Sinn Féin MP Francie Molloy has called on the British government to listen to the victims and survivors and scrap their cruel and fundamentally flawed Legacy Bill.
Speaking at a protest against the Legacy Bill in London, today Francie Molloy said:
“Today instead of listening to the victims and survivors the British government are rushing through their cruel and fundamentally flawed Legacy Bill.
“The Bill shows a blatant disregard for victims and their families and their right to access truth and justice.
“The proposed amendments being put forward are a cynical attempt to gloss over the fundamental flaws of the Legacy Bill. It is designed to deny victims and families their basic legal rights and are not in full compliance with the British government’s obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights.
“This Bill is being rushed through the British Parliament to become law in six to seven weeks’ time before recess on July 26th.
“It is a travesty, a perversion of the legal process and is about ending citizens’ rights to access due legal process.
“The present Legacy Bill being pushed through Westminster should be scrapped.
“The Irish government also needs to stand up to this unilateral action by the British government.
“The legacy mechanisms agreed at Stormont House in 2014 should be implemented in a human rights compliant manner, without delay.”
Speaking in the Dáil this afternoon Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald TD raised the British government's Legacy Bill with the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and called on the Irish government to take the British government to the European Court of Human Rights if it enacts its fundamentally flawed legacy legislation.
Mary Lou McDonald said:
“The British government is insisting on pushing through their shameful legacy bill at Westminster. It went to report stage in the House of Lords today and will return there next week.
“Today I once again raised the matter with An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and called on the Irish government to take an inter-state case to the European Court of Human rights if this legislation is enacted. He assured me that the matter would be under consideration.
“The proposed legislation will shut the door on families' efforts to achieve truth and justice through the courts and give an amnesty to those responsible for their deaths. Heartbroken families have been fighting for years, determined to get truth and justice for their loved ones. The concerns and opposition to the plans are widespread.
“These very real concerns are shared by victims and families, human rights experts, the UN, all the political parties on this island, as well as officials in the US and EU.
“Yesterday, the Council of Europe added their voice to the calls for the legislation to be stopped. In a statement the council’s Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatoviç, warned it would violate Britain’s international obligations and put victims’ rights at risk.
“I am also urging the Taoiseach to meet with victims’ groups as soon as possible to discuss their concerns about this shameful legacy bill and their continued campaigns for truth and justice.”
Sinn Féin MLA Danny Baker has said it is unacceptable that families who have children with additional needs are waiting anxiously to see if they will get a nursery place for their child.
The West Belfast MLA said:
“Families who have children with additional needs are waiting anxiously right now, uncertain if they will get a nursery place for their child.
“That is absolutely unacceptable.
“Children with special educational needs require the highest level of support in our schools to ensure they have the best start in life.
“The challenges facing SEN services highlights the need for an end to one party’s blockade on the Executive, so that parties can work together to help deliver support for vulnerable children and young people.
“We need to work together to deliver for everyone across society.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Enterprise, Trade, Employment, Louise O’Reilly TD, has said the management of food retailer Iceland is operating in a disgraceful manner in its treatment of workers.
She added that she has written to the Corporate Enforcement Authority to investigate for any breaches of company law.
Teachta O’Reilly said:
“Yesterday it was announced that the food retailer Iceland had entered examinership.
“Following that news, Sinn Féin stated that workers must be front and centre of the examinership process.
“The reason workers must be central to the process is due to their disgraceful treatment by the new Iceland management.
“Since the company was taken over by new management some months ago, there have been significant and sustained allegations of poor management, lack of communication, and intimidation of workers.
“Workers allege they have either not received wages owed and others have not received wages in full.
“Despite the food retailer entering examinership and the stores effectively closing, staff have been given no information whatsoever.
“This lack of communication has been a hallmark of the new Iceland management and despite the best efforts of workers they have been constantly left in the dark.
“It is against this backdrop that the news that the company has entered examinership must be viewed.
“Serious questions must be asked about the recent takeover of Iceland and who exactly is running the company.
“The new owner is reported as being Project Point Technologies, whose director is Naeem Maniar. Mr Maniar previously owned Iceland’s Ireland franchise until an examiner was appointed by the High Court in 2015.
