Type: Press

In advance of tomorrow’s Dáil debate on the Labour Renters’ Rights Bill, Labour TD for Dublin Bay South Ivana Bacik has said that it is time for the government to address the power imbalance in the rental market. Highlighting the testimonies of constituents, Deputy Bacik has said that the government needs to address the bleak…

Labour Bill would ban all advertising of gambling in Ireland Experts report increase in gambling disorder referrals since Covid lockdown Highlighting comments made by a former Paddy Power executive on RTÉ, Labour spokesperson on sport Mark Wall has reiterated his call to Government to prioritise Labour Party legislation that would ban all gambling ads. Pointing…

Labour employment spokesperson Marie Sherlock has said it is a disgrace that workers throughout the country are expected to return to the workplace without any guarantee of paid sick leave. Highlighting the challenges ahead for both workers and employers, Senator Sherlock said at this delicate time for the workplace, the Government must fast-track Labour legislation…

Following reports in the Mail on Sunday that MetroLink could be delayed by up to seven years, Labour transport spokesperson and Fingal TD Duncan Smith said the Minster must urgently respond to these reports and clarify the current timelines for the MetroLink project. Highlighting the importance of the project for assisting getting the economy back…

Responding to continued kite flying by the Government parties on Budget 2022, Labour spokesperson on social welfare Seán Sherlock said social welfare increases must reflect the cost of living. Noting the increased uncertainty people are facing this winter, Deputy Sherlock said priority must be given to the most vulnerable in society. Deputy Sherlock said: “The…

Labour Party TD for Dublin Bay North Aodhán Ó Ríordáin said the State must pay the legal fees of the families seeking justice for the 48 victims of the 1981 Stardust fire tragedy. Describing the event as scarring the Northside for a generation, Deputy Ó Ríordáin said the families’ pursuit of justice must not be…

Highlighting a recent case at Nenagh District Court, Labour leader Alan Kelly said Government must increase investment in secure places for people with mental health illnesses. Deputy Kelly said the State’s failure to guarantee places in secure psychiatric facilities is causing disruption to the justice system, denying justice to victims and those suffering with serious…

Catch Up funding must be doubled Budget 2022 should make primary education free Greater investment in extracurricular activities needed Labour education spokesperson Aodhán Ó Ríordáin said that the Minister must act on the OECD education report published this morning and bring Ireland’s investment in education up to speed with our European colleagues. Pointing to the…

Labour arts spokesperson Marie Sherlock has called on the Minister to outline her plans to ensure late night workers are looked after following the publication of the report of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce. Any plan for the night economy must ensure that workers are paid fairly. Senator Sherlock said: “It’s really welcome to see a…

With property growth reaching a three year high of 8.6%, Labour housing spokesperson Rebecca Moynihan said home ownership is no longer a legitimate aspiration for most people. CSO figures published today which shows property prices returning to pre-pandemic levels, Senator Moynihan said that the stamp duty changes are having little impact on investor dominance in…

Minister must move to finally end ‘Single Malt’ tax structure Revenue Commissioners must clarify level of knowledge of this case and if others exist Revelations will call into question commitment to global tax reform and fairness Labour Finance spokesperson Ged Nash has said the government has serious questions to answer over revelations that a major…

Labour spokesperson on children Deputy Ivana Bacik has backed Early Childhood Ireland’s call for a roadmap to reform for the childcare sector. Deputy Bacik has called on Government to signal its support for children, families and the sector in this year’s budget by properly resourcing the early years sector and taking steps towards the introduction…

Labour spokesperson on further and higher education Annie Hoey has called on the Minister to outline his plans to ensure all students who require accommodation will have suitable, affordable options available to them. As the housing crisis continues to spiral into every section of society, Senator Hoey said the crisis in student accommodation is another…

Launching Labour’s vision for towns and villages post pandemic, enterprise spokesperson Aodhán Ó Ríordáin said it’s time for a new deal for communities throughout Ireland. Outlining the need for increased local democracy, a just transition, the importance of public space and civic leadership, Deputy Ó Ríordáin said the time is rife to tackle key issues…

Gives security of tenure by restricting excuses for evictions. Brings rented homes into 21st century by banning blanket ban on pets and hanging clothes on balconies. Provides for rent register, so people can see what previous tenants have paid and increases the grounds which rental disputes can go to the RTB. Expends Rent Pressure Zones…

Women of Honour and unions must have say in drafting terms of reference Redress must be key component of review Labour spokesperson on defence Mark Wall has welcomed the establishment of an independent review into how allegations of sexual harassment, discrimination and bullying are handled with the Defence Forces. Senator Wall said that the women…

Following the successful election of Deputy Ivana Bacik to the Dáil, Labour Party leader Alan Kelly has announced a reshuffle of Labour Party spokespeople. Speaking at the launch of the Labour Party’s Away Day, Deputy Kelly has said that the time has come for a New Deal for a fairer Ireland. Many people have reflected…

Labour Party Social Protection Spokesperson Seán Sherlock TD has said the Minister for Social Protection must publish the Pension Commission report and commit to a Dáil debate on it as a matter of urgency. While the Government continues to kick the can on this issue, Deputy Sherlock said people need certainty about the age at…

Labour spokesperson for higher and further education Annie Hoey has called on Minister Donnelly to publish the ‘Review of Matters Relating to Student Nurses and Midwives’ report. Over six months after the Government kicked a Labour Party Bill to pay student nurses to touch, Senator Hoey said student nurses and midwives have had enough of…

Following the airing of an RTÉ documentary on Ireland’s military ‘me too’ movement, Labour defence spokesperson Mark Wall has called for an urgent review into the culture and processes in our defence forces. Senator Wall said the Minister needs to appoint an independent investigator to get justice for these women and identify the changes in…

Following news this week that France has granted citizenship to 12,000 non-National front-line workers, Labour Spokesperson on Children, Disability, Equality and Integration Ivana Bacik TD has reiterated her call on the Irish Government to follow suit. Deputy Bacik said: “I commend the French Government on this initiative to fast-track citizenship for the non-National workers who…

Why did senior staff feel change was impossible? Is the Taoiseach committed to a single tier health service? Labour leader and health spokesperson Alan Kelly has said there are fundamental questions that the Minister now needs to answer regarding the resignation of two key officials from the Slaintecare programme. Deputy Kelly said that the apparent…

Speaking in support of the New Deal for Early Years Coalition’s pre-budget submission, Labour Party Spokesperson for Children and TD for Dublin Bay South, Ivana Bacik TD has called on the Government to properly resource the Early Years sector and to take steps towards the introduction of a universal public childcare system. Deputy Bacik said:…

Labour leader and health spokesperson Alan Kelly has questioned Government’s commitment to progressing Slaintecare following the resignation of two officials from the programme. Deputy Kelly said he is deeply concerned about the future of Slaintecare and has called on Minister Donnelly to commit to continuing this vital reform of the health service. Deputy Kelly said:…