January 2012 Archives (An scéal is deireanaí)

Long term unemployment up 16.4%

Responding to Live Register figures released today, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Peadar Tóibín accused the government of settling for an “acceptable” level of unemployment. Read more

Ridiculous statement from SDLP party leader - Alex Maskey

Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey said SDLP leader Alasdair McDonnell is completely out of touch with the public after he said MLAs should get an increase in their wages. Read more

O’Brien calls for continued funding for Dial to Stop Drug Dealing

Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson, Jonathan O’Brien TD, has condemned today’s announcement that funding for the highly successful Dial to Stop Drug Dealing initiative has been has been ended and called for the funding to be reinstated and put on a permanent footing. Read more

Tallaght bed closures the first of many for 2012 - Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin health spokesperson, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD, said the closure of 62 beds in one of the country’s major hospital would be the first of many in 2012 thanks to the “devastating health cuts imposed in the Fine Gael/Labour budget”. Read more

Tallaght bed closures the first of many for 2012 – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin health spokesperson, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD, said the closure of 62 beds in one of the country’s major hospital would be the first of many in 2012 thanks to the “devastating health cuts imposed in the Fine Gael/Labour budget”. Read more

Sinn Féin TD, senator and councillors meet Lagan Brick workers

Sinn Féin Cavan-Monaghan TD, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin this afternoon (Thursday) met with the protesting workers at Lagan Brick in Kingscourt, Co Cavan. He called on the firm’s owners to engage with the workers at the Labour Relations Commission and expressed solidarity with the workers’ protest at what he called their… Read more

Kelly slams north Belfast bomb attack

Sinn Féin MLA for North Belfast Gerry Kelly has slammed those responsible for the leaving of a bomb in a car which was discovered in Ligoniel. Read more

Government mess-up leaves thousands of pensioners in deep shock – Doherty

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty has said the government’s handling of 115,000 pensioners facing tax liabilities has been shambolic. Read more

Regulation needed for home-heating oil industry - Micky Brady

Sinn Féin MLA Micky Brady said recent speculation that there was to be another increase in the price of home-heating oil emphasised the need for a more robust regulation of the industry. Read more

Dáil to debate Sinn Féin motion on DEIS schools cuts

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Education Seán Crowe TD has said that the government must reverse the cuts in DEIS Band One and Two schools. Read more

Tallaght bed closures “devastating” – Crowe

Tallaght based TD Seán Crowe has described the closure of 62 beds in Tallaght hospital as “devastating”. Read more

McCann slams West Belfast arson attack

West Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Jennifer McCann has condemned those responsible for an arson attack on a home of a family in Poleglass. Read more

Councillor confirms that €50,000 offer was part of draft Priory Hall proposal

Sinn Féin Dublin City Councillor Mícheál Mac Donncha has confirmed that an offer of €50,000 per Priory Hall apartment was a draft proposal from Dublin City Council management. He called on Environment, Community and Local Government Minister Phil Hogan to meet the residents. Read more

Adams regrets the death of veteran Republican Brigid Hannon

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD has expressed his deep regret at the death today after a lengthy illness of veteran Belfast republican Brigid Hannon. Read more

Minsters welcome launch of Foras na Gaeilge public consultation process

Ministers in the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (DAHG) and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) in the North have welcomed the launch today by Foras na Gaeilge of a public consultation process on its review of its core funded bodies. Read more

Minister Shortall in denial over medical card delays – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Health spokesperson Caoimhghín O Caoláin TD has said Minister of State for Primary Care Roisín Shortall is in denial over the extent and impact of delays in medical card applications and renewals. Read more

SDLP CHALLENGED ON REFORM OF IRISH CONSTITUTION REMARKS

Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Raymond McCartney has questioned whether the SDLP will continue to support reform of the Irish Constitution given the bizarre comments made by party leader Alasdair McDonnell. Read more

Government’s political reform puts cart before horse – Cullinane

The Government is putting the cart before the horse with regard to political reform according to Sinn Féin Spokesperson on the issue Senator David Cullinane. Read more

British government cuts can only exacerbate child poverty figures - Maskey

Sinn Féin MP for West Belfast, Paul Maskey, has stated that the British government will lead to the target of of eliminating child poverty by 2020 slipping and has welcomed the work being carried out by the Executive to tackle this pressing issue. Speaking following a report from the Campaign… Read more

Sinn Féin express serious concerns following film set attack on young people

Sinn Féin representatives Alex Maskey MLA and Cllr Niall Ó Donnghaile have expressed serious concern following reports of a sectarian attack on young people from the Short Strand area who were taking part as extras on a film set in the Village of south Belfast on Friday. Read more

Sinn Féin comments on Patterson talks proposal

Commenting on reports that British Secretary of State Owen Patterson is to seek further talks on dealing with the past, Sinn Fein Spokespeson on Victims, Mitchel McLaughlin MLA (South Antrim) said: Read more

Extra points for Private Rented Accommodation Needed

Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Fra McCann MLA has called on the DSD Minister Nelson McCausland to state when the Housing Executive will award the 20 extra points for people on the housing waiting lists who are living in temporary private rented accommodation. Read more

Adams expresses sympathy to the family of groundbreaking journalist Mary Raftery

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has expressed his deep regret at the death of journalist Mary Raftery. Mr. Adams offered his sincere sympathies to her family and friends and said that she made an invaluable contribution to Irish society through her exposure of injustice and abuse by State and other… Read more

Ó Caoláin pays tribute to Mary Raftery

Sinn Féin Health & Children spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has paid tribute to the late journalist Mary Raftery. Expressing sympathy to her family, he said: Read more

Government prioritising NAMA debt management over job creation – Tóibín ‏

The Sinn Féin spokesperson on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Peadar Tóibín today met with Minister Brian Hayes to discuss the excessive rents paid by the Office of Public Works to private landlords. Read more

