December 2011 Archives (An scéal is deireanaí)

Labour acting as mud guard for Fine Gael’s right wing policies – McDonald

Speaking in the Dáil this morning during leader’s questions Sinn Féin Deputy Leader and Public Expenditure and Reform Spokesperson Mary Lou McDonald TD criticised the Tánaiste for his government’s failure to tackle soaring unemployment and also the Transport Ministers derisory comments on radio this morning regarding next week’s budget. Read more

Mark World Aids Day – Gildernew

Sinn Féin Health spokesperson Michelle Gildernew MLA has called on people to wear a red ribbon to mark World AIDS Day today 1st December Ms Gildernew said: Read more

McDonald slams government guillotine on bank guarantee debate

Speaking in the Dáil this morning Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald TD called on Labour and Fine Gael to lift the guillotine on today’s Dáil debate on the Government’s decision to extend the bank guarantee. Read more

All Ireland opportunity to tackle climate change must be seized by Minster Hogan

Sinn Féin spokesperson for Environment, Community & Local Government Brian Stanley TD has today challenged the Minister for Environment Phil Hogan, “to seize the opportunity to tackle climate change on an all-Ireland basis now that the Assembly will be introducing a climate change bill.” Read more

Taxi Review Report now long overdue and must be published – Ellis

Sinn Féin transport spokesperson Dessie Ellis TD has called once again on the Minister of State Alan Kelly to publish his review group’s report on the taxi industry and finally get underway the long overdue reform of the system. Read more

Cap hospital consultants’ salaries instead of cutting child benefit – Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin Social Protection Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has outlined a range of measures, including capping the salaries of hospital consultants at €150,000 that could be implemented as an alternative cutting child benefit. Read more

Government turning a blind eye to growing child poverty – Cullinane

The policies pursued by successive governments have exacerbated the difficulties being faced by countless families around the country and are pushing more and more people in to poverty, according to Senator David Cullinane. Read more

Fine Gael & Labour write another blank cheque for the banks

Speaking during a Dáil debate on extending the banking guarantee by twelve months today Sinn Féin finance spokesperson, Pearse Doherty TD accused Fine Gael and Labour of “the single biggest and most expensive political U-turn in Dáil history” and of writing “another blank cheque for the banks, including Anglo Irish… Read more

Loughgall was Shoot-to-Kill

Commenting this morning after leaks of a HET report into the killing of eight IRA Volunteers and a civilian Anthony Hughes at Loughgall by the British Army appeared in the media, Sinn Féin Assembly member Barry McElduff said: Read more

Welcome for Proposed Climate Change Bill

Sinn Féin MLA and Environmental Spokesperson Willie Clarke has welcomed the commitment from Minister of the Environment Alex Atwood to bring forward a climate change bill. Read more

British government policy is driving child poverty

British government policy is leading to greater child poverty in the north of Ireland. Sinn Fein MLA Mickey Brady was speaking after figures released by Child Poverty Action showed child poverty had increased by 3% over a year. Read more

Commission of investigation into allegations of sexual abuse at Lourdes is being considered by Health Department

Sinn Féin President and Louth TD Gerry Adams has revealed that in a PQ response the Minister of Health has said he is considering the possibility of establishing an inquiry under the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004 into the allegations of sexual abuse of patients in Our Lady of Lourdes… Read more

“Taoiseach needs to put on the Green Jersey and start acting in the National Interest” – Gerry Adams

Speaking in County Laois this morning, where he was launching the party’s pre-budget submission, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said Taoiseach Enda Kenny must oppose any further loss of Irish sovereignty to the EU. He called on the Taoiseach to stand up for Ireland. Read more

Ó Snodaigh launches billboard highlighting Labour’s commitment to child benefit

Sinn Féin Social Protection Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh today launched a mobile billboard to remind people of the Labour Party’s commitment to protect Child Benefit in government. Read more

Fine Gael and Labour continuing Fianna Fáil tradition of political cronyism – McDonald

Sinn Féin Public Expenditure and Reform Spokesperson Mary Lou McDonald TD has this afternoon accused Fine Gael and Labour of embracing political cronyism in government just like Fianna Fáil did before them. Read more

Kenny address a prelude to vicious Budget – Adams

Commenting on this evening’s television address by Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said: Read more

Education cuts are a betrayal of trust – Deputy Seán Crowe

Sinn Féin’s Education spokesperson Seán Crowe TD has described cuts announced in today's budget as putting an unfair burden on many working families and making access to further education much more difficult. Read more

