On 19th October,  I had the opportunity to speak in the Dáil about the recent Budget. Topics I touched on included, Infrastructure (incorporating public transport), Broadband, The National Treatment Fund, Old Age Pension & Medical Cards, Child Benefit, Motor Insurance and the Food Sector.

More information in the video attached.

Great fun today at the rehearsals for the Kilcock Golf Club Fashion Show Fundraiser which is taking place on Thursday night, the 27th of October at 8pm in the Glenroyal Hotel. Tickets can be purchased from Eileen O’Toole or any of the committee members. It’s going to be a great night with all local “models” showcasing the current fashion from local businesses. I’m delighted to be the MC for the night with Helen Fox nee Swift as known from TV3. Look forward to seeing you all on the night….!!!!

I was delighted to welcome the students and teachers from Primrose Hill N.S to Leinster House today. We had a great chat and discussion on a number of topics and in particular around public transport which they all used to travel into Leinster House today. Thank you all very much for the lovely book which you presented to me on the “Plinth”. I look forward to reading it. Hope you all enjoyed the visit and I look forward to visiting your school soon to continue the discussion.

I was delighted to welcome the Fianna Fáil Society from DCU to Leinster House today which included Kildare students with my colleagues deputies Thomas Byrne and Sean Haughey. It was great to meet and engage with them. They have a great society in DCU so well done to all and keep up the good work.

Fianna Fáil TD for Kildare North Frank O’Rourke met with senior officials from the Housing Department to press for measures to enable more housing units to be built for the many that are now seeking homes.

‘I met with senior officials from the Housing Department and pressed for some specific measures to be put in place to enable more housing units to be delivered.’

‘The housing crisis is being exacerbated due to a lack of infrastructure to facilitate construction of new housing units. Towns such as Maynooth, Clane, Celbridge, Leixlip, and Kilcock for example, all need additional infrastructure to enable housing units to be developed.’

‘Ring roads, waste water treatment plants, schools, and public transport are examples of facilities that are required to enable further housing units to be constructed. A €200m fund is available for local authorities to assist with the provision of these services and I highlighted the importance of this fund for a county like Kildare.’

‘This infrastructure such as waste water and roads etc could be provided in tandem with the construction of new houses. Given the low cost of borrowing, now is the time to provide this infrastructure.’

‘I also requested the officials to consider easing the planning conditions, to enable contractors who have commenced the construction of housing units, and complying with the planning requirements, to complete the construction of these units without having to apply for full planning to get an extension to their permission. Seeking an extension in many cases adds little or no value to the planning process, but will slow down the supply of housing units.’

‘Following my meeting this week with the Department, I am confident that it sees the benefit of these two proposals. I believe that progress will be made on both of my proposals. Enabling the supply of housing units is a key challenge for this country. We must put in place the necessary policies so that the country has enough houses for its people.’

“There are a number of areas in Kildare where planning has been granted, but construction is delayed because the necessary infrastructure for waste water and ring-roads are not yet in place. In some cases, the construction of housing has been delayed for in excess of three years,” said Deputy O’Rourke.

“We need to tackle the slow pace in completing the construction of new housing estates. In the Dail last week, I asked Minister Coveney to examine irregularities in the planning code to ensure this problem is addressed and unnecessary planning delays are avoided. The current situation is not acceptable,” concluded Deputy O’Rourke.

Fianna Fáil TD for Kildare North Frank O’Rourke has called on the Government to cut prescription charges for medical card holders in the upcoming budget.

Deputy O’Rourke pointed out that the previous Fine Gael – Labour Government oversaw a five-fold increase in prescription charges, which has resulted in many people struggling to meet their medical costs.

“The previous Fine Gael Government promised to abolish prescription charges, but this never happened. Instead they decided to hike the charge to €2.50 per item. This massive hike was particularly cruel on older people as they are more likely to have to rely on repeat medical prescriptions,” said Deputy O’Rourke.

“I firmly believe that we need to move towards abolishing the prescription charge. We should be encouraging people to use the medication that they need to live active and fulfilling lives. However the prescription charge only serves to make it difficult for people to access the basic medications they need.

“I recently met with Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Finance, Michael McGrath, and Public Expenditure Spokesperson, Dara Calleary, to discuss this. I highlighted the need to start the process of abolishing the prescription charges, and they took on board my concerns. I remain hopeful that progress on this issue can be made in the upcoming budget,” concluded Deputy O’Rourke.

I was delighted to be able to call in and support the Youth Work Ireland Oireachtas briefing today. Youth Work Ireland carry out brilliant work in all of our Constituencies in a variety of areas. Great to meet and engage with people from Kildare North. I have assisted with their programs and they need our support as they do fantastic work. Well done to all involved.  Keep up the great work and I look forward to continue working with you all.

It was a great day in Kilglass today for the Paddy Holton Memorial event and to see if the world record would be broken for the “most siblings ploughing simultaneously”. The weather was great and lots to see and do with entertainment for all. It was great to meet and engage with so many people there including former TD and Minister of State for Kildare North Aine Brady. Gearoid Lohan was spotted enjoying the day. Well done to all involved in organising this great event.

On October 1st, Leixlip Fire Station held an open day for the public to come along and meet the members of the service and see live demonstrations. It was an excellent morning and well done to all involved in organising it. Great crowds were in attendance and the weather was perfect for the open day. All the members of the service are to be highly complimented and acknowledged for the wonderful work they do when called upon to save and protect peoples lives. Most informative, interesting and enjoyable open day at the Fire Station.

Well done to everyone involved in organising such a successful fundraiser on September 30th in Maynooth GAA for Mark Nugent. There was a massive crowd in attendance and the atmosphere was great. It is brilliant to see the people of Maynooth and surrounding areas coming together to support Mark and his family. Well done again to all involved.