Liz McManus

Review of Broadcasting Levy Required

2010-03-02T17:23:00.006Z

I raised the issue of the broadcasting levy to be imposed on the independent broadcasters in the Dáil today during question to the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.

I have highlighted this issue with the Minister on a number of occasions and have issued a number of statement on this also. I am concerned that the percentage levy proposed is too high on an industry that is already suffering economic hardship and may result in significant job losses.

"The latest figures for the total budget for the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland in 2010 is €7.6 million, up from the previous figure of €6.1 million. This is additional to the €1.5 million already outstanding for 2009. Under the terms of a Statutory Instrument laid before the Dáil in January and made under Section 33 of the Broadcasting Act, 2009, this money will have to be provided though a levy imposed on local stations.

"There is widespread concern that this levy will result in job losses across the independent sector. Now that the Broadcasting Regulator is to be funded by the broadcasting industry costs are already spiralling. At a time when advertising budgets are being slashed and jobs are being lost, the cost of the levy is punishing and totally unnecessary.

"The Labour Party did put forward proposals for a more streamlined operation incorporating ComReg and the Broadcasting Authority. We argued that one unified regulator would be more efficient and cost effective. This was backed up by a similar recommendation published in An Bord Snip. However, the Minister refused to listen, set up his quango instead and now broadcasters are bearing the brunt of his decision, as I predicted. There are now real concerns about the formula used to apportion costs.

“Unless the Statutory Instrument is annulled by the Dáil by next Thursday, the levy will come into effect, imposing a potentially crippling financial burden on stations, many of which are already struggling. This is a matter that is of such importance that it should not be allowed to go through by default."

Proposed Postcodes Won't Deliver

2010-01-08T12:28:00.003Z

Happy New Year. As part of my 2010 New Year’s resolutions I have resolved to take up blogging again. Despite being one of the first TDs to start a blog, I haven't been updating it regularly for a while and I hope to address that this year.

I had a surreal conversation on Today FM's Last Word the other day with Ciaran Cuffe TD about postcodes. As each day passes the Green's seem more and more disconnected with reality.

I'm concerned about the cost to businesses and organisations with the introduction of postcodes. I believe that postcodes are a good idea, but they could pose lots of problems in the current economic climate. When I'd made what I thought to be a sensible point on this, I found myself in a weird ding dong with Deputy Cuffe who insisted that even Santa Claus had a postcode! I'm not sure this is the greatest argument for postcodes I've ever heard!

In more recent days I met again with Ciaran, who on a personal level I have great time for, on East Coast FM. Again, I found his arguments out of touch with the reality on the ground. The lack of understanding he showed towards the impact the weather crisis was having was offensive to people across Co. Wicklow, who phoned me later to express their frustration.

I accept that Dublin is also suffering badly by the harsh weather, but the reality is that Co. Wicklow and rural areas like it, is severely affected. People are very anxious and the remote rural areas are dangerously isolated. Thankfully, neighbours are really putting in an effort in all sorts of wonderful ways even in such hazardous conditions. I found this out to my cost this morning when going out to do a message for a neighbour and landed flat on my back. Most undignified.

Cervical Cancer Vaccine Shelved

2008-11-06T16:52:00.000Z

Education Cuts

2008-11-05T15:40:00.000Z

Reassessing Biofuels

2008-07-21T17:18:00.004+01:00

Last week the Labour Party published its position paper on Biofuels. Along with the Labour Leader, Eamon Gilmore TD, I launched the paper in front of an audience of media and interested parties. Groups present included the Irish Bioenergy Association, Trocaire, Bord na Mona, Sustainable Energy Ireland, Birdwatach Ireland and the German-Irish Chamber of Commerce. A lively discussion followed and it was a worthwhile and interesting exercise. This is a really hot issue with growing concerns around the link between the recent dash to biofuels and the global food price hikes. However, our govenrment is silent on the issue which we find unacceptable.

Labour's position is as follows:

Labour recommends:

1. Information on traceability to be fully available. Currently biofuel data is too difficult, at times impossible, to access. EU rules and WTO rules need to be changed to provide full transparency on sources of biofuels.

2. Support for the 20% overall target as set by the EU Commission for CO² emissions reduction by 2020. (30% if global agreement achieved).

• The EU target of 10% biofuels to be reviewed, in view of the severe impact on food supplies in the developing world.

• For Ireland, the findings of the Environmental Committee of the EU Parliament to be adopted as an interim measure.

• Support for the indigenous Irish Biofuel industry in line with environmental and social sustainability criteria.

3. The Government’s Climate Change Strategy to be reviewed and updated.

• On transport, a greater emphasis on public transport and the electrification of vehicles.

• On agriculture policy, an emphasis on food security and encouragement of greater food production.

• On biofuels policy, support for sustainable biofuel production with a focus on the development of second generation biofuel production and the use of marginal land unsuitable for food production.

• On energy policy, an increase in target set from 33% to 42% for renewables for electricity generation by 2020.

To read the position paper please go to the Labour website or click here.

Gov plans to adjourn Dail as energy crisis intensifies

2008-06-18T12:01:00.003+01:00

Broadband woes

2008-02-29T15:13:00.005Z

Lots of feedback on the broadband debate in the Dail that took place this week. Minister Ryan's lovely red map showing broadband cover in Ireland is turning out to be full of holes. The village of Shillelagh is a case in point but what struck me was the extend of the problem across rural Ireland.

The government needs to speed up on broadband in every sense. Less international talk shops that cost the taxpayer €50,000 and more plumbing is whats needed.

Bellygrass and beyond!

2008-02-21T11:46:00.002Z

Well, I've seen the future and its called bellygrass...

At yesterday's Oireachtas Committee on Climate Change a presentation given by Jerry Murphy of UCC had us all sitting up on our hind legs. He talked about biofuel and grass can be used to make gas for fuel. Since over 90% of Ireland's arable land is in grass this was significant. But what really got our questions coming was his explanation of how "bellygrass" is used in Europe for gas production for buses.

Bellygrass for those of us who don't know- and there are many - is found in cows and pigs slaughtered in our abattoirs.

Currently the bellygrass has to be carted away and spread on land and that costs the abattoir money.

In the future it can go to a digester system, converted to biofuel and used in buses etc..

While no-one has the solution to the problem of methane produced by belching cows, dead cows may provide part of the solution.

Or at least the grass in their stomachs. Don't they have four of them?

Unite 4 Our Planet Forum

2008-02-06T15:01:00.001Z

Tackling Climate Change is the great challenge of our time. It requires leadership, co-operation and a clear direction.

We also need an integrated response. That's what we're doing in the Labour Party. The four TDs with responsibility for Energy, Environment, Transport and Agriculture have come together under the "Unite 4 Our Planet" initiative. We are pledging to work together across these areas and to engage with experts and the public to ensure we are in a position to meet the challenges of carbon reduction and climate "proofing".

To discuss this we have organised a Forum on Climate Change to be held this Saturday, 9th February in the Mansion House, Dublin. If you'd like to come along, please email campaigns@labour.ie

For more information, please check out the Labour website.

Stop Climate Chaos

2007-12-11T19:15:00.000Z

It rained on the Parade organised by the Stop Climate Chaos Coalition but that didn't stop us stalwarts togging out in our rain gear and fighting the high winds with our banners. It was good to see a healthy turnout of Labour Youth members. Joanna Tuffy TD, Labour's Environment Spokesperson and myself appear to have been the only Opposition TDs to tog out.

At the Custom House there were speeches. I said I wasn't impressed by Al Gore coming to Dublin to address a rich elite (for a fee of 100,000 dollars it was reported!)while banning the media from hearing his speech. The response from the crowd and from individuals made it clear to me that many other people were annoyed at the insistence by Al Gore of a " pay per view" policy.

Tackling Climate Change is a people's issue if ever there was one and elitism just gets in the way. Nor, I imagine was it what the Nobel Prize people had in mind. Thankfully the UN IPCC have a different approach. The recent open - and free - meeting organised by the EPA and starring Dr. Martin Manning of the IPCC was filled to capacity.

I'm not convinced that the government were listening to the message when Brian Cowen published his Budget. A bit of VRT and a tweaking of motor tax will not have any impact on reaching the seriously challenging target set by the government of 3% reduction per year of carbon emissions.

Maybe that's why the turnout of the Greens at the Parade was so unimpressive. Or maybe they just wilted in the rain...

Back to Uni....

2007-11-06T14:13:00.001Z

FINALLY I'm out of Health and into Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. It's a steep learning curve for me, a bit like going back to University but I'm learning fast. Its real cutting edge stuff particularly meeting the challenge of global warming. To make a difference means bringing about a dramatic change to our energy usage.

There is a personal challenge fro me in getting to grips with the Communications brief. Technology is moving so rapidly that everyone in this area seems to be straining to keep up. There is a pioneering aspect to both the Energy and Communications brief that make them exciting even though sometimes also impenetrable.

The Green Party chose this Ministry for obvious reasons and I'm happy to support Eamon Ryan when he does the right thing, but so far I've been disappointed that he attempted to bamboozle the public about the collapse of the Greener Homes Scheme and the introduction of a new emasculated and unfunded scheme.

I'm even less impressed that the Greens U turn on the Civil Unions Bill for same sex couples. This is a fine example of when the Greens could have asserted themselves in government but instead, yet again, Fianna Fail rolled all over them.

