Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Leo Varadkar speaks to media before the Streets of Dublin race at the CHQ
Building in Dublin. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
Minister for Social Protection Leo Varadkar at the Streets of Dublin five
kilometre race in the city centre on Sunday morning. Photograph: Mary
Minihan/The Irish Times
He said: I want Ireland to be a country that rewards
work and that rewards people who work hard,
essentially, who want better lives for themselves, for
their families, for their communities.
And that of course includes many forms of work, its not
just paid employment. There are a lot of people, for
example who get up very early in the morning because
theyre carers, or because theyre parents.
Speaking before taking part in the Streets of Dublin five
kilometre race in the city centre on Sunday morning, Mr
Varadkar welcomed Minister for Housing Simon
Coveneys decision to stay in the Fine Gael leadership
contest and said he had no plans for an early election.
The Irish Times leadership tracker shows Mr Varadkar
has a significant lead over Mr Coveney.
Mr Varadkar said he was seeking a mandate from party
members and councillors as well as TDs, Senators and
MEPs.
/ Coveney: FG should seek to unite rather than divide
/ Coveney vows to stay in leadership race at Cork rally
/ Why should Simon give up? Coveney supporters say
hes in good spirits
Minister for Social Protection Leo Varadkar at the Streets of Dublin 5km race
in the city centre on Sunday morning. Photograph: Mary Minihan/The Irish
Times
I want to seek a mandate from the members as well.
Mr Varadkar insisted he did not want to have an early
General Election.
I have no plans whatsoever for an early election. We
have a confidence and supply agreement with Fianna
Fil. We have a Programme for Government negotiated
and agreed with Independents and its my intention to
honour those agreements if Ive the opportunity to lead
Fine Gael.
Mr Varadkar was flanked by supporters Eoghan Murphy,
Minister of State for Finance, and Fine Gael Senator
Maura Hopkins.
A more democratic Fine Gael would be the hallmark of
his leadership of the party, he said.
Mr Varadkar said he would propose a rolling manifesto
that got updated two or three times a year at policy
conferences involving all public representatives as well
as representatives of party members.
Membership election and a more democratic Fine Gael
only starts with this election. Its going to be something
that will be a hallmark of my leadership if Ive the
opportunity to be leader.
He said he would publish some policy proposals
tomorrow and a document on how Fine Gael could be
modernised, reformed and energised during the week.
The leadership contest will be decided using a weighted
voting system across three electoral colleges - the
parliamentary party, councillors and party members.
Votes by parliamentary party members (TDs, Senators
and MEPs) have more weight than the other colleges.
Rank-and-file members are given more voting strength
than councillors, but substantially less than the
parliamentary party.
http://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/varadkar-i-want-ireland-to-
be-a-country-that-rewards-work-1.3090811
Statement from Dept of Defence about the sale of LE Aisling.
Sale of former L Aisling .
The decommissioned former Naval Service vessel L Aisling, which was thirty seven years
old, was sold by way of public auction on Thursday 23 March 2017 in the Carrigaline Court
Hotel, Cork.
The sale was handled by Mr Dominic Daly, a Cork based agent and expert in the
field. Mr Daly also handled the sale by auction of the decommissioned L Emer in
2013 to a Nigerian registered company for 320,000 and the sale of the former
L Dirdre in 2001 to a UK company for IR190,000.
The auction of L Aisling was advertised by the auctioneer in specialist maritime
publications and in the national media, and there was considerable press
coverage in advance of the auction.
The vessel was sold on an as seen basis to a Dutch shipbroker for 110,000
and was removed from the Naval Base in Haulbowline on 23 April 2017.
The proceeds of the sale of the former L Aisling have been returned to the
Defence Vote as Appropriations in Aid.
The Department of Defence is aware of the proposed resale of the former L
Aisling for an asking price of $750,000. However, the Department has no trailing
obligations in relation to the vessel and any hoped for resale price is a matter for
the new owner.
Following her withdrawal from service, the former L Aisling was stored on
water at berthage facilities at the Naval Base in Haulbowline, Co. Cork.
With the impending commissioning of the new L William Butler Yeats, the
former L Aisling was decommissioned.
The Minister made the decision to sell the former L vessel by way of public
auction to the highest bidder to maximise the return to the Exchequer. No
reserve price was set for the sale of the vessel.
While the vessel remained in the ownership of the Department, it continued to
be a drain in terms of both maintenance and personnel costs and resources. It
was also taking up scarce berthage space in the Naval Basin. The vessel would
also have seen a deterioration in condition and consequent reduction in value as
time went by.
In view of this, it was imperative that the vessel was sold at an early date. If a
reserve price was set and was not met, the Department would have incurred
further costs to dispose of the vessel by way of scrap in an environmentally
sound manner.
The public auction was attended by a number of interested parties, including
scrap dealers, who declined to bid on the day. Two bids were made, including the
accepted bid of 110,000.
The sale of the vessel by public auction was fully transparent and was open to
all interested parties. The Department is fully satisfied that the public auction
process used in the sale of the former L Aisling was appropriate, and in all such
situations the prevailing market determines the price achievable.
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Cormac Fitzgerald
Housing Minister being shown around new Respond!
accommodation for homeless families
8:48 AM - 16 Mar 2017
> 1 1 Retweetlikes
Twitter Ads info & Privacy
Source: Cormac Fitzgerald/Twitter
High Park
Situated in an old Magdalene Laundry building in spacious
ground off the Grace Park Road in north Dublin, High Park
is designed as a more suitable alternative for hotels and
B&Bs.
There are currently 82 occupants staying at the facility in
total. This includes 38 adults and 44 children (33 families in
total).
The majority of these families are single parent families,
however a number of couples with children are also staying
at the facility.
Families are given wrap-around support during the time
they spend at High Park, and are appointed staff who work
with them and help them secure long term alternative
accommodation.
From left to right: Declan Dunne, CEO Respond! Housing TDs Roisin Shortall
and Dessie Ellis, Minister Coveney and John O'Connor, chair of Respond!
Source: Marc O'Sullivan
A number of residents staying at the facility spoke
to TheJournal.ie on condition of anonymity.
They said that the accommodation was comfortable, clean
and well-kept and the staff were very supportive.
There is a curfew of 11pm at the facility. Alcohol and drugs
are strictly prohibited and children must be supervised at all
times.
The residents who spoke to TheJournal.ie all said that the
accommodation was far more preferable than staying at a
hotel or B&B. But they expressed a wish to be able to move
onto their own independent homes as soon as possible.
The centre began operating just under three months ago. In
that time, four families have moved onto longer-term
accommodation.
Speaking today, Declan Dunne CEO of Respond! said
that the purpose of the centre was for families to have a
place to stay while they waited for homes.
Our principal focus has been houses. Permanent,
sustainable houses for people to live their whole lives, he
said.
This model here is very simply a humanitarian response for
us to do something in the short term while people are
waiting for homes
Hotels
The use of hotel and B&Bs to house homeless families has
skyrocketed over the past number of years and the
homelessness crisis has worsened in Dublin worsened.
Latest figures from the Housing Department show that there
1007 homeless families with 2,046 children staying in
emergency accommodation in Dublin in January. The
overwhelming majority of these were staying in private
hotels or B&Bs at a huge cost to the state.
Dublin City Council spent 40 million trying to house
homeless families in hotels and B&Bs in 2016 alone.
Coveney first committed to ending the use of hotels to house
homeless families by the middle of this year last summer in
the Governments Rebuilding Ireland Housing Action Plan.
Charity experts expressed serious doubt that this being
possible at the time, however Coveney today remained
resolute that the goal could be achieved.
http://www.thejournal.ie/hotel-homeless-families-3291278-
Mar2017/
The Department of Housing, Planning, Community & Local
Government Homelessness Report January 2017
http://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/h
omeless_report_-_january_2017.pdf
The Vacant Properties programme applies to both short and long term vacant
units nationwide and is being allocated, as it was in 2014 and 2015, on an
equitable and evidence-based system. The energy efficiency works on the
Vacant Property Programme has secured ERDF funding as part of the EU
Operational Programme 2014-2020 and will see EU co-financing of 50% of
eligible public investment under these programmes.
