Sinn Féin TD for Carlow-Kilkenny Kathleen Funchion has sharply criticised Fine Gael TD Pat Deering for a classist remark he made on RTÉ's Late Debate programme last night, and called on the Taoiseach to clarify his remarks.
Speaking tonight, Teachta Funchion said;
"The remarks by Deputy Deering last night where he referred to working class communities as 'underclasses' show Fine Gael’s contempt and snide attitude towards ordinary people.
“Deputy Deering was elected to represent people from all backgrounds in the Carlow/Kilkenny constituency, but with comments such as this, does he look at the ordinary working class people as being beneath him?
“Fine Gael’s mask and their elitist attitude towards Governing is slipping.
“The Taoiseach must move to clarify these remarks by his party colleague immediately."
Sinn Féin spokesperson for Children and Youth Affairs Kathleen Funchion TD has said that the toxic culture of defensiveness within the agency and lack of accountability must be made a key priority for the new CEO in his role of reform.
Speaking today during the Oireachtas Children and Youth Affairs committee meeting with the new CEO for Tusla, Mr. Bernard Gloster, the Carlow/Kilkenny TD said:
"Given Tusla’s association with multiple national scandals involving children and families over recent years, it is reasonable that elected representatives and the public would question the agency over its effectiveness and transparency. There has been a culture within Tusla since its formation in 2014 to ‘batten down the hatches’ whenever the organisation has come under scrutiny by the Oireachtas and the public.
"This has to change if public confidence in the agency is to be improved.
"Today I raised the issues of the agency’s lack of transparency, lack of accountability and the need for improved communication with families and public representatives. The child’s voice must also always be heard and taken into account in all situations and the protection of vulnerable children and children in State care must be paramount.
"I also raised the issue of birth mothers’ access to their children in care and asked Mr. Gloster would Tusla be open to an independent review process for birth mothers where there was a call for a review. I expressed my concern over the lack of reunification plans for children in care.
"I was pleased to hear from Tusla representatives that since a review of regulations had taken place in light of the Hyde and Seek crèche chain breaches exposed by Primetime Investigates this summer, now under new regulations for the Childcare/Early Years sector, a childcare service that has been shown to have a previous criminal conviction will no longer be able to operate at any future point.
"This is long overdue and should ensure that people who have proven to be unsuitable for the running of a childcare service in the past will be prevented from working in the sector again.
"Tusla, the Child and Family Agency has a long way to go in repairing the damage done to people’s trust in the agency, but I hope that the new incoming CEO will make the reforms that are needed.
"Sinn Féin will continue to highlight our concerns and hope to work with Mr. Gloster to assist in any way that we can to improve Tusla services for children and families."
Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has said urgent action is needed now to tackle the climate emergency.
Speaking after a group of more than 11,000 scientists across the world endorsed research declaring we are facing a climate emergency, the party's spokesperson on climate, energy and sustainability said,
"More than 11,000 scientists from across the globe have endorsed research published in the 'Bioscience' journal declaring ‘clearly and unequivocally that planet Earth is facing a climate emergency'.
"The research shows atmospheric Greenhouse Gases (CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide) continue to increase, as does global surface temperature while globally ice has been rapidly disappearing.
“At the same time ocean heat content, ocean acidity, sea levels and extreme weather and associated damage costs have all been trending upward.
"This adds to the weight of evidence already available, with the scientists stating they hope the research will 'allow policymakers and the public to understand the magnitude of the crisis, realign priorities and track progress'.
"We need to see urgent action now to tackle the climate emergency, including to limit our emissions, reduce consumption and promote more sustainable living.
"This action will require coordinated leadership at a global, state and local level."
This week, 14 years ago, (3 November 2005) the Interim Report of the Independent Commission of Inquiry into the murder of Seamus Ludlow was published. The following March 2006 the final report by the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence & Women’s Rights was published.
That report recommended that the government establish two Commissions of Investigation into the Murder of Seamus Ludlow. The government has refused. The family took their case to the High Court seeking a Judicial Review of the Minister’s decision which they lost. Their appeal will be heard in the New Year.