Labour is very persistent on this issue. We don't intend to let it go.

I'm always interested to hear views on climate change, next generation networks, civil unions, food versus bio fuels, whatever...so get in touch...

Feedback from Canvassers

2007-05-18T18:14:00.000+01:00

AS we head into the final days of this campaign, I thought I'd ask for some contributions from canvassers who have been knocking on doors the last few weeks. Here's a taster:

Roisin

The experience has been a positive one, with good reactions on the doorsteps. The people of Bray have been mostly very polite - even those who clearly don't intend to vote Labour. Liz is obviously very well known and respected for the work she's done locally and nationally. In some estates you can skip from house to house with people just taking the leaflet and giving a 'thumbs-up' or a 'don't worry - Labour's got my vote this time'.

For future reference, I would suggest that 8.30 is probably late enough on a week night. We had experience of a few parents looking murderously at us or sprinting through the house to ask us not to ring the bell, as the new baby had just been put to bed. Henry and I also met a Rottweiler and a Great Dane on the same evening, but we lived to tell the tale.

For me, it's been a learning experience for a number of reasons:
- I've been able to observe the experienced 'pros' at work (Liz, John, Henry, Ann ) and learned a lot about local issues by listening to their conversations with the voters;
- I've learned that a big smile and an assertive friendly greeting disarms even the most defensive householder;
- It's been a great way for a blow-in like me to get to know the geography of the town, not to mention get ideas for landscaping my front garden!

Sandra

People are sick of the to do over Bertie's money - well we knew that. Not too interested in 'issues' unless Liz is with you. If they do express an opinion it is generally favourable towards Liz and/or vicious towards FF. Other than that.......could we have the sun back please?

And, as ever, how much more rewarding it is doing the local authority estates than the posh areas - with the 'gated communities' there always seems a subtext that they don't need politics.

Clodagh

We canvassed the north ward of Bray and overall got a very good response. We even made one lonely old lady who has just moved to Ireland very happy – just to get a visitor! However, we were asked about same sex marriage, we answered and we were then called…murderers and the door was slammed in our faces.

Tommy

1 Overall a very positive response, there is a mood for change.
2 Liz is highly respected.
3 On going water situation Rocky Valley Drive / Glencormac / Ballybawn. People very frustrated and annoyed.

"Why are all those posters of dead people everywhere?"!

2007-05-15T14:00:00.000+01:00

ONE of the things in this campaign is the great interest shown by children for the Election posters. One child was quoted recently asking his mammy, "Why are all those posters of dead people everywhere?"! The children that I'm meeting at the doorsteps are very excited to be meeting someone (a live person!) from the posters. This must be something to do with the power of TV that has trained young eyes towards visual images. Or maybe its the celebrity culture that gets them excited. When it comes to the adults, who have a vote, posters have minimal effect.

Yesterday I launched Labour's A&E plan. 2,300 beds needed and we're determined to implement them. If Noel Browne in the hungry 40s could provide 2,000 beds in three years it is not beyond the bounds of possibility to do it now.

I notice that as days pass Brian Cowen is getting more shrill. He seems to think people like bombast, aggression and aggressive tactics. I'm not convinced. In fact what is interesting about this campaign is how thoughtful the discussions on the doorsteps are. People's thoughts on childcare, health, transport are being expressed. And the constant refrain is that it's time for a change of Government - which is a reflection of Labour's slogan to make a change and that "Ireland can do better with Labour."

Campaign Team on Hospitals and Roads

2007-05-11T17:53:00.000+01:00

As a member of Liz's campaign team I am unfortunately immobile at the moment but will still be occasionally contributing to the blog.

Last week was my first time ever to be admitted to hospital. I understand how hospitals can be a daunting experience for Margaret (see video below) and others.

Last week I had an accident and was waiting on the side of a public road to be assisted. The ambulance drove past us despite being flagged down and we had to rephone the emergency services.

On admittance to the ambulance and hospital, I have to say the standard of care was excellent. I did however find that the doctors and nurses were so busy that their time had to be largely dispersed. Obviously they couldn’t help this as emergencies will always happen. This does mean that the doctors/nurses just in a lot of cases do not have time to do the job. I was waiting to be discharged for at least half an hour – this is a simple thing that requires someone saying to me – you can go now. It would also have meant a freed up cubicle quicker.

Three days later I returned to the same A and E department for a wound check. Patients were being told – “there are no beds in the hospital” – the corridors of the A and E were full of patients on trolleys.

This country clearly needs Labour in Government to deliver the clear commitment of 2300 more beds in cleaner hospitals.

While I was in hospital other patients were admitted after another major crash on the N11. As Liz has pointed out many times that this section of the road is dangerous and needs to be upgraded urgently.

Ian

(on behalf of campaign team)

On the campaign trail

2007-05-04T15:29:00.000+01:00

THE biggest battle so far for me in this campaign is fighting off sunburn. The sun is as relentless as the mood for change is.

People want change. Even FF people want change. Some of theme are going so far as to tell me that they want the Fianna Fail Party to be in Opposition for a while.

Labour's core commitments on health, childcare, carers, crime and first time house buyers are reflected in the conversations on the doorsteps. There is growing public confidence that an alternative government will be a better government. It's an exciting contest and I'm enjoying every minute of it.

Countdown to Change

2007-05-02T10:33:00.001+01:00

Under starters orders....

2007-05-01T15:06:00.000+01:00

We're off! It was an unusually secretive start from our Taoiseach last Sunday morning but it is great to finally start the real campaign. Posters are up, canvassers have been out and the pounding of the streets has begun. Between myself and some volunteers we hope this blog will provide a small overview of the campaign here in Co. Wicklow.

I'll be back in touch soon...

Hair today, gone tomorrow..

2007-04-24T18:32:00.000+01:00

YOU know there's an Election imminent when you see that all the candidates have new haircuts. Even Dick Roche's head of hair is shorn lik a freshly cut lawn.

We're all ready for the off with walking shoes, posters, suncream, leaflets and instant dinners in the freezer. So why can't the man name the day? Has he the jitters?

I wouldn't blame him if he has.

The gap between the falling FF/PD and rising Lab/FG support is widening all the time.

The people should be given the opportunity to express their preference.

Labour is ready. In Wicklow we're ready to pull off a double. McManus and Kelly.

So bring it on, Bertie.

First Post from Wicklow Campaign Team

2007-04-22T17:09:00.000+01:00

In the next few weeks campaign team members will be contributing to this blog.

Here are my own personal experiences of the last 3 years of membership of the Labour Party and reasons why I strongly support Liz McManus.

Around the time I entered college and during my time in student politics I first became really aware of the Labour party. I grew up in a house where support fluctuated between FF and FG but never really Labour.

I became strongly involved in many campaigns where Labour was the party to the forefront; Free 3rd Level Fees, Anti Racism, Womens Rights. I eventually decided that the Labour Party was the one which best met both my political beliefs and convictions.

The party believes in Social Justice, Workers Rights, Equality, Social Liberalism, Civil Liberties; Examples would include; setting up the Combat Poverty Agency, Introducing Equality Legislation; pioneering Divorce and Contraception and Decriminalising Homosexuality.

For these and many other reasons I joined the Labour party 3 years ago.

I am strongly supporting the re-election of Liz McManus in this general election because;
She has an excellent track record in delivering for her constituents
She has consistently and strongly advocated for those on the margins of Irish society e.g. female domestic violence victims, travellers and people with poor mental health.
She has shown determined resistance and opposition to a privatised, for profit health service
The Labour Party has demonstrated in the past that it is the only party which strongly pushes for social justice and social liberalisation. Other parties have followed the Labour lead.
Labour believes in providing fair opportunities for all in Irish society as opposed to a free market neo liberal ideology which allows the strongest and the wealthiest to triumph over all others

The launch of Liz’s campaign last week was a great success. There was strong support from across the county for Liz McManus and indeed Nicky Kelly. It confirmed in my mind and many others that there is a mood for change among the electorate. A challenge has been set for us to drive that change and to win 2 Labour seats in Wicklow. We can achieve that.

Ian

(on behalf of the campaign team)

Nurses Dispute Set to Escalate

2007-04-03T15:29:00.000+01:00

The nurses dispute is set to escalate. Although it's the last thing the health service needs, the depth of disillusion and the low morale is so serious that nurses are voting with their feet-or their bleep in some cases. It is vital that every effort is made to resolve the knotty issues that have led to this dispute. The lethargy of the government is striking. Nurses, doctors, dentists, chiropodists have all tried to negotiate with the Health Service Executive without success but the nursing crisis must take top priority.

Irish Congress of Trade Unions proposed the establishment of a Forum on Health but it's only recently that the Minister for Health decided to get going to set it up. Pity she was so slow. The Forum could have prevented the mess that the health service is experiencing now.

Getting Wicklow Moving

2007-03-27T18:15:00.000+01:00

Nicky Kelly, Brendan Howlin TD and I launched a Transport Plan for Co. Wicklow. Twin track electrified rail system to Wexford, rural buses, improved roads are key elements in it. 37% of journeys to Dublin are by public transport. In Wicklow the figure is approx 6%-so a dramatic shift from private car to public transport is needed. On the way back from the press conference in Arklow I came across the chilling sight of a huge lorry overturned in a ditch at the notoriously dangerous stretch of the N11 between the Tap and the Beehive pubs.

