MacManus holds “productive” EU Commission meetings regarding decline of Ireland’s Northern & Western Regions
Sinn Féin MEP Chris MacManus, this week, met with European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira, and Chair of the European Parliament’s Regional Development Committee, Younous Omarjee. The focus of the meetings was addressing the decline of the Northern and Western regions of Ireland, comprised of Connacht, Donegal, Cavan and Monaghan. Speaking after the meetings, MacManus described the engagements as “productive”.
“Firstly, I was struck by how knowledgeable both parties were in terms of the specific challenges facing our region. Importantly they made it very clear their willingness to help. These were undoubtedly very productive engagements.”
Prior to the commission meetings MacManus met with various regional bodies to inform the basis of his Brussels engagements.
“In recent weeks I met with a number of regional stakeholders, including the Northern and Western Regional Assembly, Western Development Commission, Ireland West Airport, Atlantic Economic Corridor Business Forum, University of Galway and the recently established Atlantic Technological University, to hear their views on how these regional development challenges can be addressed. These engagements directly informed my discussions with Commissioner Ferreira and Chair Omarjee. So it was very much a direct grassroots connection to the commission.”
“In the Commission meetings, I strongly defended the needs of the region from infrastructure like TEN-T inclusion and investment on green and digital technologies. I also drew attention to the fact Ireland hasn’t drawn down a cent of the €900m pot of the EU’s Recovery and Resilience fund. I also managed to secure several concrete actions from Mr Omarjee to draw specific attention to the region.”
“In my meeting with Commissioner Ferreira, she spoke passionately about the PEACE programme and the need for Britain to implement its side so the PEACE PLUS can start to take shape. It was heartening to hear her commitment to this programme as traditionally it has offered excellent development opportunities to our region.”
MacManus concluded, “It has become very clear that the Irish government presents a very Dublin-centric agenda in their dealings with Brussels. This series of meetings and the events that will follow have re-engaged Brussels to the reality of other regions such as the North and West. Sinn Féin will continue to have an all-island approach to development, especially in discussions at a European level. It is my hope that I can now organise further direct engagements by inviting Brussels’ decision-makers to visit our region in person.” ENDS
Chris MacManus MEP pictured, this week, with European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Defence, John Brady TD, has offered his condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the 26 Goal members who tragically died during the massive earthquake in Turkey and Syria.
Those who died were engaged in humanitarian work in the region.
The Wicklow TD said:
“I want to offer my sincere condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the 26 Goal workers who were killed during the horrific earthquake in Turkey and Syria.
“Those who died were engaged in vital humanitarian work, often in very tough conditions. Their commitment, compassion and courage leaves behind a testament to the very best of the human spirit.
“This is a devastating blow to Goal. Despite the tragic impact on their personnel, teams from the organisation remain on the ground, continuing to offer humanitarian aid, as they deal with their grief at the loss of their colleagues.
“Many other Irish NGOs have teams on the ground in the region doing what they can for the victims of this tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with them, for their safety and well-being, and that of the survivors of the tragedy.”
Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan said the party is now tabling a recall of the Assembly to ensure Dáithí’s Law is implemented and he urged parties to elect a Speaker to get this legislation over the line.
The party’s Chief Whip said:
“Sinn Féin has now tabled a recall of the Assembly to elect a Speaker and allow the Assembly to agree the necessary regulations to fully implement Dáithí’s Law with no more delay.
“We are meeting with the other parties on this recall, so we can work together to pass this important, life-saving legislation.
“We owe it to little Dáithí and all those people desperately waiting on a transplant to get this over the line quickly.
“I would urge all parties to now elect a Speaker and implement Dáithí’s Law.”
Sinn Féin MLA Deirdre Hargey has said the cancellation of motorbike road racing in the north this year is a huge blow to local sport and the economy.
And she said that if an Executive was up and running that Sinn Féin would bring forward a package to support racing.
The South Belfast MLA said:
“The cancellation of this year’s North West 200 and all motorbike racing due to rising insurance costs is hugely concerning.
“This is a blow to local sport as one of the major yearly sporting events on the island will not go ahead.
“It will also have a negative impact on the economy, particularly our hotels, bars and restaurants who benefit from thousands of visitors coming to watch the racing.
“If an Executive was up and running today, Sinn Féin would put forward a package to support motorbike racing and ensure these events go ahead as normal.
“We should all be around the Executive table today and working together to find a resolution to save one of our biggest sporting events.”
