wealthy off the hook, while hitting low and middle income earners hardest once again. And for what? Every penny of every tax increase and every spending cut will go to paying off the debt incurred for bailing out the banks."
“Not only is this plan morally wrong, it is economic lunacy. Nearly €14.5 billion was taken out of the economy in the past two years and the result is the recession is worse. Now they want to take out another €15 billion."
“Increasing VAT will not grow the economy, it will see people flooding across the border to shop and kill business in this state."
“Reducing the minimum wage and social welfare will reduce disposable income and lead to decreased consumer confidence and further job losses. The Government should be concentrating on getting people into jobs in order to lessen the social welfare bill."
“Reducing the tax band to €15,000 will bring thousands of low earners into the tax net but they are not increasing the top tax rate or targeting high earners."
“Increasing student charges from €1,500 to €2,000 will exclude thousands of students from college – parents will be faced with choices of ‘do we pay our mortgage or do we send our children to college?"
“There are alternatives. A 1% wealth tax on the assets of Ireland's 33,000 millionaires, for example, would bring in €5 billion over the next four years. However the government have chosen not to follow them."
"This is not a plan for recovery - it is an attack on the poor, the sick, the low paid and the young which will only prolong the recession and delay recovery."
For further information or comment contact Cllr Chris O'Leary 087-2794307.
Sinn Féin Councillor Chris O'Leary has said the government’s four year plan for the economy is an attempt to make the unemployed, the sick, the low paid and students pay for the sins of the wealthy, and will only deepen the recession.
Councillor O'Leary said:
“This plan lets the wealthy off the hook, while hitting low and middle income earners hardest once again. And for what? Every penny of every tax increase and every spending cut will go to paying off the debt incurred for bailing out the banks."
“Not only is this plan morally wrong, it is economic lunacy. Nearly €14.5 billion was taken out of the economy in the past two years and the result is the recession is worse. Now they want to take out another €15 billion."
“Increasing VAT will not grow the economy, it will see people flooding across the border to shop and kill business in this state."
“Reducing the minimum wage and social welfare will reduce disposable income and lead to decreased consumer confidence and further job losses. The Government should be concentrating on getting people into jobs in order to lessen the social welfare bill."
“Reducing the tax band to €15,000 will bring thousands of low earners into the tax net but they are not increasing the top tax rate or targeting high earners."
“Increasing student charges from €1,500 to €2,000 will exclude thousands of students from college – parents will be faced with choices of ‘do we pay our mortgage or do we send our children to college?"
“There are alternatives. A 1% wealth tax on the assets of Ireland's 33,000 millionaires, for example, would bring in €5 billion over the next four years. However the government have chosen not to follow them."
"This is not a plan for recovery - it is an attack on the poor, the sick, the low paid and the young which will only prolong the recession and delay recovery."
For further information or comment contact Cllr Chris O'Leary 087-2794307.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Residents to be updated on Knocknaheeny Regeneration Plan
Residents to be Updated on Knocknaheeney Regeneration Plan
A meeting will take place next Thursday in Knocknaheeney to highlight the growing housing crisis in the city and to update local residents on the Knocknaheeney Regeneration Plan. The meeting is hosted by local councillor Jonathan O'Brien and will take place on 2nd December at 7.30 in Terence MacSwiney School.
Encouraging people to attend the meeting, Councillor O'Brien said:
"This is the fourth meeting Sinn Féin has organised as part of our city-wide housing campaign, "Lets End the Wait". With over 8,000 people on the waiting list for housing, and the prospect of savage cuts in the housing budget in this year's estimates, it has never been more important that people come together to demand decent housing for all."
"Cork Sinn Féin has published a detailed set of policy proposals on how to end the housing crisis in our city, and we will continue to campaign until they are implemented by the council."
"I will also be taking the opportunity of this meeting to update local residents on the council's proposals for the Knocknaheeney Regeneration Plan. This project is critical for the future of the area and will have an impact on everyone who lives here. I think it is important that residents are consulted on the plan and given as much information as possible. Next Thursday night I will lay out what the council is currently proposing and listen carefully to the comments and feedback of local people."
"I would encourage anybody living in Knocknaheeney to come to the meeting and have their say on the future of their area."
For further information or comment contact Councillor Jonathan O'Brien @ 085-2133907
A meeting will take place next Thursday in Knocknaheeney to highlight the growing housing crisis in the city and to update local residents on the Knocknaheeney Regeneration Plan. The meeting is hosted by local councillor Jonathan O'Brien and will take place on 2nd December at 7.30 in Terence MacSwiney School.
Encouraging people to attend the meeting, Councillor O'Brien said:
"This is the fourth meeting Sinn Féin has organised as part of our city-wide housing campaign, "Lets End the Wait". With over 8,000 people on the waiting list for housing, and the prospect of savage cuts in the housing budget in this year's estimates, it has never been more important that people come together to demand decent housing for all."
"Cork Sinn Féin has published a detailed set of policy proposals on how to end the housing crisis in our city, and we will continue to campaign until they are implemented by the council."
"I will also be taking the opportunity of this meeting to update local residents on the council's proposals for the Knocknaheeney Regeneration Plan. This project is critical for the future of the area and will have an impact on everyone who lives here. I think it is important that residents are consulted on the plan and given as much information as possible. Next Thursday night I will lay out what the council is currently proposing and listen carefully to the comments and feedback of local people."
"I would encourage anybody living in Knocknaheeney to come to the meeting and have their say on the future of their area."
For further information or comment contact Councillor Jonathan O'Brien @ 085-2133907
No to Bailout, No to Cutbacks- Protest this Evening
No to Bailout, No to Cutbacks - Protest this Evening
Sinn Féin councillor Jonathan O'Brien has invited people to support the protest the party is organising this evening against the EU/IMF bailout for the banks and the proposed budget cuts. The protest will begin at 5.30 at the National Monument and will proceed to City Hall where councillors will be leaving a budget meeting at 6pm.
Cllr O'Brien said:
"The Fianna Fáil government are clinging to power despite having lost the confidence of their coalition partners and the people. They are determined to conclude a deal with the IMF to bail out the banks and to pass a hairshirt budget before they leave office. If they succeed, the consequence will be to load the Irish people with billions more in debt for the benefit of international bondholders, and to kill any prospects of growth in the economy."
"It is time to take a stand and to demand that Fianna Fáil go. We need an election now with the people given the opportunity to have a meaningful say in the future direction of this country. We are asking people to turn out tonight to send Brian Cowen and his ministers a message that is loud and clear; your time is up, you have no mandate to sell out this country to the IMF, it is time to go."
For further information or comment contact Jonathan O'Brien @ 085-2133907
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Hundreds Attend Protest Rally in Cork
Hundreds Attend Protest Rally in Cork Around 200 people attended a rally last night to protest against the government's economic policies and the IMF/ECB intervention in our affairs.
Sinn Féin had originally invited people to attend a protest vigil at the National Monument at 6pm. However when large numbers turned up it was decided to march through the Grand Parade and Patrick Street, in the course of which many more members of the public joined in. The rally was addressed by Sinn Féin Cllrs Jonathan O'Brien and Chris O'Leary, as well as economist Tom O'Connor. Speaking afterwards, Cllr O'Leary said: "The turnout for last night's protest, which was organised at less than a day's notice, demonstrates the anger that is out there at the way the government, having brought the country to its knees, has now sold our sovereignty to the EU and IMF to rescue the banks."
"The location of the vigil - at the National Monument, inscribed with the names of those who led the struggle for Irish freedom from 1798 onwards - was particularly symbolic." "People do not want Brian Cowen clinging to power until some time in January, so that he can wreak even more devastation on the country with a slash-and-burn budget. They want Fianna Fail out and an election now." "People deserve the chance to choose alternative policies that will stimulate the economy and provide jobs, not more of the same failed policies of the last two years."
