The Government decision to order a halt to the three N2 upgrade schemes between Ashbourne and Monaghan has been strongly criticised by local election candidate Sinéad Burke as dangerous, short-sighted and adding to the unemployment figures. The N2 upgrade was one of 78 major construction projects in the National Roads Authority building programme.
Sinéad Burke said, “The importance of appropriate infrastructure, capable of handling the volume and type of traffic associated with a major national route has never been clearer in the wake of last week's nine-vehicle pile up at Slane. Despite this, the Government has ordered the NRA to press the pause button on this critical upgrade work. Last week Sinn Féin published a Job Creation Strategy which argued for the frontloading of critical infrastructure. The government is clearly doing the very opposite. The NRA themselves have said that they are ‘very concerned’ as a lot of the schemes are ahead of schedule and would be completed this year.
“What is particularly galling is that the only major NRA construction project to escape the Government’s edict is the Castleisland bypass in Kerry. Credit for this was trumpeted by Independent Fianna Fail TD Jackie Healy Rae, who claimed he used his position as a Government supporter to ‘put the interests of the people of Kerry first.’ It is quite clear that gombeenism is alive and well in Fianna Fáil and endorsed by their Green Party colleagues. The people of Meath, particularly those languishing on dole queues need to be aware of this. I also note that Fine Gael are proposing to cut €2 billion from the NDP. If this is adopted it will mean further job loses and worse, potentially further unnecessary loss of life on our roads.” The Construction Industry Federation said the halt in spending was “absolutely savage”.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Sinn Féin calls for 'New-ICC' in East Meath
A company modeled on the Industrial Credit Company (ICC) which helped many small businesses through the recession of the 1980's is needed now, according to Sinn Féin's local election candidate in East Meath Sinéad Burke.
She said, "It is obvious that some excellent small and medium businesses in the East Meath area are finding it extremely hard to adapt to the new economic climate. In the 1980's the ICC, which was a profit-making publically funded source of credit for Irish companies had a remit to go into businesses where jobs were in jepoardy to trouble shoot, offer advice, support and where appropriate capital.
"There’s a whole generation of people who have never managed a business during a recession, and a whole generation who have. The new businesses could do with advice and expertise to get through this period."
She said, "It is obvious that some excellent small and medium businesses in the East Meath area are finding it extremely hard to adapt to the new economic climate. In the 1980's the ICC, which was a profit-making publically funded source of credit for Irish companies had a remit to go into businesses where jobs were in jepoardy to trouble shoot, offer advice, support and where appropriate capital.
"There’s a whole generation of people who have never managed a business during a recession, and a whole generation who have. The new businesses could do with advice and expertise to get through this period."
SF candidate advises caution in relation to 'supposed' independent FF candidates
Sinn Féin local election candidate in East Meath Sinéad Burke has advised voters to exercise caution in relation to what he termed ‘supposed independent’ FF candidates. In a statement released on Friday, Ms. Burke stated that ‘in the past week over 20 FF members have resigned from Fianna Fáil around the country with a view to running as independents to the local election. In Meath we have seen at least two former Fianna Failers leave the party to run themselves’.
‘If these members resigned their membership because of their political conscience or for moral reasons one might give them the benefit of the doubt. However did these individuals resign due to the mismanagement of the economy, the taking away of the cervical cancer vaccination from 12 year old girls, the imposition of the Lenihan levy on low earners or the taking away the medical card from the over 70s? No, these individuals resigned due to the fact that they were not selected by their party to run in the local election. Blatant careerist, self interest has been the motivating factor in these resignations’.
‘As a result people should note that careerist self interest will be central in a decision to rejoin Fianna Fáil after the election should
any of these individuals get elected. A vote for candidates from the Fianna Fáil 'gene pool’ will not punish Fianna Fáil in the upcoming local election as Fianna Fáil will welcome them back in to the party with open arms after the election’.
‘Meath is suffering the highest increases in unemployment in the country. Because of a lack of industry in the county 50% of those
working are forced to leave the county to go work every day. 40% of shoppers leave the county to shop every day. Meath gets less funding form Enterprise Ireland and the IDA than any other Leinster county. Under a majority FF council and under a FF government Meath has been relegated to a commuter county."
