Much in Ireland has changed – but community spirit is stronger than ever

Posted November 13th, 2011

Last weekend I had the pleasure of launching the Annual Report of Youth Work Ireland and presenting Volunteer Achievement Awards to some very impressive individuals whose voluntary work helps so many young people.
In light of the current economic difficulties this country finds itself in, many of the reports I get across my desk document problems, failures and errors. It was so refreshing and uplifting to be gathered with young people and those who work with them and to take the time to acknowledge all the great work going on in youth clubs right across Ireland.
Being in my 20s, much of the Ireland in which I grew up in no longer exists; guaranteed employment straight from college, give-away budgets and a city sky-line dominated by cranes are all but distant memories. What this youth event reminded me though is that community spirit and a sense of volunteerism in Ireland is very much alive and well – in fact, perhaps it is even stronger today than in what is the years when the roar of the Celtic Tiger somewhat drowned out many important things.

Whilst voluntary groups are finding the recession difficult, they are meeting the challenges and using every possible innovative approach to ensure that the services they deliver can continue. There is an obligation on those of us in political life to ensure that the Government does everything it possibly can to help them carry out their work. This means more than just funding – it involves ensuring they are consulted on issues in which they have garnered a real-life expertise and also making sure that bureaucracy doesn’t get in their way.

Specifically in relation to youth work and those that volunteer in this field, it is heartening to see young people who availed of the facility of a youth club or cafe now being empowered as leaders. They have benefitted from the services of volunteers and now they themselves are giving back to their own community and the next generation.
It is easy in politics to extend platitudes to young people by referring to them as the “leaders of the future” or “Ireland’s tomorrow” but the reality is they are an important part of the Ireland of today. If we want them to grow into the leaders, the parents, the social innovators and the entrepreneurs that this country wants and that the world needs, there is an onus on us all to meet their needs today.

The new Ireland that we are all striving to build should not be a revival of the Celtic Tiger. That beast is dead and gone. Never again should the desire for commodities trump the importance of community. A recession, as appalling difficult as it is for so many, can pose opportunities. It gives us the space to look the youth of this nation and to see how we can meet their needs. The Celtic Tiger never delivered youth mental health services in this country nor did it deliver sustainable employment and careers for many young people.

Government could do an awful lot worse than take the time and the space to talk with the volunteers and their groups throughout this country – the people who through good times and bad have been working with our young people and meeting their needs, often where official Ireland has failed. This is the message I will be talking back to Dáil Éireann. This country might be cash poor – but it is community rich. As we set about trying to repair our economy, let’s try to remember that.

Tourism Potential of this Country Must be Fully Harnessed

Posted October 9th, 2011

During the years of the so-called Celtic Tiger, as a nation we were content on creating an economy dependant on house prices and on selling property to each other. The folly of that has now been truly and painfully exposed and the fall-out of such policy errors is still felt today.

Now, as we all set about trying to rebuild this country – bit by bit and step by step – we must look at the range of sectors and industries available to create a sustainable economy. In these discussions, debates and policy considerations, the importance of the tourism sector cannot be overstated.

Last week in the Dáil I had the opportunity to participate in a discussion on tourism and to listen to many colleagues for a variety of backgrounds and locations outline the many positive developments happening in tourism and come up with many suggestions to help promote tourism.

Nationally, there have been a number of good steps and initiatives to assist tourism in Ireland over the last few months. For example, the reduction of VAT by more than 4% for a number of businesses involved in tourism such as restaurants has shown the Government’s determination to do all it can to help tourism-related industry. Creating a new Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has also been a logical step. There is clearly a link between transport infrastructure, air travel, etc and tourism and, likewise, utilising sport for the benefit of branding Ireland abroad is a sensible and practical thing to do.

The Olympic Games in less than a year’s time also pose a huge opportunity for this country to attract tourists to our shores. I am pleased that the Government has seized this opportunity with both hands – agreement with the UK on short-term holiday visas being recognised between our two countries for the duration of the Games will enable people attending the Olympics to visit Ireland. In a really important and exciting development, it has now also been agreed that the Olympic torch will travel to our country – this provides another great opportunity for us to showcase our beautiful country on the international stage.

As a TD from the “Garden of Ireland”, County Wicklow, I very much welcome new strategies in Fáilte Ireland to promote other regions of the country. County Wicklow is now recognised as a tourism region alongside County Kildare. The development of these new strategies focusing on additional locations in Ireland is really important if we are to ensure that the tourism potential of Ireland is being fully utilised.

All of these developments are welcome, positive and helpful in ensuring that tourism numbers increase in this country, that businesses involved in tourism are supported and that we set about building a sustainable economy. But, of course, there is more to do and this is an area in which we can never get complacent.

In my contribution in the Dáil on tourism legislation, I called for Irish Embassies to be instructed to prioritise promoting Ireland abroad as a tourism destination. The Irish taxpayer spends a significant amount of public money on these embassies. It is essential that we put them to use for the benefit of the Irish economy. Secondly, I believe we need to look to the world of sport for “tourism ambassadors” for this country. When it comes to so many sports, Ireland has leading and internationally recognised stars. We need to utilise the appeal of these sports stars and the sporting success of this country to the international tourism market. These are just two simple suggestions that I believe are worth considering and that could play a part in helping increase the number of visitors we welcome to this country.
The role of communities in local tourism is also an issue that needs to be examined in the context of reforming local government. We must empower every community and every county to play its part and give them the necessary tools and resources to do so.

This is a great country with a people renowned for their “cead mile fáilte”. It is time to renew our efforts to showcase Ireland to the world and everyone has an important role to play in this challenge.

September Newsletter

Posted September 16th, 2011

Dear constituent,

As the new Dáil term has just begun and we face into a very busy period – Presidential election, by-election, two referenda, a budget to list just a few items – I wanted to send you this update to keep in touch. I will endeavour to keep you up to date on the goings on in the Dáil through my website,

As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can be of any assistance.

Kind Regards,

Simon

SIMON HARRIS TD

Public Access to the Dáil

I have written to the Ceann Comhairle asking him to end the restrictive practice where members of the public who want to visit the Oireachtas must be ‘signed in’ by a member of the Oireachtas. In practice, this means many people never get to visit the Dáil as they must first approach their TD and ask them to facilitate a tour.

While I very much enjoy having visitors and groups in the Dáil, I believe that public confidence in the Oireachtas will be immeasurably strengthened if the general public is free to view Dáil and Seanad debates in Leinster House. We should take the lead from other national parliaments and allow anybody with an interest in public debate to sit in the Visitor’s Gallery, rather than restrict entrance to individuals and groups who have booked to visit through their public representative. This is an important part of strengthening Irish democracy and increasing the openness and transparency of Leinster House.

I am pleased to have received a response from the Ceann Comhairle on this matter, who told me he too shares a desire for members of the public to be allowed greater access to Leinster House, and has raised this matter with the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission.

National Conference on the Prevention of Suicide

I was honoured to be asked to Chair a national conference on suicide prevention at the Mansion House this week to mark World Suicide Prevention Week. In Ireland, one person attempts to take their life every 40 minutes. This is a startling statistic that really highlights the need for societal and political action.

I have seen through my clinics the pressure so many families and individuals are facing in Wicklow and right around the country. I would urge anyone struggling with depression or other mental health issues to talk to someone, be it a friend or family member, a medical professional, or a support group. Suicide or Survive, a support group based in Arklow, can be contacted on 1890 577 577.”

In this Dáil session, I will be further pursuing this important issue.

Major improvement works to take place at the La Touche Hotel, Greystones

This week I have secured commitments from NAMA, which is now responsible for maintaining the former iconic Greystones landmark, to significantly improve the appearance and safety of the site.As a national representative, I have been in regular contact with NAMA on this issue since my election to Dáil Éireann through designated Oireachtas channels. The current state of the La Touche site is a disgrace and is very upsetting for many people in Greystones.

