December 2006 Archives (An scéal is deireanaí)

Ahern must extend banning of Guantanamo Express

Sinn Féin Human Rights spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has called on Foreign Affairs Minister Dermot Ahern to clarify comments he made to the European Parliament Special Committee investigating the role of EU member States in the United’s States illegal rendition programme. Read more

Crowe to lead mass registration drive in Tallaght this weekend

Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe will lead a mass registration drive in Tallaght West this weekend. Deputy Crowe has taken this extraordinary measure because the South Dublin County Council electoral register is in chaos following the mass removal of eligible voters. Read more

Government neglect of mental health must end – Ó Caoláin

Welcoming the comments made by speakers at the annual conference of the Irish Association of Suicidology that highlighted the poor state of mental health services, Sinn Féin Dáil leader and Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD said it was time for the Government to end its neglect of these services. Read more

Ferris calls for action against 'high tech larceny'

Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris has called for the Government to take immediate action against a telecom company which is sending people unsolicited premium rate mobile phone text messages, which are charged to the recipient without their consent or knowledge. Deputy Ferris was responding to complaints he had received regarding… Read more

Ireland should lead the way in fight against HIV/AIDS – Ó Caoláin

Speaking on World AIDS Day, Sinn Féin Dáil leader and spokesperson on Health and Children Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said the Irish Government should be leading the way in the global battle against HIV/AIDS. Read more

Water tanks for the north-side inadequate - O'Toole

Sinn Féin's Dublin North East election candidate Cllr Larry O'Toole has described the emergency water cover for the north-east of Dublin during the shutting down of water supplies this weekend as inadequate. He was speaking at the water tank at UCI Coolock today, where local people were collecting water. Read more

Crowe leads mass registration drive in Tallaght

Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe is today leading a mass registration drive in Tallaght West. Deputy Crowe has taken this extraordinary measure because the South Dublin County Council electoral register is in chaos following the mass removal of eligible voters. Read more

Maskey challenges SDLP over local government reform

Senior Sinn Féin Assembly member Alex Maskey today addressed a meeting of the party's National Elected Representatives Forum in Dublin. The group comprises Sinn Féin elected representatives at all levels from across the island. Read more

Irish Government assistance for Louginisland families in their search for

Sinn Féin MLA for South Down Caitriona Ruane has welcomed the Irish Government's continued assistance for the families of those murdered in Loughinisland in 1994. Read more

Register To Vote Now - Adams

Sinn Fein West Belfast MP Gerry Adams has described the disenfranchisement of over 80,000 people from the current electoral register for the north as a 'damning indictment of the registration process' and he has urged 'those who have had their right to vote taken away must challenge the electoral office's… Read more

Maskey challenges SDLP over local government reform

Senior Sinn Féin Assembly member Alex Maskey has accused the SDLP of becoming obsessed by a numbers game in relation to plans for future local government in the six counties and of taking their eye of the real battle which is to ensure that equality provisions are at the heart… Read more

Welcome for Taoiseach raising collusion issue with British Prime Minster

Sinn Féin TD Aengus O'Snodaigh has welcomed the fact that the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is to raise with the British Prime Minster Tony Blair British State involvement in the murder of citizens through their policy of collusion during their talks in London today. Read more

Sinn Féin to ensure tenant's rights is on the agenda of the next Dáil

Speaking in City hall this morning at the launch of Sinn Féin's 'Tenant's Rights' leaflet, Sinn Féin's Housing spokesperson Seán Crowe said it was vital that the almost 150,000 households in the private rented sector were fully aware of their rights. Deputy Crowe went on to outline three major areas… Read more

Councils must target the gaps in register - Crowe

Speaking after a successful weekend registration drive by Sinn Féin in his constituency, the party's Social Affairs spokesperson Seán Crowe TD said the onus now lay on South Dublin Council. He went on to call on the Council, and local authorities across the state, to 'ensure resources are targeted at… Read more

Sinn Féin to use additional facilities to prepare for return of institutions

Sinn Féin Assembly group leader John O'Dowd this evening confirmed that his party would be accepting the additional resources being offered to the parties who will form the incoming executive for the business of putting together a programme for government. Read more

Gerry Adams address to Assembly debate on actions of Peter Hain

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP speaking at this morning's meeting of the Assembly in Stormont which discussed a UUP motion regarding British Secretary of State Peter Hain said: "British Secretaries of State, whatever may be thought of them at a personal level, are a breed of politician who have… Read more

