In advance of the march to remember Savita Halappanavar, Labour leader Ivana Bacik said that urgent changes are needed to Ireland’s abortion laws. Deputy Bacik said: “10 years on from her tragic death, we will all remember Savita Halappanavar this weekend. Savita’s death tragically highlighted the need for repeal of the Eighth Amendment and the…

With fresh elections expected in the North, Labour Party Leader and spokesperson on Northern Ireland Ivana Bacik TD has called on the Irish government to advocate for assembly reform to break the veto on the restoration of a power-sharing executive. Deputy Bacik said: “On Thursday at Leader’s Questions I raised with the Tánaiste what the…

Labour housing spokesperson Rebecca Moynihan said local authorities must be empowered by government to protect anyone else from falling into homelessness this winter. With homelessness up 29.5%, Senator Moynihan said it’s time for government to take radical action to deal with the housing disaster. Senator Moynihan said: “It’s a national disgrace that almost 11,000 people…

Labour TD for Tipperary, Alan Kelly has extended his sympathy to the family and friends of cervical check campaigner Lynsey Bennett who sadly died last night. Deputy Kelly said: “I am so sad today to hear of Lynsey’s passing at such a young age, and my thoughts are with her daughters Zoe and Hailee, her…

Speaking today, Deputy Ivana Bacik welcomed a commitment from Minister Darragh O’Brien that his Department would introduce year-round water quality testing. This commitment was made in a response provided by the Minister to Deputy Bacik during Dail debates (Questions on Promised Legislation) on Tuesday 25th October 2022 (transcript below). The commitment was further confirmed to…

In advance of the Seanad debate today (Wednesday, 26th October) of Labour’s Social Welfare (Surviving Cohabitant’s Pension) Bill, Labour Senator Mark Wall has called for government support for cohabiting couples. If enacted, Labour’s bill would bridge the gap in the current social welfare legislation and entitle a surviving partner of a cohabiting couple to a…

Labour education and justice spokesperson Aodhán Ó Ríordáin has demanded that the Junior Minister for Education Josepha Madigan reverse the decision on the changed assessment of needs process for primary school children. Calling for the Attorney General to carry out a review of the legality of shifting responsibility from the HSE to school principals, Deputy…

Right to remote and flexible legislation now needs urgent passage Labour employment spokesperson Marie Sherlock said a right to flexible work is crucial to safeguarding the future of the world of work in Ireland. Demanding the right to appeal refusal of requests for workers, Senator Sherlock said flexible work is vital to diversify and expand…