Labour Councillor and former Lord Mayor, Mary Freehill has asked why the Government is afraid of a hotel bedroom tax, which is the norm in cities across the world. It would raise €15 million a year in Dublin for investment in public amenities and cultural facilities. Cllr Freehill said: “Dublin needs an hotel and Guest…

Labour Party Housing spokesperson, Jan O’Sullivan TD, has called on the Government to progress the Housing (Homeless Families) Bill in light of reports that up to 8 families were forced to self-accommodate in Garda stations last night. Deputy O’Sullivan said: “It is deeply disturbing to hear reports during the week about homeless families and children…

Labour Party TD for Dublin Fingal, Brendan Ryan TD has welcomed a commitment he has received from the National Transport Authority that a second bus would now be added to the 101X service, due in Balrothery at 6:10am each morning. Speaking on the matter, Deputy Ryan said: “I am delighted that, after my engagement with…

Labour Party Health Spokesperson, Alan Kelly TD, has welcomed the decision to start the process of extending the HPV vaccine to boys.  Deputy Kelly said: “The announcement that the Minister for Health has been instructed to start the process of extending the HPV vaccine to boys is extremely welcome. “The Labour Party has been leading…

Labour Party Local Area Representative Peter Horgan has called on Sport Ireland to refund all Irish Women’s Hockey Squad members their representational fee of €550 each as a gesture of goodwill that will bring to an end the shameful practice of forcing players to pay to represent their country. “These women have brought pride, grit…

Ladies and gentlemen. To Metro Éireann and the Keynan Institure for Ethics of Duke University, thank you for inviting me to speak at your intercultural writing and photography award ceremony. My 13 week old daughter features in the Irish Times today in an article written by my wife about her family’s obsession with Monaghan football….

Labour Health spokesperson, Alan Kelly TD, has criticised the Government for their handling of the Cervical Check scandal. Deputy Kelly said: “Despite assurances from the Taoiseach that cases would not end up in the courts, the announcement made by the Government do little to assure the women affected that they won’t have to end up…

Labour spokesperson on Education, Senator Aodhán Ó Ríordáin has reiterated his proposals of State provided school books at no cost to parents and bans on voluntary contributions. This follows today’s reporting of the Barnardos ‘Back to School’ survey which has seen an increase in the number of parents paying voluntary contributions. Speaking today Senator Ó…