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<title>&Aacute;ine Brady - Recent appearances (From KildareStreet.com)</title>
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<dc:date>2009-04-15T16:11:15+00:00</dc:date>

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<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-31.400.0&amp;m=74#g409.0">
	<title>Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-31.400.0&amp;m=74#g409.0</link>
	<description>Housing grants available through local authorities, which are mainly funded by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, provide an important facility and incentive for...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="409.1">Housing grants available through local authorities, which are mainly funded by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, provide an important facility and incentive for people to upgrade their homes.  They also provide an opportunity to provide employment in the construction sector.  Works carried out under the housing grants generally use local employees and suppliers and can be in effect a local mini-stimulus package.</p><p pid="409.2">A revised suite of housing adaptation grant schemes was implemented in November 2007 to facilitate the continued independent occupancy of their own homes by older people and people with a disability following a review of the former disabled persons, essential repairs grant schemes and special housing aid for the elderly, administered by the Health Service Executive.  The revised schemes target the available resources to those in most need, streamline operational and administrative procedures and ensure equity and consistency of operation across all local authority areas.</p><p pid="409.3">Three new schemes were introduced.  The housing adaptation grant for people with a disability, which replaced the disabled persons grant scheme.  The mobility aids grant scheme which provides grants to cover a basic suite of works to address mobility problems, primarily but not exclusively, associated with aging.  The housing aid for older people scheme which amalgamated the old essential repairs and special housing aid for the elderly schemes with the aim of improving the existing housing conditions of older people.</p><p pid="409.4">The revised schemes are administered by the local authorities and are funded by 80% recoupment available from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.  It is a matter for local authorities to provide for the remaining 20% contribution in their annual Estimates.  Local authorities will be notified of their combined capital allocations immediately following the publication of the 2009 Revised Estimates.  Individual capital allocations are being determined on the basis of available resources, local authority expenditure in 2008 and anticipated levels of activity in 2009.  It is, therefore, important that local authorities take note of the impact of their drawdown from the previous year has on their proposed spend.</p><p pid="409.5">It is a matter for each local authority to decide on the specific level of funding to be directed towards each of the schemes from within the combined allocation notified to them by the Department and to manage the operation of the schemes in their areas from within the allocation.  In light of the high level of demand under the grant schemes, local authorities are requested to operate the schemes on a prioritised basis.  Particular consideration should be given to applicants requiring adaptations to facilitate discharge from hospital or alleviate the need for hospitalisation in the future and those applicants requiring improvement works to facilitate the continuance of care in their own homes.</p><p pid="409.6">The total estimated demand by local authorities for the operation of the housing adaptation grant schemes for older people and people with a disability in 2009 is over €140 million. However, this estimate includes applications that have been assessed as eligible, as well as applications not yet assessed and the projected intake of new applications during the year.</p><p pid="409.7">Funding for the schemes has been accelerating every year with expenditure increasing from some €13 million to almost €95 million between 1997 and 2008.  Approximately 86,000 older people and people with a disability have been assisted in remaining in their own homes and communities for as long as possible.  In many cases, the grants have prevented premature entry to residential care.  Expenditure in 2008 amounted to €94.9 million with some 12,000 grants paid.</p><p pid="409.8">On foot of a decision taken in February 2006, it was decided to transfer the administration of the special housing aid for the elderly scheme from the Health Service Executive to the housing authorities.  It arose on foot of a recommendation made in the report, Core Functions of the Health Service, which stated a more integrated service and better value for money may be achieved by transferring responsibility for the special housing aid for the elderly scheme to the local authorities, who already had responsibility for the essential repairs and disabled persons grant schemes.  The scheme has been funded through a task force under the aegis of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.</p><p pid="409.9">It was agreed between the Department and the Health Service Executive that the special housing aid for the elderly scheme would be discontinued from 1 August 2008, with all claims on hand at that date to be processed by the Health Service Executive.  The Department provided €14.7 million to the Health Service Executive in 2008 for the operation of the scheme and it is expected that an allocation will be made shortly in respect of remaining claims on hand.  All new applications for home repairs and improvements with effect from 1 August 2008 are directed to the local authorities under the provisions of the housing aid for the elderly scheme.</p><p pid="409.10">To ensure the adaptation grant schemes continue to provide a seamless response to the housing needs of vulnerable groups, the Department is committed to undertaking an evaluation of the new regime following the first year of implementation.  The evaluation, which has recently commenced, is being undertaken by the Centre for Housing Research.  It will provide for a call for submissions from interested parties and focus groups; and interviews with housing practitioners and front line local authority officials, occupational therapists and relevant statutory agencies and non-governmental organisations.  The special housing aid for the elderly task force will be also consulted.  Interviews will take place with contractors in sample local authority areas.  A postal questionnaire of all successful applicants of the schemes in 2008 will be followed by interviews with a sample of successful applicants and unsuccessful applicants.  An analysis will be made of the take-up of grants <i>vis-À-vis</i> the profile of older people and people with a disability in local authority areas.  A determination will be made of prioritisation systems in operation locally, and a profile will be drawn up of the nature of works and level of grant aid awarded.  It is expected that a final report will be available by June 2009.</p><p pid="409.11">Many people in Kildare have benefited from the housing grants.  The improvements brought about to their homes as a result of the investment has helped to improve their lifestyles and ensure a greater level of comfort in their homes.  Given the reduced construction costs, I should also point out that the value that can be now extracted for the housing grants will be significantly enhanced over and above what could have been obtained a couple of years ago.</p><p pid="409.12">While I have concentrated on only one element of it, the housing Bill is a comprehensive package to deal with many issues related to housing policy.  I refer to issues such as the further provisions for the functions of the housing authority to provide for the making of housing services plans and to provide for the making of an anti-social behaviour strategy.  I commend the Bill to the House.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-31T17:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-31.400.0&amp;m=74#g407.0">
	<title>Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-03-31.400.0&amp;m=74#g407.0</link>
	<description>I wish to share my time with Deputy Browne.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="407.1">I wish to share my time with Deputy Browne.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-03-31T17:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-04.663.0&amp;m=74#g720.0">
	<title>Energy Prices: Motion (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2009-02-04.663.0&amp;m=74#g720.0</link>
	<description>I welcome the opportunity to contribute to this debate on Ireland&acirc;��s energy costs and the importance of improving our competitiveness versus that of other countries.  In these challenging...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="720.1">I welcome the opportunity to contribute to this debate on Ireland’s energy costs and the importance of improving our competitiveness versus that of other countries.  In these challenging economic times, the focus of the Government must be on ensuring that we protect our existing jobs and attract as many new jobs as we can.  In addition, we must protect the less well off as much as possible from the effects of this global recession.  This debate gives the Government an opportunity to outline its policy platform to address the cost of energy for our people.  Businesses and citizens need to be confident that we are dealing with this key challenge for the economy.</p><p pid="720.2">Energy costs are a key ingredient of our competitiveness.  Since last September, I have spent quite some time meeting with business interests in my constituency — from the multinationals in Leixlip to small and medium enterprises in the wider area.  A common theme of concern to the business community is the high cost of energy here compared to other European countries.  Our energy costs are estimated to be 8% higher than the EU average.  However, we must never underestimate the country’s many positive attributes, such as a flexible educated workforce, a pro-enterprise approach and a low corporation tax policy.  We must now focus on energy costs and this debate gives us a chance to take stock of the progress we are making in this respect.  