Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow/East Carlow John Brady TD described the news this morning that up to thirty jobs are set to be lost at St. Catherine’s Association across Wicklow as ‘a devastating blow for service users.’
Teachta Brady said:
“St. Catherine’s Association is a non-profit making organisation which provides education, training, healthcare and respite care to clients who have intellectual and other disabilities throughout County Wicklow.
“The news that up to thirty jobs will be lost from June is a devastating blow for the staff, the community of St. Catherine’s and indeed, the wider community.
“This is a very sad day for the thirty members of staff and their families who have received this news earlier this morning. These job losses are also a huge blow for the local economy in towns across Wicklow.
“It appears that the issue at play here is who pays for the transport provided by St. Catherine’s Association for children attending the School. This issue should have been addressed by Minister Harris if he had stepped in, communicated with Minister Bruton and made arrangements to find an alternative source to finance this service.
“It is now apparent that the school transport currently provided by St. Catherine’s Association for children attending St. Catherine’s Special School will cease at the end of this school term. I am informed that Bus Éireann will take responsibility for school transport for the 2017/18 school term. However, definite arrangements are yet to be put in place as to the logistics of this. Central to any changes must be to ensure that the least amount of disruption is caused to children and their families.
“In recent times, St Catherine’s has witnessed a number of changes with the downgrading of services and the closure of Avalon, Woodmount and Barnacoyle.
“I have sent correspondence to Ministers Harris and Bruton and I await their response as to their knowledge and involvement in relation to this issue.
“It is essential that the funding stream for the current transport service is secured and the jobs under threat are protected so that this critical service can continue.”
Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow/East Carlow john.brady@oireachtas.ie
Wednesday, 10 May 2017
Allegations of serious wrongdoing in Wicklow County Council given to Gardaí – Brady
Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow/East Carlow John Brady has made a statement to Gardaí regarding serious allegations he has received of planning and other irregularities in Wicklow County Council.
Speaking after making their statements to local Gardaí Teachta Brady said:
“On Friday, along with my colleagues in the Wicklow Sinn Féin Council Group, Cllrs. Nicola Lawless, Mary McDonald and Michael O'Connor, we have brought to the attention of the Gardaí serious allegations which have been made to us concerning matters within the remit of Wicklow County Council.
“As public representatives we are duty bound to take relevant action when serious allegations are brought to our attention. In this case, such is the seriousness of these allegations that we have contacted the Gardaí and passed on the information we have.
“On Friday last we have made statements to the Gardaí based on the information that has been brought to our attention and we have handed over all relevant documentation to the Gardaí.
“It is vital that all public bodies operate on a transparent and proper basis and local authorities are no exception. We are confident that the Gardaí will now examine this matter with the utmost care to ensure that all allegations are investigated and the truth prevails. We again reiterate our call on the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government Simon Coveney to initiate an independent investigation into Wicklow County Council so public confidence can be restored."
Wednesday, 3 May 2017
Abolition of Mandatory Retirement another step closer – John Brady TD
Sinn Féin spokesperson for Social Protection John Brady TD will this morning deliver an opening statement at the Committee on Justice and Equality as his Abolition of Mandatory Retirement Bill moves to the next stage.
Speaking ahead of the Committee meeting, Teachta Brady said:
“I am delighted that my Bill to abolish mandatory retirement is moving to pre-Committee scrutiny stage which will be held at the Committee on Justice and Equality meeting this morning.
“Since this Bill was debated in February, my offices have been inundated with letters, phone calls, and emails asking when this Bill will become law. There are many workers out there relying on this Bill so they can continue at work for many different reasons including, financial or social.
“Today’s meeting is about carefully examining the provisions within the Bill and ensuring that any issues are addressed. The ultimate aim is to abolish mandatory retirement and ending age discrimination within the workforce.
“I am encouraged by the many workers that have contacted me on this Bill and I look forward to this Bill progressing through the legislative process without delay.”
Speaking ahead of the Committee meeting, Teachta Brady said:
“I am delighted that my Bill to abolish mandatory retirement is moving to pre-Committee scrutiny stage which will be held at the Committee on Justice and Equality meeting this morning.
“Since this Bill was debated in February, my offices have been inundated with letters, phone calls, and emails asking when this Bill will become law. There are many workers out there relying on this Bill so they can continue at work for many different reasons including, financial or social.
“Today’s meeting is about carefully examining the provisions within the Bill and ensuring that any issues are addressed. The ultimate aim is to abolish mandatory retirement and ending age discrimination within the workforce.
“I am encouraged by the many workers that have contacted me on this Bill and I look forward to this Bill progressing through the legislative process without delay.”
Tuesday, 25 April 2017
Minister’s so-called anti-fraud campaign ‘a new low in leadership bid’ – John Brady TD
Sinn Féin spokesperson for Social Protection John Brady TD has accused Minister Leo Varadkar of using a pointless self-serving campaign as part of his leadership bid.
This week, the Department of Social Protection provided a figure to Deputy Brady for the total cost of the newly launched advertising campaign to tackle social welfare fraud of over €200,000.
