Following last night's election in the north, Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD has said:
"Firstly, I want to thank all of our Sinn Féin candidates, our activists and those who voted for Sinn Féin."This was an historic election and a defining moment in our politics.
"Brexit has changed the political landscape in Ireland, in Britain and in Europe.
"All the old certainties are gone.
"In this election, voters clearly responded to co-operation between pro-remain, progressive parties and that has demonstrated once again that the majority of people in the north are opposed to being dragged out of the EU, opposed to any hardening of the border in Ireland and want to protect the Good Friday Agreement and the all-Ireland economy.
"Sinn Féin wants to see a successful conclusion of the talks established by the two governments and the political institutions restored on a credible and a sustainable basis.
"I and our negotiating team stand ready to re-enter talks with the two governments and the other parties on Monday and we will work towards securing agreement on outstanding issues.
"We need a new kind of politics, a new Assembly and a new Executive, which is underpinned by the resources to deliver quality public services.
"Alongside this, it is now impossible to ignore the growing demand for a referendum on Irish Unity and I want to reiterate Sinn Féin's call for the Irish government to establish an All-Ireland Forum on Irish Unity without delay."
Sinn Féin Health spokesperson Louise O'Reilly TD has said reports that chemotherapy sessions for children at Crumlin children's hospital are being delayed due to staff shortages are “shocking” and that the Minister for Health needs to put a plan in place to ensure children get the necessary care.
Speaking this afternoon, Teachta O’Reilly said;
“The reports coming from Crumlin children's hospital that children’s chemotherapy sessions are being delayed due to a lack of staff are extremely shocking.
“It has been reported that a number of families have been informed by the hospital that their child’s chemotherapy session cannot go ahead as planned because the hospital does not have any staff available to administer the chemo.
“If these reports are true, then this is a direct result of this government’s health policies, in particular the recruitment freeze in the health service.
“The Minister for Health needs to immediately investigate this situation and if the reports are true, then he needs to release the funding to hire more staff for Crumlin children's hospital and put a plan in place to ensure chemotherapy sessions are not being delayed."
Sinn Féin Leas Uachtarán Michelle O'Neill has thanked all those who came out to vote in today's election.
Michelle O'Neill said:
"I want to thank each and every voter who came out to vote in today's election.
"This is a hugely important election and everyone we engaged with on the doorsteps during the campaign responded positively to the Sinn Féin message.
"The votes will now be counted and we will soon know the results.
"Whatever the results, Sinn Féin will be in the talks on Monday morning to work to secure a genuine power-sharing Executive which is credible and sustainable to deliver good government and properly resourced public services to all.
"Sinn Féin will continue to represent people where it matters and stand up against Brexit.”
Sinn Féin Wicklow TD John Brady has called for a full time fire service for the Bray area after revealing that manning levels for the two-pump station in Bray continues to be inadequate some twelve years after the deaths of two firefighters from that station.
Speaking in the Dáil this evening Teachta Brady said;
“In February 2005, the retained firefighters in the fire station in Bray staged a day of protest over major difficulties in how the service was operated.
“One of their main concerns was the manning level in the station. Bray is a two-pump station which means there should be fifteen firefighters, however at the time there was only ten.
“Two years later on 26th September 2007, two of the firefighters that took part in the day of protest in Bray, Sub Officer Brian Murray and Firefighter Mark O’Shaughnessy, died in the line of duty serving the community of Bray.
“Brian had said prior to his death that unless the serious issues in the fire service were addressed someone would lose their lives, little did he know two years later it would be himself and one of his colleagues.
“Fourteen years after the protest at the station in Bray, and twelve years after the deaths of Brian and Mark there are still very serious issues with the fire service in Wicklow.
“A recent response from Aiden Dempsey, Chief Fire Officer in Wicklow, shows that the current manning level in the Bray station is ten and two of those are on long term sick leave - so out of an establishment of what is supposed to be 15, there are eight firefighters to provide the cover for a population of nearly 40,000.
