Labour health spokesperson Duncan Smith has called for all healthcare workers to receive a booster vaccine. As case numbers continue to rise, Deputy Smith said we have the capacity to provide booster shots to the frontline quickly to protect workers against the virus over the months ahead. Deputy Smith said: “I welcome the recommendation from…

Speaking after the Seanad Special Committee on the Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the EU, Labour defence spokesperson Mark Wall welcomed the confirmation from the Department of Health that the Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme will be extended into the New Year. Previously due to end in December of this year, Senator Wall said…

No Widow’s/Widower’s Pension for surviving partner if one dies. Constitution only recognises the marital family. Laws and social protection payments must be changed to protect cohabiting couples. The Labour Party today published a new Seanad bill that would change the law so that a surviving cohabitant is eligible for a widow/widower’s contributory pension. The Labour…

Labour housing spokesperson Rebecca Moynihan said the rogue practice of landlords charging ‘pet rent’ must be stamped out. Calling for government support for Labour’s renters’ rights bill, Senator Moynihan said the blanket ban on pets in rental accommodation needs to end. Senator Moynihan said: “Animals play such an important part in the lives of many…

Urgent briefing for opposition needed this week Labour health spokesperson Duncan Smith has called on the HSE to ensure that they are in a position to provide surge capacity at short notice should it be required. Calling for a briefing from the Minister and the HSE for opposition spokespeople, Deputy Smith said with indications that…

30% tax relief announced in the Budget for remote workers must be backdated for 2021 Marked contrast in Budget this week compared with Budget 2021 where tax relief was backdated last year Government must encourage employers to step up to the plate Given the updated public health advice, Labour employment affairs spokesperson Marie Sherlock has…

Labour Senator Marie Sherlock has called on the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Dublin City Council to make an immediate start on resolving the very serious issues for Dublin Fire Brigade at the moment. Senator Sherlock was responding to the news that trade union representatives of Dublin Fire Brigade fire fighters have served…

Marking EU Flu Day, Labour health spokesperson Duncan Smith TD, has called on the Government to provide the flu injection to all for free. Deputy Smith said: “If the Government are serious about helping stop the spread of the flu while tackling rising COVID-19 cases this winter they should make the flu vaccine free for all citizens. “The Government…