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Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald called for the economy committee to undertake an inquiry on remote working.

The party’s economy spokesperson said:

"Over the past number of weeks we've all had to adopt new ways of working, these have both greats benefits but also challenges.

"It is likely many of us will continue to work from home on a full or part-time basis over the next number of months and for some, these new ways of working may be adopted or change how businesses operate on a permanent basis.

"Remote working has the potential to bring about better work life balance and improve regional balance, as people commute less and spend more time in their own communities; reducing commutes also has environmental benefits reducing emissions from traffic.

“However, consideration must be given to clear guidance for both employers and employees and any legislative requirements in that regard, including the 'right to switch off'.

"My party colleague John O'Dowd and I therefore proposed that the Economy Committee look at this issue in detail through a committee micro inquiry." 

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Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Employment Affairs and Social Protection John Brady has said that the government must pay arrears to recipients of the Covid10 Pandemic Unemployment Payment as swiftly as possible. He made the call after being informed by the Department that it could take months before repayments are made to recipients.

Speaking today, Deputy Brady said;

"Today in the Dáil while speaking during the revised estimates I called on the Minister for Social protection to prioritise the payment of arrears to the large number of recipients of Covid19 PUP that are due them.

“During my contribution I highlighted one recipient who didn’t receive any payment 

"Unfortunately, the Department of Social Protection had the incorrect information for the person in question and this caused a delay in the payment being processed. Payment was eventually received on May 19th but was simply a one payment of €350 not the amount backdated as expected. This person didn’t receive any payment for 8 weeks and was expecting the full arrears as due.

 "While this is just one example, there are many others facing severe financial pressure due to the similar circumstances from the Department.

"Having contacted the Department on behalf of the constituent I was informed that it will take a number of months before the issue of arrears is dealt with by the department.

"I am aware and disappointed to see that the plan for backdating money under the Covid PUP scheme is still unclear to those people who are depending on this money.

"Sinn Féin will continue to hold this caretaker Government to account on this issue and ensure that ordinary people are given the supports they need during this extremely difficult time and that they are not put further into financial difficulty."

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Sinn Féin TD for Meath East Darren O’Rourke today called for the caretaker Minister for Transport Shane Ross to provide clarity to bus and coach drivers who have been left behind by the government during this recent economic downturn.

Speaking today, Teachta O’Rourke said;

“Thousands of workers in the bus and coach industry in Ireland are being stonewalled by the Minister for Transport, who continues to ignore requests for support, assistance and guidance for their sector.

“I have made contact with Minister Ross numerous times on this, but I am getting nothing back from him. He seems to have checked out from his Ministry already.

“The bus and coach sector employs thousands of workers and provides essential services for hundreds of thousands of commuters, tourists, event-goers and schoolchildren across our island.

“The recent lockdown, closure of schools and the collapse of the tourist, sporting and events industries here, have all added to the massive challenge these companies are now facing.

“We agree with calls from the Coach Tourism & Transport Council of Ireland, for the need for representatives from the sector on the tourism task-force and also for the need for a public transport task-force to examine how best to restart the industry.

“The Minister for Education today commented on the difficulty for schools returning with a two-meter social distance policy in place. This will add further worry to those bus companies who rely on school routes for a large part of their business.

“Minister Ross needs shape up and engage with business and workers representatives in this area as a matter of urgency. He cannot continue to ignore the entire sector.”

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Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD has welcomed that a proposal will go to Cabinet tomorrow to end the exclusion of women returning from maternity leave from the Temporary Wage Scheme.  

She said:

“Several weeks ago, I wrote to the Taoiseach and other party leaders highlighting the fact that women returning from maternity leave were being excluded from the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme on the grounds that - despite being employees - they were not on their employers payroll on 29th February 2020. We have repeatedly raised this issue with the government and in the Dáil.

“Pearse Doherty and I set out a straightforward solution to end the exclusion of these women which involved the Minister for Finance instructing the Revenue Commissioners to change the measure on an administrative basis pending the necessary amendment to the legislation.

