Sinn Féin spokesperson on Environment and Climate Action, Darren O’Rourke TD, has criticised as ‘wholly inadequate’ the government’s plans to address the exorbitant profits of energy companies via a windfall Temporary Solidarity Contribution and Cap on Market Revenue.
Calling on them to re-examine their plans and urgently change tack, the Meath East TD says the government’s current approach is continuing to protect energy companies and their profits at a considerable cost to ordinary families, workers and businesses.
Teachta O'Rourke said:
“Energy companies reported record profits in 2022 at a time when a cost of living crisis raged. That crisis continues to rage. Prices reached record highs, with families and businesses suffering the worst effects.
“For many energy companies, their profits soared to multiples of previous records. The figures are frankly eye-watering and obscene.
“Despite this, today, as we began pre-legislative scrutiny of the Energy (Windfall Gains in Energy Sector) Bill 2023, we have confirmation that the Government’s plan will leave the vast majority of those eye-watering and obscene profits untouched.
“As we know the windfall tax will be made of two elements – a ‘Temporary Solidarity Contribution’ from gas producers and refineries on 2022 and 2023 profits, and a ‘Cap on Market Revenues’ for non-gas generation to apply from December 2022 to June 2023.
“The Cap on Market Revenues is especially important for Ireland given the relative amount of wind and solar, in particular, on our grid.
“The constraints of the EU regulation mean estimates of proceeds from these measures has been revised down very significantly; from €280m-€1.4bn to €80m-€150m for the Cap on Market Revenues, and from €60m-€480m to €200m-€450m for the Temporary Solidarity Contribution.
“To state that clearly, the estimated proceeds from the Cap on Market Revenues, has been revised down by almost a factor of ten. This is completely outrageous.
“The public will be outraged to learn that this proposed windfall tax is so weak. They will be outraged to learn that the obscene profits of renewable energy generators for 2022 will go untouched, save for the month of December.
“We must remember that wholesale gas prices were at their highest ever between April and August last year. At that time, as now, renewable energy companies were getting paid the price of gas for their wind and solar energy.
“Other EU member states have recognised the weakness of the EU regulation and moved to tackle energy company profits prior to December 2022. Austria, France and Belgium, for example, will do this by way of new tax measures.
“As confirmed by the European Commission’s representative at today’s Oireachtas Climate Committee meeting, this option is open to the government here.
“The government here needs to strengthen its windfall tax proposals. They are wholly inadequate in their current form. There will be opportunity to strengthen the proposals as we move through the legislative process in the time ahead.
“At this juncture, however, it is essential that the government act urgently to identify suitable policy measures to tackle the obscene profits of energy companies prior to December 2022. The efforts of European counterparts may provide a template.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance, Pearse Doherty TD, has called on banks to increase the deposit rates for savers.
The Donegal TD was speaking as the income Irish banks make on deposits has soared following successive interest rate hikes by the ECB.
Teachta Doherty said:
“Since July, the ECB has increased its deposit rate from 0 to 3 percent.
“In December, Irish-resident banks held just under €97 billion on deposit with the Central Bank.
“Recent interest rate hikes have boosted the interest income of our banks.
“AIB has seen their interest income jump by 20 percent with Bank of Ireland’s rising by 12 percent – increasing their profitability.
“While mortgage interest rates have risen, the banks have been slow to increase interest rates for savers.
“The banks can’t have it both ways.
“As a result of reduced competition in the sector with the withdrawal of Ulster Bank and KBC, there is a risk that banks will continue to squeeze savers.
“Irish banks should not continue to bolster their profits at the expense of savers."
Sinn Féin Senator Fintan Warfield has today criticised the government’s failure to publish its roadmap for the creative industries.
Senator Warfield has called on the government to show leadership and take the cultural and creative industries seriously.
Speaking in the Seanad today, Senator Warfield said:
“I am again calling on the Minister for Enterprise and the Minister for Culture to publish the roadmap for the creative industries.
“The Government committed to this in its own Programme for Government in 2020. It is inexcusable that nearly three years later they still have no plan for the creative industries.
“The lack of research and data on Ireland’s creative and cultural industries is embarrassing. When you look to EU Commission documents, from 2019 for example, you see that Ireland’s data comes from 2010. That data is nine years old. I was just out of school.
