Alan Farrell Autumn Newsletter

Three New Schools Secured for Dublin NorthIt was good news for parents in North Dublin as the Department of Education announced that of the 40 new schools planned over the next six years, Dublin North has been earmarked for three facilities, both primary and secondary having been overlooked in recent years.

A new primary school facility will be built in Swords between 2012 and 2015, and two long awaited second level schools have been allocated in Balbriggan, and Rush and Lusk.

Glór na Mara have worked very hard to campaign and plan the much needed Gaelcholáiste in Balbriggan, which already has 500 students on its waiting list and will cater for students from all over

Fingal who wish to continue their studies as Gaeilge. This is set to be completed by 2014, while the long awaited secondary school facility for Rush and Lusk will be completed within the next six years.

This news will provide some welcome relief to residents in Rush and Lusk who have been waiting for this news for many years with many parents fearing that the facility would never be realised. There are many families in the area that would otherwise have been facing a difficult battle to find second level places for their son or daughter.

I had discussed this matter before this announcement with the Department of Education and issued a Parliamentary Question to the Minister relating to the plans for a

post primary school in Lusk. I commend Minister Quinn for acknowledging that the present facilities cannot sustain the rapid population growth that these towns have experienced in the past few years.

Despite cutbacks and financial constraints, I am pleased that the

welfare and education of our young people is a priority for the new Government.

For more information on this committee please visit www.alanfarrell.ie

Meeting KeyStakeholders of the Croke Park AgreementSince being nominated by An Taoiseach Enda Kenny, TD as Chairperson of the Internal Committee of Public Expenditure and Reform, I have set out an initial strategic plan for the committee to liaise with key stakeholders of the Croke Park Agreement.

My first priority was for the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Brendan Howlin TD to address the committee. This was the first meeting of its kind to be addressed by a member of another political party, and illustrates how policy overrides politics when it comes to the working relationship between the two Government parties.

My next step was to set up a meeting with the Implementation Body of the Croke Park Agreement which was attended by Chairperson PJ Fitzpatrick and members of the Body’s Secretariat. It has been one year since the agreement was signed, and the conclusion of the most recent report pointed both to successful amendments with minimum opposition, but also to great challenges ahead.

My focus as Chairperson of this committee is to ensure that we hit the ground running when it comes to building active relationships within the key groups. Our next step is to invite a senior representative from the Irish Congress of Trade Unions to discuss the potentials of this agreement and how we can work with the unions in a positive and progressive manner.

For more information on this committee please visit www.alanfarrell.ie

www.alanfarrell.ie

ALAN FARRELL TDWorking for you in Dublin North

DUBLIN NORTH NEWSLETTER

Alan Farrell TD - Working for you in Dublin North

Flying Kites - Alan Farrell TD and Minister for Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht Affairs Jimmy Deenihan TD stand back as Red

Kites take first flight at Newbridge Demense, Donabate.

A Roaring Success – Alan Farrell TD and Leinster Rugby mascot Leo the Lion attend Green Flag Award ceremony at St. Oliver

Plunkett’s National School, Malahide.

Alan Farrell Newsletter Sept2011.indd 1 26/09/2011 12:54

Working Group is a Positive Step Forward for Homeowners Affected by PyriteI have recently welcomed the announcement by Environment Minister Phil Hogan that his department will be establishing an Independent Working Group to facilitate homeowners affected by pyrite.

Having experienced the issue with my own home, I have been through almost five years of strife and worry that came with the discovery of pyrite. Along with hundreds of households in Dublin North, I know first hand that dealing with the significant amount of misinformation and misleading advice that seems to surround the issue is very difficult to contend with.

I welcome the formation of an independent expert group that will have the interests of the homeowners in mind, and that despite the government having no legal liability in this matter, it is committed to acting as a facilitator to find a resolution for the issue.

The working group will consist of An Independent Chairperson alongside appropriate experts who will call in all relevant bodies involved, including Homebond, developers, quarries and the Construction Industry Federation. However the group will also be instructed to engage with affected homeowners and associations.

Earlier this year, I called on the Minister to ensure that preventative measures were published so as to protect new homeowners from this epidemic, which resulted in the improvements of building regulations. It is now essential that in every estate where homes are affected by pyrite that the householders unite together, become organised and make a

comprehensive submission to the Working Group.

I would urge all resident groups in Dublin North to engage fully and positively with the new Working Group. Although I do believe that this is a positive forward, I am also aware that very serious questions need to be asked by this group to determine how this can resolved. However I am committed to ensuring that representatives from Dublin North will have the opportunity to fully engage with the process.

Gaelscoil Facility for SwordsScoil An Duinninigh, Feltrim Road near Swords first opened its doors in September 1986 and for the first time in its 25 year history has a purpose built school facility having been scandalously neglected during the boom years. In September 2011, students, parents and teachers alike have been settling into their new two storey 16 classroom school on Feltrim Road. I would like to commend the staff and parents association for their dedicated work in delivering this new building.

