February 2012 Archives (Latest News)

O’Neill visits Arboretum at Castlewellan

Forestry Minister Michelle O’Neill has said the restoration of the Arboretum at Castlewellan Forest Park will help enhance visitor numbers. Read more

Ellis welcomes overdue taxi industry report and calls for robust legislation

Sinn Féin Transport Spokesperson Dessie Ellis TD has welcomed the publishing of the Taxi Industry Review’s report last night saying “this is a good step toward solving many of the problems faced by taxi drivers and their customers.” Read more

DARD information events hit the road

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is hosting a series of roadshows across the north aimed at engaging directly with farmers and the wider rural community on key strategic policy areas. Read more

McCartney calls for Bloody Sunday Paras to be stripped of their decorations

Commenting following the Honours Forfeiture Committee decision to strip Former RBS Chief Executive Fred Goodwin of his Knighthood in light of the banking collapse, Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson, Raymond McCartney has called for those members of the British Paratroop Regiment who were decorated by the their Queen in the aftermath… Read more

Corporate spin in Tamboran fracking report will not set minds at ease - Flanagan‏

Fermanagh & South Tyrone MLA Phil Flanagan has said that no amount of corporate spin will set the minds of residents who are concerned about fracking at ease. He was reacting to the news that Tamboran are to publish research tomorrow (Wednesday) claiming that there could be up to 4.4… Read more

Real concerns about fracking: Colreavy

Michael Colreavy, Sinn Féin TD for Sligo-North Leitrim, has criticised proposed plans for the use of hydraulic fracturing or fracking as a means of gas extraction in the Lough Allen Basin. Deputy Colreavy highlighted the fact that there are real concerns about the use of fracking, both for the health… Read more

O’Brien calls for Dáil vote on potential €10.7million Battlegroup costs

Sinn Féin defence spokesperson, Jonathan O’Brien TD, called on defence minister, Alan Shatter TD to ensure there would be a comprehensive debate as well as a Dáil vote on Ireland’s defence forces participating in a European Battlegroup that could cost the state anywhere up to €10.7million. Read more

O’Dowd re-assures parents on plans for special education provision

Education Minister, John O’Dowd, has responded to headlines that the statementing process for children with special educational needs will be scrapped. Read more

Government relying on emigration to address jobs crisis – Tóibín

Speaking as the latest CSO unemployment figures were released today Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Peadar Tóibín TD said: “It has been nearly a year since this government took office and there are still almost 440,000 people on the live register. The figures include a dramatic increase… Read more

Sinn Féin call for introduction of sentencing guidelines for judges

Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Jonathan O’Brien has called on Minister Alan Shatter to establish proper sentencing guidelines as part of a range of measures to address prison over-crowding. Read more

HSE Service Plan means “destruction of services” – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has said that the HSE Service Plan 2012 is a plan for the “wholesale destruction of services”. He said it was “austerity in action”. Read more

Reilly says youth employment needs funded stimulus

Sinn Féin’s EU Affairs spokesperson Senator Kathryn Reilly has challenged the government about its intentions after the EU announced that a youth jobs initiative would go hand-in-hand with the fiscal compact. Read more

Only three per cent have paid household charge

Sinn Féin spokesperson on environment, community & local government Brian Stanley TD has today revealed that only three per cent have paid the Household Charge. Deputy Stanley called on the government to scrap the charge. Read more

O’Brien calls for removal of deeply misleading article from Irish Independent website

Sinn Féin TD Jonathan O’Brien has called on the Irish Independent website to remove an article which he says is deeply misleading and will deepen anti-migrant and anti-social welfare claimant sentiments among the public. Read more

Cuts to school guidance counsellors will create a crisis in secondary schools

Sinn Féin’s Education Spokesperson Seán Crowe TD believes the government’s decision to no longer provide School Guidance Counsellors on an ex-quota basis will cause a crisis throughout the secondary level school system. Read more

Ending of Modern Languages Initiative a serious blow: Deputy Seán Crowe

Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Seán Crowe has described as a ‘serious blow’ the decision to end The Modern Languages in Primary Schools Initiative (MLPSI). The Dublin South West TD was speaking after educationalists involved in the initiative made a presentation to the Dáil’s Education Committee. Read more

Government writes in loop hole to undermine its own legislation and equality

The Oireachtas Select Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation today discussed the government’s proposed, Protection of Employees (Temporary Agency Work) Bill. At the committee Sinn Féin’s spokesperson Peadar Tóibín TD proposed a set of amendments that would close loops which could be exploited to maintain inequality and would undermine the… Read more

O’Brien condemns HSE Service Plan

Sinn Féin TD for Cork North Central, Deputy Jonathan O’Brien today called on the government to improve health services in Cork and condemned the HSE Service Plan, stating its so-called reforms and cuts would “equal longer waiting times, more hardship for patients and more stresses and strains being placed on… Read more

Growth forecasts downgrade makes mini budget more likely

Speaking in response to today’s Central Bank growth forecast downgrade Sinn Féin Finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty said that, “this makes a mini budget more likely” and “demonstrates once again that austerity not working”. Read more

£234.4million of 2011 Single Farm Payments issued-O’Neill

Agriculture Minister, Michelle O’Neill MLA, has announced that a total of £234.4million of 2011 Single Farm Payment has been paid out to farmers. Read more

Report aims to encourage community use of school premises

Education Minister, John O’Dowd, has welcomed the publication of a Working Group Report aimed at increasing the use of school premises by local communities. Read more

Cullinane calls on government to tackle root causes of under-representation of women

The under-representation of women, for a variety of cultural and structural factors, will require more than quotas to resolve it, according to Sinn Féin Senator David Cullinane. Read more

Reilly’s “dynamic contingency plan” is fantasy – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has described as “fantasy” the claim by Health Minister James Reilly that there is a “dynamic contingency plan” in place to address the gaps in service caused by the retirement of 3,700 HSE staff. Read more

NAMA leasing is not good deal for state or those in need of housing – Ellis

Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Dessie Ellis TD has branded the leasing initiative involved in the release of NAMA units for use as social housing as poor value for money and a scheme which will see the state pay twice for housing it will not kept control of. Read more

Crowe challenges British Secretary of State on Dublin and Monaghan Bombings

Sinn Féin TD Seán Crowe today challenged the British Secretary of State for the North Owen Patterson to meet with the Justice for the Forgotten Group and the families of the victims of the Dublin and Monaghan Bombings. Read more

EU Money For Conflict Resolution Centre Welcomed

Sinn Féin MLA Raymond McCartney has welcomed the £18m of European funding for a Conflict Transformation Centre on the former Long Kesh site. Read more

Ellis welcomes introduction of Family Home Protection Bill

Sinn Féin Housing Spokesperson Dessie Ellis TD has welcomed the introduction of the Family Home Protection (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill to the Dáil today. Read more

Investigation into Bethany Mother and Baby Home must be granted

Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald TD has welcomed the Justice Ministers public acknowledgment that he is considering an investigation into the former Mother and baby Bethany Home. Read more

