Sinn Féin TD for Donegal Pearse Doherty has called on the Government to commit to maintaining funding provided to the regional airports, including Donegal Airport, in order to ensure connectivity for rural communities.
The Sinn Féin TD was responding to calls by the Dublin Airport Authority and Shannon Group today to scale back government financial supports for regional airports as they were not delivering value for money.
Deputy Doherty said:
“The role of our regional airports goes beyond a value-for-money analysis. These airports provide vital connectivity between our rural communities in the West and South of Ireland and the rest of the world.
“I look at the role Donegal Airport plays in my own constituency and it’s not hard to see why our community need the services that the airport provides. The daily flights from Donegal to Dublin not only open up the northwest to tourism, but they also serve cancer patients who have to travel to Dublin for treatment. The 40-minute flight makes that journey much easier than the 4 or 5 hours it takes to travel by road each way.
“The northwest is not connected to Dublin or the rest of Ireland by motorway, dual carriageway or rail. For those who live in Donegal and travel to work or study in Dublin, the regional airport makes this possible. In addition, Donegal Airport offers flights to Glasgow too which allows us to keep and foster the connection between this part of Ireland and Scotland which was forged through many years of emigration. Donegal regional airport provides a gateway to this part of Ireland and is essential for those who live, work and have located their business here.
“Therefore, I am calling on the Government to support our regional airports in Donegal, Ireland West, Kerry and Waterford and to maintain their funding during these difficult times. This is vital for the survival of the communities who depend on the services of these airports.
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing Eoin Ó Broin TD has commented on information he has received in response to a Parliamentary Question that shows that Rent Supplement claims are up 15% since Covid-19 restrictions came into effect.
He said:
“Figures obtained from the Department of Social Protection indicate that there has been a 15% increase in the number of people submitting Rent Supplement claims since the Covid-19 restrictions were introduced in March.
“The data shows that as of the 18th April there are 17,264 households in receipt of rent supplement payments - an increase of nearly 2,500 households since the 14th March.
“This rise in the number of claimants is worrying but not surprising given that research from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) shows that almost 40% of those working in the accommodation and food sector - which has been most affected by unemployment due to the pandemic - are renters.
“There are an additional 200,000 or so renters in other sectors that have seen significant job losses, and it is also important to note that job losses have impacted most significantly on those aged 18-24.
“Not enough has been done by the government to promote the availability of this payment for renters who are struggling at this time.
“It is likely that we are staring into a significant rent arrears crisis and more must be done to help renters avoid arrears where possible.
“We need to see an extension to the ban on evictions, notices to quit and rent increases for all tenants and licensees.
“We also need to see a real mortgage moratorium for landlords and a rent arrears debt resolution process.
“It is essential that renters are not left behind as we emerge from this crisis. A rent arrears debt burden must not be added to the high rent and lack of supply burden that renters are facing."
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Communications, Climate Action and the Environment David Cullinane TD has said that promises by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael in respect of Carbon emission reduction targets must be matched by concrete, costed and deliverable measures.
He said far away targets like net zero emissions by 2050 and achieving annual emission reductions are meaningless unless there is a clear blueprint on how these can be achieved.
He said:
“Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael’s record on climate action speaks for itself - they have failed to meet all climate action targets to date, as ambition has not been matched with concrete solutions.
“Setting far away dates as an end goal has failed before and will continue to fail without the political will to deliver. Promises are not worth the paper they are written on unless they are underpinned by costed proposals.
“Sinn Féin is engaging with key Departments on the modelling carried out to date which lays out how emission reductions can be achieved on a year-by-year basis.
“The reality is that previous Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael led governments have failed to substantially invest in public transport and in ambitious retrofit programmes. They have failed to move away from fossil fuel use quickly enough and have let big corporations of the hook.
“They have also failed to plan for a Just Transition, and we see this in the early closure of peat based power plants and with the treatment of workers at Bord Na Móna.
“Sinn Féin wants to shift the focus away from abstract targets into the arena of realistic and deliverable measures, and we want to see the highest levels of Carbon reductions through costed and transparent solutions.
“The days of wish lists, vague commitments and distant targets must come to an end. Targets have to be achievable, deliverable, costed, legally binding and underpinned by proper investment.”
Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson has warned that the clock continues to run on Brexit and preparations need to be made.
The Foyle MLA stated:
“Those in the haulage sector, who are playing a key role during Covid-19, remain deeply worried about what happens when the transition period for Brexit ends on 31st December.
"Businesses will need time to prepare for the changes to customs, regulatory and VAT/Excise regimes that the full application of the Irish protocol requires.
“In the Assembly today I raised the concerns of many businesses such the haulage sector as they are unclear on what preparation work is being done at this time for Brexit.
