Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan has welcomed the reappointment of Eddie Lynch as Commissioner for Older People.
Pat Sheehan said:
“I welcome the commissioner’s reappointment and commend him on his invaluable work to date on behalf of older people.
“His office provides a wide and valuable range of services for the community and advocating on behalf of older people. I know he will continue to do his best to promote and protect the interests of older people in his new term.
“As the current global health pandemic disproportionately affects older people and the public focus has shifted to the impact on care homes, the rights of older people need a passionate advocate now more than ever.
“The Commissioner has also published a highly influential report into abuses within Dunmurry Manor Care Home and the need for considerable system-wide changes.
“The publication of ‘Home Truths’ by the commissioner raised a lot of important issues that still needs to be addressed by the Department of Health and the HSC.
“I look forward to working with the Commissioner in the future and wish him well in the time ahead.”
Sinn Féin MLA and infrastructure spokesperson Cathal Boylan is reminding people of the importance of staying at home during the COVID-19 pandemic following reports of an increase in road traffic.
The Newry and Armagh MLA stated:
“During the Covid-19 pandemic road traffic levels have fallen, which demonstrates people’s commitment to sticking to social distancing during the past seven weeks and it’s great to see.
“By sticking to social distancing, we help mitigate the spread of the virus, save lives and reduce pressure on our health service. It’s crucial that we don’t lose sight of this.
“However, since last week there has been an increase in the number of vehicles on the road.
“It’s important that only essential journeys are being made.
“Social distancing is a crucial element of our Covid-19 response. I would urge everyone to continue playing their vital role during this pandemic; stick to social distancing and help save lives.”
Confirmation that the planned medical school at Magee is to be taken forward by the Executive Office has been welcomed by local Sinn Féin MLA Karen Mullan.
Karen Mullan commented:
“The medical school at Magee has long been recognised as a pivotal project, not just in terms of the expansion of Magee University but the overall economic regeneration of Derry, Strabane and the wider North West.
“But it has faced a number of delays and difficulties.
”In this context I welcome the decision of the Executive today that this project will now be taken forward by the joint heads of government. The medical school is a complex and cross-departmental scheme and by moving it to the Executive Office, the difficulties can be addressed in time for the first intake of postgraduate students next year.
“This is a welcome move which comes on the back of the extremely positive Executive intervention committing record levels of investment to this region. The agreement to match fund the City Deal and Future Fund means that we now have a £210 million package that will be pivotal to our economic and social regeneration.
“Achieving this at a time of global crisis when all governments are facing huge challenges, is an important recognition that investment must address regional imbalance and the legacy of past neglect.
“That is something which Sinn Féin Finance Minister Conor Murphy has been abundantly clear on and I thank him for the commitment he has shown to redressing regional inequality.
“Progress on the medical school is critical to opening up a new chapter for third-level education in Derry which will see the much-needed NHS heroes of the future being trained and retained in this city. I look forward to that vision being realised.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson for Business, Enterprise and Innovation Imelda Munster TD has today said that the closure of Bewley's on Grafton Street is a devastating blow for its workers and for the city.
She added that the closure highlights the vulnerable position many businesses have found themselves in during the COVID-19 lockdown due to onerous overheads, in particular, rent.
Deputy Munster said: "110 people lost their jobs last night during what is already an extremely difficult time. This will come as a devastating blow to staff and to their families.
"Bewley's has been operating for almost 100 years on Grafton Street and the closure of the iconic café and the theatre space upstairs is a huge loss to our capital city.
"The issue here is unmanageable rent. We need radical action by government to ensure that SMEs are not forced to fold during this period due to landlords demanding rent that businesses simply can't pay at the moment as a result of the lockdown restrictions.
"The government has a responsibility to ensure that businesses, who have been forced to close for weeks on end through no fault of their own, are protected during this time.
"This case also highlights the power that corporate landlords wield over the very fabric of our cities.
"According to media reports quoting a note to staff from the Managing Director, Bewley's landlord, the Ronan Group, did not offer a rent reduction, despite the forced temporary closure of the business and, when rent was withheld for the April to June period, the business received a 21-day statutory demand from the landlord demanding the wind-up of the cafe.
"The government needs to get a grip on the matter of rent or we will lose thousands of businesses in the coming months.
