Sinn Féin MLA Karen Mullan has called on the Education Minister to outline what steps are being taken to protect children and young people, teachers and school staff during the coronavirus outbreak.
The Sinn Féin education spokesperson said:
"We need urgent and decisive action on school closures, the World Health Agency has made it clear we are faced with a global health pandemic.
"Parents and teachers and school staff are becoming increasingly concerned about the impact of the spread of Coronavirus and have many questions about how it will affect schools here.
"I have written to the Education Minister, Peter Weir, and the permanent secretary of the department to reconsider his position on school closures and to provide clear advice and guidance to school leaders, students and parents in the time ahead.
"I have asked if Boards of Governors take the decision to close a school what the impact will be and will staff continue to be paid.
"The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control have urged governments to take early, decisive, rapid, co-ordinated action.
"It is their expert opinion that the implementation of closures is likely to be more effective in slowing the spread of the virus than a delayed implementation.
"Clarity is also needed over children who receive free school meals and what will happen to them if schools close.
"Other projects funded by the Education Department such as SureStart could also have to close and staff at these facilities also need answers.
"It is vitally important that parents as well as teachers and school staff are kept up to date on the latest in the changing situation.
Sinn Féin Newry MLA Cathal Boylan has called on the Infrastructure Minister to consider all options to protect supply chains from the adverse effects of the coronavirus.
Speaking after night-time delivery restrictions were lifted, the party’s infrastructure spokesperson said:
“I acknowledge the move made by the minister to lift restrictions from night time deliveries to ensure shops remain stocked.
“The minister should engage with the freight sector and driver representatives to consider all options to protect supply chains during this challenging time.
“Measures to protect supply chains were introduced in the past during extreme circumstances such as during the big freeze in 2010.
“However, it is paramount that any changes should not compromise driver safety.
“I have written to the minister to ask her to detail all the measures she is considering to mitigate the adverse effects COVID-19 may have on the freight sector sustaining supply chains.”
Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald has called for immediate closure of pubs, clubs and restaurants across the island.
She has said that social distancing measures are being ignored and that tough decisions are required to maximise COVID-19 containment efforts, particularly with St Patrick's Day looming.
Teachta McDonald said:
"We are in a national emergency and it is clear that social distancing measures are not being adhered to in many pubs, clubs and restaurants.
“The rate of community spread across the island is increasing and drastic measures are required if we are to contain the spread and protect our loved ones.
"Pubs and restaurants north and south must be directed to close immediately, particularly with St Patrick's Day looming.
“We have already seen some pubs close their doors in order to protect their staff and the public. We welcome those who have made that responsible decision.
"We also welcome this afternoon's decision of Temple Bar publicans to close all bars and nightclubs in the area with immediate effect.
"The Restaurants Association of Ireland has also acknowledged that social distancing measures are not working, while the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland has sought clarity from the government today.
"It is clear that there is a need for robust instructions for pubs and restaurants to close as a matter of urgency.
“Naturally this will create difficulties for workers and employers and we need state interventions to ensure that workers and businesses can access help and support.
“Social distancing means staying at home or away from crowds as much as possible. This message is getting through to some people, but it is being ignored by others and large groups of people in pubs were evident over the weekend so far.
“These are extraordinary times and they call for extraordinary measures. We are a resilient people and compassionate people and I have no doubt that the people will understand and appreciate the need for these additional measures.”
ENDS
Sinn Fein MLA Caoimhe Archibald has said measures are required to mitigate the economic impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on businesses and workers.
The party’s economy spokesperson said:
“The coronavirus (COVID19) pandemic is having, and will continue to have, far-reaching impacts on workers and businesses.
“It is vital as we respond to this public health emergency, that measures to support our businesses, and to protect and support workers, are put in place.
