Fine Gael Tipperary North/ South Offaly TD Noel Coonan has strongly welcomed the decision by the EU Commission to bring forward the awarding of the Single Farm Payment (SFP), following representations made to the EU Commission by the Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney.

Farmers will now be able to draw down 50% of their SFP from 16th October instead of having to wait until December as previously intended.

“The Single Farm Payment forms an increasingly significant part of farmers’ annual income. The news that this payment will be available two months earlier than originally planned will make a big difference for farmers in South Offaly and North Tipperary,” said Deputy Coonan.

“Minister Coveney made a strong case at the recent meeting of the Council of Ministers for the payment to be brought forward. In the current economic climate, the SFP has become increasingly important, especially considering the difficulties people are having accessing credit. Cash-flow is paramount for farmers, particularly those on low incomes, and the timing of these payments is extremely important.

“Farmers are more and more reliant on the SFP to subsidise the running costs of their farms. Very often the payment constitutes an amount greater than the net farm income,” concluded the local Fine Gael TD.

Fine Gael TD for North Tipperary/South Offaly Noel Coonan has welcomed the launch of the Government’s new internship scheme, which will provide 5,000 places for people who are unemployed and are struggling to access the jobs market.

“JobBridge, the new National Internship Programme, is a hugely welcome initiative, which will help thousands of people who feel stuck on the Live Register gain access to the jobs market. There are a huge number of very talented people who are out of work at present in North Tipperary and South Offaly; this scheme will offer many of them the chance to get back on the ladder to full time employment,” said Deputy Coonan.

“Hundreds of companies have already expressed interest in the programme, ranging from semi-state bodies to multinational corporations. About 300 organisations have indicated that they will take on 1,000 interns between them. This is a hugely positive start and a strong sign that take-up for the scheme will be significant.

“Anyone who has been on the Live Register for at least three months is eligible to apply for the scheme. Internships will run for six or nine months and the interns will receive an allowance of €50 a week, on top of their existing social welfare entitlements. This top-up will be covered by the Department of Social Protection, meaning there will be no additional cost for employers,” concluded the local Fine Gael TD.

“I am encouraging job seekers and employers across

North Tipperary to check out this new scheme. It will be hugely beneficial for participants on both sides. For job seekers, the programme offers invaluable hands-on experience and access to contacts and references that can only enhance the possibility of securing full time employment. And for the companies involved, the scheme allows them to bring talented and enthusiastic individuals into their organisation. I would be hopeful that many of the interns who are taken on will become full time employees in the long run.

“The scheme is just the sort of labour activation measure that has been so badly needed for those on the Live Register. The previous Fianna Fail Government made empty promises about creating placements which never materialised. But this scheme is a reality and, from this Friday, prospective interns will be able to go online and check out the range of places up for grabs. Interested parties can log on to

www.jobbridge.ie now for more information,” concluded Deputy Coonan.

Minister Alan Shatter assures Deputy Noel Coonan that Templemore Garda College will Remain Open

On the invitation of Deputy Noel Coonan, Minister for Justice Alan Shatter addressed Templemore Town Council last Thursday where he passionately assured all present that: “There was never ever any doubt of any description that Templemore Garda College would close. It represents a crucial part of the architecture of our Garda force and is here to stay.”

Minister Shatter also moved to reassure all present that he “hopes to resume recruiting within 18 months”. These words of fortitude and reassurance were given following a passing out ceremony in the Garda College.

Minister Shatter continued: “The financial envelope handed down from the last Government has put huge constraints on our economic activities but we have to abide by it. There is no means of raising additional moneys; arrangements have been entered into with the IMF/EU bailout.

We will know a lot more next March about where we stand financially and it will be clearer then when recruiting can recommence.”

Deputy Coonan welcomed the Justice Ministers’ comments and thanked him for agreeing to address the council. The local Fine Gael TD also outlined that it was the last Government who undertook to reduce Garda numbers to 13,500 by the end of this year, and to 13,000 by the end of 2014 but the Garda College remains one of the leading police academies worldwide.

The Minister also said that if a greater number of the Garda force retire than anticipated in the coming year then that may bring forward recruitment. “Recruits will be brought back in as soon as the force meets limits outlined by the IMF.”

“I’m very conscious of the importance of the Garda College to this area and it’s crucial it stays vibrant. I have a great affection for the college and we are constantly looking at initiatives that can benefit from skills and facilities within the college. For example, the college could be utilised to provide police training for other countries or used by groups such as those participating in the London Olympics. These discussions are at a very early stage but these initiatives would bring revenue and tourism to Templemore.

“The backlog of in-service training will now commence and I want to compliment the management of the college who have put these in place,” continued the Minister.

“We have more gardai now that we had at the height of the troubles in Northern Ireland and we still have a strong and superbly trained force,” said Minister Shatter.

In conclusion, Deputy Coonan asked the Minister if extra patrol cars could be allocated to Templemore Garda Station as they currently have one small car to cover a huge area. Minister Shatter gave reassurances that he will raise the issue with the Garda Commissioner.