Type: Press

Welcoming NUI Galway’s move to become the first institute of higher education to launch a Domestic Abuse Leave policy, Labour Senator Annie Hoey said Government must stand to attention and consider the implementation of such leave in employment law. Senator Hoey reiterated the call to introduce a dedicated Minister with responsibility for domestic, sexual and…

After long consideration of the available options, the Labour Party group of Councillors on Fingal County Council have decided to vote for the Ballymastone project. This development will deliver 476 social and affordable homes. A number of commitments were secured that were necessary in the absence of sufficient capital investment from the Government and the Housing…

60-70 year olds will be waiting 3 months for greater protection. First dose of AstraZeneca only provides 33% protection. Speaking in the Dáil today, Labour leader Alan Kelly asked that NIAC be requested by the government to look again at the current vaccination advice on AstraZeneca especially for those aged over 60 in light of…

Labour Senator Ivana Bacik has urged Government to reconsider its position on the new National Maternity Hospital to ensure that governance of the hospital will not be influenced by any religious doctrinal ethos. Commenting today, Senator Bacik said: “Unless this hospital is built on State-owned land, concerns remain that a Catholic religious ethos will hold…

Marking the third anniversary of the repeal referendum which brought about legalisation of abortion for women in Ireland, Senator Ivana Bacik has urged Government to carry out a robust review of the legislation, and to commit to carrying out a process of genuine engagement with service users themselves. Senator Bacik also said that the Government…

Speaking at the Oireachtas committee on Social Protection and Community, Labour Senator Mark Wall called on the Government to learn from the great work of volunteer groups during Covid and build a national community support plan to tackle isolation. Senator Wall said: “The spirit of ‘meitheal’ has been to the fore since March 2020. Community…

Debate on Reproductive Health Related Leave Bill to take place on Monday, 24th May at 19.30pm. Template text for an email to Senators is available at www.labour.ie/reproductiveleave Speaking in advance of a Seanad debate on the Reproductive Health Related Leave Bill 2021, which would give an entitlement of up to 20 days paid leave in…

Labour Senator Ivana Bacik will host an Instagram Live at 8pm this evening to highlight the need for paid leave for women who experience early miscarriage, and for employees receiving accessing reproductive healthcare. She will be joined by Síle Seoige, who has recently produced Deireadh Tochta a documentary on miscarriage and reproductive healthcare, Clodagh O’Hagan,…

Minister Fleming needs to enact legislation to prevent companies profiting from state supports by reducing business interruption payouts  Speaking after a public hearing of Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance and Public Expenditure Committee attended today by FBD, Aviva and Zurich insurance, committee member Labour Senator Marie Sherlock said the foot dragging by insurance companies on…

In advance of a decision on planning permission for a pilot safe injection centre in Dublin, Labour TD Aodhán Ó Ríordáin said Government must be prepared for all outcomes and have a robust Plan B in place. Deputy Ó Ríordáin said we must have a serious national conversation about our approach to drug use. Deputy…

Labour spokesperson on Social Protection, Community and Rural Development Seán Sherlock has called on the Minister to extend current community employment scheme beyond the current end date of July. Reiterating his call for a debate in the House on the matter, Deputy Sherlock said an extension is urgently required to allow for the progression that…

Government putting window dressing on investor funds continuing to buy up housing Planning guidelines for owner-occupied housing will be at the discretion of the planning authority between 0 and 50% No vacant home tax Labour housing spokesperson Senator Rebecca Moynihan said the Government response to supply issues in the housing crisis is not a ramping…

Why not increase to 15% and hit them where it hurts? Apartments will now be targeted by investment funds. Explanation needed on unusual three month transition period for execution of contracts. Labour Party Finance spokesperson Ged Nash TD has said that the proposals announced tonight by the Minister for Finance on Stamp Duty do not…

Labour housing spokesperson Rebecca Moynihan has hit out at the Government response to so-called cuckoo funds buying up whole developments saying that it is anti-city living.  Senator Moynihan said: “The response from Government to address the housing crisis shows that they do not care about good planning in cities. We need to take a practical…

Labour transport spokesperson Duncan Smith said the Government must act now to stave off further job losses in the aviation sector. There are 324 families who don’t want tweets from the Government parties, but action to save jobs. Deputy Smith said: “With news of Aer Lingus closing its crew base in Shannon airport, and temporarily…

Speaking on the Affordable Housing Bill, Labour housing spokesperson Senator Rebecca Moynihan said that Minister O’Brien now has the opportunity to institute a fundamental change in how we approach the provision of housing in this country, urging him to reconsider his position, rather than continuing with these developer led approaches that have been tried and…

Labour enterprise spokesperson Aodhán Ó Ríordáin has called on businesses to provide paid time off for workers to get vaccinated. As well as an opportunity to encourage vaccine uptake, Deputy Ó Ríordáin said it is a practical measure to take to ensure everyone is protected against Covid as soon as possible. Deputy Ó Ríordáin said:…

Minister must do better for Theory Test applicants and move online. Labour Spokesperson on Rural and Community Affairs Seán Sherlock TD has called on Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan to do better for the thousands of applicants awaiting a driver theory test appointment. Said Deputy Sherlock: “3,200 people will have their test done online this…

Labour housing spokesperson Rebecca Moynihan has urged the Government to consider a Vacant Home Tax to bring empty housing stock into use for those who need it. People are rightly outraged at the degree to which the Government is prioritising investors over hard working ordinary people in the midst of a housing crisis. Senator Moynihan…

Labour housing spokesperson Rebecca Moynihan said the Minister for Housing can resolve issue of investment funds devouring opportunities for first time home owners immediately through issuing guidelines to local authorities. Last week, the Labour Party offered the Minister an opportunity to put his money where his mouth is by reintroducing his bill to ringfence 30%…

Investment in IT infrastructure and security essential. Back up plans for patient appointments and services needed. Weaknesses in HSE IT systems previously highlighted. With much detail of the HSE ransomware attack still unknown, Labour Party Leader and Health spokesperson Alan Kelly said it is essential that the public are reassured that services will be maintained…

Leader of the Labour Party Alan Kelly TD has appointed Duncan Smith TD as Director of Elections for the party in the by-election that will be held later this year in Dublin Bay South. The Labour Party selection convention to formally endorse Ivana Bacik as our candidate will be held this coming Monday 17th May…

Speaking today in response to the Dublin City Council announcement that Portobello plaza/harbour will be closed this weekend following extensive anti-social behaviour, local Labour Councillor Kevin Donoghue and Labour Senator Ivana Bacik have called for a more sustainable long-term plan for the Harbour to be adopted by the Council. Senator Bacik said: “As a local…

No Widow’s/Widower’s Pension for surviving partner if one dies. Constitution only recognises the marital family. Laws and social protection payments must be changed to protect cohabiting couples. Labour Party Leader Alan Kelly has called on the government to change the law so that cohabiting couples are recognised by the State for social welfare and other…