“Over the past few days I have written to the Economy Minister to highlight a number of important issues including:
the need for access to credit and financial support for businesses;
the need for measures to alleviate the immediate intensive pressure on retailers as a result of panic bulk buying;
that agency workers do not have contractual sick leave and have unequal access to sick allowances;
the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic and medical advice on migrant workers;
the need for employers to ensure employees, particularly in shops, restaurants and other frontline services, have access to protective measures including sanitiser.
"I have also received responses from a number of banks about measures they are putting in place including waiving fees for missed payments, payment holidays on loans/mortgages and emergency access to fixed term savings.
"My party colleague the Minister for Communities Deirdre Hargey has taken steps to ensure that statutory sick pay and other benefits can be accessed straight away and without requiring a sickline from a GP.
"The Economy Minister must now bring forward comprehensive measures, including legislative changes if necessary, to support businesses, workers and the local economy.
"It is also important to highlight that we all have a role to play in being personally responsible, there is absolutely no need to panic/bulk buy.
"While it should go without saying we must all be respectful toward those workers in shops and other outlets."
Joint Head of Government Michelle O’Neill has called for an all-island approach to dealing with the COVID-19 following a meeting of Ministers from north and south.
Michelle O’Neill said:
“This morning I attended a meeting in Armagh along with other Executive Ministers, the acting Taoiseach and Tanáiste and the Chief Medical Officers.
“Throughout the meeting, I pressed the need for an all-island approach to tackle COVID19.
“I did so not on the basis of politics, but on the basis of advancing the most effective approach to protect all citizens on this island.
“30,000 people cross the border on a daily basis for school, for business purposes and to visit family.
“Towns and villages straddle the border from one home to the next.
“It is unacceptable, for example, that a school in Lifford is being giving a different direction to combat COVID19 to one that is based in Strabane - both towns are one mile apart.
“This is the practical and confusing complexities around two different approaches.
“The simple reality is the Coronavirus does not recognise borders.
“Various educational and sporting organisations have already taking precautions to protect the interests of citizens.
“Last night the Catholic Church also called for the closure of schools to protect pupils, their families and staff.
“As political leaders, we must now take decisive action which is also in the best interest of all citizens.
“In the coming days, I will continue to actively work with Executive Ministers, the Irish Government and both Chief Medical Officers for one approach across this island that protects the interests of citizens in Belfast, Dublin, Derry and Cork.”
Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald has said “Sinn Féin have been in contact with government departments and various sectors throughout the day on measures needed to support and assist families, workers and businesses during this public health emergency.
Ms. McDonald:
“There is huge uncertainty across society as people begin to come to terms with and plan for the emergency measures introduced yesterday. It is essential that the government acts quickly to support families, workers and businesses.
"We have been in contact with government departments throughout the day on the issues requiring immediate attention, including legislation which needs to be passed at next week’s Dáil sitting.
“The social welfare system will have to adapt quickly to support families and workers where job losses, loss of hours or sickness occur. Illness benefit is an important part of this, but it is only one part of what must be a comprehensive welfare response.
"Parents may be forced out of paid employment to care for children for the duration of the public health emergency. These parents must be supported, not penalised.
“Families and workers must be protected against rent increases and evictions. A mortgage holiday must be provided for, as must a prohibition on utility disconnections.
“The childcare needs of frontline healthcare workers must be met as a matter of urgency, Government must work closely with workers and the childcare sector to find a solution quickly.
“Childcare providers and workers must be supported through the period of emergency closure. A package of measures including income supports must be clearly articulated as a matter of priority.
"Businesses also need urgent interventions including a three month deferral of VAT payments, a range of financial measures for businesses including withdrawal of fees from banking sector on cashless payments, extension of loans and deferral of mortgage payments.
“We need to provide certainty on all of these and many other issues in the coming days.”
ENDS
Sinn Féin Justice spokesperson Martin Kenny TD has called on the Department of Justice to ensure protection from the Coronavirus is fully implemented within the courts and prison system.
Deputy Kenny said:
“It is a worrying scenario with overcrowded prisons and both visitors and staff coming and going daily.
