Somalia - the Forgotten Famine Agency Workers Must End by Frank Connolly

SIPTU Joan Burton interview - Colombian trade re-ignites ‘We can turn this unionists in a oil & gas debate country around’ deadly firing line PAGE 9 » PAGE 12 & 13 » PAGE 25 »

Vol. 10 No.7 September 2011 ISSN 0791-458X Abuse of Somalia - the Forgotten Famine agency workers must end By Frank Connolly

SIPTU and other unions have told the Government that would lead the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise us to the view that there would and Employment, Richard Bruton, be anything of benefit to workers that he must fully implement an in agreeing any derogation,” EU Directive granting equality of Patricia King told Liberty. pay and conditions to agency She said that the EU Directive workers. introduced three years ago fol- The EU Directive on Temporary lowed years of campaigning by Agency Work comes into effect in SIPTU and other unions in Ireland December and will finally guaran- and across Europe and after the tee that agency workers will be recruitment by hundreds of entitled to the same wages and unregulated Irish employment conditions as those directly agencies of tens of thousands of employed. It will also end the workers from the new accession practice of using them as a source states in Eastern Europe. of cheap labour to undermine Many of these agency workers agreed conditions. entered the construction industry Photo: Nahariis, aged three, at the Shabelle Community Nutrition Centre in Mogadishu At a recent meeting involving a at the height of the property delegation from Congress and boom, as well as other sectors of BENEFIT CONCERT FOR CONCERN employer representatives the the economy, and were paid sig- Minister was informed in no nificantly less than their full- featuring Donal Lunny and Paddy Glackin uncertain terms that agency work- time, permanent and directly Paula Meehan • PD and the Undertakers • Special Guests ers were entitled under the employed colleagues. A major dis- to be announced • Liberty Hall Theatre, Dublin Directive to the same pay and pute at Irish Ferries in 2005 cen- conditions of employment as tred on the company’s recruit- 8.00 p.m. Thursday 13th October their directly employed col- ment and exploitation of low For more information see page 11 leagues. paid, non-national, agency work- The delegation, which included ers. The dispute was triggered SIPTU and Congress Vice after the Irish Ferries manage- President, Patricia King, said that ment threatened to replace 543 ly successful campaign for an EU groups, however, are seeking to must obtain the agreement of the there was nothing put forward by directly employed seafarers with Directive granting equality for delay its introduction and allow ‘social partners’ including trade Minister Bruton that would lead predominantly Eastern European agency workers. companies and State bodies to unions. Without this agreement to union support for any deroga- agency crew who were paid less There are an estimated 35,000 continue to pay agency workers the Government faces heavy tion from, or dilution of, the than the Irish minimum wage. agency workers across the public lower wages and impose on them financial penalties from the EU if Directive. In December 2005, up to and private sectors including 2000 inferior conditions of employ- it fails to transpose the Directive “We made it clear to the 100,000 people marched in in the health service who will ment for up to six months before into Irish law. Minister that at this point in time Dublin against the gross exploita- immediately benefit from the they are entitled to parity with In a letter to Congress General the Congress and SIPTU position tion of the workers involved in a Directive when it is introduced in those directly employed in the Secretary, David Begg, in early is that nothing has been said by dispute which led to the ultimate- December. same positions. In order to secure August the Minister said that he The Government and employer such a derogation the government Continued on page 2

ORGANISING FOR FAIRNESS AT WORK AND JUSTICE IN SOCIETY • WWW.SIPTU.IE • JOIN ONLINE 2 Liberty SEPTEMBER 2011 News

In this month’s Liberty ESRI austerity plan ‘worst we could do’

SIPTU General President, Jack ing austerity at this point would inflicted on people across our Agency O’Connor, has strongly criticised be the single worst thing we could society with appalling conse- the Economic and Social Research do. It would further retard our quences for the most vulnerable. workers Institute (ESRI) for proposing fur- anaemic growth prospects. “The focus now must be on jobs ther cuts in the forthcoming budg- “Even the employers’ organisa- and growth. This is the key to covered by et. tions are opposed to any meas- recovery and it is also, incidental- In its latest report published on ures beyond the requirement to ly, the key to building confidence construction 1st September, the ESRI said that reduce the deficit by 8.6% of GDP in international markets. cuts of €4 billion should be in the EU/ECB/IMF plan by next “There will be no sustainable enforced in the budget rather than year. growth without investment. REA the €3.6 billion proposed by the “Over the past three years €20 “In this regard, the real chal- Government. billion – approximately 14% of lenge facing the Government is Page 5 It also said that unemployment, GDP – was taken out of the econo- how to find alternative sources of now approaching 450,000, would my in pursuit of a flawed budget- investment to offset the proposed continue to increase. ary strategy which has suppressed €3.6 billion reduction in Budget Jack O’Connor said: “Of the lim- growth and retarded recovery. 2012, not making it worse as rec- ited options available, intensify- “These measures have been ommended by the ESRI.” Spotlight falls on Irish owned UK care homes Page 8

Michael D Higgins on JobBridge needs trade building an inclusive, creative Ireland Page 16 union monitoring

THE Government JobBridge intern- ger of losing credibility. Conor McCabe asks ship scheme has become the sub- “The most important step the ject of widespread criticism due to who really benefits Minister for Social Protection, the number of unsuitable jobs on Joan Burton, could take is to recog- from NAMA’s existence offer. Less than 400 positions have nise the potential for problems to Page 20 been filled. arise and to include trade unions ICTU legal officer Esther Lynch in the monitoring of the scheme – said: “JobBridge can be a real in a way similar to the system set- opportunity offering quality expe- up for community employment.” rience or it can be flat-out Responding to the criticism of Class and power at core exploitation where employers get workers for free and use the the scheme, a Department of of riots in England scheme as a form of unpaid proba- Social Protection spokesperson Page 23 tion.” said they were continuing to She added: “Concern about job “monitor” its operation and “will displacement is growing because be reviewing the scheme and its the existing monitoring system is eligibility criteria on an on-going not effective in separating the basis as we receive feedback”. Rovers enter good from the bad and because of this the whole scheme is in dan- Esther Lynch: Growing concern sporting history

Page 31 Continued from page 1

was seeking a derogation from the even if a qualifying period of dero- and restore jobs is growth and our Directive in order to prevent job gation is agreed. It is contended task is stimulate the economy. losses. that the overhead involved of pro- Punishing the lowest paid and “It goes without saying that, in viding day-1 equal treatment to most vulnerable workers is not the current difficult economic cir- agency workers would act as a sig- the answer. Workers have a right cumstances that prevail, every nificant disincentive to employers to be paid equal pay for equal effort must be made by all parties who would simply cover short- work. It is a fundamental princi- Liberty is dedicated to providing a platform for progressive news and views. in terms of boosting economic term placements from within ple and a question of equality and If you have any ideas for articles or comments please contact: recovery to grow employment and existing resources,” Richard that was what our campaign for communcationsdepartment@siptu.ie maintain jobs. I am particularly Bruton wrote. this Directive and these rights was Liberty is published by the Services, Industrial, Professional & Technical Union, concerned to note estimates of job Responding to this claim all about in the first place. Such Liberty Hall, Dublin 1 losses by the National Recruitment Patricia King said that; inequality would never be tolerat- SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor • Vice President, Patricia King • Federation of the order of 8000, “The only thing that will protect ed by those at the top of society.” General Secretary, Joe O’Flynn Production: SIPTU Communications Department, Liberty Hall, Dublin 1, Tel: 01 8588217 • Email: [email protected] Advertise in Liberty SIPTU Head of Communications, Frank Connolly • Journalist: Scott Millar • Design: Sonia Slevin (SIPTU) & Joe Mitchell (Brazier Media) • To advertise in Liberty, contact the Communications Department on 01 858 6372 or Publications Assistant, Deirdre Price • Administrative Assistant, Karen Hackett email [email protected] • Liberty offers very competitive rates Produced, designed, edited and printed by trade union labour for advertisements which reach SIPTU members countrywide Printed and distributed by The Irish Times, City West, Dublin. Liberty 3 News SEPTEMBER 2011 Rabbitte opts to maintain the unity of ESB By Scott Millar Ennis said union members at the over the last number of months,” ESB had welcomed the move. Greg Ennis added. THE ESB group of unions has He said: “Economic difficulties, An emergency motion passed by welcomed the Government deci- a perceived lack of owner support the ICTU biennial conference in Pat Rabbitte: Killarney in July called on the Cautioned against sion to maintain ESB ownership and sovereign downgrades have break-up of the State’s electricity transmis- made things much more difficult Government to maintain the unity sion assets. for the ESB but this common of the ESB in the face of calls from some business interests and econ- They have also backed the publi- sense decision will assist the com- omists for the sale of the semi- cation of the Frontier Economics pany to continue to operate, state company’s assets. Report on the issue. engage in project development The Frontier Economics Report, It was announced in late July and assist in necessary national commissioned by the previous that the Government had accepted recovery. Government to consider the a recommendation by Minister for “This approach is clearly in the impact of removing the State’s Communications, Energy and interest of consumers, staff and electricity transmission assets Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte, the wider national interest. from the ESB, found that the costs against the break-up of the ESB. “It is also what the trade union of such a move would outweigh SIPTU sector organiser Greg movement has campaigned for its possible benefits. We should follow Scotland’s open door policy to hard up mortgage payers

By Scott Millar She highlighted as dan- gerous the growth of the THE State or local authorities unregulated financial should take a stake in the proper- advice sector which may ties of stressed mortgage holders, involve people who are according to Aideen Hayden, the also gathering financial chairperson of housing charity, information for the banks. Threshold. Free Legal Aid Centres Such a system is already in oper- (FLAC) spokesperson Yvonne ation in Scotland, where the Woods said: “The devolved government has set up a Government must also take fund under which it operates into account the wider issue ‘mortgage to rent’ and ‘mortgage to of personal debt. The shared equity’ schemes. Government cannot just zone The ‘mortgage to shared equity’ in on mortgage arrears and sort scheme enables the Scottish gov- that out alone. There is a ernment to take a financial stake in Advocating a different approach: Threshold chairperson Aideen Hayden whole wider debt issue which the home of a distressed mortgage particularly for those who would tions will not be able to get the also needs action.” holder, allowing them to keep their have been marginal home owners best deals. In June, a Labour Party motion home and pay a reduced amount to in the first place and would not be “There must be some binding in the Seanad calling on the gov- their lender each month with the in strong bargaining position with non-judicial process where these ernment to consider schemes option of buying back the govern- the banks or sub-prime lenders,” difficulties can be resolved. In such as those in Scotland to deal ment’s stake in their home once she said. order to do this we need a body with the mortgage crisis was car- their financial circumstances Hayden said a new state agency with specific financial skills and ried with support from all parties. improve. to oversee a fair conclusion to the knowledge of the housing market,” The Minister for Finance, Hayden, who is also a Labour mortgage crisis will need to be set she said. Michael Noonan, has said he will Party Senator, said the possibility up. “There is a noble tradition of the announce which policy approach of implementing a similar system “There will have to be individual Irish state having a strong role in the Government will take to the in Ireland must be explored. negotiations but this can be a dan- the area of housing. Leaving it all mortgage crisis once a special “There is going to have to be gerous thing because obviously to the markets is actually a more review group reports at the end of some type of State intervention people in more vulnerable posi- recent thing in Irish history.” September. Pictures: Photocall Ireland 4 Liberty SEPTEMBER 2011 News

SIPTU and ITF launch All the President’s men Dublin RSS delivers Port drive Moneygall SIPTU and the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) are to launch a major ini- makeover tiative in Dublin Port this month. for Obama Utilities Divisional Organiser Christy McQuillan is to head up the SIPTU team, A RURAL Social Scheme played a which includes Pat McCabe key role in preparing Moneygall and Tony Whelan, and will for the visit of President Obama work closely with ITF inspec- in May. tor Ken Fleming to ensure The south Offaly village was in that the few remaining steve- pristine condition on the big day doring companies that have so with pictures of its main street, far refused to negotiate with footpaths, curbs, stone walls and SIPTU now do so. picnic areas beamed across the Union organisation in Irish globe in what was seen as a mas- ports has undergone a dramat- sive boost to local tourism. ic improvement since the for- The power behind the spruce mation of a National Ports up was a team of 12 workers from Committee in June. This in the South Offaly Rural Social turn was the product of Scheme who have been working months of work around the on refurbishment and renovation country. projects for the last five years. Before this some stevedor- Working together with their ing companies were refusing Eleven of the 12-strong South Offaly Rural Social Scheme team that spearheaded the Moneygall revamp for the Presidential visit supervisors, they took part in a to recognise SIPTU or even full-scale village make-over in the pay the minimum wage. six weeks leading up to the event. The ITF is supporting the Project Supervisor, George organising drive as part of the Digan, explained: “Our team global ‘Ports of Convenience’ worked flat out in the weeks prior campaign, which is aimed at to the visit, power washing all ensuring all port workers, houses and footpaths throughout especially dockers and seafar- the village. ers, receive their full entitle- “We also installed new seating ments. in the picnic areas along with new Irish ITF inspector Ken curbing, sowed new grass seed, Fleming said an extensive trimmed all hedging, weeded and mapping process of Irish dock- maintained flower beds, refur- worker union members was bished stone walls and generally the catalyst for creating the went the extra mile in whatever committee. way we could to ensure the village “It was decided that a com- was ready for the big day.” bined strategy would be the The workers, who are also all best way to galvanise existing part-time farmers from the south members and recruit new Offaly area, were rightly proud of ones.” their contribution to the biggest He added: “This process is day in the history of Moneygall. well underway now and this Liam Brereton, who has been new initiative in Dublin will involved with the scheme since greatly strengthen the posi- 2005, said: “We were very happy tion of SIPTU and the ITF with how the village looked on nationally.” the day. Our work was displayed all over the world and it looked the picture!” Sean Claffey, another worker on the scheme, acknowledged the recognition their work had received from the local community in the village. “We like to be doing this work. We get great satisfaction when people appreciate the value of our work.” The weeks since the visit have been busy with “a good bit of tourism coming into this place now,” according to Liam Brereton, a point borne out by the significant number of tour buses now arriving in the village. The team is determined to maintain the high standards set for the President’s visit by ensuring the village looks its best at all www.siptu.ieJOIN times. This work is a great example of ONLINE the economic as well as social value of Rural Social Schemes in action. Photo: US President Barack Obama in Moneygall, May 2011 Liberty 5 News SEPTEMBER 2011