“The only way to protect lives and address the serious problems in the Fire service in Wicklow is to provide a full-time fire service in the Bray area. So, Minister what is going to be done to immediately address the serious problem with manning levels in the fire service in Wicklow?”
ENDS
Louth TD Gerry Adams, commenting on the successful passing at second stage in the Dáil of the Sinn Féin Rent Freeze (Fair Rent) Bill 2019, has called on the government to “stop obstructing the implementation of meaningful measures to tackle the scandal of sky rocketing rents.”
Gerry Adams said:
“The passing of the Bill, by a resounding majority, is a welcome first step and I want to commend Teachta Eoin O’Broin and Teachta Mark Ward for their diligence and resolve in pushing this Bill forward.
“If it passes all stages and becomes law the bill would freeze all rents on existing and new tenancies for a period of three years. The legislation also calls on the Minister for Finance to introduce a refundable tax credit for renters, equivalent to one month’s rent.
“Having been resoundingly defeated today, any refusal by the government to allow the bill to go to committee stage would be a slap in the face to the Dáil.
“The reality for many working families is that they have been confronted over recent years with significant pressures from cost of living increases, including rents.
“Daft.ie recently reported that rents in Louth and Meath have doubled in the last ten years. Currently the average rent in Louth is €1,236 which is a 3.6% increase on last year.
“Some households are paying up to half their income on rent. Tens of thousands are trapped in rent despair as a result of government policy.
“Very clearly the government’s housing policy, including the system of rent control zones, is not working.
“There is a crisis in housing. There is a crisis in the rental market. Strong and effective measures are needed.
“Sinn Féin believes that the Rent Freeze (Fair Rent) Bill 2019 is one such effective measure and we will continue to press for it to be advanced through the Oireachtas.”
ENDS
Louth TD Gerry Adams has condemned the refusal by the Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy to provide a County by County breakdown on the number of homeless families and children. Teachta Adams described the failure to provide this statistic as “symptomatic of a government which seeks to evade its responsibilities to provide housing by refusing to provide the extent of the problem County by County across the State.”
Gerry Adams said:
“The official figures produced by the Department of Housing cover regions. Louth is part of the North East region which includes Louth, Monaghan and Cavan. The most recent report for October revealed there are 144 adults and 47 children living in homeless accommodation in the North East. The report also states that 131 homeless adults are from Louth, 3 are from Monaghan and 10 from Cavan. There are 27 families and 47 homeless children in the North East region.
"The statistics do not tell us how many homeless families there are in Louth or any of the Counties or how many of the 47 homeless children are in Louth.
"I wrote to the Minister asking for this information and in a PQ response he simply e-mailed me the most recent October report on Homelessness from the Department which does not answer the questions I asked.
"This is a serious gap of information which means we do not have a complete picture of the homeless crisis as it impacts on Counties. We know there are over 10,500 homeless citizens, almost four thousand of whom are children. As we try to understand the impact of this on people and seek to provide solutions to this crisis the more information available the better.
"I intend writing again to the Minister for Housing asking that the Department provide this information which must already be in their possession.
"Minister Murphy has failed in his responsibility as Housing Minister to provide a coherent strategy to tackle the homelessness and rent crisis, as well as producing a credible public housing building programme."
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Agriculture Brian Stanley TD has today raised with the Tánaiste startling new information that supermarkets are taking up to 50% of all profits made on fresh meat.
This news follows several days of protests by the IFA outside a number of high-profile retailers, and would support the argument that it is not only factories taking advantage of beef farmers but also large supermarket chains.
Speaking in the Dáil this afternoon, Teachta Stanley said:
"This leaked information that reveals supermarkets are pocketing between 33-45% of the retail price of meat is damning evidence that beef farmers are being robbed.
"Three large supermarket chains make up 75% of the retail market in Ireland and they dominate the industry by taking advantage of a lack of price transparency in the supply chain.