24 hours later there are incredible scenes along Naas dual carriage. 18 people injured and hundreds stuck for hours in traffic jams. Nothing could reinforce our message on transport as effectively!

Dying Days of a Government

2007-03-23T15:44:00.000Z

Now in its dying days the government has gone made galloping through legislation at a breakneck speed. The passing of legislation should be a slow, ponderous, line by line exercise where every aspect of its possible impact is ruminated upon without haste.

Instead we are seeing major legislation like the new Criminal Justice Bill rampaging through the Oireachtas by the Minister for Justice who is careering out of control. Seven day detention? Electronic tagging? Let it all happen is Minister McDowell's approach but without any of the safeguards that parliament should provide in an open and accountable way as prescribed under our Constitution.

The Minister for Health is trotting after him as fast as she can. The Health Bill, the Medical Practitioners Bill, the Pharmacy Bill etc etc...all guillotined pitilessly by a government that is not interested in doing things well just in doing things. Roll on the Election so we can get some good
governance back.

Government fails on class sizes

2007-03-14T18:02:00.000Z

Attended the INTO/National Parents Council meeting recently in the Glenview hotel in Co. Wicklow. I had to fight my way in because the turn out was massive. Parents and teachers are turning out all over the country to highlight the Government betrayal of its own promise to reduce class sizes to the EU norm (of 20). There was an air of steady determination at the meeting which probably explains the shortage of Fianna Fail election candidates. Labour supports this campaign and our record in Government is very good.

Governments are like children. You don't reward bad behaviour and fibs whether told by children or government ministers deserve to be challenged. Parent power can be an important factor in delivering a new - and better - Government.

Civil Unions Bill 2007

2007-02-28T16:50:00.000Z

Last Tuesday (20/02/07)and Wednesday (21/02/07) the Civil Unions Bill 2007 was debated in the Dáil. This was a Labour Party Bill, and I was proud to support it. I have been campaigning with the LGBT community for a long, long time now and I think that this Bill was an important step towards full equality.

Picture taken at the launch of the Labour Party Bill on Civil Unions which was launched in the Dail today (December 14, 2006). The following link will lead you to a statement issued by Deputy Brendan Howlin on why the Bill represents a very significant step towards the provision of full equality for gay and lesbian citizens and particular for those in same sex relationships.

I spoke and voted in favour of the Bill on Wednesday. I've attached the transcript and reprinted it here.

Sadly,frustratingly it was voted down by this government by 72 votes to 60.

Transcript from Wednesday, 21st Feb:

Shortly after I was elected to this House, the then Minister for Justice, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, introduced a Bill decriminalising homosexuality. I remember at the time being enormously impressed by her practical outlook and also by her bravery. She was one of the very few women in this House. She stepped outside the traditional mindset of her party to do something important for many of our people and also for our society. It was refreshing to see. It is dispiriting to listen to the current Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform who has stepped back into that murkiness of a traditional mindset. People are quite shocked and dismayed to find that he cannot do even the simple things that would be required of him in this day and age.

I congratulate Deputy Howlin on introducing this Bill. I, like other Deputies, am proud to be a member of the Labour Party tonight, but regrettably this Bill should be a matter of pride for all parties in this House. Everybody should be celebrating the passing of this Bill to ensure that people attain rights to which they are entitled. It is unbelievable that something so simple, obvious and important is being blocked in a way that is demeaning to people outside this House and people in the Gallery who are waiting to see what will happen to this Bill.

The purpose of the Bill is to provide same-sex couples with the same basic rights and duties that are available to married couples. In our society we celebrate marriage. We celebrate the idea of a stable, loving relationship that a couple set out to have in married union. Why can we not celebrate a stable, loving relationship engaged in by a same-sex couple? Is that not valid and important — two people looking after each other, two people ensuring that there is love in that relationship and that there is official recognition for that love? I know of a case where a person ended up in a psychiatric hospital and the person’s long-standing partner was not treated as a married person would have been treated. The partner was excluded from providing the normal support a couple expect from each other. This also applies where a partner of a same-sex couple is dying in hospital; God knows there is enough indignity without heaping it on.

The approach in the Bill is practical and compassionate but it is also rigorous in terms of respect. Single sex couples have an entitlement to respect. When I heard the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell, speak last night it struck me forcefully that a pygmy is in charge of the Progressive Democrats. If the previous leader of the Progressive Democrats was still in her old position, I do not believe she would have let this go. Others have asked the party to stand up and stand by the Republic. I do not believe they have any conviction left in terms of their belief of what the Republic stands for and what republican values are all about. I regret that because this could have been a fine moment.

It could have been a good moment in Irish political history, as was the moment when the then Minister, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, came into this House and introduced the legislation to which I referred. She had to do that in much more difficult circumstances but she did it, and I paid tribute her for doing it at the time. We now have a Bill presented by Deputy Howlin which is robust and stands up to the tests that legal minds have applied to it. All that is failing is the political leadership that is so lacking among people who do not have the will or the commitment to support what this Republic stands for. I regret that greatly.

SDLP canvass

2007-02-27T17:47:00.000Z

Lisburn in the rain is not a cheery place although the SDLP canvass was an upbeat affair. Mark Durkan and Carmel Hannan came out onto the streets in a bid to retain Patricia Lewseley's assembly seat for Marrietta Farrell. Reaction in the market ranged from friendly to surly but the talk was about the recent confrontation at the fish stall between Ian Paisley and Bob McCarney. For once Paisley had nothing to say to McCartney's question " When did Never, Never, Never become Yes, Yes, Yes?"

By comparison, Southern politics is positively cosy. When we meet our opponents on a canvass we tend to fall on each others necks. The only exception to that rule when the candidates are both standing in the same constitunecy for Fianna Fail. Then they don't talk to each other. They snarl.

Youtube video from Labour Party Conference

2007-02-21T11:08:00.000Z

You can watch my speech on the health services on youtube here

But, are you happy?

2007-02-14T16:21:00.000Z

WELL, I am certainly happy about the response from the Labour Party one day conference last week. It was obviously the last opportunity to gather all the party together for a serious rallying of the troops! There was a great atmosphere in around the Helix in DCU where it was held, with a very varied crowd, young and old, from all around the country. Check out the pictures on Flickr.

Addressing the conference on health reform

Welcoming Gerry 'Ginger' McLaughlin to the Labour team after enjoying footage of his famous try

Yesterday we launched the "But, are you happy ?" campaign and are really trying to modernise the way we're getting our message across. Of course the policy documents and press releases are all still available on the website but maybe they don't excite everyone in the same way!

To see how high tech we've become watch this clip !

and see the campaign website here

On the eve of the conference itself, Labour TDs and new candidates met in the Helix for a talk on climate change by Duncan Stewart. Eamon Gilmore also spoke of Labour's environment polices. Since last September, Labour has been working on a Blueprint for Action on Climate Change. What in practical terms do we need to do, as a country, as a community, and as individuals to significantly reduce carbon emissions? We intend to publish that Blueprint in the near future and to use it as the basis for action on climate by Labour in Government after the General Election.

We will commit ourselves to new, National targets, as follows
To meet our existing Kyoto target of 13% + by the due date in 2012.
To reduce Greenhouse gas emissions to their 1990 level by 2016
To bring greenhouse gas emissions to 20% below the 1990 level by 2020 and

To make Ireland a carbon neutral economy by 2030.
Targets alone are meaningless, unless we understand what they mean, and are acted upon. I think many people now realise that scale of the climate change problem but there are not enough yet who fully grasp the enormous scale of the response which is required.

Duncan Stewart, myself and Pat chatting before the Friday night opening of the conference

As Eamon explained, to get to the 2020 target (and this is likely to be a mandatory EU target), Ireland will need to cut its Carbon Emissions by 25 million tonnes. But what is 25 million tonnes of Carbon? Take all of the emissions from transport i.e. every car, truck, bus and train in the country - that comes to 12.5 million tonnes - so even if in the morning we could stop every emission from every mode of transport - we would still be only half way to the target!!

To reduce our carbon emissions to the levels which are necessary will require enormous courage, leadership and new thinking from the next Government. It will require the understanding, and the cooperation of individuals, and especially of those who are active in the economy.

HEALTH SURVEYS AND PARTY LEADER VISITS...

2007-02-02T14:46:00.000Z

FIRST blog update of the year! A bit slow off the mark, I think that new years swim may have been a shock to my system after all. January was busy, despite the long Dail break, with a major policy document launch last week. Raising medical card threshold from the current 28% of population to 40% of the population. And a Universal Health Insurance scheme for all under 16s - with a view to extending... It's available to read on the policy section of the website - I'd really like your feedback.

The Party Leader, Pat Rabbitte, will be visiting County Wicklow later in February. He will be touring the County with myself and meeting up with Nicky Kelly in Arklow. It's generally acknowledged Labour are in a good position to win two seats. Certainly we are looking forward to the fight.

I've been conducting a Health Survey around Wicklow but now have an online version which can be accessed and filled in at this link http://www.surveymonkey.com/Users/91885626/Surveys/974332397208/9709AA0D-A427-4DFF-8DC4-6F8CD76BBE60.asp?U=974332397208&

You can also get more information on the Labour website homepage http://www.labour.ie/blog/archive/2007/01/30/reform-and-investment-in-the-health-service/

Thanks for taking the time to fill in and/or letting me know your thoughts.

Oh and a belated Happy New Year!

