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<title>Frank Feighan - Recent appearances (From KildareStreet.com)</title>
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<dc:date>2009-04-15T16:11:18+00:00</dc:date>

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<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-09.327.0&amp;m=292#g337.0">
	<title>Cystic Fibrosis: Motion | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-09.327.0&amp;m=292#g337.0</link>
	<description>I thank Deputy Reilly for bringing this serious motion before the House.  Many promises have been made over the years, but it is certain that in this case the Government has reacted to interest...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="337.1">I thank Deputy Reilly for bringing this serious motion before the House.  Many promises have been made over the years, but it is certain that in this case the Government has reacted to interest groups and political pressure.  People vote for Governments to act, not to react.  I must admit that when she took over from the previous Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney was a welcome breath of fresh air.  Some 200 reports had been commissioned at a major cost to the taxpayer and involving long delays.  Most of those reports were commissioned to stall necessary progress.  The Pollock report was an independent review of cystic fibrosis services in Ireland, which highlighted findings of inadequate staffing and underfunding.</p><p pid="337.2">I appreciate that the Minister has a difficult job to do in reforming the health service.  When she delivers I will compliment her, but on this occasion cystic fibrosis sufferers in the Twenty-six Counties were let down.  As has been highlighted, CF patients north of the Border live ten years longer than those in the South.  The shorter lifespan here is a disgrace.</p><p pid="337.4">Many organisations are active in various health areas.  My father was on kidney dialysis.  I pay tribute to groups involved in this and other areas such as multiplesclerosis.  They provide an important service which the Government should deliver.  For example, they organise flag days and make available resources.  While the Department works closely with such groups, much greater co-operation is required.</p><p pid="337.5">The recent announcement on the new facility for the treatment of cystic fibrosis gives fresh hope.  I assume it has been made candidly and openly and I look forward to the Minister delivering on the Governmentâ€™s promise.  We must look to the future rather than dwelling on the past and I hope cystic fibrosis sufferers in this country will have a more secure future than has been the case to date.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-04-09T12:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-02.15.0&amp;m=292#g268.0">
	<title>Order of Business | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-04-02.15.0&amp;m=292#g268.0</link>
	<description>Is there any legislation being brought before the House to deal with the Government&acirc;€™s restructuring of the banks?  It is clear that the banks are using every legal angle possible to stop the...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="268.1">Is there any legislation being brought before the House to deal with the Governmentâ€™s restructuring of the banks?  It is clear that the banks are using every legal angle possible to stop the Government from bringing in extra regulation.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-04-02T11:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-31.298.0&amp;m=292#g303.0">
	<title>Requests to Move Adjournment of D&Atilde;&iexcl;il under Standing Order 32 | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-31.298.0&amp;m=292#g303.0</link>
	<description>I seek the adjournment of the D&Atilde;&iexcl;il under Standing Order 32 to discuss an issue of national importance and concern, namely, to ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="303.1">I seek the adjournment of the DĂˇil under Standing Order 32 to discuss an issue of national importance and concern, namely, to ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to comment on the decision by An Bord PleanĂˇla to refuse permission for a â‚¬200 million mixed-use development in Rooskey, County Roscommon, which has the potential to create up to 1,000 jobs and to indicate what can be done to reverse this terrible blow.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-31T15:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-05.305.0&amp;m=292#g306.0">
	<title>Pension Provisions. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-05.305.0&amp;m=292#g306.0</link>
	<description>Question 9: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs  the percentage of pension schemes failing the minimum funding standard; the number of schemes involved; and if she will make a...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="306.0"><i>Question 9:</i> To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs  the percentage of pension schemes failing the minimum funding standard; the number of schemes involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter.  <b>[9168/09]</b></p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-05T15:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-04.1050.0&amp;m=292#g1051.3">
	<title>Housing Grants. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-04.1050.0&amp;m=292#g1051.3</link>
