June 2007 archives for Press Releases
June 29, 2007
New Government must re-target Garda resources into fight against organised crime
Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has called for a dedicated Garda Task Force to tackle the gangland feuds in the South Inner City. Deputy Ó Snodaigh was speaking this morning after a grenade attack on a house in Crumlin last night. Deputy Ó Snodaigh said the failure of the Government to re-target resources into tackling the feuds in the Crumlin and Drimnagh areas has led to the escalation of violence. View more
June 29, 2007
Focus on construction of social housing needed – Morgan
Responding the claims by the Construction Industry Federation that a slowdown in output of housing in and the granting of planning permissions would mean that housing shortages get worse, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing Arthur Morgan TD said that the key question was not the number of houses being built but who was acquiring the newly built houses. Morgan argued that housing output needed to be focused on delivering for those attempting to acquire their first home and those on social housing waiting lists. View more
June 28, 2007
Medical card income threshold should be increased – Ó Caoláin
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Health and Children Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has called on Health Minister Mary Harney to increase the income threshold for medical card eligibility. View more
June 28, 2007
New drugs Minister must reverse funding shortfall from Budget 2007 – Ó Snodaigh
Speaking ahead of a conference this morning on cocaine use, which will be addressed by the new Junior Minister with responsibility for Drugs Strategy and Community Affairs Pat Carey, Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD called on the new Minister to make a commitment, in his address to the conference, that he will immediately reverse the funding shortfall from Budget 2007 for local drugs services. View more
June 28, 2007
New DART line must form part of fully integrated public transport network – Ó Snodaigh
Speaking today Dublin Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh welcomed plans for a €1.3billion high capacity DART inter-connector for Dublin and expressed hope that this extension of the DART service will take a substantial amount of private cars off the road. View more
June 27, 2007
EU summit unsuccessful for ordinary people of Europe – Ó Snodaigh
Sinn Féin International Affairs spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has said the recent EU Summit has not been a success for ordinary people across Europe. Speaking in the Dáil today Deputy Ó Snodaigh said the summit further weakened EU democracy and smaller member-states in particular are further marginalised. Deputy Ó Snodaigh also said Ireland’s neutrality will be further undermined as we move further towards a militarised European Union. View more
June 27, 2007
Sinn Féin’s priority is to help first time buyers – Ó Caoláin
Speaking on the Finance (No. 2) Bill in the Dáil Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has said Sinn Féin cannot support the legislation as the changes will most likely end up increasing prices and making houses even more unaffordable. Deputy Ó Caolain said Sinn Féin’s commitment is to help first-time buyers to secure affordable housing. View more
June 26, 2007
Sinn Féin will not be silenced in the Dáil – Ó Caoláin
Sinn Féin Dáil Leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has called on the Taoiseach to amend Dáil Standing Orders to allow a Technical Group be formed by the four Sinn Féin TDs and Independent Tony Gregory. Speaking at a protest outside the Dáil today, at the attempted gagging of the Sinn Féin Party in Leinster House, Deputy Ó Caoláin said 143,410 voters gave their first preference votes to Sinn Féin in the general election and these voices must not be silenced. View more
June 26, 2007
Minister must assure his constituents that there will be no incinerator on the Poolbeg Peninsula – Morgan
Sinn Féin Environment Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has called on the new Green Party Minister for the Environment John Gormley to give an assurance to his constituents in Dublin South East that an incinerator will not be built on the Poolbeg Peninsula. Deputy Morgan was speaking today after Dublin City Council confirmed that they have negotiated a deal with a Danish firm to design, build and operate an incinerator if planning permission is granted. View more
June 26, 2007
Tribunal of Inquiry Bill must be withdrawn – Ó Snodaigh
Commenting on today’s government motion restoring Bills to the Dáil order paper Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh expressed his disappointment that the controversial Tribunals of Inquiry Bill 2005 is to remain. View more
June 26, 2007
Recognition as ethnic minority required to tackle Traveller inequalities – Ó Snodaigh
Responding to a Report from the Parish of the Travelling People which draws attention to the starkly unequal life expectancies and health outcomes experienced by members of the Traveller Community Sinn Féin Spokesperson for Equality and Human Rights Aengus Ó Snodaigh called on the new Government to officially recognise Travelling People as an ethnic minority deserving full protection under the UN Convention Against All Forms of Racial Discrimination. View more
June 22, 2007
Warnings about dependence on revenue related to the property sector ignored – Sinn Féin
Sinn Féin’s Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has said news that the exchequer is to lose €500 million in tax revenues because of a sharp drop in the number of houses built in the second half of 2007 is no surprise. Ó Snodaigh said that repeated warnings from Sinn Féin about the dependence of the exchequer on revenue related to property and consumption have continued to be ignored. View more
