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Darren O RourkeSinn Féin TD for Meath East Darren O’Rourke has today called on the new Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan to urgently address the conflicting commentary around foreign travel.

Teachta O'Rourke said: “We have recently heard a number of our public health experts express deep concern at the plan to reopen foreign travel to some countries.

“Their expertise should be at the forefront of the new government when before making such a decision. We cannot afford to get this wrong.

“There has been a vacuum of information in this area since the Taoiseach mentioned the July 9th date for a green list of countries.

“This is leading to concern with people who are worried about the virus being brought back into the state from abroad, and also for those with pre-booked holidays who have been left none the wiser.

“The current checks and restrictions in our airports are wholly inadequate to detect people with Covid-19 arriving into Ireland.

“Filling in a form and taking a subsequent phone call simply isn’t good enough. This needs to be urgently addressed before foreign travel restrictions are eased.

“We have previously called for temperature screening to be introduced in our ports and airports, while the government should also explore the possibility of introducing rapid testing on site, as other states have now introduced.

“In addition, consumers who have trips abroad booked need to be protected. Some have already lost thousands of euro due to the conflicting government approach, which has permitted planes to fly but prevented people from boarding them. Leaving it up to the airlines going forward is not acceptable.

“The new Minister for Transport urgently needs to address these issues, and it is imperative that rigorous checks are put in place in our ports and airports.”

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Dia daoibh a chairde agus fáilte mór romhaibh uilig. I want to welcome all of you here today – Big Bobby’s family and friends and comrades from all parts of the island here together to remember with pride a great republican and a great human being.

I have known many sound people but Bobby was one of a kind. He was always positive. He was a great motivator. And when you talked to him – whatever the issue – you always came away knowing that he would move heaven and earth to do what needed to be done to help. And he would do it with a smile.

I don’t know anyone who knew him who didn’t like him. Except for MI5, MI6, the old RUC, the British Army, and prison governors. How could you not like him? He was smart, well read, funny, caring, always ready to listen – always willing to help – always prepared to give freely of his time and his great positive energy.

The first 15 years of Big Bob’s life was spent in North Belfast. He was just 13 when the Falls and Clonard area and Ardoyne were attacked by loyalist mobs, led by the RUC and B Specials.

In this week 50 years ago three hugely significant events occurred which had a profound effect on the 14-year-old Bobby. The Battle of St Mathews took place, when unionist gangs tried to destroy the Short Strand and Ballymacarrett. The district was successfully defended by a small number of IRA volunteers and the local defence group.

Tomorrow is July 1st. On that day in 1970 the unionist regime at Stormont passed the Criminal Justice Bill which introduced a mandatory six-month prison sentence for rioting. Within six months over 100 people, mostly young nationalists were imprisoned under mandatory sentences.

Fifty years ago this Friday the Falls Curfew began. Three and a half thousand British soldiers surrounded the Falls area, killed four civilians and shrouded the area in a cloud of CS gas. Hundreds were arrested and beaten – homes were smashed – and mothers were denied food for their babies. The curfew was broken after three days by the courage and determination of thousands of women led by Máire Drumm and Marie Moore.

Bobby was politicised by his experience and by the events around him. He described his own experiences at the hands of the RUC and British Army.

He said:

“I was arrested over 20 times in a four-month period. They tied me up once and threw me out on the Shankill Road; they beat me up at a chapel one night. My experience was no different from many other people’s experience… The more beatings they gave me the more my resolve developed. These were the things that brought me to be a republican activist.”

In a little autograph book of former prisoners Bobby’s entry reads.

‘Bobby Storey interned 1973-75

Remand             76-77

Remand             77-77

Remand             78-79

Remand             79-81

Sentenced          81-94

Remand             96-98

A life of struggle is a life well lived.’

He signed off with a smiley face.

On 20 August 1981, the day the last hunger striker, Mickey Devine died, Big Bob was captured following a gun attack on British soldiers on Shaw’s Road. Bobby and his two comrades were captured and he was sentenced to 18 years. The 1983 escape came soon after. It wasn’t all down to Big Bobby. It was a team effort. His job as OC on the day was to coordinate the escape. He always said: “The biggest contribution to making that day so successful was the comradeship.”

