Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Sinn Féin to Challenge Flawed and Unfair City Council Budget

Sinn Féin to Challenge Flawed and Unfair City Council Budget Sinn Féin leader on Cork City Council, Chris O'Leary, has said the party will be challenging the council’s budget across a number of areas when it comes before tonight’s meeting. Cllr. O’Leary, said: “The architecture of this budget is both flawed and unfair. Firstly, I don’t believe it factors in the 25% cut to local authority funding coming from central government in a strategically sound way. As a result of this cut alone, 2013 will see city council being forced to slash services. But there are serious questions to be answered regarding the total grant allocation of €16 million. It is unclear if city management has arrived at this figure by including projected intake of finance from the tax on the family home.” “The folly of such an approach was highlighted last year when part of the budget was arrived at by projecting intake from the disastrous household charge.” “Minister Hogan's household charge was disaster for his department and he is now attempting to shift the blame onto councils the length and breadth of this state. He is now reported to have withheld a further €900k in funding from local authorities because of the non-payment of household charge. “This is the height of hypocrisy given that 47,110 Cork City households will pay approximately €14.8m with the property tax and is no guarantee that the money will come back into Cork City. This may lead to further shortfalls for the provision of housing maintenance, road resurfacing, and the disabled person’s grant. The fact of the matter is that we are now working with 56% of the funding we had in 2009. Approximately €12.7 million has been slashed from the budget of Cork City Council since 2009. Budget 2013 ensures that the main role of the government is to service banking debt and as a result ordinary citizens suffer at a local level. We will not support the council budget as it simply endorses an austerity agenda that is now being propped up by a tax on the family home. But beyond the constraints, Councillors have a duty to make sure that the local authority is making the right choices in order to protect the most vulnerable people in our city.” “As we have done before, Sinn Féin has identified alternative areas where savings could be made, including expenditure on plant hire, fuel and the rent of office spaces around the city which are currently lying idle. Frontline services should not be cut , when every other alternative has not been exhausted, and I am not convinced that Minister Hogan given opportunities for council's to raise as Sinn Féin advised in submission earlier this year ie portion of VAT collected locally, Portion of lotto receipts sold locally, Portion of corporation tax collected locally ,Higher rates on financial institutions, Rates on government buildings as is the case in other EU countries.” “We will also be calling for the Lord Mayor’s salary of €114,200 to be reduced to €35,000 and there should be a moratorium on conference expenses. This would result in significant savings but equally importantly it is a way for elected representatives to show leadership and demonstrate solidarity with those who are suffering hardship due to the current economic crisis. This budget is flawed, unfair, and unworkable. It should be opposed by all councillors.” For further Information please contact Cllr.Chris O'Leary on 0872794307

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Increase in pupil teacher ratio short sighted and damaging – O’Brien

Increase in pupil teacher ratio short sighted and damaging – O’Brien Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Jonathan O’Brien and his party colleague Cllr Mick Nugent met this week with Wille McAuliffe, the Principal of Terence MacSwiney Community College in Cork to discuss the mounting concerns that the increase to the pupil teacher ratio (PTR) for PLC programmes will result in up to 400 teachers losing their jobs and courses being cancelled. Deputy O’Brien has described as “short-sighted and potentially very damaging” the increase to the Pupil Teacher Ratio from 17:1 – 19:1 that was announced in Budget 2013 and he said this latest cut to the education sector would unfairly impact on marginalised learners. He continued; “The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) has said that the increase in the PTR will result in the loss of 200 whole time equivalent (WTE) posts which, if correct, will mean an estimated 400 teachers losing their jobs. “In my own Cork constituency there are fears that 25 full-time equivalent or 50 part-time teachers across the three further education colleges in Cork could be lost and specialised courses at Coláiste Stiofáin Naofa might be brought to an enforced end. “These were some of the issues Cllr Nugent and I discussed at our meeting today with the Principal of Terence MacSwiney Community College in Cork. “The government has talked a lot about incentivising people to upskill and retrain in order to enhance their employment prospects yet they push ahead with cuts in income supports for people who are unemployed and attempting to participate in further/adult education and training courses. “Increasing class sizes in this this sector is a short-sighted measure because the resulting job losses will greatly off-set any potential savings and it will undermine the quality of learning for second chance learners, particularly those who may not be well suited to mainstream education. “I have raised this matter with Minister Quinn and he needs to explain what impact study was been carried out in advance of this cut. He also needs to look at the implications arising from this decision and reverse the change in the PTR otherwise hundreds of teaching jobs will be lost.” ENDS

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Increase in Pupil Teacher Ratio will result in job losses and a significant blow for further education opportunities

Increase in Pupil Teacher Ratio will result in job losses and a significant blow for further education opportunities Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Jonathan O’Brien has said there are mounting concerns that increases to the pupil teacher ratios (PTR) for PLC programmes will result in teachers losing their jobs and courses being cancelled. Deputy O’Brien said: “I am concerned that the increase in the Pupil Teacher Ratio from 17:1 – 19:1 for PLC Programmes announced during last week’s budget, will unfairly impact on marginalised learners. “The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) have said that the increase in the PTR will result in the loss of 200 whole time equivalent (WTE) posts, which if correct will mean an excess of 400 teachers losing their jobs or the loss of a significant number of teaching hours. “In my own county there are fears that 25 full time equivalent or 50 part-time teachers across the three further education colleges in Cork could be lost and specialised courses at Coláiste Stiofáin Naofa might come to an enforced end. “The Government has talked a lot about incentivising people to upskill and retrain in order to enhance their employment prospects but instead they implement cuts in income supports for people who are unemployed and attempting to participate in further/adult education and training courses. “Increasing class sizes in this this sector is a short-sighted measure because the resulting job loses will greatly off-set any potential savings and it will undermine the quality of learning for second chance learners, particularly those who may not be well suited to mainstream education.” “I have raised this matter with Minister Quinn and he needs to explain what impact study was been carried out in advance of this cut.”

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Sinn Féin to hold protest in Cork City against budget measures on Saturday afternoon

Sinn Féin to hold protest in Cork City against budget measures on Saturday afternoon Sinn Féin is to hold a protest in Cork City Centre on Saturday afternoon in opposition to the measures announced in Wednesday’s budget. The demonstration will take place at 1pm in Daunt Square. Deputy Jonathan O’Brien has called on the people of Cork to come out and join the protest against a budget that Sinn Féin is describing as “anti-children, anti-family and anti-jobs.” Speaking from Leinster House, the Cork-North Central TD, said: “This was budget was about priorities and choices. There was scope for Fine Gael and Labour to deliver a budget that was fair and to enact measures that would protect ordinary families. However, the Government decided to attack those on low to middle incomes while ring-fencing the wealthy.” “I am worried about the families in my constituency and right across Cork who have been hit with a tax on the family home, more PRSI, cuts to child benefit, increased college registration fees and motor tax. I just don’t see where many of these families will find the money to survive. They are still coping with the impact of this Government’s last budget.” “The Labour Party should be ashamed. This is a party who claims that it stands up for working people and defends the most vulnerable in society. Yet here we have more broken promises from Gilmore & company. They made very loud vows not to cut child benefit or to raise student fees prior to going into government. However, they have simply flung these promises out the window. Labour Party TDs will have a lot of explaining to do to people on the ground in the communities of Cork City. Fianna Fáil would have been proud of this budget. They designed a lot of these measures.” “The hike in PRSI is non-progressive meaning it will cost €264 a year, whether you earn €20,000 or €200,000. The property tax is indiscriminate in that it takes no account of income, ability to pay, mortgages or stamp duty paid. For Michael Noonan to argue that this was a budget built on the concept of fairness is completely patronising to the people most affected.” “I don’t know how much more people can take. You can sense the anger. They feel betrayed We have to remember that in three months the Government will be paying out over €3 billion in a promissory note to Anglo Irish Bank. I am inviting the people of Cork to join with us on Saturday to protest against this budget which is another part of the culture of social injustice being cultivated by Fine Gael and Labour in government.” ENDS -- Darren O'Keeffe Public Relations Officer Cork Sinn Féin Tel: 0852081872 Sinn Féin Constituency Office - 52 Shandon Street, Cork City - Tel: (021) 4212233 Sinn Féin Cork Office - 136 Barrack Street , Cork City - Tel: (021) 4311389

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Sinn Féin to urge Cork City Council to call on Government to legislate for the 'X' Case

Sinn Féin is to bring a motion before Cork City Council next Monday evening asking councillors to call on the government to introduce immediate legislation based on the X-Case.

Tomorrow,the party will propose a Dáil motion with the aim of compelling the Government to introduce legislation based on the 1992 ruling on the Supreme Court. However, local Sinn Féin Councillors are determined that the moves to bring about such legislation are strengthened by securing support at local council level.

Sinn Féin Councillor Mick Nugent said:
“This is an issue that resonates with women right across local communities and it would be irresponsible of us, as local political representatives, not to raise it in council. The legislation is long over-due and it is only right that the call for its introduction is heard at every level of government.”

“It is time to enact legislation to protect the rights of women as decided by the Supreme Court in 1992. We must also ensure that doctors have the protection of the law to act appropriately in circumstances where the life of the woman is in danger. It’s farcical that successive Governments have failed to act on this ruling. Government TDs in Cork can call the motion ‘opportunistic” all they want. Sinn Féin policy has been in-line with the X-case judgement for well over a decade. All that aside,I honestly don’t think that the public cares where this motion comes from. The political point-scoring isn’t going to be of interest anybody. People just want meaningful action from right across the political spectrum.”

“We now have a very specific climate. It is a climate in which policy and legislation have to come to the fore. The current coalition must now respond to the demands of the public following the tragic death of Savita Halappanvar.”

“I am mindful that this is a personal and sensitive topic for many people. I also acknowledge that there are enquiries into the tragedy and we have to await the findings to know exactly what happened. However, we have an obligation to ensure that women have the right to highest quality of care throughout pregnancy. This includes the right to have a termination should the awful circumstances arise in which the mother’s life is threatened. We are asking all councillors to support the motion and to place an onus on the government to act.”