My local priority is the delivery of social infrastructure such as much needed schools across north Dublin.


Updates on Continued Government Investment in FingalI am pleased to keep you informed of the various grants and investment that has been allocated to Dublin North since April this year.

TransportFingal road maintenance has had an increase in funding this year of up to €125,000 due to the expected weather conditions during the coming winter months, which is an increase of €14,279 from what was originally allocated. This will ensure that local authorities are in the best position to react to tough conditions quickly, which will hopefully reduce the difficulty experienced by members of the public last year.

ResourcesA New Library Programme was announced by the Government, allocating €190,000 for a mobile facility in the Fingal area. This is the first time in two years that Fingal has been included in the Capital Programme for Public Libraries and I believe this will yield huge benefits in terms of personal and community development for people of all ages and backgrounds. The ongoing provision of a free library service is of particular importance to me, having officially reopened public libraries in both Malahide and Garristown after extensive works during my term as Mayor of Fingal in 2008.

CommunityThe Fingal Community and Voluntary Forum is set to receive funding of €24,851 from the Department of the Environment. This is a positive investment for Fingal and I commend the Minister for ensuring that the Community and Voluntary Forum will continue to respond effectively to the needs of the community.

MaintenanceOver the coming months, Fingal County Council will receive funds totalling €207,000 from the Department of the Environment to improve flood relief in Aspen, Swords, and Rolestown in North County Dublin. This should alleviate long standing drainage issues affecting homeowners in the area.

Proposals to end upward only rent reviews are currently being examined and reviewed. This, as well as pending up-to-date valuations on local authority rates will assist local businesses by making the rating system fairer and more affordable.

Young Fine Gael

ConstituencyOffice for MalahideI will shortly be opening my new

Constituency Office in Malahide. For

updates on the official opening day,

office hours and contact details please

visit www.alanfarrell.ie or contact the

office on 01 618 4008.

If you are between 15 - 30 and want to

get involved in a new Young Fine Gael

branch for Dublin North, you can email

[email protected]

If your club, association or class would

like to visit the Dáil and sit in the

chamber when the TDs are in session,

or take a tour of European House on

Molesworth Street, contact my office on

01 618 4008 and I would be delighted to

facilitate you.

Dáil Visits

Dublin North Notes

Alan Farrell TD visits Public Library in Malahide

Rates & Rent Reviews

It has been a truly uplifting few weeks for Skerries

after being named Community of the Year in this years

‘People of the Year Awards’ and giving Dublin Captain

Bryan Cullen a heroes welcome for bringing home

the Sam Maguire. It has proved to be a great year to

be a Dub, but an even greater year to celebrate the

courageous and admirable sense of community that

Skerries has shown in recent times.

Community of the Year


JobBridge, the new National Internship Programme, is a hugely welcome initiative which will help thousands of people who feel stuck on the Live Register gain access to the jobs market.

Since the launch of the scheme, there have been 2600 opportunities available on the JobBridge website with 1124 individuals placed on internships so far. In the last few weeks the Minister has responded to feedback on the scheme and I am pleased to confirm that the qualifying guidelines have changed since the initial launch of the scheme to allow

those taking part in other state training courses or schemes to apply mmediately, without having to wait another 3 months as was originally required.

Facts about JobBridge:

• Anyone who has been on the Live Register for at least three months is eligible to apply

• Internships will run for six or nine months

• Interns will receive an extra allowance of €50 a week

• There is no cost to employers I am encouraging job seekers and employers across Dublin North to check out this new scheme. For job seekers, the programme offers invaluable hands-on experience and access to contacts and references that can only enhance the possibility of securing full time employment.

Interested parties can log on to www.jobbridge.ie now for more information or visit www.alanfarrell.ie


Assisting Jobseekers and Businesses a Key Priority for Government

Alan attends OECD conference on behalf of European Parliamentarian Organisation AWEPA

Alan Farrell TD meets Swaziland MP at OECD International Aid Conference

Ireland Should Lead the Call for More Effective International AidRecently I attended July’s OECD Working Party on Aid Effectiveness as a member of the European Parliamentarians with Africa supported by Irish Aid, Ireland’s official programme of assistance to developing countries.

It is my view that the famine in the Horn of Africa should be a wake up call to Ireland, and I have urged the international community to do everything possible to improve the effectiveness of overseas development aid.

Although there is a range of principles that aims to make international aid more streamlined and effective, I would question whether enough urgency is

being shown in addressing the famine. We must have a full and constructive debate on how overseas aid is best delivered. We must make sure that every cent of Irish taxpayers’ money is well spent and that it reaches its intended recipients.

There is a major conference on Aid Effectiveness in South Korea this December and that really is the last chance for the international community to reform this process fully and decisively.

I urge the Irish Government and the Irish TDs and NGOs who will attend that conference to bring a real sense of urgency to proceedings and to ensure that preventative steps are taken to avert crises in the future.

