News | MATT CARTHY TD

Carthy calls on government to address waiting lists for Children’s Autism services and other supports

Carthy calls on government to address waiting lists for Children’s Autism services and other supports

Cavan Monaghan Sinn Féin TD, Matt Carthy, has called on the government to address the lengthening waiting lists for children’s in need of Autism services and other supports.

Speaking in a Dáil exchange with Tánaiste Leo Varadkar, Carthy said that as the Covid emergency retreats it is imperative that government deliver the much needed supports that children deserve.

Deputy Carthy told the Tánaiste:

“This week, we learned from RTÉ that a seven-year-old girl with autism has been informed that she will have to wait until 2026 for an appointment with school-age support services. Such a timeframe is, unfortunately, not unique, although it is atypical for the HSE to be so blunt.

“I am aware of dozens of families in my constituency whose children are waiting years for assessments of need, autism services, child development supports, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and psychology services.

“In most cases, the only information that their families can get is that there are extensive waiting lists.

What will the Government do to ensure that, as we emerge from the pandemic, autism services and other services for our children do not just return to where they were, which was clearly not good enough, but become worthy services that can deliver the much-needed supports these children deserve?”

In his response the Tánaiste said:

“As the Deputy will be aware, the Government is developing our first autism-specific strategy. It will be an important step forward. Work on that is under way. I am sorry to hear about the individual cases that the Deputy raised, but the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, who has responsibility for disability services, is taking a real interest in this matter and will do her best to improve matters over the coming years.”

Following the exchange, Deputy Carthy commented:

“Children in need of autism and other support services were already waiting unacceptable periods prior to the onset of the pandemic.

“Now we’re a further year behind, the waiting lists have grown, and we have a government that is talking about cutbacks in health expenditure.

“The government urgently need to provide an action plan which not only reduces this backlog in the coming months, but delivers these services on a permanent footing and in a timely manner into the future.”

ENDS

Carthy challenges RTÉ contracts for high-earners at Public Accounts Committee

Carthy challenges RTÉ contracts for high-earners at Public Accounts Committee

Cavan Monaghan Sinn Féin TD, Matt Carthy, last week challenged RTÉ at the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee on the high wages of a number of its presenters, and the arrangements whereby many high-earners are appointed as contractors rather than direct employees.

RTÉ representatives, including Director General Dee Forbes, were appearing before the Committee, in part, to discuss their implementation of the Eversheds Sutherland report which examines the situation whereby contractors at the station were deemed to have ‘attributes akin to employment.’

The Committee has held a series of engagements investigating the practice, which results in a reduced yield of PRSI to the state. At one recent Committee, a campaigner against the practice told the Committee:

“The failure to collect PRSI is what now has us in a pensions crisis. It is my opinion there is no pensions crisis. There is a failure to collect employers’ PRSI crisis…”

In RTÉ many household names are retained as contractors rather than direct employees. This practice can facilitate tax avoidance and several questions have been raised as to the purpose of such policies.

The engagement went as follows:

Deputy Matt Carthy: “A lot of people will still be surprised to learn that some of the familiar faces they see on their television screens are not direct employees of RTÉ and are, in fact, contractors. Seven of the ten top earners in RTÉ, according to its 2019 reports, were contractors. Will Ms Forbes explain why somebody who essentially works full time for RTÉ would have become a contractor in the first place and the historical basis for it?”

Ms Dee Forbes: “I will say a couple of things on that. It is important to say first of all that those seven contractors Deputy Carthy speaks about are brands in their own right and they also have the ability to earn money outside of RTÉ. They are contracted by RTÉ to provide a particular service for a particular programme on a particular day. They are not full-time employees of RTÉ, and as a result, they are contractors as opposed to being employees. That is how it was deemed. Perhaps Ms Cusack might want to elaborate a bit more.”

Matt Carthy: “Before Ms Cusack comes in, perhaps she could explain whether there is something preventing direct employees of RTÉ having alternative sources of income from promotional activity, working in the local chip shop or whatever else. Is there a differential in that regard?”