June 22, 2007
Morgan calls for Eircom workers to be paid increase
Speaking following reports that the Communication Workers Union are to ballot for industrial action in a dispute over payment under the national wage agreement, Sinn Fein spokesperson on workers rights Deputy Arthur Morgan called on owners of the telecom company Babcock and Brown to pay the 2% increase the workers are due under the terms of the Social Partnership Agreement, Towards 2016. View more
June 21, 2007
Sinn Féin welcomes decoupling of drugs and housing in Junior Ministerial announcement
Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh has welcomed the fact that the Drugs portfolio and the Housing Portfolio now each have a full junior minister. Deputy Ó Snodaigh however said that Sinn Féin has genuine concerns regarding the formulation of some of the new positions. View more
June 21, 2007
Sinn Féin committed to standing by unions in the battle to save ESB
Speaking after ESB management announced that it is to seek approval from its board to close three power stations within three years Sinn Féin’s Workers’ Rights spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD urged ESB management to ensure that proper and full consultation takes place with the estimated 300 staff affected and warned against the bigger picture of the Government’s overall plan of bringing fresh competition into the market which will have serious repercussions for both citizens and employees. View more
June 20, 2007
Sinn Féin position on ASBOs vindicated
Responding to reports that Gardaí have not sought to issue one ASBO in the six months since their introduction, but instead favour the use of pre-existing public order legislation Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh said: View more
June 20, 2007
Government’s stamp duty proposals will not make housing more affordable– Morgan
Following the publication of the Government’s Finance (No. 2) Bill allowing for the abolition of stamp duty for first time buyers, Sinn Fein spokesperson on housing Deputy Arthur Morgan described the Bill was “deeply flawed” and “ill- thought out”. Morgan was adamant that these changes would not result in housing being more affordable for first time buyers. View more
June 19, 2007
Public money for hospitals goes unspent while MRSA spreads – Ó Caoláin
Sinn Féin Dáil spokesperson on Health & Children Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has called for more accountability from the Health Minister and more control for the Oireachtas regarding health spending after it was revealed that the HSE failed to spend nearly a fifth of its capital budget last year. View more
June 19, 2007
Nuclear power needs to be consigned to history – Morgan
Responding to calls from new Green Party Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Eamon Ryan for a debate on nuclear power Sinn Féin’s Environment Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD said, “Nuclear power needs to be consigned to history.” Deputy Morgan reiterated Sinn Féin’s opposition to nuclear power and said the party would use any debate on the issue to argue for a radical shift towards efficient and cost-effective renewable energy with particular emphasis on solar and wind power. View more
June 19, 2007
Ahern must appoint Junior Minister to tackle drugs crisis
Responding to reports today that the young man found dead on a road in Cork yesterday morning may be the latest victim of the cocaine epidemic Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh has reiterated his party’s call for the introduction of a Minister of State with responsibility solely for dealing with the drugs crisis. View more
June 19, 2007
Morgan condemns lack of action for exploited seafarers
Following the emergence of yet another case of worker exploitation on the Irish Sea, Sinn Fein spokesperson on workers’ rights Deputy Arthur Morgan has condemned the Irish government’s lack of action on the issue and called upon them to intervene in the case. View more
June 14, 2007
Sinn Féin to vote against FF/PD/Green Government – Ó Caoláin
Following their meeting this morning the Sinn Féin TDs have confirmed that they will be voting against the proposed Fianna Fáil/Progressive Democrats/Green Government and against the nominations of both Bertie Ahern and Enda Kenny for Taoiseach. Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin stated: View more
June 14, 2007
Sinn Féin won’t support cabinet that continues with failed policies
Sinn Féin Dáil Leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has said the Sinn Féin TDs will not be supporting a Cabinet and a Programme for Government which is set to continue the failed policies of the previous Fianna Fáil/Progressive Democrats Government. View more
June 13, 2007
Ombudsman Commission must deliver community trust and confidence in Gardaí
Responding to reports that the new Gardaí Síochána Ombudsman Commission received almost 400 complaints in its first month of operation Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh said he is concerned at the carry-over from the Gardaí into the Commission but is hopeful that it will be effective in building community trust and confidence in the Gardaí. View more
June 13, 2007
Drumm comments show need for co-location to be scrapped – Ó Caoláin
Sinn Féin Dáil leader and spokesperson on Health & Children Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has said the comments of HSE Chief Brendan Drumm describing co-location as ‘competition’ for the public hospital service showed the need for the plan to be scrapped. Deputy Ó Caoláin urged delegates to the Green Party conference today to reject the proposed Programme for Government if its does not totally scrap the co-location plan. View more
