Dail Speech 19 May 2015

A Ceann Comhairle,

I welcome the opportunity to speak before the house this evening.

As everyone on both sides of the house is aware a fair, efficient and competitive income tax system is vital for not only economic growth but also job creation. Since this country was plunged into economic chaos by the reckless policies of the previous Fianna Fail led Government our citizens have gone through probably the worst financial crisis in the history of the state. Over 300,000 jobs were lost, our economic reputation was in shreds, we were losing the youngest and brightest of our citizens to emigration and we had lost our financial independence.

€3.5m investment and 40 new jobs for Dundalk

“Prometric, who have brought jobs and investment to Dundalk for over ten years, are to invest more than €3.5 million to expand its operation in Dundalk, creating 40 new high skilled jobs”, says Peter Fitzpatrick, Fine Gael TD for Louth.

“Prometric are to invest over €3.5 million in its presence in County Louth for joint announcements covering a three-year research partnership with DCU. This is very good news for the people of Dundalk who can apply for these positions, and also for local businesses who benefit from increased employment and local spending.   

Increase in number of tourists visiting the North-East

“The latest CSO data shows that the number of visitors coming to Ireland has increased by 10.3% compared to the same period last year, this includes a jump in the number of people travelling to the North-East”, says Peter Fitzpatrick, Fine Gael TD for Louth.

“The number of overseas visits to Ireland between December 2014 and February 2015 increased by 10.3% to almost 1.5 million tourists. 

New speed limit guidelines will make roads safer in Louth

Fine Gael TD for Louth, Peter Fitzpatrick has called for a full review of speed limits currently in place on local and regional roads in Louth following the launch of the ‘Guidelines for Setting and Managing Speed Limits’, published by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe TD.

Alcohol cases in Emergency Departments costing €1.2 billion annually

“It is estimated that 1,500 hospital beds are occupied every night in our hospitals, directly because of alcohol related cases, costing an estimated €1.2 billion annually. This is a national shame and an issue that must be addressed head on through the implementation of the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015”, says Peter Fitzpatrick, Fine Gael TD for Louth and Member of the Oireachtas Health Committee.

Louth leading the way to drive the regional recovery

“Louth Local Enterprise Office (LEO) is to lead a programme of two new regional development initiatives that will strengthen SMEs and assist unemployed graduates to become entrepreneurs. This is the first programme of its kind in this country which will contribute to growth in the regions”, says Peter Fitzpatrick, Fine Gael TD for Louth.

CSO data shows almost 73% physically active but still lots of room for improvement

“I am very encouraged by CSO data which shows that almost 73% of people aged 15 years and older are physically active but this still leaves over 25% who are not and no information on the activity levels of our children”, says Peter Fitzpatrick, Fine Gael TD for Louth and Member of the Oireachtas Health Committee.