New Taoiseach will face daunting task - Daly

Brian Cowen’s lacklustre term as Minister for Finance will now be his inheritance according to Cllr Richard Daly of Fine Gael.

“With an economy in tatters, a huge deficit in infrastructural development and tax revenue at its lowest in years Brian Cowen faces a very challenging time

Very little skills were required of a Minister of Finance who presided over tax receipts which exceeded anybody’s expectation over the past ten years. Future planning and developing infrastructure in schools and hospitals were neglected while the good times rolled. Increasing social welfare payments and pensions were the short term solutions instead of developing a greater knowledge economy and building on the successes of the past.

His lacklustre term as Finance Minister will now be his inheritance as Taoiseach. As he takes over the reins of power a year after an election which promised all, he is faced with a National Development plan which requires the finance which no longer flows in from tax revenue in the same volume. The hospitals, schools and garda resources which were overlooked during the good times are in a more needy situation years on.

Wage negotiations which require restraint are hard to preside over when you have just sanctioned yourself a serious increase.”

“For the sake of our country I wish the new Taoiseach well and hope that he has hidden talents to steer the economy through the ominous conditions ahead. I also hope that our neglected part of the midlands will benefit by having a neighbour at the helm” said cllr Daly

Athy should unite to showcase a tidy town - Daly

Keeping our town tidy is more than just pride – it is good business, according to Athy’s Cllr. Richard Daly.

“As Athy slipped back slightly in this year’s IBAL awards it is vitally important that all of the agencies both voluntary and statutory unite in addressing the issue. The benefits of this are many fold. Prospective business developments and prospective residents are all attracted to a town which takes pride in its appearance. In Athy we have all of the ingredients to make this a most picturesque and attractive town and should unite in perfecting it.

Over the past number of years success in the annual Tidy Towns competition has been encouraging and has been well supported by the Tidy Towns Committee, Athy Town Council, The Chamber of Commerce, RAPID and community and residents groups. This can now act as a catalyst for the future development of the town.” he said

“This is somewhere that the ordinary citizen can actively vote in favour of its town. Our River, canal, castles and Town Hall are the envy of the county and become a mecca for tourists. A community united behind making and keeping Athy the tidiest in the county could have as much economic benefit as the establishment of a small industry.

We constantly look towards outside agencies to promote the development of our town and can easily neglect something major which we could do for ourselves. Not only does uniting together to develop a very high standard of cleanliness have the economic benefit but it also helps to develop communities where people work together in a common cause.

As Spring Clean week begins we need all communities, schools, voluntary and statutory organisations to work together with pride to make Athy an example of how tidy a town can be.”

Lack of speed in delivery can cost lives on our road. Daly

While speed is a major factor in the number of deaths on our roads the lack of speed in installing speed cameras by the government can be seen as absolute neglect of its own road safety agenda according to Fine Gael’s Cllr Richard Daly

“I am appalled and annoyed that years after the government has been made aware that the installation of speed cameras will dramatically reduce road deaths it still has not introduced them.

We are still playing “hide and Go seek” with 3 speed cameras which move from location to location while European research claims to have decrease road carnage by over 20% by the use of fixed cameras.” Said Cllr Daly

“There is some forgiveness for a government not knowing how to address the crisis which we have on our roads but to have known the difference that this action would make and not to act is a shame.

The cost of the installation of dozens of cameras would be self financing and has been promised and re-promised for ten years now. In the meantime report after report has indicated the dramatic effect which they would have on saving lives.

The one area in our road safety strategy where we need speed, we seem to be at a standstill.”

ENDS

Education Minister neglects Kildare - Daly

The treatment by Education and Science Minister Mary Hanafin of all sections of education in Kildare shows her lack of commitment to the reality of education needs in the county according to Fine Gael’s Cllr Richard Daly

“A whole range of educational establishments which had completed the long acquisition, planning and tendering process throughout the county are left in the perpetual limbo of not knowing when they will be allowed to complete the schools which have been sanctioned for years.

There is no doubt about the need for any of these schools but all semblance of transparency and accountability have vanished from the process which seems to be purely in the hands of the minister. Schools in Naas, Athy and Athgarvan are among the bemused and bewildered who can not understand the ad hoc decision making process engaged in by the minister.” Said Cllr Daly.

“For any level of planning and education provision, school managers need to know when their projects are to be advanced. Many schools have worked through the process for seven or eight years and still have no definite finishing date. Even when all stages of the process are completed the minister still has to wait for the right moment for an announcement.

Primary schools can be located on second level grounds or sports clubs with no definite future arrangement for their re-location while the minister claims that it is possible to design and build schools within a year.

While I applaud the one location in Adamstown where school facilities are leading population development, it must not be at eh expense of the rest of the commuter belt. Every student has equal rights and their education facilities should not be dependent on the favouritism of a minister.”he added.

ENDS

Athy workers and farmers suffer in Bachelors closure – Daly

Devastating news that Bachelors factory in Athy is to close will hit workers and local farmers hard according to Cllr Richard Daly

“Since 1940 Bachelors has been a good employer and a landmark in Athy and it is with great sadness that we learn that the factory is to close this June. The 16 workers have been hit y the sudden announcement that the packaging operation is to move to Cabra and this workforce is a very local one who would not be in a position to commute even if there was transfer on offer.” Said Cllr Daly

“For the local farming community the prospects seem particularly bleak. While land would have been allocated for the crop at this stage they now have no delivery point for the harvest. While the company claim that they want to see continued supply from local farmers the writing is on the wall for pea farmers. The same locality which was hit hard by the demise of the beet industry now sees another crop facing extinction in the region.

While Athy has seen no investment in new industry in over a decade replacement employment for the most recent group facing redundancy was never more scarce. We have the highest unemployment rate in 10 years in Ireland and a building industry in decline.

Athy has been designated a RAPID town and must be prioritised for serious investment and job creation.

I sympathise with the workers and their families who see their jobs vanish in June and I urge our national politicians to put Athy centre stage for industrial development”

ENDS

Daly welcomes opening of new revenue office in Athy

The relocation of 20% of the planned number of revenue personnel to Athy is a very positive step in the fortunes of the town according to Fine Gael’s Cllr Richard Daly.

“I hope that four years after the announcement by Mr McCreevy of the decentralisation programme of the government that completion of the move will not take another four years. Athy has anxiously sought the location of a government department for the last number of years and welcomes the first 50 employees to the town. This is simply the advance party and we are anxious to see the real decentralisation of the promised 250 personnel.” Said Cllr Daly

“The relocation of these workers will have a strong economic effect on the economy of the town as these are the most secure of jobs. While we are seeing the closure of manufacturing outlets and the steady decline of the building industry on a daily basis we can be assured that taxation will be with us as long as we have government.

This initial development will further advance the plans of many of the entrepreneurs who are about to invest heavily in the town. We have seen Athy become an attractive location to invest in as our population increases with so many people choosing it as a place to live and while most of the fifty Revenue employees are already living locally there will undoubtedly be economic benefit to the local outlets

It is unfortunate that on the day the Minister Cowen officially opened the office that Ireland’s unemployment figure had reached its highest level in the last decade and that we are experiencing such high inflation just as Athy’s regeneration is commencing. The benefits of the Celtic Tiger did not reach as far as Athy over the past few years and now that the Minister for Finance has located members of his own department here perhaps he will prioritise investment in our schools, our rail network, our Southern relief road, our water supply, our broadband availability particularly our long promised MAN (metropolitan area network), and much much more.

It is also unfortunate that on the same day that the Minister officially opened the Revenue that his colleague in Education pared back her announcements of school buildings and has further delayed commencement dates for schools in the county including major projects in Naas and Athy. I would have thought that in times of economic decline that this government would have prioritised education before taxation.

A little done, a lot to do, Minister.” he concluded

ENDS

Daly welcomes opening of new revenue office in Athy

The relocation of 20% of the planned number of revenue personnel to Athy is a very positive step in the fortunes of the town according to Fine Gael’s Cllr Richard Daly.