Tóibín welcomes registration of agreement between employers and contract cleaners

Peadar Tóibín TD, Sinn Féin spokesperson on jobs, enterprise and innovation, today (Friday) welcomed the registration of an agreement between contract cleaners and employers. Read more

SF representatives challenge North's Secretary of State at GFA Oireachtas Committee meeting

Sinn Féin TD’s Seán Crowe and Martin Ferris were joined by Pat Doherty, MP, at today’s meeting of the Good Friday Agreement Implementation Committee which was addressed by the Six County Secretary of State Owen Paterson, MP. Read more

Community Employment Schemes under threat: Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin deputy leader, Mary Lou McDonald, has said that Community Employment Schemes provide essential services and should be protected against budget cuts. She was speaking in Dublin today, as she issued the text of the party’s motion on the issue, which will be proposed in the Dáil during Private… Read more

Students new cash cow for government – Crowe

Sinn Féin’s education spokesperson, Seán Crowe TD, says the government is determined to turn students and parents into a handy cash cow, after the Taoiseach’s confirmation that third-level fees will likely increase incrementally over the next couple of years. Read more

Cuts in teacher training undermine education outcomes–Crowe

Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Seán Crowe TD has describedthe Government’s decision to cut the application of qualification allowances for teachers as announced in Budget 2012 as a flawed approach to the funding crisis. Read more

Crowe pledges support to anti-bullying measures

Sinn Fein Deputy Seán Crowe met in Leinster House with members of the National Anti-Bullying Coalition and pledged his support for the examination of a strategy to address the problem of bullying in schools. Read more

Job Creation agencies failing border areas - Flanagan

Sinn Féin, Enterprise Spokesperson, Phil Flanagan MLA, (Fermanagh/South Tyrone) has said that job creation agencies – Invest NI and the IDA – are failing border areas. Read more

Report shows majority of people on Jobseeker’s Benefit are without a basic standard of living – Crowe

The Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe has described as “unsurprising” the finding of a report funded by the Department of Social Protection that suggests the majority of families who are dependent on Jobseeker’s Benefit do not have an adequate income for a basic standard of living. Read more

Health Minister’s “dynamic contingency plan” does not exist – Ó Caoláin

Responding to Health Minister James Reilly’s statement that elective surgeries may have to be delayed while the HSE adapts to the loss of staff in the mass retirements at the end of this month, Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD said: Read more

Government must make funds available to assist families in upgrading septic tanks – Stanley

The Sinn Féin spokesperson on the environment, community and local government Brian Stanley TD has called on the government to make funds available to assist families in upgrading their septic tanks. Read more

Government must act to secure rights of Galway Airport workers

Peadar Tóibín, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation has called on the government to act to secure the rights of workers at Galway Regional Airport who are engaged in a sit-in to secure their full redundancy packages. Read more

Human Trafficking Needs Tackled On All Ireland Basis

Sinn Féin MLA Caitríona Ruane has said that the issue of human trafficking needs to be addressed as more and more vulnerable people are finding themselves caught in what can only be described as modern day slavery. Read more

Public will not be fooled by government’s €5 registration charge for septic tanks

The Sinn Féin spokesperson on the Environment, Community and Local Government Brian Stanley TD has said the public will not be bribed by the government’s reduced septic tank registration charge. Deputy Stanley said Minister for Environment Phil Hogan must ensure that the upgrading of septic tanks will be fully paid… Read more

Murphy questions Rip-Off Car Insurance Practices

Sinn Féin Economy Spokesperson, Conor Murphy MP, MLA has called on Insurance Companies to explain the criteria used to arrive at the premiums charged for car insurance here and particularly when issuing policies through local Brokerage Agenc Read more

Sammy Wilson ignores fiscal powers debate - Maskey

Sinn Féin MP, MLA for West Belfast Paul Maskey has slammed the Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson, for his response to a question posed to the Minister asking him to state his position on the transfer of fiscal powers to the Assembly. Read more

Urgent action needed to tackle petrol and diesel prices -Flanagan

Sinn Féin Enterprise Spokesperson, Phil Flanagan MLA (Fermanagh & South Tyrone) has said that urgent action is needed to tackle the soaring price of petrol and diesel. Read more

Government talks up green jobs yet cuts necessary funding – Tóibín

The Sinn Féin spokesperson on jobs, enterprise and innovation Peadar Tóibín TD today met with representatives of household insulation firms and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Read more

Ó Snodaigh moves Sinn Féin motion on cuts to Community Employment Schemes

The Sinn Féin spokesperson on social protection Aengus Ó Snodaigh has tonight moved a motion in opposition to the cuts to Community Employment Schemes. Read more

Cullinane slams “government-by-press-release”

The government needs to drop the registration charge for septic tanks entirely and to fund the remediation of water tanks according to Sinn Féin Senator David Cullinane, speaking on the order of business in the Seanad today. Read more

Sinn Féin pushes for meeting with EU Commission over jobs plan

Sinn Féin’s EU spokesperson Senator Kathryn Reilly has written to European Commission President requesting that Sinn Fein be afforded the opportunity to meet with the EU Commission reps being sent to discuss how Ireland intends to use the “youth jobs initiative” agreed at last week’s council meeting. Last week President… Read more

Dept of Defence rents premises while closing Cavan barracks

Speaking in the Seanad today, Senator Kathryn Reilly called on the Minister for Defence to come to the House to address the fact that the Department of Defence is looking for a premises to rent in Cavan to accommodate Reserve Defence Force training, while simultaneously closing and selling the existing… Read more

Sinn Féin to hold key internal conference in Drogheda

On Friday 10 February 2012Sinn Féin will hold a major internal party conference in the Boyne Valley Hotel in Drogheda. Almost 100 key leadership activists from all levels of the party and across the island, will come together to discuss the party’s approach to building a new republic. Read more

Maskey welcomes consultancy cost reductions but still more work to be done

Sinn Féin MLA Paul Maskey has welcomed the survey by the Department of Finance and Personnel (DFP) that has revealed the amount of money spent on consultants has been substantially reduced. Read more

Education Minister visits Millburn Primary School, Coleraine

Education Minister, John O’Dowd, has emphasised the importance of raising educational standards during a visit to Millburn Primary School in Coleraine. Read more

Tallaght shooting an outrage – Deputy Seán Crowe

Dublin South West Sinn Féin TD Seán Crowe has offered his condolences to the family of a teenage girl who died in a shooting incident in Tallaght last night. Read more

Taoiseach trying to deceive the people on massive health cuts – Ó Caoláin

The Sinn Féin health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has said that the Taoiseach Enda Kenny and the Health Minister James Reilly are trying to hide the real impact of the massive loss of staff from the health system and the resulting cuts to services. Read more

CE Scheme workers to protest at Leinster House this evening

Community Employment workers will this evening hold a protest at the Dáil ahead of a vote on a Sinn Féin motion opposing cuts to CE Schemes. Read more

