Ráitis is déanaí

Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has wished hospitality businesses well for reopening this weekend.

The party's economy spokesperson said:

"I'd like to wish those hospitality businesses reopening their doors this weekend, good luck.

"Our pubs, restaurants, cafés, hotels and other tourism businesses were amongst the first hit by the COVID19 pandemic. 

"They have been unable to operate for the past number of months and this had been hugely damaging to our local economy.

"The safety of workers and the public is paramount, and many of these businesses have went to great lengths to put in place safety measures and training to protect their staff and us the public as customers, as they now reopen. 

"We all have a role to play in acting responsibly and ensuring we adhere to social distancing and good hygiene and I would call on everyone to enjoy themselves in a responsible manner that ensures the safety of staff, other customers and the wider community."

Fáiltíonn Sinn Féin roimh an gcinneadh atá glactha ag siúd atá cónaí orthu i Rath Chairn athchomhairc a lorg san Ard Chúirt i dtaca le cinneadh an Bhoird Pleanála cead a thabhairt eastát tithíochta bheith tógtha gan coinníollacha láidir teangan bheith gafa leis.

Is léir ón méid atá tarlaithe i Rath Chairn go bhfuil géarghá roimh choinníollacha Pleanála láidir maidir leis an nGaeilge bheith ann chun cosaint cheart a thabhairt do cheantair Gaeltachta.

Déanfaidh Sinn Féin cinnte de nuair a mbeidh Bille na dTeangacha Oifigiúla os comhair na Dála seo mar atá geallta, go mbeidh sé leasaithe ionas nach mbeidh na húdaráis pleanála in ann teacht timpeall ortha.

Sa chás seo in ainneoin gur dhiúltaigh Comhairle Contae na Mí don iarratas Pleanála, agus gur lorg cigire Pleanála An Bord Pleanála coinníollacha docht teangan bheith ar aon cead a mbronnfaí, dhéan An Bord Pleanála cead a thabhairt do 28 teach agus Teach lóistín bheith tógtha.

Bhí cruinniú idir baill Chomharchumann Ráth Chairn agus Teachtaí Dála Shinn Féin (Johnny Guirke, Aengus Ó Snodaigh agus Máiréad Farrell) le déanaí leis an gceist a phlé, agus chun tacaíocht an pháirtí ar sheasamh muintir na háite a léiriú.

Dúirt an Teachta Guirke

“Is droch chinneadh seo ó An Bord Pleanála agus is léir nach ar mhaithe ceantair bhig Gaeltachta ar nós Ráth Chairn atá sé. Caithfear dhéanamh cinnte de, gur do clanna le Gaeilge agus atá chun a clanna a thógaint le Gaeilge a bheidh aon teach a bheas tógtha sa Ghaeltacht.”

Ag treaslú le muintir Ráth Chairn dúirt Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD,

“Bheadh sé tubaisteach agus i gcoinne aon sort pleanáil teanga nó tarrtháil na Gaeltachta atá ag an Stát má ligtear de seo dul ar aghaidh. Déanfaidh an cinneadh seo dochar as cuimse don atmaisféar sochtheangeolaíochta sa cheantar. 

Is toisc nach raibh cosaint ag Gaeltachtaí atá creimeadh ag teacht ar theorainn na nGaeltachtaí agus níos mó agus níos mó clanna le Béarla amháin agus ag tógaint a gclanna le Béarla á chur fúthu nó ag cónaí sna Gaeltachtaí, agus ní amháin ag an imeall. Impím ar an oiread Gaeilgeoirí agus díograiseoirí tacú le muintir Ráth Chairn, agus iarraim ar an Aire Gaeltachta Catherine Martin, gach cuidiú ar féidir a thabhairt dóibh ina gcás san Ard Chúirt.”

Michelle O'Neill said:

“There has been considerable controversy over my attendance at Bobby Storey’s funeral.  

“He was my friend.

"At the foremost of my mind are all the families who are grieving.  

“I have listened carefully to the voices of those who have lost loved ones.

“No family’s grief is more important than another’s.

“I am particularly concerned that grieving families, who have lost a loved one during the pandemic had their heartache compounded by the necessary restrictions which were in place at that time. 

“Not being able to have their family and friends’ support to help them through was hugely difficult.

“I am also concerned that those grieving families are experiencing more hurt over recent days.  I am sorry for that.

“Bobby’s family also must have space to grieve. 

“If the regulations had prevented me from attending his funeral I would have obeyed those regulations. 