Sinn Féin motion for Cork City Council reads:
'Following the tragic death of Savita Halappanavar, this council calls on the Government to immediately introduce legislation to give effect to the 1992 judgement of the Supreme Court in the 'X' Case, to protect women where their lives are in real danger and to give legal certainty to medical professionals.'

ENDS
For further information please contact Cllr. Mick Nugent on 0876755793

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Sinn Féin proposal to reinstate 950,000 home helps hours ‘a direct challenge’ to Government - Kerins

Sinn Féin’s Cllr.Fiona Kerins has described her party’s proposal to reinstate 95,000 home help hours as “a direct challenge” to the Minister for Health in the lead-up to December’s budget.

The party announced the measure today at the launch of its alternative budget for 2013 entitled ‘Making the right choices’.

Cllr. Kerins said:
“The line from the Minister and the Government has been that the home help cuts are unavoidable. This document lays out in black & white how that position is nonsense. It is a matter of making socially-just choices. It is a matter of priorities.”

“Having a home help for a couple of hours daily to provide social interaction, practical help and real support is invaluable to older and infirm people. However, the Government has cut over one and a half million home help hours and has sought to convince people that the decision was beyond their control.”

“Sinn Fein’s fully-costed proposal provides for the immediate reinstatement of the 950,000 home help hours cut in 2012. It is realistic and achievable if the political determination existed within the coalition to protect the most vulnerable people in our communities. The reversal would cost the state €16.9 million. It is a sum that pales in comparison to the amounts being handed over to international financial speculators.”

“The proposal, on home helps, presents a clear and direct challenge to the austerity agenda of the Government. It dispels the myth that the Minister’s hands are tied in defending a cornerstone of community-based primary care.”

ENDS For further information please contact Cllr. Fiona Kerins 0851091758

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Reilly must find a way to make health budget work without cuts to Cope Foundation – Sinn Féin

Reilly must find a way to make health budget work without cuts to Cope Foundation – Sinn Féin Sinn Féin is to urge Cork City Council to oppose any further cuts in funding for the Cope Foundation in the next budget. Cllr. Chris O’Leary said that the motion that the party is bringing before Council tonight will strengthen local political support for the Cork-based charity and comes in the wake of tangible public out-cry about the situation. Cllr. O’Leary said: “We know that the Cope Foundation is struggling already under the weight of the cuts imposed on it in last year’s budget. The crucial services provided by Cope will be seriously undermined if we sit back and allow the Government to slash the organisation’s budget once gain. It is simply unacceptable for Minister Reilly to say that these cuts are unavoidable. With this motion we are telling him that he must look harder. He must find a way of making the Department’s budget work without further victimising the people who depend on Cope.” “There is absolutely no justification for cutting financial support and resources especially while the number of people relying on Cope is increasing. The cuts proposed in the coming budget have plunged the organisation into an even deeper chasm of uncertainty. Cllr. O’Leary continued by stressing that the fear felt in community of people dependent on Cope is very real, present and cannot be ignored. “This isn’t a cut that will be washed away by the dawning of a new year. It will be felt far into the future and it will be visible in Cope’s decreased capacity to deliver essential services. My Sinn Féin colleagues and I have received numerous letters and e-mails from the families of most affected. I assume that representatives from the other parties have received similar communications. The anger is tangible and these cuts that these cuts will be met with fierce resistance the closer we get to the budget in December. The passing of this motion will help to strengthen political support, here in Cork, for the Cope Foundation.” “It is special needs assistants one week, home helps the next and now it’s the Cope Foundation. Where will this all end? When our social infrastructure is completely decimated? The agenda of this government is a farce. It is not about political reform or fiscal discipline. It is simply austerity. This government is making the vulnerable pay for a crisis that was created by those at the top of society.” ENDS For further information please contact that Cllr. Chris O’Leary on 0872794307 or Sinn Féin PRO Darren O’Keeffe

Survivors of the Magdalene laundries deserve better – Nugent

Survivors of the Magdalene laundries deserve better – Nugent Sinn Féin City Councillor Mick Nugent has said that the women involved in the Magadalene laundries deserve better than the result of a motion that came before the Dáil on the issue in September. The Sinn Féin motion called on the Government to provide redress for survivors of the Magdalene laundries. Unfortunately, the motion was defeated by 75 votes to 43. Now, Cllr. Nugent brings a motion before Cork City Council tonight calling on local councillors to declare their regret that the motion was defeated in Leinster House. Cllr. Nugent said: “The motion, in September, called on the Government to provide justice for the women who suffered horrifically in the Magdalene laundries . These women deserve an unconditional apology from this state. They deserve compensation and full pension rights.” “This is not a party-political issue. I hope that many of my fellow councillors, from across the political spectrum, disagree with the result of the vote in the Dáil. We very much hope to get the support of even those councillors who are representatives of the Government parties.” Cllr. Nugent stated that the women are now mostly aging and elderly and that it is great importance that their demand for justice is met urgently by the Government. “I don’t accept that the motion required any TD or any member of the Government to pre-empt the details of the forthcoming report on the issue. The content of the motion was rights-centred and focused on the injustice of the women being excluded from the Residential Institutional Redress Scheme. We have an obligation to ensure that justice is delivered as soon as possible. I don’t think the defeat of that motion at national level helped that objective. This motion presents Cork City Councillors with an opportunity to express solidarity with the women of the Magdalene laundries. They deserve better." ENDS For further information please contact Cllr.Mick Nugent on 0876755793

Sinn Féin to call on Cork City Council to oppose further cuts to Child Benefit

Sinn Féin to call on Cork City Council to oppose further cuts to Child Benefit Sinn Féin Cllr. Mick Nugent is calling on Cork City Council to oppose any further cuts in Child Benefit in the forthcoming budget. Cllr. Nugent stressed his party’s belief that the government should look to income tax rates if it is serious about targeting high-earners. Speaking on his motion which is expected to come before council tonight, Cllr. Nugent said: “We have just had a national debate surrounding the issue of children’s rights. It is now imperative that this government ensures that the needs of children are defended in December’s budget. This would be better achieved by seeking a just contribution from the wealthy in the form of income tax rather than focusing on a universal payment for children.” Cllr. Nugent continued by saying that Sinn Féin had very real concerns regarding the introduction of the proposed means test. “Where will the threshold be set? We could be faced with situations in which full payment is denied to people who are most dependent on it. The government needs to come clean regarding the details in order to calm fears as we move closer to the budget.” “The cut is unnecessary. The minister is trying to spin this one as though she is a modern-day Robin Hood. She is not taking from the rich to give to the poor. It is deplorable that a Labour minister, a member of a party who said that a vote for them is a vote to protect Child Benefit, will oversee this cut. It’s yet another broken promise made by the Labour party to the people at the last General Election.” “Sinn Féin wants to see children protected by the policies and day-to-day decisions of government. Unfortunately, the austerity agenda being followed by this coalition has consistently put children on the frontline of cuts.” ENDS For further information please contact Cllr. Mick Nugent on 0876755793

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

SUSI failure forcing students to drop out of college – Deputy Jonathan O’Brien

SUSI failure forcing students to drop out of college – Deputy Jonathan O’Brien 5 November 2012 Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Deputy Jonathan O’Brien has said the significant difficulties in the processing of third level grant applications by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) was fast reaching crisis point. The Cork North Central Deputy, who recently obtained statistics from the Department of Education and Skills (DES) which showed 52,430 student applications were still awaiting processing through the online SUSI system, has been contacted by a number of students who because they are still awaiting payment of their grant may be forced to drop out of college. “The SUSI online application system” he continued, “has been an unmitigated disaster with tens of thousands of students left in dire straits as they await payment of their third level grant. “In one of a number of cases I have dealt with, a first year student from Cork City, who is attending a nursing degree course in Dundalk Institute of Technology, has still not received her grant despite applying through SUSI in mid-June “The young woman in question comes from a one parent family and has four other siblings and despite the best efforts of her mother she is struggling to pay her rent and is behind on her bills. “This is someone who wants to train to be a nurse and make a positive contribution to society who is being forced to drop out of college because a grant to which she is fully entitled to has not been paid. Since commencing her studies in September, she has been placed under immense stress as a result of the worry that comes from having little or no money. “Sinn Féin welcomed the SUSI system whenever it was first launched in June, but we also made clear that it would have to be properly resourced in order to provide an adequate service. The backlog of thousands of unprocessed applications, the apparent lack of training for staff and the difficulties in getting answers when contacting SUSI are much more than initial teething problems. “It is now time Education Minister Ruairí Quinn intervened directly to ensure this integrated on-line system, which was supposed to make the process of applying for a grant a good deal easier, can make the outstanding payments immediately. “The failure of SUSI has already had serious consequences for students and their families unacceptable that its serious flaws are forcing people out of college at a time when higher education is so important for our long-term prosperity.”ENDS

Deputy O’Brien welcomes Department’s decision to reverse freeze on cuts to teachers’ allowances

Deputy O’Brien welcomes Department’s decision to reverse freeze on cuts to teachers’ allowances 5 November 2012 Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Jonathan O’Brien, TD, has welcomed the decision by the Department of Education and Skills (DES) to reverse its decision to freeze qualification allowances for serving teachers who had commenced courses of further study from December 5th 2011. Describing the decision as a “small victory for common sense”, the Cork North Central Deputy said that teachers should have incentives to upskill. He continued: “If we are to achieve the highest standards in education, and match the success of progressive countries such as Finland and New Zealand, then we need to follow their example and ensure teachers are incentivised and rewarded for enhancing their skills at post-graduate level. “The decision by the Department of Education and Skills (DES) to reverse their freeze on allowances, whilst welcome, still only applies to qualifications that are additional to those required for teaching such as Master and Doctoral degrees and certain specialist teaching diplomas. “It is also clear that Education Minister Ruairi Quinn has been forced to revise this short-sighted policy because of pressure from the teaching unions who have always maintained teachers have a legitimate expectation to receive allowances when they undertook their courses of study. “This announcement also highlights the unfairness of the cuts that have been imposed on newly qualified teachers whose pay and allowances have been hardest hit in recent times and Sinn Féin will continue to lobby the Minister to reverse this unjust policy change.”