"We will be protesting again outside City Hall Wednesday night, where councillors will be considering a budget that looks set to impose savage cutbacks in local services. Once again we invite the people of Cork to join us. It is time to stand up. We cannot sit on our hands and watch as our sovereignty is pawned in the interests of foreign bondholders and the economic prospects of our children are destroyed." For further information or comment contact Cllr Chris O'Leary 087/2794307
Sinn Féin had originally invited people to attend a protest vigil at the National Monument at 6pm. However when large numbers turned up it was decided to march through the Grand Parade and Patrick Street, in the course of which many more members of the public joined in. The rally was addressed by Sinn Féin Cllrs Jonathan O'Brien and Chris O'Leary, as well as economist Tom O'Connor. Speaking afterwards, Cllr O'Leary said: "The turnout for last night's protest, which was organised at less than a day's notice, demonstrates the anger that is out there at the way the government, having brought the country to its knees, has now sold our sovereignty to the EU and IMF to rescue the banks."
"The location of the vigil - at the National Monument, inscribed with the names of those who led the struggle for Irish freedom from 1798 onwards - was particularly symbolic." "People do not want Brian Cowen clinging to power until some time in January, so that he can wreak even more devastation on the country with a slash-and-burn budget. They want Fianna Fail out and an election now." "People deserve the chance to choose alternative policies that will stimulate the economy and provide jobs, not more of the same failed policies of the last two years."
"We will be protesting again outside City Hall Wednesday night, where councillors will be considering a budget that looks set to impose savage cutbacks in local services. Once again we invite the people of Cork to join us. It is time to stand up. We cannot sit on our hands and watch as our sovereignty is pawned in the interests of foreign bondholders and the economic prospects of our children are destroyed." For further information or comment contact Cllr Chris O'Leary 087/2794307
Government Has No Authority To Pass Budget- O'Brien
Government Has No Authority to Pass Budget
Sinn Féin councillor Jonathan O'Brien has said the government has no authority to pass a budget on 7th December and should resign and call a general election. To take such fundamental decisions on the economy now without consulting the people would be tantamount to treason.
Cllr O'Brien said: "Brian Cowen's statement yesterday evening beggars belief." "This man his lost the confidence of his coalition partners, his own backbenchers and the independents who had been supporting his government. Due to his monumental mismanagement of the economy, the IMF are sitting in the Department of Finance, dictating the terms of our next four budgets. Yet he is determined to cling on to power until he has completed the job of wrecking our economy by intorducing a deflationary budget and tying us into a deal with the EU and IMF." "Brian Cowen and Fianna Fáil no longer have the authority to do this. Their mandate has run out.
They are a shadow government which has lost any shred of respect or trust from the people." "To pass a budget now without an election first would be an act of treason." "The people must be given an oportunity to make themselves heard. There needs to be a general election where voters are offered a real choice - between the failed policies of austerity and a strategy of stimulating job creation and gowth." "There is still time to choose a better way.
The IMF are coming in to bail out the banks and their bondholders, not the state. We can force the bondholders to take their losses and maintain our economic sovereignty. We need an election now before Brian Cowen forces us into an economic straightjacket for the next four years." For further information or comment contact Cllr Jonathan O'Brien @ 085-2133907
Sinn Féin councillor Jonathan O'Brien has said the government has no authority to pass a budget on 7th December and should resign and call a general election. To take such fundamental decisions on the economy now without consulting the people would be tantamount to treason.
Cllr O'Brien said: "Brian Cowen's statement yesterday evening beggars belief." "This man his lost the confidence of his coalition partners, his own backbenchers and the independents who had been supporting his government. Due to his monumental mismanagement of the economy, the IMF are sitting in the Department of Finance, dictating the terms of our next four budgets. Yet he is determined to cling on to power until he has completed the job of wrecking our economy by intorducing a deflationary budget and tying us into a deal with the EU and IMF." "Brian Cowen and Fianna Fáil no longer have the authority to do this. Their mandate has run out.
They are a shadow government which has lost any shred of respect or trust from the people." "To pass a budget now without an election first would be an act of treason." "The people must be given an oportunity to make themselves heard. There needs to be a general election where voters are offered a real choice - between the failed policies of austerity and a strategy of stimulating job creation and gowth." "There is still time to choose a better way.
The IMF are coming in to bail out the banks and their bondholders, not the state. We can force the bondholders to take their losses and maintain our economic sovereignty. We need an election now before Brian Cowen forces us into an economic straightjacket for the next four years." For further information or comment contact Cllr Jonathan O'Brien @ 085-2133907
Monday, November 22, 2010
Hands Off The Minimum Wage- O'Brien
Hands Off the Minimum Wage
Sinn Féin councillor Jonathan O’Brien has strongly criticised government plans to reduce the minimum wage by up to 13% as part it four-year economic strategy.
Cllr O’Brien said:
“In the same breath as he announced that the government is requesting an IMF and EU bailout so they can channel further billions into the country’s banks, Brian Lenihan flagged up his intention to attack the lowest paid Irish workers by reducing the minimum wage.”
“It appears that while the bankers who caused this crisis are protected even at the cost of putting the country’s sovereignty in pawn to the IMF, low paid workers are to take the hit on their behalf. We can afford to pay the bondholders at Ango-Irish every cent they gambled on the Irish property bubble, but €8.65 an hour is too much to pay the workers who actually produce the country’s wealth. When this is the kind of Alice-in-wonderland thinking that passes for economic policy with the government, is it any wonder the country is in crisis?”
“Cutting the minimum wage is not only unjust – it does not make economic sense. Less money in the pockets of low paid workers means less money to spend in local shops and on local services. It will result in fewer jobs and lower growth,”
“The government argues that our minimum wage is the second-highest in Europe, but conveniently ignores the reality that we have one of the highest costs of living in the EU – largely due to their failure to take on cosy cartels of retailers and service-providers during the Celtic Tiger. In the past year prices of many basic necessities have gone up, not down.”
“The government’s whole strategy for the past two years has been to force workers and the most vulnerable in society to bear the burden while doing everything possible to protect the banks. This approach has failed and will fail again. The minimum wage must be protected. This government must go. We cannot continue to pay the price for their vandalism of the economy.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Jonathan O’Brien @ 085-2133907
Sinn Féin councillor Jonathan O’Brien has strongly criticised government plans to reduce the minimum wage by up to 13% as part it four-year economic strategy.
Cllr O’Brien said:
“In the same breath as he announced that the government is requesting an IMF and EU bailout so they can channel further billions into the country’s banks, Brian Lenihan flagged up his intention to attack the lowest paid Irish workers by reducing the minimum wage.”
“It appears that while the bankers who caused this crisis are protected even at the cost of putting the country’s sovereignty in pawn to the IMF, low paid workers are to take the hit on their behalf. We can afford to pay the bondholders at Ango-Irish every cent they gambled on the Irish property bubble, but €8.65 an hour is too much to pay the workers who actually produce the country’s wealth. When this is the kind of Alice-in-wonderland thinking that passes for economic policy with the government, is it any wonder the country is in crisis?”
“Cutting the minimum wage is not only unjust – it does not make economic sense. Less money in the pockets of low paid workers means less money to spend in local shops and on local services. It will result in fewer jobs and lower growth,”
“The government argues that our minimum wage is the second-highest in Europe, but conveniently ignores the reality that we have one of the highest costs of living in the EU – largely due to their failure to take on cosy cartels of retailers and service-providers during the Celtic Tiger. In the past year prices of many basic necessities have gone up, not down.”
“The government’s whole strategy for the past two years has been to force workers and the most vulnerable in society to bear the burden while doing everything possible to protect the banks. This approach has failed and will fail again. The minimum wage must be protected. This government must go. We cannot continue to pay the price for their vandalism of the economy.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Jonathan O’Brien @ 085-2133907
Ireland is Not For Sale- Protest at IMF/ECB Bailout
Ireland is Not For Sale - Protest at IMF/ECB Bailout
Sinn Féin Councillor Chris O’Leary has announced details of a vigil to be held at 6pm this evening at the National Monument on the Grand Parade to protest against the IMF/ECB bailout.
Councillor O’Leary said his party is mobilising today in protest in towns and villages across Ireland in opposition to a bailout that will further indebt the Irish people. He described yesterday as a dark today for Ireland, when the country’s sovereignty was put in pawn to bail out the banks and international bondholders. Describing last night’s hastily arranged press conference by Brian Cowen and Brian Lenihan as a farce that was without figures, without facts, without resignations and without shame, he called on the Taoiseach to do the decent thing and resign.
