Sinn Féin MLA Karen Mullan has said continued progress on delivery of a medical school at Magee is welcome an exciting opportunity for the city.
The Foyle MLA said:
“The public announcement by the Executive last month that they will establish a graduate entry medical at Magee is a major boost for the city and north west economy.
“After decades of underinvestment in the north west, recent investment announcements are proof of the step change that exists within the Executive.
“Completion of the medical school has far reaching benefits, not only through investment and boosting student numbers, but ensuring that we are training more doctors and medical professionals.
“There is widespread support for the project from across political and civic society who are committed to seeing it right to the end.
“I am confident that the relevant plans are progressing to see the first intake of students in September 2021 as was announced by Joint First Minister, Michelle O’Neill.
“In consideration of progress, deliverability of the project will become clear over the coming weeks as Ulster University approaches and passes the milestone dates.
“This is an exciting opportunity for the future in Derry and I look forward to seeing the medical school fully completed.”
Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD has extended her deepest sympathies to the family and colleagues of the Garda killed in Castlerea, Co. Roscommon last night.
She said:
"I want to extend my deepest sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of the Garda killed in Castlerea, Co. Roscommon last night.
"This is a shocking incident and is a sad and difficult day for An Garda Síochána, not just in Roscommon but across the State.
"My thoughts are with the Garda's family and colleagues at this time.
"I know that this incident will have caused serious shock and outrage in the local community in Castlerea and the wider region. My thoughts are also with those in the community today."
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice and Equality Martin Kenny TD has expressed his shock at the news of the shooting dead of a member of An Garda Síochána in Castlerea, Co. Roscommon last night.
He said:
"I want to send my deepest condolences to the family and colleagues of the Detective Garda who has been killed in the course of his duties in Castlerea in County Roscommon last night. This is a truly shocking incident.
"This is a reminder of the risks that Gardaí take every day in the line of duty.
"This is difficult day for An Garda Siochána, the Garda's family and his friends and all of his colleagues. My thoughts are with them all at this incredibly difficult time."
Sinn Féin TD for Roscommon/Galway Claire Kerrane has said that the killing of a Garda in Castlerea, Co. Roscommon is a truly shocking incident.
She has extended her sympathies to the Garda's family and colleagues at this very difficult time.
She said:
"I want to extend my deepest sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of the Garda killed in Castlerea last night. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
"This is a truly terrible incident and has caused major shock amongst the entire community in Castlerea and the wider region.
"My thoughts are with the Garda's family and colleagues at this very difficult time. I hope that whoever is responsible is speedily brought to justice."
“All-island Economy must be protected at all costs” - MacManus
Sinn Féin MEP Chris MacManus has called for greater action from Fianna Fail and Fine Gael at both a European and domestic level as Brexit crash out fears heighten.
MEP MacManus was speaking as the European Parliament was voting to adopt a substantial and significant report on the Future Relationship between the EU and Britain.
“I'm delighted that my proposal on all-Ireland services and on an all-island labour market, including EU nationals, has been overwhelmingly adopted by the European Parliament in its report on the future relationship between the EU and Britain. The guarantees in the Withdrawal Agreement are crucial, but as Britain seems intent on crashing out of the EU without a deal, there is more to be done to protect the all-island economy.
"Like my predecessors as Sinn Fein MEPs, I have been pro-active in protecting the interests of Ireland while the government has been too often responding to events.
“I have repeatedly voiced my concerns that the Fine Gael caretaker government had dropped the ball regarding Brexit. The incoming coalition’s Programme for Government have confirmed my suspicions that this government will be passive and complacent and have no real plan for the fallout ahead. There has been a worrying silence from FF, FG and the Greens about recent Brexit developments. There is lack of urgency and this inaction will have severe economic consequences across the island.
“Britain is our nearest neighbour and an important trading partner, but the reality is a Brexit crash out is very much on the cards. The British government is again showing little regard for Ireland – north or south. Their deliberate and damaging delay in implementing key parts of the Withdrawal Agreement is met with silence in government buildings. Their insistence on damaging and undermining neighbouring countries in the EU in order to promote the narrow interests of a small sector of British society is met with complacency.
