July 2008 archives for Press Releases
July 31, 2008
Ó Snodaigh launches renewed Sinn Féin campaign on Community Safety
Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD this morning launched a renewed Sinn Féin campaign on community safety. The campaign aims to consult with members of the public in order to inform the party’s submission to the Garda Policing Plan for 2009. View more
July 31, 2008
Government Failing to Meet Social and Affordable Housing Targets
Commenting today after the release of the Quarterly Housing Statistics published by the Department of Environment Sinn Fein TD Arthur Morgan has accused the government of, 'once again failing to meet its own targets on social housing.' View more
July 30, 2008
Ó Snodaigh responds to quarterly crime stats
Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh has said the quarterly crime statistics published today show a significant increase in drug crime and armed crime in addition to continuing unacceptable levels of other crimes such as criminal damage and public order offences. View more
July 30, 2008
Government must fight for survival of farming and fishing in West of Ireland – Ferris
Sinn Féin Agriculture and Fisheries Spokesperson Martin Ferris TD, speaking after visiting Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon today said there is relief among those in the farming community that the WTO deal has collapsed. View more
July 29, 2008
Ferris in Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon tomorrow
Sinn Féin Agriculture and Fisheries Spokesperson Martin Ferris TD will continue his tour of the West Coast tomorrow when he visits Sligo, Roscommon and Leitrim to meet with farming and fishing organisations in those Counties. View more
July 29, 2008
Older people are being punished by health cuts – Ó Caoláin
Sinn Féin Health & Children spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has described as “a total sham” the Government’s claimed commitment to improved care for older people after a survey has shown that HSE cuts are adversely affecting home help and home care packages. View more
July 29, 2008
Proper planning procedures thrown out the window for Shell – Ferris
Sinn Féin Environment and Natural Resources Spokesperson Martin Ferris TD has severely criticised a decision by the Department of the Environment to grant planning permission without approval from An Bord Pleanála to Shell E&P Limited for a key section of the Corrib onshore pipeline at Glengad in County Mayo. View more
July 29, 2008
Ferris welcomes collapse of bad WTO deal
Sinn Féin Agriculture Spokesperson Martin Ferris TD has welcomed the collapse of the proposed WTO deal which would have seen the decline of Irish Agriculture. Deputy Ferris said the Government must ensure, in any future talks, that agriculture is not made the sacrificial lamb in order to secure a deal. View more
July 25, 2008
Ferris: Farming must not be sacrificed at WTO
The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Agriculture, Martin Ferris TD has called on the Irish Government to ensure that farming is not sacrificed in order to secure a trade deal at the WTO negotiations in Geneva. Ferris was speaking as an agreement on the Doha Round appeared to have stalled over key issues including access to the EU by third country agricultural exports. View more
July 24, 2008
Oireachtas Committee should set out terms for new Treaty not re-run of Lisbon – Ó Caoláin
Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has said, despite media reports, Sinn Féin or, to his knowledge, the other Dáil parties, have not yet received notice of any proposed early Dáil resumption or new Oireachtas Committee to consider the way forward in the wake of the rejection of the Lisbon Treaty. He said that if such a Committee is established it should focus on what should be in a new EU treaty. View more
July 23, 2008
Urgent action required to stem influx of crystal meth – Ó Snodaigh
Responding to the record seizure of methamphetamine of crystal meth in County Offaly on Monday Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD said the new National Drugs Strategy, which is currently being drafted, must include measures to pre-empt the influx of this type of drug into the country and an awareness programme of the very dangerous effects of the drug. View more
July 23, 2008
All sectors of rural communities must participate in revival of the West – Ferris
Speaking in Galway today ahead of meetings with representatives of Galway farmers and other rural groups this afternoon, the Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Agriculture Martin Ferris TD said that it is vital that all sectors of the rural community participate in forming a strategy to ensure the economic survival and prosperity of the West. View more
July 22, 2008
Minister Ahern must act after latest shooting – Ó Snodaigh
