Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD has said that a scheme that delivers 100% redress for families whose homes have been affected by the Mica scandal is the only just solution.
The Sinn Féin President was speaking following her visit to Donegal where she met with many of the families accompanied by local Sinn Féin TDs Pádraig Mac Lochlainn, Pearse Doherty and Councillor Albert Doherty.
Teachta McDonald said:
"The Mica scandal in Donegal has devastated families whose homes are literally crumbling around them. These are families who have worked hard and saved hard to buy a home. Now, through no fault of their own, they find themselves in a nightmare situation where their houses are cracking and coming asunder around them.
"The meeting I had with them was powerful. Despite everything they have gone through, they remain very strong people who are determined to get justice.
"The scheme that the government put in place is not working. Under this scheme, some families are expected to come up with €100,000 or more to contribute to fixing their homes. This is incredibly unfair. These families have been failed by the system, by Donegal County Council and by the government.
"This needs to come to an end. The families campaign and demand for a scheme that will cover the cost of rebuilding their houses is right. The only fair solution is for the government to deliver a 100% redress scheme and deliver it urgently. Sinn Féin will keep raising this matter with the government until this happens.
"Earlier in the day, Ms. McDonald met with representatives of the Connacht/Ulster University Alliance at Letterkenny Institute of Technology to discuss the group's application for Technological University status.
She said;
"It is a hugely positive and exciting prospect, not just for Donegal but for the region as a whole. Sinn Féin is very supportive of the application. We want to see it happen. It will benefit students, SMEs and local communities across the West of Ireland.
"This new Technological University would give more young people the chance to live and study in the West of Ireland allowing the region to educate, nurture and retain talent in the region which will be vital in tackling regional imbalance."
Sinn Féin TD for Kildare North Réada Cronin has welcomed news that the playground in Kilcock is to be relocated – not closed as planned – while works are ongoing.
Teachta Cronin has been working closely with local families to make sure this lifeline in the community is maintained for the children, especially, those with additional needs.
Speaking today, Teachta Cronin said:
"I am delighted at this news, which will be source of relief for families locally who benefit hugely from this playground.
“This is a great result for our community who were gutted at the news of the closure. I was delighted to work with the Kilcock mothers here and to raise this as an urgent matter with Kildare Co Council, yesterday with the Tánaiste in the Dáil and later with the Minister for Children.
"We have to put our children first. It is vital that families have playgrounds like this locally.
“Congratulations to the marvellous Mams and Dads. This is people power and the Meitheal of the community got the result our children needed. We do more and better for our community when we work together. Well done Kildare Co Council for listening to our families. Thank you.
“There’ll be PLAYCATIONS in Kilcock this Summer.
"Sinn Féin are committed to standing up for families and communities to ensure that vital areas like these are protected and saved for people to enjoy."
“Government must provide ‘Rural Resettlement Incentives’ as remote working becomes the norm” – Chris MacManus MEP
Sinn Féin MEP Chris MacManus has called for the introduction of a rural resettlement scheme to encourage families to relocate to rural areas. The Midlands Northwest MEP argues that the growth in remote working provides an opportunity to attract younger families to rural Ireland and revive aging rural communities.
MacManus said:
“Preparing for Ireland’s changing demographics is critical to the future sustainability of rural communities. Census data tells us that Ireland has an increasingly urban population, with young people flocking to the cities and towns for education and job opportunities while the age profile of rural Ireland grows older. The effects of this outward migration have impacted heavily on many rural communities who have lost local businesses, Post Offices, Garda Stations, public transport and teachers from the local school.”
“We have seen an enormous shift towards remote working as a result of the pandemic and this will be helped by the rollout of the National Broadband Plan in the coming years. This means that people no longer need to live near their place of work which presents a significant opportunity to attract young families back to rural communities.”
MacManus insists there is an opportunity now which cannot be overlooked. “The Government must grasp this opportunity by actively encouraging and supporting those who wish to move to rural areas. The Government’s rural development plan announced earlier this year commits to examining incentives to encourage workers to relocate to rural areas.”
“As part of this commitment the Government should explore the introduction of a rural resettlement scheme which would support families in relocating. Such a scheme existed previously and was operated by Rural Resettlement Ireland, who successfully relocated 800 families from urban communities to rural Ireland during its 20 years in operation, until the discontinuation of Government funding in 2012 lead to its demise.”
