Christmas as we know is a special time for children and therefore it is particularly apt that as we mark World AIDS Day that we remember the millions of people worldwide, especially the children, who are affected by the pandemic.
We are all too aware of the terrible statistics- over one thousand children become infected with HIV daily and 2.3 million children are living with HIV worldwide, the majority in sub-Saharan Africa. These Statistics translate into a harsh reality for those affected. An estimated 15 million children have lost one or both parents to AIDS. When children lose their parents, they face a much greater risk of hunger; their education is compromised; the risk of exploitation and abuse is increased. Aids is often the tipping point into poverty and the poorest households may be forced to withdraw children, usually young girls, from school in order to engage in paid work or care of sick relatives.
But there is also a cause for hope.
The lights on the tree also represent 'the communities of light' all around the world who are fighting back. We are all united in a common desire to ensure that the next generation will be AIDS free.
Over the past few days I have had the privilege of meeting some of these individuals like Fr Michael Kelly and Professor Sheila Tlou from Botswana. I know that you are planing to link up with another extraordinary individual, Nelson Mandela, who has done so much to raise awareness of the issues not only in South Africa but throughout the African continent and beyond.
I recently visited Mozambique where I had the privilege of meeting people affected by HIV and AIDS and those engaged in the front line tackling the disease and its impact. It was for me a deeply humbling experience and one which has left a lasting impression and increased my own personal determination to do all I can to ensure that Ireland maintains its leadership in addressing the challenges that HIV and AIDS confronts us with.
I am extremely proud of the role that Ireland is playing in the fight against AIDS on the global stage but also here in Ireland. In particular we are committed to supporting programmes that support children. We are allocating more resources for children affected by HIV and AIDS. Some of this will be allocated to working with children in South Africa.
There has been a long tradition of collaboration, friendship and solidarity between South Africa and Ireland. I will be accompanying the Taoiseach on a visit to South Africa early in the New Year. The visit provides an opportunity to strengthen the partnership between our two countries. It comes at an opportune time as we will have finalised programme of support to South Africa for the coming five years. HIV and AIDS will continue to be a key priority for the Irish Aid programme in South Africa. This will continue to be a key priority for the Irish Aid programme in South Africa. This will comprise support for NGO partners as well as the recently re-established South African National AIDS Council (SANAC).
I am particularly looking forward to having the opportunity to meet with our partners on the ground. I am also looking forward to learning from the South African experience especially in the area of child protection. I understand that South Africa is in the process of introducing a new Children's Bill which is firmly rooted in a rights based framework. This legislation, with a strong emphasis on child participation, is a potential model for other countries, including ourselves here in Ireland.
Finally, I would like to convey my deepest appreciation to the ambassador for organising this event. It marks a fitting point in the celebration of World AIDS Day- one where we look forward to a wime when people affected by HIV and AIDS can look to a brighter future for themselves and for generations to come.
Thank you.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Some White Paper Initiatives
- This year Irish Aid will take a new programme country with the opening of an embassy in Malawi. This will allow us to deepen our support for a country where over two thirds of the population live below the poverty line.
- As Irish Aid expands, so too will the funding available to NGO's and missionaries. Our funding to NGO's was €48 million in 2001. Last year it had risen to over €140 million.
- I would like to assure you of the Government's strong support for the development work of our missionaries. The missionaries were the pioneers in the area of development cooperation even before the official aid programme. Their commitment, professionalism and caring approach continue to be an inspiration.
- The establishment of a Public Information and Volunteering Centre on O'Connell Street early in 2008 will help to promote understanding of development issues amd the work of Irish Aid. It will also encourage greater interest in volunteering for development. I hope that the Centre will prove a useful resource for all those interested in promoting the development agenda in Ireland.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Election success
I am delighted with the outcome of the election for both myself on a personal level and for my party colleagues. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank those of you who helped in the success of Fianna Fail and to those of you who gave us your support on the day. I'm looking forward to working for Galway East for the next five years and I hope that you contact me with an issues that you feel I can help you with.
Is mise le meas,
Michael
Is mise le meas,
Michael
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Developments in the Tuam Area
Tuam Health Campus
Tenders are being sought from private developers for the construction of the healthcare campus on the grounds of the former Bon Secours Hospital, Tuam. It is hoped that building work could commence on the site early next year.
The Health Service Executive has stated that the development will consist of a 77 bed community hospital including long stay, respite and palliative care beds. An ambulance base is also included in the plan as are mental health facilities, a primary care unit, a health centre and a medical assessment and minor injuries unit. The closing date for expressions of interest by developers is May 21 and those interested should have their applications in by that date.
