Sinn Féin spokesperson for Agriculture, Claire Kerrane TD, has welcomed an announcement from the Minister for Agriculture to extend the deadline for scorecards under ACRES.
Speaking this evening, Teachta Kerrane said:
“I have repeatedly been asking the Minister since early last month to extend the deadline for the submission of scorecards under ACRES.
“It’s been very clear that Advisors have been under huge pressure in meeting the demand especially given ACRES was so heavily oversubscribed, which is a good thing. However, this was about fairness for Advisors while also ensuring they were given adequate time to ensure scorecards could be submitted on time to ensure Farmers were paid.
“I had been clear with Minister McConalogue that an extension of time until the end of September, as I had proposed, was a small tweak to the Scheme that would help to ensure it is a success for those in it.
“It is a pity that the Minister did not make this announcement sooner and reduce the stress many Advisors have been under. They had, in my opinion been given an impossible task with a deadline of the end of next month.
“There have also been issues with the delay to the launch of the app and we know that some Advisors are having issues uploading to the app with poor coverage in parts. This extra time was badly needed.
“I hope that this extension will give some peace of mind to Advisors and reassurance to Farmers who’ve put their faith in this Scheme and that the Department and Minister will be quicker in future in making decisions that are sought in good faith from Farmers.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing, Eoin Ó Broin TD, responding to the latest Department of Housing homeless figures, which show the number of adults and children in emergency accommodation has reached another historic high, has said that ‘it is time for this government, their housing Minister and his housing plan to go’.
The Department of Housing homeless report for June showed an increase in all categories of people accessing emergency accommodation funded by that Department.
Teachta Ó Broin said:
“Another month and another deeply depressing Department of Housing Homelessness report.
“In June, there were 12,600 people, including 3,837 children, in Department of Housing-funded emergency accommodation.
“June saw increases in family and single person homelessness, and in both child and pensioner homelessness.
“Of course, these figures do not show the full extent of the homeless crisis. But they are a damning indictment of this government’s failure to tackle the housing crisis.
“Twelve years of Fine Gael in government, seven years of Fianna Fáil propping them up. Three years with Darragh O’Brien at the helm, and things have never been worse.
“This government has run out of road on housing. It is time for the government, their housing minister and his housing plan to go.
“We need a change of government, minister, and housing plan if we are to start undoing the damage caused by decades of bad Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael housing policy.”
Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Fingal, Louise O’Reilly, has said that while the announcement by Minister McEntee of €10m extra funding for Garda overtime in Dublin is welcome, it represents a sticking-plaster approach that will not address the substantive issues of policing recruitment, retention and morale.
Deputy O’Reilly added that after 12 years of Fine Gael being in charge of the Department of Justice, it should not have taken the embarrassment, shock and public outcry following the recent horrific attack on a tourist to cause Minister McEntee to take action.
Teachta O’Reilly said:
“Any measures that increase the visible presence of Gardaí on the streets of our capital are to be welcomed.
“But extra funding for overtime will only go so far - there are stations in the city so understaffed that they struggle to fill existing overtime hours.
“It is a sticking-plaster solution that will provide relief in some areas, but will not address the substantive issues of policing recruitment, retention and morale.
“This Minister’s move comes on the back of sustained press coverage and public outcry following the recent horrific attack on a tourist in Dublin city centre.
“After 12 years of Fine Gael being in charge of the Department of Justice, it should not have taken that embarrassment to cause Minister McEntee to grant additional resources to An Garda Síochána.
“It has been there for all to see that parts of our city have rapidly become dangerous, derelict and run down.
“Dubliners, those who call this city home, and Gardaí, all deserve to be safe on our streets and in our homes but are being failed by Fine Gael.
“Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice, Pa Daly TD, this week launched proposals to tackle crime in Dublin.
“We are calling on the Minister to increase intake capacity for Garda training in Templemore with the introduction of a new hybrid training model that would increase the numbers who can complete training and attest as sworn members, ending the scandal of under-recruitment.
“She must substantively engage with Gardaí and their representatives to identify and remedy the cause of increased resignations from An Garda Síochána.
“We need a meaningful and ambitious Garda recruitment campaign, and updated recruitment criteria to make the police more reflective of modern Irish society, including groups that are currently under-represented.
“We must also establish public transport policing on specific DART, LUAS, Irish Rail, and Dublin Bus services to ensure that passengers are protected and can feel safe.
“A sticking-plaster approach to policing our capital city will not cut it - we need real reform to keep our communities safe.”
