Sinn Féin MP John Finucane has said the next Irish government must actively begin planning for Irish unity.
Speaking at a packed public meeting on Irish Unity in Westminster tonight, the North Belfast MP said:
"I spoke at a public meeting on Irish unity hosted by Sinn Féin in the Grand Committee Room in Westminster tonight and it was clear from the large crowd in attendance that the discussion on Irish unity is as well underway in Britain as it is in Ireland.
"There is a political momentum for change across the island and it is building towards Irish Unity.
"Brexit has brought questions around our constitutional future into sharp focus and more and more people are looking to Irish Unity as an answer.
"Just as in Ireland, the Irish community in Britain want to be part of that discussion and know how important it is to prepare.
"Following the election in the south, the next Irish government needs to begin actively preparing for unity. Failure to do so would be a dereliction of duty.
"No Irish government could or should be neutral when it comes to Irish unity.
"The next government needs to catch up with the people and start putting plans in place for reunification."
Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald has launched Sinn Féin's 2020 General Election manifesto this afternoon, saying:
"This is a manifesto for change. It is a manifesto to give workers and families a break, to put money back in people's pockets and to fix the housing crisis.
"It is a manifesto that sets out Sinn Féin commitment to working for Irish Unity and sets out a pathway towards Unity.
"The solutions contained in this manifesto are progressive and positive, uplifting and fair; they are modern and they are achievable.
"There is something fundamentally wrong, when four years after this government came into office, people have less money in their pockets.
"This is a manifesto that seeks to give back to the people whose hard work and effort created the economic recovery by putting money back in their pockets.
"It is a manifesto that will use the economic recovery to deliver better health services, better education services and better transport services, and that prioritises investing in frontline staff including doctors, nurses, teachers and Gardaí.
"This is a manifesto that delivers for those with disabilities and for rural communities; including family farmers.
"Irish Unity is the very best idea for the future of our island.
"Everyone is talking about Irish Unity, except the government and Fianna Fáil.
"The institutions in the north are back up and running and we need to start planning for a Unity referendum so that we can reap the economic benefits of a United Ireland.
"This manifesto commits to work for the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and to establishing an all-island representative Citizen's Assembly to discuss and plan for Irish Unity.
"In government, Sinn Féin will publish a White Paper on Irish Unity, establish a Joint Oireachtas Committee on Irish Unity and secure a referendum, north and south, on Irish Unity
"The Good Friday Agreement provides the pathway to Irish Unity. All parties must respect this and we must now put the people of Ireland at the centre of this conversation.
" That is what Sinn Féin will do.
"People are entitled to a roof over their head that they can afford.
"Sinn Féin has put housing at the centre of our manifesto.
" We will take on the housing crisis and we will solve it.
"The single biggest failure of Fine Gael in government, supported by Fianna Fáil, is that rents are too high, Council house waiting lists are too long and there is no affordable accommodation.
"A whole generation of young people are now locked out of homeownership, thinking about emigrating and moving back in with their parents in their thirties.
"Eoin Ó Broin has set out how we will deliver the biggest public housing programme in our history and how we will cut rents and freeze them.
"Sinn Féin will ensure that affordable housing is available and really affordable to people, and we will end the scandal of homelessness.
"We will introduce legislation to reduce rents by up to €1,500 a year, via a refundable tax credit and freeze them for three years.
"We will build 100,000 homes over five years. This will include Council housing and affordable homes for renters and first time buyers.
"We will also give the Central Bank the powers to cap mortgage interest rates so customers are not being ripped off. This would comply fully with EU rules.
"These changes will make a meaningful difference in the lives of people at the cold front of the housing crisis.
"What I am hearing loud and clear from voters throughout this campaign is that ordinary people need a break.
"They are working hard, working long hours, many of them are commuting and yet despite this they are left with little disposable income at the end of each week.
"They feel like they are running to stand still. They know that someone else is reaping the benefits of the economic recovery. So it's time to give them a break.
"In this manifesto we have set out how we will do this.
"Sinn Féin will give all workers a tax cut by exempting the first €30,000 you earn from USC; benefitting all workers.
"This will mean no USC is paid on the first €30,000 you earn. This will put up to €700 back in your pocket per annum and take one million workers out of the USC.
"We will also reduce the tax burden by abolishing the property tax, saving families an average of €244 a year.
