Burning Bondholders – Sinn Fein were Right

Sinn Fein candidate for Wicklow East Carlow Councillor John Brady has said the party’s stance on burning bondholders in the wake of the financial collapse has been shown to have been correct:

“The National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) told the Government in March 2011 that €9 billion of the people's money would be saved by imposing losses on senior debt holders at Irish banks. Written evidence provided to the banking inquiry shows the NTMA had advised the government to follow this path, but this advice was inexplicably ignored.”

Councillor Brady went on to say that accusations at the time that his party were ‘economically illiterate’ have now been shown to be nothing more than juvenile taunts with no basis in fact:
“At the time, we pleaded with the government on behalf of citizens to consider burning some of the bondholders to help ward off the worst consequences of the crisis. Fine Gael and Labour ignored us in the same dismissive and arrogant fashion they ignored the NTMA. They sneered at our proposals claiming they were the stuff of fantasy. However, now it has been confirmed that we were correct all along; the government effectively through away 9 billion euro of tax payers money.”

Councillor Brady concluded by pointing out that the Irish people have suffered needlessly due to the stubbornness, arrogance and economic infirmity of this government:

“Nobody needs to be reminded of the suffering so many people have had to endure during the term of this government. Fine Gael and Labour refused to listen to the NTMA or Sinn Fein in order to save face. They could not publicly accept that they were wrong and Sinn Fein was right. As a result, the country is worse off to the tune of nine billion euro. How many homes would that build? How many extra doctors and nurses could we have employed? How many new hospital beds could have been opened and how many new jobs could have been created? If there was ever a reason to get rid of the Fine Gael/ Labour government, this should be enough to convince anyone.”

New recycling charges are final slap in the face by Fine Gael and Labour-Brady

Sinn Féin general election candidate for Wicklow/East Carlow councillor John Brady has said that the signing off on plans by the Environment Minister Alan Kelly to make people start paying for their recycling is the final slap in the face for the electorate by a government that is leaving a trail of new taxes and cuts behind as their legacy. Brady stated that these new charges will lead to less materials being recycled and an increase in illegal dumping.

Councillor Brady said “Forcing people to pay for their recycling is a final slap in the face by Fine Gael and Labour who are leaving behind a legacy of cuts and stealth taxes. Forcing people to pay to recycle their waste will only lead to less material being recycled and an increase in illegal dumping. This story was first carried in the Sunday Business Post, it’s claimed that the new charges are to be implemented by July this year, and will add up to €100 extra on refuse charges for households.”

Brady went onto say “A lot of good work has been done over the recent past to ensure people are recycling as much of their refuse as possible. People recycle to help protect the environment and as a means to keeping their waste bills down. This new stealth tax will reverse that good work and will be counterproductive as it will result in an increase in illegal dumping and less materials getting recycled, ultimately damaging the environment and inflicting additional financial pressures on already hard hit families.”

“Wicklow County Council operates a number of excellent recycling centres across the County and I fear that as a result of these new recycling charges that are being introduced, there will be an attempt to also start charging the public to use these centres. Any attempt will be fought rigorously by the Sinn Féin councillors on Wicklow County Council.”

Cllr Brady concluded by saying “These new charges by Fine Gael and Labour should come as no surprise, as they are leaving behind a legacy of stealth taxes and cuts. There is no recovery for the vast majority of ordinary citizens and this new recycling tax will ensure that ordinary families will continue to struggle for as long as they remain in government. There should be incentives for people to recycle, not taxes. This new tax will be counterproductive and will damage both the environment and ordinary families.”

Brady launches Citizens Charter for older people in Blessington.

Speaking after he launched his Party’s Citizens Charter for older people in Blessington last Thursday, Sinn Fein’s candidate for Wicklow/East Carlow Councillor John Brady has hit out at Fine Gael, Labour and Fianna Fail over what he describes as a legacy of neglect when it comes to the rights and welfare of the country’s older citizens:

“I was delighted to have the opportunity to meet local people and talk about the challenges facing communities like Blessington at the launch of our citizen’s charter for older people. The prospect of getting older in Ireland should not be a source of fear and anxiety. Older people who have worked all their lives contributing to Irish society should be able to to enjoy their twilight years in safety and in comfort. However, the policies adopted by successive governments have sadly pushed the needs of our older citizens behind the needs of the privileged few.”

“Under the Fine Gael/Labour coalition in particular, many older citizens have been ignored and ill-treated. While many older people have had to wave goodbye to some of their younger relatives forced to emigrate, they have also been left isolated and anxious due to the closure of rural Garda stations and post offices. They have been left stranded due to poor transport infrastructure and they have been left financially strained due to cuts in the heating allowance, the cost of prescription fees and the imposition of water and property charges. In fact, in almost every tangible area, our older citizens have had to bare a scandalously disproportionate share of the Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and Labour austerity assault”.

Councillor Brady went on to say that Sinn Fein’s citizen’s charter for older people represents a commitment to reverse the policies that have brought so much distress to our older citizens:

“How can it be the case in modern Ireland that we tolerate such neglect of our older citizens? How have we tolerated deliberate political choices which have forced so many of our older people to struggle needlessly? Sinn Féin will invest to protect the welfare of the very people our society should cherish. Sinn Fein will deliver dignity, security and equality for our older people so that all of us can live long and prosper in Ireland.”

http://www.sinnfein.ie/files/2016/CitizensCharterForOlderPeople.pdf

A vote for the Social Democrats is a vote for Fine Gael - Brady

Speaking in response to the announcement by the newly formed Social Democrats that the party would be willing to go into coalition as a minor partner with Fine Gael; Sinn Fein candidate for the upcoming election Councillor John Brady has said that the last thing the people of Wicklow/East Carlow need is another Fine Gael TD in the form of Stephen Donnelly:

“The social democrats allegedly came into being as a left leaning party claiming to offer the electorate an alternative to the current coalition. However, when they had the opportunity to align themselves with similar minded parties through the Right2Change initiative they refused. Now they are saying they will support Fine Gael in a future coalition arrangement”.