Bobby was released in 1994. He went straight back into the struggle. The fact that it was now moving into a different mode didn’t faze him at all. He said:

“I put the same application into my current work as I did in the past. As republicans we are constantly making new sites of struggle and we have to be alert and scientific in our approach.”

During those years he travelled widely explaining the republican strategy to comrades and to the wider republican family. In 1996 he was arrested again, charged, spent two years on remand and was eventually released in 1998. He was 44 years-old and had spent more than 20 years in prison.

Bobby became the Chair of Belfast Sinn Féin and then of the six-county Cuige. He worked diligently at building the party. The result of his work and of others can be seen in the strength of the party today.

This weekend saw the election of Mícheál Martin as Taoiseach as part of the manoeuvre by Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, aided and abetted by the Greens to maintain the status quo and to prevent Mary Lou McDonald from becoming Taoiseach. They are entitled to do that but their refusal to talk to the Sinn Féin leadership is a sad little undemocratic throw back to the way the unionist leaders used to behave.

Denying Sinn Féin voters their right to be included in talks shows how far the Dublin establishment is prepared to go to minimise and to delay the ongoing process of change across this island, including the movement towards Irish Unity. So, let me say loud and clear.

They will fail. Just as Unionists failed in their exclusion policies.

Change is coming. Not least because of the work of change makers like Bob mór. In order to justify their policy of exclusion An Taoiseach and Leo Varadkar say they cannot talk to us because Sinn Féin is controlled by shadowy figures like Bob. They also name Ted, Padraic, Marty. Sinn Féin is controlled by no one. We are an open democratic national movement with our elected leadership, led by two fine women and other national leaders and countless regional and local leaders.

We are proud and glad that Bob and other former IRA volunteers are part of what we are. We are also proud of Bob and the others when they were IRA Volunteers. They and their support base and republican Ireland defeated the British Army. They brought us and their political masters to the negotiating table.

Leo Varadkar has Michael Collins. Mícheál Martin has De Valera. We have Bobby Storey. Bobby has done more for Irish freedom, peace and unity on this island than either Leo Varadkar or Mícheál Martin. 

Big Bobby’s death is a huge political blow for republicans but is also a very personal loss for all of us who knew him. There have been many tears shed since the news of his death. There is a void in our lives.

Bobby would not want that. He would want us to mind each other. He would want us to continue our struggle and to win that struggle. And that my friends and comrades is what we will do.

On behalf of Colette and myself and our family I extend my sincerest and deepest sympathies and solidarity to Teresa, their children and grandchildren, and the wider Storey and Pickering family.

We will all miss his wisdom, his analysis, and his craic in the time ahead. He brought out the best in all of us.

Because of him we can go forward with optimism as more and more people on this island realise that England rules us only in English interests and that the time is coming when we will end English rule and replace it with governance by the people of this island, for the people of this island.

That’s what Bobby believed. He knew we don’t need Boris Johnson or his cronies. Or any of the other mediocre amadáns who are arrogant enough to think they can rule us. Bob was right. As Ian Paisley said to Martin McGuinness one time: “We don’t need Englishmen to rule us.”

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Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane has said that Sinn Féin supports construction workers in their fight for fair pay. 

His comments follow the announcement of construction unions today that they are to ballot their members in respect of industrial action, following a recent High Court ruling relating to the Industrial Relations Act 2015.

Teachta Cullinane said:

"Sinn Féin are unequivocal in our commitment to the fact that all workers should be entitled to fair pay and decent working conditions.

“Construction sector unions are due to ballot their members as a protective measure in case employers attempt to undermine sectoral pay rates and conditions set out in Sectoral Employment Orders, following a recent High Court ruling.

"The recent court ruling means many lower paid workers will only have a legal entitlement to the minimum wage and other basic protections. This is a deeply concerning step for workers’ rights. 

“In the first instance, this ruling must be appealed by the State and if necessary the new government needs to bring forward legislation to remedy the problem.

"We need to protect existing SEOs. Sinn Féin stand full-square behind the unions involved. We are clear that everything that can be done to support workers must be done. We have engaged with ICTU and trade unions on this matter and will support them in their pursuit of fair pay and decent conditions.

"Whilst the immediate priority must be to address the current issue relating to SEOs, in the medium-term a strengthened Industrial Relations Act that addresses the shortfalls of the current framework needs to be a priority for the new government to prevent this happening again."