"Irelands best interests are served by a comprehensive agreement on trade, including human rights, workers' rights, social standards, environmental standards, fisheries, food quality and consumer protection. The refusal of the British government to seriously negotiate on these issues needs to be met with a firm and united response from all political parties in Ireland. Preparations must begin straight away to protect the most vulnerable sectors and regions in Ireland, and to put pressure on Britain to agree further steps to protect the all-island economy." ENDS
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Foreign Affairs Seán Crowe TD has welcomed the result of the vote in the United Nations this evening which will see Ireland take up a two year position on the Security Council.
Teachta Crowe said that while this elevation was welcome, Ireland now has to be proactive in advocating the pursuit of peace and the protection of human rights around the world.
Teachta Crowe said:
“Ireland’s seat at the table of the UN Security Council is to be welcomed, but what is vitally important now is what we do with this position. We need to champion the primacy of human rights and dialogue over war and conflict.
“Ireland has rightly been held in high esteem for our blue helmet UN peacekeeping efforts, most notably in Lebanon and the Congo. We have been recognised around the world as fair and neutral honest brokers in some of the most troubled regions in the world for over sixty years.
“In an increasingly militarised world, Ireland, with our own troubled colonial past and experience of conflict resolution, must stand with all those who want to address inequality and discrimination, tackle climate change, and promote greater access to health and education around the world.
“As a small country that has tried to help rather than harm, that has experienced hunger and conflict, there is an added responsibility on us to use such a position to speak up for those experiencing these same situations today.
“We have our seat at the table. Now let us use it and be proactive in advocating the pursuit of peace and the protection of human rights. We cannot merely be mute or passive observers of strife and conflict.”
Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD has welcomed the news that Ireland has secured a seat at the UN Security Council, but warned that this must not be a wasted opportunity to advance the cause of human rights.
She said that Ireland must challenge in the strongest terms the proposed annexation of Palestinian lands by Israel, describing the move as a “flagrant violation of international law”.
Teachta McDonald said:
“I welcome the fact that Ireland has secured a seat at the UN Security Council. If used in the right way, it represents a valuable opportunity for Ireland to be a force for good in the world and to advance the cause of human rights internationally.
“That is why Ireland must speak out on concerns about human rights abuses without fear or favour. We have a responsibility and a duty to use this seat to be a voice for marginalised and oppressed people around the world.
“We must never shy away from our moral obligation to protect human rights, even when it might not be perceived as politically convenient to do so.
“We can use our experience of the peace process and the many difficult lessons we have learnt to help other countries and regions suffering with conflict globally.
“Work on advancing the recognition of the State of Palestine must be among the key priorities for the upcoming term. The Oireachtas has passed motions in recent years calling for Ireland to recognise the State of Palestine, but regrettably the government has dragged its heels on this. That can no longer continue.
“The proposed annexation of Palestinian lands by Israel is a flagrant violation of international law. This is an urgent and pressing issue and Ireland must oppose this in the strongest terms, including at the UN Security Council.”
Sinn Féin Education spokesperson Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire has said that news that some children with Down's Syndrome will not qualify for Summer Provision has been an enormous disappointment and is causing deep upset to the families affected.
Speaking today, Teachta Ó Laoghaire urged the Minister to revise the criteria that is currently excluding them;
"Many children with Down's Syndrome and their parents have found the last few months extremely difficult. Many have felt isolated, distressed, and exhausted, given the much reduced supports available.
"Many were relieved when the Minister announced in the Dáil a week ago, that children with Down's Syndrome would qualify for Summer Provision this year. For many, being included in this would bring enormous benefits to their children, and a great relief.
"However, in recent days, I know that many parents have discovered their child will not qualify if they are in mainstream post-primary or transitioning from early years to mainstream primary.
"This is a bitter disappointment to many, particularly after many statements from the Minister that drew no distinction, but simply spoke about including children with Down's Syndrome.
"I know some parents were already in the process of making arrangements on the strength of the Ministers statements.
"There are many children with Down's Syndrome in mainstream post-primary, and who are moving into mainstream primary settings, who could have benefitted enormously from this. There is no good reason to exclude them.
