Pat Treanor criticises reduction of funds for community employment

Clones Sinn Féin Councillor, Pat Treanor, has criticised the cutting of funding for the community employment and jobs initiative schemes in last weeks budget.

Speaking during the weekend Cllr. Treanor said:

“The announcement by the Minister for Finance of €50million of savings to be made in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment will have ramifications for the Community employment sector and indeed for social welfare.

“The proposed measure to reduce allowances for community employment and the jobs initiative will have the serious repercussions of undermining the valuable contribution being made by these schemes and will dissuade people from taking them up, keeping them on social welfare.

“Sinn Féin believes that more attention should be devoted to the development of the Irish social economy and both the Jobs Initiative Scheme and the Community Employment Scheme are central to this. The social economy transcends the often exploitative relationship between worker and employer and encourages empowerment, collective approaches to production and ecological stability.

“It is increasingly recognised that the social economy has an important role to play in society particularly by enhancing the economy within communities suffering social and economic exclusion. The social economy is necessary to build a strong, stable and egalitarian economy and Sinn Féin oppose vehemently any moves to reduce allowances for the Jobs Initiative and Community Employment schemes being run through FÁS. These schemes are productive both for the community and those who are unable to find work.

“Reducing allowances for the Jobs Initiative and Community Employment schemes is short-sighted and will be detrimental.

“For years Jobs Initiative has played a significantly important role in the lives of droves of people – it has given them confidence, it has given them access to training, self development, and allowed them to experience working in the mainstream when all other options were closed under the free market.

“Jobs Initiative and Community Employment workers have become an invaluable support in the communities they work in. These schemes have become the only lifeline to employment that many people, especially those in the disability sector, can access. To reduce these allowances will seriously undermine the work of thousands of people across this State, including countless in County Monaghan.”

Savage budget from an economically illiterate Government – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has described today’s budget as a savage budget from an economically illiterate Government.
Speaking this evening Deputy Ó Caoláin said:
“This is a savage budget, an economically illiterate budget and a budget that attacks low and middle income earners.
“The Minister told us the worst is over. Tell that to the families whose Child Benefit has been cut tonight. Tell it to the unemployed young people whose welfare has been cut by half.
“This Budget is anti-children, anti-young people and anti-jobs.
“The most vulnerable are being punished for the sins of the very wealthy and their political cronies in this Government who have wrecked the Irish economy.
“This Budget imposes prescription charges for medical card holders, it increases the threshold for the Drug Payment Scheme, meaning sick people will have to pay more for their medicines.
“Not only is there no jobs strategy in this Budget, it is anti-jobs because it takes many millions out of the pockets of ordinary families and out of the economy.
“The Minister spoke of the last big push and a return to growth. He is deluding himself and trying to delude the people. We have over 423,000 people unemployed, an increase of over 146,000 in one year. Many of these are young people and he is cutting their payments to €100 per week.
“There was an alternative approach for this Government to take which was put forward by Sinn Féin. It was an alternative which would have seen the economy on the road to recovery based on fair and equitable measures. Instead what we got was a savage budget from an economically illiterate Government that can only lead to further ruin.”

Sinn Féin Minister Addresses Regional Assembly

{Sinn Féin representatives at the recent meeting of the Border, Midlands & Western Regional Assembly (l-r) Cllr. Matt Carthy (Monaghan County Council), Gerry Kelly (Six-County Junior Minister) and Marie Therese Gallagher (Donegal County Council). }

Monaghan County Councillor Matt Carthy has welcomed as “extremely positive” the engagement between the members of the Border, Midlands and Western Regional Assembly (of which he is one) and Gerry Kelly who is a Sinn Féin Junior Minister in the Six County Assembly.

Speaking after the Assembly meeting, which was held in Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon, South Monaghan Sinn Féin Councillor, Matt Carthy, said that said that there is a growing need for strong, focused co-operation through all sectors of business and government across the island to produce practical, mutually beneficial outcomes. He stated that the demand for a United Ireland must be made louder than ever as it is clear that partition has failed every corner of Ireland. He welcomed Gerry Kelly’s remarks especially on those areas which could have a significant and positive impact on the County Monaghan economy in the short term. It is clear, he said, that the Dublin government alongside their Stormont counterparts must work together to immediately develop a harmonised All-Ireland economy. “That is the only way forward if this country is to develop its full potential” he said.

In a wide ranging address to the Assembly by Mr. Kelly highlighted the need for All-Ireland integration particularly in the current economic climate. He said there was a recognition, across all parties in the Northern executive, of the importance of co-operation with their neighbours on a North/South and East/West basis and that importance is reflected in their Programme for Government.

Economy

Mr. Kelly said: “The key issue facing both jurisdictions presently is the economic downturn. At the North South Ministerial Council Plenary meeting in January 2009, the First Minister and deputy First Minister and other Executive Ministers outlined the steps that are being taking to mitigate the effects of the downturn, including access to credit and establishing the Cross Sector Advisory Forum. In turn the Taoiseach and Irish Government Ministers outlined the steps they are taking, particularly on infrastructure, innovation and banking. It was agreed by all that there was a need for continuing practical and mutually beneficial North South cooperation to assist in Government efforts to deal with the challenges of the downturn.

“Looking to the island as a whole the apparent lack of trade interdependence currently between the two economies of Ireland may also suggest that the two jurisdictions are missing out on lost opportunities to co-operate and gain mutual economic benefit. In making the transition to innovation-oriented economies both the North and the South face the challenge of increased global competition. Every source of competitive advantage must be sought and all island economic co-operation can be one such source. The Comprehensive Study of the All-Island Economy makes clear the strong economic imperative behind driving North/South co-operation. Appropriate areas for action for co-operation arise where the border creates impediments to faster economic growth, and where public goods such as infrastructure and public services could be more efficiently provided on a co-ordinated basis. The gains from collaborative action fall to both economies and will lead to mutual advantage” he stated.

Infrastructure

Mr. Kelly outlined some of the Infrastructure projects that are currently being progressed and Cllr. Carthy has welcomed the fact that a key element of this includes the re-opening and development of the Ulster Canal.

Mr. Kelly also stated that they are continuing to take forward co-operation to help deliver real benefits in areas such as infrastructure, trade and business, tourism, education and in tackling major issues such as child protection, suicide prevention, barriers to mobility, the environment and transport.

He outlined that, in Education for example, work is being taken forward on important issues such as special education including the all island Centre of Excellence for children and young people with Autism Spectrum Disorders at Middletown.

The Sinn Féin Minister also outlined the positive steps that had been taken to combat illegal dumping on a cross border basis and to work together on other environmental issues.