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Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing Eoin Ó Broin TD has called on the new Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien to extend the ban on notices to quit, evictions and rent increases until the end of the year at a minimum.

Teachta Ó Broin said:

“The new government must extend the ban on notices to quit, evictions and rent increases until at least the end of 2020.

“The ban on evictions and rent increases has undoubtedly kept families in their homes amid the economic crisis sparked by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Figures from the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive for April show a 56% drop in families presenting as homeless in Dublin and an 85% drop in families entering emergency accommodation compared with pre Covid-19 months.

“Sinn Féin in government would have extended the ban on rent increases for three years in order to give renters a break.

“The government must also introduce a rent arrears debt scheme. The recent results of a Sinn Féin survey have showed that 60% of renters worried about post Covid-19 rent arrears debt.

“The ESRI is currently producing research on how Covid-19 will affect renters. I hope the new Minister for Housing will consult with opposition spokespeople before a plan is put in place.

“These measures must be extended to give renters the protection and security that they desperately need.”

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As deadline passes new government must prepare for hardest possible Brexit - Chris MacManus MEP

Speaking today, on the deadline for a Brexit extension, Sinn Féin MEP Chris MacManus has again warned of the stark implications a hard Brexit will have for the island of Ireland.

“The decision of the British government not to extend the transition period beyond the end of the year is the clearest indication yet that they are going for the hardest possible Brexit. They have decided that they're not interested in a close cooperation with their nearest neighbours in the EU.”

“This has serious implications for Ireland, which the new government seems to be oblivious to. The government should stop hoping that it will all work out and immediately put in place plans for the sectors and regions most affected.”

The Sligo based MEP has urged the new government to act with urgency in the coming weeks. “Plans are needed to support Irish agriculture in finding new markets for the quality food products that will be crowded out of the British market by inferior imports from around the world. The additional costs of Brexit can't be passed on to consumers, so plans are needed to support Irish retailers in seeking non-tariff sources of goods in the EU, as well as bypassing Britain to source goods from around the world that will be hindered by British trade barriers.”

“The government needs to vigorously assert the historic rights of Irish fisheries access to British waters. The development of new all-Ireland areas of cooperation under the Good Friday Agreement needs to be prioritised. New areas need to include services and labour market issues, including workers' rights and the free movement of all people on the island of Ireland – not just British and Irish.” MacManus concluded, “Responding to the British plans will require the involvement of all government departments. There's no time for a honeymoon period. Action is needed now.” ENDS

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Sinn Féin MLA and spokesperson on Mental Health Órlaithí Flynn has called on the Health Minister to prioritise addiction services following the audit office report.

“Everyone needs to remember that the Audit Office report is not just about the statistics and cost effectiveness of addiction services. It is a report into a vital lifeline and means of supporting individuals, families and communities to start to recover from addictions.

“Although addictions can affect every single one of us in society, it is true that some areas are affected more than others. With deaths related to drug and alcohol misuse around four and a half times higher in the most deprived areas compared to the least deprived areas.

“I fully support the Audit Offices call for a joined-up approach to addressing this issue and the ground-breaking work of the West Belfast Drugs Panel in highlighting the areas of cooperation that are needed, in particular how to tackle the stark health inequalities.

“I have continued to press the need for increased investment in addiction services and a renewed focus on how services are planned and delivered. I have already raised this issue at the Public Accounts Committee and will be raising it again at the Health Committee.

“It is unacceptable that such a vital service has consistent problems with data collection and lengthy waiting lists. For those seeking support with an addiction they need help there and then in a timely manner otherwise it risks a potential relapse and discourages help seeking behaviour.

“Sinn Féin has called on the Department of Health to commission a needs analysis to get a better idea of the level of need for services but also how to achieve better outcomes for service users. It also needs to include other addictions such as gambling in future service developments.

“Just last week in the Assembly, I was glad to see cross-party support for my amendment to include reference to addiction services in a mental health motion. It called on the health minister to bring forward a clear detailed plan to support those with addiction and mental ill-health after the covid-19 lockdown.”

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Reacting to news that West Belfast has the lowest number of registered organ donors in the north, Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan has called on more people to consider signing up for organ donation.

 The West Belfast MLA  has also started initial work on a soft opt-out organ donation Bill.