In this context, I welcome some recent initiatives which will assist in driving down energy costs.  Last week, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Eamon Ryan, announced that the EU has decided to award €100 million to our electricity interconnector project.  This will enhance the country’s competitiveness and give confidence to our business community that the Government is committed to reducing energy costs.</p><p pid="720.3">The east-west interconnector is a vital piece of infrastructure for our country and will bring many benefits.  It will improve energy security, promote greater competition in the electricity sector of the all-island single energy market and offer opportunities for the export of wind-generated electricity, thus providing a further boost to our growing renewable energy sector.</p><p pid="720.4">The second initiative is the introduction of new suppliers to the energy market.  Endesa, a large, international and experienced energy supplier, has decided to enter the Irish market.  It will invest more than €800 million in the economy and will provide competition in the energy market.  Endesa’s new Irish operation will have a 14% market share when fully operational and will be in a position to expand, given that it has purchased generation-ready sites at Lanesboro and Shannonbridge.</p><p pid="720.5">The introduction of competition is the key to reducing energy costs.  It is important to have a policy mix that generates an energy market which has the ability to attract competition into the energy sector and also sustain those who enter the market.  The introduction of major new international competitors will give confidence to businesses that we now have a market structure where different energy companies will compete for business.  This is a significant development and will bring prices down.</p><p pid="720.6">Reliance on imported fossil fuels is another barrier to a competitive energy supply source.  The percentage of imported fossil fuels, particularly gas, on which we rely for electricity generation is much higher than in other countries.  This reliance left us exposed when oil prices rose significantly last year.  A recent report from the energy regulator indicated that if 40% of our power was generated from renewables, it would have a further significant dampening effect on prices.  The Government has demonstrated its commitment to this policy with significant investment in the renewable sector.</p><p pid="720.7">At a time when public confidence in regulators is shaken, the energy regulator can use its good offices to ensure that there is transparency in the energy prices offered to consumers and businesses.  Oil prices have been reduced significantly in recent months and while gas has not been reduced as much, a clear and quick response from the regulator to falling energy prices will help to restore confidence in regulation generally.  In this context, I welcome the Minister’s initiative to have the regulator, in conjunction with the energy companies, examine ways to fast track some of these downward trends for the benefit of businesses and consumers.</p><p pid="720.8">Encouraging a competitive, least-cost energy supply is a key policy objective for the Government.  Rising energy costs are a major concern for all sectors of the economy and for consumers not only here, but in the EU generally.  The Government has the necessary policies to bring about more competitive and secure energy supplies.</p><p pid="720.9">I commend the Government amendment to the House.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2009-02-04T19:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-12-17.898.0&amp;m=74#g992.0">
	<title>Housing: Motion (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-12-17.898.0&amp;m=74#g992.0</link>
	<description>With regard to those in the private rented sector, the Deputy will find that the guidelines also set out instructions for local authorities to pay particular attention to the long-term housing...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="992.1">With regard to those in the private rented sector, the Deputy will find that the guidelines also set out instructions for local authorities to pay particular attention to the long-term housing needs of this group in their assessment.  The Deputy will also find an instruction to authorities to pay particular attention to capturing the housing needs of older people and those with a disability.</p><p pid="992.2">It is in nobody’s interest, least of all that of the Government, to misrepresent the number of households in need of housing support.  An accurate picture of need is our key tool in prioritising the very substantial resources the Government is making available.  The Minister of State has been very clear in identifying the challenges that lie ahead for housing and the broad range of measures he is putting in place to meet these challenges.  Once again this demonstrates the Government’s commitment to meeting housing need.  It is to be hoped that in future debate on this issue of great importance to the Government the Opposition might offer more constructive participation, rather than making unsubstantiated and factually incorrect accusations.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-12-17T19:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-12-17.898.0&amp;m=74#g990.0">
	<title>Housing: Motion (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-12-17.898.0&amp;m=74#g990.0</link>
	<description>&acirc;��&acirc;��which I understand were given to him on foot of a parliamentary question in October, he could not have made such an error.  In summary, those guidelines make clear that it is true that...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="990.1">——which I understand were given to him on foot of a parliamentary question in October, he could not have made such an error.  In summary, those guidelines make clear that it is true that households that apply to a local authority for housing support which are already in local authority housing, are not included in the assessment.  These cases are called transfers.  The exception is those who apply for reasons of overcrowding or unfit accommodation.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-12-17T19:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-12-17.898.0&amp;m=74#g988.0">
	<title>Housing: Motion (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-12-17.898.0&amp;m=74#g988.0</link>
	<description>&acirc;��&acirc;��provides a very refined and comprehensive method of measuring homelessness.  It indicates there were 110 sleeping rough, down 40% on the figure for 2005, and less than 5% of the figure used...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="988.1">——provides a very refined and comprehensive method of measuring homelessness.  It indicates there were 110 sleeping rough, down 40% on the figure for 2005, and less than 5% of the figure used by Deputy Lynch.  Of course, this is 110 persons too many.  That is why Departments and agencies are working to eliminate the need to sleep rough and long-term homelessness.  Those are the key aims of the strategy on homelessness.  This blatant twisting of statistics does nothing to advance these aims.</p><p pid="988.2">With regard to the overall net need figure published for the 2008 housing needs assessment, it is unclear how Deputies have managed to concoct the charge that we massaged figures when an increase of 30% in the number of households in need was reported.  Surely massaging the figures would have yielded a better result.</p><p pid="988.3">As usual, the Labour Party and Sinn Féin, rather than engaging in a serious discussion on the issue, went straight to wild accusation.  Had the Deputy actually read the needs assessment guidelines given to local authorities——</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-12-17T19:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-12-17.898.0&amp;m=74#g986.0">
	<title>Housing: Motion (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-12-17.898.0&amp;m=74#g986.0</link>
	<description>This emotive reference to people on the streets is misleading and disingenuous.  The Count It In survey in Dublin&acirc;��&acirc;��</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="986.1">This emotive reference to people on the streets is misleading and disingenuous.  The Count It In survey in Dublin——</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-12-17T19:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-12-17.898.0&amp;m=74#g984.0">
	<title>Housing: Motion (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-12-17.898.0&amp;m=74#g984.0</link>
	<description>I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate and I support the Government amendment regarding our housing policy. Let us consider homelessness.  The Minister of State, Deputy Finneran,...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="984.1">I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate and I support the Government amendment regarding our housing policy.</p><p pid="984.2">Let us consider homelessness.  The Minister of State, Deputy Finneran, clearly showed the extent to which the Government has demonstrated its commitment to tackling homelessness.  It set itself a target of ending long-term occupation of emergency accommodation and the need to sleep rough.  This commitment is clearly shown by the fact that, despite the most difficult budgetary situation in decades, we are increasing the funding for homeless accommodation by 5% to over €62 million in 2009.</p><p pid="984.3">Some Opposition Deputies claimed that 5,000 people will be on the streets this winter.  This is wrong and I do not know whose interest they are trying to serve by exaggerating the figures for homelessness.  The 2008 housing needs assessment, the most reliable and accurate means by which national housing need is measured, identified 1,394 homeless households that had applied for, and been considered eligible, for social housing support.  That is a decrease of 30% on the last assessment in 2005.</p><p pid="984.4">The needs assessment does not capture all homeless people, only those who have applied for social housing.  The Count It In report launched by the Minister last Monday provides a very comprehensive method of measuring general homelessness.  It indicates that homelessness in Dublin has not changed significantly since 2005.  There has been a small decrease relative to population growth.  This did not stop Deputy Ó Snodaigh from coming out with his gem, namely, that the number of homeless people is growing by 1,800 every year or that there are 2,300 people on the streets of Dublin.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-12-17T19:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-11-12.650.0&amp;m=74#g778.0">