Stanley urges support for Sinn Féin Community Employment motion

The Sinn Féin spokesperson on the environment, community & local government Brian Stanley TD is attending a national meeting of Community Employment supervisors in Portlaoise today. The meeting is being organised by SIPTU & IMPACT. Read more

Finance Bill protects the wealthy and punishes low and middle income families – Doherty

Responding to the publication of the Finance Bill 2012, the Sinn Féin finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty said the Bill “protects the wealthy and punishes low and middle income families”. Read more

Government refuses to respond to advice from the Competition Authority

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Peadar Tóibín TD today tabled an amendment to the Competition (Amendment) Bill. The amendment would mandate the government to respond to reports and recommendations from the Competition Authority. The government refused to accept the amendment and voted it down. Read more

Government attacking disadvantaged communities with CE cuts – Doherty

Speaking today during a Dáil debate on the Government’s proposed cuts to community employment funding, Sinn Féin Donegal South West TD Pearse Doherty accused the government of “attacking disadvantaged communities”. Read more

Stanley challenges minister on Community Employment and lone parents cuts

The Sinn Féin spokesperson on the environment, community & local government, Brian Stanley TD has challenged Minister Joan Burton on proposed cuts to Community Employment (CE) schemes and in particular the cuts affecting lone parents. Read more

Adams warns of impact of Community Employment cuts

Sinn Féin President and Louth TD Gerry Adams has warned that the government’s planned cuts to the Community Employment scheme will have a “grievous impact on many community based projects and services across the state.” Read more

Doherty slams bonus payment for super junior minister

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty has criticised the Taoiseach Enda Kenny for introducing a statutory instrument which awards Junior Minister for Housing Jan O’Sullivan €17,205 annually on top of her €130,000 salary for the simple privilege of attending cabinet meetings. Read more

Ministers discuss expanding Líofa initiative in rural areas

Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle O’Neill and Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín met today to discuss broadening the appeal of the Líofa initiative in rural areas. Read more

One soccer team for all Ireland is the way forward – Pat Sheehan

Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan has stated that the DUP‘s Nigel Dodds needs to accept that soccer players in the North have a fundamental right to choose to play for either soccer team in Ireland at international level and that those who choose not to play for one or the… Read more

O’Brien condemns €14.5 million policing operation for Shell

Speaking after it emerged that the cost of the garda presence at Bellanaboy Shell Refinery has cost over €14.5million since 2006, Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Jonathan O’Brien called on the Minister for Justice Alan Shatter to immediately examine these exorbitant costs. Read more

Ferris questions COMREG decision to take action against An Post

The Sinn Féin spokesperson on communications, Martin Ferris TD has questioned the decision by the communications regulator (COMREG) to take An Post to court on the grounds of alleged deficiencies in the service provided by the company. An Post has stated that it will vigorously contest the action. Read more

Closure of nursing home beds will hit quality of care – Ó Caoláin

Commenting on the latest HIQA report on nursing homes for older people, Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD said that it showed that the closure of nursing home beds by the HSE under its Service Plan 2012 will hit the quality of care for older people. Read more

Government ignoring local authority loans crisis – Stanley

The Sinn Féin spokesperson on the environment, community and local government Brian Stanley TD has accused the government of ignoring the local authority loans crisis. Read more

Costais cursaí traenála Múinteoireachta le meadú faoi thart ar €637 – Ó Clochartaigh

Beidh meádú ins an costais éifeachtach de cursaí traenála Múinteoireachta Bunscoileanna, de réir an Seanadóir de chuid Sinn Féin, de bharr bharr cinneadh atá deánta ag an Roinn ceal a chur ar deontaisí a thugtar do Múinteoirí a bhíonn ag freastal ar na cúrsaí. Da tharraing an tSeanadóir Ó Clochartaigh… Read more

Teacher training degree to increase by up to €637 – Ó Clochartaigh

The effective costs of Primary Teacher Training Courses is to increase by €637 following the cut to grants for training courses in the Gaeltacht, according to Sinn Féin Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh. The Galway West Senator highlighted the matter following an adjournment debate with Minister of State at Department of… Read more

Gerry Adams welcomes IFTA honour for Fionnuala Flanagan

Responding to the news that Irish actor, Fionnuala Flanagan, is to be honoured by the Irish Film and Television Academy with a Lifetime Achievement Award, Sinn Féin president, Gerry Adams TD, sent her his warmest congratulations. Read more

Government imposes cuts to indigenous job creation bodies

Figures recently received by Sinn Féin Spokesperson for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation reveal that spending on indigenous job creation has fallen over the four years. Read more

Mac Lochlainn comments on Buncrana shooting

The Sinn Féin TD for Donegal North East Pádraig Mac Lochlainn has expressed shock at the shooting of a young man outside Buncrana last night. Read more

Sinn Féin holding key internal conference in Drogheda

Today, Friday 10 February 2012, Sinn Féin is holding a major internal party conference in the Boyne Valley Hotel in Drogheda. Read more

O’Brien calls for immediate introduction of training for judges handling rape and sexual assault cases

Speaking following reports this weekend of a case where Justice Paul Carney had a woman who had alleged she was raped imprisoned during the trial, Sinn Fein Justice and Equality Spokesperson Deputy Jonathan O’Brien called on the Minister for Justice to immediately introduce a training regime for judges and legal… Read more

Sinn Féin meeting with PSNI to focus on car-jacking and anti-community activity

A Sinn Féin delegation of MLA’s Paul Maskey and Fra McCann along with Councillor Jim McVeigh will be meeting PSNI North & West Belfast District Commander Mark Hamilton today with the issue of car-jacking and anti-community activity top of the agenda. Read more

Sinn Féin Calls for lifting of all death threats and expulsions

Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Raymond McCartney has called on those groups responsible for issuing threats against several people from the Top of the Hill and other areas of Derry over recent months to immediately withdraw these death threats and expulsions. Read more

Home heating oil consumers need protections - McKay

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has said that the Enterprise Minister should consider introducing regulatory measures for the home heating oil industry. Mr McKay brought a motion on the issue to the floor of the Assembly with party colleagues which was supported by the SDLP and the Green… Read more

O'Dowd comments following publication of Post-Primary Review

Education Minister, John O'Dowd, has commented following the publication of the Commission for Catholic Education's Post-Primary Review. Read more

Action Needed Now to Save Palestinian Hungerstriker

Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan has called for immediate action by Israeli authorities to save the life of Palestinian Political Prisoner Khader Adnan. Read more

Jobs plan “mostly a rehash”: Toibín

Sinn Féin spokesperson for jobs, enterprise and innovation, Peadar Toibín TD, in response to the government’s proposed Action Plan for Jobs, said today: “The government proposals today were mostly a rehash of initiatives already unveiled and the plan is to implement them within existing, significantly reduced, budgets. In the build-up… Read more

Dáil debate called for as private company threatens non collection of household waste

Following Greyhound Recycling’s announcement that it will stop collecting household waste from 18,000 Dublin city centre homes from Thursday Sinn Féin Deputy Leader and Dublin Central TD Mary Lou McDonald TD has this morning called on the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to outline to the Dáil… Read more

