Budget Factories of Remembering 2012 the future the docks Pages 12-13 Page 8-9 Page 27

 $#$!%(  &&$$"& $%  "& * "!! &$& ' !+"$)  !'&'$! (%"! "!$! Ser˙˙ces ˙n˙˙s˙r˙a˙ '$%)&"( $ Profess˙ona˙ an˙ * "!! '& ˙ec˙n˙ca˙ ˙n˙on $%  "&  ' ! Liberty Hall Dublin 1 Tel: 1890 747881 Email: [email protected] www.siptu.ie

Vol. 10 No.10 December 2011 ISSN 0791-458X Public Latest EU service ‘austerity’ workers far from deal won’t overpaid

By Scott Millar work In the main, SIPTU’s 70,000 public service members are drawn from the lower staff grades which By Frank Connolly constitute the vast majority of the The latest initiative to restore dened by unsustainable debt public sector workforce of stability to EU finances will not will have even less prospects of 300,000. provide the necessary growth to growth,” Jack O’Connor said. General operatives working in assist countries, including He said the proposals to the local councils have basic Ireland, which are burdened by enforce an annual structural salaries of no more than 30,000, unsustainable debt, SIPTU deficit of more than 0.5% each € General President, Jack year would “institutionalise aus- drivers €31,000 and porters just O’Connor has said. terity” and greatly restrict the over €30,000. He was responding to the out- flexibility of future Irish govern- This mean’s drivers have a come of the EU summit on ments. weekly basic pay of no more than Friday (9th December) during The proposals would almost €610 with general operatives earn- which 26 out of 27 member certainly require a referendum ing €574 per week. In addition to countries agreed on a new inter- due to the transfer of budgetary the state pension after 20 years’ governmental treaty including a and other powers envisaged service a local authority driver “fiscal compact” to enforce although this will not be clari- receives a pension of €61 per budgetary discipline on States fied until the details are fleshed week, after 40 years €122. which breach the 3% deficit out in discussions between offi- Similarly, a general operative limit. cials of the 26 participating gov- receives a €57 per week pension “The outcome of the EU sum- ernments over the coming after 20 years’ service or €114 mit will not solve the problems months. after 40 years. of the euro for the peoples of “The devil will be in the detail In the health service, for Europe. At best it will enable but given the magnitude of what things to muddle on. is involved the people must be healthcare assistants, porters and Consequently any hopes of a consulted one way or the other,” catering staff – who constitute the rapid job generating recovery the SIPTU president said. bulk of SIPTU members in this will not be realised. The plan also includes the sector – pay starts at €27,500 and “There is no relief in sight for establishment of a firewall even after 40 years’ service can the stressed countries. There is involving the rapid deployment only reach a maximum of €34,500. no suggestion of debt restructur- of €440 billion through the Such workers constitute close to ing, or Eurobonds or any kind of European Financial Stability three quarters of the SIPTU Health fiscal transfer mechanism to Facility and a further injection of Division’s 43,000 members, a fact direct resources from prosper- €500 billion through a new Divisional Organiser Paul Bell says ous regions to those which are European Stability Mechanism is wilfully ignored in most media struggling. to come into effect in July 2012. debate. “Indeed the so called “Fiscal The Eurozone and other EU “Those who are championing Compact” which emerged will countries will also lend an extra further reductions in public serv- only achieve the opposite of €200 billion to the IMF to help ice pay, including those insisting what is required. It will mean distressed member states. health workers are not paid their that countries which are bur- By opting out and threatening Protesting against cuts to Community Employment Schemes at Leinster House on Friday (9th December) Continued on page 2 Continued on page 2 Picture: Picture: Derek Speirs

ORGANISING FOR FAIRNESS AT WORK AND JUSTICE IN SOCIETY • WWW.SIPTU.IE • JOIN ONLINE 2 Liberty DECEMBER 2011 News In this month’s Government must act on Liberty agency workers’ rights From 5th December temporary conditions as if they had been tion from the date the legislation agency workers have equal right directly recruited by the hirer in is passed back to 5th December under EU law to pay and holidays the same job. 2011.” Massive support as their permanent full time col- “However the Directive has not The Government has intimated for pensions strike leagues in the . been transposed into Irish law. that the Temporary Agency The new equal status for Therefore the reality for tempo- Workers Bill is presently being in the North agency workers results from the rary agency workers is that they drafted and will provide for equal Page 6 implementation of the EU will not be allowed to vindicate treatment of Temporary Agency Temporary Agency Workers their rights until the appropriate Workers in accordance with the Directive and is likely to affect up legislation transposing the EU Directive. to 40,000 workers across the pub- Directive is passed into Irish Law.” In December 2005, up to lic and private sectors. Employers Tom O’Driscoll added; “The sit- 100,000 people marched in Dublin Closer ‘Austerity’ unsuccessfully sought derogation uation for agency workers against the gross exploitation of union not a good deal from the Directive. employed by the state is that the workers involved in the Irish SIPTU Head of Legal Affairs, Doctrine of Direct Effect comes Ferries dispute which led to the Page 10 Tom O’Driscoll, said; “This means into play. This basically means the ultimately successful campaign for that Agency workers are entitled Directive has direct effect in Irish an EU Directive granting equality to equal treatment in terms of law. This may allow public sector for agency workers. basic working and employment agency workers to claim retrospec-

Croke Park – a good deal done already Jobless figures show urgent need for growth plan Page 14 A major investment and job cre- to focus all its energy on getting peo- damage being done to both economy ation programme is urgently required ple back to work. and society by current policies,” Paul to combat rising unemployment, the “We urgently need a major new Sweeney said. Irish Congress of Trade Unions has jobs plan from Government. The con- “We need a major programme of said. tinued imposition of austerity is deci- investment and job creation. While Health Sector news The call on Monday (12th mating the economy and the recent Government has expressed interest in December) for a new jobs plan came budget will only serve to make the sit- attracting investment from private Page 16-17 as official figures confirmed that the uation worse. It will cost us more jobs. pension funds, as we suggested before number of people at work continues “The latest figures confirm a very the budget, they now need to move to decline as unemployment increas- worrying and dangerous trend, with on initiatives like this as a matter of es. long-term unemployment rising to urgency. There will be a huge social Congress Chief Economist Paul 56.3% from 47% last year. That is quite and economic price to pay if we fail to Sweeney said Government now had shocking and indicative of the huge act now.” Community Sector news Page 18-19 Continued from page 1 Latest EU ‘austerity’ deal won’t work to legally challenge the proposal to breach the 3% deficit limit will place Jack O’Connor said. have the EU Court of Justice enforce difficulties on countries like Ireland His comments came after the latest budgetary discipline arising from an which require economic growth to CSO figures indicate another rise in Egypt: Arab Street the agreement made outside the terms of escape from their current debt bur- the number of unemployed from motor of change the existing EU treaties the UK gov- den. 14.2% to 14.4% for the third quarter ernment has already damaged the “The only way out of the debt compared to the previous period. Page 25 prospects for success of the new quagmire in Europe is through a Unemployment increased by 5.3% arrangement. viable plan for growth. The strategy over the year to 314,700 with long The proposed introduction of favoured by German capital, growth term unemployment accounting for automatic fines for governments that through austerity, will not work,” more than 56% of the total.

Continued from page 1 Euro 2012 fans: the good, bad and ugly Public service workers far from overpaid Page 30 annual increments should fully Sector Trends 2011 found that the SIPTU Public Administration inform themselves of the reality pay of administrative staff is and Community Division of pay in the public sector. They towards the lower end of Organiser, Gene Mealy, said; “The should also accept that the vast European norms. reality is that SIPTU’s public sec- majority of concessions under the This report also found that top tor membership in the main con- Croke Park agreement have been managers’ compensation in the sists of low and medium paid made by low paid workers. This is UK and Ireland in 2009 was 7.7 workers and any objective analy- already substantial loss of earn- times that of administrative staff sis of the contribution they have ings through reductions in over whereas for the Nordic countries made as part of the Public Service Liberty is dedicated to providing a platform for progressive news and views. time and premiums,” said Paul top manager’s compensation was Agreement will prove it is larger Bell. 3.5 times that of secretaries. than any other sector of the pub- If you have any ideas for articles or comments please contact: [email protected] In government departments Similarly middle managers com- lic service in terms of pay reduc- SIPTU mainly represents adminis- pensation was 4.2 times that of tion and work practice changes Liberty is published by the Services, Industrial, Professional & Technical Union, Liberty Hall, Dublin 1 trative staff. A report issued last secretaries in the UK and Ireland The media must start portraying month by Institute of Public whereas it was 2.2 times greater the reality of these workers’ cir- SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor • Vice President, Patricia King • General Secretary, Joe O’Flynn Administration (IPA) on Public in the Nordic countries. cumstances truthfully.” Production: SIPTU Communications Department, Liberty Hall, Dublin 1, Tel: 01 8588217 • Email: [email protected] SIPTU Head of Communications, Frank Connolly • Journalist: Scott Millar • Advertise in Liberty Design: Sonia Slevin (SIPTU) & Joe Mitchell (Brazier Media) • Publications Assistant, Deirdre Price • Administrative Assistant, Karen Hackett To advertise in Liberty, contact the Communications Department on 01 858 6372 or Produced, designed, edited and printed by trade union labour email [email protected] • Liberty offers very competitive rates Printed and distributed by , City West, Dublin. for advertisements which reach SIPTU members countrywide Liberty 3 News DECEMBER 2011

Jobless figures show urgent need for growth plan Protest Against Cuts to Community Employment schemes at Leinster House on Friday (9th December)Picture: Photocall Ireland SIPTU President welcomes Labour ministers’ assurances on CE schemes

HE Tanáiste, Eamon ters stated that “community that would otherwise be viable, the making CE a financially unviable working in the community sector Gilmore, and Minister employment schemes provide a Department of Social Protection option (e.g. childcare for single par- and providing vital services includ- for Social Protection, very important and valued contri- will be in a position to fund such ents would be unaffordable),” Jack ing childcare, eldercare, drug reha- T Joan Burton, have said bution to social employment, train- schemes from the overall O’Connor wrote. bilitation, after schools and youth that the Government is fully com- ing and progression for unem- Departmental vote,” they wrote. “We urge you to ensure that no projects across the State. mitted to the protection and devel- ployed people.” They said that no The Ministers were responding CE scheme closes and that they are “The assurances are welcome in opment of community and social CE schemes will close pending the to a letter from Jack O’Connor in able to provide suitable training that they remove some of the employment initiatives. outcome of a review to establish which he raised his concerns over opportunities to all participants. uncertainty facing those working in The assurances followed their viability. the uncertainty for CE workers and Furthermore we are seeking provi- the community sector but we must protests by community sector “The purpose of the review will service users arising from the sion to render it financially viable remain vigilant and organised to workers and their unions over be to establish the on-going viabili- Budget announcement of a €1000 for lone parents and people with ensure that these vital services and funding cuts imposed on ty of each scheme in the context of cut - from €1500 to €500 - in the disabilities to access CE (workers in those providing them are protect- Community Employment scheme the overall objectives of the CE pro- materials and training allowances the public and private sector will ed,” he said. participants in Budget 2012 and a gramme and recognising in particu- grant for participants in the continue to receive ‘top up’ welfare He also welcomed a commit- letter from General President, Jack lar the community and social value schemes. payments),” he said. ment by Eamon Gilmore that the O’Connor to the ministers last of each scheme. “The restriction on ‘top up’ wel- Welcoming the assurances from “ in Government will week. “In the event that the reduction fare payments for single parents the Ministers that funding for CE continue to be strong supporters of In separate letters of reply to in the training and material grant and people with disabilities will schemes would continue, Jack Community Employment and of Jack O’Connor on Friday (9th announced in the Budget creates limit the work and training oppor- O’Connor said that they removed the vital community services that December), the Labour Party minis- financial difficulties for schemes tunities for these two groups by some of the uncertainty for those are provided through CE.” Rich poor gap widens New JLC laws must prioritise protection of workers By John King The rate at which the richer report, “Divided We Stand: Why are getting richer and the poor Inequality Keeps Rising” finds RAFT legislation is no workers currently covered by a JLC legislation in July because it did poorer accelerated in Ireland last that the average income of the expected to be published JLC lose their protection. not contain guiding policies and year according to the Central richest 10% is now about nine by the Minister for Jobs Very strong and robust measures procedures that should be taken Public service workers far from overpaid Statistics Office (CSO). times that of the poorest 10% Enterprise and must be included in the legislation into account by a JLC before it A CSO survey on income and across the OECD. Innovation,D Richard Bruton, early in to prevent employers from obtain- issues an Employment Regulation living conditions found that Launching the report in Paris, the New Year to reconstruct the ing a derogation from agreed JLC Order (ERO). those earning the most in 2010 OECD Secretary-General Angel Joint Labour Committee (JLC) sys- rates on the grounds of inability to SIPTU is determined to ensure got 5.5 times the income of Gurría said; “There is nothing tem that was ruled unconstitutional pay. that such guiding policies and pro- those earning the lowest. inevitable about high and grow- by the High Court in July. Such provisions should be similar cedures are fair and balanced and This compares with 4.3 a year ing inequalities. Our report SIPTU is calling on the Minister to those contained in the National take into account the needs of earlier, which shows increased clearly indicates that upskilling to bring forward legislation that will Minimum Wage legislation that workers. income inequality in the coun- of the workforce is by far the afford low-paid workers maximum requires employers to prove their tr y. most powerful instrument to protection to their existing pay, case before the Labour Court. The survey, published in late counter rising income inequali- terms and conditions. SIPTU is seeking to ensure that November, found average dis- ty. The investment in people The legislation must also ensure the adult minimum rate in any sec- posable income per household must begin in early childhood that JLCs continue to be the forum tor is based on service in an indus- adjusted for size was €22,168, and be followed through into at which trade unions represent try rather than with a particular down 5%. The 'at risk of poverty formal education and work.” employees in collective bargaining employer and that the proposed rate' was 15.8%, compared to The OECD underlines the for legally enforceable rights. additional adult rates should also be 14.1% a year earlier. The consis- need for governments to review Along with other trade unions payable to workers based on the tent poverty rate was 6.2%, rep- their tax systems to ensure that and organisations, including the achievement of skills. resenting no change on the pre- wealthier individuals contribute Coalition to Protect the Low Paid, A proposed code of practice in vious year. their fair share of the tax bur- SIPTU will be intensifying its lobby- relation to premiums for Sunday A week after the CSO survey den. This can be achieved by ing campaign over the coming work must also be guaranteed an OCED report stated that the raising marginal tax rates on the weeks to ensure the new JLC legisla- through an Employment Regulation gap between rich and poor in rich but also improving tax com- tion adequately protects workers’ Order (ERO) to prevent some OECD countries has reached its pliance, eliminating tax deduc- rights. employers from driving down pay highest level for over 30 years tions, and reassessing the role Bruton has proposed to reduce and conditions and displacing exist- and governments must act of taxes on all forms of property the number of JLCs from 13 to six, ing workers. Minister Bruton is expected to publish draft legislation on JLCs in New Year Picture: Photocall quickly to tackle inequality. The and wealth, the report says. but SIPTU is seeking to ensure that The High Court struck down the Ireland 4 Liberty DECEMBER 2011 News

Electrical contractors warned after legal move to cancel REA By Padraig Yeates MAJOR electrical contractors have tracting industry is the largest after invoked the 1946 Industrial construction and covers 10,000 Relations Act to cancel the workers. Construction worker: Serghie Petrovschi Protest by construction workers and sector activists outside the Daughters of Charity, St Vincent’s Centre, Navan Road, Dublin. Registered Employment Agreement TEEU General Secretary, Eamon (REA) for their sector. Devoy, warned employers that if the Smaller electrical contractors have agreement was cancelled, they been calling for the REA, which con- would lose the protection of bind- Construction workers’ protest trols pay and conditions of employ- ing disputes procedures and would ment in the sector, to be scrapped face the prospect of major industrial for over two years but the decision action. of the Electrical Contractors Significantly, the ECA invoked a secures €8.6k payout Association (ECA) to join their ranks clause of the 1946 Act which means A CONSTRUCTION worker has The cheque from PJ McLoughlin Tribunal and the Rights represents a potentially fatal blow the Labour Court has six months to for the agreement between workers consider the application before the received more than €8,600 owed was sent to SIPTU’s legal team on Commissioner.” to him by subcontractor PJ 21st November following two days He added: “I am very thankful and employers. REA is cancelled. McLoughlin following protests by of protests by construction work- to my colleagues and SIPTU who The move follows an IBEC deci- It could have invoked a much workers demanding the company ers and sector activists outside the struggled alongside me to secure sion to adopt a tough approach in faster procedure but that would meet its legal obligations. Daughters of Charity, St Vincent’s this victory. talks with unions over the EU require the employers to provide Serghie Petrovschi finally Centre, Navan Road, Dublin. “The message must get out Agency Workers’ Directive and hard evidence that the REA should received the balance of monies The protest highlighted the there to workers that it is only refuse to consider a joint approach be scrapped because of falling pri- owed to him following a decision appointment of PJ McLoughlin to through unity and solidarity that with unions to protect the low paid vate sector pay rates. of the Rights Commissioner under carry out publicly funded work by we can secure our rights.” or allow workers to join unions and Despite the economic downturn, the Payment of Wages Act. the Daughters of Charity at their SIPTU Construction Sector seek collective bargaining deals organised workers in the electrical This decision was upheld at an Oakridge House property in President, Billy Memery, said: without fear of victimisation. contracting sector, where unions Employment Appeals Tribunal Clonsilla, Dublin 15. “The only thing that moves these The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise such as the TEEU and SIPTU are hearing in 2009. The period cov- Serghie Petrovschi said: “This employers is to embarrass them. and Innovation, Richard Bruton, strong, are continuing to enjoy good ered by the award coincided with victory came after nearly three I will go out on any protest that proved incapable of resolving the rates of pay and working condi- the peak of the construction years of fighting. Not paying work- ensures employers meet their impasse, despite commitments in tions. ‘boom’. ers at the correct rates is basically commitments to pay their workers the Programme for Government to A recent survey by Industrial However, the firm was found to stealing from them. This company according to the law.” implement legislation on collective Relations News shows that recent have breached legal minimum pay had refused to pay even after rul- bargaining. pay deals under the Private Sector rates for the industry. ings of the Employment Appeals The REA for the electrical con- Protocol are averaging 2% each year. Redundancy victory Kerry Foods for hostel workers pay hike tied TWENTY former Tipperary Hostel ers involved. workers won their claim for This meant that the outgoing redundancy at an Employment employer must issue them with to deal on Appeals Tribunal (EAT) on 14th written conditions of employment November. and the prospective employer productivity The workers lost their jobs last must accept those terms and con- May after the Tipperary Hostel ditions. SIPTU members working at the project to transform Tipperary Following the hearing, Gerard Kerry Foods plant in Town's famine era workhouse into Kennedy explained that the Carrickmacross, County Pay increases agreed at IDL a hostel closed down. Tipperary Hostel workers didn't Monaghan, have received a 0.5% This followed the withdrawal of take up the offer of alternative pay increase to be paid out in SIPTU members in Irish the IDL Staff Association. government funding by Pobal employment because at the time December, backdated to January Distillers Limited (IDL) will SIPTU Organiser and IDL amid controversy over false FÁS was cutting the number of 2011. receive a 2% pay increase next Group of Unions chair, John invoices. Community Employment Scheme This increase – together with July backdated to January 2012, Dunne, said: “Irish Distillers Tipperary Hostel Ltd decided places in Tipperary by 300 and an increase in basic pay of 1% together with a 2% increase in Limited is part of the Pernod not to contest the claim under the they feared they would be displac- already paid in January 2011 – July 2013 backdated to January Richard Group and has experi- Redundancy Payments Act after ing existing CE workers. amounts to a 1.5% increase dur- 2013. enced steady growth over the EAT ruled that the limited "They weren't prepared to do ing 2011. The agreement covers all recent years as it has success- company rather than FÁS – which that. Our members didn't want to The increase was tied to an SIPTU and other unionised fully marketed its products, funded the Job Initiative Scheme walk into someone else's jobs,” he increase in productivity at the staff at the company and was such as Jameson Whiskey, in (JIS) used to pay workers’ wages – said. plant and was achieved by staff negotiated under the ICTU- foreign markets. improving the efficiency of the had been their employer. Negotiations are continuing IBEC Protocol for Local “IDL staff have consistently factory which produces ready- Bargaining in the Private Sector. improved their performance Former employees had been with the company to secure made meals for the domestic The deal has a built-in review over the years and have made it offered other work places by FÁS redundancy packages for the and export market. mechanism in case of unfore- one of the country’s leading but SIPTU Organiser, Gerard workers in line with those previ- Plant shop steward, Tom Fox, seen events and was accepted exporters. They are entitled to Kennedy, submitted it was a ously awarded to other JIS said: “It is important to get by an aggregate vote of SIPTU share in the success of the redundancy situation and argued employees. some reward for the members members as well as members brands that they make.” that, under legislation, the trans- in recognition of the extra of TEEU, UNITE, UCATT and fer of employment had to be done effort they have put in.” with the agreement of the work- Liberty 5 News DECEMBER 2011 Firefighters oppose DCC service charge

