Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire TD has said that we need to see real action from the Minister for Education on the reopening of schools in the coming days.
He said:
"Schools have been closed now for four and a half months, and throughout that time two Ministers for Education have failed to deliver the roadmap for the reopening of schools that has been repeatedly promised.
"The new school year is now just a month away, but the government have still not produced any clear plan for the return of schools. Today in the Dáil, the Tánaiste wouldn't answer basic questions about the additional number of teachers that will be required and when recruitment will commence.
"Parents, students, teachers, support staff and transport operators are completely in the dark. They need certainty and assurances now that schools will return at the end of August - dragging this out is causing real concern, worry and anxiety.
"We need to see real clarity in the coming days.
"If not, Sinn Féin will use our private members time in the Dáil next week to bring this issue to a head and to call on the government to set out its roadmap for the reopening of schools.
“This uncertainty has gone on far too long already. It cannot go on any longer.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Social Protection Claire Kerrane TD has criticised the Government’s decision to cut income supports.
Teachta Kerrane said: “I welcome the extension of the PUP until April. However, the tapering out of payments will come as a blow to those who are out of work due to Covid-19.
“From 10th August, tens of thousands of people will have their payments cut by between €50 and €100. Many workers and families are already pushed to the edge financially and these cuts will cause them to struggle further.
“At a time when household debt is on the rise and families are already struggling to get by, we need to see income supports protected. “I am concerned this risks placing thousands of workers and families at risk of poverty.
“I am also concerned that over 15,000 people who are self-employed in this State have already seen their Pandemic Unemployment Payment reduced to €203. This is based on 2018 tax returns and for many self-employed people this is not be a true reflection of their earnings.
“Self-employed people should be allowed to make a self-declaration to Revenue on their 2019 earnings as the basis for their PUP rate, to ensure they are not unfairly treated.
“Just days ago, this government gave three of their ‘Super Juniors’ a pay increase of over €16,000. Now, the same government is cutting the incomes of those who need support most. It is a stark showing of where this government’s priorities lie and illustrates why they cannot be trusted to protect the interests of ordinary workers and families.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Foreign Affairs John Brady has called on government to end its opposition to the Occupied Territories Bill after a successful meeting with the Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland Dr Jilan Abdalmajid today.
Speaking at Dr Abdalmajid's residence in Dublin, Wicklow TD Brady also urged government to use its position on the UN Security Council to do right by the Palestinian people.
Teachta Brady said: "I am delighted to have met with Dr Jilan Abdalmajid. An accomplished academic, vastly experienced with the detail of the Irish political arena, I would like to wish Ambassador Abdalmajid every success.
“This is an important time for the Palestinian people, who sit with the spectre of an impending Israeli annexation of part of the West Bank hanging over them, and also for our legislative assembly here in Ireland.
"The opposition of a single party Fine Gael - the Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney in particular - has halted the progress of the Occupied Territories Bill through the Dáil.
"That threatens to impede the efforts of the many concerned citizens of this state, who are appalled at the threat of the Israeli government to annex part of the Jordan Valley.
“Given the history of our own colonial subjugation, there is a deep and abiding sense of empathy, compassion and affinity with the plight of oppressed peoples across the globe among he Irish people.
"This is especially the case with the Palestinian people.
"Famously, we had the situation in the 1980s when ordinary workers in Dunnes Stores in Dublin refused to handle produce from the apartheid state of South Africa; a courageous act that resonated around the world.
"Now we are asking for a similar act of principle and courage from those whom our people have charged with law making on their behalf.
"The rationale for refusing to support the Occupied Territories Bill is wrong. The government is mistaken in its interpretation of EU regulations, and is acting contrary to the wishes of the Irish people.
"There are many individual TDs within the government parties who do not support the official line enforced by Fine Gael.
"I appeal to them to take heed of the examples and wishes of the Irish people, of their party spokespersons of the past, and to find the moral courage to stand with the Palestinian people.
"I urge them to support the efforts of those of us within what is a broad section of the Dáil and Seanad attempting to ensure that Ireland makes a stand for what is right.
“By securing a position on the UN Security Council, we as a nation now also have a real opportunity to be a catalyst for change.
