Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has called for an increase in COVID-19 testing and the establishment of a drive-in testing facility to help combat the spread of the virus.
The South Down MP said:
"The World Health Organisation made it abundantly clear today that testing is the most important tool we have against the spread of COVID-19.
"In Dublin, it was announced today that a drive-in coronavirus testing facility will set up at Croke Park in order to test more suspected cases following a request from the Health and Safety Executive.
"Similar moves should now be introduced in the north as a matter of urgency.
"The announcement of the postponement of this year's Balmoral Show frees up the site of Balmoral Park at the former Long Kesh site to be used for such a drive-in testing facility.
"I am calling on Health Minister Robin Swann to consider this urgently as part of a range of measures to help the spread of the coronavirus."
Sinn Féin MP John Finucane has welcomed has welcomed measures announced today to limit the numbers of people in courthouses as part of a bid to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
The North Belfast MP said:
"New measures have have announced today by the Lord Chief Justice's office to limit the number of people in courthouses in order to help reduce the spread of coronavirus.
"It was announced that there will be no new jury trials commencing from 18 March until further notice and that no sanction will be taken against those who do not feel well enough to attend court.
"This is a timely and practical development which will hopefully help reduce the transmission of COVID-19."
Sinn Féin Dublin South West TD Seán Crowe has called on caretaker Ministers for Justice Charlie Flanagan and Enterprise Minister Heather Humphreys to introduce stringent measures to stop price gouging and that there are still a number of matters to resolve to ensure families and workers are supported through public health emergency.
Deputy Crowe said:
"Any new crisis can bring the best or the worst out of people, but we have developing is unscrupulous individuals taking advantage of a growth in demand for essential items due to the public health emergency and increase their prices dramatically.
“Every day we are hearing disturbing stories of price increases on hand gels, disinfectant wipes, face masks, airline flights, with robberies from hospitals and primary care centres on the increase all across the State.
“Collectively over the last few generations we have never faced such a serious health challenge so new approaches and forward thinking is now needed from central government.
“Emergency legislation is needed on price gouging and the robberies of medical centres needs to be tackled now; not when stock is gone and it’s too late.
“I am calling on Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan and Enterprise Minister Heather Humphries investigate the possibility of bringing increased prison sentences for stealing of medical supplies and a ban on price gouging during this emergency.
“Facemasks going from €20 or €30 euro per pack to €150 euro or hand gels going from 40 cent to €2 and €4 euro is wrong on so many levels.
“We are hearing reports of Airline flights going from €500 one way to €5,000 because of the demand of people trying to travel home during this crisis and all without government intervention. Price gouging is wrong needs to be tackled head on.
“We need to address these serious issues. The Government must intervene immediately to stop companies and individuals taking advantage of individual and collective vulnerabilities that are going to be more evident in the coming weeks."
Sinn Féin Party Group Leader on Belfast City Council, Councillor Ciaran Beattie, has welcomed additional measures being taking by Council to protect the health and wellbeing from the Coronavirus outbreak.
Speaking on the issue, Cllr Beattie said:
“Sinn Féin proposed today to shut all Belfast City Council leisure facilities with immediate effect during a special council meeting on COVID19.
“I welcome that this has been agreed along with measures to help protect workers.
“In addition to the closure of leisure centres, we have also agreed to close St. Georgres Market, Ulster Hall and Waterfront Hall.
“Parks will remain open but play grounds will be shut as a preventative measure.
“We will work to retain critical services within council, with priority given to waste collection, births/deaths and marriage registration and burials/cremations with social distancing being practiced during the delivery of these services.
“As a council there is an obligation on us to not only protect the citizens of this city, but also our staff who provide invaluable services.
“These measures will form part of efforts to slow down and minimise the spread of COVID19 in Belfast.
“Sinn Féin will continue to actively work in Belfast City Council, as we are doing across the island, to protect the health and well-being of all our citizens in the time ahead.”
Sinn Féin MP Paul Maskey has once again urged the Education Minister to do the right thing and close schools to protect public health.
The call follows a decision by a number of primary and nursery schools in west Belfast to close their doors to pupils from Wednesday to help stop the spread of Coronavirus.
The West Belfast MP said:
“The move by primary and nursery school principals in west Belfast to close their doors to children from Wednesday is welcome.
“These principals are proactively taking responsible steps to protect pupils and staff and to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
“What is evident here is that where the Education Minister has failed to show leadership, schools are stepping in themselves and making the right and responsible decisions to protect public health.
“I am once again calling on Minister Peter Weir to do the right thing and act in the public interest by closing schools to help tackle this pandemic.” Críoch/Ends
Sinn Féin MLA for West Belfast, Fra McCann, has reiterated Sinn Féin's opposition to a pay increase for MLAs and called for an end to petty political games.
