57,839 Leaving Certificate candidates got their results this morning. Of these, 51,279 are school-leavers, 3,737 are external candidates and 2,823 are repeat candidates.
Overall, 38,885 sat the established Leaving Certificate, 15,596 sat the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme and 3,358 sat the Leaving Certificate Applied programme.

The Tanaiste has expressed her views on Maths and Science. She said ‘Overall, I’m pleased to see that the results are broadly in line with previous years. I am particularly pleased that the results for Project Maths are in line with general trends’, said the Tánaiste.

This year some 1,818 candidates in 24 schools sat a different Paper 2 in Mathematics, as part of the Project Maths initiative. This is part of a major programme of reform designed to encourage better understanding of maths, to reinforce the practical relevance of maths to everyday life, and to ensure better continuity between primary and second level, and between junior and senior cycle. The initiative started in 2008 and is being piloted in 24 schools, where students sat their first exam this year, covering Strands 1 and 2 of the 5 strands of Mathematics.
The curriculum changes will be phased in over three years. Mainstreaming in all schools will begin in September 2010, supported by a national programme of professional development for teachers which began in 2009. Project Maths is being supported by intensive investment in professional development for teachers. Some €3m was invested in this area in 2009, with a further €5m this year. The programme will continue to at least 2013.

The results for the 1,818 candidates in the 24 Project Maths schools are broadly in line with national trends. A welcome development is that 18.5% took higher level in these schools, compared with 16.0% nationally. The EFNG rate at Ordinary level is also lower, 5.4% in Project Maths compared with 10% nationally.

The Tánaiste said: ‘This is an encouraging start to the initiative, and I would like to thank all the students, teachers, trainers and curriculum development staff who have played such an active role in the evolution of Project Maths to date.’

In science, there have also been further increases in participation rates in Chemistry and Biology, but participation in Physics was down 0.4% to 12.4% this year. Engineering and Technology have also had increases in participation rates at higher level. ‘Science, technology, engineering and mathematics are considered to be the engines of growth and innovation in the smart economy, and I would urge students who have performed well in the examinations in these subjects to consider careers in these areas,’ said the Tánaiste.

Bonus Points for Higher Level Mathematics in the Leaving Certificate
Legally, the criteria for admission to higher education institutions are a matter for decision by the colleges themselves. The Tánaiste has made her preference for the introduction of a points bonus for achievement in higher level mathematics clear and has written to the higher education institutions in that regard. The higher education institutions are, as a result, currently considering the question. Some institutions have already confirmed their intention to introduce such a points bonus and the question is under active consideration in others. Further details will emerge over the coming weeks, when institutions have completed their internal considerations.
At this stage, students who are now entering senior cycle in September should be aware of the possibility of additional benefits of taking mathematics at higher level in terms of CAO applications from 2012 onwards and should take this possibility into account in making their Leaving Certificate subject choices.

Accessing results
Students can access their examination results online at http://www.examinations.ie/ from midday on Wednesday, quoting their Personal Identification Number (PIN) and examination number.
Results are also available from midday (quoting PIN and examination numbers) by phoning 1530 719 290 for callers in the Republic of Ireland or 00353 1 6885312 for callers from outside the Republic.
Students will be able to access the CAO online at http://www.cao.ie/ from 6am on Monday, August 22, to view their third-level offers and apply for courses.
Key dates
If candidates want to view their scripts, they should apply by Tuesday, August 24th.
Applications should be made to the school except in the case of external candidates who should follow the process outlined in the instructions accompanying their provisional results.
Viewing of scripts: this will take place in schools on Friday, September 3rd, and on Saturday, September 4th.
Submission of appeals: all applications must be submitted (through the school except in the case of external candidates) to arrive in the State Examinations Commission by 5pm, Wednesday, September 8th.
Helplines: National Parents’ Council (Post-Primary) Helpline [1800 265 165] and The Irish Times College Helpline [1800 946 942] are available to provide support and advice from professional counsellors from the Institute of Guidance Counsellors.

ENDS

James Carroll said “I joined Minister Killeen yesterday in his first visit to the Army Camp in Gormanstown. We received a presentation on the camp development over recent time and future priorities and challenges”.

The group also met with Tom Moloney from the Air Accident Investigation Unit who showed the excellent work that is done investigating air accidents, some of which sadly ended in fatalities. More information on the team can be found www.aaiu.ie.

