Fingal TD raises issue in Dáil with An Taoiseach
Local TD, Darragh O’Brien has accused the Government of once again letting down the 15,000 Dublin airport pension scheme members.

Speaking in the Dáil on the issue earlier this week, Deputy O’Brien said, “As a result of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2013 and the State Airports (Shannon Group) Act 2014, the airport pension scheme, the Irish airlines superannuation scheme, IASS, retired members lost six weeks of their pension and long-serving deferred members lost up to 60% of their entitlements.

"Every major employer in this country with a sizeable pension scheme, particularly those with defined benefit schemes, have been faciliated by Government policy to run the scheme down and pull the rug out from under members who have paid in.

“Employers are ensuring that these schemes fail and they have been provided with a roadmap to do it.

“The destruction of the IAS pension scheme in which 15,000 members were removed from the pension scheme unilaterally was aided and abetted by the last Government,” he added.

“The private pension levy that took €2.6 billion out of people's savings and provisions for their retirement has done more to undermine pension provision in this country. Furthermore, it set a precedent for other employers of profitable firms to wind down their pension schemes and reduce pension scheme benefits. 

“The Government must amend the Pensions Act 1990 to provide the protections that are required. Thousands of other workers will be affected in addition to the 15,000 active, retired and deferred pensioners in the IASS unless there is action on this issue.

“Minister Leo Varadkar must put forward specific pension legislation to provide the protection that his party removed from pension scheme members during the lifetime of the last Dáil.

“The massive ramifications faced by 15,000 families across the country must not be inflicted on more pension scheme members. More action is needed to guarantee that this absurd policy will not similarly impact tens of thousands of others,”

​

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Trade Darragh O’Brien TD has said that an Ireland-UK Bilateral Agreement is not possible.


Deputy O’Brien made his comments following a meeting with Lord Jay after the publication of a House of Lords Report which examined the impact of Brexit on British-Irish relations.


“Fianna Fáil made a written submission to the House of Lords EU committee on the impact of Brexit on British-Irish relations, which outlined our concerns in relation to areas such Northern Ireland and the Common Travel Area. We have made it clear to Lord Jay that the recommendation included in the Report, for Ireland and the UK to draft a bi-lateral agreement as a strand of the Brexit negotiations, is not possible and will not occur,” added Deputy O’Brien.


“As I have continually noted, it is absolutely essential that the final agreement reflects our distinct and unique position in relation to Brexit, we are also seeking to stop further fragmentation of the EU and negotiating bi-lateral deals will undermine that objective.


“The negotiations ahead will be extremely complex but we must send out a clear message to our EU counterparts that Ireland’s place is remains within the EU and we are firmly committed to the principles upon which it was founded.”

​Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Trade, Darragh O’Brien TD has said he is appalled by reports emerging from Syria that civilians have been ‘shot on the spot’ in Aleppo by pro-Government forces.


“Reports are emerging that civilians are effectively being executed in Easter Aleppo. This conflict has resulted in the most unspeakable atrocities and today’s reports are further evidence of the brutality of this war,” he added.


“The international community must do all it can to try broker an agreement between forces loyal to the Syrian regime and the opposition to facilitate evacuations. Thousands of people remain trapped in Eastern Aleppo, the humanitarian situation is dire and the death toll is rising on a daily basis.


“We must urge all sides in this conflict to fulfil their obligation to protect civilians and those found to be using indiscriminate acts of violence must face very serious repercussions.


"Aleppo and its people are being devastated before our eyes and more must be done to create a safe passage for those fleeing the ravages of this horrifying war.”

​Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Trade, Darragh O’Brien TD has welcomed the renewal of the J1 Visa programme. Ireland and the United States have this week signed an agreement extending the 12-month J1 visa for another three years.


The bilateral agreement signed between the Irish and US governments relates to the 12-month J1 visa which most Irish students use to spend a summer working in the US.

Deputy O’Brien commented, “The J1 Visa Programme has been used extensively by Irish students for close to 50 years. It has played an important role in facilitating students in accessing vital work experience.


“I am relieved that any concerns which were raised by President Elect Donald Trump during his campaign have now been clarified and that a commitment to extend the programme, has been agreed.


“Ireland has a strong bond with the United States which stretches back decades and through generations. Our relationship with the United States developed as a result of initiatives such as the J1 Visa Programme and it is imperative that our close links are maintained.


“The changes announced to the J1 Visa Programme last November saw the introduction of new restrictions, including a provision which states that Irish students must have a pre-arranged job before travelling to the United States under the programme. However, many Irish students have been unable to secure work to date, despite having spent large sums of money in applying for the J1 Visa and arranging flights.

“Accordingly I’m calling on Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Charlie Flanagan to further engage with officials on this issue to see if a better outcome can be achieved for those that will apply for the J1 Visa over the next three years,” said Deputy O’Brien.

​

Local Fianna Fáil TD, Darragh O’Brien has congratulated St Maurs ladies football on their All-Ireland junior club glory on Saturday.


North Dublin team and first-time finalists, St Maurs (2-13) secured a deserving win over Kinsale (Cork) 3-8 at Netwatch Cullen Park in Carlow.


Commenting following the result, Deputy O’Brien said, “This is a wonderful achievement for all the players and officials in St Maurs and the wider community in the North County. Over the past number of years, the club has been inching closer and closer to the elusive senior championship.


“It was an exceptional game of football and a phenomenal victory  which makes all the hard work, training and commitment worth it,” said the Fianna Fáil TD.


"I wish to send my warmest congratulations too to Dublin senior panellist, Olivia Leonard who was named a player of the match. Olivia led the team to a superb win.


Comhghairdeas leo,” concluded O’Brien.