PATRICK O’DONOVAN TD...for a normal commercial loan, or where bank understanding of the...

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PATRICK O’DONOVAN TD 24 Upper Maiden Street, Newcastle West. Tel: 069 77998 | Sarsfield Street, Kilmallock. Tel: 063 98855 Dáil Éireann, Leinster House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2. Tel: 01 618 3610 Fax: 01 618 4677 [email protected] @podonovan Patrick O’Donovan www.patrickodonovan.ie Introduction A Chara, Welcome to my latest newsletter which will provide you with some information on the issues that I am currently working on in Dáil Éireann. We are just over two years into this Government’s term and already we are on the way to taking back full control of our financial destiny. After many years we have finally seen a positive growth in jobs and a new system for dealing with personal financial difficulties is being put in place. While there is still a mountain of work ahead, we are making steady progress. I hope that this update will provide you with details of some of my work and Government initiatives over the last few months. It is an honour for me to be your representative in Dáil Éireann, if you feel that my staff or I can be of service to you, then please contact us. Kind Regards, Patrick The Government has had to make some very difficult choices to ensure that we can bring our spending under control. However we have been able to deliver on key issues as well including: free GP care for under 5’s, no changes to basic social welfare or income tax, 1,400 additional new teachers, recruitment to An Garda Siochana to restart, retention of the 9%VAT rate for the tourist industry, a new suckler scheme for farmers, tax breaks for long term unemployed to start a business, additional funds for roads, social housing and sports facilities. A Home Renovation Incentive Scheme has also been introduced whereby homeowners can avail of the special tax relief on renovations. This is a really positive measure that will not only provide a welcome boost to the construction sector, it will also provide homeowners who want to carry out renovations with some welcome relief. The relief will be payable over the following two years, and will be calculated at a rate of 13.5% on all qualifying expenditure over 5,000 up to a maximum of 30,000. For more information visit www.patrickodonovan.ie Budget 2014 Patrick with Tim Minett, CEO CPL Industries, Michael Collins Chairperson of Shannon Foynes Port Company, and Pat Keating CEO of Shannon Foynes Port Company at the CPL Jobs announcement in Foynes Economic Recovery and Job Creation The Government recently announced that Ireland would leave the Troika Bailout on the 15th of December. This will mean that Ireland will regain our economic independence and sovereignty which the last Government gave away in 2010. While there are still some very difficult decisions to be made, this Fine Gael-led Government is making real progress. We are now creating over 3,000 jobs a month and Limerick has seen some of these announcements. In June this year CPL Fuel Ireland announced that they were creating 142 new jobs at Foynes Port through the development of a manufacturing plant. I worked closely with the Company in securing this investment and the plant will service the domestic Irish solid fuel market. It is also hoped that the 18 month construction phase will create at least 150 construction jobs. Last year Enterprise Ireland assisted companies in Limerick in creating nearly 700 full-time jobs, and grant payments made available to Enterprise Ireland supported client companies in Limerick in 2012 to June 2013 was nearly 3.5m.

Transcript of PATRICK O’DONOVAN TD...for a normal commercial loan, or where bank understanding of the...

Page 1: PATRICK O’DONOVAN TD...for a normal commercial loan, or where bank understanding of the specialised aspects of the business environment in which they operate is limited. Helping

PATRICK O’DONOVAN TD

24 Upper Maiden Street, Newcastle West. Tel: 069 77998 | Sarsfield Street, Kilmallock. Tel: 063 98855 Dáil Éireann, Leinster House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2. Tel: 01 618 3610 Fax: 01 618 4677

[email protected] @podonovan Patrick O’Donovan www.patrickodonovan.ie

IntroductionA Chara,

Welcome to my latest newsletter which will provide you with some information on the issues that I am currently working on in Dáil Éireann.

We are just over two years into this Government’s term and already we are on the way to taking back full control of our financial destiny. After many years we have finally seen a positive growth in jobs and a new system for dealing with personal financial difficulties is being put in place. While there is still a mountain of work ahead, we are making steady progress.

