Labour TD for Dublin Fingal, Duncan Smith, has called for the fuel allowance payment to be extended for two additional weeks to include the Easter Weekend. Deputy Smith wrote to Minister Doherty today asking for this extension, joining calls from other Labour representatives such as Cllr Dermot Lacey calling for this measure. Deputy Smith said:…

Reacting to multiple reports of banks unfairly withholding support from mortgage customers, the leader of the Labour Party said that any bank or financial company that acts against the public interest during this emergency should face stiff consequences. Brendan Howlin said: “Ireland is facing an extraordinary national emergency, with the coronavirus affecting people’s jobs and…

Labour Cllr Rebecca Moynihan has called on drivers to slow down and save lives on near empty roads. Councillor Moynihan said: “Speeding causes accidents and slowing down will save lives. With far less traffic cars and other vehicles are moving more quickly. This is putting other road users at risk. “Cyclists have been reporting that…

Speaking today on the Seanad Order of Business in advance of the debate on the Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Covid-19) Bill 2020, Senator Ivana Bacik expressed condolences to the families of all those bereaved as a result of the coronavirus, and to all those affected by it through illness or loss of income.  She…

Labour Party Health spokesperson, Alan Kelly TD, has called for the Government to clarify if staff in private hospitals that have assumed section 38 of the Health Act, will be given the same rights as healthcare staff in public hospitals. Deputy Kelly said: “I completely welcome the fact that private hospitals have come under section…

Labour Party Education spokesperson, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, has said calls by Fianna Fáil to cancel the Junior Certificate are irresponsible. Deputy Ó Ríordáin said: “Calls by Fianna Fáil to cancel the Junior Certificate fail to recognise the wider consequences of doing so. “While obviously ensuring that the Leaving Certificate exams go ahead is obviously the…

Labour Party Health spokesperson, Alan Kelly TD, has welcomed the decision to pay student nurses. Deputy Kelly said: “I welcome the decision by the Government to pay student nurses as healthcare assistants during the COVID-19 crisis. “Student nurses like many healthcare professionals are putting themselves out on the frontline working to protect us from the…

Labour Party Health spokesperson, Alan Kelly TD, has called on the Minister for Health to respond to concerns nurses have around loss of pay at this time. Deputy Kelly said: “I understand from the INMO, that many nurses are concerned about loss of income at this time if they are forced to self-isolate or take…