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Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins has welcomed today's move by the Executive to allow weddings, civil partnerships and baptisms to resume indoors. 

Liz Kimmins said: 

"I welcome today's move from the Executive to allow weddings, civil partnerships and baptisms to resume indoors as part of the further easings of COVID-19 restrictions. 

"It will mean ceremonies can take place indoors in places of worship, hotels and registry offices from Friday, July 10 in line with social distancing guidelines. 

"It will be up to the venues themselves to determine the number of people allowed depending on the size of the venue and how they can accommodate guests while ensuring social distancing. 

"This news will be welcomed by couple planning weddings and parents organising baptisms. 

"I would encourage people to continue to follow the guidelines so we can continue to keep moving in the right direction."

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Sinn Féin Colm Gildernew MLA has welcomed the further relaxation of visiting arrangements by Department of Health. 

The health spokesperson said: 

"The lifting of the blanket ban on visiting coming into effect today will see a considerable change with visitors now being allowed into many wards and care homes at the discretion of the nurse in charge or manager.

“For many, the inability to see a loved one during the different stages of the lockdown has been extremely tough. I know many health and social care staff went to great lengths to keep families and friends connected. A special recognition of this effort must be made as for many it made the world of difference.

“As we continue to ease the restrictions from the lockdown it is right that visiting arrangements were reviewed and changed. 

“I am glad to see that the Department has taken on board the call of carers to accompany a loved one, when necessary, at all times when in care. It is an important recognition to the invaluable role that carers play in supporting the health and social care system.

“I am also delighted to see that maternity services will see changes including birthing partners being able to accompany pregnant women during the birth and to many of the other appointments. This has been something Sinn Féin has raised at the Health committee and with the Minister of Health. 

“Obviously, the visiting policy may change depending on the spread of the virus and the circumstances at each ward or care home, as safety and public health must continue to come first but this will undoubtedly bring comfort to many during this challenging time.”

“I would urge all members of the public to work with staff around the new visiting arrangements. Although it is a considerable step forward, we must be able to react and respond to any signs of a rise and spread of COVID-19 cases.”

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Eoin Ó BroinSinn Féin spokesperson on Housing Eoin Ó Broin TD has stated that the delivery of real affordable homes for working people will be the key litmus test of the new government.

Sinn Féin will use the first private members business slot of the new Dáil term to debate a motion on affordable housing.

Teachta Ó Broin said: “Housing was one of the biggest issues of February’s general election and the delivery of affordable housing is something the new housing minister has paid a lot of lip service to.

“The reality is that Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil were in power for four years and failed deliver any affordable homes to rent or to buy through any government scheme.

“Fine Gael did not publish any affordable housing scheme while leading the last government.

“Fianna Fáil has not published any detailed policy on affordable housing.

“The programme for government does not contain any affordable housing definitions, price points or targets. It is a repackaged commitment from the 2016 programme for government.

“Sinn Féin is the only political party to publish a detailed, costed policy on affordable housing.

“Five weeks ago, I published an affordable housing draft circular that would deliver affordable homes to rent and to buy on public land. This motion is based on that circular.

“We also made costed commitments in our Alternative Budgets for 2019 and 2020 and our General Election Manifesto.

“The government must undertake a massive house building programme on public land. That is the only way to deliver the genuinely affordable homes that people need.”

Affordable Housing Motion (PDF)

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Sinn Féin Economy spokesperson Caoimhe Archibald MLA has called on the Economy Minister to explore a voucher scheme to stimulate the economic recovery in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

The economy spokesperson said:

“It has been well documented that the tourism and hospitality sectors have been among the hardest hit by the pandemic which is deeply unsettling for tourism and hospitality workers and their families, as well as the wider economy.

"Last month I wrote to Economy Minister Diane Dodds urging her to explore the potential of a voucher scheme in the North which would incentivise people to take staycations and spend money in the local economy and to work with Tourism Ireland to support the sector across the island.