	<title>Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-11-12.650.0&amp;m=74#g778.0</link>
	<description>I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008.  At a time when we are experiencing very challenging economic times, it is timely to reflect on the...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="778.1">I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008.  At a time when we are experiencing very challenging economic times, it is timely to reflect on the social welfare entitlements of those that most need the assistance from the State.</p><p pid="778.2">The Bill’s purpose is to implement the €515 million package of social welfare improvements which were announced in budget 2009.  In a very challenging economic climate, this package will bring total expenditure on social welfare in 2009 to €19.6 billion, a substantial increase over the Estimates allocation for 2008.  At a time of depleting Government resources, this increased provision for social welfare is a clear and timely signal of the Government’s commitment to protect the older people, those losing their jobs and other vulnerable and less well-off in society.  Given the financial restrictions, however, the budget has some concrete and helpful proposals to protect the less well-off.  It proposes an increase of €7 per week for recipients of pensions and carer payments who are aged 66 years and over.  There will be an increase of €6.50 on all working age payments, including jobseeker’s benefit, disability allowance, one-parent family payment and carer’s benefit and allowance payable to carers aged under 66 years.</p><p pid="778.3">The budget also provides for an 11% increase in the value of the fuel allowance for our older people. The fuel allowance will be €20 per week from next January.  The duration of the fuel season is also being extended by another two weeks from April 2009, bringing it to 32 weeks in total.  As oil prices have significantly reduced in recent months, the increased fuel allowance will be all the more effective.  The improvements to the fuel scheme will benefit nearly 300,000 households.</p><p pid="778.4">Since 2004, the Government has increased the budget for services for older people by €540 million.  In budget 2009, €55 million will be provided to implement the fair deal while protecting the home help and home care services.  It is also important to point out that over 50,000 elderly people were taken out of the tax net between 2003 and 2007.</p><p pid="778.5">The budget provides an extra €260 million for social welfare payments to people of working age.  The maximum personal rate of payment for all working age schemes is being increased by €6.50 per week with effect from the first week of January 2009, with proportionate increases applying to people on reduced rates.  This brings the lowest social welfare weekly payments above €200 for the first time to €204.30.  The rates of qualified adult payments are also being increased on all schemes by €4.30, except for the invalidity pension scheme where a €4.60 increase will apply.  Approximately 733,000 people will benefit from these increases.</p><p pid="778.6">Budget 2009 also provides increases for families with children who are in receipt of social welfare payments.  Social welfare-dependent parents currently receive an extra €24 per week for each child, on top of their basic social welfare payments through the qualified child increase.  This will be increased by €2 to €26 per child with effect from January 2009.  Improvements are also being made to the family income supplement which is paid to low-income working families.  The income limits for the family income supplement are being increased by €10 per week in respect of each child giving an average extra payment of €6 per child per week.  It is estimated that a total of 29,000 families will benefit from the supplement in 2009 and that approximately 2,000 additional families will become eligible for payment.  The income thresholds for entitlement to back to school clothing and footwear allowance will also be increased to enable 18,000 more families to benefit from the scheme.</p><p pid="778.7">I wish to highlight the work of the Money Advice and Budgeting Service, MABS.  Its staff provide a highly valued service to people who are in need of advice on financial issues and are over-indebted.  Such people need help and advice in coping with debt problems.  There are 53 independent MABS companies with voluntary boards of management, employing 240 nationwide that provide local services.  I urge anyone who needs assistance to call to their local MABS office where they will get free advice on their financial situation.</p><p pid="778.8">The Bill will provide the legislative basis for a range of improvements next year.  These include €7 extra per week for State pensioners; €6.50 extra per week for welfare recipients of working age, such as jobseekers and those on illness benefit; an extra €2 per week on the fuel allowance, with payment also being made for an additional two weeks; increases in child-related payments to those dependent on social welfare; improvements in the family income supplement for low-income working families; and 18,000 more families becoming eligible for the back to school clothing and footwear allowance.  I commend the Bill to the house.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-11-12T18:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-10-01.489.0&amp;m=74#g565.0">
	<title>Energy Poverty: Motion | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-10-01.489.0&amp;m=74#g565.0</link>
	<description>I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate this evening.  Along with many other Members in the House, I fully recognise that the rising cost of energy, seeking alternatives to existing...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="565.1">I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate this evening.  Along with many other Members in the House, I fully recognise that the rising cost of energy, seeking alternatives to existing sources and the security of energy supplies are real challenges not only for our country but also for many other countries across the world.</p><p pid="565.2">It is worth pointing out that in 2000, crude oil prices were between $10 and $20 a barrel.  In July of this year, crude oil reached $147 dollars a barrel and while prices have eased in recent weeks, they are still close to $100, which is far ahead of last year’s prices.  As other speakers have pointed out, the consumer does not benefit from any drop in these prices as quickly as they feel the price hike.</p><p pid="565.3">The global demand for oil products remains relatively strong, with the emerging economies of China and India still consuming record levels of oil.  The geopolitical uncertainties in many oil producing countries, coupled with the current disorderly conditions in the global markets, contribute to the continued uncertainty in global oil markets and hence their prices.</p><p pid="565.4">As policy makers, we must try to focus on how we can reduce our dependency on oil.  We must continue to formulate policies that reduce our dependency on fossil fuels and increase the supply of alternative energy sources.</p><p pid="565.5">In recent years the Government launched a number of worthwhile schemes to assist in reducing our domestic reliance on fossil fuels.  The green homes schemes, which I strongly supported when they were introduced, provide support to home owners to invest in a range of domestic renewable energy heating technologies, including solar panels, biomass boilers and stove and heat pumps.</p><p pid="565.6">The warmer homes scheme is another example of how we can reduce our dependency on oil.  That scheme provides attic insulation, draught proofing, lagging jackets, energy efficient lighting, cavity wall insulation and energy advice at little or no cost to eligible householders.  The scheme is targeted at householders in receipt of the fuel allowance, disability benefit or invalidity benefit and is provided for a nominal fee.</p><p pid="565.7">This Minister has redirected, within Sustainable Energy Ireland’s 2008 allocation, additional funding to the warmer homes schemes.  It is up from €2.5 million to €5 million this year, which I welcome.  It is anticipated that by the end of the year, over 18,000 homes will have been fitted with energy efficiency measures and I would welcome a further extension of this scheme, given the benefits that are derived from it.</p><p pid="565.8">One of the most important ways for people to offset energy prices is to improve the level of energy efficiency in their homes, either by changing their behaviour and usage patterns or by improving the fabric of their homes.  I commend the Minister on the recently launched home energy saving pilot scheme which encourages householders to improve the energy efficiency of older housing.  This scheme has the potential to significantly improve the energy efficiency of our housing stock.  Sustainable Energy Ireland has estimated that those upgrading the energy efficiency of their homes, with the support of this scheme, can expect to save up to €500 per year on their energy bills.</p><p pid="565.9">The Power of One national energy efficiency awareness campaign to which the Minister referred earlier, which commenced in September 2006 and is scheduled to run until December 2008, has put the emphasis on using energy more efficiently in our daily lives.  That comes very easily once one gets started.  The Power of One campaign has captured the imagination of the Irish public.  It demonstrates how changing our behaviour in small ways every day will help to save energy while also saving money.  This campaign encourages us to recognise our own power and use it.  I would welcome the development of further initiatives in improving our energy efficiency.</p><p pid="565.10">Energy costs for business are a key concern for this Government, and the cost of energy is a key competitiveness issue.  Keeping our costs down for businesses in Ireland is essential to maintaining competitiveness in this challenging economic environment.  