Following my discussions with NAMA, it has been agreed that significant works will occur at the site in the near future. All existing window hoardings are to be removed and replaced. In addition to this all external balconies to the front and rear of the original hotel building are to be repaired and repainted. All external boundary walls are to be painted, while all external signage, lights and satellite dishes are to be removed.

I welcome the positive commitment by NAMA to engage constructively on this issue. These proposals are very welcome and constitute far more than a mere paint job. All external hoarding around the site is to be removed and replaced with 2.4 meter high railings, while all growth will be removed from the hotel’s gutters, which will also be repaired fully, in addition to landscaping works being carried out around the site,” continued

Remembering September 11^th

On September 11^th, I attended a commeroration in the RDS Concert Hall with the US Ambassador, the President and the Taoiseach to mark the 10^th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks in the US. The event highlighted the strong links between our two countries and heard directly from Irish-Americans involved in the emergency efforts in New York on that awful day.

Public Accounts Committee

At a meeting of the Public Accounts Committee yesterday, I probed the issue of social welfare fraud with the Secretary General of the Department of Social Protection. It is vital that the Department ensure that its resources are directed at those who need them and that fraud is not tolerated.

Next week, the Committee will meet with FAS and with the Revenue Commissioners. I look forward to contributing to this meeting and will provide an update from it on my website.

Chemicals in Wicklow Water Supply

I was troubled by recent reports that there are high levels of a type of chemical known as trihalomethanes (THMs) in Wicklow’s water supply. A recent report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) showed l3C/span>

On September 11^th, I attended a commeroration in the RDS Concert Hall with the US Ambassador, the President and the Taoiseach to mark the 10^th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks in the US. The event highlighted the strong links between our two countries and heard directly from Irish-Americans involved in the emergency efforts in New York on that awful day.

Public Accounts Committee

At a meeting of the Public Accounts Committee yesterday, I probed the issue of social welfare fraud with the Secretary General of the Department of Social Protection. It is vital that the Department ensure that its resources are directed at those who need them and that fraud is not tolerated.

Next week, the Committee will meet with FAS and with the Revenue Commissioners. I look forward to contributing to this meeting and will provide an update from it on my website.

Chemicals in Wicklow Water Supply

I was troubled by recent reports that there are high levels of a type of chemical known as trihalomethanes (THMs) in Wicklow’s water supply. A recent report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) showed levels of THMs exceeding the World Health Organisation Limits in locations across Wicklow.

I have written to Mr Dara Lynott, the Acting General Director of the EPA requesting a meeting, and asking for urgent clarification about a number of concerns, including the impact these THM levels will have on the quality and safety of the public water supply, the steps that will be taken to reduce THM levels and the planned timeline for action on this issue.

Extending the Role of the Children’s Ombudsman

I have called on the Minister for Children, Frances Fitzgerald, to extend the role of the Children’s Ombudsman to include the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).  “The NCSE is a statutory body established in 2004 charged with sanctioning and overseeing the provision of special needs education within our schools.

As an organisation, the NCSE makes extremely important decisions on the supports offered to children with special needs. It is wholly inappropriate that the body responsible for this crucial, and at times highly sensitive, area would not be covered under the remit of the Ombudsman for Children. No State agency should be insulated from the healthy scrutiny of an Ombudsman, particularly not an organisation dealing with children with special needs.

Examining the Guidelines for the Irish Exemption

I am concerned about how the current criteria for the Irish exemption interact with children with specific learning disabilities, and I have raised this with the Minister for Education, Ruairí Quinn. There is an anomaly where students with Asperger’s Syndrome are sometimes excluded from the exemption as the current awarding criteria are very specific, and the assessment must be based on the students’ proficiency in English.

Many students have to work extremely hard both at home and at school to improve their English, but the time and effort put into that achievement by the student, their parents and their teachers cannot be taken into consideration when determining whether to grant them an exemption from Irish. We must make sure that are education system continues to work with students and their families rather than against them, and I have written to Minister Quinn flagging this issue for his attention.

Policing Matters in County Wicklow

I remain an active member of the County Wicklow Policing Committee, and attended their most recent meeting earlier this week. A number of constituents contacted me about concerned over the number of Garda cars available to cover the Greystones and Delgany area and the Newtownmountkennedy area. I raised this matter with the Chief Superintendent, Tom Conway, at the meeting, and have received confirmation there are still four cars covering this area: two marked squad cars, and two unmarked cars. I look forward to attending the Arklow Policing Committee Meeting in the coming week.

Culture Night in Wicklow

National Culture Night will take place on Friday, September 23^rd. Full details of the wide range of events to mark it taking place across Wicklow are available on the website www.culturenight.ie.

Also marking Culture Night, Leinster House will be opening its doors to members of the public between 5pm and 11pm. Tours on the night will include the Dáil and Seanad chambers – which are usually off limits! This is a ticketed event, please get in touch with my office on 01 618 3805 and I will do my very best to arrange a ticket for you!

Guide to Job and Training Schemes

To obtain a copy of my guide to job and training scheme initiatives please email my office on simon.harris@oireachtas.ie and I will send one out to you.

Visit to Courthouse Arts Centre

During the month, I was delighted to be invited to visit the Courthouse Arts Centre in Tinahely. There is a great tradition of the arts in communities across Ireland and I was delighted to see this being continued in the beautifully restored centre in Tinahely.

The Courthouse will be hosting two free events to mark Culture Night on September 23rd, and I would encourage those living nearby to take advantage of the opportunity to visit the centre and become familiar with its work.

I have made representations to the Minister for Arts about the importance of supporting and valuing the role of independent theatres in rural communities.

Additional funding announced for Wicklow road maintenance

Wicklow County Council is to receive €249,460, an increase of €27,718, in funding from the Government, to assist with winter maintenance and keeping to roads clear during harsh weather. I am pleased to see the Minister for Transport planning ahead in a bid to avoid some of the delay and disruption experienced during the snow and ice earlier this year and late last year.

The additional money being allocated this year is being made available thanks to savings within the Minister’s Department. Sixty thousand tonnes of salt is being directly purchased, which will be provided to local authorities on top of the supplies bought separately by the National Roads Authority. The extra €1.25 million will help to cover the cost of purchasing, transporting, storing and spreading salt, and other works associated with extreme weather conditions.

€600,000 funding has also been provided for road maintenance at three locations along the R747, on the R772 at Ashford and on the L2143 at Ballinglen. Under a condition of the grant, these works must be carried out by year’s end.

Improvements to Sports Facilities in Arklow

Grants have recently been awarded for a number of sporting facilities in the Arklow area. A new multi-purpose facility and flood-lit pitch, will be provided at the Inbhear Mór Youth and Sports Facility, while a separate grant will support the improvement of disabled access and energy efficient measures at Arklow Swimming Pool. I have no doubt that these improvements will make a huge difference to the lives of many young people in Arklow and the surrounding communities

Removal of Phone Mast at Bray Head

I am pleased to see the temporary O2 telecommunication mast from Bray Head been decommissioned. Bray Head is classed as an Area of Special Amenity and it is an entirely inappropriate site for a mobile phone mast. The mast was initially erected without any planning permission, and granted temporary retention permission for six months.

I would also like to commend the work of my colleague, Councillor Mick Glynn, who raised this issue with Wicklow County Council on a number of occasions, the result of which has been peace of mind for local residents, and the preservation of the unspoilt landscape at Bray Head.

New Clinics Throughout Wicklow

I now have a new schedule of my clinics around Wicklow. Please call my office on 01 618 3805 if you would like to meet me at any of my clinics.

