October 2007 archives for Press Releases
October 31, 2007
Witness protection programme must be part of larger plan to tackle crime
Speaking ahead of a Debate on a Labour Party Bill which calls for clear guidelines for witness protection programmes Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD said Sinn Féin would have no problem with the Bill itself but stressed that The Labour Party are being very naïve if they believe a witness protection programme is the key to tackling serious crime. View more
October 31, 2007
Ferris slams EU bullying on GM
The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on the Environment Martin Ferris TD has described the process whereby the EU Commission gets to have the final decision on member state’s regulations on GM as bullying. View more
October 31, 2007
Health Minister must review Childcare Subvention Scheme – Ó Caoláin
Speaking from the Dáil this evening Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said he had no objection to a Supplementary Estimate for the Department of Health and Children to cover the shortfall in funding for the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme. View more
October 31, 2007
Harney must spell out plans for Crumlin Children’s Hospital – Ó Snodaigh
Dublin South Central Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh has called on Health Minister Mary Harney spell out exactly what her plans are for Crumlin Children’s Hospital after the HSE published a progress report on the new National Paediatric Hospital which is to replace Crumlin, Tallaght and Temple Street Children’s Hospitals. View more
October 31, 2007
Morgan questions Dempsey’s ability to oversee Road Safety Policy
Sinn Féin TD Arthur Morgan has questioned Transport Minister Noel Dempsey’s ability to oversee the new Road Safety Policy. Speaking in the Dáil this evening the Louth TD said the Minister’s humiliating u-turn on the proposals affecting provisional licence holders seems to be just another in a string of farcical events in the Department of Transport with officials and their so-called break down in communication over the Shannon debacle being exposed last week. View more
October 25, 2007
Ó Snodaigh welcomes Coolock drugs seizure
Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has congratulated Gardaí on the seizure of €750,000 worth of heroin in Coolock last night. Deputy Ó Snodaigh said while all drug seizures are welcome they are a mere drop in the ocean when compared to the amount of drugs entering the state and repeated his call for a doubling of resources for Garda Drugs Squads. View more
October 25, 2007
Community Childcare Subvention Scheme must be suspended – Ó Caoláin
Speaking from the Dáil this morning Sinn Fein TD and Health & Children spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin called on the Minister of State Brendan Smith for Children to immediately suspend the introduction of the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme. View more
October 25, 2007
Regional cancer centres must be retained in the west – Ó Caoláin
Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has expressed his support for a protest march taking place in Sligo this afternoon and another taking place in Mayo at the weekend to demand the retention of the cancer network in the west of Ireland. Speaking today Deputy Ó Caoláin said the establishment of specialist cancer centres should not be at the expense of regional centres. View more
October 25, 2007
Plight of Polish Moneypoint workers shows problems associated with sub contracting
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Workers Rights Arthur Morgan TD has said that the plight of Polish workers the ESB plant in Moneypoint demonstrated the problems associated with sub contracting. Morgan welcomed the fact that there were indications that progress was being made at the Labour Relations Commission. View more
October 25, 2007
Ó Snodaigh identifies gap in Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Bill 2007
Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh has said Sinn Féin has identified a gap in the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Bill 2007. Speaking in the Dáil today Deputy Ó Snodaigh welcomed the publishing of the Bill but said while it makes it an offence to traffic children or adults for the purposes of labour exploitation, sexual exploitation organ theft, there are however, in the case of children, other motives for trafficking which the Bill does not cover. View more
October 24, 2007
Constituency Commission Report missed opportunity - Ferris
Sinn Féin Environment spokesperson Martin Ferris TD has reiterated that yesterdays report from the Constituency Commission can only be described as a missed opportunity. Deputy Ferris said ‘The Commission has not addressed the changing demographics of the state, they have not addressed the problems created as a result of the breaking down of county boundaries and critically they have not brought forward proposals to ensure fairer representation.’ View more
October 24, 2007
Morgan welcomes positive response from Minister to proposal for penalty points system for rogue employers
Sinn Féin Economic Affairs and Employment spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has welcomed the comments by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Mícheál Martin in the Dail today that the proposals from Sinn Féin for the introduction of a penalty points system was a “useful suggestion”. View more
October 24, 2007
Time for Minister to act on Garda civilianisation
Responding to the latest official crime figures which show a 50% increase in murders in the last three months Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD said Justice Minister Brian Lenihan must implement Sinn Féin’s proposal to free up approximately 4,000 fully trained Gardaí from administrative duties and re-deploy them into the fight against crime. View more
