Tag: 2022

The press release issued by Sinn Fein on 8 December 2022.

Declan Kearney MLA who is Chairperson of the Sinn Féin Commission on the Future of Ireland today published the report of the Belfast People’s Assembly. This event took place on 12 October in the Waterfront Hall.

Link to the report is here:

https://www.sinnfein.ie/files/2022/A5_REPORTCommissionFutureIre.pdf

https://www.sinnfein.ie/files/2022/A5_REPORTgaeilgeCommissionFutureIre_061222.pdf

On Tuesday evening in Derry the Commission held its second public event – Celebrating Diversity – Ending Division in the City Hotel. A report of that event will also be published.

Other public events are currently being planned for Donegal at the end of January and for the Louth/S.Down/S.Armagh region in March.

The commission was established by Sinn Féin to undertake a grassroots consultation with the people of Ireland and internationally on the future of our island.

Declan Kearney said:

“The Belfast People’s Assembly was a very successful event that brought together 10 significant contributors from differing sectors of society to discuss some of the challenges involved in advancing the objective of constitutional change and the possible shape of the new Ireland. Over 300 people packed into the Waterfront Studio for the conversation.

The conference was divided into two sessions. The first covered ‘The Economy and Communities in the New Ireland’ and the second was titled ‘A New Ireland for Everyone’. A video of the Belfast People’s Assembly is available on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B88dmep9SS4

The growing momentum in the debate on the future of Ireland is driving the conversation on constitutional change. In addition, the audience in the Belfast event overwhelmingly supported the demand that the Irish Government establish a Citizens’ Assembly on constitutional change.

The need to plan for the future; to make preparations for constitutional change and to persuade people of the merits of Irish Unity all argue strongly for a Citizens Assembly.”

Concluding Declan Kearney said: “Republicans want more than the reunification of our island – we want the unity of our people. That means a future which consigns sectarianism to the past and in which all of our citizens – however we identify ourselves – can live together in peace and prosperity. It can be done. We just need to talk about it, and start preparing and planning.”

The press release issued by Sinn Fein on 7 December 2022.

Sinn Féin MLA and Justice spokesperson Sinead Ennis has welcomed the publication of the Independent Reporting Commission’s report on tackling paramilitarism.

Sinead Ennis said:

“Today’s report again highlights the need to continue to pursue the twin track approach of policing and justice responses to paramilitarism, while addressing the deep and systemic socio-economic issues afflicting working-class communities.

“Paramilitary groups seek to exert coercive control over such communities, through intimidation and the operation of their criminal enterprises.

“In their recommendations, they again call for the introduction of organised crime legislation with a view to disrupting organised crime operations and gangs, some of whom masquerade as paramilitaries.

“They also further stress the need for a comprehensive process for paramilitary group transition. In pursuit of this objective, they reference the international concept of Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration.

“This again highlights the outstanding need for all barriers to equal citizenship for the ex-prisoner community and their families to be finally removed.

“Such barriers include issues around international travel, the acquisition of insurance, adoption rights and curbs on employment opportunities.

“As we approach the 25th anniversary of the GFA, we view the scourge of paramilitarism as a key aspect of the yet unfinished business of the Agreement.

“Accordingly, we pledge to continue our support for, and engagement with the Independent Reporting Commission, key stakeholders and other parties in a joint resolve to make further progress in tackling paramilitarism and associated serious organised crime.”

The press release issued by Sinn Fein on 7 December 2022.

Today we meet for the fifth time since May to try elect a Speaker and reinstate this Assembly, and allow MLAs mandated by the electorate to represent and work here on their behalf to get on with the job.

And as we meet in the comfort of this well heated and well-lit building, I am acutely aware there are tens of thousands of families living in cold homes, unable to afford to turn on their heating, and worried about the next bill coming through their door as we face the most difficult winter in a generation.

Outside those family homes, our health service is in crisis, and the health workers are being forced to take strike action for decent pay and conditions, to defend themselves and the wider health service.

