Sinn Féin spokesperson on Climate Action, Darren O’Rourke TD, has said that ESB’s 2022 profits in the context of a crippling cost of living crisis where ordinary workers and families struggle to pay their bills is a reflection of the failure of government policy to ensure the system works for everyone, not just energy companies and the most-well-off.
Teachta O’Rourke said:
“The ESB has today announced profits of €847 million in 2022 in comparison to €679 million in 2021, in large part generated due to their renewables portfolio and higher wholesale prices.
“The increased dividends that will be returned to the state by ESB as a result will be welcome. However, we know the same is not the case for private energy companies who are set to announce similar profits in the days and weeks ahead.
“The greatest insult, however, is the fact that he majority of energy company 2022 profits will remain unaffected by the government’s soon-to-be introduced windfall tax, as the cap on market revenues element of that package applies from December 2022 to June 2023 only.
“When the windfall tax was made possible by EU legislation in October, initial predictions were that it could generate upwards of €1.9 billion.
"With the government's proposal however, the prediction stands at a much smaller figure; somewhere between €280 and €600 million. That is at least €1.3bn lost. €1.3bn that could be used to protect families from the worst effects of the cost-of-living crisis. Instead, it is €1.3bn profit retained by energy companies.
“It is clear that the government’s strategy of opposition, resistance and delay to windfall taxes has served to protect eye-watering profits of energy companies at a time when families are being crucified by sky-high bills.
“What the country needs is a government that is ready to take decisive leadership to face the unprecedented challenges that it is facing.
“What we have instead is a Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Green Party government that actually blocked windfall taxes and energy market reforms and only elected to move when the EU did so as a whole.
“And even then, when they can hold out no longer, they still seem determined to prioritise big energy companies over ordinary working people and families. It is high-time the government stopped hiding behind its own spin and started answering for its inaction.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Fisheries and the Marine, Pádraig Mac Lochlainn TD, has commenced a petition to the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, calling for super trawlers to be banned from Irish waters.
The petition can be found here: https://my.uplift.ie/petitions/ban-super-trawlers-in-irish-waters
Deputy Mac Lochlainn’s action follows the presence of the two largest super trawlers in the world, the 475 foot Annelies Ilena and the 470 foot Margiris, fishing in Irish waters over the last week.
They were joined by another super trawler, the 383 foot Helen Mary. All three vessels are owned by the huge Dutch corporation, Parlevliet & van der Plas.
Teachta Mac Lochlainn said:
“I have commenced this petition because enough is enough.
“The presence of these monster vessels in Irish waters is a kick in the teeth for a struggling Irish fishing industry that is facing further quota cuts, tie-up schemes and the decommissioning of dozens of vessels.
“These super trawlers are undoubtedly causing untold damage to precious fish stocks off Ireland’s coast. Last year, the Margiris shed 100,000 dead fish into the Bay of Biscay off the coast of France.
“How can anyone within the Irish government or European Commission call this method of fishing sustainable with a straight face?
“It is highly destructive and it must be stopped. These supertrawlers have been banned from fishing in Australian waters and they should be banned from fishing in all European waters now too.”
Sinn Féin MLA Conor Murphy has said businesses need the Executive restored to maximise job creation, investment and trade opportunities created by the Protocol.
The party’s economy spokesperson said:
"Research from Chartered Accountants Ireland has reinforced calls from the majority of businesses for the Executive to be restored immediately so that they can seize trade, investment and job creation opportunities.
“Unique access to both the British and EU markets is a huge opportunity to strengthen our economy and grow local businesses and it cannot be missed.
“Savage Tory cuts and bad decision making coupled with no local ministers taking decisions or setting a Budget has impacted on our businesses and on our economy. Now is the time for political leadership.
“Businesses need all parties working together around the Executive table now and I would urge the DUP again to listen to the voices of local businesses and get back to work to transform our economy.”
Sinn Féin MLA Linda Dillon has said suffering cancer patients and their families need the Executive up and running now.
The party’s health spokesperson said:
“It is unacceptable that the cancer strategy has been sitting on the shelf for a year while cancer patients continue to suffer on unacceptable waiting lists.
