Latest statements

Sinn Féin MLA Catherine Kelly has welcomed the announcement of a package to support childcare as a step in the right direction and called for clarity to be provided to the sector on the scheme. 

The party’s spokesperson on Children and Young People said:

“I welcome the announcement by the Department of Education that £12m will be allocated to the childcare sector who are playing a vital role in the care of our frontline workers’ children.

“At this morning’s Education Committee meeting, I questioned the Minister on a sustainability package for childcare settings who have had to close their doors.

“They urgently require a sustainability package to ensure they can still function when we are on the other side of COVID-19, particularly as many don’t qualify for the Small Business Grant Scheme.

“Minister Weir informed me that mechanisms are currently being put in place by Department of Health in relation to administering the package. 

“I have now written to the Department of Health on this issue as childcare providers need support urgently." 

Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin has called on the government to do more to ensure that people have access to safe and secure emergency accommodation and day services with proper standards, including access to food and showers.

Deputy Ó Broin said:

“Since the outbreak of Covid 19 and the government announcement of new measures for emergency accommodation, I received correspondence from some homeless support providers highlighting gaps in the emergency response.

“I am hearing of people in need of emergency accommodation being refused access by the freephone service. I have also been informed of poor quality food in some centres. There is also growing pressure on the small number of day services that have remained open.

“No person should be refused access to emergency accommodation and forced to sleep rough. It should not matter whether the person is new to homeless services or previously lived in another local authority area.

“All emergency accommodation providers should provide hot food to the same standard. Adequate day services for meals, showers and washing of clothes must also be available.

”I have raised these matters with the Minister for Housing in writing, with the Department officials during our video conference last week and with the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive directly.

“A lot of good work is currently taking place in Councils and voluntary service providers coordinated by the Department of Housing and Dublin Regional Homeless Executive. However proper standards must be maintained at all times and nobody in need must be left without at this difficult time.”

Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew has called for COVID-19 testing to be carried out in all residential and care homes across the north. 

"I have been speaking to many families who have loved ones in residential and care homes and they are becoming increasingly and rightly concerned about the lack of information around testing for COVID-19 in these facilities. 

"We know all too tragically how clusters can develop in residential and care homes and result in deaths. 

"COVID-19 testing should be carried out in residential and care homes for both residents and staff in order to prevent the spread of the virus, give an accurate picture of the scale of the pandemic and, ultimately, to save lives. 

"Age should not be a barrier to testing for anyone. 

"Relatives of those in care homes need the assurance that testing, tracing and isolating practises are being carried out to keep their loved ones safe. 

"And staff in these facilities must have access to adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to allow them to carry out testing safely. 

"I will be raising these issues with Health Minister Robin Swan at Stormont today on behalf of concerned relatives across the north." 

Sinn Féin Seanadóir Elisha McCallion has said it’s unacceptable that workers living in the north who work in the south and lost their jobs as a result of the COVID-19 crisis are being left without support by the Irish Government. 

Elisha McCallion said: 

“We are now weeks into necessary measures being taken to stop the spread of Covid-19 across the island. 

“This is a difficult time for all of us, but particularly for workers and families who lost their jobs as a result of this crisis. 

“It’s unacceptable that people - who work and pay taxes in the south - are being left without support by the Irish Government. 

“More confusion was created last week where the Department of Social Protection instructed workers, including people in the north, who were successful for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment to pay it back as it was granted in error. 

“The Irish Government should do the right thing and extend this payment to cross border workers living in the north.”

Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has said grants must be delivered as quickly as possible to eligible retail, hospitality and tourism businesses.

The party's economy spokesperson said:

"I welcome the announcement over the weekend that the £10,000 small business grant scheme will be extended to include those businesses with NAV of less than £15,000 which are eligible for industrial derating, this will be a relief for many small manufacturing businesses.

"The opening of the £25,000 grant to retail, hospitality and tourism businesses with NAV of £15,000 - £51,000 was also announced.

"However that grant application will not open until Monday 20th April and the administration of applications may take up to 15 working days. This has caused a great deal of concern within those sectors.

"Many of these businesses will have seen their operations cease altogether and it is important they get support to meet ongoing financial commitments and pressures as soon as possible.

