Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing Eoin Ó Broin TD has called for the Minister for Housing Darragh O'Brien to convene an emergency meeting for opposition spokespeople on the new rental legislation he is publishing on Friday.
The Dublin Mid-West TD added that the position of renters is too precarious for the minister to push through legislation without adequate scrutiny
Teachta Ó Broin said: “The Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien today confirmed that he would be bring new legislation on the rental sector to cabinet on Thursday, will publish it on Friday and aims to get it through the Oireachtas next week.
“During the last Dáil, Minister Coveney and Minister Murphy had a bad habit of introducing important legislation late in the Dáil term without allowing sufficient time for scrutiny.
“This unfortunately led to some poorly drafted legislation.
“Darragh O’Brien, along with myself and other opposition spokespeople, were at the time highly critical of this approach by Fine Gael. It now looks that he is adopting a similar approach to his predecessors.
“The best way to avoid this is to organise a briefing with opposition spokespeople on the legislation for this Friday before formal sessions of the Oireachtas next week. The government must also give adequate time for full scrutiny of the legislation when it comes before the house.
“I have today written to the minister requesting such a briefing.
“The situation is too important and the position of renters is too precarious for the minister to push through legislation without adequate scrutiny.”
Sinn Féin MP Órfhlaith Begley has called for the protection of the health service following the passing of the Trade Bill by the British parliament at Westminster.
Speaking the West Tyrone MP said:
“It has been clear for some time that the British Government were going to use their Trade Bill to open up the health service and other vital public services to increasing privatisation.
“During the vote last night the Tories have very much ensured the NHS remains on the auction block for potential international corporations.
“It is disgraceful, particularly at this time when we are in the midst of a pandemic that the Tories are prioritising profit over public safety.
“The British Government are now set on a course were current levels of privatisation can only be increased, not reversed, locking in a downward spiral of under investment and falling levels of patient outcomes.
“It is clear that the British Government clapping for those in the health service was an empty gesture as they have now potentially placed the service in jeopardy."
Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on Tourism, Imelda Munster TD, has criticised the government’s staycation tax rebate plan, saying it proves how ‘out of touch’ the government is when it comes to understanding ordinary people’s lives.
Teachta Munster said:
“Today we learned that the government’s plan is only valid from September. This is ridiculous as obviously families will be taking holidays in July and August.
“Children have been off school for many months already, and we hope that they will be returning to school in September. Families won’t be in a position to take holidays then.
“This just shows how out of touch the government is – either that or they are deliberately introducing measures they know people won’t be able to avail of.
“The scheme is already problematic in that the tax rebate model will exclude those with less money to spend who need a cash incentive the most. Those who can already afford a holiday and intended to take one anyway will be getting rewarded for that under this plan.
“Sinn Féin’s staycation voucher plan would give €200 to every adult and €100 for every child to ensure that everyone can avail of a helping hand to enjoy a holiday this year.
“The government’s plan is problematic in terms of who will benefit, and the latest reports suggest that very few people indeed will be able to avail of this plan.
“The government needs to rethink this. They should look at Sinn Féin’s plan for staycation vouchers. Our plan would put money directly into the pockets of people who would then put that money into tills across the state in order to give a much-needed boost to the sector.
“Our plan is simple, effective and fully costed.”
Sinn Féin MLA Sinead Ennis has welcomed the reopening of the Sports Hardship Fund by Communities Minister Carál Ni Chuilin.
Speaking the Sinn Féin spokesperson on Culture, Arts and Sports said:
“Coivd19 has been detrimental to many sectors within our society and during the pandemic our sports clubs have faced their own particular set of difficult challenges.
“The establishment of a Sports Hardship Fund by Minister Hargey has already provided financial assistance to over 600 sports clubs.
“I welcome the announcement today by Communities Minister Carál Ni Chuilin that a further £2,000,000 has been set aside to reopen the Sports Hardship Fund.
