NEW CHAIRMAN OF ÓGRA FIANNA FÁIL

I am delighted to have been appointed Chairman of Ógra Fianna Fáil by the Taoiseach Brian Cowen at the Ógra Conference which took place in Bundoran at the weekend.

Ógra is at the forefront of promoting the involvement of young people in politics and gives young people a voice on wide ranging issues such as Education, Welfare, Healthcare and Justice.

I wish to thank and congratulate outgoing Cathaoirleach of Ógra, Dara Calleary T.D. for his hard work in the role since February 2008.

The weekend Conference has been a major success for the party. The Fianna Fáil National Youth Conference is the largest annual meeting of young people in Ireland. Over 550 delegates gathered to discuss a number of topics with input from many senior ministers and both the Taoiseach and Tanaiste.

I was really impressed by the quality of the debate and discussion at the weekend from the delegates. This current membership of Órga, through their active and enthusiastic participation in the Lisbon Campaign and the local and European election campaign have shown what they are capable of.

‘Renewal’ was the theme of the weekend conference and I look forward to working alongside Ógra members to renew the focus and direction of the Party. The energy and commitment of these Ógra members gives me real confidence for the future of the Party and the country.

PLEDGE BY IBF MORTGAGE LENDERS TO HELP THOSE FINDING IT DIFFICULT TO MEET MORTGAGE REPAYMENTS

I warmly welcome the news that the Irish Banking Federation (IBF) has today published a Statement of Intent as a further reassurance to homeowners who find themselves genuinely unable to maintain mortgage repayments on their principal homes.

This Statement of Intent commits all those mortgage lenders who are members of the IBF to work with customers who are facing repayment difficulties on the mortgage of their principal home and to find solutions that do not involve legal action.

We need to do all we can to help those who are finding it difficult to meet their mortgage repayments and the banks have indicated that that they will explore all possible repayment options with their customers as an alternative to legal action. Pat Farrell, Chief Executive of the IBF, has appeared before the Joint Dail Committee on Social and Family Affairs, of which I am a member, and he has assured me that the Banking Federation recognises and will do what it can to ease the pressures facing homeowners in the current economic climate.

It is vital that those who find themselves in difficulty meeting their mortgage repayments, inform their lender as soon as possible so that a suitable schedule of repayment can be put in place. Early communication with the bank and the arrival at a mutually-acceptable agreement is key.

Despite the difficulties for many people, I am pleased that figures compiled by IBF confirm that house repossessions remain at a low level here. I have also been assured that an IBF Oversight Committee, with representation from the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) will monitor the application of the Statement of Intent.

DENTAL POSTS IN MEATH

I am pushing for public dental vacancies in Meath to be filled as soon as possible.

I have raised this matter in the Dail with the Minister for Health, Mary Harney. The Minister has assured me that despite the need for savings and restructuring within the health system, and the government moratorium on recruitment in the public sector, the government are determined to ensure that key services are maintained in so far as possible. This includes the public dental scheme.

I emphasized to the Minister that large parts of County Meath are going without any public dentistry services at the moment and that others are threatened. The HSE have made a formal application to the Department of Health and Children for a derogation from the moratorium to fill three vacancies for dental surgeons following pressure from myself and others. I was told on Tuesday in the Dáil by the Minister that this request is currently being examined by her.

I will continue to lobby for these posts to be filled as soon as possible.

TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION COSTS IN SCHOOLS DOWN

I am pleased with the progress that the Department of Education are making to reduce the costs associated with prefabricated classrooms in Meath East schools, having raised that issue in the Dáil.

I have been told by the Minister for Education in the Dáil that there will be a saving of at least €14 million in expenditure on rental temporary accommodation in 2009 compared to 2008. The Department are trying to reduce spending in this area, reduce costs for schools and achieve best value for money.

Minister O’Keeffe has assured me that he wants to provide high-quality permanent accommodation for all our schools. To that end, schools in Meath East that have been approved for grant aid for temporary accommodation since July 2008 are now being offered the option to use their capital grant to build permanent classrooms rather than purchase prefabs. This will reduce the usage of temporary accommodation and the long term rental of prefabs by schools in the area.

The Government is spending a record amount on school buildings this year - a record investment that will create over 20,000 new school places. We have already seen great progress in the education infrastructure in Meath East since my election to Dail Eireann in 2007. Further progress must be made and eliminating costly prefabs is a key part of that objective.

€1 MILLION EURO ALLOCATION TO THE NORTH EASTERN REGIONAL DRUGS TASK FORCE

I am pleased by the news that €1 million euro has been granted by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs to the North Eastern Regional Drugs Task Force.

The North Eastern Regional Drugs Task Force carry out vital work in our communities and make a huge contribution in tackling drug misuse.

This funding is part of this Government's commitment to support services to tackle drug misuse. In 2009, we have allocated over €1.118m to the Task Force to support a wide range of programmes in the area including rehabilitation, education, prevention and research.

