Elected Leader of Labour Group on the Council

It was a great privilege to have been elected by my colleagues as Leader of the Labour Group on Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council last Friday.  I look forward to working with my colleagues towards keeping Labour as a cohesive force on the Council in the run up to the 2014 elections. I was delighted that my first duty on Monday was to formally propose the nomination of Cllr Carrie Smyth as Cathaoirleach.  Carrie will provide excellent leadership in her new role, as she did as Labour Group Leader.  But I am saddened that this good news is also accompanied by the news that we are losing Cllr Stephen Fitzpatrick who is leaving the Council in August for work reasons.  He will be missed.

HUMPHREYS VOICES SUPPORT FOR SIPTU IN SHANGANAGH WASTEWATER DISPUTE

STATEMENT BY CLLR RICHARD HUMPHREYS

Labour Party Councillor for the Stillorgan Ward

Friday, 24 May 2013

HUMPHREYS VOICES SUPPORT FOR SIPTU IN SHANGANAGH WASTEWATER DISPUTE  

Cllr Richard Humphreys, the Labour Party Councillor for the Stillorgan Ward, has voiced strong support for SIPTU in the current industrial relations dispute at Shanganagh Wastewater Treatment Facility.

“I am deeply concerned that the SDD consortium that are running Shanganagh have refused to recognise SIPTU, which is the trade union chosen by the workers.” Humphreys said. 

“Shanganagh is a public facility run by SDD under contract with the County Council.  It processes the waste water for the County and is a crucial piece of our public infrastructure.”

“It is surprising and unacceptable that the operators of a public facility can refuse to recognise any trade union.  Such an attitude is indicative of a failure to engage in real partnership or to recognise the legitimate concerns of the workforce.  It is far more reminiscent of the attitude of employers in the Dublin lockout of 1913 than best practice in 2013 – especially in a plant that was paid for with taxpayers’ money.” Humphreys said.

“I have made clear to Council management that the contract with SDD is flawed if it allows them to ignore trade union recognition.  SDD must of course like any employer respect the constitutional right of workers to join a union, but it renders that right of little value by refusing to recognise that same union.  Together with other Labour Party council colleagues I have submitted a motion to the Council to ensure that this issue is addressed.”

“The County Manager needs to use his influence with SDD to ensure a return to the State’s industrial relations institutions so that all outstanding issues can be resolved in a structured manner, and the current industrial action can be lifted.” Humphreys said.  “SIPTU state that SDD declined to agree to refer the outstanding issues of pay and shift payments to the Labour Court, and have commenced industrial action as a result of that failure.”

“Indeed at present, far from resolving the issue, the matter seems to be escalating with the flying in of strike-breaking labour from Spain.”

“The Council’s recent statement on this matter seemed to be concerned only with emissions and odours and regarded all other aspects of the operation of the plant as being matters for SDD.  I regard this attitude as unacceptable.  The Council need to take a much more holistic view of the issues in Shanganagh, both in terms of health and safety of workers and also their treatment by SDD.”

“I am concerned that SDD has refused to engage direct labour, using only agency workers.  This creates massive uncertainty for the workers concerned and effectively undermines many employment entitlements.  Again, such practices are much closer to the attitudes of 1913 than 2013 and are just not acceptable especially where the taxpayer has had to write the cheque for the facility, without which SDD would not be in a position to make a profit” Humphreys said. 

“In the end of the day, citizens of this county are entitled to know that if they run a tap or flush a toilet, the workers at the far end of the pipe who have the difficult and at times dangerous job of cleaning up the waste water are being treated decently and fairly and with respect.” Humphreys said.   

Ends 

HUMPHREYS QUERIES DOWNGRADING OF STILLORGAN ROAD

STATEMENT BY CLLR RICHARD HUMPHREYS

Labour Party Councillor for the Stillorgan Ward

Friday, 24 May 2013

HUMPHREYS QUERIES DOWNGRADING OF STILLORGAN ROAD

Cllr Richard Humphreys, the Labour Party Councillor for the Stillorgan Ward, has queried the re-designation of a stretch of the Stillorgan Road which was formerly a national route (the N11) and has now been downgraded to a regional road.

“This re-designation was carried out by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in February 2012 but was not widely publicised and Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Councillors were only informed of it this month.” Humphreys said. 

“The Stillorgan Road is generally known as the N11 and indeed signs indicating that it is the N11 are still visible today, for example at Belfield flyover.  However the Department has decided that the stretch north of the junction with Mount Merrion Avenue should be downgraded from a national route (N11) to only a regional road – the R138.”

“I have written to Minister Leo Varadkar seeking information as to the rationale for this change and requesting a review.  It would be my preference if the whole Stillorgan Road retained its national route status.”  

“The Council now must amend its speed limit bye-laws to cover this stretch of the road in a clear manner, given its new designation.” Humphreys said.  “I was not happy that the Manager’s proposals for new bye-laws were sufficiently clear, and at the May Council meeting I proposed that they be adjourned for a month to enable more detailed, clearer and legally correct draft bye laws to be drawn up.  I am glad that the Council unanimously agreed to this and I am looking forward to seeing new draft bye laws at our next meeting.  The public will then have an opportunity to comment on them.”  Humphreys said.

