Sinn Féin spokesperson for Social Protection John Brady TD has called on Minister Leo Varadkar to immediately end his dishonest welfare fraud campaign.
This comes as a reply from Minister Varadkar to a Parliamentary Question from Sinn Féin has identified only one case of identity fraud in 2017.
Teachta Brady said:
“Minister Varadkar based this campaign on mistruths, assumptions and silly notions about false beards.
“This campaign was nothing more than an opportunity to launch his leadership bid at the expense of some of the most vulnerable people in society.
“On numerous occasions Minister Varadkar has referred to ‘doppelgangers’ and people ‘wearing make-up and beards’ as a means of defrauding the State. Yet, he is unable to identify one shred of proof that this has ever even happened.
“In fact, the Minister’s reply goes on to state that when it comes to the use of disguises ‘the Department does not record, and thereby, does not hold data on any attempts of this nature’.
“So far this year, there has been one suspected case of identity fraud identified by the Department of Social Protection. This hardly amounts to the millions of euro in savings Minister Varadkar talked of achieving through this campaign.
“If Minister Varadkar does go on to become Taoiseach, he will give Enda Kenny a run for his money with his imaginary tales.”
Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow/East Carlow john.brady@oireachtas.ie
Wednesday, 31 May 2017
Wednesday, 24 May 2017
John Brady TD questions appointment of retired Wicklow County Manager to head up investigation into financial irregularities at Cavan County Council
Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow and East Carlow John Brady has questioned the appointment of retired Wicklow County Manager Eddie Sheehy to head up an investigation into financial irregularities at Cavan County Council.
Teachta Brady said:
“It is extremely concerning that serious allegations of financial corruption at Cavan County Council are being investigated by Eddie Sheehy as concerns of planning irregularities have been raised surrounding Wicklow County Council, where Mr Sheehy was previously County Manager.
“Indeed, several Ministers with responsibility for planning have committed to a full investigation into planning irregularities at Wicklow County Council in the past.
“In recent correspondence to me, Minister Coveney confirmed that he was aware of planning concerns and he would make a decision on an investigation shortly.
“In recent weeks, I have handed over substantial documentation to the Gardaí relating to alleged wrongdoing within Wicklow County Council.
“It may be more appropriate at this time to achieve full transparency in the case of Wicklow County Council before appointing someone so close to the council to investigate Cavan County Council.”
Teachta Brady said:
“It is extremely concerning that serious allegations of financial corruption at Cavan County Council are being investigated by Eddie Sheehy as concerns of planning irregularities have been raised surrounding Wicklow County Council, where Mr Sheehy was previously County Manager.
“Indeed, several Ministers with responsibility for planning have committed to a full investigation into planning irregularities at Wicklow County Council in the past.
“In recent correspondence to me, Minister Coveney confirmed that he was aware of planning concerns and he would make a decision on an investigation shortly.
“In recent weeks, I have handed over substantial documentation to the Gardaí relating to alleged wrongdoing within Wicklow County Council.
“It may be more appropriate at this time to achieve full transparency in the case of Wicklow County Council before appointing someone so close to the council to investigate Cavan County Council.”
Tuesday, 23 May 2017
'Crucial' wind planning guidelines must protect communities - Brady
Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow and East Carlow John Brady has said that legislation must be put in place to protect communities and homeowners from the development of industrial windfarms.
Teachta Brady said:
“We cannot allow a situation where corporations are imposing themselves on small rural communities against the will of the people for corporate benefit.
“It is very disheartening and frustrating for the people of South Wicklow to see a second application from ABO Wind Ireland to build 11 industrial scale wind turbines after their previous planning application was so unanimously rejected.
“The government made a commitment in their programme for government to publish wind planning guidelines within 3 to 6 months of forming a new government. One year later this has still not happened.
“These guidelines are crucial to ensure that there is a proper effective regulatory framework in place to manage wind farm construction.
“Last July, Sinn Féin introduced the Wind Turbine Regulation Bill 2016 which seeks to address the concerns that have been raised in communities’ right across the State when it comes to wind farm development.
