Sinn Féin’s newly appointed spokesperson on Climate Action, Communications Networks and Transport Darren O’Rourke TD today welcomed the EPA project of emissions report and said climate justice must be at the heart of this government’s approach to reducing carbon emissions over the coming years.
Speaking today, Deputy O’Rourke said;
“I welcome the report published by the EPA today which shows the State can meet our current EU target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030.
“This would require the full implementation of the measures contained in the 2019 Climate Action Plan and require a 3% average annual reduction in emissions from 2021 to 2030.
“While this government have proposed to increase the targets to an annualised 7% per annum, we are very concerned about the proposal to push the bulk of emissions reduction down the line for the next administration.
“The reductions in emissions due to the Covid-19 lockdown, should be used as a springboard for change by this government, not as a free pass for this year.
“The July stimulus plan should aim to reboot our economy and create jobs in a green and sustainable manner.
“Retrofitting, investment in public transport and ambitious renewable energy projects, should be included, to not just create jobs and stimulate the economy, but also put us on the right track to meet our carbon emissions targets.
“We’ve previously outlined our deep concern about the proposed quadrupling of the carbon tax over the next few years and the impact this will have on workers and families.
“This tax is not going to work, because unless you put in place measures to give families and workers the alternatives, it is just another punitive tax on ordinary people.
“It was clear from the recent Green Party debate on the Programme for Government, that it is not just Sinn Féin who holds this view, but progressive members of that party too.
“Sinn Féin are fully committed to achieving our carbon emission targets, but we want to see climate change tackled in a progressive way, that combines social justice and fairness with the obvious environmental needs.
“Climate justice needs to be at the heart of this government’s approach to reducing carbon emissions over the coming years.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance Pearse Doherty TD has criticised the banks and the Government for loading mortgage-borrowers with additional debt after the European Banking Authority confirmed that banks were not required to charge additional interest on COVID-19 mortgage breaks.
Since the 18th March, nearly 80,000 mortgage-holders impacted by COVID-19 have taken payment breaks which will see additional interest charged by as much as several thousand euro over the lifetime of the loans.
Teachta Doherty said:
“Yesterday the European regulator confirmed that Irish banks were not required to charge borrowers additional interest on payment breaks taken due to COVID-19.
“In its report on the implementation of COVID-19 payment breaks, the European Banking Authority made clear that the deferral of payments with no interest charged for the period of deferral was allowed, and would not result in loans going into default.
“This has been clear for months, with the Spanish Government introducing legislation as early as March, which banned the charging of interest during COVID-19 mortgage breaks.
“The Government and Irish banks have taken a different approach, with nearly 80,000 mortgage borrowers being charged thousands of euros in additional interest for mortgage breaks they have taken because of the COVID-19 crisis.
"In a meeting held on May 11th between the five retail banks, the Banking and Payments Federation, the Minister for Finance and then Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, a number of banks claimed that the regulator required them to charge interest during these payment breaks.
“This was not true.
“Yesterday at committee the Governor of the Central Bank confirmed that this was not the case.
“Indeed I received correspondence from the Central Bank in June confirming that mortgage breaks without the charging of interest during the break period was allowed under the regulations.
“It is scandalous that the banking sector deliberately misinformed senior Government Ministers regarding a policy choice that will increase the outstanding debt of 80,000 households that have been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.
“What is more disturbing is that the Minister for Finance was so easily misled by the banks, despite other EU jurisdictions taking action months before to stop the charging of additional interest.
“I have raised this matter with the Government consistently since March, and shared legislation with the Minister for Finance which would prohibit the charging of interest during mortgage payment breaks.
“Despite this, Government and the Minister have failed to act. The result will be additional mortgage debt for tens of thousands of families.”
Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Mid-West Mark Ward has welcomed news that the HSE have included information about the misuse of nitrous oxide on Drugs.ie after he had campaigned for this.
Teachta Ward has been raising concerns about the misuse of nitrous oxide since he became aware of an increase in the use of the drug that was noticeable by the amount of discarded silver canisters in Dublin Mid-West.
