Sinn Fein MPs have written to the British Government calling for increased investment in the heatlh service and a pay increase for health workers.
Michelle Gildernew MP said:
"Throughout the course of the pandemic, our health workers have selflessly served the public with bravery and distinction.
"Their courageous service must be rightly recognised and rewarded with a higher pay increase than 1%.
"Sinn Fein are urging the British Government to engage meaningfully with, and listen to, Trade Unions representing NHS workers and agree an acceptable pay offer with them.
"At present the Executive lacks the required finances to raise this pay increase, an appropriate and fitting pay settlement here will be significantly impacted by the British Government’s offer, given the Barnett funding formula.
"Sinn Fein will continue to work day and night to ensure our health workers are rewarded for their bravery and courage."
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance Pearse Doherty TD has called on the Minister for Finance to undertake an urgent review of the tax status of Section 110 companies, or vulture funds.
His comments come following reports that three such funds connected to Goldman Sachs paid no corporation tax in 2019 despite collecting €390 million from their portfolios in the same year.
Teachta Doherty said:
“It was reported by Mark Paul in the Irish Times this morning that three vulture funds connected to Goldman Sachs paid no corporation tax in 2019 despite collecting €390 million from their portfolios in the same year.
“For years, Fine Gael have allowed vulture funds buying up distressed mortgages to engage in aggressive tax avoidance and reduce their tax liabilities to zero, despite making huge profits.
“This has resulted in a huge loss of revenue to the Irish public.
“In October 2016, I made a submission to then Finance Minister, Michael Noonan, on the operation of these Section 110 companies and changes that should be made to end the tax avoidance practices that had been facilitated by Fine Gael.
“In 2019, some changes were made, responding to my submission, that restricted the ability of these funds to write off taxable income against certain interest payments.
“These changes came into effect in 2020, however, we need to assess how effective they have been in tackling aggressive tax avoidance by vulture funds.
“Serious gaps remain and have been allowed to remain by government.
“For example, over two years from 2018 to 2019, a subsidiary of vulture fund Cerberus, called Promontoria Oyster DAC, was able to reduce its tax liability by €27 million by writing off its income against asset management fees.
“It just so happens that these fees were paid to a company affiliate in the Netherlands.
“The tax code of vulture funds continues to allow them to use complex company arrangements to reduce their tax liabilities against the interests of the Irish taxpayer.
“The Minister for Finance should review their tax structure, and the gaps that continue to exist, and close them down.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Transport Darren O’Rourke TD has said that the Minister for Transport’s lack of interest in introducing serial antigen testing in the aviation sector is incomprehensible and shows no lessons have been learned from last year.
The Meath East TD said:
“There has been a considerable amount of research and advancement in the area of antigen testing since March of last year.
“But despite this, the government is refusing to consider the benefits this system of testing could have in the aviation sector.
“Recently the Transport Committee heard from Harvard Professor Michael Mina on the benefits of antigen for the aviation sector, and before that from the government’s own Chief Scientific Advisor, Professor Mark Ferguson.
“Their expert testimony seems to have fallen on deaf ears in the Department of Transport.
“While PCR testing is very valuable, it is also expensive, time-consuming, and only gives a snapshot in time, often two or three days before someone travels.
“Serial antigen testing on the other hand, is quick, inexpensive, and can test someone over a number of days for signs of Covid-19.
“We believe both methods have a role to play in the resumption of safe international travel, but the refusal of the government here to even examine antigen testing is bewildering.
“Before Christmas, I said that ‘perfect was the enemy of the good’ when it came to airport testing, after the government insisted on a voluntary, expensive PCR system that was ignored by most travellers.
“Now, as we try to restart safe international travel, the refusal to even consider antigen testing is repeating this same mistake. Antigen testing can help restart the crippled aviation sector, while also providing a level of protection against Covid-19.
