Phenomenal disrespect shown to children with autism by govt Labour education spokesperson Aodhán Ó Ríordáin said the disrespect shown to people with autism by this government is outrageous. Following the news announced on twitter by Minister Madigan that a separate ‘temporary’ education centres may be used for children with autism and other disabilities, Deputy Ó…

HAP limits have not been updated since 2017 Minister must progress Income Eligibility Scheme Differential Rate Scheme must be managed on a nationwide basis Responding to the ESRI report published this morning Labour finance spokesperson Ged Nash said the government must revise the HAP limits in light of the current cost of living crisis. Deputy…

Govt unable to provide regional breakdown for waiting lists Speaking in the Dáil today, Labour health spokesperson Duncan Smith criticised government for a failure to properly plan and resource special school places. Deputy Smith said: “Last week a family once again had to resort to telling their story to RTÉ to vindicate the constitutional right…

Marking four years from the vote to repeal the eighth amendment, Labour Senator Annie Hoey has urged government to fast track the Safe Access Zone legislation to protect women accessing abortion services in Ireland. Senator Hoey said: “Four years ago today people came out in their droves to support and trust women. The overwhelming vote…

Labour defence spokesperson Mark Wall has welcomed the granting of associate status of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions to PDFORRA. As a supporter of PDFORRA’s campaign to join with ICTU, Senator Wall said this move will be essential as members of the Defence Forces seek better pay and conditions. Senator Wall said: “Labour has…

With the HPV vaccine now due to be made available to women up to age 25, Labour Health spokesperson Duncan Smith TD has said the Minister should ask NIAC to assess if it should be made available for women up to the age of 45. Deputy Smith said: “The HPV catch-up vaccine programme should be…

Flexible work increases employee morale and productivity Flexible work creates more diverse work force Flexible work benefits local economies Labour Bill would provide right to flexible work not government’s preferred option of right to refuse Labour employment spokesperson Marie Sherlock has slammed the spin emanating from government regarding the cost of flexible work to the…

Labour health spokesperson Duncan Smith has today (Wednesday, 18th May) demanded that the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath, and Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, engage directly with MLSA representatives immediately in order to break the deadlock concerning pay equality for medical scientists. Deputy Smith said: “Going on strike is always the last…