“Central to this Bill is the protection of nearby dwellings from noise and shadow flicker by providing minimum set back distances which increase as the height of the turbine itself increases. With that, this Bill also ensures there is an open and fully extensive public consultative process.
"I hope that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael TDs will support this Bill when it comes to the floor of the Dáil for debate.
“When it comes to the protection of homes and communities there is an onus on us, as legislators to take action. Wicklow will not become a dumping ground for big corporations to come in and set up wind turbines wherever they like. The concerns of people and their homes must be respected.”
Teachta Brady said:
“We cannot allow a situation where corporations are imposing themselves on small rural communities against the will of the people for corporate benefit.
“It is very disheartening and frustrating for the people of South Wicklow to see a second application from ABO Wind Ireland to build 11 industrial scale wind turbines after their previous planning application was so unanimously rejected.
“The government made a commitment in their programme for government to publish wind planning guidelines within 3 to 6 months of forming a new government. One year later this has still not happened.
“These guidelines are crucial to ensure that there is a proper effective regulatory framework in place to manage wind farm construction.
“Last July, Sinn Féin introduced the Wind Turbine Regulation Bill 2016 which seeks to address the concerns that have been raised in communities’ right across the State when it comes to wind farm development.
“Central to this Bill is the protection of nearby dwellings from noise and shadow flicker by providing minimum set back distances which increase as the height of the turbine itself increases. With that, this Bill also ensures there is an open and fully extensive public consultative process.
"I hope that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael TDs will support this Bill when it comes to the floor of the Dáil for debate.
“When it comes to the protection of homes and communities there is an onus on us, as legislators to take action. Wicklow will not become a dumping ground for big corporations to come in and set up wind turbines wherever they like. The concerns of people and their homes must be respected.”
Monday, 22 May 2017
Brady congratulates all involved in securing four Blue Flags for Wicklow beaches
Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow and East Carlow John Brady has congratulated all involved in regaining the Blue Flag award for Bray Promenade after seventeen years.
Speaking this morning Teachta Brady said:
“I am delighted that Wicklow has retained the three Blue Flags awarded last year and also gained a Blue Flag for Bray South Promenade which will fly there for the first time since 2000.
“This means that this year, Blue Flags will fly over Brittas Bay South Beach, Brittas Bay North Beach, Greystones and Bray South Promenade.
“When I was Chairperson of Bray Municipal District one of my key objectives was for Bray to regain the Blue Flag which has now been delivered.
“I want to congratulate and commend all those involved in making this happen particularly, the great effort that went into regaining the Blue Flag in Bray after seventeen years.
“Today is a great day for Wicklow and we should be very proud to be recognised internationally for outstanding compliance with sewage treatment and bathing water quality criteria.
“This is a great achievement for County Wicklow and I hope it will result in a major boost for tourism in our County.”
Speaking this morning Teachta Brady said:
“I am delighted that Wicklow has retained the three Blue Flags awarded last year and also gained a Blue Flag for Bray South Promenade which will fly there for the first time since 2000.
“This means that this year, Blue Flags will fly over Brittas Bay South Beach, Brittas Bay North Beach, Greystones and Bray South Promenade.
“When I was Chairperson of Bray Municipal District one of my key objectives was for Bray to regain the Blue Flag which has now been delivered.
“I want to congratulate and commend all those involved in making this happen particularly, the great effort that went into regaining the Blue Flag in Bray after seventeen years.
“Today is a great day for Wicklow and we should be very proud to be recognised internationally for outstanding compliance with sewage treatment and bathing water quality criteria.
“This is a great achievement for County Wicklow and I hope it will result in a major boost for tourism in our County.”
Saturday, 20 May 2017
John Brady TD calls on Fianna Fáil to aid in abolishing mandatory retirement
Sinn Féin spokesperson for Social Protection John Brady TD has welcomed news that Fianna Fáil has withdrawn their Bill to abolish mandatory retirement which was selected for debate next week.