Tuam to be included on Natural Gas Network
I would like to whole heartedly welcome the decision by the Energy Regulator to allow the Bord Gais to extend the Natural Gas network to a number of towns in Galway East- including Tuam. All the towns involved will have gas by 2008 if not before. Included in the extension are Headford, Athenry, and Craughwell.
Tuam Sewerage Scheme
I welcome the recent connection of the Dallygaddy sewerage scheme, a project I have been working on for some time. This directly created over 3000 jobs in the Airglooney area of Tuam. Since the new year there has been a further 50 jobs created in this area.
I have been informed by Galway County Council that tender documents have issued for the Kilkerrin, Dunmore and Leenane Sewerage Schemes. The closing date for receipt of tenders for these schemes is Thursday the 26th July 2007. Those interested in submitting a tender are encouraged to do so by that date.
Since 2004, a massive €500 million has been invested in public water and sewerage schemes in County Galway, many of which are in East Galway. This Fianna Fail Government has invested in the Galway water and wastewater infrastructure as a result of a growing population and greater demand from the industrial and commercial sector.
New Road
The development of the new road in the Airglooney Industrial area of Tuam will prove vital for business in this area and Tuam. It is essential that the road is put in place to cope with increased traffic congestion in the town.
I hope this local news update is of interest to you and your family. If you need assistance with anything contained in this letter don’t hesitate to contact me.
Tenders are being sought from private developers for the construction of the healthcare campus on the grounds of the former Bon Secours Hospital, Tuam. It is hoped that building work could commence on the site early next year.
The Health Service Executive has stated that the development will consist of a 77 bed community hospital including long stay, respite and palliative care beds. An ambulance base is also included in the plan as are mental health facilities, a primary care unit, a health centre and a medical assessment and minor injuries unit. The closing date for expressions of interest by developers is May 21 and those interested should have their applications in by that date.
Tuam to be included on Natural Gas Network
I would like to whole heartedly welcome the decision by the Energy Regulator to allow the Bord Gais to extend the Natural Gas network to a number of towns in Galway East- including Tuam. All the towns involved will have gas by 2008 if not before. Included in the extension are Headford, Athenry, and Craughwell.
Tuam Sewerage Scheme
I welcome the recent connection of the Dallygaddy sewerage scheme, a project I have been working on for some time. This directly created over 3000 jobs in the Airglooney area of Tuam. Since the new year there has been a further 50 jobs created in this area.
I have been informed by Galway County Council that tender documents have issued for the Kilkerrin, Dunmore and Leenane Sewerage Schemes. The closing date for receipt of tenders for these schemes is Thursday the 26th July 2007. Those interested in submitting a tender are encouraged to do so by that date.
Since 2004, a massive €500 million has been invested in public water and sewerage schemes in County Galway, many of which are in East Galway. This Fianna Fail Government has invested in the Galway water and wastewater infrastructure as a result of a growing population and greater demand from the industrial and commercial sector.
New Road
The development of the new road in the Airglooney Industrial area of Tuam will prove vital for business in this area and Tuam. It is essential that the road is put in place to cope with increased traffic congestion in the town.
I hope this local news update is of interest to you and your family. If you need assistance with anything contained in this letter don’t hesitate to contact me.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Proposals for Ambulance Training School in Ballinalsoe
I welcome proposals by the HSE to provide training for Emergency Medical Technicians for the ambulance service in Ballinasloe.
The proposal is to recruit these technicians nationally and decentralise the training to the buildings in St. Brigid’s Hospital, Ballinasloe. The training programme is due to start in the autumn. There is to be 3 or 4 courses held each year with 30 students approximately in each course.
I welcome the positive impact the decentralising of these courses would have for Ballinasloe. Ballinasloe already has a 24 hour ambulance service but there is no ambulance base in North East Galway. When the Tuam Health Campus and ambulance base is completed it is important that trained personnel are available locally.
This training is vital for the ambulance service in the West and Midlands.
The proposal is to recruit these technicians nationally and decentralise the training to the buildings in St. Brigid’s Hospital, Ballinasloe. The training programme is due to start in the autumn. There is to be 3 or 4 courses held each year with 30 students approximately in each course.
I welcome the positive impact the decentralising of these courses would have for Ballinasloe. Ballinasloe already has a 24 hour ambulance service but there is no ambulance base in North East Galway. When the Tuam Health Campus and ambulance base is completed it is important that trained personnel are available locally.
