Sinn Féin spokesperson on Climate Action, Darren O'Rourke TD, says clarity on strategy and support is needed from the government in order to realise the huge potential of Irish green hydrogen to help decarbonise sectors here and across Europe.
Speaking following a recent meeting in Galway with representative of Galway Hydrogen Hub, Teachta O'Rourke said;
“Green hydrogen is emerging as a sustainable solution for the decarbonisation of many sectors. It has the potential to act as a store for surplus renewable energy, an alternative source of energy for hard-to-decarbonise sectors, and an alternative source of fuel in the transport sector, including for long-haul and heavy goods vehicles.
“Last Friday in Galway, I met with representatives of Galway Hydrogen Hub (GH2). GH2 is a consortium consisting of seven members - University of Galway, the Port of Galway, CIÉ Group and Bus Éireann, Aran Islands Ferries, Lasta Mara Teo, Aer Arann Islands, and SSE Renewables.
“They plan to develop a Hydrogen Valley in the Galway region, similar to those launched in other European countries. A Hydrogen Valley is a regional ecosystem that links hydrogen research, production, distribution and transportation with various end users in, for example, transport and industry. It is very welcome to see such innovation and energy in this area.
“The potential and opportunity is there. It is very clear, however, that the Government need to quickly bring forward a clear strategy which outlines the support and regulatory framework for green hydrogen. There is a commitment in the Climate Action Plan 2023 to develop a policy/regulatory roadmap for green hydrogen use. Minister Eamon Ryan should outline his intention in this regard.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance Pearse Doherty has described today’s announcement by government as one that fails to tackle the cost of living crisis faced by working families, as they continue to struggle with soaring prices.
The Donegal TD warned that workers and families will see their incomes stretched as soaring energy bills, food prices, rents and mortgage payments continue to bear down on them.
Teachta Doherty said:
“Households were waiting today for action to reduce the cost of living and support them as they deal with soaring prices.
“What the government announced today will leave many out in the cold, with no measures to reduce rents, support homeowners with rising mortgage costs or tackle soaring energy bills.
“With rents soaring across the state, there was no additional support for struggling renters.
“With interest rates pushing up mortgage costs, for many by thousands of euros this year, there was no support for struggling homeowners.
“With energy bills still sky-high, there was no action to support households as they face extortionate bills for electricity, gas and home heating oil.
“Sinn Féin has campaigned for a Spring Bonus to be paid to the most vulnerable, to pensioners, citizens with disabilities, lone parents, carers and those on low incomes. I welcome that the government took on board our view on this.
“But with households relying on welfare now experiencing a real cut in their incomes, the government failed to protect the most vulnerable in our society today.
"I am at a complete loss as to how the government has sat around for two months and come up with what they have today."
Sinn Féin MLA Ciara Ferguson has said the rise in Housing Executive rents will pile more pressure on families who are already struggling.
The party’s housing spokesperson said an Executive is needed now to protect people.
Ciara Ferguson said:
“Confirmation that Housing Executive rents will be increased by 7% is deeply concerning and will add more pressure on struggling families.
“This is the biggest rise in Housing Executive rents for many years at time when people are struggling to keep the heat and lights on.
“Decisions like this are the outworking of the DUP’s failure to form an Executive that has left departments at the mercy of savage Tory Budget cuts and no local minister working to protect families during a cost-of-living crisis.
“We need an Executive formed and parties working together to support workers and families now. That’s the best way to protect people.”
Sinn Féin MLA Aine Murphy is calling on the Department of Health and the Western Trust to do all in their power to ensure that GP services remain open for more than 8,000 patients in Brookeborough and Tempo.
The Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA said:
“I am deeply concerned at reports that Brookeborough and Tempo Surgery has handed back its contract for running of GP services.
“I am calling on the Department of Health and Western Trust to find an alternative urgently to ensure the 8,000 patients of this practice have a GP.
“It is vital that GP services are protected in rural areas.
“Our entire health service and health workers are under huge pressure. They need a health minister and an Executive in place taking decisions to tackle waiting lists and ensure people can get to see a GP.”
Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan has expressed his support for teachers who are set to go on strike for the first time in five years in a dispute over pay.
Pat Sheehan said:
“The teaching workforce play an invaluable role in the education of our children.
“Teachers are entitled to fair pay and conditions.
“Teachers shouldn't have to strike at a time when workers, including teachers, are facing the biggest squeeze on their finances in a generation due to the cost of living crisis.
“A decade of Tory austerity has also caused significant pressures within education and schools.
