How are your local reps

CorsendonkX

martinn123 wrote: »

Given the current controversy, and possibility of ''dirty tricks'' allegedly eminating from the Taoiseach, against the Chair, John McGuinness, what role has our own Alan Farrell played in this drama.

Well some questions he asked via his web-site suggest he has been used to ask some questions.

http://alanfarrell.ie/index.php/was-pac-chairmans-e84000-expenses-value-for-money/

http://alanfarrell.ie/index.php/mcguinness-must-clarify-whether-he-signed-off-on-sons-e71k-expenses-bill/

http://alanfarrell.ie/index.php/farrell-calls-on-martin-to-make-statement-as-mcguinness-confirms-complete-lack-of-oversight-on-e250000-office-spend/

According to today's Indo ''Powerful Forces Fail, in bid to oust McGuinness

http://www.independent.ie/opinion/analysis/daniel-mcconnell-powerful-forces-fail-in-bid-to-oust-mcguinness-29348188.html

So Alan, are you acting on orders from on high, keeping a check on an opponent, or this months stooge.

Some good research work there Martinn123, maybe you will get an answer by the time the next GE comes around.

I am still awaiting answers to questions I asked Alan in this thread to do with the Joint Policing Committee Report 2012 and the role of Cllr O'Leary in the DOH/Dail.

martinn123

CorsendonkX wrote: »

Some good research work there Martinn123, maybe you will get an answer by the time the next GE comes around.

I am still awaiting answers to questions I asked Alan in this thread to do with the Joint Policing Committee Report 2012 and the role of Cllr O'Leary in the DOH/Dail.

Well in fairness Alan does post here, regularly, while I would welcome a straight answer, I do not expect one.

In the meantime, his constituents in DCN, can ponder the questions I ask.

Plus, if he has a problem with regard to his questioning Mr McGuinness on the employment of his son, perhaps we can re-ask, how Mrs Farrell, got the job, as his parliamentary assistant.
Was the position, advertised, and subject to an interview process. What's the Salary, do they share a car to work, or both claim travel expenses, and if there is an overnight, can they claim overnight expenses...........you know just the usual politician's snout in the trough stuff

http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/fg-td-hires-wife-as-aide-after-council-bid-fails-26716863.html

Eoineo

martinn123 wrote: »

Well in fairness Alan does post here, regularly, while I would welcome a straight answer, I do not expect one.

In the meantime, his constituents in DCN, can ponder the questions I ask.

Plus, if he has a problem with regard to his questioning Mr McGuinness on the employment of his son, perhaps we can re-ask, how Mrs Farrell, got the job, as his parliamentary assistant.
Was the position, advertised, and subject to an interview process. What's the Salary, do they share a car to work, or both claim travel expenses, and if there is an overnight, can they claim overnight expenses...........you know just the usual politician's snout in the trough stuff

http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/fg-td-hires-wife-as-aide-after-council-bid-fails-26716863.html

I'd be interested to hear Alan's response to the prior question.

However, you should be aware that his wife is no longer his assistant. She covered the role in a temporary capacity for a number of months in 2011. As I recall, the position was advertised at the time it became available both before and after she took the temporary position.

The Hill Billy

Folks - please keep this relevant to DCN. Matters of national politics - such
as the McGuinness affair - should be raised in the Politics forum.

tHB

expectationlost

the meeting where they replaced the mayor, deputy and coyle http://www.fingalcoco.public-i.tv/core/portal/webcast_interactive/106915

kieran dennison is fine gael (not labour) is mayor joan maher fine gael is deputy mayor

CorsendonkX

expectationlost wrote: »

the meeting where they replaced the mayor, deputy and coyle http://www.fingalcoco.public-i.tv/core/portal/webcast_interactive/106915

kieran dennison labour is mayor joan maher fine gael is deputy mayor

Kieran Dennison is FG.

