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<title>Catherine Byrne - Recent appearances (From KildareStreet.com)</title>
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<dc:date>2009-04-15T16:11:17+00:00</dc:date>

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<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-31.400.0&amp;m=134#g411.0">
	<title>Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-31.400.0&amp;m=134#g411.0</link>
	<description>I welcome this Bill.  The housing situation has reached crisis point.  Sadly, the country&acirc;��s wealth in recent years did not translate into improved housing standards, did not see those most in...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="411.1">I welcome this Bill.  The housing situation has reached crisis point.  Sadly, the country’s wealth in recent years did not translate into improved housing standards, did not see those most in need being allocated social and affordable housing, did not see viable regeneration projects being delivered as promised or a reduction in homelessness on our streets.  Instead, we saw developers and banks grow richer and richer, while the ordinary person on the street was priced out of the market.  We saw an abundance of exemption certificates allow social and affordable housing units to be sold off as private units at crazy prices.  We saw thousands of people being encouraged to take out huge mortgages on over-priced homes miles from their place of work and we saw our homeless population grow.</p><p pid="411.2">We are now stuck with a long list of failed schemes.  First-time buyers are forced to reject affordable housing as it is no longer affordable; young people are unable to get on the property ladder because they can no longer secure a mortgage as a result of the credit crunch; public private partnerships have been dissolved; regeneration projects have failed; thousands of apartments lie empty around the city; and millions of euro of taxpayers’ money has been spent on rent supplement for sub-standard accommodation.</p><p pid="411.3">A statutory assessment of housing needs is carried out every three years by all housing authorities in accordance with the terms of the Housing Act 1988.  The most recent assessment took place in March 2008.  This showed that there were just over 56,249 households in need of social housing support, an increase of almost 30% on the corresponding figure in 2005.  In February, Daft’s rental report revealed that rents in Dublin south city are down 10% and the total number of properties available to rent today is twice that of this time last year.  With rental properties flooding the market, tenants should seize the opportunity to renegotiate their rent with their landlords.  Many tenants are in a good bargaining position, given the greater choice of more affordable rents on offer.</p><p pid="411.4">This Bill presents a golden opportunity for reform of the rent supplement scheme.  While this scheme serves a good purpose in the short term, supporting individuals and families who might otherwise not be able to afford their rent, it is open to abuse, especially when it comes to money being handed over to unscrupulous landlords who do not maintain their properties to basic living standards.  The lack of checks and inspections on such properties means that valuable funds are being paid for sub-standard accommodation right across the country.  Although rents have decreased by an overall 12%, rent supplement payments have fallen by just 2%.  Clearly, adjustments should be made to ensure that the Government does not pay over the odds and line the pockets of wealthy landlords.</p><p pid="411.5">Expenditure on rent supplement was €392 million in 2007 and €441 million in 2008.  What does this huge amount of money actually pay for?  I have seen where people receiving rent supplement are forced to live in totally sub-standard flats and houses.  Landlords must be made accountable and answerable for the state of the properties for which they are being paid handsomely by the State.  Last week, I received a letter detailing the comments of a number of residents living on a particular road in Dublin South-Central.  There are 72 houses on the road in question.  I will read two excerpts from the letter.</p><p pid="411.6">The first lady wrote:</p><p pid="411.7">I was so excited about moving into my new house.  It was great.  We had been waiting years for this.  I used to sit in my kitchen looking out at my children playing.  Now I sit in the back room as I cannot sit in the front room any more watching the comings and goings on the road, drug dealing and people going to the toilet at the doors.  The noise level from the drug dealers and the filth of the road are horrible.  It is much worse than the flats in the bad old days.  I wish somebody could do something about this, the landlord just wants his money.</p><p pid="411.8">A second person wrote:</p><p pid="411.9">Since I moved into my house, I have had horrendous experience in dealing with rat infestation related to houses adjoining mine, which is related to the dumping of rubbish at the lane at the back of the houses.  I have spent hundreds of euro trying to address this.  I have been in contact with the environmental health office of Dublin City Council, public representatives and anyone who could try to help me with these problems.  I have young children and have had to move them out of their bedrooms at different times as we have heard rats behind the walls and partitions.  The ongoing difficulties of antisocial behaviour are terrible.</p><p pid="411.10">The conditions in which these people are living are a disgrace.  The problems relate to ten of the 72 houses on the road.  These ten houses are owned by the same landlord.  None of the houses is of a decent living standard.</p><p pid="411.11">I am aware that from 1 February, new minimum standards for rental accommodation came into effect.  I sincerely hope that local authorities take their role seriously, inspect rental properties and ensure that the new minimum standards are implemented and complied with.  I also hope that these standards will be applied to accommodation which is covered by rent supplement.</p><p pid="411.12">I welcome the provision in the Bill to give a legislative basis to the rental accommodation scheme, RAS.  This scheme is more transparent than rent supplement and is a better solution for people with long-term housing needs.  It requires proper standards to be met and compliance with regulations and provides tenants with a better choice of properties deemed acceptable by the local authorities.  Unfortunately, the uptake of the scheme has been quite slow.  This is partly due to the low number of landlords signing up for the scheme.  It is also important that RAS approved properties are dispersed throughout the city.  We must work hard to avoid creating new ghettos that will breed antisocial behaviour and other social problems.</p><p pid="411.13">The provision for the incremental purchase scheme in the Bill is also welcome.  Unlike many European countries, we do not have a tradition of long-term renting in this country.  Rather, people strive to own their own homes where possible.  The current home ownership schemes run by local authorities have had some success in allowing people who might not otherwise have been able to own their homes to do so.  Unfortunately, the major failure of this Bill is the failure to include provision for the sale of local authority flats and maisonettes to long-term residents.  The Minister must clarify the position on this in the Bill and make provision for existing tenants and households, regardless of the type of property they are living in, such that they can benefit from the incremental purchase scheme.  We all know that tenant purchase is available for people living in houses.  Therefore, why not for those in flats and maisonettes?  It is a fact that there are many residents in flat complexes in Dublin South-Central who would welcome the chance to buy their homes outright from the local authority.</p><p pid="411.14">I recently sent a questionnaire to the residents of the main flat complexes in Dublin South-Central.  The aim was to find out for how many years individuals and families have been living in those complexes.  The survey gave me an opportunity to determine whether the residents would be interested in buying their own homes.  Of approximately 600 questionnaires sent out, I received 238 replies.  Of these, 164 people, or 69%, said they would purchase their homes if given the choice, and just 74 people, or 31%, said they would not.  Many of these council tenants have lived in the complexes for years.  My findings show that 32% of people surveyed have lived in their flat or maisonette for more than 20 years, with no legal stake in or claim to it.  In quite a few cases, two to three generations of the same family have lived in the same flat complex, and this obviously creates a sense of attachment to the community where one puts down roots.</p><p pid="411.15">Rents in local authority flat complexes are still quite high in some cases.  Almost half of those individuals I surveyed pay between €40 and €80 euro per week in rent, while a quarter pay over €80 euro per week.  In spite of relatively high rent, many people must put up with poor living conditions, such as dampness, the availability of only one socket in a kitchen, which socket is supposed to supply every electrical gadget, no proper kitchen presses in which to store food and no storage places for anything.  Giving the tenants the opportunity to put their money towards buying their homes outright cannot and should not be put on hold due to legal complications.  I understand there were obstacles to this but surely the legal issues should be resolved at this stage.</p><p pid="411.16">I know a number of residents in my area who have lived in the same flat for over 40 years.  