Pat Sheehan said:

"Across the North, approximately 14 people die each year while on waiting lists for an organ transplant.

“Currently, there are men, women and sadly, very young children waiting for the news that an organ has become available to them to save their lives.

“I support the calls of the Donate4Daithi campaign that has led the effort for the soft opt-out organ donation system that would increase the number of organs available for donation and could potentially save the lives of our own family members, neighbours and friends.

“Soft opt-out organ donation is broadly supported across the north, with about 70% of the population in favour according to the British Heart Foundation.

“Organ donation is a difficult but necessary conversation we all need to have with our family members and friends.

 “Ultimately, these conversations will save lives.

“I have started initial work on bringing forward a soft opt-out organ donation Bill and I look forward to engaging with those campaigning on the issue in progressing this.”

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Sinn Féin MLA and member of the Health Committee Orlaithí Flynn has called upon the Minister for Health and the Belfast Trust to resume services at the Mesh Centre as soon as possible.

The West Belfast MLA said:

"The Minister has informed me that mesh services will resume for patients as part of the Trust's phased return of health services. 

"While I understand the need for caution as we continue to ease the COVID-19 restrictions, I would urge the minister and the trust to reintroduce mesh services as soon as it can be done safely. 

"There has been a lot of work put in to securing the much-needed mesh clinic for women who have suffered as a result of mesh complications. 

"It is important that the physical and mental pain and suffering endured by the women affected is addressed. The return of services in the mesh clinic is vital to achieving this.

"In addition, we are also awaiting the outcome of the Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Review (IMMDS) which is due to be published on July 8.

“This report should further inform our decision making in regards to mesh services going forward.”

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Niall Ó DonnghaileNiall Ó Donnghaile has vowed to stand up for the interests of all communities in the north and advance the cause of Irish Unity in his position as leader of Sinn Féin's Seanad group.

The former Mayor of Belfast, in his second term as a Seanadóir, was today appointed to the role by party President Mary Lou McDonald and will lead the five-strong Sinn Féin Seanad team of Paul Gavan, Fintan Warfield, Lynn Boylan and Elisha McCallion.

Speaking this evening, Seanadóir Ó Donnghaile said: "I want to thank my party for entrusting to me the position of leader of the Sinn Féin Seanadoírí. It is a recognition of the political importance of the north that the team here is led by a northerner.

"I will use my role to complement the work of our Dáil team in holding this new Government to account but also to provide a voice for the Six Counties, alongside my colleague Elisha McCallion from Derry, and to advance the cause of ending partition.

"It is disappointing that the government here do not share the value Sinn Féin place on hearing and including voices from all communities from the north.

"If the Government parties are serious about building on the Good Friday Agreement, they ought to be including unionist voices in Seanad Éireann.

"In the last term, Seanadóir Ian Marshall made an invaluable contribution representing the unionist people of the north, and his views were always informative.

"I, as others in the new Seanad did, expected to see Ian back here, and I am deeply disappointed that the government decided to exclude unionists from the chamber.

"The Sinn Féin Seanad team will continue to work towards bringing change on both sides of the border. The new government’s attempts to undermine the people’s vote in February by excluding our party from government has not dampened the appetite for change.

"The British government and the unionist parties tried to exclude Sinn Féin from government in the north and failed.  I can assure the status quo in this state that their attempts to exclude us will not last forever either.

"Change is coming. We are the biggest party on this island, north and south – and the will of the people will prevail."

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Sinn Féin Finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty TD has criticised the banking sector for implementing what has been reported as a de-facto ban on mortgage applications for customers receiving payments through the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme. 

The Donegal TD has written to the CEOs of the five retail banks requesting clarity on the application of this de facto ban and the status of deposits paid by customers who have now been rejected a mortgage.

Speaking today, Teachta Doherty said;

“Today it was reported that AIB has put in place a de facto ban on mortgage lending to customers receiving payments through the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme.

“Myself and Deputy Mary Lou McDonald raised this issue with AIB last month and were told that no such blanket policy existed. It is clear that this has now changed.

“This is neither proportionate nor fair, and will effect more than 400 thousand workers availing of the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme.

“This blanket ban will affect countless customers despite the fact that they have not lost their job, and have seen neither their income nor their hours reduced. Their employment is secure.