SIPTU firefighters have expressed Reidy, said that the introduction their opposition to a plan by of charges could deter house- (DCC) to holders from calling the fire charge householders for the cost of service and endanger the lives of calling the emergency fire service. civilians and fire-fighters. In late November council mem- “Forcing householders to pay bers voted to support a city man- for any attendance by a fire agement proposal to charge a first brigade at their homes could hour rate fee of €500 for call outs clearly deter people from calling to domestic fires and €610 for the emergency fire service and chimney and vehicle fires. could put the lives of civilians Stop pension plunder! Tara Mines pensioners protested outside Leinster House on 22nd November Picture: Photocall Ireland SIPTU Sector Organiser, Owen and firefighters at risk,” Owen Reidy said. “Firefighters across the coun- try already experience a situa- tion where elderly people in par- Tara Mines pensioners in Dáil demo ticular will attempt to deal with a house or chimney fire them- ORE than 100 Tara Some of us are helping our children mandatory occupational pension on the burden of the levy in this selves rather than face a possible Mines pensioners and and our grandchildren in the pres- scheme in this country, not some tin way. charge for calling the fire-serv- their supporters ent economic climate and we’re glad pot scam to suit the pensions indus- “It is not what the legislation was ice,” he said. “We are calling on protested outside to do it but this is making it very try.” supposed to do.” the members of Dublin City M Leinster House on difficult. That’s why we’re here.” The protest was supported by The average pension of a Tara Council to think again and halt 22nd November to highlight the Chairman of the Tara Mines SIPTU. TDs Mines worker is €10,000 a year. The any plans to introduce such impact of the Government’s 0.6% Pensioners’ Group, Tom Kelly, added Maureen O’Sullivan and Richard pensioners’ average age is 68. The charges.” pension levy on their incomes. that neither the pensions industry Boyd Barrett spoke to the miners. 2.5% is deducted on a sliding scale The Dublin City fire brigade The levy has resulted in a 2.5% nor the company had been willing “It is an absolute scandal that that increases the longer they live, provides emergency services to reduction in the miners’ pensions to make any contribution to the cost what appeared to be a 0.6% levy has so that it will ultimately affect the the neighbouring councils of and they have also lost their cost of of the levy. turned out to be a hit on pensioners oldest pensioners most. Fingal, South Dublin and Dun living indexation. “This is not what we were led to who worked in one of the most dif- The average private sector occupa- Laoghaire-Rathdown. “We are not against paying our believe when the Government intro- ficult and dangerous jobs in the tional pension is €6,000 a year for DCC management has said way,” retired miner, Sean Belton, duced the legislation and I don’t country,” Richard Boyd Barrett said. the minority of private sector work- the charges to cover the cost said on the picket line, “but it is a think it is what the legislators “The Government must act to pre- ers fortunate enough to have one. of attending fires can be reim- lot more than we were led to expect. intended either. We need a decent vent the pensions industry passing bursed by the companies that provide their insurance. 6 Liberty DECEMBER 2011 News Massive support for pensions strike across the North SIPTU President Jack O’Connor with strikers at the offices of Newry and Mourne district council on Wednesday (30th November) SIPTU members hailed the support schools. Rallies were held in received from the public for the Newry, Omagh, Derry, Magherafelt strike action taken by more than and Downpatrick where public sec- 200,000 public sector workers in tor workers heard teachers, bin Northern Ireland on 30th workers and health employees November. explain what cuts in services Across the North, workers on would mean to the public. picket lines reported expressions At the Derry rally, community of public support for their industri- worker and SIPTU activist, al action taken to protest attempts Maureen Collins, told the crowd; by the London government to cut “We in the community and volun- workers’ pension entitlements and tary sector stand with local work- reduce public services. ers, those on low and average pay.” Approximately 1,000 SIPTU She outlined how cuts to the members from Northern Ireland community and voluntary sector Thousands gathered at City Hall Belfast during the strike and protest by public service workers against Tory/Lib Dem pension cuts. (photo left Kevin Cooper) Railways, Belfast City Council, had resulted in more than 2,000 Newry and Mourne District job losses in the last three years communities,” Maureen Collins society are those who evade and unemployed, the sick, women and Council, Southern and Belfast with a devastating effect on servic- added. The main rally in Belfast avoid tax, those who have gambled children and senior citizens will Education and Library Boards and es. city centre, was attended by over billions with other peoples’ money pay for the criminal conduct of the Northern Ireland Water took part “It is how we fight back, collec- 15,000 people including SIPTU to sate their greed, and those pampered elite.” in the industrial action. tively, that I wish to highlight also. President, Jack O’Connor. politicians who have decreed that Peter Bunting concluded: “Let us SIPTU picketed local government It is important to protest and In his address, ICTU Assistant ordinary people, private sector fight on and build for the alterna- offices, railway stations, waste resist. But we must also build General Secretary, Peter Bunting, workers, public sector workers and tive – people, jobs and public serv- depots, community centres and alliances across sectors, unions and said: “The real extremists in our the most vulnerable of all, the ices!” Public sector wisdom from switched-on Tele

WHILE the conservative media in excesses in the boardrooms. fle the required enterprise needed els and employment terms, but the Republic have spent recent The Government should drop to kickstart the private sector. But that is no excuse to demonise years bashing public service work- its pretence that we are all in this any change will be gradual espe- them. ers and attempting to divide them together, for that is clearly not the cially in these recessionary times Quite simply they are part of from their colleagues in the pri- to emphasise that in times of aus- case. and Government should seek to our workforce and their jobs are vate sector, the less-than-radical terity everyone must tighten their It is undeniable that the trim the public budget as sensi- as important and as valued as Belfast Telegraph carried this edi- belts, but that is patently not true. Northern Ireland economy needs tively as possible and with as those in the private sector. torial response to the massive While workers are experiencing to be rebalanced as there is a huge much agreement as possible. In any case, the public sector strike that brought the North to a pay freezes, even cuts, executives over-dependence on the public The danger is that some people has shown that it will not be standstill on 30th November. continue to enjoy large increases sector. Everyone accepts that we will try to create a divide between silenced or cowed.” “The anger of the workers was and bonuses and the Government cannot continue to rely on the public and private sector workers. Couldn’t have put it better our- evident and their targets were appears powerless to rein in public purse for our well-being. Certainly public sector workers, selves. obvious. The Government is keen A bloated public sector will sti- on average, enjoy better wage lev- Use pension funds to build capital projects THE Irish Congress of Trade Unions spending, resulting in the shelving “We could save major job creat- He added: “However, when has claimed that key infrastructural of several key infrastructural proj- ing, growth generating capital proj- Congress put forward this construc- projects – such as Metro North, the ects, was bad news for jobs and ects that have been abandoned by tive proposal it was greeted with a Grangegorman DIT campus and growth, pension funds could be Government, such as the DIT cam- deafening silence from those who DART Underground – could be persuaded to invest instead. pus, Metro North or DART are bereft of any ideas except to saved by attracting investment from He said: “All that is required is Underground. The investment vehi- impose even deeper austerity. the €75 billion currently held in the creation of an appropriate risk- cle could be gradually expanded to “We need smart, innovative and Irish private pension funds. sharing investment vehicle that cover many more hospitals, schools creative strategies to get ourselves Speaking at a seminar on pen- would attract a small portion of the and other socially necessary infra- out of this crisis. sions provision in Liberty Hall on €75 billion of Irish workers’ pen- structure.” “And this proposal could help tap 10th November, Congress officer sion money currently invested Fergus Whelan said that there a major new source of funding to Fergus Whelan pointed out that internationally and stimulating eco- was a general acceptance that get people back to work and kick while the Government announce- nomic growth and job creation growth was the key to “getting out start the recovery.” Whelan: ‘Tap new resource’ ment of a major cut in capital everywhere but here. of the mess we are in”. Liberty 7 News DECEMBER 2011

The march was led by SIPTU members of the Fair Deal for Cleaners campaign. Workers call for jobs and growth

MORE than 2,000 people called on the Fair Deal for Cleaners campaign the situation. A situation it helped The ICTU President said that the In her address, Fair Deal for the Government to adopt policies wielding brooms and pushing to create.” trade union movement had told the Cleaners and SIPTU activist, Lucia aimed at creating jobs and growth wheelie bins. Eugene McGlone drew attention Government that the necessary eco- Fay, said that it was essential ordi- in a march through Dublin city cen- Addressing the protest outside to statistics that indicate that the nomic adjustments could be made nary workers spoke with one united tre on 26th November. the GPO, ICTU president Eugene top 1% of Irish citizens own 28% of through taxes on high income earn- voice. She added that the austerity Organised by the Dublin Council McGlone said: “There is still wealth all the wealth in the country, equat- ers, property, capital and corporate agenda meant that those who could of Trade Unions and supported by in this country and it must be ing to 34,000 people owning €130 income without the need for more least afford it suffered the most. SIPTU, INTO, Mandate and Unite, forced to shoulder a fair portion of billion in financial and housing spending cuts and attacks on social the march was led by members of the responsibility to help resolve wealth. welfare. EU safety body highlights need for safe maintenance By Sylvester Cronin ducted with appropriate ‘permit to buildings around the country. place.According to the EUROSTAT Machinery and equipment work systems’ in place to ensure the Workers doing maintenance database, maintenance work FOR the past two years, the From the outset it was agreed maximum safety and health protec- work are most vulnerable to expo- accounts for around 15-20% of European Agency for Safety and that it is vitally important that tion. sure to this killer dust. workplace accidents and 10-15% of Health at Work (EU-OSHA) has work equipment is properly On the other hand, emergency or Breaking down walls, drilling all work-related fatal accidents – campaigned across the EU on the installed by competent persons. reactive maintenance represents through partitions, cutting so safe maintenance is critically issue of safe maintenance. Equipment needs to comply work done in a hurry with very lit- through pipes, contain- important. The absence of safe mainte- with the relevant European tle, if any, planning involved, so ing asbestos materi- nance – or inadequate mainte- Directives – these set out essential leading to greater risk of injuries als, to name nance – can lead to danger in the health and safety requirements for occurring. but a few can workplace and cause accidents machinery across Europe. expose work- and health problems. Machinery and equipment also Working at heights ers to asbestos A complicating factor in terms need adequate maintenance Working at heights is an area that fibres. These of health and safety is that throughout its working life, gives rise to a lot of accidents during fibres are so responsibility for maintenance is including modifications, remedial maintenance work. small they are increasingly being handed over to work, dealing with deterioration Compliance with the ‘working at not visible to outside contractors. etc. heights’ regulations is required, the naked eye. In October, seminars dealing Regular inspections are required where working on ladders for long It is, there- with the issue and organised in as necessary – bearing in mind periods is not allowed. fore, partnership with SIPTU, TEEU and that some equipment will have In such cases, there must be a extremely the HSA, were held in Cork and statutory inspections attached to suitable work-platform provided – important Dublin them. such as mobile tower or scaffold- that all build- The events, which were well There are basically two types of ing – remembering that each will ings containing attended, were very informative, maintenance – preventative and have a specific regulation that must asbestos materials with lively discussions taking emergency or reactive. be complied with for protection pur- have an asbestos place during question and answer Normally, preventative mainte- poses. map, which can be sessions. nance is planned when a machine consulted before any Senior Inspectors from the HSA is taken out of commission and Asbestos demolitions, drilling, were the principal speakers, and pre-determined remedial work is Even though asbestos is not used cutting, etc, is carried three main areas of concern were carried out on it. in Ireland nowadays, there are hun- out and that appropriate discussed, This will – or should – be con- dreds of thousands of tons of it in protections are put in Picture: ACTU 8 Liberty DECEMBER 2011 SIPTU Manufacturing Conference Driver of growth and jobs By Scott Millar

ACTORIES of the future agencies and senior EU officials in a structures” that allowed for experi- Decubber said the Factories of the He said as a car parts manufactur- must be people-centred and day-long discussion on how Irish ence and ideas which emerge at fac- Future project is aimed at helping ing company based in the far north operate with greater team- manufacturing can adapt and thrive tory floor level to be more effective- industry to plan its investments in west of Europe, the main basis of F work between management in the changing global context. ly implemented. the long term. his company’s continuing success and workers. This was the message Central to the conference discus- As well as EU Commissioner The project emphasised worker was innovative work practices which emerged from a highly suc- sion was the work of the SIPTU Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, the con- and management co-operation and which have been developed through cessful SIPTU manufacturing divi- Ideas Institute Change Specialist, ference heard directly about the its first funding tranche of €255 management and worker co-opera- sion conference held in the Tony Murphy. support the EU was providing to million had gone to 61 Factories of tion. Gresham Hotel in Dublin on 24th He outlined the successes of Joint innovative manufacturing from the Future projects, one third of David Taylor, HR Business Partner November. Union Management Steering Chris Decubber, the Director of them small to medium enterprises. with Dublin-based pharmaceutical The conference, entitled Groups (JUMSG) in bringing Research at Factories of the Future Sean McDermott, Managing company Leo Pharma, and Ray "Innovation in Manufacturing –a improvements to production project, and Dr Sergio Fernandez- Director of Donegal-based Kirchhoff Cosgrove, HR Country Manager at Driver for Jobs and Growth”, processes, saying that factories of Ceballos, National Contact Point- Ireland, outlined to the conference Kerry Foods, also spoke of successes brought together worker representa- the future “must develop horizontal Framework Programme 7 Enterprise his company’s successful relation- which have emerged from the oper- tives, management, government rather than vertical problem solving Ireland. ship with the Ideas Institute. ation of JUMSGs at their companies. Time to foster a new industry dynamic

O’Connor said Ireland should “recognised the central role of learn from the best practice of people” in the modern manufac- powerful manufacturing turing process. economies such as Germany with The paper highlighted three key its “integrated collective bargain- aspects to successful companies: ing rights through the works “A focus on gaining an in-depth council system, co-determination understanding of markets and

 $#$!%(  &&$$"& and sophisticated social dialogue customer needs; operations that $%  "& * "!! &$& ' !+"$) HE Irish economy must be rebuilt infrastructure.” are capital intensive, knowledge around a core of sustainable man- These processes were based on intensive and skills intensive and; ufacturing enterprises where an “essential trade-off” which a participative company culture Ser˙˙ces ˙n˙˙s˙r˙a˙ Profess˙ona˙ an˙ development is supported by co- ˙ec˙n˙ca˙ ˙n˙on  !'&'$! “embraces security and quality of which involves pro-active and Liberty Hall Dublin 1 operation between workers (%"! "!$! and employment through participa- open communications between Tel: 1890 747881 Email: [email protected] management, SIPTU president'$%)&"( $ www.siptu.ie * "!! '& tion and ever increasing produc- management and staff.” Jack O’Connor told the confer- $%  "&  ' ! tivity.” O’Connor endorsed the 2008 ence. Putting such dynamic structures paper’s proposal to bring together Pictures: Pictures: Photocall Ireland In his keynote speech, into place would necessitate unions, employers and govern- O’Connor said: “We must debunk change at both individual enter- ment into a new “manufacturing the myth that things can return to prises and governmental levels. forum to drive the implementa- SIPTU General President ‘business as usual’ before the col- O’Connor said the basis for tion of actions on the basis of a Jack O’Connor, above, lapse. The old models have failed developments at government level collaborative approach.” insisted there could be no return to pre-2008 and there is no going back… The had already notion of the Anglo American, models of doing busi- been outlined ness services only, casino capitalist by the work of model, with manufacturing out- the high-level EU Commission Maire sourced to China and south-east group on manu- Geoghegan Quinn (left) Asia is now redundant. facturing which claimed Europe’s future “It is clear from recent experi- met under the depended on ‘smart, ence that the states which are auspices of the sustainable’ ways of weathering the storm best, main- T2016 creating new jobs. taining high levels of employ- Agreement. ment, are those which have strong This group Delegates (far left) national awareness of the centrali- produced a at the Innovation ty of manufacturing for economic paper in March in Manufacturing sustainability.” 2008 which conference. Europe stands ready to assist sector EU Commissioner for Research, through a significant reinforcement the fight to promote jobs and growth.” depends on how we are able to cre- “And besides technological inno- Innovation and Science, Máire of the successful European “Restoring growth and achieving ate jobs, making sure that growth is vation – which is, of course, vitally Geoghegan Quinn, announced at Research Council. sustainability requires a strategic smart, sustainable and inclusive. important – we must boost innova- the conference a proposed new €80 'Creating industrial leadership shift from competing on the basis This is what the Europe 2020 strat- tion in business models, processes, billion funding framework, Horizon and competitive frameworks' will of cost to an approach based on cre- egy agreed by member states last design and workplace practices. 2020, aimed at supporting growth constitute a second pillar focused ating greater added-value so that year is all about. And we are relying “These have all become key driv- and jobs across the union. on supporting business research we are competing on the basis of on the manufacturing industry to ers of growth and employment.” She said Horizon 2020 formed and innovation with a third pillar, the high quality of our products play its part.” The Commissioner also drew part of the Commission’s proposed 'Tackling societal challenges', and on their innovation,” she said. As part of this process Geoghegan attention to the Factories of the EU budget for the period 2014 to 2020. focused on challenges in areas The EU Commissioner outlined Quinn launched the Innovation Future Public-Private Partnership Under the proposal, EU invest- including health, food security and her work at European level oversee- Union programme over a year ago (PPP) launched by the EU with the ment in research and innovation transport. ing existing schemes such as the which “aims to bring everyone on aim of helping to ensure that will be increased to €80 billion Geoghegan Quinn told the con- FP7 programme which will provide board: businesses, manufacturers, Europe “will be well placed for a structured around three distinct pillars. ference she was “pleased that €55 billion between 2007 and 2013 the public and service sectors, sci- successful exit from the crisis with The first pillar, 'Excellence in the Ireland’s largest trade union is so for research and technological entists, educators and, of course, science base' will aim to strengthen clearly giving the message that development projects. trade unions and employers. competitive and sustainable manu- scientific research, particularly innovation is our key weapon in She said: “Europe's future facturing industries.” Liberty 9 SIPTU Manufacturing Conference DECEMBER 2011

WORKPLACE PROFILE SAICA PACK IRELAND Good people make good business

From left to right, Malcolm Reid, Gordon Reilly, Gerry Dempsey, Liam Campbell, Joe Macken, John McCormack, Christy Buckley and Niall Hegarty.