“At the funeral and mass I kept to the regulations as I have advised others to do. 

“The PSNI will look into all of this.  

“It is unfortunate that this matter has divided the Executive. 

“We have important work to do and I firmly believe that all the parties of the Executive are committed to this and to powersharing.

“We have made good progress in this despite all the difficulties. My commitment is to continue this work.

“Covid 19 is still with us and I will continue to lead us through this and in to recovery.”

Sinn Féin Environment Spokesperson, Philip McGuigan MLA, has today called on the DAERA Minister to urgently prepare and table a Climate Change Bill to ensure an economic recovery is in line with the need to urgently reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The North Antrim MLA was speaking following the passage of a motion he tabled at AERA Committee in which the Committee is calling on the Minister to introduce a Climate Change Act within three months.

Philip McGuigan MLA said:

"As we move out of lockdown there is a need for green and just economic recovery from COVID-19 disruption.

"Therefore it is essential that a Climate Change Act, with legally binding carbon reduction targets is introduced to ensure that recovery is consistent with our carbon emission responsibilities. 

"We are quickly running out of time to sufficiently reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and prevent climate breakdown.

“The North is the only part of these islands without any climate legislation.

"We cannot afford to allow Minister Poots to dither any longer and delay the introduction of a Climate Change Act.

"Today the AERA Committee has made its wishes clear. The Minister must introduce an ambitious, evidence-based, and legally-binding Climate Change Act within three months."

Matt Carthy has said that he is proud and honoured to have been appointed to the Sinn Féin frontbench as the lead opposition spokesperson on Agriculture and the Marine.  

The Cavan-Monaghan TD said that he will strive to bring constructive and radical proposals that would support family farmers and deliver ‘fair prices, a fair CAP and fair play’.  

Speaking today, Teachta Carthy said: “I am proud and honoured to be appointed to the Sinn Féin frontbench by our party President Mary Lou McDonald.

"The role of being the lead opposition spokesperson on Agriculture and Marine is an important one.

"I commend my predecessor Deputy Brian Stanley and hope that I can emulate his commitment to Irish farming and our rural communities.

“My previous role as a member of the European Parliament’s Agriculture and Rural Development committee will serve me well, particularly as we approach the business end of a new Common Agriculture Policy, which will be a defining point in determining whether there is a sustainable future for Irish family farming.

"I will work with the government and support any initiatives aimed at supporting our farming families and rural communities. I will strongly challenge those policies that don’t.

“The core of Sinn Féin’s farm policies can be summarised as the pursuit of the three Fs – a fair price for produce, a fair CAP system that works that distributes funds to those who need and deserve them, and fair play for farmers and rural communities, including in their dealings with the Department of Agriculture and statutory agencies.

“The family farm is the bedrock of our rural communities and Sinn Féin will remain unwavering in our support for them.

"I intend to produce constructive proposals that can tackle the stranglehold of the processors and retailers so to ensure that farmers receive a fair price for their product.  

"I will encourage government to fight to protect the CAP budget and ensure a fairer distribution of funds away from the large corporates to deliver greater payments to the majority of family farms.  

"Sinn Féin will oppose trade deals such as Mercosur and we will work for a just transition to protect farmers.

“I look forward to working with, and holding to account, the Minister and Department of Agriculture and Marine in the time ahead."

Martin Kenny has vowed that Sinn Féin will continue to stand up for those denied access to the justice system and those who look to it for protection against criminal elements in our society.

The TD for Sligo, Leitrim, North Roscommon and South Donegal was speaking at Leinster House today as he was reappointed as the party's spokesperson on Justice.

Teachta Kenny said: "I am glad to be reappointed as justice spokesman and to apply myself again to the important aspects of the administration of justice, which are such a vital cornerstone of society.

"I pledge myself to work to my best ability to hold the government to account on such vital matters as crime prevention, our courts service, policing and the prison service.

"I am firmly committed to working on behalf of those who are denied access to the justice system and those who look to it for protection against criminal elements in our society.

"Everyone has a right to feel safe in their communities and in their homes, and to feel that the police service is there to protect and serve them. 

"White collar crime is another area in which Sinn Féin will demand probity, and accountability from all who hold positions of power and responsibility."

Speaking following his appointment as the Sinn Féin spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Defence, John Brady TD thanked his party leader Mary Lou McDonald TD for his promotion.

