“Máire Whelan is a woman of immense ability. I have no doubt that she would sail through any objective process.  “Unfortunately, it seems that no objective test has been applied in this case. The way this has been done is absolutely wrong.  “Anyone who is qualified for a role such as this should have the…

Labour Leader Brendan Howlin TD, has called on the new Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, to outline how he will address issues surrounding the increased number of ‘super-junior’ Ministers. “In seeking to find ways to give a job to every Fine Gael TD that wants one, the new Taoiseach has further increased the number of ‘super-junior’ Ministers….

Labour Party Senator, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, has called on the new Minister for Higher Education, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, to strongly consider the publicly funded option of the Cassels Report. “Firstly, I would like to wish Minister Mitchell O’Connor well in her new role as Minister for Higher Education. “The Government has been sitting on the…

Speaking in the Dáil last night, Labour Spokesperson for Agriculture, Willie Penrose TD, congratulated the new Government and outlined the actions they must take to improve life in rural communities in light of Brexit. “I congratulate the Taoiseach and his new Cabinet. I wish to focus on issues relating to rural Ireland and the need…

“We mourn with Katherine Zappone the loss of her beautiful wife and life partner Ann Louise Gilligan, social justice campaigner and lovely person. “Ann Louise was a champion for equal opportunity in Education during her time in St. Patrick’s College, Drumcondra and for the wider Equality agenda in her work with An Cosán and in…

Labour Senator Ged Nash has said that hiking the National Minimum Wage and abolishing zero-hour contracts should be prioritised by the newly appointed Minister for Social Protection and Labour, Regina Doherty. The Labour Party spokesperson for Labour Affairs and Workers’ Rights, said: “Being on the side of people who get up early in the morning…

Senator Ivana Bacik, leader of the Labour group in the Seanad, today offered her condolences and sympathies to Minister Katherine Zappone on the death of her wife Dr Ann Louise Gilligan. Senator Bacik said: “It was my privilege to have got to know Ann Louise many years ago when representing her and Katherine in their…

Labour Party spokesperson on Children and Youth Affairs, Jan O’Sullivan TD, has offered her condolences to Katherine Zappone on the passing of her wife, Dr Ann Louise Gilligan.  “It was with deep sadness that I heard of the untimely death of Dr. Ann Louise Gilligan after she bravely fought a short illness. “Ann Louise was…