Sinn Féin MLA Karen Mullan has welcomed the call from the Catholic Primate of All Ireland, Archbishop Eamonn Martin, for the suspension of academic testing.
The education spokesperson said:
“I welcome the call from Archbishop Eamon Martin In a letter to grammar schools for the suspension of academic testing given the global COVID-19 pandemic.
“A similar letter has also been sent by the Bishop of Derry, Dr Donal McKeown.
“Academic selection is wrong and unnecessary and puts undue pressure on children.
“This year in particular, with the necessary closure of schools, it would be completely unreasonable to expect children to sit high-pressure exams.
“Schools should heed the call of the Archbishop and suspend academic selection this year and indeed abandon it altogether.
“I would also call from schools from other sectors to also take the sensible decision to suspend academic selection.”
Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD has described as “completely unacceptable” the news that traveller accommodation underspend by local authorities for 2019 is at 33%. Only €8.6m of the €13m in allocated funding was drawn down.
Deputy Ó Broin said:
“Figures released to me in response to a parliamentary question indicated that €8.6m out of a budget of €13m was draw down for Traveller Accommodation by local authorities in 2019.
“While the overall figure appears to be an improvement on previous years a closer look at the figures reveals that some local authorities have massively overspent, while others have spent nothing.
“Eight local authorities including Carlow, Clare, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, Fingal, Kilkenny, Limerick, Louth, Meath over spent on their allocations, which is welcome.
“However, ten local authorities drew down no funding in 2019, these include Donegal, Galway City, Laois, Leitrim, Longford, Mayo, Monaghan, Tipperary, Westmeath and Wicklow.
“Out of these Galway, Laois and Mayo didn’t request any funding for traveller accommodation at all for 2019.
“Cork City drew down just 15% of its allocation, Dublin City drew down just 56% of its allocation, Galway County just 48%, Kildare just 36%, Roscommon just 29%, Waterford 46% and Wexford just 16%.
“If Sinn Féin is part of the next government we will urgently implement the recommendations of the Report of the Expert Group on Traveller Accommodation which was published last summer.
“With Covid-19, we see how physical distancing and how having a place to call home is vital to slowing the spread of this virus.
“Unfortunately, too many Traveller families are still living in unsafe, overcrowded accommodation.
ENDS//
Note to editors: A copy of the PQ mentioned in the above statement is available below.
______________________________________________
For Written Answer on : 13/05/2020
Question Number(s): 1247 Question Reference(s): 4475/20
Department: Housing, Planning and Local Government
Asked by: Eoin Ó Broin T.D.
______________________________________________
QUESTION
To ask the Minister for Housing; Planning and Local Government the spend by each local authority of their Traveller accommodation budget in 2019.
REPLY
In accordance with the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998, housing authorities have statutory responsibility for the assessment of the accommodation needs of Travellers and the preparation, adoption and implementation of multi-annual Traveller Accommodation Programmes (TAPs) in their areas. My Department’s role is to ensure that there are adequate structures and supports in place to assist the authorities in providing such accommodation, including a national framework of policy, legislation and funding.
The allocations and recoupment profiles for capital Traveller accommodation projects can vary across local authorities given the local priorities, circumstances and project timelines as set out in the TAPs. Local authorities adopted the fifth and current round of TAPs in September 2019, with the five-year rolling programmes running from 2019 to 2024. These programmes provide a road map for local authority investment priorities over the period. They also form the basis for the allocation of funding from my Department for Traveller accommodation.
Housing authorities submit funding proposals for individual Traveller-specific projects and developments on an annual basis. These projects are assessed on a case-by-case basis by my Department in advance of allocations being made. In addition, further funding may be considered by my Department throughout the year in the light of progress across the programme generally. There is regular contact between my Department and housing authorities in order to try to ensure maximum progress and drawdown.
The following table outlines the 2019 allocation and drawdown for each local authority.
County Council
Allocation
2019
€
Drawdown
2019
€
Carlow
70,000
381,898
Cavan
95,458
94,500
Clare
635,000
669,389
Cork City
275,799
42,319
Cork County
258,390
184,745
Donegal
161,816
Dublin City
1,628,695
895,197
Dun Laoghaire / Rathdown
32,834
Fingal
848,957
Galway City
Galway County
1,412,596
670,440
Kerry
77,200
75,131
Kildare
1,000,000
360,231
Kilkenny
21,682
408,856
Laois
Leitrim
178,390
Limerick City and County
1,015,179
1,424,782
Longford
2,922
Louth
132,531
341,863
Mayo
Meath
75,000
91,790
Monaghan
100,000
Offaly
815,117
692,329
Roscommon
253,084
73,843
Sligo
1,435,913
1,131,397
South Dublin
130,557
106,719
Tipperary
25,655
Waterford City and County
170,000
77,562
Westmeath
100,000
Wexford
335,000
52,870
Wicklow
104,533
Reserve
2,489,484
Total allocation
10,510,516
TOTAL
13,000,000
8,657,652
Speaking after today's Executive announcement where it agreed to establish a graduate entry medical school at the Magee campus and the first student intake of 70 students in September, MLA for Foyle Karen Mullan said:
"Today's announcement by the Executive that it plans to establish the graduate medical school at Magee is a major boost for Ulster University and for Derry.