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Sinn Féin activists to support Home Helps national campaign launch in Cork today.

Sinn Féin activists from all over Cork will today join a rally and march in support of the Home Helps fight against cutbacks in the crucial services they provide to older people and those living with disabilities in communities throughout the state. The mobilisation, which starts at 2pm outside Connolly Hall, marks the launch of SIPTU’s ‘Time to Care’ national Home Helps campaign.

Sinn Féin’s TD for Cork North-Central Jonathan O’Brien said:
“Sinn Féin has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the Home Helps of Ireland in thes face of cuts that have devastated Home Help hours and Home Care packages. These services are essential to the health, well-being and quality of life of those availing of them. Last month, the party brought a motion before the Dáil that called on the government to reverse these cuts and return funding to pre-Budget 2012 levels. However, the government ensured that the motion was defeated despite the overwhelming anger within communities to this attack on the most vulnerable people in our society.”

“This is not just a case of figures. These cuts of almost €10 million in funding and the slashing of 1,000,000 contact hours represents the flesh and blood cases of people. They have been assessed, time and time again, and they have always been found to be in need of care. Yet the HSE, on the demand of the government, has still pushed ahead with implementation of savage cuts.

“The minister says there are no other options. We have presented him with one.There are 226 members in the houses of the Oireachtas. We could reduce ministers’ pay to €100,000, Deputies’ pay to €75,000 and Senators’ pay to €60,000. That would leave each of us with a good income and would save €4.3 million – over 250,000 home help hours. It is a viable cost-saving that would take away some of the burden that Minister Reilly and his team prefers to place on frontline services and communities."

“I am also protesting today for personal reasons. My family and I have first-hand experience of the amazing service and care provided by Home Help workers. My Father’s right to stay in his home, over the course of his fight against Motor Neuron Disease , was upheld mainly due to the work and dedication of his home help. Many other patients and their families will be robbed of this right if we do not succeed in forcing the government to reverse these cuts.”

For further information please contact Deputy Jonathan O’Brien on 0860274142

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Delays in student grants will cause hardship for many- Cllr. Fiona Kerins

Sinn Fein Cllr. Fiona Kerins has voiced her anger at the fact that the grant applications of approximately 6,047 students in Cork are still being processed. Cllr. Kerins stated that the delays will undoubtedly be a source of hardship and stress for those affected and that it may lead to students being forced to drop-out of their courses.

“It is unacceptable that students are facing this level of uncertainty regarding funding two months into the academic year. Students are depending on these grants in order to ensure that they can afford their place in college and so that they can concentrate on their studies without the anxiety that this surely causing.”

Cllr. Kerins continued by criticising the new SUSI on-line system for the processing of student grants, saying:

“The new system is clearly failing. There are 52,430 grant applications still being processed nationally. The website needs to be improved and a proper tracking system has to be put in place. This would go a long way to alleviating the fear that these students are experiencing. The standard of communications regarding the status of applications is extremely poor. I can imagine that helpdesk staff are doing their best in very difficult circumstances. It is clear that the people in government either don’t realise or don’t care about the very real hardship that this is causing to students and their families today.”

The new system was supposed to improve the processing system but it is cumbersome and inefficient. It is clearly not fit for purpose and has lead to the very real prospect of students dropping-out of their courses. Is this something you would expect of a government that touts the idea of a knowledge-economy so regularly? I suspect there wouldn’t be a problem if they approached the payment of student grants with the same expediency as they do when paying the bondholders.”

ENDS
For further comment please contact Cllr.Fiona Kerins on 0851091758

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Full text of Cllr.Fiona Kerins' speech in support of home help workers campaign against cuts

Speech given by Cllr.Fiona Kerins in Cork City Council last night in support of Sinn Fein's motion calling on council to support the Home Help workers campaign against cuts in hours and funding:

I truly cannot believe that I am standing up to address a situation like this tonight. The economic crisis and this government’s austerity agenda has ensured that the people of Cork are faced with extremely tough times.

But just for minute, let us all imagine that each of us is facing these tough times as an elderly person who has become infirm or that maybe you have a disability. Suppose that one of the things, that allows you to cope, is the fact that you receive home help or that you have a home care package. Suppose, that despite the challenges, you take great strength and hope from the fact that this service allows you to live with dignity and independence in your own home and in your own community. I hope that we all have a clear picture of that in our heads.

Now let’s try to imagine that you are a worker. You are a worker who is committed to delivering the highest quality of care to your clients. You are trained and educated to provide that care, but you do it not just because it’s your job, but because it’s your vocation. You do it because you know that without your care, the people you help would struggle to have an acceptable, humane quality of life. So you go out every day and you work as hard possible. You do it to make a living but more importantly you do it to provide a vital service to those in need.

That isn’t such a bad picture when you think about it. You have people who need help in the home and you have the right people caring for them- dedicated people, who know the value of their work.

Then let us suppose that your government, who you assume would ensure that this dynamic is properly funded and maintained and that your rights are protect, sets out on a campaign to strip the service until it is rendered redundant and useless. Imagine that they decide to cut approximately 1,000,000 contact hours from the service and that they slash approximately €10 million in funding over the course of 12 months. Imagine that you are an elderly or disabled person sitting by the fire in the evening watching 6.1 News and that you have to hear reports of this nature over and over again. Where would your confidence go? You would become frightened for the future very fast indeed.

Imagine that you are a home care worker rushing from work to collect the kids from school. You husband is out of work and ye are already struggling to make ends meet. Then you hear these reports over the car radio. You too would become uncertain and scared.

That is a lot of fear.

It is not such a nice picture now, is it? The home care workers of this city play a critical role not only in enhancing the quality of life of older people and supporting their preferred wishes, but also in reducing pressures elsewhere in the healthcare system, including acute hospital services.

With these cuts, we are passing through the looking glass of austerity. Any way you chose to cut this up, the result is the same. The government is attacking the elderly, people living with disability and workers who have given life-times of commitment to community care.

If only they showed such determination when dealing with the bankers and the German Chancellor.

But, while some of you here are from the government parties, you do not have to go along with everything they say. You do not have to buy into this insanity. Look first to you own conscious on this issue and help put a stop to this madness. There is an old saying that goes “you can judge a society by the way it treats it most vulnerable members.” The history books will be heavy and they will not judge us kindly if we do not prevent this from happening.

Please support this motion. Let’s support the home helps in their campaign and send a message to this government that enough is enough.

Monday, October 22, 2012

Cork Sinn Féin launches jobs plan

Cork Sinn Féin launches jobs plan October 22, 2012 Speaking at the launch of his party’s job creation plan Sinn Féin TD for Cork North Central, Jonathan O’Brien said: “In the last four years Ireland has shed more jobs than any other western state per capita since the Great Depression. Last year the economy lost 33,400 jobs. In 2011 our communities lost 87,000 to emigration. There are approximately 26,000 people on the live register in the Cork Metropolitan area. Some communities in my constituency have an unemployment rate of close to 50%. We need jobs. We need to stimulate growth in the economy and we need to kick start the private sector.” “People say that the government’s jobs strategy isn’t working. I would go further and say that they don’t seem to have a strategy apart from paying lip service to concept of job creation. They seem more than happy to augment and endorse Troika-led retrenchment. Private investment has reduced by €30 billion. Government has withdrawn €24 billion. “Sinn Fein’s €13 billion stimulus package would be funded from a combination of sources namely the National Pensions Reserve Find (NPRF), The European Investment Bank, the private pension sector, and by not cutting the billions from the capital budget as planned by the government over the next four years. We have met with representatives of both the Irish Pensions Industry and the Credit Union sector and found we that the overwhelming response was centred on creating jobs, growth and investment in communities.” “An investment of this scale would create about 156,000 jobs and retain up to 15,000 existing jobs. Smart investment will secure sustainable jobs and our national competitiveness into the future. “This policy, which recognises the scale of the crisis, will invest in essential infrastructure; help entrepreneurs by removing obstacles to doing business and supporting them to retain and create new jobs; exploit the potential of existing and new state enterprises particularly in broadband rollout, renewable energy and eco-tourism and invest in agri-food and rural communities. ” This crisis was caused, in part, by caused by the collapse in employment when the construction sector and the banks became undone. This was felt as sharply in Cork as anywhere else. The number of people employed in the construction sector, in Cork, fell by 54% between 2006 and 2011. The plan provides solid commitments in terms of the funding re-training and new skills acquisition programmes for those experiencing long-term unemployment” “As part of this we will prioritise investment to: •Revive the sugar beet industry and construct a new bio-refinery plant in the South East with the potential to create 5,000 jobs (€350 million) •Invest in the rollout of next generation broadband across the 26 counties. (€2.5 billion) •Kick start investment in water infrastructure (€500 million.) •Proceed with A5 dual carriageway (€400 million) •Regenerate the Cork dockland area. (€600 million) •Regeneration projects in Limerick and Dublin. (€960 million) •Build an additional 100 schools and refurbish 75 more over the next three years in addition to current capital commitments. (€350 million) •Establish 50 new Primary Health Care Centres. (€250 million) •Develop an €1billion investment in sustainable energy: wind power industry and wave energy. “We will seek to support business to create jobs by: •Introducing a job retention scheme to protect 15,000 jobs (€100 million) •Delivering value for money and jobs by opening up state procurement to small companies. •Giving the option to self-employed people to pay PRSI as it is applied to PAYE employees in order to receive the same entitlements in the event that they become unemployed. •Abolishing upward only rents. •Capping utility costs for a period of three years. •Examine a temporary rebate on fuel for transport firms. •Prioritising prompt payments by ensuring the 15-day rule is adhered to by state agencies. •Examining the use of tax credits for sourcing local Irish produced materials. •Tackling the costs of doing business on the border, including credit card transaction fees, telecommunication charges and dual tax and payroll systems. “Sinn Féin has developed a comprehensive, costed and government-ready proposal to chart a course out of recession and into growth. We want to see the government meet the gravity of the crisis with the appropriate response. Historic levels of unemployment and emigration need a profound shift in government policy.” For further information please contact Deputy Jonathan O’Brien on 0860274142 ENDS

