Sinn Féin spokesperson on Culture, Heritage and Gaeltacht, Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD, has said the decision of An Post to relocate 900 staff to a new headquarters offers the opportunity to reimagine the GPO as a cultural hub at the heart of the Moore St heritage site.
Deputy Ó Snodaigh added that the government must stop turning a blind eye to the developer-led destruction of the Moore St and O’Connell St areas, and that failing to do so would be viewed by future generations as an unforgivable act of state-sponsored vandalism.
Teachta Ó Snodaigh said:
“The relocation of An Post’s headquarters and 900 staff from the GPO offers us an incredible opportunity to reimagine this historic site as a cultural hub at the heart of the wider Moore St heritage and battlefield site.
“I welcome that the GPO will continue to operate its existing post office and 1916 museum, as there has been a worrying trend for years now of services and amenities in the O’Connell St area being run down or, worse, boarded up and discontinued.
“But over the next two years, the vast remaining space in the GPO will be returned to the Office of Public Works.
“Such a vast space in a building of such national historic importance should be ring-fenced for public use, and provide the platform from which O’Connell St and Moore St are made accessible to all and given the prominence they deserve.
“The fact that the government is standing idly by and doing nothing to protect and preserve Moore Street is a travesty, and does not fill me with confidence that they will give the GPO site the treatment it deserves either.
“The dilapidated state of Moore St and O’Connell St, facilitated by the government allowing developers to leave buildings rot and fall into ruin, is a national scandal.
“The current Hammerson developer-led project for Moore St must be reversed or it will be viewed by future generations as an unforgivable act of state-sponsored vandalism.
“Decision-makers appear incapable of grasping the cultural and historical tourism potential of restoring Moore Street to its former appearance of a century ago, so it can tell its story as a witness to many of the key events of the 1916 Rising as well as being key to the heart of Dubliners for generations.
“There is a real and tangible alternative plan for Moore St on the table, and there is a legal framework for a Cultural Quarter which was supported by all members of the Dáil, including government parties.
“The GPO, and the historic streetscape of Moore Street, must be protected, preserved and restored to allow future generations to appreciate the significance of the events of Easter Week 1916, as well ensuring the continuation of a living market, cultural spaces, and allowing local retailers to continue to trade.”
Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew has criticised the failure of banks to increase savings rates despite the increase in mortgage interest rates.
The party’s finance spokesperson said:
“Workers and families have been hammered by increases to mortgage interest rates which are at a 15 year high.
“Banks are increasing their profits with 5% interest rates while savers see little benefit with savings rates as low as 0.85% in some banks.
“Customers are frustrated by this rip off and the reality that the banks are refusing to increase savings rates while charging customers higher mortgage repayments.
“This is patently unfair.
"I have written to the Financial Regulator and called on them to ensure that banks offer better saving rates to their customers.
“From the 31st of July the Financial Conduct Authority are obliged to make banks show that they are offering customers a fair price.
“I will continue to press the FCA to ensure that this and other measures are enforced so that Banks offer better savings rates for customers."
Sinn Féin MP Francie Molloy has wished the victims of a stabbing at a GAA game in Cookstown last night a full and speedy recovery and urged anyone with information to assist the police investigation.
The Mid Ulster MP said:
“News that two people were stabbed at an under-16 GAA game in Cookstown on Thursday night is shocking.
“I wish the victims a full and speedy recovery.
“The fact this incident took place at a game where young people were playing sport is concerning and deeply traumatising, particularly for the young people who witnessed it.
“It’s essential that these young people and children have the support and assistance they require over the coming days.
“I call on anyone with any information to assist the police in their investigation.”
Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has said she is concerned about the presence of potentially toxic algae in the water at Castlerock and suspected at Portstewart, with both beaches now red-flagged for swimming.
"I have also enquired if there is a monitoring programme of the water at other local beaches nearby to protect swimmers and pets."
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Addiction, Recovery and Wellbeing, Thomas Gould TD, has today called on the government to provide clarity on the proposal to reopen Keltoi Rehabilitation Unit next year.
Teachta Gould's comments come as a PQ response he received confirmed the Dublin-based facility is to be reopened as a dual diagnosis residential treatment unit, but continues to operate as an isolation facility.
The Cork North-Central TD said:
“I have raised the issue of Keltoi for the past number of years and found it very frustrating that there has been no timeline for its reopening.
"The news that the facility will reopen between April and June next year, offering a unique service as a state-run dual diagnosis residential facility is welcome. I look forward to the positive impact this will have on pathways of care in Dublin and across the state.