Ends
EU Funding
As part of the EU Operational Programme 2014-2020, the energy efficiency
works on the Voids programme will attract funding under the ERDF. The
Regional Assemblies have created a Social Housing Retrofit Programme
within their Operational Programmes to accommodate support for the social
housing Voids and Energy Efficiency programmes. This will see EU co-
financing of 50% of eligible public investment under these programmes.
Homelessness
Local authorities will be asked to give priority consideration to making the
refurbished homes available for letting to homeless families.
Appendix: Proposed Allocations Vacant Properties
Carlow 8 94,000
Cavan 12 221,950
Clare 24 514,308
DLR 11 188,621
Kerry 56 778,865
Kildare 7 140,000
Kilkenny 9 182,500
Laois 5 41,440
Leitrim 16 260,700
Limerick 32 554,000
Longford 37 225,000
Louth 7 87,500
Mayo 22 353,200
Meath 47 842,000
Monaghan 13 182,000
Offaly 7 135,500
Roscommon 4 74,500
Sligo 44 738,697
Tipperary 58 751,200
Waterford 52 853,820
Westmeath 8 88,371
Wexford 11 231,500
Wicklow 9 174,300
http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/rebuilding-
ireland/funding/minister-coveney-announces-allocation-funding-
over-eu24-million-void-and-vacant-social-housing-units
http://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/public-
consultation/files/draft_river_basin_management_plan_1.pdf
SEA Environmental Report for the Draft River Basin
Management Plans
http://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/public-
consultation/files/rbmp_sea_environmental_report_1.pdf
Natura Impact Statement for the draft RBMP's for Ireland
http://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/public-
consultation/files/natura_impact_statement_for_the_rbmps_for
_ireland.pdf
Well, who would have guessed ? " In a statement Mr
Coveney said that during negotiations he repeated that
there is enough emergency accommodation to meet
current demand" Now tell me WHY THERE IS AN
EMERGENCY NOW AND WHERE THIS DEMAND
ORIGINATES?? HOW COME THE UTILITIES WEREN'T
OFFERED SOONER ? YOU'D THINK HE IS SAYING IT'S
GODLY INTEREFERENCE CAUSING HOMELESSNESS . THIS,
IN ESSENCE, GOOD MOVE BY THE PROTESTERS WILL
AGAIN FIZZLE OFF INTO NOTHINGNESS. IS THAT
INTENTIONAL ?
https://www.rte.ie//2017/0109/843692-apollo-house-
homeless/
Apollo House occupiers agree to leave building
Homeless campaigners who have taken over the Apollo House
building in central Dublin have said they will vacate the building
following assurances that the 40 homeless residents will get
accommodation.
RTE.IE
Today, we celebrate the end of a tyrant, a dictator and a traitor. (It's just a pity he didn't take
that other rotten failure Noonan with him)
Noonan will retire without his cohort... the flames of Nama investigations getting a little too hot....then, as a
retiree...he will refuse to go before any Government committee to be held accountable
Corruption increased 1000 fold under the leadership of the Mayo muppet.
I was listening to the News at One on RT and Business Editor David Murphy was asked
what did he think of the great man? (No, not Enda ya fools - he is only half way to greatness,
he has a career in Europe ahead of him first). Murphy was almost in tears as he told of the
mans many miracles, how he got unemployment down from 15% to 6% single-handedly, how
he managed to get our children and our grandchildren to pay the bondholders until 2050
because - well because we were all bold. Murphy admitted that the blessed one was not
perfect - well, sure even Jesus and the pope have had their faults, but he will be missed by all
who listened to his witticisms. At that David wiped back a tear, he probably thought of the time
the great man bought him a pint in Buswells.
Definitely, the blessed one will be a saint soon. All those miracles. Sorry now, blessed John
Sullivan, you will have to wait - Blessed Michael Noonan will be raised to sainthood first,
David Murphy of RT said so. Amen.
A great percentage of the Irish people North and South are against the wars, occupations
and human rights abuses committed by these powers and rightly so, the Irish government
on the other hand have been well known for their immoral stances in regards to the illegal
wars, occupations and abuses.
Its clear that the Irish people stand to gain nothing from this decision to allow greater
access to its territory by foreign corporations and powers.
https://southfront.org/greateraccesstoirelandsterritorywillbegiventoarmsanddefense
companiestotestweaponssystems/
The 160m equates to sales of 1.7MILLION daily from the Corrib gas field.
The sales for the first quarter follow sales of $589m from the first year of production (2016).
Vermilion has stated previously that its investment in the field will be a significant source of
fund flows for Vermilion "stemming from its relatively high-priced gas product".
Shell E&P Ireland Ltd has received 186m in tax credits since the project's inception.
Shell has a 45pc share in the field with its two partners - Statoil having a 36.5pc share and
Vermilion owning the remaining 18.5pc share.
So Vermilion from Canada, Shell, a Dutch/British company and Statoil from Norway are
already making hundreds of millions from the THEFT of our gas and into the future will steal
BILLIONS of our wealth.
Fianna Fil started the giveaway and we know for a fact that Ray Burke accepted bribes.
Under various Taoisigh, including Ahern, Cowan and of course - shamefully for a local Mayo
man, Kenny the theft was allowed and encouraged. Along with Fianna Fil and the
Blueshirts, the Green Party, the PD's and the Labour Party all played their part. Yet when Pat
Rabbitte or Alex White appear almost daily in the media they are never questioned about this
disgraceful act of treason.
We need to start electing politicians who will put the interests of our country and of our people
first. The Corrib and other oil and gas fields need to be nationalized and the wealth shared by
our citizens. And the above mentioned politicians and the others who colluded with them put
on trial and put behind bars in chains.
It's very hard to be a welfare cheat these days LEO because revenue and everything is registered and the
system is set up so if there are two payments being registered on PPS numbers A RED LIGHT GOES OFF ,
Concentrate on your cheating lying cronies with off shore bank accounts first maggot. Like
David Drumm, wife & kids still in the lap of luxury in the US, funny that as they're Bankrupt, but
if you can pull figures from your arse, dodge the law here, come back only after being banged
up in a real jail, sure you'll be grand here & the tax payers, the ones Leo the liar agonize over,
will pick up your VERY EXPENSIVE, FOUR BARRISTER LED, legal bill.
OUR PEOPLE POWER SUGGESTS YOU LISTEN TO THIS VIDEO OF RTE Claire BYRNE RTE with
MASTER OF THE HIGH COURT TELLING HER SOLUTIONS TO EVICTION PROBLEM IS TO ISSUE
LEGISLATION TO BUY BACK HOMES FROM VULTURE FUNDS FOR WHAT THEY PAID FOR THEM &
SAYING NONE OF OUR POLITICIANS KNOW OR UNDERSTAND THE LAW ESPECIALLY ALAN KELLY
WHOM SHE TRIED TO DEFEND! (if video does not copy please see it on my site)
Wow, Master Of The High Court puts Claire in her place and all our Disgraceful IGNORANT OF THE LAW
politicians too!!
Straight forward immediate solution to our housing crisis..