Speaking today, McCann said:
“The comments by People Before Profit are misleading but typically of the petty politics that People Before Profit engage in.
“In fact, all Sinn Fein MLAs have not taken the increase but have returned this directly to the public purse.
“Sinn Féin TDs also recently returned a pay increase to the Exchequer in the South.
I challenge Gerry Carroll to tell us if he is receiving this pay rise and if so what he has done to return this to the public services that so desperately need it.
“The misinformation being spread by People Before Profit for seemingly political gain, at the time of a public health crisis, is deplorable and a complete dereliction of responsibility.
“While other political representatives prioritise the health of citizens and work collectively to develop a coordinated and effective all-Ireland approach to overcome the COVID19 challenge, Gerry Carroll is focused on the immature and irresponsible politics so typical of People Before Profit.
“This is a time for honesty and unity of purpose, not petty political games. I will be interested to see how transparent Gerry Carroll is with his MLA salary.”
Speaking ahead of a meeting with the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and other party leaders in Government Buildings, the Sinn Féin President also called for improved communication with the public to allay fears caused by misinformation being shared on social media.
Teachta McDonald said:
"We are conscious of the impact the current public health crisis is having on people's lives.
"While we welcome yesterday's decision to close all pubs and hotel bars, the government must now heed the Restaurants Association of Ireland to also close all restaurants and cafés before St Patrick's Day.
"The 'Pandemic Unemployment Payment' announcement is welcome, but more needs to be done to support workers, families and businesses.
"We need rent support for private renters, we need a moratorium on all evictions, we need a mortgage repayments holiday and we need a freeze in utility bills and disconnections.
"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.
"I will be asking the Taoiseach to contact the British Prime minister on this issue as a matter of urgency.
"In 2001, we had an all-island approach to Foot and Mouth outbreak in 2001 to protect livestock. Now, it is people's lives that are at stake and politicians must not fail them.
"We are a single population unit on this island and it is imperative that politicians north and south do our utmost to protect the health and lives of everyone who lives here.
"Finally, we also need to ramp up communication between the state and the public. Misinformation being spread through social media that is causing panic. Clarity and reassurance needs to be brought to the people."
Sinn Féin Agriculture and Food spokesperson Deputy Brian Stanley has called for appropriate measures to be implemented in the agri-food sector to ensure food supply chains continue to operate as usual.
Speaking this afternoon, Deputy Stanley said:
"It is vitally important to ensure that food production for the domestic and export market is not interrupted by Covid-19.
"To achieve this we need to ensure that workers fulfilling those vital jobs are protected and can continue to do their work. This means enforcing the two metre rule and on-site hygiene best practice.
"It has been reported that Irish food processors have seen their order go up by more than 60 per cent and will need to be more vigilant than ever to ensure that the sector continues to operate as usual.
"Managers of marts and food processing plants and agri-suppliers must be able to continue to operate as a crucial part of the supply chain but they must ensure that the risk to workers and customers is reduced as much as possible. Management of these businesses need to ensure that the advice being given Chief Medical Officer of the HSE is followed regarding social distancing, hygiene etc.
"I have contacted Minister Creed to ensure that these conditions will be imposed and I have also requested that the Minister establish a National Taskforce for the agri-food sector. It is essential that, farmers, the department, Teagasc and other stakeholders work together in a co-ordinated way to ensure the continued operation of food supply chains.
"These are difficult times for farmers and workers in the sector. They need flexibility from our banks and lending institutions to reschedule repayments for farmers and the availability of overdraft facilities."
ENDS
Sinn Féin MP MIckey Brady has called on the British government to scrap plans to introduce TV licence charges for over 75s.
The Newry and Armagh said:
"The British government has announced plans to postpone introducing TV licence charges for over 75s as a result of the coronavirus.
"The fact is this charge should not have been proposed in the first place and the British government should now reconsider it and not only postpone it but abandon this plan.
"Pensioners have already been hit by years of Tory austerity and should not be penalised by this extra cost.
"And now with over 70s faced with the prospect of self isolating as a result of coronavirus watching TV will become a vital lifeline.
"Now is the time for this plan to be scrapped in order to give pensioners a break."
Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD has again written to Ministers Eoghan Murphy and Regina Doherty asking for clarity on rent supplement and how renters will be able to access emergency payments if they lose income due to COVID-19.
Speaking today Deputy Ó Broin said:
“Minister Murphy’s statement on Saturday unfortunately provided no real clarity for renters in terms of accessing rent supplement if they lose their jobs or their income falls due to COVID 19 and they can’t make their rent.
“Murphy must co-ordinate with the Minister for Social Protection and publicly state what will be made available and to how to access it.
“The Minister needs to bear in mind that renters were struggling with high rental costs before this crisis and the situation will worsen if there are jobs loses, temporary or other, in the household.