"Sinn Féin has proposed a voucher scheme in the south which would provide vouchers to citizens which could be spent in local businesses who have registered their interest.

"The Resolution Foundation in Britain is now calling for a high street voucher scheme as part of a wider fiscal stimulus package to kickstart the economic recovery and focusing support on the firms and workers hardest hit by the COVID-induced economic crisis.

"The Department for the Economy needs to bring forward recovery supports for local businesses and a voucher scheme should be considered as an innovative way to help our tourism and hospitality sector to recover and prosper.

"I would urge the Economy Minister to engage with the British Chancellor on a support package for these businesses."

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Sinn Féin’s Chris Hazzard MP has challenged the British government to live up to its legal obligation to fully implement the Irish Protocol and urgently clarify their approach to enhancing checking facilities at local ports. 

The Brexit spokesperson met with British Government Minister Robin Walker this morning. He reiterated the need for the British Government, and the Department for Agriculture, the Environment & Rural Affairs (DAERA) to urgently inform the public, as well as the ports and local business community about the process and deadlines they are now working to having missed the previous deadlines to submit plans at the end of June. 

The South Down MP said:

“The British Government and DAERA’s handling of this issue has been shambolic. This is inexcusable as they have known for some time what would be required to enhance local points of entry to the island of Ireland in keeping with the Irish Protocol and the Withdrawal Agreement. 

“A huge amount of work was undertaken by DAERA officials in partnership with local ports in the opening weeks of June. This work was disregarded by the DAERA Minister Edwin Poots and the British government at the last moment before the deadline for submitting plans to European counterparts passed at the end of June. 

“This has left local ports, businesses and the public completely in the dark as to what is happening in order to get fit for purpose facilities in place in time for the end of the transition period. I reminded the British government today that this lack of transparency is completely unacceptable and efforts must be made now to provide clarity to those who have been left in the dark. 

"The Brexit clock is ticking towards a potentially disastrous no-deal crash-out and the British government, as well as the Agriculture Minister and DAERA need to waken up and realise that local businesses and the public at large are at risk of suffering yet another severe economic shock on the back of the Covid-19 pandemic.  

“I do however, welcome confirmation from the British government this morning that any and all landscape management schemes that will be required as part of enhancing Warrenpoint Port will be included, and paid for by the British Treasury. 

“Ultimately the local community will want to see plans as soon as possible and a genuine opportunity to engage with Warrenpoint Harbour Authority, DAERA, and Newry, Mourne & Down Council on how best to protect the local environment against any impact of these new facilities.”

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Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Health David Cullinane has said that he is “appalled beyond belief” at the shocking case of Mr Meehan at Kilbrew Nursing Home, Ashbourne.

Teachta Cullinane said:

“I do not have the words to fully describe how this makes me feel.

“I am appalled beyond belief. Mr Meehan’s wife raised concerns in mid-May over her husband’s condition.

“It has since transpired that Mr Meehan, who passed away from sepsis on June 15th, had larvae growing in a facial wound.

“Mr Meehan’s son, Adrian, who lived with Mr Meehan at the nursing home, passed away from Covid-19 a number of weeks ago.

“I extend, on behalf of Sinn Féin, my deepest condolences to Mrs Meehan and the family.

“There needs to be an immediate inquiry into this particular case. Mr Meehan’s loved ones deserve this at least.

“This also highlights the extent to which nursing homes are desperately unprepared to deal with health emergencies, such as the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Of all institutions, healthcare facilities with vulnerable patients should have been better prepared than they were.

“There is an urgent need for us to have a wider discussion about nursing homes across this island to ensure that all patients get the highest level of care.

“We must immediately review the role, scope, and powers of HIQA and the HSE to provide more oversight and stronger enforcement of standards in this sector."

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Pearse DohertySinn Féin spokesperson on Finance Pearse Doherty TD has criticised the retail banks for wilfully misinforming government ministers regarding the charging of interest on payment breaks at a meeting held on May 11th.

