The Minister for Children must move to immediately clarify the situation that has reportedly arisen where a child has been removed from the care of their grandparents as they were deemed too old. While the welfare of the child is always of the upmost concern I think we would all agree that keeping a family…

With the question over Labour leadership answered today following the election of Brendan Howlin as the new leader, Labour Youth is looking forward to beginning the party’s rebuild.  Labour Youth National Chairperson Grace Williams said, “I’d like to congratulate Brendan Howlin on his election as Labour Party leader and look forward to meeting with him…

I learnt my politics from two great Wexford men: the former leader of this party Brendan Corish, and my own Dad, John. Each, in his own way, taught me simple and powerful truths about what is right and what is wrong. And about what politics is for. Today I am immensely proud and deeply humble…

Labour Women today extended their congratulations to Brendan Howlin TD on his election as leader of the Labour Party.   Sinead Ahern, Chair of Labour Women said, “Labour Women would like to congratulate Brendan Howlin as he assumes the role of leader of the Labour Party.  Twelve weeks ago we suffered our worst election result…

The failure of the Government to appoint a Minister of State for the Arts and Heritage will come as a major disappointment for the arts community and represents a missed opportunity by the Government to build bridges with arts practitioners working around the country. Yesterday in the Dail I made the point that the Arts…

I hope the newly appointed Minister of State for Employment and Small Business pursues addressing the concerns of working people with the same vigour and determination as my colleague Ged Nash did as Minister for Business and Employment. Labour in government increased the minimum wage twice and strengthened trade union rights against domestic and international…

Speaking in Dáil Éireann I am glad to have an opportunity to speak in this debate.  The issue of reform has been talked about since I was first elected to this House nearly 30 years ago.  Like draining the River Shannon and restoring the Irish language, it is a permanent concept to which we all…

The Technological Universities Bill must be progressed in the Oireachtas without delay, Jan O’Sullivan told the Dail today. “As Minister for Education, I got the Bill as far as Report Stage in the Dail before the general election and it is imperative that it moves as quickly as possible. “Already the consortium in Dublin has…