CHRISTMAS POST

2006-12-20T15:45:00.000Z

FINALLY we had the announcement of Labour's second candidate Nicky Kelly in Arklow. Pat Rabbitte came to do the honours. There was a great turnout. There were a few people unhappy with the decision but the overwhelming view was that two candidates offer Labour the best chance of two seats in Wicklow. This is a vital achievement and could determine the make up of the next Government. I certainly intend to work with Nicky Kelly to win the two seats. It would be good to see Arklow get a seat - the first time in its history.

I was sorry to see Mildred Fox announce her retirement from politics. We have so few women in Dáil Eireann that one less is a major loss. But I understand her decision and wish her all the best.

I hope everyone has a happy Christmas and a happy new year. 2007 will be an exciting year with the General Election getting close and a change of government....who knows what 2007 will bring but I'm looking forward to it...

Book launch

2006-12-08T18:06:00.000Z

DELIGHTED to have attended Michael D's book launch last week. How does the man do it? Full of energy, full of prose! Congratulations to Michael D.

Another book launch this week was the Nikki Kelly's aptly named "When justice slept".

HOPE HIMALAYAN WALK 2006

2006-11-21T12:59:00.000Z

TRYING to unscramble my brain after travelling to Calcutta with the Hope Foundation on their Hope Himalayan Walk 2006. It's well named. The marginalisation of thousands of people and the sight of such poverty was ameliorated by sparks of hope in the classrooms, and clinics and co-ops that the Hope Foundation supports. Coming back to the usual business in the Dail was a bit of a culture shock.

But it was all systems go wit the Nursing Homes scandal blowing up again. And the decision of the High Court on frozen embryos case provides an opportunity for legislation on Assisted Human Reproduction. In both cases legislation is long overdue. I want to facilitate the progress of this legislation but so far the government haven't produced the goods.

THE CAKE SALE

2006-11-03T14:29:00.000Z

LAST year I was very pleased to open the newly refurbished Oxfam shop in Bray which continues go from strenght to strenght. Even the baby steps of buying fairtrade coffee and tea, fairtrade chocolate or random gifts (they have really lovely jewellery and bags) helps to support ethical shopping. But now I notice there's an online shop and I wanted to do a blog plug for it - . Also, I wanted to let people know about The Cake Sale - The Cake Sale is a band featuring a loose and expansive collective of musicians and writers who have combined to create a 9-song CD of the same name on Oxfam Records. All profits will go to support Oxfam’s Make Trade Fair campaign and our overseas programme work. Songs on the album have been written by Dave Geraghty, Emm Gryner, Paul Noonan, Glen Hansard, Ollie Cole, Damien Rice, Conor Deasy and Matt Lunson.

Lead vocalists for the project include Lisa Hannigan, Nina Persson, Gary Lightbody, Gemma Hayes, Glen Hansard, Josh Ritter, Conor Deasy and Neil Hannon.

See more about The Cake Sale at: www.thecakesale.com

Technorati tags: Irishblogs LizMcManus Labour Party Oxfam shop The Cake Sale Fairtrade coffee Fairtrade chocolate

DAIL DEBATE ON PRIVATISATION OF HEALTH

2006-10-25T17:15:00.000+01:00

Following today's announcement of the new Beacon Hospital in Sandyford today I thought I'd attach a speech I gave in the Dail last night on motion I tabled on the private hospitals issue... As many things like this unfortunately don't get coverage in the papers I thought I'd put it up here, just in case would like to read it in full. I'd welcome your comments...

SPEECH BY LIZ MCMANUS TD
Labour Deputy Leader and Spokesperson on Health,
During Dail Debate on Privatisation of Healthcare
Tuesday, 24th October 2006

GOVT COMMITTED TO DEVELOPING & EXPANDING TWO-TIER HEALTH SERVICE

I want to thank my Labour colleagues for agreeing to table this motion. It is important that we talk here, in this, our national parliament, about what we want as a people from our health service. Ask anyone in the street what they want when they get sick and the answer is unequivocal. It is what anyone of us here in this Chamber would want for ourselves and for those we love.

To be able to get medical care when we need it because we need it not because we can afford it; to access a hospital bed when necessary without delay and with dignity; to receive top-class attention in a hospital that is clean, efficient and health–promoting; to come home when we are able, or able enough to do so with supports close at hand and when our time comes, to be able to die in conditions that respect our vulnerability at the end of our life.

That is what people want from our health service. The public desire is clear. It is diametrically opposed to what private developers and business interests who operate in healthcare want. They want to make money and to make the biggest profit possible.

There is no shame in that. It is what they do. There is no glory in it either although there are those on the government side who glorify the market to a ludicrous degree. The leopard does not change its spots because of any glossy, soft-focus marketing of private healthcare. The objective is to make money. Pure and simple.

On occasion the making of money can coincide with the public interest but it does not always do so and when it comes to healthcare it does so rarely. We in the Labour Party recognize that there is a role for the private sector but the over-reliance on the private sector espoused by this Government is not good for patients.

The experience generally is that the impact of large-scale privatization of health is socially regressive and very costly. Yet we have a Government so wedded to the market that it makes the choice to go the private route even when all the best advice is to do otherwise.

Let us be clear this is a choice being made by Fianna Fail and the PDs. They choose a quick fix solution by the funding of for-profit hospitals out of the public purse with a poor return for the tax payer and a deepening divide between the public and the private systems of healthcare. Their hope is that it will divert attention away from their inability to make progressive change and real improvements in health.

The Minister for Health is at least consistent. She carries, after all, a lot of ideological baggage. Her leader has argued the case that inequality is good for society, her party stands by the principle that greed is good. And her policy of featherbedding private healthcare business reflects her world view.

We in Labour fundamentally disagree with the PD agenda. We are opposed to privatization of our health service and we will, if returned to government, bring this wasteful and ill thought scheme to an end. We will strengthen and expand the public and not-for-profit hospital sector and we will bridge the gap between public and private patients.

The Minister has prepared no proper analysis for her scheme nor will she because any analysis won’t stand up her case. In fact the only argument in favour of such a plan would be if the government were unable to find the capital to invest in healthcare but we know that isn’t an issue for us. If the Minister wants to convince us she should publish the results of cost benefit analysis being carried out on her scheme.

There seems to be no difficulty in stalling health projects due to sanctions by the department of Finance while blithely proceeding with this scheme which has an estimated first year cost of €2 billion.

The Minister’s proposal is made for ideological rather than logical reasons because she has an almost foolish attachment to Boston over Berlin. Logic would warn us to keep as far as we can away as possible from US healthcare yet she is trying to bring us closer to it. Healthcare in the US is extremely expensive and it is deeply unfair. 40 million Americans who don’t have health cover are locked out of an unequal health system in an unequal society.

In Ireland we spend €1,950 per person per annum on health which Minister Harney seems to think is excessive. Does she even know that healthcare largely provided by for profit interest in the US costs €5,535 per person? Because the US is such an unequal society health outcomes are relatively poor in life expectancy and infant mortality terms.

Minister McDowell should be told that, far from inequality being good for us as he claims, a fair society is actually a healthier society. The US shows the link between inequality and low health outcomes which the massive investment in health fails to tackle. Almost 16% of GDP in the US is spent on healthcare because of the private nature of the health service. In fact almost 50% of health spend in the world is spent in the US.

Yet the Government persists with its private solutions to disguise their failure to deliver a decent – let alone a world-class – health service. Minister Harney will, no doubt, argue as she has done before that handing over scarce public lands to private interests along with enormous tax breaks is not privatization. It looks, sounds and acts like privatization but the Minister doesn’t see it that way. She maintains that all she is doing is freeing up private beds in public hospitals to provide more capacity.

But that is simply not true. She is creating more private beds on top of what is in our public hospitals. Private patients will still be entitled to access beds in public hospitals and they will continue to do so. After all 68% of all patients come through A&E and that includes public and private patients. It is untrue to claim that private patients will not longer take up in public hospitals.

Speaking at a Private Healthcare Conference Minister Harney stated, “It is not privatization to cease the practice whereby 20% of new public beds built with public capital are reserved for private use.” But she never told us how she intends to stop patients from exercising their rights.

There is in fact no evidence that the addition of private beds will liberate beds for public patients on a like by like basis. We simply don’t know and the Government hasn’t bothered to find out. All we do know is that the taxpayer will pay for a net increase in private beds. The likelihood is that we will end up with an over-doctored class of private patient enjoying additional privilege and paying higher insurance premia while the public patients will still wait in line. There is an Irish phrase roughly translated it means “to grease the bum of the overfed pig”. That, it seems, is the goal of this government.

It’s worth reminding ourselves that we are citizens of a republic. This year is the 90th anniversary of the 1916 rising and we spent a lot of time debating many aspects of our history. But we need to debate what being a citizen in this republic means and what rights in confers on us as individuals.

The right to education, to healthcare, to a roof over ones’ head. Must we accept that rights do not matter and that it is all about bling, bling nowadays and a gold credit card being the passport to good healthcare?

We in the Labour Party will not be drawn down that path. If returned to government we will end this crazy misuse of public resources and we will bridge the divide between public and private patient that exists instead of exacerbating it.

This overdependence on the private sector will lead to the cherry-picking of patients. For-profit hospitals go for the procedures and services that make money rather than those that meet greatest need. Placing them close to public hospitals will facilitate this trend further. Private hospitals rarely have A&E departments and usually lack services and equipment for many severely ill or injured patients. Their close location will enable the private operator to rely on tax-supported services for costly aspects of patient care.