“Despite the Taoiseach and Minister saying they couldn’t act as they needed new legislation, it now appears that they have accepted Sinn Féin’s proposal. This is a victory for common sense.

“It is welcome that a proposal is now going to go to Cabinet and this will come as a great relief to the women affected. Undoubtedly this comes as a direct result of women across the country speaking out and demanding an end to this discrimination.”

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Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance Pearse Doherty TD has welcomed the publication of the ESRI's Quarterly Economic Commentary today, describing it as a 'welcome dose of reality'.

He said:

"Today's ESRI report highlights that the recession brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic will be longer and deeper unless we continue to protect the income of workers, increase supports for SMEs, and undertake a fiscal stimulus with universal healthcare and affordable housing at its core. This is what Sinn Féin have been saying for some time.

"We have also said that the Pandemic Unemployment Payment and the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme will aid economic recovery and safeguard household incomes. The ESRI correctly points out that if these supports are tapered off or discontinued, then this will undermine economic recovery and will lead to mortgage arrears and default.

"It would be disastrous for many workers and families if the government continues with their strategy to taper and cut these supports over the coming weeks and months.

"The ESRI also echoes Sinn Féin's call for additional grants and cash injections for our SME sector - the backbone of employment in our economy. The lack of support to date risks the survival of SMEs and will result in permanent job loss. Much more must be done through the provision of direct grants and zero interest loans to support small businesses.  

"Today's report is a welcome dose of reality for those who want to lead us down a new path of cutbacks and austerity."

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Sinn Féin TD for Donegal Pádraig Mac Lochlainn has called on the Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney to make contact with the Spanish Government and to offer assistance to Valladolid City Council and the team undertaking works to locate the resting place of Red Hugh O’ Donnell, who was buried there, having taken ill, after seeking further assistance from the Spanish King in the aftermath of the Battle of Kinsale in 1602.

He has also asked the Minister if he will pursue the objective of returning the remains of Red Hugh O’ Donnell back to his native Donegal.

Teachta Mac Lochlainn said:

"I heartily commend Valladolid City Council and the archaeological team, currently searching for the resting place of the legendary Donegal Chieftain Red Hugh O' Donnell. This is a tremendous initiative but the team involved have noted that their resources are limited.

"The Irish Government should offer financial and any other assistance to them. It is incumbent that no financial barrier is put in the way of DNA testing the mixed remains that are being uncovered at this site to hopefully pinpoint the remains of this great man in Irish history.

"It must also be an objective of the Irish government to not just locate these remains but to return them to his beloved homeland of Donegal. The very thought of this achievement will be of great excitement and importance to so many Irish people, and of course, Donegal people".

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Any insurers that pay dividends must be “named and shamed”: MacManus

Sinn Féin MEP Chris MacManus has said any insurers that are still considering paying dividends this year must be named and shamed. He said strong advice from the EU’s supervisory body not to pay dividends this year must be followed. A parliamentary reply from Minister Paschal Donohue suggest strongly that not all insurers have yet confirmed that they will not pay dividends this year.

MEP MacManus said:

“I am deeply concerned that the Minister could not confirm that all insurers have indicated that they will implement the EIOPA (European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority) direction not to pay dividends or their equivalent this year. “

In his reply to my colleague Matt Carthy TD the Minister could only say that “I understand that a number of firms have already announced that they are deferring dividends in this context.  I welcome this and believe others should also follow suit. “This strongly suggests that some insurers are still panning to pay dividends this year. Any insurers who have not yet confirmed they will not be paying dividends should be named and shamed. It’s wholly unacceptable in such an economic climate.”

“Irish insurers have brought much attention on themselves in recent years for inexplicable pricing policies. Any attempt to dodge this EIOPA advice will, quite rightly add to the public perception of the industry as greedy profiteers operating outside the norms of normal business.“ ENDS

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Sinn Féin MP Francie Molloy has called on the Economy Minister to immediately extend the Hardship Fund to sole traders and the newly self employed who have been not been able to access COVID-19 support funding.
The Mid-Ulster MP said:

“I have been contacted by dozens of small and micro business owners within Mid-Ulster and across the North who have been excluded from COVID19 financial support to date.