“However, a company called Metron Stores Limited has been responding to queries on behalf of the Iceland Irish franchise. Furthermore, it appears that the examiner appointed to deal with the current interim examinership proceedings is the same examiner who dealt with Iceland’s 2015 examinership.
“Given the current situation at the food retailer, the treatment of workers, and the opaque nature of its new ownership, I have written to the Corporate Enforcement Authority to ask that they investigate any potential breaches of company law.
“Iceland operates 26 Iceland stores across the state and employs over 344 people, and it is essential that these workers, and the monies owed to these workers, are front and centre of any proceedings.
“I offer my continued support, and that of Sinn Féin, to the workers, their families, and their communities.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Mental Health, Mark Ward TD, has described the continued increase in waiting lists for CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) first-time appointments as extremely worrying.
For the first time, the number of young people waiting for a first-time appointment with CAMHS has broken the 4,500 barrier.
There is now a record high of 4,513 young people waiting on a first-time CAMHS appointment, while 747 young people are waiting for over a year for an appointment with this vital service.
The Dublin Mid-West TD said:
“Nationally, there are currently a record high of 4,513 of our young people currently waiting for appointments with CAMHS.
“This is the first time that the waiting list for a first-time appointment with CAMHS has broken the 4,500 barrier.
“747 of these children have been waiting for over a year for CAMHS services.
“These are figures I received from the HSE for the end of April.
“These figures are up again from March, and this is a worrying trend.
“It is unacceptable for one young person to be waiting over a year, let alone 747 children.
“CAMHS are for young people with moderate to severe mental health problems and Minister Butler has pointed out the increase in the number of referrals to CAMHS as a contributing factor in the increased waiting times.
“At the Oireachtas Mental Health committee meeting last week we heard from experts that the vast majority of young people waiting lengthy periods for a first-time appointment have a diagnosis of ADHD.
“I have written to the Minister and asked that there is an immediate response from the government and waiting lists simply cannot continue to rise.
“Minister Butler was appointed in July 2020 when the number of children waiting on a first-time appointment with CAMHS was 2112. There has been a staggering 112% increase under her watch.
“There has also been an increase of 248% increase in young people waiting over a year on their first-time appointment under this government’s watch
“We can all get bogged down in statistics but behind each statistic is a young person, with hope, dreams and ambitions who is being denied by this government the opportunity to reach their full potential.
“Government has failed our young people in the provision of vital mental health services.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing, Eoin Ó Broin TD, has expressed deep concern following commentary from the Central Bank that the government is going to miss their housing targets out to 2025.
Deputy Ó Broin has called for Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien to respond to the Central Bank commentary by setting out what changes to policy he intends to make, not only to meet his housing plan targets, but to exceed them.
Teachta Ó Broin said:
“The government’s housing plan is now two years old. It sets out housing completion targets of 29,000 for 2023, 33,450 for 2024 and 36,600 for 2025.
“In their latest Quarterly Economic Bulletin, the Central Bank says that house completions are forecast to be approximately 27,500 this year, 29,000 in 2024 and 30,000 in 2025.
“The Central Bank's estimates are based on a fall-off in new home commencements arising from factors such as rising interest rates, construction sector inflation and concerns over project viability.
“If the Central Bank's estimates are correct, this means that the government will miss their targets for the remainder of their term of office by at least 12,550 homes.
“Given that the Central Bank also argues that the government's targets are significantly below what is required, this news is deeply worrying.
“Government has been missing its social and affordable housing targets since 2020. This is directly resulting in rising rents, high house prices and rising levels of homelessness.
“If private sector supply starts to miss its targets, this will have a very significant impact on housing need and the cost of housing for people looking to rent and buy.
“Government must not be a spectator in all of this. They must come up with a credible, counter-cyclical plan with increased levels of investment in public housing, to increase investment in the delivery of social and affordable homes.
“We need at least 20,000 public homes a year to meet current need in addition to increased private sector supply. Government must not allow a private sector slowdown result in even greater pressure on supply resulting in increased costs.
“Darragh O’Brien must set out what the government intends to do differently in the coming months to ensure that his targets are not only met but are significantly exceeded, particularly in the delivery of much needed social and affordable homes.”
