Sell-off of State Assets not in National Interest-Nugent
Cork City Council tonight passed a motion, proposed by Sinn Féin councillor Mick Nugent, opposing the planned sell-off of state assets as not in the national interest.
Speaking afterwards Cllr Nugent said:
“I welcome the council’s backing for Sinn Féin’s campaign of opposition to the government’s decision to sell off state assets.”
“Rather than auctioning off the family silver, we should be using commercial semi-state companies as an engine to drive Ireland’s economic recovery.”
“Selling profitable state companies to pay down a tiny fraction of the national debt is a short-term measure with a long-term cost. Bord Gáis and the ESB are successful, self-financing companies that have been delivering world class energy infrastructure across Ireland for generations and providing sustainable jobs benefitting generations of families.”
“Flogging off the last of the state’s share in Aer Lingus for small change also makes absolutely no sense. Retaining the remaining 25% share in Aer Lingus is vital to ensure Ireland’s connectivity to Europe, the US and the rest of the world. Guaranteeing the future of the airline’s Heathrow slots is also of strategic importance.”
“Coillte is an important rural employer delivering sustainable jobs to parts of the country blighted by record levels of unemployment. Selling off the harvesting rights would not be in the public interest. Instead the Government should be working with the Coillte to develop the massive potential of the forestry sector for timber production, biomass and eco-tourism.”
“Rather than privatising these companies, Sinn Féin wants the government to work directly with them to deliver a strategic plan for job creation and training. There is potentially a significant role for commercial semi-state companies in Ireland’s economic recovery – an opportunity that will be missed if the planned sell-off goes ahead.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Mick Nugent @ 087-6755793
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Welcome for U-Turn on DEIS Schools-Nugent
Welcome for U-Turn on DEIS Schools-Nugent
Sinn Féin councillor Mick Nugent has welcomed the decision by Education Minister Ruairi Quinn to reverse planned cuts to teacher numbers at DEIS schools.
Councillor Nugent said:
“This entire episode has been a fiasco for the Government and the decision to reverse some of the cuts to DEIS schools announced in December’s budget shows how unjustified the decision was in the first place. It was an attack on some of our most vulnerable children and came at a time when literacy and numeracy standards in Irish schools had fallen dramatically.”
“The retention of 235 posts in DEIS Band 1 and DEIS Band 2 schools is welcome. It is a victory for fairness and equality and I wish to congratulate all of the teachers, parents and people who opposed these cuts.”
“In particular, I want to commend the parents and teachers of Scoil Íosagáin in Farranree for their extremely active campaign against the proposed cuts, which I have been happy to support.”
“While yesterday’s decision is welcome, particularly for children on Cork’s Northside, it is disappointing that the withdrawal of 192 posts from primary schools outside DEIS Band 1 and 2 and from DEIS second level will proceed. The Minister is also bringing forward the decision to reduce the capitation funding for primary schools in 2012. This in effect will mean a five euro cut for every child.”
“These are short-sighted measures. At a time of economic crisis the government should be investing in education and in combating disadvantage, not adding to it.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Mick Nugent @ 087-6755793
Sinn Féin councillor Mick Nugent has welcomed the decision by Education Minister Ruairi Quinn to reverse planned cuts to teacher numbers at DEIS schools.
Councillor Nugent said:
“This entire episode has been a fiasco for the Government and the decision to reverse some of the cuts to DEIS schools announced in December’s budget shows how unjustified the decision was in the first place. It was an attack on some of our most vulnerable children and came at a time when literacy and numeracy standards in Irish schools had fallen dramatically.”
“The retention of 235 posts in DEIS Band 1 and DEIS Band 2 schools is welcome. It is a victory for fairness and equality and I wish to congratulate all of the teachers, parents and people who opposed these cuts.”
“In particular, I want to commend the parents and teachers of Scoil Íosagáin in Farranree for their extremely active campaign against the proposed cuts, which I have been happy to support.”
“While yesterday’s decision is welcome, particularly for children on Cork’s Northside, it is disappointing that the withdrawal of 192 posts from primary schools outside DEIS Band 1 and 2 and from DEIS second level will proceed. The Minister is also bringing forward the decision to reduce the capitation funding for primary schools in 2012. This in effect will mean a five euro cut for every child.”