Sinn Féin South Antrim MLA Declan Kearney has welcomed news of a major investment by JANS Group which will deliver 250 new jobs based in Antrim town.
Declan Kearney said;
“I am delighted to hear that JANS Group has received planning permission for an addition to its Caulside Drive site in Antrim, including a new £10M factory and supporting office space.
“This major investment will add significantly to our local Antrim economy, creating up to 100 construction jobs and leading to approximately 250 additional jobs for the Antrim area.
“I want to congratulate JANS Group on this latest endeavour and I wish them continued success at their Antrim site.”
Uachtarán Shinn Féin Mary Lou McDonald has called for an Executive to be formed now and said it’s past time the British Government invested more money in essential public services.
Speaking after she and First Minister Designate Michelle O’Neill met with the British Secretary of State today, Mary Lou McDonald said:
“We challenged Chris Heaton-Harris today on what he is doing to get the Executive back up and running.
“People are struggling to heat their homes as the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite. Our health service is under huge pressure and needs investment and workers are being forced to take strike action for fair pay and safe staffing levels.
“Chris Heaton Harris is legislating for further drift and has yet to articulate a clear plan to get the Executive up and running. Positive soundings around the protocol are of course welcome but we need a deal to be concluded and government back up and running
“We have told him that rather than slashing services that are already underfunded after twelve years of Tory cuts, the British government should be investing more money in public services.
“The continued cuts to these services is unacceptable at a time when the Tories have chosen to look after the bankers, and energy companies which are ripping off the public.
“Locally elected ministers should be working together around the Executive table to implement life-saving legislation like Dáithí’s Law, to invest in the health service and to support workers and families with rising living costs.
“There is serious business to be done and no time to waste. Our priority is to work together with the other parties and the two governments to get the job done for the people.
“Progress is being made on the Protocol talks, but regardless of that, the Executive can and should be formed today, tomorrow or at the earliest opportunity.” CRÍOCH/ENDS
Sinn Féin Leas Uachtarán Michelle O’Neill has said a review into cervical smear testing must be ‘thorough and robust’ to ensure serious failings are never repeated.
Michelle O’Neill said:
“I want to thank ‘Susan’ for coming forward and sharing her story and raising awareness of three of her smear tests being misread over ten years and her battle with cervical cancer. She is an inspiration.
“What happened to ‘Susan' was a truly harrowing ordeal and a serious failing at the part of local health trusts. It should not have happened.
“A review is underway, and it must be thorough and robust to ensure what happened to this woman is never repeated and to restore women’s confidence in cervical smear services.
“Women need to know quickly if something is wrong, so that it can be identified, and treatment can begin quickly. It can be lifesaving.
“This will be a very worrying time for the hundreds of women potentially affected, they deserve full disclosure and to be kept fully informed every step of the way during this review.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Social Protection, Claire Kerrane TD, has called on Minister Heather Humphreys to expedite plans for legislation to provide a state pension for long-term family carers.
Teachta Kerrane said:
“I have raised this important issue many times and questioned the Minister on the matter again in the Dáil this morning.
“She confirmed that the Department of Social Protection is working on producing the required legislation, with the intention that it would be ready in the second half of this year.
“However, the reality is that family carers have already waited far too long and too many have already and continue to lose out when they reach retirement age and do not have a state pension to support them.
“In many cases, we are talking about family carers who give a lifetime of care not to mention the billions they save the state every year and this should be recognised.
“Sinn Féin has called for a state pension for long-term carers to be provided for several years now, and we included a proposal on this very issue in our alternative budget this year.
“We have engaged extensively with organisations representing carers and with family carers themselves, and know that a state pension solution is desperately needed and deserved.
“The government has finally been forced to take action on this matter following recommendations from the Report by the Commission on Pensions, which was published last year.
“I am calling on the Minister to expedite the process and bring forward legislation which will provide a state pension solution for long-term family carers.”
Chris MacManus MEP to hold Ballinasloe Public Meeting on February 20th
Sinn Féin MEP for Midlands Northwest, Chris MacManus, will host a public meeting on addressing regional imbalance and reversing rural decline in Gullane’s Hotel, Ballinasloe on Monday 20th February at 8pm. The meeting will feature contributions from Claire Kerrane TD, Cllr Dermot Connolly and representatives of local community and farming organisations. MacManus has encouraged the public to attend the meeting and the join the discussion on delivering change for the West.