ORRUGATED board Gordon Reilly, an according to the level of successful in increasing machine packaging company Saica operator on the problem they are per- running speeds while factory floor Pack Ireland is based in a Ward RDC and ceived to be. decisions to introduce best prac- manufacturing facility in former shop A follow-up meeting tice from similar plants abroad CAshbourne, County Meath. steward. is then held at 10a.m. have been introduced. In operation for 30 years, the He said: “It is a and, if the problem still Plant Manager Malcolm Reid factory supplies corrugated case six-day course cannot be solved, it said: “There is a significant differ- packaging to food, drink and where you have remains on the white- ence between the groups of work- pharmaceutical companies through- two days a week board until a project ers who have undergone the Ideas out Ireland. every fortnight. It group finds a way of Institute training and those yet to Since 2007, the factory has been focuses on prob- resolving it. do so. There is a difference in con- owned by a Spanish-based multina- lem solving and “It means operators fidence and a belief that they can tional. communications are not living with have a positive input. Employing 92 people, the compa- skills, all based The successful model adopted by Saica problems as long as they were “We are working to improve our ny began working with the Ideas around team work. Pack based on workplace co-operation before,” said Joe Macken, an oper- margins, through cost and price, Institute and established a Joint “There is a real sense of achieve- can be solved at the factory floor ator on the Genco Printer. to improve our service to cus- Union Management Steering Group ment on completing the course and level, level two necessitates greater “We used to have an awful lot tomers and to improve our quali- (JUMSG) in 2010 during a period it has a major impact on work.” investment in time and level three, of layers of management in this ty. when it had to undergo major The scheme has assisted in the the most difficult issues, may take company. By the time someone “If we work on these three changes to withstand and compete workforce and management draw- extra funding to resolve. made a decision, it was diluted or things, we survive and continue to against increased UK and foreign ing up a process of dealing with Management and workers’ repre- very late. The process means there grow. We have grown our capacity competition. production issues by grading them sentatives meet every morning to is now much better and quicker due to the way we now work – Among those who have undertak- from level one to three. discuss issues which are recorded communication.” good people make a good busi- en the Ideas Institute training is Level one involves problems that on a whiteboard and dealt with The new methods have been ness.” Research set to focus on developing manufacturing ALIGNING investment in The Minister said research innovate service delivery and “In 2010, between indigenous research and skills development and development was not “an business processes.” agency-assisted manufacturing with opportunities in the manu- alternative but complementary He said this project must be companies and foreign-owned facturing sector is a key aim of to investing in manufacturing international in its scope and ones, over 165,000 people were the government, according to capabilities.” the government had identified employed in the sector.” Minister for Research and Sherlock added that his “para- areas already where connection Sherlock concluded by stating: Innovation, Sean Sherlock. mount goal” in office was “to should be made to established “Foreign Direct Investment, in Addressing the conference, he oversee the alignment of our European and global research particular high-end manufactur- said that programmes that research and development agendas, including the EU’s ing, has been, and will continue ensured the emerging workforce investment with those areas of Framework Programme 7 (FP7), to be, a key element in the had developed skills in Science, opportunity most likely to deliv- and its successor programme, export-led recovery of the econ- Technology, Engineering and er jobs.” Horizon 2020. omy.” Maths (STEM) were essential to In order to do this, research “Manufacturing also matters developing “a strong domestic and development must “support from an economic and social Sean Sherlock called for the alignment of R&D engine of growth.” the manufacturing sector to perspective,” Sherlock said. investment with opportunities that can deliver jobs 10 Liberty DECEMBER 2011 Euro Crisis Closer ‘Austerity’ union not a good deal

By Vic Duggan Writing in this column two one in ten of the workforce loses prospects for Greece, to take the Germany that they may well prefer months ago, I suggested that Treaty their job, or is ‘decimated’, to use most extreme example, are not a return of the Deutschemark: change would be needed to save the old Roman expression. The live good. Even after its partial default, Inflation could be the Euro’s savior. the Euro. Where once such talk was register soared from 4.5% to 14.5% its debts will be 120% of GDP. German inflation at 4-6% per taboo, it is now clear that we are in four years. Where Ireland has recovered com- annum, combined with expansion- faced with such constitutional For Ireland, just as for her citi- petitiveness, and has a thriving ary fiscal policy, would allow coun- change, irrespective of the UK posi- zens, debt repayment capacity falls export sector, Greece not only has tries like Greece to adjust gradually tion. A real fiscal union would with income. Ireland’s best case further to travel, they have hardly over a number of years without involve transfers to those regions scenario is that debt-to-GDP peaks begun the journey. experiencing deflation. for whom a one-size-fits-all mone- in two years at about the level What was agreed at the EU sum- tary policy is inappropriate. What is faced by Italy today. mit of December 9th was another in prospect is not a fiscal union, In early 2012, the Irish govern- Mandatory financial short-term fix: an intergovernmen- however, but an austerity club. ment will introduce a Fiscal tal treaty to lock debtor countries European leaders have finally Responsibility Bill. This will sanctions on coun- into austerity, but no mechanism to realised the need for bold reform, include a ‘Public Finances correct the very economic imbal- but they’ve completely missed the Correction Rule’ which will put a tries with excessive ances that doomed the Euro ‘mark point. The Eurozone crisis is less legally binding fiscal straightjacket I’ in the first place. ‘Ever closer about members’ debts, and more on Finance Ministers for years to deficits involve a union’ on those terms may be nei- about their competitiveness. come. very real transfer of ther desirable nor sustainable. If a country cannot remain com- Until our debt-to-GDP ratio is Whether inside or outside the petitive, it cannot generate the halved to the ‘Maastricht’ level of sovereignty Lisbon Treaty framework, the intro- exports it needs to finance repay- 60%, we will not only have to duction of mandatory financial ments to foreign creditors. As we reduce our deficit further than the sanctions on countries with exces- are all now painfully aware, a coun- 3% target, but actually run a signifi- Georges Papandreou tried to call sive deficits involves a very real try in monetary union cannot cant surplus until we hit the 60% a referendum in Greece not to out- transfer of sovereignty and a recover cost competitiveness by target. The Government’s recent manoeuvre the opposition, but change to our constitutional set-up. devaluing its currency, but only Medium Term Fiscal Statement sets because he needed political cover It would be a brave government through ‘internal devaluation’. out a baseline scenario where this for ushering in decades of austerity. that tried to bypass the will of the An ‘internal devaluation’ occurs level is achieved in 2039. Our age of With crippling debts, a deflation- people on such a fundamental deci- when labour costs fall relative to austerity has only begun! ary spiral and endless budget cuts sion. your competitors. This happens Can we service such debts, odi- on the horizon, it is hard to believe Vic Duggan is a Masters in Public either because your wages fall or, ous or not? With difficulty, maybe. that the current path is socially or Administration (MPA) candidate in far less painfully, if they rise slower But if the global economy under- politically sustainable in Greece. Economic Policy Management at than those of your competitors. mines our exports-only recovery There is one medium-term devel- Columbia University, New York Unit labour costs in Ireland have strategy, all bets are off. opment that could secure the long Artist Robert Ballagh at the Budget 2012 declined significantly during the So can the Euro hold together? term sustainability of the Euro, but protest at the Dáil on 6th December. crisis. That’s what happens when With difficulty, maybe. But the it is the one thing so anathema to Merkozy solution makes periphery pay for adjustment

By Martin Fitzpatrick

The latest Eurozone summit have stacked up skittles as if they presses, but the real reason has because it was full of land mines. insists it has yet to be “crafted meeting has done no more than were long-term barriers in defence more to do with her anxiety to If the last FF was still and draughted,” hoping, it seems, confirmed the theory that there is to the Eurozone dilemma, only for keep German wage rates in check. making public utterances he that Cameron can be rescued from nothing more eloquent than a the markets to knock the skittles Sarkozy has millions (probably might choose to say that the that precarious limb on which he vested interest disguised as a con- flying almost as soon as the ink billions) of reasons for protecting ‘Compact’ agreed by 26 of the 27 has perched himself. viction. Throughout the drama in on the required communiqué was the French banks and will happily Community countries in Brussels It would seem that from the Brussels there were repeated dry. Most of us would learn the inspect out the motes in other’s last week was also a bit like Irish point of view an EU without claims from the leading players lesson that if our suggested solu- eyes without ever checking the Angola, strewn with danger. the active participation of Britain that grand and noble obligations tions kept failing then we would mirror. is going to be difficult for this were being served and distin- think of something, But the most bizarre turn in It is clear that in country, but there are those who guished purposes were being met, well…smarter. The institution this latest drama was with David think that we could capitalise on but the truth is that for most of that is now called ‘Merkozy’ does Cameron, the British Prime the new steps the British absence from the corri- the time the spectacle revealed a not get this. They are insistent Minister who at 2.30 a.m., when dors of influence. That of course gang of shifty politicians defend- that their special interests, essen- the rest of us are sleeping, went towards fiscal assumes that the European ing their own special interests in a tially their national banks, should into battle for the honour and periphery still has influence. It is way usually seen in the school- not take the consequences of the glory of the City of London and union, it is the clear that in the new steps yard. It is unlikely, alas, that the unprecedented financial crisis. left his country stuck out on the towards fiscal union, it is the financial markets will have a Mrs Merkel has a quick-fix most uncomfortable limb possi- periphery where periphery where all the painful kindergarten response to this the answer in loosening the bounds ble. adjustments are being made. play-acting and if the currency is on the European Central Bank. When Brian Cowen was the all the painful Ireland is the embodiment of this. to be saved the required actions She knows fully well that this Minister for Health many years adjustments are A true community would allow will have to be a lot more candid would work but she has a really ago, he called his Department the core countries to share the and grown-up. good reason for not allowing that ‘Angola.’ Few people asked why being made. pain of adjustment. You cannot be Angela Merkel and Nicholas to happen either. Some think a the unfortunate African state sure that Mrs. Merkel gets this Sarkozy have been tricking around particularly German-focused com- should be singled out for such yet. with the problem for much of the munity horror of inflation is opprobrium. The answer lay in Mr Foreign Minister Eamon past year. There can be no doubt behind her decision not to take Cowen’s full quote which was that Gilmore is so windy about the Martin Fitzpatrick that almost monthly summits the covers off the Euro printing the Department resembled Angola deal without the UK that he is a journalist and NUJ activist Liberty 11 Comment DECEMBER 2011 Liberty

By JACK O’CONNOR View SIPTU General President The EURO Summit The outcome of the EU summit on 8th/9th are burdened by unsustainable debt will have gain basement prices by the corporate vul- December will not solve the problems of the even less prospects of growth. tures. It is about jettisoning what remains of euro or the peoples of Europe. At best it will The only way out of the debt quagmire in the great gains made by the working people enable things to muddle on. Consequently Europe is through a viable plan for growth. of Europe in the context of the post war set- any hopes of a rapid job generating recovery The strategy favoured by German capital, tlement. The objective is to ditch as much of will not be realised. growth through austerity, will not work. In these as possible so that European Capital can There is no relief in sight for the stressed any case in which it could be claimed to have more effectively participate in the global race countries. There is no suggestion of debt worked it was always accompanied by a loose to the bottom. restructuring, or Eurobonds or any kind of fis- monetary policy by the relevant central bank. The plan to enshrine a provision in our cal transfer mechanism to direct resources Those supporting it in Europe are opposed to national law requiring complaince with a from prosperous regions to those which are the European Central Bank following such a deficit limit of 0.5% of GDP in perpetuity struggling. Indeed, the so called “Fiscal course. would effectively institutionalise austerity Compact” which emerged requiring compli- The recipe is the same everywhere. The greatly restricting the flexibility of future gov- ance with a structural deficit limit of 0.5% focus is on slashing pensions, dismantling ernments. The question of the alternative if will only achieve the opposite of what is peoples’ rights at work and selling off State the rest of the Eurozone goes along with it required. It will mean that countries which assets so that they can be picked up at bar- will have to be considered very carefully. Budget 2012 The Republic of Ireland’s Budget 2012 is most on public services. entail the use of some of the residue of the not a Labour budget. That’s because it’s not a An improvement was secured for more National Pensions Reserve Fund combined Labour government. More than two thirds of than 300,000 lower paid workers in relation with investment incentivised from the pri- Merkozy solution makes the seats on the government benches in Dáil to the Universal Social Charge. However, vate pension funds through exemptions from Éireann are occupied by TDs. Labour was not able to win the battle for the the levy, along with money from the That’s because 60% of the people who voted introduction of a wealth tax or an increased European Investment Bank. in the general election supported the centre- contribution from those on incomes in excess Some say Labour should withdraw from right parties, i.e. Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil. of €100,000 per annum (who will even con- government. We should be careful what we periphery pay for adjustment These parties share the same outlook. (For tinue to enjoy tax relief at the marginal rate wish for. This would result in budgets drawn example they both thought the disastrous on their private pension contributions). up by Fine Gael with the support of a few open-ended guarantee to the banks in Consequently, some people on low incomes right wing independents or even Fianna Fáil. September 2008, which Labour opposed, was will incur a burden they should not have to Such a government would inevitably be pro- a good idea). bear. This is not morally justifiable or eco- pelled ever further to the right with horren- While it is not a Labour budget it is not a nomically sustainable. dous consequences for working people. It Fine Gael budget either. Labour managed to The biggest problem with the budget is takes more courage for Labour to stay in and restrict the deficit reduction to €3.8 billion that it will take €3.8 billion out of the econo- continue battling for a fairer way than to instead of the €4.4 billion recommended by my. Unless a way can be found to leverage in leave the people to the tender mercies of the Fiscal Council. They also managed to an equivalent amount this will exacerbate the such an eventuality. Our task in the trade ensure a 57:43 breakdown – not the 75:25 decline and the arithmetic for 2013 will be union movement and wider civil society is to envisaged in the Fine Gael manifesto. The many times worse. There is very little room continue campaigning thus helping them to difference would have added up to cuts of for manoeuvre due to the agreement with the win the coming battles within the Cabinet, another €1 billion. These would have been EU / ECB / IMF Troika which is funding the borne by workers and the people who depend country. However, there is a way. This would

1) Who is the Irish Minister responsible for Research and Innovation? 2) In which Dublin community does Maureen O’Sullivan TD live? Liberty Quiz 3) What age was Bernadette Devlin McAliskey when she was elected to the British parliament? 4) Which US State voted to support trade union rights on 8th November? *Answer the six questions correctly 5) Name the editor of the new book James Connolly Political Writings 1893-1916? and you can win a weekend away for 6) Which national football team does Slaven Bilic manage? two in one of Ireland’s Fair Hotels. Last month’s winner was: Mary Norton, Athlone, Co. Westmeath

Answers by e-mail only to [email protected] *Terms and conditions apply. 12 Liberty DECEMBER 2011 Budget 2012

ANALYSIS Tough measures taken in Budget 2012 amid economic storms in EU and beyond, but will it work? By Marie Sherlock

INCE taking office in education courses etc. Government of its potential capacity Economic activity in the Eurozone there are OECD warnings that exces- March 2011, the new Again, when set against the con- to kick start some vital infrastructur- is expected to stagnate next year, sive budget tightening could tip the Government has made text that over two out of every five al projects and harness potential growing by a negligible 0.2% and any US back into recession. jobs a central theme of all persons on the Live Register have sources of private sector funds shock to the Euro will almost cer- Last week, the Department of S its major announcements. come from crafts, or the general which would have the added bonus tainty tilt the area into recession. Finance revised its forecast for GDP The Jobs initiative was announced operative grade in construction or of providing employment and a The Eurozone is the single largest in 2012 to 1.3%; a revision down- in May with the halving of employ- traditional manufacturing, the pub- boost to the domestic economy. area for Irish exports with some 39% wards from 1.6% in just three weeks. ers’ PRSI for workers on the nation- lic policy effort relative to the scale The Irish economy may be techni- of Irish services and goods sold Ultimately, the Government is al minimum wage and the reduction of the problem seems far too small. cally out a recession owing to the there, while 20% go to the other EU caught in a terrible bind in having to of VAT to 9% for the tourism, hospi- The Government is forecasting strength of Irish exports, but this is countries, principally the UK. The fufill the timetable for adjustment tality and a small number of other that there will be no net job creation meaningless as the domestic econo- remaining 41% of Irish exports go set down by the EU, ECB and IMF, sectors. until the end of 2012 and the start my is set to contract for another two outside of Europe, with the US one yet according to estimates, if world The intention to launch a multi- of 2013. So with all the talk of jobs, years until 2014 and even this assur- of the key destinations. growth were to be 1% less than annual action plan for jobs in the this is a terrible waste of time and ance – that Irish GDP will remain in Of the advanced industrialised expected in 2012, Irish GDP would New Year was announced in mid- skills for the unemployed. positive territory next year – is countries, the US is expected to be 0.9% lower and the budget deficit November and is to contain partial It is also a dreadful waste by the becoming less probable by the day. grow by a healthy 2% next year, but would be 0.3% higher. loan guarantees and micro financing By 2015, the deficit would be at loans. 5%, despite the €12.4bn worth of An Taoiseach’s speech to the adjustment measures imposed over nation the Sunday before the the four-year period to then. Budget laid great emphasis on the In reality, the success of Ireland’s need to generate jobs in the Irish adjustment strategy will depend on economy and the two budget Government effectively events elsewhere, yet despite all speeches left listeners in no doubt this, there is a sense that the that jobs will be key to reviving the hamstrung itself in Government could have minimised Irish economy. the deflationary impact of the areas Fiscal consolidation in the placing income tax changes that it does control. absence of growth will be self- It is estimated by the Government defeating. We need to generate off-limits – at Fine Gael’s that as a result of imposing €1bn in growth both at home and abroad. additional tax measures in this The budget did contain specific insistence – with the result Budget, there will be a loss of measures to assist firms exporting €775m in overall tax revenues, with into the emerging markets of Brazil, that lower income the deflationary impact on the China, India and Russia and it made domestic economy a multiple of the system of credits for Research households are that amount. and Development more generous, The Government’s assumption while also extending the corporate being hit that the VAT increase will have no tax exemption for start up compa- direct impact on the volume of sales nies, but when set against the wider of goods and services is likely to be context of an unemployment level proved wrong and the loss to overall of 14.5%, the impact of these sup- tax revenues could be higher than ports will be very much in the slow that projected. burner category. A new labour mar- In short, the net benefit to the ket activation fund worth €20m is BUDGET State from €1bn in new taxes is esti- being put in place to replace the one mated to be €240m or less – a very that expired in June 2011 and over high price for ordinary households 6,000 unemployed people will bene- to pay for such little return. fit from supports to training, further 2012 Taxation: reprieve for take home pay, but at what cost?

