Sinn Féin spokesperson for Health, Colm Gildernew MLA, has urged the Health Minister Robin Swan to intensify his engagement with Health Authorities in the south in light of two confirmed cases of Coronavirus in Britain.
Speaking after news of developments in Britain Mr Gildernew said:
“The confirmation of two cases of Coronavirus in Britain is a worrying development.
“There is an increased responsibility and onus on both Ministers of Health on this island, and their relevant authorities, to work closely together to avoid Coronavirus coming to Ireland, and to mitigate its impact across the country if it does.
"I have had contact with the department this morning with regards to the changed situation in Britain.
"I will continue to engage with the Department of Health and emphasise the necessity of an all-island response to Coronavirus."
Sinn Féin MLA Raymond McCartney has announced his intention to step down from the Assembly.
Raymond McCartney said:
“It has been an honour and a privilege to represent the people of Foyle as an MLA for Sinn Féin.
“The time has come for me to step down from the Assembly now after 15 years as an MLA.
“Derry is a city in transition and huge progress has been made in recent years and I have no doubt that will continue in the time ahead in order to reach its full potential.
“I want to thank everyone who has supported me and who I have worked with over the years and want to wish my successor well for the future.”
Sinn Féin Leas Uachtarán Michelle O’Neill paid tribute to Raymond McCartney and said:
“I want to thank Raymond for his years of dedicated service to the people of Foyle and to Sinn Féin.
“Raymond’s commitment and courage shine through in everything he did and his professionalism, wisdom and good humour earned him respect from across the political spectrum.
“I want to wish Raymond, his wife, Rose, and his family all the best for the future and I have no doubt he will continue to be on hand with wise counsel when required.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson for Mental Health Órlaithí Flynn MLA has called for mental health to be a core component of primary health care and not just an additional service.
Speaking after receiving a response from the Health and Social Care Board on the provision of mental health services within the community, the West Belfast MLA said:
“Mental Health services must be more than an additional or enhanced service for primary care.
Most people go to their GP first when they are concerned about their mental health and we need to ensure GPs are fully resourced to provide these services on an ongoing basis.
“The fact the Health and Social Care Board has confirmed that it doesn’t record waiting lists for GP counselling services shows how as an ‘enhanced’ service it is not given the focused attention afforded to core services.
"This is unacceptable.
“If the level of need is not recorded adequately then funding levels for services cannot be properly determined.
“I am calling on the HSCB and the Minister of Health to commission a Needs Assessment for all Mental Health Services as a matter of urgency.
"This is the necessary first step in recognising the real extent of GP mental health waiting lists."
Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has welcomed continued support from Labour leader on the need to protect the Good Friday Agreement and raised with him the issue of the Irish Protocol in the Withdrawal Agreement.
“We had useful and productive meeting with the leader of the British Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn today where we discussed the restoration of the Executive and Brexit.
“Jeremy Corbyn said he was very supportive of the restoration of the political institutions.
“We made it clear that the opposition in Britain need to challenge the British government to ensure they live up to the commitments made to the parties here alongside the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.
“We also discussed Brexit and I raised the need to support the Irish Protocol included within the Withdrawal Agreement.
“We are faced with being dragged out of the EU against our will tomorrow night and we discussed the impact that would have on our economy, our rights and on relations between these islands.”
Sinn Féin MLA Karen Mullan has said Sinn Féin will continue to stand with the Bloody Sunday families in their campaign for truth and justice.
The Foyle MLA said:
“Today marks the 48th anniversary of Bloody Sunday when British paratroopers shot dead 13 Innocent people on the streets of Derry with a 14th man later dying from his injuries.
“Since then, the relatives of those killed, as well as those who were injured, have campaigned tirelessly for truth and justice.
“Through their dedication and commitment, they exposed what happened for all to see and are an inspiration to everyone challenging state injustice and cover-up across the world.
“Sinn Féin will continue to stand with the Bloody Sunday families in their long campaign for truth and justice.”
Sinn Féin TD and General Election candidate for Sligo/Leitrim/Sth Donegal and north Roscommon Martin Kenny has said plans by Bank of Ireland and AIB plan to sell off ATM cash machines is causing deep concern in rural communities.