“The new scheme could operate in a similar manner, helping families secure low interest mortgages, matching families with suitable accommodation and administering grants to incentivize relocation. Tax incentives for workers who relocate, and a marketing campaign could be introduced by Government to assist the scheme.”
“Rural communities who welcome new young families to the area would benefit significantly. Increased population helps protect vital services and makes communities more economically viable. In addition, a younger population helps to ensure that these communities will have a sustainable future. In a time like this where we are in the midst of a serious housing crisis, a move away from our cities for many would mean a real opportunity to find a new quality of life.”
The Sinn Féin MEP concluded, “This is a great opportunity. One that would benefit rural communities as a result of remote working. The Government must take full advantage.” ENDS
Sinn Féin spokesperson for Mental Health Mark Ward TD has welcomed news that a multi-agency mental health crisis de-escalation team will be piloted in Limerick.
Teachta Ward has been campaigning to bring in 24/7 emergency access to mental health supports, and this initiative was a core component of the Sinn Féin motion Our Mental Health Crisis: An Emergency Response, which was passed in the Dáil in April.
Teachta Ward said:
“I welcome that a multi-agency mental health crisis de-escalation team will be piloted in Limerick.
“This initiative was a core component of the successful Sinn Féin motion Our Mental Health Crisis: An Emergency Response, and it reflects a similar pilot that is underway in the North.
“This multi-agency team will involve mental health professionals and specially trained members of the Gardaí.
“This is the start of a rapid and integrated 24/7 response to persons with mental health issues, which is lacking in our current mental health systems.
“The idea of the pilot is that if there is a person experiencing a mental health issue in our community then this specially trained team will meet the person, triage them, treat them and refer or bring them to the appropriate service.
“I received this confirmation from the Department of Justice. I had previously asked the Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler, about this service but she was unaware of this project starting.
“The government needs to work on communication between departments.
“While this initiative is welcome, I am disappointed that it won’t be piloted until next year and we also need this service to be replicated right across the state.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Agriculture Matt Carthy TD has said that the Department of Agriculture approach to Wild Bird Cover rules is verging on begrudging by forcing farmers to apply for individual extensions rather than simply providing a blanket extension in recognition of the recent inclement weather.
In response to a parliamentary question, the department has indicated that individual farmers can request an extension by emailing [email protected].
Teachta Carthy said:
“Having called on the Minister last week to facilitate an extension I welcome that there is now a facility for farmers participating in the GLAS scheme, and applying Wild Bird Cover actions, to receive an extension.
“However, that each farmer has to apply individually is an approach that verges on begrudging. In my initial call for an extension, I commented on the frustration that farmers endure when the department leaves announcements on flexibilities to the last minute.
“I did not think for a second that, as well as the late announcement, the department would require each farmer to contact them individually.
“In 2018, Department of Agriculture Circular 05/2018 informed all farm advisors that the deadline was extended until the middle of the month. Such an approach would have been warranted on this occasion, at a minimum it could have been done on a regional or county basis.
“Nobody disputes that the department needs to set deadlines for schemes. But, there will often be a need for flexibility, particularly when circumstances beyond human control such as the weather are important factors.
“When such instances arise the department should deliver the necessary flexibility without the begrudging approach we have seen in this instance.”
Sinn Féin MLA Sinéad Ennis has called on the DUP’s Jim Wells to bring any information he may have on allegations of UDA interference in the DUP leadership election to the PSNI.
The South Down MLA said:
“Speaking in the media this morning, Jim Wells MLA stated that he has more information on alleged UDA interference in the DUP leadership election.
“This is a shocking revelation as he alleges that a DUP MLA was approached by the UDA and threatened not to vote for a particular candidate.
“The PSNI have launched an investigation into these allegations and this attack on the democratic process.
“Jim Wells should bring whatever information he may have forward to the Police and assist the investigation.”
Sinn Féin member of the Public Accounts Committee Imelda Munster TD today described the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) as ‘a poor substitute for social housing’ at a hearing of the Committee to discuss Department of Housing rent support schemes.
Having previously met with the Department last November, the Committee scheduled a second meeting regarding the appropriation accounts of the department to consider the efficacy of spending on schemes such as the HAP, Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) and Enhanced Long Term Social Housing Leasing Scheme.
Teachta Munster said:
“This year will see the amount of money spent by the Department of Housing on subsidising private landlords eclipse €1 billion, representing nearly a third of all government spending on housing.
“This money could be far better used building social housing and actually affordable homes.
