Live Pre-election Q&A session

with Charlie O'Connor, Fianna Fáil
held Wednesday 16th February 2011

Mykidstime Hi Everyone, we are going to wrap it up now. Apologies for the delay and that several questions weren't answered. We will send them on to Charlie and post his replies tomorrow. Thank you Charlie for joining us this evening.
8 people like this.
Charlie O'Connor My thanks for the engagement and I am sorry that my time with you has been restricted because of other events here in my constituency. I do, however, remain available to deal with these matters.
1 person likes this
Mykidstime Thanks Charlie, we will email on the questions you did not have time to answer and post your replies
1 person likes this
Sean Maguire Really? Good my email is spmaguire@eircom.net I emailed you before Christmas twice. No reply then either!
3 people like this
Mandie Duke Leenheer I am eager to hear you reply about education :)
1 person likes this
Sean Maguire I mean Charlie! by the way!
2 people like this
Rachel Maguire Thank you Mykidstime for organising these nights. This was the first person not to answer my question on GM foods, it seems he'd rather talk about Jedward. At least I know who I WONT be voting for...thanks for that Charlie.
6 people like this
Tara Dowling Did he answer anyones questions??..... I agree!..... It's no vote from me....
Ro Barnes Sure what policies could they have going into the future? Are they going to reverse any of the cuts they have made? No their not! Would love to see if carol from Wexford mykids time could get Mick Wallace independent on a q&a. He wouldn't sidestep any of our questions I should imagine.

Mykidstime Liz asks What is your position on the approval process currently in place whereby applications made for the likes of Domicillary care allowance are being refused by clerical staff, even when doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists provide supplementary supporting documentation for applications?
You and 12 others like this.
Carol Hughes I think they reject all applications now and only take seriously the ones that appeal. You would be amazed how many people take no as the first answer...I am not one of those.
7 people like this
Michelle Rudden hear hear. happened me with carer's allowance.
2 people like this
Sean Maguire Yes...ALWAYS appeal. It seems to be the necessary process!
Charlie O'Connor Hi Liz, this is clearly a problem and in the past month alone I have dealt with several such cases. I do believe that these applications should be dealt with in a efficent manner and there does appear to be a problem where officialdom does not appear to accept the views expressed in medical certs
2 people like this
Lorraine Dempsey The Special Needs Parent Association would advise all parents who have been refused to request either a review or an appeal. A review with added supporting documentation will take significantly less time than an appeal as there are several hundred still outstanding in the system.
4 people like this
Liz Morgan Thank you Charlie, I agree there is a problem - clerical staff should NOT be empowered with making these decisions based on a tick list provided to be cellotaped to their desks for reference! Lets change it!
4 people like this
Tara Keegan Quinn Yes but this doesn't actually answer the question that Liz asked:- What are your party going to do about this??
3 people like this
Charlie O'Connor Tara, I certainly believe that my Party should ensure that action is now taken to deal with what I know from my workload is a problem for families
1 person likes this
Liz Morgan So, trust the physicians, trust the psychologists, trust the psychiatrists, trust the educators, trust the electors, TRUST THE PARENTS!
3 people like this
Sean Maguire Thank god for the parents!
2 people like this
Olivia McCarthy The rejection first off, then followed by the appeals process puts un-due stress on families at a time when they need support. Constantly fighting for what rightfully should be given when the first application is made. It's wrong.
2 people like this
Lorraine Dempsey They can't Liz, because then they would have to instruct the SENOs who work for the National Council for Special Education to trust Healthcare Professionals assessment recomendations. As it currently stands the Dept of Ed has instructed Hea...lthcare Professionals not to make recommendations for educational supports on their reports as they are NOT qualified?????  So you can't have one without the other. Of course, only Healthcare Professionals are qualified to make these decisions. NOT a SENO or a clerical officer in the Dept of Social Protection.
1 person likes this.
Lorraine Dempsey If you have'nt already joined, please have a look at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Special-Needs-Parents-Association/134282133286720.  Where parents all over Ireland have been coming together in the last 12 months, to create one big lobby group... irrespective of your child's diagnosis or age or support group/service you belong to.
2 people  like this

