I AM very proud to be representing Dublin Bay North in Dáil Eireann, writes local TD, Finian McGrath. For many years, I fought hard to get elected and now I have an opportunity to do something.
If I can do five good things over the next few years in the Dáil, I will look anybody straight in the face. Of course, as an Independent it is a strange place to be and a huge political risk but I am up to the challenge. I just want to get things done for our constituency and our country.
For too long now, with a history of majority governments, the Oireachtas body (ie. all elected members of the Dáil and Seanad) has been the poor relation of Irish politics and has been treated by successive governments as little more than a rubber stamp for their own policies.
As this is a minority government, the Oireachtas has now taken a more centre stage role – the 32nd Dáil is diverse but need not be divided. We now have a platform to agree policies which will last through future successive governments rather than such policies being dismantled each time a new government is elected.
For instance, this creates a better opportunity for the problems in our health system to be addressed in a more strategic manner.
I am aware that many people were disappointed when major political parties and elected public representatives shied away and took absolutely no responsibility whatsoever in trying to form a government, despite invitations to do so.
The following is a snippet from a letter received from one such disappointed person:
“You know, Mr McGrath, many of these politicians live in a parallel universe whereby they genuinely want to help the vulnerable but not now… and this is shameful!”
I believe that this 32nd Dáil is like no other previously. It is a new Dáil with a new approach and has created another opportunity for these Oireachtas members to contribute constructively.
We are all at one in our belief that government is not about having power; it is about using power to effect the kind of change, opportunity and compassion we need and desire in our society. We are united in our common cause to make life better for every person on the island of Ireland.
My objective is to use my power and influence to help people in our community. Some of our other TDs ran away from making these tough decisions or sat on the fence.
They were afraid to go into government.
I decided to go in and fight. So far, I have managed to deliver on the following key issues:
• An additional funding of €31 million for disability services in 2017, including placement initiative for school leavers with disabilities – 130 students in Dublin Bay North.
I opened a new €5.95 million kidney unit in Beaumont Hospital.
Full restoration of the carer’s grant, increased to €1,700.
All social welfare payments to increase by €5 per week, including the carer’s allowance, disability allowance, blind person, widows, lone parents and jobseeker’s benefit.
State pension rise of €5 per week.
Christmas bonus of 85 per cent.
Prescription charge cap reduced by €5 per month to €20 for people over 70.
Capital funding of €20 million being made available for people with a disability.
An extra 860 special needs assistants.
Taskforce set up on personalised budgets.
10 extra beds in the A&E Department in Beaumont Hospital. I am continuing this work further with my efforts to get a brand new A&E at Beaumont. More details soon on this matter.
New Primary Care Centre on Cromcastle Road, Coolock.
Major housing and capital investments in Dublin Bay North in 2017.
Supports for the Stardust families.
For me, these issues are a start and I have many more projects and proposals in mind.
The Programme for a Partnership Government was arrived at through careful negotiation and is a blueprint for the work of this Government. I was instrumental in including issues that have been identified as priorities by my constituents.
I will work primarily to create a fair and compassionate society in which people can feel part of and proud of.
A society for everyone. That is my vision and I have a plan.
Finian McGrath is an Independent Alliance TD for Dublin Bay North and is Minister of State for Disability.