“What makes this all the more galling is the clear role that HAP in particular plays in driving up rental prices.
“In my constituency of Louth for example, in 2017 the average rent of a three-bed house was €977 – today that stands at €1,230.
“Rents nationally have increased at a similar pace, and we can see this reflected in the cost of supporting HAP, with almost 44% of recipients outside of Dublin being in receipt of a discretionary top up payment.
“Outside of Dublin, this top-up payment is capped at 20% with the average rate applied being 20%.
“What the Minister and Department must come to realise is that as the housing crisis drags on, they are creating the circumstances which would make the requirement of these private subsidies to landlords permanent.
“The average mortgage term in Ireland is 20 – 25 years, people who were in their late 30s or early 40s when this was first introduced in 2014 may well today face increased challenges accessing mortgage loans.
“More and more people will age into this cohort over the coming years as this government fails to deliver both on social housing and truly affordable homes.
“For many people, they traditionally get by on less during retirement with the difference in income being offset by the fact that their family home is paid off.
“This won’t be the case for a much greater multitude of people in the decades ahead.
“This government wants to raise your retirement because of a pensions crisis – their continued failure to deliver on housing may well be sleep-walking us into a situation whereby HAP for pensioners will become the norm.
“HAP is a poor substitute for social housing.
“This government seems ideologically opposed to the building of any housing unless the private sector can take an extortionate slice off the top.
“The solution is building public housing on public land.”
Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson has introduced a Private Members Bill that will give workers statutory protections from answering emails and texts outside of working hours.
The Foyle MLA said:
"My Private Members Bill seeks to give workers a better work life balance by establishing statutory right to disconnect. This will mean giving workers a legal right to switch off from work related emails or texts outside of office hours without facing penalty or sanction.
"The Bill will also place an obligation on employers to engage with workers and applicable Trade Unions to establish a right to disconnect workplace policy which clarifies the working hours of the employee and how this should be compensated for if the worker is contacted outside of their normal working hours.
"My bill will also place an obligation on the Economy Minister to produce a report on the Right to Disconnect and set out a framework within which employers must implement the Right to Disconnect for their employees, within two months of the Bill being passed.
"I am currently finalising this Bill and I look forward to bringing it into the Assembly so that workers can be given clarity and protections around out of office contact and more importantly can be given a better work life balance."
Sinn Féin MLA Karen Mullan has said cooperation is key to addressing homelessness.
The Foyle MLA said:
“We all need to work together to tackle homelessness.
"The Assembly's all party group on homelessness met this week to discuss ways in which we can cooperate between statutory and community groups to help end the problem.
"This joined-up approach, together with the investment from Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey and the radical house building programme she is taking forward, offers the best approach to dealing with homelessness."
Speaking after a presentation to the Education Committee by Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta, Education Spokesperson Pat Sheehan said the Department has to begin work immediately to meet its statutory duty to encourage and facilitate Irish Medium Education.
This presentation referenced the fact that Irish Medium is the fastest growing education sector in the North, reflecting the recent findings of a report which found that over 7000 young people are now engaged in Irish Medium Education here.
Pat Sheehan said:
“We were particularly impressed by the presentation by Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta. The passion and commitment to Irish Medium Education along with the tangible benefits for our young people was evident for all parties to see.
“The presentation highlighted some of the major issues affecting the sector as a whole.
“The provision of appropriate educational resources, the availability of specialist subject teachers but perhaps the most pressing issue facing the sector is access to modern and fit for purpose accommodation.
“Over 60% of the sector resides in prefab or modular accommodation. The rapidly growing sector projects enrolments of 10,000 pupils in the coming years.
“The Education Act and Tracey Judgment place a duty on the Department of Education to encourage and facilitate Irish Medium Education and the minister needs to realise this duty isn’t optional, he has an obligation to engage with and address the pressing issues currently facing the sector.”
Sinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan has described as "disgraceful" comments made by Minister Poots at the AERA Committee earlier today.
Philip McGuigan said:
"Minister Poots made a series of outrageous and baseless allegations against the Committee today which he did not back up with any evidence.
"He showed incredible disrespect for the Committee, implying that the inquiry was politically motivated and not in the best interests of the safety of ports staff.
"The safety of staff at our ports is the highest priority for the Committee, which is why the inquiry was started in the first place. It is entirely cynical of the minister to use the safety of staff as a political football like this.
