Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow/East Carlow john.brady@oireachtas.ie
Tuesday, 18 October 2016
Minister Varadkar dragging his heels on replacement for JobBridge - John Brady TD
Sinn Féin spokesperson for Social Protection John Brady TD has said that Minister Varadkar could not move any slower when it comes to replacing JobBridge.
Teachta Brady said:
“Sinn Féin welcomes an end to JobBridge just as we welcomed this news back in May when it was first announced.
“Today, five months later, we see another announcement of the end of JobBridge with consultation only now beginning on what will replace it.
“At a recent committee meeting on this very matter Minister Varadkar said that he would ‘have proposals for a replacement scheme for JobBridge in the next few weeks, in October if not in September.’
“I have raised a number of concerns in relation to JobBridge consistently with Minister Varadkar. A recent internal audit report by the minister’s own department has raised issues, not least two marked as of high concern to the department.
“The principles already brought forward by the Labour Market Council on the new programme leave little to be desired. It calls for much of the same – the equivalent of the net minimum wage, to be of shorter duration of six months and to be voluntary. JobBridge 2.0 will not cut it.
“Sinn Féin published an alternative to JobBridge months ago. It is a pity that Minister Vardakar did not see fit to move as quickly. He is dragging his heels on this issue. We can only hope that we do not have to wait another five months.”
Brady expresses concern at sale of Ardmore Studios
Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow/East Carlow John Brady has expressed his shock at the news that Ardmore Studios in Bray is to be sold as a going concern.
Teachta Brady said:
“Ardmore Studios are internationally renowned as Ireland’s leading provider of film and TV studio infrastructure.
“The Studios is highly regarded by the community in Bray and has been home to hundreds of national and international film and TV productions since it was established in 1958.
“While I accept that the news of this sale comes with an assurance that it will not impact on the day to day running of the studios this provides little comfort.
"Last year, it emerged that a stakeholder in Ardmore Studios had expressed considerable disquiet at plans for key directors in Ardmore to set up a rival studio in Limerick putting both studios in direct competition.
"I believe that the development in Limerick is at an advanced stage and this may raise these past concerns again.
“I am aware that Ardmore Studios are in advanced planning stages with some expansion completed as recently as this year and further expansion to follow. I will do everything within my power to ensure that the valuable site at Ardmore is protected and that zoning remains in place solely for the expansion of film and tv production only.
“I met with Ardmore Studios last year and I fully intend to meet with them on this matter as soon as possible. Any threat to such a significant media hub is of national concern and will be of grave concern particularly, to the people of Bray.
Teachta Brady said:
“Ardmore Studios are internationally renowned as Ireland’s leading provider of film and TV studio infrastructure.
“The Studios is highly regarded by the community in Bray and has been home to hundreds of national and international film and TV productions since it was established in 1958.
“While I accept that the news of this sale comes with an assurance that it will not impact on the day to day running of the studios this provides little comfort.
"Last year, it emerged that a stakeholder in Ardmore Studios had expressed considerable disquiet at plans for key directors in Ardmore to set up a rival studio in Limerick putting both studios in direct competition.
"I believe that the development in Limerick is at an advanced stage and this may raise these past concerns again.
“I am aware that Ardmore Studios are in advanced planning stages with some expansion completed as recently as this year and further expansion to follow. I will do everything within my power to ensure that the valuable site at Ardmore is protected and that zoning remains in place solely for the expansion of film and tv production only.
“I met with Ardmore Studios last year and I fully intend to meet with them on this matter as soon as possible. Any threat to such a significant media hub is of national concern and will be of grave concern particularly, to the people of Bray.
Friday, 14 October 2016
As houses prices in Wicklow escalate Brady calls on Minister Coveney to rethink First Time Buyers Scheme
Wicklow Sinn Féin TD John Brady has called on Minister Coveney to rethink his help to buy scheme for first time buyers following the surge in prices for newly built homes since the new measures were announced in Budget 2017.
“Following speculation that the scheme is already leading to a surge in prices for newly built homes I am calling on the Minister to publish any research his department has that convinced him that this scheme was a good idea. In one Wicklow development, the price of a house rose by between €17,500 and €45,000 following the Government’s new first-time buyers scheme.
