Speaking ahead of the publication of the Focus Ireland 2015 Annual Report, Labour’s spokesperson on Housing and Planning, Jan O’Sullivan has called on the Government to use the growing amount of vacant properties as a solution to the growing housing crisis. “The 2016 Census tells us that there are more than 198,000 vacant dwellings in…

Dublin Bus are to stage three 48 hour work stoppages in September as result of an ongoing dispute in relation to pay. The announcement of six days of strike action follows rounds of negotiations at the Workplace Relations Commission and the Labour Court. The Dublin Bus workers are seeking a 15% pay increase over three…

With €13 billion of corporate revenue at stake, the decision of the European Commission will inevitably be appealed by Apple. It is not conceivable that Ireland would not be attached to the process, given our national interest in the outcome of this matter. Indeed it is likely that many Member States will join in an…

​Last night, following an eight-hour work stoppage by staff at Oberstown youth detention centre, a group of detainees staged a rooftop demonstration, which was followed by the breakout of a significant fire on the premises. Speaking following the events of last night, Labour spokesperson Jan O’Sullivan said: “It is time for Minister Katherine Zappone to…

It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of former Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Peter Barry. During our time in Government together, Peter was an extremely loyal colleague, and was trusted and respected by parliamentary colleagues on all sides of the House. His central role in negotiating the Anglo-Irish Agreement…

The decision by eBay to close its operation in Dundalk is a major blow to the town and to the region. The facility will cease operations next year with the expected loss of 150 jobs. My immediate thoughts are with those who work in the facility in the town and their families at this very…

Labour Party TD for Tipperary Alan Kelly has called on the Minister for Transport Shane Ross to intervene immediately in the escalating toll operator dispute. Deputy Kelly commented: “The dispute between the Celtic Roads Group and Eflow needs to be resolved immediately before the travelling public are affected. “The Celtic Roads Group has announced they…

Today’s announcement by the CSO that there are now over 2,000,000 people at work in Ireland, is as clear an indication as we have seen to date, that the policies pursued by the last government have successfully delivered a real economic recovery for the people of Ireland. We also see a return to net inward…