Unbelievable so this Woman was put in her Place immediately by Edmund Honohan Master of the High Court
as she rushed in to defend that CRIMINAL ALAN KELLY - CAN'T YOU NOW ALL SEE THE LIES &
MANIPULATIONS OF THESE 'UP THEMSELVES IDIOT PRESENTER'S ON RTE??DOWN WITH RTE
THEY ARE ALL BEHIND THE LIES WE HAVE BEEN TOLD! AT LAST THE MASTER of the High Courts
comes out & reaffirms what we have been shouting about that the The Judiciary are now Realising that the
Government MINISTERS haven't Got a Fucking Clue about the Law especially that Upstart ALAN KELLY
Who has cost our People a Fortune with the Illegally SET UP IRISH WATER - in VIOLATION OF THE
THREE PILLARS LAWS!He should be Horse whipped & Arrested & Jailed for His INSIDER TRADING WITH
HIS BROTHER DECLAN for CONSPIRACY along with that other evil Bastard NOONAN who could have
passed this Legislation & Helped all our People Getting Evicted the SUICIDE OF SO MANY OF OUR
PEOPLE IS ON HIS TREACHEROUS NECK! NOW ALL WE NEED IS A COUPLE OF STRAIGHT POLICE
TO ARREST THEM ALL FOR CRIMES AGAINST OUR PEOPLE! ARE THERE ANY HONEST POLICE IN
THE WHOLE OF IRELAND?THIS MAN EDMUND HONOHAN whom we thank for finally coming forward
HAS SAID LOUD & CLEAR THAT THIS GOVERNMENT COULD & CAN BUY BACK ALL THESE HOUSES
FROM THE VULTURE FUNDS AT WHAT THEY PAID FOR THEM UNDER OUR CONSTITUTION They can
bring in Legislation to do so!! TOUGH CHEESE THEY MAKE NO MONEY THE CANNOT DO ANYTHING
ABOUT IT GREEDY BASTARDS REMEMBER THAT IT WAS OUR 'TRAITOR TAOISEACH' ENDA KENNY
WHO INVITED THESE VULTURE FUND'S (mostly if not all owned by Wall St which is Owned by the EVIL
ROTHSCHILDS) TO COME TO IRELAND TO BUY UP THESE HOMES FOR HALF NOTHING- NEVER
FORGET THIS TRAITOR KENNY TO OUR PEOPLE! WE NEED POLICE FROM THE FRAUD SQUAD TO
COME FORWARD TO ARREST ALL THESE MINISTERS WHO HAVE BETRAYED OUR PEOPLE &
BROKEN OUR LAWS! WE SIMPLY CANNOT GO FORWARD WITH THIS DEGREE OF CORRUPTION!
THE FF & FG COMBINED IS 49% The INDEPENDENTS ARE 51% SO DO WHAT YOU WERE ELECTED
FOR ! OUR PEOPLE POWER ABU! FOR JUSTICE & FAIRNESS IN THE JUDICIARY POLICE & RTE!
Money for nothing
Aoibhinn Kenny - expected to inherit her Father's
seat - thoroughbred Fianna Gael
Enda is Royalty - Fiounuala O'Kelly, his wife, was talent spotted
by PJ Mara, and ended up reporting to The Boos directly in
order to keep CJ in power
Moves afoot to get his daughter in after him
Fifty years a TD for Enda Kenny? It
The Blueshirt from the West was one of the Taoiseachs appointees to the Seanad on
65,000 a year plus expenses. The trouble is, the Galway man lives in Chicago.
More importantly though, he gave Endas daughter Aoibhinn Kenny a summer job on a J1
visa in 2013.
But in an interview on Newstalk admitted: Why wouldnt you look after a friends
daughter? The relatives of politicians are always so lucky.
Aoibhinn Kenny later got a job as an intern to US Senator Charles E. Schumer last summer.
She's a big beast...takes after her FFer mum Fionnuala
ENDAKenny'sdaughterAoibhinnyesterdayfeltthepainofelectoralrejectionwhenshelostarecount
byafewpreciousvotesforthepostofIrishlanguageofficeratUCDstudent'sunion.
ITwasascenealltoofamiliartoAoibhinnNiChionnaith.Theyoungstudenthasbeenbythesideof
herfatherTaoiseachEndaKennyatmanyacountcentredownthroughtheyearsasnervesfrayed
duringrecounts
Thistimeitwasherturn.ThefirstyearUCDlawandeconomicsstudenthadmadeherfirsttentative
forayontothehustingswhensheputhernamedowntorunfortheparttimepostwiththestudents'
unionofOifigeachnaGaeilge,orIrishlanguageofficer.
Therewerelessthan10votesbetweentheyoungstudentandhernearestrivalfortheposition,Gabhan
OBriain.
Cocktail
MsNiChionnaithhadthesupportofplentyofwellwishersandfriendsyesterdayasshewaitedinthe
students'unioncentretoheartheoutcomeafter1,598hadcasttheirvoteswith704toAoibhinnand
713toheropponent.
Afteranotherrecount,onthisoccasiontheplaudits,hugsandwellwishesallwenttoMrOBriainwho
nabbedthepostbywhatwasdescribedas"justafewvotes".
Thestudents'unionelectionsarerunsimilartothoseinthenationalpoliticalarenawithmanifestos,
professionalleaflets,postersand,insomecases,websitesforcandidates.
Inhermanifesto,Aoibhinnjokinglydescribedherselfascomingfroma"completelyapoliticalfamily".
Shealsoquipsthatshehashappilyembracedstudentlifeand,incontrasttoherfatherwhoisknown
forhismoderateconsumption,is"bestknownforherabilitytodrinkanyladunderthetableandto
skullapintin0.02seconds".
IfelectedherplansincludedintroducinganIrishcocktailtotheUCDstudentbarandhostingaSt
Patrick'sDayparadeonthecampustopromoteIrish.
A spokesman for the UCD students' union explained the part-time positions,
such as Irish language officer, are re-elected every year and are unpaid. The
five sabbatical officers with the union, such as the president, are paid.
http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/endas-girl-aoibhinn-loses-election-in-
recount-drama-26842555.html
This time it was her turn. The first-year UCD law and economics student had made her first
tentative foray on to the hustings when she put her name down to run for the part-time
post with the students' union of Oifigeach na Gaeilge, or Irish language officer.
Fight for Kenny's seat is
more than a two-horse
race
When you undo the family ties to reveal
young gunslingers and old hands alike, it
could get messy
Mr Kenny's close confidants and loyal lieutenants know there will soon be a
gap in the market for one of the safest Fine Gael seats in the country.
Whoever fills the position, which comes with a 87,258 salary and 31,365
worth of unvouched expenses, will need the blessing of the Fine Gael leader to
ensure the local support base weighs in behind the new Castlebar candidate.
Much of the manoeuvring may be pointless if, as many suspect, the close-knit
Kenny family decide the name which he carried from his father Henry should
remain on the ballot sheet for another generation. The Taoiseach's daughter,
Aoibhinn Kenny, is the best-placed member of the clan to carry the baton for
the Islandeady family.
Past pupils include none other than Social Protection Minister Leo Varadkar,
who also happens to be leading the race to replace Aoibhinn's father at the
Fine Gael top table.
On a side note, the coronation of Mr Varadkar as the next Fine Gael leader
and Taoiseach being played out in the opinion polls is not translating in the
parliamentary party, where there is a slow but sure sway towards Housing
Minister Simon Coveney of late.
It seems some of those previously supporting the candidacy of Justice
Minister Frances Fitzgerald have come to the conclusion, based on polls, that
the contest will be a two-horse race. They may be wrong.
However, a Cabinet minister last week went as far as to compare the Fine Gael
leadership battle to the contest to replace David Cameron as leader of the
Conservative Party. In this instance Mr Varadkar's candidacy was likened to
Boris Johnson, who was seen as a sure bet until he pulled out of the contest,
and Mr Coveney was compared to surprise winner Theresa May, who shored
up internal party support.
His duties far exceeded merely liaising with local media and constituents and
he often accompanied Mr Kenny on State business - both at home and abroad.
"Kenny always seems more relaxed when Jack is about," a senior Fine Gael
strategist said of the relationship between the Castlebar pair.
Friends of the young Fine Gael activist insist he has no ambition to become a
TD.
But others point to his work as an intern for former US presidential candidate
John McCain, and as an Irish representative on President of the European
Commission Jean-Claude Junker's election campaign, as evidence of his
credentials for a future in elected politics.
Either way, he has the ear of the Taoiseach more than most from the Castlebar
cartel, and is seen as an ambitious young upstart.
Former Fine Gael councillor Ger Deere is also mentioned in dispatches due to
his hard work in Mr Kenny's constituency office in recent years, but he is an
outside bet at best.
The Castlebar political heavyweights and lifelong Kenny supporters are all too
aware of the looming vacancy.
Paddy was rewarded for his loyalty with the position of Cathaoirleach of the
Seanad during Mr Kenny's first term as Taoiseach. During government
formation talks he was sent out to gauge the opinion of Independent TDs prior
to formal negotiations with Fine Gael. The six-time senator is a politician who
works behind the scenes and does not crave the airwaves or pages of
newspapers like some of his contemporaries. He is popular within the party
and well accustomed to the chicken dinner circuit from travelling the county
seeking the votes of Fine Gael councillors for Seanad elections.