"Thanks to these documents, farmers now know exactly how much of the retail price that supermarkets are taking for themselves and it is almost 50% in some instances; whereas farmers are losing 60-70c on every kilo produced.
"This is completely unacceptable when you consider that farmers rear animals for two or three years while the supermarket has it for two or three days. Where is the justice in that?
"Much of the focus of the past while has been on factories and the fact that there is one big player dominating the supply chain, but what we also need to recognise is that at the other end you have three large supermarket chains dominating retail and taking the lion share of the profits.
"What we need is full price transparency throughout the supply chain. We need to know what the supermarkets are paying the factories for produce and we need a live index to show what factories are paying farmers across the country. Only then will farmers be able to make fully informed decisions.
"We also need retailers to be active members of the Beef Taskforce - these leaked documents show the dominance they have on the industry and they must be present at talks."
Sinn Féin deputy Dáil leader Pearse Doherty TD, speaking during Leaders’ Questions in the Dáil today, has said an independent investigator should be appointed to go to the offices of Premier Lotteries and open their books, as provided for in legislation.
Teachta Doherty has also written to the Oireachtas Finance Committee requesting that the Regulator of the National Lottery and Premier Lotteries appear before the Committee under Section 47 of the National Lotteries Act.
Teachta Doherty said:
“Yesterday, Premier Lotteries Ireland - the private operator of the National Lottery - confirmed that €180,000 in prize money was left off three scratch card games.
“Two of these games - each called 'Congratulations', and sold at €5 per card - were missing three top prizes, each worth €50,000, while the other game was missing a top prize worth €30,000.
“It has emerged that one of these games was left on sale for six weeks after the issue became known.
“I play the lottery and I do so in the knowledge that many of the proceeds go to charitable causes and community projects, but also in the knowledge that the lottery is a form of gambling that requires proper regulation.
“The fact that four jackpot prizes across three games operated by Premier Lotteries were missing due to ‘human error’ or some improbable misfortune is hard to believe.
“In one of these games, the number of prizes in the game was designed to be no less than 976,500. The probability that, out of all the prizes, the jackpot prize would be missing is nearly one in a million.
“The probability that out of all the prizes, that four jackpot prizes across three games would be missing is of the factor of 1 in 167 billion billion.
“The numbers don’t stack up, and questions need to be answered by Premier Lotteries, by the Regulator and by the Government.
“Those who buy a scratch card or a lottery ticket don’t do so in the hope of winning the smallest prize, they play to win the biggest prize; yet a private operator that deals in odds every day managed to leave out four top prizes against astronomical odds.
“Questions need to be answered and actions taken immediately.
“Under legislation, Premier Lotteries can write their own code of conduct and have it rubber stamped by the Regulator. This legislation must be fixed to provide for more robust oversight.
“Secondly, the legislation provides for an investigator to be appointed to go to the offices of Premier Lotteries and open their books and I am calling for that to be done immediately.
“I have also written to the Chair of the Oireachtas Finance Committee requesting that the Regulator of the National Lottery and Premier Lotteries appear before the Committee under Section 47 of the National Lotteries Act.”
David Cullinane TD, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, and Seán Crowe TD, the party’s spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, have today introduced a Bill in the Dáil that will make it illegal for media organisations to blacklist journalists.
Teachta Cullinane said:
"We have heard many fine speeches in the Dáil recently about the need to tackle the banning of certain journalists from the airwaves by Communicorp but very little has been done by way of action or the introduction of government legislation.
"It is time to tackle this head on and I have moved a Bill in the Dáil today, along with my colleague Seán Crowe, that will address this issue by amending the Broadcasting Act 2009 to make it a breach of contract under the Act to prohibit a member of the NUJ from communications media for reason - or reasons - of occupation, employer, company or employment status.
"Most people are outraged by the fact that journalists are stopped from appearing on certain radio stations because of who their employer is and it is vital that is practice is outlawed.
"I am calling on all parties and independents to support this Bill when it comes back to the Dáil for second stage and to make sure that happens as quickly as possible.
