Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe has commended Tesco Ireland for confirming today that all customers over 65 can avail of a €30 minimum spend and a free delivery service through shopping online.
Teachta Crowe said:
“It is heartening to see that, amidst the disruption caused by Covid-19, there are some companies that are putting their social responsibility first. While supermarkets are an essential service at any time, some of our older citizens may be worried about the potential spread coronavirus or of large crowds during their usual shopping hours.
“I encourage anyone who shops at Tescos to contact [email protected] and register for this service.
“I hope that other large companies will put in place such considerations for our older citizens so that they need not have to worry about basic essentials at a time like this.”
Sinn Féin health spokesperson Deputy Louise O’Reilly has reiterated her call to ensure we have a domestic production line of vital Personnel Protective Equipment for our frontline health workers.
Speaking this afternoon, Teachta O’Reilly said:
“There is no doubt that we need to ensure continuity in our stock of Personnel Protective Equipment for frontline health workers during the COVID-19 crisis.
“The HSE have been working very hard to source additional supply from China and other countries.
“New supplies are due to arrive in the coming days and weeks and that is extremely welcome.
“We must also ensure that we have a continuous domestic production line of various items of PPE so that we can replenish stocks as quickly as possible.
“Yesterday we saw how O’Neill’s, the sportswear company, has refocused its production lines to produce scrubs and PPE for the NHS in the north of Ireland.
“This is a welcome development on two fronts; it ensures employment and it guarantees a domestic supply of some necessary items of protective equipment.
“I am sure there are other companies out there who could refocus their production lines to deliver PPE. I would call on any company that believes they can do this to reach out to myself or to the HSE to find out what equipment is needed and if they can produce it.
“Around 208 cases (25%) of the virus so far are associated with healthcare workers. We need to guarantee that they have the necessary PPE to ensure they are protected at the frontline.
“The HSE must also engage with workers like home carers who are concerned about their own need for PPE.
“A reliable, domestic production line of various items of PPE would go a long way to helping ensure our health staff have the protective equipment they need.”
Sinn Féin Agriculture and Food Spokesperson Deputy Brian Stanley has called for the establishment of an all-Ireland Agri-food taskforce to coordinate the sector during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Laois-Offaly TD was speaking following the news that the North of Ireland is now in lockdown and outlined the need, now more than ever, for plans to be put in place to avoid supply chain issues.
Deputy Stanley said:
“It is essential that we ensure that food production for the domestic market is not interrupted by Covid-19.
“Following the news that the North of Ireland is now going into lockdown we are calling for the immediate establishment of a temporary all-Ireland Agri-food task-force to ensure that supply chains continue to operate as usual and that plans are put in place now to ensure that any difficulties can be overcome.
“I have written to Minister Creed and I have called for such a task-force to be established. This task-force must include the Department of Agriculture, stakeholders who represent farmers, Co-operatives, retailers, processors, Teagasc and other key groups.
“The lockdown in the North of Ireland has created two different sets of rules for farmers and businesses on the island. We need to be able to coordinate our supply chains throughout this period of dealignment.
“There is a significant amount of agri-food trade between North and South on the island and that smooth and constant supply must continue uninterrupted.
“A key priority for this task-force will be to temporarily classify food produce as ‘essential goods’ to ensure that they are given green transit priority through border controls.
"I am also calling on the task-force to consider a ban on non-EU meat imports.
“It is imperative that our food supply chains continue to operate as normal. We need urgent action to avoid any unnecessary complications. The establishment of an all-Ireland task-force is essential.”
Sinn Féin Education spokesperson Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire TD has reiterated the need for clarity for students and teachers on the future of the state exams, and called on the Minister to outline contingency plans.
Deputy Ó Laoghaire said;
“The situation at the minute is unsustainable, and it is deeply unfair on students, their families, and teachers to be operating under such stress and pressure.
"I spoke with the Minister for Education Joe McHugh today and I outlined to him my view that we need certainty.
“First of all, we need to know, if written exams are going to proceed in June then how those exams will take place.
“How can we ensure social distancing is enforced, how can we ensure that those students who are in vulnerable categories, or those with vulnerable relatives, will be safe and what provision will be made for them?