“I hope that four years after the announcement by Mr McCreevy of the decentralisation programme of the government that completion of the move will not take another four years. Athy has anxiously sought the location of a government department for the last number of years and welcomes the first 50 employees to the town. This is simply the advance party and we are anxious to see the real decentralisation of the promised 250 personnel.” Said Cllr Daly

“The relocation of these workers will have a strong economic effect on the economy of the town as these are the most secure of jobs. While we are seeing the closure of manufacturing outlets and the steady decline of the building industry on a daily basis we can be assured that taxation will be with us as long as we have government.

This initial development will further advance the plans of many of the entrepreneurs who are about to invest heavily in the town. We have seen Athy become an attractive location to invest in as our population increases with so many people choosing it as a place to live and while most of the fifty Revenue employees are already living locally there will undoubtedly be economic benefit to the local outlets

It is unfortunate that on the day the Minister Cowen officially opened the office that Ireland’s unemployment figure had reached its highest level in the last decade and that we are experiencing such high inflation just as Athy’s regeneration is commencing. The benefits of the Celtic Tiger did not reach as far as Athy over the past few years and now that the Minister for Finance has located members of his own department here perhaps he will prioritise investment in our schools, our rail network, our Southern relief road, our water supply, our broadband availability particularly our long promised MAN (metropolitan area network), and much much more.

It is also unfortunate that on the same day that the Minister officially opened the Revenue that his colleague in Education pared back her announcements of school buildings and has further delayed commencement dates for schools in the county including major projects in Naas and Athy. I would have thought that in times of economic decline that this government would have prioritised education before taxation.

A little done, a lot to do, Minister.” he concluded

ENDS

Road deaths at unacceptable level – Daly

Following the weekends tragic accidents, Ireland’s road carnage has reached unacceptable levels according to Athy’s Cllr Richard Daly.

As the death rate on our roads is fast approaching one per day it is time for further serious examination of our Road Safety Strategy.. With 30 deaths already on record for this year our carnage statistics will exceed our worst fears this year. It is estimated that the number who suffer injury can be ten times the fatality rate so a large number of our population have already suffered because of road accidents this year.

Road safety is a political issue but more importantly it is a personal issue

How horrific and graphic must advertising campaigns be before each of us realises the grim reality that they are aimed at us and not the other driver. So many of us still drive with excess speed and yet criticise the other driver who overtakes us. We still occasionally have to take that urgent phone call while driving but constantly bemoan the fact that so many other drivers are driving while using a mobile phone. In order to save lives there is an individual responsibility on each of us.

My most sincere sympathies go to every individual who has suffered loss or injury as a result of road accidents.

One month into a new year and we have a shameful record on our roads. Driver behaviour must change and it must change with each one of us.

Kildare needs urgent medical attention – Daly

With an EU average of one doctor for every 1000 of the population Kildare has a staggering average of 3100 people to every doctor putting it as one of the highest in Ireland and in Europe according to Cllr Richard Daly of Fine Gael.

“The growth of population in Kildare has not been matched by a similar increase in the provision of GPs and the HSE has not increased the number of GPs to correspond with the demand. Annually hundreds of doctors attempt to qualify as GPs but are turned away by a 121 limit by the HSE. Despite promises to increase this number and despite the proven demand the number of places has failed to increase to 150.

Kildare has the second highest ratio in the country with 3105 potential patients to each doctor while some “lucky” counties like Sligo have a ratio of one doctor to every 1485, which is still 50% greater than the European average.

The shortage of GPs has significant consequences for the health of a county because inevitably diagnosis and treatment are delayed as appointments are more difficult to schedule and this could conceivably put lives at risk. Kildare GPs themselves are under immense pressure to expand patient lists and provide a service to numbers way in excess of what would be the norm anywhere else in Europe.

The Minister for Health needs to examine the situation, particularly in Kildare, as people moving could find that they can’t get included on doctors patient lists. The demand for GPs certainly exists in the county and it is the responsibility of the Minister and the HSE to ensure that there is adequate doctor provision throughout the county.” said Cllr Daly

Daly congratulates Athy boxers on National success

Congratulations are due to members of Athy’s St. Michael’s Boxing Club following fantastic success in the National Amateur Boxing Finals in Dublin last night according to Athy’s Cllr Richard Daly of Fine Gael.

“Athy must be very proud of the four boxers who gave excellent performances in the National Stadium last night and brought credit to the town, their club and their families. Not only did three of the boxers win national titles but they did it under the watchful eye of National President Dom O’Rourke.

Unfortunately Tommy Sheahan’s sterling performance was not enough for a title but Roy Sheahan, David Oliver Joyce and John Joyce won their categories and saw St Michael’s club win the lion’s share of the national titles.

Ross Hickey from Grangecon was also a title winner having beaten Athy’s Eric Donovan the previous night so another title also came to the locality.

These young sportsmen now prepare for Olympic qualification and are examples of perseverance and commitment to all of our young people.

I congratulate the club, Dom O’Rourke and the fine sportsmen who brought honour to the town once again.

Minister pours cold water on schools finances - Daly

For schools throughout the country that have been waiting for school buildings, extra staffing, resource teachers and classroom assistants the latest announcement that water charges are to be applied to schools comes as no surprise. The charge is in reality a cutting of the schools budget as it represents a new liability, according to Athy’s Cllr Richard Daly of Fine Gael

“Obviously conserving water should be a priority for all of us, schools included. Has the Department of Education included the provision of storage tanks for roof water in all of its newly built schools? Has the department included the provision of environmentally friendly renewable fuel burners in the heating system of all new schools? Has the Department of Education included the provision of solar panels, lighting timer switches, CFL bulbs, ICT paperless recordkeeping and administration systems within its organisation or many of the other “green” initiatives. Instead all of these issues are passed down to local school management.

The mixed logic of on one hand providing funding for school meals and simultaneously charging for the use of water seems to indicate a lack of thinking on this issue.

Conservation of water in schools is a design issue and the use of half flush toilets, recycled natural water, etc., require remedial and expensive plumbing changes. This year instead of prioritising an aggressive Summer Works scheme to address plumbing and water conservation issues in school in advance of water charges, the Department instead abandons the very scheme which could make inroads into these issues in older schools and declares that it will not be operating a Summer Works scheme this year.

The Minister for Education must begin to take responsibility for the operation of schools within her charge and should begin to address the water conservation issue in advance of punitive charges” said Cllr Daly.

Government has become like a Christmas Panto - Daly

As we start a new year the need for real government was never more apparent than at the moment with a complete lack of confidence and direction in and by a government which seems ill equipped for the job according to Cllr Richard Daly of Fine Gael

“At the end of last year we saw Noel Dempsey practice his “Oh yes, we will!/Oh no, we won’t routine” in his pronouncements about provisional driving regulations. Mary Hanafin also auditioned for the part of the jester with her dictate to charge schools for water usage “Oh yes, we will/ Oh no, we won’t”. Meanwhile in another theatre Taoiseach Ahern has treated audiences to “Oh yes, I did/ Oh no, I didn’t”. While this is the panto season the audiences are not laughing when they realise that the performance fees for the total government cast, although slightly deferred, have increased by an industrial wage.” said Cllr Daly

“At a time of such economic uncertainty we need strong government and well planned economic policy. The current programme is not the one advertised on the posters last Summer. The promised health and educational improvements which were promised have not materialised and six months later we are getting the mixed messages from the government parties who told us that they were the only ones who could ensure fulfilment of their election promises. So now is the time to deliver.

House sales and manufacturing are suffering while oil prices are posing a new challenge to our economy. Crime and the prominence of drugs in our community are the hallmarks of the government which promised zero tolerance.

We need delivery of commitments to the people and we need strong economic strategy which will lead to investment in our country.

It may be panto season but it is time for our government to get its act together and get the show on the road”.

Kildare residents suffer under inadequate budget - Daly

Apart from the failure to live up to the dozens of promises in their election manifesto Fianna Fail has actually disimproved the lives of Kildare residents according to Cllr Richard Daly of Fine Gael

“Throughout the election campaign this year Fianna Fail promised tax cuts, school buildings, extra Gardai and whatever you are having yourself to the fast growing population of Kildare.

The extra Gardai needed on our streets to match the growth in population will not be arriving as the promised 2000 extra members of the force before 2008 are not factored into this budget. Instead the national increase has been reduced to 200.” said Cllr Daly

“Kildare parents were told that pupil teacher ratios would improve under this administration but the overcrowded schools in Newbridge and throughout the county will have to postpone this promise.

