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<title>Michael Lowry - Recent appearances (From KildareStreet.com)</title>
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<dc:date>2009-04-15T16:11:19+00:00</dc:date>

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<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-11.1499.0&amp;m=485#g1550.0">
	<title>Hospital Services: Motion (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-11.1499.0&amp;m=485#g1550.0</link>
	<description>During my political career I always have been committed to addressing the many and varied problems at Nenagh General Hospital.  With others, I have battled long and hard to preserve and protect...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="1550.1">During my political career I always have been committed to addressing the many and varied problems at Nenagh General Hospital.  With others, I have battled long and hard to preserve and protect it over the years.  My only motivation and objective was to ensure the provision of the best possible health service for the people of north Tipperary.  Health care must be outside politics.  It should not be used solely to win votes and enhance reputations.  For as long as I can remember, Nenagh General Hospital has struggled to survive.</p><p pid="1550.2">Health care is an emotive issue and affects people in a deeply personal way.  Personal health and well-being is the key priority.  What we need is a quality of care that is community focused, addresses the needs of everyone equally and locates the most intensive services in locations where they will be most valuable and widely available.</p><p pid="1550.3">We have confronted many challenges facing Nenagh General Hospital over the years arising from policy decisions initiated by different Governments under former Ministers for Health such as Barry Desmond, Deputy Hanlon and Deputy Noonan.  Nenagh General Hospital has again reached a critical juncture.  The decisions we take now will determine whether it has a future.</p><p pid="1550.4">As a politician, I feel obliged to listen and take notice of the professional medical advice on the structures and procedures that are considered to give the best possible patient care.  I have consulted widely with all the important stakeholders.  I believe that consultation with senior and experienced medical professionals is the correct way to make informed judgments.  The surgeons in the front line, including the head of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland,  Professor Frank Keane, support the reform of surgical facilities in the mid-west.  Senior accident and emergency consultants, such as Cathal O’Donnell and Paul Burke currently working at the coalface in the mid-west, say that the current system operating in small hospitals is costing lives.  How can any politician ignore those statements?</p><p pid="1550.5">Listening to the one-sided debate about Nenagh General Hospital, it would be easy to get the impression that everything is perfect at present.  Let me put on record that Nenagh General Hospital in its current configuration has significant problems.  Its surgical unit is inadequate for major elective surgery, as it does not have the adequate recovery rooms, intensive care unit and anaesthetic systems required by modern-day medical practice.</p><p pid="1550.6">The Health Information Quality Authority was established in response to malpractice and systems failure in other hospitals that had disastrous consequences for unsuspecting patients.  This same quality authority conducted a hospital-wide audit of Nenagh General Hospital in 2007.  The quality authority put Nenagh’s management on notice that patient safety and infection prevention standards were not up to an acceptable level within the sterile services structure of the hospital.  The sterile services are located within the operating theatre.  These operating theatres are in place since 1954.  They are outdated as well as structurally and clinically redundant.  If they are not demolished and replaced, we will face an order for closure of the current surgical theatres.</p><p pid="1550.7">Also in 2007, it was recognised at clinical level that Nenagh General Hospital did not have the range or diversity of clinical skills to cope effectively with or manage major trauma.  In reaction to this reality a trauma bypass protocol was put in place at the beginning of 2008.  Nenagh General Hospital is now bypassed in the case of events such as major car crashes because it is deemed the existing surgical and back-up facilities cannot cope.  Under this protocol the paramedics at the scene of an accident or emergency situation were given the discretion to determine the extent of injuries or condition of the patient and make an instant decision as to which hospital would best meet the medical requirements of that patient.</p><p pid="1550.8">We hear much talk about the golden hour concept and in that context it also should be realised that under the present system between the hours of 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. radiographers and laboratory technicians are not in the hospital and are only on call.  This means there is an inevitable delay of up to one hour when a critically ill patient arrives at the hospital.  At present one has to wait for the radiographer or the laboratory technician to be called and arrive at the hospital before an X-ray can be completed or a blood analysis conducted.</p><p pid="1550.9">In short, I am saying those leading the agitation for the existing system to be retained at Nenagh are misinformed, misguided and putting patient care in jeopardy and the future of the hospital at risk.  Retaining the <i>status quo</i> at Nenagh without capital investment will lead to stagnation, unsafe standards and ultimate closure.</p><p pid="1550.10">Nenagh General Hospital needs investment to survive.  Without a multimillion euro upgrade of outdated facilities, the hospital has no future in any capacity.  If we do not have capital investment, it will close.  As a way forward Nenagh hospital needs to assert itself to the extent of its ability as a centre of excellence in its own right.  To this end, it needs a cash injection of millions.  When I committed to the support of this Government, I placed priority on the provision of funds for capital projects at Nenagh General Hospital.  I sought and received verbal and written commitments from then Taoiseach, Deputy Ahern, later endorsed by the current Taoiseach, Deputy Cowen.  These included the provision of two new surgical theatres, a new endoscopy unit and diagnostic centre, together with ancillary facilities and accommodation.</p><p pid="1550.11">Since the publication of the Teamwork report I have had extensive discussions with the Minister, Deputy Harney.  I advised her that the reform suggested to improve the delivery of health services to the people of north Tipperary must be predicated on fully operational and functioning alternative structures being in place.  It became apparent during those discussions that there was in existence three separate development plans for Limerick, Ennis and Nenagh.  I was understandably concerned that Limerick Regional Hospital’s proposed development would be funded, progressed and completed.  We could then have a nightmare scenario for north Tipperary whereby the HSE might say that Limerick had the capacity to meet all needs, Nenagh was surplus to requirements and a doomsday decision would be made not to proceed with investment in Nenagh.</p><p pid="1550.12">To avoid that possibility I secured from the Minister a commitment to commission one overall integrated plan for the mid-west.  The Minister gave me a further guarantee that the development of Limerick and Nenagh would take place in conjunction with each other.  She also gave a commitment that the capital projects for Nenagh, included in my agreement with the Taoiseach, would be delivered.  These multimillion projects such as the new surgical theatres, the endoscopy and diagnostic units will be included for funding under the multiannual capital programme of the Department of Health and Children to be announced in the coming weeks.</p><p pid="1550.13">The Minister has undertaken to ensure the existing CAT scanner at Nenagh General Hospital will be fully commissioned and staffed.  She has committed to a significant enhancement of the ambulance service in the mid-west through an increased out-of-hours ambulance cover.  She fully appreciates the crucial role of advanced paramedics in the new structures and has committed to the provision of an adequate number to cover north Tipperary.  Day surgery and diagnostic facilities are to be extensively developed and easily accessible.</p><p pid="1550.14">The Minister has also committed to appoint eight additional hospital consultants to enable the delivery of these new services and specialties in Nenagh and Ennis hospitals.  She has made a commitment to me that primary care teams will also play a major part in the proposed reform of health services in north Tipperary.  Currently, two teams are successfully up and running in Roscrea, Borrisokane and Cloughjordan.  In Thurles, the development of two primary care teams is well under way.  The process will be expedited to provide care teams in Templemore, Nenagh, Ballina and Newport.  These are critical to ensure the success of any local health reform and will ensure the people of north Tipperary are treated effectively in their own localities.</p><p pid="1550.15">A new medical assessment unit will be provided at Nenagh General Hospital.  This will be accessible by a GP referral system.  What this means in effect is that most of the patients currently treated at Nenagh will continue to be treated there.  There will be no reduction in the services provided to the public of north Tipperary requiring medical care.  The staff at Nenagh General Hospital are professional, dedicated, caring and committed.  I have been assured that under the new proposed reconfiguration all permanent nursing, attendant, porter, cleaning, catering and clerical officer staff will retain their jobs.</p><p pid="1550.16">The Teamwork report set out to put in place upgraded services to improve patient care and to treat the patient in the most appropriate setting based on the recommendations of medical staff, that is, doctors, nurses, consultants and general practitioners.  I am of the firm belief that if the components of this report are not implemented in their totality, there is no future for Nenagh General Hospital and it will be allowed to whittle away and die.  The people of north Tipperary know the extent of my commitment to them and to what is in their best interests.  In that respect, this is the correct decision to best serve the interests of the people of my community.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-02-11T19:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-06-25.672.0&amp;m=485#g689.0">
