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DISTRICT COURT SERVICES
To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his policy in relation to the consolidation of the District Court services; and if he will make a statement on the matter
AGRI ENVIRONMENTAL OPTIONS SCHEME
To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of persons who have subscribed to the agri environmental options scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter Education
Several schools throughout the constituency are in need of refurbishment or rebuilding while increasing class sizes are putting more pressure on already overstretched resources.
Job Creation
North and East Cork has been dealt a number of severe blows in terms of the loss of traditional industry.
Broadband
In the run up to the general election the lack of a broadband service across many of Cork East's smaller rural communities was an issue that was repeatedly raised on the doorstep
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News
COMMUNITIES ENCOURAGED TO SUPPORT KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOUR WEEKEND
CORK East Labour Party TD Seán Sherlock is urging people to support the fifth Know Your Neighbour Weekend which runs from July 24th to 25th FURTHER HIKES TO SCHOOL TRANSPORT COSTS MUST BE PREVENTED
Cork East Labour TD Seán Sherlock has said his party will lobby to prevent further hikes in school transports costs FUNDING WELCOMED FOR BOX CROSS WATER SCHEME
CORK East Labour Party TD Seán Sherlock has welcomed news that government funding has been approved for the Mallow/Ballyviniter Box Cross water scheme MINISTER QUESTIONED ON YOUGHAL LANDFILL SITE
LABOUR TD Seán Sherlock has raised the closure of Youghal Landfill site with Environment Minister John Gormley.
FREE NCT TEST FOR FOUR WEEK WAIT
DRIVERS forced to wait more than four weeks for an NCT test are entitled to their test free of charge according to Cork East Labour TD Seán Sherlock
PASSENGERS MAKE CASE FOR RETENTION OF DONERAILE BUS SERVICE
MEMBERS of the Doneraile community travelled to Cork last week to make their case to Bus Eireann for the retention of the 242 bus route ( Doneraile - Mallow - Cork) which in danger of being axed PARENTS URGED TO APPLY NOW FOR SCHOOL CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR ALLOWANCE
LABOUR Party TD Seán Sherlock is urging constituents who may have an entitlement to the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance to make their application as soon as possible DENTURES ARE A BASIC HUMAN NEED
CORK East Labour TD Seán Sherlock has criticised Health Minister Mary Harney for limiting access to dentures for those with medical cards which he describes as ‘a basic human need' JOBSEEKERS URGED TO CHECK OUT BACK TO WORK ENTERPRISE SCHEME
CORK East Labour TD Seán Sherlock is urging those with a business idea to check out their entitlement to the Back Work Enterprise Allowance with their local social welfare office COBH MUST RETAIN DISTRICT COURT SERVICE
COBH has already lost way too much and cannot afford to lose its District Court service Cork East Labour TD Seán Sherlock has stated GREATER CO-ORDINATION OF ‘SENIOR ALERT' SCHEME BADLY NEEDED
The revamped Seniors Alert scheme which provides grant support to supply security equipment older people, comes into effect next week and is to be welcomed SHERLOCK CALLS FOR COMMON SENSE TO PREVAIL ON CREDIT UNION REGULATION
Oireachtas Economic Regulatory Affairs Committee Member Deputy Sean Sherlock, who has had extensive consultations with the Credit Union representative bodies has called for common sense to prevail in relation to future regulation and credit management of the sector SHERLOCK SEEKS CLARIFICATION ON HABITUAL RESIDENCE
CORK East Labour TD Seán Sherlock has called on the Minister for Social Protection Eamon O'Cuiv to clarify departmental requirements with regard to habitual residence SHERLOCK CALLS FOR CHANGES TO LEGISLATION TO BENEFIT LOCAL ETHANOL INDUSTRY
Labour Party Spokesperson on Agriculture & Food, Seán Sherlock TD has tabled an amendment to the Bio-Fuels obligation bill to ensure that Irish Oil Refineries will be partly stocked with Irish ethanol instead of cheaper Brazilian imports SHERLOCK PRESSES THE CASE FOR LOCAL BIO-FUEL PRODUCTION
Cork East Labour TD Seán Sherlock has introduced an amendment to the Bio- Fuel Bill currently before the Dáil which will be discussed this week BUS EIREANN SHOULD COME CLEAN ON RURAL BUS POLICY
CORK East Labour TD Seán Sherlock is calling on Bus Eireann to make a definitive public statement on rural bus routes particularly in relation to the Doneraile-Mallow- Cork bus service which locals report is to be axed
HOME HELP PROPOSALS DESPICABLE
Labour TD Seán Sherlock has slammed proposals contained in a HSE draft document to put time restrictions on the duties being carried out by home helpers.
COBH COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
COBH ommunity hospital is a facility that is very well-regarded by the people of Cobh. I have been asked by my Labour Party colleagues on Cobh Town Council to raise this issue as a matter of urgency because there is a situation whereby the National Treatment Purchase Fund has taken over the fair deal scheme as it relates to Cobh hospital. CENTRAL BANK BILL WILL RESTRICT LENDING CAPACITY OF CREDIT UNIONS
I believe that the Central Bank Bill in its current unamended form, places onerous restrictions on credit unions BIO-FUELS OBLIGATION SCHEME PRESENTS OPPORTUNITY FOR JOBS
Labour Spokesperson for Food and Agriculture Seán Sherlock has told the Dáil that the framework for any Bio-Fuels Obligation must provide scope for indigenous production of renewable energy fuels. STAFF SHORTAGES DELAY JOBSEEKERS PAYMENTS
CORK East Labour Party TD Sean Sherlock has said staff shortages in social welfare offices across the constituency are causing major delays in the processing of applications for jobseekers benefit and allowance
CAMPAIGN TO CLEAN-UP EAST CORK BEACHES
LABOUR TD Seán Sherlock is calling on all residents in the Coastal East Cork region to contact him with a view to starting a campaign to clean-up the local beaches.
CARBON LEVY SHOULD BE SUSPENDED UNTIL PLAN FOR POOR HOUSEHOLDS IN PLACE
The plan to extend the carbon levy to home heating fuels on 1st May should be suspended until the Government has measures in place to assist low income families meet the higher fuel costs according to local Labour TD Seán Sherlock. CAP VITAL TO PROTECT AGRI INCOMES AS FARM ASSIST NUMBERS CONTINUE TO GROW
Labour Party spokesperson on Agriculture & Food Seán Sherlock TD has said figures obtained in a PQ from the Department confirming that over 900 farming families have been awarded a payment under the Farm Assist scheme since the start of the year is proof that many farm families are now living on the margins SHERLOCK RAISES FERMOY MILL ISLAND SITE WITH MINISTER O'KEEFFE
LABOUR Cork East TD Seán Sherlock has brought the vacant Mill Island building in Fermoy to the attention of new Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Batt O'Keeffe. Deputy Sherlock said that he hopes that State Agencies will play their part in marketing the former Quinn Healthcare headquarters to new businesses. SHERLOCK URGES ATTENDANCE AT DRUGS AWARENESS INFORMATION EVENING
LABOUR Cork East TD Seán Sherlock is urging people of Fermoy and surrounds to support a Drugs Awareness Information Night to be held in the Cloyne Diocesan Youth Service office on this Thursday, April 22
MINISTER MUST MAKE ANNOUNCEMENT ON REFIT PRICE FOR BIOMASS
A decision is urgently needed on the REFIT (Renewal Energy Feed In Tariff) price the government will pay peat power stations for burning biomass such as miscanthus NRA ROAD SURVEY WELCOME
A SURVEY on the condition of a number of road stretches across Mallow and Fermoy is currently underway following a meeting of Labour Party TD Seán Sherlock and the Chief Executive of the National Roads Authority.
SHERLOCK SEEKS FAST TRACKING OF GROUP TO MONITOR HAULBOWLINE
CORK East Labour party TD Seán Sherlock has called on the Minister for the Environment to expedite the establishment of a working group to oversee remediation works at Haulbowline Island.
ROADWORKS NEEDED IN CASTLETOWNROCHE
CORK East Labour TD Seán Sherlock has called on Cork County Council to carry out resurfacing works on a number of roads in the Castletownroche area which he describes as being in "deplorable condition"
U-Turn on farm pensions a victory for common sense
Labour Spokesperson for Agriculture Seán Sherlock has described the Government u-turn on the withdrawal of the state contributory pension for the partners of farmers as a victory for common sense.
Govt must act on scandal of unfinished housing estates
Details revealed in the Irish Examiner today of more than 650 unfinished estates in some 28 county councils gives some indication of the shocking extent of the problem we are now facing in this regard. Thousands of families who have paid very substantial sums of money for their homes now find that they are having to cope with derelict sites, unfinished houses, roads not finished, incomplete sewage systems, and no public lighting. In some cases families are unable to let their children out to play because of the dangers posed by living in what is often still a building site.
Sherlock welcomes invitation to Ombudsman to address Agri Committee on 'Lost at Sea' report
Labour Deputy Sean Sherlock has welcomed the decision of the Agriculture Oireachtas Committee to extend an invitation to the Ombudsman to discuss the contents of her Lost at Sea Report.
Questions abound over North Cork EMS service
The roll out of the new paramedic service in North Cork, leaves many questions unanswered. If it were the case that this service would clearly improve outcomes for emergency patients in North Cork, I'm sure that people would buy in to the plan at local level but unfortunately that is not the case.
Will the real Ned O'Keeffe please stand up?
"It is with great pride that I support my Minister, Deputy Brian Lenihan, in introducing this wonderful and badly needed rescue of the economy, property developers and the banking system." - Ned O'Keeffe TD, 23 September 2009, Second Stage Dáil Debate on the National Asset Management Agency.
"There is a bright future for what we are doing because there will always be better days in the economy. Dublin, Cork and many large towns will not go wrong, but there are land banks in villages and small towns that must be rescued. NAMA will be a profitable organisation. It is an innovative measure and, in two or three years time, will make an unexpected return to the Exchequer." - Ned O'Keeffe TD, 23 September 2009, Second Stage Dáil Debate on the National Asset Management Agency.
"It is important that small shareholders be looked after. I am a shareholder in both of the banks in question." - Ned O'Keeffe TD, 23 September 2009, Second Stage Dáil Debate on the National Asset Management Agency.
"I'm saying Brian Lenihan's plan wont work and it could destroy our whole banking system" - Ned O'Keeffe TD, 29 March 2010, RTÉ Radio News at One.
"I am a member of the Fianna Fáil Party and I will vote with the Party as I have taken a pledge on that and I will honour that always" - Ned O'Keeffe TD, 29 March 2010, RTÉ Radio News at One. Ex-financial regulator still has questions to answer over Anglo and Quinn
Economic Regulatory Affairs Committee member Sean Sherlock TD has stated that the former Financial Regulator Pat Neary, still has questions to answer over his alleged knowledge of a confidential plan in 2008 to reduce Mr Sean Quinn's shareholding in Anglo Irish bank, as reported in The Sunday Times.
