Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson said lack of wastewater infrastructure was causing delays too much-needed house building and economic growth.
The Foyle MLA was speaking after visiting the Belfast Waste Water Treatment Works today where the Infrastructure Committee heard NI Water’s future business plan.
Martina Anderson said:
“Across the north, hundreds of developments are at risk as a result of the lack of adequate wastewater infrastructure.
“This is causing delays to much-needed house building and stifling economic growth.
“NI Water’s future business plan goes a long way to address this, but it cannot deal with all of our wastewater problems due to historical underinvestment.
“A decade of Tory austerity has stripped the north of hundreds of millions of pounds of funding, funding that should have gone into essential public services like water and sewage.
“We need to properly invest in our water and sewage infrastructure throughout the north, tackle regional inequality and grow the economy in a sustainable way.”
Sinn Féin MLA Karen Mullan has said special schools need more investment to continue delivering high quality education.
The Foyle MLA said:
“Today, the education committee heard from several special school principals as well as the Director of Education from the Education Authority and it was startling to hear first-hand from these principals the level of investment that is required for the sector in the immediate term.
“Special school teachers and principals go above and beyond to meet the rising demand for services as well as meeting the increasingly complex needs of pupils.
“We heard today that special schools have been forced to adapt their PE facilities and staff rooms into additional classrooms to cope with growing pressures.
“Pupil and staff well-being will be further damaged without the delivery of much needed investment.
“Support for how special educational needs is currently administered is at crisis point. This was highlighted in the findings of a recent audit report and was compounded by evidence provided by school leaders.
“The Education Authority must now effectively plan and manage the education in special schools to ensure teachers and pupils get the support and the facilities they require.”
Sinn Féin MLA John O’Dowd has called for equality of treatment for rural dwellers when it comes to broadband billing.
Speaking following today's meeting of the Assembly Economy Committee, John O'Dowd said:
"The publicly funded rural broadband scheme, Project Stratum, is a very welcome project for rural dwellers who cannot access high speed broadband.
"It's roll-out is much anticipated with a £165m of public money being used to fund the project with private enterprise funding the rest.
"However, it would be extremely unfair if rural dwellers were asked to pay more for their broadband than urban dwellers.
"Internet providers are being given a huge public investment of £165m of tax payers’ money and all users should face the same tariffs regardless of where they live.
"I have asked the Department of the Economy to be conscious of this when awarding the final contract.
“Equality of treatment for rural dwellers must be at the heart of the process."
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance Pearse Doherty TD has written to Revenue and to the Minister for Finance requesting that a VAT deferral be given to small businesses and sectors affected by the Coronavirus outbreak.
Speaking today, Deputy Doherty said:
“Today I have written to both Revenue and to the Minister for Finance seeking clarity on the reliefs and supports to be provided for our SMEs, and our tourism and hospitality sector in light of the developing Coronavirus outbreak.
“Due to the shock already experienced to our tourism industry, growing numbers of small businesses across a number of sectors could face serious liquidity issues in the coming weeks and months.
“Sinn Féin welcomes the measures announced on 9th March, including a €200 million package in liquidity funding. However, it is essential that Revenue considers a wider range of measures to support small businesses at this time, especially in our hospitality and tourism sectors.
“While again I welcome the call for businesses to engage with Revenue if they are experiencing cash flow problems and difficulties in making timely tax payments, I have written to Revenue and to the Minister for Finance asking what specific measures have been taken to address cash flow problems and to request that a further suite of measures be considered.
“This includes a facility for affected SMEs to defer VAT payments for the next three months. These sectors employ thousands of workers throughout our State and are themselves a part of wider supply chains and services. It is important that they are given as much certainty as possible in the time ahead.
“This is a difficult time for our SME sector and an uncertain time for workers. It is essential that all that can be done is done to support workers and communities in the time ahead.”
Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín has called on the Chief Executive of the Housing Executive to outline what measures the organisation is taking to deal with homeless people who may contract the 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.