The Donegal TD was commenting after a story in the Business Post by Aiden Corkery reported that the five retail banks told former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe that the regulator required banks to charge interest on Covid-19 payment breaks when this is not the case.

Speaking today, Teachta Doherty said: “A story in yesterday’s Business Post reported minutes of a meeting held on May 11th between the five retail banks, the Banking and Payments Federation, the Minister for Finance and then Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.

“During the meeting, banks misinformed ministers that the regulator required them to charge additional interest on payment breaks issued in the context of Covid-19.

“This was and is not true.

“It is disturbing to read that Bank of Ireland and AIB in particular, of which the state is majority shareholder, openly misled senior ministers over such a serious issue, which will affect tens of thousands of borrowers.

“Since March 18th, almost 80,000 mortgage-holders have taken a payment break because of income loss due to Covid-19.

“For every one of them, interest will be charged over the payment break period, increasing their repayments and outstanding balance by up to €4,000.

“This will increase debt for borrowers who are already financially vulnerable as a result of this crisis.

“At this meeting on May 11th, the banks told ministers that the regulator required this additional interest to be charged. This is demonstrably false.

“In several EU member states, banks are not charging interest for mortgage payment breaks, in full compliance with the European Banking Authority Guidelines. This is an issue I have repeatedly raised since March.

“If you are a KBC customer in Belgium, you can apply for a payment break on your mortgage without being charged additional interest. If you are a KBC customer here, you will be.

“On June 22nd, I received correspondence from the Central Bank confirming that the regulator allows payment breaks to be applied whereby interest does not accrue during the break period, directly contradicting the words of the banks at this meeting with senior government ministers.

“It is simply not credible that Sinn Féin knew this and the five retail banks did not.

“It is unclear which is more disturbing; that the banks so flagrantly misinformed senior government ministers, or that the Minister for Finance believed them without doing his homework.

“I will be raising this as a matter of urgency with the Central Bank."

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Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has said the entire Executive must work to ensure the British government fulfils its responsibilities and legal requirements to fully implement the Irish Protocol on Brexit. 

The Brexit spokesperson said: 

"With the Brexit deadline fast approaching, the full implementation and delivery of the Irish Protocol remains our top priority. 

"The window is closing to deliver on the vital protections contained in the Brexit protocol. 

"Joint Head of Government Michelle O'Neill made that clear to the British government and the EU's Chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, when she met with them alongside Arlene Foster at the most recent meeting of the Joint Committee which oversees its implementation. 

"At that meeting, Michelle O'Neill also reinforced to the British government that we do not support its decision not to request an extension to the Brexit transition period. 

"The entire Executive has a responsibility to make sure the British government fulfils its responsibilities and legal commitments. The Executive must also work to fulfil its responsibilities, including the Infrastructure Minister who has responsibility for ports and the Agriculture Minister.

"We need to see workable solutions in place to offset the impact of the reckless British government Brexit policy and allow our businesses to continue to trade. " 

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Sinn Féin TD for Louth Ruairí Ó Murchú and Dundalk South Councillor Kevin Meenan said they were appalled by the attack at the family home which happened at around 3.35am. A child and a seven month pregnant woman were among the five people taken to hospital following an arson attack at a house in Clontygora Court, Dundalk in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Teachta Ó Murchú said;

"This was an appalling attack on a family home where there were a child was sleeping. We understand that at least one adult was injured, sustaining broken bones when they had to jump to safety from a first floor window.

"This is the latest in a long line of attacks on this house and we understand that the origin of this may be linked to a drugs debt.

"This property has been the subject of attempted arson attacks in the recent past, which have clearly escalated to the point where five people, including a young child, were treated in hospital.

"We repeat our calls for those involved in this senseless criminality to stop. It is understood that numerous threats have been traded, using social media.

"Both myself and Councillor Kevin Meenan both have met with residents in the area over the last number of months and I visited the scene this morning. 

