March 2008 archives for Press Releases
March 31, 2008
Ó Caoláin welcomes HSE clarification on possible cancer misdiagnosis
Responding to the HSE statement regarding the review of possible cases of misdiagnosis, Sinn Féin Health spokesperson and Cavan/Monaghan TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said: View more
March 30, 2008
Clarity urgently needed on radiology in North East
Sinn Féin Health spokesperson and Cavan-Monaghan TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has called on the Health Service Executive to clarify if it is considering a review of radiology services in the North East region involving the rechecking of thousands of cancer scans. The Sinn Féin Dáil leader said: View more
March 29, 2008
Healthcare chaos is Taoiseach’s biggest reason to go
Sinn Féin Dáil leader and Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin who is today leading the party’s contingent on the march and rally for a decent health service has said that healthcare chaos is the biggest reason for Taoiseach Bertie Ahern to resign. View more
March 28, 2008
Show opposition to health cuts – support Dublin rally – Ó Caoláin
Sinn Féin Dáil leader and spokesperson on Health & Children Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has called on people to come out in huge numbers to participate in Saturday’s march and rally in Dublin demanding a decent health service. View more
March 27, 2008
Sinn Féin demand Minister take Responsibility for Fisheries
Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Fisheries, Martin Ferris TD today demanded that Minister Mary Coughlan take direct responsibility for the fishing sector. The Kerry North TD was responding to remarks made by the Minister at the official opening of the headquarters of the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority. Minister Coughlan said that the Authority will assume responsibility for the overall direction of the sector. View more
March 27, 2008
Entire Government must answer for ‘Fair Deal’ debacle
Deputy Ó Caolain says "a debacle is the only word to describe the news that the Government’s much-trumpeted ‘Fair Deal’ for subsidising nursing home care for older people is now mired in constitutional problems. While Health Minister Mary Harney bears primary responsibility, her Government colleagues cannot hide behind her and all of them must answer for this latest shambles in our health and social services. View more
March 27, 2008
Sinn Féin Welcomes ESB Plan
The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Energy, Martin Ferris TD has welcomed today’s announcement by the ESB that said that it is to spend €22 billion over the next period on infrastructural projects designed to reduce the level of carbon emissions by 50% by 2020 with a target of eventual elimination by 2035. Half of the spend will be devoted to renewable energy sources such as wave, tidal and biomass. View more
March 26, 2008
Limerick shootings highlight urgency of civilianisation of Garda duties
Reacting to the gun attack on six houses in Limerick last night Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD once again called on the Minister for Justice Brian Lenihan to free up more Gardaí to fight crime by fast-tracking the process of civilianisation of administrative Garda duties. View more
March 24, 2008
Sinn Féin is opposed to a State visit by the British monarch
Sinn Féin TD for Kerry North Martin Ferris speaking at the Easter Commemoration in Ardmore, County Waterford said ‘Sinn Féin is opposed to a State visit by the British monarch or by members of the British royal family to any part of Ireland.” He went on to say that opposition to such a visit is totally consistent with the desire for continuing friendly relations between the people of Ireland and the people of England, Scotland and Wales.” View more
March 20, 2008
Government must end Ireland’s complicity in Iraq war – Ó Snodaigh
Sinn Féin International Affairs Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh has said the best way for Ireland to mark the fifth anniversary of the US & British led illegal invasion of Iraq would be to end the use of Shannon Airport by those complicit in the war. View more
March 19, 2008
Government neglect of socially disadvantaged children must cease immediately – Ó Snodaigh
Responding to research which shows that the vast majority of children appearing in court are from disadvantaged areas Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD said, “You can be sure that the post-codes from which a disproportionately high majority of young offenders are drawn are the very same post-codes from which recruitment to the Gardaí is disproportionately low.” View more
March 19, 2008
Sinn Féin lodge Agency Workers’ Council Motion in Every County
Sinn Féin TD and Economic Spokesperson Arthur Morgan today launched a Council Motion on Agency Workers that will be lodged in local authorities in every county in the state over the coming weeks. Deputy Morgan was joined by Louth Councillors Jim Loughran and Tomás Sharkey who controversially lodged a similar motion last month. View more
March 19, 2008
Fianna Fáil’s management of state finances leaves a lot to be desired – Morgan
Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has lambasted the Government’s ability to manage the state’s finances, after reports today that additional and significant amounts of public funds may be needed to pay for rising unemployment benefit this year. View more