“It is absolutely clear now that Stephen Donnelly and his crew are willing to break their word before the election even takes place. Donnelly wants to support a government party who have given tax breaks to the rich, refused to invest in public services, overseen a surge in rural crime and refused to address a spiralling housing and homeless crises. In 2011 three Fine Gael TD’s were elected to this constituency, all three of them along with the Labour party TD and Stephen Donnelly himself supported the decision to reduce services at St Colmcille’s Loughlinstown; the consequences of which are now being played out in the corridors of St Vincents.”

Councillor Brady went on to suggest that Stephen Donnelly and the Social Democrats need to look up the definition of Social Democracy:
“Fine Gael have made it clear that their priority if returned to office would be to abolish the Universal Social Charge to benefit the rich; effectively reducing tax revenue by an astonishing four and a half billion euro, monies that could be used to invest in the very public services which have been battered by Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and Labour. Policies like these are the antitheses of social democracy yet Stephen Donnelly is obviously prepared to support Fine Gael on this and other issues including the continuance of Irish Water; which Donnelly has previously said should be abolished”.

“A vote for Stephen Donnelly and the Social Democrats is quite clearly now a vote for Fine Gael which threatens a return to the failed unfair and destructive policies of the last five years. The Wicklow/East Carlow constituency deserve to benefit from a fairer recovery, the last thing we need is another Fine Gael TD in the form of Stephen Donnelly.”

Brady welcomes inclusion of social clause for the construction of Coláiste Ráithín and St. Philomena Schools

Wicklow Sinn Féin general election candidate Cllr John Brady has welcomed the inclusion of a Social Clause in the contract to develop two new schools in Bray. Planning permission was finally granted for St. Philomena’s Primary School and Coláiste Ráithín by An Bord Pleanála last November. The social clause in the contract will see 10% of all jobs on the project being reserved for long term local unemployed people, another 5% of jobs will be for apprentices. It is planned that construction of the schools will commence this June and will be finished by August 2017.

Welcoming the inclusion of the social clause in the contract Cllr Brady said “I welcome the inclusion of a social clause in the contract to build St. Philomena’s Primary School and Coláiste Ráithín. This will mean that 10% of all jobs during construction must be reserved for Long Term local unemployed along with a further 5% reserved for apprentices. Sinn Féin has been calling for mandatory inclusion of social clauses in all public contracts. In 2014 we introduced the Social Clauses in Public Procurement Bill in Leinster House. The Bill attracted support from all sides of the house as well a welcome consensus on its core objectives. Construction is due to commence this June on the badly needed two schools, the project is expected to take 14 months with a completion date of August 2017”.

Cllr Brady continued “It is worth noting that Sinn Féin has successfully pursued the inclusion of social clauses in public contracts in the north. There is no reason why such an approach cannot be rolled out on an all-island basis; the Social Clauses in Public Procurement Bill which we introduced hasn’t been turned into legislation and if in Government after the election is something we will ensure will happen. Our Bill outlines how public purchasers and suppliers will be legally required to protect the vulnerable and promote other social goals and community benefits. This can be done by including social clauses in all public contracts. Social clauses are a tool for getting more value out of each public euro spent”.

Cllr Brady concluded “It is good news that we now know when construction is due to commence on the two new schools in Bray and when they will be completed. All going according to plan they should be opened for the school year commencing in September 2017. The construction of the schools will see a boost to the local economy and ensure now that with the Social Clause included in the contract as Sinn Féin has been pushing for, that local unemployed people will be employed on the project and that apprentices will be also able to learn their trade”. Ends

Vote for Sinn Féin’s progressive, republican vision for Ireland and Wicklow - Cllr John Brady

Sinn Féin General Election candidate Councillor John Brady has called on the people of Wicklow to vote, in the forthcoming General Election, for Sinn Féin’s progressive, republican vision for Ireland and Wicklow.
He said that the Fine Gael and Labour Party government had delivered nothing but chaos during their five years in office and that only the well-heeled would benefit from their re-election.
Councillor Brady was speaking at launch of his campaign in the Royal Hotel in Bray this evening where he was joined by Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD.

He said;

“A Sinn Féin led progressive government would build a fair recovery, would invest in public services and would progress the cause of Irish Unity.

“Fine Gael and Labour talk of stability and chaos. The truth is they have delivered chaos in hospitals, chaos in housing and chaos in communities over the past 5 years. A Fianna Fáil government closed Wicklow District Hospital and the Orchard Welfare Home in Bray. Fine Gael and Labour closed the 24hr A&E in St. Columcille’s Hospital

“They have failed the health service and believe that it is acceptable that our grandparents, our parents our partners and our children languish on waiting lists and hospital trolleys. There are 23 people on trolleys in St. Vincent’s Hospital as we sit here this evening. This is mainly because they closed the A&E in Loughlinstown, Hospital, something all 5 Wicklow TDs supported. 415 people nationally lying on trollies.

“In the area of housing they have taken the side of the banks, landlords and developers. 1,500 children are sleeping in emergency accommodation, nearly 20% of them in Wicklow alone. We have 98,000 families in mortgage arrears across the state, while many families are faced with ever-increasing rents, evictions and homelessness.