Dee Forbes: “The area of additional income that does happen for RTÉ employees is typically book publishing, for example. If a member of staff wants to publish a book, again provided that it is agreed with his or her manager, the person can do that, but it is probably the only area I am aware of where we have done that. Ms Cusack might correct me.”

Matt Carthy: “To clarify, is Ms Forbes saying that those who are directly employed by RTÉ are not allowed to have an alternative source of income other than writing a book?”

Dee Forbes: “What I am saying is that as far as I am aware, they are employed by RTÉ and some of those people have, for example, written a book about their profession or whatever.”

Matt Carthy: “To clarify, is Ms Forbes saying they are not entitled to do any other work outside of RTÉ? What I am trying to do is differentiate between somebody who is employed under a contract and those who are directly employed. Ms Forbes says the latter cannot earn any other money.”

Ms Eimear Cusack: “I will come in there. They would have to seek permission. People cannot just unilaterally have other stuff going on.”

Matt Carthy: “Are contractors given carte blanche to do whatever else they want?”

Eimear Cusack: “They have more freedom to act, but they have a commercial value to RTÉ as well as a commercial value outside of RTÉ.”

Matt Carthy: “We will just deal with the seven top earners in RTÉ who are on contracts. Apart from avoiding some taxes, what is the benefit to them of being on a contract? Considering the implications with pension rights and whatever the case may be, what other benefits do they have that they would not have if they were directly employed?”

Eimear Cusack: “I do not understand. I do not know. I do not know what benefits they have.”

Matt Carthy: “I am trying to get a sense of who wants the contracts. Is it the personalities themselves or is it RTÉ? Who benefits most from a contractual arrangement?”

Dee Forbes: “I think both parties do, because these people are working for us on a particular show and they can also do other things. It also means we can bring in other people if we need or other members of staff can do other things. As Deputy Carthy knows, presenting is demanding and it is not everyone’s cup of tea, so we need to be able to have new voices and new faces when necessary as well. It probably works for both sides.”

Matt Carthy: “When RTÉ is negotiating with presenters, does it deal with them directly or with their representatives or agents?”

Dee Forbes: “It is a mixture.”

Matt Carthy: “How many of the top seven earners would be dealing with the same agent?”

Dee Forbes: “Some of them have the same agent.”

Matt Carthy: “How many?”

Dee Forbes: “I will have to look through the details. I can see two at the moment have the same agent. I think it is two or three.”

Matt Carthy: “We might get clarification on that.”

Following the debate, Deputy Carthy said:

“It is apparent that there has been a systemic cultural issue at RTÉ when it comes to employment status.

“At one end of the spectrum, we have had individuals who are denied their entitled benefits and job security of employment, while we have the highest earners choosing to place themselves in that very same category for what seems to be a mystery to the management of RTÉ”.

Later in the debate, it was also revealed that RTÉ has made an initial payment to the Revenue Commissioners as a result of an ongoing audit, with Deputy Carthy commenting:

“I find it a farcical position that RTÉ would come before the Committee in the full knowledge that they will reveal they have made a payment to the Revenue Commissioners, and not have the details of that payment hand.

“RTÉ are quite able to come before the Oireachtas seeking increased funds through license fees; therefore the public should expect full transparency when they run afoul of the Revenue Commissioners”.

ENDS

Direct Provision system is ‘a source of shame to us all’

Direct Provision system is ‘a source of shame to us all’ – Matt Carthy TD

Cavan Monaghan Sinn Fein T.D., Matt Carthy, has told the Dáil that the system of Direct Provision is “a source of shame to us all”.

He was speaking during statements to the Dáil on the White Paper on Ending Direct Provision; he said the system has failed those seeking asylum as well as host communities while enriching vested interests to the tune of €1.6Billion.

The Cavan Monaghan TD said:

“Direct provision has been a scandal and every Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, Green Party, Labour, Progressive Democrat or other Minister in a Government that has overseen it should be ashamed of themselves.

“There are stories of an uncaring system where human beings are treated, essentially as less by officialdom and administrators, and there is fear underlying every consideration as to whether a complaint should be made about mistreatment. So many of the stories have reminded me of the recollections we have heard from Magdalene laundries.