Responding to the shooting of a man in his constituency this morning Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD called for higher Garda visibility, on foot and on bicycles, in areas where drug and gun crime levels are high. Deputy Ó Snodaigh expressed concern at the high levels of shootings and an increase in the use of pipe bombs. View more
July 21, 2008
Morgan voices support for Fishermen
Sinn Féin TD Arthur Morgan has voiced his support for the protests by fishermen in Dublin this afternoon to coincide with the visit of French President Nicolas Sarkozy. The Louth TD attended protests at O’Connell Bridge and outside Government Buildings. View more
July 21, 2008
Post Office staff required for new social welfare measures
Sinn Féin TD and Spokesperson for Social and Family Affairs Arthur Morgan today welcomed the news that there will be increased monitoring to prevent unemployment benefit scams, but said the lack of staff in post offices must be addressed before the new measures of weekly collection are introduced. View more
July 17, 2008
Supreme Court judgement means Government health policy in tatters – Ó Caoláin
Commenting on the implications of the Supreme Court decision striking down risk equalisation in health insurance, Sinn Féin Health & Children spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD said it required an early Government response to protect older people but also showed Government health policy is “in tatters” and must be changed fundamentally to a system of universal provision. View more
July 16, 2008
Ferris slams failure to provide relief for Fishermen
The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Fisheries Martin Ferris TD has strongly criticised the failure of EU Ministers to provide immediate and meaningful aid to fishermen in the face of the current crisis exacerbated by rising fuel costs. It was agreed last night to proceed with the package of aid tied to restructuring but which will not come on stream until 2009. View more
July 16, 2008
Minister and HSE should implement HIQA recommendations on breast cancer services
Sinn Féin Health & Children spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has called for the speedy implementation of the recommendations of the Health Information and Quality Authority’s (HIQA) investigation of breast cancer services. View more
July 16, 2008
Future viability of farming and fishing in the west under threat – Ferris
Speaking ahead of a meeting in Limerick this evening with rural groups and farming associations Sinn Féin Agriculture and Fisheries Spokesperson Martin Ferris TD said the viability of farming and fishing in the west of Ireland is under threat. View more
July 15, 2008
Low paid must not be targeted to pay for recession – Morgan
Sinn Féin Workers’ Rights Spokesperson Arthur Morgan has rejected a suggestion by the Small Firms Association that the minimum wage rate should be cut by one euro. Speaking today Deputy Morgan said it is very disappointing that the lowest paid most vulnerable workers in society are the first to be targeted in a time of recession rather than those who can actually afford it. View more
July 15, 2008
Sarkozy comments deeply insulting to the people of Ireland
Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh has described comments attributed to President Sarkozy that “The Irish will have to vote again” as deeply insulting to the people of Ireland. View more
July 14, 2008
Ireland appearing before United Nations Human Rights Committee
Speaking today as Ireland appeared before the United Nations Human Rights Committee to be assessed on its compliance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Justice, Equality and Human Rights Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD said one of Ireland’s breaches of the ICCPR contributed to the riot which took place in Mountjoy Prison over the weekend. View more
July 10, 2008
Government cut backs must not impact on most vulnerable
Speaking during today’s Dáil debate on the economy Sinn Féin Dublin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh criticised the government for withdrawing €45 million from the overseas development aid budget, sought detailed data on how the 3% salary cuts will affect garda resources and operations tackling serious drug and gun crime. The Deputy also emphasised the need for investment in critical infrastructure such as urban regeneration projects in Dublin and Limerick to be protected. View more
July 10, 2008
EU Commission Fishing Proposal Inadequate and Cynical
The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Fisheries Martin Ferris TD has claimed that the EU Commission’s proposal in response to the fuel crisis facing fishermen is both inadequate and cynical. The Kerry North TD was speaking as the Parliament prepared to vote on the document this afternoon. View more
July 9, 2008
Minister Gormley must intervene in dispute over disposal of hydrogen cyanide – Ferris
Sinn Féin Environment spokesperson Martin Ferris TD has called on Environment Minister John Gormley to intervene in a dispute between residents in county Wicklow and South Dublin County Council over a plan by the council to transport a hugely toxic and explosive chemical in to the Army Range in Shankill, Manor Kilbride and then to try to dispose of it in the open air. View more