Bain Report must ensure that the child is at the heart of the education system

Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson, West Tyrone MLA Barry McElduff has welcomed the publication of the Bain Review and said that it must ensure that the child is located at the heart of the education system. He particularly welcomed a number of key recommendations including the priority attached to quality and… Read more

Ballymena DUP Mayor to consider reception for Clooney Hurlers

Ballymena Sinn Féin Councillor, Monica Digney, has proposed that the North Antrim Council hold a reception for local hurling team Clooney Gaels who won their first ever Ulster Junior Hurling Championship last month. Read more

Government neglect will have life-altering consequences - Crowe

Sinn Féin Education spokesperson Seán Crowe TD has called on the Minister for Education Mary Hanafin to 'increase the number of special needs assistants (SNAs) and introduce local services where children can be psychologically assessed'. He was speaking after INTO research revealed that more than 26,000 primary schools pupils could… Read more

Ó Caoláin calls on Government TDs to show where they stand on Monaghan Hospital

Sinn Féin Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has challenged Fianna Fáil TDs to show 'whether they stand with the people of Monaghan, or whether they stand with Mary Harney, Brendan Drumm and the faceless bureaucrats of the HSE'. Read more

O Caoláin calls on Cowen to be bold and imaginative and use budget to significantly help those families struggling to survive

Sinn Féin Dáil Group leader and Finance spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has called on the Minister for Finance Brian Cowen to be bold and imaginative and to use tomorrow's budget to support workers and small businesses, take senior citizens and those reliant on social welfare out of poverty and… Read more

Why does Minister of State O’Malley not act on his belief? – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader and Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has challenged Minister of State for Health and Children Tim O’Malley to act on his belief that psychiatrists responsible for assessments of young people ‘like’ having long waiting lists. Read more

Major North West business initiative planned in Europe

'Five Chambers will lobby jointly for North West' - Sinn Féin. Sinn Féin has announced a major initiative at European level to boost business and enterprise development throughout the North West. Read more

Greencore profits underline case of former sugar workers - Ferris

The Sinn Féin spokesperson on Agriculture, Martin Ferris TD, has claimed that today's announcement by Greencore that it has made total profits of €96.6m underlines the case being made by former sugar factory workers for a better redundancy package. Read more

Travellers must be officially recognised as distinct ethnic minority - Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin Equality spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has called for official recognition of Travellers as a distinct ethnic minority deserving of protection under the UN Convention Against All Forms of Racial Discrimination and the establishment of a statutory Traveller Agency, including representatives of Traveller organisations to monitor, co-ordinate and… Read more

Doolan - Minister refuses to fix planning loophole-Doolan

Sinn Fein's Dublin Spokesperson on the Environment & Local Government Cllr. Daithi Doolan demanded that the government, 'immediately review it's refusal to introduce legislation which would remove a loophole that allows developers in Dublin's docklands to avoid their obligation to provide 20% social & affordable housing." Read more

No arguments offered in debate on 7 Council model

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on the Review of Public Administration, Alex Maskey has said that political parties opposed to the 7 council model have failed to produce any evidence of note to support their position and said that all parties need to commit themselves to strong and effective local government underpinned… Read more

Ferris criticises funding refusal for North Kerry Special School

North Kerry Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris has criticised the recent decision to refuse funding for part-time teachers at Nano Nagle Special School for important subjects and therapies, which many other Special Schools are receiving. Read more

Sinn Féin welcomes publication of Farm Performance Indicators

Sinn Fein Agriculture Spokesperson, Fermanagh South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew MLA has said that the publication of Farm Performance Indicators is useful as it allows farmers to get a real sense of their variable and fixed costs and therefore a margin before the Single Farm Payment and other subsidies are… Read more

House Price Boom leaving thousands out in the cold

Sinn Féin Housing Spokesperson, West Belfast MLA Fra McCann has said that the housing price boom is freezing thousands of people out of the housing market and leaving many thousands of people in the cold. Read more

Alternatives to prison crucial to reducing re-offending – Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has called for a reverse of what he describes as “extreme financial wastefulness” inherent in the Government’s criminal justice policy approach. Speaking on budget day in the Dáil today Deputy Ó Snodaigh said greater use should be made of alternatives to prison. Read more

Ferris questions fish quota cut when EU sanctions illegal fishing

The Sinn Féin spokesperson on Fisheries, Martin Ferris TD, has claimed that serious questions must be asked after Minister Dempsey admitted yesterday that foreign vessels have EU sanction to conduct illegal fishing in Irish waters if described as 'research'. He said it emphasised the need for questions to be asked… Read more