Pay rises for miners ‘good deal’ in current economic climate SIPTU has successfully negotiated A further 2.5% will be applied expires on 31st March, 2014. this is a good deal for workers. ments.” a deal which includes wage on 1st April, 2012, with the last The mine is due to end produc- “This agreement follows the The 170 SIPTU members work- increases until 2014 for union phase resulting in a 2% rise on the tion in late 2014 as its operator, expiry of Towards 2016, the last ing at Lisheen Mine voted to members at the Lisheen Mine, 1st April, 2013. Vedanta, has decided the extrac- national agreement. In addition, accept the new deal on 15th County Tipperary. The agreement also provides for tion of high grade lead and zinc the union has previously agreed August and it is due to come into Under the agreement, SIPTU the payment by the company of ore at the site will be no longer redundancy terms for the mine's effect on 25th September. members will receive pay raises of the 0.6% government pension levy profitable at that stage. closure and money has been set 1% backdated to July 2010 and over its four-year term for workers SIPTU organiser John Regan aside in a bank account by the 2.5% backdated to 1st April, 2011. and existing pensioners and said: “In today’s economic climate company to cover these pay- AGENCY WORKERS COVERED Concern at Dublin Fire BY CONSTRUCTION REA Brigade cuts By Scott Millar Building and Civil Engineering, to ensure that construction workers WORKERS who are employed in employed by those firms are paid proposals construction duties by a non-con- the same rate of pay and are struction sector sub-contractors employed on the same terms and A FURTHER round of cuts pro- are still covered by the terms of conditions of employment as posed by management at the Register Employment directly employed construction Dublin Fire Brigade could lead Agreement (REA) for the industry, workers.” to a reduced fire service to the Labour Court has ruled. SIPTU Organiser Pat McCabe those living in greater Dublin. In an important decision for said: “This recommendation is all At a recent briefing of fire agency workers the Labour Court the more reason to be organised officers, a senior manager at recommendation also confirmed in your trade union which will Dublin Fire Brigade outlined that the principal contractor is already have a relationship with the option of taking appliances liable to ensure the conditions of the principal contractor and will out of circulation as a result of the REA are enforced. have been actively pursuing REA management’s failure to live The recommendation was made compliance. within its existing budget. in a case involving Boles Hire Ltd “This is an important decision SIPTU Sector Organiser, and a worker who was instructed for all sub-contracted workers and Owen Reidy said: “This is a to carry out driving duties on con- in particular those working for potentially serious develop- struction sites but did not receive agencies and plant hire firms. ment. Any changes to the con- the REA-specified pay and condi- “It confirms that it is incumbent figuration of fire stations, staff tions. on the principal contractor to and fire appliances should The Labour Court found that ensure that agencies they engage only be carried out after a com- the effect of Clause 10 of the are compliant.” prehensive risk analysis and Construction REA was to place the The full Labour Court this has not been done. “onus on main contractors when Recommendation (number “If management reduces the engaging sub-contractors, the prin- INT115) is available at number of appliances in circu- cipal business of which is not www.labourcourt.ie lation, parts of the greater Dublin area will be left without adequate fire cover. “Our members are in full compliance with the Croke Park Agreement having agreed New ‘household charge’ to contribute to budgetary savings sought by the employer of almost €4 million for 2011. is not a progressive tax “We are currently at least 55 fire fighters short of the agreed THE Government’s decision to ment but only if wealthier peo- staff complement. Our mem- implement a ‘temporary house- ple, especially those who have bers have been advocating for hold charge’ of €100 per house- the flexibility to manipulate some time that management hold per year is not a progres- their declaration of incomes for recruits new staff which would sive development, SIPTU taxation purposes, make a con- properly resource the fire President Jack O’Connor has tribution reflecting their ability SIPTU proud to support brigade and also save money said. to pay. by reducing overtime.” “We acknowledge that the This could be achieved if the Reidy said the reaction of Government is obliged to intro- charge is related to the size and this year’s Foyle Pride fire service management to the duce a property tax as a condi- location of the property. SIPTU proposals had been to tion of the EU/ECB/IMF However the charge, as cur- SIPTU activists were out on the streets of Derry on the 27th August threaten to reduce the number Memorandum of Agreement rently proposed by the Minister supporting the second annual Foyle Pride parade. of fire appliances. which was negotiated by its for the Environment, Phil They joined as thousands of people, including many trade union He claimed such a move predecessors. Hogan, does not facilitate a pro- and community activists, united in celebrating diversity and “However, it is open to the portionate contribution from demanding equality for the LGBT community. could put at risk the health current administration as to the wealthy. SIPTU Lead Organiser Martin O’Rourke said: “SIPTU members and safety both of the general how to interpret and imple- O’Connor added: “As struc- were very proud to march at Foyle Pride and it was great to see so public and of fire fighters. ment the obligation,” O’Connor tured, it will play into the many trade union and community activists turn out in support of “Management should comply said. hands of the wealthy who have LGBT rights. with the Croke Park Agreement The SIPTU President always successfully opposed “The march was a celebration of diversity and equality, but it was and adhere to the agreed mini- explained that a ‘household the application of a progressive also to send a clear message that homophobia and associated attacks mum manning levels of fire charge’ or property tax is a tax on property and on wealth are absolutely wrong and will not be tolerated. cover which are based on a potentially progressive instru- in this country.” “The thousands who turned out in Derry was a powerful cross- transparent risk based analy- community demonstration of solidarity.” sis,” Reidy added. 6 Liberty SEPTEMBER 2011 News All eyes on Bruton over JLCs tion document on how he bargaining.” It remains to be draft legislation emerges from By Padraig Yeates intends to reform the State’s seen if the Minister can square the Attorney General’s office. ALL EYES in the trade union industrial relations structures. the circle of overhauling the The crucial defects in the leg- movement, especially the low A lot of it made sense but law without caving in to islation which make it uncon- wage sector, will be on the there was one glaring omission, unscrupulous employers in low stitutional were identified by Cabinet over the next couple of as SIPTU Divisional Organiser wage sectors such as fast food, Mr Justice Kevin Feeney in his weeks to see if Enterprise John King pointed out. whose appetite has been whet- judgment. Minister, Richard Bruton, left, It made no mention of collec- ted by the recent High Court Altogether he pointed out 17 honours commitments reached tive bargaining, although the judgment that the Joint Labour defects in ‘principles and poli- in talks with unions on the issue is central to any overhaul Committee/Employment cies’ that needed to be reme- overhaul of Joint Labour of our industrial relations sys- Regulation Order regime is died to make the legislation Committees. tem and a promise of new leg- unconstitutional. compliant. In July, his spin doctors gave islation to provide workers If he honours commitments If the Minister uses the the impression that he would with this basic right was includ- to introduce a code of practice opportunity to strip away what be driving through a much ed in the Programme for for Sunday working, provides few legal protections remain tougher package to applause Government at the insistence for increments over the basic for low-paid employees, it will from the fast food industry and of the Labour Party. rates and safeguards workers be yet another example of the right-wing commentators. “There is no question that against displacement by lower lowest paid and most vulnera- No sooner had he done so reform of the employment paid recruits, he will certainly ble members of the workforce than he produced a rights and industrial relations incur the displeasure of this being exposed to even greater major consulta- structures and procedures is powerful business lobby which exploitation. necessary”, John King said, will feel betrayed after the It will also make the intro- “and we will be seeking to ‘strong man’ image projected duction of legislation on the ensure that this is done in a before the summer holidays. right to collective bargaining all manner that best protects However, it is hard to see the more urgent. workers and provides a griev- how he can deliver for these Workers will be watching ance and disputes resolution traditional supporters of Fine where the Minister’s priorities process that is fit for purpose. Gael’s right wing while keeping lie and, by extension, the prior- “However, it is hard to see faith with his Labour partners ities of the Government. how such a major overhaul of in Coalition and the Programme the existing structures can be for Government. achieved without also address- The jury will now remain out ing the question of collective until the final shape of the Kirchhoff ‘blueprint’ is a winner

SIPTU General President Jack learn from you, we could lead and profit.” In his comments Chief O’Connor has congratulated Ireland out of the crisis more Executive, Arndt Kirchhoff, high- German firm Kirchhoff Automotive quickly,” he added. lighted the quality and expertise of for its “impeccable record in terms The celebrations were attended the workforce in Letterkenny. of staff relations.” by members of the Kirchhoff fami- He said: “The collaborative He made the comments follow- ly, as well as representatives from approach between Kirchhoff ing a visit to the company’s Irish the IDA, IBEC, the German Ireland, the Government, IDA and HQ in Letterkenny to mark its 30 Embassy and the German Chamber SIPTU has been a significant factor years of operation in County of Commerce. in the company’s success to date. Donegal. Brian Hayes, Minister of State at But these strategic links need to Addressing senior executives of the Department of Public continue to ensure the future the company, Jack O’Connor Expenditure and Reform, described growth of the facility.” claimed the firm had set a “blue- Kirchhoff as a “wonderful success Kirchhoff Ireland, originally print” for other companies to fol- story for Ireland”. Sigro Ltd, was set up in lo w. He added: “I am heartened and Letterkenny in 1981 with just 17 “Kirchhoff Automotive competes enthused by the tenacity and employees. It now has 100 staff at toughly in the automotive industry determination of Kirchhoff Ireland its Lisnennan plant and is a first and nevertheless manages to be here in Donegal who are bucking tier supplier to BMW Mini, Ford, successful in the extreme north- SIPTU General President Jack O'Connor is met by Kirchhoff Automotive CEO Arndt the trend in the automotive indus- Volkswagen and General Motors. Kirchhoff (left) and Sean McDermott (centre), Managing Director Kirchhoff Ireland, in west of Europe. If we all could try by increasing capacity, growth Letterkenny to celebrate 30 years of the company in Donegal Irish union laws to go under spotlight By Esther Lynch freedom of association. Trade sented as being subject to eco- and having ratified all of the core law on employees’ right to engage union concerns have been backed nomic concerns. Evidence from ILO Conventions. The UPR process in collective bargaining so as to IRELAND’S trade union laws will by NGOs and human rights organi- the shopfloor suggests there is a provides an opportunity for all ensure compliance with the recent shortly be put under the human sations such as the Irish Council growth in union-busting activities states to declare what actions they ruling from the European Court of rights spotlight at a meeting of the for Civil Liberties. such as blacklisting, victimisation, will take to improve the human Human Rights.” There are a num- Human Rights Council in Geneva Union rights are at the front threats and inducements. rights situations in their countries ber of relevant rulings including on 6th October. line in the defence of human Court injunctions are becoming and to overcome challenges to the the Demir case in which the This will happen as part of the rights. Attacks on human rights more widespread and are jeopar- enjoyment of human rights. Universal Periodic Review (UPR) begin with attacks on trade union dising fundamental human rights Hopefully, the review will spur European Court of Human Rights and comes after evidence was sub- rights. So it is of concern that in such as freedom of association the Government to take action ruled that the right to collective mitted by trade unions that the Ireland trade union human rights and the right to organise. and deliver on the pledge secured bargaining is “‘an essential ele- Republic is failing to properly pro- are increasingly being resisted by All this despite Ireland signing by the Labour Party in the last ment” of the right to freedom of tect fundamental human rights to employers – and are being pre- up to six human rights treaties election to “…reform the current association. Liberty 7 News SEPTEMBER 2011 Fair Hotels campaign ‘good for business’

By Scott Millar scheme, with one manager commenting; “We have made it on to The Fair Hotels campaign the map on the Fair Hotels web- launched by SIPTU in 2010 has site and our hotel is also adver- increased business for the compa- tised in their brochures.” The nies involved and improved staff study also found that managers relations, according to a new aca- felt employees were supportive of demic study of the initiative. the scheme but more could be Swedish researcher, Karla done to raise awareness of it in Boluk, undertook a study of the workplaces. first year of the scheme that now Several of the managers had includes 48 hotels across the also attended the Fair Hotels Expo country. Interviewing ten Fair held at the beginning of April Hotels managers Boluk found that 2011 at Liberty Hall stating that it the majority had experienced had provided an opportunity for increased bookings which they the various hotel representatives linked directly to being part of the to create networks and foster campaign. future collaboration. Eight of the managers inter- The study concluded that the viewed indicated that they were Fair Hotels scheme has shown gaining extra business as a conse- marked benefits for the business- quence of becoming a Fair Hotel es involved and was an excellent with Boluk finding that “a majori- example of a Corporate Social ty of the increased business was, Responsibility campaign which firstly, from other union members provides “a powerful marketing and secondly from other large tool that can build and shape a businesses endorsing the company’s reputation, make a dif- scheme.” ference in the market and give a A key concern for several of the company a competitive edge.” managers interviewed was attract- SIPTU Organiser Ethel Buckley ing union conferences. said the study was a “great Capitalising on business through endorsement” of the campaign involvement in the Fair Hotels and added that the “research scheme was described by one should also be of assistance in manager who stated; ‘We were convincing employers in other delighted when we confirmed sectors of the benefits of unioni- three large union conferences for sation and of collaborating with Fair Hotels activists from around the country, from left to right, John Guilfoyle, Carlton Galway City Hotel, Paulina 2011 and 2012.” unions in ethical consumer Lesniczuk, Radisson Blu Dublin Airport, Pat Fox, Clarion Dublin Airport, Olivia Hallihan, West County, Noeleen Skerritt, Satisfaction was also expressed campaigning.” Clare Inn, Chris Shiels, Green Isle Hotel, Angela McGrath, Clare Inn Hotel at the Fair Hotels Expo in April. about SIPTU’s marketing of the

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WHETHER the appointment of contract in their hand will have accused our members of causing social workers, therapists and more than 1,000 key front line their appointments honoured the problem by treating too senior doctors, which until now Front line health service workers can go but anyone who only has a letter many patients already this year have been exempt from the ahead is expected to be decided of appointment will have to wait and exceeding budgets,” he Government’s moratorium on at a HSE meeting in early until their position is reviewed added. hiring staff in the public service. SIPTU Report re-ignites health service September. in September,” Bell said. SIPTU represents 47,000 In a statement issued over the In August, HSE management “As expected, the HSE is giving health service workers, including delay in appointing front line confirmed to SIPTU’s acting priority to balancing its books many who are in front line posts staff, the HSE said it “continued appointments Health Division Organiser, Paul even if this results in elective such as ambulance drivers, nurs- with its recruitment pause in Bell, that the front line positions procedures being postponed and es and radiographers. August based upon the June would not be filled that month. the treatment of patients Jobs affected by the curb on expenditure data, which is show- oil & gas debate on hold “Anyone with a signed delayed. Management has recruitment include positions for ing a deficit [in the] year to date of €179 million.” Spotlight falls on Irish owned UK care homes By SCOTT MILLAR Prominent Irish tycoons HREE care homes run (Photos from by Castlebeck, a UK pri- left to right) JP McManus, vate health care compa- Dermot ny backed by Irish busi- Desmond and Tnessmen John Magnier, JP John Magnier McManus and Dermot Desmond, have interests have closed following investiga- in the UK- tions into allegations of abuse based private against vulnerable patients at health care the company’s facilities. company Castlebeck Castlebeck hit the UK headlines this summer after an undercover BBC reporter secretly filmed vulnerable residents with learning disabilities at one of the company’s facilities in Bristol being pinned down, slapped, Pictures: doused in cold water and repeat- Photocall Ireland edly taunted. Following the broadcast of this suspension of staff at one of the Its Irish arm, Barchester CONTROVERSY had not followed official proce- programme, in June, the facility company’s facilities, Castlebeck’s Healthcare Ireland, runs a retire- In a newspaper interview in May dure in processing the naturalisa- was closed and the UK govern- Irish chairman, Paul Brosnan (35), ment village in Trim, County 2005, Brosnan said that the funds tion certificates for the passports ment’s Care and Quality stood down. Meath. used to purchase Barchester came which were personally handed Commission (CQC) launched an Castlebeck had been purchased In the wake of the BBC’s over to bin Mahfouz by Haughey inquiry into Castlebeck’s other from an earlier company, Leisure in 2006 for more than £200 million Castlebeck exposé, British trade Holdings, which was also backed at a function in Dublin in care centres. by a Geneva-based investment union Unison issued a report on December 1990. The inquiry found that out of by Magnier and McManus. vehicle, Lydian Capital Partners, a the private health care industry One recipient of a passport, a 23 Castlebeck homes there were In the 1990s, Leisure Holdings company founded by Paul warning that “private equity Pakistani national Rashid Kahloon concerns about standards at 11 takeovers of public services” was itself at the centre of contro- Brosnan’s father, former Kerry later joined the board of Leisure facilities. would lead eventually led to a versy when it emerged it had Group CEO Denis Brosnan. Holdings with Magnier and The most serious involved Lydian’s major investors include financial crisis in the industry received a £4 million investment McManus. four facilities where CQC inspec- Magnier, McManus and Desmond. with “taxpayers picking up the from Saudi banker Khalid bin Earlier this summer it emerged tors found some patients “did Castlebeck is not the only UK bill”. Mahfouz. This arose from a “pass- not feel safe where they were care home businesses in which Concerning Barchester, the ports for sale” arrangement negoti- that Magnier’s Coolmore and living” and that the “the use of Brosnan, Magnier, McManus and report stated that this “sister com- ated by the disgraced former Ballydoyle stud farms were chal- restraint seemed common prac- Desmond have a major interest. pany” of Castlebeck is “privately Taoiseach Charles Haughey with lenging the Employment tice... with little or no evidence A Jersey investment vehicle owned by a consortium of entre- bin Mahfouz, and an associate, in Regulation Order (ERO) for the that this was used as a last called Grove Limited, which is preneurs, who took a dividend of which 10 Saudis and a Pakistani agriculture industry in a bid to resort.” chaired by Brosnan and in which £363.5m in 2008. The owners had national received 11 Irish pass- reduce staff wages. The problems, the inquiry the other businessmen have a to pay back some of the money ports for family members in The ERO was later struck down concluded, were partly due to major stake, owns Barchester after an interest rate swap went exchange for promising to invest as unconstitutional by a High inadequate staffing levels. In Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest against them. The business uses a £20 million in Ireland. Court judgment in early July. August, following the publica- private health care companies high-risk business model.” It was later found that then tion of the CQC report, and the operating some 200 facilities. Minister for Justice, Ray Burke, Air ambulance service must be about patients and not politics A PROPOSED national air ambu- officers and command system to ensure its complete co-ordina- Group which provides air ambu- He added: “Following the reported lance service must be fully integrat- already in place,” Bell said. tion with paramedics on the lance services in the UK. comment by the minister that the ed into the existing National “While the State has provided air ground,” he added. Bell said: “Given the closure and value of the new service ‘probably Ambulance Service, according to medical transport services via the The reaffirmation of the SIPTU downgrading of hospital accident lay in its psychological support SIPTU acting Health Division Aer Corps and Coast Guard, both of position follows comments by and emergency departments across rather than the actual use of it Organiser Paul Bell. which offer a high quality medical Minister for Health, James Reilly, the country, it is essential that a itself’, I would be concerned that “Any new dedicated air ambu- evacuation facility, for improved that he was currently pursuing the professional, integrated air ambu- his proposal is about providing air lance service must be an integral efficiency any new air ambulance development of an air ambulance lance service is provided, particularly cover for backbenchers rather than part of the National Ambulance service must be under the control service and reports he had held dis- to service remote rural communi- for ill patients in need of immedi- Service and controlled by the of the National Ambulance Service cussions with the Bond Aviation ties.” ate access to accident and emergency services.” Liberty 9 Oil & Gas Report SEPTEMBER 2011 SIPTU Report re-ignites