	<title>Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-06-25.672.0&amp;m=485#g689.0</link>
	<description>I welcome the strong political support for this Bill to curb intoxicating liquor consumption.  I note strong support from civil society, including the alcohol industry itself, which recognises...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="689.1">I welcome the strong political support for this Bill to curb intoxicating liquor consumption.  I note strong support from civil society, including the alcohol industry itself, which recognises that such legislation is long overdue.  I hope the time spent debating the Bill will be used wisely to iron out any deficiencies and to ensure that the Bill results in maximum effectiveness in combating alcohol abuse in Ireland.</p><p pid="689.2">It is now generally accepted that there is a compelling case in the context of public health and public safety to limit the widespread availability of alcohol.  The onus is on Government to protect the common good of the citizens by legislating in a responsible way.  This Bill is a step in the right direction.  It is vital that we as legislators ensure this Bill is successful in addressing the problems and does not create unnecessary and inconvenient burdens on business and society without having real results.</p><p pid="689.3">The Government established the alcohol advisory group in January.  The group was able to draw on a considerable level of knowledge and expertise in the course of its work.  The group speedily came up with a thorough and useful report but I must note the distinct lack of inclusion of stakeholders in society, from industry and ordinary people, who might have also had something to contribute to the report.</p><p pid="689.4">As a nation, we have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol and the statistics stemming from this relationship are stark and undeniable.  Of those involved in murder or manslaughter, 46% were intoxicated at the time of their crimes.  Drunkenness was a factor in more than one third of all fatal crashes.  The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Dermot Ahern, recently outlined CSO figures for the past four years showing a 57% rise in public order offences; a 26% rise in assaults; and a 30% rise in four categories of assault.  We must question the role of alcohol in this shocking increase in public order adult offences in recent years.</p><p pid="689.5">A survey by IBEC reported that alcohol and alcohol-related illnesses were cited by 12% of companies as a cause of short-term absences from work for males and by 4% for women.  Excessive alcohol consumption was present in a quarter of severe domestic abuse cases.</p><p pid="689.6">From my perspective of serving the people of North Tipperary, it is clear that alcohol use and abuse among young people needs to be strongly challenged and confronted.  In this context I welcome the initiatives in the Bill whereby a garda may seek an explanation from young persons under 18 years of age in possession of alcohol and if not satisfied with the reply the garda may seize the alcohol.</p><p pid="689.7">Only 96 prosecutions were taken in five years against off-licences, shops, pubs and restaurants for illegally supplying alcohol to those under 18 years of age.  It is hoped the introduction of frequent test purchasing of alcohol products applying to both on-licences and off-licences will weed out and severely punish offenders.</p><p pid="689.8">I am happy with reasonable restrictions on the advertising and marketing of alcohol to young people.  The alcohol industry has been very good at associating its brands with successful and sought after lifestyles that have proven to be attractive to young people.  It is also frightening to read that the 2006 national study of health behaviour in school-aged children found that half of those aged between 15 and 17 years reported being drinkers and more than one third reported having been “really drunk” in the previous 30 days.  It begs that question, “What about parental responsibility?”.  This is one area not addressed in the Bill.</p><p pid="689.9">Aspects of the Bill designed to deal with persons of any age involved in nuisance and who are in possession of alcohol in a place other than a place used as a private dwelling are also welcome.  I hope this is used successfully in conjunction with existing public order legislation to provide substantial powers to any garda attempting to curtail a person with alcohol causing a nuisance or annoyance to others, or where there is likely to be a danger to persons or property or a breach of the peace.  The real benefit of the new powers is that they will permit early intervention by the Garda and will help to prevent offences taking place.  I hope these new powers are wielded responsibly and for the public good by the hard-working members of our Garda force.</p><p pid="689.10">From my perspective in North Tipperary, it is remarkable and regrettable that the traditional public house as we know it, which for generations has provided a controlled and safe environment for people to have a social drink, has gone into serious decline.  The pub sector has been decimated with approximately 1,000 public houses closed in the past three years.  This is worrying when statistics show that alcohol consumption is increasing and the role of the controlled environment of the public house is diminishing.  The balance is shifting towards the unregulated area of private drinking and for me this is a concern from both social and health perspectives.</p><p pid="689.11">Regarding retailers, I welcome the recent consultation by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Dermot Ahern, with stakeholders in the area and his announcement last night that he is now well disposed to deferring implementation of section 8.  It is common sense that if independent verification of compliance were to show that the code is being implemented effectively throughout the country and achieving its objectives through structural separation, it will not be necessary to commence the enforcement of section 8.</p><p pid="689.12">If one manages a convenience store, there is nothing convenient about being required to queue for a second time to purchase a bottle of wine.  It is a significant and costly imposition to require a small trader to reconfigure his mixed trading premises so that alcohol sales are not only separated from other sales but that a barrier is erected, thus requiring dedicated staff.  I cannot see the purpose of this part of the legislation and I welcome the Minister’s recent common sense comments on the issue.</p><p pid="689.13">I am also pleased to note that the Bill includes a new statutory requirement to have a CCTV system in place in premises such as nightclubs and late bars.  It is hoped this will curtail offences and identify any perpetrators of offences at these venues.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-06-25T18:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-02-27.667.0&amp;m=485#g727.0">
	<title>Broadband Services: Motion | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-02-27.667.0&amp;m=485#g727.0</link>
	<description>I welcome the opportunity to speak on the vital issue of broadband services.  It is obvious that an adequate broadband service is an integral component in ensuring the ongoing viability and...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="727.1">I welcome the opportunity to speak on the vital issue of broadband services.  It is obvious that an adequate broadband service is an integral component in ensuring the ongoing viability and sustainability of rural communities.  Modern broadband is central to promoting entrepreneurship and developing a knowledge-based economy.</p><p pid="727.2">While progress has been made on broadband roll out, extensive areas of north Tipperary, such as Templederry, Moyne, Rear Cross, Silvermines and Toomevara, still remain without this vital service.  We have a duty and responsibility to ensure both the Government and private service providers guarantee these communities are connected at the earliest possible date.</p><p pid="727.3">Lack of employment opportunities in our towns and villages mean that countless people must endure a daily long-distance commute to and from work elsewhere.  This, combined with the stresses of modern life, has eroded many people’s quality of life.  With changes in technology and communications, more people are able to work and run businesses from home.  Broadband is central to providing this lifestyle alternative.</p><p pid="727.4">Broadband Internet connection is vital in maintaining the competitiveness and attractiveness of the north Tipperary economy.  Being able to communicate electronically at the fastest possible speed will ensure places like north Tipperary will be an attractive area to invest in for both foreign and indigenous companies.  Having broadband access will enhance the regions for foreign investors.  Broadband can, and will, play a significant part in securing future economic growth.  The availability of high quality information technology is important in supporting industry and jobs.</p><p pid="727.5">For some inexplicable reason, Thurles was omitted by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources from the second phase of MAN roll-out to enable the provision of high-speed and competitively priced broadband services.  I am pleased that, in return for my agreement to support the Government, the Department is now committed to prioritising the construction of a MAN in Thurles which will include a link to the Archerstown industrial estate.</p><p pid="727.6">The presence of this network in Thurles will make it feasible and commercially viable for licensed operators to offer the latest broadband services to businesses, commercial interests, public services and other users.  It will ensure Thurles is on an equal par with any other town in Ireland and the world for broadband provision.</p><p pid="727.7">I welcome the initiative by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to prepare a comprehensive paper on the provision of next-generation broadband options.  His initiative with the national broadband scheme promises Government aid to ensure broadband for all unserviced areas by the end of 2009.  His policy initiatives, however, must take into account new and developing forms of broadband technology with the excellent opportunities they present.  Technologies such as WiMAX and mobile broadband have made significant advances in recent times.  I urge the Minister to grasp the opportunities offered by these alternatives and initiate Government pilot schemes to assess their viability.  I will put forward to the Minister communities in north Tipperary that would be ideal locations for the testing of such types of broadband.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-02-27T19:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-02-27.667.0&amp;m=485#g725.0">
