Type: Press

Unclear why sale of State share must take place now Money from sale must be ringfenced for home building Labour’s Finance spokesperson Ged Nash has said the Minister for Finance must explain in clear terms why he has decided to sell the State’s shareholding in Bank of Ireland at this point in time. Deputy Nash…

Acquiring entire site should be pursued in absence of engagement. Government need leverage if we are to secure ownership of NMH site. Raising the latest developments on the future of the National Maternity Hospital at Leaders’ Questions in the Dáil, Labour Party Leader Alan Kelly welcomed that the Taoiseach did not rule out a CPO…

Labour sports spokesperson Senator Mark Wall has called on the Minister for Sport to outline a strategy for women in sport. Bbuilding on the momentum of the 20×20 campaign to increase female participation in sport, Senator Wall said great progress has been made but work must continue. Highlighting the recent UN paper which warned of…

Labour spokesperson on equality Senator Ivana Bacik has welcomed news that the Government will commence a review of existing equality legislation, with the aim of combatting discrimination and promoting equality and with a view to expanding the recognised discriminatory grounds to include socio-economic status. Senator Bacik said: “It is hugely welcome news that the Minister…

Labour transport spokesperson Duncan Smith has said any support for the aviation sector must be tied to staving of job losses. Questioning Aer Lingus’ CEO Lynn Embleton in committee today, Deputy Smith outlined best practice in the aviation industry across the EU where both jobs and airlines have been successfully protected against the economic impact…

Housing policy must reflect the needs of single people  Welcoming the publication of the CSO’s first Life at Home survey results, Labour housing spokesperson Rebecca Moynihan said that all housing policy must be based on the lived experience and needs of the people, not profits of investors. Noting the key societal indicators and measures gleaned…

Labour sports spokesperson Mark Wall has said that UEFA’s decision to decline a request to illuminate the Allianz Arena in rainbow colours is wrong and should be overturned. Senator Wall said: “Sports fans throughout the world will be disappointed to see that UEFA has heeded the calls of Hungary in its decision not to light…

Kelly called for CPO of site at St Vincent’s in 2017. Labour Leader and spokesperson on Health Alan Kelly has called on Government to commit to a rigid timeline to resolving the long running saga over the new National Maternity Hospital, ensuring that the hospital will be built on public land. Speaking today, Deputy Kelly…

Labour Senator Ivana Bacik has called on the Government to outline its plans to protect victims of domestic abuse and ensure their access to safe accommodation. Responding to figures released from Women’s Aid today highlighting a 43% increase in women reporting domestic abuse during the pandemic, Senator Bacik said that action must be taken to…

Speaking after the release of ESRI research on the impact of Covid-19 income supports on the Irish welfare system, Labour Party spokesperson on employment affairs Senator Marie Sherlock said that the Government must ensure that the winding-down of the PUP and EWSS benefits do not result in further ‘scarring’ effects for women and younger workers….

Labour Senator Ivana Bacik has called for an end to the obfuscation tactics currently employed by Government on the new National Maternity Hospital. Speaking today, Senator Bacik said that the new hospital simply must be in full public ownership, and the Government must outline its plans to achieve that for women and their families. At…

Ivana Bacik, the Labour Party candidate in the Dublin Bay South bye-election, today spoke of her vision for radical reform of community care as we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic. Setting out a bold agenda for maternity care, childcare, and elder care, Ivana Bacik said, “As we emerge from the pandemic returning to the way…

Labour employment spokesperson Senator Marie Sherlock said it is simply unacceptable that the Rotunda hospital did not receive the full funding it sought last year to update equipment. Praising the care provided by the staff at the maternity hospital, Senator Sherlock said women and their families deserve better. Senator Sherlock said: “The staff at the…

Responding to reports that the alcohol licenses of pubs and restaurants do not cover the consumption of alcohol in temporary areas, Labour Justice spokesperson Brendan Howlin called on the government to confirm if emergency legislation is now required, adding that discretion is not a viable solution for the hospitality sector. Deputy Howlin said: “A plain…

Labour housing spokesperson Rebecca Moynihan has called on the housing Minister to respond to the clear and urgent need for a vacant home tax. Senator Moynihan said: “Reports in this morning’s Business Post highlight once again the urgent need to introduce a vacant home tax as one tool in the armoury to tackle the housing…

Based on reports in the Sunday Independent that the Government’s Strategic Housing Development (SHD) process is not working, Labour housing spokesperson Rebecca Moynihan has called on the Minister to introduce a use it or lose it planning provision where homes are concerned. Rather than continuing to please developers, Senator Moynihan said we need to introduce…

Labour Senator Ivana Bacik has called for all correspondence to be published regarding the proposed purchase of site of the new National Maternity Hospital for clarity on the matter. In light of the huge public concern, Senator Bacik said the public need clarity and transparency, and right now there are more questions than answers. Senator…

Labour Senator Ivana Bacik has called for a debate on maternity healthcare and on women’s health in general in light of the continuing issues with the new National Maternity Hospital, to ensure that governance of the hospital will not be influenced by any religious doctrinal ethos. In light of the huge public concern, Senator Bacik…

Labour housing spokesperson Rebecca Moynihan has said the Government must immediately implement a rent freeze. Despite promises by the Taoiseach to close the 8% increase loophole, the Residential Tenancies Bill as published will not address this issue. Instead, it merely extends protections for those who proactively register as financially impacted. With a housing crisis continuing…

Good day for workers and trade unions Labour Party spokesperson on employment affairs Senator Marie Sherlock, and Ged Nash TD, have welcomed the judgement of the Supreme Court today in overturning the High Court’s ruling that the provisions of the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2015, which Deputy Nash brought through the Oireachtas while Minister, was unconstitutional. …

Labour leader and spokesperson on health Alan Kelly has said it is extremely worrying that the Government are only now alive to the fact that the governance of the new National Maternity Hospital is dangerous and potentially damaging for the future of maternity healthcare in this country. Having first raised the issue in the Dáil…

Law change would empower SIPO to carry out an investigation if there is a breach of Section 22 of the Regulation of Lobbying Act by former politicians & officials Bill provides for penalties including a Class C fine of up to €2,500, and up to two years in prison. The Dáil will tonight debate new ethics…

Labour spokesperson on Northern Ireland Brendan Howlin has welcomed the agreement on the Irish Language Act which facilitated today’s renomination of a new Executive in Northern Ireland. Deputy Howlin said: “This is a difficult and unstable time for Northern politics. I warmly welcome last night’s agreement which facilitated today’s renomination of a new Executive. “Clearly…

Following the passage of the Climate Bill without any opposition amendments accepted, Labour climate spokesperson Duncan Smith said the Government must embed the principles of a Just Transition into all climate policy. Highlighting the example of Pat Barrett, who operated a family bike rental business in Lough Boora, Co. Offaly for the past 11 years,…