"In my view, they feel deeply let down and that the wool was pulled over their eyes. The Minister has talked a great deal about Summer Provision being more inclusive. If he is serious about that he needs to look at this again.
"I am concerned generally that the scheme has not been adequately planned, that the preparation has not been done, and that therefore schools, families and teachers will not have been in a position to organise themselves.
"I will be writing to the Minister expressing my concern."
Sinn Féin has written to both the Minister for Sport Shane Ross and to the FAI seeking urgent meetings to discuss the ongoing impasse of if and when the 2020 League of Ireland season will resume.
Deputies Ruairí Ó Murchú, Chris Andrews and Darren O'Rourke are calling for a one-off €2million kick-start solidarity grant from the Department of Sport.
It is proposed that the €2m fund would be ring-fenced and paid directly to League of Ireland clubs to allow them to navigate through the current financial uncertainty, brought about by the Covid-19 crisis, and resume the 2020 season.
Sinn Féin TD for Louth Teachta Ó Murchú said:
"Having spoken to representatives of several League of Ireland clubs. The needs and financial positions of clubs differ, but there is a fear that this current impasse could see clubs go to the wall and set back Irish football for years.
"We have written to the Minister of Sport Shane Ross and separately to Gary Owens and Niall Quinn of the FAI with the intention of discussing the need for a state-led resolution to this crisis.
"The current board of the FAI has inherited a debt of over €60million. That is the legacy of John Delaney. But the future of Irish football cannot be allowed to suffer as a result.
"Irish football and the League of Ireland is viable and can prosper but at present it is stuck in limbo because of the Covid-19 crisis.
"Clubs need support in the interim period to ensure that the 2020 season can resume and to give clubs peace of mind and give the League of Ireland the best possible chance to thrive and reach its potential in the future.
"The Covid-19 crisis could not have come at a worse time for the current board of the FAI, who are trying to unravel and deal with the financial disarray they have inherited.
"As a result the Association does not have sufficient resources to support League of Ireland clubs in this time of crisis.
"It requires state intervention to navigate through this period. A kick-start solidarity grant of €2m to be distributed directly to clubs would do just that.
"It is important that this money is paid directly to the clubs and not absorbed into the black hole of the FAI's finances.
"Time is of the essence. The longer this impasse drags on, the harder it will be for league clubs to get back on their feet and Irish football will suffer. There needs to be some urgency from the government and FAI now. "
Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Bay South Andrews said:
"We cannot turn our back on the current and future generations of Irish football.
"League of Ireland clubs are not just about their first teams, they are a focal point of social and community engagements, in many cases beacons of hope and inspiration in areas of social disadvantage.
"The contribution that League of Ireland clubs make to society should not be underestimated. They play a crucial role in the physical, mental and social well-being of our young people.
"They are the lifeblood of so many - players, volunteers and supporters - and they need a leg-up to allay financial concerns so that they can prosper again and look forward to the future with confidence.
"If there is not a financial support package from the state now, society as a whole, in particular the communities these clubs reach out to, could be counting a far greater cost in the years to come."
Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has said the business community in the north have been let down by the British government who have acted with complete and utter disregard for the local economy in relation to Brexit.
The Sinn Féin Brexit spokesperson said:
"I met today with members of the north's Business Brexit Working Group alongside Sinn Féin Leas Uachtarán Michelle O'Neill, Declan Kearney MLA and Declan McAleer MLA to listen to the concerns of the business community over the British government's disastrous Brexit approach.
"In particular, the business community here is extremely concerned about the refusal of the British government to seek an extension to the Brexit deadline and the uncertainty this left them in.
"There are also serious concerns over the lack of information and engagement coming from the British government on the technical details of what Brexit will look like and what it will mean for businesses here.
"This is something that could dramatically alter how many firms here do business and they are being kept in the dark by the British government.
"In Britain, funding has been made available for businesses to take part in Brexit training academy to provide education and information on the post-Brexit trading arrangements but businesses here feel they are being ignored by the British government and HMRC.