"I have spoken to Gardaí about the ongoing issues here and Cllr. Meenan has been in touch with the council and with Clúid Housing Association about the intimidation and violence that is being visited upon residents. 

"Our efforts to find a resolution to this will redouble. Nobody should have to live under the threat of violence and to have an attack like this happen, where people’s lives were put at serious risk, is completely reprehensible.

"Anybody with information about this attack should contact Gardaí in Dundalk immediately, or the Confidential Line at 1800 666 111."

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Sinn Féin’s Seanad Leader Senator Niall Ó Donnghaile has called on the Irish Government to urgently set the date for the long-promised referendum on Presidential Voting Rights. 

Speaking after submitting a motion to the Seanad calling on government to act, Seanadóir Ó Donnghaile said:

“When first elected to the Seanad in 2016 the first item of business I moved was a motion calling for a date for the voting rights referendum to be set; despite many false dawns and promised dates I again have to table a similar motion in 2020.

“All three government parties have committed to this referendum in the Programme for Government; in 2013 the constitutional convention voted 78% in favour of the right to extend the vote, in September last year the previous government published the draft legislation on holding this referendum and that Bill must be brought before the new Seanad and Dáil and a date urgently set.

“One way we can have ‘a shared island’ is to ensure all citizens are enfranchised and afforded the rights they are entitled to and long-promised.”

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Sinn Féin MLA Emma Rogan has said staff at the Downe Hospital are deeply concerned at the move to open a minor injuries unit in place of the A&E department which was closed as part of the COVID-19 emergency measures. 

The South Down MLA said: 

"The move not to reopen the A&E department at the Downe Hospital at this stage and instead replace it with a minor injuries unit has considerable anger in the local community. 

"In particular, staff at the hospital are extremely concerned at the decision and the lack of consultation before it was taken. 

"Not only are they concerned about the impact on jobs, but they are more concerned at the consequences this will have for the health outcomes of patients using the hospital. 

"The fact that this major change to services at the A&E unit at the Downe is happening just as plans are announced to open 160 new beds at the Ulster Hospital using additional money made available to deal with COVID-19 has caused particular anger among hospital staff and the local community. 

"Sinn Féin has written to Health Minister Robin Swann on this to outline our opposition to the move and we will also be raising it at Newry Mourne and Down Council as well as at the Assembly."

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Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Transport Darren O’Rourke TD today said the July stimulus package being prepared by the government must include support and assistance for transport operators such as bus and coach companies and taxi drivers.

Speaking today, the Meath East TD said;

“Despite being a key part of our transport system, the bus, coach and taxi sectors have been left high and dry without any proper support from the government to date.

“We’ve recently met with the Federation of Transport Operators (FOTO), the Coach Tourism & Transport Council of Ireland (CTTC), four taxi representative organisations, in addition to dozens of individual operators, and their message has been the same - there won’t be many operators left if direct supports aren’t introduced immediately.

“The bus and coach sector employs thousands of workers and provides essential transport links for hundreds of thousands of commuters and schoolchildren across our island.

“They have warned they simply won’t be there in September if assistance isn’t provided now, leaving a huge gap in our transport network.

“Taxi drivers have also been very badly hit by the pandemic, yet little to no support has been made available for them.

“We need sector specific plans that recognise some areas are going to take much longer to get back to normal, and therefore need targeted supports. The taxi industry needs to be recognised and treated as a key part of our public transport system.

“The costs associated with getting back on the road are proving prohibitive for many operators, while the lack of activity in the economy means business has collapsed for those who are back to work in the sector.

“It is vital these sectors are included in the July stimulus plan. Operators need grants to help get them back on the road in addition to reforms in their sector to make their businesses feasible going forward, living with Covid-19.

“The last Minister for Transport took a complete hands-off approach to most issues under his remit, Minister Ryan cannot do the same.”

