Sinn Féin MLA Deirdre Hargey has announced she will temporarily step aside from the role of Minister for Communities for health reasons.
Deirdre Hargey said:
"I have informed Joint Head of Government Michelle O'Neill and my party president Mary Lou McDonald that I will be stepping aside from my role as Minister for Communities temporarily for health reasons.
"Due to illness I have been admitted to hospital, and am to undergo surgery in the coming days, which will require time to properly recover.
“In light of these exceptional personal circumstances I am unable in the short term to discharge my ministerial duties, or participate fully in the Executive Committee.
"I have also written to Joint Heads of Government Michelle O'Neill and Arlene Foster to inform them of my decision to stand aside from my ministerial post.
"I look forward to being able to resume ministerial responsibilities in a number of weeks following my treatment and recovery."
Sinn Féin Leas Uachtarán Michelle O'Neill wished Deirdre Hargey a fully and speedy recovery.
"I want to wish my colleague Deirdre Hargey a full and speedy recovery and thank her for the excellent work she has done in her ministerial role to date.
"I look forward to her returning to that post on her recovery and hope she will be back behind her desk as soon as possible.
“I am appointing Carál Ní Chuilín as Minister for Communities on a temporary basis until Deirdre Hargey's return.
"I wish Carál well and know that she will bring a wealth of experience, determination and dedication to the post."
Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan has said in the interest of health and safety, the public must heed calls to cut back on use of water to prevent any interruption to supplies.
The party’s Infrastructure spokesperson said:
“NI Water are reporting a ‘significant drop’ in water levels caused by the recent spike of hot weather and a rise in household water use during the COVID-19 lockdown.
“With the good weather set to continue, it’s absolutely crucial that supplies are protected, and people have enough water to maintain proper hygiene and regularly wash their hands.
“I’m urging the public to heed the calls from NI Water to cut back on their using water and be responsible, particularly when using outdoor taps.
“While we want people to enjoy the hot weather and praise their efforts to stay safe and maintain good hygiene, we also must follow the advice given by NI Water and make an effort to use water wisely.”
Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald has welcomed the decision of the government to make rent supplement available more easily to victims of domestic violence but said it is unacceptable that it took almost three months for this to happen.
Teachta McDonald said:
“At the start of the pandemic, Safe Ireland contacted the Minister for Social Protection voicing their concern that domestic violence victims urgently needed to be able to access an emergency rent supplement payment during the Covid-19 emergency.
“We wrote to the Minister on April 8th urging her to adopt the proposal put forward by Safe Ireland and have raised it on numerous occasions since then as it was a matter which urgently needed to be resolved.
“I welcome this morning’s announcement from the government but it is unacceptable that it took almost three months for this to happen."
Sinn Féin TD for Kildare South and the Portarlington area of Laois, Patricia Ryan, has called for the urgent stepping up of farm safety inspections. Following her parliamentary question submitted last week, it was discovered that between March 1st and June 8th, just 8% of the amount of farm inspections took place, compared with the same period last year.
Deputy Ryan said: "It is crucial that we ramp up farm safety inspections as soon as possible. This is a time when more children are around farms, due to them being off school because of the pandemic. Farmers may also be hurrying more as they juggle childcare with their partner. These inspections should be more about supporting farmers in keeping the farm safe, rather than catching them out. 12 times fewer inspections took place this year and this needs to improve immediately. To date 12 people have died in farm accidents in Ireland in 2020; 19 died in 2019. There have been 27 workplace deaths so far in 2020. The fatality rate in agriculture is much higher than any other sector. A large proportion of all fatal workplace accidents occur on farms, even though a small proportion of the workforce is employed in agriculture. I would urge everyone to familiarise themselves with the work of Embrace Farm.”