“I am calling on the prison authorities to reduce overcrowding were possible and to ensure that adequate safety precautions are in place to stop the spread of the virus within our prison system. Adequate hand washing facilities and the facilitation of social distancing is crucial.
“The use of video-link to maintain contact between prisoners and their visitors and use of the temporary release mechanism is advisable.
“I welcome the cut-back in the functioning of the court system and the measures in place to reduce physical attendance of people in courtrooms across the State.
“This situation is difficult for all sectors of society, but prisons and prison staff are in a vulnerable position and must be protected given the current circumstances.”
Sinn Féin Leas Uachtarán Michelle O’Neill said today that scandals like the DUP’s RHI fiasco must never happen again.
Michelle O’Neill was speaking after the publication of the Report of the RHI Inquiry.
Michelle O’Neill said:
“The RHI and other DUP financial scandals such as Red Sky and Nama were unacceptable as was its 'shameful disrespect' to large sections of the community.
“These scandals and the DUP’s failure to engage in genuine power-sharing undermined public confidence in the Assembly and the Executive.
“The public deserves good government which they can have confidence in.
“That means:
- Discharging our duties in good faith;
- Serving all of the people equally;
- Preventing discrimination;
- Promoting the interests of the whole community;
- Upholding our commitment to genuine powersharing, respect and mutual trust towards one another;
“Sinn Féin is committed to the political institutions, but they must operate differently from what went before, with a new kind of politics, which is progressive, respectful, and has integrity.
“Public confidence has to be earned and trust rebuilt if the institutions are going to have any credibility.
“We now have a new five-party Executive which must be an inclusive partnership coalition Government.
“Never ever again can scandals like RHI happen in this place.
“We need ministers competent to do their jobs.
“We need civil service reforms and proper checks and balances too.
“Special Advisors must be accountable.
"We need open Government where decisions are properly scrutinised day and daily and with no hiding place for any risk of malpractice or cronyism.
“This is what Sinn Féin is committed to.”
Sinn Féin Finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty TD has written to the Minister for Finance requesting the consideration of a number of proposals to provide relief for small businesses and sectors experiencing cash flow problems as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak.
Among the measures proposed, Deputy Doherty asked the Ministers for Finance and Housing, Planning & Local Government to consider a commercial rates “holiday” for a period of up to 3 months for SMEs and affected sectors such as leisure, tourism and hospitality.
Speaking today, the Donegal TD said:
“Yesterday I wrote to the Minister for Finance requesting a meeting with himself and the Minister for Housing, Planning & Local Government to discuss a range of policy initiatives that have been and could be taken to provide support for sectors who face a very difficult period in the weeks and months ahead.
“A number of sectors will face significant cash flow problems in the time ahead, due to a reduction in trade, tourism, and more recent measures implemented by Government.
“While I welcome the flexibility shown by Revenue to facilitate Phased Payment Arrangements for companies experiencing temporary cash flow problems, it may be necessary to offer further supports and certainty to struggling businesses and sectors who will struggle to meet tax payments as a result of economic impact of the Coronavirus outbreak and associated measures.
“I have therefore requested a meeting to discuss measures which will be implemented to support sectors of our economy and a range of practicable measures which could be pursued to provide certainty and relief to businesses and consumers, including but not confined to:
- Implementing a commercial rates “holiday” for the hospitality, tourism, retail and SME sectors for a prescribed period of time, such as 3 months, with the Central Exchequer funding the shortfall in revenue experienced by local authorities;
- Facilitating the deferral of VAT payments for the hospitality, tourism, retail and SME sectors for a prescribed period of time, such as 3 months;
- The scrapping of charges for card transactions, including contactless and chip-and-pin transactions to include non-cash payments.
“We recognise these measures will bring costs to the Exchequer, and at a time when an all-island approach is crucial, we are acutely aware that financial constraints exist for public finances in the North where they do not in the South. What is essential is that we do what we can as an island to deliver a coordinated response to this challenge.