Do FCC seems confused who is Deputy Mayor
http://www.fingalcoco.ie/YourLocalCouncil/LocalDemocracy/MayorandDeputyMayor/

wow sierra

Folks - please keep this relevant to DCN. Matters of national politics - such
as the McGuinness affair - should be raised in the Politics forum.

tHB

I think comments by our local reps should be covered in a Thread titled "How are your local reps" . The issue of McGuinness was only brought up in relation to Alan Farrells direct involvement in it. I think thats relevant to this thread and this forum.

expectationlost

wow sierra wrote: »

I think comments by our local reps should be covered in a Thread titled "How are your local reps" . The issue of McGuinness was only brought up in relation to Alan Farrells direct involvement in it. I think thats relevant to this thread and this forum.

well we'll just have to await his reply on that then...

objective 471 refferred in the stapolin lap includes a golf course? is that refferring to the old plan for golf course on the racecourse or a (small) public golf course
http://www.fingalcoco.ie/Planning/PlanningItemsOnDisplay/BaldoyleStapolinLAP2ndDisplay/Baldoyle_Stapolin_Natura%20Impact%20Report.pdf

https://mapsengine.google.com/map/edit?mid=zHCKL96QklUU.kY_JDjMJD3xM

ps i've always wanted a map of tribunal lands http://www.planningtribunal.ie/images/finalReport.pdf drew some of them here can anyone draw the pennine holdings lands exactly

The Hill Billy

The Hill Billy wrote: »

Folks - please keep this relevant to DCN. Matters of national politics - such
as the McGuinness affair - should be raised in the Politics forum.

tHB

Just a point of clarification - it is fine to discuss here our local reps' involvement in or actions on matters of national politics. But discussion of national politics goes to the Politics forum.

That is all...

tHB

@wow sierra - In future please PM mods if you have any question about a mod instruction.

Paulw

CorsendonkX wrote: »

Kieran Dennison is FG.

Do FCC seems confused who is Deputy Mayor
http://www.fingalcoco.ie/YourLocalCouncil/LocalDemocracy/MayorandDeputyMayor/

They seem to be slow at updating some info on the website.

Alan Farrell

LeoB wrote: »

Alan Farrell...... Allison... I am sure contributors on here can come up with some suggestions.

You what now?

CorsendonkX wrote: »

Thanks for your reply, do you have a link to the report that you mention? Does the reduction of 40% only apply to the burglary rate? Or has all crime reduced in North County in the same period?

I don't have a link but if you email jpc@fingalcoco.ie I'm sure they will email you the Swords/Malahide & Balbriggan reports.

martinn123 wrote: »

Given the current controversy, and possibility of ''dirty tricks'' allegedly eminating from the Taoiseach, against the Chair, John McGuinness, what role has our own Alan Farrell played in this drama.

Well some questions he asked via his web-site suggest he has been used to ask some questions.

http://alanfarrell.ie/index.php/was-pac-chairmans-e84000-expenses-value-for-money/

http://alanfarrell.ie/index.php/mcguinness-must-clarify-whether-he-signed-off-on-sons-e71k-expenses-bill/

http://alanfarrell.ie/index.php/farrell-calls-on-martin-to-make-statement-as-mcguinness-confirms-complete-lack-of-oversight-on-e250000-office-spend/

According to today's Indo ''Powerful Forces Fail, in bid to oust McGuinness

http://www.independent.ie/opinion/analysis/daniel-mcconnell-powerful-forces-fail-in-bid-to-oust-mcguinness-29348188.html

So Alan, are you acting on orders from on high, keeping a check on an opponent, or this months stooge.

Paper never refused ink Martin.
In my role as chairman of the internal public expenditure & reform committee, I had reason to query certain bills which were brought to my attention by the 1st indo article by Rush resident, Fiach Kelly.
I believe its part of my roll as a parliamentarian and chairman.

On the political commentary associated with the plain facts, thats for others to debate.

CorsendonkX wrote: »

Some good research work there Martinn123, maybe you will get an answer by the time the next GE comes around.

I am still awaiting answers to questions I asked Alan in this thread to do with the Joint Policing Committee Report 2012 and the role of Cllr O'Leary in the DOH/Dail.

I maintain a website which clearly displays all this information.

I'm not aware of the questions you have asked me but given the Councillor is a public figure, why don't you ask him? I am certain he has his own voice.

martinn123 wrote: »

Well in fairness Alan does post here, regularly, while I would welcome a straight answer, I do not expect one.

In the meantime, his constituents in DCN, can ponder the questions I ask.