“They claim their austerity policies have led to recovery. This is a lie; there is no recovery for the vast majority of ordinary citizens. Only the well heeled and those with the deep pockets have benefited and will continue to benefit from Fine Gael and Labour. Their policies have deepened and prolonged the recession.

“Since 2008 Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and Labour have cut 32,000 jobs in the public service. They have placed the private debt of banks, bondholders and developers onto the shoulders of the people. A generation has been lost to emigration. This is the cost of their economic policies. The recovery in jobs has not been due to the actions of this government. For the first three years they simply done what the Troika told them and got lucky for the last two years.

“This is not the record that any government should be proud off. This is the record of parties that have failed to deliver. Parties that lack a vision, a plan and lack ambition for our people and our economy.

“Furthermore, I will bring an end to the parochial way of doing politics here in Wicklow. If and when elected I will be a TD for Arklow, Newtownmountkennedy, Coolfancy, Kilmac, Donard, Carnew, Lakin, Rathvilly and every other town and village in Wicklow/East Carlow

“Sinn Féin have a vision, grounded in the republican values of 1916. We have a plan for a fair recovery. A fair recovery that will benefit all our people equally. We want to lead a government that will deliver equality and prosperity, unity and inclusion. To build a true republic. That is our ambition. I am asking the people to vote for that vision in forthcoming General Election.”

ENDS




As part of his speech this evening, Cllr Brady committed to the following:


Supporting business to continue to create quality jobs that pay across Wicklow/East Carlow. Investing in the TV and Film Industry, Tourism and making Wicklow the capital for outdoor recreational activities and water borne sports.

Giving the Fishing industry a better and fairer deal. Investing in the Fishing fleet and harbours in Arklow, Wicklow Town and getting the Greystones fishing boats back into our harbour.

Helping low and middle income families by increasing the minimum wage, abolishing the property tax, tackling extortionate mortgages, abolishing Water Charges and consigning Irish Water to the dustbin of history.

Ending the housing crisis, building 100,000 social and affordable homes, supporting the rights of tenants and helping those in mortgage distress.
Ending the trolley and waiting list crisis, increase spending on healthcare by €3.3 billion to move from a failing two tier health system to universal healthcare.

Rebuilding rural Wicklow by ensuring we have communities where the quality of life is matched by the quality of public services and which welcomes back those forced to emigrate over recent years.

Ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities.

Securing a referendum on Irish unity and beginning the practical preparations for Irish reunification.

Rooting out corruption in politics and cutting the salaries of politicians. If elected I commit to taking home the average industrial wage and putting the remainder into providing a better constituency service for all in Wicklow/East Carlow.

Brady welcomes launch of the Wicklow 1916 programme of events and urges people to get involved in celebrations

Wicklow Sinn Féin Councillor John Brady who is a member of the Wicklow County Council 2016 Steering Group has welcomed the launch of the new Wicklow Life App. The App along the programme of events planned in Wicklow for the Centenary of the 1916 Rising were launched on Monday in County Buildings. The hope of the App is to evoke a sense of everyday life in County Wicklow during the year of the Rising.

Speaking after the launch Councillor Brady said “I welcome both the launch of the new Wicklow Life App and the programme of events that are planned to commemorate the Centenary of the 1916 Rising and the declaration of the Republic. Wicklow people played a leading role in the Rising and the preparations for it, so it’s only right that they are remembered, but more importantly we remember what it was they fought for and the Republic that was declared on the steps of the GPO on Easter Monday morning 1916.”

“In 1914 in the build up to the Rising, Kilcoole beach was used to land a considerable number of German guns that went on to be used in the Rising, many volunteers from Wicklow were involved in that operation. Another Wicklow man Robert Monteith from Newtownmountkennedy was a member of Rodger Casements Irish Brigade, along with Casement he landed on Banna Strand in Co. Kerry in a German U-Boat while trying to land guns there from the Aud in 1916. Other volunteers from right across Wicklow took an active role in the fighting during Easter week. Volunteers such as, Steenie Mulvey and Tom Sutton from Bray, Tom Cullen and Patrick Kavanagh from Blessington and Mick McDonnell and Tom Keogh from Knockananna, are just a few of the volunteers from Wicklow, who went out and fought for the Republic during Easter week.”

Cllr Brady continued “I’m particularly pleased that €30,000 has been secured to develop 5 Gardens of Remembrance across the County, one in each of the Municipal Districts, this is something that I’ve been pushing for at committee level since last year. The Glór na Cásca project will all have a number of elements in common: an engraved life size typographical replica of the 1916 Proclamation, a maintenance-free flag pole with Tricolour and 7 trees that would represent the 7 signatories of the Proclamation. I would also like to see Time Capsules been put together by local school children and buried in the gardens; these would be opened for the 150th anniversary of the Rising.”

“I want to pay tribute to all members of the Wicklow County Council 2016 Steering Group, particularly Catherine Wright who is the Councils Archivist and Genealogist for putting together the Wicklow Life App, In the app its hoped to evoke a sense of everyday life in County Wicklow during the year of the Rising through weekly updates of newspaper snippets featuring local news stories, advertisements and events as presented in the two main County Wicklow newspapers of the day – The Wicklow People and The Wicklow News-Letter. The App can be downloaded free at http://www.wicklow1916.ie/1916-wicklow-life-app.html.”

