Latest statements

Sinn Féin Party Group Leader on Belfast City Council, Cllr Ciaran Beattie, has called on parties in the Council to have a radical rethink of their support extension of Sunday opening hours.

Speaking on the issue, Cllr Beattie said:

“During a recent meeting of the City Growth and Regeneration committee, the committee voted to bring forward a report on Sunday opening hours.

“Sinn Féin is opposed to this proposal to extend opening hours on a Sunday as it is a double whammy for workers’ rights.

"It will involve bringing people such as street artists and cultural organisations into the city on a Sunday for ‘animation’ purposes. 

“Those people involved in this will be on low wage or zero hour contracts.

“The proposal to ‘animate’ the city through performance and street theatre is an attempt to window-dress and divert attention from the degrading of workers rights.

“Sinn Féin have a track record in protecting workers and families. This a record that we are immensely proud of.

“I would call on People Before Profit, the Green Party and all those in council that proclaim themselves as guardians of workers’ rights to have a serious and radical rethink of their support for this proposal.”

Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD has commented on the latest social housing constructions costs provided to him by the Department of Housing. The figures demonstrate that the average construction costs incurred by the State are €181,510 with average all in costs at €232,421.

Deputy Ó Broin said:

“The information I received in response to a parliamentary question put to the Department of housing on average construction and all development costs for social homes and apartments indicate that the average construction costs stand at €181,510 with all in costs at €232,421.

“The average figure includes houses and apartments and shows that on average the State can deliver a new home at a cost of €232,421.

“The Daft.ie Irish House Price Report Q4 2019 shows that in Dublin the average asking price was €373,248, with the lowest price in Dublin West at €298,939 and the highest in Dublin South County at €566,776.

“The costs from the Department of Housing demonstrate that the State delivery of public housing on public land is a cost-effective way to deliver social and affordable homes for sale for less than €250,000.

“The figures make the case that large-scale State investment in public housing should be the focus of incoming government’s housing policy.”

ENDS//

Note to editors: PQ response below.

______________________________________________

For Written Answer on : 05/03/2020

Question Number(s): 1251,1218,1248 Question Reference(s): 3871/20, 3258/20, 3703/20

Department: Housing, Planning and Local Government

Asked by: Thomas Pringle T.D., Eoin Ó Broin T.D., Joan Collins T.D.

______________________________________________

QUESTION

* To ask the Minister for Housing; Planning and Local Government the average construction costs and all in development costs for 1, 2, 3 and 4 bed social houses and 1, 2 and 3 bed social apartments delivered under the SHIP programme in 2019, in tabular form.

- Eoin Ó Broin T.D.

For WRITTEN answer on Thursday, 5 March, 2020.

REPLY

There are a number of variables involved in estimating the cost of providing social housing homes, such as the form of delivery, size of unit, land, funding, etc. In terms of construction and 'all-in' costs, the averages as sought for the various sized units, based on full capital costs, are set out in the tables below.

Sinn Féin working with stakeholders to ensure that Government for Change delivers for Family Farmers

Sinn Féin has held constructive and detailed meetings with the INHFA, ICMSA, Beef Plan Movement and the IFA and intends to hold further meetings with the ICSA, Macra na Feirme and other stakeholders.

The purpose of the meetings led by Deputies Matt Carthy and Brian Stanley were to discuss core issues within agriculture and to identify key priorities for a programme for government.

Speaking this week, Deputy Matt Carthy said:

“Sinn Féin is determined to deliver a programme for government which delivers real change across Ireland and that change must include key priorities for rural Ireland and agriculture.  Key to this will be protecting our family farmers.

“Successive governments have failed rural Ireland and unless we take urgent action the Irish family farm model, and the rural communities that depend on them, will reach crisis-point.

“For our part, we are committed to implementing the radical changes required to revive our agricultural sector and to give small and medium sized farms a chance to survive and flourish.  A first task in government will be to establish a Commission on the Future of the Family Farm.

