Serious injury stats should be published with road fatality figures – O’Donovan

Added February 26th, 2013

Fine Gael Limerick TD, Patrick O’Donovan, has called on the Road Safety Authority to publish statistics of serious injuries caused in car crashes along with their annual road fatality figures. Deputy O’Donovan raised the issue in the Dáil with the Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar TD, who said it is intended to introduce the initiative.

 “We have made significant strides in improving road safety in recent years. Road deaths have fallen every year since 2006, and for the fifth year in a row a new record low in fatalities was recorded in 2012. This progress is due in no small part to the campaigns run by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) aimed at educating the public on the consequences of dangerous driving. Now I think it is time to start talking about the life-changing injuries caused by road crashes.

 “A serious road accident which does not cause death can still result in destruction, leaving people paralysed or with any number of life-changing injuries. If the RSA, in conjunction with the hospitals, including the National Rehabilitation Hospital, could be encouraged to produce figures on serious injuries on a yearly basis, I think it would help to drive the road safety message home even further.

 “Minister Varadkar has said it is intended to implement this measure. With this in mind, he has appointed the head consultant in the National Rehabilitation Hospital to the board of the RSA. The Minister has said it is a complicated situation because, even in medicine, there is not a clear classification of injuries. But he has reassured me that it is something he wants to include in the new road safety strategy, so it is not just about fatalities, but also about life-changing injuries and how they impact on people.

 “I also raised the issue of the unrealistic speed limits that are in place on many small regional or tertiary roads around the country. People are driven berserk when they turn off national primary roads onto a small road, sometimes with grass growing down the middle, when the first thing they see is an 80 km/h speed limit sign. The RSA will point out that this is not the desired speed, but the maximum allowable speed.

 “While local authorities have the option of examining these speed limits, it is a cumbersome process, it is taking too long and it is doing road users a disservice. The Minister has said this problem is being considered as part of the speed limit review underway. The signs may be replaced with the previous delimiter signs, with the white circle and the grey stripe through it. . I believe that this should be looked at further by the Oireachtas Transport Committee to ensure that the default speed limit for these signs is set at an appropriate level.”

Let’s go green at home as well as abroad – O’Donovan

Added February 26th, 2013

Extra Irish landmarks due to go green this year

Fine Gael Limerick TD, Patrick O’Donovan, has urged the Government to considering ‘greening’ as many buildings are possible at home for St Patrick’s Day, when so many famous landmarks overseas are going green for our national holiday. Deputy O’Donovan raised the issue in a Parliamentary Question to the Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar TD.

 “Thanks to the ‘Global Greening’ initiative from Tourism Ireland, some of the world’s best known buildings and landmarks will be going green again this year to mark St Patrick’s Day. The Pyramids, the Christ the Redeemer Statue in Rio de Janeiro, Sydney Opera House and the Leaning Tower of Pisa are among those that will be basking in green light next month.

 “It’s quite a feat of marketing for such a small nation to convince authorities across the world to turn their own national landmarks green, and it’s a great way to remind the world about Ireland on our patron saint’s day. And I think we should be putting just as much effort into turning landmarks at home green this year.

 “As part of the St Patrick’s Festival, a greening programme is being organised for some of Dublin’s major landmarks, including Trinity College, Bank of Ireland on College Green, and Christchurch Cathedral. I am glad to hear from Minister Varadkar that he is working with Minister of State, Brian Hayes, to encourage a wider programme of greening of public buildings at home this year.

 “This is particularly important considering the Gathering is in full swing, and we are trying to attract as many tourists as possible to these shores in the coming months. Local authorities, bus and rail companies and airports have been invited to green prominent buildings in their care and the Gathering Team is disseminating the concept through their network across the country. A number of high profile buildings have already been confirmed and an announcement is expected in the coming weeks.

 “Turning more buildings green at home will help to further boost visitor numbers, and I am delighted that the Government is extending the initiative this year.”

