Deputy Michael Lowry calls for a full reversal to the proposed opening hours changes at Cashel Library.
Deputy Michael Lowry calls for a full reversal to the proposed opening hours changes at Cashel Library.
Deputy Michael Lowry has called on Tipperary Co. Council and its Chief Executive Joe MacGrath to reverse its decision to change the opening hours of Cashel Library.
Deputy Lowry said I have personally written to Tipperary Co. Councils Chief Executive Joe MacGrath requesting a full reversal of the council’s decision.
Cashel’s Library service is one which focuses on building a sense of community, it is also a place which inspires and educates its users both young and old. The removal of the Saturday service will be detrimental to the Families and working Parents who use the service regularly at the weekends.
It’s time for platitude statements in relation to Cashel library to cease and I again call for a full reversal of the Council’s decision
DEPUTY MICHAEL LOWRY DECLARES FOR GENERAL ELECTION
DEPUTY MICHAEL LOWRY DECLARES FOR GENERAL ELECTION
LOWRY CONFIRMS INTENTION TO CONTEST NEXT ELECTION.
Michael Lowry, T.D. has announced his intention to contest the forthcoming General Election as an Independent Candidate for the newly formed Constituency of Tipperary. For the first time in 67 years this historic election will allow the voters of County Tipperary to speak with a united voice. Culturally, socially, across business, education, sport and beyond, the people of Tipperary have always been proud to call themselves sons and daughters of the Premier County.
It is evident that a rural crisis has developed over the last number of years. As a largely rural community, Tipperary has ample experience of this fact. We are told every day that Ireland is on the move – the recession is over – we are on the road to recovery. This recovery road has not yet arrived in our county. A crippling lack of jobs, a creaking health service, a frightening increase in rural crime, poor or non-existent broadband has led to a sense of despondency and isolation amongst us.
In our once thriving small towns and villages we observe factories with padlocked gates, boarded-up shops, closed Garda Stations and communities diminished because of emigration. It is sad to witness our rural way of life decline.
I consider this election to be the biggest challenge in my political career. Tipperary, being one of the biggest counties in the country, poses major campaign problems for all politicians, but particularly for me as an independent candidate. In South Tipperary I do not have access to the structures and support like that of the established political parties. Here, it will be a difficult task to build my support group, parish by parish, as I have done in North Tipperary over the years.
Therefore, I am inviting any person, regardless of experience, to lend a hand and give some time to my campaign. The process of mobilising my campaign is underway and I will shortly, publicly launch my campaign. With only five Seats available it will require a huge effort by my organisation to return me as a representative to Dáil Éireann. Throughout my political career I have tirelessly and continuously worked on behalf of individuals, families and communities regardless of their political affiliation. Each day I am moved by genuine cases of hardship and misfortune – people losing jobs, pay cuts, inability to pay mortgages and bills, no opportunities for young people finishing their education, delays in getting access to health services. More than ever the people of Tipperary are entitled to demand leadership, honesty, and hard work from their elected representatives. I renew my commitment to working on behalf of the people of Tipperary and delivering results that make a difference.
It has been a privilege and a pleasure to represent my county in Dáil Éireann. The loyalty and support shown to me through good times and bad has given me great strength and encouragement. I look forward to receiving a mandate from the people of Tipperary to serve as one of their representatives in the 32nd Dáil.
Kind regards
MICHAEL LOWRY T.D.
DEPUTY MICHAEL LOWRY APPLAUDS THE PROFESSIONALISM AND DEDICATION OF STAFF AT SOUTH TIPPERARY GENERAL HOSPITAL
DEPUTY MICHAEL LOWRY APPLAUDS THE PROFESSIONALISM AND DEDICATION OF STAFF AT SOUTH TIPPERARY GENERAL HOSPITAL AS REVEALED IN THE REVIEW INTO GOVERNANCE OF MATERNITY SERVICES AT STGH.