“However, there are still serious questions to be answered. Why was a one-of-its-kind facility, which operated successfully until it was closed in 2020, chosen as an isolation unit? And how was this decision made when not all bedrooms had ensuite bathrooms?
“Alongside this, former staff at Keltoi must be offered the opportunity to return to their positions.
"I am aware of a number of staff who have left the HSE because they were relocated to roles that didn’t suit their skillset and didn’t reflect their extensive experience.
"The process of rehiring these staff and recruiting new staff should begin before the end of the year to ensure the facility is ready to open in Q2 2024.
“State-run, public and free at the point of service facilities should be expanded across this state.
"It is deeply disappointing it took three years for the government to recognise the potential in Keltoi.
"I hope that this project will be the first of many to open across this state."
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education, Sorca Clarke TD, has urged the government to publish the overdue School Transport Scheme review.
The review began in February 2021 and the scheme is operating on a temporary basis in the meantime.
Speaking today in the Dáil, Teachta Clarke urged the government to conclude and publish the report so that families can be confident their child will have a place on school transport.
She said:
“These delays aren’t good enough. It is vital that this service is expanded significantly and that every pupil who wants to avail of school transport can actually do so.
“After the shambles government caused with School Transport last year that saw both Concessionary and Eligible students without a seat on the bus, and knowing the impact it had on families across the country, why haven’t you ensured that this Review, ongoing now for over two and a half years has been concluded, brought to government, and published?”
She added:
“Families are worried about whether their child will secure a place or not. These delays are unnecessary and unfair. Government must act quickly to give families the certainty they need to plan.”
Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan has called on the Education Authority to ensure children with special educational needs have certainty over school places.
The party’s education spokesperson said:
“I am deeply concerned by reports that almost 400 children with special educational needs are still without a school place for September.
“The Education Authority must give urgent certainty to families on what preparations are in place for September and work to fulfil their statutory duty to ensure every child has a suitable school placement.
“Savage Tory cuts to education is deepening the pressure facing our education system, we need the Executive formed now and parties working together to protect public services and support children and families.”
Sinn Féin MLA Órlaithí Flynn has said children in need of mental health support can’t wait and urged the DUP to get back to work.
The West Belfast MLA said:
“Children in need of mental health support are left to suffer as frontline services are under attack from eye watering Tory cuts.
“Today I met the Department of Health to try and push plans to tackle the growing crisis within children’s mental health services.
“The new Mental Health plan would provide a pathway to improve the waiting lists and treatments available, so urgently needed by families struggling to get help.
“But the onus is on the DUP to end their blockade of the Executive of the institutions and give the health service the political leadership it so crucially needs.
“Children and their families can’t wait a day longer."
Sinn Féin spokesperson on the Environment and Climate Action, Darren O'Rourke TD, has criticised government arrogance concerning their plan to address windfall gains in the energy sector.
Speaking following the Committee Stage debate in the Dáil today, the Meath East TD said:
“Today we debated the Energy (Windfall Gains in the Energy Sector) Bill, and the government yet again opted to implement a weak - and in Sinn Féin’s view - inadequate Windfall Tax.
“By failing to adopt Sinn Féin's amendments, they have missed a vital opportunity to strengthen this Bill, and as a result the people of Ireland have lost out again.
“Time and time again, this government has shown that it is more interested in protecting the profits of energy companies over and above the needs of ordinary workers and families.
“Let’s not forget that these profits were made on the back of a pandemic, the outbreak of a war in Europe and a raging cost of living crisis.
“The truth is that people have been struggling to cope with sky-high energy bills, some of the highest in Europe, and all the while energy companies are making staggering, eye-watering profits. The temporary solidarity contribution only kicks in at levels above 20% of average profits!
“First, we introduced an amendment to ensure that the revenues raised urgently reduce the cost of electricity for households. We sought to guarantee that the people felt a difference in their pockets straight away rather than at the snail's pace that this government seems to be operating at. After all, eighteen other EU countries have already introduced the measure, and furthermore their energy prices are falling while Ireland’s remain stubbornly high.
“Second, we tabled amendments so that the legislation goes further, increasing the percentage of profits that can be considered taxable, thus providing more relief that households so desperately need. Shockingly but unsurprisingly, these were ruled out of order, meaning that we were denied a debate on the issue.
“Third, we proposed amendments to make the legislation more robust to avoidance. This would have prevented energy companies from writing off capital expenditure and losses in order to reduce the profits that can be considered taxable. However, these were again ruled out of order. Energy companies are protected while ordinary workers and families suffer.