Please see below the Parliamentary Question submitted and the response received by Deputy O’Donovan.

Dáil Question

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the buildings/structures that are due to take part in the greening initiative in the various different cities around the world as well as those in this country owned by the State as part of the St. Patrick’s Day programme for 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. – Patrick O’Donovan. For ORAL answer on Tuesday, 19th February, 2013. Ref No: 8245/13

Dáil Question

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the level of consultation that has taken place with the office of Public Works in relation to broadening the greening initiative for the St. Patrick’s Day programme for this year to other public buildings, including State and Government buildings such as Dáil Éireann and the Department of an Taoiseach; and if he will make a statement on the matter. – Patrick O’Donovan. For ORAL answer on Tuesday, 19th February, 2013. Ref No: 8373/13

Dáil Question

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide details of Greening events (details supplied) on St Patrick’s day to promote Irish tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. – Patrick O’Donovan. * For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 19th February, 2013. (This is where famous buildings are turned green for St Patrick’s day – the Pyramids and Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro are amongst a large number of such international landmarks going green). Ref No: 8400/13

Dáil Question

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide details of Greening events on St. Patrick’s Day to promote tourism here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. – Patrick O’Donovan. * For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 19th February, 2013. (This is where famous buildings are turned green for St Patrick’s day – the Pyramids and Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro are amongst a large number of such international landmarks going green). Ref No: 8618/13

Answered by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar

REPLY

Tourism Ireland recently publicised details of their 2013 “Global Greening” initiative. The initiative helps to create a supportive backdrop against which Tourism Ireland can run its targeted marketing programmes. Among the landmarks going green this year are the Pyramids of Giza, the Christ the Redeemer Statue in Rio de Janeiro, the Sydney Opera House and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. I also understand that the St. Patrick’s Festival Company will again organise a greening programme for some landmark venues in Dublin, such as Trinity College, Bank of Ireland on College Green, and Christchurch Cathedral.

 Given that 2013 is the year of The Gathering, I am, in conjunction with Minister of State Brian Hayes,encouraging a wider programme of “greening” of public buildings at home. This will help to publicise the Gathering and enhance the visitor experience for those visiting the country during the period around the St. Patrick’s Day weekend. I have also invited my Ministerial colleagues, the local authorities, bus and rail companies and airports to green prominent buildings in their care and the Gathering Team are disseminating the concept through their network across the country. A number of high profile buildings have been confirmed already and, together with Minister of State Hayes, I hope to make an announcement on the subject over the coming weeks.

 In relation to alcohol sponsorship, I understand that the St. Patrick’s Festival Company, which organises the national parade and related events in Dublin, has a policy of not seeking sponsorship from the alcohol sector.

O’Donovan: “Coveney providing strong leadership on CAP”

Added February 19th, 2013

Fine Gael TD for Limerick, Patrick O’Donovan has welcomed the commitment by the Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney to work with his EU colleagues on maximising the benefits to Irish farmers in the forthcoming CAP negotiations.

Speaking after a lengthy and positive public meeting in Adare at which the Minister met with representatives of the farming organisations and other groups, Patrick O’Donovan said it was very clear that the Minister had a full command of his brief, and was in no doubt but that he was doing everything in his power to ensure the best possible deal for Ireland. Simon Coveney told the meeting that Ireland had been successful so far in forging alliances with other EU countries on the development of a new CAP, and while there are outstanding differences between what the EU Commission are proposing and what some of the member states are looking for, he said he is committed to working with other Agriculture Ministers to ensure a successful outcome.

Deputy O’Donovan said that the work which was underway was of crucial importance to the Co. Limerick economy. He said that the Minister fully appreciated and understand the importance of the food industry to the Co. Limerick economy, and while there had been very difficult decisions made as part of the budget, the Department of Agriculture was one of only a few departments which saw a net increase in its budget over the last two years, a clear commitment by the Government of the importance it gives to the farming sector.

