Jerry Buttimer TD; Cork South Central; Fine Gael; John Buttimer;

Buttimer welcomes funding to improve facilities at swimming pools

JohnC — Thu, 10 May 2012 09:03:35 +0000

Cork South Central Fine Gael TD Jerry Buttimer has said that additional funding will improve disabled access and increase energy efficiency at Cork swimming pools.

“I am please the Minister for Transport Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar, TD has approved additional funding to improve the swimming facilities at Cork’s public swimming pools.

“In the current round of funding under the Disabled Access and Energy Upgrade Scheme Douglas Swimming Pool will receive €59,730 and Bishopstown will receive €195,377 to improve and enhance the facilities available to swimmers. This funding is in addition to the respective 2011 allocations of €340,270 and €201,930. In the last twelve months the Minister has allocated €400,000 under this scheme to Douglas Swimming Pool and €397,307 to the Bishopstown swimming pool

“In total the public swimming pools in Cork have been allocated an additional €468,059 under the Disabled Access and Energy Upgrade Scheme. The condition on the funding is that the work must be carried out by September.

“In the last twelve months a total of €1,191,059 has been provided to the three public swimming pools in Cork. That is an average of almost €400,000 per swimming pool, a significant investment in these amenities. In 2011 the three Cork swimming pools, at Bishopstown, Douglas and Churchfield, were allocated €723,000.

“There is an obligation on government and local authorities to ensure that there are sufficient numbers of facilities available for sport and recreation. As a society we must invest in providing access to facilities that promote physical activity, such investment can have an impact in improving health across society.

“As our lives are becoming more and more sedentary as a result of advancing technology the need for facilities such as public swimming pools is increasing. This funding will assist in making the public swimming pools in Cork more enticing places for people to use for their regular exercise routines.”

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Restructuring of airports is first step to increased autonomy for Cork Airport – Buttimer

JohnC — Wed, 09 May 2012 16:03:40 +0000

Fine Gael Cork South Central TD, Jerry Buttimer, has said that the initial restructuring of the State’s airports is the first step for increased autonomy at Cork Airport. Deputy Buttimer was commenting after the announcement of the restructuring of the State’s airports by Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar TD, and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton, TD.

“I have consistently said that it is important that Cork Airport has increased autonomy and is given the ability to develop its own business without being constrained by Dublin. Today’s announcement brings us closer to that point and to increased autonomy for Cork Airport.

“Minister Varadkar and Minister Bruton confirmed this morning that the Government has decided to restructure the ownership of Shannon Airport, separating it from the Dublin Airport authority (DAA). The Ministers also confirmed that the DAA will be renamed to acknowledge its responsibility for more than just Dublin Airport.

“The Government has decided that, for the present, Cork Airport will remain in State ownership in a restructured DAA. This is in keeping with the recommendations of the consultants’ report commissioned by the Minister.

“For almost a decade, indecision has plagued Cork Airport, hampering its expansion and development. Now the Minister is putting in place a clear plan for the future of the Airport, which enable it to grow and benefit Cork and the wider region.

“The development and expansion of services at the Airport is just one element of what is needed to drive business and tourism in Cork. There remains a heavy responsibility on the local authorities, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland to promote and market Cork as a destination of choice for both business and tourism.

“Promoting Cork requires all stakeholders working together, developing strategies to deliver for local businesses and communities. One development which will significantly drive the development and promotion of Cork is the development of a world class conference centre. There needs to be a partnership between State agencies and private investment to ensure that this essential amenity is delivered.”

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Sport and Youth Bodies to attend Health & Children Committee on Children First Bill

JohnC — Wed, 09 May 2012 14:06:51 +0000

The Committee on Health and Children will resume its hearings on the Children First Bill tomorrow, 10th May when it meets with representatives from the sports and youth sectors.

The Committee is inviting submissions from interested groups and stakeholders on the Heads of the Children First Bill which was recently published by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Frances Fitzgerald TD.