“Treatment for cancer can be life-saving and it requires urgent action to ensure vulnerable patients have access to quality care and treatment.
“Ongoing delays in diagnosis is having a severe detrimental impact on treatment.
“Cancer patients can’t wait. More delay in progressing this work is compounding the trauma and worry of cancer patients and their families.
“We need an Executive formed now and parties working together around the table to prioritise investment in the health service, to hire more doctors and nurses and tackle waiting lists now.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Social Protection, Claire Kerrane TD, has welcomed the measures announced to support Community Employment (CE) schemes today, but stated that further action is needed to support these schemes.
The Government announced this morning that Adult Dependents will now be able to participate in CE schemes on a pilot basis, and that each scheme will receive a €1,000 grant to support them with rising costs.
However, significant challenges remain in filling CE scheme vacancies across the State, which Sinn Féin has repeatedly highlighted in recent years.
Speaking today, Teachta Kerrane said:
“While the announced measures are welcome, further action is needed to fill rising CE vacancies across the State.
“CE schemes provide invaluable services for communities across the State, and they must be able to continue to provide these services. Without these schemes, in many cases these services simply would not exist.
“It is positive that Adult Dependents will now be eligible to participate in CE schemes, but the reality is that measures are needed to bridge the growing gap in CE scheme vacancies.
"I also welcome that for Ukrainian Refugees, the reduction of time spent on the Live Register from 12 months to 9 months, in order to access the Scheme.
"They can play a role in making a real difference in our communities and can contribute so much. I would question why this reduction was not made for everyone on the Live Register and I think the Minister should look at this.
“There are now over 3,600 CE vacancies in the State and, having engaged with CE schemes, I know many are having difficulties in securing referrals and filling vacancies.
"I remember raising the level of vacancies with the Minister when there were 1,200 vacancies - they have increased enormously and continue to, despite changes to the scheme announced previously.
"The Minister needs to look at referrals from her Department to CE Schemes.
“I have raised with the Minister many times the challenges that CE schemes are having in filling vacancies, and it is clear that the Government must go further to support them in doing so.
“I will continue to push for adequate supports for CE schemes, to ensure they can provide valuable services for their communities and be sustained into the future."
First Minister Designate Michelle O’Neill has said the ongoing bid to host the Euro 2028 football tournament is an ‘exciting opportunity’ and would be a major boost to the local economy.
Speaking after meeting with the IFA and GAA at Windsor Park today with Conor Murphy and Deirdre Hargey, Michelle O’Neill said:
“The bid to host Euro 2028 in Britain and Ireland, with the possibility of several fixtures being held in the north, is an exciting opportunity that cannot be missed.
“If successful, this will attract visitors from all over the world to our towns and cities, providing a major boost to the local economy and creating jobs.
“Today, we met with the IFA and GAA for an update on the bid, and I welcome the continued efforts of both organisations in working in partnership to make this happen.
“The Executive must be restored now and a sports minister in place that is fully focused on seizing this opportunity and ensuring we have stadiums and facilities that are fit for purpose.
“We need to see work started urgently on the new Casement Park to ensure this first-class venue is ready for the potential of hosting Euro 2028 matches.
“All parties must work together around the Executive table to realise the major potential that delivering this tournament will have on our economy and in promoting local sports on the world stage.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice, Martin Kenny TD, has reacted to the publication of the survey on stalking and harassment in Ireland which was published today.
This survey, the first of its kind in the state, was undertaken by Dr Catherine O’Sullivan and Dr Ciara Staunton from University College Cork, in partnership with the Cork Sexual Violence Centre.
Speaking today, Teachta Kenny said:
“The results of this survey are truly shocking. More than half of those who have suffered at the hands of a stalker have not reported the crimes.
“I have spoken to people who have been victims of this despicable behaviour, and so many feel they will not be believed, they feel they are blamed, and some question whether they are overreacting.
“All of this can lead them to forgo reporting these crimes and, in some cases, it seems that when people do find the strength to report this type of crime they are not always met with understanding.
“I want to encourage those who have suffered at the hands of a stalker – no matter who they are, whether known or unknown to you, whether a friend, ex-partner, colleague, or stranger – to make a report to Gardaí.