By Frank Connolly

The SIPTU report ‘Optimising Ireland’s Oil and Gas Resources’ oil & gas debate published in late June has re-ignited the debate surrounding the Vekeslberg, which is constructing future of the country’s hydro a €10 billion innovation city near carbon resources. Launched at a On Monday 29th August Moscow. Before entering politics press conference attended by an Irish Times editorial he worked for Communicorp, the a number of members of the advocated caution in the company owned by Irish telecoms Oireachtas committee on issuing of licenses under billionaire and tax exile, Denis O’Brien. Communications, Natural the current round and Resources and Agriculture the report was also the subject of a endorsed the recommenda- meeting at the Kilkenny festival in tions in the SIPTU report mid-August. that the terms should be At the packed meeting chaired comprehensively reviewed by Irish Times assistant editor, before options covering a Fintan O’Toole and held in the Optimising massive 250,000 square Ireland’s Oil and tower of Kilkenny Castle, mem- Gas Resources bers of the SIPTU Oil and Gas sub- kilometre area off the west committee including this writer, coast are awarded. Amanda Slevin and Colm Rapple outlined the political and environmental context to the report and its findings. Stein Bredal a former leader of the oil Norwegian workers union and former board member of Statoil the majority State Report of the SIPTU Oil & Gas Review Group owned oil and gas development company in Norway spoke of the importance of properly managing “Optimising the natural resources in order to maximise the benefits for citizens. Ireland’s Oil and Some days later, Fintan O’Toole Gas Resources” reviewed by the Oireachtas com- under the current round and in late May. It is unclear why argued in his Irish Times column mittee. endorsed the recommendations in Lenihan proceeded with the latest is available on the that the Irish government should His views were echoed by the SIPTU report that the terms licensing round so hastily given approach its Norwegian counter- SIPTU website at: several contributors to a debate should be comprehensively the imminence of a general elec- parts with a view to jointly explor- which continued in the Irish reviewed before options covering tion and the likely replacement of ing and developing the estimated www.siptu.ie Times editorial and letters pages a massive 250,000 square kilome- the Fianna Fáil led government. 10 billion barrels of oil equivalent through August although in his tre area off the west coast are The department has said it cannot or if you would like (worth some 750 billion at cur- € contribution the Minister for awarded. A day later the disclose the identity of the appli- rent prices) which the Department to receive a printed Communications, Energy and Department confirmed its inten- cants for ‘privacy’ reasons. of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte, tion to approve new oil and gas Lenihan has since taken up copy please request Natural Reources (DCENR) insisted that the Department licenses before the resumption of employment as an international estimates is lying in the Atlantic one by emailing: would proceed with its plans to the Dail in mid-September. adviser to Ukraine born oligarch, margin off the west coast. O’Toole [email protected] approve licenses over the coming An unprecedented 15 applica- Victor Vekeslberg, who has has also argued, in line with the weeks in line with its policy to tions were made under the cur- amassed a considerable fortune, or telephone: recommendations of the SIPTU encourage exploration. rent licensing round which was now worth in excess of €15 billion report, against the granting of new (01) 858 8217 On Monday 29th August an initiated last year by Fianna Fáil’s from the oil and gas industry in exploration licenses until the Irish Times editorial advocated former junior energy minister, Russia. Lenihan works with the fiscal and taxation terms under caution in the issuing of licenses Conor Lenihan, and which closed Skolkovo Foudnation, headed by which they are awarded are

Some recommendations From Irish Times editorial from the SIPTU Oil & Gas Report Monday 29th August

June 2011 “OF ALL the big questions facing the were received – the largest number “The economics of energy and the “It is the considered view of the “The Oireachtas review should also State, few have more profound long- of any licensing round to date and an technologies for recovering oil and SIPTU Oil and Gas Review Group be charged with considering term implications than the manage- indication that Irish waters are an gas from deep waters have changed that no new exploration licenses actions aimed at getting the comment of our natural resources. increasingly attractive so radically that it is time for a for oil and gas should be issued by panies which have announced dis- Official estimates suggest a poten- prospect…….” proper public review of this whole the DCENR until a detailed coveries of oil and gas as far back tial reserve of hydrocarbons equiva- issue. That review should be under- “Once these licences are issued, the reassessment of the current as 1963 to either get these finds lent to 10 billion barrels of oil off the taken by the Oireachtas committee holders will be, in effect, entitled to licensing system is completed into production or declare them west coast alone. Were all of this to on communications, natural develop any finds they make under under the proposed Oireachtas non-commercial and relinquish the be recovered, it would be enough to resources and agriculture. It should the current terms. It is widely review.” authorisations.” supply Ireland’s gas and oil needs for be both open and open-minded, a century. acknowledged that these terms are seeking not least to give the public extremely generous to the energy some clarity on key questions. What “The review should examine the “It is important that any signifi- “With the stakes so high, it is imper- companies and produce a very low is the status of the many discoveries potential for economic develop- cant finds that are developed to ative that the State gets its return for the State. An Indecon made in recent decades that are still ment, job creation, skills enhance- production are landed in Ireland approach right. It has to balance the report, commissioned by the State in “under assessment”? How well do ment and training in an advanced and contribute to the revival of the need to get companies to spend vast 2007, noted that “the current fiscal the current terms guarantee securi- oil and gas industry and seek onshore servicing and supply sums drilling wells with the public regime . . . yields among the lowest ty of supply? Do they ensure the information and advice from coun- industry as well as other potential Follow interest in maximising benefits from government take in the world”. Since maximum amount of employment for tries that have successfully man- educational, skills development SIPTU on resources that belong to the Irish then, the regime has changed slight- Irish workers?” Twitter aged and grown their hydrocarbon (including at third level and pro- people. There is some urgency. A new ly, with the potential for a higher tax production.” fessional level) and job creation round of applications for exploration take on very profitable fields……..” initiatives, particularly in coastal licences in Atlantic waters closed at towns with harbour facilities.” the end of May. Fifteen applications 10 Liberty SEPTEMBER 2011 News

SOMALIA - THE FORGOTTEN FAMINE WE NEED FUNDS FOR Concern Worldwide Chairperson FRANCES O’KEEFFE, a public health nurse in Dublin’s north inner city, visited famine-hit Somalia in July as part of a delegation of NGOs. This is what she saw there...

N JULY, I travelled with Mrs Mary Robinson and representatives from three Irish Non-Governmental OrganisationsI – Concern Worldwide, Trocaire and Oxfam Ireland – to assess the famine situation in the Horn of Africa. It is estimated 10 million people are affected in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia as a result of the worst drought in half a century. I was working with Concern in Somalia 19 years ago when Mary Robinson, who was then President, visited the region. Part of a team of nurses and doctors, most of whom were Irish, we were working on health and nutrition programmes with more than 20,000 adults and children. About 250,000 people died during that famine and Mrs Robinson helped to focus the world\s attention on Somalia. On 19th July, she returned there for the first time in 19 years. Our team visited Dollow, a village on the border of Somalia and Ethiopia. Mrs Robinson was again moved to tears as we witnessed history repeating itself. The following day, famine was declared by the United Nations in two areas of Somalia. This is the first declared famine in the 21st century and it is estimated that almost three million Picture: Jennifer O’Gorman/Concern Worldwide people are affected in Somalia Frances O’Keeffe with 13-month-old Issack, who is severely malnourished at Dollow health centre on the Somali/Ethiopian border in July alone. On 21st July, Tom Arnold, the continue in as many camps as pos- CEO of Concern, and I travelled to sible. Somalia’s capital Mogadishu. DEFINITION OF A FAMINE (Source: UN) Despite the most difficult of cir- Concern is the only Irish NGO - More than 30% of children suffer cumstances the staff all thanked working in Mogadishu and has acute malnutrition us for visiting. worked in Somalia for 25 years. They have never forgotten the Many of our staff from 1992 were - Mortality rate of two adults or four generosity of the Irish people and there to greet us. children per day per 10,000 people how Mary Robinson highlighted We visited two camps and a - Population has access to much less their plight 19 years ago, and now nutrition centre for severely mal- they are more hopeful as the Irish nourished children. In the nutri- than 2,100 kilocalaries per day are taking the lead again. tion centre we saw emaciated and I left there feeling both sad and “swollen” children (a term used proud and yet hopeful that by the people for a type of acute This little girl brought back so month in designated food stores. both in the camp. Concern and the other Irish organ- severe malnutrition called many memories for me. In the first two weeks of July, Khadija's five year old died the isations will continue to save as Kwashiokar), children unable to In September 1992, in a place almost 2,000 families received previous evening and the 12 year many lives as possible with the smile because their faces were so called Baidoa, almost 3,500 people vouchers from Concern. old had just died before we support and generosity of the swollen and had lost all interest died in the first 16 days. Most I met two women at the food arrived. Irish people. in their surroundings. were children under five years of voucher distribution who were She was holding her one-year- Within a month, on 19th In June alone, 500 children age and so many looked like both crying in the queue. old baby tightly in her arms as she August, I had the opportunity to were admitted for treatment to Dekha. On talking to them, Khaltima, cried. return again unexpectedly. that one centre. There were makeshift camps aged 31, travelled for 21 days to Khaltima’s two little children This time the airport was so I examined several of them, everywhere, people living in tents the city. She had lost three chil- were very weak but managing to busy with people and aid gradual- older children too weak to stand made from cardboard boxes and dren in the previous four days tolerate sips of fluids. ly arriving from the international and one year olds weighing five to torn plastic bags and all over- from measles, and her two other In a small section of the camp, community. six kilos the average weight of a crowded. children were seriously ill in the six children had died the previous I visited the nutrition centre six-month-old child here – all Concern was providing shelter, camp. night – all from measles. and the numbers of new admis- being cajoled into eating the main non-food items and was also The other woman, Khadija, a 28- This is one of the main causes sions had more than doubled. nutritious food ‘plumpy nut’ by responsible for water and sanita- year-old mother said two of her of death in malnourished children Again the newly admitted children their mothers and staff. tion in 14 camps in the region. children had attended the hospital and particularly in overcrowded were so emaciated. I sat with one little three-year- We attended a distribution of and had been sent home to die. camp situations. A father had brought his son, old girl, Dekha, who was totally food vouchers allowing a family to Unfortunately, I could not visit A UNICEF team had vaccinated Mohammed, who was three years listless and unable to walk as she purchase an adequate amount of because of curfew that evening 2,000 children in the previous of age and weighed six kilos. was so swollen and refusing all food for a family of five for a but next morning I visited them three days and were planning to But the wonderful thing to see food. was that many of the children Liberty 11 News SEPTEMBER 2011 FOOD NOW ettogroF TheTThh ForgottenFe eenn FamineFaammmiiinnen oncernoroncern Ct f Beneﬁt concerconcert for Concern Featuring:eaturiF ng:eaturi Donal Lunny and PaddyPaddy Glackin Famine zone: The Horn of Africa, above. PaulaPaula Meehan PD and the Undertakers Special Guests to be announced ‘Khaltima, aged 31, travelled for 21 days ThursdayThursday 13th OctoberOctober LibertytLiber y Hall Theatre to the city. She had DublinlinDub lost three children in 8.0000 p.m.p.m.8. the previous four days * & " * & " from measles, and her For more information: *"!" " " ! ! " " T T 3 two other children were EEmail:mail: [email protected] seriously ill in the camp’ TicketsTickets will soon be available from www.centralticketbureau.comwww.centralticketbureau.com Tel:Tel: 0818 205 205

Followw TheTolloF he ForgottenFForor o tg t en FamineFamine BBenefit Cfeneamine Concerteroncit t on FacebookFFacacebook

who had started the programme a It really is impossible to under- month earlier were doing very stand how she keeps going having well, and little Dekha was walking lost five children in less than a around holding her mother’s month. And she is not alone. hand, trying to smile and eating For more than 20 years, Somalia SIPTU Basic her packet of food. has been mired in conflict which This little girl was encouraging has damaged infrastructure and both the staff and parents not to undermined development. But English Scheme give up hope. now they have a severe drought Concern was about to open its and people are once again dying fourth nutrition centre for of starvation. severely malnourished children. Concern has worked in the An estimated 190,000 people country for 25 years and negoti- are displaced and in camps. In the ates daily with all those involved camps where Concern works they had constructed several latrines to successfully deliver humanitari- Right Here, and people were being educated an aid. in safe hygiene practices. The famine is spreading – three other areas in Somalia have been Now Irish Aid had sent in a plane load of non-food items in mid- Mary Robinson with Frances O'Keeffe declared famine zones by the during their visit to Somalia in July Write August and more than 1,000 fami- UN – the financial need to lies had received shelter, cooking Picture: Jennifer O’Gorman/Concern Worldwide respond is enormous and the • reading • writing • spelling • form filling utensils and other essentials. At the food voucher distribution, political situation is extremely UNICEF was continuing to vacci- I met with Khadija and Khaltima. complex and challenging. • note-taking • FETAC nate children and some of them Khadija’s infant was a little thin- But over the last month aid is • English for Foreign Members were beginning to survive after ner but well. increasing gradually and other contracting the measles. Unfortunately one of Khaltima’s international agencies are begin- Another 1,000 families had two remaining children had died ning to work with local partners received food vouchers in the week after we left. And yet to respond to the need of the peo- For more information call: Mogadishu, and in our other loca- here she was sitting in the heat ple in Somalia. Tom O’Brien, Liberty Hall tions in the country we were scal- waiting patiently to collect her Concern plans to continue Tel: (01) 858 6311 ing up gradually with food and food voucher to provide for her expanding its programme once nutrition programmes, construct- husband and only remaining child. more funding is secured. or ing latrines and distributing food Jean Kennedy, SIPTU College vouchers to 8,000 families and You can donate to the Concern appeal at planning to increase to 10,000 by Tel: (01) 858 6498 the end of the month. www.concern.net/drought or by calling 1850 410 510 12 Liberty SEPTEMBER 2011 Features TURNING IRELAND AROUND

ITH her departmental offices She says then her department will be located in Dublin’s north able to provide “what people have often inner city, a short distance Minister for Social Protection called for decades ‘a one stop shop’ so you from the abandoned carcass JOAN BURTON talks to Scott Millar go into your local social welfare office, W of what was to be Anglo Irish there you can get information on your Bank’s new headquarters, Minister for social welfare entitlements and apply for Social Protection Joan Burton is acutely on the mortgage crisis, ending them, but also as you do that you would aware of the country’s economic crisis. But give information about your background despite the inauspicious timing she is poverty traps and a ‘transparent and the labour services side would say hopeful of what can be achieved in govern- and fair’ response to getting our then, ‘Look, why don’t you consider going ment: “There is the old saying, ‘What does- back to education, think about doing train- n’t break you will make you’ so if we can economy back on track ing, work experience or whatever’.” turn this country around and recover that Burton also emphasises the ending of may be the making of us.” poverty traps as key. Early next year, she It was a subject of some controversy that She notes the example of Iceland where a FTER six months in Social Protection, plans to move responsibility for the pay- the Deputy Labour Party leader was not left-wing government has related mortgage Burton has highlighted job activation, ment of rent allowance for those in private placed in a finance ministry following her payments to the current value of homes in A combating fraud and pension reform rented accommodation from her depart- party’s entry into government earlier this a country which, like Ireland, has seen a as the immediate priorities for her department to local authorities. This will see rent year. Her years as party finance spokesper- property crash and declining wages. Burton ment, which with a €20 billion budget is allowance being calculated by a graded dif- son saw Burton achieve notable successes sees a role for her department’s Money the State’s largest. ferential system and not result in people with campaigns to end property-based tax Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) in “I think we have to ensure that particu- losing up to €10,000 in allowances by tak- avoidance schemes, set a minimum tax possibly implementing a similar scheme larly young people, who may not have gone ing up a job offer. level and her leading role in ensuring here. on and completed second level…that they This reform she also hopes will produce Labour was the only Dáil party to complete- “From a MABS point of view I would like have options around education, training, major savings to the €500 million being ly oppose the September 2008 bank guaran- to move to a debt agreement structure work experience and they don’t just drift paid to private landlords each year. On pen- tee. where you have an agreement between the into becoming dependent,” Burton sion reform the Minister is currently Burton has lost none of her appetite for lender and the borrower which maintains explains. “It is the responsibility of this involved in a wide ranging consultation confronting an often-flawed political con- the borrower paying even if the borrower department, and of government, to actually process and hopes to announce far reaching sensus. The day of her Liberty interview may no longer be in the position to pay the give them the options and the opportuni- policy initiatives later this year. she has made it clear in media appearances full amount.” ties, it is their responsibility to engage. More controversially, she has highlighted that she sees an economic and social case She adds: “You really need the lender and Both parties have an obligation.” welfare fraud as an area where major sav- for a degree of mortgage debt relief, some- the borrower to sort this out on a case-by- As part of aiding this process of work- ings can be made. “I want to see in effect a thing previously, and since, dismissed by case basis. I don’t think there is a one-size- force activation Burton welcomes the deci- social welfare fraud squad being created government ministers. fits-all solution to this.” Such a move may sion to move control of approximately with greater co-operation between the “Personally as someone who has been an have costs but the Minister points out that 1,000 former HSE employed social welfare department, revenue and Garda.” She also accountant and worked in banking, I have her department is already paying more than officers and 800 FÁS employment services intends for her department to move “to the thought about this a lot and have also €200 million a year in mortgage interest staff to her department. The first group’s next generation of IT” so allowing for easier talked to colleagues in other European supplement payments, a figure that is like- redeployment she expects to be completed checks on multiple payments and other countries about what happened in those ly to rise. by the end of September while the FÁS fraudulent activity. countries.” workers will move by the end of the year. Burton does not see her emphasis on