ORKING people may areas are to be welcomed. But the capital expenditure cuts, and only holds in the Irish economy. of the USC alongside the reduction well breathe a sigh of bewildering generosity towards 30% raised in tax measures. The rise in the exemption limit to tax credits. relief that take home the property and development sec- Within the €8bn raised in tax for the USC from €4,006 to The unpalatable reality remains pay has not been tor with a range of tax reliefs for measures between 2009 and 2011, €10,006 is to be welcomed as an that a PAYE or self-employed work- affectedW in Budget 2012, but the CGT to revive the property market more than 70% was shouldered by offsetting measure, particularly for er earning more than €16,006 pays raft of indirect tax changes will and the failure to abolish Section ordinary income tax payers part-time and seasonal workers, the same rate of USC of 7% as have a far more insidious impact 23 property tax reliefs at a direct through the introduction of the someone on six times that income. and one that will only be felt to cost of €64m and indirect cost to USC, lower tax credits, reduced tax From the CSO’s Household the exchequer of roughly an extra bands etc, while only 1 out of varying degrees over the coming € SIPTU, has long called Budget surveys, we know that par- weeks and months. €132m appears deeply every €5 raised was targeted at the ticular goods levied at the standard As long as the Government effec- inequitable. better-off or their stock of wealth. for a greater balance tively hamstrung itself in placing This is especially so when com- SIPTU, has long called for a between revenue- rate of VAT eat up approximately income tax changes off-limits, at pared with the crude and grossly greater balance between revenue- 11.5% of total disposable income Fine Gael’s insistence, the inequitable household charge of raising measures and expenditure raising measures and for households with the lowest inevitable result has been to target €100 which will be imposed on savings. The shift in balance with- expenditure savings. 10% of income earners – just over items that will disproportionately almost all households, regardless in Budget 2012 towards 42% tax double the proportion spent by affect lower income households. of their means. increases and 58% spending cuts the top 10% of income earners. SIPTU and ICTU called for With some €20.6 bn taken out was a step in the right direction. but the real problem with the USC With the volume of retail sales increases to the rate of DIRT, of the Irish economy over the past But this is cold comfort when lies more with those earning currently at record low levels, it Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and Capital five budgets, the overwhelming we now see that more than €8 out between €16,016 and €25,699. remains unclear as to whether Acquisition Tax (CAT) in this budg- emphasis was on spending cuts, of every €10 in new revenue-rais- They were hardest hit in 2011 some retailers will absorb the 2% et and, at first glance, the with 70% of the budgetary adjust- ing measures will disproportion- with a cut of over 4% to their take VAT increase when the new rate Government’s changes in these ment concentrated in current and ately affect lower income house- home pay from the introduction comes into force in January 2012. Liberty 13 Budget 2012 DECEMBER 2011 This budget is both anti-people Picture: Photocall Ireland and anti-jobs

Pearse Doherty speaking at last month’s launch of Sinn Féin’s pre- Budget 2012 protest on 6th December. budget submission Same old, same old... as budget fails litmus test

By Pearse Doherty HE FIRST budget by Fine Gael and They will also further depress the domes- on fairness Labour is anti-people and anti- tic economy, damaging consumer demand jobs. Despite all the rhetoric about and leading to increased job losses. By Niall Crowley getting people back to work and all Labour and Fine Gael have hit the poorest Tthe promises of protecting the most vulnera- hardest while paying out massive salaries to ble, the Government is implementing the personal advisors and protecting unjustifi- THE BUDGET was supposed to poverty from 14.1% to 15.8%, increased same failed austerity policy of Fianna Fáil. able pension pay-outs to former Ministers be all about protecting the vul- deprivation by 30% and increased child Between 15,000 and 20,000 jobs will be and Taoisigh. nerable, being fair and creating poverty from 18.6% to 19.5%. lost as a result of this budget. More than Throughout the budget debate, I and my jobs. Enda Kenny said it. At the same time, the number of high BrendanT Howlin said it. Michael Noonan net worth individuals (calculated as those 7,500 will be lost as a result of the reduc- Sinn Féin colleagues argued that there was a tions in capital expenditure. better fairer way. said it. None of them delivered on it. with more than $1 million at their dis- In his speech to the nation, Enda posal for investment) increased by 5%. A further 6,000 will be taken out of the We made detailed and costed proposals in Kenny offered a narrow understanding of The Fine Gael/Labour budget means public service, directly affecting front line our pre-budget submission to: invest €7bn vulnerability. He was going to protect the the poor will continue to get poorer and services. And thousands more will be lost to create over 60,000 jobs and protect 96,000 children, the old and the sick. Are people the rich will continue to get richer. indirectly as a result of the drop in spending more over three years; end the recruitment trying to live on less than 10,000 and at Claiming Our Future campaigned for a power of both Government and ordinary embargo for front line services; reduce € risk of poverty, not vulnerable too? different model – a model that would not people. If this was not bad enough, Fine waste in the public service; and invest However, he did not even deliver for have left Brian Hayes stumbling for an Gael and Labour have heaped a plethora of 596m in helping hard-pressed families. € the children, the old and the sick – all answer as to the pain he was experienc- additional costs on low and middle-income were targeted by health and social wel- families. fare cuts. The 2% increase in VAT is effectively a cut Family of two adults It seems fairness is Fairness is far from equality. It is a in income of between €100 and €400 per and three children on minimal goal. None of them defined being given the very family per year. The cut to child benefit for what they meant by it. It seems fairness third and subsequent children will result in social welfare will lose is being given the very limited meaning limited meaning of the loss of €228 per child per year. of sharing the pain among all groups. Add this to the €100 household charge, more than same sized Vincent Brown captured how the budg- sharing the pain the increases in motor tax and petrol, the et did not even achieve this limited increases in carbon tax and the cuts to 15 family earning €150k understanding of fairness when he ques- among all groups different social welfare payments and the tioned Brian Hayes as to how much pain result is very clear. he was suffering under this budget. Low and middle income families will see We also proposed real tax reform that The Minister of State was nonplussed. ing. Claiming Our Future sought a tax-led their income and their quality of life drop would have eased the burden on all workers He stumbled and stuttered. He finally model that would have taken on the pow- dramatically in 2012. earning less than €75,000 per year while tax- concluded that he suffered the pain of erful and taxed the significant wealth in As a result of all of this, a family of two ing wealth, ending unnecessary tax breaks the 2% VAT increase. How fair is that? our society. adults and three children on social welfare and going after tax exiles. This budget was supposed to be for We are the seventh wealthiest country will lose more than the same sized family Fine Gael and Labour campaigned during jobs. It cut the training and support in the EU and still our tax take as a per- earning €150,000. Where is the fairness in the general election for change. Yet when it allowances for Community Employment centage of GDP is the fourth lowest. that? The Government will claim that by came to the budget, they claimed they had Schemes. It took 6,000 public sector jobs The budget should have included steps raising the threshold of the USC to €10,000, no choice. This is simply untrue. out of the equation. The capital expendi- to tax assets worth more than €1 million, they have helped 330,000 low income earn- Politics is always about choices. The ture cuts took out another 7,500 jobs. to tax financial transactions, to increase ers. Government chose to protect the status quo The diminished capacity of the low the tax on incomes over €100,000 and to The Government should have abolished and – just like Fianna Fáil before it – they paid to spend will also depress the num- eliminate tax breaks for the wealthy. this grossly unfair tax completely, taking out are making low and middle-income earners ber of jobs in the private sector. A tax-led approach would have been of the tax net all of the 514,000 people who pay for an economic crisis which we did not If they really meant to protect the vul- fairer, it would have protected the vulner- were brought into it following the introduc- create. nerable, to be fair and to create jobs, they able and it just might have moved us tion of the USC. should not have delivered a budget that towards being a more equal society. All of these measures will push tens of Pearse Doherty is Sinn Féin TD merely continued the Fianna Fáil/Green thousands of families into poverty, mortgage for Donegal South West strategy. In 2010 this strategy deepened arrears and severe financial hardship. 14 Liberty DECEMBER 2011 News

ANALYSIS the cost of medication from the State, which may not be covered Grey power mobilises by private health insurance, has been increased from €120 to BUDGET By Ethel Buckley €132 per month. National Campaigns & Equality Organiser •An additional €55 million has been allocated to the “Fair Deal” RETIRED members met in mobilise, the politicians listen.” The second item on which the nursing home scheme for 2012. 2012 Liberty Hall on 7th December to The meeting identified two Section has vowed to campaign This follows budget overruns in analyse the impact of Budget priority campaigning issues post- is fuel poverty. The reduction in 2011 which generated considerable 2012 on retired and older people Budget 2012. The first is the the number of weeks for which uncertainty regarding the approval and its impact and vowed to mobilise against reduction of €543 million in the fuel allowance is paid from 32 to of applications for vulnerable older cuts that will severely impact health budget and the inevitable 26 weeks will amount to a €120 people. It remains to be seen on retired and incomes and services. impact this will have on services loss per annum. whether the allocation will be ade- Addressing the national meet- for older people. The Retired The Retired Members’ Section quate to meet demand. older people... ing, National Equality and Members’ Section has vowed to will hold a series of regional •Free GP care is to be provided for Campaigns Organiser, Ethel campaign vigorously against the meetings around the country 56,000 people who avail of the Buckley, said that “recent budg- potential closure of public nurs- early in the New Year. All retired Long Term Illness Scheme. By Loraine Mulligan members and activists are invited SIPTU Policy Research Unit ets have shown that grey power ing home beds arising from cuts •The allocation of home help works…when older people in public expenditure. to come along and get involved in hours will be scrutinised and there Energy the campaign. will an increased focus on day care • Payment of the Fuel Allowance rather than hospital stays. is reduced from 32 to 26 weeks. Get involved and take action now on issues affecting older persons & It is difficult to discern how this Transport shift relates to the government’s retired members. Contact Retired Members’ Section on 01 8588261 •The allocation for Irish Rail, Bus Energy Affordability Strategy Eireann and Dublin Bus will be which identifies that, in 2009, cut by 8% or €21 million in 2012 there were at least 316,712 tonne. This will apply to petrol working in the HSE may also put which has already resulted in households in energy poverty and auto-diesel from 7/12/2011 Health pressure on service delivery. higher fares and reduced services. (20.5% of all households) and but will not be levied on home •Savings of €543 million in the •For older people with private •Savings of €900,000 are ear- that persons aged over 65 heating fuels until May 2012. Health Budget, including a cash health insurance, the price of marked from the rural transport account for 30% of all energy- The increase will not be imposed reduction of €183 million, are to premiums can be expected to rise initiative. poor households. on solid fuels. be implemented in 2012 which as a result of increased charges It is worth noting that the price will inevitably affect the availabil- for private beds in public hospi- Household Charge of liquid fuels rose by 20.3% and Pensions ity of services. The Minister for tals and because the designation •Households will be levied a natural gas by 20.5% in the •The State Pension (contributory Health, James Reilly, has conced- between private and public beds household charge of €100 per twelve months to October 2011. & non-contributory) has not been ed that a significant number of is to be removed. The VHI has annum from 2012, prior to the Electricity rose by 11.5% in the cut. Invalidity pension is also public nursing home beds will warned of price hikes of 50% and introduction of a property tax. same period. maintained at current levels. close in 2012 but the exact figure a possible reduction in the choice Those living in social or volun- • The electricity/gas allowance •In order to qualify for the will not be known until the pub- of hospitals which customers are tary/co-operative housing are under the household benefits Widow/er’s Contributory lication of the HSE Service Plan. offered while the Minister for exempt. However, there is no package is to be reduced in 2012. Pension, the number of contribu- It is speculated that as many as Health insisted the VHI claim is provision in the Bill to waive the • The carbon tax has been tions required will rise from 156 650 long-stay beds may be at widely exaggerated. fee for all social welfare recipi- increased from €15 to €20 per to 520 in July 2013. issue. The reduced numbers • The threshold for recouping ents and/or for those on low income. CROKE PARK AGREEMENT A good deal done already HE first report of the 2009 peak by the end of this year. Ireland’s international Public service pay international comparisons of pay Implementation Body set reputation and pensions in both the public and private sec- up to manage the Croke Savings The Croke Park agreement has Public service gross pay was cut tors). Park agreement, pub- The savings achieved so far helped restore Ireland’s interna- by an average of 14% (through OECD Government at a Glance lishedT in June 2011, stated it had under Croke Park have exceeded tional reputation by exceeding its direct pay cuts and the introduc- (2011) found that, far from being led to annual savings of more than the Government’s targets. This has tion of the so-called out of step with other countries as €680 million in its first year. been acknowledged in the ‘pension levy’) before is frequently alleged, the relative This was made up of: progress reports of the IMF- the Croke Park agree- purchasing power of Irish public • €289 million in payroll sav- ECB-European Commission ment came into force. servants is about average except ings (compared to a target of €223 Troika. The Croke Park Pay for new entrants for a very small number of senior million) arising from reduced Implementation Body’s sec- has been reduced by an grades. staffing, cuts in overtime costs ond annual report, due next additional 10%, which While recent political attention and various other efficiencies, year, will again quantify the means that new has rightly focussed on indefensi- • €308 million in non-payroll savings achieved under the entrants to the public ble and unsustainable pension savings arising from greater effi- agreement. service are being paid packages for a very few senior ciencies, work reorganisation and almost a quarter less public servants, an answer to a better use of resources, including Staff numbers than in 2008. recent Dáil question revealed that property rationalisation, improved The staff reductions CSO figures show that 78% of civil service pensioners procurement practices, and achieved under Croke Park average public service receive annual pensions of reduced purchasing costs, and have exceeded the targets set, weekly earnings fell by €30,000 or less. •Almost €86 million savings leading to substantial savings a further 0.5% in the Most of these pensioners are from cost-avoidance initiatives. in the public service pay bill. year to September 2011, not entitled to receive a social The recently-published Public service numbers fell while average private welfare pension. Summary of Progress, April- by 16,000 in the two years up sector earnings Reductions in public expendi- Brendan Howlin, Minister for Public Expenditure and September 2011 details additional to mid-2011, generating Reform, shows off the Croke Park Implementation increased by 2%. ture and staffing are difficult for reforms achieved over the follow- annual savings of €900 mil- Body’s first report detailing major savings in June Public servants are those who use public services, as ing six months and confirms that lion. Picture: Photocall Ireland PAYE workers and they well as for public servants them- progress under the agreement is This trend has continued in pay taxes and charges selves. accelerating. the second half of 2011 and is targets for reductions in public like everyone else. This means We are currently about half way Public service staff numbers fell likely to accelerate in the first service spending and staffing and that, on top of substantial pay through a difficult reduction in by more than 5,500 between April quarter of 2012, bringing substan- without disruption to services cuts, they will continue to bear public service numbers from over and September 2011 and concrete tial additional savings. through industrial action or the the full impact of the increased 320,000 to less than 280,000. progress was also made on leave The staff redeployment meas- threat of industrial action. taxes and charges imposed in The Croke Park agreement standardisation, rationalisation of ures agreed under Croke Park have This was acknowledged in an recent and future budgets. acknowledges that this cannot be services and agencies, redeploy- allowed thousands of staff to be October report by the OECD, A recent OECD review found done without substantial reforms ment, shared service initiatives, redeployed – many of them across which said the Croke Park agree- that Irish public service pay is on in the workplace and in the deliv- and many other local and national functional boundaries – to ensure ment “has contributed to social a par with OECD and EU averages ery of public services, and public cost-saving reform initiatives. that priority service areas are least cohesion by providing a collective- when local purchasing power is servants and their unions are Public service payroll costs will affected by these substantial ly agreed basis for reform in the taken into account (relative pur- working daily to deliver those have fallen by 15.5% from their staffing reductions. [public] sector.” chasing power is routinely used in reforms. Liberty 15 News DECEMBER 2011

QUESTION TIME MAUREEN O’SULLIVAN TD

Members of the SIPTU Oil and Gas Review Group before they attended the committee hearing. From Left: Padraig Campbell, Colm Rapple, Communications Director Frank Connolly, Amanda Slevin, General President Jack O’Connor and Joe O’Toole Picture: Photocall Ireland Oil and gas oversight body needed By Frank Connolly

