A Yes vote is the only way to guarantee access to the ESM
Fine Gael TD and Minister of State,Brian Hayes has said that a Yes vote in the Stability Treaty Referendum is the only way to guarantee we have access to the ESM, Europe’s new bailout fund. Minister Hayes, added that despite what Sinn Féin and others may claim, the situation has been clarified by the Referendum Commission.
“There has been a huge amount of misinformation in recent days on the ESM, Europe’s new €700 billion fund. The ESM is a bit like an insurance policy; we don’t plan to use it, but it’s very important to be able to access it should we need it.
“The only way to guarantee access to the ESM is to ratify the Stability Treaty. This has been unequivocally clarified by the Referendum Commission – an independent body. It has stated that the granting of financial assistance from the ESM will be conditional on the ratification of the Stability Treaty. Yet despite this extremely clear position, those opposing the Treaty continue to claim other options will be available.
“Sinn Féin, in particular, has been flip flopping all over this issue. Sinn Féin first called on us to veto the ESM, even though this isn’t possible. They’ve claimed that we could get money from the EFSF – Europe’s current bailout fund – even though it is coming to an end in July 2013. They then claimed the IMF would give us money in the future if we need it, but when it was made clear that the IMF would only lend to us in conjunction with the EU, Sinn Féin gave up on that position. Their latest ridiculous claim is that we will be able to access the ESM even if we reject the Treaty.
“All of this flip flopping clearly illustrates that Sinn Féin is deliberately misleading the public on this issue.
“Let’s be clear about this; we will need to borrow about €19 billion in 2014, when our current funding runs out. The Government intends to raise this money on the financial markets, but if that proves difficult the ESM will be available to us – only if we ratify the Stability Treaty. Those opposing the Treaty cannot explain where we would get this €19 billion if we follow their approach. Again, this has been clarified by the Referendum Commission. Sinn Féin should simply check page 10 of the Commission’s leaflet.
“Sinn Féin and other opponents of the Treaty want us to take a leap into the unknown. A Yes vote will bring about stability and certainty; a No vote is a massive gamble, which will shake investor confidence and undermine our economic recovery. Those advocating this approach cannot claim to have the country’s best interests at heart.
“I am encouraging everyone across Dublin South West to vote Yes on May 31st, as it is the only way to guarantee sources of funding to run this country in the future. A Yes vote will be a key step on our economic recovery as we rebuild a working Ireland.”
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Fine Gael TD and Minister of State, Brian Hayes has said that a new survey which shows 90% of business leaders support a Yes vote in the Stability Treaty Referendum highlights the importance of a positive result in the Treaty for economic growth. The survey, carried out by IBEC, is based on the replies of over 400 CEOs
“This IBEC survey has made some very interesting findings, and I think it underlines the importance of a Yes vote for businesses in Dublin South West and right across the country. Not only do 90% of CEOs believe a Yes vote is important to the future prosperity of their business, 83%
believe it will have a positive impact on Ireland’s ability to attract Foreign Direct Investment.
“Furthermore, the survey gives an interesting perspective on the impact of a rejection of the Treaty. If we oppose the Treaty, 87% of business leaders believe it will limit our ability to do business in Europe. At the moment, 60% of our exports go to the EU. As the only English-speaking country in the Eurozone, we are in a great position to further capitalise on this market. Why would we want to put this at risk?
“A Yes vote will help to deliver the certainty and stability needed for job creation. We’ve seen thousands of jobs created by companies like Apple, Mylan, Cisco, HP and Paypal in recent months. Clearly Irish business leaders believe our ability to continue to attract this kind of investment would be severely hampered by a rejection of the Treaty.
“According to IBEC, Irish companies are making a direct link between passing the Treaty and the future success of their own businesses. These are job creators operating in the real economy, and I think their views should not be ignored.
“While unemployment rates remain far too high, there’s been some small progress on job creation in the last year. For example, by the end of 2011, there were 11,000 more people working in accommodation and food services than when the Government came to office. There was also a 6,000 net increase in jobs in IDA-supported companies last year and there was a 30% increase in companies investing in Ireland for the first time.
“We need to give ourselves the best possible chance of continuing with this progress. The Stability Treaty won’t solve everything, but it will be a key step as we rebuild a working Ireland.”
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Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Brian Hayes TD, has today (Wednesday) accused Declan Ganley of joining Sinn Féin in trying to mislead the public on the contents of the Stability Treaty.
“Those opposing the Treaty are continuing to resort to misinformation. Declan Ganley is making entirely false comments regarding corporation tax and the Treaty.
“Let me be absolutely clear; the Stability Treaty will have no impact whatsoever on our corporation tax rate. In fact, the word ‘tax’ doesn’t even appear in the Treaty document.
“A Yes vote to the Stability Treaty will have a significant positive impact on our ability to attract Foreign Direct Investment in the future. A Yes vote will help bring about certainty, giving job creating investors the confidence they need.
“Sinn Féin’s credibility on the Treaty has already been undermined, as they continue to misrepresent its contents and its implications for Ireland. Now, we see Declan Ganley is resorting to the same tactics.”
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Minister Hayes Opens Queen’s Visit Anniversary Exhibition
Mr. Brian Hayes, TD, Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), together with the new British Ambassador, His Excellency Dominick Chilcott today opened an exhibition in Dublin Castle to mark the first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to Ireland in 2011.
Speaking about the exhibition Minister Hayes said: “Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to Ireland last year was hugely significant for relations between Ireland and the United Kingdom. I think it is generally acknowledged that the visit was a resounding success and I was honoured today to open this exhibition, together with His Excellency Ambassador Dominick Chilcott, to mark the first anniversary of the visit.”