"We have the opportunity to give voice to those in the world muted by the powerful forces of oppression.
"But if we lack the moral courage and the sense of our own history to do the right thing by the Palestinian people, I fear that the platform offers nothing but an opportunity for the government to proffer empty platitudes of self-congratulations.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Enterprise, Trade and Employment Louise O’Reilly has said the government’s July Stimulus package will not deliver for business.
Speaking this evening, Teachta O’Reilly said: “We have been waiting weeks for the government’s July Stimulus package, and now that is has been announced, it is deeply disappointing for SMEs.
“The announcements for businesses are a total let-down. This is not the stimulus that was promised or needed.
"Businesses are struggling to get back up and running. They have been calling out for liquidity injections through grants.
“Instead of a comprehensive and funded grant scheme, businesses are instead being asked to take on more debt through loans - something they cannot do.
“This July Stimulus package has a 4:1 debt to grant ratio. This flies in the face of what the government has been advocating for in Europe.
“The Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, spent all last weekend preaching about the need for grants in Brussels. But his government has pushed debt, through loans, for SMEs at home.
“Businesses were calling out for an economic life buoy, and the government has thrown them an anchor.”
Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has said news that more than 230 workers could lose their jobs at Collins Aerospace in Kilkeel will come as a bitter blow to workers and their families.
The South Down MP said:
"News that more than 230 jobs could be lost at Collins Aerospace in Kilkeel will come as a bitter blow to the workers, their families and the local area.
"First and foremost this is devastating for the workers involved but it will also have a major impact on the local economy.
"Staff were told today by management that the pressures of COVID-19 has led to a significant downturn right across the aerospace industry. Airbus and Boeing have reduced production rates from between 40% – 50% and this has a huge knock-on effect for Collins Aerospace locally.
“The company has exhausted a series of mitigation steps including eliminating overtime, freezing recruitment and accessing the furlough job retention scheme. It has now commenced a 90-day consultation period in which they have committed to work in partnership with trade union representatives.
“Speaking with management this afternoon, I have asked them to continue to proactively engage with workers and their representatives at every stage of the process and offer retraining and upskilling opportunities wherever possible for those workers affected.”
Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew MLA has called on the Minister of Health to urgently address the issue of reimbursing pay to staff who lost out due to strike action earlier this year.
The Sinn Féin health spokesperson said:
“The Executive agreed on May 18th to allocate £1.64m to the Department of Health for the reimbursement of pay lost due to the HSC strike.
“This has still not been delivered over three months later despite assurances from the minister that he will act on the issue.
“Officials from the Department of Health were unable to confirm whether this has even been agreed by Minister Swann.
“Contradictory accounts from the Health Minister on where the issue currently stands is further confusing the situation.
“However, one thing is clear, in the midst of a global pandemic the Minister of Health has still not paid the money owed to hardworking frontline health workers.
“The money appears to be just resting with the Department of Health.
"I am calling on the Minister of Health to follow through on the commitment given to reimburse pay lost due to strike action to our frontline health workers.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Enterprise, Trade and Employment Louise O’Reilly TD has called the government’s Covid-19 Return to Work Safely Protocol a farce.
Data Deputy O'Reilly received via a Parliamentary Question showed that there are only 67 Health and Safety Authority inspectors available to carry out protocol-related inspections.
Teachta O’Reilly said: “The Return to Work Safely Protocol was designed to support employers and protect workers as they returned to work as we moved through the roadmap to reopening society and the economy.
“The protocol was developed following high level dialogue between government, trade union and employer representatives on the best way to ensure the spread of Covid-19 was prevented and workers kept safe as the economy opens up.
“The protocol has excellent information and safety recommendations, and the HSA was tasked with carrying out Return to Work Safely Protocol inspections.
“The role of the HSA, the body responsible for enforcing health and safety law, promoting accident prevention, and providing information and advice, is essential to ensure workers are kept safe and the protocol is adhered to.
“Frustratingly, the HSA have not been given sufficient resources to increase the number of dedicated inspectors they have to carry out protocol related inspections.
“Parliamentary Question data I have received from the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment has revealed that the HSA have only 67 inspectors to cover almost 271,000 businesses across the state.
