MEP MacManus extends condolences following Sligo Tragedy
Sinn Féin MEP for Midlands Northwest Chris MacManus has expressed his deepest sympathies to those at affected by the tragic collision on the Sligo rail line near Ballisadare. The Sligo native spoke of the shock felt in the local community and praised first responders for their work.
“This is desperately sad news. Firstly I want to extend my condolences to the family and friends of Jessica, who has tragically lost her life in the incident. It’s difficult to comprehend the shock and sadness they must all be feeling today. The second young woman who is being treated in Sligo University Hospital is now very much in our thoughts. I wish her every strength in fighting to recovery.”
“My thoughts today are also very much with the train driver. I can’t imagine how truly harrowing of an experience this must have been. Likewise I want to extend my sympathies to the train staff, the passengers and any bystanders who may have witnessed the tragedy. It must have been very distressing for everyone involved.”
“I’d like to extend a special word of praise and thanks to the emergency services for their rapid response in attending the scene, and to the staff at Sligo University Hospital for their ongoing work.”
“Finally I’d like to sympathise with the wider Sligo community. This news really sent a shockwave through our town and county. It is incredibly sad and I’m sure many are struggling to make sense of it all. It is important we all come together and offer our support to everyone effected by this terrible tragedy.” ENDS
Sinn Féin spokesperson on the Environment and Climate Action, Darren O’Rourke TD, says the government's inexcusable failure to tackle rip-off energy bills here was at the heart of the decision to temporarily close Tara Mines.
The Meath East TD was speaking following a Dáil exchange with Energy Minister Eamon Ryan, during which Minister Ryan failed to commit to meeting with workers representatives, SIPTU, to address the challenges at Tara Mines.
Teachta O’Rourke said:
“The decision to close Tara Mines has delivered a devastating blow to workers, families and the wider Meath community. People are absolutely reeling. It is difficult to overstate the scale of the impact that this will have.
“What makes this even more devastating, however, is the fact that Ireland's eye-watering energy prices have been established as a key reason why this decision was made. Government inaction, time and time again, has produced a disastrous situation which potentially could have been avoided. This is not good enough.
“We know that wholesale energy prices have been falling rapidly yet there have been no moves whatsoever to pass this on to consumers.
“For example, wholesale electricity prices have fallen by 57% since last march. In the same time-frame, household electricity prices have risen by 63%.
“And what exactly has the government done? Absolutely nothing. Energy companies are acting with absolute abandon. It is like the Wild West out there.
“What has happened at Tara Mines is the inevitable consequence of a government that protects the profits of energy companies over and above the needs of ordinary workers, families and businesses. The situation is totally unsustainable and has been for some time now.
“We know that the parent company operates various locations in Europe and none of them have been closed. While they have also been impacted by the rising cost of zinc, one key differential is that Ireland’s energy costs are comparatively sky-high.
“We know that there are plenty of measures at the government’s fingertips that would tackle Ireland’s outrageous energy costs, providing the relief that people and businesses desperately need. Either the government has failed to pursue them to their full extent or they have completely ignored them altogether. And in some cases, they have actively blocked them.
“For example, the government continues to kick the can down the road regarding the introduction of a windfall tax. The latest news in this saga came yesterday that the legislation will be split and the cap in market revenues is delayed yet again. To make matters worse, the government has failed to follow the example of our European neighbours France and Belgium in targeting the period in 2022 when profits were highest via the introduction of a windfall tax.
“The government has actively blocked the introduction of Sinn Féin’s plan to introduce energy price caps on various occasions, a measure that is commonplace across the EU. Similarly, the government has also failed to adequately resource or mandate the CRU to oversee so-called ‘hedging’ practices in energy companies which apparently explain the reason why retail energy prices remain so high, despite having fallen in other European countries.
“When 650 direct jobs and thousand more indirect jobs are on the line it is a situation of absolute urgency and should be treated with the seriousness it deserves. The government most certainly could, and should, have done more.
“To add insult to injury, during my Dáil exchange with Minister Ryan today,he would not even commit to agree to a request from SIPTU to meet to discuss alternatives to the ‘care and maintenance’ approach proposed by the employer. That is completely unacceptable.