October 24, 2007
Government cannot afford to cut taxation - Morgan
Speaking during the debate on the Pre Budget outlook this evening Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance Arthur Morgan TD has said government cannot continue to lower taxes and deliver equitable and accessible public services and social protections. Morgan slammed Government proposals to cut PRSI contribution and to further reduce the top rate of income tax. View more
October 23, 2007
Ferris criticises proposal to close Coast Guard stations
The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on the Marine, Martin Ferris TD, has strongly criticised a proposal to decommission the Coast Guard stations at Valentia Island, Malin Head and Dublin. This will lead to the loss of 17 jobs in Valentia and further losses in both Donegal and Dublin. Deputy Ferris raised the issue in the Dáil this afternoon in an attempt to have a debate on the matter. View more
October 23, 2007
As Sinn Féin predicted, no room for tax cuts – Morgan
Sinn Féin’s Economic Affairs spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has said that it is time for the Government to admit that they got it wrong in proposing tax cuts in the face of an economic slowdown. Morgan was responding this morning following warnings from the ESRI that taxes may have to be raised in the Budget in order to maintain public services. View more
October 23, 2007
Lenihan must back up CAB pledge with actions – Ó Snodaigh
Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has welcomed the pledge from Justice Minister Brian Lenihan that the Criminal Assets Bureau is to work more closely with Gardaí in order to target all levels of drug dealers. However Deputy Ó Snodaigh said Minister Lenihan must back up his pledge with actions. View more
October 23, 2007
Good Friday Agreement Committee welcome – Ó Caoláin
Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has welcomed the establishment of the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and has noted his party's intention to build on this initial step towards 32 county representation in the Oireachtas. View more
October 23, 2007
Constituency Commission fail to address changing demographics of the state
Sinn Féin Environment spokesperson Martin Ferris TD has described this afternoons report from the Constituency Commission as a missed opportunity. Deputy Ferris said ‘The Commission didn’t address the changing demographics of the state, they didn’t address the problems created as a result of the breaking down of county boundaries and critically they did not bring forward proposals to ensure fairer representation.’ View more
October 23, 2007
Sinn Féin exclusion from Dáil Committees undemocratic – Ó Caoláin
Sinn Féin Dáil Group Leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has described the attempt to exclude Sinn Féin from all Dáil Committees with the exception of the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement committee, as totally undemocratic and a slap in the face to the constituents who vote for the party. Deputy Ó Caoláin said ‘We reject their efforts to exclude us and will fight it tooth and nail.’ View more
October 23, 2007
Ferris calls for stringent food labelling
The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Agriculture Martin Ferris TD has called for a much stricter system of food labelling to be introduced to protect the interests of Irish farmers and consumers. The Kerry North TD was speaking in the Dáil this evening in support of a Private Members Motion on the issue. He specifically highlighted the need for ‘country of origin’ labelling to safeguard against substandard imports that consumers may be under the impression is produced in Ireland. View more
October 18, 2007
Ferris gives guarded welcome to EU report on illegal fishing
The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Fisheries Martin Ferris TD has given a guarded welcome to a new report from the EU Commission on combating the threat of illegal fishing. The report, published on Wednesday, proposes to tackle both the actual taking of fish within EU waters and the importation of illegally caught fish into the EU. It estimates that the value of such imports currently stands at €1.1 billion annually. View more
October 18, 2007
Morgan demands answers from Transport Chief
During this morning Dáil Order of Business Sinn Féin TD Arthur Morgan has demanded that the Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey come to the chamber to explain the Aer Lingus revelations regarding his department in today’s media. View more
October 18, 2007
Ó Snodaigh cautions against use of biometric data
Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Equality and Human Rights Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has cautioned against some of the measures in the Passport Bill 2007 including the proposal to use biometric data which Deputy Ó Snodaigh said automatically raises human rights concerns, particularly in relation to the right to privacy. Deputy Ó Snodaigh welcomed measures to prioritise the ‘child’s best interest’ and measures to allow transgender persons to change their gender on their passport. View more
October 18, 2007
Morgan slams Dempsey over Aer Lingus shambles
Speaking in the Dáil this afternoon Louth Sinn Féin TD Arthur Morgan criticised the Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey over revelations that senior civil servants in his Department were aware of Aer Lingus’ decision to withdraw its Shannon Heathrow slot as far back as June. View more
October 17, 2007
Government presiding over collapse of services for public patients – Ó Caoláin