Ó Caoláin pays tribute to John McCarthy

Sinn Féin health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has paid tribute to the late John McCarthy. Read more

McDonald calls for Dail debate on La Senza redundancies

Sinn Fein Vice President Mary Lou McDonald has this morning submitted a request to the Ceann Comhairle to hold an urgent Topical Issue debate on the 93 redundancies at La Senza in Dublin and Cork. The call comes as La Senza workers enter their third day of an occupation of… Read more

McKay welcomes Education Minister's successful Budget Acquisition

Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Daithi McKay has welcomed the confirmation by Education Minister, John O Dowd that he has successfully negotiated additional funding for the Education Budget. Read more

La Senza sit-in - government must act to protect vulnerable workers

Sinn Fein TDs Mary Lou McDonald and Sean Crowe today welcomed representatives from the Le Senza Liffey Valley sit-in to the Dáil to watch a topical issues debate calling on the government to “act to protect vulnerable workers”. The Sinn Fein deputies strongly supported the action taken by the workers… Read more

Services at Waterford Regional Hospital at breaking point – Cullinane

Sinn Féin Senator David Cullinane has said some services at Waterford Regional Hospital are at breaking point following recent cuts to funding for local and regional hospitals. He said the 3% cut to overall funding at Waterford Regional Hospital is stretching services to breaking point and will result in a… Read more

Ó Caoláin ‘furious’ at proposed Cavan and Monaghan Hospital cutbacks – ‘worse may follow’

Cavan and Monaghan Dáil Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has voiced strong objection to the now-signalled cuts to Outpatient Services staffing at Cavan and Monaghan hospitals. The Sinn Féin Health spokesperson has described himself as “furious” at this decision which he describes as “unilateral” and “grossly irresponsible”. Read more

Report of Review Group on Small Business highlights government failures – Reilly

The government is uninterested in creating jobs, and is failing the small business sector, according to Sinn Féin Finance spokesperson in the Seanad, Kathryn Reilly. Speaking in the Seanad today, the Cavan Senator stated that the Report of the Review Group on Small Business highlighted these failures, and that the… Read more

Social Protection and Revenue made a dog’s dinner of pensioner’s tax liabilities – McDonald

Speaking during today’s Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform Committee Sinn Féin Public Expenditure and Reform Spokesperson Mary Lou McDonald TD accused the Revenue and Department Social Protection senior management of gross mismanagement in their attempt to address the tax liabilities of 150,000 long term pensioners. Read more

Cautious welcome for agency workers’ bill from Sinn Féin

Speaking in the Dáil tonight on the Protection of Employees (Agency Workers) Bill, Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on jobs and enterprise, Peadar Toibín TD, said that it was “a step in the right direction in safeguarding the rights of workers”, but warned against targeting low-paid workers in an attempt to maintain… Read more

Ulster Bank job losses a devastating blow – Tóibín

Speaking today regarding the announcement of job losses at Ulster Bank, Peadar Tóibín Sinn Féin, spokesperson on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, said; Read more

O’Brien makes emotional call for protection of DEIS schools

Speaking on the Sinn Féin motion on DEIS schools in the Dáil today, TD for Cork North Central Jonathan O’Brien made an emotional call on the Minister for Education to protect DEIS school and ensure all children have equal opportunities in education. Read more

McDonald calls for protection of DEIS schools

Closing Sinn Féin’s Dáil debate on the Government’s decision to cut teaching supports in DEIS schools Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald TD has called on Minister for Education and Skills to immediately reverse his decision to cut 428 posts teaching posts from 270 primary and 163 post-primary DEIS schools. Read more

McDonald questions government on Ulster Bank job losses

Speaking in the Dáil this morning Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald TD questioned the Minister for Education and Skills on what action the Government had taken on behalf of workers in advance of Ulster Bank announcing 950 job losses across the State. Read more

Senator slams cuts to Cavan General Hospital

Cavan Senator Kathryn Reilly has today said that the HSE is gutting services at Cavan General Hospital and that the patient care and safety of people in the North East region is being sacrificed. Senator Reilly was calling for a debate with the Minister for Health following the announcement that… Read more

Recession impacting upon levels of Suicide – Cullinane

The government needs to take steps to safeguard against increasing levels of suicide in the current depressed economic climate, according to Sinn Féin Senator, David Cullinane. Read more

Sinn Féin condemns EU treaty change "by the back door"

Sinn Féin has condemned what it described as "EU treaty change by the back door". Read more

Government must intervene and ensure rights of La Senza workers

Speaking in the Dáil this week in support of the La Senza workers, Dublin South West TD Seán Crowe said: Read more

Adams condemns job losses and closure of Dundalk brewery

Sinn Féin Louth TD Gerry Adams has expressed his disappointment at the announcement by Diageo that it is to close Dundalk brewery by July 2013 and he has called on the government to intervene directly and urgently with Diageo to make every effort to retain Dundalk brewery and its 55… Read more

Dell Workers lose €9.2 million from European Globalisation Programme funding

Sinn Féin Finance spokesperson, Pearse Doherty TD, can today reveal that €9.2million secured for redundant Dell workers in Limerick has been lost as a result of maladministration by the Department of Education. The new information was received from the Department in a parliamentary question asked by Deputy Doherty. Read more

British prime minister must be pressed to honour commitment to enquiry

Sinn Féin leader, Gerry Adams TD, has welcomed the fact that the Taoiseach discussed the Pat Finucane case with British prime minister, David Cameron in London today. Read more

Tóibín urges government to reverse cut to career guidance posts

Speaking in the Dáil today on a Sinn Féin motion on DEIS schools Peadar Tóibín, TD for Meath West, stated there is no silver bullet that will solve any country’s problems but the most powerful tool for progress as a nation is Education. Read more