Speaking this morning, Teachta Brady said:
“Last week, Minister Varadkar launched a ‘Welfare Cheats Cheat Us All’ advertising and online campaign set to cost the taxpayer €204,000. Initially, the Department were unable to provide the total cost of this campaign but they have since advised me of this figure.
“The Department of Social Protection have claimed that they achieved overall savings of €506 million in 2016 as a result of ‘control and anti-fraud measures’. However, the actual calculation of this figure leaves more questions than answers. In fact, in the Department’s own words, it is based on nothing more than an assumption. The real figure from Department officials, received by the media today, stands at €41 million.
“The Department developed a bizarre method of calculation using multipliers where they assume that an excess payment would have continued to be paid for a set future period and therefore, they multiply the payment by an assumed length of time. In the case of Carer’s Allowance and Disability Allowance, the payment is multiplied by 136.
“When we look at the figures from past reviews undertaken by the Department, it clearly shows that the real issue to be tackled is the prevalence of over-payments rather than fraud. This is reflected in a number of previous Controller and Auditor General Reports which showed that between 2007 and 2011 50% of all overpayments were due to error while 38% of overpayments were due to fraud.
“Minister Varadkar’s stance on social welfare recipients is peculiar but perfectly, staunch right wing. He has a particular dislike for young Jobseekers – as if those aged less than 24 years of age are living the high life on €100 a week.
“Minister Varadkar’s eyes are firmly on becoming Fine Gael’s next leader; in essence, a campaign to save the taxpayers money from welfare ‘cheats’ is but a PR strategy.
“As the Departments website states, this is a publicity campaign. In reality, this is a ‘Leo for leader’ campaign rather than a social welfare campaign.”
This week, the Department of Social Protection provided a figure to Deputy Brady for the total cost of the newly launched advertising campaign to tackle social welfare fraud of over €200,000.
Speaking this morning, Teachta Brady said:
“Last week, Minister Varadkar launched a ‘Welfare Cheats Cheat Us All’ advertising and online campaign set to cost the taxpayer €204,000. Initially, the Department were unable to provide the total cost of this campaign but they have since advised me of this figure.
“The Department of Social Protection have claimed that they achieved overall savings of €506 million in 2016 as a result of ‘control and anti-fraud measures’. However, the actual calculation of this figure leaves more questions than answers. In fact, in the Department’s own words, it is based on nothing more than an assumption. The real figure from Department officials, received by the media today, stands at €41 million.
“The Department developed a bizarre method of calculation using multipliers where they assume that an excess payment would have continued to be paid for a set future period and therefore, they multiply the payment by an assumed length of time. In the case of Carer’s Allowance and Disability Allowance, the payment is multiplied by 136.
“When we look at the figures from past reviews undertaken by the Department, it clearly shows that the real issue to be tackled is the prevalence of over-payments rather than fraud. This is reflected in a number of previous Controller and Auditor General Reports which showed that between 2007 and 2011 50% of all overpayments were due to error while 38% of overpayments were due to fraud.
“Minister Varadkar’s stance on social welfare recipients is peculiar but perfectly, staunch right wing. He has a particular dislike for young Jobseekers – as if those aged less than 24 years of age are living the high life on €100 a week.
“Minister Varadkar’s eyes are firmly on becoming Fine Gael’s next leader; in essence, a campaign to save the taxpayers money from welfare ‘cheats’ is but a PR strategy.
“As the Departments website states, this is a publicity campaign. In reality, this is a ‘Leo for leader’ campaign rather than a social welfare campaign.”
Opportunity for common sense to prevail in Little Bray proposed development
Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow/East Carlow John Brady TD has renewed his call for no development to go ahead on the River Dargle floodplain on the Old Bray Golf Course in Little Bray.
Teachta Brady said:
“It was confirmed last week that Pizarro, the company involved in the proposed high density development of a new town centre on the floodplain in Little Bray have gone into receivership.
“This now provides an opportunity for common sense to prevail in this ongoing saga which has left community group, SWAP working tirelessly to resist any such development for years.
“It is important to say that this community group are not opposed to development in the area they simply want the high density development to be built on the higher ground away from the floodplain at the same site.
“I have been working with SWAP for many years and I know the unbelievable work they have done and continue to do to ensure that the floodplain is protected and no development goes ahead. SWAP were the very first community group I welcomed into Leinster House since my election, and I commend them all for all of their work for their community.
“As the Old Bray Golf Course lands are in NAMA ownership it adds to the uncertainty as to what will happen next now that Pizarro is in receivership.
“Having said that, I want to re-iterate my call to ensure that no development goes ahead on this floodplain and it is protected.
“There should be no development of any kind on a floodplain, it is madness and it should never have been an option in the first place.
“This area has experienced extensive flooding in the past, it is an area with an older population and we must ensure that they are respected and that big business will not be put before this community.”
Teachta Brady said:
“It was confirmed last week that Pizarro, the company involved in the proposed high density development of a new town centre on the floodplain in Little Bray have gone into receivership.