Bray (Every Monday) 10.00 -12.00

Bray (Every 4th Monday of the month) 19.00 -20.00

Greystones (Every Friday) 11.00 -12.00

Greystones (2nd Monday of the month) 19.00 -20.00

Kilcoole (1st Thursday of the month) 19.00 -20.00

Rathdrum (2nd Monday of the month) 13.00 -13.45

Arklow (2nd Monday of the month) 14.30 – 15.15

Wicklow  (2nd Monday of the month) 16.00 – 16.45

Newtownmountkennedy (4th Monday of the month) 13.00 – 14.00

Newcastle (4th Monday of the month) 14.15 – 15.00

Kilmacanogue (4th Monday of the month) 15.30 – 16.15

Enniskerry (4th Monday of the month) 16.30 -17.15

August Newsletter

Posted August 12th, 2011

Dear constituent,

About six months have passed since the 31st Dáil begin and they’ve been a very busy six months! International visits, a jobs initiative, the establishment of new Oireachtas Committees and the time that takes to set up a new TD’s Dáil office, constituency office and constituency clinics have resulted in the time flying by. Now that the Dáil is in recess (- it’s shortest in many years) I am taking the opportunity to prepare for the Autumn session and to meet with as many groups and individuals in my constituency as possible, listen to their views, hear their concerns and, in the case of organisations, learn about the work they are involved in, the challenges they encounter and any issues I can assist with.
 
I want to thank those of you who have taken the time to make contact with me and with my team since my election. John and Aisling in my office are working as hard as they possibly can to assist constituents who make contact with us and I am following up on all issues raised with me by people in Wicklow and East Carlow.
 
Committee Work
 
I am enjoying my work on the Public Accounts Committee and I am extremely grateful to the Taoiseach for appointing me to this important committee. This has provided me with an insight into the workings of Government Department and State agencies right across the spectrum and I am looking forward to being the lead questioner at the committee when the Revenue Commissioners attend in the early Autumn. I am also working hard as a member of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party Committee on Education and Social Protection and on the Committee on Health and Children. One of the roles, I am particularly enthused about is my new position as a Co-Convenor of the Oireachtas Cross Party Group on Mental Health. This gives me an opportunity to work with politicians from all political parties and none to ensure that issues regarding mental health are highlighted, prioritised and addressed. The coming few months will be busy in this area with the forthcoming review of the Mental Health Act and the expected publication of a Mental Capacity Bill. I look forward to playing my part in these debates and discussions.
 
Autism and Special Needs Education
 
I recently convened a meeting between representatives of the Special Needs Parents Association and the Junior Education Minister, Ciaran Cannon TD. I have agreed to be a conduit between this group and the Department of Education. Once the Dail reconvenes, I look forward to helping facilitate a meeting between the Special Needs Parents Association reps and the Department of Education so we can look at ways of working together to better special needs education.
 
I am also organising for a group of experts on Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) to address the Fine Gael Committee on Education and I am looking forward to this discussion.
 
Special needs education is an issue of major importance for me and I will continue to work hard in this area.
 
Training/Further Education/Internship Schemes
 
Over the last number of weeks and months, the Government have announced a number of new schemes in relation to internships, further education, etc. I have put together a pamphlet outlining these schemes, the criteria, how to apply and so on. If you would like a copy of this please contact my office on 01-6183805 and I will send it out to you.
 
New website and new clinic timetable
 
I have just launched my new website – www.simonharris.ie – here you can keep up to date with my work in the Dail and in County Wicklow. This site is still developing and further features and information will be added to it in the coming weeks.
 
I have also published a new timetable of Constituency Advice Clinic and the details of these clinics are available on my website or by calling my office on 01-6183805.
 
My new Constituency Office in Bray is now open – again details are available on my website.
 
I hope that these three measures coupled with this regular e-newsletter ensure I remain an accessible and approachable public representative on your behalf.
 
Student Grants

At this time of the year, many families are probably pursuing college grants. I would advise any family looking for information to check out www.studentfinance.ie. This excellent website provides details on college grants, the criteria and how to apply. To those students awaiting Leaving Cert results which are due out very shortly, the very best of luck!
 
 
Great festivals, fun fairs and sporting events have been arranged throughout the length and breadth of County Wicklow this summer and I would like to congratulate and acknowledge all those involved in making these excellent events possible. I hope you have had an opportunity to enjoy some of them and that you will sample many of the Heritage Week events being organised throughout Wicklow during this month. I want to assure you that I am working as hard as I possibly can on your behalf and enjoying the challenge. I look forward to providing you with more information and latest news on my work as the Dail resume in September.

Keep in touch and every good wish,

Simon

Renewing Our Efforts to Tackle Cancer

Posted August 1st, 2011

Despite all the medical advances and the information out there, more people in Ireland are getting cancer than ever before according to the Irish Cancer Society. One in three people in this country will be diagnosed with cancer at some stage in their lives. Within nine years it is projected that 43,000 people annually in Ireland will be diagnosed with a form of cancer.

These facts are stark and indeed worrying. But there is also encouraging news and in my view two particularly positive points worth highlighting; 1) Up to 50% of all cancers are preventable and 2) Cancer is increasingly being viewed as a condition from which people will survive, with approximately 280,000 people diagnosed between the years 1995 and 2009 having survived cancer.

So if we know that half of cancers are preventable and that chances of surviving cancer are ever increasing, what do we need to do as a society and what do those of us in political life need to do to renew and redouble our efforts to tackle cancer?

Well, there are three specific areas that need to be addressed and that were outlined to me by the Irish Cancer Society at one of the first policy briefings I attended after my election to the Dáil:

• Smoking
• Screening
• Sunbeds

Put simply we need to cut smoking levels in Ireland, extend the ages for those eligible for various cancer screenings and control the use of sunbeds.

Ireland showed international leadership when it introduced the smoking ban in workplaces in 2004. However, when it comes to measures to curb smoking levels, you need to constantly pursue the issue. To stand still when it comes to tackling smoking is to go backwards. We now need a new National Tobacco Strategy. The last such strategy is about ten years old. A new strategy needs to address a range of areas including tough penalties for tobacco smuggling, training for health professionals who come into contact with people who want to quit and, of course, work needs to be ongoing and intensified in terms of highlighting the dangers of smoking and constantly reminding people of these dangers. We know that 70% of smokers want to quit, but the supports are not currently in place to help them do so.

We made some progress in the Dáil very recently with the introduction of a Bill which will allow the Minister for Health instruct that cigarette packets contain graphic photo images of the dangers of smoking alongside the text warnings. Such graphic images have been used to great effect in a number of countries including Australia and Canada.

29% of our population smoke according to a recent survey by the organisation SLÁN. We need to reduce this figure and we need to use all tools possible to achieve this.

Huge improvements have been made in recent years in terms of various cancer screening programmes. We all know that early detection is vital when it comes to surviving cancer. Both BreastCheck and CervicalCheck have played an important role in this process of increasing early detection rates. However, as always, I guess, there is much more to do.

European Council Guidelines indicate that breast screening should be extended to include women above 64. Firstly it needs to be extended to the age group 65-69 and then up to 74 years of age.  There is welcome news in relation to plans for a bowel cancer screening programme to commence in 2012. This screening programme will be aimed at people aged 60 to 69 years of age. Again though, whilst this welcome, there is a need to extend this demographic to include those from the age of 50 to the age of 74. The on-going waiting times for colonoscopies need to be addressed and these waiting times reduced as quickly as possible.

In the area of sunbeds, this needs regulation in Ireland. I am delighted that the Minister for Health has indicated his intention to publish legislation to regulate sunbed use at the end of this year. This is an issue which there is cross-party political support on and it needs to be enacted as quickly as possible. It is completely unacceptable that currently young children can avail of sunbed use. The new legislation must ban the use of sunbeds by anyone under 18 years of age and require that sunbeds can only be used in supervised places. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in this country and it measures to regulate the use of sunbeds is long overdue.