"The minister should withdraw these disgraceful comments which are without any foundation and which are in stark contrast to the evidence we have been hearing from trade unions and the police.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Transport Darren O’Rourke TD has said the recommendations contained in a report from the Oireachtas Climate Committee published today supports the case for the reopening of the rail line from Dublin to Navan.
The Meath East TD was speaking at the launch of a report from the Oireachtas Climate Committee, which examined ways of reducing emissions from the transport sector.
Teachta O’Rourke said:
“As both Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on Transport and Climate Action, I was delighted to contribute to this important report on how we can reduce carbon emissions from the transport sector.
“Transport accounts for 20.3% of our total emissions according to the EPA, so it is clear the decarbonisation of this sector will play a central role in achieving our 2030 and 2050 emissions targets.
“This report recommends the expansion of our rail services and investment in our public transport fleet to try and move more people away from private cars to public transport.
“It stresses the need for more park and ride facilities and highlights that rail can play a major role in reducing our national emissions going forward.
“This chimes with all the arguments for the reopening of the Navan rail line, which can take thousands of cars off our road daily, reduce traffic congestion and emissions and provide people across Meath with fast, reliable transport connections to Dublin and beyond.
“Sinn Féin fully back the reopening of the Navan rail line and we believe a rail line from Dublin to Navan, directly and indirectly serving major towns such as Kells, Dunshaughlin, Ratoath and Ashbourne would deliver huge benefits for people living in County Meath.
“The Navan rail line has been bogged down by review after review. This is yet another report that backs the arguments for its construction.
“Now is the time for action and for the government to provide funding to deliver this vital and long overdue project.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Further and Higher Education Rose Conway-Walsh has called on the government to stop downplaying the scale of the increase of applicants to the CAO, and to take action to make additional places available.
Teachta Conway-Walsh said:
“The Leaving Cert results being delayed until September 3rd will be very stressful news for students and their families. This will have a real knock-on impact.
“It will reduce students’ time to make informed decisions about their futures and put them at a substantial disadvantage in securing accommodation.
“Another concern will be around the reports that 84,500 people have applied to the CAO. This is an extraordinary increase.
“For comparison, last year there was an increase of 462 applicants to the CAO, this year it is 6,332. That is a 14-fold increase.
“It should also be noted that a number of high points courses like medicine will already have allocated places to students who sat their leaving cert last November.
“I have been raising the need to plan for adding additional places, particularly for in-demand courses, with the Minister since January. The government needs to stop downplaying the issue and take action.
“Last year we were told over 5,000 additional places were added to ease pressure on grade inflation, yet in the end only 2,500 additional offers were made by the CAO. And we saw record grade inflation in many courses.
“Announcing places that are not going to be filled is much easier than adding places on in-demand courses.
“I welcome the announcement that 184 places will be added for nursing. This is sorely needed. But really this is not enough. The INMO has been calling since last year for 250 places to be added with increases every year until we reach 2,500.
“Since Fine Gael came to power 10 years ago, there have only been three additional places added for medicine - and that was as far back as 2014.
“The construction industry has repeatedly warned of skill shortages for engineers, architects, and quantity surveyors but those places in colleges continue to be in short supply.
“We are now facing another last-minute scramble to find additional places for the second year.
“That is not how our third-level education and training should be managed. We need forward thinking, and planning that matches places with the needs of our economy and society.
“Funding needs to be provided to colleges for more permanent staff as a matter of urgency in order to increase places.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire TD today raised with Tánaiste Leo Varadkar the concerns of students following yesterday’s announcement that Leaving Cert results will be delayed until September 3rd.
Teachta Ó Laoghaire said:
“The Leaving Cert class of 2021 have been put through the mill over the past 15 months. The timing of this announcement really could not be worse, as students are trying to prepare for their written exams starting next week.
“This afternoon in the Dáil I called on the Tánaiste to give an explanation to students on why their results are being delayed.
“I also called on the Tánaiste to reassure students who want to study in the North, in Britain, and mainland Europe, that the delay will not affect these opportunities.
“In particular, I raised the case of a student who was in contact with me, who has an offer to study in the Netherlands. The university in the Netherlands requires the results by August 31st, as the course starts on September 1st.
“Under these current plans, the course will have already started by the time the results have been released here. This student will lose their place at university if the government does not sort this out.
“The Tánaiste could not give a proper explanation for the delay. He could not give assurances that students intending to study outside of this jurisdiction will not be disadvantaged by this delay.