"Many of the hostels which are available for the homeless are only available at night.
“So I have asked what plans the Housing Executive have in place for people who use hostels who may become ill with coronavirus and have to self-isolate.
"It is also essential housing authorities put in place contingency plans to ensure people sleeping rough are included in any measures to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
"Housing bodies also need to work with the health authorities to make sure the homeless can access healthcare."
Sinn Féin Economy Spokesperson, Caoimhe Archibald MLA, has written to a number of banks in the north requesting measures to be offered to customers who may be affected by the Coronavirus.
Caoimhe Archibald said:
“I have written to a number of the banks in the north requesting that they consider a range of options to help customers who may be affected by the Coronavirus in the coming weeks and months.
“Depending on the spread and impact of Coronavirus, large numbers of workers may suffer from reduced incomes and financial difficulty through either sickness or potential job losses.
“It is essential that all institutions play a role in addressing this as we face this challenge together, that must include our banking sector.
“Many customers may be affected by these developments, with a consequent impact on their ability to meet mortgage repayments, and indeed other costs, in the coming months.
“Measures could include without being confined to: providing facilities that would allow customers to defer mortgage repayments for a period of up to three months and refunding or removing some fees to access credit or savings for a fixed period of time.
“As we face this challenge together, it is crucial that all of our institutions play their part to ensure that our families and communities are as prepared and protected as possible.”
Sinn Féin MLA Órlaithí Flynn has called for the Department of Health to commit to funding initiatives contained in the Suicide prevention strategy as well as increasing counselling services at GP practices.
Speaking after a meeting of the all-party group on suicide prevention, Órlaithí Flynn, said:
“The suicide prevention strategy needs to be fully funded and the Minister of Health needs to ensure it is a priority.
“The response needs to be more than just words and strategies; there is now a need for action and funding, including funding for counselling services in GP practices.
“The health service needs to address the issue of dual diagnosis and ensure those dealing with addictions should not face any barriers to accessing help.
“In order to seriously tackle the suicide rate and the high levels of mental ill health, the health service needs to look at the development of a new drugs and alcohol strategy.
“The Minister of Health needs to be the champion for all of health, including mental health.”
Sinn Féin Finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty TD has written to the Governor of the Central Bank and a number of domestic banks, requesting for a suite of measures to be offered to customers who may be affected through sickness or job loss by the Coronavirus.
Speaking today, Deputy Doherty said:
“Today I wrote to the Central Bank and a number of domestic banks, requesting that they consider a range of options to help those customers who may be affected by the Coronavirus in the coming weeks and months.
“Depending on the spread and impact of Coronavirus, large numbers of workers may suffer from reduced incomes and financial difficulty through either sickness or job losses.
“It is essential that all institutions play a role in addressing this as we address this challenge together, including our banking sector.
“Many customers may be affected by these developments, with a consequent impact on their ability to meet mortgage repayments, and indeed other costs, in the coming months.
“I have therefore written to the Central Bank and a number of domestic banks, including AIB, to introduce a suite of measures that would aid those who may face financial difficulties by easing access to credit, refunding certain charges and deferring certain payments.
“I am pleased to hear that Bank of Ireland will introduce a number of measures, and other institutions in the sector should follow suit.
“Measures could include, without being confined to:
“As we face this challenge together, it is crucial that all of our institutions play their part to ensure that our families and communities are as prepared and protected as possible.”
Sinn Féin MLA Catherine Kelly has said access to appropriate and affordable childcare is vital to giving workers and families a break.
Speaking in the Assembly chamber today, the West Tyrone MLA said:
“Childcare must be more affordable and accessible.
“Access to proper and affordable childcare is vital to ensure workers and families are given a break, gain employment, can remain in employment or enter education and training.
“I recently raised concerns with officials at the Education Committee on the lack of support for childcare, especially in the community and voluntary sector.