“This will be a difficult time for workers and many of our indigenous sectors, and we must work together to respond to this challenge in the interests of workers and families.”
Sinn Féin Leas Uachtarán Michelle O'Neill has said decisive and co-ordinated action is required to deal with coronavirus and called for the immediate closure of schools and universities.
Speaking at Stormont, Michelle O'Neill said:
"This week, the World Health Organisation has made it clear we are faced with a global heath pandemic.
"The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control have strongly advised taking early, decisive, rapid, co-ordinated action.
"They have said implementation of closures is likely to be more effective in slowing the spread of the virus than a delayed implementation and we have been clear we are keeping the situation under daily review.
"Today, many European countries have taken robust action, particularly on large gatherings, including schools, colleges and universities.
"In the South, in Scotland and across Europe, outdoor gatherings of more than 500 people and indoor gatherings of more than 100 people have been cancelled.
"I have spoken to educationalists, sporting organisation and churches who have all taken precautionary action in the interest of people's health.
"People are rightly concerned about the impacts on their families and their children and as a parent, I share those concerns and I have been contacted by many parents who did not send their children to school this morning.
"To protect the public, schools and colleges should now be closed.
"There has been contradictory medical evidence and in that context my view is that we should err on the side of caution.
"Working with our Executive colleagues, it is our duty to make decisions in the interest of everyone based on all available advice.
"It's vital that we have a joined-up approach across the island and I will be at the North South Ministerial Council tomorrow to deal with this pandemic."
Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD has written again to Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy today and the Minister for Social Protection Regina Doherty seeking clarification on how the Government intends to support renters affected by COVID-19 and in particular those affected by loss of income.
Deputy Ó Broin said:
“I again wrote to Minister Murphy and Doherty seeking clarity on what measures the caretaker government will take to support renters affected by COVID-19, especially those who will suffer in terms of loss of income.
“Specifically, I asked Minister Murphy if he is considering introducing a temporary moratorium on notices to quit and rent reviews in the private rented sector while COVID-19 related emergency measures are in place.
“I also asked him to outline what measures are in place to protect residents in emergency accommodation from COVID-19 and in particular in the event of a resident contracting COVID-19.
“I put the same question to the Minister for Justice in terms of protections for residents in Direct Provision and I wrote to Tusla asking for the provisions in place for women and children living in domestic violence accommodation.
“I asked Minister Doherty’s department if rent supplement will be made available to people who due to loss of employment arising from COVID-19 are unable to pay their rent or part of their rent.
“I understand that this is an evolving situation, but we need to be sure that measures are taken as quickly as possible to ensure that the most vulnerable are protected."
Sinn Féin Children and Youth affairs spokesperson Kathleen Funchion has said that while crèche closures are necessary to contain the spread of Covid-19, assurances need to be made by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs to staff, parents and providers that measures are being put in place immediately, so that staff and families are not placed in serious financial difficulty as a result of nationwide closures.
Deputy Funchion said;
"The decision made at State level to close all crèches and schools is to be welcomed. It is an essential step in trying to halt the spread of Covid-19 and is absolutely necessary for the safety and well being of all children and staff.
"The Early Years Forum is meeting this evening with DCYA officials to discuss the effects this decision will have on the Early Years sector as a whole and the families with children attending services.
"I urge the Department of Children and Youth Affairs to now increase the Sustainability Fund for the sector to further support services who may be impacted negatively by having to close their services. I would also ask that the department review the case management process and to expedite that process in order to release funding to services urgently. This fund should be used to ensure that services are sustainable and that staff have a viable wage.
"The case management process must also ensure that measures taken will have no negative impact on quality, such as by reducing staff numbers to an absolute minimum for example.
"Finally, I would ask the department to take into account the difficulties that crèche and school closures will present to working parents who are now without childcare until the end of March. Many will be out of pocket for monthly fees that are already paid.