Cllr O’Leary concluded by encouraging as many people as possible to join a series of events which Sinn Féin is organising to protest against the bailout. As well as a candlelight vigil at the National Monument at 6pm, the party is to protest outside the GPO at 1pm today.
For further information or comment contact Cllr Chris O’Leary @ 087/2794307
Irish Sovereignty is Pawned to Bail Out Bondholders
Irish Sovereignty is Pawned to Bail out Bondholders
In a joint statement, Sinn Féin’s five members of Cork City Council, Cllr Jonathan O’Brien, Cllr Chris O’Leary, Cllr Fiona Kerins, Cllr Henry Cremin and Cllr Thomas Gould, have slammed yesterday’s acceptance of an IMF/EU bailout as placing Irish sovereignty in pawn to rescue the banks and international bondholders.
They said:
“This is not a bailout for the Irish people or the Irish state. It is a rescue package for the banks and the international bondholders who lent to them, with the Irish taxpayer footing the bill.”
“The Fianna Fail/Green Government has no political authority and no democratic mandate to agree this deal in the name of the Irish people and to impose further massive debt on this and future generations.”
“The cost of this so-called “bailout” will be savage cutbacks that will plunge large sections of the Irish people into poverty. Already there are suggestions the minimum wage will be cut by 13%, social welfare payments will be slashed further, low-paid workers will be drawn into the tax net, and health and education spending will be cut to the bone.”
“Even these proposed cutbacks may not be savage enough for the IMF and the EU and if so, they will be deepened further.”
“Irish sovereignty, which was purchased with generations of sacrifice and by the lives of our patriot men and women, has now been put into pawn to bail out bankers and international bondholders.”
“Even at this late stage, there is an alternative. The Cabinet should resign and there should be a general election. A new government could burn the bondholders and introduce a budget that would stimulate the economy and focus on job creation and growth."
For further information or comment contact Cllr Chris O’Leary @ 087-2794307 or Cllr Jonathan O'Brien @ 085-2133907.
In a joint statement, Sinn Féin’s five members of Cork City Council, Cllr Jonathan O’Brien, Cllr Chris O’Leary, Cllr Fiona Kerins, Cllr Henry Cremin and Cllr Thomas Gould, have slammed yesterday’s acceptance of an IMF/EU bailout as placing Irish sovereignty in pawn to rescue the banks and international bondholders.
They said:
“This is not a bailout for the Irish people or the Irish state. It is a rescue package for the banks and the international bondholders who lent to them, with the Irish taxpayer footing the bill.”
“The Fianna Fail/Green Government has no political authority and no democratic mandate to agree this deal in the name of the Irish people and to impose further massive debt on this and future generations.”
“The cost of this so-called “bailout” will be savage cutbacks that will plunge large sections of the Irish people into poverty. Already there are suggestions the minimum wage will be cut by 13%, social welfare payments will be slashed further, low-paid workers will be drawn into the tax net, and health and education spending will be cut to the bone.”
“Even these proposed cutbacks may not be savage enough for the IMF and the EU and if so, they will be deepened further.”
“Irish sovereignty, which was purchased with generations of sacrifice and by the lives of our patriot men and women, has now been put into pawn to bail out bankers and international bondholders.”
“Even at this late stage, there is an alternative. The Cabinet should resign and there should be a general election. A new government could burn the bondholders and introduce a budget that would stimulate the economy and focus on job creation and growth."
For further information or comment contact Cllr Chris O’Leary @ 087-2794307 or Cllr Jonathan O'Brien @ 085-2133907.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Government Has No Authority to Negotiate Bailout
Government Has No Authority to Negotiate Bailout
Sinn Féin’s councillor Jonathan O’Brien has said the government has lost all authority and should call a general election rather than tying the country into an agreement with the IMF and the EU bailout fund which would further damage the economy.
He was speaking in advance of the party’s day of action tomorrow, which will see Sinn Féin activists across the state taking to the streets to protest against the government’s disastrous economic policies and to highlight the party’s march on Leinster House on 4th December. Sinn Féin in Cork will hold a protest at Daunt Square at 1pm.
Cllr O’Brien said:
“Today is a black day in the history of our country. This government has brought down on the heads of the Irish people an economic disaster of unprecedented proportions. Their mismanagement has turned one of the most successful economies in the world into a ward of the IMF and seriously compromised the independence we fought so hard to achieve. They cannot now be trusted to do a deal with the IMF on our behalf. The government has lost all authority and should resign immediately.”
“The intervention of the IMF means a serious loss of control over our economy. Not only does it pose a threat to our 12.5% corporation tax rate, a bailout will mean even more savage cuts to health, education, public service jobs and social welfare as well as tax increases for the lower paid and the fire sale of state assets. All this to bail out the banks with further billions, for which the Irish people will have to pay the price.”
“The tragedy is that this need not have happened. If the Government had burned the bondholders, set up a state bank and pursued a real plan for economic recovery there would be no call for any such bailout. It can still be avoided.
“This government does not have the authority to negotiate a bailout package with the EU and IMF on our behalf. We need an immediate General Election before Fianna Fail and the Greens condemn Ireland to another decade of economic stagnation.”
“Sinn Féin is holding a day of action across the country tomorrow to protest against the government’s destruction of the Irish economy and highlight the reality that there is a better way. In Cork we will be gathering at Daunt Square at 1pm and we invite members of the public to join us.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Jonathan O’Brien @ 085-2133907
Sinn Féin’s councillor Jonathan O’Brien has said the government has lost all authority and should call a general election rather than tying the country into an agreement with the IMF and the EU bailout fund which would further damage the economy.
He was speaking in advance of the party’s day of action tomorrow, which will see Sinn Féin activists across the state taking to the streets to protest against the government’s disastrous economic policies and to highlight the party’s march on Leinster House on 4th December. Sinn Féin in Cork will hold a protest at Daunt Square at 1pm.
Cllr O’Brien said:
“Today is a black day in the history of our country. This government has brought down on the heads of the Irish people an economic disaster of unprecedented proportions. Their mismanagement has turned one of the most successful economies in the world into a ward of the IMF and seriously compromised the independence we fought so hard to achieve. They cannot now be trusted to do a deal with the IMF on our behalf. The government has lost all authority and should resign immediately.”
“The intervention of the IMF means a serious loss of control over our economy. Not only does it pose a threat to our 12.5% corporation tax rate, a bailout will mean even more savage cuts to health, education, public service jobs and social welfare as well as tax increases for the lower paid and the fire sale of state assets. All this to bail out the banks with further billions, for which the Irish people will have to pay the price.”
“The tragedy is that this need not have happened. If the Government had burned the bondholders, set up a state bank and pursued a real plan for economic recovery there would be no call for any such bailout. It can still be avoided.
“This government does not have the authority to negotiate a bailout package with the EU and IMF on our behalf. We need an immediate General Election before Fianna Fail and the Greens condemn Ireland to another decade of economic stagnation.”
“Sinn Féin is holding a day of action across the country tomorrow to protest against the government’s destruction of the Irish economy and highlight the reality that there is a better way. In Cork we will be gathering at Daunt Square at 1pm and we invite members of the public to join us.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Jonathan O’Brien @ 085-2133907
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Public Lecture- 'The Story of the 1980 Hungerstrike'
'The story of the 1980 Hungerstrike protest'
A lecture detailing the story of the 1980 Hungerstrike will take place at Gurranabraher Community Centre (The Hut) on Friday 19th November at 7.30pm, organised by the Phoenix Historical Society, hosting the event is local Cllr Thomas Gould who said:
" This lecture gives people interested in that period of our history a unique opportunity to hear the story of the 1980 Hungerstrike in the H-Blocks and Armagh Women's Prison by the people that were there, we are delighted to have Síle Darragh, Seanna Breathnach & Leo Green as our speakers,all who were on the blanket protest in that period, indeed Leo was on Hungerstrike for 53 days before the protest was ended, recently events were held In Cork to mark the 90th aniversary of the deaths on Hungerstrike of Terence MacSwiney & Joe Murphy I would invite the public to come along and hear the stories of a later generation of political prisoners who felt compelled to follow their example'.
