Constructive engagement on pay issues needed after review counters low wage agenda

As has been clarified by Minister Brendan Howlin last week following questions by Labour backbench TDs, the publication of the Duffy/Walsh review on ERO/REA wage setting mechanisms, full engagement by all stakeholders on wage issues is needed in any reforms.

If we look at the review itself, despite arguments to the countrary, it counters the argument that lowering rates of pay will increase employment and does not find evidence of substantial wage premiums in the sectors covered by the existing system.

These findings are most welcome as much of the debate on the need to reform the JLC/REA system has implied that these fair rates of pay were a significant barrier to job creation. This argument implied that it is those on low incomes in our society that are making the economy uncompetitive and this is not the case.

It is also to be welcomed that this review recommends that the fundamentals of the existing JLC/REA system be maintained but that some reforms are needed. I recognise the need for reform of many of the out-dated aspects of the current system and to consider ways to make it more responsive and effective- but the wage rates including premium rates of low and middle income earners in these sectors must be maintained.

We now need to move on with constructive engagement on pay issues while also remembering that workers need and deserve a sufficient wage to give themselves and their families a decent standard of living.

Please contact me on 01 618 3280 if you have any questions on this process or send me a message to john.lyons@oireachtas.ie

Dulux Let's Colour Community Project

Dulux have launched a new project which offers community groups and organisations the opportunity to brighten up their spaces and buildings.

Some great projects have already gone ahead in the Dublin area, such as the St Mary's Creche and Pre-Schoold in the Quays: http://www.letscolour.ie/127/

I have been informed that there have not been a large amount of entries from Dublin yet. I can think of several great projects in the constituency worthy of such a project.

If you're involved in a community group in Dublin North-West I would encourage you to apply for this project and avail of a wonderful opportunity to reinvent the space you use for your group!

For an application form and more info on the criteria, log on to http://www.letscolour.ie/

As always, feel free to give me a call on 01 618 3280 if I can give you more information on this or any other subject.

Weekly Clinic Times for Dublin North-West

Are you looking to meet me to discuss an issue or concern?

I hold regular clinics on Monday and Friday across the constituency.


Details of Clinics:

• Ballymun Area

Monday - 10am - Axis Theatre, Ballymun

• Charlestown/Meakstown Area (starting Monday 16th May)

Monday - 12 noon - The Deputy Mayor Pub, St. Margaret's Road, Meakstown

• Finglas Area (starting Friday 13th May)

Friday - 10am - Labour Party Office, Main Street, Finglas


If you need directions to these clinics or you are unable to attend at these times, please give me a call on 01 618 3280 or email me at john.lyons@oireachtas.ie and I will follow up any queries or concerns you may have.

**These clinics are from the dates mentioned, exclude Bank Holiday Mondays and do not apply for the month of August**



Thanks,

John

The Money Advice and Budget Service

The Money Advice and Budget Service (MABS) provides fantastic support to anyone experiencing problems with debt, personal finances or needing advice on money management.

The main office for the area is located on Main Street in Ballymun (on the second floor beside the new Garda Station). You can contact them on 01 8620059 or by email at ballymun@mabs.ie

For more information on the services they provide, log on to http://www.mabs.ie/ or give me a call on 01 618 3280 if you have any specific queries.

MABS have also launched a great website along with Citizens Information called http://www.keepingyourhome.ie/

It's a one-stop-shop for advice on any mortgage, rent or debt problems you may be experiencing.

As you may be aware, the Programme for Government includes a committment build on the great work MABS is currently going by converting it into a strengthened Personal Debt Management Agency with strong legal powers.

This new agency will further support families who make an honest effort to deal with their debts, including non-mortgage debt, providing protection from their creditors where appropriate, so that they have time to sort out their affairs.

Speaking on Criminal Justice Bill and Justice System Reform

I was delighted to speak on the Criminal Justice Bill in Dáil Éireann on Tuesday 18th April. It is clear that our prison system is facing big problems in terms of the space available, its quality and ultimately its cost to the country.

As I discussed in my speech in the Dáil chamber, we need to look at alternatives to the current system and to provide appropriate punishments for criminal behaviour, but also creating a system that brings more benefits to the wider community.

Listen to the full speech below:

Launching the LIFT Ballymun Youth Arts Festival 2011

 

It was a great pleasure to have been invited to open the annual celebration of youth creativity and culture that is the LIFT Ballymun Youth Arts Festival in the AXIS theatre.

Having lived all my life in the area, I know the great potential that exists in the youth of the communities of Dublin North West. For the past six years this festival has brought this positivity to the fore and, as I mentioned during my speech at the launch, it has helped the AXIS theatre become the heart of the community.

Sometimes teenagers and young adults are overlooked and are not given the credit they deserve but community festivals like this give the public a chance to see what our young people can achieve.

This year’s festival runs from 13th – 20th April 2011 and includes workshops, participation and performing opportunities for young people in a wide variety of art forms including Music, Rap, DJing, printmaking, Theatre, and much more.

I would encourage everybody to make a special effort to go along and enjoy eight days of events that will prove to be unforgettable for the participants, their families and everyone involved.



Some of the artwork on show at the "Starting For Myself" Art Exhibtion on the first day of the festival





Next Meeting of the Apartment Owners Network

The Apartment Owners Network are having their monthly meeting on this Thursday 14th April at 7pm in  the Dublin City Council head offices on Wood Quay. The meeting and membership to the network are open to anyone.  


AON: A forum for residents in new devlopments

I know there are many new estates in Dublin North-West who have been in touch with me regarding issues with management companies or developers.

The Apartment OwnersNetwork organises open meetings for residents of any housing estate or apartment complex and provides great information to people experiencing problems or who feel they need more support in dealing with such companies.

Some estates in the Dublin North-West area, such as Hampton Wood, St. Canice’s Square, Tolka Vale, are already members of the Network and I would encourage other residents' groups to get involved as well.


You will find more information on the Network or directions to the meeting here:

http://www.apartmentowners.ie/2011/04/april-meeting/

You can also sign up to their newsletter on their webpage if you can't make it along to the meeting this time around.