“Finally, Sinn Féin would have provided for enhanced enforcement measures, directing energy companies to pay up earlier and furthermore face serious penalties the longer it takes them to file a return.
“Government arrogance prevented them from seeing just how sensible and needed these amendments were. Now what we’re left with is a mere shadow of what a windfall tax has the potential to be.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education, Sorca Clarke TD, has called on the government to do more to support families struggling with back-to-school costs.
Her comments follow the publication of the results of a survey by the Irish League Of Credit Unions into the financial pressures parents are facing over their children’s education.
Speaking today, Teachta Clarke said:
“Back-to-school costs are putting huge pressure on families. School transport, books, uniforms and voluntary contributions can add up to hundreds or even thousands of Euros for families.
“These costs are unaffordable and this is particularly the case as families face the cost of living crisis.
“This survey by the Irish League Of Credit Unions highlights the huge pressures families are under.
“The results find that a third of families are unable to buy new shoes for their children when they go back to school in September. The figures also show that 72 per cent of parents are finding back to school costs to be a financial burden this year compared to 66 per cent in 2022.
“Families need a break from back-to-school costs now. Government must act to ensure that families get this support urgently, as September is approaching quickly.
“Sinn Féin have a plan to cut back-to-school costs and to end this financial pressure on families. We would introduce affordable school uniforms, expand the school transport scheme, ensure every child has access to a hot meal in school and stop families being pressured into paying voluntary contributions.
“In 2021, my colleagues Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire and Matt Carthy introduced legislation that would prevent families being pressured to pay these voluntary contributions. The government did not oppose the Bill but have failed to act on it.
“It has been two years since Sinn Féin brought forward our legislation, but the government has sat on its hands. I am urging the government to end the delay and enact Sinn Féin’s legislation immediately. If not, they need to come forward with their own solutions.
“Sinn Féin would ensure families get a break from back-to-school costs now.”
Sinn Féin MLA Danny Baker has said the Assembly should be restored now to progress legislation to tackle holiday hunger.
Speaking after meeting with organisation Children in NI with Cathy Mason MLA today, Danny Baker said:
“The lack of an Executive and an onslaught of education cuts means that thousands of families are spending this summer without vital holiday hunger payments.
“These payments are a lifeline for families that depend on free school meals and help ensure that children get a hot meal during the school holidays.
“Many families are already struggling with increasing mortgage costs, increasing food costs and rising utility bills, so stripping this payment away will only add to the hardship they are facing.
“The DUP’s continued blockade of the Executive is heartless and irresponsible.
“We need an Executive formed now and parties working together around the table to progress legislation to tackle holiday hunger, to support families and legislate to end the constant cliff-edge over these payments.”
Sinn Féin MLA Linda Dillon has reiterated calls for the restoration of the Executive to fix the problems facing the health service and deliver high-quality care.
Speaking after an event marking 75 years of the NHS today at Stormont, the party’s health spokesperson said:
“Delivering universal healthcare that is free at the point of access and based on need is the fundamental premise of the now 75 years-old NHS.
“Over 13 years of savage and cruel Tory cuts have decimated public services and continue to drive funding away from health, leaving services at breaking point.
"Our health staff are working long hours in our hospitals, and they are stretched to the limit due to chronic understaffing levels right across health and social care.
“They deserve fair pay and working conditions. And rather than swinging the axe at our public services, the British Government needs to deliver this now for workers.
“We need an Executive formed now to fix the problems in our health service, to cut waiting lists, deliver transformation of services and ensure patients have the best quality of care.
“All parties committed to making health the number one priority, we are ready to get around the Executive table now and work together to make that happen now.”
Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason has said an Executive is required to support families and begin to deal with soaring back-to-school costs.
Speaking following the publication of the latest Irish League of Credit Unions Annual School Costs Survey, the South Down MLA said:
''Workers and families are already struggling with the cost of living, with fuel costs, electricity bills, and mortgage interest rates, and now in the coming weeks families will be faced with soaring back-to-school costs.
''This latest survey found that parents can expect to spend £837 per primary school child, a rise of £81 on last year; and £989 per secondary child, an increase of £163 on last year.
''The cost of school uniforms is the primary expense for families.
"As well as that, more than half of parents said having children home over the holidays will put them under added financial pressure, particularly in terms of grocery and utility bill costs.
"This emphasises the impact the removal of the holiday hunger payment will have on disadvantaged households.
''Sinn Féin wants to legislate to make uniforms more affordable for all families and reinstate vital holiday hunger payments to the tens of thousands of families who rely on them.