“We need to ensure that CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) supports the family farm, that the cartel-like beef sector is challenged through regulation and legislation, that below cost selling is banned, that farmers are rewarded for positive environmental action and that we see a change of culture within the Department of Agriculture to deliver due respect to farmers.

“Our meetings last week with stakeholders from across the sector were positive and informative.  We have further groups to meet and we expect these engagements to be ongoing.

“It is Sinn Féin’s intention that the next government will head the concerns and needs of our family farmers and rural communities and secure the policy changes required to protect their future.

“Now is the time to deliver for the people of rural Ireland and we are determined to do so.”

End

Sinn Féin Economy Spokesperson, Caoimhe Archibald MLA, has said concerns around the final outcome of Brexit continue to cause uncertainty for businesses in the north of Ireland.

The East Derry MLA was speaking following the publication of Ulster Bank's February PMI Report.

Sinn Féin MLA Sinéad Ennis said reports of sectarian abuse during an Irish League soccer match must be thoroughly investigated. 

The South Down MLA said: 

“Reports of sectarian abuse at a match between Linfield and Carrick Rangers at the weekend are concerning. 

“There is no place for sectarianism in football, on or off the pitch, and no one should feel intimidated while participating. It must be stamped out. 

“These reports must be throughly investigated and that investigation must be allowed to proceed.”

Speaking at the Festival of Women and Girls’ Rugby in the City of Derry Rugby Club to mark International Women’s Day, Sinn Féin MLA and Executive Minister Declan Kearney said:

“Equality is an issue in every walk of life; for everybody, everywhere; and, every section of society.

“I and my colleagues in the new five-party power sharing Executive are committed to promoting equality in all spheres of life across the North.

“The Good Friday and all successor agreements during the last two decades set out a vision for an inclusive, rights-based society, built upon equality for all citizens. That equality agenda must be our ‘north star’.

“Gender equality is an essential benchmark for progress across society.

“It needs to be reflected in our neighbourhoods, workplaces, schools, public services, in the arts, and in sports, both amateur and professional.

“But investment in all sporting codes to promote gender equality is also absolutely essential. 

“The North West Sporting Pathways Programme is one model of good practice.. It is funded through the North West Development Fund, with support of €2.5 million each, from the northern power sharing Executive and the Irish government. I am extremely impressed by what this programme offers to coaching and participation in sports.

“We, in the power sharing Executive, are determined to build on the opportunity offered to us by the ‘New Decade, New Approach’ document, in order to build a united community, and tackle endemic problems such as sectarianism, prejudice, and inequality, in all its forms.

“It is up to all of us involved in politics, and across society, to promote and secure the equality agenda, by removing the barriers, challenging the attitudes, and by calling out the behaviour that discriminate against women.”

Sinn Féin TD for Louth, Ruairí Ó Murchú, has raised serious concerns with the Garda Commissioner regarding his restructuring plan which will result in the Louth Division merging with Cavan Monaghan.

Speaking from the Joint Policing Committee meeting which took place in Dunleer on Friday Teachta Ó Murchú said;

"I have grave concerns regarding the proposed restructuring announced by Drew Harris in August 2019. 

"Under this plan, which could be operational by the end of the year, Louth, Cavan and Monaghan would become one division and I fear this will lead to the loss of localised decision making.

"I spoke of the very specific challenges that exist in relations to the drug and organised crime gangs which operate in Dundalk and Drogheda.

"My fear is that large towns like Dundalk, could lose the necessary local planning and decision making. 

"We need to ensure that a local inspector with responsibility for Dundalk is not curtailed by remote instruction from a Superintendent who has responsibility for a much wider area. 

"The very specific threats and challenges faced by Gardaí in Louth require a bespoke response from members of the Gardaí on the ground in Louth on a daily basis. Towns like Dundalk simply cannot be policed remotely.

"We have seen the disregard which these gangs have both for human life and for the gardaí.

"It is obvious that any reduction in organisational capacity from Louth would be music to the drug pushers ears.

"We have seen some really good policing operations in Louth, and I commend the Gardaí involved.  However inadequate resources continues to be an issue.