Speaking today Teachta Brady commented:
“Within one week of introducing my Bill to abolish mandatory retirement in the Dáil last December, Fianna Fáil Deputies Willie O’Dea and Mary Butler introduced their own Bill with the same aim.
“Since then, my Bill has progressed to pre-Committee legislative scrutiny and I am now awaiting its passage to Committee Stage which is dependent on the Government.
“If Fianna Fáil are serious about the abolition of mandatory retirement, they should use their position to influence Fine Gael to facilitate the passage of this Bill.
“There are so many people out there approaching 65 who do not want to retire, they want to remain at work and this is mainly down to either financial or social reasons.
“When a similar Bill was brought forward in 2014, it fell with the collapse of the 31st Dáil. I do not want to see this happen with my Bill given the number of people relying on it to keep them at work.
“If new politics exists, Fianna Fáil should work with me to ensure that we give workers choice and we ensure that no-one is made to feel incapable of work because of their age.”
Speaking today Teachta Brady commented:
“Within one week of introducing my Bill to abolish mandatory retirement in the Dáil last December, Fianna Fáil Deputies Willie O’Dea and Mary Butler introduced their own Bill with the same aim.
“Since then, my Bill has progressed to pre-Committee legislative scrutiny and I am now awaiting its passage to Committee Stage which is dependent on the Government.
“If Fianna Fáil are serious about the abolition of mandatory retirement, they should use their position to influence Fine Gael to facilitate the passage of this Bill.
“There are so many people out there approaching 65 who do not want to retire, they want to remain at work and this is mainly down to either financial or social reasons.
“When a similar Bill was brought forward in 2014, it fell with the collapse of the 31st Dáil. I do not want to see this happen with my Bill given the number of people relying on it to keep them at work.
“If new politics exists, Fianna Fáil should work with me to ensure that we give workers choice and we ensure that no-one is made to feel incapable of work because of their age.”
Wednesday, 17 May 2017
John Brady TD calls on Stephen Donnelly to keep his word on ticket touting legislation
Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow/East Carlow John Brady has said Deputy Stephen Donnelly’s vote on Thursday on ticket touting legislation will show how serious he is about tackling the issue.
Sinn Féin’s Sale of Tickets (Sporting and Cultural Events) Bill 2017 brought forward by Maurice Quinlivan TD will be voted on this Thursday.
Ahead of this vote, Teachta Brady said:
“I am calling on Deputy Stephen Donnelly, and his party Fianna Fáil, to vote against Fine Gael’s amendment which will see a nine month delay in tackling ticket touting.
“Fianna Fáil are welcome to make amendments to the Bill at Committee Stage, where all amendments should be discussed and debated.
“It is quite clear that this amendment was brought forward for the benefit of Deputy Noel Rock who has been put out given his own Bill on this, co-sponsored by Deputy Donnelly, has not moved beyond First Stage.
“Throughout the summer months, a number of concerts and festivals will take place, and as is the case every summer, we will see tickets online that were bought for €100 being sold for €1,000, unless we take action.
“Last week, Deputy Donnelly contacted my colleague Deputy Quinlivan to commit his support to our Bill however, it is now apparent that Deputy Donnelly will not support the Bill and is instead, content to leave consumers at the mercy of ticket touts.
“I am calling on Deputy Donnelly to refrain from playing petty politics with this issue. In Deputy Donnelly’s own words only a few months ago, ‘we need to take this issue very seriously’.
“In fact, according to Deputy Donnelly, in January, ticket touting legislation could not be passed quick enough and he went as far as asking the Government to give this legislation ‘a higher level of consideration by the Business Committee than it would otherwise be given’.
“So, Deputy Donnelly has talked the talk on the need to urgently address ticket touting through legislation, and on Thursday; he has an opportunity to vote to do exactly that.”
Sinn Féin’s Sale of Tickets (Sporting and Cultural Events) Bill 2017 brought forward by Maurice Quinlivan TD will be voted on this Thursday.