Embrace Farm, a charity which supports farm accident victims and their families, is holding its farm safety campaign over the coming days. On social media, people are being asked to post their memories and stories using the hashtag #WeRememberYou. It will conclude with a memorial service on 28 June, when the names of those who have died will be read out. It is an annual service, the only one marking farm deaths. If anyone has been bereaved by a farming accident, they can call the Embrace Farm support line on 085 77 09 966. The service will be aired on RTÉ on 5 July.
Sinn Fein TD for Kildare South and the Portarlington area of Laois Patricia Ryan has called for a National Day of Mourning to remember victims of Covid-19.
Teachta Ryan said: “This pandemic has affected the country massively. Over 1,700 people have died in the space of 3 months. It is important that we, as a nation, remember these deaths in a meaningful way when it is safe to do so. Given the unique Irish rituals surrounding the death of a loved one has been disrupted in such a fundamental way, we must ensure that a fitting tribute is paid to those who have died. A paid public holiday must be provided so that everyone can have the opportunity to participate in remembering those who have died. The Taoiseach has said in his reply that an appropriate event to remember the victims of Covid-19 is being considered.”
Sinn Féin MLA Karen Mullan has called on all grammar schools still using academic selection to heed the call of the Catholic Principals’ Association to suspend the use of the controversial tests.
The Education spokesperson said:
“I welcome today’s call from the Catholic Principals’ Association, endorsed by more than 200 school heads, on grammar schools to suspend academic selection for this year at least.
“A growing number of grammar schools across the north have already shown leadership and announced they are suspending the use of academic selection tests this year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I would call on the remaining grammar schools which are still intent on using these unfair, unnecessary and unregulated tests to heed this call and abandon the use of academic selection this year and for good.”
Sinn Féin MLA Fra McCann has urged the public to be aware of the challenges facing blind and partially sighted people during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The west Belfast MLA said:
“While the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting on everyone in society, it is creating particular challenges for those who are blind or partially sighted.
“In particular, maintaining social distancing when out shopping and exercising is a specific difficulty.
“Clear Perspex screens which have been erected in many shops to protect both staff and public also pose difficulties for partially sighted people.
“Shop owners could help by making signs relating to social distancing bigger for partially sighted people.
“I would urge the public to be aware of these challenges and difficulties facing blind and partially sighted people and to show consideration to them while they are out and about.
“I raised these issues at the Department of Communities committee meeting and it was agreed the committee write to all departments to encourage them to consider the needs of blind and partially sighted people in their response to the pandemic.”
Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has welcomed a move by the Finance Minister to make it easier for the self employed to apply for COVID-19 support.
Caoimhe Archibald said:
“I welcome the news that my party colleague, Finance Minister Conor Murphy has acted to improve the application process for the Self Employed Income Support Scheme.
“Minister Murphy has now made sure that driving licences from the north can now be used for the verification stage of the application.
“This will open up the scheme to more self employed people who are struggling as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is the Finance Minister listening to the needs of the businesses community and acting to support them through this difficult time.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire TD has said that the rate of pay outlined for SNAs under the summer provision scheme is disrespectful and unacceptable.
Teachta Ó Laoghaire said: “SNAs have been treated very poorly throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, but the proposal regarding pay for summer provision is beyond disrespectful.
“SNAs will be paid €16.77/hour for those appointed pre-2011 and just €15.50/hour for SNAs employed after that. This is 40 per cent of teachers’ rates.
“They also won’t receive payment until November and still have no guidance on health and safety. It is scandalous and very poor treatment of SNAs, who deserve better.
“SNAs will be working without any of the supports they have in a school scenario, but in this scheme they will be doing the same work as any tutor. They deserve fair pay. If the Department of Education want to deliver the scheme they are talking about then they must make it attractive for SNAs to participate.
“The Department of Education must stop treating SNAs as the poor relation and the disrespect must end.”
Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan has welcomed the announcement by the department for infrastructure to develop a number of key road projects, but states that clarity is needed regarding the progress to be expected.