"Given the financial stress this will cause families, I implore the government to consider a subsidy to be paid to working parents, such as a doubling of child benefit payment that could contribute towards the following months’ crèche fees for example.
"There will be many lone parents who will not have a partner at home to rely on for assistance if they are expected to work from home. This cohort of working parents must also be factored into the departments’ emergency plans.
Sinn Féin Education spokesperson Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire has welcomed the decision of the Chief Medical Officer and the Government to close schools with effect this evening.
Speaking today, Teachta Ó Laoghaire said;
“I want to welcome the action of the Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan and the Government to close schools and third level institutions as a necessary containment measure against Covid-19.
“While this is clearly disruptive and causes great difficulty for many, we must take every action to safeguard public health.
“There are a number of questions now however, which require the Department address them.
“This is a particularly anxious time for those doing state exams – the Department of Education should communicate with students and with unions regarding arrangements for Orals and Aurals which were due these coming weeks, and how these will be rearranged.
“The Government should also be conscious of the fact that while many students in exam years have access to the internet, there will be others who do not. The Government and Department must ensure that these students have access to materials so they can continue working and studying over the coming weeks.
“I also urge the Department to issue guidelines to parents over social media, and by other means, on how to ensure their child’s education is maintained.
“While schools have made preparations within a tight timeframe, Minister Joe McHugh and his Department should seek to supplement the work done in this regard to ensure children remain stimulated and class programmes can continue.
“I would ask the Government to examine whether those on temporary contracts can avail of the €305 allowance available to other workers who have been forced to self isolate.
“Communities as a whole need to pull together in every respect, but in particular, as regards childcare for those who are not in a position to work from home.
“Many people will be working in frontline services or have no choice but to go to work. Any assistance that can be offered towards them would have a significant impact."
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance Pearse Doherty TD has called on the Central Bank to clamp down on all card transaction charges on contactless and chip-and-pin payments in an attempt to encourage non-cash transactions in the time ahead.
Deputy Doherty wrote to the Governor of the Central Bank on Tuesday requesting a suite of measures to be offered customers that may be affected through sickness or job loss by the Coronavirus.
Speaking today, Deputy Doherty said:
“The announcements made by government today are welcome and necessary, and it is essential that all is done to ensure the measures taken today are effective.
“While schools, colleges and childcare facilities will close, shops, restaurants and other services will remain open and it is essential that support is given to businesses and consumers during this time.
“While we continue to shop as normal, it is prudent that measures are taken to encourage card rather can cash transactions. This is in the interests of consumers, sales assistants and shop-floor workers.
“For that reason, I wrote to the Central Bank on Tuesday to request an immediate ban of all card transactions charges on contactless and chip-and-pin payments in the time ahead.
“It should be noted that in a time of uncertainty for workers and families, AIB have chosen to introduce card transaction charges that could cost consumers up to €80 a year, as well as discouraging card transactions. That is not good.
“While introducing the measures I have proposed would be a small measure, the success of our collective response will be achieved by small margins.
“Sinn Féin look forward to the response of the Governor of the Central Bank.”
Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD has written to the Minister for Housing asking him to outline what measures his Department is putting in place to support those in emergency accommodation and renters during the COVID 19 pandemic.
Deputy Ó Broin said:
“The Minister must give serious consideration to how his Department will support those living in emergency accommodation, in cramped living quarters, such as hotel rooms and hostels during the COVID 19 pandemic. It is virtually impossible to self-isolate in these conditions.
“My correspondence to the Minister this morning also reflected concerns renters brought to me in terms of upcoming rent reviews and the mortgage holidays that banks are open to for homeowners.
“I asked Minister Murphy if any consideration has been given to a rent review moratorium during the Covid 19 crisis.
“I also asked him if there has been any discussion with any discussion with the Department for Social Protection on whether emergency rent supplement payments will made available to renters.
“Finally, will the Minister consider a moratorium on landlords issuing vacant possession notices to quit when selling their property in order to prevent more people entering homeless services during the pandemic?