Speaking after the meeting, Patrick O’Donovan said that it was vital that there was a strong relationship between the farming organisations and Oireachtas members, who could work together to deliver to Irish agriculture and he committed to playing his role in carrying out that work.

Serious concerns highlighted in taxi driver vetting process – O’Donovan

Added February 14th, 2013

Fine Gael Limerick TD and member of the Oireachtas Transport Committee, Patrick O’Donovan, has today (Thursday) expressed serious concerns after it was revealed that taxi drivers from certain countries are only being vetted once they enter Ireland, with their previous criminal offences potentially going under the radar. Deputy O’Donovan was speaking after representatives of the TTnH (Tiomanai Tacsai na hÉireann) appeared before the Transport Committee this morning.

 “I was shocked with what we were told by the the taxi drivers’ body today, that taxi drivers from certain foreign countries are only being vetted from their point of entry to Ireland. In other words, only their records for their time in Ireland are examined, and any previous criminal records they may have abroad are going under the radar.

 “When asked, the TTnH representative said Gardaí had not specified which countries are involved, but it is mostly in relation to countries outside the EU, as there is a good level of tracking and information sharing across judicial systems in the EU.

 “This is a very serious development. I agree with the TTnH, who told the Committee that this is a public safety issue. We need to ensure that we have a secure vetting system in place, so when you get into a taxi you can rest easy in the knowledge that the driver is above reproach.

 “I have called for representatives from the Garda Vetting Unit or the Department of Justice to come before the Committee to clarify this matter and to explain which countries we are not getting enough information on. It was stated at the Committee meeting that people with serious criminal offences on their record from a country outside the EU are potentially being granted taxi licences. This is extremely unsatisfactory.

 “I have no doubt that the majority of drivers have impeccable backgrounds, however we need to ensure that all drivers are subjected to the same level of vetting and checks before they are awarded a licence.

 “It is very important that taxi drivers working here aren’t just vetted for the first time when they enter the State. It should be possible to establish if they have serious criminal offences in their past, particularly considering they are taking up a position of responsibility, where the personal safety of their customers is paramount.”

O’Donovan welcomes extension of fuel rebate for coach operators

Added February 13th, 2013

Fine Gael Limerick TD, Patrick O’Donovan, has today (Wednesday) welcomed the extension of the fuel rebate to include coach operators. Deputy O’Donovan added that the measure, which is included in the Finance Bill, will provide an additional boost to the tourism industry. The rebate had already been announced in Michael Noonan’s budget speech for hauliers.

 “I have been working on this issue, with my colleagues in the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party for the last two months. Ever since the fuel rebate was announced for hauliers in the Budget, I have been pushing the case for the rebate to be extended to coach operators. They are a major part of life in rural Ireland and play a huge role in the tourism industry, which has been identified by the Government as a key growth sector. This will be of major benefit to the operators who provide essential rural transport and school transport services. I have had numerous meetings and discussions with bus and coach operators in Limerick over the last two months, and I am glad that our efforts have been successful.

 “I am very pleased that Minister Noonan has responded so positively, by including the rebate in today’s Finance Bill. This move is all about supporting the tourism and transport sectors and boosting job retention and creation.

 “Since March 2011, the number of people employed in tourism-related activities has increased by 7,300. Job numbers have been boosted by the lower VAT rate introduced by the Government for tourism services, and I have no doubt that this latest measure will also encourage expansion and job creation within the sector.

 “In the year of The Gathering, this is another welcome move by the Government to stimulate and support the tourism sector.”

O’Donovan welcomes €1.25 million for Co. Limerick water supplies

Added February 13th, 2013

Fine Gael TD for Limerick, Patrick O’Donovan has welcomed an allocation of €1.25million from the Department of the Environment towards the cost of the replacement of water mains by Limerick County Council. Minister Phil Hogan made the allocation under the National Water Conservation Project.

The allocation will see works carried out in a number of locations in Co. Limerick including; Bruff, Hospital, Oola, Murroe, Abbeyfeale, Cappamore and Doon. The water conservation programme within the Department of the Environment was launched to address the issue of water leaks from public water supplies across the country.