	<title>Broadband Services: Motion | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-02-27.667.0&amp;m=485#g725.0</link>
	<description>I wish to share time with Deputies Collins, O&acirc;��Connor, Nolan and Dooley.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="725.1">I wish to share time with Deputies Collins, O’Connor, Nolan and Dooley.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-02-27T19:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-02-06.475.0&amp;m=485#g514.0">
	<title>Health Services: Motion (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-02-06.475.0&amp;m=485#g514.0</link>
	<description>Last Sunday night I met with the Tipperary cystic fibrosis organisation and heard heart-breaking stories of neglect and the failure of our health system to respond to genuine needs, problems with...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="514.1">Last Sunday night I met with the Tipperary cystic fibrosis organisation and heard heart-breaking stories of neglect and the failure of our health system to respond to genuine needs, problems with accommodation and facilities and problems with staffing levels.  In the mid-west region the following concerns need to be addressed in the short term.  The first is the provision of necessary, fully equipped ensuite bedrooms for cystic fibrosis sufferers in key adult and paediatric units in Limerick, Waterford, Cork and in the central unit in St. Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin.  This would prevent the risk of cross-infection that is of such danger and critically affects the survival rate of people with cystic fibrosis.  Extra specialised training staff in cystic fibrosis care are badly needed, including an urgent need for the posting of a second cystic fibrosis nurse in Waterford Regional Hospital.  In the home domiciliary care area we need a dedicated cystic fibrosis home nurse and a dedicated cystic fibrosis physiotherapist to cater for the mid-west area.</p><p pid="514.2">Cystic fibrosis patients should be automatically entitled to a medical card and their families should be entitled to a carer’s allowance that is non-means tested.  It is a disgrace in 2008, having all the information we have on the condition, that this policy has still not been initiated.  Cystic fibrosis sufferers should not have to report to accident and emergency departments on the occasions when they need hospital care as they should not be subjected and exposed to the infections and viruses in those departments.</p><p pid="514.3">A national screening programme at neo-natal level should be initiated for the detection of cystic fibrosis.  An early diagnosis and the correct treatment from birth would mean much better living prospects for cystic fibrosis patients.</p><p pid="514.4">I call on the Minister to initiate a national debate on the issue of presumed organ donation along the lines of the proposed UK model as outlined by Gordon Brown and the highly successful Spanish model that is currently in practice.  While I acknowledge that many issues in this area need to be teased out and that the subject should be handled with extreme sensitivity, all parties can see the benefit of such a move to sufferers of many diseases.</p><p pid="514.5">In general terms the health service has been burdened and stymied by vested interests within the system.  The time is long overdue for a Minister for Health and Children to establish as a first principle that patient need is paramount and that the welfare of patients is a first priority.  I believe the Minister, Deputy Harney, has the courage, conviction and determination to tackle the vested interests within the health service and I will support her in her efforts to force and implement change.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-02-06T19:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2007-11-13.393.0&amp;m=485#g394.9">
	<title>Job Creation. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2007-11-13.393.0&amp;m=485#g394.9</link>
	<description>In the past week a shattering and demoralising blow has been inflicted on the diligent and committed workforce at Premier Foods, Thurles, County Tipperary.  This company and the Erin brand,...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="394.2">In the past week a shattering and demoralising blow has been inflicted on the diligent and committed workforce at Premier Foods, Thurles, County Tipperary.  This company and the Erin brand, synonymous with Thurles, announced that it was to cease production, resulting in the loss of 95 jobs.</p><p pid="394.3">The workforce and their dependent families have endured prolonged uncertainty and fear of the unknown.  Arising from this decision, they face the prospect of coping with the daily pressures of life without a job and financial security.  We have an obligation and responsibility to provide alternative job opportunities.</p><p pid="394.4">Will the Minister ensure the UK management of Premier Foods, the parent company of Erin, offers the current staff facing lay-off the maximum terms and conditions for redundancy?  Will he also ensure every support and resource is made available by the State to these 95 people to assist them in seeking new employment?</p><p pid="394.5">I question the role of the Competition Authority in the demise of the Thurles Erin plant.  The authority’s decision that Premier Foods had to divest from the Erin brand at the beginning of the year cast a long shadow over the future of the Thurles plant and its viability.  It is outrageous that the Competition Authority, operating autonomously, could make a decision which sounded the death knell of the Thurles plant.</p><p pid="394.6">The plant’s closure concludes the gradual obliteration of the manufacturing base in Thurles.  In the not too distant past, north Tipperary was home to some of the world’s largest industrial companies such as Aventis Pharma, Antiger, Procter and Gamble, Tubex, BSN Medical and Irish-owned companies such as Irish Sugar.</p><p pid="394.7">North Tipperary has not benefited from significant foreign direct investment for many years.  Throughout north Tipperary there are four international industries compared with 11 six years ago.  It is critical that a large scale positive action campaign is initiated to secure industry for the region.  To achieve this, it is vital that all parties concerned, from Government to development bodies and local business groups, embark on a cohesive, focused and coordinated course of action that will result in sustainable high quality industry locating in north Tipperary.  It is crucial that the full services of the investment promotion unit of Shannon Development, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland are brought to bear in an attempt to attract the type of investment that Thurles and its hinterland deserve.</p><p pid="394.8">The Government must address the urgent need to create and attract high-tech, high-end jobs to Thurles and north Tipperary.  To this end, it is imperative the Minster initiates a concerted and effective positive action campaign for the town and region.  North Tipperary and Thurles are ideal locations for new business enterprises.  Thurles is an excellent town which is well located and connected.  The town enjoys an educated, vibrant and skilled workforce.  It has many attributes that give it an advantage.  It is time these were harnessed to provide the industries that the town and its people require.</p><p pid="394.9">The employment and job creation problems of north Tipperary are serious and require a specific coordinated response.  I call on the Minister to act quickly with the aim of implementing proactive and positive measures to encourage and attract foreign investment to north Tipperary.  It is imperative that sustainable, modern replacement industries be secured for Thurles as a matter of urgency.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2007-11-13T20:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2007-09-27.133.0&amp;m=485#g353.0">
	<title>Shannon Airport: Motion | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2007-09-27.133.0&amp;m=485#g353.0</link>
	<description>The decision by Aer Lingus to discontinue its Shannon-Heathrow service without an adequate replacement will be a devastating blow to business and tourism in the mid-west region.  Countless jobs,...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="353.1">The decision by Aer Lingus to discontinue its Shannon-Heathrow service without an adequate replacement will be a devastating blow to business and tourism in the mid-west region.  Countless jobs, a myriad of industries and tourism in the region are dependent on a vibrant Shannon Airport.  Aer Lingus knows a Shannon-Heathrow route is viable, but sees a more lucrative opportunity in moving the coveted Heathrow slots to Belfast.  This is a desperately cynical move by a company that holds itself up as the national airline. </p><p pid="353.2">The Aer Lingus decision is a selfish vested interest approach.  It shows no regard for the consequences and the impact on a dedicated workforce and a supportive industrial and commercial base.  It is a decision that shows contempt for the loyalty of the public in the mid-west region.  Heathrow is our closest gateway to the global economy, giving the mid-west region one-stop connectivity with over 200 destinations across the globe.  Renewal or replacement of the Heathrow slots is imperative to ensure that the mid-west is not saddled with a major disadvantage in a world where international connectivity is a crucial element in gaining economic advantage.  It is crucial that the current negotiations to restore connectivity to Heathrow are successful.</p><p pid="353.3">In the Shannon region we have advanced internal infrastructure and telecommunications.  We have one of the most productive, skilled and educated workforces in the world.  