FINANCE BILL A MISSED OPPORTUNITY FOR FERMOY HOSPITAL
CORK EAST LABOUR TD Seán Sherlock has criticised the government's decision to vote down an amendment to the 2010 Finance Bill that would have given tax relief for care centres such as St Patrick's Hospital, Fermoy.
LABOUR DUO WELCOME €1.9MILLION N8 REPAIR FUND
LABOUR Mayor of Fermoy Cllr Noel McCarthy and Cork East Labour TD Seán Sherlock have given a warm welcome to the €1.9million allocation for essential road works on the N8 road in Fermoy and Rathcormac.
German court vindicates Labour data protection stance
Labour TD Seán Sherlock has cited yesterday's decision by the German courts to throw out its government's Data Retention laws as a vindication of Labour's position on similar legislation proposed for Ireland.
Food tech training investment will create jobs
Labour Spokesperson for Food and Agriculture Seán Sherlock believes that funding for up-skilling Ireland's agricultural workforce will in turn generate much needed employment. "The government needs to acknowledge that a return to sustainable growth is achieved through growing our exportable industries. Agriculture is our strongest sector in this regard, and needs widespread encouragement to reach its full potential.
BUS EIREANN IGNORING DUTY TO PUBLIC - SHERLOCK
CORK EAST Labour TD Seán Sherlock has accused Bus Eireann of 'ignoring its duty to the public' in its decision to close the Dungarvan-Mallow section of the 366 route.
LABOUR DUO PRESSURE GOVT ON WEIR WORKS FUNDING
LOCAL LABOUR representatives Seán Sherlock TD and Mayor of Fermoy Cllr Noel McCarthy continue to put pressure on the Government to fund the proposed renovations of the weir in the town.
SHERLOCK RAISES AXED BUS ROUTE IN DÁIL
CORK EAST Labour TD Séan Sherlock this week continued to campaign against the proposed closure of the 366 bus route that links towns and villages such as Mallow, Castletownroche, Ballyhooly, Fermoy, Castlelyons and Conna.
NO EXCUSES FOR LACK OF ACTION ON N72 AND N73 – SHERLOCK
LABOUR TD Seán Sherlock believes the Government and the NRA have run out of excuses to ignore the deplorable conditions of N72 and N73.
Lakeland closure highlights need for dairy task force
Labour Spokesperson for Agriculture and Food Seán Sherlock has warned that the announcement by Lakeland Dairies that it is to closing their milk drying facilities at in Co Monoghan, with the loss of sixty jobs, is a further indication that a Dairy Task Force is needed to address the crisis facing the sector.
Sherlock calls on Minister to deal with cruelty to horses
Speaking at today's agriculture committee Deputy Sean Sherlock highlighted the deplorable practice of abandoning horses to their fate because they can't be cared for or sold.
SHERLOCK 'OPTIMISTIC' FOR NEW RATHCORMAC SCHOOL
CORK EAST Labour TD Seán Sherlock has given his welcome to the news that Scoil Bhride National School in Rathcormac has been given authorisation to prepare tender documents for a new school building.
Halifax pull out distressing for both worker and customer
Bank of Scotland Ireland's decision to shut down its Halifax operation is very regrettable and I fear that the closure will cause further uncertainty for worker and customer alike. To my mind and from the point of view of the 750 people who have just been told that they are redundant, not enough was done to protect these jobs.
Ombudsman should address Oireachtas Committee on Lost at Sea Report
I don't want to start with a litany of platitudes and I don't want to patronize anyone in any way. But I do feel it is vital that we recognize the suffering and hardship endured by the Byrne family for too many years in seeking to attain redress for their suffering. We must also acknowledge the loss of lives of three crewmen and the father and uncle of Mr Danny Byrne, the complainant. It is important that we keep this family to the forefront of our minds when speaking to the issue. The matter at hand is a simple one. To my mind it is about natural justice and whether or not the Byrne family received due recognition for their complaint and whether the agencies of the State responded proportionately to their needs.
SHERLOCK CALLS FOR IMPROVED MALLOW BROADBAND INFRASTRUCTURE
CORK EAST Labour TD Seán Sherlock has called on Minister for Communications, Energy and National Resources Eamon Ryan to construct a new Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) in Mallow to improve the town's Broadband provision."Forfás, the national policy advisory body for enterprise and science has called for the construction of Metropolitan Area Networks in national spatial strategy centres such as Mallow. Enet, the company charged with managing the MANs has welcomed the call. The buck now lies with the Government."I am calling on this Government to boost the broadband provision in Mallow to improve conditions for local businesses and to increase the town's potential to attract new investment."I have asked Minister Ryan to consider the roll out of MANs to towns such as Mallow. he has told me that he is 'currently analysing potential options for further investment under the MANs Programme' in light of a number of considerations."I will do my utmost to ensure that Mallow is firmly on his agenda," concluded Deputy Sherlock.
NORTH AND EAST CORK CUT OFF BY BUS EIREANN - SHERLOCK
CORK EAST Labour TD Seán Sherlock has slammed the decision made by Bus Eireann to cut short the 366 Waterford-Mallow route as of the end of February."Scores of rural people in Cork depend on this route. I had hoped that Bus Eireann would protect it somehow, but the provision they have offered is no where near what is needed in the area. This decision will directly lead to social isolation."The much heralded Programme for Government claims that the Government will 'provide reliable direct services where people are working, living andshopping.' I would like to ask the Green Party where this cut fits in with their Programme."As a result of the cuts North and East Cork is isolated. Once there was a three-day Route 366 service providing transport for people in Conna, Castlelyons, Fermoy, Ballyhooly, Castletownroche, Killavullen, Mallow, Dungourney and Midleton. Now as a result of the cuts the 366 will only remain within Waterford."I have grave reservations about any proposal to downgrade route the route because at the moment it fulfils what i consider a Public Service Obligation and as such is an obligation under remit of Bus Eireann. "I do know following consultation that the drivers on the route are flexible and have ideas about how to keep the route open. I believe strongly that Bus Eireann management must take this into account. "I have written to Bus Eireann management with a view to asking them to reconsider any closure of the route. Older people in particular are regular users of the route and if we are to discuss access for older people to services then it is vital that the route is maintained.
NINETY CORK GHOST ESTATES A HEADACHE FOR COUNCILS – SHERLOCK
CORK EAST Labour TD Seán Sherlock has highlighted the difficulty facing Cork County Council following the revelation that there are currently 90 ghost estates in Cork County."This figure has come to light as a result of work by The National Institute for Regional and Spatial Analysis (NIRSA). It means that, at an extremely conservative estimate, there are 450 empty houses across the county."What it also shows, however, is the huge boom in estates across the county in the last decade. Many people paid high prices in good faith to live in these estates that did not sell through and have been abandoned by developers."These homeowners then seek to have their area taken into Council management. The conditions the developers leave these estates in often do not meet Council standards and require remedial work."If the NIRSA say there are 90 ghost estates, it is certain that there are an abundance of other new estates that are inhabited that also need to be taken into the charge of the council. This, however, is an obligation that should be met by Developers."All this adds an unprecedented workload for the councils and proves an extra burden for our already stretched local authorities," Deputy Sherlock said.
SHERLOCK AND MAYOR WELCOME COMMITTEE FERMOY VISIT
MAYOR of Fermoy Labour Cllr Noel McCarthy is to welcome the Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to the town this week. The visit will present the group, which consists of 11 TDs from across the political divide, with an opportunity to see first-hand the impact flooding has on Fermoy."I am very happy that this group are coming to Fermoy. Hopefully this is a sign that the Committee are giving serious consideration to the problems facing Fermoy as a result of flooding."It will give them the opportunity to see the work on the first phase of the flood relief scheme and to hear just how vital the plan is from the people of Fermoy."I will take this opportunity to ask the committee to put pressure on the OPW and Minister Mansergh to provide the funding for the subsequent schemes of the scheme," Mayor McCarthy said.Cork East Labour TD Seán Sherlock said that he believed the visit presented an opportunity for the people of the town."I think it is important that the people of Fermoy are given a chance to relay their concerns to the committee. I am glad that the committee, including my Labour party colleague Deputy Ciaran Lynch, will take time to come to the town to meet with those affected by the floods."The most important result from this meeting is that pressure will be put on the OPW to secure funding for the second phase of the flood relief scheme," Deputy Sherlock concluded.
GOVERNMENT PUNISHING RETURNING IRISH
CORK EAST Labour TD Sean Sherlock has welcomed the recent media attention focussing on the habitual residence condition that restricts Irish people who return home from living abroad from accessing social welfare."While this condition may have been designed to limit ‘welfare tourism,' the short sighted drafting of legislation means that thousands of Irish people will now suffer as a result."In my experience, however, the condition appears to be applied in some cases without applying common sense. People with deep family roots in Ireland are being rejected for benefits because they have taken an opportunity to travel and broaden their horizons."That an Irish citizen could be denied social welfare because they availed of an opportunity to travel is scandalous. Our system should not fail Irish people because of fears that the same system could be exploited by foreign nationals. "It is up to the Government to produce robust legislation that doesn't throw the baby out with the bath water by cutting off Irish people to their entitlements. This is yet another example of how this administration is failing the Irish people."I have referred the matter to my colleague, Labour Spokesperson on Social and Family Affairs Rosin Shortall TD.
ADMINISTRATORS NEED TO BE FAIR IN NURSING HOME SCHEME
CORK EAST Labour TD Seán Sherlock believes that the Health Service Executive's administration of the so-called ‘Fair Deal' Nursing Home Scheme is causing hardship for Irish families."The management of this scheme is causing an undue delay for those signed up to the scheme, and I am calling on Minister for Health Mary Harney to directly intervene."The State's failure to process applications for the Scheme is creating a situation whereby Irish families are having to make up the balance of payments for loved ones in care."Obviously people are happy to do what they can to help but the slow progress of the scheme is resulting in an unnecessary hardship for already stretched families."I am looking for a timely turnaround of applications. I have heard accounts where the HSE look for superfluous extra information from applicants who have already endured a long wait for their payments."I suspect it takes an administrative effort to create such a delay."
Horses and greyhounds need a level playing pitch
Speaking at the launch of 'Raising The Stakes' Labour Proposals to Tax Remote Betting and Reform the Funding of the Horse and Greyhound Fund, Deputy Sherlock said "The document we are publishing today highlights in a very useful way, some of the emerging issues in the racing industries that really need to be tackled.One area of particular concern to me is the fact that while a bet placed by a punter in a high street bookie is subject to a betting levy, a bet placed online, on the same horse, in the same race, is tax freeThis situation is not sustainable. We believe that it is fair that remote gambling operations pay their fair share the same as high street bookmakers. Every bet placed in the Irish state should contribute to the betting levy, regardless of the method of placement."
