Children’s Minister’s criticism of Bishop does not explain away his own failures – Shatter, 23 Dec 2008
Fine Gael Children’s Spokesperson, Alan Shatter TD, today (Tuesday) condemned the failure of the Minister for Children to explain his handling of the Cloyne Report and accused the Minister of hypocrisy.
Children's Minister has abdicated responsibility on Cloyne Report - Shatter , 18 Dec 2008
We owe it to the victims of sexual abuse in the Cloyne Diocese that the two reports now known to be completed be immediately published. The Minister for Children has abdicated his political responsibilities and displayed unprecedented incompetence in the manner in which he has dealt with this issue.
Shatter Calls on Minister to Publish Urgent Legislation Banning Female Genital Mutilation, 26 Nov 2008
Alan Shatter TD, Fine Gael Front Bench Spokesperson on Children, today called for urgent legislation banning Female Genital Mutilation.
Ombudsman investigation isn’t enough - Radical reform of child protection services immediately required - Shatter, 20 Nov 2008
Fine Gael Children’s Spokesman Alan Shatter TD has said the investigation announced by the Children’s Ombudsman will not be not sufficient and that radical reform of child protection services is now immediately required.
FF/Green grandstanding pointless unless they reverse medical card abolition - Shatter, 17 Oct 2008
Fine Gael Front Bench Spokesman Alan Shatter TD has said grandstanding by Fianna Fáil, Green and Independent TDs on medical cards for the over 70s will count for nothing unless they support the Fine Gael Private Members’ Motion to reverse this measure.
Shatter warns of possible Constitutional difficulties in recalling over 70s Medical Cards , 16 Oct 2008
Fine Gael Front Bench Spokesman Alan Shatter TD has today (Thursday) warned that the Government’s ill-considered Budget plan to deprive elderly people of medical cards could face constitutional difficulties.
Shatter welcomes former PD Cllr Keane to FG, 7 Oct 2008
Fine Gael Dublin South TD and Front Bench Children’s Spokesman Alan Shatter has today (Tuesday) welcomed former PD Cllr Cáit Keane to Fine Gael after she was formally introduced by Party Leader Enda Kenny.
MINISTER FOR EDUCATION IGNORES THE NEEDS OF CHILDREN IN DUBLIN SOUTH - SHATTER, 29 Sep 2008
Dublin South TD Alan Shatter, Fine Gael’s Front Bench Spokesperson on Children said today “The new Primary School Building Programme is a shocking indictment of the government’s failure to address the educational needs of children right across Dublin South.”
Shatter slams Government's failure to provide DNA Database, 26 Sep 2008
Gardai fighting Athlone attacker effectively have hands tied behind their back
Has Taoiseach Abandoned Children’s Rights Referendum? – Shatter, 8 Sep 2008
The Taoiseach must clarify immediately if he has abandoned the Government’s decision to hold a children’s rights referendum, according to Fine Gael Spokesman on Children, Alan Shatter T.D.
Shatter Slams Government U Turn on Statutory Rape: Re-affirms Fine Gael's Commitment to Child Protection, 31 Aug 2008
“The government must clarify whether it has abandoned its commitment, given in February 2007 and repeated in the Programme for Government, to hold a constitutional referendum to enable the Oireachtas reinstate the offence of statutory rape to protect children.
PROPOSED EDUCATIONAL CUTBACK IN EARLY COMPLETION PROGRAMME SHORT SIGHTED AND ILL JUDGED – SHATTER, 27 Aug 2008
Alan Shatter TD, Fine Gael Front Bench Spokesperson on Children has today described the government proposed cut of 3% in its payroll cost for the School Completion Programme as ‘ill thought out and ill judged”
Andrews indulges in self-congratulation while children continue to suffer - Shatter, 31 Jul 2008
Child protection services are chaotic, uncoordinated and grossly inadequate
Minister must clarify safety of essential software at Dublin Airport – Shatter, 10 Jul 2008
Fine Gael Front Bench TD, Alan Shatter, today (Thursday) said it is essential the Minister for Transport explains why expensive radar equipment at Dublin Airport is creating continuing problems.
Shatter criticises government for delay in confirming funding for services for intellectually disabled., 3 Jul 2008
Shocked parents receive letters from Cheeverstown House stating HSE funding for Rehabilitative Training placements not confirmed.
Shatter accuses Govt of abandoning intellectually disabled, 1 Jul 2008
Cheeverstown & other centres told no funding for training programmes
Throughout the country parents of children with intellectual disabilities attending special schools who have now reached school leaving age are being informed that their expected placements in day centres to commence a training programme for their further development are being cancelled, Fine Gael Children’s Spokesman & Front Bench TD Alan Shatter said today (Tuesday).