Increased investment in broadband could have begun to address the long commute suffered by Kildare workers by advancing the notion of working from home but there is no increased investment in future technologies in communication and we have fallen behind most European countries in our broadband provision.

Government fuelled inflation has increased the cost of living for Kildare residents and make Ireland and Kildare a dear place for business to locate.

The only people who seem to have gained under this government are the Taoiseach and government ministers who have experienced substantial increases to their salaries.” concluded Cllr Daly

New Childcare Subvention Scheme will have disastrous consequences for Kildare parents – Daly

New Childcare Subvention Scheme will have disastrous consequences for Kildare parents – Daly

Changes to the new Childcare Subvention Scheme which will come in next year will create great difficulties for many parents and will cause many Kildare crèches to close according to Cllr Richard Daly of Fine Gael.

“Because many low income families will no longer be eligible for subvention under the new scheme they will be forced to pay full price for their childcare which could cause them to give up work as a lower paid employment will not afford them this level of finance.”said Cllr Daly

“Parents on modest income who do not qualify for Family Income Supplement will be affected. Parents who are in employment and and do not receive social welfare will also be affected

This will not encourage the return to work for many parents and it will have a negative affect in communities

There are a number of community not for profit childcare services will find it very difficult to continue. These crèches currently cannot recruit staff on a permanent basis as they do not know if they will be able to pay future salaries.

Changes of this magnitude to the childcare provision will require much more consideration and alternative arrangement before implementation can be considered and I would recommend that Minister Smith “does A Dempsey” on this proposal and makes sure that families and childcare facilities do not lose out under this new arrangement.”he added

ENDS

“Because I’m Worth It” is not good enough justification for recent salary increases - Daly

Salary increases in line with industry are acceptable if the economy can stand it and if the service is being provided but in the current climate ministerial increases seem ill timed according to Fine Gael’s Cllr Richard Daly

“I have listened to Taoiseach Ahern and Minister Dempsey sounding more like cosmetic commercials than politicians justifying salary increases with “because I’m worth it” lines and I question both the timing and the amount of the increase.

In an economic climate when hospital queues are getting longer, the school building programme is years in arrears, employment in the building sector is spiralling downwards, Minister Cowan’s economic forecast is recommending caution and inflation is rising, the Taoiseach and his ministers have increased their wages by the equivalent of the average industrial wage.

Are we getting value for money? Is the increase benchmarked with performance? Take for example the largest salary and increase of Brendan Drumm of the HSE. Has the Health service improved to such a degree that Prof Drumm is awarded even more than the inflated salary of our own Taoiseach which in turn exceeds that of most world leaders in the western world.” said Cllr Daly

“Minister “because I’m worth it” Dempsey has last week been rewarded with a salary in excess of €200,000. The minister who made a complete mess of the impending road safety initiatives has performed similarly in the past. It was he who was not in sync with his Transport department in the six weeks preceeding the Shannon announcement. The same minister during his Education stint endeared himself to the teaching community by telling them that he would send out inspectors before Christmas to ensure that no school closed early. And wasn’t it Minister Dempsey, during his Environment ministry who set the electronic voting scene which has cost us a fortune in purchase and storage.

As employers now try to negotiate wages with employees their position is significantly weakened by the fact that despite the slowdown in our economy the policy of salary increase in firmly established and this will have inflationary implications.

If delivery of manifesto promises is the benchmark for pay increases then I fear that government ministers should more likely be expecting reduction in wages as they are beginning to acknowledge that most of the promises will never be realised. If benchmarking is to apply to other sectors let it also apply to our politicians. Said Daly.

ENDS

New driving regulations will require lead in time – Daly

While I welcome new moves to regularise driving regulation on our roads many provisional licence holders will require lead in time to make alternative arrangements to get to work says Cllr Richard Daly of Fine Gael

“I have been working over the past couple of years to lobby for an improvement in our road safety and fully support measures which will help to decrease injury or death among road users. However announcing regulations on the Thursday which will make it illegal for provisional licence holders to drive to work after t he weekend does not give adequate time to comply with legislation.

Up until today we have had a ridiculous provisional licence inconsistence which was difficult to enforce but over a weekend those who were on second provisional and entitled to drive unaccompanied have been told that after the weekend they have to have new arrangements in place for getting to work. Changes in legislation and enforcement require compliance time.

The confidence and support of the public need to be combined with diligent enforcement but giving three days notice to those who have been driving to work legally on a provisional licence does not seem like good practice.

Over the weekend the alcohol/blood limit could be dramatically dropped and would have had a dramatic result but unfortunately this was put on the long finger.

Over the weekend regulation to introduce either the expansion or the privitisation of the speed camera network could have been introduced but unfortunately this was put on the long finger.

Driving test waiting time in this region is in the order of six months so it is impossible for provisional drivers to comply with the new regulation for at least that length of time.

This is a typical example of grasping defeat from the jaws of success when such good initiatives are introduced so badly”

ENDS.

“Don’t forget your shovel” is Daly’s response to new education fast track building programme

Minister for Education and Science’s declaration that the Department plan to complete school building projects from purchase to occupation inside a year means that either they have been wasting years and finance on previous projects or it is an aspirational spin by a minister who has a building programme which is out of her control according to Fine Gael’s Cllr Richard Daly.

“The announcement of this swift-build by the department was announced on the same day that the Minister visited Kildare, a county where primary school children attend school in prefabs on a second level school carpark because the same department and Minister could not read the projected population figures submitted five years earlier.”said Cllr Daly

“In the same county Taoiseach Bertie Ahern spoke to those assembled at the tree planting ceremony for Athy Community College in November 2000 and told them of how speedily this fast tracked project would be completed.

There are numerous school building projects sitting of the departments list for years with parents and management afraid to become aggressive in case they penalise the project.

Throughout Kildare South numerous parents, teachers, school managers complained of the lack of school accommodation in the lead up to the General Election.

Promising a new speed in the building programme further degrades those who have been waiting for years who obviously were not important enough to merit such attention from the minister.

I have personal experience of the school which I work in being sanctioned in the last century and is now only going through so I would love to know if it is all due to inefficiency in the past or is the Minister expecting a supersize Lego building kit for Christmas.

Yes, we need new schools and have needed them for years. We also need a minister and a government capable of delivering them so appropriately in Kildare the message to Minister Hanafin is “Don’t forget your shovel……”.

It is time for debate on Education in Kildare and nationally – Daly

The provision of schools and their governance are urgent issues which need open and serious discussion according to Cllr Richard Daly of Fine Gael..

“The lack of school places, the growth of several different styles of schools and the re-examination of by the Catholic Church of their commitment to education provision means that Irish education is at a crucial crossroads.

Gaelscoileanna and Educate Together schools are just some of the new types of schools which are growing throughout our county and country and the uniformity of provision of the past is changing. What types of schools and who should manage them are the questions which need to be discussed.” said cllr Daly

“As responsibility for the provision of schools is shared between several providers, adequate school places and a quality curriculum must be assured.

VECs which have an established role in education provision in every county must also be brought on board in discussions on the provision of education at all levels.

The Minister should initiate this debate sooner rather than later”

Daly Congratulates Roche, our Olympic Champion

Cllr Richard Daly today expressed his congratulations to Stephen Roche who has achieved a gold medal in the Olympics in China.

“Stephen is a great ambassador for our town our county and our country and we must all be extremely proud of him. He has united the Kilmead and Athy communities in their support for him and was a winner even before the Olympic competition.”said Cllr Daly

“I wish Stephen and his family my congratulations and look forward to celebrating the sportsman’s return.”

Daly criticises lack of standards in public office

It is not good enough that the ordinary citizen is asked to abide by legislation regarding his financial affairs while some of our legislators can make up their own rules claims Fine Gael’s Cllr Richard Daly

“It is a slur on both the law-abiding politicians and the ordinary taxpayer that some of our well paid leaders can claim loss of memory as reason for being able to give account of receiving very irregular financial donations. We have had a spate of illegal offshore accounts and false accounting by others who were involved in implementing laws by which the ordinary citizen must abide.