‘If these members resigned their membership because of their political conscience or for moral reasons one might give them the benefit of the doubt. However did these individuals resign due to the mismanagement of the economy, the taking away of the cervical cancer vaccination from 12 year old girls, the imposition of the Lenihan levy on low earners or the taking away the medical card from the over 70s? No, these individuals resigned due to the fact that they were not selected by their party to run in the local election. Blatant careerist, self interest has been the motivating factor in these resignations’.
‘As a result people should note that careerist self interest will be central in a decision to rejoin Fianna Fáil after the election should
any of these individuals get elected. A vote for candidates from the Fianna Fáil 'gene pool’ will not punish Fianna Fáil in the upcoming local election as Fianna Fáil will welcome them back in to the party with open arms after the election’.
‘Meath is suffering the highest increases in unemployment in the country. Because of a lack of industry in the county 50% of those
working are forced to leave the county to go work every day. 40% of shoppers leave the county to shop every day. Meath gets less funding form Enterprise Ireland and the IDA than any other Leinster county. Under a majority FF council and under a FF government Meath has been relegated to a commuter county."
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
The Work of Amen
Following on from the post on this blog regarding the resources available to female victims of domestic violence, I have been contacted by the Amen group in Navan, Co Meath.
They were quite right to point out that men are also victims of this violence and they have kindly sent me the following information on the service they provide.
Amen is an organisation, which provides a confidential helpline, information and support service for male victims of domestic abuse and their children. Men who have contact Amen tell of the physical, emotional and psychological abuse they encounter from their female partners. Many men also report that various kinds of false allegations have been made against them and that their children have been alienated from them.
In 2005 the National Crime Council published the first ever large scale study on the nature, extent and impact of domestic abuse against women and men in Ireland. They found that: 29% of women and 26% of men suffer domestic abuse. 13% of women and 13% of men suffer physical abuse. Only 1 in 20 men compared to 1 in 3 women reported the abuse to the Gardaí.
Amen’s services include: A confidential helpline, information and a support service for male victims of domestic abuse and their children between 9am – 5pm. We also have out of hours mobile phone service which runs till 10pm each evening and weekend.Information on legal and other remedies available to men who are being abused in their homes.One to one meetings.Group emotional support meetings on Tuesday’s from 8pm – 10pm.Court accompaniment.Counseling service.
Kate Markey Amen,St. Anne's Resource Centre,Railway Street,Navan,Co. Meath Tel: 046 9076864
I am delighted to use this opportunity to highlight the work Amen done and wish them the very best of luck in the future.
They were quite right to point out that men are also victims of this violence and they have kindly sent me the following information on the service they provide.
Amen is an organisation, which provides a confidential helpline, information and support service for male victims of domestic abuse and their children. Men who have contact Amen tell of the physical, emotional and psychological abuse they encounter from their female partners. Many men also report that various kinds of false allegations have been made against them and that their children have been alienated from them.
In 2005 the National Crime Council published the first ever large scale study on the nature, extent and impact of domestic abuse against women and men in Ireland. They found that: 29% of women and 26% of men suffer domestic abuse. 13% of women and 13% of men suffer physical abuse. Only 1 in 20 men compared to 1 in 3 women reported the abuse to the Gardaí.
Amen’s services include: A confidential helpline, information and a support service for male victims of domestic abuse and their children between 9am – 5pm. We also have out of hours mobile phone service which runs till 10pm each evening and weekend.Information on legal and other remedies available to men who are being abused in their homes.One to one meetings.Group emotional support meetings on Tuesday’s from 8pm – 10pm.Court accompaniment.Counseling service.
Kate Markey Amen,St. Anne's Resource Centre,Railway Street,Navan,Co. Meath Tel: 046 9076864
I am delighted to use this opportunity to highlight the work Amen done and wish them the very best of luck in the future.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
‘Dial To Stop Drug Dealing’ Should be CAB Funded
A portion of the money confiscated by the Criminal Assets Bureau should be ring-fenced to secure the Dial To Stop Drug Dealing confidential phone line according to Meath East Sinn Féin representative Sinéad Burke. Burke said that the phone line would in turn secure increased seizures for CAB and that both programmes would compliment each other.
Slane area candidate, Burke said “There have been a number of significant seizures in Meath over the last couple of years, securing millions of euro for the exchequer. In 2007 CAB secured over €10 million for the exchequer. A fraction of this money would secure the future of the highly-successful Dial to Stop Drug Dealing confidential phone line. The future of the phone line is in doubt after the Minister announced that no further funding will be allocated.