"This practice needs to be made illegal as a matter of urgency."
Teachta Crowe added:
"We are seeing increased attacks on the rights and freedoms of journalists worldwide.
"In the past five years, the Council of Europe’s Platform for the Protection of Journalism have reported 256 serious violations of press freedom in EU Member States; including the murder of fourteen journalists.
"Ireland needs to be a global leader when it comes to protecting media freedoms and it can start with this Bill, which is a positive and proactive piece of legislation, and I am calling on all TD’s to support this when it comes back to the Dáil in the New Year."
Newly elected Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Mid West Mark Ward today called on the government to support Sinn Féin’s domestic violence paid leave legislation.
Speaking in the Dáil during today’s statements on Domestic Violence, Deputy Ward said:
“Ireland’s ratification of the Istanbul Convention was a landmark for victims of domestic and gender-based violence and abuse. Domestic abuse remains rife in Irish society. Worse still it continues to be shrouded in shame.
“Data published this week by safe Ireland tells us that nine requests for refuge accommodation went unmet every day last year because services will full.
“In my own work I have seen first-hand the incredible work of Saoirse Women’s Refuge in Tallaght. Yet this fantastic service could not accommodate 287 families last year because the refuge was full. As a result of state underfunding Saoirse have to rely on fundraising for the general upkeep of their premises. This puts added pressure on an already over worked organisation.
"Sinn Féin’s alternative budget included an additional €11.8m for capital investment to provide for additional refuge places and domestic violence housing support services for 2020, and we are committed to increase funding for refuge accommodation and specialised supports over the next three years to meet Ireland’s obligations under the Istanbul Convention.
“Saoirse have highlighted the stress a woman has to go through in the legal system. Obtaining a safety order and attending court can add to the trauma already endured by victims. They have no privacy; no space and they often feel unsafe. A simple, humane solution to this would be to allow a video link from the refuge to the family law court to apply for a safety order.
“Victims also need time off work to attend court dates, secure alternative accommodation or attend a GP or Counsellor.
“Last week Sinn Féin introduced legislation that provides for a statutory entitlement to 10 days domestic violence paid leave. This employment rights provision would give victims the time they need to seek support and also addresses unpredictable absenteeism and reduced productivity for employers.
“Victims have a right to a pathway out of abuse without fear of losing their jobs. As legislators it is our responsibility to deliver on that right and to ensure the supports and services victims access are in place and properly resourced.”
Sinn Féin Finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty TD has welcomed the passage of Sinn Féin’s Consumer Insurance Contracts Bill through all stages of the Seanad this evening.
The legislation would reform insurance contracts, increasing transparency and tilting the balance in favour of the consumer.
It has been described as ‘the most radical change in insurance law in centuries’, while the Alliance for Insurance Reform described it as a ‘game-changer’.
Speaking after the votes in the Seanad, Deputy Doherty said:
“Rip-off insurance costs are squeezing incomes and closing down businesses. People are seeing their premiums go up each year without even making a claim. The insurance market isn’t working for policyholders and too little has been done to hold the industry to account and reduce costs.
“Our Consumer Insurance Contracts Bill will shift the balance in favour of policyholders, by increasing transparency and strengthening the hand of the policyholder during their insurance contract.
“My legislation has been described as the most radical change in consumer law in centuries, and as a game-changer by the Alliance for Insurance Reform.
"This legislation would require companies to inform consumers of the past 5 years of premiums paid by customers, and claims paid to customers and third parties for all non-life insurance contracts.
“Any company that cancels a policy would have to pay the customer the outstanding balance of the premium paid and make it easier for the customer to withdraw from a contract.
“It would also require a company to inform customers of any claim made against their policy, allowing them to submit their own evidence and informing them of the cost of any claim against their policy that has been settled.
"After last week’s revelations of some, enabled by the legal industry, engaging in fraudulent claims, this provision is crucial.
"It would ensure that policyholders would be told of any third party claims made against their policy, fraudulent or otherwise, and have a right to submit evidence concerning the claim.