Sinn Féin's 'Keeping Communities Safe' document can be read here.
Sinn Féin MLA Linda Dillon has said cuts to specialist GP services will put more pressure on the health service.
The party’s health spokesperson said:
“The GP Elective Care Service was helping to tackle some of the waiting lists in our health service by providing procedures in dermatology, gynaecology and minor surgery.
"This cut in funding will put even more pressure on the health service and increase waiting lists at a time when it is already in crisis.
“I have written to the Department of Health to raise my concern over the impact this will have on patients.
“This is yet another symptom of the damage that one party’s blockade of the Assembly is doing to deepen the crisis in our health service.
"Fixing the problems in our health service must be the collective priority. No more delays. Sinn Féin is ready to work together with others today to restore the Executive.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson for Public Expenditure and Reform has called on the government to urgently introduce a targeted mortgage relief scheme to protect families and workers from spiralling mortgage costs.
Speaking following the ECB announced the nineth interest rate increase to 4.25%, Teachta Conway Walsh said:
“Workers and families are struggling to meet increasing mortgage costs. So far, the government has refused to support Sinn Féin’s proposal to introduce a temporary and targeted mortgage relief scheme.
“Interest rate increases means that thousands of homeowners on tracker and variable rate mortgages are paying hundreds more in their monthly mortgage repayments. I am concerned that many will fall into arrears as they will be unable to make their repayments.
“85,000 mortgages are now held by Vulture Funds. Interest rates rises of up to 8.5% are being imposed on these households.
“Workers and families are already struggling with the cost-of-living crisis and many simply cannot afford to carry the full burden of these hikes in their mortgage repayments.
“It is widely accepted now that inflation is at least in-part being driven by corporate profits, yet the only response people see is more and more interest rate increases on their mortgage payments.
“The government’s wait and see approach cannot continue. This is causing real hardship and will have wider implications for the domestic economy as people cut back on other expenditure.
“I am urging the government to work with Sinn Féin to introduce a mortgage relief scheme that will help to take the pressure off until interest rates stabilise.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice, Pa Daly TD, has expressed concern at reports of emergency calls to the Dublin dispatch centre going without a response.
According to The Journal, as many as 500 calls were awaiting a response on one day last week.
Teachta Daly said:
“Dispatch centres are supposed to ensure a rapid response to crime incidents.
“The centres handle calls sourced through Garda stations, as part of a move away from stations responding directly to calls from the public, and because they only ring 999 when they feel they have no other choice.
“Dispatchers are trained in assigning a priority to calls. Calls that need a response at the end of a shift are carried over and it is here that a large volume of calls, over 500, were awaiting a response.
“This has been an issue in other areas, which I have raised before. Senior Gardai have talked of ‘teething problems’ but there is widespread frustration in the public, within the Gardai and with call handlers themselves.
“There is a simple issue here, namely that there are not enough Gardaí or staff to respond.
“Sinn Féin has been clear for a number of years that the government has fallen badly behind in keeping numbers sufficient to meet the needs of the public.
“The gaps in personnel within some districts and units are now obvious, and there is only so much proper procedure can do to cover where there are shortcomings.
“We are in danger of a negative cycle, with conditions becoming more and more demanding and unfair, further impacting on retention.
“The government does not seem to be taking this seriously, and I am holding a series of engagements over the coming weeks to discuss how our proposals can assist in turning the current tide.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing, Eoin Ó Broin TD, has said that the latest Census Housing Report is a damning indictment of seven years of failed Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael housing policy.
Deputy Ó Broin said:
“Today's CSO 2022 Census housing report highlights some very worrying trends. Average rents have increased by 37% since 2016, despite the existence of Rent Pressure Zones. The number of older renters have increased by a dramatic 83% during the same period.
“Meanwhile new home ownership continues to fall while almost 50,000 homes were vacant from 2016 to 2022.
“These figures are a damning incitement of seven years of failed Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael housing policy.
“Despite two housing plans and three housing ministers, an even greater number of people are unable to access secure and affordable accommodation.
“Younger people cannot afford to buy and are left paying rip-off rents or forced to move back home with parents. A growing number of older people are trapped in a rental market that is expensive and insecure.
“All the while, 48,000 homes have been lying vacant for over seven years, despite all the government’s talk of tackling vacancy.
“These figures show what you get when Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil are left in charge of housing.
“Clearly, the only way to tackle the housing crisis is to get these parties out of government and to have a Sinn Féin-led government with a new housing plan and new housing minister.”