“I fear that this re-designation will cause confusion in the public mind and I have sought an explanation for the change. Unfortunately the Department did not publish an explanatory note to the Order on the web when making the change last year.”  

“A large number of other roads in Dublin and elsewhere in the country were re-designated at the same time and it may be that a number of local authorities will have to review their road traffic and speed limit bye laws as a result.” Humphreys said.

Ends 

BORD PLEANALA DECISION ON CARRICKMINES A MASSIVE VINDICATION OF LABOUR STANCE - HUMPHREYS

STATEMENT BY CLLR RICHARD HUMPHREYS

Labour Party Councillor for the Stillorgan Ward

Sunday, 5 May 2013

BORD PLEANALA DECISION ON CARRICKMINES A MASSIVE VINDICATION OF LABOUR STANCE - HUMPHREYS

Cllr Richard Humphreys, the Labour Party Councillor for the Stillorgan Ward, has said that the decision of An Bord Pleanala to reject planning permission for a massive retail expansion at Carrickmines is a massive vindication of the determined stance taken by the Labour Party on Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.  

“The decision of An Bord Pleanala, received on 2^nd May, is a crushing demolition of the pro-developer agenda that was championed on the County Council by Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and independents.” Humphreys said.

“On 12 April 2010, all of the Fianna Fail Councillors and the vast majority of the Fine Gael group and of the independents voted for this huge and unsustainable increase in retail at Carrickmines. The Labour Group was the only large group on the Council to vote against this and we did so unanimously.  I am delighted that our stance has been so comprehensively vindicated by the Bord Pleanala decision.”  

“I am proud to have been the only Councillor for the Stillorgan Ward to vote against this fundamentally flawed development.” Humphreys said. “Every single one of the other councillors for my area voted for it, and their position lies in ruins today in the light of the devastating analysis of Bord Pleanala.  The development is bad for the environment, bad for planning and transport and bad for the people of the County.  The councillors that voted for this did so in defiance of official planning advice and of a direction from Minister John Gormley at the time.  However eventually this scheme has been held up to searching public analysis and has been comprehensively rubbished by the highest expert planning body in the land.”  

“Bord Pleanala found that the development would “undermine the Retail Hierarchy for the Greater Dublin Area” and would undermine the role of Dundrum and Dun Laoghaire as designated retail centres.” Humphreys said.  “They found that the development would give rise to a high level of car dependency, promote unsustainable use of the local road network, adversely affect the operational safety and efficiency of the national road network and undermine the benefits of public investment in that network.”

“Labour has stood out on the Council as being the only large Group that has taken a coherent and principled position to protect our environment and promote sustainable planning and development.  The other main parties have consistently pushed a pro-developer agenda, to the long term detriment of the people of the County.  Citizens need to be acutely aware that not all political groups are the same, especially when it comes to protecting the environment.” Humphreys said.

Ends

Launch of memorials to Robert Mallet FRS and Michael Davitt

As a member of the memorials committee I was delighted to have attended the launch of a memorial to the founder of Seismology, Robert Mallet FRS, at Killiney Beach, and the dedication of the Ballybrack Obelisk to Michael Davitt.

Members of the memorials committee and guests, on a windswept Killiney Beach

The gathering on Killiney beach

Finishing touches to the Davitt memorial ... Cllr Lewis spotting a photo opportunity

Labour Councillors at the Davitt launch together with Davitt family members

Speech by Cllr Richard Humphreys at a Debate on the Middle East at the Literary & Historical Society in UCD

SPEECH BY CLLR RICHARD HUMPHREYS

Labour Party Councillor for the Stillorgan Ward

Speaking at a Debate on the Middle East at the Literary & Historical Society in UCD,

6 pm, Wednesday, 10^th April 2013

WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY FOR MIDDLE-EAST PEACE MUST NOT BE LOST - HUMPHREYS  

Mr Auditor, ladies and gentlemen

It is a pleasure to be back at the L&H 25 years on from when I was Auditor.

I am glad to have the opportunity to say a few words on the important question of the future for Israel and Palestine. 

Can I start with the grounds for optimism, in looking at the future for the Middle-East.

The formation of a new Israeli administration in March provides an opportunity to restore momentum to the process, as does the renewed electoral mandate of the US Administration.

The new Israeli government has of course a new makeup – the new Party in Government lead by Yair Lapid as Finance Minister is seen as a liberal breath of fresh air in Israeli politics.  The two major parties in Government are committed to a renewal of negotiations, and the new administration may well be more open to a political engagement than its predecessor.

The Israeli State, and by polls the vast majority of Israelis, continue to be committed to the two-state solution.

The Israeli government, as Netanyahu reiterated after Obama’s visit two weeks ago, remains committed to peace talks without preconditions.

Another optimistic sign is that following Obama’s visit, Netanyahu made a major step in repairing relations with Turkey. Netanyahu’s recent healing of the divide goes to show how keen Israel is to have good relations with its neighbours who are willing to listen.

President Obama’s visit to Israel represented an early move on the part of the United States to explore the current opportunity for progress.   

The European Union during the Irish presidency will be working hard to encourage and support renewed US involvement, in our contacts with the parties in the region and also in our exchanges with political opinion in the US itself.  