Cut to Child Benefit unnecessary and should be opposed – Nugent

Cut to Child Benefit unnecessary and should be opposed – Nugent Sinn Fein Councillor Mick Nugent is to urge Cork City Council to oppose any attempt to cut Child Benefit payments. Speaking on the Sinn Fein motion opposing the proposed cut, which comes before council tonight, Cllr. Nugent said: “If this was genuinely about seeking a better contribution from the wealthy then it would be focused on income and not on a universal payment for children. The minister is refusing to show the details of the leaked report and so Sinn Fein has a very real concern regarding the proposed means test. Where will the threshold be set? We could be faced with situations in which full payment is denied to people who are most dependent on it. The government need to come clean regarding the details of the report in order to calm fears.” Cllr. Nugent said that the proposed cut flies in the face of the idea of cherishing all the children of the nation equally and that there are very real and workable alternatives. Cllr. Nugent continued: “Sinn Fein has proposed a third tax rate of 48% on incomes over and above €100,000. This would bring in €365 million while the proposed cut in Child Benefit amounts only to €200 million. This would raise much needed finance without running the risk of the vulnerable being impacted adversely. Secondly, if savings are to be made with regard to spending on children, the first thing to go should be the subsidy for private education, which sees taxpayers funding privilege. There are better ways to bolster public finances without burdening the struggling classes even further.” The Sinn Fein representative for the North-West ward said the move was indicative of a government with a socio-economic perspective that places ordinary people on the bottom rung of the ladder. “The cut is unnecessary. Minister Bruton is trying to spin this one as though she is a modern-day Robin Hood. She is not taking from the rich to give to the poor. It is deplorable that a Labour minister, a member of a party who said that a vote for them is a vote to protect Child Benefit, will oversee this cut. It’s yet another broken promise made by the Labour party to the people at the last General Election.” “It is simply another cut being actioned in order to subsidise the continuing bailout of the banks. I think it is a cynical and divisive move. The government hope that by being perceived to target the rich that they will more readily achieve a public consensus on limiting government social responsibility. Such a consensus will only have consequences for ordinary people and those consequences would be devastating.”ENDS For further information please contact Cllr. Mick Nugent on 087675579 -- Darren O'Keeffe Public Relations Officer Cork Sinn FeinTel: 0852081872 Sinn Fein Councillor Mick Nugent is to urge Cork City Council to oppose any attempt to cut Child Benefit payments. Speaking on the Sinn Fein motion opposing the proposed cut, which comes before council tonight, Cllr. Nugent said: “If this was genuinely about seeking a better contribution from the wealthy then it would be focused on income and not on a universal payment for children. The minister is refusing to show the details of the leaked report and so Sinn Fein has a very real concern regarding the proposed means test. Where will the threshold be set? We could be faced with situations in which full payment is denied to people who are most dependent on it. The government need to come clean regarding the details of the report in order to calm fears.” Cllr. Nugent said that the proposed cut flies in the face of the idea of cherishing all the children of the nation equally and that there are very real and workable alternatives. Cllr. Nugent continued: “Sinn Fein has proposed a third tax rate of 48% on incomes over and above €100,000. This would bring in €365 million while the proposed cut in Child Benefit amounts only to €200 million. This would raise much needed finance without running the risk of the vulnerable being impacted adversely. Secondly, if savings are to be made with regard to spending on children, the first thing to go should be the subsidy for private education, which sees taxpayers funding privilege. There are better ways to bolster public finances without burdening the struggling classes even further.” The Sinn Fein representative for the North-West ward said the move was indicative of a government with a socio-economic perspective that places ordinary people on the bottom rung of the ladder. “The cut is unnecessary. Minister Bruton is trying to spin this one as though she is a modern-day Robin Hood. She is not taking from the rich to give to the poor. It is deplorable that a Labour minister, a member of a party who said that a vote for them is a vote to protect Child Benefit, will oversee this cut. It’s yet another broken promise made by the Labour party to the people at the last General Election.” “It is simply another cut being actioned in order to subsidise the continuing bailout of the banks. I think it is a cynical and divisive move. The government hope that by being perceived to target the rich that they will more readily achieve a public consensus on limiting government social responsibility. Such a consensus will only have consequences for ordinary people and those consequences would be devastating.”ENDS For further information please contact Cllr. Mick Nugent on 087675579 -- Darren O'Keeffe Public Relations Officer Cork Sinn FeinTel: 0852081872

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

O’Brien Calls on Government to Reverse Cuts to Home Help Hours and Home Care Packages

Sinn Fein TD for Cork North-Central, Jonathan O’Brien, has called on the Government to immediately reverse the cuts to Home Help Hours and Home Care Packages and to return funding to pre-budget 2012 levels.
Speaking in the Dail in support of the Sinn Fein Private Members Motion that called for the reversal Deputy O’Brien said:

“This action will see approximately 1,000,000 hours withdrawn from the system over the course of a year. The word ‘savage’ is the only one that I feel is appropriate to use when describing this programme of cuts. This move will adversely impact the well-being and the quality of life of thousands of elderly people and people with disabilities across the state ”
“The decision is a clear example of how austerity doesn’t really need a reason. It only needs an excuse. The Government, despite the obvious economic challenges, can’t ignore the fact that 91% of older people rely on state supports to prevent them from falling into poverty."

O’Brien condemned the government’s decision to cut €1.7m from Home Care Packages and €8m in funding for Home Help hours between now and the end of the year.

“The cuts being implemented right now will result in the loss of 450,000 hours by end of 2012. That is before this government implements the rest of its slash and burn approach to services that are vital to meeting the complex needs of older people and those living with disabilities. The minister needs to turn back from persecuting the most vulnerable within society and recognise the devastating impact of these cuts in our communities. I have first hand experience of the extremely high level of care, dedication and commitment demonstrated by those who deliver these critical frontline services. They are qualities on which you cannot put a price.”

Sinn Fein also called on the government to not only maintain but also to enhance home care front-line services and increase access to community care for older people. Deputy O’Brien stated that this would be best aided by the development of a National Positive Ageing Strategy before December 2013.
ENDS
For further comment please contact Deputy Jonathan O'Brien on 0860274142

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Heroin-Related deaths a hugely worrying development

Heroin-Related deaths a hugely worrying development Sinn Féin Cllr Mick Nugent has stated that news that 2 people have died & seven lie seriously ill in hospital due to a suspected tainted batch of heroin is a hugely worrying development, Cllr Nugent said " New of two deaths & the hospitalisation of seven other people due to a suspected tainted batch of heroin is a hugely worrying development, this once again illustrates the threat drugs poses to our communities, there were a number of deaths a few years back in the Northside from suspected overdoses of heroin and following a number of seizures use of the drug appeared to be in decline though still available on the ground in a number of areas, these deaths show there is still a serious issue to be addressed and should focus minds in the relevant governmental departments that budgets for front line agencies who are dealing with the treatment of addicts & providing other essential services should not be cut any further, I would also call on the decision to remove the free-phone 'Dial to Stop Drug-Dealing' number be reviewed as this is hindering the Gardaí in their work in targeting drug dealers, the Gardaí themselves have acknowledged this, these tragic deaths should concentrate minds and the multi-agency approach that is in place to deal with drug abuse re-enforced and supported". Cllr Mick Nugent 087=6755793

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

New school builds must be matched by investment in pay for newly qualified teachers – Deputy Jonathan O’Brien

New school builds must be matched by investment in pay for newly qualified teachers – Deputy Jonathan O’Brien 25 September 2012 Commenting on today’s announcement of 100 new school building to be built over the next five years to meet the significant rise in the number of children entering the primary sector, Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Jonathan O’Brien has said this capital expenditure must be matched in the provision of resources for new teachers entering the profession. Deputy O’Brien said: “In welcoming today’s announcement by Minister Quinn to build 100 new schools over the next five years there also needs to be a matching commitment of resources to ensure we attract the best candidates into the teaching profession. “I believe that the 14% cut in pay and the loss of allowances for newly qualified teachers has badly damaged the moral and goodwill that is essential within a class room setting. Clearly, the unfair targeting of teachers has disincentivised many from pursuing a career within the Irish education sector and has succeeded in creating serious disparities in pay. “Having state-of-the art school buildings is all well and good but this needs to be matched by the type of investment that will ensure we can attract people into teaching who have the skills and motivation to deliver the school curriculum in the future.” Deputy O’Brien also acknowledged the Minister’s commitment to ensuring innovative designs for new school builds but said this vision for the future must also be applied to the existing school’s estate. “There are hundreds of schools across this State,” he continued, “that are forced to teach children in sub-standard classrooms with port-a-cabins still an unwelcome feature of many schools. “It is important therefore, that when considering the capital expenditure needed to build new schools that money is found to upgrade and improve existing buildings and facilities. “This must be a key priority for the Minister in the time ahead.”