MEP MacManus said:
“Delivering balanced regional development and standing up for the West has always been a key priority for Sinn Féin and I am delighted to be hosting this discussion on addressing regional imbalance and reversing rural decline in Ballinasloe.”
“Over the past number of decades our region has suffered from neglect and a lack of opportunities for those of us who live here, particularly for our younger people. The EU’s downgrading of the Northern and Western region in recent years to being a lagging region and one ‘in transition’ highlights the urgency of addressing this problem.”
“We need positive discrimination for the region to turn this around and revitalize the economy in the West. The only thing that will reverse this decline is major investment in infrastructure and public services. I have been calling for Cohesion funding, State Aid flexibility, the billion euro allocation of the RRF and the Brexit Fund to be used to offer a ready-made investment package to provide for this. I have also been hosting high-level meetings with European Commissioners to highlight the particular issue here in the West.”
MacManus concluded, “There is no doubt that the current approach to regional development needs to change urgently in order to ensure that this part of the country has a sustainable future. I would encourage people to attend our meeting on Monday 20th of February to join the discussion on how we can bring about change for our region.” ENDS
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Sinn Féin MLA and infrastructure spokesperson Cathal Boylan has criticised the decision to increase bus and train fares during a cost-of-living crisis.
The Newry and Armagh MLA said::
“The Tory decision to increase fares in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis will hit hard-pressed workers and families and is in stark contrast to the freezing of fares by then Infrastructure Minister, John O’Dowd only months ago.
"It is vital that we invest in our public transport to improve connectivity, keep fares affordable and help tackle the climate emergency.
“Sinn Féin is ready to form an Executive today, to work together, and support workers and families against Tory cuts to public services and hikes in the cost of essential services.”
Sinn Féin MLA Emma Sheerin has welcomed that the Safe Access Zones Act is now law and will be enforceable from 7th May 2023.
The Mid Ulster MLA said:
“The news that the Safe Access Zones Act is now law is welcome. This law will now be enforceable from 7th May 2023.
“Patients and their families should not face harassment and intimidation when accessing healthcare.
“This is a progressive step forward to protect women and healthcare workers.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Defence, John Brady TD, has challenged the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin on the failure of the government to put in place timely remedies to address the fiasco that occurred around passport application last summer.
The Wicklow TD added that it is difficult to imagine that the government was unable to anticipate the backlog of applications that would develop following Brexit, and the aftermath of the pandemic.
Teachta Brady said:
“Last year, notwithstanding the efforts of the hardworking staff of the passport office, which must be acknowledged, was an unmitigated disaster when it came to the handling and issuing of passports.
"We witnessed countless families forced to miss out on holidays due to the chronic delays when it came to the issuing of passports.
“The government cannot allow a recurrence of the torment endured by families.
“But it is difficult to see that the government has learned the necessary lessons from the debacle endured by passport applicants last year.
“We need the Tánaiste to outline what lessons have been learned from last year, what actions have been put in place to ensure that we do not witness a repeat of the scenes from last year.
“Already we have seen how applications have doubled in the last month. The passport office is now receiving 5,000 applications a day. And this is only going to increase over the next few months as more and more families plan their holidays.
“While the Tánaiste spoke of the expansion of the passport office in Balbriggan, and the creation of 200 new workspaces, in the same breath he is able to say that only 100 new staff have been recruited. And many of them will not be in place for months to come.
“Last year we had a situation where the passport office was still recruiting and vetting staff at the height of the passport season. It is on the Tánaiste’s head to make sure that this is not repeated this year.
“Well over a million people received passports last year. According to the Tánaiste, 90% of these applications were online. This is progress, and I was delighted to see this. But the reality is that 10% of applicants still submit paper applications. Which is their right.
“This represents a figure of over 100,000 people. People apply by paper for a variety of reasons. But many do not have access to a computer, or are not computer literate.
“Last year, passport applications became one of the biggest political topics of the summer.
“The Tánaiste needs to outline what he is going to do to avoid a rerun of the chaos of last year. There are families across the Island planning holidays, who need to know that he has a plan, and that it is going to work.”
Any deal between Brussels & London must address democratic deficit - MacManus
The Sinn Féin MEP for the Midlands North-West, Chris MacManus, has said any deal on the Irish Protocol between Brussels and London must address the democratic deficit that exists between the EU institutions and citizens in the North of Ireland.
