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Frank O’Rourke – Rate Cut by Ulster Bank a major breakthrough

Local Fianna Fail TD and Deputy Spokesperson on Finance, Frank O’Rourke, has described Ulster Bank’s decision to cut its 2 year fixed mortgage interest rate to a market best of 2.3% as a major breakthrough for consumers and a validation of the strategy pursued by Fianna Fail over the last number of years.

Frank said, “Ulster Bank have announced that they are lowering their 2 year fixed rate mortgage interest rate to 2.3%. Over the last two years, I have raised the importance of bringing fairness to the mortgage rates in Ireland and this move by the bank is a recognition that their rates to-date were not fair.” Continue reading “Frank O’Rourke – Rate Cut by Ulster Bank a major breakthrough”

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James Lawless – Safeguarding our heritage in the Digital Age

James Lawless, Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Technology has brought forward new legislation aimed at safeguarding our national and cultural heritage in the digital age.

‘The Copyright and Other Intellectual Property Law Amendment Bill’ aims to introduce a new provision to capture and archive the content contained on the .ie web domain. The amendment requires the Government to report back within 12 months on the feasibility of a digital lead deposit scheme to serve as a web archive.

James commented, “Many other countries already have legislation in place aimed at capturing the content on their country’s web domain. 20 of the 28 member states of the European Union have digital deposit schemes in place. Unfortunately Ireland is falling far behind our counterparts when it comes to protecting our digital heritage. The Bill I have brought forward aims to address this.”

“The impact of the Internet will be as significant on the course of history as the invention of the printing press. Societies have long sought to protect and archive printed works so that they can be enjoyed and studied by future generations. For centuries, archives, libraries and museums have safeguarded our national and cultural heritage. It’s important that they are empowered to continue with this tradition in the digital age.”

“The Government needs to recognise the importance of our digital heritage and take steps to extend legal deposit to online digital formats.  Despite popular opinion, content on the internet does not stay online forever. It is generally accepted that the average life of a web-page is less than 100 days. It’s important that we setup structures now to capture our digital heritage for future generations to study and enjoy.”

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O’Rourke – Fianna Fáil bill will tackle fraudulent Insurance claims

Frank O’Rourke TD says a new Bill being brought forward by his party should lead to reduced insurance costs, as it will clamp down on fraudulent insurance claims.

“Fraudulent insurance claims have been a contributory factor in the rising insurance costs, which people in Kildare and across the country have been hit with in recent years.”

“The average premiums today are still €300 higher now than they were in 2014. Constituents regularly raise the high cost of motor and business insurances with me at my weekly clinics”  stated Deputy O’Rourke.

“Our Bill, the Civil Liability and Courts (Amendment) Bill 2018, is the latest measure from our party aimed at tackling spiralling insurance costs. I have raised the high cost of insurance with the Government on many occasions and have offered a number of proposals which the Government should have pursued. The Government has not given focus to this issue and it is affecting the cost of living for many people.”

“The majority of insurance claimants are genuine. However, there is an underlying issue with fraudulent claims, which is driving up the cost of insurance for motorists, businesses, community groups and individuals. We need to address this issue and our Bill is designed to make would-be false claimants think twice about making a claim. If passed, the Bill will direct a court to refer the matter to the Director of Public Prosecutions where a case is deemed to be a fraudulent action.”

Continue reading “O’Rourke – Fianna Fáil bill will tackle fraudulent Insurance claims”

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O’Rourke – Cost of Living impacting on competitiveness

Frank O Rourke TD has again highlighted the fact that the rising cost of living is affecting our competitiveness and is now affecting our ability to attract Foreign Direct Investment.

“As I have said before, Ireland is losing its competitiveness. Our cost of living expenses, including insurance, mortgage rates, rents and childcare, are the highest in the EU.”

“We have high motor and business insurance costs, and the Government progress on the implementation of the recommendations on the Motor Insurance Working Group has been slow to say the least.”

Continue reading “O’Rourke – Cost of Living impacting on competitiveness”