Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has welcomed Executive approval for a roadmap to support the tourism sector through the reopening of hotels and holiday accommodation as part of the COVID-19 recovery plan.
Caoimhe Archibald said:
"The tourism and hospitality sector was one of the worst hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and many in the sector are seriously concerned about the future.
"Today's move by the Executive to allow hotels, hostels, caravan parks, guesthouses, bed and breakfasts and others to open from July 20, subject to scientific and medical advice, will be warmly welcomed.
"Tourism is key to our economy right across the island and today's move will help those working in the industry to get back to work safely.
"The safety of those working in the sector, as well as that of the wider public will be paramount in all of this.
“The reopening will depend on the rate of transmission so I am appealing to people to ensure this can go ahead as planned by continuing to follow social distancing guidelines.
"If we continue to work together, to follow the guidelines and stay safe and save lives then we can get our tourism economy open for business again."
Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has said the Brexit deadline must be extended and the British government needs to urgently live up to its commitments and legal obligations on the Brexit protections for the north contained in the Irish Protocol.
"This report from the British House of Lords' select Committee on the EU has found that the British government's approach to Brexit poses a 'potential threat to economic prosperity and political stability' in the north.
"This will come as no surprise to many who have long realised there is no such thing as a good Brexit and was one of the reasons why a majority in the north rejected Brexit at the polls.
"The British government have been reckless and cavalier about the impact of Brexit on our economy, our peace agreements and our society in the north from day one.
"We need to see the British government urgently living up to its commitments and legal obligations in relation to the protections contained in the Irish Protocol of the Withdrawal Agreement in order to protect our economy and the Good Friday Agreement.
"Instead the British government is wasting time trying to twist and reinterpret agreements already made and in doing so harming our economy on a daily basis at a time when it is already under intense pressure.
"All the while the clock is ticking towards the Brexit deadline and a disastrous potential crash-out Brexit. It is now time to extend the Brexit deadline in order to protect our economy and our peace agreements."
Sinn Féin MLA Karen Mullan has called on all selective schools to suspend academic selection transfer tests for the upcoming school year.
The Foyle MLA was commenting after 24 schools in North Down backed calls for a suspension of the tests.
Karen Mullan said:
“Pressure is growing on schools to show leadership and scrap the use of unregulated transfer tests.
“This interventions from schools in Newry and North Down is just the latest in widespread calls for the suspension of the test for September 2021.
“I would urge all schools across to follow this leadership and example by also suspending these unregulated tests.
“Academic selection is wrong, unnecessary and places undue pressure on children. It should be scrapped altogether.
“Local schools should shift their focus to preparing teachers and pupils for a return to school when it is safe to do so.”
Sinn Fein MP John Finucane has said arson attacks and gorse fires are adding to the pressure on emergency services at this time.
The North Belfast MP said:
"The old Crumlin Road courthouse building is one of the most historic and recognisable in the city and this deliberate attack on it is wrong and must be condemned.
"Thankfully no one was hurt in the incident and I want to commend the actions of the firefighters involved in bringing the blaze under control.
"There are ambitious plans for the regeneration of the site which will provide a boost to the local economy and those will not be helped by this.
"This fire came just hours after a series of large grass and gorse fires at a nature reserve at the Harbour Estate which led to people having to close their windows and stay indoors on what was one of the hottest days of the year.
"These type of incidents are reckless and are putting more stress on the emergency services at a time when they are already under intense pressure.”
Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan has urged the public to cut back on use of water to prevent any interruption to supplies.
The party’s Infrastructure spokesperson said:
“Due to the rise in hot weather and an increase in demand over recent days there has been a significant rise in water usage across the north.
“During this pandemic 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 unnecessarily 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, we also must follows the advice given by NI Water and make an effort to use water wisely.”
Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson has called for an all-Ireland solution aimed at waiving fees for caravan owners unable to access sites during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Foyle MLA commented: “I have been contacted by many families across Derry who are unable to access their holiday caravans due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Many have also have seen their incomes severely reduced due to the crisis.
“Despite this, caravan owners across the entire island are having to pay park fees like every other holiday season.
“Caravan parks in the north and south have turned into ghost towns, and it is completely unfair to expect full payment for a service that people cannot physically access.
“I recognise that this is a very difficult and uncertain time for everyone - but for many people on low incomes and who cannot afford big family holidays, a static caravan is a source of great stress relief and quality family time.