MEP MacManus said:
“As media reports speculate that an agreement may be imminent between Brussels and London on the implementation of the Irish protocol, it is my view that any such deal must address the democratic deficit that exists between the EU institutions and citizens in the North of Ireland. This has already been called for in the European Parliament resolution in April 2021, the Assembly resolution of October 2021, and recognised as an issue by the Commission in its non-papers in October 2021.”
“Irish citizens in the North of Ireland are EU citizens. EU negotiators and the Dublin government have an obligation not only to them but to all citizens in the North. They should have a say on EU affairs generally, and particularly on political decisions that affect them directly through the Protocol. The main responsibility for this lies with the Dublin government, which could and should allow citizens in the North a vote in the next European Parliament elections.”
“Speculation that the Belfast Assembly could be included in the Parliamentary Partnership Assembly between the European and Westminster parliaments is welcome. I believe it is absolutely crucial that we have some form of direct dialogue between the Belfast and Brussels. Including MLAs in the Parliamentary Partnership Assembly would be a step in the right direction.” ENDS
Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has again called on the British government to meet its commitment to fully replace lost EU funds.
Speaking after community groups warned of job losses and the loss of vital skills and training services, the party’s economy spokesperson said:
“The British government’s failure to replace lost EU funds could result in devastating job losses and cuts to vital community services.
“It’s not acceptable that local projects who provide services to vulnerable people, create jobs and provide opportunities for young people, are now left at a cliff-edge with no certainty on what comes next.
“Failure to fully replace this money and the delay in rolling out the Shared Prosperity Fund has placed groups in a precarious position.
“I would urge the British government to honour its commitment and restore lost EU funds and not to make our communities the latest casualty of the Tories’ calamitous Brexit mess.
“Local departments also need to step up and work with groups, extend existing funding for a year on a pro-rata basis to allow organisations to transition to the new funding and use this period to develop a longer-term scheme.
“Ministers in an Executive would be able to ensure this happened, the vital work of these groups should not be collateral damage for the DUP’s blockade of the institutions.
“Community and voluntary workers need an Executive up and running now and all parties working together around the table to provide support for these groups.”
Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Mid-West, Mark Ward, has welcomed news that some of the money seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) from criminals is being invested back into the community.
In July 2021, Teachta Ward had the Proceeds of Crime (Investment in Disadvantaged Communities) (Amendment) Bill 2021 passed at second stage in the Oireachtas.
This Bill would see the money seized by CAB reinvested into the areas most affected by crime.
Teachta Ward said:
“I received a response to a Parliamentary Question that confirms where €2 million of the money seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) will be redirected back into communities.
“Sinn Féin has always advocated that any money seized by CAB be ring-fenced and put back into communities to tackle disadvantage and to fund prevention, treatment and rehabilitation services in the fight against drugs.
“This fund should also be used for local sports clubs, youth clubs, employment centres, universities and other valuable services in our communities.
“In July 2021, I had the Proceeds of Crime (Investment in Disadvantaged Communities) (Amendment) Bill passed at second stage in the Oireachtas. This Bill would see the money seized by CAB reinvested into the areas most affected by crime.
“The Government's Community Safety Innovation Fund is a positive move forward, but it does not go far enough. The Minister must ensure that it goes into community groups who are on the front line of keeping our young people away from crime.
“It is welcome that it will be increased to €3 million for the next round of applicants, which means that more community groups will be able to benefit from this.
“More needs to be done to build resilience in our communities to tackle the causes of crime.
“I represent Dublin Mid-West and grew up in North Clondalkin. Parts of my constituency have been ripped apart from drug use and crime over the years.
“In my area, six organisations applied for the funds and not one was successful. However, many worthy causes benefited from this fund across the state
“It does not happen by accident that most of the money seized by CAB originates in areas that are highly disadvantaged.
“We need to see a stronger approach by government. I am calling for them to ringfence the money seized by CAB and to ensure it is invested back into the areas most affected by crime.”
A list of successful applicants across the state can be read here.
Sinn Féin MLA Declan Kearney has welcomed today’s Supreme Court ruling on the lawfulness of the Protocol and said work must continue to deliver pragmatic and durable solutions.
The party’s Brexit spokesperson said:
“Sinn Féin welcomes today's Supreme Court judgement which rules that the Protocol is lawful and dismisses unanimously the appeal taken.
“Brexit has caused seismic political division, and those who championed it must bear responsibility for this.