It has also been noted that Mr Burke is showing up to more local events than
he previously would, with some believing he is seeking to boost his profile in
the constituency ahead of the next election.
Supporters note that, while he may not be a spring chicken, he is younger than
Enda Kenny and Fine Gael's Westport stalwart, Junior Minister Michael
'Ringer' Ring.
It is unlikely the Burkes will publicly make a move until Mr Kenny states his
intentions , but there is a strong belief the family are eager to challenge for the
Castlebar seat. If the Taoiseach decides his daughter or young protg should
be his successor, it could result in a stand-off with Mr Burke.
There is also the possibility, albeit slim, that Mr Kenny may be left with little
option but to run again.
If the Taoiseach is forced into calling a snap election by Fianna Fail, he may
have to run again as the party could not risk a safe seat by running a
newcomer.
He has always said he will not run for a third term as Fine Gael leader, but has
never ruled out the possibility of returning as a TD.
However, Mr O'Mahony retained most of his Mayo canvassing team for the
Galway West campaign.
There will only be two seats at most in Mayo for Fine Gael at the next election
- one is Ringer's and the other is likely to be one of the Castlebar candidates'.
Ahead of the election, Fine Gael will have tough choices to make and the party
will be eager to ensure Mr Kenny's legacy is continued into the next Dail term.
http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/fight-for-kennys-seat-
is-more-than-a-twohorse-race-34944690.html
He added: "I would not have spent the last few years
in politics if I was afraid of big challenges. I'm not.
Declarations are not votes."
Mr Coveney has so far garnered support from 20
Fine Gael TDs, Senators and MEPs, against the 45
backing Mr Varadkar.
Under party rules, the parliamentary party accounts
for 65% of the vote to elect a leader, councillors'
votes make up 10%, and party members around the
country make up the remaining 25%.
Nominations for the contest closed at 5pm yesterday.
Mr Coveney launched his policy document in Dublin
today.
He said that while he accepted the campaign was a
personality contest, it was also a fight for the soul of
Fine Gael.
Flanked by Mr Harris and ministers of state David
Stanton and Marcella Corcoran Kennedy, Mr
Coveney called for an anti-corruption and
transparency commission, where he said no one
would be immune from investigation, including the
taoiseach of the day.
View image on Twitter
Follow
Martina Fitzgerald
PLANS IN FOR
DUBLIN STUDENT
DIGS
18 May 2017 Ireland
May 13 2017
A group of Dublin 4 residents have made a bid to overturn the green light for a
50m luxury apartment plan by a company backed by businessman Denis
O'Brien.
Residents from Nutley Square lodged an appeal with An Bord Pleanla against
a decision by Dublin City Council to give planning permission for the five five-
storey apartment blocks containing 90 apartments.
In its ruling, the City Council ordered that the top floor in the fifth block be
omitted.
Mr O'Brien acquired the site in Donnybrook from UCD in 2008 when he gave
UCD 15m in cash and another three-acre site at Roebuck to the college in a
land-swap plus cash deal.
Now, the residents' appeal is the last remaining barrier facing Purleigh in its
plans to develop the scheme in one of the most sought-after addresses in the
country.
In their objection against the plan, Nutley Square Management Co claim that
the Purleigh apartments development is overbearing, out of scale and out of
character in terms of its appearance with the exiting housing in the area.
The residents' group argues that the Purleigh proposal "does not respect the
existing character, context and urban form of the surrounding area".
The residents have also stated that the development does nothing to protect,
provide or improve the residential amenities of our neighbourhood.
A group of Dublin 4 residents have appealed the green light for a 50 million
luxury apartment plan by a company backed by businessman Denis O'Brien.
http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/d4-residents-launch-final-appeal-
against-50m-luxury-apartment-plan-35709268.html
02 Feb 2017
Lop-Sided Development
However the minister cautioned that should the Dublin City region
suffer a loss of competitiveness and become a less attractive place in
which to invest as a result of housing and infrastructural bottlenecks,
investment and influence will inevitably be attracted to other similar
city-regions in Europe not to rural Ireland.
At the tier below the four cities outside Dublin Cork, Galway,
Limerick and Waterford the policy document says there are a
number of towns which, due to their level of service provision and
extensive catchments, serve an important role for those areas that fall
outside the reach and influence of the cities.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKsNL5BsTlc
Simon Coveney heaps praise on Michael Noonan as he steps
down as Finance Minister
May 18, 2017
Finance Minister Michael Noonan is set to step down from the role.
He says he does not wish to be considered for cabinet by the candidate who succeeds Enda
Kenny as Taoiseach.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_UvPK8xYyA
http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/coveney-to-
open-new-centre-for-the-homeless-today-741167.html
Well, Simon, I'm sure you will sweat night and day to
alleviate the present housing situation.. You will provide all
families living in Hotels a suitable home no later than
Christmas this year.. You see Simon, we know that your
privileged backround is a wonderful incentive to end the
misery your Party has inflicted on the Citizens of Ireland
( less the privileged of course) You are drawing a
handsome salary and therefore we expect performance to
match and to justify your very existence in our
Government ... a Government you have formed once again
on false pretences .. FF both in support AND opposition -
together wit the man with an Enlish accent, who only last
October claimed Kenny was a political corpse (necrophilia
comes to mind)
Fr Peter McVerry
Newly appointed minister for housing Simon Coveney is facing a housing and
homelessness crisis that is "out of control" according to social justice
campaigner Fr Peter McVerry.
Mr Coveney succeeds former minister for the environment Alan Kelly in the
new role that had been called on for some time.
"He (Minister Coveney) has to face up to a homeless and housing crisis, which
is out of control. You have five new people becoming homeless in the Dublin
area alone every day.
"If the figures from January and February are to be continued and theres no
reason why they wouldnt be, we have over 100 families a month becoming
homeless.
"I think Simon Coveney has the greatest problem of all the ministers in this
new Government," he said.
"The first is that housing is not a commodity to be bought and sold, housing is
a right for people to have as a home," he said.
The Tipperary TD was the first to vote for Mr Kenny in the series of Dil votes
for Taoiseach, although he was not involved in government formation talks.
Mr Lowry this weekend said he had an "understanding" with his former party
in relation to his support for Mr Kenny.
"I'm not getting into that. But let's just say I have an understanding with
them," he said.
"All issues discussed and agreed upon during the process of government are
contained in the Programme for Government," he added, referring to the
agreements reached with the other Independents that backed Mr Kenny.
Mr Lowry declared soon after the election results became known that he
would be voting for Mr Kenny as Taoiseach.
This weekend he said: "I'm no different from any other deputy walking
through the gates of Leinster House. I made my decision to get necessary
stable government for the country which is required for business and jobs."
http://www.independent.ie/news/coveneyfacingoutofcontrolhousingcrisis34697421.html
The Government has denied there is an "agreement or understanding" with
Independent TD Michael Lowry in return for his support of Enda Kenny as
Taoiseach.
The Tipperary TD was the first to vote for Mr Kenny in the series of Dil votes
for Taoiseach, although he was not involved in government formation talks.
Mr Lowry this weekend said he had an "understanding" with his former party
in relation to his support for Mr Kenny.
"I'm not getting into that. But let's just say I have an understanding with
them," he said.
"All issues discussed and agreed upon during the process of government are
contained in the Programme for Government," he added, referring to the
agreements reached with the other Independents that backed Mr Kenny.
Mr Lowry declared soon after the election results became known that he
would be voting for Mr Kenny as Taoiseach.
This weekend he said: "I'm no different from any other deputy walking
through the gates of Leinster House. I made my decision to get necessary
stable government for the country which is required for business and jobs."
These 3 Cork boys are doing very well for themselves!
Simon, is Fine GaelTD for Cork SouthCentral since 1998 and in March 2011 was appointed
by Enda Kenny as Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. He was appointed as
Minister for Defence as part of a cabinet reshuffle in July 2014.
Coveney is not interested in Irish neutrality and has got Irish soldiers involved in war games
with the British army while making our army available to the EU militarists in conflict zones
including Chad 450 troops, including 50 Army Ranger Wing (special forces) operatives and
two helicopters. Simon also continues the fine tradition of turning a blind eye to the movement
of US troops and their bombs and guns (and abducted hostages) through Shannon airport.