"I wrote to the Economy Minister on Saturday urging her to expedite the opening of the scheme and speed up the administration with a streamlined process so businesses will receive the grant as swiftly as possible, ideally within one week from applying.

"Sinn Féin has worked with Executive colleagues to protect workers' livelihoods and try to ensure businesses can recover once the health crisis has ended, and we will continue to do so." 

Sinn Féin MLA John O’Dowd has called on the Minister for Agriculture to extend the deadline for single farm payments beyond 15 May 2020.

Responding to a statement by Minister Poots at the Covid-19 committee, the Upper Bann MLA said:

“Farmers are rightly extremely anxious and concerned at the spread of Covid-19 and are working frantically to meet the 15th May deadline for single farm payment applications.

“Many farmers are isolated and in rural areas and because many applications are completed online, they depend on support from others and also reliable broadband.

“Obviously due to the necessary social distancing measures that are in place, this is proving difficult or impossible for many farmers as they are unable to travel.

“So far only 6500 of around 23,000 farmers have applied for the funding. This is concerning, and I note the Minister has committed to monitoring the situation.

“I am calling on the Minister to extend the deadline beyond 15^th May – our farmers are already struggling and cannot face any more hardship as a result of this crisis.”

Sinn Féin MLA Sinéad Ennis has welcomed the announcement of the £500,000 hardship fund by Minister Deirdre Hargey to support local sports clubs affected by Covid-19.

The party spokesperson on Culture, Arts & Sport said:

“Everyone in society is feeling the impacts of Covid-19 and our sporting clubs are no different.

“I welcome today’s announcement of a £500,000 fund to support our sports clubs by Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey.

“With no sport taking place during the lockdown, there is no avenue for sporting clubs to bring in the required revenue to keep their clubs alive.

“This Hardship fund will be invaluable to many grassroots sporting clubs and organisations that cannot avail of any other form of Covid-19 support funding.

“Similarly, I am calling on the Minister of the Economy to ensure sporting clubs and organisations can also avail of the Small Business Grants at this time.”

Sinn Féin health spokesperson Deputy Louise O’Reilly has called on the Minister for Health Simon Harris and the HSE to provide a full update on the escalating situation of COVID-19 infection clusters in nursing homes.

She has also asked them to outline what extra medical help is being provided to nursing homes to deliver additional care for residents who have COVID-19 and to help break the transmission of the virus.

Speaking this afternoon, Teachta O’Reilly said: “Since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, we were warned that it affected older people more severely than the general population.

“Unfortunately, few precautionary structures were put in place to help protect nursing home residents and staff, and there was a delay in a plan and resources being enacted to tackle the virus in the nursing home sector.  

“The situation has escalated to the point that there are now over 100 clusters of the virus in nursing homes across this State, and we have the second highest percentage of deaths from COVID-19 in care homes, at 54%, followed by Spain at 57%.

“The situation is a serious cause for concern. Many nursing home residents and their families, as well as staff, have contacted me about the situation.

“The Minister for Health and the HSE must provide a full update on the situation in nursing homes as well as outline in detail what extra medical help is being provided to nursing home to deliver additional care for residents who have COVID-19 and help try to break the transmission of the virus."

Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin has criticised Fine Gael for publishing a policy test list and a policy agenda for government which fails to reference the housing and homelessness crisis.

Deputy Ó Broin said: “It is shocking, even by Fine Gael standards, that housing doesn’t even make the list of policy priorities for the party in government.

“This clearly illustrates how unimportant tackling the housing crisis was and is to Fine Gael.

“The fact that they publish a policy priority list that that fails to even mention the housing and homelessness crisis shows how out of touch Fine Gael are.

“Housing was the single biggest issue for voters in the election last February and the issues haven’t gone away.

“In fact, we will face a greater challenge to get house-building back up and running, affordable homes delivered, and in dealing with a rent arrears debt burden after this pandemic has eased.

“I would be surprised and disappointed if this “policy agenda” entices any other party into government formation.

“Fine Gael has once again shown that they do not understand the gravity of the housing and homelessness crisis and this demonstrates why the party shouldn’t be allowed anywhere near government.”

Sinn Féin Finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty TD has called on FBD to end their policy of denial and pay out claims to businesses that paid extortionate premiums for cover and are now fighting for survival.