“Such a blanket ban takes no regard of this fact.

“This policy also places in jeopardy the deposits paid by those who have now had their mortgage application declined or mortgage approval withdrawn.

“I have written to the CEOs of the five retail banks to clarify this issue.”

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Sinn Féin TD for Cavan/Monaghan Matt Carthy has said that the government has turned its back on rural Ireland from day one.

Deputy Carthy highlighted that the Department of Rural and Community Development has been downgraded, that there are no substantial proposals on regional and rural development in the Programme for Government, and that no senior Ministers have been appointed from the Western seaboard, the South-East or the Mid-West.

Teachta Carthy said: "The very first decision the new Taoiseach Micheál Martin had to make he has gotten absolutely wrong.

"Once again rural Ireland and the regions are being left behind at a time when they need most support. One of its main industries - tourism - has virtually collapsed and the family farm is facing a threat for survival.

"It is not just the lack of senior government Ministers from the Western seaboard from Clare to Donegal, the South-East, or the Mid-West that is creating this sense of abandonment. We have seen Ministers from these counties in the past that failed to deliver.  

"Rather it is the signal that this represents alongside the downgrading of the Department of Rural and Community Development. These signals coupled with the absence of any substantial proposals for rural development and for tackling regional inequalities in the Programme for Government will reinforce the concerns of many communities. 

"It is the fact that rural communities will be most impacted by increasing Carbon Taxes and who face increasing penalties for using their cars where they have no other options, and it is the fact that rural towns, villages and communities are facing severe economic difficulties as a result of Covid-19.

"Rural Ireland is being squeezed and this government has turned its back on these communities from day one.  What is needed is a real plan for rural Ireland; a plan that will get small and medium businesses back up and running, that will save our family farm network and develop the potential of the regions.

"This government clearly lacks the vision and ambition required to develop and implement such a plan.” 

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Sinn Féin spokesperson for Infrastructure Cathal Boylan has said that the protest by taxi drivers outside Stormont today is evidence of their growing frustration at the inaction by the Infrastructure and Economy ministers.


Speaking the Newry and Armagh MLA said:


“Those in the transport sector, such as taxi drivers, have been hit hard during the Covid-19 pandemic. 


"Throughout the pandemic, the Infrastructure Committee has been pressing Minister Nichola Mallon to bring forward proposals to support those in the sector at this difficult time.


“Today’s protest by taxi drivers at Stormont is evidence of their growing frustration.


“No progress has yet been made as the infrastructure and economy ministers appear to be abdicating responsibility for the sector at this time.


“The Infrastructure Committee has agreed to table a motion to call on the Minister for Infrastructure to bring forward proposals and guidance to the Executive to support those in the transport sector at this time.


“Minister Mallon has the responsibility for supporting the transport sector and she needs to start showing leadership on this vital issue.


 "Those in the transport sector are continuing to get hit hard and are crying out for real and practical support.


“It’s well past time they get the support they need and deserve from the Department of Infrastructure during this challenging period.”

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Louise OR' ReillySinn Féin spokesperson on Health Louise O’Reilly has expressed concern that there will be increased privatisation of healthcare under newly-appointed Minister Stephen Donnelly.

Speaking today, Teachta O’Reilly said: “Many people will wonder what Minister Donnelly stands for considering he didn’t produce a single health policy document in his time as Fianna Fáil health spokesperson.

“From his early media engagements since he became Minister, and from seeing him in action in the Dáil and the Oireachtas Health Committee, I fear that we are looking at the increased privatisation of healthcare in this state.

“What I have heard so far has left me concerned that instead of Sláintecare and a single tier health service, we will get further privatisation of services and the expansion of the two-tier system.

“The new Minister’s obsession with giving public funds to private hospitals through the NTPF is not the vision we need for our health service – we need public investment in public healthcare.

“Minister Donnelly has spent the weekend talking in the media about his wishes to accelerate Sláintecare, while also talking about providing affordable healthcare.

"This is a total contradiction – Sláintecare states that healthcare should be free where possible.

“I sincerely hope that the new Minister will make it a priority to meet with healthcare workers and their trade unions this week, and repair the damage and mistrust caused by the actions of his predecessors.

“Minister Donnelly has some way to go in this regard given some of his own outbursts towards the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation when they were appealing for better pay and conditions for nurses and midwives. 