Having mentioned the EU I want to say a few words about Irish attitudes to the region.

If we are to be honest with ourselves we must acknowledge that the debate in this country has been significantly unbalanced, with simplistic analysis being offered in a sort of scramble for the high moral ground. 

Far too many people see this issue in wholly unrealistic terms of black and white, seeing only what they want to see, and remaining closed to the notion that the other side has a point of view, and fears, and reasons for doing what they do.  Most discourse on the issue in this country seems to be conducted, to use Orwell’s phrase, on a sort of four legs good two legs bad basis, as if the Israelis just decided to get up in the morning and inflict misery on the Palestinians, just for the sheer hell of it.  What I would like to see is the debate in this country being moved a few degrees towards the centre. 

This is a complex and long standing problem.  Both sides have significant issues to address.  It cannot be approached on the basis of one side being 100% right and the other side being 100% wrong.

Someday, not today or tomorrow but at some time, both sides will have to sit down, talk to each other and negotiate a solution.  The broad lines of the solution are fairly clear - two states for two peoples, a sovereign Palestine and a Jewish and democratic Israel living side by side, in peace and mutual recognition, with secure borders based roughly if not perhaps exactly on the 1967 borders.

Indeed the shape of the process to deliver that solution is also fairly clear – the model of the short intensive process between the two sides supported by significant international involvement – either brokered by the US or by the broader Quartet (UN, US, EU and Russia).

The EU is not alone in being concerned that there is a window of opportunity for the peace process which may be closed off for some time if not availed of in the near future.

I certainly would join in the call to strongly support the restarting of the stalled Middle Eastern Peace Process and to urge both sides not to squander the opportunity that is now there.  Of course this involves real risks for both sides and requires courageous leadership on both sides.

It certainly involves restraint by Israel in terms of events on the ground.   In broad terms, significantly increased settlement activity, and the impact that has on the process in terms of shaping policy and opinion, seems unlikely to contribute constructively to the environment for progress in the short term and is certainly viewed by many observers as making a more fraught situation significantly more fraught.     

Movement is required from both sides.  There should be no question of demanding preconditions even before sitting down for negotiations.  Our own experience in this country should alert us to the folly and unreasonableness of demanding concessions before being prepared to talk.

Hamas terrorism and rocket attacks on Israel have been of course a serious obstacle to peace. As is the rhetoric of both Hamas and Fatah calling for the destruction of Israel and the murder of Jews. 

Khaled Mashaal, the chief of Hamas’s political bureau, in Gaza in 2012 stated Hamas’s position on such matters - “Palestine — from the river to the sea, from the north to the south — is our land and our right. There will be no surrender of even the smallest piece of it. Palestine was and still is Arab and Islamic… Jerusalem is our eternal capital. Israel has no right to Jerusalem… The jihad and the armed resistance are the true and correct way to liberation.” 

On the Fatah side of the house, the senior PA negotiator Nabil Shaath speaking in Gaza on Nov 22, 2012 at another Hamas “victory” rally, spoke of a “100-year war” to conquer “Jerusalem and Palestine in its entirety”. 

At the Fatah 47th anniversary celebration event, broadcast in January 2013 on PA TV, Mufti Muhammad Hussein, the highest Fatah religious authority, described the killing of Jews as an Islamic religious goal, quoting scripture in support. 

Turning to the question of attitudes to the conflict here in Ireland, I want to say a few words about the Irish peace movement which somewhat naively has been supporting initiatives such as the Gaza Flotilla and calls for Boycotts of Israel.

Of course it is regrettable that there is a naval blockade of Gaza, and that there is a need for humanitarian assistance in the Palestinian Territories – a need which Ireland is seeking to address.  But one would need to be very naive not to see the blockade as directly related to the security situation.  The real beneficiary of an unstructured end to Gaza security measures would of course be Hamas terrorism. 

A few of the flotilla advocates led by the SWP are open supporters of Hamas terror, but many are not, and I recognise the motives of many of the latter group are often good, but I believe that they have been sadly duped by a much larger and much more sinister agenda.  And of course it is not just me that has opposed the flotilla – the US Secretary of State and the UN Secretary General did so too.

It concerns me that the anti-Israel wing of Irish liberalism is not more concerned with abuses of human rights inflicted by Palestinians in the Palestinian territories – abuse of gay people and oppression of women to take two examples.  The recent prohibition of women from participating in the Gaza marathon provoked few reactions from the louder champions of women’s rights here in Ireland, for some reason.

Human rights are indivisible and we need to have an equality of concern as to oppression, not simply latch on to fashionable causes.

Israel is of course the only state in the region which fully respects sexual identity, gender rights, and religious freedom.  Arabs are represented at every level in the Israeli state up to the Supreme Court.  A former Miss Israel is an Arab.  An Arab judge was on the panel that sentenced an Israeli ex-president. 

Those are among the reasons why it is absurd to condemn Israel as an apartheid state, or to single out Israel for boycotts that do not apply to other countries with worse human rights records.  I utterly condemn the disgraceful campaign for a cultural and academic boycott of Israel that has been supported, shamefully, by the TUI.  It is an extraordinary comment on the degraded state of public opinion on this issue that the TUI vote for an academic boycott was passed without a single educator of our children registering a dissenting vote.