"Corporate landlords will have to shoulder their fair share of the burden and we know that some will not do that voluntarily.
"In fact, some corporate landlords were happy to receive enormous bailouts during the recession, yet they are very slow to ease the burden experienced by other businesses during this crisis.
"The government has to introduce measures to deal with debt of this type immediately or the consequences will be dire for thousands of SMEs working in retail, hospitality and tourism."
Sinn Féin Health spokesperson Louise O’Reilly has said the government need to get working on maximising the use of private hospital capacity and use the facilities and staff to carry out cancer care, time-dependent surgery, and National Treatment Purchase Fund work before the agreement runs out.
Teachta O’Reilly said:
“While we know that the contractual arrangement that the HSE have entered into with private hospitals has been a very good deal for private hospitals and bad deal for the taxpayer, unless the government start maximising the use of these facilities then the deal will have been a farce.
“We understand the need for some capacity to be kept to deal with a potential COVID related surge, but there is significant unmet need in the number of non-COVID related cases and procedures, and these also have to be catered for.
“A surge is building of patients in need of care that is not COVID19 related, and unless the government and the HSE start addressing this care, health difficulties will escalate and there will be fatalities.
“Therefore, there is a serious need for the capacity which the State has bought in the private sector to be put to maximum use before the deal ends on June 30th.
“These facilities need to be put to use immediately to reduce inpatient and outpatient waiting lists, specifically focusing on cancer care, time-dependent surgery, and National Treatment Purchase Fund work which these hospitals have previous experience of.
“We have only eight weeks left to maximise the resources the State has purchased under this deal and unless we see immediate action then a bad deal will be made even worse.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire TD has called on the Minister for Education to make a definitive statement this week regarding the Leaving Cert and to outline his plan B.
He has said that 'on balance, it is my view that the Leaving Cert cannot now go ahead so the Minister needs to set out how the Leaving Cert will be awarded and how college admissions will be managed; including for students with special needs.'
He said:
"We have long been of the view that cancelling the Leaving Cert is a very serious thing to do, but that it cannot go ahead if the health and welfare of students and teachers cannot be safeguarded.
"The delay in coming to a decision in this regard, or setting out what other options are being considered, has caused serious anxiety and worry for students and parents, and has made a bad situation worse.
"On balance, it is my view that the Leaving Cert cannot now go ahead and that the Minister for Education needs to make a definitive statement this week in this regard.
"Any announcement must be accompanied by clarity on the next steps and set out how the Leaving Cert will be awarded and how college admissions will be managed; including for students with special needs and those from the north. Failure to do so will compound the failings of recent weeks and create more uncertainty and anxiety.
"There are many options that can be considered and none of them are without their flaws.
"I believe that the use of a multi-metric test should be considered. This would involve a combination of aptitude and assessment tests, online subject based oral examinations, personal statements on a subject or assignments based on course work.
"I have serious concerns regarding predictive grades and if they are to be used at all, their role should be minimised and significant safeguards put in place.
"We also need look at the possibility of giving students the chance to revisit their exam results in future and students should have the option of sitting their exams when it is safe to do so. Students in this year's Leaving Cert year should be able to avail of tuition free of charge at any point in their lives if they wish to sit the Leaving Cert to improve their grades - this is a fair recognition of the circumstances these students have faced.
"There are a number of other issues that also need to be addressed. Leaving Cert fees need to be waived, dedicated mental health supports rolled out and SUSI expanded to get more students into third-level who might not otherwise.
"There are many routes that could be considered in relation to third-level admissions. In my view, a central part of the answer to the problem of allocating places lies in the fact that universities and colleges will have reduced numbers of international students this year.
"It is possible, via increased investment in third-level, and crucially in SUSI, to allow more students to access their first choice course. We believe that some form of assessment, perhaps the CAT4 or a discipline related skills based test done online, can be used for oversubscribed courses, but that popular courses should be expanded to accommodate as many students as possible.
"Whatever approach the Minister chooses, he must hear the voices of students and offer real clarity on the way forward. Students need certainty now, not more doubt and uncertainty."
Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew has called for details of care home figures for COVID-19 to be published as a matter of public interest.
The party’s health spokesperson said:
“Care homes are at the centre of the fight against COVID-19. It is vital that care homes have robust testing, access to PPE and support for staff to deliver care.
