Sinn Féin MLA Karen Mullan has condemned the shooting of a man in the Creggan area of Derry.
The Foyle MLA said;
“I utterly condemn this shooting of a man in his 30s in the Magowan Park area of Creggan.
“There is no place for attacks like this in our society and those responsible are not representative of the local community.
"This comes at a time when our medical staff are under intense pressure and the community is dealing with the biggest public health crisis it has ever faced.
“Whoever did this needs to listen to the people of the area and end these attacks immediately.”
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Sinn Féin MP Órfhlaith Begley has called on the Health Minister to ensure personal protective equipment is provided for health and social care staff.
The West Tyrone MP said:
"Health and social care staff in our hospital, surgeries and hospices are on the front line of the fight against COVID-19 and are doing excellent work in very challenging circumstances.
"These vital staff need to be protected and have been promised personal protection equipment (PPE) but many have yet to receive it.
"It is essential that these frontline workers receive this equipment as a matter of urgency so they can carry out more testing and deal with those who have contracted or are suspected on having contracted coronavirus.
"I am calling on the health minister to ensure this equipment is provided to these staff as soon as possible."
Sinn Féin Finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty has welcomed the joint plan adopted by the five main retail banks to support customers and businesses affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, but has called for an immediate engagement from Government and the Central Bank with vulture funds and non-bank lenders to ensure the same reliefs are provided to all mortgage-holders.
Speaking today, the Donegal TD said:
“The joint plan adopted this afternoon by the five main retail banks is welcome news for mortgage-holders affected by the COVID-19 outbreak through job or income loss.
"The five retail banks have confirmed they will provide a payment break of up to three months, with a view to extend as the current situation develops. This payment break will include mortgage repayments, personal loans and business loans. It is essential that clarity is given as to how this will effect interest on mortgages, personal and business loans during and after any payment break.
"This is welcome news for mortgage-holders and businesses who have been affected by this crisis. Last week I wrote to retail banks and the Central Bank requesting that these measures be implemented to protect personal customers and mortgage-holders during this crisis.
"I welcome the banks' recognition that the application process for these measures must be as simple as possible to ensure relief can be accessed without delay. It is essential therefore that these measures are communicated through Government and commercial channels to ensure it is availed of.
"I also welcome the moves to ensure those who avail of these measures do not see their credit ratings adversely affected, and call on the Central Bank to move quickly to facilitate these arrangements.
"Today's statement also makes clear that customers who have had their mortgages bought by vulture funds have not as yet been offered the same arrangements. That must be addressed immediately.
"I have been in contact with the Central Bank since the 10th of March to ensure that the same measures are extended to the vulture funds.
"We need clarity as to what powers the Central Bank can employ to extend these measures across the financial sector, including vulture funds which hold 1 in 4 buy to let and 1 in 7 homeowner.
"We must ensure that every mortgage-holder is protected at this time regardless of whether their mortgages are held by retail banks, vulture funds or other non-bank lenders.
"I will be meeting with the Minister for Finance tomorrow to discuss further measures that can be implemented to protect those who will suffer from job or income loss in the weeks and months ahead. We must do all we can to protect workers and families."
Sinn Féin Communications Spokesperson David Cullinane TD has welcomed the news that Bord Gáis Energy and Electric Ireland have temporarily ceased disconnections for non-payment, and said that all other energy utility and telecommunications companies should follow suit.
Deputy Cullinane said;
"I wrote to all energy providers and telecommunications companies across the State requesting they temporarily cease disconnections for non-payments for the duration of the current public health emergency. My colleague in the North Caoimhe Archibald did likewise.
"I am pleased to hear from both from Electric Ireland and Bord Gáis Energy that they are both ceasing disconnections temporarily.
"While this news is welcome, we need to hear from the rest of the industry to ensure people are not negatively impacted at this time of public emergency. All energy utility companies need to put workable solutions in place to support many of their customers who are facing financial difficulties at this time.
"The Government should look at putting financial supports in place for those who lost their jobs as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak and cannot afford to pay their bills at this time.