FG victims' survey shows 86% victims not offered enough support/info by State - Shatter , 26 Jun 2008
There is overwhelming demand for the State to provide more support and information to victims of crime throughout the criminal process, with a survey conducted exclusively for Fine Gael revealing that nine out of ten respondents support reform in this area. The Party's Children's Spokesman Alan Shatter TD called on the Government to address the survey's findings by supporting the Fine Gael Victims' Rights Bill being voted on in the Dáil tonight (Wednesday).
Fine Gael Victims Rights Bill - Shatter, 25 Jun 2008
Shatter Responds to the Debate on Victims Rights Bill - Speech to be delivered in the Dail 25 June 2008 at 8.15
Victims Rights Bill 2008 - Dail Speech 24 June - Alan Shatter TD, 24 Jun 2008
Speech by Alan Shatter TD, Fine Gael Children’s Spokesman on the Fine Gael Private Members’ Bill on Victims’ Rights in Dáil Éireann on Tuesday 24th June 2008
Shatter accuses Equality Authority & National Council for Older People of defending the indefensible, 20 May 2008
Alan Shatter TD responds to joint statement from the Equality Authority & the Nationall Council of Ageing and Older People.
Shatter calls for immediate withdrawal of offensive posters, 20 May 2008
Fine Gael Dublin South TD Alan Shatter has today (Tuesday) called on the HSE, the National Council on Ageing and Older People and the Equality Authority to immediately withdraw a series of offensive and inappropriate posters.
Shatter calls on Govt to immediately publish details of children presently at serious risk, 13 May 2008
Children will continue to lose lives or suffer long-term damage unless action is taken now.
Future of Children’s Rights Committee in doubt - Shatter, 8 May 2008
Fine Gael Children’s Spokesman Alan Shatter TD has expressed concerns about the future of the Oireachtas Children’s Rights Committee following Departmental changes introduced by Brian Cowen following his appointment as Taoiseach. Deputy Shatter pointed out that neither incoming Justice Minister Dermot Ahern nor the new Children’s Minister Barry Andrews have had any involvement with the Committee.
Rebalance Child Protection Laws, says Shatter, 5 May 2008
What we have learnt over the last 20 years about the activities of paedophiles and sexual predators should have taught us that we must provide more not less protection for children.
Reinstatement of Respite Care at Leopardstown Park Hospital, 26 Apr 2008
Fine Gael Dublin South Deputy Alan Shatter said today (Saturday) that respite services should never have been withdrawn at Leopardstown Park Hospital and has hailed their reintroduction as a victory for common sense.
Court decision on underage sex case highlights need for Constitutional change - Shatter, 24 Apr 2008
Fine Gael Children’s Spokesman Alan Shatter TD has said the result of yesterday’s court case in which a man who had sexual intercourse with a 13-year-old girl was found not guilty highlights the need for Constitutional change.
TERMINATION OF LEOPARDSTOWN PARK HOSPITAL RESPITE CARE PROVISION, 22 Apr 2008
Unexpectedly, Leopardstown Park Hospital has this week cancelled all respite care bookings from the beginning of May onwards and has stated that its respite care service is suspended indefinitely
Shatter slams HSE for scandalous suspension of Leopardstown Park Hospital respite care provision, 22 Apr 2008
The decision to suspend vital respite care services at Leopardstown Park Hospital has been described today (Tuesday) as ‘scandalous’ by Fine Gael Dublin South TD Alan Shatter.
Shatter calls on all Parties to support crime victims by backing Victims' Rights Bill, 19 Apr 2008
Fine Gael Front Bench TD Alan Shatter has called for cross-party support for his Victims' Rights Bill which is being debated at a special conference on the victims of crime today (Saturday).
SHATTER SLAMS GOVERNMENTS FAILURE ON CYSTIC FIBROSIS, 5 Feb 2008
Speech delivered by Alan Shatter TD, Fine Gael Spokesperson on Children, on Fine Gael’s Private Members Motion on Health Issues in Dail Eireann, Tuesday, 5th February 2008
Shatter's Law - Know Your Rights, 15 Jan 2008
Consumer Rights
24/7 Emergency Care Essential for Children in Tallaght Hospital, 28 Nov 2007
Whilst the governments commitment to a new Urgent Care Centre is welcome there remains much concern that the new Tallaght unit will not be equipped to deal with all Southside children who require emergency care and that some will have to be taken directly by car or ambulance through heavy daytime traffic to the Mater
Lack of Information on MRSA - A Damning Indictment of the Government, 21 Nov 2007
The scourge of MRSA and other hospital acquired diseases will not be properly dealt with by this government until the full scale of the problem is truly known and admitted
Are We Becoming a Dysfunctional Democrary, 17 Sep 2007
Under the shadow of the political footprint of the present Fianna Fail dominated government we are travelling a road towards becoming a constitutionally dysfunctional democracy.
Shatter's Law - Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs), , 10 Sep 2007
This year (2007) legislation regarding Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs), intended to provide protection against anti-social behaviour, came into force
Consumer Price Index, 16 Jul 2007
The basket of items which embody the monthly and annual Consumer Price Index figures should exclude tobacco.