He called on the government to intervene in the situation via the Central Bank to get clarity on the plans and to ensure that banks live up to their obligations to the community.
Martin Kenny said:
“Plans by the AIB and Bank of Ireland to sell off ATMs across the State is causing deep concern in rural communities.
"The banks have already closed bank branches in towns all over the country and have withdrawn important services.
“The news that they are now going to sell off ATMs is more bad news for bank customers.
“It’s more evidence that the banks are failing to invest properly in infrastructure.
"People are now rightly worried that if these ATMs are bought over by independent operators, consumers will face more expensive charges for transactions.
“Rural communities will be affected most by this ATM sell-off and are potentially facing much higher transaction charges.
“People have already seen so many local post offices close. Elderly people in particular are worried by this latest development.
“The government needs to intervene in this situation via the Central Bank to get clarity on the plans and to ensure that banks live up to their public service obligations to the community.”
Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew has expressed concern at the ongoing long waiting times at Emergency Departments.
The chair of the health committee said:
“It is deeply concerning to see that waiting times at Emergency Departments continue to rise.
“This is not just a crisis facing Emergency Departments but a sign of the wider pressures on the health and social care system.
“It is clear that the hard working health and social care staff are struggling with the huge pressures.
“I am concerned that ongoing challenges with supporting people in their local GPs, getting social care packages, finding an inpatient bed and low staffing levels are all contributing to the increasing waiting times for Emergency Departments.
“Significant investment in health and social care services is needed for transformation to work and to address the ongoing crisis within health and social care.
“We need an end to the ten years of Tory cuts to public services which have created the crisis in our health and mental health services.
“For the Health Minister to address emergency waiting times, he needs the funding to transform the wider health and social care system.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education and Skills and Cork South Central candidate Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire has launched Sinn Féin education proposals in Cork today.
He said that Sinn Féin’s proposals would eliminate the burden of exorbitant education costs for parents and students alike.
Mr Ó Laoghaire said that the cost of education is coming up a lot on the doors, with many parents extremely angry about the failure of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil to deliver on special educational needs.
Speaking from University College Cork this morning, he said;
“With the cost of attending third-level education set at €3,000 per year, and outrageous Back to School costs of hundreds of euros, or even over a thousand euro per child, it is clear that free education is a myth in this State.
“Sinn Féin is committed to equal access and opportunity for all students to study whatever course they believe suits them, without financial barriers.
“The most recent research from the ERSI demonstrates how children are subjected to a lottery of birth when it comes to educational attainment.
“While not a hard and fast rule, children from more affluent areas are far more likely to attend third-level institutions than those who live in what are considered to be more marginalised communities.
“Sinn Féin has a long track record of delivery in education, and we view education as the greatest tool to deliver equality and change.
“We believe in free education and will deliver it, for all.
“We will introduce free school books, give every family a Back to School bonus child benefit payment of €140 every July, and tackle the cost of uniforms and school transport.
“We will abolish third level fees, and ensure that our Universities are properly funded, as well as ensuring students get adequate grants; while also reforming the grant system itself.
“Our proposals will ensure that primary and secondary schools are properly funded, and aren’t forced into the Dickensian situation of having to fundraise to keep the lights and heat on. This will in turn eliminate the practice of so-called ‘voluntary contributions.
“We will ensure pay equality, and decent pay for SNAs and School Secretaries; and will end the two-tier pay system, acknowledging that the work of younger teachers is just as valuable as their more senior colleagues.
“Anyone that has canvassed during this election will be very aware of the frustration that parents with children with special educational needs face in trying to get school places, assessments as well as support and treatments.
“Sinn Féin in government would ensure that there are enough places in Special Schools and ASD Units.
“As well as tackling assessment times, we will ensure that all the resources and therapies required are provided to ensure that children with special educational needs can be given the education they deserve.
“We are committed to an education system that is fair, equal and one that does not discriminate against students; regardless of socio-economic background or academic ability.
"Fine Gael in government has shown no vision for education.