We must ensure that international companies can access them and that domestic enterprises can effectively export the produce of their collective talents.  Management of Aer Lingus has publicly stated its position in trenchant terms.  It is blatantly dismissive of reasoned logical argument against its position and is openly confrontational.</p><p pid="353.4">Even if the Government were successful in calling an extraordinary general meeting, it is the advice of the Attorney General, I understand, that the board of Aer Lingus would not be bound to follow any resolutions seeking to reverse its business decisions.  In these legal circumstances it is clear that any attempt to overturn the decision would be fraught with legalities leading to protracted contentious and divisive proceedings, the negativity of which would ultimately damage the future of Shannon and the region.  As Deputy Róisín Shortall pointed out in the privatisation debate that took place in the House last year, it is also likely that the European Commission would rule against the Government exercising a so-called controlling share in such a manner.</p><p pid="353.5">I fear that forcing the board of Aer Lingus to reverse its decision could be a futile exercise.  The company will not embrace a forced decision with the necessary enthusiasm of commitment to ensure its success.  A decision in such circumstances would gradually be undermined by the management of Aer Lingus.</p><p pid="353.6">Arising from this debate and the obvious cross-party concern that exists, it is to be hoped that Aer Lingus will accept the error of its decision and willingly review its stance, agree to renew the route and actively promote activity between Shannon and Heathrow.  If Aer Lingus fails to respond positively we should provide the conditions and incentives to guarantee an immediate replacement carrier.  International connectivity to the Shannon region is not optional.  It is an absolute necessity.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2007-09-27T14:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2007-02-20.609.0&amp;m=484#g612.9">
	<title>Schools Building Projects. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2007-02-20.609.0&amp;m=484#g612.9</link>
	<description>I thank the Acting Chairman for the opportunity to raise the accommodation crisis at Carrig national school.  Carrig national school is a rural school on the Tipperary-Offaly border.  In 1994 the...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="612.2">I thank the Acting Chairman for the opportunity to raise the accommodation crisis at Carrig national school.  Carrig national school is a rural school on the Tipperary-Offaly border.  In 1994 the school was expanded to cater for a maximum of 75 pupils and three staff.  In the 13 years since that last major expansion, the school population has increased to 91.  It has four classroom teachers and two special needs teachers.  With those six teachers, there are also five full-time special needs assistants, one part-time special needs assistant and a secretary, giving a total staff complement of 13.</p><p pid="612.3">I want to emphasise the commitment to special needs education at Carrig national school.  Recognition of the basic right to education of every pupil is fundamental to the ethos of the school.  Of the 91 pupils in the school, ten have been assessed with a variety of learning disabilities, such as severe speech and language disorder, profoundly deaf with epilepsy, Down’s syndrome and autistic spectrum.</p><p pid="612.4">The needs of these pupils are of greatest importance to school management.  The further enrolment of autistic children next year will have serious ramifications for the school generally and its accommodation needs.  The school staff and board of management endeavour to provide the very best education possible for all the children in their educational care.  This cannot be fully achieved without proper resources and the provision of satisfactory accommodation.  The fact that parents, teachers and pupils learn sign language after school hours at night is proof of the dedication, caring ethos and determination to provide a rounded, well-balanced education for every one of the 91 pupils enrolled in Carrig national school.</p><p pid="612.5">A scheme of 74 houses is currently nearing completion in the catchment area, with construction beginning on another significant scheme of houses.  There is also a planning application for 32 houses.  All of this additional development will have a considerable impact on the future accommodation requirements of the school.</p><p pid="612.6">In response to the obvious accommodation need in terms of special needs and staff, the school management has applied for a devolved grant from the Department.  A staff room, an extra classroom to replace a prefab, a learning support room, a resource room, an office, a library and a meeting room are required to adequately cater for the school’s needs into the future.  The school is currently using a teacher’s toilet to store PE equipment and science equipment.  As the school has no general purpose room, access to the PE curriculum is dictated by weather conditions, as are school assemblies.  Therefore, the school also needs a general purpose room and a store room.</p><p pid="612.7">It is crucial that this school is included in the major capital projects that proceed this year.  There is an acute accommodation crisis in Carrig national school, where first and second class and the learning support teacher are working in a damp, draughty prefab, which is costing the school a fortune to rent and heat.  Surely this is a prime example of poor value for money, when two or three years’ rent would pay for the construction of a badly needed new classroom.</p><p pid="612.8">Last year, the school unsuccessfully applied for an extension.  It was apparent to the Department at the time that major capital investment was required to address the accommodation crisis in the school.  This year, the school management has applied for funding under the devolved scheme.  Failure to include this school under the devolved capital programme would be a travesty and simply incomprehensible to parents, teachers and the wider community.  It is apparent from the planned housing development in the locality that additional school accommodation will be needed in the future.  It is also blatantly obvious that the school needs additional facilities to meet the requirements of the special needs teachers and pupils.</p><p pid="612.9">The current overcrowding at Carrig national school is unacceptable.  The teachers and pupils are placed at an unfair disadvantage because of the intolerable conditions prevailing on a daily basis.  I ask the Minister, on behalf of the parents, teachers and board of management, to ensure the inclusion of this school in the 2007 building programme.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2007-02-20T10:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2006-10-03.217.0&amp;m=484#g222.0">
	<title>Allocation of Time: Motion.   | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2006-10-03.217.0&amp;m=484#g222.0</link>
	<description>He is using a script.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="222.1">He is using a script.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2006-10-03T14:30:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2006-07-06.497.0&amp;m=484#g498.9">
	<title>Schools Building Projects. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2006-07-06.497.0&amp;m=484#g498.9</link>
	<description>At the heart of the matter in Scoil Ruain, Killenaule, is the frustration being experienced by students, by teachers and by parents. It is the frustration of waiting 20 years for a facility to...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="498.2">At the heart of the matter in Scoil Ruain, Killenaule, is the frustration being experienced by students, by teachers and by parents. It is the frustration of waiting 20 years for a facility to which they are entitled. The school management is looking for a basic sports facility, a sports hall. Despite many promises, nothing has happened. It is the second term of office of the Government parties and the school authorities, parents and students are still waiting. The school moved into a new building approximately 20 years ago, without a sports hall or an assembly area. To date, this oversight has not been corrected.</p><p pid="498.4">It is important to note that the school is widely known as one where students and school management work in a spirit of co-operation. The management and staff of the school are very proud of their students and are assured that they can take their students on any trip, foreign or otherwise, in the full knowledge that they will not cause trouble or misbehave. In view of the difficulties associated with discipline and behaviour at post primary level this is a testament to the commitment and respect ingrained in the school’s culture.</p><p pid="498.5">The tremendous support from the loyal parents who continue to send their children to the school, despite the fact that there are no indoor sports facilities, must be acknowledged. Parents have such faith in the school and the ability of the teachers and management that the school is seeing the second and third generation of students from many families. This demonstrates the level of belief which the parents and local community have in the school in Killenaule.</p><p pid="498.6">On behalf of the school authorities I extend an invitation to the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Hanafin, to visit the school. The management has expressed the view to me that it would like her to visit during an assembly time. At present, there is an assembly area in the middle of the school that is used for guest speakers, open evenings, parents’ night, graduation Masses and other events. Many of the classrooms open on to this assembly area. As one can imagine, this becomes a chaotic scene when the bell chimes and classes pour into an already occupied assembly area. The level of disruption, interruption and pandemonium is unimaginable and inexcusable. Daily routine in Scoil Ruain is difficult for everyone, yet staff and students continue with the daily grind in the hope that one day the promises of the Government might be realised.</p><p pid="498.7">Scoil Ruain is in a disadvantaged area. It is acknowledged that if the school were in a city, facilities and resources would be made available. This is a rural school in Tipperary which feels it is invisible and considered to be off the map as far as resources from the Government is concerned. In effect, the sporting and assembly needs of the school have been ditched and ignored by the Government.</p><p pid="498.8">The school caters for approximately 400 students. All sporting activities take place outdoors regardless of the weather. The students of Scoil Ruain are at a complete disadvantage by comparison with students who have easy access to indoor facilities. On several occasions during the year, students need to travel to use the facilities of other schools. They need to borrow or rent these facilities. On wet and rainy days, there is no physical education, no exercise and no fitness programme in the school. How does this unacceptable omission square with the Minister’s health and fitness programme to combat obesity and diabetes?</p><p pid="498.9">If the Government is serious about combating these problems, adequate sporting and assembly facilities must be provided for schools such as Scoil Ruain. Considering the immense financial resources available to the Minister and the unspent funds at her disposal, how can she justify the exclusion of this school from the building programme? I urge the Minister in the strongest possible terms to sanction immediately the necessary funding for the sports hall in Scoil Ruain, Killenaule.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2006-07-06T18:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2006-04-25.513.0&amp;m=484#g516.2">
