.Last Updated: March 30. 2011 11:47AM .Detroit mother jailed after standoff to be released
Doug Guthrie / The Detroit News
Detroit— The bond was reduced today for a woman charged with using a gun to hold off police when Child Protective Services workers came to take her daughter in a dispute over the 13-year-old's medication.
36th District Judge Paula Humphries lessened the bond for Maryanne Godboldo, 56, to a $200,000 personal bond from $500,000 cash, meaning no money will be posted and she likely will be released today.
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Defense lawyers called the original bond "enormous" and "excessive."
Humphries said today she believes Godboldo isn't a threat to the public despite a police report saying Godboldo fired a shot while officers entered her home Thursday on the front porch of her west-side home.
Godboldo has been in the Wayne County Jail since surrendering Friday morning on the front porch of the home after a 10-hour standoff.
Her daughter, Ariana, was initially turned over to a relative by Detroit police, but was later taken into state custody from a hospital where her physical condition she was being evaluated after the standoff. She has been allowed visits at a state-run facility for juveniles from her father, Mubuarak Hakim, and an aunt, Penny Godboldo, a professor of dance at Marygrove College.
"She's OK," Hakim said Tuesday. "I'm not OK with it, though, and we are working at bringing her home, bringing them both home."
Godboldo's lawyers, who claim the state had no authority to take the girl, have requested an April 6 hearing on her custody in Wayne County Juvenile Court. A preliminary examination of criminal charges against Godboldo will be April 8 in the city's 36th District Court.
The standoff started Thursday afternoon, when protective services workers came to Godboldo's home armed with a warrant to take the girl. The dispute is over a medical and mental health treatment plan that had called for psychotropic drugs the mother felt were doing more harm than good. Godboldo has said her daughter's physical and mental problems are a bad reaction to immunizations the formerly homeschooled teen took so she could be enrolled in a regular middle school.
Godboldo's lawyer, Wanda Evans, has said the medical treatment plan was voluntarily developed between the mother and specialists at the Children's Center, an organization that helps "at-risk children." The court had no prior involvement with the family and granted no authority to social workers to countermand a parent's right to make medical decisions, Evans said.
The incident has attracted widespread interest since the standoff began Thursday afternoon. Ministers and civil rights advocates rushed to the home that was surrounded by police. One of the people who helped police talk Godboldo out of her house was Wayne County Circuit Judge Deborah Thomas, a former polio sufferer and advocate for the disabled. Ariana has had only one foot since birth. Thomas has said her examination of the warrant CPS workers presented to Godboldo revealed that it contained "defects."
A broad spectrum of activists, conservatives, liberals, and anti-immunization, parental and civil rights groups are expected to come from around the nation to attend a 9 a.m. event Saturday at Hartford Memorial Baptist Church, 18700 James Couzens Freeway, to support Godboldo.
"We are going to have an extremely interesting collection of Americans who believe in the sanctity of family, conservatives and liberals, coming together for this mother," said one of the event's organizers, Ron Scott of the Detroit Coalition Against Police Brutality. "We have received word that people are coming from the holistic health community and even representatives of the Tea Party in West Michigan
From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20110330/METRO01/103300405/Detroit-mother-jailed-after-standoff-to-be-released#ixzz1I72EwPQX
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
Fine Gael divided over fate of former minister
Fine Gael divided over fate of former minister
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'Inconsistencies' force coroner to adjourn inquest
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By Michael Brennan, Fionnan Sheahan and Eimear Ni Bhraonain
Friday March 25 2011
FINE Gael struggled to maintain a united front last night on the future of Michael Lowry as the fallout continued from the Moriarty Tribunal's damning findings against him.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny said in Brussels he would like to see the former Fine Gael communications minister resign his Dail seat "in an ideal world" -- but three of his Fine Gael cabinet ministers refused to comment on the issue.
Fine Gael's stance has come under the spotlight following calls on Mr Lowry to quit as a TD from Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore and Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin.
The tribunal said Mr Lowry had engaged in a "cynical and venal abuse of office" during the awarding of the second mobile phone licence to businessman Denis O'Brien's Esat Digifone consortium.
But despite Mr Kenny's clear statement, Environment Minister Phil Hogan, Health Minister James Reilly and Justice Minister Alan Shatter all failed to call on Mr Lowry to resign.
Mr Hogan denied that Fine Gael was reluctant to cut the former party minister loose.