I am proud that the Labour Party Leader, Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore, has firmly opposed the cultural boycott of Israel.  Cultural boycotts are the stuff of Orwell and 1984, and always bring to mind the prophetic utterance of Heinrich Heine in 1821 - Dort wo man Bücher verbrennt, verbrennt man auch am Ende Menschen  - Where they burn books, they will in the end also burn people.

Ends

HUMPHREYS WELCOMES GILMORE ANNOUNCEMENT ON WATER CHARGES

STATEMENT BY CLLR RICHARD HUMPHREYS

Labour Party Councillor for the Stillorgan Ward

Tuesday, 9 April 2013

HUMPHREYS WELCOMES GILMORE ANNOUNCEMENT ON WATER CHARGES

Cllr Richard Humphreys, the Labour Party Councillor for the Stillorgan Ward, has welcomed the announcement by Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore that water charges will not be introduced next year.

“I attended a Special Meeting of Labour councillors in Gorey at the weekend, which passed a motion calling for the postponement of water charges.  I am glad that the Tánaiste has responded so positively and has confirmed that water charges will be put off until 2015.” Humphreys said.

“Due to the introduction of the local property tax, which was forced on the country by Fianna Fail’s agreement with the Troika, citizens are under particular financial pressure this year and next.”

"There has been a long-standing commitment to link water charges to consumption levels as required by EU law.  It has always been Labour’s position that there should also be a free basic allocation per household, above which people could then be charged.” Humphreys said.

“Our current problem has a risen largely as a result of massive under-investment in water infrastructure during Fianna Fail’s mismanagement of our economy. That was precisely when funds should have been allocated to improve supply and replacement of damaged water distribution infrastructure but it never happened. Unfortunately, we are playing catch-up and now have to spend money in this area, but charges for that purpose have to be linked to need and consumption levels.”

“Given the lead in time before an effective water metering system could be rolled out, there is no justification for water taxes before 2015.” Humphreys said.

“The announcement by Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore that the introduction of water charges will not happen next year is an acknowledgement of the concerns that people around the country have, and for Labour councillors this is a very positive development.”

Ends 

Stillorgan Ward Litter Bin review

The Council has given me the following information regarding a litter bin review in the Stillorgan Ward. 

It is intended to relocate a number of litter bins from within our local area. These bins will be repositioned within the Stillorgan Electoral Area and there will be no reduction in the number of litter bins provided.

The following litter bins are proposed to be relocated:

Stillorgan Electoral Area

• 3 bins - Stillorgan village - oversupply at this location
• 1 bin - N11 bus stop 461 (Trees Road ) - unsafe to park
• 1 bin - N11 bus stop 2068 (junction of Mt. merrion Ave) - unsafe to park
• 1 bin - N11 bus stop 2060 (near Whites Cross) - unsafe to park

Private retail units

• Shops, Cabinteely Park.

        It is intended to relocate this litter bin from the private car park to the public footpath adjacent to the entrance to and on the same side of the road as the retail units.

If you are aware of any additional litter bins that could be relocated, please let me know and I will ask the Council to consider these as part of this process.

Councillors' conference expenses

Total Councillors' conference expenses 2009-2012 have been published recently, in response to a question from Cllr Melissa Halpin at the February 2013 council meeting.  For information, I have run up the lowest amount out of the Councillors for the Stillorgan Ward - about one seventh of the highest councillor in the ward and less than one third of the next lowest councillor.  Totals are as follows (including estimated sums for conferences attended but not yet claimed for):

Gerry Horkan - €24,376.01
Gearoid O'Keefe - €21,199.02
Barry Saul - €12,552.62
Richard Humphreys - €3,406.42

I should emphasise that a great many of the conferences are highly educational and I would not wish to criticise councillors for engaging in education and training.  But some conferences do not provide value for money and it is important in these times that we ensure that we are selective and that conferences that are approved should be of a high quality.

Article in today's Sunday Independent

My article in today's Sunday Independent on the issue of Trocaire's biased schools pack is at http://www.independent.ie/opinion/analysis/richard-humphreys-surely-israel-isnt-the-planets-worst-human-rights-offender-3357889.html

OVERHAUL OF COUNCIL PROCEDURES WELCOME - HUMPHREYS

STATEMENT BY CLLR RICHARD HUMPHREYS

Labour Party Councillor for the Stillorgan Ward

Friday, 18 January 2013

OVERHAUL OF COUNCIL PROCEDURES WELCOME - HUMPHREYS

The adoption of new and overhauled business procedures by Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council will enable the Council to do its business more effectively, Cllr Richard Humphreys, the Labour Party Councillor for the Stillorgan Ward, has said. 

Cllr Humphreys proposed the overhaul, and chaired the all-party Subcommittee that prepared the new Council standing orders, which were adopted at the January 2013 Council meeting.

“The number of Council rules have been reduced from 143 standing orders down to 38, in a more simplified and streamlined form.” Humphreys said.

“Under the new rules, the time allowed to contribute on items that are listed for noting will be reduced to one minute per councillor.  This should ensure that we get through our agenda in a quicker and more business-like fashion. Business certified by the Manager as urgent will also get greater priority.”  

