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The Sinn Féin TD for Louth Ruairí Ó Murchú has said that the government has to recognise that forest fires, such as those that devastated swathes of the Cooley Mountains earlier this month, were going to be more frequent.

Teachta Ó Murchú has said consideration needs to be given to a more ambitious afforestation plan, including on State-owned lands, while also offering farmers more imaginative schemes and incentives for growing trees.

But the recent fires, which burned for over a week, ‘highlighted the need for a co-ordinated and planned State response’.

He said;

"Louth County Council Fire and Rescue Service did incredible work in battling the fires on the Cooley Mountains. They worked so hard, day and night, to control the blaze. There was assistance from the Coillte helicopter, but the Air Corps made the difference on the uplands and brought it under control, eventually ensuring it was put out.

"It has highlighted the need for a multi-agency, cross-border response to future fires and to that end, I am writing to the government to outline some of the ways this can happen. I have discussed some aspects of this with Cllr. Antóin Watters, Louth County Council, the fire service and others who agree that a forest fire plan needs to be put in place to minimise the damage caused by these incidents.

"There was huge pressure on Louth’s fire service that week with multiple call-outs to other blazes in Dundalk, which they had to deal with while battling the fires on the mountains.

"At a local level, there also needs to be better signage at forest parks and mountain walk entrances in order to ensure that people are fully aware of the damage that lighting a barbecue or carelessly discarding a cigarette can do when, because of climate change, there is less rain and the gorse is far drier.

‘This would be in addition to State-wide fire prevention measures, following best practice, and including the creation of firebreaks."

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Sinn Féin spokesperson on Health, Louise O’Reilly TD, has warned that quick and efficient testing and tracing are still key in the battle against Covid-19. 

Her comments follow the release of data from the Health Service Executive which revealed that testing is taking 1.2 days on average to be completed, while contact tracing is taking a further 2.4 days on average. 

Teachta O’Reilly said: “It is important to remember that the exit from lockdown still contains risks to be surmounted.  

“The latest data from the Health Service Executive (HSE) shows that the average number of close contacts per confirmed case of Covid-19 has risen. 

“The data has also shown that testing and tracing times are still not as quick as we need them to be. The HSE has stated that testing is taking an average 1.2 days and tracing of contacts is taking an additional 2.4 days. 

“The evidence states that together testing and tracing has to be done within at least 72 hours – that is the total timeframe from the moment a patient calls their GP for a test, to the quarantining of all contacts. 

“Many experts have been very clear in stating that testing and tracing didn’t necessarily have to be perfect under lockdown, however, the process does need to be perfect as we exit lockdown.  

“If we are too slow with testing and tracing as we leave lockdown, then it will put all the hard work and the benefits of the lockdown in danger. 

“We need to have a testing and tracing system that is fast enough to help with rapid isolation and not just identification. 

“If we can do that then testing and tracing can be used to prevent and supress outbreaks, as has been done in South Korea and other South East Asian countries.  

“Unfortunately, if our system is working at 1.2 days for testing and 2.4 days for tracing, then we are falling far short of the speed necessary as we exit lockdown. 

“Testing and tracing is still key in the battle against Covid-19, and we need to get the timeframe for both below 72 hours so we can leave lockdown behind us and push on with getting society and the economy reopened safely.”

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Sinn Féin Seanadóir Niall Ó Donnghaile has welcomed Met Éireann fulfilling their commitment to accurately reflect weather alerts across all of Ireland.

Speaking today Senator Ó Donnghaile said:

“Following very useful engagement with Met Éireann, they committed to the common-sense approach of showing weather alert statuses, when they are in effect, for across the entirety of Ireland and it is very welcome to see that in action today.

“I want to thank Evelyn Cusack for her understanding and ‘can do’ approach to rectifying this issue. 

“Weather doesn’t stop at borders and it is crucial people are as informed as they can be about emergency weather events.

“Met Éireann providing all-Ireland information on weather warnings is a welcome step in the right direction.”

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Sinn Féin MLA Deirdre Hargey has announced she will temporarily step aside from the role of Minister for Communities for health reasons. 

Deirdre Hargey said: 

"I have informed Joint Head of Government Michelle O'Neill and my party president Mary Lou McDonald that I will be stepping aside from my role as Minister for Communities temporarily for health reasons. 

"Due to illness I have been admitted to hospital, and am to undergo surgery in the coming days, which will require time to properly recover.

“In light of these exceptional personal circumstances I am unable in the short term to discharge my ministerial duties, or participate fully in the Executive Committee.

