Type: Press

Dublin West TD Joan Burton has called on Leo Varadkar to set up an action group to address the needs of students, parents, and teachers in Tyrrelstown following the closure of two schools and a community centre in Dublin West. Speaking today Deputy Burton said: “I am calling on Taoiseach Varadkar to immediately set up…

Labour Education spokesperson Aodhán Ó Ríordáin has called for urgent inspections to be carried out at all recently built schools, during the mid-term break if possible, to ensure they are compliant with building regulations. A similar problem in Scotland in 2016 and 2017 affected nearly 90 schools that were found to have structural wall defects….

Labour Seanad Leader, Ivana Bacik has today outlined six key reasons to vote Yes on Friday to remove the offence of blasphemy from our Constition. Speaking at the final Labour Party press conference of the campaign, urging voters to turn out on Friday, Senator Bacik said: “On Friday 26th October we will go to the…

Labour Senator Ivana Bacik has called on the British government to endorse Diana Johnson’s Bill providing access to abortion in Northern Ireland. Commenting today, Senator Bacik said: “Labour MP Diana Johnson’s important Bill being debated today in Westminster is timely and is badly needed in Northern Ireland. The need for legislation to extend access to…

Following the publication a survey of girls’ attitudes to Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths by iWish, Labour Education spokesperson, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin said more must be done to encourage girls to turn to STEM subjects both in school and as a potential career choice. Senator Ó Ríordáin said: “The results of the iWish survey of…

Labour Spokesperson for Justice Sean Sherlock has called on Minister Flannagan to bring promised plan to review judicial processes for victims of sexual violence to the Dáil Speaking today Deputy Sherlock said: “Many were shocked to hear that a man who confessed to the rape and sexual abuse of young children has been given a suspended…

Labour representatives Jan O’Sullivan TD, Sen Aodhán Ó Ríordáin and Sen Ged Nash have called on Fianna Fáil to deliver for the people of Ireland in the negotiations on the Confidence and Supply agreement, and provide real opposition. Labour want to see all agreements with Independent TDs published, for opposition legislation to be respected, and…

The Labour Party will hold a doorstep today, Tuesday 23rd October at 11.30am on the Leinster House plinth outlining the issues Labour want to see addressed in the upcoming negotiations on the Confidence and Supply Agreement What: Doorstep with Jan O’Sullivan, Ged Nash & Aodhán Ó Ríordáin Where: Leinster House Plinth When: 11.30am, Tuesday 23rd…

Labour Housing Spokesperson for Housing, Jan O’Sullivan has criticised some local councils, and the Department of Housing, following revelations that there are 3,600 vacant council properties currently available and not being used. Speaking today Deputy O’Sullivan said:  “The fact that there are 3,600 homes in public ownership lying vacant is totally unacceptable. Minister Murphy and…

Labour Dáil Communications spokesperson Séan Sherlock has called on Minister of State Pat Breen to make a statement to the Dáil outlining the purpose and content of his meetings with David McCourt following further reports of meetings in the Irish Mail on Sunday, and Sunday Business Post. Labour raised the possibility of Minister of State…

Following the latest request from the UK for the backstop to be dropped in return for a longer transition, Leader of the Labour Party, Brendan Howlin TD said that Ireland cannot agree to such a demand, and reiterated his support for a people’s vote in the UK. Deputy Howlin said “Ireland now faces into a…

Labour Party Spokesperson for Social Protection has said the delays in processing illness benefit payments are unacceptable, and that the responsible Minister for Social Protection and her Department must ensure all those impacted are automatically given a payment, rather than having to go through the community welfare service. Deputy Penrose said: “For weeks now, there…

At a meeting of the Labour Party Executive Board today, it was agreed that the Party would bring forward legislation to provide for citizenship of children born here to non-nationals. This follows the threatened deportation of nine year old Eric Zhi Ying Zhu from Bray who was born in Ireland. Labour Party Leader Brendan Howlin…

Responding to the news that Authentic Foods in Dundalk is set to close, local Senator and Labour Employment Affairs spokesperson Ged Nash said; “Since the rumours started some time ago that the company’s local operation was in difficulty, loyal staff have been treated with nothing but contempt and stonewalling by the firm. “The company has…

Speaking in reaction to the EU summit and the speech by British Prime Minster Theresa May, Leader of the Labour Party, Brendan Howlin TD said that the risk of a damaging conclusion to the talks is growing larger. Deputy Howlin said “Ireland now faces into a potential lose-lose Brexit scenario. “Labour warned the Government repeatedly…

Labour’s Transport Spokesperson Kevin Humphreys has described  Luas and Dublin Bus fares increases as bad news for commuters. Senator Humphreys commented: “At a time where we are trying to encourage more users on our buses and on the Luas, the fact that ticket and Leap tickets are due to increase yet again is discouraging. “Commuters…

Labour Party Leader Brendan Howlin has said the delays in processing illness benefit payments are unacceptable, and that the responsible Minister for Social Protection and her Department must ensure all those impacted are automatically given a payment, rather than having to go through the community welfare service. Deputy Howlin raised the problem at Leader’s Questions…

In response to the campaign to allow Eric Zhi Ying Zhu stay in his own country, Labour Party Chair and candidate for Wicklow, Jack O’Connor who is strongly supporting the campaign, has accused Fine Gael Ministers of speaking out of both sides of their mouth on the proposed deportation of young children. Labour opposed the…

Labour Senator Kevin Humphreys has criticised the government for the continued delay on Airbnb legislation. Speaking today Kevin Humphreys said: “It seems tomorrow never comes on short-term lets (Airbnb) regulation. Following a strenuous debate in the Seanad, today Minister English has said that the long-awaited regulation of short-term legislation, which I have been pushing for…

Labour Seanad Leader Ivana Bacik has called on the Minister for Justice to stop the deportation of children who are born in Ireland, and those who have spent most of their lives here. This follows the threat to deport a 9 year old boy in Bray who was born here. Senator Bacik raised it in…

Senator Kevin Humphrey’s has called on Dublin City Council to re-engage with all the key stakeholders and keep the College Green Plaza plans on their agenda. This follows the news that An Bord Pleanála has rejected the plans submitted by Dublin City Council. Commenting today Senator Humphreys said: “This is a very disappointing result for…

Labour Health spokesperson Alan Kelly TD, has called on the State to provide support for women affected by the Cervical Check regardless if they go to court. Speaking today Deputy Kelly said: ” I welcome the report of Mr. Justice Charles Meenan on an alternative system for dealing with claims arising out of Cervical Check….

Labour Party Health spokesperson, Alan Kelly TD, has welcomed the latest developments in the United States of America on extending the HPV vaccine to men and women up to the age of 45 and has called on the HPRA and the Minister for Health to consider a similar programme here.  Deputy Kelly said: “Last week,…

Labour Youth has today called for people young and old to ensure that they vote yes to remove Ireland’s blasphemy law on October 26th. Labour Youth’s Chairperson, Chloe Manahan said: “Among all the excitement in the run-up to the Presidential Election, the referendum being held on the same day has not received the attention that…