Cllr Brady concluded by saying “I also want to congratulate all the community groups from across the County that have come together to commemorate the 1916 Rising and the Republic that was declared. It’s important that everybody gets involved in the events that are planned throughout the year in Wicklow. Sinn Féin has also launched an exciting programme of events and I’m looking forward to the discussions and debates that will take place throughout the year. This is an ideal time for people to rededicate themselves to the true Republic that was declared in 1916, one that truly does cherish all the children equally.”

Sinn Féin MEP Liadh Ní Riada to work at European level to protect the Murrough in Wicklow Town.

Sinn Féin MEP for Ireland South Liadh Ní Riada has stated that the Murrough in Wicklow Town is an area of natural beauty that needs to be protected and has pledged to identify and fight for any possible European funding available to provide for long term coastal protection. This follows a meeting on Friday between the MEP, Sinn Féin councillors John Brady, John Snell and representatives from the Save the Murrough and Friends of the Murrough groups.

Speaking after the visiting and walking the Murrough and inspecting the coastal erosion Liadh Ní Riada MEP said “The Murrough in Wicklow Town is an area of natural beauty; it’s the only parkland available in Wicklow Town and is an important local amenity. It must be protected from both coastal erosion and development. The area is environmentally important and is designated under the EU Habitats Directive as a candidate Special Area of Conservation for birds.”

“The level of coastal erosion happening at the Murrough is alarming and its imperative that the issue is pushed at both National and European levels. I’ve pledged to raise the Murrough at a European level to try getting the relevant protections enacted; I will also try identifying funding streams to ensure the necessary long term coastal protection is put in place to ensure the area is protected for future generations to enjoy.”

Wicklow Sinn Féin councillor John Brady said “My Sinn Féin colleagues Eamonn Long, Garrett O’Reilly and John Snell have worked over many years to try ensuring the Murrough is protected for the people of Wicklow to enjoy. A lot of credit must go to the late Cllr Pat Kavanagh who also championed this issue over many years and to the Friends of the Murrough group.”

“In 2004 Eamonn Long and I stood on the Murrough at the Monkey Pole which was at risk of getting washed into the sea due to coastal erosion. In the subsequent years the Monkey Pole has had to be moved further inland on two separate occasions.”

Cllr Brady concluded “A small amount of funding has been allocated by the OPW to carry out some short term coastal protection work that should have been carried out many years ago. We need now to work towards securing funding to protect the Murrough long term, there are plans there that need to be funded and advanced. The Murrough is environmentally important, we need to push to ensure it get designated under EU legislation as a Special Protection area, also that a Special Area Amenity Order (SAAO) is given. I commend the work that both Save the Murrough and the Friends of the Murrough are doing both to highlight the serious issues affecting the area and ensuring that its protected as an valuable public amenity for the people of Wicklow.

Gerry Adams set to launch party’s general Election campaign for the Wicklow East/Carlow constituency

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams TD will officially launch the party’s general Election campaign for the Wicklow East Carlow constituency. The event will take place at the Royal Hotel Bray on Monday 18th January at 7.30pm.

Speaking ahead of the official launch of the election campaign, Cllr Brady said “I’m delighted that the Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams will officially launch my election campaign on Monday 18th January in the Royal Hotel Bray. I’m proud to have been selected to represent Sinn Féin in the forthcoming election and I’m looking forward to running a vibrant, positive campaign and intend on bringing the positive message of change to as many homes across the constituency as possible. In the centenary of the 1916 Rising, we can make history again by returning the first Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow in over 90 years.”

“Sinn Fein takes nothing for granted; despite the constant speculation on who might form the next government, we in Sinn Fein are keenly aware that it will be the citizens of this state who are the final arbiter when it comes to deciding who might lead the country for the duration of the next Dáil term. For our part, Sinn Fein aim to present a credible alternative to the disastrous policies of Fine Gael, Labour and Fianna Fail. With fifty candidates standing across all constituencies in the country; for the first time ever citizens have the opportunity to reject the self- interest culture of the establishment parties and vote for a fairer recovery.”

Councillor Brady went on to say that Sinn Fein has been canvassing already across Wicklow and East Carlow and it is clear that people are ready for a change of government:
“The message on the door-steps is clear; after years of austerity, the so-called recovery has done nothing to alleviate the hardship on hard pressed families, businesses and community groups. Canvassers from all over the county are reporting back stories of intolerable distress caused by the many failures of this government. It is also clear that the effects of austerity are indiscriminate, with individuals and families from all social classes struggling needlessly.”

“For a number of weeks the Sinn Fein team have been criss-crossing the constituency knocking on doors and engaging with people. We are lucky to have a bright, energetic team bringing the Sinn Fein message of fairness and equality to every corner of the constituency. We would like to welcome as many people as possible to the launch on January 18th. Moreover, if anybody is interested in getting involved during the campaign they should feel free to contact Sinn Fein or myself at any time or approach us directly on the night”.

Brady calls for end of environmental vandalism as old Bray municipal dump gets washed into Irish sea

Wicklow Sinn Féin Councillor and General Election candidate John Brady has called for immediate action to be taken to stop the old Bray municipal dump from getting washed into the Irish Sea, the dump is located north of Bray harbour. During Storm Frank substantial new sections of the dump were washed into the sea, leading to Brady calling it environmental vandalism.

Speaking after visiting the Back Beach, which is north of Bray harbour, the Sinn Féin councillor said “What is going on at the Back Beach is nothing but environmental vandalism. I’ve been pushing for action to be taken for the last 10 years stop the estimated 200,000 tonnes of rubbish from getting washed into the sea. This was a local municipal dump and it was used right up to the 1980’s. Now that it’s closed and the cause of coastal pollution, nobody wants to take responsibility for it. The dump also straddles the County boundaries, so there is an element of passing the book between Wicklow and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown.”