Sinn Féin Dáil leader and Health & Children spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has said that the Government is presiding over the collapse of services to public patients in the health system. View more
October 17, 2007
Ferris calls on Minister to address crisis in pig sector
The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Agriculture Martin Ferris TD has called on Minister Mary Coughlan to take immediate steps to address the crisis affecting Irish pig producers. The Kerry North TD was speaking prior to meeting an IFA delegation who are in Dublin to draw attention to the issue. View more
October 16, 2007
Ó Snodaigh launches Sinn Féin proposals for ‘Creating Safer Communities’
Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD, speaking at the launch of his party’s proposals for ‘Creating Safer Communities’, has said statutory agencies, local councils, the Gardaí and the communities themselves including private landlords each have a role to play in creating safe communities. View more
October 16, 2007
Gormley accused of ‘NIMBY’ approach to incineration
Sinn Féin Environment Spokesperson Martin Ferris TD has today slammed the decision of An Bord Pleanála to approve plans for an extension of the incinerator in Carronstown, County Meath. View more
October 16, 2007
Morgan takes part in meeting with consultative group on the past
Louth Sinn Féin TD Arthur Morgan was part of a Sinn delegation led by Tyrone MLA Francie Molloy and including Belfast MLAs Alex Maskey Jennifer McCann which today met with the consultation group set up by the British Government to deal with the issue of truth recovery. View more
October 16, 2007
All drivers involved in accidents should be tested for both alcohol and drugs
Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has backed a Private Members Motion in the Dáil this evening which demands mandatory alcohol testing for all drivers involved in accidents. Speaking in the Dáil this evening Deputy Ó Snodaigh said all drivers involved in accidents should not only be tested for alcohol but also for drugs. View more
October 16, 2007
Harney must ensure dialogue between HSE and IPU – Ó Snodaigh
Speaking in the Dáil this evening, having secured a debate on the methadone crisis, Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD demanded that Health Minister Mary Harney ensure that the HSE commits to engaging in a process of dialogue with the IPU to resolve the crisis. View more
October 15, 2007
Ó Snodaigh Demands Harney Intervene in Methadone Crisis
Speaking from Leinster House today Sinn Féin TD and Community safety Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh has called on Health Minister Mary Harney to immediately intervene in the pharmacy services crisis. View more
October 12, 2007
Ó Snodaigh demands Dept. Of Health intervene in HSE & IPU Dispute
Following yesterday’s breakdown of informal talks between the HSE and Irish Pharmacist Union (IPU) with confirmation that pharmacists are to withdraw dispensing methadone as from Monday Sinn Féin Dublin TD and Community Safety Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh has said the fall out from this action cannot be under estimated. View more
October 12, 2007
Ferris: Greens need to Clarify Position on Corrib
Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Natural Resources, Martin Ferris TD has called on the Green Party to clarify its position in relation to the Corrib gas project. View more
October 12, 2007
Latest memo confirms cuts to services are even worse – Ó Caoláin
A memo from the administration in Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan, shows that HSE cuts there are having a wider effect than the closure of the orthopaedic unit for a month as announced on Thursday. Commenting on the memo, Sinn Fein Health spokesperson and Cavan-Monaghan TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said: View more
October 11, 2007
Gormley must reject incineration – Ferris
Sinn Féin Environment Spokesperson Martin Ferris has criticised Environment Minister John Gormley for advocating the need for two incinerators in Ireland. Deputy Ferris said the Green Party Minister should reject out of hand any proposals for incineration and embrace his party’s previous policy of reduce, reuse and recycle towards zero waste. View more
October 11, 2007
Hospitals unable to admit patients due to health cuts – Ó Caoláin
Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has called for a Dáil debate on the damaging impact of the cuts imposed by the Health Service Executive. Speaking in the Dáil this morning Deputy Ó Caoláin said the freeze in funding for community care packages has meant that the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dún Laoghaire is unable to admit patients. View more
October 11, 2007
Garda resources at Bellanaboy should be redeployed into fight against crime – Ó Snodaigh
Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh has slammed the extent of the Garda operation at Bellanaboy County Mayo after it was revealed that €8.1million has been spent to date on Garda resources to police demonstrations against the Shell Gas pipeline. Deputy Ó Snodaigh said these valuable Garda resources would be better deployed in the fight against crime. View more
October 11, 2007
Ó Caoláin calls for rotation of Oireachtas Committee Chairpersons
Sinn Féin Dáil Leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has called for the rotation of Oireachtas Committee Chairpersons on a yearly or two yearly basis. Speaking in the Dáil today Deputy Ó Snodaigh said Committee chairs should not be doled out as goodies for Government backbenchers and disappointed aspirants to ministerial office. View more
October 11, 2007
