Longford/Westmeath TD, Willie Penrose is delighted to be appointed Labour spokesperson for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Rural Affairs, and Social Protection. Deputy Penrose recently raised the issue of Brexit and the significant negative impacts on Ireland’s agri-food sector in Dáil Éireann. He questioned the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, Michael Creed on his…

The understanding that the derogation exempting Ireland from water charges was ended by the Fianna Fail/ Green Government, is borne out by a statement today issued by EU Environment Commissioner Karmenu Vella in response to a Parliamentary Question by Marian Harkin. It is clear from Commissioner Vella’s reply that the derogation ended on the adoption…

James Connolly said “Ireland without its people means nothing to me”. To paraphrase Connolly – Europe without its people means nothing to me. So can we now speak of European People? We are Irish & European, French & European, Polish & European. We see the shock and anger among people and a new fear of…

EU MUST REJECT IMPULSE TO ACT SWIFTLY AND HARSHLY AGAINST BRITAIN This Friday marks the 100th anniversary of the first day of the Battle of the Somme. It was the worst day in the history of the British Army. It will be marked all across the United Kingdom, and here too. It is particularly significant…

Education Spokesperson, Joan Burton TD, Party Leader Brendan Howlin, and Senator Aodhán Ó Ríordáin today published a Labour Party Bill that will make it easier for parents to send their children to their local school, regardless of their faith.The Equal Status (Admission to Schools) Bill 2016 will address and tackle the current practice of primary…

MEDIA NOTIFICATION Sunday 26 June, 2016 LABOUR TO LAUNCH BILL TO ADDRESS RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS TOMORROW Labour Party Education Spokesperson Joan Burton, along with Senator Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, will launch the Party’s Equal Status (Admission to Schools) Bill 2016 tomorrow. The Bill will be debated in Labour’s Private Members’ time in Dáil Éireann…

I would like to extend my best wishes to the organisers and participants of the Dublin Pride Parade which takes place today. The  annual Pride Parade is an opportunity for people from all walks of life to come together and celebrate our diversity. While the passing of the Marriage Equality referendum last year was a…

In last year’s budget, Labour introduced landmark proposals to legislate to allow for fathers to take two weeks’ paid paternal leave for the first time. The new statutory paternity leave is to be paid at a rate of €230 a week, the same as maternity benefit, and based on the same PRSI contribution requirements. It…