Deputy Doherty was speaking after engaging with businesses who held FBD policies. Despite guidelines issued by the Central Bank on the 27th March, FBD are still refusing to pay claims to businesses that were covered by FBD for business interruption as a result of an outbreak of infectious disease.

Teachta Doherty said:

“Last Friday, the Department of Finance issued a press release announcing a set of measures taken by insurers, including FBD, that would ‘bring clarity and certainty to policyholders’ affected by COVID-19.

“The day before this announcement, FBD wrote to a number of its business customers to double down on its refusal to accept claims for business interruption due to COVID-19.

"This is despite cover for the outbreak of infectious disease, including COVID-19, being provided for in policies and side-letters written to their business customers. I have engaged with a number of these businesses and seen their policies with FBD together with other correspondence.

“These policies included cover for the imposed closure of premises by order of the Government following outbreaks of infectious disease, with side letters then being issued by FBD to customers clarifying that Coronavirus was covered under the policy.

“Since the outbreak of Coronavirus and closure of businesses throughout the country, FBD have refused claims made by these customers on spurious grounds that bend the fine print of their policies.

“It is clear that FBD plans to ride this out by dragging the businesses that manage to survive this crisis to the courts. That is totally unacceptable.

“The refusal of FBD to accept its responsibilities and pay out these claims is inflicting serious damage on its reputation. The longer it refuses to accept and process these claims, the greater the damage to FBD, and to those business customers struggling to survive.

"The Government and Central Bank have adopted a hands-off approach, instead of intervening to protect businesses. 

"I have written to the Central Bank requesting an audit be carried out of claims that have been made by businesses as a result of business interruption, and the processing of these claims by the insurance industry. 

"It is time for the Central Bank to intervene in this dispute to protect businesses and uphold the Consumer Protection Code."

Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD has criticised Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy for ignoring calls for cross party co-operation on the looming rent arrears debt burden.

Deputy Ó Broin said:

“Last week I wrote to the Ministers for Housing, Finance and Social Protection seeking a cross departmental, cross party meeting to work out solutions on the looming rent arrears debt burden.

“Minister Murphy responded by ignoring calls for any cross-party collaboration on the issue.

“His letter reiterated the measures already announced and the research his department have commissioned the ESRI to do.

“The ERSI do great work and their reports are essential to informing policy discussions on issues.

“Unfortunately, more often than not it is opposition TD’s raising the findings of the report and calling on the government to implement it.

“We need maximum cross-party cooperation to ensure that renters get every possible support at this difficult time

“We need a plan for after the pandemic eases, so the acting government is not throwing together ill thought out, piecemeal measures.”

ENDS//

Sinn Féin MLA Jemma Dolan has sought clarity on guidelines for those on the autistic spectrum being permitted to leave their homes during the COVID-19 outbreak. 

The Fermanagh South Tyrone MLA said: 

“Getting outside for exercise is very important to the health and wellbeing of everyone but particularly children and adults on the autism spectrum

“Sometimes, autistic people may need to go to quieter places, away from other people, even if these places are further away from their home. They may also need to be accompanied by a carer or support worker who is not someone they live with.

“A number of people have contacted me to say that the Department of Health and Social Care in Britain have now amended their guidance to those with autism or a learning disability so they can leave their home to travel beyond the local area if and when this is important for their health.

“It is important for those with autism or a learning disability to stay at home and only go out when necessary, to reduce the chance of getting ill or infecting other people. 

"However, the PSNI have said they have not been notified of any changes and therefore people with autism and their families are still concerned about leaving their homes.

“I have written to both the Health Minister Robin Swann and Justice Minister Naomi Long to seek clarification in order to help the families and people affected.”

Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD has today confirmed that yesterday she received a positive diagnosis for Covid-19, having been tested on 28th March.

She has thanked everyone who has sent their good wishes over the past number of weeks and said she will be back at work next Monday.

She said:

"Yesterday afternoon, I received a positive diagnosis for Covid-19 having been tested on Saturday, 28th March.

"The Public Health Doctor informs me that I am no longer infected or infectious, and this is a great relief after weeks of being very unwell. 

"I had a setback in my recovery at the weekend and developed post-viral pleurisy in my right lung. I am on medication and responding very well, and I fully expect to be back at work next Monday. 

"My thoughts and solidarity are with everyone who is sick at this time, and my gratitude is with our Doctors, nurses, carers and everyone who looks after us. 