"The benefits of this investment to the economic regeneration of Derry and to the North West cannot be overstated. I warmly welcome the decision which adds quite significantly to the City Deals and Inclusive Future Fund commitment announced in recent weeks too.
“There is widespread support for the medical school and the expansion of Magee. There is a united voice in the city at political and community levels and today's announcement represents a huge step forward towards the goal of delivering the medical school at Magee in the fastest time possible.
"Sinn Féin is committed to working with Ulster University, local business leaders and all other parties to see the project delivered without any delay."
Sinn Féin Mental Health spokesperson Pat Buckley has called for any future government to establish a permanent Oireachtas Committee on Mental Health.
He said this was a long standing position of Sinn Féin and was clearly needed to ensure the delivery of needed reform of mental health services and protection of existing services in the post-covid period.
Deputy Buckley said;
“The Covid-19 crisis has placed great strain on our mental health services and further exposed the cracks in our system which have not been addressed despite many years of campaigning and advocacy by groups representing health care workers and those who use the services.
"We need to refresh the Vision for Change strategy and rededicate ourselves to the recovery focused community model it sought to bring about. We need to fund our services properly, end the recruitment crisis and ensure services are available to all people across the island that need them developing towards an all-island mental health system.
"Recent concerns over the precarious nature of charity funded services need to be addressed also.
"Sinn Féin have been calling for a permanent Mental Health committee for the Oireachtas since the winding up of the Future of Mental Health Committee at the end of 2018. The coming months and years present many challenges, but it also presents the opportunity to build the world class mental health service that we deserve. Any future government must put this in place.”
Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has reiterated the party’s firm opposition to the British Government’s controversial immigration proposals.
The Sinn Féin Brexit Spokesperson said:
“This immigration bill will have a detrimental impact on vast swathes of our society, representing a unique challenge to healthcare, hospitality, Agri-food and retail sectors in particular.
“In short, these proposals amount to little more than a xenophobic attack on overseas and low paid workers – many of whom are absolutely invaluable to our local economy.
“In recent weeks COVID19 has shown how our society is built upon the selflessness of our frontline workers – in healthcare, retail, food production and so many other invaluable sectors.
“Indeed, more than 100 health and care workers have died as a result of COVID19 throughout the NHS; many of whom represent the diverse ethnic and national background of our key workers.
“It is deeply hypocritical for members of the British cabinet to applaud NHS workers each week, yet construct a cruel immigration regime which will be detrimental to many of these workers.
“As a society, we should be seeking to reward our frontline workers, ensuring they have maximum employment protection; not bringing forward proposals which will jeopardise their livelihoods.
The South Down MP added:
“The British Government has again completely disregarded the unique and special circumstances of the North. This bill displays nothing but contempt for our workers, communities and our local businesses.
“Sinn Féin will continue to oppose this assault on our key workers, and will once again relay our opposition directly to the British Government in the time ahead.”
Sinn Féin TD Darren O'Rourke has called for clarity on how physical distancing measures will be enforced on public transport as passenger numbers increase in line with the phases of reopening.
Teachta O'Rourke made the call following comments from the CEO of the National Transport Authority this afternoon where she stated that it is largely the responsibility of passengers to police the measure themselves.
The Meath East TD said;
"The idea that the policing of physical distancing on public transport would fobbed off onto passengers is very concerning. That this could be official NTA policy is even more alarming.
"I don't think many users of public transport will be comfortable with the notion of having to police their fellow passengers and run the risk of confrontation, especially when they do not have a specific authority to do so.
"The Government and the NTA need to put more thought into how this will operate in practice. Physical distancing measures on public transport must be policed by those with an authority and the specific training to do so.
"I acknowledge that these are unprecedented challenges but we must get it right. Public transport is an absolutely essential facet of our society. It is crucial that it is safe to travel on public transport and to ensure our emergence from lockdown is protected and keeps moving forward.
"The progress we have achieved in the battle against Covid-19 over the past two months has been hard won. We should not risk squandering that progress because of a lack of policing of public health measures on public transport."