	<description>I am delighted the Ceann Comhairle has chosen this serious issue for consideration on the Adjournment.  I was informed yesterday by staff in Roscommon County Council that up to 600 applications...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="1051.2">I am delighted the Ceann Comhairle has chosen this serious issue for consideration on the Adjournment.  I was informed yesterday by staff in Roscommon County Council that up to 600 applications have been received for grants.  There is a minimum two years waiting list for essential works such as toilet and shower facilities, window replacements and central heating upgrading.  When discussing an application relating to an elderly man in his 70s living alone, recently discharged from hospital, who has no toilet, shower or running water in his home, I was informed it would take two years before his application is even examined.  Roscommon County Council is dealing with applications received in November 2007.  Funding is so poor that these are dealt with in chronological order.  However, only high-priority cases will be examined.  Elderly people living in County Roscommon and in south Leitrim who need shower facilities because of their disability have no hope of any financial assistance.  The councils have two-year waiting lists and, in addition, the HSE has withdrawn all funding for special housing aid for the elderly which was used for emergency cases.  Is the Minister of State aware that there are 200 homes in County Leitrim without running water?  That is the highest number in the country.</p><p pid="1051.3">I suggest that the Minister of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Gormley, should make funding available, especially for emergency cases.  This would create employment and would also provide small builders and tradesmen with a weekly income instead of obliging them to collect social welfare.  It would help the ailing building industry and it might resolve some of these alarming cases.  As politicians, we are inundated with requests for housing aid for the elderly and for repairs to houses.  I ask the Minister of State to ensure that sufficient finance is made available and that henceforth these elderly people in the twilight of life will not have to wait two years.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-04T21:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-03.395.0&amp;m=292#g407.0">
	<title>Public Finances: Motion | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-03.395.0&amp;m=292#g407.0</link>
	<description>I take great pleasure in contributing to the debate on this difficult motion.  In recent months, we have witnessed the over 70s campaigning against the loss of their medical cards and public...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="407.1">I take great pleasure in contributing to the debate on this difficult motion.  In recent months, we have witnessed the over 70s campaigning against the loss of their medical cards and public servants marching because they feel the pension levy is unfair and unjust.  These people recognise the public finances are in a mess and the banking sector, in which we all had great trust and confidence, has virtually gone to the wall.  There is no confidence in the Government.  There does not seem to be any leadership or unit and if the Government made hard decisions, there would be unity among all parties in the House.</p><p pid="407.2">The Minister has seen nothing yet.  I know what is happening on the ground, as I have a business background.  Business people with overheads invested in property and shares to diversify because they were told it was the right thing to do at the time.  They became involved in various property schemes and so on and they indirectly funded the Governmentâ€™s appetite for additional revenue.  However, they now are under serious pressure.  The clients of most solicitors have nothing left in the tank.  They have used up all their resources and not alone will their businesses fold, their employeesâ€™ jobs will not survive.</p><p pid="407.3">The banks are not foreclosing and the Government is talking up this, but unless something drastic is done in the next six months, the Minister has seen nothing yet.  Most solicitors are aware of the scale of what is happening and the banks are afraid to foreclose because that will further exacerbate a difficult situation.  We are on the precipice of an economic downturn, the back of which we may not see.  I have stated repeatedly in the past six months that the Government parties have not been honest with the people because they feel the people cannot handle the truth.  Before the last general election, we were told it was anti-patriotic to talk down the economy and that there would be a soft landing.  It is some soft landing.  The people want the truth and the Government must inform them how deep is the recession.  If it does so, they will be able to handle it.</p><p pid="407.4">The banks are not providing capital to businesses.  When a business owner seeks a loan, he or she is charged a fee of â‚¬1,000.  If the loan is not paid on time, the bank hikes up the interest rate.  What is the Government doing about this?  The Government parties say we have control of the banks but small business owners are being threatened and abused and their charges are being increased at a time they cannot afford it.  Big bankers and the golden circle gambled big and lost.  Many employers gambled as well because they were told it was the right thing to do.  Unlike the bankers and those in the golden circle, they will not walk away and leave it to the taxpayer to pick up the pieces.  They have always supported the country by paying their taxes and standing by the State.  However, they need the Government to stand by them in order that they will survive.  Most of their businesses will go to the wall within three months and most of their staff will not have a job and will have to join dole queues, unless something radical is done.</p><p pid="407.5">The debate is about the countryâ€™s economic survival and not about polls or the political survival of Fianna FĂˇil or Fine Gael.  The Government will have unity if it tells the people the truth for once.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-03T19:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-25.495.0&amp;m=292#g496.0">
	<title>Legislative Programme. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-25.495.0&amp;m=292#g496.0</link>
	<description>Question 45: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform  when the third EU anti-money laundering directive will be transposed into law here; and if he will make a statement on the...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="496.0"><i>Question 45:</i> To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform  when the third EU anti-money laundering directive will be transposed into law here; and if he will make a statement on the matter.  <b>[7714/09]</b></p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-02-25T13:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-19.573.0&amp;m=292#g574.0">
	<title>National Health Strategy. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-19.573.0&amp;m=292#g574.0</link>