For more information contact Cllr Thomas Gould @ 087-3021551
A lecture detailing the story of the 1980 Hungerstrike will take place at Gurranabraher Community Centre (The Hut) on Friday 19th November at 7.30pm, organised by the Phoenix Historical Society, hosting the event is local Cllr Thomas Gould who said:
" This lecture gives people interested in that period of our history a unique opportunity to hear the story of the 1980 Hungerstrike in the H-Blocks and Armagh Women's Prison by the people that were there, we are delighted to have Síle Darragh, Seanna Breathnach & Leo Green as our speakers,all who were on the blanket protest in that period, indeed Leo was on Hungerstrike for 53 days before the protest was ended, recently events were held In Cork to mark the 90th aniversary of the deaths on Hungerstrike of Terence MacSwiney & Joe Murphy I would invite the public to come along and hear the stories of a later generation of political prisoners who felt compelled to follow their example'.
For more information contact Cllr Thomas Gould @ 087-3021551
Saturday, November 13, 2010
90th Anniversary commemoration of Vol Eugene O'Connell-
A commemoration marking the 90th anniversary of the killing of Vol Eugene O'Connell by British Armed Forces will take place on Sunday 14th November 1.15pm assemble at St.Joseph's cemetery Ballyphehane Cork, speaker Cllr Fiona Kerins, organised by the Phoenix Historical Society.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Council Needs Stronger Powers Against Anti-Social Tenants-Cllr Chris O'Leary
Council Needs Stronger Powers against Anti-Social Tenants
Sinn Féin Councillor Chris O’Leary has called for the local authority to be given stronger powers to tackle anti-social tenants.
Reacting to the publication of the council’s new strategy for dealing with anti-social behaviour last night, Cllr O’Leary stated:
“This is a positive document with a lot of good ideas. It lays out clearly how the council plans to deal with complaints of anti-social behaviour, including against council tenants. The kind of clear and transparent procedure laid out in this document is badly needed.”
“My concern is that national legislation in this area has yet to catch up with the council’s thinking. The fact is the Housing Act is not designed to make it easy for local authorities to evict anti-social tenants. On the contrary, we are all well aware of cases that have dragged through the courts for months without reaching a successful resolution.”
“As we speak, law-abiding citizens in certain estates in this city are being terrorised by a small minority of anti-social thugs who make the lives of their neighbours a misery. It is simply not acceptable that decent families should be unable to occupy their homes in peace because the council does not have the powers to deal effectively with anti-social elements. While I welcome today’s proposals I also believe we need a change in national legislation to make it easier for councils to evict problem tenants from their properties.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Chris O’Leary @ 087-2794307
Sinn Féin Councillor Chris O’Leary has called for the local authority to be given stronger powers to tackle anti-social tenants.
Reacting to the publication of the council’s new strategy for dealing with anti-social behaviour last night, Cllr O’Leary stated:
“This is a positive document with a lot of good ideas. It lays out clearly how the council plans to deal with complaints of anti-social behaviour, including against council tenants. The kind of clear and transparent procedure laid out in this document is badly needed.”
“My concern is that national legislation in this area has yet to catch up with the council’s thinking. The fact is the Housing Act is not designed to make it easy for local authorities to evict anti-social tenants. On the contrary, we are all well aware of cases that have dragged through the courts for months without reaching a successful resolution.”
“As we speak, law-abiding citizens in certain estates in this city are being terrorised by a small minority of anti-social thugs who make the lives of their neighbours a misery. It is simply not acceptable that decent families should be unable to occupy their homes in peace because the council does not have the powers to deal effectively with anti-social elements. While I welcome today’s proposals I also believe we need a change in national legislation to make it easier for councils to evict problem tenants from their properties.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Chris O’Leary @ 087-2794307
Welcome for Events to Commemorate MacSwiney and MacCurtain- Cllr Thomas Gould
Welcome for Events to Commemorate MacSwiney and MacCurtain
Sinn Féin councillor Thomas Gould has congratulated council officials and staff on the programme of events put together to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the deaths of Lord Mayors Terence MacSwiney and Tomás MacCurtain.
Cllr Gould said:
“Some months ago the council agreed, on foot of a motion from myself, that it should put together a programme of events to mark the 90th anniversary of the deaths of Terence MacSwiney and Tomás MacCurtain – two of the greatest names in Ireland’s struggle for freedom, who were natives of our city and who held its highest office.”
“Last night the council heard excerpts from the minutes of council meetings in 1920, and today there is an exhibition in City Hall commemorating the life and times of MacSwiney and MacCurtain. A commemorative mass will take place in the North Cathedral on Sunday.”
”I would like to thank all involved in organising these events and making them a fitting commemoration of two great Irishmen.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Thomas Gould @ 087-3021551
Sinn Féin councillor Thomas Gould has congratulated council officials and staff on the programme of events put together to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the deaths of Lord Mayors Terence MacSwiney and Tomás MacCurtain.
Cllr Gould said:
“Some months ago the council agreed, on foot of a motion from myself, that it should put together a programme of events to mark the 90th anniversary of the deaths of Terence MacSwiney and Tomás MacCurtain – two of the greatest names in Ireland’s struggle for freedom, who were natives of our city and who held its highest office.”
“Last night the council heard excerpts from the minutes of council meetings in 1920, and today there is an exhibition in City Hall commemorating the life and times of MacSwiney and MacCurtain. A commemorative mass will take place in the North Cathedral on Sunday.”
”I would like to thank all involved in organising these events and making them a fitting commemoration of two great Irishmen.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Thomas Gould @ 087-3021551
Concern Over Closure Of Glen Local Housing Office
Concern Over Closure of Glen Local Housing Office
Sinn Féin councillor Thomas Gould has condemned the closure of the local housing office in The Glen, which was only revealed to councillors last night.
“This decision is bad for the community and will seriously inconvenience many Glen Residents” stated Cllr Gould.
“Instead of being able to talk to a local housing officer who is familiar with their community they will be forced to journey into the city or ring City Hall. There they will have to face the red tape and delay that seems to be the trademark of the council’s housing department.”
“It is also alarming that local councillors were not consulted or informed about this decision until last night.”
“This is just one more example of cutbacks that are hurting ordinary people at a time when the government has funnelled €50 billion into the country’s banks.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Thomas Gould @ 087-3021551
Sinn Féin councillor Thomas Gould has condemned the closure of the local housing office in The Glen, which was only revealed to councillors last night.
“This decision is bad for the community and will seriously inconvenience many Glen Residents” stated Cllr Gould.
“Instead of being able to talk to a local housing officer who is familiar with their community they will be forced to journey into the city or ring City Hall. There they will have to face the red tape and delay that seems to be the trademark of the council’s housing department.”
“It is also alarming that local councillors were not consulted or informed about this decision until last night.”
“This is just one more example of cutbacks that are hurting ordinary people at a time when the government has funnelled €50 billion into the country’s banks.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Thomas Gould @ 087-3021551
Council Must Publicise Winter Emergency Number
Council Must Publicise Winter Emergency Number
Sinn Féin councillor Henry Cremin has welcomed a report from the City Manager on preparations for severe winter conditions like those experienced last year, but said the council’s emergency number should be publicly advertised.
In response to a question from Cllr Cremin, the council stated it currently has 130 tonnes of salt in stock and this will be supplemented in coming weeks. Two new salt spreaders are due for delivery in the next few weeks, and a salting route has been laid out which prioritises main traffic routes, bus routes and areas adjacent to hospitals and schools. The council has a 24-hour emergency number in place for members of the public concerned over icy roads or paths, burst pipes, or other problems. There is also a freefone number held in reserve for activation during any major emergency.
While welcoming the measures taken by the council to deal with a repeat of the adverse weather conditions of last year, Cllr Cremin said “The council should publicise the existing 24-hour emergency number more widely rather than simply publishing it on its website, where most of the population of the city have no idea of its existence. An advertising campaign in the local newspapers and on local radio would alert people, particularly the elderly, to the fact there is an emergency service from the council if they need it over the coming winter.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Henry Cremin @ 086-2662874 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 086-2662874 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Sinn Féin councillor Henry Cremin has welcomed a report from the City Manager on preparations for severe winter conditions like those experienced last year, but said the council’s emergency number should be publicly advertised.