“Everything that can be done must be done to protect these workers and save these Jobs. Government must engage with management, the parent company and SIPTU. They also must get to grips with the cost of energy. Otherwise we will be facing this situation in more and more locations. That cannot happen. Families cannot take it, workers cannot take it, businesses cannot take it. Ireland deserves better.”
Sinn Féin's MLA Órlaithí Flynn said the institutions need back up and running to give our health services political leadership and better support for children and their families who are crying out for help.
The party’s mental health spokesperson said:
“It is extremely worrying to learn that over the past three years, there has been an increase of 1255 children waiting on a mental health assessment, with 1086 children waiting more than nine weeks.
“This is happening at a time when our frontline mental health services are under attack from eye watering Tory cuts.
“The new Mental Health plan provides a pathway to improve the mental health services so urgently needed by families who are suffering and finding it hard to get help.
“However, this cannot be progressed due to the DUP’s boycott of the institutions as additional funding will be needed from the Executive.
“I have requested a meeting with the Department of Health to discuss how we tackle the growing crisis within children’s mental health services.
“We need the institutions back up and running to give our health services political leadership and better support those children and their families who are crying out for help.”
Sinn Féin MLA Linda Dillon has said an Executive needs formed to address the worsening crisis in our health service.
The party’s health spokesperson said:
“Not only do we have the worst waiting times compared to anywhere else across these islands, the system for keeping patients informed is in disarray.
“It is concerning to learn of the lack of communication from the Trusts with some patients left in limbo. The health service needs political leadership and the investment to carry out urgent reform.
“Patients, GPs, and healthcare staff are the ones being impacted and feeling the stress.
“Over 12 years of savage Tory cuts have decimated our health service and stripped money out of already underfunded and understaffed frontline services.
“Patients languishing on waiting lists need all parties to get back around the Executive table and work together to prevent a collapse in our health service.”
Sinn Féin TDs Eoin Ó Broin and John Brady have accused Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien of staggering arrogance in his failure to engage with the party’s proposals designed to address issues at the heart of the recruitment and retention crisis within the retained fire service.
They were responding after the government tonight voted to amend the Sinn Féin motion and remove any solutions to the crisis, which will now see an escalation of industrial action and an an all-out strike across the service next week.
Teachta Ó Broin said:
“There are a range of serious issues relating to pay, working conditions, and rostering, which need to be addressed urgently.
“Failure to do so will see the retained fire service become unsustainable due to the lack of people willing to perform the role under the current conditions members are subjected to.
“Yet again this week, Darragh O’Brien has displayed staggering arrogance in his failure to engage on this issue, and the anger he has provoked was there for all to see when dozens of retained firefighters stood up and walked out of the Dáil public gallery in disgust on Tuesday night.
“These firefighters travelled from all over the state to Dublin to attend the debate, which was an opportunity for the government to bring forward meaningful proposals that could end the need for an all-out strike next week.
“Instead, they were treated with contempt by Minister O’Brien.
“I once again urge him to review his response to prevent an all-out strike across the state next week. He must act immediately to bring an end to this crisis. His failure to do so is putting lives at risk.”
Teachta Brady said:
“Briefings from the Minister’s office earlier this week, which suggested that there would be a favourable statement from the Minister during the debate, led to a raising of expectations that we would see real progress. There has been anything but.
“Having continued to engage with firefighters since the debate, they are extremely angry and frustrated at what they felt was a dismissal by Minister O’Brien of their livelihoods in the amendment he made to our proposals..
“All the Minister had to offer was a commitment to look favourably at the needs of the firefighters for a liveable wage in the next round of public pay talks.
“It will now take an extraordinary gesture by the government to prevent a full-scale strike from next week across the state.
“What the retained firefighters were looking for, what we in Sinn Féin called for, was for the government to act on the thirteen recommendations arising out of its own report calling for reform of the fire service, which Minister O’Brien informed the Dáil he supported last November.
“Retained firefighters undertake a dangerous and demanding role on behalf of our local communities across the state.
“For this they pay a considerable price - they are on call 24/7, 351 days of the year for a miserly 99 cent an hour.
