In our lives before we were given the opportunity to serve in the Oireachtas, John and I were teachers. John taught for over a decade in St Vincent’s in Glasnevin. As he said earlier this week, I know he loved teaching children from the community where he grew up. I had the great pleasure of…

Speaking as Labour outlined proposals to increase take-home pay for low and middle income workers   The next government will have two main tasks. To sustain the growth in the economy. And to ensure the benefits of growth are spread widely and well. If we do succeed in sustaining growth, I’ve made it clear that…

The Labour Party is today outlining its proposals to increase the take-home pay of low to middle income working people. Labour’s proposed tax plan of changes to USC and PRSI will mean that those on average earnings will benefit most from the recovery that we have delivered. The proposal has three main elements: We will…

Speaking at the launch of ‘Standing Up for Public Services:   I would like you to welcome you to the launch of “Standing up for Public Services.”   This is Labour’s plan to invest in the services that families and communities need.   I am joined by my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and…

Speaking at the launch of ‘Standing Up for Public Services’   “Labour is the party of public services. That is why we’ve chosen to allocate our available resources on a 3 to 1 basis for spending on vital services over tax cuts. Our tax package is moderate and targeted on those who need it most….

Speaking at the launch of ‘Standing Up For Public Services’ Labour has this morning unveiled its plan for public service investment. ‘Standing Up For Public Services’ was launched by Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform, Brendan Howlin, and Minister for Business & Employment, Ged Nash, at Labour’s campaign headquarters. The plan commits to: Invest in…

Fianna Fail’s attempts to revise their record on education in government are laughable. Even when the country was awash with money, Fianna Fáil thought it was ok to continue to have children taught in prefabs that are too hot in summer and too cold in winter. Labour in government is ensuring that prefab education ends…

Working families across Ireland will be disappointed to see that the only relief being offered to them under Sinn Fein’s economic proposals is a dodgy offer to abolish water charges.  Incredibly, a worker earning just €19,572 or over will get absolutely no relief from USC under Sinn Fein.   Instead their claim they will abolish water…