“Instead of a policy underpinned by integration, the approach by Government agencies, including very senior officials, has been marked by secrecy and hostility.

“Communities with virtually no investment and which have seen services such as schools, Garda stations and GPs being removed find one day, without any consultation, that their local hotel is being turned into a direct provision centre.

“It is little wonder that racist and far-right groups see opportunity in this.

“This utterly failed system has cost €1.6 billion over 20 years and therein lies one of the challenges faced by the Minister. There are the vested interests who have made millions of euro from this inhumane regime.

“This White Paper is welcome, but the Minister and his Government will be judged on actions and results rather than rhetoric. I sincerely hope that within this term, we will be able to say collectively the shame of direct provision can be put behind us.”

Following the debate, Carthy commented:

“The white paper charts a course to finally end direct provision, but I would urge the Minister not only to seek an accelerated timeline for its implementation, but to also to address the known and ongoing problems facing residents in direct provision centres in the interim. Matters that are constantly raised such as food quality and access to medical care are to such examples that residents that must be resolved immediately.”

ENDS

Taoiseach’s comments on N-S Interconnector review confirm community ‘concerns’

Taoiseach’s comments on N-S Interconnector review confirm community ‘concerns’ – Matt Carthy TD

Cavan Monaghan Sinn Féin TD, Matt Carthy, has said that the response by the Taoiseach to his question regarding his announced ‘review’ into the North South Interconnector will have confirmed the concerns within the communities affected that the government have little intention of changing course.

In an interaction with An Taoiseach, Mícheál Martin, in the Dáil last week Deputy Carthy said that the Interconnector will only be developed on the basis that it is undergrounded. He referred to remarks by the Minister responsible, Eamon Ryan, at an Oireachtas committee, that the review will simply be a technical, paper exercise; and asked an Taoiseach if he would deliver on Fianna Fáil’s pre-election promise to carry out a comprehensive feasibility assessment of undergrounding the interconnector.

Speaking after the exchange Deputy Carthy challenged local Fianna Fáil representatives to make a stand. “Fianna Fáil TDs, Senators and Councillors were kick to take credit for the Taoiseach’s announcement of a review into the project” he said.

“But, increasingly that review is being exposed as a sham. They need to be equally forceful in demanding that their own pre-election commitments are delivered. The communities affected deserve no less, and will not settle for less.”

Dáil Exchange

Deputy Matt Carthy: “Can the Taoiseach inform us whether the Cabinet committee that deals with infrastructure has discussed the issue of the North-South interconnector?

“The decision by EirGrid to underground the Kildare and Meath high voltage power lines means that the North-South interconnector is the only project in EirGrid’s GRID25 plans that it intends to pursue using overhead, pylon supported power lines.

“The Taoiseach knows, because I am sure his representatives have told him, that there is huge community anger and frustration with the lack of engagement from and the arrogance of EirGrid. We are told that the Taoiseach committed to a Fianna Fáil parliamentary party meeting that there would be a review into that decision, something that I cautiously welcomed.

“Yet, the Minister responsible has indicated that this review will just be a review of previous reviews and that it is full steam ahead as far as this project is concerned.

“Will the Taoiseach commit to adhering to his pre-election commitment to carry out a full feasibility analysis to underground this project, in recognition that it is only through the undergrounding of the North-South interconnector that the project will be delivered at all?

Taoiseach Micheál Martin: “In regard to the North-South interconnector, the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications has spoken about the review that is under way.

“The Deputies’ know the position of EirGrid. It believes it cannot be undergrounded. I have pointed to areas around the country where certain initiatives have been undergrounded.

“The context is the all-island single energy market and so on. There is a review”.

ENDS

Teagasc comments expose government ‘hypocrisy’ on horticultural peat

Teagasc comments expose government ‘hypocrisy’ on horticultural peat – Matt Carthy TD

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Agriculture, Matt Carthy TD, has said that witness testimony from Teagasc representatives at the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee last weeks confirms the hypocrisy at the heart of government policy regarding horticultural peat harvesting.

Representatives of Teagasc were appearing before the Committee to discuss the Climate Action Plan, and stated ‘at the moment, the only feasible alternative is to look at importation’ in response to a question from Deputy Carthy on the matter.

