Sinn Féin TD for Cavan/Monaghan Pauline Tully TD has said that reports of the closure of the Maternity-Led Unit in Cavan General Hospital have sparked huge concern amongst midwives and prospective mothers throughout Cavan, Monaghan and surroundings areas and that urgent clarity is needed.
She said:
"Local reports I have received suggest that the Maternity-Led Unit at Cavan General Hospital will be merged with consultancy led maternity services, and if this is true then it is nothing short of a downgrading of maternity services in the region.
"Such action is contrary to the National Maternity Strategy and should not in any circumstances be considered.
"I have written to the Minister for Health and to the CEO of the RCSI Hospital Group seeking urgent clarification on this and I have voiced my opposition to any such merger.
"I am also aware that the IMNO have not been consulted on proposals to merge maternity services and they too are seeking a meeting with the RCSI to clarify the situation.
"Sinn Féin have a proud track record of defending service provision within our local hospitals and we recall the devastating implications of the removal of maternity services at Monaghan Hospital by a previous Fianna Fáil government.
"I will be working with my constituency colleague, Matt Carthy TD and our party's spokesperson on Health, Louise O’Reilly TD to ensure that any proposal to downgrade maternity services in Cavan is categorically rejected."
Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson has said armed gangs need to end their futile actions against the community.
Speaking after it was reported that weapons and explosives have been found in Derry, the Foyle MLA said:
“The fact that this material will not be used to endanger life is welcome.
“There is no place for this type of activity in our community.
“Armed gangs offer nothing to our society and need to end their futile actions against the community immediately.”
Sinn Féin TD for Meath East Darren O'Rourke has called on Government to ensure additional buses are in place on Monday to meet increased public transport demand as thousands of people return to work in Phase 2 of the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions.
Teachta O'Rourke made the comments following widespread reports of commuters left stranded at bus-stops during Phase 1 and the acknowledgement by Anne Graham of the National Transport Authority that public transport use was already ahead of projected levels.
He said;
"There is a clear sense that our public transport services, particularly our bus services, will be overwhelmed in Phase 2. There are already widespread reports of buses at maximum capacity leaving commuters stranded. There are also reports of difficulty maintaining and policing social distancing restrictions on board and at stops and terminals.
"This week at the Covid-19 Committee, Anne Graham CEO of the NTA acknowledged that public transport use was already ahead of projected levels and that some of the reserve capacity expected for Phase 2 had already been used in Phase 1.
"The situation will get worse if there isn't an immediate and appropriate intervention. Now is the time to add additional capacity in order to alleviate pressure.
"It is quite clear that Government advice to walk or cycle and to only use public transport where essential has not taken adequate account of the volume of people who rely on public transport and who do not have an alternative means of travel.
"There is a need a comprehensive response to deal with Covid-19 transport challenges. The establishment of a Transport Recovery Taskforce can help play a role in addressing this. Firstly though, we need an immediate address of capacity and public health challenges.
"We need additional buses and we need mandatory face-coverings for all passengers and drivers, with limited exceptions. The comments of Dr. David Nabarro of the World Health Organisation today serve to further emphasise this point. In both regards, time is of the absolute essence."
Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD has welcomed the announcement of the easing of public health restrictions today. She has said, however, that there are a number of outstanding issues to be resolved in the coming period.
She said:
"What people have been seeking over the past number of weeks is clarity and a return to some level of normality in their daily lives, so much of what has been announced today in respect of the easing of public health restrictions is to be welcomed.
"The early easing of restrictions will be good news for those in the tourism, retail and hospitality sectors, and will be good for jobs and the incomes of workers and their families.
"For those that can't return to work, we need certainty for them and that is why we want the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment to remain in place until the end of the year. Doing so would be good for the economy, for workers and for families.
"We have concerns that fresh anomalies may arise in this regard in relation to seasonal, hospitality and retail workers, as well as those in receipt of both wages and welfare supports, and that this will see tens of thousands of workers suffer an unfair loss in income.
"There are a number of other issues we still need to get right, and chief amongst them is the issue of testing and tracing. This is critical for dealing with clusters and to ensure that we don’t have a second round of restrictive measures introduced. We also need to maximise all-Ireland co-operation so we are easing restrictions in a similar timeframe.