“While additional training is needed for some Gardaí, for the most part there are specialised Gardaí who will treat you with care and compassion, and will investigate these incidents thoroughly.
“A vital piece of information in these survey results are the financial and emotional impact this insidious crime has on its victims.
"Over 400 respondents detailed the debt they faced as a result of legal fees, costs related to counselling, medication, or indeed the costs associated with moving house or jobs.
“The judiciary also has a role to play here, however. I welcome the introduction of stalking as a standalone offence in the upcoming Criminal Justice (Misc Provisions) Bill 2022, legislation that is long overdue.
“It is vital that when a victim or victims of this behaviour come forward, and the perpetrator is convicted, that person must face a significant sentence.
“In particular, the bravery of people like Una Ring and Eve McDonnell in opening up about their experiences of stalking and harassment to the public has been key in shaping stalking legislation, and in encouraging others to come forward and report this crime to Gardaí.”
Sinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan has welcomed news that Wrightbus has secured a new order to deliver 18 zero emission buses for First Bus in Leicester.
The North Antrim MLA said:
"It is great news that Wrightbus has secured a new order to deliver 18 zero emission buses for First Bus in Leicester.
“This contract is also good news for the local area and comes on the back of a recent £25.3 million contract to supply 117 of the battery-electric vehicles.
"As well as helping the environment it will attract investment, grow our local businesses and create more jobs and prosperity."
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Health David Cullinane TD has said that persistent and growing overcrowding in emergency departments is a result of the government’s failure to invest in capacity.
Teachta Cullinane was responding to the publication of the Irish Nurses and Midwives’ Organisation Trolley Watch figures for March 21st, which showed that 665 patients were waiting on a proper bed in hospitals this morning.
The Waterford TD said that the deepening trolley crisis can be solved with political will and a multi-annual capacity expansion plan.
Teachta Cullinane said:
“This morning, the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation recorded 665 patients on trolleys.
“There has only been a single day so far this year where there were less than 400 patients waiting for a bed.
“Extreme levels of overcrowding are being reported every month, every week, and every day at almost every hospital.
“The trolley crisis has spiralled into a constant threat to patient safety, and it is only getting worse. Government cannot hide behind winter surges when the problem is now year-round.
“Government made a noteworthy investment in beds in 2021, but then they stopped. A single year was never going to cut it, and the health service is suffering the consequences of bad planning and a failure to sustain investment in capacity.
“Last week, the INMO announced that nurses working in the Intensive Care Unit at University Hospital Limerick will be voting on industrial action due to unsafe conditions in the hospital.
“Healthcare workers cannot see a way out of this crisis because there is no plan. The Minister has failed to grapple with this challenge.
“But this crisis can be solved with political will and sustained capacity expansion as part of a multi-annual plan.
“Government must urgently publish a multi-annual capacity expansion plan to deliver much needed hospital beds, additional diagnostic capacity, and expanded theatre capacity to equip hospitals to deal with the volume of care coming their way.
“This plan must also address community beds, such as intermediate care beds, and home support to deliver more care outside of hospitals and speed up discharge from hospitals.
“No improvement can be achieved without a paradigm shift in workforce planning. We need a radical increase in the number of healthcare workers we are training, and a serious change in approach to retention in the health service. Too many are leaving early in their career for opportunities abroad or in other sectors.
“Government has failed to act on each of these measures for far too long. The Minister for Health has no credibility until he produces a comprehensive multi-annual plan to expand capacity and tackle this crisis.”
Sinn Féin MLA Conor Murphy has welcomed the announcement that EasyJet will fly from Belfast City Airport to London/Luton and Manchester from this June and will operate up to four times a week.
The party’s economy spokesperson said:
“I welcome that EasyJet will expand their presence at Belfast City Airport by adding flights to London/Luton and Manchester from June this year. The flights will operate up to four times a week, flying on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
“This has the potential to create jobs and will be a boost to the local economy, as well as enhancing tourism and business potential in terms of connecting the north of Ireland.
“This is a boost to optimising the airport's role in the regional economy and as a major asset to our local transport and economic infrastructure.”
Speaking this morning, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Enterprise, Trade, Employment, and Workers’ Rights, Louise O’Reilly TD, has said that the treatment of workers at the food retailer Iceland has been unacceptable.
