“The tracker mortgage scandal demonstrates once again that the Irish banking system cannot be trusted to deal honestly with the Irish people.  “Two of the main culprits are banks that are still substantially in State ownership.  AIB is 71% owned by the Irish taxpayer and Permanent TSB is 75% while bank of Ireland’s state shareholding…

Reacting to the latest comments of the Taoiseach at a private Fine Gael fundraiser in an exclusive hotel in one of Dublin’s most expensive suburbs, Labour TD Alan Kelly has said: “Two weeks on it’s clear that this cup of coffee budget has fallen flat with the public, leaving a bitter taste in the Taoiseach’s…

Labour Party Leader Brendan Howlin has accused the Government of reneging on commitments on budget transparency in Budget 2018 and making political debate about budgetary choices for the years ahead practically impossible. Deputy Howlin said: “New politics is increasingly looking like the old politics.” “While people tired around discussions around fiscal space at the last…

Labour Leader Brendan Howlin has said today that Ireland will have to give real consideration to opposing Brexit discussions moving onto transition and trade related issues following the EU Council in December if clear and evident progress is not made on the Irish issue. Deputy Howlin said: “The suggestions emanating from the EU Council that…

Labour spokesperson on Urban Regeneration, Joe Costello has said the remarks by the chairman of the Housing Agency that the housing crisis is ‘completely normal’ beggars belief. Mr Costello said: “The statement by Conor Skehan, chairman of the Housing Agency that “Ireland’s housing crisis is completely normal” beggars belief.  “How normal is it that too…

Following the overwhelming vote by trade unions in Irish Rail to take industrial action following a collapse in talks, Labour spokesperson on Transport, Senator Kevin Humphreys has called on Irish Rail management and Minister for Transport Shane Ross to step up and resolve the situation. Senator Humphreys said: “I am deeply disturbed that talks to…

Labour Party Leader Brendan Howlin has criticised the Government for the slow progress made in providing adequate funding to the arts sector following the promise of the Taoiseach to double funding. Deputy Howlin said: “After his election earlier this year, the Taoiseach made a commitment to double funding for the arts and culture over the…

Senator Ged Nash has welcomed the enactment of the first sectoral employment order for construction workers today, based on legislation introduced by the Labour Party. This order sets legally binding rates of pay and conditions for construction workers as a result of proposals passed into law by then Minister for Employment Nash in 2015. Sen….