But he still found time to attend the infamous and highly-secretive Bilderberg Group summit in
Copenhagen in 2014 with his pal Peter Sutherland (former Fine Gael Attorney
General/Goldman Sachs). Simon is being touted as a future Blueshirts Taoiseach (though
dropped the ball badly when he said Irish Water was up for negotiation in government
formation talks with Fianna Fil)
Rory worked in the Department of Foreign Affairs from 2002 - 2007 where he played a key
role in both communicating and developing Irelands overseas development assistance
programme. In 2012 he was appointed by Noel Curran (former DG of RT) as his Strategic
Advisor.
His role included the following broad responsibilities:
Working on behalf of the Director General with the Executive Board and other senior
management on the development and implementation of key strategic initiatives
Developing and managing strategic external relationships on behalf of the Director General
Advising the Director General on key developments in broadcasting policy and regulation in
Ireland and abroad. "
Rory is just the right man to be working in the State/Government Broadcaster then making
sure those horrible anti-water protesters are vilified and not given any positive publicity. Or
deflecting attention away from bro Simon's military adventures? (or Patrick's free company
shares?)
Patrick is the chief executive of food firm Greencore. He joined the Greencore board in 2005
and was named chief executive in 2007, taking over from David Dilger. He earned just over
2m (2.5m) in 2013. (his pay is reported in sterling as Greencore, whose shares are listed in
London, reports its financial data in that currency).
That pay packet included a basic 625,000 salary, a 462,000 cash bonus and a 462,000
deferred share award. He was also awarded 237,000 in long-term incentives.
The Stock Exchange filing shows that just over 1m shares were awarded under the
companys deferred bonus plan to Mr Coveney in 2013/14 who immediately sold them at
2.94 each. The place of the transaction is noted as Jersey and London.
(Greencore was established by the Irish Government in 1991 when they privatised Irish
Sugar. Greencore is today the world's largest sandwich manufacturer).
Rory Coveney - who is currently the strategic adviser to the outgoing Director
General, Noel Curran - is being tipped as the one to watch ahead of the
favourite, Kevin Bakhurst, the station's managing director of news and current
affairs, who is also deputy to outgoing DG, Noel Curran.
Reports that Lucy Gaffney, the chairman of Communicorp and a former board
member of Independent News & Media, was up for the job were dismissed as
"total rubbish" by sources who know her.
Ten are internal candidates and the remainder are from outside the
organisation. A small number of candidates were interviewed in the UK last
week.
The DG post currently combines the role of chief executive and editor-in-
chief.
"Rory Coveney is very well placed to do both. He is the strategic advisor to the
DG, so he is very well placed as someone who has been an apprentice style
figure to Noel. If anyone is at the coal face of it all, it's him.
The new defence white paper, which was launched by the minister in Dublin
Castle yesterday, will see new armoured personnel carriers for the Army, three
new vessels for the Naval Service to ensures its fleet is maintained at eight,
and replacements of the CASA maritime patrol and Cessna aircraft in the Air
Corps.
More specialist niche units are also to be developed in the Defence Forces as
the military prepares to meet an expanded role in the future. This will involve
an increase of 50pc of the strength of the current elite unit, the Army Ranger
Wing.
Mr Coveney said Ireland's defence focus had changed significantly and that we
now face a raft of new challenges, including international terrorism,
"Traditionally, Ireland has taken a view that everybody likes the Irish, so
therefore there is no military threat to Ireland.
"And I think traditionally our focus on defence has been related to Northern
Ireland and the Troubles there and international peacekeeping, but not a
whole lot else. This white paper develops significantly our ambitions."
He said Ireland had been under-investing in defence and currently has the
second-lowest defence spend in Europe.
The white paper, which plots out the future of our military for the next decade,
plans to replace the CASA maritime surveillance craft with larger and more
capable craft,
The minister said he was impressed with the performance of the Ranger Wing,
which is currently operating at its existing establishment strength of around
100.
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Advertisement 00:25
It is due to be expanded by 50pc during the lifetime of the white paper. A new
recruitment programme for Rangers will begin shortly.
The tough standards set on the course result in a high attrition rate and by the
end of the five-phase programme only about a sixth of those who started out
will be successful and be taken into the Wing.
The Rangers will be given an enhanced role and will train to deal with
challenges ranging from counter-terrorism to public riots.
Mr Coveney again ruled out any more barracks closures and said the military's
strength would not be allowed to fall below the base level of 9,500 after the
present recruitment campaign has brought numbers back up to that level.
"The public are very impatient at this stage. They have been waiting
a long time for a Government. We have been working very hard,
night and day, to make that happen."
Now acting leader Enda Kenny looks set to become the first leader
of his party ever to hold onto the job of Taoiseach for two
consecutive elections. After agreeing to lead a minority government
he needs to convince eight independents to vote with him which
most observers believe he can achieve.
4
Micheal Martin and Enda Kenny. Credit: Photocall Ireland.
The most difficult issue in the talks between Fine Gael and
Fianna Fil was the future of the water charges imposed
by the outgoing Fine Gael-Labour coalition.
Although the level of water charges had already been
reduced to a $3.50 (3) a week for most families, it
continues to be a matter of major political controversy.
Far-left groups such as the Socialist Party and People
Before Profit have taken a hard line of opposition to the
charges and their stance has influenced Sinn Fin to
strengthen its own stand on the issue.
4
Water charge protests in Dublin. Credit: Photocall Ireland.
https://eamondelaney.wordpress.com/2015/07/28/whyisirelandbeingsignedupasatestingground
forweaponstechnology/
Our military currently works with private arms companies like Moog and
Reamda. Given the revelations from Edward Snowden about the reality of the
horrors of drone warfare- the detached murder of civilians in Afghanistan and
Pakistan- we need to reject Ireland becoming a servant of the Western war
machine.
http://www.socialistworkeronline.net/irelandtotestnewmilitaryweapons/
Fitzgerald eyes
ombudsman for
crime victims
Justine McCarthy
May 21 2017, 12:01am,
The Sunday Times
<imgclass="Mediaimg"
src="//feeds.thetimes.co.uk/web/imageserver/imageserver/image/methode
%2Fsundaytimes%2Fprod%2Fweb%2Fbin%2F1bf30bc23d9d11e7
b634f092f9c2e791.jpg?crop=1500,844,0,78&resize=320,"alt="">
Frances Fitzgerald will examine the proposal
CHRIS BELLEW/FENNELL PHOTOGRAPHY
https://www.oco.ie/wp-
content/uploads/2014/03/Submission_Criminal-Justice-
Victims-of-Crime-Bill-2015_12102015.pdf
http://www.oireachtas.ie/docume
nts/bills28/bills/2016/12116/b121
16d-memo.pdf
Bill entitled an Act to give effect to provisions of Directive 2012/29/EU of the
European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 establishing minimum
standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime, and replacing
Council Framework Decision 2001/220/JHA; for that purpose to amend the Criminal
Evidence Act 1992, the Criminal Justice Act 1993 and the Courts Service Act 1998;
and to provide for related matters
POLL: Do you think there should
be a General Election rather than
the next Fine Gael leader being
the defacto Taoiseach?
May 21, 2017 18:30 James Brennan Irish News
Next ...
Fionnan Sheahan on
Enda Kenny: A man of
the times who butchered
a golden opportunity
2
Taoiseach Enda Kenny: So, is it ok if I go now?
Fionnan Sheahan
May 18 2017
http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/fionnan-sheahan-on-
enda-kenny-a-man-of-the-times-who-butchered-a-golden-
opportunity-35727460.html
1
Leo Varadkar and Simon Coveney
Housing Minister published details of his policy priorities at an event in
Dublin on Sunday morning on the first full day of campaigning for the Fine
Gael leadership race.
"At a time of deep scepticism about politics in Ireland and elsewhere, I believe
it is vital that every elected representative to declare what they stand for and
to commit to the hard work of delivering positive change," he said.