"While personnel has increased in Drogheda, the Garda Commissioner needs to ensure that other areas, like Dundalk, can maintain full service at all times particularly when Garda annual leave is taken into account.     

"I have requested the Garda Commissioner to provide me with a breakdown of all Garda personnel in Louth; their rank and the unit to which they are assigned.

"I have also requested further information on the impact which the lack of ancillary addiction and mental health services is having on the Gardaí's ability to police." 

ENDS

Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD has called on the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to convene an immediate meeting with party leaders to address growing concerns regarding the Coronavirus.

Ms. McDonald said:

"In light of growing concerns about travel in and out of the country from heavily affected areas, the holding of mass gatherings - including St. Patrick’s Day parades, the capacity of our health service and protecting the incomes of those who have to self-isolate, I am calling on the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to convene an immediate meeting with party leaders regarding the Coronavirus.

"We need assurances that the plans in place are adequate to contain the Coronavirus and to deal with the many challenges that have already arisen.

"The public must have full confidence that the government is responding to the advice of the Chief Medical Officer and taking the robust and decisive action that is required."

Sinn Féin TD for Louth Ruairí Ó Murchú has said that the acting Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney, needs a reality check on the issue of Irish Unity.

Teachta Ó Murchú said;

“The first parliamentary question which I submitted to the 33^rd Dáil was on the subject of Irish Unity. 

“In his reply to me the Tánaiste Simon Coveney says that he is aware of the raft of recent polls, all of which indicate overwhelming and growing support for Irish Unity.

“If this is the case, Minister Coveney has a responsibility to act on this information and begin the process of planning for reunification. 

“However the Minister, in his response, states that he does not believe that the majority of people in the North of Ireland are in favour of constitutional change.

“I challenge his opinion, and the most up to date polling results support my claim. 

“Simon Coveney goes on to say that he thinks a unity referendum ‘would only increase uncertainty and division at an already difficult and sensitive time.’

“What evidence does he have that this would be the case?

“What the Minister is really looking for is an excuse to do nothing, to allow the status quo to persist.

“This is not good enough.

“The Minister also states that for the last year the Irish Government has been focussed on securing the ratification and implementation of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement.

“While I commend the outgoing government on the Brexit negotiations, the truth is that Boris Johnson has already indicated that he intends to ‘get around’ some of the provisions contained within the Withdrawal Agreement.

“The caretaker Minister must know that there is only one permanent solution to Brexit and that is Irish Unity.

“It is imperative that the incoming government, which will hopefully be led by Sinn Féin, is proactive on this issue and that a Green Paper is produced as quickly as possible.

“At this time the only people not talking about Irish Unity is the Irish Government. This cannot continue, it is negligent and foolhardy of the government not to plan for the future and for Irish Unity.”

ENDS

Last night it was announced that Mick Mulvaney has been appointed as US Special Envoy to the north.

Speaking on the appointment, Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD has said.

"I welcome the appointment of Mick Mulvaney as US Special Envoy to the north. US Special Envoys have been instrumental in facilitating and protecting the Good Friday Agreement and subsequent agreements over the past twenty-two years.

"I look forward to working with Mr. Mulvaney to ensure that all our agreements are protected and implemented as we navigate our way through Brexit and plan for referendums on Irish unity in line with the Good Friday Agreement."

Sinn Féin councillor Ryan Carlin has hailed Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s celebration of Seachtain na Gaeilge as a historic step in recognition of the language.

Sinn Féin MLA Jemma Dolan has reiterated the party's commitment to removing barriers and creating greater equality for women in the workplace.

Speaking after the 2020 Women in Work index confirmed that there is a 16 percent pay gap between men and women in the private sector, Jemma Dolan said:

“Sinn Féin will be bringing forward proposals to help tackle the Gender Pay Gap and the inclusion of women in the workplace.

“In the previous Assembly, Sinn Féin argued for the publication of Gender Pay Gaps to be included in the ‘Employment Bill’ as a means of identifying inequalities in the workplace.