July 9, 2008
Government not dealing with the wider problems facing the economy
Speaking in the Dail this afternoon Sinn Féin Economic Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD called on the government to outline the measures that it will introduce in the short-term to stabilise the economy and to put forward a medium term recovery plan which includes steps to regain competitiveness and measures to retrain and up-skill of workers. View more
July 9, 2008
Government not dealing with the wider problems facing the economy
Speaking in the Dail this afternoon Sinn Féin Economic Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD called on the government to outline the measures that it will introduce in the short-term to stabilise the economy and to put forward a medium term recovery plan which includes steps to regain competitiveness and measures to retrain and up-skill of workers. View more
July 9, 2008
Study should not give green light to overhead lines – Ó Caoláin
Commenting on the publication of the study of overhead versus underground electricity transmission lines commissioned by Eamon Ryan, Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Sinn Féin Cavan-Monaghan TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said: View more
July 8, 2008
Ó Snodaigh welcomes Dublin heroin seizure
Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has welcomed the seizure of €4million worth of heroin in Dublin last night. Deputy Ó Snodaigh said heroin dealers need to remain a top target for Garda Drug Squads and funding for addiction services must not be cut in today’s cutbacks. View more
July 8, 2008
EU must deliver meaningful proposals to fishing crisis
Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Fisheries Martin Ferris TD has today called on the European Commission to propose real and meaningful proposals to address the current plight of fishermen facing the current fuel crisis. The Kerry North TD was speaking ahead of tomorrow’s vote in the Parliament on a document to be presented to it by the Commission. View more
July 8, 2008
Cut-backs Not the Answer to Economic Woes – Morgan
Responding to the announcement by the Taoiseach Brian Cowen and Finance Minister Brian Lenihan of cutbacks designed to save €440 million Sinn Féin’s Economic Affairs spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD said that while value for money must be achieved in all public sending and wastage and inefficiency must be ended, cut-backs are not the answer to the state’s current economic and fiscal woes. View more
July 8, 2008
Staff levels at Louth County Hospital must be maintained – Morgan
Speaking in the Dáil today Sinn Féin Louth TD Arthur Morgan called on the Minister for Health Mary Harney to ensure that adequate staff is provided at Louth County Hospital in Dundalk and that two senior doctors who were let go last week are replaced. View more
July 8, 2008
Ó Snodaigh calls for reversal of cutbacks at Crumlin Children’s Hospital
Speaking in the Dáil today Dublin South Central Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh called for cutbacks at Crumlin Children’s Hospital to be reversed. Deputy Ó Snodaigh said there is serious concern in the area that children’s lives are being put at risk as a result of the latest cutback which involves closing down a ward which caters for Cystic Fibrosis patients at weekends. View more
July 8, 2008
Regeneration debacle a result of Government privatisation policy – Ó Snodaigh
Speaking in the Dáil this evening on a Private Members Motion on the provision of Social Housing Sinn Féin Housing Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD criticised the use of Public Private Partnerships to develop social housing called said the current regeneration debacle is a result of the Government’s privatisation policy. View more
July 7, 2008
Funding for addiction services must not be cut – Ó Snodaigh
Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh, speaking today in response to figures which show a record amount of heroin addicts seeking treatment, said a cut of 1% of funding for addiction services in the Dublin/Mid Leinster HSE area must be reversed. View more
July 7, 2008
Letterkenny Hospital cutbacks will be replicated elsewhere – Ó Caoláin
Sinn Féin Health & Children spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caolain has said that HSE cutbacks continue to affect patient care and will be accelerated over the summer months. He said cuts proposed at Letterkenny General Hospital would be replicated elsewhere and urged people to “be vigilant in defence of threatened hospital services”. View more
July 3, 2008
Ferris commends Sarkozy for taking tough line with Mandelson