For us to maintain our current foreign direct investment and attract further investment, our energy costs must be affordable and environmentally acceptable.</p><p pid="565.11">Our ability to insulate ourselves against the impact of global energy trends is obviously limited.  Under the Energy Policy Framework 2007-2020, however, a range of actions are under way to address the three urgent imperatives of competitiveness, security of supply and environmental sustainability.  The energy policy framework, together with the programme for Government, has created energy policy certainty in the short, medium and longer term, with the over-arching objective of creating a supportive, sustainable energy environment for the economy and for consumers.  That certainty is important for businesses trying to compete in global markets.</p><p pid="565.12">I understand also that significant progress has been made with the east-west connector, which will be owned and operated by EirGrid.  EirGrid has secured the connection points in Meath and Wales for the interconnector, which will help secure a more competitive energy supply.  In addition, the Government is committed to increasing competition in the energy market.  The all-island single electricity market, active since November of last year, is designed to create a more attractive energy market for international investment.  I commend the Government on its work in this area and encourage continued Government action.</p><p pid="565.13">I would also encourage the Minister and the Government to consider additional incentives to farmers to invest in forestry, in particular the road infrastructure in forests, and ensure we have a sustainable supply of wood for our wood pellet industry.  Farmers now have the potential to become key stakeholders in our energy market and build on the progress to date.</p><p pid="565.14">Working together using our own power, Government initiatives to reduce our home energy costs and implementing our energy framework policy to ensure a competitive energy supply, we have a comprehensive policy mix to minimise the worst effects of our rising energy costs.  I congratulate the Minister on his work and enthusiasm in driving the Government’s agenda and commend the amendment to the House.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-10-01T19:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
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<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-07-10.254.0&amp;m=74#g280.0">
	<title>National Development Plan: Motion (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-07-10.254.0&amp;m=74#g280.0</link>
	<description>T&Atilde;&iexcl; an-&Atilde;&iexcl;thas orm an deis seo a ghlacadh labhairt faoi chursa&Atilde;&shy; eacnama&Atilde;&shy;ochta na t&Atilde;&shy;re faoi l&Atilde;&iexcl;thair.  T&Atilde;&iexcl; an d&Atilde;&shy;osp&Atilde;&sup3;ireacht seo an-t&Atilde;&iexcl;bhachtach don socha&Atilde;&shy; go ginear&Atilde;&iexcl;lta. This debate is...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="280.1">Tá an-áthas orm an deis seo a ghlacadh labhairt faoi chursaí eacnamaíochta na tíre faoi láthair.  Tá an díospóireacht seo an-tábhachtach don sochaí go ginearálta.</p><p pid="280.2">This debate is taking place against the backdrop of an increasingly difficult domestic and international economic environment.  While we face short-term problems which require action, the future for the economy remains positive.  While global economic conditions are very different to what they were last year, it is important that as a country we take pride in the significant achievements of the past, while setting objectives to secure future economic growth.</p><p pid="280.3">The National Economic and Social Council has described Ireland’s economy in the early 21st century as one that is “in transition to a new phase in its development”.  While any such transition would be a challenge, a number of factors have combined this year to make the management of this transition all the more challenging.  The normalisation of new house building, which was signalled for some time, is welcome but the scale and speed of this adjustment is a matter of concern.  The rise in global commodity prices, especially oil and food, is causing major concern.  The euro has appreciated against the dollar and sterling, which impairs our ability to compete in these markets.  We are not alone, however, as other European countries and the United States are experiencing similar challenges.  We must now take corrective steps and I welcome the Government’s action this week to restore confidence in the public finances.</p><p pid="280.4">It is important that we do not talk down the economy.  It is clear that the national development plan is tackling infrastructural deficits with significant investment in the road and rail network.  Resources are also being provided with the upskilling, training and education our workforce needs.  The NDP is also supporting the enterprise and innovation sectors.  In my own constituency, NUI Maynooth has focused on innovation as it charts a new course for the college.  Its work in setting up the Innovation Value Institute ensures that it will become a relevant knowledge provider to local industries.  NUI Maynooth now has increased links with many multinationals and was recently appointed an education partner to Intel.  Nurturing relationships between knowledge providers and industries will assist with overall competitiveness and ensure that we maintain and attract industries to Ireland.  Colleges are now working hand-in-glove with industry to ensure that the research they are pursuing is relevant.  They are being supported, in part, by the Government-funded Science Foundation Ireland.</p><p pid="280.5">The recent success of Abbott’s plant in Clonmel, which last week won approval from the US Food and Drug Administration to sell its stent in the US market, has almost gone unnoticed.  However, the continued success in attracting such businesses to Ireland is down to a number of positive factors, including our track record in regulatory compliance, a talented labour supply and a prudent corporate tax policy.</p><p pid="280.6">We now apply the lowest tax wedge on workers’ incomes in the OECD.  In addition, a competitive corporation tax rate coupled with a young, educated and committed workforce, has led investors to locate here.  Companies such as Intel, HP and Wyeth in my own constituency are a testament to this successful policy mix at play, which is delivering both for enterprises and the country at large.</p><p pid="280.7">I make these points in order to establish a balance in this debate.  The economy is facing challenges, but it is not closing down.  We need to take corrective action for long-term gain.  We also need to develop policies which will have the potential to stimulate the economy.  Continued investment in infrastructure will help to keep people at work and improve competitiveness.  With this in mind, I feel strongly that the Government should continue a PPP-type programme to build schools where required.  Now might be the time for the Government to obtain best value from the private sector, given the spare capacity that exists in the construction industry.</p><p pid="280.8">In my own constituency, we are in need of further investment in school buildings.  Some of the required buildings could be bundled together for such a PPP programme, making it attractive for the private sector but, more importantly, good value for taxpayers.</p><p pid="280.9">I welcome the commitment by the Taoiseach and the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Mary Hanafin, to ensure that the less well-off are not negatively affected by the proposed corrective measures.  Carers, older people and the disabled will be the focus of concern for all Members of this House, so the Government’s commitment in this area is welcome.</p><p pid="280.10">The policies being adopted will ensure that we are well equipped to overcome these problems.  We are investing in human capital and infrastructure to secure future growth, as well as pursuing policies that protect the weaker in society.</p><p pid="280.11">I commend the Government motion to the House.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-07-10T13:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
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<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-05-22.156.0&amp;m=74#g168.0">
	<title>Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-05-22.156.0&amp;m=74#g168.0</link>
	<description>I welcome the opportunity to contribute and I thank Deputy Chris Andrews for sharing time with me.  The debate on the setting up of the Dublin transport authority for the greater Dublin area is...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="168.1">I welcome the opportunity to contribute and I thank Deputy Chris Andrews for sharing time with me.  The debate on the setting up of the Dublin transport authority for the greater Dublin area is very important.  As a representative of a constituency in the greater Dublin area, it is an important development in ensuring we have a co-ordinated approach to transport issues.</p><p pid="168.2">Since my election last May, I have worked with many of the relevant stakeholders in trying to improve the level of service of our public transport service providers.  Dublin transport issues cannot be addressed by considering Dublin alone.  Solving the problems can only be achieved in conjunction with counties surrounding Dublin, namely, Kildare, Meath and Wicklow, which are the home to many commuters to the city.</p><p pid="168.3">The proposed establishment of the new authority, which was the preferred option following consultation by the Department of Transport, will see the putting in place of a single authority to oversee and set the strategic direction for the provision of transport infrastructure and services in the greater Dublin area.  Currently, there are approximately 16 bodies with some responsibility for transport in the greater Dublin area.  These include the relevant Departments, principally the Department of Transport and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government; CIE and its three operating subsidiaries, Iarnród Éireann, Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann; the Railway Procurement Agency; the National Roads Authority; the Dublin Transportation Office; and the seven local authorities in the greater Dublin area.