“We need to understand the value of our culture. And we need to take it seriously enough to track it on an ongoing basis.
“According to the Creative Ireland website, over one hundred meetings were held with academics, small businesses, industry representatives, and EU officials. A further 120 people took part in three large workshops.
"Another 150 people from design businesses took part in a survey. There is now a real risk that the Governments inaction and delay means all of that work will be lost.
“The creative economy is one of the world’s fastest-growing sectors. In some European countries 1 in every 20 jobs are in the cultural and creative sector. In fact, in some cities it is as high as 1 in 10.
“That potential exists in Ireland too. But it requires ambitious engagement by the Irish government, Enterprise Ireland, the Local Enterprise Offices, and the Design and Crafts Council.
“The government cannot continue to kick the can down the road. The time to act is now.
“If the government don’t prioritise this industry, then Sinn Féin will.
“Sinn Féin understands the value of our culture and the importance of ensuring that the creative and cultural industry is enabled to thrive.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Mental Health, Mark Ward TD, has said that there is a lack of urgency in delivering a mental health inpatient perinatal unit.
Deputy Ward was speaking after receiving another response to a parliamentary question that could not give a detailed timeframe for the development of the mother and baby unit.
Teachta Ward said:
“I have received yet another response to a parliamentary question that does not give a definitive timeframe for when the proposed inpatient perinatal unit will be up and running.
“Within the last year, St Vincent’s University Hospital in Dublin has been chosen as the site for this vital 10-bed unit, but we still do not know when this will be operational.
“This process is taking far too long and needs to be streamlined. The Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Service Model of Care published in 2017 recommended that a mother and baby unit be developed in Dublin. It's now 2023 and we are still waiting.
“Recommendations in Sharing the Vision calls for a new Mother and Baby Unit to be in place in 2024, however this date was not included in last year’s Women’s Health action plan.
“Mothers who need inpatient care are currently being admitted to acute psychiatric units without their children.
“We have a dark history in this state in separating Mothers from their babies and history is now repeating itself in this instance.
“At present there is no inpatient specialist perinatal hospital on the island of Ireland
“The Model of Care for Perinatal services has developed a hub and spoke model. This seems to be working quite well, despite some accommodation issues.
“Perinatal services in Cork, Limerick and Galway are reduced to hot desking, are waiting for refurbishment works, improved access to clinical and office accommodation remain to be a challenge.
“We must have a Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Service that is fit for purpose and free to act in the best interests of women’s health."
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Climate Justice, Senator Lynn Boylan, has reiterated her call for Ireland to withdraw from the Energy Charter Treaty and has said that she is deeply disappointed with Minister Eamon Ryan's continued refusal to join other European Union countries in doing so.
Senator Boylan said:
"The Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) is a relic of a fossil fuel past and it is beyond reform.
"The final report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), published recently, reinforces the urgent and critical efforts that must be made to tackle climate change.
"The scale of change required globally and in Ireland has been laid bare by the reports of the IPCC, and the continued failure of successive Irish government's to meet our climate targets is disturbing. In fact, the IPCC has specifically pointed to the ECT as a barrier to decarbonisation.
"The government has multiple options available to them to reduce our emissions, and we can achieve the climate resilient development the report calls for, combining efforts to tackle climate change with actions that provide wider benefits. For example, with our offshore wind potential, Ireland is uniquely placed to become a world leader in the production of green energy.
"The dangers of a failure to accelerate Europe's pathway towards renewables is directly impacted by the ECT and its investor protection provisions that allow fossil fuel investors to sue national government's for policy decisions they take to reduce our reliance on coal, oil and gas.
"Eamon Ryan's most recent reply to a parliamentary question on this is particularly disappointing as it follows announcements by France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Luxembourg and Poland that they intend to withdraw from the ECT. Denmark has now said it will also withdraw from the ECT.
“The reform process has failed and the European Commission has confirmed that. It is now time for Ireland to show leadership and exit the toxic ECT.”
Sinn Féin Senator Paul Gavan has been elected as Rapporteur for a key Council of Europe report dealing with addressing the humanitarian consequences of the blockade of the Lachin Corridor.