The Newry/Armagh MLA said:
“The Department for Infrastructure intends to progress a number of key schemes such as the A1 safety improvements and the Newry relief road.
“However more clarity is needed as to what the minister intends to accomplish for these projects.
“The A1 improvements for example, are vital for improving road safety on one of the norths most dangerous roads.
“Construction needs to start as soon as possible on this crucial scheme and we need to know when we can see this happen.
“Meanwhile questions remain regarding projects not mentioned by the minister, such as the Armagh link roads.
“I will continue to push for clarity on what we can expect for capital projects in the near future, as these schemes are important for people across the north for improving road safety, tackling congestion and addressing regional inequality."
Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Children and Youth Affairs Kathleen Funchion has warned that children’s rights cannot be used as a pawn in negotiations to form the next Government, amid ongoing reports that the Department for Children and Youth Affairs could be abolished.
Her comments follow news that the Children’s Ombudsman Dr Niall Muldoon has written to the leaders of Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Green Party, warning that any deal struck among them which would abolish the Department would harm children’s rights.
Teachta Funchion said: “I welcome Dr Muldoon’s intervention on this matter and share his concerns that abolishing the Department would be inconsistent with the State’s obligation to recognise the importance of vindicating children’s rights.
“Abolishing the Department for Children and Youth Affairs would be a dangerous and damaging step which would be detrimental to children’s rights.
“While the Department is not without its issues, it is essential for advancing and protecting the rights of children and young people in Ireland. You only have to look at the sad history of how children have often been treated in this country to recognise how important it is that this Department is kept.
“Subsuming the topic into another Department where it will be forced to compete for focus and resources would be unworkable. Children’s rights deserve proper attention and cannot be allowed to fall down the agenda.
“It would be wholly unfair and indefensible if children’s rights are used as a pawn among political parties attempting to strike a deal to get into power.
“Sinn Féin are opposed to axing the Department and would urge all other political parties to commit to opposing it too.”
“Caretaker government being played by Tories” - MacManus warns as ‘No Deal’ tensions heighten
Sinn Féin MEP Chris MacManus has warned that the current Fine Gael caretaker government are failing to grasp the gravity of current Brexit developments.
In the wake of Westminster’s formal declaration that Britain will not seek an extension, MacManus said “Fine Gael are doing the bare minimum right now. It’s just not good enough. We are drifting into a Brexit catastrophe. Every decision now or any lack of decisiveness has grave implications for people all over the island of Ireland.
MacManus again highlighted the necessity that every detail of previously signed agreements are upheld.
“We must see an unconditional implementation of the withdrawal agreement and the Irish protocol. We are now rapidly heading towards a no deal situation and not withstanding Covid matters Fine Gael appear wholly unprepared for the various potential outcomes.”
The Sligo MEP was critical of the government’s naivety, “They are putting far too much confidence in the notion that the British government are negotiating in good faith and adhering to the stringencies in these agreements. Fine Gael need to act now and make tangible efforts to design support mechanisms for sectors that will be decimated when, if likely a trade deal fails to come to fruition.” ENDS
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing Eoin Ó Broin TD has said that ‘Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael’s claim of delivering a new deal for renters is deeply dishonest’.
The comments were made in response to leaks to the media on the content of a draft programme for government.
Deputy Ó Broin said:
‘Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are claiming that they have included a “New Deal for Renters” in their draft programme for government with the Green Party.
‘Anonymous briefings to the Irish Independent suggest that the draft included proposals to create tenancies of indefinite duration and end evictions without reason in tenancies after six years.
‘Tenancies of indefinite duration can only be created if the existing grounds for evicting a tenant such as sale of property, use by landlord or a family member or substantial refurbishment are removed. These are known as Section 34 grounds for issuing a Notice to Quit.
‘However the same briefing to the Irish Independent goes on to say that neither Fianna Fáil nor Fine Gael will remove the Section 34 grounds for ending a tenancy. This means that they are not, in fact, creating tenancies of indefinite duration.