Sinn Féin seek support for North West projects in Brussels

Sinn Féin Assembly member for Foyle Mitchel McLaughlin has travelled to the European Parliament in Brussels where he is taking part in a delegation hosted by Bairbre de Brún MEP. The delegation is seeking to secure support for projects in the North West region. Read more

Opportunities for North West region explored at European Parliament

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has today hosted a 25 strong delegation from the North West to the European Parliament in Brussels. Included in the delegation are those from business and community sectors, chambers of commerce and elected political representatives. Read more

Sinn Féin hold Westminster lobby on Irish Language Act

Sinn Féin MP for Newry and Armagh Conor Murphy today led a party of lobby of Westminster MPs on the issue of an Irish Language Act. Mr Murphy also attended a press launch in Westminster of draft proposals for such an Act drawn up by Pobal. Read more

Call for Electoral Commission to state view on current register

Sinn Féin National Director of Elections Pat Doherty MP today called on the head of the Electoral Commission in the six counties, Seamus Magee, to state clearly his view of the current electoral register and what action is necessary to ensure that those currently disenfranchised are given their right to… Read more

Suicide Helpline should be extended - Adams

Sinn Féin President and West Belfast MP Gerry Adams has called for the extension of the suicide awareness helpline across the north. The helpline was set up four weeks ago for north and west Belfast after a long campaign and it has report 650 calls in that short period. Read more

Gerry Adams meets family of Charlie Armstrong

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams MP today met the family of Charlie Armstrong, the Crossmaglen man who went missing in 1981. Read more

Cowen budget has some positive measures but fails to deliver a fairer, more equal Ireland – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD, responding to Minster Cowen’s speech on the Budget this afternoon in the Dáil, while welcoming a number of his proposals, said that ‘He had the opportunity and the resources to lift many citizens out of poverty but stopped far short of what… Read more

O'Rawe - End Violence against women

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Women's Issues, Newry Armagh MLA Pat O'Rawe today addressed an event organised by Amnesty International to discuss the implication of the "Making the Grade" report carried out by the 'End Violence Against Women Campaign' Read more

Health Department accused of delaying Sexual Violence strategy

Sinn Féin health spokesperson, John O'Dowd MLA, has questioned the commitment of NIO Ministers to supporting people who suffer domestic violence because of the unnecessarily delay in the publication of the Regional Strategy on Sexual Violence by the Department of Health. Read more

Sinn Féin will stand against DUP bigotry

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Human Rights and Equality, South Down MLA Caitriona Ruane has said that Sinn Féin will take a firm stand against DUP bigotry after she branded a DUP motion due to be debate in the Transitional Assembly on Monday as homophobic and pointed to the discrimination faced… Read more

Molloy - Audit Report into borrowing highlights deep flaws

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson, Mid Ulster MLA Francie Molloy, former Chairperson of the Assembly Finance and Personnel Committee has said that the Audit Report into borrowing highlights deep flaws with the Reinvestment and Reform Initiative that has exposed people here to an unnecessary debt burden that will also reduce the… Read more

Gallagher - Fire Risk Assessment Secured for Dublin

COUNCILLOR Felix Gallagher - Sinn Féin's Dublin West election candidate, has given a warm welcome to the news that a Dublin-wide Fire Risk Assessment will be carried out as a matter of urgency. Read more

Council must stand firm in dispute over social housing - Sinn Féin

South Dublin Sinn Féin representative Shaun Tracey has congratulated Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council for "finally standing up to developers and demanding proper compliance with Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000." Mr. Tracey was speaking this morning after reports of a stand-off between the Council and Glenkerrin Homes… Read more

Adams welcomes Andersonstown News electoral registration initiative

West Belfast MP Gerry Adams has today welcomed the initiative taken by the Andersonstown News after they provided an electoral registration form in today's copy. Read more

Ó Snodaigh demands funds for National Domestic Violence Intervention Agency

On day 13 of the 16 International Days of Action Opposing Violence Against Women Sinn Féin Spokesperson for Justice, Equality and Human Rights Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD tabled a priority parliamentary question to challenge the Minister for Justice Michael McDowell and his Minister of State Frank Fahey on their failure… Read more

Budget increases inequality between low paid and high paid - Morgan

Sinn Féin Enterprise, Trade and Employment spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD told the Dáil today that the budget 'clearly increases inequality between the low paid and the high paid'. Pointing out that those above the average industrial wage will gain twice as much as those below it he characterised the Budget… Read more

"Health spending pours money into apartheid two-tier system" -- Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader and spokesperson on Health and Children Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said the spending announced by Health Minister Mary Harney simply maintains an inequitable and inefficient health service and does nothing to challenge the two-tier system which discriminates against public patients. Read more