This training is vital for the ambulance service in the West and Midlands.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Kitt welcomes pledge for another 4,000 teachers
Fianna Fáil Senator and Dáil candidate for Galway East, Michael Kitt, has welcomed the Taoiseach’s commitment to provide at least 4,000 new primary teachers over the next five years. An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern made the comments in his key note speech at the Ard Fheis in Dublin at the weekend and his commitments to reducing class sizes has been welcomed by the INTO. “Starting with 800 new primary teachers in the next school year, we are going to see a very substantial increase in the years to 2012,” said Senator Kitt. “This will ensure that our children are taught in smaller classes. In Galway the average class has 21.5 in the county and 23.4 in the city. We are by no means the worst in the country in regards to class sizes, but there is still room for improvement” “At second level, this Government has committed to will prioritise reductions in the size of classes in the core subjects of Irish, English and Maths.” “We have provided for the most sustained increase in funding and participation in the history of Irish education.” Senator Kitt pointed out that primary teacher numbers remained at a static 20,000 or so for three decades in the 70's, 80's and into the 90's. No account was taken of the diverse needs of our young school going population, especially those children with special needs. “Under this Government school staffing has improved dramatically. There are now 5,000 more primary teachers than there were in 2002 and 8,000 more than in 1997.” “Quite simply this has been the largest increase in teacher numbers since the expansion of free education.” “And over the next five years we are going to take another step forward,” concluded Senator Kitt.
Monday, March 26, 2007
The Next Steps Forward-Summary of the Taoiseach's Speech
This a summary of what issues and resolutions Fianna Fail proposed at the Ard Fheis last weekend:
Tax and PRSI
· A major, costed and affordable tax reduction for middle and low-income families.
· Today, PRSI unfairly burdens middle and lower earners. We will eliminate this inequality in a way that is both fiscally responsible and socially fair.
· For employees currently paying the full rate we will halve the rate of PRSI from 4% to 2%.
· We will abolish the PRSI ceiling for those employees.
· We will reduce the rate of PRSI paid by the self-employed from 3% to 2%.
· To ensure that taxpayers do not pay more simply because of inflation, we will increase tax credits and tax bands in line with wage increases each year.
· And we will double the credit where one spouse works in the home to care for children, the elderly or the disabled.
· Fianna Fáil will reduce the standard rate of income tax from 20% to 18%, and the marginal rate from 41 % to 40%.
· These tax cuts will reward work, strengthen our economy and promote social inclusion.
· They will improve the fairness of our tax system and will further enhance the rewards of work. They represent a continuation of the successful tax policies, which we have promised and delivered on in government.
Rural Ireland
· Agriculture is a vital part of a strong Irish economy, and Fianna Fáil are committed to farming as the cornerstone of life in rural Ireland.
· We lead the cause for farmers and rural development in the European Union and we have convinced other nations to join us for a simple reason: Europe should not abandon a safe, secure and traceable food supply.
· In the years ahead, we will continue the fight for the farming sector, and we will continue to stand firm against any moves to sacrifice agriculture in World Trade Organisation talks.
· Our Next Steps Forward for farming communities will invest in new products, new markets and upgrading our food industry.
· We will oppose any efforts to restrict the live export of animals.
· And, for farmers, we will work in Brussels to improve the fairness of inspections and reduce red tape.
· We believe in a future where rural people can choose to stay in their own communities.
Pensions
· For Fianna Fáil, a strong economy is not an end in itself. The purpose of prosperity is to sustain our people through all the stages of their lives.
· Now, is the time to take the Next Steps Forward for Ireland’s pensioners. If the Irish people return us to government, we will increase state pensions to at least €300 a week in the next five years.
Crime
· Crime is a real threat. This is a fight we will never shrink from – and one that we are determined to win.
· The Next Steps Forward in tackling crime will begin with prison reform.
· We will extend measures to make prisons drug free. We will do this by implementing mandatory drug tests upon arrival and regularly thereafter. Prison should not be time-off. It should be for work and for training so that when a sentence is complete, a productive life can begin.
· Anti-Social Behaviour Orders will be backed up by the establishment of a fully resourced and dedicated Garda unit to tackle the problem.
· We will introduce a Community Payback scheme requiring offenders to perform real services for the communities they have harmed.
· We will dramatically increase fines and penalties for alcohol related disorder and for supplying alcohol to minors.
· We will expand the use of CCTV to all major country towns. We will legislate mandatory jail terms for violent unprovoked street assaults.
· And to ensure that these tougher penalties are effective, we will take the most important Next Step Forward to reduce crime by increasing the number of Gardai by 2,000 to 16,000.
· These 2,000 additional Gardai will be put on the beat to strengthen communities and to deliver safer streets.