“If the serious issues at the heart of the crisis in the retained fire service are not addressed immediately, it will lead to increasing danger for both firefighters and members of the public.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Climate Justice, Senator Lynn Boylan, has today highlighted the urgent need for government policies to incorporate the contributions made by wealthy individuals to the climate crisis.
To effectively address this issue, Senator Boylan stressed the importance of producing good quality data that accurately represents the diverse emissions patterns within society.
Senator Boylan said:
“Wealthy people have more responsibility for emissions, but the government is not doing enough to track and stop it.
“A glaring example can be witnessed in Dublin Bay, where the 110-metre Superyacht, Kaos, owned by billionaire Nancy Walton Laurie of the Walmart family, is a testament to the extravagant carbon footprint of the ultra-wealthy. The private jets, helicopters, and fleets of luxury vehicles all contribute massively to the carbon footprints of the ultra-wealthy.
“Sinn Féin remains resolute in its commitment to addressing emissions associated with wealth. The party has long advocated for a wealth tax, a private jet tax, the removal of tax credits on a tapered basis for individuals with an income exceeding €100,000, and the implementation of a second home levy.
“Our commitment to equity in climate action stems not only from a sense of fairness but also from the recognition that it is economically efficient and politically effective. Achieving the necessary transition to net-zero emissions requires immense popular support, and a just transition is paramount in this endeavour.
“The pathway to net zero cannot be realised without ensuring fairness and ignoring the emissions of the wealthy undermines the overall effectiveness of climate policies.
“However, the development of more targeted policies necessitates the availability of more comprehensive data on the emissions of the wealthy. The current climate policies don’t pay attention to who emits what, be it rich or poor, instead relying on an approach which ignores where the emissions come from in terms of income.
“The recent report by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) exemplifies this issue once again. Today I urged the Minister for Environment to direct the EPA and the Central Statistics Office (CSO) to prioritise the development of comprehensive data instruments that will enable informed policy decisions in the future.
“By recognising the unequal contributions to the climate crisis and implementing targeted policies that address the emissions of the wealthy, we can establish a fairer, more effective, and economically efficient approach to climate action. Sinn Féin remains steadfast in its commitment to combating climate change with justice and equity at the forefront.”
Government must ensure addition of West and Northwest to TEN-T Core Network - MacManus
Sinn Féin MEP Chris MacManus has called on the Government to ensure the addition of the Atlantic Corridor to the TEN-T Core Network. The Midlands Northwest representative was speaking following a vote in the European Parliament on a report on large transport infrastructure projects in the EU, relating to the TEN-T Network.
MEP MacManus said:
“I voted in favour of this report, which highlights the key role of Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) funding in large infrastructure projects, funding which is only available to infrastructure included on the TEN-T Network.”
“Over the 2007-2020 period, the EU budget allocated over €109 billion to transport infrastructure projects on the TEN-T network. It is a vital source of funding for these projects and the Irish Government must take full advantage of it.”
“Therefore it is very disappointing that the Irish Government has refused to reintroduce the west and northwest of Ireland to the TEN-T Core Network, in particular the Western Rail Corridor.”
“Changes to the TEN-T Network must be endorsed by the Government of the member state concerned, and the Irish Government have refused to endorse the addition of the Western Rail Corridor to the TEN-T Network until the publication of the all-island rail review.”
“This review has been delayed indefinitely due to the absence of an Executive in the north, though it has been widely reported that the review will recommend the partial reopening of the Western Rail Corridor between Athenry and Claremorris and the development of a railway between Letterkenny and Derry. My fear is that the Government intend to use the absence of European funding as an excuse not to invest in these rail lines.”
“The west and northwest of Ireland has been ranked 219th out of 234 European regions in terms of infrastructure in a recent EU report. If we are to address regional imbalance, attract investment and create high quality jobs, we desperately need investment in infrastructure, particularly transport infrastructure.”
“Minister Eamon Ryan must urgently ensure that the west of Ireland is restored to the TEN-T Core Network to ensure that our communities can fully benefit from European investment in the time ahead.” ENDS
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Further and Higher Education Mairéad Farrell TD has called on Minister Simon Coveney to ensure that those apprentices working at the temporarily closed Tara Mines are provided with appropriate alternative employment.