I hope that this update will provide you with details of some of my work and Government initiatives over the last few months. It is an honour for me to be your representative in Dáil Éireann, if you feel that my staff or I can be of service to you, then please contact us.

Kind Regards,

Patrick

The Government has had to make some very difficult choices to ensure that we can bring our spending under control. However we have been able to deliver on key issues as well including: free GP care for under 5’s, no changes to basic social welfare or income tax, 1,400 additional new teachers, recruitment to An Garda Siochana to restart, retention of the 9%VAT rate for the tourist industry, a new suckler scheme for farmers, tax breaks for long term unemployed to start a business, additional funds for roads, social housing and sports facilities. A Home Renovation Incentive Scheme has also been introduced whereby homeowners can avail of the special tax relief on renovations. This is a really positive measure that will not only provide a welcome boost to the construction sector, it will also provide homeowners who want to carry out renovations with some welcome relief. The relief will be payable over the following two years, and will be calculated at a rate of 13.5% on all qualifying expenditure over €5,000 up to a maximum of €30,000. For more information visit www.patrickodonovan.ie

Budget 2014

Patrick with Tim Minett, CEO CPL Industries, Michael Collins Chairperson of Shannon Foynes Port Company, and Pat Keating CEO of Shannon Foynes Port Company at the CPL Jobs announcement in Foynes

Economic Recovery and Job CreationThe Government recently announced that Ireland would leave the Troika Bailout on the 15th of December. This will mean that Ireland will regain our economic independence and sovereignty which the last Government gave away in 2010. While there are still some very difficult decisions to be made, this Fine Gael-led Government is making real progress. We are now creating over 3,000 jobs a month and Limerick has seen some of these announcements. In June this year CPL Fuel Ireland announced that they were creating 142 new jobs at Foynes Port through the development of a manufacturing plant. I worked closely with the Company in securing this investment and the plant will service the domestic Irish solid fuel market. It is also hoped that the 18 month construction phase will create at least 150 construction jobs.Last year Enterprise Ireland assisted companies in Limerick in creating nearly 700 full-time jobs, and grant payments made available to Enterprise Ireland supported client companies in Limerick in 2012 to June 2013 was nearly €3.5m.

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PATRICK O’DONOVAN TD

24 Upper Maiden Street, Newcastle West. Tel: 069 77998 | Sarsfield Street, Kilmallock. Tel: 063 98855 | Dáil Éireann, Leinster House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2. Tel: 01 618 3610 Fax: 01 618 4677

[email protected] @podonovan Patrick O’Donovan www.patrickodonovan.ie

HSE Reform There has been a massive reduction in in-patient and day case waiting times at Mid-Western Regional Hospitals in Croom and Dooradoyle since this government has come to office. Waiting lists over 9 months have been eliminated for in-patient and day case surgery at Croom, while waiting lists for the same period has more than halved for in-patient and day case procedures in the MWRH in Dooradoyle.Also this year the first patients began moving into the new state of the art €35 million Critical Care Unit at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital. The new Critical Care Unit is one of the largest public capital projects in the state. The Unit will provide essential critical and high dependency care for patients of acute health care in the region.

I successfully proposed the re-introduction of the Local Improvement Scheme earlier this year, which provides funding for non-public roads and the maintenance and improvement of these roads.This year saw funding of €5.3m being provided to projects across Limerick County to improve road infrastructure, reduce traffic congestion and increase safety for road users. These included works on the Newcastle West to Barnagh Road, the Ferrybridge and on bends in the road in Bolane, Kildimo. Monies were also provided for the design phase for traffic calming measures to be put in place in Dromkeen.Over the last twelve months I have raised the issue of the Adare bypass in the Dáil and with the Minister for Transport as well as the need for a new road to Foynes to faciliate the harbour where throughput is expected to double over the next 30 years.

Transport

Patrick speaking at the launch of the Report on Cyberbullying

Merger of Limerick AuthoritiesNext year’s local elections will form part of the biggest shake-up of local government in the history of the State which will result in greater efficiencies and improved service delivery for the people across Ireland. Limerick is already leading the way in the restructuring of Local Government in Ireland with the merger of the City and County Council. Speaking in the Dáil recently on the Local Government Bill I asked the Department to support and engage actively with the new Limerick City & County Council during this transition period to make the necessary changes.