“I have written to the Executive seeking an update on what progress has been made to implement the regulations that govern the publication of gender pay gap information.  

“A key cause of the pay gap is that women often struggle to stay in full-time work due to care and family commitments, this can lead them to only seeking part-time work which inevitably impacts on their income.

“Sinn Féin is committed to tackling the barriers, which affect female workers and workers in general and we are committed to bringing forward proposals that will give workers a break across our island.”

Sinn Féin MLA Karen Mullan has pressed the Health Minister on waiting times for autism diagnosis in the Western Trust area. 

The Foyle MLA said:

“My office is inundated with constituents who are currently awaiting an autism diagnosis. Some people are waiting up to 18 months which is unacceptable. 

“I asked the Health Minister what action he is taking to reduce the waiting lists in the Western Trust area given his response has confirmed that the demand for autism diagnosis exceeds current staffing levels. 

“The Minister must ensure that additional resources are put in place to deal with the backlog and to relieve families of the stress they are facing. 

“Excessive waiting times are having an impact on children at home and school with some children are going through a number of school year groups before a diagnosis is confirmed.

“Children who have been diagnosed with autism and have not been allocated a social worker should be given a rationale for the decision to allow families the opportunity to appeal.”

Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD has said this afternoon that she will not be travelling to the United States for St. Patrick's Day this year.

She said:

"Due to current circumstances, I will not be travelling to the United States for St. Patrick's Day events this year.

"Sinn Féin Vice President and deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill MLA will make a short trip to the US and will attend several events in Washington.”

ENDS

Commenting on news that a threat has been issued against the Assembly Speaker Alex Maskey MLA, Sinn Féin Leas Uachtarán Michelle O’Neill said: 

 “My party colleague and Stormont Speaker Alex Maskey MLA has told me that the PSNI have warned him about a threat against him. My first thoughts are with Alex, his wife Liz and his family.

“Alex Maskey has in the past been seriously injured, and his friend and party colleague Alan Lundy murdered, in attacks on his home by loyalist death squads.

“This latest threat against Alex comes on the heels of threats against Gerry Kelly and myself and attacks and threats against party members from Republican dissidents.

“Alex Maskey is a lifelong community and republican activist. 

“He has been a trail blazing public representative and political activist for almost 40 years and has played a leading role in the peace process.

“In his role as Speaker, Alex Maskey acts as a representative of all the parties and MLAs in the Assembly and all sections of the community.

“So these current threats against Alex are an attack on the whole democratic process.

“Alex has made it clear he will not be deterred by these threats. He will continue to carry out his duties as Speaker, working with all parties in the Assembly, without fear or favour.

 “These despicable threats come just weeks after 500,000 people endorsed the Sinn Féin message of hope and change in the elections in the south.

“We will continue our work to represent citizens and to achieve our objective of a new, inclusive and united Ireland.

“Those responsible for these threats should disband immediately.”

Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD has said that Sinn Féin is open to the rezoning proposals for industrial and commercial land in Dublin City and South Dublin County, however crucial conditions must be applied.

Deputy Ó Broin said:

“Sinn Féin is open to the rezoning proposals for industrial and commercial land in Dublin City and South Dublin County, however, crucial conditions must be applied.

“The sites should be seen as an opportunity to deliver mid-rise, high-density affordable housing developments with good public transport links with social and economic amenities incorporated.

“The sites should be properly master-planned by the local authorities with input from the local elected representatives and communities not unlike the SDZ process.

“It must also be ensured that the new communities developed are sustainable in terms of access to schools, public transport and green spaces.

“There is a real risk that if this process is not approached in the right way that the dividend from the increased land value after the rezoning is lost to the city as the sites are flipped by developers. The government must actively consider the introduction of a significant windfall tax to ensure that the uplift in the value of any rezoned lands is returned to the local community.

“The government must ensure that the development on these sites adhere to the principles set out the National Planning Framework and the development plans and do not fall foul of speculative developer led planning.”