</p><p pid="168.4">Under Transport 21, an investment of €14 billion is being made in the greater Dublin area.  The main elements of this investment are significant investment in rail infrastructure, including the metro and the Maynooth and Kildare lines, and the construction of the suburban interurban rail interconnector that will provide a tunnelled link between Heuston Station and the Docklands via St. Stephen’s Green, and a link to the northern line.  It also provides for a bus network to create a meshed network of services, rerouted to take account of the rail developments.  The development of park and ride facilities and the completion of the upgrade of the M50 are also included.</p><p pid="168.5">The creation of the authority will ensure co-ordinated and integrated delivery of the Transport 21 investment programme in the greater Dublin area.  It will utilise key skilled personnel to maximum benefit across a number of projects and rationalise the existing institutional arrangements while maintaining a strong strategic dimension.  The authority will have a clear mandate to transform the transport system in the capital and will have unambiguous statutory authority to implement that mandate.  It will set out the strategic framework for the delivery of transport infrastructure and services in the greater Dublin area in light of a strategic transport plan covering a period of 12 to 20 years.  It will also prepare a six-year implementation plan translating strategy into action.</p><p pid="168.6">The authority will engage closely in each stage of the planning process, from the consideration of the regional planning guidelines to the consideration of city and county development plans and local area plans, in order to ensure the greatest degree of consistency possible between its transport strategy and the land-use planning process.  The authority’s transport strategy will have to be consistent with the regional planning guidelines in the greater Dublin area.</p><p pid="168.7">The Minister for Transport and the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government will have the power to ensure consistency between land use and transport policies.  I welcome this aspect of the authority’s work in particular because there has not been a co-ordinated approach in the past.  We have allowed the building of houses without providing adequate park and ride facilities.  Maynooth and Confey rail stations are two cases in point.</p><p pid="168.8">A co-ordinated approach will bring focus to the planning of transport.  The authority will assist in ensuring the transport infrastructure and services planned for the greater Dublin area are delivered on time and within budget and in a fully co-ordinated manner that minimises disruption to the social and economic life of the region.  This planned investment in the greater Dublin area represents a particular challenge, given the scale of the projects proposed and the need to ensure integration in their planning, delivery and operation to maximise the benefit of the investment.</p><p pid="168.9">The absence of the authority did not mean that no development of the public transport system has taken place to date.  However, its continued absence would give rise to a real danger that the investment envisaged under Transport 21 would not be delivered in a timely, cost-effective and co-ordinated manner.  I believe the benefits of establishing the new authority will greatly outweigh its costs.  While the authority will require significant resources to discharge its range of functions, a significant proportion of the human resources required will come from the existing agencies.  There also will be cost savings associated with better co-ordination and integration of project and service delivery, as well as more rigorous powers of oversight in respect of the delivery of the projects.</p><p pid="168.10">The National Competitiveness Council has noted that the level of infrastructure in a country affects competitiveness and performance in a number of ways.  Inadequate infrastructure can increase traffic congestion, reduce productivity and increase costs.  This affects both existing firms and a country’s attractiveness as an investment location and in respect of its general quality of life.  Ireland ranks poorly with regard to perception of the quality of its transport infrastructure.  The proposed establishment of a single authority in the greater Dublin area to set the strategic direction for transport infrastructure and services and to ensure its implementation will contribute positively to national competitiveness.  By delivering an integrated public transport network, there also should be a positive impact for the socially excluded and vulnerable groups who tend to have a heavier reliance on public transport to access employment opportunities, social and health services and leisure activities.</p><p pid="168.11">The timely delivery of the public transport infrastructure and services will provide an attractive alternative to private car users, particularly commuters, and will result in a modal shift to more sustainable transport modes.  Linking land use and transport planning and implementation will enable the authority, together with the regional authorities in the greater Dublin area, to establish more sustainable residential and commercial developments in the greater Dublin area.  The traffic management and demand management functions of the new authority also will allow it to improve the efficiency of the transport network.  This will have a positive impact on the reduction in growth of the levels of greenhouse gas emissions from transport.  The authority has been established after a thorough consultation process and I welcome its establishment.  Moreover, I look forward to the benefits it will bring.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-05-22T13:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
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<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-05-14.543.0&amp;m=74#g574.0">
	<title>Irish Economy: Motion (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-05-14.543.0&amp;m=74#g574.0</link>
	<description>I wish to share time with Deputies Michael Kennedy, Michael Moynihan and Peter Kelly and the Minister of State, Deputy Jimmy Devins. T&Atilde;&iexcl; an-&Atilde;&iexcl;thas orm bheith ag freastal ar an d&Atilde;&shy;osp&Atilde;&sup3;ireacht...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="574.1">I wish to share time with Deputies Michael Kennedy, Michael Moynihan and Peter Kelly and the Minister of State, Deputy Jimmy Devins.</p><p pid="574.2">Tá an-áthas orm bheith ag freastal ar an díospóireacht seo.  Aithním go bhfuil cursaí eacnamaíochta ar fud an domhain ag cur brú ar chursaí eacnamaíochta sa tír seo.  Ag an am céanna, ba mhaith liom díriú isteach ar na straitéisí atá curtha i bhfeidhm againn chun na faidhbe sin a fhreagairt.</p><p pid="574.3">The country has prospered over the past ten years.  Investment in the national development plan demonstrates the Government’s determination to proceed with the policy mix to sustain the progress already achieved.  Without labouring the point, we should reflect that in 1997 some 1.4 million people were working in Ireland while today that figures stands at approximately 2.1 million.  Last year, we spent over €1.7 billion on our road network and completed over 200 km of motorway and 624 km of new or redesigned national roads as well as opening the Dublin Port tunnel.  We are quite rightly investing significant resources in public transport projects such as the Kildare route project, the Maynooth line upgrade and Luas.  Investment in new buses and in quality bus corridors are a clear indication of how our country has changed for the better and that we are laying the foundation for further improvements.</p><p pid="574.4">In 1997, total investment in research and development by Government in third level and business-led research was in the order of €220 million.  Last year committed expenditure on research and development was almost €1 billion.  In NUI Maynooth, for instance, greater focus is being placed on research, the commercialisation of research and on innovation.  Colleges are now working hand in glove with industry to ensure the research they are pursuing is relevant.  They are being supported in part by the Government-funded Science Foundation Ireland.  A recent announcement by Intel that it was appointing NUI Maynooth as its first global education partner is a most significant move for both institutions and reflects the success of policies of both NUI Maynooth and the Government in the area of research and development and innovation.</p><p pid="574.5">The Government continues to be committed to low direct taxes to encourage enterprise on the part of investors and workers.  We now apply the lowest tax wedge on workers’ incomes in the OECD and our very competitive corporation tax rate coupled with a young, educated and committed workforce has led investors to locate here.  Companies such as Intel, Hewlett-Packard and Wyeth in my county are a testament to the successful policy mix at play delivering for both the enterprises and our country.</p><p pid="574.6">The capacity to deliver strong performance reflects the efforts of many people, especially the working men and women of this country.  Investment in our human capital to up-skill our workforce demonstrates the Government’s determination to pursue a policy framework which will bed down our success to date.  Investment in our people through training and education is a key enabler to optimising the benefit of the knowledge economy.</p><p pid="574.7">Oil prices at record levels, double what they were last year, the financial housing crisis in the US and world stock market volatility, all mean that as an open economy we will not be immune to these events.  As the Taoiseach pointed out, we will need to make adjustments for the long-term gain.  However, despite the global downturn, we are managing well.  Today’s Economic and Social Research Institute report, which forecasts that the Irish economy will grow by an average of 3.75% per year between now and 2010, will instill renewed confidence in our economy.  It also signals the successful management of the economy to date.</p><p pid="574.8">As this is my first opportunity to contribute to a debate on financial matters since the appointment of the Minister, Deputy Brian Lenihan, to the Department of Finance, I wish him well.  He brings with him not only his very significant intellect but also a rich tradition of public service.</p><p pid="574.9">While the Government knows that over the short term it faces new difficulties and constraints, the policies being adopted ensure we are well-equipped to overcome these problems because they ensure the public finances are sound and that we are investing in our human capital and infrastructure to secure future growth.  We are also pursuing policies which protect the most vulnerable in society.  I commend the Government amendment to the House.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-05-14T19:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