He said:
“The misuse of nitrous oxide which is commonly known as silver bullets has become a widespread problem since the outbreak of Covid-19. There has been a spike in the number of discarded canisters of nitrous oxide in parks and public areas.
“You only have to walk through the parks and estates in Dublin Mid-West and see the discarded canisters that are commonly known as 'silver bullets.'
“The Department of Health works with the HSE to raise awareness of the dangers associated with drugs through the Drugs.ie website.
"However, having visited the drugs.ie website I became aware that there was no mention of nitro oxide in the solvent section. I subsequently wrote to the Minister and asked for awareness of the dangers of Nitrous Oxide to be included on Drugs.ie.
“I welcome the news that the dangers of Nitrous Oxide has subsequently been added to drugs.ie. Whilst this will not stop the problem it will give parents and children correct and factual information on the dangers of using this substance.
“The problem is that kids are playing Russian Roulette with this substance and do not know how it will affect them until they take it. These 'silver bullets' are used in the catering trade and can be bought for cheap online. Unscrupulous dealers are then selling them on for big profits.
“People with heart, blood pressure or mental health concerns could be at greater risk. Nitrous Oxide can cause a drop in oxygen levels which could increase heart rate.
“I have also called for an awareness programme on the dangers of nitrous oxide to be rolled out in schools, this would be a welcome step in combatting this issue.”
ENDS//
Note to editors: A copy of a PQ Teachta Ward put in to the Department of Health can be found below, and a link to the information concerning Nitrous Oxide can be found here: http://www.drugs.ie/news/article/new_feature_on_nitrous_oxide_laughing_gas
For Written Answer on : 30/06/2020
Question Number(s): 424 Question Reference(s): 12931/20
Department: Health
Asked by: Mark Ward T.D.
______________________________________________
QUESTION
To ask the Minister for Health if he will instruct the HSE to include information on nitrous oxide under the solvent's category on drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
REPLY
The National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) in the USA considers nitrous oxide as an inhalant which covers solvents, aerosols and gases found in household products.
On the drugs.ie website, nitrous oxide has its own page in the sedative section as technically it is categorised as sedative/dissociative anaesthetic. A link to the nitrous oxide page has been added to the solvents page.
Some drugs, particularly newer trends, can fall into many categories. The drug category system on Drugs.ie is being reviewed and will be replaced with an a-z list of drugs.
The HSE alerted young people about the danger of using nitrous oxide through a media release in January. It has updated Drugs.ie outlining the effects and risks associated with nitrous oxide use, and produced an advice booklet for parents on how to talk to young people about the risks associated with drug and alcohol use.
Nitrous oxide is a dangerous substance that may lead to serious health effects. It is important that we increase awareness of the health risks associated with nitrous oxide misuse among young people, parents and youth organisations.
ENDS//
Sinn Féin Chief Whip and TD for Donegal Pádraig Mac Lochlainn has described comments by the Taoiseach to The Irish Times in respect of the Good Friday Agreement as contradictory and deeply unhelpful.
He described the refusal of the Taoiseach to advocate for a border poll - which is expressly provided for in the Good Friday Agreement - as ridiculous.
Teachta Mac Lochlainn said:
"Demand for Irish unity has been growing steadily over the last number of years and Sinn Féin have been pressing the Irish government to begin meaningful engagement with the British government to arrange a date for a referendum on Irish unity within the next five years.
"To plan for a United Ireland, we need an All-Ireland Forum or a Citizens Assembly to plan for constitutional change and to ensure that the path to reunification is inclusive and orderly, because it is reckless to refuse to plan for the future.
"By refusing to plan for unity, the Taoiseach is abdicating his responsibility as head of government. Those that press this view are acting foolishly and are not protecting or respecting any section of our people - unionist, nationalist or otherwise
"Whilst Fianna Fáil occasionally pays lip service to its Republican roots, it has long since abandoned any desire to advocate for a United Ireland; particularly under Micheál Martin’s leadership.