Brady continued “During Storm Frank more large sections of the old dump were washed into the Irish Sea, this waste is then dispersed all along the coast line. Asbestos, rusted metal, heavy plastics, bricks, glass and bags can be seen at the foot of eroded cliffs and also sticking out from the unstable cliffs. This area is subject to ongoing coastal erosion, I’m beginning to believe that some people would just like the problem to be washed away, rather than deal with it. That is simply unacceptable and amounts to environmental vandalism.”

“This needs to be addressed without any further delay. A comprehensive plan needs to be put in place by all stakeholders, Wicklow County Council, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown and the Minister for the Environment. This site was used by Wicklow municipal dump and they can’t shirk their responsibilities. I have been pushing for the council to apply for a Blue Flag for Bray beach, however as long as waste from the old dump continues to get washed up along our shoreline, this will be a difficult thing to achieve.

Brady urges householders to be vigilant following 20% increase in Burglaries

Wicklow Sinn Féin County Councillor John Brady has warned householders across Wicklow to be extra vigilant following a 20% increase in house burglaries in the Bray area. The figures were given to Councillor Brady at a recent Joint Policing Committee meeting with the Gardaí. The figures show that in 2014 there was 369 burglaries, whilst 443 took place in 2015, in the Bray District alone.

Speaking about the increase in burglaries Councillor Brady said “I’m asking householders to be extra vigilant over the Christmas period and ensure their homes are properly secured. At a recent meeting with the Garda Chief Superintendent it was revealed that there has been a massive increase of 20% in burglaries in the Bray area. In 2014 there were 369 burglaries; whilst in 2015 there have been 443 to date.”

“We are in the peak of the burglary season. The longer darker evenings protect opportunist burglars with the cover of darkness, enabling them to sneak around properties virtually undetected. Unfortunately unless extra vigilance is taken this number is set to increase over the Christmas season. It’s also very important that any suspicious activity is reported to the Gardaí.”

Cllr Brady concluded “No property is immune from the threat of burglary, but, as many of those who experience a burglary realise in retrospect, there is usually scope for making it more difficult for a would-be burglar to get the chance to spoil what should be nothing less than a joyful time.”

Latest waiting list figures show that St Vincent's Hospital is firmly in the grip of government's health crisis - Cllr John Brady

Sinn Féin General Election candidate Cllr John Brady has said that the latest hospital waiting list figures show that the health crisis, presided over by Fine Gael Minister Leo Varadkar, is still having a disastrous impact at St Vincent's Hospital.

Cllr Brady accused Minister Leo Varadkar, and government TDs, of treating the crisis in our hospitals as an election problem that must be brushed under the carpet before voters go to the polls.

He stated that the latest hospital waiting list figures are further evidence of this government's mismanagement of the health service.

He said;

"There are 15,306 people on the outpatient waiting at St Vincent's Hospital while nearly 900 patients have been waiting for treatment for over a year now.

It is clear that the Minister is failing to alleviate the strain on the delivery of frontline services at the hospital.

"Minister Varadkar had stated that it was his goal to ensure that, by the end of the year, no patient would be waiting longer than 15 months for treatment. It is now clear that he will fail to deliver on that aim.

"The staggering size of the hospital waiting lists in St Vincent's Hospital provides further evidence of this government's terrible mismanagement of our health service.

"When you consider these figures in conjunction with the scandal of patients lying on hospital trolleys and nurses voting for strike action, it is clear that we have a Minister, and a government, all at sea when it comes to resolving the crisis in our hospitals.

"Instead of investing in the delivery of frontline services, the Minister's has chosen to fine struggling hospitals to the tune of €5.8 million for failing to reduce hospital waiting lists.

"It is clear the the Minister is now cycnically treating the hospital crisis as an electoral problem for the government. He is telling hospitals to make his problem disappear, to brush it under the carpet, on else face financial penalties.

"Sinn Féin has argued that the only genuine way of solving the crisis is to stop undermining the public health system and to start investing in, and properly resourcing, our hospitals.

"In our alternative budget for 2016, we outlined how an investment of €383 million would begin to make serious inroads into tackling the crisis. This investment would provide 500 additional nurses, 250 midwives, and 250 consultants to help alleviate the strain on the delivery of frontline services.

"However, Fine Gael and the Labour Party have continued to make political choices that are exacerbating and prolonging the crisis. Their Minister and their TDs prefer to pay lip service the crisis rather than implementing measures that would allow patients, regardless of income, access to vital treatment."

Brady expresses serious concerns about the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP)

Speaking in relation to the ongoing negotiations between Europe and The United States on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP); Sinn Fein candidate in the upcoming general election Councillor John Brady says there are serious concerns around effects on sovereign democracy and the rights of workers and citizens.

“These talks are almost totally secret. No information is forthcoming unless it is leaked or direct requests are made under freedom of information laws. We do know however that the talks are bent on easing up trade restrictions between the United States and Europe. On the face of it this might sound like a positive development to many, however when we take a look at the kind of issues under discussion such as Health, Water and Education, it is obvious that privatisation of essential public services are firmly on the agenda.”
Councillor Brady went on to describe how efforts to coordinate standards between the United States and Europe by adjusting trade barriers in favour of large multi-national corporations will have a huge impact on European standards and could have a direct impact on jobs in Ireland:

“Legal standards that protect workers and services in Europe are far more lenient in the United States, particularly in the area of food safety regulations and workers’ rights. On the flip side of the coin US financial regulations are much stronger than ours in the wake of the financial crises. European financiers are keen to see the US strip away these regulations in order to give them access to the lucrative American financial sector, while any dilution of worker’s rights in Europe at the request of American interests could see a flight of jobs out of Ireland to cheaper European locations. Essentially these negotiations are lob-sided and focused on serving the needs of large Multi-National Corporation to the detriment of citizens.”