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<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-03-13.165.0&amp;m=74#g196.0">
	<title>Student Support Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-03-13.165.0&amp;m=74#g196.0</link>
	<description>I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate on the Student Support Bill 2008, and I thank Deputy Kennedy for sharing his time with me. I support the general principle of the Bill...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="196.1">I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate on the Student Support Bill 2008, and I thank Deputy Kennedy for sharing his time with me.</p><p pid="196.2">I support the general principle of the Bill because it will provide for a single statutory basis for all student grants and replace the four different schemes currently operated by local authorities and VECs.  Coming from a constituency that is home to an expanding third level institution, namely, NUI Maynooth, it gives me great insight into the challenges that students face when applying for grants.  Since getting elected last May, I have had many students approach me with different issues and concerns relating to the grant application process.  It is timely that we look at the application procedures and see how best we can streamline and improve the student grant process.  We need to make it more user friendly for the students, the awarding bodies and the educational institutions.</p><p pid="196.3">The principal objective of the Bill is to create a more coherent and streamlined system for the administration of these grants, which will facilitate consistency of application and improved client accessibility.  It will enable the development of an awards system that can deliver grants on time to those who need them most.  The development of a unified system of student support, consolidating the existing four schemes for students attending higher education and post-leaving certificate courses, will greatly assist those embarking on higher and further education who need financial support.  This Bill marks an important milestone in that process.Given the skills, experience and knowledge of the Vocational Education Committees, it is appropriate that they are given sole responsibility for the administration of student maintenance grants.  The VEC sector brings with it a distinct and rich educational tradition in administering some of the existing grant schemes.</p><p pid="196.4">The proposals will reduce the number of grant awarding authorities from 66 to 33.  Reducing the numbers of awarding authorities to this level will bring greater focus to the overall student grant schemes.  It will also ensure that the VECs will become the experts in this area and future reform can be based on the experience they gain from their new expanded role.  I have had problems with the strictness of the residency clause, particularly for mature students.  I am delighted to see that the clause has been altered, although it is probably still a little too strict for mature students.</p><p pid="196.5">The checks and balances in the Bill merit mention.  The Bill includes the introduction of a new independent appeals board, which will promote greater transparency in the grant-awarding process.  The Bill also provides for the strengthening of the process whereby fraudulent claims can be rigorously pursued by an awarding authority.  Substantial offences and penalties are set down, providing a firm basis to pursue those who have provided false or incomplete information to obtain a grant.  Provision is also being made for transitional arrangements with the local authorities to smooth the process between the existing arrangements and the new arrangements.</p><p pid="196.6">The core objective of any change is to enable improvements in the standard of service provided to the 56,000 students around the country in receipt of grants, and to those potential further and higher education students considering their future options.  For instance, NUI Maynooth has made significant strides in ensuring that under-represented groups are able to access third level education.  In particular, mature students, travellers, students with a disability and students from socio-economic disadvantaged areas are encouraged to participate and engage in the opportunities a university education provides.  I commend the Minister of State, Deputy Haughey, for the work he has done in the area of life-long learning.  For each of these groups, the availability and timing of State financial support makes the difference between going to university or not.  The introduction of this Bill will both endorse and continue to promote such equity in access.</p><p pid="196.7">Around €243 million was disbursed through the schemes in 2007, benefiting more than 56,000 students in further and higher education.  Our challenge for the future is to ensure that we continue to make progress, in both the income limits for eligibility, and the actual grant levels for third level student support.  We must continue to work to improve the standards for our students and in particular, to reduce the financial barriers that have long been recognised as a major disincentive for many students who wish to access third level education.  The significant increases in the ordinary rate of the maintenance grant over recent years have made the third level option more affordable for a broad range of students and their families.  In approving even higher increases in the special rate of the maintenance grant, we continue to target that support at those most in need and encourage access to further education for everyone.</p><p pid="196.8">I wish all those involved in the transitional arrangements the very best in moving from our current procedures to the more coherent and structured approach in awarding student grants, and I commend the Bill to the House.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-03-13T12:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
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<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-02-13.441.0&amp;m=74#g508.0">
	<title>Special Educational Needs: Motion (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-02-13.441.0&amp;m=74#g508.0</link>
	<description>I welcome the opportunity to contribute this evening to the debate on services for children with special needs, in particular educational services for children diagnosed with autism.  I...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="508.1">I welcome the opportunity to contribute this evening to the debate on services for children with special needs, in particular educational services for children diagnosed with autism.  I acknowledge the work of all those involved to date and outline some ideas for further development and improvement in services for children with autism.  As a former special needs teacher in Celbridge, I have witnessed at first hand the dramatic improvements that have taken place in the area of special needs.  Parents of children with autism have, rightly, more choices now.  Their children can attend special classes in mainstream schools, attend a mainstream class with additional support or attend a special school.</p><p pid="508.2">This progress would not have been achieved without the commitment of Government to funding and, more significantly, the huge dedication and commitment of parents of children with autism.  I fully appreciate the sacrifices many parents make, of which I am aware not only from my teaching career but also from meeting parents in my constituency, particularly those involved in the Saplings school in Kill.  They must take some comfort that all their hard work has led to significant policy changes, bringing improvements to the lives of their children.</p><p pid="508.3">It is recognised that early intervention is critical to ensuring that children with autism get the most appropriate services.  I welcome the opening last year of a pre-school autistic unit attached to the Derrinturn primary school, one of 23 autism specific pre-schools established nationally.  I welcome the Minister’s commitment in her speech last night to the expansion of the pre-school network for autism.  Services for school-age children with autism have moved from a very limited provision a few years ago to a position now where there are 3,600 children in special classes in mainstream or in special schools.</p><p pid="508.4">As with many other challenges we face, a partnership approach offers the best opportunity to develop a set of policies which will maximise the benefit for children with autism.  We have already seen the benefits of this approach with the achievements to date, in particular with ABA schools.  For instance, I am aware from my contact with the Saplings ABA school in Kill that, where appropriate, children are eased into mainstream schools.  The co-operation, back-up and follow-up is comprehensive between educators in both schools.</p><p pid="508.5">I believe that teachers should be appointed to ABA schools.  Working in tandem with ABA tutors, teachers and tutors will bring the necessary set of skills to enable a smooth transition between special schools and mainstream schools.  Likewise, ABA tutors are in an ideal position to give practical support to teachers in mainstream schools.  This sharing of knowledge and expertise is a key enabler to ensure that we offer the best level of service to our special children.  While it is now recognised that ABA is not the only teaching method for children with autism, it is an important method of intervention and should be available to children with autism in all settings.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-02-13T19:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