“As the government now looks at measures to combat the Delta variant, I can’t understand how serial antigen testing wouldn’t be considered.
“The aviation sector is facing a huge challenge after 16 months of restricted travel, but the hands-off approach of Minister Ryan, and his refusal to introduce measures that will help the sector, is making a bad situation worse.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education, Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire TD, has called on Minister Foley to immediately make a statement regarding the scale of the issues with the Leaving Cert oral exams, and the actions she will take to redress this for students.
This comes following reports that significant numbers of Leaving Cert students were marked down in their oral exams due to shortcomings in the way these exams were conducted.
Teachta Ó Laoghaire said:
“I am extremely concerned to hear reports that a significant number of Leaving Cert language students, through no fault of their own, have been marked down due to shortcomings in the way that the oral exams were run this year.
“Students need clarity on whether they have been affected by this, and what this will mean for their results. The Minister must make a statement and provide detail on how widespread this issue is, and what she will do to redress this for the affected students.
“The Minister must listen to students and their views on how to resolve this – be that scheduling another set of oral exams for students who wish to sit them again, affording the SEC flexibility in marking the oral exams in a way that reflect the ability of the student, or providing mitigation in terms of access to third level places. All options need to be explored.
“This will be very worrying and distressing news for students this morning, who are in the middle of their Leaving Cert written exams. The Minister must recognise the potential severity of this situation, and provide reassurances to all students.
“We know that a significant number of students have been penalised through no fault of their own. The Department of Education and the SEC cannot let this lie. I have sought a meeting with the Minister to discuss how she can resolve this in the fairest way possible for the students who have been affected."
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Sinn Féin MP Órfhlaith Begley has said confirmation that the Government of Mauritius will look again at the Michaela McAreavey case is an important step in the campaign for justice.
The West Tyrone MP said:
“For over 10 years, the Harte and McAreavey families have fought a determined and dignified campaign for justice for Michaela.
“No one has ever been brought to justice for this horrible crime.
“Confirmation from the Joint First Ministers today that the Mauritian government will look again at Michaela’s case is an important step in the campaign.
“Every avenue possible must be explored and we will continue to stand with Michaela’s family to ensure that happens.”
Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew has encouraged those worried about COVID symptoms to get tested to help stop the spread of the virus and its variants.
Colm Gildernew said:
"The spread of the delta variant of the COVID virus across the north is very concerning.
"Doctors have said that alongside the already known symptoms, those who test positive for the delta variant often have a sore throat rather than a cough as the main symptom.
"I would call on anyone with any symptoms to get a COVID test in order to help stop the spread of the COVID variant so we can continue with our pathway to recovery."
Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Pat Sheehan MLA will raise the need for CPR training to be made available within schools with the next Education Minister.
The West Belfast MLA said:
“I will be raising the need for any incoming Education Minister to look at adding CPR training for pupils and staff into the school curriculum.
“While some charities provide this training to schools, and I would encourage all schools to avail of that, learning how to perform CPR and potentially saving a life can not be optional.
“On average, 1,400 people a year in the North suffer cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting.
“And for every minute CPR is not performed on the victim, survival chances decrease by 10%.
“In order to maximise survival chances, it is absolutely crucial that as many people across our society are educated in how to perform CPR.
“Sinn Féin will be raising this issue with the Education Minister and will work to ensure CPR is included in the school curriculum.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing Eoin Ó Broin TD has announced that the party will bring a motion to the Dáil next week to support home owners affected by the Mica/ Pyrite scandal and ensure they get 100% redress.
The motion will be debated in the Dáil on Tuesday evening.
Teachta Ó Broin said:
“Families whose homes are crumbling around them have been failed. The Mica/ Pyrite crisis is a legacy of the light touch regulation and reckless practices of the Celtic Tiger years.
“Families affected deserve support but instead they have been abandoned by this government.
“Sinn Féin are bringing forward a motion to the Dáil next week to ensure 100% redress for people affected so that they get the support they need and deserve.