Brian McKenna slams ‘sneaky’ Taoiseach visit

North Monaghan Councillor, Brian McKenna, has stated that the visit by Taoiseach Brian Cowen to Monaghan on Monday was ‘sneaky’. The Sinn Féin representative slammed the fact that Mr. Cowen, just like his predecessor Bertie Ahern, has continuously refused to visit Monaghan General Hospital or to even meet with local councillors to discuss the issue of health services in this county.

Cllr. McKenna welcomed the news for the VEC and congratulated all elected opinion and VEC officials for their efforts in securing the new facility at the former barracks.

However, according to Cllr. McKenna “The manner of Brian Cowen’s visit says more about the Taoiseach and the Fianna Fáil party than anything else. Considering that the Taoiseach has refused numerous requests to visit Monaghan General Hospital or to even meet local councillors to discuss the issue it is strange that he can sneak into the county on a Monday morning without giving advance notice speaks volumes.

“His refusal to meet the elected representatives of County Monaghan to hear their concerns and the concerns of the people following the closure of services in our hospital is nothing short of a disgrace. Fianna Fáil, in a very underhanded way, ensured that Acute Medical Services at Monaghan General Hospital, were withdrawn only after the local elections.

“Now Fianna Fáil Councillors and TD’s are doing all in their power to have the issue ‘forgotten’ by the electorate. The fact that these local Fianna Fáil Councillors and TD’s collude in secret visits to County Monaghan by Ministers and the Taoiseach shows the commitment, or lack of it, that they have for the retention and development of services at our hospital”.

Cllr. Brian McKenna also stated that he, and his Sinn Féin colleagues, would always welcome good news for our county. He said that his party were particularly pleased that the site of the former barracks (which regrettably was closed down by this government) would be now used for the development of MIFET, gaelscoil, gaelcholáiste and other VEC facilities especially as the original proposal in this regard emanated from his colleague, Seán Conlon. However Sinn Féin he said would “not allow the Taoiseach or any other member of government to sneak into the county while so many other services and initiatives had been robbed from Monaghan by Fianna Fáil, not least from our local hospital.”

Pat Treanor says that Government must listen to the people

Clones Sinn Féin Town and County Councillor, Pat Treanor, has said the voice of the people must be heard by the Government after tens of thousands of people marched in support of a fairer way to deal with our economic problems last Friday.

Speaking after attending the regional rally in Dundalk Cllr. Treanor said the Government must listen to the alternative proposals being put forward by Sinn Féin and the Unions to bring us to economic recovery without attacking the least well off in society and cutting public services.

Cllr. Treanor said:

“Friday’s rallies were a massive show of protest against the Government and support for a better and fairer way. I want to congratulate the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, the workers from both the public and private sectors and the members of the public who came out in their thousands at the regional march in Dundalk. It was heartening to see so many people from County Monaghan make it their business to be there.

“The Government must listen to the voice of the people. More than 100,000 people came out on Friday to say loud and clear that they will not accept Government attacks and that a better and fairer way must be brought forward.

“And the fact is that there is a better and fairer way. Sinn Féin is finalising its pre-budget submission to Government in which we outline how the €4billion the government wants to close in the deficit can be met without attacking the least well off or cutting public services.

“The Government must start listening to the alternative proposals being put forward by both Sinn Féin and the Unions.”

“Future generations to shoulder the burden of NAMA” – Carthy

Speaking at a Sinn Féin meeting in Carrickmacross this week local Town and County Councillor, Matt Carthy, criticised the Government for proposing €4billion cuts in public spending while spending €54billion bailing out an elite of bankers, developers and property speculators.

Cllr. Carthy said:

“These are dark days for this country. Local Fianna Fáil councillors can sit back and feign mock compassion but in reality they do not have to live with the anguish that faces ordinary families – otherwise they could not have voted against motions to Monaghan County Council and Carrickmacross Town Council opposing NAMA - the political class is not just out of touch, it is downright rotten.

“The truth is that Fianna Fáil, with the support of the Green Party, have successfully screwed over the people.

“NAMA will see Irish workers on low wages, the unemployed and those dependent on social welfare thrown overboard to make room in the lifeboat for an elite of bankers and developers whose greed has brought the 26 County state to the brink of bankruptcy.

“The total cost of the NAMA robbery will be €54 billion. That’s approximately €12,000 for every man, woman and child in this state. But this is a necessary robbery, according to Fianna Fáil councillors. The banks lent too much to a small number of profit-mad greedy developers and the government cheer-led the whole sorry saga with billions in tax-breaks, and now our banking system has collapsed. The taxpayer is being made to step in with €54 billion and bail out the banks, the developers, property speculators and a corrupt government.

“We are now facing a situation where the government is telling us it must reduce the public spending deficit by €4 billion this December, while at the same time, it is arranging borrowing of over €54 billion to buy toxic loans from irresponsible banks. It has set up a ‘Special Purpose Vehicle’ to keep this borrowing off the government balance sheet, in an attempt to make it look like the country is borrowing less than it actually is. In truth, our public deficit would more manageable and we could even create a stimulus, as Sinn Féin’s pre-budget will show, if the NAMA plan were scrapped.

“The real damage of NAMA will not be known until it is too late. Already shreds of information are being revealed which show the involvement of private developers and investors in its operation. NAMA is the politics of postponement. The true damage of it will not be seen until this government is gone. It will be future generations of Irish people that will shoulder the heaviest burden of this legislation. And local Fianna Fáil representatives will protest that it had nothing to do with them – I sincerely hope that the Irish people see through them.”

Regional Authority Backs Carthy’s call for restoration of Christmas Bonus

The Border Regional Authority has unanimously endorsed a motion by Monaghan Sinn Féin Councillor, Matt Carthy, calling on the Government to immediately restore the Christmas Social Welfare payment.

At a meeting of the Border Regional Authority held in Dundalk Cllr. Carthy proposed that that body add its voice to the growing number of public authorities demanding a reversal in the government’s decision to attack those claiming social welfare payments this Christmas. Cllr. Carthy said failure to restore the payment would push thousands of people into the hands of ruthless money lenders this Christmas and would severally impact on local businesses.

He said: “The cut of the Christmas Social Welfare payment will cause untold hardships for families and irreversible damage to local economies throughout the state including my own home town of Carrickmacross.

“Most low-income families shop locally and many will be forced into the hands of unscrupulous money lenders should these cuts be made. It is paramount that the government prioritises the needs of those who are already in financial difficulty at this particular time of year.”