Kathleen Funchion TD has called on the Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee to ramp up the States response to gender-based violence, in light of a recent spike in gender-based homicides.
Teachta Funchion said:
“Disturbing figures released in the Women's Aid Annual Impact Report show a staggering 12 females lost their lives last year, and in this year alone five females have had their lives cut short.
“If this morbid trend continues, we will surpass 2022 figures.
“It is abundantly clear to women in fear of their lives, and to the services and staff supporting them, that we are not making the progress we need too.
"Violence against women is an epidemic in our society. This is an all-of-society problem that exists in our families, in our homes, in our communities and in our schools - right across society.
“The government’s Domestic and Gender-Based Violence Third Strategy is 12 months in existence, yet the source and amount of funding for vital refuge capital works remains vague. It sits with the Department of Housing, Tusla within the Department of Children and the Department of Justice.
“The Minister must urgently clarify that this crucial funding will be anchored in her Department, and that it will be resourced.
Recent information obtained through a parliamentary question shows the newly constructed Wexford Refuge is costing in the region of €6,5 million. Yet only a little less than €2 million is available for capital expenditure. Where is the ringfenced money for the counties that continue to wait for a refuge?
“Women and girls have lived in fear forever. When will enough be enough?”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Louise O’Reilly TD, has said the focus must now move onto large food companies after a report by the CCPC found no evidence of price gouging amongst supermarkets.
Teachta O’Reilly said:
“Throughout the debate on the increase of the cost of food items, I have always stated that large food companies in the middle of the supply chain must also be investigated for excess profiteering.
“At the beginning of March, the ECB highlighted that corporate profiteering was contributing to price rises as firms were using inflation as an excuse to increase profit margins.
“This led to calls for an investigation into the price of food items, and supermarkets came under the spotlight as consumers felt shop-shelf prices were excessive.
“The CCPC conducted such an investigation and a high-level report indicated that while prices were high, they found no evidence of price gouging by the supermarkets themselves.
“Representatives from supermarkets and primary producers/family farmers have relayed that they are being squeezed at either end of the supply chain by large food companies, and it is their belief that this is where profiteering is happening.
“Over the past number of months Sinn Féin have called for large food companies to be investigated in terms of excess profiteering, and this call is even more appropriate now following the CCPC report.
“Indeed, the French Finance Minister recently convened a meeting of several large food companies regarding the price of food items and managed to secure a pledge from firms, such as Unilever, to cut prices on hundreds of products.
“It is astonishing that the Irish government have not yet met with large food companies regarding the price of food items, especially given the CCPC Report highlighted that Unilever and Kerry Group reported pre-tax profit margins of 16.3% and 11.9%, respectively in 2021.
“Indeed, today’s quarterly report by the Central Bank of Ireland highlighted that profits contributed more to domestic inflation than wages in recent years, making it clear that profit restraint will have a key role in reducing inflation.
“With the Retail Forum meeting today, it is important that Minister of State Neale Richmond gives a commitment to the members of the forum, and the public, that he will convene a meeting of large food companies regarding excess profiteering.”
Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly has tonight welcomed a decision by the Parades Commission on a contentious loyalist parade which broke an agreement made between residents and the loyal orders on parades along the Crumlin Road.
Gerry Kelly said:
“An Orange Lodge in the Ballysillan area applied for a parade down the Crumlin Road this Saturday 24th June.
“This parade was clearly in breach of an agreement in 2016 between the Crumlin Ardoyne Residents Association and the three Ligoniel lodges which has brought almost seven years of peace to the Crumlin Road and eased community tensions.
“The Crumlin Ardoyne Residents Association lodged an objection to this new parade and were supported by myself and other local Sinn Féin political representatives.
“I note that the Parades Commission has recognised that this contentious parade was in fact a breach of the agreement between the Ligoniel Orange Lodges and the residents and I welcome the ruling that this parade will not pass down by Ardoyne, Mountainview and the Dales.
"Sinn Féin will continue to monitor all applications for parades which fall outside the 2016 Agreement.”