“Before the Minister pressed ahead with the launch of this scheme the overwhelming majority of expert opinion told him that this scheme wouldn’t work and that it would in fact make the housing situation worse. The first time buyers scheme, available on homes up to the value of €600,000 will simply drive prices even higher and lock greater numbers of people out of home ownership. It is also very telling that Government thinks that struggling first time buyers are considering purchasing homes between €400,000 and €600,000.
“This new measure coupled with the recent changes to the Development Levies rates for houses by Wicklow County Council has done nothing for families struggling to put a roof over their heads. The only thing that the measures appear to be doing is lining the pockets of developers.
“Minister Coveney must now provide more detail on how he intends to monitor the impact of the scheme and if evidence emerges that developers are increasing prices due to the scheme he must give a commitment to scrap it."
“Following speculation that the scheme is already leading to a surge in prices for newly built homes I am calling on the Minister to publish any research his department has that convinced him that this scheme was a good idea. In one Wicklow development, the price of a house rose by between €17,500 and €45,000 following the Government’s new first-time buyers scheme.
“Before the Minister pressed ahead with the launch of this scheme the overwhelming majority of expert opinion told him that this scheme wouldn’t work and that it would in fact make the housing situation worse. The first time buyers scheme, available on homes up to the value of €600,000 will simply drive prices even higher and lock greater numbers of people out of home ownership. It is also very telling that Government thinks that struggling first time buyers are considering purchasing homes between €400,000 and €600,000.
“This new measure coupled with the recent changes to the Development Levies rates for houses by Wicklow County Council has done nothing for families struggling to put a roof over their heads. The only thing that the measures appear to be doing is lining the pockets of developers.
“Minister Coveney must now provide more detail on how he intends to monitor the impact of the scheme and if evidence emerges that developers are increasing prices due to the scheme he must give a commitment to scrap it."
Tuesday, 11 October 2016
Budget 2017 sees more discrimination against young jobseekers – John Brady TD
Budget 2017 sees more discrimination against young jobseekers – John Brady TD
Sinn Féin spokesperson for Social Protection John Brady TD has said that Budget 2017 continues the shameful discrimination of our young unemployed.
Teachta Brady said:
“The increases announced today as part of Budget 2017 include a €2.70 increase in Jobseekers Allowance for those aged between 18 and 24 years. This means that this weekly payment rises from €100 to €102.70.
“Those aged 25 will see an increase of a measly €3.80 from €144 to €147.80.
“This increase will have no impact whatsoever on our young unemployed. In fact, it will do nothing more than incentivise them to emigrate.
“Once again, the Government’s Budget provides our young people with absolutely nothing. While Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil talk about Budget 2017 being about creating a fair and just society, young people do not feature.
“Last week, I asked Minister Varadkar to restore Jobseekers Allowance to the full payment of €188 for under 26s. His response has been to give them a pittance.
“While Fianna Fáil takes credit for the positives in Budget 2017, they may also take credit for this €2.70 increase for our young people considering they were the party that began the discriminatory cuts to young people in the first place.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson for Social Protection John Brady TD has said that Budget 2017 continues the shameful discrimination of our young unemployed.
Teachta Brady said:
“The increases announced today as part of Budget 2017 include a €2.70 increase in Jobseekers Allowance for those aged between 18 and 24 years. This means that this weekly payment rises from €100 to €102.70.
“Those aged 25 will see an increase of a measly €3.80 from €144 to €147.80.
“This increase will have no impact whatsoever on our young unemployed. In fact, it will do nothing more than incentivise them to emigrate.
“Once again, the Government’s Budget provides our young people with absolutely nothing. While Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil talk about Budget 2017 being about creating a fair and just society, young people do not feature.
“Last week, I asked Minister Varadkar to restore Jobseekers Allowance to the full payment of €188 for under 26s. His response has been to give them a pittance.
“While Fianna Fáil takes credit for the positives in Budget 2017, they may also take credit for this €2.70 increase for our young people considering they were the party that began the discriminatory cuts to young people in the first place.”
