Sinn Féin Sport Spokesperson Jonathan O’Brien TD has said the FAI’s refusal to attend tomorrow’s Oireachtas Committee to answer questions on what is going on at the organisation “is an insult to every football fan in the country”.
Deputy O'Brien said:
“I am deeply frustrated at the attitude of the FAI in once again refusing to attend and answer the many, many questions that need to be asked and answered. It is an insult to every football fan in the country to hide away at this critical time.
"People have legitimate and urgent questions including the workers at the FAI and the thousands of volunteers. The questions must be publicly answered. The FAI’s reply stated they will attend when issues have been sorted out. That is an undefined period and is unacceptable.
"Anger is growing and understandably so. The future of Irish football is in the balance and the so-called leaders are hiding behind excuses. It is time for answers not excuses.”
Sinn Féin Children and Youth Affairs Spokesperson Kathleen Funchion has said that the continued revelations of creches failing to register with Túsla highlights the need to address the fractured nature of the childcare sector and called for the establishment of a single agency responsible for management of inspections, funding, quality and curriculum.
The Carlow-Kilkenny TD also criticised the government over a lack of urgency to address the childcare insurance crisis which could force many childcare providers to close their doors permanently this Christmas.
Deputy Funchion said:
“Reports of creches operating without registering with Túsla, the employment of staff who are not appropriately qualified and insurance premiums threatening services are very worrying for the hundreds of thousands of families who rely on childcare services across the state and the government needs to ensure that this issue is a priority going forward.
“The fractured nature of the childcare system must be addressed immediately. There is little to no cohesion across the several different agencies and departments responsible for the sector.
“A crucial first step to solving this crisis must be to establish a single agency for the sector. This could be done relatively quickly if the political will was there.
“This single agency should be responsible for the management of inspections, funding, quality, curriculum and an expert-led rapid intervention team to take immediate remedial action when critical concerns are raised about a service.
“The lack of urgency from both the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and Minister Pascal Donohoe in dealing with the insurance crisis for childcare providers is a tinder box waiting to erupt in the New Year.
“Creche managers have told me they will be closing for good before Christmas as a direct result of not being able to find reasonably priced insurance for their services.
“Both Ministers Zappone and Donohoe must intervene immediately to find a suitable solution for the large number of service providers who cannot afford to keep their doors open.”
Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald TD has criticised Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin for what she described as their "phoney stand-off regarding the date of the forthcoming general election."
Ms McDonald said that both should be focused on delivering solutions for families and workers.
The Sinn Féin President said;
"Leo Varadkar and Micheál Martin should be more concerned with delivering solutions for workers and families. Where is the date for the start of a massive public housing programme? Where is the date for ending overcrowding in our hospitals?
"Right now, we need to see the passage of Sinn Féin's legislation to reduce and freeze rents through the Oireachtas to ensure that renters get the break they so badly need. However, the Taoiseach and the Fianna Fáil Leader are more concerned with their phoney standoff.
"This spat is just the latest round in the sham fight between the Taoiseach and the Leader of Fianna Fáil. The truth is they are political partners. They are on the same page when it comes to the major issues facing workers and families.
“As co-architects of the crises in housing and healthcare, Leo Varadkar and Micheál Martin have used the alibi of Brexit to sit on their hands as people continue to suffer. The coalition government of Fine Gael and Fianna Fail has been dominated by a lack of action and by failure to solve the problems facing ordinary people.
"It is incredible that Leo Varadkar and Micheál Martin think it appropriate to engage in another tiff designed for PR when the disastrous consequences of their partnership are writ large in terms of unprecedented homelessness, hundreds of thousands on hospital waiting list and a year-round trolley crisis
"Frankly, they need to cop-on. People want solutions and leadership, not self-indulgent play-acting."
ENDS
“Big Supermarket chains are fleecing Irish farmers” - Matt Carthy MEP
Big supermarkets are fleecing profits from Irish beef while farmers have to protest to receive even a few every extra cent for their produce, MEP Matt Carthy has said.