The Minister continued: “The exhibition is open to the public, free of charge, in Dublin Castle’s Chapel Royal. The Chapel Royal itself is an architecturally significant venue, designed by Francis Johnson, who also designed the GPO, and served as the Lord Lieutenant’s official chapel until 1922. We chose Dublin Castle as the venue for this exhibition because it was the venue for the State banquet at which Queen Elizabeth spoke the now famous lines ‘a Úachtaráin, agus a chairde’, that so resonated with the Irish public. ”
The Minister concluded: “the exhibition contains 6 large scale displays, featuring photo and video montages of highlights of the Queen’s visit, in particular her attendance at sites managed by the Office of Public Works, including Áras an Úachtaráin, the Garden of Remembrance, the War Memorial Gardens, Farmleigh, Dublin Castle and the Rock of Cashel. There are displays of replica artefacts such as the 16th century Queen Elizabeth 1st Irish Primer, the Cashel Crozier and a replica of the place setting and menu from the State banquet in Dublin Castle and the signed Visitors’ Book. I would strongly urge anyone with an interest in the Queen’s visit to come along to this easily-accessible, city centre location to view this interesting exhibition.”
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Hayes calls on people of Dublin South West to encourage friends and relatives to get involved in The Gathering 2013
Every community in Ireland can play its part in bringing people home and helping Ireland along the road to recovery
Fine Gael TD and Minister of State Brian Hayes, has called on the people of Dublin South West to get behind what will be the biggest tourism initiative ever held in Ireland, The Gathering 2013, the aim of which is to reach out to the 70 million strong global Irish family and encourage them to play a part in Ireland’s recovery.
“Next year will see the biggest tourism event in Irish history taking place; a year long event celebrating Ireland and its people, here and abroad, and the bond that unites us together. The aim of the Gathering is to reach out to the Irish diaspora and to bring 325,000 extra visitors home.
“The Gathering will comprise a series of already well-established but enhanced festivals, such as the New Year’s Eve and St. Patrick’s Festivals taking place. A number of new events will also be held to celebrate Irish food, our rich sporting culture and of course Riverdance with the launch of John McColgan and Moya Doherty’s new show. Encouraging more visitors to Ireland will act as a massive boost to the economy and will help us further along the road to recovery; but we all must play our part.
“For the initiative to be a success every community, every town and every village needs to get involved. By organising local family, school, cultural, sporting or musical gatherings and asking overseas friends and relatives to come home we can make 2013 not only a record year for tourism but for reconnecting Ireland and her people.
“Businesses, clubs and local organisations are being called on to plan special events and to highlight what is great about each local community, acting as an incentive for people to visit. The Irish diaspora will also play a critical role in enticing friends to join them in experiencing and celebrating everything Ireland has to offer.
“The Government wants everyone to be part of The Gathering and to take pride in Ireland and in being Irish. Despite the fact that the economic road ahead is a long one, we still have much to be proud of. By reaching out to our friends and relatives overseas and asking them to pay us a visit next year, we each have a great opportunity to play our part in our Ireland’s recovery and in restoring our country to greatness.”
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Hayes welcomes announcement of additional Job Bridge places
Local Fine Gael TD and Minister of State Brian Hayes has welcomed the announcement of 1,000 additional places on the governments successful Job Bridge Scheme.
Minister Hayes stated, “Last July the Government announced the National Internship Programme which helped thousands of people who feel stuck on the Live Register gain access to the jobs market. There are a huge number of very talented people who are out of work at present and Job Bridge has offered many of them a chance to get back on the ladder to full time employment.”
Minister Hayes continued, “These additional 1,000 places brings the total number of places available to 6,000 with immediate effect. I also warmly welcome the extension of the eligibility criteria to include those in receipt of One Parent Family Payment and Disability Allowance. The success of this scheme over the past 10 months in unquestionable. Of the 2,000 people across the country who have completed the scheme, 797 or almost 40% have gone into full time employment.”
Minister Hayes concluded, “ I am encouraging job seekers and employers across Dublin South West to avail of this scheme. It will be hugely beneficial for participants on both sides. For job seekers, the programme offers invaluable hands-on experience and access to contacts and references that can only enhance the possibility of securing full time employment. And for the companies involved, the scheme allows them to bring talented and enthusiastic individuals into their organisation.”
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Former Taoiseach John Bruton to Address Public Meeting on Stability Treaty
Local Fine Gael TD and Minister of State, Brian Hayes has today (Friday) confirmed that he will hold a public information meeting on the Stability Treaty. The meeting will take place on Tuesday 15th May at 8pm in the Spawell Complex, Templeogue, Dublin 6W. Speakers on the night will include Former Taoiseach John Bruton and Economist Colm McCarthy.
Minister Hayes stated “I decided to organise this public meeting as I think its really important voters are given information about this Treaty and can engage in a meaningful way with the debate between now and May 31st.”
Minister Hayes continued, “This referendum is about protecting investment, stability and recovery. A Yes vote will give Irish and global companies confidence to continue investment in Ireland, so we can create more jobs. The Treaty doesn’t have all the answers but it is an essential part of the picture as we move forward on our journey to economic recovery. It will help to restore stability, not just in Ireland but also across the Eurozone. And a small country that relies heavily on exports, it’s vital that Ireland remains a central part of that marketplace.”
Minister Hayes concluded, “I am delighted to have two very prominent speakers, our former Taoiseach John Bruton and UCD Economist Colm McCarthy address this meeting. I would like to extend an invite to all members of the public to attend the Spawell Complex at 8pm on Tuesday May 15th.”
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Minister Hayes Reopens Durrow Abbey, County Offaly
Mr. Brian Hayes, TD, Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) was in County Offaly today to reopen officially the newly restored and conserved Durrow Abbey. Saint Colmcille founded Durrow Abbey, located 5 miles from Tullamore in the 6th century. The Abbey is one of Ireland’s most important early Christian monasteries and is considered to be of international importance.