“He also needs to recognise that a lot a people who will need to access an emergency rent supplement payment will not have engaged with welfare services before and will need clarity on how to access the payment.
“Minister Murphy must also consider issuing a moratorium on evictions until this crisis has abated.”
ENDS
Sinn Féin MLA Órlaithí Flynn has called for support for those experiencing anxiety and distress as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak.
The mental health spokesperson said:
"A person's mental health is directly related to their physical health and vice versa. Anxiety, distress and fear can severely impact a person's ability to physically take care of themselves.
"There are many people who will be deeply concerned by what they are hearing and seeing regarding the threat posed by Coronavirus. The levels of anxiety and distress caused, especially by some social media content, is having a real impact on their mental health.
"There have been many individuals and families who have contacted Sinn Féin offices seeking support. Many want to know that the vital support they receive for a mental health condition, including anxiety, will continue.
"Coronavirus has been an unprecedented emergency and has placed a huge pressure on healthcare staff to respond. I fully support the efforts and dedication of all healthcare workers during this difficult time.
"I also want to ensure that we look after the most vulnerable at this testing time. There is research that suggests long term anxiety can reduce the immune system. For those already dealing with anxiety and mental ill health it is important they are supported over the coming weeks and months.
"I would urge everyone to consider how they can help, either on social media or to support and reassure those who are anxious, lonely and maybe self isolating. The health service works best with community support.
"Health authorities need to act decisively to tackle Coronavirus, they also need to ensure that no one is left behind or abandoned. Talking therapies and counselling sessions are an important core health service and must be protected where possible."
Sinn Féin health spokesperson Deputy Louise O’Reilly has called for a dedicated daily update on the situation as regards Covid-19 to be broadcast on television and radio every evening at six o’clock to update the public and combat misinformation.
Speaking this afternoon, Teachta O’Reilly said:
“These are extraordinary times and every person in the State needs to do their civic duty to help as best they can to combat the spread of Covid-19.
“Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation circulating as regards what the situation is and that needs to be countered.
“I would call on the caretaker government to look at broadcasting a daily update on the situation as regards Covid-19 across television and radio channels every evening at six o’clock.
“This would help combat misinformation, keep people informed, and allow people to understand where we are in the current crisis.
“A number of other States are looking at taking similar action and I feel it would be a welcome and positive development for people here.”
Sinn Féin TD for Carlow-Kilkenny Kathleen Funchion has said that people with disabilities, their carers, service providers and healthcare professionals have many questions that need answering as they plan to deal with the Coronavirus (Covid19) public health crisis.
Teachta Funchion said;
“Sinn Féin has engaged with many service providers, families and People with Disabilities over the last number of days and concerns have been raised with us relating to certainty of supports available and lack of clarity of advice thus far.
“The Disability community is extremely vulnerable and marginalised in normal times and we therefore must provide all supports and services available with current resources and capacity throughout this public health crisis to ensure whatever we can do together, we will do.
“A Disability specific and co-ordinated health, community and communications response must be developed that will allow peace of mind and comfort for all People with Disabilities, their carers and those who provide health and social care and supports to them.
“We in Sinn Féin will be bringing the concerns of the Disability Community into our meeting with the Department of An Taoiseach today and into follow-on meetings with other Government Departments over the next period of time.
“We will do all we can in Sinn Féin to ensure that we can get the Disability Community through this public health crisis with the least impact possible.”
Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín has written to the Housing Executive and the Federation of Housing Associations asking for an update on what arrangements have been put in place to deal with homeless people who may contract coronavirus.
Carál Ní Chuilín said:
"There is widespread concern about the impact of the coronavirus, particularly on the most vulnerable in our community and the homeless, and specifically on those who are sleeping rough.
“I have requested an update from the Housing Executive and the Federation of Housing Associations on their plans regarding support for people sleeping on the streets and the availability of services for them during the COVID 19 pandemic.
“I have asked what plans they have in place for people who use hostels who may become ill with coronavirus and have to self-isolate.
“I have requested information on the arrangements and support being put in place regarding rents for people who need to stop work due to self-isolation or caring responsibilities and find themselves in financial difficulty.
“I have also asked for details on how tenants will be able to have access to information from the Housing Executive in the event that the front-facing services may be closed to the public.
"Contingency plans must be put in place to ensure people sleeping rough are included in any measures to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.”
Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has welcomed the move from Queen’s University to deliver lecture material remotely with all face-to-face lectures ceasing.
The party’s Economy Spokesperson said:
“I strongly welcome this action by Queen’s University to protect the health and well-being of students, staff and the public during the Coronavirus crisis.
“I’ve spoken with the Vice Chancellor and welcome the fact that plans are also being made around assessments, exams and other forms of teaching.
“The university has reminded students that the wellbeing drop-in service continues to be offered and have said that they intend to provide additional support.