Sinn Féin TD for Meath East Darren O’Rourke has today said a new approach to driving lessons and driving tests may now be needed in light of the continuing Covid-19 pandemic.
Responding to comments from Transport Minister Shane Ross, O'Rourke said the testing backlog was having a significant impact on young people in particular and solutions, not sympathy, was needed.
He said;
“Another consequence of this continuing public health emergency has been the cancellation of driving lessons and driving tests for thousands of people across the State. It is reported that the backlog in driving tests is already in excess of 20,000. This includes young people, already disproportionately affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, denied access to a test and to a full licence.
"Thousands are caught in limbo, with a full driving licence being a requirement for work for many also.
"Yesterday on national media, Minister Shane Ross said he had 'sympathy' for young drivers who needed to get on the road. Sympathy is not enough. The Minister should work with his Department officials, with Trade Unions and representative groups to find a solution. This is particularly important given the fact that we do not know how long we will have to live with Covid-19 physical distancing restrictions.
“Perspex dividing screens, PPE for instructors and testers, shorter driving routes and or a substantial alterations as necessary to the traditional testing routine, such as enclosed testing areas, should be examined.
“Driver and road safety should remain paramount but sympathy from Minister Ross is not enough. Driving instructors, examiners and their unions must be consulted urgently. Minister must outline what plans he intends to put in place to deal with this escalating problem."
Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD has said this afternoon that there is nothing to stop the government from providing access to the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme for women returning from maternity leave.
She has said that 'Revenue can act - they have done so in the past and can do so again. I want to see this matter sorted immediately.'
She said:
"There is nothing to stop the government from providing access to the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme for women returning from maternity leave and the government should not be messing around on this issue.
"Revenue can deal with this and it does not require new legislation to address. Changes have been made to the Wage Subsidy Scheme on an administrative basis before and can be again.
"I wrote to all party leaders on this matter at the weekend because I want to see this sorted immediately
"The exclusion of women returning from maternity leave from the Wage Subsidy Scheme must be ended and they, like other workers, must have access to it."
Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins has called on the Minister for Infrastructure to engage with Community Transport groups who are worried about the financial impact COVID-19 will have on the provision of their crucial services.
The Newry and Armagh MLA stated:
“Those within Community Transport are concerned about how the loss of fares from group hire, as a result of COVID-19 , will affect their overall services in the near future.
“Additionally, there is interest within Community transport to explore what staff could be furloughed at this time, such as those who are shielding for example.
“Community Transport already provides a key service in normal circumstances but now they are playing an important role by assisting in the delivery of vital goods to those most vulnerable.
"They also provide transport for essential medical appointments and make welfare calls to their members.
“I have written to the Infrastructure Minister to urge her to engage with Community Transport groups and explore ways to alleviate the pressures they will face as a result of COVID-19, such as exploring the possibility of furloughing staff."
Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew said universal testing for COVID-19 is required for residents and staff in care and residential homes as a matter of urgency.
The Sinn Féin Assembly health spokesperson said:
"Families with relatives and loved ones in care and residential homes, as well as the workers at these facilities, have been very concerned about getting access to COVID-19 testing.
"The World Health Organisation is clear that testing, tracing and isolating every suspected case is essential for helping to control the spread of the pandemic and save lives.
"The Health Minister needs to deliver on his commitment that COVID-19 testing will be made available to all care home residents and staff across the north.
"I and my party colleagues, including Joint Head of Government Michelle O'Neill, have raised this with the Health Minister on numerous occasions calling for universal testing.
"The roll out of universal testing, needs to start in care homes as a matter of urgency and on an on-going basis.
“We know care homes are at the front line in the COVID-19 battle, and are extremely vulnerable.
“There can be no more time for equivocation.
"It is essential that we protect care home residents and those who work there, looking after them as a matter of priority.”
Christy Moore, Matt Molloy and Damien Dempsey are among the artists to feature in a unique online tribute involving leading figures in music and politics to mark what would have been Martin Mc Guinness’ 70th birthday later this week, it has been confirmed.
The event has been organised by the Martin Mc Guinness Peace Foundation whose spokesperson Paul Kavanagh said it would be a special and poignant tribute.
He commented: “Obviously the way many of us carry out events of remembrance and celebration have had to change because of the Covid-19 crisis, and we are no different. The Chieftains Walk, which is also organised in memory of Martin, had to be postponed but I know the organising committee are very grateful to everyone who continues to register to take part when the walk is rescheduled.
“Similarly, we have rethought how we intend to mark what would have been Martin’s 70th birthday on May 23rd. I am delighted to confirm that we will now be holding a very special and poignant night of music, tribute and recollection, which will be streamed online.
