O’Donovan welcomes progress on new foreshore laws

Added November 19th, 2013

Fine Gael TD for Limerick Patrick O’ Donovan, has welcomed the decision of the Government to refer the Maritime Area and Foreshore Bill to the Oireachtas Committee on Environment. Patrick O’Donovan raised the issue this week in the Dail with the Taoiseach, Enda Kenny who told Patrick O’Donovan that consultation would now take place under the new method of dealing with bills which the Government introduced as part of Dáil reform,

Patrick O’Donovan told the Dáil that the bill is of major importance to the future development of ports including the development of Foynes, which Minister Leo Varadkar has designated as the only strategic port on the west coast of Ireland.

Speaking after receiving the response from the Taoiseach, Patrick O’Donovan welcomed the decision to progress the bill. He said “The current method and legislative process of development in ports and along the shore line is antiquated and is in bad need of reform. We need to be able to deal with applications in a much more modern way that ensures that they will be dealt with within a time frame set out under law. There is no doubt in my mind but that the current system is deterring investment and the news from the Taoiseach which I received in the Dáil is a welcome first step.

O’Donovan congratulates Limericks ‘Pride of Place’ Competitors

Added November 18th, 2013

Fine Gael TD for Limerick Patrick O’Donovan has congratulated the residents and committee of Castleview, Newcastle West who won an overall award at this years Pride of Place awards ceremony in Derry.

Deputy O’Donovan said he knew from his time as a Councillor for the Newcastle West area that the committee and residents had made a huge effort with the Council in enhancing Castleview and improving the quality of life for all who live there.

“This achievement by the residents of Castleview is inspirational and should be held put as an example to communities and residents groups from all over Limerick on what can be achieved.”

Patrick O’Donovan congratulated all of the Limerick representatives and groups who took part in this years Pride of Place event and said the he believed that the competition was an excellent way of empowering and building communities. The other groups to take part were Foynes Community Council and the Limerick Youth Service, who was runner up in their category of “Enterprise and Youth Project”.

Patrick O’Donovan said that each one had brought their own uniqueness to the contribution and great credit was due to Limerick County Council for supporting the event.

“I believe that the efforts of this years participants and winners can inspire others to do the same and I hope that the number of those taking part grows in the years ahead on the back if these Limerick successes.”

Bailout exit will help attract jobs and investment – O’Donovan

Added November 15th, 2013

Fine Gael TD for Limerick, Patrick O’Donovan, has said that Ireland’s exit from the bailout will help attract jobs and investment to the country.

“While we are not there yet, exiting the bailout is a milestone on the road to economic recovery for Ireland. The fact that, from December 15^th we will no longer be a bailout country will send a further signal to home-grown and foreign investors that Ireland is a great place to base their business and create jobs.

“The EU/IMF arrived three years ago this month. Having our economic sovereignty taken from us was possibly the lowest moment in the history of the State. However, the contrast between then and now could not be greater.

“Our economy is experiencing growth for the third consecutive year and 3,000 new jobs are being created every month. The number of people on the live register has dropped for the sixteenth consecutive month and is now under 400,000 for the first time since 2009. The NTMA has more than €20 billion in cash reserves and interest rates on Irish Government bonds are historically low.

“Our focus from day one has been on job creation and it remains so to this day. Employment grew by 1.8% in the second quarter of 2013; the strongest growth rate recorded in five years.

“This Government has had to take difficult decisions to help Ireland emerge from bankruptcy. However we have tried, as much as we can, to improve the situation for families by removing 330,000 people from paying the Universal Social Charge; by restoring the minimum wage; by reducing the lower rate of VAT to 9%; by not increasing income tax rates and by protecting our corporation tax rate, which supports thousands of jobs right across Ireland.

“I am disappointed with the response of Fianna Fáil to the bailout exit. Having mismanaged Ireland to the point of bankruptcy and then sleepwalked us into the bailout, Fianna Fáil has poured scorn on the fact that we are exiting the programme. This is because they are all too aware of the contrast between their drastic reign and this Government’s considered and sustainable management of the economy.

“Challenges remain, but this is a very significant step forward for Ireland. A clean exit from the bailout bodes extremely well for continuing our economic recovery and creating more jobs.”

O’Donovan congratulates the Taoiseach and Minister for Finance for restoring Ireland’s economic sovereignty

Added November 15th, 2013

Limerick TD Patrick O’Donovan has congratulated Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Minister for Finance and Limerick TD, Michael Noonan for leading Ireland out of the bail out, and restoring Ireland’s economic sovereignty.

Speaking after the announcement was made in the Dáil today, Patrick O’Donovan said that today’s announcement by Taoiseach Enda Kenny, is as a direct result of the work that the Government had done since coming to office in 2011, and our ability to leave the bail out was due in particular to Limerick’s Michael Noonan and his staff in the Department of Finance.