“The Protocol limits the damage caused by Brexit and while imperfect it is clearly necessary. No credible alternative to it exists which can protect our economic stability.
“This necessity was recognised by both the British Government and the EU who negotiated the Withdrawal Agreement to which the Protocol is an integral part.
“The Westminster Parliament ratified it and has given it effect in domestic law. They are bound as a matter of international law to comply in good faith with the Treaty they entered into.
“Today's Supreme Court judgement recognises and affirms this reality in law.
“Now that legal clarity has been confirmed, it is time to move forward politically and ensure that a deal between the British Government and EU to deliver pragmatic and durable solutions is secured without delay that makes the Protocol work better for everyone.”
Francie Molloy MP has condemned the government of Bahrain for hacking the phones of pro-democracy Bahraini activists and political exiles.
The Mid Ulster MP was speaking from London after addressing a meeting, alongside party colleague Mickey Brady MP, of pro-democracy Bahraini activists.
Francie Molloy said:
"I was glad for the opportunity today to extend our solidarity to the people of Bahrain. Many of the people we spoke to today are political exiles who face imprisonment, torture, or worse if they return home.
"It was noteworthy that just this morning the British High Court indicted the Bahrain government for hacking the computers of Bahraini activists living in Britain.
"The brutality and repression of Bahrain's security services is to be condemned by all who uphold the principle of democracy. It is not surprising for us to hear that the British government continues to fund and support such a regime.
"I was very happy to extend Sinn Féin’s solidarity to pro-democracy activists today.
"As a party, we believe in democracy, we believe in rights, and we believe in the power of ordinary people. That is why Sinn Féin supports the calls for democracy and peace in Bahrain."
Ní bhainfear spriocanna amach gan dul i ngleic leis an teip iomlán soláthar an Ghaeloideachais a mhéadú - Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD
Tharraing Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD, urlabhraí Gaeilge, Gaeltachta, Ealaíon agus Cultúir Shinn Féin, aird ar fhigiúirí sna Táscairí Oideachas a d’fhoilsigh an Roinn Oideachais inné mar “ábhair imní” ar teip an rialtais gníomhú de réir a bhriathar maidir le hoideachas trí mheán na Gaeilge a mhéadú chun freastal ar an éileamh ó thuismitheoirí agus daltaí.
Dúirt an Teachta Dála ar son Baile Átha Cliath Lár Theas:
“Ba chóir go ngoinfeadh na Táscairí Oideachas seo aire na Roinne.
“Thug an tAire Joe McHugh gealltanas dúinn sa bhliain 2019 go ndéanfadh an rialtas obair i dtreo líon na ndaltaí san oideachas lánGhaeilge a dhúbailt faoi 2030.
“Tá sé soiléir dúinn anois gur ag céatadán marbhánta 8.1% de líon iomlán na ndaltaí bunscoile a d’fhan siad ó 2018, agus níl ach 3.6% ag meánleibhéal i nGaelcholáiste, mar a bhí sa bhliain 2017.
“In ainneoin go bhfuil 4 Gaelscoileanna agus 2 Gaelcholáistí sa bhreis againn anois ó 2017, níl aon feabhas tagtha ó thaobh codán na ndaltaí.
“Tar éis cúig bliain gan aon dul chun cinn, agus gan ach seacht mbliana fágtha, is mithid don Roinn luí isteach ar soláthar a chur ar fáil.
“Tuigtear go gcuirfeadh 23% de thuismitheoirí a gcuid páistí ag freastal ar scoileanna lánGhaeilge, ach níl na spásanna ann. Tá dualgas ar an rialtas freastal ar an éileamh sin, ach is cosúil nach bhfuil feabhas ar bith tagtha ar an scéal le cúig bliain anuas.
“Díol suntais is ea é nach raibh aon tagairt don gheallúint dúbailt a dhéanamh ar sholáthar in aon chuid den cháipéiseacht a bhain leis an bPolasaí don Oideachas LánGhaeilge lasmuigh den Ghaeltacht atá faoi chomhairliúcháin phoiblí faoi láthair, ach níor tháinig aon fógra ón rialtas go bhfuil cinneadh glactha acu tarraingt siar ón ngeallúint sin.