Picture: Photocall ‘The crisis will mean that Irish society will learn lessons about valuing people, valuing community more, valuing things like creativity more while still wanting people to be prosperous’ Liberty 13 Features SEPTEMBER 2011 Convincing the TURNING IRELAND AROUND kids of today

such reforms as an adoption of conserva- and we need to think very carefully about tive concerns but rather a reaffirmation of these issues. It may be that doing it collec- core Labour principles: “The Labour Party tively through the state if we get value for is the labour party i.e. it is the party of money makes more sense in a small econo- work, it is not the party of not working. my. People can have a fetish about privati- “I mean, if you went back to James sation which is not based on any kind of Connolly or Larkin’s time that was about sound economics.” work, the dignity of work, the rights of workers and the right to get a fair wage for HE IMF/EU agreement commits a fair days work and actually it hasn’t Ireland to introducing water charges changed.” Tand a property tax to fund local gov- Central to her concerns is also the ernment but it’s a price Bruton believes we defence of the Welfare State as both an will have to pay. On the water charges economic and social entity. issue, she states she is in favour of a “con- “We have a require- servation based ment for considered approach” with a free public investment allocation of water to which if got right can every household. create jobs in Ireland Getting public Implementing the along with a strong IMF/EU deal can be Welfare State which is investment right can expected to have politi- targeted. If we have the cal costs for the Labour combination of those, create jobs along with Party but Burton Picture: Photocall we can see from exam- believes it can weather To this end, ICTU has estab- ples such as a targeted Welfare the political storm. MARTINA O’LEARY Scandinavia that pro- “It’s our responsibili- lished a group of 15 ‘schools vides the strong basis State... such as in ty to try and have the finds out about ICTU’s champions,’ graduate teachers for a modern economy economy turned round. new YouthConnect who are trained to present the where people are paid Scandinavia... providing It’s going to take time. I resource pack to teachers and stu- well and the economy think people know that programme, which is dents. So far 100 schools have is still competitive… a strong basis for a and understand that. It signed up for visits, a positive you’re talking not does involve sacrifices coming to a school start towards ICTU’s ambition of about just free markets modern economy that by everybody including near you. reaching all 750 secondary schools but humane markets,” the people at the very top of the scale.” ASK ANY teenager about trade over the next two years.The easy- she adds. is still competitive... unions and they’ll most likely to-use YouthConnect resource However, before the She believes a “transparent and fair” stare at you blankly. Ask any trade pack includes information for Irish economy can be not about free markets teachers, lesson plans, students’ set on a fairer social response to the crisis unionist ‘what’s our biggest prob- democratic course, but humane markets’ must see across the lem’ and, chances are, they’ll tell information handouts and work- Burton believes the board change including you we need to attract more sheets – all bound together with State must fulfil its progressive reform to young people into our ranks. clear teaching and project objec- commitments under the tax system. With minimum income protec- tives. Its five information-packed the IMF/EU bail-out. “The country is in a tion under attack and youth modules cover the world of work, “We’re not going to be able to renegoti- financial emergency, it is not appropriate unemployment soaring, connect- unions and solidarity, rights at that people on very high incomes should ate that agreement. I think the priority for ing with a young workforce has work and school, globalisation and the country is to eventually be able to say end up paying the same rate of tax as someone on a very low income.” never been more vital for trade equality and inequality in society. the IMF thank you very much and goodbye unions. And vice versa. Now the A new YouthConnect website - and be able to regain full control over our She sees the adoption of Eurobonds, which would involve the EU borrowing on Irish Congress of Trade Unions’ www.youth-connect.ie – is financial sovereignty. If we can actually (ICTU) YouthConnect project is set designed to work hand in hand meet the requirements of the agreement, the bond markets as a single entity, as something which will finally end the eco- to take trade unions and the world with the pack. It contains news and we have been doing that quite well, I nomic crisis stating that “there is no doubt of work into classrooms across the and information on the five mod- think we can get the country into recovery that there are the collective resources there mode much more quickly.” country. ule themes, a section for teachers, to address the difficulties in the euro- This student-focused resource an e-zine and a platform for stu- In the social protection area she believes zone.” the confines of the deal must be re-exam- pack, with accompanying sup- dents to discuss and explore the However, what is delaying the adoption ports, aims to raise young peoples’ issues that interest them most. ined due to the previous Fianna Fáil/Green of this proposal is the fact that most EU administration getting “dreadfully wrong” governments are currently centre right. She awareness of the role and activi- ICTU’s YouthConnect project is the estimated level of unemployment until cautions against accepting “a fiscal strait ties of Irish trade unions. It also working closely with the Irish 2014. jacket” which would curtail the State’s abil- promotes collective action and the Second-level Students’ Union “The Labour Party said at the time these ity for investment as a price of adopting value of participating in schools, (ISSU), which is Ireland’s repre- estimates are not correct – on average Eurobonds. communities, unions and other sentative body for second-level there are 47,000 more people unemployed Both the upcoming Dublin West by-elec- organisations. students. Both aim to encourage each month than was actually provided for tion and presidential election will be key ICTU’s project coordinator students to become more aware of in the budget.” tests of the public perception of Labour in She says that although the IMF/EU deal Fiona Dunne says eight out of ten their rights, and to assert those government. In Michael D Higgins, Burton kids have never heard of a union. rights in school and the workplace. commits Ireland to cuts and revenue rais- believes Labour has a candidate who could ing, the economic decisions made at State “They don’t know who we are. help change the atmosphere of Irish poli- They don’t know what unions do. level will still have a defining effect and tics. the emphasis must be on maintaining a “Somebody like Michael D would be a If there’s no family connection For more information “capacity for investment and growth.” different kind of president bringing that fewer and fewer young people are contact Fiona Dunne at She criticises an “avid population of element of creativity. I think as president, becoming union members. [email protected]. deficit hawks among the economists of he would bring a sense of engagement and YouthConnect is about getting into Ireland” saying “I think the role of social a sense of enjoyment to the office… he is schools and making young people welfare in terms of economic stimulus is more than just a Labour Party person.” aware of what we do,” she says. not sufficiently recognised… yes, we have Michael D’s election could also be part of Initially funded by IMPACT’s to trim, yes we have to have cutbacks, but I heralding in a period of wider cultural think we have to do this in way that is tar- former Tax Officials branch, the change. “One area where the Celtic Tiger programme is being launched for geted.” certainly went overboard, among a certain The Minister would not be drawn on the new school year. It centres on set of people, was the worship of money Follow what this trimming may mean for social for its own sake.” She believes the crisis a five-module teachers’ resource welfare payments in the upcoming budget. may result in wider Irish society learning SIPTU on pack. Fiona and her team are She said that budget decisions will be “lessons about valuing people, valuing Twitter offering teachers an introductory taken on completion of the Governments community more, valuing things like cre- session on how best to use it, comprehensive review of expenditure. ativity more while still wanting people to along with two copies of the Burton also sounds a word of caution be prosperous.” impressive pack - one for teaching concerning privatisation. “Everybody has and one for the library. seen the example of the disaster of Eircom 14 Liberty SEPTEMBER 2011 Comment

Susan O’Keeffe How we can get top marks in smart economy of the future

HE Leaving Cert is over – this. But, these young people will exams or perhaps continuous made to exploit that or risk los- tough as the Leaving. all over again. A total of also be thinking of opportunities assessment. ing our competitive edge. Yes, we know that some of 57,000 young people beyond these shores and they are How can we build a smart Above all, an increase in joined- these students, today trying to have joined the statistics right to do so. Not simply economy without school comput- up thinking between government find their feet in a new educa- Tand the analysis of their results because of our economic difficul- ers and without computer science departments is necessary. tional environment will, in three will aim to tell us what is hap- ties and the fact that thousands being taught at this level? Education, Enterprise and or four years time, leave our pening in our schools. of graduates are unemployed but School students also need Agriculture and Food need to be shores but it is up to us to make That will take some time to because ours is a global economy some real practical advice on in constant dialogue to plan sure that they don’t all have to assess but those that are going on and global experience is valuable, money management and the properly for the future and to leave and that those who do, do to third-level can already tell us especially when brought back work environment; many transi- find ways of ensuring that those so because they want to bring the quite a lot about our economy home. tion year schemes touch on these leaving school next year and experience back here to an econo- and our future in the next five to But in the next few weeks, my which is outward looking. 10 years. their sights will be set more firm- These would-be students are ly on where to get the money to Ensuring those who leave school next deserting construction, account- pay for college and where to find year have concrete job and training ancy and business, and the arts a bed. and journalism are less popular. Some will worry if they have opportunities will require hard work Agriculture is the new kid on chosen the right course or if the popularity block, along with indeed they can summon the and diligence – just like the students! psychology, sport, multi-media energy to start studying all over and computer science. Nursing again after the marathon of the and para-medical courses have Leaving Cert. Amidst all that, but without sufficient depth. beyond will have some con- also seen a jump in applicants. they will be bombarded by advice We must recognise what our crete direction on career and The much-mentioned “smart from websites, career advisers, students have shown us they job opportunities, coupled economy” is hard to discern in parents and friends as to what know; that we must expand and with the necessary skills to this mix of choices. they should be doing and what grow our food and medical indus- enjoy and maximise their expe- Instead the re-emergence of the they should avoid. tries with real force and drive. rience of future training or edu- basics of food and health are very And in the next few weeks, the Both areas have seen signifi- cation. much in evidence, perhaps a salu- government needs to learn some cant expansion in the last five That won’t require luck. It tary reminder that there will hard lessons too. The promised years but both will need real sup- will require hard work always be a demand for trained, reform of the Leaving Cert syl- port to go on growing – a difficult and diligence – just skilled people in these areas. We labus must be pushed ahead, to ask when the language of the like the stu- will always need to eat and peo- ensure better language grades, now is cutback and austerity. But dents! ple will always be ill and the technology and computer sub- both sectors have real jobs poten- It’s a class of 2011 has rightly spotted jects and better scheduling of tial and every effort must be test, as

Susan O’Keeffe is a journalist and Labour Party senator

College Courses re-starting in September 2011

HETAC – ICTU / SIPTU Business Other courses include; Examples of further training Studies (Trade Union Studies), is Basic Shop Steward, Basic Safety courses are Advanced Shop starting on Monday 19th and Health (FETAC), Basic Steward (FETAC) and Advanced September, Module 4 “Introduction Organising and Recruitment and Safety and Health (HETAC). For to Irish Employment Law”. Basic Pensions. For further infor- further information on these mation on these courses please courses contact your Sector Contact SIPTU College for further contact your Union Organiser. Organiser. details at 01 4530199 or email Follow [email protected] SIPTU College looks forward to SIPTU on welcoming and working with all Twitter course participants into the future. Liberty 15 SEPTEMBER 2011

Diary of a Southside TD

Monday: Tuesday: column. Still, it is a bit disap- Howlin and Burton are a surprise minor follies. Some chance! I bet pointing that everyone from and I am a bit confused. Perhaps I Enda is dusting down my Fingers The Sunday papers missed my Sitting here in my holiday home Gaybo to yer man with the unpro- was wrong in not backing Joan B fanzine already. tweets on the final day of the pondering the irony of life. I’ve nounceable name who commen- for Finance after all. I’ll reserve Dáil sitting. My constituency spent the past few months Yes, dear, I’ll have the Fondue tates in broken Erse has been judgment on the Miniature for colleague Peter Matthews gave attacking Sarkozy and Madame Bourguignonne - Salade Verde mentioned and no one has Public Service Reform. baldy Noonan a pasting and I Lagarde, the darling of Europe, and pass another glass of your thought to ask me. described it as “a delicious and yet this is my heaven. Once I’ve no fears about Bruton. Richard finest Chateau spat”. Now there’s a rumour that you can ignore the socialists, the Word has just come through that is a true blue and is living up to my Margaux. Life Matthews is becoming disillu- unions and the pesky workers Gaybo is out of the frame and the expectations. Between him and the is tough at sioned with Fine Gael and may France is a joy. She who must be Sindo is looking at a range of High Court we can be sure that the the top. follow in the footsteps of George obeyed insists that I limit my possibilities. The short list is get- workers will be well and truly Lee or, worse still, go independ- intake of domestic news but it’s ting longer and includes everyone stuffed. ent. At parliamentary party also a joy to know that I’ve been from Twink to Bosco. My own sur- meetings he is showing off his proved right on so many fronts. prise is that no one has men- superior knowledge of finance The country is banjaxed. By the tioned any of the bearded Friday: and banking and it’s driving the way, the man who more or less brethren. President Begg is more What is one to make of Anglo boys from the sticks mad. coined that phrase wants to be than even I could cope with! Irish asking Fingers Fingleton to crowned president. My money is return the €11,500 watch which Experts on everything are insuf- on Kathleen putting her foot he got as a retirement gift? I was ferable – which is why I go to down but Gaybo will lead us all in thinking of having a collection such lengths to hide my bril- Thursday: a merry dance for a few days among all the Sindo hacks liance. Peter better remember Sipping Chateau Margaux (1953, a before he bales out. who wrote nice things that when it comes to independ- wonderful year) on the terrasse of about Fingers over the ents in Dublin South I rule the maison de Shane and reflecting years. I defended him roost. upon the vagaries of life. The arse against a heave at Wednesday: has fallen out of the pensions I got great mileage out of the the AGM in 2003 I’m glad I did not support Norris. industry, the media is in turmoil Brussels summit. Enda refused and for a long The other independents were and Seanad Éireann is for the chop my demand that the Dáil recess time after that. quick to row in behind him but I yet here I am on the pig’s back. I be postponed for just one day. As told Finian that I was staying well am in a unique position to cast We loved him I tweeted “TDs want buckets and clear of the ‘Norris for President’ judgment while accepting no in Middle spades” so all we got was a one bandwagon. Blue blood may be responsibility. Oh, and hedge fund Abbey hour debate. No one had the bad thicker than water but I did not managers are doing just fine. Street and manners to point out that I have get where I am today by allowing in Talbot already had my holiday – which Noonan is proving to be somewhat Trinity friendships stand in the Towers and I clashed with an important eco- of a disappointment – I did not like way of political advancement. think we nomic debate. the way he was charmed by should stay Always knew David was a loose Lagarde and he is scared to death loyal to our cannon and they were always of Merkel. Enda also seems to be a friends. Yes the going to find something in his bit afraid of these strong European watch was extrava- closet. I’m still waiting for the call women and even Lucinda seems to gant but surely we but have decided that I won’t run be buying the Brussels line. can overlook such unless they let me keep my Sindo

Membership Information & Support Centre Follow SIPTU on email: [email protected] Facebook 16 Liberty SEPTEMBER 2011 News

A more inclusive, creative Ireland

By Michael D Higgins base. There are, I hope, many who may An Inclusive Citizenship vote for me based on my record of Challenging the idea that someone FIRST and foremost, I would say that integrity and consistent independence of should be valued by their property or there is still a way to travel in this cam- mind throughout my public life. money with radical inclusion and a posi- paign and certainly no room for compla- The Presidency is a serious political tive vision of what it is to be a citizen in cency. The current opinion polls, while office – one that combines the need for Ireland. A life-long advocate for womens favourably disposed, are merely a snap- careful judgment as to the compatibility rights, civil liberties, and social justice, I shot in time. of legislation with our Constitution with believe that no-one should suffer the However, having travelled nearly a genuine empathy for, and understand- effects of exclusion and everyone has a 20,000 km across Ireland in recent ing of, the difficulties faced by so many contribution to make. months, I have certainly met with warm in our society at the current time. conversations and genuine support from As President, I would offer both head A Creative Society a wide cross-section of Irish society – be and heart in the service of the Irish Creativity opens up possibilities in every they workers, business people, the people. There are four key strands to the area of life from art to science to how we unemployed, community activists, vision I am offering and I believe we can talk to each other. As Minister for Arts women’s groups, migrants, the LGBT achieve them together. As President, I and Culture 1993-97, I helped turn a community, sports fans, farmers, or peo- would devote myself to strengthening £12 million film industry into a now ple with a disability. our citizenship at home and our reputa- thriving €500 million industry and I see I have been struck by how many of tion abroad. even greater social and economic poten- those I meet, of all ages, are keen to play tial today, from audio-visual production, their part in shaping a more inclusive, A Real Republic animation, music, software and games creative society. One based on equality, participation and development; to a crucial role in restor- From the creation of a community gar- respect. The Constitutional Convention ing our spirits and sense of ourselves. den for the unemployed in Ballinrobe, to which the Government has promised for the opening of a new guitar school in next year will be an important opportu- Proud to be Irish in the World Ennis to technology and design initia- nity to reflect and renew, looking to our As President, I would build on my expe- tives in Dublin’s inner city, I have seen history while shaping our shared future. rience of representing Ireland abroad, to the generosity, humour and huge poten- As President, I would take a strong inter- deepen all strands of our international tial being expressed by Irish people in est in this Convention and also hold a reputation, from culture and business even the most difficult circumstances. series of Presidency Seminars on wider innovation to humanitarian and peace- I am very grateful to the Labour Party issues – the first of which would focus keeping work. I would also strengthen which has given me its nomination. on younger people and their vision for connections with past and current gener- However, the campaign will also invite a the future of our country. ations of our diaspora and with Irish wide range of support from beyond that business networks world-wide.

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Email your answers to [email protected] or post to Clayton Hotel, Ballybrit, Galway. Liberty 17 Comment SEPTEMBER 2011 Liberty

By JACK O’CONNOR View SIPTU General President MICHAEL D FOR PRESIDENT THE National Executive Council (NEC) of SIPTU has As a minister he helped to generate thousands declared its support for Michael D Higgins in his bid of jobs in the film and other creative industries and to become President of Ireland. played the lead role in the development of Telefís na The NEC decision to endorse his candidacy is Michael D is the Gaeilge, now TG4. based on Michael D’s long association with the He also successfully legislated for the abolition of union, his many years as a labour organiser and Section 31 of the Broadcasting Act as a contribution human rights activist, and his huge contribution to only credible choice to the unfolding peace process in the North. Irish life as a progressive politician, not least as Michael D is a democratic politician of substance Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht in the to represent this and one that can be relied upon to ensure that the mid-1990s. responsibilities of Presidential office are upheld, As recounted in the last edition of Liberty, Michael country, at this including the vital role as protector of the D, as a young lecturer and founder member of the Constitution in the event of a significant political crisis. Education branch of the Workers’ Union of Ireland, difficult time, in its led a successful battle for union recognition at Over recent weeks, the contest has been charac- University College Galway in the early 1970s. terised more as a battle of celebrities rather than a highest political office serious question of which candidate is best suited, During his lengthy political career as Labour Party through his or her experience and wisdom, to the TD for Galway, he has campaigned honourably and challenge of representing this country, at this diffi- honestly for working people in his constituency and cult time, in its highest political office. on this island and for the rights of oppressed people There is no question that Michael D is the only across the world. credible choice on offer. Decisive action needed on mortgages THE continuing rise in the number of people unable In fact, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions made a Some of those lecturing families in difficulty on to meet repayments on their residential mortgages similar proposal last year but it was ignored by the their imprudence were among the cheer leaders for makes the need for decisive action by the Fianna Fáil led coalition. the boom town rats. We appreciate the Government Government a matter of urgency. Whatever strategy is adopted, the emphasis should is awaiting a report from its Economic Management As a first step it should declare clearly and be on alleviating the misery and repairing the social Council on the mortgage problem before deciding unequivocally that no one who is doing their best to damage which has been caused over the past three the way forward. make payments will lose their home. years. This cannot be concluded soon enough because We are not advocating any particular approach, but We all have a duty as citizens to help those in seri- only a radical, comprehensive debt resolution suggestions that a new independent agency with ous difficulty. Demonising people as imprudent process can address the problem. quasi-judicial powers should be set up, possibly when they were being advised at the time that buy- funded by the banks, along the lines suggested by ing a home was the prudent thing to do by those the Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton, who were supposed to know is unjust and achieves should be examined carefully. nothing.