Patrick O’Donovan said that international confidence in Ireland was now beginning to bear fruit with over 3,000 jobs a month being created and while a huge amount of work remains to be done to clear up the mess of the last Government, significant progress has been made.

He concluded his remarks by saying “we are fortunate to have people of the calibre and experience of Enda Kenny and Michael Noonan leading us at the moment, and I believe that the decision which was made today will be remembered by Irish people for generations to come as a mile stone in the restoration of our economic sovereignty and independence.

Local Government Bill is an opportunity for real political and administrative reform at local level – O’Donovan

Added November 15th, 2013

Fine Gael TD for Limerick, Patrick O’Donovan has said that the new Local Government Bill is an opportunity for real political and administrative reform at local level. Speaking in the Dáil this week, Patrick O’Donovan said that he believed, having served over seven years on Limerick County Council, that change needs to come quickly to our councils.

Patrick O’Donovan said that the decision of the Government to unite the two Limerick authorities was the right decision but he said that implementation needed to be properly monitored to ensure that no part of Limerick was placed at a disadvantage when the new authority came into existence.

The Limerick TD rejected the assertion of some members of the Dáil that the abolition of Town Council’s was a mistake, saying that it was clear to him that based on the comments he had received from employers and business people in Limerick that the uniting of the two local authorities was a positive step, and would be especially welcomed by rate payers.

Patrick O’Donovan asked that consideration be given by Government to increasing the amount of shared services between Local Authorities on a regional basis and he welcomed the recent establishment of a shared services centre in Portlaoise to cut back on the amount of duplication that exists in many local authorities.

Deputy O’Donovan said that the Government had committed itself after the election to reducing the number of local authorities and to increasing the powers to Councillors. This he said was the start of this process and while there will be teething problems he believed the bill is welcome. Patrick O’Donovan asked that a supervisory role be given to the Oireachtas Committee on Environment and Local Government, to ensure that officials of Councils, and Councillors themselves could appear before it in the future and account for particular decisions. He also asked that a fund be established within Council’s to allow members to obtain independent advice in the drawing up of plans where the wishes of the Council was different to that of the Manager.

Patrick O’Donovan said he looked forward to seeing the Bill put into force and he wished everyone that puts their names on a ballot paper for the 2014 Local Elections well in their campaigns.

O’Donovan “€29.3m paid by Department of Agriculture to Limerick farmers”

Added November 11th, 2013

Fine Gael TD for Limerick, Patrick O’Donovan has welcomed the fact that over 93% of Single Farm Payments and over 80% of disadvantaged area payments have been paid so far this year. The Department of Agriculture have paid €24.824 million to Limerick farmers under the single farm payment scheme out of a national of €582 million. In the disadvantaged area scheme €4.5million has been paid to Limerick farmers from a national fund of €175 million.

Patrick O’Donovan said that the payments from the Department of Agriculture were key to ensuring that Ireland is able to continue to produce food at the highest quality, and that the standards that are present inside and outside the Irish farm gate are the best in the world.

The Limerick TD paid tribute to the Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney for his commitment to Irish Farming and the Irish Food Industry. “It is clear that this Minister has his finger on the pulse of rural Ireland and the support he has received from Limerick’s Minister, Michael Noonan has been critical to ensuring that Agriculture has a central place in our national recovery.”

Patrick O’Donovan said that he would continue to work with the farming organisations and their representatives in Limerick, to make representations on behalf of Co. Limerick farmers to the Minister to ensure that the emphasis on farming is not allowed to slip backwards.

O’Donovan calls for Dáil debate on the Disappeared

Added November 8th, 2013

Fine Gael Limerick TD, Patrick O’Donovan, has asked the Tánaiste, Eamon Gilmore TD, to allow time for a Dáil debate on the issue of the Disappeared. Deputy O’Donovan was speaking during Order of Business this week in the Dáil.

“The issue of the Disappeared is one of national importance. The topic has received renewed public attention in recent days following the airing of a documentary about the victims and their families who are still searching for answers.

“I have called on the Tanáiste to facilitate a Dáil debate on the matter, as I believe the political system must continue to demand answers from all of those who were involved at the time.

“It was heart wrenching to hear the stories of the relatives of the Disappeared recounting how their lives were torn apart by the death of their loved ones. Seven families are still waiting on closure and justice; they deserve all of the political support they can get.

 “The Tánaiste has told me that a Dáil debate will be considered by the Party whips. I hope time can be set aside for a thorough debate on the issue in our national parliament.”