“This is not good enough. We need to be hearing from the Minister for Education why this delay is happening.
“We also need assurances from her that no student will lose their university place as a result of this delay. It is the least students deserve after the year they have had.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing Eoin Ó Broin TD has urged the government to commit to a doubling of capital investment in public housing in Budget 2022.
The call comes as a report published by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) today called on government to double capital investment on housing to €4 billion annually.
Teachta Ó Broin said:
“The ESRI report published today is a significant intervention in the housing debate.
“The report calls for a doubling of capital investment in public housing to €4bn per year, to deliver 18,000 additional public homes a year.
“This echoes what Sinn Féin has been calling for, for years. A doubling of capital investment in public housing to deliver 20,000 public homes per year.
“Fine Gael has spent a decade in government, tinkering around the edges, while being led by the nose by institutional investors and big developers.
“Under their watch, not one affordable home to rent or to buy has been delivered by any central government scheme.
“Fianna Fáil made some big promises in opposition, yet Darragh O’Brien’s first Budget as Minister only secured an additional €163m in capital funding.
“€124m to deliver an additional 593 social homes and €35m to deliver just over 400 cost rental homes.
“This miserable additional funding commitment will do little to address the scale of the social and affordable housing crisis.
“Budget 2022 provides this government with an opportunity to substantially increase investment in public homes, as Sinn Féin and now the ESRI are advocating for.”
Ag caint dó i ndiaidh do Chomhairle na Gaelscolaíochta cur i láthair a dhéanamh ar an Choiste Oideachais, dúirt an tUrlabhraí Oideachais Pat Sheehan go raibh gá leis an Roinn tús láithreach a chur leis an obair leis an dualgas reachtúil don Ghaeloideachas a sheasamh.
Tháinig an cur i láthair seo i ndiaidh gur tuairscíodh go bhfuil breis agus 7000 stócach in earnáil an Ghaeloideachais faoi láthair.
Dúirt Sheehan:
“Bhí muid tógtha ar fad le cur i láthair Chomhairle na Gaelscolaíochta. Bhí sé soiléir do na páirtithe ar fad an tiomantas agus diongbháilteacht d’earnáil an Ghaeloideachais agus na buntáistí a bhaineas leis dár bpáistí.
“Shonraigh an cur i láthair cuid de na fadhbanna roimh an earnáil ar an iomlán.
“Bhí áiseanna oideachais, múinteoirí le sain-ábhar agus cóiríocht ar na fadhbanna is mó a bpléadh, bhí cúrsaí cóiríochta ar an ábhar is mó.
“Tá os cionn de 60% den earnáil i gcóiríocht nach bhfuil oiriúnach. D’fhógair an earnáil go raibh 7000 stócach ann agus léiríonn réamh-mheastacháin go mbeidh 10,000 ann fá cheann cupla bliain.
“Leagann an tAcht Oideachais agus Rialú Tracey dualgas ar an Roinn, Gaeloideachas a chur chun cinn, ní mór don Aire a thuigbheáil nach rogha seo agus aghaidh a thabhairt ar chuid de na buairimh roimh an earnáil is mó fáis.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Mental Health Mark Ward TD has described mental health legislation loopholes that force young people in the LGBTI+ community to be subjected to conversion therapy as inhumane and outdated.
At present, 16 and 17-year-olds do not have the legislative right to refuse this draconian practice.
Speaking today in the Dáil, Teachta Ward said:
“Current legislation around the age of consent when it comes to accessing or refusing mental health treatment are barriers to all our young people
“However, this specific barrier in which only those aged 18 and over can consent or refuse treatment poses significant risk to LGBTI+ community.
“In relation to mental health, this creates circumstances for LGBTI+ young people wherein their access to mental health services is dependent on their willingness to share their needs with their parents/guardians.
“As research has demonstrated, many LGBTI+ young people are not supported in their home environments because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
“This can become a barrier to accessing mental health supports.
“What has me really concerned is that young people in the LGBTI+ community are still being subjected to conversion therapy as they do not have the legislative right to refuse this draconian practice.
“Johnny Mythen TD and I have introduced legislation to the Bills Office that would enable 16 and 17-year-olds to both consent to and access mental treatment on parity with physical health care.
“This so-called ‘conversion therapy’ should have no place in our society.
“It is harmful, destructive, and has been condemned and discredited worldwide by institutions such as the UN Committee Against Torture, the European Parliament, and by the Irish Council for Psychotherapy.