Patrick with the Minister of State for Sport, Michael Ring TD at the turning of the sod for the Newcastle West Rovers Soccer Field

Government Funding for Limerick Communities in 2013The Rural Development Programme has delivered over €700,000 in 2013 in funding to Limerick Projects. The projects that have benefited are in Castlemahon with the construction of a purpose-designed and built community centre and the development of a Community Park in Shanagolden. These allocations are the just reward for the people of in Castlemahon, Shanagolden and Cappamore (Library and Arts Centre) as well as the wider community who have campaigned for these works to be carried out. Anyone who has ever worked on getting funding for such work to be carried out knows that it is no easy task, particularly given our current economic situation”.

DÁIL BUSINESSAs well as speaking on legislation and asking questions of Ministers I have also raised other issues including: care of the elderly in their homes, supports for the self-employed, Garda Vetting, Commercial Rates, Farm Assist eligibility, Childhood Obesity.

I am member of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, and Communications, and also a member of the sub committee who wrote the Report on Cyber Bullying and Alcohol Sponsorship in Sport, and a member of the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly

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24 Upper Maiden Street, Newcastle West. Tel: 069 77998 | Sarsfield Street, Kilmallock. Tel: 063 98855 | Dáil Éireann, Leinster House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2. Tel: 01 618 3610 Fax: 01 618 4677

[email protected] @podonovan Patrick O’Donovan www.patrickodonovan.iewww.patrickodonovan.ie

Starting your own BusinessSeed Capital SchemeIf you start up and work full-time in your own company, you can claim back the income tax you paid in the previous six years to invest equity into a company (subscribed as shares) engaged in a qualifying trade. The amount of relief is restricted to the amount of the investment. For more information see: www.revenue.ie.

Helping Businesses Access CreditMicroFinance FundThe Government has developed a Microfinance fund aimed at start-up, new or growing enterprises across all sectors, with no more than 10 employees. Loans of up to €25,000 are available for commercially viable proposals that do not meet the conventional risk criteria applied by commercial banks. Applicants will have to demonstrate that they have been refused credit by a commercial lending institution. Borrowers will pay a commercial interest rate. For more information see: www.microfinanceireland.ie

Credit Guarantee SchemeThis scheme facilitates €450m of additional bank lending over 3 years to viable micro, small and medium enterprises to

help them obtain much needed working capital and investment. The Government provides the lender with a 75% guarantee for which the borrower pays a 2% premium. Target companies are those lacking adequate security for a normal commercial loan, or where bank understanding of the specialised aspects of the business environment in which they operate is limited.

Helping Businesses Create JobsJobsPlus SchemeThe scheme encourages and rewards employers who offer employment opportunities to the long term unemployed. This is a simple scheme for employers to access up to €10,000 for a qualifying recruit, payable on a monthly basis over a two year period. For more information see: www.jobsplus.ie

JobBridgeJobBridge offers an internship of 6-9 months to a person who has been signing on as available for work and getting a payment or credits for at least three months. Time completed on programmes in FÁS training, back to education or on a community scheme will count towards eligibility. Participants receive €50 per week on top of their welfare payment. More information available at www.jobbridge.ie

SUPPORTING NEW AND GROWING BUSINESS

MAJOR PROJECTS

Scoil Mocheallóg, Kilmallock - New School

Colaiste Chiarain, Croom - Extension

Colaiste Iosaf, Kilmallock – Extension

PREFAB REPLACEMENT INITIATIVE

Mahoonagh NS, Castlemahon

Ahane N.S., Ahane

Scoil Ide Naofa, Raheenagh

Our Ladys Abbey NS, Adare

NEW CLASSES FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Desmond College, Newcastle West – ASD Class