Shots fired in Tallaght last night lead to calls for extra garda resources

Sinn Féin TD Seán Crowe has called for extra garda resources for the Tallaght area after another shooting incident last night. Read more

Donegal TDs welcome North’s commitment to A5

Sinn Féin’s two Donegal TDs, Pearse Doherty and Padraig Mac Lochlainn, have welcomed the announcement today from the North’s First and Deputy First Minister that the A5 Dual Carraigeway will be built with the sections between Derry and Strabane and Omagh and Aughnacloy due to go to construction before the… Read more

McElduff welcomes Omagh Hospital announcement

Sinn Féin's Barry McElduff MLA (West Tyrone) has welcomed the announcement today of £26 million funding for a new hospital in Omagh. Read more

Boylan & Murphy express concern at loss of jobs in Armagh

Sinn Féin MLA for Newry and Armagh Cathal Boylan has expressed concern at the loss of over 340 jobs in the past two weeks in the Armagh area. Read more

Sinn Féin MP welcomes A5 announcement

Sinn Féin MP for West Tyrone Pat Doherty today welcomed the announcement that the A5 project is to commence. Mr Doherty said that despite many people claiming the project was never going to happen, Sinn Féin never gave up on the A5 and today’s announcement is a testimony to that… Read more

Adams urges Irish Government to review A5 decision

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD has welcomed the announcement of significant investment by the Executive in the A5 project and has urged the Irish Government to review its decision of last November when it substantially withdrew funding from this major roads infrastructure scheme. Read more

Flanagan welcomes investment in mobile coverage

Sinn Féin Enterprise Spokesperson Phil Flanagan has welcomed news that mobile phone companies are to spend £25 million improving their network coverage in the north. Read more

Rett Syndrome Ireland brief Oireachtas members

A delegation from Rett Syndrome Ireland held a briefing for TDs and Senators in Leinster House this afternoon to create awareness of the condition (and the related CDKL5 syndrome) which cause physical and intellectual disability, and to press for better support for those with the condition and their carers. Read more

Jobs plan has nothing to offer young unemployed – Reilly

The Sinn Féin spokesperson on youth affairs Senator Kathryn Reilly has dismissed the government’s jobs plan as offering “nothing” to young unemployed people. Read more

Third tranche of Farm Modernisation Programme worth £5.5million

Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill MLA today announced that tranche three of the Farm Modernisation Programme (FMP) will be worth £5.5million. Read more

Dublin waste crisis raised at Oireachtas committee by Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin's spokesperson on environment, community & local government Brian Stanley TD raised the waste crisis in Dublin at Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Environment. Read more

HSE Service Plan points to a year of cutbacks for Waterford hospital - Cullinane

The HSE South Service Plan points to a year of cutbacks in frontline services at Waterford Regional Hospital, according to Sinn Féin Senator David Cullinane Read more

McDonald hits out at Minister Hogan’s “brazen” handling of Dublin City waste crisis

Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald TD has described Environment, Community and Local Government Minister Phil Hogan’s attempts to wash his hands of the impending waste crisis in Dublin city as brazen. Read more

Finance Bill rewards the rich and punishes the vast majority of low and middle income citizens – Doherty

Speaking during the Second Stage Dáil debate on the Finance Bill 2012 Sinn Féin finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty said that, “this is a Finance Bill that Charlie McCreevy would be proud of, a Finance Bill that rewards the rich and punishes the vast majority of low and middle income citizens.” Read more

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform must revoke Ministerial allowances

Speaking ahead of today’s meeting of the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform Sinn Féin Public Expenditure and Reform Spokesperson Mary Lou McDonald TD has described the Government’s legislative provision to award Junior Minister Jan O’Sullivan an extra €17,205 as an outrage. Read more

Dublin/North East Service Plan attacks services and endangers patients – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin health and children spokesperson, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has said the HSE Regional Service Plan for Dublin/North East (Counties Cavan, Louth, Meath, Monaghan and Dublin north of the Liffey) will attack public health services with massive cuts in 2012 and will endanger patients. The Cavan-Monaghan TD said: Read more

Delays in processing of social welfare claims set to get worse

Sinn Féin Social Protection Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has said delays in processing social welfare applications are set to get worse as the minister has refused to recruit new staff to replace the 214 who are leaving at the end of the month under the early retirement scheme. Read more

Schools being frozen out of DEIS school system

Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Deputy Seán Crowe has described as “unacceptable” a response from the Department of Education and Skills to a question he submitted on the designation of DEIS school status. Read more

Government has six weeks to secure deal on Promissory Note – Doherty

Sinn Féin finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty has said that the Government has “six weeks to secure a deal on the Anglo Irish Promissory Note”. Read more

Doherty welcomes scrutiny of super junior minister allowance

The Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty has welcomed the fact that the Finance Committee is to scrutinise Statutory Instrument 27 which awards a Junior Minister an extra €17,205 per year on top of the basic salary of over €130,000. Read more

Crowe challenges Taoiseach's contradictions on nursing home facilities

Dublin South West TD Seán Crowe has branded the Government's approach to the provision of community nursing home facilities as duplicitous and contradictory in light of comments made by Taoiseach Enda Kenny. Read more

Burton cutting social welfare blindly to fulfil promises to EU/IMF – Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin Social Protection Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD this morning participated in a press conference organised jointly by SIPTU and SPARK (Single Parents Acting for the Rights of our Kids) to launch a protest against budget cuts to be held this Saturday. Read more

No money for jobs but NAMA borrows to help construction industry abroad – Doherty

Sinn Fein Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty has called on the Government to respond to the charge that Irish money is being used to drive the British economy. Doherty made the charge after discovering that NAMA will be advancing €568.2 million to construction activity outside of Ireland. Of this €568.2 million,… Read more

Taoiseach and Fine Gael hypocrisy over bin shambles – Cllr. Mícheál Mac Donncha

Sinn Féin Dublin City Councillor Mícheál Mac Donncha has described as "hypocrisy" the stance of Taoiseach Enda Kenny and his Fine Gael Councillor colleague Gerry Breen on the bin privatisation debacle in the city. Read more

Ireland and EU must intervene to save the life of Palestinian hunger striker – Sinn Féin

As the Palestinian hunger striker Khader Adnan nears death, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Pádraig Mac Lochlainn has called on the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Eamon Gilmore and his European counterparts to urgently intervene to save his life and demand that the Israeli state meet their responsibilities… Read more

Dáil Committee urges minister to resolve Dublin waste crisis

Sinn Féin Environment Spokesperson Brian Stanley TD today welcomed the Dáil Environment Committee’s call on Minister Hogan to use his influence to resolve the waste crisis in Dublin. Read more

McCann welcomes decision on non-molestation orders

Sinn Féin MLA Jennifer McCann has welcomed the decision by the PSNI to retain control over non-molestation orders relating to domestic violence. Read more

