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<title>Christy O'Sullivan - Recent appearances (From KildareStreet.com)</title>
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<dc:date>2009-04-15T16:11:21+00:00</dc:date>

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<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-04.118.0&amp;m=715#g216.0">
	<title>Ceisteanna &acirc; Questions | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-04.118.0&amp;m=715#g216.0</link>
	<description>The official concerned who is dealing with the Independents who support the Government is now down from four to two, presumably, in terms of his or her workload.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="216.1">The official concerned who is dealing with the Independents who support the Government is now down from four to two, presumably, in terms of his or her workload.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-04T11:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-11-27.244.0&amp;m=715#g279.0">
	<title>Motor Vehicle (Duties and Licences) (No. 2) Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-11-27.244.0&amp;m=715#g279.0</link>
	<description>This Bill will provide a permanent legislative basis for the motor tax increases approved by the House on budget day.  The motor car is part of life in our world today.  It has changed the way we...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="279.1">This Bill will provide a permanent legislative basis for the motor tax increases approved by the House on budget day.  The motor car is part of life in our world today.  It has changed the way we travel and increased the pace of life for many as is evident every day of the week on the roads throughout the country.  A survey taken six months ago showed that almost two thirds of people planning to buy a new car would buy a vehicle with lower emissions if it resulted in paying lower motor tax.  The poll, which was carried out by Red C for the Irish Taxation Institute, found that 55% of people would also consider changing their current car if it meant a lower tax bill.</p><p pid="279.2">The survey showed a strong awareness of changes in the car tax and vehicle registration system.  A total of 59% of those surveyed said the changes to VRT would encourage the purchase of vehicles with a lower emissions rating.  A total of 60% claimed the new VRT changes would make them more inclined to purchase a car with lower emissions.  Regarding motor tax, 65% of people who planned to buy a car said they would be more likely to buy one with lower CO2 emissions if it meant saving money.  Cost is the bottom line for many people.  A total of 55% said they would be more likely to change their existing car to one with lower CO2 emissions in order to save on motor tax.</p><p pid="279.3">From 1 July 2008, buyers of new cars with lower CO2 emissions have seen a reduction in their annual road tax.  Vehicle registration tax will also be lower, depending on the emissions rating of the car.  The new system, where cars are classed in a series of CO2 emissions bands, is progressive and welcome.  We should be encouraging as many people as possible to move to fuel-efficient cars.  If the environmental benefits of the changes in VRT and motor tax are to be truly maximised, a real collective effort is required to educate everyone on the practical implications of the change.</p><p pid="279.4">Yesterday the Government outlined its plans for 10% of the national road transport fleet to be powered by electricity by the year 2020 and this is to be welcomed.  The size of the country suits electric vehicles and the country can become an effective test centre for the worldās car manufacturers.  A total of 200,000 electric vehicles could be on our roads in 12 years.  This would be a ground-breaking development.  Among the provisions will be a ā¬1 million research and development fund, tax incentives for companies buying electric vehicles as well as assistance for individual buyers.</p><p pid="279.5">Transport emissions are Irelandās fastest growing greenhouse gas sector.  Powering electric vehicles from renewable sources like wind turbines could significantly reverse this trend.  The electric vehicles plan provides for tax incentives for businesses to purchase electric vehicles.  Businesses can write off 100% of the cost of purchase against tax under the accelerated capital allowance scheme.  The plan also provides for a ā¬1 million project for Sustainable Energy Ireland to research, develop and demonstrate vehicles nationally.  Assistance will be given to individuals purchasing electric vehicles with the publication of a buyerās guide and a cost of ownership calculator by Sustainable Energy Ireland.  A national taskforce will be established to examine infrastructure options for the national roll-out of electric vehicles, including street charging.</p><p pid="279.6">We are serious about dealing with the issue of car emissions.  The Minister expects considerable international investment to flow from this plan.  It must be remembered that in 2008, ā¬6 billion will have been sent out of the country to pay for fossil fuels.  