The lists of unfinished housing estates which qualify for a waiver of the household charge in 2012 has been published.  Here are two links to the list of qualifying estates in Cork City and Cork County.

Posted under Carrigaline, Cork City, Development, Douglas, Economic, Environment, South Central, South East, South West, Uncategorized

Cork South Central TD, Jerry Buttimer, has said that announcements by the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, TD, are encouraging enterprise and jobs.
 
“The announcement by Minister to Noonan that there will be no increase in income tax will be welcomed by every worker in the country.  For all income tax payers their take home pay will be the same in 2012 as it is now.  The decision to abolish the Universal Social Charge (USC) for people who earn less than €10,000, which will rebalance the original unfairness of this charge, will be a welcomed boost for low paid workers.  Both of these measures show the government’s commitment to rewarding work.
 
“As well as rewarding work the Minister is also encouraging enterprise and job creation.  A range of measures announced will make it easier to develop business in growth markets, easier to run a start-up company and, ultimately, easier to create jobs.
 
“There is a targeted deduction to incentivise businesses developing trade with the emerging markets of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.  This will incentivise export businesses to grow their enterprise in these key markets.
 
“The extension of the corporate tax exemption to include start-up companies who commence trading in 2012, 2013 and 2014 will encourage job creation.  Start-up companies create most new jobs and this measure is another example of this government prioritising job creation.
 
“Taken together, maintaining existing income tax rates and bands, abolishing the USC for the low paid, encouraging exports and start-up companies, these initiatives show that the government is prioritising job creation.  The government had to take some very difficult budgetary decisions, at the same time it is important that we continue to implement our plan for economic recovery and job creation.  Encouraging enterprise and jobs is an essential part of getting Ireland working again and I am pleased that the government is delivering on these key objectives.”

Posted under Economic, Employment, National Work

Fine Gael Cork South Central TD Jerry Buttimer has said the public service reform measures outlined by the Government today (Thursday) will ensure a more streamlined and efficient public service that is better equipped to deliver improved services.
 
“From day one, this Government has led the charge when it comes to political reform in ensuring that change starts at the top. The pay of the Taoiseach, Tanaiste and Ministers has been reduced, Ministerial ‘mercs and perks’ have been eradicated, new pay ceilings have been introduced for senior public servants and legislation has been published to reduce public sector pensions.
 
“Today, the Government took the reform agenda one step further by committing to reduce public sector numbers, axing quangos and State bodies, drawing a line under decentralisation and cutting back on excessive annual leave entitlements for the public sector.
 
“The Public Service Reform Plan contains almost 70 recommendations and 200 cost saving and efficiency producing actions. These include the sharing of services in the areas of HR, payroll and pensions, to streamline operations and remove duplicate activities.
 
“Public service numbers are to be radically scaled back, with a reduction, through natural wastage, of 23,500 posts by 2015. At that point, public service numbers will have fallen by some 37,500, or 12%, since 2008, reducing our pay bill by over €2.5 billion. This will result in a leaner and more efficient public service that is capable of delivering more with less.
 
“The number of State bodies and quangos is also set to be reduced with the rationalisation of 48 bodies by the end of 2012, and a review of a further 46 bodies planned by the end of June next year.  To ensure that the number of State bodies never again balloons as it did under the previous administration, a ‘sunset clause’ is to be contained in State body legislation ensuring that the body will cease to exist after a predetermined date unless its mandate has been specifically renewed.
 
“A line has also been drawn under what is often considered the most ill-judged and badly planned ideas of the last government: decentralisation. And annual leave allowances have been standardised, with the abolition of historically based local leave arrangements such as festival and race days for staff. This will lead to greater uniformity of terms and conditions and will enhance the fluid movement of staff between different sectors and organisations.
 
“A lack of political leadership has acted as a barrier to the delivery of an efficient public service for too long. Public servants have been trapped in a system that has stifled their productivity and frustrated their development. These reform measures will make for a more slimmed down and fitter public sector that is able to realise its true potential in delivering for all citizens.”

Posted under Economic, Employment, National Work