"Childcare remains an issue that needs to be urgently addressed. Large numbers of people are returning to work next week and there is no childcare provision available for the vast majority of them.
"The government has made a mess of this issue from the start and they need to get it right now - this is vital to make sure workers can return to employment, as well as to ensure that childcare providers can remain open and that parents can access childcare that is affordable."
Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson has criticised the Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon for failing to clarify what preparations are being put in place to ensure that ports here are prepared for the end of the Brexit transition period in December.
The Foyle MLA was commenting after questioning the Minister on preparations to expand infrastructure at ports of entry at Larne, Belfast and Warrenpoint.
She said: “I questioned the Minister for Infrastructure given her responsibility for ports policy and the legislative framework within which ports operate in the north.
"The Minister stated that her department has no responsibility for checks and inspections, yet just last year her Department ran a grant funding scheme to assist ports in preparing for Brexit.
"This included work to clear space and improve traffic management in anticipation of checks.
“This is a cross-departmental issue, but it is unacceptable that the Minister is unable to outline what action has been taken, other than stating that she has written to the Executive on this issue – despite being a member of the Executive.
“We are less than seven months away from the end of the transition period where we could be dragged off another Brexit cliff edge by the British Government.
"And yet we still have no idea if our ports will be prepared on time. This is a significant issue as it not only has economic repercussions for businesses, but also has implications for groceries in our supermarkets.
“We need assurances that the challenges which will be faced by ports are being addressed and that the protocol on Ireland will be implemented fully and faithfully.
"The Agriculture and Infrastructure ministers need to work together on this issue to ensure that our ports prepared as best as possible for the challenges ahead.”
Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has said the British government cannot be allowed to renege on its legal commitments and obligations over Brexit and the protections contained in the Irish protocol of the Withdrawal Agreement.
The Brexit spokesperson said:
“The EU’s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has said the British government’s interpretation of the Withdrawal Agreement in relation to trade between the north and Britain is not compatible with the legal commitments already entered into.
“Instead of trying to renegotiate what has already been agreed, the British government now needs to implement the Withdrawal Agreement and the Irish Protocol it contains.
“This approach of the British government is very concerning given the approaching deadline and raises questions of how serious they are.
“Our business sector, our farmers and everyone else need certainty, not fudge from the British government.
“We need implementation rather than interpretation from the British government in order to protect our economy and the Good Friday Agreement.”
Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has said the Economy Minister must provide clarification on what businesses are allowed to open in this phase of restriction easing on Monday 8th June.
The party’s economy spokesperson said:
"Many businesses have been closed for quite some time as directed but following the announcement of the restrictions being eased for some non-food retail, there is a lack of clarity as to which businesses are able to open.
“I would call on the Economy Minister to provide clearer direction for businesses so they can plan their reopening and put in place the necessary measures.
"Where businesses can open it is vital that social distancing and sanitation facilities are in place as per Public Health Agency (PHA) and workplace safety guidance."
Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins today raised concerns on the continuing deterioration of the rural road network in the north and the need for investment to benefit rural communities.
The Newry and Armagh MLA said:
“It is no secret that rural roads across the north are in poor condition. Potholes are damaging people’s vehicles and have left rural communities completely frustrated.
“My colleague Chris Hazzard when Infrastructure Minister launched a £10 million rural roads initiative to target 1,000 roads for improvement.
“This greatly benefited my own area, where many people had felt that their community was left behind in regard to road maintenance.
“A legacy of this initiative is the Roads Recovery Fund, which spent £25 million in two years improving many rural roads. Of course these measures are welcome but more should be done at this time.
“I have written to the current Infrastructure minister on the need to build on the work of her predecessor and further invest in a Roads Recovery Fund to improve the quality of rural roads across the north.
“This is a relatively low-cost initiative that can mean a lot for rural constituencies. We need to ensure rural needs are being properly addressed if we want to develop our society and economy in a fair and balanced way."
Sinn Féin MLA Catherine Kelly welcomed the decision by Loreto Omagh and the Christian Brothers Omagh to suspend academic selection transfer tests for the upcoming school year.