Sinn Féin MLA Pádraig Delargy has welcomed funding announced by the Irish Government to support students from the north to study across Europe.
The party’s Further & Higher Education spokesperson said:
“I welcome that the Irish Government has made €2 million per year available to assist students from the north to study and take up intern opportunities across Europe.
“This will unlock exciting opportunities for some of our young people to broaden their horizons and gain vital life experience through studying abroad.
“Eramus funding has played a crucial role in our education system providing from £50 million from 2014-2019 as a result of EU membership, with that now being stripped away as a result of the Tory Brexit, it’s positive that the Irish Government has fulfilled its commitment to help continue access to this scheme.
“This is the latest in a series of welcome initiatives by the Irish Government working with our local universities to invest in education and our young people’s future.
“We need an Executive formed now and parties working together to expand this work and seize the opportunities available to build a better future for the next generation.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing, Eoin Ó Broin TD, has called on government to make seeking sex for rent a criminal offence.
The call was made in advance of tonight’s RTÉ Investigates programme, which highlights the continued practice of male landlords seeking sex from prospective female tenants in exchange for rental accommodation.
Teachta Ó Broin said:
“It is a year since Ann Murphy of the Irish Examiner first highlighted the issue of male landlords seeking sex from protective female tenants.
“The revelations led to many TDs, including myself, to write to both the Minister for Housing and Justice urging them to strengthen the protections for tenants by outlawing such practices.
“It is disappointing that, over a year later, the government has not only not taken any action on this issue, but blocked a Primate Members Bill aimed at tackling this disgusting practice.
“With rents at sky high levels, rental properties hard to get and homelessness rising, many prospective tenants could fall prey to this kind of predatory behaviour.
“Tonight’s RTÉ Investigates programme will once again highlight this appalling behaviour.
“Government must make the seeking of sex in exchange for rent a criminal offence. They must also make it an offence to seek such arrangements on social media or other platforms.
“Renters must be protected from abuse and exploitation. Sex for rent, no matter how prevalent, is abhorrent and must be outlawed.”
Sinn Féin Economy spokesperson Conor Murphy has welcomed the Department for Economy's decision to proceed with all-age apprenticeships in spite of the £130 million worth of cuts being levelled at the Department from the British Treasury.
The Newry and Armagh MLA said:
"I welcome the Department’s decision to deliver all-age apprenticeships in this financial year despite the severe cuts to the Department’s budget.
“These apprenticeships will for the first time provide funding for people over the age of 25 for their apprenticeship training across all industries, it therefore closes a key inequality in funding that existed between older and younger apprentices, the latter having already had this opportuinity.
“Delivering all-age apprenticeships will give more people the opportunity to earn as they learn and will allow them re-skill in growing industries like manufacturing and green technology where jobs are available.
“The delivery of all-age apprenticeships is not only an economic priority but also a New Decade New Approach commitment which was signed up to by the British government who have shamefully curtailed the Department’s ability to deliver this through their cuts.
“I commend Departmental Officials for ensuring that this commitment is delivered in this financial year, having spoken to businesses, workers and students it is clear we need more investment in our skills agenda over the longer term and that is something Sinn Féin is keen to pursue."
Sinn Féin spokesperson for Agriculture, Claire Kerrane TD, has called on Minister McConalogue to engage with representatives from the tillage and contracting sectors, following requests for an extension to the shallow cultivation period due to poor weather conditions.
A submission was made by the Association of Farm & Forestry Contractors in Ireland (FCI) to the Minister earlier today, to request an extension of the period for shallow cultivation or sowing a crop after combine harvesting.
In their submission the FCI referenced difficult weather conditions, including heavy rainfall, which have impacted on harvesting and straw management and stubble cultivation.
Speaking today, Teachta Kerrane said:
“We know that tillage farmers and contractors have faced significant challenges in recent weeks, due to poor weather conditions.
“Representatives from the sector, including FCI and Irish Grain Growers, have referenced the difficult circumstances many farmers and contractors have been facing as a result of heavy rainfall and the impact this has had on their ability to meet shallow cultivation and crop sowing deadlines.
“I understand there is serious concern that deadline dates will be missed as a result of weather conditions, which is why this extension has been sought.
“July has been the wettest on record and the Minister should recognise this, to avoid putting farmers and contractors under even greater pressure.
“I would urge Minister McConalogue to immediately engage with contracting and tillage representatives, to ensure a solution can be found as soon as possible.”
