Question No. 54

Parliamentary Question - Dept Details

To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will not sit back in the belief that the Northern Questions has been resolved; and the plans in place to further develop closer cooperation on the island in 2012..

- Finian McGrath.

*    For WRITTEN answer on Wednesday, 11th January, 2012.

Ref No:   1592/12

REPLY

The implementation of the Good Friday Agreement has transformed life on the island of Ireland. In the May 2011 elections, the people of Northern Ireland gave their overwhelming endorsement to the parties committed to making the institutions of the Agreement work. The Government remains committed to protecting all of the benefits that have emerged from the Good Friday Agreement, and to strengthening the relationship between the traditions on this island.

These are the main payments this week from the leader’s allowance

Finian keeps all of his records and supports vouched expenses at all times.

17th January 2012

DÁIL ÉIREANN

Sitting Time - 10:40
Sitting Date - 12/01/2012

LEADERS QUESTIONS

Deputy Finian McGrath: I wish to raise the important issue of education.  I am pleased the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Quinn, is present in the Chamber.  In particular, I wish to refer to the proposed cuts to DEIS schools, the most disadvantaged schools in the State.  I do not know whether the Minister is aware that parents, teachers and entire communities are upset about the proposed cuts and about the damage to education.

INDEPENDENT TDS CALL FOR REFORM OF SYSTEM THAT SEES POLITICAL PARTIES RECEIVE €10.7 MILLION PER YEAR IN POLITICAL FUNDING

In response to criticisms of the €41k annual allowance provided to Independent TDs to conduct research, legislative and parliamentary work, a number of Independent politicians have today reiterated their support for Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform, Brendan Howlin’s plans to change the current provision whereby they are not required to vouch for how it is spent.  However, in addition to supporting the proposed change the group of Independent TDs is calling for the Minister to go further by seizing the opportunity overhaul the entire Political Funding model which sees the four main political parties of Ireland receive €10.7million per year between them.

DÁIL ÉIREANN

Sitting Time - 14:30
Sitting Date - 12/01/2012

PRIVATE MEMBERS

Protection of Employees (Temporary Agency Work) Bill 2011: Second Stage

(Resumed)

Deputy Finian McGrath: I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate on the Protection of Employees (Temporary Agency Work) Bill 2011. In the context of the debate, we have been presented with the chance to address the issue of the protection of workers' rights, nationally and across the European Union. This matter is clearly back on the political agenda in view of the levels of mass unemployment and issues such as the announcement earlier today that Ulster Bank is to lay off staff and the fact that the Vita Cortex workers are protesting outside the gates of Leinster House. Earlier, I met the Vita Cortex workers and expressed my complete solidarity with them. The situation regarding these workers is disgraceful, particularly in the context of employee rights and matters relating to treatment and equality. The individuals to whom I refer have been engaged in a sit-in at the Vita Cortex plant since before Christmas as a result of the disgraceful way in which they have been treated by the company. They were informed that they would not receive any redundancy payments but were offered €1,500 each by the company just prior to Christmas in an attempt to buy them off.