The report completed by Mr. David Flory of the UK’s NHS Trust Development Authority on The Review Into Governance Of Maternity Services At STGH only confirms what we already know which is that the staff at the Maternity Unit are professional, committed and caring. The quality of care at the Clonmel unit and the positive statistical outturn is above the national average. However the Report does highlight the necessity of improvements and developments to the service delivered. It is imperative that any element of risk to mothers and babies be eliminated. It is undesirable to have long-term Locum Obstetricians in place. There is a need for permanent appointments and the appointment of a fourth obstetrician consultant. The Report confirms the necessity to upgrade the accommodation and facilities. There is an obvious need to increase staffing numbers.
The Governance model needs to change. Change has to be instigated. Change needs to be led by the HSE and must be funded and implemented. If the gaps identified in the service and the issues raised in the report are not addressed it will lead to an undermining of the service. Strengthening the Management and governance and addressing the issues raised in the report is essential before the upcoming national review on Maternity Services in Ireland is completed. The Management and Staff at the Maternity Unit are doing excellent work and deserve and require our full support and the resources necessary to sustain the Unit into the future.
MICHAEL LOWRY T.D.
The people of Tipperary and the Staff of South Tipperary General Hospital deserve clarity into the governance and future of Maternity services at the Clonmel Hospital.
Statement
Deputy Michael Lowry has called for clarity on the external review completed by Mr. David Flory into the governance of Maternity Department services at South Tipperary General Hospital (STGH) Clonmel, Co Tipperary.
Deputy Michael Lowry said; this report is disturbing in the context of the long-term future of maternity services at South Tipperary General Hospital.
Deputy Lowry stated; South Tipperary General Hospital provides a vital service to the People of Tipperary. In 2014 there were 1,102 births registered in the hospital. The people of Tipperary and the Staff of South Tipperary General Hospital deserve clarity into the governance and future of Maternity services at the Hospital.
Deputy Lowry Concluded; I hereby Call on the Minister for Health to clarify the Government’s attitude to this report and give reassurance that there will be no reduction in the level of quality or services which are currently provided by South Tipperary General Hospital.
Deputy Michael Lowry Condemns The Latest Initiative To Regenerate Rural Ireland.
RURAL IRELAND IN CRISIS.
Deputy Michael Lowry Condemns The Latest Initiative To Regenerate Rural Ireland.
Deputy Michael Lowry has this week criticised the late late Government Initiative on a stimulus package to regenerate Rural Ireland. Labour Minister Ann Phelan has been Minister with specific responsibility for Rural Development for almost 5 years. We hardly knew she existed but hey presto a couple of months before an election she comes out of a slumber with a whopper of an empty promise. Since this Government was elected all we have heard is aspirational statements and hot air. This most recent announcement is a paltry €30m pre-election gimmick. Minister Ann Phelan has the audacity to allocate €4m of this fund to her own constituency of Carlow/Kilkenny leaving €26m for the rest of the country. The kind of schemes covered under the new proposal such as renovation of old buildings and improving local amenities are already covered under the terms of Leader Group and Lottery Funding. The real issue faced is that the funding available to Leader in Tipperary has been cut by €15 m. It’s ironic that the person who presided over that €15m cut is one and same Minister Kelly.
The root cause of the crisis in rural Ireland is the lack of job opportunity for young people. Thousands of our young people have had to emigrate, forced to leave home, leave their families, friends and community. Parents are denied the privilege of being close to their loved ones, denied the gift of seeing them mature into adulthood. There are many issues as a consequence of this emigration. Fewer houses being built, no work for builders and tradesmen, fewer children being born, schools losing numbers, putting teachers jobs at risk with small rural schools facing closure. We then have small shops, post offices and Garda Stations shut down. We also face the prospect, due to a shortage of priests we are going to have parish clustering with implications for rural churches and social contact. Emigration has had a massive impact on local communities and in particular sports clubs. Many GAA soccer and Rugby teams have been decimated by the flight of its young members.
The government and the national agencies have done nothing to correct the imbalance between city and rural regeneration. Access to a proper broadband service and information technology is a huge disadvantage. It is impossible for country towns to attract industry as it has little prospect of competing against the city locations that have the entire necessary infrastructure already in place. The IDA should immediately construct advance factories in places like Tipperary. It is inevitable that when a Company decides to set up business it will make a decision on the location based on a ready to go turnkey facility.