Teachta Farrell said:
“These apprentices are at a key point in their training. The closure of Tara Mines is in no way their fault and they should not be adversely effected by this.
“Our system is badly in need of new apprentices so when incidents like this occur it’s imperative that we find a way for such workers to be redeployed for as long as necessary, whilst ensuring that redeployment is suitable to their training needs.
“We don’t know how long the plant will be closed for and these young apprentices can’t be left in the lurch.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance, Pearse Doherty TD, has criticised Google, Facebook, Amazon and Twitter for refusing to come before the Finance Committee to discuss the growing threat of scams and financial fraud.
Speaking today, Teachta Doherty said social media and tech giants had a responsibility to come before the Committee to discuss growth of scams and fraudulent ads that take place across their platforms.
The Donegal TD said:
“Last month the Finance Committee invited Google, Facebook, Amazon and Twitter to come before the Committee today.
“This was as a part of the Committee’s series of engagements on financial fraud and scams.
“All four refused to come before the Committee. This is disappointing and unacceptable.
“We have seen a massive increase in fraud and scams in recent years, robbing citizens of millions of euros every year.
“It is a fact that many victims are targeted online, through these companies very platforms, including through fraudulent websites and advertisements.
“That Google, Facebook, Amazon and Twitter declined to come before the Committee is a troubling sign of their commitment to tackling scams and fraud that originate on their own platforms.
“It is notable that Google, Facebook and Amazon all gave evidence before the British Treasury Committee on this very issue in September 2021.
“The Dáil Committee and Irish citizens victim to or concerned about the growing threat of fraud and scams should be afforded the same respect.
“Today the Committee unanimously agreed to reinvite Google, Facebook, Amazon and Twitter to appear before the Committee in the coming weeks.”
Sinn Féin MLA Linda Dillon has welcomed news of five new cancer support centres being set up and an increase in patients accessing lifesaving treatment through specialist radiotherapy.
Speaking after attending an event organised earlier today by Cancer Focus NI the Mid Ulster MLA said:
“It is welcome that the number of people being treated by specialist radiotherapy treatment will increase to almost 400 people by the end of this year.
“This treatment will save the lives of many cancer patients.
"Cancer Focus NI is part of a multi-million-pound investment which will give cancer patients and their families support within five new regional centres.
“These will provide practical and emotional support for those cancer patients and their wider families.
“This positive initiative should complement the new Cancer Strategy, which unfortunately cannot be progressed due to the DUP’s refusal to form an Executive, to support those fighting for a first class, patient-centred service for all those who get a cancer diagnosis.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Disabilities and Carers, Pauline Tully TD, has called on the government action to deliver a new transport scheme for people with disabilities.
Teachta Tully's call comes following a report from the Ombudsman for Public Services, Ger Deering, highlighted the total lack of transport supports available to people with disabilities.
The Cavan/Monaghan TD said:
“It is estimated that by 2026, disabled people will account for 16% of the population and it is crucial that this cohort of society has access to transport supports to enable them to live fully independent lives.
“Without access to personal transport supports, many disabled people, especially those living in rural areas, cannot do what others take for granted, including working, visiting family and friends, shopping or any other aspect of life where mobility is essential.
“When the Government stopped entrance to new applicants for the mobility allowance and the motorised transport grant in 2013 they committed to developing an alternative scheme, but now ten years on there this has still not happened.
“The only other transport support available for disabled people, the disabled driver and passenger scheme, is no longer fit for purpose and does not meet the needs of a significant group of those with a disability and mobility impairment.
“This has been acknowledged by the Department of Finance who accepted that it was significantly divergent from best practice internationally and does not and will never operate to the standard expected of a 21st-century operational model.
“While this acknowledgement is welcome, what is needed now from government is action on putting in place a new 21st-century, fit-for-purpose scheme that alleviates transport costs that people with disabilities face, is not based on restrictive medical criteria, and that complies with the provisions of the Equal Status Act.”
Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald has urged government to act to protect jobs at Tara Mines.
Speaking in the Dáil today, Teachta McDonald said:
“The news of 650 job losses at Tara Mines overnight has left workers, their families and the wider community reeling.
“The suspension of operations at the mine is nothing short of devastating, and a body blow that will affect the entire community.
“I want to express my support and solidarity to these workers and their families at this time.
“The impact on the wider community and local economy in Navan will be considerable.
“Everything that can be done, must be done, to save these jobs and protect workers at Tara Mines. Government must engage with management and the parent company to do everything possible to maintain these jobs.
“While no-one anticipated this sudden and drastic announcement that came overnight, there was an awareness that the mine was under pressure and concerns about the future of the mine.
“In fact, my colleague Deputy Johnny Guirke wrote to Minister Eamon Ryan, the minister responsible for the mining industry, on 11th May. In it he expressed concern about operations at the mine, including risks to jobs.
“Deputy Guirke warned the Minister, ‘If this risk becomes a reality, that would be a major blow to this region, and certainly merits Government intervention as soon as possible.’
“He then went on to request that government meet with Meath Oireachtas representatives, along with representatives of SIPTU and Boliden Tara Mines.
“By way of response Deputy Guirke received an acknowledgement from the Minister’s office promising to bring this matter to the Minister’s attention, and then nothing further. His warning and call for action were met with silence.
“Was Minister Ryan aware of the very serious pressure the mine was under? Did Minister Ryan not share that information with the rest of government?
“Why is government only looking at action now?”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Transport and Communications, Martin Kenny TD, and spokesperson on Disabilities, Pauline Tully TD, have called on the government to engage with the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme.
The call comes following a shocking report from the Ombudsman for Public Services, Ger Deering, which highlighted the many difficulties faced by people with disabilities when accessing both public and private transport.
Teachta Kenny said:
“As part of his report, Mr Deering highlighted an array of transport services which are not serving the needs of people with disabilities across the country. One in particular, the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers scheme, has been non-functioning since 2021 after the appeals board resigned. The state has yet to replace the appeals board.
“This scheme needs to be completely overhauled. The eligibility criteria is far too stringent and must be widened. Deputy Tully and I have written to the Minister again today to seek an update on the updating of the scheme.
“We need urgent engagement in this as it is quite literally putting the lives of some people with disabilities on hold.”
Teachta Tully said:
“It is estimated that, by 2026, disabled people will account for 16% of the population and it is crucial that this cohort of society has access to transport supports. People with disabilities should be able to live full and active lives within their communities but many obstacles remain that work to prevent this, and access to transport supports is one of them.
“It has been acknowledged by the Department of Finance that the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme is no longer fit for purpose and does not meet the needs of a significant group of those with a disability and mobility impairment. It is significantly divergent from best practice internationally, and does not and will never operate to the standard expected of a 21st-century operational model.
“While this acknowledgement is welcome, what is needed now from government is action on putting in place a new 21st-century, fit-for-purpose scheme that alleviates transport costs that people with disabilities face, results in vehicle adaptations based on their needs and not based on restrictive medical criteria, and that complies with the provisions of the Equal Status Act.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Agriculture, Claire Kerrane TD, has called on Minister McConalogue to ensure appropriate supports are available for farmers, following the publication of Teagasc’s National Farm Survey 2022 results
The survey results showed that many family farms faced high input costs and fluctuating family farm income.
Speaking today, Teachta Kerrane said:
“The Farm Survey results show that family farms are facing challenges and uncertainty around incomes and costs that they can expect year on year.
“For example, the sheep sector saw average incomes fall by 21%, while average suckler farmers saw a 13% fall in income in 2022. This is compounded by increases in feed, fuel and fertiliser costs in the same year.
“We already know that appropriate supports are needed for family farmers, and the survey makes clear the need for action from government.
“Sinn Féin have proposed a €300 suckler payment per cow/calf pair and an increase to the Sheep Improvement Scheme of €18 per ewe.
“I have also repeatedly called for an emergency package for the sheep sector, which continues to go ignored.”