Government will be remembered for lacking the will to end poverty - Ferris

Sinn Féin's Agriculture and Rural Development spokesperson Martin Ferris TD said in the Dáil today that this Government will be remembered for being the first to have the resources to eliminated poverty and inequality in Ireland, and lacking the will to do so. Referring to areas like food poverty, the… Read more

Sinn Féin welcomes Electoral Commission support for registration action

Sinn Féin National Director of Elections Pat Doherty MP today welcomed the comments of the head of the Electoral Commission in the six counties Seamus Magee supporting demands for people to be able to register up to 11 days before any election. Read more

Ó Snodaigh - Anger at Brendan McFarlane trial decision

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice issues Aengus Ó Snodaigh today described the decision of the Supreme Court to allow a trial to proceed against Brendan McFarlane in connection with alleged IRA activity in 1983 as 'deeply flawed and nonsensical'. Read more

Speedy delivery of grants crucial for students – Crowe

Sinn Féin’s Education spokesperson Seán Crowe TD today welcomed the Minister of Education Mary Hanafin’s commitment to introduce new legislation in early 2007 that will ensure the timely delivery of grants to those who need them most. Minister Hanafin’s commitment came in a reply to a parliamentary question posed by… Read more

de Brún calls on British Government to ensure that proposed Irish language legislation is fit for purpose

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún today called on the British government to ensure that the proposed Irish Language legislation is 'fit for purpose'. Read more

Hanafin must stand up to elite schools - Crowe

Sinn Féin Education spokesperson Seán Crowe today once again pressed the Minister for Education Mary Hanafin to intervene 'to prevent the state's so-called elite schools cherry-picking students and discriminating against those schoolchildren with special needs by refusing to enrol them'. Read more

Sinn Féin calls for abolition of part-time fees

Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Seán Crowe has called on the government to abolish fees for part-time students. Deputy Crowe said such a move would 'increase participation and end the discrimination against people whose family and work commitments prevent them from full-time study'. Read more

Sinn Féin backs Submarine Bar workers

Sinn Féin Worker's Rights spokesperson Deputy Arthur Morgan TD, and local party TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh today expressed their support for the bar workers in the well-known Dublin pub The Submarine Bar who have gone on strike following management's attempts to introduce cheap labour, undermining the pay and conditions of… Read more

Eoin Ó Broin selected to contest Dún Laoghaire

Sinn Féin has selected Eoin Ó Broin to contest the Dún Laoghaire constituency in the forthcoming Leinster House election. Read more

DUP challenged to commit to equality agenda - McGuinness

Sinn Féin Mid Ulster MP Martin McGuinness, who was nominated as Deputy First Minister, has challenged the DUP to work within the Programme for Government Committee to deliver a programme that can protect the rights of all, that can tackle key issues such as educational disadvantage and will ensure that… Read more

Assembly to debate proposed cuts to Fire Service Cover

Sinn Féin North Antrim MLA Philip McGuigan will lead a key debate on the future provision of fire service cover in the Assembly tomorrow, Monday 11th December. Read more

DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH WEST BOOSTED BY SINN FEIN EURO TRIP

Speaking after they returned from an intensive two-day trip to Brussels last week, Sinn Fein's Donegal North East representative, Councillor Padraig Mac Lochlainn, Donegal South West representative, Councillor Pearse Doherty, and Udaras na Gaeltachta member Grainne Mhic Geidigh, issued a joint statement: Read more

Sectarian attacks continue in Ballymena

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan has condemned the latest sectarian attack on a Catholic teenager in Ballymena. The attack resulted in the 17-year-old, who is from Martinstown, being hospitalised. Read more

Sinn Féin challenge DUP homophobia

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Equality and Human Rights, South Down MLA Caitriona Ruane commenting on the debate in the Assembly today on the rights of people to protection against discrimination on the grounds of sexual. Read more

Sinn Féin welcome for EU Commission President initiative on Peace Process

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has welcomed the initiative taken by the European Commission president José Manuel Barroso to invite the leaders of the four main parties to Brussels for talks as part of the ongoing process of completing a programme for government for the future Executive. Read more

Sinn Féin case against IMC reaches High Court

Sinn Féin MP for Newry Armagh Conor Murphy today revealed that a case being taken by the party seeking a declaration that the establishment of the IMC was unlawful will be heard of the next three days at the High Court in London. Read more

Sinn Féin has taken up additional resources for work within programme for government committee