The Midlands North West EU Parliament representative made his comments after it was revealed that supermarkets are taking up to 50% of all profits made on fresh meat.
The revelation which was highlighted in Leinster House last week by Sinn Féin’s Brian Stanley, and which came after several days of protests by the IFA outside a number of high-profile retailers, will come as little surprise to farmers, Carthy said adding that “it is not only factories taking advantage of beef farmers but also large supermarket chains”.
The Sinn Féin MEP said: “This leaked information, that reveals supermarkets are pocketing between 33% and 45% of the retail price of meat, is further damning evidence that beef farmers are being fleeced.
“Three large supermarket chains make up 75% of the retail market in Ireland and they dominate the industry by taking advantage of a lack of price transparency in the supply chain.
“Thanks to these documents, farmers now know exactly how much of the retail price supermarkets are taking for themselves and it is almost half in some cases; while many farmers are losing 60 to 70 cents on every kilo produced”.
Carthy said there was “no fairness” in a system wherein farmers rear animals for two years “while the supermarkets have it for two to three days yet bank the bulk of proft”.
“Full transparency throughout the supply chain is the only way in which farmers and consumers could see exactly what the supermarkets are paying factories and what factories are paying farmers” he said “which is why Sinn Féin have prioritised our proposal for a Beef Transparency bill in the Dáil”.
He added: “We also need retailers to be active members of the Beef Taskforce - these leaked documents show the dominance they have on the industry and they must be present at talks to resolve the crisis that faces the Irish beef sector”.
ENDS
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance Pearse Doherty TD has again called on the Taoiseach to immediately set up and lead a taskforce with key Ministers to deal with the impending insurance crisis that is affecting various sectors including childcare.
On 9th December, the Donegal TD called on the Government to establish a taskforce involving key Ministers which would immediately engage with the insurance industry and affected sectors, in addition to taking real action to save businesses and childcare providers that face closure unless action is taken.
This comes after Ironshore Europe, one of the biggest insurers in the childcare sector, withdrew from the Irish market.
Last week, in response to a Parliamentary Question asked by Deputy Doherty, the Minister for Finance confirmed he had not met with either the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs or any childcare providers in 2019 despite the impending crisis.
Speaking this morning, Deputy Doherty said:
“Last Monday I called on the Taoiseach to set up and lead a Ministerial taskforce to address the insurance crisis; not to act as another talking shop but to take immediate action. This taskforce would include the Minister for Finance, Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation and Ministers representing the most affected sectors, including the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs.
“Last week we heard that one of the biggest insurers in the childcare sector, Ironshore Europe, is pulling out of the Irish market. This will mean the threat of closure for thousands of providers and even higher childcare costs for parents.
“Ironshore Europe were one of two leading insurance providers in the sector. They are now set to withdraw from several Irish markets after being taken over by Hamilton Insurance of Liberty Mutual.
"With the policies of thousands of childcare providers due to expire in January, this will mean one of two things. Either these childcare providers will be unable to get alternative cover and close, or the lack of competition will increase their premiums further, leading to higher childcare costs for parents.
“This has become a grave threat to business and communities across several sectors, not just childcare, but community and voluntary groups, the leisure sector and small businesses as well.
“The Government have failed to take the failure of the insurance market - and its impact on businesses - seriously. The Minister responsible for the insurance sector doesn’t even sit at the Cabinet table.
“Last week I received a reply from Minister Paschal Donohoe to a Parliamentary Question that I asked in which he confirmed that he hasn’t had one meeting with either the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs or with any childcare organisation or provider.
“The fact that the Minister has not engaged with the Minister Zappone or the sector, while thousands of childcare providers will now struggle to get insurance cover to stay open, is unacceptable.
"Despite a Programme for Government and four budgets, Fianna Fáil and the Government have failed to take this issue seriously or address it as a priority.