“Sinn Féin has written to the Economy Minister in the north asking that the Tourism Recovery Steering Group consider this issue.
“At its core this is an issue of fairness. Given the considerable number of people on the island who own caravans on the opposite side of the border from where they live, this requires a coordinated all-Ireland solution.
"There needs to be decisive action on an all-Ireland basis so that neither caravan owners or park owners are penalised as a result of this pandemic.”
Sinn Féin TD for Louth Ruairí Ó Murchú challenged the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection Regina Doherty about how Northern workers, some of whom were initially paid the Pandemic Unemployment Payment before it was stopped because they had a Northern address, were being accommodated by the State.
He also welcomed the announcement that women on maternity leave would be able to avail of the scheme, ‘after the government finally bowed to pressure from mothers’.
Teachta Ó Murchú said;
"There were anomalies in the system where some of the Northern workers affected had only ever worked and paid PRSI in the South and were not entitled to welfare payments in the South.
"I contacted the Pandemic Unemployment Payments helpline shortly after it was set up to ask about Northern workers’ entitlements and was told they could avail of the scheme, only to be informed later that evening, or the next day, that something had changed in the Department (of Social Protection) and they were not going to get it."
The Sinn Féin TD highlighted a businesswoman who runs a small service business in Dundalk and was not able to avail of the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme, or the Pandemic Unemployment, or welfare payments in the North.
"I asked Minister Doherty about a European directive known as EC 883/2014 65a which seemed to say that where welfare payments were not available to a frontier worker in their State of residence, such as the businesswoman, the State in which they work should pay unemployment benefits.
"I also asked what contact the government has had with the European Commission about the issue and what legal advice, if any, they had received that told them people who worked in the South but lived in the North would not be entitled to the Pandemic Unemployment Payment.
:The Taoiseach had promised that he 'wouldn’t leave Northern people behind ever again', but this is what seems to be happening.
"In response, Minister Doherty said the Pandemic Unemployment Scheme is based on unemployment payments law and the department applied the regulations to the scheme, including EU rules about frontier workers. She added that any change would require new legislation and with the Seanad not sitting at the moment, this was not possible."
Sinn Féin TD for Limerick City Maurice Quinlivan has said that today’s news that students at UL will be granted refunds for vacating student accommodation early due to COVID 19 is very welcome. UL have finally done the right thing.
Speaking today in Limerick, Teachta Quinlivan said:
“Along with my colleague Eoin Ó Broin TD we both have engaged with and been in regular contact with students, their families and UL including the President Des Fitzgerald requesting that UL refund these rents. So it is very welcome that UL is now coming in line with other Universities across the state and I’m very pleased that they have taken this decision today.
“This will be a huge relief to many students and their families.
“With colleges and universities now physically closed, many students have returned home to be with their families during this difficult time whilst UL closed in March most students are still at home.
“Also huge numbers of these students lost their part-time jobs due to the pandemic and had to vacant their student accommodation earlier than planned.
“Many students and their parents were until now denied refunds, despite giving notice that they had to vacate their student accommodation early due to the COVID 19 outbreak.
“In some cases, this can be as much as three months’ rent. This was very stressful.
So today’s decision is both very welcome and long overdue. UL have finally made the decision to “do the right thing. It was also heartening to hear that Students will be refunded from the date they vacated the accommodation regardless of the date they checked out.
“I have long argued that all student accommodation providers, both public and private, should provide these students and their families with refunds so I’m very happy with today’s decision.
It was unfortunate that this decision, which was out of kilter with the other Universities who gave refunds much earlier took so long.
“It would also have been very helpful and less stressful if the Ministers for Housing and Education had made a clear statement calling for full refunds from all student accommodation providers."
Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has urged people not to travel to beaches or beauty spots on the north coast this weekend.
The East Derry MLA said:
“While there has been some relaxation around the Coronavirus restrictions, travel remains restricted to certain circumstances.
“Last weekend we had an influx of visitors to Portstewart, Portrush and around the north coast, above and beyond what is permitted within the restrictions.
“People should not be travelling miles to take exercise or to meet up with family outdoors, and I would urge people not to travel to the north coast this weekend.
“Where people locally are accessing beaches, parks or other walkways, they should ensure social distancing is being implemented.
“The virus is still spreading and we all have a role in limiting its spread; we must continue to ensure we stay home where possible, implement social distancing and practice hand hygiene.