In response to a question from Cllr Cremin, the council stated it currently has 130 tonnes of salt in stock and this will be supplemented in coming weeks. Two new salt spreaders are due for delivery in the next few weeks, and a salting route has been laid out which prioritises main traffic routes, bus routes and areas adjacent to hospitals and schools. The council has a 24-hour emergency number in place for members of the public concerned over icy roads or paths, burst pipes, or other problems. There is also a freefone number held in reserve for activation during any major emergency.
While welcoming the measures taken by the council to deal with a repeat of the adverse weather conditions of last year, Cllr Cremin said “The council should publicise the existing 24-hour emergency number more widely rather than simply publishing it on its website, where most of the population of the city have no idea of its existence. An advertising campaign in the local newspapers and on local radio would alert people, particularly the elderly, to the fact there is an emergency service from the council if they need it over the coming winter.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Henry Cremin @ 086-2662874 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 086-2662874 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Thursday, November 4, 2010
O'Brien Welcomes TASC Analysis of Budget Proposals
O’Brien Welcomes TASC Analysis of Budget Proposals
Sinn Féin Cllr Jonathan O’Brien has welcomed the analysis of the party’s budget proposals by economist Michael Taft of TASC, and said they indicate once again the possibility of creating a progressive alliance as an alternative to the consensus for cuts.
Writing on the Progressive Economy blog, Michael Taft wrote: “With the political consensus obsessed with a €15 billion deflationary juggernaut, it’s a relief that one party gets it. Sinn Fein’s pre-budget submission argues for a major stimulus programme combined with a growth-friendly consolidation package that, taken together, would increase growth and job creation. This would put deficit-reduction on a sustainable path, unlike the calls for contraction which could land the economy in what the ESRI calls a ‘deflationary cycle’. (http://www.progressive-economy.ie/2010/11/at-least-one-party-gets-it.html)
Cllr O’Brien said:
“Michael Taft’s comments reflect the views of a growing number of independent economists, as well as those in the trade union movement and the community and voluntary sector that the strategy of cuts has failed. The government has already imposed three hairshirt budgets and the only result has been to shrink the economy further.”
“There is an alternative – an economic strategy focused on job creation, an economic stimulus, and an end to NAMA and the bank bailout.”
“Instead of cutting social welfare payments, taxing low paid workers and decimating services, Sinn Féin would reduce the deficit by taxing some of the huge amount of wealth that remains in the country. Instead of further deflating the economy we are proposing a €7 billion stimulus package.”
“Instead of pouring more money into zombie banks we want to invest in the country’s infrastructure and create jobs”
“We reject the entirely artificial 2014 deadline for reducing the budget deficit to 3% and want the timescale for the correction extended to 2016.”
“Full details of our pre-budget submission can be read at http://www.sinnfein.ie/files/Pre-Budget2010_web.pdf”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Jonathan O’Brien @ 085-2133907
Sinn Féin Pre-Budget Submission – Headline Figures
— Costed by department of finance and leading economists
— Reduce deficit by €4.6 billion
— Finance a 3.5 year stimulus package of €7.5 billion
Top Three Revenue-Raising Ideas
— Standardise all discretionary tax reliefs - €1.1 billion
— Wealth tax of 1% on all property in excess of €1 million, excluding primary residences and farmland - €1 billion
— Third tax rate of 48% on individual incomes in excess of €100,000 - €410 million
Top Three Savings Proposals
— Cap public salaries at €100,000 - €350 million
— Charge private patients the full cost of public beds - €305 million
— Move to generic drugs across the health service - €200 million
Key Points in Stimulus Package
— Funded by €600 million from revenue-raising and saving measures plus €7 billion transfer from Pension Reserve Fund
— €4 billion for labour intensive infrastructure over 3.5 years
— Return Christmas bonus - €226 million
— Ease recruitment embargo - €150 million
— Make tax credits refundable - €140 million
Sinn Féin Cllr Jonathan O’Brien has welcomed the analysis of the party’s budget proposals by economist Michael Taft of TASC, and said they indicate once again the possibility of creating a progressive alliance as an alternative to the consensus for cuts.
Writing on the Progressive Economy blog, Michael Taft wrote: “With the political consensus obsessed with a €15 billion deflationary juggernaut, it’s a relief that one party gets it. Sinn Fein’s pre-budget submission argues for a major stimulus programme combined with a growth-friendly consolidation package that, taken together, would increase growth and job creation. This would put deficit-reduction on a sustainable path, unlike the calls for contraction which could land the economy in what the ESRI calls a ‘deflationary cycle’. (http://www.progressive-economy.ie/2010/11/at-least-one-party-gets-it.html)
Cllr O’Brien said:
“Michael Taft’s comments reflect the views of a growing number of independent economists, as well as those in the trade union movement and the community and voluntary sector that the strategy of cuts has failed. The government has already imposed three hairshirt budgets and the only result has been to shrink the economy further.”
“There is an alternative – an economic strategy focused on job creation, an economic stimulus, and an end to NAMA and the bank bailout.”
“Instead of cutting social welfare payments, taxing low paid workers and decimating services, Sinn Féin would reduce the deficit by taxing some of the huge amount of wealth that remains in the country. Instead of further deflating the economy we are proposing a €7 billion stimulus package.”
“Instead of pouring more money into zombie banks we want to invest in the country’s infrastructure and create jobs”
“We reject the entirely artificial 2014 deadline for reducing the budget deficit to 3% and want the timescale for the correction extended to 2016.”
“Full details of our pre-budget submission can be read at http://www.sinnfein.ie/files/Pre-Budget2010_web.pdf”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Jonathan O’Brien @ 085-2133907
Sinn Féin Pre-Budget Submission – Headline Figures
— Costed by department of finance and leading economists
— Reduce deficit by €4.6 billion
— Finance a 3.5 year stimulus package of €7.5 billion
Top Three Revenue-Raising Ideas
— Standardise all discretionary tax reliefs - €1.1 billion
— Wealth tax of 1% on all property in excess of €1 million, excluding primary residences and farmland - €1 billion
— Third tax rate of 48% on individual incomes in excess of €100,000 - €410 million
Top Three Savings Proposals
— Cap public salaries at €100,000 - €350 million
— Charge private patients the full cost of public beds - €305 million
— Move to generic drugs across the health service - €200 million
Key Points in Stimulus Package
— Funded by €600 million from revenue-raising and saving measures plus €7 billion transfer from Pension Reserve Fund
— €4 billion for labour intensive infrastructure over 3.5 years
— Return Christmas bonus - €226 million
— Ease recruitment embargo - €150 million
— Make tax credits refundable - €140 million
Emigration is Government's Substitute For Job Creation
Emigration is Government's Substitute for Job Creation
Speaking after yesterday’s release of the Live Register figures for October, Sinn Féin Councillor and Cork South Central general election candidate Chris O’Leary accused the government of relying on emigration to mask unemployment figures in the absence of a proper job creation strategy.
Cllr O’Leary stated:
“Yesterday the government were congratulating themselves for a significant reduction in the live register. Yet the figures show quite clearly that this reduction is due to emigration, not an increase in employment.”
“5,741 young people under 25 have left the live register within the last month. Does anyone really believe they are flowing into jobs? The savage cuts to young people’s unemployment benefit at the last budget provided a further incentive for them to leave the country. Sadly, encouraging emigration appears to be the best strategy the government can come up with for reducing the live register.”
“Emigration is a blight on our country. Ireland cannot afford the loss of these highly skilled young people from our shores. Rather than further decimating the economy, the government should use next month’s budget to create jobs, stimulate the economy, and retain our young people”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Chris O’Leary @ 087-2794307
Speaking after yesterday’s release of the Live Register figures for October, Sinn Féin Councillor and Cork South Central general election candidate Chris O’Leary accused the government of relying on emigration to mask unemployment figures in the absence of a proper job creation strategy.
Cllr O’Leary stated:
“Yesterday the government were congratulating themselves for a significant reduction in the live register. Yet the figures show quite clearly that this reduction is due to emigration, not an increase in employment.”
“5,741 young people under 25 have left the live register within the last month. Does anyone really believe they are flowing into jobs? The savage cuts to young people’s unemployment benefit at the last budget provided a further incentive for them to leave the country. Sadly, encouraging emigration appears to be the best strategy the government can come up with for reducing the live register.”