SHERLOCK SLAMS ‘CHUMP CHANGE’ ROAD ALLOCATION FOR CO CORK
CORK EAST Labour TD Seán Sherlock has raised the appalling conditions of County Cork roads in the Dáil. Deputy Sherlock raised the issue during standing orders last week."I raised this matter on the basis that Cork County Council is receiving far less funding per kilometre of road than other local authorities in the country."When it comes to national funding Cork is near the end of the table in terms of allocation. I am calling on the Minister for Transport, when makes his announcement on road allocation, to ensure that Cork is at least on a par with other allocations."Figures for last year show that local authorities in the greater Dublin area received up to double what Cork County Council was given per kilometre. "I have also called on the Minister to make a one off emergency allocation to cover flood and weather related damage caused by recent bad weather spell."When we have over 12,000km of roads in the County, and bearing in mind the cost of a complete road overlay is some €100,000 per kilometre, the €6 million allocation will not go far. The County Manager has spoken on Morning Ireland this Wednesday on his concern for the Cork allocation."The Northern Division will see some €1.6million, which is completely insufficient to repair the damaged North Cork roadway properly. If the Minister thinks such meagre measures are enough he is sorely mistaken," Deputy Sherlock said.
Dept of Agriculture must share in blame for dioxin contamination
The manner in which the report into the December 2008 dioxin contamination of pork was released late in the day yesterday, denying members of the public and opposition spokespersons an opportunity to scrutinise it properly, was cynical in the extreme. The report was spun by the Minister yesterday to present the owner of plant as the person most culpable, but closer reading of the report shows that there were serious issues around Department's role in the scandal.
SHERLOCK WARNS SCHOOLS OF WATER CHARGES INCREASE
CORK EAST Labour TD Seán Sherlock says that schools face significant increases in water charges as a result of a metered system introduced at the start of the year."Schools must be made aware that small changes can result in significant savings so that the little money our schools have can be spent on children, not charges."The only message coming from the Government is that schools across the country must make their capitation grants go further. The Department of Education has implemented this new system without providing schools with any help to off set higher costs."Under the old system, schools were charged a flat rate of €4 per pupil per year. In a typical primary school of 250 pupils, this would work out at €1000 per year. Now that metered water charges are introduced, schools could face an average cost of €2005 a year."We at the Labour Party have carried out an extensive survey into the matter. The Department of Education estimates each pupil uses an average 3.5 cubic metres of water a year, but says that 2.1 cubic metres should be best practice. However, even if best practice is achieved, the average charge for a school is still likely to be €1,203 per year. That's an average increase of 20% on the 2009 flat rate and still a big increase in costs to schools."It is time the Department engaged with schools to inform them of practical steps that will ensure our schools maximise the use of the little funding they have.
OPW MUST PROVIDE LONG TERM FERMOY FLOOD RELIEF
LABOUR MAYOR of Fermoy Noel McCarthy and Cork East TD Seán Sherlock have praised the efforts made by the staff of the Office of Public Works to protect Fermoy during the recent flooding. The Labour duo warned, however, that the effort of the OPW staff does not mean that a long term solution is not needed."The OPW staff worked round the clock to minimise the effects of the recent flood, they gave a tremendous effort to secure the town and deserve much credit for their work," Cllr McCarthy said."The fact that such emergency measures were needed, however, only highlights the need for the swift completion of the Fermoy Flood Relief Plan," he added.Deputy Sherlock said that he would be perusing the matter of the Flood Relief Plan with the Government."I am awaiting a reply to a parliamentary question I have put to the Government on the Fermoy relief plan. The first phase of the plan should be complete by the summer. It is my intention to lobby the Office of Public Works to approve the funding for the next stage so that work can immediately start on phase two."The great work carried out to spare Fermoy from the recent floods was a short term fix for what is a long term problem. The people of the town have waited many years for a relief plan to get underway. It is my intention to do what I can to ensure that such a delay does not go on unnecessarily," Deputy Sherlock concluded.
REDUNDANCY CLAIMS AVERAGED 1,500 A WEEK IN 2009
CORK EAST Labour TD Seán Sherlock has expressed his grave concern at the number of redundancy claims received by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment in 2009."On foot of a Parliamentary Question I put to the Department, Junior Minister Dara Calleary told me that the intake of new claims received was an average of 1,500 a week."Furthermore, there were 67,207 actual redundancies in the first ten months of 2009. To put this into context, there were only 40,607 claims in the whole of 2008."These figures are frightening, and are further proof if needed that the Government has no coherent employment strategy. These figures represent people who have lost their previously secure employment as a result of the economic downturn."When you consider school and college leavers are facing scant jobs opportunities and add in these redundancies it is clear that we are facing an employment crisis. As yet the Government has yet to tackle this major issue in a constructive and positive manner."The Labour Party has several ideas on how to counter the growing tide of unemployment. Our proposals for a fairer Budget last December successfully earmarked the €4bn worth of necessary spending and delivered ideas on providing employment."From PRSI schemes that would support employers to fast tracking labour intensive capital projects to provide extra jobs we have shown a credible, realistic alternative to the Government budget that is not only fairer but pro-active in dealing with the economic crisis.
Major uncertainty over school transport thanks to Batt's flip-flop
CORK EAST Labour TD Seán Sherlock believes that Miniter for Education Batt O'Keeffe's U-turn on his decision to close schools due to the cold snap will cause disruption.
FF Cork East duo out of touch with constituents over bank inquiry
Labour TD Seán Sherlock has described the position on the banking crisis held by his Cork East Constituency colleagues Michael Ahern and Ned O'Keeffe as typical of a Fianna Fáil party out of touch with the public.
FF DUO OUT OF TOUCH WITH CORK EAST CONSTITUENTS
LABOUR TD Seán Sherlock has described the position on the banking crisis held by his Cork East Constituency colleagues Michael Ahern and Ned O'Keeffe as typical of a Fianna Fáil party out of touch with the public."Michael Ahern's claim that there is no need for a banking inquiry because the public know what went on is astounding. That is not the reality for any constituent who has called to my office. "There is a huge public demand for an inquiry that establishes who is to blame for the crisis facing our financial sector and roots out the causes of this mess so we legislate against it happening again."Despite what Deputy Ahern claims, the public are not well aware of the practices that were carried out at the banks. The Prime Time Investigates programme, which revealed the practice of fast tracked loans to senior politicians, for example, shocked and angered many."As Chairman of the Oireachtas Finance Committee, Deputy Ahern may not wish to hold such an inquiry. I can assure him, however, that as a member of the Joint Committee on Economic Regulatory Affairs I would be only too happy to accommodate an inquiry. I believe that if my committee is given powers to compel witness co-operation, an inquiry can be held in a practical manner at minimal public expense, similar to the DIRT inquiry of the 1990s."Deputy Ahern's comments are typical of his party, a party that holds vested interests above the public interest. Last September Fianna Fáil's other TD for Cork East, Ned O'Keeffe, backed NAMA in the Dáil."In the Dáil Deputy O'Keeffe said, and I quote ‘It is with great pride that I support my Minister, Deputy Brian Lenihan, in introducing this wonderful and badly needed rescue of the economy, property developers and the banking system.' "Deputy O'Keeffe also went on to say that ‘It is important that small shareholders be looked after. I am a shareholder in both of the banks in question.'"These same deputies failed to ‘look after' the blind and disabled who had their allowances cut in the last budget. Both Deputies Ahern and O'Keeffe both gave their backing to a budget that reduced the modest incomes of lower paid public sector workers."Both are more concerned with looking after bankers and shareholders who enjoyed the spoils when the going was good, but now want their risks ‘looked after' by the taxpayer.
SHERLOCK PRESSES MINISTER ON KILWORTH PRISON
LABOUR TD for Cork East Seán Sherlock has questioned Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern on the progress of the proposed prison at Kilworth Co Cork."I have been told that the next phase of the appraisal process will be carried out ‘in due course.' The timeframe for the completion of this project has been consistently vague, and many people in the Kilworth area have asked when work will get underway on the prison."In light of the ongoing budget constraints, the Department should be up front and give an honest appraisal as to whether or not this project will actually go ahead.
Neary should return €600K as a minimum for his gross incompetence
Cork East Labour TD Seán Sherlock is calling on former Financial Regulator Pat Neary to return the pay-off he received from the State on his retirement.
No respite for students awaiting grants
Cork East Labour TD, Sean Sherlock has aired his concerns regarding the ongoing delays in processing grants experienced by third-level students.
‘COST OF LIVING’ GOVT ARGUMENT DOES NOT WASH
CORK EAST Labour TD Seán Sherlock has slammed the Government's budget, citing the cuts to Social Welfare and lower paid Public Sector workers as proof positive that the burden of economic recession is being placed on the young and most vulnerable people in society.Speaking in the Dáil this Tuesday, December 15, Deputy Sherlock said: "This Bill was drafted by a generation of politicians and mandarins who have their mortgages paid and have, for the most part, reared their children. It shows a blatant disregard for people of my generation who will end up saddling the burden of the economic morass in which we find ourselves for the rest of their working lives. If we are to inject some equity back into the process of economic recovery, it must be done on the basis that everybody will take the pain equally."One cannot take €1,500 from somebody in the public sector who is earning €30,000 or €1,875 from somebody who is earning €35,000, while introducing a carbon tax which will affect the ability of such people to get to and from their place of work on a daily basis. Such people will also be affected by the impact on them of the potential mortgage increases they may incur in the future."I have a short time in which to speak on this issue. It is a sad indictment of this Parliament that we cannot debate these measures in a proper fashion with real discourse. I believed the strike by the public sector was ill-timed, in that we all had to buy into the idea that there would be a reduction in the public sector pay bill. I also believed in the bona fides of a Government and a trade union hierarchy to hammer out a deal which would ensure those earning incomes of less then €50,000 would not incur any further pain as a result of measures which might have to be implemented and those earning between €50,000 and €100,000, would have a minuscule percentage cut in their salaries and they would be benchmarked against cuts in the private sector."We have a situation whereby a single person who earns €52,000 per annum in the private sector incurs no cut whatsoever to his or her salary, but somebody who earns €50,000 in the public sector will incur a cut of €3,000 or 6%. There is no equity in such a situation. If anybody in the Government is telling us that everybody has to incur pain, the proof of that view is not evident in such budgetary measures. I am quoting from the very document the Minister for Finance, Deputy Lenihan, laid before the House when he announced his budget last week."All we are asking for is a review of the cuts to people on the lower end of the public sector wage scales. One cannot expect a single female clerical officer who works in a local authority, has taken out a mortgage in the past three years and now has to pay increased charges for her petrol to get to work to incur a cut of €1,500 to €2,200 in her salary. It is completely inequitable. I know it and the Minister of State, Deputy Mansergh, in his heart of hearts, knows it. I believe his words are correct, he told us to reverse the cuts would cost the Exchequer €500 million."He never examined the quasi-autonomous non-governmental organisations. He did not adequately examine those earning more than €250,000. It is time the Government looked equitably at those who will now bear the brunt. The new poor now exist in our society. A person who incurs a cut of €1,500 will not be able to survive in real terms and the Government should not patronise such people by telling them it has reduced the cost of living by 6% because that will not wash.
