Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD has commented on the January homeless figures published by the Department of Housing yesterday evening.
The January figures show a big rise in the number of adults and children in emergency accommodation, with 10,217 people living in emergency accommodation in January.
Deputy Ó Broin said:
“The January homeless figures released yesterday evening shows a big rise in the number of adults and children in emergency accommodation.
“The figures increased by 540 in total on the previous month, with an additional 388 adults, 152 children and 63 families living in emergency accommodation in January 2020. This brings the total yet again to over 10,000.
“This is deeply concerning. Current policy is continuing to fail the families, children and individuals in emergency accommodation and the incoming government must change direction and take decisive action.
“A government for change led by Sinn Féin would introduce the Focus Ireland amendment to make it illegal for eviction notices being issued to tenants when buy to let landlords want to sell. We would also increase funding for Housing First and increase the number of acquisitions of vacant properties.
“The big increase seen in the January figures underlines the deep suspicion that many have on the veracity of the figures published in December.
“Rather than politicising this discussion, it is our view that an independent review of the December homeless figures should be conducted by the CSO or the Housing Agency.
“Strong consideration must also be given to giving responsibility for collating and publishing the homeless data to an independent body such as the CSO so that there is no perception of or actual manipulation of the figures.”
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All executive Ministers are being lobbied to back match-funding Derry’s Economic Growth Plan, Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson has said.
The Foyle MLA said:
“I was delighted to with the support of Finance Minister Conor Murphy for match funding for Derry’s Economic Growth Plan which comprises of the City Deal and Inclusive Future Fund.
“Together, the City Deal and Inclusive Future Fund represent a £105 million investment in the North West and will provide a major economic boost to the entire region, helping us to create and sustain well-paying jobs and opportunities.
“The Finance Minister has indicated his intention to shortly bring the matter before the Executive and we are calling on all Ministers to support this much needed investment in the North West.
“To that end, fellow Foyle Sinn Féin MLA Karen Mullan and I have jointly written to all Executive ministers urging them to support the City Deal and Inclusive Future Fund in the context that the ‘New Decade New Approach’ document prioritised the development of a regionally-balanced economy.
“I hope all Ministers will support this initiative which will deliver investment, regeneration and opportunity to a region where it is greatly needed.”
Sinn Féin TD Kathleen Funchion has written to the Ceann Comhairle Seán O’Fearghail asking that the establishment of an all-party Oireachtas Committee on Autism would be made a priority during the coming weeks while considering all other Oireachtas committees.
Speaking today Deputy Funchion said;
“I have written to the Ceann Comhairle asking that the establishment of an Oireachtas Committee on Autism be made a priority by the Dáil.
“I understand that several committees are being considered currently between now and the formation of government.
“In April 2019 I, along with my party colleagues introduced a motion calling for an Autism Empowerment Strategy to the Dáil on World Autism Day. This was a considered piece of work done in conjunction with advocacy groups and members of the autistic community.
“The motion set out a clear framework towards finally delivering a National Autism Empowerment Strategy and for the setting up of an all-party Oireachtas Committee which would be mandated to produce such a strategy within six months.
“Even though the motion was passed receiving strong cross party support at the time, the committee was never established.
“We believe that this committee should now be prioritised given the decision taken by the previous Dáil. We also believe that this committee should be set up at the earliest opportunity so that work can be started now and continue thereafter once the new government is up and running.
“I have raised this with the Ceann Comhairle and hope that it will be seriously considered by the Business Committee of the Dáil so that we may see the establishment of this committee in the coming weeks.”
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Dublin West Sinn Féin TD Paul Donnelly has expressed concerns over the depiction of Dublin West by serving Gardai in the ‘K District’ programme that is being aired next week on Virgin Media.
Deputy Donnelly said:
“I have seen the trailer for this programme and I’ve listened to the Gardaí describe the area as ‘absolutely mental’, ‘half mad’, and one member even talking about ‘being dropped in Beirut’.
“Another Garda member described it like ‘being in the Wild West’.