Sinn Féin’s Declan Kearney has called for an end to the differential approach to managing Adult ADHD diagnoses and treatment between health trusts across the north.
Speaking after meeting with senior Northern Trust management with responsibility for mental health and learning disability services, the South Antrim MLA said:
“Since meeting with the Department of Health Permanent Secretary, Peter May in April, to raise concerns about the differential approach to delivering Adult ADHD services between health trusts across the north, I finally secured a meeting with senior Northern Trust officials to discuss the absence of diagnoses and treatment provision within our local trust area.
“Local Councillor Lucille O’Hagan and I put the case very strongly about the existing unmet need for Adult ADHD diagnoses and treatment, and expressed our deep concern that no provision exists within the Northern Trust area, leaving vulnerable adults to seek private provision.
“We recognise that there are extreme pressures on the health and social care system right across the north, however the fact remains there is a differential approach being taken between trusts in relation to the ability to provide diagnostic and treatment services.
“I am very concerned that the previously notified commitment to introduce a pilot programme for delivering validation of private diagnoses and to open a clinical pathway to treatment is now stalled. I urged that a resolution is expedited to ensure that the proposed pilot scheme is introduced.
“We voiced deep concerns that while anecdotally the need is clearly increasing, there is still no clarity in relation to the extent of the need which must be supported. This in itself is critical to ensuring that an appropriately resourced service is put in place.
“Myself and Cllr O Hagan were assured that every effort will be made to bring forward the proposed pilot validation scheme, and we have agreed to meet with management again in two months’ time.
“Sinn Féin will continue to work constructively with the board to seek delivery of this service in the Northern Trust area.
“In the meantime, I will be writing to the Department’s Strategic Planning and Performance Group to reiterate my concerns about this health inequality in the Northern Trust, and to call for the urgent commissioning of an appropriately resourced Adult ADHD service across the region.
“It is absolutely untenable that vulnerable adults should be left without the supports to which they are entitled. Vulnerability of service provision within the wider health and social care system is no excuse for failing vulnerable people and their families.
“The lack of adequate mental health and learning disability services for both adults and younger people is unacceptable. Effective redress of this systemic crisis must become a critical priority for a restored Executive.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Health, David Cullinane TD, has said that today’s independent review of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in the state is another damning indictment of government failing children and young people.
The report by Dr Susan Finnerty, published by the Mental Health Commission (MHC), said that the state cannot currently provide assurances to parents or guardians in all parts of Ireland that their children have access to a safe, effective and evidence-based service.
Teachta Cullinane said:
“Today’s CAMHS is another damning indictment of the government failing children and young people.
“It is a national scandal that the state cannot currently provide an assurance to parents or guardians in all parts of the state that their children have access to a safe, effective and evidence-based service.
“While this report is damning, it does not come as a shock. CAMHS waiting lists have more than doubled since this government was formed.
“Government failure to protect vulnerable young people is not new news - it is something that concerned parents have been highlighting for a long time now.
“Waiting lists for CAMHS have increased by 112% since 2020, with 4490 young people waiting on first-time CAMHS appointments and 752 waiting for longer than 12 months.
“These failures mean that early intervention is passing our young people by. That is unacceptable.
“The government must now take control of this situation and deliver the resources and the safe and effective services that our children and young people need.
“The latest report has 49 recommendations that the Ministers for Health and Mental Health must accept and implement to reform CAMHS and improve service delivery.
“These aim to improve overall governance where the report highlighted that there is no standardised service and no national director.
“The report also highlighted insufficient budgeting for CAMHS - it is staggering that there is no ring-fenced funding for services, while care teams are unsustainably under-resourced.
“The vast majority of teams have staffing levels below 50% of what is required, and only one CHO said that they had appropriate staffing levels.
“There is also a cliff-edge in our mental health services for young people at 18. There is inconsistent continuity of care, and many young people fall out of services or never access them.
“Sinn Féin is committed to developing CAMHS to deliver high quality care for children and young people up to the age of 25.
“Sinn Féin in government would take a fresh approach to delivering change in healthcare, including mental health services for young people.
“We would prioritise multiannual workforce planning, capital investment, and accountability reforms to improve access and reduce wait times.”
Sinn Féin’s Priorities for Change in Child and Youth Mental Health document, published last month, can be read here.
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance, Pearse Doherty TD, has called on Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to explain why he has not followed through on his commitment to take action against energy companies for failing to pass on savings to consumers.
Figures published recently by the European Commission show that Irish workers and families face some of the highest energy prices in the European Union.