"How many students will be in an exam location, and how many invigilators will be required? How do we ensure confidence in safety in the system?
"Students, their families and teachers also need to know is what the contingency plans are.
“The advice of the public health authorities is key. In an evolving situation it is not difficult to imagine that a decision would be taken that it is not possible to hold written exams, or the remaining practical exams in the current time frame.
“If that decision has to be made, then we need clarity on what the contingency plan is as this must be in place as soon as possible.
“We need to know in that case if written exams will proceed at all and if they do, when they will proceed, and how third level, post leaving cert admissions will function. There needs to be engagement with third level and PLC bodies here.
"Most of all we need certainty, and in my view the least students deserve is that they get a date, on which they will know if they are sitting written exams in June, or have to finish practical exams.
“The Minister must give students that date. This uncertainty cannot drift in to late April or May.
“Likewise, there is a need for clarity for the Junior Cert. If it is the case that this will not proceed in June, which is entirely possible, a decision should be made on that as soon as possible as that will have implications for exam venue requirements.
“We also discussed the need for ongoing support for students at what is an incredibly stressful time, and the need to ensure NEPS or any other source is in a position to provide support and counselling.
“State examinations are important, and ensuring they are fair and consistent, that students can prepare is essential. However, the key priority must be public health and safety, and that has to come first.”
Sinn Féin MLA and health spokesperson Colm Gildernew has welcomed news that victims and survivors of the contaminated blood scandal will finally get parity in terms of compensation.
Colm Gildernew said:
"Victims and survivors of the contaminated blood scandal in the north and their families have now finally received assurances from the Health Minister that they will receive the same compensation as those in England.
"This is a good news story for the families involved and a testament to their perseverance during the most difficult circumstances.
"The blood contamination scandal is an episode that should never have happened and should never be repeated in our health services and lessons must be learned from it.
"Those affected and their families have my fullest support and admiration for the courage and determination they have shown throughout their campaign."
Sinn Féin Senator Máire Devine has called on the government to ensure that any student nurse who is working in the health service during this crisis be paid for their vital work.
Speaking this morning, Seanadóir Devine said:
“The COVID-19 virus poses a significant challenge to every strand of our health service.
“Delivery of healthcare is more important than ever as we face into the coming weeks.
“Student nurses will be on the frontline with other staff working as hard as anyone to protect and save lives – they should be paid appropriately for their work.
“Yesterday our third-year student nurses began their work placements.
“Chaotic 12-hour shifts are the norm as they work alongside and are supervised by our excellent nursing and health service staff. Yet, for our student nurses, there is no renumeration for their work.
“Many will already have lost part-time week-end jobs, others will have had to step back from part-time work in other health care settings due to the risk of cross- contamination, and others may have to live apart from family to protect ‘at-risk’ loved ones.
“Our student nurses and midwives have to eat, pay rent, pay bills, and pay for travel - is neither fair nor sensible that they should not be paid for their work.
“Our student nurses are relieving some of the enormous pressure on an already overwhelmed nursing workforce and are welcomed by all medical staff as part of the team.
“As their nursing colleague I can assure them that I will continue to be a voice for nurses and midwives during this critical time.
“Today, I am calling on Minister Harris, the Trade Unions, and the Department of Health to ask them to work out a way to ensure our student nurses and midwives are paid."
Sinn Féin Finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty TD wrote to the Minister for Finance yesterday outlining Sinn Féin’s proposals for an Income Support Scheme and other measures to respond to the economic fallout from the COVID-19 outbreak.
Writing to the Minister, Deputy Doherty called for a comprehensive financial package that would protect household incomes and put the interests of workers and families first. Sinn Féin have called on the Government to bring an emergency financial package to the Dáil this week, with the necessary legislation scrutinised by the Dáil before the end of this week.
Speaking today, Deputy Doherty said:
“The Coronavirus pandemic is having a huge impact not only for public health, but also for jobs and businesses.
“It is time to move to the next phase of physical distancing, including the closure of all non-essential services, ensuring all measures are taken to protect the health of citizens.
“We must also recognise that this pandemic, and the measures we are taking to contain it, will have a huge impact on jobs and the economy.