Mandie Duke Leenheer What is your policy about providing secular education. Also, how are you going to ensure that all faiths and none are welcomed as teachers ie creating a multi- denominational teacher training facility?
You and 11 others like this.
Lèon Fox good question
2 people like this

Alicia Yeates Hi Charlie, whats the plan for all the vacant apartment blocks in Tallaght?
You and 7 others like this.
Charlie O'Connor Hi Alicia, this is clearly an important issue for the community and we have a number of vacant apartment blocks and also, of course, unfinished apartment blocks particularly on the prime site of the Greenhills Road extension/Tallaght By Pas...s. Most recently I raised these matters directly with the County Manager at a briefing for Oireachtas Members.
I will continue to strongly campaign for this issue to be solved and I know that many local residents are also deeply concerned about the future for the Esso site in Tallaght VillageSee more
1 person likes this
Lèon Fox and other ghost estates around the country?
4 people like this
Alicia Yeates Thanks Charlie. I was out this evening and walking through the village is so depressing, no life in it at all. Such a shame
Charlie O'Connor You are so right, my full time office is actually in Tallaght Village, so I would be there at different parts of the day, every day, and it is no longer a living vibrant Village.
The Village clearly needs attention and action and account sho...uld be taken of it's historical background. Indeed, there is surely potential for the development of a vibrant Heritage Centre for Tallaght Village.
3 people like this
Sean Maguire We haven't a vibrant country!

Mykidstime Mandie asks What is your policy about providing secular education. Also, how are you going to ensure that all faiths and none are welcomed as teachers ie creating a multi- denominational teacher training facility?
You and 13 others like this.

Eileen White Question for Charlie - I see on your Facebook page that you like Jedward. Do you think they could do a better job than Fianna Fail of running the country - just asking :-)))
4 people like this.
Charlie O'Connor Hi Eileen, thank you for that and I certainly do admire what Jedward have achieved. Indeed, I am really pleased that Jedward have qualified for this year's Eurovision and you will know that there backing group includes Rebecca Creighton (of Belle Amie fame) who is from Tallaght. I actually don't know if they have any political ambitions, though I do believe that people of all backgrounds have a role to play in the life of the Oireachtas and the running of our country.
4 people like this
Sean Maguire that would be good. We're fed up of the nepitism rife in our political system now!
1 person likes this
Eileen White Charlie, get yourself a Jedward hairstyle and you'll have my vote! Cheers, thanks for getting back to me :-)
2 people like this
Sean Maguire is that what it would take Eileen?...Your easily pleased lol
Eileen White I didn't say No.1 vote!
2 people like this
Sean Maguire lol....not number 10!
1 person likes this

Tara Keegan Quinn Like other countries why can't the taxpayer get a detailed breakdown of there taxes at the beginning of the year showing which department gets what and how much they get. Other countries do the billing through their county councils for refuse, fire, water etc. It seems that the taxes are never ending?
You and 8 others like this.
Charlie O'Connor Hi Tara, many thanks for that important view and I will certainly bring your views to the attention of my Party Leadership.
1 person likes this
Sean Maguire full disclosure and transparency would be great!
3 people  like this

Rachel Maguire Hi can I ask the same question again please?: What is your partys stance on GM foods, fluoride, aspartame and the labeling of them?
You and 7 others like this.

Liz Morgan What has happened to Charlie, is he answering questions or am I missing everything? Thanks :)
5 people like this.
Mykidstime Hi Liz, some slight issues, we're getting there, please bear with us :-)
2 people like this

Ciara Dardis Can I ask about the ECCE scheme? Are FF committed to it's continuation?
You and 3 others like this.
Lèon Fox great question!
10 hours ago · LikeUnlike ·
Mykidstime Ciara, we asked your question previously to Dan Boyle and Alex White, both stated there was no plans to get rid of this. I have also asked several politicians at the door and its one thing they all seem to agree on. No cuts and that is a great scheme, so I think it could be safe for the forseeable future hopefully. Will pass on this question to Charlie O'Connor also.
Ciara Dardis You absolute star! I got the same thing from our local FG candidate, so here's hoping... would you guess ds is due to go in 2012 and I'm finishing a Montessori course? LOL.