“It can’t be ignored any longer. Insurance must be a priority at Cabinet level.
“I am calling on the Minister to wake up, set up a Ministerial taskforce and engage with affected sectors immediately. In addition, the Government must provide the necessary emergency funding to ensure childcare providers can access insurance cover to stay open without unaffordable costs being passed onto families. Otherwise, communities, parents and children will pay the price.”
ENDS//
Note to Editor: The relevant Parliamentary Questions are available at the following link: www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/question/2019-12-12/53/#pq_53
Uachtarán Shinn Féin Mary Lou McDonald has thanked both Megan Fearon and Máirtín Ó Muilleoir as they step down from the Assembly.
The Sinn Féin President said:
“I would like to thank Megan and Máirtín for their many years of hard work and service on behalf of Sinn Féin.
"Both were excellent MLAs providing first class representation in their constituencies and also on the Executive where both served with distinction as ministers.
"I have known both for many years and they are hardworking and dedicated representatives, committed to improving the quality of life for all.
“I wish both of them well in the future and I’m confident they will continue working to build a new and united Ireland.
“I’m sure whoever is selected to replace them will provide the same high standard of representation for the people they represent.”
ECB review must learn from lessons of Austerity failure – Matt Carthy MEP
Sinn Féin MEP Matt Carthy has commented on the announcement by new European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde that she is to organise the first strategic review of ECB policy since 2003 in the new year.
Carthy, a member of the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee, was speaking during a parliamentary debate on the appointment of two new members of the ECB’s executive council.
Lagarde has indicated she intends to continue her predecessor Mario Draghi's dovish position on monetary policy. She has directly called on the governments who have the fiscal space – meaning Germany, the Netherlands and other northern states – to use it, including by investing in infrastructure projects.
Addressing MEPs in the Strasbourg plenary on Monday evening, Carthy said: “We know that the ECB, going into next year’s strategic review, is a house divided.
“I welcome the new president’s call for fiscal stimulus to be used to complement monetary policy. But the irony is not lost on any of us who’ve been on the receiving end of its threats and blackmail that the ECB has been the chief enforcer of austerity over the past decade.
“Now that the manufacturing base in the northern states, and particularly in Germany, is threatened, the tune is changing.
“The Commission is considering ‘reviewing’ the Stability and Growth Pact. The simple fact is these crude and destructive rules should be binned, full stop.
“The ECB review needs to be more than a bun-fight between hawks and doves.
“We need a serious analysis of the consequences of ECB policy and its impact on people across the Eurozone, including the dangerous housing bubbles pricing a generation out of the market.
“Above all, the ECB needs to face the fact that its policies have helped massively inflate the wealth of a tiny minority, while doing nothing for the poorest.
“All options must be on the table going forward, including direct payments to households and direct green investment." ENDS
Sinn Féin MLAs Megan Fearon and Máirtín Ó Muilleoir have announced they will step down from the Assembly.
Megan Fearon said:
"After seven years I have decided to step down as an MLA for Newry and Armagh.
“Representing Sinn Féin and the people of South Armagh has been an honour and one that I never took lightly.
“I want to thank every single activist and voter for their support and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve
“It’s been a pleasure to be part of the Sinn Féin team, both locally and nationally both as an MLA and on the Executive. I want to wish my colleagues well in the future and thank them for their friendship.
“Over the years this role has allowed me to meet the most inspiring people, make friends for life and have many unforgettable experiences.
“Working towards a new Ireland based on fairness and equality is a huge part of who I am. I will always be an activist, but my time in electoral politics has ended.
“I am excited to begin a new chapter in life and I want to thank everyone who has been part of this journey."
Máirtín Ó Muilleoir said:
"It has been the greatest privilege of my life to represent the people of South and West Belfast for Sinn Féin in both City Hall and Stormont.
"But it is now time for me to hand over to a representative of a newer generation of republican activists.
"I want to thank all of those who have given me their support and assure them that I will remain a determined advocate of a better Belfast and a new and united Ireland."