"He's not part of Fine Gael, we cut him loose in 1997 when he was no longer a candidate for Fine Gael," he said.
Despite the political pressure, Mr Lowry has vowed that he will not resign the seat he has held since 1987. Last night, he met his committee members and canvassers in Tipperary North in the Anner Hotel in Thurles to brief them about his plans to continue.
Mr Lowry will be able to hang on to his seat for the foreseeable future because gardai investigating the report will not be able to use any of the witness evidence without verifying it independently.
Investigated
And there is little prospect of him being investigated on foot of a complaint to the State's political standards watchdog.
The Standards in Public Office Commission to govern the behaviour of politicians was only set up in 2001 -- five years after the second mobile phone licence was awarded to Mr O'Brien's Esat Digifone.
The Standards in Public Office Commission confirmed last night that it had not yet received any complaint from a member of the public about Mr Lowry.
None of the opposition parties were prepared to commit to moving a motion against him to call on him to quit his seat -- a tactic last used nine years ago in the case of disgraced former Fianna Fail TD Liam Lawlor.
Mr Kenny last night said he would like Mr Lowry to resign "in an ideal world".
"But we don't live in an ideal world and my view actually is that had the Abbeylara question been decided before now this kind of investigative work could have been done at a far earlier time, I think, and at a far less cost than the tribunal," he said.
Mr Kenny was referring to the 2001 Supreme Court ruling which prevented Dail committees from carrying out investigations into any alleged wrongdoing.
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By Michael Brennan, Fionnan Sheahan and Eimear Ni Bhraonain
Friday March 25 2011
FINE Gael struggled to maintain a united front last night on the future of Michael Lowry as the fallout continued from the Moriarty Tribunal's damning findings against him.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny said in Brussels he would like to see the former Fine Gael communications minister resign his Dail seat "in an ideal world" -- but three of his Fine Gael cabinet ministers refused to comment on the issue.
Fine Gael's stance has come under the spotlight following calls on Mr Lowry to quit as a TD from Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore and Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin.
The tribunal said Mr Lowry had engaged in a "cynical and venal abuse of office" during the awarding of the second mobile phone licence to businessman Denis O'Brien's Esat Digifone consortium.
But despite Mr Kenny's clear statement, Environment Minister Phil Hogan, Health Minister James Reilly and Justice Minister Alan Shatter all failed to call on Mr Lowry to resign.
Mr Hogan denied that Fine Gael was reluctant to cut the former party minister loose.
"He's not part of Fine Gael, we cut him loose in 1997 when he was no longer a candidate for Fine Gael," he said.
Despite the political pressure, Mr Lowry has vowed that he will not resign the seat he has held since 1987. Last night, he met his committee members and canvassers in Tipperary North in the Anner Hotel in Thurles to brief them about his plans to continue.
Mr Lowry will be able to hang on to his seat for the foreseeable future because gardai investigating the report will not be able to use any of the witness evidence without verifying it independently.
Investigated
And there is little prospect of him being investigated on foot of a complaint to the State's political standards watchdog.
The Standards in Public Office Commission to govern the behaviour of politicians was only set up in 2001 -- five years after the second mobile phone licence was awarded to Mr O'Brien's Esat Digifone.
The Standards in Public Office Commission confirmed last night that it had not yet received any complaint from a member of the public about Mr Lowry.
None of the opposition parties were prepared to commit to moving a motion against him to call on him to quit his seat -- a tactic last used nine years ago in the case of disgraced former Fianna Fail TD Liam Lawlor.
Mr Kenny last night said he would like Mr Lowry to resign "in an ideal world".
"But we don't live in an ideal world and my view actually is that had the Abbeylara question been decided before now this kind of investigative work could have been done at a far earlier time, I think, and at a far less cost than the tribunal," he said.
Mr Kenny was referring to the 2001 Supreme Court ruling which prevented Dail committees from carrying out investigations into any alleged wrongdoing.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Minutes of meeting on 09/03/2011 at 2.30pm
Minutes of meeting on 09/03/2011 at 2.30pm
Attendance:
Kevin Keegan – Architect
Peter Clarke – Independent town councillor
Tom Chambers – Independent campaigner
Becky Fred-Ameh – Tom Chamber’s PA
Kevin pointed out that the disability strategy fund has been dropped by the Department of Environment. Kelvin thanked Tom for his input in achieving a certificate of excellence award from the National disability authority (NDA).