"That is the reason I asked to lead Fine Gaels referendum campaign in favour
of marriage equality and it is why I sought to become Minister for Housing. It
is wh Minister Coveney said he is optimistic about the future of Ireland but
also understands the anger and frustration of many who feel that they have
been left behind.
"Despite the very real progress we have made since the days of Costello and
Fitzgerald, we remain a country with deep divisions," he said.
"Our political system has splintered into a range of new parties and alliances,
some of which represents only a narrow section of our population."
Minister Coveney said that Fine Gael should be a party for everyone "which
seeks to unite rather than divide".
Leo Varadkar
3.Deliver a clear vision for transforming Ireland into a country in which every
person has the opportunity to reach his or her full potential.
The housing minister also said he wants to create an 'Anti Corruption and
Transparency Commission' to respond to whistleblowers and corruption.
"Essentially what it is is a vision for what the country could look like in 20
years time, if we actually got things right around planning and investment and
looking to the future with real ambition and, if necessary, quite radical
thinking in terms of where we live and how we live and how we move around
and so on."
"I cant remember in my lifetime a national plan for Ireland and Ive always
wondered why this isn't the case," he said.
Mr Coveney said that is a nationalist: "I want to see a United Ireland, I wont
apologise for that."
"If I am ever Taoiseach, I will spend a huge amount of time talking to and
relating to Unionist communities and try to understand them".
"I do think it is possible to unite this Ireland and I want this project to go
ahead in a spirit of engagement."
Earlier, Social Protection Minister Leo Varadkar welcomed the decision by his
rival Simon Coveney to stay in the Fine Gael leadership race.
Despite chasing an unassailable lead Mr Coveney has said he will take part in
four hustings around the country later this week.
But speaking before taking part in Athletics Ireland's Streets of Dublin 5k run
today Mr Varadkar said he wants the leadership vote on June 2 to go ahead.
"Im very keen as well that the contest should continue and Im pleased that
Simon Coveney decided to stay in the contest because its absolutely important
that we take this debate and this opportunity to reinvigorate Fine Gael to the
councillors, to the members across the country," he said.
He also moved to try reassure people that he is not planning a snap General
Election.
Mr Varadkar took part in the city run along with his campaign director and
junior minister Eoghan Murphy and Roscommon senator Maura Hopkins.
Mr Coveney insisted last night that he was not withdrawing from the race,
saying that if Mr Varadkar wins, he will "wish him well."
"When this process is over, and completed in full, if Leo Varadkar (does) win
out, and he is chosen to lead this party, then fair play to him," Mr Coveney
said.
"I will shake his hand - I might even give him a hug.
"I will wish him well and I will work with him as I hope you will to ensure that
this party is stronger at the end of this process not weaker. To ensure that this
party is more united than ever at the end of this process rather than divided -
because, believe me, if there is any other outcome to this process this party
will not do itself justice in the context of the leadership process that is now
underway.
The votes from Fine Gael TDs and Senators will account for 65pc of the overall
vote, with 25pc of votes coming from party members and the remaining 10pc
from local representatives.
Voting for almost 21,000 eligible party members will take place nationwide at
26 polling stations over four days from Monday, May 29.
http://www.munster-express.ie/front-page-news/general-stories/assembly-
preparing-its-submission-for-ireland-2040-plan/
IRELAND 2040
by Caroline Herlihy - 9th February 2017
The much anticipated launch of the IRELAND 2040 policy
document was made in Maynooth University recently by Minister
for Planning and Housing, Simon Coveney.
Key elements of the policy document;
> Increase in population by 750,000 to 5.6 million.
> An absolute minimum requirement of 500,000 new houses needed
to be built by 2040.
> The number of people at work will increase by 600,000 to 2.5
million.
> An estimated 400,000 post-primary pupils in 2040.
The credibility of the new plan, which aims to spread development
towards regional cities such as Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford
and Sligo, will depend on how much compromise will be necessary
to get the policy document through the Dail. An encouraging
precedent has been set by the Minister in that he stood up to
opposition parties, especially Fianna Fail, in resisting any changes
to his proposals to fix house rental increases throughout the
country before Christmas. The central policy is to shift investment
away from the Dublin region, by massive investments, both PPP
and State in Infrastructure, Broadband services, Roads and Power.
Architects & Engineers
There is a huge demand currently for Architects, Engineers and
Technicians to participate in the roll out of the massive investment
in the built environment. There is no expectation of a fall off in the
demand for Architects, Engineers and Technicians in the medium
or long term future, a major factor in expatriate professionals
determining whether to return to Ireland. Lack of job security was
the primary reason for emigration after the collapse of the
economy a decade ago. Job security will be a major factor in
determining whether to return home or not.
Irish Emigrants in Australia
In a recent article in the Irish Times, Irish emigrants in Australia
were interviewed by Clara Kenny about how they feel about life in
Australia, and whether they would consider returning to Ireland and
what factors would influence them most. Not surprisingly, the
numbers moving from Australia back to Ireland has almost doubled
in the past twelve months to 5,500. The number of emigrants to
Australia has reduced by two thirds from 2012, to 2016, as Irish
unemployment figures continue to fall dramatically. Reasons most
often cited for returning home are loss of friends and family;
missing out on significant events like friends weddings, family
funerals and missing out on births of siblings children. The travel
time home is another major consideration. In many cases, the
desire to return home at some stage is a given, its just deciding
when is the right time to make the move.
There is little doubt that, taking all the essential factors into
account, there has never been a more encouraging a time to
consider returning home than in the past ten years.
http://gpcireland.com/ireland-2040-architects-engineers/
Assemblypreparingitssubmissionfor
Ireland2040plan
By Dermot Keyes. Published on Thursday, February 23rd, 2017 at 12:21 pm
Coveney due in Waterford next Monday as NPF submission deadline
approaches
The OConnell Street-based Southern Assembly is currently
preparing a comprehensive submission for the Ireland 2040
National Planning Framework (NPF), the details of which will be
made known locally in due course.
But more than a few hints about the Assemblys approach to the
development of a long-term development framework for the county,
region and wider area between now and 2040 may well be disclosed
come Monday next, February 27th.
At the time of writing, Housing, Planning, Community and Local
Government Minister Simon Coveney is due to attend an Ireland
2040 forum to be held at Garter Lane Arts Centre next Monday
morning.
Waterford-bound: Housing, Planning and Local Government Minister Simon
Coveney. PHOTO: Noel Browne
western_people_public_notice_0
http://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/foreshore-
applications/application-
documents/western_people_public_notice_0.pdf
https://www.icsh.ie/sites/default/files/attach/icsh-news/1184/icsh-
npf2040submission310317.pdf
http://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/file
s/circular_pl1_2017_implementation_of_directive_201452eu_o
n_the_effects_of_certain_public_and_private_projects_on_the_
environment_eia_directive.pdf
http://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/file
s/circular_pl1_2017_implementation_of_directive_201452eu_o
n_the_effects_of_certain_public_and_private_projects_on_the_
environment_eia_directive.pdf
http://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/file
s/list_of_approved_projects_under_lihaf.pdf
Application by Ireland-France Subsea Cable Ltd. for proposed fibre optic cable
route scoping from France to Ireland, making landfall at a proposed location in
Ringaskiddy, including 100m inland and comprising geophysical survey, site
investigation works, etc
http://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/foreshore-
applications/application-
documents/consultation_with_dahrrga.pdf
http://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/foreshore-
applications/application-
documents/summary_schedule_of_works.pdf
TSB Dublin and Cork & Limerick Savings Bank tricked most depositors from
1958 -1993 by not disclosing in the application forms for the accounts and in
newspaper advertisements of interest rates that interest is calculated on the
lowest monthly balance ( Rule 18) when the ordinary and customary practice
of banks was to pay interest on adaily balance.
Thanks
Devrajan Srinivasan
JUNE 2016
The day before Brexit, Permanent TSB shares soared amid speculation that the 75%-state-
owned bank may eventually merge with another lender. Shares surged by 10 per cent though
they had fallen by more than half since the government sold shares last year. Michael
Noonan said: The share price has been under pressure for a myriad of reasons. He listed
some of them but failed to include the important legacy issue of under-paid depositors.