Our political process is being demeaned by the lack of standards in public office and sends out signal that not getting caught is all that is required of dubious financial dealings.” said Cllr Daly

“Fianna Fail have sent out the message that “political loyalty” is a more important trait than financial integrity and this mantra has been trotted out by Minister Cowan in case any of the party followers might question the dubious financial affairs of the Taoiseach.

I am disappointed that South Kildare’s Minister Power was among those sent out to bat in defence of his leader in his recent troubles.

For the politicians who are not in the habit of receiving envelopes or suitcases of cash and to those who pay their tax on their earnings the recent behaviour is an insult. The financial dealings of our leader have become the object of comedy throughout the media and it has eroded the integrity of us all.

Our children and our electorate deserve the highest standards from our leaders and the current political system encourages political cynicism when our leaders cannot account for their actions”.

Congratulations on winning Barrow Award 2007 - Daly

Cllr Richard Daly expressed his congratulations to all associated with Athy winning the Barrow Awards 2007.

The town of Athy and the many voluntary and statutory groups who have played a part in making our town and river so attractive must be congratulated. Athy has a unique position in having both the River Barrow and the Grand Canal flowing through its town. The river offers huge opportunities for tourist and recreation activities and can be regarded as a potential industry.

In recent years Trojan work has been done in organising Water festivals, rowing races and a Triathlon. Athy attracts many fishing visitors and our slipway is constantly active over the summer months. Exploiting the potential of the river and keeping the surroundings attractive and litter free have been the challenges faced by the many volunteers.

Winning this award gives recognition to the many people who have helped to promote our town and river

Daly supports provision of Taxi ranks in Kildare towns.

Cllr Richard Daly of Fine Gael has strongly supported the provision of taxi ranks in Newbridge and Kildare and indeed throughout the county.

“As a member of the Transport Policy committee of Kildare County I have already voiced the opinion that these ranks should be provided as soon as possible. Taxi ranks have already been provided in Naas and I see no reason why provision cannot be made in other towns.” Said Cllr Daly

“I have heard the arguments that parking spaces will be lost and that the taxi ranks may in future be required to comply with certain criteria. However the rights of the public who should be able to avail of the service and the rights of the taxi drivers who paid substantial amounts for their licences must take priority.

I would further maintain that we should be proactive in providing a simple solution before we are issued with prohibitive conditions without funding by the national regulator.

The negotiations between the Kildare County Council and the Taxi Regulator need to be progressed but in the meantime we need to be providing a taxi service for our population.

The issue will be coming before the next meeting of the Transport SPC where I will be supporting speedy resolution.”

ENDS

Daly accuses Greens of sell out on hospital Co-location

As Tallaght Hospital prepares to go to tender for a private hospital on its land, Cllr Richard Daly of Fine Gael accuses the Green part of selling out its values in return for inclusion in the government.

“What we are getting now is “a paler shade of Green” as policies become diluted into oblivion in return for the keys of the executive washroom. Core beliefs of equality in the health system and environmental and heritage protection on motorway routes will need a more committed Green party” claimed Cllr Daly.

“Despite the pre-election opposition to the whole notion of co-location the Green party seem to have gone silent as one of the most controversial PD proposals unfolds.

Tallaght is the first of eight hospitals which are to have private hospitals located on their grounds.

The propagation of a two tier health system where private patients have a different hospital to public patients is contrary to the opinion of the majority of this country and is a most exclusive system.

The Green party in its election manifesto promised to “scrap immediately the decision to subsidise building of private hospitals on public land” and to address “Our two-tier health system which discriminates between insured and uninsured patients”

The fact that a party could so blatantly renege on its own manifesto during its first weeks of government can justifiably lead to cynicism towards politicians. We have seen a similar U turn in relation to the routing of the M3 motorway where the Greens seem to have also lost their direction.

As the Green TDs mix their policies with those of Fianna Fail the environmentally focused voter will have to look elsewhere as one after one the “raison d’etre” policies of the party are conceded”.

ENDS

Daly calls for action on public consumption of alcohol

Calling for the erection of signage in Athy to indicate penalties for public consumption of alcohol, Cllr Richard Daly of Fine Gael said that a strong signal must be sent out to those who are involved in the activity.

“The enjoyment of many of our public amenities is being marred by a small group of people who abuse our facilities by public drinking. The amount of cans collected in the vicinity of the waterways in the advent of some of our water weekends shows an alarming amount of alcohol consumption taking place in our public areas.

I have called for the erection of signage adjacent to our waterways and in the People's park to remind people that we will be enforcing our Bye Laws, which have strict penalties for the public consumption of alcohol. My motion to that effect received the full support of Athy Town council and I look forward to seeing them in place” said Cllr Daly

“We are encouraging our residents, young and old to avail of our public amenities and not to have it marred by encountering groups engaging in public drinking which can lead to anti social behaviour. The time has come for us all to be more responsible in our communities.

The availability of alcohol at more off licences and supermarkets is leading to more public consumption and these premises should also post reminders of the penalties involved in breach of the law.”

ENDS

Lapple losses are a sign of our lack of competitiveness – Daly

The announced closure of the Lapple factory in Carlow will have a detrimental effect on a town and locality which is only coming to terms with the recent closure of the sugar factory according to Fine Gael Cllr Richard Daly.

“I offer my sympathy to the workers and their families employed in the Lapple factory, some of whom I know personally.

The exodus of so many of our manufacturing jobs is a wake up call for a government which has presided over an economy which has become uncompetitive on the world stage. We have government-fuelled inflation which allowed stealth taxes and energy costs to escalate to a point where manufacturers are looking outside the country to continue their business.

The town of Carlow is the latest to pay the price of a mismanaged economy where the policy of “carry on regardless” is putting workers back on the dole queue.

Towns in the commuter belt need secure industry being developed in tandem with the phenomenal housing development. It is not good enough to blame world economic trends for the demise of our industries. We need a re-examination of our competitiveness, the growth of high level value added industries and a halt in the escalating energy, telecom and insurance costs.

This is a serious blow for a workforce who represent a significant financial contribution to the area and I hope that we can start to attract rather than lose industry by developing more attractive economic conditions.” said cllr Daly

Kildare students will suffer as rents increase – Daly

Kildare students will be among those who suffer as a result of the major increase in rent which is being sought in our major towns according to Fine Gael’s Cllr Richard Daly.

“With supply of rental accommodation at an all time low there is enormous increase on the rents being demanded at this time. The surge in rental price heralds good news for the investors and the housing sector but in the interim it will place increased pressure on students who will have to compete with up to a 20% decrease in the amount of rental property and an average of 12% rental cost increase.

Students will have to compete with both the increase in interest rate and the arrival of thousands of new Europeans which are causing much of the increase in demand leading to higher rents.” said Cllr Daly

“First time college students who will need accommodation face the difficult task of trying to secure accommodation before they know their Leaving Cert results which will secure their college place.”

Young Voters In Kildare South Gagged By Government - Daly

Fine Gael Candidate for Kildare South Cllr Richard Daly has described as a disgrace the fact that so many young people and commuters will be disenfranchised by the General Election being held on a Thursday.

“Fine Gael is committed to ensuring that all those entitled to vote are given the maximum opportunity to do so. Fine Gael recently proposed legislation in the Dáil to guarantee weekend voting, which would allow many more young people to have their say in the elections. The Minister for Education, Deputy Sean O Fearghail and the rest of the Government voted against this.

“Young people who have long commutes or are in college in another part of the country will suffer most by holding this election on a Thursday. Forty per-cent of young people who did not vote in 2002 cited being away from home on polling day or not being registered as a reason for not voting.

“There are 650,000 people in Ireland aged between 19 and 28 and we must ensure that every single one of these voters is actively encouraged to vote and are given the greatest opportunity to do so.

“It is quite obvious Fianna Fáil and the PDs know they have let young people down on a whole range of issues including the cost of housing, mental health services and road safety and now they are running away from them”, said Cllr Daly

“If the current Government had any regard for young voters they would have called a weekend poll. I encourage students and young commuters who make an extra effort to get home to vote to make their annoyance felt at the ballot box by voting for change; voting Fine Gael”.

Ends../

Fine Gael commits to children with autism – Daly

FG financial framework provides substantial increase in funding for autism education

Fine Gael general election candidate Cllr Richard Daly said Fine Gael is taking a clear and costed commitment to children with autism.