"A referendum on Irish unity is expressly provided for in the Good Friday Agreement - despite what the Taoiseach thinks. This is an agreement that was endorsed by the people of this island, north and south, overwhelmingly over twenty years ago.
"Respecting that agreement must be the responsibility of the Irish government. Contradictory remarks about what the agreement says are deeply unhelpful, and quite frankly ridiculous."
Sinn Féin MLA Órlaithí Flynn has welcomed the Cumberledge review into mesh implants.
Speaking after the publication of the ‘First Do No Harm’, report the West Belfast MLA said:
“The ‘First do no Harm’ report is a testimony to the courage and determination of women harmed by mesh implant surgery to hold the medical establishment to account.
“The report cites surgeons that didn’t just fail to listen to their patients but, fearful of litigation, actively ignored them. It exposes a culture of denial that misdirected and even intimidated patients.
“The report uncovers a lack of transparency with regards to regulation and an institutional and professional resistance to changing practices, even in the face of mounting safety concerns.
“The Cumberledge report calls for a range of measures from an official apology and redress to the establishment of a Patient Safety Commissioner and reform of the Medicine and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency.
"I have contacted the Minister for Health, Robin Swann and requested an urgent response to this report and an official evaluation of its implications within this jurisdiction.
“I have also expressed ongoing concerns to the Minister about the provision of care for those injured by mesh implants, specifically the continuing struggle to access removal surgery.
“Across the island of Ireland and across the world, women injured by mesh are speaking truth to power in challenging assumptions about who decides about women’s health. In raising their voices, collectively and in solidarity, women are asserting their right to a diligent, responsive and ethical delivery of health services.”
Rose Conway-Walsh has said that the valproate scandal of who knew what, when they knew it, and why they did nothing to prevent harm to the unborn babies of pregnant women prescribed Epilim (valproate), reaches a key juncture today with the publication of the ‘First Do No Harm’ report in Britain.
The Sinn Féin TD for Mayo has called on the new Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly to honour his commitment to hold a inquiry into the scandal in this state, and to establish a redress scheme for those affected.
Speaking today, Teachta Conway-Walsh said: “It is now time for new Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly to make good on his ‘100% commitment’ to hold an independent public enquiry into the valproate scandal and to put in place a redress scheme for the 1,200 plus families impacted by the failure of the state to protect them.
“Over 3,100 children were potentially exposed to valproate. Based on international data, it is estimated that 341 have experienced a major congenital malformation and over 1,250 children will have experienced some form of neuro-developmental delay.
“The UK ‘First Do No Harm’ report of the Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Review chaired by Julia Cumberlege is a two-year accumulation of harrowing patient testimony and mounting evidence concerning three medical interventions: Primodos, sodium valproate and pelvic mesh.
“Having worked with families in this state impacted by sodium valproate for a number of years, I think Julia Cumberlege sums up the scandal when she states she ‘never encountered anything like this; the intensity of suffering experienced by so many families, and the fact that they have endured it for decades.'
“She adds that ‘much of this suffering was entirely avoidable, caused and compounded by failings in the health system itself.'
"Repeatedly, the anguish of the mothers I meet is driven by the fact that they feel intense guilt at having taken medication that resulted in their children being harmed. One mother said, ‘I feel as though I am an unsuspecting, unwilling participant in a cruel experiment that has gone wrong.'
"The truth is it was never their fault. They were harmed because the State failed to protect them."
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Health David Cullinane said: “In this state, the long running battle to uncover the truth about why sodium valproate continued to be prescribed to pregnant women for decades came before the Joint Oireachtas Health Committee in 2018, which recommended an independent investigation and consideration of a redress scheme.
“Of most concern is the reluctance of governments to uncover the truth. I believe that the as yet unpublished HSE Valproate Response Report has been used to delay the commencement of a necessary inquiry. Sanofi and state agencies must be accountable. The harm inflicted on these children was entirely avoidable."