It’s a disgrace they are being forced into that position.

Yesterday in London, I met with the leadership of the Royal College of Nurses.

I want to send solidarity and support to the nurses from this Assembly today, to the other health and public sector workers also.

They have our full support and I think I speak for most people in this Assembly in calling on the British government, the people with the purse strings, to immediately get around the negotiating table to resolve this dispute over pay and patient safety.

The Secretary of State has now brought the Executive Formation Bill through Westminster to extend the deadline on forming a government or holding an election; giving decision-making powers to civil servants, and cutting MLA pay.

He has set out a budget statement and will bring forward an unadulterated Tory budget bill also.

Whilst they are trying to find their work arounds.

The central question is how are the government using the space they have created to now get a negotiated settlement with the EU, to work to restore the Executive and put to the test the DUP boycott.

I was in the Dáil last Thursday when European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen addressed parliamentarians the length and breadth of this island.

She said that Brexit will not become an obstacle to reconciliation in Ireland; that the single market must continue to function, and if both sides are sensitive to this ‘careful balance’ a deal can be done, and that there will be no hard border on the island.

She also said that her contacts with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak are ‘encouraging’.

I once more welcome this contact, but appeal for negotiations to be intensified. We do not have months to ponder, but rather weeks to take action that creates stability and certainty for society, business and politics.

We cannot be left at the mercy of the Tories in London dictating priorities here where they have no votes and no mandate.

Already we are seeing the consequences of having no Executive.

Education is being cut with youth services being targeted with job losses and reduced provision now being imposed against the will of elected MLAs.

It is clear for all to see that the DUP’s political tactics is to abandon our people to a Tory government intent on inflicting cuts and austerity on the most vulnerable in our society.

That strategy, if it can be called a strategy, makes no sense and has no purpose. Incredibly, it is dictated by a handful of loyalist bloggers.

Jeffrey Donaldson, of course, is not here with us despite being elected to sit in this Assembly.

But I want to appeal to him and to the DUP MLAs who have come to this sitting, rethink your approach, reconsider your position and most of all to recognise the dire and deteriorating circumstances that people, your own voters are facing on a day-to-day basis.

The crisis in our Emergency Departments, the cuts to youth services, the very real prospect of cold faced by many of our people, particularly the old, the very young and those with disabilities.

People need our help.

They need us to do our jobs.

The public are rightly angry.

Each one of these societal challenges demands new thinking from us as elected representatives; demands a responsible and mature political response from us; and people need desperately to see an end to the DUP boycott of politics.

By any objective measure, the Protocol is working and is protecting our economy from some of the worst effects of Brexit.

We need to focus on the opportunity of dual market access and how our businesses benefit creating more jobs and building our economy.

And of course, the members opposite disagree and you are entitled to disagree.

But whatever about our different opinions on the Protocol, we are all know that any issues relating to the Protocol will not be resolved in this Chamber.

Last week the European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, restated the willingness of the Commission to resolve issues with how the Protocol is applied.

We all want these issues resolved and to see the economic and business stability and certainty that will flow from that agreement.

But in the meantime, we are elected to be in this Assembly, to be in an Executive delivering and defending our public services and protecting our society from a Tory administration that has no interest in us or our people.

So, I want to make a direct appeal to the party opposite. Come back into the Executive so we can fight for and deliver £600 out to the thousands of struggling families who so desperately need it.

This morning the Older People’s Commissioner said on radio people will not survive if they do not get this payment.

This cannot be taken lightly. It is scandalous that people are being left high and dry.

If we had an Executive that money would already be in people’s pockets. And shame on the DUP for blocking it. You have walked away.

The people and communities we all represent are struggling and facing the same challenges and I will have your back in these tough times and will not give up fighting on your behalf.

So, Jeffrey, pause your protest, elect a Speaker here today and let us all get back to the work we are mandated and paid to do.

The press release issued by Sinn Fein on 7 December 2022.