“Our motion also calls on the government to ensure that those responsible for this scandal are held to account and that the industry contributes to the overall costs of fixing this.”
Sinn Féin TD for Donegal, Pádraig Mac Lochlainn, said:
“Families affected by this crisis in thousands of homes across Donegal, Clare, Mayo and indeed across the state have been failed by this government. They worked hard, saved up for years and bought their homes in good faith, only to find those homes crumbling around them.
“I have been shocked by the stories families have shared with me about the huge stress and pressure this crisis has placed on them. They have been desperately asking for help, but the government has walked away. These families deserve 100% redress and Sinn Féin will stand up for them to ensure they get it.”
Sinn Féin TD for Mayo, Rose Conway-Walsh, said:
“This scandal has gone on for far too long and the government in Dublin simply isn’t listening. Families deserve safe homes. Their homes are crumbling around them through no fault of their own.
“The government must deliver 100% redress for those whose homes are crumbling as a result of defective blocks. Sinn Féin’s motion would deliver this 100% redress and ensure those responsible are held to account.
“I am calling on all TDs to back our motion and ensure that families finally get justice. This is about fairness and accountability.”
Sinn Féin TD for Clare, Violet-Anne Wynne, said:
“Families deserve nothing less than 100% redress. Homeowners who bought or built their homes in good faith should not be liable for the costs of remediation caused by the incompetency, negligence or deliberate non-compliance of others.
“The government has been far too slow to act and take seriously homeowners’ concerns. This cannot continue.
“Sinn Féin will stand up for the home owners affected and ensure that they are treated fairly.”
Sinn Féin TD for Waterford David Cullinane and Council Group Leader Conor D. McGuinness have condemned the removal and burning of pride flags on the Mall in Waterford City on two occasions this week.
The flags were flown last weekend to mark International LGBT Pride month, and to coincide with the Pride of the Déise festival.
Teachta Cullinane said:
“It’s dreadful to see Pride flags outside the Council offices being cut down in Waterford City. This is the second time in a week that pride flags have been taken down at this location. Those responsible do not speak for Waterford.
“I’m proud to fly the flag over my constituency office and to stand in solidarity with the LGBT community.”
Councillor Conor D. McGuinness said:
“There has been huge progress in the fight for equal rights in recent times - due to the tireless work of generations of activists who refused to be deterred in their fight for equality and respect.
“Yet, despite the clear progress we have seen in many areas, the struggle for full LGBT equality is far from over.
“That two pride flags were taken down and set alight last Monday, and that the replacement flags were cut down again overnight, speaks of the intolerance that sadly still exists amongst a tiny minority of people. All political voices have a responsibility to condemn this behaviour, and to show their solidarity for the LGBT community."
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Transport, Darren O’Rourke TD, and spokesperson on Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Louise O'Reilly TD, today reacted to the news that Stobart Air has ceased operations.
Teachta O'Rourke said:
“This news is a huge blow for the aviation sector. It will have a devastating impact on workers in the sector and serves to further reduce essential regional connectivity. Government must intervene to halt and reverse this trend.
“Airline workers have endured a very difficult 15 months on severely reduced pay, and this news will come as a devastating blow to workers and their families this morning.
“While the pandemic has had a disastrous impact on the aviation industry, a lack of interest from the Minister for Transport over the past year has exacerbated the crisis in the sector here. The dithering on the Covid Cert and antigen testing is further evidence of this.
“Sinn Féin have been calling for a survival and recovery package for the sector to be put in place for months now.
“We said it was imperative that while international travel was on hold due to Covid-19, extra measures and state support was needed to ensure routes and jobs were still there once the pandemic subsides.
“Unfortunately, the Government’s failure to do this is now costing even more aviation jobs and vital routes.
“These routes were viable before the pandemic, and they will be again.
“The Government must intervene to protect these jobs and the vital connectivity this airline provided across Ireland and Britain.