We need to renew and intensify our national efforts to reduce cancer rates in this country and to increase survival rates.  The Government has a major role to play in this but so does broader society. There is brilliant working being done across the length and breadth of this country by Cancer Support Groups – I see it in my own constituency; volunteers providing advice, support, therapies and counselling. These groups have become an absolutely indispensable part of community health system. At a national level, the Irish Cancer Society is doing Trojan work to ensure the issue of cancer is kept high on the political agenda and high in the public mind-set.

If you want more information on cancer contact the National Cancer Helpline on 1 800 200 700. This phone line is open from 9am-7pm Monday to Thursday and 9am-5pm on a Friday.

Or are you ready to quit smoking? You don’t have to do it on your own. There are supports out there. For help, advice and support call the National Smokers’ Quitline on 1850 201 203.

July Newsletter

Posted July 7th, 2011

Dear constituent,

Welcome to my monthly email update for July. Since my last newsletter, I was elected as the Secretary to the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party, and appointed to the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee.

I am delighted to have been appointed to this important committee – the work of the PAC in scrutinising the spending of government agencies and departments is more important now then ever before. I look forward to asking probing questions of government agencies and departments, holding them responsible for their spending and seeking value for money.

This month, I also moved into my new constituency office at 4 Market Court, Bray. This is just beside the old town hall on the main street. Please call 01 618 3805 if you would like to make an appointment to meet me at my office.

I hope you find the information in this monthly update useful and that it gives you some insight into my work on your behalf in Dáil Éireann. As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can be of any assistance.

Kind Regards,

Simon

SIMON HARRIS TD

Contributions in the Dáil

This month in the Dáil, I spoke on my disappointment at the delay in introducing a national missing children’s hotline. Some years ago, the European Commission created a dedicated number, 116000, to act as a single point of contact across all European states in cases where a child goes missing.

This hotline would take calls on missing children and liaise with An Garda Síochána, act as a point of support and guidance for parents and family members of missing children and support on-going investigations.

We must have policies and procedures in place to deal with cases of missing children, and I am encouraged by the positive response I received from the Minister of Children, Frances Fitzgerald, has committed to making every effort to have this project up and running as soon as possible.

I also spoke in the Dáil on the Private Member’s Bill on Adoption. I welcomed the progress that has been made to date by the Minister for Children in progressing the body of work that needs to be done to allow Irish people being able to adopt from Vietnam. I do feel however that the issue of adoption should be dealt with in the context of the much bigger project of the children’s rights referendum, and asked the Minister to ensure no time is wasted in putting a comprehensive and well thought out referendum to the people.

Finally, I asked the Minister to conduct an urgent review of the supports available to people who have been in foster care upon reaching the age of 18, and indeed to their foster parents. This is an issue which was brought to my attention recently and one which I feel requires careful consideration by the state.

In June, I asked Parliamentary Questions on, among other issues: hospital beds in Accident and Emergency departments, the risk of cross-infection in Irish hospitals, the Coast Guard service, alternative energy projects and cancer screening programmes.

If you would like more information on any of these subjects, or indeed would like more information about any issue of concern, please email me on

simon.harris@oireachtas.ie.

A full list of the questions I have asked, and the answers to them, can be seen at

http://bit.ly/pncaA4.

Update on Loughlinstown Hospital

I also spoke in the Dáil on the issue of St Columcille’s Hospital in Loughlinstown. I am working closely with the other Wicklow TDs to ascertain the facts on this, to consult with the HSE and medical professionals and to push for a non-political public information day where people could drop in to hear that facts and figures without the political spin from any party. I will be guided on this issue by medical opinion on what is best for the people of Wicklow.

I believe that reforms to St. Columcille’s are needed, but they should happen as part of an overall package to coordinate and improve services. For too long Wicklow has been the poor relation when it comes to health services and this cannot continue. We need information on increased A&E capacity at St. Vincent’s Hospital before any changes are introduced to Loughlinstown, we need an improved ambulance service for County Wicklow and we need to hear more about the roll out of primary care facilities in Bray, Greystones, Arklow and Wicklow Town.

The full text of my speech in the Dáil on hospital reconfiguration is available online here:

http://bit.ly/o1dOQG

Presidential Convention

The Fine Gael Presidential Convention will take place this Saturday, with Pat Cox, Mairead McGuinness and Gay Mitchell all running for the nomination. The candidates recently came to a special meeting of the Parliamentary Party to present their visions for the country. I am am confident supporting Mairead’s candidacy, but confident the choice is between three very strong individuals. I am very much looking forward to the event and to an exciting campaign come the Autumn.

Revised Tax Rates

The reduced tax rates announced as part of the Jobs Initiative have now taken effect. This includes a 50% reduction in the lower rate of employers’ PRSI and also a targeted reduction of the VAT rate to 9%.

This new VAT rate applies to restaurants, catering services, hotel and holiday accommodation, hairdressing, cinemas, theatres, museums, fairgrounds, sporting facilities, amusement parks and printed matter including brochures, maps, programmes and newspapers.

JobBridge

Details of the National Internship Programme also announced as part of the Jobs Initiative were published earlier this week. Anyone who has been on the Live Register for at least three months is eligible to apply for a six or nine month internship. Interns will receive an allowance of €50 per week on top of their existing social welfare entitlements. This top up will be covered by the Department of Social Protection, meaning there will be no additional cost for employers.

There are a number of safeguards in place to ensure both that the scheme is as beneficial as possible for interns, and that no existing jobs will be displaced. I am encouraging job seekers and employers across Wicklow to check out this new scheme, details of which are online at

www.jobbridge.ie.

For job seekers, the programme offers invaluable hands-on experience and access to contacts and references that can only enhance the possibility of securing full time employment. And for the companies involved, the scheme allows them to bring talented and enthusiastic individuals into their organisation. I would be hopeful that many of the interns who are taken on will become full time employees in the long run.

If you would like more information about the JobBridge programme, please contact my office on 01 618 3805 or

simon.harris@oir.ie

Tackling the Black Economy

I have been contacted by a number of constituents concerned about the effects of the black economy. This is a serious issue – a recent ISME report estimated the black economy could be costing the exchequer up to €5 billion per year, and that is to say nothing of the unfair playing field this creates for tax compliant businesses.

I intend to take a close look at potential measures to tackle the growing black economy and would welcome any suggestions you have in this regard.

Student Grant Applications Now Open

Details of the Higher Education Student Grant for the 2011/2012 year have now been published by the Department of Education and Skills on the website

www.studentfinance.ie.

With the leaving cert out of the way, I would recommend that students submit their grant applications as soon as possible – there is no need to wait for a CEO offer before making the application.

The Department has confirmed that the income limits to qualify for maintenance grants, and the payment of student contribution will remain unchanged for the coming academic year. However I would advise all students to log onto

www.studentfinance.ie and make themselves aware of the changes to the qualifying criteria for the non-adjacent grant, which were introduced by the previous government.

The grants process has been significantly streamlined this year, and the majority of students will be able to apply for their grant online. In addition, the four previous grants have been replaced by a unified scheme. The majority of delays to grants involve incomplete applications which then have to be returned, so I would recommend students double check their applications before submitting them.

More PLC and BTEI Places for Wicklow

Wicklow is to gain 60 additional Post-Leaving Certificate places and 72 Back to Education Initiative places as part of the Government’s efforts to reduce unemployment and to re-skill and re-train people where necessary. These places will come on stream in September and I particularly welcome the Government’s request that these additional places be prioritised for unemployed people.

As a former member of the Board of Management of the Bray Institute of Further Education (BIFE) I have seen first-hand the major benefit of PLC places in enabling people to go back to education to gain necessary skills and training for new employment, while the new BTEI places will provide additional part-time, flexible learning opportunities for people who are low-skilled or who left school without completing the Leaving Certificate.