“It is vital that the all-Ireland economy, including businesses and jobs, are protected against the threat of Brexit.
“We need to be cognisant that Brexit continues to loom over us during this crisis and that we need to remain focused on this issue and ensure preparations are taken forward while committing fully to the immediate challenges of fighting Covid-19."
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Pat Buckley TD has called on the government to meet with Pieta House to address their funding shortfall which as led to pay cuts and redundancies in the mental health service.
Speaking today, Deputy Buckley 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 has a responsibility to see that these services are protected.
"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 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 MLA Philip McGuigan has welcomed the announcement that a walking and cycling champion is to be appointed within the Department of Infrastructure.
Philip McGuigan said:
"Increasing the levels of journeys we make by walking and cycling must be key priorities as we move forward out of the current Covid 19 crisis and beyond.
“This is therefore a welcome initiative.
“I am a keen cyclist and am only too aware of the need for greater investment in our road, footpath, and safety infrastructure to allow people to be more confident and feel safer on their journeys by walking or cycling.
"We can learn an awful lot from other European regions that place a greater emphasis on such modes of travel.
“More cycling and walking will obviously bring benefit to the individual in terms of their physical and mental health but will also benefit wider society as we strive for measures that reduce greenhouse gases, air pollution and that ultimately protect and save our environment.
"I hope the new champion is appointed quickly and I look forward to working with them."
Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has expressed sympathy to the family and friends of John Dallat.
The East Derry MLA said:
“We are all shocked to learn of the death of SDLP MLA John Dallat who served as a public representative for over 40 years as both a councillor and MLA.
“My thoughts and condolences are with his wife Anne, children Helena, Ronan, Diarmuid, his entire family and colleagues at this sad and difficult time.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
Sinn Féin Senator Niall Ó Donnghaile has called on caretaker-minister Regina Doherty to apologise for offence caused by remarks she made on RTÉ Radio this morning.
Asked about the government’s failure to appropriately engage with Stormont prior to the announcement of lockdown easing, the Minister for Employment and Social Protection stated: “At the end of the day, I think the most important thing that we needed to do was to tell the people that we serve; the Irish people.”
Speaking this afternoon, Seanadóir Ó Donnghaile said:
“It is quite astonishing that in 2020, ministers, albeit in a caretaker capacity, would need to be reminded that they serve Irish citizens throughout Ireland and indeed throughout the world.
“Regina Doherty’s comments this morning reflect a worrying culture amongst some in Merrion Street, which runs contrary to the Good Friday Agreement, the Constitution and the practical need for coordinated, shared and all-Ireland approaches to our health and wellbeing in the current COVID-19 crisis.
“Regina Doherty should reflect on her remarks this morning and apologise for the hurt and offence caused. Irish citizens in the North will not be ignored, dismissed or left behind.”
Sinn Féin health spokesperson Louise O’Reilly has said she is baffled as to why the government have still not initiated stricter entry restrictions to the State, such as those successfully adhered to in New Zealand in their efforts to combat COVID-19.
Speaking today, Teachta O’Reilly said:
“For some time now, many members of the general public, media and politicians have been highlighting the need for stricter entry restrictions to curb COVID-19 transmission.
“The government has failed to act in this regard. For weeks now, as the vast majority across the State adhere to a strict lockdown, people have still been arriving into the State from abroad.
“It is baffling that there are still a significant number of travellers arriving at our seaports and airports who are neither residents nor have a valid reason for travelling to Ireland.
“It is also confusing as to why residents returning home are not being assessed when they arrive as to the risk they pose of carrying COVID-19 and whether they need to be medically quarantined or be provided with a place to isolate for 14 days.
“Since March 19th, the New Zealand border has been effectively closed to almost all. The ban, which applies to all arrivals by land or sea, with the exception of permanent residents and residents with valid travel conditions returning to New Zealand, has been pivotal to their successful efforts to reduce COVID-19 transmissions.
“Their regulations also ensure that those arriving home are medically assessed, with high-risk persons medically quarantined, and all other arrivals have been managed in isolation facilities.
“These measures, along with their day-to-day public health response, have clearly been a success as the country has been able to contain the virus to the point that they have had no new cases of COVID-19 for the past two days.
“Indeed, only yesterday the New Zealand Prime Minister took aim at our government’s handling of the crisis and the slow scale at which the lockdown is being eased by comparison to how they have fared.
“It is truly baffling that the government haven’t enacted a travel ban to all entering this State, with the exception of residents.
"But it is not too late to apply one and I would call on the government to ensure that until the May 18th that all travel into the State is restricted and regulated.”
Sinn Féin MLA Karen Mullan has welcomed the announcement of up to £40 million investment for 16 schools by the Department of Education.
The Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson said:
“This is a welcome boost for the 16 schools who have been successful for school enhancement funding announced today by the Education Minister.
“This programme was established to fund building and improvement works at schools in order to provide the best possible accommodation for our children.
“Projects valued at between £500,000 and £4 million can be approved, making a huge difference to the schools’ estate over recent years.
“I asked the Minister for a timeframe of when announcements on capital projects for a number of schools is expected and I welcome his response that an announcement could be made in the autumn.
Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew has said care home staff who become unwell with COVID-19 should be protected and supported.
The Assembly health spokesperson said:
“Currently many care homes are only offering Statutory Sick Pay to staff who have contracted COVID-19 in the course of their work. This is not acceptable.
“Care home staff are working hard in difficult conditions to protect residents from COVID-19. In some cases, care home staff are working alongside Health Trust staff, who if they become ill will be entitled to full pay.
“Care homes are in the front line in combatting COVID-19. Recent NISRA statistics highlighted that over 40% of all deaths are occurring within care homes. Staff working in care homes deserve the respect and protections afforded to other health and social care staff.
“Sinn Féin submitted a range of constructive suggestions to the Health Minister to consider in tackling COVID-19 but we have yet to receive a response from the Minister.
“Social Care reform needs addressed. I raised this issue directly with Department of Health officials briefing the health committee on the Department’s budget. The Department must bring forward a true cost of care analysis to inform and set out exactly what it costs to provide care, including paying staff a living wage.
“For many working in private social care during COVID-19, they have been left feeling abandoned and ignored. They need to be fully recognised as part of the Health and Social Care family, including receiving equal levels of pay and protection.
"No member of staff should be disadvantaged as a result of contracting Covid-19 in the course of carrying out their caring role.”
Carthy calls for Bird Flu compensation for poultry farmers
Cavan Monaghan Sinn Féin TD, Matt Carthy, has called on the government to introduce a compensation package for poultry farmers affected by Avian Influenza (Bird Flu). Deputy Carthy raised the matter with the Agriculture Minister, Michael Creed, during last Thurday’s Dáil sitting. The Minister failed to address the issue in his own remarks and Deputy Carthy has said that he has followed the matter up in writing.
The Sinn Féin TD said:
“On Thursday last I asked the Minister to give me a yes or no answer as to whether he will consider providing a compensation scheme to those poultry farmers who have experienced culls as a result of bird flu outbreaks.
“Unfortunately, the Minister did not respond and has yet to comment on this issue which has caused huge hardship to some poultry farmers.
“These are farmers who have suffered devastating losses due to an occurrence that they cannot insure against. In the absence of an insurance scheme, the government needs to provide compensation to those affected.
“I have followed up this matter in writing to the Minister and I intend to pursue this issue until there is a fair package put in place.”
ENDS
Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín has welcomed the announcement that major supermarkets will dedicate online delivery slots to those who have received shielding letters as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The North Belfast MLA said:
“I welcome the news that some of our major supermarkets including Asda, Iceland, Sainsbury’s and Tesco will facilitate delivery slots for those that have received shielding letters.
“I want to commend the work of the Minister for Communities Deirdre Hargey, the Health and Social Care Board and the supermarkets involved on ensuring that this great initiative has come to fruition.
“This is an extremely challenging time for all in society, but it is particularly for those 80,000 people that have been encouraged to self-isolate by their GP due to an underlying health condition.
“This initiative will ensure that those citizens that are shielding will have greater access to food and essentials without leaving home.
“This latest initiative is one of a series that have been brought forward to support vulnerable citizens.
“Through the darkness of this pandemic the generosity, compassion and care in our communities is shining.”
Sinn Féin MLA Maoliosa McHugh has welcomed a huge £700m investment package announced by Finance Minister Conor Murphy today.
The Finance spokesperson said:
"I welcome today's announcement from my party colleague, Finance Minister Conor Murphy, of over £700 million of new funding for regeneration, infrastructure and tourism projects across the north.
"This is part of a wider investment package worth a total of £1.2 billion involving City and Growth Deals and the Inclusive Future Fund.
"Alongside this significant investment, the Finance Minister has also put in place an additional £100 million package for projects which support the wider investment.
"This funding will transform areas across the north, particularly those which have suffered from underinvestment in the past.
"It will also come as incredibly welcome news at a time when our economy is under pressure as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and will help to rebuild the economy on the other side of this crisis."
Executive confirmation of a multi-million package for Derry has been warmly welcomed by Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson as ‘transformative for the entire north west region’.
The Foyle MLA was commenting after the Stormont Executive today confirmed match-funding for Derry’s planned City Deal and Inclusive Growth Deal.