"I have spoken to senior PSNI locally about their planning for this weekend and preparations to deal with similar issues to last week, and I have been assured that plans are in place to deal with this.
“I have urged the PSNI to enforce the restrictions as they stand and I will be keeping in contact with them over the weekend.
“We must all keep in mind that any restrictions that have been eased may have to be reimplemented if the rate of infection increases again, so we all have a responsibility to be vigilant and ensure we can continue to ease restrictions rather than having to reimpose them."
Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD has welcomed today's decision to end the exclusion of women returning from maternity leave from the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme.
She said it will be a relief to many women that the government has finally accepted what Sinn Féin has been saying for weeks - that legislation was not required to deal with this issue.
She said:
“I welcome the decision of the government to do the right thing and end the exclusion of women returning from maternity leave from the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme. It defied logic for the government to dig their heels in on the issue when everyone accepted that the exclusion of these women was unfair and amounted to discrimination.
“Sinn Féin had established some weeks ago that legislation was not needed to deal with this issue and that the Minister simply had to instruct the Revenue Commissioners to act - just as he had done to fix other problems with the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme.
“It will be a relief to many women that the government has finally accepted what Sinn Féin has been saying and has now moved to deal with this problem.
“This is a victory for common sense. Undoubtedly this comes as a direct result of women across the country speaking out and demanding an end to this discrimination.”
Sinn Féin Children and Young People Spokesperson Catherine Kelly MLA has said addressing the concerns of those working in the childcare sector must be central to the post COVID-19 recovery.
She made the call after an online meeting with more than 75 childcare provides across the north hosted by Paul Maskey MP, Caoimhe Archibald MLA, Karen Mullan MLA and John Finucane MP.
The West Tyrone MLA said:
“This morning our Sinn Féin team met with over 75 childcare facilities from across the North to listen directly to their concerns and ideas about the future of childcare post-COVID19.
“There were many concerns raised by the childcare providers today including an ongoing lack of financial support, issues around the capacity of facilities to adhere to social distancing guidelines, protection of jobs and the expansion of the key workers list.
“There must urgently be a plan developed for childcare facilities moving forward which accounts for concerns of the sector and ensures the sustainability of childcare services, the maintaining of childcare places and the protection of both the staff and children.
“Childcare cannot be an afterthought; it must be an integral part of the roadmap to recovery.
"Sinn Féin will continue to engage with the childcare sector in the weeks and months ahead and will relay their concerns with the relevant departments."
Sinn Féin MLA and health spokesperson Colm Gildernew has welcomed the publication of the Department of Health's long-awaited COVID-19 test, trace, isolate and support strategy and added that more work is now needed to implement it effectively.
Colm Gildernew said:
“On the 3rd of March, the British government published its Action Plan, which the Health Minister decided to follow. This led to contact tracing in the north being stopped on the 12th March, contrary to WHO advice.
"We now have a plan from the Department of Health to scale up contact tracing as part of the work to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“I welcome the move towards closer compliance with the World Health Organisation guidance, which has consistently called for testing, contact tracing and isolating all suspected cases.
“However, there still appears to be a reluctance from the Department to acknowledge lessons learned.
"I am also concerned that the strategy does not refer to international best practice and guidance from the World Health Organisation and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
“The Department of Health needs to increase testing capacity and re-establish a contact tracing system that had been previously stood down with an aim to find all suspected cases.
“Consideration also needs to be given to the level of support for those who have to self-isolate or shield.
“So, while I welcome progress in developing this strategy, there is much more to do.”
Sinn Féin MLA Karen Mullan has welcomed a move by five schools in the Newry area to suspend academic selection for the coming year.
The Sinn Fein education spokesperson said:
"'I welcome and commend the decision by Abbey CBS, Sacred Heart, Saint Colman's, Our Lady's and St Louis Kilkeel to suspend the use of unregulated tests for this coming academic year.
'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 and unnecessary and puts undue pressure on children.
“Leading human rights and equality organisations, the Children’s Commissioner and leading trade unions all support the call to abandon academic selection altogether.
''I am hopeful that the other selective schools will follow the leadership and the example shown by the schools in Newry and scrap these unregulated transfer tests and instead focus on the task of preparing to return to schools when it is safe to do so.”
Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan has extended solidarity with two lawyers currently on hunger strike in a Turkish prison.