Speaking at the reopening Minister Hayes said: “I am pleased to be here today to reopen what is, without question, one of the midlands’ most important and significant historic and cultural landmarks. Since Durrow Abbey Estate came into State ownership in 2003, the Office of Public Works has been carrying out conservation and preservation works, in keeping with the Durrow Abbey Conservation Plan that we launched in 2005. Today I am delighted to be able to reopen the Abbey and the High Cross to the public and look forward to the continuation of conservation works and the expansion of facilities here at Durrow Abbey Estate.”
The Minister continued: “The Office of Public Works has already carried out significant restoration and conservation work on site. The conservation of St. Columba’s church is complete and the High Cross has been moved inside from its former position in the graveyard. This ensures that it will be preserved and presented for future generations. The interior of the church and its box pews has been expertly restored by OPW National Monuments. Repairs to the graveyard wall are complete and the restoration of the Gate Lodge as a Visitor Centre has commenced.”
The Minister concluded: “Limited public access to the site can now be facilitated. There are still challenges facing us here at this site, challenges such as access to the Abbey and road alignment in the area, but it is my hope that we can work in conjunction with our colleagues in the Local Authority and the National Roads Authority to make this site as satisfying and rewarding a visitor experience as possible. We will continue to seek funding to drive this process forward, and I congratulate all involved in carrying out the works undertaken to date.”
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Click here to listen to me this morning on the Pat Kenny Radio Show
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Lord Mayor Andrew Montague and Minister Brian Hayes launch a Street Party in the Phoenix Park
Andrew Montague, Lord Mayor of Dublin and Brian Hayes, TD, Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) today launched the “Mad Hatters’ Street Party”, hosted by the OPW, as one of many forthcoming events to celebrate the 350th anniversary of the establishment of the Phoenix Park.
Speaking in the Park today the Lord Mayor of Dublin Andrew Montague said “The Phoenix Park has been a centre of Dublin historic, sporting and recreational life for 350 years. I congratulate the OPW on the series of events that have been organised to celebrate this special anniversary. The opening of Chesterfield Avenue at weekends to pedestrians, cyclists, and runners is a wonderful opportunity for safe and healthy activities. It gives me great pleasure to be involved in the first of these weekends.”
Minister Hayes added: “I am delighted to welcome the Lord Mayor of Dublin to join with me in launching this wonderful fun event here today. The Phoenix Park is celebrating the 350th anniversary of its establishment as a Royal Deer Park and the OPW has proudly been looking after it since 1860.”
The Minister concluded: “This is a magnificent amenity for all in the heart of Dublin City
and access to this wonderful space is free. I look forward to seeing the various projects and events unfold throughout the year and a full list of these events is available on www.phoenixpark.ie”.
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Minister Hayes re-opens playground at JFK Arboretum
Brian Hayes TD, Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), today re-opened the children’s playground in the John F. Kennedy Arboretum.
Speaking at the playground today the Minister said: “I am delighted to be here this afternoon to re-open this wonderful facility, which replaces the extremely popular playground that was constructed in 1996.”
“With over 100,000 visitors to the JFK Arboretum each year and with the popularity and importance of the playground to those that visit here it was decided last year that it needed to be replaced. Once that decision was taken, tenders were sought from specialist contractors and the contract was awarded to Creative Playground Solutions Ltd, Galway. Work commenced on site in January 2012 and was completed in early March at a cost of €200,000 (incl. VAT),” the Minister said.
The Minister continued: “The new playground has been designed to meet the needs of the many families who use this very popular amenity and when construction was completed all groundwork on the surrounds of the new play area were completed by OPW staff.”
The Minister concluded: “I hope the many thousand of visitors to this wonderful site will get many years of use and hours of enjoyment from this wonderful new facility and I’m told that it has already received praise for its size, design and quality of workmanship.”
Minister Hayes was presented with a bound sketch of their ideas for the playground by children frpm St. Leonard’s National School.
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Taoiseach and Procurement Minister meets successful SMEs that have won public contracts
This afternoon An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, TD and Procurement Minister, Brian Hayes TD, met with 12 Irish SMEs that have won substantial state contracts.
Minister Hayes said: “Too often the perception is that SMEs don’t win public sector procurement contracts. The businesses that met with An Taoiseach today demonstrate that small and medium sized companies regularly win’
Minister Hayes went on to say: “The Programme for Government has identified public procurement as a key driver in supporting SMEs. Irish companies can succeed at the highest levels and the presence of some of these companies here today demonstrates that. The Government recognises that winning public sector contracts contributes towards business expansion and job creation. If SMEs can get a share of the estimated €14bn Government spend on goods and services then this will inevitably filter down to both the securing and creating of real jobs.’
The Minister continued: “Access to public sector contracts is key. The website www.etenders.gov.ie, managed by the National Procurement Service, is a very important platform. Suppliers wishing to do business with the State can see, and compete for, all contracts over the value of €25,000. It is essential that all SMEs are signed up to and actively engaged with this portal”.
List of Companies:
McAree Engineering Ltd
Bond Safety & Co
Brindleys Advertising Ltd
Codex Ltd
Docket and Form International Ltd
Hibernian Business Equipment Ltd
JFC Manufacturing Ltd
Market Gardeing Food Suppliers
Gabriel Scientific
Homecare Medical Supplies
Newbridge Meats Ltd
Datapac Ltd
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Minister Hayes opens historic Phoenix Park maps exhibition and announces detail of the Mad Hatters’ Street Party
Brian Hayes, TD, Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) today opened a special exhibition of historic maps of the Phoenix Park.