“Sports clubs across the North are to be commended for the role that they have played during the pandemic, many have been absolutely pivotal in providing support for communities and vulnerable residents.
"The pandemic has shown many sports clubs to be the heartbeat of communities.
“The reopening of this support fund will not only assist clubs to pay bills at a time of limited revenue generating opportunities, but also to implement social distancing and PPE measures in preparation for the return of spectators.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Children, Kathleen Funchion TD, has today published a motion calling on the Government to reform the childcare sector in a way which is fairer for parents, staff and providers.
The PMB includes commitments to increased annual funding for the sector, a plan to incrementally reduce fees charged to parents, as well as better pay and working conditions for staff.
Teachta Funchion said: “I am proud to be publishing this motion today, to compel the Government to finally face up to much needed and long overdue reform of the childcare sector.
“The cost of childcare has been allowed to spiral to eye-watering amounts which simply aren’t affordable for ordinary families. For many parents, it is equivalent to having to pay for a second mortgage every month.
“Ireland has some of the highest childcare costs in the EU. This is unfair and unsustainable.
“The absence of a proper childcare system is economically damaging as it forces parents, especially mothers, out of the workforce.
“My motion contains an ambitious and comprehensive plan for the childcare sector to tackle this. It includes yearly funding increases for the sector to ensure long-term investment, as well as a plan to incrementally reduce fees to ensure lower, fairer costs for families.
“It also pledges better pay and working conditions for staff. Workers in the early years sectors are highly qualified and skilled, yet are often paid minimum wage. They deserve fair pay.
“I am calling on TDs from all parties to back this motion when it comes to the Dáil. The scandal of childcare costs has gone on for long enough. It’s time to tackle this and replace it with a system which is fair for children, parents and early years staff.”
Notes to editors:
1. A copy of the motion as a pdf can be viewed by clicking here: Motion to reform childcare sector
2. The proposals would see weekly childcare fees reduce by 13% over the course of the first year and by 66% over the course of the lifetime of the government. The current average weekly cost for one child in full time childcare is €184.36, therefore a reduction of 13% would be to €160.39 per week and by 66% would be to €62.68 per week
3. It is estimated that these measures would require an initial investment of €500m, which would then be subject to review. It is envisioned that funding would increase over time, as part of a move towards long term, sustainable investment in the sector
4. Sinn Féin’s overall policy is to move towards a childcare model which is free at the point of use. This would be transitioned over the course of ten years. Further details are contained in the party’s February 2020 election manifesto
Sinn Féin Chief Whip Pádraig Mac Lochlainn has written to the Ceann Comhairle and the Dáil Business Committee requesting a meeting to examine the voting options that would allow all Dáil business to return to Leinster House.
It is estimated that the cost of holding sittings of the Dáil and Seanad in the Convention Centre will be in excess of €300,000 by next week if an alternative is not found.
Teachta Mac Lochlainn said: “Over recent weeks, the Dáil Business Committee has sought to examine the options available to the Houses of the Oireachtas for returning all of our Dáil sittings back to the Dáil chamber, and away from the Convention Centre. This is not in the least motivated by the growing and substantial cost to the exchequer.
"There are two key challenges in doing so; complying with public health requirements during this pandemic crisis, facilitating votes and voteable business.
“I have written to the Ceann Comhairle and the Dáil Business Committee requesting that a meeting be convened as soon as possible to examine further the voting options that would allow all Dáil business to be carried out in the Dáil chamber in Leinster House.
"Those options could include:
"I am hopeful that all of our political groupings in the Dáil can now agree to the necessary compromises in the public interest."
Sinn Féin Councillor Ryan Murphy has condemned a gun attack on a family home at Cranbrook Court in Ardoyne tonight.
Ryan Murphy said:
“This was a particularly reckless attack on a home in Ardoyne tonight.
“A number of shots were fired into the home of a local woman and a young child.