Also on the tour were Thomas Byrne TD and Cllr Wayne Harding.

The contractor for the post-primary design and build project, one of 43 projects announced on the 12th of February 2009, will be Elliott Sammon Construction Ltd.
Elliott Sammon Construction Ltd. is a joint venture between P. Elliott Construction Limited, Dublin Road, Cavan, and Sammon Contracting Group Limited, Kilcock, Co Kildare.

A project manager, Leading Edge Project Directors, has been appointed to oversee the project on behalf of County Meath VEC.

Unlike traditional projects, with a design and build project, planning permission is only applied for after the contract is awarded.

The new 8,109 sq/m school, together with a 523 sq/m special needs unit, will provide 1,000 student places when completed.

Coláiste na hInse will be located on the same site as Scoil Oilibhéir Naofa, the €7 million 24-classroom primary school handed over by the Department earlier this year.

James Carroll added said: ‘The new school will be of enormous benefit not only to today’s students but also to the future generations that will be educated here and to the wider community. It also represents an investment of millions of euro into the local economy and will permanently transform the educational infrastructure of Laytown for the better.”

“I would like to compliment all those who had the vision and ambition to stick with this project, this is a very exciting day for Co Meath and Laytown in particular.’

An Tanaiste said “This Government continues to make substantial investment in education with more than €86 million having been directed into capital projects in Meath since 2007. The investment of €579 million in this year’s school building programme demonstrated the Government’s desire to continue investing in the productive capacity of the economy, to create construction jobs and to provide schoolchildren and teachers with the best educational environment in which to learn and work.”

“Minister Martin has confirmed that during the first six months of his year officials from his Department have come to the assistance of over 600 Irish people following accidents, crimes and illness abroad. The figure represents a 22% increase on the same period last year.”

“We are now entering the peak period for Louth people travelling overseas and I want to encourage people to take a number of precautions to ensure they have an enjoyable, safe and secure break.”

“It is absolutely essential that Louth people take out travel insurance. In addition to taking out the insurance it is important to check the terms and conditions to make sure there is cover for illnesses, for driving abroad and to examine under what circumstances the insurer considers the policy void.”

“The Department of Foreign Affairs posts the latest travel advice for every country on its website at www.dfa.ie. It is important to log on and see what particular recommendations are made for your destination.”

“The site contains advice on local laws and customs and it is important to become familiar with them. Remember what may be considered a minor offence in this country can often carry a heavy penalty abroad.”

“It is very important to check and examine your travel documents, make sure you know the times and dates of flights or ferries and do not leave it until just before leaving home to check your passport is up to date.”

“While almost every day during this time of year there are news stories of Irish people being caught up in accidents or other major incidents abroad, it is important to note that everyday tens of thousands of our citizens travel and enjoy holidays in complete safety. By taking these simple precautions before heading to the Airport or Ferry Port, Louth people can try and ensure that they too will holiday in safety,” concluded Senator Carroll.

I have compiled a ‘To Do List’ for when travelling:

To be doubly safe this Summer, ensure that your time abroad is enjoyable.  Check the following:

• Passports are in date
• Visas, if necessary, have been obtained
• Travel Insurance has been arranged
• Health precautions have been taken
• Foreign Currency has been can often carry a heavy penalty abroad.”

  “It is very important to check and examine your travel documents, make sure you know the times and dates of flights or ferries and do not leave it until just before leaving home to check your passport is up to date.”

  “While almost every day during this time of year there are news stories of Irish people being caught up in accidents or other major incidents abroad, it is important to note that everyday tens of thousands of our citizens travel and enjoy holidays in complete safety. By taking these simple precautions before heading to the Airport or Ferry Port, Louth people can try and ensure that they too will holiday in safety,” concluded Senator Carroll.

  I have compiled a ‘To Do List’ for when travelling:

  To be doubly safe this Summer, ensure that your time abroad is enjoyable.  Check the following:

  • Passports are in date
  • Visas, if necessary, have been obtained
  • Travel Insurance has been arranged
  • Health precautions have been taken
  • Foreign Currency has been purchased
  • Electrical adapters are packed
  • Emergency contact details are left with someone at home

  Passports
  It is vital to check whether your passport is still valid long before you travel.  Some countries now insist that a passport be valid for at least six months after the start of a visit, so check the expiry date carefully.