‘Rather, what is being proposed is the removal of Section 34(b) of the Residential Tenancies Act which allows a landlord to end a tenancy before the end of a six year Part IV tenancy agreement without grounds. While such a reform would be welcome, it is a very minor change to tenancy legislation and does not in any way constitute a tenancy of indefinite duration.
‘Fianna Fail and Fine Gael’s claim of a new deal for renters is deeply dishonest. It demonstrates once again why they can not be trusted on housing. What we need is real reform of the private rented sector to give tenants long term security and affordable rents while supporting legally compliant landlords to make a fair return from the service they provide. This will not happen under a Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael government.’
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance Pearse Doherty TD has described a note provided by a Dublin-based wealth advisory firm to investors as an explosive and shocking indictment of Fine Gael’s housing policy.
He said the briefing provided by Gillen Markets Wealth Advisory Firm confirms that Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil cannot be trusted to solve a housing crisis they have created.
Teachta Doherty said:
“On the 15th May, Gillen Markets, a Dublin-based wealth advisory firm, shared a briefing note with international investors on the Irish residential property market.
“In their briefing to international investors, the advisory firm shared what is now an open secret; Fine Gael has rigged the housing market against the interests of Irish renters and first-time buyers in favour of international investors and shareholders.
“For the past several years, Sinn Féín has criticised the low tax regime created by Fine Gael for international investors to hoover up Irish property, levy extortionate rents, pay little tax and transfer wealth out of Ireland to hidden shareholders.
“We have long argued that this regime was pushing up house prices and rents to the detriment of renters, families and first-time buyers.
“In its briefing note, the advisory firm informed investors that Fine Gael’s housing policy ‘has benefited both institutions and developers at the expense of individual buyers’, with the extortionate levels of house prices and rents in Ireland ‘driven in a significant way by the government’s housing policy with favourable policies attracting institutional investors into the market’.
“As the advisory firm makes clear, in 2019 alone 95% of apartments built were acquired by these institutions at the expense of first-time buyers. The consequence has been higher house prices and higher rents.
“Sinn Féin has highlighted these policies for several years and tried to reverse them in the interests of renters and first-time buyers. In doing so we have been blocked by Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil at every turn.
“These investment funds, thanks to Fine Gael legislation, have been able to price out first-time buyers whilst at the same time paying no Corporation Tax, no Capital Gains Tax and avoiding the full rate of Commercial Stamp Duty.
“Sinn Féin were instrumental in introducing a range of anti-avoidance measures against these funds in October 2019 but we must go further.
“As this wealth advisory firm has made clear to its clients, Fine Gael have rolled out the red carpet to international investors while locking families out of the property market and ripping off renters. They cannot be trusted to solve the housing crisis they created.”
Sinn Féin Education spokesperson Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire has said parents, children and school staff are dismayed at the further confusion created by Minister McHugh’s announcement today.
Teachta Ó Laoghaire said;
“Three months ago today, school buildings across the State shut. In that time, Irish children and their families have been placed under incredible strain despite the enormous efforts of parents and teachers. There can be no question that this has had negative impacts on children’s education, socialisation and mental health.
“In all that time, schools have received no guidance on how to plan for next year. Every child, parent and teacher expected the Minister would today give them a roadmap for a return to education.
“What we got from the Department of delay and defer today is even more confusion. On the one hand telling us how many children would return to school with one metre or two metre, and on the other hand telling us that social distancing is not a runner in schools. Parents and schools are at a complete loss.
“The idea of some children returning only one day a week is absolutely unacceptable. Parents, especially parents returning to work, are upset and cannot believe this is being considered.
“Parents are furious at this drip-feeding of information.
“Preparation for a return to school has become a fiasco and the vacuum created by the Department of Education over the last three months is due to their failure to communicate and plan.
