Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald has has extended her deepest condolences to the family and friends of Francie Brolly, who has passed away.
She said:
"I want to extend my deepest condolences, and those of Sinn Féin, to the family and friends of Francie Brolly who has passed away.
"Francie was a committed and dedicated Irish Republican. He was a fine political representative, campaigner and musician, and his passing will be deeply felt in his native Dungiven and further afield.
"My deepest sympathies go to Francie's wife Anne, their children Joe, Proinnsías, Conal, Áine and Nollaig, the wider family and to his neighbours and friends.
"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis."
Sinn Féin Leas Uachtarán Michelle O’Neill MLA has paid tribute to the late Francie Brolly following news of his death.
Michelle O’Neill:
“Francie Brolly was a significant figure in the political life of east Derry for many years and will be missed by many.
“He was a tireless campaigner for civil rights and human rights and a committed Irish Republican.
“As a teacher, activist, campaigner and elected representative, he helped shape the community in his native Dungiven and further afield.
“Aside from politics, Francie also made a huge contribution to the musical and cultural world with his songs he recorded and performed alongside his wife, Anne and his love of the Irish language.
“I want to send my condolences to his widow, Anne, children Joe, Proinnsías, Conal, Áine and Nollaig, the entire Brolly family and everyone who knew Francie and my thoughts are with them at this sad time.
"Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
Speaking after attending the Early Years Rally in Dublin today, Sinn Féin spokesperson Kathleen Funchion said her party has a plan to reduce childcare fees, increase wages in the sector putting money back in the pockets of workers and families.
Teachta Funchion said;
“Sinn Féin has a plan for the early years sector and it is a win-win for creche owners, staff, parents and children.
“Our commitment is to increase annual funding to early years by €500 million by 2025, while simultaneously capping fees at a lower rate each year. This would reduce fees by two thirds by 2025.
“Sinn Féin’s plan offers service providers a sustainable long term state contract to ‘opt into’ that would remove the burden of operating costs including insurance costs and wages for example. Service providers and those working in sector are central to our plans.
“Providers opting in to this scheme will receive significant funding levels but will have to sign up to fair pay scales for their staff.
“We want service providers to work with us – our plans will properly support and fund them unlike the current system which penalises small creches and allows massive profiteering by larger creches.”
“I have consistently and unreservedly condemned the murder of Paul Quinn.
“Those who murdered him are criminals and need to be brought to justice.
“I repeat my call on anyone with any information on his murder to bring it to the Gardaí or the PSNI.
“I very much regret comments I made in the aftermath of Paul's murder which have added to the grief felt by the Quinn family.
“I apologise for those remarks and I unreservedly withdraw them.
“Once again I offer to meet the Quinn family at a time and place of their convenience.”
Sinn Féin TD and General Election candidate for Sligo/Leitrim/Nth Donegal and Sth Roscommon, Martin Kenny has voiced his support for childcare workers who are staging a major protest in Dublin today over a chronic funding crisis in the sector.
Martin Kenny said:
“Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil have failed to invest properly in the childcare sector, resulting in a funding crisis.
“Today’s demonstration, organised by Together for Early Years, is about finding a sustainable solution to this crisis and I fully support all those childcare workers, service providers and parents who are attending the protest in Dublin.
“Childcare providers and parents are being shouldered with the burden of fundraising for the sector.
“We now have a real staffing crisis in the sector. Childcare workers can’t afford to survive on current pay rates. Meanwhile, service providers are struggling to keep services open.
”Parents, Childcare workers and service providers have their backs against the wall. They have been forced to take today’s action.
“Irish parents are paying the second highest childcare fees in Europe. Irish Childcare needs the same levels of funding as is normal in other EU countries.
“It’s time to invest in the future, in these important services, vital workers and in our children.
In government that is exactly what Sinn Féin would do.”
ENDS
Sinn Féin’s Martina Anderson has condemned those responsible for graffiti targeting a local journalist in Derry City.
And she praised local people in the community who removed the graffiti.