IPTU General President, Jack until the Oireachtas review of the licens- O’Connor, has called for the set- ing and fiscal terms was completed. 14-year-old Alice Dunne quizzed Maureen O’Sullivan on her work as an independent TD ting up of a new body of oil and “While we recommended in June that it gas industry stakeholders, includ- would have been preferable to delay the IN RESPONSE to negative stereotyping in the ticularly at difficult times. I’d support any- ingS trade unions and community represen- issuing of the 13 exploration licensing media, a seminar entitled Young People and one interested, it needs more people, differ- tatives, to review the potential benefits of options awarded in the Atlantic Margin the Media took place in East Wall, Dublin in ent people to come in. Because what’s hap- Ireland’s hydro-carbon resources. Licensing Round in mid-October or any June. pened is you have a lot of the same people, Addressing the Joint Oireachtas other exploration licences until this com- Emerging from the meeting was an initia- their fathers/mothers or grandfathers/ grand- Committee on Communications, Natural mittee had completed its review of the tive to support young people in producing mothers were in politics before them. Resources and Agriculture on 22nd licensing and fiscal arrangements, the their own media. Among the groups assisting I think we need more people like Tony November, Jack O’Connor said SIPTU did department decided to press ahead,” Jack this project is the SIPTU Communications Gregory who knew what they wanted to do not believe that the country’s unexploited O’Connor said. Department. and went and did it. We also need more natural resources were a “panacea” for the “As new technologies allowing for the Alice Dunne, a 14-year-old participant of young people to get out there and ask ques- country’s current economic difficulties. exploitation of previously inaccessible East Wall Youth, met with Independent TD tions of politicians and try to make a differ- However, given the official estimate of reserves emerge, and the rising cost of oil Maureen O’Sullivan to discuss her job and ence that way. 10 billion barrels of oil in the Atlantic and gas makes investment in exploration the work of her predecessor, the late Tony margin off the west coast, it was essential and production more economically viable, Gregory. Tony Gregory was a strong believer in the resources were exploited to the maxi- we still believe that this review of the animal rights, how do you feel about the mum benefit of the Irish people. Irish licensing terms is timely. Is being a TD what you expected subject? He said: “SIPTU is not presenting this “It is our view that consideration should it to be like? I was very supportive of Tony on the issue oil and gas potential as a panacea for the be given to a change in the licensing terms I suppose I didn’t expect it to be as busy of animal rights. It was nice to have been in country’s economic difficulties. We don’t which might include the imposition of as it is. Each day the hours are extremely the last Dáil to support the ban on stag believe there is a vast pot of gold out there royalties, State equity stakes and increased long and that’s the biggest shock I think. I hunting. which can solve our problems overnight. taxes,” he added. knew it would be busy but I didn’t think it Tony and Hugh Leonard the playwright, “However, we do suggest that the esti- “We should examine alternative models would be to the extent it is. who has also died, were the president and mates provided by the department require for the development of oil and gas vice president of the Irish Council Against us to consider carefully how we best opti- resources and the growing global trend You’ve lived in East Wall all your life. Blood Sport. Myself and Tony’s brother, mise these potential oil and gas resources. towards increasing direct State involve- How has it changed throughout the years? Noel, are now the president and vice presi- “The discussion document we published ment in the exploitation and production Well, I think some of it’s changed and dent. in June, entitled Optimising Ireland’s Oil of hydrocarbons.” some of it hasn’t. I think East Wall is still a I’m very involved in animal matters – and Gas Resources seeks to assess whether A number of committee members wel- great community to live in and I wouldn’t Tony had tried to introduce a ban on hare the licensing system under which compa- comed his call for the establishment of a like to live anywhere else. There’s still that coursing but it was defeated in the Dáil, so nies explore and develop oil and gas body representing industry stakeholders sense of community and it’s great that I myself and another TD are hoping to do reserves is appropriate for this country at and said they would seek to include it walk out the door and know people around something in the course of this Dáil. this difficult time in our history,” Jack among any recommendations they make me. There’s still a great sense of neighbours O’Connor told the committee. at the conclusion of the current review. here and looking out for each other. If you could achieve one thing He said that the State’s current approach They also closely questioned claims by as a TD, what would it be? to the management of its resources meant representatives of the Irish Offshore For any young people who would The ban on hare coursing would be good. that Ireland has one of the lowest returns Operators’ Association who also addressed like to get into politics, what advice I’m also very involved in Overseas Aid and from its oil and gas resources anywhere in the committee. would you give them? I’d like to see that being maintained. the world – a fact acknowledged by the Sinn Fein TD, Martin Ferris, said that he Don’t! No, I’m joking! I think part of the Another big concern is people with mental Government’s own commissioned reports. did not trust the oil and gas industry to difficulty with politics is belonging to a health issues. I’d like to see a commitment He said that the Government had cho- tell the truth about the extent and value political party. When you’re part of a party, that allowances are not cut and their daily sen to proceed with the award of explo- of the resources under its control in the you don’t have the freedom to think for lives are not affected, because they have ration licences despite a recommendation Irish off-shore territory. yourself, you have to follow the party line. I enough to worry about. in the SIPTU report that they be delayed don’t think that is good for the country par- 16 Liberty DECEMBER 2011 Health 5,000 in protest against Laois hospital closures SIPTU members were to the fore review its closure decision and said she was marching in sup- calling on the HSE to reverse its Hubbard, said: “The HSE claims among the 5,000 who took part in hold a 3 month consultation port of the nursing unit’s elderly decisions to close another these hospitals are being closed a protest march against the closure process. residents in Abbeyleix because County Laois hospital, St due to a shortage of staff. Such a of the Abbeyleix Hospital nursing SIPTU Health Division “it is what they considered their Bridget’s Hospital, a 28-bed com- situation is a direct result of the unit on the 20th November. Organiser, Paul Bell, was among home and they should not be munity nursing unit in Shaen, Government’s enforcement of The HSE had announced earlier those who joined the march in put out.” with its 28 long-term residents the health service recruitment in the month that it was to close Abbeyleix. At the end of the march, the and three respite clients being moratorium. the nursing unit, resulting in the He said: “SIPTU is supporting crowd was addressed by local relocated to other facilities. “In reality, these moves – moving of 28 long-stay residents the community to ensure that political representatives, includ- Another nearby nursing unit, along with cutting back in the and the redeployment of more the elderly are cared for in the ing Labour Party Senator John the 24-bed St Mary Ward in Athy hours of care provided by the than 70 nurses and care staff. In proper hospital setting within Whelan and Sinn Féin TD Brian Hospital, County Kildare, is also home help service – are designed early December the Minister for their own community. Stanley. under threat of closure. to push the elderly into private Health James Reilly agreed to SIPTU member, Ann Phelan, Protests have also been staged SIPTU Organiser, John sector nursing homes.” HSE expenses climb-down welcomed

SIPTU has welcomed the reversal Paul Bell, said: “This reversal did tive of the HSE, Cathal Magee, to premiums and overtime rates of a HSE decision to withhold pay- not come about by accident and reverse one of the most bizarre could also be suspended in order ment of staff expenses for travel was achieved through a short and decisions taken by his organisation to balance the books at year’s end.” and subsistence. concentrated ‘campaign of shame’ for some time. Paul Bell also acknowledged the In late November the HSE had which reached several key political “It was extremely important to efforts of Labour TDs Colm announced plans to defer payment players including the Minister for force the HSE into retreat in this Keaveney and Gerald Nash in rais- of the expenses until January at Health, James Reilly. regard, as informed sources were ing the issue in the Dáil at very the earliest. “It was Minister Reilly who then touting that other so-called, non- short notice. SIPTU Health Division Organiser, strongly advised the chief execu- core payments, such as allowances, Advice: Minister for Health James Reilly Prison health scheme wins awards Successful home helps protest in Tullamore SIPTU members have been to the Community mental health nurse fore in the development of a High Andy Kelly said; “The HSU signifies a Support Unit (HSU) within Mountjoy change in custom and practice in UP to 100 people attended a SIPTU “Our members are available to “This running down of this key Prison which has won two major awards. how prisoners with mental illness protest outside Tullamore Health work but the HSE is reducing their community service is obviously In October the unit was present- are managed within the prison popu- ed with the World Health lation. Traditionally, prisoners diag- Centre on Friday, 2nd December, hours when the demand for the part of a wider agenda to push Organisation ‘Best Practice Award’ at nosed with a major mental illness to highlight the under-resourcing service is actually increasing.” increasing numbers of elderly peo- the annual WHO Network Meeting were isolated in a seclusion cells of the local home help service. Since 2007, the HSE spend on ple into the 'for profit' private for Prison and Health, in Abano, Italy. while awaiting transfer to the SIPTU Organiser, John Hubbard, private care companies has healthcare sector with all its asso- The innovative scheme has also Central Mental Hospital. The devel- said: “This was a very successful increased from €2,385,000 to ciated problems concerning main- won the Irish Medical Times Irish opment of this Unit significantly protest which highlighted the €16,252,000 while, at the same tenance and standards of care,” Health Care Awards “Excellence in improves conditions for these pris- increasing frustration of home time, the home help service has John Hubbard added. Healthcare Management” category tro- oners which now can be cared for in helps with the lack of support for been reduced by more than phy and the overall prize “An Duais much more humane conditions.” the service from the HSE. 950,000 working hours. Mhór”.

New disability guide for employers launched

MEMBERS of the SIPTU Disability former head of the SIPTU College, can be described in their employ- Dr Martin Hogan, Dean of the they can undertake and not unfit Focus Group attended the launch made the point that employers ments as the ‘walking wounded’.” Faculty of Occupational Medicine for what they are unable to do as on 1st December of a new guide should be made aware of the eco- at the Royal College of Physicians a result of injury or illness. for employers, titled Retaining nomic value of retaining employ- of Ireland, claimed the concept of This change in focus appears to Employees who Acquire a ees who acquire disabilities. ‘light MISCduties’ as understood AD and have had a positive impact on Disability. He said the cost of making “rea- practised in employment was employees keeping their jobs. The National Disability sonable accommodations” generally not the best approach. It is hoped the guide will help Authority produced guide was put required was often negligible, He said the focus must be put employers to look at ways of together after extensive research adding that where real costs did on what the worker is fit for retaining employees. There is an and in the knowledge that all too exist, grants were available to rather than what they are unable also onus on workers and their often employees can find them- employers. to do. unions to ensure those with dis- selves without a job if they devel- “The days of being labelled ‘fit’ Dr Hogan pointed out that in abilities are not alienated or mar- op a disability. or ‘unfit’ to work are past. So too England doctors now certify ginalised out of the workplace. At the launch, Norman Croke, a are the days where individuals workers fit for the duties that

Members with any questions relating to the above or any other disability related issue, can contact Disability Champions Rhonda or Frank at [email protected] Check out the guide at http://www.ictu.ie/equality/2011/12/01/nda-guidance-on-retaining-employees-who-acquire-a/ Liberty 17 Health DECEMBER 2011 Shocked workers informed of home’s closure in RTE report

N 10th October, SIPTU the home operational. members working in St Mary Sackett, a member of Brigid’s, Crooskling, in SIPTU, said: "I feel James Reilly 0 south Dublin started their should be looking at all the money normal duties as they do every day the HSE wasted which should have caring for residents at the home. been invested in Crooskling." But there was complete shock SIPTU with other unions are now mixed with horror when they in talks with the HSE over the relo- heard through the national media cation of the workforce under the that the hospital was to close. public sector agreement. Registered letters sent out by the On a more positive note, SIPTU HSE to SIPTU members on 7th representatives have secured per- October had failed to reach them manency of employment for 53 before the announcement. relief workers at St Brigid’s follow- Shop steward, Paula Dunny, said: ing discussions with management. "I was disgusted about the way I SIPTU Assistant Organiser, David was informed of the closure of St Field, said: "With the pending clo- Brigid’s, which was via RTE news. sure of the hospital, it was vital we “I didn’t receive my letter from secured the regularisation of these the HSE until eight days later – not More like a family: Some of the workers at St Brigid’s, Crooskling, who were let shocked at the closure announcement jobs for our members to ensure very nice after 22 years' service." impending closure and to express long service records. The home is staff and the residents, more akin they have stability in their working SIPTU representatives immedi- dissatisfaction at the way in which placed in a very scenic location on to a family. The reason cited by the lives and will be included in any ately made arrangements to meet members had been treated. 20 acres of land and there is a HSE for the closure was the short- redeployment." with the HSE to discuss the Most of those at St Brigid’s have strong sense of friendship between age of €3.5 million needed to keep

Anger at hasty end SIPTU Local Authority of year spending by Medical Scheme Rehab Group Re-launched

SIPTU has written to the Rehab ing should be suspended. Group requesting that capital Louise O'Reilly, Sector spending “be suspended” in Organiser, said; “Following the advance of a Labour Court hearing decision by the company to roll on pay cuts at the Group. out this spending initiative we The Court hearing has been were inundated with calls from rescheduled for 20th December in our members who were dismayed a long running dispute over pay that the company were spending cuts implemented by Rehab from apparently substantial sums of February 1, 2010. money on these whiteboards. The dispute has already been Our members were concerned the subject of a Labour Court that this was being done in an hearing in November 2010 when effort to frustrate our claim which the Court recommended an inde- is being heard by the Labour pendent assessment of the organi- Court. We have written to the sation’s financial circumstances. company to request that they tell SIPTU members believe that this us how much money this is cost- assessment gives scope for them ing but they have not provided to recoup the money which was this information. Our members deducted without agreement. have endured a pay cut and and The company has begun order- are making additional contribu- ing and installing interactive tions to their pensions and this whiteboards which are basically hasty end of year spending by the wall mounted touch screen com- Rehab Group has made them very puters. This is being done in angry”. Rehab is one of Ireland’s At the re-launch of the SIPTU local authority medical scheme in Hill Street Dublin were (from left advance of the Labour Court hear- largest non-profit organisations to right) SIPTU Organiser Paul Smyth, Celina Lyn, SIPTU General Secretary Joe O’Flynn, Dr Brian ing and SIPTU members believe with an income of €190 million in Kennedy, Dr Ndubuifi Achara that this hasty end of year spend- 2010.

SIPTU MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION & SUPPORT CENTRE 18 Liberty DECEMBER 2011 Community Spectacle of Defiance brings youth on to the streets By David Connolly THE Spectacle of Defiance and scale of youth unemployment and essary for 2012. working weeks for workers and the such as Foróige and the Catholic Hope, organised in Dublin on 3rd the consequent social problems, This is the third year of signifi- closure of services locally. Youth Council, are also facing fund- December this month as a pre- including early school leaving and cant cuts which have already Other major providers of region- ing reductions and the curtailment budget protest, involved almost low incomes that continue to beset resulted in wage cuts and shorter al and national youth services, of their services. 2,000 people in a creatively and their communities. The process of applying these dynamically highlighting the sus- In this context, the local youth cuts over the past three years has tained attack on local community services are a vital element of pro- also caused great difficulties for projects, particularly youth servic- tection and inclusion for our youth workers, seriously under- es. young people and a cornerstone mining their terms and conditions A large number of those taking for public policies aimed at suicide and imposing financial hardship on part on were young people who prevention, drug misuse and anti- many young workers. articulated their grievances social behaviour. In response, their union repre- through colourful placards, chants Despite the vital role of youth sentatives have approached the and rap music. services, over the four years from ICTU Community Sector The message was that they val- 2008 to 2011, the Government allo- Committee with a request to inter- ued the provision of youth centres cation for youth projects has been vene to protect local services as and activities and greatly benefit- reduced by 18% from €43.6 million well as the conditions of youth ted from the dedicated contribu- to €35.8 million. workers. tion of youth workers. Budget cuts announced by This has been agreed and an ini- What was most striking was how Brendan Howlin include a further tial organising group will be con- aware they were, both politically significant reduction in funding for vened with the intention of engag- and as active citizens, about the local youth services. ing formally with the Department consistent targeting of youth serv- This has resulted, for example, over the implementation of cuts as ices in the most disadvantaged in the City of Dublin Youth well as organising a mass meeting areas for funding cuts by succes- Services Board informing its 54 of youth workers to formulate sive governments. projects across the city that fund- future action. This has been done despite the ing cuts of 10% to 15% will be nec- Heavy toll of local services: Community worker and activist Cathleen O’Neill with chil- dren holding the tombstones of community projects that have been closed

means that those who make the internal decision making of inde- big decisions – government depart- pendent organisations. TDs taken ments – have to take their seat at Jean Somers, a CSEF spokesper- the negotiating table. son, said: “Tensions are arising on Road to Union activist Elaine Harvey between community sector said: “When we can’t negotiate employers and their government with the people who are making funders in relation to employment Recognition the decisions about our terms and issues. conditions – it reduces us as work- “We need a forum within which ers. government funders engage with employers and trade unions to “Collective bargaining is a funda- presentation resolve these and broader employ- mental right. We need good politi- ment issues.” AS PART of the Road to cians from all parties to do the Together with defending budgets Recognition campaign, the ICTU right thing and support our cam- to the community sector, the Road Community Committee and the paign and recognise the value of to Recognition campaign is a key Community Sector Employers the sector and the rights of its objective for community workers. Forum (CSEF) gave a joint presen- workers.” SIPTU Campaign Coordinator tation to TDs on the need for col- The CSEF recently produced a Darragh O’Connor said; “it is sim- lective bargaining in the communi- report, entitled Tackling the ply unjust that community workers ty sector. SIPTU activists outside the Dail following the Road to Recognition presentation Shadow Employer Role: Improving are denied the fundamental right Almost 20 TDs and representa- State and Community Sector of negotiating their pay and condi- tives from the major parties have a say over their terms and Union activists, employers and Employer Relationship. tions. We welcome the fact that attended the 28th November pres- conditions at work. community groups have come The report, available at representatives from Labour, Sinn entation in the Daíl along with However, unlike the private sec- together under the Road to www.csef.ie, examines the difficul- Fein and United Left Alliance activists from SIPTU and the CSEF. tor, it is not the direct employer Recognition campaign to in a bid to ties being caused for employers recognised the challenges facing Currently, many union members who determines pay, but govern- set up collective bargaining in the because of inappropriate interven- the sector and that they have com- in the community sector don’t ment departments. community sector. In practice, this tions by government funders in the mitted to assisting the campaign”. SIPTU plea to Minister over funds mix-up SIPTU has written to Stormont 21st October. The NWRC is the any of the community groups who wished to take the first steps The scheme was axed by DEL as Minister for Employment and lead partner of the Department which had their applications in on back into employment. a cost-saving measure and a clos- Learning, Stephen Farry, calling on for Employment and Learning time.” About 175 people a month had ing date of 21st October was him to reconsider a decision to (DEL) in the Derry area for over- The potential loss of funding been signing up for the pro- imposed for applications. This declare funding applications from seeing the Step Ahead programme. means that 30 new workers can- gramme, which was set up two was a direct result of the cut in Derry community groups late. These groups cover some of the not now be taken on under the years ago. the Block Grant from Westminster. The move has led to a loss of most economically-deprived areas Step Ahead programme, which During the life time of the SIPTU Lead Organiser, Martin funding for 30 new jobs. in Northern Ireland and the serv- was introduced by DEL in direct scheme, some 4,000 people have O’Rourke, said: “We trust the It is understood the groups had ices which could have been sup- response to the economic down- been lifted out of social security Minister will accept that the ensured the applications under plied by the additional workers turn. The programme provides dependency into temporary posts groups acted in a professional the Step Ahead programme were are urgently required. work places for the long-term with voluntary or community sec- manner ensuring that the com- made in good time but due to a SIPTU activist Sean McMonagle, unemployed within the voluntary tor groups. This has improved pleted applications were received combination of an administrative of the umbrella group Triax and community sector. their job prospects by giving them in good time by their lead partner, error and IT problems, the vacan- Neighbourhood Partnership, said: The Step Ahead programme was a recent employment history. In and the circumstances that led to cies were not registered by the “The right and proper thing is for used to create exciting, genuine addition, the vital work of the the late receipt were entirely out- North West Regional College the Minister to accept a mistake employment opportunities for community and voluntary sector side of their control.” (NWRC) before the closing date of was made but it was not made by long-term unemployed people was enhanced. Liberty 19 Community DECEMBER 2011 Spectacle of Defiance brings youth on to the streets A valued resource at the heart of Togher By Paul Gavan