Cuts and overcrowding increase danger of hospital infections – Ó Caoláin

Commenting on the serious outbreak of the C Difficile hospital-based infection in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, Sinn Féin Health & Children spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said that current and further proposed cutbacks in hospital services, as well as hospital centralisation, would make the battle against the infection much more difficult. He said:
“There is great concern in the North East region and across the country at the situation in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda. For over a week now this serious infection outbreak has seen three wards and 70 beds closed, most ambulance and GP referrals sent to other hospitals and a bar on visitors. The coroner has been notified of four fatalities in which C Difficile may have been a contributory factor.

“The Lourdes is the largest hospital in the North East region covering Counties Cavan, Louth, Meath and Monaghan. It is already greatly overstretched, not least because of the removal of acute services from Monaghan General Hospital last July, resulting in greater pressure on the Lourdes and on Cavan General Hospital.

“This situation is set to worsen with the planned removal of acute services from the Louth County Hospital at Dundalk at the end of the year. Overall, the Government and HSE policy of centralisation of hospital services, as well as current and further proposed cutbacks affecting staff and other resources, will make the battle against hospital-based infections much more difficult.

“In the Dáil last week Health Minister Mary Harney admitted the inadequacy of the hospital system to address C Difficile, MRSA and other hospital-based infections because of the lack of single rooms in which to isolate patients. This need was raised many times with the Minister and her predecessor, including by myself, but no effective action was taken when the resources were there. Now they plead lack of resources.

“It is long past time that this Minister and this Government stopped playing Russian roulette with citizens lives. I call on Brian Cowen, Mary Harney and company to restore our hospital services across the North East, to restore patient safety to its deserved importance, to abandon their co-location and privatisation agendas and, by these actions, help restore public confidence in our public health system.”

Sheila McKenna raises Scotstown issues at Monaghan County Council

North Monaghan Sinn Féin Councillor Sheila McKenna raised a number of issues relating to the Scotstown area at the October meeting of Monaghan County Council.

In her questions to the council executive Sheila McKenna sought the up-to-date position with regard to the proposed extension of Scotstown sewerage scheme. In response to the query the council executive confirmed out that a topographical land survey had been carried out of all the houses and associated works which could connect to the scheme, and sites earmarked for two pumping stations. “However, due to financial constraints within the budget of Water Services, it is unlikely to proceed for some time”.

Footpath Request

Cllr. McKenna asked if the council would investigate the possibility of continuing the footpath from Gola Crest into Scotstown village, in the interest of safety fro residents and school-going children.

A reply confirmed that the possibility of carrying out this work, and an investigation of the associated costs, would be matters that would be discussed at the next Road Area meeting.

Rumble Strips

The Sinn Féin representative also requested the council to replace and renew the rumble strips from the Knockatallon road into Scotstown as a means of traffic calming. As a result of Cllr. McKenna’s representations the council executive have agreed to examine the possibility, including determining, the costs of the works, with a view to renewing the rumble strips.

Speaking afterwards Cllr. Sheila McKenna said that she would continue to raise these and other matters of concern to the people of Scotstown and the other issues brought to her attention by people throughout North Monaghan. She is determined to see positive results to each of these queries, she stated.

Ó Caoláin calls for O’Donoghue’s resignation

Sinn Féin Dáil Leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has called on John O’Donoghue TD to resign as Ceann Comhairle, saying that his position has become untenable given his continued waste of public money since he took the chair of the Dáil.

Speaking after a meeting of Sinn Féin’s Oireachtas team in Leinster House this morning, Deputy Ó Caoláin said the Ceann Comhairle had embarked on a series of "lavish junkets" since he took office, bringing to the position of Ceann Comhairle "the same cavalier attitude to public money that became all-pervasive during the Celtic Tiger years at the highest levels in Government and in some State and semi-State bodies such as FÁS and that was in evidence during his term as Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism".

He went on to urge both Fine Gael and the Labour Party to support his call for John O’Donoghue’s resignation.

Deputy Ó Caoláin said:
"The position of John O'Donoghue TD as Ceann Comhairle has become untenable given his continued waste of public money since he took the chair of the Dáil.

"It is clear now that Deputy O'Donoghue embarked on a series of lavish junkets since taking up the office of Chair of the House.

"He brought to the position of Ceann Comhairle the same cavalier attitude to public money that became all-pervasive during the Celtic Tiger years at the highest levels in Government and in some State and semi-State bodies such as FÁS and that was in evidence during his term as Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism.

"We have to challenge a culture whereby a senior official of the State, such as Deputy O'Donoghue, can, for example, avail of £799 sterling of Irish taxpayers' money to hire a limousine to take him between terminals and a VIP lounge at Heathrow Aiport.

“Deputy O'Donoghue should resign immediately and, if he does not, a motion calling on him to resign should be tabled in the Dáil. I am calling on both Fine Gael and the Labour Party to support this position and to facilitate the moving of a motion calling for his resignation if the need arises” concluded the Sinn Féin Dáil leader.

Ó Caoláin accepts the people’s verdict and congratulates stoic Cavan Monaghan - highest ‘No’ vote across all 43 constituencies

“Sinn Féin acknowledges and accepts the people’s verdict on this occasion. Unlike this government we will not be calling for a further referendum on the Lisbon Treaty. However, we must remain vigilant as a people both of the European Union’s decision makers in the Commission and Council of Ministers and of our own elected representatives’ contributions and voting positions within the European Parliament.

“Brian Cowen and his Fianna Fáil and Green Party government should take no solace from the result of this Lisbon Treaty Referendum. They and their ‘Yes’ side supporters in Fine Gael and Labour now have to deliver. There is an onus, an obligation, on these ‘Yes’ parties to demonstrate that their arguments had substance – that there will be economic recovery and real jobs created as a consequence of its endorsement by a significant section of the Irish electorate.

“I, for one, do not believe a word of it. The only job that has been saved is Brian Cowen’s and just a couple of weeks back the European Commission approved a Polish government proposal to grant aid, to the tune of €54.5m, the relocation from Ireland of 1,900 jobs in the IT sector.

“There is something rotten at the core of this European project and Irish voices are not being heard” stated Deputy Ó Caoláin.

Cavan Monaghan – highest ‘No’

“I wish to congratulate the Sinn Féin organisation throughout Cavan and Monaghan for the heroic campaign they mounted over recent weeks.

“It was, with hindsight, a David and Goliath contest. The entire weight of the political, business and media establishment was pitted against the ‘No’ side. The ‘Yes Coalition’ spent an unprecedented amount of money, including public monies, in creating a climate of fear. They preyed on people’s concerns about their jobs and the future of the economy – problems which this government created.

“And so many stood firm.

“The Cavan Monaghan constituency recorded the highest ‘No’ vote of all 43 constituencies across the state. 21,301 voters throughout Cavan and Monaghan rejected the Lisbon Treaty for a second time. Co. Mayo, the home constituency of Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny, came second with 21,132 and Co. Wexford took third place honours on the ‘No’ side with 21,067.