“If a fraction of the money annually generated for the exchequer from CAB could be ring-fenced to secure the future of the phone line it would in turn secure a return for CAB through tip offs and resulting seizures. Both projects would compliment each other significantly to the benefit of communities across Meath. At the end of the day Dial to Stop Drug Dealing initiative has been a huge success at a very low cost. The Government should do all in its power to secure its future.”
Slane area candidate, Burke said “There have been a number of significant seizures in Meath over the last couple of years, securing millions of euro for the exchequer. In 2007 CAB secured over €10 million for the exchequer. A fraction of this money would secure the future of the highly-successful Dial to Stop Drug Dealing confidential phone line. The future of the phone line is in doubt after the Minister announced that no further funding will be allocated.
“If a fraction of the money annually generated for the exchequer from CAB could be ring-fenced to secure the future of the phone line it would in turn secure a return for CAB through tip offs and resulting seizures. Both projects would compliment each other significantly to the benefit of communities across Meath. At the end of the day Dial to Stop Drug Dealing initiative has been a huge success at a very low cost. The Government should do all in its power to secure its future.”
Friday, March 13, 2009
Lifelong Republicans Honoured
Dessie and Maire Ferguson, Kells were honoured at the Meath Sinn Féin Annual Dinner Dance recently. Many tributes were paid to Dessie and Maire for their lifelong commitment to Republicanism. The event, which was themed the ‘90th Anniversary of the First Dáil’ was chaired by East Meath local election candidate, Sinéad Burke, and addressed by former Meath GAA manager Seán Boylan, and Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty from Donegal.Sinéad Burke opened proceedings looking forward to the local and European elections in June. She said, “The electorate has lost confidence in the Government. Fianna Fáil and the Greens have no plan, no vision and no courage. The longer they remain in office the worse our economic situation will get. Ireland needs change. Sinn Féin has what it takes to be that change.”Seán Boylan recalled Dessie Ferguson’s great involvement in the GAA through which his friendship with Dessie was formed and sustained over many years. He recounted Dessie’s many successes in both football and hurling which included 2 All Ireland Senior Football wins with Dublin.
Community Alert Group Established in Yellow Furze
Sinn Féin local election candidate Sinéad Burke has welcomed the recent establishment of a Community Alert Group in Yellow Furze.
She said, “This community alert scheme is the result of very hard work by local residents and the obvious dedication of local Gardai. At the initial public meeting a very large crowd of local residents voiced their concerns at the recent increase in suspicious activity and crime in the area, but committed to work together to engage in crime prevention. The issue of appropriate liaison with victims of crime was relayed to local Gardaí.”
“I have encouraged the local group to engage with the Meath Joint Policing Committee that was recently secured following lobbying from Sinn Féin. The best resource any community has is its people. The enthusiasm, commitment and determination being shown in Yellow Furze is an example to all other areas in Meath that strong community policing is the best way to keep an area safe and build community spirit."
She said, “This community alert scheme is the result of very hard work by local residents and the obvious dedication of local Gardai. At the initial public meeting a very large crowd of local residents voiced their concerns at the recent increase in suspicious activity and crime in the area, but committed to work together to engage in crime prevention. The issue of appropriate liaison with victims of crime was relayed to local Gardaí.”
“I have encouraged the local group to engage with the Meath Joint Policing Committee that was recently secured following lobbying from Sinn Féin. The best resource any community has is its people. The enthusiasm, commitment and determination being shown in Yellow Furze is an example to all other areas in Meath that strong community policing is the best way to keep an area safe and build community spirit."
Donore's Great Opportunity
Sinn Féin local election candidate in East Meath, Sinéad Burke, has urged residents of Donore to take the opportunity to make a submission to Meath County Council on the Local Area Plan.
She said, "The plan provides a great chance for the local community to get involved in the future development of the village. In my own submission I have highlighted the fantastic opportunity that exists in Donore to tap into the tourist potential of Newgrange and to highlight the special relationship the village has with the site.
“Future development in Donore must be in keeping with that of a hertitage town and should include the provision of appropriate infrastructure to and from the Newgrange site, including roads, lighting and importantly, signage. “Also, the special relationship between Newgrange and Donore should be further highlighted when deciding on new names for housing estates, roads and parks in the area.”