OGHER Family Centre workers, in addition to 12 full- parents to return to college or Limited is a voluntary, time staff. Pamela Sherlock has work by providing quality afford- community-based project worked at the centre since 2009 able childcare. For those who based in the heart of the and couldn’t speak highly enough work here it’s been brilliant. I TDeanrock Estate, in Togher, Cork of the centre. would never have went back to City. The centre provides family “I was out for work for three education only for this course.” support as well as accessible, years before I started this course. But this great example of com- affordable, quality early years It’s given me confidence, helped munity care in action now faces education and development in me return to education, gain a new challenges. The centre has partnership with parents. recognised qualification in child- suffered cutbacks in recent times It also boasts a creative after- care (FETAC level 5), and have a and has had to close a baby room Togher Family Centre workers Linda O’Driscoll and Pamela Sherlock school project, mother and tod- career path for the future.” which was catering for infants dler groups, as well as formal and Her colleague, Linda O’Driscoll, between three and 12 months at I was going to be penalised. ily centre delivers for our chil- informal adult education and started working at the centre in the start of this year. Cutting this benefit would end up dren, for our community and for developmental programmes 2007 and will qualify in Childcare Educational funding for courses excluding lone parents from CE our childcare workers. through self-directed group work, Supervisory management (FETAC has also been cut. Childcare work- schemes.” “We need to join with other for the men and women of Level 6) in the coming months. ers are worried about cuts to Linda and Pamela are from the community workers and have a Togher parish. “Our childcare centre has their income, particularly their local area and reflect the proud voice, a real say in future fund- Every week the centre reaches earned a very good reputation in entitlement to a small lone par- values associated with the com- ing. What we need is more fund- out to more than 150 children, the Togher area. We have a wait- ent allowance of €29.80 a week. munity in Togher – work, service, ing, not less. That way we could their parents and families across ing list of 40 children, and that’s Pamela Sherlock stressed how care and solidarity. tackle the waiting list of children the local community. just for the one to two year age important this allowance has And both are anxious to play whose parents need our help. It is staffed through a group. been in her case. their part in defending the centre “That is why we support Community Employment “The centre plays a key role in “It would not have been practi- from further budget cuts. SIPTU’s campaign against the Scheme, employing 15 childcare local community life – helping cal for me to take up the course if Linda O’Driscoll said: “Our fam- cuts” Community services targeted again By David Connolly

WHILE most of the comment in sands of local community projects and 15%. The application of the cut the Fianna Fáil/Green Government has been reduced by a further €8 response to Budget 2012 has con- that provide essential services and at a community level is totally out and based on the MacCarthy (Bord million (12.5%), the Drugs centrated on the headline issues of activities in the most disadvan- of proportion to the cuts in central Snip) report. Initiative allocation has been cuts in social welfare payments taged areas of the country. government departments and their In relation to funding for com- reduced by €2million (8%). and the impact on the poorest fam- While the overall reduction in agencies. munity development, between In addition, the Department of ilies, a detailed examination of the current expenditure for 2012 is In effect the Government has 2008 and 2011, supports for volun- Education has reduced its alloca- budget proposals exposes the wide projected at 2.2%, in fact, the com- continued the process of targeting tary and community organisations tion to prevention projects in range of significant reductions that munity-based services are experi- local communities as the easy was reduced by 48%; the Local and Drugs Task Force areas by 24% and have been applied to the thou- encing funding cuts of between 5% option which was commenced by Community Development the Department of Justice has Programme is down by 25%; the reduced its budget for tackling Drugs Initiative programme has social disadvantage by 42%. fallen by 24% and the Family The allocation to the Family Support Agency budget, which Support Agency has been reduced funds the local Family Resource by €2.3 million, resulting in a fur- Centres, is down by 12%. ther 5% cut in the Family Resource During this period, 180 commu- Centres. nity development projects have This insidious process of apply- been closed, with the staff trans- ing multiple and continuous cuts ferred to local development compa- in a wide range of community pro- nies; the RAPID programme for dis- grammes will result in the removal advantaged urban areas has seen of vital front line services in com- investment reduced by 67%; and munities experiencing the worst the CLAR programme for disadvan- affects of the current economic cri- taged rural areas has been wound sis and, it is estimated, the loss of down. up to 8,000 jobs. This budget has continued the process of targeting the poorest communities for severe cuts. Despite the fact that the Join Department of Environment, Community and Local Government SIPTU experienced a cut of only 4% in its allocation for community and rural ONLINE programmes, as in previous years, the bulk of this cut has been applied outside the Department on www. local projects and services in the In a gesture of solidarity, SIPTU community sector members in Belfast join public sector colleagues poorest communities. siptu during the 30th November strike. Community worker Sean Hughes who joined the strikers in their The Local and Community .ie fight to protect pensions said: “All workers need to be supported – a threat to one is a threat to all.” Development programme for 2012 20 Liberty DECEMBER 2011 Health Heads-up on headaches

VERYONE at some stage or another in such as solpadeine and tylex, should be avoid- for some it may mean having to take sick leave. their life has suffered from a headache. ed at all times as studies have shown that Some migraine sufferers get a warning (an The majority of headaches are self when the relaxant effect of the codeine wears aura). This can vary from visual symptoms such MIND E managed and treated by patients using off the headache can return and may be more as blurred vision to flashing lights, numbness simple painkillers such as paracetamol. intense (known as rebound headache) or tingling or abnormal smells. People tend to only attend their GP if the Migraine sufferers learn that there are defi- YOUR headaches are recurrent, severe, non responsive Infection or temperature nite triggers for the headaches. These include to medication or when they have particular related headaches foods or drinks, especially those containing caf- concerns about a serious underlying cause to It is amazing how many patients with a feine, oversleep and under sleep, stress, flash- the pain. headache never check their temperature! A high ing lights and loud noise. HEALTH The most common causes of headache are: temperature is a common cause of headache If regular painkillers such as panadol and 1. Tension headache and will be eased with panadol or neurofen neurofen don’t work, there are specific By ILLONA DUFFY 2. Infection/temperature related headache like medication. migraine treatments including prevention med- 3. Migraine Sinus infections may also cause headaches. ication for those with frequent or severe The patient will usually have nasal congestion attacks. Tension headaches and be snuffly. At all times, medications containing codeine Many of us will be familiar with this group of On pressing their forehead or cheek bones should be avoided as similar to tension headaches. The tension can refer to both mus- they will be tender. They may also complain of headaches when the codeine wears off the cular and emotional tension. mucus trickling down or gathering in the back headache can return and be more severe. Typically, this headache will affect both sides of their throat. of the head. It will frequently be described as a Decongestants and steaming will help Worrying symptoms band-like tightening around the forehead, heav- although an anti-biotic may also be required. The causes of headache that patients most iness on the top of the head or tightness at the Meningitis is the most worrying cause of an worry about are brain tumours and bleeds.They base of the skull. infection related headache. will also be the first thing your GP will try to Often common medications give little relief Both viral and bacterial meningitis occur in exclude on examination. to the pain and it may only be after a rest or adulthood, and similar to children, the patient Worrying signs and symptoms for those with sleep that the pain improves. will usually have difficulty looking at bright new headaches are; Understanding the cause of the headache can lights, have severe pain on neck movements 1. Sudden and severe headache help both the treatment and prevention of it. and if lying will find that straightening and 2. Waking from sleep because of headache The pain often occurs when the muscles at stretching one of their legs up in the air causes pain the back of the neck become tense, pulling on an exacerbation of the pain. 3. Headaches made worse with coughing, the scalp. Neck exercises and the use of local laughing or bending heat pads can help ease the pain. Migraine 4. The presence of neurological symptoms For those with emotional stress, the Migraine is a form of recurrent headache such as loss of power or sensation in the body. headache offers a warning that the stresses which often runs in families. The headache will 5. Drowsiness or loss of consciousness. need to be addressed as chronic stress can lead usually be one-sided and can be very severe. A good description of your headache and to depression and other stress relate illnesses. Patients may also complain of nausea and how it started can often help lead to the diag- Patients with this type of headache should vomiting, difficulty looking at bright lights nosis of its cause so try to keep a headache only take simple painkillers such as panadol (photophobia) and intolerance of loud noise. diary if they are recurrent. and neurofen. Medications containing codeine, The headache can last from hours to days and Illona Duffy is a Monaghan GP and member of the Irish Medical Organisation SIPTU thanked for famine fundraiser

SIPTU has received the following letter from Concern chief executive existing markets. Local venders Tom Arnold after the fundraiser featuring Mary Robinson, Damien have an agreement with Concern Dempsey, Donal Lunny, Paddy Glackin, Paula Meehan and others to honour these food vouchers. which was held in Liberty Hall in October. The vouchers allow the purchase of Be a star this Christmas! rice, white flour, sugar and oil. ON behalf of Concern Worldwide, I This is 70% of the nutritional Concern Gifts transform want to extend my sincerest requirements of a family. thanks to SIPTU and all of the peo- Therefore, the amount raised by the lives of people living ple who donated their time and the concert could keep an astonish- talent to raise money for Concern's ing 630 people alive for a month in extreme povertypoverty.. Somalia appeal through the (based on 105 families with an 'Forgotten Famine' benefit concert. average family size of six). Order gifts online Thank you so much for the None of this work would be pos- www.concerngifts.orgwww.concerngifts.org €5,000 that was raised in aid of sible without the generosity of Concern's Somalia appeal through people like you. Thank you for or call 1850185 45845 40040 008 the concert. your concern. Concern Worldwide: Working with the world’s poorest This is an incredible achieve- people to transform their lives. Place of registration ment and this donation can The food voucher programme is 52-55 Camden St, Dublin 2. Registered number: 3 4469 77.. achieve so much for us. It costs efficient (not as bulky to distribute Kind Regards, Charity number: C 5 457HY just €47.54 for a food voucher for as food itself), safe (instead of Tom Arnold one month for a family in Somalia. moving cash) and encourages local Chief Executive Liberty 21 Supporting Quality Campaign DECEMBER 2011

Among some of the thousands of quality Irish goods you are encouraged to consider this Buy Union Christmas are: Glanbia dairy products King Crisps this Tayto Crisps Hunky Dory crisps Club Orange 7UP Christmas Pepsi This Christmas SIPTU encourages Cidona you and your family to choose Robinsons Orange quality Irish goods manufactured Coca Cola in unionised workplaces. Making Fanta a decision to buy such products Deep RiverRock will help protect quality Sprite jobs in Ireland and support Kerrygold the local economy. Robert Roberts Tea, Coffee & Snacks Jameson Whiskey Connacht Gold co-operative products Powers Irish Whiskey Irish Country Meats products Champion Milk & Butter Lee Strand Milk Kerry Group products Manor Farms Chicken & poultry products Rangeland Meats Monopoly board game Twister board game Lir Chocolates Butlers Chocolates Cadbury’s Chocolates Barrys Tea Lakeland Dairies products Granby pork products Olhausens pork Products Bulmers Cider Greenpack Spring Water Dawn Fresh Foods Dawn Pork products Hilton Foods - (Sold in TESCO) Heineken Beers, including Murphy & Beamish Brands Batchelors tinned foods Guinness Midleton Whiskey Paddy Whiskey Budweiser Carlsberg Even choosing one additional quality Irish good Dairygold for your shopping basket can have a huge impact. Baileys cream liqueur C & D pet foods During 2012 SIPTU Manufacturing Division will be rolling out the Kerry Spring Water Supporting Quality Campaign. Representing almost 50,000 workers in the manufacturing industry, the Supporting Quality SUPPORTING Newbridge Cutlery Campaign will see SIPTU working with unionised firms to ensure that together we can provide maximum exposure to their QUALITY brands among our entire membership. Protecting Quality Jobs in Ireland Promoting Quality Irish Products 22 Liberty DECEMBER 2011 Know Your Rights

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS Privacy rights at work

YOU have a right to privacy at example, retina scanning may be work within certain limits. These acceptable in an organisation that are explained in this section. works on secretive or highly clas- sified issues, such as the Defence Can my employer use close Forces or certain parts of a phar- circuit television (CCTV) at maceutical company. work? As an employee, you can, at all Monitoring employees using times, refuse to submit to retina CCTV without a good reason could scanning, but this may affect the be an invasion of privacy. areas of the workplace to which However, there may be good rea- you can go. sons for using CCTV in a work- If you have any questions or place, such as preventing theft or concerns about the introduction protecting employees (for exam- of a retina scanning system in ple, from a threat of physical your workplace, you can contact harm). the Office of the Data Protection It is best practice if employers Commissioner. and employees reach an agree- ment about the use of CCTV What about other forms of before it is put in place, including checking identity such as whether there are any alterna- DNA testing? tives. DNA is highly sensitive personal Employers can only use CCTV information not only about you footage for the reason for which it but also your entire family. It is was installed. For example, if they highly unlikely that an employer installed CCTV to monitor for could justify DNA testing. theft but instead use it to monitor The Data Protection attendance times, that would not Commissioner must approve the be acceptable. use of DNA tests in the workplace An employer who uses CCTV and you should ask your employer and records the images must if the Data Protection make sure that this is done Commissioner has given approval. according to data protection law. If you have any concerns or ques- Employers should consider the tions, you can contact the Office following points: of the Data Protection • What will they use the CCTV Commissioner. system for? • Is there another way to Do I have to agree to a drug achieve the same purpose that test if my employer asks for does not affect employees’ priva- one? cy? Employers must notify staff in advance that workplace calls, internet access and emails are being monitored Under the law, you must not be • Will they tell employees the any differently if you do not agree phone calls, emails or internet use the location of a vehicle at a par- under the influence of alcohol or purpose of the CCTV before it is to a body search. is the only way in which your ticular time. An employer must drugs in such a way that your set up? Body searches may be included employer can achieve the purpose. show a good business reason for health and safety or that of anoth- • Are there clear signs in the in the terms and conditions of using a tracking system and must er person in the workplace would areas that are monitored by CCTV? your employment – for example, Can my employer use a tell the drivers about the tracking be threatened. • Is there a system in place to in your employment contract or fingerprint system to and why it is needed. An employer can require you to give copies of the images to an staff handbook. record attendance? Employers should only use a submit to alcohol and drug tests employee who asks for them? If this is the case, your employ- You must give your consent tracking device to check where the to make sure that you are not a It would not be right to set up er can only search you in the way before your employer can take vehicle is during working hours. If health and safety risk at work. CCTV in areas where an employee described in your contract or staff your fingerprints. Your consent an employee is allowed to use a However, the tests must relate to would expect to have privacy, such handbook. must be real. This means that vehicle for personal use, it should your actual job. as a cloakroom or changing area. your employer must not treat you be possible to disable the tracking For example, if you operate Can my employer check my any differently if you do not agree system outside of working hours. machinery or work in a high-risk Can my employer phone calls, internet access to have your finger- job, alcohol and drug tests may be search me? or emails? prints taken. Can my employer make me acceptable. But if your job does You have the right to bodily Your employer can monitor your Your employer carry an identity (ID) card? not threaten your or other peo- integrity. This includes the right phone calls, emails and internet should assess Yes, your employer can require ple’s health and safety, then alco- not to have anyone touch your access (for example, your use of whether finger- you to carry a card containing hol or drug testing may not be body without your permission. social networking sites) if it is for printing is neces- your picture and other details, if it acceptable. Your employer could Body searches should only be a specific reason and your employ- sary, as there may is for a valid reason such as secu- instead deal with the problem in used as a last resort and with er can justify this. be simpler ways to rity. If you have any concerns or other ways such as a discussion good reason. For example, your employer can get the same questions about carrying an ID with your manager or a perform- Generally, a garda is the only monitor your communications if results. card, you should contact the ance review. person who can carry out a body they believe that you have been Any fingerprint system must Office of the Data Protection All testing for drugs or alcohol search and only if he or she has a breaking confidentiality agree- obey data protection law. If you Commissioner. in the workplace must meet the reasonable suspicion that you ments and can only prove this by have any questions or concerns European Guidelines for were involved in a crime. In all monitoring. about the introduction of a finger- Can my employer ask me to Workplace Drug Testing – other situations, including at However, your employer must printing system, you can contact submit to a retina scan? www.ewdts.org/guidelines.html work, you can only be searched if tell you beforehand that your the Office of the Data Protection An employer has the right to If you have any further ques- you agree to it. Your employer calls, internet access or emails are Commissioner. protect their business against tions or concerns contact your may ask you to agree to a body being monitored. One way your theft, fraud, disciplinary or securi- union representative. search. However, your consent employer could do this is by intro- Can my employer use GPS or ty breaches. However, the must be real. This means that ducing an ‘acceptable use’ policy. vehicle tracking systems? employer would have to justify your employer must not treat you It is important that checking Vehicle tracking systems record the need for retina scanning. For Liberty 23 Features DECEMBER 2011

‘Castro in a miniskirt’

Civil Rights activist Bernadette Devlin McAliskey is subject of a new prize-winning documentary

By Jean Kennedy

FOR those who ever wondered nating with the aftermath of the whatever happened to Bernadette peace process. Devlin, conspicuous by her As a republican socialist absence from public life over the inspired by James Connolly, she last decade, the film Bernadette: was first elected as an MP at the Notes on a Political Journey by age of 21, while pursuing Celtic Lelia Doolan is an illuminating Studies and Psychology at Queen’s insight into the political life of an University in 1969. extraordinary woman. Dubbed ‘Castro in a miniskirt’ The film is a series of inter- by an opponent, the film opens views with Bernadette Devlin with the subject saying that her McAliskey from 2002 to 2011 most significant achievement has which are interspersed with been as an organiser. archive footage from the start of Lelia Doolan’s film deservedly the career of this formidable and won Best Feature Documentary at very articulate civil rights activist, this year’s Galway Film Fleadh. through and culmi-

SIPTU Basic English Scheme

Right Here, Commemoration Write Now of Tadhg Barry

• reading • writing • spelling • form filling • note-taking • FETAC • English for Foreign Members

For more information call: Tom O’Brien, Liberty Hall Tel: (01) 858 6311 or Jean Kennedy, SIPTU College Tel: (01) 858 6498 Photo of Ann Piggott, President of the Cork Council of Trade Unions, opens up the well attended Tadhg Barry commemoration event on 18th November in Cork. 24 Liberty DECEMBER 2011 International