Scoil Iósaf, Newcastle West – ASD Early Intervention Class

EMERGENCY WORKS

Scoil Pol, Kilfinane - Sewerage Works

Scoil Dean Cussen, Bruff - Roof Repairs

Kilteely National School - Electrical Works

St. Josephs BNS Rathkeale - Roof Repairs

Knocklong National School - Mechanical Works

Kilcolman NS Ardagh - Facilities for Special Needs Pupils

Glenbrohane NS Garryspillane - Sewerage Works

Banogue NS, Banogue - Structural

St. Molua's NS, Ardagh - Roof Repair

Salesian Secondary School, Pallaskenry - facilities for Special Needs Pupils

2013 SCHOOL PROGRAMME

ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION APPROVALSAthlacca National School - Mainstream Classroom and Resource RoomAhane National School - Mainstream classroom and refurbishment of toilets.

Salesian Secondary School - Mainstream Classrooms

Kilcolman National School - Resource Room

Coláiste Mhuire, Askeaton - New entrance

Patrick with An Taoiseach Enda Kenny

Education• Budget 2014 has made no change to the Pupil Teacher Ratio and has

provided for 1,400 additional teachers. • 2014 will see major changes to the Junior Certificate cycle.• In the Dáil I have asked that the Leaving Certificate needs to be look at,

along with the possible inclusion of P.E. as an exam subject.• The Minor Works Grant and Summer Works Schemes have been

reintroduced for school to fund the improvement and upgrading of existing school buildings.

• New classes for children with special needs.

For full details of the business supports available please contact my office

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24 Upper Maiden Street, Newcastle West. Tel: 069 77998 | Sarsfield Street, Kilmallock. Tel: 063 98855 Dáil Éireann, Leinster House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2. Tel: 01 618 3610 Fax: 01 618 4677

[email protected] @podonovan Patrick O’Donovan www.patrickodonovan.ie

NEW GOVERNMENT – WHAT’S CHANGED?The new Fine Gael-led government has been in office for over two years now. We inherited an economic disaster from the last government. Our economy was in tatters and we were only months from bankruptcy. Ireland’s reputation was at an all-time low, damaging trade, investment and jobs. We have had to clean up the mess and now we are in the process of rebuilding. It’s taking longer than any of us thought, and people are understandably frustrated that progress has not come faster. But we are only at the half-way point of this Government’s term. A lot has changed and a lot has been achieved.

Here are a few examples:

With more than two and a half years to run, the Government can and needs to achieve a lot more. But the test of any government is that it brings the country to a better place. I am confident that we will pass that test.

Agriculture Matters This has been a challenging year for the Agri – Sector, the fodder crisis had a deep impact on many farms, families and communities across Limerick. I worked with many farmers, farming organisations and the Department of Agriculture during that period and saw first-hand the position many farmers found themselves under trying to provide for their families.Budget 2014 will protect the incomes of family farms, support small farm holdings in disadvantaged areas and the €23 million increase in the suckler cow scheme is a clear statement of the importance the Government places in the beef sector.The Single Payments Scheme is a very important source of income for the Irish agricultural community, and €23,899,685 in funding has been paid to 4,472 of farmers in Limerick so far this year as part of advanced payments under the scheme.2013 also saw food exports increase to near 9% in the first six months of this year and opportunities have been created with the lifting of the ban on Irish meat exports to the Gulf Region.I have also produced an Agri Report for 2013 and if you have not already received a copy through your letter-box. Please get in touch and I’ll happily get one to you.

PATRICK O’DONOVAN TD

Patrick O’Donovan

[email protected]@podonovan

www.patrickodonovan.ie

Food Exports increase by 8.6% or €370 million from

January – June 2013

Report highlights the importance of the agricultural sector

to the Limerick EconomyRecently a report was published on the Importance of the Cattle and Sheep Sectors to the Irish Economy by Alan Renwick of UCD, which underlines the importance of the agricultural sector to the local economy of counties like Limerick. The report which was commissioned by the IFA and completed by Prof Renwick, Professor of Agriculture and Food Economics demonstrates the massive importance of the industry to the Irish Economy. The report details that the 6.6 million cattle and 4.75 million sheep on 139,000 are key to supporting 100,000 full time jobs, with 45,000 jobs in supporting and related businesses and industries also being maintained by the cattle and sheep industries. The report goes on to state that the value to the Irish Economy of cattle and sheep rose to €2.3 billion in 2012 and accounted for 25% of the total