The West Belfast MLA said:
“It is deeply concerning that two members of the Contemporary Lawyers Association, Ms Ebru Timtik and Ms Aytac Unsal, have been on hunger strike for almost two months in a Turkish prison.
“Their protest began on April 5 with theIr demand for justice and the right to a fair trial.
“In Turkey earlier this year members of the band 'Grup Yorum', Ms Helin Bolek and Ibrahim Gokcek, died on hunger strike protesting against the suppression of their political views through music.
"A third hunger striker, Mustafa Kocak, died in prison demanding the right to a fair trial. We cannot allow a repeat of these tragic situations.
“Turkish authorities must respect the reasonable demands of the hunger strikers and open a meaningful dialogue with the prisoners and their representatives before their conditions deteriorate further.
“It is important that the international community stands firmly in support of the hunger strikers and their campaign for rights, equality and an end to Turkish repression.”
Sinn Féin MP for West Belfast Paul Maskey has called on young people to act responsibly and to join the community effort against COVID19 following reports of crowds gathering in public places.
Speaking Paul Maskey said:
“In recent days I have been dealing with reports of large crowds of young people gathering in public places, with many of those drinking alcohol.
“I am appealing directly to those young people involved to act responsibly. Your actions can potentially have serious ramifications for your personal health, that of your family and also our community.
“By gathering in large crowds the spread of this virus will be accelerated. Increased infection will place our health workers under extreme pressure and will kill people in our community - that is both the brutal and sad reality.
“Each and every one single of us, both young and old, has an obligation in the time ahead to act responsibly to protect our vulnerable relatives and members of the community.
“As we approach this weekend, I am appealing directly to young people to please be part of the community COVID19 response and to follow the guidelines.
“You can enjoy the good weather and meet up with up to six friends outdoors while adhering to social distancing but large crowds are not permitted for the benefit of your health and our community.
“I am also appealing to parents and guardians to please keep in contact with your children to know their whereabouts.
“Only by working together will we overcome this."
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing Eoin Ó Broin TD has today published a draft affordable housing scheme which provides detailed information on the affordable housing scheme Sinn Féin would introduce in government.
Teachta Ó Broin said:
“Affordable housing was the single biggest issue in February’s general election.
“For the last four years, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael failed to deliver a single affordable home to rent or to buy, and to date neither party has published a detailed affordable housing scheme.
“The draft affordable housing circular we are publishing today outlines how local authorities, approved housing bodies and community housing trusts will be able to provide affordable homes to rent and buy. It also outlines who would be able to access such homes.
“The circular states that affordable homes for €230,000 or less will be able to purchase in Dublin, the commuter belt and other major urban areas for households whose gross incomes are between €45,000 and €75,000 per annum, with a cut off point of €50,000 for a single person.
“Across the rest of the State, affordable homes for €220,000 or less would be delivered.
“For those wishing to rent an affordable home in the long-term or while saving to try and purchase a home, affordable cost rental homes will be available for between €700 and €900 per month depending on household size and income.
“The circular published today is a response to the growing frustration among local authorities and approved housing bodies that no affordable housing scheme has been delivered by government.
“The absence of such a scheme lies at the heart of disagreements around public housing delivery between Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Green Party in their government formation discussions.
“The Land Development Agency, as it is currently set up, will not deliver genuinely affordable homes to rent or to buy.
“Our scheme provides the clarity that local authorities, approved housing bodies and community housing trusts need to deliver affordable rental and purchase homes.
“This week the ESRI have called on the incoming government to focus their economic stimulus package on investment in affordable housing.
“We have put our draft circular out to consultation to local authorities, approved housing bodies and other stakeholders and I am looking forward to receiving feedback.”
Sinn Féin National Chairperson, and Junior Minister, Declan Kearney, has called on the Irish Government to act urgently in light of Israel’s intention to push ahead with its annexation plans of the occupied West Bank, including the Jordan Valley from July 1st.
The South Antrim MLA said:
"Earlier this month an independent UN human rights expert warned that the new Israeli coalition government's plan to proceed with annexing significant parts of the occupied West Bank, including the Jordan Valley, will create ‘a cascade of bad human rights consequences’.
“Michael Lynk, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the occupied Palestinian Territory since 1967, said that Israel's decision to unilaterally proceed with the planned annexation on 1st July will further undermine human rights in the region, and would be a severe set back to the rules-based international order.