Jonathan O'Brien TD oration at the Volunteer Diarmuid O'Neill Commemoration

Jonathan O'Brien TD oration at the Volunteer Diarmuid O'Neill Commemoration 23/9/12 Every year Republicans gather to commemorate the live and death of Vol. Diarmuid O’Neill and to be asked to speak at today’s commemoration is a great honour for me personally. Sometimes it is hard to try and find the words that would do justice to or accurately reflect the gratitude and humility we feel for our patriot dead. I know from speaking to many Republicans in the lead up to today’s commemoration, that the loss of Diarmuid is still felt by his many comrades in the Republican Movement. I can only imagine that that sense of loss and hurt pales in comparison to that which must be felt by his father Eoghan, mother Theresa, brother Shane and sister Siobhán. I never had the privilege of meeting Diarmuid yet his sacrifice and the sacrifice of all other IRA Volunteers who lost their lives in the pursuit of Irish Freedom inspires me. It is what drives us every day to work harder to finally achieve what they dedicated their lives to. A 32 County Democratic Socialist Republic. Although I never knew Diarmuid I have heard much about him and the type of person he was. I know that Diarmuid was a young man of integrity, loyalty with a great love of Ireland. Born and raised in London, from an early age Diarmuid took an interest in Irish culture and nationalism and spent much of his time between County Cork and London. As well as having a deep sense of the injustice inflicted by British forces in Ireland, Diarmuid took a keen interest in International liberation movements throughout the world, particularly the Basque country which he visited on several occasions before his death. Diarmuid was just 27 years young when he was killed by the Metropolitan Police during a raid on his flat in the early hours of September 23rd, 1996. While the primary reason for gathering here today is to pay tribute to Diarmuid we should also use the occasion to rededicate ourselves the cause he spent his life trying to achieve, the cause of Irish Freedom. Just as the strength, courage, determination and commitment displayed by the men and women of 1916 acted as an inspiration for volunteers like Diarmuid. We should use the some of the same qualities Diarmuid displayed in his life to act as an inspiration in everything that we do today. Diarmuid joined the IRA to not only help free Ireland of British occupation but because he had a deep belief believe that the establishment of a Democratic Socialist Republic was in the best interests of the Irish people. For volunteers like Diarmuid the struggle was about more than just uniting 26 and 6, it was about building the type of Republic envisaged in the Proclamation. That is now the challenge facing those of us gathered here today, it is now a political challenge we must meet and overcome if we are to truly commemorate the sacrifice of Volunteers like Diarmuid. Make no mistake comrades, no one else going to achieve the Republic on our behalf. In my role as a political activist I get to spend a lot of time in Leinster House where I hear the word Republic used a lot by partionist politicians. However, the Republic that these partionist politicians in FF, FG and Labour speak about is not the Republic that Diarmuid strived to achieve. They speak of a 26 County so called Free State, where corrupt politicians and corrupt developers got rich on the back of hard pressed citizens. It is a so called Republic where, for far too long, the political elite have fostered a culture of dependency by citizens, a society built on a corrupt system. The Republic they speak of is not the Republic we will ever settle for. The Republic we speak of, the Republic we work every day to bring to fruition is the same Republic that Diarmuid believed in. It is a 32 County Republic which guarantees religious and civil liberty, equal rights and equal opportunities for all of its citizens and one which cherishes all of the children of this island equally. The Republic we seek to build is inclusive and respectful of all traditions and cultures and as I said earlier, we cannot rely on anyone but ourselves to achieve it. We are the people who must take the lead in shaping a New Republic. To do so will mean sometimes mean taking courageous and hard decisions, decisions that Republicans have never shied away from taking in the past and will not shy away from taking in the future. Achieving the Republic we envisage will mean addressing the many economic and social issues facing Irish people in today’s society. In this state it will mean address the 450,000 people currently unemployed, assisting the hundreds of thousands of others struggling to survive Stemming and reversing the emigration of our most educated and intelligent young people who are the very life blood of any Nation. In the 6 counties it will mean convincing those from the Unionist and Loyalist community that their interests will be better served in a United Island. Here in the 26 Counties, FG & Lab were given a mandate to change the disastrous economic road that FF was leading us down. Despite their pre-election promises to do so they are now happily implementing FF policy further eroding our economic sovereignty at a time when Republicans in the 6 are fighting to regain economic sovereignty from London. The British Tory parties’ economic policy of Austerity and cutbacks threatens to destroy all of the social progress we have made since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement. Just as we are leading the fight back against Austerity in this State we will do the same in the North, regardless of our position in Government. We will never be forced into a corner where we are seen to be defending Tory cuts, nor will we be put in the comprising position of being forced to implement them. That is why we announced last Thursday that we will not be supporting the Tories programme of welfare cuts. Republicans are not in Government in the 6 counties to service Stormont or implement the Tory agenda and the Brits would be wise to never forget that point. Stormont for us is a site of struggle and an institution which we ultimately want replaced with a true Dail Eireann representing all 32 Counties. Remember, Sinn Féin has a mandate from the Irish people to oppose these cuts unlike the Tory party who has no mandate in this country to implement them. Speaking of mandates, the last general election in this State, as we all know, saw Sinn Féin increase its political strength but comrades that election is history so we must now start planning for next set of elections we face in 2014. Already plans are well under way in every Cumann right across this State to ensure that we continue to build our political strength. One of the challenges facing us is to be in a position where we can give every citizen in this State the opportunity to cast their vote for a Sinn Féin candidate. That will be easier said than done though. In order to be in that position we need to build an organisation fit for purpose with the strength and depth to deliver on our goals and objectives. We need more women and young people and those who have made Ireland their home in recent years. We are all in this together and every member of Sinn Féin has a role to play, whether you’re the party President or the newest member. Unlike other political parties we are not interested in winning seats just for the sake of it. We seek political office in order to bring about real change and building political strength to advance our primary goal of Irish Unity is a key element of what we do. Be under no illusions comrades, our political opponents will fight us every step of the way. The establishment will rally against us as our Republican politics continue to find favour with a growing number of people. With every passing week and month we are convincing more and more people that Sinn Féin is a credible alternative that they can trust and believe in. The stronger we become the closer we get to achieving our objective of realising the New Republic we all dream and work towards. And when the day comes that we have a 32 county Republic we will once again gather here at the graveside of Diarmuid and at the gravesides of other fallen Volunteers the length and breadth of this Nation, content in the knowledge that we have completed the task they gave their lives for. There will be no more a fitting tribute to our patriot dead so comrades, go from here today even more determined to do ensure that that day comes sooner rather than later.

Monday, September 24, 2012

Cllr. Mick Nugent states that Labour motion on Minister O’Reilly another example of Disarray in Government Parties

Press Release Cllr. Mick Nugent states that Labour motion on Minister O’Reilly another example of Disarray in Government Parties Sinn Fein Cllr. Mick Nugent has welcomed the passing by Cork City Council of a motion calling for a reversal of health cuts by Minister James O’Reilly but described the motion as piece of game-playing and a further illustration of disunity among Government parties. Cllr. Nugent made the comments during a debate on a motion from Labour Councillor Michael O’Connell calling on Minister O’Reilly to reverse purposed cuts to the health service. The Sinn Fein representative stated: “While I welcome the passing of the motion, which did not have the complete support of Labour Cllrs, it was bemusing that Labour Cllrs could oppose similar motions including a ‘No Confidence’ motion in Minister O’Reilly put forward by Sinn Féin. I also made the point in the debate that I was extremely disappointed but not surprised that Minister Kathleen Lynch, along with Eamon Gilmore, came out in such strong support of the Health Minister in the Dáil recently, a Minister whose agenda has been to cut services at the point where they are most accessible and beneficial to ordinary people. I recognise that the Minister has a responsibility to her governmental colleagues but it just shows how far the Labour party has fallen. The party no longer seems interested in the problems facing communities. I believe a lot of people on Cork’s Northside would question whether Kathleen Lynch’s confidence in the Minister is retrospective to the decision to close St.Mary’s Hospital. For Kathleen Lynch to say that the Minister is doing a tremendous job is quite bizarre and runs contrary to the recent publication of the HSE Performance Report, and it seems a number of her colleagues in Cork City Council do not agree with her”. ENDS For further comment please contact Cllr. Mick Nugent on 0876755793

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Sinn Féin education spokesperson “appalled” at bullyboy tactics of Clare Co Council

Sinn Féin education spokesperson “appalled” at bullyboy tactics of Clare Co Council Sinn Féin education spokesperson, Deputy Jonathan O’Brien TD said he is “appalled and shocked” at the decision of Clare County Council to seek proof from college grant applicants that they or their families had paid the Household Charge. The Cork North Central TD criticised Education Minister Ruairí Quinn for describing the actions of the Clare council as “reasonable” and for suggesting other councils might introduce similar measures. Deputy O’Brien continued: “The decision by Clare County Council to vet third level applicants is likely to breach of the rights of applicants to be independently assessed for a grant. It is yet another attempt at coercing hard pressed families into paying a grossly unfair charge that many have withheld on a point of principle. “Increasing numbers of third level students from low and middle income families already face significant barriers when attempting to accessing higher education and for Clare County Council to make processing grants conditional on paying the Household Charge is quite simply shocking. “With today’s recommencement of the sitting of the Dáil, Sinn Féin will be challenging Minister Quinn and his government colleague Environment Minister Phil Hogan on this matter, which is yet another example of the bully boy tactics that has characterised their efforts to enforce this indiscriminate tax.”