“Regarding summer provision, it is positive that there is a desire to include as many children as possible.
“However, our concern is that the Department seems to have done no capacity planning at all.
“I am concerned the preparation hasn’t been done - that schools, families and teachers won’t have been in a position to organise themselves.
“Ultimately, many families will end up disappointed as they will not be able to find themselves a programme or a place for their child.
“The Government may try to shift the blame onto the schools, but the reality is that it will be on their failure to plan for this scheme.
“If that is the case, building up the hopes of these families is a deeply unfair thing to do. Of course it is a vitally important scheme and we hope as many people as possible can avail of it but our fear is that the Department has not put in the preparation.
“The Department is talking about it being a further two weeks before we get a roadmap. We need clarity and reassurance the Government will do all they can to ensure the safety of children and staff.
“Children with special educational needs and educational disadvantage are among those who suffered the most during pandemic. They have faced isolation, a lack of socialisation, and have fallen back educationally.
“Providing some kind of social activity for these children and their families is vitally important."
Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Children and Youth Affairs Kathleen Funchion has warned that children’s rights cannot be used as a pawn in negotiations to form the next Government, amid ongoing reports that the Department for Children and Youth Affairs could be abolished.
Her comments follow news that the Children’s Ombudsman Dr Niall Muldoon has written to the leaders of Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Green Party, warning that any deal struck among them which would abolish the Department would harm children’s rights.
Teachta Funchion said: “I welcome Dr Muldoon’s intervention on this matter and share his concerns that abolishing the Department would be inconsistent with the State’s obligation to recognise the importance of vindicating children’s rights.
“Abolishing the Department for Children and Youth Affairs would be a dangerous and damaging step which would be detrimental to children’s rights.
“While the Department is not without its issues, it is essential for advancing and protecting the rights of children and young people in Ireland. You only have to look at the sad history of how children have often been treated in this country to recognise how important it is that this Department is kept.
“Subsuming the topic into another Department where it will be forced to compete for focus and resources would be unworkable. Children’s rights deserve proper attention and cannot be allowed to fall down the agenda.
“It would be wholly unfair and indefensible if children’s rights are used as a pawn among political parties attempting to strike a deal to get into power.
“Sinn Féin are opposed to axing the Department and would urge all other political parties to commit to opposing it too.”
Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Bay South Chris Andrews has called on the Department of Sport to establish a kick-start solidarity grant for League of Ireland clubs.
Deputy Andrews highlighted that the important role played by League of Ireland clubs in their communities is now at risk due to decimated resources as the financial impact of the Covid-19 crisis hits home.
Teachta Andrews said: "League of Ireland clubs such as Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians have played such an important role in developing our underage football structures, nurturing young talent and providing employment and career opportunities for some of our most talented sportspeople.
"Clubs' incomes have been decimated due to Covid-19 and they now face the prospect of a total lack of gate receipts for the rest of the season, which will have a knock-on effect for other income streams such as sponsorship and merchandise sales.
"But this crisis can be a temporary one if state supports are put in place. The wages of playing, backroom and support staff of these clubs must be protected as we navigate our way through the months ahead.
"League of Ireland clubs are no longer just first teams. They are focal points in their respective communities.
"They have played a central role in various community projects with outreach programmes for schools and the elderly, and inclusivity initiatives for both the socially and mentally disadvantaged in society.
"They have shown great solidarity to others too, such as programmes to integrate residents of Direct Provision Centres into the football family, and initiatives such as bringing and welcoming Gaza kids to Ireland.
"This kind of community engagement is reflected all across the state by various League of Ireland clubs.
"They have truly played their part in society and now they need a leg-up from the state to see themselves through to the other side of this crisis intact.
"Unfortunately the feedback from people within League of Ireland clubs shows that there is little optimism among many of them about the financial viability of returning to play football this season.
"Some even fear they may not survive this crisis at all. Those fears were not allayed when the league's clubs met with the FAI yesterday.
