Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has called on the Economy Minister to provide additional financial support to ‘wet’ pubs unable to open due to COVID-19.
The party’s economy spokesperson said:
“Following the announcement today that ‘wet’ pubs will be unable to open on the 10th August as anticipated I urge the Economy Minister to provide them with additional support.
“The Executive decision has been taken on the basis of scientific and medical advice in the best interests of public health. However the continued closure of these pubs is putting strain on proprietors and workers, and if they don’t get additional support some may be in danger of not being able to re-open.
"I have written to the Economy Minister asking her to provide further support to ‘wet’ pubs.
“I have also written to the British Chancellor asking him to look at extending or flexibility in the furlough scheme for those sectors who have been unable to reopen or who had to close again due to increased incidents of COVID-19.
"This support will be critical in enabling them to reopen and recover, and to retain workers in the months ahead.”
Sinn Féin MP John Finucane has condemned a threat against a newly formed East Belfast GAA club on Wednesday night.
The North Belfast MP said:
“Last night members of the newly formed East Belfast GAA club were made aware by Police of a report that a package had been left on their playing fields during a training session.
“I condemn this despicable threat and attempt to intimidate people who wish to take part in Gaelic Games.
“The GAA is inclusive and it welcomes people from all backgrounds and none.
“The sporting fraternity must stand together against this attack on the growth of the GAA and on a society which is moving forward. It’s unacceptable.”
Sinn Féin MLA Fra McCann has welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Communities Carál Ní Chuilín that that the Partnership Panel consisting of the Executive and local government will be reconvened.
Speaking the West Belfast MLA said:
“Ensuring a strong and joined up approach between the Executive and those in local government is crucial to providing for the needs of citizens.
“The reconvening of the Partnership Panel will provide a platform to build relationships at all tiers of governance and to discuss initiatives to benefit local communities.
“We have already witnessed the enormous potential of joined up working between the Executive and local government during the height of the covid-19 pandemic when real and practical support was provided to vulnerable citizens.
“As we continue to move through this pandemic and edge toward recovery, the Executive and local government must work collaborative to ensure a fair, balanced and just economic recovery which places citizens wellbeing at the core.”
Sinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan has offered his condolences to the family of 15 year-old Lewis Fleming who died in an incident at Powerscourt Waterfall while on holiday in County Wicklow.
The North Antrim MLA said:
“I am greatly saddened to hear of the news that a 15 year-old young local man has tragically lost his life at such a young age, I would like to offer my deepest condolences to the families and friends of the deceased following this tragic incident.
“The local community are also in shock by this tragic loss of life.
“As always at times of such heart-breaking tragedy the local community will rally round in love and solidarity in an effort to provide some comfort to the Fleming family in what will be difficult days ahead.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Childcare Kathleen Funchion has expressed serious concern for the future of childcare provision in the wake of eight childcare provider closures in County Kildare alone in the first six months of this year.
Limerick, Sligo and Kilkenny also saw the closure of childcare facilities. The Carlow-Kilkenny TD has said that immediate government intervention is needed to stem the tide of childcare closures.
Speaking today, Teachta Funchion said: "I have consistently warned that without taking significant measures to increase investment in this sector, there would be inevitable childcare facility closures.
"It is so frustrating to witness small, well run businesses that have invested heavily in staff, training and infrastructure now close their doors.
“Last month I looked for the government to establish a sustainability fund to address chronic underfunding in the sector, warning that without investment we would face significant issues with childare capacity.
"Just as we encourage women to return to work, we are taking away their childcare facilities through underfunding.
"I know many in the sector were bitterly disappointed to learn the government parties voted against my private members motion.
"In order to ensure that this sector has a future the government has to get serious about investment in childcare."
Denise Mitchell, Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Bay North, has welcomed the announcement of a renewed inquest into the Stardust fire on the night of the 14th of February 1981.
Teachta Mitchell said: “I welcome the announcement that a fresh inquest is going ahead early next year. It has been a long time coming.
“I would hope that this is the beginning of a process that ensures the families of both victims and survivors of that tragic night get justice.
“The establishment of the website is also to be welcomed and will be valuable going forward.
“It is important to acknowledge the role of Christine Keegan, and it is saddening that she is not around to see this eventually come to pass.
“I hope this process can get underway as soon as possible.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Rose Conway-Walsh has called on Further and Higher Education to be made accessible and affordable for everyone irrespective of their age, geography or financial circumstances.
Speaking at the launch of Sinn Féin’s Student Funding survey, Teachta Conway-Walsh said:
“Too many students and their families are being pushed into poverty trying to pay for higher level education. Many working families are excluded from education grants because the assessment criteria does not accurately reflect income available to the household. This needs to change.