Taoiseach’s address was a softening up exercise – McDonald

Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald TD has described last night’s address by An Taoiseach Enda Kenny as a softening up exercise in advance of this week’s budget. Deputy McDonald said the government is preparing to launch an unprecedented attack on the Irish people despite his declaration that the… Read more

McCartney concern over attempt to recruit woman

Sinn Féin Assembly Justice Committee vice-Chair, Raymond McCartney MLA (Foyle) has raised concerns about attempts to pressurise a local woman into providing information. Read more

Ministers should act now on North-South health co-operation

Sinn Féin health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has welcomed the recommendations of the North-South Feasibility Study on co-operation in the provision of health services on the island of Ireland. Read more

McLaughlin welcomes Equality Legislation for Agency Workers

Sinn Féin Finance Committee Member, Mitchel McLaughlin MLA (South Antrim) has welcomed the Agency Workers Regulations 2011 which comes into effect today and will provide the same basic working and employment conditions that they would be entitled to if they had been employed directly by the hirer. Read more

O’Neill seeks workable resolution to EU fisheries regulation

Fisheries Minister Michelle O’Neill MLA has said that she will do all in her power to protect days at sea entitlements for local fishermen. Read more

Support For Rural Transport Welcomed

Sinn Féin MLA Oliver McMullan has welcomed the support for the motion calling on the retention of transport in rural areas for people attending hospital appointments. Read more

Government targets low-income families in budget of broken promises – McDonald

Sinn Féin public expenditure and reform spokesperson Mary Lou McDonald TD has accused the government of targeting the vulnerable and low and middle income families with the same failed austerity budgetary measures as pursued by Fianna Fáil. Read more

Further half billion in cuts will devastate health services – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin health and children spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD said the savage cut of €543 million in 2012 will devastate the health services. He also said the cuts to Child Benefit are “another attack on children in low income families”. Read more

Government must stand up to EU bullying — Adams

Following today’s meeting between the German and French Premiers Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams TD said: “Nicolas Sarkozy and Angela Merkel today made clear they seek a new EU treaty to centralize control of member states’ budgets. Such a Treaty would outlaw the burning of bank bondholders in the event… Read more

Is buiséid frith fostaíocht agus mí cothrom é seo – Tóibín

Tá ísliú ceithre chéad seachtó cúig (€475) míle Euro ar caiteachas na Roinne Coimirce Sóisialaí. Tá an gearradh siar ar shochar linbh don tríú agus ceathrú leanbh, ag teacht salach ar gealltanais An Lucht Oibre dar leis an Teachta Peadar Tóibín. Read more

Blatant lies and an attack on poorest and most disadvantaged - Ó Snodaigh

Describing the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform’s claim in today's estimates statement that there would be no cut in weekly social welfare rates, a "blatant lie", Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD and Sinn Féin spokesperson on social protection said the minister’s own speech exposed that lie. “The rate for those… Read more

Budget 2012, anti-jobs, anti-investment and downright unfair

Peadar Tóibín, Sinn Féin spokesperson for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation said today (Monday 5 December 2011): “This budget is unfair, anti-jobs and anti-investment. The government already stated that it will cut capital budgets by €750 million, now it will cut an additional €1.4 billion from public spending. Read more

Burton overseeing attack on already struggling rent supplement recipients – Ellis

Sinn Féin spokesperson on housing Dessie Ellis TD has condemned budget attacks on those receiving or seeking Rent Supplement. Read more

Sinn Féin concerned regarding Agriculture, Food and Marine Reductions 2012 - Colreavy

Speaking today from Leinster House following the publication of the public expenditure estimates report, Sinn Féin TD and party spokesperson on Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Michael Colreavy stated that “it simply does not make sense.” Read more

Stanley hits out at local government funding cuts

Sinn Féin spokesperson on the environment, community & local government, Brian Stanley TD, has hit out the government for “strangling communities and local government services with cuts totalling €190 million.” Read more

Budget cuts to overseas development aid a real setback to global justice- Sinn Féin

Ireland's contribution to the poorest in the world reduced by one third since 2008. Sinn Féin spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Trade, Pádraig Mac Lochlainn has described the government’s cut of €53.3 million (over 8%) from the Overseas Development Aid (ODA) budget as “a setback to global justice”. The overall… Read more