“Those excluded from the eligibility criteria for grants include barbers, hairdressers, photographers, sole traders and many other service providers and tradespeople.

“The eligibility criteria has also excluded those that are newly self-employed.

“These entrepreneurs, businesses and newly self-employed workers have been unable to trade during COVID19 due to restrictions, but have yet to receive any financial support from the Economy Minister.

“The lack of support for this sector of business is now putting the very survival of these businesses and jobs are now at risk, as well as being detrimental for the income for many working families.

“Small enterprises and entrepreneurs are the backbone to the North’s economy and there is an onus on the Economy Minister to proactively support these businesses during this time of great economic uncertainty.

“Sinn Féin has continuously lobbied the Economy Minister to ensure that that the eligibility criteria for support is made inclusive.

“Minister Dodds must address this urgently and as a priority.”  

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Sinn Féin Education spokesperson Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire TD has said that schools and parents have been left in an impossible position due to the lack of planning and communication by the Government for the return to school.

The Cork South-Central TD said that it was apparent that there was now a need for major investment for remote access and tackling educational disadvantage when schools return.

Teachta Ó Laoghaire said;

“Minister Joe McHugh said today that not all students will be back in the normal way in September due to social distancing. Aside from stating the plainly obvious, it is the closest any parent or teacher has heard to detail on how schools will return in September.

"Any school I have spoken to in recent weeks has received no contact whatsoever about reopening on the 28th of May. School buildings have been closed since the 12th March. That is just unacceptable.

"Even in ordinary circumstances, schools would be in the midst of preparation for the next school year at the moment. Right now, that just isn't possible because schools don't know what policies and procedures they might be expected to put in place.

"A return to school-based learning is important, particularly for those with additional needs, or in areas of educational disadvantage, but we need to do this safely, and with a plan. We also know that we will have to live with Covid-19 for some time to come and we know a vaccine is not going to appear today or tomorrow.

"Schools need to know how many rooms will be needed and they need to know if they will need additional teachers, SNAs or other staff. Most of our school buildings are not fit to hold the numbers they hold generally, not to mind with social distancing. They need to know what rules in terms of hygiene there will be, and whether they will receive any additional funding or support for cleaning or PPE and so on.

"So it is clear that teachers and school staff will need support and information. Likewise, parents will need reassurance.

"But right now they have nothing. In that context I am glad that the Minister has agreed with what I called for in the Dáil last Wednesday, and again on Monday, which is for a roadmap for education. That said I had expected and hoped that the department would have been at a much more advanced stage than this.

"It seems that planning is at a very early stage, has only now started, and the reality is that parents and teachers are still hugely in the dark.

"Minister McHugh needs to communicate with schools in the next few days and give some indication of how schools should be planning. The frustration that is there with many teachers in particular is enormous, they have heard nothing.

“It is also obvious that the resources students have for remote learning need major investment, both in terms of devices and internet connection, if this is to become a significant feature. The schemes the Government have announced to date have only scratched the surface, and we know that children have lost out due to the digital divide.

"If the Government wants blended learning then families and teachers need to be given the tools to do so.

"Likewise the gap in educational disadvantage is, I fear, turning into a chasm. This will need a dedicated strategy to ensure children do not fall even further behind."

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Sinn Féin MLA Karen Mullan has said the delivery of a medical school at the Magee campus is an exciting opportunity for Derry and the north west. 

Speaking after receiving a letter from the Health Minister restating the Executive’s commitment to completing the project, the Foyle MLA said:

“The Executive Office’s decision to establish a graduate entry medical school at Magee is a major boost for the city and the wider north west. 

“There is widespread support for the project, and I welcome a further commitment from the Health Minister that he is working with others to ensure it is completed. 

“Completion of the medical school has far reaching benefits, not only through investment and boosting student numbers, but ensuring that we are training more doctors and medical professionals. 

“If this pandemic has shown anything, it’s that we need health workers, working within communities, caring for people and saving lives here in the north west. 

