COLM
BROPHY TD er tt le s New The Programme for Government
N
ow that a Government has been formed it has been tasked with one core challenge “to make people’s lives better in every part of Ireland.” This is the guiding principle of every decision and every action that this Government will take over the lifetime of this Dáil.
Oireachtas and with wider society to deliver real and positive change for the people of Ireland. Our key priorities for the Government’s first 100 days are: 1. Agreement with the Oireachtas on a reformed budget process, including the publication of a Spring Statement and a new National Economic Dialogue
Ireland’s economic recovery remains central to Fine Gael’s work in Government. The Irish people have worked hard for this progress and we will build a better future for all our people by avoiding boom and bust politics.
2. Preparation and publication of an Action Plan for Housing 3. Establishment of a mobile coverage and broadband task force for rural areas
A fair society must lean on a strong economy. Only with a strong economy can we deliver on the key goals for this Government: 1. To make people’s lives better; 2. To provide homes for our people; and 3. To make Ireland a great place to grow old and be cared for. Under our first priority we want to help working families. To do that, we need
to secure the economic recovery. Our Programme for Government contains ambitious plans for more affordable childcare, more and better jobs, lower taxes on workers, help for low paid workers, and safer streets.
This government is ambitious and optimistic. Politics is always about what is possible. That sense of possibility is the touchstone of this partnership Government for A Fairer Ireland. Fine Gael will work with all Members of the
Housing and Homelessness report finalised Since the establishment of the Oireachtas Committee on Housing and Homelessness over nine weeks ago I have been working with my colleagues from all parties to establish a series of concrete,
practical proposals to tackle Ireland’s housing and homelessness crisis. In June, after 70 hours of meetings, involving 41 hearings and 90 written submissions from stakeholders and interest groups, the committee
published its report for the consideration of Dáil Éireann and the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government. I am proud to stand over this report. A report, which made 109 recommendations including 23 priorities. If implemented, these recommendations will go a long way to tackling the homeless crisis in Ireland. One of the key recommendations is that local authorities provide 50,000 new social housing units by 2020 and that planning be fast tracked on key projects. I look forward to seeing progress following on from this report and I will be keeping constituents updated on what this government is doing to tackle our homelessness and housing crisis.
4. Reactivation of the National Treatment Purchase Fund to reduce waiting lists, and the preparation of a new winter A&E plan 5. Engagement between Government and education partners on new afterschool care arrangements
Warmth and Wellbeing Project - €20 million to upgrade homes in pilot scheme set for Tallaght The Department of Communications, Energy and National Resources has announced a pilot project aimed at improving energy efficiency in the homes of suffers of COPD and Asthma. The pilot scheme is being tried in Tallaght and Walkinstown and is available to access through your public health nurse. The scheme will provide for funding to upgrade both privately owner and local authority housing. Attic and wall insulation, boiler and heating systems replacement or indeed the installation of a heating system where none exists will be available for those who are eligible for the scheme. Those living in Tallaght or Walkinstown who feel they fit the criteria for the scheme and who are in need of home heating improvements should call the scheme’s direct line on 01-678321 or if you require more information please do not hesitate to contact me on 01-6183196.
Dáil Éireann, Leinster House, Kildare St, Dublin 2. Tel: 01-6183196 Email: colm.brophy@oireachtas.ie