“Emigration is a blight on our country. Ireland cannot afford the loss of these highly skilled young people from our shores. Rather than further decimating the economy, the government should use next month’s budget to create jobs, stimulate the economy, and retain our young people”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Chris O’Leary @ 087-2794307
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Sinn Féin Election Candidates Welcome High-Court Judgement
Sinn Féin Election Candidates Welcome High-Court Judgement
November 3, 2010
Sinn Féin General Election Candidates Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North-Central) & Chris O'Leary (Cork South-Central) have welcomed today's High Court Judgement and have added their calls for a General Election:
O'Brien & O'Leary said: "Is well past time now the Government called a General Election and let the people have their say, its our view a clear radical alternative is needed to the consenus of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael & Labour on the economy, its Sinn Féin's intention to offer that alternative in the upcoming election".
Earlier today the High Court ruled in favour of Pearse Doherty's challenge against the Government’s delay in holding the Donegal South West by-election, Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty said the game is now up for the Government and that the Taoiseach should call a General Election.
Senator Doherty said today’s judgement is a victory for the people of Donegal South West who have been politically underrepresented for the past year-and-a-half.
Pearse Doherty said:
“I was forced to bring the Government kicking and screaming before the courts over its denial of democracy.
“Today’s decision is a great victory for the people of Donegal South West who have been politically underrepresented for the past year-and-a-half.
“It is a victory for democracy itself.
“That the Government chose to waste taxpayers’ money fighting this case is a disgrace.
“Today’s court decision has struck a fatal blow to the life of this Government.
“With three other by-elections now due, the Government has little if any prospect of survival. The game is now up.
“The Taoiseach should now do the right thing and call a General Election.
“I want to thank my legal team and everyone who sent messages of support particularly those from my own constituency who have been suffering from the dreadful policies of this Government.” ENDS
November 3, 2010
Sinn Féin General Election Candidates Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North-Central) & Chris O'Leary (Cork South-Central) have welcomed today's High Court Judgement and have added their calls for a General Election:
O'Brien & O'Leary said: "Is well past time now the Government called a General Election and let the people have their say, its our view a clear radical alternative is needed to the consenus of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael & Labour on the economy, its Sinn Féin's intention to offer that alternative in the upcoming election".
Earlier today the High Court ruled in favour of Pearse Doherty's challenge against the Government’s delay in holding the Donegal South West by-election, Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty said the game is now up for the Government and that the Taoiseach should call a General Election.
Senator Doherty said today’s judgement is a victory for the people of Donegal South West who have been politically underrepresented for the past year-and-a-half.
Pearse Doherty said:
“I was forced to bring the Government kicking and screaming before the courts over its denial of democracy.
“Today’s decision is a great victory for the people of Donegal South West who have been politically underrepresented for the past year-and-a-half.
“It is a victory for democracy itself.
“That the Government chose to waste taxpayers’ money fighting this case is a disgrace.
“Today’s court decision has struck a fatal blow to the life of this Government.
“With three other by-elections now due, the Government has little if any prospect of survival. The game is now up.
“The Taoiseach should now do the right thing and call a General Election.
“I want to thank my legal team and everyone who sent messages of support particularly those from my own constituency who have been suffering from the dreadful policies of this Government.” ENDS
Game is up for Government Following High Court- Doherty
Game is up for Government following High Court defeat – Doherty
November 3, 2010
Speaking today after the High Court ruled in favour of his challenge against the Government’s delay in holding the Donegal South West by-election, Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty said the game is now up for the Government and that the Taoiseach should call a General Election.
Senator Doherty said today’s judgement is a victory for the people of Donegal South West who have been politically underrepresented for the past year-and-a-half.
Pearse Doherty said:
“I was forced to bring the Government kicking and screaming before the courts over its denial of democracy.
“Today’s decision is a great victory for the people of Donegal South West who have been politically underrepresented for the past year-and-a-half.
“It is a victory for democracy itself.
“That the Government chose to waste taxpayers’ money fighting this case is a disgrace.
“Today’s court decision has struck a fatal blow to the life of this Government.
“With three other by-elections now due, the Government has little if any prospect of survival. The game is now up.
“The Taoiseach should now do the right thing and call a General Election.
“I want to thank my legal team and everyone who sent messages of support particularly those from my own constituency who have been suffering from the dreadful policies of this Government.” ENDS
November 3, 2010
Speaking today after the High Court ruled in favour of his challenge against the Government’s delay in holding the Donegal South West by-election, Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty said the game is now up for the Government and that the Taoiseach should call a General Election.
Senator Doherty said today’s judgement is a victory for the people of Donegal South West who have been politically underrepresented for the past year-and-a-half.
Pearse Doherty said:
“I was forced to bring the Government kicking and screaming before the courts over its denial of democracy.
“Today’s decision is a great victory for the people of Donegal South West who have been politically underrepresented for the past year-and-a-half.
“It is a victory for democracy itself.
“That the Government chose to waste taxpayers’ money fighting this case is a disgrace.
“Today’s court decision has struck a fatal blow to the life of this Government.
“With three other by-elections now due, the Government has little if any prospect of survival. The game is now up.
“The Taoiseach should now do the right thing and call a General Election.
“I want to thank my legal team and everyone who sent messages of support particularly those from my own constituency who have been suffering from the dreadful policies of this Government.” ENDS
Monday, November 1, 2010
Sinn Féin Launch Pre-Budget Submission
Sinn Féin Launch Pre-Budget Submission
Cork Sinn Féin general election candidates Jonathan O’Brien and Chris O’Leary have claimed there is an alternative to the strategy of budget cutbacks and that the government’s policies will cost jobs and drive the economy further into recession. They were speaking as the party launches its pre-budget submission this morning.
In a joint statement, they said:
“Sinn Féin this morning becomes the first party to set out its detailed pre-budget proposals. All our ideas have been costed by the Department of Finance and independent economists.”
“The government has already imposed three hairshirt budgets and the only result has been to shrink the economy further. There is a better way, and it is laid out in our proposals.”
“Instead of cutting social welfare payments, taxing low paid workers and decimating services, we propose to reduce the deficit by taxing some of the huge amount of wealth that remains in the country. Instead of further deflating the economy we are proposing a €7 billion stimulus package.”
“Instead of pouring more money into zombie banks we want to invest in the country’s infrastructure and create jobs”
“We reject the entirely artificial 2014 deadline for reducing the budget deficit to 3% and want the timescale for the correction extended to 2016.”
“The government, Fine Gael, and the Labour Party are united in a consensus for cuts. They disagree only over the details. Sinn Féin rejects that consensus – nor are we alone. Significant elements of the trade union movement, the community and voluntary sector, and independent economists share our analysis. The challenge now is to create an alternative consensus, one that will prioritise job creation, stimulating the economy and fairness rather than the failed policies of the past two years.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Chris O’Leary @ 087-2794307 or Cllr Jonathan O'Brien @ 085/2133907
Sinn Féin Pre-Budget Submission – Headline Figures
— Costed by department of finance and leading economists
— Reduce deficit by €4.6 billion
— Finance a 3.5 year stimulus package of €7.5 billion
Top Three Revenue-Raising Ideas
— Standardise all discretionary tax reliefs - €1.1 billion
— Wealth tax of 1% on all property in excess of €1 million, excluding primary residences and farmland - €1 billion
— Third tax rate of 48% on individual incomes in excess of €100,000 - €410 million
Top Three Savings Proposals
— Cap public salaries at €100,000 - €350 million
— Charge private patients the full cost of public beds - €305 million
— Move to generic drugs across the health service - €200 million
Key Points in Stimulus Package
— Funded by €600 million from revenue-raising and saving measures plus €7 billion transfer from Pension Reserve Fund
— €4 billion for labour intensive infrastructure over 3.5 years
— Return Christmas bonus - €226 million
— Ease recruitment embargo - €150 million
— Make tax credits refundable - €140 million
Cork Sinn Féin general election candidates Jonathan O’Brien and Chris O’Leary have claimed there is an alternative to the strategy of budget cutbacks and that the government’s policies will cost jobs and drive the economy further into recession. They were speaking as the party launches its pre-budget submission this morning.