agri-food export in the same year. Professor Renwick also went on to say that for each €1 produced from Irish cattle and sheep farms that with a multiplier effect the actual value to the local economy ranged from €1.33 to €1.49, proof if any was needed of the importance of the industry to towns, villages and rural based businesses across the country. The timing of the publication of

the report was very important as the Government prepares to ensure that the targets in Food Harvest 2020 can be reached. There is enormous potential in the agricultural sectors to increase levels of employment in the near future. Here in County Limerick we are well aware of the contribution of the industry to our local economy, and during his recent visit here to the constituency, Minister Coveney made that point clearly when he addressed farmers and members of the public in Adare.

“The recent CAP negotiations which have been chaired by our Minister Simon Coveney have shown the real opportunities that lie ahead for Ireland. We are global leaders in the production of safe, healthy and

reliable food. This report shows the potential for Ireland if we can develop the industry further, and I believe it will form an important foundation for future development in Irish Agriculture.24 Upper Maiden Street, Newcastle West. Tel: 069 77998 | Sarsfield Street, Kilmallock. Tel: 063 98855

Dáil Éireann, Leinster House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2. Tel: 01 618 3610 Fax: 01 618 46777

AGRI REPORT2013

[email protected]@podonovan

Patrick O’Donovanwww.patrickodonovan.ie

Patrick pictured with the Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney TD in Adare at Agricultural meeting organised by

Patrick prior to the CAP negotiations.

Patrick welcoming the newly appointed Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture

Food and the Marine, Tom Hayes TD to Limerick during a recent visit to GVM Kilmallock.

The value of Irish food and drink exports has increased by over 8%, or €370 million, during the first six months of the year, relative to the same period last year. This increase was driven by a particularly strong performance in beef exports – up by 15% or €140 million, accounting for almost 40% of the total growth. Other strongly performing categories were prepared foods (+15%), and dairy (+4%), while pigmeat (+9%)

and beverages (+4%) also recorded solid growth.These results are continued evidence of the strong performance and growth in Agri-food industry. Even during what has been a difficult year for the sector we are still seeing strong growth I would like to congratulate all involved in the industry following the very encouraging results.

The export figures for the

first half of the year are particularly impressive at a time when overall exports have fallen by some 6%. Last year, Ireland’s food and drink exports surpassed the €9 billion mark for the first time and the prospects for the remainder of 2013 remain broadly positive with a strong demand for dairy and beef, combined with a more robust prepared foods performance and further steady growth in beverages.

Abbeyfeale Leen’s Hotel 2.15pm

Pallasgreen Community Centre 4.00pm

Kilmallock Constituency Office - Sarsfield Street 5.15pm

Newcastle West

Constituency Office - Maiden Street 6.15pm

Clinic ScheduleMondays -

• Troikabailouttoend15thDecember. Sovereignty Restored

• 36,000newjobsthisyear• BankGuaranteeended• PromissoryNoteseliminated• IBRC(AngloIrishBankand

IrishNationwide)liquidated• BondYieldsattheirlowest

since economic collapse• NewHaddingtonRoad

Agreement

• Bankerschargedinthecourts• MinimumWagecutreversed• NoincreaseinIncomeTax• Nocutsinbasicweeklysocial

welfarePayments• SaleofStateassetstoinvest

in jobs and infrastructure• Reformoflocalgovernment

with600fewercouncillors, but more local democracy

• ConstitutionalConvention

• Fewerquangos• Fewerministers,fewerTDs

and fewer committees• Taoiseach’ssalarynow50%

of Bertie Ahern’s• EffectivebanonCorporate

Donations• LiveRegisterandUnemployment

Rate at three year low and falling• Budgetdeficitdownfrom

30%to7%

• SuccessfulEuropeanPresidency• TouristVisitsupthreeyears

in a row• TheGathering• Exportshighestever• ForeignInvestmentreturning• Housepriceshavestabilised• CAPsuccessfullyconcluded