Sinn Féin to question PSNI Chief Constable over retiring/rehiring at Justice Committee meeting

Sinn Féin MLA Raymond McCartney said that the party will be seeking more answers to the retiring and rehiring of former RUC and PSNI members when PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott appears before the Justice Committee at Stormont for the first time today. Read more

Latest unemployment figures highlight need for Job Creation Strategy

Sinn Féin MLA and Member of the Enterprise Trade and Investment Committee Jennifer McCann has called on the Minister of Enterprise Trade & Investment to bring forward a credible Job Creation Strategy to tackle the issue of unemployment here. Read more

Frustrating to witness lack of government on jobs: Toibín

Speaking in the Dáil today on the government’s Action Plan for Jobs, Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on enterprise, jobs and innovation, Peadar Toibín said: “The jobs crisis is the largest crisis this state faces. We have 440,000 on the live register. We have seen long term unemployment rise by 14.5% or… Read more

Government inaction on Priory Hall unacceptable: McDonald

Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald TD has described the Government’s inaction on Priory Hall as unacceptable and has called on the Environment, Community and Local Government Minister meet with residents. Read more

RCSI reputation severely damaged – MacLochlainn

Sinn Féin Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Padraig Mac Lochlainn has criticised what he described as weak words from the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (RCSI) on the situation in Bahrain. Read more

West Belfast Sinn Féin MLA welcomes GAA acceptance of Casement Park rebuild offer

West Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan has welcomed the announcement by the GAA that they have accepted the Department of Culture, Arts & Leisure offer of £61.4 million for the redevelopment of Casement Park. Read more

Ferris calls on minister to comment on sale of Bord Gáis

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Energy, Martin Ferris TD has called on Minister Pat Rabbitte to comment on reports that the government will shortly announce the selling off of Bord Gáis of its retail gas and electricity sales section be sold off to private companies. Read more

Urgency now needed for PSNI retiring/rehiring to end

Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly, spokesperson on policing and a member of the Policing Board said that yesterday’s evidence to the Justice Committee adds to the demand that the PSNI should discontinue its policy of retiring and rehiring: Read more

Sinn Féin ensuring equality in Belfast anniversaries

Sinn Féin are ensuring that equality is at the core of Belfast City Council’s work on Historic Anniversaries. Following the news yesterday that Council is to unanimously support a funding package for events to mark the British Queen’s Jubilee, Sinn Féin Council Group Leader Jim McVeigh has explained the overall… Read more

Government inaction on mortgage arrears hurting families

Speaking after the publication of the Central Banks latest quarterly distressed mortgage figures, Sinn Féin Finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty said that, “Government inaction on mortgage arrears is hurting families” and called for an “end to complacency” and for “substantive measures that will assist the 107,708 families in serious mortgage distress” Read more

HSE West Service Plan will slash services and hit patients – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Health & Children spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has said the HSE West Regional Service Plan will slash services and hit patient care hard in 2012. He said: Read more

Payment for health minister's advisor criticised

Sinn Féin Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has criticised the scale of the payments being made to the Special Delivery Unit policy advisor to health minister James Reilly. Deputy Ó Caoláin said: Read more

Ferris claims that Bord Gáis contract already costing jobs

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Energy, Martin Ferris TD has claimed that the awarding of a Bord Gáis maintenance and safety contract to British firm Balfour Beatty is already costing jobs among former contractors and employees. Deputy Ferris was responding to information he received that Balfour Beatty are to make… Read more

Stanley welcomes SIPTU support for anti-household charge campaign

Sinn Fein spokesperson on environment, community and local government, Brian Stanley TD, has welcomed SIPTU's decision today to oppose the household charge. Read more

Sinn Féin call for greater North South co-operation on the Irish Language - Ó Clochartaigh

The importance of having greater North South co-operation in relation to developing the Irish language was the message that Gerry Adams TD and a Sinn Féin delegation gave Ministers Jimmy Deenihan and Dinny McGinley when they met during the week. Read more

Níos mó comhoibriú Thuaidh-Theas ar an nGaeilge de dhíth - Ó Clochartaigh

Tá sé tábhachtach go mbeadh níos mó comhoibriú Thuaidh-Theas ar siúl maidir le cur chun cinn na Gaeilge ar fud an oileán a dúradh nuair a chas Gerry Adams agus toscaireacht ó Shinn Féin leis na hAirí Jimmy Deenihan.& Dinny McGinley. Read more

Sinn Féin TDs to attend rally in support of single parents

Sinn Féin TDs Aengus Ó Snodaigh and Mary Lou McDonald will both attend today’s protest march and rally against cuts affecting lone parents. The rally, organised jointly by SIPTU and the SPARK (Single Parents Acting for the rights of our Kids) campaign will gather at 2pm at the Garden of… Read more

Ford needs to act with urgency to end strip searching – Jennifer McCann

West Belfast MLA Jennifer McCann has slammed Justice Minister David Ford’s refusal to publish the findings of a Prison Service study into alternatives to strip searches at Maghaberry Gaol. Read more

Welcome for progress by Loughinisland families

South Down Sinn Féin MLA Caitríona Ruane has welcomed the progress made by the families of the Loughinisland massacre in their battle to get the Police Ombudsman’s report into the killings overturned. Read more

New hotel another step for North Antrim in realising it's true tourism potential - McKay

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has welcomed the decision to approve a planning application for a new £100millon golf resort on the North Antrim coast. Mr McKay said it was a key piece of tourism infrastructure for the area that would lead to further investment and more events… Read more

Gaps in home help services in Fermanagh area raised in Assembly

Fermanagh & South Tyrone MLA Phil Flanagan has said there are huge gaps in home help provision across rural Fermanagh and not only is it affecting peoples quality of life but it is also having a massive impact on the Health and Social Care budget. Read more

Public will want answers on Pseudomonas outbreak

Sinn Féin MLA Sue Ramsey has welcomed the appointment of a review team to investigate the outbreak of Pseudomonas at Neonatal Units in hospitals throughout the North. Read more

Adams welcomes jobs boost for Louth

The Sinn Féin TD for Louth Gerry Adams has welcomed today’s news that Pay Pal is to create 1,000 jobs in the Dundalk area over the next four years. Read more

Sinn Féin MLA Willie Clarke to Concentrate on Council Role

Sinn Féin MLA Willie Clarke has announced that he is to give up his Assembly seat in order to concentrate on Down District Council. Read more

McCartney to lead Welsh Assembly visit

Sinn Féin's Raymond McCartney MLA (Foyle) will be in Wales along with Party Officials on Wednesday 22nd February to meet with Members of the Assembly of Wales Read more

Fine Gael challenged on North’s school closures

Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Seán Crowe TD has challenged FG Deputy John O’Mahony over his claims that Sinn Féin has closed 28 schools in the North. Read more

Government must maintain funding for good causes when awarding National Lottery licence

Sinn Féin Public Expenditure and Reform Spokesperson Mary Lou McDonald TD has today written to Minister Brendan Howlin calling on him to contractually guarantee current good cause funding levels are maintained when awarding the new National Lottery licence contract. Read more