“In order to mitigate the economic damage caused by this public health emergency, Government policy must act fast and do whatever it takes to support incomes, protect jobs and provide relief to businesses. This health emergency will be temporary. Effective Government policy must ensure that the economic damage is not lasting.
“To date, the response of Government has been totally inadequate. Thousands have lost their jobs with little income support from Government, while the banks have failed to shoulder their portion of the burden.
“Throughout Europe, Governments have brought forward emergency financial packages to protect incomes and businesses.
"It is alarming that the Irish Government is yet to provide any substantial financial package that provides security to workers and families, or announce a credible economic response that will ensure that economic damage is not lasting.
"Swift and decisive action to support incomes and protect workers and families is required, and it is required now. We must act fast and do whatever is needed.
“Yesterday, Sinn Féin proposed a range of measures that would protect workers and families now and take measures to help the economy reboot later.
“In addition to interventions in the utility, rental, insurance and mortgage markets to protect households, Sinn Féin have proposed the establishment of an Income Support Scheme that would protect all workers, and that would guarantee 100 percent of earnings for workers with annual earnings of up to €32,500. These payments would be distributed through their employers’ payroll, and would allow employer top-ups to supplement workers’ incomes.
“This wage guarantee for low-paid workers is crucial, as any scheme that involves a cut in the wage of those on low pay will fail to provide the financial security necessary in the coming weeks and months.
“In addition to guaranteeing the incomes of workers who have lost their jobs or been temporarily or partially laid off since this emergency began, it would help maintain the relationship between employees and their employers and achieve two essential objectives; the first to support the incomes of households during this time to avoid financial stress and hardship, and the second to support the survival of employers to ensure that employment can resume once this emergency ends and the economy returns to normal.
“Crucially, this scheme would also provide support for the self-employed, those working in the gig economy and independent contractors; allowing them to report themselves as idle and receive COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment and then Jobseekers Benefit based on declared income of the prior year, up to a maximum of €525 per week.
“It will be necessary for Government to provide financial supports for businesses and firms also. It is imperative that such supports do not simply amount to a corporate bailout for the banks, big business or their shareholders. Sinn Féin have proposed a number of conditions that could be placed on financial assistance to ensure this does not become the case.
“The cost of the financial package which deals adequately with both the public health emergency and the economic fallout will be significant. It will require significant borrowing and will increase the level of public debt. For that reason, cross-party collaboration and Dáil scrutiny is essential.
“Given the fact that this pandemic fails to recognises borders and poses a collective threat to Europe’s economy, it must be addressed at a European level through the European Stability Mechanism but without the existing conditionality attached.
“All should be done to promote European solidarity and minimise the risk to which Ireland is exposed, ensuring that debts accumulated to finance this emergency response and recovery are serviced in a sustainable way.
“We will continue to work with the Government to ensure their response is effective both in protecting the health of our citizens and their financial security.”
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Sinn Féin MP Órfhlaith Begley has said cross-border workers need guidance and clarity on the current emergency lockdown measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The West Tyrone MP said:
"There are more than 30,000 workers who cross the border on this island every day for their employment, including many who work in our hospitals and health services.
"With the lockdown measures introduced in the north as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, many of these workers are concerned about how it impacts them when they work in one jurisdiction and live in another.
"These workers need clarity on how the new regulations, and any future moves which may be introduced by the Irish government, will apply to them.
"The Irish government must also ensure that consideration is given to these workers in any steps it may take to help combat the spread of the coronavirus.
"There needs to be cooperation between ministers north and south to make sure these cross-border workers are not left in limbo and that they are given clear guidance during this emergency."
Sinn Féin Agriculture and Food spokesperson Deputy Brian Stanley has called for EU State Aid rules to be relaxed to ensure that workers and farmers in the agriculture sector are supported during the Covid-19 crisis.
Deputy Stanley made these statements following the news that McDonalds is closing its restaurants across Ireland and Britain. McDonalds is the largest buyer of Irish beef by volume and exports Irish beef all across its European stores.
Speaking earlier, Deputy Stanley said:
"The news that McDonalds is set to close its stores across Ireland and Britain is a major blow to the Irish farming sector.