"Frankly they have shown complete and utter disregard for the business community in the north.
"Our economy is already under intense pressure as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and this uncertainty over Brexit is only making matters worse.
"With Brexit negotiations set to continue this week it is now more important than ever that the protections secured for our local economy in the Irish Protocol are maintained and implemented in full in line with the commitments made and legal obligations on the British government."
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Health Louise O’Reilly has said that while she expected little in the Programme for Government from Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil to address our health service crisis, the final document was even more disappointing than expected and will cement Ireland's two-tier system.
The Dublin Fingal TD noted that the removal of a reference to accelerating the implementation of Sláintecare that was in the leaked draft PfG was removed from the final document.
Speaking today, Teachta O’Reilly said: “We have become accustomed to a low bar from Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil. We know better than to expect progressive action from them when it comes to addressing the health crisis.
"They are after all the architects who have overseen the collapse of our health services for decades.
"But the Programme for Government is even more disappointing than expected. It proves that Sláintecare has become something for Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil to hide behind.
"They are using it as a veil to evade change. They pretend to enact Sláintecare when the reality is that their policies and actions laid out in the PfG clearly undermine it.
“Indeed, reference to accelerating the implementation of Sláintecare, which was in the original draft PfG, was removed from the final document.
“They have given no indication as to how they will implement Sláintecare, they have given no timelines for its implementation, and they have given no indication as to how how they intend funding it.
“This PfG will cement the two-tier health service rather than move towards universal care.
"The document continuously references partnerships with private hospitals and implies an increased reliance on the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF).
“The NTPF scheme is a direct contravention to the principles of Sláintecare. It was developed as a short-term solution.
"But, due to Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, it has become a long-term measure that deprives the public system of investment and enables the continued neglect of our health services.
“The PfG document fails on primary care, it fails on hospital and acute care, it fails on mental health, it fails on older people's care, and it fails on care for people with disabilities.
“Most of all, the PfG fails the people of this state and the excellent staff who work in our health service.”
Sinn Fein MLA Colm Gildernew, Chair of the Health Committee, has urged the Department of Health to engage with the dental profession and associated organisations to immediately address the critical issues threatening the future provision of dental services across the north.
The Sinn Fein health spokesperson said:
"There is a growing crisis in dental practices that must be dealt with by the Department as a matter of urgency. Among the issues is a lack of clarity around the post COVID-19 dental recovery plan and particularly around the use of aerosol generating procedures and the return of routine dentistry services.
“The department has made no clear statement on access to much needed PPE leaving many dental practices unable to carry out even the minimal levels of dentistry allowed for in the dental recovery plan.
“Additionally, there remains to be considerable uncertainty around financial supports that are in place to assist dental practices beyond July.
“I urge the Department of Health and the acting Chief Dental Officer, Michael Donaldson, to provide clarity on the dental recovery plan and to immediately address the burgeoning crises in dental services across the north.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Communications, Climate Action and the Environment David Cullinane TD has said that the Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael/Green Party Programme for Government will fail to secure adequate protections for workers due to their failure to set out detailed, concrete commitments in respect of workers’ rights and pensions.
Teachta Cullinane said:
“The Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael/Green Party Programme for Government is weak on pensions and weak on workers’ rights, and it does not match the parties previous pledges.
“Fianna Fáil has retreated from its previous commitment in respect of the age of eligibility for a State pension and they have left the door open to another unfair age increase. Fianna Fáil previously committed to reinstating the State Pension Transition payment and this has not made it into the final document either.
“Fianna Fáil also committed to finding a solution for CE scheme supervisors’ pensions and entitlements. This has not made it into the final document.
“In respect of pensions, they have kicked the can down the road and plan on using a Commission as a mudguard for rowing back on their promises at a later date.
“Workers deserve the right to retire at 65, and they deserve robust rights and protections.
“The document has no standalone section on workers’ rights. There are vague promises on social dialogue, but workers need more than considering talking to them. They face very real challenges that need concrete solutions.
“These include the right to access, the right to be heard and represented by their union, and the right to collective bargaining.
“There are no plans to empower trade unions to deliver for their members.