They have been good tenants and, had they been able to buy their houses in 1998, as was the case with those in houses, they would not have had to pay, a number of times over, what they would have paid by way of mortgage repayments.  They are caught in limbo because of the lack of legislation, which means they have no option to buy their homes and are still paying relatively high rent to the council.  We must afford them the right to own their own homes, as we do for everyone else.  Where there is a will there is a way, but there is obviously no will at present.</p><p pid="411.17">I welcomed the affordable housing scheme most sincerely when I was on the city council and I actually sat on one of the committees.  The scheme represented a real opportunity for many young people who could not afford to buy a home.  I refer in particular to young couples who invested in the scheme in the belief they could continue to live in accommodation of a good standard without being cheated.</p><p pid="411.18">Recently, I read that the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Gormley, is to allow local authorities to sell properties from the affordable housing scheme stock on the open market in an effort to offload the units.  I am in favour of people being able to buy their own homes but believe this move is grossly unfair.  Has the Minister considered all those young people who have bought under the affordable housing scheme and who will have to make clawback payments ranging from €40,000 to €80,000 if they ever want to sell their homes?  These people participated in the scheme in good faith and are now at a complete disadvantage because the clawback will not apply to new home buyers.  Bearing in mind the question as to what is affordable, the affordable housing scheme is now a joke.  I call on the Minister to withdraw the clawback requirement in respect of all affordable housing and give young people an opportunity to own their homes, as was supposed to occur when the scheme came into being.</p><p pid="411.19">With regard to management companies, many young couples are being fleeced by considerable management fees of up to €3,000 annually.  They have no advice, they go to meetings at which they offer their views and there is very poor maintenance and poor waste management.  This needs to be addressed.</p><p pid="411.20">I welcome the inclusion of the antisocial behaviour provisions in the Bill as a positive development.  Sadly, in recent years, no community has escaped the torment and threat of antisocial behaviour on its doorstep.  Even my community has seen tragedies.  Communities have been torn apart by a few mindless thugs who are intent on causing trouble on our streets.  It is, therefore, very important that the new antisocial behaviour strategy be implemented properly and that all tenants be informed that they must comply with the rules as set out by local authorities.</p><p pid="411.21">Most people living in a community have respect for other members thereof.  They are law abiding citizens who want a quiet, peaceful life and who want to contribute to the community.  Sadly, I have seen many people being tormented by a minority who have no respect for person or property.  I have noted great frustration among the staff in local area offices over the time it takes to effectively tackle antisocial behaviour among some of their tenants.  This Bill ignores completely the problems experienced by private tenants owing to antisocial behaviour.  I have experienced many cases in which private tenants were victimised and terrorised by neighbours.  They had no choice but to go to the Garda, which often makes circumstances even worse.  This is a major loophole in the legislation and must be addressed.</p><p pid="411.22">I recently met neighbours who have been tormented by the people living next door in private rented accommodation.  The neighbours have, after two years of trying to deal with the problem, decided to sell their home.  That this was necessary is a disgrace.</p><p pid="411.23">With regard to housing regeneration projects, I want to say a few words on St. Michael’s estate and O’Devaney Gardens.  I heard today that six regeneration projects in Dublin are to be suspended indefinitely and there are doubts about funding for another three.  The regeneration of St. Michael’s estate in Inchicore was to bring new hope and new housing and, above all, a new social agenda for the area.  For such communities, the regeneration projects were long awaited and there was genuine excitement over residents having a chance to participate in the process of rebuilding their communities.  However, there may be light at the end of the tunnel for the development of St. Michael’s over the next seven years.  I hope the project goes ahead to give people an opportunity to have somewhere to live and be part of a community.</p><p pid="411.24">That there is no reference to homelessness in the Bill is really incredible.  We need a firm commitment from the Government that it will improve homelessness services and focus especially on reducing the number of homeless individuals.  It is important to identify those people with a serious housing need and ensure they are not abandoned to a life on the street.</p><p pid="411.25">The most recent figures show there were 2,366 adults in the homelessness services in 2008.  This represents a 4% increase over the figure for 2005.  There are currently just over twice as many men as women accessing homelessness services — 68% versus 32%.  The majority of homeless people who call to my clinics are single men.  They are on the homelessness list because they have nowhere else to turn.  The majority are being placed in transition housing, which is totally unacceptable and unsuitable.  They need to be accommodated long-term accommodation and they need stability and hope, in the absence of which they can suffer from serious health problems, including depression, and a lack of self-esteem.</p><p pid="411.26">This Bill affords a great opportunity to include provision for ending long-term homelessness.  The Government’s homelessness strategy, The Way Home — A Strategy to Address Adult Homelessness in Ireland, 2008 — 2013, was published last August.  However, unless the measures outlined in this document are given a legislative basis in this Chamber, it will be just another glossy document left on a shelf to gather dust.  We need to consider people’s long-term housing needs and not only provide emergency accommodation in the short term.</p><p pid="411.27">I compliment the voluntary housing agencies that participate in many projects in Dublin, such as the National Association of Building Co-operatives, Circle Voluntary Housing Association, Clúid Housing Association and Habitat for Humanity Ireland.  I have a long established connection with the latter group.  When I was Lord Mayor, I opened in Ballymun the first development by Habitat for Humanity Ireland.  I have been very impressed with how the association is run.</p><p pid="411.28">I congratulate the organisation Alone which was founded by Willie Bermingham in 1977.  It is an excellent voluntary organisation which provides shelter and accommodation for those in need, especially the elderly.  These organisations do great work but they cannot do it alone and should not carry the can for local authorities.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-31T17:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-04.631.0&amp;m=134#g634.5">
	<title>Drugs Task Forces. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-04.631.0&amp;m=134#g634.5</link>
	<description>I will not criticise the Minister of State, whose heart is in the right place.  Asking any group to choose which service to remove is difficult, but last night&acirc;��s television coverage of another...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="634.2">I will not criticise the Minister of State, whose heart is in the right place.  Asking any group to choose which service to remove is difficult, but last night’s television coverage of another shooting proved that crime, much of it relating to drugs, is alive and well on the streets of Dublin.  The Government must do everything possible and take the drugs issue seriously if we are to get anything done.  We cannot continue to pass the buck.  Irrespective of whether the money comes from the Department directly, the HSE or elsewhere, this matter falls under the drugs umbrella and must be faced.  The buck stops with the Minister of State.</p><p pid="634.3">Last week, I had the pleasure of visiting Aiséirí services in County Tipperary.  Using 28-day periods and the 12 steps, that unit deals with people who are drugs and alcohol addicted.  It provides an excellent service that gives people hope and continues to treat them afterwards.</p><p pid="634.4">In my area, the local Inchicore drugs team has been asked to reduce its budget by €30,000.  While I know that the Minister of State did not ask it personally, it must make cutbacks.  Finding areas in which to make those cutbacks is difficult.  Reductions are occurring everywhere.</p><p pid="634.5">Aiséirí and another service in County Wexford are being asked to reduce their budgets by 14%, a considerable amount of money for groups trying to treat vulnerable people.  In the next year, those projects will lose out on €67,000.  This is endemic of society.  If we are asking drugs task forces to remove services, we must be prepared to shore them up in other ways.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-04T13:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-04.631.0&amp;m=134#g632.0">
	<title>Drugs Task Forces. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-04.631.0&amp;m=134#g632.0</link>