Crowe condemns decision to cut school guidance counsellors

Sinn Féin’s Education Spokesperson Deputy Seán Crowe believes that the Government’s plans to cut guidance counselling in this week’s budget will have far reaching consequences for young people who need support at school. Read more

Public cannot afford higher fares – Ellis

Sinn Féin transport spokesperson Dessie Ellis TD has criticised the announcement by Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar that public transport fares will be raised due to a cut in state support for services. Read more

Unionist politicians part and parcel of illegal protests

Sinn Féin Belfast City Councillor Jim McViegh has stated that unionist politicians in Belfast City Hall are very clearly part and parcel of the illegal loyalist potests at city hall Read more

Dáil debate needed before EU summit: Adams

Speaking before today’s Dáil session and the second stage of budget announcements, Sinn Féin president, Gerry Adams TD, said: “We understand that the government will have the Van Rompuy report on the changes which he is proposing. “We want the government to share that with all the political parties here.… Read more

O’Neill outlines new focus for Rural Development spend

Rural Development Minister Michelle O’Neill today said she was committed to targeting investment in key projects to benefit both rural dwellers and businesses. Read more

Ní Chuilín recognises huge contribution of volunteers

Culture, Arts and Leisure Minister, Carál Ní Chuilín today praised volunteers across the north who make a difference in their communities. Read more

Sinn Féin calls on government to address presidential voting rights for Irish citizens in the north

Speaking following the Dáil vote on the Thirty-First Amendment of the Constitution (The President) Bill 2011, Sinn Féin Justice and Equality Spokesperson Deputy Jonathan O’Brien criticised the Government for voting against the Bill and failing to allow it to proceed to committee stage so that it may be amended and… Read more

Cruel Budget will worsen recession – Ó Caoláin

“Both cruel and futile” was how Sinn Féin Health & Children spokesperson and Cavan-Monaghan Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin described Budget 2012. He said the measures would penalise hundreds of thousands of citizens and would not even begin to turn the economy around. Read more

Sinn Féin Senators oppose budget in the Seanad

Sinn Féin senators have tonight voiced their opposition to the budget in the Seanad. Read more

Castlerock Murders Report Highlights Short-Comings in Powers of Ombudsman's Office

Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Raymond McCartney has welcomed the report by the Police Ombudsman’s Office into the Castlerock murder case but said it also showed the shortcomings in the office’s powers to compel retired police officers to come forward as witnesses. Read more

Government budget talks jobs but delivers recession

Sinn Féin, spokesperson for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Peadar Tóibín TD, described the budget as a body blow to the unemployed, to our local businesses and to our economy. Read more

Sinn Féin's response to Fine Gael / Labour Budget 2012

The following is the complete text of the speech by Sinn Féin TD Pearse Doherty in response to the Fine Gael / Labour Party Budget. Read more

Adams appeals for unity against cuts

Sinn Féin leader, Gerry Adams TD, speaking outside the gates of Leinster House tonight, appealed for unity to fight the cuts and charges announced in today’s budget (6 December 2011). Read more

Reports of Sinn Féin’s Westminster expenses surface again

The stories about expenses claimed by Sinn Féin’s absentionist MPs, elected to the Westminster parliament, are old stories rehashed regularly and especially at election time in the North. Read more

Ó Snodaigh demands reversal of cuts to disability allowance

Wayward minister should be reined in In the wake of admissions by the Minister for Finance on RTE’s Primetime last night that the cuts to disability allowance had not been properly thought through, Sinn Féin spokesperson for Social Protection, Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD, has again called on Minister Joan Burton… Read more

100 people moved over viable device - McCann

Sinn Féin MLA for West Belfast, Jennifer McCann, has slammed those responsible for a nail bomb attack on a home in Poleglass. Following the attack, in which the device did not explode, over 100 people had to be moved from their homes in the Woodside area of Poleglass. Read more

Government must change budget to save Finglas Meals on Wheels – Ellis

Sinn Féin Dublin North West TD Dessie Ellis has called on the government to row back on budget cuts which will cut funding for Community Employment workers from €1,500 to €500 per person in January. Read more

Reilly calls for Seanad debate on European Summit

Sinn Féin Senator Kathryn Reilly has called on the Minister for European Affairs, Lucinda Creighton, to come into the Seanad to explain the government position ahead of this week’s European Summit. Read more

Adams calls on Irish government to support Finucane family legal challenge

Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams TD has commended the decision of the family of Pat Finucane to launch a judicial Review against the British government for its decision to break the Weston Park Agreement. Read more