"McDonalds purchases 40,000t of beef each year from Ireland and exports it across Europe. One in every five hamburgers sold in a McDonalds across Europe is of Irish origin. Their closure will cause a major shock to Irish farms and communities.
“It is therefore essential that the government demand the EU relax State Aid rules so that it can support Irish farmers. Continued food production will be essential to ensure that we can come through this emergency, and just as after the economic crash, our agri-food sector will be pivotal for a speedy recovery.
"We need to provide strong beef market price support and we need to call on the Commission to increase funding to farmers through direct financial supports.
"I have written to Minister Creed and I have called for pressure to be placed on banks and lending institutions to sit down with farmers to reschedule payments and to offer special overdraft facilities.
"I have also asked the Minister to establish an official National Taskforce for the agri-food sector to ensure that the supply chains continues to operate as usual and that we deal with all of these matters urgently.
"Lastly, I am urging consumers, factories and retailers to support a 'Buy Irish Campaign' to support Irish businesses and workers.
"Now more than ever, we need to prioritise the buying of Irish origin products to support our domestic economy. Consumers should buy Irish produce and factories and shops should make it easier to identify Irish origin produce."
Speaking this afternoon, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Health Louise O’Reilly TD has called on the government to use the relaxation in EU State Aid rules to help Irish companies scale up the production of Personnel Protective Equipment for health workers.
Teachta O’Reilly said:
“Over the past number of days, health workers have raised serious concerns regarding a shortage of protective masks and gowns; especially in hospitals.
“Many doctors have contacted me about the shortage of equipment which has led to discussions about the recycling of PPE equipment which is not safe and should not be engaged in.
“The Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA) has also raised this matter as a cause for concern and have sought clarity from government about when new stocks will be available.
“Of the 906 cases of the virus in this State, 159 are associated with healthcare workers - that is 17.5% of cases. We need to ensure that our health workers are protected.
“I understand the HSE has procured much additional PPE and that is welcome, however we must ensure we have a stream of PPE production on this island as well.
“The government must also look at the domestic production of PPE through companies in this State who make protective equipment and ensure they are able to produce as much equipment as possible.
“The relaxation in EU State Aid rules would allow the government to help companies financially to scale up the production of PPE for health workers.
“It would also allow the government to help fund other companies who have the necessary workforce and machinery to make PPE but who were making different goods or equipment beforehand to change production lines to develop the PPE we need.
“Furthermore, the continuous theft of PPE and alcohol based sanitisers from our hospitals and health facilities is nothing short of a disgrace. Such behaviour is depleting stocks and putting health workers at risk. The government needs to bring in emergency measures, if necessary, to stop such behaviour and punish those responsible."
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing Eoin Ó Broin TD has today written to the Minister for Justice and the Minister for Housing to express concern that the nature of Direct Provision and emergency homeless accommodation does not allow residents to practice physical distancing.
Deputy Ó Broin said:
“Today I have written to the Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan and the Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy to raise concern that the nature of Direct Provision and of emergency homeless accommodation - in particular dormitory style accommodation - does not facilitate physical distancing.
“I have had discussions with constituents of mine who are resident in the Clondalkin Towers Direct Provision centre and there is also a real concern that Direct Provision managers are not doing everything they should be doing to ensure proper public hygiene.
“There are genuine fears that there is a higher risk of infection spreading because of the communal and shared nature of the accommodation.
“I have asked Minister Flanagan to outline the steps that are being taken by Direct Provision providers to reduce the risk of infection in centres, and I have also asked him to detail the engagement that his Department and the Reception and Integration Agency are undertaking with residents in Direct Provision to allay their fears.
“In my view the Minister needs to be actively sourcing safer accommodation for those in Direct Provision.
“In relation to homeless accommodation, I am concerned that physical distancing is simply impossible in many emergency hostels; particularly those that provide dormitory accommodation for single people.
“Likewise, I am concerned that the night to night system and the requirement for people to vacate accommodation centres from morning to evening places already vulnerable people at risk.
“I have asked Minister Eoghan Murphy to state if any consideration has been given to ending the practice of night allocations until after the Covid-19 crisis and instead allow people to remain in whatever accommodation is provided without the need to vacate during the day.