“Only Sinn Féin will deliver on these issues.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Mental Health Pat Buckley TD has welcomed the publication of the new 'Sharing the Vision' mental health strategy but warned it will be a wasted exercise without proper funding and implementation oversight.
The Cork East TD was responding the publication of the strategy which has been in development for four years and is set to update on the now fourteen year old 'Vision for Change' plan which went largely unimplemented due to a lack of investment in new services and staffing.
Teachta Buckley said;
“We will dissect this strategy over the coming weeks to ensure that it is a worthy update to Vision for Change which at the time was a bold and modern plan for a recovery centred community model of care.
"What is clear today though is that any strategy, no matter how well crafted, is only as good as the funding that comes with it and the oversight put in place to hold government to account in implementation.
"It was disappointing to hear outgoing Minister Daly at the launch criticise people like myself for continuing to raise the lack of funding provided by his government which have plagued reform efforts. Mental health is not something to be done on the cheap, the investment needed is crucial and absolutely worth it.
"Best practice in mental health has of course developed and changed over fourteen years, but the need to adequately staff services, to provide prompt and accessible care around the clock is not something that is going to change. By under funding services, numerous previous governments have stalled progress and the best report is made a waste of paper without proper budgetary commitments.
"The lack of any commitment on funding for mental health in the recent Programme for Government by Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Green Party is deeply concerning. Any government must put its money where its mouth is on mental health.
"Sinn Féin would like to see a permanent Oireachtas Mental Health Committee to liaise with the National Implementation and Monitoring Committee and hold the government to account. I have been calling for this since the Future of Mental Health committee was wound up in 2018.
"I will also be meeting with campaigners, experts and representatives of health care workers in the coming weeks to get their opinions on this strategy and how we can all work together to ensure that mental health reform becomes a reality and not just another strategy on a shelf.”
Sinn Féin's Economy Spokesperson, Caoimhe Archibald MLA, has asked the Economy Minister to clarify why representatives of trade unions, SMEs, the green economy, the community sector, the agricultural sector, and academia have been excluded from the Minister's recently announced Economic Advisory Group (EAG).
The call came after the Minister was questioned by the East Derry MLA at the Economy Committee, during which it was said the Minister had 'missed an opportunity' to involve wider society in planning an economic recovery.
Caoimhe Archibald MLA said:
“An Economic Advisory Group is an important and welcome component to support and guide sustainable economic recovery.
"However, the group's current membership as announced fails to represent a broad cross-section of society or those who make up our economy.
"No recovery plan can be credible unless it involves the views and concerns of workers, the green economy, the community sector, struggling SMEs, the agricultural sector and local academics.
"At present, the minister has excluded these groups and voices from the group. The group is almost entirely composed of large business representatives, who represent a very small section of our economy and society.
“The minister must now broaden out the membership of the Economic Advisory Group to include these representatives, and I urge these groups to contact the minister to make clear why they feel the group should be more inclusive and representative of our economy and our society.
"Sinn Féin and I as chairperson of the Economy Committee will continue to press the minister on this. Given the depth and scale of the economic crisis we are facing, we cannot afford to exclude voices from crucial sections of our society in charting a recovery to a fairer, greener and healthier economy."
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance Pearse Doherty TD has today published the Mortgage Moratorium and Suspension of Interest Bill 2020, which would prohibit the charging or accrual of interest by banks on mortgage holders who have availed of a payment break due to loss of income as a result of Covid-19 - approximately 80,000 mortgage holders thus far.
Teachta Doherty said;
“On 18th March, the government and the banks announced measures to provide relief to customers and mortgage holders. Under these measures, mortgage holders could apply for a three month break on their mortgage repayments, and they can now apply for a three month extension also.
“By 28th May, close to 80,000 mortgage holders have applied for a payment break. Under the payment break, borrowers will not pay principal or interest for the period of the payment break - however, they will be charged interest for the period of the break.
“This means that a borrower who lost their job or family that has lost income because of Covid-19 will face thousands of euro in additional interest payments over the lifetime of their mortgage.
“For example, a Bank of Ireland customer with a 30-year mortgage and €200,000 outstanding in debt with be hit with a charge of over €2,500 if they apply for a six month payment break.