Budget will cause untold damage to the very fabric of our communities – O’Brien

Speaking in the Dáil today the Sinn Féin spokesperson on justice and equality, Jonathan O’Brien, condemned the budget and said that it was an indictment of the government’s views of the least well off and demonstrated a complete disregard for their wellbeing and quality of life. Read more

Cuts to Disadvantaged Area Scheme will have devastating effect on lower income farm households – Colreavy

The Sinn Féin spokesperson on agriculture, fisheries and the marine, Michael Colreavy TD, has criticised budget cuts which will impact most on lower income farm households. Read more

Budget is an attempt to strangle local democracy and local communities – Stanley

Sinn Féin spokesperson on the environment, community and local government, Brian Stanley TD, has accused the government of attempting to strangle local democracy and communities. Read more

Budgetary response to jobs crisis grossly disproportionate – Tóibín

The government said that its objective was to stimulate growth and create jobs. However there is a deep contradiction between the words and actions of this government, according to Sinn Féin jobs spokesperson Peadar Tóibín TD. Read more

Essential we address climate problem now

Speaking from the UN Climate Talks in Durban, Bairbre de Brun MEP said: "As the end of the first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol comes into view, there is an urgent need to seek a second commitment period for, without it, the world is rapidly moving towards an extremely… Read more

Government must reverse cuts to One Parent Family payments – Ó Clochartaigh.

"The Government is not interested in any discussion on its budgetary measures, and in particular seems too embarrassed to even discuss the changes to Single Parents Allowance”, according to Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh. Read more

O’Neill calls for partnership to reduce administrative burden on farmers

Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neill today highlighted the need for greater feedback from the industry to help in the drive to simplify working practices. Read more

Sports Minister welcomes international badminton stars to Lisburn for Olympic Qualifying tournament.Sports Minister welcomes international badminton stars to Lisburn for Olympic Qualifying tournament.

The Sports Minister has welcomed badminton players from 37 countries to Lisburn for a London 2012 qualifying tournament. Read more

Olympic Torch will go to Dublin

Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has welcomed news that the Olympic Torch is to go to Dublin in June 2012. Read more

Sinn Féin reveals details of European Council’s proposals in Dáil

Sinn Féin leader, Gerry Adams TD, speaking in advance of tonight’s EU crisis summit, said in the Dáil today: Read more

Sinn Féin MLA’s visit Prisons

Sinn Féin MLA’s, Raymond McCartney (Foyle) and Jennifer McCann (West Belfast) visited Hydebank Young Offenders Center and Women’s Prison as well as Maghaberry Prison yesterday in their efforts to address ongoing concerns about conditions. Read more

Ballymurphy Massacre families lobby TDs and senators

This is Human Rights Week and the Ballymurphy Massacre Relatives group was in the Dáil today to brief TDs and Seanadóirí and to distribute a letter seeking support for their campaign. Read more

Cancer sufferers winter payment welcome - Brady

Sinn Féin MLA and spokesperson on Welfare, Mickey Brady, has welcomed the announcement by the Executive that cancer sufferers who are receiving treatment are now to receive £100 as a winter fuel payment. Read more

Ó Snodaigh accuses cabinet of lies about cuts to social welfare rates

Speaking on the Social Welfare Bill, today in the Dáil, Sinn Féin Spokesperson for Social Protection, Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD accused cabinet ministers of lying when they claimed they had not cut social welfare rates. Read more

Minister Burton’s Social Welfare Bill is anti children – Ó Caoláin

Speaking on the Social Welfare Bill Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Children Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD described the Bill and the budget as “anti children”. Read more

Government must force banks to pass on ECB interest cuts – Doherty

Speaking in the Dáil today on the latest ECB interest rate cut, the Sinn Féin finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty called on the government to take steps to ensure that this reduction is passed onto mortgage holders. Read more

A bad day for social welfare recipients and a bad day for Labour:

As the Social Welfare Bill recommences this morning and is likely to conclude debate this afternoon, Aengus Ó Snodaig, Sinn Fein's spokesperson on Social Welfare and party whip ratcheted up pressure on Labour Party TDs to vote against the right wing cuts contained in it. Read more

Lucht Oibre agus Fine Gael sásta glacadh le riail déine diúltacha

De bharr an comhaontú ata déanta ag Enda Kenny caithfidh gach tír riail nua a chuir isteach sa bhunreacht nó i gnáth reachtaíocht. Agus is riail déine atá i gceist. Sa todhchaí beidh an Aontas Eorpach i mbun faireachas ar an tír seo. Beidh cúirt Eorpach in ann pionós a… Read more