“Thankfully no one has been injured in this cowardly attack but we could have been looking at a real tragedy here.
“Local people are shocked and disgusted by this shooting.
“I condemn those responsible unreservedly and urge anyone with information on this shooting to bring it forward to the police.”
Sinn Féin Leas Uachtarán Michelle O'Neill has said the creation of any forum on Irish unity is welcome but must go beyond rhetoric.
Michelle O'Neill said:
"I welcome the creation of any Forum to discuss Irish Unity but this must go beyond rhetoric.
“The only way forward is the referendum contained in the Good Friday Agreement, of course that must be preceded with debate and discussion.
“I look forward to an invitation to participate in this proposed Commission.
"Sinn Féin is currently the party with the largest mandate across the island of Ireland. We will use our mandate to advance Irish unity wherever there is an opportunity to do so.
"Colum Eastwood has asserted that Sinn Féin is toxic to unionists. I reject that entirely.
"In increasing numbers, people from a unionist background have attended Sinn Féin constituency offices over the years and indeed they are most welcome to do so.
"Sinn Féin is about creating a new and inclusive Ireland where all cultures, backgrounds and religions are accepted and protected.
"I hope that unionists will engage with this proposed Forum and that political unionism shows leadership on this issue.
"The Irish Government needs to step up to the mark and plan for Irish Unity. The SDLP, and all political parties, should be part of this.
"I wish to reiterate Sinn Féin's long-held request that the Irish government establish a fully inclusive Citizen's Assembly to discuss this topic. They also need to bring forward a white paper on Irish Unity and they need to bring their influence to bear on the British government and secure a date for a referendum on Irish Unity within the next five years.
"This is a live issue; the mechanism is within the Good Friday Agreement and it’s time the people of Ireland had their say."
The South Down MP said:
"It is clear there is a growing demand for Irish unity across the island and conversations on the issue are well underway.
"There have been calls made for a number of years for a forum or other body to discuss unity and that is evidence of the increasing interest in unity.
"But what nationalists want to see is action; not just words.
"People want to see the Irish government living up to its responsibilities under the Good Friday Agreement, including its provision for a referendum on Irish unity.
"We now need to see the Irish government actively beginning preparations for Irish unity in earnest.
"This should involve the setting up of a joint Oireachtas committee on Irish unity, the convening of a Citizen's Assembly representative of the island, and the publication of a white paper on Irish unity.
"It is now time for the Irish government to act."
Sinn Féin TD for Laois-Offaly Brian Stanley has called for much more to be done in respect of the Just Transition plan for the Midlands, after replies to Parliamentary Questions have revealed that not a cent has been spent of the €36 million allocated in the 2020 Budget for the plan.
€36 million was allocated to three separate schemes; the Midlands Just Transition Fund, the Midlands housing retrofit project and the Midlands peatland rehabilitation scheme.
Teachta Stanley said:
“It is totally unacceptable that we are now into July and not one cent has been invested in respect of the Midlands Just Transition project.
“People in the Midlands have gone through a lot in recent years with a significant number of job losses at Bord na Móna and an accelerated withdrawal from brown energy.
“We were told that the Midlands would be at the heart of Ireland’s just transition to green energy.
“We were also told that the Midlands would set a high standard for how other regions across Ireland would transition.
“What the people of the Midlands need right now is urgency. We need to see economic development in the region and we need to stimulate the local economy.
“The Just Transition Fund was established to support local businesses and environmental projects - yet not one euro of its €11 million budget has been spent in 2020.
“The Midlands housing retrofit project is there to create construction jobs and to get money into local suppliers and not one euro of its €20 million budget has been spent.
“The peatlands rehabilitation scheme is there to provide shovel ready jobs for redundant Bord na Móna workers - yet not one job has been created and not one euro of the €5 million allocation has been spent.
“While we recognise that Covid-19 has played a role in delaying many aspects of daily life, these are three projects which are way behind schedule and should have been progressed by now.
