Labour spokesperson on Further and Higher Education Senator Annie Hoey has demanded that the Minister engage with Bank of Ireland following the revelation of the winding up of the Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) loan. Senator Hoey said: “The winding up of the GEM loan by Bank of Ireland is deeply concerning. As the last bank…

Welcoming the passage of the Safe Access Zone legislation through the Seanad, Labour Senator and health committee member Annie Hoey has said the delay in implementing legislation to protect women accessing abortion services highlights the ground that still must be made for women’s reproductive healthcare in Ireland. Senator Hoey said: “Today represents a step in…

Responding to the Locked Out report published by the Simon Community today, Labour housing spokesperson Rebecca Moynihan has called on the Minister to set out a timeline for an increase in HAP supports for the most vulnerable in the housing market. Senator Moynihan said: “HAP limits have not been revised since 2016, yet we have…

Labour Party Arts spokesperson Senator Marie Sherlock, Deputy Lord Mayor Joe Costello and Dublin City Councillors Jane Horgan Jones and Declan Meenagh have called on the Government and Dublin City Council to step up supports for artistic workspaces amid eviction threats against a successful, not-for-profit arts studio in North Dublin City. Speaking in the Seanad…

VAT windfall must be returned to those who need it most High time VAT on energy and fuel bills is cut Good Exchequer returns alone will not heat homes Labour’s Finance spokesperson Ged Nash has said that the government’s excuses for delays in bringing forward cuts to VAT on energy and fuel bills is wearing…

IPCC report highlights need for robust transport infrastructure Labour Kildare South Senator Mark Wall has questioned government’s commitment to making meaningful change for commuters under pressure from the rising cost of living. With runaway costs in food, energy and housing, Senator Wall said the failure of government to tackle transport costs highlights government’s reluctance to…

Labour finance spokesperson Ged Nash has said that pay rises across the economy are needed now and that wage increases must form a major part of the solution to combat the spiralling cost of living. Deputy Nash said: “We all know wages are struggling to keep up with inflation.  Despite pay rises negotiated by unions…

It has been an honour to listen to President Zelensky speak today. I want to pay tribute to his immense courage and bravery. I also want to pay special tribute to the Ukrainian Ambassador to Ireland, Larysa Gerasko, for her steadfast advocacy on behalf of her country. Ambassador, as the brutal Russian invasion of your…