SCRAPPAGE SCHEME HYBRIDS WONT GO FAR ON UNDERFUNDED RURAL ROADS
LABOUR TD for Cork East Seán Sherlock says the government's woeful funding of Ireland's road network will undermine any new car scrappage scheme."Fianna Fáil's mantra on road transport seems to be ‘drive your new state of the art hybrid across our shoddy roads.' It just doesn't make sense."No one in their right minds would subject a new car to some of the crater-filled Third World routes that pass for roads in this country. Sadly this ill thought out policy of cutting county and tertiary road funding defeats the purpose of introducing a stimulus for the motor trade. "Perhaps if the members of the Cabinet drove themselves down county roads they would see why the public would be reluctant to subject a new state of the art machine to such poor infrastructure."Once again Ireland's road networks will be under funded. My recent attempt to find the motor tax take from my own county revealed that there is little transparency with the Government in terms of how much tax taken from motorists is actually used on maintaining our rural roads."It is typical of Fianna Fáil to exhibit such short-sightedness, but in fairness they are not solely culpable. This budget has been handled with Green fingers, a Party completely out of touch with the realities that face rural commuters. I would like to invite Ministers Gormley and Ryan to take a detour off their Dublin cycle lanes and come down a country boreen. Then tell me they would drive a 2010 hybrid down there.
OLD GUARD 'CELTIC TORIES' HAVE SHAFTED IRELAND'S YOUTH
LABOUR Cork East TD Seán Sherlock has slammed the Government for placing the burden of Ireland's economic crisis on young people.
SCRAPPAGE SCHEME HYBRIDS WONT GO FAR ON UNDERFUNDED RURAL ROADS
LABOUR TD for Cork East Seán Sherlock says the government's woeful funding of Ireland's road network will undermine any new car scrappage scheme.
DAWN MEATS JOB LOSSES ANOTHER BLOW TO CORK EAST
LABOUR Spokesperson for Agriculture and Food Seán Sherlock said that the news that Dawn Meats is to close its operation in Midleton is a damning indictment of the Government's record in the Agri-food sector. The Cork East TD added that the job losses are the latest in a number of significant blows suffered in his constituency.
"What is worse for the workers at Dawn Meats who will lose their jobs, and the thousands more across the country who want to earn a living, is that the current Government has missed an opportunity to introduce measures that will generate employment. "This budget shows the present coalition's inability to positively engage with the difficulties we face at present. They are lacking in ideas on how to protect the Agri-food industry. "Furthermore it is the latest in a long line of major losses in my constituency. Tytex in Youghal, the Dairygold and the Co-Op stores in Mitchelstown and Fermoy, the beet factory in Mallow; the government has failed in producing a coherent policy that protects or generates employment in the constituency. "The priority now is the 44 strong work force at Dawn Meats in Midleton. I urge the company to relocate as many of the workers as possible in the interest of maintaining employment. I would also insist that any redundancy package offered is fair and reflects the commitment the staff at the plant have shown since 1994. LOCAL UNEMPLOYMENT UP 68% IN A YEAR
LABOUR TD Seán Sherlock this week aired his concerns over the rising rate of unemployment in Cork East following the publication of the latest Live Register figures.
"My fear is that with the huge attention and speculation surrounding the budget, this important publication will be overlooked. The constituency of Cork East has sustained a 68% rise in the numbers of people signing on in the space of a year. "The numbers seeking jobseekers benefits in Cork East had already risen considerably by this time last year, this further increase is a very worrying trend. To have over 11,000 people in the constituency out of work is unacceptable. Deputy Sherlock further hit out at the current Government's handling of the economy as the newly released figures also revealed that unemployment across Cork City and County has risen by nearly 160% since Fianna Fail and the Green Party came to power. "The figures speak for themselves. We now have over 42,000 on dole queues in Cork compared to just 16,000 or so in June 2007 in the aftermath of the last General Election. "This figure does not account for the many Cork people who have been forced to leave their home to look for work elsewhere. This week the government will seek to decreasing spending on Social Welfare by hitting those on Jobseekers benefits with cuts. "My suggestion would be that the Welfare bill could be decreased if the Government put together a coherent job strategy on job creation, but such vision is sadly lacking in the Cabinet. "The Labour Party has gone on the record as citing this budget as an opportunity to provide a coherent jobs strategy which would include a return to education for people who have lost their jobs, work experience programmes for graduates and apprentices and PRSI breaks for employers who create jobs for people who are currently out of work.
NOTES: According to the latest CSO figures; 11,054 people signed on the Live Register in Social Welfare offices across Cork East in November 2009; 1,010 in Cobh, 2,607 in Fermoy, 2,512 in Mallow, 3,196 in Midleton and 1,729 in Youghal. This is compared to a combined total of 6,568 in November 2008. 16,311 people in Cork city and County were on the live register in June 2007, compared to 42,408 in November 2009. This represents an increase of 26,097 since the last General Election.
SHERLOCK URGES FERMOY FLOOD VICTIMS TO USE HUMANITARIAN AID
CORK EAST Labour TD Seán Sherlock has urged the people of Fermoy who suffered damage to their homes following the recent flood to use the services and funds that have been made available to them.
"Anyone who has endured genuine hardship due to the Blackwater bursting its banks has options. Those who find themselves in difficulty due to the flooding should get in touch with a Community Welfare Officer and contact the Department of Social and Family Affairs. There is a humanitarian fund there for the public. Speaking in the Dáil in the aftermath of the flood, Deputy Sherlock said that the plight of the people of Fermoy must be addressed. In discussion with Minister for State for the Office of Public Works Martin Mansergh, Deputy Sherlock insisted that businesses in Fermoy also receive reprieve. "Regarding Fermoy, and I acknowledge the Minister's statement on the start of phase 1, issues remain in Fermoy concerning the clean-up. At the risk of being parochial, both sides of the river, particularly at Rathealy Road, Francis Street, Thomas Street, Greenhill and Brian Boru Square on the north side, are all badly affected. If some form of aid is available I ask that Fermoy be eligible for it, as would the people on the south side, particularly at Ash Quay, the Mart road, O'Neill-Crowley Quay, Elbow Lane and Tallow Road, which were all badly hit. It has been said to me that the Fermoy flood was the worst in the past 25 years. That should be on the record because while we agree that the works will commence shortly in Fermoy, some damage remains arising from the flood works in that area. I ask the Department to examine the damage that has been done and look favourably at the businesses in that area."
ELECTRONIC SHEEP TAGGING AN UNNECESSARY BURDEN FOR FARMERS
LABOUR Spokesperson for Agriculture and Food Seán Sherlock has called on Minister Brendan Smith to acknowledge the concerns surrounding the proposed introduction of Electronic sheep tagging.
COMPUTERS AND WATER DO NOT MIX
CORK EAST Labour TD Seán Sherlock has highlighted Minister Batt O'Keeffe's incompatible policy of using capital building funds for school computers in light of this week's disastrous flooding.
"Following his announcement that over €100million is to be put towards IT equipment for schools I asked the Minister if his under-spent Capital funding, which schools are crying out for to secure new premises, would be used towards the provision of new schools. "He informed me that of the €22million he is making available for IT this year, €13 million will come from the school building programme. At a time when damp schools are pleading with the Minister for help, this line of thinking defies logic. "I would ask the Minister to look at what happened to Scoil Bhride in Rathcormac last week, when the fire services were required to carry children from their flooded school yard. "This flooding is a direct consequence of his Department not utilising his school building programme, a result of a succession of Ministers for Education favouring prefabs over secure classrooms. "We all recognise the necessity of providing modern IT equipment to school children, but what Minister O'Keeffe proposes is putting the cart before the horse. Where, in the cramped prefabs that are sadly a reality for many schools in the country, are teachers to fit a computer when fitting pupils is a stretch? "How wise is it to put such state of the art equipment in damp conditions or as we have seen in Rathcormac, areas prone to flooding due to the poor forward planning that values prefabs as a solution to overcrowding? The Minister should be warned that computers and water do not mix, and should prioritise his funding in such a way as to provide adequate classrooms for pupils, and the computers that they have been promised. MINISTER'S REPLY ON FERMOY HOSPITAL INADEQUATE
CORK EAST Labour TD Seán Sherlock has described the reply he has received from the Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan on equipment donated to Fermoy hospital as 'inadequate.'
Current legislation allows the VAT on items bought for hospitals to be refunded as long as the appliance in question costs over €25,390. Deputy Sherlock had asked that the Minister reduce the threshold to allow a wider range of items to be eligible. "I have made representations on this issue before, and having been contacted on the matter by St. Patrick's Hospital Fundraising Association I put a Parliamentary Question to the Minister. "In turning down my request for a change in the law, the Minster seemed to suggest like groups such as St. Patrick's Hospital Fundraising Association have actually benefitted from the government's refusal to review this legislation. Minister Lenihan claims that as the threshold has not been adjusted upwards for inflation, charitable groups can buy more items for hospitals. "I would suggest that Minister Lenihan meet with St. Patrick's Hospital Fundraising Association and tell them that. They have yet to avail of this legislation because not one item that they have bought for the hospital has passed this threshold. "To my mind Minister Lenihan's reply ignores the fact that advancements in technologies and the fall in costs of production has seen the price of many items suitable for hospitals drop since this legislation was introduced in 1987. The State benefits greatly from the voluntary work of groups like St. Patrick's Hospital Fundraising Association. Now is the time to recognise this good work and facilitate these groups in their efforts by reviewing this legislation."
YOUGHAL CAST OUT AS FORGOTTEN TOWN
CORK EAST Labour TD Seán Sherlock believes that the closure of Youghal's last manufacturing plant is proof that the town has was forgotten during the boom and is bearing the brunt of the bust.
"Tytex's closure signifies the loss of 80 jobs, and it is a sad sign of the times that this figure pales in comparison with the number of jobs across the country. "The real impact for the town of Youghal goes beyond the 80 people now looking for work in an already difficult climate. This closure symbolises the final nail in the coffin for the town's once healthy factory trade.
NO BENEFIT IN STRIKE ACTION
CORK EAST Labour TD Seán Sherlock this week reiterated his belief that the impending industrial action by trade unions would be difficult to comprehend to those recently made unemployed.
EURO RULING ON SEPTIC TANKS POSES CORK PROBLEM – SHERLOCK
CORK EAST Labour TD Seán Sherlock has warned that a ruling by the European Court of Justice against Ireland on the licensing of septic tanks will have real consequences for homes and businesses across Cork.
TIME FOR GOVERNMENT TO ASSESS JOBS POTENTIAL IN FORESTRY SECTOR - SHERLOCK
Labour Agri-Business Spokesperson Seán Sherlock TD has welcomed the fact that Coillte will address the Committee on Agriculture on the 28th October.