She said, "The plan provides a great chance for the local community to get involved in the future development of the village. In my own submission I have highlighted the fantastic opportunity that exists in Donore to tap into the tourist potential of Newgrange and to highlight the special relationship the village has with the site.
“Future development in Donore must be in keeping with that of a hertitage town and should include the provision of appropriate infrastructure to and from the Newgrange site, including roads, lighting and importantly, signage. “Also, the special relationship between Newgrange and Donore should be further highlighted when deciding on new names for housing estates, roads and parks in the area.”
Thursday, March 12, 2009
North East HSE Manager Must Go
Meath East Sinn Féin representative, Sinéad Burke, has called for the immediate sacking or resignation of a HSE manager following revelations surrounding the death of a young woman and her baby son at Our Lady of Lourde’s Hospital, Drogheda.
It has been revealed that Hospital Network Manager for the area, Mr Stephen Mulvany, sought to influence the report in order to place blame on staff members at the Maternity Unit of the hospital.
Sinéad Burke said “It is clear from documents obtained by LM/FM’s Michael Reade that the Hospital Network Manager, successfully sought to influence the report of inquiry to blame staff members for aspects of care management which led to the death of mother and son in March 2007, rather than institutional and resource failures.
“The Network Manager also admits that he did change the report and that he sought to reduce the legal and financial impact of the incident on the HSE, rather than seek a full, open and honest report into the tragedy. The independence as well as the integrity of the report are now seriously challenged. The actions of the Network Manager also displays a wholly-blinkered view in favour of the HSE, rather than the proper care of patients in the North East
“In light of these revelations, I believe that the Network Manager’s position is untenable. Staff in the health service in the North East have can have no confidence that, if another incident were to occur in the near future, he would not seek to scapegoat them. He should immediately apologise to staff at the Lourdes Maternity Unit for his efforts to wrongly blame them for the McCabe tragedy. If he doesn’t resign in light of the shocking revelations of this document he should be sacked.”
It has been revealed that Hospital Network Manager for the area, Mr Stephen Mulvany, sought to influence the report in order to place blame on staff members at the Maternity Unit of the hospital.
Sinéad Burke said “It is clear from documents obtained by LM/FM’s Michael Reade that the Hospital Network Manager, successfully sought to influence the report of inquiry to blame staff members for aspects of care management which led to the death of mother and son in March 2007, rather than institutional and resource failures.
“The Network Manager also admits that he did change the report and that he sought to reduce the legal and financial impact of the incident on the HSE, rather than seek a full, open and honest report into the tragedy. The independence as well as the integrity of the report are now seriously challenged. The actions of the Network Manager also displays a wholly-blinkered view in favour of the HSE, rather than the proper care of patients in the North East
“In light of these revelations, I believe that the Network Manager’s position is untenable. Staff in the health service in the North East have can have no confidence that, if another incident were to occur in the near future, he would not seek to scapegoat them. He should immediately apologise to staff at the Lourdes Maternity Unit for his efforts to wrongly blame them for the McCabe tragedy. If he doesn’t resign in light of the shocking revelations of this document he should be sacked.”
Seanad Should Be Confined To National Museum
East Meath Sinn Féin representative Sinéad Burke has said that the Seanad is costly, elitist, undemocratic, and in the eyes of many, irrelevant. Burke also suggested that it should be confined to the National Museum.
Sinéad Burke said “Proposals from the Government on Seanad reform do not go anywhere near far enough. Last year some Senators were outraged at the idea that the Seanad be temporarily relocated to the National Museum while the current chamber was refurbished. This is exactly where the Seanad should be located – confined to history. It is outdated and despite a dozen reports on Seanad reform since 1937 the establishment party lack the political will to reform. At time of wage cuts and job losses, each Senator gets over €110,000 per annum. For what exactly?
“Sinn Féin has argued for a Seanad that is directly elected by the people of Ireland and its citizens abroad, a Seanad that would represent a wide range of diverse views and focus on community consultation as legislation is being drafted. Senators need to take a long, hard look at themselves and not protect a chamber that is irrelevant to its citizens. It is time to stop paying lip service to Seanad reform. The public mood and support is for bold action and real leadership to change this elitist talking shop.”