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<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2007-11-21.390.0&amp;m=74#g425.0">
	<title>Psychological Service: Motion (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2007-11-21.390.0&amp;m=74#g425.0</link>
	<description>I will share time with Deputy M. J. Nolan.  I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate on psychological services.  The special needs provision in our schools have seen significant...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="425.1">I will share time with Deputy M. J. Nolan.  I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate on psychological services.  The special needs provision in our schools have seen significant investment in recent years and as a former teacher and special needs director, I am acutely aware of the importance of improving the services we provide.</p><p pid="425.2">It is with this in mind that I highlight the ground-breaking approach adopted by the HSE in the Kildare — west Wicklow area in providing support to children with special needs attending mainstream primary schools.  The Kildare west Wicklow school support team, as it is known, provides support for children with a primary intellectual disability or a specific learning difficulty who are attending mainstream schools in the catchment area and who meet the criteria for this service.  It is effectively an interdisciplinary approach for assessing the needs of children with intellectual disability and drawing up a programme for these children in conjunction with the children themselves, their parents, teachers and support staff.</p><p pid="425.3">The team at present includes a psychologist, senior occupational therapist and a speech and language therapist.  The team has prioritised the senior end of the primary schools and schools with bigger numbers of children requiring the service.  These children were known to the HSE but were not receiving services.</p><p pid="425.4">Parents, school staff, GPs and a range of other health professionals can refer a child to the Kildare west Wicklow support team for assessment.  The model of service provided by the HSE to schools is agreed in advance and involves the team carrying out a block of visits into each school to work with the children in their school environment.  The assessment process varies greatly for individual children which, in my view, reflects the quality of the assessment.  Where standardised assessments have proved valuable for a few children, for others the most useful information has come from observation of the child and-or discussion with staff, parents and child.  The aim of the support team is to enable children to access the curriculum and participate in school activities to their full potential.</p><p pid="425.5">Programmes addressing the specific needs identified in the assessment are put in place for use by staff in schools.  Training is provided to teachers and support staff to assist with the intervention process, which helps in targeting the specific needs of each child.  Typical support programmes which have been implemented include speech and language programmes; strategies regarding management of behaviour in the classroom, playground, physical education halls etc; strategies to help children who have high activity levels or poor concentration; and programmes to develop motor planning and co-ordination skills.  Where necessary, follow-up visits to schools have been carried out to review progress and update programmes, as required.</p><p pid="425.6">The main advantage of this model of service is that the team gets a greater understanding of how the child functions in the “real” world, as opposed to assessing a child in a “clinic” setting.  The approach also looks at the child as a whole, not just a set of difficulties, and can identify a child’s strengths, which can be used to work on weaker areas.  This approach also supports close communication between all of the professionals involved in the child’s life and the child’s family.  It also increases the potential for working together and sharing of skills between all those involved.</p><p pid="425.7">School staff are very enthusiastic and positive about working with the support team and see this approach as a mechanism for improving their own skills and providing a better service to children with special needs.  School staff are very committed to meeting the needs of children with special needs in their classes, are very open to using new approaches with these children and are very keen for guidance in their work.  I have also received extremely positive feedback from parents who have interacted with the support teams.  Everyone has gained from the sharing of skills and experience.  I recognise the work of all those involved.  In particular, the dedication of the disability manager for the HSE in the Kildare — west Wicklow area must be recognised.  She has pre-empted the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act and spearheaded this initiative, thereby giving us a model that hopefully will be rolled out throughout the country.</p><p pid="425.8">As we continue to incrementally improve our services and policies in the whole area of special needs, I want to make the case for increased resources to be provided for this school-based approach for our special needs children.  I look forward to the appointment of another occupational and speech therapist to this team in the new year so that we will eventually have a team in each SENO area.  I would like to highlight to the Department of Education and Science the importance of having the physical space for this programme included in all school extensions and new schools.  In addition to increased resources, we also need to ensure we improve the cohesion between all the agencies involved in the area of special needs.  This would lead to a more effective, needs-based, inclusive and co-ordinated service for our children.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2007-11-21T19:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
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<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2007-11-21.302.0&amp;m=74#g336.0">
	<title>Young People: Motion (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2007-11-21.302.0&amp;m=74#g336.0</link>
	<description>The development fund is an opportunity to retrofit community facilities, in particular, for our young people.  I call on the Government to introduce schemes to implement this agenda of...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="336.1">The development fund is an opportunity to retrofit community facilities, in particular, for our young people.  I call on the Government to introduce schemes to implement this agenda of retrofitting community facilities in conurbations.  The Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs administers schemes such as RAPID and CLÁR which have been tremendously successful in dealing with specific needs.  The needs of our communities could be addressed through such specific schemes, where funding would be ring-fenced for the provision of facilities.  Large residential areas need a focused approach to build communities around the bricks and mortar of our housing estates.  We have a successful model for the disbursement of such funding to tackle specific needs in our communities.</p><p pid="336.2">It is also important to point to a facility in my constituency which is a model for future development.  The Leixlip Amenities Centre which recently received funding to improve and expand its facilities provides a large number of services for the community.  It has become a positive focus for the community and, particularly, young people.  The population in Kildare North has increased rapidly with significant growth in residential development.  The success of our economy has led to a rapid increase in the population in recent times.  While this success is welcome, it brings challenges that must be addressed.  Now is the time to invest in our communities in order that our young people can be attracted to sport, music, drama, art, community activities and education.  I look forward to working with my colleagues and all other stakeholders, including our local authorities, to provide improved facilities to ensure our youth have a positive focus for the future.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2007-11-21T16:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
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<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2007-11-21.302.0&amp;m=74#g334.0">
	<title>Young People: Motion (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2007-11-21.302.0&amp;m=74#g334.0</link>
	<description>I wish to share time with Deputy Margaret Conlon. I welcome the opportunity to contribute to this debate.  It is an opportune time for us to reflect on and review our policies on young people and...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="334.1">I wish to share time with Deputy Margaret Conlon.</p><p pid="334.2">I welcome the opportunity to contribute to this debate.  It is an opportune time for us to reflect on and review our policies on young people and to outline positive policy initiatives for the future.  In particular, it is an opportunity for someone like me, who represents one of the fastest growing communities in the country, to highlight the specific challenges young people face in areas such as Kildare North.  It is almost a cliché to say young people have contributed to our economic success.  However, one of the key reasons Ireland been successful in attracting foreign direct investment is the young, educated and skilled workforce on offer.  While we should never look on our youth merely as a financial resource, it is important to recognise the contribution of our young people and educational infrastructure, which helped transform the country which was previously bedevilled by high unemployment and poor economic outlook to a modern vibrant and successful economy.</p><p pid="334.3">As we reflect on that success and put policies in place to harness the best from our young people, areas that have experienced considerable residential development, without matching community and social infrastructure, must be considered to assess how best we can retrofit these facilities.  Kildare North, with towns such as Maynooth, Naas, Celbridge, Clane and Kilcock, has experienced significant population growth in recent years.  