This is the second occasion on which Senator Gavan has been chosen to write a report relating to the recent conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Senator Gavan was elected unanimously by members of the Committee on Migration, Refugees and Displaced Persons for this report.
He has been a very active member of the Parliamentary Assembly for the Council of Europe for the past five years, speaking out on a wide range of human rights issues including the North of Ireland, Palestine, Catalonia, and the rights of migrants and refugees.
He was previously nominated to the influential Committee on Rules and Procedures for the Council in 2019. He also currently holds the position of Vice President of the Committee of Migration, Refugees and Displaced Persons.
Senator Gavan said:
“I am honoured to have been selected as Rapporteur.
“I have been tasked with leading a report into the current crisis, which relates to access to the Lachin Corridor, which is the only road linking Nagorno Karabakh to Armenia.
“I will seek to work constructively with all parties to establish the humanitarian consequences of the current blockade and make recommendations as to how best to address those consequences, with particular emphasis on how to assist those most in need.
“The issues around the Lachin Corridor are very serious but to date have not received the attention they deserve.
“I would like to thank all members who have voted for me and hope that we can get to work now, establish the facts on the ground, and issue a clear report on the humanitarian consequences of the current crisis in a timely manner.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Mental Health, Mark Ward TD, has echoed the views expressed by the Children's Ombudsman, Dr Niall Muldoon, regarding the low levels of investment in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).
Deputy Ward was speaking following the comments made at the Psychiatric Nurses Association annual delegate conference last week.
Teachta Ward said:
“The Children’s Ombudsman, Dr Niall Muldoon, has called the investment into CAMHS as ‘insult to children’ at the Psychiatric Nurses Association annual delegate conference.
“I echo his views. I have raised the underinvestment in CAMHS and mental health in general since becoming Sinn Féin spokesperson on Mental Health nearly three years ago.
“Mental Health funding stands at just over 5% of the overall health budget. This is despite Sláintecare and international best practice calling for levels of 10% or more.
“We have actually seen a decline in relative spending over the last decade and the effects of this can be really seen in CAMHS.
“Waiting lists for first time appointments in CAMHS are up 88% since January 2020, nearly double in three years.
“Early intervention in mental health is key in preventing chronic, longterm, mental ill-health with 50% of mental health problems established by the age of 14, and 75% by the age of 24.
“CAMHS should be a priority for the government, and yet, even after the Maskey Report and the Mental Health Commission’s interim report, waiting lists continue to grow and young people continue to be left behind.
“Sinn Féin would be proactive in government and reduce these waiting lists by improving staffing levels and delivering a uniform service.
“CAMHS should be extended up to 25 years of age to ensure a continuum of care for young people accessing services.
“CAMHS and mental health can no longer be the Cinderella of the Health Service.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Defence, Matt Carthy TD, has condemned an attack on the EU ambassador to Sudan, Aidan O’Hara, in his home during clashes in Khartoum.
Sending his best wishes to Mr. O’Hara and he family, Carthy said that every effort must be made particularly by host countries, but also representative States, to protect diplomats in conflict zones.
Teachta Carthy said:
“Reports of escalating clashes between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces are a cause of grave concern.
“I extend my best wishes to EU ambassador Aidan O’Hara and his family following the attack on him. It will be a huge relief to all who know him, and indeed all of us whom he serves, that he has been reported to be ‘OK’ following the attack.
“I understand that the Department of Foreign Affairs has been in touch with the Ambassador and I am confident that all necessary supports will be afforded to him and to all diplomatic staff in the country.
“The protection of diplomatic facilities and staff is an obligation under Vienna Convention. This attack serves to underscore the fragility of the situation which has seen nearly 200 people killed and some 1.800 wounded.
“The responsibility for the protection of diplomats’ rests primarily with the government of the host country. It is also important that the Irish government and the European Union ensure that these situations are closely monitored so that all efforts are utilised to protect our representatives in conflict zones such as Sudan.
“The current unrest does not serve the interests of the Sudanese people and what is now needed is a cessation of all hostilities to facilitate the resumption of talks in support of a permanent transition to democratic administration.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Health, David Cullinane TD, has called on the CEO of the HSE to publish a timeframe for the implementation of the Ombudsman’s recommendations on reimbursement for people undergoing treatment overseas.