“These are short-sighted measures. At a time of economic crisis the government should be investing in education and in combating disadvantage, not adding to it.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Mick Nugent @ 087-6755793
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
98% Polled Say Vita Cortex Workers Should Lead Parade
98% Polled Say Vita Cortex Workers Should Lead Parade
An online poll on Facebook shows 98% support for the suggestion that the Vita Cortex workers should lead this year’s St Patrick’s Day Parade.
Sinn Féin councillor Chris O’Leary, who proposed the idea to the council last week, said:
“Last week I put a motion to City Council that the Vita Cortex workers should lead out this year’s St Patrick’s Day parade as Grand Marshalls. Since then 98% of those voting in an online opinion poll on the issue have indicated their support.”
“The workers’ have gained global recognition for their struggle to secure fair redundancy payments. They have become a symbol for workers everywhere in their fight against their former employer’s effort to evade his legal and moral obligations. Since this year’s parade is all about honouring what is best about Cork, I think there is nobody more suitable to lead it out than the Vita Cortex workers.”
“The matter will be raised again at next week’s council meeting. The City Council has an opportunity here to make an important gesture indicating its support for fair treatment and decent conditions for Irish workers, and I hope it will support the motion.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Chris O’Leary @ 087-2794307
An online poll on Facebook shows 98% support for the suggestion that the Vita Cortex workers should lead this year’s St Patrick’s Day Parade.
Sinn Féin councillor Chris O’Leary, who proposed the idea to the council last week, said:
“Last week I put a motion to City Council that the Vita Cortex workers should lead out this year’s St Patrick’s Day parade as Grand Marshalls. Since then 98% of those voting in an online opinion poll on the issue have indicated their support.”
“The workers’ have gained global recognition for their struggle to secure fair redundancy payments. They have become a symbol for workers everywhere in their fight against their former employer’s effort to evade his legal and moral obligations. Since this year’s parade is all about honouring what is best about Cork, I think there is nobody more suitable to lead it out than the Vita Cortex workers.”
“The matter will be raised again at next week’s council meeting. The City Council has an opportunity here to make an important gesture indicating its support for fair treatment and decent conditions for Irish workers, and I hope it will support the motion.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Chris O’Leary @ 087-2794307
Thursday, February 9, 2012
O’Brien Hits out at Cuts to CE Schemes
O’Brien Hits out at Cuts to CE Schemes
Sinn Féin TD Jonathan O’Brien has criticised proposed cuts to Community Employment (CE) schemes and in particular the cuts affecting lone parents.
Speaking yesterday during a Sinn Féin private members motion on the issue, Deputy O’Brien said:
“The attack on Community Employment Schemes is an attack on vulnerable and disadvantaged communities across the state, and on the long term unemployed who are trying to get back to work.”
“The savage cuts introduced in the last Budget mean CE Schemes are threatened with a massive 66% cut in their training and education grants. As a consequence, many schemes will not be able to function.”
“Twelve months ago a lone parent with three children who was working on a CE Scheme would have received €504 per week. That income has now been cut to €297 per week.”
“CE has a proven track record in supporting people and providing essential services for our communities. These cutbacks will affect 20,000 workers in CE Schemes and the communities they serve.”
“The government must rethink this slash and burn strategy. It is not more reviews we want but a total and immediate reversal of this budget cut.”
For further information or comment contact Jonathan O’Brien TD @ 086-0274142
Sinn Féin TD Jonathan O’Brien has criticised proposed cuts to Community Employment (CE) schemes and in particular the cuts affecting lone parents.
Speaking yesterday during a Sinn Féin private members motion on the issue, Deputy O’Brien said:
“The attack on Community Employment Schemes is an attack on vulnerable and disadvantaged communities across the state, and on the long term unemployed who are trying to get back to work.”
“The savage cuts introduced in the last Budget mean CE Schemes are threatened with a massive 66% cut in their training and education grants. As a consequence, many schemes will not be able to function.”
“Twelve months ago a lone parent with three children who was working on a CE Scheme would have received €504 per week. That income has now been cut to €297 per week.”
“CE has a proven track record in supporting people and providing essential services for our communities. These cutbacks will affect 20,000 workers in CE Schemes and the communities they serve.”
“The government must rethink this slash and burn strategy. It is not more reviews we want but a total and immediate reversal of this budget cut.”