“These annexation plans will have very serious consequences for the Palestinian people and if implemented would cement the apartheid occupation conditions which have been imposed on Palestine.
“Any prospect of a long-term democratic and peaceful solution to the plight of the Palestinian people could be indefinitely held back, if not permanently lost.
“The international community has a diplomatic and moral responsibility to act. Failure to do so is a perverse incentive for Israeli authorities to continue flouting international law and to consistently breach UN resolutions.
“The absence of effective international sanction has emboldened aggressive and oppressive actions by the Israeli government and forces against the Palestinian Authority, and its citizens across the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza.
“Sinn Féin calls on the Irish government to urgently recognise the State of Palestine, to publicly condemn Israeli annexation plans on behalf of the Irish people, and also use its influence within the European Commission to translate words of opposition from the European Union against the planned annexation of the West Bank into a robust diplomatic intervention.
“At this critical time, Sinn Féin once more encourages the Palestinian Authority and leaders of all Palestinian political forces to unite on an agreed political strategy to confront Israeli annexation plans. We appeal to them to speak as one strong, united voice in calling upon the international community, and specifically the European Union, to urgently intervene with the Israeli government and US administration on behalf of the Palestinian people.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire TD has said that commentary by the Minister for Education Joe McHugh yesterday has created more confusion than anything else.
He has said he hopes the Minister can bring some clarity and coherence to the Department's position today, because as of right now, this is totally lacking.
He said:
"Yesterday morning on the Today Show on RTÉ radio, the Minister for Education said it was hard to see all children being back in school in September and that blended learning will be a reality.
"Within 12 hours on RTÉ's Prime Time, he was telling us that he wouldn't accept a 'half return' to school, essentially referring to what he had himself referred to that morning.
"This contradiction has left children, parents and teachers none the wiser and more confused than ever.
"Reports yesterday confirmed my fears that meetings happening in recent days were preliminary and that preparations for a return to school based learning were really only beginning. The fact that the Department is only now properly considering this - given that school buildings closed on 12th March - is unacceptable.
"It is against that backdrop that the Minister's comments and contradictions occur.
"In the meantime, the Department has still not made contact with schools. How are they expected to plan, how are they to know how many teachers, SNAs or other staff they will need and what hygiene provisions they need to make? Will there be extra funding available? Teachers and Principals are deeply frustrated.
"The roadmap needs to be expedited and there needs to be direct communication with schools on the key points, including what the Minister is telling the Cabinet today he intends to do. I hope he can bring some clarity and coherence to the Department's position today, because as of right now, this is totally lacking."
Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew has said newly released figures on health waiting times are deeply concerning.
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.
“This clearly has had an impact on waiting times.
“The figures only takes account of the waiting lists until the end of March which means we have yet to see the full impact of the crisis on waiting lists.
“The challenge now is ensuring that services are restarted while maintaining a capacity to fight COVID-19.
“One of the main underlying issues concerning waiting times is the lack of capacity within the health and social care to deliver services.
“We need to see significant and sustained investment in the HSC workforce.
“The Minister of Health needs to demonstrate the 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."
Sinn Féin Environment Spokesperson Philip McGuigan MLA has today called on DAERA Minister Edwin Poots to ensure that the British Government Environment Bill doesn't lead to a significant regression in environmental protections in the North.
The North Antrim MLA was speaking following a meeting of the Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee at which serious concerns about the nature of the Environment Bill were again raised.
Philip McGuigan MLA said:
"The British Government is introducing an Environment Bill in an attempt to plug the gaps of environmental protections left wide open by their Brexit debacle.
"While there are some positive elements, it is the view of Sinn Féin, many local environmental activists and NGOs that this Bill marks a significant weakening of protections and regulations enjoyed under EU membership.
"Not only do we lose many EU directives and regulations, but the directives and regulations that this Bill attempts to emulate are to be enforced by a new OEP with very weak enforcement powers.
"It is the firm view of Sinn Féin there can be no regression from EU environmental standards or regulations of an all-Ireland nature.
"I am calling on Minister Poots to engage with DEFRA in Britain to ensure a sunset clause is inserted into the relevant sections of the Bill, this will mean that we are not permanently setback with weaker protections.
"There is also a responsibility on Minister Poots to form an Environmental Bill specific to the North which guarantees protections that are at least in line with those enjoyed across the rest of Ireland and the EU."