	<description>Question 39: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs  the reason for the recent cuts to funding for a large number of services in drugs task force areas, which are...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="632.0"><i>Question 39:</i> To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs  the reason for the recent cuts to funding for a large number of services in drugs task force areas, which are struggling to deal with the drug problem in communities; his views on the real threat to the viability of services on the ground if their annual funding is reduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter.  <b>[8858/09]</b></p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-04T13:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-11.1599.0&amp;m=134#g1600.14">
	<title>Private Rented Accommodation. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-11.1599.0&amp;m=134#g1600.14</link>
	<description>I thank the Minister for Social and Family Affairs for coming to the House this evening.  I accept that rent supplement can be beneficial to people who are living in private rented accommodation...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="1600.2">I thank the Minister for Social and Family Affairs for coming to the House this evening.  I accept that rent supplement can be beneficial to people who are living in private rented accommodation and cannot provide for the full cost out of their own pocket.  I question, however, the quality of accommodation provided in the private rented sector.</p><p pid="1600.3">I have seen many properties in Dublin South-Central, where people are receiving rent supplement but are forced to live in totally sub-standard flats and houses.  Many landlords receive large sums of money but do not maintain their properties properly.</p><p pid="1600.4">I recently visited a flat in Inchicore where a young mother is living with her three young children.  As soon as the door opened I met a strong damp smell.  There was mould growing on the wall, and even though the woman has three children she has no access to a back garden.  I insisted that the local authority inspect the flat, which it did but following receipt of the report the landlord carried out only minor repairs after many weeks of requests.  This landlord is not answerable for the state of the inadequate accommodation for which he receives more than €1,000 per month.</p><p pid="1600.5">It has also come to my attention that it is over five years since some private rented accommodation in my area was last inspected.  There are many landlords with more than one property.  In one case in my area the landlord receives on average €10,000 per week from the Department of Social and Family Affairs for properties which are in an appalling condition.</p><p pid="1600.6">Rent supplement is allocated by the Minister’s Department but is paid out by the community welfare officer.  The officer, however, is not obliged to check out the accommodation before granting rent allowance.  I cannot comprehend how money is being handed over without anyone in authority knowing what they are paying for.</p><p pid="1600.7">The Department of Social and Family Affairs has stated in the past that accommodation occupied by rent supplement tenants should at least meet minimum housing standards but this is not being enforced.  The Department has also stated that responsibility for setting and enforcing housing standards rests with the local authorities.</p><p pid="1600.8">It is about time that people came into the real world and did something to make landlords accountable for the standard of housing they put up for rent.  There must be regular inspections and the blame cannot and should not be shifted from one Department to the next.  It is simply not acceptable that neither the Department nor the Health Service Executive, HSE, carries out inspections before substantial sums of money are handed over to landlords.</p><p pid="1600.9">Many tenants are so desperate to find accommodation that they do not see the hidden problem until they move in.  Some are afraid to complain to their local authority.  In many cases their landlords evict them if they do.</p><p pid="1600.10">In these challenging economic times the Minister needs to look for value for money.  The Department of Social and Family Affairs should enforce its rules and require full accountability for the millions of euro being paid out on rent supplement each year.  The Government must put in place a new system to require landlords who rent out private accommodation to meet basic hygiene and housing standards.</p><p pid="1600.11">The average weekly rent supplement payment at the end of 2007 was €128.43, and €125.87 at the end of 2008.  In 2008, the Department of Social and Family Affairs spent €441 million on rent supplement for 74,000, up from 60,000 in 2007, 20,000 of whom reside in Dublin, which cost €392 million.  At the end of 2008, 31,343 households were in receipt of rent supplement for 18 months or more.  Is it not true that rent supplement is designed to be a short-term income support scheme?  Keeping people on rent supplement long term does not make much sense.</p><p pid="1600.12">There has to be a better way to channel State funds into helping people live in acceptable conditions.  The rental accommodation scheme, RAS, which Dublin City Council introduced is moving along quickly and helps the long-term needs of those moving on from rent supplement.  More than 780 landlords in Dublin have signed up to the scheme but this is only a drop in the ocean.  The restrictions of the scheme make them reluctant to sign up.</p><p pid="1600.13">There are thousands of vacant apartments in Dublin city.  It is time for the local authorities, together with the relevant Ministers, to examine the possibility of making some of these vacant units available to people who need them.</p><p pid="1600.14">There are 327,000 people on the live register and we hear of more redundancies each day.  With such a dramatic increase in numbers on the dole, the demand for social and affordable housing, and rent supplement is going to sky-rocket.  That is why it is so important for the Minister for Social and Family Affairs to act now to address the rent and housing crisis and prevent thousands of euro of taxpayers’ money being handed over to line the pockets of many greedy landlords, and to facilitate the many young people living in poor sub-standard conditions with young families and no access to decent accommodation.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-02-11T21:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-05.197.0&amp;m=134#g263.0">
	<title>Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-05.197.0&amp;m=134#g263.0</link>
	<description>It is easy to blame someone else for one&acirc;��s mistakes but we should remember that less than two years ago we were one of the wealthiest countries in the world.  What went wrong?  How could a...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="263.1">It is easy to blame someone else for one’s mistakes but we should remember that less than two years ago we were one of the wealthiest countries in the world.  What went wrong?  How could a small country like ours fall so hard so fast in such a short time?</p><p pid="263.2">I listened yesterday to the debate and it struck me that everybody now appears to be singing off the same hymn sheet.  We are in a crisis but the crisis was not made by the men and women who have lost their jobs in recent months or the less well off.  It was made by this Government.</p><p pid="263.3">There are two reasons this small country of ours is in crisis, the first of which is greed.  I am taken aback by the Minister of State’s laughter.  I heard in disbelief yesterday about the amount of money paid to bankers and top executives — money people in communities would never see in their lifetime.  That money was paid out with no reason or accountability.</p><p pid="263.4">Some Deputies in the debate last night said how sorry they were about the thousands of jobs that have been lost.  Saying sorry is not good enough, particularly for the family living beside me with two young children.  The mother has lost her job.  The father has been put on a three day week and they are left with a mortgage of €530,000.</p><p pid="263.5">This Government spent and spent without thinking of the rainy day.  Money has been poured into projects where bricks and mortar were more important than human life or communities, and developers became rich.  The Government spent as if there was no tomorrow but tomorrow has come.  Most housewives know that they can only spend what is in their purse and when that is gone they have nothing else and they are in trouble.</p><p pid="263.6">Deputy Kennedy said earlier that the Opposition should come up with ideas.  The Opposition has been coming up with ideas for the past few months.  Deputies Bruton, Coveney and many other members of Fine Gael have brought various motions to the floor of this Chamber and all of them were rejected, even the one last night.  It is about time the Government listened to the Opposition if it wants to know how we can get out of this crisis.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-02-05T11:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-01-29.480.0&amp;m=134#g484.4">
	<title>National Drugs Strategy. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-01-29.480.0&amp;m=134#g484.4</link>
	<description>We are nearing the end of the first month in 2009 and I intended to ask the Minister of State when he expected the strategy to be published, but he answered that in his reply.  I refer to a point...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="484.2">We are nearing the end of the first month in 2009 and I intended to ask the Minister of State when he expected the strategy to be published, but he answered that in his reply. </p><p pid="484.3">I refer to a point raised by Deputy O’Shea concerning widespread access to services under the national drugs strategy among communities in rural areas.  I hope such access to services will be highlighted in the new strategy.</p><p pid="484.4">Is the Minister of State concerned about the €2 billion cost-saving measures to be agreed by the Government?  Does he consider this will result in a cut in funding for the strategy?  Will the Government ensure the new national drugs strategy also addresses the issue of alcohol abuse?</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-01-29T16:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-01-29.416.0&amp;m=134#g421.2">