“I’ve had communications from residents in Dublin West who are angry with the Garda Siochána being involved in a programme like this and the offensive manner in which they describe our community.
“I’ve spent the last six weeks walking and canvassing throughout Dublin West, and I have lived here for the past 25 years, and I do not recognise the place that they are talking about.
“Of course there are problems with some areas and there are serious issues in relation to crime, drugs, antisocial behaviour and burglaries.
“However the Gardaí management would be better served dealing with those issues at senior level and demanding more resources than participating in a programme that looks set to stigmatise this whole community when only a tiny proportion of that community are involved in criminality.
“I understand that we have only seen a promo for the programme and I do hope that over the coming weeks there is a much broader and positive view of the community of Dublin West and the area that the K District serves.
“However, what we have seen so far is hugely disappointing.”
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Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson has called on Invest NI to get to grips with tackling regional disparities and offer more support and investment in areas with the lowest employment rates.
The Foyle MLA said:
"It is quite shocking the level of regional inequalities that exist in Invest NI’s financial investments for job assistance.
"The lack of funding by the investment agency into areas with the lowest employment rates perpetuates the economic imbalances which exist in our economy.
"It is beyond belief that while Invest NI assisted the creation of 9,280 jobs in Belfast South, in the Foyle area which was the area with the second most assistance, it assisted only 2,723.
"It is equally shocking that the number of jobs assisted in South Belfast greatly outnumbered the combined amount for all other constituencies in Belfast.
"Sinn Féin will continue to press the Department for Economy and its arms length bodies on the need to rebalance our economy so that people across the North can avail of job opportunities in their own areas.
"Sinn Féin is also bringing forward a motion in the Assembly on the importance of having a regionally balanced economy."
Sinn Féin education spokesperson and deputy chair of the Education Committee Karen Mullan MLA today met with the leadership team of Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta.
Speaking after the meeting in Carn Tóchair, the Foyle MLA said:
"We had a constructive and worthwhile meeting today with the leadership of Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta.
"We discussed the increasing demand for Irish Medium Education, the pressures arising as a result of that demand and also the level of investment required over the next number of years to support and maintain this growth.
"Irish Medium is the fastest growing education sector in the North.
"This reality must be reflected in the Department of Education’s plans going forward.
"We need to see capital investment in the sector as well as the development of a workforce strategy to ensure we have enough specialist subject teachers to meet the rising demand for Irish Medium post primary education.
"I look forward to working with Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta, the relevant government departments and others to see that the bespoke needs of the Irish Medium sector are met."
Following a confirmed case of Coronavirus in the North, Colm Gildernew MLA has urged the public to work with health authorities and follow the advice. The Chair of the Health Committee said:
"The Department of Health and Public Health Agency must ensure maximum cooperation and coordination with other departments and health officials from the south, to ensure a clear and coordinated response.
"Our health services work best when it has the full support of the community. I want to extend my support to our healthcare workers and urge everyone to do the same.
“Today the Health committee supported Coronavirus being made a notifiable disease. This will help ensure that health authorities have the powers to tackle the virus.
“There are clear steps that the public can take to prevent the spread, through hand washing and using tissues to catch it, bin it and kill it.
“I know some will be concerned by the news, however the best thing to do is to follow the advice from health authorities.
“Updated health information can be found at www.publichealth.hscni.net/news/covid-19-coronavirus and if concerned call the helpline on 0300 200 7885.”
Sinn Féin Leas Uachtarán and Joint Head of Government Michelle O'Neill MLA spoke to the new British Secretary of State and made it clear to him that his government must live up to its commitments.
Michelle O'Neill said:
"Today we had our first engagement with new British Secretary of State Brandon Lewis to discuss a range of issues and matters of concern.
"I reminded him of the commitments made by his government in the New Decade, New Approach document and how the British government have acted in bad faith in relation to the financial commitments made in the document.
"In particular there are issues around legacy and the fact is we have had no detail from the British movement on the legacy legislation that it committed to bringing forward.
"We also discussed the Brexit trade negotiation proposal published by the British government today.