“We badly need to kickstart the economy in the Midlands and these three schemes have a major role to play. Sinn Féin will make sure that the pressure stays on the government to get the funds invested as soon as possible.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Agriculture Matt Carthy TD has called on government to initiate a comprehensive consultation on proposed EU regulations that would result in a ban on the use of lead bullets.
Carthy, and Sinn Féin TD for Longford-Westmeath Sorca Clarke, raised the issue with Minister of State Malcolm Noonan in the Dáil last week and are now calling on the government to oppose the regulations in Europe and engage in consultation with effected communities.
Speaking today, Teachta Carthy said: “The proposed regulation is aimed at prohibiting the use of lead bullets specifically in wetlands, but the provision is so broad that in Ireland it would essentially mean the ban would apply across the board.
“An important EU vote was due to take place last Thursday, yet most of those who would be affected had absolutely no idea that it was even happening.
"There has been a concerning lack of engagement with farmers and game club members. We need government clarity on what action it has taken on the regulation and whether it will oppose it.
“The minister and government now need to use the postponement of the vote to ensure that a comprehensive consultation with those people who would be affected by this regulation takes place.
“As it stands, this regulation is unworkable and would add a hugely significant cost to farmers and game club members. These are precisely the people we need on board if we are to ensure that conservation policies work.
“Enacting such a proposition without any consultation for them is counterproductive when it comes to promoting good conservation policies.
“There were almost always unforeseen consequences with EU Regulations, the way to understand these is to talk to those who are at the coalface.
"Without that engagement, the government cannot take any other course than outright opposition to this regulation.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing Eoin Ó Broin TD has described the government’s handling of the ban on evictions, notices to quit and rent increases as “chaotic” and a “slap in the face for renters”.
Responding to the evolving mess on extending the emergency rental protections, Teachta Ó Broin said:
“The handling by the government of the extension of the emergency measures for renters has been chaotic to say the least.
“Latest media reports claim that the protections will only be extended by eleven days. We also understand that new legislation will seek to ban evictions until January 2021, however the ban on rent increases is to end in August.
“Is the government seriously saying it is okay to increase rents but not okay to evict? This is both confusing and contradictory.
“Tens of thousands of renters work in sectors of the economy that will not return to full employment this year.
“The government’s mishandling of this issue is adding to the enormous uncertainty currently faced by both renters and landlords.
“If today’s deadline was to do with extending emergency protections for banks, insurance companies or developers, this issue would have been sorted out months ago.
“It highlights how this government does not take the private rented sector seriously, which does not bode well for the future.
Sinn Féin spokesperson for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Louise O’Reilly has said the early indications are that the government’s July Stimulus package will completely fail to meet the needs of SMEs and the self-employed.Teachta O’Reilly said: “As we approach the launch of the government’s July Stimulus package, the early indications are that they have not listened to SMEs regarding what the sector needs to get back on its feet and drive towards recovery.
“So far, supports for SMEs have largely equated to further debt through loans. This is precisely what small and medium businesses say they do not want.
“Further debt will not help SMEs and micro-businesses get back to work and drive economic recovery.
“Taoiseach Micheál Martin has spent the last number of days in Brussels warning against pouring further debt on European states, and has instead called for the use of grants to help economies recover from Covid-19.
“It is essential that the government takes the same approach to the July Stimulus and includes a comprehensive grants scheme for SMEs, micro-businesses, and self-employed/sole traders.
“Sinn Féin in our ‘Supporting SMEs and Protecting Jobs’ plan called for grants of €12,000 and €25,000 to be given to affected SMEs and micro-businesses.
"Alongside this grant system, we also outlined the need for a €5,000 grant scheme for self-employed/sole traders who have been adversely affected by Covid-19.
“Such grant schemes have been successfully rolled out all across the EU, and beyond.
“In addition to injecting significant liquidity into SMEs and micro-businesses, the July Stimulus must also reduce non-payroll expenses for businesses.