“It is important that the Minister recognises the significance of these survey results and put comprehensive measures in place to support the sustainability of family farms.
Sinn Féin MLA Declan Kearney has called for solidarity with staff employed by the Education Authority who are taking strike action to secure a fair pay settlement.
The party’s workers’ rights spokesperson said:
“The striking workers who are taking industrial action for a fair pay settlement deserve our support and solidarity.
“These workers including school bus drivers, escorts, maintenance and catering staff, classroom assistants, playground supervisors, school administrative staff, cleaners, building supervisors and ground maintenance staff are essential to the running of our schools.
“They deserve fair pay and decent working conditions.
“Sinn Féin is clear, these workers should receive the pay settlement to which they are entitled.
“It is vital this issue is resolved appropriately, so that normal service can resume.
“Ultimately, these workers who have been forced to take industrial and strike action need more than just our support and solidarity; they require an Executive which stands up for workers’ rights and is committed to defending public services.”
Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has welcomed an update from The Executive Office on the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy.
The East Derry MLA said:
“At a cross-party briefing today, we received a comprehensive update on the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy which has had vital input from a range of women's groups, youth groups, and service providers.
"I am hopeful that the strategy will go out for public consultation in the near future.
“It is vital, however, that we have an Executive in place as soon as possible, with Ministers to drive forward implementation of work under the strategy.
"We also need a budget to support the Strategy to ensure that it is fully delivered.
“Women and girls cannot wait any longer, we need an Executive in place now to prioritise this work."
Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly has paid tribute to the Hooded Men for their determined campaign for truth and justice.
The North Belfast MLA was speaking after the PSNI publicly apologised today to the Hooded Men.
The party’s policing spokesperson said:
“For over 50 years, the Hooded Men have led a determined campaign for truth and justice and today’s apology from the PSNI is welcome.
“They were arrested, tortured, held without trial and then were forced for over five decades to go to the courts in Ireland, England and Europe in pursuit of justice.
“It is only through their determination and persistence that the British State has not succeeded in covering up their role in the systematic torture of these men.
“The demand for truth and justice will not go away. Neither will it be buried by the British government’s flawed legacy bill.
“The legacy mechanisms agreed at Stormont House by the two governments and political parties in 2014 should be implemented in a human rights' compliant manner.”
Sinn Féin MP John Finucane has criticised the flawed British government’s Legacy Bill and said it should be scrapped.
The North Belfast MP was speaking after meeting with Steve Baker along with party colleagues Francie Molloy MP and Mickey Brady MP.
John Finucane said:
“Today we met with Steve Baker and told him that the British government need to scrap their flawed Legacy Bill.
“The bill shows a blatant disregard for victims and their families and their right to access truth and justice.
“Its proposed amendments are not in full compliance with the British government’s obligation under the European Convention on Human Rights.
“We told him that the new timeframe for concluding inquests by May 1st next year is cruel, heartless and unprecedented and will make it more difficult for families to have this most basic investigation into the killings of their loved ones.
“This will effectively close the door in the faces of families looking to make progress in a large number of inquests, given the backlog in disclosure by the PSNI and its failure to put resources into this work.
“Instead of rushing through this bill the British government should listen to the victims and survivors and scrap their cruel bill.
“The Irish government also needs to stand up to this unilateral action by the British government and call for the legacy mechanisms agreed at Stormont House by the two governments and political parties in 2014 to be implemented in a human rights' compliant manner.”
Sinn Féin MLA Aisling Reilly has hit out at the decision to end the funding for the primary schools’ sports programme.
Aisling Reilly said:
“It is deeply concerning that the funding for the primary schools' sports programme is to be cut.
“This is a vital sports programme delivered by GAA and IFA coaches to over 200 schools and over 24,000 children across the north.
“These coaches deliver much-needed physical education lessons and ensured pupils were at least getting some form of physical activity throughout the week.
“Physical activity has been proven to help children and young people both physically and mentally.
“This is yet another consequence of immoral and indefensible Tory cuts that has decimated our public services and is punishing children and young people.
'The British government must end the cycle of cuts and properly invest in our education system.
“We also need an Executive established now so that local parties can support our children and young people.’’