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Sinn Féin councillor on Belfast City Council Daniel Baker has called on Alliance Councillor Emmet McDonough Brown to retract accusations that a Sinn Féin councillor verbally abused an Alliance councillor following the publication of council audio recordings.

Speaking councillor Baker said:

”The accusation by Alliance Party Councillor Emmet McDonough Brown that a Sinn Féin representative used foul language during the recent council meeting are clearly an attempt to distract from the Alliance Party’s denial of rights in Belfast City Council.

“These accusations have been proven to be entirely untrue and false having listened to the audio recording of the recent council meeting.

“It is abundantly clear that the Alliance Party have sought to spread misinformation to detract attention from their denial of rights to the Irish language community in Belfast.

“I call on all political parties to work together to build a just, equal and inclusive Belfast.”

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Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson David Cullinane TD said the imposition of new charges of between €75 and €250 for patients before they can attend private hospitals was a disgrace. 

The Waterford TD said it is all the more galling given the State has just completed a near €300m deal with private hospitals.

Teachta Cullinane said:

“All healthcare settings, including private hospitals, have a responsibility to keep people safe. Reports of the imposition of charges for COVID testing is an act of bad faith by private hospitals.

“These hospitals benefited from a very lucrative deal with the state over the last few months. While all health care settings will incur costs to meet public health guidelines these costs should be absorbed by the hospitals and not passed on to patients.

“Many families are forced to take out private health insurance not by choice but because they cannot depend on the public system. Imposing additional charges for COVID testing is appalling and must be reversed. To add insult to injury the costs may not be met by health insurers.

“We need a single tier health service where people are treated on the basis of health need. The for-profit health care system will always seek to increase charges to boost profits.

“The Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly needs to intervene. Patients should not have to pay these additional charges and profits should not come before the health of patients. Costs of COVID testing should be borne by the hospitals and not passed on to patients and families.”

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DonnchadhSinn Féin spokesperson on Education Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire TD has said that the current uncertainty and confusion regarding the return to school is intolerable and causing enormous anxiety.

He has called on the new Minister for Education Norma Foley to focus on what is a state-wide crisis that requires immediate action to allay the fears of students, parents and teachers.

Speaking today, Teachta Ó Laoghaire said: "I have been inundated with questions from parents and school staff who are beside themselves with stress and anxiety.

"This because the Department of Education, more so than any other department, has created unprecedented uncertainty by pivoting from one position to the next, flying kits and changing with the wind.

"At the same time, much of the new minister's initial commentary seems to be focused on issues in her constituency.

"While I appreciate absolutely that the minister represents a constituency as well, her primary responsibility, particularly at a time like this, should be the children, parents and school staff all across the state. Well over a million people are effected by this and are awaiting some sort of a plan.

"It is her duty to produce a roadmap for the full return to education. If we can have a roadmap for the economy, why can we not have a roadmap for education?

"I have been calling for this for months now. We were promised it in early June and there is still no sign of it. It seems to have fallen off the agenda completely. The Department of Education is all over the place on this; their position has now changed radically from what Minister McHugh announced on June 12th.

"Our schools shut their doors almost four months ago, but the department only started looking at this about four weeks ago. Confusion has snowballed since. How can parents or schools make any preparations when they are being kept in the dark by the department?

"The objective has to be a full and safe return to school; that is an objective shared by the vast majority of parents and schools. We all accept that there is a public health emergency and that elements of advice will change as our understanding of the virus improves. Parents understand the realities and do not expect absolute certainty, but they do expect some clarity.

"The approach to reopening schools should be based on outlining what the approach will be in a number of different scenarios depending on the success of containing Covid-19, and what the arrangements and best public health practice should be in each of those instances.

"We also need confirmation that any additional costs to schools will be carried by the Department. That includes hygiene, cleaning, refuse and additional equipment. Under no circumstances should any costs be borne by schools or passed on to parents who are under enough pressure.

"There is a roadmap for the economy. We have been seeking and were promised a roadmap for a return to education weeks ago, but it seems to have fallen completely off the agenda.