The electric car scheme would bring money back into the economy and fuel our transport fleet with Irish renewable electricity.</p><p pid="279.7">We all need to be increasingly aware of the environment.  Any measures that can help us to reduce our fossil fuel bill and to meet our climate change challenges are welcome.  This plan could bring much investment and jobs to Ireland, with the potential to make Ireland a centre for electric vehicles.  In these changed economic times, such a development is welcome.</p><p pid="279.8">We must think of our future generations.  As a rural Deputy, I am always struck by the number of cars used in Dublin city.  We must do what we can to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, improve our energy security and lower our transport emissions.  The key to our transport future, as the Minister for Transport, Deputy Noel Dempsey, outlined yesterday, has to include smarter, more sustainable travel choices.</p><p pid="279.9">The ESB is fully on board with this initiative.  With the development of carbon-neutral electricity, Ireland has the opportunity to engage fully with the process of moving to electric vehicles.  I was glad to learn the ESB is working to facilitate the development of electric cars, realising it will be a critical component of the green economy.  We need new thinking when it comes to the motor vehicle sector.  With the increasing global use of cars, and with issues such as climate change uppermost in our minds, Bills such as this show initiative.  We must continue to be progressive when it comes to the motor industry and do all we can to make it as energy efficient as possible.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-11-27T13:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-11-27.244.0&amp;m=715#g277.0">
	<title>Motor Vehicle (Duties and Licences) (No. 2) Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-11-27.244.0&amp;m=715#g277.0</link>
	<description>I wish to share time with Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="277.1">I wish to share time with Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-11-27T13:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-11-12.650.0&amp;m=715#g777.0">
	<title>Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-11-12.650.0&amp;m=715#g777.0</link>
	<description>I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Bill, which is of huge importance to the most vulnerable people in our community.  It shows that the Government has the best interests of the less...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="777.1">I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Bill, which is of huge importance to the most vulnerable people in our community.  It shows that the Government has the best interests of the less well-off at heart.</p><p pid="777.2">The Bill provides for an increase of between 3% and 3.8% in basic social welfare payments next year.  This represents a total spend of ā¬19.6 billion for 2009 and an increase of ā¬2.6 billion over the 2008 Estimates.  Overall, 1.7 million people will benefit from these provisions.  This includes 440,000 pensioners, 345,000 ill and disabled people, over 80,000 carers, 30,000 low income families who will be availing of family income supplement and more than 580,000 families who receive child benefit payments.</p><p pid="777.3">A country can best be judged by how it looks after its most vulnerable, and this Bill shows our country in a very positive light.  In these difficult economic times, it is important that we support those who need it most.  At a time when many pensioners and social welfare recipients were not expecting increases, the Minister has provided just such increases.  Many of these figures are worth repeating.  In the coming year there will be an increase of ā¬7 per week for all State pensioners, contributory and non-contributory, as well carers aged 66 and over.  There will be an increase for qualified adults ranging from ā¬4.30 to ā¬6.30 per week for those over 66 years of age.  A couple will now have a weekly increase of ā¬13.30 per week.  The 11% increase in fuel allowance to ā¬20 a week from the start of 2009 is most welcome. I also welcome that the season has been increased to 32 weeks in total.</p><p pid="777.4">The Government is doing all it can to keep unemployment as low as possible but it is prudent in the current economic environment to set aside funding in case it continues to rise.  The Bill sees changes to the jobseekerās benefit, illness benefit and health and safety benefit schemes.</p><p pid="777.5">Some people, who were previously working part-time, could receive a higher rate of payment from these schemes than what they were earning while at work.  This has been recognised as being inappropriate and a disincentive to employment.  From January, this situation will be addressed by increasing the earnings thresholds which currently apply to the reduced or graduated rates of payment from ā¬150 to ā¬300 per week.  This provides an extra incentive for those seeking employment.  Up to 733,000 people are in receipt of working age payments ā jobseekers, one-parent families, illness benefit and disability allowance claimants and carers.  They will all benefit from increases in weekly personal rates in the coming year.</p><p pid="777.6">Unfortunately, in these changed economic times, it has been necessary to take some steps to reduce expenditure.  These have been kept to the minimum and applied in a careful manner.  There was no easy way to achieve the required savings.  Consideration had to be given to a wide range of changes and very difficult decisions had to be made.  No Minister took these decisions lightly.  The Bill seeks to ensure the most needy in our society are looked after and that they are not left behind or forgotten.  I welcome the Bill.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-11-12T18:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-11-12.650.0&amp;m=715#g775.0">