1) Who is the chairperson of housing charity Threshold? 2) Name the Ukraine born oligarch who now employs former junior Minister Conor Lenihan? 3) What date is the SIPTU concert to raise funds for the famine in Somalia? Liberty Quiz 4) Who directed the film ‘The Wind that Shakes the Barley’? *Answer the six questions correctly 5) Which Colombian political movement did Aida Avella formerly lead? 6) Which team did Shamrock Rovers defeat to become the first Irish side to qualify for the and you can win a weekend away for group stages of a European football tournament?

two in one of Ireland’s Fair Hotels. Last month’s winner: Alan Moynihan, Cork City Council Answers by e-mail only to [email protected] *Terms and conditions apply. 18 Liberty SEPTEMBER 2011 Economy West’s growth model has broken down By Vic Duggan ...what if this crisis is the new normal? UCH of the orthodox can the answer be government analysis of the West’s withdrawal from the economy recent economic tra- through aggressive austerity. vails puts the blame With western politicians hell- Msquarely on a failure of political bent on slashing budgets, the Fed leadership. Reality requires a and the Bank of England have more complex narrative. stepped into the breach by further Yes, the US came inexcusably loosening monetary policy. close to committing hara-kiri by The ECB took the opposite failing to lift its debt ceiling with approach. Having already slaugh- a balanced, timely, comprehensive tered one sacred cow by buying programme for long-term fiscal the bonds of Eurozone sovereigns, sustainability. however, it may only be a matter Yes, the European Union strug- of time before it is forced to ditch gles to deal with the fallout from monetary tightening as global the inherent contradictions at the growth slows. heart of its monetary union. Embracing moderate inflation Certainly, political failure does- may be part of the answer, but n’t help lift the pervading sense there may be no quick fix to the of crisis, and the uncertainty it West’s economic malaise. breeds contributes to financial We may well be faced with a market volatility but it is market decade of stagnation and high failure, not political failure, that unemployment as firms, families is at the root of our economic and countries nurse their debt malaise. induced hangovers and rebuild In short, the West’s growth their balance sheets. model is broken. On both sides of For long-term recovery, we need the Atlantic, cheap credit and the a new global compact for balanced smoke-and-mirrors of financial growth. For its part, the West must innovation-speculation were the re-learn the virtues of thrift and key drivers of growth since the delayed gratification. bursting of the dot-com bubble. We need to invest in our infra- Improvements in living stan- structure, in education, and in sci- dards for working people were entific research. These will be key largely illusory, a debt-fuelled con- to achieving holistic competitive- sumption frenzy and asset bub- ness and sustainable prosperity in bles belying ever-more-perverse the 21st century. Making the headlines in Dublin... but what if the West has entered a period of bigger booms and bigger busts? Picture: Photocall income and wealth inequalities. We need to learn that it is only Private sector credit had explod- was gripped by epoch defining transatlantic economy rooted in Indeed, Japan provides a cau- through innovation – not through ed in both the EU and the US, recession, its banking system fac- the doldrums. If our economies tionary tale. Its property and equi- debt, consumption and specula- most strikingly in Spain, Ireland, ing collapse. Governments reacted were growing, wages and prices ty markets peaked two decades tion – that we can push back the the US and the UK, which saw with unprecedented fiscal and rising, the debt overhang would be ago, never to fully recover. Japan’s frontiers of the global economy’s mind-blowing property bubbles. monetary stimulus and bank challenging but manageable. sovereign debt is more than 200% growth potential. As inevitably had to happen, bailouts. The net effect was the Financial markets have just col- of GDP. It remains mired in a slow The alternative is bigger booms the credit bubble burst, slowly at avoidance of a second Great lectively realised, however, that a growth, low inflation trajectory. and bigger busts. first in late 2007, then in spectac- Depression, but a spike in sover- return to robust growth is not So, what if the West’s current Vic Duggan is a Masters In ular fashion in 2008, exemplified eign debt. imminent, and that this debt over- “crisis” is the new normal? The Public Administration (MPA) can- by the Lehman collapse. It is this public and private sec- hang will play havoc with answer to a debt-inspired crisis didate in Economic Policy As credit contracted, the West tor debt overhang that has the prospects for recovery. cannot be more debt, but neither Management at Columbia University. New York.

A member, applying on his/her own behalf or on behalf of his/her EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT SCHEME child/children, must have at least one year’s membership of the Union and MEMBERS IN FURTHER EDUCATION GAELTACHT AWARDS FOR be in benefit when both the application The scheme will offer up to MEMBERS’ CHILDREN and the payments are made. ten awards each year. Up to twenty-five awards will be made each year for the children of members to Application forms and further SECOND-LEVEL AWARDS FOR cover the cost of their participation information available from your Sector MEMBERS AND FOR MEMBERS’ CHILDREN (accommodation and tuition fees) in a Organiser. Up to thirty awards will be made each Gaeltacht course under the scheme year to second-level students to cover operated jointly by SIPTU and Gael Linn. Closing date for receipt of completed the senior cycle (the two years up to applications is 30th September, 2011 the Leaving Certificate). (for awards 2011/2012). Liberty 19 Economy SEPTEMBER 2011

Dole queue... but stats show it is women who are being hit hardest Picture: Photocall Ireland Unemployment € among women rising more rapidly

LAST month saw a stark increase The largest percentage increase in the number of women joining was in the Midland region the Republic’s 469,713 unem- (+2.0%), followed by the South- Europe’s on the ployed. The seasonally adjusted East and Border regions at 1.2% total is 449,600. and 1.0% respectively. There was a monthly increase of The number of females 1,200 females and 400 males on increased in all regions in the year the Live Register in August, to August 2011 with the largest according to the latest figures percentage increase in the from the Central Statistics Office. Midland region (+6.7%). slide economy is The Live Register figures show The number of males on the that the number of female Live Register decreased in all claimants increased by 5,888 regions with the largest percent- (+3.5%), to 172,860 over the year age decrease in the Mid-West to August 2011 while the number region (-2.4%). of male claimants decreased by In the year to August 2011, the turning Japanese 3,098 (-1.0%) to 296,853. largest percentage increases in Annual increases in the Live unemployment by occupation Register were recorded in all but group were in sales (+6.3%) and By Martin Fitzpatrick Downtown Tokyo was estimat- which I visited, properties one of the county’s regions, with the personal and protective serv- ed to be as valuable as the ended up at less than 1% of the a slight decrease in the Mid-West ice (+6.0%). THE EURO continues to lurch entire United States. values that held at the top of (-0.9%). from one crisis to the next. The In one district in Tokyo the the market. only certainty at the moment is best properties were fetching The worrying thing was that that the currency (and our eco- close to $1million a square it took the Japanese authorities nomic future) is going to have metre! Even Anglo Irish Bank so long to see what was hap- to be decided by another “cru- might have jibbed at that one – pening. Seven years after the cial summit” and that crisis will or perhaps not. peak Japanese banks were still be followed by another “crunch Properties were so valuable making loans that had a low meeting” and another and yet and demand was so great that probability of being repaid. another. the famous “coffin” hotels were At the moment, market Community Campaign As far as Ireland is concerned invented in which patrons occu- traders and some economists small steps on cheapening bail- pied what were effectively large are pointing to comparisons out costs and extensions to the drawers. Meanwhile, the which suggest that the west is period of indebtedness are Japanese banks boomed as the turning into Japan. being made but there is no map demand for financial assets They see large debt burdens Open Meetings for all of any sure and predictable soared. I remember publishing a resulting in sluggish growth return to what most of us list of the top banks in the after the stock market falls and Community Sector Workers would like to think of as nor- world and Japanese banks occu- a profoundly inadequate and mality. pied some six or seven of the confused political response to Indeed, to prove how utterly places among the Top 10. the troubles. abnormal things are, the latest UNSUSTAINABLE Experts who have had time to Building a Strong Worker Voice & buzzword in economic circles is analyse their mistakes in deal- Defending the Community Sector a poorly-understood concept Of course the whole thing ing with the slow Japanese slide called “Japanisation”. was unsustainable. point to stock market and prop- The Tokyo stock market Thursday 8th September, 11am It is being suggested that erty crashes, zombie banks, SIPTU, Connolly Hall, Lapps Quay, Cork Western economies are headed peaked on the second last day deflation, low interest rates, for perhaps two decades in a of trading in 1989. The slide sometimes zero interest rates Friday 23rd September, 11am condition similar to the zombie was not exactly precipitate but and high debt-to-GDP ratios. Perys Hotel, Glentworth Street, Limerick City state in which the Japanese it was long. All of these decorated the Every few months some brave Thursday 29th September, 11am economy has wallowed since downward path of Japan and all Carlton Hotel, Dublin Road, Galway the property boom of the late stock broking heart would spec- are problems facing the Western 1980s. And that is something ulate that the slide had gone far economies. Makes you think! Thursday 13th October, 11am enough and the falls were pre- SIPTU, Liberty Hall, Dublin 1 that would not be wished on For clarification purposes I anyone. senting “handsome buying checked with the magazine Thursday 27th October, 11am I was in Japan at the very end options”. Global Finance to see how Best Western Sligo Southern, Strandhill Road, Sligo Town of that boom and witnessed They could not have been many Japanese banks are some of the strange manifesta- more wrong. Last weekend, the included among the list of tions of that time. relevant Nikkei stock market “World’s 50 Safest Banks.” The For more information Tokyo was awash with money index is still as much as 75% answer is one. Phone (01) 858 6365 | Email [email protected] as trade with the rest of the below that peak in 1989. Martin Fitzpatrick world boomed and the Yen Property values took an even is a journalist and NUJ activist SIPTU MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION & SUPPORT CENTRE (MISC) appreciated. The stock market bigger hit. In some of the places soared as did property values. in the Tokyo financial district 20 Liberty SEPTEMBER 2011 Economy NAMA... in whose interest? NAMA is incurring losses of billions of euro and has failed in its stated aim of freeing up bank lending. CONOR McCABE asks who really benefits from the agency’s existence. Pictures: Photocall Ireland

HE creation of the banks via State (rather than coalition had hoped that the cost National Assets NAMA) recapitalisation. of buying these loans could be Management Agency in This was pointed out in a letter placed ‘off-books’ and so not to the Irish Times on 17th April 2009 was an exercise in counted as part of the national T power. It was done in the 2009 which was signed by 20 face of vocal, including trade economists. “Rather than create debt. union, opposition, and its role in fully healthy banks capable of The rating agencies thought merging bank debt with sovereign functioning without help from the otherwise and told the debt played no small part in the State,” they wrote, “the process Department of Finance that it arrival of the ECB/IMF in may continue to leave us with treats “off-balance-sheet arrange- November 2010 and the decima- zombie banks that still require the ments [such as NAMA].. as direct tion of Fianna Fáil as a political state-sponsored life-support force in Ireland. machine that is the liability guar- obligations of the government.” The new government’s mainte- antee.” This, of course, is what As a result, NAMA severely affect- nance of NAMA underlines the took place. ed Ireland’s credit rating in the assertion that the present eco- Towards the end of the letter, months leading up to the momen- nomic crisis has revealed a deeper the economists touched upon tous events of November 2010. truth; that Ireland harbours more what they probably believed to be Irish private bank debt has to powerful forces than Fianna Fáil. the real reason behind NAMA, but These economic and social were too cautious to explicitly be decoupled from sovereign debt forces have greatly undermined state out loud. “The Government’s if there is to be any chance of the real economy in Ireland and plans seem likely to keep in place growth in the economy. It is a have, through the bank guarantee good and bad loans. The then inject liquidity into the Irish bank- finance minister, the late Brian ing system, to get the economy the current management at our dead weight. and NAMA, a drowning man’s grip biggest banks,” they said. on the future direction of this Lenihan, reckoned that “among moving again. It did nothing of The fact NAMA continues to the loans to be transferred are the sort. “It would be difficult to avoid exist is testimony to the power of country. claims of crony capitalism and On 8th April, 2009, the previous about €60 billion of land and The proposal – to buy loans at a those it is designed to protect. property loans. The remaining €20 discounted price as a means of golden circles were billions of government said that the creation State monies to be placed into the And whoever that is one thing is of NAMA would ensure that “opti- billion to €30 billion of loans are recapitalising the banks – carried banks with minimal changes in certain: it is not us. mal value for money is obtained secured on investment properties an inherent contradiction. The their governance structure.” for the taxpayer”. It would pur- – office blocks, shops and hotels – larger the discount on the loans, Conor McCabe is the author of ‘Sins In July 2011, it was revealed that chase property portfolios from the which have been provided as secu- the greater the need to recapi- Of The Father – tracing the decisions rity for the speculative loans talise the banks. Every cent it just 180 individuals had debts of banks at a discount, and these that shaped the Irish economy’, portfolios would consist of both drawn by developers.” saved on the loans, was simply €65 billion which were bought by The purpose of NAMA was to one more cent to inject into the NAMA. The Fianna Fáil/Green available in all good book shops.

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www.fairhotels.ie Liberty 21 Economy SEPTEMBER 2011 Irish needs sacrificed to the interests of the Paris Berlin axis Nicolas Sarkozy Angela Merkel Pictures: Photocall Ireland By Peadar Tóibín French political considerations tude of the FF/PD government this awash with cash from their trad- same inherent reality deficit. will be the driving force of future did not happen. ing partners which they lend back Merkel and Sarkozy want euro- HE latest Franco-German Irish economic policy. Ceding pivotally important fis- to these same trading partners in zone members to introduce a bal- proposals to address the Through the years, countries cal tools, on top of the already order to maintain continuing anced budget by 2012! euro crisis were primarily experience many different eco- ceded monetary tools, strips exports. This is a process that sim- Much of Europe’s economy is designed to shore up nomic problems. Some are unique Ireland of the ability to govern ply cannot continue and will imploding and on top of this they Tdomestic political support in both and some challenges are shared. ourselves and will cost our econo- require either a devaluation in the have forced Ireland to shoulder countries. Ireland, for example, has been my dear. debtor countries or a debt default. tens of billions of euro of private This was done by avoiding fed- at a completely different stage of It makes Ireland no more than a A currency devaluation is not bank debt! eralisation of the debt and the economic cycle than most vassal of a European fiscal federa- open to Ireland and, as a result, Like you, the markets did not through the launch of the euro other EU countries since the foun- tion. It will substitute a necessary Germany and France seek to force believe this possible either and it zone “real economic governance” dation of this State. tailored fiscal response with a a devaluation of Irish living stan- led to some of the most extreme idea. The recent property bubble in “one size suits” Germany and dards through some of the harsh- market volatility seen in recent The embryo of the latter was Ireland is a case in point. France policy instead. est austerity ever implemented in decades. discussed in the plan by the two When we needed higher interest In many ways, the relationship the western world. Nearly six months ago the peo- countries to develop corporate tax rates to cool the market down, between Germany and the EU What France and Germany ple of this State voted overwhelm- harmonisation and to co-ordinate Germany’s sluggish economy periphery is similar to the rela- announced at the August meeting ingly for substantial debt sharing. future budgets. labouring under unification need- tionship between China and the was a “head down, muddle Restructuring private bad debts, The fact that discussions on the ed low interest rates. US. through” policy with little change overhauling taxation systems, cur- future of the EU have become the Without monetary sovereignty Germany and China have com- from the July meeting. tailing public spending waste and sole property of France and we had no choice but to accept petitive advantages in manufactur- Eurobonds were ruled out and massively stimulating European Germany underlines the inherent Germany’s damagingly low inter- ing and the provision of services. quantitative easing was not high- economies remains the only solu- democratic deficit at the heart of est rates. We did have the ability They also have a system to arti- lighted. tion. But neither this government, the EU project. to dis-incentivise property appre- ficially depress their currency Central to the meeting was the France or Germany is listening. value with their trading partners. If this development is allowed ciation at the time through fiscal Peadar Tóibín TD is Sinn Féin spokesperson As a result both countries become to continue, domestic German and measures but due to the inepti- on Enterprise, Jobs & Innovation Should we tax speculation? By Tom McDonnell ministers calling for the introduc- competitiveness resulting in job a report by the IMF concluded it tion of FTT and Nobel Laureate, losses. should not be dismissed on FINANCIAL Transaction Taxes Paul Krugman, argues that if the The argument is that, given the grounds of administrative practi- have hit the news again with charges had been in place they mobility of capital, market opera- cality. Chancellor Merkel and President would have helped prevent the tors will simply move to jurisdic- EU officials have said the rate Sarkozy announcing their support current crisis. tions where the tax is not applica- would be set at a very low level to for introducing the charges during So what is this tax? ble such as one of the many deter avoidance, likely well below the recent eurozone crisis meeting. It is a tax on transactions involv- benighted offshore tax havens. 1%. The Franco-German proposal ing currency exchanges and the Although the UK has been cau- The truth is FTT can actually didn’t come out of the blue with sale or purchase of stock, bonds, tious about FTTs, it already has a increase the efficiency of financial Austria, Italy and Spain signalling futures and other financial assets. 0.5% stamp duty tax on all trades markets. This will occur provided they would also support the idea. The main rationale for introduc- Paul Krugman Joseph Stiglitz in UK shares. This raises £4 billion they don’t cause an inferior alloca- There is also wider support. The ing the tax is to curb excessive ate, as well as providing an invest- annually in revenue for the British tion of capital but simply reduce European Parliament voted in speculation and damaging market ment fund which could be drawn exchequer. the volume of trading. favour of introducing a Financial volatility, and to help prevent the on to combat recessions or to sup- It is the oldest existing tax in The economy as a whole will Transaction Tax (FTT) in March type of asset price bubbles which port environmental and humani- the UK and doesn’t appear to have end up benefitting because all this this year and a survey of more wrecked the Irish economy. tarian projects. impacted on the competitiveness “wasted”’ activity is then freed up than 26,000 Europeans conducted The Bank of England is among A further attraction of the tax is of the City of London. to be redeployed to more produc- last May found over 60% support- those which have identified high its positive redistribution effects China, India, Indonesia, Italy, tive activities. ed the FTT principle. frequency trading as an on-going because most of the impact will South Africa and South Korea also A FTT may yet end up being one Economists including Joseph and serious systemic risk. fall on the very richest in society. tax the purchase and sale of com- of the positive long-term legacies Stiglitz, Jeffrey Sachs, Dani Rodrik Other rationales include making The main risk which is put for- pany shares. of the current economic crisis. and others recently came together financial players contribute to the ward against the introduction of a Feasibility is another argument Tom McDonnell is to sign a letter to the G20 finance cost of the crisis they helped cre- FTT is that it will lead to a loss of used against the tax. Despite this, a TASC policy analyst 22 Liberty SEPTEMBER 2011 Economy Slaves to cult of competition