Deputy Brady outlined a number of areas of concern, where he would be applying particular focus:

“At a time when the country is beginning to emerge from restrictions imposed in order to battle the Covid-19 pandemic, we begin the task of addressing the economic impact which this has had; I will be demanding that this government starts to up its game in relation to the Next Generation EU package of €750 Billion; a fund of which Ireland is set to receive only a fraction of one percent.

"There is an absolute failure to take into account the scale of challenges that Ireland continues to address. Not least of which is Brexit. We are currently hurtling down the road towards the Brexit deadline at the end of the year. Whilst negotiations continue between the EU and the British government, it is critical that we ensure the avoidance of an internal border on the island of Ireland. One of the key priorities will be to ensure that the Irish Protocol and the Good Friday Agreement are defended.

"Sinn Féin has committed to the holding a referendum in order to ensure that the principle of neutrality is enshrined in the Irish Constitution. I intend to do everything that I can, to prevent the government from further eroding Irish neutrality.

"The record of the Irish Army in the service of the United Nations is second to none. The Irish military has become synonymous with peace keeping missions throughout the World. It is the responsibility of the minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence to ensure that our troops have resources to carry out this valuable work. The disgraceful disregard for our armed forces has to end; I will ensure that neither the minister, nor government, will be unable to hide from their responsibilities towards our military personnel.  

"At a time when Ireland enjoys the position of membership of the UN Security Council we must use this position to enhance our relationship and commitments to the UN. We must work to actively promote UN reform and capacity-building in order to create a revitalised UN which is capable of fulfilling the promise of the Charter and Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and of upholding international law.

"I intend to work with stakeholders and lobby for an increased role for Ireland in addressing poverty and hunger through both Irish Aid, and our influence within the international community. We cannot separate our concern with international Security from the conditions that produce the very crisis that create the security concerns that beset the world.

"Decades of economic mismanagement have fuelled the tragic export of our youth from these shores. Sinn Féin is committed to giving a voice to the Irish Diaspora. We have argued, and will continue, to argue and campaign on behalf of the diaspora.

"Currently, the citizens of Palestine are living in fear of the consequences of the threat of the impending Israeli annexation in the West Bank. Ireland must recognise the State of Palestine. It must use its influence in the UN and in the wider international community to argue for sanctions against Israel in the same manner that it would so against the naked aggression of any other state which sought to overwhelm a smaller neighbour through the use of force."

In closing Brady reiterated his commitment to hold the Minister and Government to account in the Dáil, but wryly added that “he would also be watching the performances of Fianna Fáil’s Stephen Donnelly and Fine Gael’s Simon Harris closely to ensure that Wicklow was not left behind in the governments plans as was the case under the outgoing government arrangement of supply and demand under the two parties.”

Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan has welcomed the announcement today that face coverings will be mandatory on public transport from July 10th.

The Newry and Armagh MLA stated:

“I welcome the announcement today that face coverings will become mandatory on public transport from Friday July 10 in order to reduce transmission risks for both passengers and drivers.

“This brings the north in line with the south on this issue and exemptions are in place for those who cannot cover their face for medical reasons.

"Further clarity is needed on how this will be policed, as front-line transport workers should not be left to deal with individuals who fail or refuse to abide by the new regulations.

“As we cautiously enter the recovery stage of Covid-19 we need to make sure people use public transport under the highest standards of safety. This includes communicating clearly to the public the benefits and importance of wearing facemasks.

"Face coverings are not a substitute for following public health guidelines but should be used alongside them.

“I understand that the Minister for Infrastructure is preparing safe travel guidance for public transport users and this should be issued as soon as possible." 

Speaking as she announced Sinn Féin's new frontbench team today, Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD said:

"New government Ministers will have to be on their toes and on top of their briefs because they will be matched by a very energetic, very determined Sinn Féin leading the opposition.  

"We will hold the government to account, bring forward solutions and continue championing the change that so many people want. I am very proud of our new frontbench team and the fact that we have strong representation from rural Ireland, as well as our cities.

"Sinn Féin will provide constructive and critical opposition to this government. We will hold them to account, working with other parties in the opposition to do so.    

"An effective opposition can achieve change by engaging constructively to bring forward solutions and force the government to act. The strong and competent team that I lead is committed to doing this at every opportunity.  

"We will stand up for workers and families on the issues that matter. This means rebuilding the economy with decent work for decent pay at its core, as well as delivering affordable housing, a single-tier health system, public childcare and restoring the pension age to sixty-five.  

"We will work for a United Ireland; as the health and economic challenges posed by Covid-19 and Brexit have starkly exposed that an all-island approach simply makes common sense.