"It is shocking that many parents are paying the equivalent of a second mortgage for childcare.
"Under the Fine Gael government, supported by Fianna Fáil, childcare fees have rocketed for parents, staff turnover in the sector is chronically high and scandals such as those exposed by Prime Time have shocked and frightened parents.
"At €800 per month, the average childcare fee is simply unaffordable for most.
"Sinn Féin will reduce the cost of childcare by an average of €500 per child per month.
"We will cap and reduce fees while increasing funding for the sector. We also provide for improved pay and conditions for childcare staff.
"Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil have allowed insurance companies in Ireland to believe they are untouchable.
"Pearse Doherty has led the way in taking on the insurance industry that has been ripping off customers.
"In this manifesto we set how we will reduce premiums by taking on the industry's unfair practices and lies.
"We also commit to greater state intervention - that means exploring all options - within the first 100 days of government, to intervene in the failing insurance market to ensure childcare providers, small businesses and those in the community sector are not left without insurance or facing exorbitant costs
"People should have the right to retire at the age of 65 with a State pension.
"That is what is fair, just and it is in line with the values of the Irish people.
"Sending someone to a dole queue at the age of 65 is obscene, and insisting that people have to work until they are almost 70 - whether they want to or not - is obscene.
"In 2011, the Labour Party and Fine Gael introduced legislation to increase the pension age - it increased to 66 in 2014 and will rise to 67 in 2021 and 68 in 2028.
"Fianna Fáil supported this legislation and voted for it. Unlike others who have flip-flopped on this issue, Sinn Féin opposed it then and now.
"We will stop the pension age increase to 67 and will return it to 65.
"Returning the retirement age to 65 is affordable. The cost of implementing this will be €368 million per year and this will be paid from the Social Insurance Fund which has surplus of €1.4 billion.
"These measures on the USC, property tax, childcare insurance and pensions represent real economic recovery - that's money in people's pockets and that's what really counts.
"Our manifesto has been costed by the relevant government Departments and is affordable and will be delivered. There will be no borrowing necessary. In fact, we will run surpluses and have a surplus of more than €3 billion in 2025.
"All taxpayers who earn under €100,000 will see a decrease in their tax of up to €700 a year.
"There is no party more ambitious for workers, for families, or for Irish society than Sinn Féin.
"People are looking for solutions. They are looking for change.
"They are looking for something new from government.
"Making sure everybody has a home.
"Making sure everybody can see a doctor when they are sick.
"Making sure everybody gets a decent education.
"Sinn Féin has the solutions.
"Now we need the chance.
"This election is about choices.
"Do voters want more of the same? Or do they want change that will solve the housing crisis, that will put money back in people's pockets, deliver better public services and plan for Irish Unity?
"This is a manifesto for giving workers and families a break.
"This is a manifesto for change.
"Is é Sinn Féin an t-aon páirtí atá tiomanta d'fhaoiseamh a thabhairt d'oibrithe agus do theaghlaigh. Tá cinneadh tábhachtach le déanamh ag an phobail san am amach atá romhainn.
"An rud céanna arís, nó Sinn Féin.
"Ar an 8ú lá de Feabhra, vótáil Sinn Féin.
Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan has raised a number of concerns over further delays at 15 MOT centres across the north because of health and safety concerns for staff and customers due to faulty equipment.
The party’s Infrastructure Spokesperson said:
“There is widespread concern and uncertainty among drivers due to continued delays to MOTs as a result of faults in lifts used at test centres, which present a risk to staff and customers alike.
“These delays are a crippling blow for people who work in the driving industry, particularly taxi drivers who will be hit in their pocket.
“During the infrastructure committee meeting today I raised the matter of customer and worker safety, the issue of motor insurance and car tax, as well as DVA test equipment and the issue of maintenance and repair contracts.
“In future there needs to be proper checks and balances embedded in the procurement and contract process to ensure this does not happen again.”
The Newry/Armagh MLA continued:
“The Department has now said that taxi tests will be prioritised so they must now ensure there are no undue delays.
“Solutions must also be found for vehicles of four years of age which have yet to have their first MOT test.
“I also raised the issue of acquiring the funding needed to purchase new vehicle lifts, which has now been deemed as a potential course of action.
“The Minister for Infrastructure will be attending the committee next week. I will continue to raise these important issues with her with a view to resolve them as soon as possible.”