Sinn Féin’s Declan Kearney has raised concerns about significant challenges now facing the eco system in Lough Neagh, following the confirmation of the presence of blue-green algae in the Toome Canal.
The South Antrim MLA said:
“When the scale of algae contamination in the Toome Canal became apparent last Tuesday, both Cllr Henry Cushinan and I contacted the NI Environment Agency (NIEA).
“We subsequently received an assessment from NIEA officials, confirming the presence of blue-green algae. However, since then local fishermen who work the Lough have confirmed to us that this spontaneous appearance of algae had inexplicably spread throughout the fishing waters of the Lough itself.
“During the last few years several unusual phenomena have come to the fore within the ecosystem of the Lough. Most recently the Lough water turned unusually clear. Last year the seasonal midges around the Lough shore disappeared. It is an established fact that the emergence of the invasive ’Zebra Mussel’ has devastated many fish species in the Lough; and in parallel, the numbers of fishermen who work the Lough have dramatically reduced, because it has become almost impossible to get a viable living from traditional fishing.
“It is clear that the entire ecosystem of Lough Neagh now faces new ecological challenges, with potential long-term implications for biodiversity, public health and the sustainability of our freshwater fishing industry.
“I and Cllr Cushinan will now be seeking a meeting with DAERA to discuss all of these issues and their associated ramifications.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson for Agriculture, Claire Kerrane TD, has called on Minister McConalogue to address ongoing concerns around the ACRES scoring process and the double standards he has created for those in Co-operation zones.
Just last week, Teachta Kerrane raised possible delays to ACRES scorecards being submitted, which could in turn result in unfair penalties for Farmers participating in the scheme with the Minister.
Since then, further issues have been highlighted around how the Department is providing different scoring time-frames for different groups in ACRES Co-operation. Co-operation teams for commonages have been given extra time - an additional month (September) to score lands and will have two years to submit scorecards, while Farmers with their own hired Farm Advisors also in ACRES Co-operation will be required to meet the August deadline with no additional time allowed.
There is added geographical consideration in that Co-operation Project Teams will generally be scoring in commonage areas, which are often relatively accessible and easy to move around as well as allowing them to score a number of Farmers together. Other Advisors will be scoring more lowland areas in the same scheme (ACRES Co-operation) which are typically less accessible and require more travel to and from land parcels.
Speaking today, Teachta Kerrane said:
“There has been double standards created by the Minister in ACRES which are entirely unacceptable and have to be addressed urgently.
“Co-operation teams for commonages have more time to carry out the same scoring as those Advisors hired directly by Farmers, some of which will have worked for Farmers over many years. This means the Minister has acknowledged that there will be time pressures to get land scored and has allowed for that for some, but not for others.
“The workload for scoring lands will be sizeable for Advisors and there should be a level playing field for all Advisors doing the job. Instead, we have a situation where some will have four months this year and four months next year to score lands and others will have three months and a strict deadline of August, despite the fact that they were already delayed by nine days when the required app wasn't ready on June 1st.
"There are also financial double standards within ACRES Co-operation - those in commonage areas will receive a payment regardless of whether their land has been scored or not whereas those in lowlands will get no payment at all if their land is not scored. This, again may lead to financial consequences for farmers through no fault of their own.
“ACRES has the buy-in from Farmers and we all want it to be a success, but reports of the differences in the treatment of some Farmers over others is not the way to start a new scheme.
“The Department are going to have to provide flexibility where issues are flagged with them, like this, in order to ensure that ACRES works for Farmers.
“I am calling on Minister McConalogue to address these double standard by allowing the same time-frame for scoring to be submitted and to ensure payments are treated the same.
"This is about a level playing field for all farmers involved in ACRES.”
Speaking today, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Enterprise, Trade, Employment, Louise O’Reilly TD, has said the workers at the food retailer Iceland must be front and centre of examinership proceedings.
Teachta O’Reilly said:
“There have been significant and sustained allegations of poor management, lack of communication, and intimidation of workers, since the food retailer Iceland recently changed management.
“Since the takeover, several Iceland staff have been in touch with me regarding their employment situation.
“They have alleged several workers have either not received wages owed and others have not received wages in full.