Speaking in the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre this afternoon the Minister said: “I am once again delighted to be here in the Park to open this wonderful exhibition of historic maps, as part of the Phoenix Park’s 350 celebrations.”
The Minister said: “As part of our celebrations we have compiled this exhibition of historical maps of the Phoenix Park and this is the first time that all these maps will have been displayed together in the one place and many of them are beautifully illustrated and capture the history of the Phoenix Park over the centuries and I would encourage people to come and see them.”
The Minister continued: “I am also delighted to announce officially that the Mad Hatters’ Street Party will take place this Easter Saturday between 12 noon and 4pm on Chesterfield Avenue. This party marks the start of the OPW’s plan to close part of Chesterfield Avenue from the Phoenix Monument to the Mountjoy roundabout, on a trial basis, at weekends to allow greater public recreational use of this part of the Park.”
“The Party will consist of fun and games for all the family and will include organised kids games, themed characters, craft activities, farmer’s market, fit for life activities, music and lots more. I would encourage people to come along and bring your own picnic, if you like, as we will be placing 40 picnic tables on the closed section of Chesterfield Avenue,” the Minister said.
The Minister concluded: “These are just a couple of the events that are planned as part of the Phoenix Park 350 celebrations in 2012 and further details of these and other events will be available throughout the year on www.phoenixpark.ie.”
The Minister was in Trim Castle this morning and said: “Having reviewed the opening times I can now confirm that Trim Castle will open seven days a week to the public on St. Patrick’s Day rather than at Easter. It is important to note that the Castle is open all year round at weekends (excluding Christmas and New Year) and I hope that this extension to the season will be of benefit to the Town.”
The Minister concluded: “I recently confirmed that the “Free Day” on the first Wednesday of every month is to continue in 2012. I am delighted that I can continue with this initiative in these very challenging economic times.”
A complete listing of opening times at all O.P.W. guided Heritage Sites and National Parks can be found at www.heritageireland.ie. Intended visitors are requested to check this site in advance to see any local arrangements that may be in place at the site they propose to visit.
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Brian Hayes reminds local communities to get involved in their National Heritage.
Earlier this month the Office of Public Works (OPW) launched a nationwide advertising campaign seeking expressions of interest from local heritage/community groups who may be interested in becoming a partner with the OPW. The closing date for receipt of proposals is Wednesday 28th March 2012.
Minister Brian Hayes TD, with responsibility for the OPW, said when announcing the initiative that: “ For whatever reason Ireland has never involved voluntary effort in the presentation of our heritage. This will change under my time as Minister and to this end, I have put in place a process to formalise the involvement of community groups in our national heritage. As the lead agency with the responsibility in preserving and presenting our heritage, OPW needs the help of local community and heritage groups.”
The Minister also said: “I am constantly met by groups who want greater opening times, more local involvement or who have plans to develop tourism locally by using our national monuments and national properties. We need to work with these groups. A new partnership needs to be formed between the OPW and local community effort. There are of course challenges for the OPW in this but I’m convinced that this organisation has the expertise and know how required.”
The Minister said today: “ While I am heartened by the level of interest already shown, I wish to encourage further groups to participate by e mailing us at communities@opw.ie or contacting us directly at 046 9426106 or 046 9426061. A national conference will take place in April and the OPW will provide training and support for the groups selected to be part of the pilot in 2012.”
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Time to use spare state property in a new way – Hayes
Closure of 41 Garda Stations nationally can give local communities new property opportunities – says OPW Minister
Brian Hayes TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) this morning, as part of a lease arrangement, handed over the keys of the former Finglas Garda Station to Finglas Childcare Ltd.
He said at this morning’s event “With the downsizing of the public sector between now and 2015 the property portfolio of the state will have to be rationalised. We need fewer buildings and spare capacity will have to be used in a much more productive way. If the assets have minimal value or can return little income for the state, I have an open mind about using the existing space for community or voluntary purposes. Today’s announcement is a perfect example of a common sense approach to the use of our existing portfolio.”
Minister Hayes, who was accompanied at the handover by Minister of State Róisín Shortall TD, said: “I am delighted to be here in Finglas this morning and this is an excellent example of finding a community use for a former Garda Station.”
Minister Hayes concluded: “A recent announcement by the Minister for Justice on the closure of 41 Garda Stations will result in my officials in the OPW examining other potential State uses for those properties, after An Garda Síochána have confirmed they have no further operational use for them. If no such use is identified, arrangements will probably be made to dispose of the properties on the open market to maximize the benefit for the taxpayer. If any viable local proposals concerning the station are made from the community, I will consider this.”
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Minister Brian Hayes announces appointment of Consulting Engineers for Major Study of Flooding in North West/Neagh Bann River Basin District Catchment.
Brian Hayes TD, Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), today announced that RPS Consulting Engineers have been appointed for a major study in the North-West/Neagh Bann River Basin District (RBD) catchment.
Minister Hayes said: “the study, the North-West/Neagh Bann Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) study, will identify and examine in detail the causes of flooding throughout the catchment and produce an integrated plan of specific measures to address the significant flood risk factors in a proactive and comprehensive way.”
The North-West/Neagh Bann RBD is made up of two River Basin District (RBD) areas, the North West RBD and the Neagh Bann RBD, both of which are cross-border districts, also known as International River Basin Districts (IRBDs). The Study Area covers a total of 9,400 km², which lies in the Republic of Ireland.
An additional 10,900 km² lies within the two IRBDs within Northern Ireland, but this area (i.e. territory outside of the Republic of Ireland) is excluded from the Study area. The Rivers Agency of Northern Ireland will conduct the study within Northern Ireland. OPW and the Rivers Agency co-operate on an ongoing basis with regard to the catchment-based studies.