“The new rules will also provide for a system of filling vacancies on the Council.  Our old rules failed to provide for how vacancies by non-party members were to be filled, and the new rules remedy this and allow non-party candidates to submit a substitutes list, much like the election of MEPs.” Humphreys said.

“It also provides a new rule facilitating the Council members in exercising their power under the Constitution to nominate a presidential candidate, by allowing motions to nominate candidates on shorter notice than that applying to routine business.  Again this was an omission from the old rules and I am glad that it is now provided for to ensure that any such nomination can be properly considered during the presidential nomination process.”  Humphreys said.

“Overall it is a major achievement for the Council to completely re-vamp its own internal rule book and it required a great deal of work over the past 2 years.  I am glad that it has come to fruition and privileged to have played a part in that process, which was assisted by members of all of the political groups.” Humphreys said.

Ends 

BIASED TROCAIRE SCHOOLS DOCUMENT IS AN INSULT TO STUDENTS - HUMPHREYS

STATEMENT BY CLLR RICHARD HUMPHREYS

Labour Party Councillor for the Stillorgan Ward

Tuesday, 15 January 2013

BIASED TROCAIRE SCHOOLS DOCUMENT IS AN INSULT TO STUDENTS - HUMPHREYS

Cllr Richard Humphreys, the Labour Party Councillor for the Stillorgan Ward, has condemned as “outrageously biased propaganda” a Trócaire document for secondary schools dealing with the Middle East.

“Trócaire has circulated a document to schools, entitled “Give Peace a Chance”, which is so outrageously biased as to amount to an insult to the intelligence of students.  There is no place in schools for crude propaganda of this nature, masquerading as objective information.  I am calling on the Minister for Education and on secondary teachers to take a stand against this political indoctrination in schools, which can only harm and distort the thinking of the next generation.” Humphreys said.

“Trócaire is an organisation set up by the Catholic Church and as such I would expect that it would make every effort to be even-handed on the Middle East.  Sadly this is not the case.  They have produced a document on the Israel-Palestine question which makes no effort at balance.  It shows a Palestinian flag on the front cover and tells a one-sided story of Palestinian grievances in its content.  Its potted history of the issue manages to make no reference to the Holocaust or the need for a Jewish state, and makes no reference to the fact that Israel was invaded in 1967.  Its account of the rationale for the blockade of Gaza is laughably naïve and takes no account of the need to prevent terrorist attacks on Israel.  And it frequently presents as facts what are tendentious and contested opinions, such as its views on the legality of Israel’s actions.”  

“I appreciate that Trócaire is a campaigning organisation and as long as they direct their propaganda at adults one might say that this is all part of the robust exchange of ideas.” Humphreys said.  “But as soon as they start insidiously introducing such propaganda to children, without giving an adequate account of the other side, there is a serious problem which warrants the attention of regulators, teachers, and the Catholic hierarchy.  This shameful document should be condemned by all those who have an interest in ensuring that our young people are presented with a balanced and fair view of this issue.” Humphreys said.

“It is sadly ironic that Trócaire is choosing to demonise Israel while being markedly less militant on the mass slaughter of civilians by Syria.  It is unacceptable, and indeed is unconsciously anti-Semitic, to condemn the world’s only Jewish state in a strident tone while speaking more softly, if at all, about much worse abuses by some Arab countries.”

Ends 

ISRAEL’S RIGHT TO DEFEND ITSELF MUST BE RESPECTED - HUMPHREYS

STATEMENT BY CLLR RICHARD HUMPHREYS

Labour Party Councillor for the Stillorgan Ward

Sunday, 25 November 2012

ISRAEL’S RIGHT TO DEFEND ITSELF MUST BE RESPECTED - HUMPHREYS

Cllr Richard Humphreys, the Labour Party Councillor for the Stillorgan Ward, has said that there needs to be a wider recognition of the right of Israel to exist, and its consequential right to defend itself against the rocket attacks on its citizens launched by Hamas’s terrorist regime in Gaza.

Humphreys was speaking at the historic first major rally in solidarity with Israel, held at the GPO on Sunday 25 November.

“This is a day when we stand in solidarity, friendship and dialogue with Israel.  Israel’s right to exist must be acknowledged, as the only Jewish state in the world and the only liberal secular democracy in the Middle East.” Humphreys said.

“Any state that has a right to exist must also have a right to defend itself.  There is no country in the world that could tolerate hundreds of rocket attacks launched on its territory, bringing hardship, fear, disruption, injury and death to its people.”  

“This rally for peace in Israel is also a moment of optimism.” Humphreys said.  “This first major rally for peace in Israel is a historic moment and a sign that the tide of opinion is turning.  There are many signs that Irish society is becoming more balanced and realistic in addressing issues relating to the Middle East.  Anti-Semitic attitudes are increasingly being challenged – and the most insidious form of anti-Semitism is the systematic attempt to impose a standard to judge Israel which is not used to judge any other country.  Many Irish champions of human rights are surprisingly silent about the brutal outrages perpetrated by the terrorist Hamas regime against women, gay people, or political opponents, and about many vicious attacks on human rights in some of Israel’s near neighbours.  This double standard is now being challenged, which I find very encouraging.”