“The Department of Education and the employing authorities need to engage meaningfully with teachers and their representative bodies to ensure a fair pay settlement can be reached.
“The DUP also need to get back to work around the Executive table, along with other parties, so that locally elected ministers can do their best to support our children, families and teachers.”
Sinn Féin MLA Declan Kearney has said the Tories should end its savage cuts to services and get on with delivering fair pay and safe conditions for public sector workers.
Speaking as teachers and health workers take part in strike action today across the north, the South Antrim assembly member said an Executive must be formed to support workers to fair pay and proper working conditions.
Declan Kearney said:
“It is unacceptable that teachers and health workers have been forced into industrial action to demand fair pay and safe working conditions during a cost-of-living crisis.
“The reality is that these essential workers have been experiencing reductions in their net pay for years, and while the Tories preside over a system which results in billions of pounds being denied to the public purse due tax evasion and a failure to collect taxes, particularly from big business and multinational corporations.
“12 years of savage Tory austerity has decimated public services in the north. Teachers are under huge stress and the system is vastly under resourced. Conditions in the health service have left workers feeling unsafe due to severe workforce pressures.
“The British Government needs to end its strategy of undermining of sustainable public services and get on with delivering a fair pay settlement for all public sector workers quickly.
“This Tory policy is based on a political decision to unleash savage cuts against public services while they have chosen to look after the bankers and energy companies which are ripping people off. There is an alternative; it is to invest properly in services and to value these essential workers. This can be done if the political choice is made to do so.
“Sinn Féin supports all those on the picket lines today. But let’s be clear, workers and the trade union movement need more than simply solidarity, they are entitled to an Executive now which strengthens their rights and stands up for public services. Sinn Féin is ready to start that work today.”
Sinn Fein Spokesperson on Justice Martin Kenny TD has condemned the distressing scenes in Ballyfermot earlier today in which two Gardaí were attacked by a group. The incident comes in the wake of more than 100 resignations from An Garda Síochana in 2022.
Speaking this evening, Teachta Kenny said:
“Unfortunately, we are speaking again today about yet another vicious attack on frontline members of An Garda Siochana during the course of their work protecting their communities. It is my understanding that one of the Gardaí was subsequently treated for facial injuries.
“First and foremost I would like to send my thoughts and best wishes to both members who were set upon during the course of their duties.
“Let me be quite clear, these horrendous attacks cannot and will not be tolerated. The details emerging about this incident are frightening, and must be causing serious concern for the majority of decent, ordinary people living and working in Ballyfermot and the wider south Dublin area.
“In no way do the actions of those responsible represent the majority of people in Ballyfermot and their actions should not be allowed to tar an entire community.
“I would appeal to anyone who has information related to this attack to come forward confidentially and assist in identifying those involved. They must be brought to justice.
“Gardaí must be able to carry out their duties safely. The government must do everything possible to appropriately resource and support police officers so that they can get on with their jobs protecting communities without fearing such disgraceful violence.”
Sinn Féin TD for Limerick, Maurice Quinlivan, has slammed the government’s failure to get a grip of the trolley crisis at University Hospital Limerick following confirmation that 109 people were treated on trolleys today and that latest figures show that 1,044 people have been treated on trolleys so far this month.
Teachta Quinlivan said:
“So far this year 2,224 people have been treated on trolleys at UHL, and the daily figure tipped above 100 today for the first time this year.
“The issues at UHL have been getting worse for years, are persistent, and show no sign of improving. Staff are reaching their limit. There is only so much our medical professionals can do when they are continually having to treat patients in conditions that are completely appropriate.
“The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar visited the hospital on Friday and met with hospital campaigners. I have no doubt that they relayed to him their serious concerns regarding overcrowding, capacity and staffing.
“More clarity is needed from the Taoiseach as to what his proposed solutions are to this crisis, assuming he has any. One thing is certain; these current conditions cannot be allowed to continue. This government has allowed this crisis in our health service and at our local hospital to drift for too long.
“Fine Gael has been in government for 12 years and the time has long passed for this crisis to be solved.
“Last year’s HIQA inspection report and the Deloitte report proved what we all knew already that the hospital has a litany of issues that need to be addressed. The most immediate need is for increased capacity.
“The promised 96-bed unit is still over 12 months away from being completed and, when it is, it will in reality offer only 48 additional beds, assuming the required staff are recruited. The proposed other two 96-bed units must be expedited.