The study area includes:
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all of County Donegal, large parts of Cavan, Monaghan, Louth, Meath, Leitrim and Longford, and a small portion of Sligo.
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many rivers with the Castletow, Fane, Dee and Glyde all draining into Dundalk Bay (NB) and the Erne, Foyle and smaller rivers, such as the River Swilly, draining upland catchment areas to the north West (NW). The Study Area incorporates areas around Ireland’s coast as well as coastal waters up to one mile from the coastline.
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is home to approximately 300,000 people and has a low average population density. Most of the main urban areas are located beside rivers: Ballybofey, Cavan, Donegal Town, Letterkenny, and Lifford (NW) and Ardee, Dundalk, Carrickmacross, Castleblaney, Dungannon, Monaghan and Newry (NB).
The commissioning of RPS is the sixth such commission awarded to carry out catchment studies under the CFRAM Programme. This final commission follows the appointment of consultants to undertake studies of the Shannon, Eastern, South-Eastern, Western and South-Western RBDs.
Minister Hayes continued: “the study will examine all options to reduce flood risk, including both structural and non-structural measures and will also consider related environmental issues. Structural measures that will be considered may involve the construction of flood defences or increasing conveyance capacity where appropriate, while the range of non-structural options that will be explored will include measures such as the introduction of flood warning systems. There will be full consultation with individuals and organisations that have an interest, ranging from property owners, recreational users, the farming community and environmental stakeholders.”
“I would urge all interested parties to contribute to the consultation process in order to ensure that the plan of measures that the study will produce will best represent their view of how flooding in the region should be addressed into the future”, the Minister stated.
The Minister concluded: “Pending the completion of the study, the OPW will continue to work with the Local Authorities involved, to identify and implement interim small-scale flood mitigation works through the Minor Works Scheme in areas at risk from flooding.”
This CFRAM study is part of a programme being undertaken by the OPW, in line with current national flood policy and the EU Directive on the Assessment and Management of Flood Risk, which requires that such studies be completed for each catchment by the end of 2015. More detail is available on the website www.cfram.ie .
Minister Brian Hayes Opens “Hall of Mirrors” Exhibition in the Farmleigh Gallery – Thursday 15 March 2012
Brian Hayes, Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works this evening officially opened a major new exhibition in the Farmleigh Gallery in Dublin. Entitled “Hall of Mirrors”, the exhibition is a collaboration between artists and scientists and forms part of the Dublin, European City of Science 2012 programme.
Speaking at the exhibition launch, Minister Hayes said: “This exhibition is a unique international collaboration between Paris based artists Anne Cleary and Denis Connolly and scientists from the Clarity Centre for Sensor Technologies in Ireland as well as the Laboratoire Psychologie de la Perception, Université Paris Descartes & Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique in France, among others”.
The Minister continued: “Among the stimulating pieces that you see here in the Farmleigh Gallery tonight are a ‘binocular post’ and ‘binocular films’ created by the Vision Lab at University Paris Descartes and pupils of St. Joseph’s secondary school in Castlebar; an interactive artwork featuring children from Ardfert national school, inspired by biological motion and created in collaboration with Clarity using gaming technology and tracking devices and also a new video artwork, created by the Railway Procurement Agency, inspired by deformations in visual perception while moving at speed through the city. This to mention but a few of the exhibits”.
The Minister concluded: “The exhibition challenges us in more ways than many traditional art exhibitions might. It is a sensory and visual feast and I would like to pay tribute to the many people who participated in putting this unique event together. We learned recently that there is a significant return to science subjects among school and college goers and there is no doubt that this sector will contribute significantly to this country’s return to economic well-being. I am delighted to see so many students here tonight and I know that this exhibition will be visiting further locations around the country, in association with the Arts Council, when it completes its run here in Farmleigh. I would urge you all to tell your friends about this exhibition and to bring it to the attention of as many people as you can. Shared learning and further collaboration between the arts community and the science sector, particularly given that Dublin is this year the European City of Science, can only be of benefit to us all in the longer term and I commend you all for this marvellous and groundbreaking initiative”.
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Hayes announces €8 million Public Service ICT consumables contract that could lead to 25 new highly skilled jobs.
Brian Hayes T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) today announced the awarding of an €8 million public service ICT consumables contract to Datapac Limited with the expected creation of up to 25 new highly skilled jobs.
Speaking about the awarding of the contract Minister Hayes said: “I am pleased to announce that following an EU tendering process the National Procurement Service (NPS) of the OPW has awarded a contract to Datapac Ltd. for the supply of ICT consumables to the public sector. The contract is valued at €8 million and is available to a wide range of public sector clients including: central Government Departments and their Agencies, an Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces, all Local Authorities, the Health Service Executive, all Vocational Education Committees, as well as primary and post primary sectors and the third-level education sector”.
The Minister continued: “Datapac Ltd. is a wholly Irish owned organisation, whose head-office is in Enniscorthy in County Wexford, was established in 1982 and is one of the largest indigenous companies in the IT sector in Ireland. Datapac operates through a purpose-built distribution centre adjacent to Dublin’s M50, where in excess of 4,000 electronic office supply products are stored ready for next day delivery. Datapac currently employ 150 highly skilled staff between their offices in Enniscorthy, Dublin, Cork and Limerick”
“The award of this contract will enable Datapac to create up to 25 new jobs across its nationwide business and fifteen of these will be created before the end of 2012.”, the Minister said.
Patrick Kickham, Director, Datapac Ltd said “With this investment in our business, it gives us the opportunity to create new jobs which will benefit our business, our customers and also the economy. We are delighted to play such an important role for the Irish Government and public sector, as they continue to support local business growth.”