Government must not bypass the people on Euro deal — Adams

Speaking in response to the statement by the heads of the Eurozone released today, Sinn Féin president, Gerry Adams TD said: “Once again the Fine Gael/Labour government has buckled under pressure from bigger Eurozone states and signed up to a deal that is bad for Ireland. Read more

Sinn Féin slams Labour and Fine Gael's decision to cut state pension by 15%

Sinn Féin deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald this morning called on the government to reverse its decision to cut new state contributory pensions by €30 per week from September 2012 for retiring workers with a yearly average of between 20 to 29 PRSI contributions over their working life. Read more

Labour Party dishonest on social welfare cuts – Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin’s Social Protection Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has accused the Labour Party of a “profound dishonesty when trying to justify the party’s savage cuts to social welfare supports.” Read more

Budget mollycoddles and rewards the wealthy: Crowe

Speaking about this week’s budget, Dublin South West TD, Seán Crowe said: “This is a budget of broken promises that has taken €3.8 billion out of the economy. The majority of cuts have targeted the vulnerable with most of the money saved being used to service the unsustainable debt resulting… Read more

Cuts to Community Employment Schemes will have significant consequences - Crowe

Dublin South West Sinn Féin TD, Seán Crowe speaking at a rally outside Leinster House today said that cuts to Community Employment Schemes (CES) announced in Budget 2012 will have serious implications for people on the schemes and those communities who depend on their services. Read more

Deal gives Brussels even greater say in Ireland than EU/IMF programme.

Speaking today (Sunday 11 December 2011) Sinn Féin vice president, Mary Lou McDonald TD said “the deal agreed by 26 EU leaders on Friday gives the European Commission and European Court of Justice greater powers over Irish economic affairs than those currently held by the Troika”. Read more

Referendum essential on bad EU deal— Adams

In a statement issued this evening (Sunday) Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said: “The deal struck by 26 EU leaders last Friday in Brussels will not solve the Eurozone crisis. It will make matters worse. It is bad economics and bad politics. Read more

Education Minister reports on outcome of post-primary test investigation

Education Minister, John O’Dowd, has provided a written report to the Assembly following his Department’s investigation into a security breach involving a post-primary entrance paper sat by Primary Seven children in November 2009. Read more

Suspect device at Keady Barracks

Local Sinn Féin councillor Darren McNally has condemned those who left what police have described as a ‘viable device’ at Keady barracks on Sunday night. Read more

Climate deal leaves much yet to achieve - de Brun

As delegates from over 190 countries reached a deal on how to cut carbon emissions and tackle climate change, Bairbre de Brun MEP said: Read more

CSO figures demonstrate that government is failing to tackle unemployment – Tóibín

Sinn Féin spokesperson on jobs, enterprise and innovation Peadar Tóibín TD has said that the figures released today by the CSO demonstrate that the Fine Gael/Labour government is failing to tackle unemployment. Read more

Cancer Drugs Must Be Available To All

Sinn Féin MLA Michelle Gildernew has said that it is imperative that cancer patients have the most modern forms of treatment available to them to help overcome the illness. Read more

Murphy urges caution on ‘Pay Day Loans’

Sinn Féin Economy Spokesperson, Conor Murphy MP, MLA (Newry/Armagh) speaking in advance of an Assembly Motion expressing concern at the increase in the numbers of lenders offering ‘Pay Day Loans’ said: Read more

Murphy urges caution on ‘Pay Day Loans’

Sinn Féin Economy Spokesperson, Conor Murphy MP, MLA (Newry/Armagh) speaking in advance of an Assembly Motion expressing concern at the increase in the numbers of lenders offering ‘Pay Day Loans’ said: Read more

Justice Minister Must Safeguard Vulnerable Children from Sexual Exploitation - McCann

Sinn Féin MLA Jennifer McCann has highlighted today the need for a comprehensive strategy to tackle the abuse of vulnerable young people missing from care. Speaking on a motion brought forward to the Assembly by Sinn Féin following the publishing of the Barnardos report ‘Not a World Away’, Ms McCann… Read more

Government must clarify intention on 0.5% deficit ceiling – McDonald

Speaking today Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald called on the government to clarify whether or not it intends to place the proposed 0.5% deficit ceiling into the constitution as required by the agreement reached in Brussels last Friday. Read more

