Tag: 2022

The press release issued by Sinn Fein on 24 November 2022.

Sinn Féin MP John Finucane has called on the British government to make the Energy Support payments urgently to hard pressed families after six months of delay.

The North Belfast MP said:

“It’s unacceptable that people are still waiting on clarity from the British government when they will receive the energy support payments which they were promised over six months ago.

“People are sick and tired of the dithering and delay by the British government over this much needed payment at a time when energy bills are through the roof.

“The reality is that the DUP’s boycott of the Executive has prevented people from receiving this payment which they so badly need.

“This delay is unacceptable for families trying to make ends meet and it is essential that this is paid out urgently.”

The press release issued by Sinn Fein on 24 November 2022.

Public Accounts Committee chairperson, Sinn Féin TD Brian Stanley, has called for stricter regulation and controls of the National Lottery to ensure that ‘good causes’ receive a share of unclaimed prize money.

Between 2016 and 2021, the National Lottery operator diverted 98% of unclaimed prize money (€122m) towards its own marketing and advertising campaigns, with just 2% going towards topped-up prize money.

Teachta Stanley said:

“I am extremely concerned that such a significant percentage (98%) of unclaimed prize money has been diverted by the National Lottery towards its marketing and advertising campaigns when the licence stipulates that the operator must put the money towards topped-up prizes.

“The issue is that the licence permits the operator to also divert some of the money towards its own incremental marketing. The regulator confirmed that they have not raised this issue and the operator has taken complete advantage of this situation.

“I am frustrated by the lack of action by the regulator and the committee will be proposing to the Department that the licence is amended to ensure that ends.

“During the hearing, I proposed to the regulator that it be considered that any unclaimed prize money be donated towards ‘good causes’ if they are uncollected after 180 days, which is done in other countries. I feel it is wrong that 98% of unclaimed prize money goes towards marketing and advertising.

“Following much discussion with the regulator, I was also not convinced by the National Lottery’s advertisement claim that 90% of ticket sales ‘go back to the community’.

“In fact, the committee found that only 27% went back to ‘good causes’.

“The claim that 90% goes ‘back to the community’ includes retailers and businesses that sell the tickets, prize money itself and also includes the unclaimed prize money, which ironically finances the adverts themselves. I am of the view that the advert is very misleading.

“It was also said to the committee that the operator had breached its licence in 2021 by contacting 48 individuals that had chosen to self-exclude themselves from gambling and that no sanction or fine was imposed by the regulator.

“This was quite a serious breach of the licence; I imagine these are individuals looking to control their gambling habits and the National Lottery were still able to contact and solicit their involvement.

“We need to see stronger enforcement by the regulator and stricter controls within the licence and the committee will be proposing these changes in our report to the Minister.”

The press release issued by Sinn Fein on 24 November 2022.

Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín has called for funding to be allocated to social care to address delays in discharging patients from hospitals.

The North Belfast MLA was speaking after a meeting between representatives of the five main parties and the Permanent Secretary of the Department of Health.

Carál Ní Chuilín said:

“I told Peter May today that we need immediate and additional funding for social care to address delays in discharging patients from hospitals.

“This would enable more patients to be discharged from hospitals and free up beds for those who need immediate hospital care.”

And Carál Ní Chuilín called for more financial assistance for social care workers. She continued:

“There is a need to support domiciliary care workers in rural communities whose mileage costs are not being met.

“The costs for these carers is going through the roof with the soaring price of fuel.

“They are having to pay to go to work when they’re providing care in the community.

“These additional costs are driving workers out of social care and the department needs to ensure these frontline staff can afford to continue to work.

“We need an Executive formed now so that we can secure a three year Budget an invest an extra £1 billion in our health service to hire more doctors and nurses, tackle waiting lists and fund vital services.

“The DUP should end its boycott now, and work with the rest of us around the Executive table to make health a priority. That’s what people voted for.”

The press release issued by Sinn Fein on 24 November 2022.

Sinn Féin MLA Conor Murphy has said hospital waiting lists will grow, companies will go out of business and jobs will be lost because of the DUP’s refusal to allow the Executive to set a budget.

Responding to the budget set by the British Government, Conor Murphy said:

“A three-year budget which I proposed to the Executive should have been agreed months ago to enable proper planning of public services.