As the recent report produced by ICTU points out: “The public hospital is the safety net that protects a community with a private hospital. If a private hospital performs badly or closes, the community will look to the State to come to their aid. The experience of Leas Cross private nursing home confirms that where there are private facilities the investors are not the only ones bearing a risk.” It is small wonder that stockbrokerage firms have advised investors that private hospital developments are good investment prospects in Ireland.

In fact when the scheme was announced it was met with whoops of jubilation by investors. “It is the answer to our prayers. We couldn’t have written it better ourselves”, is how one private healthcare promoter responded. And why wouldn’t they celebrate? For every €100 million invested the Irish people will contribute €40 million, a gift from a government that cannot deliver to low income families the 200,000 medical cards it promised but has no difficulty subsidizing the fat cats.

“The reality is that if you look at it, the cost to the taxpayer is quite enormous.” These are not the words of a red clawed socialist although they could be. They are the words of the man whom the Minister has appointed to the most senior post in the Health Service Executive.

Time and again Professor Drumm has expressed his opposition to the government scheme as clearly as the man can do in his circumstances. In October 2005 he warned that “The pendulum will leave the public health service…and that for me would be disastrous. I really believe healthcare should be provided in as many facets as possible through the publicly funded system.” He has sketched out the dangers on the government proposals. “We need to be extremely careful that we do not drive to the front gates of our hospitals and find the road left to the nice flowered structure with a fountain in front where those that can afford it go to that structure and someone goes sheepishly in the other direction towards the HSE hospital.”

But in reality that is exactly what will result if this scheme proceeds. That is the point of a private hospital; the more marked the divide the more attractive the private option and the worse the effect on the public hospital system will be.

The attractions are not all based on hard medical evidence. In fact there is mounting proof that the outcomes for treatments in for-profit hospitals compares unfavourably with those of not-for-profit ones. But patients will still be beguiled by the flowers and the fountain.

Currently we need to employ more hospital consultants in certain specialities in our public hospitals. Since 2003, for example, only one additional A&E consultant has been appointed. Private hospitals will become attractive options for those specialists who are frustrated with the problems and restrictions in the public system. Not only financial return but better conditions will siphon away doctors who currently work within the public sector. Meanwhile public hospitals will lose vital funding they receive for catering for insured patients as they do at present. And a downward spiral will ensue.

It isn’t just in the hospital system that the Minister is imposing her will to privatize. One of the hallmarks of the government record is that since 1997 has been a shrinking of public provision in the care for the elderly and in community services. Since 1997 the number of community nursing beds has been reduced by hundreds of beds.

As the Government struggles to make up the shortfall we are witnessing an increased reliance of private nursing homes to fill the gap. There are many excellent private nursing homes which fill an important need but surely even this government has to learn from experience. There is an urgent need to ensure high standards and quality control of private nursing homes. There is still after all these years not satisfactory regulatory system of private and public nursing homes.

We on this side of the House have grown weary raising this issue with the Government and yet there is still no sign of a full, effective statutory authority that will protect elderly and frail people in residential care. The current inspection system does not inspire confidence .

The HSE ask us to trust them and their minimalist reports up on the web. Well I think most people would have more confidence in the opinion of Martin Hynes’ conclusion of the current system of inspection as being “fragmented, disjointed, with no evidence of joined-up thinking.“ Mr Hynes is the first person who blew the whistle on Leas Cross yet his critique is still ignored. Eighteen months ago the Taoiseach promised an inspectorate independent of the HSE and we are still waiting

When a crisis occurs as it did in the Leas Cross nursing homes exposure by the media the public rightly expect a response. Promises were rightly made by the government but then wrongly they were broken.

Last May the HSE received the Professor O’Neill report into Leas Cross. Last May, the Minister for Health could and should have published it. he has failed to do so to this day. It is her greatest failing in my view. On the one hand she is so over reliant on the private sector and yet on the other she is so lethargic in her approach to regulation and proper oversight on the very facilities that she is enriching.

All this is having a demoralizing effect of those working within the health service. There is a seepage out the health service of public provision that is often almost invisible except to those who experience it directly. Public health doctors disappear up into a layer of bureaucracy and aren’t replaced.

The anecdotal evidence is legion - a dentist in my own county of Wicklow left and wasn’t replaced and it was only when parents discovered their children weren’t being treated was the loss revealed because accountability has been stripped out of the system with the establishment of the HSE. There are vacancies in a range of health professional posts that aren’t being filled. I was contacted by a general practitioner recently working in the North East. He is clearly a good family doctor and wanted someone to hear what was going on on the ground.

His medical practice provides blood tests for patients that need them and the samples have, up until recently, been tested in the laboratory at Our Lady of Lourdes hospital in Drogheda. Now the lab is unable to keep up with demand and has sought one extra staff member and some equipment from the HSE.

But instead of meeting that need the HSE has decided to pay – at heaven knows what expense – for testing of blood samples to be transferred to a private clinic in Kildare and another one in Britain. According the doctor it is not as good or as speedy a service as the public one.

The HSE seem infected by the privatization bug being spread by the Minister to a point where rather than developing further a tried and tested service in Our Lady of Lourdes hospital the HSE made the choice to export blood samples to Britain. The family doctor is frustrated in what he sees is enormously wasteful solution to a simple problem.

I have promised to table a parliamentary question on the cost of this change but, knowing the Minister and the HSE as I do, I reckon it will take until Christmas to get the reply and probably much longer – if ever - to get the information I want.

The silliness of replies to PQs never fails to amaze. Recently I asked if the minutes of the HSE management meetings for July and September 2006 have been signed off yet. In a functional world the answer would be a simple yes or no. But in the dysfunctional world of the Minister of Health the answer read:

“Section 6 of the Health Act 2004 states that the Health Services Executive is a corporate body. In view of this, the matter of minutes from health Services Executive management meetings is solely for them. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.”

Earlier this year we saw another example of the Minister’s determination to promote the private over the public. The government has instituted homecare packages to help elderly patients to stay in their homes – a very worthy objective.

But even in this area the Minister is intent on favouring the private over the public. She launched the American Comfort Keepers franchise in Ireland and spoke glowingly of the role of private companies in homecare.

Since then there have been complaints emerging in some instances and again, there is no proper regulatory system to protect patients at home. A senior Trade Union official described this trend as part of a parallel private home help system which would fit into the Minister’s wider privatization plans.

By far the most significant of those plans is the scheme to develop private hospitals on public lands. These will be partial hospitals creaming off profitable work and leaving the costly long-term care to the taxpayer.

The two tier system will be further institutionalized and locked into the system. There will be no incentive to engage in continuity of care nor to develop an integrated service where the money follows the patient regardless of their income.

It is pure PD ideology in action and what is noteworthy is that Fianna Fail members in this House are so willing to fall in like sheep behind a policy that fails to deal with the important challenges in order to meet the public desire for fairness and efficiency in our health service. We have great doctors and nurses and other staff who care for patients on a daily basis. Surely they deserve better.

SECRETS IN THE HEALTH SERVICE...

2006-10-25T11:38:00.000+01:00

NOW that we're back to normal mode again, health as an issue is coming to the fore. There has been a lot of interest in the joint policy document on A&E that I launched with FG recently. Winter is not yet here so we'll have to wait and see if what kind of pressure will be on the A&E departments this year. In my opinion there haven't been any improvements to the extent that we've seen an end to elderly patients on trolleys.

This is the time of year to get the flu jab, and I'd strongly recommend that anyone at risk get it, it's well worth it. Hopefully we won't have the flu epidemic this year - putting extra pressure on our A&E departments.

The culture of secrecy still exists in our health service. We're still waiting for the Leas Cross report to be published - despite the fact that the HSE has had it since May this year. Also, the Minister does have the power to publish this report but has so far not done so.. Parliamentary questions to the HSE take months to get a response - if at all! 10% of question this year have gone unanswered so far...

I believe very strongly that we need a health service people can trust. So, I'll continue asking the questions....

ARTS FORUM IN WICKLOW

2006-10-05T10:57:00.000+01:00

Getting good feedback on the recently launched mental health policy document with Fine Gael (Reaching Recovery). I believe that it is an important statement of intent and I 'm glad we could get agreement to make it a priority.

****

Rain and wind failed to keep them away last Saturday as Labour was the first political party to hold a consultative forum on the arts in Co. Wicklow. The surroundings of the Equestrian Centre at the Devils Glen were tranquil. The attendance of arts practitioners was high and the discussion was wide-ranging and serious. I found it revealing that so many of the artists said that they didn't meet each other enough and that a forum like ours offered a great opportunity to exchange ideas. The isolation that an artist needs can be hard at times..

DONEGAL SELECTION CONVENTION

2006-10-02T16:24:00.000+01:00

I was in Donegal last weekend chairing the Labour selection convention that chose Seamus Rodgers as its candidate for the next election. It was a great opportunity for me to have a tour of Donegal, meeting local organisations and local health organistations - in particular, Letterkenny hospital.

I also met the Clubman workers (I've attached a photo) and they expressed their concerns to me that the Labour Court recommendations have not been accepted by the management in the factory. I will be bringing this up in the Dail.