“As an island nation, we cannot afford to let these vital regional air connections for families, businesses and tourism disappear.”
Teachta O'Reilly said:
"The government need to engage with the airline as a matter of urgency now to ensure that the workers who affected are supported.
"It is vital that any collective agreements are respected and the government must ensure this happens."
Following her attendance at the All-Party Oireachtas Group on Dementia awareness and information session Sinn Féin spokesperson for Disability and Carers Pauline Tully TD has called for a significant increase in the level of funding from central government for dementia services and supports.
Teachta Tully said:
“Funding for dementia services and in particular capital funding to reopen services and where necessary to make Covid related modifications is absolutely essential.
“In addition, increased funding for home care is also needed.
Teachta Tully was reacting to information she received after a briefing on a report “Caring and Coping with Dementia during COVID-19”.
“Previous research from 2020 has shown that people were worried about being left behind. Now that is a reality and family carers describe themselves as ‘defeated and experiencing stress, burnout, anxiety and isolation’.
“It is also very concerning that 40% of family carers say their physical health has worsened in the last year and 54% say their mental health has deteriorated.
“These are stark figures. This will lead to far more funding being needed throughout the health service if this is not addressed.
“Respondents also feel abandoned by the government and the lack of vaccine prioritisation for family carers, who are essentially front-line healthcare workers.
“This was the final affront for family carers who are saving the health service billions each year by ensuring that their loved ones are cared for in their own home and not in a hospital or residential setting.
“Seventy seven percent of family carers who participated in the research reported that they live in fear of getting sick with Covid and worry about who will mind their loved one.
“This is something no family carer should have to be fearful of. Family carers should have been prioritised on the vaccine plan. This happen with the flu-jab each and every year.
“Eighty one percent of the people who participated in the report are concerned about the decline of people living with dementia in the past year.
“In fact, the report finds that people with dementia have experienced an accelerated decline and this is mainly irreversible because of the nature of the disease.
“There has been an enormous sacrifice made by family carers in order to protect those they care for.
“They need to see urgent and safe re-opening of day care centres and social clubs.
“They need significant increase in the level of funding from central government for dementia services and supports.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Social Protection Claire Kerrane TD has called on the Government to engage with her party on their Charter for Family Carers launched in April on the back of a new report published today showing the frightening impact of Covid-19 on Carers.
The report published by the Alzheimer Society of Ireland shows Family Carers under “enormous strain” as a consequence of the impacts of Covid-19.
Speaking today, Teachta Kerrane said:
“This report published today by the Alzheimer Society of Ireland is yet another plea for help from Family Carers.
“While the report focuses on the impact of Covid-19 on the lives of those living with dementia, it also found Family Carers to be at breaking point. It notes that Carers’ mental and physical wellbeing has been seriously affected by the pandemic.
“Carers have been isolated since Covid hit in March last year, they were left without respite and without Day Services, both which they depend on for support.
“This report mirrors what Family Carers told us when we engaged with them directly as we developed our Charter for Family Carers which we launched in April.
“At the end of March, we brought forward a Dáil Motion on Caring for Carers which called for improvements in income supports, the introduction of emotional supports, and prioritisation in the Covid vaccine roll-out as well as in the resumption of Day Services and a doubling of expenditure for critical respite. This Motion was passed. The Government now need to act.
“The findings of this report should be sounding alarm bells in Government – Ireland’s 500,000 Family Carers need support; they have been devastated by Covid-19 and they have been failed by Government inaction.”
D’fhógair urlabhraí Gaeilge, Gaeltachta, Ealaíon agus Cultúir Shinn Féin, Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD, go raibh an chéad dornán dá leasaithe (98 leasú) curtha isteach go luath aige ar Bhille na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú) 2019, agus go raibh leasuithe eile fós le teacht chun an reachtaíocht teanga a láidriú go mór nuair a thagann sé ar ais os comhair na Dála ag Céim na Tuarascála.