March 19, 2008
Fianna Fáil’s management of state finances leaves a lot to be desired – Morgan
Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has lambasted the Government’s ability to manage the state’s finances, after reports today that additional and significant amounts of public funds may be needed to pay for rising unemployment benefit this year. View more
March 19, 2008
Government wasting billions on sub-standard accommodation – Ó Snodaigh
Sinn Féin Housing Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has accused the Government of wasting billions of Euros on sub-standard accommodation for those on the Rent Supplement Scheme. View more
March 18, 2008
Minister Coughlan’s concerns for beef industry paradoxical
Sinn Féin TD and Agriculture Spokesperson Martin Ferris has described Minister Coughlan’s ‘concerns’ in relation to the future of the Irish beef and dairy industry as ‘paradoxical’ to her government’s position on the Lisbon Treaty. View more
March 18, 2008
Morgan calls for debate of Employment Law Compliance Bill
Sinn Féin TD and Workers’ Rights spokesperson Arthur Morgan has welcomed the publication of the Employment Law Compliance Bill 2008. Morgan said the Bill was timely and that he hopes it would be debated as soon as possible when the Dáil returns from its Easter break. View more
March 14, 2008
ESRI economic warning further proof that Government lacks economy competency
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Economic Affairs Arthur Morgan TD has said the forecasts from the ESRI that this year the economy is set to grow at its slowest pace for two decades is an indictment of government mismanagement of the economy. View more
March 14, 2008
Latest planned attack on Monaghan General Hospital must be resisted
Sinn Féin Health spokesperson and Cavan-Monaghan TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has learned this afternoon that the Ventilation Unit at Monaghan General Hospital is to close on 7 April. Stating that this would be “another grievous blow to healthcare provision in this region”, Deputy Ó Caolán called on people to mobilise to resist the closure. View more
March 13, 2008
Doubts Cast Over Climate Targets
Sinn Féin Spokesperson on the Environment, Martin Ferris TD has said that more needs to be done if the targets set for bringing about climate change are to be met. The Kerry North TD was speaking as EU Prime Ministers met in Brussels to agree measures to achieve the target for reducing harmful emissions by 20%. View more
March 13, 2008
Harney must stop HSE cutbacks, including staffing cuts
Sinn Féin Dáil Leader and Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD demanded that Health Minister Mary Harney call a halt to the cuts and restore staffing and recruitment to the level required to ensure safe and effective patient care. He described as “farcical” the claim by the Minister that the health service is well staffed. View more
March 13, 2008
Garda Ombudsman Commission must be properly resourced
Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has called on Justice Minister Brian Lenihan to ensure that the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission is properly resourced to do the job that it was established to do View more
March 13, 2008
Government must prioritise early intervention for children at risk of becoming involved in criminal activity – Ó Snodaigh
Speaking in response to reports of children as young as ten being groomed by criminal gangs Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD said the Government must remember that it is their duty to focus on children who are at risk of becoming involved in criminal activities with early intervention programmes. View more
March 13, 2008
Protestor’s safety must be gardaí priority
Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris has this afternoon condemned heavy handed tactics today employed by Gardaí and security firms towards peaceful protestors at the Rath Lugh. View more
March 12, 2008
Dualgas ar an Taoiseach an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn – Ó Caoláin
Ag labhairt sa Dáil inniu i gCeisteanna chun an Taoisigh, dúirt Ceannaire Dála Shinn Féin Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin go raibh dualgas ar an Taoiseach an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn mar atá geallta sa Chlár Rialtais. View more
March 12, 2008
HSE is a Quango from Hell
Speaking during a Dáil debate this afternoon on Reports on Breast Cancer Services in the Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said the “HSE under Minister Harney and CEO Drumm has become the Quango from Hell. It is a totally unaccountable bureaucracy and an inefficient management established by this discredited Government to implement its grossly inequitable health policy.” View more
March 11, 2008
Whistle-blowers system must be accompanied by proper resources for Ombudsman Commission – Ó Snodaigh
Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has described as a travesty of justice the fact that Gardaí were not prosecuted for their parts in the framing and wrongful imprisonment of Donegal publican Frank Shortt despite the courts finding that a wilful miscarriage of justice had been inflicted. View more
March 11, 2008
Nursing Home Standards welcome, enforcement must follow
