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Fianna Fáil to introduce Bill to protect rights of Community Employment participants

Frank O’Rourke TD has said that Fianna Fail is to introduce a Bill to prevent Jobpath from denying participants from taking up a place on a Community Employment (CE) Scheme, the Rural Social Scheme (RSS) or the Tús Scheme.

“In recent years, I met with both the former Minister for Social Protection, Leo Varadkar TD, and the current Minister for Employment and Social Protection Regina Doherty TD, and made strong representations to them, to have the CE and Tus Schemes made more flexible.”

“In effect, many people feel that they are being unfairly coerced into Jobpath and would prefer to take up a place on a CE, RSS or Tús scheme. In many instances, this would be more appropriate and suitable to the needs of both the community and the individual concerned. I also want to ensure that we facilitate older people on the scheme.” Continue reading “Fianna Fáil to introduce Bill to protect rights of Community Employment participants”

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Elevated Car Insurance rates can not become the norm – O’Rourke

Frank O’Rourke TD has called on the Government to provide a renewed focus on reducing the cost of motor insurance further, as the average premiums are still €300 higher now than they were in 2014.

“I appreciate that recent CSO figures show that the cost of car insurance fell by approximately 12% over the last year, but the average annual cost of insurance now stands at €750 compared with €450 in 2014.”

“My concern is that this elevated motor insurance cost will become the norm. Since being elected, I have persistently raised the unacceptable rise in the cost of motor insurance.  Last month, I pressed the Government to partner with other EU countries to fight the rising costs, and we received a deafening silence.” Continue reading “Elevated Car Insurance rates can not become the norm – O’Rourke”

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Funding needed for Storm Emma clean-up – O’Rourke

Frank O’Rourke TD has called on the Government to provide compensation to those worst affected by the recent severe weather conditions, as Kildare starts the clean-up and opens up the road network.

“Kildare County Council should be provided with extra funding to assist with the repairs and clean-up associated with the recent severe weather conditions.  Special allocations should be provided to repair roads, grants for Residents Associations, and funding to repair our water infrastructure are issues that need to be urgently considered and actioned by central Government.” Continue reading “Funding needed for Storm Emma clean-up – O’Rourke”

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Orbital Route Bus Service to start on Monday – O’Rourke

Frank O’Rourke TD has said that the new Orbital Route bus service which he has campaigned for,from Naas to Blanchardstown via  will commence next Monday. 

“The preferred bidder for the Orbital Route from Naas to Blanchardstown, Route 139, has been decided and will come into effect on Monday 12th next. It will service Naas to Blanchardstown via Clane, Rathcoffey, Maynooth and Leixlip.”

“It is going to service Blanchardstown IT and Naas Hospital, with nine services each way, seven days a week, with first departures at 07.15 and last departures at 22.35 and will be run for the NTA (National Transport Authority) by JJ Kavanagh & Sons.” Continue reading “Orbital Route Bus Service to start on Monday – O’Rourke”

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Don’t Offload Loads To Vulture Funds – Frank O’Rourke

Frank O’Rourke TD says that the proposed sale of a vast swathe of loans by Irish banks to unregulated and unaccountable vulture funds should not proceed.

Deputy O’Rourke said, “It is evident that banks have shown very little willingness to work through their non-performing loan book. Instead of selling their loan book and outsourcing their dirty work to vulture funds, the banks should be providing sustainable and reasonable solutions for customers willing to cooperate with them.”

“It is clear now that vulture funds are lining up to buy portfolios of loans from the main banks in Ireland. It is expected that these portfolios will involve SME loans and buy-to-let investment properties. However, the Government has allowed these funds to go completely unregulated in Ireland.” Continue reading “Don’t Offload Loads To Vulture Funds – Frank O’Rourke”