“The inherent fascism of the attempt to impose a cultural boycott on Israel is also being named and exposed.  As a Labour Party councillor I especially welcome the presence of the Tánaiste and Labour Party Leader Eamon Gilmore at the Israel Film Days, organised by the Embassy of Israel, in November 2011.”  

“It is hard to talk about solidarity with Israel without also acknowledging the enormously positive contribution that the Jewish people have made to society, not just in Israel but in Ireland and across the world.  On a personal note I come to this issue with an enormous sense of gratitude for the opportunity I had to work for Ireland’s first Jewish cabinet Minister, the Labour Party’s Mervyn Taylor.  I am also profoundly grateful for the insights that so many Jewish writers and thinkers have shared with the world.  Intellectuals of Jewish heritage such as Jacob Bronowski, Viktor Frankl, Irvin Yalom, Carl Sagan, Alain de Botton and many others are among the most inspiring figures of modern civilization.”

“As well as solidarity and optimism, I think it is also important to emphasise the need for compassion.” Humphreys said.  “Each death or injury of an innocent civilian in Gaza is a tragedy which must primarily be lain at the door of Hamas, but which also calls for restraint and for the path of peace.  It is essential to recognise that there is a Palestinian perspective and there is Palestinian suffering.  Many Arab commentators have taken the lead in pointing out that a great deal of that suffering is self-inflicted but it is real nonetheless. A lasting peace must be founded on dialogue between enemies and on a historic effort to accommodate both sets of identities.”

“I congratulate Naomi Gibson and the others involved in organising this event and I hope it is another milestone on the road to a more balanced view of Israel in our society.”

Ends 

HUMPHREYS WELCOMES PASSING OF MOTION ON SAME SEX MARRIAGE

STATEMENT BY CLLR RICHARD HUMPHREYS

Labour Party Councillor for the Stillorgan Ward

Tuesday, 13 November 2012

HUMPHREYS WELCOMES PASSING OF MOTION ON SAME SEX MARRIAGE

Cllr Richard Humphreys, the Labour Party Councillor for the Stillorgan Ward, has welcomed the passing by Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council of a motion supporting same sex marriage, which he proposed on behalf of the Labour Party Group.

“I was pleased that the motion in my name and that of other Labour Councillors was passed by a vote of 17-4, along with two other motions to the same effect from other councillors.  Civil same sex marriage would be a step towards a society based on equality of citizenship.” Humphreys said.

“Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown now joins a number of other local authorities in calling for marriage equality and I am pleased that this is part of a wider trend, also reflected in the fact that 2 US states voted for same sex marriage in referenda last week.” Humphreys said.

“This proposal builds on the existing legal provision for civil partnership which creates a broad equality in a large range of areas for same sex couples.  Marriage rights are a logical next step and would create a more equal set of arrangements for citizens irrespective of their sexual orientation.”

“I understand that some people would oppose this concept on the basis of it being a re-definition of marriage.  However to my mind it is desirable that the legal concept of marriage be a broad and inclusive one which is not unduly tied to any one traditional strand of opinion but can accommodate the legitimate aspirations of all.”  

“Same sex marriage will, I hope, encourage a greater level of equality into family law where equality is to date still an aspiration in many areas.  For example, the lack of guardianship rights for unmarried fathers is a glaring discrimination and in my view is a breach of the UN Convention on the rights of the child.” Humphreys said.

“Ultimately this question will be one for the Constitutional Convention and hopefully for a referendum in due course.  I hope that this question can be put to the people before the end of 2013 and I look forward to what I hope will be a constructive and tolerant campaign on both sides.” Humphreys said.

Ends

HUMPHREYS OPPOSES NAME-CHANGE FOR “DUBLIN SOUTH” CONSTITUENCY

STATEMENT BY CLLR RICHARD HUMPHREYS

Labour Party Councillor for the Stillorgan Ward

Friday, 9 November 2012

HUMPHREYS OPPOSES NAME-CHANGE FOR “DUBLIN SOUTH” CONSTITUENCY  

Cllr Richard Humphreys, the Labour Party Councillor for the Stillorgan Ward, has expressed opposition to the proposed name-change of Dublin South constituency, which is due to become “Dublin Rathdown” under the Electoral Bill.

“I have contacted the Minister for the Environment, Phil Hogan, seeking a change in the Electoral (Amendment) (Dail Constituencies) Bill 2012 so as to keep the traditional Dublin South name for the constituency.” Humphreys said.

“The proposal from the Boundary Commission was to introduce the new name of Dublin Rathdown for the balance of the Constituency that is left following the loss of certain areas and the reduction to 3 seats.  I believe that this is not a suitable name for a number of reasons.”

“As a name, “Dublin Rathdown” has no traction or resonance in the public mind and is particularly likely to cause confusion given that the Dublin South constituency has suffered from quite a number of boundary changes, and I believe a name change will only make matters worse. “ Humphreys said.