Sinn Féin health spokesperson Colm Gildernew has asked Minister Robin Swann to work with the Department of Health in Dublin to provide more accessible pathology services for bereaved parents.
Colm Gildernew, chair of the Assembly Health Committee, was speaking following reports that 161 post mortems on children were carried out in Liverpool because no service is available in the north.
Colm Gildernew said:
“This is an extremely sensitive issue, not only for the bereaved parents but also for wider family and friends.
“The current arrangement is putting significant additional stress and burdens on families who have to travel to England for a service that should be locally available.
“Paediatric Pathology is a specialised service that has had difficulties in recruiting and retaining staff.
“The specialist post mortem service was transferred to Alder Hay Hospital in Liverpool as an interim measure.
“Sinn Féín has continued to press the Public Health Agency and the Department of Health to look at alternative, less traumatic approaches to providing a local service.
“We have seen the benefits of working on an all-island basis for specialist services, such as the congenital heart disease network.
“I have asked the Minister of Health what contact his department has had with the Department of Health in Dublin on the provision of local paediatric pathology services, instead of the current arrangements of travelling to England.
"It is important that both departments are pragmatic and work together quickly to provide a more accessible and less traumatic service for parents and families.”
Sinn Féin TD and General Election candidate for Sligo/Leitrim/Sth Donegal and north Roscommon, Martin Kenny has hit out mischievous misrepresentations of his party by political opponents and elements of the media as part of the General Election campaign.
Martin Kenny said:
“The Fianna Fáil leader Mícheál Martin has made ridiculous assertions regarding Sinn Féin and the role of our Ard Comhairle.
“Like any other party, including Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin has a governing body, part of the role of which is to ensure that our representatives abide by the policy platform on which they are elected.
“Fianna Fáil candidates sign a pledge in which they promise to resign if their Ard Comhairle tells them to. So, Mícheál Martin is being very politically dishonest on this issue.
“Meanwhile, I completely reject the characterisation of Sinn Féin by my former party colleague Peadar Toibín.
“As we all know, Peadar left Sinn Féin when he failed to win support in the party for his position on one particular issue.
“His statements in the Irish Independent about TDs having no influence just don’t stack up. If they were true, you would imagine that Peadar would have left Sinn Féin long before he lost the debate on a policy position at an open Ard Fheis, which was voted upon by the membership.
“I bear no ill will towards Peadar, but the reality is that he is now a candidate in this election and is competing with Sinn Féin for votes. What he is saying has to be seen in this light, and what he is saying is totally inaccurate and untrue.
“I find it odd that certain elements of the media would give such prominence to the groundless allegations by Sinn Féin’s political opponents when the tiniest amount of fact-checking would show that they are without merit.
“People know me well enough. They know that I am not one to be bullied or dictated to by anyone. That is why I find these statements by political opponents to be so utterly far-fetched and ridiculous.”
ENDS
Sinn Féin MLA Karen Mullan has welcomed the announcement of an extra £33 million for the education system.
The Foyle MLA & vice chair of the Education Committee said:
“I welcome the announcement of a combined £33 million investment in the education system by Finance Minister Conor Murphy.
“This includes an extra £10 million to help clear the backlogs in diagnosis and assessments to ensure children with Special Educational Needs get the support they need.
“There is also funding available to deal with the issue of teachers pay and £4 million to support our already thriving Further Education colleges.
“I will continue to work with the Minister and others to tackle the crisis in education and I believe this cash boost will help address some of the immediate pressures.”
Sinn Féin MLA Linda Dillon has welcomed an additional £1.1 million for redress payments for victims and survivors of historical institutional abuse.
Linda Dillon said:
"I welcome the announcement that £1.1 million has been made available for victims and survivors of historical and institutional abuse in the north.
"This money has been provided by Finance Minister Conor Murphy and will go towards the recommendations for redress payments recommended by the Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry.
"Victims and survivors of institutional abuse have been campaigning for this for many years.
"Those victims and survivors are entitled to full financial redress for what they have endured."
Sinn Féin MLA Órlaithí Flynn has welcomed news that victims and survivors of the contaminated blood scandal will receive compensation payments.
Órlaithí Flynn said:
"I welcome the news that victims and survivors of the contaminated blood scandal in the north will receive compensation payments.
"This has been made possible through additional money released by my party colleague and finance minister, Conor Murphy.