Tomorrow the Committee will hear from John Treacy, Chief Executive, Irish Sports Council; Gearoid O’ Maolmhicil, Child Welfare Officer, GAA; Kate Hills, National Children’s Officer, Swim Ireland; Mary Cunningham, Director, National Youth Council of Ireland; John Cahill, Foroige; and Eddie Darcy, Youth Work Services Manager, Catholic Youth Care.

The purpose of the Bill is to put Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children on a statutory basis. The Minister has sent the Heads of the Bill to the Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children for consultation before the Bill is finalised.

Committee Chairman, Jerry Buttimer TD said: “We are delighted to have this opportunity to contribute to the drafting of this crucial piece of legislation. However, for the Children First legislation to be effective, we must engage with and have an open dialogue with those groups who will be working with it on a daily basis.

Therefore, it is important that we meet with people working in the sports and youth sectors to get their perspectives on the draft Heads of the Children First Bill. Our meeting tomorrow will give them a chance to contribute to the drafting of this legislation which will provide the necessary safeguards to protect children and combat child abuse and neglect.

Our meeting will provide us with an opportunity to receive input from key stakeholders on the proposed Bill. This is the first time that the Joint Committee on Health and Children has been asked to provide its input into the Heads of a Bill and the process will enable members to make observations and suggestions before the bill comes before the Dáil and Seanad.”

The meeting takes place today, Thursday 10th May, 11.30am in Committee Room 2, LH 2000. Committee proceedings can be followed live at: http://bit.ly/24YmPI

For more details on making a submission to the Committee, click on the following link: http://bit.ly/KudZIb

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Buttimer welcomes reduction in numbers of patients on trolleys

JohnC — Wed, 09 May 2012 11:05:26 +0000

Fine Gael Cork South Central TD and Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children, Jerry Buttimer, has welcomed a 17% reduction nationally in the numbers of patients on trolleys in the first four months of 2012 compared with the same period last year. Deputy Buttimer attributed this result to the establishment of the special Delivery Unit as well as the dedication and hard work of hospital staff and management.

“That there has been a 17% reduction nationally in the number of patients on hospital trolleys is a welcome development. The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) has confirmed that the drop has been recorded across the first four months in 2012 when compared with the same period in 2011. Looking back to 2010, a 3% reduction has been recorded, signalling a significant improvement in trolley figures for last year.

“When the Minister for Health came to office he established the Special Delivery Unit, one of the aims of which was to reduce the number of people on hospital trolleys. The figures from the INMO show that the combined efforts of Minister Reilly’s initiative and the dedication of hospital staff have yielded results.

“All staff working at every level within the hospital system deserve credit for this improvement. Their dedication and commitment helps to deliver an essential service which is deeply appreciated by all who use the hospital system.

“The work of the INMO in maintaining figures on the use of hospital trolleys provides an insight into the efficiency of hospitals and the use of available resources. This data enables direct comparisons so that we can see what initiatives are working and which practices need to be reviewed. In regularly updating these figures the INMO is not only providing a service to its members but also to wider society.

“While there has been a significant national decrease in the number of patients on hospital trolleys, there may be local examples where the same reductions have not been delivered. In such instances it is incumbent on the INMO, the Department for Health and hospital management to work together to deliver the same favourable outcomes that have been achieved nationally.”

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Health Committee to continue hearings on Children First Bill

JohnC — Tue, 08 May 2012 12:10:16 +0000

The Committee on Health and Children will continue its hearings on the Children First Bill today, 8th May when it meets with the Children First Interdepartmental Implementation Group.

The Committee is inviting submissions from interested groups and stakeholders on the Heads of the Children First Bill which was recently published by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Frances Fitzgerald TD.

The purpose of the Bill is to put Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children on a statutory basis.

The Minister has sent the Heads of the Bill to the Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children for consultation before the Bill is finalised.