June 13, 2007
Specific difficulties facing migrant women suffering domestic violence must be recognised
Speaking ahead of roundtable discussion today with service providers on domestic violence organised by AkiDwA Sinn Féin Justice and Equality Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD said the specific difficulties faced by migrant women suffering domestic violence must be recognised. Deputy Ó Snodaigh commended AkiDwA for calling the conference today. View more
June 13, 2007
Morgan condemns rocketing price of rent
Reacting to report published today which shows the cost of rents rising well ahead of increases in earnings Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD said the new Government administration must reverse the amendment in the Planning and Development Act 2000 which allows developers to buy their way out of their obligations to provide social and affordable housing. View more
June 12, 2007
Harney unacceptable as Health Minister – Ó Caoláin
The new Dáil must prioritise the transformation of the healthcare system based on equity and efficiency, Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has stated. The Cavan-Monaghan Deputy also stated that acting PD leader Mary Harney would be “totally unacceptable” as Minister for Health and Children in the new Cabinet. View more
June 11, 2007
Incoming Government must take new approach to tackling drugs crisis – Ó Snodaigh
Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has said the incoming Government must take a new approach to tackling the drugs crisis in this state. Deputy Ó Snodaigh said the first step in this approach must be a recognition of the problem as a crisis which the previous Fianna Fáil/PD administration stubbornly refused to admit causing huge problems for those on the front line tackling drugs in their communities. View more
June 8, 2007
Ó Snodaigh calls for equality for gay community as pride festival is launched
Sinn Féin Human Rights Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has once again welcomed Dublin’s Gay Pride festival which is being launched today. However, Deputy Ó Snodaigh was critical of the outgoing Government when he said, “Shamefully, another year has passed without provisions being made for equal treatment and the recognition of the rights of gay, lesbian and transsexual people in Ireland.” View more
June 8, 2007
Sinn Féin Economic analysis proving correct
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has said that the incoming Government had a responsibility to act to protect workers and homeowners from the adverse economic developments that are now taking place, including increasing inflation and interest rate hikes. Deputy Ó Caoláin also said today that the incoming Government must address the fact that the exchequer is now vulnerable to a sharp contraction in revenue due to the extent to which it is now dependent on construction and consumption. He set out four key Sinn Féin demands for government action. View more
June 7, 2007
Tackling housing crisis must be a top priority for incoming Government – Ó Snodaigh
Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh has said one of the first priorities for the incoming Government must be to tackle the housing crisis by initiating a major housing programme to meet the needs of the many thousands of families on waiting lists throughout the state. Deputy Ó Snodaigh said 70,000 new social housing units are required and must be built by 2012. View more
June 6, 2007
Ferris expresses support for postal action
Sinn Féin Kerry North TD Martin Ferris has expressed his support for the one hour stoppage by postal workers which is taking place at lunch time today. The stoppage, organised by An Post unions, is in opposition to EU proposals to privatise postal deliveries and is part of a Europe wide action. View more
June 6, 2007
New Government must step up fight against MRSA – Ó Caoláin
The incoming Government must step up the fight against MRSA and other hospital infections by providing isolation units and single rooms for infected patients, according to Sinn Féin Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin. Responding to revelations that as far back as May 2001 the infection control committee for University College Hospital and Merlin Park Hospital in Galway were expressing anger and dismay at the non-implementation of policies to combat MRSA, Deputy Ó Caoláin said: View more
June 6, 2007
Cuts at Crumlin Children’s Hospital must be resisted – Ó Snodaigh
Sinn Féin Dublin South Central TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh has said that staffing cuts at Crumlin Children’s Hospital must be resisted and the new Health Minister must “fully fund hospital services for children and rein in the HSE bureaucracy”. View more
June 5, 2007
PDs having control of health for another 5 years would be totally unacceptable
Sinn Féin Cavan Monaghan TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said the idea of the PDs having control over the Department of Health for another five years would be unacceptable to the vast majority of people in this State. View more
June 1, 2007
Report on state of A&E Departments an indictment of Harney’s privatisation agenda – Ó Caoláin
Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has said the next Health Minister must reverse the disastrous privatisation plan of Mary Harney. Deputy Ó Caoláin was speaking today as a report for the HSE was published which claimed that at least seven Accident and Emergency Departments are unfit for their purpose. He said this is a direct result of Mary Harney’s failure to invest in public healthcare. View more
