Michael Collins: Calls for housing emergency and VAC cut
Michael Collins addressed the Dáil as Leader of Independent Ireland, representing the people of Cork South Wales, and set out the group's priorities on cost-of-living, housing, agriculture and public services. He called for immediate measures including a housing emergency, a cut in the VAC rate from 13.5% to 9% for small businesses, opposition to the Mercosur deal, and a Department of Efficiency and Reform.
He welcomed new TDs and colleagues and outlined Independent Ireland's growth. The group now counts 23 councillors, 4 TDs and 1 MPP and he said they are the fastest-growing political movement in the country.
He said the cost-to-living crisis was a dominant issue on the doorsteps and warned that once-off payments are not enough for families struggling with childcare, heating and food. He demanded an immediate drop in the VAC rate from 13.5% to 9% for small businesses as part of any government negotiations.
He called for immediate action on housing, citing over 14,000 people homeless and 4,000 of those children. He urged a declaration of a housing emergency to allow emergency legislation, streamlined planning laws for rural and urban areas, and promotion of modular and log cabin houses.
He set out strong agriculture policies, stating Independent Ireland is 100% opposed to the Mercosur deal and would expect a firm no from any politician entering government. He warned a Mercosur deal would cost Irish agriculture between £45 to £55 million, opposed any drop in the derogation and argued that state wastewater treatment plants are a major source of pollution while accepting the need for cleaner waters.
He highlighted health waits of up to one million people for procedures, gaps in disability services and means-testing that penalises care. He called for a stand-alone Minister for Fisheries, the Marine and the Islands, said schools are struggling with ESB and heating bills and special-needs supports, and proposed a Department of Efficiency and Reform to oversee departmental spending and improve government efficiency.
Group formation and membership
He welcomed new TDs and colleagues and outlined Independent Ireland's growth. The group now counts 23 councillors, 4 TDs and 1 MPP and he said they are the fastest-growing political movement in the country.
Cost-of-living and small businesses
He said the cost-to-living crisis was a dominant issue on the doorsteps and warned that once-off payments are not enough for families struggling with childcare, heating and food. He demanded an immediate drop in the VAC rate from 13.5% to 9% for small businesses as part of any government negotiations.
Housing and homelessness
He called for immediate action on housing, citing over 14,000 people homeless and 4,000 of those children. He urged a declaration of a housing emergency to allow emergency legislation, streamlined planning laws for rural and urban areas, and promotion of modular and log cabin houses.
Agriculture, environment and Mercosur
He set out strong agriculture policies, stating Independent Ireland is 100% opposed to the Mercosur deal and would expect a firm no from any politician entering government. He warned a Mercosur deal would cost Irish agriculture between £45 to £55 million, opposed any drop in the derogation and argued that state wastewater treatment plants are a major source of pollution while accepting the need for cleaner waters.
Health, education, fisheries and government reform
He highlighted health waits of up to one million people for procedures, gaps in disability services and means-testing that penalises care. He called for a stand-alone Minister for Fisheries, the Marine and the Islands, said schools are struggling with ESB and heating bills and special-needs supports, and proposed a Department of Efficiency and Reform to oversee departmental spending and improve government efficiency.
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Transcript
Thank you very much. On behalf of our independent technical group, I would like to congratulate our new Ciancola, Verona Murphy, and we look forward to working with you over the next number of years. Also, I'd like to thank Seana for the kindness he has shown all of us here in the Dáil over the last number of years. As the Leader of Independent Ireland, I am honoured to be here in the 34th Dáil, representing the people of Cork South Wales. Myself, Deputy Richard O'Donoghue and Deputy Michael Chris Morris would like to welcome Independent Ireland's newest TD, Ken O'Flynn, representing Cork North Central. We are also delighted to be working with Deputy Michael Healy-Rae, Deputy Danny Healy-Rae and Deputy Paul Gorgady in this, our independent technical group. Independent Ireland was set up just over 12 months ago. Today, we have 23 councillors, 4 TDs and 1 MPP. We are now the fastest-growing political movement in this country. On behalf of Independent Ireland, we would like to thank everyone who has supported us and worked with us and voted for us. In discussions for formation of government, we sincerely hope parish pump politics will not take over from policies and common sense. Independent Ireland spent many months putting our policies together to ensure a better life for everyone in this country. One of the biggest issues on the doors was the cost-to-living crisis. Once-off payments are not enough for struggling families who find it impossible to pay for childcare, heat homes and put food on the table. In relation to small businesses, we expect anyone negotiating for government will demand an immediate drop in the VAC rate from 13.5% to 9%. On housing, over 14,000 people are homeless, 4,000 of these are children. Immediate action must be taken. We need to declare a housing emergency to implement emergency legislation, which would streamline our planning laws for rural and urban Ireland, and would also include promoting modular and log cabin houses. We in Independent Ireland have strong policies in relation to agriculture. We are 100% opposed to the Mercosur deal. We would expect every politician going into government making no to Mercosur a red liner. A Mercosur deal would cost Irish agriculture between £45 to £55 million. We are totally opposed to any drop in the derogation. And while we in Independent Ireland accept we need cleaner waters, it is our state, with Ishgairn and our wastewater treatment plants that are causing much of the pollution in this country. Our country has to stop pointing the finger of blame at agriculture. In a country where we have up to one million people waiting for medical procedures, people with disabilities left struggling, with no services and little financial means, and our care has been penalised by means testing. This all has to be a major focus for the new government. In relation to fishing, the forgotten industry in this country, this government has to appoint a stand-alone Minister for Fisheries, the Marine and the Islands. Education also has to be a priority for incoming governments. Schools are struggling to pay ESB bills and the heating bill, and many schools are fighting for special needs, classrooms and assistance. At Independent Ireland we would like to see a Department of Efficiency and Reform which would oversee government department spending, using private industry expertise, to improve efficiency within government departments. We must address the waste of taxpayers' money, and this department would enable us to improve efficiency. I again look forward to working with everybody in the coming time.