After the vote for Brexit, Davy Stockbrokers reported: Brexit has clearly heightened the
uncertainty around the timing and price of the sale of PTSBs residual UK assets, delaying
the banks normalisation. The shares had sunk by around another quarter. If the bank ever
merges, its partner may have to address legacy issues that just might create significant
liabilities.
RECENT OVERCHARGING
Meanwhile in June the bank consented to Joseph Wallace, a mortgage holder from Mahon,
Co Cork, being discharged from his bankruptcy after it overcharged him interest. Wallace
claimed he would not have had to go bankrupt, after being unable to meet repayments on his
home, if he had not been overcharged. He told the High Court he only learned of the
overcharging after becoming bankrupt. The outstanding mortgage at the time of Wallaces
bankruptcy was around 326,000 with 75,000 arrears, his barrister told the court.
However, the actual amount, without the overcharge, was around 284,000 with 52,000
arrears. Wallace was charged interest at a rate of 4.5 per cent when he was entitled to 1.5
per cent. David Hall of the Irish Mortgage Holders Association welcomed the judges decision
and said his organisation was in discussions on behalf of a number of other people in similar
situations who had cases pending.
In 2014 the TSB shareholders challenged the constitutionality of laws permitting the banks
4bn recapitalisation by the State. The matter was referred to the European Court of Justice.
Another headache.
THE ENORMOUS PRECEDENT
From 1958 to 20 February 1993 TSB Bank, a forerunner of Permanent TSB, did not disclose
the basis of calculating interest in its application form for new accounts, in the notice of
interest rates in its branches and in the daily newspapers with a view to defrauding most
depositors. The bank was convicted and fined 1000 for breaching the Consumer Information
Act 1978, as a result of a private prosecution by me, after the aptly named William Fagan
refused to prosecute. Mere days after the convictions and fines, the bank started paying
everyone the full advertised rate.
DISCOVERY OF FRAUD
In April 1990, I had opened an Investment account with TSB Dublin, lured by its offer of
significantly higher interest than other banks. Ten months later, I lodged a bank draft and
enquired as to when the draft would attract interest. I was shocked to find that interest was
paid from the 21st of any month on the lowest monthly balance.
I closed the account in January 1991. Two months later, I wrote to the bank requesting a copy
of the rules Swindle at TSB 2016, and 1958 to 1993 Victims of Windle-stopped-Swindle
never reimbursed 339m leaving PTSB open to possible claims by Srinivasan Devrajan
Depositors or their successors who held a deposit or investment account with TSB Dublin or
in Cork and Limerick Savings Bank between 1958 and 20 February 1993 are invited to
contact the author July 2016 1 5 of the bank and whether interest was calculated on a daily
basis. The bank sent me a cheque for about 62 on an ex-gratia basis, without prejudice.
Smelling a rat, I sued the bank in the High Court.
On 2 September 1992 TSB settled with me, out-of-court, for 30,000 and a commitment that
I did not inform other depositors that they had been defrauded. As part of answers to
interrogatories raised by me, the bank conceded that the accounts were not strictly
investment accounts though that is precisely what they were called. Six months later I
launched a private, criminal action against TSB.
ORDINARY AND CUSTOMARY PRACTICE OF BANKING
The ordinary and customary practice of banks and building societies in the State is to pay
daily interest on deposits.
MODUS OPERANDI OF THE FRAUD ON MOST DEPOSITORS FROM 1958 TO 1993
TSB Dublin and Cork and Limerick Savings Bank defrauded most depositors from 1958 to
1993 by not paying the clearly and categorically advertised interest on savings and
investment accounts.
The banks tricked depositors by not disclosing, in the application forms for accounts and in
newspaper advertisements of interest rates, the following material information:
1. Interest was calculated on the lowest monthly balance (Rule 18 certified under the Act of
1863)
2. Monies could be held for up to 60 days (from the 21st of any month to the 20th of the
second following month) without earning any interest, regardless of the sum of money lodged
or withdrawn.
3. Money earned only 11/12ths of the clearly advertised rate, except for deposits lodged or
withdrawn on the 21st day of any month.
CENTRAL BANK OF IRELAND AWARE OF THE FRAUD
Dr Michael Casey, Senior Adviser to the Central Bank, advised by letter dated 6 March 1990
to TSB Dublin and Cork and Limerick Savings Bank that they should publish the gross and
compound annual rate of deposits so that depositors could make an informed choice
between the rates offered by different banks.
The Central Bank knew that TSB was advertising Compound Annual Rate 1/12th higher than
in fact paid, in breach of the Trustee Savings Banks Act 1989 section 27 (1), as is evident
from the letter of Dr Casey which stated:
While we understand that the TSBs traditional method of crediting interest to deposits might
lead to some difficulties with expressing annual interest rates, we feel that these should not
be insurmountable.
This is a subtle acknowledgement of the fact that the advertised annual interest rates were
what most people would call fraudulent. The question arises on whose behalf Casey felt
surmounting was needed. It was certainly not that of the consumer or the public interest.
The banks tricked depositors by not disclosing in the application forms for the accounts and in
newspaper advertisements of interest rates the following material information:
- interest is calculated on the lowest monthly balance ( Rule 18 certified under the Act of
1863) when the the ordinary and customary practice of Irish banks and building societies was
to pay daily interest on deposits.
I, a lowly colonial schmuck, who failed maths at school prosecuted TSB for advertising
interest rate of 8% pa on the Investment account and 3.5% on the Deposit account in the
Irish Times dated 5 June 1992, when the true rate was 7.333% and 3.208%.
On 17 February 1993, District Judge Desmond Windle convicted & fined TSB Bank a total of
1000 for fraud on 2 counts.
Significantly, the bank elected to pay the full advertised interest to all depositors from 21
February 1993 rather than disclose its extra-ordinary method of calculating interest in the
application forms for the accounts and in newspaper advertisements.
Please see the link below for the convictions & fines for fraud and admission by Jo Doyle that
the trustees and servants stole from the bank ( daily interest in breach of Rule 18 and
Larceny Act 1916 section 21 theft by trustees)
https://drive.google.com//fol/0B_-K1rbHnkOXZUZlWDZVVVM0ak0
Please contact me for the "Statement of claim" to claim the outstanding interest and damages
for fraud, theft and breach of Consumer Information Act 1978 section 8.
Please share with friends and requests your friends to share again
Amen
Srinivasan Devrajan
Am looking for any one who held a deposit or investment account with TSB Dublin, Cork &
Limerick Savings Bank, TSB Bank between 1958 to 21 Feb 1993.
There is a High action against the bank for fraud and theft.
It will be to their advantage. Please share with friends and family
many thanks
Devrajan 089 237 1088
Windle Stops Swindle. Fraud of 339 Million by Permanent TSB 1958 -1993. Fagan Fumes.
Jul 22, 2016
http://windlestopsswindle.com
TSB Dublin and Cork & Limerick Savings Bank tricked most depositors from 1958 -1993 by
not disclosing in the application forms for the accounts and in newspaper advertisements of
interest rates that interest is calculated on the lowest monthly balance ( Rule 18) when the
ordinary and customary practice of banks was to pay interest on adaily balance.
Thanks
Devrajan Srinivasan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSy27mRyEEg&t=62s
May 21 2017
Enda Kenny.
June2010wastheturningpoint.ItwasthemakingofEndaKenny.
KennyturnedupatameetingoftheFineGaelparliamentarypartywithhiscareerontheline.Allthe
workhehaddonerebuildingthepartycouldcometonaught.
MostofhisfrontbenchhadcomeoutagainsthimafteryetanotherpollshowedthatFineGaelwas
failingtocapitaliseonthecountry'seconomiccollapse.
http://www.independent.ie/opinion/iftheresanationalcrisisasovereigndebtcrisis
andpatrickhonohanliftsupthephoneat3amtocallthetaoiseachwhodoiwant
toanswerthatcall35737695.html
1
'The next Taoiseach is chosen he will have to realise that he will be
the equivalent of a war-time leader. The potential consequences
for this country of Britains exit from the European Union are that
serious
When the crash came, we thought it was the worst we would ever have to face.
People lost their savings, their pensions, their homes and their jobs; our young
people had to emigrate, and we had to spend 64bn of taxpayers' money
bailing out our native banks, very little of which has come back to us yet.
