Many important discussions took place at the EU Council meeting last week. There are a host of policies that need to be advanced.   On economic policy, we need the next seven-year financial framework and reform of the Single Market to strengthen the EU’s Social Pillar and to support people and communities that are being…

Labour Spokesperson for Rural Affairs, Willie Penrose, T.D. has called on the Minster or Education grant funding for a second level school to serve Kinnegad, Co. Westmeath.  Deputy Penrose said:    ” Kinnegad is the third largest town in Westmeath and has a significant hinterland. It has one of the largest rural-based primary schools in the county,…

Labour Party Health spokesperson, Alan Kelly TD, has said that Minister Simon Harris must explain what is being cut out of the Health capital budget because of the Children’s Hospital overspend. Deputy Kelly said: “Minister Harris needs to come before the Health Committee or the Public Accounts Committee to account for how a project which…

Labour Spokesperson for Education Senator Aodhán Ó Riordan has criticised government education strategy which is too concerned with the will of corporate bodies. Commenting today Senator Ó Riordan said: “The recent decision to give corporations a say over €300 million in education spending is a worrying development. Any private interest group having this level of…

Labour Party Health spokesperson Alan Kelly TD has said that the Ministers for Public Expenditure and Health need to urgently produce a road map for pay equality to prevent further staff shortages in our health services. This comes as nurses in the INMO have voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action. Deputy Kelly said:  “It…

Leader of the Labour Party, Brendan Howlin TD responded to a report that the Taoiseach intends to pass 45 pieces of legislation next year in advance of Brexit. Deputy Howlin said: “I have been asking the Taoiseach for months to publish the details of all of the legislation that will be necessary in preparation for…

Responding to a report by the ESRI on the Leaving Certificate curriculum, Labour Party Eduction spokesperson, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin has said that there needs to be significant reforms to the Leaving Certificate to alleviate stress on young students. Senator Ó Ríordáin said: “The findings by the ESRI are extremely worrying. Anecdotally, we have known for…

Mayor of Galway, and Labour spokesperson for Tourism, Cllr. Niall McNelis has been supporting the ONE Galway “My Tip, My Reward” campaign. Significant numbers of workers in the food service industry do not receive the tips which customers leave for them, a practice which needs to come to an end. Commenting on the campaign, Mayor…