Speaking tonight on the issue of pay justice for health and social care workers, Sinn Féin Leas Uachtarán Michelle O’Neill said:
“Health and social care workers are the biggest asset of the health service.
“They face unprecedented pressure as a result of swingeing financial cuts to the health budget by the Tory party over the last ten years.
“They have been denied pay justice and the ability to work within safe staffing levels.
“Failure to resolve these issues has meant that they are being forced to take industrial action this Wednesday as a last resort.
“These issues can and need to be resolved now.
“The department needs to stop playing a very dangerous game of chicken with health and social care workers and their representatives.
“Today I have continued my engagement with the Head of the Civil Service David Sterling and with the British Secretary of State Julian Smith on these issues.
“I have once again made the case that the Civil Service has the authority on the grounds of public interest to resolve the pay issue and defuse the impasse.
“I welcome the acceptance of the public interest argument.
“The necessary funds can be made available to meet the demands of the HSC workers for this year and avoid the imminent industrial action.
“Pay parity for health workers will be a priority for me which I will put to the first meeting of any restored Executive.”
Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald said today that the restoration of the Assembly on a sustainable basis is possible if leaders demonstrate the political will.
Mary Lou McDonald TD said:
“Sinn Féin enters these negotiations in a spirit of optimism and determination to restore the political institutions on the basis of equality and respect.
“These talks are primarily a test of political will and of political leadership.
“For almost three years, we have worked to achieve an agreement to deliver solutions for people, solutions that ensure every citizen is treated with dignity, with parity of esteem and with respect.
“These objectives are in everyone’s interest.
“We understand the frustrations of people at the failure of previous efforts to restore the Assembly, particularly when so much progress towards a deal was made in February 2018.
“If political leaders demonstrate the political will to restore Stormont on a sustainable and credible basis that guarantees rights, equality and respect for all, then I believe we can have a successful resolution.
“We need an inclusive Executive that brings together parties who are truly committed to delivering good government.
“And after a decade of austerity and underinvestment that has stifled economic growth, public services and communities in the north we need adequate financial commitments from the British government.
“All of this is achievable - it’s time for party leaders and both governments to show their political will to deliver on good government for all.”
Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD has commented on information received from Dublin City Council which indicates that the overwhelming majority of short term lets are wilfully ignoring Eoghan Murphy’s new rules for the sector.
Deputy Ó Broin said:
“According to data I received from Dublin City Council (DCC) on the 12th of December, only 13 change of use planning permissions have been received by DCC since the new regulations came into force this summer.
“This indicates that the overwhelming majority of short-term letting providers are flouting Minister Murphy’s new rules and continuing to short term let properties without seeking the required planning permission.
“Given that data from Inside Airbnb today indicates that 4,663 entire homes/apartments are being let in Dublin today, just 13 change of use permissions have been requested.
“A further 238 have applied for and been granted a planning exemption on the grounds that they are letting out the property for less than 90 days.
“Based on that information not even 5% of the short-term letting providers are complying with Eoghan Murphy’s new laws.
“It’s also concerning that only 176 enforcement investigations have commenced since the beginning of July, with just one prosecution initiated.
“Short term letting platforms should be held also share some responsibility and should not be advertising illegal short term lets.
“Minister Murphy should revisit his opposition to legally obliging short term letting platforms to police their listings.
“He must also ensure that local authorities have the resources required to enforce the planning regulations.”
ENDS//
NOTE TO EDITOR – info from Dublin City Council below.
13x Change of use applications have been received to-date.
0x Change of use planning permissions have been granted
2x applications withdrawn
2x applications invalidated
7x Change of use planning applications have been refused.
1 x awaiting decision.
4. The number of planning retentions for short term letting purposes sought and granted since the new regulations came into force: None
5. How many planning enforcement actions are in train or have been taken to date?
Since 1st July 2019 176 investigations initiated and Warning Letters issued. 15 Enforcement Notices have been issued in respect of these cases. 1 Prosecution has been initiated.