“The UHL Emergency Department does not have the capacity to cater for all presentations and this has a knock-on effect across the hospital. Elective surgeries are cancelled, and the hospital operates in a state of constant crisis.
“A recent open letter from consultants at the hospital outlined that the daily capacity at the A&E is being exceeded on a daily basis with an average of 240 daily presentations.
“There are some huge problems at the hospital but these are not insurmountable if the political will is there.
“As well as the need for increased capacity, there is also a need for an increase in the recruitment and retention of staff.
“The current set-up, structures and practices at UHL are not fit for purpose. Hospital management has been failing patients, their families, and staff for far too long.
“We need fundamental change, and this can only come from an immediate government intervention. No other hospital in the state has been abandoned to the extent UHL has been for years.”
Sinn Féin First Minister Designate Michelle O’Neill has congratulated Dáithí Mac Gabhann and his parents Máirtín and Seph for their steadfast determination to get the life-saving Dáithí’s Law over the line.
Michelle O’Neill said:
“Confirmation that Dáithí’s Law will be done this week at Westminster is a positive step forward for all those people waiting on an organ transplant.
“I want to congratulate little Dáithí, his parents Máirtín and Seph and everyone who has campaigned tirelessly and with steadfast determination to get this organ donation law over the line.
“They never gave up and have given hope and inspiration to the many, many people on the organ donation waiting list.
“Dáithí’s Law will help to save lives and change lives for the better and modernise our organ donation laws. I look forward to seeing it implemented.”
MacManus concluded, “I am calling on Minister Ryan to state clearly that the Irish Government will endorse the addition of the Western Rail Corridor to the TEN-T Network to ensure that this project can be delivered.” ENDS
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance Pearse Doherty TD has written to the Finance Committee requesting that it invites AIB before it to explain its policy of debt write-downs.
This follows revelations that a prominent GAA figure had a debt of over €9.5 million written down to €60,000.
Speaking today, the Donegal TD said:
“Yesterday I wrote to the Finance Committee requesting that it invites AIB before it.
“Revelations that a prominent GAA figure was offered a debt write-down of more than 99 percent, demands an immediate explanation.
“This happened in 2017 – a time when AIB offered no compromise to borrowers in mortgage difficulty, when it overcharged thousands of customers through the tracker mortgage scandal.
“In the years that followed this sweetheart deal, AIB sold off mortgages to vulture funds without any thought of the consequences for families.
“Many of them are now being hit hard with the ultra-high interest rates these funds are charging.
“AIB must explain their approach.
“On what grounds can a prominent individual have a debt written down by more than €9.4 million while ordinary workers and families are shown no compromise, or worse, have their loans sold off to vulture funds?
“It is time for AIB to come before the Finance Committee and explain itself.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing, Eoin Ó Broin TD, has said that the government must provide security to renters by extending the eviction ban until the end of the year and by taking emergency action during that time to tackle rising homelessness.
Teachta Ó Broin said:
“The government’s eviction ban ends at the end of next month and I am extremely concerned about the number of families and individual renters facing homelessness if it is not extended.
“When the current ban was introduced in November, we told the government that they needed to use the breathing space provided to introduce a series of emergency measures including increasing and accelerating the delivery of social homes.
“Unfortunately the government chose not to do this, meaning many renters now face the prospect of being made homeless at the end of next month.
“Sinn Féin has therefore tabled a motion this week calling on government to extend the eviction ban until the end of the year. But we are calling on them to do much more than that.
“They need to make the kind of emergency interventions we have called for to increase and accelerate the delivery of social and affordable homes. They also need to introduce emergency planning and procurement powers, and utilise modern building technologies on vacant buildings and to deliver modular homes.”
Thomas Gould, Sinn Féin TD for Cork North-Central and member of the Oireachtas Housing Committee, added that the government must significantly increase their existing inadequate housing targets.
Teachta Gould said:
“Renters need security. The government has lost control of the homelessness crisis as levels continue to rise despite the winter ban on evictions.
"Instead of utilising that time to tackle what is an emergency situation, the government sat on their hands.
“That is scandalous and has directly contributed to homeless levels rising. They cannot and must not make the same mistake again.
“If the government is serious about reducing homelessness, they must increase the overall social and affordable housing targets to at least 20,000 new homes a year, including 8,000 affordable homes.
“They need to recognise we are in a housing emergency and that an emergency plan must be put in place.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Social Protection, Claire Kerrane TD, has urged the government to introduce a Spring Bonus for those relying on working age social welfare payments, including pensioners, people with disabilities, workers, carers and lone parents.