	<title>National Drugs Strategy. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-01-29.416.0&amp;m=134#g421.2</link>
	<description>Last week, I met a group of parents of children availing of methadone services.  They asked me what will be in the national drugs strategy to help their children to be weaned off the drug rather...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="421.2">Last week, I met a group of parents of children availing of methadone services.  They asked me what will be in the national drugs strategy to help their children to be weaned off the drug rather than being left on it for another five or six years.  At present, they are caught in a vicious circle.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-01-29T15:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-01-29.416.0&amp;m=134#g419.6">
	<title>National Drugs Strategy. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-01-29.416.0&amp;m=134#g419.6</link>
	<description>I agree with what the Minister stated about streamlining in answer to the previous question.  Perhaps today is the first time I have sat in this Chamber and heard people who want to sing from the...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="419.2">I agree with what the Minister stated about streamlining in answer to the previous question.  Perhaps today is the first time I have sat in this Chamber and heard people who want to sing from the same hymn sheet.  The Minister made an important point, namely that we need to listen to the people on the ground because they can tell one whether a project is working.</p><p pid="419.3">With regard to the Minister of State’s reply to this question, action plans are full of objectives and actions.  However, they do not amount to a great deal.  I do not believe the most recent national drugs strategy was a great success.  I would state the opposite in that it has failed.  The 5% cutbacks announced mean that while matters were improving slightly there is a danger that they are going backwards.</p><p pid="419.4">Recently, I read a report from the local gardaí showing that last year the amount of drugs seized increased from the previous amount of €167 million.  The gardaí are doing their best and I agree with what the Commissioner stated yesterday about the necessity for more community policing.  We must ensure that what is on paper is not only on paper and that the actions are put into place.  This was a failure of the previous national drugs strategy and I hope it changes.</p><p pid="419.5">Due to the difficult economic times my fears turn to those who are homeless.  Last week I read a report which stated that 80% of people who are homeless are prone to drug use.  This is a major increase over the past five years.</p><p pid="419.6">Last week, we visited the Liberties Recycling centre where the Minister of State presented awards and saw the impact which the project is having on people’s lives.  What is the commitment, even with the cuts, to supporting projects such as this?  It is the way we should consider helping communities.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-01-29T15:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-01-29.416.0&amp;m=134#g417.0">
	<title>National Drugs Strategy. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-01-29.416.0&amp;m=134#g417.0</link>
	<description>Question 4: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs  the way the new national drugs strategy will incorporate and fulfil the objectives which are outlined in the new EU...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="417.0"><i>Question 4:</i> To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs  the way the new national drugs strategy will incorporate and fulfil the objectives which are outlined in the new EU Drugs Action Plan for 2009 to 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter.  <b>[2600/09]</b></p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-01-29T15:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-12-16.122.0&amp;m=134#g124.0">
	<title>Private Health Insurance. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-12-16.122.0&amp;m=134#g124.0</link>
	<description>Question 77: To ask the Minister for Health and Children  her views on the impact the new private health insurance levy has had on health insurance premiums; if the recently announced price...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="124.0"><i>Question 77:</i> To ask the Minister for Health and Children  her views on the impact the new private health insurance levy has had on health insurance premiums; if the recently announced price increases will force many young people and families out of the market due to the fact that health insurance has become unaffordable; and if she will make a statement on the matter.  <b>[45594/08]</b></p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-12-16T16:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-12-10.315.0&amp;m=134#g316.0">
	<title>Industrial Relations. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-12-10.315.0&amp;m=134#g316.0</link>
	<description>Question 69: To ask the T&Atilde;&iexcl;naiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment  if her Department has received an application from Aer Lingus for a rebate on some of the statutory elements...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="316.0"><i>Question 69:</i> To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment  if her Department has received an application from Aer Lingus for a rebate on some of the statutory elements of the redundancy package offered to its staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter.  <b>[44966/08]</b></p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-12-10T15:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-11-19.437.0&amp;m=134#g523.0">
	<title>Gangland Crime: Motion: (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-11-19.437.0&amp;m=134#g523.0</link>
	<description>This situation on our streets has now reached crisis point.  Another innocent life was lost last week, and my sympathies are with the family of Mr. Shane Geoghegan.  I watched his mother on...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="523.1">This situation on our streets has now reached crisis point.  Another innocent life was lost last week, and my sympathies are with the family of Mr. Shane Geoghegan.  I watched his mother on television last night as she spoke about the death of her son.  It brought home the sad reality of how gangland crime can tear families apart and one would have to be made of stone not to be moved by her courage and how she spoke about her son.  We can swap statistics and figures but we must realise there is a human element to this situation.</p><p pid="523.2">Communities and families are being affected by gangland activity.  It is not about being in the wrong place at the wrong time.  We are all entitled to walk down the street or through our neighbourhoods without our lives being threatened.  When I think back to the killing of Mr. Anthony Campbell in Finglas, a young plumber who was going about his daily work, or Ms Donna Cleary, who was shot dead at a party in Coolock, I am deeply saddened by the thought of these young, innocent victims whose lives were cut short by those who have no respect for human life or law and order.</p><p pid="523.3">It is more than obvious that the system is really failing when it comes to bringing criminals to justice.  If the criminal justice system does not put proper deterrents in place to prevent criminals from taking the law into their own hands and killing anyone who gets in their way this situation will spiral further out of control.  All murder convictions should incur a sentence of 25 years in jail.  In recent years sentences of just 13 years have been handed down for murder and this is not enough.</p><p pid="523.4">The main causes of gangland activity are drug-related yet in 2006 just one person received the mandatory ten year sentence for drug dealing.  This is a joke.  People dealing in drugs are themselves passing on a death sentence to anyone they supply.  They receive short sentences and are released.  Drugs are a lethal weapon and the sentences must reflect the seriousness of the crime.</p><p pid="523.5">On my own doorstep in Inchicore, Walkinstown, Ballyfermot and Crumlin, 15 people have been shot dead.  Many of these have stemmed from gangland activity involving the feuding gangs in Crumlin and Drimnagh.  These gangs have wreaked havoc on our local community for the past ten years.  After Limerick, this is the bloodiest gangland feud in the country involving rival groups, who started off dabbling in drugs and are now fighting for control of the drugs trade on their patch.  In today’s society, it seems that drugs equal power.  Drug dealers are becoming very powerful and they can control entire communities.  I will never forget the senseless killing of the two young Polish men in Drimnagh earlier this year who were violently attacked by a group of teenagers.  This shows that the gang mentality can raise its ugly head in other equally dangerous forms.</p><p pid="523.6">The grim reality is that many drug dealers and gangs are better equipped than the Garda.  They have technology, illegal guns  and proper cars which the Garda do not have.  A guard told me even their handcuffs are outdated.  Despite Government promises, the 2009 intake into the Garda Training College will be reduced, which is unbelievable as crime is at an all-time high in this country.  We urgently need more community gardaí on our streets who walk the streets, listen to people and understand and relate to young people.  I urge the Minister to recruit more gardaí to Templemore and not to reduce the number.</p><p pid="523.7">We have to stop giving these criminals an easy ride.  For them crime pays and that is why we have to get tough, and the softly-softly approach has failed.  Mr. Shane Geoghehan’s death was the 17th gangland murder this year.  Must we wait until another innocent victim is murdered on our streets before the Minister and the Government make protecting our communities a priority?</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-11-19T20:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-11-19.437.0&amp;m=134#g508.0">