	<title>Job Losses. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2006-04-25.513.0&amp;m=484#g516.2</link>
	<description>I remind the Minister and the Government that the unemployment and job creation problems of north Tipperary are serious and require a specific co-ordinated response. The Minister must radically...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="516.2">I remind the Minister and the Government that the unemployment and job creation problems of north Tipperary are serious and require a specific co-ordinated response. The Minister must radically reverse the current scenario where no investors have visited north Tipperary for three years by implementing pro-active measures to encourage and attract indigenous and foreign investment to north Tipperary.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2006-04-25T20:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2006-04-25.513.0&amp;m=484#g514.10">
	<title>Job Losses. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2006-04-25.513.0&amp;m=484#g514.10</link>
	<description>In the not too distant past, north Tipperary was home to some of the world&acirc;��s largest industrial companies such as Aventis Pharma, Antigen, Procter and Gamble, Tubex, BSN Medical and large...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="514.2">In the not too distant past, north Tipperary was home to some of the world’s largest industrial companies such as Aventis Pharma, Antigen, Procter and Gamble, Tubex, BSN Medical and large Irish-owned companies such as Irish Sugar.</p><p pid="514.3">In the past two weeks a shattering and demoralising blow has been inflicted on the people of Thurles. BSN Medical, which had employed more than 120 people in Thurles before Christmas, announced that it would close by the end of this year with the loss of the remaining 80 jobs. Erin Foods, owned by Campbells, was also put on the market recently. It is hoped that this world renowned brand can be sold as a going concern. However, the intention to sell the company has cast doubt and uncertainty on the future of the plant. Greenvale Animal Feeds, a subsidiary of Irish Sugar, employs more than 60 people in Thurles and now with the closure of Irish Sugar, these jobs are also in doubt.</p><p pid="514.4">BSN Medical is a global medical device company and was created as a 50:50 joint venture between Beiersdorf and Smith & Nephew in April 2001. BSN Medical specialises in bandaging and wound care, especially for burn victims. Another US company, Jobst, was the previous owner of the BSN Thurles operation until it was taken over in 1990. The manufacture of medical bandages has been carried out in Thurles for many years and many of the staff at the plant have spent their entire working lives in this factory and have been a very loyal and dedicated workforce. The news that the entire operation will cease by the end of the year is dreadful news for the staff, their families, the town and the economy of Thurles.</p><p pid="514.5">I call on the Minister of State to ensure that the US management of BSN Medical offers the current staff facing redundancy the same terms and conditions as their colleagues who opted for voluntary redundancy before Christmas and that every support and resource of the State is made available to these 80 people to assist them in seeking new employment.</p><p pid="514.6">It is an outrage that almost all of the companies I have mentioned closed in the past seven years under this Fianna Fáil-Progressive Democrats Government. Ineffective Government policy has forced hundreds of workers across north Tipperary to search for alternative employment or the nearest dole office.</p><p pid="514.7">North Tipperary has not benefited in any way from foreign direct investment since 1997 when this Government first took office. The only semblance of foreign investment is the welcome replacement for the former Antigen by Taro Pharmaceuticals in Roscrea. This Government has presided over the most substantial job losses in Nenagh, Roscrea, and Thurles in living memory. Throughout north Tipperary there are five international industries compared with more than 11 companies five years ago. The number of indigenous Irish industries has dropped from almost 90 in 1993 to fewer than 70 in 2003. When Aventis Pharma in Nenagh closed with the loss of 230 jobs in April 2002, I referred to north Tipperary as an “unemployment blackspot created in the midst of the greatest period of prosperity the nation has known”. The Government has done nothing since, in four years, to reverse this. We have had no investment, no research and development funding and no new jobs. This Government has failed the people of north Tipperary.</p><p pid="514.8">This Government meddled with existing administrative structures which had a proven track record of success and had delivered to north Tipperary. In recent years misguided ministerial initiatives have left State agencies with responsibility for industrial development and job creation in north Tipperary confused, demoralised and lacking any sense of cohesion or direction.</p><p pid="514.9">The number of entrepreneurs and business people visiting north Tipperary has declined dramatically. In a recent parliamentary question, I was astounded when it was revealed that not a single industrialist has visited north Tipperary since 2003. Shannon Development, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland have not organised a single visit for any potential investor to north Tipperary in three years. At a time when investment is locating to other parts of the country, it is inexcusable that the Minister and the employment creation agencies have continuously overlooked north Tipperary.</p><p pid="514.10">I am calling on the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to respond to the emerging employment crisis now facing Thurles and north Tipperary. The Minister must take immediate steps to encourage industrialists and investors to locate in north Tipperary.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2006-04-25T20:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2006-03-02.622.0&amp;m=484#g623.11">
	<title>Community Employment Schemes. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2006-03-02.622.0&amp;m=484#g623.11</link>
	<description>I welcome the opportunity to raise this important issue which is affecting participants and sponsoring groups the length and breadth of the country. Since its introduction in November 2004, the...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="623.2">I welcome the opportunity to raise this important issue which is affecting participants and sponsoring groups the length and breadth of the country. Since its introduction in November 2004, the Government policy of capping FÁS community employment schemes has led to the termination of placements for hundreds of participants in County Tipperary. It is expected that 700 community employment workers will effectively be made redundant in Tipperary before the end of this year.</p><p pid="623.3">I urge the Minister to take immediate steps to remove this draconian and unnecessary cap on the scheme. Given the healthy state of the economy, using community employment participants as a cost saving to the State is unjust, unfair and an example of the downright meanness displayed by the Government. It is an abuse of power against these vulnerable people.</p><p pid="623.4">The participants on community employment schemes are involved in completing valuable work for the community. Many community groups, sporting organisations and tidy towns committees, could not undertake their worthwhile projects were it not for the crucial assistance of community employment participants. The scheme has played a very important role in improving community life across Tipperary and it is astonishing that the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Martin, is determined to close down community employment schemes by stealth. As a result of this clampdown, many talented and deserving people will lose the opportunity to contribute to their communities in a meaningful way. Local communities are losing out on important and desirable schemes.</p><p pid="623.5">Many participants work in the community as personal assistants to severely disabled people. They work with young and old alike, they work in sports clubs, town councils, community development groups, in fact, the list is endless. It is a shameful indictment of this Government that community employment participants are under-estimated, undervalued and under-appreciated by the Minister and the Government.</p><p pid="623.6">Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats want to bring the hatchet down on community employment schemes without even a thought for the needs of either participants or the sponsoring projects. For the thousands of community and voluntary groups the removal of participants and the closure of schemes is a devastating blow. Groups are relying on community employment schemes to provide a level of staffing for certain tasks. If the Government is so intent on ending community employment schemes, an alternative source of staffing for community and voluntary groups will have to be found and funded by the Government.