JOINT MENTAL HEALTH POLICY LAUNCH

2006-09-06T10:26:00.000+01:00

SO after the summer break things have nicely hotted up already. We, Labour and Fine Gael, returned to Mullingar to review work in progress on policy development and Fianna Fail got all hot and bothered. They cant have it both ways. They complain we have no policies and they complain when we have policies!

I was really glad we published our Mental Health policy as the first chapter of the Labour/FG Health Plan. Mental Health usually comes last yet one in four of us suffer mental illness during our lifetimes. So for once the last shall be the first.

I had a great break ziplining in Mexico and walking in the Glens of Antrim. People are already getting engaged with the battle ahead.

It will be an exciting election, not least for those of us fighting it out on the hustings in 2007!

Irishblogs Liz McManus Labour Party Mental Health Labour and Fine Gael Labour Wicklow

FRIDAY 21ST JULY 2006

2006-07-21T15:40:00.000+01:00

Now that the Dail is off on its infamous summer break, I've been around my Constituency more and more. Of course people I run into keep telling me on I'm on holidays!! Well, it's certainly been busy so far.

One of the main issues in Wicklow in recent days, which has reached the national airwaves, has been the fact that residents in Enniskerry and Rocky Valley have been without water for four days. With the weather being so hot it's particularly uncomfortable and is dangerous. These residents have been treated disgracefully by the County Council in my view.

I was in Arklow this morning showing my support to a local disability Group who are campaigning for disabled access to the Post Office on the Main Street. The group have been there for 2 days and have collected a very impressive 1500 signatures.

On Tuesday night I was in Blessington, West Wicklow at a West Wicklow Labour Party branch meeting. They have launched a recruitment drive for Labour in the area and I was delighted to lend my support to that also.

I've also been visiting people around Bray town and I have been getting a very warm response I'm pleased to say. Of course, it makes me glad I'm not in Fianna Fail!

On a very sad note, the wife of Philip Duffy, my special advisor during my time as Minister of State for Urban Housing and Renewal, Patricia Duffy has died. Patricia was a very warm person who was a good friend to all who knew her and will be sadly missed. I just want to extend my sincere sympathies to Philip, and their boys and to her extended family and friends. Ar dheis De go raibh a h-anam.

THURSDAY 20TH JULY 2006

2006-07-20T11:07:00.000+01:00

I'VE been impressed by the work done by Newstalk recently on exposing rogue or bogus crisis pregnancy agencies. (I will be on the panel to discuss this on Thursday morning.) It is disappointing that the Minister for Health Mary Harney has said that she will not be taking any action on this. This is particularly worrying as these fake crisis pregnancy agencies are targeting young vulnerable women in difficult circumstances and manipulating them for their own agenda.

ALFEL BOCOUM

2006-06-22T16:07:00.000+01:00

The cheque from the Liberty Hunger March for 12,000 euro was handed over successsfully last night. Congratulations to all involved.

On an entirely different note ! (excuse the pun) I went to a gig in Whelans last Saturday. It was a gig by Afel Bocoum and his band Alkibar from Mali - amazing stuff. I am related to Afel, the man himself, by marriage so it was great to see him in Dublin. The reaction to him from the packed out audience was brilliant too. Next time he's here, you should try to come along...

BRAY HUNGER MARCH

2006-06-22T15:55:00.000+01:00

One of the recent events for the Liberty Project (which I’ve been mentioning here over the last number of weeks) was the Bray Hunger March. This march re-enacted the 1937 Bray Hunger March to raise money for projects in Africa…and I’m delighted to say that over 11, 400 Euro has been collected to date. As you can see from the pictures the large crowd braved the bad weather marching up Bray’s Main Street at 9.30 on a Saturday morning and finishing up in Rathdrum at about 7.30pm.

It was a great experience, made greater by the enthusiasm and participation of the walkers from Wicklow.

I should remind you of what exactly the Bray Hunger March was…. In 1937 60 men walked the route from Bray to Rathdrum, walking though the night, to protest at the low rate of welfare. The re-enactment as part of the Liberty March wanted to show support and solidarity for the poor of the developing world so it is hugely satisfying that so much money was raised. Thanks to all who participated and contributed to this very worthwhile project. There were some weary legs and damp clothes but it was worth every minute of it!!

The cheque of almost 12,000 Euro will be presented at the Grand Hotel Bray this Wednesday, 21st June at 9pm…all are welcome especially the walkers – proving that those who walk the walk can also talk the talk!! 

LIBERTY@BEWLEY'S

2006-04-12T16:16:00.000+01:00

LAST night, as part of the Liberty Project I hosted an evening of readings remembering 1916 in Bewley's Cafe Theatre. I've mentioned it on the blog so I hope some fellow bloggers were in the audience! It was a hugely enjoyable evening that surpassed even my high expectations. Unfortunately the venue, which is a beautiful space overlooking Grafton Street in Dublin, have been forced to limit audience numbers to 50 which meant we couldn't fit all those who hoped to attend in. Although it was a unusual feeling turning crowds away from a Labour Party event! I could get used to it!! The line up included Fintan O'Toole, Anne Enright, Paula Meehan, Theo Dorgan, Glenn Patterson and Roddy Doyle and it doesn't get much better than that. Thanks to all who attended, and apologies to all those we had to turn away - but the fire regulations must be obeyed!

For further, future successful Liberty Project events go to this link . !

Roddy Doyle read from A Star Called Henry

Fintan O'Toole was MC for the night

Ruairi Quinn TD enjoying the evening

Jimmy Kelly and Pat entertain!

Technorati tags: LizMcManus irishblogs Liberty Project

31st March 2006

2006-03-31T17:38:00.000+01:00

IT'S been fairly hectic all week, preparing for the Labour Party Conference - it takes place tomorrow in the Helix in Dublin City University. I'll be giving presenting at a work conference - a bit of a pre-view of Labour's health policy documents that will be launched shortly... I'll let you know shortly.

By the way, the programme of events for the Liberty Project - that I've discussed here before - is up on the Labour Party website..under the Current Campaigns section.

There are a few events around the country as well as various events in Dublin and surrouding areas. It promises to be very interesting as the programme is quite diverse. The Liberty Project for those of you who aren't sure and are interested is a joint SIPTU/LABOUR project to commmemorate the role of the Labour movement in Irish history - with particular reference to the events surrounding 1916...One of the event's I'll be looking forward to in particular will be the arts event - a serious of readings from Fintan O'Toole, Anne Enright, Roddy Doyle, Paula Meehan, Theo Dorgan and Glenn Patterson. There'll be a few songs by Jimmy Kelly too!

Oh and a Greystones update...I recently expressed concern at the revelations contained in a submission by the Minister of the Marine to An Bord Pleanala in relation to the proposed Harbour and North Beach development at Greystones.

This submission from the Minister for the Marine raises very serious flaws in the proposal. For example it recommends that the scheme will have to be redesigned to ensure that only acceptable wave heights are achieved at the Marina. This recommendation must raise fundamental doubts about the entire scheme.

On a number of points it describes the Environmental Impact Study as either contradictory or lacking clarity, and also raises concerns about the impact of dredging and on fish life.

Another disturbing finding is that the issue of coastal protection is not properly addressed. There are serious doubts raised about the modelling with regard to impacts of the development on the North Beach.

This submission must set alarms bells ringing. The original purpose of this entire proposal was to restore the harbour and prevent coastal erosion.

Concerns already have been raised about the scale of this development, the traffic implications and the pressure on the local infrastructure.

Now this new evidence from an expert Government source must be taken seriously. Coastal protection must take precedence over private profit.

There is still time to go back to the drawing board and I am urging that a re-think now takes place at Wicklow County Council level to provide a well-designed smaller scale restoration project for Greystones Harbour and the North Beach.

24th March 2006

2006-03-24T18:01:00.000Z

GREAT to see all the coverage that the blog irishelection.com has been getting. As some of you may know there was a great piece on blogs and politics in the Irish Times this week..

On Tuesday of this week, I joined about 70 people, mostly parents, outside the Dail to support the call for funding for the St Catherine's Barnacoyle Preschool for Autistic Children. Of course, I will continue to support them - even after the announcement of some funding from the Department of Education. The fact that parents have to campaign for basic rights for their children is extremely ridiculous, but the parents and the Irish Autism Alliance have done so well to get this far. I will be pursuing the Minister for more answers after her announcements so this is not over yet! (Labour Cllr Tom Fortune was at the protest also - in the picture on the right)

As an add on to the PES petition against trafficking of women during the World Cup, my Parliamentary Asssistant was in Brussels for the launch of Stop the Traffik campaign. It was launced by Simon Coveney MEP, and is a global coalition for those who are concerned about the issues of people trafficking. Stop the Traffik's goal is to use the opportunity of the commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade in 2007 to create a global commitment to significantly reduce human trafficking and to uphold the human rights of those vulnerable to, as well as those who find themselves victims of, trafficking. Once the website has been set up - I'll post the details here so that you can get information on the practical ways that you can get involved - even if it's simply to sign the Stop the Traffik declaration.

Finally, for those who didn't see Brendan Gleeson's passionate diatribe against the current state of the health services - in particular the A&E crisis - I would recommend you view it on RTE's website. It was a moving and justifiably enraged account of his personal experiences of A&E....more on this again..