Tom asked about the percentage of disability staff to be employed by Ballina Town Council and Kelvin said two per cent. Kelvin confirmed they are about to hire a special machine to make the crossings on Pearse Street universally accessible. He agreed that the designated parking bay on Pearse Street could be more user friendly.
Tom spoke about the designated parking bay sign in front of the Ballina Town Council Office if it could be more visible to traffic users. Peter pointed out the right hand side opposite the post office is extremely dangerous to women with prams and the Ballina Town Council should not be promoting that. Peter brought to our attention the painting of the designated parking bays and Kevin told us that there would be planting of tress on the side of the road.
Tom felt the designated parking bays are improperly used and should be monitored for proper use, because money generated from clamping and fines could be used for other things in the town. He also felt there is lack of communication with disabled people when running plans for designated parking bays.
Kevin talked about the use of designated bays and Tom said the people should be educated on the proper use of the bays and this led to Kevin inviting Tom to see where he proposed to have designated bays for the disabled angers to use for fishing. He will be forwarding an email to Tom to fix a date for that.
Peter asked if there is any more work to be done and Kevin said there would be two more crossing on the road to Sligo. Plans are been drawn for designated parking bays and universally facilities for disabled people fishing in Gortnabbey in Crossmollina. Kevin said he will send Tom a copy of the plan. Peter invited Tom to see the Arts centre that is almost ready to be opened.
We agreed that a bit of money should be set up totally for disability issues. It was also agreed that Peter would approach a fellow Councillor John O’Malley with the town mayor to ring fence money for disability issues and also approach county councillors to make room for disability funds out of the budget and Tom agreed he is always open to meet any of them and discuss where the money could be spent.
The meeting was brought to a close at 3.45pm.
Attendance:
Kevin Keegan – Architect
Peter Clarke – Independent town councillor
Tom Chambers – Independent campaigner
Becky Fred-Ameh – Tom Chamber’s PA
Kevin pointed out that the disability strategy fund has been dropped by the Department of Environment. Kelvin thanked Tom for his input in achieving a certificate of excellence award from the National disability authority (NDA).
Tom asked about the percentage of disability staff to be employed by Ballina Town Council and Kelvin said two per cent. Kelvin confirmed they are about to hire a special machine to make the crossings on Pearse Street universally accessible. He agreed that the designated parking bay on Pearse Street could be more user friendly.
Tom spoke about the designated parking bay sign in front of the Ballina Town Council Office if it could be more visible to traffic users. Peter pointed out the right hand side opposite the post office is extremely dangerous to women with prams and the Ballina Town Council should not be promoting that. Peter brought to our attention the painting of the designated parking bays and Kevin told us that there would be planting of tress on the side of the road.
Tom felt the designated parking bays are improperly used and should be monitored for proper use, because money generated from clamping and fines could be used for other things in the town. He also felt there is lack of communication with disabled people when running plans for designated parking bays.
Kevin talked about the use of designated bays and Tom said the people should be educated on the proper use of the bays and this led to Kevin inviting Tom to see where he proposed to have designated bays for the disabled angers to use for fishing. He will be forwarding an email to Tom to fix a date for that.
Peter asked if there is any more work to be done and Kevin said there would be two more crossing on the road to Sligo. Plans are been drawn for designated parking bays and universally facilities for disabled people fishing in Gortnabbey in Crossmollina. Kevin said he will send Tom a copy of the plan. Peter invited Tom to see the Arts centre that is almost ready to be opened.
We agreed that a bit of money should be set up totally for disability issues. It was also agreed that Peter would approach a fellow Councillor John O’Malley with the town mayor to ring fence money for disability issues and also approach county councillors to make room for disability funds out of the budget and Tom agreed he is always open to meet any of them and discuss where the money could be spent.
The meeting was brought to a close at 3.45pm.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Bullying ‘Not Something We Have To Accept,’ Obama SaysBy Michelle Diament
Friday, March 11, 2011 About | Advertise | Get E-Mail News
Bullying ‘Not Something We Have To Accept,’ Obama SaysBy Michelle Diament
March 10, 2011 Text Size A A
All Americans share a responsibility to prevent bullying, President Barack Obama said Thursday, as stakeholders met at the White House to tackle an issue that disproportionately affects those with disabilities.
“Bullying can have destructive consequences for our young people and it’s not something we have to accept,” Obama said, acknowledging that he was taunted himself as a child.
The president said the gathering of about 150 students, parents, teachers, advocates and policymakers was intended to, “dispel the myth that bullying is just a harmless rite of passage or an inevitable part of growing up.”