“Sinn Féin will deliver an ambitious programme of investment and reform to deliver free high quality education for all.
“We are committed to empowering our next generation of young people, and wish to see them prosper.”
Brexit remains a real threat to Ireland despite withdrawal agreement - Carthy
Taking the floor of the European Parliament ahead of the debate to approve the Brexit withdrawal agreement, Matt Carthy MEP spoke about the injustice of the North of Ireland being dragged out of the EU against its democratically expressed wishes and the harm that Brexit still poses to the Irish economy.
Carthy, who is a candidate in the general election for Cavan/Monaghan, when addressing Brussels' plenary said:
“This Friday, part of my country will be taken out of the European Union against the wishes of the vast majority of those who live there.
“I am proud of Sinn Féin’s record in this parliament and elsewhere, in working to ensure that the repercussions of Brexit for the north of Ireland, the border region and our entire island have been minimised in this withdrawal agreement.
“But, the fact remains, that from this weekend, one part of Ireland will be in the EU while another part will operate outside. The future trading relationship between Britain and the EU could yet create unprecedented difficulties for the Irish economy and vulnerable sectors, particularly agriculture.
“So, much work remains to be done, and Sinn Féin will be a leading voice in protecting Ireland’s interests in the trade negotiations, calling for mitigation measures from any Brexit fallout and presenting the case for Irish Unity as a crucial mechanism to withstand the worst excesses of British tory policies which have no mandate in any part of Ireland”.
Speaking after the vote Carthy confirmed that Sinn Féin had voted in favour of the withdrawal agreement. He added:
“There is no such thing as a good Brexit for Ireland, but the Withdrawal Agreement and Protocol is the least worst option.
“Our priority has to be safeguarding the all-Ireland economy and ensuring there is absolutely no hardening of the border on the Island of Ireland”.
END
Sinn Féin TD and General Election candidate for Sligo/Leitrim/Sth Donegal and north Roscommon, Martin Kenny has called on Minister for Children and Youth affairs Katherine Zappone to withdraw a threat to stop payments to Crèches that allow staff attend a demonstration over pay and funding.
Martin Kenny said:
“I have been contacted by crèche workers In my constituency who are very upset and angry over this development.
“Their crèches have been told in recent days, by the Department of Children & Youth Affairs, that they will lose payments if they close at all on February 5th to attend the protest in Dublin organised by the Early Years Alliance.
“They have also been told that they will not be funded for any alternative day where services are provided to make up for the time lost.
“The protest by parents and childcare workers on February 5th has been necessitated by a pay crisis in the childcare sector.
“Despite qualifications and hard work, Early Years educators earn just €11.45 on average, well below the Living Wage.
“It’s about a sustainable funding model, a Living Wage for childcare workers and high quality childcare for parents.
“Minister Katherine Zappone needs to end the bullying tactics of her Department, respect the democratic right to protest and withdraw the threat to Childcare providers.”
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Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew has called on the Minister for Health to address the slow rate of change at Dunmurry Manor Care Home.
Speaking after the conclusion of the Commissioner for Older People’s report into care failings at the home, the chair of the Health Committee said:
“In 2018, the Commissioner for Older People’s report revealed that patients at Dunmurry Manor Care Home had faced inhuman, degrading treatment’ and that healthcare authorities failed to address it.
“The Commissioner's frustration and concern with the slow pace of change is concerning and highlights the urgent need to address it.
“The Minister of Health must address these issues by ensuring the Commissioner’s recommendations are implemented alongside the publication of the independent review into adult safeguarding.
“It’s also vital that the Health Minister makes social care and adult safeguarding one of his top priorities.”
Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan has welcomed the launch of three new hydrogen powered buses for use by Translink.
Speaking after attending the launch today, the party’s Infrastructure Spokesperson said:
“Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles consume hydrogen as a fuel to produce electrical power for the vehicle, with water vapour being the only by-product.
“These will be the first buses in Ireland using sustainably produced hydrogen, produced from a wind farm in North Antrim.
“This launch is a major milestone for public transport. However, we need to recognise that we need to decarbonise our transport network if we are to properly address the climate emergency.