Many young people live in these towns and have or are about to have young families.  A significant proportion have families of teenage age and require fit for purpose community facilities to ensure they will have a positive focal point for engagement through sports, music, drama, art or social interaction in café bars.  We are expected to set policy guidelines that will offer the best chance of extracting what is most positive from our youth.</p><p pid="334.4">This is the main issue I would like to address in my contribution, as it is specific to Kildare North which has witnessed rapid growth without  matching community facilities.  It is important to put this issue in context.  In recent years significant funds have been invested in sports facilities in County Kildare.  Almost every sports club has benefited in one form or another from the sports capitation grant allocations or the Kildare sports partnership.  Significant investment in school extensions or new schools to match the increasing demand for places has taken place.  In addition, progress has been made in reducing the pupil-teacher ratio which was helped by the introduction of the developing schools status.  However, in constituencies such as Kildare North the challenge is to ensure new development is strengthened and complements existing or new communities.  We all accept that new developments need to comprise more than houses.  It is essential that schools, community facilities, employment, transport and amenities are integrated with the housing development process in a timely, cost effective and sustainable manner.  Joined-up government across the local and national spectrum can facilitate the emergence of sustainable, integrated communities as we continue to expand.</p><p pid="334.5">I welcome the Government’s commitment to allocate €150 million to a community development fund in the next five years to build the infrastructure required to sustain communities.  I will press the Government to ensure County Kildare obtains its fair share of this funding.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2007-11-21T16:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
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<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2007-11-15.164.0&amp;m=74#g189.0">
	<title>Transport 21: Statements (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2007-11-15.164.0&amp;m=74#g189.0</link>
	<description>Transport 21 is the capital investment framework agreed by the Government for the development of the transport infrastructure between 2006 and 2015.  It provides for investment in national roads,...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="189.1">Transport 21 is the capital investment framework agreed by the Government for the development of the transport infrastructure between 2006 and 2015.  It provides for investment in national roads, public transport and regional airports and involves a total expenditure of €34 billion.  This investment framework will address the twin challenges of past investment backlogs and continuing growth in transport demand.  The projects and programmes that make up Transport 21 will aim to increase accessibility, ensure sustainability, expand capacity, increase use and enhance quality.</p><p pid="189.2">Increasing accessibility is about making it easier for everyone to get to and from work, school, college, shopping, business and social activities.  It is also about making it easier for industry and business to access raw materials, workers and, most important, markets.  Ensuring sustainability recognises a modern transport system must be sustainable from an economic, social and environmental perspective.</p><p pid="189.3">Expanding capacity has two important dimensions — existing capacity deficiencies which arise from past underinvestment and appropriate provision for future growth.  Increasing the use of public transport is linked to improving the quality of the service.  As seen in recent times, as a service improves, more people will use public transport.</p><p pid="189.4">Transport 21 is a key enabler in bringing the transport network to a standard fit for a modern and dynamic economy like ours.  The opening of recent bypasses at Gorey, Charlestown and Castleblayney reflects the progress made with the road network programme.  There is effectively a motorway-dual carriageway standard road from the Border to Kilbeggan and to Portlaoise.</p><p pid="189.5">Phase 1 of the M50 upgrade is on target to be opened next year.  It will give much deserved relief to commuters on the N4 and the N7.  The opening of the Kilcock-Kinnegad motorway in December 2005, aside from reducing travel times on the N4, also opened up areas such as Johnstownbridge, Broadford and Carbury to the road network, giving increased access to services.</p><p pid="189.6">The enhanced road network ensures bus operators can benefit from reduced travel times and incur less costs.  Construction work on the interurban network, from Dublin to Cork, to Limerick, to Galway and to Waterford is well advanced and on target for completion in 2010.</p><p pid="189.7">Our public transport infrastructure is playing catch-up due to years of underinvestment.  However, in recent years significant improvements have been made in the level of services, particularly in rail.  As a regular user of both the Maynooth and Sallins train services, I have seen this progress.  New rail stations at Maynooth and Louisa Bridge in Leixlip have been opened.  Extra parking at Leixlip Louisa Bridge, Hazelhatch-Celbridge and Sallins has been provided.  Improved frequencies of trains reflect an improved service which has lead to increased passenger numbers.</p><p pid="189.9">Under Transport 21, there will be further improvement on the Kildare line.  The Kildare route project is a major capital investment, designed to increase the frequency of commuter and other services along the key Kildare to Heuston corridor and to allow more commuters use rail services every day.  The Kildare route project will allow Iarnród Éireann to deliver commuter and regional services at peak times including double service frequency from Hazelhatch to Dublin, serving all stations, and double service frequency between Dublin and Sallins, Newbridge and Kildare.  Existing train services are fully subscribed and capacity for growth is restricted.  New trackwork and signalling is designed to provide increased operational flexibility to run more frequent services.  The new Docklands railway station opened in March facilitates increased capacity on the Maynooth line and, under Transport 21, further improvements are planned.</p><p pid="189.10">Under Transport 21, bus passenger capacity in the greater Dublin area will increase by 60% by 2015.  Transport 21 provides for an increased bus service, with the recent approval for Dublin Bus to phase in an additional 100 buses and 150 to Bus Éireann’s fleet.  In recent months, I have met with both Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann and am impressed with the plans they have in place under Transport 21.  Bus Éireann plans to provide several key services for commuters in north Kildare.  Some proposed routes, such as Naas to Dublin Airport, Naas to Tallaght and an orbital route servicing Naas to Clane and Kilcock will enhance the public transport service for the area.  Many residents in Naas, Kill and Johnstown work in the Tallaght, Park West area or need to visit Tallaght Hospital and will support this service.  The orbital route linking Naas, Clane and Kilcock with Blessington and Trim is an ideal way to link towns by public transport that could not be served by rail.  Bus Éireann’s other proposed route from Edenderry to Dublin via Carbury and Johnstownbridge, if accepted by the Department of Transport, will give many commuters who live in north-west Kildare a service to Dublin.  This proposed route would not have been a viable option, if the road network had not been recently improved.</p><p pid="189.11">While significant progress is being made in public transport, there are certain gaps in the service.  We need enhanced car parking facilities at train stations such as Maynooth, Leixlip Confey and Kilcock. Iarnród Éireann’s plans to increase capacity at Maynooth and Kilcock in 2008 are far short of what is required.  We need as part of area action plans and or tax incentives to encourage the development of increased car parking facilities so that people can drive to their local rail stations and park their cars safely.  Commuters will pay an appropriate fee for such facilities, similar to the one at Leixlip Louisa Bridge or the Sallins park and ride.  I recently met with OK Transport which is working on providing a feeder bus, on a trial basis, to relieve the car parking problems at Maynooth.  Feeder buses, apart from facilitating access to the rail stations, also contribute to building communities in the commuter belt.  We have limited feeder buses to Hazelhatch from Celbridge and to Sallins from Naas.  I encourage all policy-makers, from the Department of Transport to the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs to local authorities and Iarnród Éireann to put in place further incentives for feeder buses.</p><p pid="189.12">Transport 21 will help to achieve the dual aims of retrofitting the infrastructure to match the dramatic rise in the numbers commuting and meeting future growth needs for public transport.  The proposed €34 billion expenditure to 2015 is a substantial investment by the taxpayers of this country in their transport network.  As convener of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport I commend the Minister on the progress to date and look forward to working with all members of the committee and the stakeholders in the transport policy area to ensure that we maximise the benefits of Transport 21.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2007-11-15T14:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
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<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2007-11-01.76.0&amp;m=74#g88.2">
	<title>Civil Unions Bill 2006: Restoration to Order Paper (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2007-11-01.76.0&amp;m=74#g88.2</link>
	<description>Green envy.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="88.2">Green envy.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2007-11-01T11:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
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