Labour leader and housing spokesperson Ivana Bacik TD said Government’s failure to implement a strong vacant home tax is contributing to Ireland’s chronic vacancy problem, with far too many properties nationwide continuing to lie empty. Deputy Bacik said: “It’s galling to walk around communities nationwide and see the level of vacancy and dereliction. Homes are…

Louth Labour TD and the party’s enterprise spokesperson Ged Nash has welcomed a pledge he received from enterprise Minister Simon Coveney that the ad hic business flood relief schemes will be placed on a permanent footing. “Last week I called on the Minister to organise fast access to the Emergency and the Enhanced Business Flooding…

Fianna Fáil attempts to distract from failures in education pathetic Labour education spokesperson Aodhán Ó Ríordáin TD has described the smartphone ‘guidelines’ to be brought to cabinet this morning as pathetic. Deputy Ó Ríordáin said: “This is classic Fianna Fáil PR spin, issuing empty guidelines to schools. It’s an attempt to distract from the myriad…

Labour’s Educational Spokesperson Aodhán Ó Ríordáin TD has condemned the government for its failure to address the chronic shortage of teachers in Ireland’s schools. Deputy Ó Ríordáin said: “Government’s failure to address the teacher shortage crisis is inexcusable. We need a proactive approach to addressing this crisis, and that includes providing teachers with the support…

Labour TD for Dublin Bay North, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, has condemned the Government’s double standard on flood compensation. Deputy Ó Ríordáin said: “Compensation for the homes and businesses devastated by flooding in Cork and Louth is to be welcomed. But it is important to ask, why are houses in North Dublin not eligible for the…

Time for Low Pay Commission to recommend end of sub minima rates Labour’s Workers’ Rights Spokesperson Senator Marie Sherlock has welcomed new research from the Economic and Social Research Institute on young worker pay levels. However, Senator Sherlock has warned that this does not change the fact that the sub-minimum wage for 18-19 year olds…

Labour’s Finance Spokesperson Ged Nash TD has today called for action to help PAYE workers who have potentially overpaid their taxes. This comes following answers to his parliamentary question to the Minister for Finance show that in 2021 and 2022, 38% and 39% of workers respectively who had yet to file a tax return potentially…

Nash praises Council response but says outdoor staffing levels need urgent review Louth Labour TD Ged Nash has said that the government must organise fast access to the Emergency and the Enhanced Business Flooding Schemes as North Louth businesses and households count the cost of last night’s flooding event. Deputy Nash said: “Long-standing businesses who…