Sinn Féin Louth TD Gerry Adams today called again on the Government to establish the two Commissions of Investigation recommended by the Final Report on the Independent Commission of Inquiry into the Murder of Seamus Ludlow.
Gerry Adams said:
“The family of Seamus Ludlow have been campaigning for truth about his murder for over 40 years. They have been frustrated in this by the British government and its state agencies who colluded in the murder. They have also been blocked by the failure of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael led governments that have refused to honour the recommendations of the Barron report and the Joint Oireachtas Committee.
"Seamus Ludlow was shot dead by a UVF/Red Hand Commando/UDR (Ulster Defence Regiment) gang in May 1976. He was aged 47. His body was thrown into a ditch near his Thistle Cross, Dundalk home.
"In
1979 the RUC identified four suspects it believed were responsible for the
killing. Nineteen years later, in February 1998, the four were finally arrested.
Two confessed to killing Seamus Ludlow during interviews with the RUC. They
were released without charge. The North’s then Director of Public Prosecutions
decided in 1999 not to prosecute the four. Among the four men were two serving
officers in the Ulster Defence Regiment.
"The Gardaí never interviewed the four men and never told the family. The first
the family heard of the four suspects was in a newspaper report.
"The Ludlow family earlier this year went to the Belfast High Court and successfully challenged the decision not to prosecute and the failure to provide reasons for this.
"The Irish government should now move to establish the two outstanding Commissions of Investigation – which it has thus far refused to do – which were recommended by the Final Report on the Independent Commission of Inquiry into the Murder of Seamus Ludlow by the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence & Women’s Rights in March 2006. That report expressed its 'disappointment at the lack of co-operation from the British authorities … the role collusion played in the murder of Seamus Ludlow'.”
Note to Editor:
The Sub-Committee recommends that a commission of investigation be established to investigate the following:
- Whether the evidence collected at the scene of the murder of Seamus Ludlow in 1976 was available in 1979 and if not, why not?
- Why were credible leads given to the Gardaí by the Northern Ireland police force not followed up?
- Why were the four named suspects not interviewed?
- Was there a policy in existence not to interview suspects in Northern Ireland for crimes committed in this jurisdiction?
- Was a decision taken not to actively pursue the investigation of the murder of Seamus Ludlow and if so, who took that decision and why?
The Sub-Committee recommends that a commission of investigation be established to investigate the following:
- What documents were created or maintained by An Garda Siochana including security intelligence C3 Section in relation to the murder of Seamus Ludlow?
- Where are those documents?
- If those documents are not available for inspection what is the reason for this?
- What documents were created or maintained by the Department of Justice (and Departments of An Taoiseach, Foreign Affairs and Defence, in respectof the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Security), in relation to the murder of Seamus Ludlow?
- Where are those documents?
- If those documents are not available for inspection what is the reason for this?
Sinn Féin MP Michelle Gildernew has called for an immediate end to all attacks and threats against Quinn Group staff.
The Fermanagh South Tyrone MP said:
“The ongoing campaign of brutal attacks, death threats, harassment and intimidation against Quinn Group employees is wrong and I utterly condemn it.
“Local people are appalled by these attacks, which have escalated into kidnapping and threats to kill.
“I have met with the Quinn Group to express my revulsion at these attacks and to offer our support.
"All threats and attacks must stop now.
“Everyone should be free to go to their work without threats, intimidation or fear.
“Anyone with information on these attacks or threats should go to the authorities north and south.”
Sinn Féin climate action spokesperson David Cullinane has called on the government to radically expand the ambition of its climate action plan, saying that small gestures alone will not change anything.
Deputy Cullinane said:
“We all have a part to play, and Minister Bruton’s proposal to put a charge on disposable cups will go some way towards changing behaviour.
“Nonetheless, there is a fallacy at the heart of the minister’s plan, which is the assumption that small actions alone will save the planet.