“My colleague, Senator Fintan Warfield, in 2018 introduced the Prohibition of Conversion Therapy Bill.
“I am calling on the government to act on this legislation to ensure it becomes a reality, and protect LGBTI+ people from this harmful practice
“There can be no more delays.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Children, Kathleen Funchion TD, has called on the Mother and Baby Homes Commissioners to appear before the Oireachtas Children’s Committee urgently.
Her comments follow a discussion one commissioner took part in at Oxford University about the commission’s work, despite previously refusing requests to come before the Oireachtas committee.
Teachta Funchion, who is chair of the Oireachtas Children’s Committee, said:
“Survivors were shocked to learn that Professor Daly was taking part in this academic discussion about her work in the commission, despite her previous refusal to come before the Oireachtas.
“Survivors have reasonable questions which they want answered about a report which has profound implications for their lives. They have been hurt and distressed by the commissioners’ refusal to engage with them and answer these fundamental questions.
“During yesterday’s academic seminar, Professor Daly made a number of revelations which have caused huge alarm for people affected by the commission’s report.
“She appears to have admitted that the processes put in place were not able to include survivors’ testimonies in an appropriate way and were subsequently disregarded. It appears this is why the report came to a number of bizarre conclusions, such as that women and girls were not forced into the homes or that there was no evidence of illegal adoptions- both of which appear to fly in the face of clear testimonies to the contrary.
“Frankly, Professor Daly’s work in the commission appears to have been totally discredited by these remarks. Her comments have undermined her own work but also the work of the entire commission.
“I am liaising with my colleagues on the Oireachtas Children’s Committee and we intend to write to all three Commissioners to call on them to come before the Committee urgently to clarify these remarks and deal with the myriad of outstanding issues relating to the commission's final report.
“Chiefly, she must clarify; why did the terms of reference exclude meaningful engagement from survivors? When did she discover this? What steps, if any, did she take to address and resolve this? Did she continue with the committee’s work despite knowing that survivors’ testimonies would not be included properly due to the terms of reference?
“I am also calling on Children’s Minister Roderic O’Gorman to make urgent contact with Professor Daly and all of the commissioners to encourage them to appear before the Oireachtas. I would remind him that he has ultimate responsibility for this process.The Minister must make it clear to Professor Daly and all of the commissioners that he supports the Oireachtas Committee’s request for them to appear and answer questions about their work.
“I am profoundly disappointed on behalf of survivors that they are being treated in this unacceptable way. As I have said throughout, the needs and feelings of survivors must be the paramount concern in this process.
“Survivors bravely came forward and shared their stories in the hope that they would expose the truth. This was extremely difficult and often harrowing for survivors to do but they spoke up because they wanted their voices to be heard.
“Despite this, many survivors have been left feeling disregarded, ignored and insulted by a process which appears not to have been fit for purpose. This insult has been compounded by the commission’s silence and refusal to be held to account.
“My thoughts today are with all survivors. I will continue to speak up and hold the government to account on this to ensure that survivors are treated with the respect and dignity that they deserve."
Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew has called on the Department of Health to do all it can in the here and now to deal with the current health crises, following a budget briefing today from department officials.
The chair of the health committee said:
“The Department of Health's lack of ambition and creativity in coping with the current crisis is concerning.
“While we all understand that recurrent funding is necessary to plan and manage a well-run health service, we must all do all that we can with what we have in the short term.
“Considerable additional investment has been provided by the Department of Finance and it’s vital this investment translates in to the provision of much-needed services on the ground.
“At the moment we have significant pressures on all services across the north including hospital and GP services, and already unacceptable waiting lists have been exacerbated by the Covid pandemic.
“The absence of a multi-year budget - promised but not delivered by the British Treasury - should not prevent the Department of Health from spending what it can now to alleviate immediate pressures and provide some relief for our health workers and patients across the north.
“The Department of Health must focus on doing all that it can in the here and now.”
Sinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan has expressed condolences after a motorcyclist was killed in a collision in Ballycastle.
The North Antrim MLA said:
“The local community was saddened to hear of the death of a man in a collision involving a motorcycle on the Cushendall Road in Ballycastle.
“Any death on our roads is one too many and leaves a family and a circle of friends in grief.
“My thoughts are with the family, friends and loved ones of the man who lost his life in this collision.
“I would appeal to anyone with information on what happened to bring it forward to the PSNI.”