The Waterford TD welcomed the commitment from the CEO to implement all of the recommendations.
Teachta Cullinane also called on the HSE to publish high-level data on the volume and types of treatment that people are travelling abroad for. He said that service gaps in the HSE should be identified to reduce the need for anyone to travel for healthcare.
Teachta Cullinane said:
“The HSE’s unreasonable and unfair approach to overseas treatment has harmed many families. They have travelled abroad for vital healthcare, expecting it to be reimbursed by the HSE, with all of the proper paperwork, only to be saddled with debt.
“Waiting lists are far too long. Many patients have been left with no choice but to travel for healthcare which they should have received in Ireland.
“The Ombudsman’s report has shone a spotlight on the HSE’s inflexible approach, and the commitment from the CEO of the HSE to implement all of the Ombudsman’s recommendations is welcome.
“The HSE must publish a timeframe for the implementation of all recommendations and outline any additional resources which the overseas reimbursement programmes might need to cover these costs.
“This should include an analysis of the types of treatment which people are travelling for, and the volume of patients being treated abroad, to identify services gaps.
"This should inform capacity planning in the health service to minimise the need for any patients to ever travel abroad for healthcare.”
MEP MacManus visits Ballyconnell Community Centre
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing, Eoin Ó Broin TD, has said that the government’s affordable housing plan is in crisis.
The comments were made as newly released figures from the Department of Housing show that the government missed its affordable housing targets by almost 60% last year.
Teachta Ó Broin said:
“Last year, Darragh O’Brien promised to deliver 4,000 affordable homes. Today, the Department of Housing released figures to show that just 1757 homes were delivered though the three affordable housing delivery streams.
“This means that the government missed their affordable housing target by a massive 57%. This is a shocking incitement of the failure of this government to ensure working people can access affordable homes to rent.
“In fact, the figures are even worse as included in these figures are 750 purchases of overpriced private homes with the government’s controversial shared equity loan, known as the First Home Scheme. These are not affordable homes by any meaningful standard.
“It is also not clear from the numbers whether these high risk equity loans have been just offered or actually drawn down.
“Just 323 affordable purchase homes were delivered by Local Authorities and just 684 cost rental homes were delivered by Councils, Approved Housing Bodies and the Land Development Agency.
“There is also growing concern that the cost of these homes is not affordable for many people. Rents for cost rental homes are now hitting as much as €1550, leaving them beyond the reach of many working people.
“The fact that two and a half years into their term of office and government has only delivered 1007 homes that could be described as remotely affordable shows that they are just not serious about tackling the affordable housing crisis.
“Figures released today also confirm that the government missed its new build social housing target by 17% last year. Just 7433 of the 9000 promised new build social homes were delivered last year.
“This is the third year in a row that the government has missed this crucial target which is directly contributing to the rise in homelessness.”
Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald TD has said: “The murder of David Byrne in 2016 was a brutal and callous crime. Today there were two successful convictions in relation to the shocking attack. I commend the Gardaí and the Courts for their work, and I know that the Gardaí will not cease in their efforts until those responsible for the murder are brought to justice.”
Ms. McDonald said:
"The murder of David Byrne in 2016 was a brutal and callous crime which brought the full extent of the threat posed by organised crime networks in this country into sharp focus. Today, there were two successful convictions in relation to the shocking attack at the Regency Hotel. I commend the Gardaí and the Courts for their work, and I know that the Gardaí will not cease in their efforts until those responsible for the murder are brought to justice.
“I also know that the Gardaí will continue to investigate and confront organised crime within the community and they have my and my party’s full and wholehearted support in this endeavour.
“The Gardaí and the criminal justice system must continue to effectively and relentlessly target the organised crime bosses, their operations and their assets and be given all the resources and powers they need.
“We need targeted and substantial investment in community development, education and employment, particularly in those areas of our cities where organised crime gangs are recruiting members and where their malign influence has had a devastating effect on social cohesion.
“In relation to false and deeply offensive comments made about me during the course of this trial, I want to set out the facts.
