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

Fine Gael Cork South Central Deputy, Jerry Buttimer, speaking tonight (Friday) at the Annual General Meeting of Cork South Central Young Fine Gael, said that the report of the Mahon Tribunal links the actions of former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern to the current Fianna Fáil leadership.  Deputy Buttimer went on to say that the report makes it imperative that the government advances its proposed political reforms.
 
“The most surprising thing about the Final Report of the Mahon Tribunal is that it simply confirms what everyone already knew about former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.  It creates a direct link between the actions of Bertie Ahern and the current Fianna Fáil leadership.  Those who sat around the cabinet table with Ahern repeatedly gave him their full confidence; no matter what way you look at it, there is simply no getting away from that.
 
“No matter what way you dress it up, Micheál Martin is inextricably linked to Bertie Ahern. His continued loyalty to Ahern throughout his leadership led to him being a part of Bertie’s inner circle, and to creating a strategy for Bertie to get through the 2007 election campaign even when Mahon leaks appeared.
 
“While the findings of the Mahon Tribunal raise very particular matters for Fianna Fáil it poses a challenge to all politicians and all political parties.  It has damaged the general perception of politicians, not just those who it has found against.
 
“It is crucial that we turn this tide and do everything in our power to restore faith in politics.  All politicians have an obligation to carry out their duties appropriately, to be above reproach.  Following the publication of this report it is imperative that the government progresses its proposed political reforms.
 
“I am very conscious that the people want politicians to be proactive on political reform. Reform must come, be it in the shape of the banning of corporate donations or the registering of lobbyists. The Government has committed to bringing about political reform and it cannot be a mere mantra.
 
“We must ensure that the time, effort and expense that went into this report are not wasted and that it doesn’t sit on a shelf gathering dust. It will be debated in the Dáil next Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and I look forward to engaging in that debate.”

Posted under Justice & Equality, National Work, Politics

Fine Gael Cork South Central Deputy, Jerry Buttimer, has said the Government decision not to take a mid-term break next week is to be welcomed as it will give TDs and Senators an opportunity to come to the Dáil to debate issues of public importance.

“The decision taken this morning by the Government not to take a mid-term break next week as scheduled, but to come into the Dáil and Seanad, shows it is committed to increasing Dáil sitting days and to getting the country back on track.

“Year on year, proposals are put forward by the Opposition groups for shorter holidays which are routinely voted down by the Government. In this instance, however, the Fine Gael-led Government gave consideration to the Opposition proposal and agreed to forfeit the mid-term break, with both Houses sitting next week.

“This Government is serious about changing the way politics works. As part of our plans for Dáil reform, the Programme for Government commits to the introduction of a package of changes that will bring about a 50% increase in Dáil sitting days. Since coming to office the increase in the number of sitting days for this year is already in the region of 30%. This is due to a reduction of four weeks in the summer break, one week less at Easter, no break at St. Patrick’s Day, the resumption of the Dáil on Tuesday following bank holidays, as opposed to Wednesday as was the norm, and the introduction of Friday sittings. The Dáil Christmas break will also be one week shorter.

“I welcome the decision to come to the House next week and commend the Government on its serious consideration of Opposition proposals.”

Posted under National Work, Politics