“Today I received a reply from the Minister regarding public transport investment, in particular, rail.
“I ask whether Minister Bruton had any plans to expand the rail system, given rail’s noted role in lowering carbon emissions.
“The answer was disappointing, depressing, and predictable.
“The government has no plans to expand the rail system outside of the existing network, save for a paper review of proposals for the western corridor.
“In order to tackle climate change, we need to put in place viable alternatives for people.
“Just as reusable cups are there as an alternative to disposable ones, we need viable alternatives in transport and energy.
“Yet here is where the government is seriously deficient.
“It is obsessed with the idea that price signals will save the planet.
“In reality, we need serious investment in public transport, in renewable energy, in construction, and in waste disposal.
“Without these measures, a change in price for coffee cups will not change anything.”
Reacting to the news of further possible spending overruns on new National Children's Hospital, Sinn Féin health spokesperson Deputy Louise O’Reilly has said the government cannot allow the hospital to be a cash cow for the construction industry.
Speaking this evening, Teachta O’Reilly said:
“The costs of the construction of the vitally needed new National Children’s Hospital have been a serious cause for concern for nearly a year now.
“In recent weeks there have been a number of worrying reports of further cost escalation on the project.
“Indeed, there have also been a number of high-profile resignations from the development board of the hospital over the past number of weeks and months, and some reports suggested these were possibly due to more spiralling cost overruns.
“The news this evening that further additional costs have been submitted by the contractor are further proof of the governments failures in managing to contain the costs of the project.
“When I raised the matter of overspending with the Taoiseach today he seemed to think this was normal behaviour of which the State could do nothing about – nothing could be further from the truth.
“These claims need to be validated as quickly as possible and the government need to get a handle on the spending on the hospital because it cannot be allowed to be a cash cow for the construction industry.”
Gerry Adams has expressed his deep personal sadness and acute sense of loss at the death of Fr. Des Wilson - The Peoples Priest
Gerry Adams said:
“The community of west Belfast, but especially of the Upper Springfield, will be devastated at the news of the death of our friend and mentor Fr. Des Wilson.
"Fr. Des has been an integral part of the west Belfast community for almost 60 years. He was hugely respected and loved as a priest, a community activist, an educator, a defender of people’s rights, an author, dramatist and writer. A fear naofa. He was also a man of great courage, a good neighbour, and a decent human being.
"Fr. Des’ life was dedicated to helping people. During the terrible years of conflict, he stood with the Upper Springfield Road community against the aggression and violence of the British state forces. He gave comfort and solidarity to those in need.
"Along with Frank Cahill and others he established local projects to bring jobs to west Belfast through the Whiterock Industrial Estate, the Rock Knitwear Group and later the Conway Mill project. For him education was always a priority and he was appalled at the numbers of children and young people who for a variety of reasons were dropping out of school and who needed help and support.
"On a personal note in 1971, after internment, Fr. Des married Colette and me while I was on the run.
"Fr. Des and Fr. Alex Reid later established a mediation process between the different republican organisations which undoubtedly saved lives following feuding in the late 1970s.
"The two priests also embarked on an outreach programme. They spoke to unionist paramilitaries and facilitated meetings between republicans and loyalists. They met officials from the British and Irish governments, and indeed anyone who would listen to them, in the hope that through dialogue they could assist the work of peace building. They pioneered this work. They never gave up despite setbacks and serial refusals to talk by the great and the good. Without Fr Des and Fr Alex there would be no peace process.
"Despite his recent illness and age Fr. Des remained very conversant with the political and peace process. I visited him a few weeks ago and despite his poor health he was keen to learn of the most recent twists of the Brexit saga, efforts to get a power sharing government in place, and events in Leinster House.
"Fr. Des was a champion of the people and a visionary. We will miss him greatly. Especially in Springhill and Ballymurphy. To his family and wide circle of friends I want to extend my condolences. Ar dheis dé go raibh a anam dílis."