The West Tyrone MLA said:
''I welcome and commend the decision by Loreto Grammar School Omagh and the Christian Brothers Grammar School Omagh to suspend the use of unregulated tests for this coming academic year and would urge other schools in this area to follow suit.
''This is absolutely necessary to allow our teachers, school staff and of course children to prepare for a return to school, rather than the stress of a high-level exam.
“Academic selection is wrong, unnecessary and places undue pressure on children. It should be scrapped altogether.”
Sinn Féin MP Michelle Gildernew has called for the immediate release of all HDP political prisoners and an end to political repression by the Turkish state.
Speaking the Fermangah and South Tyrone MP said:
“It was deeply distressing to hear reports that two HDP MPs, Leyla Güven and Musa Farisoğulları, have been stripped of their ‘MP’ status and were arrested last night – along with Enis Berberoğlu of the CHP, Turkey’s main opposition party.
“This concerning news has only been exacerbated by reports this morning that police in Ankara attacked a peaceful march of HDP MPs, as they made their way from parliament to Güvenpark, to protest these latest arrests.
“Unfortunately, actions such as these are yet another reminder of President Erdoğan’s complete and total contempt for political opposition and democratic norms.
“All of this is taking place in the context wherein 45 of the 65 HDP controlled municipalities have had their Mayors arrested since last March. As we understand it, at least, 21 mayors remain incarcerated. This cannot be tolerated or accepted in a supposed modern democratic society.
“Sinn Féin condemns the Turkish government’s policy of mass arrests and the political repression of opposition parties. We are all too aware that the politics of suppression and exclusion are wrong and counterproductive.
“The international community must bring pressure on the Turkish Government to respect the democratic wishes of the people.
“The HDP are a legitimate political party and their mandate needs to be respected. We call for an immediate end to all draconian actions against political opponents and the release all political prisoners. They have our full solidarity.”
Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson is to propose new legislation that will strengthen the ability of trade unions to take industrial action and represent the needs of workers.
Speaking ahead of submitting a private members bill in the Stormont Assembly, the Foyle MLA said the new legislation was needed to begin reversing the damage caused by decades of anti-worker, anti- trade union laws imposed by the Tories.
Martina Anderson commented: “Successive Tory governments dating back to the Thatcher era have imposed anti-worker, anti-trade union laws that have sought to undermine the impact of the trade union movement and its ability to improve pay and conditions for workers across all industries.
“In particular, there has been a huge decline in collective bargaining over the last four decades, which has coincided with the rise in low-paid and insecure work.
“Current legislation also forbids statutory trade union recognition in companies with less than 21 employees. This means that a huge swathe of workers in small or micro businesses are not legally entitled to engage in collective bargaining over pay and conditions.
“The bill that I am submitting today will remove this restriction, opening up trade union rights to thousands of employees here. It will also put in place a number of measures to enhance the ability of unions to organise, collectively bargain and to take industrial action.
“It will further include key protections for workers engaged in lengthy industrial action disputes. Currently, any employee that carries out strike action for a period of over 12 weeks can be dismissed without protection from unfair dismissal. This legislation will end this arbitrary practice which serves only to curtail the impact of industrial action by deterring workers from continuing strike action.
“This bill on its own will not rectify the impact of decades of Tory attacks on the rights of workers but it will begin the process of providing crucial protections for employees. I hope that it gains widespread support in the Assembly because, as we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic, protecting the rights and entitlements of workers will be more necessary than ever.”
Cllr Canavan said:
“I have submitted a proposal to Belfast City Council that City Hall be lit up purple on Monday 8th June, the day before George Floyd is laid to rest, as an act of solidarity with George Floyd, the Minneapolis community and anti-racism protestsacross the world.
“I have suggested purple as it is the colour which has become synonymous with the struggle against oppression.
“I would call on people to act responsibly and adhere to the COVID-19 regulations.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson for children and young people, Catherine Kelly MLA is calling on the Department of Education and Health to issue clear and consistent guidance for childminders during the current pandemic.
The West Tyrone MLA was speaking after hosting a zoom meeting with over 100 childminders from across the north this morning.
“Childminders have been quick to respond to the call for their services to provide childcare for the children of key workers but the guidance issued to them has been inconsistent.