"My sympathy is with every bereaved family. I am heartbroken for you.

"My appeal to everyone is to stay safe, stay home and stay apart. You do not want to get this virus. 

"Thanks to everyone who has asked after me and sent good wishes. Your kindness is much appreciated and I'll be back next week. There is much work to be done - Ireland must change for the better."

Sinn Féin councillor JJ Magee has said care workers and all frontline workers should be supported by the community.

Sinn Féin MLA Linda Dillon has welcomed the comments by Victims Commissioner Judith Thompson on legacy legislation. 

Sinn Féin MP Paul Maskey has reiterated the party’s calls for an urgent to ramp up community COVID-19 testing following the death of five residents at a West Belfast care home.

Sinn Féin MLA and Assembly health spokesperson Colm Gildernew has raised concerns over potential gaps in official figures around infection rate snd the numbers who have died from COVID-19. 

Colm Gildernew said: 

"The extent of the impact of COVID-19 needs to be fully recorded to be understood and responded to now and in the future.

"The current published data has serious limitations in that it only records those cases and deaths that occur within a hospital setting and where a positive test has been completed.

"Just this week it was confirmed that 20 clusters have been identified in care homes. There may be many more cases and clusters in the community that we are unaware of.

"A lack of testing means the possibility that the true scale of the crisis here is unknown, is a real concern.

"It is important that decision makers have the best evidence to inform their actions. Gaps in data between recorded cases and the true number of cases could be detrimental now and in the future with regards to understanding the impact of COVID-19. 

"It is important testing in the community is up scaled significantly to get as clear a picture as possible as to the extent of the impact of COVId-19 as possible." 

Introduction

Inniu cuimhnímid ar na mná agus na fír a bhuail buille ar son saoirse na hÉireann in 1916 agus iad siúd ó gach glúin ó sin amach, a bhfuil bainteach leis an streachailt do neamhspléachas na hÉireann, d’Éirinn Aontaithe, agus do phoblacht uile-oileáin. 

Today we remember all those who stood for Ireland’s freedom in 1916 and those from every generation since, who have struggled for Irish independence, Irish unity, and an all-Ireland republic. 

Ba mhaith liom beannachtaí a ghabháil inniu do na teaghlaigh agus na cairde d’ár tírghráthóirí marbha.

I especially want to send greetings today to the families and friends of our patriot dead.

This year, we remember our them in a different way, but with the same sense of pride, gratitude and admiration. 

We gather together online, all over Ireland and across the world to pay tribute to them all.

Tá muid fíor bhuíoch daoibhse go léir.

1916

One-hundred-and-four years ago, history was made - Irish separatists, republicans, socialists, feminists, and Irish language activists coalesced in a great revolutionary effort to liberate Ireland, to establish a democratic republic on this island.

The republican vision of national independence and equality were reflected in the Proclamation of the Republic, read by Pádraig Mac Piarais outside Dublin’s GPO.

Those ideals motivated each subsequent generation of Irish republicans.

We are proud to stand in that revolutionary tradition and we are determined to achieve those noble aims.

1920-2020

The Easter Rising was followed by the executions of our leaders, the imprisonment of activists, the Sinn Féin election victory of 1918 and the establishment of the revolutionary Dáil Éireann in 1919.

The Irish people had rallied to the cause of an Irish republic.

The British Government refused to recognise the democratic will of the Irish people and instead embarked on a war of subjugation.

1920 was a year of heroism in Ireland but also of suffering and tragedy.

It saw the introduction to Ireland of Britain’s Black and Tans and Auxiliaries.

It witnessed a series of spectacular actions by IRA flying columns.

It was also marked by the deaths of Tomás Mac Curtain, Terence MacSwiney and Kevin Barry and of Bloody Sunday in Croke Park in Dublin.

The war waged by the IRA throughout 1920, supported by ordinary people across this country, became an inspiration for future freedom fighters around the world.

Despite attempts at revisionism by the political establishment, Irish people remember our struggle proudly and unapologetically.

1920 tragically closed with Britain's Government of Ireland Act, which provided for the Partition of our country.

When partition happened, the northern state became a by-word for discrimination, injustice and denial of rights.