Congratulations to Wicklow Special Olympic Medal Winners

I would like to extend my congratulations to all of the participants at the recent Special Olympics in Greece. Wicklow was very well represented at the games, with medals won Amy Quinn in Athletics (Track & Field), Aisling Beacom in Swimming, Jonathan Deering in Badminton, Laura Reynolds on the Basketball team, Paul Kenny on the Soccer team and Stephen Deignan in Golf. The enthusiasm and commitment shown by all the Special Olympics participants was truly inspiring and I think our entire county can take pride in their achievements.

Free Access to OPW Sites

I welcome the decision by my colleague, Minister Hayes, to make our historic sites more accessible by introducing free access for all on the first Wednesday of every month. This is great news for families, who will be able to take advantage of this new initiative while children are on their summer holidays. We have a rich culture and heritage in Ireland and it is great to see that more people will now be able to enjoy them.

This scheme will be running on a trial basis until the end of the year. A full list of OPW sites is available on the website

www.heritageireland.ie.

Blue Flags for Wicklow Beaches

Blue Flag status has been awarded to three Wicklow beaches: Brittas Bay North, Brittas Bay South, and Greystones. The Blue Flag is a mark of distinction showcasing clean and safe beaches with high water quality, lifeguard facilities and other amenities, and has great tourism value. I am delighted these beaches have received this award, and in particular, that Brittas Bay South has regained its Blue Flag.

This is a testament to the hard work of local individuals, communities, businesses and clubs who maintain these beaches at award-winning level and provide high quality amenities and facilities along our coastline.

Opening of Fassaroe Community Gardens

I recently had the pleasure of attending the opening of the community garden project in Fassaroe at the Little Bray Community Centre. The project is a credit to all those involved and it would be wonderful to see it replicated in other parts of Wicklow. It was really great to see the community pulling together to deliver the project and I would like to sincerely congratulate all those involved – I look forward to a return visit to sample some of the vegetables soon!

New Secondary School for Greystones

The Minister for Education has announced Greystones will have an additional second-level school built as part of a programme of 40 new schools to be built nationwide over the next six years. This decision was made in light of the forecasted population growth in Greystones.

I am pleased that even in these difficult times the Minister for Education is looking ahead and continuing to invest in education. The patronage and composition of the new school has not yet been determined, and all patron bodies will be contacted by the Department to apply for the patronage of this school.

Independence Day

I was honoured to be invited to the US Ambassador’s Residence in Phoenix Park to celebrate Independence Day on July 4^th. Given the success of President Obama’s visit in May it is a timely reminder of the close links between our two countries. I look forward to continued engagement on matters of mutual interest and importance.

New Facebook Page

I have recently set up a new Facebook page to provide regular updates to my constituents. The address is

www.facebook.com/DeputySimonHarris. My previous Facebook page will no longer be updated, so if you have been following me on Facebook, please ‘like’ my new page.

Contact Me

If I can help with any issue at all then please get in touch and I or a member of my team will do all that we can to assist.

You can contact me in my Leinster House office by phoning 01-6183805 or by emailing

simon.harris@oireachtas.ie.

My new constituency office is 4 Market Court, Bray, Co Wicklow. I will be publishing details of opening hours soon, but in the meantime, please call or email to make an appointment.

You can also keep up with my day to day work, both in the Dáil and throughout Wicklow, by following me on Twitter, at

www.twitter.ie/SimonHarrisTD, or on my new facebook page, www.facebook.com/DeputySimonHarris. My new website will be coming soon.

100 Days

Posted June 20th, 2011

It’s just over 100 days since I stood up in the Dáil and made my maiden speech.  I had received a phone call the evening before the first sitting of the new Dáil from my party leader and the soon-to-be Taoiseach, Enda Kenny asking me to nominate him to be Taoiseach the following day. It is hard to capture in words how I felt after that phone call; honoured, nervous, excited. I now had an evening to put together some thoughts of just over a minute long in length to sum up to the Dáil, the media and all the people across the length and breadth of the country that would be watching the proceedings the reasons why I was asking Dáil Éireann to nominate Enda as Taoiseach.

To try to capture all that I wanted to say about Enda, about the new Government and about the future of the country in such a short space of time was challenging to say the least! But as I walked into the Dáil Chamber that day as a brand new TD and the youngest Deputy in the country, the sense of occasion really hit me. Here we were sitting in a new Dáil after an election where the Irish people with a few strokes of a pencil had changed the political landscape of our country for the foreseeable future. There was a combined total of 113 Government TDs between Fine Gael and Labour. Fianna Fáil had been reduced to just 20 seats. Sinn Fein had increased its numbers hugely and there were a large number of independents with varying political views and backgrounds who had been elected. The people had decided they wanted to turn the very make-up of the Dáil on its head and when I sat in that chamber for the first time it was very obvious it was mission accomplished on that front!

But what struck me much more than the size of the various party groupings was the actual individuals in all parties that had been elected. There were now 76 people elected who had never been TDs before. 84 members of the new Dáil had not been members of the last Dáil – that’s a majority of TDs. And what obviously stood out to me was the influx of new young TDs right across the political spectrum. I know for instance in my own party we now have 11 TDs under the age of 35. You cannot have a parliament that makes decisions in the interests of all of society unless its very membership is reflective of society. I think the recent election went some way towards addressing this.

After the euphoria of “Day 1” of the Dáil, the clock began ticking on how much the new Government could achieve in its first 100 days. Expectations were always going to be high, partly owing to politicians themselves creating such expectations and partly owing to the Irish people feeling so much pressure, pain, stress and frustration from the economic mess this country found itself in.

A Government puts together a plan for five years so obviously the contents of an ambitious Programme for Government cannot be and indeed are not meant to be done and dusted in just over three months. Having said that though, I think a lot of good has been achieved. On the banking front, our banks have been restructured and within three weeks of Michael Noonan becoming Minister for Finance a plan was put in place to ensure that banks had the necessary money to lend. Work must be ongoing and intensified to ensure that banks live up to their end of the deal in relation to lending money out and this is an issue the Government must keep the pressure on. Efforts are now underway to make Anglo bondholders take their share of the pain. The road ahead on this issue might be complex but we now have a Government trying relentlessly and unapologetically to achieve this and to minimise the burden of banks on hard-pressed Irish taxpayers.

So much of the commentary on the first 100 days in office have been about banks – and I guess that is to be somewhat expected considering the crises the Government inherited. But, nonetheless, for me this country cannot and should not simply be defined in terms of banks and balance sheets. We live in a great country and the two international visits of both Queen Elizabeth II and President Obama gave us an opportunity to show of our nation and its people and to rebuild our international reputation.  Yes, the Government should be judged on how it addresses the banking crisis but we must also keep a perspective on the fact that there are so many more issues of importance in this country which politicians need to address and which progress has been made on in the first 100 days.

Take for example the need for the society and the political system to prioritise children. In the last number of years we have seen report upon report outlining the past failures of this country to protect and support children. We now have the first even Department of Children and Youth Affairs created with a full Cabinet Minister charged with advocating for children and giving a voice to issues relating to many areas including child protection at the highest level possible in Government.

Or the area of white-collar crime. For years people in this country have quite right criticised the fact that our criminal justice system might send someone to prison for failing to pay a fine but that white collar crime often goes unpunished. We now have introduced a piece of legislation to finally redress this imbalance and send out a message that crime – white collar or otherwise – will not be tolerated.

On the area of political reform, the Dáil is now sitting longer and quite correctly so. Two referenda have been outlined by Government for the autumn to give Oireachtas Committee investigative powers and to protect whistle-blowers. Measures have been put forward to get more women into politics, changes have been made to the way State-board appointments are brought about, Ministerial transport costs have been halved and serious restrictions on corporate donations have been announced.

