Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilin has welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Communities Deirdre Hargey that social security benefit overpayments recovery and loan repayments will be paused for three months.
Speaking the North Belfast MLA said:
“I welcome the announcement today by Minister Hargey that the department will be pausing the recovery of benefit overpayments and loan repayments for a period of three months.
“The Minister has brought this measure in to assist the most financially vulnerable members of our communities during this time of increased hardship and uncertainty.
“The pausing of these repayments will mean that recipients of social security benefits that had overpayment debt or an outstanding loan balance will see an increase in the amount of money that they receive for the next three months.
“Sinn Féin have been actively working in Government in the North and across this island to protect workers, families and the most vulnerable in our society throughout the COVID19 crisis."
Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald has described the exclusion of women on maternity leave from the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme as unacceptable and discriminatory.
Her comments follow the confirmation by the government that women returning from maternity leave will not be entitled to the wage subsidy scheme and instead will only qualify for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment.
For many women, this will amount to a considerable drop in income.
Teachta McDonald said: “This is a clear and unacceptable case of discrimination against women returning from maternity leave. It is inexcusable that this oversight has been allowed to occur.
“Women who decide to return to work after maternity leave deserve the full backing and support of the state, not regressive barriers and discrimination.
“We have been told time and again that the purpose of the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme is to retain the link between employers and their employees for the duration of the emergency period.
“The rationale provided by the Revenue Commissioner to me for the exclusion of women returning to work at this time is that the scheme is confined to employees who were on the employer’s payroll on 29 February 2020.
“Revenue’s position flies in the face of the stated intent of the scheme. Worse still, it is actively pushing employed women unnecessarily into unemployment.
“Maternity leave legally establishes the employee as being at work and employed. The decision to exclude women returning from maternity from the TWSS ignores the spirit and intent of the maternity protections contained within the Employment Equality Acts 1998–2015. This in itself is a deeply regressive outcome.
“I want to commend the National Women’s Council of Ireland, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and SIPTU for pursuing this matter.
“I first wrote to the Finance Minister on the 24 April calling on him to urgently address this discriminatory anomaly within the Temporary Wage Subsidy scheme and again following receipt of the Revenue Commissioners response.
“It is clear that the Minister needs to instruct Revenue to administer the scheme in accordance with the provisions of employment rights legislation.”
Former Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has welcomed this morning’s judgement by the Supreme Court in London which ruled that he was unlawfully interned in 1973 and that consequently two convictions - in March 1975 and April 1975 - for two attempted escapes from internment in December 1973 and July 1974 are quashed.
Mr. Adams has called on the British government to identify and inform other internees whose internment may also have been unlawful.
He said:
"I want to thank my legal team Seamus Collins, PJ McGrory & Co Solicitors, Sean Doran SC and Donal Sayers for their diligence in pursuing this case over the last decade.
"I also want to commend and thank the Pat Finucane Centre which in October 2009 uncovered communications from July 1974. The then Director of Public Prosecutions had provided a memorandum to the British Attorney General that 'I (and other detainees) held under orders which have not been signed by the Secretary of State himself may be unlawfully detained.' This was prior to the institution of proceedings against me in March 1975 in respect of the December 1973 incident.
"Subsequently, I understand that on 17 July 1974 this issue was discussed by the British Attorney General with the British Prime Minister Harold Wilson, so the knowledge of my unlawful detention was known at the most senior level of the British system.
"Of course internment, later described as detention by the British, was never lawful. In fact it set aside the normal principles of law and was based on a blunt and brutal piece of coercive legislation.
"I have no regrets about my imprisonment except for the time I was separated from my family. However, we were not on our own. It is believed that around two thousand men and women were interned during its four and a half years of operation.
"I consider my time in the Prison Ship Maidstone, in Belfast prison and in Long Kesh to have been in the company of many remarkable, resilient and inspiring people.
"Internment like all coercive measures failed.
"There is an onus on the British government to identify and inform other internees whose Internment may also have been unlawful."
Following a meeting today with Inclusion Ireland Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald TD has called on the Government to include children and adults with a disability in the Covid-19 exit strategy.
The Dublin Central TD said:
“It is both disappointing and alarming for people with a disability and their families that the government has failed to recognise and provide for their unique circumstances when charting a path out of the current restrictions.
“The reality for individuals and families across the country is that the day to day services they rely on have been put on hold during the crisis. Parents of children with a disability have had no respite and have had to take on additional roles in terms of education, therapy and care.
“A survey published by inclusion Ireland today found that home schooling is not working for families who have a child with an intellectual disability or autism. Parents of children with challenging behaviour or poor attention need the support of a skilled and trained teacher.
“Access to technology has also been an issue. Just over 10 per cent of respondents have no access to any technology for schoolwork, and 45 per cent do not have access to high speed broadband.
