Civil Partnership proposals are a step in the right direction

Tuesday saw the publication of the heads of the Civil Partnership Bill. These were meant to be published by the end of March, but were delayed due to the changes in Cabinet and some disagreements between ourselves and Fianna Fail as to the content.

I’m pleased to see that the Government is moving to deliver on the commitment, contained within the Programme for Government, to legislate for civil partnerships. Within the Green Party, we believe that same-sex couples should have full access to civil marriage. As such, we would like to go further then these proposals. However, we see the Civil Partnership Bill as a step in the right direction, as it will give protection to persons currently in a relationship, and give recognition to these relationships.

The heads of the bill run to 172 pages, but briefly, the proposals on civil partnership would give same-sex couples who obtain a partnership the same rights as married couples in a wide range of areas such as tax, succession, pensions, social welfare, immigration and domestic violence. Civil partnerships would be formed in the same way as marriage, and would only be dissolved on the death of one of the partners or under a court order if the partners had been living apart for two of the previous three years and proper provision had been made for both partners.

I was disappointed that no provision was made for children’s rights within this legislation. However, this issue will have to be addressed in a wider reform of guardianship and custody laws, dealing with a wide range of issues including the rights of fathers, rights in relation to step-children etc. I understand that there is an acceptance within Government that there is a general need to address all these areas through reforming legislation.

I’m also pleasd to see that the bill provides a new redress scheme for both opposite and same-sex couples who are left in a financially vulnerable situation in the event that their relationship breaks down or one of the couple dies suddenly. This new redress scheme will allow the financially vulnerable person apply to the courts for a range of reliefs. Obviously, this would apply to persons not currently in a marriage or civil partnership.

Press Release – Action required on law reform report on management companies – O’Gorman

28/06/08

Green Party Dublin 15 representative, Roderic O’Gorman has called on the Government to quickly take action on responding to the report of the Law Reform Commission on management companies.

“The abuse of the rights of homeowners, particularly first-time buyers, that has occurred due to the use of management companies has been a major negative side effect of the building boom. That is why this report on ‘multi-unit developments’ by the Law Reform Commission is so important. Prior to the General Election, this was an issue the Green Party highlighted and I know that my party colleague, the Minister for the Environment John Gormley, is eager to engage with the other relevant departments – Justice and Enterprise & Employment, in order to get the various recommendations implemented into legislation as quickly as possible”, stated Roderic O’Gorman.

“The recommendations contained in the report cover a broad area including company law, planning issues, questions of title and conveyancing, and the role of developers. A key element is a draft Multi-Unit Development Bill. I will be urging John Gormley to act quickly to get this legislation passed and to address the many serious issues faced by homeowners in relations to management companies”, concluded Roderic O’Gorman.

Ends

Further Information
Roderic O’Gorman: 087 417 9777
rodericogorman@gmail.com

Press Release – O’Gorman welcomes refusal of full liquor licence for Laurel Lodge

27/06/08

Green Party Dublin 15 representative, Roderic O’Gorman has welcomed the decision of the District Court not to grant a full liquor licence to a shop in Laurel Lodge. He was speaking outside the Richmond District Court after the decision was made.

“I believe that the correct decision has been made in this instance. There is huge concern locally about the abuse of alcohol by young people, which is felt by parents, teachers and the Gardai”, stated Roderic O’Gorman.

“The judge looked at S.18 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 2000 which states that a full liquor licence may be refused if the area is adequately provided for by other off licences. One of the barristers involved made the somewhat bizarre claim that there were actually not enough off-licences in the Castleknock – Blanchardstown area. However, the evidence from local Gardai and a concerned local resident convinced the judge that there was an adequate number of premises in the area selling alcohol and as such, the licence was refused”, concluded Roderic O’Gorman.

Ends

Further Information
Roderic O’Gorman: 087 417 9777
rodericogorman@gmail.com

Press Release – O’Gorman congratulates St Patricks NS on Carbon Footprint Analysis

25/06/08

Green Party Dublin 15 representative, Roderic O’Gorman has congratulated the students and teachers of St. Patricks NS, Diswellstown on the way they have worked to reduce the schools carbon emissions. He was speaking at the launch of the schools Carbon Footprint Analysis.

“The Green Schools Committee in St. Patricks have done a fantastic job. Through their actions, they have implemented a three stream recycling system, with bins for organic, recyclable and landfill waste. The students have also been very active in persuading their parents assist them walk or cycle to school, rather than take the car. All these actions have contributed to a very low level of carbon emissions from the school. These kids are really leading the way in fighting climate change. The idea of a carbon audit for schools is really positive as it both allows them identify ways of being more environmentally friendly, but also save money”, stated Roderic O’Gorman.

“The audit also demonstrates the success of investing in shared facilities like St. Patricks NS, which also acts as a community facility for the Diswellstown area. This is shown by the fact that, even when compared with some of the most environmentally friendly schools in the UK, St. Patricks has a significantly lower rate of carbon emissions”.

“The Minister for Transport has recently announced his intention to allocate up to €2 million each year to assist the transport aspect of the Green Schools Programme. It is really important that we get as many children as possible out of the car and walking and cycling to school. The pupils and parents of St Patricks NS have demonstrated this is possible and I am pleased that the Government has committed to providing the money to support this”, concluded Roderic O’Gorman

Ends

Further Information
Roderic O’Gorman: 087 417 9777
rodericogorman@gmail.com

diswellstown_-_carbon_audit_and_reduction_plan

Press Release – Vehicle labelling gives motorists’ choice – O’Gorman

21/06/08

Vehicle labelling gives motorists’ choice – O’Gorman

Green Party Dublin 15 representative, Roderic O’Gorman, has welcomed the launch by the Minister for the Environment, John Gormley TD, of the new labelling system for cars, indicating their carbon emissions and the amount of Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) and Motor Tax that must be paid on them.

“This new system means that motorists continue to have choice. Those that want to drive cars with really high carbon emissions still can, but they have to pay a tax rate that reflects the damage their choice does to the environment. However, those that make the choice to switch to cars with a more environmentally friendly engine will actually end up saving money”, stated Roderic O’Gorman.

“The new labelling system is similar to the one currently used for large electrical equipment like fridges and washing machines. Vehicles are divided into 7 bands, corresponding to the amount of carbon they emit. These bands are then used to calculate how much VRT or Motor Tax must be paid. For example, motor tax on a car in the most efficient A band will be approximately € 100 each year whereas motor tax rate on the least efficient G band will be € 2,000 per year”.

“Similarly, VRT for a car in the efficient A band will be 14% its open market selling price whereas the VRT for the less efficient G band cars will be 36% the open market selling price”.

“The personal choices each one of us makes in our lives all influence the amount of carbon we emit and as such, our contribution to climate change. By implementing this new system, the Government is showing that it will reward motorists who make the decision to be more green in their choice of car”, concluded Roderic O’Gorman.

Ends

Further Information
Roderic O’Gorman: 087 417 9777
rodericogorman@gmail.com