“Assessment on gross income instead of net income is wrong - as is ‘dependent’ assessments for mature students living with their parents and adult students who are estranged from their parents.
"Part-time students must be eligible to apply for SUSI grants. If these elements were changed to enable access to SUSI, then the hardship endured by thousands of students and their families would be eased. We are campaigning to have these and other issues addressed.
"The level of award for the SUSI grant has not bee increased since 2012. The cost of increasing this by 10% would be just over €16m and would represent a sound investment.
“The survey Sinn Féin is launching today seeks to capture the ‘real story’ surrounding access to and participation in higher level education. I am asking that students complete this three-minute online survey to help highlight the reality facing them. The results will be published later this month.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has presented many additional challenges for students, families and education institutions.
"A severely underfunded system combined with a sharp decline in family incomes makes for a perfect storm of inequality and exclusion. The recent USI report on ‘Student Priorities for the new Government’ outlines the need for change.
“One leaving cert student put it straight to me earlier this week when I asked him if he was going to college.
"He said: ‘Both my parents are working but they cannot afford to pay for me to go. I have younger brothers and sisters. They have to pay the mortgage, car loans and other bills. I’m not eligible for SUSI. I have always worked part-time and full time during the summer but lost this due to Covid-19. I was counting on that.’
“We must listen to those most impacted and put the necessary measures in place to address these inequalities. The grants system ignores the financial reality for students and families. Hard working families need a break and students need investment not exclusion.
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Rose Conway-Walsh has called on Further and Higher Education to be made accessible and affordable for everyone irrespective of their age, geography or financial circumstances.
Speaking at the launch of Sinn Féin’s Student Funding survey, Teachta Conway-Walsh said: “Too many students and their families are being pushed into poverty trying to pay for higher level education. Many working families are excluded from education grants because the assessment criteria does not accurately reflect income available to the household. This needs to change.
“Assessment on gross income instead of net income is wrong - as is ‘dependent’ assessments for mature students living with their parents and adult students who are estranged from their parents.
"Part-time students must be eligible to apply for SUSI grants. If these elements were changed to enable access to SUSI, then the hardship endured by thousands of students and their families would be eased. We are campaigning to have these and other issues addressed.
"The level of award for the SUSI grant has not bee increased since 2012. The cost of increasing this by 10% would be just over €16m and would represent a sound investment.
“The survey Sinn Féin is launching today seeks to capture the ‘real story’ surrounding access to and participation in higher level education. I am asking that students complete this three-minute online survey to help highlight the reality facing them. The results will be published later this month.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has presented many additional challenges for students, families and education institutions.
"A severely underfunded system combined with a sharp decline in family incomes makes for a perfect storm of inequality and exclusion. The recent USI report on ‘Student Priorities for the new Government’ outlines the need for change.
“One leaving cert student put it straight to me earlier this week when I asked him if he was going to college.
"He said: ‘Both my parents are working but they cannot afford to pay for me to go. I have younger brothers and sisters. They have to pay the mortgage, car loans and other bills. I’m not eligible for SUSI. I have always worked part-time and full time during the summer but lost this due to COVID 19. I was counting on that.’
“We must listen to those most impacted and put the necessary measures in place to address these inequalities. The grants system ignores the financial reality for students and families. Hard working families need a break and students need investment not exclusion."
Sinn Féin TD and the Chair of the Public Accounts Committee Brian Stanley has expressed concern at the cost to the taxpayer of Public Private Partnerships.
Deputy Stanley was speaking following a response to his parliamentary question, which outlined that €256.9m was spent on PPPs in 2019.
The PPP model has been criticised by numerous bodies, including the European Court of Auditors, for not delivering value for taxpayers’ money and being inefficient at delivering projects on time and within budget.
Speaking today, Deputy Stanley said: “It is alarming to see that almost €260m was spent on PPPs last year. This is a model which has been shown to waste taxpayers’ money.
“Whether it is in the Education, Health or Transport, the PPP model has been proven to be inefficient with public money and to lack proper transparency.
“The answer to the PQ which I have received outlines that a total of €98.3m was spent on transport infrastructure, €75m on education and €35m on courts in the Justice sector.
“These are substantial sums of money which are being funnelled into private companies and the taxpayer is seeing very little value for money.
“What is equally frustrating is a reluctance upon successive governments to move away from the PPP model.
“The National Children’s Hospital, at €2b, is already set to be the most expensive hospital in the world, and the final cost to the state has yet to be confirmed.
“The National Broadband Plan has already cost €13.5m of taxpayers' money in 2020 with a further €3b committed over 25 years - a particularly dreadful PPP which doesn’t even return the infrastructure to state-ownership after the contract.
“As Chair of PAC, I will work to ensure that we hold these PPPs to account, and that we see the greatest level of oversight and transparency possible."