	<title>Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-11-12.650.0&amp;m=715#g775.0</link>
	<description>I wish to share time with Deputy &Atilde;ine Brady.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="775.1">I wish to share time with Deputy Ćine Brady.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-11-12T18:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-10-16.461.0&amp;m=715#g677.0">
	<title>Farm Waste Management Scheme: Motion  | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-10-16.461.0&amp;m=715#g677.0</link>
	<description>The farmers of this country need not be concerned for the future of agriculture under this Government and particularly under the leadership of the Minister, Deputy Brendan Smith.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="677.1">The farmers of this country need not be concerned for the future of agriculture under this Government and particularly under the leadership of the Minister, Deputy Brendan Smith.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-10-16T14:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-10-16.461.0&amp;m=715#g675.0">
	<title>Farm Waste Management Scheme: Motion  | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-10-16.461.0&amp;m=715#g675.0</link>
	<description>These are the farmers&acirc; stock relief, farm pollution control relief, stamp duty relief for farm consolidation and stamp duty relief for young trained farmers.  In addition, the Minister for...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="675.1">These are the farmersā stock relief, farm pollution control relief, stamp duty relief for farm consolidation and stamp duty relief for young trained farmers.  In addition, the Minister for Finance has indicated his willingness to consider the possibility of further measures aimed at young farmers in the context of the forthcoming Finance Bill.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-10-16T14:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-10-16.461.0&amp;m=715#g673.0">
	<title>Farm Waste Management Scheme: Motion  | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-10-16.461.0&amp;m=715#g673.0</link>
	<description>The 31 December deadline is a condition of EU state aid approval and the Commission has consistently indicated its expectation that Ireland will adhere strictly to that deadline.  It is...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="673.1">The 31 December deadline is a condition of EU state aid approval and the Commission has consistently indicated its expectation that Ireland will adhere strictly to that deadline.  It is particularly significant that the 31 December 2008 deadline was introduced as an exceptional measure, having regard to the specific conditions that applied in Ireland, including the weather, and the then lack of capacity in the building industry to get jobs started.</p><p pid="673.3">All projects that are completed and have their documentation with the Department by 31 December will be paid in full.  There should be no concerns about that.  However, in recognition of the fact that some farmers, for whatever reason, may not be able to proceed with the full project for which they have approval, the Minister has decided the Department will grant aid particular discrete elements of work.  The Department has written to all approval holders to clarify those discrete units that will attract grant aid.  This was a very practical intervention by the Minister to ensure that those proceeding with a more limited project would not lose their grant.  It is worth noting that a similar scheme in Northern Ireland also has a deadline of 31 December 2008.</p><p pid="673.4">Despite the particularly difficult economic situation, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food will, through Exchequer and EU funding, invest ā¬3.26 billion in support of the agrifood sector in 2009.  This includes ā¬335 million for REPS and its 60,000 participants and provides for a 17% increase in payments under REPS 4.</p><p pid="673.5">In addition, the Minister has ensured that the ā¬250 million for the suckler welfare scheme agreed in partnership will be honoured in full, though the rate of payment per head will have to be reduced if the current level of participation in the scheme is maintained over its remaining four years.</p><p pid="673.6">The Minister for Finance has confirmed the renewal of four very important tax reliefs of great benefit to farmers, particularly young farmers.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-10-16T14:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-10-16.461.0&amp;m=715#g671.0">