"We all have a duty of responsibility during the current health emergency, and this step would go a long way in giving ordinary people a break during this time of need."
Sinn Féin TD for Louth Ruairí Ó Murchú has called on the whole community to be responsible at this time of public emergency, and commended those who are already leading by example.
Deputy Ó Murchú said;
"In the face of the unprecedented public health emergency brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, we have to commend the vast majority of people who are following public health instructions.
“Most people, businesses and organisations across Louth are following the instructions of the public health authorities and some are doing even more to safeguard everyone’s health. Many have engaged or volunteered in community activism to help vulnerable members of the community.
“Unfortunately, there are still people and businesses who have set themselves outside society. While they engage in anti-community behaviour, they are putting public health at risk.
“We are all doing our best to support those working in the health sector saving lives. Those who knowingly breach best health practices or are overcharging for essential goods are negating this. They are putting people’s lives at risk. Emergency legislation will be required by the state to protect families, workers and businesses against these actions.
“Many local individuals and organisations, residents’ associations and sporting clubs such as Cooley Kickhams and na Piarsaigh are offering delivery and other services to older and more vulnerable people and this has to be celebrated.
“I would ask anyone wanting to volunteer or seeking the help of volunteers to avail of the services of the Louth Volunteer Centre, who are coordinating this type of work. Their contact details can be found on volunteer.ie.
“I would also ask that other people running websites and facilities for people to volunteer would make use of networks that already exist.
“I will be volunteering myself, while, like all Louth Sinn Féin representatives I will be available to help people with issues that may arise during this crisis.
“Sinn Féin continues through our dealings with government, utility companies, banks, and financial institutions to ensure all supports are put in place for workers, families and businesses in the wake of the Covid-19 emergency.
"Those who have had the misfortune of losing their jobs, that have had their hours cut and have been forced out of employment to care for children must be supported.
“Whilst the changes that have been announced to the social welfare system are welcome, other changes may be required in the time ahead to ensure that economic hardship is averted.
"We need rent support for private renters, we need a moratorium on all evictions, a mortgage repayments holiday needs to be introduced from all lending institutions. We need a freeze in utility bills and disconnections from all providers.
"We also need Irish Water and the ESB to discontinue all non-essential maintenance to ensure that everyone has running water and working electricity during this period of uncertainty.
"It is essential that we adopt an all-island approach to this crisis. The measures being introduced to contain the spread of COVID-19 will only work if they are in place on both sides of the border.
"Private hospital capacity also needs to be made available to the State to ensure a rapid and collective approach to tackling Covid-19.
"We have limited capacity in our public hospitals, and while alternative settings of care are being identified and made available to treat patients, it is also important that private hospital capacity is at the ready.
“We all need to work together to get through this emergency and we will.”
“Supports required for workers, families and businesses during Coronavirus emergency” – Matt Carthy TD
Cavan Monaghan Sinn Féin TD Matt Carthy has confirmed that he is working alongside his party leadership to ensure that any and all supports necessary are provided for workers, families and businesses in the wake of the Covid-19 emergency. Deputy Carty said that it was imperative that nobody becomes homeless, goes hungry or has utilities cut during this period. It is also necessary, he said, to ensure that no business would have to pay for services they wouldn’t need during their closure and that must include a rates freeze and suspension on insurance costs.
He repeated his call for financial institutions to brake all payment schedules for this period for both businesses and individuals who are not in a position to meet them. This would allow landlords to do the same for tenants for the duration of the crisis.
Deputy Carthy said:
“This is an unprecedented public health emergency brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. Therefore, we must put in place unprecedented supports for workers, families and businesses.
“There is huge uncertainty in society at present, and as people come to terms with the consequences of measures that have been announced by government, with cross-party support, it is essential that adequate measures are put in place to allay the fears and concerns of ordinary citizens.
“Those who have had the misfortune of losing their jobs, those that have had their hours cut and those that have been forced out of employment to care for children must be supported, and whilst changes that have been announced to the social welfare system are welcome, other changes will be required in the time ahead to ensure that economic hardship is averted.