"Ireland faces big challenges in the months ahead and we will be playing our part in delivering the change that is needed."

ENDS  

Note to Editor: There are nine portfolio changes from the outgoing Sinn Féin frontbench and it includes five first time TDs. There is strong representation from across the regions and gender equality at the heart of the team. The full list of Sinn Féin's frontbench is below.

Sinn Féin frontbench
Party Leader, shadowing An Taoiseach - Mary Lou McDonald

Deputy Party Leader, shadowing An Tánaiste & Spokesperson on Finance - Pearse Doherty

Spokesperson on Public Expenditure and Reform - Mairéad Farrell

Spokesperson on Enterprise, Trade and Employment - Louise O'Reilly

Spokesperson on Health - David Cullinane

Spokesperson on Housing, Local Government and Heritage - Eoin Ó Broin

Spokesperson on Agriculture and the Marine - Matt Carthy

Spokesperson on Justice - Martin Kenny

Spokesperson on Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands - Claire Kerrane

Spokesperson on Climate Action, Communications Networks and Transport - Darren O'Rourke

Spokesperson on Media, Tourism, Art, Culture and Sports- Imelda Munster

Spokesperson on Children, Disability, Equality and Integration - Kathleen Funchion

Spokesperson on Education - Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Spokesperson on Higher Education, Innovation and Science - Rose Conway-Walsh

Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs & Defence - John Brady

Also attending frontbench meetings will be:
Chief Whip - Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Úrlabhraí Gaeilge, Gaeltachta, Ealaíne agus Cultúir - Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has welcomed a positive meeting with Ulster University on the decision by UU Student's Union (UUSU) to erect bilingual signage within its buildings.

Caoimhe Archibald said:

"Sinn Féin has been working with Ulster University since the decision was taken by UUSU in late 2018 to erect bilingual signage within its buildings but almost two years on the signage has not been erected.

"Following a screening decision by the University, an Equality Impact Assessment into the decision by UUSU will be launched after the Summer months.

"This week we held a constructive meeting with Ulster University and we want to see resolute action to enact the decision and see the signage in place at last.

"What we want is equality and for the university upholds its duty to promote the Irish language.

"Cruinniú fiúntach a bhí ann agus tá muid ag súil le bheith ag comhoibriú leis an ollscoil amach anseo.

"We also raised the issue of the increase in tuition fees for all part-time courses within the university and highlighting in particular access to the Irish Diploma.

"This diploma has done untold work in challenging narratives around the language across the north and I would not want to see a price increase dissuade people from undertaking the diploma. We want to see the removal of barriers to participation in education.

"Sinn Féin will continue to work to ensure that the inclusion and promotion of the language is facilitated in the Higher Education Sector."

Speaking Councillor Beattie said:

“Across the North, many Councils are moving to relax bilingual street signage policies.“Belfast City Council has one of the most restrictive policies of any council in the North in regards to bilingual street signage policy.

”At present, 2/3rds of the total electorate in the street need to consent. If a letter is not returned or the resident responds without expressing an opinion for and against this response is considered by the Council as a rejection of bilingual signage proposal.

”This evening, Sinn Féin proposed to relax this restrictive policy and to make the process much more fair. 

“We proposed that to have bilingual signage install, it would require 50+1% of the street to agree and for non-respondents and responses which don’t express an opinion to be considered void.

”Unfortunately, the Alliance Party, DUP and Green Party have again united to defer a vote on this proposal.

“It is particularly concerning that the Green Party have been proactive in the denial of rights for the Irish language community in Belfast giving that party colleague Catherine Martin has been appointed Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht in the 26 Counties.

“This is vendetta against the Irish language community by parties in Belfast City Council and their ongoing refusal to implement rights for the Irish language community is shameful.

“I am calling on those parties that claim to support rights for the Irish language community to get off the fence and turn words into action.

“Belfast City Council’s language strategy refers to increasing the visibility of the Irish Language in our city. We must do more than pay lip service to this."Sinn Féin will continue to work proactively within Belfast City Council to ensure that this issue is resolved."

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire has urged the new Minister for Education Norma Foley to make up for lost time and get a grip on plans to reopen schools.

The Cork South Central TD was responding to the publication by the Department of Education of advice given to it by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre.

Speaking this evening, Teachta Ó Laoghaire said: "The Department of Education is at sea when it comes to the plan to reopen schools. Our schools shut their doors almost four months ago, but the department only started looking at this about four weeks ago. Confusion has grown ever since. 