“The roadmap as published makes no reference to these families nor does it address the unique circumstances carers face when returning to work within the governments phased plan.
“The government has also not addressed the challenges of returning to employment for workers with a disability nor acknowledged the additional employment rights protections they are likely to need in the months ahead.
“Following my meeting with Inclusion Ireland I have written to the Taoiseach and the Minister for Health calling on them to include people with a disability in the government’s exit strategy for Covid-19.
“I have also written to the Minister for Education and Skills urging him to meet with Inclusion Ireland as they have requested to discuss the emerging crisis in special education.”
Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan has welcomed the move today to make e-bikes more accessible to the public by removing regulatory burdens but has stressed that the expansion of active travel infrastructure must be pursued.
The Newry and Armagh MLA stated:
“E-bikes will help make cycling more attractive to a much wider audience such as those who have to travel longer distances or who couldn’t make their journey on a traditional bike.
“However, there is a wider opportunity at this present moment to really step up our commitment to sustainable transport.
“I welcome the initiative by the minister to appoint a walking and cycling champion however this needs to be followed through with real delivery.
“Cities across the world, Dublin included, have implemented ‘pop up’ cycle lanes as a way to improve safety and social distancing during Covid-19 and it’s time the north joins in.
“Prioritising the uptake of walking and cycling means investing in a sustainable future. It means tackling congestion and air pollution as well as improving public health both physically and mentally.
"Awareness and participation in active travel has grown during the COVID-19 crisis and legislation on e-bikes is to be welcomed in that context.
"Other important legislative responses are required from the Dept for Infrastructure to look at in the context of COVID-19, such as planning permission, and we will continue to hold the Infrastructure Minister to account with regard to decisions and action that needs to be taken."
Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has welcomed the extension of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme until the end of October by the British Government.
Sinn Féin MLA and health spokesperson Colm Gildernew has welcomed the publication of the Executive’s plan for easing COVID-19 restrictions.
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice and Equality Martin Kenny TD has called for better enforcement of self-isolation requirements for people entering the country.
He said:
“Public health advice is clear in stating that people arriving into Ireland should self-isolate for two weeks. This is the best policy based on scientific evidence and is necessary to reduce the risk of people passing on Covid-19.
“People arriving at airports and seaports are asked to fill in forms specifying where they will be staying during their self-isolation period and are told that they will be contacted at that address to see that they are observing all regulations. This applies to everyone except supply chain workers, such as pilots and hauliers, and those in transit.
“However, despite this, figures suggest that these regulations are not being observed in practice and around a third of people do not complete the necessary paperwork.
“The regulations are there for good reason and are part of well-thought out and necessary plans to halt the spread of Covid-19. Given the seriousness of this pandemic, it is clear that the government must do more to ensure that regulations are being enforced, and I am calling on the Minister for Justice to ensure that strict enforcement of these restrictions begins in earnest and without delay.
“Across Ireland, many people are making major sacrifices in their daily lives to work together and stop the spread of Covid-19 and we are finally seeing some signs that this is thankfully working. We cannot allow a lack of oversight in airports and seaports to risk undermining the huge efforts being made elsewhere.”
Sinn Féin MP Paul Maskey hosted a meeting today between the Sinn Féin MP team and representatives of the hospitality and tourism industry to discuss the impact COVID-19 is having on the sector.
The West Belfast MP said:
“Today the Sinn Féin MP team held a constructive video conference call with representatives of the hospitality and tourism industry in the North on the impact of COVID19 on local industry.
“COVID19 has had a particularly severe impact on the hospitality and tourism sector.
“The focus of this meeting was how best to assist the road to recovery for this particular sector.
“It was also great to engage with representatives of Hospitality Ulster ahead of the publication of their recovery strategy.
“The hospitality and tourism industry is invaluable to the North, it is worth around £2bn.
“It is a vibrant and energetic industry that sustains 65,000 jobs across the North.
“Sinn Féin are committed to playing our part in protect businesses, jobs and livelihoods.
“This time of great uncertainty requires us to be creative and flexible to help local hospitality and tourism businesses survive.”
Sinn Féin MLA Karen Mullan has said transfer tests and academic selection should be scrapped not postponed.
The party’s Education spokesperson was speaking after transfer tests in the north were pushed back for two weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Karen Mullan said:
“There is overwhelming international and domestic evidence that academic selection perpetuates inequality, damages the education system and has a hugely negative impact on our children.
“The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, Equality Commission, Human Rights Commission, Children’s Commissioner, OECD, the trade union movement and the Catholic hierarchy have all called for an end to academic selection and these calls should be heeded.
“Rather than postponing the transfer tests for two weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we should be encouraging those schools that have not yet moved away from academic selection to show leadership and end these damaging tests.”
Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly has condemned a loyalist threat against party colleague Linda Dillon MLA and a number of other elected representatives from other parties.