“Families and workers must also be protected from rent increases and evictions at this very difficult time, and a mortgage holiday should also be provided for by all banks, in addition to a suspension of utility disconnections by all providers.
“The childcare needs of frontline healthcare workers - who are the source of much pride in our communities at this time - must be met as a matter of urgency. Government needs to work closely with workers and the childcare sector to find a solution for them very quickly.
“Childcare providers and workers must also be supported through this period of emergency closure and a package of measures including income supports must be clearly outlined as a matter of priority. Other businesses also need urgent interventions; including a deferral of VAT payments and a rates suspension.
“It is vital that we pull together at this time as a community and as a country.
“Together we can and will get through this. But supports must be provided to those who need them and we in Sinn Féin will be working to secure them for those workers, families and businesses facing these immense challenges”.
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Minister should issue Statutory Instrument to allow for repeat prescriptions - Louise O'Reilly TD
Sinn Féin Health spokesperson called on the Minister for Health Simon Harris to use any powers he has to issue a Statutory Instrument to allow for repeat prescriptions to be signed off on by a pharmacist until the end of the COVID-19 crisis.
Teachta O’Reilly said:
“The Minister for Health should have the power under Section 32 of the Irish Medicines Board Act to issue a Statutory Instrument to allow for repeat prescriptions to be signed off on by a pharmacist until the end of the COVID-19 crisis.
“Alternatively, the scope should exist for the Minister to amend Section 7 of Statutory Instrument No. 540/2003 - Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) Regulations 2003 which covers ‘Restrictions on Dispensing of Prescriptions’ and make an allowance for repeat prescriptions until this crisis has subsided.
“Allowing for pharmacists to issue repeat prescriptions is a practical step which the Minister for Health could take to protect the public health of those ‘at risk’ groups such as older people and those with underling conditions who often have to go to the doctor many times to have repeat prescriptions signed off on."
Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Mid-West Mark Ward has contacted the HSE and asked that any extra free capacity in hospital carparks be made available for frontline healthcare workers and other staff during the COVID 19 outbreak. At the moment public hospital car parks are not at full capacity due to restrictions placed on hospital visits and services.
Deputy Ward said:
"Healthcare workers and other hospital staff are vital in combatting the COVID 19 outbreak. I have been contacted by several staff who have not got access to free parking in hospitals.
"Public car parks in hospitals are not at full capacity now due to restrictions put in place because of COVID 19. For example, I was contacted by a healthcare worker who informed me that there were 269 empty public car park spaces in St. James' Hospital this morning. Healthcare workers and other staff should be able to avail of these spaces free of charge.
"Not only will this be a small gesture of appreciation to these unsung heroes, but it will also help staff to continue to stay safe and carry on their vital duties. It is difficult for staff to maintain social distancing guidelines if they are forced to use public transport due to lack of car parking facilities at their hospital.
"I have written to the HSE this morning and asked that any extra capacity in the public carparks of hospitals be used to facilitate frontline health workers and other staff."
Sinn Féin MLA Órlaithí Flynn has called on the Health Minister to announce increased COVID-19 testing as a matter of urgency.
Órlaithí Flynn said:
"The overwhelming weight of medical evidence, led by the World Health Organisation, has said increased testing is essential in helping contain the spread of COVID-19.
"The lack of testing for COVID-19 across the north with testing only being carried out for those already in hospitals is rendering the daily figures released by the Department of Health effectively meaningless.
"They do not give an accurate reflection of the real situation across the north.
"We need to see a radical increase in testing in order to help delay the spread of the coronavirus.
"Without that it is impossible to assess the real scale of its spread and, as a result, how best to deal with it.
"In particular, we need to see medical staff and health and social care workers being tested as they are vital staff working to save lives and keep people safe.
"The Health Minister needs to announce the roll out of increased COVID-19 as a matter of urgency."
Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has called on the Minister for Infrastructure to take steps to make sure essential supply lines are kept open.
