Archive for 2009
Leinster -v- Munster should be available to all
Posted on April 17, 2009 by Keith Martin
I'm really looking forward to the Leinster -v- Munster Heineken Cup semi-final, but I'm very concerned that most people in both provinces won't be able to watch it because it's not available on free-to-air TV stations (like RTÉ, TV3 and TG4).
Permanent link | Comments (0) | Categories: Arts Sport & Tourism • Communications
Realism from the EU - Now time for the Gov't to Act
Posted on April 15, 2009 by Keith Martin
Great to see some real action from the EU today - they've removed restrictions on State Aid to small and medium enterprises in Ireland.
What that means in normal language is that the Government can give financial (or other) support to companies that are experiencing difficulties due to the economic downturn. Of course what that means is that there are no more excuses for Fianna Fáil as they continue to procrastinate on the matter!
Commissioner Kroes' announcement today is very welcome, and comes at a time when Government assistance to small and medium businesses is urgently needed. The Government must now act immediately to get assistance to the companies that need it.
Permanent link | Comments (0) | Categories: Enterprise Trade & Employment • Foreign & European Affairs
Water Quality & Tourism
Posted on April 14, 2009 by Keith Martin
One of the many factors affecting our attractiveness for tourists is our water quality. For years, the beaches of Brittas Bay, Courttown, Duncannon and Curracloe, among others, have brought tourists to the South East from other parts of Ireland and abroad.
But now, water quality in some areas is deteriorating, and unfortunately targets are being set far too low.
Permanent link | Categories: Arts Sport & Tourism • Environment • Marine & Natural Resources • river • water quality • south east • curracloe • brittas bay • courttown
Taking Care of our Parents & Grandparents
Posted on April 09, 2009 by Keith Martin
Sometimes Governments make decisions that really make your blood boil. Today, we found out about another that had been slipped out in the budget.
Permanent link | Categories: Community Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs • older people • elderly • rural • community • safety • crime
Civil Unions
Posted on April 09, 2009 by Keith Martin
Unfortunately today, yet again, the Government has let another deadline slip past without publishing a Civil Unions Bill.
The Labour Party has put Civil Union Bills to the Dáil twice in the last three years. Both of these have been rejected on the basis that the Government would propose its own Bill. The Government Chief Whip promised the introduction of a Bill by last October. We are still waiting. On 26th January this year, Pat Carey promised the introduction of a Bill by today (April 9th). It appears we are going to have to wait even longer. The Government's excuses and delay tactics show that they have no intention of recognising the equal rights of same-sex couples.
Permanent link | Comments (0) | Categories: Equality • Justice • Social & Family Affairs • Civil Unions • civil unions • nessa childers
The Budget - “lions being led by donkeys”
Posted on April 07, 2009 by Tom Duke
The commuter belt, or ‘mid east’ as much of it is known by the CSO, had the largest increase in the country in the Live Register over the past twelve months. And while those people queue up for their Dole this week, there is no bailout for them. Yet they can look across the road at vast tracts of land bought with money borrowed against imagined buildings and know that the Government has bailed out the banks and developers yet again.
Permanent link | Categories: Finance