HSE cutbacks hitting North East worst – Ó Caoláin
Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has described as scandalous news that the entire Orthopaedic Department at Our Lady’s Hospital Navan will have to close for the month of December due to HSE cut backs. View more
October 10, 2007
Ó Caoláin calls for “urgent review” of new childcare funding scheme
Sinn Féin Dáil leader and spokesperson on Children Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has called on the Minister of State for Children Brendan Smith to suspend the introduction of a new scheme for funding community childcare. He pointed out that if implemented in its present form the new scheme will lead to the closure of many community crèches. View more
October 10, 2007
Promised Dáil and Seanad debates on collusion must take place – Ó Caoláin
Sinn Féin Dáil Leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has called for full-scale Dáil and Seanad debates on collusion. Speaking in the Dáil this morning Deputy Ó Caoláin said the Taoiseach must brief the new British Prime Minister Gordon Brown from an Irish point of view on the issue of collusion. View more
October 10, 2007
Ferris Highlights Unemployment in Tralee
North Kerry Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris has raised the issue of unemployment in Tralee today in the Dáil. Highlighting that the town now has one of the highest jobless rates in the state, Deputy Ferris called on the government to tackle the various infrastructure needs of the county such as broadband roll out and the building of ring roads in Tralee. View more
October 10, 2007
Government must drop plans for super-prison at Thornton Hall – Ó Snodaigh
Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has called on the Government to drop its plan to build a super-prison at Thornton Hall. Deputy Ó Snodaigh was speaking in the Dáil today after a report from the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture expressed concern about increasing levels of prisoner violence fuelled by the widespread availability of illegal drugs and the existence of a gang culture. View more
October 10, 2007
Charities Bill no substitute for State provisions – Morgan
Sinn Féin Economics Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has welcomed the introduction of the Charities Bill 2007. However, speaking in the Dáil today Deputy Morgan said the explosion of charities on recent years is a symptom of the increasing inequality in our society. View more
October 9, 2007
Limerick shooting highlights need for Garda civilianisation – Ó Snodaigh
Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has condemned the latest gun murder of a man in Limerick yesterday evening and has once again called on Justice Minister Brian Lenihan to initiate a robust programme of civilianisation of administrative Garda tasks and re-deploy fully trained Gardaí into the fight against crime. View more
October 9, 2007
Proposal for Defence Forces to tackle crime ridiculous – Ó Snodaigh
Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson has described as ridiculous a proposal from Fine Gael TD Charlie Flanagan to use the Defence Forces in the fight against crime. Deputy Ó Snodaigh said Justice Minister Brian Lenihan was wrong to have considered the proposal in the Dáil today. View more
October 9, 2007
Ferris calls for National Fire Authority
Speaking on a Private Members motion expressing sympathy to the families of deceased Bray fire fighters Brian Murray and Mark O’Shaughnessy, North Kerry TD Martin Ferris called for the creation of a National Fire Authority to oversee a programme of integrated training and standards across the country. View more
October 9, 2007
Ó Snodaigh outlines Sinn Féin opposition to Irish participation in Chad mission
Sinn Féin International Affairs Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has outlined Sinn Féin’s opposition to Ireland’s involvement in EU Battle Groups. Deputy Ó Snodaigh was speaking in the Dáil this evening on a motion proposing the Defence Forces participation in the EU military operation in the Republic of Chad and the Central African Republic. View more
October 8, 2007
Lenihan must free up Gardaí to fight crime – Ó Snodaigh
Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD called on Justice Minister Brian Lenihan to free up approximately 4,000 Gardaí from administrative duties and re-deploy them into the fight against crime. Speaking today Deputy Ó Snodaigh welcomed the announcement that Gardaí ‘may’ be given extra resources to fight serious crime but said what is actually needed is a robust civilianisation of the Gardaí. View more
October 8, 2007
Ó Snodaigh calls on government to act in best interest of Irish people in Opt Out debate
Sinn Fein Dublin TD and spokesperson on Community Safety Aengus Ó Snodaigh has called on the cabinet sub-committee, meeting today to discuss a possible Irish opt out from the judicial and police provisions of the proposed EU Constitutional Treaty, to base their decision on the best interests of the Irish people. View more
October 8, 2007
Memo confirms further dangerous downgrading of Monaghan Hospital – Ó Caoláin
A leaked memo from management to the staff of Monaghan General Hospital has been described by Sinn Féin Health spokesperson and Cavan/Monaghan TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin as “confirmation that the dangerous downgrading of Monaghan General Hospital is proceeding apace”. The unit where Deputy Ó Caolain was treated after his heart attack earlier this year is to be closed. View more
October 8, 2007
Shut Sellafield now – Ferris
Reacting to research which shows that nuclear debris released during a fire at Sellafield in 1957 was up to twice the volume previously thought Sinn Féin Environment Spokesperson Martin Ferris TD repeated his party’s demand that the plant be closed down immediately. View more