“By contrast the Dublin South constituency has existed since 1921, albeit that for a period between 1948-1980 it was abolished.  Nonetheless it has over 50 years of existence as a name and goes back to before the foundation of the State.  Previous TDs for Dublin South include Hugh Kennedy (later Chief Justice), Constance Markievicz, Sean Lemass, and James Larkin (Jr) as well as a host of other significant figures.”

“Indeed my own great grandfather James O’Mara was a Cumann na nGaedheal TD for Dublin South.” Humphreys said.

“I think it would be a pity if we lost not merely the heritage and history associated with the name but also the public sense of identification with and knowledge of the constituency that the existing name involves. Fundamentally, a change to the name of the Dail constituency is simply not necessary.”

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BEACH BYE-LAWS A VICTORY FOR COMMON SENSE - HUMPHREYS

STATEMENT BY CLLR RICHARD HUMPHREYS

Labour Party Councillor for the Stillorgan Ward

Tuesday, 9 October 2012

BEACH BYE-LAWS A VICTORY FOR COMMON SENSE - HUMPHREYS

Cllr Richard Humphreys, the Labour Party Councillor for the Stillorgan Ward, has welcomed the passing of the beach bye-laws 2012 by Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, which will regulate dogs on beaches across the County.  Cllr Humphreys submitted 14 amendments to the bye-laws, which were adopted, including an amendment setting the commencement date of 1 January 2013.

“I was heartened by the very solid cross-party support for the beach bye-laws at the October Council meeting, despite the very strong feelings aroused on both sides of the dog control issue.  I believe that the bye-laws are a victory for common sense and strike a reasonable balance to protect the rights of all users of our beaches, including the needs of swimmers and families, as well as dog owners.” Humphreys said.

“Under the old bye laws, dogs must be leashed in all circumstances on beaches and cannot go on beaches at all during the day in June to September.   The new bye-laws will ban dogs from the designated bathing area at Seapoint and Sandycove all year round at any time, or from the designated bathing area in Killiney from 10 am to 7pm during June to mid-September.  In non-designated areas of these beaches dogs can be off leash, although in Sandycove this applies only from 7pm to 10 am.  These are essential controls to protect swimmers and families and members of the public need to be vigilant to ensure that the bye-laws are enforced.” Humphreys said.

“I believe that reasonable dog owners will see this as significant progress and a reasonable balance.”  Humphreys said.

“While the bye-laws were passed by a significant majority, the only Party that closed ranks against reasonable compromise was People before Profit, who can always be relied on to take what they see as the populist approach in a grubby scrabble for a few votes.  At the Council meeting I suggested that they should now be renamed Dogs before People before Profit in honour of their skewed priorities.” Humphreys said.

“It is a tribute to local democracy that the large majority of councillors from other parties were able to look past the loud volume of noise and misinformation generated by a highly organised, well-heeled minority campaigning against the bye-laws, and that colleagues on the Council made a rational and balanced decision which respects the rights of all citizens, not just those who scream the loudest.” Humphreys said.

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HUMPHREYS WELCOMES PARKING BY TEXT IN DUN LAOGHAIRE-RATHDOWN

STATEMENT BY CLLR RICHARD HUMPHREYS

Labour Party Councillor for Stillorgan

Sunday, 30 September 2012

HUMPHREYS WELCOMES PARKING BY TEXT IN DUN LAOGHAIRE-RATHDOWN

Cllr Richard Humphreys, the Labour Party Councillor for the Stillorgan Ward, has welcomed the proposal to allow parking by text in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County.

“In response to a motion I submitted at the September Council Meeting, the Manager has informed me that the Council intends to put in place arrangements for remote payment of parking fees by means of the web or mobile phone.  Parking by text has been a huge success in Dublin City and I am strongly pushing for it to be extended to Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown.  Ideally this should be done in a manner integrated with the City Council’s system, if possible.” Humphreys said.

“Parking by text is much more convenient for a large number of drivers as it cuts out the need to have the correct change in hand.  It will add a greatly increased choice for motorists and I am sure it will be greatly welcomed by residents.” Humphreys said.

“The contract for ticketing and parking enforcement is up for review at the moment and the Manager will shortly be awarding a new contract.  The Manager has informed me that following the award of the contract, the new arrangements for parking by text will be put in place.  I hope that this can be done as soon as possible.” Humphreys said.

“Given that Dublin City Council has put an innovative scheme in place since May 2009, it is high time for Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council to introduce a similar scheme.  The City Council scheme has a number of features which I would certainly hope to see in the County’s system such as the option to top up and extend parking by sending a further text, and the system of getting a reminder text when paid parking is running out.  The County Council will hopefully learn from the positive experience in the City.”

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NOTE FOR EDITORS

Cllr Humphreys’ motion and reply are as follows –

MEETING OF DÚN LAOGHAIRE-RATHDOWN COUNTY COUNCIL

10TH SEPTEMBER 2012

PAY FOR PARKING BY TEXT MESSAGE

Motion: Councillor R. Humphreys

“That the Manager put in place arrangements to allow drivers to pay for parking by

text message, and report on whether this can be done in a manner integrated with

the City Council’s text parking tag system.”

Report:

“The Council has received tenders for the provision of Parking Enforcement Services.

These tenders are being evaluated at the moment. Once this exercise has been

concluded, the Council will be putting in place arrangements for remote payment of

parking sessions by customers. These sessions may be conducted by way of web or

mobile phone.”