Health
· Our Next Steps Forward on Health will focus heavily on prevention, on keeping people out of hospital and providing better care in local communities nationwide.
· We will introduce an entitlement for a Personal Health Check for all. This Personal Health Check will be pro-active. It will include screening, so we can save lives by detecting disease early.
· Specifically, it will cover a broad range of threats, including breast, cervical and prostate cancer screening.
· We will create a national network of primary care teams and ensure that every community has access to 24-hour GP cover.
· We will increase the number of dedicated public-only hospital beds by 1,500.
· We will double the numbers of consultants to over 4,000
· We will hire more nurses to care for more patients.
· Fianna Fáil in government will build local injury clinics to take pressure off A & E’s and to ensure faster treatment for patients who do not have life threatening conditions.
· We will increase the availability of step down facilities in the form of home care support, and long-term care beds to help patients being discharged from hospitals.
· And for our children under 5 who need occupational or speech and language therapy, we will ensure that any child waiting more than 3 months for the service can access it automatically through the National Treatment Purchase Fund.
Children
· The Next Steps Forward will ensure that every child has the best possible start in life.
· We will meet our target of 50,000 new childcare places by 2010 and we pledge that by 2012 every child in Ireland will have access to an affordable pre-school education.
· To ensure that every child in every community has a safe, modern place for sports and play, we will complete the successful National Playgrounds Policy.
· And we will create a fund for a countrywide network of youth cafes where teenagers can meet in a safe, legal and healthy environment.
· Our commitment to children is clear. From next month, a family with two children under the age of six will get a direct and untaxed payment of 5,840 euros a year thanks to the increased Child Benefit and the Early Childhood Supplement introduced by this Fianna Fáil led government. This is real support for families and it helps to make the choices they believe are best for their children. We can be encouraged, but certainly not complacent, that one hundred thousand children have been lifted out of poverty since 1997. This challenges us to do more. Our Next Steps Forward for children are the most important investments we can make in the Ireland we can become.
Education
· In ten years, 10,000 extra teachers have been hired. Thousands of existing schools have been modernised and hundreds of new schools have been built. And 45,000 more third level places have been created.
· We have provided for the most sustained increase in funding and participation in the history of Irish education.
· It is this sustained commitment that gives Fianna Fáil credibility on education.
· Our Next Steps Forward on education will include providing at least 4,000 more primary school teachers.
· This will ensure that our children are taught in smaller classes.
· At second level, we will prioritise reductions in the size of classes in the core subjects of Irish, English and Maths.
· We will also ensure that new schools will be built to meet the needs of families in developing areas.
· Because we understand the real-life pressures on young people today, we will support them better by hiring extra guidance counselors.
· For children with special needs, we will continue to improve services and ensure the right to an Individual Education Plan.
Research and Development
· In five years, Ireland will double investment in research and development. We will double the number of PhD graduates in science, engineering and technology.
· Ireland will strive to lead the world in the decisive asset of human capital.
· Underpinning all these specific policies is the National Development Plan.
· Implementing the National Development Plan will be our top priority. It will be our Next Step Forward.
Tax and PRSI
· A major, costed and affordable tax reduction for middle and low-income families.
· Today, PRSI unfairly burdens middle and lower earners. We will eliminate this inequality in a way that is both fiscally responsible and socially fair.
· For employees currently paying the full rate we will halve the rate of PRSI from 4% to 2%.
· We will abolish the PRSI ceiling for those employees.
· We will reduce the rate of PRSI paid by the self-employed from 3% to 2%.
· To ensure that taxpayers do not pay more simply because of inflation, we will increase tax credits and tax bands in line with wage increases each year.
· And we will double the credit where one spouse works in the home to care for children, the elderly or the disabled.
· Fianna Fáil will reduce the standard rate of income tax from 20% to 18%, and the marginal rate from 41 % to 40%.
· These tax cuts will reward work, strengthen our economy and promote social inclusion.
· They will improve the fairness of our tax system and will further enhance the rewards of work. They represent a continuation of the successful tax policies, which we have promised and delivered on in government.
Rural Ireland
· Agriculture is a vital part of a strong Irish economy, and Fianna Fáil are committed to farming as the cornerstone of life in rural Ireland.
· We lead the cause for farmers and rural development in the European Union and we have convinced other nations to join us for a simple reason: Europe should not abandon a safe, secure and traceable food supply.
· In the years ahead, we will continue the fight for the farming sector, and we will continue to stand firm against any moves to sacrifice agriculture in World Trade Organisation talks.
· Our Next Steps Forward for farming communities will invest in new products, new markets and upgrading our food industry.
· We will oppose any efforts to restrict the live export of animals.