“A strategy needs to be implemented to mitigate poverty currently experienced by many hard-pressed working families struggling to make ends meet.
“Appropriate and accessible childcare can also help parents struggling to rear and provide for their children at the same time or provide much-needed additional help for parents of children with disabilities.”
Sinn Féin MLA Karen Mullan has backed calls for an independent review of education as promised in the New Decade, New Approach document.
Speaking in the Assembly chamber today, the Foyle MLA said:
“School budgets have been cut as a result of Tory policies, teachers’ wages have stagnated, school infrastructure is crumbling and the rise in the diagnosis of Special Educational Needs has put our frontline services under massive pressure.
“It is my firm view fundamental reform is required in the way we deliver on our obligations to our children and young people, their families and our teachers.
“Tory austerity cuts have devastated our public services, and particularly our Education system.
“There is well over £200 million pounds less in education now than there was ten years ago. The education system as we know it is at crisis point.
“Reform is crucial, but education requires a very significant and urgent injection of cash.
“I look forward to seeing the Executive holding an independent review of education forward as a priority.
“And I would encourage the widest possible participation in this process by all those involved in education here.”
Sinn Féin's Climate Action Spokesperson, Caoimhe Archibald MLA, has written to the senior management of Queen's University Belfast and Ulster University seeking a commitment from both institutions to divest from fossil fuels.
The East Derry MLA said:
"In 2017, Queen's University publicly committed to ending all investments in fossil fuel assets from its £60m investment fund.
"This position was strongly endorsed by the university's governing body and by staff and student representatives.
"Three years on, and as students and staff protest today against a lack of progress on this issue, I have written to Queen's University to ask for an update on their public fossil fuel divestment promise.
"I have also written to Ulster University to seek a commitment that UU will follow suit and commit to stopping investment in the extraction and production of fossil fuels.
"These universities use public funds to invest in fossil fuels. In this sense, there is both a moral and financial case to urgently cease investing in assets contributing to climate breakdown that will also become stranded assets, thereby putting public money at risk.
"I believe universities have a responsibility to play a leadership role in confronting these crises, and should provide public updates on the progress they are making in this regard."
Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD has voiced his disappointment that a majority of councillors on South Dublin County Council last night voted to support the sale of public land to a private developer to deliver homes in Killinarden in Tallaght.
Deputy Ó Broin said:
“It is deeply disappointing that a majority of councillors on South Dublin County Council last night voted to sell a key public site in Killinarden, Tallaght.
“This is a huge opportunity lost to deliver 500 public homes to meet social, affordable cost rental and affordable leasehold purchase need.
“The deal is similar to the one on the O’Devaney Gardens site in Dublin City.
“200 social homes, 200 discount market price homes and 100 open market homes will be delivered on the Killinarden site.
“The discount purchase homes are wrongly being described as affordable homes.
“The sale price will be set at 15% discount on open market price.
“However, the 15% discount will have to be paid back to the Sate at a future point. This is not genuinely affordable housing.
“For example, according to the figures presented last night the market value of a four bed is €340,000, with the 15% discount the price is €289,000.
“When the affordable purchaser eventually wants to sell the home or leave it to their children, they will have to find the 15% cost difference.
“A better use of this land would should have been 33% social, 33% cost rental and 33% affordable purchase.
“Unfortunately, neither central government nor the majority of councillors on South Dublin County Council have any interest in putting the interests of working families ahead of investors and developers.
“We need to stop the sale of public land to private developers and the local authorities need to be resourced to deliver good quality affordable purchase, cost rental and social homes.”
Sinn Féin MLA Jemma Dolan has called on Swissport to halt temporary lay offs of Flybe workers while the transition of the business takes place.
This temporary lay-off will mean that workers will be faced with a 14 day stand down period during which they would not receive wages.
The party’s Workers’ Rights spokesperson said:
“The temporary stand down of Flybe workers will increase uncertainty for workers and their families over the next two weeks.