"This is something victims and survivors of the contaminated blood scandal, and campaigners on their behalf, have been calling for for many years.
"Hopefully the payment will help address the legacy of this dreadful scandal and help alleviate the suffering of those involved."
Sinn Féin Leas Uachtarán and Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill MLA has said Sinn Féin will continue to work with the EU to make sure the interests of Ireland are represented as Brexit negotiations enter the next phase.
Speaking after meeting with the EU's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier at Stormont, Michelle O'Neill said:
"I met today with the EU's Chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, at Stormont and I thanked him for his efforts and those of the EU in defending the Good Friday Agreement and the Irish peace process.
"The majority of people in the north did not consent to Brexit and will be dragged out of the EU against our will by the British government at the end of this week.
"Last week the Assembly voted to not give its consent to the British government to legislate on its behalf.
"We are at an unprecedented moment in the history of Europe and there is huge uncertainty.
"I made it clear to Michel Barnier that we will continue to work with the EU in the next phase of the negotiations on the future relationship to make sure the interests of Ireland are represented.
"The Irish Protocol affirms that the Good Friday Agreement should be protected in all its parts, including no border North and South. We will hold both the British Government and European Union to these commitments and responsibilities throughout the negotiations as they proceed to the next phase on the future relationship over the coming months.
"We will continue to work with all parties inside and outside of Government in order to shape, influence and maximise the benefits in relation to our national interests in terms of the future relationship and trade agreements."
Sinn Féin's Mairead O’Donnell has called for the Translink Depot at the Short Strand to be relocated to a more suitable location outside the residential community.
The Short Strand representative was speaking after the Centre for Cities' annual study ‘Cities Outlook 2020’ showed that more than one in every 24 deaths in Belfast is linked to long-term exposure to air pollution.
Mairead O’Donnell said:
“The community of the Short Strand have continuously raised our concerns about the poor air quality in and around this part of the city and in particular from the Translink bus Depot and heavy traffic infrastructure.
“A strategic approach between the relevant agencies, including Roads Service and Belfast City Council, must be implemented to ensure air pollution levels are brought down.
"We need to see a shift towards greater public transportation, the development of cycling and walking routes which would improve air quality, reduce deaths and the ill health impacts of air pollution.
“Measures need to be put in place to reduce the high levels of traffic passing what is a busy residential area, which it is hoped, will be developed into a ‘carbon neutral’ residential development in the future.
“I have already invited both the Ministers for Communities and Infrastructure to the area and will be joining with the local campaign group in the coming days and weeks to plan how we engage with Executive Ministers further about the stark realities of these latest statistics and how we ensure that the Short Strand community is allowed to breath.”
Sinn Féin MLA Declan McAleer has said farmers are being left in the dark over future funding post-Brexit and are fearful for their livelihoods.
The Sinn Féin agriculture spokesperson said:
"The British government's disastrous Brexit policy has caused huge concern among farmers and agricultural producers.
"Confirmation of funding for this year will bring some relief to farmers.
“I am hopeful that Assembly members will pass the legislative consent motion which will allow DAERA to issue payments for 2020 but farmers are very worried about that will happen after that.
"The Single Farm Payment from the EU represents 80 per cent of farm incomes and is crucial to the livelihoods of farmers and to the rural economy.
"There is huge uncertainty about funding post 2020 and farmers have been kept totally in the dark about their futures.
"Farmers can't plan or invest and many are genuinely fearful for their livelihoods and the future of their farms and businesses.
"All of this is a consequence of Brexit and the British government dragging us out of the EU against the democratic will of the majority of people here."
Sinn Féin’s Defence spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has said this morning that a Sinn Féin Government would set up a pay review commission on Defence Forces Pay within six months.
Outlining a package of measures on pay and conditions in the Defence Forces, Teachta Ó Snodaigh said we have to end the scandal of poverty wages in the Defence Forces.
He said;
“In recent years there has been a decline in Defence Forces numbers, a marginalising of the Reserve Defence Forces, and a declining morale among members, due in no small measures to government cuts and the lack of appropriate pay and conditions.
“The scandal of poverty pay for our Defence Forces must be brought to an end and Sinn Féin in Government would set up a review commission on Defence Forces Pay within six months.
“Sinn Féin would also give our Defence Forces to right to collective bargaining on pay, terms and conditions and to affiliate with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.
