Cost of construction driving ‘ticket’ sky-rockets since FÁS takes over control

The prohibitive cost of securing a ‘ticket’ which enables workers to drive machines on construction sites is forcing self employed drivers away from the industry.I am calling on the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, who has responsibility for this area, to review the pricing structure which has rocketed since FÁS took control of regulation last year. Read more

O’Mahony welcomes announcement of Aer Lingus flights from Knock

Deputy O’Mahony said it was a magnificent boost for Ireland West Airport Knock and he paid tribute to the management at the airport for securing such a prestigious airline. “Every day now there appears to be just bad news but this is a really good news story and it has come at a vital time for the airport and the region,” he said. Read more

€8m on 187 staff for Govt Junior Ministers while weakest in society are hit by cutbacks – O’Mahony

The taxpayer is paying over €8 million for 187 staff for Ministers of State according to new figures published by Fine Gael Mayo Deputy John O’Mahony (see table below). Deputy O’Mahony said the Government has misplaced priorities when it can spend this much money on backroom staff when important programmes like the cervical cancer vaccination programme are cancelled. Read more

O’Mahony calls for balanced distribution of aid package to Mayo pork sector

Mayo Fine Gael TD John O’ Mahony, has called on the Government to ensure that the aid package agreed with pork processors is distributed proportionally throughout the sector and that small processors get their fair share. Read more

O’Mahony wants expansion of Garda Drugs Unit for Mayo

Deputy O’Mahony complimented the gardai on the discovery and said that the harsh reality of the situation was that the gardai could well have saved lives by their actions. “People are dying from drug abuse and if one life has been saved by the discovery on Saturday, then our gardai are to be commended,” he said. Read more

O’Mahony forces Dáil debate on Jobseeker’s Benefit

I speak on behalf of people who, in many cases, have never been out of work before and who now find themselves suffering financial hardship and pressure for the first time. These are the people who helped to build the Celtic tiger in the last 15 or 20 years but are described in one newspaper headline today as the new poor. Read more

Short-sighted Govt policies are driving inflation instead of stimulating economy – O’Mahony

Speech by Fine Gael Mayo Deputy John O’Mahony during Fine Gael Dáil Private Members’ Motion on inflation Read more

No Christmas Bonus for those on Jobseekers’ Supports – O’Mahony

Fine Gael Mayo Deputy John O’Mahony today (Friday) said that it is unfair that unemployed people in receipt of Jobseekers’ Supports are not entitled to the annual Christmas bonus. Deputy O’Mahony said this seemed grossly unfair since all those who have lost their jobs need the same extra support around Christmas time.

“It is grossly unfair that those in receipt of Jobseekers’ Supports are not entitled to the Christmas bonus when many others in receipt of State payments are entitled to receive it.

“To receive a Christmas Bonus, a claimant needs to be in receipt of Jobseekers’ Supports (Jobseekers’ Benefit or Jobseekers’ Allowance) for a total of 390 days.

“Almost every other category of Social Welfare claimant automatically qualifies so it seems particularly harsh on those on Jobseekers’ Benefit or Jobseekers’ Allowance who, while they may not be long-term unemployed, have the same financial pressures at Christmas and are facing an uncertain future.

“I intend to raise this matter in the Dáil next week and I have also submitted a question to the Minister for Social Welfare on the issue.”

O’Mahony welcomes the establishment of Joint Policing Committee in Ballina

Deputy O’Mahony, who will also be a member of the newly formed JPC, said the committee will have real powers. “Its remit will be quite broad and will cover areas such as patterns of crime; anti social behaviour and misuse of alcohol and drugs. It will also refer to the broader issue of the underlying factors that contribute to crime in the town,” he said. Read more

O’Mahony calls on people to check on elderly neighbours

Deputy O’Mahony said that the campaign deserves the support of everyone. “This is a tough time of year for our elderly with the cold and wet and my plea would be for people to keep an eye out for their relations and neighbours who may be living alone. Read more

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