“Swissport is an international company which reportedly increased its revenue last year, therefore there is no excuse for this action which places excessive strain on hard pressed workers.
“It is important that Swissport now shows responsibility and consults with its workers and trade unions with the intention of ensuring that workers do not fall into financial difficulties.”
Sinn Féin vice-president Michelle O’Neill has suspended travel plans to Washington DC tomorrow.
She was due to travel with Arlene Foster as Joint Heads of Government to the White House St Patrick’s reception and other events from Wednesday until Friday.
Michelle O'Neill said:
“We remain in containment stage, however as leaders of the Executive we have decided to suspend our travel to the United States this week since our full attention is on civil contingency planning around the Coronavirus outbreak and protecting public health.
“We are fully engaged in the COBRA meetings alongside England, Scotland and Wales in assessing the response to the outbreak on advice from our chief medical officer.
“There is all-Ireland co-ordination between health and medical professionals on a daily basis also. I am in regular contact with Tanáiste Simon Coveney and Health Ministers North and South are also working closely.
“It is regrettable that we must suspend our travel to the US to meet with political leaders and potential investors, but it is necessary.
“We were going to deliver the message that the North is open for business and is a great place to invest.
“We look forward to working with the new Special Envoy Mick Mulvaney and his colleague, Consul General Elizabeth Kennedy Trudeau, to build on our strong economic links as we work to protect our interests after Brexit.”
Sinn Féin MLA Sean Lynch has said the disparity in claims for injuries on duty among the PSNI compared to other police services is concerning.
Sean Lynch said:
"There is a huge and worrying disparity between the level of ongoing claims for injury on duty from within the PSNI which has less than 7,000 members and from within the Metropolitan Police which has 30,000 members.
"While we need to ensure that genuine claims can be speedily assessed, there can be no room for any potential for the system to be abused.
"We will look closely at the Audit Office recommendations, particularly those regarding payment more than once for the same injury, time limits within which claims can be made, and payments for life.
"Ensuring the system is accountable and transparent will contribute to to public confidence in policing.
The British Government should drop its baseless territorial claim over Lough Foyle before it causes any further economic and ecological damage, Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson has said.
The Foyle MLA was commenting after Stormont’s Agriculture committee received an update on the territorial dispute which has seen both the Dublin and London governments claiming ownership of the Lough.
Martina Anderson said: “This dispute has created a legislative limbo for the Loughs Agency who informed the committee that they have been unable to implement a robust aquaculture plan on the Lough. Twenty million pounds has also been lost in licensing revenue and there has been an upsurge in unregulated oyster catching which is likely to have a damaging impact on the environment and fish stocks.
“This economic and ecological damage is a direct result of Britain’s baseless claim over Lough Foyle. That claim should be dropped before any more damage is caused and Sinn Féin’s enhanced team in the Dáil will certainly be pressing for the Dublin Government to reassert the fact that Lough Foyle is and always has been part of Ireland.
“Lough Foyle is a key strategic asset for the North West and clearly its future is better served within the EU and under the protection of the various European environmental directives, the Common Fisheries Policy and European Maritime and Fisheries Fund.
“Brexit has therefore heightened the need to resolve this territorial dispute and I will be making urgent representations to Dublin’s Department for Foreign Affairs and the North South Ministerial Council on the time ahead.”
Sinn Féin councillor and Mayor of Belfast Daniel Baker has this evening proposed that Belfast City Council postpones the St. Patrick's Day celebrations given the growing public concern around coronavirus.
Speaking following the meeting, Danny Baker said:
“St. Patricks Day is a great time for this city as thousands of citizens and tourists pack out the city centre annually to celebrate Irish culture and identity in a vibrant and inclusive manner.
“Unfortunately, given the spread of coronavirus and growing concern amongst the public, I believe that as a precaution, postponing the St. Patrick's Day celebrations is the responsible thing to do.