	<title>Farm Waste Management Scheme: Motion  | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-10-16.461.0&amp;m=715#g671.0</link>
	<description>I welcome the opportunity to speak on this motion,  This farm waste management scheme has been an outstanding success, with 46,000 completed applications received by the end of June 2007...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="671.1">I welcome the opportunity to speak on this motion,  This farm waste management scheme has been an outstanding success, with 46,000 completed applications received by the end of June 2007 deadline.  To date, more than 42,000 approvals have issued to farmers and some 30,000 farmers have indicated they have commenced work.</p><p pid="671.2">Last year, ā¬113.8 million was paid in grant aid and, to date, ā¬212 million has been paid this year, while the DĆ”il has approved a Supplementary Estimate to provide an additional ā¬195 million in grant aid for this year, bringing it to a total spend on the scheme of approximately ā¬377 million.  In addition, the 2009 Estimates, published on Thursday, provide a further ā¬125 million to be paid next year.  This will bring total expenditure in grant aid between 2007 and 2009 to well in excess of ā¬615 million.  This is an enormous commitment by the Government to Irish agriculture.  Farmers are also investing hundreds of millions as a statement of their confidence in their own industry and who knows the industry better than the farmers.</p><p pid="671.3">There is absolutely no truth in the suggestions and rumours that farmers participating in the scheme will be unable to reclaim VAT on their costs.  The Departmentās experience of similar on-farm investment schemes suggest that approximately 80% of those with approval will proceed with the work.  Thus, there is no basis to the Oppositionās claims that the 31 December deadline will deny up to 12,000 farmers the opportunity to avail of the scheme.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-10-16T13:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-07-02.995.0&amp;m=715#g1046.0">
	<title>Fishing Industry: Motion (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-07-02.995.0&amp;m=715#g1046.0</link>
	<description>I am satisfied that, during their short time in office, the Minister, Deputy Smith, and the Minister of State, Deputy Killeen, have worked very hard and made progress that is in the best...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="1046.1">I am satisfied that, during their short time in office, the Minister, Deputy Smith, and the Minister of State, Deputy Killeen, have worked very hard and made progress that is in the best interests of the fishing industry, fishermen and coastal communities.  I wish them every success in their continuing efforts to secure additional EU funding to help address the current short-term difficulties being experienced by fishermen.  These difficulties must be considered within the context of the Common Fisheries Policy and must be addressed by a common EU-funded approach.  When our fishermen say they are in difficulty, we must listen and act appropriately.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-07-02T19:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-07-02.995.0&amp;m=715#g1044.0">
	<title>Fishing Industry: Motion (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-07-02.995.0&amp;m=715#g1044.0</link>
	<description>Some 80% of the fish caught in our waters are being taken by foreign boats.  However, only one third of all boardings by fishery officers relate to these vessels.  There is something seriously...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="1044.1">Some 80% of the fish caught in our waters are being taken by foreign boats.  However, only one third of all boardings by fishery officers relate to these vessels.  There is something seriously wrong in this regard.  I am strongly of the view that the introduction of administrative sanctions must be considered in cases where minor offences are committed.  This would be better than the current regime under which all offences, major or minor, are seen as criminal in nature.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-07-02T19:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-07-02.995.0&amp;m=715#g1042.0">
	<title>Fishing Industry: Motion (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-07-02.995.0&amp;m=715#g1042.0</link>