Lorraine Dempsey Is Mr. O' Connoor aware of the implications come next September, due to the cap on SNA posts. Children with associated behavioural difficulties will no longer be provided with support unless a school can prove AFTER school starts that a child poses a risk to themselves and others. Does that not leave our national schools open to litigation from parents and staff if injuries arise because of this NCSE/DOE decision?
National Council for Special Education Circular has led to School Principles discouraging admissions of special needs children
A new situation has arisen as a result of capping the no. of SNA's at 10575, where school principles are now either STRONGLY discouraging parents from enrolling their child with special needs or REFUSING to enrol them prior to a pyschological report being produced by: Snpa Pro
Charlie O'Connor Hi Lorraine Dempsey, I certainly share your concerns in that regard and I have had a lot of dealings with the matter on behalf of local families. I will certainly represent the concerns you epxress to my Party Leadership.
2 people like this.
Helen Gaffney It is the issues / not concerns of many parents and - why do we have to go to the local politicians to get it sorted out
1 person likes this
Bridgette Keane My God he supported these cuts etc in the budget. But represents the issues locally the parish pump is still in use by FF.

Mykidstime Darren asks: I would like to ask what FF are going to do for job creation, no rhetoric please, substance?
You and 12 others like this.
Charlie O'Connor Hi Darren, the Fianna Fáil Election Manifesto acknowledges that tackling unemployment must be a fundimental objective for the Dáil and Government during the next five years.
Fianna Fáil believes that restoring the Public Finances is the essential foundation upon which recovery will be built, in that regard restoring confidence for investors and consumers will have a very direct positive impact on job creation.
The Manifesto makes a commitment to do more to help people who are unemployed and businesses who want to create jobs.
Fianna Fáil also believes that Ireland's competitive advantage must be through having a highly educated and skilled workforce. The sectors of the economoy, which have been most resilient during the economic crisis have been those which are export oriented and obviously rely on skilled workers.
1 person likes this
Darren McCarthy Thank you for answering but to be honest I see little of substance in your reply. How are FF going to get people back working, how are you going to support export led growth?
Aine O' Sullivan I see little substance in the reply too. Manifesto & beliefs all you like but education is important, not simply finances. It is so depressing that our finances are in such a bad bad state. We have nobody to believe in or trust.
Sean Maguire our skilled workers are leaving the country!

Tara Curran I'd like to put the same question to Charlie as i did last night to Alex. Thx
2 people like this.

Mykidstime Olivia asks: I live in rural north cork, there is no refuse collection in my area. We transport our bins 3 miles every fortnight. Over the last few months the amount of rubbish on the country roads is on the increase. Rubbish dumped still remains not picked up by council workers!:( This is so unfair considering there is no service in t...he area and now we contend with this.What are the surveillance staff doing?See more
You and 7 others like this.
Charlie O'Connor Hi Olivia, thank you for that query, and you would understand that my local knowledge of Cork would not be strong!  I do feel that communities are absolutely entitled to an efficent and regular refuse service and a break down in that system w...ill always create a situation where communities have bigger problems with dumping and litter.
Indeed, you will know that my own Town of Tallaght has unfortunately suffered, certainly in recent times from a litter problem which has been reflected in the Irish Business Against Litter Surveys.
Olivia McCarthy Thanks Charlie;             This problem is only going to get worse, if not addressed.
Sean Maguire is the rest of the answer missing....? 'Cos Olivia thanked for the reply??
1 person likes this
Cora Ahern "an efficient and regular refuse service..."??? Did she not say they had NO service??? Not that they had an inefficient or irregular service... Her question was.." what are the surveillance staff doing"? But no answer???? Is this a typical... "dodge the question" or has it been a answered and the post removed???

Liz Morgan Why make blanket cuts to school services like the Home/school liasion role when rural communities will suffer so very much for it's loss and the cost saving is so very small. The impact will be significant across the community and will only increase social problems, drop out rates, lack of relations and links into school in years to come. Can you explain the rationale behind this and if it is likely to change please?
You and 7 others like this.