“For safety reasons, the number of households from which they can provide care for children has been restricted to two per home setting. But some childminders were instructed this was two a week while others were told it was two a day.
“However, the Department of Health yesterday agreed that from Monday 8th June the family restriction would increase from 2 to 3 families on any given day.
“They advised us that this would increase over the next few months depending on the transmission rate lowering.
“This makes a significant difference in terms of sustainability for childminders who often provide micro or part time care and it will go a small way in sustaining childminders who are eager to support parents back to work.
“These are difficult times and it’s important for us all to work together to get through the problems generated by this pandemic. Responding for a call to help key workers, childminders opened their doors while most households were having to close theirs.
“It is incumbent on the departments to provide clear and consistent guidance that allows them to get on with their job.”
Sinn Féin MLA and Junior Minister in the Executive Office, Declan Kearney has praised the outstanding work of volunteers with the ‘Caring for Your Community’ project based in Toome.
Following a visit to the project along with local Councillor Henry Cushinan, the South Antrim MLA said:
“I was delighted to have the opportunity to pay a visit to the ‘Caring for Your Community’ project based in the TIDAL premises in Toome and to get the latest update from coordinator, Una Johnston about the fantastic community spirit which is delivering much needed relief to those in need in the wider Toome area.
“This impressive grassroots initiative draws support from a wide range of community and sporting organisations including, TIDAL, the local Men’s Shed, Cargin and Moneyglass GACs, and many individual volunteers who have been working round the clock to assist those most impacted by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
“The combined efforts of up to twenty-five volunteers ensures 150 hot meals and food boxes are delivered every week, with the support of South Antrim Community Transport, alongside two prescription runs every day. These regular services have been complemented by the work of local group, The Men’s Shed, in producing scrubs and gowns for our frontline workers.
At the same time the project has provided beautiful flower boxes from Duneane Allotment to homes throughout Toome. These and other potted floral displays can be purchased at a very modest cost by contacting Úna Johnston directly on 028 7965 9199. All funds generated are channelled back into Covid-19 community response efforts being coordinated by ‘Caring for Your Community’.
“During our socially distanced meeting with Una Johnston, Cllr Henry Cushinan and I were pleased to make a donation of surgical face masks to the project as a modest token of appreciation for everything being done locally. Úna outlined the project’s successes, but also the challenges faced in helping those most in need in the community.
“One stark reality which I am increasingly learning about in my Ministerial role is the level of hidden poverty within our society, which is now being exposed by this health emergency. Through its outreach work ‘Caring for Your Community’ has managed to identify people suffering from poverty and isolation, who would otherwise have remained undetected. Thankfully those members of the community now know they can depend on support from a locally based network committed to doing its best on their behalf.
“I want to record my deep appreciation and thanks to everyone working with ‘Caring for Your Community’. Their work represents all that is best about the spirit and endeavour of how community activists and volunteers have responded to the Covid-19 emergency across Ireland, and especially in small rural areas where isolation and need can sometimes be most acute.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing Eoin Ó Broin TD has this morning launched an online survey to see how renters across the State are coping during Covid-19. Latest figures show rent supplement figures increased by 33% during the pandemic.
He said:
“The survey we are launching this morning aims to get a snapshot of how renters are coping during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The survey will be complemented by an Instagram Live event with a Q&A with myself at 8pm this Sunday (7th June).
“We want to get a sense as to how this pandemic has impacted on people's rental situations, their incomes, whether landlords have been supportive and if they are aware of the availability of rent supplement.
“We know from data published by the ESRI that young people and those renting are more likely to be in a more precarious situation with regards to their income due to Covid-19 restrictions.
“While we expect the Minister for Housing to announce an extension to the ban on rent increases and evictions, this survey is an attempt to see if there is a fear about rental debt accruing and what will happen once the ban on rent increases and evictions is eventually lifted.
“We have previously highlighted the government’s failure to publicise both the availability of rent supplement for renters and the changes made to the eligibility criteria as rent supplement claimant figures increase.
“Since March this year, the number of tenancies being supported by rent supplement increased by 33%
“The government must do all it can to prevent renters from falling into arrears.
“The Sinn Féin renters survey is hoping to capture some of the issues renters are facing in order to put forward sensible, workable solutions.”