“We would increase numbers in the Defence Forces year on year to rebuild to a baseline figure of 9,500 members.
“Successive Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil led governments have treated the Defence Forces with a lack of respect leading to disgraceful situations where personnel are having to sleep on ships to save on rent or take out second jobs and personal loans to cover basic living requirements.
“This cannot be allowed to continue and a Sinn Féin Government would restore the respect that our Defence Forces deserve by introducing a package of measures to strengthen pay and conditions.”
ENDS//
Sinn Féin’s proposals include:
» Setting up a pay review commission on defence members pay in the first six months of a new Government tasked with establishing fair renumeration for the defence forces.
» Roll out a plan for the implementation of the Organisation of Working Time Act (OWTA) for the Defence Forces
» Giving Defence Forces unions the right to collectively bargain on pay, terms and conditions issues and affiliate to ICTU
» Increasing member numbers year on year to rebuild the Defence Forces to a baseline figure of 9,500 members.
» Introducing a capital investment programme for upgrading of current barracks infrastructure prioritising living quarters from the outset.
» Allowing for a voluntary extension period of up to five years subject to a fitness to serve criteria allowing Defence Forces members to serve beyond the current age limit.
» Initiate a root and branch review of the current Department of Defence and instigate reforms to improve the working relationship between the Department and the defence forces structures and particularly around responsibility for budget spending.
» Immediately draw up a plan of action to help alleviate and address the ongoing health problems of Defence Forces personnel suffering as a result of being forced to take the anti-malaria drug Lariam.
» Automatically granting a medical card to any Defence Forces member who has to leave the force due to a medical condition.
Sinn Féin TD and General Election candidate for Sligo/Leitrim/Sth Donegal and North Roscommon, Martin Kenny has said there is a severe lack of youth amenities in many rural parts of the constituency.
He said any incoming government must address this issue because rural isolation and youth mental health are linked issues and investment and support was required to tackle them.
Martin Kenny said.
“In some rural parts of my constituency the issue of isolation and a lack of outlets for young people has been raised on the doorsteps.
“The point has been made that, unless a boy or girl is involved in GAA, there is often nowhere to go.
“Parents are concerned about children who may spend a lot of time on their XBox or Playstation and what effect this may have on the development of social skills. From talking to people there is an amount of anxiety out there.
“Many parts of Leitrim, Roscommon, Sligo and South Donegal are rural with a scattered population. This can have an impact on how young people interact and engage with each other.
“Volunteers within the community do fantastic work for our young people. Without them, we’d be lost altogether.
“However, we can’t rely solely on the local GAA club to provide a social outlet to young people. We also can’t leave young people with the pub as the only other option.
“While the GAA and other sports clubs provide a valuable social outlet, what happens if you're not into sport?
“There is often nowhere for teenagers to meet and socialise, whether cafés or youth clubs. There are few shops in many areas and no cinemas.
“Teenagers, in particular, need a place where they can be teenagers, a safe environment to socialise in.
“In many areas, young people have to travel 45 minutes to get to the nearest cinema or swimming pool. Of course, these issues are compounded by the lack of public transport in rural Ireland.
“This problem of isolation experienced by young people in rural Ireland can lead to depression and other, more serious problems.
“It is essential that rural Ireland is an attractive place for young people to live in. That is integral to the revitalisation of rural Ireland.
“We need action and measures to support as many young people as possible to live and thrive in our rural communities, villages and towns. This requires investment in youth services and amenities.
“Any new government must ensure a sufficient financial commitment to rural Ireland to allow the development of amenities and services so young people can remain in their local communities. This will be one of my priorities if re-elected.”
ENDS
Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald has said that protecting the family farm will be a top priority for her party in government.
Ms McDonald was speaking from the constituency of Cavan-Monaghan today where she was meeting with farmers to hear first-hand the issues facing farming families.
The Sinn Féin President said;
“The family farm is at the very heart of agriculture in Ireland and unfortunately, due to the policies of successive Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael led governments, the Irish family farm is at risk.
“Unless urgent corrective measures and supports are provided, many farmers will simply be unable to remain active on their land and new entrants will not be able to join the sector.
“Sinn Féin in government would act. We would establish a Commission on the Future of the Family Farm, whose job it would be to produce, within a short timeframe, solutions and proposals for protecting and advancing a model of farming with the family farm at the very centre.