“The adoption of these measures will provide some comfort to the vulnerable in our society.”
Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD has said that due to the deterioration of the situation concerning the Coronavirus she is taking significant steps to curtail Sinn Féin activity for the foreseeable future.
She said:
"Over the last number of days the situation regarding the Coronavirus has deteriorated further and there are increasing numbers of confirmed cases daily.
"Our first priority must be the health of workers and the wider community.
"In what is a public health emergency, all Sinn Féin work will continue as much as possible but I am taking the following decisions which are to be implemented with immediate effect:
"This is going to be a very challenging period and we all need to pull together to get through it."
Sinn Féin MLA Declan Kearney has condemned a threat against Sinn Féin Councillor Gary McCleave after a bullet was posted through his door last night.
The Sinn Féin National Chairperson and South Antrim MLA said:
“Last night criminals posted a bullet through the door of my party colleague Councillor Gary McCleave in Glenavy village.
“This is a cowardly effort to intimidate locally elected Killultagh representative Gary McCleave, his wife, and young children who were in the house at the time.
“Sinn Féin and Councillor McCleave will not be deterred. Gary will continue to carry out his duties on behalf of the people who elected him without fear or favour.
“The cowards responsible for this act of intimidation have no politics. They are clearly in conflict with their own community.
“This is the latest in a series of despicable threats and attacks against Sinn Féin activists and elected representatives at a time when the debate on Irish unity is centre stage.
“There is absolutely no justification for these actions, those responsible should get off the backs of ordinary people.
“I am saying very clearly that anyone with information on these threats and attacks, including now that against Gary McCleave, to immediately contact the PSNI.”
Sinn Féin Councillor Claire Canavan is requesting an urgent meeting with the Health Minister after his department stated that extending the age range for bowel cancer screening would not yet be considered.
Cllr Claire Canavan said:
“I’m disappointed that the Department of Health have said that they would not yet consider extending the age range for bowel cancer screening.
“This follows on from my recent motion to Belfast City Council calling for the age range to be extended and to trial breast cancer screening at a lower age.
“While it’s welcome that the faecal immunochemical test will be adopted as the primary test for bowel cancer in early 2020, extending the age should happen alongside the move to the new test. These are lives we are talking about after all.
“We also need the vital research trial for breast cancer to be carried out here. We shouldn’t be relying on trials in England to determine outcomes in Ireland. We need our own trial to inform future policy.
“Alongside my party colleague Colm Gildernew MLA, we have requested an urgent meeting with the Health Minister to discuss these issues and press him on the urgent need to extend the screening age to save people’s lives.”
Speaking this afternoon Sinn Féin health spokesperson Deputy Louise O’Reilly has called on the caretaker government and the HSE to ensure that hospitals have the necessary rest and shower facilities for staff, as well as ensuring doctors and nurses from other specialities are being trained up to deal with Covid-19.
Teachta O’Reilly said:
“It is very important that doctors and nurses from other specialities are being trained up in dealing with respiratory illness, as well as given infectious disease training, ICU training, and Personnel Protective Equipment training in the event that they are needed to help deal with an increase in Covid-19.
“Many frontline medical professionals have reached out to me on this matter to ask that training is done now when we are at the early stages of the spread of the virus.
“Furthermore, the government needs to ensure that we have the necessary rest and shower facilities for healthcare workers.
“If we follow the same trajectory of other continental European countries, then our health service staff will be working long and difficult shifts – it is essential that they have facilities to clean, wash and rest between shifts.
“The government need to be cognisant that any planning for school closures will need to factor in that the children of medical professionals will need to be looked after so their parents can work at the front line.
“Finally, I would also call on the HSE and the caretaker government to ensure that hospitals and medical professionals are given clear, concise, and definitive direction as to what is expected from them by way of preparation and internal deployment over the coming days.
“I have written to the caretaker Minister for Health on these matters and I would hope that there will be action on them very quickly.”