Monday, 10 October 2016
Fianna Fáil’s newfound concern for Older People ‘their latest gimmick’ – John Brady TD
Speaking ahead of Budget 2017, Sinn Féin spokesperson for Social Protection John Brady TD has said that Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil need to stop playing games with the proposed €5 pension increase for older people.
The Wicklow TD said:
“While Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil continue this farce over when to give older people the proposed €5 increase in the State Pension they have agreed on one thing – an increase in their own take home pay.
“In the age of ‘new politics’, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil have seemingly agreed to an increase of over €5,000 in their own wages. At the same time, they continue this tiff over when to give €5 to older people.
“It is quite clear that Fianna Fáil are using this pension increase debacle as a smoke screen.
“Sinn Féin has looked beyond the State Pension in our proposals for older people with a package worth in excess of €410 million.
“Our measures would mean pensioners living alone would see their pension increase by €5.70 per week; this means an increase for 190,000 older people. All older people would benefit by a €1 reduction in prescription charges as the first step to abolishing them, three weeks extension on fuel allowance, a bereavement grant of €600 as well as additional home help hours.
“As Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil continue this farce in the run up to the Budget, while at the same time lining their own pockets, Sinn Féin want to see proposals that will target a range of issues faced by older people.
“Fianna Fáil can drop the pretence that they are in opposition. This new found concern for older people is nothing more than a gimmick. Perhaps if they weren't so busy trying to control both Government and opposition at the same time, they could have released an actual alternative Budget.”
Thursday, 6 October 2016
John Brady TD commends 'Be Well' youth movement in Wicklow
Speaking on the Sinn Féin motion on Mental Health this evening Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow/East Carlow John Brady took the opportunity to commend the Be Well youth movement across County Wicklow.
Teachta Brady said:
“On Monday of this week I attended the launch of ‘Be Well Wicklow’ which originally started out in 2012 as Be Well Bray and has since expanded county wide.
“Be Well Wicklow consists of a group of young people from the age of 13 upwards who have taken on the challenge of promoting positive mental health in their communities.
“Be Well Wicklow is based on three key elements – battling the stigma surrounding youth mental health, learning and sharing skills that build resilience and ensuring that young people’s ideas and opinions are central to everything they do.
“Next week marks the group’s annual Be Well Week across Wicklow with a range of activities and events to raise awareness about Youth Mental Health and promoting positive mental health.
“I want to commend the work these young people have done – their engagement with the issue and their determination year on year to continue the conversation on mental health is something we can all learn a lot from. By taking on the challenge of promoting positive mental health they are inspiring many others throughout the country.
“I also would like to wish the other Be Wellers in Arklow with their first Be Well Week next week, the Be Wellers who are currently setting up in Kilcoole and other groups throughout the county.
Teachta Brady concluded:
“Young people are leading the way on mental health in Wicklow. They are setting the agenda and it is our job to recognise that and do all in our power to support groups such as Be Well Wicklow in the hope that we can have a Be Well movement in every county in the country.
“I am delighted that my party have brought forward this motion this evening and I hope that it will receive cross party support. In the words of Be Well Wicklow “Mental Health is not the same as Mental Illness, Everybody has Mental Health.”
Teachta Brady said:
“On Monday of this week I attended the launch of ‘Be Well Wicklow’ which originally started out in 2012 as Be Well Bray and has since expanded county wide.
“Be Well Wicklow consists of a group of young people from the age of 13 upwards who have taken on the challenge of promoting positive mental health in their communities.
“Be Well Wicklow is based on three key elements – battling the stigma surrounding youth mental health, learning and sharing skills that build resilience and ensuring that young people’s ideas and opinions are central to everything they do.
“Next week marks the group’s annual Be Well Week across Wicklow with a range of activities and events to raise awareness about Youth Mental Health and promoting positive mental health.
“I want to commend the work these young people have done – their engagement with the issue and their determination year on year to continue the conversation on mental health is something we can all learn a lot from. By taking on the challenge of promoting positive mental health they are inspiring many others throughout the country.
“I also would like to wish the other Be Wellers in Arklow with their first Be Well Week next week, the Be Wellers who are currently setting up in Kilcoole and other groups throughout the county.
Teachta Brady concluded:
“Young people are leading the way on mental health in Wicklow. They are setting the agenda and it is our job to recognise that and do all in our power to support groups such as Be Well Wicklow in the hope that we can have a Be Well movement in every county in the country.