Committee Chairman, Jerry Buttimer TD said: “For the Children First legislation to be effective, we must engage with and have an open dialogue with those groups who will be working with it on a daily basis.

Today we will have an opportunity to discuss the Heads of the Bill with the Children First Interdepartmental Implementation Group. The Department of Children and Youth Affairs is chairing an Interdepartmental Group of key Government departments together with the HSE and the Gardai in order to ensure the consistent implementation of Children First in all sectors.

Our meeting will also allow members of the Committee to be fully informed and enable us to provide meaningful input into the legislation, make observations and suggestions before the bill comes before the Dáil and Seanad.”

The meeting takes place today, Tuesday 8th May, 2.30pm in Committee Room 1, LH 2000. Committee proceedings can be followed live at: http://bit.ly/24YmPI

For more details on making a submission to the Committee, click on the following link: http://bit.ly/KudZIb

For further information please contact:

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Buttimer pays tribute to resilience and dignity of Vita Cortex workers

JohnC — Thu, 03 May 2012 14:11:23 +0000

Fine Gael Cork South Central Deputy, Jerry Buttimer, has paid tribute to the resilience and determination of the Vita Cortex workers following the resolution of the 20 week dispute last night.

“The resilience and determination of the Vita Cortex workers over the course of the sit-in has been an inspiration. I am delighted that all parties have agreed to an acceptable resolution to the dispute.

“Each time I met with the Vita Cortex workers I was struck by their sincerity and their positive attitude. The mutual support shown by the members of the group enabled them to stick it out for a staggering 20 weeks. They had received great support from across the local community and I know that this support was deeply appreciated.

“There have been many parties involved in bringing this dispute to an end. Kieran Mulvey and his team in the Labour Relations Commission, SIPTU and IBEC have all played important roles in the process. It is also important to recognise the engagement by the company in making an offer that was agreeable to all involved.

“In December, when this dispute began, the workers were genuine in their demands. They were seeking what had initially been offered, and indeed what had been given to former colleagues. It was this genuine and dignified approach which resonated with the public, gathering support locally, nationally and internationally. I applaud them for the manner in which they have conducted themselves over the past four months and wish them well for the future.”

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Clinics involved in providing PIP silicone breast implants to be invited before Health Committee

JohnC — Thu, 03 May 2012 09:09:11 +0000

The Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children will invite three Irish clinics involved in providing the controversial PIP silicone breast implants to attend a meeting to discuss the issue of PIP silicone breast implants and the use of non-medical grade silicone.

Committee Chairman, Jerry Buttimer TD said: “As part of our on-going hearings into the use of industrial grade silicone for breast implants instead of a grade for use in medical products by French company Poly Implant Prothese, the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tony Holohan, addressed the committee.

Dr Holohan was very forthright and upfront when answering questions posed by members of the Committee. The Committee is pleased that he has taken the initiative to meet with the women affected, as it is important that Dr Holohan directly hears their concerns.

This issue has caused much anxiety and concern and raised questions about potential safety risks for many women internationally and here in this country. In Ireland, around 1,500 women have been identified as having received PIP implants between 2001 and 2010.

Regulation of clinics providing this surgery and other cosmetic surgeries in Ireland is an area of concern, so we welcome the news by the Chief Medical Officer that the Department of Health is preparing legislation dealing with the regulation of cosmetic surgery and hope that it can be advanced quickly.

In a continuation of our meetings the Committee will write to the three Irish clinics involved in providing the breast implants in this country to ask them to appear before the Committee.

We are particularly concerned at the level of assistance being offered to women affected. The health, safety and well-being of the women involved are of primary importance. We would like to know what advice is being given to patients, what options are being made available to the affected women and what systems have been put in place by the clinics to advise and treat their former patients. The women affected should not have to bear the cost of fixing someone else’s error.

The Committee will want to explore the issues raised with the aim of ensuring that concerns of patients are dealt with in a sympathetic manner and make sure that they receive appropriate aftercare and management.”