“As a result, Iceland workers in Coolock took industrial action at the end of May.
“Despite their best efforts, workers have not been able to receive any clarity regarding the current situation and they have been left in the dark about the company’s future operations.
“It is against this backdrop that the news that the company has entered examinership must be viewed.
“Iceland operates 26 Iceland stores across the state and employs over 344 people, and it is essential that these workers, and the monies owed to these workers, are front and centre of any proceedings.
“I offer my continued support, and that of Sinn Féin, to the workers, their families, and their communities.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice, Pa Daly TD, has today welcomed the government’s decision to move towards introducing body cameras for Gardaí and to bring forward proposals on facial recognition independently of the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Bill 2022, which provides a legal basis for body cameras and other recording devices.
Teachta Daly said:
“I welcome that moves have been made towards introducing body cameras for Gardaí. This is something that Sinn Féin and Gardaí themselves have been demanding for some time. It can only be a first step in measures to protect Gardaí and ensure they have the resources they need.
“The government suggested continually that it would move amendments to the committee stage consideration of the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Bill 2022. This lead to a scheduled Justice committee meeting being cancelled, and a date for consideration of the bill has yet to be fixed.
“It seems now that the bill will proceed and provide a legal basis for bodycams, which are an important proposal. Other measures such as safe staffing levels must also be implemented.
“For too long, the Gardaí have been left feel overstretched, under-resourced and unprotected by Fine Gael's failure to show leadership in the Justice Department. Today's news is a welcome first step from Fine Gael, but must be followed by much more fundamental reform.
“With regards the facial recognition technology, there are a considerable number of issues to investigate including the holding of a pilot scheme before wider proposals proceed, an independent review of the exact technology proposed and clarity on whether a “live” or retrospective use of FRT is being suggested. Detailed technical specifications and plans for procurement from reputable providers and provision made for ongoing independent audits of the use of the technology are important also.
“Dashcams would also provide an important piece of technology for Gardaí and consideration should be given to their use also. I look forward to seeing the government’s proposals in relation to facial recognition technology and a proper debate being held on the implications of its use.
"It's time to get to grips with policing issues so that Gardaí have the resources they need and communities can feel safe."
Sinn Féin TD John Brady has called on government TDs to support legislation, which he introduced to the Dáil this week at second stage, that is designed to compel the insurance industry to provide homeowners and businesses with insurance cover in flood-affected areas where flood relief schemes have been undertaken by the Office of Public Works.
This would provide one in one hundred years or more protection against flooding. A 2021 report from Gamma Location services identified some 70,000 homes in Ireland at risk of flooding, which could result in an estimated cost of approximately €2 billion.
Despite the urgent need for the matter to be addressed, the government introduced an amendment to put a time-delay on the introduction of the Bill for 12 months. A vote will take place in the Dáil next Wednesday.
Teachta Brady said:
“Once again, the government has employed their favoured tactic of using their numbers in the Dáil to prevent the Oireachtas from introducing necessary legislation by kicking another piece of legislation down the road. This is a tactic that we are witnessing the government employ repeatedly in the house.
“Rather than engage with an issue on its merits and on its potential to impact in a positive manner on a very real issue that is impacting on the lives of thousands of home and business owners, the government has chosen to attempt to smother this legislation.
“This legislation is designed to serve the public good. It acknowledges the efforts undertaken by the Office of Public Works in carrying out flood relief schemes to protect homes.
“It is intended to provide protection against discrimination by the insurance industry by the thousands of people who have been impacted by flood disaster in this state, but who are living in areas where the risk of flooding has now been reduced to one of one in one hundred years or better through the completion of remedial works.
“During the debate, Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill referenced a survey carried out last April by Insurance Ireland with a pilot group of three schemes in my own town of Bray, Fermoy South and the Dodder Areas.
“Preliminary results suggest that 19% of the insurance policies of those surveyed did not include flood cover, which is totally unacceptable.
“Separately, 80% of areas across the state regarded as being of primary flood risk have been assessed under the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Programme. Which found that 95% can be protected. Which provides scope for an additional 150 flood relief schemes.