“I made it very clear to him that our priority is the need to protect the all-Ireland economy and that the protections agreed in the Irish Protocol of the Withdrawal Agreement need to be adhered to and implemented.
"What we have had from the British government on Brexit time and time again is rhetoric and what we need to see is action and delivery which prevents a hard border and protects our economy east west and north south.”
Addressing an International Peace Building conference in Belfast today, the South Antrim MLA Declan Kearney shared lessons from the Irish Peace Process with delegates from the Philippines, Uganda, Nigeria and the US.
Declan Kearney, also a Minister in the Northern power sharing government, told delegates that the peace and political processes must not be taken for granted and that peace building and developing reconciliation must be pursued locally and globally.
Declan Kearney said:
“Old fault lines remain and these still have still to be resolved including managing the legacy of past conflict; the enduring pain and suffering in our society and the divisive role of sectarianism and sectarian segregation.
“And new challenges arise with the onset of Brexit and making a sustainable success of the new power sharing government.”
Recognising that there is much more work to be done to build our peace process, he said:
“It is essential we all work together across society and within our new five-party power sharing Executive to develop the North as a vibrant and shared community.
“Peace building will only succeed when it is viewed as a shared responsibility.”
Speaking after the event the Sinn Féin National Chairperson said:
“Just as we learned from the South African experience we too have a duty to share our experiences with other societies emerging from conflict.
“It is a bedrock of any peace process that opportunities and platforms are created so we may learn more about each other, our cultures and our differences but as importantly our similarities.
“It is a matter of deep concern that the British government has not fully committed to dealing with the legacy of the past.
“Under the New Decade, New Approach document the British government is obliged to pass legacy legislation within 100 days. It is essential that commitment is honoured and this legislation gives proper and full effect to the Stormont House Agreement on the basis of equality for all victims.”
Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD has said that given Fianna Fáil have performed a double u-turn on the issue of rent freezes in 24 hours, renters simply cannot trust them.
Deputy Ó Broin said:
“Last night Fianna Fáil told the Irish Independent that they were in favour of a two year rent freeze.
“This afternoon they performed another u-turn and stated that they still believe it is unconstitutional and they do not support a rent freeze.
“A double u turn in 24 hours on a very important issue is a record even for Fianna Fáil.
“This demonstrates that Fianna Fáil have no understanding of or interest in addressing the rental crisis.
“Only a government for change can deliver real change for renters.
“We don’t just need a rent freeze, we need to put money back in renters pockets and we need to see the roll out of affordable cost rental homes.
“This package of measure is the only way to give renters and their families a break.”
Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty TD has called on FBD Insurance to outline a schedule of premium reductions for its consumers, as their pre-tax profits more than doubled to €113 million for the year ending 2019. The end of year results confirmed that the company’s profits soared as the cost of claims fell.
Deputy Doherty has written to FBD to discuss a schedule of premium reductions for consumers in the coming years.
Speaking today, Deputy Doherty said:
“Today’s end-of-year results for FBD lay bare the price-gouging activities of the insurance industry, as it returns to peak profitability while consumers continue to pay extortionate premiums.
“Pre-tax profits for 2019 at FBD have increased by 125%, while at the same time net claims incurred have reduced by 19%. The 'compo-culture' line that was pedalled by the industry, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil to excuse rip-off premiums no longer stands up to scrutiny.
“Sinn Féin have repeatedly held the industry to account for misinforming the public and ripping off their consumers, while others have done nothing.
“Our analysis of the insurance industry was confirmed by the Central Bank report which showed that since 2009, the cost of claims per insurance policy has gone down by over 2 percent while the average motor insurance premium has gone up by a staggering 42 percent.
“These results are further confirmation that claims continue to fall, with the industry enjoying peak profitability.
“FBD now plan to reward their shareholders instead of their customers, despite the fact that that their profits are build on the back of premiums paid by their customers.
“After enduring rip-off premiums by an industry that is now enjoying soaring profits, it is time for consumers to be rewarded with a reduction in premiums.