The repression and brutality meted out by the unjust, apartheid unionist state against anyone who dared to challenge it was laid bare for the world to see as the state attempted to beat and brutalise the Civil Rights Movement.

They failed.

Long years of conflict and loss followed. 

They were brought to a close through the recognition of the causes of conflict and the ending of the politics of exclusion.

Real leadership gave us the Good Friday Agreement and a new democratic pathway more than twenty years ago.

COVID-19

Those who fought and died for Irish Freedom were ordinary people who demonstrated extraordinary levels of bravery, selflessness and determination. 

On the morning of the Easter Rising, many volunteers would have held their loved ones close, kissed their children and in a quieter moment, reflected on the enormity of the task ahead. 

This is the stuff of human heroism. 

It is this heroism we call on again today.

Every day, frontline workers, and our healthcare workers in particular, leave the sanctuary of their homes knowing that they will face trauma, sorrow and pain. 

Knowing that they face the possibility of a Coronavirus infection. 

And yet, they still do it. 

They walk into that storm.

They put themselves at risk to help others.

It is often said that;

Courage is not the absence of fear. 

Courage is acting in spite of fear.

Defying fear.

Our frontline workers are now proving this to be true.

Our communities have responded to their leadership. 

Our people are living the meaning of ‘Ní neart go cur le chéile’ – there is no strength without unity.

As we pull together, the values of our nation are seen in our cities, towns and villages.

Generosity, decency and the belief in being a good neighbour.

Our people look beyond concern for themselves to the safety and the well-being of others.

I want to express my admiration and thanks to all those who take the time to check on the elderly and others at risk in our communities.

Nobody is safe unless we are all safe. 

Every act of selflessness, no matter how small, helps in our fight against this virus.

Every act of kindness brings us closer to the shore.

We should never forget the lessons we are have learned in these weeks.

That unequal societies are vulnerable societies, economically as well as socially.

That togetherness and solidarity is the answer. 

It makes our society stronger.

That public services are the bedrock of a decent society.

That those who really keep our economy and our society functioning are not the banks or the hedge funds or the insurance industry, or the vulture capitalists.

No. It's the nurses, doctors, lorry drivers, shop workers, farmers, ambulance drivers, paramedics, carers, Gardaí and many, many others.

Many of these essential workers are disgracefully low paid. 

Many have only recently had to strike for better conditions.

This pandemic underlines the common-sense need to put the interests of workers and families first.

This must be the case all of the time, not only in extraordinary times. 

The failure by successive governments to address the issues of housing and health over many years has made our fight against the Covid-19 all the more difficult.

Coronavirus thrives in overcrowded and unsuitable accommodation.

It thrives where there is a lack of capacity in the health service.

The refusal of successive governments to stand up to the banks and the insurance industry has resulted in disgusting profiteering even during this crisis.

After the last economic crash, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael forced the people to pick up the tab and bail out the banks.

This must never happen again.

A Government of the people must ensure that the banks and the financial institutions play their part on the other side of this unprecedented crisis in bailing out our people.

We must build a fair society which truly values all those people, those who have stood in the way of danger - sa bhearna baoil - for all of us. 

The Covid 19 crisis highlights yet again the negative impact of partition on our island. 

In the North, Sinn Féin ministers are delivering for the community.

We worked hard to see the establishment of an Executive in the north and our ministers are now to the fore in creating new politics, working with their ministerial colleagues from other parties to protect lives and livelihoods.

I welcome the recent Memorandum of Understanding agreement between the Northern Executive and the Irish Government to tackle Covid-19 and to protect the lives and welfare of everyone on our island.

This agreement commits health services North and South to develop agreed public health measures.

This is essential work.

This deadly virus does not recognise borders. 

Working together in common action is in everyone’s interests and is vital now and in the time ahead to save lives.

Sinn Féin is committed to this.

Government Formation

As we pull together in a great public effort to defeat this pandemic, we also urgently need a stable government to lead and deliver the change that is so badly needed.

February's General Election saw the greatest result for Sinn Féin since 1918.

Now, people in each of Ireland’s 32 counties are represented by a Sinn Féin TD or MP.

Voters swept aside the old, tired and failed two-party system and reshaped the political landscape.

For the first time, neither Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael won the largest share of the popular vote, and for the first time ever the combined forces of political conservatism failed to win a Dáil majority.