O’Donovan welcomes funding for the School Minor Works and Summer Works Schemes

Added November 7th, 2013

Fine Gael TD for Limerick Patrick O’Donovan has welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn T.D., that he has allocated almost €70 million for school improvements. Over €28 million is being made available as a once-off payment to primary schools as part of the Minor Works Grant scheme. Another €40 million will be allocated under the Summer Works Scheme 2014 which is being re-introduced to fund the improvement and upgrading of existing school buildings.

“I am delighted that the Minister has been able to provide funding for these two invaluable works schemes for schools. The Minor Works Grant will enable schools to undertake small scale repair works without the need to interact with the Department. The funding for the Summer Works Scheme will also allow schools to carry out small and medium scale building works such as gas, electrical and mechanical works, roof and window upgrades, structural improvements; works that will improve and upgrade existing school buildings.”

“From working with many schools in the constituency, I know too well the importance of these schemes and I have no doubt that the many school communities and management bodies will welcome this announcement as the schemes are a valuable contribution to the costs of maintaining school buildings.”

“This announcement is part of this Government’s continued commitment to improve facilities in schools throughout the country, despite the funding constraints that are in place at the present time. The reintroduction of the Summer Works Scheme in 2014 is particularly welcome, as the works will be carried out in schools over the summer months, when the pupils are on holidays, so the disruption to schooling will be kept to a minimum.

“These two schemes will have a positive impact in the learning environment for students, but the projects will also stimulate economic activity by supporting direct and indirect much needed construction jobs in Limerick.”

I would advise any school interested in apply for these grants to make contact on the Department on the freephone service which will assist schools with queries. They can be contacted at 1800 200 955 daily from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 4.30pm.

O’Donovan calls on Minister to examine New Zealand approach to cyber bullying

Added November 6th, 2013

Fine Gael Limerick TD and member of the Oireachtas Communications Committee, Patrick O’Donovan, has today (Wednesday) called on the Minister for Justice, Alan Shatter TD, to consider the new legislation that is being adopted in New Zealand to combat cyber bulling. The proposed New Zealand law creates a new offence of ‘incitement to commit suicide’.

“The issue of cyber bullying has received considerable attention here over the last year or so, due in no small part to the tragic deaths by suicide of several young people and teenagers. This, of course, isn’t just an Irish problem, it’s an international one, and I think the new law being adopted in New Zealand should be given serious consideration here.

“Under the New Zealand proposals, a new offence of ‘incitement to commit suicide’ is being created, and cyber bullies could face up to three years in prison or significant fines. The legislation is being brought forward by the New Zealand Justice Minister, Judith Collins, in a bid to crack down on bullying via social networking, email, mobile phones and websites.

“I have asked Minister Shatter for his views on the matter and I will also be calling on the Oireachtas Communications Committee, of which I am a member, to consider the issue. The Committee completed a report on cyber bullying earlier this year, and I believe we must continue to pursue the matter. As more and more of our interactions take place online, we must look at ways to protect young people in particular from harassment and abuse.

“I look forward to hearing Minister Shatter’s views on this issue and whether he thinks similar legislation could be feasible here.”

******Deputy O’Donovan has put down a Parliamentary Question to Minister Shatter as follows:

“To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality, in light of the recent announcement of the New Zealand Minister for Justice to introduce a Cyber Bullying Bill which contains provision to create a new offence of ‘incitement to commit suicide’, if the Minister would revert to this deputy on his views in relation to the New Zealand proposal and if he would make a statement on the matter.”

O’Donovan raises new driving licence process in Dáil

Added November 6th, 2013

Fine Gael TD for Limerick Patrick O’Donovan has been told by the Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar that the delays being experienced by people applying for new drivers licences will be examined. Patrick O’Donovan raised the issue with the Minister in the Dáil, and said that since the introduction of the new scheme he had received calls from people who had to wait up to four and a half hours for a licence.

Patrick O’Donovan told the Minister for Transport that he believes Co. Limerick has a special case for additional staff and possibly a second part-time centre to be located in the county. He said that following the introduction of the new scheme that the up to 250,000 would not have a centre within 50km of their residence and this was something which needed to be addressed. In replying to Patrick O’Donovan, the Minister for Transport acknowledged that the points which the Limerick TD raised were legitimate and he committed to raising them with the Road Safety Authority.

Leo Varadkar also told Patrick O’Donovan that he would raise the possibility of a mobile service to cover remote and rural areas with the Road Safety Authority, who have the contract for the issuing of drivers licences.

Speaking after raising the issue in the Dáil, Patrick O’Donovan, who is a member of the Oireachtas Transport Committee, said that he would also be raising the issue at the Transport Committee and would be asking that the Road Safety Authority appear before the committee to provide an update on the implementation of the new process.