“This is very much a fast-evolving situation and it is being kept under constant review.
"It's vital that we have a joined-up approach across the island to deal with this pandemic."
Sinn Féin Social Protection Spokesperson John Brady believes that people left unemployed as a result of the COVID-19 crisis have many questions that have so far gone unanswered, while Intreo offices across the State are being overrun with queries.
Teachta Brady said:"A briefing by the General Secretary and the Minister for all Employment Affairs and Social Protection spokespersons is needed immediately.
"For nearly a week now I have been trying to get information on many issues in relation to Social Protection measures, unfortunately no information has been forthcoming from the Department or the Minister.
"Thousands of workers have now been made unemployed or have had their hours cut. There are many questions people have and they are going unanswered.
"This is resulting in Intreo offices across the State becoming swamped with people trying to get answers, there are long queues in many Intreo offices across the State.
"This is jeopardising the health of both the people and the staff within the offices.
"We need assurance that additional resources are being put into offices to deal with new applications, it’s not sufficient for staff to be pulled from dealing with other payments, workers need to be seconded from other departments to deal with the increased pressures.
"Everything that can be done to make it easier for people to make an application for a Jobseekers payment or Illness Benefit should be done. This includes the online application process.
"The necessity to have a Public Service Card to make an online application needs to be dropped, a passport or Driving Licence should be sufficient.
"Making people go to the Intreo office to get the PSC so they can make an online application is counterproductive. The online process needs to be ramped up in case of any difficulties with the postal service due to the spread of the virus.
"The new Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment is welcome, however there should be provision in this scheme for workers put on to short time working. Clarity is also needed for people in receipt of a number of different Social Welfare in work payments.
"Payments such the Working Family Payment, or people on Community Employment Schemes, will their payment be stopped or cut if their hours are cut as a result of the Coronavirus or they can’t work?
"On Thursday we will be dealing with the legislation the Illness benefit. There needs to be a full briefing and that needs to happen before the legislation on Thursday."
Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has called on the Minister for Infrastructure to temporarily change the regulations for delivery drivers in light of the coronavirus crisis.
The South Down MP said:
"With the huge levels of public concern about the availability of supplies as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, I have now written to the Infrastructure Minister asking her to look at the regulations for delivery drivers.
"I am calling on the minister to heed the call from hauliers and introduce a temporary derogation for the number of hours a driver can drive.
"This has been done in response to extreme circumstances and, with the agreement of drivers, could help ensure essential supplies are delivered.
"Obviously the safety of drivers must be the first and foremost consideration but measure such as this would go some way to helping to address the crisis."
Sinn Féin MLA John O'Dowd has said urgent action is needed from the Education Minister to close schools in the face of the coronavirus threat.
The Upper Bann MLA was speaking after news that a parent of a child 'at risk' of Coronavirus has taken a Judicial Review against the Minister's decision to keep her school open.
John O'Dowd said:
“A parent of a child who suffers from a respiratory condition has now begun the process of taking a judicial review against the decision by the Education Minister not to close schools due to the coronavirus.
“Parents worried about the safety of their children should not be put in the position where they feel they have to go to the courts to keep them safe.
“What is required now is leadership from the Education Minister and for him to act urgently and close schools.”
Sinn Féin MP John Finucane has written to the Justice Minister to ask what measures have been put in place for court houses, police stations and other buildings used by the justice system to operate without putting people at risk during the Coronavirus pandemic.
The north Belfast MP said:
“I have written to the Justice Minister asking her what measures have been put in place at Court Houses to protect the workforce and the thousands, including elderly members and those in the at risk categories of the public who attend them on a daily basis.
“I would call on those people to stay away from the buildings and have called for an urgent plan to be put in place that would enable courts to operate only with urgent business and with a skeleton staff.
“Immediate practical steps can be taken to greatly reduce the risk of transmission and ensure the safety of the thousands of people who attend on a daily basis.
“We need plans in place to deal with prisons and police stations to make sure that no one is put at risk and a plan to protect emergency responders is also required.
"Swift and decisive action is needed to ensure public safety during the Coronavirus crisis.”
Sinn Féin MP Paul Maskey has called on the Education Minister to show leadership and close schools during the COVID-19 crisis.
The West Belfast MP was commenting after a number of special schools in Belfast announced they will close from Monday.
Paul Maskey said:
“I welcome the initiative from Belfast special schools to close from tonight as a pre-cautionary measure.
“This is an effort to protect pupils and staff and to help stop the spread of the Coronavirus.
“These schools are displaying formidable leadership during what is a very difficult time for communities and wider society.
“I am calling on Education Minister Peter Weir to replicate this leadership by moving to close all schools with immediate effect.
“We must continue working to protect the health and well-being of all our citizens.”