  The busiest period for the Passport Offices in Dublin and Cork is from Easter up to end of July. During this time, please allow at least six weeks for your application to be processed if you apply by regular post.    Applicants are  encouraged to use the Passport Express Service.

  One final point, an incredible number of Irish passports are lost every year. Irish passports are – as the recent news shows – much sought after. Keep your passport in a safe place and protect your identity.
  
  Health cover while abroad
  As an EU citizen you are entitled to get healthcare through the public system in countries of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland if you become ill or injured while on a temporary stay there.

  Until now, you needed to complete and submit either the E111 or the E128 form to the Health Board to be eligible for treatment. The process could be slow.  These paper forms are being replaced by the European Health Insurance ( E111) Card. One Card is needed for each individual or member of the family.  For details on how to apply for an E111 card cl

  ]]> http://jamescarroll.ie/2010/07/20/local-holidaymakers-need-to-heed-travel-advice-carroll/feed/ 0 http://jamescarroll.ie/2010/07/14/adjournment-debate-on-civil-marriage-registrars-in-the-north-east/ http://jamescarroll.ie/2010/07/14/adjournment-debate-on-civil-marriage-registrars-in-the-north-east/#comments Wed, 14 Jul 2010 14:58:47 +0000 jcar http://jamescarroll.ie/?p=406 James Carroll

  Ar dtús ba mhaith liom fáilte a chuir roimh an Aire. My motion relates to couples in the north east who wish to say “I do” but who must say “I would if I could but I cannot”. Numerous constituents have contacted me about the lack of available registrars in the Louth-Meath area to perform civil marriage ceremonies. One constituent who wishes to marry on a Friday next March-April 2011 has been told it is not possible and has been offered a Tuesday as a possible day for her marriage.

  The Central Statistics Office has stated the number of civil ceremonies will in future surpass the number of religious ceremonies. In 1996, the number of civil ceremonies stood at 6%. In 2006, this figure was 23%. Another issue of concern is the lack of off-site ceremonies. One’s wedding day should be a special day for oneself, one’s partner and extended family. Not everybody wants to marry in a registry office. People often chose to marry in off-site ceremonies. This should be provided for. The purpose of the Central Statistics Office work is to ensure we can plan ahead for the future. This issue requires serious consideration.

  There is a lack of flexibility across many elements of the public sector. This issue needs to be addressed. I am aware it has been proposed that registrars be redeployed from one area to another to perform ceremonies but this is not always practical or feasible. I hope the Minister can address this issue. I have been told that in the Louth-Meath, Cavan-Monaghan region there are four registrars, one of whom is due to retire and another of whom is on maternity leave. This leaves only one registrar to perform ceremonies as one person needs to man the office. Perhaps the Minister will clarify this information. Civil ceremonies in Drogheda are performed on a Tuesday or Friday only and there is no one free to do off-site ceremonies on a Friday. Perhaps the Minister will outline if there is any way around this n 2006, this figure was 23%. Another issue of concern is the lack of off-site ceremonies. One’s wedding day should be a special day for oneself, one’s partner and extended family. Not everybody wants to marry in a registry office. People often chose to marry in off-site ceremonies. This should be provided for. The purpose of the Central Statistics Office work is to ensure we can plan ahead for the future. This issue requires serious consideration.

  There is a lack of flexibility across many elements of the public sector. This issue needs to be addressed. I am aware it has been proposed that registrars be redeployed from one area to another to perform ceremonies but this is not always practical or feasible. I hope the Minister can address this issue. I have been told that in the Louth-Meath, Cavan-Monaghan region there are four registrars, one of whom is due to retire and another of whom is on maternity leave. This leaves only one registrar to perform ceremonies as one person needs to man the office. Perhaps the Minister will clarify this information. Civil ceremonies in Drogheda are performed on a Tuesday or Friday only and there is no one free to do off-site ceremonies on a Friday. Perhaps the Minister will outline if there is any way around this so people can be accommodated. I raise this issue to ensure the Government is planning for the future to ensure people, who give approximately one year’s notice of their intention to marry are not told they must pick a Tuesday only to have their wedding ceremony. I look forward to the Minister’s reply.