	<title>Gangland Crime: Motion: (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-11-19.437.0&amp;m=134#g508.0</link>
	<description>The tragic death of Shane Geoghegan and other tragedies should remind us all just how urgent it is to fight gangs in Limerick and across Ireland.  While Limerick was unfortunately in the...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="508.1">The tragic death of Shane Geoghegan and other tragedies should remind us all just how urgent it is to fight gangs in Limerick and across Ireland.  While Limerick was unfortunately in the headlines this week, I woke up last Christmas morning only to hear of a murder in one end of my constituency and a serious assault just down the road from me.  This is happening all over Ireland.  It is most important that we commit immediately to being tough on crime and its causes.  Crime is caused by individuals who decide of their own free will to kill, maim and break the law.  We must be as tough as possible on them.</p><p pid="508.2">We must ask the public outside Limerick, who are not directly affected by the recent tragedy, for their views.  I want them to ring my office to complain about what is being done about crime.  Nobody has contacted my office this week on this issue.  It is far more important than any other we have dealt with in recent weeks.  No radio station has asked its listeners to e-mail Oireachtas Members about this issue although it is the most important one we have dealt with in the House since the summer.  It is very serious and the public outside the Limerick region will have to come on board to fight the gangs.  As Deputy O’Connor stated, the people who are smoking hash and taking cocaine, although they may regard it as a laugh and great fun, are the ones who are funding the criminals who are willingly murdering, maiming and injuring people and on whom we need to be as tough as possible.</p><p pid="508.3">We need to give the Garda all the resources it needs.  The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Taoiseach have indicated they will do whatever must be done in Limerick.  I am glad of this but they also need to do whatever must be done all over the country.  Garda strength is increasing this year and there is to be a new state-of-the-art forensic science facility and a new communications system, a digital radio service.  In my constituency, the commitment of the former Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Brian Lenihan, and the current one, Deputy Dermot Ahern, has been second to none.  Garda numbers have perhaps trebled in the past year at my local station in Laytown.  There is a renewed commitment to policing in east Meath.</p><p pid="508.4">My area of the commuter belt has its own share of criminal gangs.  Their members have moved out of the north side of Dublin.  They are not all travelling up and down to Dublin to work but may travel up and down by night to carry out robberies.  There are three or four families in my constituency who are known to be engaged in this practice and I want the Garda to be tough on them.</p><p pid="508.5">Operation Anvil, for which €21 million was allocated this year, is often applied in my constituency by the Garda.  It results in extra checkpoints, one of which I passed today on my way to Navan.  There will be more uniformed foot patrols, where necessary, and armed plain-clothes patrols.  They are needed so we can be tough on the causes of crime and those who are willingly and freely committing crimes, killing, maiming and injuring.</p><p pid="508.6">We need to pass legislation.  We are to do so and I welcome the legislation the Government has initiated.  One hears the human-rights brigade and political-correctness brigade saying we must be wary of moral panic, but we must also be wary of moral failure.  It would constitute moral failure not to introduce the legislation and I commend the Government on reacting as it has.</p><p pid="508.7">In the past, we have strengthened bail requirements, created mandatory sentences and toughened penalties for crime.  As colleagues have stated, judges must play their part in this regard.  There is still work to do.  The Government has announced the covert surveillance Bill, which is important because it will create a nationwide DNA database to assist criminal investigations.  It will help stop gangs from intimidating witnesses and committing perjury during trials, as happens all the time.  By taking such steps, we are helping the Garda to be as effective as possible in targeting the individuals who are willingly committing crimes.</p><p pid="508.8">The Government has been consistently tough on crime.  I refer to Ministers for Justice, Equality and Law Reform from Deputy O’Donoghue onwards.  I was only in college when Deputy O’Donoghue was Minister.  Fianna Fáil Members have been steadfast in support of the Garda.  Others have not always been as steadfast in doing so.  We have supported the Garda through thick and thin and I will support every decision any member of the Garda makes in my constituency.  It is important that this message be circulated.</p><p pid="508.9">We need to continue to assist gardaí by giving them all the resources and legislative tools they need to fight gangland crime.  I commend the Opposition for raising this issue this week.  It could have raised budgetary issues to oppose the Government or give it a kick but it raised the issue of gangland crime, which was very responsible.  This is a great debate and we are generally working across the aisle on these issues.  I know the Opposition will support us when necessary.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-11-19T19:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-11-19.284.0&amp;m=134#g285.0">
	<title>Departmental Agencies. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-11-19.284.0&amp;m=134#g285.0</link>
	<description>Question 76: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism   the legislation that is required to achieve the rationalisation of agencies under the remit of his Department announced in budget...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="285.0"><i>Question 76:</i> To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism   the legislation that is required to achieve the rationalisation of agencies under the remit of his Department announced in budget 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter.   <b>[41242/08]</b></p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-11-19T15:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-11-18.83.0&amp;m=134#g86.5">
	<title>National Drugs Strategy. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-11-18.83.0&amp;m=134#g86.5</link>
	<description>I thank the Minister of State for his answer.  However I am still not clear on the details; neither, it appears, is the Minister.  I tabled this question because a large number of groups contact...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="86.2">I thank the Minister of State for his answer.  However I am still not clear on the details; neither, it appears, is the Minister.  I tabled this question because a large number of groups contact me on a daily basis and want to find out what the budget will be, what services will remain and what services will be going.  The Minister of State made a statement on the day of the budget in his address on frontline services and said, “It is my objective to ensure funding goes directly to frontline services” and then went on to say his Department will not support new contracts to provide support services and community development projects.</p><p pid="86.3">I met a group of community outreach workers recently who were convincing in telling me their projects will have reduced numbers of outreach workers.  They have been told they must cut back on their budgets and use their budget accordingly, and I can understand that as there are problems with money.  This is a service that is very important for young people and communities.  The Minister of State spoke previously on RAPID areas and there is a huge problem with services being cut.</p><p pid="86.4">Last Thursday I spoke to a project worker in my area who told me they sought another outreach worker and were told there was no chance in the world they would get one, either this year, next year or the year after.  That is a failure of the Government to provide services that should be on the ground, particularly in communities that need them.  It is fine for the Minister of State to stand up and say there is a 5% cut in current spending.  I realise there have to be cuts across the board, but this is vital area in any community.  Drugs are one of the most lethal weapons in today’s society for young people, and in every parish, community and home the issue is spoken about on a daily basis.  One only has to pick up a newspaper to see the coverage.</p><p pid="86.5">If there is to be a 5% cut it should be channelled in a certain area, and perhaps should be considered in the Minister of State’s Department and not in the community where it would make a huge difference to many people.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-11-18T14:30:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-11-18.83.0&amp;m=134#g84.0">
	<title>National Drugs Strategy. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-11-18.83.0&amp;m=134#g84.0</link>