“I have never met Gerard Hutch. I have never received money or electoral support from Gerard Hutch. The record shows, that I have stood resolutely on the side of the community in the fight against criminal gangs, drug dealers and anti-social elements, and I will continue to do so.
“Jonathan Dowdall should never have been a member of Sinn Féin. Had I known what he would become involved in he would not have been a party member for one minute, never mind running for public office – I would not tolerate that.”
Sinn Féin MLA Pádraig Delargy has said new direct flights from Derry to Heathrow is an ‘exciting opportunity’ and will help connect Derry to major world destinations.
The Foyle MLA said:
“I am delighted that new direct flights from City of Derry Airport to Heathrow in London will begin on 6 May.
“This is exciting as opportunity that will open up connections from the north west to the US and other major destinations across the world.
“We need to continue strengthening connections to City of Derry airport to boost the local economy and ensure there is a direct link to the north west for international investors.
“I look forward to seeing these new flights started.”
Sinn Fein spokesperson on Children and Equality, Kathleen Funchion TD, has responded to news that an Office of the Director of Authorised Interventions will not be established at the former Bessborough Mother and Baby Home site in Cork.
Teachta Funchion said:
“In response to a parliamentary question, it has emerged the Office of Authorised Interventions, established under the Institutional Burials Act 2022, will not be engaged to investigate the potential 900 plus inappropriately buried infants and children known to have died at the former Mother and Baby Home in Bessborough.
“The Minister suggested in his response that there is a significant lack of evidence to support a comprehensive excavation, recovery and identification of inappropriately buried remains.
“This ends any hope survivors had that the site would be included within the remit of this new office's work and that the hundreds of unmarked infant graves at Bessborough would be investigated and potentially located.
“The Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary oversaw Bessborough, and they failed to keep a register of infant burials from 1922 up to its eventual closure in 1998.
“There remains widespread knowledge of inappropriate burials at the former site.
“This was backed up by the problematic Mother and Baby Homes Commission of Investigation Report, which pointed to a significant number of infants and children dying during its time in operation. They found evidence to support the deaths of 923 infants and children, yet were only able to establish the burial place of 64 children.
“The scale and silent impact of what happened to children and their mothers in Bessborough deserves the same level of attention and extensive investigative work by the state as any other former mother and baby home site.
“It is disappointing the Bessborough site seems to be too hard to deal with and suggests that, without the dogged determination of Catherine Corless, the former mother and baby home site in Tuam in Galway could have suffered a similar fate.
“Such is the concern locally and amongst survivor groups, several attempts to develop the site have stalled due to concerns there is a children's burial ground located there.
“I acknowledge there are differing views on whether the site should be excavated or not, all are adamant though the Minister’s independent new office must be tasked with exploring the location of unmarked infant and children’s graves on the 60-acre site.
“I implore the Minister to ensure the office is given the independence and liberty to pursue intensive investigation of this site; the Institutional Burials Act 2022 leaves room for a deeper exploration of other potential burial grounds.
“Ensuring that infants who perished in these harsh and merciless environments are shown the respect and dignity that was so sorely missing during their young lives must be a priority for this Government.”
Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín has said the outcome of a Judicial Review into the neurology scandal is a positive step in the families search for truth and accountability.
The North Belfast assembly member said there is a responsibility now on Michael Watt to fully comply with investigations into these serious failings.
Carál Ní Chuilín said:
“It’s a positive step that neurology campaigner Danielle O’Neill has been successful in a Judicial Review challenging a decision to allow Michael Watt to remove himself from the medical register.
“This is the right decision and now means that Michael Watt must comply with investigations and answer questions from former patients and the public inquiry into these events.
“The families traumatised by this scandal deserve answers and accountability quickly and I want to commend them all for their steadfast determination to achieve that.
“There is an onus on the Belfast Trust to fully implement the recommendations of the damning report into serious failings and do all they can to support the families traumatised by what happened.
“I will be raising these at next week’s All Party Group on Neurology and I will continue to stand with the families at the heart of this as they continue searching for the truth.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Higher Education, Mairéad Farrell TD, has welcomed the opening of the SUSI grant application system for the academic year 2023/24 and urged students to be aware of some of the changes to this years regulations.