Plus, if he has a problem with regard to his questioning Mr McGuinness on the employment of his son, perhaps we can re-ask, how Mrs Farrell, got the job, as his parliamentary assistant.
Was the position, advertised, and subject to an interview process. What's the Salary, do they share a car to work, or both claim travel expenses, and if there is an overnight, can they claim overnight expenses...........you know just the usual politician's snout in the trough stuff

http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/fg-td-hires-wife-as-aide-after-council-bid-fails-26716863.html

I don't have the slightest problem with the employment of Cllr McGuinness nor did my press release allude to such a problem. Did you read what I said?

The press release and article covered the questionable nature of a salary busting overtime bill of €30,000 in just one year. I have tried to work out how many hours a week that would equate to but I'm afraid the figure I came up with just doesn't seem possible.

Why the need to re-ask questions which are already on the public record?

My Parliamentary Assistant is a native of Lusk who as been in my employment since March 2011. She replaced my wife in July of that year having graduated into the Parliamentary Assistant roll. I've not exactly hidden all this and it has been well covered.

Other questions you have posed have been covered by Eoineo (and I thank you for that) except to say that no overtime was ever claimed by my wife, she worked every hour I worked, in excess of 60 hours a week and didn't qualify for any other expenses. Unfortunately, this wasn't printed in the papers at the time.

You can direct further questions on this matter to my email address as I'm afraid I don't get to spend as much time on Boards.ie as I would like to.

Alan Farrell

Paulw wrote: »

They seem to be slow at updating some info on the website.

Very slow Paul. I'm sure Councillor Maher would not be too impressed.

Kieran is a very diligent Councillor, I'm sure he will make a fine Mayor for the County.

expectationlost

Alan Farrell wrote: »

You what now?


In my role as chairman of the internal public expenditure & reform committee, I had reason to query certain bills which were brought to my attention by the 1st indo article by Rush resident, Fiach Kelly.
I believe its part of my roll as a parliamentarian and chairman.

I don't think anybody knew you were chairman of that fine gael committee and were honestly wondering why you chose to comment.

CorsendonkX

Alan Farrell wrote: »

I don't have a link but if you email jpc@fingalcoco.ie I'm sure they will email you the Swords/Malahide & Balbriggan reports.

I did yesterday afternoon, still no reply from them. My email was initially querying why they still had Rush Garda Station on there website. I also asked them if they could attach the reports to the site so residents of Fingal could have easy access to them.

Don't you think that it would be more acceptable way to communicate and inform residents rather than individual concerned residents having to email them all the time? Perhaps you could use your considerable influence with JPC to ensure that my idea is put to use.

martinn123

Alan Farrell wrote: »

Paper never refused ink Martin.

well on your Web-site that is the truth

Alan Farrell wrote:

In my role as chairman of the internal public expenditure & reform committee, I had reason to query certain bills which were brought to my attention by the 1st indo article by Rush resident, Fiach Kelly.
I believe its part of my roll as a parliamentarian and chairman.

On the political commentary associated with the plain facts, thats for others to debate.

If you have a question, do you not have his phone number, rather than playing it out for Political advantage.
As I say it all your '' questions'' were answered at the Committee, did we need that waste of time/money.
I did not see you issue a statement confirming you are happy with the answers given, ( I guess that's not how its done, throw some mud, if it does not stick, ignore it )

Alan Farrell wrote:

I maintain a website which clearly displays all this information.

I don't have the slightest problem with the employment of Cllr McGuinness nor did my press release allude to such a problem. Did you read what I said?

The press release and article covered the questionable nature of a salary busting overtime bill of €30,000 in just one year. I have tried to work out how many hours a week that would equate to but I'm afraid the figure I came up with just doesn't seem possible.

Why the need to re-ask questions which are already on the public record?

Again this question seems to be answered by Maternity Leave Cover, a reasonable explanation, would a phone call have clarified this??

Alan Farrell wrote:

My Parliamentary Assistant is a native of Lusk who as been in my employment since March 2011. She replaced my wife in July of that year having graduated into the Parliamentary Assistant roll. I've not exactly hidden all this and it has been well covered.