“It is one thing to understand the issues and crises across the health service, it is another to have the required solutions.

“The new Minister can be sure that as I did with his predecessor on Repeal, Covid-19, and other significant healthcare matters, I will work constructively with him and proffer solutions as I have always done. 

“But Minister Donnelly can be sure that while I will be constructive, I will also hold him to account.

“I will expend every single ounce of energy I have to advance the cause of a single tier health service, so that people can access healthcare when they need it, where they need it, based on need, not ability to pay.”

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Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice and Equality Martin Kenny TD has said today that anyone living in rural Ireland knows how the government feels about them after the announcement of the new Cabinet, which doesn't include a single Cabinet Minister from Limerick to Donegal, but six from Dublin.

He said:

“We knew from the publication of the Programme for Government that rural Ireland is not regarded by this new government. In a glaring example of this, the section on 'Balanced Regional Development' begins with the statement that such development is critical to reduce pressure on Greater Dublin.

“Now we find that the government department of Rural and Community Development is to be scaled back and the same Minster will be responsible for social protection. Does this indicate that funding for developing rural Ireland is regarded the same as assistance to the most vulnerable?

“Then, in the most glaring example of the neglect of rural Ireland we see that there is not a single Cabinet Minister along the western seaboard from Limerick to Donegal. By contrast there are six in Dublin.

“I was proud to vote against this Cabinet and it was very disappointing to see a so-called independent candidate, Marian Harkin, from this constituency, who stood for election on a platform of defending rural Ireland, not only vote for Micheál Martin for Taoiseach, but then to vote in favour of this Dublin-centric Cabinet which is sorely lacking in any regard for those of us west of the Shannon.”

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Sinn Féin MP Órfhlaith Begley has welcomed the commitment to public inquiry into the planning application by Dalradian Gold Ltd. to carry out exploration and mining.

The West Tyrone MP said:

“I welcome the commitment from the Minister for Infrastructure for a public inquiry into the planning application by Dalradian Gold Ltd. to carry out exploration and mining, this follows the commitment given by my party colleague and former Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard.

“Sinn Féin wrote to the Minister in January to call for a public inquiry on the planning application by Dalradian Gold Ltd for a gold mine and related infrastructure in the Sperrins due to its complex and controversial nature and the need to consider the views of stakeholders, including the local community.

“Over the past few years there have been concerns raised and community opposition to gold mining, and specifically the planning application by Dalradian Gold Ltd. to carry out exploration and mining.

“We have also called on the Economy Minister to review the framework for mineral licensing and in the meantime place a moratorium on the issuing of mineral prospecting licences; any future licensing system must ensure the highest standards of environmental protection.

“We need to protect our natural heritage and environment for future generations and any economic development must be considered in that context.” 

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Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD has appointed Seanadóir Niall Ó Donnghaile as the leader of Sinn Féin’s Seanad group, as the new Seanad meets for the first time today.

Speaking this morning, Mary Lou McDonald said:

"I am delighted to confirm that Seanadóir Niall Ó Donnghaile from Belfast will be the new leader of the Sinn Féin team in the Seanad.

"Since his election in 2016, Niall has been a strong voice for the people of the north in the Seanad and has effectively made the Oireachtas accessible to citizens from Derry to Belfast.

"Niall will continue to provide strong representation for the north, alongside Derry's Elisha McCallion and a strong Sinn Féin Seanad team. 

"The current makeup of the Seanad does not reflect the change that people voted for in February, nor does it offer the solutions to the very real problems that people face.

"Sinn Féin's priorities in the coming term will be to effectively hold the government to account and to deliver the real change that people want; building affordable homes, freezing rents, tackling the trolley crisis, securing a State pension age of sixty-five and preparing for Irish Unity."

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Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing Eoin Ó Broin TD has written to the new Minister for Housing Darragh O'Brien asking him how he intends to address the damning findings of an Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission report published today.

The IHREC report highlights the state’s failure to address appalling breaches of human rights in social housing.

Teachta Ó Broin said: “The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission submission to the Council of Europe on Ireland’s 17th National Report on the Implementation of the European Social Charter was published this morning.

“The submission highlighted the government’s failure to take action to remedy poor conditions in social housing, to guarantee access to housing supply, and the ongoing lack of provision of Traveller-specific accommodation.