“The situation is a farce and makes a mockery of the protocol, putting workers and public health at risk.
“Tens of thousands of people responded to the ‘Be on Call for Ireland’ campaign, yet only a handful were given jobs.
“I am sure within those thousands of applications there were a number of people who have health and safety qualifications who could be employed to carry out inspections.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire TD has challenged the Minister for Education to provide a clear plan to reopen schools safely. He has said that time is running out to provide much needed clarity.
Teachta Ó Laoghaire said:
“We are now just four weeks out from the traditional date of schools reopening, yet no plan to reopen the schools has materialised - despite repeated promises of a roadmap.
“The reality is that parents are very worried. As is the norm at this time of year, they are beginning to buy uniforms and school bags, being asked to buy books and being contacted by Bus Éireann to pay for school transport.
“Many of the parents I’m speaking to don’t have the confidence that a full and safe return to school is going to be delivered. We need to reassure them now- not next week or the week after.
“Some of this is complex, but there are a number of things that are actually quite straightforward.
"We know more teachers will be needed. That is a process that takes time. We know there will be investment needed, more space and more resources for cleaning and additional hygiene measures. We know children will need to get buses and we know that there are other children with additional needs that will need to be catered for.
“We also need the Minister to tell us if all children will be returning to school from the end of August on a five-day week basis. We need to know how many extra teachers are being hired and when this recruitment will happen? Parents need and deserve answers.”
Sinn Féin MLA and Health Committee member Pat Sheehan today raised concerns for the safety of health workers following improper training on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
The health committee today confirmed that a review found that 14 staff who contracted COVID-19 had initially received improper training for PPE.
The audit of fit testing found over 37,000 testing certificates needed to be reviewed and 2,802 staff need to be retested across the HSC.
Speaking after the Committee meeting Mr Sheehan said:
“Health service staff stepped up when the public needed them most during this pandemic and it is essential these workers are assured they are protected at all times as they carry out their vital work.
"Unfortunately this has not always been the case.
“At the start of the crisis we heard concerns from across the health service over access to PPE, and in particular FFP 3 face masks.
“Today it was confirmed that of the staff who needed to be retested within the South Eastern Trust, at least 14 had contracted Coronavirus.
“I challenged Health Trust Chief Executives and the Department's Chief Nursing Officer on this startling information in the Health Committee.
“Questions need to be answered as to how this could have happened and what support is in place for those affected.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on housing Eoin Ó Broin TD has called on the Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien to scrap co-living - something the minister himself previously described as a ‘bonkers policy’.
Speaking during questions to the minister in the Dáil, Teachta Ó Broin said: “When in opposition, Darragh O’Brien opposed to co-living.
“He described the idea as ‘a bonkers policy’. He said Fine Gael was ‘out of touch’ trying to pursue it.
“Speaking to the media last July, he said the government should scrap co-living and said that 'if Leo Varadkar and Eoghan Murphy want this bonkers policy so much, they should live together’.
“A year on and the Minister has changed his tune. Rather than scrap the ‘bonkers policy’, he has simply initiated a review.
“Contrary to his claim in the Dáil today, he is not duty bound to conduct a review. He has mandatory ministerial guideline powers, which mean he can simply walk into the Customs House and abolish this scheme right now.
“All a review will do is incentivise developers to rush through applications, which will just jack up the price of land.
“A review of this ‘bonkers policy’ is itself bonkers. The Minister should act now and scrap co-living.”
Sinn Féin MLA Sinead Ennis has welcomed the announcement by Communities Minister Carál Ní Chuilín that the Creative Support Fund will reopen for the arts, creative industries and cultural sector and that an additional £4m will be allocated to it.
Speaking the Sinn Féin Culture, Arts and Sports spokesperson said:
“I welcome the announcement today by Communities Minister Carál Ni Chuilin that a further £4 million will be allocated to help support freelancers, performers, culture and arts organisations.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating for many sectors across society and in particular for musicians, freelancers, craftspeople and performers.
“Culture and the arts are at the heart of our communities and enrich our society.
“Sinn Féin will work to ensure that those in this sector receive maximum protection and support during this period to allow them to continue to create, perform and entertain society into the future.”
Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has said the British government is flapping about and posturing in its pursuance of its reckless Brexit agenda at all costs, regardless of the dire consequences.
And he said the protections contained in the Irish Protocol must be maintained and cannot be cast aside by the British government.
The Brexit spokesperson has said:
"The latest round of Brexit negotiations on the future relationship have ended with the British government saying that considerable gaps remain.
"The Brexit clock is ticking. Businesses in particular are crying out for certainty and yet the British government is still prevaricating and trying to shirk its responsibilities and legal obligations under the Irish Protocol and the Withdrawal Agreement.
"The British government is flapping about and posturing in its pursuance of its reckless Brexit agenda at all costs, regardless of the dire consequences.
"It shows once again that the British government does not care about the impact of Brexit on the north.
"The vital protections for the north, our economy and the Good Friday Agreement secured in the Irish Protocol must be maintained and upheld and the British government cannot be allowed to cast them aside.
"We need to see the EU and the Irish government ensuring that these protections remain in place in the interests of our economy and our peace agreements."
Sinn Féin Environment Spokesperson, Philip McGuigan MLA, has said Environment Minister Edwin Poots must immediately clarify where he believes the world is facing a climate emergency.
The North Antrim MLA was speaking following a series of comments made by Minister Edwin Poots on BBC Talkback on Thursday afternoon.
Philip McGuigan MLA said:
"Today Minister Poots repeatedly stated that the Department he is responsible for does not accept the overwhelming body of international climate science that we are facing a climate emergency.
"Either the Minister does not understand or he does not accept climate science. He now immediately needs to make his position clear.
"Given the scale and immediacy of the climate emergency we are facing, these remarks are little short of climate change denial.
"Indeed, it explains the Minister's repeated refusal to introduce a Climate Change Act
"Our economy, society and way of life is existentially threatened by climate breakdown. We appear to be left with a Minister who does not accept this fact.
"Minister Poots must explain his comments today. Do his officials not accept the climate emergency, or is it his own beliefs?
"I am requesting that Departmental officials come before the AERA committee as a matter of urgency in order to clarify their position immediately."
Sinn Féin TD for Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon and South Donegal Martin Kenny has raised with the Taoiseach the issue of adults with intellectual disability who are at home with elderly parents since lockdown without any of the usual supports.
Teachta Kenny said: “I want to raise with the Taoiseach the issue of adults with intellectual disabilities who are at home with elderly parents who, in many cases, are unable to cope.
“This situation has continued through the pandemic. Many people around the country are at their wits end in regard to what to do. Daycare services and respite care services have been taken away.
“Across my constituency, and I am sure across the country as a whole, carers and families who are caring for adults in such circumstances need to see efforts being made by Government to put these services back in place immediately.”
Commenting on the HSE’s Framework for the Resumption of Adult Disability Day Services, Teachta Kenny added:
“I appreciate that care and planning has to happen to resume services. But surely with adequate testing of both the carers and those being cared for, adaption of premises and perhaps hours of service, this can be done more speedily.
“There are people at their wits’ end and close to burnout with the lack of daycare or even respite services.
"We all realise the care that must be taken before resumption of services, but there is a shocking lack of urgency about this and the government, like on many other issues, seems to be unaware or uncaring of the crisis in which many families find themselves.
“I am calling on the Minister and the HSE to treat this crisis with the urgency it deserves and restore services as soon as possible.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Defence John Brady has challenged the Taoiseach over the fact that Ireland will be paying more to Europe this year than it will receive from what is an unprecedented rescue package for member countries.
The Wicklow TD Brady added: “Over the last few days, the Taoiseach has said that the EU Recovery Fund was worth negotiating, however the deal that the Taoiseach agreed is bad for workers, families and Ireland.
“Reports from the Department of Finance state that Ireland's contribution to the EU will rise to €2.7 billion this year, up from €2.4 billion last year
“In addition to the relatively paltry sum that Ireland will receive, we witness savage cuts across criteria that are vital to Ireland.
"The Rural development budget has been cut by €7.5 billion from the original proposal.
"The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Budget has been cut something in the region of €35.2 billion from the original proposal Pillar II cut from €15 billion to €7.5 billion.