Crowe welcomes Quinn’s admission of mistake in relation to DEIS schools

Sinn Fein Education spokesperson Seán Crowe TD welcome today’s announcement from Education Minister Ruairi Quinn that he made a mistake in relation to his cuts to disadvantaged schools and called on the him to “scrap” his so-called review into the effects and loss of teachers of his budget 2012 proposals… Read more

Adams welcomes Finucane Judicial Review

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD has welcomed the decision by a court in Belfast to hold a full judicial review hearing into the British government’s refusal to hold a public inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane in 1989. Read more

Ó Snodaigh calls for local employment clause for Diageo’s Guinness Brewery project

Dublin South Central Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh has welcomed the announcement from Diageo that it is to make a capital investment of €153 million in a brewing centre of excellence at St James’s Gate, Dublin with the creation of 300 jobs during the construction phase. Read more

Adams congratulates La Senza workers

Sinn Féin leader, Gerry Adams TD, has congratulated the women workers at the La Senza lingerie group for achieving payment of the wages and overtime owed to them after a sit in at the Liffey Valley store in Dublin. Read more

Big push to save Loughlinstown A&E Department

Wicklow Sinn Féin Councillors John Brady and John Snell are today taking part in ‘The Big Push’ to save the Accident and Emergency Department at St Columcille’s Hospital Loughlinstown. Read more

Fine Gael and Labour allowed bin privatisation to go ahead- Cllr Micheal Mac Donncha

The privatisation of Dublin City Council's domestic waste collection service which begins from Monday 16 January is happening because "Fine Gael and Labour at council and at government level have allowed it to go ahead", according to Sinn Fein’s Cllr Micheal Mac Donncha. Read more

Health Service Plan spells misery for 2012 – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has said the HSE National Service Plan spells misery for health service users and staff in 2012. He accused Health Minister James Reilly of making an elaborate show of tinkering with a plan that is based on the savage Budget 2012 cuts… Read more

Ramsey concerned over 50% rise in calls to Childline

Sinn Féin MLA Sue Ramsey said she is very concerned that, 48, 751 children and young people in North contacted Childline over the Christmas and New Year holidays. Read more

Libraries Commitment Welcomed

Sinn Féin MLA Oliver McMullan has welcomed the commitment of Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure Minister Carál Ní Chuilín to maintaining library services across the North. Read more

Anderson welcomes protection for sub-contractors

Sinn Féin Junior Minister, Martina Anderson MLA (Foyle) has welcomed the announced changes to Contract Management Procedures in the Procurement process by Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson today. Read more

Homeless should suffer no more because of Helm failings - Gerry Kelly

Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly has asked how many homeless families could have been housed with the public money wasted by the significant and substantial failings at the Helm Housing Association. Read more

Change of direction needed if jobs are to be created and second bailout avoided

Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams has said that the party’s message to the Troika today is that, “a change of direction is urgently needed if jobs are to be created and a second bailout avoided.” Read more

Government should intervene immediately to save jobs at Spicers Bakery, Navan

Meath TD and Sinn Féin spokesperson for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Peadar Tóibín today met with workers from Spicers Bakery and called on the Department to act to support of these jobs. Read more

Troika not opposed to use of NPRF for job creation

Speaking after a Sinn Féin meeting with representatives of the European Commission, European Central Bank and IMF today, Sinn Féin’s finance spokesperson, Pearse Doherty TD said: “The Troika told us they have no objection in principle to using the National Pension Reserve Fund for job creation. We were left with… Read more

Ferris calls on government to honour commitment to Coillte

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Natural Resources Martin Ferris has called on the government to honour its election pledge not to sell off assets under the responsibility of the state forestry agency Coillte. He was responding to a report which claims that the IMF/EU ‘troika’ is pressing for an extended… Read more

Government decision to sell off state assets off the wall

Following a meeting with the Troika Sinn Féin Public Expenditure and Reform Spokesperson Mary Lou McDonald TD has described the Government’s decision to sell off State assets as off the wall. Read more

Education Minister's additional payments of £150 for pre-school places welcomed

Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Daithí McKay has welcomed the announcement from the Education Minister on the outcome of the Review of the Pre-School Admissions Arrangements. The Education Minister has also announced that additional payments of £150 for each pre school place in the private and voluntary sector will be made… Read more

O’Neill opens Cereals Conference

The first major event to celebrate Greenmount Campuses Centenary year took place today. The ‘Conference for Cereal Growers’ was opened by Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill and was attended by over 200 people from across the sector. Read more

Glen Road device endangers local community - Maskey

Sinn Féin MP for West Belfast, Paul Maskey, has slammed those who left a pipebomb close to local shops and St Theresa’s school on the Glen Road. This has resulted in the school being closed for the day causing major disruption to the pupils and their families. Read more

Changes to pre-school admissions arrangements unveiled - O'Dowd

Changes to how the admissions arrangements for pre-school places will operate in future have been announced today by Education Minister John O’Dowd. Read more

Líofa Momentum builds with roadshows in Belfast and Cookstown

The Culture Minister has brought the Líofa roadshow to Belfast and Cookstown in a bid to increase the numbers of people learning and speaking Irish. Read more

O’Dowd receives findings of viability audit of schools

Education Minister, John O’Dowd, has taken receipt of the viability audit reports prepared by Education and Library Boards working in close conjunction with CCMS. Read more

Social Protection Committee to discuss single working age payment tomorrow – Ó Snodaigh

The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Social Protection and Education will meet tomorrow at 9:30am to hear from department officials on developments relating to a single working age payment. This marks the commencement of the committee’s work on this issue. Read more