Other questions you have posed have been covered by Eoineo (and I thank you for that) except to say that no overtime was ever claimed by my wife, she worked every hour I worked, in excess of 60 hours a week and didn't qualify for any other expenses. Unfortunately, this wasn't printed in the papers at the time.

Here I apologise, I was unaware of your new assistant.

Alan Farrell wrote:

You can direct further questions on this matter to my email address as I'm afraid I don't get to spend as much time on Boards.ie as I would like to.

Well I am happy to post questions here, and appreciate the fact that you take time to reply, I feel it gives your constituents an opportunity to consider the questions/replies, rather that e-mail
thanks for taking the time to post on Boards.

martinn123

Well done to our own man, Dr J Reilly.

He has come through for the Constituency by allocating 300K to DCN for Autism Services.

It has emerged that as little as €300,000 out of a €3 million fund to help special needs kids has been paid out.

And ALL of this was paid to one centre - Beechpark Services - in the Health Minister’s Dublin North patch, to slash waiting lists.

“It seems extraordinary that everywhere in the country except the area that covers the Minister’s constituency should be subject to a review.”

That's what we want, in a Minister.....Good Old favoritism,
True to his North County roots.


http://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/politics/health-minister-james-reilly-defends-1988505

Eoineo

The services centre being referred to is in Santry. Outside of our constituency.

shaungil

do a lot of costituents from North dublin get referred there?

LeoB

I just wonder will any of them stand up now with all thats going on and call for jail sentences with the revelations of the last few days.

Would have thought Brendan Ryan would have been out of the blocks, Clare is probably in Washington having lunch with The Obamas, KFC;) dont expect to here from the others. So disappointing from our local reps.

martinn123

LeoB wrote: »

I just wonder will any of them stand up now with all thats going on and call for jail sentences with the revelations of the last few days.

Would have thought Brendan Ryan would have been out of the blocks, Clare is probably in Washington having lunch with The Obamas, KFC;) dont expect to here from the others. So disappointing from our local reps.

looks like Reilly is going down the Blame FF route, like his leader.

He said: "We all know why we find ourselves in the position we are in, it is because of the Fianna Fáil Anglo Irish axis. People can't afford their insurance because they don’t have a job, Deputy Kelleher, because of you and your government and your engagement with Anglo Irish Bank.

http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/hogan-anglo-tapes-made-my-blood-boil-reilly-slams-ffanglo-axis-598478.html

Brendan Ryan's Web-site has'nt been updated since February, anyone seen him around.

Clare Daly is setting up a new party, must be something to do with claiming allowances

Darragh O'Brien wants everyone not to say anything,

Senate minutes, to-day wrote:

All of us are absolutely disgusted and horrified by what we heard in the recent revelations. I will not comment further on them for the very reason the Leader mentioned because we all need to be careful with regard to how future investigations are carried out.

http://www.kildarestreet.com/sendebates/?id=2013-06-25a.7&s=stage+resumed

Yep, great bunch of Public representatives we have in North Dublin.

boldspirit

I'd like to know why Alan Farrell hasn't opposed the sewerage plant until the location was announced & why the senior FG man in the area has welcomed the Clonshaugh location.

expectationlost

boldspirit wrote: »

I'd like to know why Alan Farrell hasn't opposed the sewerage plant until the location was announced & why the senior FG man in the area has welcomed the Clonshaugh location.

because its been but in his area & not in his

Eoineo

Have seen Brendan Ryan on a number of occasions over the past month at various community events. The other 3 TD's I haven't. So while his website hasn't been updated I can confirm that he is very active "on the ground".

Dizzyblonde

Brendan's uncle Sean Ryan was a great man for being active on the ground too. He showed up at every local meeting in Swords and worked very hard for his constituents.

The Hill Billy

Sean is Brendan's big brother AFAIK.

Dizzyblonde

The Hill Billy wrote: »

Sean is Brendan's big brother AFAIK.

You're right THB!

CorsendonkX

Are they worth it?

Herald.ie

Fingal County Council expects to spend around €300,000 as it makes room for 12 extra local representatives in the Swords offices that were built 12 years ago at a cost of €23m. It told its members that the projected cost per additional seat in the chamber could be between €15,000 and €20,000.