In a joint statement, they said:
“Sinn Féin this morning becomes the first party to set out its detailed pre-budget proposals. All our ideas have been costed by the Department of Finance and independent economists.”
“The government has already imposed three hairshirt budgets and the only result has been to shrink the economy further. There is a better way, and it is laid out in our proposals.”
“Instead of cutting social welfare payments, taxing low paid workers and decimating services, we propose to reduce the deficit by taxing some of the huge amount of wealth that remains in the country. Instead of further deflating the economy we are proposing a €7 billion stimulus package.”
“Instead of pouring more money into zombie banks we want to invest in the country’s infrastructure and create jobs”
“We reject the entirely artificial 2014 deadline for reducing the budget deficit to 3% and want the timescale for the correction extended to 2016.”
“The government, Fine Gael, and the Labour Party are united in a consensus for cuts. They disagree only over the details. Sinn Féin rejects that consensus – nor are we alone. Significant elements of the trade union movement, the community and voluntary sector, and independent economists share our analysis. The challenge now is to create an alternative consensus, one that will prioritise job creation, stimulating the economy and fairness rather than the failed policies of the past two years.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Chris O’Leary @ 087-2794307 or Cllr Jonathan O'Brien @ 085/2133907
Sinn Féin Pre-Budget Submission – Headline Figures
— Costed by department of finance and leading economists
— Reduce deficit by €4.6 billion
— Finance a 3.5 year stimulus package of €7.5 billion
Top Three Revenue-Raising Ideas
— Standardise all discretionary tax reliefs - €1.1 billion
— Wealth tax of 1% on all property in excess of €1 million, excluding primary residences and farmland - €1 billion
— Third tax rate of 48% on individual incomes in excess of €100,000 - €410 million
Top Three Savings Proposals
— Cap public salaries at €100,000 - €350 million
— Charge private patients the full cost of public beds - €305 million
— Move to generic drugs across the health service - €200 million
Key Points in Stimulus Package
— Funded by €600 million from revenue-raising and saving measures plus €7 billion transfer from Pension Reserve Fund
— €4 billion for labour intensive infrastructure over 3.5 years
— Return Christmas bonus - €226 million
— Ease recruitment embargo - €150 million
— Make tax credits refundable - €140 million
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Ó Snodaigh Calls For Return of Christmas Bonus Social Welfare Payment
Ó Snodaigh calls for return of Christmas bonus social welfare payment
Sinn Féin Social Protection Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has called for the re-introduction of the Christmas bonus social welfare payment.
Speaking at a meeting of party activists and elected reps in Dublin today Deputy Ó Snodaigh said his party’s pre-budget submission, to be launched on Monday, will set out revenue raising proposals to fund all current social welfare rates and to re-introduce the Christmas bonus.
Deputy Ó Snodaigh said:
“Unlike the other parties Sinn Féin’s pre-budget submission is designed to protect the most vulnerable in our society while stimulating the economy and reducing the budget deficit.
“By ending wastages in public spending, eliminating tax loopholes and introducing new tax measures aimed at those who can afford to pay, Sinn Féin has identified the funding required to fund all current social welfare rates and to re-introduce the Christmas bonus payment.
“The withdrawal of the Christmas bonus payment last year was a cruel measure which caused much heartache and stress. It forced many families into the hands of unscrupulous money lenders and it will do so again this year unless the payment is re-introduced.
“Sinn Féin challenges the claim from the other political parties that there must be cutbacks in social welfare and that everybody must share in the pain. The fact is that these parties are targeting low and middle income earners rather than the wealth that is still in this state.
“We mustn’t lose sight of the fact that social welfare is an important economic stimulus that helps to retain and create jobs particularly at Christmas time.
“The true measure of any society is in how it treats its most vulnerable citizens. In the current economic crisis Sinn Féin seeks to protect the most vulnerable.” ENDS
Sinn Féin Social Protection Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has called for the re-introduction of the Christmas bonus social welfare payment.
Speaking at a meeting of party activists and elected reps in Dublin today Deputy Ó Snodaigh said his party’s pre-budget submission, to be launched on Monday, will set out revenue raising proposals to fund all current social welfare rates and to re-introduce the Christmas bonus.
Deputy Ó Snodaigh said:
“Unlike the other parties Sinn Féin’s pre-budget submission is designed to protect the most vulnerable in our society while stimulating the economy and reducing the budget deficit.
“By ending wastages in public spending, eliminating tax loopholes and introducing new tax measures aimed at those who can afford to pay, Sinn Féin has identified the funding required to fund all current social welfare rates and to re-introduce the Christmas bonus payment.
“The withdrawal of the Christmas bonus payment last year was a cruel measure which caused much heartache and stress. It forced many families into the hands of unscrupulous money lenders and it will do so again this year unless the payment is re-introduced.
“Sinn Féin challenges the claim from the other political parties that there must be cutbacks in social welfare and that everybody must share in the pain. The fact is that these parties are targeting low and middle income earners rather than the wealth that is still in this state.
“We mustn’t lose sight of the fact that social welfare is an important economic stimulus that helps to retain and create jobs particularly at Christmas time.
“The true measure of any society is in how it treats its most vulnerable citizens. In the current economic crisis Sinn Féin seeks to protect the most vulnerable.” ENDS
Adams Expresses Condolences on Death of Minister Micheál Martin's Daughter
Adams expresses condolences on death of Minister Martin’s daughter
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams this evening extended his deepest sympathy to Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin and his wife Mary on the death of their young daughter Léana.
Gerry Adams said:
“I was saddened to hear of the death of Léana, the young daughter of Micheál and Mary Martin. I want to extend my deepest sympathies and condolences to Minister Martin, to his wife Mary and to the entire Martin family.”
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams this evening extended his deepest sympathy to Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin and his wife Mary on the death of their young daughter Léana.
Gerry Adams said:
“I was saddened to hear of the death of Léana, the young daughter of Micheál and Mary Martin. I want to extend my deepest sympathies and condolences to Minister Martin, to his wife Mary and to the entire Martin family.”
Friday, October 29, 2010
Sinn Féin Selects Chris O'Leary for Cork South-Central
Sinn Féin Selects Chris O’Leary for South Central
Chris O’Leary was last night selected as Sinn Féin’s candidate to contest the next general election in Cork South Central.
Cllr O’Leary was selected unanimously after being proposed by Cllr Henry Cremin and seconded by Cllr Fiona Kerins. Afterwards, he told the well-attended convention:
“I am proud and honoured to be chosen to represent Sinn Féin in this election. My grandfather sat alongside Terence MacSwiney and Tomás MacCurtain as a Sinn Féin councillor ninety years ago. I hope we can summon up some of the courage and principle that animated their generation as we struggle to overcome our difficulties today.”
“The country faces a deep economic crisis, made worse by the corruption and mismanagement of the political elite. Four years ago Sinn Féin was arguing for a package of measures to curb speculation and reduce the price of building land; for rebalancing of the tax system towards taxes on incomes and on the wealthy; for proper regulation of the financial sector. If these policies had been implemented, the economic crisis would not have been as severe. This record, among other things, influenced my decision to join the party.”
“Today we see a consensus not just between Fianna Fáil and the Greens, but including Labour and Fine Gael, that at least €15 billion must be taken out of the economy over the next four years. This is despite the warnings of many economists that to do so will cost jobs, kill any prospect of growth, and send the economy into downward spiral. Sinn Féin is the only party which is not a part of that consensus. We believe that there is a better way.”
“That better way means putting money into job creation instead of into zombie banks. It means closing the deficit over six years, not four – as the ESRI recommends. It means placing the emphasis on tax increases for those who can pay, rather than cuts for those who cannot. It means ending the bank guarantee scheme and telling the bondholders at Anglo Irish that they must take their losses. It means stimulating the economy rather than further deflating it.”
“Sinn Féin is proposing a wealth tax on assets of over €1 million, excluding the family home, that would raise over €1 billion. We propose standardising all tax reliefs, raising a further €1.1 billion. We call for a 48% tax rate for those earning over €2,000 per week. These are just three of many detailed, costed proposals to increase revenue and save money. They prove there is an alternative to deflating the economy, punishing the poor, and driving down incomes and wages.”