“Families need to be informed if there is a positive case within a care home of a relative. It is a deeply worrying time especially for residents and family members who have not been able to see each other for many weeks.
“I am calling on the Department of Health to provide clarity as to why they have not published detailed data on the spread and impact of COVID-19 within care homes. This is clearly a matter of public interest and if the information exists it should be published.
“We know from other international examples that COVID-19 can be particularly dangerous for vulnerable groups and within care settings. It is vital we know how it affects care settings locally.”
Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins has welcomed today’s announcement by the Minister for Communities Deirdre Hargey that she plans to launch a Covid-19 Charities Fund.
The Newry Armagh MLA said:
“This is welcome news for the charity sector struggling during this difficult time.
“The charity sector plays an invaluable role within society including supporting the most vulnerable in the community and continuing to do so during the crisis.
“This crisis has impacted on many charities fundraising activities which are often fundamental to allowing them function and serve the community.
"I commend the Minister for being proactive and showing leadership by bringing forward this fund for charities and I look forward to her announcement on the application process soon.”
Sinn Féin health spokesperson Louise O’Reilly has said that the failure of the government to provide HSE staff to help deal with COVID-19 in private nursing homes is “beyond concerning”.
Speaking today, Teachta O’Reilly said: “Nursing homes and residential care facilities are struggling significantly to deal with COVID-19.
“These nursing homes have also lost huge numbers of staff and this is impacting on their capacity to deliver care safely.
“It is estimated that the private nursing home sector alone could need a 2,000 additional HSE staff to help deal with the crisis.
“Promises were made, particularly to the private nursing home sector, that HSE staff, inclusive of healthcare assistants, nurses, doctors and consultant geriatricians, would be seconded to help treat patients with COVID-19 and ensure that care homes could continue to deliver care safely.
“Commitments were also given to me, and other politicians, last week in the Dáil by the Minister for Health that HSE staff would be deployed to private nursing homes in significant numbers.
“However, following a video conference today with the main party health spokespeople, the HSE revealed that only 100 staff had been seconded from the HSE to private nursing homes as of today.
“This is beyond concerning given the scale of the crisis in the nursing home sector.
“The Minister and HSE need to take a firm grip of this situation and organise for the dynamic deployment of staff to nursing homes, including the appointment of geriatricians to play a hands-on role.
“Failure to do this will mean that the crisis will continue and it will take significantly longer to break the chain of virus transmission in the private nursing home sector.”
Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Bay South Chris Andrews has said that the closure of Bewleys on Grafton Street, Dublin is a devastating loss at a very difficult time.
He said:
"The news this evening that Bewleys of Grafton Street is to close will come as a massive blow to the 110 workers at Bewleys and their families, and my thoughts are with all of those concerned at this very difficult time.
"Bewleys has been an iconic feature on Grafton Street for over one hundred years, and whilst it has had a difficult period in recent years, its loss will be felt by Dubliners and visitors to the city alike.
"Unfortunately, I have had similar representations from traders in Dublin City who are struggling to afford sky-high rents at a time when they have no income coming through the doors; which seems to be a major contributory factor in the closure of Bewleys. I would urge the government to begin tackling this issue without delay before other firms go to the wall.
"It is extremely stressful for any worker to lose their job at any time, but right now - in the midst of a pandemic and when other employment opportunities are limited - and when people are really struggling, it is a double blow. Measures need to be put in place immediately to help these workers and their families at this very difficult time."
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Children and Youth Affairs Kathleen Funchion has strongly opposed suggestions that the Department of Children and Youth Affairs may be axed as an independent department and subsumed into another department.
Her comments follow recent media reports that Fianna Fáil are planning to do so.
Speaking in the Dáil today, Teachta Funchion said: “I cannot empathise enough how much of a retrograde step this would be.
“You only have to look at the history of how this country has treated women and children over the years and the one department that primarily deals with children and women’s issues, to even consider getting rid of it and axing it? That would be a very dark day for our country."
She added: “The Department of Children and Youth Affairs cannot be some sort of sacrificial lamb for the purposes of political expediency on the part of those currently engaged in coalition talks.
“While not without its issues, the Department has been integral in furthering the rights and welfare of children at the cabinet table over the last number of years. Any process that sees it subsumed into another portfolio with competing resources and time would be a retrograde step.