The White House cited figures suggesting that almost one in three schoolchildren are bullied each year.
“It’s also more likely to affect kids that are seen as different, whether it’s because of the color of their skin, the clothes they wear, the disability they may have or sexual orientation,” Obama said.
To that end, a handful of disability advocates and at least one high school student with a disability were in attendance at the invitation-only event, which featured a series of breakout sessions on topics ranging from cyberbullying to school policies.
The student, Ian Forster, 16 — who has cerebral palsy, epilepsy and paralysis on one side of his body — was dumped out of his wheelchair by another student at his Michigan school in addition to other forms of harassment. The bullying went unaddressed by Forster’s school until a legal team from the Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service stepped in on his behalf.
In addition to those who experienced bullying first hand, many students who attended the conference are actively working on initiatives to prevent bullying at their schools.
In conjunction with the conference Thursday, the White House announced new efforts in cooperation with Facebook, MTV and several education organizations to prevent and address bullying
Bullying ‘Not Something We Have To Accept,’ Obama SaysBy Michelle Diament
March 10, 2011 Text Size A A
All Americans share a responsibility to prevent bullying, President Barack Obama said Thursday, as stakeholders met at the White House to tackle an issue that disproportionately affects those with disabilities.
“Bullying can have destructive consequences for our young people and it’s not something we have to accept,” Obama said, acknowledging that he was taunted himself as a child.
The president said the gathering of about 150 students, parents, teachers, advocates and policymakers was intended to, “dispel the myth that bullying is just a harmless rite of passage or an inevitable part of growing up.”
The White House cited figures suggesting that almost one in three schoolchildren are bullied each year.
“It’s also more likely to affect kids that are seen as different, whether it’s because of the color of their skin, the clothes they wear, the disability they may have or sexual orientation,” Obama said.
To that end, a handful of disability advocates and at least one high school student with a disability were in attendance at the invitation-only event, which featured a series of breakout sessions on topics ranging from cyberbullying to school policies.
The student, Ian Forster, 16 — who has cerebral palsy, epilepsy and paralysis on one side of his body — was dumped out of his wheelchair by another student at his Michigan school in addition to other forms of harassment. The bullying went unaddressed by Forster’s school until a legal team from the Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service stepped in on his behalf.
In addition to those who experienced bullying first hand, many students who attended the conference are actively working on initiatives to prevent bullying at their schools.
In conjunction with the conference Thursday, the White House announced new efforts in cooperation with Facebook, MTV and several education organizations to prevent and address bullying
Sunday, March 06, 2011
Adams wary of Republic royal visit
Adams wary of Republic royal visit
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Gerry Adams said the planned visit to the Republic by the Queen was 'premature'
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Friday March 04 2011
Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams has said a planned visit by the Queen to the Republic of Ireland is premature and will offend some people.
Buckingham Palace has announced the Queen accepted an invitation from the Republic's President Mary McAleese to pay a state visit this year.
It will be the first official tour of the Republic by a British monarch. A date has not been set but it is widely expected to be in May.
"As Republicans, Sinn Fein is very aware of the symbolism of a state visit by Queen Elizabeth of England and of the offence it will cause to many Irish citizens, particularly victims of British rule and those with legacy issues in this state and in the North," Mr Adams said. "We are also very conscious of the attitude of our unionist neighbours."
Mr Adams said the party was in favour of the normalisation of relationships between Ireland and the UK.
"This will require the ending of the partition of Ireland and the ability of all the people of this island to shape our own society free from outside interference," he said. "The Good Friday Agreement provides for this and the process to achieve it is an ongoing focus for Sinn Fein. The President has invited the English monarch and Sinn Fein respects her right to do so.
"However, we believe this visit is premature and we expect our views to be respected also."
Mr Adams said Sinn Fein's Ard Chomhairle (ruling executive) would be meeting on March 12.
"We will give a considered view after that meeting and as the details of the visit emerge," Mr Adams said.
The Irish Government said it welcomed the imminent trip. "The visit will mark a further improvement in the very good relations between Ireland and the United Kingdom," it said in a statement.
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Gerry Adams said the planned visit to the Republic by the Queen was 'premature'
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Man, 27, abducted in Co Tyrone
Two injured in Smithfield shooting
Man arrested over police gun attack
Pipe bombs discovered in woodland
Britain's Queen plans state visit
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Friday March 04 2011
Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams has said a planned visit by the Queen to the Republic of Ireland is premature and will offend some people.