“While only the two Donegal constituencies recorded an overall ‘No’ majority, the people of Monaghan town and it’s added area, sixteen ballot boxes in total, also recorded a ‘No’ majority, as did the electors in Knocknagrave, in Knockatallon and in Tyholland.

“So too did the voters in Ballybay and in other polling areas across both counties, with neck and neck results in many others.

Referenda

“The Referendum process, as a distinct element of our democratic system, has been seriously damaged by this government. In the course of my campaigning over recent weeks I met dozens of people who had voted ‘No’ to Lisbon in 2008 and who were adamant they would not go out a second time. In their words – ‘Government will keep coming back until they get their way’ – while others said – ‘we don’t count’. Some, understandably, have lost heart with the referendum process if not with the democratic process in its entirety.

“The answer I received on Saturday when voicing this concern on RTE television was telling in itself. “There will be no more such referenda for many years” was the assertion of the ‘Yes’ proponents, something we on the ‘No’ side had warned about throughout the debate.

Campaign

“Looking back over these past several weeks I can state with confidence and with pride that we in Sinn Féin put up a fair and strong challenge to all the other political parties in the ‘Yes Coalition’. We stuck to the facts regarding the Lisbon Treaty and we addressed the real issues of concern to the Irish people.

“While this government and their ‘Yes Coalition’ partners, and their federalist friends in Europe, now have what they wanted, the fact remains that the economy has to be put right, that public services and workers’ rights, Irish neutrality and the interests of rural Ireland all have to be cherished, defended and nurtured now more than ever.

“Government moves to introduce NAMA and to adopt all or even many of the McCarthy Report (Bord Snip Nua) recommendations must be resisted. These are deeply unpopular proposals for which this government has no mandate.

“I challenge Brian Cowen, in the wake of his Lisbon II Referendum success, to put his proposals before the people, either in a further referendum or better still, in a General Election before Christmas. Let the people decide. Let the people have the chance to show you and your fellow travellers exactly where they stand” concluded the Sinn Féin Dáil Leader.

“Don’t Trust this government – Vote No to Lisbon!” – Carthy

“This is a bad treaty that was negotiated by a bad government and both should be rejected on Friday”; so said South Monaghan Sinn Féin Councillor Matt Carthy this week. In calling for a large turnout and a strong No Vote Cllr. Carthy said: “This Friday the Irish people are being asked to vote on the same treaty, by the same government and they should be given the same answer.” He went on to say, “Fianna Fáil has got it wrong on NAMA, they have got it wrong on Bord Snip and they have got it wrong on Lisbon as well. And their handling of the controversy over former FAS chief Rody Molloy shows just how out of touch they are.”

Cllr. Carthy continued: “The Lisbon Treaty is Fianna Fáil’s Treaty. The Lisbon Treaty contains the same failed right wing policies that brought the economy into recession.

“The key question for voters is; if Fianna Fáil have got is so wrong on NAMA and on Born Snip Nua how can anyone trust them on Lisbon.

“As the party who have presided over the loss of 200,000 jobs in 12 months how can Fianna Fáil's claims that supporting Lisbon will bring jobs and economic recovery be taken seriously.

“Scaremongering about economic ruin is not only a lie it is damaging to our reputation abroad. The Irish and international business community want clarity and certainty. After Lisbon Ireland will still have access to European markets, and we will still be in charge of tax policies. The fact is that economy recovery has to be driven by a change in domestic policies and assisted by change at EU level.

“There was a 14% increase in inward investment in 2008 according to the IDA despite the rejection of the Lisbon Treaty.

“The so-called guarantees on the Lisbon Treaty are worthless. They are the equivalent of a Fianna Fáil election promise. We in Monaghan are more acutely aware than most of the values of assurances from this government or its representatives. We only have to point to our hospital.

“We need a new Treaty, containing new policies, that will enable Ireland and Europe to meet the new challenges which we are facing. On Friday vote for a better deal by vote No to the Lisbon Treaty.”

Sinn Féin Public Meeting on Lisbon Treaty - Party urges Monaghan people to ‘reject this bad deal’

Sinn Féin in County Monaghan have announced details of a public meeting on the Lisbon Treaty. The meeting will take place on Monday next, 21st September at 8.30pm in the Four Seasons Hotel, Monaghan Town.

Confirmed speakers include local TD and the Sinn Féin Dáil Leader, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin; former EU election candidate Tomás Sharkey (Louth County Council); and a representative from UNITE, the second largest trade union in the country which is vigorously campaigning for a ‘No’ vote.

The party has stressed that people of all persuasions are welcome to attend to put questions to the panel and to make any observations of their own.

Chairperson of Monaghan Comhairle Ceanntair Sinn Féin, Matt Carthy, explained that the party felt obliged to hold a meeting to outline the full facts of the treaty. He said “The ‘yes’ side have been attempting to portray this referendum as whether we are for or against continued membership of the European Union. It’s not! They are also trying to suggest that the Lisbon Treaty has something to do with the economy or creating jobs. It doesn’t. The only job the Lisbon Treaty will save is Brian Cowen’s”.

“We are inviting all members of the County Monaghan public to come along and hear the details of the Lisbon Treaty to assist them in making up their own minds. We look forward to a lively debate!”

“Lisbon Treaty = A Bad Deal” - Seán Conlon

Launching Sinn Féin’s Lisbon Treaty referendum poster campaign in County Monaghan this week North Monaghan Councillor Seán Conlon said that “The Lisbon Treaty was a bad deal for Ireland and the EU in 2008. The government has not secured a single change to the Treaty since then. It remains a bad deal for Ireland and the EU. As it is exactly the same Treaty Sinn Féin is urging people to give it the same answer and vote No on October 2nd.”

Cllr. Conlon said:

“Sinn Féin’s poster campaign is aimed at highlighting the content of the Lisbon Treaty and its implications for Ireland and the EU. We want to provoke a debate on and public knowledge about what the Treaty says and does. Unlike many on the Yes side our posters reference the articles of the Treaty on which we are basing our claims.

“Lisbon equals lower wages: In recent years the European Commission has enacted policies and the European Court of Justice has made judgments that have the effect of driving down the cost of wages in a number of EU countries, including the Laval (2007) judgment in Sweden and the Ruffert (2008) case in Germany. While these judgments took place under the existing EU Treaties the Protocol on the Internal Market and Competition contained in the Lisbon Treaty provides both the Commission and the Court with an even stronger mandate to undermine workers pay and conditions.