Contact: Therese Langan, Senior Executive Officer, Transportation Department

LESSONS FROM HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR NEED TO BE HEEDED - HUMPHREYS

STATEMENT BY CLLR RICHARD HUMPHREYS

Labour Party Councillor for Stillorgan

Saturday, 22 September 2012

LESSONS FROM HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR NEED TO BE HEEDED - HUMPHREYS

Cllr Richard Humphreys, the Labour Party Councillor for the Stillorgan Ward, has welcomed the recent visit to Dublin by Jacob Barzilai, a survivor of Bergen-Belsen Concentration Camp.  Mr Barzilai, who was liberated at the age of 12, has dedicated his life since then to acting as a witness to the Holocaust through his writing and poetry, and came to Dublin this month to perform a public reading of his poetry.

“The lessons of the Holocaust which Jacob Barzilai expresses so eloquently are still very relevant to the modern world” Humphreys said.  “It is a matter of alarm that the notion that a race, or a people, can be dehumanied and de-legitimised is still alive and well in the modern world.”

“I fully support the wish of the international community for an independent Palestine with secure borders side by side with an Israel whose sovereignty and legitimacy is also respected.  But distressingly there is a certain undercurrent in the ultra-left that wishes to de-legitimise the right of Israel to exist as an independent and sovereign state.  The outright and overt anti-Semitism of previous times has now been sublimated into an insidious attitude which singles out Israel – the only Jewish state in the world - for criticisms and boycotts that are rarely launched against other countries, even countries that are far worse abusers of human rights and international law.” Humphreys said.

“This type of double standard is an insidious and sometimes unconscious form of anti-Semitism. Of course any human rights shortcomings committed by Israel or any other country need to be criticised.  But what is objectionable is the relative silence from many such critics about the far more grotesque abuses committed by other states, for example the mass slaughter of citizens by the Syrian regime.  One might ask why there are so few calls for boycotts of such regimes.”

“It is also worth recalling that Jacob Barzilai is alive and well today because one afternoon in 1945, the US Army caught up with Nazi soldiers who were in the process of taking him, his mother and his 4 year old sister to be murdered.  Sadly, the arrival of the American military was too late to save his father and grandfather who perished in the Holocaust.  The notion – peddled by elements of the ultra-left - that US or Western military intervention is all about imperialism and colonialism, rings very hollow in the light of Jacob Barzilai’s life story.  It is tragic that today, in a different context, many innocent civilians of Syria will have to die because of the inability or unwillingness of the West to intervene.” Humphreys said.

“I congratulate Dublin City Council for organising the visit of Jacob Barzilai in conjunction with the Israeli Embassy and I have urged Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council to organise a similar event as part of next year’s Mountains to Sea Book Festival.” Humphreys said.

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Photo caption: Cllr Richard Humphreys with Mr Jacob Barzilai during his recent visit to Dublin

REFURBISHMENT OF GLENALBYN POOL DESERVES SUPPORT - HUMPHREYS

STATEMENT BY CLLR RICHARD HUMPHREYS

Labour Party Councillor for Stillorgan

Saturday, 15 September 2012

REFURBISHMENT OF GLENALBYN POOL DESERVES SUPPORT - HUMPHREYS

Cllr Richard Humphreys, the Labour Party Councillor for the Stillorgan Ward, has pledged support for the planned €5M upgrade to the Glenalbyn swimming pool in Stillorgan.

“The County Manager has recently received engineering advice which suggests that the upgrade required to Glenalbyn swimming pool will cost more than twice the €1.7M already earmarked for the project.” Humphreys said.  “However given the stark choice between upgrading the pool or facing its closure in the relatively near future I believe that the planned €5M works are worthy of support.  This pool is a fantastic facility for the people of the Stillorgan Ward and I will fully support its inclusion in the 2013 capital budget of the County Council.” Humphreys said.

“I welcome the fact that the County Manager has sought to enter into discussions with Kilmacud Crokes GAA club, Glenalbyn Sports Club and Glenalbyn Estates with a view to resolving any access and parking issues that would facilitate this development and I hope these discussions will bear fruit.” Humphreys said.

“Given the pressures on the Council budget it will be difficult to find the money for this project but I believe it deserves support.  A large number of major capital projects have recently been approved for the Dun Laoghaire side of the County so it is important that the Rathdown side and particularly the Stillorgan Ward would also benefit from development and investment” Humphreys said.

"The works envisaged will involve a comprehensive upgrade of the pool and associated facilities incorporating the following works:

·        a new roof,

·        a new infill pool tank with the possibility of a split pool (i.e. a 25m x11/10m pool and a toddler pool),

·        a new water treatment system,

·        a new plant room,

·        a new pool hall structure,

·        new pool hall fabric and internal finishes and

·        the construction of new double height changing facilities/reception/concession area with aerobic/fitness rooms above."

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Photo caption: Cllr Richard Humphreys at the Glenalbyn pool.

For more information contact Cllr Richard Humphreys at 086 781-4518

www.richardhumphreys.ie 

www.richardhumphreys.blogspot.com 

www.facebook.com/rfhumphreys