Ráitis is déanaí

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Mental Health Pat Buckley TD has criticised the Minister for Health's decision to not publish the findings of a review of the 'Vision for Change' mental health strategy.

He was responding to Minister Harris's reply to his request that the report be published immediately. Minister Harris has told Deputy Buckley that he will leave publication up to the next Minister for Health.

Teachta Buckley TD said;

“This is an unacceptable response from Minister Harris, especially in the context of ongoing negotiations by all parties around the agreement of a new government.

"Vision for Change is a fourteen year-old strategy which has largely not been implemented due to years of under funding and under resourcing of our mental health services. The human cost of this on the many people who have needed mental health care is great. The government which presided over this for many years have a very serious responsibility to publish this report.

"All political representatives, the media, the public, mental health campaigners, advocates and service users deserve to be fully informed so they can scrutinise the track record of the previous government and the commitments of any future government.

"The fact that only Fine Gael would be privy to the details of this report while government negotiations are ongoing is unacceptable.

"We need publication now and commitments from any proposed new government to address the failings of the past and build a truly world class public mental health service.”

Paul Maskey said.

“It is more than ten years since the Casement Park project was announced and more than seven year since the Gaels of Antrim had a home.

“Myself along with party colleagues have met with officials from the department for infrastructure on many occasions to seek updates on where the planning permission is at.

“Casement Park in West Belfast remains the only stadia redevelopment scheme that is still outstanding. 

“This was a priority project for the last Executive and was included in the Programme for Government as such, the Department for Infrastructure must deliver on it.

“Major issues have now been resolved so we are now calling on the Infrastructure Minister to make a decision or if not explain to the public why no decision has been made. 

“Some within the wider public are now questioning what the delay around this project is really about and this will only intensify until a decision is made.

“This project is already far too long overdue. Gaels and the people of West Belfast deserve so much better than the current derelict site.

“Sinn Féin has worked tirelessly with all the stakeholders over the last ten years and will continue to do so to ensure a new state of the art Casement Park is delivered. 

“I remain absolutely determined to see the final part of the stadium jigsaw completed and will do all in my power to bring about the realisation of a new and modern fit-for-purpose Casement Park built in the heart of West Belfast.”

Sinn Féin TD for Cavan/Monaghan Matt Carthy has described the announced closure of BD Foods at Glaslough, Co. Monaghan as a devastating blow for the workers at the company and the local economy. He said it is a worrying signal of the challenges in the food services sector.

The Henderson Group announced on Wednesday a merger of its acquired companies to its operational base in Mallusk, with the loss of jobs at Glaslough, Ashbourne and Lisburn.

He said:

“This is a devastating blow at the worst possible time, and the worst affected will be the workers involved and their families. These are job losses that the local economy can ill afford and this presents a very worrying signal for the food preparation and services sector which is vitally important for the economy in this region.

“I have made contact with senior representatives of the Henderson Group and with workers at BD Foods. In the first instance we need to see if there is any possibility of reversing this decision.

“We also need to determine whether the company informed statutory agencies or government of the potential of this move, and whether any support or assistance was provided to prevent this closure.

“My initial thoughts are with the workers and their families - we need a swift government response to ascertain whether the jobs can be saved and we need swift action to ensure that there are no further job losses in this sector.

“I intend to work with all elected voices in pursuit of these objectives”.

Sinn Féin Seanadóir Niall Ó Donnghaile said comments regarding citizenship from the DUP’s Gavin Robinson once again show the DUP's refusal to embrace the spirit of the Good Friday Agreement.

Seanadóir Ó Donnghaile said:

“The DUP have never embraced the spirit of the Good Friday Agreement and Gavin Robinson’s comments regarding the citizenship reflect that.

“His comments completely disrespect people in the north who identify as Irish as is their legal right under the Good Friday Agreement.

“The Good Friday Agreement states that citizens in the north have the right to identify themselves and be accepted as Irish, or British, or both as they may choose.

“We need adherence to and the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.”

Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has said the Irish Protocol of the Withdrawal Agreement must be implemented in full in order to protect the all-Ireland economy.

The Sinn Féin Brexit spokesperson said:

“The majority of people in the north opposed Brexit realising the damage it would do to our economy. There is no good Brexit for Ireland.

“Through extensive work in Europe, we secured unique protections for the north in the Irish protocol of the Withdrawal Agreement to protect the all Ireland economy and the Good Friday Agreement. 

“Those protections must be implemented in full. 

“The proposals brought forward by the British government today will now be assessed by the EU to see if they represent sufficient progress as the clock ticks towards the Brexit deadline. 

“While these proposals will have to be studied in detail, it is clear the British government is planning for border control posts and checks at ports of entry in the North for agri-food goods coming from Britain and elsewhere outside the EU. 

“It again highlights the fork-tongued approach the British government have adopted through all of this: using Brexiteer rhetoric and bluster while at the same time accepting it will develop border posts at ports. 

“There are already checks and while further physical infrastructure is now required, our primary focus is to minimise disruption for business. 

“This will require putting in place workable solutions as agreed by the EU and British government. 

“The EU has been critical of the progress from the British government to date. Sinn Féin has been clear that, given the approaching Brexit deadline and the delays to the negotiations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Brexit deadline should be extended in order to protect our economy which is already under intense pressure.”

Sinn Féin MLA Karen Mullan has called for a wide-ranging conversation involving teachers, school leaders, parents, trade unions and public health experts in advance of any reopening of schools.

Speaking after a meeting of the Assembly’s education committee, the Foyle MLA said:

“Today, I proposed the establishment of an education forum to the main teaching unions to address huge concern and anxiety at the prospect of an eventual return to school.

“It's my view that any return to school must be done in complete partnership and in conversation with all those involved in education when the time comes. 

“Parents, young people and our teaching staff must have confidence that health and safety is paramount in any return to school. 

“There will be no one size fits all approach for schools in preparing to re-open. There should be an intense period of discussion that will be crucial to understand the flexibilities and the bespoke needs that different schools and different settings will require. 

“I have asked the Minister for Education to establish an Education forum which looks at these issues as soon as possible.”

Sinn Féin MLA Sinead Ennis has welcomed today’s announcement by the Finance Minister that sport and leisure facilities will get 100% rates relief. 

The party’s sports, arts and culture spokesperson said:

“Confirmation that sports and leisure facilities will receive rates relief is welcome news as many organisations are facing uncertain futures since taking the decision to close their premises.

“Sports organisations have been playing a key role in society during this pandemic, in terms of delivering food packages and other essentials to workers and families.

“I commend the Finance Minister Conor Murphy for stepping in and providing this support to these organisations at this difficult time and it will help ease some of the stress and financial pressure they face.”

Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has called on the Economy Minister to reconsider the criteria for the current hardship fund so sole traders and social enterprises can receive financial support. 

The party’s Economy spokesperson said:

“I have written to the Economy Minister expressing the frustration of numerous business owners who have been excluded from the current business grants due to the eligibility criteria, including sole traders and social enterprises that have charitable status.

“Many sole traders, who are not eligible for the self-employed income support scheme, had seen the hardship scheme as a lifeline. 

“These are entrepreneurs, tradespeople and service providers that make important contributions to our local economy and deserve support to ensure their businesses can survive and recover.  

“Likewise, many social enterprises have not been able to access the grant schemes to date. They had been under the impression they would be eligible for the hardship scheme from initial announcements and they are shocked they are not included due to their charitable status. 

“These are businesses that in many cases provide important and vital services in our communities. They deserve to have the same support as other businesses and not be excluded because they operate on a not-for-profit basis or for community benefit.

“I would strongly urge the Economy Minister to urgently reconsider the criteria so these businesses who have been waiting several weeks already, can be eligible to receive financial support.”

Sinn Féin MLA Catherine Kelly has welcomed today’s announcement by the Finance Minister that childcare providers will get 100% rates relief. 