Deputy Conway-Walsh concluded:
“The response differs in other countries. In France, Sanofi - the pharmaceutical company that manufactures sodium valproate - has been indicted. Two thousand families are taking a class-action against Sanofi. It is estimated that more than 50,000 people could have been affected.
"The French state has accepted their responsibility and set up a multi-million euro ‘state compensation fund’ to compensate the victims and introduced a partial ban on sodium valproate. Why should children in this state be any different to children in France?
“I want to acknowledge the unrelenting commitment of Karen Keeley, Chairperson of Organisation for Anti-Convulsant Syndrome (OACS) Ireland, Epilepsy Ireland and the wonderful mothers I have met in the pursuit of the truth and justice for their children."
Speaking ahead of today's first meeting of the of the new cabinet Committee on Economic Recovery and Investment, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Enterprise, Trade and Employment Louise O’Reilly said that delivering a fair and sustainable economic recovery for workers and SMEs must be top of their agenda.
Teachta O’Reilly said: “Workers and many small and medium-sized enterprises have faced and continue to face unprecedented challenges as a result of Covid-19, and the extraordinary public health measures undertaken to protect people from the virus.
"Certain sectors have been more vulnerable to the impact of Covid-19 such as the hospitality, tourism and retail sectors.
"As a result, firms in these sectors have faced substantial cashflow problems, the resolution of which will determine their capacity to withstand the current crisis and operate successfully as they reopen.
“Liquidity supports and access to credit lines are essential in assisting SMEs in the coming months.
“In the weeks and months since Covid-19 brought society and the economy to a standstill, there have been attempts by the caretaker government to provide these liquidity supports and credit lines.
“Unfortunately, these supports have proven to be generally inaccessible and ineffectual to SMEs and their needs; a new approach is clearly needed.
“It is incredibly important that credit and working capital is made available to SMEs, but it is equally important that it is accessible.
“While a significant amount of money has been made available, the application of commercial level interest rates to government loans has made many of the loan schemes unattractive to SMEs.
“Furthermore, there are significant issues surrounding banks using the same risk assessment for loans as if government weren't guaranteeing loans, thus leaving thousands of SMEs unable to access loans or credit.
“These and many other issues surrounding the working of the different government schemes have been pointed out by both Sinn Féin and SMEs and their representative groups.
"The longer they go unaddressed, the more it looks as if government policy is to say they are providing funding for SMEs but make it virtually inaccessible.
“Rectifying the issues with such schemes, streamlining access to working capital, and delivering a fair and sustainable economic recovery for workers and SMEs must therefore be top of the agenda for the cabinet Committee on Economic Recovery and Investment.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Agriculture Matt Carthy TD has called on the new government to provide for a financial support package for the suckler beef sector. He said that the decision to exclude suckler beef farmers from the €50 million Beef Exceptional Aid package has meant that this cohort of farmers have received no supports in recognition of the challenges they faced as a result of Covid-19.
The Cavan-Monaghan TD said that the Minister’s stated intention that the €50million beef package would essentially ‘trickle down’ to suckler beef farmers in the autumn and will be of little comfort to farmers who are struggling right now.
Teachta Carthy said:
“The Minister’s response to my question on the rationale for excluding suckler farmers from the emergency beef package is premised on the assumption that existing government schemes, committed pre-Covid, would suffice for the suckler sector. This is at odds with the realities that suckler farmers are facing.
“The new government has an opportunity to correct this imbalance. They need to do so by providing a financial support for our suckler sector in recognition of the huge challenges that they are facing.
“Unfortunately, the Programme for Government itself gave little in the way of concrete proposals for supporting our Beef industry. It was light on detail in general and in particular on measures for supporting beef farmers.
“The government can and should go some way to addressing these concerns by immediately committing to providing a package for suckler farmers”.