  Éamon Ó Cuív (Minister, Department of Social and Family Affairs; Galway West)

  I thank the Senator for raising this matter. Gabhaim buíochas leis as ucht an cheist a ardú.

  I will briefly outline the management and organisational arrangements for the delivery of civil registration services. Under the provisions of the Civil Registration Act 2004, the Registrar General is responsible for the maintenance, management and control of the system of civil registration. The Health Service Executive, HSE, is responsible for the provision of registration services direct to members of the public, including solemnisation of civil marriages. The country is divided into eight regions, each region equating to an area covered by the former health boards, and each region is managed by a superintendent registrar appointed by the HSE. All registrars are HSE staff members and the funding of the service is provided for in the annual Vote of the HSE.

  The staffing levels in the HSE civil registration service were established as a result of an independent review carried out under the modernisation programme, including grading structures and job descriptions. The total number of staff approved for the region, which includes Louth and Meath, was 16.25 whole-time equivalents. The region also includes Cavan and Monaghan. The job descriptions designated staff at grade V as solemnisers of civil marriages. Civil marriages are also solemnised by one grade VI member of staff and by the superintendent registrar as required.

  The number of staff at grade VI was approved at three – one each in counties Louth, Meath and Cavan. One grade VI is based in Dundalk and the superintendent registrar in Drogheda. The system of bookings for marriages is managed centrally in the superintendent registrar’s office and registrars from across the region are deployed in a flexible manner, consistent with the provision of an efficient service.

  The number of civil marriages has been growing in recent years. For example, civil marriages as a proportion of total marriages has risen from an average of 23% a year from 2005 to 2008 to 29% in 2009. The actual volume of civil marriages increased by 20% between 2007 and 2009. This, coupled with the option to have a marriage at an off-site location, has increased the workload on registration staff considerably.

  The current position is that the region has a full complement of registrars who solemnise civil marriages. The superintendent registrar has confirmed that, while every effort is made to facilitate couples with their chosen date, this is not always possible due to previous bookings having been made on the date-time in question. In all cases, an alternative date is offered and every effort is made to provide the best possible service, given the resource limitations and growing demand for civil marriages.

  The matter raised by the Senator is of vital importance in view of the fact the right to marry is enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights and the special protection afforded the family under the Constitution. Consequently, I will arrange to have the issue brought to the attention of the HSE to allow the matter be kept under review and appropriate action taken, where necessary.

  James Carroll

  I thank the Minister for his response. As stated in the Minister’s reply, the country is divided into eight regions, each region equating to an area covered by the former health boards. The Minister will be aware the north east has in recent years exploded in terms of population. We need to examine this issue in terms of increasing the number of civil registrars in the area. As the Minister stated, there will always be resource limitations, in particular given current affairs. However, we must accept the reality in terms of where the population is leaning. The CSO figures extrapolate where we are going. There is a

  ]]> http://jamescarroll.ie/2010/07/14/adjournment-debate-on-civil-marriage-registrars-in-the-north-east/feed/ 0 http://jamescarroll.ie/2010/07/13/lending-plans-for-aib-and-bank-of-ireland-announced-to-get-credit-moving-to-irish-businesses/ http://jamescarroll.ie/2010/07/13/lending-plans-for-aib-and-bank-of-ireland-announced-to-get-credit-moving-to-irish-businesses/#comments Tue, 13 Jul 2010 18:00:03 +0000 jcar http://jamescarroll.ie/2010/07/13/lending-plans-for-aib-and-bank-of-ireland-announced-to-get-credit-moving-to-irish-businesses/ The Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan and the Minister for Enterprise Batt O’Keeffe announced today that the overriding objective of Government is to ensure that the economic recovery that is now underway sustains existing jobs and creates new jobs.

  To achieve that objective, it is vital that credit is provided to Small and Medium Sized Enterprises which will be the key drivers of job growth.

  The lending plans of Bank of Ireland and Allied Irish Bank which outline how they will achieve the target of €3 billion lending each over each of the next two years are to welcomed.

  The Department of Finance and Mr Trethowan’s office will be getting monthly progress reports from the two banks which will allow us to ensure that they deliver on the strong commitments given in their plans to support viable businesses in all sectors of the economy and in every area of the country.