“I am delighted that my party have brought forward this motion this evening and I hope that it will receive cross party support. In the words of Be Well Wicklow “Mental Health is not the same as Mental Illness, Everybody has Mental Health.”
Tuesday, 4 October 2016
Sinn Féin's Alternative Budget is about reducing the cost of living & investing public services - John Brady TD
Sinn Féin's Alternative Budget is about reducing the cost of living & investing public services - John Brady TD
Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow/East Carlow John Brady has said that Sinn Féin’s alternative Budget launched today is about reducing the cost of living and investing in public services.
Speaking after the launch Teachta Brady said:
“Sinn Féin’s alternative Budget is about fairness, reducing the cost of living, fair taxation and increased capital investment to build much needed homes, schools and health facilities across the State.
“Year on year other parties have chosen tax breaks for high earners over investment in public services, but Sinn Féin has shown that we cannot fix our health services or our housing crisis if we go down that road.
“Our proposals allocate a fund of €111 million to support families by reducing the cost of childcare fees by an average of €96 per week for children aged between six months and three years.
“We include an investment of an additional €500 million in education to reduce the pupil teacher ratio at primary level, tackle third level fees and create 1,000 additional apprenticeship places.
“Sinn Féin would invest €267 million to provide an additional 500 hospital beds, reduce the prescription charge by €1 as the first step of abolishing it, increase ambulance cover and improve mental health services.
“We want to see older people supported with an additional €410 million for a range of financial supports including restoring the Transitional Pension for 65 year olds increasing their weekly payment by €45 as well as increasing the Living Alone Allowance by €5.70 per week for more than 190,000 pensioners.
“Sinn Féin continues to call on the Government to increase the cut off age for the One Parent Family Payment from seven to twelve years of age. This remains part of our alternative Budget this year.
“Sinn Féin recognises the discriminatory cut made to Jobseekers payments for under 26s, we will restore this to the full amount over two Budgets starting with a €40 increase in this Budget. We remain utterly opposed to those under 26 receiving a lesser payment of between €100 and €160 based on age.
“Budget 2017 needs to create an Ireland for living in, not merely getting by in. We need to invest in the public services that have been so badly eroded by Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil in the past. We need a Budget that leaves no individual, no family or no community behind.”
Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow/East Carlow John Brady has said that Sinn Féin’s alternative Budget launched today is about reducing the cost of living and investing in public services.
Speaking after the launch Teachta Brady said:
“Sinn Féin’s alternative Budget is about fairness, reducing the cost of living, fair taxation and increased capital investment to build much needed homes, schools and health facilities across the State.
“Year on year other parties have chosen tax breaks for high earners over investment in public services, but Sinn Féin has shown that we cannot fix our health services or our housing crisis if we go down that road.
“Our proposals allocate a fund of €111 million to support families by reducing the cost of childcare fees by an average of €96 per week for children aged between six months and three years.
“We include an investment of an additional €500 million in education to reduce the pupil teacher ratio at primary level, tackle third level fees and create 1,000 additional apprenticeship places.
“Sinn Féin would invest €267 million to provide an additional 500 hospital beds, reduce the prescription charge by €1 as the first step of abolishing it, increase ambulance cover and improve mental health services.
“We want to see older people supported with an additional €410 million for a range of financial supports including restoring the Transitional Pension for 65 year olds increasing their weekly payment by €45 as well as increasing the Living Alone Allowance by €5.70 per week for more than 190,000 pensioners.
“Sinn Féin continues to call on the Government to increase the cut off age for the One Parent Family Payment from seven to twelve years of age. This remains part of our alternative Budget this year.
“Sinn Féin recognises the discriminatory cut made to Jobseekers payments for under 26s, we will restore this to the full amount over two Budgets starting with a €40 increase in this Budget. We remain utterly opposed to those under 26 receiving a lesser payment of between €100 and €160 based on age.
“Budget 2017 needs to create an Ireland for living in, not merely getting by in. We need to invest in the public services that have been so badly eroded by Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil in the past. We need a Budget that leaves no individual, no family or no community behind.”
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