Senator Jerry Buttimer, speaking in the Seanad today, criticised the Government for failing to adequately to respond to President Nicolas Sarkozy’s assertions that Ireland should increase its corporation tax in exchange for accessing the EU/IMF bailout fund.

“All along, the Government assured us that the raising of the corporation tax was not on the table during negotiations. I raised the issue in the Seanad and the Government representatives were mute on it to say the least. President Sarkozy has no business intervening in our domestic affairs. Ireland is a proud member of the European Union. Despite the bailout, we continue to be an economic and political force in European matters”.

“Our corporation tax rate of 12.5% is an essential component in driving growth in our economy and encouraging investment. Fine Gael has consistently supported the retention of this rate. If successful in the next election, Fine Gael will lead the renegotiation of the EU/IMF deal to ensure a fairer repayment plan for the Irish people. We commented at the time that the interest rate was too high and Minister Coughlan has since said that a lower interest rate would be welcome. What the Minister has forgotten is that her Government were at the negotiating table when the interest rate of 5.9% was agreed.”

“I resent the fact that the Government has failed to respond on behalf of the Irish people against President Sarkozy’s remarks.  Any suggestion that Ireland must raise its corporation tax at the behest of European leaders must be faced down. Fianna Fail would do well to concentrate more on the country than their own internal politics at this critical time”.

Posted under Economic, Employment, National Work

Fine Gael Senator Jerry Buttimer has said the Local Area Plan for the Douglas area must be mindful of the needs of all its residents.

Speaking today Senator Buttimer said “Douglas has become a very attractive place to live, to work, to shop and to socalise in. The Village, the housing estates and surrounding areas have evolved into a community. This hasn’t happened by accident. It has taken a plan, a vision, supported by local authorities, developers, entrepreneurs and people

“Douglas is a bright village now; it has a vibrancy that needs to be retained. That vibrancy and life can be lost through over development as traffic parking issues threaten There is a tremendous community spirit in the parishes, communities that all make up Douglas. Every day as I walk about or drive through the village I’m struck by the developments and concerned at the gridlock. A village of shopping centre’s just wont work as we know from parts of Dublin. It is essential that the new plan for Douglas must avoid the mistakes of overdevelopment in many of the suburbs of Dublin. “

Senator Buttimer continued” This week there is much talk about the future plans for the site of the existing Douglas Cinema. This is an amenity that in my view needs to be retained. Leisure facilities are necessary in a village, and a suburb like Douglas. The cinema in its present location is an ideal location for the development of youth facilities. I would urge that consideration be made to developing this site as a specialist dedicated youth area which would include the location of a youth café, a cinema, and a youth club. These new amenities would augment the immense work of Community, voluntary and sporting organisations in the area.”

“Young people need to be looked after. We must encourage local authorities to develop facilities for young people. Cork County Council in formulating it’s a Local Area Plan for the Douglas area must be mindful of the needs of all its residents.  “

“Every effort must be made to increase employment opportunities in the Douglas area. Ireland of the past was too concentrated on short term employment, now we need sustainable and long term job opportunities in the locality for the people of Douglas.  “

Posted under Douglas, Infastructure, Social, Uncategorized

Posted under Cork City, Education, National Work