"I have also written to Joint Heads of Government Michelle O'Neill and Arlene Foster to inform them of my decision to stand aside from my ministerial post. 

"I look forward to being able to resume ministerial responsibilities in a number of weeks following my treatment and recovery." 

Sinn Féin Leas Uachtarán Michelle O'Neill wished Deirdre Hargey a fully and speedy recovery. 

"I want to wish my colleague Deirdre Hargey a full and speedy recovery and thank her for the excellent work she has done in her ministerial role to date. 

"I look forward to her returning to that post on her recovery and hope she will be back behind her desk as soon as possible. 

“I am appointing Carál Ní Chuilín as Minister for Communities on a temporary basis until Deirdre Hargey's return. 

"I wish Carál well and know that she will bring a wealth of experience, determination and dedication to the post."

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Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan has said in the interest of health and safety, the public must heed calls to cut back on use of water to prevent any interruption to supplies.

The party’s Infrastructure spokesperson said: 

“NI Water are reporting a ‘significant drop’ in water levels caused by the recent spike of hot weather and a rise in household water use during the COVID-19 lockdown.

“With the good weather set to continue, it’s absolutely crucial that supplies are protected, and people have enough water to maintain proper hygiene and regularly wash their hands. 

“I’m urging the public to heed the calls from NI Water to cut back on their using water and be responsible, particularly when using outdoor taps.

“While we want people to enjoy the hot weather and praise their efforts to stay safe and maintain good hygiene, we also must follow the advice given by NI Water and make an effort to use water wisely.” 

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Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald has welcomed the decision of the government to make rent supplement available more easily to victims of domestic violence but said it is unacceptable that it took almost three months for this to happen.

Teachta McDonald said:

“At the start of the pandemic, Safe Ireland contacted the Minister for Social Protection voicing their concern that domestic violence victims urgently needed to be able to access an emergency rent supplement payment during the Covid-19 emergency.

“We wrote to the Minister on April 8th urging her to adopt the proposal put forward by Safe Ireland and have raised it on numerous occasions since then as it was a matter which urgently needed to be resolved.

“I welcome this morning’s announcement from the government but it is unacceptable that it took almost three months for this to happen."

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Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly has condemned those responsible for sectarian banners and graffiti in North Belfast.
The North Belfast MLA said:

“In the early hours of this morning, sectarian banners were erected and graffiti daubed on the walls of changing rooms at the Grove Playing Fields.

“A nearby home was also targeted with sectarian and paramilitary slogans painted on the house. The family car was also damaged in this attack.

“This is a clear attempt by sinister and cowardly elements to stroke up sectarian tension in our community.

“There can be absolutely no place in society for this thuggish behaviour.

“This ongoing intimidation campaign against local nationalist residents must end immediately.

“Sinn Féin have contacted the Council to have the banner and graffiti removed.

“I call on all political parties to unite in their condemnation of this cowardly activity. We must collectively work to build an inclusive and respectful society, free from sectarianism and bigotry.”  

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Sinn Féin TD for Kildare South and the Portarlington area of Laois, Patricia Ryan, has called for the urgent stepping up of farm safety inspections. Following her parliamentary question submitted last week, it was discovered that between March 1st and June 8th, just 8% of the amount of farm inspections took place, compared with the same period last year.  

Deputy Ryan said: "It is crucial that we ramp up farm safety inspections as soon as possible. This is a time when more children are around farms, due to them being off school because of the pandemic. Farmers may also be hurrying more as they juggle childcare with their partner. These inspections should be more about supporting farmers in keeping the farm safe, rather than catching them out. 12 times fewer inspections took place this year and this needs to improve immediately. To date 12 people have died in farm accidents in Ireland in 2020; 19 died in 2019. There have been 27 workplace deaths so far in 2020. The fatality rate in agriculture is much higher than any other sector. A large proportion of all fatal workplace accidents occur on farms, even though a small proportion of the workforce is employed in agriculture. I would urge everyone to familiarise themselves with the work of Embrace Farm.”

Embrace Farm, a charity which supports farm accident victims and their families, is holding its farm safety campaign over the coming days.  On social media, people are being asked to post their memories and stories using the hashtag #WeRememberYou. It will conclude with a memorial service on 28 June, when the names of those who have died will be read out. It is an annual service, the only one marking farm deaths. If anyone has been bereaved by a farming accident, they can call the Embrace Farm support line on 085 77 09 966. The service will be aired on RTÉ on 5 July.

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Sinn Fein TD for Kildare South and the Portarlington area of Laois Patricia Ryan has called for a National Day of Mourning to remember victims of Covid-19. 

