News – The Labour PartyA new survey has found that 74 per cent of Dubliners polled would favour a directly elected mayor of the city, if a referendum was held. More than 500 people living across Dublin, and aged 18 and over, were interviewed by polling company Ireland Thinks in September. The research found that…

News – The Labour PartyFormer Minister for Overseas Development Assistance, Seán Sherlock TD, has called on the Government to clarify its position in relation to the resignation of Mr Barry Andrews as CEO of GOAL. “GOAL is partly funded through Irish aid. Notwithstanding the suspension of funding to GOAL by Irish Aid pending the outcome…

News – The Labour PartyDespite being touted as the centrepiece of Budget 2017, the Government’s childcare package has failed to deliver the best possible outcome for children, says Labour TD and Spokesperson on Children and Youth Affairs, Jan O’Sullivan. “There was much hype that children would be the main beneficiaries of this year’s Budget, but…

News – The Labour Party“Since last Friday I have been raising concerns about the magical appearance of an extra €200 million for the overall Budget package. It is astounding to suddenly hear the Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin enquiring today as to where the extra fiscal space came from. For the last few weeks they…

News – The Labour PartyLabour TD and Spokesperson on Public Expenditure and Reform, Seán Sherlock , has highlighted how thin the Government has spread the ‘fiscal space’ in the Budget announced yesterday. “The immediate aftermath of a Budget announcement tends to focus on top-line figures in the areas of Social Protection and Excise Duties, along…

News – The Labour PartyCHECK AGAINST DELIVERY Earlier this week, in a newspaper article, I made two predictions.My first guess was that Minister Donohoe would wear a blue or a purple tie.My second was that this Budget would not be regarded as fair, progressive, or even sensible.I take no joy in being right on both…

News – The Labour PartyThe Government needs to immediately clarify when social welfare increases outlined in yesterday’s Budget will come into effect, says Labour Party leader Brendan Howlin. When pressed on the matter by Deputy Howlin in the Dáil this morning, the Taoiseach Enda Kenny could only confirm that the payments would be made “across…

News – The Labour PartyThe failure of Minister for Education and Skills Richard Bruton to secure any improvement to class sizes or make any meaningful reduction in back to school costs, is a major disappointment to those in the sector according to Senator Aodhán Ó Ríordáin. “Last year, Jan O’Sullivan brought primary school class sizes…