ENDS//
Note to Editors: Text of Parliamentary Question submitted by Matt Carthy and Response by Agriculture Minister, Barry Cowen below:
QUESTION
To ask the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the reason he decided to exclude suckler beef farmers from the €50 million emergency beef fund; if he will publish the advice and analysis that led to this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
REPLY
The €50 million Beef Exceptional Aid package is targeted towards beef finishers in recognition of the fact that they have borne the most immediate and severe economic impact arising from the market disturbance arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Supporting finishers will have a positive impact on suckling and store buying enterprises, as it will help to maintain the market into which these operators sell, primarily in the autumn.
The economic rationale which underpins the scheme will be published in due course in the notification to the EU Commission for inclusion of the measure under the COVID temporary state aid framework.
In terms of supports specifically for suckler farmers; in addition to the €300 million Beef Data and Genomics Programme, which is the core Rural Development Programme support targeted at suckler farmers, and other supports such as the Areas of Natural Constraint scheme which is very significant to suckler farm incomes, the 2020 Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme - Sucklers (BEEP-S) is targeted specifically at suckler farmers and aims to enhance the operational, economic and environmental efficiency of suckler enterprises.
ENDS
Caoimhe Archibald MLA, Sinn Féin Economy Spokesperson, has said support for home and business retrofitting is essential for any green economic recovery.
The East Derry MLA was speaking following news that the British government intends to introduce a voucher scheme to partially cover the costs of retrofitting for homeowners.
Caoimhe Archibald MLA said:
"For some time now Sinn Féin have been calling for a green and just stimulus-led economic recovery from COVID-19 disruption.
"An important and essential step in rapidly reducing our emissions is not using and wasting energy in the first place.
"By providing state support to encourage and reduce the cost of home retrofitting we can rapidly improve energy efficiency, while providing a huge stimulus to a hard-hit construction industry by creating good-quality green jobs.
"Options should also be explored to encourage and incentivise businesses to retrofit to reduce their energy us.
"A wide-ranging retrofitting program can also advance the need for a Just Transition, by tackling and improving extremely high rates of fuel poverty in the North.
"For these reasons retrofitting for all homes and businesses should be an essential part of any economic recovery strategy, by creating decent green jobs, tackling poverty, and rapidly reducing our emissions."
Sinn Féin MLA Emma Rogan has said reports of a suspected COVID-19 outbreak in Crossgar and Ballynahinch highlights the need for people to continue to be responsible.
The South Down MLA said:
“Reports of a number of suspected COVID-19 cases in County Down have caused considerable concern in the local area.
“I have been in contact with the Public Health Agency and the Department of Health on these reports.
“Rumour and misinformation are not helpful so the Public Health Organisation needs to keep the local community updated on what is happening.
“This highlights the need for people to continue to follow the guidelines and practise social distancing and hand hygiene in order to keep people safe.
“We are not out of the woods yet and we all need to be responsible.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Children, Equality and Integration Kathleen Funchion TD has voiced deep concern about the experiences of children living Direct Provision, following the publication of a report by the Ombudsman For Children’s Office.
Teachta Funchion said: “This report makes for shocking reading and raises serious issues about the physical and mental wellbeing of children subjected to life in Direct Provision.
“Children in Direct Provision are among the most vulnerable children in our society and we must do everything we can to ensure that they can experience their childhoods safely and with dignity.
“In the report, children have shared how they have been forced to live in small, cramped spaces which are detrimental to their physical development and emotional wellbeing. It is vital that all children have enough space to play, study and live. This is a universal right and it is unacceptable that children in Direct Provision should be denied it.
“Some of the children also raised deeply troubling concerns about their lack of privacy, reporting that many areas of Direct Provision centres are monitored by cameras and families say that staff often enter and examine rooms without notice.
“This is an unacceptable breach of children’s privacy. The centres must work to ensure that the dignity and privacy of all Direct Provision residents is maintained.
“The report also details how many children in Direct Provision have been subject to racist and sectarian discrimination in the education system and in the wider community. This has included being subjected to derogatory slurs or frightening protests outside the centres.