Campaign Against Trafficking Of Women During World Cup

2006-03-06T18:03:00.000Z

I'd like to draw people's attention to a new online petition calling for the prevention of mass trafficking of women and girls into Germany for prostitution during this summer's World Cup. It can be found at Pes.org

This initiative has been undertaken by the Party of European Socialists, to which the Labour Party is affiliated.

The World Cup is a global celebration of football, which remains the most popular sport in the world. However, the influx of tourists and football supporters to Germany carries with it a dark underbelly. Thousands of women and girls will be illegally trafficked into Germany over the course of the next few months to be exploited as prostitutes. This is a reality that must be confronted in the build-up to the tournament in order to save as many women as possible from this form of sexual slavery.

The online petition created by the PES calls on the President of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso, to take a specific initiative with Member States to prevent women being brought into Germany for prostitution.

I urge as many people as possible to visit the site and add their support for this campaign. The petition will be open for signatures until 08 March, which is International Women’s Day.

Only through concerted pressure will we be able to save women from this brutal form of exploitation.

1916 Commemoration Should Honour all Combatants

2006-03-03T18:17:00.000Z

As the State commemorations of 1916 approaches, some may have heard my comments on the need to commemorate all sides - and so I've attached a piece I wrote for the papers...so that the full argument can be read. I hope it's of interest, and I would welcome comments. I would like to mention also that 5 000 people took part in a march in January of this year in Derry at the annual Bloody Sunday commemoration march. Almost 4000 candles were lit in memory of ALL those who were killed in acts of violence linked to the Troubles in the North. It struck me that if this can be done 34 years after Bloody Sunday, then surely we are mature enough to do the same?

1916 Commemoration Should Honour all Combatants – no Matter what Uniform they Wore

By
Liz McManus TD
Deputy Leader of the Labour Party
Member of the Government All-Party Commemoration Committee

The interpretation of history can be simply politics conducted by other means. What we commemorate, whom we commemorate and how we commemorate are essentially political decisions made to promote contemporary results and resonance.

All mere ‘commemorators’ of the 1916 Rising, such as the President in her keynote speech at a recent seminar in UCC, face the challenge of how to reconcile the gap between a small uprising without a democratic mandate and a modern inclusive democracy. For the President to dispose of a charge of ‘sectarianism’ against the Rising is just too simplistic. The charge of religious sectarianism is not one that has been seriously levelled at the Rising – even by unionists – and could hardly be sustained against any enterprise that included James Connolly among its leadership.

The more serious and consistent charge made against the Rising is that it had no democratic mandate and gave renewed (and unneeded) vigour to the physical force tradition over the constitutional tradition in Irish nationalism. The issue of the absence of a democratic mandate is not so easily dismissed, since it was often invoked as the main philosophical basis for the Provisional terror campaign in the North.

The Rising, of course, reflected the attitudes of its time. It was a significant event in which Labour played a proud part but it was followed by a rapid evolution to democratic politics through the 1918 General Election, followed by the first Dáil Éireann early in 1919 and on to the establishment and consolidation of a parliamentary democracy in the Irish Free State.

A somewhat similar evolution may be traced in the events of the past thirty-five or so years in the North – the lesson being that, eventually, constitutional politics prevails and is the people’s preferred option over physical force. This is a lesson that Sinn Féin, above all the parties seeking to commemorate 1916, must take on board. Many of us remain to be convinced that their commitment to constitutional politics is not just a thin veneer overlaid on a grim reality of continuing criminality and gangsterism – north and south.

For democrats, the challenge is not just to commemorate 1916 but to apply some of its ideals in a way that is relevant in contemporary politics. Under this approach, the key phrase is ‘cherishing all the children of the nation equally’ - in the proper sense of its use in the Proclamation. In modern politics that equates with ‘parity of esteem’ for all the traditions or identities on this island.

The commemoration has already stimulated earnest debate around questions of Irish identity. Endlessly rehashed discussions about who died on the Somme or in Kilmainham in the summer of 1916 – and whether they should have or not – may be of interest to a small number of committed people or academics. Such discussions are of no relevance to a new generation of post-Celtic Tiger ‘thirty-somethings’.

In recent years, in pursuit of encouraging respect for the different identities on this island, official Ireland has shown a greater willingness to honour the men who fought and died in British uniform in the Great War. There is to be an official government commemoration this year of the 90th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, in which the Ulster Division played such a prominent part. Some years ago, the President, together with Queen Elizabeth of Britain, participated in the official opening of an all Ireland Peace Park, at Messines, in Belgium.

These are important steps in the process of reconciliation. However, I believe the time is now right to take one further step to make our reconciliation fully genuine and inclusive. This year’s official commemorative ceremonies – and all future ceremonies - should honour all combatants involved in the Rising no matter what uniform they wore. Not just the Volunteers or the Citizen Army, but those who fought in British uniform, as well as the socialist, feminist and pacifist Francis Sheehy Skeffington murdered in Richmond Barracks by the deranged Captain Bowen-Colthurst, the civilians murdered in North Richmond Street by the same officer and the many other civilians – thirty five of them never identified – killed by both sides in the Rising.

Clarke, Pearse, MacDermott, MacDonagh, Colbert, Connolly – these are all names familiar to us from 1916. However, these same surnames occur in the lists of men decorated, wounded or killed in British uniform during Easter Week 1916 in Dublin. The Royal Dublin Fusiliers were among the regiments called upon to put down the Rising and Irishmen served in many of the other units involved. It is, I suggest, relatively easy for the Irish state to honour those who died far away in Flanders or Gallipoli. Are we tolerant enough now, ninety years on, to officially respect those troops of the same army who fell on the then Sackville Street or at Mount Street Bridge?

Eamonn Ceannt was a signatory of the Proclamation and was executed in Kilmainham on the 8th of May 1916. Yet his older brother, William, was a Company Sergeant Major in the Royal Dublin Fusiliers. Exactly a year after the Rising, on the 24th of April 1917, he lost his life during the offensive at Arras, in France, at the age of forty-six. The night before Eamonn Ceannt’s execution the 1916 leader wrote: ‘I bear no ill-will towards those against whom I have fought. I have found the common soldiers and the higher officers human and companionable, even the English who were actually in the fight against us.’

Asked if he had any message for the members of his firing squad, James Connolly replied: ‘I respect any man who does his duty according to his lights’. Connolly’s response should not surprise us unduly, for although he ended his honourable life in the uniform of a Commandant-General of the Citizen Army, as a young man he wore the uniform of a Scottish regiment while stationed in Ireland. Surely, if these signatories of the Proclamation could extend the hand of reconciliation even to the British soldiers who executed them, it seems churlish that we today could not do the same?

A separate, if equal, official commemoration of those who died on the Somme is no longer enough. That simply perpetuates a form of commemorative apartheid. What we need now is that the language of our official commemoration on Easter Sunday, of our speeches and our publications, should be truly inclusive and reconciliatory and thus extend to all the combatants of 1916, as well as to the innocent civilians.

Friday, 17th February 2006

2006-02-17T17:32:00.000Z

I was delighted to see that 5,500 submissions in relation to the Greystones harbour were received by An Bord Plenala As readers of this blog will know, I've been active in my opposition to the size and scale of this development. Along with the local residents who oppose this scheme, we've been calling for a rethink of the development in its current guise. It's great to see such people power being demonstrated - we need to keep this pressure on. Let's continue in our efforts to bring about the changes to this plan that will ensure it will be in keeping with the environment and the surrounding area. Well done to all who have contributed to this campaign so far. And I hope to see more join the campaign!

Last week some parents of young children at St. Catherine's school at Barnacoyle came into to Dail to hear me speak about their concerns at the future of this school. St. Catherine's is an Applied Behavioural Analysis facility and has been told by the Minister for Education that funding for nine children at the school will no longer be available - from March 31st. I will continue to urge that the Minister reconsiders. It is hard to believe that when the country is awash with money that the most vulnerable in our society are yet again left aside.

Technorati tags: Irishblogs LizMcManus Labour Party Greystones Harbour Greystones Wicklow

IRISH ELECTION BLOG

2006-02-15T15:35:00.000Z

I was asked to contribute to a new blog that will collect political articles and posts in the run up to the General Election. It can be found here if anyone would like a look...

GREYSTONES HARBOUR

2006-02-10T17:02:00.000Z

So I'm back again about the Greystones Harbour! Last week 400 or so people turned up at a public meeting about this development - which was really heartening. I was aware of the concern among large numbers of residents and others but this kind of turn out on a Tuesday evening in January was great to see. I was the only TD that turned up - and was joined Labour Cllr Tom Fortune.

While its acknowledged that an upgrade of the areas is welcome, this development in its present guise goes too far. Its going to cause years of trucks ploughing down to the harbour every 2 mintues which will be unbearable for the local residents/community.

There is such a strong feeling among Labour representatives, Greystones residents and others that this development really needs a rethink and to be reduced in scale.

And finally - just a quick note on first few days back in the Dail, 2006. It definetly seems like Groundhog day there at times. Bloggers may well be aware of the revelations couple of weeks back of the 56 million euro that the Department of Health thought hadn't spent, but in fact had spent on capital spending...buildings etc. I just wonder sometimes if our Minister for Health ever looks at her bank statments, as the no one seems to know where this money has gone??