Sinn Féin MLA Karen Mullan has welcomed further progress towards the 2021 opening of the medical school at Magee University.
The Foyle MLA said:
“I’m absolutely delighted that the new medical school at Magee has passed through the quality assurance process at the General Medical Council.
“This news, alongside funding from the Executive, has allowed Ulster University to begin recruiting the first staff and students to open the doors in September 2021.
“The benefits for the city are far reaching - boosting our economy, increasing student numbers and training more doctors and medical professionals to support our communities.
“Students can apply now via UCAS. I look forward to seeing the new medical school up and running in September 2021.”
Sinn Féin health spokesperson Colm Gildernew has said the shortcomings of the review into leadership and governance in Muckamore Abbey hospital released today emphasise the need for an independent public inquiry.
Speaking after the Department of Health published the findings of the review, Colm Gildernew said:
“The reviews finding that ‘the Belfast Trust had appropriate governance structures in place’ but they just weren’t implemented effectively, is absurd.
“It is also deeply hurtful for family members of those harmed in Muckamore.
“If governance structures aren’t implemented properly they are clearly not appropriate, and we know this was the case in Muckamore.
“A lack of recognition of these failings further emphasises the need for an independent public inquiry as called for by the Muckamore families.
“I welcome the Health Minister’s announcement that he intends to establish an inquiry into the scandalous treatment of patients at Muckamore Abbey Hospital.
“He needs to listen to the families, patients, and former patients and ensure there is a meaningful independent inquiry to get to the truth of the mis-treatment and abuse of patients in Muckamore and how the system allowed it to go on."
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Defence John Brady today expressed his heartfelt sympathies to the people of Beirut following yesterday's explosions that have cost the lives of at least 135 people.
Speaking in Leinster House today, the Wicklow TD said:
“What we have witnessed in Lebanon yesterday is an absolute tragedy - one compounded by the ongoing challenges of the economic meltdown, and the ongoing pandemic.
"We now know that at least 135 people have lost their lives and that around 5000 have been seriously injured.
"I can only imagine the impact this tragedy has had on a local health service that is close to the point of being overwhelmed by Covid-19, with frontline staff exhausted and close to breaking point.
"Strong connections which have been developed over many decades exist between the Irish and Lebanese people.
"I know that the government, ever mindful of the compassion and generosity of the Irish people, will lend whatever aid that we can. Our thoughts are with the Lebanese people at this terrible time.”
Sinn Féin Senator Lynn Boylan has welcomed the establishment of an official Stardust Inquest website by the Coroner’s Court.
Relatives and friends have been campaigning for justice and accountability since the Stardust fire of 1981, which cost the lives of 48 people, while over 200 more suffered burns or injuries.
The website - stardustfireinquests.ie - has been set up in advance of the pre-inquest hearing, which is due to commence in September at Dublin Castle.
Speaking tonight, Senator Boylan said: “The setting-up of a dedicated website is a very welcome step and will no doubt prove to be a very valuable tool as the inquest progresses.
"I believe that it is the first time such a website has been created for an inquest.
"I am also pleased to see that Dublin Castle has been confirmed as the location for the inquest.
"The Stardust Inquest will be the largest inquest in the history of the State, and the families of those who died wanted a location that would be accessible and appropriate for such a significant undertaking. I believe that Dublin Castle is a fitting choice of location.
"I hope that the inquest itself can now get under way without delay.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Enterprise, Trade, Employment and Workers' Rights Louise O’Reilly has called on Bank of Ireland to pause cost-cutting plans which aim to axe over 1,400 jobs.
Speaking this afternoon, Teachta O’Reilly said: “The news that Bank of Ireland are aiming to cut over 1,400 jobs in an effort to reduce costs is incredibly worrying for all staff at the bank.
“Job losses on such a scale are harrowing in normal times, but it is even more concerning given the current circumstances.
“Immediately pivoting towards cutting jobs to reduce costs is a very disappointing move from Bank of Ireland, even if it is via voluntary redundancy in the first instance.
“To paraphrase the Financial Services Union (FSU), to ask people to make such a huge and life-changing decision during a pandemic is extremely insensitive.
“Beyond the stress of having to live with this virus, many workers have additional stresses from trying to get children back to school or childcare, possibly dealing with a partner on reduced hours or who has lost their job, to caring for an elderly relative who is cocooning from the virus.
“For Bank of Ireland to then ask workers to consider voluntary redundancy at this confusing and stressful time is incredibly insulting.
“I would encourage Bank of Ireland to pause any redundancy plans and engage with workers and their trade unions in order to allow staff at the bank time to process what is going on, and have the space to come to an informed decision at some stage in the future as to whether taking early retirement or voluntary redundancy is for them.”