Deputy Doherty has previously written to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities calling for the regulator to undertake an intensive and intrusive supervision of retail pricing in light of falling wholesale energy prices, as Irish households continue to face soaring energy bills.
Teachta Doherty said:
“On 1st March, the Taoiseach said he would take action against energy companies who failed to pass on savings to workers and families. He has categorically failed to do so.
“Figures released recently by the European Commission show that we are the most expensive State in the European Union – with the second highest energy costs and the highest health costs in the EU.
“This is what households are dealing with as they struggle under the biggest cost of living crisis in a generation. Indeed, 250,000 households are currently in arrears.
“This is the government’s legacy and the government’s failure.
“We know that electricity prices in Europe have fallen sharply in recent months while Irish electricity prices remain sky-high.
“This is not acceptable.
“The Taoiseach can fly budget kites all he wants, but he needs to explain why he has failed to hold energy companies accountable; as he committed to in March.
“I wrote to the energy regulator recently calling for it to undertake intensive and intrusive supervision of prices energy companies are charging households and their relationship with falling wholesale prices. The Taoiseach needs to get on board with this call.
“Households are struggling – they deserve transparency and every effort to drive down energy costs.”
Minister must act and invest as called for in All Island Strategic Rail Review - MacManus
Sinn Féin MEP for the Midlands North-West, Chris MacManus, has called on the Minister for Transport to invest in rail, after the findings of the All-Island Rail Review.
Speaking from Sligo, MacManus said:
“There are a number of recommendations in the All-Island Strategic Rail Review which I welcome. Among them is the restoration of part of the Western Rail Corridor, connecting Athenry and Claremorris.
“I also welcome recommendations that there should be hourly train service between major cities and at least one train every two hours between other urban centres. If we are serious about tackling carbon emissions and getting people out of their cars, we need a reliable, affordable and fit for purpose public transport system, and rail will need to make up a fundamental part of this. It is my view that our Green Party Minister for Transport must now act and invest to make such a service a reality.
“What I find concerning is the lack of commitment to invest north of Claremorris, connecting the West and North-West. Remember, this region is 218th out of 234 EU Regions in terms of infrastructure. That’s the bottom 7%. Should the government fail to properly connect Connacht, it would be a missed opportunity to comprehensively address regional imbalance.”
“Also let’s be very clear. This rail review must only be a starting point for Donegal, a county that has been crying out for rail connectivity. A cursory glance at the proposed rail map in the review shows glaring infrastructural inadequacies. To go from Ballina to Sligo... or from Sligo to Letterkenny a passenger would have to go via Mullingar and Portadown traversing about ten counties. We need a real all-Ireland rail network fit for all our citizens, in all thirty-two counties.”
MacManus went on to accuse successive governments of neglecting the West and North-West
“The West and North-West have suffered due to decades of neglects by successive Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael governments. Regional imbalance needs to be addressed if we are to develop sustainably and fairly across our island.
“This neglect must end. The people of West and North-West deserve better, and the government must now act and invest to help the region develop sustainably. ENDS
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing, Eoin Ó Broin TD, has welcomed the publication of the code of practice for remediation of defective buildings published by government today.
However, the Dublin Mid-West added that homeowners need emergency funding for interim fire safety and other works now.
Teahta Ó Broin said:
“Today, the government agreed a code of practice for the remediation of defective buildings. This is a welcome step on the road to a full redress scheme for homeowners, landlords and tenants living in Celtic Tiger-era defective buildings.
“However, there are many owners and tenants living in buildings that require urgent fire safety works and other interim measures. Minister O’Brien promised these homeowners and tenants that such funding would be available this year.
“Yet, even after today's announcement, we are none the wiser as to when this emergency funding will be actually available to impacted homeowners.
“This is simply not good enough. This funding was promised in December and again in January. Homeowners and tenants are already living with enough stress.
“It is incumbent on Minister O’Brien to say when this funding will be available to provide impacted homeowners and tenants with some relief for the most urgent of fire safety works.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice, Pa Daly TD, and TD for Dublin Fingal, Louise O’Reilly have today launched the party’s proposals to tackle crime in Dublin.
The document, Keeping Communities Safe, outlines key reforms to invest in Gardaí, recruit more staff and ensure communities are protected from the scourge of crime across Dublin.
Speaking today, Teachta Daly said:
“Communities deserve to feel safe and protected. However, many communities in Dublin live in fear as they don’t feel safe in their own homes, in their neighbourhood or on public transport.
