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Frank O’Rourke TD has said the latest hospital waiting lists from the National Treatment Purchase Fund show the outpatient waiting list in Naas General Hospital is continuing its relentless upward surge
Frank said the figures show a 50% increase in the total number of people on outpatient waiting lists in the hospital since May 2016.
Continue reading “O’ROURKE SLAMS FAILURE TO TACKLE NAAS WAITING LISTS”
Frank O’Rourke TD has backed calls for a supplementary budget to be introduced to increase the state pension following the conclusion of the first phase of the Brexit negotiations.
Frank commented, “The pension increase deferred in the budget due to concerns about Brexit should now be introduced. I have spoken with our party spokesperson on Social Affairs, Willie O’Dea TD, who has renewed the call for an increase in the state pension following the conclusion of the first phase of the Brexit negotiations.”
Continue reading “O’ROURKE BACKS CALL FOR INCREASE IN STATE PENSION”
Frank O’Rourke has expressed his disappointment at the fact that Naas is going to lose its status as a divisional headquarters under the new Garda reform plans.
Deputy O’Rourke acknowledged that the restructuring of An Garda Síochana is very important but said it was a backwards decision to take the divisional headquarters away from Naas and to relocate it to Portlaoise.
Continue reading “O’ROURKE DISAPPOINTED NAAS DOWNGRADED IN GARDA REFORM PLAN”
Frank O’Rourke TD has said that the crippling cost of business insurance is leading to closures of nightclubs, marts, leisure and childcare facilities across the country.
Deputy O’Rourke was commenting following reports of business insurance and public liability costs increasing by up to eight fold.
Deputy O’Rourke explained, “Having spoken to businesses and Kildare Chamber of Commerce, I am aware that insurance premiums for some owners have increased by a multiple of eight. That is completely unacceptable and is not sustainable. “SMEs, who bear the brunt of these increases, make such a contribution to their local economies but the increase in insurance coupled with other increases which they have encountered over recent years, is proving too much for many and they are considering closing. “
“To add insult to injury, we recently learned that three of the country’s main insurance companies made a combined profit of almost €200m in 2018. They are raking it in by imposing huge premiums on consumers for their home, motor and business insurance. “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. “
“The reason the situation is out of control is due to the lack of delivery by the Government, they have not implemented the recommendations of the Cost of Insurance Working Group. The long promised Judicial Council which will set limits for claims is nowhere to be seen and the national claims database and a dedicated Garda insurance fraud unit is yet to be set up. “
“The Fianna Fáil Party recently put forward a motion calling on the Government to take a number of steps to address rising insurance costs – I believe it is high time this Government takes our steps seriously. This needs to stop before we see the closure of more businesses and further job losses”, concluded Deputy O’Rourke.
Celbridge Burst Water Mains raised by O’Rourke Local Fianna Fail TD, Frank O’Rourke, has met with Irish Water to raise the issues surrounding the water main which burst again in Celbridge in January.
“The 12 inch water main burst in Celbridge in January. This water main services many homes and businesses in Celbridge. When it burst, it caused major disruption to residents, businesses, nursing homes, schools etc. I met with Irish Water in the Dail last week to highlight the disruption caused, and to see what action was being taken by Irish Water to address the problems.”
“Irish Water acknowledges the difficulties caused, and have given me a commitment that they are going to carry out an inspection to check the integrity of the 700m long pipe, which will include the bedding along the water main. They have committed to putting a plan in place to replace this section of water main, if that is what is required after they complete the inspection and survey which I have requested.”
“This is a very positive outcome. Irish Water will be engaging with me to update me on this project, once they have all the information collated. I also received a commitment from Irish Water that they will engage with Kildare Co Co to ensure that should such a water main burst again, that the response will be more responsive and plans would be put in place to have a round the clock response. I will continue to raise the issue with Kildare Co Co and Irish Water to ensure that they address the underlying issue around water supply for Celbridge.” Concluded Deputy O’Rourke.