Teachta Ryan said: “This pandemic has affected the country massively. Over 1,700 people have died in the space of 3 months. It is important that we, as a nation, remember these deaths in a meaningful way when it is safe to do so. Given the unique Irish rituals surrounding the death of a loved one has been disrupted in such a fundamental way, we must ensure that a fitting tribute is paid to those who have died. A paid public holiday must be provided so that everyone can have the opportunity to participate in remembering those who have died. The Taoiseach has said in his reply that an appropriate event to remember the victims of Covid-19 is being considered.”

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Sinn Féin MLA Karen Mullan has called on all grammar schools still using academic selection to heed the call of the Catholic Principals’ Association to suspend the use of the controversial tests.

The Education spokesperson said:

“I welcome today’s call from the Catholic Principals’ Association, endorsed by more than 200 school heads, on grammar schools to suspend academic selection for this year at least.

“A growing number of grammar schools across the north have already shown leadership and announced they are suspending the use of academic selection tests this year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I would call on the remaining grammar schools which are still intent on using these unfair, unnecessary and unregulated tests to heed this call and abandon the use of academic selection this year and for good.”

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 Sinn Féin MLA Fra McCann has urged the public to be aware of the challenges facing blind and partially sighted people during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The west Belfast MLA said: 

“While the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting on everyone in society, it is creating particular challenges for those who are blind or partially sighted. 

“In particular, maintaining social distancing when out shopping and exercising is a specific difficulty. 

“Clear Perspex screens which have been erected in many shops to protect both staff and public also pose difficulties for partially sighted people. 

“Shop owners could help by making signs relating to social distancing bigger for partially sighted people. 

“I would urge the public to be aware of these challenges and difficulties facing blind and partially sighted people and to show consideration to them while they are out and about.

“I raised these issues at the Department of Communities committee meeting and it was agreed the committee write to all departments to encourage them to consider the needs of blind and partially sighted people in their response to the pandemic.”

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Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has welcomed a move by the Finance Minister to make it easier for the self employed to apply for COVID-19 support.

Caoimhe Archibald said:

“I welcome the news that my party colleague, Finance Minister Conor Murphy has acted to improve the application process for the Self Employed Income Support Scheme.

“Minister Murphy has now made sure that driving licences from the north can now be used for the verification stage of the application.

“This will open up the scheme to more self employed people who are struggling as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This is the Finance Minister listening to the needs of the businesses community and acting to support them through this difficult time.” 

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Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire TD has said that the rate of pay outlined for SNAs under the summer provision scheme is disrespectful and unacceptable.

Teachta Ó Laoghaire said: “SNAs have been treated very poorly throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, but the proposal regarding pay for summer provision is beyond disrespectful.  

“SNAs will be paid €16.77/hour for those appointed pre-2011 and just €15.50/hour for SNAs employed after that. This is 40 per cent of teachers’ rates.  

“They also won’t receive payment until November and still have no guidance on health and safety. It is scandalous and very poor treatment of SNAs, who deserve better. 

“SNAs will be working without any of the supports they have in a school scenario, but in this scheme they will be doing the same work as any tutor. They deserve fair pay. If the Department of Education want to deliver the scheme they are talking about then they must make it attractive for SNAs to participate. 

“The Department of Education must stop treating SNAs as the poor relation and the disrespect must end.”

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Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan has welcomed the announcement by the department for infrastructure to develop a number of key road projects, but states that clarity is needed regarding the progress to be expected.  

The Newry/Armagh MLA said:

“The Department for Infrastructure intends to progress a number of key schemes such as the A1 safety improvements and the Newry relief road. 

“However more clarity is needed as to what the minister intends to accomplish for these projects.  

“The A1 improvements for example, are vital for improving road safety on one of the norths most dangerous roads. 

“Construction needs to start as soon as possible on this crucial scheme and we need to know when we can see this happen.

“Meanwhile questions remain regarding projects not mentioned by the minister, such as the Armagh link roads. 

“I will continue to push for clarity on what we can expect for capital projects in the near future, as these schemes are important for people across the north for improving road safety, tackling congestion and addressing regional inequality." 

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Abolishing Children's Department would be 'dangerous and damaging' for children's rights – Kathleen Funchion TD 

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Children and Youth Affairs Kathleen Funchion has warned that children’s rights cannot be used as a pawn in negotiations to form the next Government, amid ongoing reports that the Department for Children and Youth Affairs could be abolished. 

Her comments follow news that the Children’s Ombudsman Dr Niall Muldoon has written to the leaders of Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Green Party, warning that any deal struck among them which would abolish the Department would harm children’s rights. 