“Fine Gael have been responsible for the Justice Department for 12 years and during this time they have failed to give An Garda Síochana the leadership, investment and support needed. It’s time for change.
“There is a clear recruitment and retention crisis in the Gardaí that has fuelled unsafe staff shortages. Sinn Féin are calling for reforms to Templemore’s training system to increase the intake capacity each year through a new hybrid training model. This would increase the numbers who can complete training and attest as sworn members. This would mean more Gardaí can serve communities.
“Figures suggest Gardaí are leaving the service in large numbers and it’s clear that many don’t feel safe in the course of their duties. It’s time to invest in our police so that they have the staffing levels and resources they need so that they can get on with their jobs safely.”
TD for Dublin Fingal, Louise O’Reilly said:
“Dublin is a place that thousands of people are proud to call home. However, there is no denying that parts of the city centre have become dangerous, derelict and run down. The recent series of violent attacks have highlighted how bad the situation has become.
“12 years of Fine Gael in Government has left our capital city with a serious and unacceptable crime and dereliction problem. The longer they are in power the worse the situation is getting.
“Right now we need more Gardaí on the street, a dedicated public transport policing as well as an overall plan to ensure Dublin City Centre is a thriving place for people to live, for culture, for tourism and for business.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Transport, Martin Kenny TD, said:
“Too often people feel unsafe travelling on public transport in our capital city. Sinn Féin in government would establish a public transport policing unit on specific DART, LUAS, Irish Rail, and Dublin Bus services. This would protect passengers and drivers, to ensure everyone can feel safe throughout their journey.”
Sinn Féin's document 'Keeping Communities Safe' is available to view here :
ENDS
Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan has said an Executive is needed now to publish and consider the all-Ireland rail review.
The Newry/Armagh MLA said:
“An efficient, reliable and frequent rail service is key to delivering a first-class transport system and to connecting towns and cities across the island, as is the norm across Europe.
“The publication of the draft review today is a step in the right direction and highlights the need for increased investment in rail infrastructure.
“We need to develop our rail network in the north, particularly in the north-west, to unlock economic opportunities and ensure workers and families have better public transport.
“But ultimately, we need an Executive formed now to ensure this rail review is fully published and to consider its recommendations.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Transport and Communications, Martin Kenny TD, has welcomed the All Island Rail Review, a draft of which was published today.
He said that the review was further evidence that the government must step up and deliver an action plan with clear timelines to invest in and grow our rail networks.
Among the review’s recommendations are an increase in frequency of routes between major cities, decarbonisation of the rail network, and increasing rail capacity for freight.
Teachta Kenny said:
“The publication of this long-awaited draft review is a step in the right direction, but what we really need now is for government to step up and deliver an action plan with clear timelines to invest in and grow our rail networks.
“Successive Fine Gael and Fianna Fianna Fáil governments have not only failed to invest, but for decades they have actively dismantled and destroyed valuable rail infrastructure.
“Sinn Féin is committed to development of our valuable rail networks in government. We can see the real transformation of public transport that can be achieved right across the island with timely investment. We want to deliver that for workers, families and pensioners.
“In particular, we need to see movement on the Western Rail Corridor without any further delay. The west has been lagging behind for decades when it comes to investment in infrastructure and this cannot continue.
“A European Commission report ranked the northwest 113th out of 200 regions in terms of infrastructure investment - regions outside of Dublin must have proper infrastructure development in order to develop economically.
“We must also see a prioritisation of the Navan rail-line, which needs to be urgently extended. The area is a bustling commuter town and it must be served properly and efficiently by public transport.
“I look forward to examining the recommendations related to these projects, as well as the recommendations around the development of cross-border rail links which are essential.
“This is an all-island review and is a departure from the norm, which is very much welcome.
“The review has now provided the government with the information to deliver for people right across the island.
“This must not become one of the many reports that just sits on a shelf while this current government is in office.
“The government must consider the recommendations, and commit to an action plan to invest and grow our rail networks.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Children, Kathleen Funchion TD, has welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Health that IVF treatment will be available to public patients for the first time.
Teachta Funchion said:
“I want to welcome today’s announcement that IVF treatment will be available to public patients for the first time. It is long overdue, and is a welcome first step.
“I do have concerns about some of the limitations being placed on the availability of treatment, particularly providing for only one publicly funded cycle, which is unfair as is limiting access to couples with no children.
“This scheme needs to be built on in the coming years, and it needs to be made more inclusive.
“It is also important that capacity is built into the public system to ensure speedy access to treatment.”