“Furthermore, it would certainly not be in keeping with the spirit of the result of the 2012 referendum on the Rights of the Child.
“Sinn Féin will be opposing any such moves and encourage others to do the same.
“I think it would be beneficial for the leaders of all three parties involved in coalition talks to make their position on this proposal clear as a matter of urgency.”
Sinn Féin MP Órfhlaith Begley has said many self employed people from the north are being excluded from an online service to avail of COVID-19 support.
The West Tyrone MP said:
“Many people who are self-employed are struggling as a result of the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and are unsure about what support they are entitled to.
“HMRC has launched an online tool for the self-employed to check if they are eligible for the income support scheme but many in the north cannot access it.
“The online service requires people to have a British passport or a British driving licence, not a northern one, as a form of ID.
“Many people in the north do not hold either so this site is not fit for purpose.
“Effectively it is excluding many self employed people from the north from accessing a service which is needed at this difficult time.
“I am calling on HMRC and the British Chancellor to amend the current application process to ensure self employed people from the north can access this online service as a matter of urgency.”
Sinn Féin TD for Meath East Darren O'Rourke says the Tourism and Hospitality sector is the “beating heart” of the Irish economy and has called on Government to urgently establish a Tourism Recovery Taskforce to ensure it’s long term future.
Speaking in the Dáil today, he said;
“Minister, when we heard on the news over the weekend that tourism was among the sectors worst hit by Covid-19 job losses, for most of us it came as confirmation rather than surprise.
“A strong Hospitality and Tourism sector is absolutely crucial. In many areas it is the beating heart of local economies but, dependent as it is on the movement of people, it has been decimated by Covid-19.
"Tourism and Hospitality supports an estimated 260,000 jobs in Ireland, or 11% of total employment, making it our largest local employer. It has reached into every region and county across Ireland with 70% of jobs are outside of Dublin – 6,500 in my own home county – highlighting the regional contribution of tourism and its vital role in spreading employment opportunities and prosperity.
"In recent weeks we have seen pubs, restaurants, shops, hotels, B&Bs, museums, visitors centres - the list goes on – all closed. Many with hundreds of employees and thousands of years of combined working experience. I want to extend my solidarity to those workers at this uncertain time on behalf of Sinn Féin.
"If the economic impact is as devastating as many see it, I would suggest the social impact is many times this. Festivals and events and places that bring people together – all out of bounds. Hundreds of thousands of workers and their families, whole communities in some cases, are waiting in anticipation.
”We need a dedicated recovery plan for the Tourism and Hospitality sector. The business supports announced by Minister Donohoe at the weekend do not go anywhere near far enough to ensure the families and workers affected are given a break.
"They lack ambition and do not go far enough. The Government must commit to the establishment of a Tourism Recovery Taskforce to develop and deliver a dedicated tourism recovery package.”
Sinn Féin MLA Karen Mullan has welcomed the announcement of £600,000 by Finance Minister Conor Murphy to support Foyle Hospice during the Covid-19 crisis.
The Foyle MLA said:
“I welcome the announcement today by Finance Minister Conor Murphy that £600,000 has been allocated to support the Foyle Hospice during this pandemic.
“Foyle Hospice and its staff are an invaluable asset to our society.
“They provide high quality and compassionate care to those who are in need, and in particular those who are seriously ill.
“Hospices often rely on fundraising carried out by remarkable volunteers and community organisations who work tirelessly throughout the year.
“Due to the ongoing public health emergency and the cancellation of events, the capacity to fundraise has been severely limited and has caused significant financial stress and concern.
“I believe this financial injection will go some way in alleviating many of their financial concerns and I thank Minister Conor Murphy for that.
“From the bottom of my heart – I want to thank the staff at hospices and all those involved in fundraising efforts. You are all truly fantastic people, keep up the fantastic work.”
Sinn Féin MP John Finucane has welcomed the announcement of almost £7,000,000 to help Hospices during the COVID19 crisis.
Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Mid West, Mark Ward has called on the government to meet with Pieta House to address their funding shortfall, which has led to pay cuts and redundancies in the mental health service.
Lucan in Dublin Mid West is the location of the very first Pieta House in Ireland and Ward is concerned for the impact that cuts to services will have on constituents seeking mental health services, particularly those dealing with the added strain of the COVID-19 crisis.