Sinn Féin Finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty TD has described today’s publication of the National Claims Information Database as a shocking indictment of the insurance industry and has criticised the Government for peddling the misinformation campaign of the insurance industry.
The report by the Central Bank shows, beyond doubt, that motor insurance premiums have gone up every year since 2013 by a staggering 62 percent. In addition to this the report has found that in the past decade the cost of claims per policy has gone down by more than 2 percent while the number of claims made has gone down by 40 percent.
Teachta Doherty said:
“Today’s publication of the National Claims Information Database is a damning indictment of the insurance industry and the campaign of disinformation it has been waging for the past number of years. It should also serve as a wake-up call to the Government and Fianna Fáil, who have been the first to peddle the lines fed by the insurance industry.
“Today we have the facts in black and white.
“Since 2009, the cost of claims per insurance policy has gone down by over 2 percent. At the same time the average motor insurance premium has gone up by a staggering 42 percent.
“In fact, since 2009 the total number of claims made has gone down by 42 percent, with injury claims falling by 20 percent.
“While this report shows that the average cost of a personal injury claim is higher than it was in the past, which is why we facilitated the passage of the Judicial Council Act, the number of claims made has gone down.
“The ‘compo-culture’ line trotted by the industry was a convenient story to cover its own price-gouging activities. That line does not stand up to scrutiny.
“The report also shows that the price of the average motor insurance premium has increased by a staggering 62 percent since 2013, increasing every year.
“On 13th November in the Dáil, when challenging the Government on the practices of the industry, Minister D’Arcy claimed that the average motor insurance costs had gone down from their peak. That day the Minister said it was important that we accept the facts.
“The facts now speak for themselves and the Minister should correct the public record.
“They also show that operating profit of the motor insurance industry in 2018 was nine percent. It is worth noting that in Britain the insurance industry reached a profit high of less than six percent in the last year.
“The National Claims Information Database confirms what we in Sinn Féin have been saying for some time.
“The Irish insurance industry is highly profitable and highly dishonest. They have waged a public disinformation campaign that flies in the face of the facts. Cost of claims to the industry has gone down while the premiums paid by consumers has sky-rocketed, increasing every year.
“We know that insurance companies are using practices such as dual pricing to overcharge existing customers.
“I am calling on the Government and Fianna Fáil to stop defending the industry and repeating their spin.
“Sinn Féin has repeatedly held the industry to account for misinforming the public and ripping off their consumer. Only Sinn Féin can be trusted to take them on and end the insurance rip-off.”
Sinn Féin health spokesperson Deputy Louise O’Reilly has questioned the effectiveness of the governments winter plan as 614 patients lay waiting on hospital trolleys today.
Teachta O’Reilly said:
“With 614 people being treated on trolleys in our hospitals today, you have to question whether the governments winter plan is working at all.
“The plan and any policy changes by Minister for Health this winter appear to be having no significant effect, because at the same time he is overseeing a recruitment ban in the health service.
“This year has been the worst year for patients on trolleys, and it seems that this winter will see the health service plunged even deeper into crisis.
“Our hospitals are understaffed, and this is affecting not just those trying to get into them, but also those already in hospital. We saw reports last week that children in Crumlin could not get chemotherapy because of staff shortages.
“The recruitment ban in the health service should not have been imposed and the results of it will devastate the health service into the future.
“While Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil are arguing over an election date, in real life people are left to deal with the consequences of their policies.
“The Minister for Health needs to get directly involved in implementing measures to resolve this crisis and he needs to start with immediately lifting the recruitment ban, reopening closed beds in hospitals, and increasing the availability of home help hours.”
Paul Maskey MP said:
"Last night several petrol bombs were thrown at the home of a young family on the Springfield Road.
"At the time of the attack, a one-year-old child was inside the house.
“I am relieved that no one has been killed or seriously injured in this reckless and callous attack.