Monday, September 3, 2012

CLLR. CHRIS O’LEARY IS NOT SEEKING PAY RISE

CLLR. CHRIS O’LEARY IS NOT SEEKING PAY RISE Sinn Fein leader on Cork City Council, Cllr.Chris O'Leary, has repudiated recent media reports by confirming that he is not seeking a pay rise of any kind. Cllr. O'Leary stated: "It is untrue that I or any other Sinn Fein councillor is seeking a pay rise. The main issue, surrounding pay, that we have raised is the exorbitant salary being paid to the Lord Mayor. Sinn Fein is calling for a cut to the payment of €120,000 per annum along with additional payments made to councillors for attending conferences and for chairing Strategic Policy Committees." Cllr. O'Leary has been the main critic of the Lord Mayor's salary and the perks associated with the office. He continued saying: "These payments are questionable at the best of times but are unacceptable given the financial situation in which the council finds itself. The Lord Mayor's payment should be reduced to €35,000 which is close to the average industrial wage. The payment of €6,500 to the Deputy Lord Mayor should be abolished along with a complete moratorium on all conferences. These conference cost the city €145,700 a year. I am also calling for the scrapping of the €10,000 payment to councillors who chair four Strategic Policy Committee meeting a year." "It is indefensible that such extravagant payments are being made at a time when Minister Phil Hogan and the Local Authority Management Agency are enforcing a programme of financial penalisation against councils in order to subsidise the government's continuation of bailing out toxic banks. You cannot advocate on behalf of ordinary people while justifying a huge salary for a post that is effectively ceremonial." Cllr. O Leary was adamant that the council will have to consider ways of dealing with the programme of financial penalisation that will limit its impact on citizens. "Plainly there are areas of council expenditure which could be trimmed without hitting services to the public. Sinn Fein will be putting forward alternative proposals to the council at the meeting. We believe that these proposals will help ensure that the cuts fall where they will have the least impact on struggling families and communities." ENDS

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Death Of Martin O'Brien, Father of Jonathan O'Brien TD

Death Of Martin O'Brien, Father of Jonathan O'Brien TD The death has occurred of Martin O'Brien, Father of Jonathan. Martin passed away at home after suffering with Motor Neuron disease for some time; commenting the Chairperson of Cork Sinn Féin Cllr Mick Nugent said: 'Martin will be a huge loss to his family & friends, Martin was only in his early 60's but was suffering from Motor Neuron disease for the last two years, he was determined to be with his family at the end and died peacefully at home this morning, Martin & Jonathan were very close and he was a great source of advice & counsel to Jonathan since the start of his political career and enjoyed been part of the various election campaigns over the years, he got great joy from Jonathan's success in the general election last year and it was a proud and emotional night at Na Piarsaigh's GAA Club for the election celebration, Martin was a good friend to myself and others in the local Sinn Féin Cumann in the Northside and we will be sorely missed by his friends, family & neighbours in Fairhill, on behalf of Sinn Féin Chorcaí I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Martin's wife Margaret, children Jonathan, Tracy & Martin jnr, Brother Liam, Sister Mary and the entire family circle'. Cllr Mick Nugent 087-6755793.

Sinn Féin supports workers sit-in at Target Depot

Sinn Féin Cllr Chris O'Leary has called for a speedy end to the dispute at the Target Depot at Little Island where 18 workers are currently involved in a sit-in having been left go by the company which owes wages to the workers, speaking today after visiting the workers Cllr O'Leary said: ' I would call on the The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton to step in at this stage and ensure there is an immediate resolution to the dispute at Target and ensure that the workers would get whatever entitlements & benefits they are owed, we do not want to see another dispute in Cork where workers have to endure a long sit-in to achieve what's owed to them, situations like at Target & previously Vita Cortex, La Senza & Game are becoming all to common & Sinn Féin has long called for more protection for workers who lose their jobs often without due notice, Sinn Féin will be supporting the workers at Target until there is a just end to their dispute'

Monday, August 20, 2012

Closure of Dept. of Social Protection Office slammed

Sinn Féin Cllr. Thomas Gould has slammed the decision to close the Dept. of Social Protection offices in Shandon Street formally known as FÁS. This is another attack on the northside as this leaves only one office in the entire city and suburbs to cater for the unemployed who are seeking jobs and training. The people of the northside and especially Cork North Central have used this office for many years and feel left down once again by the Government’s decision. This is another blow to vital services on the northside following the recent closure of the Unemployment Drop –in/Training Centre on North Main Street. Cllr. Gould is appealing to the Dept. of Social Protection to reverse this decision and is calling on the Government’s TDs for Cork North Central to fight against these cutbacks. The staff involved are been relocated to the Cornmarket Street office but Cllr. Gould does not believe that the Cornmarket Street office will have the staff or the resources to cater for the demand for the unemployed in Cork City and surrounding suburbs. At a time when there are over 26,000 people are unemployed in Cork metropolitan area, these cutbacks will directly affect services for people who are looking for jobs, training and advice. According to the Dept. of Social Protection website, they are to provide services for the most disadvantaged in the labour market. Cllr. Gould adds ‘how can you name this a Dept for Social Protection when in fact it is doing the opposite or at the very least not making these facilities readily available which in his opinion defeating the purpose. Cllr. Gould fears for those who are already in vulnerable situations and by removing this office will only hinder those in need and add to the pressure they are already under.

Jonathan O’ Brien TD dismisses Taoiseach’s “economic sovereignty” remarks at Beal na mBlath as ‘hollow’ rhetoric.

Jonathan O’ Brien TD dismisses Taoiseach’s “economic sovereignty” remarks at Beal na mBlath as ‘hollow’ rhetoric. Calls on Enda Kenny to reflect on the content of speech given government’s actions. Sinn Fein’s TD for Cork North-Central, Jonathan O’Brien, has dismissed the Taoiseach’s remarks at Beal na mBlath as hollow rhetoric and has urged the Taoiseach to reflect on his comments in light of the government’s refusal to put Irish interests ahead of those of international concerns. Mr. Kenny was the keynote speaker at the annual gathering to commemorate the death of Michael Collins. Commenting on the content of the Taoiseach’s speech, O’Brien said: “This government has continuously put the interests of a federalising Europe ahead of the economic and social needs of its own people. This coalition has pushed-on with the disastrous policy of bailing-out corrupt banks at the behest of foreign concerns that are looking out for their own corporate and political cartels. The government has used public money to facilitate and now we see the consequences in the form of the inequitable household tax cuts in education funding from primary school right up to postgraduate grants and the forthcoming water charges. Indeed the crisis in local government funding is a devastating result of their approach. “When you look at even these few examples you would have to say that it is hypocritical for the Taoiseach to talk of how this government is fighting for Ireland’s economic sovereignty. The hard evidence runs contrary to this claim. I think it was very irresponsible of the Taoiseach, to come to Cork, and spin his government’s subservience to European technocrats and faceless international bondholders with some form of hollow pseudo-patriotic rhetoric. He should reflect on this given that so many ordinary people are now struggling as result of decisions taken on his watch.” Deputy O Brien’s comments come on the back of Sinn Fein President, Gerry Adams’, own critique of the speech in which he stated: “Whatever one thinks of Michael Collins, he acted in line with his decisions. On the other hand, Mr Kenny’s assertive language is totally at variance with his actions.” For further comment please contact Jonathan O’Brien TD on 0860274142

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Economic Mismanagement & Austerity to Blame, Not Household Charge Deficit

Economic Mismanagement & Austerity to Blame, Not Household Charge Deficit – Sinn Fein Sinn Fein representatives in Cork have called on the Department of the Environment and the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) to enter into constructive dialogue with local authorities and to end the fostering of fear amongst the public regarding cuts to local services. Sinn Fein TD for Cork North-Central, Jonathan O’Brien, was particularly critical of Minster Phil Hogan saying: “It’s time for Minister Hogan to face up to the reality of the funding crisis now facing hundreds of local authorities throughout the country. He especially needs to stop being disingenuous about the root cause of the problem which is the mismanagement of the economy by the previous administration and the ill-considered austerity & bailout policies, of this government, that have stifled any prospect of growth and recovery. This is why central government has a shortfall and not as a result of the deficit in payments of the household charge. O’ Brien went on to say that the Minister’s use of sensationalist language and the financial penalisation of local councils will not contribute anything constructive in terms of a sustainable response: “It seems that the Minister would prefer to create a climate of fear amongst the public rather than offering a workable response strategy. While scaremongering, particularly threatening people with the turning off of street lights in local communities, is far beyond the pale. It is unacceptable for Phil Hogan to think he can bully the citizen’s of this state under any circumstances and even less so as a reaction to his own unfair, failed and mismanaged household charge.” Meanwhile, Cllr. Chris O’Leary, Sinn Fein’s leader on Cork City Council, has expressed his concerns that the approach is having a diluting affect on the functioning of local democracy. “I am calling on all city and county managers throughout the state to stand-up to this attempt to disenfranchise local government through the cutting and withholding of crucial funding. The approach adopted by Phil Hogan is one which absolutely ignores the mandate of elected local representatives and it will dilute our ability to advocate on behalf our constituents The Department of the Environment and the Local Government Management agency should now seek to communicate with councillors about the effect of the measures they are taking. So far this has not happened. Local government management has a responsibility to resist this punitive approach from central agencies and to avoid becoming mouthpieces and apologists for the disempowerment of communities. They will come under serious pressure but they have to remember that ordinary people did not create this mess.” For further comment please contact Jonathan O'Brien TD on 0860274142 or Cllr. Chris O'Leary on 0872794307

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Postgraduate Loan Scheme Represents a Backwards Step for Higher-Level Education in Ireland - Cllr. Mick Nugent

Postgraduate Loan Scheme Represents a Backwards Step for Higher-Level Education in Ireland - Cllr. Mick Nugent Sinn Fein's Mick Nugent has slated the government's decision to push ahead with plans to scrap maintenance grants for new postgraduate students in favour of a controversial government backed loans scheme. Speaking after Bank of Ireland announced the details of the scheme yesterday, Cllr. Nugent said: "The scheme represent a serious and alarming step backwards for high level education in this country. The government are using the economic crisis to enforce a right-wing perspective on the funding of education and social infrastructure. Since the coalition came to power it has systemically attempted to remove the idea of education as a right from the Irish psyche." "The initiative lacks any real vision and will only really benefit students who are already on a sound financial footing. It penalizes those who are less well off and as such will go some way to creating an inequitable, elitist dynamic at the higher tier of education & research by restricting opportunity of access for those with limited financial capacity. I can't see how this is conducive to building the knowledge-economy is so widely talked about in government circles." Cllr. Nugent went on by saying that he was worried that the move represent a move towards "Americanizing" financial support options for third level education in Ireland. "We know that many graduates in the US spend half their working lives financially crippled by college loan repayments. The 10.8% interest rate which had been set for this scheme will put many Irish graduates under serious strain long into their careers. It is also a great deal for the banks. Sinn Fein is calling on Ruairi Quinn to reverse this disastrous decision." ENDS Cllr Mick Nugent 087-6755793.