  Below are a set of Questions and Answers to Mr Trethowan:

  Bank Lending Plans

  Do you have statutory powers to compel NAMA banks to lend?
  Yes, I have power under Section 210 of the NAMA Act 2009 to issue guidelines, which NAMA banks have to comply with. These would be at an overall level, rather than compelling the banks to lend to a particular company.

  Why not use your powers to compel NAMA banks to lend?
  There needs to be a balance struck here. There are advantages and disadvantages to going that route. Firstly the numbers of businesses taking a case to John Trethowan and the Credit Review Office is still very small – if large numbers of viable businesses are being refused credit, I would expect to see far more reviews requested.
  Secondly any perception that lending was dictated by social or political criteria, rather than commercial judgement could create real difficulties for the banks in raising the funding they need in order to lend on to SMEs and other customers.
  The banks progress under lending plans will be monitored very closely and any indication that there are unexpected problems with a particular sector or region will be looked into. I’ll also be following closely how banks react when Mr. Trethowan finds in favour of the borrower.

  Can we be sure that the banks will actually lend the money?
  We know that banks are in a position to lend and their Lending Plans outline a range of things each bank will be doing to make sure that the lending actually happens. These range from customer road shows to improved training for bank lending staff.
  Obviously the total lent will depend on the number of viable companies coming forward to borrow. Demand for credit has clearly been substantially down in the last year or two but signs of economic recovery are already beginning to appear and we expect credit demand to strengthen appreciably as the recovery gathers pace.

  Why not compel the banks to lend/lend to particular sectors/regions?

  Whether or not to lend is the central decision a bank makes. Banks cannot “outsource” responsibility for taking this decision, or for managing the consequent risk on their balance sheet – this is fundamental to proper regulation of the banks.

  Any perception that lending was dictated by social or political criteria, rather than commercial judgement could create real difficulties for the banks in raising the funding they need in order to lend on to SMEs and other customers.

  Will you publish reports on the Lending Plans?
  Yes, the banks will provide detailed quarterly reports, as well as brief monthly updates, and we intend to publish each quarter.

  Will you publish sectoral or regional breakdowns?
  No. Those figures will be supplied to the Department of Finance and Mr. John Trethowan, but sectoral and regional breakdowns are commercially sensitive and will not be published.

  What are banks doing for the hi-tech and export sectors?

  As outlined in the Minister for Finance’s statement of 30 March, the banks are working with Enterprise Ireland and the IBF to develop their understanding of these areas and to provide better service to these vital sectors of the economy. Good progress is being made. Both banks refer to this in their Lending Plans and, in conjunction with Enterprise Ireland, we will be closely following developments here.

  Credit Review guidelines

  Why are there so few applications for Review?
  The CRO has a website and a helpline and both have recorded substantial numbers of inquiries. We expect the numbers of reviews to grow as people become more aware of the CRO service. The low level of reviews to date may reflect a lack of awareness of the Credit Review Office but the CRO has gone to great lengths to publicise its services including press advertisements, press briefings and meetings and presentations to representative organisations. The two banks are required to make borrowers who are refused credit aware of the existence of the CRO and have been provided with leaflets on the CRO for distribution to borrowers.

  How can people apply for reviews?
  They should go to the website www.creditreview.ie for further information or call the helpline on 1850 211 789

  Do the guidelines apply when credit is reduced or withdrawn?
  Yes, the definition of a refusal of credit includes both a reduction in credit and the complete withdrawal of credit.

  Do they apply to all banks?
  The guidelines only apply to banks which are participating in NAMA.

  Who will pay the costs of the reviewer?
  The guidelines provide that the costs of the reviewer will be paid by the participating institutions and the first bills have been issued to them by the CRO.

  What is the legal basis for the guidelines?
  Section 210 of the NAMA Act 2009. Statutory Instrument 127 of 2010 contains the guidelines.

  Why are reviews restricted to SMEs?
  SMEs are crucial to the Irish economy and it is clear that smaller businesses are experiencing the greatest difficulty in accessing credit. Larger businesses do not have the same difficulties and are in a better position to challenge any refusals by the banks.

  What are the minimum and maximum amounts for which an application for review can be made?
  The minimum is €1,000 and the maximum is €250,000 per application. [ Note: There is no restriction on the total amount of credit an applicant can have, other than they must be classified as an SME]

  Why doesn’t the bank/Credit Review Office refund the fee if the review finds in favour of the borrower?
  The review is investigative and the purpose is not to apportion fault or blame but to review the refusal and make a recommendation.