“Fine Gael is committed to meeting the needs of children with an intellectual or physical disability. Our recently published General Election Manifesto put forward a number of key actions that Fine Gael will prioritise in Government after the election.

“With regard to autism, our manifesto explicitly states that where a period of intensive education – like Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) – is professionally recommended for children with autism we will support this approach.

“For too long children with autism have been shamefully overlooked by Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats. Special autism units are working for some children with autism, but for others a more intensive approach is needed. However, this Government refuses to fully acknowledge the benefits of ABA education, leaving many children with autism without the education that fits for them.

“Fine Gael believes that, in education, one size does not fit all. In Government we will recognise more ABA schools for funding, giving children with autism who need this type of education the assistance they are currently waiting for.

“This is no empty pre-election promise. Fine Gael has budgeted for increased financial support for the education of children with autism, and our financial framework shows Fine Gael will spend an additional €45 million on autism education over the lifetime of the Government.

“Fine Gael is putting its money where its mouth is – our commitment to children with special educational needs means we have made specific financial commitments to support children with autism.”

Ends

Constitutional rights of children being denied in Kildare – Daly

Fine Gael General Election Candidate Cllr Richard Daly says that he believes that the constitutional rights of children have been denied to the tens of students who were refused places in our primary schools.

“The failure of the Department to provide adequate places in Newbridge last year meant that dozens of young children could not be accommodated in the primary schools. Deferring their entry has meant that parents had to make provision for childcare or preschool while they waited in vain for a place in the primary school to come on stream.” said Cllr Daly

“Over the past month I have encountered parents and educationalists who are extremely annoyed at the lack of school places for their children. The lack of places does not only apply to those who would have entered primary but also to several who could not access places throughout the primary system.

As another school year comes to an end parents once more face the lottery of school places in overcrowded classrooms.

Minister Hanafin has announced another primary school for Newbridge but neglects to mention that it is not a permanent building but “prefabs on a car park”. The location of the site in Rickardstown is so far from reality that planning permission for 14 prefabs has been applied for in the interim.

Parents and teachers will soon have the opportunity to send a message to Minister Hanafin about how they feel about the lack of educational resources in our county.” said Cllr Daly

Kildare has now got the Ministers Attention – Daly

Following the Minister for Education’s response in the national media to an advertising campaign on the lack of school accommodation and facilities in the county, Fine Gael candidate Cllr Richard Daly has said that he is committed to any campaign which can improve the plight of student, parents and teachers in what is becoming an education “black spot” in the country

“The fact that the Minister can “light heartedly” refer to what is a most serious situation in South Kildare shows how little of a grasp she has on the situation. Does she not realise that the public INTO meeting in Newbridge was less than pleased with the staffing of schools in the county?. Has she no understanding of the parents who had places in primary school deferred last year and the many other who will have to accept prefabricated classrooms on a second level car park because the Department of Education did not respond to the warning signs six years ago! Does she not remember the Taoiseach planting a tree at the site of the new Community College in Athy in 2000 and promising speedy delivery of this project?

It is not the Minister who should be taking personal umbrage at the failure of educational delivery it is the students, the parents, the teachers and the communities who are starved of deserved resources.

I even wonder how many of the party faithful who paid €1000 a table at the fundraiser appreciated Minister Hanafin “light – hearted” reference to their own constituency’s lack of education facilities. Minister Hanafin would have served them better by announcing some new building rather than jocosely alluding to the lack of them.

I, personally, would not even be involved in politics today but for the lack of delivery by the Department of Education and Science which has not yet laid a block eight years after the sanction of the school which I work in. It is I, and the parents and pupils of this and other schools who should be comparing the advertised product with the reality.

Overcrowded classrooms, thousands of students still being taught in prefabs, unbuilt schools and shrinking resources are among the hallmarks of this government which flamboyantly spent on PPARS and e-Voting machines.

I passionately believe in prioritising education in this county and I’m afraid Minister, I don’t get the joke.”

ENDS

Minister Hanafin should show more respect for the school population of South Kildare - Daly

The Minister for Education continues to fail the school population in Kildare South and makes light of it at party social occasions according to Fine Gael candidate Cllr Richard Daly.

“At a function in the constituency recently Minister Hanafin "jokingly referred to a politician as being "a thorn in her side" in his promotion of education projects in South Kildare"

This trite and supposedly humorous reference to education accommodation in South Kildare does no justice to a Minister who has presided over a situation which has failed to deliver buildings at primary and post primary level throughout the county.

I personally take exception to the Minister's comments while I, our school staff and students are waiting our eighth year since sanction for a fast-tracked building. Parents in Newbridge take it very seriously that there has been no realistic response to the dearth of school buildings and overcrowding in the classrooms.” Said Cllr Daly

“Each night on the doorsteps throughout Kildare South the residents talk of the scandal of the lack of school buildings and the number of pupils in primary classes. Parents have commented on the irony of Irish volunteers going to Third World countries to build permanent schools while our own primary pupils are being taught in outdated prefabs in football club grounds and car parks.

To Minister Hanafin this may be material for jest at party functions but to the parents who are wondering whether their four year old has gained a school place the joke may be ill timed and ill placed.

Minister, the thousands of "thorns" in Kildare South would like to know when, where and how many will be in the long promised buildings. Not the repeated mantra telling undecipherable "stages" which have no time limits. Parents need to know how soon schools will be built - real dates not imaginary speculation.

The failure to deliver schools and teachers is no joke and the parents in Kildare South are not laughing.”

ENDS

Fine Gael supports Rabbittes opposition to Private hospitals on public land – Daly

Following yesterday’s expressed opposition of the construction of private hospitals on public land by Labour leader Pat Rabbitte, Cllr Richard Daly, Fine Gael candidate for Kildare South has confirmed that this is also the view held by Fine Gael.

“On my canvass of South Kildare health concerns are a major issue at the doorstep. The failure of the current health system to meet the needs of the average citizen will only be compounded by the expansion of a two tier system which puts private and public hospitals in competition. Fine Gael have promised to scrap the Harney plan which proposed the building of private hospitals on public land.

Another health benefit under Fine Gael will be that GP only cards will be given to all under five years of age. Over the past few weeks I have met several parents for whom this will represent a major bonus and will ease the pressure on the decision of whether or not to take their child to the doctor for what may be a trivial complaint.

Fine Gael and Labour have agreed a series of joint health proposals which include the above and already they are being favourably received on the doorsteps” said Cllr Daly

Department of Transport have a scheduling problem in Kildare - Daly

The holding of an information meeting on Transport 21 by the Department of Transport during the working day is being criticised by Fine Gael General Election Candidate for Kildare South, Cllr Richard Daly

“The Department of Transport is showing how out of touch it is with the plight of commuters when it has scheduled an information meeting for stakeholders on Transport 21 for Thur 22n March at 11 am in Naas.

Does the Minister not realise that commuters are the most affected by the developments of the plan but will all be at work at that time. Among the Minister’s advisors surely there must have been one person who realised that a commuter is a person who leaves home in the morning and does not return until usually late in the evening.

Rail commuter groups have lobbied hard and have represented the views of hard pressed colleagues throughout the length and breadth of the county. They are the ones whose livelihood and lifestyle are most altered by the implementation of Transport 21 yet they are the ones who have been ignored in the timing of this information campaign.

I have been attending some of the meetings held by Rail User Groups and feel that they are the ones who should be targeted by the Department of Transport in delivery of this information” said Cllr Daly

Junior infant class sizes in Newbridge to rise to 30 by 2010 under Fianna Fail - Daly

Despite the INTO’s campaign against overcrowding in primary schools, junior infant class sizes are set to rise to 30 by 2010 in Newbridge, according to Richard Daly, Fine Gael candidate for Kildare South in the upcoming general election.

In 2002 a programme for government agreed by Fianna Fail and the Progressive Democrats promised to reduce the average class size for children under 9 to below the international best practice guideline of 20 pupils to one teacher.

Currently in Newbridge the class sizes for junior infants average 28:1 in the 15 classes available.

Richard Daly says, “In Newbridge 447 children were baptised in 2006 and assuming the current average of 20% for children not baptised, 536 children will be joining junior infants in 2010 in Newbridge. This excludes the impact of any increase in the population in the meantime.