Adams meets Dundalk Diageo workers

Sinn Féin TD for Louth Gerry Adams today met with a delegation of workers from the Diageo plant in Dundalk. Read more

Tá an rialtas ag folú taobh thiar den Troika – Tóibín

Ag labhairt maidir leis an cruinniu a bhí ag Sinn Féin inné leis an Troika, Dúirt an Teachta Peadar Tóibín: Read more

Tóibín comments on JLCs legislation

Speaking this evening on the Industrial Relations (Amendment) (No.3 Bill) relating to the JLC scheme, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Peadar Tóibín TD said: Read more

Illegal settlements must end immediately – Mac Lochlainn

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Pádraig Mac Lochlainn will today challenge Israeli Knesset Speaker, Reuven Rivlin when he meets with the Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade on the on-going Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories which are illegal under international law. Read more

O’Brien calls on Minister for Justice to address Limerick Prison issues

Speaking following the publication of the Inspector of Prisons’ Report on an Inspection of Limerick Prison, Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Deputy Jonathan O’Brien called on the Minister for Justice to address the serious issues at the prison as a matter of urgency. Read more

Ferris welcomes Minister’s acceptance of fuel poverty proposals

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Energy Martin Ferris TD has welcomed the acceptance by Minister Pat Rabbitte of the spirit of opposition amendments to the Energy Provisions Bill on fuel poverty. Read more

Government must reverse cuts to guidance counselling posts – Crowe

Sinn Féin’s education spokesperson Seán Crowe TD has urged the government to reverse the cuts to career guidance counselling posts that were brought about as a result of December’s budget. Read more

Ó Snodaigh appointed Rapporteur for Oireachtas report on social welfare reform

Sinn Féin Social Protection Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has been tasked by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Social Protection and Education to compile a report on the consequences of amalgamating all social welfare payments into a single working age payment. Read more

Sinn Féin to launch document outlining party’s approach to new Eurozone Treaty

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams will tomorrow set out the party's position on the emerging Eurozone Treaty which is expected to be agreed by EU leaders at a summit on 30th January. Read more

20,000 children take part in disability sports scheme

More than 20,000 children have completed the ‘5 Star Disability Sports Challenge’, Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín announced today. Read more

"Reduced Unemployment figures misleading" - Flanagan

Sinn Féin Enterprise Spokesperson Phil Flanagan MLA (Fermanagh/South Tyrone) responding to the latest unemployment figures commented: Read more

Al Hutchinson must leave and leave now, once and for all - Kelly

Sinn Féin MLA and policing spokesperson Gerry Kelly has called on Al Hutchinson to stop dragging the office of the Ombudsman into further disrepute and make a clean break, once and for all, from this important office. Read more

McCann welcomes £25k cannabis seizure

Sinn Féin MLA for West Belfast has welcomed the seizure of up to £25,000 of cannabis in the Areema area in what appears to be a cannabis factory. Read more

O’Neill urges landowners to plant trees

Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill today called on landowners to help increase woodland cover across the north of Ireland by planting more trees. Read more

Adams calls for “urgent and thorough” review of ambulance cover in Louth

Sinn Féin Louth and East Meath TD Gerry Adams this morning raised in the Dáil the death of 75 year old Maureen Kane in a road accident in Drogheda on Monday evening. He also spoke about the length of time it took for an ambulance to reach her. Read more

Ferris questions awarding of Bord Gáis safety contract

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Energy Martin Ferris TD has questioned the awarding of a €400 million contract to a British company. He also drew attention to the fact that the chairperson of the sub-committee which awarded the contract acts for the company in question, and the fact that there… Read more

Government must live up to commitments on undergrounding Meath-Tyrone interconnector

Sinn Féin’s Meath West TD Peadar Tóibín has reiterated his call for the government to underground the Meath/Tyrone 400KV Interconnector. Read more

Serious concern at Pseudonomas outbreak at Royal - Gildernew

Sinn Féin MLA, Michelle Gildernew, who is also the chair of the Health Committee has expressed serious concerns over the outbreak of Pseudomonas at the Royal Jubilee Maternity Neonatal Unit which is being linked to the tragic deaths of two babies. Read more

Eurozone treaty is an austerity treaty: Sinn Féin

Speaking at a Sinn Féin press conference in Dublin this morning, the party president, Gerry Adams TD, said that the new Eurozone treaty will surrender control of Irish fiscal and budgetary matters to EU officials and will impose “destructive” austerity on the people. Read more

Anderson welcomes Fleadh resolution

Sinn Féin Junior Minister, Martina Anderson MLA (Foyle) has welcomed the resolution passed at a meeting of Comhaltas Ceoltoírí Éireann in Derry tonight which clears the final hurdle allowing the Derry bid for hosting the all-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil to to proceed unhindered through the Comhaltas procedures. Read more

Invest NI should give money to Ballycastle hotel proposals – not hand it back!‏

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has said that Invest NI and the Enterprise Minister must ensure that money is available for hotel provision in Ballycastle if any projects are forthcoming in the period ahead. Mr McKay was speaking after questioning the Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster at Question Time… Read more

‘Rural Development in Action’ launched

Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle O’Neill today launched a new guide which highlights the range of activities which are taking place across the north with help from the NI Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 (NIRDP). Read more

O’Brien welcomes proposal to reduce number of armed Gardaí

The Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Jonathan O’Brien has welcomed the proposal from the Minister for Justice to reduce the number of armed Gardaí. Read more

Four out of ten Council Housing Loans in serious arrears

Sinn Féin's spokesperson on Environment, Community & Local Government Brian Stanley TD today challenged the government to provide assistance for 9,000 families in arrears with their local authority mortgages. Read more