Sinn Féin MLA Emma Sheerin has welcomed a decision by the Supreme Court to uphold the Safe Access Zones Bill passed by the Assembly earlier this year.

The Mid Ulster MLA said:

“The Supreme Court has today recognised that Safe Access Zones, and legislation passed by the Assembly, does not breach people’s right to protest.

“Patients and their families should not face harassment and intimidation when accessing healthcare.

“This is a progressive step forward to protect women and healthcare workers.”

The press release issued by Sinn Fein on 6 December 2022.

Declan Kearney MLA, the Chair of the party’s Commission on the Future of Ireland speaking tonight in Derry at an event organised by the Commission – Celebrating Diversity – Ending Division – appealed to “our Protestant neighbours, and unionist people in our society” to engage in the conversation on constitutional change.

Declan Kearney urged those from the Protestant/Unionist section of society “who may already be considering this process of change; or who may hold reservations about reunification; to identify the guarantees and protections which are important to you.

Sinn Féin does not own the Irish unity debate. We want it to be inclusive, flexible and genuine. Nor do we claim to have all the answers. That’s why structured dialogue is essential. A genuine and open discussion should be taking place about the principles and reassurances required to underpin a new constitutional settlement on the island.

That’s why the Irish government should establish an all island Citizen’s Assembly without further delay. The people should be sovereign. It is they who must self determine our future on this island. Everyone should have their say. And, no one should be left behind.”

The Chair of the Commission told his Derry audience:

“Irish unity isn’t inevitable but everyone is talking about the possibility.

It is on the political horizon. The academic and economic modelling and mapping has already begun. Books and research papers on every aspect of the Irish reunification are being published.

And all of that is being fuelled by demographic change and electoral realignment north and south. In the north, the once permanent unionist electoral majority has gone. In the south, the century old dominance of the two big conservative parties has been eclipsed.

Change is in the air. There’s a desire for something new to replace the status quo. And it’s growing in momentum…

Brexit has put the constitutional status of the north centre stage, and triggered an unprecedented conversation about the future. Many, and including an undefined section of people from Protestant backgrounds, are engaged. Something very profound is happening. The landscape is changing. That was in evidence at the recent Ireland’s Future Ulster Hall gathering. But it’s also reflected in the Together UK group launched by Arlene Foster. I think that’s a welcome development.

Admittedly, its stated aim is to counter growing support for constitutional change. But all sides need to be heard. It makes sense for proponents and opponents of Irish unity to be engaged with each other in respectful and rational debate.”

The press release issued by Sinn Fein on 6 December 2022.

Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has said people cannot wait any longer for support with their heating bills as the cold winter begins to bite.

Speaking after Firmus announced gas prices will go down from the beginning of January, the party’s economy spokesperson said:

“After numerous hikes which have put prices through the roof, news that prices will go down in January will bring some measure of relief to households supplied by Firmus.

“However, that is cold comfort to the two thirds of families in the north who rely on oil and have received no support at all to heat their homes.

“People in Britain have been receiving support since October but so far not a penny of the £600 energy support scheme for households in the north has been paid despite DUP promises that it would be paid by November.

“In fact the DUP’s boycott of the Executive prevented any of this money getting out the door and the only certainty people have now is that they won’t get this money by Christmas.

“Tomorrow the Assembly will be recalled in another effort to form an Executive and put ministers in place to get this £600 energy payment into people’s pockets as quickly as possible.

“It is an opportunity for the DUP to get off their hands and to stop blocking all of us from working for the people we represent.

“Enough is enough. People cannot wait any longer, they need support now as the cold winter begins to bite. They deserve an Executive that will work in their interests.”

The press release issued by Sinn Fein on 6 December 2022.

Sinn Féin MLA Jemma Dolan has said a new Executive must legislate to protect workers from exploitation.

The party’s workers rights spokesperson said:

“We need an Executive formed now to legislate to end bogus self-employment which has been used to deny workers their rights over pay, holidays and working hours.