“This is an exciting opportunity for the future in Derry and I look forward to seeing the medical school fully completed.” 

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Speaking this morning, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Health Louise O’Reilly TD has said that she has written to the Cathaoirleach of the Dail's Covid-19 Committee to request that HSE and Department of Health officials come before the Covid-19 Committee to present evidence and answer questions regarding the failure of the State to plan for and to protect the care home sector.

She said:

“This morning, Sinn Féin's members of the Dail's Covid-19 Committee have written to the Cathaoirleach of the Committee to request that Mr. Paul Reid, CEO of the HSE, and Mr. Jim Breslin, Secretary General of the Department of Health, are called as witnesses before the Committee at the earliest available opportunity.

“Information published and reported on over the past 24-hours regarding the wholesale failure of the nursing home sector has significantly escalated the necessity of their appearance.

“The data released by the HSE and published by in the media today reveals a shocking failure by the State to plan for and to protect the nursing home and long-term residential care sector. The fatality figures released reveal the shocking human cost of this failure.

“In addition to this, both the Department of Health and the HSE have been putting conflicting information into the public domain regarding nursing homes. This practice is incredibly damaging to public trust and to the work of the Dáil's Covid-19 Committee.

“It is clear from the Committee's hearing on Tuesday, and from the information published in the media today, that the lack of a structural plan to protect the whole nursing home and long-term residential care sectors is at the root of the crisis which has ripped through care homes in our communities.

“It is imperative that we - as the Committee tasked to ‘consider and take evidence on the State’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic’ - investigates these latest developments and that we hear from Mr. Reid and Mr. Breslin as a matter of urgency.

“To that ends, I hope the Cathaoirleach and the Committee will agree to this request.”

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“Fine Gael complicit in EU’s decimation of Irish Farming” - Chris MacManus MEP

Following EU Commission President’s Ursula Von der Leyen’s address today to the Parliament, Sinn Féin MEP Chris MacManus, a member of the EU Parliament’s Agricultural Committee, has said the Commission’s proposals still represents a cut to CAP and shows farmers are not the priority of the European Commission.

MacManus said:

“The size and severity of the cuts has been slightly reduced from what the Commission announced in 2018. However, given the impact Covid19 has had on the agricultural sector this will provide little comfort to our farmers.

“I have contacted the Commission for the percentage figures of the cuts in both real and nominal terms. Our initial analysis has it coming to an approximate 9 percent cut in real terms to CAP. That is still a substantial cut, and will be felt acutely by farmers at this time.

The Midlands Northwest MEP called on the current caretaker government to stand up for farmers: “The proposed cuts are to start in 2021 and will become more severe year-on-year. We saw when the original proposal was made in 2018 that the Commission and Fine Gael tried to portray the cuts at only 3 percent when they were in fact 15 percent.

“The Government needs to come out and unequivocally say that they will not support a budget that cuts CAP. It is unacceptable that with a drastically increased EU budget, farmers will still come out with less. By hiding on this issue, Fine Gael are complicit in the EU’s decimation of Irish Farmers”“

The Sligo based MEP concluded “Of the EUR 750 billion being borrowed by the Commission to finance the Recovery Fund only 2 percent of it is being directed to agriculture - far less than the cuts proposed in the traditional budget lines. More will be spent servicing the debt than will be received by farmers.

“That means that once the cuts to the budget, even including the additional monies from the recovery fund, are examined it suggests as a 9 percent cut to CAP overall, specifically a 9.5 percent cut from the direct payments as issued by the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund and a 7.5 percent cut from Rural Development”.

ENDS

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Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has said the British government’s refusal to sign up to human rights commitments as part of its Brexit deal with the EU is very worrying. 

The South Down MP said: 

“The refusal of the British government to sign up to human rights commitments as part of its Brexit deal with the EU could have huge implications for the rights of people in the north. 

“Michael Gove admitted today that not signing up to the commitments would allow the British government to alter human rights legislation. This could pave the way for the British government scrapping the Human Rights Act or leaving the European Convention on Human Rights. 