Martina Anderson said:
“I unreservedly condemn those responsible for graffiti in Creggan last night targeting a journalist who lives in our local community.
“Freedom of press is a key cornerstone to any pluralist and democratic society.
“Journalists play a critical role in shining a light on the issues which impact on our society, their work is to the benefit of citizens.
"Those involved in journalism must be protected and they must be able to do their work free from intimidation, harassment and death threats.
"What made this particular threat even more sinister is that it appeared in the area where journalist Lyra McKee was murdered last year.
“The Joint Head of Government Michelle O’Neill and I have contacted the journalist who was threatened to extend our support and solidarity to her.
“I want to extend my thanks to community activists who moved swiftly to paint over the graffiti.
“Those behind this threat have nothing to offer the people of this community and this city.
“They will not be allowed to intimidate journalists or the people of this city. Their reckless attempts will not succeed.”
Writing in his latest blog, Sinn Féin National Chairperson Declan Kearney MLA has outlined the political challenges and opportunities facing Irish republicans brought about by the changing political circumstances.
The Junior Minister and South Antrim MLA writes:
“This new year and new decade has opened up a new phase of political activism for Irish republicans.
“We are faced with new opportunities and challenges.
“After three years of collapse, power sharing government has been restored in the north.
“The new potential which that brings is very significant.
“However, already this British government has begun to default on its financial obligations to provide the financial investment required to stabilise the regional economy, and secure the future of public services in the north on a sustainable basis, as set out in their 'New Decade, New Approach' document.
“And at the same time, Brexit continues to cast a very destabilizing influence over the political process.
“Brexit has swept away all the old assumptions about the constitutional, political and economic status quo. It has dramatically changed the political landscape north and south.
“Only days ago the British state formally left the European Union (EU), while ignoring the democratic will of the majority of citizens in the north who voted to remain.
“The regional and all-island economies face unprecedented uncertainty and instability. Nothing can be taken for granted.
“The Brexit crisis is now real.
“Brexit has swept away all the old assumptions about the constitutional, political and economic status quo. It has dramatically changed the political landscape north and south.
“The debate on Irish unity is growing in momentum. Partition is rapidly running out of road.
“There is a need for us all to discuss and plan for reunification.
“This British administration needs to accept that reality. British policy towards the north must change.
“The incoming Irish government should convene a national citizens’ forum on constitutional change, and begin preparing systematically for reunification.
“Now in the next few days the Southern electorate will go to the polls.
“The results of this general election are impossible to predict, but it is obvious that the dominance of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil has been decisively ended.
“The leaderships of these parties have mounted an intensive black propaganda campaign to try and delegitimise Sinn Féin's right to be in government in the south of Ireland. Their stance is absolutely hypocritical.
“Just like partition, the efforts of the southern establishment to exclude Sinn Féin from government is running out of road. In the fast changing nature of southern Irish politics that's a position which is neither sustainable or credible.
“Whether in the aftermath of this election, or at some time in the future, Sinn Féin will be in government in the south of Ireland, and on the basis of a political programme which promotes economic and social justice, and advances the aim of Irish unity.
“Irish politics and society is changing in the north and south of our country.
“The strategic focus of Sinn Féin in this decade must be to harness and drive that change forward, and to popularise and ultimately achieve Irish unity through being in government, both North and South.”
See Declan Kearney's full blog here
Writing in his latest blog, Sinn Féin National Chairperson Declan Kearney MLA has outlined the political challenges and opportunities facing Irish republicans brought about by the changing political circumstances.
The Junior Minister and South Antrim MLA writes:
“This new year and new decade has opened up a new phase of political activism for Irish republicans.
“We are faced with new opportunities and challenges.
“After three years of collapse, power sharing government has been restored in the north.
“The new potential which that brings is very significant.
“However, already this British government has begun to default on its financial obligations to provide the financial investment required to stabilise the regional economy, and secure the future of public services in the north on a sustainable basis, as set out in their 'New Decade, New Approach' document.
“And at the same time, Brexit continues to cast a very destabilizing influence over the political process.