</p><p pid="623.7">The Minister should be aware of the impact of the capping policy on schemes in Tipperary. For example, in Annacarty the community employment scheme had 12 participants, but when the Minister, Deputy Martin, is finished with his axe it will be halved to six. The Clonoulty-Rossmore scheme had 16 participants but has been reduced to ten. The scheme operating in Cappawhite and Hollyford had 20 participants but with these savage cutbacks it will be reduced to ten. In south Tipperary, 82 people were effectively made redundant in January. Another 150 will lose their place on a scheme at the end of March. In total more than 300 people will lose a place on a community employment scheme in south Tipperary by the end of this year. In north Tipperary, during the course of the next 12 months, 411 people will lose these places on schemes. These staggering figures mean that community employment scheme numbers in County Tipperary will be more than halved before the year is out.</p><p pid="623.8">I have received numerous calls from community employment participants, many in their early or late fifties, who have been informed they are no longer needed on a scheme. Community employment schemes in Glengoole, Rathcabbin, Killenaule, and all across Tipperary are losing participants each week. It is outrageous that men and women who have served the community well on these community employment schemes are effectively being forced to retire early. These people feel there is little prospect of their getting any form of meaningful and productive employment.</p><p pid="623.9">Several of those who contacted me outlined that they had no transport of their own, and given their age, felt they had little hope of getting any other form of employment in the area. In the increasingly competitive marketplace, many people on community employment schemes have told me the scheme is the only form of work available to them.</p><p pid="623.10">There are schemes in Tipperary facing such uncertainty that some supervisors have informed me that their schemes could close before the end of the year. No scheme in Tipperary should be closed, wound down, or have participant numbers reduced. I urge the Government to immediately abolish the current policy of capping the number of years a person can participate on a community employment scheme and I seek the Minister’s commitment that those participants affected will be swiftly reinstated.</p><p pid="623.11">Immediate changes must be made to the scheme to bring to an end the policy of capping. I urge the Minister to immediately reinstate those affected by this nonsensical capping rule. I further urge that if the community employment scheme is to be abolished by stealth, as current policy and practice would suggest, the Government should provide funding for an alternative source of staffing for the thousands of community and voluntary groups that have been adversely affected by this ridiculous capping policy.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2006-03-02T17:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2006-02-23.268.0&amp;m=484#g271.0">
	<title>Commemorative Events. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2006-02-23.268.0&amp;m=484#g271.0</link>
	<description>Question 166: To ask the Minister for Defence his plans for the 90th anniversary commemoration of the 1916 Easter Rising; his further plans to accommodate the family representatives of deceased...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="271.0"><i>Question 166:</i> To ask the Minister for Defence his plans for the 90th anniversary commemoration of the 1916 Easter Rising; his further plans to accommodate the family representatives of deceased soldiers from 1916 until the foundation of the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. <b>[7562/06]</b></p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2006-02-23T16:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2005-06-15.808.0&amp;m=484#g811.10">
	<title>Medical Aids and Appliances. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2005-06-15.808.0&amp;m=484#g811.10</link>
	<description>According to the Central Statistics Office, over 11,000 people died in 2002 from cardiovascular disease. It is estimated that outside the hospital system, 6,000 people will suffer cardiac arrest...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="811.2">According to the Central Statistics Office, over 11,000 people died in 2002 from cardiovascular disease. It is estimated that outside the hospital system, 6,000 people will suffer cardiac arrest this year. Up to 99% of these patients will unfortunately die. At present, survival prospects are down to 1%. For every one minute delay in treating a cardiac arrest patient, there is a 10% reduction in survival chances. There is almost no chance of survival after a ten to 12 minute delay awaiting treatment. If a patient receives defibrillation, the chance of survival increases to 60%.</p><p pid="811.3">Ireland is lagging behind the developed world in the promotion of community-based defibrillators. By comparison, in mainland Europe, a cardiac arrest patient outside of the hospital system has up to a 60% chance of survival. Likewise, in the US there is a 60% survival rate. We regularly hear about tragic sudden deaths. This year it is estimated that 6,000 people will suffer from cardiac arrests, and unfortunately only 60 will survive. The Minister is aware of the chain of survival concept which consists of early access and involves recognising that a person is in cardiac arrest and calling 999 immediately, early cardiopulmonary resuscitation, early defibrillation and early advanced care.</p><p pid="811.4">It is essential that every link is as strong as possible because the chain of survival is only as strong as its weakest link. It is worth noting that the first three links take place at the location of a cardiac arrest before professional emergency medical attention is given and that often only the final link of early advanced care is administered by emergency medical technicians or in hospitals.</p><p pid="811.5">There are excellent examples of how the availability of defibrillation machines in places where people congregate has saved lives. Dublin Airport installed defibrillation units last year. Since installation, there have been four incidents where they have been used and credited with saving lives.</p><p pid="811.6">Defibrillation units are installed in Croke Park, RTE in Montrose and Leinster House. Only two weeks ago, Shannon Airport installed three public access units. It should be the accepted norm that these devices are available and accessible throughout the workplace and at locations where people congregate in large numbers.</p><p pid="811.7">AEDs are similar to fire prevention systems in that they are devices which communities and companies should have, but hope not to have reason to use. Unfortunately, while companies spend hundreds of thousands of euro on elaborate fire systems, many do not spend the relatively small amount required to purchase an AED unit and train staff in its use. Many experts agree that we need to reach a stage where public access AED units are as commonplace as the familiar fire extinguisher.</p><p pid="811.8">The chain of survival is only as strong as its weakest link, and at present the weakest link is access to defibrillators. In the United States, AED units are carried on all fire engines and in every police squad car. In Ireland, on the other hand, only a handful of fire engines carry AEDs, and it will be years before every Garda car has one.</p><p pid="811.9">Communities across Ireland are willing to install these units, but need encouragement and financial support by way of grant aid to make it possible. I urge the Minister to wait no longer but to take decisive action. An AED unit placed strategically in a community ensures that the weakest link in the chain is significantly strengthened. A national programme to encourage public access is needed. The Department should initiate a funding scheme for structured voluntary and community groups which comply with established criteria. With equipment, training and accessories, the average total cost of installing such a unit is €5,000. A sliding scale of funding for groups would act as a significant incentive in promoting wider availability of AED units. Community and voluntary groups face huge obstacles such as difficulties in receiving public liability and medical indemnity insurance cover, the high costs of initial training by professionals and ongoing training and maintaining the interest and commitment of volunteers over long periods of time.</p><p pid="811.10">Making more people aware of sudden cardiac arrest and improving access to defibrillators permits an increase in the survival rate for many people. I call on the Minister to take immediate steps to establish a national AED access programme to provide financial assistance for equipment and training to the live-saving and invaluable work being undertaken by community and voluntary groups across the country. Such a scheme will give every cardiac arrest patient the best chance of survival.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2005-06-15T20:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2005-06-15.808.0&amp;m=484#g809.2">
	<title>Medical Aids and Appliances. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2005-06-15.808.0&amp;m=484#g809.2</link>
	<description>I wish to raise the urgent need to establish a national programme to provide automated external defibrillators to structured community groups and local sporting organisations. The facts are...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="809.2">I wish to raise the urgent need to establish a national programme to provide automated external defibrillators to structured community groups and local sporting organisations. The facts are astonishing.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2005-06-15T20:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2005-04-13.253.0&amp;m=484#g258.0">
	<title>Disability Bill 2004: Second Stage (Resumed). | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2005-04-13.253.0&amp;m=484#g258.0</link>