Sinn Féin Assembly Group Leader John O'Dowd MLA has confirmed that the party has taken up the additional resources allocated for its work within the Programme for Government Committee following the nomination of Martin McGuinness as Deputy First Minister. Read more

Cross party opposition to loss of fire service cover

Sinn Féín North Antrim MLA Philip McGuigan has said welcomed cross party agreement on the need to protect fire service cover in the debate on a Sinn Fein motion on the Fire and Rescue Service Draft Integrated Risk Management Plan in the Assembly today. Read more

Harney's fanaticism putting public health system at risk - Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin's Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has called again on Minister Harney to abandon her plan to transfer public hospital land to private developers. He was speaking following the announcement that sites at Letterkenny and Galway have been re-opened for tender for private development. Read more

Morgan supports Traveller's call for transient halting sites

Speaking following the publication of survey results from the Irish Traveller Movement, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing Deputy Arthur Morgan called on the Government and local authorities to respect nomadism as an integral part of Traveller culture and to provide them with the transient halting sites that are so badly… Read more

Sinn Féin to host public meeting on Ending Homelessness

Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Seán Crowe TD has said the Fianna Fáil – Progressive Democrat Government does not have the political will to end homelessness. Speaking today Deputy Crowe announced details of a public meeting being hosted by Dublin Sinn Féin on the theme of ending homelessness. Read more

Government breaking commitments again on mental health - Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin Spokesperson for Justice, Equality and Human Rights Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has accused the government of reneging on it's commitments under the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006 and called on it to establish mental health treatment centres without delay. He was responding to revelations in the High Court… Read more

Ellis appalled at Finglas shootings

Finglas Sinn Féin Councillor Dessie Ellis has said he is appalled at the shooting dead of two people in Finglas this morning. Councillor Ellis said he is deeply concerned that these shootings continue in an area that has been prioritised by operation anvil. Read more

Legislation must stamp out workplace deaths

Sinn Féin General Secretary Mitchel McLaughlin MLA has outlined a number of measures that could help to reduce the number of workplace deaths during a debate in the Assembly today on Corporate Manslaughter. Read more

Sinn Féin welcome for Bill of Rights announcement

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Human Rights Caitriona Ruane has welcomed the announcement from the British government that they are to convene the roundtable meeting on a Bill of Rights. Read more

Rural Planning - secrets to end

Sinn Féin Environment Spokesperson, North Antrim MLA Philip McGuigan has said that Sinn Féin have demanded the full list of options that were available to British direct rule Minsters prior to the publication of the draconian draft guidelines on rural planning, known as PPS 14, earlier this year. Read more

3 Hour for a10 mile Bus Journey - Action Required

Dublin 15 Sinn Féin Councillor Felix Gallagher has called for urgent action to be taken to address the commuter nightmare experienced by local residents in his constituency last week. Read more

Morgan attacks Government on Sellafield Issue

Sinn Fein spokesperson on Environment Arthur Morgan TD attacked the Government in the Dail today for failing to seek an explanation from the British Government for their proposals to change planning regulations that will allow nuclear objectors to be excluded from public inquiries into nuclear developments. Read more

Sinn Féin to meet Hugh Orde in Belfast on Wednesday

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has this evening said that a party delegation will meet the PSNI Chief Constable Hugh Orde tomorrow morning. Mr. Adams set out the party's position on policing several weeks ago. Read more

Alarm at Eagles response to Bain Review

Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson, West Tyrone MLA Barry McElduff has said that there will be huge concern at the heavy handed and immediate response of British direct rule Education Minister to the Bain Review. Read more

Announcement of North West-Dublin motorway/dual carriageway proposal expected in National Development Plan

West Tyrone Sinn Féin MP Pat Doherty says that there are clear indications that the Dublin government has now been forced to amend its National Development Plan, which is scheduled to be published on January 19th, to include substantial investment in the main N14, A5, N2 route from the North… Read more

Garda detention regulations inadequate - Ferris

Speaking before attending a Justice Committee meeting this morning to discuss changes in regulations governing the treatment of persons in Garda custody, Sinn Féin's Martin Ferris TD said the existing regulations have been proven to be ineffective. Citing a number of cases as examples, Deputy Ferris went on to call… Read more

Sinn Féin to host public meeting on speeding and dangerous driving in Sallynoggin

Dún Laoghaire Sinn Féin are hosting a public meeting tonight for Sallynoggin residents who are concerned about speeding, dangerous driving and anti-social behaviour in the area. The meeting takes place at the Holy Child Comprehensive School in Sallynoggin at 8pm this evening. It will be chaired by Dún Laoghaire Sinn… Read more