In ainneoin nach bhfuil fógra tugtha go fóill ag Príomh-Aoire an Rialtais agus Aire Stáit na Gaeltachta Jack Chambers maidir le dáta faoina dtiocfaidh an Bille ar ais os comhair na Dála, agus dá réir nach féidir le hOifig na mBillí an spriocdháta roimh ar gá do leasuithe bheith istigh a fhófrú, chinn an Teachta Ó Snodaigh an chéad dornán a chuir isteach luath chun cinntiú nach dtarlódh moill mar a tharla roimh Nollaig le Céim an Choiste.
Dúirt an Teachta Ó Snodaigh, atá mar Chathaoirleach ar Chomhchoiste Oireachtais na Gaeilge, na Gaeltachta agus Phobail Labhartha na Gaeilge:
“Gheall an tAire Stáit Chambers go mbeadh an Bille seo achtaithe roimh Nollaig 2020, ansin dúradh Cásc na bliana seo, ach tá seans anois ann nach mbeidh sé fiú rite roimh an tsamhraidh agus muid fós ag fanacht ar fógra agus leasaithe ón Aire.
“Níor tháinig sé i dteagmháil go fóill linn san fhreasúra maidir leis na leasuithe nua atá geallta aige mar fhreagra ar timpeall 40 de na moltaí a bpléadh sa Choiste. Táimid fós ag fanacht ar dhréacht-chaighdeáin teanga agus an anailís tionchair rialála a gheall sé dúinn freisin ionas gur féidir linn obair dá réir.
“Mar sin, táimid ag obair i bhfolús, ach táimid tar éis dul tríd an plé go léir a tharla ag Céim an Choiste athuair chun fáil amach cé acu de na leasuithe go léir ar chóir a chur arís, agus cé acu nárbh fiú.
“Sa scata leasuithe a cuiris isteach inné, is leasuithe iad den chuid is mó nach bhfuil ach mion-athraithe ag teastáil orthu ó Chéim an Choiste. Baineann na leasuithe seo le foclaíocht agus spriocanna earcaíochta a dhaingniú sa reachtaíocht – ar nós an sprioc go mbeadh Gaeilge ag 20% d’earcaithe nua ó 2025 ar aghaidh – chomh maith le hathraithe suntasacha maidir le húsáid na Gaeilge sna cúirteanna, ar foirmeacha, agus i gcumarsáid le chomhlachtaí poiblí, an ceart d’ainm agus do sheoladh a bheith aitheanta le síneadh fada, agus an bunsprioc go mbeadh seirbhísí stáit curtha ar fáil sa Ghaeltacht as Gaeilge, mar atá á lorg ag Oifigigh Pleanála Teanga na Gaeltachta.
“Tá a lán leasuithe eile ann a bhí dícheadaithe ag Céim an Choiste, agus d’éist muid go géar le moltaí na dTeachtaí eile chun ár gcuid leasuithe a fheabhsú, agus tá súil againn na leasuithe sin a athscríobh agus a sheiceáil le dréachtóirí sula gcuirfidh muid isteach arís iad.
“Thacaigh Teachtaí ó pháirtithe an rialtais len a lán d’ár gcuid moltaí ag Céim an Choiste, an tAire san áireamh, cé gur vótáil siad ina gcoinne, agus tá súil againn, tríd na leasuithe seo a fhoirfiú agus a chur isteach go luath, nach mbeidh aon leithscéal acu tuilleadh moilleadóireacht a dhéanamh nó seasamh i gcoinne cearta Gaeilgeoirí sa stát seo.”
Following the historic and unanimous adoption of a recent Sinn Féin motion by the Dáil condemning the Israeli annexation of Palestinian land, Sinn Féin has carried out a series of bilateral contacts and meetings with leadership representatives of three main Palestinian political forces.