The government solution is 3 new pre-fabs in the vocational school car park this September, making 18 classes available for junior infants. That is an average of 30 per class, up from the current level of 28. To bring the average to the required 20, a further eight classes would be needed and this would not allow for any additional newcomers to the area.

These numbers prove that Newbridge requires two new primary schools immediately, something that the local providers have been stressing to the department of education since 2001, but their pleas have landed on deaf ears.

Daly added, “The difference between what the government is proposing and what needs to be done is a measure of the lack of investment undertaken in the last 10 years, at a time when billions were squandered on large capital projects

In the past this government didn’t have the vision to plan for the impact on the school system of forecasted population growth, and now it still hasn’t got the management skills to solve the problem. It is hard to believe that two of the last three ministers for education are teachers themselves, and allowed this deterioration to unfold.”

ENDS

Athy Youth Café moves forward to next stage – Daly

Athy Youth Café has now moved to Part 8 which is the equivalent of Planning permission, or the stage prior to tender and construction, according to Action for Youth Chairperson, Cllr Richard Daly.

Conversion of the old Dispensary on Meeting Lane has already secured funding of €200,000 for its conversion because of prioritisation by the RAPID committee and staffing of the Café is being finalised.

The Youth Café will benefit from having a town centre location and will offer a drop in location for young people in a safe environment. Young people and parents have been requesting such an alcohol free venue for many years and we are delighted that we seem to have overcome all of the obstacles which delay such projects.



ENDS

Safer roads and better public transport would safeguard Kildare pedestrians - Daly

Higher risk for walkers is unfortunate fall-out from drink driving clampdown

Fine Gael Kildare South General Election candidate, Cllr Richard Daly, has called for meaningful public transport to be provided in suburbs and rural areas, and for a nationwide safety review of all roads, after new Garda figures showed as many pedestrians as drivers have died on the roads this year.

A total of 21 pedestrians have died on the roads in 2007, with 21 drivers also dying. Eight car passengers and two cyclists have also been killed on Irish roads this year.

“The higher number of pedestrian fatalities may be an unfortunate fall-out from the drink driving clampdown, with more people walking home from pubs in both suburbs and rural areas, placing themselves at risk, particularly from those stupid enough to drink and drive,” said Cllr Daly, who is a spokesperson of the Kildare Road Users Group, which campaigns for better road safety in the county.

"Pedestrians are sitting ducks on many roads which make absolutely no provision for foot traffic. Many of these pedestrian deaths take place in suburbs, towns and villages where footpaths are often in poor condition or non-existent, where roads are badly lit, and the signage for both traffic and pedestrians is appalling.

“The danger is that some people may feel they are safer using their car, even after a few drinks, than risking a walk home along dangerous or narrow roads. It is essential that some form of alternative transport is provided in rural areas and suburbs, and that roads are made as safe as possible for pedestrians and traffic. Fine Gael wants:

A nationwide survey of road conditions, road signs and street lighting to ensure that all areas are brought up to international safety levels;
Bus licences to publicans to encourage them to provide a courtesy bus service;
Liberalisation of the bus market to allow private operators to provide bus services in towns and housing estates that currently have little or no service.

"Unfortunately the FF/PD Government's proposals to extend the rural transport initiative will apply to rural areas only, and the Government is itself split over these proposals. Minister Éamon Ó Cuív has now rolled back on his plans to extend the initiative, describing the measure as 'modest'.

"With the Government divided, there is little chance of any measures being introduced before the General Election. However, Fine Gael's proposals are workable and would not provoke the controversy arising from the Government's measures. Many people in rural areas are starting to feel like prisoners in their own homes. They will feel even more isolated if they are further confined because the roads have become even more dangerous for pedestrians. However, I would urge anyone walking the roads to ensure they make themselves highly visible, particularly to oncoming traffic."

Daly wants proper debate on rural post offices

Fine Gael General Election candidate, Cllr Richard Daly, has called for a fresh debate on the role played by the rural post office, and particularly in South Kildare. He said the review of post offices being currently carried out by An Post must take into account the crucial role played by such offices in rural Ireland.

‘’It can be very easy for people who don’t understand the dynamic of the local post office to be ruthless in deciding its future. But it’s my view, and it’s also the view of the Fine Gael Party, that the rural post office plays an enormous role in community life and without it, local communities struggle to survive.

‘’I have seen at first hand the devastation caused in areas where local post offices close. People in South Kildare understand that the post office has a place at the heart of its community and it provides a vital social outlet for people to meet and exchange views on a variety of issues. For many people, it’s their only opportunity to meet their neighbours and have some social interaction and the demise of the post office is extremely concerning for the people of South Kildare.

“Recent post office closures have left a real need and void and created huge difficulties for elderly people in particular. Some have no transport and others live alone and it really impacted on them. That’s what must be avoided in the new review.”

Cllr Daly said that any review must be guided by proper planning. “Maintaining an appropriate service is vital but the viability of add-on services must be taken into account as part of an overall strategy. The current evaluation of post offices being carried out by An Post should not arbitrarily conclude with large-scale indiscriminate post office closures.

‘’What is of critical importance here is the need to ensure the retention of the optimum number of post offices to provide an adequate network throughout the country thus enabling the service that extends on a daily basis into every part of the country both urban and rural,’’ said Cllr Daly.

Daly calls for return of summer jobs scheme for students

Fine Gael Kildare South General Election candidate, Cllr Richard Daly, has criticised Community Affairs Minister Éamon Ó Cuív for his decision to rule out a summer jobs scheme for students.

“Fine Gael raised the matter with the Minister because many third level students are finding it impossible to secure summer jobs due to the extremely competitive lower end of the labour market.

“The Minister replied that: ‘This scheme was discontinued in 2003. In view of the fact that third level students have had the benefit of a good secondary education and are by definition in the fortunate position to be in third level education, it was felt they should have enough education to enable them to access employment during holiday periods.’”

Cllr Daly said: “I certainly know there will be lots of students and parents who will be dismayed and disappointed by Minister Ó Cuív's attitude. Last summer I was contacted by numerous parents and students complaining that the traditional supply of summer jobs had dried up.

“For years the Summer Jobs Scheme gave valuable employment to thousands of students throughout the country during their summer holiday break. Many of the jobs in question involved working for local community organisations such as sporting and social clubs, which was of enormous benefit to both the clubs and the students.

“The Minister's argument that students should have enough education to enable them to access employment during holiday periods is disingenuous. I am not satisfied with the Minister's reply. Fine Gael will be taking the matter up with the Union of Students in Ireland to see if they can join in a campaign to put more pressure on the Minister and the Government, particularly in the run-up to the forthcoming Election.”

Greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced in Kildare - Daly

FG to table Dáil Bill on mandatory bio fuel blending

Fine Gael Candidate for Kildare South, Cllr Richard Daly has today 9th Feb said that his party would introduce a Bill in the Dáil next week which would see all motor fuel blended with percentage of bio fuel in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create a market for the production of bio fuel crops.

“The recently leaked EPA report revealed that Ireland has the highest level of CO2 emissions per head of population in the world which means we have reached a crisis point in terms of the damage we are doing to our environment. The current Fianna Fail/PD Government has failed to treat this area as an urgent priority and it is time for new thinking and clear policies that will deliver.

“The transport sector has been identified as one of the largest offenders in terms of green house gas emissions. That is why Fine Gael’s policy is that we will introduce mandatory fuel blending. We will table a Bill at Private Members’ Time in the Dáil next week which would mean that all petrol would be blended with ethanol and diesel with rape seed oil to produce bio diesel.

“The reality is that mandatory fuel blending is standard practice in other EU States and should be introduced here immediately. Not only that but our policy will not cost motorists extra because the bio fuel levels proposed will not require engine conversion or modification.

“The Fine Gael Bill would produce only positive results:

· It would reduce carbon emissions from the transport sector and help in meeting our Kyoto obligations.
· It would stimulate a viable, domestic market for Irish farmers who are keenly interested in growing bio fuels, but who are hesitant because they remain unsure of the long term future of the bio fuel market.
· It would be an important step in making Ireland more self sufficient in meeting its own future energy needs.