Inspirational: Rosalba Gaviria Toro, centre, seated next to Kenmare pupils Ellie Gudgeon (to her left) and Annie Cooper (to her right) – whose letter writing campaign helped secure her release from prison Rosalba thanks Kerry students OLOMBIAN trade union leader December, Rosalba Gaviria Toro thanked the there were no hearings for months until unionists, human rights defenders, stu- and human rights activist, Rosalba pupils, principal Dermot Healy and civics December 2010. dents, peasant farmers and women activists. Gaviria Toro, has visited the teacher, Ann Piggott, who encouraged the “After the hearing, I had to wait until June Earlier this year, 30,000 people took to County Kerry school children who class to get involved in the campaign led by to be released. Conditions in Colombian the streets of Bagota, the capital of helpedC to get her released from jail earlier Congress to secure freedom for the thou- jails are very difficult. There is little access Colombia to demonstrate for ‘land and this year. sands of political prisoners held in to water, a limited number of mattresses peace’ with further protests planned for Held for 27 months, the leader of Colombian jails. and no health care.” next year. Fensuargo – the agricultural workers’ union Rosalba Gaviria Toro spoke at a public She detailed how approximately 1,000 Rosalba Gaviria Toro also claimed that the in Colombia – was released in June with the meeting organised by campaign group members of her union had been assassinat- intensity of the repression, jailing and help of a vigorous letter writing campaign Justice for Colombia at Liberty Hall on ed by death squads linked to the military in killings of trade unionists and other politi- organised by transition year students, Ellie December 6th. recent years. A total of more than 3,000 cal activists had not lessened since Gudgeon and Annie Cooper, of Pobalscoil She told the audience: “I was accused of trade union members have been killed by President Juan Manuel Santos replaced his Inbhear Sceine in Kenmare. rebellion and jailed for 27 months with no right wing paramilitaries. The audience brutal predecessor, Alvaro Uribe, in August During her visit to the school on 5th evidence. The legal case was drawn out and heard how jails are packed with trade 2010. Ohio vote victory for US unions HE US trade union move- 350,000 government workers, Walker will be forced to stand for ment won a major victory restrict collective bargaining in the election again if campaigners col- in early November when public sector and require all public lect 500,000 petition signatures, the people of Ohio voted employees to pay at least 15% of equalling 25% of the total number overwhelminglyT to back workers’ their healthcare premiums and of people who voted in the right to collective bargaining in a 10% of their salaries to pension November 2010 poll when he was State-wide referendum. contributions. elected. The 8th November referendum International Association of Fire The White House welcomed the saw 61% of Ohioan voters reject a Fighters President, Harold referendum result. Republican-backed measure to Schaitberger, called the vote “an President Barack Obama's press limit collective bargaining and cur- absolute momentum-shifting vic- secretary, Jay Carney, said: “The tail strikes by public sector work- tory for the labour movement.” President congratulates the people ers. He said the fight for union of Ohio for standing up for work- The result was a humiliation for rights would now turn to ers and defeating efforts to strip Governor John Kasich, the high- Wisconsin, where activists will away collective bargaining rights, profile Republican who spearhead- collect signatures to force a recall and commends the teachers, fire- ed the ‘Yes’ campaign. vote on that State’s anti-union fighters, nurses, police officers The referendum asked voters to Republican Governor, Scott and other workers who took a approve a law that would have Walker. stand to defend those rights.” banned strikes by all of Ohio’s

All smiles: Ohio trade unionists in confident mood on vote night Pictures: Columbus Education Association Liberty 25 International DECEMBER 2011

EGYPTIAN ELECTIONS Change shaped as much on streets as in polling booths

By David Lynch crow that was promoted by the in Cairo previous regime,” newly-elected secular MP Amr Hamzawy told ARLY poll results from Ahramonline. “We can’t deny there Egypt’s first post-Hosni will be an Islamic majority in the Mubarak elections in late parliament. That majority should November show big gains be accompanied by a co-operating forE the Muslim Brotherhood and minority in order to implement Islamist parties. democracy and achieve social jus- The Muslim Brotherhood’s tice.” Freedom and Justice Party (FJP) The final results of the parlia- emerged as the leading party in the mentary election will not be first round of votes wining 3.5 mil- known until mid-January, and the lion votes, while the very religious FJP may find later rounds of the Salafist El-Nour Party, came second election more difficult. with over two million votes. Thus, some analysts believe the The first elections since the parliament will not be as dominat- January revolution attracted a big ed by religious forces as it current- turnout as Egyptians celebrated ly may seem. their opportunity to select their While the complicated multi- first “free parliament”. round election process continues, The inability of secular and left- Crowds in Tahrir Square earlier this year before Mubarak was forced out. Egypt has held elections with Islamist parties polling well pro-democracy protestors remain wing forces to organise openly the growing anger and sense of Liberty has visited Tahrir Square civilian rule”. in Tahrir Square. under the old regime meant they fight among the organised working often, and spoken to some of the Many of those in Tahrir also feel Unwilling to let go of the prom- were always playing catch-up in class. In recent weeks, the political protestors who continue to camp disenfranchised from the elections ise of the January Revolution, they the post-January revolution period. left have also been on the streets there. The revolutionaries, who and believe their revolution is slip- remain convinced that Egypt’s Much of the liberal and socialist protesting and organising against remain in Tahrir, believe the mili- ping away from them. political future will be shaped as left have also been involved in the military rule. tary is a counter-revolutionary However, although Liberty has much on the streets as in an elec- hectic building of an independent And these streets have been very force, and must step down imme- spoken to Egyptian leftists very tion process in which many of trade union movement. There have bloody, with more than 40 protest- diately. concerned at the early election them have little faith. David Lynch is the author of A been waves of strikes across all ers killed and nearly 2,000 injured They do not trust the military results, some have argued against Divided Paradise: An Irishman in sectors in recent months, reflect- in clashes with security forces in leadership as a benign facilitator in undue alarm. ing the economic malaise here and the Holy Land (New Island) late November. the much promised “transfer to “I fully reject the Islamic scare- www.davidlynchwriter.com We’ll keep challenging this illegal blockade By Scott Millar SIPTU college tutor Mags O’Brien Thursday, 3rd November, the MV returned home on 10th November Saoirse crew spotted planes and IRISH SHIP after being held in detention for an unidentified ship on the radar. six days by the Israeli authorities. “The Israeli military made their TO GAZA Mags was among 14 Irish people first radio contact with the boat taken into custody by the Israeli on Friday afternoon, about an RAFFLE military when the MV Saoirse was hour before they boarded. boarded on 4th November in “They said to us we could pro- international waters off the coast ceed to Gaza if they were allowed of Gaza. to board and inspect the vessel. The Irish vessel had been sailing We said no because that would alongside the Canadian ship not be breaking the blockade as it electrics were fused so we were Irish Ship To Gaza blockade runner MV “It Tahrir to Gaza on a mission to would allow them to say they sitting in the dark and there was Saoirse, above, was boarded by Israeli was deliver humanitarian aid and chal- have a right to search all boats. water everywhere and it was pret- forces on 4th November and its crew a and passengers detained. SIPTU tutor lenge Israel’s illegal blockade of “The other thing was we didn’t ty uncomfortable.” Mags O’Brien, left, was one of those very the Palestinian territory. believe them anyway, we were The Israeli personnel were “very held spe- Mags said: “I meet up with the right because the Canadians aggressive” and broke a window for 20-odd hours. cial rest of my crewmates in Turkey agreed to them coming on-board on the boat. “They turned clocks back and shortly before we set sail on the Tahrir but they halted that Mags added: “There was no rea- gave us the wrong times.” After Tuesday, 31st October. boat also. We counted 14 Israeli son for this as they had boarded the Israeli authorities ensured “It was great for us all to be boats including three warships. and we weren’t resisting. We said that Mags and six of her col- that we wouldn’t resist but leagues missed their initial flight birthday alright, I hope I don’t reunited for the first time since “The Tahrir was very near to us Limited Draw – the MV Saoirse was last due to set to the extent that when we were weren’t going to accommodate home, the Saoirse crew eventually have another as exciting as it.” 400 lines €10 per line sail for Gaza in June. crowded in by the Israel vessel, them in anyway.” returned to Ireland on the 10th and 11th November. “We had kept information on we crashed into one another and After arriving in the Israeli port 4 Prizes - Your choice of one “We succeeded in what we the mission to a very limited the Saoirse was damaged.” of Ashdod the crew was ques- of the 4 Gaza Prints wanted to do – in raising the pro- group in order to ensure that Mags recalled the moment the tioned by people Mags believes to file of the illegal blockade of Gaza. To purchase a line contact Mags Israeli agents didn’t have an Israeli military boarded the be members of Mossad, the Israeli “The Israeli authorities can’t O’Brien: [email protected] opportunity to sabotage the ship Saoirse as “tense”, adding, “but secret service. comprehend that people are going again, and prevent us from sailing we had expected it and it was just The next three days were to keep coming until the illegal Or Kate Kirwan: as they had succeeded in doing in a case of how violent they would uncomfortable for the detainees. blockade of Gaza is ended.” [email protected] June.” be. “They left the lights on in our The 4th November, the day the Sailing in the eastern “They had water-cannoned the cells all night. When we com- Israelis boarded the MV Saoirse Proceeds to Irish Ship To Gaza Mediterranean on the night of boat beforehand and all our plained they’d leave us locked up was also Mags birthday. 26 Liberty DECEMBER 2011 Books Gilmore: Labour’s role in fight for independence must be recognised

By Frank Connolly

ÁNAISTE Eamon Gilmore has said that the role of the Irish labour move- T ment should be properly acknowledged over the coming decade of commemorations which will centre around the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Rising. “It is absolutely essential that, in the decade of commemorations that will centre around the 100th anniversary of 1916, the full role and significance of the Labour movement in those turbulent years leading up to the founda- tion of the State is re-examined and properly acknowledged.” He made the comments at the launch of two volumes of the Neither King nor Kaiser: The Irish Citizen Army outside pre-Easter Rising era Liberty Hall. writings of James Connolly in Liberty Hall on 17th November. Redmond. of Trade Unions, he has effectively Praising the insight of Connolly, “All the more reason to recon- taken on a second career, as a who opposed the advice of John sider his significance.” scholar of James Connolly.” Redmond and other political lead- The Minister also praised Donal SIPTU General Secretary, Joe ers which led tens of thousands Nevin, the editor of the two vol- O’Flynn, said that it was “an illus- of Irish workers to volunteer for umes, James Connolly Political tration of the commitment of service in the British army during Writings 1893-1916 and Collected Donal Nevin that he insisted that the First World War, Eamon Works, who was unable to attend the launch go ahead even though Gilmore said: “Just as Labour’s the launch due to illness. he has been hospitalised and is role in the struggle for Irish free- “I want to pay tribute to their unable to attend.” dom was brushed under the car- editor, Donal Nevin. Not just for pet, so too was the sacrifice of the work we are launching this many Irish volunteers, who on the evening, but for his years of dedi- advice of their leaders, went to cated service to the Labour move- fight for the freedom of small Photo right: Tánaiste Eamon ment. Gilmore speaking at the nations. In reading through these “It is a remarkable testament to lauch of two volumes of the volumes, you will see the scorn the man, that having retired after writings of James Connolly i that Connolly regularly poured Liberty Hall on 17th 40 years of service to the Congress November out on to the head of John

ous inner city campaigns, including year after entering the Dáil as an Bertie uncovered The people’s TD for street traders and the concerned independent TD is the stuff of politi- parents’ movement and the wider cal legend. Bertie Power & Money Tony Gregory national movement against blood It was also the last time any gov- By Colm Keena By Robbie Gilligan sports. ernment has sought to impose VAT Gill & Macmillan €16.99 The O’Brien Press As Gilligan also recounts, Gregory on children’s shoes. was among the first to highlight the But his views on the conflict in the conflict of interest at the heart of IF YOU ever doubted that former IF BERTIE was obsessed with power North, on divorce and on abortion and money, the opposite was true the Dublin Docklands Development were also controversial and con- Taoiseach, , has been Authority. obsessed with power and money for of his constituency rival over many tributed to his reputation as an inde- In a Dáil question in 2004, he pendent thinker. many years, the details of his personal years, the late Tony Gregory, unless they were for the benefit of raised the potential conflict of This wide-ranging account of his finances and the manner in which he Dublin‘s inner city communities. interest involving Sean Fitzpatrick, life by Brian Callanan includes inter- climbed to the top the political ladder Gilligan recounts the famous a member of the DDDA board and views with many of those who while keeping an iron grip on his Gregory deal of the early 1980s also of Anglo-Irish Bank, which was worked with Kemmy over the years Dublin constituency base as outlined which brought him to national financing many of the lucrative and indeed some who worked dockland deals for the then super- by Keena attention and kept Charlie Haughey against him. in power for a little longer. rich speculators and property devel- will only opers involved. His premature death from cancer confirm In his self-serving biography, in 1997, just months after retaining readers’ Ahern indeed claims more credit his seat for the Labour Party, meant than he has ever previously been worst sus- he was not alive to witness many of due for closing the deal which the changes to Irish society he had picions. resulted in massive investment in This long espoused, and indeed many he some of the most deprived commu- Independent had long resisted. book traces nities in Dublin. Volume I Political his political Typically, Ahern underplayed the views Writings of James develop- regular effort he made at election Connolly, 1893-1916 ment from time to sabotage the Gregory cam- Jim Kemmy €15 his battle to paign. By Brian Callanan wrest con- Gilligan’s sympathetic portrait of The Liffey Press Volume II Collected the long-time republican socialist Works of James trol of what politician may not satisfy some of became the Dublin Central constituen- those seeking the definitive account THIS biography of the Limerick Connolly stonemason, trade unionist, politi- cy in the early 1970s to his sudden of Gregory’s contribution to Irish A City in €10 rush to the Park in April 2007 as new political life but it contains much cian, historian and humanist tracks the life of another progressive Irish Wartime information concerning his complicat- that underlines the character and By Padraig Contact Laura Woods for ed personal finances emerged to his humanity of the Dublin Central TD. political figure though one that often attracted criticism from all sides. Yeates sales: final implosion under the pressure of This was especially seen in the His role in bringing down the Fine Gill & the Mahon tribunals inquiries in 2008. rich contribution he made to vari- [email protected] Gael-Labour coalition in 1982, just a Macmillan Liberty 27 Tradition DECEMBER 2011 Turn back clock on the docks

By Joe Mooney HE Dublin Docklands has gone through irreversible changes in recent years both in its function and Tin its appearance. The traditional docks are long gone, now seen in the numbers of modern office buildings and apartments that now line the Lats Dempsey, Andy Smullen, Strannie Fitzsimons and the gang around 1960. Liffey. Despite the strategic impor- “Many of the old labour force tance of the port, and its crucial have passed away, and with each of them, a piece of history is lost." Busy days in the Port, the late 40's. role in the development of the capital, little has been done so far He claimed the families of former to acknowledge its history. workers have a huge contribution This presented a real danger to make. that the generations of workers "We are appealing to the chil- that found employment there, dren and, in some cases, the their unique character and tradi- grandchildren of dock workers to tions, and the communities that have a look in old boxes and suit- thrived locally would be forgot- cases to see if any photos, pam- ten. phlets or other memorabilia are The Dublin Dock Workers’ hidden there.” Preservation Society is deter- Society member Declan Byrne mined that this will not happen. pointed out the group had both Formed earlier this year by a short and long-term ambitions. group of former Dublin dock He said: “In early 2012, we hope workers – both deep-sea and cross to hold a photo exhibition, with channel – the society is commit- an emphasis on the period from ted to preserving the social and 1940 to 1990, and in particular to labour history of Dublin choose images that have family Docklands. significance for their contribu- Joined by current workers, tors.” friends and community groups, If everything goes to plan, it will the society intends to collect and be launched in the Dublin Port preserve photos and memorabilia Centre, and will also feature as relating to the docks before these part of the Five Lamps Art Festival all disappear or are destroyed. in April. This task has been very success- It is proposed that it will then ful and a Facebook page called tour public libraries and other Dublindockers has been set up to venues. showcase images collected so far. Declan Byrne added: “The group But the search continues. Alan, needs to be in a position to show Martin, from the society that there is public interest in pre- explained: “Priceless photos are serving the history of Dublin Port. being lost all the time. They lie In conjunction with the local com- forgotten in old sideboards and at munity a long-term aim would be the bottom of wardrobes. Then as to see a Dock History Museum time passes, they are discarded. established.”