“Brexit has swept away all the old assumptions about the constitutional, political and economic status quo. It has dramatically changed the political landscape north and south.
“Only days ago the British state formally left the European Union (EU), while ignoring the democratic will of the majority of citizens in the north who voted to remain.
“The regional and all-island economies face unprecedented uncertainty and instability. Nothing can be taken for granted.
“The Brexit crisis is now real.
“Brexit has swept away all the old assumptions about the constitutional, political and economic status quo. It has dramatically changed the political landscape north and south.
“The debate on Irish unity is growing in momentum. Partition is rapidly running out of road.
“There is a need for us all to discuss and plan for reunification.
“This British administration needs to accept that reality. British policy towards the north must change.
“The incoming Irish government should convene a national citizens’ forum on constitutional change, and begin preparing systematically for reunification.
“Now in the next few days the Southern electorate will go to the polls.
“The results of this general election are impossible to predict, but it is obvious that the dominance of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil has been decisively ended.
“The leaderships of these parties have mounted an intensive black propaganda campaign to try and delegitimise Sinn Féin's right to be in government in the south of Ireland. Their stance is absolutely hypocritical.
“Just like partition, the efforts of the southern establishment to exclude Sinn Féin from government is running out of road. In the fast changing nature of southern Irish politics that's a position which is neither sustainable or credible.
“Whether in the aftermath of this election, or at some time in the future, Sinn Féin will be in government in the south of Ireland, and on the basis of a political programme which promotes economic and social justice, and advances the aim of Irish unity.
“Irish politics and society is changing in the north and south of our country.
“The strategic focus of Sinn Féin in this decade must be to harness and drive that change forward, and to popularise and ultimately achieve Irish unity through being in government, both North and South.”
Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has welcomed the establishment of an Executive Brexit sub-committee and said it is essential the interests of Ireland are represented in the next stage of the Brexit negotiations.
Chris Hazzard said:
"I welcome the fact that the new Executive at Stormont has established a Brexit sub-committee which has met today for the first time.
"As Brexit moves to the next phase it is vital that the voice of the people of the north, who voted to reject Brexit, continues to be heard and that the interests of Ireland are heard and listened to, just as they have been at every stage until now.
"Brexit presents huge challenges to us and it is essential our economy, our rights and our peace agreements continue to be protected throughout the transition period and in whatever comes after with a future trade agreement.
"Sinn Féin will work with other parties on the Executive Brexit sub-committee and will continue to work with the EU and the next Irish government to ensure the interests of Ireland are represented."
Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly has said the PSNI must be representative of the whole community it serves.
Gerry Kelly said:
"The PSNI must be representative of the whole community it serves.
"There is an onus on everyone to ensure that is the case.
"Today, Joint Head of government Michelle O'Neill, was invited to attend the launch of a PSNI recruitment drive aimed at making policing more representative.
“As a member of the Policing Board I attended today's event alongside Michelle O'Neill and other political parties.
"The PSNI needs to attract more recruits from a nationalist background, women, members of the LGBT community and those who have come to make their home here.
"Ongoing challenges over legacy and the PSNI's policy on disclosure has damaged public confidence in policing, particularly among the nationalist community.
"We took the opportunity to make it clear to the PSNI that 50/50 recruitment should be on the table.
"There is responsibility on the PSNI Chief Constable, Policing Board and politicians to ensure there is a proper civic, community policing service."
Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín has said Universal Credit should be scrapped not stalled.
The North Belfast MLA was commenting after the British Government confirmed that the next stage of rolling out the controversial welfare benefit is to be scaled back to 2024.
Carál Ní Chuilín said:
“This latest move by the British Government is further evidence that Universal Credit is simply not fit for purpose.
“It was supposedly designed to simplify the benefits system but the roll-out so far has clearly shown that it is riddled with faults, complications and delays.
“And while the mitigation measures secured for the North have gone some way to alleviating the worst aspects of Universal Credit, the fact remains that people are suffering hardship and poverty as a result of this disastrous policy.