Sinn Féin TD for Louth Gerry Adams has this morning met with Lucia O’Farrell and her daughter Amy who were outside Leinster House protesting at the actions of the Dept of Justice in rejecting the terms of reference proposed by Justice Haughton as part of his ‘scoping exercise’ into the unlawful killing of 23 year old law student Shane O’Farrell.
The Louth TD called on the Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan to honour the 'letter and the spirit of the unanimous Dáil motion and to establish the public inquiry that the family are campaigning for.'
Deputy Adams said:
“On the 14th of June 2018 a majority of Dáil members voted in favour of a motion calling for a public inquiry into the death of Shane O’Farrell. This was followed, by a unanimous vote to the same effect, in the Seanad, on the 13th of February, 2019.
"Support for this motion demonstrates that a majority of the Dáil & Seanad are not satisfied with the investigations held to date to establish the full facts surrounding the multiple failures of the criminal justice process to prevent the death of Shane O'Farrell. The Oireachtas concluded that the previous investigations had not addressed these failures.
"In response, the Minister for Justice ignored the Dáil motion for a public inquiry and appointed retired judge Mr. Justice Haughton to conduct a scoping exercise to address the ‘public controversy surrounding the circumstances of Shane’s death’.
"The family met Justice Haughton to discuss the terms of reference for the scoping exercise and in April he submitted his recommendations.
"To its shame the Department of Justice has not only rejected Justice Haughton’s proposed terms of reference, but narrowed its own original terms even further. This is unacceptable.
"The Minister for Justice should now move speedily to honour the letter and the spirit of the unanimous Dáil motion and to establish the public inquiry that the family are campaigning for.”
Sinn Féin TD and spokesperson for Dublin Denise Mitchell has described the announcement of a second boil water notice in Dublin in as many months as “both a source of stress and cost that some may not be able to afford”, and said that this “demonstrates a severe lack of capacity and confidence in their infrastructure”.
The Dublin Bay North TD said:
“This second boil water notice comes as a result of the heavy rainfall yesterday. The fact that Irish Water are unable to guarantee the quality of 20% of the fresh drinking water for Dublin demonstrates a severe lack of capacity and confidence in their infrastructure.
“With climate change at the top of everyone’s agenda and the likelihood of weather such as this becoming more frequent, it is essential that all water treatment plants are upgraded so as to be able to handle storms and heavy rainfall.
“That hundreds of thousands of people are yet again subjected to a boil water notice and may feel forced to rely on bottled water is both a source of stress and cost that some may not be able to afford.”
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald TD has called for the establishment of an independent public inquiry into the death of Shane O’Farrell.
Deputy McDonald was responding to the decision of the Minister for Justice to reject the terms of references drafted by Judge Haughton who was appointed by him to oversee the scoping exercise into Shane’s death.
The Dublin Central TD said:
“In June last year a majority of TDs voted for the establishment of an independent public inquiry into the death of Shane O Farrell.
“After months of prevarication the Minister announced earlier this year his intention to establish a scoping inquiry into Shane’s death overseen by Judge Haughton. This decision fell far short of the spirit and intent of the Dáil motion.
“Following this announcement, the Justice Minister told the Dáil that he had not placed any restriction on Judge Haughton and that was open to him to propose changes to the terms of reference.
“In April, the Justice Minister went further in correspondence to the family and copied to those who had supported the family’s call for a public inquiry into Shane’s death. In this letter the Minister’s Private Secretary reassured the family that Judge Haughton is free to make any recommendation he sees fit.
“Despite these commitments the Minister for Justice has rejected Judge Haughton’s amended terms of reference including his reference to Shane and the family’s rights under the European Convention on Human Rights.
“The Justice Minister has provided final terms of reference that exclude critical areas of investigation and by doing so has narrowed the scope of Judge Haughton’s work and in turn his findings.
“The only course of action now is for the government to finally act the motion of June 2018 passed by a majority of the Dáil calling for an independent public inquiry into Shane’s death.
“As the O’Farrell family have said, an inquiry is the last chance for the government to meet its ECHR obligations to investigate properly Shane’s unlawful killing and to carry out an effective independent investigation into the full circumstances of Shane’s death.”