Labour Greystones Harbour Greystones Tom Fortune

Wednesday, 18th January 2006

2006-01-18T16:05:00.000Z

JUST WHEN you think things couldn't get worse they get worse. The figures presented by the INO (Irish Nurses Organisation) of 422 patients on trolleys in A&E Departments around the country are truly shocking. It seems incredible that a year after promising to solve the A&E Crisis by April 2005 and we're still seeing this type of situation.

In a non health service related topic, we're beginning the preparations for this year's 1916 celebration. I'm Chair of the Liberty Project that has as it's aim to celebrate the role of the Labour movement in Irish history - in particular the events surrounding 1916 while exploring the significance in today's world of the struggle for equality and freedom.

We're planning the month of April for events - I'll post more details as soon as I have them...it should be interesting....

Labour Labour Liberty Accident&Emergency

Happy New Year

2006-01-06T16:50:00.000Z

Happy New Year to all you bloggers out there! This is my first post of 2006 and I hope it'll be first of many and regular postings...

New Years Day began with a kick-start - the traditional New Years Day charity swim in Bray, as I do every year. This has to be the greatest hangover cure of all time-blowing away all cobwebs from the previous night's festivities. The water was absolutely freezing, as expected, but it was great to see such an impressive turn out.

THIS year will no doubt be an exciting one in politics with a general election looming. The recent holidays were needed to recharge the batteries. Despite the fact that the Dail is not yet back the Christmas holidays already seem like a distant memory!

2006 began with the announcement of the Exchequer returns for 2005. Those who work in the health services and those who have had to endure long waiting lists and long waits on trolleys in our A&E units must be shocked that around E136m went unspent last year. While money is far from the only answer in relation to the health services, but I'm sure all will agree that there are areas that targeted spending is desperately needed.

I'm currently working on finalising our Primary Health Care document, which I hope to launch in the next few weeks, so it's definitely back to work time...

Labour Primary Care Bray swim

Friday 16th December

2005-12-16T16:04:00.000Z

LAST sunday I joined an impressive crowd of people at a protest for Greystones Harbour. It was great to see such a turn out, loads of families, kids playing. Sadly the promised appearance of Dustin the Turkey failed to happen - the run up to Christmas obviously has him hiding.

Its been a busy run up the Christmas break in general. Last Friday I went down to Cork to host an Arts Forum. It was organised by Labour Artists and was really heartening to have such interested and committed people turn up to debate and thrash out the issues. Cork has had a great year as European City of Culture overall but we do need to see a continued and coordinated approach to the arts. Of course, needless to say Labour's Arts Policy "art4all" is availabe on www.labour.ie ! Hmm, seems that every week on this blog I'm directing people to our website....but it's all there folks! And I would like your comments and feedaback on any of it!

Actually I was down in Cork over the summer to speak at the Older Women's Network and I spoke on the incredibly poor represenation of women in the Dail, managerial positions etc. Today I've just noticed on breakingnews.ie that the Central Stats Office has confirmed that the figures are as disappointing as ever. "13% of serving TDs are women, while female businesspeople also make up only 30% of positions on state boards." It means that issues that affect women are being legislated for by a constant majority of men....would childcare for example have taken a back seat for so long if there was a higher representation of women making decisions?

Oh and for any Wicklow based bloggers - I hope you slept soundly through our recent earthquake - I certainly did!

Happy Christmas!!

Irishblogs LizMcManus Labour Party Greystones Harbour Greystones Wicklow
Labour Arts Labour Women Bray earthquake Childcare

2005-12-06T18:46:00.000Z

Today, I was lucky enough to be invited along to Ballyknockan Cookery School in Glenealy, Co. Wicklow to present the newly qualified chefs with their certs. They fed me well, proving their accolades were much deserved, and it was certainly one of the highlights of my week! I came across a great quote which I shared with the new chefs-"Cooking is like love. It should be entered into with abandon or not at all!" Best of luck to all of them!

Unfortunately, there'll be a return to rushed sandwiches tomorrow as we face the announcement of the Budget. More updates on this later....

Greystones Marina update

2005-11-29T13:09:00.000Z

AT THE recent Greystones branch meeting, the Labour Party had a long discussion about the proposed harbour development. At the last Local Election we expressed grave concerns about the scale of the development, the traffic pollution generated and the impact it would have on Greystones.

We welcome the fact that more people are critical of this proposal and we believe it should be withdrawn. There is a great need to improve and upgrade the harbour area but this kind of development-led plan does not serve the community.

We intend to carry out further evaluations once the environmental impact study is published. So watch this space…

For more information check out www.greystonesmarina.com

Technorati tags: Irishblogs LizMcManus Labour Party Greystones Harbour Greystones Wicklow

Monday, November 28

2005-11-28T17:36:00.000Z

THIS is always a busy time of year in Dail Eireann and I have been meaning to update the site long before now, so apologies for not doing it sooner.

A lot of different things have been happening since I last updated, we have had the Budget estimates released by the Government recently where A&E charges were doubled to €65 a visit. The GP-only cards do not cover A&E visits so this is very disheartening news on the health front indeed.

People on waiting lists and enduring terrible conditions in overcrowded Accident and Emergency Units will also find it difficult to believe that the Tanaiste actually failed to spend more than €56m that was available to her this year.

Labour Youth had another successful conference in Galway and I spoke along with the Party Leader, Deputy Pat Rabbitte and Deputy Michael D Higgins. Check out this link on the Labour Youth website.

I spoke to the delegates about mental health and awareness in Ireland and the pitiful resources given to this the Cinderella of Irish health services. Labour is the only party to have a specific policy on mental health, you can read more here.

George Bernard Shaw once said that youth is wasted on the young and having spent time at the conference of Labour Youth over the years I have found the complete opposite to be true!

I was pleased to meet residents of Greystones last week when concerns were raised about proposals for the harbour. This is one of the planning issues that I am keeping a close eye on and will be keeping in contact with the local residents this issue.

Finally the Labour Party will be having its Wicklow convention on December 4 and we are hoping to see all our Labour members out in force.

WASTERS

2005-11-07T17:50:00.000Z

LMM.PR.WASTERS
Originally uploaded by Liz McManus TD.

I really believe that the people of our State are sick and tired of the waste that the current government are consistently in charge of. The Labour Party are sick and tired of taxpayers money beinig wasted too, and as such have launched this "Wasters" campaign. We've been highlighting the vast wastage of money on various botched projects.

For example:
The Great Computer Squander: E160 million on a health service computer system that doesn't work.

Michael McDowell's Pricey Prisons: E30 million for a prison site worth E6 million.

Bertie's Blunder in Abbotstown: E157 million to clear a site for a stadium that wasn't built.

The Tunnel Throw-away: The Port Tunnel is running E335 million over budget.

Charlie McCreevy's Horsey Hand-out: E15 million for this pet project!

For that waste listed above that comes to E753 million, if Labour was in Government the following would have been achieved instead:

2000 extra Gardai on the streets for 9 years.

An additional teacher into every primary school for 5 years.

A free pre-school place for every child under 4 years of age.

The funding of the redevelopment of hospitals such as the Mater and Temple Street.

Liz McManus, T.D. at Drogheda United v Bray Wanderers, 23 Oct. 05

2005-10-24T14:36:00.000+01:00

This Sunday I joined up with some of my Labour colleagues, Cllrs Paul Bell and Ger Nash to add my voice to supporters of Bray Wanderers.

Liz McManus, T.D. at Drogheda United v Bray Wanderers, 23 Oct. 05
Originally uploaded by lizmcmanustd.

Despite a valiant effort by Bray Wanderers, Drogheda won out in the end with a 2-1 score. It must be remembered though that Drogheda United is a professional football club, i.e. this is the day job for the players. Poor old lads in Bray have to do a day's work before they tog out for their team! Of course, hearty congratulations to Drogheda. Next time, next time...

October 11th - A year of Harney in health

2005-10-11T17:14:00.000+01:00

To mark Deputy Harney's, Tanaiste and Minister for Health, first year in office and the weekly protests at the Mater Hospital A&E department organised by my party colleague, Deputy Joe Costello, members of the Labour Party, Patients Together as well as members of the public, joined together to voice their frustrations at a health service still in decline.

The powers that be obviously backed our campaign because the sun shone for the hour of the protest before the sky opened up just as we were finishing off.

You can read our analysis on Minister Harney's first year in office here.

October 3rd Update

2005-10-03T12:39:00.000+01:00

This is the start of my weekly update now that the Dail is back in session. You can find my press releases both local and national on the Labour website.

I hope to use this forum as an informal weekly update. And as I said previously I welcome your comments and look forward to exploring the new medium of blogging.

Arts4All

Martin Murphy (chairperson of Labour Artists), myself, Deputy Jack Wall

The Labour Party recently launched a detailed arts policy because we believe it is the job of the Government to ensure cultural rights are a reality.

Among the recommendations is for enhanced facilities and infrastructure of communities, so that the full potential for local access to and appreciation of cultural services can be realised.

Find out more information here.

Clonmel Think-in

The Parliamentary Labour Party recently held its annual start of the political year meeting in Clonmel. Among the issues discussed included the continuing campaign calling for the roll-out of Breast Check to the whole country and childcare, as well as work and campaigns to be undertaken by the party over the coming Dail session.

Councillor Phil Prendergast adjusting the Labour Leader, Deputy Pat Rabbitte's pink ribbon at a recent Breast Check Now protest.

Welcome to Liz McManus' weblog

2005-07-11T18:55:00.000+01:00

This is a forum for constituents to comment on any of the latest issues published here.