The NPS considers that this contract offers excellent value-for-money on a comprehensive range of ICT consumable items and further streamlines the procurement process. The NPS is actively promoting the use of online ordering, and payment methods, and has built a discounting structure into the contract to encourage clients to order and pay for items online. Significant benefits will be available to NPS clients, including:
(i) administrative savings
(ii) price discounts
(iii) reduced paper output
(iv) speed and ease of transaction
The Minister concluded: “Datapac Ltd also provide further support for the Irish economy by working closely with a wide range of suppliers and contractors throughout Ireland. By aggregating public sector demand for common goods and services (like ICT consumables) the NPS obtains better value and reduces duplication of effort. This contract further endorses the Government’s support of the strategic role being played by the NPS and the importance of its impact on job creation in the private sector and its continued delivery of efficiencies across the Public Sector.”
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Brian Hayes TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), today visited the River Barrow flood relief scheme in Carlow town.
Speaking in Carlow this morning, Minister Hayes said: “I am conscious that Carlow town and county has been badly hit by flooding in recent years; we all remember the pictures on tv of the destruction caused here by some of the more recent flood events. I am pleased, therefore, to see that Phase A of the River Barrow flood relief works has now been completed, consisting of the construction of flood walls on the east bank of the River Barrow north of its confluence with the Burrin River and also along the north bank of the Burrin river. This phase also consists of works on the west bank of the Barrow, north of the Wellington bridge”.
The Minister continued: “This flood defence scheme will have real and tangible benefits for 27 residential properties and 34 non-residential properties. The scheme is an excellent example of what can be done when public bodies work off the same page; this scheme was incorporated into the main drainage works carried out by Carlow County Council and I would like to thank the County Manager, Tom Barry, who is here today, and his officials for their co-operation throughout this process”.
Minister Hayes concluded: “I know that there have been some delays with the commencement of Phase B of this flood relief scheme but I am pleased that approval has now been granted for this phase to proceed. This phase, valued at €2.5M is expected to be on site this summer and be substantially completed by the end of this year or early 2013. These works will benefit 106 residential and 18 non-residential properties”.
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Minister Perry Launches Finance Information and Advice Website
for Small Business
The Minister for Small Business, John Perry, T.D recently launched The Small Business Finance Website. The small business finance website is a joint initiative between Chambers Ireland and the Irish Banking Federation (IBF) at an event in the National Gallery, Dublin. Supported by additional content from sponsors Eversheds, Mazars and Energia, the Small Business Finance website is an open resource for small businesses of all backgrounds and at various stages of development on business planning and financial management.
The site is a new online portal which aims to provide information to small Businesses on how they can access a variety of finance sources. The site will be fully interactive and easily accessible to all.
Minister Perry states “Government has taken a range of actions to recapitalise the banks in order to get them fit for purpose and functioning properly in order to support our enterprise sector. Ensuring the availability of credit to viable SMEs has been central to all the initiatives taken. This has included specific SME lending targets for the pillar banks which they have being achieving to date. The recapitalisation process introduced by the Minister for Finance has ensured that there is sufficient capacity available within the pillar banks to meet forecasted SME demand from viable businesses”.
Minister Perry noted, however, that many SMEs still had concerns about accessing bank credit and many hold the view that the banks are not open for SME lending.
This website is a sign of our innovative and enterprising ability for the future. Having addressed the information gap between larger business or financial organisations and the small business sector previously it is highly encouraging to see some of Ireland’s most capable businesses work together to create such a valuable resource, not just for the small businessman, but for Ireland’s overall economy. I commend those who have put such hard work into it and look forward to witnessing the rewards”.
www.smallbusinessfinance.ie is an open resource for small businesses of all backgrounds and at various stages of development on business planning and financial management
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SMEs to Participate in a Major Government Framework for Managed Print Services that will Deliver Significant Savings to the State
Brian Hayes TD, Minster of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), today announced the launch of the Framework for the Supply of Managed Print Services. The Framework is expected to generate savings of up to €22 million annually over the next two to four years[1].
For the majority of public sector bodies their current office print regime is rather ad-hoc. A typical Government office has multiple print and imaging devices such as; photocopiers, scanners and faxes. These devices come from a wide range of different suppliers with separate supply and servicing arrangements. The ratio of print devices to staff is often in the region of 1:2 and in some cases as low as 1:1 as a large number of staff would have their own desktop printer. Un-managed print environments result in a plethora of supply arrangements generating a multitude of monthly invoices for processing, covering the supply of; toner, devices, repairs, maintenance and spare parts amongst others. This type of print environment is costly, inefficient and impossible to manage.
A Managed Print Service provides a print solution that is strategic, cost efficient and provides the public sector access to a modern and reliable service that has been tailored for the specific needs of the organisation. A single, yet comprehensive, invoice is issued every three months that covers all aspects of the print service. All-inclusive costs are measured simply and transparently on a per click basis. Framework Members will provide a minimum service level of 98% up-time and will manage the operation of the service remotely. Remote monitoring will allow for the development of preventative strategies and rapid responses.
This Framework Agreement has been established following an open competitive process, on E-Tenders and in the Official Journal of the European Union, by the National Procurement Service (NPS) of the Office of Public Works (OPW). The Framework, which is valued at €100 million over a two year period, is available to the entire, non-commercial, public sector clients including; Central Government Departments, Offices and non-commercial agencies, Local Authorities, the Irish Health Sector, the Education Sector, An Garda Siochana, the Defence Forces and the Irish Prison Service.
The Managed Print Service Framework is made up of seven pre-qualified suppliers, three of which are multi-nationals and four are indigenous SMEs, (see Appendix 1). All Framework Members have a significant operational presence in Ireland. SME participation in the Framework is broad and ranges from direct membership, to SMEs delivering the services on behalf of Framework Members.