Sinn Fein Louth TD Gerry Adams has extended his best wishes to Imelda Munster TD and Cllr Ruairí Ó Murchú who were selected this week by Sinn Féin to contest the upcoming general election for Louth and East Meath.
Teachta Adams said:
“Imelda Munster TD and Cllr Ruairí Ó Murchú are two outstanding public representatives. Ruairí as Louth County Councillor and Imelda as a Councillor for many years, and latterly as a TD, have worked hard on behalf of all of the constituents of Louth and East Meath.
"Together and separately they have been to the fore in tackling all of the major issues impacting our constituency – homelessness; the provision of social housing; health; tackling crime and especially the scourge of the drug gangs; issues affecting the traveller community; promoting environmental and green issues; challenging the government on transport matters, including the roads network and most recently the N52 Ardee bypass; advocating on respite care for citizens; a primary care centre for Dundalk; mental health issues; and CAMHS. These are just some of the many issues of local concern that both of raised in the Council and the Dáil.
"The general election, when the Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil leader agree to hold it, will present the people of this constituency with the opportunity to elect Sinn Féin TDs who will advocate for policies that will effectively tackle our housing and homelessness, and health crises, promote effective climate change proposals and will put workers and their families first.
"A new government with Sinn Fein will mean a new deal for families. Our priorities will be to ensure that work pays, housing is available and affordable, healthcare is a right and education is free.
"Sinn Féin is also proud Irish republican party. We go beyond the rhetorical do-nothing policies of the other parties. We played a central role in the creation of the peace process and in delivering peace. We have been front and centre in the growing debate on Irish unity and we believe that an end to partition and the unity of our island nation will unlock the economic, social and cultural potential of the Irish people as never before.
"So, if you are for a new and shared Ireland – a more prosperous, fairer and decent Ireland vote for Imelda Munster TD and Cllr Ruairí Ó Murchú when the election is called. If you want to be part of a political team that is making change and creating a new future join the Sinn Fein election teams in every part of Louth."
Sinn Féin MLA Linda Dillon has said today’s decision to legislate to allow compensation payments to be made to victims and survivors of institutional abuse is long overdue.
The party’s victims and legacy spokesperson said:
“These victims have waited too long for justice or redress for an awful wrongdoing.
‘They had their hopes dashed on so many occasions.
“So it is a win for them today that they are finally going to be able to get long-awaited redress for the terrible abuses they suffered at the hands of state and religious institutions.”
Sinn Féin TD for Louth and East Meath Imelda Munster has condemned the murder of a man in Bettystown last night.
Deputy Munster has called on the Minister for Justice and the Garda Commissioner to commit to secure the continuation of funding, which has run out as of November 4th.
Deputy Munster said:
“This is the latest in a series of violent attacks in Drogheda and East Meath in the last year or so.
“What is crystal clear is that this feud is ongoing and is nowhere near being stamped out.
“It was another night of heightened fear and terror for people living locally.
“Just yesterday I attended the Drogheda Joint Policing Committee meeting, where serious concerns were raised about the fact that the funding for the ongoing Garda operations to tackle this feud has run out.
“We are in the height of a drug gang feud and the budget is gone.
“The Gardaí desperately need the continuation of this funding if they are to bring an end to the drug dealing, attacks and shootings that are continuing to plague the area.
“The Gardaí have made inroads, but without the funding and additional specialised units in Drogheda this feud is set to continue with the potential of it escalating, and all of the investigative work done thus far will be for nothing.
“This week the Gardaí will be sending in an application seeking a commitment from the Garda Commissioner to secure the continuation of this funding.
“The ramifications of not securing the funding are obvious.
“The Minister for Justice also needs to ensure that the Garda Commissioner recognises that without this funding the violence will be ongoing, and ordinary people going about their daily business will continue to have their rights to live without fear denied.
“There is an onus on the government and the Garda Commissioner to ensure this funding is secured as a matter of urgency.”