There are encouraging signs of progress over the past couple of years in tackling the problem of drugs - be it in the areas of drug seizures, the expansion of treatment services, prevention programmes in schools, tackling urban disadvantage or the establishment of the Regional Drugs Task Forces and it is good news for the commuter belt areas in Meath that this investment will come to us too.

While not underestimating the scale of the problem, we can be confident that we will continue to make progress through a process of co-operation and partnership with communities.

MINISTER HAUGHEY VISITS SCOIL NAOMH PADRAIG

I was delighted to welcome Minister of State at the Department of Education, Sean Haughey, to Meath East last Monday where he paid a visit to Scoil Naomh Padraig, Stamullen. The Minister was welcomed by school principal, Michael Fox, Father Robert McCabe, staff and pupils.

Minister Haughey paid compliment to the recent developments at the school campus. The new 16 classroom school building is a fine tribute to all the hard work put in by the local community. In Meath East in particular, we have begun to see great progress in education. We need to be in a position to ensure that we can continue to deliver the maximum number of school places in order to meet the increased school population in areas such as Stamullen. I will continue to work hard to ensure the continued delivery in improvements in the quality of education in my constituency.

BROADBAND NEWS

I have been informed that a number of localities in the Meath East constituency are in line to receive broadband shortly under the National Broadband Scheme.

The Government’s National Broadband Scheme (NBS) aims to deliver broadband services to consumers and businesses located within those parts of County Meath which have no form of broadband available at the moment.

I have been told that areas in Meath East including Lobinstown, Rathkenny, Drumconrath, Mullagh, Kilcloon, Cormeen and Tierworker have been listed to be provided with broadband within the next few months. This is very good news for these areas.

The National Broadband Scheme is an important element of the Government's 'Smart Economy' framework, which sees broadband provision as vital for economic renewal. Broadband brings considerable benefits to businesses and communities. Through the National Broadband Scheme, people living in rural areas across Meath will gain access to online services, and broadband will also mean that more people can run businesses from home.The total value of the investment in implementing the National Broadband Scheme is around €223m.

I will keep residents in Meath informed in relation to any new developments in broadband provision in the county. A dedicated customer care team is also available to deal with any National Broadband Scheme queries (on 1913) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

SINGLE FARM PAYMENT TO FARMERS ACROSS MEATH

I welcome the news that the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Brendan Smith TD, has confirmed that advance payments of 70 per cent in the Single Payment Scheme have commenced to farmers across County Meath.

The Single Farm Payment from Europe forms a vital part of Meath farmers’ income and in the context of the current recession, this payment has become even more important to many farmers across the County.

The best way to develop the economy of rural Meath is to keep local people working on the land. Our food industry remains one of our greatest assets and the single farm payment is vital to keep that viable. That means doing all we can to protect farmers’ incomes.

I acknowledge the role of the EU Commission in recognising the reality of the financial positions of farmers across the European Union at this time. This advance payment is a positive response and will be of great benefit to recipients in the context of the present economic situation.

The Minister has confirmed that the 30 per cent balancing payments will begin issuing with effect from 1 December. Any applicants who have received queries from the Department of Agriculture are requested to respond as a matter of urgency with the necessary clarifications.

ILLEGAL CIGARETTE SMUGGLING

Minister Brian Lenihan has confirmed to me in the Dáil that a second mobile container scanner has been approved for use by the Revenue Commissioners to tackle the revenue-draining evil of cigarette smuggling, and that this, when deployed will increase Revenue’s detection capabilities at points of entry into the country.

It is a very worrying situation given that, according to the Revenue Commissioners estimate, around 20 per cent of all cigarettes consumed in Ireland with a market value of €387m, go untaxed. This is a serious drain on taxes. There are serious health implications for the public in County Meath and it also represents a serious financial loss to retailers across the county who are being undercut by illegal street sellers.

In addition, I was told by the Minister in the Dáil that Ireland, along with the other EU Member States, has ratified two international agreements with global cigarette manufacturers Philip Morris International and Japan Tobacco International, with a view to tackling the illicit trade in counterfeit and contraband cigarettes’ continued Byrne.

The Minister has explained to me that Revenue’s current strategy for tackling this illicit trade is focussed both on intercepting and seizing illicit consignments at the point of importation at ports and airports and also on carrying out checks at retail outlets, markets and commercial premises. The tackling of cigarette smuggling is vital, especially in these times of reduced revenue intake and I have called on the Minister and Revenue to do all they can to prevent this illegal activity.

FUNDING FOR ROOF WORKS AT BELLEWSTOWN NATIONAL SCHOOL

I am delighed with the news that the Department of Education have agreed to provide funding for roof works at Scoil Naomh Treasa, Bellewstown.

This award follows strong lobbying on my part to the Department of Education on behalf of the Bellewstown school community. It also follows the award of substantial funding of €197,000 by the Department during the summer. That money has been granted for the construction of an additional classroom at the school.

