Type: Press

Labour Party Finance and Public Expenditure Spokesperson Ged Nash TD said today, in light of yesterday’s IPCC report, that the Government had to prove its bona fides on the climate crisis and that a number of crucial tests will emerge over the coming months.   Deputy Nash said: “A national conversation has to take place…

Meeting with Kellie Harrington this evening on her arrival home from Tokyo, Deputy Lord Mayor and Portland Row councillor Joe Costello, offered her warm congratulations on behalf of the City of Dublin. “It is a great honour for me on behalf of the Lord Mayor and on behalf of the City of Dublin to welcome…

Labour housing spokesperson Rebecca Moynihan has said that rents are likely to continue to rise until the Minister intervenes and rebalances the rights of renters in the housing market. Speaking today, Senator Moynihan said the consistent and persistent failures of Government to work to protect rents highlights a Government trapped by private interests. Senator Moynihan…

Labour Senator Annie Hoey has called on the Minister for Health to reverse his decision regarding safe access zones at abortion clinics. A key commitment of the Programme for Government, Senator Hoey said the Minister is out of touch with reality if he thinks the current legislation is working well. If Government does not fulfil…

Limerick Labour Councillor Conor Sheehan has branded the Government decision to shelve legislation to provide safe access zones for people accessing abortion as unacceptable.  Cllr Sheehan said: “The Government decision to quietly shelve legislation to provide safe access zones for people accessing abortion services during the month of August when the Dáil is in recess…

Responding to news that Uninest will convert 571 student beds to tourist accommodation, Labour housing spokesperson Rebecca Moynihan said the Government must support her bill to prevent developers circumnavigating planning guidelines on student accommodation. Senator Moynihan said: “This luxury student complex was once deemed vital for students by Government, at the detriment of local communities…

Labour leader and health spokesperson Alan Kelly TD has urged the Government to end the current maternity restrictions and ensure that there is a consistent application of a minimum standard of care across the country. Highlighting the numerous stories of women, partners and families throughout the country, Deputy Kelly said antigen testing and Covid passports…

Following the publication of HSE figures showing an increase in referrals for people seeking treatment for eating disorders, Labour Senator Annie Hoey has called on the Minister to urgently outline her plans to address the need. Highlighting the continued failings by Government to provide adequate funding to the treatment of eating disorders, Senator Hoey said…

Labour education spokesperson Aodhán Ó Ríordáin has called on the Minister to allow a choice of written exams and accredited grades for the Leaving Cert class of 2022. Speaking during the education committee, Deputy Ó Ríordáin said an early decision must be made on this to provide clarity for students, teachers and parents in advance…

Labour Party Senator Marie Sherlock has said that it is ‘alarming’ that ongoing recruitment failures which have led to severe staff shortages in the Dublin Fire Brigade.   Speaking this morning, Sherlock said: “For the past two weeks, Dublin Fire Brigade has been operating with up to five fire engines not available for deployment should their need arise. This…

Today marks the 10th anniversary of the killing of 69 young activists in Labour Youth’s sister party, the Workers’ Youth League (AUF) in Utøya on 22nd July 2011. Speaking to mark the anniversary, the Chair of Labour Youth, Sarah Noville, said: “10 years ago we were anxiously learning about these young people being murdered in…

In response to the launch of the implementation plan for the Drogheda Community Safety & Wellbeing report by the Minister for Justice Heather Humphreys, Louth & East Meath Labour TD Ged Nash said: “Today represents an important turning point for Drogheda. This time three years ago a devastating gang feud which has claimed three lives…

Speaking on the death of former Progressive Democrats Leader Des O’Malley, Labour Leader Alan Kelly said: “On behalf of the Labour Party I want to extend my sympathies to the family, friends and supporters of Des O’Malley. “He leaves behind a distinguished legacy in public life and played a central role in our politics throughout…

AIB must halt proposed bank closures until banking review has been completed Minister must leverage 71% stake in AIB to prevent the closure of local branches Moratorium on branch closures and staff cuts required for State-owned bank Speaking after the announcement by AIB that they are to close 15 branches, the Labour Party’s Finance Spokesperson…

Following reports that certain shops of a large retailer are not facilitating workers’ vaccine appointments, Labour employment spokesperson Marie Sherlock said that businesses must facilitate staff when an appointment arises. Senator Sherlock called on Government to specifically appeal to employers to help protect employees, customers and society at large. Senator Sherlock said: “It is really…

With Covid-19 leading to delays in CervicalCheck screening, Labour Party leader Alan Kelly said it is essential that confidence in the programme is maintained, capacity increased to address any future delays, and full transparency provided around any further delays. Deputy Kelly said: “It is deeply concerning that delays in the Cervical Check screening programme due…

Government should have had Plan B ready for alternative location Mobile centres an option but only temporarily Following the High Court decision to overturn planning permission for a pilot safe injection centre in Dublin, Labour TD Aodhán Ó Ríordáin said Government must now produce its Plan B to deliver such a centre elsewhere in the…

Minister due before Budgetary Oversight Committee at 9.30am tomorrow Committee should reconsider tomorrow’s meeting in light of tight timeframe Labour’s finance spokesperson Ged Nash has said that the Minister for Finance should publish the Summer Economic Statement immediately after this evening’s Cabinet meeting. Deputy Nash said: “According to the media, the Statement will be published…

Shuttering of branches in north must not spark campaign of closures in the south Minister must use 71% stake in AIB to pause branch closures on the island of Ireland until banking review has been completed Speaking after the announcement by AIB that they are to shut 60% of its branch network in Northern Ireland,…

After signing the register today, Labour TD for Dublin Bay South Ivana Bacik said she will prioritise key issues around housing, care, climate and community. Deputy Bacik said: “I want to pay tribute to my extraordinary campaign team led by Dermot Ryan and my Director of Elections Deputy Duncan Smith, and to the huge numbers…

Marking Disability Pride Month, Senator Annie Hoey has called for Government and opposition parties to engage with the month’s events, crucially on the issue of universal design. Speaking in the Seanad yesterday Senator Hoey said: “July is global Disability Pride Month, the annual event that seeks to shine a light on physical, learning and hidden…

Responding to news that the Department of Health has suspended the operations of the North Inner City Drugs and Alcohol Task Force, Senator Marie Sherlock has expressed alarm at the move and said there are serious questions on the motives of the Department.   Senator Sherlock said: “This suspension is a disproportionate and irresponsible over-reaction by the Department in…

Labour leader Alan Kelly has welcomed the High Court decision for the South Kerry Greenway to commence. Located along the Ring of Kerry route, Deputy Kelly said this scenic greenway will bring cyclists to the area from all over Europe. Deputy Kelly said: “It is hugely welcome that the South Kerry Greenway is to go…

Speaking in the Seanad today, Labour sports spokesperson Mark Wall said there is an urgent need to enact Labour’s Gambling (Prohibition of Advertising) Bill 2021 which would ban all gambling advertisement in Ireland. Highlighting the many personal stories shared by people impacted by problem gambling in Ireland, Senator Wall said this legislation is informed by…