"Over the course of one weekend at the end of May, the government's position shifted from blended learning to a full return to schools, and then back again to not every student attending.

"On June 12th, Minister Joe McHugh outlined what schools would look like in the instance of 1m or 2m social distancing, but said that the Government would not be pursuing this.

"During all this time, schools were operating in a vacuum for planning, and parents left entirely uncertain, and it was only two weeks before that the Department began 'preliminary meetings' with stakeholders.

"The former Minister outlined to the public, parents, children and teachers what the destination was, without any roadmap outlining how we were to get there.

"Now the picture is changing again, and it seems that if this advice is followed by the Department, then not every child will be back every day.

"This is a complete contradiction of the department's position up until now and creates even more confusion. It is making it impossible for parents to plan or for schools to prepare.

"Everyone accepts that there is a public health emergency and that elements of advice will change as our understanding of the virus improves.

"Parents understand the realities and do not expect absolute certainty, but they do expect some clarity.

"The approach to reopening schools should be based on outlining what the approach will be in a number of different scenarios depending on the success of containing Covid-19, and what the arrangements and best public health practice should be in each of those instances.

"We also need confirmation that any additional costs to schools will be carried by the Department. That includes hygiene, cleaning, refuse and additional equipment. Under no circumstances should any costs be borne by schools or passed on to parents who are under enough pressure.

"There is a roadmap for the economy. We have been seeking and were promised a roadmap for a return to education weeks ago, but it seems to have fallen completely off the agenda.

Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has expressed his condolences following the death of a man in Rathfriland.

The South Down MP said;

“The local community has been shocked and saddened to hear of the death of 39 year-old Loughlin Maginn in Downpatrick Street in Rathfriland.

“My heart goes out to all the family at this very sad time. I was heartbroken for them all today when I heard this tragic news. 

“The PSNI have appealed to any drivers who may have dashcam footage which could help them establish exactly what happened to get in contact with them.

“Loughlin and his wider family are well respected in the local area and today’s news will leave many shocked and saddened. Our thoughts are with all Loughlin’s friends and loved ones at this sad time.” 

Sinn Féin MLA Karen Mullan has welcomed the backing of the Assembly for her motion highlighting the need for consultation and clear guidance on the re-opening of schools.  

The Foyle MLA said: 

“Unanimous support from the Assembly for this motion is recognition that much more work needs to be done in advance of the reopening of schools.

“The purpose of the motion was to highlight the level of anxiety that exists across our education community at the present time including among parents and young people. 

“I want to ensure that the widest possible consultation takes place right across the education sector and that the voices of young people and parents is at the centre of all of this.

“We need to give confidence to all of those who will be entering school in the Autumn that their health and safety is the number one priority.”

Culture, Arts and Sports spokesperson Sinead Ennis MLA has welcomed the extra £4m given to the Arts Sector today as part of the Executive's June monitoring round.

Sinéad Ennis:

“This is another important step taken by the minister for communities today to protect our vital Arts Sector here.

“This welcome funding will provide an extremely important boost for the entire sector including musicians, performers, cultural workers, arts venues and museums among others.

“The additional funding is very welcome as the arts sector has been one of the worst hit sectors during this Covid crisis.

“Arts and culture play a vital role within our communities and we must ensure they are protected and funded in order for the sector to move forward and provide for our communities as we return to some sort of normality.

“We in Sinn Féin fully understand the important role this sector played during lockdown through musicians performing online for people to listen to.

“This was invaluable to many during lockdown and we will endeavour to ensure we protect this sector as best as possible in order for it to flourish and grow when it is safe to do so.” 

Sinn Féin MLA Declan McAleer has said the DAERA Minister needs to do more to support beef and sheep hill farmers.

The chair of the Agriculture committee was responding to the announcement of the allocation of the £25 million financial assistance for farming for COVID-19 relief.

The West Tyrone MLA said:

“From my reading of the statement it looks like good news for the dairy sector and beef finishers but bad news for beef and sheep producers, who are mostly hill farmers and appear to have been overlooked.

“The Minister states that his decision is based on evidence, however he seems to have taken no account of the closure of the marts during the month of April and the impact this had on primary producers who also had to contend with rising input costs, the impact of COVID, the loss of ANC support and a drying up of their cash flow forcing them to make farm to farm sales at poor prices.

“According to the DAERA, during April when the marts were shut, 21,691 cattle were traded between farms and Minister Poots knows from evidence provided to him that cattle value had plummeted by £240/head and sheep by £31/head.