	<description>I am delighted to have the opportunity to speak on this motion in light of the importance of the fishing industry to Cork South-West, which I represent, and the country as a whole.  The entire...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="1042.1">I am delighted to have the opportunity to speak on this motion in light of the importance of the fishing industry to Cork South-West, which I represent, and the country as a whole.  The entire coastal area of my constituency that runs from Kinsale to the Dursey Sound looks out on the Atlantic Ocean.  There are people in every town and village along this coastline who, in one way or another, have spent all their lives involved in the fishing industry.  The main fishing ports in the area are Castletownbere, Bantry, Schull, Baltimore, Union Hall and Kinsale.  I have first-hand knowledge of the importance of the fishing industry to everyone in Cork South-West, particularly to those who live along the stretch of coastline to which I refer.</p><p pid="1042.2">This is a timely debate in respect of an extremely important sector which is experiencing very difficult times.  According to the Cawley report, the Irish seafood industry generates total annual revenues in excess of ā¬700 million and provides direct employment for over 11,000 people.  It is a vital indigenous industry and makes a significant contribution to the economy in terms of output, employment and exports.</p><p pid="1042.3">I fully accept the commitments of both the Minister, Deputy Smith, and the Minister of State, Deputy Killeen, in respect of a long-term sustainable and profitable Irish fishing industry, which is critical to coastal communities throughout the country.  I am satisfied that, since they were appointed, both have engaged fully with the Federation of Irish Fishermen.  They met on several occasions with representatives of the federation and kept them fully briefed during the meeting of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Luxembourg last week.  This is the kind of dialogue through which progress can be made.  The Minister and Minister of State also travelled to Luxembourg for the specific reason of meeting the EU fisheries Commissioner and conveying to him, in the strongest possible terms, the concerns of Irish fishermen.  I have no doubt that Commissioner Borg is now fully acquainted with the difficulties being experienced by Irish fishermen.</p><p pid="1042.4">It was not today nor yesterday that the Irish fishing industry began to experience difficulties.  Recent increases in fuel prices have not helped.  In recognition of this, the then Minister appointed Dr. Noel Cawley to chair an independent review of the industry and to bring forward a plan for its restructuring and development.  Following intensive discussions with fishermen and fishing communities, Dr. Cawley brought forward a strategy, Steering A New Course: A Strategy for a Restructured, Sustainable and Profitable Irish Seafood Industry 2007-2013.  This strategy maps the way forward for the industry.  One of its key recommendations relates to the need to restructure the Irish fleet in order that it might become world class in nature and be ideally suited to coping with matters relating to fish stocks and species and the sustainable practices of the modern fisheries sector.</p><p pid="1042.5">The decommissioning scheme launched in February reflects the extensive consultation that took place with the industry.  This scheme will permanently remove fishing vessels from the Irish fleet, particularly a number of older and larger boats that are over ten years old and over 18 m in length.  The first offers of grants under the scheme were made in the past couple of weeks and the programme of decommissioning will remove up to 35% of the larger whitefish vessels from the fleet.  This will have significant consequential benefit for those who remain in the industry by increasing the quotas available to more modern, competitive fishing vessels and to smaller vessels.  It will also ensure that we have a more sustainable and profitable fleet.  This is particularly relevant to the home ports of the vessels being decommissioned.  The scheme represents a very substantial commitment on the part of the Government to bring the fishing fleet into balance with remaining resources.</p><p pid="1042.6">I find it difficult to understand or accept the issue relating to discards.  While I accept this is a complex problem, it is one which simply must be addressed.  I welcome the commitment on the part of the Minister and Minister of State to focus on the early adoption of new conservation measures to reduce the deliberate discarding of fish.  Most discarded fish do not survive and I see no advantage, from the point of view of conservation, in throwing them overboard.  When one takes into account the cost to fishermen of going to sea and then being obliged to discard perfectly good catches, what is happening makes no sense.</p><p pid="1042.7">I welcome the announcement by Minister of State, Deputy Killeen, regarding the establishment, under the chairmanship of the CEO of An Bord lascaigh Mhara, of a new Irish seafood marketing initiative to maximise opportunities in the domestic seafood market for the Irish fishing fleet.  I also welcome the establishment of a new Irish fisheries science research partnership under the chairmanship of the CEO of the Marine Institute.  The latter will enhance collaboration and mutual understanding on fisheries science priorities that are beneficial to the long-term future of the fishing industry.</p><p pid="1042.8">I support the efforts of the Minister and Minister of State to persuade the EU fisheries Commissioner to examine new information in respect of cod stocks in the Celtic Sea and to consider the possibility of a sustainable increase in access for Irish fishermen to these stocks in order to alleviate the pressure on their incomes.  