"The new minister needs get a grip on this as it is becoming a fiasco.

"She needs to clear the decks. Right now she should be focused on this, and on nothing else. She must prioritise and publish the roadmap as soon as possible."

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Sinn Féin MLA Declan Kearney has welcomed a planned extension of the existing 30mph speed limit on the Moneynick Road into Toome Village.

The South Antrim MLA said:

“I am very pleased that following my representations on behalf of concerned residents and road users, the existing 30mph speed limit on the Moneynick Road leading into Toome will now be extended from the Gloverstown Road out to the Drumderg Roundabout.

“The speed of traffic flow both in and out of Toome on the Moneynick Road has been a source of real concern to me for an extended period of time.

“This reduction in the permitted speed limit from 40mph to 30mph on the edge of the village will bring increased reassurance to local residents and road users, especially those pedestrians, many of them children, who frequent local amenities, including St Oliver Plunkett PS, Cargin GAC and nearby shops. 

“This important speed reduction which has been achieved through continued close partnership working between myself, Roads Service and PSNI, is the latest in a series of measures to be delivered through the rural road safety campaign spearheaded by myself and Councillor Henry Cushinan in recent years across the wider Toome area. 

“I and other Sinn Féin representatives will continue to work closely with the PSNI and Roads Service to ensure that rural road safety remains a shared priority throughout the South Antrim constituency.”

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Pearse DohertySinn Féin spokesperson on Finance Pearse Doherty TD has called on motor insurers to pass on savings they have made during the Covid-19 crisis to customers by providing reductions or rebates equivalent to at least 10 per cent of premiums for 2020.

The Donegal TD's call comes after the latest CSO figures show a 70 per cent drop in the volume of cars on the road over a six-week period from the end of March to May 9th.

Speaking today, Teachta Doherty said: “Since the Covid-19 outbreak and the containment measures introduced to contain its spread, it was inevitable that traffic levels would decline.

“Today’s CSO data shows a 70 per cent drop in cars on the road over a six-week period. Indeed, over a 13-week period, traffic volumes fell by 60% compared to 2019.

“This will mean a reduction in car traffic volumes of at least 15 per cent for 2020.

"A reduction in cars on the road mean a reduction in both the number and cost of claims.

“Based on recent figures published by the Central Bank, this reduction in traffic could cut underwriting costs for the motor insurance industry by at least 10 per cent this year.

“Before any rebates to customers, this could see insurers pocketing up to €200 million on the back of reduced traffic as a result of Covid-19.

“These savings must be passed on to consumers.

"Motor insurers should provide rebates or reductions equivalent to at least 10 per cent of premiums.

“To date, insurance companies have taken this crisis as an opportunity to bolster their profit margins, offering rebates or vouchers that bear no resemblance to the savings these companies will make as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak.

“Some insurance companies are offering vouchers of as little as €25 to customers paying over €1,000 this year for their motor insurance; less than three per cent the cost of their insurance.  

“When insurance companies have been fleecing their customers for years with rip-off premiums, they cannot be allowed to profit from a pandemic.

“That approach must now change.

“Insurance Ireland should publish the total value of rebates that have been provided to motor insurance customers. In turn, the insurance industry should commit to rebates of at least 10 per cent of premiums paid this year."

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Sinn Féin spokesperson on Mental Health Pat Buckley TD has called on new Minister of State Mary Butler TD to act swiftly in addressing the many gaps in mental health services exposed by the Covid-19 crisis.

Teachta Buckley TD said;

" I wish Minister Butler good luck in her role but she has a huge amount of work to do. It will take real strength and political will to deliver the reform promised but undelivered by previous governments.

This week the Mental Health Commission published it's annual report once again highlighting problems in compliance at approved centres. Hygiene, maintenance, staffing and the protecting of patients' dignity and rights are major issues that need focus and investment.

"The previous government was good at press releases but we now need real action and investment.