“They need to start listening and stop ignoring the evidence on the ground that Universal Credit has been a disaster. Stalling it won’t fix it. Delaying it won’t bring people out of poverty. It needs to be scrapped altogether.”
Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson and TD for Cork South-Central Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire has this morning said that teachers undertaking industrial action has the support of Sinn Féin, and if in government, Sinn Féin will end the two-tier pay system that exists within the sector.
Mr Ó Laoghaire was speaking from Cork where he attended a number of pickets to show his support for the teachers.
Teachta Ó Laoghaire said;
“This morning's industrial action by teachers has the full support of Sinn Féin. We need to see an end to the two-tier pay system that has dogged the sector for so long.
“Sinn Féin is committed to the principle of equal pay for equal work and we would establish a single tier pay scale for all teachers faster than the current Government has committed.
“We have committed to ending two-tier pay in the education section of our manifesto.
“Newly-qualified teachers have been penalised by the approach of previous Governments.
“It is wrong that there are people in staff rooms across the state who are doing the same job as the person sitting next to them, but being paid a completely different wage.
"The principle of equal work for equal pay must be respected.
"There are also clearly increasing difficulties with recruitment and retention of teachers, and shortages in subjects such as Irish, home economics, maths and other languages to name but a few.
“Sinn Féin in government will be an employer with a focus on workers rights, and equal pay for equal work.
“We are committed to this, and the next government must restore pay equality and give all workers a break."
Sinn Féin MLA for South Down Sinead Ennis has called for a ban on all gambling advertising on TV and across all online platforms.
The party's culture, sports and arts spokesperson said:
"We recognise and acknowledge that some gambling companies voluntarily agreed to a 'whistle to whistle' advertising ban previously, stopping advertisements during games.
"Gambling advertisement plays a massive part in the growing rise of gambling addiction across society.
"Sinn Féin have called for stricter legislation and regulations on all forms of gambling and gambling advertising. Addiction and its damaging impacts can affect everyone.
"Sinn Féin are committed to tackling problem gambling north and south. The most effective way to do that is through modernised and fit for purpose legislation."
Speaking as the Department of Education launch its consultation on the update to nutritional standards for school food Karen Mullan MLA said:
"Children need access to a varied and wholesome diet.
"The evidence is clear, children with access to a varied and wholesome diet perform better in school than their peers who unfortunately don’t have access to the same nutritional diet.
"When it comes to diet it is those from a more disadvantaged background who are less likely to have access to the nutrition they need.
"Schools can play a vital role in making available an affordable and nutritious menu for students and I would encourage parents to take this opportunity and respond to the consultation.
"Sinn Féin will also use this opportunity to again raise the issue of holiday hunger.
“Unfortunately for many families who are entitled to free school meals, the summer holidays can be a difficult period. It's a cliff edge like scenario every year for thousands of families who face increased food costs in the absence of free school meals."
Details of the consultation process can be found here: https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/consultations/update-nutritional-standards-school-food
Sinn Féin TD and General Election candidate for Sligo/Leitrim/Sth Donegal and Nth Roscommon, Martin Kenny has called for the reversal of cuts imposed on St Ciaran’s Day Service in Carrick-On-Shannon.
St Ciaran’s was established in 1983 to provide a day service for people with an intellectual disability from the South Leitrim catchment area.
Martin Kenny said:
“I recently visited St Ciaran’s where I met staff to discuss the impact of the latest cuts to the vital service the centre provides.
“St Ciaran’s is already very reliant on huge fundraising efforts by the families of those who use the services.
“Any cuts to St Ciaran’s will be devastating, putting untold pressure on many families in south Leitrim.
“This pattern of Fine Gael cutting funding to the most vulnerable – the elderly, lone parents and those with special needs, must stop.
“Those with intellectual disabilities are unable to shout – their voices can easily be ignored by those in power.
“So, we need to shout on their behalf – St Ciaran’s needs this funding to maintain services and to provide places for our vulnerable citizens.