“Transport emissions account for 23% of the greenhouse gas emissions in the north which is also a leading source of air pollution and linked to over a thousand premature deaths each year across Ireland.
“I will continue to raise the need to invest in projects like the one launched today with the Minister and Committee in an attempt to fully achieve a sustainable public transportation network in the north.”
Sinn Féin Health spokesperson Louise O’Reilly said that Sinn Féin will deliver for cancer patients by committing to invest to improve cancer survival rates while also reducing the economic burden of cancer.
The Sinn Féin Dublin Fingal Candidate said:
“Sinn Féin has a transformative plan for health.
“We have provided for the delivery of Sláintecare and to tackle the crisis areas of our health service.
“Be we have also proposed health policies which will deliver better outcomes for cancer patients, as well as easing the economic burden of cancer.
“We are committed to investing in the National Cancer Strategy to help it further deliver improved cancer survival rates and health outcomes for those who have cancer.
“When you’re sick the last thing you should have to worry about is money, however, for many patients this is a huge concern.
“The costs of cancer can build up at a time when a patient may not be able to work, or is on reduced hours. Indeed, one in three people who have cancer change their employment status.
“The Irish Cancer Society highlighted that people diagnosed with cancer face additional costs of an average of €756 per month, and that patients can lose an average of €18,000 in earnings per year.
“Sinn Féin want to reduce the economic burden of cancer by providing a medical card for those who have cancer so that patients can focus on getting better and not worry about bills.
“Sinn Féin have committed to measures to benefit people when they are sick, such as the removal of hospital inpatient charges, abolishing ED charges, and we have also provided for delivering free hospital car parking for patients and their families in every hospital.
“Sinn Féin have a transformative plan for our health service, and cancer patients are one of many groups who will feel the benefit of the change our plan will bring."
Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has welcomed confirmation from the Police Ombudsman that her office will now investigate the 1992 UVF attack on the Thierafurth Inn.
The South Down MP was speaking from the Judicial Review Court in Belfast today where survivors of the attack had been due to commence proceedings against PONI for failing to investigate.
Chris Hazzard said:
“Today is a positive development for the Thierafurth families in their search for truth and justice; like many families they’ve endured unacceptable delays to date and a denial of their rights to a proper investigation into the killing of a loved one.
“So today’s hearing comes as a great relief - not only have PONI confirmed in open court that there will be an investigation, but that investigation will begin promptly, proceed with due expedition and will conclude in a timely manner.
“The Department of Justice now need to ensure that adequate resources are available for the Police Ombudsman's office to complete over 400 outstanding legacy investigations in advance to the Historical Investigations Unit being established.
“The British government need to stop stalling and implement the mechanisms it agreed in 2014 in the Stormont House Agreement in a human rights compliant manner so the endless list of families who are still waiting can get truth and justice.”
Sinn Féin's Kathleen Funchion has branded the Department of Children and Youth Affairs decision to cut essential funding to childcare services who are participating in a national demonstration next week as "outrageous" and "a slap in the face" to all those working in the childcare sector.
The Carlow/Kilkenny General Election candidate said:
"All early years services received notification from the Department of Children and Youth Affairs yesterday that they will be financially penalised if taking part in the Day of Action organised by the Early Years Alliance for next week.
"This is completely unacceptable.
"The current crisis in the Early Years/Childcare sector is the culmination of years of underinvestment and lack of proper consultation with the sector when introducing new policies and measures within the new National Childcare Scheme.
"Services are under enormous financial stress, with many telling us they face potential closures as a result. This essential sector has been pushed to the brink, and next Wednesday’s national demonstration, which has nearly 1400 services registered to attend, is evidence of this.
"Services have made the very tough decision to close their doors in order to highlight the current childcare/early years crisis and attend the national demonstration.
"I am certain the sector will not be intimidated by this news and will, in fact, come together in even greater numbers and strength as a result. I am calling on the Department to reconsider their decision.
"Sinn Féin will be marching in support and solidarity with the sector next Wednesday February 5th."
ENDS
Editor's note:
For further information regarding the February 5th demonstration contact [email protected].
Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald has said she won’t take lectures from the party that wrecked the economy or the one that made ordinary people pay.
Responding to attacks on Sinn Féin’s Manifesto by Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil today Ms McDonald said Sinn Féin makes no apology for seeking to give workers and families a break.
She said;
“Sinn Féin wants to be in government to fix things and we have the team to do it. Our plans are ambitious and they are deliverable while keeping the economy strong and running a surplus of over €3 billion.
“We won’t take lectures from the party that wrecked the economy or the one that made ordinary people pay.
“What is dangerous is elderly people left lying on hospital trollies for days.
“What is dangerous are families without a secure roof over their heads and a generation locked out of home ownership.
“Sinn Féin makes no apologies for seeking to give workers and families a break.
“We make no apologies for asking banks to pay their fair share in tax, because that is the only way to get the revenue needed to end the trolley crisis, build affordable homes, reduce the cost of childcare, put more Gardaí on our streets and tackle climate change.
“Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have had their chance. If you want change, give Sinn Féin a chance and then judge us on what we deliver.”
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Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan has demanded that the Department for Infrastructure and the PSNI provide clarity over the legal status of vehicles affected by the suspension of MOT tests.
The Newry/Armagh MLA said:
“There has been a complete lack of clarity from the PSNI over how they will provide discretion regarding the tax status of vehicles affected by MOT suspensions.
“A breakdown in communication between the PSNI and the Department of Infrastructure has resulted in a failure to provide clarity to drivers on the legality of their vehicles being on the road.
“These faults is causing frustration for people who depend on their car to make a living, alongside mechanics who fear they will lose business as a result of MOT tests being suspended.
“Sinn Féin have raised the possibility of providing a one-year extension on the requirement for four year old cars to get tested. This would free up testing lanes for taxis.
“I welcome the independent investigation ordered by the Minister for Infrastructure to examine how this situation arose.
“We need to get to the bottom of these problems to address the health and safety concerns of workers and drivers alike. The Minister also needs to directly address the capacity issues plaguing the DVA.
“This should include exploring a similar testing regime used in the south for private cars between 4 and 10 years old which are tested every two years-as opposed to yearly.
“This could alleviate a lot of serious pressures on MOT centres."
Sinn Féin TD and Sligo/Leitrim/Sth Donegal and Nth Roscommon Martin Kenny TD has welcomed a report which calls for ‘positive discrimination’ for the West and North West.
The report from the Northern and Western Regional Assembly (NWRA) said that health, infrastructure and education in the West and North West need a policy of “positive discrimination” following years of neglect.
Martin Kenny said:
“I have long be saying, and indeed campaigning, on the issue of the need for targeted investment for the West and North West region.
“Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon and Donegal have suffered decades on indifference from successive Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil governments.
“This has resulted in mass emigration, high unemployment, business closures and a dearth of public service provision in these counties.
“The North West has suffered disproportionately in economic bad times but also failed to share in the prosperity of economic upturns.
“This stems from an attitude and approach by government and agencies of the state, which focuses investment, planning and infrastructure heavily in the east of the country.
“There is no other word for this but discrimination. Discriminations against specific counties and discrimination against our own citizens.
“I welcome the report from the NWRA and the manner in which they have exposed the huge levels of inequality in this region.
“The NWRA describes a “two-speed” economy which has developed here and this is what must change.
“I welcome the report’s call for ‘positive discrimination’ to address the deficit.
“Now is the time to positively address the future of rural Ireland and to take the necessary measures to revive or rural towns, villages and communities.
“Rural Ireland and the North West needs a level playing field, but this will not happen if we continue to return governments dominated by the same old parties who have failed rural Ireland.
“When I introduced a Rural Proofing Bill to the Dáil in 2017, which would have ensured that any policies and measures would be examined for their impact on rural Ireland, this was opposed by Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil.
“Sinn Féin is committed to investing in rural communities, villages and towns. In defending the family farm model and in delivering services on a basis of equality to everyone in rural Ireland.
“A vote for Sinn Féin is a vote for a healthy and prosperous future for rural Ireland.”
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