“This action runs contrary to the protections contained in the Good Friday Agreement, and would raise serious concerns over the rights of people in the north. 

“There is an onus on the Irish government to ensure that Irish citizens in the north, who will remain EU citizens post Brexit, can continue to access and enjoy EU rights. 

“The Taoiseach has given a very public pledge that Irish citizens in the north will not be left behind again and if he is serious about that that he must work to safeguard our rights.

“It also further highlights the need for the EU and Irish government to make sure what has already been agreed between the EU and the British government in the Irish Protocol of the Withdrawal Agreement is implemented in full.”

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Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD has called on the government to extend the ban on rent increases and evictions until the end of 2020. He added that it must also extend access to the Covid-19 rent supplement payment until the end of the year.

Deputy Ó Broin said:

“Minister Murphy this week must announce that he is extending the ban on rent increases and evictions until at least the end of the year.

“I will be raising this issue with the Minister for State at the Department of Housing John Paul Phelan later on this evening in the Dáil.

“There is too much uncertainty around employment and incomes for the Minister for Housing not to extend the ban on rent increases and evictions.

“We know from studies by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) that young people and those working in hospitality and retail have been disproportionately impacted by job losses due to Covid-19.

“We also know that this section of the population are most likely to be renters.

“Sinn Féin in government would extend the ban on rent increases to three years but at a minimum the government must extend it until at least the end of 2020.

“We also need to see the Minister for Social Protection Regina Doherty to extend access to the Covid-19 rent supplement payment until the end of the year. 

“It is necessary in order to help mitigate the accumulation of rental debt to help protect both tenants and landlords once the pandemic has eased.”

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Von Der Leyen words highlight ‘Deep disconnect’ between economic reality and EU plan - Mac Manus

Following EU Commission President’s Ursula Von der Leyen’s address today to the Parliament, Sinn Féin MEP Chris MacManus, a member of the EU Parliament’s Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee, has said the Commission’s proposals shows a “deep disconnect” between economic reality and the needs of workers and businesses during the unprecedented economic crisis.

MacManus said:

“Today, after weeks of delay the EU Commission presented its proposal to fund the economic recovery. The proposals was as bad as feared by Sinn Féin and showed once again the deep disconnect between economic reality and what the EU is proposing. 

“The entire logic of the plan is to only spend in line with the EU’s agenda. Unfortunately, we know from experience that this can mean austerity and regressive measures.

“Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen’s proposals was supposed to be about funding the much needed recovery. In fact, it reads more like a funding plan for the EU Commission itself with a raft of new EU taxes to go directly to Brussels. A stimulus funded by new taxes is not much of a stimulus. It’s effectively taking from one hand and giving to the other.

“This deliberate muddying of the waters, by folding the Recovery Fund into the regular EU Budget is a three-card trick. The normal seven year Budget had to be approved this year anyway but now it has been rebranded as part of the recovery. By blurring the lines the Commission has now left CAP and other social programmes vulnerable to reductions in real terms, as money is shifted sideways to the so-called Recovery Fund.

“At a time of such community solidarity and human endurance across Europe, the EU has failed badly to present a plan for a fair recovery. It has reverted to form with a self-aggrandising plan,  pushing so-called reforms which put EU institutional needs above the interest of workers, businesses and countries fighting to survive a global pandemic not of anybody’s making.” ENDS 

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Sinn Féin spokesperson on Communications, Climate Action and the Environment David Cullinane TD has described reports that Fianna Fáil may renege on commitments to defer the increase in the age of eligibility for a State pension next year as "despicable".

He said that "Sinn Féin is the only party that will guarantee a State pension at 65".

He said:

"Reports have emerged today that Fianna Fáil may renege on commitments to defer the increase in the age of eligibility for a State pension next year if they form a government. This move is despicable. 

"It was Sinn Féin who put this issue on the agenda during the general election campaign, and other parties and the Fianna Fáil leader in particular followed with mealy-mouthed commitments that now appear to count for nothing. This is an example of what is to come under Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael in government - if they get their way.

"Sinn Féin are the only party that are clear and unequivocal on this issue, and we are the only party that will guarantee the right to a State pension at 65. 