“We have heard much talk from the current Government but very little action on climate change. We must kick-start mandatory blending and give wider supports to rural communities to develop alternative energy generating projects. Communities and farmers up and down the country are positively disposed to playing their part in tackling Ireland's energy crisis and in producing cleaner, greener energy. The Fianna Fail/PD Government TDs have an opportunity next week to demonstrate their commitment to addressing the growing energy crisis and to putting in place measures to safeguard Ireland’s future.”
Ends

Daly congratulates Athy Boxers on National success

Fine Gael General Election candidate for Kildare South, Cllr Richard Daly, congratulated St. Michael’s Boxing Club, Athy on its hat trick victory at the National Championships this week end.

“Boxers from St. Michael’s have brought great credit to the town and have repeatedly won national acclaim. I congratulate the club and am particularly delighted to see two of my own past students in the finals. It was both unfortunate and a measure of the clubs success that the 57kg final was between two from the same club.

Congratulations to Roy, David Oliver and John Joe and continued success to Eric who relinquished his title. A special work of thank to Dom O’Rourke who has brought the club and the town onto the national stage.

These young people are an example of what can be done with determination and the town should be very proud of all of them.”

Smokers Helpline Number Should go on Cigarette Packets – Daly

Cigarette manufacturers should be forced to advertise the telephone number of the Smokers' Helpline on all cigarette packets according to Kildare South Fine Gael General Election Candidate Cllr Richard Daly.

"It has come to my attention that tobacco companies, in certain countries in Europe, are already printing the smokers' helpline number on each packet of cigarettes produced.

"While the compulsory health warnings on packets of cigarettes and other tobacco products are welcome, there is an obvious opportunity to marry the negative health warning messages with the positive suggestion that help to quit smoking is readily available at the end of a telephone line.

"In spite of all the medical evidence that smoking leads to a variety of illnesses such as respiratory failure, lung cancer, hardening of the arteries and cardiac arrest the number of smokers in Ireland still remains alarmingly high. The inclusion of the helpline number on cigarette packets and tobacco products might go some way towards reducing the numbers. I call on the Minister for Health, Mary Harney, to consider the merits of my suggestion."

Kildare Commuters get a bad deal under FF

Fine Gael Kildare South General Election candidate, Cllr Richard Daly has said that commuters in the constituency have got a very bad deal under the current government.

“As we approach the next General Election Kildare voters must look to the lack of major employment opportunities within the county. The constant commuting to the capital could be reversed by the promotion of relocation of industry to the county and by the active attracting of new industry to the county.

The Kildare South commuters are wasting time, energy and enjoying a poorer quality of life due to the long and endless trek to the workplace. Our communities are loosing out by not having the involvement of the families who are absent from their homes for so long that they do not have time to participate in community activities.

The development and relocation of employment opportunity outside the capital could alter for the better both the local economy and more particularly the large section of our population who are forced to travel each day.

The failure of the current administration to even expedite the decentralisation of the Civil servants to Newbridge and Athy shows the lethargic approach of our government representatives in the constituency. While we may benefit from a strong economy which is pushing up our house prices we are losing both the sense of community and the quality family time.

At a time when we should be encouraging many more of our commuters to use public transport a real examination of the cost of using our trains should be taking place.

It seems ridiculous that the cost of rail transport is dearer than road and even air transport within the country. Both in the interest of our environment and to relive congestion on our roads, rail development is an obvious alternative yet the current fares make it far more economical to use the car. The supply and reliability of train services and the facilities at our stations need urgent improvement.

With FF holding two out of the three Dail seats in this constituency I am disappointed at the failure to address the difficulties experienced by commuters.” Said Cllr Daly

Over 2600 operations cancelled in Tallaght/Naas hospitals shows Govt reform agenda an utter failure – Daly

Fine Gael has revealed that over 2,600 elective surgeries were cancelled in Tallaght and 53 in Naas General Hospital in the first six months of last year, with over 40,000 operations cancelled nationally since 2004. The Kildare South’s General Election Candidate, Cllr Richard Daly, has today [15/1/07] said that this level of such cancelled procedures showed that patients were suffering despite the reform agenda promised by the Fianna Fail/PD Government and billions in increased health spending.

“The cancellation of operations is a symptom of the serious problems in the health sector which are preventing the delivery of a decent service to patients, despite the best efforts of staff who are working in extremely difficult conditions. The bed shortage, a major factor in the A&E crisis, is leading not only to hundreds of patients on trolleys each day but also to the cancellation of elective surgeries because day-case beds are being inappropriately occupied by A&E patients. Fine Gael has put forward proposals, including significant investment in step down facilities and Urgent Care Centres, which would provide extra beds and take pressure off A&E. In contrast, Fine Gael’s information shows the current Government is failing to make an impact.

“HSE figures obtained by Fine Gael reveal that over 2600 elective surgeries were cancelled in Tallaght and Naas in the first six months of 2006. The patients who require these surgeries, like for example gallbladder, hernia or varicose vein operations will suffer pain and discomfort while they await their procedures and Fine Gael believes that the cancellation of operations is as big a threat to the welfare of patients as the A&E crisis.

“The impact of waiting times for procedures has been tragically highlighted by the story of ‘Rosie’ which has been the subject of the Liveline programme last week. Last year, the Irish Times revealed that 22,000 operations in total were cancelled in 2005 and Fine Gael’s research shows that over 15,000 of these were elective procedures. Who knows how many of the 7,000 operations which were non-elective were investigative procedures like the one required by ‘Rosie’ to offer the best chance of early detection and successful treatment?

“The sad reality is that while there may be minor progress on the numbers on trolleys the overall picture for the health service is one of total paralysis despite billions in increased spending. The obvious conclusion is that this Fianna Fail/PD Government has utterly failed to deliver on promised reform and for patients like ‘Rosie’ that failure is fatal.

“In addition to our commitment to 1,500 step down beds and 15 Urgent Care Centres, Fine Gael has put forward the kind of innovative ideas which we believe will make the most difference to keeping patients healthy and treating them to the highest standard if they become ill. In particular, our detailed proposal for a fixed interval screening programme would see patients diagnosed free-of-charge through their GP surgery. There is no doubt that health sector reform is desperately needed but after 10 years in power it is clear that the current Government is out of ideas and either incapable or indifferent when it comes to delivering for patients.”

Govt has no Road Safety Strategy - Daly

No speed cameras, no drug-driving test, only half penalty points

Fine Gael Kildare South General Election candidate, Cllr Richard Daly has said it is an incredible the Government now has no Road Safety Strategy as the 2004 to 2006 strategy has now expired following the death of 367 people on our roads last year.

“367 people died in road accidents last year. Each of these deaths is tragic and senseless. I had hoped that the Government would finally start taking road safety seriously in 2007. However, it has failed to make even the most basic provision for road safety, because it has allowed the Road Safety Strategy to expire.

"Key aspects of the outgoing 2004-2006 Road Safety Strategy remain unimplemented including
a nationwide network of speed cameras,
provisions for a drug driving test, and
a roadworthiness test for motorcycles.

The single most crucial target of the last Road Safety Strategy, to keep road deaths below 300, has not been achieved. Minister Cullen has asked the Road Safety Authority to draft the next Road Safety Strategy, but has also washed his hands of the issue. Yet as Transport Minister he should have full responsibility.

"There was an 18 month gap between the 1998-2002 strategy and the 2004-2006 strategy, during which time some 517 people died. There is now a very real danger of another lengthy gap, particularly given that so many aspects of the outgoing safety strategy have not been implemented.

They include -

Nationwide network of speed cameras: The Government still only has three fixed speed cameras under a pilot programme launched five years ago. The long-awaited nationwide system has not even gone out to tender. There was a promise to speed check 11 million vehicles per annum. The absence of a speed camera network and the under-resourced Garda Traffic Corps means that only three million vehicles will be registered speeding this year.

Drug driving test: A pilot scheme in Australia found that five times as many motorists tested positive for drugs than for excess alcohol. A similar test is also being piloted in the UK, yet Ireland does not even have the necessary legislation to launch a similar pilot because the Government voted against Fine Gael proposals.

Roll out full roster of 69 penalty points: Only 36 of the promised penalty points have been implemented, and there is no indication when the remaining 33 will be brought in.