When it comes to reforming the way our health service is delivered, the Minister for Health has disbanded the Board of the HSE and has now set up a group to work towards Universal Health Care.

And in the area of modernising our education system, Minister Ruairi Quinn has established a Forum on School Patronage, is examining new enrolment policies and has recognised Educate Together as a patron for second-level schools.

Every possible effort is being taken to create jobs. We have seen a restoration in the minimum wage, a lowering of VAT on tourism products, a halving of employers’ PRSI and literally thousands upon thousands of new training, internship and education places.

It’s only been a hundred days but a good start has been made on many issues. Yes, there are complexities and yes, of course, there are things I would like to see being done faster but we operate in difficult times. We have a five year programme and we are just three months into now. We need positivity and that is not to be confused with blind loyalty – but we must remember that this country can overcome its challenges.  Fixing the economy is not an end in itself; it is just a means to creating a better society for us all. The last 100 hundred days have begun that process.

June Newsletter

Posted June 8th, 2011

Dear constituent,                 

Welcome to my third monthly email update. May was a busy and exciting month, with visits from both Queen Elizabeth II and President Obama ensuring that things never felt routine (if such a thing as routine exists in politics)! Two Wicklow residents, Daniel Day Lewis and Katie Taylor, did a fantastic job in representing our county at the celebratory event in Dublin to mark President Obama’s visit.

I had an opportunity to meet with the Queen at the National Convention Centre and speak with her for a few moments. I was delighted that this historic visit went so well and did so much for the good relations between our two neighbouring countries. I am also encouraged with recent tourism stats showing the increased interest in Ireland following on from these visits.

Sadly, Dr Garret Fitzgerald, a man who did so much to progress the cause of peace in this country, passed away during the Queen’s visit. Garret had great integrity and a true commitment to the betterment of our country and I would like to extend my deepest sympathies once more to his friends, family and colleagues. I attended the State funeral of Dr Fitzgerald and paid tribute to our former Taoiseach on Newstalk on the Saturday morning following his passing. 

I hope you find the information in this monthly update useful and that it gives you some insight into my work on your behalf in Dáil Éireann. As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can be of any assistance.

Kind Regards,

Simon
SIMON HARRIS TD

Contributions in the Dáil
The publication this month of the Government’s Jobs Initiative was an important first step in assisting employment generation, providing new opportunities for those who have lost their jobs and generating confidence in the economy.

In the Dáil, I welcomed the provisions within the Jobs Initiative, as I believe they offer clever, targeted and focused measures to address the current crisis we find ourselves in. As a former Director of Wicklow Tourism, I very much welcome the 4.5% reduction in the VAT rate as I have seen for myself the potential there is for growth within the tourism industry. The halving of the lower rate of PRSI is also to be praised, as it will make it easier in the future for businesses to take on additional employees.

The additional funding for capital projects is also a very welcome initiative. In Wicklow the €1.39 million of extra funding for our roads will help create jobs while also repairing some of the damage done in our locality in the recent past due to the severe weather. The retrofit programme aimed at helping householders to save money by increasing their energy efficiency is also to be praised.

In my speech, I called on the Taoiseach, the Minister for Finance and the Minister of State with responsibility for European Affairs to work with our colleagues in Europe, and to explore the possibility of introducing a pan-European jobs initiative.

In May, I asked Parliamentary Questions on, among other issues: the recognition of Irish sign language; Special Educational Needs; the installation of Closed Circuit Television Systems; Liquor Licensing Laws; School Curriculum; and Bullying in Schools.

Last night I also spoke in the Dáil on two issues – firstly the Spent Convictions Bill introduced by Deputy Dara Callery and then on an Adjournment Debate which I had tabled on the importance of protecting all medical data gathered through “heel prick” tests of new-born babies in the fight against Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS) and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). This is an issue I am determined to pursue and I am working closely with families affected by both SADS and SIDS and with medical experts in this area.

If you would like more information on any of these subjects, or indeed would like more information about any issue of concern, please email me on simon.harris@oireachtas.ie.
A full list of the questions I have asked, and the answers to them, can be seen at http://www.kildarestreet.com/search/?s=section%3Awrans+&pid=358&pop=1. 
 
Jobs Initiative
The Government’s ‘Jobs Initiative’ to promote growth and encourage confidence in the economy was announced at the beginning of May. Among a number of measures included in the initiative were:
· Restoration of the minimum wage
· A 50% reduction in the lower rate of employers’ PRSI to make it cheaper for employers to create new jobs
· A targeted reduction of the VAT rate to 9% – this rate will apply to restaurants, catering services, hotel and holiday accommodation, hairdressing, cinemas, theatres, museums, fairgrounds, sporting facilities, amusement parks and printed matter including brochures, maps, programmes and newspapers
· National internship, back to education and skills training programmes
· Capital investment programmes for roads, schools and energy efficiency works

If you would like a copy of this Jobs Initiative please contact my office on 01-6183805.

Oireachtas Cross-Party Group on Mental Health
I am pleased to have been appointed as a Co-Convenor of the Oireachtas Cross-Party Group on Mental Health. Working with Amnesty International and Mental Health Reform, the group aims to bring together politicians from all political backgrounds to discuss, highlight and prioritise mental health issues.

As the youngest member of the Dáil, I feel a particular onus to do all I can to support and improve mental health services in our country, considering the high rate of suicide among young people in particular. I look forward to working with stakeholders and politicians of all parties in an effort to ensure mental health services receive the priority they deserve in the Oireachtas.

Oireachtas Committees
The new Oireachtas Committees are due to be announced this week. I look forward to getting involved in their work and in seeing the Government unveil new proposals to give these committees real “teeth” to get on with legislative work and scrutiny. I will update you on these committees in my new monthly e-newsletter.

Recognising Educate Together as a second-level patron for schools
I welcome the recognition by the Minister for Education, Rurai Quinn, of Educate Together as a formal patron of second level education. Many parents in County Wicklow and around the country have chosen to send their children to primary schools run by Educate Together and I think it is important that parents have the choice of that model of education at second-level also. I am happy that the Minister and the Government have now progressed this matter.

Resource Teachers – 350 extra posts to be in place for the new school year
As many of you will know, special needs education is an issue very close to my heart and one which is above party-politics for me. Over recent weeks there have been media reports about a cut in the number of resource teachers from September. I have made extensive inquiries on this issue and have spoken to the Minister for Education’s office and I am pleased to report that this is not the case.

There will actually be 350 more resource teaching posts in place in our schools in the new school year when compared with the last school year. In real numbers, this means there were 9,600 resource teaching posts in 2010 and for the new school year there will be 9,950. I very much welcome this increase.

What has changed, however, is the timeframe in which the Department has allocated them. 90% of the posts will be allocated now and the remaining 10% will be allocated for late or emergency applications for resource teaching. I believe this is a more targeted way of ensuring that the resource teaching hours get to the children and the schools that need them. Schools have now been given until the 16th September to make such late or emergency applications.

If you have any queries on this issue please do not hesitate to contact me.

Mermaid Arts Centre Meeting
I was grateful to have the opportunity to meet with a delegation of those involved in the arts in County Wicklow at the Mermaid Arts Centre in Bray, where we discussed the economic and cultural benefits of the arts, and the ways in which the Government can assist their on-going efforts.

Along with the cultural and societal benefits of supporting the arts, which are deeply rooted in both our heritage and our national identity, it is clear there is also a large economic potential to be harnessed, in terms of both domestic and foreign tourism. People come to Ireland to sample our culture and promoting the arts will be a vital element of attracting new visitors to our county and to our country.