	<description>Question 79: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs  the implications of budget 2009 on the national drugs strategy; the locations at which the 5% cuts in current spending...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="84.0"><i>Question 79:</i> To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs  the implications of budget 2009 on the national drugs strategy; the locations at which the 5% cuts in current spending on drugs initiatives which were highlighted in the budget will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter.  <b>[40979/08] </b></p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-11-18T14:30:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-11-13.148.0&amp;m=134#g171.0">
	<title>Nursing Homes Support Scheme Bill 2008: Second Stage | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-11-13.148.0&amp;m=134#g171.0</link>
	<description>I welcome this Bill.  It has been a long time coming.  Since 2006 we have heard the Minister promising her &acirc;��fair deal&acirc;�� but it will be late 2009 before we see any real progress with this...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="171.1">I welcome this Bill.  It has been a long time coming.  Since 2006 we have heard the Minister promising her “fair deal” but it will be late 2009 before we see any real progress with this scheme.  In the meantime, many elderly people and their families have spent thousands of euro on nursing home care, and have struggled with the financial burden this has caused.</p><p pid="171.2">As daughters and sons, we all want what is best for our parents, grandparents and elderly family members.  They have waited a long time for a fair deal on nursing home care.  Now that this Bill has come up for debate, we must ensure it is in the very best interests of all our elderly people.  They have paid their way and worked through the hard times, supporting this country when it was on its knees.  They cared for their young families with little or no support from the State, all the while paying high taxes.  They laid the foundation for prosperity and gave this small country a place on the world stage.</p><p pid="171.3">When it comes to the time in their lives when, for one reason or another, they can no longer care for themselves or live independently, they must pay to go into a nursing home and live in a strange environment, miles from home.  Not only are they forced to pay, they have to give up their savings and, in some cases, even their home and land.  These people have always paid their way and never asked for something for nothing.  They are at a stage in their lives when they need help and support to live out the rest of their days with pride and dignity.  They must be given the best possible care and this cannot and should not be sacrificed because of budget issues.</p><p pid="171.4">In my ten years in public life I have been often struck by deep upset and heart-rending anxiety felt by families who make the very hard decision for a loved one to be cared for in a nursing home.  No son or daughter wants to see an elderly parent go into a nursing home but they often have no choice in the matter as they not may be in a position to properly care for their mother or father full time.  When the time comes, we naturally want the best and highest standard of accommodation.</p><p pid="171.5">Therefore, we expect no less from the Minister for Health and Children and the Government than to implement an accessible and high quality care package and to show true respect for our elderly population.  It would be nice to have a free nursing-home care package for all.  It would be a small repayment for the years of service they have given to society.  However, we all live in the real world and we know this is not possible.  Some contribution must be made if the scheme is to work, but this must be done fairly with no unnecessary burden being placed on families.</p><p pid="171.6">Up to now, the scheme has had many flaws.  It was difficult to get a nursing home subvention due to strict criteria and means tests.  That is why I sincerely hope the new fair deal will improve the situation for our elderly population.  I have read and studied the Bill to the best of my ability.  I agree with some, but not all, of the measures being introduced in the legislation.  I accept that people must contribute to the cost of nursing home care, but I question the requirement on patients to devote 80% of their weekly accessible income to paying for such care.  They will also have to make annual payments equating to between 5% and 15% of the value of their assets, including family homes.  This is excessive, especially in the case of elderly people who save a small amount every week with the intention of leaving it to their children or grandchildren after they have passed on.</p><p pid="171.7">My elderly next-door neighbour is in great health at the moment.  When I was talking to him the other evening, he told me he is going into hospital for some tests.  He is concerned about what will happen to him after he leaves hospital.  If he needs to go to a nursing home, and is lucky enough to get a place, he will be asked to surrender 80% of his pension.  That would leave him with less than €50 a week, which is nothing more than pocket money.  What can one buy with €50?  Perhaps one can afford a few cigarettes, a newspaper, some toiletries and a bottle of lemonade.  Elderly people value having a few euro in their pocket because it gives them independence.  My 88 year old mother, who is ailing, asks for her purse each morning when she wakes up.  She needs to find her purse and make sure her money is still in it before she can get on with her day.  Under the fair deal, elderly people will have to undergo care needs assessments before they go into nursing homes.  What if they are not considered eligible, on foot of such assessments, because they do not meet the Minister’s criteria?  Who will care for them in such circumstances?  Where is the fair deal in such cases?</p><p pid="171.8">The recent home help cuts, which shocked us all, will mean that fewer supports are available in the community.  A crisis is developing in local communities as a result.  I am contacted every day by elderly people whose home help hours have been reduced recently.  I have received many calls telling me about the fear being experienced by elderly people who used to get two or three hours of home help, but now get just an hour.  I know a girl with five children who had a stroke three years ago.  She used to benefit from eight hours of home help, but that was recently reduced to two hours.  I was shocked when she told me last week that her eligibility for a medical card is to be reassessed.  Such cases are frightening, worrying and upsetting for everybody.  Those who provide home help give generously of their time.  They often stay longer than required because they have developed a good relationship with those they care for.</p><p pid="171.9">Families also have a caring role.  We need to bear in mind that family members who are carers are on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  I have already mentioned my ailing mother, who is 88 years of age.  Her needs have totally changed over the last three months.  She needs constant care.  Each member of the large family she reared is able to give some time to her.  She depends primarily on my brother, who remains at home.  He keeps an eye on my mother every hour of every day.  He feeds, washes and dresses her.  Above all, he gives her care, understanding and love, which is most important.  Most people want to keep their elderly family members at home, where they feel safe and comfortable.  It is important, therefore, to improve the conditions in which elderly people live.  When one tries to get a local authority to do the necessary work to adapt elderly people’s homes, thereby making it easier for people like my brother to cope, one encounters unacceptable delays.  Last week, my brother was told by an inspector that he might have to wait eight or ten months for a new shower to be installed in my mother’s bathroom.  We decided last weekend to put on our boots and do the work ourselves.  It took us four hours to manage to install the shower, which is easily adapted by family members.  As a result, my mother will not have to wait eight or ten months — she might not be around by then — to enjoy the comfort of the shower.</p><p pid="171.10">The new primary care centres that have opened throughout the country, which have been promoted by the Minister, allow people to be looked after in a familiar location.  They offer an ideal environment in which elderly people can be cared for without having to leave their homes.  The centres ensure that people stay in the community, where they can be visited by their neighbours and friends on a regular basis.  Plans for a new primary care centre in my local parish — St. Michael’s in Inchicore — have recently been agreed.  Fifty management units, in which people can live independently, will be provided as part of the scheme.  I think it will be a real success.  I thank the Minister for her inspirational vision in this instance.  Similar projects should be rolled out throughout the country.  As I have said, it is important to keep people alive and well in the communities with which they are familiar.  I see the people who live in centres of this type on a daily basis as they go to the shops and to mass.</p><p pid="171.11">When elderly people are placed in pre-selected nursing homes, families do not have any alternatives.  An elderly person can end up in a nursing home which is far away from his or her family members.  Such people can become isolated, which puts extra pressure on family members who have to travel long distances to visit them.  I have a list in my office of people who want to go into care in the Cherry Orchard institution in Ballyfermot.  The facility in question is ideal.  