Buckingham Palace has announced the Queen accepted an invitation from the Republic's President Mary McAleese to pay a state visit this year.
It will be the first official tour of the Republic by a British monarch. A date has not been set but it is widely expected to be in May.
"As Republicans, Sinn Fein is very aware of the symbolism of a state visit by Queen Elizabeth of England and of the offence it will cause to many Irish citizens, particularly victims of British rule and those with legacy issues in this state and in the North," Mr Adams said. "We are also very conscious of the attitude of our unionist neighbours."
Mr Adams said the party was in favour of the normalisation of relationships between Ireland and the UK.
"This will require the ending of the partition of Ireland and the ability of all the people of this island to shape our own society free from outside interference," he said. "The Good Friday Agreement provides for this and the process to achieve it is an ongoing focus for Sinn Fein. The President has invited the English monarch and Sinn Fein respects her right to do so.
"However, we believe this visit is premature and we expect our views to be respected also."
Mr Adams said Sinn Fein's Ard Chomhairle (ruling executive) would be meeting on March 12.
"We will give a considered view after that meeting and as the details of the visit emerge," Mr Adams said.
The Irish Government said it welcomed the imminent trip. "The visit will mark a further improvement in the very good relations between Ireland and the United Kingdom," it said in a statement.
Parties planning to cut up to 25,000 public sector jobs
Parties planning to cut up to 25,000 public sector jobs
Enda Kenny at a Fine Gael parliamentary party meeting in the Shelborne Hotel in Dublin today. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA WireRelated
Kenny and Gilmore to decide today on draft deal for coalition | 05/03/2011Sum for outgoing TDs tops EUR13m | 05/03/2011Kenny sets stage to back away from bond demand | 05/03/2011Opponents of coalition deal line up ahead of key debate | 05/03/2011DEAGLÁN de BRÉADÚN, Political Correspondent
Fine Gael and Labour are set to form a government for national recovery under the terms of a programme being submitted to a special conference of the Labour Party this afternoon at University College Dublin.
The 64-page document begins with a “statement of common purpose” which declares that “a democratic revolution” took place on election day and that “we now face one of the darkest hours in the history of our independent state”.
The two parties have reached a compromise on the year 2015 instead of Fine Gael’s 2014 and Labour’s 2016 for reaching the 3 per cent deficit target.
Fine Gael sought 30,000 job cuts from the public sector on a voluntary basis by 2014, compared to 18,000 sought by Labour. This figure has been agreed by the two parties at between 18,000 and 21,000 within the same period, with a further 4,000 to go by 2015.
On third-level education, the parties have agreed to a “full review” of funding before the end of this year, based on the Hunt and OECD reports.
“Our goal is to introduce a funding system that will provide third-level institutions with reliable funding but does not impact access for students,” the document adds.
A new State-owned water utility company is to be established to take over from the local authorities, with the objective of installing water meters in every household and “move to a charging system that is based on use above the free allowance”.
A Constitutional Convention will review Bunreacht na hEireann and the government will “prioritise” referendums on five topics: abolition of the Seanad; reversing the effects of the Abbeylara judgment on the powers of Oireachtas committee investigations; protecting the right of citizens to “communicate in confidence” with their public representatives; cutting the salaries of judges in “restricted” circumstances; and children’s rights.
The Convention will also consider such topics as, same-sex marriage, reducing the presidential term from seven to five years, reducing the voting age, and removing the provision on blasphemy.
The number of TDs will be reduced in line with the 2011 Census, ministers’ salaries will be cut, political expenses will have to be vouched for and severance payments for ministers will be cut.
A strategic investment bank, proposed by Labour, is to be established. State training agency Fás will be replaced by a National Employment and Entitlements Service.
Resources will be provided within the first 100 days of the new administration for a jobs fund. An Export Trade Council will be established to promote trade and exports.
A National Development Plan will be drawn up for the period 2012-19. A commercially-financed investment programme called the “New Era” plan, which was the title used in the Fine Gael manifesto, will also be put in place.
The document states: “We will target up to €2 billion in sales of non-strategic state assets drawing from the recommendations of the McCarthy Review Group on State Assets, when available.”
The programme also pledges “to stick to the aggregate adjustment as set out in the National Recovery Plan for the combined period 2011-12”.
Current rates of income tax together with bands and credits will be maintained. Top marginal rates on income will not be increased.