Sinn Féin Dáil leader and Health Spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has welcomed new nursing home standards which come into effect from today. However Deputy Ó Caoláin has warned that in order for the independent inspections teams to carry out their work effectively the Department of Health must ensure the Health Information Quality Authority (HIQA) is properly resourced. View more
March 11, 2008
The Lisbon Treaty is a bad deal for Rural Ireland
Sinn Féin Agriculture spokesperson Martin Ferris TD will tonight take part in a public debate in Tralee on the Lisbon Treaty with Fine Gael’s Alan Dukes. View more
March 11, 2008
Gun culture must be tackled head on – Ó Snodaigh
Speaking in the Dáil today Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD raised serious concerns over increased gun crimes including two recent murders over the past week. View more
March 11, 2008
Government privatisation agenda leads to Ambulance Union strike notice – Morgan
Sinn Féin Workers’ Rights Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has called on the Government to explain to the Dáil why it has chosen to contract out ambulance services to private firms rather than properly invest in the emergency service. View more
March 11, 2008
Sinn Féin Leaders Launch Easter Lily Campaign
Sinn Féin TDs and Senator today launched the party’s country wide Easter Lily Campaign remembering the men and women of 1916. The launch is part of the Sinn Féin’s campaign to promote and popularise Irish unity. View more
March 11, 2008
Taoiseach refuses to rule out Lisbon 2
Sinn Féin Dáil Leader and TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has described as disgraceful Bertie Ahern’s refusal to rule out a Lisbon 2 should the people reject the Lisbon Treaty in the forthcoming referendum. View more
March 11, 2008
Sinn Féin supports call to double capitation grant – Ó Caoláin
Speaking in the Dáil this evening on a Private Member’s Motion calling for the Capitation Grant for Primary school students to be doubled Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD supported the motion and criticised Education Minister Mary Hanafin for reneging on commitments to cut class sizes. View more
March 10, 2008
Government must provide employment options for construction workers
Sinn Fein TD and spokesperson on Enterprise, Trade and Employment Arthur Morgan has called on the Government to start providing employment options for construction workers, after reports that employment in the sector has fallen by 10% in the last year. View more
March 10, 2008
Mortgage repayment support package required – Ó Snodaigh
Sinn Féin Housing Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has called on the Minister of State with responsibility for Housing to set in place a mortgage repayment support package to help homeowners at risk of losing their homes as a result of negative equity. Deputy Ó Snodaigh was speaking today after it was revealed that house repossessions increased by 33% last year. View more
March 7, 2008
Fight against crime must be resourced to the maximum – Ó Snodaigh
Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has called on Justice Minister Brian Lenihan to immediately expedite a robust programme of civilianisation of Garda duties to free up fully trained Gardaí to be re-deployed into the fight against crime. Deputy Ó Snodaigh was speaking today after two men were shot in Dublin last night one of whom subsequently died. View more
March 6, 2008
Ó Snódaigh launches new Irish language Sinn Féin Cumann in Dublin
Speaking during the launch of the first ever Irish language Sinn Féin cumann in Dublin, Thursday March 6th, Buswells Hotel @10.30am, Sinn Féin Irish language spokesperson Aengus Ó Snódaigh has said: "This project is a clear sign that Sinn Féin is serious about the Irish language. View more
March 6, 2008
Ferris and Gildernew in Roscommon and Leitrim campaign against Lisbon treaty
Sinn Féin Agriculture spokesperson Martin Ferris TD and Sinn Féin’s Agriculture Minister in the Six Counties Michelle Gildernew are visiting Roscommon and Leitrim today to meet with local community groups and the local IFA in both counties. View more
March 6, 2008
International pressure must be brought to bear on Israel
Sinn Féin International Affairs and Human Rights Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has called on the Government to use next week’s European Council meeting to propose a suspension of the EU preferential trade agreement with Israel in a protest action against Israel’s illegal collective punishment of Palestinians in Gaza. View more
March 6, 2008
Harney and Drumm commitments can’t be taken seriously
Speaking after participating in today’s Oireachtas Health and Children Committee meeting Sinn Féin Dáil leader and Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said: “Minister Harney and Professor Drumm’s commitments that the Midlands cancer diagnosis scandal will not happen again cannot be taken seriously in the light of their failure to address the ever extending waiting times, now up to 18 months, for vital cancer tests such as colonoscopy as exposed earlier this week. View more
March 6, 2008
Finance Bill fails to ensure equitable provision of Hospice care
Sinn Féin TD and Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan has today criticised government attempts to make amendments to the Finance Bill which could see public money being used to fund private for profit hospices and palliative care. Morgan said private health care funding had no place in a public finance bill. View more
March 5, 2008
