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O’ROURKE SLAMS INCREASE IN NAAS WAITING LISTS UNDER HARRIS’ WATCH

Frank O’Rourke has said Simon Harris’s tenure as Minister for Health has been marred by outpatient lists he simply cannot get to grips with.

Deputy O’Rourke was commenting as figures revealed that there has been a sharp increase in the number of patients languishing on outpatient waiting lists at Naas General Hospital since Minister Harris took up office.

                                     Frank O’Rourke

Deputy O’Rourke explained, “In May 2016 when Simon Harris became Minister for Health there were 839 people waiting greater than 12 months for an outpatient appointment at Naas General Hospital. In February 2019 this number stood at 2,989, representing a 256% increase. Nationally, there are now 541,899 people waiting for an appointment with a consultant. That’s almost equal to the population of Connacht at around 550,000. When the numbers waiting for an appointment is set to surpass the population of a province surely it’s time for the Minister to take action. This is clearly a crisis yet we see very little appetite from Minister Harris to tackle these astonishingly bad figures. Having had first-hand experience of the consultants and staff in Naas General Hospital – I know they are doing their very best under challenging circumstances. They deserve more help from the Minister”, concluded Deputy O’Rourke.

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O’ROURKE WELCOMES MOYGLARE CYCLE TRACK APPROVAL

Frank O’Rourke TD has welcomed the announcement that a footpath and cycle track will be provided on the Moyglare Road in Maynooth.

Frank commented, “I have made representations, on behalf of the residents on the Moyglare Road, to have a footpath and a cycle track provided on the Moyglare Road. Given the growth in residential properties and the new secondary schools coming on stream together with the existing houses and GAA Club this is an important piece of infrastructure. This work is planned to be completed by September/October of this year.We must continue to provide adequate footpaths to encourage people to walk and cycle.”

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COLEMAN TABLES MOTIONS FOR CELBRIDGE MD MEETING

Cllr Michael Colernan has put two motions down for the coming Celbridge/Leixlip Municipal District (MD) Meeting on Friday 15th March

The First Motion is as follows :

1. That Main Street Celbridge be made a poster free zone from Castletown Gates to the Grotto. Supporting the request of Celbridge Tidy Towns.

The Second Motion is as follows : 

2. That the Council sends a letter to all household bin providers in the MD in relation to the damage that bin lorries are causing to kerbs and surrounding green areas. Below is a link to a Kildarenow article regarding the damage being caused by bin lorries.

You can read more about the issue of damage allegedly being done by bin lorries here

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O’ROURKE SLAMS CRIPPLING INSURANCE COSTS

Frank O’Rourke has said insurance providers need to pass on some of their massive profits to consumers and called on the Government to immediately implement the recommendations of the Cost of Insurance Working Group.

Deputy O’Rourke was commenting following reports that three insurance companies in Ireland made a combined profit of €200 million last year and said, “Insurance companies are raking it in by imposing huge premiums on consumers for their home, motor and business insurance. Individuals across Kildare cannot keep up with rising motor and home insurance costs and businesses such as nightclubs, marts and childcare facilities are considering closing down because of the massive increases in public liability and business insurance.”

                            Frank O’Rourke TD

“While I accept that the personal injury awards are far too high in Ireland and that they are a key contributor to the rising insurance costs, I do not accept insurance companies not passing on some of their profits to their customers – that just makes good business sense. Insurance premiums continue to rise far in excess of what is fair or justified. These rising costs are a huge burden on customers, business, charities, and sports clubs. It is very important that the recommendations of the working group, formed to tackle rising insurance costs, are implemented immediately. So far it appears little has been done in this regard.”

“The establishment of a national claims database is just one step we can take. The legislation for this database was enacted some time ago, yet it languishes in the Department. In addition to the database the establishment of a dedicated Garda insurance fraud unit is one action which is often brought up by businesses and communities as an essential measure.”  The Department must do more to prevent rising insurance costs. There are options on the table but little has been done to date while premiums continue to rise. The Minister ought to take this matter more seriously and step up efforts before we see the closure of more businesses and homeowners taking risks with their homes”, concluded Deputy O’Rourke.