The South Down MP said:
"With concerns about shortages of supplies as a result of the spread of COVID-19 there is a need for ministerial direction on the hours that drivers can work.
"In Britain, new emergency measures have been introduced to ensure supply chains are maintained in a safe manner and that deliveries can continue.
"Here in the north, however, the rules have not been changed in the same way and the onus is on drivers to apply for a derogation which will be assessed on a case by case basis.
"This places an added burden on drivers and hauliers at a time when they are already facing significant challenges.
"I am calling on the Infrastructure Minister to act to ensure the the system is streamlined here so that supply lines can be kept open in a manner that is safe and responsible."
Sinn Féin Leas Uachtarán Michelle O'Neill MLA has said the latest legacy proposals from the British government break the Stormont House Agreement and will cause hurt and anger among bereaved families.
Michelle O'Neill said:
"The latest proposals from the British government on dealing with the legacy of the past will cause hurt and anger among families who lost loved ones during the conflict.
"We have consistently called for the legacy mechanisms agreed by the political parties and both governments to be implemented in a human rights compliant manner.
"What is being proposed now is not the implementation of the Stormont House Agreement as committed to in the New Decade, New Approach document, nor is it fully human rights compliant.
"It is a unilateral move by the British government to rewrite the Stormont House Agreement without consulting the political parties or the Irish government. The Legacy structures agreed cannot be cherry picked.
"Mechanisms to deal with the legacy of the past must be accountable and in line with the British government's international legal obligations.
"What is being proposed here is unacceptable.
"Some families have been waiting for up to 50 years for due process and the right to an independent and effective investigation and/or inquest.
"There can be no hierarchy of victims and no one, including British State Forces, can be above the law."
Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has written to utility providers asking them to support customers who may be unable to pay their bills due to the COVID19 crisis.
The party’s economy spokesperson said:
“Some businesses and individuals will face financial difficulties and as a result will be unable to make their utility bill payments.
“I have written to a number of utility providers asking them not to action disconnections to businesses and individuals who are impacted, and to engage with customers to support them through this public health emergency.
“In response to this, I have been liaising with NIE Network and they have confirmed they are looking at how customers can be supported in the time ahead.
"It is vital in this time that the Executive shows clear and unambiguous leadership for the community and Sinn Féin will continue to work for a sensible and responsible approach in order to protect lives."
Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew has called for an increase in testing for COVID-19.
The Sinn Féin health spokesperson said:
“With today’s announcement of a further ten cases of Coronavirus in the north it is clear we need a significant increase in testing to get a full assessment of the situation.
“The World Health Organisation have made it abundantly clear that testing is the only way to combat the spread of COVID-19 and many people are concerned that not enough testing is being carried out in the north.
“We need to see an increase in testing with more testing facilities available so that all suspected cases can be tested.
“It is also vitally important that health and social care workers are tested as they are the essential frontline in helping to fight this pandemic.
“The World Health Organisation advice needs to be heeded and the health minister needs to respond by announcing more testing.”
Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has welcomed the decision of Ulster University and Queen’s University to close all campuses for teaching and social activities to help contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus and to keep people safe.
The party’s Economy Spokesperson said:
“I very much welcome this action by Ulster University and Queen’s University to protect the health and well-being of students, staff and the public and to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
“I welcome that plans are also being made around assessments and exams so that students won't be disadvantaged, and other types of classes will be delivered online as far as possible.
"I also welcome that staff will be facilitated to work from home.
“I would call on the Department to take action to close further education campuses.
"The Executive needs to show clear and unambiguous leadership for the community and Sinn Féin will continue to work for a sensible and responsible approach in order to protect lives."
Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has called on the British Chancellor to direct insurance companies to pay out to businesses impacted by COVID19.
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Communications David Cullinane TD has called on all energy utility companies to put in place workable solutions to support many of their customers who will face financial difficulties in the time ahead.
Deputy Cullinane welcomed a commitment from Electric Ireland to suspend all disconnections for the next four weeks.
