Remarks by Brendan Howlin TD at the All-Island Civil Dialogue This forum presents a unique opportunity for those of us involved in the political space to hear from civic society – the sectors both economic and social that will be impacted by the momentous decision of the British people to exit the European Union. I…

Labour Party spokesperson on Labour Affairs and Workers Rights, Senator Ged Nash, has welcomed the signing of the amended Employment Regulation Order for the Contract Cleaning Sector, which will see 34, 000 contract cleaners benefit from three new pay rate increases over the next two years. By December 2018, the new statutory minimum rate of…

Following on from the European Council meeting last week, it would be easy for all of us in this Chamber to focus on Brexit. I will certainly make some references to it. Given that the British Prime Minister, Ms Theresa May, took only a few minutes to set out her views at about 1 a.m.,…

Labour Party spokesperson on Health, Alan Kelly TD has criticised the closure of ten in-patient beds during critical winter months in University Hospital Waterford. “To close beds at this time of year is worrying for patients in the South-East and nursing staff who will feel the extra burden of these beds being closed. “The question…

Senator Ivana Bacik has confirmed that the Labour Party will be supporting the motion from the ‘Not on Our Watch’ campaign (text below). “In the Seanad today I sought support from the Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan for the proposal that Ireland would welcome 200 unaccompanied minors from Calais.” “Ireland needs to act to…

Labour Spokesperson on Children and Youth Affairs, Jan O’Sulllivan TD, is calling on the Government to tell homeless parents living in hotels around Ireland exactly when their children will be provided with free transport to and from school. “This was one of the promises in the Government’s Action Plan on Housing and Homelessness- and a…

Labour Youth is today reiterating the need to end pay discrimination in support of the ASTI’s call to tackle the issue of pay discrimination for newly qualified teachers. National Chairperson of Labour Youth, Grace Williams commented, “For too long we have seen entry level public sector workers, like newly qualified teachers, be subject to unequal…

I warmly welcome this Bill and I have no hesitation in offering Labour Party support for its passage into law.   This is a sensible, constructive and balanced proposal.   In that respect, it contrasts sharply with the proposals published by then Deputy now Minister Shane Ross in 2013.   Minister Ross wanted a Judicial…