“Lisbon equals less power: Article 6 changes the way in which key decisions at the Council of Ministers are taken. The changes would see Irelands voting strength reduced to 0.8% while German’s would increase to 17% and Britain’s would increase to 12%. The Council is where states are meant to meet as equals. The Lisbon Treaty significantly reduces Ireland’s strength on this important body.

“Lisbon equals more military spending: Article 25 and 28 contain four separate obligations on military spending. Article 28(c)(3) states ‘Member States shall make civilian and military capabilities available to the Union for the implementation of the common security and defence policy.’ The same article also states ‘member states shall undertake progressively to improve their military capabilities’.

“In addition Article 25b(d)(3) states ‘The Council shall adopt a decision establishing the specific procedures for guaranteeing rapid access to appropriations in the Union budget for urgent financing of initiatives in the framework of the common foreign and security policy.’ While Article 25(d)(3)(TEU) states Preparatory activities... which are not charged to the Union budget shall be financed by a start-up fund made up of Member State’s contributions....”

“While the overall increase in expenditure arising from these new obligations will be a matter for the Government there is no doubt that they will lead to increased military spending in the future.

“Lisbon equals crushing family farms: The European Commission has for many years been pursuing an agenda of aggressively promoting free trade over fair trade. A series of EU Trade Commissioners from Pascal Lammy, followed by Peter Mandelson and now Catherine Ashton have been promoting an agenda at the WTO that would be devastating for Irish and European family farms and rural communities. Article 188, gives the Commission power to initiate and conduct negotiations including international trade agreements, makes Qualified Majority Voting the general rule in the conclusion of such trade agreement, and effectively end the Irish government’s veto on ‘mixed trade deals’ While Article 2 (b) gives the EU exclusive competence over commercial policy, including the negotiating of international trade agreements. Taken together these articles effectively removes the current Irish government veto on mixed international trade agreements making it easier for the European Commission to impose its free trade over fair trade agenda in future international trade talks.

“Taken together articles 6, 28, and 188 along with the Protocol on the Internal Market and Competition will equal lower wages, less power, increased military spending and crushing family farms. These are just four of the many articles that make the Lisbon Treaty a bad deal for Ireland and the EU.

“On October 2 Sinn Féin is urging people to reject this bad deal and vote for a better Europe and a fairer Ireland” Cllr. Conlon stated.

Councillor Conlon has urged people to attend the public meeting on the implications of the Lisbon Treaty organised by Sinn Fein which will be held this Monday, 21st September, at 8.30pm in the Four Seasons Hotel, Monaghan Town. He said people of all persuasions were welcome to attend and to air their comments or ask questions.

Pat Treanor claims Workers rights are being eroded at Grove Turkeys

Clones area Sinn Féin Councillor, Pat Treanor, has called on management at Grove Turkeys to explain the drastic cut in pay and conditions of workers employed at the Smithboro’ plant.

Accusing some employers in the country, including Grove Turkeys, of using the economic downturn to strip workers of hard won conditions and pay, Cllr. Treanor says that he has been contacted by former Grove workers who have been offered minimum rates of pay and contract employment just two weeks after these same workers received their redundancy payments.

Pointing out that workers are being left with no option but to accept employment on these reduced terms, Councillor Treanor said:

“Former workers at Grove Turkeys that I have spoken to are very angry that they were made redundant when there clearly was plenty of work for them at the factory. Since January 2008, when Grove announced a rationalisation plan involving reducing their workforce from around 200 to 70, these workers were left in a terrible situation by the parent company (Kerry Foods).

In addition to 130 workers and their families facing the dole, 85 farmers producing turkeys had to make alternative arrangements.

The workers were initially laid off for nine weeks. They were then brought back for two weeks before being laid off again. Some were offered work for the Christmas market before being let go a third time. They were brought back for a number of three-day-weeks.

The company then proposed to pay redundancy only at the part-time working rate, but were forced to pay the basic statutory two weeks per year worked.

Just two weeks after receiving these payments, some have again been offered work at the factory, this time under a contractor and at a reduced rate of €8.65/hr.

“This is a scandalous way of treating men and women workers who have given the best years of their working lives to Kerry Foods and Grove Turkeys,” said Councillor Treanor.

“Needless to say, there are many people who will take whatever work is available in the current economic climate, even at minimum pay rates. Grove management knows this and it is a dreadful reflection on the company that cynical advantage is being taken of people’s genuine desire to work.

“The practice of stripping workers of their hard-won conditions and pay must be challenged and reversed” the Sinn Féin councillor concluded.

Carthy says Green Party are using window dressing to save face

South Monaghan Sinn Féin Councillor, Matt Carthy, this week described as “pathetic” the Green Party’s attempts to make NAMA acceptable. He said the junior government party is engaged in a window dressing exercise to save face and that if they went before the people in an election they would be decimated because of their support for the FF plan to bail out greedy speculators and corrupt bankers.

Cllr. Carthy said:

“NAMA will not work. It will not fix our banking crisis. It is fundamentally flawed because it will not clean out the banking management and it will not make banks lend again. It is a shameful attempt to legalise the corruption of the government, developers and the banks over the last decade.

“The Green Party’s attempts to make NAMA acceptable are pathetic. The party is window dressing in an attempt to save face. They will not bring this government down even though they know it’s the right thing to do, because they are worried about their own political careers. They know if they went before the electorate right now they would be decimated because of their support for the FF plan to bail out greedy speculators and corrupt bankers.

“I am extremely pleased with Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin’s assertion that Sinn Féin will not support NAMA, no matter how many amendments are made to it. In my view only nationalisation will get our banking system up and running again. Those who took a gamble on banks have to take the blow now, not the taxpayer.”

For a Fairer Ireland and a Better Europe Vote ‘No’ says Uí Mhurchadha

Speaking as Sinn Féin in County Monaghan stepped up their campaign against the Lisbon Treaty Monaghan Town Councillor Pádraigín Uí Mhurchadha has urged voters to reject the Lisbon Treaty “in order to build a Fairer Ireland and a Better Europe”.
Cllr. Uí Mhurchadha said:
“Throughout the referendum campaign Sinn Féin has identified article after article of the Lisbon Treaty that will have negative consequences for this member state and our European neighbours.
“This is exactly the same treaty that citizens rejected last year.
“Ireland and Europe can and must do better. Sinn Féin wants Ireland to continue to play a strong and positive role in the future development of the European Union.
“We seek a new Treaty that promotes real democracy, protects workers’ rights and public services, does not undermine this state’s neutrality and maintains the voice of smaller states, including Ireland, at the Commission and Council tables.
“On 2nd October voters have a choice — do we accept a bad deal or do we once again vote for a better deal for Ireland and for Europe?
“A fairer Ireland and a better Europe are possible. Vote ‘No’ on October 2nd” Cllr. Uí Mhurchadha concluded.