Cuts to community and voluntary sector will cost as much as they will save – Cullinane

Sinn Féin Senator David Cullinane has said that the recent cuts to the community and voluntary sector will cost as much as they will save. Read more

Government must axe the Household Charge – Adams

The Sinn Féin President and Louth TD Gerry Adams has called on the Taoiseach to axe the Household Charge following the publication of figures which show that less than 7% of households have paid. Read more

Crowe welcomes partial u-turn on DEIS schools cuts

Sinn Féin spokesperson on education Sean Crowe has welcomed Minister Quinn’s u-turn on DEIS schools cuts but has hit out at his “appalling decision to spread new cuts across primary and post primary sectors”. Read more

Welcome For The Debate on Organ Donation

Sinn Féin MLA Sue Ramsey has welcomed the debate on the opt out scheme for organ donors. Read more

End of Hunger Strike Welcomed-McCartney

Sinn Féin MLA and former hungerstriker Raymond McCartney has welcomed the agreement that has allowed Kadar Adnan to end his protest after 66 days. Read more

Minister must intervene to ensure that St Michael's Estate can proceed safely – Ellis

Sinn Féin housing spokesperson Dessie Ellis TD has called on the Minister for Environment to intervene to support the mediation process to resolve the health and safety issues which has called a halt to the regeneration of St Michaels Estate Inchicore. Read more

Taoiseach must consult opposition on Constitutional Convention without delay

Responding to media reports that the cabinet have formally agreed on the establishment of the Constitutional Convention Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald TD has called on the Taoiseach to make good on his promise to consult with opposition parties. Read more

Ferris slams proposal to sell off Coillte forestry

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Energy, Martin Ferris TD has slammed this morning’s announcement that the government proposes to sell off part of Coillte. In response to questioning in the Dáil the Taoiseach claimed that this would only relate to forestry rather than land assets. Read more

Justice Minister appears content to let situation in Maghaberry fester

Sinn Féin MLA Jennifer McCann said Justice Minister David Ford’s excuses for not replacing the degrading and unnecessary strip searching in Maghaberry prison just don’t hold up. Read more

O’Dowd publishes efficiency reports

Education Minister, John O’Dowd, has published reports into potential efficiency savings in key Education and Library Board services. Read more

O’Neill announces £16million to help address rural poverty

Rural Development Minister Michelle O’Neill today said tackling rural poverty and social isolation is a key priority. Read more

Selling off State assets to pay off bank debts is a bad deal for citizens and the economy

Sinn Féin Public Expenditure and Reform Spokesperson Mary Lou McDonald TD has described Minister Brendan Howlin’s state asset disposal announcement as a bad deal for citizens and the State’s economic future. Read more

Kathryn Reilly attacks government and EU “stunt” on Youth Unemployment

Sinn Fein’s Spokesperson on Youth Affairs Senator Kathryn Reilly has described the government and European Commission’s action team on youth unemployment issues as simply a PR stunt. Read more

Ferris criticises decision to sell off retail operation of Bord Gáis

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Energy, Martin Ferris TD has criticised the decision by the Government to sell off part of Bord Gáis. Read more

Rural schools being hammered by the Government – Ó Clochartaigh

The Government has sacrificed rural schools in it’s u-turn on DEIS cuts according to Sinn Féin Seanad Spokesperson on Rural Affairs, Trevor Ó Clochartaigh. Read more

Ionsaí míchothrom ag an Rialtas ar scoileanna tuaithe – Ó Clochartaigh

Tá na scoileanna tuaithe mar íobartaigh ag an Rialtas sa gcúlú atá fógartha acu maidir le ciorruithe do scoileanna DEIS, a dúirt urlabhraí Shinn Féin ar Chúrsaí Tuaithe sa Seanad, Trevor Ó Clochartaigh inniu. Bhí an Seanadóir as Gaillimh Thiar ag labhairt ar fhoilsiú an athbhreithniú ar na scoileanna DEIS… Read more

Emergency Department overcrowding for children “intolerable”

Sinn Féin Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has said the situation in emergency departments in children’s hospitals as highlighted by the Irish Association of Emergency Medicine is “intolerable” and points to the on-going crisis in public health services that will be deepened by the retirement of 4,200 staff and… Read more

Time for RAAD vigilantes to disband –Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Raymond McCartney has called on the RAAD vigilantes to disband. The Foyle MLA was responding to the admission that they were responsible for the murder of Andrew Allen in Buncrana two weeks ago Read more

Farry’s subservient attitude to work scheme unacceptable - McElduff

Sinn Fein Employment and Learning Spokesperson, Barry McElduff has slammed Minister Farry’s subservient attitude to back to work schemes which involve young people having to work for nothing to maintain benefits Read more

Supergrass trial has not brought truth and closure to families of UVF victims

Commenting on the verdict in the UVF supergrass trial, Sinn Féin North Belfast MLA Gerry Kelly said: Read more

Comprehensive Truth recovery process required to deal with the past – Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin Victims Spokesperson, Mitchel McLaughlin MLA commenting on Mike Nesbitt’s call for republicans to come clean on the past said: Read more

Fermanagh flags and emblems issues need resolved - Phil Flanagan

Sinn Féin MLA Phil Flanagan has said that there needs to be a local solution to the on-going problem of flags, emblems and other potentially divisive issues in Fermanagh. Read more

"Work Experience Scheme" move by big business exposes exploitative scheme - McCann

Sinn Féin MLA and member of the Social Development Committee, Fra McCann has stated that the decision by Sainsbury's, Waterstones and Matalan to withdraw their support to the Work Experience Scheme is a step in the right direction and other business should follow this lead. Read more

Government approach to promissory note “deeply disappointing” – Doherty

Speaking during an exchange with Minister of State Brian Hayes on the issue of the on-going promissory note negotiations the Sinn Féin Finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty described the Government approach to the negotiations with the Troika as “deeply disappointing”. Read more

Government decision on state assets a mistake – Adams

The Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD has accused the government of “hiding behind the Troika” in its decision to sell off €3 billion of state assets. Read more

Concern at safety issues in Belmayne apartments

Concern has been expressed at the safety issues which have arisen at apartments in the Belmayne estate in North Dublin. Read more

Enterprise Ireland created six net new jobs in 2011 – Tóibín

Responding to a question put by Sinn Féin TD Peadar Tóibín at today’s Jobs, Social Protection and Education committee meeting, Enterprise Ireland admitted that they only created six net new jobs in 2011. Read more

Agency Workers Bill an exercise in government cynicism – Tóibín

The Sinn Féin spokesperson on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Peadar Tóibín TD today accused the government of acting cynically in relation to the rights of agency workers. Read more

DEIS review results will damage rural schools – Crowe

The Sinn Féin education spokesperson Seán Crowe TD has accused the government of targeting mainstream and small rural schools as a result the recommendations contained in yesterday’s review of DEIS schools. Read more

€5.9m Dell European Globalisation Fund to return to European Commission – Doherty