By Adrian Kane alternative to the never-ending Ireland. growth. sion while the efficiency gains of downward pressure on wages? This was presented as helping “That rupture has undermined the newly-promoted economies UNION spokesperson During the height of the Celtic to safeguard the future of jobs in the old wage-based system of are not balanced by a comparable recently interviewed on Tiger period, the perceived wis- Ireland. Regrettably, it is simply demand growth forcing a turn to advance in the living standards of a radio show made the dom was that we could afford to the next step on the continuum of reliance on debt and asset price their populations. reasonable point that the live in a post-manufacturing the transfer of production associ- inflation to drive growth.” Greau is not against competition A state should keep hold world. ated activities which transpires This is fundamentally of a dif- per se, but he is if this competi- of strategic publicly-owned utili- Indeed, this nonsense has been once manufacturing is off-shored ferent order to what has gone tion is based purely on the price ties. He was then slated by the peddled all over the before. Even Henry of labour. The type of protection- interviewer for holding an “ideo- western hemi- Ford, no fan of the ist model he advocates would per- logically-based” position. sphere for decades. trade union move- mit any enterprise to contest Such is the dominance of the We could have a ment, realised the European markets through Foreign neo-liberal model that to have an global division of need to pay workers Direct Investment (FDI) – this opinion which diverges from the labour that would enough so that they would exclude competition on the consensus is an “ideological” posi- see the emerging in turn could con- basis of low wages, while encour- tion while backing the privatisa- economies in the sume the very goods aging it when based on higher pro- tion of public utilities is not. East manufacturing, they were making. ductivity. The ‘P’ word is of course The point at which an ideology and the West Hence, Ford’s intro- verboten, yet the Americans and has triumphed is when it is per- retaining its domi- duction of the $5 French have always protected ceived, not as an ideological-held nance through a day. what they saw as their key indus- position, but as “common sense”, growth in service What has replaced tries; the Americans in respect of the accepted norm. industries, R&D, this premise, howev- their arms industries while the It is our role as a progressive high-end technolo- er, and sustained French continue to retain large movement to challenge these gies, etc. economic growth chunks of their economy in state accepted norms. We need to put The simple truth over the last two hands. the common sense of current eco- is that unless it decades has been the Greau’s views need to be debat- nomic mainstream thinking which manufactures increased indebted- ed. He certainly doesn’t have all has left us in such dire circum- goods, a country ness of workers and the answers. But at least he chal- stances under vigorous scrutiny. quickly becomes asset price inflation lenges economic conventions and One such accepted norm is the impoverished. ‘The simple truth is that i.e. the property bub- offers credible alternatives. continuous need for increased Typically, what unless it manufactures ble. Regrettably, this is sadly lacking in competitiveness. happens with the So what is to be any debate we hear on economics The recent annual hourly earn- transfer of manu- goods, a country quickly done? We hear only in this country. ings survey by the CSO, which facturing to the becomes impoverished.’ of tactical differ- The unfortunate reality is that showed that labour rates in East is that the ences in relation to the economic policies being foist- Ireland have dropped significantly associated activities fiscal policy being ed on us by the Troika will contin- in some sectors of the economy, eventually follow. discussed by the gov- ue to depress wages, which in was welcomed by virtually all South Korea is a good example. in the first place. ernments of the world. turn will depress domestic mainstream (that is to say neo-lib- America had a substantial TV man- But how can Irish workers com- Meaningful change is thin on the demand and ensure that a return eral) economists. ufacturing industry in the 1970s. pete with wages in China or India ground. to growth remains elusive. The continuous downward pres- It then began to be outsourced to that are a fraction of their own A French economist, however, The economic pillars of the sure on pay has significantly Asia, principally to South Korea. income. Jean-Luc Greau advocates a type of Right need to be deconstructed – increased our competitive advan- Today, South Korea is at the cut- GLOBALISATION protectionism as a European their so-called “common sense” tage, they claim. ting edge of the manufacture of Thomas Palley, a Washington- response. The new economic arguments need to be challenged One of the main arguments TV screens. The ‘eureka’ moments based economist, succinctly globe presents itself as a world of at every turn. advanced by employers during the associated with innovation and describes the net effect globalisa- competition across all goods and But, more importantly, the Left current debate over the future of product development, in truth, tion has had on the price of services that can be traded inter- needs to construct viable econom- Joint Labour Committees (JLCs) is happen close to the production labour in Western societies. nationally, he states. But the com- ic alternatives and not be trapped centred on the need to increase lines. He said: “In sum, globalisation petition is more and more by an economic debate that is our competitiveness. Increasing Recently a large IT company in has increased international labour unequal. being reduced to tactical discus- competitiveness is seen as a uni- Ireland informed its workforce competition, which has con- Europe and America cannot sions on fiscal policy. versal good, but what does it that some of its “low-level” R&D tributed to rupturing the link compete with the emerging Adrian Kane is Sector Organiser mean? What is its logical conclu- was being transferred to India but between wages and productivity economies without suppressing at SIPTU. sion? And is there any realistic the “high-end” was remaining in demand and breaking social cohe- It’s time to seek an economy for society

By Niall Crowley cess used – economic growth. to state that without economic sustaining our current economic porations. It is also failing in terms of soci- recession, Ireland would have system. The absence of economic These are some of the questions ety with high levels of unemploy- been a long way from its Kyoto growth reflects the failure of this and ideas that need to be debated ment, inadequate funding of pub- targets for 2013. economic system. across different sectors of civil lic services and growing inequali- Do we want to go back to where There is a growing understand- society if we are to build a power- ty. we were or should we not explore ing of the unsustainability of ful force to demand an economy Do we keep plugging away at alternatives? relentless economic growth in a for society. This debate is timely LAIMING Our Future is this or should we not explore Traditionally, we have defined finite planet. as the 20th anniversary of the developing a further alternatives? the success of our economic sys- There is also a growing recogni- 1992 UN Earth Summit approach- policy theme with a Current policy is supposed to tem in terms of GDP. Prosperity tion of the social impact of relent- es. national event on ‘An restore the boom times. Even if it has come to mean wealth, income less economic growth which com- The Rio Declaration on C Economy for Society’ to could, these were times of and possessions. modifies people, relationships Environment and Development be held in Cork on 5th November. extraordinary concentration of There is a growing demand for and values. committed governments to a The event will be preceded wealth with the top 1% holding alternative approaches to measur- Alternative ideas for and new model of sustainable development by debate on www.claimingour- 34% of the wealth and the richest ing economic success. approaches within economic sys- that included the eradication of future.ie and by local events 10% of households earning eleven Measurement should take account tems have emerged with a capaci- poverty, environmental protection around the country. times more than the poorest 10%. of the social and environmental ty to better connect the economy, and the reduction and elimination A thematic working group is These were times of unsustain- costs of the current economic sys- society and the environment. of unsustainable patterns of pro- currently preparing support mate- able greenhouse gas emissions. tem. There are approaches such as duction and consumption. rials and can be contacted via Greenhouse gas emissions fell by It should factor in a broader the green economy, steady state The ambition in agreeing this [email protected]. an unprecedented 5.4m tonnes understanding of prosperity that economy and sustainable econo- declaration has yet to be matched We have an economic system (nearly 8%) in 2009. encompasses issues such as well my. There are local economy in its implementation. that is failing in its own terms This was due to the economic being, health and community. approaches and approaches against the only measure of suc- recession and prompted the EPA Economic growth is essential to involving robust regulation of cor- Liberty 23 Features SEPTEMBER 2011

Photos of Dublin scenes from a recent exhibition by Tommy Clancy

Tommy Clancy is a professional photographer Clockwise from left: Beckett Bridge at night; Trinity College under snow; and graduate of DIT. His work has appeared in all A night reflection in the river Liffey of the Irish national newspapers, as well as in many foreign publications, including Newsday, New York, Libération, Paris and the London Times.

Email Tommy Clancy: [email protected] Class and power at core of English riots

By Scott Millar learn a trade, and be defined by their skills.” MORE THAN 1,000 people have He added: “Well, they destroyed been charged with offences relat- that. [Margaret] Thatcher ed to the four days of civil disor- destroyed that. She consciously der which convulsed many destroyed the workforces in English cities in early August. places like the railways, for exam- The disturbances began on 6th ple, and the mines, and the steel- August at a protest against the works... so that transition from shooting dead by police of a adolescence to adulthood was young black man in Tottenham destroyed, consciously, and know- but over the next three nights ingly.” spread across London and other Debate over the causes of the cities as mainly poor young peo- riots will impact on the plan by ple, from all backgrounds, joined British trade unions’ to campaign in attacking shops and the police. UNISON chief Dave against their government‘s cuts The British trade union move- Prentis, above, praised agenda (partly modeled on the the work of public ment was quick to make clear its sector employees in failed Irish approach to the reces- position. helping communities sion) this Autumn. Unite general secretary Len during the riots. Left: The British government is likely Police during height of McCluskey, inset below, disturbances to use the possible threat of civil said:“Rioting solves nothing – all disorder to curtail marches while it does is bring ruin to people's structure can only make this chief of staff Andrew Murray dis- that it happens because of class the damaging effect of cuts on lives and fear to working-class worse.”Tory ministers, and their puted the government's line, and power in this society.”In a communities will be high on the communities.” media allies, were quick to offer pointing out that in Nottingham, recent interview Wind that Shakes union agenda. Calling for a thoughtful their own reasons for the dis- "six police stations were the Barley film director Ken Loach However, both sides will have to approach to the “deep-rooted order, including the growth attacked – they don't attack has pointed to longer term agree with Dave Prentis, general problems” underlying the civil dis- in single parent families police stations to get a pair processes to explain the civil dis- secretary of Britain's largest public order, he added: “A substantial and – bizarrely – white of trainers." order. sector union, UNISON, when he minority of young people simply youth adopting “black cul- He added: “It might be an “It seems to me any economic said: "While everyone will have do not feel connected to a society ture”. oversimplification to say structure that could give young their own view on the reasons and where the prevailing ideology They also empha- this happened because of people a future has been causes behind the outbreaks of prizes individual wealth above sised the “apolit- unemployment, depriva- destroyed. Traditionally, young violence, one thing is certain – everything else, including commu- ical” nature of tion and the cuts but people would be drawn into the public service workers were there nity cohesion. Unemployment and the disorder. it’s not an over-sim- world of work [where they would] when our communities needed the dismantling of the social infra- Unite plification to say learn about responsibilities, and them.” 24 Liberty SEPTEMBER 2011 International Congress calls on Gilmore to back Palestinian UN bid

By Philip O’Connor Palestinians were seeking a state creation and growth of illegal set- on just 22% of their historic home- tlements on the occupied lands, ON 19th July the executive of land. It called on the Irish which are now the major obstacles Congress voted unanimously to Government to support the to peace.” call on the Government to support Palestinian UN recognition bid. Pro-Israeli interests claim that UN recognition of a Palestinian Palestinians in these territories UN recognition would “jeopardise State when it comes before the have been under Israeli military the peace talks”. But all of General Assembly this Autumn. rule for more than 44 years, while Palestinian political society sup- In a letter to Tánaiste and Israel has continued colonising the ports it, including the parties Minister for Foreign Affairs, area, planting more than 500,000 Fatah and Hamas, along with most Eamon Gilmore, Congress recalled settlers there. elected independents as well as the long record of Irish trade This, as Eamon Gilmore himself the Palestinian trade unions and unions in supporting a just solu- told the Dáil on 13th July, “is at civil society. tion and pointed out that with the heart of the unresolved Arab- In their letter to the Tánaiste, their acceptance of a state in Gaza, Israeli conflict”. He added: “It is the Congress leaders wrote: the West Bank and East Jerusalem, the continuing occupation, and the “Palestinians are now seeking the PALESTINE TRADITIONAL DANCE FOOD TASTING EXHIBITIONS MUSIC Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore, with leading Palestinian negotiator, Dr Nabil Shaath, during his visit to Dublin in July to seek Irish support for the UN recognition bid

ultimate form of international unionists, there is a historical reso- recognition for their state, that is, nance in this. The Palestinian lead- UN membership. We urge the Irish ership is calling on the nations of Government to not only vote for the world to recognise their decla- UN membership but also to ration of statehood, just as Dáil encourage other EU states to do Éireann, in its famous “Message to the same. . . A Palestinian state the Free Nations of the World” in will only come about if external January 1919, called for the recog- pressure is brought to bear on nition of the new Irish state, a call Israel to withdraw from the occu- which Irish labour took up suc- pied territories.” cessfully at the time in the inter- For Irish people, and Irish trade national labour movement.

Mechanical Fitters needed Granite Service International is currently looking for Mechanical Fitters, with experience in heavy duty gas turbines, and/or generator or DOORS OPEN AT 13.00 steam turbines. LIBERTY HALL THEATRE 2011SIPTU BUILDING, EDEN The company is currently seeking to fill positions in Design and layout by : www.abeddesign.wordpress.com SEPTEMBER 17 QUAY, DUBLIN, IRELAND Ireland but will also have opportunities coming up abroad. All colleagues have to do is forward names and A CELEBRATION contact details by email to the undersigned and As Palestine prepares to take its place amongst the states of the SIPTU will forward them on to the company contact. world, celebrate the identity and nationhood of the Palestinian people It goes without saying there is no guarantee of employment but an opportunity to enter into a process and interviews will be in Glasgow.

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Mission of Palestine Liberty 25 International SEPTEMBER 2011

INTERVIEW Aida Avella testifying before the Inter- American Colombian trade union leader AIDA AVELLA Commission on Human Rights, Washington DC, in 2007 Trade unionists in Colombia face death each day from a policy of fire and blood Picture: Juan Manuel Herrera - OAS/OEA