“Tá Sinn Féin tar éis ár n-aighneacht féin ar an bpróiseas comhairleacháin sin a fhoilsiú le déanaí, áit ar chuir an obair a theastaíonn in iúl más mian linn éileamh don Ghaeloideachas ní amháin a shásamh, ach a fhás, agus mhol muid tabhairt faoi spriocanna grádaithe dírithe ar sholáthar a mhéadú ar bhonn céimnitheach go dtí go mbeidh 50% de na daltaí ag bunleibhéal rollaithe i scoileanna lánGhaeilge faoi 2050.
“Seo an cineál uailmhian atá ag teastáil ionas go mbeidh an stát in ann dualgais eile a chomhlíonadh ar nós a chinntiú go mbeidh 20% d’earcaithe don státchóras in ann Gaeilge a labhairt ó 2030 agus go bhféadfar seirbhísí a sholáthar do phobail na Gaeltachta ina dteanga féin mar a bhí molta chomh fada siar le 1926.
“Ní féidir tabhairt faoi aon chuid dóibh sin a chomhlíonadh fad is atá an tAire Norma Foley agus a Roinn ag suí siar gan faic a dhéanamh seachas tuarascálacha a choimisiúnú agus próisis comhairliúchán a reáchtáil arís is arís i ndiaidh a chéile.
“I mo dháilcheantar, agus san dáilcheantar béaldoras, tá páistí, tuismitheoirí agus múinteoirí tar éis a bheith amuigh ag stocaireacht chun oideachas tré Ghaeilge áitiúl a bheith acu áit nach ann dó, i mBaile Átha Cliath 10 agus 12 ag lorg Gaelscoil agus i mBÁC 2, 4, 6 agus 8 ag lorg Gaelcholáiste chun freastail ar pháistí Gaelscoileanna an cheantair. Níl mar freagra ón Aire Foley ach ciúnas.
“Tá sé in am an ceart a aithint do gach páiste in Éirinn fáil a bheith acu ar oideachas lánGhaeilge más mian leo tabhairt faoi, agus teastaíonn plean ón rialtas chun é sin a chur i bhfeidhm."
Glaring failure to increase Irish-medium education provision must be addressed if targets are to be met - Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD
Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on Gaeilge, Gaeltacht, Arts and Culture, Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD, pointed to figures in the Education Indicators published yesterday by the Department of Education as “worrying proof” that the government has failed to deliver on the promise of increasing Irish-medium education to meet the demand from parents and pupils.
The Dublin South Central TD said:
“These Education Indicators should raise alarm bells in the Department.
“We had a commitment in 2019 from Minister Joe McHugh that the government would work to double the number of pupils at Irish medium education by 2030.
“We now know that the percentage has remained stagnant at 8.1% of all primary school pupils since 2018, and only 3.6% at second level are in Irish medium schools, as was the case in 2017.
“Despite having 4 Irish medium primary schools and 2 Irish medium secondary schools more than we had in 2017, there has been no improvement in terms of the percentage of pupils.
“After five years with no progress, and only seven years left to go, the Department really needs to get its finger out and deliver.
“We know that 23% of parents would like to send their kids to Irish medium schools, but the spaces simply aren’t there. Government has a duty to cater to that demand, but appears to have achieved no improvement in the last five years.
“The commitment to double provision was notably absent in any of the documentation relating to the Policy on Irish Medium Education outside the Gaeltacht that is undergoing public consultation at present, although we have had no word from government that they are reneging on that promise.
“Sinn Féin recently published our submission to that consultation process where we highlighted the issues that need to be addressed if we are to not only meet but grow demand for education trí Ghaeilge, and called for a graduated set of targets aimed at progressively increasing provision until 50% of pupils at primary level are enrolled in Irish medium schools by 2050.
“This is the kind of ambition that is needed if the state is to live up to other commitments such as ensuring 20% of public service recruits from 2030 can speak Irish and services can finally be delivered to Gaeltacht communities in their own language as was called for as far back as 1926.
“None of that can happen if Minister Norma Foley and her Department continue to sit back and do nothing beyond commissioning reports and engaging in consultation process after consultation process.
“In my constituency and the next door constituency, kids, parents and teachers have been out campaigning for years for local Irish medium schooling where there is none, for a Gaelscoil in the case of Dublin 10 and 12, and in Dublin 2, 4, 6, and 8 for a second-level school (Gaelcholáiste) to cater for the pupils of local Gaelscoileanna. The response from Minister Foley has been silence.
“It’s time the right of every child in Ireland to access Irish-medium education if they so choose was respected, and that requires a plan from government to deliver.”
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