This would provide much-needed support to hard-pressed households struggling with the cost of living crisis, along with additional necessary measures the party has outlined.
Teachta Kerrane said:
“The cost of living is sky high and households are struggling with record energy bills, rising food costs and increased mortgage repayments all putting huge pressure on their pockets.
"Sinn Féin are calling on the government to commit to the payment of a ‘Spring Bonus’ for those relying on working age social welfare payments including pensioners, people with disabilities, workers, carers and lone parents.
“The government has been flying kites about introducing possible measures next week. However, we know from past experience that when this government acts they do too little, too late. We need to see the government deliver for people who need support now.
"Almost 595,000 people, 11.6%, in this state now live on incomes below the poverty line, while the latest Barnardos report shows that food poverty is worsening with 10% of parents forced to use food banks in 2022 and 29% reported skipping meals to ensure their children could eat.
"Average gas bills have gone up by around 140% over the past two years, while the average electricity bill has increased by around 115%. The ESRI estimates households in energy poverty have increased to 29%; a record high.
“A Spring Bonus would provide a lifeline to people who need it, along with additional cost of living proposals that Sinn Féin have outlined. Our package of measures would make a real difference for hard pressed families who cannot be expected to keep waiting for the government to get their act together. The government must ensure that this measure is delivered without delay.”
Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins has said the purchase of the Monaghan Row office site from the local Council by the Southern Trust is a positive step for the future of Daisy Hill Hospital.
The Newry and Armagh MLA said:
“The purchase of the Monaghan Row office site by the Southern Trust is another step in securing the future of Daisy Hill Hospital.
“The purchase of this site could allow services such as hospital admin and the Medical Training Unit to relocate to the Monaghan row site, freeing up more clinical space.
“This space could potentially be used for new diagnostic equipment, including a fully equipped MRI/CT scanning suite following investment to upgrade the hospital’s power supply.
“Sinn Féin is ready to form an Executive to work together to invest in our health service and hire more doctors and nurses to ensure hospitals like Daisy Hill continue to provide high quality care.”
Sinn Féin MLA Ciara Ferguson has urged community groups to apply for ‘transformative’ EU Peace Plus funding that is set to open for applications in the summer.
The Foyle MLA said:
"It’s welcome news that over €1 billion worth of transformative EU Peace Plus Funding is set to open for applications from local community groups this summer.
“This will create jobs, help regenerate communities and fund major infrastructure projects.
“I would urge groups who plan to apply for this funding to take part in advice workshops facilitated by the Special EU Programmes Body next month.”
Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has said the DUP blockade of the Executive is damaging local community groups who are now facing the loss of important jobs and services as a result the British Government failure to replace lost EU funds in full.
Caoimhe Archibald said:
“Jobs and services from which thousands in our communities benefit could be lost because if the loss of EU funding while the DUP is blocking an Executive being formed.
“Community and voluntary workers need immediate support from local departments, including the Department for Economy. They need an Executive up and running now.”
Sinn Féin justice spokesperson Martin Kenny TD has called on the Minister for Justice to increase funding for organisations who provide support to those who have been affected by sexual assault and sexual violence. His comments come as figures released yesterday by the CSO show that most survivors of sexual assault are attacked by a person or persons they know.
Teachta Kenny said:
“The recorded statistics and analysis released by the CSO make it quite clear that Ireland has a very serious problem with sexual violence that must be addressed.
“The headline figures tell us four out of five victims knew the suspect in their case, with one in five reporting the suspect to be a friend or relative, 16% being blood relatives, and 15% being current or ex-partners.
“I carried out my own analysis of the figures earlier today. There were 2,372 cases of sexual assault where the suspect was known to the victim, and shockingly over half of them were children. That is a shocking statistic. There is a person whose life is irrevocably changed behind every single case.
“Resources to cope with the aftermath of these assaults are at a premium as things currently stand. Many of the discussions I have held with Chief Superintendents across the country have centred around the resourcing of their divisional protective service units. Most have indicated that a large part of their caseload are historical sexual offences against children, and I am aware of units that are unable to take on cases related to domestic or intimate partner violence which was their initial workload.
“After finding the bravery to make a disclosure, children and their families sometimes struggle to find services that are equipped to offer the very specialised support they require. Most organisations providing support services are in the unfortunate situation where they have to put children on a waiting list to access therapeutic interventions because their funding streams are mainly dependent on fundraising.
“These organisations have to fundraise to bridge the gap in funding that the state will not meet – this has to change, especially given the stark figures released yesterday."