	<description>I welcome this opportunity to speak on the Bill which is, perhaps, one of the most important and challenging in recent years. I have a particular interest in this area, having a daughter working...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="258.1">I welcome this opportunity to speak on the Bill which is, perhaps, one of the most important and challenging in recent years. I have a particular interest in this area, having a daughter working in the field of special needs care. I, like many of my colleagues in this Chamber and in the Seanad, have been inundated with letters and phone calls from worried parents, disability groups, carer associations and national representative groups, all of whom are extremely concerned about the impact this Bill will have on people with disabilities. It is often said that the measure of any nation can be seen in how it cares for the weakest members of its society. Among the weakest in our society are the old, the young, the sick, the poor and the disabled.</p><p pid="258.2">The Government has presided over a series of major blows delivered to the weakest members of our society. The elderly are extremely worried about the ever-increasing cost of health care and nursing home bills. It is generally accepted that the Irish health care service is in disarray as a result of years of bungling and mismanagement. We are told that young people in our society never had it so good, yet alcohol, drug abuse and suicide among young people is at all time record levels. The rising tide of the Celtic tiger has failed to lift the rowing boats of Ireland’s poor. On top of this, the Government is intent on bringing further hardship and hassle to the weakest in our society, the disabled.</p><p pid="258.3">For many years disabled groups were promised rights-based legislation which would guarantee a disabled person the right to services and support. They have been promised specialist services to meet their needs. They have been promised clear, concise and straight­forward procedures to minimise bureaucracy faced by them.</p><p pid="258.4">Unfortunately, the Disability Bill does not cater for the weak and the vulnerable. It does not honour the previous promises to disabled groups. It will not cater for even the most mildly disabled person in society. It will legislate to ensure that a mildly disabled person is not considered disabled. The Institute for Design and Disability has referred to these people as the “undisabled”— being neither non-disabled nor recognised as disabled, they will be completely excluded from accessing any service. This will be a disaster for many, particularly the mildly disabled. It will be detrimental for any person who currently does not need to access services but who may need to do so in the future.</p><p pid="258.5">The definition of “disability” used in the Bill is far too restrictive. By using this restrictive definition many people receiving support and services from the State will be excluded under this Bill and will not be considered to be disabled. The Bill defines “disability” as meaning a substantial restriction in the capacity of the person to carry on a profession, business or occupation or to participate in social or cultural life by reason of an enduring physical, sensory, mental health or intellectual impairment.</p><p pid="258.6">The definition is narrowed further in section 6 where “substantial restriction” is defined as a combination of three distinct conditions, all of which must present a restriction that is permanent or likely to be permanent, results in a significant difficulty in communication, learning or mobility and gives rise to a need for services to be provided for the person on a continuous basis.</p><p pid="258.7">This definition excludes a substantial number of the disabled persons referred to in the report of the Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities. It also excludes those who qualify as disabled under the Equal Status Acts 2000 and 2004 and the Employment Equality Acts 1998 and 2004.</p><p pid="258.8">I am deeply disappointed the definition used in the Equal Status Act was not used in the Disability Bill. If the Bill is enacted without changing the definition of “disability” it will undoubtedly undermine all other Acts of legislation such as the Equal Status Acts and the Employment Equality Acts.</p><p pid="258.9">From the brief legal advice available to me on these varying definitions it appears that if the Disability Bill is passed with this narrow and restrictive definition it could result in a rush to secure services through the courts because of the discrepancies. If the Bill is enacted, the contradictions between the two pieces of legislation may leave the State open to a long and protracted legal battle. I urge the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to seek immediate legal advice on the matter. The Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children should seek her own legal advice on the same issue.</p><p pid="258.10">Under the Equal Status Act, a person with dyslexia or other learning difficulties is recognised legally as having a disability. However, under the Disability Bill such legal recognition does not exist. Many with dyslexia, once it is recognised, can avail of several learning aids which enable a dyslexia sufferer to learn at what is considered a normal pace.</p><p pid="258.11">In primary and post-primary schools and third level institutions there are provisions in place to identify and assist people with all learning difficulties. Most of these provisions were rolled out over the past three to four years. Under the Disability Bill the Department of Education and Science could legally renege on obligations to provide resources for those with learning difficulties. There are elements of the Bill which can be interpreted to mean that a Minister and Department can be exempted from allocating funds to disability initiatives.</p><p pid="258.12">I am disappointed the Bill does not provide for an independent assessment of needs. In the proposed legislation, assessment officers are responsible for deciding what services a person needs and liaison officers are responsible for arranging the delivery of services. These officers will have enormous power in deciding the level of service, if any, a disabled person will receive. However, these officers will not be truly independent because they will be employed by the Health Service Executive.</p><p pid="258.13">The complaints and appeals system as proposed is so complex and bureaucratic that it will only serve to discourage people with disabilities or their representatives from using it. It is widely acknowledged that people with disabilities and their families endure considerable difficulties in attempting to secure services. The essence of any disability Bill must be to reduce the amount of red tape for those with disabilities. Unfortunately, this Bill will not achieve that objective. This is surely a further example of how the weakest in society are blatantly ignored.</p><p pid="258.14">It is shocking that there are no references in the Bill to the multi­disciplinary services that are so urgently required. The Bill proposes to establish a very costly and cumbersome administrative network of assessment officers, liaison officers, complaints officers and appeals officers, without giving any clear indication of the professional backgrounds needed for this type of work or whether they may be former non­professional employees of the health service. The creation of such a bureaucracy must be questioned. Precious disability funding and resources must not be used to build a plethora of administrative posts when it is front-line specialists such as physiotherapists, special needs teachers and assistants, speech and language therapists and others who are so urgently required.</p><p pid="258.15">This Bill signals the beginning of a bureaucratic nightmare for people with disabilities and their families as they search frantically for essential services which will be wrapped up in red tape and hidden from those most in need of quality services and care. With this inflated bureaucracy proposed by the Government, it has failed to consider the implications of the Disability Bill on an already crisis-ridden health service.</p><p pid="258.16">Currently the HSE is not in a position to offer people with disabilities in different parts of the country the same level of service. Certain services are available for those residing in Templeogue, whereas different services are available for those in Tralee and they are different again in Thurles. There is not a uniform service in every part of the country for those suffering with the same disabilities.</p><p pid="258.17">The parents of an autistic five year old in Birr, County Offaly, contacted me. They have been sending their young girl to Scoil Naomh Áine, a special needs pre-school in Roscrea. The HSE midland region had been contributing to the pre-school with the HSE mid-western region. In recent months, parents have learned that the pre-school is to close with effect from June 2005. Parents were originally informed that their special needs children would be accommodated in mainstream child care centres, yet there are no such facilities in the area. Then the parents concerned were told that their child would instead have two hours of respite per week. All this, however, has been taken away and they have been told that the pre-school will close with no replacement service available.</p><p pid="258.18">On the other hand, the children who reside in the Roscrea area, which is in the mid-western region, will be offered a service from the north Tipperary early intervention services. This is proof of inequality in the delivery of services. I question the equality of opportunity presented by this Bill. Equality of opportunity has been air-brushed from the Statute Book by the Disability Bill.</p><p pid="258.19">I compare this situation to that of the Guardian Angel pre-school in Thurles, which has been winding down its services in recent years. It stopped taking in new children a few years ago, while continuing to cater for the current special needs children until they are transferred to a mainstream or special needs primary school. This is a school with very strong bonds to the local community. It was set up by workers in the Thurles sugar factory in the 1970s. The Guardian Angel pre-school has always been recognised as providing an excellent level of service for special needs children in the area. Local fundraising down through the years has enabled the Guardian Angel pre-school to provide state-of-the-art quality of care for special needs children. There is bitter disappointment in Thurles and the surrounding areas that the school is to close. The official line is that it is not closing but changing to become a resource centre with physiotherapists and many other specialists offering services for special needs children.