Labour TD Alan Kelly has described the US decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord as ‘wrong and irresponsible’. Deputy Kelly, who led the Paris negotiations for Ireland as Minister for the Environment in 2015, commented: “This announcement from President Trump last night is not only depressing, but completely irresponsible. “As one of the…

Labour spokesperson on Climate Change, Sean Sherlock TD, has expressed his disappointment at the decision by the United States to pull out of the Paris Climate Accord. The announcement was made by US President, Donald Trump, at the White House this evening. Deputy Sherlock commented: ‘’I am really dismayed by President Trump’s announcement that the…

Labour’s Workers’ Rights spokesperson, Senator Ged Nash, has welcomed today’s pay hike for 17,000 security officers across the country. He said: “This new legal minimum rate of pay in the security industry was made possible under the legislation the Labour Party introduced in government to restore the Joint Labour Committee that was struck down by…

With US bank shares falling by over 10% in recent weeks, Labour spokesperson on Finance Joan Burton has said it highlights the folly of proceeding with the flotation of 25% of AIB. This follows the news of a potential fire sale of bad loans to make the bank more attractive. Deputy Burton said: “The business…

Speech by Willie Penrose TD, Labour spokesperson on Agriculture on private members motion on the Fair Deal scheme and farmers. “Fair Deal should provide for respite care and convalescense in own home. “Farmers and businesses face difficulties with asset assessment in Fair Deal “Current rules discriminate in particular against small farmers “Causing great stress and…

Today, the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection discussed the draft heads of the Social Protection and Pensions Bill 2017. Former Minister of State in the Department of Social Protection, Senator Kevin Humphreys, who is a member of the Committee has said that part of the proposed law, Head 5, from Minister Varadkar would provide…

Labour Housing Spokesperson, Jan O’Sullivan TD, has published legislation that aims to ensure the best interests of homeless children are recognised by Local Authorities in an emergency situation. The Housing (Homeless Families) Bill 2017 would require Local Authorities to recognise the rights of a child in a family unit when applying for accommodation or other…

Labour spokesperson on Housing Jan O’Sullivan will publish legislation today at 11.30 to ensure that the best interests of homeless children are recognised by Local Authorities in an emergency situation. The Housing (Homeless Families) Bill 2017 would require Local Authorities to recognise the rights of a child in a family unit when applying for accommodation…