Since the company sold its 27 stores to ‘The Project Point Technologies’ several workers have either not received wages owed and others have not received wages in full.
Teachta O’Reilly said:
“Over the past number of weeks, several Iceland staff have reached out to me regarding their employment situation since the company sold their 27 stores to ‘The Project Point Technologies’.
“These workers have alleged several workers have either not received wages owed and others have not received wages in full.
“Despite the best efforts of the workers they have not been able to receive any clarity regarding the current situation and they have been left in the dark about the company’s future operations.
“This is an unacceptable situation and requires immediate intervention by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade, and Employment.
“These workers are owed wages and they deserve clarification on their futures and the future of the company’s operations in Ireland.
“I have written to the Director of ‘The Project Point Technologies’ seeking this information and I will be raising this matter in the Dáil today."
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Climate Action, Darren O’Rourke TD, has today commented on the fourth and final instalment of the sixth assessment report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and warned of the dangers of a failure to accelerate Ireland’s pathway towards renewables.
The Meath East TD said
“This critical report from the IPCC makes for some stark reading. Drawing together the key findings from six previous reports, it reinforces the urgent and critical efforts that must be made to tackle climate change.
“Despite the rapidly shrinking window to secure a liveable and sustainable future for all, the report makes clear that there are multiple, feasible and effective actions that governments can take.
“What is required now is real leadership on the issue. Instead, what we have here is a government that has been painfully slow to act.
“Over recent weeks, an increasing number of voices have raised concerns that current government measures to meet 2030 targets lack in scale and ambition and that we have little to no hope of reaching them if things continue at their current pace. If it wasn’t clear to them already, today’s IPCC report makes clear that the government can’t continue their business-as-usual approach of slow progress and delays in progressing towards renewables.
“The government has multiple options available to them to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. We can achieve the climate resilient development the report calls for, combining efforts to tackle climate change with actions that provide wider benefits.
“For example, with our offshore wind potential, Ireland is uniquely placed to become a world leader in this field and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions significantly. Yet there remains a lack of clarity around and inaction on government plans to harness this potential.
“We know the steps that are necessary that are needed to deliver the major changes in the energy sector that are necessary in order to achieve a just transition. We have the tools to achieve them. What we are currently lacking is the political will, determination and drive to deliver real progress.
“Sinn Féin is ready to deliver this change.”
MacManus calls for emergency mind-set to tackle energy poverty
Chris MacManus, MEP for the Midlands Northwest, has called for an emergency mind-set to tackle energy poverty. MacManus made his comments after a meeting with Karina Timothy, Regional Coordinator, and John Toolan, Information Support Officer, from the West Regional Office of the St Vincent de Paul in Galway, alongside his Sinn Féin colleague Mairéad Farrell TD. “SVP’s team explained the staggering increases in demand for their services; a 19% increase in calls for service altogether, and a 24% increase in first-time callers. A lot more working families now need support from SVP, and requests for help are getting larger. This on-the-ground experience shows how the cost of living crisis is pushing more and more people into poverty - this is a scandal in one the supposedly wealthiest countries in the EU.”
“Following up on SVP’s recent report revealing the extent of energy poverty in Ireland, I asked John and Karina about their experiences of the energy crisis when offering their services. SVP has managed to get support from energy companies to help maintain people’s energy supply, but the costs of this solution are significant. On top of this, they highlighted problems that people have with switching their energy provider online, and moving away from more expensive prepay meters. People are losing heat through energy inefficient housing and the SEAI grants are not effective in addressing this for low-income households.”
“SVP are calling for the benchmarking of social welfare payments to keep up with the cost of living. A Sinn Féin government would increase social welfare rates to the Minimum Essential Standard of Living and implement a Living Wage to ensure that work pays. SVP also recommends measures to protect those struggling to pay their energy bills, such as a social energy tariff, better measures to avoid disconnection and support for households that have accumulated debt on their bills. The government needs to make sure that these and other tools are at their disposal to tackle the full extent of this emergency.”