“The latest example of exploitation was laid bare by reports revealing that a number of marketing companies were registering staff as self-employed to deny minimum wages, leaving some workers earning less than 80p an hour over three months.

“This treatment of workers is shameful and I have written to Invest NI to get information on whether it had given business support to companies abusing workers in this way.

“Sinn Féin wants an end to bogus self-employment and that is why we are developing legislation to protect workers from bogus self-employment practices.

“The DUP should end its boycott of the Executive so we can tackle this and ensure workers are guaranteed legal protections on pay, hours and leave entitlements.”

The press release issued by Sinn Fein on 6 December 2022.

Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew has expressed deep sadness at the death of a five-year-old child with an illness linked to Strep A.

And the party’s health spokesperson urged people to follow the public health advice.

Colm Gildernew said:

“I am deeply saddened to learn that a child has died from an illness linked to Strep A.

“My immediate thoughts are with this little girl’s family at this very sad and difficult time.

“Health officials have urged parents to be vigilant for a potential rise in Strep A and scarlet fever over the next few weeks.

“And while it’s believed that most cases will be mild, I would urge people to follow the advice and keep sick children at home as it can be very contagious.

“Anyone with a high fever, severe muscle aches, pain in one area of the body and unexplained vomiting or diarrhoea should seek medical help immediately.

The press release issued by Sinn Fein on 5 December 2022.

Sinn Féin MLA Ciara Ferguson said she is shocked and deeply concerned about plans by the Education Authority to cut vital youth services.

Ciara Ferguson said:

“I have met with youth providers across Derry who have shared their concerns with me about cuts to youth services which the Education Authority is imposing on them.

“The impact of these cuts will be devastating for youth providers, for youth services and ultimately for young people.

“The news of the cuts has come as a shock to the groups and people who supply these services such as outreach services to some of our most vulnerable young people.

“They told me they were unaware that funding would be cut this year.

“I have written to the Education Authority to raise serious concerns, and opposition, to these cuts.

“These cuts come hot on the heels of Tory cuts announced here following the DUP’s boycott of our Assembly and Executive.

“People are struggling with the cost of living and our health service is under huge pressure and now youth and education services are being targeted for cuts.

“The DUP should get back to work around the Executive table with the other parties to get locally elected ministers in place and support the public against unbridled Tory cuts.”

The press release issued by Sinn Fein on 5 December 2022.

Sinn Féin’s leader in the Seanad, Seanadóir Niall Ó Donnghaile, has welcomed an announcement by the Tourism Minister of new all-island partnership projects including tourism marketing initiatives and cross-border language schemes.

Speaking today, Seanadóir Ó Donnghaile said:

“I welcome today’s announcement, which is a step forward for communities across Ireland. It is common sense that routes such as the ‘Wild Atlantic Way’ and ‘Ireland’s Ancient East’ would be connected to support communities and develop tourism opportunities and outcomes. The announcement of a €7.6million fund for a tourism marketing initiative to connect Causeway Coastal Route & the Wild Atlantic Way makes sense and offers huge opportunities for growth.

“We know that Ireland is promoted internationally as a single tourism destination, so it is vital that tourism projects such as these reflect this reality.

“Last year, Sinn Féin published our tourism document ‘Explore More’ which set out our plan for tourism by extending the globally recognised brands across Ireland to create jobs, help rebuild the economy and put money in people’s pockets.

“Today’s announcement is a positive move, with the scope to unlock potential for tourism opportunities across all of Ireland. This can invest in local communities, by providing opportunities for local small and medium enterprises and job creation. Tourism is the life-blood of so many towns and villages the length and breadth of the country, with many lifelihoods and industries relying on our ability to nurture and expand the sector.

“I would encourage tourism agencies and local councils to approach this with enthusiasm and to grasp these opportunities with both hands. Sinn Féin will work with the Minister to ensure that these schemes are delivered in the most appropriate, efficient and timely ways to support those who need it most.

“Ireland works best when it works as one.”