Deputy Lowry stated – we now have a two speed economy – one for Dublin and one for the rest, operating in a fast and slow lane. The closure of Garda Stations has left older people in particular feeling vulnerable at a time when city crime gangs are roaming the country causing fear and anxiety. The feeling of isolation is made worse by a combination of no local transport which makes it impossible for people to socialise.
Michael Lowry T.D. has expressed his concern and support for the Dairy Farmers of Tipperary.
Deputy Michael Lowry has urged the Government and Minister Simon Coveney to take action with the on-going crises within the Dairy Industry which has resulted in the continuing dramatic decline of Milk Prices.
Deputy Lowry was speaking in response to research compiled by the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA)
“The recent Research conducted by economics professor Alan Mathews of Trinity College Dublin (TCD) has shown Tipperary will see a fall of probably €111m through direct reduction in milk price and the multiplier effect that sees that milk price spent in local communities. The research has shown that milk prices per litre has fallen from 38.4 cent per litre to a low of 28 cent per litre in some parts of the country.
From speaking to Dairy Farmers across Tipperary it is evident they are under severe financial pressure due to these falling prices. We must not forget Co-op’s such as Arrabawn, Drombane, Centenary/Thurles, Tipperary, Mullinahone, Glanbia and Dairygold. These Co-op’s are providing massive employment within the county and are currently making great efforts to support Milk prices from within their own resource. This is providing vital support for many Tipperary based farming families.
Increased production internationally particularly in New Zealand and the United States coupled with the European ban on Russia and China’s economic weakness have all had an negative impact on Irish Milk price. It is now time for Dublin and Brussels to introduce practical measures to ensure that thousands of farming families in Tipperary will come through this crisis”
Deputy Lowry Concluded:
“I have suggested in my representations to Deputy Coveney and the Government to introduce a 5-point Dairy Recovery Plan:
- Early approval and payment of all Farmer Schemes & Grants to Farming Families. This will provide much needed cash flow in the Farming community.
- I am calling on the Minister for Finance Deputy Michael Noonan to investigate the possibility to allow provisions for Dairy Farmers to defer their upcoming tax bill to the next tax year. The inclusion of this in Budget 2016 would allow time for milk prices to recover and in turn will help cash flow for the farming community.
- That the banking sector should be instructed to investigate the possibility of providing low interest rate bridging loans to Dairy Farmers Nationally.
- €70 million of European Superlevy fines have been imposed on the Irish Dairy Industry. I have called on Minister Coveney to work with other EU Agricultural Ministers and Farming Organisations to ensure that this €70 million is retained within the EU Agricultural Budget. An emergency meeting of EU Agriculture Ministers is scheduled for September 7th in Brussels.
- That the Department of Agriculture continue working with Co-op’s to develop tools to allow farmers hedge portions of their milk at fixed prices to protect them from the volatility of the market.
I truly believe these provisions will allow the Dairy Farming Community in Tipperary to recover and in turn secure the future of 1,000’s of Jobs in Dairy Farming Industry. I would also call on the EU Commission to raise the intervention floor price for dairy product. This in turn would give some confidence to the market as well as giving confidence to the producer”
Ends
Bord Na Móna Littleton
STATEMENT:
Deputy Michael Lowry has expressed disappointment at the failure of the Labour Relations Commission to resolve a plethora for outstanding issues between Bord na Móna Management and it’s staff.
The talks have now ended without agreement. This is not surprising considering Management of Bord na Móna have been very intransigent in the negotiations. While it is accepted that Bord na Móna has many competitive challenges it must be noted that they have just announced an annual profit of €52 million.
It is unjust to expect the workforce to submit to enforced pay cuts, pay freeze and redeployment terms. The proposed terms and conditions of future employment are unacceptable to the vast majority of Bord na Móna workforce. Bord na Móna Group of Unions will next week make a full submission to the Labour Court. This prolonged dispute is damaging morale and working relationships between management and staff.