  The fee charged is a partial contribution to the costs and it is not considered appropriate to refund the fee, whether the finding goes with the bank or the borrower.

  Why can’t the banks be forced to comply with the reviewer’s decision?
  The bank is required to comply with the recommendation or explain why it will not do so.

  Whether or not to lend is the central decision a bank makes. Banks cannot “outsource” responsibility for taking this decision, or for managing the consequent risk on their balance sheet.

  Forcing banks to comply with CRO decisions would have serious market repercussions. Any perception that lending was dictated by social or political criteria, rather than commercial judgement could create real difficulties for the banks in raising the funding they need in order to lend on to SMEs and other customers.

  What can be done if the bank refuses to lend because its policy is to avoid lending to SMEs or other sectors?

  The Code of Conduct on SME Lending, issued by the Financial Regulator, requires that each credit application is considered on its merits. Blanket refusals to particular sectors or groups are not allowed.

  The Credit Reviewer has reviewed the lending policies of each participating institution, and found no evidence of systematic bias against particular sectors

  As the reports from the banks come we will be able to see the level of lending to different sectors of business and to different regions of the country.

  ENDS

  ]]> http://jamescarroll.ie/2010/07/13/lending-plans-for-aib-and-bank-of-ireland-announced-to-get-credit-moving-to-irish-businesses/feed/ 0 http://jamescarroll.ie/2010/07/12/louth-senator-slams-gaa-injustice-louth-senator-james-carroll-has-written-to-gaa-president-christy-cooney-leinster-council-and-meath-county-board-calling-for-a-replay/ http://jamescarroll.ie/2010/07/12/louth-senator-slams-gaa-injustice-louth-senator-james-carroll-has-written-to-gaa-president-christy-cooney-leinster-council-and-meath-county-board-calling-for-a-replay/#comments Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:53:23 +0000 jcar http://jamescarroll.ie/2010/07/12/louth-senator-slams-gaa-injustice-louth-senator-james-carroll-has-written-to-gaa-president-christy-cooney-leinster-council-and-meath-county-board-calling-for-a-replay/ Louth Senator James Carroll has written to the GAA President Christy Cooney, Leinster Council and Meath County Board calling for a replay after the highly controversial end to yesterday’s Leinster SFC Final.
  He said “Louth were denied their first Leinster title in 53 years by a last minute Meath goal. There is a consensus that at least one, and probably two, fouls were committed by Meath players in the lead-up to the goal.”

  “After the final whistle, the referee was assaulted a number of times by Louth supporters. Most prominent among those protecting the referee from further assault was the Louth manager, Peter Fitzpatrick and Louth players. The pursuit of justice in relation to these assaults is a matter for the Garda and ultimately, the courts. The prompt delivery of justice to the Louth players and their true supporters is wholly in the hands of the GAA.”

  Senator Carroll who plays gaelic with Naomh Mairtin in Monasterboice was left furious after the match: “The point has been made more than once, since Joe Sheridan crossed the line, that if the association can use video evidence to call individual players to account for breach of discipline after their matches, then it can and must use the same technology to redress injustice on the broader scale.”

  “The greatest strength of the GAA, throughout its 126-year history, has been its ability to respond to its people in a way that is both common-sense, innovative and fair. I am urging Meath County Board, the Leinster Council and the GAA to replay the Leinster SFC Final. I believe it is the right, proper and just thing to do,” Senator Carroll added.