Sinn Féin Finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty can today reveal that at least €5.9million of unspent European Globalisation Funds secured for redundant Dell workers is due to be returned to the European Commission. The information was in a Parliamentary Question tabled by Deputy Doherty. Read more

Mac Lochlainn calls for immediate cessation of military attacks in Syria

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Trade Pádraig Mac Lochlainn TD has called on the Syrian government to respect the democratic right of its people to protest and to put an immediate halt to attacks on the civilian population.. Read more

O’Brien calls on Minister and Gardaí to immediately address issue of 1,550 stolen firearms

Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Jonathan O’Brien today called on the Minister for Justice to immediately address the high numbers of stolen firearms in the state in the wake of multiple shootings during the last fortnight. Deputy O’Brien made his comments after asking the Minister for Justice the number of firearms… Read more

“An Bord Pleanála decision – Government must act to support existing Children’s Hospitals” – Ó Caoláin

Commenting on the decision of An Bórd Pleanála to refuse planning permission for the proposed Children’s Hospital of Ireland on the Mater Hospital site, Sinn Féin Health & Children spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD said: Read more

Pathways to Work offers little hope for job seekers – Ó Snodaigh

Responding to the publication of ‘Pathways to Work’ Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Social Protection Aengus Ó Snodaigh said “Pathways to Poverty” would be a more apt title because the government is not creating jobs for the unemployed to move into. Read more

Sinn Féin call for energy brokering schemes and social tarriffs for those on low incomes

West Belfast MLA Jennifer McCann has welcomed today's announcement by Phoenix gas to cut their prices to customers in the Greater Belfast Area. Read more

Minister meets Equine Students at CAFRE’s Enniskillen Campus

Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill has met students at the College of Food, Agriculture and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), Enniskillen Campus. Read more

Executive seeks ‘Productive Partnership’ with Local Government

Junior Minister Martina Anderson MLA gave a landmark speech today at the NILGA Annual Conference in Templepatrick Read more

Education Minister visits St Colmcille’s Primary School, Downpatrick

Education Minister, John O’Dowd, has visited St Colmcille’s Primary School in Downpatrick. Read more

Seize the opportunities Renewable Energy can offer – O’Neill

Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill has said that renewable energy technologies offer those in the land-based rural sectors with opportunities to reduce energy costs. Read more

Maskey welcomes extension of Laganside grant scheme for small groups

Sinn Féin MLA, Alex Maskey, who is also the chair of the DSD committee at the Assembly has welcomed the extension of the Laganside Events Grant Scheme in relation to the amount of funding available to small groups. Read more

Lifebelt issue raised with DSD Minister – Maskey

Sinn Féin MLA, Alex Maskey, who is also the chair of the Social Development Committee at Stormont has raised the issue of the installation of several lifebelts on the Lagan foot bridge. Read more

Brady welcomes Winter Fuel Payments

Sinn Féin MLA and spokesperson on Welfare, Mickey Brady, has welcomed the announcement that the Assembly's Executive Winter Fuel Payment scheme is to be released this week to those who qualify. Read more

O’Neill focuses on CAP & CFP reform at MEP meeting

Minister Michelle O’Neill MLA today met with local MEP Diane Dodds and representatives of Bairbre De Brun and the European Commission Office in Belfast. Read more

Employers should not seek to escalate Eddie Stobart dispute: Toibín

Speaking before the planned one-day stoppage by drivers at the Eddie Stobart distribution company, Sinn Féin spokesperson on jobs, enterprise and innovation, Peadar Tóibín TD said: “There is a pressing need for dialogue on rest periods and conditions of employment between the workers and the employer in this case. The… Read more

Labour turns its back on commitments to retain State assets in public ownership

Speaking in the Dáil this morning Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald TD accused the Tánaiste of turning his back on Labours general election commitments to retain State assets in public ownership. Read more

Government preventing adequate debate and scrutiny of Finance Bill – Doherty

The Sinn Féin finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty TD has accused the Government of “deliberately scheduling the Finance Bill committee stage debate in order to prevent adequate debate and scrutiny.” Read more

Adams extends condolences to Minister Noonan on death of his wife

Sinn Féin leader, Gerry Adams TD, has expressed his condolences to Minister Michael Noonan on the death of his wife Florence Noonan. Read more

Sinn Féin TD summoned to court over participation in industrial action

Sinn Féin TD for Dublin North West Dessie Ellis has been served with a summons to appear at Court 16 at the High Court today at 2pm in relation to his participation in a picket at the Tesco distribution centre in Ballymun in support of the striking Eddie Stobart workers… Read more

Government must stop living in denial on unemployment

In response to the ESRI’s latest economic forecast, Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on enterprise, jobs and innovation, Peadar Toibín TD said: “Despite the much-hyped publication of the government’s so-called Action Plan for Jobs the fact that the economic policy of this government is failing workers and failing business cannot be disguised. Read more

Sinn Féin welcomes UNITE's opposition to household charges

Sinn Féin spokesperson on environment, community and local government Brian Stanley TD has welcomed UNITE's decision today to oppose the household charge. Read more

Rally to take place in support of Loughlinstown Accident and Emergency Department tomorrow

A protest rally will take place tomorrow Saturday 25th February in opposition to the closure of the 24 hour accident and emergency department at St Columcille’s Hospital, Loughlinstown. Read more

Sinn Féin publishes motion opposing sale of state assets

Sinn Féin will use Private Members Business in the Dáil next week to introduce a motion opposing the Government’s decision to sell off successful self-financing state assets. Read more

Adams calls for ‘meaningful consultation and broadest possible terms of reference for Constitutional Convention’

Sinn Féin President and Louth TD Gerry Adams has called for ‘meaningful consultation and the broadest terms of reference for the Constitutional Convention.’ Read more

Minister launches careers event at Greenmount

Minister Michelle O’Neill has launched a careers event which is being held at CAFRE, Greenmount Campus on Wednesday 29 February. Read more

Ní Chuilín encourages the Oscar stars of tomorrow to learn through film.

Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has visited the Cinemobile mobile cinema in the grounds of the Belfast City Hall to launch the FILMCLUB Expansion scheme. Read more

Doherty and McDonald to attend Economic Crisis seminar in London

Sinn Féin Vice-President, Mary Lou McDonald and West Tyrone MP and MLA, Pat Doherty will participate in a Seminar in London tomorrow Tuesday 28th February, titled 'Economic Crisis - Lessons from Ireland. Read more

Unit price required for home heating oil – Murphy

Sinn Féin Economy Spokesperson, Conor Murphy MP, MLA has called for the introduction of a uniform per litre price for home heating oil. Read more

Anderson encouraged following meeting with UU vice-Chancellor

Sinn Féin Foyle MLA, Martina Anderson has said that she is somewhat encouraged about the future of Magee University Campus following an extensive meeting with University of Ulster Vice-Chancellor Richard Barnett. Read more

Sinn Féin supports Ballymurphy families protest at Stormont - Maskey

Sinn Féin MP for West Belfast, Paul Maskey MLA, today joined with the Ballymurphy families at Stormont and has called for a full inquiry into the killings. Read more

United voice needed to oppose impact of Welfare Reform - Brady

Responding to the British Secretary of State, Owen Patersons comments at the week end in relation to Welfare reform, Sinn Féin MLA and spokesperson on welfare Mickey Brady, said: Read more

Gerry Adams launching “defend rural Ireland” campaign in Castlebar on Friday

The Sinn Féin party president will be in the Taoiseach’s constituency this coming Friday to launch the party’s Rural Ireland campaign. Read more

Flanagan tells Foster that Fermanagh is not Qatar

Fermanagh & South Tyrone Sinn Féin MLA Phil Flanagan said the Enterprise, Trade & Investment Minister is reaching a new low in attempting to justify imposing fracking on the community. Read more

NÍ Chuilín congratulates Strabane on winning All Ireland Irish Language Award

Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has congratulated Gael-Phobal Strabane for winning the overall prize at annual All Ireland Glór na nGael awards held in Kildare at the weekend. Read more

Ellis calls on government to look at repossession policies in light of Supreme Court ruling

The Sinn Féin spokesperson on housing Dessie Ellis TD has called on the government to examine repossession policies for both home owners and local authority tenants. Read more

Minister Quinn guilty of maladministration of European Globalisation Fund

The Sinn Féin finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty has accused Education Minister Ruairí Quinn of “maladministration” in the running of the European Globalisation Fund for redundant construction workers. Read more

SDLP should get real on Justice Ministry - McCartney

Sinn Féin MLA Raymond McCartney has branded the SDLP as a negative party who are being oppositional in the Assembly for opposition sake. Read more

British Government cannot rule out Truth Commission – Sinn Féin MP tells Paterson

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty will tell British Secretary of State, Owen Paterson that the British government cannot rule out an Independent International Truth Recovery Commission when he meets him at Westminster today. Read more

Sinn Féin welcomes referendum announcement - Adams

Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams TD has welcomed the announcement by the government there will be a referendum on the austerity treaty. Read more

Transparency on NAMA needed: Adams

Speaking in the Dáil during Leaders’ Questions today, Sinn Féin leader, Gerry Adams TD, raised the lack of transparency in the work of NAMA and pointed to senior figures within the agency who were senior members of the banking, financial and property sectors which caused that crisis. Read more

McDonald welcomes Whistleblower Bill

Sinn Féin Public Expenditure and Reform Spokesperson Mary Lou McDonald TD has welcomed the Government’s publication of the drafts heads of Whistleblower Bill and has called on the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to ensure the legislation’s speedy passage to the Dáil. Read more

Ó Caoláin says plan to sell off State assets “monstrous”

Speaking in the Dáil on Tuesday in support of a Sinn Féin motion urging that commercial semi-State companies remain in public ownership and be used for job creation, Cavan-Monaghan Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin described the plan to sell off these assets as “monstrous”. Read more

Government accused of banana republic economics

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Environment, Community & Local Government Brian Stanley TD has this evening accused the government of “banana republic economics” by selling off wealth generating, profitable state assets. Read more

O’Neill encouraged by decrease in brucellosis outbreaks

Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill today said she was encouraged by recent statistics on brucellosis, where the disease incidence is at its lowest level since the 1990s. Read more

Taxi industry reform must deal effectively with oversupply – Ellis

Sinn Fein transport spokesperson, Dessie Ellis TD, has criticised the Taxi Regulation Review Report for not dealing properly with the massive oversupply of taxis which is causing, precipitating or worsening many of the other problems which plague the industry. He was speaking following an Oireachtas Committee on Transport briefing on… Read more

City & County Managers get €1.3 million in special payments on retirement

Sinn Féin Public Expenditure and Reform Spokesperson Mary Lou McDonald TD has today called on Minister Howlin to end the practice awarding of up to ten added years plus special severance gratuity payments worth up to half a year’s pay to City and County Managers on retirement. Read more

Minister Kelly needs to clarify position of former republican prisoners – Ellis

Sinn Fein Transport spokesperson, Dessie Ellis TD, has called on the Junior Minister Alan Kelly to clarify the position of former republican prisoners who currently drive or in the future might seek to drive a taxi. He was speaking following questioning the Minister on this matter in the Oireachtas Committee… Read more

Education Minister visits County Tyrone schools

Education Minister, John O’Dowd, today visited Sperrinview Special School in Dungannon and Roan St Patrick’s Primary School in nearby Eglish. Read more

Fine Gael and Labour using Emigration to tackle unemployment: Toibín

Speaking following the release of latest live register figures, Sinn Féin spokesperson on enterprise, jobs and innovation, Peadar Toibín said: Read more

Sinn Féin will fight Austerity Treaty – Adams

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD, speaking in the Dáil this morning on European Council Statements, said that Sinn Féin will fight the Austerity Treaty and called on the Taoiseach “to give a solemn undertaking to this Dáil and to the citizens of this state that you will abide by… Read more

O’Brien welcomes government announcement of referendum

Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Deputy Jonathan O’Brien TD has today welcomed the announcement by the Government to provide a referendum on the European fiscal Treaty. Read more

Government scaremongering has begun: Reilly

Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on EU Affairs, Senator Kathryn Reilly, has hit out an EU Affairs Minister Lucinda Creighton’s statement that a 'No' vote in the proposed referendum would send out the wrong message to investors. Read more

O’Brien welcomes proposed changes at Cork Prison

Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Deputy Jonathan O’Brien has today welcomed the publication of a report on Cork Prison by the Irish Prison Service (IPS) in which a range of proposals are put forward to end overcrowding. Read more

German parliament discusses possibility of Irish mini budget for 2012

Sinn Féin Finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty has described as “deeply troubling” today’s news that the German Parliament’s Finance Committee was discussing the as yet unpublished European Commission review of the Irish bailout programme and that these discussions included talk of a possible mini budget for Ireland in 2012. Read more

Hogan must publish septic tank standards

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Environment, Community and Local Government, Brian Stanley TD has called on Minister Hogan to publish the new standards for septic tanks as soon as possible. Read more

Eamon Gilmore defends austerity treaty in the Dáil as Labour party grassroots protest against it outside – Mac Lochlainn

Speaking in the Dáil today the Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Trade Pádraig MacLochlainn TD accused the Tánaiste of defending the austerity treaty in the Dáil while grass roots Labour party members and trade unionists protest against it outside. Read more

O’Brien calls for clarification on staff vetting and physical restraints of children at Gleann Alainn

Following the publication of a second HIQA report in to the Gleann Alainn Special Care Unit, Sinn Féin TD for Cork North Central Jonathan O’Brien called on the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to clarify a number of important matters contained in the report. Read more

Adams challenges Labour on sell-off of state assets

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD speaking tonight during the party’s Private Members Motion on the sell-off of state assets attacked the government’s proposals. Read more

February 2012 Archives (Latest News)

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