SHERLOCK WELCOMES EXTRA ALARMS FOR OLDER FERMOY RESIDENTS
CORK EAST TD Seán Sherlock has welcomed the allocation of extra funding to Fermoy Neighbourhood Watch which will go directly towards putting in place monitoring alarms for older residents in the area.
SHERLOCK MONITORS DONERAILE RESTORATION
CORK EAST LABOUR TD Seán Sherlock has revealed that a number of projects are due to get underway on restoring Doneraile Court.
SHERLOCK TAKES THE BUS
CORK EAST Labour TD Seán Sherlock has come out in defence of the Rural Transport Programme having seen first hand the benefits of the Scheme in North Cork. Having taken a trip on the Thursday services to Fermoy, Deputy Sherlock said he got an insight into the benefit of the scheme from those who rely on the service every week.
NEW PROGRAMME FOR GOVT ALREADY BAD FOR ENVIRONMENT
CORK EAST Labour TD Seán Sherlock has slated the new Programme for Government as bad for the environment - given the amount of hot air emitted by the Green Party leadership last Saturday. RETENTION OF DATA FOR TWO YEARS WILL LEAD TO HIGHER COSTS FOR BUSINESS
Speaking in the Dáil today on the Communications (Retention of Data) Bill 2009, Deputy Sean Sherlock said: "This is an important piece of legislation and while it seeks to transpose an EC Directive for which we have an obligation, the content of the legislation which has been published is extremely weak. It needs to be strengthened on the basis that it will place too high a cost burden on business and does not have adequate judicial oversight.
FALLOUT MUST NOT IGNORE FÁS GOOD WORK – SHERLOCK
CORK EAST Labour TD Seán Sherlock has told the Dáil that the controversy surrounding the top level of FÁS must not neglect the positive impact the State body has had on communities across Ireland. Speaking in Dáil Eireann on a Labour Party motion on the ongoing scandals at FÁS, Deputy Sherlock said that while reform of the upper echelons of the Authority were essential, it was equally important to recognise the good work carried out by the grass roots of FÁS who have played no role in the current controversy.
SHERLOCK DEDICATED TO KEEPING NORTH CORK ON IDA AGENDA
CORK EAST Labour TD Seán Sherlock has pledged his commitment to keeping North Cork on the Government's agenda following communication with Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Mary Coughlan on the issue of the vacant IDA site in Fermoy. In a Parliamentary reply to Deputy Sherlock, Minister Coughlan said that ‘although the Agency has received planning permission for an advanced technology unit on the Fermoy Business and Technology Park, it has been decided, in view of the current budgetary situation, to postpone delivery of all such new units for the time being.'
CLARIFICATION NEEDED ON MALLOW SUGAR SITE FOLLOWING ZOE COLLAPSE
CORK EAST Labour TD Seán Sherlock has called on Greencore to clarify its position on the future of the Mallow Sugar Factory site following the collapse of Liam Carroll's Zoe Group. Deputy Sherlock made the comments following this week's decision by the Supreme Court to grant ACC's appeal against the High Court's decision to allow the second examinership attempt for the troubled Group. Recent reports have indicated that Ulster Bank is in effective control of Carroll's 29% share in Greencore having registered a charge against the shares.
SHERLOCK WELCOMES FUNDS FOR HOME GRANTS
CORK EAST Labour TD Seán Sherlock has welcomed this week's announcement that Cork County Council has received extra funding for the Housing Adaptation Scheme.
SHERLOCK GIVES CAUTIOUS WELCOME FOR ‘FAIR DEAL’ SCHEME
CORK EAST TD Seán Sherlock has given a cautious welcome to the announcement that the long promised ‘Fair Deal' Scheme will be introduced on October 27. Deputy Sherlock said that while he welcomed the long awaited introduction of the scheme that will pay 70% of the costs of private nursing home care for people who qualify for financial support, he also had concerns surrounding the workings of the ‘deal.'
SHERLOCK'S ‘ON STREET CLINIC' DISCUSSES LISBON
CORK EAST LABOUR TD Seán Sherlock will hold an ‘on-street Clinic' in advance of Friday's Referendum on the Lisbon Treaty today, Wednesday September 30. Deputy Sherlock said the session was about making himself available to deliver his message on the Treaty at a grass roots level. PLOUGHING CHAMPIONSHIPS SHOWS ECONOMY THE WAY – SHERLOCK
THE TURNOUT at this year's annual Ploughing Championships is a clear indicator that the Agri-Business Sector can lead the way to economic recovery, according to Labour Spokesperson for Agriculture and Food Seán Sherlock TD.
UNEMPLOYED MUST BE GIVEN THE CHANCE TO UPSKILL -SHERLOCK
CORK EAST Labour TD Seán Sherlock has called on the Department of Social and Family Affairs to change the conditions of the Back to Education Allowance to encourage those who have lost their jobs to upskill in an effort to return to employment.
LISBON MESSAGE NOT GETTING THROUGH
CORK EAST Labour Party TD Seán Sherlock this week aired his concern that the current strategy on delivering information on the Lisbon Treaty is failing to engage with those most likely to vote on the upcoming referendum.
Deputy Sherlock said that while the latest technologies should be embraced in order to put out the details of the Treaty, he believes that the use of tools such as the internet should be used to compliment, rather than replace, more traditional forms of engaging with voters. REPS ESSENTIAL TO RURAL IRELAND - SHERLOCK
Labour Spokesman for Agriculture and Food Seán Sherlock TD has insisted that the REPS payments to farmers must be protected in the interest of protecting rural Ireland. The Cork East TD said that REPS contributes more to the Irish economy than it costs and warned that the removal of the scheme would have devastating consequences for rural communities. SHERLOCK WILLING TO MEET GROUPS ON LISBON
CORK EAST Labour TD Seán Sherlock this week confirmed that he would endeavour to make himself available to any public or community group wishing to discuss the Lisbon Treaty. Speaking weeks ahead of the crucial referendum, Deputy Sherlock said it was important that the Treaty is discussed and debated in public.
LOCAL UNEMPLOYMENT ALMOST TREBLES UNDER CURRENT GOVERNMENT
THE LATEST Live Register figures released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show that unemployment in north and east Cork has nearly trebled under the current Government, according to Labour TD Seán Sherlock.
SHERLOCK URGES PEOPLE WITH MOBILITY ISSUES TO IMPROVE VOTE ACCESS
CORK EAST Labour TD Seán Sherlock has urged people with physical illness or physical disability to avail of a facility that will transfer their vote to more accessible polling stations for the upcoming Lisbon Treaty referendum.
SHERLOCK WELCOMES MOVES TO COMBAT EQUINE PIROPLASMOSIS
The Labour Party Spokesperson for Agriculture and Food Seán Sherlock TD said that he is reasonably satisfied with the initial steps taken in light of the breakout of equine Piroplasmosis in a horse facility in county Meath.
PASSING OF LISBON WILL MEAN GREATER POWERS FOR EUROPEAN AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE
Labour Party Spokesman on Agriculture and Food Seán Sherlock TD has welcomed the acknowledgement made by the European Agriculture Commissioner that the passing of the Lisbon Treaty would mean that the Common Agricultural Policy would come under ‘Co-Decision.' This will allow greater powers for the European Parliament Agriculture Committee.
SHERLOCK AIRS FERMOY PYLON CONCERN
CORK EAST Labour TD Sean Sherlock has called on the ESB to safeguard a pylon in Fermoy in the interest of the safety of young children in the town. NO JUSTIFICATION FOR M20 DELAY
Cork East Labour TD Sean Sherlock has said there is no justification for delaying construction of the new M20 motorway between Cork and Limerick. DAIRYGOLD MUST RECOGNISE WORKERS' CONTRIBUTION
CORK EAST Labour TD Seán Sherlock has welcomed the news that both sides of the 4HOMES dispute are to return to the Labour Relations Court - but added that Dairygold must be willing to recognise their employees' contribution to the company. FARM FAMILIES URGED TO CHECK ENTITLEMENTS
Labour Party spokesperson on Agriculture & Food, Seán Sherlock TD is urging farmers to apply for the state payment Farm Assist should they find themselves struggling to make ends meet DAIRYGOLD BOARD SHOULD SUPPORT 4HOME WORKERS
Dairygold Board members should lend their support to 4home workers in Fermoy and Mitchelstown by endorsing an improved redundancy package according to Cork East Labour TD Seán Sherlock SHERLOCK SLAMS HSE PLANS FOR MEDICAL CARD CENTRALISATION
CORK East Labour TD Seán Sherlock has criticised plans to centralise the processing of medical card applications to Dublin which he fears could lead to major delays and a loss of jobs
MITCHELSTOWN WORKERS DESERVE FAIR DEAL
LABOUR Party spokesperson on Agriculture & Food Seán Sherlock TD has said the 29 workers who are to lose their jobs at the Breeo foods facility in Mitchelstown must be treated with decency and fairness when it comes to the negotiation of a redundancy package
RURAL TRANSPORT SCHEME MUST BE PRESERVED, ISOLATION A MAJOR ISSUE IN RURAL AREAS
CORK East Labour TD Seán Sherlock has said that notwithstanding the recommendations of the McCarthy Report, support for the rural transport scheme is absolutely vital for rural Ireland PUBLIC ILL INFORMED ABOUT NEW PROPERTY TAX
CORK East Labour TD Seán Sherlock has slammed the government for its failure to adequately promote the new property tax scheme which he said will leave thousands of property owners facing hefty fines CARROLL EXAMINERSHIP LEAVES CLOUD OF UNCERTAINTY OVER MALLOW SUGAR SITE
Cork East Labour TD Seán Sherlock has said Greencore must provide some clarification as to its intentions for the former Sugar Factory site in Mallow. This follows news that the majority shareholder plans to sell assets to generate the cash to save large parts of his other businesses SHERLOCK SUPPORTS INCLUSION OF CROHN'S DISEASE UNDER ILLNESS SCHEME
CORK East Labour TD Seán Sherlock has said he will support all efforts to have Crohn's disease included under the Long Term Illness Scheme AGRI SECTOR ALREADY EXPERIENCING SWEEPING CUTS - MC CARTHY REPORT WILL HAVE FURTHER NEGATIVE IMPACT
Labour party spokesperson on Agriculture & Food Seán Sherlock TD said the proposed cuts to Agriculture contained in today's McCarthy Report will have a negative impact on the agri-business and rural economy if implemented and further undermine our comparative advantage in food and drink production. SHERLOCK SLAMS HIKE IN SCHOOL TRANSPORT COSTS
CORK East Labour TD Seán Sherlock has slammed the government's decision to proceed with an increase in the cost of school transport CUTS IN REPS SCHEME WILL PUSH MORE FARMERS ONTO SOCIAL WELFARE
Any attempts to justify the ending of the Reps 4 scheme by claiming it will save the exchequer a lot of money, are well wide of the mark CUTS IN REPS AND DISADVANTAGED SCHEMES, A BLOW TO RURAL ECONOMY
The decision by the Government to close the REPS 4 Scheme to new applicants will severely affect up to 34,000 farmers who are due to complete their environmental plans over the next four years SHERLOCK SLAMS COUNCIL OVER FAILURE TO FIX HEATING
LOCAL Labour party TD Seán Sherlock has slammed Cork County Council's failure to maintain new central heating systems installed in tenants' homes
FUNDING SOUGHT FOR RATHCORMAC TRAFFIC CALMING
DEPUTY Seán Sherlock has written to the National Roads Authority seeking an allocation of funding to provide for traffic calming at Rathcormac National School as a matter of urgency.