Teachta Funchion said: “I welcome Dr Muldoon’s intervention on this matter and share his concerns that abolishing the Department would be inconsistent with the State’s obligation to recognise the importance of vindicating children’s rights. 

“Abolishing the Department for Children and Youth Affairs would be a dangerous and damaging step which would be detrimental to children’s rights.  

“While the Department is not without its issues, it is essential for advancing and protecting the rights of children and young people in Ireland. You only have to look at the sad history of how children have often been treated in this country to recognise how important it is that this Department is kept. 

“Subsuming the topic into another Department where it will be forced to compete for focus and resources would be unworkable. Children’s rights deserve proper attention and cannot be allowed to fall down the agenda. 

“It would be wholly unfair and indefensible if children’s rights are used as a pawn among political parties attempting to strike a deal to get into power.  

“Sinn Féin are opposed to axing the Department and would urge all other political parties to commit to opposing it too.”

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“Caretaker government being played by Tories” - MacManus warns as ‘No Deal’ tensions heighten

Sinn Féin MEP Chris MacManus has warned that the current Fine Gael caretaker government are failing to grasp the gravity of current Brexit developments.

In the wake of Westminster’s formal declaration that Britain will not seek an extension, MacManus said “Fine Gael are doing the bare minimum right now. It’s just not good enough. We are drifting into a Brexit catastrophe. Every decision now or any lack of decisiveness has grave implications for people all over the island of Ireland.

MacManus again highlighted the necessity that every detail of previously signed agreements are upheld.

“We must see an unconditional implementation of the withdrawal agreement and the Irish protocol. We are now rapidly heading towards a no deal situation and not withstanding Covid matters Fine Gael appear wholly unprepared for the various potential outcomes.”

The Sligo MEP was critical of the government’s naivety, “They are putting far too much confidence in the notion that the British government are negotiating in good faith and adhering to the stringencies in these agreements. Fine Gael need to act now and make tangible efforts to design support mechanisms for sectors that will be decimated when, if likely a trade deal fails to come to fruition.” ENDS 

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Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing Eoin Ó Broin TD has said that ‘Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael’s claim of delivering a new deal for renters is deeply dishonest’.

The comments were made in response to leaks to the media on the content of a draft programme for government.

Deputy Ó Broin said:

‘Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are claiming that they have included a “New Deal for Renters” in their draft programme for government with the Green Party.

‘Anonymous briefings to the Irish Independent suggest that the draft included proposals to create tenancies of indefinite duration and end evictions without reason in tenancies after six years. 

‘Tenancies of indefinite duration can only be created if the existing grounds for evicting a tenant such as sale of property, use by landlord or a family member or substantial refurbishment are removed. These are known as Section 34 grounds for issuing a Notice to Quit.

‘However the same briefing to the Irish Independent goes on to say that neither Fianna Fáil nor Fine Gael will remove the Section 34 grounds for ending a tenancy. This means that they are not, in fact, creating tenancies of indefinite duration.

‘Rather, what is being proposed is the removal of Section 34(b) of the Residential Tenancies Act which allows a landlord to end a tenancy before the end of a six year Part IV tenancy agreement without grounds. While such a reform would be welcome, it is a very minor change to tenancy legislation and does not in any way constitute a tenancy of indefinite duration. 

‘Fianna Fail and Fine Gael’s claim of a new deal for renters is deeply dishonest. It demonstrates once again why they can not be trusted on housing. What we need is real reform of the private rented sector to give tenants long term security and affordable rents while supporting legally compliant landlords to make a fair return from the service they provide. This will not happen under a Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael government.’

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Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance Pearse Doherty TD has described a note provided by a Dublin-based wealth advisory firm to investors as an explosive and shocking indictment of Fine Gael’s housing policy.

He said the briefing provided by Gillen Markets Wealth Advisory Firm confirms that Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil cannot be trusted to solve a housing crisis they have created.

Teachta Doherty said:

“On the 15th May, Gillen Markets, a Dublin-based wealth advisory firm, shared a briefing note with international investors on the Irish residential property market.

“In their briefing to international investors, the advisory firm shared what is now an open secret; Fine Gael has rigged the housing market against the interests of Irish renters and first-time buyers in favour of international investors and shareholders.

“For the past several years, Sinn Féín has criticised the low tax regime created by Fine Gael for international investors to hoover up Irish property, levy extortionate rents, pay little tax and transfer wealth out of Ireland to hidden shareholders.