ENDS//
Note to Editor: Link to Sinn Féin's renters survey - https://s.surveyplanet.com/mNtCZRN5_
Chris Hazzard said:
“When officials from DAERA briefed the agriculture committee yesterday it was clear there is still a significant amount of work to be done to prepare for the new checks which will have to come in on goods coming to the North from Britain as a result of Brexit.
“Given the fact that the Brexit clock is ticking it was alarming to learn that serious preparations only got underway following the publication of the British government’s proposals at the end of May.
“This means officials are now racing against the clock to put a whole new system in place when they should have been allowed to begin these vital preparations earlier. It is an indictment of the head in the sand approach of the British government and their Brexiteer allies.
“Businesses have also made it clear they are crying out for detail about the new arrangements so that they can put measures in place to allow them to continue to trade but this has not been forthcoming.
“The North’s Business Brexit Working Group in its response to the British government proposals published today have said they are desperately in need of detail.
“Businesses need certainty, not questions and our farmers and food producers need detail not delays.
”All of this highlights the growing need for the Brexit deadline to be extended.”
Sinn Féin TD for Meath East Darren O’Rourke has said it is outrageous that the State is left to foot the bill to private toll operators, as a result of the drop in traffic volumes during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Speaking today, Teachta O'Rourke said said;
“Today I received confirmation from Transport Infrastructure Ireland that the taxpayer is to be left on the hook for at least €9 million, for two toll roads that are obviously quieter during the ongoing pandemic.
“The bill for the M3 road in my own constituency of Meath East, will be in the region of €3 million from January to June of this year, while the operators of the Limerick Tunnel will receive a massive €6 million top-up from the State for the same period.
“These lucrative PPP contracts are a consequence of poor planning and financial incompetence on the part of consecutive Fianna Fáil era governments, and they have been a financial loser for the State year-on-year.
“It’s outrageous and it will really infuriate people. There are so many more important issues that need investment and prioritisation post-Covid-19, and toll road fees certainly aren’t one of them in my opinion.
“So, while this government is slashing the vital Pandemic Unemployment Payment for people with one hand, they are signing cheques with the other to keep private toll road companies well looked after.
“It is absolutely disgraceful and it should not happen. The Minister for Transport Shane Ross needs to challenge this given the extraordinary, once in a century, circumstances.”
Sinn Féin MLA Catherine Kelly has welcomed greater clarity on the definition of a key worker.
The party spokesperson for children and young people said:
“During the current pandemic, the Department of Health and Department of Education share joint responsibility for providing access to childcare for the children of key workers.
“Unfortunately the two departments did not have a joint approach to the definition of a key worker leading to unnecessary confusion within the childcare sector.
“I welcome any steps towards sorting this anomaly out by combining the separate lists held by the departments.
“I know this is a difficult time for many parents who are trying to return to work and struggling to find appropriate childcare.
“Health and safety must remain at the core of any return to work and childcare arrangements and necessary measures to safeguard children from infection inevitably restricts the availability of childcare.
“I am calling on employers to recognise that and adopt a flexible approach towards any employees experiencing childcare problems during this difficult time.”
Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew has urged caution on Emergency Departments waiting time figures.
The party's health spokesperson said:
“Many health services have been repurposed to meet the threat of a COVID-19 surge and this has seen much-needed appointments and services cancelled. It has also seen a considerable drop off in the number of people attending Emergency Departments at the start of the pandemic.
“This clearly has had an impact on the Emergency Department waiting times.
“The figures only take account of the waiting lists until the end of March which means we have yet to see the full impact of the crisis on the health service.
“The challenge now is ensuring that Emergency services are able to respond to regular levels of need while maintaining a capacity to fight COVID-19.
“One of the main underlying issues is the lack of capacity within the health and social care system to reduce waiting lists for a wide range of conditions. This sees people presenting at emergency departments when their condition starts to deteriorate.
“We need to see significant and sustained and meaningful investment in the HSC workforce and transformation.
“The Minister of Health needs to demonstrate that he is committed to a transformation model which is fully funded and co-designed in partnership with those who deliver and those who use services and provide an update on the review into Emergency Departments."