"In 2019 Ireland contributed €2.4 billion to the EU. This year the we will pay something in the region of €2.7 billion.
"A new tax on unrecycled plastics, will be added to Ireland's contribution. I asked to Taoiseach whether he would consider mobilising a nationwide emergency CE scheme to gather up all the empty coke bottles and the like discarded around the country.
"For we seem to be powerless to affect any other form of influence on the funds that will be given over to the EU by Ireland to pay for Europe’s recovery.”
Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson has said there is an urgent need to address the deficiencies of the rail network in the north west, including looking ways to extend the line across the region.
The Foyle MLA stated:
“If you take even a glance at the rail network map of Ireland, you will notice the striking nonexistence of rail in the Northwest compared to other parts of the island.
“This is demonstrated by the fact that of the 54 stations in the entire six counties, only three are situated west of the Bann.
“More immediate upgrades such as ‘phase 3’ improvements for the Derry to Coleraine line are highly anticipated and should be delivered as soon as possible. However, we should also be engaging in long-term planning in order to address the stark disparity of the rail network in the region.
"I have now published a motion on addressing the deficiencies of the rail network in the north west.
“This motion calls on the Minister for Infrastructure to ensure that improving the current rail network west of the Bann, as well as exploring ways to extend the line further, is a critical part of her Department's strategy in improving rail connectivity locally.
“Extending the line from Derry to Letterkenny and Derry to Strabane could also be a powerful first step to addressing the huge gaps in north west’s infrastructure.
“The Department for Infrastructure should work proactively with their counterparts in the south to explore this.
“Although we are in a period of uncertainty with great challenges ahead, we also need to be planning for the future. This should include delivering a public transport system that truly serves the whole island."
Sinn Féin MP Francie Molloy has paid tribute to former Sinn Féin MP for Mid Ulster, Tom Mitchell who died yesterday.
The Mid Ulster MP said:
“I was saddened to hear of the death of Tom Mitchell, the former Sinn Féin MP for Mid Ulster.
“Tom Mitchell won the election in Mid Ulster in 1955 from his prison cell.
“He defied a British government attempt to remove him as an MP, when faced with a subsequent election, increased his majority and was elected again.
“The people of Mid Ulster have a long and proud republican history and Tom Mitchel stood with them again with myself and others in the civil rights campaign.
“He lived in Dublin but continued to have many friends in Mid Ulster who will sadly miss him.
“I offer my thoughts and prayers to his family at this tragic time.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Health David Cullinane TD has called on the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly to clarify the extent of lost capacity in the health service and to clarity what steps he is taking to expand capacity and deliver additional beds for non-Covid care and to catch up on lost care in the health service.
Teachta Cullinane said:
"It is vital that Minister Stephen Donnelly clarifies the extent of lost capacity in the health service due to social distancing and infection prevention and control measures.
"There are major concerns about the drop in capacity coming from healthcare professionals about the consequences this is having on patients and service delivery at a time when waiting lists are growing by the day.
"These are necessary measures - underpinned by the medical advice - but we must clarify what is being lost due to these measures. Only then can we begin to deliver what is necessary.
"We need to know what the Minister, the Department and the HSE are doing to tackle these issues, because there has been a distinct lack of clarity on this up to now.
"Care delayed is care denied, and if efforts to expand bed capacity and increase staffing levels are not stepped up significantly, we will not keep up, never mind catch up on lost care."
Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan has expressed concern after the Dublin government said, as it currently stands, drivers from the north will have to possess a green card to drive in the 26 counties.
The Newry and Armagh MLA stated
“The prospect as outlined by the south's department for transport that if no other agreement is reached, following the transition period, a green card will be required for northern vehicles driving in the south is very concerning
“It’s not clear how a requirement for a green card to prove motor insurance cover would even work or whether drivers in the north will automatically receive a green card or whether they have to apply for one.
“Such a regime put a stark emphasis on the inappropriatenes of two different regulatory systems existing on a small island, particularly for those so many people who drive across the border on a daily basis.
“It is absolutely essential that all-Ireland transport is not inhibited by the Tories’ reckless Brexit policies.