Teachta Farrell stated:
“For those applying to SUSI for the coming academic year they should be aware of the changes that were announced last year as part of the Budget.
"This is particularly important for those who may have applied last year but narrowly missed out.
“The income limit has increased from €55,240 to €62,000 for the 50% student contribution grant. There is also now a small grant of €500 for incomes between €62,000 and €100,000.
“For postgraduates there has been an increase in the contribution grant by €500 from €3,500 to €4,000.
"For mature students there has also been a change to the second change eligibility criteria, reducing this from five years to three years.
“Other changes are the exclusion of rental income earned under Rent-a Room Relief Scheme from reckonable income and an increase in the amount of Holiday Earnings which may be deducted from the total household income from €4,500 to €6,552.
“Existing students and would be students are under serious pressure with the cost of living.
"Affordable accommodation remains very difficulty to come by. The student contribution charge is onerous and is effectively fees by another name.
"We in Sinn Féin understand these concerns. I will examining various ways these pressures can be eased through this year’s Budget."
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing, Eoin Ó Broin TD, has demanded that the Minister for Housing, Darragh O’Brien, account for his €1bn budget underspend and explain his complete failure to deliver affordable housing.
Deputy Ó Broin was speaking ahead of a Sinn Féin motion on affordable housing, which will be debated in the Dáil this Tuesday.
Teachta Ó Broin said:
“The buck stops with Darragh O’Brien.
"After three years as Housing Minister, he must account for his failures and answer the question: Where are the affordable homes?
“The truth is he has no answer.
“Zero affordable purchase or rental homes were delivered by his government in 2020.
“Zero affordable purchase homes and just 65 cost rental homes were delivered in 2021.
“The target for affordable purchase and cost rental homes for 2022 was too low and will not be met.
“On top of these colossal failures, the government’s unforgivable decision to end the ban on no-fault evictions and their mismanagement of the private rental sector has led to widespread fear for tens of thousands of renters.
“Unable to find alternative affordable accommodation, many facing eviction feel a sense of shame. But they should not feel any shame - that shame belongs squarely at the feet of Darragh O’Brien and his government.
“The majority of these renters are working people - teachers, nurses, Gardaí, retail and service sector workers - many of whom are not eligible for social housing. They need affordable homes to rent and buy.
“The revelation that Darragh O’Brien has failed to spend €1bn of his capital budget for social and affordable homes since 2020 is scandalous.
“During the worst housing crisis in modern times, Darragh O'Brien needs to explain how such a huge underspend is possible.
“Among the measures Sinn Féin is calling for this week is for the government to dramatically increase its investment in the delivery of genuinely affordable homes for working people.
“That investment should deliver at least 8,000 affordable homes to rent and buy per year.
“The funding streams and approval processes for the delivery of affordable homes must be streamlined to accelerate the delivery of these homes.
“The government must also reinstate the ban on no-fault evictions to protect all renters, and introduce an emergency package of measures to prevent people from becoming homeless.
“The controversial Shared Equity Loan scheme and the so-called Help to Buy scheme should be scrapped and the funding diverted into the delivery of genuinely affordable homes.
“We need a real housing plan with real ambition and real solutions to this crisis.
“Sinn Féin will exhaust every avenue possible to drive the changes that are necessary to deliver affordable homes for working people.”
Sinn Féin’s affordable housing motion can be read here.
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Health, David Cullinane TD, has called on the Minister for Health to deliver and sustain a significant investment in capacity in the health service on a multi-annual basis to tackle severe waiting lists.
Teachta Cullinane was responding to the publication of the National Treatment Purchase Fund’s Waiting List figures for March 2023, which show that waiting lists have grown 15,000 since December 2022 and that more than 500,000 patients are waiting longer than the Sláintecare target wait times, including 69,000 children.
The TD for Waterford said that previous Ministers’ failure to implement a multi-annual workforce and capacity expansion plan had left the health service in this crisis. He said that the Minister for Health, after nearly three years, has no credibility until he publishes a comprehensive multi-annual plan to expand capacity and tackle the waiting list crisis.