“However, it looks as if no consideration has been given to these farmers, despite them being one of the few sectors whose income is so low that they could not benefit from other COVID support measures as the self-employed Income Support Scheme.  

“This announcement is disappointing for beef and sheep hill farmers and I will be raising these issues with the Minister and pressing him strongly to support our beef and sheep primary producers, who are at the very beginning of the food supply chain and the backbone of the agri-food industry.”

Sinn Féin Finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty TD has called on the Central Bank to use its supervisory and enforcement powers against insurers refusing to pay out to thousands of businesses covered for business interruption in their policies who were forced to close due to Covid-19.

Speaking today, Teachta Doherty said: “FBD announced this week that it had set aside €22 million as a precautionary reserve in the event that it loses an upcoming test case in the High Court against a number of small business that have been refused claims under FBD policies for business interruption.

“It is clear that a number of insurers provided business interruption cover to small businesses who were then forced to close as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

“Despite this, they are refusing to pay out for insurance cover that these businesses paid extortionate premiums for.

“On March 27th, the Central Bank wrote to the CEOs of all insurers to clarify that the Government advice for businesses to close in the context of Covid-19 should be treated as imposed closure as per the wording of a number of insurance policies sold to business customers.

“It is clear that a number of insurers have decided to ignore this advice, leaving small businesses with no choice but to turn to a prolonged and expensive court process.

“In Britain, the Financial Conduct Authority is seeking a court declaration against eight insurers concerning 19 different policy wordings, in an effort to provide swift clarity to small businesses.

“The Central Bank cannot allow insurance companies to shirk their responsibility under insurance policies that have been signed and paid for by small businesses.

“I have written to the Central Bank requesting that they use all supervisory and enforcement powers at their disposal to ensure the compliance of the insurance industry with their own insurance policies and financial services legislation.”

Sinn Féin MLA Catherine Kelly has welcomed the announcement by the Finance Minister of a further £10.5m for childcare.  

The West Tyrone MLA said: 

“I welcome today’s announcement by Finance Minister Conor Murphy of an extra £10.5m to support childcare.

“At the outset of the Covid19 pandemic, childcare providers were among the first to step forward to support our key workers.

“As restrictions continue to ease, it’s vital that childcare providers, workers and families continue to be supported in the coming weeks and months.  

“I commend the Finance Minister for allocating this funding and I will continue to work with the childcare sector to ensure the childcare recovery plan is implemented.”

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance Pearse Doherty TD has written to the Minister for Finance regarding the operation of the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme for workers in seasonal employment.

The scheme is based on employees' January and February payroll. Employers can make additional payments, but if those exceed employees’ net January/February pay by a certain amount, the wage subsidy is removed by the same figure.

This could result in seasonal workers moving to full-time hours this summer being deemed ineligible for the scheme.

Teachta Doherty said: “Today I wrote to the Minister for Finance regarding the operation of the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme and how it will affect workers in seasonal sectors that are reopening for business this summer.

“Under the operation of the scheme, the subsidy is based on January and February 2020 payroll submissions.

“While the employer can make additional payments to an employee above the subsidy, if they make additional payments above the employee’s net pay in January/February 2020, the wage subsidy is reduced by that amount.

“This could have huge ramifications for employers and workers in seasonal sectors this summer.

“For a seasonal worker who typically works part-time during off-peak times such as January, but full-time in the summer months, their employer will not be able to pay them for full-time hours using the Wage Subsidy Scheme.

“Faced with this, employers could keep these seasonal workers on part-time hours this summer.

"This will not only hurt businesses in seasonal sectors, but will cut the incomes of workers and families who work in seasonal sectors.

“I have written to the Minister for Finance seeking clarity on this issue, and have proposed that for such seasonal workers, payroll submissions in the 2019 summer months can be used as a basis to calculate the wage subsidy under the scheme.”

Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly has said ‘gaps’ in police practices need to be addressed to safeguard children and young people from sexual exploitation.

The party’s policing spokesperson was speaking after a report from the Criminal Justice Inspection found some high risk children were not recorded on the system used by the police, and that processes for children deemed to be at medium risk were not clear.

Gerry Kelly said:

“As a society, we cannot continue to fail our most vulnerable citizens.

“It is unacceptable that such gaps have been identified six years after the Marshall Report and its recommendations.

“The gaps must be filled and police must work to protect all children and young people from sexual exploitation.

“Police and others must also learn to spot signs of children at risk of child sexual exploitation when encountering those they view as ‘difficult’ or ‘problem’ youngsters.”