“The legislation would also make it harder for an insurer to wriggle out of paying valid claims on grounds that have nothing to do with the accident or loss incurred by the policyholder.
“I want to thank Minister D’Arcy for his cooperation in facilitating the passage of this Bill. We are now on track for it to be signed into law by Christmas.
“Sinn Féin are in the business of protecting people, not the profits of the insurance industry. This legislation is a big win for consumers as Sinn Féin continue to stand up for workers and families."
Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Mid-West Mark Ward has spoken in the Dáil this evening on the Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Bill 2019, where he highlighted his own work in addiction centres across Dublin including Clondalkin, and the need for those targeting children to sell and deliver drugs to be prosecuted to the highest degree.
The full copy of his speech is available below. Check against delivery.
"I welcome this bill as an opportunity to discuss as legislators both publicly and politically about Ireland's approach to drugs, and how that it is reflected in policy.
"I have worked for many years in addiction centres across Dublin including my own area of Clondalkin where I worked for the Clondalkin Addiction Support Programme.
"I have years of real-life experience working with people right across the spectrum of addiction. From those who live chaotic lives right through to those who have abstained for years and everyone in between.
"One of my most challenging but also rewarding roles was working with a group of under 18s who had falling through the cracks of society. These lads had been excluded from school, from youth clubs and were very vulnerable.
"Anyone who has ever worked with young lads of this age would be very harshly rebuked by them if you called them vulnerable. But that is exactly what they are.
"Drug use and drug selling by young people from disadvantaged areas is not a new phenomenon, however as a director of the Clondalkin Drugs and Alcohol Task Force we have seen a spike in this behaviour over the last 18 months.
"Young people are being targeted by older more experienced drug dealers to sell and deliver drugs.
"Young people are being groomed by these unscrupulous drug dealers and attracted by the flash cars, the new runners, the few bob in their pockets and the status of being a so called somebody.
"We need to look at the underlying issues to what make this lifestyle attractive.
"Poverty and lack of opportunities are always top of the list in my conversations with not only the young people but also the services that are needed to support them.
"As legislators we need to look at the cause and affects. We need to be pro-active and not re-active. We need to target these young people before they end up in the hands of drug dealers.
"However years of underinvestment by successive Governments of Fine Gael and Fianna Fail in our communities, including the Local
Drug Task Forces have left a lot of our areas bankrupt of the resources needed to tackle these issues.
"Clondalkin and Lucan for example does not have a specific service to help under 18 drug users, however this year as part of the strategic plan of the Clondalkin Drug and Alcohol Task force a service will be provided.
"This is not being provided by new monies or new funding but in a restructuring of the current task force budget.
"In order for a new service to be introduced a previously funded service will have to loose out.
"These are the arduous decisions that are having to be made by Task Forces across the country. The failure to properly fund the Local Drug and Alcohol Task Forces demonstrates the government’s indifference to the damage and devastation that drugs cause to people, families and communities.
"The crisis facing communities across Ireland from the illicit drug trade manifests itself in many parts of Dublin Mid West. There is open drug dealing, the use of children as drug mules and couriers.
"There is an increase in intimidation due to alleged drug debts, increased personal debts, and enormous pressure is being put yet again on our under resourced Community organisations.
"This legislation may have unintended consequences. For example what happens to a child who sells drugs to another child?
"In addition to the child being vulnerable so too are the drug users and it would more productive to direct drug users into treatment and rehabilitation programmes rather than the judicial services.
"I welcome this Bill today and will interested to see how it will can improved at committee stage
"The one group who are not vulnerable in this trio of child, drug user and drug dealer are off course the dealers themselves. Those that are engaged in grooming vulnerable children to sell and deliver drugs must of be prosecuted to the highest degree."
Sinn Féin have today published the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill 2019 to tackle use of references to the clothing of the complainant in sexual offence trials.
The Bill, co-sponsored by Martin Kenny TD and Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire TD, will also ensure that there are greater safeguards relating to sexual history introduced.