Teachta Carthy said:

“Over the past several months the government have been informed of the existential threat posed to the horticulture sector in Ireland by a ban on harvesting of horticultural peat.

“Peat is an absolute pre-requisite for the horticultural sector in Ireland – a sector that contributes significantly to jobs and local economies in rural Ireland. It includes the mushroom industry, a pivotal player in the economy of my Cavan Monaghan constituency.

“In discussing these matters, Green Party Ministers have repeatedly referred to peat alternatives despite receiving continued explanations that such alternatives do not exist.

“Now it has been irrefutably confirmed that the only alternative that will be to actually immediately commence the importation of peat from other countries.

“This is an illogical position that will accrue no benefit to the environment. It exposes as absolute farce commitments by government to a Just Transition.

“In fact, the Just Transition Commission itself went to great lengths to highlight that harvesting of horticultural peat is entirely different to the practice harvesting peat as a fossil fuel. This is just yet another example of the outworking of Green Party policies which apparently aim to raise standards at home while exporting the climate crisis to other parts of the world.

“How can anyone, let alone multiple Green Party Ministers advocate that it is more environmentally sustainable to import a raw material from abroad, than harvest it at home?

“The fear of course is that rather than leading to the importation of peat, that this will actually lead to the exportation of the horticultural industry, and associated jobs, abroad.

“I, and I believe those involved in the horticulture industry and the communities that depend on it, will absolutely welcome any research into alternatives and research in this area should be prioritised.

“In the mean-time, however, we have to cease the hypocrisy. We cannot allow thousands of jobs in rural Irish communities to be put at risk at the whim of Green Party tokenism. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael representatives must call this hypocrisy out before it’s too late to save this industry”.

ENDS

Government set to ‘dodge’ previous Carbon Tax commitment to Farm Contractors

Government set to ‘dodge’ previous Carbon Tax commitment to Farm Contractors – Matt Carthy TD

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Agriculture, Matt Carthy TD, has labelled the Minister for Finance’s response to a question on increases to taxes on green diesel as an attempt to ‘dodge’ his previous commitment.

The increased Carbon Tax introduced by government in Budget 2021 contained a deferred increase on Green Diesel, due to take effect on May 1st this year.

Teachta Carthy said:

“The implementation of this carbon tax increase on Green Diesel was deferred until May.

“In light of the ongoing pandemic and outworking’s of Brexit that are only now becoming apparent, Teachta Pearse Doherty and I asked the Minister for Finance if he would further delay the implementation of this tax increase.

“Farmers, and the agricultural sector in general, are currently facing great uncertainty – it does not make sense to take more money out of their pockets at this time.

“More broadly, the Carbon Tax itself is self-defeating. The idea of increasing tax on fuel while public transport remains an unviable option in much of rural Ireland is an affront to those communities. Clearly, farmers and farm contractors have no options to change their machines at this stage.

“The Minister was pressed specifically on the situation farm contractors find themselves in, and they have made clear that due to unfair tax rules they will have no choice but to pass this tax increase directly on to farmers.

“Minister Donohoe has acknowledged his previous commitment to address the concerns of Farm Contractors but has yet to indicate if he will abide by it.

“There is also a role for the Minister for Agriculture in addressing this situation. In addressing what is effectively an agricultural tax, farm contractors need action and support from government.

“In the coming weeks before this tax increase comes into effect, I intend to engage the Ministers for Finance and Agriculture to ensure that the commitment to review this situation with farm contractors is delivered”.

Transcript of Dáil Debate

Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Finance if he will extend the exemption of green diesel from the increase to the carbon tax introduced as part of budget 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Deputy Pearse Doherty: The question is a6bout whether 6the Minister will extend the exemption on green diesel from the increase in carbon tax introduced in budget 2021. There is an extension whereby it will not come into effect until 1 May of this year, as a result of the dual issues of Brexit and the pandemic. These issues have not been resolved but there are also serious issues in terms of the fairness of the tax. We want to hear the views of the Minister on it.

