Sinn Féin seek a fairer Ireland for older people – John Brady TD

Sinn Féin seek a fairer Ireland for older people – John Brady TD

Speaking today at the launch of Sinn Féin’s Budget 2017 proposals on Older People, Sinn Féin’s Spokesperson on Social Protection John Brady TD said that “everyone has the right to grow old in Ireland with dignity, security and equality”.

The Wicklow/East Carlow TD said:

“The reality for many of our older citizens under Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil is that they now face additional taxes and charges, they can no longer rely on the health service and they have to struggle daily to heat homes and meet their bills.

“Our proposals launched today provide a Budget for older people worth over €410 million. Our Budget is about fairness and reducing the cost of living for older people. We also include our commitment to abolish water charges and the property tax – putting money back in older people’s pockets.

“Under our proposals, pensioners living alone will see their pension increase by €5.70 per week; this means an increase for 190,000 older people. All other pensioners will see their pension inflation proofed and increased by €3.50.

“Sinn Féin wants an end to prescription charges and will begin by phasing it out by €1 in this Budget.

“Other measures include:

Reinstate the State Pension (Transition) Payment
Increase the Fuel Allowance by 3 Weeks
Introduce a Bereavement Grant of €600
Extend the Warmer Homes Scheme
Increase home help hours by 10%
Increase homecare packages by 10%

“It is absolutely unacceptable that those obliged to retire at 65 years of age are being forced onto Jobseekers payments and cannot access their pension for a year. There are currently more people aged 65 than any other age group in receipt of Jobseekers. We will re-introduce the Transitional Payment immediately impacting on 33,000 pensioners giving them an additional €45 per week or €2,340 per year.

“Sinn Féin’s proposals target a range of issues faced by older people. These proposals seek to create a fairer Ireland for our older people where they are able to live independently, have access to their pension on retirement and are protected from unfair taxes and charges.”

Brady congratulates organisers of successful Arklow Enterprise Town event

Wicklow/East Carlow TD John Brady has congratulated the organisers the very successful Arklow Enterprise Town. The event took place in St Marys College, Arklow on Friday September 30th and Saturday October 1st.

Speaking after attending the event Brady said “The Bank of Ireland Arklow Enterprise Town event took place over two days in St Marys College was a huge success and I want to commend all involved.”

“The event was a fantastic opportunity to showcase local businesses, clubs and indeed local schools to potential new customers or new members. Nearly 70 exhibitors participated on each day and there was a massive attendance from the public. The exhibition showcased many of the positive things happening in Arklow and it was good to see some new businesses.”

The Wicklow Sinn Féin TD concluded “I was delighted to talk to so many people at the exhibition; I listened to all they had to say and reiterated my continued determination in working to unlock Arklow’s full potential.”

Only one TD in Wicklow votes to abolish water charges – John Brady TD

Only one TD in Wicklow votes to abolish water charges – John Brady TD

Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow/East Carlow John Brady has expressed his disappointment that no other Wicklow TD voted in favour of the immediate abolition of water charges.

Teachta Brady said:

“In the last General election, the people of Wicklow/East Carlow made it clear that they wanted to see the abolition of water charges and not their suspension.

“This week Sinn Féin brought forward a motion to scrap water charges and Irish Water, and not one other Wicklow TD supported this.

“In May, Deputy Donnelly signed his name to the Sinn Féin motion to end water charges and this week he voted against ending water charges. Perhaps, Deputy Donnelly could decide where he stands on the issue of water charges once and for all.

“I am proud to honour my commitment to the people of Wicklow/East Carlow who elected me. I fully intend to represent the wishes of the people of my constituency in abolishing water charges.

“I acknowledge the thousands of people that came out in protest of water charges as an unfair tax and another bill that households simply cannot afford.

“It’s unfortunate that Ministers Harris and Doyle along with Deputy Donnelly and Deputy Casey have failed to listen to the democratic voice of the people. They had an opportunity to end water charges this week and they chose not to.”

John Brady TD criticises "dishonest" Fianna Fáil on water charges

Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow/East Carlow John Brady launched a scathing attack on Fianna Fáil and their flip-flopping on the issue of water charges during his party’s motion on abolishing water charges this evening.


Teachta Brady highlighted the cause of a constituent who had contacted him in in relation to an ongoing sixteen week wait for a water leak to be fixed by Irish Water.