“For example, this week the European Commission proposed some reforms of the EU’s electricity market in an effort to better control prices in the future. These include measures to protect vulnerable customers, such as disconnection bans and fixed price rates. However, the EU’ Electricity Directive leaves it up to national governments to decide who falls under the definition of ‘vulnerable customer’, and in Ireland this only applies to the elderly and those with specific medical needs. A clear first step would be to expand this definition to include low-income households and those at risk of energy poverty, in order to increase the protections offered to these groups.”
MacManus concluded, “We need an emergency mind-set to tackle energy poverty and the cost-of-living crisis. During the pandemic, we saw what can be done when the political will exists to take public control of essential services, provide emergency supports to those struggling and to implement measures that stand in the way of corporate profits. This emergency approach must be applied to ensure the right to energy for all.”
See attached photo of (L-R): Chris MacManus MEP, John Toolan, Karina Timothy and Mairéad Farrell TD at the SVP Office in Galway
Sinn Féin MP John Finucane has called for the immediate restoration of the Executive and said huge opportunities to strengthen the economy and create better jobs must be seized.
The North Belfast MP said:
“The negotiation between the EU and the British government has concluded. It’s now time to move forward.
“We need the Assembly and Executive restored and parties working together to tackle the problems in our health service and deliver for workers, families and businesses.
“Ten months ago, the people voted in a democratic Assembly election, yet no power-sharing coalition government has yet been formed.
“The democratic outcome of that election must be respected.
“The onus is now on the British and Irish governments, the Stormont parties, not least the DUP, to get back to business and form a government which will support families and workers
“The Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee formally meets in London on 24 March to adopt the deal into EU law, and as we move to implementation stage it is imperative that the Good Friday Agreement institutions are fully restored.”
Sinn Féin MLA Linda Dillon has said health workers are entitled to a fair pay rise and safe working conditions.
Linda Dillon said:
“Health and social care workers are entitled to a fair pay rise and safe working conditions and I commend their determination and solidarity to achieve progress on these issues.
“They should never have had to take to the streets on picket lines in the depth of winter for fair pay and safe working conditions, particularly with the huge pressure they have faced over recent years.
“Any agreed outcome to negotiations in the absence of an Executive must include health and social care staff here.
“The British Government should have engaged with these workers and their unions months ago and they now need to invest more money in health and social care to tackle the crises right across our health service.
“This is also a clear onus on parties here to get back around the Executive table and work together to prevent a collapse in our health service. Our health workers can’t wait any longer.”
Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan said cuts to the Happy Healthy Minds school counselling service are ‘hugely disappointing’ and will negatively impact young people.
The party’s education spokesperson said:
“Cuts to the Happy Healthy Minds school counselling service are hugely disappointing.
“The loss of this important service will have a negative impact on children and remove vital mental health support for young people in our schools.
“Sinn Féin has made that clear to the Department of Education and highlighted the need for more investment in young people's mental health.”
It is great to see you all here at the National Press Club in Washington this afternoon.
I am delighted to be here in Washington for the annual St Patrick’s celebrations at the White House to mark Ireland’s national day, and our close bonds of friendship, heritage and crucially our partnership for peace and prosperity with the United States of America.
In the coming weeks we will mark 25 years of peace and the signing of the Good Friday Peace Accord of 1998.
This historic peace accord which was painstakingly negotiated at that time was made possible due to the vast and substantial contribution from the United States under the administration of President Clinton.
President Bill Clinton at that time had appointed Senator George Mitchell as Special Envoy to specifically aid and support the Irish peace process and everyone, from across the community who took risks for peace.
They held a strong belief that peace was achievable, but also that peace, stability and economic prosperity were inter-connected, and there is absolutely no doubt whatsoever that the island of Ireland over a quarter century on has been truly transformed.
The Good Friday Peace Accord is one of the Clinton Administrations foreign policy successes, and we are thankful for the continued support from then until now where the United States remain a critical partner for peace.
This has been reaffirmed with the recent appointment of another US Special Envoy by the Biden administration in Joe Kennedy III. I was delighted to meet with him yesterday, and I really look forward to working with him now to deepen further US investment and economic growth to the benefit of all our communities at home.