Minister Paschal Donohoe: Ireland’s excise duty treatment of fuel used for motor and heating purposes is based on European Union law as set out in Directive 2003/96/EC on the taxation of energy products and electricity, commonly known as the energy tax directive.

Mineral oil tax is an excise duty comprised of carbon and non-carbon components. The carbon component is often referred to as carbon tax, but it is only one part of the overall tax that applies to mineral oils and other fuels used for motor and heating purposes. Mineral oil tax as applied in Ireland is subject to the requirements of the energy tax directive.

The main agriculture exposure to excise duty comes from the fuel inputs primarily through the use of marked gas oil, which is also commonly referred to as green diesel, farm diesel or agricultural diesel. Marked gas oil is currently subject to a rate of mineral oil tax of 11.8 cent per litre. This compares to the current full rate of mineral oil tax for auto diesel used as a propellant of 51.5 cent per litre.

Farmers and agricultural contractors who incur expenses in relation to farm diesel in the course of their trade of agricultural contracting may claim an income tax or corporation tax deduction for these expenses, including any carbon tax charged in respect of the diesel.

Section 26 of the Finance Act 2020 increased the rate of carbon tax to €33.50 per tonne. This applied to transport fuels from midnight on budget night but in line with the policy approach applied in this area in recent years, I delayed its implementation on all other fuels, including marked gas oil, until 1 May, after the winter heating season. This was not an exemption of marked gas oil from the budget 2021 increase. It was a repeat of what we did in previous years. I remain committed to the plans I outlined in the Finance Bill.

Pearse Doherty: The Minister will appreciate that the agricultural sector is going through very challenging times as a result of Brexit and, like many other sectors, the pandemic. He is also aware that as he introduced the budget, despite the fact this issue was postponed until 1 May there was quite a backlash from the agricultural sector with regard to this increase. These are people who care for the land very much but have seen this increase as a way of picking their pockets. Many people, particularly in communities such as mine in Donegal and along the west coast, are struggling to survive on the small farm holdings they have. The introduction of this has been postponed until 1 May. The question is whether the Minister is open to deferring it further. In particular, will he address the inequalities that exist between farm contractors and farmers with regard to being able to claim back the relief under section 664A?

Paschal Donohoe: I am very much aware of the issues Deputy Doherty has referred to and the hardship many people in our agricultural community are facing due to the issues of the pandemic and the consequences of Brexit. However, this measure has been introduced on a phased basis over many years. The ongoing challenges that members of the agricultural community face regarding the costs and impact of carbon taxation on their living standards and the bills they need to pay are reflected in the taxation treatment provided for with respect to carbon tax. This is how we are recognising the issues Deputy Doherty is referring to. It is my understanding that not only farmers but also agricultural contractors who incur expenses on farm diesel in the course of their trade are able to claim this back as a business expense against either their income tax or their corporate tax bill.

Pearse Doherty: The Minister is aware that farm contractors are not able to claim back the double income tax reliefs that farmers do. He is aware of this because he previously stated he would consider looking into it. Has he considered this matter? Is he aware that, for example, the association of farm contractors has made it clear that the costs involved are in the region of €13,455 per annum per contractor? They state they will have no option but to pass this on to the individual farmers for whom they work. This is why the issue is important. Is the Minister open, as he has indicated previously, to considering the matter? Has it now been concluded? Where does he stand on the issue that while farmers are able to avail of the double income tax relief under section 664A farm contractors are not?

Paschal Donohoe: I remain committed to the implementation of the carbon tax changes that were included in the Finance Bill. These include the increase in carbon pricing and a number of other fuels from 1 May. I am aware of the issue Deputy Doherty referred to regarding independent agricultural contractors. I remember with the Finance Bill before last referring to difficulties I faced regarding the definition of these contractors and the work they do. I will get an update for the Deputy on where work on this issue stands. With regard to the core issue as to whether the change is going ahead, I need to inform the Dáil that it will be, and while I acknowledge the many challenges it poses for some, it is an essential part of how we can respond to the challenge of climate change.

ENDS

Government actions ‘contributing to energy price hikes and increasing fuel poverty’

Government actions ‘contributing to energy price hikes and increasing fuel poverty’ – Matt Carthy TD

Local Sinn Féin TD, Matt Carthy has warned that government policy is not only failing to tackle poverty but is actively contributing to increased fuel costs for families and workers.