The party's Policing Spokesperson has called on the PSNI to take action to bring those responsible before the courts.
Gerry Kelly said:
“Police have made my party colleague Linda Dillon aware of a threat against her by loyalists tonight.
“This comes on the back of a number of threats to journalists and now despicable threats issued against an expanding list of elected representatives for defending the freedom of the press.
“Linda Dillon is committed is to serving and representing all the people of Mid Ulster and will not be deterred by threats from anyone and neither will any Sinn Féin elected representative.
“Everyone should be free to carry out their business free from threats, fear or intimidation and that includes elected representatives and journalists.
"The criminal gangs responsible for these threats should immediately withdraw them.
“Anyone with any information on the people involved should bring it forward to the PSNI, who must do all in their power to bring those responsible before the courts.”
Sinn Féin TD for Meath East Darren O'Rourke has this evening called on the Minister for Transport to urgently address media reports that State funding for public transport providers Irish Rail, Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus could run out next month.
He said:
“It is very concerning to hear reports today that State funding for essential transport companies such as Irish Rail, Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus could run out in just a few weeks time.
“These companies have faced huge challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and they will continue to require significant State support in the time ahead as social distancing requirements will mean significantly reduced passenger numbers.
“It is extremely worrying that the government have allowed the funding crisis to reach this point.
“Thousands of people work in these companies and millions of journeys are made with them each year. Our public transport services will continue to play an essential role as we return to work safely, and workers and commuters need clarity now.
“We have massive challenges to deal with, yet because of their policy of exclusion, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil have brought us to a point where the Dáil can no longer legislate, the caretaker Minister is no longer an elected representative and legislators are hearing about these challenges through the media - and not in Leinster House.
“This limbo period cannot continue any longer. Decisions need to be made on a raft of very serious issues, including the future of our public transport services.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Communications, Climate Action and the Environment David Cullinane TD has said that the new Special Dáil Committee on Covid-19 will play an important role in ensuring that there is proper debate and dialogue about how we emerge from the Covid-19 crisis.
He said:
"Sinn Féin have argued for some time that there is a need for proper scrutiny of the government's handling of the Covid-19 pandemic and for Ministers to be accountable to the Dáil at this critical time.
"The Dáil has been able to sit more frequently over the past number of weeks - and that is welcome - but the establishment of a Special Dáil Committee on Covid-19 is an important part of the process of ensuring that there is proper debate and dialogue about how we emerge from this crisis; from a health perspective and how we deal with the economic crisis that has emerged.
"We believe this Committee should be sitting twice a week, with two sessions each day, and that it should focus on a number of key areas; (i) health, (ii) supports for households and employers, and (iii) rebooting the economy. The Committee will have a important role to play in the time ahead.
"I will be putting my name forward to chair this Committee and will be seeking the support of other Committee members for that role tomorrow afternoon."
Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has said the HMRC must resolve the problems with identity verification for people from the north registering for the Self Employed Income Support scheme as a matter of urgency.
The party’s economy spokesperson said:
“Party colleagues and I have been contacted by many self-employed people who have been not been able to use the HMRC online application for the Self Employed Income Support scheme because they do not hold a British Passport or British Driving Licence.
“These people are being advised to contact the HMRC helpline but some are still having difficulties.
“Sinn Féin has contacted HMRC asking that the matter be resolved immediately.
“I have also contacted the Finance Minister to ask that he raise this matter with the British Treasury.
“Many self-employed people are struggling financially due to impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“They have had to wait a number of weeks for the scheme to open and this has now caused additional stress; it is imperative the issues of identity verification is resolved so that individuals can get registered as quickly as possible.”
Sinn Féin TD Maurice Quinlivan has called on any attempts to freeze the current minimum wage to be resisted by the incoming government.
The Sinn Féin spokesperson on workers rights and pay equality was responding to such a suggestion put forward by the Small Firms Association over the weekend.
Speaking today, Teachta Quinlivan said: “We appreciate it will be a herculean task to get the economy back on track after this pandemic has passed. But low paid workers must not become collateral damage in this effort.
“Frankly I find it disgraceful that at the same time hospital porters, shop assistants, warehouse workers and cleaners are all staying on the frontline to keep essential services going, that some people are already talking about freezing their wages for the next three years.
“You can’t be out clapping and thanking these workers one day and then turn around the next and say that they don’t deserve a proper wage that will allow them to live a decent life. It’s hypocrisy at its worst.
“The Small Firms Association has got this one completely wrong and Sinn Féin will resist any such attempts to freeze the minimum wage in the coming years.
“Workers need proper pay and conditions, not more of the same low pay, insecure hour jobs that have resulted in so many living on the breadline.
“Sinn Féin have committed to introducing a living wage for workers, with appropriate safeguards in place for financially vulnerable businesses.”