“The event will feature musical performances from huge acts including Christy Moore and Damien Dempsey, New York singer Mary Courtney, acclaimed flautist Matt Molloy and a very special rendition from Martin’s granddaughter Cara Mc Guinness. A host of other talented performers from Derry and further afield will also be taking part in what promises to be an incredible line-up.
“The event will also feature tributes and recollections from leading figures in the world of politics, both at home and internationally, who will be sharing their memories of a man who continues to inspire us today.
“Martin Mc Guinness remains a much loved and much missed figure for countless people around the world. We hope this event gives them the opportunity to come together to remember him and celebrate his life in a unique and poignant way.”
Sinn Féin MP Paul Maskey has said that local people are shocked and angry after a man has been murdered in a gun attack in Lenadoon last night.
The West Belfast MP said:
“Yesterday evening local man Kieran Wylie was murdered in a brutal and shameful attack in Lenadoon.
“My thoughts are with the family and friends of the man killed in this brutal attack.
“Local people are shocked and angry that anyone would carry out an attack like this when the community and the emergency services are facing the challenge of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Those involved in this act have absolutely no place in our community, they must cease their anti-community activities and get off the back of the people of West Belfast.
"I condemn those responsible and they must be brought before the courts.
“A police operation is ongoing in the Lenadoon area and I would appeal to anyone with information on this shooting to bring it forward to the PSNI.”
Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has said an extension to the Brexit deadline is required in order to protect the all-Ireland economy.
The party's Brexit spokesperson said:
“Our economy is already under unprecedented pressure as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic.
“The approaching Brexit deadline is adding to the fears and anxieties of the business community and others.
“The EU has made it clear it is disappointed in the progress to date in the Brexit negotiations and that the British government has failed to set out how it intends to implement the Irish protocol of the Withdrawal Agreement.
“It is becoming increasingly clear that the British government is trying to renege on the commitments it had already made, including the protections for the all-Ireland economy contained in the Irish protocol.
“It cannot be allowed to resile from this legal obligation or its commitments within the political declaration.
“As the Brexit deadline approaches, particularly the June deadline for progress, our business community and others need certainty and that has not been forthcoming from the British government.
“The Brexit deadline should now be extended to avoid a potential crash out, no deal Brexit at the end of the year, which would devastate our economy already weakened by the current pandemic."
Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD has written to the Taoiseach and other party leaders to get cross-party agreement on a mechanism to end the exclusion of women returning from maternity leave from the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme.
Ms. McDonald said “There is a very straightforward way to resolve this matter and we should do it immediately.”
She said:
“Women returning from maternity leave have been excluded from the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme on the grounds that - despite being employees - they were not on their employer’s payroll on the 29th February. It is very disappointing that the government has not moved to address this issue.
“The Minister for Finance has the ability to act on this without requiring an immediate change to primary legislation and he has already done so when the temporary weekly subsidy was increased from 70% to 85% on 15th April.
“In a letter to Teachta Pearse Doherty on 24th April, the Minister confirmed that he was able to instruct the Revenue Commissioners to change this measure on an administrative basis pending necessary amendments to the legislation.
“The same mechanism can, and should, be used to allow the Revenue Commissioners to extend the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme to women who are returning to work from maternity leave after the 29th February 2020. As was done with the changes announced on 15th April, the necessary amendments in the legislation can be made in due course.
“The Wage Subsidy Scheme is an essential component of economic recovery and protecting incomes during this crisis and in the time ahead. The exclusion of women returning from maternity leave should be addressed immediately.”
Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín has expressed her condolences following the death of trade unionist, Denis Keatings.
The North Belfast MLA said:
“I was saddened to hear of the death of trade union stalwart Denis Keatings.
“For many years Denis was a champion of workers in the health and social care sector, particularly in the Mater Hospital.
"He was a tireless advocate for workers’ rights and social justice and will be sadly missed by many.
“My thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.”
Consultation required on decision to ban pigeon shooting – Matt Carthy TD
Sinn Féin TD, Matt Carthy, has criticised Minister Josepha Madigan for failing to consult with those affected before the decision to lift the Summer derogation on Wood Pigeon shooting was enacted. The National Parks and Wildlife Services, which operates under the auspices of Minister Madigan’s department, announced in recent days that the derogation, due to come into effect on 31st May, would not be in place this year. The move could have enormous implications for tillage farmers and food supplies.
Deputy Carthy said:
“That this decision was made without any consultation with those who would be affected is not good enough. The Minister must reverse the move until a full consultation process has been completed with all stakeholders.