The Cavan-Monaghan TD was speaking in response to increased electricity price increases that came into effect last week.

Carthy said:

“The government absolutely must do more to assist those who are struggling to pay their bills in response to recent energy price spikes and coming further increases as a result of the Carbon Tax.

“Experts agree that the key reasons people end up in energy poverty is unaffordable energy and homes that are energy inefficient are the key reasons that people end up in fuel poverty.

“Ireland has Europe’s fourth highest electricity costs.

“According to Minister Ryan himself, the Department’s focus is no longer on lowering energy prices, but rather on improving retrofitting supports.

“While supports for retrofitting are to be welcomed, it seems a ridiculous position that the government would simply accept our out-of-control energy costs.

“Research has attributed some 2,800 excess deaths a year across this island to energy poverty. The government seems to have no strategy whatsoever for address for addressing energy poverty. Instead it seems committed to further bans on more affordable fuel types, which will no doubt see the rate of energy poverty increase.

“We all accept the need to make changes to secure and improve the environment, but it seems, at every turn, the policy of this government is to increase the cost on ordinary people, particularly in rural communities, without providing the comparable level of supports to those who need them”.

ENDS

EirGrid determination to proceed with Overground Interconnector ‘Egotistical & Costly’

EirGrid determination to proceed with Overground Interconnector ‘Egotistical & Costly’ – Matt Carthy TD

Cavan Monaghan Sinn Féin TD, Matt Carthy, has described as ‘egotistical & costly’ the continued determination of EirGrid to proceed with their proposals to develop the North South Interconnector via overhead pylon-supported high voltage powerlines. He said that EirGrid have continually shown ‘complete disdain’ towards communities along the route of the Interconnector.

Carthy was speaking following an announcement that the Kildare-Meath 400kv line will now be undergrounded, making the North-South Interconnector the only element of EirGrid’s Grid 25 strategy which is intended to be completed using overhead technology.

Deputy Carthy said:

“The dogged determination of EirGrid to proceed with their plans to overground the North South Interconnector is egotistical and costly. Their position is causing immense undue stress and release in the local communities affected.

“The Interconnector will face continuing and expensive delays if they proceed with their current intent. The affected communities across Monaghan, Cavan, Armagh, Tyrone and Meath have clearly demonstrated that they will not accept the imposition of high voltage pylon-supported powerlines, particularly because there is a credible alternative.

“Undergrounding the interconnector is feasible and practical. This is in evidence once again as EirGrid have announced their Kildare-Meath 400kv line is set to be undergrounded. It is obvious that EirGrid have learned from their experience with communities along the route of the North South Interconnector, albeit not yet on that actual project.

“That EirGrid have expressed such determination to press ahead with overhead pylons and lines in respect of the North-South Interconnector shows their ongoing disdain for the people of our region. It appears that their position is driven by ego and arrogance.

“In my view, this project will only ever be completed if the interconnector is undergrounded.

“If EirGrid refuse to adhere to the principals of public acceptance, deliverability and socio-economic impacts then the government must intervene.

“Recently, the Taoiseach reportedly informed a Fianna Fáil parliamentary party meeting that this project will be reviewed. But, the Ceann Comhairle disallowed parliamentary questions I submitted in this regard to Minister Eamon Ryan on the basis that they didn’t relate to Government policy.

“Urgent clarification is therefore required from government as to the form, timeframe and terms of reference of this review. As the Dáil returns next week I intend to use every possible opportunity to seek assurances that the communities on the route of the North South Interconnector will finally be listened to”.

ENDS

Carthy demands that those behind Health dossiers are held accountable

Carthy demands that those behind Health dossiers are held accountable

Cavan Monaghan Sinn Féin TD, Matt Carthy, participated in the Dáil on revelations that the Department of Health has been collecting dossiers on the families of children with autism.

He a hard-hitting contribution Deputy Carthy demanded that those who signed off on the practice be held accountable.

He said:

“The practise of the Department of Health in compiling dossiers and information about children with disabilities was vile and obscene.

