Newsmedianews | Fine Gael news

Friday, 23 July 2010
Congo commemoration a reminder of invaluable service provided by Irish troops overseas
Fine Gael Spokesman for Defence, David Stanton T.D., has today (Friday) paid tribute to the Defence Forces on the 50th anniversary of the first deployment of Irish peacekeepers to the Congo, many of whom made the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf in the pursuit of peace.

“Irish peacekeepers are highly respected and valued across the globe and they have acquired an outstanding reputation for peacekeeping that has also greatly enhanced Ireland’s broader international standing. I would like to pay tribute to the soldiers who represented Ireland with such bravery and professionalism in the Congo and on all missions since and also to their families on whose support the Defence Forces so heavily depend.

“The peacekeeping record of the Defence Forces has contributed hugely to Ireland’s positive reputation within the United Nations where we have long since punched above our weight. The mission to the Congo was the first significant step in acquiring that reputation and Ireland is now seen as a leader in the conduct of peace operations across the globe.

“The mission to the Congo resulted in massive advances within the Defence Forces in terms of experience, training and equipment and prepared them for the many difficult missions that followed.

“The reality is that Ireland must maintain at least a battalion level mission overseas on a consistent basis, otherwise the level of expertise within the Defence Forces will inevitably diminish. Training is essential but operational service is critical. Overseas service is the lifeblood of any military organisation.

“At present the number of troops overseas is at its lowest level in decades. I am calling on the Government, while taking account of fiscal realities, to ensure that the time lapse between the withdrawal of troops from Chad and deployment to the next battalion sized mission is kept to a minimum.

“Finally, I congratulate the men and women of the Defence Forces on today’s significant anniversary. They represent the people of Ireland with admirable courage and professionalism both at home and abroad and deserve our unqualified support in the conduct of their duties.©

Tuesday 20th July 2010
Govt must implement clear programme for border jobs – McHugh
FG challenges Govt to respond to Border Forum plan for jobs & development
Fine Gael Border Forum Chairperson Joe McHugh TD has challenged the Government to respond to Fine Gael’s Border Forum action plan on border employment with a meaningful programme for creating employment in the region.

Speaking after the Forum’s report was launched this afternoon (Tuesday), Deputy McHugh said: “Fine Gael’s Border Forum has put forward an ambitious action plan to boost regional enterprises including tourism, food, and energy production. The report and the strong attendance at the launch illustrate Fine Gael’s commitment to boosting this region.

“Fine Gael proposes a joint Irish/British tourism visa, which would allow international tourists to visit the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland on one visa. The border region must be part of a full nine-county Ulster tourism product.

“Fine Gael proposes that Enterprise Ireland and the IDA should work jointly with Invest NI to attract new foreign companies to the border region. Currently this State’s enterprise agencies compete against Invest NI, which does not help the border region. The region badly needs foreign direct investment.

“Fine Gael wants FÁS and the Northern Ireland Training & Employment Agency (T&EA) to each offer training courses to unemployed people from both sides of the border. The border must not be a barrier for people from this region who need to upskill.

”The Government must respond to this Fine Gael Border Forum draft report by implementing a meaningful and clear programme for creating jobs in the region.”

Sunday, 18 July 2010
Reilly urges Health Minister to intervene as children’s immunology service stalled
Fine Gael Health Spokesperson & Deputy Leader, Dr James Reilly TD today (Sunday) called on the Health Minister to intervene in bureaucratic blockages to the establishment of an immunology service for children who have immune deficiencies. Dr Reilly said a €1 million budget has been allocated for the service but the development is currently stalled.

“As things stand, Ireland has no dedicated immunology service for children with primary immune deficiency. This means children waiting up to two years for expert attention and many having to travel to the UK for assessment and treatment. While Crumlin is the national referral centre for paediatric immunology it has no fulltime consultant immunologist and therefore depends on a UK consultant. It is my understanding that last year alone the Irish health service spent €3.6 million buying these services from the UK.

“This year’s budget has €1 million allocated to develop a national service here including the appointment of two consultant immunologists. While the money is there and the establishment of the service has been agreed on a policy level, the development remains stalled in the HSE bureaucracy. The reason for this appears to be the staff ceiling but, in reality, this is a no-brainer. Why should children and their families have to suffer the pain and stress of waiting or travelling when we could be establishing a national service?

“The Minister should intervene to make this happen. After all, this service is recommended by the HSE’s own Expert Advisory Group on Children. Children shouldn’t be left suffering without a badly needed service because of bureaucratic blockages.”