“We have long argued that this regime was pushing up house prices and rents to the detriment of renters, families and first-time buyers.

“In its briefing note, the advisory firm informed investors that Fine Gael’s housing policy ‘has benefited both institutions and developers at the expense of individual buyers’, with the extortionate levels of house prices and rents in Ireland ‘driven in a significant way by the government’s housing policy with favourable policies attracting institutional investors into the market’.

“As the advisory firm makes clear, in 2019 alone 95% of apartments built were acquired by these institutions at the expense of first-time buyers. The consequence has been higher house prices and higher rents.

“Sinn Féin has highlighted these policies for several years and tried to reverse them in the interests of renters and first-time buyers. In doing so we have been blocked by Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil at every turn.

“These investment funds, thanks to Fine Gael legislation, have been able to price out first-time buyers whilst at the same time paying no Corporation Tax, no Capital Gains Tax and avoiding the full rate of Commercial Stamp Duty.

“Sinn Féin were instrumental in introducing a range of anti-avoidance measures against these funds in October 2019 but we must go further.

“As this wealth advisory firm has made clear to its clients, Fine Gael have rolled out the red carpet to international investors while locking families out of the property market and ripping off renters. They cannot be trusted to solve the housing crisis they created.”

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Sinn Féin Education spokesperson Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire has said parents, children and school staff are dismayed at the further confusion created by Minister McHugh’s announcement today.

Teachta Ó Laoghaire said;

“Three months ago today, school buildings across the State shut. In that time, Irish children and their families have been placed under incredible strain despite the enormous efforts of parents and teachers. There can be no question that this has had negative impacts on children’s education, socialisation and mental health.

“In all that time, schools have received no guidance on how to plan for next year. Every child, parent and teacher expected the Minister would today give them a roadmap for a return to education.

“What we got from the Department of delay and defer today is even more confusion. On the one hand telling us how many children would return to school with one metre or two metre, and on the other hand telling us that social distancing is not a runner in schools. Parents and schools are at a complete loss.

“The idea of some children returning only one day a week is absolutely unacceptable. Parents, especially parents returning to work, are upset and cannot believe this is being considered.

“Parents are furious at this drip-feeding of information.

“Preparation for a return to school has become a fiasco and the vacuum created by the Department of Education over the last three months is due to their failure to communicate and plan.

“Regarding summer provision, it is positive that there is a desire to include as many children as possible.

“However, our concern is that the Department seems to have done no capacity planning at all.

“I am concerned the preparation hasn’t been done - that schools, families and teachers won’t have been in a position to organise themselves.

“Ultimately, many families will end up disappointed as they will not be able to find themselves a programme or a place for their child.

“The Government may try to shift the blame onto the schools, but the reality is that it will be on their failure to plan for this scheme.

“If that is the case, building up the hopes of these families is a deeply unfair thing to do. Of course it is a vitally important scheme and we hope as many people as possible can avail of it but our fear is that the Department has not put in the preparation.

“The Department is talking about it being a further two weeks before we get a roadmap. We need clarity and reassurance the Government will do all they can to ensure the safety of children and staff.

“Children with special educational needs and educational disadvantage are among those who suffered the most during pandemic. They have faced isolation, a lack of socialisation, and have fallen back educationally.

“Providing some kind of social activity for these children and their families is vitally important."

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Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Children and Youth Affairs Kathleen Funchion has warned that children’s rights cannot be used as a pawn in negotiations to form the next Government, amid ongoing reports that the Department for Children and Youth Affairs could be abolished.

Her comments follow news that the Children’s Ombudsman Dr Niall Muldoon has written to the leaders of Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Green Party, warning that any deal struck among them which would abolish the Department would harm children’s rights.

Teachta Funchion said: “I welcome Dr Muldoon’s intervention on this matter and share his concerns that abolishing the Department would be inconsistent with the State’s obligation to recognise the importance of vindicating children’s rights.

“Abolishing the Department for Children and Youth Affairs would be a dangerous and damaging step which would be detrimental to children’s rights. 

“While the Department is not without its issues, it is essential for advancing and protecting the rights of children and young people in Ireland. You only have to look at the sad history of how children have often been treated in this country to recognise how important it is that this Department is kept.

“Subsuming the topic into another Department where it will be forced to compete for focus and resources would be unworkable. Children’s rights deserve proper attention and cannot be allowed to fall down the agenda.

“It would be wholly unfair and indefensible if children’s rights are used as a pawn among political parties attempting to strike a deal to get into power. 

“Sinn Féin are opposed to axing the Department and would urge all other political parties to commit to opposing it too.”

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