“Today, I told family farmers very directly and very sincerely, that Sinn Féin is on their side. I told them that we will work up for them in government and we will do right by them. I asked them to vote for Matt Carthy and Pauline Tully so that we are in a position to deliver.
"Sadly, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael led governments have implemented agriculture policy that is about enriching factories and retailers.
“Sinn Féin would change that. Our long term policy is about supporting a new and revitalised generation of family farmers. This can be the decade in which we put the family farm first and build a better future for our agricultural communities.”
ENDS
Sinn Féin Policing spokesperson Gerry Kelly has condemned a gun attack on a man in the Short Strand area last night.
Gerry Kelly said:
“A man was injured last night after shots were fired at him in a house in the Short Strand last night.
“Thankfully the man has not been seriously hurt but it appears this was an attempt to kill or injure him.
“There is no place for guns in our society and those responsible for the attack must be taken off the streets and should face due process in the courts.
“I appeal to anyone with information to bring it forward to the police and assist the police investigation in any way possible.”
Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald, in advance of the rally against violence being held in Drogheda this afternoon has said that 'Sinn Féin stands with the people of Drogheda'.
She said that increased Garda numbers and resources are crucial in tackling the scourge of crime on our streets.
She said:
"Communities are suffering from the scourge of crime, and they need to be listened to and supported.
"We have seen a spate of horrific murders and assaults across the State in recent times, including here in Drogheda.
"The people responsible for these heinous crimes need to be taken off the streets.
"Our local TD here, Imelda Munster, has been to the fore in calling for government intervention and for additional Garda resources to tackle the increase in crime in this region, and I want to commend her work in that regard.
"Sinn Féin stands with the people of Drogheda, with the Gardaí and with the courts against the threat of organised crime.
"An Garda Síochána must have the ability to respond rapidly to violent incidents and to threats, and to deploy highly trained armed units if necessary.
"Sinn Féin will provide the resources required to recruit the maximum number of Gardaí per year and to bring Garda numbers to 16,000.
"Increased Garda numbers and resources must ensure that the thugs who are now walking around believing they are untouchable are brought to justice.
"We want more resources for CAB to go after the assets of these gangs and shut down their criminal enterprises.
"Let me say this clearly - the people of Drogheda are entitled to sleep soundly in their beds and to walk safety on their streets.”
Speaking after the publication of a Stranmillis report into academic underachievement Karen Mullan MLA said:
"How many more of these reports do we need to read before we finally see an end to the practice of academic selection.
"The evidence couldn't be clearer, selection not only perpetuates inequality but the effect it is having on our children's mental health is profound.
"Academic selection is damaging our children, our education system, our economy and our society.
"What we are talking about here is an equality issue, an issue as important as those debated over the previous three years.
"The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, the Equality Commission, the Human Rights Commission, Children’s Commissioner, the OECD, the trade union movement and the Catholic Church hierarchy have all called for an end to academic selection but what we need to see know is a more co-ordinated campaign with these key stakeholders working in partnership to finally end academic selection."
Sinn Féin MLA and chair of the Health Committee Colm Gildernew has said that health agencies north and south and across these islands need to stay alert to the threat posed by the Coronovirus.
Colm Gildernew said:
"I have been in touch with the Minister of Health and senior health officials on this issue from last night and during the course of today.
“It is important the relevant authorities north and south take the necessary precautions to address the risk posed and in responding to any suspected cases appropriately.
“I welcome the Minister of Health following through on his commitment to provide a statement on the matter to provide clarity to the public.
"It is particularly important that Minster Swann continues to engage closely with the relevant authorities on the rest of the island in the interest of public safety across the whole country.
“As of today there are no confirmed reports of Coronavirus across these islands but it is important that the relevant agencies remain alert to possible cases.
“As chair of the health committee I will continue to engage with the Minister and other health authorities on this important issue.”
Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald has expressed condolences at the death of Seamus Mallon.
Mary Lou McDonald said:
“I’m saddened to learn of the death of former deputy First Minister and SDLP deputy leader, Seamus Mallon.
“Seamus will be remembered for his contribution to Irish politics over many decades as the SDLP deputy leader and the key role he played in achieving the Good Friday Agreement.
“My thoughts and condolences are with his family and colleagues at this sad and difficult time.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
