Fianna Fáil Senator and Seanad Group Leader, Catherine Ardagh has called on the Government to review the current pension system. People who may have taken time out of the workplace to look after children or to care for a relative are being unfairly penalised as they fail to qualify for a full pension.

Commenting on the issue Senator Ardagh said, “I have been contacted by a number of women who are worried about their pension entitlements. These are women who have taken a number of years out of work to look after their children, and who now do not have enough contributions to qualify for the full state pension.  

“I’ve also been made aware of certain cases where people have had to leave work to care for an elderly relative and are now in the same unjust position.

“The Government must review the current system, which is deeply unfair.  People leaving the workforce to care for children or relatives should not be penalised for doing so. They have made a substantial contribution to society, both in their roles in the workplace, and as carers. This needs to be fully realised and recognised by the State.

“This Government speaks regularly about equality and fairness, but this pensions system is outdated and unequal. My Fianna Fáil colleagues and I will be further raising this issue again when the Seanad resumes next month,” concluded Senator Ardagh.

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Senator Catherine Ardagh has urged unions and management to re-engage in negotiations and come to an agreement to prevent industrial action at Dublin Bus.

Senator Catherine Ardagh said, “Today’s announcement by the unions at Dublin Bus that they are escalating this dispute to strike action is deeply concerning. Dublin Bus management have been informed that a series of 48 hour stoppages are planned for the month of September.

“These strikes will cause serious hardship for the people who rely on Dublin Bus services, and will have a particular impact on commuters and older people. The strike will have a knock on effect on other transport services and will lead to gridlock in the capital. Students will also be hit hard as they are currently in the process to returning to their schools and colleges.

“Dublin Bus workers have played a positive role in delivering improved public transport services in recent years. These improvements have been delivered with fewer resources under difficult circumstances. It’s important that management recognise the sacrifices that have been made by workers, and strike a fair and proportionate pay deal with them. However, the sustainability of Dublin Bus must also be secured.

“It’s essential that all parties are aware of the severe disruption that will be caused to commuters should a prolonged strike occur. Such a dispute would also put significant pressure on the operating finances of Dublin Bus and would not serve to enhance negotiating positions.

“Pursuing industrial action will be in no party’s best interest. It will cause hardship for workers, difficulties for the core financial position of Dublin Bus and chaos for bus users.

“Minister for Transport Shane Ross must instruct management to re-engage with all unions involved in this dispute. His hand off approach to date has enabled this dispute to escalate and a change in approach is clearly needed. There is still time to resolve this dispute through negotiation and prevent a damaging strike from taking place" concluded Senator Catherine Ardagh

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Fianna Fáil Senator and Group leader in the Seanad, Catherine Ardagh has expressed her concern over limited Garda resources to take on the escalating level of crime in the South inner city.

Commenting on the latest shooting which took place last Saturday in the Bluebell area, Senator Ardagh said, “As gun related violence has spread in our locality over recent months, we heard repeated promises from Government to crack down on its brutality. Yet little has been put in place and resources have have been further limited.

"Fianna Fáil recently obtained figures which indicate that the number of Gardaí assigned to community policing in Dublin South Central has fallen by over half since 2011. These Gardai form an integral part of the multi-faceted approach required to stamp out gangs, by helping to curb criminal behaviour.

"Over two months ago we were assured by the Minister that the new Armed Regional Support Unit would be operational by July to tackle the challenges faced by Gardaí in the capital and surrounding area. It is wholly unacceptable that we are still experiencing a delay in its formation when it is so critically needed.

“The policy of ignoring gangland associated crime has put communities and vulnerable individuals at serious risk too long. This government must increase their efforts to allocate appropriate resources to tackle gun crime. We must see a greater commitment to protecting vulnerable communities at the helm of intimidation and violence,” added Senator Ardagh.

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Fianna Fáil Senator and Seanad Group Leader, Catherine Ardagh has voiced her support for a proposal to a acquire sports and recreational space in the inner-city and Dublin 8 area.

Speaking on the issue, Senator Ardagh said, “Residents of the Liberties have been campaigning for far too long to secure a green space.

“The areas that make up Dublin 8 are 84% below the recommended level of green space. The population density in the Liberties alone is more than eight times the Dublin average.

“While Dublin City Council has drawn up a Greening Strategy for the Liberties area to address this, residents want to see a commitment for a multi-purpose playing field. I fully support the Sporting Liberties proposal and will advocate for its planning. I intend on calling for the Minister to release funding through the Sports Capiltisation Grant and ensure that the inner-city is top of the priorities list.

“One of the clubs under the Sporting Liberties umbrella is 114 years old, feeds almost twenty teams and spans eight parishes including Dolphin’s Barn and the Liberties. This space concerns the recreational needs of hundreds of children.

“During a time when more needs to be done for the children and teenagers living in the inner city, a sports ground has the capacity to deter them from engaging in anti-social behaviour. Incidentally, this is not just a sports pitch. The Liberties clubs require a field that is multi-purpose; one that services the community. Essentially, these sports clubs needs green space that can used to keep the children off the streets,” concluded Ardagh.

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