Sinéad Burke said “Proposals from the Government on Seanad reform do not go anywhere near far enough. Last year some Senators were outraged at the idea that the Seanad be temporarily relocated to the National Museum while the current chamber was refurbished. This is exactly where the Seanad should be located – confined to history. It is outdated and despite a dozen reports on Seanad reform since 1937 the establishment party lack the political will to reform. At time of wage cuts and job losses, each Senator gets over €110,000 per annum. For what exactly?
“Sinn Féin has argued for a Seanad that is directly elected by the people of Ireland and its citizens abroad, a Seanad that would represent a wide range of diverse views and focus on community consultation as legislation is being drafted. Senators need to take a long, hard look at themselves and not protect a chamber that is irrelevant to its citizens. It is time to stop paying lip service to Seanad reform. The public mood and support is for bold action and real leadership to change this elitist talking shop.”
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
SF Outlines Five Key Demands to Tackle Domestic Violence
As part of Sinn Féin's ongoing campaign against Domestic Violence, and to mark International Women’s Day, Sinn Féin local election candidate Sinéad Burke recently announced that thousands of postcards will be distributed in the East Meath area outlining the party's five demands for tackling domestic violence.
She said, "A number of local door-drops will take place over the coming weeks."Domestic violence is silent crime that devastates the lives of those living in perpetual fear of their abusers. One in five women will suffer domestic violence at some part of their lives yet, because of low levels of reportage, this is a crime that generally goes unnoticed and receives a low Garda Priority.
"Sinn Féin's ongoing campaign against Domestic Violence centres around five key demands. We want increased safe, suitable emergency and long-term accommodation for victims, the lack of which is a key factor which impedes victims from coming forward to report their ordeals."There needs to be secure and adequate funding for essential frontline services for victims of domestic violence. The current economic climate must not be used as an excuse to neglect these victims."
Training for frontline staff including; housing officers, community welfare officers, Gardaí and A&E workers is essential. It is crucial that the first point of contact for victims who decide to seek help is trained and capable of dealing with the specific needs of the victim. Legislative reforms to ensure legal protections are available to all victims are also necessary."
Finally, domestic violence must be included as a named priority in the Gardaí Síochána Policing Plans. Though Gardaí may receive more calls to deal with crimes of other natures it is clear from the statistics that domestic violence is one of the most prevalent crimes in Irish society and needs to be prioritised accordingly."It is our firm belief that if these five demands are delivered on by government men and women could truly begin to look forward to a society free of domestic violence."
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Carers’ Strategy Scrapped
Sinéad Burke has called on the Government to reverse their decision not to publish the long-promised National Carers’ Strategy. She described the decision as appalling and said it would have a direct impact on thousands of people across East Meath.
She said, “Across East Meath dedicated people are looking after family members in the home with inadequate support from the State. A continued lack of adequate support will lead to worsening health for both carers and cared-for, resulting in much greater healthcare costs to the State.
“The Government should now heed the call of carers’ organisations, publish the Strategy, assess what pay elements are feasible and proceed with all non-pay elements. The Taoiseach is urging people to unite in support of economic recovery and to make collective efforts in the national interest, yet they deliver this insult to thousands of family carers in Meath whose work in the home saves the State hundreds of millions every year.
“This appalling decision shows that the Fianna Fáil-Green Government has no concept of planning for peoples needs. They see the Strategy only in terms of euro and cents and have decided to scrap it. They forget that this Strategy will still be needed – in fact needed more than ever because of our ageing population – when the public finances eventually recover. This decision is in direct breach of the Towards 2016 partnership agreement and reneges on the commitment in the Programme for Government to ‘ensure a National Carers’ Strategy focusing on supporting informal family carers in the community will be developed by the end of 2007’.
She said, “Across East Meath dedicated people are looking after family members in the home with inadequate support from the State. A continued lack of adequate support will lead to worsening health for both carers and cared-for, resulting in much greater healthcare costs to the State.
“The Government should now heed the call of carers’ organisations, publish the Strategy, assess what pay elements are feasible and proceed with all non-pay elements. The Taoiseach is urging people to unite in support of economic recovery and to make collective efforts in the national interest, yet they deliver this insult to thousands of family carers in Meath whose work in the home saves the State hundreds of millions every year.