Much to be gained from North South cooperation – Colreavy

Speaking after a meeting with the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development in the Assembly Michelle O’Neill, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Agriculture, Fisheries and the Marine Deputy Michael Colreavy said there is a lot to be gained from increased North South cooperation. Read more

Colreavy asks EU Agriculture Commissioner to protect small farmers

Sinn Féin spokesperson for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Michael Colrevay has welcomed the visit to the Agriculture committee by EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dacian Ciolos. Read more

Potential of co-operatives must be promoted – Reilly

Speaking today in a Seanad debate on job creation, Sinn Féin Senator Kathryn Reilly spoke positively on the role of co-operatives and called on the government to do more to promote them. Read more

Government and Troika share ideology on low paid workers: Toibín

Peadar Tóibín, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation responding to the government’s press conference and plans to attack low paid workers further, said: Read more

Sale of state assets defies logic: McDonald

Responding to the Troika’s review of the EU/IMF Programme for Ireland Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald TD described the government’s drive to sell off the last of the state's wealth as defying logic. Read more

Serious concern at Pseudonomas outbreak at Royal - Gildernew

Sinn Féin MLA, Michelle Gildernew, who is also the chair of the Health Committee has expressed serious concerns over the outbreak of Pseudomonas at the Royal Jubilee Maternity Neonatal Unit which is being linked to the tragic deaths of two babies. Read more

Chief Constable must urgently address practice of hiring former RUC within PSNI - Kelly

Sinn Féin MLA and policing spokesperson, Gerry Kelly, has stated that the BBC interview with a former RUC member, where he outlined how he was recruited with a lack of transparency and could not be held accountable under the mechanism in place for the PSNI vindicated clearly the position of… Read more

Antrim Accident and Emergency at Crisis Point

Sinn Féin MLA Oliver McMullan has called on Health Minister Edwin Poots to outline what measures are being put in place to alleviate the problems at the Accident and Emergency Unit at Antrim Area Hospital. Read more

O’Neill announces further support for regional food

Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle O’Neill has announced continuing support for local agri-food groups by awarding them almost £120,000 for the promotion of quality local food. Read more

Chief Constable must urgently address practice of hiring former RUC within PSNI - Kelly

Sinn Féin MLA and policing spokesperson, Gerry Kelly, has stated that the BBC interview with a former RUC member, where he outlined how he was recruited with a lack of transparency and could not be held accountable under the mechanism in place for the PSNI vindicated clearly the position of… Read more

Ní Chuilín Launches Bursary Scheme

Sports and Culture Minister, Carál Ní Chuilín today launched the 2012 NI Volunteers Bursary Scheme for local people volunteering at the 2012 Games in London. Read more

Gilmore admits government trying to negotiate way-out of referendum: Reilly

Sinn Fein EU spokesperson Senator Kathryn Reilly has today said that Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore has effectively admitted that the government is negotiating a way-out of a referendum by asking for the word “preferably” to be added to the draft fiscal treaty. Read more

Crowe challenges Education Minister on threat to small schools

Sinn Féin’s Education Spokesperson Seán Crowe has said there is growing alarm that the government is determined to introduce measures that would force the closure of small rural schools. Read more

Minister Noonan should apologise for disgraceful emigration comments

Sinn Féin TD Padraig MacLochlainn has reacted angrily to the comments of Finance Minister Michael Noonan on the issue of emigration. Read more

Government attempting to avoid referendum on austerity treaty – Adams

Speaking from Tullamore in County Offaly today Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said it is clear that the government is trying to negotiate its way out of a referendum on the Eurozone treaty which was forwarded to the government overnight. Read more

Minister vague over cuts to DEIS schools

Sinn Féin’s Education Spokesperson, Deputy Seán Crowe, has expressed serious concerns that the review announced last week into the government’s decision to target teaching posts to DEIS schools will ultimately be a number crunching exercise that will fail to reverse many of the feared cuts. Read more

Figures for staff leaving mean “major blow to Health Services”

Sinn Féin Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has said the numbers of personnel now revealed to be leaving the HSE will mean a major blow to the health services. Read more

Fourth draft of austerity treaty even more draconian

Speaking following the leaking of the fourth draft of the Eurozone Austerity Treaty Sinn Féin European Affairs spokesperson Senator Kathryn Reilly described the latest draft as ‘even more draconian’ than its predecessor. Read more

“Fine Gael & Labour have privatisation agenda” – Cllr. Mícheál Mac Donncha

Speaking in advance of Monday’s special meeting of Dublin City Council to address the widespread disruption and confusion that has followed the privatisation of Dublin City Council's domestic waste collection service, Sinn Féin Councillor Mícheál Mac Donncha, who is Chairperson of the Council's Finance Committee, criticised the handling of the… Read more

Adams extends condolences on death of Paddy Martin

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has extended his condolences to Fianna Fáil leader Mícheál Martin on the death of his father Paddy Martin. Read more

Doherty welcomes ‘Anglo-Not Our Debt’ campaign

Speaking today Sinn Féin Finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty TD has welcomed the setting up of a new civil society campaign calling for the government to stop paying the Anglo Irish Promissory Note. Read more

Ó Caolain condemns government’s failure on children’s issues

Speaking following the publication of the Children’s Rights Alliance Report Card on the government’s performance in child related areas, Sinn Féin Children’s Spokesperson Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caolain condemned the failure to address child poverty and the impact that Budget 2012 is having on children and young people. Read more

Government has no mandate to ratify austerity treaty without referendum

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has said the government has no mandate to ratify the new Eurozone austerity treaty without consulting the people in a referendum. Read more

Alex Maskey welcomes Ravenhill announcement

South Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey has welcomed the decision to give the go-ahead to three new stands at Ravenhill. Read more

'Fit-for work' test not fit for purpose - Brady

The British government should suspend the assessment process until such time as the Work Capability Assessment can be shown to be fit for purpose, says Sinn Féin MLA Mickey Brady. Read more