“A rates wavier and a cut in the VAT rate for the tourism and hospitality sector until the end of the year, with built-in extension review mechanisms, would suppress non-payroll expenses and allow some breathing space for affected SMEs and micro-businesses.
“Sinn Féin believes that the central plank of the economic recovery from the Covid-19 crisis must be a real commitment to our micro-businesses, our SME sector, and our family businesses, as well as a steadfast commitment to workers’ rights embedded in legislation, and the creation of decent jobs with decent pay and conditions.
“It is not too late for the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to follow our European counterparts and deliver an economic stimulus package, specifically targeting micro businesses and SMEs in affected sectors, that is expansive and imaginative and can allow businesses to recover, reinvest, and reemploy.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Health David Cullinane TD has welcomed the news that two Coronavirus candidate vaccines have proven safe for humans and produced strong immune responses among patients.
He has commented in advance of a launch tomorrow of the pan-European 'Right2Cure' campaign, which seeks to guarantee free access to any Covid-19 treatment, vaccine or cure to all citizens across the island.
Teachta Cullinane said:
“Reports today of some progress in developing a vaccine for Covid-19 are very welcome. While there is still a long way to go and further trials are necessary, it is positive news that two Coronavirus candidate vaccines have produced strong immune responses in patients.
“While clinical trials continue it is vital that we prepare for an appropriate vaccine to be developed. Tomorrow Sinn Féin will be launching the 'Right2Cure' campaign across the island; which is being supported by the GUE/NGL group in the European Parliament. This is an EU wide campaign that seeks to guarantee free access to any Covid-19 treatment, vaccine or cure to all citizens.
“We need guaranteed access to Covid-19 related diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines. In short this must be about public health over private profit. We must work with Member States across the EU and with the EU globally to ensure that the rights of citizens are put first.”
Sinn Féin MLA and spokesperson for Health Colm Gildernew has said increasing the practice of wearing face coverings in public requires a meaningful public awareness campaign to encourage it and measures to enable people to access coverings.
The Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA has called on the Department of Health to spearhead the efforts to promote face coverings, and make them available to the public.
“There is a growing sense within the community that Coronavirus has been beaten back and the threat has subsided, however, this is not the case, vigilance is still required.
“Mandatory face coverings has already been introduced on public transport and I am calling on the Department of Health to engage proactively in prompting their use more broadly.
"The World Health Organisation have already called for governments to encourage the general public to wear face masks as part of a comprehensive approach to suppress of COVID-19.
“It is also important that the message is clear that face coverings are effective but only in addition to the key public health messages of washing your hands and socially distancing.”
"But face coverings need to be affordable and accessible.
"We cannot have a situation where those who cannot afford face coverings go without them bringing greater risk to their health and the health of those around them.
"Greater use of face coverings must not, however unintended, introduce another health inequality.
"I am calling on the Minister to identify as a matter of urgency ways in which face coverings can be made accessible to all."
Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan has said the Transport Minister must clarify when driving tests will resume in the north.
The Newry/Armagh MLA said:
“Driving lessons in the north have now resumed after a long break resulting from Covid19.
“It doesn’t make any sense that while people can now learn to drive, they cannot yet sit the test to become fully qualified.
“I have written to the Infrastructure Minister to urge her to provide urgent clarity on when driving tests will resume in a safe manner for all involved.
“This is crucial to ensure there is no major backlog in driving test waiting lists over the coming weeks and months.”
Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew has said the Department of Health must do more to support dentists as they prepare to return to procedures.
The party’s health spokesperson was commenting after a number of dentists raised concern the lack of PPE and high costs of equipment.
Colm Gildernew said:
“From today dental practices are allowed to return to performing non-aerosol-generating procedures.
“Many dentists have raised serious concern at being unable to afford the expensive personal protective equipment needed to keep them safe putting the future of their practices at risk.
