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The
Open Door
In days
gone by the open door was seen as a sign of
welcome. Since being elected to Dáil Eireann in
2007 I have operated an open door policy by
making myself available at all times to my
constituents and welcomed the opportunity to
help them with various issues. I am thankful to
have met with and worked with many wonderful
people and organisations throughout the
constituency. I have tried to articulate their
concerns at local and national level.
If you feel that I can be of any assistance to
you please do not hesitate to contact me.
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Background:
Mattie lives
with his wife Margaret and their 8 children in Newcastle
where he established a small plant hire business shortly
after leaving school in 1975. He has over 30 years
active involvement in local community affairs. Mattie
became a member of South Tipperary County Council in
1990 and was chairman of the Council in 2004. He has
been involved with many local and National voluntary
organisations including Muintir na Tire,
the Irish Council for Social Housing and Ring-a-Link
rural transport. He also served on the VEC for a number
of years Since being elected to the Dáil in 2007 he has
worked hard both locally and nationally and is not
afraid to speak his mind on issues when the need arises.
He continues to work closely with the people and
organisations on the ground and is always available to
work with all sectors of the community by offering his
assistance and support.
National
Policy Priorities for Mattie include:
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Creation and retention of jobs by
cutting out bureaucracy and red tape
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A high level of investment in our
health and education systems at all
levels
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Support for the most vulnerable
sections of our society with a
strong emphasis on those of all ages
with special needs.
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Support for our carers and their
support organisations and the
implementation of the National
Carers Strategy.
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Implementation of a maximum wage
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Bankers/regulators who have flouted
the law must be brought before the
courts.
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Full accountability and transparency
to underpin spending of taxpayers
money
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Development and maintenance of the
agricultural sector to its full
potential
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Restoration of the spirit of rural
Ireland
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Urgently putting in place measures
to assist people with issues of
mortgage arrears, negative equity
and excessive personal debt.
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Referendum on judges’ pay.
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South
Tipperary/West Waterford priorities:
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Continue my strong stance on the
retention of all services at South
Tipperary General Hospital
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Job creation and retention
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Supporting local employment by
maintaining Corporation tax at the
current rate
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Investment in South Tipp’s
educational facilities at all
levels.
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Ensure that every possible support
is given to our community/voluntary
and sporting groups
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Promoting a sustainable approach to
future planning
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Supporting the agricultural sector
by reducing red tape/bureaucracy,
retaining Disadvantaged Area
Payments, protecting the Single Farm
Payment support system and ensuring
that any new climate change
legislation takes Irish conditions
into account
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Foster and support small and medium
businesses in the constituency
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Continue to provide, along with my
staff, a professional service
through my constituency offices.
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Dáil
Committees:
I
have served on three important Joint
Oireachtas Committees since 2007 namely,
the Agriculture and Food,
Communications, Energy and Natural
Resources and Social and Family A?airs
Committee. The work carried out by these
committees is vital to the development
of national policies in these critical
areas.
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