Speaking today, Deputy Ward said: “Pieta House provides essential mental health services across the State, in many cases in areas and communities which lack adequate public services or resources.
"Sinn Féin have long made the point that mental health services should not be dependent on charitable donations, but rather that the government should have the responsibility to see that these services are protected.
“In my own area in Dublin Mid West, we are lucky to have Pieta House on our doorstep in Lucan, In fact Lucan was the first location that Pieta House started off from. I have know numerous people over the years who have been helped by Pieta House.
"The COVID-19 crisis has put great strain on the mental health of many communities and the services they depend on. It has also made it very difficult for charities which provide mental health supports to raise their needed funding beyond what they receive from the public purse.
"Many people working in our frontline services are being exposed to traumatic and stressful situations and require mental health support at this difficult time.
"I am calling on the government to address issue directly and work with Pieta House to resolve the funding problem.
"Workers with expertise in mental health provision should not be out of work at any time, but especially during a pandemic. If necessary, staff should be made part of the public system and be able to continue their work in that way.
"Pieta House does excellent work filling the gap created by years of government neglect of mental health services. In this difficult time, the government must act to ensure these services are not lost.”
Sinn Féin TD for Sligo, Leitrim, North Roscommon and South Donegal, Martin Kenny, has called on communications providers and utility companies not to seek to make profit from businesses closing down due to COVID-19.
Speaking in his constituency today, Deputy Kenny said:
“I have been approached by constituents asking for me to intervene with phone companies and electricity and gas providers who are demanding payment of early contract termination money, on top of what they are owed in bills, from failing companies.
“There are hundreds of small companies which had very low profit margins, which will not open again after this crisis. Some are taking the hard decision to close down now, rather than wait for an end to restrictions.
“Some of these businesspeople have told me that they had no debts to landlords or suppliers, but that the utility and phone companies are demanding hefty payments from them for breaking their contracts.
“I am calling on these companies to bill these people what they owe in their normal bills, but to write off the early termination payments on contracts.
"People are already in a stressful situation and are trying to tie up loose ends and move on.
"A reasonable approach for huge companies dealing with small businesses would be to accept payment for outstanding bills or supplies and call it quits.”
The Department of Education and Department of Health must urgently implement the Covid-19 Childcare Support Package without further delay, Sinn Féin MLA Catherine Kelly has said.
The party’s Children and Young People spokesperson was commenting after pressing officials at today’s meeting of the Education committee at Stormont.
Catherine Kelly said:
“It’s disappointing that at today’s meeting there was still no update on when the Covid-19 Childcare Support Package would be made available to childcare providers.
“Childcare providers have been left facing an uncertain future since taking the decision to close their premises. They are under immeasurable stress and financial pressure.
“They have few resources to draw upon during this crisis and the length of time they have been waiting for financial support is unacceptable.
“The health and education departments must urgently progress childcare support and implement the Covid-19 Childcare Support Package without further delay.”
Sinn Féin Education spokesperson Karen Mullan MLA has welcomed progress on funding to ensure substitute teachers are supported through the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Foyle MLA said:
''Today at the Education Committee department officials confirmed that a proposal for funding to support substitute teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic has been made by Education and Finance to the British Treasury.
“Crucially, officials confirmed that even if bid is unsuccessful, they will provide support out of existing resources
“This is welcome news. Substitute teachers play a pivotal role in the day-to-day running of schools across the north and we firmly believe they should be protected throughout this crisis.”
Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson Louise O’Reilly has said the postponement of smear tests is causing significant concern for women right across the State.
Teachta O’Reilly said:
“My office has been contacted by women from all across the State over the postponement of smear tests by GPs and service providers.
“It is understandable that certain healthcare has had to be postponed, but it is very worrying that smear tests, even in emergency cases, are being postponed.
“Some of the women who have contacted me say they have had their tests postponed for almost two months now, with no indication as to when they will be rescheduled and carried out.
“Time is of the essence when it comes to healthcare, and it is especially important when it comes to screening for cervical cancer.
“There needs to be a way for women to have their smear tests carried out, especially for those in risk categories or who have symptoms of possible cervical cancer.
“I submitted questions to the Minister for Health Simon Harris on this matter last week and am currently awaiting his response.
“I hope that he can provide much needed guidance on this situation and help resolve the difficult and confusing situation which has arisen for many, many women.”