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

CUTS TO AGENCY NURSING STAFF AT CORK UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL IS EVIDENCE OF GOVERNMENT’S RECKLESS APPROACH TO HEALTH SERVICE – SINN FEIN

CUTS TO AGENCY NURSING STAFF AT CORK UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL IS EVIDENCE OF GOVERNMENT’S RECKLESS APPROACH TO HEALTH SERVICE – SINN FEIN The cuts to agency nursing staff at Cork University hospital is a true reflection of the government’s failure to deliver on health for the people of Cork. Speaking last night, following a meeting of SinnFein’s team on Cork City Council, Cllr. Fiona Kerins said: “We agree with the perspective that the unions have taken. It is worrying that the government see the job of managing and reforming the health service as purely an accounting concern. Of course you have to develop financially robust models for ensuring the long-term viability of our health service. But when these savings are being made at the cost of diluting resources at the point of care then surely the government is developing a false economy within the health service. It is extremely reckless on their part.” “It is an issue of objectives. And when a spotlight is shone firmly on these decisions then the government’s objectives are called into question and rather sharply. If they want a health-service that looks good on paper and has a managerialist orientation then they are certainly going the right way about it. If however the aim is to provide first-class quality of care in places where it is most needed, in the wards and A&E’s, then I think the government’s approach is being cloaked in buzzwords and soundbites.” Cllr. Kernis continued by saying that the cuts represented a second attack to health services in Cork in as many weeks: “It isn’t really surprising. It is simply a continuation of the government’s austerity agenda. Developing sensible, citizen-centred strategies around social infrastructure seems to be a way down their list of priorities. Sadly, this is the second attack on local health services in two weeks. The closure of the A&E in the South Infirmary will prove to be a misguided decision for government and a disastrous one for people on the Southside.” ENDS

Monday, July 9, 2012

Cork City Council passes motion supporting right to Civil Marriage for all citizens regardless of race, religion or sexuality

'Motions:This Council supports the same rights and entitlements to civil marriages for all citizens of Cork City regardless of race, religion or sexuality.' The above motion was passed tonight at Cork City Council making it the first Local Authority in the State to support the introduction of Same-Sex Marriages, it follows the decision by Belfast City Council recently to pass the same motion, commenting Sinn Féin Cllr Mick Nugent said: " I am delighted that my colleagues on Cork City Council unanimously supported my motion and that Cork City Council has taken the lead on this issue, I believe the majority public opinion across the country is supportive of moving from Civil Partnerships to Civil Marriages for Same-Sex couples with all the extra rights and benefits that would entail, I'm sure that approval of this motion will be a great boost for the Gay & Lesbian community in Cork and across the country in the ongoing struggle for recognition from wider society & equality in all aspects of life".ENDS Cllr Mick Nugent 087-6755793.

Friday, June 29, 2012

Cork Sinn Féin Youth to launch campaign against youth unemployment and emigration: “No Jobs, No Future. NO WAY!

Cork Sinn Féin Youth to launch campaign against youth unemployment and emigration: “No Jobs, No Future. NO WAY!” The youth wing of Sinn Féin is to launch a campaign highlighting the issue of youth unemployment and forced emigration entitled “No Jobs, No Future, NO WAY!” The campaign launches on 1st July and will be rolled out across the 32 Counties in the coming weeks. As the campaign develops, Sinn Féin will put forward their alternative to the failed policies of the Fine Gael/Labour government in tackling the issue of youth unemployment. Speaking in advance of the campaign launch (to take the form of a youth canvass in Cork City this coming Sunday - 1st July), Sinn Féin National Youth Committee member Joe Lynch said “I applaud Sinn Féin Youth for launching this campaign. This is an incredibly difficult time to be young in Ireland and it is only getting worse. It has been said that for the first time since World War II this generation of European’s will be worse off than their parents. That is an intolerable situation and Sinn Féin Youth are organising a campaign to effect change in national policy, North and South, to put the priorities of young people on the political agenda.” “30% of Irish young people are unemployed and we all know that figure is artificially low when we consider how many of our young people have left our shores for Australia, Canada and so on. Approximately 70,000 young people have just completed their Leaving Cert and face an uncertain future whilst this government sits idly by doing nothing to tackle the youth unemployment crisis - the same number of people are expected to emigrate this year.” “That’s the reality of being young today in Ireland and why young members of Sinn Féin are launching this national campaign. The campaign will involve youth engagement, on-street and other public demonstrations, online campaigning and solid concrete proposals from Sinn Féin for a change in policy to address youth unemployment and emigration. I wish our young activists every success with the campaign and call on all young people to get involved and play their part.” ENDS For further information or comment contact Joe Lynch @ 085-7055089

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Job Creation to Top Agenda at Sinn Féin Ard Fheis

Job Creation to Top Agenda at Sinn Féin Ard Fheis Sinn Féin TD Jonathan O’Brien has said job creation and growth will top the agenda at this weekend’s Sinn Féin Ard Fheis. Deputy O’Brien, along with Sinn Féin members and public representatives from across Cork City and County, will be attending the event at the INEC in Killarney. Deputy O’Biren said: “The Sinn Féin Ard Fheis will take place in the INEC in Killarney this Friday and Saturday. This is the first time Sinn Féin has held an event on this scale in Munster and follows the historic Ard Fheis in Belfast last year. “Over the weekend 1,500 delegates will debate almost 200 motions on a wide range of topics including job creation and growth, protecting public services, the difficulties facing communities across rural Ireland, Irish Unity and the Austerity Treaty. Gerry Adams will make his Presidential Address at 5.30pm. “A number of guests will address the Ard Fheis including the head of UNITE Jimmy Kelly, a former worker from Vita Cortex, representatives from ANC, Palestine and the Basque Country and Terry O’Sullivan, President of the Labourers’ International Union of North America. “More people than ever are responding positively to Sinn Féin's message of the need to reject austerity and to stimulate the economy and create jobs and growth. We are bringing forward new and credible alternatives to the economic policies of this government and we are leading the campaign against the Austerity Treaty “This Ard Fheis provides Sinn Féin with an opportunity to promote our message that there is hope, there is a political alternative and there is a way out of the economic crisis. What you can expect to see at this Ard Fheis are party members preparing themselves for the political challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.” For further information or comment contact Jonathan O’Brien TD @ 085-2133907

Monday, May 14, 2012

Sinn Féin Vice-President to Address Public Meeting in Cork Sinn Féin Vice-President Mary Lou McDonald will be in Cork this Wednesday campaigning for a No vote in the referendum on the European Austerity Treaty. She is to be the main speaker at a public meeting organised by Sinn Féin at 8pm in the Imperial Hotel. Inviting members of the public to attend, Cllr Chris O’Leary said that to pass the Fiscal Treaty would institutionalise austerity and prolong the recession. “The Treaty requires member countries’ budgets to be balanced or in surplus, which in Ireland’s case would involve an additional €6 billion in cuts and tax increases after the current austerity programme ends in 2015. What is more, it would force Ireland to reduce its debt to GDP ratio from 120% to 60% after 2018. This would commit us to at least a further decade of austerity after that date.” “The last four years have shown that austerity is not working. Instead of economic recovery, we have mass unemployment, soaring emigration, and a domestic economy that continues to decline. Imposing these policies across Europe, as this treaty seeks to do, will simply push the entire continent into recession and further delay Ireland’s economic recovery.” “This is a vote with huge implications for Ireland’s future and I hope people will come along Wednesday evening to hear Mary Lou outline the arguments against the Treaty.” Ms McDonald will be available to speak to the press before Wednesday’s meeting. For further information or comment contact Cllr Chris O’Leary @ 087-2794307

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Vote ‘No’ to Austerity: Public Meeting this Thursday

Vote ‘No’ to Austerity: Public Meeting this Thursday



Cork Sinn Féin is to hold a public meeting this Thursday at 7.30pm in the Metropole Hotel to urge voters to reject the EU Fiscal Compact. The main speaker at the event will be Jonathan O’Brien TD.

Speaking in advance of the meeting, Cllr Chris O’Leary said that if passed the Treaty would mean permanent austerity.



“The treaty requires member countries’ budgets to be balanced or in surplus, which in Ireland’s case would involve an additional €6 billion in cuts and tax increases after the current austerity programme ends in 2015. What is more, the treaty would force Ireland to reduce its debt to GDP ratio from 120% to 60% after 2018. This would commit us to at least a further decade of austerity after that date.”

“The last four years have shown that austerity is not working. Instead of economic recovery, we have mass unemployment, soaring emigration, and a domestic economy that continues to decline. Imposing these policies across Europe, as this treaty seeks to do, will simply push the entire continent into recession and further delay Ireland’s economic recovery.”

“I invite members of the public to come along on Thursday to find out about the implications of the austerity treaty for Ireland’s future and hear Sinn Féin’s case for a No vote.”

For further information or comment contact Cllr Chris O’Leary @ 087-2794307

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Gerry Adams to Speak at Easter Commemoration

Gerry Adams to Speak at Easter Commemoration


Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams will be the main speaker at this year’s Easter Commemoration in Cork.


His keynote address, to be delivered at the republican plot in St Finbarr’s cemetery this Sunday, is expected to focus on Ireland’s economic situation, Sinn Fein’s opposition to cutbacks and austerity, and the upcoming referendum on the European Fiscal Compact.



The annual Easter commemoration will assemble at the National Monument on the Grand Parade at 2.30pm this Sunday before marching to St Finbarr’s cemetery. It will be lead by the McCurtain/McSwiney Republican Flute Band.



For further information or comment contact Cllr Mick Nugent @ 087-6755793

Monday, April 2, 2012

Press Notice: Sinn Féin to Launch Easter Lily Campaign at City Hall

Press Notice: Sinn Féin to Launch Easter Lily Campaign at City Hall


Jonathan O’Brien TD and Sinn Féin members of Cork City Council will launch a campaign this Monday urging people to wear an Easter lily and remember those who gave their lives for Irish freedom. The launch will take place at Cork City Hall at 4.30pm and will include a photocall with the six public representatives.


Speaking in advance of the event, Deputy O’Brien said:



“The Easter Lily is an emblem of unity between the different traditions within the Irish nation as well as the heroism of those who sacrificed their lives in 1916. It symbolises unity, equality and a better future for all the people of Ireland.”