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PATRICK O’DONOVAN TD

24 Upper Maiden Street, Newcastle West.

Tel: 069 77998

Sarsfield Street, Kilmallock. Tel: 063 98855

Dáil Éireann, Leinster House, Kildare Street,

Dublin 2. Tel: 01 618 3610 Fax: 01 618 4677

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.patrickodonovan.ie

@podonovan Patrick O’Donovan0612

Water Network Investment Under the National Water Conservation Project an allocation of €1.25million was made towards the cost of the replacement of water mains by Limerick County Council. The allocation will see works carried out in a number of locations in Limerick including; Bruff, Hospital, Oola, Murroe, Abbeyfeale, Cappamore and Doon. The water conservation programme within the Department of the Environment was launched to address the issue of water leaks from public water supplies across the country.This investment will be welcome, not only in terms of the amount of water that will be conserved, but also in terms of the employment that it will support in Limerick during the works. Since this government came to office, the Minister for the Environment has announced major capital works in Limerick to improve the delivery of drinking water and to treat sewerage in communities across the county. It is one of the issues that I have been pursuing with the Minister since the election because it is essential for the development of the country that we get access to modern infrastructure, including water provision, for the communities we represent.

2014 Calendar available if you wish to receive this calendar please contact my office.

Leinster House Visitors Guide

Electoral SystemProportional Representation by Single Transferable Vote (PR-STV) in multi-seat constituencies is the electoral system used in Ireland. In practice this means that voters can indicate first and subsequent choices for candidates. It can result in a greater representation of smaller parties. History of Leinster HouseThe house was originally known as Kildare House after James Fitzgerald,

the Earl of Kildare, who commissioned it to be built between 1745-47. James Fitzgerald set out to create the stateliest of Dublin

Georgian mansions to reflect his eminent position in Irish society. When he became Duke of Leinster in 1766 the house was renamed Leinster House.In 1815, Augustus Frederick, the third Duke of Leinster, sold the mansion

to the Royal Dublin Society (RDS) for £10,000 and a yearly rent of £600 which was later redeemed. The Society made extensive additions to the House, most notably the lecture theatre, which was later to become the Dáil Chamber.

The Dáil Chamber was originally the lecture theatre of the RDS and was opened as such in 1897. The room is octagonal in shape and its original seating capacity was 700. Little alteration was needed to adapt it for parliamentary purposes:

the floor was raised and the seating capacity reduced.After the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922, the Government obtained a part of Leinster House for parliamentary use. The entire building was acquired by the State in 1924.

Today Leinster House is the seat of the two Houses of the Oireachtas: Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann.

Visitors to Leinster House:Famous visitors to Leinster House include former US Presidents John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke and former French President Francois Mitterand.

Patrick O’Donovan TDA native of Newcastle West in Co. Limerick, Patrick O’Donovan was elected to the Dáil at his first attempt in February 2011. Prior to becoming a TD, Patrick qualified and worked as an industrial chemist before then becoming a primary school teacher. After first becoming a member of Limerick County Council in 2003 at the age of 26, Patrick earned a reputation for hard work and fighting for issues that saw him rise to the honour of being the youngest Fine Gael group leader in the country. That reputation also led to him ultimately being selected by the party to contest the 2011 General Election in County Limerick. Since the election, Patrick has been selected to be a member of the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly and the Committee on Environment, Transport, Culture and the Gaeltacht. He now has two offices in Cappamore and Newcastle West, in what is one of the largest Dáil

constituencies in the country.

COnTaCT PaTriCk O’DOnOVan TD:Constituency Offices: 24 Upper Maiden St., Newcastle West, Co. Limerick. Tel: 069-77998Main Street, Cappamore, Co. Limerick. Constituency. Tel: 061-381868E Mail: [email protected] www.patrickodonovan.ie

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Patrick O’Donovan TDP O'Donovan Leinster Hse Visitor Guide 140x140 2011.indd 1

05/08/2011 17:16

If you or a group wish to visit Leinster House please contact me.