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

20^th July 2011  

  
Jerry Buttimer, TD for Cork South Central was today elected as Chairman to the key Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children
 
The Committee will shadow the activities of the Department of Health and Department of Children and Youth Affairs.
 
Speaking after his election, Jerry Buttimer TD said;  
“I would like to sincerely thank members of the committee for electing me as Chairman. It is a great honour and privilege to be elected Chair of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children

It is my aim and intention to work with each committee member in a genuine spirit of partnership and co-operation. I will act at all times in a non- partisan, non-political manner to ensure the business of the committee is conducted in a fair, open and transparent manner.

I believe the Committee has an important role in monitoring two significant Government Departments. Over the last number of weeks both Departments have been the centre of public attention due to the highly sensitive and emotive matters with which they deal. 

In the area of Health our focus must be patient safety and the delivery of services which comply with modern best practice. At all times we must recognise the needs of the people whom we serve and ensure that facilities and services are both safe and of the highest standard.

The Cloyne Report has again highlighted the importance of children’s rights. The Committee will work with the Minister for Children to ensure the prioritisation of the proposed referendum on children’s rights and that all arms of the State and all bodies dealing with children comply fully with the Children First Guidelines.”

Posted under Health, National Work, Politics

Buttimer to support National Director in leading Fine Gael’s Presidential campaign

Fine Gael TD for Cork South Central, Jerry Buttimer, has today (Thursday) been appointed to the role of Regional Director of Elections for Munster for the Presidential election campaign.

Speaking following the announcement, Deputy Buttimer said: ‘As we get ready for one of the most exciting Presidential election campaigns in recent history, I am delighted to have been asked by the Party’s Chairman and National Director of Elections, Charlie Flanagan, to support him in driving the strategy for the upcoming campaign.

“We are going to campaign vigorously right across Munster over the next few months and I am looking forward to enlisting the Party’s extensive group of supporters to engage with the public and open up debate about who should be our next President.”

Three other Regional Director of Elections have been appointed to support Deputy Flanagan on the campaign; Deputy Joe O’Reilly for Connaught/Ulster, Deputy Paschal Donohoe for Dublin and Deputy Damian English for Leinster.

Posted under National Work, Politics