“Sinn Féin has also sought the full restoration of pay and conditions to Section 39 workers, many of whom are working with people with disabilities.
“Any new government needs to look at priorities. The top priority must be the care of our citizens , particularly vulnerable citizens.
“The cuts imposed on St Ciaran’s must be reversed.”
ENDS
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance Pearse Doherty, in response to the announcement that AIB has made provision of a further €300 million to deal with tracker mortgage cases, has said:
"I want to welcome the fact that the penny has finally dropped with AIB and that they have announced this morning that a further €300 million has been made available to provide redress to those affected by the tracker mortgage scandal following a preliminary decision by the Financial Services Ombudsman.
"Banks are still wronging their customers in respect of the tracker mortgage scandal and this is highlighted again today.
"If it wasn't for the fact that customers who went through the independent appeals process refused to accept the decision of AIB and took their cases to the Financial Services Ombudsman, then this would not have happened so I want to commend those who have done so this morning.
"I also note that these cases would not have been able to be heard if it wasn't for my legislation that we got passed into law that allowed for these cases to be heard and removed the six-year time limit.
"But what this really shows is that the banks are still resisting the need to be customer centric and that the culture hasn't changed.
"The Central Bank, who signed off on this, have also failed to protect customers.
"I am calling on AIB to now clarify that they will settle with all of their affected customers and that they will do so in a speedily manner.
"The other banks involved need to immediately follow suit.
"It won't be lost on people that Sinn Féin has consistently called on the government - as the majority shareholder in AIB - and a major shareholder in other banks to intervene on this issue. They have steadfastly refused to do so and have left it up to individuals to take their cases."
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance Pearse Doherty said today that the NCT must immediately stop charging customers if they can't provide the service to fully test and certify vehicles.
He also said that clarifications are urgently needed to ensure that customers understand what their rights are in relation to the roadworthiness of their vehicles in light of the recent NCT equipment inspections.
Pearse Doherty said:
"It is not at all clear what the implications are for customers who are currently having their vehicles tested in NCT centres.
"We seem to have a ridiculous situation where people are out of pocket, taking time off work and travelling to NCT centres to have their vehicles tested, only to be told that their vehicle has effectively failed the test.
"This failure is through no fault of the customer or their vehicle but because of the unavailability of the equipment that is needed to test vehicles in the centre.
"People are being told to return to the centre at a later date, so that the remaining tests, which involve the use of the mechanical lifts, can be undertaken. Again this means that ordinary people and businesses are out of pocket and having to take more time off work to go back a second time.
"The public are being unfairly penalised here and are being told to bear the cost of the failure of Applus Auto and the RSA in the operation of NCT centres.
"Why should this be the case? Why should the customer bear the costs?
"I am calling on the Commissioner of An Garda Síochana to clarify the matter and to make it clear that those who are stopped, and who do not have a valid NCT certificate because of this failure, will not be prosecuted.
"I am also calling on Applus Auto, who have been awarded the contract by the RSA to operate NCT centres, to commit to not charging NCT customers for NCT tests carried out in the period in which the testing equipment is not fully operational which results in the vehicle failing the NCT test."
Sinn Féin MLA Karen Mullan today supported a motion calling for mandatory autism training for teachers and classroom assistants.
Speaking in the Assembly today, the party’s Education Spokesperson said:
“One in 30 children in the north have a diagnosis of autism, the majority of which are educated in a mainstream school. This shows the need for autism training.
“Our teaching staff want to be supported to provide the best education and care to our young people. They need to be equipped with the skills to do so.
“The role of the teacher is evolving; they are increasingly working with children with complex needs so the introduction of training will be beneficial to their work and the needs of the child.
“Today’s motion is only the start; parents and young people need action and our teaching staff need action.
“It’s almost 10 years since the introduction of the Autism Act yet we continue to see increased number of children and young people waiting years on diagnosis and support services.
“I am calling on the Minister for Education to acknowledge the crisis within special educational needs provision and the fact that teachers are actively seeking this training.”
