Following a Department notice on Friday (16th December) to the 45 Ukrainian refugees living in the Crown Plaza Hotel in Dundalk since last March that they would be moved to various locations today (Monday, 19th December), Louth Labour TD Ged Nash intervened with Minister Roderic O’Gorman to keep refugees in the community. Deputy Nash said: “It was…

Labour employment spokesperson Marie Sherlock has said the Christmas rush cannot be an excuse for any employer breaching workers’ rights. Reminding workers of the rights under the Organisation of Working Time Act, Senator Sherlock said workers cannot be exploited during the busy Christmas season in hospitality and retail in particular. Senator Sherlock said: “This is…

Gender Equality Committee recommends a change to article 41.3.1 to “family, including but not limited to the marital family” Labour Senator Mark Wall has welcomed recommendations by the Oireachtas Committee on Gender Equality chaired by Labour leader Ivana Bacik on updating the definition of family in the constitution. Senator Wall said it’s time our constitution…

Speaking today at the launch of the final report of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Gender Equality, ‘Unfinished Democracy’, Deputy Ivana Bacik called upon Government to commit to holding a referendum on equality in 2023, based upon the recommendations in the Committee report. Chaired by Ivana Bacik TD, the cross-party Joint Oireachtas Committee held a…

Labour defence spokesperson Mark Wall has extended his deep sympathies to the family of the deceased member of Óglaigh na hÉireann killed in Lebanon last night. Speaking today Senator Wall said it is a cruel reminder of the risks taken by all members of Óglaigh na hÉireann on all peace keeping missions. Senator Wall said:…

Spin over substance and an attempt to distract from this weeks rushed legislation Draft Bill will give Ministerial power to appoint more members to An Bord Pleanála than ever before Labour housing spokesperson Rebecca Moynihan has said the Minister for Housing is rushing through deeply problematic planning reforms without any public consultation. Happening in the…

Responding to the confirmation of reports that Cabinet will not approve the Climate Action Plan 2023 before the Dáil and Seanad rise, Labour Leader and Spokesperson for Climate Ivana Bacik TD has called for an end to the constant delay of climate action initiatives. Deputy Bacik said, “It feels like Groundhog Day again, with the…

Broader reform needed with public consultation Labour housing spokesperson Rebecca Moynihan said the agreed proposals from the Minister for Housing on planning reform is an effective power grab from the Department and is unnecessary. Senator Moynihan said: “We absolutely need a reform of our planning legislation but not like this. This is an effective power…