Speaking today, Sinn Féin TD for Cork South Central Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire said:
“A little over twelve months ago, it was reported that in a rape case in Cork the defence lawyers introduced as evidence a thong belonging to a 17 year old complainant.
“It was appalling, indefensible and was a strategy which clearly implied that the victim was to blame.
“The dreadful approach taken by the defence team in this case rightly drew criticism here and internationally.
“It was clear proof that there are not adequate protections for victims of rape and to prevent this kind of behaviour, which has no evidential value, when they appear before the courts.
“It is as a consequence of this, that myself and my colleague Martin Kenny TD have sought to fix this clear failing in the law.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice and Equality, Deputy Martin Kenny said
"The deeply traumatic and difficult experience of many complainants is a huge contributor to the fact that rape is so under-reported. We need to radically change that experience.
"The use of clothing or past sexual history as part of a defence strategy is used to imply consent on the part of the complainant and attack their character.
“This legislation ensures that it will not be possible to introduce either clothing in evidence, unless the Judge is sure that to not allow it would mean the defendant could not get a fair trial.
“Where an application is made by the defendants legal team to allow either clothing or sexual history as evidence, then the complainant shall have legal representation at any hearing for such an application.
"I believe this would address the instance of the case in Cork and would be a significant step forward in tackling victim blaming strategies in court.”
Shauneen Baker, Sinn Féin Councillor in North Belfast, has offered condolences following the tragic death of another resident.
Cllr Baker said:
"In light of another untimely death, mental health and emotional well-being provision is one of the key priorities for all political parties in North Belfast. We are working continually with statutory agencies and service providers to ensure that appropriate needs are met.
"Unfortunately, North Belfast has lost too many of its best and its brightest and we continue to work with individuals and families on a daily basis to assist them in accessing the appropriate care and services.
"If anyone is going through a difficult time we would urge them to remember that it is OK not to be OK and also urge them to reach out for help and support.
"There are many support organisations working across our local community. Sinn Féin will continue to support families and individuals and below is a list of professional service providers:
Bridge of Hope: 02895 438707
PIPS: 02890 805850
New Life Counselling: 02890 391630
Lighthouse: 02890 755070
Samaritans: Freephone 116 123
Health & Social Care: 02890 744447
Extern: 0845 2590520
Lifeline: 0808 808 8000"
Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Martin Kenny TD has welcomed the report by Dr. Johnny Connolly of the University of Limerick's Centre for Crime, Justice and Victim Studies, on 'Building Community Resilience – a response to criminal networks'.
Deputy Kenny said:
“Dr. Connolly's research, which works within the scope of the criminal justice system and covers the difficulties of breaking the cycle of criminality, is to be welcomed.
“The government and the Gardaí must take its recommendations on board and try to change the situation where whole communities have lost confidence in the policing and criminal justice systems which they can see are not solving their communities problems.
“It is striking that an academic based in Limerick can say with authority that the South Inner City of Dublin has 650 people with links to crime in two criminal gangs.
“He goes on to report that its members are between the ages of 12 and 39 and are loosely categorised as career criminals, street dealers and children being groomed into criminality.
“An Garda Siochána has not responded effectively to this situation and must do so with immediate effect.
“There is no doubt that the overwhelming majority of people in Dublin's South Inner City want to get on with their lives in peace, free of anti-social behaviour, intimidation and criminality.
"They have a right to live peacefully in their community and there must be an engaging, effective and consultative response to this situation.”
Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD has today published a document entitled “In Their Words - The Humans of the Housing Crisis”.
The document details a snapshot of hundreds of submissions received by Teachta McDonald following the housing debate in the Dáil last week.
The Sinn Féin President called for people to tell their story via a Facebook post following the vote last Tuesday.
Teachta McDonald said:
“Fianna Fáil sat on their hands on the night of the no-confidence vote in the Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy and backed the government.