''Children, families and our schools need the Assembly and Executive formed now so that parties can work together to protect our public services and progress legislation to help cut back school costs for families.
“I once again urge the DUP to end its blockade on the Executive and stop holding up this important work.”
Urgent Need For Investment In Wastewater Treatment Infrastructure Across Galway - MacManus
Sinn Féin MEP Chris MacManus has called for urgent investment in wastewater treatment infrastructure across County Galway. The Midlands Northwest representative argues that potentially hundreds of new homes have been lost as a result of the failure to provide wastewater infrastructure in towns and villages across Galway. MacManus was speaking after meeting with the County Council Climate Action Officer on a recent visit to Galway, alongside his Sinn Féin colleagues Mairéad Farrell TD and Louis O’Hara.
MEP MacManus said:
“I was pleased to meet with Galway County Council’s Climate Action Officer Tina Ryan recently with my colleagues Mairéad Farrell and Louis O’Hara."
“Our discussion focused on the need to address wastewater treatment issues which have prevented the delivery of new housing across County Galway."
“Villages such as Corofin, Abbeyknockmoy and Ardrahan and many others have been left without public wastewater infrastructure, as Irish Water refused to take responsibility, and as a result planning permission will not be granted for new housing developments in these villages."
“Given the scale of the housing crisis across Galway City and County it is absolutely outrageous that this issue has not been addressed. Potentially hundreds of new houses have been lost over the past number of years as a result, and all the while the housing emergency continues to escalate."
“This problem has been ongoing for a number of years and the Government have sat on their hands. Last year they finally announced a new funding scheme targeting the waste water collection and treatment needs of villages and settlements without access to public waste water services."
“However only €50 million has been put towards this scheme across the State, and only two villages in Galway, Craughwell and Clarinbridge, are in line to receive funding for wastewater treatment plants under the scheme. This is woefully inadequate and it is clear that the Government do not grasp the urgency of tackling this issue. It is particularly frustrating given that there has been a €1 billion euro underspend in the housing budget over the past 3 years."
“Providing public wastewater treatment facilities in villages across Galway would lead to a surge in the development of housing across the County, and go a long way towards tackling out of control house prices and rents. It is absolutely crucial that these developments take place. The Government must urgently increase investment in public wastewater infrastructure to ensure that no more housing opportunities are lost across County Galway in the years ahead. ENDS
See attached photograph of Chris MacManus MEP and Mairéad Farrell TD outside Galway County Council 
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Agriculture, Claire Kerrane TD, has called on the Government to support a Sinn Féin amendment to ensure that key concerns and asks from farmers are addressed as part of the Nature Restoration Law.
Concerns have been raised by farmers and representative organisations about the potential impact of the Nature Restoration Law, which was the focus of a Motion in the Dáil this morning.
Speaking on the Motion, Teachta Kerrane challenged the Government’s amendment, which called for "the development of a Nature Restoration Regulation, which both protects nature and ensures the future vitality and viability of Irish farming and rural communities", but which provided no proposals on how to do so.
Speaking today, Teachta Kerrane said:
“We know that many in the farming community are concerned about what is being proposed regarding the Nature Restoration Law.
“Today’s Motion presented the opportunity to discuss what will be the single greatest change to land use in Ireland. The issue however, remains, what will this law actually look like and that is where the Government view is absent, as reflected in their amendment to this morning's Motion.
“The Government’s amendment speaks of supporting the development of a Nature Restoration Regulation that protects nature and the viability of farming and rural communities, yet conveniently side-steps how they intend to achieve that and fails to present any proposals on how they will support the farming community.
“They and their European colleagues have not been pro-active on developing the Nature Restoration Law and seem to be oblivious to the need to make sure our family farms and rural communities are at the heart of this issue as part of the process.
“The initial text on this law, which will be voted on next week, was never going to be acceptable. It ignored land ownership in seeking mandatory re-wetting and it tried to insist on Farmers doing more without putting actual adequate funding in place – this was simply unworkable.
“Sinn Féin have engaged constructively to develop a Law which can work. We tabled amendments at EU level at every possible opportunity to address the concerns expressed to us by farmers and those living in rural communities.
“In doing so, we have set out clear red lines which must be included in any Nature Restoration Law, and which I also proposed in the Dáil this morning.
“These are ensuring that any activities are voluntary, not mandatory, and that there is public participation in our own national plan from start to finish.
“We need to see permanent funding outside of CAP and a national socio-economic impact assessment carried out on any measures proposed.