Ahead of this vote, Teachta Brady said:
“I am calling on Deputy Stephen Donnelly, and his party Fianna Fáil, to vote against Fine Gael’s amendment which will see a nine month delay in tackling ticket touting.
“Fianna Fáil are welcome to make amendments to the Bill at Committee Stage, where all amendments should be discussed and debated.
“It is quite clear that this amendment was brought forward for the benefit of Deputy Noel Rock who has been put out given his own Bill on this, co-sponsored by Deputy Donnelly, has not moved beyond First Stage.
“Throughout the summer months, a number of concerts and festivals will take place, and as is the case every summer, we will see tickets online that were bought for €100 being sold for €1,000, unless we take action.
“Last week, Deputy Donnelly contacted my colleague Deputy Quinlivan to commit his support to our Bill however, it is now apparent that Deputy Donnelly will not support the Bill and is instead, content to leave consumers at the mercy of ticket touts.
“I am calling on Deputy Donnelly to refrain from playing petty politics with this issue. In Deputy Donnelly’s own words only a few months ago, ‘we need to take this issue very seriously’.
“In fact, according to Deputy Donnelly, in January, ticket touting legislation could not be passed quick enough and he went as far as asking the Government to give this legislation ‘a higher level of consideration by the Business Committee than it would otherwise be given’.
“So, Deputy Donnelly has talked the talk on the need to urgently address ticket touting through legislation, and on Thursday; he has an opportunity to vote to do exactly that.”
Monday, 15 May 2017
Irish Water inaction hindering Blessington's potential - Brady
Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow/East Carlow John Brady TD has said development in Blessington has been stalled indefinitely due to limitations on wastewater treatment capacity.
Teachta Brady said:
“Following ongoing engagement with Irish Water on the capacity of the Wastewater Treatment Plant and the serious consequences this is having on development in Blessington, I have received notification of their plans. This is a huge cause for concern as until this is addressed, development of any sort is hindered.
“Irish Water acknowledged that they are aware of the development pressures in Blessington and recognises that it is an important growth centre, which is potentially constrained by limitations on wastewater treatment capacity.
“Irish Water confirmed to me that they have initiated a study into options to upgrade the Blessington Wastewater Treatment Plant beyond what is currently available in order to facilitate the further expansion of the area. Currently, the plant has a capacity level of 6,000 PE (population equivalent) with the proposed works including an increase to 9,000 PE.
“However, the issue here is the time frame that Irish Water has set themselves which, in reality will mean that we are looking at 2019 before any upgrade works take place, at the earliest.
“Blessington cannot remain at a stand-still until Irish Water commences these necessary and well over-due works.
“The local authority’s hands are tied; they cannot progress with building much needed social housing.
“Irish Water needs to review their proposed time frame with due consideration to the detrimental impact that the lack of adequate wastewater treatment capacity is having. Without a timely response to this from Irish Water, Blessington will suffer.”
Teachta Brady said:
“Following ongoing engagement with Irish Water on the capacity of the Wastewater Treatment Plant and the serious consequences this is having on development in Blessington, I have received notification of their plans. This is a huge cause for concern as until this is addressed, development of any sort is hindered.
“Irish Water acknowledged that they are aware of the development pressures in Blessington and recognises that it is an important growth centre, which is potentially constrained by limitations on wastewater treatment capacity.
“Irish Water confirmed to me that they have initiated a study into options to upgrade the Blessington Wastewater Treatment Plant beyond what is currently available in order to facilitate the further expansion of the area. Currently, the plant has a capacity level of 6,000 PE (population equivalent) with the proposed works including an increase to 9,000 PE.
“However, the issue here is the time frame that Irish Water has set themselves which, in reality will mean that we are looking at 2019 before any upgrade works take place, at the earliest.
“Blessington cannot remain at a stand-still until Irish Water commences these necessary and well over-due works.
“The local authority’s hands are tied; they cannot progress with building much needed social housing.
“Irish Water needs to review their proposed time frame with due consideration to the detrimental impact that the lack of adequate wastewater treatment capacity is having. Without a timely response to this from Irish Water, Blessington will suffer.”
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