Adams deeply concerned with Eurozone deal

Speaking following a briefing by the Taoiseach on the detail of last Fridays Eurozone crisis summit agreement, Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams said that he is deeply concerned that the Taoiseach has signed an agreement that will have long lasting and negative consequences for ordinary citizens in Ireland and across… Read more

DUP will not stop Department meeting Irish language obligations - McKay

Sinn Féin MLA and education spokesperson Daithí McKay has stated that the rise in costs in Irish language translation clearly indicates that the Department of Education is fulfilling its obligations under the Good Friday Agreement and the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages and has called on the DUP… Read more

Sinn Féin set out guidelines for judging Compton Report

Sinn Féin Fermanagh/South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew said the party will judge the Compton Report by how it delivers healthcare for the needs of people and communities that is safe, accessible and efficient and which targets the inequalities which give rise to ill heath in certain sections of society Read more

Adams expresses condolences to family of folklorist and writer Daithí Ó hÓgáin

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has expressed his condolences to the family of folklorist and writer Daithí Ó hÓgáin. Read more

Adams to meet Taoiseach on Lourdes Abuse Inquiry demand

This morning Sinn Féin President and Louth TD Gerry Adams met the Taoiseach to dicuss last Fridays Eurozone crisis summit agreement. Read more

Household charge will bankrupt local authorities – Stanley

Sinn Féin spokesperson on the Environment, Community & Local Government, Brian Stanley TD, has this evening warned that the controversial household charge will bankrupt many local authorities. Read more

O’Brien calls on Government to stop the cuts to DEIS schools

Speaking in the Dáil today, Sinn Féin TD for Cork North Central, Deputy Jonathan O’Brien called on the Government to stop the cuts to DEIS schools. Read more

Government’s planned cut of 428 DEIS teaching posts insidious – McDonald

Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald TD has sharply criticised Education Minister Ruairi Quinn’s decision to cut 428 posts from schools servicing disadvantaged areas. Read more

The dark side of the PSNI must finally see the light - Declan Kearney

Writing today the National Chairperson of Sinn Féin, Declan Kearney, outlines the party's concerns with regards to the PSNI. Read more

O’Neill announces major investment for local agri-food sector

Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle O’Neill today announced grant awards totalling over £3million to 18 companies from the local agri-food processing sector. Read more

‘Huge opportunities for All-Ireland co-operation’ – Daithí McKay

Sinn Féin’s Education spokesperson Daithi McKay has said: “There are massive opportunities for enhanced co-operation between the Education services North and South. Read more

British state agent was allowed to kill Catholics with impunity - John O'Dowd

Sinn Féin Upper Bann MLA John O’Dowd said that it was because of the actions of their agents like Robin Jackson that the British Government does not want an independent international truth commission. Read more

‘Huge opportunities for All-Ireland co-operation’ – Daithí McKay

“There are massive opportunities for enhanced co-operation between the Education services North and South. The North Antrim MLA was speaking after the latest meeting of the party’s all-Ireland Education Advisory Group consisting of Education Minister John O’Dowd, Dáil Education Spokesperson and Dublin South West TD Seán Crowe, as well as… Read more

Adams challenges Taoiseach on failure to appoint a Minister for Housing

Speaking during Leaders Questions in the Dáil this morning Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD accused the Taoiseach of implementing ‘scrooge-like’ policies which will leave many homes “colder and poorer this Christmas.” Read more

Ó Snodaigh: I will not pay household charge

Sinn Féin Social Protection spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has said he will not be paying the Household Charge. Read more

Government scaremongering on euro membership is an insult to public

Sinn Féin Foreign Affairs spokesperson Padraig MacLochlainn, responding to Michael Noonan’s statement today that any EU referendum would come down to whether Ireland wanted to continue in the euro or not, said government scaremongering on euro membership is an insult to the public. Read more

Reinstate training and material grant for CE schemes – Ó Snodaigh

Speaking in the Dáil this evening Sinn Féin Social Protection Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh called on Minister Joan Burton to reinstate the training and materials grant for Community Employment (CE) schemes which was cut in last week’s budget. Read more

Adams challenges Taoiseach on Euro Summit outcome

Speaking during European Council Statements in the Dáil today Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD challenged the Taoiseach over his failure to defend the interests of this state during the negotiations in Brussels last weekend. Read more