Waiting List to see Occupational Therapists a, 12 Feb 2007
Staggering number of 998 people on waiting lists to see an Occupational Therapist in South Dublin along with 25 children on Crumlin Children's Hospital waiting list also.
SHATTER CALLS FOR 'BETTER POLITICS', 6 Feb 2007
2006 was the trailer. 2007 is the real thing. The phoney war is over and the real political battle to determine the composition and leadership of the next government has begun.
Inheritance Tax 'Pickpockets' the Bereaved and Favours the Rich, says Alan Shatter, 1 Feb 2007
There is no moral or valid social policy justification for the State continuing to impose inheritance tax on property inherited from a deceased parent or relation.
SHATTER'S LAW, 16 Jan 2007
The following articles are from the 'Shatter's Law series.
Making a Will part 1;
Making a Will part 2. More articles will be added as the series continues.
Integration, not multiculturalism essential to counteract Islamic fundamentalism, 4 Dec 2006
Confronted by Islamic fundamentalism we must not be consumed by Islamophobia or overcome by naivety. As a country with a growing Muslim community today estimated at 26,000, it is imperative that we encourage that community to be part of mainstream Ir...
Rights of Eldery must be recognised and Protected, 28 Nov 2006
Our demographic profile reveals a steady increase in our elderly population. By the year 2011 it is estimated that persons aged 65 and over will represent 14.1 per cent of the country’s population. This is almost 3% higher than in 2002 and the trend...
Shatter slams lack of adequate feeder buses to Luas line, 27 Sep 2006
Alan accuses Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Council of sabotaging use of Luas
Crisis in the Middle East, 15 Aug 2006
Article by Alan Shatter and Rory Miller "Arab crimes against Palestinians overlooked"
Crisis in the Middle East, 8 Aug 2006
My letter to the Irish Times in response to Cllr John McManus's letter of 1st August.
Crisis in the Middle East, 6 Aug 2006
Article by Rory Miller and Alan Shatter "Irish would be the meat in the sandwich" - commenting on government's willingness to consider sending up to 200 Irish troops to Lebanon following the ceasefire.
Crisis in the Middle East, 27 Jul 2006
My response to Michael D. Higgins's letter to Irish Times of 27 July 2006
Hamas adopts PLO tactic to gain diplomatic status, 26 May 2006
Sunday, May 28, 2006 By Rory Miller and Alan Shatter
In a recent speech in Qatar, Khaled Mashal, the Damascus-based political head of Hamas, called for ''weapons, money and men'' so that his group, which now governs Palestine, could continue the ...
Ending Law Games of Judicial Roulette, 25 May 2006
The ruling of the House of Lords today in the Miller and McFarlane divorce cases has important implications for Irish Family Law
Israeli/Palestinian conflict, 22 May 2006
My response to John Couchman's Article in the Irish Times of 22nd May 2006
Ard Fheis Speech Saturday May 6th 2006, 6 May 2006
Alan lambasts PD's failure to implement tax promises; emphasises the importance of FG in government being committed to a low tax regime and calls for radical reform of Inheritance Tax
Alan criticises reduction in gardai stationed in Rathfarnham Garda Station, 24 Apr 2006
In a response to a Dail Question Alan has discovered that there are now fewer gardai stationed in Rathfarnham Garda Station than in 2002
Matrimonial litigation – a dysfunctional legal system and the mediation alternative, 23 Mar 2006
Extract from Paper delivered by Alan Shatter to a Conference "Family Law in Ireland" held in the Irish Management Institute, Sandyford on the 23rd March 2006.
Stealing from the Bereaved, 20 Mar 2006
Alan Shatter is campaigning for an end to the imposition of inheritance tax on family members.
David Irving as a Martyr?, 27 Feb 2006
Coming in the midst of the Danish cartoon controversy and the importance many Europeans attach to democratic values and freedom of speech, it is tempting to see the decision of an Austrian court to imprison British historian David Irving for Holocaus...
Appeasing intolerance and extremism leads to disaster, 6 Feb 2006
Neither suicide bombers killing men, women and children in the name of Islam nor Islamic groups beheading kidnap victims nor members of Al Quaeda evoking the name of the Prophet to justify the slaughter in the US of 9/11 nor that in Bali, Madrid or L...
Clear and Present Danger?, 26 Oct 2005
Rape trial collapses as gardai lose statements
Speech given by Alan at the Convention for Dublin South Candidates, 10 Oct 2005
Speech by Alan at the Selection Convention for Dublin South candidates at The Goat
State's obligation to reimburse illegal nursing home charges, 16 Feb 2005
State illegally deducted nursing home charges from the pensions of medical card holders
Opposition Pact vital for next Election, 20 Sep 2004
Opposition Party Pact vital for next Election: Says Shatter
The Dail reconvenes on the 29th day of September next. It is crucial that the opposition parties put the distraction of a possible Presidential Election behind them and that the even...