"Fine Gael in their arrogance continue to claim that their housing plan is working, despite all the evidence to the contrary. All of this, combined with the grubby deals that were done to save the government’s bacon, made me so angry that I decided to put out a call.
“I uploaded a video to my Facebook page asking for people to tell their story of the housing crisis. Nothing could have prepared me for the responses I received. The suffering, the hurt and the despair that is felt by people the length and breadth of the State is staggering.
“I received hundreds of messages and I have pledged to make their voices heard. That is why I am publishing this document and I have also given copies to Leo Varadkar, Eoghan Murphy and Micheál Martin. They need to see the consequences of their failed housing policies.
“There are solutions to this crisis - rent reduction alongside a rent freeze, a large-scale public housing build programme and legislation to clip the wings of vulture funds to name a few. It doesn’t have to be this way. People do not have to suffer. What is needed now is the political will to make a difference. It is time for the government to act.
“We will continue to listen and update this document as more submissions are received. Sinn Féin will continue to make people’s voices heard.”
Sinn Féin TD and spokesperson for Dublin Denise Mitchell has said that Fine Gael’s failure to address the housing crisis represents “a disregard of the duty of a government to its people”.
Teachta Mitchell continued to say that “housing is a right, not a privilege of the wealthy few”.
Speaking during the Dáil debate on Sinn Féin’s Rent Freeze Bill, the Dublin Bay North TD said:
“Sinn Féin are on the side of workers and families. We always have been and always will be.
“Rents in this State are too high and are continuing to rise. It is time to freeze rents and put money back into the pockets of families and workers.
“The Government have had four years to tackle the housing crisis and is simply not delivering.
“4000 children are homeless. More and more people are being moved on to HAP. Rents and house prices continue to soar.
“In my own constituency, rents stand at almost €2000 a month, representing a five percent rise in just a year.
“Rebuilding Ireland has failed and real change in housing policy is needed. This is beyond a shambles. This is a disregard of the duty of a government to its people. We need to do something to halt more rent rises and reduce costs for tenants.
“While tonight, we are discussing putting a halt to the cycle of record breaking rents quarter after quarter, there are solutions to the housing and rental crisis facing families.
“This Bill will seek to introduce a state-wide rent freeze and a refundable tax credit to all renters, equivalent to one month’s rent.
“Sinn Féin’s Alternative Budget for 2020 committed an additional one billion euro to delivering affordable rental homes
“This Government has given tax breaks to developers, landlords and first-time buyers. It is time to give renters a break.
“Being in government is about making choices. About taking a stand. Sinn Féin stand with families and workers.
“We make our stand with those trying to keep a roof over their children’s head. We choose to do what’s right and end this cycle of exploitation that is the housing crisis in Ireland.
“Housing is a right, not a privilege of the wealthy few.” ENDS
Sinn Féin Finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty TD has called on all parties in the Seanad to support Sinn Féin’s Consumer Insurance Contracts Bill, which reaches all stages in the Seanad tomorrow.
This legislation would reform insurance contracts, increasing transparency and tilting the balance in favour of the consumer.
The journalist Charlie Weston described Sinn Féin’s legislation as ‘the most radical change in insurance law in centuries’, while the Alliance for Insurance Reform described it as a ‘game-changer’.
Speaking ahead of the Seanad’s vote on the Bill, Deputy Doherty said:
“Rip-off insurance costs are squeezing incomes and closing down businesses. People are seeing their premiums go up each year without even making a claim. The insurance market isn’t working for policyholders and the Government have done little to hold the industry to account and reduce costs.
“Sinn Féin want to stamp out fraud, ban unfair pricing by insurance companies, recalibrate the value of awards and increase protections for consumers in insurance contracts.
“Our Consumer Insurance Contracts Bill, which reaches all stages in the Seanad on Wednesday, will shift the balance in favour of the consumer by increasing transparency and strengthening the hand of the policyholder during their insurance contract.
“My legislation has been described as the most radical change in consumer law in centuries, and has been described as a game-changer by the Alliance for Insurance Reform.