Sinn Féin health spokesperson Louise O’Reilly TD has called on the caretaker Minister for Health Simon Harris to bring in representatives from the main parties to help with Covid-19 response planning and to help ensure continuity.

Teachta O’Reilly said:

“With the greatest respect to the caretaker Minister, in a few weeks’ time he may not be in that role.

“The running for the health service could fall to any other TD and it is important that they are as up to speed on planning and the response to Covid-19 as Deputy Harris.

“Therefore, I am taking this opportunity to request that a plurality of voices are brought into the decision making process from the Oireachtas.

“This is not in any way to upset the work of the National Public Health Emergency Team and the HSE National Crisis Management Team, but to work in helping with planning this serious public health emergency.

“Behind the scenes many TDs have proffered solutions and worked in a unified manner; I believe that work can be taken to the next level, and that in the interests of protecting public health, that we all have a serious role to play.

“I would hope that this request is not only agreed to, but roundly supported by Deputy Harris and the caretaker government.”

Sinn Féin MLA Emma Sheerin has been elected chair of a new ad-hoc Assembly committee tasked with exploring a Bill of Rights in the north. 

Speaking after her election, the Mid Ulster MLA commented: 

“I’m delighted to be elected as Chairperson of this really important committee looking at finally delivering a Bill of Rights.   

“This was first committed to over 20 years ago in the Good Friday Agreement and is clearly long overdue.

 “The governments recommitted to establishing this committee in their ‘New Decade, New Approach’ document - it’s now time to get to work. 

“What is needed is a short, focused programme of work which then brings forward proposals for a Bill of Rights to protect all our citizens.”

Sinn Féin Social Protection Spokesperson John Brady has said the Government must revise the illness benefit for people who made to self-isolate from C ovid-19, and that a simplified application process must be rolled out to ensure people do not have to attend either the INTREO office or a GP to attain medical certificate.

Speaking today, Deputy Brady said;

“With recent international health events it is critically important that every effort is made to ensure workers are protected and to contain further spread of illness.

“I have serious concerns that thousands of low paid or precarious workers may be unable to afford to self-isolate.

“The government must ensure that nobody is forced to work if medical advice to self-isolate is given.

“Employers then should continue to pay workers who fall ill or are made to self-isolate due to the virus.

“Unfortunately some employers have said they will not pay their workers in this context. Only yesterday IBEC refused to give an assurance that employers would provide sick pay to workers affected by the Covid-19 virus on an across-the-board basis

“The only possible option for many workers will be to avail of illness benefit. However, due to criteria requirements, many workers might not have enough PRSI contributions to qualify.

“Even if a worker qualifies for full illness benefit, there is no entitlement at all for the first six days of absence from work. 

“The government must make immediate changes to ensure illness benefit is paid from day one. There must also be an emergency payment for anybody that doesn’t meet the qualifying requirements for the illness benefit, where there is a financial need.

“A simplified application process must also be rolled out to ensure people don’t have to attend either the INTREO office or a GP to get medical certificate.”

Mairead O'Donnell said:

“I welcome the decision made by Belfast City Councillors at a meeting of City Growth & Regeneration Committee that the Council writes to the Minister for Infrastructure requesting that findings of an alternative site search for the relocation of Short Strand bus depot are given further consideration by Translink.

“This site search and report came as a result of a motion I brought to Council requesting that they, along with DfI, actively pursue an alternative site for the depot that currently sits in Short Strand.

“The council undertook a site search to meet the requirements as defined by Translink. The results have identified no less than 6 alternative sites, all of which are larger than the operational needs of relocating this depot and are still discounted by Translink on their own constraint of “dead mileage”.

“I am deeply concerned that Translink are more focused on their commercial considerations of “dead mileage” than they are on the health and well-being of residents within Short Strand.

”Belfast City Council share my concerns and have made the decision to write to the minister recommending that the Translink position is reviewed.

“Translink have displayed a most negative disregard to the health of this community.

“I will be raising this serious issue directly with the Minister during her upcoming visit to Short Strand.“