MORE ACTION NOW NEEDED ON FARM SAFETY
Further steps must be taken by the Department of Agriculture to improve farm safety and reduce the risk of on farm deaths, according to Labour's Sean Sherlock. CENTRALISATION OF ACUTE SERVICES AT CUH WILL HAVE RAMIFICATIONS IN RURAL AREAS
The decision to centralise acute hospital care in the southern region to Cork University Hospital in Cork City, is one that will have serious ramifications for the delivery of care in rural areas.
TDs join forces to prevent axing of bus services
MUNSTER based Labour TDs Seán Sherlock and Brian O'Shea have joined forces to prevent plans for what they have described as ‘the complete obliteration of bus services' across counties Cork and Waterford by Bus Eireann
MABS OFFICE NEEDED IN EAST CORK
A TOWN Council candidate has called for the urgent opening of a Money Advice & Budgeting (MABS) branch office serving East Cork to help people struggling with debt and repayments. Donie Daly, who runs Youghal Financial Services, said many young couples are now in dire financial straits due to changed personal circumstances. The Labour Party candidate said people from across the Youghal and Midleton areas must travel to Cork city to avail of the MABS service which already is under severe pressure because of the demands from city dwellers. "This is a government funded agency. The very government that got us into this economic mess yet staff are to the pin of their collar in terms of trying get through appointment. There is currently a five week waiting period to see a MABS advisor at the Cork city office. In the current climate five weeks could make an awful difference to a family struggling to meet repayments," stressed Mr Daly. Mr Daly said he feared long waiting lists and the lack of a local office would drive people from across East Cork to loan sharks. "The resources being put into MABS must be reviewed as a matter of urgency. There are four advisors in Cork city dealing with a huge population that stretches from Youghal right back to Kinsale. We have to minimise delays and access to the service if we are to assist people from falling further into debt or taking drastic measures like availing of high interest loans," he continued. "There are an awful lot of people out there who can't sleep but for worrying about how they are going to meet mortgage or other loan repayments. There are MABS offices operating in both North and West Cork and the same service needs to be offered to the people of Youghal, Midleton, Castlemartyr and surrounding areas," he continued.
CLARIFICIATION SOUGHT ON LOCAL BUS ROUTE
LABOUR TD Seán Sherlock has said called on Bus Eireann to clarify whether plans are afoot to axe its bus service from Dungarvan to Mallow. Deputy Sherlock said he has been contacted by locals in Castletownroche and Ballyhooly who are particularly concerned at the potential loss of the service which ferries them to Mallow. "This is a lifeline for a lot of people who can no longer drive or simply never could. I understand that on any given day the bus could cater for up to 50 passengers who hop on and off between Dungarvan and Mallow," said Deputy Sherlock. Mr Sherlock said Bus Eireann would do well to remember that this is the only means for people to access their bank or the post office following the many closures in recent years. "This is an invaluable service and we cannot allow it to grind to a halt. Our rural communities must be protected and enhanced going forward and this service is a basic entitlement for those who have chosen to settle in the countryside. I have now written to Bus Eireann asking them to clarify the situation before it's too late," he added.
PUBLIC ARE SICK OF HSE DECEPTION AND MANOUEVERING ON SOUTHERN HOSPITALS
Cork East Labour TD, who raised the issue in the Dáil yesterday, stated that leaked reports of the reconfiguration of Southern Hospitals, resulting in the loss of acute services in all hospitals other than CORK University Hospital (CUH) is further proof of the deception and manoeuvring the public have come to expect from the HSE.
TANAISTE OBLIVIOUS TO THREAT TO IRISH JOBS POSED BY TESCO STRATEGY
Last week in the Dail, the Tanaiste seemed to take at face value public assurances from Tesco, that their sourcing of international brands and new allocation of shelf space in its stores, would not be to the detriment Irish suppliers. The Tanaiste also stated that herself and Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith would "keep a very keen eye on the situation". GOVERNMENT SILENCE ON ONE YEAR PRE-SCHOOL PLEDGE CAUSING CONCERN
THE Government's silence on the one year pre-school promise unveiled in the recent budget is causing serious concern among parents according to local Labour TD Seán Sherlock SELF-EMPLOYED URGED TO CHECK OUT ENTITLEMENTS
CORK East Labour TD Seán Sherlock is urging self-employed workers who cannot find employment to visit their social welfare office to seek assistance.
TESCO MUST STATE WHAT IRISH BRANDS WILL REMAIN ON SHELVES IN NORTH EAST STORES
Deputy Sean Sherlock has called on Tesco to state what Irish brands will still be on the shelves of their 11 stores in the north east next Tuesday. EXTRA INCENTIVES NEEDED TO CREATE AGRI-FOOD JOBS
Labour Party spokesperson on Agriculture & Food is calling on Brendan Smith to be more creative in looking at ways of creating jobs in the agri-food industry. APPOINTMENT OF SIR ANDREW LARGE TO OVERSEE SELECTION OF NEW REGULATOR WELCOME
Deputy Sean Sherlock has welcomed the appointment of Sir Andrew Large to oversee the appontment of a new Regulator."This is a welcome announcement and will send a positive signal to the International Community that Ireland is beginning to get its house in order in relation to the Regulation of the Financial Services and Banking Sector. LABOUR SETS OUT PROPOSALS FOR €2.8BN BUDGET PACKAGE
On this day twelve months ago, around this very time, the Bertie Ahern was announcing his intention to resign as Taoiseach and Leader of Fianna Fail. Over the following few months Fianna Fail mourned the departure of Bertie Ahern and celebrated the accession of Brian Cowen at the very time when the attention of the government should have been focused on dealing with the deteriorating fiscal and employment situation. For more than twelve months the Labour Party has been warning of the mounting economic crisis and calling for urgent action. Last June I was the first Leader to raise in the Dail the looming crisis for small and medium sized enterprises as a result of the refusal of banks to provide normal credit facilities.
HEALTSTAT REPORT MAJOR BOOST TO MALLOW CAMPAIGN FOR ENHANCED HOSPITAL SERVICES
Cork East Labour Party TD Seán Sherlock has welcomed confirmation that Mallow General Hospital is amongst the top performing hospitals in the country and officially the best performing in Cork. PUBLIC IN THE DARK ABOUT SCHOOL BUS CONSULTATION
There is worrying lack of awareness amongst the parents of school-going children about what is supposed to be, a major public consultation process currently underway which will have serious implications on determining the future operation of the school transport scheme. BROADBAND ON THE WAY TO GLANWORTH - SHERLOCK
WORK is expected to begin on enabling the Glanworth exchange for broadband in April according to local Labour TD Seán Sherlock. HIKE IN SCHOOL BUS CHARGES, HITTING HARD IN RURAL AREAS
The increases in school bus charges as announced in October's Budget are now beginning to hit home with families being asked to fork out hundreds of euro in additional transport costs for their children for next term claims Deputy Seán Sherlock. GOVERNMENT JOBS PLAN URGENTLY REQUIRED
A National Jobs Plan is urgently required from Government to prevent further job losses and to meet the needs of the 354,000 already on the live register according to Deputy Sean Sherlock.
SERVICES FOR SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN NEED PROTECTION
The decision by the Batt O'Keeffe to cut special teacher support in over 100 schools is a clear indication that vulnerable children are to be the next target of this callous government according to Deputy Seán Sherlock.
URGENT WORKS NEEDED ON CORK SECONDARY ROUTES
CORK East Labour TD Seán Sherlock is calling on the National Roads Authority to carry out improvements on the N72 Mallow/Fermoy and N73 Mallow/Mitchelstown routes.
CLARIFICATION NEEDED ON FLOOD RELIEF PROJECTS
DEPUTY Seán Sherlock has described plans to remove the weir in Fermoy as "ridiculous" in light of moves by the government to cut public spending. NURSING HOME COSTS LEAVING PEOPLE PENNILESS
LABOUR TD Seán Sherlock has said he has become increasingly concerned at the numbers of people whose life savings are being diminished because of nursing home costs. CLOSURE OF HEATHERSIDE HOSPITAL A RETROGRADE STEP
CORK East Labour TD Seán Sherlock has slammed the decision to shut a North Cork Hospital with just two weeks notice and to transfer all patients to Cork City. MINISTER MUST ENGAGE WITH KOSTAL MANAGEMENT TO SAFEGUARD 400 MALLOW JOBS
With an announcement of a restructuring plan at Kostal automotive in Mallow, thought to be imminent, it is imperative that Enterprise and Employment Minister Mary Coughlan intervene with the company to ensure the future viability of the plant. SHERLOCK PURSUES MINISTER ON STAG PARK ISSUES
LOCAL Labour TD Seán Sherlock has called on Environment Minister John Gormley to assist Cork County Council in dealing with difficulties that have arisen in a Mitchelstown Housing Estate because of a poor take-up in affordable housing. FARMING SECTOR MUST BE ALLOWED TO EMBRACE ENERGY INITIATIVES - SHERLOCK
LABOUR spokesperson on Agriculture & Food Seán Sherlock TD has said the current economic climate presents a major opportunity for the farming sector to get involved in energy creation initiatives.
HSE MUST MAKE CLEAR ITS INTENTIONS ON MALLOW HOSPITAL
Now that they have been shamed by the Labour Party into publishing the Teamwork report into the hospitals in the Mid West, the HSE must publish the report as it relates to Mallow. Sargent fails to show leadership on global food shortages
Green Minister Trevor Sargent has taken his eye off the ball on the issue of global food shortages
Targeted strategy needs to combat farming isolation and depression
FARMERS can often work all day without meeting another soul
HSE staff embargo wreaking havoc for disabled persons
DEPUTY Sean Sherlock has said the HSE staffing embargo is wreaking havoc for disabled persons applying for grant aid for home improvements
Cork patients vulnerable because of pharmacy dispute
Impending dispute between pharmacies and HSE will lead to unnecessary hardship for the most vulnerable members of society.
ICE CREAM DEAL A MAJOR BOOST FOR CORK ECONOMY AND FARMING COMMUNITY
Labour Party spokesperson on Agriculture & Food Seán Sherlock TD has welcomed news that Silver Pail Dairy based in Fermoy, Co Cork has secured a major contract with one of the biggest ice-cream manufacturers in the world.