Sinn Féin, advocating a vision of far-reaching political, economic and social change, made huge gains.

So too did other parties who campaigned for change.

Real, tangible change is what people very clearly endorsed.

Change means being able to afford the roof over your head.

It means being able to pay your rent.

Being able to see a doctor when you are sick and an end to scandalous trolley counts and waiting lists.

Change means childcare that doesn’t break the bank.

It means the guarantee of your right to a state pension at the age of 65.

Change means responding to the climate emergency with climate justice.

It means planning for a new Ireland, a United Ireland.

That demand for change is now being frustrated and blocked.

The latest chapter in the drama between Leo Varadkar and Michéál Martin is not about national unity, no more the last four years were about ‘new politics’.

This cosy-club arrangement is not about delivering for people.

On the contrary. It is about facing down the change mandated by the people.

It is about power.

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have passed power between themselves for decades and have governed in the interests of the those at the top.

They are determined to keep it that way.

Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil are coming together not out of a sense of public duty.

They have come together to keep Sinn Féin out.

They try to hoodwink the public into believing they are going to implement our policies. 

But you know they can’t be trusted.

Their objective of keeping us out of government, rather than accepting the scale of change Ireland now needs, is cynical and dishonest.

They know this. 

It is particularly so at a time of national emergency.

The politics of exclusion have never worked on this island.

Attempts to exclude Sinn Féin have always failed.

Attempts to disenfranchise our voters have always failed.

As republicans we will not be deterred.

We will stand up for workers and families, we will rally people for the change that is needed.

We will never give up.

Conclusion

For Sinn Féin, 1916 is unfinished business.

Our central political aim is to deliver the type of Ireland envisaged at Easter week.

I know that so many people support Sinn Féin and rely on us to be the party that builds a fair economy, that brings social justice and a new, united Ireland.

Working together, and with the support of the people, we will get there. 

We will not let you down.

So this Easter let us pledge that, together, we will continue that path pursued by those we honour today .

That we are the generation to write the next chapter of our history – a new Ireland, an equal Ireland a United Ireland.

We are living through very difficult times. 

We have had difficult times in our history and we came through them together. 

We will get through this pandemic together and we will build that better Ireland envisaged by our heroes of Easter week.

Ar aghaidh linn le chéile. An Phoblacht Abú!

Happy Easter, my friends.

Responding to reports that the health minister has requested assistance from the British Army Sinn Féin Leas Uachtarán Michelle O'Neill said today:

“I have been informed that the Minister for Health Robin Swann has unilaterally and without consultation with Executive colleagues requested limited assistance from the British Army.

“Sinn Féin has made it clear we will not rule out any measure necessary to save lives, protect the public and tackle the spread of Coronavirus.

“However, no proposal to use British military personnel in the north for roles normally performed by civilians has come before the Executive.

“I have raised the sensitivities of British military intervention directly with the British Secretary of State Brandon Lewis.

“The health minister has a responsibility to exhaust all options, including the use of other blue light public services and civilian contractors, to ensure that ventilators and life saving equipment are moved swiftly to where they are needed most.

“The Department for Health has already contracted a local civilian contractor to scope out building a HSC-led civilian 'field hospital’.

“It remains Sinn Féin’s position that any proposed new Nightingale hospital should remain under the care and control of the HSC.

“Sinn Féin is seeking an urgent meeting with the health minister, on his failure to consult ministerial colleagues at yesterday’s Executive meeting.

“We will also be seeking meetings with the British Secretary of State, the Tanáiste and the PSNI given the seriousness of a decision to bring in the British military.”

Sinn Féin health spokesperson Deputy Louise O’Reilly has called for the government to clarify the reason for the discrepancy in results between their numbers and those issued by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.

Speaking this evening, Teachta O’Reilly said: “We all understand the need for certainty and clarity regarding the confirmed COVID-19 case rate in the state.

“Currently there is a discrepancy surrounding confirmed cases as the government numbers differ from the total confirmed cases according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

"The ECDC numbers are showing we currently have 12% more confirmed cases of COVID-19 than have been officially confirmed here.

“The ECDC are reporting that the number of cases is 7,393, whereas the official records here are indicating  6,574 cases.

“I hope that the government can clarify this discrepancy as soon as possible so that there is no confusion about the situation here.”