Speaking today, Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD has said:
“During the past week, a Sinn Féin delegation led by our National Chairperson, Declan Kearney MLA, and including John Brady TD and Pat Sheehan MLA, have engaged with representatives from Fatah, Hamas, the Palestinian National Initiative, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, and the Palestinian People's Party.
“The Palestinian representatives expressed their deep appreciation for the unanimous position taken by an Dáil in opposition to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands.
“However, the repression of Palestinians within Israel itself, in East Jerusalem and across the West Bank continues to be relentless. The siege of Gaza is unabated. More needs to be done by the international community to support the unprecedented levels of popular Palestinian resistance against the Israeli apartheid occupation.
“Sinn Féin believes the Irish government should immediately invoke the previously agreed position of the Dáil in 2014, and now officially recognise the State of Palestine.
“The Palestinian leaders with whom Sinn Féin have engaged emphasised that such a political initiative would provide further important international momentum for the Palestinian cause
“They have asked that the Irish government immediately develop a programme of sanctions against Israel, and advocate for effective enforcement of international law within the European Union and at the United Nations.
“Sinn Féin will be seeking a meeting with the Minister for Foreign Affairs to make the case for a robust political strategy to be adopted by the government to give proper effect to the democratic positions adopted by the Dáil, and to call for unambiguous opposition by the State against the apartheid occupation being imposed on the people of Palestine.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Arts and Culture, Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD, called on the Minister Catherine Martin to provide detail on what preparation has gone into this Summer’s pilot live event tests that started this week.
Teachta Ó Snodaigh has called on the Minister to ensure that the events will be used effectively to plan for a full reopening of the arts and live events sector, and to explain the last minute decision not to use antigen testing on attendees.
The Dublin South-Central TD explained:
“While I am delighted that we finally have test events taking place, I am deeply worried by the last minute preparation and lack of detail on how these will be used to prepare so that more events can take place safely across the country.
“Despite reports as recently as this month that the first event in Iveagh Gardens would involve antigen testing for audience members – as has happened internationally in Barcelona and Liverpool for instance – we had a last minute u-turn from the government with very little explanation.
“Using pods and restricting crowd behaviour at a select handful of showcase events is all good and well, but the same limits can’t be transferred to the vast majority of venues across the country as they hope to reopen.
"We were led to believe these test events would be just that – tests – to try out situations that could then be safely replicated nationwide.
“This does not appear to be taking place.
“We had months to prepare for this, and it was shambolic that it took until late April for the Return to Live Events Working Group to even be formed.
"The Group’s minutes have not been published, despite my requests, and we have no information on the research used to plan this summer’s events.
“We seem to be repeating the mistakes made in December, when the Department organised similar ‘test’ events in the National Concert Hall and Abbey Theatre, that received very little coverage.
“I recently learned through parliamentary questions that the only follow-up ‘testing’ that took place at these events, amounted to little more than a sample of attendees being asked how they enjoyed their evening, with no steps taken to ensure Covid-19 had not spread among attendees.
“This meant that nothing could be learned on the effectiveness of mitigation measures that could help prepare us for the current reopening, and we are effectively starting from scratch again in terms of test events.
“If this government got its act together we could be having test events nationwide, using a combination of antigen testing, protective screens, acoustic music, distancing, mask-wearing or minimising dancing and singing along if necessary at small venues across the country this summer.
“The music and events sector cannot afford another wasted opportunity, and needs a plan to reopen.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Children, Kathleen Funchion TD, has said the report of the Mother and Baby Homes Commission cannot stand and must be repudiated.
She warned that the Commissioners have treated survivors with ‘absolute contempt’ following their refusal to appear before the Oireachtas Committee on Children.
Teachta Funchion, who is chair of the Oireachtas Committee, said:
“It is clear that the Mother and Baby Homes report cannot stand and must be repudiated. The Commissioners' work has been severely undermined by their recent actions and survivors no longer have confidence in their work.
