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O’ROURKE CRITICISES DELAY IN TENANT PURCHASE SCHEME REPORT

Frank O’Rourke has called on Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy to swiftly publish a report on the future of the tenant purchase scheme.

His calls come as correspondence received by Fianna Fáil shows further delays in publishing the report which was due to be completed in 2017. The 2016 Tenant Purchase scheme enables local authority housing tenants to buy their own homes at a discounted price subject to significant conditions. A report on how the scheme was functioning was due to be completed 12 months following its establishment.

Frank commented, “Over two years on since the report was due to be published and we are still waiting on it, this is despite repeated calls from Fianna Fáil for the Minister to prioritise its publication.This new correspondence proves that instead of publishing the report and allowing the Dáil to debate its recommendations and set out a path forward for the scheme the Minister has put it on the long finger. “

“Why is the Minister keeping the report hidden? Instead of being open about it he is delaying it for political reasons and clearly intends to swamp it as part of a new social housing announcement over the coming months – yet another example of cynical spin by the Government. Its past time for the Minister to show a bit of honesty and publish the report. Tenants have been waiting far too long and the Dáil needs to debate it as soon as a matter of priority,”

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O’ROURKE WELCOMES JOHNSTOWNBRIDGE SCHOOL BUS ANNOUNCEMENT

Frank O’Rourke TD has welcomed the confirmation that a school bus will now be provided for children from Johnstownbridge attending Scoil Dara in Kilcock

“A School Bus Service is currently in place linking Enfield to Kilcock. I am delighted that this service will be extended to collect pupils in Johnstownbridge. Details are been finalised with Bus Éireann for the service to be operating in the coming days”

“I am delighted that I have now received confirmation from Minister Halligan that the extended bus service to Johnstownbridge will be in place in the coming days for the new school year. I first raised this matter with the Minister and his officials, when a number of parents contacted me with their concerns three years ago.”

“I have continued to press Minister Halligan over the last number of years on this issue and I must acknowledge his commitment and work to have this service provided. He was personally committed to providing this service and I appreciate his support.”

“Children attending Scoil Dara Kilcock in Kilcock from Johnstownbridge did not have access to a public school transport service. This will now be provided and it is long overdue. Great credit is due to the parents who have campaigned relentlessly to have this provided and I was delighted to have assisted.”

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O’ROURKE AND COLEMAN WELCOME NEW SCHOOL BUS SHELTER

Frank O’Rourke TD and Cllr Michael Coleman have welcomed the construction of a Bus Shelter at St. Wolstans School in Celbridge

Frank commented, “I’m delighted to see the Bus Shelter installed on the Clane road beside St. Wolstans school. This was an issue that myself and Cllr Michael Coleman has been working on for some time at the request of all those that use public and school transport. This Bus Shelter will now give an improved standard for all those people waiting to get the Bus at this location.”

“I will continue to make representations for further Bus Shelters to be installed at the appropriate locations in North Kildare. I want to thank the NTA and Kildare Co Council for their assistance in delivering this Shelter.”

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O’ROURKE CRITICISES LACK OF ACTION ON INSURANCE COSTS

Frank O’Rourke TD has again highlighted Government lack of action in relation to reducing the cost of insurance as there is no sign of the National Claims Information Database being set up

Frank commented, “Insurance continues to be a critical issue for businesses and consumers. I know from my weekly clinics the negative effect of the high cost of insurance. It is putting excessive cost pressure on small businesses and putting a unfair burden on motorists.”

“The National Claims Information Database was supposed to be set up to provide transparency about the level of claims in Ireland. This was an important policy commitment to attract new entrants into the Insurance market in Ireland, and would not just bring down premiums but would also help tackle insurance fraud.”

“This National database was to be up and running last year. The Government seems to have washed its hands of setting up this database. As stated by our Finance Spokesperson, Michael McGrath TD, this database should be managed and controlled by the State, not by the insurance industry, and avoid competition law issues.”

“I will continue to press the Government to implement the recommendations from the Cost of Insurance Working Group. We need greater focus on reducing insurance costs as the average annual cost of motor insurance now stands at €750 compared with €450 in 2014, an increase of nearly 70%.”

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O’ROURKE – FUTURE OF SEAI RETROFIT SCHEME MUST BE CLARIFIED

Frank O’Rourke TD has called on the Minister for the Environment to clarify the future of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) Deep Energy Retrofit Scheme

Deputy O’Rourke was commenting following confirmation from the SEAI that the scheme has run out of funding, with the demand far exceeding the level of funding available.

He explained, “There are homeowners in Kildare who are unsure of where they stand with their applications and worried about reimbursement. The demand for this deep retrofitting scheme is a clear indication that people are willing to make the necessary changes and play their part in tackling climate change, but they need to be able to access supports to carry out what can be very expensive works and they need to be confident in the scheme.”

“This latest issue is yet another example of Fine Gael mismanagement of its own policies. Only a few months ago the government launched a Climate Action plan with higher retrofitting targets and now today we have confirmation from the SEAI that it has reached its funding limit for this year and that new applications cannot be considered.”

“Just like the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan the government seems happy to don the hard hats, pose for photos, and announce new projects but the substance is not there. How can we expect people to make these big changes when they can’t be confident they’ll get the funding to do so? Minister Bruton needs to urgently clarify the situation for families who have already committed to these works and needs to tell us when a new retrofit scheme will be put in place.”