AIB, for example (and it was by far the biggest example), needed help to the
tune of 20.8bn. So far, we have received 3.3bn by way of return, and if
Michael Noonan proceeds with the sale of the first 25pc of our AIB shares, as
he seems determined to before he ends his political career, we could get
another 3bn, which suggests that selling the rest will leave us a long way
short of full repayment.
But bad as all that was, there is worse to come. So much so that when the next
Taoiseach is chosen he will have to realise that he will be the equivalent of a
war-time leader. The potential consequences for this country of Britain's exit
from the European Union are that serious.
http://www.independent.ie/opinion/editorial/leader-faces-long-
postbrexit-slog-35737647.html
In her first year, she thought she should be elected to the SU
This time it was her turn. The first-year UCD law and economics student had made her first
tentative foray on to the hustings when she put her name down to run for the part-time
post with the students' union of Oifigeach na Gaeilge, or Irish language officer.
Whoever fills the position, which comes with a 87,258 salary and 31,365 worth of
unvouched expenses, will need the blessing of the Fine Gael leader to ensure the local
support base weighs in behind the new Castlebar candidate.
...the close-knit Kenny family decide the name which he carried from his father Henry
should remain on the ballot sheet for another generation. The Taoiseach's daughter,
Aoibhinn Kenny, is the best-placed member of the clan to carry the baton for the
Islandeady family....was selected for the prestigious Washington Ireland Programme, which
prepares ambitious young people for future leadership roles.
Irelands first overseas senator Billy Lawless says accusations of cronyism made against
him for giving the Taoiseachs daughter a J1 job are absolutely ridiculous.
...
He said Aoibhinn Kenny was lucky and she was one of first ones to apply. He said he knew
her and why wouldnt you look after a friends daughter?
Even in Mayo they've figured him out
Quite a few people in the Taoiseachs home town of Castlebar were scratching their heads
yesterday after reading a headline in the Connaught Telegraph saying Kenny will run
again.
Should there by a dynastic inheritance like this ? Also what of her
start in life
I'm uncomfortable about the way you go after the blueshirts cYP.
Now I've gone after them for years, don't get me wrong, they're legitimate targets, but you
make it very personal. Did you edit the photo in the OP?
Whats more personal than the Darling Daughter being groomed for succession in
Mayo-God-Help-Us?
Havent you figured out by now that all politics here is personal? Who do you think
inherits the seats
Doesn't matter.
All that matters is if the voters in EKs constituency think the daughter is worth it.
Selection conventions can be tricky sometimes too... but not maybe for a former
TS's daughter.
If the people of Mayo were to elect her, then they certainly deserve another 50 years of
gombeen politics.
If there was ever a case for national politicians being elected nationally - i.e., a list system,
this would be it.
It aint only Mayo. Its everywhere.
To be honest it would be real proof of the adage - you get the government you deserve.
If the people of Mayo were to elect her, then they certainly deserve another 50 years of
gombeen politics.
If there was ever a case for national politicians being elected nationally - i.e., a list system,
this would be it.
It can also be said that some Dublin constituencies have elected some gobs---e
who did not inherit seats from family members even in the Dail today.
What landlords were protected. Not the small one`s anyway. They were hammered.
Fine Gael didn't implement the Kenny report which recommended that local
authorities would acquire land for 25 percent above agricultural value. This would
have stopped speculation on the cost of land. It would have stopped big
landowners sitting on large land banks to watch their value appreciate. Fine Gael
didn't acquire the land because it suited the property classes to see prices rise
again and Fine Gael wanted to make money back on NAMA. So now we have a
housing and homeless crisis, which Fine Gael still seem to be unable to solve.
Landlords are doing very well in Ireland. And under the new Finance Bill
commercial landlords will be virtually tax free.
Landlords are exiting the market.
No houses were being built as most developers were bankrupt and most banks wouldn`t
lend.
The AirB&B business model didn`t help either taking 3000 apartments out of the system.
The 14,000 per annum tax break available to home owners to rent rooms hasn`t worked
as well as it should YET.
What are you talking about? How do landlords not benefit from land prices going
up, property prices going up, and rents going up.
The State could have acquired the land at 125 percent of agricultural value and
have stopped prices rising again. But it didn't do it. The rise rents was not
accidental. The Government knew it was happening and sat back and did nothing.
It wanted prices to rise because this suite the property classes and they wanted
to make money back on NAMA. Deny it all you want but you have no credibility as
a Fine Gael shill.
Mossy as a landlord its slightly different. You haven`t a clue as to what happened.
What about all those landlords that were around in 2006-2011, what happened
them ?
Relatives of outgoing TDs should start behind, not ahead. They should be
challenged by all and sundry to prove that this odd state of affairs is justifiable on
the basis of exceptional merit. In short, it should be embarrassing to do this. The
days of ruling families should be long behind us.
even the most ordinary politicians have pension funds worth millions. Politics not just about
the salary you get today, it's as much about the permanent access to the teat long after
the people have rejected you.
You may recall a post from yesterday about Fine Gaels Brian Walsh.
It explained that, if the former TDs application for early retirement on grounds of ill
health was granted, he could start to receive his pension now, instead of waiting until he
is 66.
This is despite Mr Walsh, who didnt contest the general election, previously
promising that he wouldnt draw down the pension before he reached 66.
Well.
The Irish Mail on Sunday reported at the weekend that Mr Walsh has already been granted
permission.
The Oireachtas this week refused to say if the early retirement on grounds of ill health
pension had been granted. But a source this weekend confirmed that it had.
Under the early retirement scheme, as well as getting his pension 23 years early,
he has been credited with notional service. This is based on the assumption
that, but for his retirement due to illness, he would have won at least one more
election. As a result, he will receive 10 years service thats around 1,800
month. Over 23 years this amounts to a pension fund worth about 500,000.
You may recall a post from yesterday about Fine Gaels Brian Walsh.
It explained that, if the former TDs application for early retirement on
grounds of ill health was granted, he could start to receive his pension
now, instead of waiting until he is 66.
This is despite Mr Walsh, who didnt contest the general election,
previously promising that he wouldnt draw down the pension before he
reached 66.
Well.
Walsh resigned his seat on January 14, three weeks before President
Michael D Higgins dissolved the Dail and the election was called.
On November 11, Walsh told the Keith Finnegan Show on Galway Bay
FM he would not be getting a gravy train payout, or any pension
until he was 66. The TD promised he would most certainly
fulfil his mandate right up until election date.
However, on December 16, Walsh wrote to the Oireachtas to apply for
early retirement on grounds of ill health. {Walsh said he had been
admitted to hospital in 2013 with acute diverticulitis and spent nine
days under a consultants care]
If his application is granted he can get his pension now instead of
waiting 23 years until he is 66.
Fine Gael TD Brian Walsh has said he will not be contesting in the next general election.
In a statement tonight, Mr Walsh said he would not be seeking re-election due to medical
advice.
The 43-year-old said recent health problems were likely to relapse or worsen, and he was
making the decision with deep regret.
His withdrawal follows months of speculation locally as to whether he would stand in the 2016
election.
It leaves outgoing Deputies Sean Kyne and John O'Mahony along with Senator Hildegarde
Naughton as the party's three representatives in Galway West next time round.
Mr O'Mahony has moved from the neighbouring constituency of Mayo, after boundary
revisions saw a chunk of territory in south Mayo transferred to an expanded Galway West.
Mr Walsh's decision not to stand will increase Mr Mahony's chances of winning a seat.
The reduction in the number of candidates also leaves Fine Gael without a Galway city based
contender in the general election.
Mr Walsh said: "I have informed An Taoiseach Enda Kenny of my decision, and I would like to
thank him for his support throughout my political career and, in particular, his understanding
and support in recent days."
First elected to Galway City Council in 2004, Mr Walsh was one of two Fine Gael TDs elected
in Galway West at the last election.
It was the first time the party had returned two Deputies in the constituency since the early
1980s.
He lost the party whip in 2013 after he voted against the Protection of Life during pregnancy
bill.
He was readmitted some months later, having voted with the coalition, while he was outside
the parliamentary party.