Sinn Féin calls on Dáil to support motion on Pension Equality and Fairness – John Brady TD

Sinn Féin spokesperson for Social Protection John Brady TD has urged political parties to support Sinn Féin’s Pension Equality and Fairness motion coming before the Dáil next week.

Teachta Brady said:

“This motion is about fairness for those who are obliged to retire at 65 years in accessing their State pension and equality for all women when they retire.

“This motion is about correcting the mistakes made by Fine Gael and Labour in Pension reforms made in 2012. These reforms were made without any long term thinking or forward planning, with no adequate processes put in place alongside these reforms.

“The 2012 reforms were rammed through the Oireachtas and they were wrong. Sinn Féin opposed them then and we oppose them now.

“We have engaged with a number of organisations on this motion including, Age Action Ireland, The National Women’s Council of Ireland and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.

“We are seeing 65 year olds, who have worked their whole lives, in some cases for over forty years, who are left with no income on retirement. This is what has led to more 65 years in receipt of Jobseekers payments than any other age category in the State – some 5,075 men and women as of April of this year.

“The European Institute for Gender Equality showed a 37% gender gap in pensions in Ireland in 2012. Without doubt pension reforms have only widened this gap even further.

“Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have talked the talk when it comes to Pensions; in fact, they have been talking about Pensions for years. The time for talking, the time for Green Papers, White Papers, studies and reports on Pensions is over, we need action.

“The Labour Party played a huge part in the Pension Reforms of 2012, announced by Joan Burton. I am particularly, calling on them to take this opportunity to reverse these changes.

“I am calling on all political parties to support this motion as the first step in tackling our pension system.”

Unanimous call from packed public meeting to protect People's Park in Bray

Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow/East Carlow John Brady and Cllr Michael O’Connor have said that a loud message went out from a public meeting on the People’s Park in Bray last night.

Teachta Brady said:

“Sinn Féin organised a public meeting last night as a response to the huge concern voiced by local residents as regards the future of the People’s Park.

“Close to 150 people attended the meeting last night which was held at the Royal Hotel in Bray.

“Residents expressed huge concerns at the lack of consultation on the Council’s intentions for the future of the park. Prior to the commencement of the flood prevention works on the River Dargle, which impacted on the People’s Park over the past four years, residents had been guaranteed that the Park would be reinstated to its original condition.

“However, it is clear now that the Council are working on plans that will greatly impact on the amenity value of the Park. The Council are looking at developing an access road to run through the Park in front of Glenburg Terrace. This will be used for heavy machinery to access the river for future maintenance works.

“The Council are also looking at constructing a skateboard park within the People’s Park.

“There is wide agreement and support for the development of a skateboard park in Bray and I have been heavily involved with the Bray Skateboard Association in delivering this for the town. However, the skateboard park needs to be developed in a suitable location.

Cllr Michael O’Connor added:

“The process has been completely flawed from the outset with regard the People’s Park, to present a final plan to the residents is not consultation and the residents need to be consulted as to what they want to see for the future of the People’s Park.

Teachta Brady concluded:

“I believe that the Council need to go back to the site selection process for the skateboard park and ensure that a suitable site is selected.

“Last night provided the first opportunity for a conversation among the locals and users of the park as to what they want to see happen. Any attempt by the Council to rail road proposals through will simply not be tolerated. There are alternative locations for both Council proposals and these would be more suitable. I would urge the Council to examine these alternatives before progressing with the current plans any further.

“A number of petitions have been compiled by local residents and Sinn Féin along with many of the residents will attend the Bray Council meeting on Tuesday evening at 7pm to present these petitions.”

Brady calls on Ministers to stop play-acting on Ardmore Studios

Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow/East Carlow John Brady has commended all those who turned out today in support of Ardmore Studios outside Leinster House.　

Teachta Brady said:　

“I was delighted to join with protestors, who are predominately workers within the film and television industry, outside Leinster House today in support of Ardmore Studios and its continued existence as it is in Bray. I also joined the protesters in handing in a petition with over 2,500 signatures to the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.　

“The recent announcement that Ardmore Studios is to be sold came as a huge shock to all those involved in Ardmore Studios and also to me as a public representative. During previous meetings I held with the CEO, discussions were about the expansion of Ardmore Studios and never any potential sell off. The huge concern was highlighted in the huge numbers that turned up to the protest today.　

“Ardmore Studios are internationally renowned as Ireland’s leading provider of film and TV studio infrastructure. The studios are highly regarded and have been home to hundreds of national and international film and TV productions since it was established in 1958. 　

“The silence from Ministers Heather Humphries and Mary Mitchell O’Connor to numerous representations that have made to their offices cannot continue.　

“On the one hand, Minister Humphries has launched a new economic analysis on screen based creative industries and on the other, both Ministers have failed to address the potential sale of the State’s almost 32% share in Ardmore Studios.　

“The Ministers must confirm that the State’s shares will be protected and if the private shares are to be sold; this must be as a going concern. Any unconditional sale of Ardmore Studios will not be acceptable. 　

“It is essential that the prospectus in relation to the sale of Ardmore Studios is made available to both the employees and concerned public representatives.　

“I will be making further contact with both Ministers, who have failed to reply to me as of yet. The questions and concerns put to both Ministers must be addressed.”

Fianna Fáil sheer hypocrisy for lone parents

Sinn Féin spokesperson for Social Protection John Brady TD has said that despite talk, Fianna Fáil have once again, failed lone parents across this State.　
Teachta Brady said:　

“I brought forward an amendment last week at Committee stage seeking a report into the financial and social impacts of the changes to the One Parent Family Payment for lone parents. This amendment was passed with full support including the Minister’s.　

“Today, at Report Stage the Minister had changed his tune giving himself 9 months rather than the initial 6 months to present a report to the Oireachtas.　