No one knows better than fishermen the importance of the conservation of stocks and it is not in their interest to overfish.</p><p pid="1042.9">It is important to remember what lies at the heart of this matter, namely, fishermen and their families trying to survive.  People who have invested huge amounts of money and time in building up the industry in the past are finding it impossible to make a decent living.  These individuals are not just constituents, they are neighbours and friends.  I live in a part of the country where we, as a community, suffer the pain of lives lost at sea and observe our friends and neighbours enduring extreme hardship as a result of the serious problems the industry faces.</p><p pid="1042.10">It is vital we remain in regular contact with fishermen and listen to what they have to say.  We must listen when they inform us about the difficulties they face and work to resolve them.  Fishermen state that they are being over-policed by fishery officers who make it almost impossible for them to work and carry out their business and that their counterparts in other EU countries are treated differently.  Action must be taken in respect of their concerns.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-07-02T19:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-07-02.995.0&amp;m=715#g1040.0">
	<title>Fishing Industry: Motion (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-07-02.995.0&amp;m=715#g1040.0</link>
	<description>I wish to share time with Deputies Kenneally, Kirk, Blaney and Cregan.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="1040.1">I wish to share time with Deputies Kenneally, Kirk, Blaney and Cregan.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-07-02T19:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-04-09.93.0&amp;m=715#g104.0">
	<title>Death of Former Member: Expressions of Sympathy | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-04-09.93.0&amp;m=715#g104.0</link>
	<description>I would like to be associated with the tributes paid here to Gene Fitzgerald.  I happened to be at his final rally in Macroom in 1972 and my abiding memory of him was the way in which he went...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="104.1">I would like to be associated with the tributes paid here to Gene Fitzgerald.  I happened to be at his final rally in Macroom in 1972 and my abiding memory of him was the way in which he went about his business and made contact with people.  He was a fantastic canvasser and always made that vital contact, which stood him in good stead throughout his political life.  People always came first for Gene Fitzgerald.  I thank him for the friendliness he showed to my family over the years.  He was a great friend to my late brother, Dave OāSullivan.  I extend my sympathy to Noreen Fitzgerald and her family.  We will miss Gene Fitzgerald but his family will miss him most of all.  I thank him for all the efforts he devoted to politics.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-04-09T12:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2007-11-21.302.0&amp;m=715#g356.0">
	<title>Young People: Motion (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2007-11-21.302.0&amp;m=715#g356.0</link>
	<description>I am delighted to contribute to this debate.  The motion is particularly appropriate, given that the General Assembly of the European Youth Parliament met in this Chamber on Friday and Saturday...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="356.1">I am delighted to contribute to this debate.  The motion is particularly appropriate, given that the General Assembly of the European Youth Parliament met in this Chamber on Friday and Saturday last.</p><p pid="356.2">As a parent, an uncle and a public representative, I meet young people who are friendly, articulate and very knowledgeable on a daily basis.  They are not slow to point out that we have an enormous responsibility to ensure the legacy of our time here as public representatives will be that we hand down to them a society that is at least no more damaged than that which we inherited.</p><p pid="356.4">How we go about this is the crucial question.  Like other TDs, I refer back to my constituency of Cork South-West to gauge matters.  The conclusion I came to on this is that in many ways we have left down our young people.  Opportunities in education which were not available to previous generations have opened many doors for young people and as a society we should be rightly proud of this.  However, many do not achieve their educational potential and we must continue to work to improve their situation.</p><p pid="356.5">We must ensure the schools they attend are worthy of modern Ireland and have the facilities to cater for life in Ireland today.  It is right to commend the Minister for Education and Science on her ongoing commitment to pupils and schools.  While she accepts we still have a distance to travel in this regard, what we need to tackle are facilities outside the educational setting.  