“The ideals of the 1916 rising have never been as relevant as they are today. With our government in leading strings to the IMF/EU, and a referendum due on the European Austerity Treaty which would permanently give up our economic sovereignty, the importance of the freedom which the men and women of 1916 fought for is clearer than ever.”

“The leaders of the 1916 rising died for a united, free Ireland where all of the children are cherished equally. I am encouraging people across Cork to wear an Easter lily this week and remember our patriot dead with pride.”

“I would also encourage people to attend this year’s Easter Commemoration, at which the main speaker will be Gerry Adams TD. The commemoration will assemble at the National Monument at 2.30pm on Easter Sunday before marching to the Republican Plot in St Finbarr’s cemetery.”



For further information or comment contact Deputy Jonathan O’Brien @ 085-2133907

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Sinn Féin supports workers at 'Game'

The Sinn Féin TD for Cork North Central Jonathan O'Brien has criticised Game for their failure to give their Irish workers the entitlements they were due.

Yesterday 123 workers in Irish stores were told that they were to be laid off by the video game retailer as it was to close its Irish operation as part of a restructuring plan.Two of these stores are in Cork City.

Deputy O'Brien called on the retailer to pay the workers their full redundancy entitlements.

Deputy O'Brien stated:

“The company Game should hang their heads in shame for the way they treated their loyal workers over the past few days.To inform their employees by phone that their contracts were being terminated this week and expect them to finish without any redundancy or notice is disgraceful."

“The very least a company owes its workers is to inform them properly and professionally that they are to be laid off, and to allow them to work out their notice."

“The company still has 333 stores in the UK so it is obvious they have the resources to fund a fair redundancy package.”

Deputy O'Brien also added the need for the Government to introduce legislation stop this practice continuing.

“This example of worker exploitation is only the latest in a long line of cases where workers have received minimal notice of being laid off and have been denied redundancy payments. It follows on from the cases of TalkTalk,La Senza, Lagan Brick and the Vita Cortex workers in Cork. How many times must this happen before the Government takes action?"

“We in Sinn Fein are calling on the government to introduce legislation to ensure this behavior stops as soon as possible."

“Politicians from across the political spectrum have indicated that they are in favour of protecting workers from this practice.Its time to accelerate this process so we as legislators do what we can to protect our citizens from ruthless companies where greed is their sole aim.We in Sinn Fein hope to bring forward proposals to this effect in the coming weeks.”ENDS

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Disappointment at announcement of Job losses at Waters Munster Glass- O'Brien

Speaking today following the announcement of the job loses in Waters Glass in Cork Jonathan O'Brien expressed his disappointment that the factory was not saved.

Jonathan along with local area Cllr Mick Nugent attended the factory to meet with the workers yesterday.

He stated
"Having spoken to the workers at the factory yesterday my understanding is that an opportunity to save the jobs failed at the last moment due to a failure to reach an agreement with the banks on a takeover bid.This is a terrible blow to the workers many with young families and mortgages and to Cork City as a whole.

All 84 jobs are to be lost with 41 of those today Tuesday.My hope is that these jobs could still be saved if there was intervention by Government.I will be speaking with the Dept of Enterprise today to explore the possibility of saving the remaining jobs. These skilled workers are facing into what is a very bleak jobs market.The continued austerity of this Government is not helping and they need to take a new direction."

Clrr Mick Nugent added
"This is a major loss to the north side of Cork.The Government needs to actively protect the jobs that are in place through early intervention and avoid what has happened here in Cork today."END

Sinn Féin Calls on Public to Support “D-Day Defiance” Protest at City Hall

Sinn Féin Calls on Public to Support “D-Day Defiance” Protest at City Hall



Sinn Féin councilor Chris O’Leary has called on the householders of Cork to come out and join the “D-Day Defiance” protest at City Hall on Saturday 31st March at 1pm. Saturday is the deadline for payment of the household charge.

Speaking today, Cllr O’Leary said:



“The boycott of the tax by the vast majority of householders shows that people have refused their consent to the tax and it is completely illegitimate. Rather than further escalate the campaign of fear and intimidation we have seen saw emanating from the government in recent days, the cabinet should reverse course and abolish the household charge.”

“Sinn Féin will hold a demonstration this weekend in opposition to the €100 household charge. It will be a show of defiance at this unfair and inequitable tax as the deadline for payment passes.”

“The ‘D-Day Defiance’ protest at Cork City Hall at 1pm on Saturday 31st March will have a number of guest speakers and will also see the release of balloons to signify the continued boycott against the Household Charge.”

“The rally is also an opportunity for people to show that the scaremongering and bullyboy tactics of the government will not work. Recently we have had the scandalous suggestion that council staff, who are already over-stretched due to cutbacks and staff reductions, will be sent out to door to door to collect the tax. The fact is the government has simply got this issue wrong. They failed to listen to the people, and their best option now is to reverse this unjust tax.”

For further information or comment contact Cllr Chris O’Leary @ 087-2794307

Monday, March 26, 2012

Taxpayer Boycott Proves Household Charge Illegitimate

Taxpayer Boycott Proves Household Charge Illegitimate



Jonathan O’Brien TD and Sinn Féin’s five Cork city councillors have called on the government to reverse course on the household charge, as the level of public opposition shows people have refused their consent to the tax and it is completely illegitimate.



The Sinn Féin representatives said:



“The household charge is one of the most inequitable ever to have been imposed by an Irish government. A millionaire company director and a state pensioner will be charged exactly the same.”

“Plainly, people recognise this and are making an informed decision not to pay. With only days remaining to the deadline, less than 20% of householders have registered for or paid this tax.”

“As public representatives, we support people in making this stand. Those of us who as householders are liable to the tax have taken personal decisions not to pay.”

“There was never any justification for imposing a tax on the family home to pay for the losses of reckless bankers. The boycott of the tax by the vast majority of householders shows that people have refused their consent to the tax and it is completely illegitimate. Rather than further escalate the campaign of fear and intimidation we saw emanating from the government last week, the cabinet should reverse course and abolish the household charge.”

For further information or comment contact Jonathan O’Brien TD @ 086-0274142

Friday, March 23, 2012

“Stop the Handover” Protest Tomorrow

“Stop the Handover” Protest Tomorrow



Cork Sinn Féin will hold a protest in Daunt Square from 1pm tomorrow as part of its ongoing “Stop the Handover” campaign.



Speaking today, Cllr O’Leary said:



“In recent days there have been suggestions that a deal is about to be reached with the ECB to restructure the payment of the Anglo promissory note.”

“However no amount of spin on the part of Minister Noonan can alter the fact that this government and the ECB intend to make the Irish taxpayer cover the entire €31 billion cost of bailing out Anglo Irish Bank, together with billions of euro more in interest payments.”

“Neither has the government reversed its intention to pay out a further €1 billion to unguaranteed, unsecured bondholders in Irish banks by the end of this year.”

“Will the deal announced by the Finance Minister on Tuesday night have any impact on the state’s debt-to-GDP ratio, and on our ability to return to the bond markets next year?”

“Will the deal have any impact on this year’s deficit, or the government’s plans to suck €3.8 billion from the economy in 2012 and a further €2.25 billion from the economy in 2013 in spending cuts and tax hikes?

“These questions have not been answered by the government.”

“At the moment, it appears that what they have chiefly succeeded in doing is turning the promissory note issued to Anglo into fully fledged sovereign debt – with all of the consequences that brings.”

“The Irish people should not have to pay, with tax rises and spending cuts, for the reckless actions of private bankers. No payments should be made in respect of the promissory note or to unsecured bondholders. This remains Sinn Féin’s position.”

For further information or comment contact Cllr Chris O’Leary @ 087-2794307

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

No Justification for Cutback in SNAs-O'Leary

No Justification for Cutback in SNAs-O'Leary



Sinn Féin councillor Chris O’Leary has said there is no justification for the proposed culling of four Special Needs Assistant posts at the Sonas Special Junior Primary School in Carrigaline.



Cllr O’Leary said:



“Sonas services pupils from a wide area, including Cork City and significant parts of the county. It provides vital support to these children and their families.”



“Parents were recently informed that four special needs assistants at the school are to be let go in August. They have begun an active campaign to save these jobs.”



“The decision to cut the positions is totally unjustified, and appears particularly illogical given that this is one of the schools promised a new school building by Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn. It is also noteworthy that while cutting these four Special Needs Assistants will save the exchequer €120,000 per year, local Fine Gael minister Simon Coveney recently employed an advisor at an annual salary of €110,000.”



“Which is more important – children’s need for education or Minister Coveney’s requirement for an additional, and overpaid, advisor? The proposed cutbacks are totally unjustifiable and must not be allowed go ahead.”



For further information or comment contact Cllr Chris O’Leary @ 087-2794307

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Fine Gael Councillors Attempting to Stifle Debate-Nugent

Fine Gael Councillors Attempting to Stifle Debate-Nugent


Sinn Féin councillor Mick Nugent has accused Fine Gael members of Cork City Council of attempting to stifle debate on the local authority. He was speaking in response to a motion the government party put through council last night which declares that in future motions must be sent either to the relevant committee or the corporate policy group for report before they can be discussed by council.



Cllr Nugent said:


“It has been the long-standing practice on the council that motions which do not impact on a particular aspect of council policy, and do not require a report on their implications from the relevant officials, are debated on the floor of the council at the meeting after they are proposed.”

“Fine Gael’s decision to change the rules means that even motions on topical issues, such as the household charge or the sell-off of state assets, will now be sent to the Corporate Policy Group, where they may be waiting for weeks before being discussed.”

“The reason given for this change is to increase the efficiency of the council and reduce the time taken up at meetings. But the Fine Gael councillors have no problem spending up to an hour of meetings proposing votes of congratulations.”

“City Council, as the tier of government closest to the people, has a legitimate right to discuss topical issues and national policy, in particular where these have an impact on the people of Cork and the work of the council itself. Fine Gael councillors, under the guise of reforming the way the council does business, are simply attempting to stifle debate and protect the government from criticism.”

For further information or comment contact Cllr Mick Nugent @ 087-6755793