  ENDS

  ]]> http://jamescarroll.ie/2010/07/12/louth-senator-slams-gaa-injustice-louth-senator-james-carroll-has-written-to-gaa-president-christy-cooney-leinster-council-and-meath-county-board-calling-for-a-replay/feed/ 0 http://jamescarroll.ie/2010/07/01/senator-carroll-road-traffic-bill-2009-second-stage/ http://jamescarroll.ie/2010/07/01/senator-carroll-road-traffic-bill-2009-second-stage/#comments Thu, 01 Jul 2010 09:40:22 +0000 jcar http://jamescarroll.ie/2010/07/01/senator-carroll-road-traffic-bill-2009-second-stage/ I welcome the Minister. It is the second time he has appeared since I became a Member of this House. I welcome the Road Traffic Bill. Senator Ellis spoke on many elements of this Bill and the most important aspect is that it represents another step in saving lives on Irish roads. We all want to see this and we welcome this aspect of the Bill. I congratulate the Minister on receiving the PIN award from the European Transport Safety Council. This highlights that road safety measures we are taking are seen across Europe, as well is having an impact on Ireland. A number of international newspapers focused on what we are doing with our economy through austerity measures and trying to turn things around at the economic level. This award shows the good work of the Minister and his predecessors is being taken into account across Europe in respect of road safety. While researching my contribution to this debate, I was horrified to learn there were 640 road deaths in 1972. I note the comparable figure today is approximately one third of that number, even though there has been a quadrupling of the number of vehicles on the roads. One can imagine the traffic levels on the roads, especially on rural roads, back in the 1950s and 1960s and while the advent of a degree of wealth in the 1960s probably led to a large increase in car numbers, road behaviour and attitudes probably did not change much. The Minister can derive great pleasure from the simple fact that people are alive and will remain alive as a result of this legislation and of previous legislation he has introduced. This is a great achievement and it is a great honour for the Government to introduce such legislation.

  The current road safety strategy contains 126 actions and in his response the Minister might outline their status and how precisely they are being measured. While I acknowledge they are being measured in an objective manner, it is in the nature of such items that some of them will be analysed subjectively. I ask the Minister to flesh out precisely how progress on the actions is proceeding and whether success is being achieved. While one can have all the key objectives in the world, one must break them down into precise actions and steps regarding how they are to be achieved. I ask the Minister to elaborate on this.

  I note Senator Ó Brolcháin has just mentioned this issue but as the youngest Member of the Oireachtas, I believe the appropriate blood alcohol concentration level is 0 milligrams. I acknowledge it has been suggested that the presence of alcohol in medication means that reaching this limit might not be completely achievable. However, younger people of my generation with whom I went to school or with whom I work on a daily basis – outside this House of course – all concur that when going out, one simply does not drink and drive. Previously, I used to work with my father and noticed that ten or 15 years ago, people of his generation would have had four or five pints and then would have hopped in the car and driven home. I thought nothing of it at the time because that was the norm. However, younger people take taxis or designate drivers, although some pubs are lax in their provision of free soft drinks to such designated drivers. I am sure the Fine Gael Members opposite will concur that a blood alcohol concentration limit of 0 milligrams should be put in place. In many respects, this probably is a generational issue. It may be that people of my father’s or grandparents’ generation would believe it was okay to drink and drive because that was the cultural experience of the time. However, younger people realise that one simply does not do this and that if going out, one gets a taxi or one goes out as part of a group.

  I wish to digress slightly from the legislation and to touch on Senator Ryan’s comments on the categorisation of roads. While the motorway infrastructure is one of the best legacies of the Celtic tiger, some county roads or local primary, secondary and tertiary routes are suffering as a result of the bad weather and inclement conditions experienced over the past six months. A number of people have been in contact with me, through my clinics and my office, with regard to the categorisation of roads. Some people have different interpretations of the manner in which roads have been categorised and seek to have particular roads recategorised to a higher level in order that works are completed or undertaken on them. The Minister should touch on this subject in his response.

  I note that section 9 of the Bill introduces mandatory testing of drivers in any road traffic accidents and incidents that take place. The Minister has strengthened this Bill by providing that where a garda is of the impression that a person has consumed alcohol, he or she may be tested mandatorily. As previous speakers also noted, I have been randomly breath-tested twice. Once, while zipping up the road as I rushed home from college to attend a political meeting, luckily within the speed limit, I went over the brow of a hill and was stopped and randomly breath-tested. This definitely has an effect as human nature is highly interesting. I have read studies to the effect that Italian and Irish people have a healthy disrespect for the law, whatever that may be defined as. However, there must be a fear factor, in that people must believe the legislation will be implemented strictly. They must believe the Garda will be present at corners or on the roads at times such as bank holidays to implement the legislation by randomly breath-testing people. People must see that the legislation is being implemented. There are issues in respect of the effectiveness of drugs testing because of various factors and I ask the Minister to elaborate on that in his reply.