“80 Cavan/Monaghan primary schools under threat” – Ó Caoláin

Cavan-Monaghan Deputy and Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has warned that 80 schools with fewer than 100 pupils in the two counties are under threat from the proposals on education in the McCarthy Report. The so-called ‘Bord Snip Nua’ recommends the closure or merging schools of under 100 pupils, a move Ó Caoláin said would “devastate rural Cavan and Monaghan”.

Deputy Ó Caoláin said:

“The McCarthy report recommends the shutting down or merging of all schools with 100 pupils or less, resulting in the laying off of around 500 teachers. In Counties Cavan and Monaghan this would mean the closure or merging of 80 schools.

“This proposal would devastate rural Ireland, including rural Cavan and Monaghan. The primary school is the heart of every small community. Closures and mergers on this scale will have a huge impact. As well as causing major inconvenience to families, especially given our inadequate school transport system, this move would mean further rural decline, following the closure of local post offices and small retailers.

“The Government has refused to rule out this McCarthy recommendation and if it is allowed to go ahead in the Budget it will see the death of rural schools, larger class sizes, poorer educational standards, redundancy for teachers and higher transport costs.

“The Government’s crazy NAMA plan will cost every man, woman and child €15,000 to bail out bankers and property speculators. This is being given priority over the education of our children.

“We in Sinn Féin will fight tooth and nail to protect our local schools and will campaign vigorously against these and all other education cuts.”

Ireland’s Interests Best Served by No Vote – Crowe

Speaking at a Sinn Féin meeting in Castleblayney this week local councillor, Jackie Crowe said that Ireland’s interests were best served by voting No to the Lisbon Treaty on October 2nd.
Cllr. Crowe said: “Sinn Féin believes that Irelands place is at the heart of Europe. Our approach to the EU is to support those proposals that are in Ireland’s interests and to oppose and campaign to change those that are not.
“Our European agenda is positive and progressive. We are active participants in a European wide movement of parties and people whose aim is to create a more democratic and people centered European Union that promotes workers rights and public services, supports rural communities and plays a constructive role on the International stage consistent with this state’s neutral status.
“In June last year the people, including the majority of Monaghan voters, rejected the Lisbon Treaty. They did so because they believed that is was a bad Treaty and because they wanted for a better deal for Ireland and Europe.
“The result presented the Dublin government with a strong mandate to negotiate a better Treaty.
“At the time Sinn Féin presented Brian Cowen with very detailed proposals as to how we felt the electorate’s concerns could be dealt with.
“What did the government do? Just like their mismanagement of the economy, they prevaricated, sat on their hands and did nothing.
“As a result they have not secured a single change to the text of the Lisbon Treaty. On October 2nd we will be voting on exactly the same treaty as we did last year.
“The Governments claims of having addressed the concerns of the electorate are entirely false.
“We will still lose our Commissioner, only now in 2014 instead of 2009. Our neutrality will still be undermined. Workers rights and public services will still come under attack. And tax harmonisation will still be made easier.

“There are three weeks left in the campaign. For our part the fact that exactly the same Treaty is being placed before the people means that we should give the same answer.
“A better deal is still possible, but only if we reject the Lisbon Treaty on October 2.”

Do we really want a ‘Ryanair Europe? If Not then Vote NO to Lisbon says Carthy

Speaking after Ryanair Chief Michael O’Leary’s came out in support of the Lisbon Treaty, South Monaghan Sinn Féin Councillor, Matt Carthy, has said that “voters need to ask themselves, do we really want a Ryanair Europe?”

Cllr. Carthy said:

“It comes as no surprise that the man behind the low-cost airline should support the Lisbon Treaty.

“The Ryanair business model has been built on the back of low pay, poor working conditions, and hidden costs to the consumer.

“Whatever ones view of this model for running an airline, there is no doubt in my mind that it is not the way to run the European economy.

“Michael O’Leary supports the Lisbon Treaty because it promotes a Ryanair approach the economy, facilitating a race to the bottom in workers wages and conditions.

“Ryanair opposes trade unions and internationally-recognised labour standards. The Lisbon Treaty facilitates the undermining of collective bargaining, established wage agreements and workers’ rights secured over a century of struggle. The Lisbon Treaty’s Protocol on the Internal Market and Competition provides the EU with a strengthened mandate to remove all ‘distortions to competition’. For Michael O’Leary and the right wing politicians who wrote and support the Lisbon Treaty such ‘distortions’ involve decent wages, good working conditions and consumer protections.

“The question we all have to ask ourselves is should we run our countries or indeed the EU like a low-budget airline? Imagine a Ryanair primary school or a Ryanair hospital.

“That’s not the kind of EU Sinn Féin wants to see and I don’t believe it’s the kind of EU that the majority of the electorate want to see either. In order to prevent it then we must secure a decisive NO vote on October 2nd.”

Carthy says that Aghavilla Road Closure is ‘a non-runner’

South Monaghan Sinn Féin Councillor, Matt Carthy, has said that he believes that the council will have to find an alternative way to improve road safety on the N2 at Aghavilla, north of Carrickmacross, other than the proposed Creevy Road Closure.

Cllr. Carthy said that if public consultation was to mean anything then the large amount of submissions against the proposed road closure must be taken into account.

He said: “Monaghan County Council received 67 submissions in response to the proposal to close the Creevy Road off the N2 almost all of which were opposed to the suggestion. It is my view that the road closure is therefore now a non-runner. Any other outcome would simply undermine the public consultation exercise.

“I, and other councillors, had expressed some concerns about the proposal to close this road when it was first mooted but we agreed to allow the public to have their say. Those people who live in the area and who use the road on a daily basis have spoken and they should be listened to.

“Obviously there is a road safety issue at Aghavilla that must be addressed. But, Monaghan County Council and the NRA will need to find an alternative way to address it. I have no doubt that a way to improve the safety for motorists without closing the road can be found if the will is there.”

Sinn Féin Highlight impact of Education Cuts on Monaghan schools

Over 50 Sinn Féin members and supporters, including local teachers, attended a protest in Monaghan town last Saturday to highlight the devastating impact that government cuts will have on primary and secondary schools in the county. Protestors gathered at the Courthouse in the county town and held placards stating: “Stop Education Cuts” and “Leave Our Schools Alone”. Members also distributed leaflets outlining Sinn Féin’s view that “every euro spent on the banks is a euro taken away from our children’s education”.

Speaking following the protest Clones area Councillor and former chairperson of County Monaghan VEC, Pat Treanor, said that County Monaghan schools were facing hard times ahead as cuts to education hit home.