Speaking today Deputy Cullinane said:
“As we face into an unprecedented time, many people will see their incomes dramatically reduce. It is important that all public utilities and energy providers put in place workable and practical solutions for those most in need.
“I am calling on all utilities to work closely with their customers in these difficult times and as a first step all disconnections should be stopped in the time ahead.
“I welcome a commitment from Electric Ireland that they will suspend disconnections for a period of four weeks. However, this may need to be extended further.
“It is vital that people have access to electricity at all times. Many people will be working from home for some time to come and it is also important that all non-essential maintenance work be postponed. Vital maintenance may still be required to ensure no unscheduled outages but non-essential work should be stopped.
“Measures should also be put in place to support pay as you go electricity meter customers. Continuation of electricity to all will be vital in the time ahead.”
Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has welcomed moves by Sky to help businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The South Down MP said:
“Many businesses, particularly those in the hospitality sector, are struggling as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Last week I called on Sky to consider pricing and bill relief for businesses who show live sporting events, such as pubs and clubs.
“I welcome the fact that Sky have now told such businesses that they will not be charged for these services during the pandemic.
“This is a welcome move for businesses and I would encourage other companies to consider similar steps.”
Sinn Féin MLA Jemma Dolan has said the closure of Carphone Warehouse is a worrying development for many workers.
The Employment and Workers’ Rights spokesperson said:
“News that mobile phone company Carphone Warehouse is set to close all its shops putting thousands of jobs at risk is extremely concerning.
“This company has many premises across the north, including in my own constituency in Enniskillen, and this will no doubt cause worry and anxiety to many workers and their families.
“It will also be a blow to the local economy.
“It is essential that management at the company maintain contact with staff and keep them updated on all developments.
“Retaining and upskilling should also be offered to anyone losing their jobs in order to help them find other employment.”
Speaking this morning, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Health Louise O’Reilly TD has said that private hospital capacity must be made available to the State to ensure a collective approach to tackling Covid-19.
Teachta O’Reilly said:
"Dr. Michael Ryan of the World Health Organisation has said that to tackle the Coronavirus we must react quickly and be the first mover. We have to be prepared to act a speedily as possible.
"With those words in mind, it is important that private hospital capacity is made available to the State to ensure a rapid and collective approach to tackling Covid-19.
"We have limited capacity in our public hospitals, and while alternative settings of care are being identified and made available to treat patients, it is also important that private hospital capacity is at the ready.
"The private hospital sector has approximately 2,500 beds; a number of which are critical care and ICU beds. This capacity may prove essential in the weeks ahead.
"Yesterday, Spain took all private hospitals under public control as the country combats Coronavirus - we must stand ready to do the same."
Sinn Féin Leas Uachtarán Michelle O'Neill has said it is essential that a common sense approach is adopted to help combat the spread of COVID-19.
Michelle O'Neill said:
"Britain continues to be an outlier when it comes to tackling coronavirus. They are out of step with the rest of the world.
"The clear and unambiguous advice from the World Health Organisation today is that the best way to stop COVID-19 spreading is by testing and isolation.
"This, along with the British government's announcement that 'drastic action' is needed, highlights the need for decisive action here.
"Expert clinicians from across Britain and elsewhere have added their voices to the calls for schools to be closed and mass gatherings to be halted.
"I once again repeat the call for schools to close to help contain the spread of the virus and to keep people safe.
"This is not merely a matter of timing; it is a matter of acting in a coordinated, responsible and rapid manner in order to save lives.
"It simply does not make sense to call for 'drastic action' and limit contact with others on one hand and then refusing to close schools.
"A number of schools are already taking practical and responsible steps to prepare for the orderly closure of schools later this week. Churches, sports organisations and businesses are also showing leadership on this issue.
"We live on a small island and it is vital we adopt an all-island approach immediately to tackling the COVID-19 coronavirus in order to keep the public safe.
"There is a responsibility on all political leaders north and south to do everything possible to protect the health and lives of everyone on this island.
"The Executive needs to show clear and unambiguous leadership for the community and Sinn Féin will continue to work for a sensible and responsible approach in order to protect lives."