For further information or comment contact Jonathan O’Brien TD @ 086-0274142
O’Brien Hits out at Cuts to CE Schemes Sinn Féin TD Jonathan O’Brien has criticised proposed cuts to Community Employment (CE) schemes and in part
O’Brien Hits out at Cuts to CE Schemes
Sinn Féin TD Jonathan O’Brien has criticised proposed cuts to Community Employment (CE) schemes and in particular the cuts affecting lone parents.
Speaking yesterday during a Sinn Féin private members motion on the issue, Deputy O’Brien said:
“The attack on Community Employment Schemes is an attack on vulnerable and disadvantaged communities across the state, and on the long term unemployed who are trying to get back to work.”
“The savage cuts introduced in the last Budget mean CE Schemes are threatened with a massive 66% cut in their training and education grants. As a consequence, many schemes will not be able to function.”
“Twelve months ago a lone parent with three children who was working on a CE Scheme would have received €504 per week. That income has now been cut to €297 per week.”
“CE has a proven track record in supporting people and providing essential services for our communities. These cutbacks will affect 20,000 workers in CE Schemes and the communities they serve.”
“The government must rethink this slash and burn strategy. It is not more reviews we want but a total and immediate reversal of this budget cut.”
For further information or comment contact Jonathan O’Brien TD @ 086-0274142
Sinn Féin TD Jonathan O’Brien has criticised proposed cuts to Community Employment (CE) schemes and in particular the cuts affecting lone parents.
Speaking yesterday during a Sinn Féin private members motion on the issue, Deputy O’Brien said:
“The attack on Community Employment Schemes is an attack on vulnerable and disadvantaged communities across the state, and on the long term unemployed who are trying to get back to work.”
“The savage cuts introduced in the last Budget mean CE Schemes are threatened with a massive 66% cut in their training and education grants. As a consequence, many schemes will not be able to function.”
“Twelve months ago a lone parent with three children who was working on a CE Scheme would have received €504 per week. That income has now been cut to €297 per week.”
“CE has a proven track record in supporting people and providing essential services for our communities. These cutbacks will affect 20,000 workers in CE Schemes and the communities they serve.”
“The government must rethink this slash and burn strategy. It is not more reviews we want but a total and immediate reversal of this budget cut.”
For further information or comment contact Jonathan O’Brien TD @ 086-0274142
Sinn Féin TD Jonathan O’Brien has criticised proposed cuts to Community Employment (CE) schemes and in particular the cuts affecting lone parents.
Speaking yesterday during a Sinn Féin private members motion on the issue, Deputy O’Brien said:
“The attack on Community Employment Schemes is an attack on vulnerable and disadvantaged communities across the state, and on the long term unemployed who are trying to get back to work.”
“The savage cuts introduced in the last Budget mean CE Schemes are threatened with a massive 66% cut in their training and education grants. As a consequence, many schemes will not be able to function.”
“Twelve months ago a lone parent with three children who was working on a CE Scheme would have received €504 per week. That income has now been cut to €297 per week.”
“CE has a proven track record in supporting people and providing essential services for our communities. These cutbacks will affect 20,000 workers in CE Schemes and the communities they serve.”
“The government must rethink this slash and burn strategy. It is not more reviews we want but a total and immediate reversal of this budget cut.”
For further information or comment contact Jonathan O’Brien TD @ 086-0274142
Sinn Féin TD Jonathan O’Brien has criticised proposed cuts to Community Employment (CE) schemes and in particular the cuts affecting lone parents.
Speaking yesterday during a Sinn Féin private members motion on the issue, Deputy O’Brien said:
“The attack on Community Employment Schemes is an attack on vulnerable and disadvantaged communities across the state, and on the long term unemployed who are trying to get back to work.”
“The savage cuts introduced in the last Budget mean CE Schemes are threatened with a massive 66% cut in their training and education grants. As a consequence, many schemes will not be able to function.”
“Twelve months ago a lone parent with three children who was working on a CE Scheme would have received €504 per week. That income has now been cut to €297 per week.”
“CE has a proven track record in supporting people and providing essential services for our communities. These cutbacks will affect 20,000 workers in CE Schemes and the communities they serve.”