Ó Snodaigh to discuss community policing with Department of Justice
Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh will meet the Department of Justice Head of Crime Division Brendan Callahan this afternoon to discuss the role of Joint Policing Committees in community policing and the fight against crime. View more
March 5, 2008
Ó Snodaigh calls for halt of work at Tara site
Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh has called on the Government to halt the continuing destruction of national monuments on the Tara site. Speaking in the Dáil today Deputy Ó Snodaigh made an eleventh hour appeal to the Government to consider re-routing the M3 to avoid the devastation of our national heritage. View more
March 5, 2008
Morgan raises Tallaght job losses in Dáil
Sinn Féin Job Creation and Workers’ Rights Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has called on the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Micheál Martin to outline what measures have been put in place to replace jobs recently lost in Tallaght. Speaking in the Dail this morning Deputy Morgan said there has been a haemorrhaging of jobs in Tallaght which has one of the highest levels of unemployment in the state. View more
March 5, 2008
Private for-profit hospital displaces promised psychiatric unit at Beaumont – Ó Caoláin
Sinn Féin Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caolain has described as “an outrage” the confirmation by Minister of State Jimmy Devins in the Dáil today that the site earmarked for a long-promised psychiatric unit at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin has been allocated to a private for-profit hospital under the Government’s infamous ‘co-location’ scheme. View more
March 4, 2008
Surgeries scaled back at Kerry General Hospital
North Kerry Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris has said that elective surgery lists at Kerry General Hospital have been cut back this week to allow nursing staff participate in a refresher course at the Centre for Nurse Education. However, Deputy Ferris said that if the hospital had the required number of nursing staff to provide cover there would be no need to reduce surgeries. View more
March 4, 2008
Harney has no shred of credibility and should resign – Ó Caoláin
Sinn Féin Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has said that Health Minister Mary Harney does not retain a shred of credibility and should resign. He was commenting after Minister Harney said it was unacceptable that patients should have to wait long periods for an initial diagnosis of cancer. View more
March 4, 2008
Morgan calls for retention of Dochas breast cancer centre at Our Lady of Lourdes Drogheda
Speaking in the Dáil this afternoon Sinn Féin TD for Louth Arthur Morgan called on the Government and the Minister for Health and Children Mary Harney to change their plans for the removal of the Dochas Centre for breast cancer sufferers from Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda. View more
March 4, 2008
Ó Snodaigh tables amendment to Dáil crime motion
Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has tabled an amendment to the Government’s amendment of the Fine Gael Private Members’ Motion on crime which will be debated in the Dáil over the next two evenings. View more
March 4, 2008
Ó Snodaigh demands end to preferential trade agreement with Israel after 116 Palestinians killed in Gaza
Sinn Féin International Affairs and Human Rights Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD, speaking in the Dáil today called on the Government to reassess Ireland’s relationship with Israel. Deputy Ó Snodaigh was speaking after Israel vowed to continue attacking Gaza despite killing 116 Palestinians including 22 children in the last week. View more
March 4, 2008
Government stands indicted for failure to tackle drugs – Ó Snodaigh
Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh has moved an amendment in the Dáil to the Government’s amendment of the Fine Gael Private Members Motion on crime and anti-social behaviour. Deputy Ó Snodaigh called for resources to be pumped into crime prevention measures, drugs schemes, services to victims of crime, rehabilitation and diversionary programmes. View more
March 3, 2008
Ó Snodaigh slams Gormley’s U-Turn on Social Housing
Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has criticised Green Party Environment Minister John Gormley for not implementing his party policy in relation to Part 5 of the Planning and Development Act 2000. View more
March 3, 2008
Morgan to attend SIPTU campaign meeting in Mullingar
Sinn Féin TD and spokesperson on Workers’ Rights Arthur Morgan will tonight attend a regional SIPTU campaign meeting on Agency Workers in Mullingar. Speaking in advance on the meeting Morgan said Sinn Féin would be keeping up the pressure on the Government to legislate for equal rights for agency workers and that the party is fully behind the union campaign led by SIPTU. View more
March 3, 2008
Historic first meeting of Oireachtas and Stormont Agriculture Committees
The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Agriculture, Martin Ferris TD has said that co-operation between north and south on issues affecting Irish farming is vital for the future of the sector. The Kerry North TD was speaking following today’s historic first meeting between the Oireachtas and Stormont Agriculture committees in Belfast which he attended. View more