Ó Snodaigh calls for comprehensive review of approach to drug-related crime

Sinn Féin Justice spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has called on the Government, the Minister for Justice and the Gardaí to review, revise and update their approach to drug-related crime. He said this review should address the many questions that arise regarding the murder of a major drug dealer in… Read more

Audit report highlights management deficits in Fire Authority

Sinn Féin North Antrim MLA Philip McGuigan has said that a Comptroller and Auditor General Report published today into the purchase and redevelopment of a new Fire and Rescue Service Training Centre at Boucher Crescent in Belfast highlights serious deficits in the management of the project. Read more

Minister must listen to concerns on new nursing home care scheme – Ó Caoláin

Commenting on the proposed new scheme for funding long-term nursing home care, Sinn Féin Dáil leader and spokesperson on Health and Children Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, said the Minister for Health and Children Mary Harney needs to listen carefully to the concerns already raised by older people over the scheme, to… Read more

Irish Language Act

Sinn Féin Human Rights and Equality Spokesperson, Caitriona Ruane MLA commenting on the launch of the consultation on the Irish Language Act has said that the legislation must not be diluted and said that Sinn Fein want to see the creation of a Language Commissioner and sufficient resources to support… Read more

Sinn Féin to publish Corporate Manslaughter legislation - Morgan

Sinn Féin Worker's Rights spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has committed Sinn Féin to publishing corporate manslaughter legislation before the next election. He was speaking after the Taoiseach again told the Dáil this afternoon, in response to questioning from Deputy Morgan, that no such legislation was planned by the Government. Read more

Sinn Féin meet Hugh Orde in Stormont

A Sinn Féin delegation led by party President Gerry Adams and including Assembly members Gerry Kelly, Caitriona Ruane and Michelle Gildernew this morning met with the PSNI Chief Constable Hugh Orde in Stormont. Read more

Figures show criminality rife in British Army

Sinn Féin Assembly member Philip McGuigan has said that figures released by the British Government concerning convictions in magistrates and Crown courts received by members of the British Army posted in the six counties were shocking. Read more

Sinn Féin to host public meeting on speeding and dangerous driving in Sallynoggin

Dún Laoghaire Sinn Féin are hosting a public meeting tonight for Sallynoggin residents who are concerned about speeding, dangerous driving and anti-social behaviour in the area. Read more

Sinn Féin table amendments to Europol Bill in an effort to boost accountability and safeguard human rights

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice, Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has tabled amendments to the Europol Bill in an effort to boost accountability and safeguard human rights. This Bill is scheduled for report and final stages this evening. Deputy Ó Snodaigh said, “Sinn Féin's amendments would insert provisions for judicial and… Read more

Ó Caoláin challenges Taoiseach on MRSA record

Speaking in the Dáil today Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD called on the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern to tackle MRSA in hospitals throughout the state. Deputy Ó Caoláin demanded that the Taoiseach “act urgently to ensure that these infections are rooted out hospital by hospital and ward by… Read more

Gerry Adams slates Invest NI's record in West Belfast

Sinn Féin West Belfast MP Gerry Adams has described the record of Invest NI in ensuring investment in West Belfast as 'appalling and shameful'. Read more

Ferris calls on Government to protect beef exports to Russia

The Sinn Féin spokesperson on Agriculture, Martin Ferris TD, has called on the Minister for Agriculture Mary Coughlan to ensure that Irish beef is not included in a proposed ban to be placed by Russia from next month. Russian exports were worth €40bn in 2005 and their loss would represent… Read more

Gerry Adams calls for Ombudsman's Investigation into gun attack on him in 1984

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP has instructed his solicitor to write to the Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan following the publication today of a report in the Andersonstown news which links the RUC Special Branch to the gun attack on him in March 1984. Read more

European Parliament's approval for new directive on television will allow children to be fair game for advertising companies

Speaking in the European Parliament in Strasbourg today, Sinn Féin MEP Mary Lou McDonald has expressed her concern at the decision of the European Parliament to give its approval to the new directive 'Television Without Frontiers Directive'. Read more

Ó Snodaigh to challenge McDowell in Dáil over recent spate of killings

Sinn Féin Justice spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD will use a private notice question to confront the Minister for Justice Michael McDowell in the Dáil today over the recent spate of violent deaths. Read more

Call to publish in full Stevens Reports into collusion

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Truth issues Philip McGuigan said that the fact the British system today published in full John Stevens report into allegations of British Intelligence involvement in the death of the a British royal in Paris ten years ago set a clear precedent and he called for the… Read more