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Address: Tel: Email: 21/07/10
COMMUNITIES ENCOURAGED TO SUPPORT KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOUR WEEKEND
CORK East Labour Party TD Seán Sherlock is urging people to support the fifth Know Your Neighbour Weekend which runs from July 24th to 25th 20/07/10
FURTHER HIKES TO SCHOOL TRANSPORT COSTS MUST BE PREVENTED
Cork East Labour TD Seán Sherlock has said his party will lobby to prevent further hikes in school transports costs 22/06/10
FREE NCT TEST FOR FOUR WEEK WAIT
DRIVERS forced to wait more than four weeks for an NCT test are entitled to their test free of charge according to Cork East Labour TD Seán Sherlock
15/06/10
DENTURES ARE A BASIC HUMAN NEED
CORK East Labour TD Seán Sherlock has criticised Health Minister Mary Harney for limiting access to dentures for those with medical cards which he describes as ‘a basic human need' 03/06/10
JOBSEEKERS URGED TO CHECK OUT BACK TO WORK ENTERPRISE SCHEME
CORK East Labour TD Seán Sherlock is urging those with a business idea to check out their entitlement to the Back Work Enterprise Allowance with their local social welfare office 26/05/10
SHERLOCK CALLS FOR COMMON SENSE TO PREVAIL ON CREDIT UNION REGULATION
Oireachtas Economic Regulatory Affairs Committee Member Deputy Sean Sherlock, who has had extensive consultations with the Credit Union representative bodies has called for common sense to prevail in relation to future regulation and credit management of the sector 24/05/10
SHERLOCK CALLS FOR CHANGES TO LEGISLATION TO BENEFIT LOCAL ETHANOL INDUSTRY
Labour Party Spokesperson on Agriculture & Food, Seán Sherlock TD has tabled an amendment to the Bio-Fuels obligation bill to ensure that Irish Oil Refineries will be partly stocked with Irish ethanol instead of cheaper Brazilian imports 10/05/10
HOME HELP PROPOSALS DESPICABLE
Labour TD Seán Sherlock has slammed proposals contained in a HSE draft document to put time restrictions on the duties being carried out by home helpers.
30/04/10
COBH COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
COBH ommunity hospital is a facility that is very well-regarded by the people of Cobh. I have been asked by my Labour Party colleagues on Cobh Town Council to raise this issue as a matter of urgency because there is a situation whereby the National Treatment Purchase Fund has taken over the fair deal scheme as it relates to Cobh hospital. 28/04/10
CENTRAL BANK BILL WILL RESTRICT LENDING CAPACITY OF CREDIT UNIONS
I believe that the Central Bank Bill in its current unamended form, places onerous restrictions on credit unions 27/04/10
BIO-FUELS OBLIGATION SCHEME PRESENTS OPPORTUNITY FOR JOBS
Labour Spokesperson for Food and Agriculture Seán Sherlock has told the Dáil that the framework for any Bio-Fuels Obligation must provide scope for indigenous production of renewable energy fuels. 21/04/10
CAP VITAL TO PROTECT AGRI INCOMES AS FARM ASSIST NUMBERS CONTINUE TO GROW
Labour Party spokesperson on Agriculture & Food Seán Sherlock TD has said figures obtained in a PQ from the Department confirming that over 900 farming families have been awarded a payment under the Farm Assist scheme since the start of the year is proof that many farm families are now living on the margins 15/04/10
MINISTER MUST MAKE ANNOUNCEMENT ON REFIT PRICE FOR BIOMASS
A decision is urgently needed on the REFIT (Renewal Energy Feed In Tariff) price the government will pay peat power stations for burning biomass such as miscanthus 07/04/10
U-Turn on farm pensions a victory for common sense
Labour Spokesperson for Agriculture Seán Sherlock has described the Government u-turn on the withdrawal of the state contributory pension for the partners of farmers as a victory for common sense.
06/04/10
Govt must act on scandal of unfinished housing estates
Details revealed in the Irish Examiner today of more than 650 unfinished estates in some 28 county councils gives some indication of the shocking extent of the problem we are now facing in this regard. Thousands of families who have paid very substantial sums of money for their homes now find that they are having to cope with derelict sites, unfinished houses, roads not finished, incomplete sewage systems, and no public lighting. In some cases families are unable to let their children out to play because of the dangers posed by living in what is often still a building site.
31/03/10
Sherlock welcomes invitation to Ombudsman to address Agri Committee on 'Lost at Sea' report
Labour Deputy Sean Sherlock has welcomed the decision of the Agriculture Oireachtas Committee to extend an invitation to the Ombudsman to discuss the contents of her Lost at Sea Report.
22/03/10
Ex-financial regulator still has questions to answer over Anglo and Quinn
Economic Regulatory Affairs Committee member Sean Sherlock TD has stated that the former Financial Regulator Pat Neary, still has questions to answer over his alleged knowledge of a confidential plan in 2008 to reduce Mr Sean Quinn's shareholding in Anglo Irish bank, as reported in The Sunday Times.
03/03/10
German court vindicates Labour data protection stance
Labour TD Seán Sherlock has cited yesterday's decision by the German courts to throw out its government's Data Retention laws as a vindication of Labour's position on similar legislation proposed for Ireland.
18/02/10
Lakeland closure highlights need for dairy task force
Labour Spokesperson for Agriculture and Food Seán Sherlock has warned that the announcement by Lakeland Dairies that it is to closing their milk drying facilities at in Co Monoghan, with the loss of sixty jobs, is a further indication that a Dairy Task Force is needed to address the crisis facing the sector.
17/02/10
Sherlock calls on Minister to deal with cruelty to horses
Speaking at today's agriculture committee Deputy Sean Sherlock highlighted the deplorable practice of abandoning horses to their fate because they can't be cared for or sold.
09/02/10
Halifax pull out distressing for both worker and customer
Bank of Scotland Ireland's decision to shut down its Halifax operation is very regrettable and I fear that the closure will cause further uncertainty for worker and customer alike. To my mind and from the point of view of the 750 people who have just been told that they are redundant, not enough was done to protect these jobs.
04/02/10
Ombudsman should address Oireachtas Committee on Lost at Sea Report
I don't want to start with a litany of platitudes and I don't want to patronize anyone in any way. But I do feel it is vital that we recognize the suffering and hardship endured by the Byrne family for too many years in seeking to attain redress for their suffering. We must also acknowledge the loss of lives of three crewmen and the father and uncle of Mr Danny Byrne, the complainant. It is important that we keep this family to the forefront of our minds when speaking to the issue. The matter at hand is a simple one. To my mind it is about natural justice and whether or not the Byrne family received due recognition for their complaint and whether the agencies of the State responded proportionately to their needs.
21/01/10
Horses and greyhounds need a level playing pitch
Speaking at the launch of 'Raising The Stakes' Labour Proposals to Tax Remote Betting and Reform the Funding of the Horse and Greyhound Fund, Deputy Sherlock said "The document we are publishing today highlights in a very useful way, some of the emerging issues in the racing industries that really need to be tackled.One area of particular concern to me is the fact that while a bet placed by a punter in a high street bookie is subject to a betting levy, a bet placed online, on the same horse, in the same race, is tax freeThis situation is not sustainable. We believe that it is fair that remote gambling operations pay their fair share the same as high street bookmakers. Every bet placed in the Irish state should contribute to the betting levy, regardless of the method of placement."
20/01/10
Dept of Agriculture must share in blame for dioxin contamination
The manner in which the report into the December 2008 dioxin contamination of pork was released late in the day yesterday, denying members of the public and opposition spokespersons an opportunity to scrutinise it properly, was cynical in the extreme. The report was spun by the Minister yesterday to present the owner of plant as the person most culpable, but closer reading of the report shows that there were serious issues around Department's role in the scandal.
11/01/10
Major uncertainty over school transport thanks to Batt's flip-flop
CORK EAST Labour TD Seán Sherlock believes that Miniter for Education Batt O'Keeffe's U-turn on his decision to close schools due to the cold snap will cause disruption.
08/01/10
FF Cork East duo out of touch with constituents over bank inquiry
Labour TD Seán Sherlock has described the position on the banking crisis held by his Cork East Constituency colleagues Michael Ahern and Ned O'Keeffe as typical of a Fianna Fáil party out of touch with the public.
22/12/09
Neary should return €600K as a minimum for his gross incompetence
Cork East Labour TD Seán Sherlock is calling on former Financial Regulator Pat Neary to return the pay-off he received from the State on his retirement.
16/12/09
No respite for students awaiting grants
Cork East Labour TD, Sean Sherlock has aired his concerns regarding the ongoing delays in processing grants experienced by third-level students.
10/12/09
OLD GUARD 'CELTIC TORIES' HAVE SHAFTED IRELAND'S YOUTH
LABOUR Cork East TD Seán Sherlock has slammed the Government for placing the burden of Ireland's economic crisis on young people.
09/12/09
SCRAPPAGE SCHEME HYBRIDS WONT GO FAR ON UNDERFUNDED RURAL ROADS
LABOUR TD for Cork East Seán Sherlock says the government's woeful funding of Ireland's road network will undermine any new car scrappage scheme.
07/12/09
ELECTRONIC SHEEP TAGGING AN UNNECESSARY BURDEN FOR FARMERS
LABOUR Spokesperson for Agriculture and Food Seán Sherlock has called on Minister Brendan Smith to acknowledge the concerns surrounding the proposed introduction of Electronic sheep tagging.
02/11/09
NO BENEFIT IN STRIKE ACTION
CORK EAST Labour TD Seán Sherlock this week reiterated his belief that the impending industrial action by trade unions would be difficult to comprehend to those recently made unemployed.
21/10/09
TIME FOR GOVERNMENT TO ASSESS JOBS POTENTIAL IN FORESTRY SECTOR - SHERLOCK
Labour Agri-Business Spokesperson Seán Sherlock TD has welcomed the fact that Coillte will address the Committee on Agriculture on the 28th October.
12/10/09
NEW PROGRAMME FOR GOVT ALREADY BAD FOR ENVIRONMENT
CORK EAST Labour TD Seán Sherlock has slated the new Programme for Government as bad for the environment - given the amount of hot air emitted by the Green Party leadership last Saturday. 08/10/09
RETENTION OF DATA FOR TWO YEARS WILL LEAD TO HIGHER COSTS FOR BUSINESS
Speaking in the Dáil today on the Communications (Retention of Data) Bill 2009, Deputy Sean Sherlock said: "This is an important piece of legislation and while it seeks to transpose an EC Directive for which we have an obligation, the content of the legislation which has been published is extremely weak. It needs to be strengthened on the basis that it will place too high a cost burden on business and does not have adequate judicial oversight.