“This clearly shows that properties can be protected, that the Insurance companies are in the wrong and that they need to be called out. We need legislation to compel to fulfil their obligations and provide the necessary homes and businesses in the areas in which relief work has been completed.
“I call on all deputies, but particularly those in government, to stand with those who have fallen foul of the greed of the insurance industries who are being allowed to get away with the willful discrimination of homeowners and businesses by denying them their right to insurance cover.”
Sinn Féin MLA Conor Murphy has called on the British government to do more to support homeowners struggling with rising mortgage repayments.
The party's economy spokesperson said:
"The Bank of England is expected to hiked its interest rate this week for the 13th time in a row.
"Some home-owners, who have already been squeezed over recent months, will face further increases to their mortgages.
“Workers and families are now paying hundreds of pounds more in mortgage payments. This is at the same time as a cost living crisis when energy, food and fuel bills continue to bite in to family budgets.
"The British government needs to do more to support homeowners with rising mortgage repayments by providing targeted support to those whose mortgage interest rates have risen over the past year.
"The British Chancellor should act to help hard-pressed homeowners.
"There is also an onus on financial institutions to support people who have seen significant increases in repayments over the past year – no family should be losing their home due to inflexible banks or lenders.
"The regressive economic policies of the Tories have contributed to driving up interest rates and a reversal in policy is urgently needed.
“Rather than giving tax breaks to banks the Tory government should ensure public services are properly funded and workers receive fair pay."
First Minister Designate Michelle O’Neill has hailed confirmation the Irish government will fund a new €45m student and teaching building at the Magee campus of Ulster University in Derry.
The announcement on Magee was part of €56m committed by the Irish government from its Shared Island fund to a number of all-island projects. These include plans to complete the tender for the Narrow Water Bridge, a respite and therapeutic centre for children with cancer and their families, a new all-island Youth Forum and the construction of two bio-economy demonstrators.
Michelle O’Neill said:
“Confirmation that the Irish Government will provide capital investment of €45 million to help build a new student and teaching building at Ulster University’s Magee campus is welcome news.
“This new building will see the delivery of first-class teaching facilities for lectures and seminars, as well as new computer labs and other services for students who are studying in the city.
“Today marks another hugely significant investment from the Shared Ireland Unit that will provide a major step towards transforming the Magee campus and boosting student numbers.
“Expanding the facilities at Magee will also help to strengthen cross-border education by making the Magee campus more accessible to students from Donegal, and working to deepen educational links with LYIT in Letterkenny.
“The expansion of Magee University is a priority for Sinn Féin, and key to unlocking the huge economic opportunities that exist in the north west.
“I also welcome the announcement that the Irish government’s Shared Island fund is investing in the tender for the Narrow Water Bridge, a respite and therapeutic centre for children with cancer and their families, a new all-island Youth Forum, and the construction of two bio-economy demonstrators.
“This investment by the Irish government shows the potential of what can be done to deliver on the huge economic opportunities when governments and parties work together.
“It points up again the need to have the Executive restored now so we can work together to maximise those opportunities and potential, continue to promote regional balance and ensure that the expansion of Magee University is fully completed.”
Sinn Féin TD John Brady has welcomed the announcement that talks will resume between SIPTU, acting on behalf of Retained Fire Fighters, and the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) at the Labour Court next Monday.
The Retained Fire Fighters suspended their planned strike this week, and have deescalated industrial action to allow space for the talks to take place.
Wicklow TD Brady said:
“I welcome that all sides believe there is a basis for talks to continue at the Labour Court. This is a positive development.
“But it is important to state that the Retained Fire Fighters did not want to engage in industrial action in the first place - they were forced into taking action by the arrogance and lip service paid to them by Minister Darragh O’Brien throughout this whole process.
“The Fire Fighters have, at all times, acted in good faith. They set out from the outset to secure commitments from government to address core issues at the heart of the recruitment and retention crisis, which if left unaddressed will lead to the total collapse of the service.
“Minister O’Brien and his government must remove the roadblocks that scuppered earlier attempts at reaching a negotiated solution.
“The government must instruct DPER to release the necessary resources to meet the needs of the Retained Fire Service to prevent the further erosion of its strength.