Further reading
http://www.herald.ie/news/councils-face-14m-bill-in-savings-plan-29368404.html

One former Councillor believes we should have more than 40 Councillors in Fingal, do the residents of Fingal here feel "short-changed"?

Fingal Indo

There are currently 24 councillors serving the local authority area of Fingal and if the same rules were applied to Fingal as was the case outside Dublin, we would have seen the number of councillors grow from 24 to 57.

'As it stands now Fingal will only have 40 councillors overall so again we see the people of Fingal short changed by underrepresentation.

Further Reading
http://www.independent.ie/regionals/fingalindependent/news/exmayor-says-county-shortchanged-29318036.html

Costs of 24 Councillors
Representative Payments Fingal 2012 for 24 Coucillors plus Mayor and Deputy Mayor Payments

Total €449,022.46

2012 Allowances and Expenses for 24 Councillors

Total €216,001.73

Projected Costs of 40 Councillors
Projected cost of Representative Payments to 40 councillors plus Mayor and Deputy Mayor Payments

Total €716,605.18

Projected Allowances and Expenses for 40 Councillors based on 2012 average

Total €360,002.88

Projected Costs of 57 Councillors
Projected cost of Representative Payments to 57 Councillors plus Mayor and Deputy Mayor Payments

Total €1,000,911.82

Projected Allowances and Expenses for 57 Councillors based on 2012 average

Total €513,004.10

RobFowl

shaungil wrote: »

do a lot of costituents from North dublin get referred there?

They take referrals from the whole greater Dublin area.

Alan Farrell

martinn123 wrote: »

looks like Reilly is going down the Blame FF route, like his leader.


http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/hogan-anglo-tapes-made-my-blood-boil-reilly-slams-ffanglo-axis-598478.html

Brendan Ryan's Web-site has'nt been updated since February, anyone seen him around.

Clare Daly is setting up a new party, must be something to do with claiming allowances

Darragh O'Brien wants everyone not to say anything,



http://www.kildarestreet.com/sendebates/?id=2013-06-25a.7&s=stage+resumed

Yep, great bunch of Public representatives we have in North Dublin.

The separation of powers dictates that it is not prudent for members of the Oireachtas to comment on ongoing investigations by the DPP & the office of Corporate Enforcement, Gardaí etc.

I am sure the public would be loathsome if something a TD said led to a criminal trial collapsing.

Like everyone else, I believe that those who are found guilty should suffer the full rigour of our judicial system.

I've chosen to say nothing in the media because of the above. I don't think that's unreasonable.

Beechpark, Santry Demesne is in Dublin North West.

boldspirit wrote: »

I'd like to know why Alan Farrell hasn't opposed the sewerage plant until the location was announced & why the senior FG man in the area has welcomed the Clonshaugh location.

First and foremost, this is a matter for Fingal County Council who have gone through the planning process in an open and often heavily publicised manner.

If you take the time to look at the minutes of Fingal County Council between 2006 (when this matter was first proposed by Fianna Fail in Government) and 2011 (when I was elected to the Dail) you will find that at every point where this matter was raised, I voiced my opposition.

The day following the announcement, I was quoted in the Irish Times & Irish Independent voicing my opposition to the proposal and its selected location.

CorsendonkX wrote: »

Are they worth it?

Herald.ie


One former Councillor believes we should have more than 40 Councillors in Fingal, do the residents of Fingal here feel "short-changed"?

I've voiced the opinion previously, prior to the announcement that Fingal would be limited to 40 that we have for a great many years been very significantly disenfranchised versus some of our country colleagues. The local Government system was designed in 1898, clearly it needed to be updated.

Fingal Councillors represent up to 13,000 people versus the likes of Longford Councillors who currently represent 1,250.

expectationlost

here's newly co-opted labour cllr judy dunne web page http://www.labour.ie/judydunne/

she lists the ways in which she is active in the community which again makes me wonder why she needs to co-opted onto the council a year before an elction to establish herself

Prior to being made redundant in 2012, I also worked to protect, promote and represent the interests of consumers nationally through my work at the Consumers Association of Ireland.

seems like she said either i get a new job or go for councillor and i need a wage now


of course no other councillors will say a word cos they and their party are just as likely to do the same