“Our amendment also addresses an issue raised by farmers in the Midlands. This would require that State bodies are compelled to provide assurances to farmers on adjacent lands that, if re-wetting on State lands results in unintended consequences, remedial works will be undertaken. This is only fair and proper.
“I am calling on the Government to make clear their proposals for ensuring that our family farms are adequately protected and supported.”
CRÍOCH/ENDS
Note to Editor:
Sinn Féin is seeking support for its amendment debated this morning, which seeks that:
The Nature Restoration Law will be voted in plenary session in the EU next week. Sinn Féin MEP, Chris MacManus has re-submitted amendments in line with the above which seek to support Irish family Farmers and rural communities.
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Media and member of the Public Accounts Committee, Imelda Munster TD, has said the revelations tonight that further barter accounts exist at RTÉ is “extremely concerning”.
Teachta Munster said:
“We were promised all information requested by the Oireachtas Media Committee at last week’s meeting would be forthcoming from RTÉ. That has not happened.
“The revelation tonight, with no further details, that more controversial barter accounts exist at RTÉ is extremely concerning. Unfortunately it is not surprising.
“We now need full transparency. All of the details must be published without delay.
“Minister Catherine Martin has been given the runaround and urgently needs to get to grips with this situation. The fact it took over a week to make a decision about the appointment of an external auditor - when it was clear that was needed from the start of this controversy - is telling.
“The situation is now farcical, and this scandal is getting worse with every passing day.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance and TD for Donegal, Pearse Doherty, has welcomed tonight’s cross-party support for his party’s Dáil motion that called on government to honour its commitment to fund 50% of the proposed upgrade to the A5 road.
Members of the A5 Enough is Enough Campaign Group, and relatives of those who lost their lives on the road, were in the Dáil public gallery this evening for the debate, and made a presentation to Oireachtas members earlier in the day.
Teachta Doherty said:
“The heartache that delays to the plan to upgrade A5 road have caused countless families was laid bare to Oireachtas members by relatives who have lost their lives and A5 Enough is Enough Campaign Group was laid bare today.
“More than 50 people have died since 2006, with ten deaths between October 2021 and October 2022 alone.
“Oireachtas members heard first hand the harrowing account of Kate Corrigan of the loss of her son Nathan and two others at Christmas 2021.
“Kate and her husband Damian should have been enjoying cherished family time together with their two sons at Christmas but instead woke up to their worst nightmare of having to instead plan a wake for Nathan.
“There are far too many families who have suffered a similar cruel fate; there can be no more.
“I welcome that Sinn Féin’s motion this evening received cross-party support and moved the government to reaffirm its commitment to funding 50% of the road, as committed to as part of the St Andrews Agreement.
“What we need to see now is that the government remains true to its word.
“The government must also take all necessary steps to ensure that the Ten-T Road upgrade projects for Donegal, connecting to the A5 and related N2 upgrades, receive approval and are delivered as speedily as possible.
“There can be no more heartache, no more deaths, no more grieving families, and no more delays. It is time to build the A5 road.”
Sinn Féin MP John Finucane has said it’s disgraceful that the British Government is attempting to rewrite its own laws to excuse the unlawful and illegal detention of hundreds of people during the 1970s.
The North Belfast MP said:
“Having being found guilty of unlawful detention by its own Supreme Court, the British Government is now retrospectively changing the law to legitimise its own actions.
“When people sought a legal remedy through the courts to these illegal actions, the British state’s response now is to simply move the goal posts.
“That is not only disgraceful, it is undemocratic and a breach of the human rights of hundreds of Irish citizens who were unlawfully detained in the 1970s.
“It is time to scrap the outrageous Legacy Bill and get on with implementing the legacy mechanisms agreed at Stormont House by the two governments and political parties in 2014 in a human rights' compliant manner.”
First Minister Designate Michelle O’Neill has welcomed the publication of the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls strategy and action plan for consultation and said action on ending violence against women and girls must be a priority for us all.
Michelle O’Neill MLA said:
"This is a landmark day with the publication of the strategy and action plan on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls for consultation.
"The development of the strategy has involved a wide range of groups and organisations and I am delighted that everyone will now have the opportunity to have their say on it.
"Every day, women and girls face violence in the form of domestic and sexual abuse, stalking, harassment and everyday misogyny and sexism.
"As a society, we must work together to demand and deliver change; women and girls should never feel unsafe at home, in schools, online, in the workplace or anywhere.
"We need to work together to end this.
"This strategy is so important and I would encourage you to have your say in shaping what will be a vital piece of work for a reformed Executive.”