“I have written to FBD, requesting a meeting to discuss an agreed schedule of premium reductions for consumers over the coming years, in line with reforms in the sector and increased profits for the industry.
“We expect this trend in rising profits to be replicated across the sector, and Sinn Féin will engage with all companies in the industry to demand a schedule of premium reductions for consumers.
“The previous Government failed to hold the insurance industry to account. In Government, Sinn Féin will ensure that the industry is held to account and that consumers are given a break.”
Sinn Féin MLA Emma Rogan has written to the Economy Minister asking what plans she has to develop economic opportunities in South Down.
And the South Down MLA said it was unacceptable that recent figures showed that InvestNI had hosted no meetings with investors in South Down.
Emma Rogan said:
“InvestNI failed to host any potential investors in South Down over the last years.
“That is unacceptable and reminiscent of the decades of discrimination and neglect of this area by British and unionist governments.
“I have now written to the Economy Minister to ask why InvestNI hosted no potential investors in South Down in the last three years.
“I am asking what the Minister will do to address this serious imbalance compared to all other constituencies.
“I have also sought clarity surrounding what InvestNI have done to help attract investment into the South Down constituency in the last five years and what if any plans they have to develop economic opportunities in South Down.”
Sinn Féin MLA Catherine Kelly has called for emotional resilience to be a key part of the school curriculum to ensure better services and support for young people.
Catherine Kelly was speaking after a report commissioned by the departments of education and health found that pressure to achieve at school and being liked online are the biggest threats to schoolchildren's mental health.
The party’s spokesperson on children and young people said:
“Our children and young people are coming under increasing stress and many are struggling with mental health issues including anxiety.
“Issues around body image and social media are playing a damaging role on the mental and physical health of our young people.
“The research also suggested the need to achieve academically, particularly in the transfer test, caused stress in some young children, starting from primary five onwards.
“We need to do as much as possible to help our young people become better equipped to deal with the pressures they face.
“Sinn Féin has consistently called for emotional resilience to be a key part of the school curriculum to ensure better services and support for all our young people.
“They need to be encouraged to seek help and to be more of aware of their own, and others', mental health and emotional well-being.”
Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew has called for an all-Ireland approach to dealing with the threat of the Coronavirus.
The Party’s Health Spokesperson said:
"As of today, there are no confirmed reports of Coronavirus across the island, but it is important that the relevant agencies continue to remain alert to possible cases and that they give advice to the public, GPs, pharmacists, hospitals, schools and universities.
"Our health services must be in a position to react to a case of coronavirus and receive the necessary funding to take pro-active measures.
"There is a serious need for detailed planning. This means having a standardised approach across the island to do our best to protect the public health of everyone, north and south.
"All relevant authorities must take the necessary precautions to address the risk posed and respond to any suspected cases appropriately.
"It’s vital that no stone is left unturned in efforts to protect public health from this virus."
Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson has said the scandal of the Mobuoy illegal dump outside Derry highlights the need for stronger environmental protection.
Speaking following a meeting of the infrastructure committee today: "The 2013 Mills Review that looked into the causes of Mobuoy dump identified planning failures and oversights as a crucial factor that led to such large-scale criminal dumping and environmental crime.“A firm involved in the Mobuoy case commenced quarrying work without planning permission, knowing that they could successfully apply for retrospective planning permission.
“This allowed the dump site to expand massively as they were filling quarries with illegal waste.
“This considered as creating conditions that were exploited for eco-crime.
"When I pressed the Department on this issue, they reported that they are planning to produce guidance this summer on how to deal with retrospective minerals applications, which they say should strengthen environmental protection on this issue.
"I look forward to scrutinising this guidance to make sure that the environmental wreck of Mobuoy will never be repeated again."
Sinn Féin lead negotiator Pearse Doherty TD has said this afternoon that following seven and a half hours of talks with the Green Party yesterday, Sinn Féin have met with the Rural Independent Group earlier today and are meeting with the Social Democrats this afternoon.
He said:
"Yesterday we had very productive meetings with the Green Party, we have met with the Rural Independent Group today and this afternoon we will meet with the Social Democrats in advance of a further meeting later this week.