Many people from my constituency and other areas have contacted me to see if I can help them to get a care place for their elderly or infirm parents.  The Cherry Orchard centre has a wonderful reputation in Ballyfermot, Inchicore and other parts of Dublin South-Central.  The care people receive at the institution is beyond belief.  It is an example of the HSE getting it right.  Families who wish to visit their loved ones, for example, to spend time with them as they pass from this world, can come and go in a warm and friendly atmosphere.</p><p pid="171.12">I am concerned about the assessment of an elderly person’s assets which were transferred in the five years before he or she entered nursing home care.  An elderly parent may have given a family member some money to help him or her buy a house or to assist him or her at a time of debt or illness, for example.  I do not agree that such moneys should be considered during the financial assessment.  This provision will cause huge worry for elderly people who want to help their families but may be afraid to do so.  How can money which is given in good faith, with a generous heart and without any expectation of anything in return, be assessed in such a manner?  As a parent, I do not want my children to fall victim to this assessment process in the future.</p><p pid="171.13">I accept that a person in a nursing home should make a payment equivalent to 5% of the value of his or her home.  I welcome the safeguards that are in place to allow such a person’s spouse to continue living in the home.  I agree that the 5% payment should be capped at 15% after three years.  However, I do not agree with the decision not to impose a cap on the 5% charge on assets, including land.  I have lived in the inner city all my life.  When I was growing up, there was a pig farm near my home, funnily enough.  It was run by a dedicated farmer who got up at 4 a.m. each day, to our annoyance, to look after his little plot of land and his pigs.  An elderly farmer contacted me last week when he realised that the new criteria meant he would no longer be able to avail of the medical card to which, as a person over the age of 70, he had been entitled.  Farmers who have tilled the land and worked hard all their lives should be able to pass their land on to their children without having to worry about them being assessed.  This provision is grossly unfair.</p><p pid="171.14">The standard of nursing homes is another important issue.  Up to now, there have been no regular inspections of public nursing homes.  Standards must be improved in all nursing homes.  Cases such as the Leas Cross scandal cannot be allowed to happen again.  If we entrust our loved ones to residential care, we must be assured that they are in a clean and comfortable space and are treated with care and respect.  I was recently telephoned by the mother of a 40 year old woman who is in long-term care because she has the mental ability of a two and a half year old.  The harrowing stories she told me, which I confirmed with the HSE, led me to believe that there continues to be significant problems in some residential care units.  Such circumstances should not be allowed to develop.  I am gravely concerned that the Government will run out of money for the nursing home scheme during the current economic downturn.  The scheme is currently costed at €920 million.  If the Government cannot deliver the medical card scheme for people over the age of 70, what chance does it have in this instance?</p><p pid="171.15">Neither is the Government prepared to deliver on the cervical cancer vaccine.  Cervical cancer is the worst form to suffer from according to my doctor.  I had to take my daughter to see him this morning because she is sick.  He was appalled to think the Government would not provide €10 million for the cervical cancer vaccine and voted against our motion last night.  Even though I am a mother and a woman, I know little about this form of the disease but my doctor related harrowing stories to me earlier.  In his 36 years practising, he has dealt with four women who had cervical cancer.  He said it is the worst cancer to die from and he was appalled to think the Government has decided that young girls aged 12 now may have to visit his surgery when they are 18 or 19 and be told they have cervical cancer.  I was shocked and horrified by his stories.  There was plenty of opposition to the Government’s cutback during the Private Members’ debate and even a Government backbencher would not vote on it but the Government’s amendment was passed.</p><p pid="171.16">The Minister and the Government need to listen to the issues my colleagues and I have raised because some day we will be all old and we all ask our children to support us and mind us.  If this is a fair deal, it should be a fair deal for everybody.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-11-13T13:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
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<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-11-11.416.0&amp;m=134#g433.0">
	<title>Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-11-11.416.0&amp;m=134#g433.0</link>
	<description>I listened carefully to the statement made by the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Hanafin, on the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008.  I was struck by how...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="433.1">I listened carefully to the statement made by the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Hanafin, on the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008.  I was struck by how enthusiastic she was as she explained how generously she was treating the less-well off in our community.  I started to wonder whether the Bill I had read was the same document as the one to which she was referring.</p><p pid="433.2">On 14 October last, the 2009 budget hit us like a steam train.  We knew the economy was in difficulty but we hoped the Government would try to make the best of a bad situation by protecting the most vulnerable in our society, at the very least.  Sadly this did not happen.  Instead, we were hit with one set of cutbacks after another.  The Minister for Finance tried to convince us that his budget would protect and support those most in need.  The sad reality is the only group the Government is committed to helping and supporting is the banking sector.  The Minister for Finance, Deputy Brian Lenihan, referred to his budget as a call to patriotic action.  In other words, we are being asked to bail out a Government that did not plan for an economic downturn but instead spent every cent trying to keep the electorate happy in the run-up to last year’s general election.</p><p pid="433.3">In the aftermath of budget 2009, there is a feeling of anger and betrayal on our streets.  Young and old people have felt the brunt of Government cutbacks in areas like health, education and social welfare.  They will not easily forget what the Government has put them through.  The medical card disaster caused huge upset and worry for elderly people across the country.  I will never forget the protests outside Leinster House against the changes in medical card eligibility for people over the age of 70.  That week, I met hundreds of people in my constituency of Dublin South Central who were visibly upset and furious with the Government.  I even received a telephone call from a farmer who explained to me that he and his wife, who are both 80 years of age, have worked hard on the land all their lives to support their family.  They were upset that having supported their country through tough times, a valued entitlement was being taken away from them.  After much back-tracking by the Government as it tried to resolve the crisis, the situation improved somewhat, but the entire saga has left a bitter taste with people.</p><p pid="433.5">This Government has shown no loyalty to people with disabilities.  It initially tried to remove the entitlement to disability benefit of people between the ages of 16 and 18 but later did a U-turn, following a substantial public outcry.  Such behaviour is a poor reflection on the Government’s commitment to disability issues.  If it was not bad enough to target the elderly and people with disability, our young people are also under attack through an increase in the pupil-teacher ratio, the loss of 1,000 teachers, schools building projects coming to a standstill, the axing of funding for Traveller children, the scrapping of the free book scheme for 90% of schools and the abandoning of new subjects after schools had been given the go-ahead to provide them.  For example, last year Drimnagh Castle secondary school was asked to support a new technology curriculum in 2010 for fifth and sixth year students.  The school was informed it would receive a grant of €40,000 annually to provide the subject.  I spoke to the principal recently who said he had not seen sight or sound of the money but he is still expected to roll out the technology curriculum, which the children will sit as a first time examination subject in 2010.</p><p pid="433.6">While the early school leaving rate is running at 29%, in the south west inner city in my constituency, we cannot abandon our young people who have been left hanging on to the edge for too long.  How can the Government seriously stand by such cuts when they will clearly have a devastating effect on the education of our children?  The Government parties should have more respect and loyalty to our young people who are the future of this country, but they are being left to dig the Government parties out of the mess into which they got everyone.</p><p pid="433.7">The Bill is nothing to be proud of, because it contains no concrete proposals to reduce reliance on social welfare and it offers no prospect for people to get back into the workforce.  