“I want people to know that in the next election they have a choice other than between two cutbacks coalitions. Sinn Féin has experienced rapid growth in Cork South Central over the past five years. With three city councillors in the constituency we are now serious players. We are proud to stand outside the establishment’s consensus for cuts. Our message tonight is clear – if you want to break that consensus, if you believe there is a better way, vote for Sinn Féin.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Chris O’Leary @ 087-2794307
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Volunteer Paddy McCarthy Commemoration
Volunteer Paddy McCarthy Commemoration-90th Anniversary
This Sunday 2pm Millstreet, speaker Cllr Rachel McCarthy(Bandon)
MacCurtain/MacSwiney Republican Flute Band in attendance.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Sinn Féin to Call for Moratorium on Conferences
Sinn Féin to Call for Moratorium on Conferences
Speaking after last night’s City Council meeting, Sinn Féin councillor Chris O’Leary said the party will put forward a motion to the next meeting calling on the council to approve no further payments of conference expenses until an investigation of over-payments has taken place and the entire system is overhauled.
Cllr O’Leary said:
“There are serious questions to be asked about the regime of conference expenses in City Hall. A number of councillors have claimed substantially more for attending conferences in the past year than the already generous amounts allowed them by council. The council has also introduced a practice of retrospectively approving conference expenses for councillors who neglect to apply for funds before attending.”
“Last night I repeatedly requested clarification from the Manager as to whether some of the conference payments we as a council were being asked to approve were retrospective. I was overruled by the Lord Mayor, who insisted on railroading through approval of conference payments with the support of the pact parties.”
“Outside the council chamber, people are being faced with real hardship as a result of government cutbacks. December’s budget is likely to see further reductions in social welfare payments, increased taxes on lower income workers, and further cuts in services. In this climate it is simply scandalous that councillors from the very parties which are preaching austerity to ordinary people should be drawing down thousands of Euros to go around the country on junkets. And it beggars belief that they should seek to abuse this system to claim even more.”
“The Sinn Féin group on the council is now calling for a complete halt to conference payments until a full investigation of overpayments has taken place and an overhaul of the system has been carried out.”
For further information contact Cllr Chris O’Leary 087-2794307
Speaking after last night’s City Council meeting, Sinn Féin councillor Chris O’Leary said the party will put forward a motion to the next meeting calling on the council to approve no further payments of conference expenses until an investigation of over-payments has taken place and the entire system is overhauled.
Cllr O’Leary said:
“There are serious questions to be asked about the regime of conference expenses in City Hall. A number of councillors have claimed substantially more for attending conferences in the past year than the already generous amounts allowed them by council. The council has also introduced a practice of retrospectively approving conference expenses for councillors who neglect to apply for funds before attending.”
“Last night I repeatedly requested clarification from the Manager as to whether some of the conference payments we as a council were being asked to approve were retrospective. I was overruled by the Lord Mayor, who insisted on railroading through approval of conference payments with the support of the pact parties.”
“Outside the council chamber, people are being faced with real hardship as a result of government cutbacks. December’s budget is likely to see further reductions in social welfare payments, increased taxes on lower income workers, and further cuts in services. In this climate it is simply scandalous that councillors from the very parties which are preaching austerity to ordinary people should be drawing down thousands of Euros to go around the country on junkets. And it beggars belief that they should seek to abuse this system to claim even more.”
“The Sinn Féin group on the council is now calling for a complete halt to conference payments until a full investigation of overpayments has taken place and an overhaul of the system has been carried out.”
For further information contact Cllr Chris O’Leary 087-2794307
Majority of Grants Delayed Until December
Majority of Grants Delayed Until December
Cork City Council has yet to make a single payment under the Higher Education Grant Scheme this year, with the majority of claimants waiting until December or even later for their first instalment. In response to a question from Sinn Fein Councillor Fiona Kerins, the City Manager also revealed that of 574 new applications received this year, only 208 have been approved.
Commenting on the delay, Cllr Kerins said:
“The Manager’s response shows that not a single payment has been made to date under the Higher Education Grant scheme by Cork City Council. The first payment to both new applicants who have been approved and renewals will not be dispatched until the 5th November.”
“What is truly shocking is that of 574 new applications received under the 2010/2011 scheme, only 208 have been awarded the grant. Of the remainder, 60 applicants have been deemed ineligible, but 201 applications have been returned seeking further information. These and the 127 applications deemed “late” will receive no payment until December. The Higher Education Grant process is a bureaucratic nightmare and the majority of these applications have been stalled simply as a result of some minor technicality.”
“Students in receipt of the Higher Education Grant are by definition on low incomes. In the current climate, many of them will be mature students returning to education in order to upskill themselves and improve their prospects of gaining employment. Without the grant, some of these will be forced to drop out of college. I am calling on the city council to temporarily reassign staff from other duties to the Higher Education Grant Section in order to process the backlog and ensure payment of the grant as early as possible.”
For further information contact Cllr Fiona Kerins @ 085-1091758
Cork City Council has yet to make a single payment under the Higher Education Grant Scheme this year, with the majority of claimants waiting until December or even later for their first instalment. In response to a question from Sinn Fein Councillor Fiona Kerins, the City Manager also revealed that of 574 new applications received this year, only 208 have been approved.
Commenting on the delay, Cllr Kerins said:
“The Manager’s response shows that not a single payment has been made to date under the Higher Education Grant scheme by Cork City Council. The first payment to both new applicants who have been approved and renewals will not be dispatched until the 5th November.”
“What is truly shocking is that of 574 new applications received under the 2010/2011 scheme, only 208 have been awarded the grant. Of the remainder, 60 applicants have been deemed ineligible, but 201 applications have been returned seeking further information. These and the 127 applications deemed “late” will receive no payment until December. The Higher Education Grant process is a bureaucratic nightmare and the majority of these applications have been stalled simply as a result of some minor technicality.”
“Students in receipt of the Higher Education Grant are by definition on low incomes. In the current climate, many of them will be mature students returning to education in order to upskill themselves and improve their prospects of gaining employment. Without the grant, some of these will be forced to drop out of college. I am calling on the city council to temporarily reassign staff from other duties to the Higher Education Grant Section in order to process the backlog and ensure payment of the grant as early as possible.”
For further information contact Cllr Fiona Kerins @ 085-1091758
Council Must Show Stronger Commitment to Elderly Tenants
Council Must Show Stronger Commitment to Elderly Tenants
Cllr Henry Cremin last night expressed his disappointment at the Council’s failure to give a firm commitment to servicing the boilers of its elderly tenants this winter.
In response to a question from the Sinn Féin representative, council management stated they would arrange the servicing of gas central heating boilers for council tenants “subject to funding” and give priority to the elderly “as far as practical and within available resources”.
Commenting, Cllr Cremin said:
“While it is welcome that the council has agreed to look at the issue of servicing the boilers of elderly tenants this winter, I am disappointed that management have no been able to give me a firmer commitment.”
“Several elderly constituents have approached me in the past few weeks, anxious to find out whether their heating systems will be overhauled before the cold months ahead. Most of them are on small incomes and depend on the council to carry out this work. While I understand the financial constraints on the local authority in the current climate, this is an area that should be given priority. Hundreds of elderly people die from a combination of fuel poverty and cold in Ireland every winter. The work I am looking to have carried out for elderly tenants could literally save lives.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Henry Cremin @ 086-2662874
Cllr Henry Cremin last night expressed his disappointment at the Council’s failure to give a firm commitment to servicing the boilers of its elderly tenants this winter.
In response to a question from the Sinn Féin representative, council management stated they would arrange the servicing of gas central heating boilers for council tenants “subject to funding” and give priority to the elderly “as far as practical and within available resources”.
Commenting, Cllr Cremin said:
“While it is welcome that the council has agreed to look at the issue of servicing the boilers of elderly tenants this winter, I am disappointed that management have no been able to give me a firmer commitment.”
“Several elderly constituents have approached me in the past few weeks, anxious to find out whether their heating systems will be overhauled before the cold months ahead. Most of them are on small incomes and depend on the council to carry out this work. While I understand the financial constraints on the local authority in the current climate, this is an area that should be given priority. Hundreds of elderly people die from a combination of fuel poverty and cold in Ireland every winter. The work I am looking to have carried out for elderly tenants could literally save lives.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Henry Cremin @ 086-2662874
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