The Junior Minister, Anne Rabbitte, said that she was not aware of this practice. I would like clarification as to whether the Minister for Health, Deputy Donnelly, was made aware of this practice or if any previous Minister for Health was been made aware of it.

“If it is the case that all respond that they were not aware of it, there are fundamental questions that need to be answered in regard to how this could happen. How could a practice that crosses so many elements of government carry on without Ministers not being aware of it?

“This goes to the heart of what I will call “the State” and how it operates. We know that if a Minister signed off on this and it was proven that he or she had given the go-ahead to officials to fulfil this practice, there would be a motion of no confidence before the Dáil and it is quite likely that before that motion reached the House, such a Minister would be asked to fall on his or her sword for political expediency.

“It would be quite proper for that to happen.

“It is fair to say that the one thing we can know for sure about this issue is that, by the end of the process, there will not be a single civil servant made accountable for his or her actions in regard to these despicable events. We must ask why that is the case.

“The HSE was set up by the then Minister for Health, now Taoiseach, in part to allow political responsibility to be avoided. It allows the Government to say that a particular issue is nothing to do with it and is a matter for the HSE. In this instance, we are told it is nothing to do with the Government; it was done by civil servants in the Department of Health. Why is that being allowed to happen?

“Will the government now ensure that somebody is at least named and shamed, and made accountable for his or her actions?

“There is a great deal of talk about working out when we can engage with the families. Will the government ensure that, from today, all of the families that are affected are contacted and are told, at the very least, that their information was part of this and they will be contacted again with further details? It is not something that should take a long time to do.

“I would hazard a guess that the information is in the Department right now and I ask that the government release it to the families concerned. It is the very least they should expect.”

ENDS

Need for clarity on N-S Interconnector Review as Ceann Comhairle deems it is not government policy

Need for clarity on N-S Interconnector Review as Ceann Comhairle deems it is not government policy – Carthy

Cavan Monaghan Sinn Féin TD, Matt Carthy, has said that there is need for the Taoiseach to immediately clarify the status of the review of the proposed North-South Interconnector.

This follows the decision of the Ceann Comhairle to disallow Parliamentary Questions from Deputy Carthy on the matter, submitted to Environment Minister Eamon Ryan, because the matter is not based on government policy.

Deputy Carthy said that the disallowance of the Parliamentary Questions will create deep unease among communities who have already been sceptical of the announcement, attributed to Taoiseach Mícheál Martin at a meeting of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party.

The Sinn Féin representative had submitted questions to Minister Ryan inquiring of 1) the plans to conduct the review, 2) whether Minister Ryan would be responsible for the review and if he would consult with the Co Monaghan Anti Pylon committee and North East Pylon Pressure groups, and 3) if he would request that EirGrid cease procurement of materials for the Interconnector pending such a review.

He described as ‘deeply worrying’ that these questions were disallowed.

Deputy Carthy said:

“Fianna Fáil representatives have been making much noise of the announcement of An Taoiseach that there will be a review of the North South Interconnector. It appears that they have forgot to inform their government partners as the Ceann Comhairle has disallowed questions on this matter as they do not relate to ‘government policy’.

“This is a deeply worrying development. What is the status of the review? What will its terms of reference be? Will a panel be appointed and who will be part of it? Will there be adequate public consultation? Will EirGrid cease work on the interconnector pending the review? Is the review actually going to happen at all?

“These are all genuine questions that arise following from reports of Mícheál Martin’s announcement.

“But, it seems, that they cannot even be asked.

“I have previously cautiously welcomed the reports that the Taoiseach has committed to a review of the project. But, I said, the devil will be in the detail. At this point we cannot even get a glimpse of the detail.

“It is imperative that the Taoiseach, and those Fianna Fáil representatives that have been lauding his remarks, provide urgent clarity on this matter. This is an issue of critical public importance. It is not good enough for the leader of government to make a statement at a Fianna Fáil meeting and then fail to provide the salient detail to the communities affected by it.

“I will be monitoring this and continuing to work with my colleagues to ensure that the North South Interconnector is undergrounded in line with the wishes of the communities across the five counties”.

ENDS