The West Tyrone MLA said:

“Confirmation that childcare providers will receive rates relief is welcome news. 

“Childcare providers have been left facing an uncertain future since taking the decision to close their premises. They have faced immeasurable stress and financial pressure.

“We recognise the vital support they have provided to workers and families during this pandemic, many of whom are parents of young children. 

“I commend the Finance Minister Conor Murphy for stepping in and providing this support to childcare at this difficult time.”

Sinn Féin MLA Declan McAleer has said the additional £25m announced by Finance Minister Conor Murphy today for agriculture and horticultural businesses will be welcomed in rural communities.

 Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew has welcomed the Executive's decision to establish the graduate entry medical school at the Magee campus, with the first intake of students set for September 2021.

The Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson said:

"The decision to establish the medical school at Magee campus is a great success for those who worked tirelessly on this campaign for many years.

"Funding for the medical school at the Magee campus was committed to in the New Decade, New Deal agreement, and combined with the recent City Deals and Inclusive Future Fund commitments, represents a significant economic boost for the historically under-invested north west region. 

“As we make our way through the unprecedented experience of the COVID-19 crisis, it is increasingly apparent that we need to urgently address the shortage of medical professionals.

“The decision taken on the graduate entry medical school at Magee will ensure that we have more doctors and medical professionals graduating every year.

“These graduates are more likely to remain to work in the north, and in particular in the north west, increasing the number of doctors available within the depleted health and social care system.

“The decision on Magee not only represents much-needed economic investment in the north west, it also represents an investment in our health workforce and ultimately the well-being of our communities.” 

ENDS/CRÍOCH

Sinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan has welcomed a funding announcement worth almost £4 million to support waste management services during the current COVID-19 pandemic. 

Philip McGuigan said: 

"The closure of waste management services and recycling facilities across the north as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic has caused inconvenience and frustration for many people. 

"The reopening of these facilities today will be welcomed by many but it will not come without challenges, particularly around the need to adhere to the physical distancing guidelines in order to keep both workers and the wider pubic using the services safe. 

"The announcement of £3.8 million for waste management services by my party colleague, Finance Minister Conor Murphy, will help address those challenges. 

"We will continue to face challenges as restrictions are eased and it is vital both waste management workers and those who use these facilities are kept safe in order to help contain the further spread of the virus." 

Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan has welcomed a £30 million funding package for Translink announced today by Finance Minister Conor Murphy.

Cathal Boylan said:

“ Today’s announcement from my party colleague, Finance Minister Conor Murphy, of a £30 million funding package for Translink to help it meet the challenges of COVID-19.

“This is on top of the £20 million which the Finance Minister allocated to Translink in the 2020/2021 budget. 

“Public transport is one of the sectors which has been hardest hit by the current public health emergency and the subsequent necessary lockdown measures.

“This funding from Conor Murphy will help Translink address the huge challenges COVID-19 presents for public transport.

“This will include measures to maintain social distancing on buses and trains and keeping both workers and passengers safe.

“All of this is essential as we move towards the further lifting of restrictions in order to get people moving and to encourage more people to use public transport.” 

Sinn Féin MLA and Chair of the Assembly's health committee Colm Gildernew has said funding to reimburse nurses for wages lost through strike action announced today by Finance Minister Conor Murphy is welcome. 

The Sinn Féin Assembly health spokesperson said: 

"Nurses are the cornerstone of our health service and that has been shown time and time again in the heroic work they are doing on a daily basis to save lives and keep people safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

"When the Executive was restored we moved quickly to address the issue of nurses pay to ensure they were supported and valued for the work they do. 

"I welcome today's announcement from the Finance Minister, my party colleague Conor Murphy that £1.6m will be allocated to reimburse health workers for income they lost as a result of taking strike action to get the pay rise they deserved. 

“Nurses should never have lost this money as they should not have had to go on strike in the first place.

"Sinn Fein will continue to stand by nurses and health care staff now and in the future." 

Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has welcomed the announcement of £1.4m to support students experiencing hardship as a result of COVID-19. 

The East Derry MLA said: 

“Many students are experiencing considerable hardship because of the current COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Students in private tenanted accommodation are still having to pay rent despite not being at university and many who have full or part-time jobs are not currently working as a result of the pandemic, particularly those who work in the hospitality sector. 

"This announcement of £1.4m by my party colleague, Finance Minister Conor Murphy, will help students experiencing hardship at this difficult time. 

“I would now call on Economy Minister Dianne Dodds to match this funding to support students. 

"Sinn Fein will continue to stand with students in further and higher education." 

Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins has welcomed the announcement of £15m to support charities during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Newry and Armagh MLA said: 

"While the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting everyone in our society, charities are among those who have been hardest hit.

"The restrictions that have been put in place to save lives during the current public health emergency have meant charities have not been able to fundraise as they would normally have done. 

"This has led to knock-on problems for those who benefit from the excellent work of these charities at a time when they are most in need of support. 

"Today's announcement of the release of £15m for charities by my party colleague Finance Minister Conor Murphy is welcome news. 

"It is vital charities are supported as they continue to help those most in need in these challenging times." 

Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín has welcomed a funding package worth almost £14 million for the Supporting People programme will help the most vulnerable in society. 

Carál Ní Chuilín said:

"The current COVID-19 pandemic is impacting everyone in our society but it is those who are vulnerable who are most at risk. 

"Today's announcement by Finance Minister Conor Murphy of £10m for the Supporting People project, together with £3.8m from Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey is a welcome funding boost to help those most in need. 

"The Supporting People project helps those with dealing complex and challenging issues and is involved in sterling work across the north. 

"This funding will enable the continued delivery of this vital project at this difficult time."

Sinn Féin MLA Karen Mullan has said a £4 million funding package to support substitute teachers announced today by the Finance Minister is welcome. 

The Education spokesperson said: 

"I welcome today's announcement of a £4 million funding package by my party colleague, Finance Minister Conor Murphy, to support substitute teachers who are struggling as a result of the current COVID-19 outbreak. 

"With schools closed in order to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to keep people safe, many substitute teachers are struggling financially through loss of income. 

"Substitute teachers play a key role in our schools and should be supported thought this current health emergency. 

"I had raised this issue directly with the Education Minister and also with Finance Minister Conor Murphy. 

"Today's announcement, in addition to the funding provided by the Department of Education, will be welcomed by substitute teachers across the north." 

Sinn Féin MLA Fra McCann has welcomed the allocation of £20.3 million to local councils.

The party’s spokesperson for local government said:

“I welcome today's announcement by the Communities Minister that £20.3 million will be allocated to local councils.

“This money will help offset some of the additional costs and financial pressure councils have faced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It is important that there is an all government approach in the fight against COVID-19 and local government will play a vital role as they are on the front line of essential service provision to communities.”

Sinn Féin Mental Health spokesperson Pat Buckley TD has called on the Minister for Health Simon Harris to publish the report of the task-force he established to refresh the mental health strategy 'Vision for Change'.

Teachta Buckley said;

“The 'Vision for Change' report was an evidence-based modern strategy for a recovery focused, community centred, model of mental health care when originally published. Much of it has not been implemented and basic standards have still not been met. Staffing is one of the biggest issues with numbers far below recommended levels.

"The strategy still needs to be implemented in full. The government have dragged their feet, preferring to talk about mental health care, but never really moving to address the major gaps.

"The refreshing of 'Vision for Change' in the absence of any significant progress under this government delayed action further but now that it is complete we need to see the report.

"I have written to Minister Simon Harris today asking that he published the findings of the review. The findings need to be scrutinised by all stakeholders, including campaigners, advocates and those who use the services. Political parties must also see the findings at this time when government talks are still ongoing.

"Any future government must make it clear to the people how 'Vision for Change' can be completed and built on. This was a priority in our election manifesto and something which received great public support".