“While talks take place within the Labour Court between SIPTU and the LGMA, the reality is that the outcome of the dispute will be decided in Government Buildings by Minister Darragh O’Brien and his cabinet colleagues.
“The outstanding question everybody is waiting to see answered is whether they will honour the recommendations of their own report into the crisis in the Retained Fire Service.
“In voting to amend last week's Sinn Féin motion to reject solutions to this crisis, Minister O’Brien once again completely underestimated the resolve of the Retained Fire Service and the public support they have received right across the state.
“I would encourage him to acknowledge that he is wrong, that the manner in which he has engaged with the Retained Fire Service has been seen as high-handed and arrogant by fire fighters, and use Monday’s talks as an opportunity to reset the government approach and do the right thing by the Retained Fire Service.
“Sinn Féin will not let this slide. Sinn Féin in government would urgently intervene to increase the fixed incomes of firefighters and increase staffing levels in order to build a fit-for-purpose service.”
“As we enter a new phase of our cause, that of the endgame of partition” - MacManus
Sinn Féin MEP for Midlands-Northwest has said we are in the endgame of partition, while addressing crowds gathered in Bodenstown to commemorate Theobald Wolftone.
Addressing the crowd, MacManus said:
“This commemoration serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for a new Ireland, a United Ireland, an Ireland that can be a place for all and is a testament of the unbreakable spirit, which is instilled in us as a people.
“This year marks the 225th anniversary of the 1798 Rebellion. It also marks the 100th anniversary since the ending of the counter-revolution that was the Civil War.
“One hundred years later, as we move onwards to that day of Irish Unity, we view an Ireland where Irish Republicanism is to the fore and Sinn Féin the largest political force across our island. Sinn Fein has 300 elected representatives throughout the 32 counties of Ireland who will be giving republican leadership each day of every week of every year.
MacManus concluded by stating that the new phase of the struggle represented the endgame of partition.
“As we enter a new phase of our cause, that of the endgame of partition, Sinn Féin are on the cusp of leading government north and south and we need now, for our activists to be ready to help us achieve and deliver that change.
“So let all of us leave this place inspired. Inspired by the sentiments in Tone’s words ‘Many suffer so that some day all Irish people may know justice and peace.’
“Let us never forget that we stand on the shoulders of giants like Theobald Wolfe Tone. ENDS
(Below) Chris MacManus MEP addressing the crowds at Bodenstown Commemoration 
(Below) Chris MacManus MEP addressing the crowds at Bodenstown Commemoration 
(Below) Réada Cronin TD, Mairéad Farrell TD and Chris MacManus MEP at Annual Wolfe Tone Commemoration in Bodenstown 
(Below) Réada Cronin TD, Mairéad Farrell TD and Chris MacManus MEP at Bodenstown Commemoration 
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Addiction, Recovery and Wellbeing, Thomas Gould TD, has today urged the government to take action to resolve funding deficits in addiction services and community addiction services.
Responding to the latest Health Research Board (HRB) report, Teachta Gould said:
“With over 12,000 people seeking support for addiction issues in 2022, it is clear that we need to invest in our addiction services to support recovery journeys across this island.
“We must end the postcode lottery of services and ensure that where anyone is willing to take the first brave step on their recovery journey, the state is there to provide the services they need.
“Those working on the ground in communities have warned that cocaine addiction has been rising for a number of years now.
“The government is still providing less funding to Taskforces than they received in 2010 this is a real barrier to them resourcing proactive and localised responses to these drug trends.
“While the HRB report is hugely important in tracking national trends, those working on the ground can identify and act on these much earlier.
“However, Taskforces are still operating at a €3 million budget deficit compared to their 2010 funding. Austerity had huge impacts on community services and many of these have never fully recovered.
“This report needs to be a wake up call for the government. It is time to tackle addiction and resource recovery. We must address systemic issues such as poverty while simultaneously ensuring that our addiction sector is equipped to meet the needs of those who are seeking help.
“Sinn Féin believes in using localised expertise from those on the ground to rebuild our community addiction sector and to make recovery possible.
“We believe that the skills are there, the commitment is there and the people are there. Communities want to begin recovery journeys, they just need the resourcing to do so.”