Speaking this evening Teachta Brady said:

“It took sixteen weeks for Irish Water to investigate one water leak reported to them as far back as June 8th. This certainly was not the case when local authorities had control of water services.

“This leak is causing the loss of two litres of water every minute that equates to over 200,000 litres since this leak was first reported.

“So not only are Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil standing over a utility that is wasting money with huge consultancy fees and the installation of water meters, they are also responsible for wasting water that they were initially allegedly set up to safeguard.

“The only thing that is clear in the Fianna Fáil water charges debacle is that they were dishonest with the electorate for votes in the last election. We only have to read their election manifesto to see this.

Teachta Brady concluded:

“Water charges and Irish Water have been universally discredited and rejected by the electorate.

“It is time to stop wasting water and money and abolish water charges for good.”

Brady welcomes the World Archery Championships to Wicklow

Wicklow/East Carlow Sinn Féin TD John Brady has welcomed the World Archery Championships to Wicklow and said it’s a welcome boost to tourism and the economy.

Speaking after attending the opening ceremony which took place on Tuesday evening on Bray Seafront Teachta Brady said “I’m delighted to welcome the World Archery Field Championships to Wicklow. It’s a welcome boost to both tourism and the economy. Over 400 athletes and officials have flown in from around the world and will spend the week participating in the championships which are taking place in Kilruddery House and Gardens.”

“I want to commend Archery Ireland who secured the right to host the Championships here. Considerable time, energy and effort has gone into securing the Championships and preparing for the event in Kilruddery which will see over 30 countries represented, and everyone involved must be commended.

Teachta Brady concluded “This event is providing a welcome boost to tourism and the economy, its estimated the event will directly contribute in excess of quarter of a million euro in the local economy, with many Hotels fully booked. I wish the competitors every success and hope they have an enjoyable stay in Wicklow.”

Wicklow Sinn Féin TD John Brady commends Tidy Town groups

Speaking after the results of the latest Tidy Towns competition were released, Sinn Fein TD for Wicklow East Carlow said that he wished the community spirit promoted by the Tidy Towns Groups could be harnessed, bottled and distributed in the Dáil Chamber.:

“Communities up and down the country pull together and work tirelessly to present their towns and villages as contenders for the prestigious awards associated with the Tidy Towns competition. For those of us who sit in Leinster house tussling with the issues of the day, it might be no harm if we bare in mind the kind of cooperation and community spirit which drives the volunteers to succeed. These volunteers work tirelessly at a task which benefits all residents in the various towns and villages regardless of social, economic or ethnic background. It transcends differences and pulls communities together on a common platform.”

“This year Skerries took the top spot and well done to them however, county Wicklow was certainly not at the back of the line regarding awards. Aughrim took a Gold medal award in the tidiest smallest town category whilst Wicklow Town and Arklow won Bronze Awards. Hollywood, Grange Con and Stratford-On-Slaney did West Wicklow proud by picking up a number of awards. Greystones picked up a Waste Prevention Award. Many other towns and villages across Wicklow also done brilliantly, increasing their points from previous years.”

“A fantastic achievement for all involved in every county around the country and a fine example to all of us of what can be achieved when as a community we work together.”

Fianna Fáil has no excuse not to back Sinn Féin motion to abolish Irish Water-Brady

Fianna Fáil has “no excuse” not to back a Sinn Féin motion to abolish Irish Water, according to Wicklow/East Carlow TD John Brady.

Sinn Fein’s motion to scrap Irish Water will be introduced when the Dáil returns next week on behalf of the TDs who have signed up to the Right2Water platform. However, Fianna Fáil have stated that they won’t back it, despite indicating at its party think-in this week that it will vote to abolish charges when an expert commission reports back next year.

Teachta Brady said “There is an opportunity to have the issue of water charges put to bed once and for all when the Dáil reconvenes. We have tabled a motion to abolish the charges; this will be debated on September 28th. Let's see then if Micheal Martin and his Fianna Fáil TDs will put their votes where their mouths are.”

“Unfortunately Fianna Fáil have stated they will oppose this motion, which is a ridiculous position. There is no reason for opposing the motion, except that they don’t want to embarrass the Government,” he added.

Teachta Brady concluded “"The reality is that Fianna Fáil's position on water charges is all over the place. Last week they were for abolition, but this week they have publicly stated that they will vote against a motion to abolish the charges. They are trying to ride two horses on this issue and I’m calling on them to do the right thing and vote to abolish the charge once and for all.”