Launch of the Wicklow Gardens Festival
I was pleased to attend the launch of the Wicklow Gardens Festival in Kilruddery in Bray last week. This event showcased the many great gardens we have in Wicklow which will be of interest to both local residents and indeed visitors to our county. I commended Wicklow Tourism for their on-going efforts to promote tourism in our county and wish all the various tourism-related businesses the very best for their summer season.

Welcoming Community “can do” attitude on Greystones Harbour Project
I am very pleased to see all public representatives and the community working together to try to find the best way forward with the Greystones Harbour project. I, like an overwhelming majority of people in Greystones, want to see the hoardings down as quickly as possible and the harbour restored to public use. I am also eager to hear how best both the vitally important club facilities and the primary care health centre can be provided.
 
Concerned residents in the town involved in the ‘Give Us Back Our Harbour’ (GUBOH) group have had a number of meetings with our local Fine Gael Council team in Greystones and that these meetings have been positive and constructive. I think such engagement is really important
 
All of us in Greystones – public representatives and the wider community – must unite in our efforts to ensure the best possible outcome in the quickest possible time for our town. I am immensely proud of our town and to be from Greystones. We have a great community-spirit and a very positive ‘can-do’ attitude. We all need to work together to seek progress and I urge both Wicklow County Council and the developer Sispar to do all that it possibly can to work with the community to achieve the objective we all yearn for – our harbour returned to public use as soon as possible.

State Exams – good luck to all!
Good luck to all the students in County Wicklow who are beginning the Leaving and Junior Cert exams this week. Best of luck to you all – keep calm, the hard work is done at this stage. Read the question, manage your time and just do your best! It’ll all be behind you soon!

Greystones People of the Year Awards
I was delighted to be invited to the Greystones People of the Year ceremony – having been raised in Greystones, and as a former award-winner this event always stands out for me as a wonderful way of showing appreciation for all those who work so hard within our community.

I would like to congratulate the award winners, Stephen Kelly, Simon Evans, Fearghal O’Nuallain, Mark Mitchell, Greystones Baton Twirlers, Brooke & Shoals, Shoreline Leisure and the family of the late Charlie Roche FPSI, RIP, who was recognised with a lifetime achievement award.

Newcourt Special School Visit and Tour
I was delighted to visit Newcourt Special School and to meet with the Principal, parents and students to discuss the issues they were most concerned about. Later in the month, a class of 2nd year students from Newcourt came in for a tour of Leinster House, where they were quizzed on everything they had learnt in the Civic, Social and Political Education classes!

Contact Me
You can contact me in my Leinster House office by phoning 01-6183805 or by emailing simon.harris@oireachtas.ie. I am currently moving to a new constituency office, but will have details of its address and contact details in my next update.

If I can help with any issue at all then please get in touch and I or a member of my team will do all that we can to assist.

You can also keep up with my day to day work, both in the Dáil and throughout Wicklow, by following me on Twitter, at www.twitter.ie/SimonHarrisTD

May Newsletter

Posted May 6th, 2011

Dear constituent,                 

Welcome to the second of my monthly email updates. I hope you find this information useful and that it gives you some insight into my work on your behalf in Dáil Éireann.
As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can be of any assistance.

Kind Regards,

Simon
SIMON HARRIS TD

Contributions in the Dáil
I recently raised the issue of publishing a realistic implementation plan for the National Disability Strategy on the Order of Business in the Dáil. I received a firm commitment from the Taoiseach, Enda Kenny that this issue is receiving the attention of the Minister for Disability and I am hopeful that we can progress this matter.

I also spoke on the importance of suicide prevention. I firmly believe that our schools have a role to play in teaching children about taking care of their mental health. It is so important to tackle the stigma that still surrounds this subject. In my speech, I used an analogy shared with me by Caroline McGuigan, the CEO of Suicide or Survive. Caroline asked me to compare how we think about mental health to the way we consider dental care.  Caroline asked three simple questions. Where do we first learn about dental care? The answer was that we learn about it in our schools. Do we brush our teeth every day? One would hope the answer is, “Of course”. If something happens to our dental health such as a toothache or needing a filling, are we embarrassed? Again, the answer is “No”. We must get to the point where mental health is treated just like dental health by our schools. The full transcript of my contribution on suicide prevention in the Dáil is available at the following link: http://www.kildarestreet.com/debate/?id=2011-05-03.257.0.

Over the course of the past month, I have asked Parliamentary Questions on a wide range of issues, including: the measures in place to assist those in mortgage arrears; the introduction of a deposit retention scheme for tenants; plans to reform the register of electors; plans for the publication of the National Carers’ Strategy; the provisions in place for those with special education needs; and the assistance available to FÁS trainees in finding placements.

If you would like more information on any of these subjects, or indeed would like more information about any issue of concern, please email me on simon.harris@oireachtas.ie.
A full list of the questions I have asked, and the answers to them, can be seen at http://www.kildarestreet.com/search/?s=section%3Awrans+&pid=358&pop=1. 
 
1916 Rising Commemoration Ceremonies at Arbour Hill
This week I attended the Annual 1916 Easter Rising Commemoration at Arbour Hill. I was very eager to attend this important ceremony and was pleased to be there as our President laid a wreath on behalf of the Irish people.

“Wicklow Pass” Tourism Initiative
Last night I was delighted to attend the launch of a new “Wicklow Pass” with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar TD in Enniskerry. This pass, developed and managed by Wicklow Tourism is an effort to encourage people to enjoy the many sites, restaurants, hotels, cafes, etc in our beautiful country and to avail of discounts. Full details of the pass, what it entails and how to purchase it are available on www.visitwicklow.ie/wicklowpass.

Back to school to celebrate Europe Day
This morning I went back to my old primary school, St. Laurence’s N.S to join with them in celebrating Europe Day (which takes place officially on Monday). The Minister for European Affairs, Lucinda Creighton TD very kindly attended and was left very impressed by the students and the wider school community. All the students paraded with each class representing a different EU country. It was a great morning and I was really delighted to be there and to be returning to my “alma mater”!

Tomorrow evening, I will be attending Europe Day celebrations in Bray and on Monday, there will be a special sitting of the Dáil to mark the day. At this sitting, all Irish MEPs – North and South – are welcome to attend and partake in our discussions on Europe. I am looking forward to it.

Welcoming Political Reform
Earlier this week, the Government announced a further set of reforms which will totally overhaul how our political system works. Firstly, the Government will change the terms of the Constituency Commission, so that the number of TDs can be reduced based on the results of the latest census. We will be introducing legislation to guarantee all by-elections must be held within six months of a vacancy arising. We will also be reducing the spending limits for the upcoming presidential election by more than €500,000. I’m pleased to see the government is standing by its commitment to introduce meaningful political reform, and to create a leaner, more efficient and more accountable political system.

Jobs Initiative
Next Tuesday in the Dáil, the Government will unveil its “Jobs Initiative” – our plan to try to help retain and create employment, support businesses and assist in stimulating the economy. I will provide full details of the breakdown of this Jobs Initiative once it is announced and will cover it in detail in my next monthly update.

Action on Cancer
Earlier this month I met with Katheleen O’Meara from the Irish Cancer Society. The Irish Cancer Society is pushing three areas in terms of tackling cancer: screening, sunbeds and smoking.

In relation to sunbeds, the Minister for Health has confirmed to me in a Parliamentary Question that he will introduce legislation by the end of this year to regulate the use of sunbeds and to ban their use for under-18 year olds. I have now written to both the Minister and the HSE about the need for a new National Smoking Strategy to tackle tobacco-use.

I also had a very productive meeting in the Dáil with Bray Cancer Support, along with my Wicklow Government colleagues Deputies Doyle, Timmins and Ferris. Bray Cancer Support is an invaluable resource for people with cancer throughout Wicklow and South Dublin and we will be working hard to ensure a suitable new home can be found. We have written to the Chief Executive of the HSE on this matter and I will keep you informed of our progress. I look forward to continuing to work with Bray Cancer Support and assisting in any way I can.