"We are talking about our parents, our grandparents and our families. We are talking about our friends and our neighbours. We are talking about people who have provided the resources to build our hospitals, our schools and our roads.

"They are entitled to respect and dignity and a State pension at 65 - if they so choose.

"That is what is fair, just and in line with the values of the vast majority of the Irish people."

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Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins had called on the Infrastructure Minister to ensure her department engages fully with hauliers and their representatives during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Newry and Armagh MLA stated: 

 

“The Road Haulage Association has expressed frustration that communication between the Department and the sector during Covid-19 has not been ‘meaningful and effective.’

 

“They are concerned with the pace at which the department has been dealing with issues during Covid-19, such as medical assessments for example. 

 

“The Committee has written to the Infrastructure Minister to raise this important issue. 

 

“Hauliers are playing a significant role during the Covid-19 response, it’s vital that the Department has proper engagement with this sector and reacts in an appropriate speed and manner to the challenges of the industry.

 

“This importance is compounded by the challenges Brexit brings to the sector in the not too distant future.

 

“The Infrastructure Minister must ensure her department engages in a meaningful way with the sector at this challenging time.”

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Sinn Féin MLA Karen Mullan has called for a review of the curriculum in advance of next year’s GCSE and A-Level examinations.  

Speaking after a meeting of the Education Committee, the Foyle MLA said:

 “The last number of months have been very difficult for our schools and pupils. 

 “With schools unlikely to return until September at the earliest and even then there is a likelihood that remote learning will continue in some capacity, it’s simply not feasible to expect students to be examined in the usual way.

“I pressed officials to possibly review the delivery of the curriculum next year and how exam officials will take into account the major disruption which young people have experienced this year.  

“Although teachers and parents have been involved in fantastic work in delivering remote learning it is no substitute for the classroom experience.

“School leaders, teachers, students and their families need clarity in advance of the new academic year. 

“I will continue to raise this issue in the coming weeks with both the exam regulators and the Education Minister.”

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Sinn Féin Economy Spokesperson, Caoimhe Archibald MLA, has called for a COVID-19 recovery plan that delivers on the 'New Decade New Approach' commitment to a Green New Deal.

The East Derry MLA was speaking after more than 40 groups including business, community and environmental groups have written to the First and Deputy First Minister urging them to prioritise a green recovery in any Coronavirus recovery plan.

Caoimhe Archibald said: 

"The COVID-19 pandemic has caused great loss of life and created profound economic challenges for people and their livelihoods across society.

"While protection of public health is paramount, we must have a vision for what a post-COVID recovery must look like. Any strategy to recover from the economic crisis caused by COVID-19 must be based on a Just Transition towards a net zero carbon economy.

"Time is quickly running out to rapidly decarbonise and move towards a sustainable and inclusive economy that guarantees the safety of workers, families and the natural world.

"A Just Transition would meet our climate obligations, while dramatically improving the quality of life of workers and families and businesses.

“Tackling the economic crisis and the threat of climate breakdown together, this Just Transition must provide well-paid and high-skilled green jobs, world-class public transport, warmer homes for all, and using Ireland's abundant renewable resources to give cheaper and cleaner electricity to all.

"The Executive should imbed a Just Transition in any economic recovery planning, and put concrete localised plans in place to decarbonise our economy and improve people's quality of lives." 

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Sinn Féin Councillor and Mayor of Belfast Danny Baker has called on councils across the North to work collectively to minimise the length of journeys being taking by citizens to visit recycling centres.

Danny Baker said:

“The reopening of recycling centres was part of stage one of the roadmap to recovery from COVID19.

“Many councils across the North are currently operating a policy that only permits those with a postcode in that council area to utilise recycling facilities.

“In doing so, those that live on the edge of some council boundaries are having to travel further to visit their respective council recycling centres.

“I am calling on councils across the North to work collectively to take steps to allow all members of the public to access recycling centres.

“Opening recycling centres to all members of the public will minimise the length of journeys being taken by citizens as we continue to work to contain this virus.”

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