Students in DEIS schools being failed by Government – Cullinane

Sinn Féin senator David Cullinane has criticised the Government for the recent changes to the provision of teachers to schools in disadvantaged areas. Read more

Labour must reverse cut to teaching supports for DEIS schools – McDonald

Speaking in the Dáil during today’s Leaders Questions Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald TD called on the Tánaiste to reverse the Government’s decision to cut 428 posts from 270 primary schools and 163 post primary DEIS schools. Read more

Government fails to tackle bumper pension pay-outs – McDonald

Speaking in the Dáil today Sinn Féin Public Expenditure and Reform Spokesperson Mary Lou McDonald TD accused her Ministerial counterpart Brendan Howlin TD of once again failing to tackle bumper pensions for high rollers in the public and civil service. Read more

TDs and Senators call for independent inquiry into sexual abuse allegations in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda

Sinn Féin President and TD for Louth Gerry Adams, and party colleague Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD, along with Oireachtas colleagues from other parties, have today called on “the Taoiseach Enda Kenny to establish an independent Inquiry into allegations of sexual abuse in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda in the… Read more

Outrage as minister confirms no Climate Change Bill in 2012

Sinn Fein spokesperson on the Environment, Community and Local Government Brian Stanley TD has expressed outrage at Minister for Environment’s confirmation that he will not be introducing any Climate Change Bill in 2012. Read more

€56m of European Globalisation Fund unspent – Doherty calls for inquiry

New information obtained by Sinn Féin Finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty has shown the gross mishandling of a €93.22 million EU fund for the retraining of redundant workers by the government and the Department of Education. According to the Donegal TD “a significant amount of this money will have to be… Read more

Cullinane challenges Education Minister on cuts to teaching posts

Speaking during a Seanad debate on cuts to teaching posts to DEIS Schools in Waterford Sinn Féin Senator David Cullinane challenged the Minister to reverse the cuts. He said it was wholly unjustifiable to target schools in disadvantaged areas. Senator Cullinane pointed out to the Minister that at least six… Read more

Local government reform is long overdue - Alex Maskey

Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey has welcomed the decision by the Executive to push ahead with reform of local government by reducing the number of councils from 26 to 11. Alex Maskey said: “This is about streamlining local government, making it efficient, effective, democratic and value for money for the… Read more

Ellis ejected from Dáil as he defends EBS workers

Sinn Féin TD Dessie Ellis was today ejected from the Dáil chamber after accusing the Tánaiste of misleading the house when he described the payment being withheld from EBS workers as a Christmas bonus. Read more

Department of Finance playing scrooge with EBS workers’ pay – Tóibín

Sinn Féin TD Peadar Tóibín has accused the Department of Finance of playing scrooge with the pay of EBS workers. Read more

CSO figures show austerity is not working – Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh has said the CSO figures showing a 1.9% contraction in the economy in the third quarter show that austerity is not working. Read more

Household charge must be withdrawn – Stanley

Sinn Féin's spokesperson on Environment, Community & Local Government, Brian Stanley TD, today called on Minister Hogan to reverse the Household Charge in the face of growing opposition. Read more

Savage Community Employment Cuts will kill off Schemes in Laois/Offaly

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on the Environment, Community and Local Government, Brian Stanley TD, today condemned the government for their unwarranted attack on CE Schemes. Read more

Draft Eurozone treaty worse than expected says Pearse Doherty TD

Following the leaking of a draft on the forthcoming Eurozone Austerity Treaty, Sinn Fein finance spokesperson, Pearse Doherty TD described the treaty as “worse than expected” and “completely unworkable”. Read more

Team Ireland approach is what’s needed on Fisheries – Colreavy

Sinn Féin Agriculture, Fisheries and Food spokesperson Michael Colreavy TD, today welcomed the positive results from the December Council fisheries negotiations, that concluded in the early hours of Saturday morning, from Ireland north and south. Read more

Government looking to sweeten austerity deal – Crowe

Sinn Féin TD Seán Crowe has accused the government of seeking a bribe from the EU in order to pass a referendum that will inflict a decade of austerity on the Irish people. Read more

Government must reverse teacher cuts to DEIS schools – Crowe

Sinn Féin’s Education Spokesperson Seán Crowe, TD, has called on the government to reverse the cuts that will result in the loss of hundreds of teaching posts to DEIS band schools in disadvantaged areas. Read more