Sinn Féin disappointed at decision in Zappone/Gilligan case

Sinn Féin Justice, Equality and Law Reform spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has expressed his disappointment at the decision of the High Court this morning to reject the case brought by Dr Katherine Zappone, a public policy consultant, and Dr Anne Louise Gilligan to recognise their same-sex Canadian marriage. Read more

"BUPA pull-out exposes contradictions of two-tier system" -- Ó Caoláin

The decision by BUPA to pull out of the Irish health insurance market is another symptom of the contradictions in our two-tier health system, according to Sinn Féin Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin. Read more

Sinn Féin disappointed at decision in Zappone/Gilligan case

Sinn Féin Justice, Equality and Law Reform spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has expressed his disappointment at the decision of the High Court this morning to reject the case brought by Dr Katherine Zappone, a public policy consultant, and Dr Anne Louise Gilligan to recognise their same-sex Canadian marriage. Deputy… Read more

Government paying the price for abandoning communities to drugs barons

In a joint statement, the Vice Chair of the Dublin Joint Policing Committee, Cllr Larry O'Toole, and MEP for Dublin Mary Lou McDonald, have accused the Government of abandoning swathes of working class communities in Dublin to gangsters and drug dealers. Read more

Quinlivan - Check on your older neighbours this winter

Sinn Fein's Maurice Quinlivan is highlighting the need for us all to be aware of the effects the cold weather can have on the elderly and to be aware that we can all help in reducing these effects. Checking on vulnerable people is the responsibility of all of us. Read more

Maskey & Ó Donnghaile Selected to stand in South & East Belfast

Sitting South Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey and East Belfast Sinn Féin representative Niall Ó Donnghaile were last night selected to stand as candidates in South and East Belfast respectively in the upcoming Assembly elections. Read more

Appointment of new Children's Commissioner

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Children and Young People, West Belfast MLA Sue Ramsey commenting on the appointment of SDLP MLA Patricia Lewsley as the new Commissioner for Children and Young People has said that Sinn Féin look forward to continuing their close relationship with the Commissioner's office and that the… Read more

Sinn Féin to meet Dublin City Manager to discuss problems facing commuters with opening of Port Tunnel on Wednesday

Sinn Féin Transport Spokesperson Séan Crowe TD will tomorrow morning lead a party delegation to meet with the Dublin City Manager John Tierney at the Civic Offices on Wood Quay. Deputy Crowe will be accompanied by party representatives Councillor Larry O'Toole from Dublin North East and Joanne Spain from Dublin… Read more

Sinn Fein to attend roundtable on Bill of Rights

A Sinn Fein delegation including party General Secretary Mitchel McLaughlin and Assembly members Caitriona Ruane and Michelle Gildernew will tomorrow attend the first meeting of the roundtable on formulating a Bill of Rights. Read more

Taoiseach, Justice Minister and Garda Commissioner need to start providing solutions not excuses

Sinn Féin Dublin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh speaking in advance of a crisis meeting between the Taoiseach, the Justice Minister and the Garda Commissioner said "The government has no worthwhile strategy to deal with to combat the threat posed by armed criminal gangs who are operating virtually with impunity. Read more

Crowe calls for lifting of toll barriers to ease congestion when port tunnel opens

Sinn Féin Transport spokesperson Seán Crowe TD this morning led a party delegation to meet with the City Manager John Tierney over concerns about the impact for the M50 when the port tunnel is opened on Wednesday. The delegation included Dublin Councillor Larry O’Toole and Dublin Mid-West representative Joanne Spain. Read more

Bill of Rights meeting - Welcome first step

A Sinn Féin delegation including Caitriona Ruane, Mitchel McLaughlin and Michelle Gildernew this morning attended the first session of the roundtable meeting to formulate a Bill of Rights for the north. Read more

Donegal's hospital waiting list is yet another damning indictment of government neglect - MacLochlainn

Sinn Féin candidate for Donegal North East, Cllr Pádraig Mac Lochlainn has responded to the news that Letterkenny General Hospital (LGH), has the highest numbers of adult patients waiting for treatment for over 12 months in the entire country by stating that "this is yet another damning indictment of the… Read more

McCartney calls for unity in opposition to Water Taxes to be maintained

Speaking during the debate on the Direct Rule Minister's proposed Water Tax Sinn Féin Spokesperson, Raymond McCartney MLA said: Read more

"Water Taxes will push people further into poverty and debt" - Stanton

Speaking during the Water Tax debate in the Assembly today the Sinn Féin Assembly Member for North Belfast Kathy Stanton said: Read more