Welcoming the announcement of the €1.25 million for Co. Limerick, Patrick O’Donovan said “This investment will be welcome, not only in terms of the amount of water that will be conserved, but also in terms of the employment that it will support in Co. Limerick during the works. Since this government came to office, the Minister for the Environment has announced major capital works in Co. Limerick to improve the delivery of drinking water and to treat sewerage in communities across the county. It is one of the issues that I have been pursuing with the Minister since the election because it is essential for the development of the country that we get access to modern infrastructure, including water provision, for the communities we represent.”

O’ Donovan calls for submissions to the Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas (CEDRA)

Added February 13th, 2013

Fine Gael TD for Limerick, Patrick O’Donovan has welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan that the Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas (CEDRA) is to begin it public consultation process with public meetings across the country, and is also inviting submissions from members of the public.

“I like the Minister would encourage people in rural areas to fully participate in this process by making submissions and attending their local public meeting. I first proposed such idea at a meeting of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party that a commission be established under an independent chairperson to examine the needs of rural communities and the barriers to industrial and economic activity.

“Patrick O’Donovan said that the initiative is badly needed in rural areas because unemployment has increased more in rural areas particularly in small towns since the economic crisis began, with a large portion of the figure being related to the collapse of the building industry.”

“It is important to integrate the views of rural people into the policy making process and the importance of local knowledge and experience is important in any process like the one that has begun. I am sure that once afforded the opportunity rural dwellers will engage with the process and ensure that their opinions shape the final report which in turn will inform their development pathways going forward.”

The new Commission will involve 3 stages including; a nationwide consultation of rural stakeholders including employers, unions, farm bodies, community organisation and the public sector, research and analysis of economic factors affecting rural areas and the preparation of a report supporting the medium-term economic development of the Rural Areas for the period to 2025.

“A central component of this work is the extensive public consultation programme that includes this call for submissions as well as a series of meetings with relevant local stakeholders and members of rural communities all over the country. This consultation process is the most critical element of the proposed research, giving insight into the experiences of rural communities and their sense of how they see their communities developing into the future.”

I would encourage anybody with ideas on the future development of rural areas to get involved, to attend the meetings and to have their opinions listened to. There will be a stakeholder and public meeting held by the CEDRA in Limerick on the 18^th April, more details will follow closer to the date. It is also possible for anyone with an interest in economic rural development to make a submission through the Commissions website www.ruralireland.ie or to find out more about the CEDRA.

Progress being made on measures to combat social welfare fraud – O’Donovan

Added February 7th, 2013

Fine Gael Limerick TD, Patrick O’Donovan, has today (Wednesday) said the Government is making progress on introducing reforms to the social welfare system to combat fraud. In a Parliamentary Question to the Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton TD, Deputy O’Donovan asked for an update on a number of measures aimed at combatting fraud, including ICT improvements and the introduction of bio-metric cards.

 “In order to ensure we can make social welfare payments to those who need them most, we must do everything possible to crack down on fraud. Fraud is costing the State millions of euro a year, at a time when our resources are under considerable pressure, and demands on the social welfare system have risen.

 “I have received assurances from Minister Burton that her Department is working on a single ICT platform, which will ensure information on claimants can be fully and automatically available across all of the Department’s schemes and places of business. This essentially means that it will be much easier for the Department to check if someone is wrongly claiming a number of payments they are not entitled to. This is being matched with ongoing progress on the better sharing of information between Government departments and State bodies.

 “Since the launch of the Public Services Card (PSC) last year, more than 110,000 cards have been issued. The PSC is not only helping to combat fraud, it will replace cards currently in use, such as the Social Services Card and the Free Travel Card, with a highly secure card. The Minister has said that while the PSC could be used to store biometric information, like fingerprints and facial patterns, there are no plans to do so at present. I would encourage the Minister to keep this option in mind as we continue to look at ways to comprehensively combat fraud.