Cllr. Treanor said:

“Monaghan pupils heading back to school this week after their summer break will have began to see the reality of the cuts that have been have been a hot topic of debate over the last number of months. Pupils have found themselves in larger classes, with limited resources and sometimes in cramped accommodation.

“Throughout County Monaghan primary and secondary schools have lost mainstream teachers and classes for children with special educational needs. This has obviously meant that good teachers have lost their jobs while other, younger teachers, are finding it difficult to get employment. In the medium term this will have a huge impact on Monaghan schools, the quality of learning and the well-being of vulnerable children.

“Many parents will be beginning to see the real costs of the Fianna Fáil cuts with the cost of sending children to school continuing to rise and more and more parents are finding themselves under immense pressure to find the money needed.

“Parents will be forced to fundraise more for the upkeep of their children’s’ school as the money is simply not there. The reality is that many parents simply cannot afford to do this. Parents are losing their back to school allowances and cuts in child benefit are looming. Many people that I have spoken to in County Monaghan have paid upwards of €800 on uniforms, school transport fees and books. This is nothing short of a scandal.

“Our children must not be made scapegoats for the reckless behaviour of this government and their cronies the bankers and developers. It’s time for us to fight back and that is what the Sinn Féin campaign ‘Leave our schools alone’ is all about. We will continue to highlight the very negative impact that Fianna Fáil cuts are having on our children’s education. This may well mean more protests in this county as we will ensure that local Fianna Fáil representatives cannot wash their hands from this issue as it is their party that is implementing these devastating cutbacks” Cllr. Treanor concluded.

Consequences of a Yes vote bad for Ireland economically and politically - Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dail leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has said today that the “consequences of a Yes vote in next months Lisbon Treaty referendum will be bad for Ireland economically and politically.”
Deputy Ó Caolain said:
“In recent days we have heard voices on the Yes side of the Lisbon Treaty debate talk up the prospect of negative consequences of a second no vote. The usual claims of losing inward investment and jobs and undermining our position in Europe are once again being repeated ad nauseam.
“All of these claims were made during the last referendum campaign and have been proved false. They are nothing more than the politics of fear designed to mislead and frighten people into supporting the Lisbon Treaty.
“On inward investment, in the 12 months since the last referendum inward investment has actually increased. In July of this year IDA CEO Barry O'Leary said: "It should be noted that 2008 saw a 14 per cent increase in foreign direct investment (FDI) on the previous year bringing the total number of FDI investments in 2008 to 130."
“On jobs, the primary cause of job losses since June 2008 has been the Fianna Fail-PD-Green Party mismanagement of the economy. It is the right wing economic policies pursued by this government that have caused the economic crisis. These same right wing policies are contained in the Lisbon Treaty. If ratified, this Treaty will make the economic crisis worse not better.
“The same is true of our position in Europe. If ratified the Lisbon Treaty will see Ireland and other smaller member states lose significantly at the Council of Ministers, with our voting strength dropping by more than 50% while larger states will increase their voting strength by more than 50%. And despite claims by the government to have secured an Irish Commissioner, again, if ratified, the Lisbon Treaty proposal for the reduction of the Commission will come into force from 2014 at which point we will lose our Commissioner for 5 out of every 15 years.
“The consequences of a Yes vote will cost Ireland dearly, economically and politically. It will damage our economy and reduce our power and influence in the EU.
“A No vote will provide a real opportunity for a new debate about the future of Europe and Irelands place within it. It will allow Ireland, in real partnership with our EU counterparts, to develop new policies and new approaches to tackle the pressing social and economic problems of our time.”

Fianna Fáil ignoring the will of people on Lisbon

Sinn Fein Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has today rejected Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin’s claim that that the Lisbon Treaty referendum “represents a new proposal and respects the will of Irish people”. The Cavan-Monaghan TD said the decision to “put exactly the same Treaty to the people again proved that Fianna Fáil has little regard for the will of the people.

Deputy Ó Caoláin said:

“Almost 900,000 people said No to the Lisbon Treaty in June 2008. Since then the government has failed to secure a single change to the text of the Treaty. The so-called legally binding guarantees do not alter the text of the treaty or its implications for Ireland or the EU.

“The government’s decision to put exactly the same Treaty to the people again proves that they have little regard for the will of the people

“To suggest that the so called guarantees represent any kind of meaningful response to the concerns of the electorate is simply untrue.

“Contrary to Minister Martin’s claim the government has not secured a permanent Commissioner for every country including Ireland. Rather they have secured a temporary stay of execution. The Lisbon Treaty proposal to reduce the size of the Commission remains and if the Treaty is ratified it is my firm belief that this provision will be implemented in 2014.

“The concerns of the Irish electorate and the millions of Europeans who oppose this Treaty can only be addressed if the Lisbon Treaty is defeated and a new and better Treaty is negotiated.”

Protest Against Education Cuts

As part of the party's national Day of Action against the government's ongoing attacks on our children's education Sinn Féin in County Monaghan have organised a protest to highlight the impact that the cutbacks are having on local schools and on students from our county attending colleges and universities.

The protest will take place:

This Saturday, 29th August 2009.

Monaghan Town Courthouse. Assemble 2pm.

Please attend and inform everyone you know who may be interested in joining our protest and delivering our simple message to Fianna Fáil and the Green Party:

LEAVE OUR SCHOOLS ALONE!

Seán Conlon calls for Honest and mature debate on Lisbon Treaty

North Monaghan Councillor Seán Conlon has this week called for an “honest and mature debate” on the Lisbon Treaty in the coming weeks. The Sinn Féin representative also urged people to “read the treaty” before they decide which way to vote on October 2nd.
Cllr. Conlon said:

“It is vital that people are aware of the contents of the Lisbon Treaty so that they can then make an informed judgement. For example in the past week Fianna Fáil have claimed that the issue of neutrality is ‘settled’. This is simply not the case.
“Article 28 of the Lisbon Treaty contains a number of far reaching measures all of which affect our neutrality. It states for the first time that the EU ‘shall have a common defence’. It significantly expands the range of permissible military missions beyond peacekeeping and humanitarian tasks. It further strengthens the EU’s links with NATO. It provides for additional funding mechanisms and obligations for the European Defence Agency. It places a mutual defence obligation on all member states. And it enables small groups of member states to develop mini military alliances within the EU, which while not requiring the active participation of all member states, could no the less carry out military actions in the name of the EU, utilizing its resources.
“The so called legally binding guarantees on neutrality that some on the ‘yes’ side refer to simply tell us what we already knew, namely that Irish troops can only be sent abroad with the consent of the Government and Oireachtas. Sinn Fein never disputed this claim.
“However military neutrality is about much more than what a country does with its troops. The Lisbon Treaty if ratified will significantly advance the development of single foreign and defence policies for the EU, which in turn will have a profound affect on our neutrality. It is wrong to suggest otherwise.”