At the launch Minister Hayes said: “This Framework Agreement ticks all of the boxes as far as whole of Government Policy is concerned; it promotes indigenous SME involvement, it satisfies green public procurement requirements and it helps to fulfil many of the requirements of the Croke Park Agreement and Public Sector Reform Agenda. More significantly however, this Framework will deliver significant savings of up to €22 million per year. Subject to a full uptake, it is estimated that in the first two-years duration of the Framework, there are potential savings of €44 million. Using this Framework Agreement cuts the operating cost and substantially reduces the time required to go to market for individual Client Authorities”.
The Minster concluded by saying: “This Framework provides a tool for real public service reform that generates transparency in cost and generates savings that will be of direct benefit to all of the tax payers in this country”.
[1] The Framework Agreement will be in a place for two years with an option to extend by a further two years up to a maximum of four years.
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Fine Gael TD and Minister of State, Brian Hayes has said that the Action Plan for Jobs launched by the Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, the Minister for Jobs, Richard Bruton, and the Tánaiste, Eamon Gilmore, today (Monday) contains progressive measures that will help get Dublin South West back to work.
“The Action Plan for Jobs will make it cheaper and easier to do business and to create jobs. It will support existing Irish businesses and new start-ups, while helping to attract inward investment from overseas. The Plan will set the environment to achieve the Taoiseach’s aim of having 100,000 more people working and making Ireland the best small country in the world in which to do business by 2016.
“The Plan changes the way Government interacts with business, by cutting costs and red tape. It contains 15 key actions to make it easier to do business and grow jobs. Under a key element of the plan, County Enterprise Boards will be replaced by a new One Stop Shop micro enterprise support structure. Through a new network of Local Enterprise Offices in local authorities, Enterprise Ireland will provide expert help to start-up businesses at a local level.
“We want to encourage firms in Dublin South West to sell their products abroad in lucrative export markets. Enterprise Ireland will identify a wider group of potential exporting companies under a new Potential Exporters Division. The corporation tax exemption for start-ups will be extended to 2014, and a new Development Capital Scheme will help fund mid-sized indigenous companies with major growth potential.
“Accessing credit remains a major challenge for many firms in Dublin South West; this will be directly addressed by the Partial Credit Guarantee Scheme and the Micro Finance Fund, which will help businesses struggling to get loans. To help indigenous firms grow their business here public procurement will be made more accessible to SMEs and it will be easier for small businesses to win contracts with large multinationals. Funding will also be increased for mentoring and development programmes for SME managers.
“A range of initiatives will target sectors that have high potential for growth including manufacturing, life-sciences, cloud computing, digital gaming, agri-food and tourism. This sustainable model will consign the bubble-economics policies of the previous Government to history.
“This Plan is a working document and its targets will be closely monitored and updated on a quarterly basis. Every Government department must play its part. By restructuring the banks, reforming our employment and training services, establishing NewERA and introducing a more sustainable taxation system the Government has already taken the steps necessary to rebuild our broken economy. This Plan will build on this progress with the ultimate aim of getting Ireland back to work.”
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First ever Government e-Invoicing Project Launched Today
Brian Hayes TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) today launched a pilot project on e-Invoicing across a number of Government Departments and other public sector bodies. The project will be overseen by the National Procurement Service (NPS) of the OPW. The Institute of Technology in Sligo is providing research and technical co-ordination.
Speaking in Dublin at the launch of the pilot, Minister Hayes said: “The pilot projects will take two months to complete. The objective after the pilot is to have a paperless billing system that operates across the public sector. That’s good for business because it cuts down on red tape and cuts down on costs. The seven public sector bodies taking part in the pilot are: The Office of Public Works, the Department of Defence, the Department of Justice, HSE East, HSE North West, Enterprise Ireland and the Local Government Computer Services Board. Once the findings of the pilot projects have been compiled and reviewed we will take a report to Government on the suitability of rolling out e-Invoicing across the entire public sector. The cost-saving benefits of this project could genuinely help SMEs to compete and win additional Government business”.
The Minister concluded: “The full rollout of e-Invoicng could lead to multi-million euro savings for the exchequer in terms of reduced administrative and transactional costs, as well as providing savings to suppliers to the public sector. In addition Irish service providers in this area could become leaders in this technology across the EU Member States “.
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State Saves €11 Million on Rental Costs
Minister of State Brian Hayes TD, today announced details of savings made by the Office of Public Works (OPW) on expenditure on State property and outlined plans for further savings to be made in 2012.
The Minister said “I am very encouraged to learn that the amount expended by the Office of Public Works (OPW) on rental of State properties in 2011 fell by €11M compared to expenditure in 2010 and the OPW rental expenditure in the past three years is as follows:
|
OPW Rental Expenditure €M |
|
|
2009 |
130 |
|
2010 |
128 |
|
2011 |
117 |
“Annual rental expenditure peaked in 2009 at €130M and by 2011 the figure had reduced to €117, a saving of €13M. This saving represents a 10% reduction on 2009 expenditure”.
In 2010 and 2011, in a programme of lease surrenders and rental reviews, which involved no rental increases, the OPW has delivered the following” the Minister said.
|
Item |
No of Leases |
Comment |
| Lease Surrenders |
58 |
Floor Area 427,000 Sq Ft |
| Downward Rent Negotiated |
42 |
Annual Rental Reduction €2.9M |
The Minister continued: “I am confident that this trend will continue, given this country’s changed economic circumstance. It is important to stress that the savings made are not once-off figures; they are annual savings that, allied to additional savings that OPW expect to negotiate this year, significantly reduce the annual State rental expenditure.
