Fine Gael Cork South Central Deputy, Jerry Buttimer, has said that rent allowance should be reduced or withdrawn where anti-social behaviour occurs.  Deputy Buttimer raised the issue of anti-social behaviour in rented properties with the Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton, in the Dáil during topical debates.
 
“Where anti-social behaviour occurs in circumstances where the State is paying rent allowance, the most effective form of enforcement would be to either reduce or withdraw that allowance.
 
“In some parts of Bishopstown and Douglas in Cork there are many rented properties which are located in quiet and, in many cases, mature residential areas.  In these places there is often persistent anti-social behaviour and excessive noise.  There is also often evidence of broken windows and rubbish dumped on neighbouring properties.  
 
“We must take action in respect of landlords and tenants who are only interested in obtaining access to rent allowance, who do not care about the state of the properties and who believe the feelings of those who own neighbouring properties to be irrelevant.
 
“In one recent case before the Private Residential Tenancies Board there was only a small fine for the landlord; no penalty was imposed on the tenant even though the adjudicator said that behaviour in the property ‘on numerous occasions constituted anti-social behaviour’.  The adjudicator also said that residents had been ‘directly and adversely affected such that their quality of life, safety and securit

Posted under Carrigaline, Cork City, Douglas, Justice & Equality, National Work, Social Protection, South Central, South East, South West

Cork South Central Fine Gael TD Jerry Buttimer has called for a collective response to ensure Cork city remains a safe place to live, shop, visit and work.  Deputy Buttimer was speaking after a meeting of the Cork City Centre Business Community Safety Forum.
 
“Latest crime statistics for Cork City show a reduction in property crime, theft, criminal damage and public order offences.  These are very welcome developments.  Figures show that the number of assaults causing harm across the city division has fallen by 20%; however the number of assaults in the city centre has increased.  Compared to the same period last year this year’s figures are up by 26%, albeit from a low base.
 
“The city centre is a vibrant place to live, socialise and work, it is a place where people feel safe.  Despite this it is disappointing that the number of assaults in the city centre has increased; this is a trend that must be reversed.  We all have a collective social responsibility to address the underlying causes.
 
“These figures were provided by the Gardaí at a meeting of the City Centre Business Community Safety Forum.  Gardaí suggested that the increase was due to the use of alcohol and other accelerants, it is a sign of increased aggression on our streets late at night.
 
“In Cork the Gardaí have increased their visibility in the city centre at key times.  If it wasn’t for this proactive policing approach I fear that the trend would be worse.  I commend the Gardaí for the work they are doing across the city, it is in the interest of everyone working and living in the city that this continues.
 
“Locally we must take action to make our streets even safer.  There must be continued engagement between the Council, Gardaí, alcohol retailers and security companies.  Co-operation and common purpose are essential in addressing the problems.  As an immediate step the city bye laws on the confiscation of alcohol being consumed on the streets must be implemented.  These initiatives are essential to enhancing our city, making it a better place to live, shop, work and visit.”
 
“As a society we must change our attitudes towards alcohol.  Over the years our alcohol consumption has increased, as a result alcohol related illnesses no longer only affect middle-aged and older people.  Healthcare workers are now seeing the impact of excessive use among younger adults.  To address these issues we must change our national attitude towards alcohol, we must end our tolerance of alcohol misuse.
 
“Earlier this year I launched a report on the misuse of alcohol and other drugs, this highlighted the social problems caused by misuse.  As chairman of the Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children I have begun a process of engagement with Minister of State, Roisín Shortall TD, in developing policy based on the Committee’s report and that of the National Steering Group.  Key elements in this policy will be controlling alcohol promotion and pricing.”

Posted under Cork City, Crime, Health, Justice & Equality

Fine Gael Cork South Central Deputy, Jerry Buttimer, has this evening (Monday) said he supports calls to withdraw the pensions of politicians who are found guilty of corruption or misconduct. Deputy Buttimer was speaking at the Annual General Meeting of the Grange Frankfield Fine Gael Branch.
 
“Politicians are elected by the people to serve all of the people; not vested interests or golden-circles.  If a politician betrays that trust there must be consequences. It is wrong that someone who acted inappropriately can retire without any significant personal consequence and that they can continue to have the benefit of excessive lumps sums and overly generous pensions.  This must be stopped.
 
“I agree with suggestions that laws should be put in place that permit the withdrawal of pensions of politicians who have been found guilty of corruption or misconduct.  The Mahon Tribunal has recommended that the sanctions contained in the Public Bodies Corrupt Practices Act 1889, which includes withdrawing pension entitlements, should be extended to Oireachtas members.
 
“There may be difficulties in enacting retrospective legislation but it can be put in place for current and future Oireachtas Members.  The recommendations in the Mahon Report should be acted on.  This is one measure which can be implemented quickly.
 
“The Government should consult with the Attorney General to see if it is possible to implement similar legislation which will have the same effect where former Oireachtas members who have been criticised in tribunal reports are concerned.
 
“There must be severe consequences for corrupt activities.  Corrupt civil servants and politicians should be held to account. I believe this should include measures to reduce or withdraw their pension entitlements.”

Posted under Justice & Equality, National Work, Politics