Speaking in advance of the publication of a report from independent auditor Peter Smyth into the tender process for the State’s rural broadband scheme, Leader of the Labour Party, Brendan Howlin TD pointed out serious problems with the current direction of government policy and set out three tests for the Government’s broadband policy. Deputy Howlin…

Labour Spokesperson on Health, Alan Kelly TD, has described the treatment of patients in receipt of the DePuy hip replacement implants as ‘wholly unacceptable’ Commenting today Deputy Kelly said: “The news today of serious health and mobility deterioration for patients having received the DePuy hip replacement devices, which have now been taken off the market, is shocking. Yet again…

Labour Party Spokesperson on Social Protection, Willie Penrose TD, has called on the government to ring-fence funding for Phase 2 of the National Carers’ Strategy for the period 2019 to 2022. Commenting today Deputy Penrose said; “In Ireland today, all home care supports are discretionary and, therefore, the service is a resource rather than needs-led….

Brendan Corish was my political mentor. He shaped my earlier political years, sitting at our own kitchen table in William Street here in Wexford. My father, John, was Brendan Corish’s adviser and election agent. And, of course, I was named after Brendan. ◊◊◊ When I became politically active, I was Brendan Corish’s Director of Elections…

Labour Party education spokesperson, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin has said that a radical approach is needed to address the major shortcomings in State supports for children with special needs. Senator Ó Ríordáin said: “I have been advocating for indvidual cases from across the country since I became Labour Education Spokesperson and the stories are harrowing. “The…

Labour Health spokesperson, Alan Kelly TD, has said the lack of staff in our sexual assault treatment units is a national scandal waiting to happen in our health service. According to figures provided by the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, there are only six staff working full time in the six sexual assault units around the…

Labour TD for Limerick, Jan O’Sullivan, is encouraging people to shop local this Black Friday weekend. Commenting today Deputy O’Sullivan said; “In the run-up to Christmas, we all like to look for a deal where we can. However, when it comes to Black Friday the vast majority of money spent goes into companies based outside…

Speaking in relation to the draft political declaration of the future relationship between the EU and the UK, Leader of the Labour Party Brendan Howlin TD referred to the draft text as creating a plausible foundation for a durable long-term partnership, but serious questions remain unanswered. Deputy Howlin said: “Labour welcomes the core commitments in…