“I urged the Minister to revert to the original amendment and I pushed this amendment to a vote to oppose the 9 month wait for such a report.　

“Speaking on behalf of Fianna Fáil Deputy Willie O’Dea outlined the serious and real issues being faced by lone parents as a result of the changes made. 　

“In fact, Deputy O’Dea, in his own amendment, wanted the report to be produced within 3 months yet when it came to a vote on 9 months they abstained.　

“The urgency for such a report outlined by Fianna Fáil was nothing more than false concern for lone parents and when it came to a vote Fianna Fáil sat on the fence.　

“Although it is thanks to Fianna Fáil that the Minister has got his way, I am delighted that a report will be carried out and our amendment has ensured this. 　

“There is absolutely no reason why this report cannot be delivered within 6 months and I will continue to push the Minister on this. This report will be critical in framing budget 2018.”

Huge concern for future of Bray Wanderers and Carlisle Grounds - Brady

Huge concern for future of Bray Wanderers and Carlisle Grounds - Brady



Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow/East Carlow John Brady has expressed huge concerns about the future of Bray Wanderers football club as well as the future of the Carlisle Grounds.

Teachta Brady said:

“This concern comes on the back of the clubs newly produced Strategic Plan 2017-2021 which has been published this week.

“This is an ambitious and comprehensive plan and I commend the work that the club have done over many years. Bray Wanderers have flown the Bray and Wicklow flag at the highest levels for many years.

“However, I do have serious concerns and reservations with the plan and the direction in which the club Chairperson is taking the club.

“The plan outlines the intent to seek a larger site and there are many references to South County Dublin and the fear is that there is an attempt to move the club out of Wicklow.

“Another concern is around the publicly owned Carlisle Grounds and its future under this plan. The lease which Bray Wanderers hold for the Grounds is very specific for sporting activities. I would be totally opposed to any changes to the zoning which would allow any commercial development to take place on the site.

“As there is a deficit for playing pitches in the area if Bray Wanderers have no further need for the Grounds there are many other sporting clubs that would be only too happy to avail of the Grounds.

“I will be speaking to the Council in relation to the existing lease to outline my concerns. I will also be seeking a meeting with the Chairperson of Bray Wanderers to discuss this plan."

Ballynagran dump expansion ‘a sign of incompetence from EPA and Minister’ – Brady

Ballynagran dump expansion ‘a sign of incompetence from EPA and Minister’ – Brady





Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow-East Carlow John Brady has said that Minister for Communications, Climate Change and Environment Denis Naughten’s response to the increase of 40,000 tonnes of waste for Ballynagran landfill is the wrong one, saying that “the people of Wicklow should not pay for the incompetence of the Minister and the EPA in their failure to plan ahead”.

Teachta Brady said:

“I questioned the Minister for Communications, Climate Change and Environment and raised a number of concerns surrounding the decision made to increase the intake of waste at Ballynagran landfill to 190,000 tonnes in the Dáil chamber yesterday evening.

“This increase is 40,000 tonnes above the maximum tonnage under the planning conditions set out by the EPA waste licence. However, the EPA are on board and have already facilitated it by making technical amendments to the waste licence.

“The fact that Minister Naughten, along with others, were made aware of this emergency situation well before it occurred yet, they still failed to take action and put plans in place is particularly concerning.

“I appealed to the Minister to intervene in this most serious situation and I asked him to contact the EPA to request that they reverse this decision.

“I highlighted a number of ongoing concerns with the landfill site as it is never mind with an additional 40,000 tonnes which will simply make a bad situation worse.

“I am disappointed that Wicklow County Council did not see fit to consult with the community liaison committee which, was set up as part of the planning process, elected representatives or locals living in the community. This was wrong.

“The Minister’s response to my concerns provides little comfort to the people of Wicklow particularly, those living within the vicinity of the landfill site. The way that this so-called emergency situation has been dealt with has been entirely insufficient and it has blatantly ignored the legitimate concerns of people in the area.

“I do not accept the response I received from the Minister on this matter and I fully intend to pursue this further. The people of Wicklow should not pay for the incompetence of the Minister and the EPA in their failure to plan ahead.” ENDS




See video of exchange with Minister Naughten here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMxSoqTnd54&t=9s

Dump branded ‘worst in state’ by EPA to receive additional waste – Brady

Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow/East Carlow John Brady has described plans for an increased 40,000 tonnes of waste at Ballynagran landfill as extremely alarming.

Teachta Brady said:

“Wicklow County Council have approved a temporary increase of an additional 40,000 tonnes of waste for Ballynagran landfill. This increase will bring the annual intake this year to 190,000 tonnes, 40,000 tonnes above the maximum tonnage under planning conditions. The EPA has pushed for this and has granted technical amendments to the licence for Ballynagran.

“This has come about because the landfill at Drehid in Co. Kildare has exceeded its annual EPA licence capacity. Clearly, this emergency situation was seen coming however, there was a failure to put in place any plans to deal with it and now Wicklow will become the dumping ground because of this failure.
“We know that Ballynagran landfill is already rated by the EPA as the worst dump in the State. Rather than doing something to change this, we will see thousands of additional waste instead.

“Furthermore, it is concerning that this decision has been agreed with no consultation with locals or public representatives whatsoever. Hundreds of officials complaints to the EPA regarding the landfill detailing the horrendous conditions that people have been forced to live in have gone ignored in this decision making process. I am aware of a family who had no option but to leave their own home one year ago and haven’t been able to return since because of the odour.

“A letter detailing this decision was circulated late Friday evening without any warning. Locals and public representatives should have been made aware of the emergency situation a long time ago. Wicklow County Council have not taken into the account the legitimate concerns of locals and instead are about to make a bad situation much worse.”