"This attack comes in the wake of a campaign of sectarian intimidation carried out against families accessing social housing in North Belfast, and a vicious sectarian campaign of abuse and threats against people standing for public office.
"Organised sectarian violence in our society must be stamped out.
“Political and community leaders have a responsibility to condemn those behind this hate crime and work tirelessly to bring these attacks to an end.
“Anyone with any information on this reckless and vicious attack should bring it forward to the PSNI.”
Sinn Féin South Antrim MLA, Declan Kearney has condemned those responsible for a viable device discovered in a rear garden in Mayfield Village late last night.
Declan Kearney said:
“I condemn those responsible for a viable device left in Mayfield last night, resulting in twenty six families having to leave their homes in the early hours of the morning.
“This was a criminal attack on a quiet neighbourhood at a time when families would have been settled for the night. It was especially disrupting for those families forced to flee their homes in freezing temperatures to make their way to a place of safety.
“I want to thank the PSNI for ensuring the safety of local residents, and commend Antrim and Newtownabbey Council’s emergency support team for its quick response, and arranging for the opening of the Lillian Bland Pavilion to accommodate those evacuated.
“I would urge the public to assist the ongoing police investigation by providing any information which may help bring the people responsible for this criminality before the courts.”
Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald said an opportunity has been missed at COP25 for countries to show the commitment and ambition to action required to tackle the climate emergency.
The party's climate action spokesperson said:
"COP25 was an opportunity for countries to show they were taking the climate emergency seriously and showing real commitment and ambition to the action required to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees.
"Climate science is crystal clear but it is not simply enough to recognise this, real action in limiting emissions is required.
"There was an opportunity at COP25 for countries to show the commitment to act and instead it is disappointing that the can has been kicked down the road, in only recognising the need for 'enhanced ambition'.
"Time is running out, ambition alone is not enough, we need to see action now.
"In particular those countries responsible for the highest levels of emissions need to be accountable for the reduction required and they need to accept that responsibility.
"The demand for action from citizens is not going to go away, politicians need to listen and they need to act."
Sinn Féin Leas Uachtarán Michelle O’Neill said today that political will is key to restoring the political institutions of the Good Friday Agreement on a sustainable and credible basis.
Michelle O’Neill was speaking as Sinn Féin prepares to re-enter talks tomorrow with the two governments and the other political parties in the north.
Michelle O’Neill said:
“Sinn Féin wants to see the political institutions restored on a credible and sustainable basis.
“A credible restored Executive must deliver on issues such as public sector pay, safe staffing levels in the health service, economic policies that deliver prosperity and invest in rural communities, and an appropriate welfare mitigation package.
“We will work towards securing agreement on outstanding issues, including an Irish Language Act, reform of the Petition of Concern, the legacy of the past and integrity in government.
“I believe they can be resolved if there is the political will to do so.
“We need a new kind of politics, a new Assembly and a new Executive.
“We need to deliver good government and properly resourced public services to all.
“We need an Executive which is transparent, accountable and inclusive.
“All parties should commit to being round that table, providing political leadership and setting out our own agenda and priorities, serving the best interests of the people of the North.
“Alongside this, it is impossible to ignore the reality that a growing number of people are impatient for change, and the demand for an Irish unity referendum. The Irish government should establish an All-Ireland Forum on Irish Unity without delay.
“We are entering a decade of opportunity where the freedom to choose our own future will be decided by the people on this island alone.”
Sinn Féin’s national chairperson, Declan Kearney MLA, has thanked voters for renewing the party’s mandate to continue delivering on progressive politics.
Declan Kearney said,
“I want to extend sincere thanks to all of those who came out and voted for me in South Antrim, and for our party across the north, endorsing the Sinn Féin message.
“Sinn Féin went forward in this election seeking a mandate for the Remain position; for progressive politics; for anti-sectarianism, and also a vote which would positively influence the future constitutional direction of our island.