“This is a hugely positive day for the north west and represents the culmination of a great deal of work over the last number of years,” Martina Anderson said.
“Confirmation of the match funding means we now have a package of £210 million between the City Deal and Inclusive Growth Deal.
“This package will be transformative for the entire North West region and required the collective attention and action of the Executive, both governments and other partners.
“Following years of unrelenting Tory austerity which has deprived Derry, Strabane and the wider region of much-needed public services and investment, we can see the clear benefits of having a local Executive in place.
“Crucial to this has been the role of Sinn Féin Finance Minister Conor Murphy and his determination to ensure that this administration redresses regional inequalities by investing where it is required.
“While we will always have much to do, particularly in the face of a global pandemic crisis, this funding and last week’s rescue package for City of Derry Airport will be central to our economic recovery when the crisis has ended.
“It will also be fundamental to ensuring we realise the vast economic potential of the entire north west region in the longer term.”
Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has called on the Economy Minister to put in place a hardship fund for students.
The party's economy spokesperson said:
"I have raised the issue of student hardship as a result of the COVID19 pandemic with the economy minister a number of times including at the Economy Committee last week.
"I and party colleagues have been contacted by many students in financial difficulty, they have lost jobs and still have significant outgoings in terms of rental and other costs.
"I spoke with the President of NUS-USI at the end of last week. He also emphasised the ongoing difficulties students are facing, the need for support and also for the guidance around the hardship funds to be relaxed to allow all students in financial difficulty to apply.
"I would urge the minister to fund this scheme by reallocating money that her department cannot spend due to the COVID19 crisis."
Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew today welcomed the news from the Department of Health that £2.4m in funding has been secured for an additional 300 nursing and midwifery undergraduate places in the north this year.
The Sinn Fein Health spokesperson said:
"At no time in our recent history has it been more clear that we need an increased number of well-trained nursing, midwifery and other health professionals.
“This announcement of additional funding for 300 extra nursing and midwifery undergraduate places, as committed to in the New Decade, New Approach agreement (NDNA) is a move in the right direction toward addressing the chronic shortage of staff across our health and social care services.
“The provision of 50 extra spaces for mental health nursing is a promising acknowledgement that our mental health services must be expanded to meet demand as mental health challenges are on the rise across our communities.
“This needs to be built on in the time ahead and the full commitment of 900 additional nursing and midwifery undergraduate places as stated in the NDNA deal must be delivered within the three-year period set out.
“This announcement is the first step and it is to be welcomed.”
Mayor of Belfast and Sinn Féin councillor Daniel Baker has written to all party group leaders on Belfast City Council to request the Freedom of the City be awarded to healthcare and frontline workers.
Speaking the Mayor said:
“These are truly unprecedented times for all in society as we continue to
battle against COVID-19.
“Those on the frontline of that battle; our healthcare workers to those
working in shops, food production, bin collection, transport and all other
essential services, rightly deserve to be recognised.
“I have written to the party group leaders in Belfast City Council to
request their support to award the Freedom of the City to all of these
invaluable stalwarts.
“Without the tireless and dedicated work of our frontline workers we would
be in a much bleaker place than what we are today.
“On behalf of all the citizens of Belfast I want to say thank you for all
that you’re doing. You’re all truly incredible.
“Let’s hope that we can mark the Freedom of the City being awarded in a
way that is fitting post-COVID19.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire TD has said that it is quickly approaching make up your mind time for the government in respect of Leaving Cert exams.
He said that uncertainty and confusion for students must end, but that the government cannot announce a cancellation of exams without spelling out an alternative for how the Leaving Cert will be awarded and college admissions managed.
He said:
"The level of stress and anxiety facing students at this time is immense, and the lack of clarity in respect of whether Leaving Cert exams will proceed or not is adding to this pressure.
"The government has made a lot of the current roadmap out of Covid-19 restrictions, but have refused to spell out the criteria to determine whether Leaving Cert exams will held or not.
"It is clear that the Leaving Cert cannot proceed unless it is safe for students. Similarly proceeding to plan for exams in July and August is pointless; if this is based only on a slim possibility of exams being held.
"If it is more likely than not that exams cannot be held, then we need a Plan B and to plan definitively for that contingency.
"There can be no more decisions taken in the dark and we cannot keep students in the dark any longer.
"If the government are going to cancel exams, they cannot announce this without telling students how the Leaving Cert is going to be awarded and how college admissions will be managed. This would - if anything - create more confusion, uncertainty and add to the stress that students are experiencing.
"It is fast approaching make up your mind time for the Minister for Education, and it is my strong view that we need a decision in place in the coming days, along with a detailed plan for how all of this will be managed."