Teachta Cullinane said:
“Waiting lists increased over the first three months of the year, rising from 870,000 to 885,000 in total. NTPF data also shows that more than 500,000 patients are waiting longer than the 10- and 12-week wait time sláintecare targets.
“In the last few weeks, ESRI researchers have estimated a bed deficit of 1,000 inpatient beds by the end of this year, and the NCHD taskforce has identified a need for 3,000 more doctors by 2030.
“The Government has not delivered capacity expansions at pace. The health service is suffering the consequences of bad planning, a failure to sustain investment in capacity, and a lack of funding certainty.
“We have seen no joined-up workforce plan for the health service to address training gaps and recruitment and retention barriers.
“Healthcare workers cannot see a way out of this crisis because there is no plan. The Minister has failed to grapple with this challenge. But this crisis can be solved with political will and sustained capacity expansion as part of a multi-annual plan.
“Government must urgently publish a multi-annual capacity expansion plan to deliver much needed hospital beds, additional diagnostic capacity, and expanded theatre capacity to equip hospitals to deal with the volume of care coming their way.
“This plan must also address Sláintecare reforms and community capacity, such as intermediate care beds and home support to deliver more care outside of hospitals and speed up discharge from hospitals.
“No improvement can be achieved without a paradigm shift in workforce planning. We need a radical increase in the number of healthcare workers we are training, and a serious change in approach to retention in the health service. Too many are leaving early in their career for opportunities abroad or in other sectors. We need legislation to underpin safe staffing levels in wards, emergency departments, and across the health service.
“Government has failed to act on each of these measures for far too long. The Minister for Health has no credibility until he produces a comprehensive multi-annual plan to expand capacity and tackle this crisis.”
EU proposal on “name check” could help fight fraud - Chris MacManus MEP
Midlands Northwest MEP Chris MacManus has said new proposals from the EU that would mean services offering electronic or online “instant payments” would have to offer a “name check” service so consumers can verify that the payment is actually being sent to the correct and relevant account and not some account used for scam purposes.
MacManus said:
“I welcome this proposal to tackle fraud which is becoming an ever bigger social and economic issue. So called “authorised push payments” fraud such as scam texts are becoming a major concern. This occurs when consumers authorise payment but then find out that the service or goods are not legitimate or authentic. Although this will only apply to instant payments for now, these type of payments are likely to become more prevalent in future.
This simple check of a name against the receiving account could go a long way in preventing such fraud.
I am disappointed the EU Commission proposal is not insisting that this service is offered free of charge. By not doing so, they are making it less likely to be used and limiting the impact in tackling fraud.
I have tabled an amendment to make sure this service is free and offered without any impediment. The push payment fraud problem needs strong and decisive action, not optional measures that add to the cost for consumers.” ENDS
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Communications and Transport, Martin Kenny TD, has called on the Minister for Transport to carry out a review into the NCT system as the long delays that people are experiencing are causing havoc across the country.
Teachta Kenny said:
“The system is under real stress and consideration needs to be given to extending the time between tests by allowing the test time to run from when the car is tested rather than from when it falls due. At present many cars are only a few months in test when the next test becomes due because of the long delays.
“The NCT system was introduced to conform with an EU directive that sought to set standards of road worthiness and control emissions right across all EU member states.
“When a new car reaches four years old it has its first test and then every two years until its tenth birthday, after which it is an annual test. Pandemic restrictions meant that all these tests were postponed which caused a long backlog.
“We also have the additional issue where there has been a notable increase in the number of older cars being kept on the road as second-hand cars are scarce and more expensive.
“As the system struggles to catch up, there are now delays of several months to get an NCT across the country.
“One issue that needs to be considered is the time between tests. At present, the NCT test is due at the same month each year, irrespective of the date of the previous NCT. Due to the current backlog, many are waiting between four to five months for the NCT, with the following year's test due less than seven or eight months later.
“In order to tackle this backlog and reduce the pressure on the system, the Minister for Transport must consider changing the testing time criteria from the same month every year, to a year from when the test is completed.
“The Minister must also consider temporarily allowing an extra year before new cars would be required to have the first NCT.
“The additional staffing at NCT centres and longer operating hours are welcome and will help, but the backlog is being compounded by more older cars falling due faster.
“An intervention in the system will be required to get it under control."