"This Bill would require companies to inform consumers of the past five years of premiums paid by customers, and claims paid to customers and third parties for all non-life insurance contracts. This would increase transparency and strengthen everyone’s hands when they look for a better deal each year.
“Any company that cancels a policy would have to pay the customer the outstanding balance of the premium paid and make it easier for the customer to withdraw from a contract.
“It would also require a company to inform customers of any claim made against their policy, allowing them to submit their own evidence and informing them of the cost of any claim against their policy that has been settled.
"After last week’s revelations of some, enabled by the legal industry, engaging in fraudulent claims, this provision is crucial. It would ensure that policyholders would be told of any third party claims made against their policy, fraudulent or otherwise, and have a right to submit evidence concerning the claim.
“The legislation would also make it harder for an insurer to wriggle out of paying valid claims on grounds that have nothing to do with the accident or loss incurred by the policyholder.
“I am urging all parties and Senators to stop talking about insurance and start helping policyholders by voting for this Bill.
“Sinn Féin want to take on the insurance industry and ending the rip-off. By stamping out fraud, protecting consumers, banning dual pricing and bringing down premiums. This legislation is a part of that work."
Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD has today called on the government to urgently increase funding for domestic violence refuge accommodation.
The Sinn Féin leader said:
“Today marks Human Rights Day and the end of the annual 16 Days Campaign against gender-based violence.
“Figures released by Safe Ireland tell us that 9 requests for refuge accommodation went unmet every day last year because services will full.
“That’s 3,256 victims of domestic abuse or violence who having got themselves to the point of asking for help were unable to secure the safe accommodation and support they needed.
“The Istanbul Convention ratified by Ireland earlier this year requires the government to provide sufficient refuge accommodation and specialised support for all victims.
“Yet current provision of domestic violence emergency accommodation in Ireland meets just 31 per cent of actual need.
“Sinn Féin’s alternative budget included an additional capital investment of €9m for domestic violence refuges and an additional €2.8m domestic violence housing support services for 2020.
“We are also committed to increase funding for refuge accommodation and specialised supports over the next three years to meet Ireland’s obligations under the Istanbul Convention.
“The human cost of not fulfilling our obligations is immeasurable.”
Carthy to host Western Rail Corridor public meeting in Athenry this Thursday
The potential European funding available for the Western Rail Corridor will be explored at an important public meeting in Athenry on Thursday evening, hosted by Sinn Féin MEP for Midlands North West Matt Carthy.The meeting, entitled: ‘The Western Rail Corridor - Can EU Funding get Athenry on track?’ will feature contributions from the European Parliament member, along with Louis O'Hara, Cllr. Gerry Murray and members of community group FLAG (Forward Looking Athenry Group) who believe the Western Rail Corridor can bring much needed investment and tourism opportunities to the Athenry area.
Mr Carthy will give an update on the current situation with the Western Rail Corridor and will outline potential EU funding streams for the project.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Mr Carthy said: ‘I would encourage everyone in the Athenry area to come along and support the campaign for the Western Rail Corridor, which was included on the EU’s 10 T map, a core travel network identified as priorities by the EU institutions for connectivity between and within EU member states.
‘We managed to secure overwhelming support from MEPs right across Europe in a vote for the Western Rail Corridor to be included in the core network list. Being included on this list means that governments and regional authorities are able to draw down funding and support from the EU.
‘But during negotiations with the EU Council, which the Irish government was party to, the Western Rail Corridor was removed from the core network list. There has been no explanation for this, but it’s only in the last few weeks that Transport Minister Shane Ross has written to the EU Commission asking for the Western Rail Corridor to be put back on the core network projects list – just months away from a general election here.
‘There has been utter failure from successive governments to commit to the Western Rail Corridor, but the door is now open to EU funding, which will be crucial in getting this much-needed train network up and running’.
The ‘Western Rail Corridor - Can EU Funding get Athenry on track?’ meeting takes place on Thursday December 12 at 8pm in Athenry Town Hall.