The government needs to meet urgently with Louth County Council to sort out the major cost of servicing loans on land banks owned by the local authority, Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú told the Dáil recently.
The Dundalk TD raised the issue with Minister of State Peter Burke and housing minister Daragh O’Brien during debates about funding for local authorities and the Residential Tenancies and Valuations Bill.
Louth County Council has already asked the government for a meeting with the executive, Louth TDs and councillors.
The Sinn Féin representative said that if the Local Property Tax (LPT) is raised by ten to 15%, which has been requested last month by council CEO Joan Martin, ‘ it would deal only with the cost of the loans on land banks in County Louth that were bought under instruction from Government around 2006 and 2007 in many cases’.
Deputy Ó Murchú said that while some of the around 50 acres of land banks had been dealt with, ‘a significant amount are left’.
He said: ‘Last year, Louth County Council spent about €1 million to service the debt. We need the government to meet with Louth County Council, with elected representatives and with the executive about putting solutions in place that deal with the substantial unit cost of these lands. Some of them would be perfect for affordable and social housing and affordable cost rental. We need these meetings and solutions to occur as quickly as possible’.
In response, Minister Burke said: ‘We in the Department have to be fair and ensure that local authorities are fully funded. I have given a commitment about the July stimulus package, with the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, that it will be of scale and timely, and that it will respond to the challenge that local authorities face to ensure that they will not lose services or staff.
‘We also need to ensure that we support our local authorities. I will not be found wanting in that regard and nor will the government’.
Speaking after the debate, Mr Ó Murchú said he had spoken to Minister Burke about the issue following the exchange. He added that he had spoken with Minister O’Brien about the specific issues in Louth and the housing minister responded he intends to meet with the council in the coming months.
Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins has welcomed a £3.2 million funding boost announced by Communities Minister Carál Ní Chuilín to help local councils deal with COVID-19.
Liz Kimmins said:
"I welcome today's announcement of a £3.2 million funding package from Communities Minister Carál Ní Chuilín to help Councils support the community and voluntary sector deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
"This funding will help local community and voluntary groups across the north who are working to help and support communities at this challenging time.
"In particular, it will be used to support groups who are helping those who are already struggling with poverty and those whom the pandemic has hit hardest.
"Community and voluntary groups have been doing excellent work, particularly in ensuring those most in need have access to food, and this funding will support that work and help rebuild communities that have been impacted by coronavirus."
Sinn Féin MLA Catherine Kelly has called on the Education Minister to urgently publish a clear plan outlining to parents and schools how pupils can safely return to education in the upcoming weeks.
The West Tyrone MLA said:
“On a daily basis parents are contacting local Sinn Féin constituency offices and schools seeking information on the return of schools
.
“Unfortunately, we are limited in the advice that we can provide as Minister Weir has yet to announce his plans on the safe return of schools.
“The Minister has had months to consider what measures and procedures he can take to maximise the safety of pupils and staff while guaranteeing their access to education.
“However, only weeks away from the reopening of schools there is still no clear guidance from the Minister.
“I am reiterating the calls of my Sinn Féin colleagues, pupils, parents and staff for the Minister to urgently bring forward proposals for the return of schools.
“Quite simply - pupils, parents and school staff deserve much better than this.”
Sinn Féin MLA Jemma Dolan has called on the Department of Infrastructure to act immediately to resolve issues at Galliagh Shore, Enniskillen.
Speaking the Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA said:
“It is absolutely unacceptable that after almost 15 years since these houses at Galliagh Shore were constructed, residents do not have an adequate sewage system.
“Regardless of the inadequacies and failures of the builders to ensure compliance with regulations and access to the sewage system when constructing these homes, the Department and NI Water must act without any further delay to take ownership for the connectivity and maintenance of the sewage systems of these houses.
“Despite paying their rates for the delivery of services, these residents have had to pay for their own access to the sewage system for years.
“Worryingly this access to the sewage system has now ceased due to complications resulting in toilets not flushing and sewage running onto the streets.
“It is the firm view of Sinn Féin that all citizens across this island have a fundamental right to safe and adequate housing with proper sanitation.
“Michelle Gildernew MP, Cllr Tommy Maguire and I will continue to work with local residents, NI water and the minister to help bring about a resolution to this issue.”
Sinn Féin MLA Karen Mullan has said a party delegation will meet the PSNI this week to raise concerns over a recent police search in the city in which a 14-year-old child with special needs was arrested and subsequently released within minutes.
The Foyle MLA said:
“A party delegation will meet the PSNI this week to directly raise concerns about reports of heavy-handed policing during a recent police search in the city in which a 14-year-old child with special needs was arrested and subsequently released.
“This vulnerable child has been very badly affected by his ordeal.
“The public rightly expects the very highest policing and human rights standards and we will hold the police to account when their actions fail to meet those standards.”