"I am calling on the Minister to publish a plan for multi annual funding of increased mental health services in line with the recommendations of Vision for Change and Sharing the Vision. This means considerably more money actually being allocated than in previous years.

"I am calling for her to back and Oireachtas Committee on mental health also. This is a vital body to over see and hold to account herself, her department and the HSE but also to support her in demanding focus from cabinet on providing solutions.

Sinn Féin will not be quiet on mental health but if Minister Butler is willing to fight for investment and reform we will work with her. We cannot afford to let more time pass and more lives to be damaged by the inadequate system we have today."

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Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD and Vice President Michelle O’Neill MLA held a meeting (via Zoom) this afternoon with the leader of the British Labour Party Keir Starmer MP.

The leaders discussed ongoing responses to the Covid-19 pandemic, Brexit, the north's institutions, 'New Decade, New Approach' and co-operation between the islands.

Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald said:

"We welcomed a constructive and productive discussion with the leader of the British Labour Party Keir Starmer.

"We discussed the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and how efforts to fight the virus can be maximised by co-operation between our two islands.

"The threat of a no-deal Brexit remains and we highlighted our continued concern about the severe economic consequences this could have for the island of Ireland.

"We have made clear our determination that the north is protected to ensure businesses and workers are not made to suffer from Britain crashing out of EU negotiations in such a way. We made clear Sinn Féin's determination to continue working towards Irish unity.

"We look forward to continuing to engage in the future".

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Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has said that pans to replace the Emergency Department and A&E at the Downe Hospital with a Minor Injuries Unit is a “major slap in the face” for the local community who supported the South Eastern Health Trust’s urgent reconfiguration of services at the outset of the Covid19 pandemic. 

The Sinn Féin MP was speaking following a meeting with South Eastern Trust (SEHSCT) management on Thursday, where interim Chief Executive Seamus McGoran revealed the controversial decision to only restore a minor injuries unit at the Downe in August, and not the Emergency Department and A&E. 

Speaking Mr Hazzard said: 

“At the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic the SEHSCT asked our local community to be openminded and understand that a “temporary” overhaul of services at the Downe Hospital was absolutely necessary to meet the Covid19 challenge. 

"To their credit, our local community and all shades of political opinion accepted the unprecedented nature of this situation and wholeheartedly supported the SEHSCT in their endeavour to reorganise local services to help those who would unfortunately be in need of intensive medical support. 

"The Downe Hospital was soon unrecognisable as the Emergency Department, Minor Injuries Unit, Day Procedure Unit, and Outpatients Department were all closed from Monday 30th March. Where required, all available staff and equipment from these units was then requisitioned for use in other parts of the SEHSCT area.

“Importantly, the SEHSCT were explicit in their communication to the public that this loss of services was “solely part of the effort to meet the challenges of COVID-19” and that they would "fully restore services to normal as soon as possible.” 

“SEHSCT management have now confirmed that a new 7 days a week Minor Injuries Unit will be introduced at the Downe instead of the Emergency Department that was previously in place. Despite all the assurances that they remain committed to restoring an Emergency Department “in the future when possible”, the community are fearful that we are in the process of losing our Emergency Department under the cover of ’temporary reconfiguration’ due to Covid19.

“I have today written to the Health Minister to alert him to this controversial development; to question why such fundamental restructuring of services can take place without any public consultation; and to state quire clearly that there is total opposition to these plans in the local community. 

Mr Hazzard added:

"In agreeing to the radical reconfiguration of the Downe Hospital in March, our local community made a big sacrifice in order to accommodate the unprecedented demands made by the SEHSCT in the fight against COVID-19. It was the right thing to do at the right time; however, there is an onus now on the SEHSCT to respond in kind to our local community. Nothing less will be acceptable. 

“Sinn Féin will also be tabling an Emergency Motion at Down Council on Monday evening and we hope that all political parties can work in partnership with the public in ensuring the restoration of the Emergency Department and A&E to the Downe Hospital as a matter of priority."

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