Ferris calls on Government to oppose fish quota cuts

The Sinn Féin spokesperson on Fisheries, Martin Ferris TD, has called on Minister for State John Browne to strenuously oppose any further proposed cuts in Irish fish quotas at today’s Fisheries Council meeting in Brussels. The meeting is due to agree on species for the next year. Read more

Ó Snodaigh highlights priorities for tackling gangland crime

Sinn Féin Justice spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has said the Special Criminal Court must be dismantled and not used as a shortcut to unsound convictions as a knee jerk reaction to increased gangland crime. Deputy Ó Snodaigh was speaking today as the cabinet prepared to make its response to… Read more

Political will needed to end homelessness - Mary Lou McDonald

Sinn Féin National Chairperson and MEP for Dublin Mary Lou McDonald has said not one person should be sleeping rough in Ireland while politicians and economists applaud themselves for the creation of the Celtic Tiger. Read more

Independent Commissioner for Older People - A Sinn Féin commitment

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Older People, Newry Armagh MLA Pat O'Rawe has said that all party agreement on the creation of an Independent Commissioner for Older People sent out a very positive signal. Read more

Peace Dividend not Water Charges must pay for Infrastructure deficit -Doherty

West Tyrone Sinn Féin MP Pat Doherty says that in ongoing discussions with the British government, his party's negotiators are continuing to argue that the cost of the much-needed overhaul to our water and sewerage infrastructure be met through the Peace Dividend Package and not through Double Taxation Water Charges. Read more

Response to Moriarty Tribunal - Golden circle still exists

Commenting on the publication of the Report of the Moriarty Tribunal, Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said, “No-one will be surprised with the findings in this Report on the personal finances of the late Charles J. Haughey. The manner in which he conducted himself while holding high office… Read more

We should have had free personal care for the elderly before now

Sinn Féin West Belfast MLA Sue Ramsey speaking during a debate on the introduction of free care for the elderly in the transitional Assembly today has said that given the all party support for it would be unbelievable if this was not now introduced. Read more

Local community set to lose €1.6million funding as new council policy is introduced

South Dublin Sinn Féin representative Shaun Tracey has slammed a new policy, introduced by the new Dún Laoghaoire/Rathdown Council Manager Owen Keegan, which bans community and sporting groups from obtaining public leases from the council. Mr. Tracey said the new policy has put in jeopardy €1.6million in funding for a… Read more

O'Toole welcomes opening of Port Tunnel

Dublin Sinn Féin Councillor Larry O'Toole has welcomed the opening of the port tunnel today. Speaking today Councillor O'Toole said while there are many concerns regarding the opening of the tunnel people should not rush to be overly critical of the project. Read more

Bairbre de Brún encourages community response to EU funding consultation

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has urged trades unions and the community and small business sectors to ensure that their voice is heard during the consultation announced on the future shape of the £325 million EU Structural Funding package. Read more

Kelly - Welcome for SDLP U-turn on MI5

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Policing Gerry Kelly has today welcomed the SDLP U-turn on the issue of MI5 involvement in the North. Mr Kelly's comments come after SDLP MLA Alex Attwood today criticised the proposals put forward on this issue at St. Andrews after previously supporting them. Read more

Mitchel McLaughlin selected to contest South Antrim

Sinn Féin this evening held a selection convention in South Antrim. Party General Secretary Mitchel McLaughlin was endorsed by the party membership and this nomination will now be passed to the Ard Chomhairle for ratification. Read more

Increase in doctor training places welcomed

Commenting on an announcement from the Department of Health that there will be at least 600 places for doctors entering specialist training in the North in 2007, Sinn Féin health spokesperson, John O'Dowd MLA, said: Read more

Sinn Féin welcome discussions on DARD red tape

Sinn Féin Agriculture Spokesperson, Fermanagh South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew has encouraged full engagement between the department and the agri-food sector in moving forward with the simplification agenda and said that the removal of red tape and the development of a Farmers Charter would put the farming industry on a… Read more

December 2006 Archives (An scéal is deireanaí)

December 1, 2006

December 2, 2006

December 3, 2006

December 4, 2006

December 5, 2006

December 6, 2006

December 7, 2006

December 8, 2006

December 10, 2006

December 11, 2006

December 12, 2006

December 13, 2006

December 14, 2006

December 15, 2006

December 17, 2006

December 18, 2006

December 19, 2006

December 20, 2006

December 21, 2006

December 22, 2006

December 23, 2006