Apart from the educational benefits for children, the investment in our schools will also create much-needed jobs in the construction sector. I am delighted that this funding has been allocated to Bellewstown National School.

Introduction of the Nursing Home Fair Deal Scheme

I warmly welcome the announcement of 27th October as the date for the introduction of the new Nursing Homes Support Scheme, A Fair Deal.

The new Nursing Homes Support Scheme, A Fair Deal, will make accessing nursing home care a more simple process for people in Meath and will ensure that it is affordable for everyone. It will free families from anxiety over financial commitments for the care of their loved ones.

I encourage those people across County Meath wishing to avail of the financial support towards nursing home costs under A Fair Deal to familiarise themselves with the application process so as to be ready to apply to the HSE on the 27th of October. Details of the new scheme are available on the HSE website, www.hse.ie The HSE infoline is also be available on 1850 24 1850.

OVER 1,400 PEOPLE REFUSED MEDICAL CARD RENEWALS IN COUNTY MEATH IN 2009

I am highlighting the issue of medical cards in County Meath following figures released to me by the HSE which show a large amount of people being turned down on the renewal of their medical card.

I have had numerous people in contact with me in relation to their medical card applications. I have been informed by the HSE that over 1,400 people, who previously had a full medical card, had their renewal application refused in County Meath during the first five months of this year. Almost 400 more people, who previously held a GP visit card, had that withdrawn following their application for renewal.

The HSE have confirmed to me that it processed renewal applications for 6,091 people for a full medical card from January to May 2009 and refused 1,482. It also processed 1,288 applications for a GP visit card in the same period, refusing 393.

It seems to me that there is a great inconsistency in the way that medical card applications are being processed by the HSE. Many people had their applications for renewal turned down despite no change in their circumstances. There is no doubt but that the HSE are applying far more stringent criteria in assessing applications at present.

Many families are dependent on the medical card and in the current economic circumstances where people are facing financial difficulties, it is important the HSE adopt a more caring approach to dealing with medical card applications.

ROAD SAFETY MEASURES TO BE CARRIED OUT AT KILMOON CROSS AND GARLOW CROSS

I warmly welcome the news that tenders have been received by the National Roads Authority to carry out lighting and safety measures at Kilmoon Cross on the N2 and Garlow Cross on the N3. I have been putting pressure on Meath County Council and the NRA to have the work done before the dark evenings come in.

I had requested these works be done after a number of very sad accidents at both locations. The NRA has now confirmed that tenders have been received and that work will commence shortly.

Road Safety on the N2 and N3 has become a matter of great concern to everyone in the area and the lack of visibility for road users at both junctions has undoubtedly contributes to the rise in road accidents at both places. I look forward to these safety improvements making an important difference to road safety in these areas.

MEATH HOUSEHOLDS AND BUSINESSES TO BENEFIT FROM GAS AND ELECTRICITY PRICE REDUCTION

I welcome the decision by the Commission for Energy Regulation to reduce gas and electricity prices. This is fantastic news for electricity and gas consumers. Residents across Meath can now reduce their electricity bills by up to 25% and their gas bills by 22%.

It is clear that the policy of greater competition in the Irish electricity market is yielding results for the consumer. Residents can experience significant electricity price reductions with the entrance of Bord Gáis and Airtricity into the domestic supply market.

These are major savings at a time when money is tight for many people. The savings business can expect will also help protect jobs in the county. It's vital that we continue to see these reductions to help the business community in Meath become competitive.

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEATH EAST SCHOOL CHILDREN

I welcome the news that Iarnrod Eireann have put in place improved travel arrangements to coincide with the reopening of many secondary schools today (Thursday, August 27).

Irish Rail have confirmed to me the details of the new arrangements that they have put in place to help deal with the increase in passenger numbers with schools being back. The travel improvements include the extension of most Drogheda to Skerries rail services to Donabate, to facilitate school children, and allow commuters from all stations to link to the Donabate to Malahide DART bus service.

There will also be improved evening peak-time Donabate / Skerries to Drogheda rail services. I have also been assured that a new dedicated school bus will operate from Donabate Rail Station to schools in Malahide and Portmarnock. I am told that further bus enhancements are planned from next Monday.

I have also asked Irish Rail look into the possibility of putting in place a direct bus service from Laytown to Dublin. It has been highlighted to me that a large number of commuters from Laytown are experiencing problems, as at the moment they have to first get a train to Drogheda and then travel by bus from Drogheda to Dublin, effectively 'doubling back' on themselves. This is leading to many people facing long and unnecessary delays at Drogheda Rail Station. I will keep the pressure on in this regard.

The collapse of the Malahide viaduct raises serious questions of various authorities and I will work to ensure an investigation is fully carried out. I will keep residents updated on all developments in relation to the reinstatement of the rail service.