Councillor Brady is concerned that legal protections provided within the European Union could be turned on their head in a way that directly challenges the sovereignty of countries:
“Put simply, the talks are looking at ways in which private companies can sue sovereign states if those governments adopt laws that negatively affect profit potential. A report published recently in the London Independent describes how a Swedish Company is currently suing the German government after they decided to phase out Nuclear power plants as a consequence of the Fukushima catastrophe in Japan. Apparently this is just the tip of the iceberg as the report suggests there are currently 500 similar cases world-wide where sovereign governments who have taken appropriate decisions to protect public well-being are now being sued by wealthy private interests.”
Councillor Brady concluded by calling on all parties to make clear their position on TTIP.

“In the wake of Social Democrat TD Stephen Donnelly’s remarks about TTIP on the Marian Finucane radio show; where it appears his party are sitting on the fence regarding the project, Sinn Fein calls on all parties to provide clarity in relation to their position on the talks. It is not enough to simply sit back and allow secret negotiations to take place to the benefit of wealthy multi-nationals and the detriment of ordinary citizens. It is clear from international commentary that these negotiations and any deal that falls from them has the potential to seriously undermine democratic sovereignty, it could also challenge hard won health and safety regulatory standards, attack protections for workers and directly affect the rights of all citizens. The Fine Gael and Labour coalition should as a matter of urgency release any information they have in relation to the negotiations and inform the Irish people as to what part if any they have played in the process to date.”

Anne Ferris TD votes in favour of the homelessness and housing crisis by her absence - Cllr John Brady

Sinn Féin General Election candidate Cllr John Brady has issued a scathing criticism of Labour Party TD Anne Ferris for her failure to vote on a Sinn Féin Bill aimed at introducing real rent certainty and providing additional resources for the prevention of homelessness.

The Bill seeks to link rent variations to the rate of inflation and to provide for local authority to consider and take action to assist those at risk of homelessness in a preventative way.


Cllr Brady said; "In my view, Anne Ferris TD failing to vote on such an important piece of legislation effectively equates to her voting in favour of maintaining the homelessness and housing crisis.

"Those who voted for Labour Party in 2011 are enraged because they expected them to go into the Dáil fight for ordinary people. Anne Ferris' absence was a vote in favour of the status quo - of zero social housing build, exorbitant rents and increasing homelessness.

"It is absolutely infuriating that, at a time when Wicklow has over 3,000 households on the social housing waiting list and we have 130 families presenting as homeless, Deputy Ferris didn't think the issue important enough to cast a vote. I think that says all you need to know about why ordinary people feel betrayed by the Labour Party in government.

"If Anne Ferris believes that there are technical difficulties or indeed amendments that should be considered, then Sinn Féin had made it clear that we would be happy to consider such suggestions at committee stage.

"Deputy Ferris is clearly running from a housing crisis that has been created by her government's policy. In Wicklow, she is nowhere to be seen on the issue. She has avoided in engaging with the local council and the housing SPC nearly every time that meetings with Wicklow's TDs have been arranged. Now, it seems that she has extended that approach into her work in the Dáil. I have already described her as Wicklow's "Scarlet Pimpernel" - sought everywhere but nowhere to found.

"This behaviour is typical of the Labour Party in government. They implement policies that result in disaster for ordinary people and then go missing when real solutions and progressive measures are being proposed.

"Anne Ferris should have shown-up, and voted in favour of this Bill, if she was serious about addressing the housing crisis.

"Unfortunately, the Labour Party and Anne Ferris TD has turned away from the public provision of social and affordable housing in favour of Fine Gael's preference feeding the profiteering that is currently evident in the private sector.

“I was also disappointed to note that Deputies Andrew Doyle, Billy Timmins and Stephen Donnelly were also absent for the vote. The only Wicklow TD to vote, Simon Harris, unsurprisingly towed the Fine Gael line.

“The lack of representation demonstrated, in this case, is a disservice to the people of Wicklow.

Coláiste Ráithín and St. Philomena’s Primary School get green light from An Bord Pleanála for new schools

Wicklow Sinn Féin County Councillor John Brady has welcomed a decision by An Bord Pleanála to grant planning permission to St. Philomena’s Primary School and Coláiste Ráithín in Bray for new schools on the Old Bray Golf Club lands. A decision by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council in April not to grand planning permission for a 450 pupil two story Post Primary School for Colaiste Raithin and a 24 classroom for St. Philomena’s Primary School along with a PE hall, playing courts, playing pitch and car parking, was appealed to An Bord Pleanála.

Welcoming the news Councillor Brady said “This is fantastic news for the two schools that have been campaigning for new schools for many years now. An Bord Pleanála has now removed the last piece of red tape and permission has been granted, subject to 8 conditions. The decision by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council to refuse planning permission in April was appealed to An Bord Pleanála by the Board of Management of Saint Philomena’s Primary School and Coláiste Raithín. The schools have been included in Bundle 5 of the Schools Public Private Partnership (PPP) for funding and it’s hoped that the schools will be completed in late 2016, early 2017”.