Card Skimming
I was surprised by the volume of responses I got when I mentioned on Twitter that my ATM card had been skimmed. Clearly this is a worry for many people.

I have been informed by the Gardaí that most card skimming takes place at ATMs fitted with devices to store the card information. I would urge you to be vigilant while using any ATMs, making sure they don’t look as if they have been tampered with, and to make sure that your pin number remains private.

In an effort to raise awareness of the problem of card skimming, I participated in a the “Midweek” programme on TV3 on this issue.

Representing Residents on the Joint Policing Committee
I am happy that I will be continuing to serve as on both the Greystones Town Council and Wicklow County Council Policing Committees as an Oireachtas representative. As a former chair of the Wicklow Committee, I have seen the important work these groups do, involving and engaging the community in reducing the incidence of crime. I will keep you up to date on the work of these Policing Committees in future updates.

Improved Accessibility at Greystones Train Station
I have been in correspondence with both Iarnród Éireann and the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport over the lack of accessibility in Greystones train station, particularly to Platform 2. The Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann has informed me that Greystones has been identified as a high priority station. An outline design to resolve the current access issues is already in place, and Iarnród Éireann is endeavouring to have funding for this important work in place as soon as possible. Once funding is approved, work will begin on a detailed design, an application for planning permission will be submitted and then construction can begin.

This month, I also met with a representative of Irish Rail in Leinster House and discussed a variety of issues with him including the cost of train tickets, security on trains, frequency, etc. I intend to keep in touch with Irish Rail on these matters.

Rathdrum Playground Opening
I had the pleasure of attending the opening of the new playground in Rathdrum. The hard work and dedication shown by the local community in realising the vision of this playground was inspirational. It was great to see Wicklow County Council coming together with local parents and community groups to support this initiative. Well done to all involved.

Better Water Infrastructure
The Minister for the Environment recently approved the tender for the Dublin Region Watermains Rehabilitation Project (DRWRP), which will include rehabilitation works in Greystones. This project will tackle the water leakage in the Dublin region, with the intention of improving the quality and reliability of the water supply to the public, particularly during harsh winter weather, and supporting the commercial and industrial activity crucial to economic development. The Minister will be asking Dublin City Council to being work on this as soon as possible. 

Greyhounds
During the month, I received a large number of representations for people concerned at the news that Bord na nCon was considering exporting Irish greyhounds to China. I am pleased to say that the Minister of State Shane McEntee recently spoke on the issue in the Dáil, and will not be sanctioning any export of Irish greyhounds to China. The Government will also be reintroducing the Welfare of Greyhounds Bill 2010 to the Dáil shortly.

Contact Me
You can contact me in my Leinster House office by phoning 01-6183805 or by emailing simon.harris@oireachtas.ie. I am currently moving to a new constituency office, but will have details of its address and contact details in my next update.

If I can help with any issue at all then please get in touch and I or a member of my team will do all that we can to assist.

You can also keep up with my day to day work, both in the Dáil and throughout Wicklow, by following me on Twitter, at www.twitter.ie/SimonHarrisTD.

April Newsletter

Posted April 8th, 2011

Dear constituent,
In an effort to keep in touch with you, and update you on my work as a TD I am committing to sending a monthly email newsletter outlining some of my work over the past few weeks and some news on issues for the Dáil.
I hope you find this information useful and, as always, please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of any assistance.
Kind Regards,
Simon
SIMON HARRIS TD

Thank you!
Firstly I want to thank the 8,726 people in Wicklow and East Carlow who cast their No. 1 vote for me in the recent general election and the many thousands more who gave me high preference votes. I am hugely honoured to have been elected to represent the people of Wicklow and East Carlow in Dáil Éireann and I am ready to get on with the hard work that is needed to turn this country around.

Council Co-option
I would also like to congratulate Cllr Gráinne McLoughlin, who has been co-opted on to both Greystones Town Council and Wicklow County Council to fill the vacancy left by my election to the Dáil. I know Gráinne will be working hard at local level to represent the people of Greystones, Kilcoole, Newcastle, Delgany and Killadreenen. I look forward to working closely with her and with all our County and Town Councillors throughout County Wicklow.

Contributions in the Dáil
On my first day in the Dáil I was honoured and humbled to nominate Enda Kenny as Taoiseach. I certainly did not envisage my maiden speech being on such an issue but I was delighted to do it and it is something I will never forget.

I also spoke on the Dáil debate on the crisis in Libya. In my contribution I made the point that it was wrong that the international community turned a blind idea to dictators for a long time and viewed them as rogues rather that despots and that all action must be based on protecting Libyan civilians from the brutality of the regime under which they currently live.

I contributed to a debate on the Universal Social Charge. I reminded the House of our commitment in our manifesto and in the Programme for Government to review the Universal Social Charge in the next budget.

Additionally, I have raised a wide variety of issues of national concern and concern to my constituents through Parliamentary Questions to Government Ministers.
In the coming weeks, the new Oireachtas Committees will be set up in Leinster House and I look forward to getting involved in this work.

Prioritising Mental Health
Next week, I will be contributing to a Dáil debate on suicide prevention. It is hugely important that we address this issue and ensure that adequate services are in place to provide help to those who need it.

In preparation for this speech, I met with representatives from Amnesty International, and with a representative from “Suicide or Survive”, a mental health group based in Arklow. Our mental health services have a long way to come, but I am pleased to see this issue being prioritised by the new Government and I intend to keep in regular contact with the stakeholders in this area.

Jobs Initiative
The Government has announced its plans to introduce a range of initiatives aimed at helping businesses and creating jobs. This “Jobs Budget” will be unveiled next month and I will provide further details on it in future email updates. Getting people back to work must and will be a priority for our new Government.

New Department of Children
I am pleased that in an effort to prioritise issues around child protection, the rights of children, etc that the Government is establishing a new Department of Children. I intend to provide you with further details of the work programme for this new Department in my next email update and I look forward to positive developments in the area of child protection.

Sunbeam Home Services
This morning, I visited Sunbeam House in Bray, which provides a range of supports to adults with learning disabilities. I met with the service-users forum and heard their views and concerns on a range of issues relating to disability services in County Wicklow. I will be working hard within the Dáil as an advocate for Sunbeam and other services like it. Disability issues brought me into politics and it is an area I look forward to working on as a TD.

Welcoming Presentation College, Bray to Leinster House
I was delighted to recently meet with 2nd year CSPE students in Leinster House. These students visited the Dail, received a tour of Leinster House and then I met with them and answered a range of questions they put to me. If you know of a school or group that would like to visit Leinster House then please contact my office on 01-6183805.

Supporting Local Events
Since my election, I have had the pleasure of being invited to attend many local events, and to meet with local groups doing fantastic work in our community. On St. Patrick’s Day, I was treated to breakfast with the Greystones Scouts, before attending the parades in Bray and Greystones.

I also attended the Greystones – Naas Rugby Match as a guest of the youth section. It was a fantastic game – not least because of a Greystones win!

Today I dropped into the East Coast FM Wicklow Wide Coffee Morning in Greystones in aid of Cancer Support Centres in Wicklow and the Wicklow Hospice. Well done to all involved in making this event such a huge success.

Contact Me
You can contact me in my Leinster House office by phoning 01-6183805 or by emailing simon.harris@oireachtas.ie.

I am currently moving to a new constituency office, but will have details of its address and contact details in my next update.

If I can help with any issue at all then please get in touch and I or a member of my team will do all that we can to assist.

You can also keep up with my day to day work, both in the Dáil and throughout Wicklow, by following me on Twitter, at www.twitter.ie/SimonHarrisTD.