After the announcement of changes to the PCR testing regime and other Covid rules last night, Labour Health spokesperson Duncan Smith called for a further series of public health measures to be taken including: Distribution of free Antigen tests with priority given to healthcare workers. Employers must accept positive antigen tests for staff being absent…

As the school term comes to an end, Labour Education spokesperson Aodhán Ó Ríordáin has called on the Minister for Education to run this year’s Leaving Cert on the same basis as was used in 2021. Deputy Ó Ríordáin said: “Final year second level students have been through a huge amount of disruption over the…

Delay in rolling out booster shots has left us vulnerable – capacity must be increased. Our health staff must be supported and enhanced financial supports put in place for workers in affected sectors. Responding to the announcement of new restrictions, Labour Health spokesperson Duncan Smith said: “Once again a lack of urgency from the government…

Cost of Living increases hitting young and single people with spiralling rents. Average Dublin rent of €1,916 is unaffordable for far too many people. Responding to the latest massive rise in rents of 8.3% in the year up to the end of September, Labour Housing spokesperson Rebecca Moynihan said it showed the utter failure of…

Labour sports spokesperson Senator Mark Wall said the recent furore over the National Lottery is but a distraction from the true harm caused by gambling advertisements. Marking the run up to the busy Christmas sports season, Senator Wall said people should be able to enjoy the darts and the football without being constantly pushed to…

Labour housing spokesperson Rebecca Moynihan said the current housing minister’s spin on a vacant homes tax is not fooling anyone. Following the government’s failure to introduce such a measure in this year’s budget, Senator Moynihan said we need to see genuine radical action in housing by implementing a vacant homes tax and providing more powers…

Proceeds of Crime (Gross Human Rights Abuses) Bill to be debated from 4.52pm on Thursday. Bill would allow seizure of assets of human rights violators. The Dáil will on Thursday evening debate Magnitsky legislation from Labour Justice spokesperson Brendan Howlin which would allow for the seizure of the assets of human rights violators. Deputy Howlin…

Responding to a HIQA report which calls for the regulation of homecare services, Labour TD for Dublin Bay South Ivana Bacik has reiterated the importance of providing high quality homecare for those who choose it. Deputy Bacik said: “The calls of HIQA for a complete overhaul of homecare services must be heard. Problems with the…