Deputy Lowry called on the Company to enter meaningful discussions to find a compromise solution in the interest of the workforce and the long-term future of the Company.
Michael Lowry T.D. has expressed his complete apprehension and support for the employees at the C&C facilities in Borrisoleigh and Clonmel.
The recent announcement of job losses at the C&C facilities are of great concern for the employees, their families and the wider communities of Borrisoleigh and Clonmel. In recent weeks the company has finalised plans to outsourced part of their logistics operation. This has resulted in a number of drivers being made redundant. It is also my understanding that some of the drivers in question have over 30 years’ service with the company.
This news comes as UNITE members based in the Bulmer’s plant Clonmel which is also part of the C&C Group have issues strike notice for July 15th . The strike announcement follows a unanimous vote for industrial action on foot of the company’s decision to renege on a 2009 agreement which governed redundancy terms.
Independent TD Michael Lowry: I wish to convey my complete support with all employees affected by today’s announcements and I hereby call on Mr Glancey Chief Operating Officer and C&C to enter into meaningful negations with all key Stakeholders, Management and Union Representatives to resolve these matters. Deputy Lowry also called on Mr Glancey and C&C to give a steadfast commitment to the future of the Clonmel and Borrisoleigh facilities
Tax Appeal Decision
It is a matter of public knowledge that the Revenue Commissioners initiated a criminal prosecution against me before the courts. They took this extremely serious action on the grounds that I had committed a criminal offence by filing incorrect tax returns. This presumption by Revenue has now been proven to be unfounded.
I am very pleased to confirm that the Tax Appeal Commissioners have unanimously ruled that I have no tax liability and that my tax returns were correct. Two days of hearings before the Appeal Commissioners have resulted in official confirmation that my tax affairs were in order.
Garuda Ltd. T/A Streamline Enterprises was also successful in it’s appeal against a Revenue assessment for PAYE and PRSI tax.
From the outset the Revenue Commissioners were informed by my Legal team, my Accountants and by independent experts that their assessment was incorrect and that their assertions were grounded on false information. My professional advisers cooperated fully providing all relevant information and documentation which has disproved the allegations.
Further to the Appeal Commissioners decisive, clearcut rejection of Revenue’s position, my legal team will now be asking the Courts to dismiss the Prosecution against me. My legal Team had already initiated a High Court Judicial Review of the Prosecution case prior to this decision.
Michael Lowry TD has expressed his apprehension at the botched attempts to introduce the Free under 6’s GP Scheme
Michael Lowry TD has expressed his apprehension at the botched attempts by the Minister for Health and the HSE to introduce the Free under 6’s GP Scheme
“I’m aware that at a recent meeting of South Tipperary General Practitioners 27 out of 32 GPs in attendance confirmed that they will not be taking part in the Free under 6’s GP Scheme.”
“This decision not to support the scheme is a direct result of the one sided dictatorial approach the Minister for Health and the HSE has adopted in its negotiations with GPs. It has resulted in a severe lack of meaningful discussion and consultation between all those involved. Those who attended the meeting also expressed concern with the current contract structure on offer. The contracts are viewed as demeaning, unworkable and only intended as a temporary interim measure. In general the GPs are viewing the whole scheme as a failed box-ticking exercise by the Minister for Health.”
Deputy Lowry added that, “Tipperary GPs have also raised concerns regarding the workload implications and lack of infrastructural support for the Under 6’s Free Scheme. It is clear to me that the Minister for Health and the HSE are implementing this scheme as a political policy sweetener. Many people feel that the costs involved in rolling out the new scheme will work to the disadvantage of those who are seriously ill within our medical system and who also deserve equal unrestricted access to the health system.”
“The actions of the Minister for Health and the HSE are completely at odds with the concept of equality of care to all patients. I am calling on the Minister for Health and the HSE, to review the current system as a matter of urgency and to enter in constructive dialogue with GPs and other key stakeholders to address their concerns and save the scheme from failure.”