“This decision was not taken lightly. I have spoken with the Public Health Agency and other health officials in advance of this decision.
“As the Mayor of the city, I believe there is an obligation on myself and all councillors to protect the health and well-being of citizens.
“We hope to reschedule these celebrations for a time in the not too distant future."
Sinn Féin Councillor Willie Clarke has told the Chief Executive of Newry, Mourne and Down Council that local St. Patrick’s Day parades should be cancelled.
The party’s Council group leader has called for a meeting of all party group leaders in the morning to make that decision.
Speaking tonight, Cllr Willie Clarke said:
“Tonight, I have told the Chief Executive of Newry, Mourne and Down Council that Sinn Féin believes that all local St. Patrick's Day parades should be cancelled.
“We are also calling for an urgent meeting of all party group leaders to discuss and ultimately make this difficult decision.
“Unfortunately, given the spread of coronavirus and growing concern amongst the public, I believe that as a precaution, postponing St. Patrick's Day celebrations is the right thing to do.
“Undoubtedly there will be public disappointment in the local community at this kind of decision, as well as financial repercussions for many local businesses.
“But the health and wellbeing of our citizens must be the first and foremost priority for all of us.”
Speaking following a meeting of party leaders to discuss Coronavirus containment plans, Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald said that a collective approach is needed and welcomed today's responsible decision to cancel St Patrick's Day events.
McDonald also stressed the urgent need to develop a strategy to protect workers as well as maximising capacity in our health service.
Teachta McDonald said:
"I welcome this evening's meeting with party leaders to discuss Coronavirus containment plans.
"We have all agreed that we will now meet twice weekly with the same format to consider those plans and discuss what is a developing public health emergency.
"This is a situation that requires a collective and cross-party approach where party leaders lead from the front.
"It was a positive discussion and I welcome the decision of Leo Varadkar agreeing to my request to hold such meetings.
"We are facing a huge public health emergency that will have knock-on effects to our economy.
"We must, as a matter of urgency, develop a strategy that protects our workers as well as speeding up efforts to maximise the capacity of our health service.
"Today's decision to cancel St Patrick's Day parades and events was the sensible and necessary decision to make.
"I know there will be huge public disappointment with that decision as well as financial repercussions for many businesses.
"But the health and wellbeing of our citizens must be the first and foremost priority for all of us."
ENDS
Speaking this morning Sinn Féin health spokesperson, Deputy Louise O’Reilly, said that the caretaker government cannot be allowed to use a public health emergency to try sneak in anti-worker laws such as a strike ban.
O’Reilly called on the HSE and the caretaker minister for health to implement measures which we know will work in protecting the public health instead of pursuing ideological goals.
Teachta O’Reilly said:
“We are facing a serious public health emergency and the measures enacted and planning must reflect that. The main thing we need to focus on is creating additional capacity within the public health system, especially in acute hospitals.
“For whatever reason the caretaker government have been extremely slow to do this. The delay in lifting the recruitment ban and a freeze on home help means that there are patients in hospitals who can’t go home.
“Having been contacted by staff in Cork, Galway, and Limerick hospitals over the weekend about preparedness on the ground it is clear that not enough is being done to create that capacity or keep front line health staff informed of developments.
“These are the issues the caretaker government and the HSE should be focusing on; instead we have Fine Gael using this crisis to pursue ideological goals to try sneak in anti-worker laws such as a strike ban with no end date.
“Health service workers are at front line of this crisis, and their unions must be listened to, they do not want conflict, but they need to know the government is on their side.
“Time is of the essence when it comes to dealing with a public health emergency of this scale - we waited weeks for the recruitment ban to be lifted, what we need now is more action.
“We need targeted home help to get patients out of hospital and free up beds, we need to step up procurement of Personnel Protective Equipment and medicines, we need to identify and kit-out alternative settings to deal with patients outside of hospital settings, and we need to listen to workers on the front line and pull together to tackle this virus.”
ENDS
