Reacting to reports that the Government did not implement more than half of measures in the Climate Action Plan during the second quarter of 2022, Labour Leader and Spokesperson for Climate Ivana Bacik TD has warned of the urgent need to recalibrate the national response to the climate emergency. Deputy Bacik said: “I read today…

Labour Autism Bill seeks to address unmet needs of people with autism in our communities The consistent lack of investment in autism services is eroding the chances of autistic people to thrive in our society, said Labour education spokesperson Aodhán Ó Ríordáin. In June, Labour proposed a bill to put in place a coherent framework…

Construction Regulatory Authority needed to prevent this happening again Labour has demanded a package of tax relief for owner-occupiers living in defective apartments to be included in Budget 2023. In anticipation of the publication of the report carried out by the Working Group to Examine Defects in Housing today, Labour leader Ivana Bacik said people…

Audit of services needed Labour Senator and member of the Oireachtas Health Committee Annie Hoey has welcomed the publication of the heads of bill to legislate for termination of pregnancy safe access zones. Senator Hoey said: “This is a belated move by government but it is welcome. When we voted in 2018, people voted for…

In advance of tomorrow’s Cabinet meeting, Labour Leader Ivana Bacik TD has called for fairness of approach in government decision-making on the sectoral emissions ceilings. Deputy Bacik said: “The Environmental Protection Agency last week reported that Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions rose by almost 5% in 2021. At this rate, we are gravely reducing the chance…

Time for a rent register Ban on evictions needed Rent freeze would ease cost of living pressures Labour housing spokesperson Rebecca Moynihan said the dysfunctional rental market is trapping people into renting without any hope of home ownership. With the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) reporting that renters in Dublin are paying on average €24,000 annually…

Labour health spokesperson Duncan Smith said government must prepare for the changing population and adapt Ireland’s health service to care for people at all stages of life. With the ESRI projecting the need for an increased workforce in the health service, Deputy Smith said the recruitment crisis cannot continue. Deputy Smith said: “Every member of…

Responding to the annual Barnardos survey on back to school costs, Labour education spokesperson Aodhán Ó Ríordáin said it’s time to make education genuinely free. Deputy Ó Ríordáin said: “It’s time for a step change from this government and see movement to making education genuinely free. From the Barnardos report, it’s clear that the increase…