Speaking at today’s Oireachtas Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Committee following a presentation made by the IFA on the current round of WTO negotiations and its implications for Irish farming industry, Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris commended EU President Sarkozy for his tough line with Peter Mandelson and noted that it is incumbent on all stakeholders to ensure the best possible deal was achieved for Irish farmers. View more
July 3, 2008
HSE changes show centralisation is failing – Ó Caoláin
Commenting on the proposed changes in the structure of HSE management, Sinn Féin Health & Children spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD said it showed that the highly centralised approach of the Government and HSE management to healthcare delivery is failing. Democratic accountability and policy change are needed for real reform to take place, he stated. View more
July 3, 2008
Emergency legislation in breach of Good Friday Agreement commitments – Ó Snodaigh
Sinn Féin Human Rights Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD, speaking at a meeting of the Oireachtas Good Friday Agreement Committee in Leinster House this morning, said the continued use of emergency legislation by the Irish Government is in breach of its commitments under the Good Friday Agreement. View more
July 3, 2008
Student Services Charge Subsidising 3rd Level Budget Deficits
In the Seanad today Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty today impressed upon the Education Minister the need to commit to ensuring the proper dispersion of the Student Services charge by higher Education institutions throughout Ireland, and to guarantee that all monies collected through the Student Services Charge are invested in student services, and are not used to pay down institutional debt. View more
July 2, 2008
Government did not act on Haulbowline contamination warnings
Speaking during this afternoons Dáil debate on the contamination of Haulbowline Island Deputy Morgan slammed the government for its silence on reports outlining the islands contamination from as far back as 1995. The TD demanded that the Environment Minister immediately publish all reports as the matter is one of public health and safety. View more
July 2, 2008
EU Court ruling highlights Britain’s spying agenda – Ó Snodaigh
Responding to the ruling at the European Court of Human Rights against the British State for invasion of privacy both here and in Britain Sinn Féin Human Rights Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD called for an apology from the British government and for a legally enforceable confirmation that the blanket interception of communications between the citizens of Ireland and Britain is at an end. View more
July 2, 2008
Government must outline economic strategy – Morgan
Speaking following the publication of the exchequer returns for the first six months of 2008 Sinn Fein’s Economic Affairs spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD said the failure of the Government to outline its economic strategy to deal with the current situation was farcical. He demanded assurances from Government that there would be not cuts in public services or social protections. View more
July 1, 2008
Concern at proposals on Passenger Name Records – Ó Snodaigh
Sinn Féin Justice and Equality Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD, speaking at a meeting of the Oireachtas EU Scrutiny Committee, expressed concerns at proposals to collect, retain for 13 years and share with other countries, personal details of all people flying in and out of the EU. View more
July 1, 2008
Morgan urges Taoiseach to put the needs of the low paid centre stage in pay talks
During Taoiseach’s questions in the Dáil this afternoon, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Workers’ Rights Arthur Morgan TD called on An Taoiseach Brian Cowen to ensure that the needs of the low paid would be put centre stage at partnership pay talks. View more
July 1, 2008
Morgan challenges Taoiseach on Junior Ministries
Speaking in the Dáil today Sinn Féin TD Arthur Morgan directly challenged the Taoiseach Brian Cowen to justify his decision to appoint 35 Ministers including 20 Junior Ministers for a population of 4.2 million given that he has been just recently been ‘swanning around the Country’ telling people that 27 Commissioners for an EU population of 496 million is too many and unmanageable. View more
July 1, 2008
Ó Snodaigh welcomes removal of age restriction on jury participation
Sinn Féin Justice and Equality Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has welcomed an amendment to the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006 which removes the age limit for participations on a jury. However, speaking in the Dáil today, Deputy Ó Snodaigh there is a need to remove other discriminatory barriers also. View more
July 1, 2008
Common Fisheries Policy must be renegotiated – Ferris
Sinn Féin Fisheries Spokesperson Martin Ferris TD, speaking in the Dáil this evening on a Private Members Motion on Irish Fisheries, called for a fundamental renegotiation of the Common Fisheries Policy as is affects Irish fisheries. View more