By SCOTT MILLAR Latin American dictatorships over “The first one of these plans, the not voice any opinion because they to the US (on cocaine trafficking the decades. Currently, people are first of a number, was called ‘Red don’t want to take the risk. There charges) but the middle ranks were N COLOMBIA you can be still being murdered, tortured, dis- Dance’ – this plan was to murder are a lot of popular organisations left intact. killed for being active in a appeared and imprisoned. everyone elected for the PU in the still but they are risking their lives. “These paramilitary gangs are trade union. Over the last 25 “The people don’t know about 1986 election.” “The government is insisting the still working in close association years more than 2,850 trade this reality. All they hear about are MURDER number of trade unionists being with the military. Iunionists have been killed by these smoke screens that they use. killed is declining. There was a “Human rights associations, Aida has no doubt why left-wing death squads linked to the military Already in 2011 we have had 20 political activists have been target- French trade unionist who said, trade unions, people on the left, forces of the Latin American state. trade unionists killed.” ed for death in Colombia. ‘Yes, the number of trade unionists the opposition, all of them are con- Yet, later this year, the European The killings began with a She said: “The Colombian bour- killed will go down because soon stantly threatened. Union intends to sign a Free Trade vengeance in the mid-1980s follow- geoisie merged with the drug deal- there will be no trade unionists “Now they proclaim a law of Agreement which will give ing a decision by the main ers creating the paramilitaries left’.” land restitution but anybody who Colombia preferential trading sta- Colombian guerrilla organisation, (right wing militias) and they have The Colombian trade union steps up to claim their land is tus. FARC, to unite with other left-wing at their disposal the School of the movement is strongly opposed to killed. One woman who has witnessed forces and launch the Patriotic Americas run by the US which is a Free Trade Agreements with the US “Who kills them? The paramili- at first-hand the violent onslaught Union political party as part of a continental school for murder. and the EU, seeing them as a form tary gangs – these gangs work for on the Colombian trade union wider government-backed peace “Their actions are in perfect of economic neo-colonialism which those who have the power and the movement is Aida Avella. accord with the national security result in profits moving from less wealth, those who have made a A teacher and trade union doctrine of the United States, developed economies to more profit out of the war and that is activist for over two decades, by developed countries in a manner why they are still carrying it on.” “The people don’t whose stated goal is to annihilate the early 1990s she was leader of the internal enemy and in only beneficial to multi-national So what keeps Aida and other the FENALTRASE public sector know about this Colombia it was applied to the ulti- corporations. Colombian political activists going trade union and later general secre- mate perfection. ONSLAUGHT in the face of mass murder and tary of the Central Union of reality. All they hear “There are no racial connotations However, the years of onslaught exile? Workers (CUT), the Colombian in the Colombian conflict – it is a have left the once mighty Aida replied: “We have to hope trade union umbrella group. about are these class conflict, when the bourgeoisie Colombian trade union movement that a different country can be Active in the left wing Patriotic smoke screens that attack, it doesn’t matter if you’re severely weakened. achieved where there are human Union (PU) political movement, indigenous, Afro-Colombian, a Reflecting on this fact, Aida said: rights and no room for political ter- she was elected to the Colombian they use. Already in white worker or a peasant.” “Now in Colombia only 4% of the rorism, which has a real democracy assembly before being forced to When the killings began, guerril- working class is organised. In the where people have the right to flee her homeland in 1996. 2011 we have had la leaders quickly returned to their face of a policy of fire and blood, health, to land and the right to Aida Avella visited Ireland in late think. 20 trade unionists rural strongholds and re-launched many trade unionists have disap- July to promote the Colombian the insurgency. peared. “We keep our hope, we keep the Left’s opposition to the EU trade killed.” Aida and other political activists “There are also currently over faith. It is inconceivable that all agreement and the documentary continued to campaign for the PU 7,000 political prisoners in these people that have died and film The Red Dance, which and she was among 70 citizens Colombia, many lingering in jail disappeared will have suffered to recounts the story of the mass elected to write the new 1991 for many years without due have the same country as now, we murder of PU activists and was process. Colombian constitution. process, many mothers with chil- hope for a different direction. shown in Liberty Hall theatre. Aida, as a member of the However, the killings continued dren in the prisons.” “The Colombian bourgeoisie will In a lengthy interview she first Colombian Communist Party, and after four attempts on her life, The Colombian trade union have to learn they must change. outlined to Liberty the scale of the became involved with the PU at its which included a rocket being fired movement has praised the position Also, the intentional community atrocities committed against the founding. at a car in which she was travelling taken by Irish MEPs in opposing must change because many govern- PU. Remembering that time, she in central Bogota, Aida moved into the EU Free Trade Agreement, ments have been accomplices to “Before I became president of said: “The government did not exile in Switzerland. which is due to be finalised this the situation in Colombia.” the Patriotic Union, there was stick to its commitment to guaran- She continued: “After 15 years year, but has also called for greater already over 1,200 militants killed. tee that the insurgency could move I’ve never gone back to Colombia. I focus on the on-going human “In 1993 when I was president on to political life. On the contrary, know if I go back my life is at risk. rights violations. we took a case against the state for they did the opposite. “The people that gave the order Aida continued; “They say the political genocide. We had 1,167 “The government started selec- to kill me are still in power, I have paramilitaries were supposed to “There are also cases for which we had complete tively murdering people with the family in Colombia but they are have been demobilised some years information. military and paramilitaries carrying people who do not take part in any ago but all their military structures currently over 7,000 “Over the following years we out the killings in planned cam- political activities. were left intact. Some of the lead- political prisoners kept recording cases and we now paigns. “Many people in Colombia do ing paramilitaries were extradited have around 5,000.” But when asked why a killing in Colombia, many spree on such scale has not attract- lingering in jail for ed more international attention, KILLING Aida replies that there are “many ZONE many years without ways to disguise the slaughter”. She added: “In Colombia, one is The graves at La Macarena containing hundreds of due process, many to say it is all about drug dealing, unidentified bodies – the other way to disguise it is to presumed to be civilians, mothers with victims of extrajudicial say there is in Colombia a so-called executions committed by democracy, because you elect and the army. In the background children in the vote for a president and an open is located the military base of La Macarena prisons.” parliament. “But, in reality, there are worse For more information and to help support Colombian trade atrocities committed in Colombia than there were in many of the unionists visit www.justiceforcolombia.org XX26 Liberty SEPTEMBER 2011 Culture Art for society’s sake By Scott Millar

OME visual artists only seek to create work that is pleasing to the viewer; others believe it is an By ILLONA DUFFY S artist’s duty to play a role in attempting to bring about positive social change. Among the Irish artists in the latter group are Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin and Ella Burke. In recent exhibitions both artists, Ó Croidheáin through the medium of painting and Burke through sculpture, have sought to reveal hidden aspects of the human condition and ask the question, ‘Can we as a society not change things for the better?’ Ó Croidheáin’s Making Cents: Life Below the Bottom Rung series of paintings, which were exhibit- ed in the Pearse Centre in Dublin late last year, seek to “reveal” the reality of working and living conditions endured by many Third World participants in the global economy. Describing the impetus behind the paintings, Ó Croidheáin said: “The globalisation of the world economy has allowed for extremes of exploitation of workers in poor countries. This exploitation is 'hidden' behind advertis- ing and aesthetically designed products. Looking at the people behind the products reminds us that our lifestyle has its negative side too. “Like many bad sit- A selection of uations they contin- paintings from the Making Cents: Life ue without change Below the Bottom for a long time Rung series by Caoimhghin Ó because of a lack of Croidheáin awareness of their inspired by the exploitation of existence by many workers in the who often benefit developing world directly or indirectly from top left Haiti, from them.” India and China The series of paintings include repre- sentations of gar- Ella Burke’s works ment factory workers The Bump, far left, A Monument So We in India and people Can Forget, left, scavenging on a rub- and, below, Jim bish dump in Larkin Rests Cambodia and fol- O’Connell Street statue of Jim lows other politically enthused Larkin and other works that have works by Ó Croidheáin drawing questioned the nature of “monu- upon Irish society and history. mental memory”. Ó Croidheáin added: “Visual Burke added: “I want to raise artists have been commenting on questions about society’s values society since William Hogarth, a and the way we act together to pictorial satirist who, during the create a society which is positive early 1700s, used art to comment and the role of culture in that. on the politics and customs of his “My work also seeks to raise an time. her artistic work. In an August Burke displayed a piece which naturally, and rendering it useless interest in the way we use our “The same challenge still exists exhibition entitled Disavowal was constructed of tyre tubes by wedging it into space to make public spaces and buildings, some- today – how can the visual artist which was displayed in the wedged into the exhibition space. a monument to inertia, to something that is particularly relevant make images that have a profound Joinery arts space in Dublin, “The piece was part of a theme thing that has been made redun- now that NAMA owns quite a per- effect on people and their view of Burke and fellow artists Elaine of questioning about what we do dant or valueless in our society,” centage of them.” society and so hope to contribute Reynolds and Francis Wasser, trust or put our faith in. she said. The young artist has More of these artists work to making a better society for all?” showed pieces which sought to “The work was taking some- previously made works utilising a Ella Burke also brings a serious can be seen at “highlight and critique the rea- thing that is industrially redun- plaster cast of unemployed http://gaelart.net/www.ellaburke.org concern with social conditions to sons behind social inertia”. dant, a car tyre tube which floats women in the pose of the Liberty 27 Features SEPTEMBER 2011

MIND DIABETES... THE SILENT EPIDEMIC DIABETES is a chronic disease insulin-dependant diabetes. This or lack of exercise to help reduce betics who have impaired glucose Art for society’s sake where there is too much glucose in form usually presents in young the blood glucose, or the body is tolerance and who with lifestyle YOUR the blood stream, meaning that the people under the age of 35. It resistant to the insulin and does change can prevent themselves ever blood sugar level is too high. accounts for 10% of all diabetics not allow it to reduce the glucose developing full diabetes. Uncontrolled diabetes causes and occurs due to a lack of insulin. levels. Many Type 2 diabetics can be increased risks of heart disease, It tends to present quite suddenly Type 2 diabetes tends to present treated without medication but it HEALTH strokes, kidney failure, blindness often during an infection. Typically, more slowly and studies have means a total change in lifestyle and death. a patient will present with sudden shown that many have the disease with weight loss, exercise and By ILLONA DUFFY Therefore, it is vital that diabetes fatigue, weight loss, thirst and fre- for seven years before it is diag- is diagnosed early and treated quent urination. If not treated it nosed. Unfortunately, a delay in healthy eating. If this does not aggressively. It is estimated that can cause dehydration, drowsiness diagnosis means that silent damage work, medications are added that there are 200,000 people with dia- and death. The treatment for Type is occurring to vital organs in the either stimulate the pancreas to betes in Ireland and that many of 1 diabetes is replacement insulin. body. produce insulin or help the body these are unaware of their illness. This comes in long-acting and Type 2 diabetes has a strong fam- react to the insulin. A small num- A further 200,000 people have short-acting forms and most ily tendency and this should be a ber of Type 2 diabetics do require impaired glucose tolerance, a form patients inject themselves with the warning to those who have a family insulin. of pre-diabetes, and 40% of these insulin a number of times a day. member with the disease. Other Diabetes remains the main rea- people will develop diabetes within Special injection pens mean that risks factors for Type 2 diabetes are: son for blindness and kidney fail- five years. Diabetes rates in the this is not as painful as it sounds. obesity, lack of exercise, those with ure in the developed world. It developed world are increasing dra- Newer treatments include nasal a history of high blood pressure increases the risk of stroke and matically. spray insulin and insulin pumps. and cholesterol, older people, high heart attacks and, therefore, death. The high blood glucose (sugar) Treatment is for life although alcohol intake and anyone with levels associated with diabetes research continues to study the role increased waist circumferences Because of this all diabetics are occur either because of the failure of pancreas transplants especially (more than 80cm in women, more deemed high risk and should to produce insulin or the inability for the small group of patients who than 96cm in men). receive the flu vaccination annually. of the body to respond to the develop Type 1 diabetes because of Diabetes is diagnosed by check- Anyone with risk factors should insulin. damage to their pancreas. ing the blood level of glucose. This be screened for Type 2 diabetes Insulin is a hormone produced by Type 2 diabetes accounts for can be done using a small machine from the age of 45 and more impor- a gland in the abdomen called the 90% of all diabetes and because of that checks a drop of blood from tantly address any reversible risk pancreas. increasing obesity, sedentary the pin prick to the finger and this factors.Type 2 diabetes is now When you eat food the blood lifestyle and high calorie diets this is how diabetics monitor their being classified as an epidemic in sugar level rises and insulin is continues to rise. sugar levels. the developed world and the secreted by the pancreas to allow Type 2 generally affects people The most accurate way of diag- shameful fact is that we are giving the glucose (sugar) to be absorbed over the age of 40 years but because nosing diabetes is by taking a blood ourselves and our children this ill- to provide energy to the body’s of childhood obesity we are now sample from the arm and some- cells. Without insulin the glucose worryingly seeing it present in chil- times a special test called a glucose ness though our unhealthy remains high in the blood and this dren. tolerance test is done where a num- lifestyles. The good news is that it’s leads to damage to kidneys, eyes The pancreas does produce ber of blood samples are taken, never too late to change our diets and other small blood vessels. insulin but it is either not enough starting with a fasting sample and and exercise levels and thus pre- There are two types of diabetes: to meet the high blood glucose lev- then after taking a high sugar drink. vent or cure it! See your GP for Type 1 was previously known as els, because of high dietary intake This test can pick up the pre-dia- more advice.

Illona Duffy is a Monaghan based GP and member of the Irish Medical Organisation SIPTU joins Retiring workplace safety chief silent vigil at made ‘marvellous’ contribution Belfast A&E By Sylvester Cronin many times but to no avail. mate for work-related deaths We would SIPTU has called for better servic- I made the claim, at an interna- here, according to the report, like to wish es for distressed and suicidal peo- THE Health and Safety Authority tional occupational safety and comes to 1,298. him well in ple who go at night to the Mater (HSA) annual report for 2010 health conference in 2005, that in This represents the scale of the his retire- Hospital’s Accident and records a total of 48 people killed SIPTU’s experience the real level difference between Ireland’s offi- ment and Emergency unit in Belfast. in Irish workplaces. of work-related deaths was not cial statistics and what is actually thank him It comes as members of the If figures are examined over the being officially recognised and happening to workers. for the mar- union attended a silent vigil last 20 years, an average of just was, thus, grossly understated. Dr Jukka Takala became Director vellous work staged by campaign group PIPS under 60 deaths a year is logged Another contributor at the con- of the European Safety and Health he has done (Public Initiative for the in the official Irish statistics for ference, Dr Jukka Takala – a direc- Agency (EU-OSHA) in 2006, with for all work- Prevention of Suicide and Self- those who die in accidents inside tor in the International Labour the support of the European trade ers, especial- Harm) outside the hospital on the workplace. Organisation (ILO) – agreed with union representatives on the ly Irish 12th August. SIPTU recognised many years the basic proposition that all Agency’s administrative board. workers. OSH pioneer: SIPTU representative Anne ago that counting only those work-related deaths were not While in the Agency he contin- I will leave Dr Jukka Takala Thompson said: “We believe too killed in accidents inside the being counted properly. ued – and indeed advanced – his the last words to Dr Takala: “I many distressed and suicidal peo- workplace did not capture all Shortly after, Dr Takala pioneering work to increase love Occupational Safety and ple and their loved ones are pay- work-related deaths – the official launched a hugely important awareness of Occupation Safety Health at work and it has domi- ing the ultimate price for failures figure probably represents only report, Decent Work – Safe Work, and Health (OSH) problems and nated my life for a long time. in the system. the tip of the iceberg. on workplace safety. find real and innovative solutions. “I believe deeply in fighting to “As a trade union we strive for a According to the union, a con- The document outlines global In my view, he has made an obtain the best possible working better social wage for all citizens. servative estimate of at least 500 estimates of fatalities caused by enormous contribution to conditions for every single worker We are calling upon the people a year die, needlessly, due work-related diseases and acci- improvements in OSH both in in Europe and beyond. Department of Health and Social to work-related causes. dents around 2001/02. Europe and across the world. “I find my work particularly Services to ensure that appropri- Some of these causes would be The report’s estimates for During a number of visits to rewarding when I can contribute ate measures are in place to sup- road traffic accidents, occupation- Ireland in 2001 makes for stark Ireland, Dr Takala spoke at confer- to this major objective.” port vulnerable people seeking al cancers, occupational asthmas, reading when compared with the ences, met various groups and urgent assistance. work-related heart diseases, official figures for the same year. took part in radio discussions and Dr Takala’s report Decent Work “In situations like this society asbestos-related diseases, and ill- Ireland reported to the ILO that debates always promoting – Safe Work can be down- does not get a second opportunity nesses due to exposure to danger- 66 people were killed in work- improved standards and practices. loaded at: to resolve the issue and the sys- ous substances. place accidents in 2001, but when Dr Takala retires this month www.ohsa.org.mt/docs/intrep_0 tems must be robust enough to SIPTU brought these concerns to all other factors, including work- from his post as Director of the 5.pdf support people at their most vul- the attention of various ministers related diseases, the total esti- European Agency. nerable.” 28 Liberty SEPTEMBER 2011 Know Your Rights

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS The Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 Annual leave and public holidays

By Tom O’Driscoll All employees under a contract of consult with you or your union at employment whether full-time, least one month beforehand and What is (a) annual leave and part-time, fixed-term or casual must also have regard to your (b) public holiday? (with the exception of members need to reconcile work and fami- Under the law (The Organisation of the Garda and the Permanent ly responsibilities and the oppor- of Working Time Act 1997), annu- Defence Forces) are covered. tunities for rest and relaxation al leave is the minimum legal Apprentices and temporary open to you. right to paid time off from your agency workers are also covered, employer for up to four weeks although in the case of the latter, b) Public holidays per year, or “pro rata”, depending it is the party who pays the In the case of public holidays, on the amount of time worked in wages that is responsible (i.e. the there is similarly no service qual- the year. agency or the client employer ification. However, part-time Similarly, there is a right under they are assigned to). workers must work 40 hours in the law to paid leave, or time off, the five weeks preceding the pub- in respect of nine public holidays What are you entitled to under lic holiday in question in order to (These are sometimes – but the Act? qualify. Holiday time: St Patrick’s Day parade in Dublin incorrectly – called “bank holi- (a) Annual leave There are nine “statutory“ public days”, which are days on which In the case of annual leave, first- holidays set down in law: banks have traditionally closed to ly, there is no service qualifica- • New Year’s Day, your normal week’s wage. Court, provided any such appeal the public, such as Good Friday, tion. In other words, you do not • St Patrick’s Day, Further, if you are asked to work is made within six weeks of the but which are not necessarily have to be in the employment for • Easter Monday, on a public holiday, then you are decision. public holidays). any particular period of time • First Monday in May, entitled to: We also have to distinguish the before you begin to build up your • First Monday in June, • An additional day’s pay, or What redress can you get? fact that some employers give entitlement as follows: • First Monday in August, • A paid day off within a month, The Rights Commissioner can more than the legal minimum of • Four weeks (your normal work- • Last Monday in October, or decide your complaint is well annual leave, sometimes, for ing week) paid leave in a leave • Christmas Day, and • An additional day of annual founded (or not) and if they find leave. example, providing “service year where at least 1,365 hours • St Stephen’s Day. that your complaint is well leave” in addition to basic annual are worked, or In the case of these holidays, founded, they have the power to leave. • One third of a working week where they fall on a day that you Where can you go if you do not get your entitlements? require your employer to pay you Therefore, when the question is for each calendar month that an normally work, you are entitled compensation of up to two years asked, there are sometimes two employee works at least 117 to: If you do not get what you are remuneration. answers – a legal one, as under hours, or • A paid day off on the holiday, entitled to under either annual If the Rights Commissioner’s the Organisation of Working • 8% of the hours an employee or leave or public holidays, you, or Time Act and which we are deal- works in a leave year (subject to a • A paid day off within a month, SIPTU on your behalf, can refer a decision is appealed to the ing with here, and one which is maximum of four weeks). or complaint to a Rights Labour Court, and the Court particular to your own workplace. The pay must be given in • An additional day of annual Commissioner within six issues a Determination which is advance and calculated at the leave, or months. not implemented within six Who is covered for annual normal weekly rate. • An additional day’s pay. If either party – i.e. you or the weeks, then an application can leave and public holidays by However, while it is the employer If, however, they fall on a day on employer – is not happy with the be made to the Circuit Court to the Organisation of Working who ultimately decides when which you do not normally work, Rights Commissioner’s decision, have it enforced at law. Time Act 1997? leave is to be taken, they have to you are entitled to one fifth of it can be appealed to the Labour Mind the Gap... PRSI and under 65s