“Further, given that there has been additional accommodation made available to the HSE from a range of bodies including universities, should the Department of Housing and the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive not use this opportunity to reduce the number of people in dormitory style hostels?
“These are two vulnerable groups of people that need to be considered in the government’s plans going forward to tackle the spread of Covid-19.”
Ireland set to benefit by only €3m from EU’s €65bn crisis funding - MacManus
Sinn Féin MEP Chris MacManus said documents he has seen show that Ireland is to benefit from only €3m out of the €65 billion crisis funding promised by the European Union. The money is to facilitate the purchase of hospital equipment, ventilators and masks, support for SMEs, and employment schemes.
MacManus who last week succeeded Matt Carty as MEP for the region and has been appointed a member of the EU Parliament’s Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee, said “it is clear the EU plan will mean little help for Ireland and called for a reappraisal of the distribution based on need.”
He said:
“I welcomed in principle last week the Commission plan and note the ECB commitments now in place. However, it is clear that Ireland will benefit in practically no way from the EU plan, and it will be from our own resources first and foremost that the fight against coronavirus will have to be resourced.
“The EU plan is based on allowing countries to use unspent structural funds rather than hand it back. I believe a fairer way would be to distribute the funding on the basis of need and solidarity. It is difficult to believe that Ireland is to receive such an incredibly small part of this €65bn.
“Of more immediate and practical concern is the need to free the hands of Ireland and all other countries to do whatever is necessary to tackle this public-health crisis. That means suspending the fiscal and State Aid rules for the foreseeable, rather than relying on any so-called flexibility. This is a crisis of human life, and any rule tying the hands of governments must be thrown out and disregarded during the pandemic.” ENDS
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
The report is a technical briefing prepared by the Director General of the EU Commission’s DG Budget:
Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD has said that she will be raising the need to immediately scale up emergency measures and restrictions in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic with the Taoiseach this afternoon at the party leaders’ briefing at Government Buildings.
She also said it is critical that an income support scheme, such as that set out by Sinn Féin at the weekend, is quickly introduced to facilitate this happening.
She said:
"It is time now to scale up emergency measures and restrictions in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic.
"I have been contacted daily by workers who are extremely concerned about not being able to engage in physical distancing in their workplaces. Workers and their families are placed at risk of contracting or transmitting the virus. Many employers share these concerns. The situation is unacceptable.
"It is now time for the government to introduce full measures to protect these workers and to move to the next stage of physical distancing by shutting down non-essential business activity.
"This will obviously have a knock-on effect on workers incomes, so we also need urgent action to ensure that those who are impacted are protected financially, as well as ensuring that the tens of thousands of people who have lost their jobs or who have had hours cut as a result of this crisis are supported.
"That is why Sinn Féin has proposed the immediate introduction of an Income Support Scheme that will guarantee an income of up to €525 per week for 20 weeks for all workers who have been laid off. This would benefit every worker and would mean that everyone who earns up to €32,500 a year will receive their full wage.
"It is my view that the Dáil needs to sit urgently to address this issue and to introduce a comprehensive Income Support Scheme without delay. The Dáil needs to continue to sit weekly so there is full public accountability at this time of crisis."
Sinn Féin South Antrim MLA, Declan Kearney has expressed alarm at the escalation of criminal activity and arson attacks on building sites in Glenavy.
Declan Kearney said,
“I am extremely concerned that there has been another arson attack on another new house on a building site in Glenavy over recent days.
“This is the third incident in the past five weeks. It is also the second occasion on different sites where property targeted by the criminals has been completely destroyed.
“In the midst of these attacks, and in another sinister development, cowards delivered a bullet to the home of my Party colleague, local councillor Gary McCleave.
“This escalation in criminal activity is deeply alarming and is causing significant concern within the wider Glenavy community.
“In direct response to all these events in Glenavy, I spoke directly today with the PSNI District Commander. I was unambiguous in urging him to maximise PSNI efforts to detect and prosecute all of those responsible for, or in any way associated with, these acts of arson and intimidation.
“Those responsible for these criminal acts need to get off the backs of the local community. They are criminals, cowards and bullies, and they are not wanted in Glenavy, or anywhere else in South Antrim.
“I am issuing another very clear appeal for local people to fully assist the PSNI with their inquiriesinto all these incidents, and ensure the perpetrators are put before the courts.