If you have photos or can assist with this project in anyway contact Alan Martin at 0872095974 – email [email protected] – or Declan Byrne at 0868138618. Also check out the Facebook page Discharging poles at the North Wall Extension in 1947. Dublindockers

Thinking of holidaying in Make the right choice for you and your family - make the Union Ireland? choice of a Fair Hotel 28 Liberty DECEMBER 2011 Tradition Nixie was at the coalface in fight for workers’ rights

IXIE Boran was first of all these issues. The strike lasted six a man of his time, born weeks. The local shopkeepers, into a particular social, ANNE BORAN looks back at the life of her father, who were feeling the pinch, asked economic and political Nixie, who died in 1971. A republican, social reformer the Labour and Fianna Fáil TDs Ncontext which helped to shape for Killkenny to act as mediators him. and miners leader his fierce commitment to working in the dispute to put pressure on It was the way he reacted to the Wandesforde. world in which he found himself, people has much to teach us today As a result of their negotiations perhaps, that made him different with men and management, the from others in a similar situation men were offered a small wage and that marked him out as a increase. The offer was accepted leader. and the strike ended on November He was born in 1904 in 20th, 1932 (Workers’ Voice, Massford, Castlecomer, into a December1932). colonial world, one on the cusp of Nixie joined the Labour Party in change. The Wandesfordes, land- 1933. He also married and inher- lords who occupied the lands of ited the family farm around this Castlecomer from 17th to the 20th time which may have helped mod- century, had accrued wealth erate his radical position. through land and coal, but were From then on gains were made divested of the land through the within mainstream trade union- Wyndham Land Act of 1903. ism and the IT&GWU served them The land passed mostly into the well over the coming years. In hands of small farmers with hold- 1939, baths and clothes drying ings of five to 50 acres, but the facilities were gained. But the Wandesfordes retained ownership miners still had to fight very hard of the mines on the estate. for any gains made. With modernisation, they were There were successful strikes in profitable for the owner and cen- 1940, 1943 and 1949 when they tral to the survival of everyone in succeeded in getting a beneficial the area. Mining was the key fuel scheme, increased safety fea- source of employment and the tures and better all-round working miners were central to the local and wage conditions. economy, supporting shopkeepers, The community could boast a small businesses, pubs and even Cooperative Stores, providing con- small farmers who couldn’t live venient shopping and a bakery in on farm earnings alone. the heart of the community. The miners lived and worked in In 1956, Pneumoconiosis was appalling conditions for poor recognised as industrial disease wages. The world Nixie Boran after a long campaign and com- entered was one of gross inequali- pensation made available for min- ty. Times were hard and, in 1918, change of master alone was not miners’ struggle. He felt he “had That did not prevent the visit. ers who suffered from it. aged only 14, he was sent to work enough – the harsh realities for to act to do something to defend Nixie stowed away on a cargo ship Nixie was elected to the execu- at the Modubeagh Colliery, Co the working man would remain the sections he was working and got to Moscow. He spent tive of the ITGWU in 1952 and Laois. the same. A more egalitarian soci- with.” three months travelling in Russia, remained on it until his retire- From 1919 to 1921, he was tend- ety was needed, run on socialist In 1928 he called a strike and it visiting mining areas and collec- ment some 16 years later. ing pumps at the Glenmullen pit principles. was to be the first of many that tives. Some local opinion suggests He was man totally dedicated to where he earned 4s 3d for a 10- He came to know Peadar pitched him against the that he only saw the better side of his community and particularly to hour day. O’Donnell who was interested in Wandesfordes who had always the Soviet Union, whereas others the mining community of the He was still a young boy at the small farmer/worker socialism. His been used to setting the terms of believe he was somewhat disillu- Castlecomer area. This never time of the 1916 Rising but by ideas formed the basis of Saor employment. sioned by what he saw. He was changed. 1922 was an idealistic young man Eire, the short-lived polit- He was immediately sacked. The keen to learn at first hand He faced the challenges of his when the Civil War ical party set up in the men stayed out until he was rein- how a different system day, as did those intervened. He joined around him, with September 1931 of which stated. This small victory in 1928 worked. He was able to the IRA to fight on A change of Nixie was an executive marked him as a threat to manage- The depression impact- courage and vision, the Republican side master was not member. ment and as someone that could ed heavily on the mining look at the big was loyal to those he and spent the next enough – the When Nixie returned not be ignored. It also marked his community. In 1931, picture and with worked with and had five years on the run. to Castlecomer and the emergence as the miners’ leader. wage rates were reduced loyalty in return. He emerged in 1927 harsh realities mines in 1927, he had Nixie said that he began organis- and in 1932 the miners the help of those He was able to look as something of a for the working an awareness not only ing a local union in 1930 because were put on a two-day around him take at the bigger picture, at hero, having survived man would of the social inequali- he “could not get unity for either week, even though coal local, national and wounding, capture, ties and injustices of of the big unions.” He looked for continued to be import- on the battles international level, death sentence and remain the the time but had ideas support from the Revolutionary ed. of the day... identify the issues and, escape. He was quite a same about what could be Workers Groups and their newspa- The union canvassed with the help of strong dare-devil with a reck- done about them and per The Irish Workers' Voice, and for a halt to the impor- men and women around less streak. who could help at local, a local branch was set up. tation of coal. Although the full him take on the battles Nixie had long been exposed to national and international level. He was keen to link local and working week was reinstated later of the day. the socialist ideas of Connolly and At local level, people who were national struggles as he was aware in 1932, wage rates were reduced Those strong men left a legacy Larkin and with the early harsh involved in the IRA with him were of the risks of isolation. The new again. to those of us who followed them. battles with factory owners in the also loyal supporters in attempts branch was invited to send a dele- In October 1932, the union It shaped those of us who grew big cities. He bought into their to change conditions in the mines. gate to Moscow in 1930 to the Red called a strike demanding an ade- up in the community, and perhaps anti-capitalist ideas and the alter- There is evidence, in fact, that he International of Trade Unions’ quate supply of coal for the min- their example still gives us – the native socialist ones. was still Commanding Officer of Congress and Nixie was elected to ers, at production cost, reform of children, grandchildren and great- His IRA days had put him in the Castlecomer Company of the go. Money was raised to fund the the company’s harsh clocking-on grandchildren of the miners of touch with the left-wing faction of IRA at the same time as he was journey, but he was refused a rules and a wage rise of three this community – a bit of back- the IRA, with people who were organising the mine workers. passport because of the Free State pence per ton for trammers, the bone when tempted to sit on the interested in more than just free- Taking a job underground in the Government’s hostility to his most exploited of mine workers. fence. dom from Britain. They felt that a mines, he threw himself into the Communist links. Management refused to consider Liberty 29 Obituaries DECEMBER 2011

OBITUARY Larry Sweetman He was the complete citizen LARRY Sweetman who died in was to suffer much hardship him- resented were not been taken seri- els in Dublin with St. Joseph's of October, aged 83 years, was a fully self with the early death of his ously or their grievances were East Wall and Laurence O'Toole's committed trade unionist for all of wife Briget in 1971 leaving him lightly treated. while, on the soccer pitch, he his long working life. with eight young children to bring Never a talker for talk’s sake, he played for Seaview Rangers, His was a life of many parts as up on a Corporation labourer's did express himself forcibly leav- Whitehall Rangers and won a shown by the hundreds of people wage. ing no one involved unclear as to Bradmola Cup winners medal with from various walks of life who With this large family, he still where he stood. Davis Celtic. filled Cabra church for his funeral had a penchant for adopting peo- Throughout his life, Larry never The Bradmola Cup is the hardest service. ple around him turning them into seemed to doubt the personal hon- club competition to win in all-Irish The congregation had numerous life-long friends. esty and purity of motives of our soccer because of the number of trade unionists, Labour and Sinn Larry was a committed trade union leadership and he followed clubs from all over the country Féin party members, representa- union activist for over 40 years their judgements with burning sin- that compete for it every year. tives of both GAA and soccer clubs and a firm believer in the strength cerity and courage. Larry Sweetman was truly a and a large contingent of neigh- of unity establishing strong frater- He was of that generation of complete citizen. He met all his Larry Sweetman: Sincerity and courage bours and friends. nal friendship with those in whom workers that set an outstanding responsibilities to himself in life Larry came from a large working he saw a similar commitment. reputation as shop stewards and to his family, neighbours, In his own inimitable way, he class family whose father Tom Although no seeker of peer posi- instilling a principle of voluntary friends and workmates and he did contributed much to the cause of Sweetman worked in Dublin tions in the movement, he served service to the people – of shoul- it all without rancour. the working class families in this Corporation and was a long serv- as Shop Steward Section dering the labour and the dangers He loved to converse in his 'cú- city. ing member of the Workers' Union Committee representative and in the struggle to improve pay and pla focal' when he met an Irish We offer our sincere sympathy of Ireland. Branch Committee member for conditions and advance the con- speaker and he gave courage by to his extended family for their He saw much poverty and hard- years in the WUI and SIPTU. He sciousness of their fellow workers. making us laugh even in some of loss. ship in the neighbourhood of East was at his best when angered that Outside of the union, Larry our darkest moments of the strug- Wall Road where he grew up. He his fellow workers or those he rep- played GAA at the highest club lev- gle.

OBITUARY Tom O’Connor Deep love of social justice TOM O’Connor was a local coun- cillor and trade unionist, an employee of Cavan County Council, a founder member and Chairman of Cavan Trades Council, a member of the Health Board and a former vice-president of Cavan Gaels GFC. Having spent many years in Tom O’Connor: Humanitarian and democrat England in the 1950s, Tom office in his native town. His attended the Connolly clubs there strong belief in social justice led and from that he developed his him to join the Labour Party – not life-long interest in social justice, a natural choice in a rural con- trade unionism and politics. stituency. He contested the local On his return to Ireland he elections in 1967 and was elected joined the Federation of Rural to Cavan Urban Council on which Workers which later became the he served until 1979. Federated Workers Union of Tom was blessed with a won- Ireland. During that time he was derful and supportive family and both full-time public servant and would have been proud to see a trade union representative. Michael D. Higgins elected He was at the cutting edge of President. They both came from achieving many benefits workers humble backgrounds but made nowadays take for granted, the best use of their talents not There are hundreds of workers just for themselves but for the in Co Cavan who owe him a debt benefit of their communities. of gratitude for the enormous His daughter Oonagh said: contribution he made in those “Tom O'Connor was an effective early battles. It is sad his succes- humanitarian and enthusiastic sors are now fighting to keep democrat. As a parent, he afford- those same hard-won benefits. ed me a multiple of the privileges The union branch stretched and opportunities he never had from Louth to north Donegal and and I am fortunate if I contribute Tom, together with the late a fraction of what he did. Charlie Faulkner in Donegal and “As a dad he was infectiously the late Frank Keelaghan in happy, great fun and there was Monaghan worked tirelessly and never a dull movement. My fami- without pay to ensure that rights ly and I miss him terribly but we were won and maintained. his children and his wife Eveleen To those who knew Tom, this are grateful for having had him as was no surprise. His belief in the our dad and husband.” Tom dignity of people was something O'Connor is survived by his wife he valued greatly. He was enthusi- Eveleen, son Padraig and daugh- astic about the formation of ters, Breda, Meabh and Oonagh. SIPTU in 1990 and was proud of He is also survived by his brother the fact his union had a full-time Vincent. 30 Liberty DECEMBER 2011 Sport

Van-tastic: The Mayor of Gdansk is worried teams based in his port city won’t attract as many supporters as teams based elsewhere – he obviously has not heard of Ireland’s fantastic army of travelling supporters Our superb fans will

Leading the charge: Giovanni Trapattoni paint Gdansk green By Kevin Brannigan

HE Mayor of the northern will go to in order to see their team Something which Croatian man- the Croatian support and his seem- tion. While he did Polish city of Gdansk, play in a major championship. ager Slaven Bilic commented on ing inability to condemn them out- label racists Maciej Lisicki, has said he By the time Ireland line out when interviewed by RTE immedi- right has, however, led to some among his coun- is unhappy with the Euro against Spain in the 43,615 seat ately after the draw was made. serious questions being raised try’s support as 2012T Group C draw which will see PGE Gdansk Arena, in their second Bilic is an interesting figure –a about the young manager and “yahoos”, before the Republic of Ireland play reign- group game on the 14th June, we chain smoking, bright, young man- Croatian FA. his side’s game ing World and European will know a great deal more as to ager who isn’t afraid to show his During Bilic’s first game in charge against England, Bilic: ‘Character’ Champions Spain, in the city made whether or not Giovanni emotions on the sidelines. He rose of Croatia, away to Italy in the he said: "I can't see how we can famous by the Solidarity trade Trapattoni’s side will be progress- to prominence during the Euro Italian port town of Livorno, the stop it [racist chanting]. How can union. ing from the group stages and to a 2008 qualifiers when he guided birth place of the Italian you stop someone if he wants to Mayor Lisicki is afraid that Group possible quarter-final Euro ’88 re- Croatia to top of a qualifying group Communist party and home of shout something bad? What can C, which is made up of Spain, match with England. that contained, among others, Livorno FC, a team with a huge left- you do, cut out his tongue?” Croatia, Italy and Ireland, won’t Before Ireland takes on Spain in England, Israel and Russia. wing support, Croatia’s travelling Before games Bilic has also been attract the same number of fans as Gdansk, they will play their first During that qualifying campaign, support formed themselves into a known to play songs by ultra-right other groups. European Championship finals Croatia beat England home and human swastika. Croatian band Thompson in order "The teams which will be based game in 24 years, in Poznan against away and in doing so became the This followed on the back of to inspire his team. in Gdansk will not attract as many Croatia. first nation to inflict defeat on racist banners which had been Bilic is one of sport’s characters fans as the likes of Holland, Both sides know each other well, England at the new Wembley stadi- flown by Croatian fans during a but a character that skirts the line Germany, Sweden, England or having squared off in a scoreless um. Euro 2004 qualifier against France. between condemnation of and a Denmark would have,” he said. friendly earlier this year at While Bilic is widely regarded as While Bilic wasn’t in charge for wink and a nudge support of unac- The Mayor has obviously never Lansdowne Road – a game, unlike a “character” and is well liked in the encounter with the French, his ceptable behaviour by sections of read or watched Roddy Doyle’s The other friendlies, in which the tack- media circles, the racist, even fas- response to the human swastika his country’s support. Van, to know the lengths Irish fans les were hard and often. cist, nature of some elements of wasn’t one of outright condemna-

FREE COMPUTER TRAINING COURSE

Progressivee NewessivrogrPNews, Viewss andand SiewV,Solutionsolutions se New Vol.2.2 Issue 9olV9 Occupy:Occupy: PHONE TO REQUEST A PLACE 2/£1.50 IDEAS Institute, the SIPTU training company, has taged people (single parents, immigrants etc.) and /£ News, Views 1.50 where to now?now? £1.50 PUP leader secured funding from the Department of who have no experience of computers. To request a place on a course just phone Ideas Billyy HutcBill Hutchinsonhinson and Solutions Communications for a 1 day Internet Training pro- Institute at 01 4531440 or send a letter with your Ireland’s leading gramme for 900 people. This will be of benefit to IDEAS Institute will offer courses at various loca- name, address, mobile phone number and the progressive magazine everyone including trade union members, the tions throughout the country including Cork, location you would like to attend to Ideas Institute, unemployed and people being made redundant. Donegal, Dublin, Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick, Mayo, 563 South Circular Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8. Available in Easons

Ireland’sIreland’s adaddictiondiction to loloww corporation tax The target group for the training includes the Meath, Sligo, Waterford, Wexford and places will be Fred MagdoffMagdoff interviewinter FEE: Student occupationsview - stores countrywide 2/£1.50

olution at Cork City FC unemployed, older workers (over 55 years), people allocated on a first come first served basis. You can also visit the website at e RevolutionvR at CorkEngelsEng Cityels FC and Ireland with low or no formal qualifications, and disadvan- www.ideasinstitute.ie Liberty 31 DECEMBER 2011

What a Seasonal diary of a Liberty! Southside TD “I’d have them all shot; I would take them outside and execute them in front of their families. How Monday: For the season that’s Naughton abandoned the blue Wednesday: I was wonderful dare they go on strike when they have got these gilt in it I’ve been asked to prepare a jersey after the constituency was on the 9 o’clock news and Prime Christmas list. I hate Christmas, bedecked with black flags, in Time.. It was a good sound byte, edge pensions that are going to be guaranteed a nasty creation devised by public mourning for the effective loss of reminding Enda that Europe is when the rest of us have to work for a living.” servants as a means of securing Roscommon hospital. Poor Dinny where it’s really at these days. time off. made the mistake of believing an Must crack on with my list. The BBC Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson “joking” election promise. A three-way tie. I’m All Right Jack) and Jill about the 30th November UK public sector strike. The story of Christmas is a award goes to Ciaran Conlon, primary example of systematic Brass Neck Award: Once Enda’s handler who is so good ‘ administrative failures, the sort again fierce competition, with that the entire cabinet backed his of lazy thinking which has us in Sean Fleming a strong contender. hefty salary in breach of all the the mess we are in today. It was You would have to admire the guidelines. Ciaran is a special typical of the public service that manner in which he stuck it in to advisor to Richard Bruton and ’ a pregnant woman and her part- Howlin. These FF boys are hardy will have a role in dismantling “Jezza… deserves eternal scorn for apologising to ner should have to trek cross- bucks. Still Mick the Pink shades JLCs and other pesky rights for country to fill in a census form. it for sheer audacity following his workers. Worth every cent of his anyone who was offended. After all, the strikers Had Caesar privatised the entire court appearance over the pen- £35,000 increase. do all have large gilt-edged pensions which the central statistics office of Judea sion contributions unpleasant- rest of us would happily throttle small furry ani- things would have been very dif- ness. The Liga award for outstand- mals with our bare hands to acquire. Apologising ferent. ing care of the children of the to these hysterics merely encourages them to The Terry Prone award for prac- nation goes to Michael Noonan. Of course Caesar was very tised sincerity: There can only The third child fatwa takes the play the victim.” fond of quangos - the three wise be one winner. For his fearless biscuit. ‘ men were quango kings who stating of the obvious – it’s not Columnist Eilis O’Hanlon’s response to enjoyed unique access to power your fault but we will make you Thursday: Chirpy chirpy Clarkson’s apology for his remarks (Sunday and influence. I’ve no doubt they suffer any way - the award goes tweet award: No contest: To the Independent, 4th December) were duly remunerated for their to Enda Kenny. “Difficult choices nearly man – nearly a successful long journey on their well- are never easy,” he solemnly entrepreneur, nearly an inde- padded camels. declared. Time, me thinks, to pendent and nearly Uachtarán, sack the extravagantly paid script Sean Gallagher. Sean fooled a lot ’ The bearded brethren knew writer. Mind you his hairdresser of the people for a lot of the how to look after themselves deserves a raise. time. There may an opportunity when it came to travel and sub- in 7 years’ time for an “There are decades where nothing happens and sistence. As for this business of Howlin seems to have fared Independent candidate with the, exchanging gifts the hard pressed ok. Noonan stayed on his feet ahem, proper breeding. Modesty weeks where decades happen.” tax payer had to pick up the tab long enough to deliver his forbids elaboration. for the gold, frankincense and speech. The devil will be in the Economics editor Dan O’Brien quoting, perhaps myrrh – as they do for all corpo- detail but apparently he’s going Friday: The chip on the a new idol for him, Vladimir Ilyich Lenin (Irish rate hospitality. to look at implementing SIPTU’s shoulder award: Strong competi- Times, 3rd December) idea about putting pension funds tion in this category. Many of my As for those shepherds it has to work for Ireland. Why did I colleagues in the Sindo have a always struck me that state sub- not think of that? chip on their shoulder about pub- sidised farming was a complete lic servants and the Croke Park ‘ con job. Caesar Augustus should Another man overboard! By agreement. For the sheer consis- “The fact is that the public’s faith in the cleanliness of pol- ’ have ordered an inquiry into how the way you read this, dear read- tency and quality of his vitriol itics is extremely low. Part of this is historic. Part of it is a grand aided workers found time er the ranks of the Technical Eoghan Harris is a clear winner. reflection of the opportunism of politicians who try to say for a house visit. Baaah humbug Group may have swelled even ‘this is nothing to do with us’. Most of it is a core belief indeed. further. In the meantime, the that elections should be funded and decided by the people George Lee award for staying Tuesday: I’m struggling with power goes to Patrick Nulty. alone. Corporate entities, be they commercial my list. The problem is I can’t Forty days and forty nights or not, should play no role when it comes to elections.” think of anything positive to say indeed! about anyone except myself. ‘Fianna Fáil Micheál Martin speaking on his party’s Not sure Leo did anyone any Constitutional Amendment on Banning Corporate Man overboard award for favours by saying that Patrick was courage in the face of adversity: never really a Government candi- Donations and displaying, once again, frighteningly severe Faced with the rising anger of date. He’s sure guaranteed Pat’s amnesia (18th November) army wives Willie Penrose risked re-election. the wrath of Gilmore and gave up his high seat at the cabinet table. ’ Tommy Broughan incurred Eamo’s wrath over the extension A banker, a politician, a public sector worker of the bank guarantee scheme. I and a private sector worker are sitting at a table. hate lefties but credit where cred- it is due: Tommy is a man of his On the table is a plate with ten biscuits. word. I wonder how comfortable he will be sitting alongside The politician gives nine biscuits to the banker Donnelly, Wallace and I on the who scoffs the lot, then tells the private sector opposition benches but I suppose worker “That public sector worker is after your bis- it’s no worse than being on the cuit!” same side as Peter Matthews. Way out West Dinny