By Rosheen Callendar or ‘credited’) must be at least 48, 260 ‘paid’ contributions. But what ways of doing this: It is the best, easiest and cheapest over the same period. about (b) their ‘yearly average’? way of making sure your PRSI ARE you under 65 and have you • With ‘paid contributions’ (e.g. record is kept intact and your already retired? Are you in receipt Most people who have worked for from some form of insurable pension is secure. of an occupational pension and/or many years, paying full ‘Class A’ THIS IS WHERE THE GAP employment or self-employment); looking forward to also receiving PRSI contributions almost non- PROBLEM COMES IN. So, check your PRSI record with stop, think they will have no diffi- • With ‘credited contributions’ the Records Section, Dept. of the full (contributory) State (because you are claiming and/or Pension when the time comes? culty fulfilling these ‘contribution This is because 40 years of PRSI Social Protection, McCarter's conditions’ and expect to get a contributions will give them a receiving a social welfare pay- Road, Ardarvan, Buncrana, Co. If so, you need to be very, very full state pension when they total of 40 X 52 (weeks) contribu- ment); or Donegal, putting your request in careful about your PRSI contribu- reach 65 or 66. But they may need tions, i.e. 2,080 altogether (of • By paying ‘voluntary contribu- writing. (Remember, they are tion record! to think again. which only 260 need to be ‘paid’ tions’ (expensive!) if all else fails! always busy and may not be able contributions). to respond very quickly) And if you haven’t already For example: someone retiring ’Voluntary contributions’ are checked it, perhaps you should do this year, 2011, at age 60, will But if they started working and expensive – and generally a ‘last DO IT TODAY AND DON’T PUT so now. And then do some simple have to wait six years before they paying PRSI at age 20, by the time resort’ solution. IT OFF! IN ANY EVENT, MAKE sums, just to be sure that you they are age 66, their ‘yearly aver- SURE YOU DO IT WELL BEFORE receive their State Pension, for ’Paid contributions’ are the solu- don’t get a nasty shock when you which they think their many PRSI age’ number of contributions will YOU GET TO 65 OR 66 YEARS reach 65 or 66. be 2,080 divided by 46, which is tion for anyone taking up any OF AGE. contributions will qualify them at form of employment or self- age 66. only about 45 – well below the You probably know what’s needed requisite 48. employment after they retire. Then, do your sums and work out to qualify for the current State Suppose they had 40 years of full, whether you need to be making Pension (Transition), at age 65, This means that this person’s ‘Credited contributions’ are the more PRSI contributions before paid, PRSI contributions, or even thing for most people who have (until 2014 when this is to be 40 years of contributions that pension will only be 98% of the you get to 65/66. abolished and the qualifying age full rate, not 100%. A small retired before the age of 65/66. included a few periods of ‘credit- So remember, the main message: for a State Pension is to be 66 for ed’ contributions (i.e. because enough difference – just a few If you are claiming, or in receipt everyone). they had been on a Social Welfare euro per week – but over the of, any social welfare payment, MIND THE GAP! payment such as Maternity years this is not a loss that any- you should receive ‘credits’ auto- Your PRSI contribution record one with a long work record will Check your PRSI record, do your must show that: Benefit, Disability Benefit or matically – but it’s important to sums and, if necessary, fill any Unemployment Benefit, during wish to accept. check your record all the same – (a) You have at least 260 PAID major gap(s) with paid/credited/ which time they would have auto- So what should one do to avoid to be sure. voluntary contributions, as contributions since you first start- matically received ‘credits’). this unwelcome loss of pension? ed working and paying PRSI; and Even if you are not receiving a appropriate. They will easily qualify under (a) Basically you must FILL THE social welfare payment, you are (b) Your ‘yearly average’ number GAP with PRSI contributions of Make sure you get the full state above, i.e. they will easily have permitted to ‘sign on for credits’ – pension! of contributions (whether ‘paid’ some kind! And there are three and this is what you should do. Liberty 29 Tradition SEPTEMBER 2011 New bid to honour Rebel County’s ‘forgotten’ hero

By Trevor Quinn

HE Cork Council of Trade Unions (CCTU) is to embark on the next leg of its mission to have the Ttrade union movement recognised for the vital role it has played in the economic and cultural success of Ireland’s second city. As part of this initiative, the CCTU is this year celebrating the life and times of the great trade unionist Tadhg Barry. Cork’s slain labour activist and poet Lord Mayor Terry Shannon, second from left, with John Bowen and Ann Piggott of Tadhg was indeed a tremendous Tadhg Barry CCTU and UCC historian Dr Donal O Driscoill. Inset top: The Tadhg Barry pin ambassador for the workers of Cork. research project on the history of was also a published poet and ensure “it was done right”. are delighted that at our initial Through his position as Cork the CCTU and from there my well-known journalist. The CCTU is seeking to have a meeting he stated that we were Branch Secretary to the ITGWU interest in Tadhg was ignited. He was a regular contributor to street or road named in Tadhg’s “pushing at an open door”. and Secretary to the Council of I found him to be fascinating the ITGWU publication The Voice honour. We are working with the Lord Trade Unions, he worked tireless- subject and was impressed by his of Labour as well as being a We have produced a commemo- Mayor’s office to put together a ly to protect members and drive, commitment and involve- founder of the Cork Irish rative union pin with the support lecture date in the City Hall and to improve the economic and social ment. Volunteers. of SIPTU and we are producing a have an official memorial service lives of the working class across To me, Tadgh was a modern Da The Trades Council supports all booklet on the life and times of to this “forgotten” workers’ hero the city and throughout the coun- Vinci, displaying an all-round tal- activities related to the proud his- Tadhg in conjunction with Donal at the Cork Republican plot in ty. ent, from trade union organiser to tory and actions of workers across O’Driscoll from UCC and the November. Tadhg was murdered We first became aware of Gaelic scholar. He helped set up the county and when the idea of SIPTU Communications by British Crown Forces in Tadhg’s activity during the golden Scoil Naoimh Mhuire, the famous honouring Tadhg’s contribution Department. Ballykinlar internment camp in anniversary of the CCTU (as it is west Cork Gael school, where past was raised, it was unanimously The CCTU has also met with the November 1921. now known) in 2010. pupils included Tomás MacCurtain supported. Lord Mayor, Cllr Terry Shannon, Trevor Quinn is a SIPTU organiser Tom Bogue undertook a and Tomás Mac Donagh. Tadhg A working group was set up to to discuss our campaign and we and a member of the CCTU This summer marked the 75th anniversary of the start of the Spanish Civil War, an ideologically driven conflict which, as historian BRAIN HANLEY writes, also revealed stark divisions within Irish society Split loyalties in fight for Spain IN July 1936, Ireland was gripped across the world to fight in the them included Irishmen who had by news from Spain where right left-wing International Brigades. emigrated to Britain, the US or Mind the Gap... PRSI and under 65s wing military officers, led by Former IRA officer, Frank Ryan, Canada. Most were socialist or General Franco, attempted a coup was chosen as the leader of the republican activists and commit- against the Popular Front govern- Irish anti-fascists who would go ted to the Spanish Republican ment made up of a coalition of to Spain. Recruits came from the cause. In contrast, O’Duffy’s men left-wing parties. Republican Congress, the Irish included a large number of But the coup was met by popu- Citizen Army, the IRA and the youngsters who had been prom- lar resistance and the Republican Communist Party, which provided ised adventure and were soon forces were able to hold onto the biggest single group of disillusioned by the reality of the much of the country. Irish fighters. war. The civil war, which was to last Ryan argued that their Their first taste of combat saw until 1939, gripped the imagina- effort was a “demonstra- several killed in a clash with their tion of a generation worldwide. tion of the sympathy of rev- own side. By mid-1937, O’Duffy’s Nazi Germany and fascist Italy olutionary Ireland with the group had returned home, riven supplied men and material for Popular Front forces, above, and leading Brigadista Frank Ryan, right Spanish people in their fight by recriminations and accusa- Franco’s forces, while the Soviet against international fas- tions of cowardice. Union provided aid for the gripped Catholic Ireland. Prayers the trade unions all cism. It is also a reply to the The Irish republican volun- Republic. for Franco’s forces were said at contained strong intervention of Irish fascism teers, on the other hand, distin- Many saw the war as an oppor- every mass and thousands of pro-Franco factions; in the war against the guished themselves from an early tunity to stop the spread of fas- pounds donated in church gate there was no main- Spanish Republic which, if stage, seeing action in several of cism heeding the slogan of the collections. stream force that unchallenged, would remain a the major battles of the war. republican defenders of Madrid The newly-formed Irish supported the Spanish disgrace to our own people. More than 60 would die in Spain “They shall not pass”. Christian Front held huge rallies Republic. We want to show that there is a and a large number were wound- In much of Ireland however, in Dublin, Cork and Limerick. The only exceptions were a close bond between the democra- ed. the Spanish war was seen as a Eoin O’Duffy, the ex-Blueshirt small number of socialists and cies of Ireland and Spain.” Those who returned to Ireland religious conflict, in which leader, announced he was to raise republicans. The Communist Unlike O’Duffy’s Brigade, received no recognition for their Franco was fighting to save a force to fight for Franco, and Party and the Republican which had left Ireland to acclaim, efforts and some were blacklisted Christianity from communism. 700 volunteers left for Spain that Congress helped form a Spanish blessed by bishops and praised and harassed as a result. The Irish Independent asserted Autumn as part of his “Irish Aid Committee. by politicians, Ryan’s men had to Others never came back but that, “All who stand for the Brigade”. The Committee aimed to raise leave in secret, making their way remained active in left-wing poli- ancient faith and traditions of Fine Gael was outspokenly pro- funds and publicise the quietly to Paris and then onto tics in other countries. With the Spain are behind the present Franco, demanding that the Republic’s cause, but soon atten- Spain. support of the fascist powers revolt against the Marxist regime Fianna Fáil government recognise tion turned to sending volunteers Eventually, more than 200 vol- Franco was victorious in 1939 in Madrid”. During August 1936, him as Spain’s legitimate leader. to Spain and, by late 1936, volun- unteers were recruited in Dublin and Spain was to remain a dicta- a wave of pro-Franco enthusiasm Fianna Fáil, the Labour Party and teers were being recruited from and Belfast. Others who joined torship until 1975. 30 Liberty SEPTEMBER 2011 Sport

Flashback: Dublin’s Tony Hanahoe, left, in action during the 1975 All Ireland Football Final Picture: Connolly Collection/SPORTSFILE

If you buy Irish food, confectionery, Thy Kingdom drinks and other products you help to: t 4VQQPSUUIPVTBOETPG*SJTIKPCT come...game from food processing to product packaging to transport and warehousing to the shop counter. we prayed for By Sean Potts so sure everyone in the county of hype about hype and Dublin t $POUSJCVUFCJMMJPOTJOJODPNFUBY would have relished putting that can point to the fact that for a O Gaelic football has got belief to the test. county that is often accused DPSQPSBUJPOUBYFTBOE7"5JOUPUIF its so-called “dream” final But much as confidence will be unfairly of being less than “pure” as the great rivalry of the high in Kerry, you certainly won’t in GAA terms, they were compet- *SJTI&YDIFRVFSFWFSZZFBS 1970s and 1980s is revis- notice it, not from afar. ing on five fronts this summer. S ited when Dublin take on Kerry people are naturally With the senior and minor Kerry in this year’s decider. guarded and in a county where, as hurlers enjoying wonderful sea- It’s somewhat strange that after a footballer, you are judged by the sons, the U21 hurlers played t &OTVSFUIBUCJHHFSDPNQBOJFT 26 years there is still such a han- quantity of medals on the side- against Galway in the All-Ireland sustain hundreds of smaller kering after a meeting between board, it is impossible for a player final while the minor footballers these sides but the appeal of the to lose the run of himself. have also reached the final. rms in the local economy that many great battles – they met in The problem of course is almost These achievements to date six finals and a semi-final in 10 reflect the growth and popularity supply technologies and years – of the past is indelibly of Gaelic games in the capital and etched in the hearts and minds of Kerry people love are an endorsement of the Dublin NBJOUFOBODFTFSWJDFT a generation of football fans. playing Dublin for County Board’s work with regard It’s perhaps not so strange that many reasons but to games development and coach- Kerry themselves hanker after ing. such a pairing as they came out principal among them So, while in the past Kerry may t )FMQNBJOUBJOFNQMPZNFOU on top in five of those seven is the fact that they have profited from playing a team games. usually beat them distracted by expectation, they are opportunities across the And, having dumped Dublin out now facing the flagship football of the championship on three team in a county where Gaelic country in urban and rural occasions since, confidence won’t the opposite in Dublin. While games are strengthening and the be short in the Kingdom in the they have survived on a tougher pain of failure in the past has communities. run up to this year’s final. side of the draw this year and tempered the hype. Kerry people love playing delivered a serious performance Whether changing times in Dublin for many reasons but prin- in their quarter-final, the capital Dublin will be enough to deny cipal among them is the fact that can be a suffocating place in the Gaelic football’s aristocrats on they usually beat them. There run up to a final. September 18th is of course were certainly few in the Kingdom With a national media located another matter but it has added a hankering after Ulster opponents in Dublin, business interests look- different complexion to this in the final this year for obvious ing for a piece of the action, chari- encounter. reasons. ties looking for support and a One way or another, a final to And while there was a shaky large fan base plaguing players for be relished. consensus that Kerry might have tickets, keeping a lid on the dis- Sean Potts is GPA Head made light of Donegal’s novel tractions is a job in itself. of Communications defensive full-court press, I’m not However, there is an awful lot Liberty 31 Sport SEPTEMBER 2011

Action and celebrations from an historic night as Shamrock Rovers defeat Serbia’s finest Partizan Belgrade to qualify for the group stages of the UEFA Europa League Pictures: Bobby Best Rovers enter sporting history

By Brendan O’Brien Djurgarten and Malmo in 2004 Bobby Charlton and future Hoops ated history by becoming the first Tottenham Hotspur, Russia’s and 2005, Derry City beat former manager John Giles line out for Irish club side to make it through Rubin Kazan and PAOK Salonika HILE for many, sum- UEFA Cup winners IFK Goteborg the Reds. to the group stages of one of of Greece in the group stages of mer brings thoughts in 2006, while Drogheda United Along the way, the Hoops have UEFA’s club tournaments, the the UEFA Europa League. of holidays and secured first round victories three also drawn 1-1 against the mighty Europa League. Next year marks the 25th relaxation, for years consecutively in European Bayern Munich in November 1966, Rovers achieved this massive anniversary of the last game WLeague of Ireland supporters it’s competitions between 2007 and a side which fielded World Cup success, not just for the club, but Shamrock Rovers played at their time for competitive European 2009. winners Franz Beckenbauer and also for the League of Ireland, by old home ground at Milltown. football again in either the UEFA These successes, partly aided by Gerd Muller, though both had defeating the Serbian giants, There have been many dark Champions League or Europa increased professionalism and the recently lost out to England in a Partizan Belgrade, 3-2 on aggre- days for the club over that time, League, probably the two biggest switch to summer soccer, has seen certain World Cup Final played in gate. during which many Rovers fans club tournaments in world foot- the League of Ireland become the Wembley earlier that year. Despite losing an early away have made huge sacrifices to keep ball. most improved European football Last year in the Europa League, goal in Tallaght during the first the club alive, eventually finding Irish football clubs have enjoyed league, now ranked 31st out of the Rovers secured an impressive 1-0 leg, Rovers fought back and their new home in Tallaght. many great European nights over 53 UEFA leagues. away win against Israeli side Bnei equalised though a wonderfully Qualifying for the group stages the years and have repeatedly The current league champions Yehuda, Rovers winning 2-1 on worked goal scored by Tallaght of one of world football’s greatest shown League of Ireland sides can Shamrock Rovers have a long and aggregate, before they eventually native, Gary McCabe. tournaments will be the icing on mix it with the best. distinguished history in European bowed out to Italian giants, The return leg in the Partizan the cake for what is a remarkable Some notable results include competition, including being the Juventus, in a globally televised Stadium will go down in Irish story of survival, sacrifice and Shelbourne’s run in the 2004/2005 first League of Ireland side to match. sporting history, as Rovers again determination. Champions League, which saw compete in the Champions Shamrock Rovers won their first recovered from an early Partizan Shamrock Rovers have a word them edge out KR Reykjavic and League, then known as the Champions League match by beat- goal to score two of their own, a which is used by fans and dis- Hadjuk Split, only to miss out to European Cup in 1957, when they ing Estonian side FC Flora Tallinn 25 yard wonder strike from Pat played at their games to demon- Spanish giants Deportivo La were beaten by Manchester 1-0 at Tallaght Stadium in front of Sullivan and a Stephen O’Donnell strate that even the greatest of Coruna, a contest which included United. a packed home crowd earlier this penalty in the second period of challenges can be overcome... a first leg 0-0 draw in front of Mind you, Rovers did have their year before bowing out to FC extra time. Believe. 24,000 fans at Lansdowne Road. revenge in 1960 when they defeat- Copenhagen, despite having had Shamrock Rovers reward for Brendan O’Brien is an Industrial Cork City scored famous victo- ed United 3-2 in a friendly at several good chances to win the their heroics has seen them drawn Organiser at SIPTU ries against Swedish sides Glenmalure Park, a game that saw tie. Shamrock Rovers has now cre- with English Premier League side SIPTU M EMBERSHIP SERVICES

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