23/09/09
PLOUGHING CHAMPIONSHIPS SHOWS ECONOMY THE WAY – SHERLOCK
THE TURNOUT at this year's annual Ploughing Championships is a clear indicator that the Agri-Business Sector can lead the way to economic recovery, according to Labour Spokesperson for Agriculture and Food Seán Sherlock TD.
23/09/09
UNEMPLOYED MUST BE GIVEN THE CHANCE TO UPSKILL -SHERLOCK
CORK EAST Labour TD Seán Sherlock has called on the Department of Social and Family Affairs to change the conditions of the Back to Education Allowance to encourage those who have lost their jobs to upskill in an effort to return to employment.
15/09/09
REPS ESSENTIAL TO RURAL IRELAND - SHERLOCK
Labour Spokesman for Agriculture and Food Seán Sherlock TD has insisted that the REPS payments to farmers must be protected in the interest of protecting rural Ireland. The Cork East TD said that REPS contributes more to the Irish economy than it costs and warned that the removal of the scheme would have devastating consequences for rural communities. 08/09/09
SHERLOCK WELCOMES MOVES TO COMBAT EQUINE PIROPLASMOSIS
The Labour Party Spokesperson for Agriculture and Food Seán Sherlock TD said that he is reasonably satisfied with the initial steps taken in light of the breakout of equine Piroplasmosis in a horse facility in county Meath.
03/09/09
PASSING OF LISBON WILL MEAN GREATER POWERS FOR EUROPEAN AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE
Labour Party Spokesman on Agriculture and Food Seán Sherlock TD has welcomed the acknowledgement made by the European Agriculture Commissioner that the passing of the Lisbon Treaty would mean that the Common Agricultural Policy would come under ‘Co-Decision.' This will allow greater powers for the European Parliament Agriculture Committee.
02/09/09
NO JUSTIFICATION FOR M20 DELAY
Cork East Labour TD Sean Sherlock has said there is no justification for delaying construction of the new M20 motorway between Cork and Limerick. 02/09/09
DAIRYGOLD MUST RECOGNISE WORKERS' CONTRIBUTION
CORK EAST Labour TD Seán Sherlock has welcomed the news that both sides of the 4HOMES dispute are to return to the Labour Relations Court - but added that Dairygold must be willing to recognise their employees' contribution to the company. 25/08/09
FARM FAMILIES URGED TO CHECK ENTITLEMENTS
Labour Party spokesperson on Agriculture & Food, Seán Sherlock TD is urging farmers to apply for the state payment Farm Assist should they find themselves struggling to make ends meet 21/08/09
DAIRYGOLD BOARD SHOULD SUPPORT 4HOME WORKERS
Dairygold Board members should lend their support to 4home workers in Fermoy and Mitchelstown by endorsing an improved redundancy package according to Cork East Labour TD Seán Sherlock 18/08/09
SHERLOCK SLAMS HSE PLANS FOR MEDICAL CARD CENTRALISATION
CORK East Labour TD Seán Sherlock has criticised plans to centralise the processing of medical card applications to Dublin which he fears could lead to major delays and a loss of jobs
11/08/09
MITCHELSTOWN WORKERS DESERVE FAIR DEAL
LABOUR Party spokesperson on Agriculture & Food Seán Sherlock TD has said the 29 workers who are to lose their jobs at the Breeo foods facility in Mitchelstown must be treated with decency and fairness when it comes to the negotiation of a redundancy package
04/08/09
PUBLIC ILL INFORMED ABOUT NEW PROPERTY TAX
CORK East Labour TD Seán Sherlock has slammed the government for its failure to adequately promote the new property tax scheme which he said will leave thousands of property owners facing hefty fines 22/07/09
CARROLL EXAMINERSHIP LEAVES CLOUD OF UNCERTAINTY OVER MALLOW SUGAR SITE
Cork East Labour TD Seán Sherlock has said Greencore must provide some clarification as to its intentions for the former Sugar Factory site in Mallow. This follows news that the majority shareholder plans to sell assets to generate the cash to save large parts of his other businesses 21/07/09
SHERLOCK SUPPORTS INCLUSION OF CROHN'S DISEASE UNDER ILLNESS SCHEME
CORK East Labour TD Seán Sherlock has said he will support all efforts to have Crohn's disease included under the Long Term Illness Scheme 17/07/09
AGRI SECTOR ALREADY EXPERIENCING SWEEPING CUTS - MC CARTHY REPORT WILL HAVE FURTHER NEGATIVE IMPACT
Labour party spokesperson on Agriculture & Food Seán Sherlock TD said the proposed cuts to Agriculture contained in today's McCarthy Report will have a negative impact on the agri-business and rural economy if implemented and further undermine our comparative advantage in food and drink production. 16/07/09
SHERLOCK SLAMS HIKE IN SCHOOL TRANSPORT COSTS
CORK East Labour TD Seán Sherlock has slammed the government's decision to proceed with an increase in the cost of school transport 14/07/09
CUTS IN REPS SCHEME WILL PUSH MORE FARMERS ONTO SOCIAL WELFARE
Any attempts to justify the ending of the Reps 4 scheme by claiming it will save the exchequer a lot of money, are well wide of the mark 09/07/09
CUTS IN REPS AND DISADVANTAGED SCHEMES, A BLOW TO RURAL ECONOMY
The decision by the Government to close the REPS 4 Scheme to new applicants will severely affect up to 34,000 farmers who are due to complete their environmental plans over the next four years 23/06/09
MORE ACTION NOW NEEDED ON FARM SAFETY
Further steps must be taken by the Department of Agriculture to improve farm safety and reduce the risk of on farm deaths, according to Labour's Sean Sherlock. 10/06/09
CENTRALISATION OF ACUTE SERVICES AT CUH WILL HAVE RAMIFICATIONS IN RURAL AREAS
The decision to centralise acute hospital care in the southern region to Cork University Hospital in Cork City, is one that will have serious ramifications for the delivery of care in rural areas.
09/06/09
TDs join forces to prevent axing of bus services
MUNSTER based Labour TDs Seán Sherlock and Brian O'Shea have joined forces to prevent plans for what they have described as ‘the complete obliteration of bus services' across counties Cork and Waterford by Bus Eireann
20/05/09
PUBLIC ARE SICK OF HSE DECEPTION AND MANOUEVERING ON SOUTHERN HOSPITALS
Cork East Labour TD, who raised the issue in the Dáil yesterday, stated that leaked reports of the reconfiguration of Southern Hospitals, resulting in the loss of acute services in all hospitals other than CORK University Hospital (CUH) is further proof of the deception and manoeuvring the public have come to expect from the HSE.
18/05/09
TANAISTE OBLIVIOUS TO THREAT TO IRISH JOBS POSED BY TESCO STRATEGY
Last week in the Dail, the Tanaiste seemed to take at face value public assurances from Tesco, that their sourcing of international brands and new allocation of shelf space in its stores, would not be to the detriment Irish suppliers. The Tanaiste also stated that herself and Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith would "keep a very keen eye on the situation". 12/05/09
GOVERNMENT SILENCE ON ONE YEAR PRE-SCHOOL PLEDGE CAUSING CONCERN
THE Government's silence on the one year pre-school promise unveiled in the recent budget is causing serious concern among parents according to local Labour TD Seán Sherlock 07/05/09
SELF-EMPLOYED URGED TO CHECK OUT ENTITLEMENTS
CORK East Labour TD Seán Sherlock is urging self-employed workers who cannot find employment to visit their social welfare office to seek assistance.
01/05/09
TESCO MUST STATE WHAT IRISH BRANDS WILL REMAIN ON SHELVES IN NORTH EAST STORES
Deputy Sean Sherlock has called on Tesco to state what Irish brands will still be on the shelves of their 11 stores in the north east next Tuesday. 27/04/09
EXTRA INCENTIVES NEEDED TO CREATE AGRI-FOOD JOBS
Labour Party spokesperson on Agriculture & Food is calling on Brendan Smith to be more creative in looking at ways of creating jobs in the agri-food industry. 15/04/09
APPOINTMENT OF SIR ANDREW LARGE TO OVERSEE SELECTION OF NEW REGULATOR WELCOME
Deputy Sean Sherlock has welcomed the appointment of Sir Andrew Large to oversee the appontment of a new Regulator."This is a welcome announcement and will send a positive signal to the International Community that Ireland is beginning to get its house in order in relation to the Regulation of the Financial Services and Banking Sector. 02/04/09
LABOUR SETS OUT PROPOSALS FOR €2.8BN BUDGET PACKAGE
On this day twelve months ago, around this very time, the Bertie Ahern was announcing his intention to resign as Taoiseach and Leader of Fianna Fail. Over the following few months Fianna Fail mourned the departure of Bertie Ahern and celebrated the accession of Brian Cowen at the very time when the attention of the government should have been focused on dealing with the deteriorating fiscal and employment situation. For more than twelve months the Labour Party has been warning of the mounting economic crisis and calling for urgent action. Last June I was the first Leader to raise in the Dail the looming crisis for small and medium sized enterprises as a result of the refusal of banks to provide normal credit facilities.
23/03/09
HEALTSTAT REPORT MAJOR BOOST TO MALLOW CAMPAIGN FOR ENHANCED HOSPITAL SERVICES
Cork East Labour Party TD Seán Sherlock has welcomed confirmation that Mallow General Hospital is amongst the top performing hospitals in the country and officially the best performing in Cork. 22/03/09
PUBLIC IN THE DARK ABOUT SCHOOL BUS CONSULTATION
There is worrying lack of awareness amongst the parents of school-going children about what is supposed to be, a major public consultation process currently underway which will have serious implications on determining the future operation of the school transport scheme. 11/02/09
SERVICES FOR SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN NEED PROTECTION
The decision by the Batt O'Keeffe to cut special teacher support in over 100 schools is a clear indication that vulnerable children are to be the next target of this callous government according to Deputy Seán Sherlock.
27/01/09
URGENT WORKS NEEDED ON CORK SECONDARY ROUTES
CORK East Labour TD Seán Sherlock is calling on the National Roads Authority to carry out improvements on the N72 Mallow/Fermoy and N73 Mallow/Mitchelstown routes.
20/01/09
NURSING HOME COSTS LEAVING PEOPLE PENNILESS
LABOUR TD Seán Sherlock has said he has become increasingly concerned at the numbers of people whose life savings are being diminished because of nursing home costs. 13/01/09
FARMING SECTOR MUST BE ALLOWED TO EMBRACE ENERGY INITIATIVES - SHERLOCK
LABOUR spokesperson on Agriculture & Food Seán Sherlock TD has said the current economic climate presents a major opportunity for the farming sector to get involved in energy creation initiatives.
02/12/08
HSE staff embargo wreaking havoc for disabled persons
DEPUTY Sean Sherlock has said the HSE staffing embargo is wreaking havoc for disabled persons applying for grant aid for home improvements
02/12/08
Cork patients vulnerable because of pharmacy dispute
Impending dispute between pharmacies and HSE will lead to unnecessary hardship for the most vulnerable members of society.
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