</p><p pid="258.20">I raise the situation regarding these two special needs pre-schools because both schools are, in effect, closing. Parents of disabled children in the HSE mid­western region have been promised a level of service. While they have grave reservations about the new service offered, the experts say it is the best in international practice. Time will tell if the parents’ concerns were justified. My hope, for everyone’s sake, is that the experts are right.</p><p pid="258.21">Fifteen miles down the road from Roscrea, parents whose children attended the special needs primary school are having every single service available to them removed by the HSE midland region, which will no longer provide funding for an organisation in north Tipperary, despite Roscrea being nearer for the families involved and despite the excellent service offered by the local pre-school. It appears that those in Birr will get nothing. They were not consulted on this matter. They now have no pre-school, no respite and no service, and all this is taking place under the new integrated health service.</p><p pid="258.22">I fear that this Bill will exempt the HSE from having to provide the basic minimum services for people with disabilities, particularly in areas where the HSE regions overlap. A person in Thurles should have the same access to services as a person from Templeogue. Geography and location should not be used to discriminate against the disabled in society.</p><p pid="258.23">I have been contacted by several groups expressing both gratitude and worry almost in the same breath. The announcement in the budget of multi-annual funding of €894 million in 2006-09 was most welcome. I acknowledge the importance and significance of the funding. However, it is important to address four main areas of concern. First, people with disabilities are looking for equality — funding is only part of the solution. Rights-based disability legislation and the force of law is central and is absolutely necessary to ensure that people with disabilities can become truly equal citizens of Ireland. Second, people with disabilities want services as a right and not only when extra resources are available to the Government. Funding can be provided for a few years and then withdrawn when the budget is tight. Why are the weakest in our society always the first to suffer when the tiger no longer roars? Third, the system to date has failed many people with disabilities. Many do not have the services they badly need or only have access to services now and again. A rights-based disability Bill will put the person at the centre of the system. Giving people with disabilities the specialist services they need has maximum value in terms of public spending if they can fully access all public services such as transport, education, housing, training and so forth.</p><p pid="258.24">A rights-based disability Bill will have social and economic benefits for all, as people will get the supports and services they need to make the contribution to our society which they are currently being denied.</p><p pid="258.25">The issue of funding for disabilities is clearly of concern to anyone with a disabled family member, friend or relative. The Bill does not guarantee the ring-fencing of funding for disability services and supports. There have been wild claims that the Bill ensures that a Minister must set aside resources that can only be used for disability. However, the Bill limits what a Minister can spend on disability services. To add insult to injury, the Bill also states that funding for disability services will only be provided after all other demands have been met by the Minister.</p><p pid="258.26">I reiterate my earlier point that the Disability Bill undermines the Equal Status Act, not only with regard to the definition of disability but also with regard to section 14 of the Equal Status Act. Section 14 states that nothing in the Equal Status Act should be construed as prohibiting the taking of action required by court orders, EU treaties and international conventions or where the taking of positive measures are intended to promote equality of opportunity or cater for the special needs of a disabled person.</p><p pid="258.27">The measure of this nation will be our care for the weakest in society in the years ahead. People with disabilities are among the weakest in society and the Disability Bill fails to measure up to their needs. It will fail to meet the needs of the disabled by making the mildly disabled non-existent in the system. They have become known as the “undisabled”. It will fail to meet the needs of the disabled by undermining reams of existing legislation such as the Equal Status Act, with a different, more restrictive, narrower definition of disability. It will fail to meet the needs of the disabled by creating a horrendous, outlandish, bureaucratic officialdom which will deny services for the disabled.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2005-04-13T12:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
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<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2004-11-24.911.0&amp;m=484#g912.9">
	<title>Ambulance Service. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2004-11-24.911.0&amp;m=484#g912.9</link>
	<description>A new community hospital on the grounds of the old Hospital of the Assumption, Thurles, is currently under construction. I welcome the fact that the building programme is on schedule for...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="912.2">A new community hospital on the grounds of the old Hospital of the Assumption, Thurles, is currently under construction. I welcome the fact that the building programme is on schedule for completion and that the facility will be fully operational in spring 2006. The new hospital will provide a wide range of services such as respite, rehabilitation and long-term care. The old hospital contained an ambulance station that served a large part of Tipperary. This station was always an integral part of the hospital. Everyone assumed there would be a new ambulance base facility as part of the new overall hospital plan.</p><p pid="912.3">On making inquiries to the Mid-Western Health Board I was shocked and dismayed to discover that provision has not been made for an ambulance base. It is an astonishing omission that highlights the lack of forward planning and co-ordination on the part of the Department of Health and Children. A temporary ambulance base has been established in an old laundry building on the hospital campus. This building is dilapidated and totally unsuitable for staff and patients. The building has an asbestos roof, which raises serious health and safety issues. Male and female members of staff have to share one toilet. The present circumstances are totally inadequate and unacceptable. There are legitimate health and safety concerns for the emergency medical technicians and other staff.</p><p pid="912.4">The Thurles ambulance station provides pre-hospital emergency services and patient transport for a large section of north Tipperary. It also forms part of the health board’s response to any major emergency. Depending on demand, this station also provides cover to other areas, such as Roscrea and Nenagh. The Thurles station provides 24 hour cover. Two-person crewing on all ambulance vehicles has been implemented. This year so far, the crew from the Thurles ambulance station answered almost 6,500 calls. This temporary shack houses in excess of 15 staff who are entitled to and deserve a safe and healthy working environment to enable them to continue their life-saving work.</p><p pid="912.5">According to the construction programme from the Department, demolition of the existing hospital, including the removal of asbestos will commence in early July 2005. As part of this demolition the current temporary accommodation will also be removed. Amazingly the Department of Health and Children has no provision within the scope of the hospital project for interim measures to accommodate the ambulance base.</p><p pid="912.6">The Mid-Western Health Board has recently submitted a detailed proposal for funding to the Department of Health and Children to build a new modern ambulance base on the campus, the estimated cost of which is approximately €1.6 million. It would be commonsense and cost effective to sanction the construction of a new base immediately. The builders are currently on site and can undertake the essential building work with a simple variation to their existing contract. The Department of Health and Children must provide the necessary funds for a modern ambulance station as a matter of urgency. The facts speak for themselves. Quick responses save lives. Many of the 6,500 patients carried by the Thurles ambulance would not have survived if an ambulance had to travel from Limerick or Nenagh. The reality is that if the ambulance base is closed or funds are not provided to build a modern base lives will be lost in the Thurles and mid-Tipperary area.</p><p pid="912.7">Without an ambulance base a person with a cardiac arrest in Thurles has almost zero chance of survival. A cardiac arrest patient must get immediate emergency medical attention to have a significant survival chance. This is only possible with a local ambulance base.</p><p pid="912.8">I ask the Minister of State to inform the House if his Department will take responsibility for the potential loss of life arising from the present bungling with the ambulance station in Thurles. When funding for the community hospital was sanctioned why was a modern ambulance base not included in those plans? What proposals does the Department intend to sanction to secure a permanent ambulance base in Thurles? When will the Mid-Western Health Board be notified that it can proceed with the planned development of a new ambulance station.</p><p pid="912.9">There has been a dramatic reduction in the level of health care delivery in north Tipperary. The status of Nenagh General Hospital is under threat from the implementation of the Hanly report. There is neither an accident and emergency or a cardiac care unit in Thurles. The provision of a proper ambulance facility is of vital importance to the delivery of adequate health care to the people of Thurles and mid-Tipperary.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2004-11-24T21:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
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