Small increases in payments are provided for but they do not go far enough at a time when unemployment is increasing on a daily basis and more and more families are forced to rely heavily on social welfare through no fault of their own.  A total of 250,000 people are on the dole, with predictions that this figure will soon increase to more than 300,000.  The Government’s response is to increase jobseeker’s benefit by a measly €6.50 per week and to make it more difficult to qualify for the payment.  From January, it will be compulsory to have 13 paid contributions to qualify for this benefit.  This will make it more difficult for young people, in particular, who had only started out in the workforce and recently lost their jobs.  This will also increase pressure on families and parents, who have to support them as best they can, even into their 20s, if they lose their jobs.</p><p pid="433.8">The Minister has doubled the number of PRSI contributions paid since starting work from 52 to 104 for new claimants, which also makes it more difficult to access jobseeker’s payments.  The reduction in the time a person can be in receipt of jobseeker’s benefit means many unemployed persons stand to lose approximately €2,600.  In addition, waiting times for processing new claims are lengthy.  People do not know where they stand and they are being forced onto the poverty line as they have no income.  The Minister said she does not want people to develop a dependency on social welfare payments, but this it not the way forward.  At a time like this, we must stand and support the social welfare recipients, particularly those who are unemployed, to give them the opportunity they need.</p><p pid="433.9">The Government prides itself on pumping money into FÁS to put people on training courses but they want jobs.  Last week, I met a man who worked for 47 years as a highly skilled bricklayer.  He was made redundant and he was recently contacted by FÁS who forwarded him to the local partnership to be retrained.  He felt this was a demoralising and humiliating experience.  After 47 years working in a highly skilled trade, he was asked to sit in front of a computer to be retrained but there are no jobs for him and many others like him.  It is humiliating to ask a man who worked hard to rear his family to go back into training.  If the Government is committed to retraining, why does it insist on making it so difficult to access the back to education allowance?  I strongly disagree with the requirement for people to be on social welfare for 12 months before they can claim this allowance.  They should be encouraged back into education and retraining and not forced to be dependent on social welfare.  Reform is urgently needed and the Government needs to carefully rethink this process and make employment the goal.</p><p pid="433.10">This year’s budget did nothing for our children and, instead, it reduced child benefit.  A parent of an 18 year old stands to lose almost €1,000 in 2009 and almost €2,000 in 2010 due to the changes to child benefit.  The reduction in the age limit for the early childhood supplement from six to five and a half years is another blow to families who have grown used to this payment.  Child care costs have spiralled in recent years and parents are finding it more difficult to make ends meet.  That is why it is important to support families and young children.</p><p pid="433.11">Child poverty is a reality in our society whether we want to believe it.  Currently, one in nine children lives in consistent poverty in Ireland.  Poverty for children means that they are excluded from activities that are considered normal in society.  Child poverty has a long-term effect.  It makes a difference to children’s health, their educational achievement, how long they will live, how well they develop physically and mentally, the jobs they acquire as well as their overall life opportunities.  If, as legislators, we do not fight to give our children every opportunity for their future, then we have failed them and this cannot be allowed to happen.</p><p pid="433.12">Fuel poverty is a threat to this country.  An increase of €2 per week in the fuel allowance is not enough.  We have experienced significant hikes in energy costs in recent months and low income households are struggling to pay fuel bills that are increasing every month.  There was a time €2 would buy four bales of sticks but that is long past.  On a recent visit to my local retail hardware store, a small bag of sticks cost €3.49.  This is a sign of the times and the Bill does nothing to address the serious threat of fuel poverty.  When I was growing up in Inchicore, I lived close to the Fleetwood factory and every week the gates were opened on Wednesdays and Fridays in order to give broken brush handles to people.  People used to come from all over, including Ballyfermot, Inchicore, Crumlin and Drimnagh, with their carts to collect the broken handles.  Surely, we are not returning to those days.  It is a long time since I saw people queuing to collect sticks.  A fuel strategy is needed, which will deal with increasing costs and ensure the less well off do not suffer unnecessarily.</p><p pid="433.13">The budget was a disaster and the Bill falls short of what is needed to address the serious and urgent problems facing the vulnerable in our society.  The Government rushed into this year’s budget without realistic or practical plans for the year ahead.</p><p pid="433.14">The Minister was very much at home in the Department of Education and Science, a Ministry close to her heart.  However, as Minister for Social and Family Affairs, she has left her comfort zone.  The legislation shows her lack of understanding of what it is like  to be unemployed or a lone parent and, especially, of what it is like to be poor and to lack what is needed to get through the day.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-11-11T21:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-11-11.371.0&amp;m=134#g383.0">
	<title>Vaccination Programme: Motion | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-11-11.371.0&amp;m=134#g383.0</link>
	<description>What happens if the Government cannot pay for it?</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="383.1">What happens if the Government cannot pay for it?</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-11-11T19:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-11-11.371.0&amp;m=134#g374.0">
	<title>Vaccination Programme: Motion | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-11-11.371.0&amp;m=134#g374.0</link>
	<description>As a parent of four daughters, I am constantly reminded of the deficiencies in health services.  In my own area, many young people have died through drug addiction, suicide and cancers of all...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="374.1">As a parent of four daughters, I am constantly reminded of the deficiencies in health services.  In my own area, many young people have died through drug addiction, suicide and cancers of all forms.  Last week’s announcement by the Minister of the postponement of the commencement of a cervical cancer vaccination programme for 12 year old girls is beyond belief.  It is only four months since the Minister announced that the vaccination programme would commence in September 2009.  However, she has now discovered she does not have the €9.9 million needed to operate the scheme.  How has the Minister, given her many years of experience in the Dáil, allowed this to happen?  The health of children is not a budgetary matter.  What about the long-terms savings arising from this programme as a result of fewer women requiring hospital treatment for cervical cancer?  This is the worst type of penny-pinching.</p><p pid="374.2">I welcome the roll-out of the screening programme for young women, but it is not enough.  The priority should be prevention, via a vaccination programme.  This U-turn represents a major step backwards for young girls, many of whom are unaware of the risks and dangers associated with cervical cancer.  It is the eighth most frequently diagnosed cancer in the State, with some 200 new cases diagnosed every year and 70 to 80 women dying from the disease.  This vaccine was due to be given to more than 26,000 children between the ages of ten and 12 next September.  This would have reduced the risk of these young girls developing cervical cancer by 70%.  In the absence of this vaccination programme, deaths will occur which could have been prevented.</p><p pid="374.3">As a parent and on behalf of parents throughout the State, I urge the Minister to overturn this decision.  The MMR vaccine, the meningitis vaccine and even the flu vaccine have led to significant reductions in those illnesses.  The cervical cancer vaccine would have an equally successful impact and cannot be shelved.  If the Government fails to introduce this vaccination programme, it will leave the less well-off in our society, who will be unable to afford the approximate €600 it will cost to obtain the vaccine privately, at a great disadvantage.  I agree with my colleague, Deputy Mitchell, that the Minister should at least make the vaccine available to medical card recipients.  My area of Dublin South-Central contains many pockets of disadvantage where parents will struggle even to afford the increased cost of bringing their children to accident and emergency departments.  If the Government has the funding to include luxury drugs such as viagra in the medical card scheme, surely it can manage its finances adequately in order to proceed with a vaccination programme that will save lives.</p><p pid="374.4">I can only hope that none of my children develops cervical cancer in the future.  It is every parent’s worst fear.  This is a short-sighted decision.  The Minister, who is highly regarded and has been in the Oireachtas for many years, must reverse her decision.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-11-11T19:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
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