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Buttimer says Committee will consult widely on Children First Bill

JohnC — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 09:13:35 +0000

Fine Gael Cork South Central TD and Chairman of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children, Jerry Buttimer, has said the widespread consultations that will take place with stakeholders and groups working with children on a daily basis will be a key element in preparing the Children First Bill.

“The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, TD, has asked the Committee on Health and Children to play an active role in preparing the Children First Bill. Given the importance of the proposed legislation, the Committee has agreed to concentrate on the Bill for five weeks.

“The Children First Bill is about aligning the law with what is right, it is about bringing an end to any remaining attitudes that may choose to ignore child abuse and neglect. It will no longer be an option to have child protection as a priority; compliance with Children First will be mandatory, not voluntary.

“For the Children First legislation to be effective we must have an open dialogue with those groups who will be working with it on a daily basis. The Committee will work to give these groups an opportunity to contribute to the formulation of this legislation.

“As part of this process we will hold a series of meetings with key stakeholders in the areas of child protection. The Committee proposes meeting advocacy and representative groups, government departments and voluntary organisations working in sports and youth activities. We will also meet with key lead personnel in child protection, child law and children and family services. Giving these groups the opportunity to contribute will enable their practical day-to-day experience to inform the legislative process.

“It is in the interest of all in society, all children and parents that the Children First legislation is practical and effective. It must deliver a reformed child protection regime. The Minister’s engaging approach prior to the publication of the legislation will help to achieve this outcome.”

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Buttimer welcomes approval to replace prefabs in schools

JohnC — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 17:55:07 +0000

Cork South Central Fine Gael Deputy, Jerry Buttimer, has welcomed the announcement that prefabs in three schools will be replaced with permanent classroom accommodation.

“I am pleased that the Minister for Education and Skills has confirmed that three schools in Cork South Central have received approval to replace prefabs with permanent classrooms. Glasheen Boys National School and in Carrigaline both Scoil Mhuire Lourdes and St. John’s Girls National School have received approval.

“Scoil Mhuire Lourdes has been approved for four mainstream classrooms. St. John’s GNS will now be able to build 4 mainstream classrooms and 2 resource/learning support classrooms. Glasheen Boys National School will receive funding for 2 mainstream classrooms and one resource/learning support classroom.

“The approved funding should ensure that permanent classrooms are built in the three schools by the end of 2012. The new classrooms will improve the facilities available for pupils and teachers, ending the long-term reliance on prefabs.

“For too long the temporary accommodation solution of prefabs had been relied on to provide a long term solution for a shortage of classrooms. This initiative by the Minister will end that wasteful use of resources delivering classrooms that meet the current needs of pupils, schools and teachers.

“The Minister has approved 78 schools across the country to go ahead with the replacement of prefabs with permanent classrooms, allowing them to begin this work to ensure it is completed during 2012. In total this announcement amounts to an investment of €14 million for prefab replacement in these schools.

“In early March the Minister announced a €35 million initiative to reduce the use of prefabs in primary schools. 189 schools were invited to participate in the programme, in addition to the 78 schools which have today received approval another 110 are in on-going discussions with the Department.”

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500 new jobs for Apple a huge boost for Cork – Buttimer

JohnC — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 17:54:00 +0000

Fine Gael TD for Cork South Central, Jerry Buttimer, has today (Friday) welcomed the announcement by Apple that it is creating 500 new jobs in its Cork operation.

“This is fantastic news for Cork which has been the home of Apple in Ireland for the last 30 years. Today’s announcement is testament to the faith Apple has in the quality of the Irish workforce, by showing that we can provide the technical expertise to support the expansion of its growing business across Europe.

“Today’s announcement comes on the back of a number of significant foreign investment announcements over the last number of months.

“Creating jobs is the Government’s number one priority and I would like to thank the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton, as well as the IDA, who have been working closely with Apple over the last few months, both in the USA and Ireland, to make today’s announcement happen.”