“This now provides an opportunity for common sense to prevail in this ongoing saga which has left community group, SWAP working tirelessly to resist any such development for years.
“It is important to say that this community group are not opposed to development in the area they simply want the high density development to be built on the higher ground away from the floodplain at the same site.
“I have been working with SWAP for many years and I know the unbelievable work they have done and continue to do to ensure that the floodplain is protected and no development goes ahead. SWAP were the very first community group I welcomed into Leinster House since my election, and I commend them all for all of their work for their community.
“As the Old Bray Golf Course lands are in NAMA ownership it adds to the uncertainty as to what will happen next now that Pizarro is in receivership.
“Having said that, I want to re-iterate my call to ensure that no development goes ahead on this floodplain and it is protected.
“There should be no development of any kind on a floodplain, it is madness and it should never have been an option in the first place.
“This area has experienced extensive flooding in the past, it is an area with an older population and we must ensure that they are respected and that big business will not be put before this community.”
Wednesday, 19 April 2017
Sinn Féin TD John Brady calls for full independent investigation into Sunbeam House Services in Wicklow
Wicklow Sinn Féin TD John Brady has called on Health Minister Simon Harris to initiate a fully independent investigation into the management and governance of Sunbeam House Service and the handling of complaints of physical, sexual and psychological abuse at the centre.
Teachta Brady was speaking after a HSE Commissioned Assurance Review of Sunbeam House highlighted 284 complaints over a two and a half year period and thirty-three serious safeguarding allegations in a ten month period in 2016.
The complaints included neglect and allegations of physical, sexual, psychological and financial abuse.
Speaking today Teachta Brady said;
“I have been dealing with some of the families of residents in Sunbeam House behind the scenes for some time now and some of the stories of their loved ones experiences are horrific.
“The Assurance Review, commissioned by the HSE, was published on their website on the 14th of March. It was removed again in the 15th of March.
“I have seen a copy of the report and it is very concerning.
“I am aware that Minister Harris is to meet the families and is considering launching an independent investigation.
“I believe the Assurance Review Report confirms the need for such an investigation to be launched and the Minister must take that course of action.
“He must also ensure that the planned merger with another company is put on hold until after a independent investigation takes place.”
Teachta Brady was speaking after a HSE Commissioned Assurance Review of Sunbeam House highlighted 284 complaints over a two and a half year period and thirty-three serious safeguarding allegations in a ten month period in 2016.
The complaints included neglect and allegations of physical, sexual, psychological and financial abuse.
Speaking today Teachta Brady said;
“I have been dealing with some of the families of residents in Sunbeam House behind the scenes for some time now and some of the stories of their loved ones experiences are horrific.
“The Assurance Review, commissioned by the HSE, was published on their website on the 14th of March. It was removed again in the 15th of March.
“I have seen a copy of the report and it is very concerning.
“I am aware that Minister Harris is to meet the families and is considering launching an independent investigation.
“I believe the Assurance Review Report confirms the need for such an investigation to be launched and the Minister must take that course of action.
“He must also ensure that the planned merger with another company is put on hold until after a independent investigation takes place.”
Brady urges support for Tree of Hope ceremony in Bray this weekend
Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow/East Carlow John Brady has encouraged people to join him for a Tree of Hope planting ceremony this Saturday April 22nd.
Speaking ahead of the event Teachta Brady said:
“I would like to commend Be Well Bray for kindly sponsoring the Tree of Hope, as a positive initiative for mental health in our community.
“Be Well Bray are a local group of young people who actively promote positive mental health and encourage conversation around mental health among young people.
“The short tree planting ceremony will take place on the grounds of the Garda station at Convent Avenue in Bray at 9.30am on this Saturday April 22nd.
“The idea of a Tree of Hope came from a small voluntary group who have all been directly impacted by suicide who wanted to create a symbol of support to everyone affected by suicide or suffering with mental health.
“So far, one hundred and sixty two trees of hope have been planted in communities’ right across the State.
“I would encourage people to take a few minutes out of their Saturday morning to attend this ceremony especially, those whose lives may have been touched by mental health or suicide and remember a loved one.”
Speaking ahead of the event Teachta Brady said:
“I would like to commend Be Well Bray for kindly sponsoring the Tree of Hope, as a positive initiative for mental health in our community.
“Be Well Bray are a local group of young people who actively promote positive mental health and encourage conversation around mental health among young people.
“The short tree planting ceremony will take place on the grounds of the Garda station at Convent Avenue in Bray at 9.30am on this Saturday April 22nd.
“The idea of a Tree of Hope came from a small voluntary group who have all been directly impacted by suicide who wanted to create a symbol of support to everyone affected by suicide or suffering with mental health.
“So far, one hundred and sixty two trees of hope have been planted in communities’ right across the State.
“I would encourage people to take a few minutes out of their Saturday morning to attend this ceremony especially, those whose lives may have been touched by mental health or suicide and remember a loved one.”
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