 “I would like further progress to be made on the introduction of online signing on. While electronic signing is being rolled out in Social Protection offices, this still requires claimants to physically go into the office to pick up their payment. Giving people the option of signing on online, with proper security checks in place, could cut queues and administration costs, and make the entire system more efficient.”

O’Donovan raises future of Local Improvement Scheme’s in the Dáil

Added February 2nd, 2013

Fine Gael TD for Limerick Patrick O’Donovan again raised the issue of the continuation of Local Improvement Schemes with Transport Minister Leo Varadkar in Dáil Éireann. Local Improvement Schemes are Government funded programmes for the maintenance and restructuring of private roadways that are used both for agricultural and residential purposes in rural areas, and are roads that are not maintained on an ongoing basis by County Council’s.

Patrick O’Donovan has been lobbying the Minister on the need to keep the scheme open and to maintain the list of applicants that was in place before last years budget. In response to a question raised by Patrick O’Donovan last week,. Leo Varadkar said that he was now allowing Local Authorities to use up to 7% of their annual discretionary allocation for roads on Local Improvement Schemes, as a first step to getting the schemes fully reinstated.

Patrick O’Donovan said that he would continue to press the Minister on this issue. “Since the original announcement was made to discontinue the scheme I have personally lobbied the Minister on this with the result that last year he agreed that he would keep the scheme live maintaining the list for a possible reopening when funds might be available, this year he is allowing Councils to spend some of their discretionary money on them, and obviously in the near future as matters improve I would be hoping to see separate ring fenced allocations made for Local Improvement Schemes made by the Department.

I know that many of the people on the list and some of the local representatives in the area will be anxious to see that this issue is kept to the fore on the Minister’s agenda, and I intend to keep lobbying on this matter as it is a vital part of rural infrastructure in counties like Limerick.”

Action Plan will help teachers, pupils and parents in Limerick tackle scourge of bullying – O’Donovan

Added January 29th, 2013

Fine Gael TD for Limerick, Patrick O’Donovan has said that the Government’s new Action Plan on Bullying will help to tackle the scourge of bullying in schools across Limerick. Five hundred thousand euro has been ring-fenced to support the implementation of the plan this year, which will include a campaign on cyber bullying and the development of national anti-bullying procedures for all schools.

 “As a teacher myself I know that bullying, whether is it online or in the school corridor, can have a very serious impact on children and young people. Your confidence and self-belief can be shattered as a result of taunts and harassment from your peers. This can have a lasting impact well into adulthood, and it is something that we should all be working together to address.”

 “Last year, the Minister for Education, Ruairi Quinn TD, and the Minister for Children, Frances Fitzgerald TD, held an Anti-Bullying Forum, which invited submissions from interested parties and stakeholders. This has fed into the new Action Plan on Bullying, which includes 12 actions and a series of recommendations, has the potential to make a real difference in how we tackle this problem in our schools.

 “As part of the plan, a new national anti-bullying website will be established to give parents, teachers and pupils advice and information. New national procedures will be developed for all schools, which will include a template for recording incidents of bullying, to be in place by the start of the next school year. This will help us look at where and why bullying is occurring.

 “The problem of bullying is nothing new; unfortunately children have been bullied for as long as they have been going to school. But cyber bullying has added a new dimension to the problem; and we all need to face the challenge of how to tackle online harassment and abuse. As part of the Action Plan, a media campaign focussed on cyber bullying will be launched in early February, specifically targeted at young people.

 “The Action Plan includes plans to review current training procedures for teachers, to ensure they are getting the on-going support they need to effectively tackle bullying. A number of recommendations have also been made on the need for schools and community groups to work together in the development and implementation of anti-bullying policies. Bullying is not confined to any one space; and it must be tackled in a cross-community fashion.

 “It is also important that social media companies and internet service providers continue to work with State Agencies to raise awareness about cyber bullying and how to address it.”