Minister needs to explain rent increase - Fra McCann

Sinn Féin Housing Spokesperson, Fra McCann MLA said he is concerned at DSD Minister Nelson McCausland's decision to increase Housing Executive rents by 1% above the rate of inflation. Read more

Government must abandon property tax plan and reverse household charge in view of property price collapse – Doherty

Sinn Féin TD and finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty said today that the Government must abandon its property tax plan and reverse the household charge in view of the collapse in property prices. Read more

Ó hOisín welcomes European recommendation for Irish Language Act

Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Ó hOisín has welcomed recommendations from Europe on the protection of the Irish language and the need to implement an Irish Language Act. Read more

Cuts will devastate Waterford Hospital – Cullinane

Sinn Féin Waterford Senator David Cullinane has hit out at the cuts contained in a leaked report from the HSE which makes proposals, among others, to close three of the eight operating theatres at Waterford Regional Hospital. Read more

Sinn Féin to oppose water charges every step of the way

Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on Environment, Community & Local Government, Brian Stanley TD, has today directly accused Minister of State with Responsibility for NewERA, Fergus O'Dowd TD of attempting to impose water charges and planning to then sell off Irish Water. However Deputy said the Minister’s attempt will be met with… Read more

Whistleblower case raises questions on mental healthcare – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin health spokesperson, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD raised the Louise Bayliss “whistleblower” case in the Dáil today. He said it raised serious questions: “I welcome the reinstatement of Louise Bayliss by the Irish Advocacy Network. It is a good outcome. However, it does not remove the necessity for us… Read more

Adams accuses government of cowardice on referendum

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD has accused the government of a ‘cowardly and unacceptable’ refusal to commit to holding a referendum on the Austerity Treaty that is scheduled to be discussed at this weekend’s European Council meeting. Read more

Government must heed IMF warnings on austerity

Speaking today in response to comments from the IMF on the state of the global and European economies Sinn Féin Finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty TD has called on the Government “to heed the warnings of the IMF on austerity and start investing in growth”. Read more

Doherty says Anglo bondholder must not to be paid

Speaking during a Dáil debate on the payment of €1.25billion of taxpayers money to an unsecured unguaranteed Anglo Irish Bank bondholder, due to be paid tomorrow, Sinn Féin Finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty said that “this payment should not be made” and called on the government to “invest in jobs and… Read more

Sinn Féin presents Taoiseach with their proposals for addressing the Euro crisis

Speaking after presenting the Taoiseach with his party’s proposals for how it believes the Euro crisis should be tackled and growth restored to the European economies, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Pádraig Mac Lochlainn has stated that the evidence from the “Austerity Treaty” as it is emerging is that… Read more

Ferris calls for full debate and vote on internet legislation

The Sinn Féin spokesperson on communications, Martin Ferris TD, has called on the Government to have a full debate in the Dáil on measures governing access to the internet. Read more

Sinn Féin raise concerns over prison issues with Justice Minister

A Sinn Féin delegation of MLAs Raymond McCartney, Sean Lynch and Jennifer McCann met with Justice Minister David Ford today to discuss the on-going prison related issues. Read more

Benefit Consultation or PR exercise? - Brady

Sinn Féin MLA for Newry and Armagh, Mickey Brady, has serious concerns about a survey being currently carried out by the Social Development Department. 1,000 households are being asked their views on the introduction of Universal Credit, the cornerstone of the British government’s Welfare Reform agenda. Read more

SF comment on Ulster Council Fleadh decision reversal

Commenting on the decision of the Ulster Council Officer Board of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann to reverse its decision not to back the bid for the all-Ireland Fleadh to be hosted by Derry city, Sinn Féin MLA for Foyle Martina Anderson said: Read more

Minister responds to SFP Review of Decisions report

Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill today announced her Department’s response to the independent report on Single Farm Payment (SFP) Review of Decisions. Read more

O’Neill announces plans for maps to support 2012 SAF

Agriculture and Rural Development Minister, Michelle O’Neill announced today that farmers will be provided with maps to assist them in completing their 2012 Single Application Form (SAF). Read more

Adams calls on Taoiseach to name Anglo bondholders

During Leaders’ Questions in the Dáil today, Sinn Féin leader, Gerry Adams asked Taoiseach Enda Kenny to name the bondholders who will receive payment of €1.25 billion today. When the Taoiseach said he could not name them, Deputy Adams said that his party would approach the Comptroller and Auditor General… Read more

O’Brien welcomes moves towards Personal Insolvency Bill

Welcoming the announcement that Minister for Justice, Alan Shatter TD, has approved publication of the heads of the Personal Insolvency Bill, Sinn Féin justice spokesperson, Deputy Jonathan O’Brien said that it was important to bring forward this legislation to help those who are in severe financial difficulties. Read more

Howlin must tackle excessive pay and pensions for public sector top dogs – McDonald

The Sinn Féin Public Expenditure and Reform Spokesperson Mary Lou McDonald TD has called on Minister Howlin to once and for all tackle excessive pay and pensions for top dogs across the public sector. Read more

Adams challenges government guillotine move on septic tanks debate

Sinn Féin President and Louth TD Gerry Adams today challenged the decision by the government to impose a guillotine on the debate on the Water Services Bill in the Dáil. Read more

Cullinane highlights need to keep water services in public ownership

The provision of water is too important to be surrendered by the state to the private sector, according to Sinn Féin Senator David Cullinane. Read more

Government fails to draw down EU Microfinance Facility

The government has failed to draw down a facility from the EU for millions of euros of finance for small businesses according to Sinn Féin’s Peadar Tóibín. Read more