October 8, 2007
Shut Sellafield now – Ferris
Reacting to research which shows that nuclear debris released during a fire at Sellafield in 1957 was up to twice the volume previously thought Sinn Féin Environment Spokesperson Martin Ferris TD repeated his party’s demand that the plant be closed down immediately. View more
October 4, 2007
Urgent action required to deal with crisis at Louth County Hospital – Morgan
Louth Sinn Féin TD Arthur Morgan has asked Health Minister Mary Harney to explain why a CT scanner at Louth County remains shut down while patients have to be ferried to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda at great inconvenience, suffering and cost. View more
October 4, 2007
Ó Caoláin calls for Dáil debate on Health funding
Sinn Féin Dáil leader and spokesperson on Health and Children Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has called for a Dáil debate on the funding of the health system and the need for multi-annual budgeting in light of current cuts affecting patient care. View more
October 4, 2007
Community policing absent from new crime measures – Ó Snodaigh
Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD welcomed a number of the new measures to tackle crime announced by Garda Commissioner Noel Conroy today. However Deputy Ó Snodaigh said he is disappointed that today’s package gives little priority to community policing. View more
October 3, 2007
Ferris to demand Sexual Assault Unit for Kerry General Hospital
Kerry North Sinn Fein TD Martin Ferris is to attempt to have the business of the Dáil adjourned this evening to ask that a Sexual Assault Treatment Unit be established in Kerry General Hospital as a matter of urgency. View more
October 3, 2007
Sinn Féin meets Garda Inspectorate to discuss Garda priorities
Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has this morning met with the Garda Inspectorate to discuss some of the issues arising from the recommendations in the Inspectorate's latest report and Sinn Féin's own proposals for Garda priorities in the coming year including possible timeframes for their implementation. View more
October 3, 2007
HSE recruitment ban must be lifted to maximise patient care – Ó Caoláin
Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD called on the Minister for Health Mary Harney to withdraw her statement that the cuts being imposed on hospitals by the HSE will not affect patient care after it was revealed that up to eight operations per day are being cancelled at Cavan General Hospital. View more
October 3, 2007
Tackling drugs crucial to tackling crime – Ó Snodaigh
Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD, speaking during Statements on Tackling Crime in the Dáil today, said to effectively tackle gangland we must tackle drugs from every angle. Deputy Ó Snodaigh, who this morning met the Garda Inspectorate to discuss Garda priorities, said the Government must give the same urgency to tackling crime as they did when the threat of foot and mouth loomed. View more
October 2, 2007
Ó Snodaigh describes Minister Harney’s claw back scheme as setback in fight against drugs
Following the seizure of €2million of heroin in Clondalkin yesterday and a decision by the HSE to introduce a ‘claw back’ scheme later this year, resulting in pharmacies ceasing to dispense methadone, Sinn Féin TD for Dublin and party spokesperson on community safety Aengus Ó Snodaigh has called for an emergency debate in the Dáil today and described the move by Minister Harney as “sinister and not remotely in the interest of the public.” View more
October 2, 2007
Ahern and Harney cannot hide behind HSE – Ó Caoláin
Sinn Féin Dáil leader and Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has said that Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Health Minister Mary Harney must bear full responsibility for the cuts being imposed by the Health Service Executive. View more
October 2, 2007
Disability rights campaign succeeds in collecting 1 million signatures
Sinn Féin Equality Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has announced that the 1million4disability campaign has successfully collected 1 million signatures to put pressure on the European Commission and individual states to deliver disability rights in all aspects of life. Deputy Ó Snodaigh said Sinn Féin had taken up the gauntlet with signature drives throughout the Thirty-Two Counties as the deadline for the collection of signatures was fast approaching with Ireland falling 4,000 short. View more
October 2, 2007
Scandalous recruitment ban must be overturned – Ó Caoláin
Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has said the health service unions are fully justified in now contemplating protest action against the ban on recruitment of staff for hospitals and other healthcare facilities in a cost-cutting exercise. Speaking in the Dáil this evening, on a Private Members Motion seeking to overturn the recruitment freeze, Deputy Ó Caoláin said those parts of the health service that are already disadvantaged will be worst hit by this recruitment freeze. View more
October 2, 2007
Older people facing isolation in absence of rural transport system – Ó Caoláin
Sinn Féin Dáil Leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD, speaking after having secured an adjournment of the Dáil to discuss Positive Ageing Week, called on the Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey to initiate an effective public transport system for rural communities, especially so that older people can fully avail of free travel passes to help access essential services and to make possible more active and healthier lifestyles. View more