“In terms of Traveller accommodation, the submission outlines the failure of some local authorities to draw down funding. It also references the fact that overcrowding is an issue on Traveller accommodation sites and how it is also an issue within social housing.

“Residents of Balgaddy estate in my own constituency in Dublin Mid-West - one of the communities mentioned in the collective complaint to the Council of Europe in 2015 - continue to experience damp and mould problems with their homes.

“The submission highlights the gap in demand and the delivery of new social homes, with fewer than 10% of the population living in social housing.

“It also acknowledges the state’s over reliance on the private rental market to house families due to the lack of real social housing.

“The IHREC make a number of recommendations. They include the implementation of the recommendations of the Expert Group on Traveller Accommodation, enshrining the Right to Housing in the Constitution, ensuring that emergency accommodation, such as family hubs, is only used for the shortest amount of time possible, and delivering real social homes.

“Unfortunately, the Programme for Government contained no mention of implementing the expert group report on Traveller Accommodation, or on a referendum on the Right to Housing or any commitment to deliver more than the previous government’s commitment of 50,000 social homes."

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Tá ráite ag an Teachta Dála de chuid Shinn Féin do Ghaillimh Thiar/Maigh Eo Theas Mairéad Farrell go bhfuil fadhbanna aici leis an gcaoi a caitheadh leis an nGaeltacht agus na hoileáin le linn don chomhrialtas nua bheith ag dáileadh aireachtaí. 

Guíonn sí gach rath ar Catherine Martin atá ceaptha mar Aire Cultúir, Ealaíon, Meán, Turasóireachta, Spóirt agus Gaeltachta ach creideann sí nach bhfuil "bealach ar bith go bhféadfadh Aire a bhfuil an líon sin freagrachtaí air nó uirthi freastal mar is cóir ar cheisteanna na Gaeltachta."

Dúirt an Teachta Farrell:

"Níl aon amhras ach gur duine cumasach dícheallach Catherine Martin agus is léir go bhfuil suim aici i gcúrsaí Gaeilge is Gaeltachta. Guím chuile rath uirthi sa ról nua seo agus táim ag súil le bheith ag obair léi mar Aire Gaeltachta ós i mo dháilcheantar féin, Gaillimh Thiar/Maigh Eo Theas atá an Ghaeltacht is mó sa tír.

"Tá roinnt fadhbanna agam, mar sin féin, leis an gcaoi a caitheadh leis an nGaeltacht agus na hoileáin le linn don chomhrialtas nua bheith ag dáileadh aireachtaí.

"Ar an gcéad dul síos níl aon chiall leis an gcinneadh cúram na n-oileán a scaradh ó chúram na Gaeltachta, go háirithe nuair atá formhór na n-oileán sa nGaeltacht. Bheadh faitíos orm go ndéanfaí dearmad ar na hoileáin leis an socrú seo.

"Tá mé ag cheapadh freisin gur droch-chomhartha atá ann go bhfuil 'Gaeltacht' i ndeireadh theideal fada na Roinne a bhéas ag Catherine Martin. Shílfeá gur greamaíodh isteach an Ghealtacht leis an roinn sin i ndiaidh dóibh na nithe 'tábhachtacha' eile a réiteach.

"Ar an bhfaitíos is mó atá agam, tá an méid cúraimí a bhéas ar an Aire agus ar an Roinn nua seo a bheidh ag plé le cúrsaí Cultúir, Ealaíon, Meán, Turasóireachta, Spóirt agus Gaeltachta. Ní dóigh liom go bhfuil bealach ar bith go bhféadfadh Aire a bhfuil an líon sin freagrachtaí air nó uirthi freastal mar is cóir ar cheisteanna na Gaeltachta. Tá géarchéim sa nGaeltacht maidir le cúrsaí pleanála, teangan, infreastruchtúir agus fostaíochta. Cén chaoi a bhféadfadh duine ar bith sa Roinn nua seo, cuma cé chomh cumasach is a bheidís, dul i ngreim leis seo ar fad agus cur ina luí ar an rialtas gníomh a dhéanamh, nuair atá an oiread eile ar a bpláta acu?