“Brexit has changed everything. It has now started a political debate in Ireland, both north and south, about the future constitutional direction of the island.
“Sinn Féin believes that should be towards the creation of a new and agreed Ireland, which is free from division and sectarianism, and based upon reconciliation; and, in which the rights of all identities, cultures and traditions will be protected in law.
“Every vote cast for Sinn Féin in this election was also a vote for a rights-based return of the political institutions.
“All of these positions have been vindicated by everyone who voted for the party in this election.
“Sinn Féin has been strengthened in our resolve to continue the work of promoting and delivering progressive politics for all citizens.”
Commenting on Minister Zappone’s hosting of the Open Policy Debate on Child Poverty in association with the Children’s Rights Alliance, Sinn Féin Children and Youth Affairs Spokesperson Kathleen Funchion TD said that while she supports the initiative’s objectives, Zappone must reflect on the fact that the new National Childcare Scheme launched this week is disenfranchising vulnerable children in homelessness by failing to create a new childcare system that identifies and targets the most vulnerable with critical supports via full day childcare provision.
Deputy Funchion said:
“Today’s debate focused on a wide range of issue’s relating to child poverty, including identifying systems and implementation measures that will reduce child poverty, the role of income and targeted payments in addressing child poverty and identifying key quality services that will reduce child poverty in the short-term and the long-term.
“While I commend the objective of this initiative and the work of the Children’s Rights Alliance, the Minister and her Department need to recognise the very issues being discussed today are not being reflected in the roll out of the New National Childcare Scheme which was launched just this week.
“In fact, the reality is that vulnerable children living in homelessness are not being identified and targeted with the provision of childcare services they so badly need.
“I have been told first hand by childcare providers that children who should be in receipt of support are falling through the net.
“Those working in homeless services have said it is very unclear how the process works or even who in the local authorities or the Dublin Regional Homelessness Executive is responsible for receiving and processing the applications for placements in childcare settings.
“As a result, homeless children are losing out not only on their places in early learning settings, but also vital early intervention such as AIM which is provided to children with additional needs through attendance at their designated créche.
“I have also been informed that Public Health Nurses (PHN) who are in a position to refer children into childcare settings, that the process is similarly unclear within the HSE.
“This is a massive oversight of the new system and needs to be rectified immediately by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.
“I am hugely concerned that in the rush to roll-out the new NCS, the sponsorship aspect has been side-lined and adequate training and information has not been provided to those organisations who will have responsibility for administrating the system.”
ENDS//
Note to editor: The following designated statutory bodies may make referrals for childcare support under NCS, for the specific reasons outlined:
Sinn Féin TD for Cork South-Central Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire TD has said that Fine Gael are clearly “out of depth” when it comes to handling the trolley crisis as figures show Cork University Hospital is the worst affected hospital in the State with 57 patients waiting on hospital trolleys.
Speaking today, Teachta Ó Laoghaire said;
“2019 has been a year of failure for Fine Gael when it comes to the running of our health service.
“This year has seen the record broken for the worst of hospital overcrowding and patients on trolleys.
“Since the beginning of the year until November, 108,364 people have gone without a bed in an Irish hospital, breaking the 2018 record high, with weeks still left to go in the year.
“Fine Gael have had eight years to address this crisis, but it has only continued to get worse each year they have been in government.
“Alongside their supporters in Fianna Fáil, the Government have failed to recognise that their policies are failing, and that failure is having a devastating impact on the lives of patients and staff.
“The scenes that we are witnessing in our hospitals and right across our health service are the direct consequences of their political actions.
“To tackle the trolley crisis, you have to address the issues at the heart of it and focus on addressing them through:
- increasing recruitment and retention of staff
- reopening closed beds
- delivering more step-down facilities
- increasing home help hours
- proper investment in primary and community care.”
“What sets Sinn Féin apart from the mainstream political parties eroding our health service is we have the solutions and political will to ensure ordinary people are treated with the care and dignity they deserve.”