“The government must rethink this slash and burn strategy. It is not more reviews we want but a total and immediate reversal of this budget cut.”
For further information or comment contact Jonathan O’Brien TD @ 086-0274142
Friday, February 3, 2012
“Stop the Handover” Protest at City Hall Today
“Stop the Handover” Protest at City Hall Today
Cork Sinn Féin are to protest outside City Hall today at the government handover of billions of Euro to bondholders in Anglo-Irish Bank. The protest will take place as Enda Kenny arrives at the building to address a meeting of Cork Chamber of Commerce.
Speaking in advance of the event, party councillor Mick Nugent said:
“In the first few months of this year alone, billions are being paid out by the government to unsecured, unguaranteed bondholders in Anglo-Irish Bank and other financial institutions.”
“These payments included €1.25 billion on 25th January, with further payouts scheduled for 3rd, 15th and 20th February. Between them, these will amount to a further €1.15 billion.”
“Then on 31st March, the government will pay over €3.1 billion on the promissory note used to recapitalise Anglo-Irish Bank.”
“Ordinary workers and families are being bled dry to pay anonymous international bondholders who gambled on the Irish property market and lost. It is these casino capitalists – not, as Enda Kenny seems to think, the “greedy” Irish people – who are responsible for the collapse of our economy.”
“Sinn Féin activists will be gathering today from 5pm outside City Hall to protest against the disastrous policies being pursued by Enda Kenny’s government.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Mick Nugent @ 087-6755793
Cork Sinn Féin are to protest outside City Hall today at the government handover of billions of Euro to bondholders in Anglo-Irish Bank. The protest will take place as Enda Kenny arrives at the building to address a meeting of Cork Chamber of Commerce.
Speaking in advance of the event, party councillor Mick Nugent said:
“In the first few months of this year alone, billions are being paid out by the government to unsecured, unguaranteed bondholders in Anglo-Irish Bank and other financial institutions.”
“These payments included €1.25 billion on 25th January, with further payouts scheduled for 3rd, 15th and 20th February. Between them, these will amount to a further €1.15 billion.”
“Then on 31st March, the government will pay over €3.1 billion on the promissory note used to recapitalise Anglo-Irish Bank.”
“Ordinary workers and families are being bled dry to pay anonymous international bondholders who gambled on the Irish property market and lost. It is these casino capitalists – not, as Enda Kenny seems to think, the “greedy” Irish people – who are responsible for the collapse of our economy.”
“Sinn Féin activists will be gathering today from 5pm outside City Hall to protest against the disastrous policies being pursued by Enda Kenny’s government.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Mick Nugent @ 087-6755793
Cork-Swansea Line a Major Loss to County-O'Brien
Cork-Swansea Line a Major Loss to County-O'Brien
Sinn Fein TD has expressed regret at the decision by Enterprise Ireland not to invest €400,000 in Cork Swansea ferries and said the demise of the ferry connection would be a major loss to Cork City and County.
Deputy O’Brien said:
“Cork—Swansea Ferry has carried a total of 153,000 passengers in the last three years. It has been a significant asset to tourism in Cork city and county.”
“It is deeply regrettable that Enterprise Ireland and Finance Wales have decided not to provide the funding necessary for the service to continue. The result is that 78 jobs are likely to be lost, as well as millions of euro in tourist revenue for the South West region.”
“It is to be hoped that even at this late stage the ferry may find financial backers who will allow it to continue in operation. Its demise would be a major loss to Cork.”
For further information or comment contact Jonathan O’Brien TD @ 086-0274142
Sinn Fein TD has expressed regret at the decision by Enterprise Ireland not to invest €400,000 in Cork Swansea ferries and said the demise of the ferry connection would be a major loss to Cork City and County.
Deputy O’Brien said:
“Cork—Swansea Ferry has carried a total of 153,000 passengers in the last three years. It has been a significant asset to tourism in Cork city and county.”
“It is deeply regrettable that Enterprise Ireland and Finance Wales have decided not to provide the funding necessary for the service to continue. The result is that 78 jobs are likely to be lost, as well as millions of euro in tourist revenue for the South West region.”
“It is to be hoped that even at this late stage the ferry may find financial backers who will allow it to continue in operation. Its demise would be a major loss to Cork.”
For further information or comment contact Jonathan O’Brien TD @ 086-0274142
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