"Tá ábhar imní níos leithne anseo maidir leis an iarthar agus ceantracha tuaithe iarghúlta. Níl fiú is Aire Sinsearach amháin ceaptha ag an gcomhrialtas nua ar an taobh thiar den Sionainn ó dheisceart chondae an Chláir go cionn Mhálanna i dtuaisceart Dhún na nGall. Chuir sé sin déistin ar mhuintir an iarthair ach ba chruthú a bhí ann den imní a bhí orthu cheana gur beag an suim atá ag na páirtithe seo san iarthar."

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Mary Lou McDonaldSpeaking on Dublin Pride Day, Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD has welcomed the huge progress in rights secured by the LGBTQI+ community in recent times and has committed Sinn Féin’s solidarity in achieving full equality.

Today marked the first ever digital Dublin Pride, due to public health restrictions.

Teachta McDonald said: “The LGBTQI+ community has seen huge progress in the fight for equal rights in recent times. At the beginning of this year, equal marriage was finally legalised in the north.

“The follows the tireless work of generations of activists who refused to be deterred in their fight for their love to be recognised as equal and to see grá become the law across the island. It’s now five years since equal marriage was won in the south too, along with gender recognition.

“Ireland is changing. All around us, a new Ireland is emerging. It is an Ireland in which all our citizens now enjoy the right to marry the person you love. It is an Ireland of hope and determination.

“Yet, despite the clear progress we have seen in many areas, the struggle for full LGBTQI+ equality is far from over. Sadly, many areas of inequality continue to exist and require more work to ensure true equality is achieved.

“While we celebrate the gains we have made, I also want to take this moment to reiterate Sinn Féin’s commitment to seeing the fight through and securing full equality.

“I have noted with concern the backlash against transgender people in many countries around the world. Sinn Féin proudly stands with the transgender community. We reject transphobia here in Ireland and abroad.

“We want to see the Gender Recognition Act extended to trans youth and non-binary identities. We also want to reform trans healthcare towards an informed consent model. 

“So-called ‘conversion therapy’ is a deeply harmful and abusive practice, which can cause life-long trauma and distress for those subjected to it. We remain determined to see this outlawed.

"Sex and relationship education in schools must be modernised to reflect a greater diversity of gender identities and sexual orientations.

“Healthcare campaigns such as those fighting for accessible HRT and accessible PrEP are furthering the cause of equal medical access to the community. I want them to know they have my full support. These are fundamental elements of healthcare which must be delivered as a priority.”

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Louise OR' ReillySinn Féin spokesperson on Health Louise O’Reilly has said that the failure of the state to ensure the health service meets the need of LGBTQI people is a source of great shame considering their historic ill-treatment and marginalisation by the State.

Speaking this Pride weekend, Teachta O’Reilly said: “There have been significant strides made in recent years by LGBTQI people fighting for access to services and rights. However we must not kid ourselves into thinking that there is not much more to work towards.

“This Pride weekend, it is important to focus not only on how far things have come, but on what is left to be done.

“The state must deliver on the commitment to end new HIV transmissions by 2030. This must be delivered in conjunction with investment in public health services, and the delivery of fully funded HIV and sexual health services to meet the needs of all communities.

“We must also ensure that an end is brought to the discriminatory 12-month deferral period on blood donations for gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men.

"In the north of Ireland, this has recently been reduced to a three month wait for gay men, but there must be an alternative.

“In recent times, we have also seen increased attacks on the LGBTQI community.

“In particular we have seen attacks, often by influential people, on trans women. Let me say it loud and clear this Pride weekend, trans women are women, and trans rights are human rights.

“Trans women often face harassment and discrimination within society. This is compounded by a lack of awareness, knowledge, and sensitivity with the provision of healthcare. The current system is outdated, and it completely fails the trans community – it needs immediate reform and funding.

“Like all minority groups, lesbian women may also experience discrimination in healthcare, whether it is as regards access to services or the understanding of their health needs from medical professionals.

“Stigmatisation and marginalisation in society can have a significant impact on the health and mental health of the LGBTQI community.

“To counter this, our health services have to be understanding of the needs of the community; health services must be adaptable, dynamic, and compassionate. But most of all, they have to provide the range of resourced services that the LGBTQI community need.

“You can be sure that Sinn Fein will stand shoulder to shoulder with the LGBTQI community to deliver health services, and a State, that operates fairly and equitably and delivers for LGBTQI people.”

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