“This appalling decision shows that the Fianna Fáil-Green Government has no concept of planning for peoples needs. They see the Strategy only in terms of euro and cents and have decided to scrap it. They forget that this Strategy will still be needed – in fact needed more than ever because of our ageing population – when the public finances eventually recover. This decision is in direct breach of the Towards 2016 partnership agreement and reneges on the commitment in the Programme for Government to ‘ensure a National Carers’ Strategy focusing on supporting informal family carers in the community will be developed by the end of 2007’.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
8897 Unemployed in Meath
Sinn Féin’s Sinéad Burke has described the soaring unemployment figures for Meath as catastrophic. Unemployment in Meath has more than doubled than on this time last year and now stand at 8,897.
She said “The government cannot continue to ignore the fact that the €5 billion deficit in our public finances is directly related to job losses. Due to this massive increase in unemployment tax revenue has collapsed while spending on welfare and medical cards is €1.5 billion over budget. However the government’s sole approach on cuts and borrowing is fundamentally undermining Ireland’s economy. The number one priority should be retaining and creating jobs. It should be getting Ireland back to work.
“We need a plan to hold on to or create the 1,000 jobs a day that are being lost. We need to fast track business start ups. We need to create a Sales Ireland strategy that maximises our existing indigenous export market as well as developing its growth prospects in the immediate and longer term. We need to foster and develop a real innovation culture. Success is possible but not until the current government delivers a plan. If they cannot it is time for them to go.”
She said “The government cannot continue to ignore the fact that the €5 billion deficit in our public finances is directly related to job losses. Due to this massive increase in unemployment tax revenue has collapsed while spending on welfare and medical cards is €1.5 billion over budget. However the government’s sole approach on cuts and borrowing is fundamentally undermining Ireland’s economy. The number one priority should be retaining and creating jobs. It should be getting Ireland back to work.
“We need a plan to hold on to or create the 1,000 jobs a day that are being lost. We need to fast track business start ups. We need to create a Sales Ireland strategy that maximises our existing indigenous export market as well as developing its growth prospects in the immediate and longer term. We need to foster and develop a real innovation culture. Success is possible but not until the current government delivers a plan. If they cannot it is time for them to go.”
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Byrne Must Explain Scandalous East Meath School Cutbacks – Burke
Sinn Féin Local Election candidate Sinéad Burke has called on Meath East Fianna Fáil TD Thomas Byrne to explain to parents why their schools are losing teachers at a time when his government professes to have a plan to get Ireland out of the current economic crisis.
Commenting on figures released last week which indicate that Scoil Spioraid Naomh in Laytown and Scoil Naomh Pádraig in Stamullen are set to lose two teachers and one teacher, respectively, Ms. Burke said, “The Government’s priority should be to get Ireland back to work and this decision should be reversed. The decision to increase class sizes, and the Government’s determination to implement it, tallies well with their unspoken policy of targeting the most vulnerable sections of society to pay for the economic meltdown that they, along with their friends in the development, business and banking sectors, have caused. Neither Fianna Fáil nor the Greens have a mandate to implement these cutbacks. I am calling on our East Meath government representative Thomas Byrne to explain to the people who elected him why he is refusing to do just that.”
She concluded, “Education is a vital platform for the future economic recovery of this state. The policies of this government will determine whether the children in school today will have the knowledge and skills necessary to drive the future economy of Ireland. Cutting funding in this sector today will rob Ireland of future potential. It seems like Fianna Fáil are forcing Ireland’s next generation to pay for their failure.”
Commenting on figures released last week which indicate that Scoil Spioraid Naomh in Laytown and Scoil Naomh Pádraig in Stamullen are set to lose two teachers and one teacher, respectively, Ms. Burke said, “The Government’s priority should be to get Ireland back to work and this decision should be reversed. The decision to increase class sizes, and the Government’s determination to implement it, tallies well with their unspoken policy of targeting the most vulnerable sections of society to pay for the economic meltdown that they, along with their friends in the development, business and banking sectors, have caused. Neither Fianna Fáil nor the Greens have a mandate to implement these cutbacks. I am calling on our East Meath government representative Thomas Byrne to explain to the people who elected him why he is refusing to do just that.”
She concluded, “Education is a vital platform for the future economic recovery of this state. The policies of this government will determine whether the children in school today will have the knowledge and skills necessary to drive the future economy of Ireland. Cutting funding in this sector today will rob Ireland of future potential. It seems like Fianna Fáil are forcing Ireland’s next generation to pay for their failure.”
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