Thousands being wasted on unused building at Tallaght Hospital

Dublin South West Sinn Féin TD Seán Crowe has described as “scandalous” the tens of thousands of euro that are being spent annually by Tallaght Hospital on an unused building that was originally commissioned to provide a breast cancer service. Read more

Crowe addresses rally to save St Brigid’s Nursing Home

Dublin South West Sinn Féin TD Seán Crowe yesterday spoke at a rally in Blessington Co Wicklow called to prevent the imminent closure of St Brigid’s nursing home in Crooksling. Read more

Ballyfermot drugs project closing due to Government cuts

The decision on Friday by Minister Phil Hogan to withdraw funding to the biggest drugs project in Ballyfermot has been slammed by local TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh. Read more

Government must publish criteria upon which pay ceiling was breached again – McDonald

Sinn Féin's Public Expenditure and Reform Spokesperson Mary Lou McDonald TD has called on her Ministerial counterpart to publish the criteria against which the decision to breach its own pay ceiling for the made once again. Read more

Government must reverse its position on EBS workers – Tóibín

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Jobs, Innovation and Enterprise Peadar Tóibín TD has called on the government to reverse its position on the EBS workers and ensure the company meets is contractual obligations to the workers. Read more

Administrative changes won’t soften impact of savage cuts – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Health & Children spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has said that the administrative changes in the HSE announced by the Health Minister James Reilly will do nothing to soften the impact of the drastic cuts imposed on the health services by Budget 2012. Read more

Ó Donnghaile condemns east Belfast shooting

Sinn Féin Councillor for Pottinger Niall Ó Donnghaile has slammed those responsible for firing shots at a house in Madrid Street. Read more

Sinn Féin welcome pharmacies decision

Fermanagh & South/Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew has welcomed the decision by the High Court to reverse the cut to the North’s Community Pharmacy budget. Read more

Government’s property tax an attack on low and middle income earners – Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh has described the government’s decision to bring forward its plans to introduce a property tax as another attack on low and middle income earners. Read more

Evacuees can't be made bear cost of repair of Priory Hall - Cllr. Mac Donncha

Sinn Féin Dublin City Councillor Mícheál Mac Donncha has said that the Priory Hall evacuees cannot be made to bear the cost of repair of the Priory Hall apartment complex, now estimated at €7.3 million. Read more

Education Minister approves new part-time nursery unit at Orchard County Primary School, Portadown

Education Minister, John O’Dowd, has approved the establishment of a twenty-six place part-time nursery unit at Orchard County Primary School, Portadown. Read more

O’Neill welcomes new strategy to reduce greenhouse gases

Minister Michelle O’Neill has today welcomed the issue of the Agriculture and Forestry Greenhouse Gas Stakeholder Group’s Reduction Strategy and Action Plan. Read more

Flanagan condemns damage to Quinn Group canteen‏

Sinn Féin MLA for Fermanagh & South Tyrone Phil Flanagan has condemned those behind last night's act of destruction at the staff canteen of the Quinn Group in Teemore when a lorry was driven into the property causing massive damage. Read more

Government’s JLC legislation could reduce pay – Tóibín

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Deputy Peadar Tóibín has said he fears the government legislation published today to underpin the Joint Labour Committees may have the effect of reducing workers’ wages. Read more

Closure of care homes and beds will be resisted – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has said that communities across the country will resist the HSE plans revealed today (Christmas Eve) to close up to ten publicly run community nursing homes and 900 beds in its 2012 service plan. Read more

A new year message from Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams TD

Bliain úr faoi mhaise daoibh go léir. As we embark on a new year, the Irish people face major challenges. The policy of austerity being pursued by conservative governments in Dublin and London and by the European Union is strangling the Irish economy and causing severe hardship for Irish families.… Read more

Adams comments on British government papers

Sinn Féin president, Gerry Adams TD, has today published a blog which examines in detail the British papers released under the 30 year rule and covering the 1981 hunger strike. Mr Adams blog can be viewed on the Belfast Media Group site or by googling ‘Gerry Adams leargas’. Read more

December 2011 Archives (An scéal is deireanaí)

December 1, 2011

December 2, 2011

December 3, 2011

December 4, 2011

December 5, 2011

December 6, 2011

December 7, 2011

December 8, 2011

December 9, 2011

December 10, 2011

December 11, 2011

December 12, 2011

December 13, 2011

December 14, 2011

December 15, 2011

December 16, 2011

December 18, 2011

December 19, 2011

December 20, 2011

December 21, 2011