Having orgnaised a Goal Mile at Malahide Castle each Christmas for the past four years, I would like to ask you to play your part by donating to many worthy charities doing their bit in Africa. They need your help and donations can be made at the following websites www.oxfamireland.org, www.goal.ie, www.concern.net, www.trocaire.org.

For more information please visit www.alanfarrell.ie

Referendum Day 27th OctoberOn the 27th October 2011 the people of Ireland will be asked to cast their vote in three very significant referenda; the Presidential Election, Judges Renumeration and the inquiry powers of the Houses of the Oireachtas.

I believe that this in an opportunity for the Irish people to choose a President that understands our past and believes in our future, and who can revive those core qualities that built this country. I strongly believe that we need a President who can perform on and has experience of the international stage, as well as remaining connected with the people of Ireland.

The people will also be asked to vote on the issue of amending the constitution so that judges salaries are subject to the same amendments as all public servants in this country. This amendment will result in judges salaries being amended to include the pension levy reduction, of which they are currently exempt.

The third referendum will empower the House of the Oireachtas to hold inquiries into matters in the interest of the public. I would encourage all constituents in Dublin North to take an interest in each of these referenda and to exercise your right to vote.

Follow Alan Online!If you’d like to keep up to date with Alan online, you can follow him on Twitter of Facebookwww.facebook.com/alanfarrelltdwww.twitter.com/alanfarrellwww.alanfarrell.ie

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Your Local Fine Gael Team:

Government Report CardA look at some of the national issues that have been resolved recently in the first term of the 31st Dáil.

Bailout Interest RateOn July 21st 2011 An Taoiseach Enda Kenny negotiated a 2% decrease in our bailout interest rate with our European counterparts, saving €600 - €800 million for Ireland each year.

Banking SectorMinister for Finance Michael Noonan has announced that private investors have committed to buy up to €1.123 billion of the State’s shares in Bank of Ireland, reducing accordingly the State’s obligation to capitalise for this amount as part of the March stress tests.

There has been ongoing replacement of pre-September 2008 bank directors, and we have secured troika support for a managed and orderly downsizing of the banking system to avoid excessive fire sale losses and limit taxpayer support.

There has been a comprehensive restructuring and recapitalisation plan for the banking system to release at least €30 billion in new domestic lending in the period 2011 to 2013.

Dáil ReformSignificant Dáil Reform has taken place since the beginning of the 31st Dáil.

Measures include;

• Increasing number of sitting hours by 50%

• Reducing Dáil holidays • Introducing Gender Quotas to increase

female participation • Ensuring all by elections take place within

6 months • Planned referendum on the abolition of

the Seanad • Banned political donations • Capping the funds available for elections • Commitment to reducing the number of

Oireachtas members by 30%• Cutting number of Dáil committees • More effective Dáil business, such as

topical issues of the day.

The Cloyne ReportAbuse victims finally have a voice strong enough to hold the Vatican to account after the publication of the Cloyne Report. New legislation is being drawn up by the Minister for Justice to ensure that no adult can withhold information about child abuse, taking power from the religious orders and protecting children’s welfare.Putting Children FirstThe Ryan implementation oversight group is now chaired by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs.We have initiated the design of a new agency for child protection and the provision of family support.

Jobs & FundingJobs is the number one priority for this government, and within 20 weeks the following has been invested in job creation;• An extra €75 million for shovel-ready

transport projects to create 1,000 jobs

• An extra €40 million for the 2011 summer works scheme for 453 schools to create 2,400 jobs

• Extra funding has been committed for an applied research centre in cloud computing and also a new energy research centre.

• A new support programme for home energy retrofitting to create an estimated 2,000 jobs

• A new memorandum of understanding between China and Ireland which will foster stronger trade links.

Public Expenditure In respect of the public finances, a comprehensive review of expenditure has commenced and is practically completed. We have also been successful in the delivery of targeted payroll reductions under the Croke Park agreement. Health The board of the HSE has been replaced, ahead of the introduction of legislation to abolish it. The new special delivery unit to tackle unacceptable hospital waiting lists has been implemented.

Dáil Éireann, Leinster House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2.Tel: 01 6184008 [email protected] www.twitter.com/alanfarrell

ALAN FARRELL TDChairperson, Internal Committee for Public Expenditure and Reform


0612

James Reilly TDMinister for Health

Tel: 01 890 [email protected]

Cllr Anne DevittSwords Ward

Tel: 01 8409728 [email protected]

Cllr Tom O’LearyBalbriggan WardTel: 087-2411626

[email protected]

Cllr Anthony Lavin Malahide Ward

Tel: 087-9931329 [email protected]

Cllr Larry Dunne Balbriggan Town Council

Tel: 01 – 8414356 [email protected]

Clinic TimesFirst Monday of each month Donabate Community Centre 7 - 7.30pmRush Community Centre 8 - 8.30pm

First Thursday of each monthBalbriggan Town Hall 7 - 7.45pm Swords Senior Citizen Centre 8 - 8.30pm

Gay Mitchell MEPTel: 01 6198444

[email protected]


Alan Farrell Autumn Newsletter

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