· And, for farmers, we will work in Brussels to improve the fairness of inspections and reduce red tape.
· We believe in a future where rural people can choose to stay in their own communities.
Pensions
· For Fianna Fáil, a strong economy is not an end in itself. The purpose of prosperity is to sustain our people through all the stages of their lives.
· Now, is the time to take the Next Steps Forward for Ireland’s pensioners. If the Irish people return us to government, we will increase state pensions to at least €300 a week in the next five years.
Crime
· Crime is a real threat. This is a fight we will never shrink from – and one that we are determined to win.
· The Next Steps Forward in tackling crime will begin with prison reform.
· We will extend measures to make prisons drug free. We will do this by implementing mandatory drug tests upon arrival and regularly thereafter. Prison should not be time-off. It should be for work and for training so that when a sentence is complete, a productive life can begin.
· Anti-Social Behaviour Orders will be backed up by the establishment of a fully resourced and dedicated Garda unit to tackle the problem.
· We will introduce a Community Payback scheme requiring offenders to perform real services for the communities they have harmed.
· We will dramatically increase fines and penalties for alcohol related disorder and for supplying alcohol to minors.
· We will expand the use of CCTV to all major country towns. We will legislate mandatory jail terms for violent unprovoked street assaults.
· And to ensure that these tougher penalties are effective, we will take the most important Next Step Forward to reduce crime by increasing the number of Gardai by 2,000 to 16,000.
· These 2,000 additional Gardai will be put on the beat to strengthen communities and to deliver safer streets.
Health
· Our Next Steps Forward on Health will focus heavily on prevention, on keeping people out of hospital and providing better care in local communities nationwide.
· We will introduce an entitlement for a Personal Health Check for all. This Personal Health Check will be pro-active. It will include screening, so we can save lives by detecting disease early.
· Specifically, it will cover a broad range of threats, including breast, cervical and prostate cancer screening.
· We will create a national network of primary care teams and ensure that every community has access to 24-hour GP cover.
· We will increase the number of dedicated public-only hospital beds by 1,500.
· We will double the numbers of consultants to over 4,000
· We will hire more nurses to care for more patients.
· Fianna Fáil in government will build local injury clinics to take pressure off A & E’s and to ensure faster treatment for patients who do not have life threatening conditions.
· We will increase the availability of step down facilities in the form of home care support, and long-term care beds to help patients being discharged from hospitals.
· And for our children under 5 who need occupational or speech and language therapy, we will ensure that any child waiting more than 3 months for the service can access it automatically through the National Treatment Purchase Fund.
Children
· The Next Steps Forward will ensure that every child has the best possible start in life.
· We will meet our target of 50,000 new childcare places by 2010 and we pledge that by 2012 every child in Ireland will have access to an affordable pre-school education.
· To ensure that every child in every community has a safe, modern place for sports and play, we will complete the successful National Playgrounds Policy.
· And we will create a fund for a countrywide network of youth cafes where teenagers can meet in a safe, legal and healthy environment.
· Our commitment to children is clear. From next month, a family with two children under the age of six will get a direct and untaxed payment of 5,840 euros a year thanks to the increased Child Benefit and the Early Childhood Supplement introduced by this Fianna Fáil led government. This is real support for families and it helps to make the choices they believe are best for their children. We can be encouraged, but certainly not complacent, that one hundred thousand children have been lifted out of poverty since 1997. This challenges us to do more. Our Next Steps Forward for children are the most important investments we can make in the Ireland we can become.
Education
· In ten years, 10,000 extra teachers have been hired. Thousands of existing schools have been modernised and hundreds of new schools have been built. And 45,000 more third level places have been created.
· We have provided for the most sustained increase in funding and participation in the history of Irish education.
· It is this sustained commitment that gives Fianna Fáil credibility on education.
· Our Next Steps Forward on education will include providing at least 4,000 more primary school teachers.
· This will ensure that our children are taught in smaller classes.
· At second level, we will prioritise reductions in the size of classes in the core subjects of Irish, English and Maths.
· We will also ensure that new schools will be built to meet the needs of families in developing areas.
· Because we understand the real-life pressures on young people today, we will support them better by hiring extra guidance counselors.
· For children with special needs, we will continue to improve services and ensure the right to an Individual Education Plan.
Research and Development
· In five years, Ireland will double investment in research and development. We will double the number of PhD graduates in science, engineering and technology.
· Ireland will strive to lead the world in the decisive asset of human capital.
· Underpinning all these specific policies is the National Development Plan.
· Implementing the National Development Plan will be our top priority. It will be our Next Step Forward.
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