	<description>Question 11: To ask the Minister for Health and Children  if funding has been identified and ring-fenced for the implementation of the new national men&acirc;€™s health policy 2008-13; and if she will...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="574.0"><i>Question 11:</i> To ask the Minister for Health and Children  if funding has been identified and ring-fenced for the implementation of the new national menâ€™s health policy 2008-13; and if she will make a statement on the matter.  <b>[6651/09]</b></p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-02-19T15:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-18.611.0&amp;m=292#g663.0">
	<title>Irish Economy: Motion | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-18.611.0&amp;m=292#g663.0</link>
	<description>The Government did not have an overall majority in 1987.  It needed us in 1987.  Deputy Ahern should get his facts right.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="663.1">The Government did not have an overall majority in 1987.  It needed us in 1987.  Deputy Ahern should get his facts right.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-02-18T19:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-18.611.0&amp;m=292#g661.0">
	<title>Irish Economy: Motion | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-18.611.0&amp;m=292#g661.0</link>
	<description>The Government has an overall majority.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="661.1">The Government has an overall majority.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-02-18T19:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-18.611.0&amp;m=292#g655.0">
	<title>Irish Economy: Motion | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-18.611.0&amp;m=292#g655.0</link>
	<description>Is &acirc;‚&not;610,000 a fair punishment?</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="655.1">Is â‚¬610,000 a fair punishment?</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-02-18T19:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-18.611.0&amp;m=292#g649.0">
	<title>Irish Economy: Motion | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-18.611.0&amp;m=292#g649.0</link>
	<description>The Taoiseach stated he would do it his way.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="649.1">The Taoiseach stated he would do it his way.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-02-18T19:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-18.611.0&amp;m=292#g647.0">
	<title>Irish Economy: Motion | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-18.611.0&amp;m=292#g647.0</link>
	<description>We will never be as good at fooling them as Fianna F&Atilde;&iexcl;il is.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="647.1">We will never be as good at fooling them as Fianna FĂˇil is.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-02-18T19:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-18.611.0&amp;m=292#g634.0">
	<title>Irish Economy: Motion | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-18.611.0&amp;m=292#g634.0</link>
	<description>I wish to speak on the very serious issue of the pensions levy.   The measures required to deal with the current economic crisis must be based on the principles of fairness and equity.  Those who...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="634.1">I wish to speak on the very serious issue of the pensions levy.  </p><p pid="634.2">The measures required to deal with the current economic crisis must be based on the principles of fairness and equity.  Those who contributed most to the crisis should be required to contribute most to its solution.  People should be asked to contribute according to their ability to pay.  I deplore the attempt to scapegoat public service workers and to create divisions between those who work in the public and private sectors.</p><p pid="634.3">I attended meetings last week with Members from Counties Leitrim and Roscommon.  There was anger among workers who have given great service to the country and who feel let down and neglected by this Government.  I wish to read into the record one of more than 1,000 e-mails and letters which my office has received in the past three weeks conveying the anger of normally law-abiding people.  It states:</p><p pid="634.4">I am a clerical officer in [a] motor tax office . . . I am contacting you in relation to the recent imposition of a pensions levy on my salary.  This levy will introduce a grossly unreasonable burden on my finances.</p><p pid="634.5">At present my take home pay is approximately â‚¬440 a week far below the kind of wages the government refers to when discussing public service [salaries].  The financial position of the majority of public servants has been misrepresented to the general public who [believe] we all earn upwards of â‚¬30000 [a year].</p><p pid="634.6">I have a mortgage, personal loans and substantial childcare costs.  My [partnerâ€™s] employment is not secure given the economic conditions and even with both incomes increases in insurance, motor tax, salary levy to name but a few represent a major challenge to us.</p><p pid="634.7">I [previously worked] for the private sector and had superior pay, health cover and pension plan.</p><p pid="634.8">I chose to join the public sector for job security and financial security despite a net loss in salary of â‚¬4500 at the time.  I have been betrayed by the government and any party that endorses [inequitable] cuts in my take home pay. . .</p><p pid="634.9">It is your duty to ensure that you do [your] upmost to protect the economy but not by [excessively] reducing the take home pay of public sector workers without [regard] for the contribution that everyone who remains employed through these difficult times could make.</p><p pid="634.10">This levy must be reconsidered and [adjusted] to distribute the cost most fairly.</p><p pid="634.11">I have met hundreds of public sector workers who believe there is a campaign by this Government to outline a position that they are protected and cosseted.  This message is wrong and, under bench marking two, they were deprived increases of up to 12.5% on the basis that the State was providing a pension for them and, as a consequence, they found themselves with less money, and they now face this inequitable measure.  Each one is put to the pin of his or her collar to manage family budgets.</p><p pid="634.12">Our policy should not be one of a class war between the public and private sectors.  