  My personal, family and community experience underline the importance of education in shaping people’s perspectives. Although many advertisements pertaining to smoking, drink-driving and speeding have been highly effective, a focus on tiredness would be welcome. While it may not appear to be as important, all Members have travelled on long journeys, have been absolutely exhausted and have seen the effects of tiredness. I have spoken to various people who have nodded off at the side of the road, which has caused accidents. Personally, while driving to and from Dublin, I have pulled in many times, having felt the impact of lack of sleep as it is very important to take a rest. This issue will become important.

  I wish to touch on another “E”, that is, the key factor of enforcement. Although people seek real enforcement of this Bill, personal responsibility is critical. I originally am from Monasterboice, County Louth, through which the N1 used to run before the construction of the M1. As a child, I can recall seeing some horrific accidents as I passed by. Once, as a secondary school student getting off a bus, I saw a young chap with whom I went to school being knocked down. That was one of the most horrific experiences and visions one might ever see. Luckily, he survived but sadly, many people who were knocked down along that route died. Some people with whom I went to primary school were killed and a number of fatalities took place all along that route. At the time it was considered, especially along the Border, that drivers came down from the North and flew right down through the spine of County Louth without paying any heed to the road traffic legislation in the Republic and did what they wished. In addition, however, some people were driving faster than the speed limit. In addition, others were drinking and then either walking on the road or driving on it and the consequences are evident.

  Nevertheless, it is heartening to note the Minister received an award last week. As for the 242 fatalities, that constitutes 242 different families, 242 different communities and still is 242 too many. Although I do not believe we ever will get to a place or time where we have zero fatalities, hopefully we will get as close to that as is humanly possible. I certainly am heartened when I contrast the position in the early 1970s with 640 deaths to the present position. I congratulate the Minister on this legislation. Across all his briefs, he has been very idealistic and always has brought idealism and zeal to them. Sometimes, that has got him into trouble in respect of different factors but although he has been in Leinster House for a long time, he retains an idealism and drive that together with many young people, I respect. He should keep up the good work and I commend him on this legislation. While he has been given some grief internally and externally in respect of the reduction of the blood alcohol concentration limit, I wish to see the day when it is set to zero.

  ]]> http://jamescarroll.ie/2010/07/01/senator-carroll-road-traffic-bill-2009-second-stage/feed/ 0 http://jamescarroll.ie/2010/06/24/louth-county-enterprise-board-needs-additional-funding/ http://jamescarroll.ie/2010/06/24/louth-county-enterprise-board-needs-additional-funding/#comments Thu, 24 Jun 2010 13:26:12 +0000 jcar http://jamescarroll.ie/2010/06/24/louth-county-enterprise-board-needs-additional-funding/ Adjournment Motion Speech on the need for additional funding for County and City Enterprise Boards
  Thursday 24th June 2010
  Senator James Carroll

  “Go raibh maith agat a Chathaoirleach chun seans a labhairt faoi an gá le airgead breise a thabhairt go dtí na mBord contae agus cathair fiontar.

  An t-Aire, I was elected to Louth County Council last June and I was elected within 2 weeks from the first Council meeting to the Louth County Enterprise Board. This was my priority after getting elected. Trying to get jobs moving is essential not only in my constituency of “Louth/East Meath” but throughout the entire country.

  Louth County Enterprise Board is the primary agency in County Louth dedicated to the development of micro-enterprise. The Board has been in existence now for over 15 years and its experienced staff has provided advice, counselling, training, finance and resource development support to well over 4,000 local enterprises.

  However, as of recent weeks, they have zero money to assist new and start-up businesses for the rest of 2010. I think for the sake of 60 million or even 30 million nationally among all the boards, we could see new businesses flourish and thrive.

  Former head of IDA Ireland, Padraic White is the chairman of the Louth Economic Forum. This transformative group are drawing up a 9 point action plan for making County Louth the number one place to do business. We need to make Ireland Inc the number one place to do business. The Louth Economic Forum nine point strategy is:
  1. FDI
  2. Sustainable Energy
  3. Indigenous Industry
  4. Tourism and Heritage
  5. Education and Training
  6. Agricultural and Fisheries
  7. Broadband
  8. Making Louth the best County to do business
  9. Drogheda-Dundalk-Newry Economic Corridor

  We need to be assisting the County Enterprise Board structure to help local authorities like Louth to have the foundation to allow these goals to be achieved. I look forward to the Minister’s reply.”

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