“By the end of 2012, I expect the annual rental expenditure to have decreased even further, to a figure of the order of €112M, driven by a combination of lease surrenders on break option or expiry and rent reductions, a 14% decrease on the 2009 peak. OPW’s rent reduction strategy will continue to be pursued aggressively in 2012.
The Minister concluded: “This Government has made no secret of the fact that we are aggressively targeting significant savings in the area of the State’s property portfolio. The average rent being paid by OPW is consistently lower than the average market rate. I am determined to maintain this standard and generate even greater efficiencies throughout our property portfolio. A smaller public sector will mean a reduction in the total number of buildings and office space needed. How we utilise that resource is crucial. Shared services and redeployment must deliver as part of our new reformed public service. The opportunity to obtain even greater savings in the States’ property portfolio is a key policy priority for 2012”.
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€28 MILLION FUNDING FOR BRAY FLOOD RELIEF SAYS HAYES
Brian Hayes TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), today announced an allocation of €28 million under the OPW’s Flood Risk Management Programme to Bray Town Council for flood relief works to be carried out on the River Dargle, Bray, Co. Wicklow.
Speaking in Bray this morning, Minister Hayes said: “I am pleased to be able to announce that funding of €28 million is to be allocated to Bray Town Council towards the cost of the construction of a new culvert at Bray Bridge, new embankments, new flood defence walls, channel widening and channel regarding. The area has been flooded several times in the last 100 years. This scheme will provide protection to approximately 650 homes along with 8 commercial properties. The level of protection provided will protect against approximately a 300-year flood event.
“At a time when difficult decisions have to be made in order to adhere to the current severe financial constraints, this very substantial allocation underlines the Government’s recognition of the serious personal and economic impact of flooding and the importance it attaches to addressing the problem,” the Minister said.
The Minister concluded: “This major capital investment commitment for Bray is part of the annual capital funding provision of €45m, which I announced last year, and demonstrates yet again this Government’s and OPW’s commitment to a sustained capital programme to improve the level of flood risk protection for homes, businesses and infrastructure.”
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Personal insolvency legislation key step in solving mortgage debt crisis
Local Fine Gael TD and Minister of State Brian Hayes, has said that the Personal Insolvency Bill published yesterday (Wednesday) is a key step in solving our mortgage debt crisis. The Heads of the Bill have been published by the Minister for Justice, Alan Shatter, and the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan.
“This draft Bill puts forward a range of options that will provide much needed relief for those struggling with personal debt. This is an extremely complex area and one of national importance; the challenge of getting to grips with the mortgage problem is one of the biggest issues facing this Government. What we have today is a series of solutions, which will form a key part of the Government’s strategy for dealing with mortgage arrears.
“The write-down of small debts, up to the value of €20,000, will be made possible through the issuance of Debt Relief Certificates. This will essentially function as a six year deal with the lender, where the person in debt can be discharged from loans they are unable to pay. For those with larger personal debts, a Debt Settlement Arrangement may be agreed, which also allows for the write-down of personal loans.
“These two schemes will directly help the thousands of people in this country who have found themselves drowning in debt in recent years – with credit card bills, car loans, overdrafts – and are currently unable to chart a way out of their situation. By helping these people, we may be able to avoid further mortgage defaults and the unsustainable escalation of personal debt.
“For those struggling under the burden of spiralling mortgage debt, the new Personal Insolvency Arrangements contained within the Bill will provide a lifeline. Through agreement with creditors, the PIA will help mortgage holders to restructure their debts and ultimately reduce their repayments.
“The final, crucial, element of this legislation is the reformed bankruptcy arrangements, which reduce the period of time that a person will be considered bankrupt from 12 to 3 years. The existing regime is punitive and out of date. Bankruptcy should always be considered a course of last resort. However, for those who find themselves with no other option, this proposed new legislation will make the process quicker and easier.
“This Bill is an excellent start; it will now go before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice for its consideration and it’s hoped it can be published in full by the end of April. Between now and then, the Government wants to hear the views of the Opposition and the public. This Government is determined to chart a way out of this crisis by helping people who are feeling overwhelmed by debt to get back on their feet.”
Minister Hayes announces completion of €2 million conservation project at Boyle Abbey
Mr. Brian Hayes, TD, Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) yesterday announced the completion of a major conservation project at Boyle Abbey.
Speaking yesterday afternoon at the announcement in the King House, Boyle, Co. Roscommon, Minister Hayes said: “I am delighted to be here in Boyle today to announce the completion of the North Aisle Wall Structural Conservation Project, which required an investment of €2 million since the start of the project in 2007.”
The Minister continued, “The Cistercian Abbey at Boyle, Co. Roscommon was established in the middle of the 12th century and is one of the finest of the Cistercian churches to survive in Ireland. It was one of the daughter houses of Ireland’s powerful pioneering foundation at Mellifont in Co. Louth. The layout of the building complex follows the typical monastic plan with the enclosed contemplative cloister garden in the centre, surrounded by the Church to the south and the ancillary administrative, domestic and service quarters to the other sides.
“This project involved the dismantling and removal of the buttressing and also required the dismantling and reconstruction of the North Aisle Wall. The project included the conservation and protection of significant carved sandstone features, which display a standard of craftsmanship on a par with any contemporary European project. This project was one of the largest stone conservation projects to be undertaken by the state and considerable planning and co-ordination of effort was required by all and reflects the range of specialist skills of the project team”, the Minister said.
The Minister concluded, “On conclusion of the conservation works programme the next phase involved the provision of a perimeter transparent security screen replacing the former intrusive blocking walls and it was decided to erect a modern lean-to glazed structure. The design is modern and is built to reflect the outline of the original monastic lean-to roof. This transparent structure will both protect the stonework of the conserved aisle from weathering and will also provide an enhanced opportunity for the visitor to more fully appreciate the monument.