Sinn Féin MP Michelle Gildernew has reemphasised the need for employers to ensure that workers are giving full and adequate protection in the workplace.
Speaking the Fermanagh and South Tyrone MP said:
“This afternoon we learned of the sad news that a worker in a food production plant in Dungannon had passed away due to COVID19. This is in addition to a confirmed cluster in another nearby food production plant.
“I want to firstly extend my condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of this worker and also my best wishes to those battling COVID19.
"All employers have responsibilities to ensure appropriate and stringent measures are in place to minimise the spread of COVID19.
“Social distancing and personal protective equipment should all be in place to ensure maximum protection for workers. These measures must be communicated effectively to all employees.
"I will be contacting the Minister for Economy, the Health and Safety Executive and both company’s management to seek clarification following todays news.
“Food production is essential to our society and I want to pay tribute to all those workers that are on the frontline in providing food for our communities.
“Sinn Féin have consistently called for sector specific guidance to ensure employers are putting the necessary protections in place for their workers.
“We must ensure that we do all that we can to protect these workers in the time ahead.”
Sinn Féin health spokesperson Louise O’Reilly has said the postponement and deferral of breast and cervical cancer screenings is causing significant concern for women right across the State.
Teachta O’Reilly said: “For a number of weeks now, I have been in constant engagement with women from all across the State who are concerned and worried about the postponement of breast and cervical cancer screenings by GPs and service providers.
“It is understandable that certain healthcare procedures have had to be postponed in line with public health advice, but it is very worrying that breast and cervical cancer screenings for those who are symptomatic, in at-risk categories, or who have a family history of breast or cervical cancer are in some cases not undergoing screening.
“Some of the women who have contacted me say they have had their screening appointments continuously postponed for almost two months now, with no indication as to when they will be rescheduled and carried out.
“The data obtained today by RTÉ News has brought into focus the difficulties women have stated they are having.
“Figures have shown that show that no mammograms were carried out by BreastCheck in April of this year 13,763 in the same month in 2019, while CervicalCheck labs received just 937 samples in April compared to 21,037 in the same period last year.
“Time is of the essence when it comes to healthcare and it is especially important when it comes to screening for breast and cervical cancer.
“There needs to be a way for women to have their breast and cervical cancer screening carried out, especially for those who are symptomatic or in at-risk categories.
“The advice from the Minister for Health and the HSE is that people who need to access healthcare should come forward and the healthcare will be provided.
“That commitment must be kept and those who are symptomatic or in at-risk categories should have screening services provided in a way that is protective of their health and the health of the medical practitioner providing the service.
“I submitted questions to the Minister for Health about this situation two weeks ago and I am still awaiting his response.
“I hope that he can provide much needed guidance on this situation and help resolve the difficult and confusing situation which has arisen for many, many women.”
Sinn Féin MLA Linda Dillon has slammed loyalist threats against local elected representatives and called on the PSNI to take action to take criminal gangs off the streets.
The Mid Ulster MLA said:
“I condemn these despicable threats against a number of local elected representatives by loyalist paramilitaries and extend my solidarity.
“This is the latest in a number of threats issued against journalists and elected representatives by criminal gangs.
“Politicians, like everyone, should be free to do their work and represent their constituents free from threats, fear or intimidation.
“The people behind these kinds of faceless threats have nothing to offer our society.
“Anyone with any information on the people behind these threats should bring it forward to the PSNI who must take action to remove these gangs from our streets.”
Sinn Féin Councillor Catherine Nelson has praised a GAA club in. Craigavon which opened its premises for residents affected by a security alert in the Co Armagh town.
“Thanks very much however to local GAA club Éire Óg who, with five minutes notice, had contacted the Ulster council and opened the club for evacuated residents.”
Sinn Féin South Antrim MLA, Declan Kearney has expressed dismay at news of another serious pollution incident on the Glenavy River at the weekend.
Declan Kearney said,
“I was very concerned to learn of this serious pollution incident on the Glenavy River resulting in a massive fish kill and untold damage to other aquatic life, as well the overall ecosystem along the river’s course.
“This is not the first time this type of incident has occurred on the Glenavy River.
“The pollution which took place at the weekend can cause very serious long lasting damage which our rivers take months and years to recover from.
“The resulting repercussions for fish populations; the sport of angling; and the public’s enjoyment of these important local environmental assets and resources is huge.
“I have previously called for zero tolerance to be shown by the community and relevant agencies towards pollution of our rivers and associated ecosystems.
“I am repeating my call for strict legal enforcement and sanction to be applied in each and every case where offenders are detected and found guilty.
“I will be writing to the DAERA Minister directly to ask that this latest act of environmental criminality is made subject to a comprehensive investigation by the Environment Agency, and I will be seeking assurances that those responsible will face the strongest possible sanctions.”