"Sinn Féin wants to discuss core issues such as the housing crisis, reducing and freezing rents, solving the trolley crisis, reducing the pension age to 65 and Irish unity. These are important issues for us.
"The Social Democrats will have other issues that they will want to advance in any talks. Róisín Shortall, in particular, has a keen interest in health policy and we are looking forward to engaging with the Social Democrats on that and the other issues.
"Sinn Féin is determined to deliver a Government for Change and we are continuing our engagements to that effect over the coming days, as well as following up conversations we are having with Independents."
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Sinn Féin MLA Karen Mullan funding for easy years provision and youth services are vital in areas of deprivation.
Speaking after a sitting of the Education Committee, the deputy chair said:
“After school and youth clubs play a crucial role in the development of young people and communities across the north.
“Brightstart currently funds after school clubs in a number of deprived areas there may only be one facility funded providing support to workers and families on low incomes.
“If this funding is withdrawn it will be to the detriment of many young people leaving them without access to after school and summer school services.
“These youth projects are an excellent venue for young people to meet with others and to get actively involved in their local areas.
“I also raised access to SureStart in Derry and the case of a local preschool provider which is under severe pressure to maintain its current service due to a lack of funding.”
Foyle Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson has welcomed Finance Minister Conor Murphy’s support for Executive funding towards Derry’s £105 million City Deal and Inclusive Future Fund.
Martina Anderson was commenting after Conor Murphy confirmed his support and revealed that he will soon be bringing the matter before the Executive.
She said: “Together, The City Deal and Inclusive Future Fund represent a £105 million investment in the North West which will provide a major and much-needed economic boost to the entire region, helping us to create and sustain well-paying jobs and opportunities.
“Derry’s City Deal was always contingent on the Executive match funding the British Government’s contribution, but the Executive must also decide whether to take a similar approach to the Future Fund.
“Therefore, I very much welcome that Sinn Féin Finance Minister Conor Murphy has now confirmed in an Assembly answer to me that he supports match-funding both and will shortly be bringing the matter to the Executive.
“That is another example of the positive approach that Sinn Féin takes to government, helping to deliver investment, regeneration and opportunity where it is needed.”
Speaking this afternoon, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Health Louise O'Reilly TD has called for an all-Ireland approach to dealing with the threat of the Coronavirus.
Teachta O'Reilly said:
"The possibility of a positive case of Coronavirus on the island cannot be discounted.
"Our health services must be in a position to react to a case of the virus and given the necessary funding to take pro-active measures.
"There is a serious need for detailed planning. This means having a standardised approach across the island to do our best to protect the public health of everyone, north and south.
"It is important that relevant authorities, north and south, take the necessary precautions to address the risk posed and in responding to any suspected cases appropriately.
"As of today, there are no confirmed reports of Coronavirus across the island, but it is important that the relevant agencies continue to remain alert to possible cases and that they give standardised advice in plain language to the public, but also to GPs, pharmacists, hospitals, schools and universities to name but a few.
"It is important that no stone is left unturned in efforts to protect public health in relation to the virus."
Sinn Féin MLA Órlaithí Flynn has requested a meeting with the Health Minister to discuss urgent issues relating to the on-going mesh implant health scandal.
The West Belfast MLA said:
“Despite some positive steps being taken to help those living with mesh implant complications and injury there is much more that must be done.
“Many women are waiting in limbo on an appropriate care pathway as a consequence of the suspension of the ECR process and many still await clarity and access to appropriate remedial surgery.
“I am also concerned about any prospect of the current suspension on mesh implants being lifted and have raised this issue previously with the Department of Health and with the Human Rights Commission.
“I have requested a meeting with the Health Minister to discuss some of the urgent and timely issues in relation to the on-going mesh implant health scandal and I would urge him to meet with a delegation of women involved to hear their experience.
“Sinn Féin will continue to work to ensure that those people injured by mesh have access to appropriate treatment and that appropriate action is taken to protect people from future injury.”