“This will result in tens of thousands of workers and families facing higher debt and interest charges as a result of taking a payment break.
“At a time of crisis, Irish mortgage holders will bear the cost of the Covid-19 crisis while the banks face no cost at all. This cannot be allowed to happen.
“Other countries across the EU - including Germany and Spain - have introduced legislation to ensure the cost of mortgage payment breaks is borne by the banks, not borrowers. There is no reason this cannot be replicated here.
“The Bill I am publishing today will prohibit the charging of interest on mortgage holders who take a payment break because their income has been hit as a result of Covid-19.
“This means that any mortgage holder who is financially vulnerable as a result of Covid-19 can apply and be granted a mortgage payment break for a period of up to six months with no interest charged for the payment break as happens now. Their credit rating will not be affected.
“For those who have taken a payment break already, no interest will be charged on the extension they apply for.
“Sinn Féin will submit this legislation to the Department of Finance and want it acted on as soon as possible.”
Sinn Féin's Economy Spokesperson, Caoimhe Archibald MLA, has called on the Economy Minister to include representatives of workers, SMEs, the community sector, and academia on the newly announced Economic Advisory Group (EAG).
The East Derry MLA was speaking shortly after the announcement of Minister Dodds' EAG which was composed mainly of representatives of larger businesses and industries in the North.
Caoimhe Archibald MLA said:
“An Economic Advisory Group is an important and welcome component to support and guide sustainable economic recovery.
"However, the Group must be representative of the cross section of our economy.
"Amongst the current membership are no representatives of workers, climate science or the green economy.
“To be effective, and to seriously deal with longstanding problems of the past, the crisis of the present, and the threat of climate breakdown, the Minister must now widen out the membership of the Economic Advisory Group.
"Returning to an old, low-wage, regionally imbalanced, and environmentally unsustainable economy simply isn't an option. We need a clear and realisable vision for our economy that involves everyone. This is a chance to get off on the right foot and include all sections of society in guiding this transition.
"I will be urgently raising the need for wider and fairer representation on the Economic Advisory Group with the Economy Minister, in order to shape a fairer, greener and healthier economy for the future.”
Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has said the local community is shocked and saddened following the death of a teenager off the north coast.
The East Derry MLA said: “The local community was shocked and saddened to hear that the body of a teenager was recovered from the sea near Dunluce Castle after a number of people got into difficulties in the sea.
“This death is a tragedy and my thoughts are with the family and friends and everyone who knew this young person at this sad and difficult time.
“I want to commend the actions of the lifeboat crews and other emergency services for their efforts and on bringing the rescuing the others involved.
“I would urge everyone to take care and show caution around the coast at all times.”
Sinn Féin MP Orfhlaith Begley has asked Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon to begin two phases of the A5 simultaneously as a means of redressing the repeated slippage in the delivery of the flagship infrastructure project.
The West Tyrone MP made the proposal in a meeting she and party colleague Martina Anderson MLA held with the Minister today.
Speaking afterwards Órfhlaith Begley said:
“Sinn Féin representatives sought this meeting today on the back of announcements by the Minister that the A5 Project is more likely to begin construction next spring rather than the previous commitment of 2020 which we had previously been advised prior to public inquiry.
“The Minister said she is still waiting on the report from the Public Inquiry and when she receives this report she will need time then to consider the details of it.
“The A5 upgrade is vital to addressing regional imbalance and assisting economic recovery from Covid-19.
“An upgrade will also improve the safety of the road, which has tragically claimed 22 lives over the last seven years.
“Specifically I asked the Minister, as a means of addressing the repeated delays in the delivery of this essential project, if she would consider commencing two phases of the A5 simultaneously.
“The Minister has agreed to give consideration to this proposal.
“We also pressed the Minister to initiate a conversation with the newly formed Irish government coalition to honour its financial commitment in St Andrews to co-fund the A5 rather than the vastly reduced figure €75 million it has subsequently committed.
“Sinn Féin will continue to press the Minister to ensure the delivery of the A5 is both prioritised and expedited.”