“This is appalling discrimination and the Government must do everything in its power to ensure that people in Direct Provision are supported to integrate fully in society without having to fear such abuse or unacceptable attacks.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Water Eoin Ó Broin TD has called for the Housing, Local Government & Heritage Committee to be urgently convened to discuss the findings of the Drinking Water Quality in Public Supplies Report 2019 published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) this morning.
Teachta Ó Broin said:
“The EPA Drinking Water Quality in Public Supplies Report 2019 highlights that while the quality of drinking water in the majority public supplies remains high, 52 treatment plants suppling water to over one million people are vulnerable to failure.
“The EPA has also stated that there are 52 water supplies with significant issues on its remedial action list at the end of 2019.
“The Leixlip water treatment plant which suffered multiple failures last year affecting more than 600,000 people has been added to the list.
“Funding must be put in place to prioritise the remediation of these plants.
“It was concerning to hear that €100m was cut from Irish Water’s capital budget for 2020.
“With other revenue streams also down it is clear the lack of adequate funding is impacting on Irish Water’s capacity to fix the plants.
“An urgent meeting of the Oireachtas Housing, Local Government and Heritage Committee is now required so we can hear from all the stakeholders involved as to what needs to be done to fix the problem.
“The EPA, Irish Water and the water section of the Department should be invited to attend and I will raise this with the relevant Oireachtas authorities today.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Social Protection Claire Kerrane TD has warned that families must be protected to ensure they are not forced into poverty due to the economic crisis.
Her comments follow the publication of figures by the Economic and Social Research Institute estimating that child poverty could increase sharply unless there is some economic recovery this year.
Teachta Kerrane said: “This report serves as a stark warning of the serious and far reaching repercussions of the economic crisis. These estimates are deeply alarming and highlight how ordinary workers and families must be protected to ensure that they are not forced to shoulder the burden of austerity in the months and years ahead.
“The current child poverty rate is already far too high at 16%. Projections by the ESRI that this figure could rise to 21% by the end of this year are deeply concerning.
“No child should be subjected to the indignity and distress of a childhood in poverty. Children cannot be allowed to become collateral damage in the economic crisis.
“The Government must act urgently and robustly to ensure that vulnerable families receive sufficient financial support to protect their incomes in the difficult time ahead.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance Pearse Doherty TD has criticised the banks for wilfully misinforming the Taoiseach and Minister for Finance at a meeting held on the 11th May, after the Governor of the Central Bank confirmed at the COVID-19 Committee that banks were not required by the regulator to charge additional interest on payment breaks taken due to COVID-19.
Since the 18th March, nearly 80,000 mortgage-holders impacted by COVID-19 have taken payment breaks which will see additional interest charged by as much as several thousand euro over the lifetime of the loans.
Speaking today, Teachta Doherty said:
“In this week’s Business Post, Aiden Corkery reported minutes of a meeting held on May 11th between the five retail banks, the Banking and Payments Federation, the Minister for Finance and then Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.
“I have seen the minutes of that meeting.
“In the meeting, the CEO of Bank of Ireland claimed that the regulator required interest to be charged during the payment break.
“Today the Governor of the Central Bank confirmed that this was not the case.
“The CEO of AIB then claimed that if interest was not charged during the payment break, mortgage loans would default with the credit rating of customers impacted.
“The Governor of the Central Bank confirmed that this was also not the case.
“Indeed, I received correspondence from the Central Bank on 22nd June confirming that providing payment breaks whereby interest does not accrue during the break period was allowed under regulatory guidelines issued by the Banking Authority.
“At the same meeting, the CEO of the banking lobby, Brian Hayes, asserted that approach taken in Ireland was the same across Europe and in line with the rules banks had to follow.
“The Governor of the Central Bank confirmed today that this was also false.
“Indeed, in several European jurisdictions, legislation has been passed to ensure that no interest accrues during mortgage payment breaks, protecting customers impacted from COVID-19 from additional mortgage debt. These measures have been in full compliance with EBA guidelines.
“The banks and Government have ensured that no such protections are in place for Irish borrowers.