“There is also significant concern at the lack of support and guidance from the Department of Health for dental practices to either source or pay for the equipment.
“We have raised the matter with the Chief Dental Officer in the health committee and we believe their answers were unsatisfactory and no commitment was made to address the issue.
“The Department has been aware of this for a number of weeks – the issue must be addressed urgently.”
Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew has said an all-island approach is required to deal with COVID-19.
The Sinn Féin health spokesperson said:
“It is an absolute truth that viruses do not recognise borders; therefore our strategy must be the suppression and elimination of the COVID virus on an all-island basis.
“Public health officials across the entire island must act swiftly and cohesively if we are to return to any kind of normality in our economy and in our social activities.
“The evidence gained from epidemiological data from the north and south supports the case for coordinated action across the entire island if we are to suppress and eliminate the COVID virus.
“The experts agree on what needs to be done – Belfast and Dublin must act as a tag team with a no-nonsense attitude; setting political agendas aside to ruthlessly hunt down and eliminate the COVID-19 virus in a cooperative manner across the island and the objective must be to achieve a zero Covid future.
“Both governments must be fully committed to full investment in the infrastructure and apparatus of suppression and elimination – extensive finding, testing, contact tracing and isolation. Special attention must be paid to border communities, north and south, with testing, contact tracing and so forth carried out seamlessly through fully cooperative efforts.
“The Memorandum of Understanding between the two administrations must be beefed up – with daily strategising and data sharing between health departments and public health officials. There can be no room for complacency or dithering by any party.”
Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD has introduced at first stage in the Dáil the Ban on Rent Increases Bill 2020, which would prohibit rent increases for all existing and new tenancies for three years.
Teachta Ó Broin said:
“The Ban on Rent Increases Bill 2020 will prohibit rent increases for all existing and new tenancies for three years and is an update to legislation we published last year.
“Under the new Bill, current rents in existing tenancies will be capped at their rate on the date the new legislation is enacted, and new tenancies will be set according to the Residential Tenancies Board rent index.
“The prohibition on rent increases will run for three years with an annual review mechanism built into the legislation.
“Rents are too high and too many people are paying too much money to keep a roof over their heads.
“Since Rebuilding Ireland was launched in 2016, rents across the State have increased by an astonishing 40%.
“The average asking rent across the State is now €1,400 per month.
“The situation is much worse in Dublin, with rents increasing by an astonishing 70% over the same period and an average asking rent in the city and county of €2,000 per month.
“It is €7,500 a year more expensive to rent in Dublin today than when Rebuilding Ireland was launched.
“As Fianna Fáil bicker about the Constitutionality or otherwise of extending the current ban on evictions, notices to quit and rent increases, Sinn Féin is demonstrating what is a clear priority for us in government.
“A three year ban on rent increases with an annual review is reasonable, proportionate, fair and most importantly, absolutely necessary to protect hundreds of thousands of hard-pressed renters.
ENDS//
Note to editors: A copy of Teachta Ó Broin's Bill and an explanatory memorandum can be found at the links below.
Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan has raised serious concerns at reports of the medical treatment and the violation of the rights of Kamal Abu Wa'ar and other Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
The Party’s Middle East Spokesperson said:
“Serious concerns have been raised at the treatment and rights violations of Palestinian prisoner Kamal Abu Wa'ar.
“Kamal is in a critical condition in an Israeli jail and is suffering from cancer and Covid-19.
“His immune system is depleted due to the chemotherapy sessions that he received and Covid-19 has worsened his condition. He needs proper medical attention as a matter of urgency.
“Over recent months the Israeli government has released hundreds of Israeli prisoners as a preventive and protective step. However, they have not applied the same compassion to Palestinian prisoners.
“I condemn the degrading and discriminatory treatment of Palestinian prisoners. It is an international scandal and a violation of international and humanitarian law.
“The international community must hold the Israeli government to account for their denial of proper medical treatment to sick Palestinian prisoners.”