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Climate Action, Darren O'Rourke TD, has said Government policy has facilitated the obscene profits being reported by energy companies.
The Meath East TD said the Government's delay in introducing windfall taxes, their refusal to introduce energy price caps and their refusal to lead the exit from the Energy Charter Treaty, are all contributing factors to this.
Teachta O'Rourke said;
"Energy companies are reporting record profits for 2022 at a time when prices are hiked and businesses and families struggle to pay their bills.
"In many cases these record profits are multiples of previous records. The figures are eye-watering and obscene.
"Today alone, Centrica, Bord Gáis's parent company reported an adjusted operating profit of £3.3 billion for 2022, up from £948m in 2021.
"The Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Green Party Government has facilitated this. They give big energy companies a free run and, incredibly, have a clear track record of acting to protect their profits.
"We should remember that they blocked windfall taxes and energy market reforms at a time when European counterparts were championing them, and until the EU moved as a block.
"They also continue to refuse to bring in energy price caps even though they're allowed by the EU and already in place in Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, France and elsewhere.
"Coupled with windfall taxes, price caps are the best way to protect consumers and tackle disgusting energy company profits and practices.
"In addition, they steadfastly refuse to leave the Energy Charter Treaty. This Treaty gives large energy companies the right to sue countries through ISDS mechanisms if their profits are impacted by environmental policies.
"Time and again, when push comes to shove and action is measured over spin, this Government will protect the profits of big energy companies."
Chris Hazzard MP was in London today to address the Second Annual Abdullah Öcalan Conference. The South Down MP was speaking after participating in an international human rights observer delegation to Istanbul at the end of January.
Following the conference, Mr Hazzard said:
“I visited Turkey a week before the earthquake that has hit the region, so first and foremost I extend my solidarity to those who have been at the epicentre of this catastrophe. I know many of the Kurdish community in Ireland, and here in London today, come from areas affected by this earthquake. I was pleased to have the opportunity to extend our solidarity to all effected by this crisis.
“Last month I acted as a participant in a human rights delegation to Istanbul, we went to observe and investigate the political situation in Turkey and the experience of the Kurdish people. We travelled from all over Europe and from South Africa and consisted of academics, lawyers, journalists and political representatives. We met with legal organisations, civil society, prisoner families, political parties, and social movements.
“We heard first hand the extent to which Turkey's security apparatus and penal system have been weaponised against Erdogan’s political opponents.
“The illegal detention of Abdullah Öcalan is at the centre of the Kurdish issue. The practice of isolation affects not only Öcalan, and other political prisoners, but the entire political opposition in Turkey. We met with ordinary lawyers and human rights defenders who have been prevented from doing their work. Political activists who have been subjected to unwarranted investigation, prosecution, and detention.
“The isolation of political prisoners, first implemented in İmralı Prison and gradually extended to other prisons, must be abolished. Respect for the basic human rights of prisoners must be reestablished as a standard.”
The South Down MP concluded, “There can be no doubt, Öcalan's freedom is inevitable for a peaceful and political solution of the Kurdish issue and the democratisation of Turkey.”
Sinn Féin TD for Cavan Monaghan, Matt Carthy, has called on government to publish the internal and external reviews that led to the abrupt closure of the Immigrant Investor Programme this week.
Raising the matter in questions on Promised Legislation on Wednesday, Teachta Carthy said:
“After months of worrying reports regarding the immigrant investor programme, government yesterday abruptly closed the scheme.
“The so-called ‘cash for visas programme’ allowed wealthy people to receive Irish residency in exchange for investments in business, or a charitable contribution.
“There have been serious concerns surrounding the operation of some of the investments made.
“For instance, last week I raised the situation of the Nuremore Hotel and Country Club in Carrickmacross where staff have not received their salaries owed and where unpaid bills have resulted in the services being disconnected.
“This has obviously created concerns for the future of the hotel and a potential substantial cost to the state if insolvency follows.
“We are told the government decision to close the immigrant investor programme was informed by both internal and external reviews. Will those reviews be published? And will the Taoiseach and the government commit to a full examination of the operation of this programme?”
In response Taoiseach Leo Varadkar stated: “That I do not know. I would have to check with Minister Harris on that.”
Deputy Carthy added afterwards that it is imperative that a full review of the Immigrant Investor Programme is conducted.
He said: “As a member of the Public Accounts Committee, I certainly will be seeking full transparency on the operation of the programme. An immediate first step must be the publishing of all reviews that led to the government decision this week.”