We have developed close economic ties with US companies over the past two decades who have chosen the North of Ireland as their gateway to Europe, with FinTech, Cybersecurity, legal and other sectors all flourishing and providing a great return on investment which draws on our young, educated, high-skilled and dedicated workforce.
Twenty-five years ago the US property and liability insurance corporation, All-State were the first Foreign Direct investors to come to Belfast and Derry in the aftermath of the signing of the Good Friday Peace Accord, and thankfully remained now employing 2,500 people.
They also spurred on others to come too, including Citi, Baker MacKenzie, Liberty Mutual’s technology division, Liberty IT, Insurance Office of America and CME Group amongst many others.
As we look back with pride at just how far we have all come, and all that has been achieved, we also look forward with hope, ambition, and opportunity for the next twenty-five years.
In recent weeks we have seen agreement secured between the European Union and the British Government on the Irish Protocol. This mitigates against the worst impacts of Brexit on our island. It does so by;
Protecting the Good Friday Peace Accord.
Gives us access to the EU single market.
Enhances the All-Ireland economy and supply chains;
And crucially, avoids a hard land border on the island.
The new deal between Brussels and London gives us huge competitive advantage as a gateway to Europe for the sale of goods to two of the world’s largest markets unimpeded.
It is something we want to now seize and grab with both hands to build economic growth and help create thousands of new jobs in the coming years for our people.
This week has really started well with the terrific news that President Joe Biden will come to Ireland.
This sends a hugely strong message of support from the USA that we enjoy continued support for peace, stability, and economic prosperity in Ireland.
And I would be delighted to welcome President Joe Biden to Belfast as we celebrate twenty-five years of peace and the signing of the historic Good Friday Peace Accord in only a few weeks’ time.
Nine months ago, the people voted in an democratic Assembly election, yet no power-sharing coalition Government has yet been formed.
The democratic outcome of that election must be respected.
The onus is now on the British and Irish Governments, the Stormont parties, not least the DUP, to get back to business and form a Government which will support families and workers.
As the eyes of the world turn to Belfast once more, let’s take this opportunity to attract investment, create jobs for our young people, and together deliver the change people demand and rightfully deserve.
As incoming First Minister I am absolutely determined to work across party lines to co-operate with others, and to serve everyone as a First Minister for All.
Thank you.
MacManus praises generosity of Martin Neary following visit to Martin Neary Woodland Park
Sinn Féin MEP Chris MacManus recently met with Martin Neary at his Woodland Park outside Charlestown alongside Cllr Gerry Murray. The Midlands Northwest representative praised Martin’s generosity for leaving his land to be developed as a Woodland Park for the local community.
Speaking afterwards, MEP MacManus said:
“I was delighted to visit Martin Neary Woodland Park with Martin and Cllr Gerry Murray on a recent visit to Charlestown.”
“Martin has left 36 acres of his own land to Mayo County Council to be used as a community woodland. This was an incredible act of generosity from Martin, who has also won the right to be buried in the woodland, only the third person in Ireland to win that right.”
“Generations to come will benefit from this and Martin deserves huge praise for this fantastic gesture to the local community.” ENDS
Pictured at the Woodland Park are (L-R): Cllr Gerry Murray, Martin Neary, Chris MacManus MEP
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing, Eoin Ó Broin TD, has called for the ban on evictions to be extended.
His call comes as figures from the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) and Central Statistics Office (CSO) show rents and house prices continuing to spiral upwards further fuelling record levels of homelessness.
Teachta Ó Broin said:
“The latest figures from the RTB and CSO show rents and house prices continuing to spiral upwards.
“Combined with the government’s failure to deliver an adequate supply of social and affordable homes, these rises are fuelling record levels of homelessness.
“Meanwhile our homeless emergency accommodation system is at breaking point with a large number of Local Authorities reporting no extra capacity for new homeless presentations.
“Despite all of this, the government intends to end the ban on no-fault evictions in two weeks' time. The consequence of that decision will be unprecedented levels of homelessness.
“The case for extending the emergency ban on evictions is strengthening every single day. The government must reverse their decision, extend the ban, and put in place an emergency package of measures to relieve the pressure on the system.
“They must also revise their social and affordable housing targets to deliver at least 20,000 public homes a year to meet social and affordable housing need.”