Cllr Brady concluded “These are two excellent schools that deserve to have first class schools. I want to pay tribute to the teachers, management and parents associations in both schools and to the Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB). Hopefully the commencement of the construction works on the two new schools can now commence as quickly as possible”.

Brady urges people to ensure they're registered to vote

Speaking in relation to Sinn Fein’s drive to encourage voters to register in time for the upcoming general election; the party’s Wicklow candidate Councillor John Brady says there is still time for people to add their name to the register of electors:

“Over the last number of election campaigns we have seen a steady decline in the numbers of people coming out to vote, part of this decline is due to a lack of voter registration. The recent marriage equality referendum saw a welcome surge in voter registration in the final weeks of the campaign, however there remains a significant section of our community who are not included on the register, these people might not have their voices heard in the upcoming general election.”

Councillor Brady went on to say that the only way people can bring about political change is by using their vote to shift the political dynamic in their favour:
“After years of austerity and growing public anxiety over issues such as water charges, hospital waiting lists, the housing crisis and rural decline; it is crucial that as many people as possible are included on the register. People who wish to have an impact on the future direction of government policy and to bring about the change necessary to ensure a fairer recovery will have an opportunity to do so in just a few short months.”

In conclusion Councillor Brady appealed directly to the younger generation not to allow their voice to go unheard:
“Statistics tell us that tens of thousands of our young people are not included on the register; especially those in the 18 to 25 year age group. The marriage equality referendum result showed what a difference participation across all ages can make to the outcome of an election. I would appeal to everyone to check the register and ensure they are included. For those who are living in apartment blocks and other gated communities, figures show that these people are also underrepresented, with some apartment blocks having less than 10% of occupants registered. Despite deadlines, people can still register over the coming weeks. Everybody should check the register at www.checktheregister.ie or in any Library or council office, and ensure they have the opportunity to influence the outcome of what has been hailed as one of the most important elections in recent history.”

Nurses strike shows that “chaos and crisis” is the government’s only health policy - Cllr John Brady

Sinn Féin General Election candidate Cllr John Brady has said that the decision of nurses to embark on industrial action shows that “chaos and crisis” is the only health policy of the Fine Gael and Labour Party Government.

He stated that the decision was completely understandable given the conditions faced by frontline hospital staff throughout the state.

Councillor Brady said;

“The decision of nurses to embark on strike action shows that chaos and crisis is the only health policy of this failed government.

“The members of the IMNO clearly feel that they have no other option but to take this action. They face absolutely unacceptable overcrowding and chaotic conditions on a daily basis.

“It was an overwhelming vote of 92% in favour of embarking on a strike. Clearly the vast majority of nurses are worn-down by the conditions and overcrowding that they face in our A&Es on a daily basis. The situation has obviously reached a tipping-point.

"This government was supported by all five Wicklow TDs in closing the A&E in St. Columcilles Hospital, Loughlinstown. This has helped create the crisis that now exists in St. Vincent's Univeristy Hospital where 37 patients are lying on trollies.

"21,000 people used the A&E in St Columcille's Hospital annually before it was closed. They now must use St. Vincent's. No changes were made to cater for the increase at St Vincent's even though it was already over running capacity.

"The conditions faced by patients and staff, in hospital around the country, is a damning indictment of this government's time in office.

“We can all remember Enda Kenny promising, time and again, to end the hospital trolley scandal. However, on his watch, the crisis has only gone from bad to worse. The Labour Party is equally culpable having gone along with this reckless approach, which now has our health system lurching into chaos just before Christmas.

“We need a government that will commit to defending public services and will invest in our health system. Fine Gael and the Labour Party have only committed a paltry additional €18 million to health for the coming year. How can we expect anything but crisis and chaos in our hospital when those in power favour tax breaks for the well off over providing decent public services?

“Sinn Féin in government would defend our public services and invest in our health system. In our alternative budget, we proposed to recruit 2,500 nurses over five years if in government, with further recruitment envisaged in a second term of office.”

Wicklow County Council Budget 2016 prioritises footpaths and hedge cutting over housing crisis

Wicklow Sinn Féin’s six County Councillors voted against Wicklow County Councils Budget for 2016. They described it as a Fine Gael/Fianna Fáil budget that prioritises footpaths and hedge cutting over the housing crisis. The budget meeting was held on Monday and was framed by €1.9m in cuts from central government, on September 28th Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and some Independents voted to increase the Family Home Tax by 15% in Wicklow, in an attempt to mask the cuts by central government, and try maintain services at 2015 levels.

Speaking after the lengthy budget meeting the Wicklow Sinn Féin group leader on Wicklow County Council John Brady said “At Mondays budget meeting in Wicklow, we seen the Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and Independent coalition pushing through a budget that was framed by cuts of €1.9m from central government and one that relied on squeezing an extra 15% from hard pressed families across Wicklow through an increase in the Family Home Tax. Sinn Féin put forward a number of measures to help tackle the housing crisis; unfortunately the unsustainable budget that was pushed through prioritises footpaths over housing.”

The Sinn Fein general election candidate went onto to say “At the beginning of the meeting on Monday morning the head of Finance stated that there was an additional €300,000 above what had been accounted for in the draft budget. This came about after the government ceded to the massive pressure that Sinn Féin put them under, to reverse the downward revaluation of rates for utility companies. The government decided to freeze the downward revaluation for 2015, if allowed go through, this would have seen an additional loss of €21m in funding to Local Authorities across the State, resulting in an overall loss to Wicklow of €362,276.”