Mutual recognition of penalty points with UK and Northern Ireland: Twenty per-cent of vehicles which incur penalty points cannot have points allocated because the vehicle cannot be identified.

Compulsory training for motorcyclists: Motorcycles represent only 1.6 per-cent of all vehicles on the road, yet 10 per-cent of all fatalities are motorcyclists. It is crucial that training becomes compulsory to stop this slaughter.

Discourage long-term reliance on provisional licences: 404,000 people are on provisional licences, with a shocking 27,054 drivers on their fifth licence which means they have been driving for eight years without passing a test.

"All of these policies could have been implemented in the lifetime of the 2004-2006 Road Safety Strategy, if the Government had shown some initiative. With no follow-on road safety strategy in sight, it is crucial that these outstanding policies are implemented as early as possible in 2007.”

Fine Gael to prioritise Kildare rail in Government - Daly

Fine Gael in Government will ensure fast, high capacity, commuter rail services for Kildare, the Party’s Kildare South General Election candidate, Richard Daly, has said.

“Fine Gael will deliver this, not just promise it. We recognise the time for timid solutions is long past. We need the big investment in rail. Our population and our economy demand it. We will deliver on time and on budget.

“We also have to start thinking about early answers, at school transport solutions that would keep thousands of cars off our roads each morning. We need to look at innovative uses of rural school buses so they can offer additional transport solutions for more remote areas.

“This Government has never been short on promises, or press conferences or photo-calls. They enchant us with announcements like ‘an ambitious underground interconnector rail tunnel’. Yet, thousands of commuters are spending longer, and longer, in their cars.

“The gap has grown between the public transport places available and the public transport places needed in every year of the lifetime of this Government.

“The Government has no credibility on this issue. They have had their chance, had all the opportunities, and had all the money. They have simply failed to deliver.

“As new communities, and many new young families, settle further and further from Dublin, bereft in many cases of even a single bus, the demand for early delivery of clean, reliable and frequent public transport becomes ever more compelling.

“Fine Gael will build the rail-based high capacity solutions. But we simply cannot sit, in the meantime, on our hands and wait for them.

“Fine Gael will, immediately on entering Government, liberalise the bus market, in Dublin and in the other towns and cities, to dramatically increase capacity so we can provide services to growing populations and increase frequency on existing routes.”

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Are You Being Served

Fine Gael General Election candidate for South Kildare Cllr Richard Daly has said that a priority for the coming year must be one of upgrading services in the county.
“With an embarrassing amount of surplus cash in the exchequer serious money needs to be spent in upgrading the existing infrastructure of roads, rail, schools, amenities, etc within the county.
I constantly receive complaints about the length of time it takes for phone installations and repairs within the county. Our electricity network can take up to six weeks to repair a blown street light and in excess of a year to connect power to services like traffic lights. Our rail service is not meeting demand either in supply of train service or in station amenities.
We have a shortage of school places in the county and hospital operations and procedures are still being postponed and cancelled at alarming frequency.
The provision of safe footpaths throughout the county is a concern for several citizens who feel that they put their lives in danger walking on our roads. I have received several complaints from people in Castledermot, Kildare and Athy demanding safe passage for pedestrians on our roads.
While our Christmas television programmes inform us that we have one of the highest per capita ownership of helicopters and millionaire status in the world I would be more proud of the inclusion of many of our citizens in the new found wealth through the provision of infrastructure..
2007 must be the year for provision of basic services for our citizens:
hospital beds, school places and basic infrastructure.
I will be demanding an improvement in all services for the county.

Roads around Castledermot in need of urgent attention - Daly

The roads in the vicinity of Castledermot are in a disgraceful state claims

Fine Gael Kildare South General Election candidate, Cllr Richard Daly.

“Following concerns expressed to me by residents in the area I toured some of the secondary routes adjacent to Castledermot in the past few days and was appalled by the condition in which I found them. While I am not an engineer I experienced road surfaces which needed resurfacing and road edges which could prove very dangerous if a driver were forced to the edge to allow passing traffic.” Said cllr Daly

“With a new motorway under construction the resulting construction traffic has caused serious deterioration of the existing routes which need urgent attention. In the recent inclement weather flooding on some of the roads has occurred most probably from the excess mud blocking the drains.

The road adjacent to Knocknacree Cross has been deemed so dangerous by one bus driver that he will not travel it and in the meantime at least one family is forced to walk on the road which to me seems unsafe.

Education, enforcement and engineering can lead to safer roads and I am publicly calling on Kildare County Council to examine these roads adjacent to Castledermot as a matter of extreme urgency and prioritise resurfacing, drainage and edging works to prevent serious accident.”

ENDS

Concern at elderly care proposals – Daly

Fine Gael Kildare South General Election candidate, Cllr Richard Daly, has said he is concerned about a number of aspects of the Government's new proposals on long-term care for the elderly.

“We have seen the introduction of a new death tax on the elderly. It appears the Government intends to wash its hands entirely of the future care of the elderly, those who built up this country, worked in far more difficult times than now and paid their taxes and PRSI, but now find they will be subject to a death tax after they have gone, in some cases requiring the sale of the family home.

“The persons who will need nursing home care in the next ten to 15 years are those who worked in the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, built the Celtic tiger and paid their taxes and PRSI. They find themselves levied with a new death tax of 15 per-cent.
“The Government’s proposal is built on three pillars, namely, an inspectorate regime for nursing homes, community services and this funding proposal. The Government seems completely unaware of what is happening in respect of the provision of community services. It is some years since those in psychiatric institutions were abandoned in communities with no facilities to support them, but I see something similar happening now.

“The Government is proposing that by January 1, 2008, there will be community services to look after elderly people in their homes and communities. The current rate of provision of such services makes a mockery of this issue. The Government is living in fantasyland if it believes the services will be provided. There are not enough general practitioners, nurses, occupational therapists or home-helpers and the State cannot employ the physiotherapists it has trained. Where will the Government find the personnel to provide cover to people refused entry to nursing homes?

“To expect those services to be in place by January 1, 2008 is complete and utter fantasy. If the Government has been unable to prevent the serious abuse of some elderly in some licensed nursing homes, where a monitoring regime is supposed to exist, how does it expect that a community service to look after those elderly who are semi-highly dependent can be put in place by that date? How can it justify this as one of the fundamental pillars of this new programme, which also includes a death tax?

“The Government has always proclaimed itself a low-tax Government, but it has introduced a raft of stealth charges and new taxes in the past few years. In the Budget, the health levy was increased by 25 per-cent, there was an increase in the cost of private beds in public hospitals, and the Government voted through a measure requiring 5 per-cent of the notional value of a person’s home to be assessed for the purposes of a claim for subvention.

“What will happen in the case of a person who is unable to avail of home supports and is required to go to a nursing home, but is refused for not being high-dependency? Are these people being told to get lost and go back where they came from? If they are refused the option of nursing homes, where will they go?



“In a country of considerable wealth, we have failed once again to provide for the vulnerable. That is the legacy of this Government.”

Daly calls on Kildare consumers to 'shop local' for Christmas

Kildare South General Election candidate, Cllr Richard Daly, has called on consumers in the county to ‘shop local’ this Christmas.

“There is no denying that every consumer deserves the right to seek out the cheapest prices when shopping, but I feel there is great value to be had in many of the smaller towns.

“Retailers in small towns in county Kildare provide a first class service throughout the year, and rather than travelling long distances in search of a bargain, I feel shoppers should look close to home first of all and try and maintain a certain loyalty to places where they have shopped for most of the year.”

The Fine Gael candidate said local retailers often relied on the loyalty of their customers to ensure their businesses remain viable.

“In recent years, retailers in the county's smaller towns have come under increasing pressure in a market in which multi-national chains have tried to monopolise with huge advertising campaigns.

“But many local shops have responded by spending large sums on modernising their premises, and providing state of the art facilities for the modern consumer.”I feel this sort of investment in local business deserves to be supported by the community.

“Every penny spent in the these communities means that businesses can prosper and continue to provide much needed employment in less populated areas.

"Successful businesses in smaller towns provide crucial full-time and part-time employment.

“In order to maintain the vibrancy and the future development of our smaller towns, the local community must row in behind these hardworking businesses and ensure their viability."