Type: Press

In anticipation of the staff schedule for all mainstream primary schools to be published next week, Labour education spokesperson Aodhán Ó Ríordáin TD has called on the Minister to confirm that a reduction in class size will be passed to all DEIS schools. Last November, the Minister extended the class size reduction to DEIS Senior…

Labour climate spokesperson Duncan Smith TD has described the decision by the Environmental Pillar to withdraw from the talks on the National Food Strategy as a source of concern. The Pillar announced its decision today and wrote accordingly to Taoiseach Michael Martin. Deputy Smith called on the Minister for the Agriculture and the Minister for…

After reports today of a lack of trust in screening programmes, Labour Party Leader Alan Kelly called for an explanation from the government on why Dr Gabriel Scally has been dumped from oversight of the implementation of his recommendations on Cervical Check. This was revealed after PQs tabled by Deputy Kelly. Alan said: “I am…

Labour Spokesperson on Social Protection and Cork East TD Seán Sherlock welcomed the acceptance of the Labour Party amendment to ensure any survivor from Mother and Baby Homes is entitled to an enhanced medical card. The arbitrary six month rule proposed by the Minister is wrong, and fundamentally misunderstands the experience of survivors. Deputy Sherlock…

No guidance provided in advance of schools reopening. No communication on the specific changes to the curriculum and examination process for certain subjects. No advice on assessment for predicted grades. Ahead of the phased reopening of schools next week, Labour education spokesperson Aodhán Ó Ríordáin has criticised the Department of Education’s failure to provide timely…

Relies solely on vaccination rollout. No plan to aggressively suppress Covid-19 in the community. No change to lax travel policy. Antigen testing won’t be considered until mid-March. Labour Party Leader and Health spokesperson Alan Kelly has criticised the absence of clear metrics and targets from the latest government strategy on Covid-19 published this evening, as…

Sherlock submits amendment to issue enhanced medical card to all survivors who presented to ‘Mother & Baby Homes’ for any length of time; including while pregnant or on a post-natal basis. Labour social protection spokesperson Seán Sherlock TD has tabled an amendment requesting that enhanced medical cards be provided to all survivors of Mother and…

The Government must undertake an assessment of the impact that reduced timetables and prolonged school closures have had on children in Ireland. Labour is calling for the creation of a dedicated €100m fund to help make up for class-time lost over the last 12 months. Supports must be targeted at vulnerable and marginalised children, such…

€56 million of the Defence budget was returned to the Exchequer between 2017 and 2020 €130 million has been returned to the State from the Defence budget over the past 7 years Labour Senator Mark Wall has called on Minister to come before Seanad  Speaking in the Seanad, Labour defence spokesperson Senator Mark Wall asked…

Night-time economy must not be just seen as a hospitality business, it is about culture in our cities and towns. Workers, clubbers and communities must be included in the conversation. Late night workers must be prioritised with 1.5 times the normal rate of pay. Investment in public transport necessary. Night Mayor must be revisited. Labour…

Following meetings between Labour Party Spokesperson on Employment Affairs Senator Marie Sherlock and Dublin-based Deliveroo workers, she is now is now urging both policymakers and their employer to respond to their demands, saying action is long overdue. Senator Sherlock has written to Deliveroo’s representatives in Ireland, urging action on the substantial injustices facing their workers, and…

Following the launch of the #ChildrensFutures campaign, organised by the Children’s Rights Alliance, Barnardos, Inclusion Ireland, the National Parents Council and As I Am, Labour Spokesperson for Children, Senator Ivana Bacik has reiterated her call on the Government to introduce a ‘Catch-Up for Children’ scheme to address the severe impacts upon children of lost class-time…

Labour education spokesperson Aodhán Ó Ríordáin has called for the Government to waive fees for this year’s Leaving Cert in light of the Covid-19 crisis. Students are traditionally asked to pay a fee of €116 to cover the administrative costs of the examinations which was waived last year following campaigning by the Labour Party. Deputy…

Ulster Bank staff terms and conditions must be protected in any ultimate sale or merger Opportunity for third banking force must not be missed by government Immediate meeting needed between Minister for Finance, opposition and stakeholders In response to the announcement that Ulster Bank is to exit the Irish banking market Labour’s Finance spokesperson Ged…

In advance of debating the Labour Party Student Nurses (Pay) Bill to end the exploitation of student nurses and midwives, Senator Annie Hoey has called for Government to take action and pay our students.  Senator Hoey said: “We were so disappointed to hear of the cynical move by the Government to let this Bill pass…

Labour Senator Rebecca Moynihan has praised the work of Labour comrade Jacinda Arden for providing free period products in every school in New Zealand. Reacting to the news, Senator Moynihan highlighted the opportunity Ireland has to pave the way for evening the playing field even more here in Ireland by passing Labour’s Period Products (Free…

2,800 jobs at risk and loss of competition will cost customers  Minister should use role to help reshape banking market  Potential for a real third force in banking must be considered. Deputy Nash said: “A final decision from Nat West on the future of Ulster Bank is imminent. “If the bank is to exit the…

Congratulations must be extended to the students and ISSU on their campaign for choice School profiling must be ruled out now Education spokesperson Aodhán Ó Ríordáin has cautiously welcomed the news that clarity will be provided to the Leaving Cert class of 2021. Reacting to the announcement, Deputy Ó Ríordáin welcomed the work of all…

Bill would ban all advertising of gambling in Ireland Experts report increase in gambling disorder referrals since Covid lockdown Public consultation launched to tackle scourge of gambling The Labour Party today published draft legislation to end the link between entertainment and betting by banning the advertisement of gambling. If enacted, the Gambling (Prohibition of Advertising)…

State policy must act to lower prices, not drive housing costs Policies must be targeted at those who need it most Greater Scaling Up of Cost Rental Needed Speaking after scrutiny of the Affordable Housing scheme at the Oireachtas Housing Committee, Labour spokesperson Rebecca Moynihan has called on the Minister to clarify what further control…

Labour Party Senators have branded the lack of progress made on tackling the issue of Councillor’s pay as “deeply frustrating”. Despite a commitment in the Programme for Government, proposals on the issue of reforming the pay of City and County Councillors as recommended by the Moorhead Report have not been advanced.  Responding to a question…

Labour transport spokesperson Duncan Smith TD has called on the Government to urgently address the situation that has arisen for drivers attempting to renew their licence and new drivers applying for their driving or theory tests. The backlog created by Covid-19 requires additional resources and must be urgently addressed as young and rural drivers continue…

Bank of Ireland must honour written agreements with union on their branch network Central Bank should send strong signal to banks who are considering branch closures Minister for Finance must leverage power of State shareholding to prevent closures   Labour Finance spokesperson Ged Nash has said Bank of Ireland cannot be allowed to use the…

Labour spokesperson on employment affairs Senator Marie Sherlock has praised the report issued by the Irish Cancer Society and the ESRI on returning to work following a cancer diagnosis. Highlighting the need to legislate for statutory sick pay, Senator Sherlock called on the Government to reconsider the Labour Party’s Sick Leave and Parental Leave (Covid-19)…