More than 160,000 people have been made unemployed in the past year and our thoughts are with them.  We need to come up with solutions, but tackling the public sector, which has been very loyal to this country, is not the way to do so.  We need a plan and a roadmap from this Government, which cannot be ham-fisted, to get us out of this problem.</p><p pid="634.13">Fine Gael has long argued that the only way to restore confidence in the country is a root and branch reform of the way Government does its business.  We need to break up the cosy relationship between Fianna FĂˇil, the big banks, the developers, the regulators and senior public servants which has concealed waste and the failures of this Government and destroyed the fundamentals of our economy.</p><p pid="634.14">I am very concerned that unless the Government acts fairly and reasonably, there could be blood on the streets.  This is a law-abiding nation, but I have never witnessed such anger.  The Government must climb down from its ivory tower and treat the people who work in this country with respect and dignity and ensure this situation is redressed.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-02-18T19:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-10.505.0&amp;m=292#g510.2">
	<title>Community Employment Schemes. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-10.505.0&amp;m=292#g510.2</link>
	<description>I want clarity on what exactly &acirc;€śfilled to budgeted capacity&acirc;€ť means.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="510.2">I want clarity on what exactly â€śfilled to budgeted capacityâ€ť means.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-02-10T20:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-10.505.0&amp;m=292#g508.2">
	<title>Community Employment Schemes. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-10.505.0&amp;m=292#g508.2</link>
	<description>Could I clarify&acirc;€”&acirc;€”</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="508.2">Could I clarifyâ€”â€”</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-02-10T20:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-10.505.0&amp;m=292#g506.6">
	<title>Community Employment Schemes. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-10.505.0&amp;m=292#g506.6</link>
	<description>Community employment schemes, in their present format, are totally unsuitable for the current unemployment crisis.  One must be unemployed and in receipt of a social welfare payment for 12 months...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="506.2">Community employment schemes, in their present format, are totally unsuitable for the current unemployment crisis.  One must be unemployed and in receipt of a social welfare payment for 12 months to get on a CE scheme and if one works for one or two weeks at any time, one must start back again and remain unemployed for 52 weeks to qualify.  These conditions are very severe.</p><p pid="506.3">There needs to be leverage on eligibility criteria for CE schemes.  One way would be to reduce the unemployment criteria to six months and give applicants six months on a CE scheme rather than the present format where one must be 12 months unemployed and when one gets a place on a CE scheme one can stay on it for three to four years.  This would give genuine people with qualifications in child care, health care, office management, etc. who find themselves unemployed an opportunity to qualify for a place on a CE scheme.  The benefit will be in getting work experience and preparing them for the labour market.</p><p pid="506.4">The objectives in the present climate should be to give as many unemployed people as possible a place on a CE scheme to ensure they can upskill and return to the workforce as quickly and efficiently as possible.</p><p pid="506.5">The increasing numbers on the live register are causing serious upset.  People become very agitated when they see jobs advertised locally and apply for them only to find that they do not qualify because of the 12 month unemployment criterion.  At times vacant posts are not filled despite the high unemployment figures due to the present strict criteria.</p><p pid="506.6">Many people who find themselves unemployed desperately want to get back into the workforce.  The CE schemes are vital to ensure that they get upskilled and reskilled, and also that they will be prepared when the upturn occurs.  I ask the Minister of State to look seriously at this matter.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-02-10T20:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-05.2.0&amp;m=292#g84.0">
	<title>Order of Business | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-05.2.0&amp;m=292#g84.0</link>
	<description>Such legislation was promised by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in this House.  It was mentioned over three months ago that there would be an extension of the...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="84.1">Such legislation was promised by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in this House.  It was mentioned over three months ago that there would be an extension of the derogation.  </p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-02-05T10:30:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-05.2.0&amp;m=292#g81.0">
	<title>Order of Business | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-05.2.0&amp;m=292#g81.0</link>
	<description>Is any legislation promised to increase the ten-year derogation on bog cutting in designated bogs, which is causing serious problems in our area?</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="81.1">Is any legislation promised to increase the ten-year derogation on bog cutting in designated bogs, which is causing serious problems in our area?</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-02-05T10:30:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-03.164.0&amp;m=292#g183.0">
	<title>Expenditure Control and Economic Strategy: Statements | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-03.164.0&amp;m=292#g183.0</link>
	<description>There was no standing ovation today.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="183.1">There was no standing ovation today.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-02-03T16:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>


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