Ó Snodaigh to meet with SPARK campaign group on Single Working Age Payment

Sinn Féin Social Welfare Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD will meet with the SPARK (Single Parents Acting for the Rights of our Kids) campaign group tomorrow in Leinster House. Read more

Troika did not force government’s hand on Anglo bond payout

Speaking in the Dáil this evening on the handover of €1.25billion for an unguaranteed Anglo bond, Sinn Féin TD Peadar Tóibín tackled each of the government’s arguments for paying the sum of money. Read more

Back to the drawing board for the septic tank bill

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Environment, Community & Local Government, Brian Stanley TD, speaking during today's Dáil debate demanded that the government, “go back to the drawing board on the septic tanks bill.” Read more

Eirgrid interconnector could be underground: Reilly

Speaking today in a Seanad debate on the Review by the International Expert Commission on the North-South Interconnector, Sinn Féin Senator Kathryn Reilly said: “At often huge personal cost, financial and otherwise, community representatives have challenged and matched the unlimited resources of the state's apparatus in their journey to get… Read more

O’Neill meets with Chief Constable

Agriculture and Rural Development Minister, Michelle O’Neill, today met with the Chief Constable to discuss the action being taken to address the issue of ongoing attacks on Loughs Agency staff. Read more

Four of the worlds best Paralympic teams to train in Antrim.

The Sports Minister and Disability Sports NI today announced that four Paralympic teams will be training and competing in an International Wheelchair Basketball Challenge in Antrim Read more

O’ Neill encouraged by rise in farm incomes

Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill warmly welcomed the increase in agricultural income for 2011, indicated by DARD figures published today. Read more

Education Minister fails to provide clarity in DEIS school review

Sinn Féin’s education spokesperson, Deputy Seán Crowe believes clarity is needed from the government over whether it is serious about reversing the threat of budget cuts to teaching posts in DEIS and other schools. The Dublin South West TD was commenting after challenging education minister, Ruairí Quinn TD on the… Read more

Minister misleading public on CE Schemes

Sinn Féin Social Protection spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodiagh TD has accused Minister Burton of misleading the public on cuts to CE Schemes. Speaking in the Dáil today Deputy Ó Snodaigh said the minister’s announcement of a review of the cut before Christmas was made simply to get her own party… Read more

O’Dowd opens new playpark at Holy Rosary Primary School

Education Minister, John O’Dowd, has visited Holy Rosary Primary School where he officially opened a new outside play area. Read more

Tasers continued use will lead to someone being killed - Pat Sheehan

Commenting on the report issued today by the Police Ombudsman into the use of Tasers by the PSNI, Sinn Féin MLA and Policing Board member Pat Sheehan said that Tasers are a lethal weapon and continued use by the PSNI will inevitably lead to someone being killed. Read more

Ferris thrown out of Dáil for defending rural communities

Sinn Féin’s Martin Ferris TD was thrown out of the Dáil this morning during Leaders’ Questions for demanding the Tánaiste Eamonn Gilmore answer questions on whether grants will be made available for remedial works to septic tanks. Read more

McCartney calls again for prisoners release

Sinn Féin MLA Raymond McCartney has again called for the release of Marian Price and Martin Corry from Maghaberry prison. Read more

Ó Snodaigh meets SPARK campaign group in preparation for report on Single Working Age Payment

Sinn Féin Social Protection Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh has today met with the campaign group SPARK (Single Parents Acting for the Rights of our Kids). Read more

HE need to explain rationale behind city centre waiting list - Fra McCann

Sinn Féin MLA Fra McCann has said the Housing Executive needs to explain the rationale behind their intention to establish a Belfast City Centre housing waiting list. Read more

Taoiseach shows an appalling lack of economic knowledge

Responding to reports that Taoiseach Enda Kenny has attributed the economic crash in Ireland to people going mad borrowing, Sinn Fein spokesperson Padraig Mac Lochlainn said such a fundamental misunderstanding on behalf of an Irish Taoiseach showed an appalling lack of economic knowledge. Read more

Rural Ireland forced to pick up the tab for government incompetence – Stanley

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Environment, Community & Local Government Brian Stanley TD has said that the government has forced rural householders to foot the bill for their incompetence. Read more

Public services in jeopardy as thousands of workers set to retire

Speaking at today’s Public Accounts Committee Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald TD expressed grave concerns about the government’s failure to provide a coherent strategy to ensure critical services such as health are not decimated when up 9,000 workers retire from the public sector over the coming weeks. Read more

Dublin City Council must answer questions on personal information provided to Greyhound waste services – McDonald

Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Central Mary Lou McDonald TD has called on Dublin City Council to clarify exactly what customer details it has provided to Greyhound following the Office of the Data Protection Commission announcement that it is investigating the Council. Read more

Septic tank charges issue for Dublin householders ignored – Deputy Seán Crowe

Dublin South West Sinn Féin TD Seán Crowe, speaking this week during a debate in the Dáil on the Water Services Bill said that a large number of people living in the Dublin area are worried about septic tank charges. Read more

Legislation must precede internet order – Ferris

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Communications, Martin Ferris TD, has described as “inadequate” Minister Seán Sherlock’s statement that he will consider primary legislation to address issues of internet access and copyright, but that he still intends to sign a ministerial order governing this area. Read more

Sinn Féin Deputy Leader calls on HSE chief to launch review of medical cards

Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Central Mary Lou McDonald has this morning called on HSE Chief Cathal Magee to launch an immediate investigation into the processing of medical and GP cards after TDs raised serious concerns about the service at yesterday’s Public Accounts Committee meeting. Read more