“The National Parks and Wildlife Services say that the decision was based on new scientific evidence. They should publish that evidence and allow it to be scrutinised.
“Farmers and game clubs are vital stakeholders in wildlife preservation. It is not acceptable that decisions that could have enormous implications for farming and for food supplies is made without any engagement with those stakeholders. Minister Madigan must resolve this matter immediately”.
ENDS
Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has expressed the desperation felt by many small businesses excluded once again from departmental support in response to COVID-19.
Speaking after details were published of the Economy Minister’s Hardship Fund, the party’s economy spokesperson said:
“The existing business grant schemes have provided support to many businesses. However, many others such as sole traders and some social enterprises have not been eligible to avail of them.
"For these businesses the Hardship Fund was their only lifeline.
“The criteria set by the Economy Minister means once again these businesses have been left behind.
“These businesses have been under significant pressure to meet financial commitments to keep their businesses open but effectively they have been abandoned yet again.
“The minister needs to listen and recognise the plight of these small businesses.
"Their survival depends on support from the Hardship Fund.”
Sinn Féin TD for Meath East Darren O’Rourke has raised the lack of checks and restrictions on passengers arriving into Irish ports and airports with the Minister for Transport, Shane Ross.
Speaking today, Deputy O'Rourke said;
“The current system of Covid-19 checks and controls in our ports and airports is wholly inadequate.
“The sum total of government efforts to date in this area has been to hand out a piece of paper, the Public Health Passenger Locator Form, which has been ignored by approximately a third of passengers who didn’t bother to fill it in, while a further third didn’t answer follow up calls.
“This is little more than an exercise in administration, and a far more robust procedure is needed. The laissez-faire approach of the government here must change.
“I challenged Minister Shane Ross about this in the Dáil this week, and he had little detail on what the government would be doing to address this pressing issue.
“With Ryanair planning to resume 40% of flights from July, and with so many unanswered questions about our capacity to adequately test and trace, it is imperative the government move now to put proper checks and restrictions in place at our ports of entry.
“I also encouraged Minister Ross to work with Sinn Féin and the Stormont Executive to develop island wide rules for arrivals going forward. It defies logic to have two different systems, 90 miles apart.
“We must ensure those arriving into Ireland are adhering to proper rules and regulations, to help in the fight against Covid-19."
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance Pearse Doherty TD has said that cutting unemployment supports for those who have lost their jobs would present a massive blow to workers and families who have seen their incomes collapse as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
He has said that the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment must continue to be paid until the end of the year.
He said:
“Since the outbreak of Covid-19, more than 600,000 people have lost their jobs. Workers and families have seen their household incomes collapse and this is a hugely stressful time for people who desperately need certainty and support.
“The Minister for Finance has refused to rule out scrapping or reducing the Pandemic Unemployment Payment after June, and this has caused huge anxiety and stress for workers and families at an already difficult time.
“As we seek to rebuild the economy in the coming months, we cannot cut unemployment supports for those who have already seen their incomes reduced. Doing so will leave many people in dire financial circumstances and it makes no economic sense.
“At a time when consumer spending and confidence is down, the best thing the government can do at this time is support demand.
“The government needs to confirm that anyone who has lost income as a result of this crisis will not become worse off again as a result of cuts to income supports. To do that we need to make it clear that the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment will continue to be paid until the end of the year.”
Sinn Féin Health spokesperson Louise O’Reilly has said that the spending of €335m on temporary agency staff by the HSE in 2019 was due to an incomprehensible recruitment ban coupled with the continued failure to address healthcare workers' concerns over pay and working conditions.
Deputy O'Reilly added that the €2.2bn spent on healthcare agency staff since Fine Gael came to office is one of the greatest wastes of public finances in recent times and called on government to address this issue by employing staff directly.
Teachta O’Reilly said: “The billions spent on temporary agency staff in the health service is one of the greatest financial wastes of the past decade.
“2019 saw spending on agency staff increase by over €16m on the previous year to a staggering €335m.
“Since 2011, Fine Gael have spent over €2.2bn on temporary agency staff to fill staffing gaps because they have continuously failed to address the recruitment and retention crisis.
“This spending is without doubt one of the greatest wastes of money, not only in the health service, but in the whole State.
“We cannot continue to spend billions on temporary staff to compensate for Fine Gael not addressing the concerns of healthcare workers in terms of working conditions and pay.
“This practice has never been good value for money, it has never delivered for patients as regards continuity of care, and it is not beneficial for other full-time staff either.
“Now is the time to reassess our spending on agency staff and move away from this harmful practice by investing in staff directly employed by the HSE around whom we can build a universal healthcare system.”