“Anyone with information however insignificant it may seem, should contact the police on their enquiries line 101, or in strictest confidence through the charity Crimestoppers line 0800 555111.”
Sinn Féin proposals for bailout to workers & families must be adopted – Matt Carthy TD
Cavan Monaghan TD, Matt Carthy, has called on all parties and the government to get behind the Sinn Féin proposals for an Income Support Scheme to bailout workers and families and to save businesses.
The scheme, proposed by Sinn Féin’s Finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty, would benefit every worker laid off as a result of the Covid-19 crisis and would ensure that everyone who earns up to €32,500 a year would receive their full wage for the next 20 weeks.
Deputy Carthy said:
“The scale of the economic challenge we are facing as a result of the Covid-19 crisis is immense and unprecedented. Immediate action is required to support businesses and the tens of thousands of workers and families who will struggle to survive during this emergency.
“Extraordinary measures are required in extraordinary times.
“That is why Sinn Féin have said clearly that it is time for a bailout for workers and families, and to support small businesses.
“Sinn Féin is proposing the immediate introduction of an Income Support Scheme to pay all workers who are laid off as a result of the Covid-19 crisis their income up to €525 per week for 20 weeks. The scheme would be applied retrospectively from 9th March.
“This will benefit every worker and would mean that every worker who earns up to €32,500 a year would receive their full wage.
“Those earning above this amount will also have this support, and the scheme would allow for employer top-ups to supplement their income.
“Pro-rata rates would apply to those who have had their hours reduced and the self-employed are also included in the scheme.
“It is proposed that this scheme will be paid through the employer, who would maintain workers on the payroll in order to avail of the scheme and they would be reimbursed by the State.
“Sinn Féin have also called on the European Investment Bank to introduce emergency measures that will allow businesses to access zero interest loans to cover costs during this crisis and this would be based on the employer maintaining workers on the payroll and re-employing them.
“This will be an important intervention which would give workers and families some level of security during this crisis and also allow the maximum number of businesses to survive.
“It would also put us in a stronger position to rebuild the economy and society on the far side of this crisis.
“Over a decade ago this state bailed out the banks to the tunes of tens of billions; now is the time to bail out our workers & families and our small businesses. Sinn Féin have shown how this can be done. I hope other parties and the government will adopt this scheme as a matter of priority”.
ENDS
Sinn Féin MP for West Belfast Paul Maskey has written to both the Irish and British Governments calling for a financial package to be established to assist citizens returning home from abroad.
Speaking on the issue, Maskey said:
“Over the course of the last week, I have been dealing with countless cases of citizens and families struggling to get home from various parts of the world.
“These citizens have been working abroad, on holiday or have been visiting family and loved ones.
“Some have had their flights cancelled and forced to book alternative flights, others have booked early alternative flights as no travel zones increasingly come into effect across the globe.
“The airlines have exploited this situation and hiked the price of many of these flights, this is totally and utterly unacceptable.
“One case in which I have been dealing with, a person was being quoted over £3,500 to return from South America.
“This is a time of already heightened concern and anxiety for citizens as the threat posed by COVID19 continues to intensify.
“There should not be an additional financial and emotional strain placed upon citizens attempting to return to our island.
“I call upon both the Irish and British Governments to immediately establish a financial package to assist citizens returning home."
Sinn Féin MLA and Junior Minieter Declan Kearney has commended the many community organisations and GAA clubs who have stepped up in response to the ongoing Coronavirus health emergency.
The South Antrim MLA said:
“I spent the day travelling across South Antrim visiting with the representatives of local community organisations and GAA clubs who have been proactive in supporting the most vulnerable in the constituency during the current Coronavirus health emergency.
“From Moneyglass and Toome through Creggan, Randalstown, Antrim, Crumlin, Glenavy, Malluskand Hightown, volunteers and community activists have mobilised to create structures and provide practical support to those most at risk in the face of this unprecedented national and global pandemic.
“I extended my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in these important grassroots initiatives. During my visits I witnessed a truly amazing community spirit and determination to ensure those most impacted by the current health emergency are cared for, despite extremely adverse circumstances.