We must invest more in our young people by making available extra funding for youth cafĆ©s, youth clubs, sports facilities, swimming pools, cinemas and other leisure activities if we are not to be judged harshly by those who come after us.</p><p pid="356.6">In Cork South-West, which is a large constituency geographically, the major towns of Kinsale, Bandon, Clonakilty, Dunmanway, Bantry and Castletownbere and the large hinterland have only two cinemas and one public swimming pool between them.  The battle continues to find a room or a building which will allow young people to have a place to meet or organise their youth clubs or activities.</p><p pid="356.7">Young people walk around the streets aimlessly because they have no place to go and little to do.  Their problem is that they have few positive activities in which to get involved.  This in turn makes them easy prey for those who seek to sell drugs, alcohol or get them involved in various forms of anti-social behaviour.  One does not need to be on the streets of Dublin, Cork, Limerick or other major cities for this to happen.</p><p pid="356.8">We hear a great deal about young drivers.  They are mentioned every time we pick up a newspaper, listen to the radio or watch television.  Thought should be given to expanding the driving tuition done by schools in transition year.  Time and energy must be devoted to helping young people gain proficient driving skills if they so wish.  Serious thought must be given to making funding available for practical sessions of driving tuition in designated spaces.  These spaces could be provided by local authorities and driving tuition carried out by qualified driving instructors.  Students who complete the course should be acknowledged, perhaps with cheaper insurance or a fast-tracked driving test.</p><p pid="356.9">During recent years, we ensured our senior citizens benefited from our increased prosperity.  We must give young people the same priority.  I am aware of the funds available for youth projects throughout the country.  However, I urge the Minister for Finance, Deputy Brian Cowen, to consider increasing the moneys available for young people.  We must not forget those who come after us and do our best for young people.  I am delighted to speak on this motion.  I hope the outcome of this debate will be of benefit to future generations.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2007-11-21T17:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2007-11-21.302.0&amp;m=715#g354.0">
	<title>Young People: Motion (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2007-11-21.302.0&amp;m=715#g354.0</link>
	<description>I wish to share time with Deputy O&acirc;Connor.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="354.1">I wish to share time with Deputy OāConnor.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2007-11-21T17:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2007-06-28.76.0&amp;m=715#g95.0">
	<title>Roads Bill 2007 [Seanad]: Second Stage | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2007-06-28.76.0&amp;m=715#g95.0</link>
	<description>I also congratulate Deputy Noel Dempsey on his new portfolio and my fellow Corkman, Deputy Billy Kelleher, on his appointment as Minister of State at the Department of Transport and the Marine....</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="95.1">I also congratulate Deputy Noel Dempsey on his new portfolio and my fellow Corkman, Deputy Billy Kelleher, on his appointment as Minister of State at the Department of Transport and the Marine.  I look forward to working with them closely on transport infrastructure in my constituency.</p><p pid="95.2">Our roads infrastructure needs improvement.  My constituency does not even have 1 km of national primary road.  A national secondary road runs through Cork South West but it is only at the standard of a county road.  While I welcome the programme in place to expand dual carriageways and motorways, which are necessary, my main concern is that my constituents do not have the opportunity to travel on 1 km of national primary road in south west Cork.  The public transport infrastructure in my constituency is such that we cannot attract industry and that is a major concern.  I hope this issue will be addressed in the near future.  The Minister made only one reference in his contribution to this issue but I would like him to take it seriously and address it in the near future.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2007-06-28T12:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2007-06-28.76.0&amp;m=715#g93.0">
	<title>Roads Bill 2007 [Seanad]: Second Stage | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2007-06-28.76.0&amp;m=715#g93.0</link>
	<description>I congratulate the Leas-Cheann Comhairle on his appointment and I wish him well in his new position.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="93.1">I congratulate the Leas-Cheann Comhairle on his appointment and I wish him well in his new position.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2007-06-28T12:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
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