"Last week I wrote to the Commissioners and invited them to come before the Committee to answer vital questions about the way in which the report was handled. This followed my previous invitation in January which they had declined.
“As I outlined to the Commissioners, it is not unreasonable for survivors to get answers to questions they have about a report which has such profound implications for their lives.
“I was shocked to hear through media reports this afternoon that this invitation has been declined.
“By declining my invitation, the Commissioners are missing an opportunity to be open, transparent and answer questions survivors have about the processes used in their report. I believe that such a step would have been to the benefit for all involved.
“I am deeply concerned that the Commissioners decided to convey this information through a leak to the media, rather than informing the Committee and survivors.
“This was a highly inappropriate way for survivors to hear about this development and I fear it will add to the considerable hurt already felt by survivors. To be frank, the Commissioners have treated survivors with absolute contempt instead of the respect they deserve.
“I am appalled and disgusted at how survivors have been treated throughout this process. They came forward and bravely told the truth, often at huge personal cost, because they believed in exposing the reality of what happening in these institutions.
“Many found telling their stories to be deeply harrowing and traumatising to share but they made the decision to do so in order that this dark chapter of Irish history would be exposed, confronted and learnt from. I fear that many survivors will be left feeling retraumatised and that they have been disbelieved and disregarded by a state process which was not fit for purpose.
“It is now clear that the report cannot stand and must be repudiated. Survivors need solutions and action must be taken in consultation with survivors to put a plan in place to address this.
“I intend to raise at the Oireachtas Committee on Children next week how we can take steps in close consultation with survivors to put solutions in place urgently around the repudiation of the report.
“I remain committed to speaking up for survivors and ensuring they get the accountability and respect that they deserve. Nothing less will be acceptable.”
Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew has said footage of Van Morrison and Ian Paisley launching a verbal attack on the health minister sends out a dangerous public health message.
The Sinn Féin health spokesperson said:
"Footage of singer Van Morrison and DUP MP Ian Paisley launching a stinging and reckless verbal attack on Health Minister Robin Swann is very concerning.
"This sends out a very dangerous public health message at a time when COVID continues to pose a real threat in our communities.
"The DUP need to clarify if Ian Paisley's behaviour reflects the party's view.
"We are not out of the woods yet in this pandemic, particularly with the spread of new variants, and everyone needs to continue to follow the public health guidelines."
Sinn Féin TD for Limerick Maurice Quinlivan has called on the Minister for Health to clarify who made the decision to close the vaccine centre at Limerick Racecourse to facilitate a horse racing meeting.
Speaking today, Teachta Quinlivan said:
“A number of people have contacted my office this week regarding their vaccine appointment being moved to Nenagh. It appears that this has been done to facilitate a race meeting at Limerick Racecourse.
“This is just incredible. We are in the middle of a public health emergency, there has been a spike in Covid cases in Limerick over the last few weeks, yet we are closing our vaccine centre.
“The vaccine roll out in Limerick has been mismanaged from the outset.
“The Radisson Hotel site wasn’t a convenient location for those who needed public transport access. We called for a centre to be placed in the city to facilitate those who don’t have public transport, and instead the people of Limerick were provided with the racecourse.
”It is farcical in the extreme that this vaccine centre will be closed to facilitate a horse meeting.
“The public take up on vaccinations has been excellent. But this closure creates the impression that public health falls second to commercial activity.
“It is an affront to the people of Limerick that this commercial activity would trump the vaccination programme at a time when we have seen a worrying rise of Covid numbers in Limerick.
“I am calling again on the Minister for Health to establish a vaccine centre within the metropolitan area of Limerick.
“I am extremely disappointed in this move. On Friday last, the Limerick elected members had a meeting with the Minister for Health and CMO concerning the large Covid numbers in Limerick and the temporary closing of the vaccine centre was not mentioned.
“The people of Limerick deserve better.”