“This is just another example as to why people should inform themselves about the content of the treaty so that they cannot be duped by any side.
“Sinn Fein is calling on both the yes and no sides to engage in an open, honest and mature debate. Neither side is served by exaggerated or unfounded claims. Nor is either side served by scaremongering.
“What is needed is a serious debate about the content of the Treaty and its implications for Ireland and the EU.

“Sinn Fein is committed to such a debate. Our approach will be to shine a light on the Treaty text and attempt to explain its meaning and implications.
“I am also urging the electorate to read the Treaty for themselves before they decide how to vote on October 2. Despite being a complex legal document, many of its sections are perfectly understandable to the lay reader.
“This treaty will significantly alter the shape and direction of the EU for decades to come. It is vital that the general public are engaged in the debate and feel sufficiently informed to vote on October 2nd. All protagonists in the debate, politicians, civic society, the government and the media have a responsibility in this regard. An honest and mature debate will lead to a more informed public and an increased turnout.”

Sinn Féin launch campaign to fight education cutbacks

Clones Town and County Councillor Pat Treanor has called on the people of County Monaghan to support the Sinn Féin campaign against Government cutbacks in education spending. Speaking after his party launched the campaign entitled ‘Leave our Schools Alone’ Cllr. Treanor, who is a former chairperson of County Monaghan VEC, said the education budget should be exempt from Government cutbacks as it is crucial to our long term economic recovery.

He said the Government was slow to react to the recession and is now implementing short sighted measures which target our children and which are ultimately detrimental to our economic recovery.

Cllr. Treanor said “Sinn Féin will not tolerate any cutbacks in the education sector. We will not stand by while the Government foolishly destroys our education infrastructure.

“While we all know that we are in dire economic circumstances, we believe that our education budget must be exempt from Government cutbacks. In fact it makes no economic sense to be cutting the education budget as it is crucial to our long term economic recovery.

“We have launched the ‘Leave our Schools Alone’ campaign to fight these cutbacks and to highlight the harsh realities faced by families as a result of the Government’s reckless policy.

“We will be highlighting cuts faced by schools right across the state including County Monaghan and bringing to the people’s attention just what this incompetent government has done to our education system and to our children.

“We are demanding a first class education system that enables future generations reach their potential and that is properly funded through a fair and progressive taxation system rather than the current situation where under-resourced schools are increasingly dependent through parents’ contributions and fundraising efforts.

“As a member and former chairperson of County Monaghan VEC as well as a father I am utterly appalled at the cuts which will now come into affect as our children return to school.

“Class sizes are set to increase, resources will be slashed, book grants are abolished and children will continue to be educated in dilapidated, overcrowded buildings and prefabs even though building new schools would create employment.

“Parents and teachers have had enough. Our children did not cause this recession. They should not foot the bill for this government’s incompetence. Now is the time to fight back.
“I am urging all parents, teachers and all those who will not stand for attacks on our schools to join us in our campaign. Our message to the government is clear – LEAVE OUR SCHOOLS ALONE!”

“Rural Transport Programme must be retained and enhanced” - Carthy

Sinn Féin Councillor Matt Carthy has this week stated that rather than abolish the rural transport scheme, as proposed by the McCarthy report, the government should in fact be enhancing the scheme as the positive impact it has had cannot be quantified in solely financial terms. Cllr. Carthy has said that he is disappointed that not a single local Fianna Fáil councillor has come out against the proposed cuts at this stage.

Cllr. Carthy said: “It is over four weeks since details of the McCarthy Report were released and as the days go on it continues to cause increasing anger and frustration among community groups, voluntary organisations as well as ordinary families throughout County Monaghan.

“It is clear that while the government is intent on bailing out the bankers and massive speculators (just as they propped them up in the first place) they expect ordinary families, particularly in rural Ireland, to pay for their mistakes. The clearest example of this is the suggestion that Rural Transport schemes, such as that provided by BaltiBus in County Monaghan, be scraped.

“I am shocked that such a proposal has even been made but I am even more shocked that not a single Fianna Fáil representative in County Monaghan has stood up and ruled the prospect out. I welcome and commend the fact that BaltiBus, like other transport schemes across the state, have launched a campaign urging local politicians to get behind them and stop what will be a devastating blow to the elderly living in rural Monaghan. They can be assured of the full support of their Sinn Féin representatives. I hope the same will be true of all other parties.

“Tens of thousands of passenger trips are made across Monaghan towns and villages each year in vehicles provided by BaltiBus. In many cases the service provides the only means of maintaining contact with the outside world for elderly people living in rural communities.

“However, despite that, the governments’ Bord Snip Nua recommends that this programme should be cut.

“The prospect is a devastating one especially for those elderly people for whom the service provides the only way of getting their weekly shopping done, or who need the service to visit their doctor or who would not be able to travel to Carrickmacross once a week to meet their friends without the BaltiBus.

“The proposal should be knocked on the head immediately. It is simply incredible to suggest that this government would take from the most vulnerable elderly within our society their one transport link to the outside world, when the same Fianna Fáil decision makers are willing to stand over payments of almost €1,400 per day to chauffeur a Minister to and from Cheltenham for five days in 2007” Cllr. Carthy concluded.

Cuts based on McCarthy Report will destroy health services – Ó Caoláin

August 21, 2009
Sinn Féin Dáil leader and health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has challenged Health Minister Mary Harney to put plans for up to €800 million in health service cuts before the Dáil on its resumption in September. He said that if such cuts are proceeded with and are based on the proposals in the McCarthy ('Bord Snip Nua') Report they "will destroy our public health services".
Deputy Ó Caoláin said:
"The confidential letter revealed this week from Minister Harney's Health Department to the HSE calls for up to €800 million in cuts to our public health services in 2010. It requires the HSE to bring forward cuts on the basis of the McCarthy ('Bord Snip Nua') Report. If implemented the savage cuts proposed by McCarthy would see thousands of people losing their medical cards, new charges for all prescriptions including those for medical card holders, higher costs to all patients for medicines, higher charges for hospital and nursing home care and means testing for home care for vulnerable older people. Such cuts, in addition to those already being imposed since the autumn of 2007, will destroy our public health services.
"I challenge Health Minister Harney to put any proposed package of cuts before the Dáil immediately on its resumption in September. This is about the future of our public health services and Minister Harney and her Fianna Fáil/Green Government colleagues must set out exactly what they are proposing. They must be accountable and cannot hide behind the HSE or hope to conceal from the people the real impact and the long-term implications of savage health cuts.
"We in Sinn Féin will continue to vigorously oppose the Government's attacks on our public health services."