“We will reduce, cap or abolish property tax reliefs and other tax shelters which benefit very high income earners,” the programme states.
The new government will “consider” a site valuation tax on property which must take account of “mortgage distress” and the provision of a reliable stream of revenue to local government.
“We will review the Universal Social Charge,” the document says. An independent Fiscal Advisory Council will be set up to “undertake fiscal macroeconomic projections and monitoring”.
In the area of health, universal health insurance will be brought in by 2016, with access according to need and payment according to ability to pay. “Universal Primary Care will remove fees for GP care,” the document adds.
On the Irish language, there is to be “a thorough reform” of the curriculum and the way Irish is taught. There is no reference to the controversial Fine Gael proposal to drop Irish as a compulsory subject of study for Leaving Cert
Enda Kenny at a Fine Gael parliamentary party meeting in the Shelborne Hotel in Dublin today. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA WireRelated
Kenny and Gilmore to decide today on draft deal for coalition | 05/03/2011Sum for outgoing TDs tops EUR13m | 05/03/2011Kenny sets stage to back away from bond demand | 05/03/2011Opponents of coalition deal line up ahead of key debate | 05/03/2011DEAGLÁN de BRÉADÚN, Political Correspondent
Fine Gael and Labour are set to form a government for national recovery under the terms of a programme being submitted to a special conference of the Labour Party this afternoon at University College Dublin.
The 64-page document begins with a “statement of common purpose” which declares that “a democratic revolution” took place on election day and that “we now face one of the darkest hours in the history of our independent state”.
The two parties have reached a compromise on the year 2015 instead of Fine Gael’s 2014 and Labour’s 2016 for reaching the 3 per cent deficit target.
Fine Gael sought 30,000 job cuts from the public sector on a voluntary basis by 2014, compared to 18,000 sought by Labour. This figure has been agreed by the two parties at between 18,000 and 21,000 within the same period, with a further 4,000 to go by 2015.
On third-level education, the parties have agreed to a “full review” of funding before the end of this year, based on the Hunt and OECD reports.
“Our goal is to introduce a funding system that will provide third-level institutions with reliable funding but does not impact access for students,” the document adds.
A new State-owned water utility company is to be established to take over from the local authorities, with the objective of installing water meters in every household and “move to a charging system that is based on use above the free allowance”.
A Constitutional Convention will review Bunreacht na hEireann and the government will “prioritise” referendums on five topics: abolition of the Seanad; reversing the effects of the Abbeylara judgment on the powers of Oireachtas committee investigations; protecting the right of citizens to “communicate in confidence” with their public representatives; cutting the salaries of judges in “restricted” circumstances; and children’s rights.
The Convention will also consider such topics as, same-sex marriage, reducing the presidential term from seven to five years, reducing the voting age, and removing the provision on blasphemy.
The number of TDs will be reduced in line with the 2011 Census, ministers’ salaries will be cut, political expenses will have to be vouched for and severance payments for ministers will be cut.
A strategic investment bank, proposed by Labour, is to be established. State training agency Fás will be replaced by a National Employment and Entitlements Service.
Resources will be provided within the first 100 days of the new administration for a jobs fund. An Export Trade Council will be established to promote trade and exports.
A National Development Plan will be drawn up for the period 2012-19. A commercially-financed investment programme called the “New Era” plan, which was the title used in the Fine Gael manifesto, will also be put in place.
The document states: “We will target up to €2 billion in sales of non-strategic state assets drawing from the recommendations of the McCarthy Review Group on State Assets, when available.”
The programme also pledges “to stick to the aggregate adjustment as set out in the National Recovery Plan for the combined period 2011-12”.
Current rates of income tax together with bands and credits will be maintained. Top marginal rates on income will not be increased.
“We will reduce, cap or abolish property tax reliefs and other tax shelters which benefit very high income earners,” the programme states.
The new government will “consider” a site valuation tax on property which must take account of “mortgage distress” and the provision of a reliable stream of revenue to local government.
“We will review the Universal Social Charge,” the document says. An independent Fiscal Advisory Council will be set up to “undertake fiscal macroeconomic projections and monitoring”.
In the area of health, universal health insurance will be brought in by 2016, with access according to need and payment according to ability to pay. “Universal Primary Care will remove fees for GP care,” the document adds.
On the Irish language, there is to be “a thorough reform” of the curriculum and the way Irish is taught. There is no reference to the controversial Fine Gael proposal to drop Irish as a compulsory subject of study for Leaving Cert
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