Fine Gael Cork South Central Deputy, Jerry Buttimer, has welcomed the funding announced for the swimming pools at Douglas and Leisure World Bishopstown saying it demonstrates the Government’s commitment to sports and to developing local communities.

“The Minister’s decision to provide funding for the swimming pools at Douglas and Leisure World will greatly improve facilities and enhance accessibility. Douglas will benefit by receiving over €340,000 and Bishopstown will receive over €200,000.

“Access for people with disabilities will be improved as a result of this new funding which will be used in part to provide for ramps, wider doorways, hoists and purpose built changing facilities. Enhancing accessibility is vital to allowing those with disabilities to use these important amenities. Swimming pools and recreation facilities are not just for athletes and sporting teams, they are important community resources which must be available for use by all. The announcement by the Minister of State for Tourism & Sport, Michael Ring, will ensure that the swimming pools in both Bishopstown and Douglas can be accessed by a wider proportion of the population.

“Part of the funding is to be used under the green swimming pool initiative, aimed at making the pools more energy efficient. This will have long term benefits for both facilities as it should reduce running costs. Every household is aware of the need to be as energy efficient as possible and it is no different for civic amenities. Hopefully the reduced running costs can be used to either improve facilities further or reduce the cost for those using the pools.”

Posted under Cork City, Douglas, Infastructure, Social, South West, Youth

Fine Gael Cork South Central TD Jerry Buttimer talks to Harry McGee about the importance of social media in politics, the race for the Áras and the interest rate on the bailout package. Click here for link to Irish Times audio.

Posted under Blog, National Work, Politics, Social

Speaking in the Dáil on the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill, Fine Gael Cork South Central Deputy, Jerry Buttimer, said that people must honour the responsibilities associated with signing up for social welfare payments.

“A society should be judged by the way it treats its most vulnerable members. The provision of social welfare is one mechanism we use to assist those most in need. However, the payments we provide come with responsibilities for those who make claims, including the responsibility to comply with the regulations set down and not to make false claims.

“There must be reform and transparency in the system. This year, more than 1,000 welfare fraud tip-offs are being made every month. Last year, some 12,000 tip-offs were made, double the figure for 2009. Therefore, as our resources become tighter, people are beginning to become less tolerant of fraudulent claims.

“There must be greater activity in the elimination of fraud and in activity related to the policing of fraudulent claims. Despite the fact that the social welfare fraud target for 2010 was not met, almost €483 million in social welfare payments was saved (91% of the target) through fraud control measures, that year.

“Where the illegal use of Personal Public Service Cards and fraudulently using PPS numbers are concerned, the measures contained in this Bill will go a long way towards combating social welfare crime and assisting in the fight against the hidden economy and the black market, which is flourishing. It is essential that value for money is delivered to the taxpayer. Those who abuse welfare payments provided by the State deserve to be held to account and this is part of what we do as a Government. The Minister’s proposals will assist in this while at the same time ensuring that those most in need of our assistance will benefit as required.”

Posted under Carrigaline, Cork City, Douglas, Economic, Politics, Social, South Central, South East, South West