Brady went onto say “The retention of this €300,000 by the council is welcome and provided the council an opportunity to do something meaningful to address the housing crisis. My colleague Councillor Nicola Lawless put forward a plan to invest this money into housing, which is a priority area for us, as the housing crisis continues to escalate; we proposed creating a €150,000 fund to install central heating in our social houses that don’t have any, €100,000 additional towards Disabled Persons Grants in both public and private houses. We also wanted an additional €50,000 to go towards Homeless services.”

“At the meeting it was unbelievable to see how out of touch with reality Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and so called Independents really are. They chose to use the €300,000 as footpath fund, and a fund for pet projects and for cutting hedges, and only paying lip service towards the housing crisis. They chose to put €100,000 into a footpath fund and €50,000 towards cutting hedges along the cliff walk between Bray and Greystones. It is unbelievable that when we have a housing crisis, people freezing in their homes and people with disabilities struggling to live in their homes because there is no funding to carry out essential modifications within their homes, that the priorities of Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and some Independents are footpaths and hedges.”

The Sinn Féin councillor concluded “The six Sinn Féin councillors voted against the budget which was carried by 21 votes to 9, with 2 absent. Funding to Wicklow County Council has been cut year on year, this year we were down €1.9m. Its unjust screwing the ordinary people of Wicklow with a Family Home Tax, in September Sinn Féin voted against the decision to increase the Family Home Tax by 15% to mask the cuts from central government. People simply can’t afford to pay a home tax to prop up councils that are grossly underfunded. By rejecting the budget we rejected the Family Home Tax and the 15% increase. We also rejected the gross under funding of Wicklow County Council, the annual cuts to its core funding and the prioritisation of footpaths and hedge cutting over housing.” Ends

Brady welcomes work by council in securing Eglinton Road properties

Wicklow Sinn Féin County Councillor and General Election candidate John Brady has welcomed the action that has been taken by Wicklow County council in securing 3 large vacant residential properties that they are owners of on Eglinton Road in Bray. Brady recently described the houses as an expensive pigeon loft, whilst at the same time people are homeless and sleeping on the streets. The properties were part of the land portfolio put together by Ballymore Properties for the Florentine Development in Bray. The entire portfolio, including the three large houses, was purchased by Bray Town Council for €1.95m in December 2013.

Speaking after inspecting the work that commenced Councillor Brady stated “I’m glad that after I raised the issue of the council having these 3 protected houses boarded up, and falling into disrepair due to large holes in the roofs, action has been taken. We are in the midst of a housing crisis and for the council to allow protected properties, that they are owners of fall into such poor conditions is a damming indictment. Work commenced this week on the 3 properties to secure them from the elements and to stop people entering them, the site also needs to be cleaned up.”

“The properties were originally purchased by Ballymore Properties, mainly for the large rear gardens which boarded the Florentine site. When the council purchased the entire Florentine site in 2013 the residential properties were included in the sale. It is hoped that plans for the development of the Florentine shopping centre will be in place in the next month or two. However the actual houses will not be part of that development. In response to a question I put to the Manager about what plans are in place for the houses, he stated that only when the Florentine Centre is developed will he start looking at putting in place a plan and making a proposal to the Councillors.”

Cllr Brady went onto say “I think that the responses to my questions about these properties are absolutely disgraceful and shows a complete disregard towards the people of Bray and the housing crisis that exists. Anyone that knows the history of the Florentine site knows that it has taken 20 years to get to this point; it will take a few more before any development is completed there.”

Councillor Brady concluded by saying “Now that the protected structures have been secured, discussions need to start immediately, to try getting the houses back into use without further delay.”

Wicklow TD's played their part in the escalation of home repossessions by the banks-Brady

Wicklow Sinn Féin general election candidate councillor John Brady has slammed Wicklow’s 5 TDs for playing their part in facilitating the repossession by the banks of 41 homes in Wicklow up to the end of September, there are a further 131 Circuit Court orders sought on primary homes across Wicklow. This is nearly a 300% increase on the 2014 figure of 14.

Speaking after the latest figures were released councillor Brady said “Thousands of families are living in fear of losing their home. Hard working families who bought average family homes are being dragged through the courts by their lenders. These are the very same banks that were bailed out by the taxpayer. The average level of mortgage distress nationally measured by mortgage accounts in arrears of 90 days or more is 11.2%. In Wicklow its estimated there are over 11,500 mortgages in arrears and slightly ahead of the nationally average. This means one mortgage in six in Wicklow is in arrears.”

“Last year 7,100 families had court proceedings lodged against them. Over the past nine months banks have lodged 4,500 eviction proceedings with the courts. Every month banks are lodging hundreds of fresh court actions against families in mortgage distress. In Wicklow there have been 131 Circuit Court orders sought by the banks on primary homes between January and September this year.”

The Wicklow councillor sharply criticised all 5 Wicklow TD’s saying “In 2013 all 5 Wicklow TDs, including opposition TD Stephen Donnelly, passed the Land and Conveyancing Act. This act was to make it easier for the banks to repossess the family home and since then there has been a tenfold increase in court actions each month. There have been 1088 in the first nine months of this year compared with 644 during the same period in 2014 and 240 during the same period in 2013. The pattern is clear.”

Cllr Brady concluded ““The Irish people bailed out the banks to the tune of €64billion, Wicklow’s 5 TDs gave the same banks the effective go-ahead to evict families from their homes and that’s exactly what we are seeing now. The playing field between banks and homeowners needs to be levelled by making the repossession of the Family Home a less attractive option for banks. The government also need to stand up to the banks and insist that they provide families with sustainable solutions to mortgage distress.”