Tara Keegan Quinn I would like to ask Charlie why so many small businesses are been asked to pay increased rates this year and what incentives are been introduced to encourage small buinesses to increase workforce
You and 8 others like this.

Charlie O'Connor Hi Tara, obviously the development of small businesses is important for the economy and the new Government must be encouraged to do everything possible to assist in that regard.
Rates on properties is obviously governed by Local Authorities ...and we all receive regular representations from businesses who are effected by high rates. There probably is a case to be made for this to be dealt with by Central Government, but that would also clearly include the need for Local Authorities to receive additional funding from Government to compensate.See more
Tara Keegan Quinn I thought that the valuations office was responsible for the setting of rates initially and the county councils only collect the fees. So what your saying is that the fees can't be reduced or councils will apply to government for more funding. Do you not think it is better for the councils to receive some funding from rates rather than none at all??
3 people like this. ·
Sean Maguire If they got the same breaks and aid foreign businesses receive, it would be a start!
1 person likes this

Mykidstime Bridgette asks: With Tourism vital to out Country can I ask F.F view on the difficulties that the Chinese and Russians and Saudi's tourist have in obtaining visa's to visit Ireland these are the high spending people we need to be attracting.
You and 12 others like this.

Sean Maguire Can I ask...how much the government were paid off to agree to plunge our children and their future into eternal debt with their criminal decision to bail out the toxic banks and accept the help of proven ruiners of economies..The IMF?
Is he aware that we know about the Tri-Lateral commision's dealings with their then leader and that th...ey will in the future be known as the most corrupt government in the history of the free state?
3 people like this.
Sean Maguire Tallaght and Jedward are far more important issues!
1 person likes this

Charlie O'Connor I do apologise for being behind schedule, but I have just attended an important community meeting in Jobstown, with other candidates and dealt with a number of issues including Health, Education, Unemployment, Lone Parents Issues and the Community Sector
You and 7 others like this.
Mykidstime No problem Charlie, thanks for joining us.
1 person likes this

Jonathan Hornibrook Why are us Dads treated like second class citizens buy the Family Courts,if we fail to pay maintence we are arrested but when our access is broken nothing happens,Reports in Britain link fatherlessness to crime how will you fix fatherless Ireland
Charlie O'Connor Hi Jonathan, I have been over a long period very supportive of the case made in this regard by the Unmarried and Separated Fathers of Ireland, based here in Tallaght.
Indeed, you may know that Ray Kelly, a neighbour of mine here in Tallaght..., is again a candidate in this General Election to promote the cause to which you refer.
Jonathan Hornibrook Yet no answers,I know Ray well but what will you do to fix this or do you want to give the h.s.e more power to abuse and neglect our kids in the so called childs rights referendum these social workers are unregulated what are you going to do

Mykidstime Welcome to our 3nd Live Q&A with Charlie O'Connor of Fianna Fáil http://www.fiannafail.ie/people/charlie-oconnor/. Charlie will answer your questions on issues affecting families and children. Thanks to Charlie for taking the time to join us and remember to refresh your screen (F5 button) to see new questions and Charlie's responses
You and 8 others like this.

Liz Morgan Can I ask again? What is your position on the approval process currently in place whereby applications made for the likes of Domicillary care allowance are being refused by clerical staff, even when doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists provide supplementary supporting documentation for applications?
You and 10 others like this.
Olivia McCarthy Very good question liz...
1 person likes this

Mykidstime Charlie O'Connor has been slightly delayed and we hope to start shortly. Apologies.
You and 5 others like this.
Teresa Thompson McKitterick he's done alot for tallaght, he's about the only politician I have any time for
1 person
Sean Maguire Shame about where he DOESN'T live eh?

Mykidstime Hi everyone, tonights Q&A with Charlie O'Connor will start shortly, thanks for your patience! If you have any questions for him please feel free to post them
You and 5 others like this.
Darren McCarthy I would like to ask what FF are going to do for job creation, no rhetoric please, substance?
7 people
Denis Leonard please could u tell me what in gods name were ye doing in power for the last few years ,ud b better off with donkeys up there ,[sorry donkeys]
1 person