Moladh go mbeidh Lá Gaeilge san Dáil

Tá Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD, príomh aoire Shinn Féin tar éis scríobh chuig aoire an rialtas Paul Kehoe ag lorg go mbeidh lá curtha ar leathaobh le linn Seachtain na Gaeilge san oireachtas ina mbeidh iomlán nó tromlach gnó na Dála agus an Seanad agus coistí an Oireachtas as Gaeilge. Read more

O’Brien calls for examination of high levels of prison contraband seized

Sinn Féin justice spokesperson, Jonathan O’Brien TD today called on the Minister for Justice Alan Shatter TD to examine the high levels of contraband including weaponry, seized in prisons throughout the state and ensure that prisons are safe places for prisoners. Read more

Martina Anderson welcomes Fleadh decision for Derry

Derry Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson said she is delighted with the news that the 2013 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann will be coming to Derry. Read more

Crowe attends Irish Primary Principals Network conference in Dublin

The Sinn Féin education spokesperson Seán Crowe TD this week attended the Irish Primary Principals Network (IPPN) conference in Dublin. Read more

Don't close public nursing homes – Ó Caoláin

Speaking at a rally this afternoon (Saturday) in support of St. Joseph’s Nursing Home in Ardee Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Health, called on Health Minister James Reilly not to proceed with the threatened closure of public nursing homes across the State. He said that "unbelievably" the… Read more

McLellan welcomes Derry Fleadh decision

The Sinn Féin spokesperson on arts, heritage, tourism and sport Sandra McLellan TD, has welcomed the decision today by the executive of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann to hold next year’s Fleadh in Derry. Read more

Sinn Féin will actively consider legal challenge if Government refuses referendum – Mac Lochlainn

Speaking following a Sunday Business Post-RedC poll indicating that 72% of people want a referendum on the Eurozone austerity treaty, Sinn Féin spokesperson on foreign affairs Padraig Mac Lochlainn TD said “Sinn Féin will actively consider a legal challenge if the Government refuses to hold a referendum on the treaty.” Read more

Sinn Féin repeats call for prisoners release

Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Raymond McCartney has repeated his call for the release of Marian Price and Martin Corry who are being held in prison after the British Secretary of State revoked their licences. Read more

Michelle O'Neill raises concerns over policing in constituency with Chief Constable

Mid-Ulster Sinn Féin MLA Michelle O’Neill has said that the PSNI need to take immediate, meaningful corrective action to repair damage to public confidence in aspects of policing. Read more

McKay welcomes news that bag levy to be introduced next year‏

Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has welcomed the announcement that a 5 pence levy on carrier bags is to introduced next year with it rising to 10 pence in 2014. Read more

O’Brien calls on government to address root causes of crime

Speaking in advance of an Irish Penal Reform Trust and Community Platform conference later this week on social exclusion and crime, Sinn Féin’s Justice and Equality Spokesperson, Deputy Jonathan O’Brien TD called on the government to address the socio-economic causal factors of crime if they wanted to have a real… Read more

Words and promises but no money for jobs: Toibín

Speaking after the EU summit ended this evening, Peadar Tóibín TD, Sinn Féin spokesperson for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation said: “The 23 million unemployed people across Europe will be bitterly disappointed that despite the seven page EU Jobs press statement released today (Monday), the EU has not put its money… Read more

Referendum is a democratic imperative — MacLochlainn

Sinn Féin foreign affairs spokesperson, Padraig Mac Lochlainn TD, says that the EU Treaty draft issued in Brussels last night (Monday) failed to offer any solutions to the Eurozone crisis. He said a referendum in Ireland was now a democratic imperative regardless of whatever advice the government receives from the… Read more

Irish citizens must have their say on austerity Treaty – Adams

Commenting on the final text of the Eurozone austerity treaty agreed by 25 of 27 EU heads of government in Brussels, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said it would not solve the Eurozone crisis. He said Irish citizens must have their say on the Treaty and that if the Government… Read more

Government’s approach to public services contradictory – McDonald

Sinn Féin Public Expenditure and Reform Spokesperson Mary Lou McDonald TD has criticised the government for its failure to prepare for next month’s exodus from the public sector. Read more

Tabhair vóta do mhuintir na hÉireann agus diúltaigh don chonradh - Tóibín

Ag labhairt dó ar fhoilsiú an Conradh Fioscach dúirt Peadar Tóibín TD, urlabhraí Shinn Féin ar Poist, Fiontar agus Nuálaíochta: “Is conradh déine é an conradh seo. Beidh orainn mar thír beart gátair a cuir i bhfeidhm ní amháin le linn an rialtais seo ach go fad téarmach sa todhchaí. Read more

Ferris calls on minister to abandon internet order

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Communications, Martin Ferris TD has this evening called on Minister Seán Sherlock to withdraw a draft Statutory Instrument which would give large corporations extensive rights to secure injunctions against internet sites on the grounds of copyright breach. Read more

Stanley calls for upgrading of water system instead of meter installation

Sinn Féin spokesperson on environment, community & local government, Brian Stanley TD, called on the government today, “to redirect the €500m earmarked for water meters into upgrading our water system.” Deputy Stanley raised the issue in the Dáil and the Taoiseach responded that the introduction of water rates were now… Read more

Importance of small rural schools must be recognised: Crowe

Speaking in the Dáil this evening on a private members’ motion on small rural schools Sinn Féin Education spokesperson Seán Crowe TD urged the government to look at alternatives to amalgamating and closing schools. Read more

January 2012 Archives (An scéal is deireanaí)

January 5, 2012

January 6, 2012

January 7, 2012

January 8, 2012

January 9, 2012

January 10, 2012

January 11, 2012

January 12, 2012

January 13, 2012

January 14, 2012

January 15, 2012

January 16, 2012

January 17, 2012

January 18, 2012

January 19, 2012

January 20, 2012

January 21, 2012

January 22, 2012

January 23, 2012

January 24, 2012

January 25, 2012