“I believe these grass root initiatives are going to be increasingly necessary in the coming weeks. I impressed on everyone I met that the Sinn Féin party organisation in South Antrim remains available to support local volunteers and community activists.
“We will need maximum coordination and communication in the coming period between these efforts, the work of local councils, public services, and political leadership from our power sharing government.
Calling on the wider community to exercise extreme caution and follow the advice of health professionals in order to limit the spread of infection, Declan Kearney added:
“I am appealing to everyone in the community and especially younger people to heed the advice aimed at helping to reduce the spread of infection. The power to effectively limit the impact of Covid-19 rests primarily with us. We owe it to ourselves, our families and our community to act responsibly. Regular, robust hand washing and, above all, social distancing will help to combat the virus and dramatically ease the growing pressure on our health service.”
Sinn Féin MLA Emma Rogan has appealed to non-essential businesses across the north to act responsibly to stop the spread of COVID-19.
The South Down MLA said:
“There have been a number of reports of pubs and other non essential businesses continuing service as normal despite the direction to close.
“Businesses need to take the necessary steps and be sensible during this time in order to protect themselves, their employees and the public.
“Any business who is not a front line service and providing an essential service should be shutdown.
“This is about saving lives and protecting people’s health and well being.
“It is absolutely vital that business’s across the north act responsibly and decisively to stop the spread of COVID-19.”
Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD has said that it is time to scale up emergency measures and restrictions to combat Covid-19, saying that 'other countries have learned, to their cost, that delay costs lives and we don’t want to learn that lesson here.' She said that "mixed messages" from Government must stop.
She has also set out Sinn Féin's plan for a comprehensive Income Support Scheme for workers and families impacted by the crisis.
She said:
"In the space of a few short weeks, the Covid-19 pandemic has caused levels of national and international disruption unprecedented in our lifetimes.
"Welcome interventions have been made to get ahead of this virus, to slow it down and to 'flatten the curve', but the truth is that we now need more urgent, decisive action from the government. They need to be taking every necessary measure to save lives.
"Social distancing is central to this strategy, but Government Ministers can't criticise young people for gathering together, while at the same time saying that gathering of up to five hundred people outdoors are still allowed. The mixed messages must stop.
"People in workplaces where there is no real prospect of social distancing are also worried that they are bringing the virus home. They ask why it is that - in this race against time - the government have not yet introduced full measures to protect them and to give full effect to social distancing?
"It is time now to scale up emergency measures and restrictions. Other countries have learned, to their cost, that delay costs lives. We don’t want to learn that lesson here.
"We also need urgent action to ensure that tens of thousands of people who have lost their jobs are protected financially and that they can provide for their families at this time.
"That is why Sinn Féin has proposed the immediate introduction of an Income Support Scheme that will guarantee an income of up to €525 per week for 20 weeks for all workers that are laid off as a result of the current crisis. This would benefit every worker and would mean that everyone who earns up to €32,500 a year will receive their full wage.
"The people of this State bailed out the country’s banks a decade ago.
"Now we need an immediate bailout for workers and families."
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Communications, Climate Action and the Environment David Cullinane TD has called for positive action to support local and regional newspapers during this difficult period.
Deputy Cullinane is calling on Government Departments to take out advertising in local papers to both disseminate important information to the public while in turn providing financial support to local newspapers.
Speaking today, Deputy Cullinane said:
“Over the last few days I have engaged directly and constructively with Minister Richard Bruton on solutions needed to support local print and broadcasting media. I welcome the temporary waiver of the Broadcast Levy and I have called for greater flexibility in releasing funds under the Sound and Vision Scheme.
“Equally, local print media needs urgent support. A crash in advertising revenue is having a devastating impact and is threatening the viability of local and trusted newspapers.
“I have asked Minister Bruton to establish a fund to be used by government Departments to advertise important information and updates on measures to combat COVID-19 in local papers. These can relate to health, employment rights, employer obligations and other general advice to the public.
“This would fulfil a number of purposes - to help disseminate accurate information to the public through reliable and trusted local publications, while also providing much needed revenue for local newspapers.
“This is a serious and precarious situation for all sectors of the economy. We must do all we can to protect the vital services that local broadcast and print media provide.”