“It is a scandal that the banking industry and their lobby group deliberately misinformed the Taoiseach, Minister for Finance and Minister for Business over an issue that has impacted nearly 80,000 mortgage-holders and saddled them with additional debt.
“It is also disturbing that the Minister for Finance was unaware that payment breaks without interest accrual were consistent with regulatory guidelines, when the Spanish Government had passed legislation to provide for this more than a month before this meeting was even held.
“Today I have written to the CEOs of the five retail banks to clarify their position and will raise the issue with the Government.
“It is now clear that nearly 80,000 mortgage-holders hit by COVID-19 will be charged additional interest as a result of the banks guarding their profit margins and the Government falling asleep at the wheel.”
Fiscal Rules must stay suspended until they are reformed or dropped – MEP MacManus
Sinn Féin MEP Chris MacManus, a member of the European Parliament’s Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee, has welcomed the call from outgoing Eurogroup Chair Marion Centeno for reform of the EU’s fiscal rules and for there to be no rush back to the strict budgetary structure. He said today’s economic forecasts from the EU Commission only highlights further the need for reform.
MEP MacManus said:
“I am very glad to see Mario Centeno’s remarks on the fiscal rules in the context of a post-Covid Europe. This is a debate that must be had before we blindly return to rules which have the potential to artificially and unnecessarily drag the Eurozone countries into an unnecessary deeper recession. Today’s economic forecasts from the EU Commission only highlights further the need for reform.
Sinn Féin is opposed to the fiscal rules as they can force austerity as the only approach to a crisis and also because they are an unacceptable impingement on any state’s economic sovereignty. Many in Europe have discussed replacement of the rules with a Sustainable and Development Pact.
What is certain is that rushing back into the fiscal rule straitjacket has the potential to throw away much of the sacrifice people and countries have made to rebuild economies and societies in the wake of this pandemic. Mr. Centeno is not alone in his calls. The European Fiscal Board, hardly a leftish think-tank, has said the debt rule is now unrealistic and that the rules should ream in suspended.
In contrast, Eurogroup chief nominee Paschal Donohue’s application letter to the Eurogroup specifically seeks a return to the fiscal rules. Once again, the Dublin government is on the side of austerity and cannot see the potential for reform.
Ireland, and the rest of Europe, needs time to recover using the current breathing space in the fiscal rules and State Aid rules to do whatever is appropriate for their economies. A rush back to failed old policies which could spin us into a deeper recession for the sake of box ticking must be opposed. A long overdue debate has begun and must not be brushed over. A return to the fiscal rules will exacerbate the debt crisis, they must be dropped or radically reformed to allow Europe recover.” ENDS
Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew has raised serious concerns with the Department of Health’s investigation into the unprecedented mass resignation of RQIA Board members.
Following publication of the Terms of Reference Colm Gildernew expressed concern about the Department of Health’s ability to investigate its own involvement.
Colm Gildernew said:
“The mass resignations of the non-Executive members from the board of the regulator, RQIA, was an astonishing development in the middle of a global health pandemic.
“It was unprecedented in scale and in timing.
”The resignations have been a cause of great concern for those receiving care and treatment across the health and social care system.
“Sinn Féin raised many questions directly with the Minister of Health including asking for the full range of concerns that were raised with DoH by the RQIA board members and the specific Terms of Reference for the departmental investigation.
“However we have a number of concerns regarding the scope of the DoH investigation and the process of its publication.
“I am concerned that the terms of reference appear to be limited to what DoH deem to be relevant correspondence between the Department of Health and RQIA. Surely all correspondences would be relevant including correspondence within the Department of Health relating to RQIA.
“I am also concerned that the decision to repurpose RQIA and a lack of confidence interim Chief Executive, is not included.
“These have been mooted as the reasons for the mass resignation of board members and must be scrutinised further.
“The report should be presented directly to the Health committee, at the same time as being received by the Department of Health, to ensure transparency - this is currently not the case.
“I am calling on the Health Minister to urgently agree to amend the Terms of Reference to reflect these grave concerns.”
Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has urged the Economy Minister to bring forward additional support for businesses urgently.
The party's economy spokesperson said:
"I had written to the Economy Minister following her attendance at the Economy Committee on the 17th June. At that meeting the Minister said she would be submitting a paper to the Executive on using the underspend from the business grant schemes on additional business support.
"I had outlined priority areas to direct further support towards those businesses excluded from the hardship fund.
“Social enterprises with charitable status, sole traders, the newly self employed, childcare providers and small manufacturers, as well as others were excluded on the false basis that not enough funding was available.
“I have been contacted by businesses and entrepreneurs who are now really struggling. They were hoping support would be coming soon following the Minister's comments on the underspend.
”I have written to the Economy Minister again outlining the pressure some of these businesses are under having yet to receive any support. I have also asked the Minister what the timeframe would be for bringing forward further support.
"This support will be critical in enabling businesses to reopen and put in place measures for social distancing and hygiene."
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Transport Darren O’Rourke TD has welcomed clarity on the extension of international travel restrictions until 20th July, while warning that measures must be tightened to ensure that they are effective.
Teachta O’Rourke said: “I welcome the fact that the industry now has much needed clarity that restrictions on international travel will be extended until 20th July, however the restrictions require tightening to ensure that they are fully effective.
“I am concerned that the current regulations on requiring international arrivals to self-isolate for a fortnight are far too lax and too easily circumvented. The process of international arrivals filling in a Passenger Locator Form and then receiving a single phone call is clearly open to misuse by people who may decide not to self-isolate or not engage with authorities.
“Checks in our ports and airports need to be dramatically ramped up before foreign travel is increased. Temperature screening and rapid testing should be introduced for new arrivals, as is currently in place in other countries. The Government should use the two week period between now and 20th July to begin putting these important measures in place.
“While many countries are making great strides towards eliminating the virus, in some such as Brazil and the United States, it is clear that the infection rate continues to be out of control. We must consider further limits on arrivals from these Covid-19 hot spots and significant additional checks on passengers travelling from them.
“The virus knows no borders and it is vital that we approach the pandemic on an all-island basis. Any changes to international travel restrictions must be done in consultation with Stormont, to ensure the strategy can be delivered effectively across the island.”
Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan has called on the Minister for Infrastructure to look at retrospectively extending driver theory certificates that have fallen during the closure of MOT centres and the lack of driving tests.
The Newry and Armagh MLA stated:
“For learners attaining their driver licence, Covid-19 proved a real set back as driving tests have been suspended during the lockdown.
“ It has been revealed that 1,126 theory test pass certificates have expired between the end of March and the end of June at a time when driving tests were not available.
“A further 1,312 will expire by the end of September.
“It appears that learner drivers are being forced to start from scratch, through no fault of their own.
“It is important to show flexibility during this uncertain period.
“I have written to the Infrastructure Minister asking her to look at retrospectively extending driver theory certificates that have fallen during the closure of MOT centre and lack of driving tests.”
Sinn Féin MLA Linda Dillon MLA has welcomed today’s announcement that restrictions on prison visits will be eased.
The party’s Justice spokesperson said:
“I welcome today’s announcement that preparations have now begun to allow prison visits for close relatives of people in custody which had previously been suspended as a result of COVID-19.
“This will be of great relief to prisoners and relatives alike, as visits are an important part of rehabilitation.
“It's a testament to the Prison Service that they have done so well to prevent a feared outbreak in prisons.
“Families and prisoners made huge sacrifices to get us to this stage and they, along with the hard work of the prison staff, should be commended.
“Covid-19 has not gone away, however, and it is vitally important that the easing of these restrictions is done in a proper manner, that public health guidelines are strictly adhered to, and we don’t become complacent to the risk of the virus.
“I also want to further note the great success of the facilitation of virtual visits, which provided a vital outlet to prisoners and allowed some prisoners to contact loved ones they hadn’t been able to before.
“I would urge the further development of the virtual visits system alongside physical visits.”