‘’The establishment of a kick-start solidarity grant would be a welcome step in the right direction and I have asked Minister Shane Ross to commit that no clubs will be allowed go out of existence due to the Covid-19 crisis, and to engage with both the FAI and League of Ireland clubs to ensure the continued viability of our league.’’
Sinn Féin Leas Uachtarán Michelle O’Neill said today it is completely careless and shameful that the British government has not sought an extension to the Brexit transition from the EU and has shown a complete disregard for the economy in the north.
Michelle O’Neill was speaking after she participated in meeting of the British Government-EU Joint Committee today on the implementation of the Irish Protocol, alongside Arlene Foster as Joint Heads of Government, EU Chief negotiator Michel Barnier, European Commission Vice President Maroš Šefčovič and British Minister Michael Gove MP.
Michelle O’Neill said:
"The Protocol on Ireland recognises our unique circumstances on this island, and its full implementation is not negotiable.
"It avoids a hard border on the island of Ireland, and safeguards the all-Ireland economy and the Good Friday Agreement.
“Sinn Féin both inside and outside the Executive want to ensure that Protocol is delivered upon by the British Government, and in a way which minimises disruption and provides workable solutions which keeps trade moving and the cost of doing business down.
"I made clear today that it is obvious that the EU does not feel sufficient progress has been made by the British government on implementing its Protocol obligations.
“It is completely careless and shameful for the British government not to seek an extension to the transition period and it shows complete disregard for our local economy, which is facing a huge shock as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
"The fact the British Government is refusing to allow the European Commission to open a technical office in Belfast to monitor the implementation of the Protocol speaks volumes.
“Today I dissociated Sinn Féin from the British Government's approach on both the issue of not seeking an extension and the needless blocking of the Belfast office.
"There is an urgent need for the British Government to fulfil its obligations which it entered into when negotiating the Withdrawal Agreement and which entered into force on 1 February 2020.”
Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin has said that the three months ban on evictions and notices to quit has led to a dramatic drop in homelessness in Dublin.
His comments come as figures from the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive show a 56% drop in the numbers of families presenting as homeless in April on pre Covid-19 months and a 85% drop in the numbers of families entering emergency accommodation.
Deputy Ó Broin said:
“The homeless figures for April in Dublin show that the number of new families presenting as homeless was 74. This is significantly lower than the previous three months, when in January, February and March the numbers presenting stood at 171, 171 and 123 respectively.
“In April only 14 of the 74 families presenting as homeless entered emergency accommodation, compared to March which had 42 families, February with 80 and January with 94.
“This represents a 56% drop in families presenting as homeless in Dublin and a massive 85% drop in families entering emergency accommodation in April when compared with pre Covid-19 months.
“The figures also show that there is no significant change in the number of homeless preventions and exits from homelessness in April.
“This proves beyond any doubt that the ban on evictions and the serving of notices to quit has halted the flow of families into homelessness.
“This is something that Sinn Féin and others have been calling for years and our position has now been vindicated.
“One of the leading causes of family homelessness is vacant possession notices to quit. Focus Ireland urged all political parties to support an amendment which would prevent buy to let landlords from seeking vacant possession notices to quit when selling their property.
“The draft bill we published this week seeks to ban rent increases for three years and prohibit evictions from buy to let properties when the landlord is selling.
“If the government had enacted these measures back in 2017 far more families would have been saved from emergency accommodation.
“It took a pandemic for Fine Gael to finally do the right thing.
“Sinn Féin has clearly outlined what we would do in government. It is time for other parties to outline how they would tackle and reduce family homelessness.”
ENDS//
Note to editor: The Table below is from the homeless quarterly report Q1 2020. Figures highlighted in yellow for April are new.
The table below sets out the number of family presentations, preventions and exits in the Dublin Region Jan-Apr 2020.
MonthTotal families PresentingLess families prevented from entering