“The DUP’s refusal to allow the Executive to set a budget and its subsequent collapse of the institutions has left departments struggling to control spending and now a one-year budget has been set towards the end of the financial year. This is hugely damaging for public services, particularly the health service which desperately needs financial certainty.”

On business rates the former Finance Minister said:

“The Executive provided a three-month rate reduction for a number of businesses, including retail and hospitality. All other businesses received a one-month reduction. Ulster University were commissioned to identify those that should be targeted for additional support in the final budget.

“However, the Tory budget has not provided additional rates relief for businesses. Many businesses are struggling with rising costs and they will not survive without additional support.

“That crucial support has been denied by the DUP’s blockade of the Executive. Consequently, companies will undoubtedly go out of business and jobs will be lost.”

On pay Conor Murphy said:

“Public sector workers including teachers and nurses should get a fair pay rise. It is not clear from the British Secretary of State’s announcement what is happening with public sector pay. I will urgently be seeking clarity on this matter.”

On the threat of water charges Conor Murphy continued:

“The British Secretary of State has also signalled his intention to introduce water charges and rise rates on people and businesses during an inflation crisis.

“This will only add to the cost of living and the cost of doing business.

“I stopped the imposition of water charges when I was DRD minister with the full support of Executive colleagues.

“It is essential that the Executive is restored so that local elected representatives can protect people from the full impact of Tory policy.”

The press release issued by Sinn Fein on 23 November 2022.

Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has said gas and electricity companies have a responsibility to help people struggling with the cost of living crisis.

Describing the new ‘energy charter’ signed up to by electricity and gas suppliers here as a positive initiative, the party’s economy spokesperson said:

“Many workers and families are struggling in the cost of living crisis this winter and soaring energy bills have put huge pressure on people.

“Companies clearly have a role in supporting people through this crisis and have a responsibility not to make things worse by being inflexible or punitive.

“The new ‘energy charter’ announced today is a positive initiative and will hopefully provide relief to some of those struggling.

“While it is a voluntary charter, all suppliers have signed up to it and the hardship fund, measures to support those on care registers and a single point of information are practical things that can help.

“Anyone who is struggling should make contact with their supplier as early as possible and contact the Consumer’s Council if they need help.

“Sinn Féin will continue to work with the Utility Regulator, Consumer’s Council and local suppliers to ensure people are getting the help they need and companies are playing their part in supporting them.”

The press release issued by Sinn Fein on 23 November 2022.

Sinn Féin MP John Finucane has called on the British government to bin its ‘cruel, callous and offensive’ Legacy Bill and attempts to block families’ access to truth and justice.

The north Belfast MP also welcomed comments from church leaders who said that the Bill will not achieve any of its objectives and will prevent relatives of victims from getting investigations.

Speaking from London after protests against the Legacy Bill held in Belfast, Derry and the British capital today, John Finucane said:

“The British government’s Legacy Bill will essentially pull down the shutters on hundreds of victims and families who are campaigning for truth and justice.

“Seeking to prevent families from exercising their right to seek truth and justice for their loved ones is cruel, callous and offensive.

“There has been widespread opposition to this legislation, not only from victims and families, but also political parties, human rights experts and senior political figures in Europe and the US.

“Only today church leaders in the north have also said that the Bill will not achieve any of its objectives and will prevent relatives of victims from getting investigations which are human rights compliant.

“It’s simply not good enough that the British government wants to cover up its role in the conflict and let its own state forces, who killed Irish citizens, off the hook.

“I joined campaigners in London today, to make it clear this flawed legislation once again must be scrapped and the legacy mechanisms agreed at Stormont House implemented in a human rights complaint manner.”

The press release issued by Sinn Fein on 23 November 2022.

Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has said the British Government must act to get the much-promised £400 energy support and £200 heating oil payments out to workers and families.

East Derry MLA said:

“The British government must confirm when the £400 energy support payment and the now £200 oil payment will be paid.

“Now is the time for action rather than promises.

“The first payments of this money would have been out the door and into people’s pockets only for the DUP’s decision to collapse the Executive in February and its subsequent refusal to recognise the result of the recent election.

“It is now over six months since the first of this support was announced and despite DUP claims the payments would be made in November, there is still no sign of it.

“People are struggling right now with their energy bills and they deserve to know when they will receive the payments that they have been promised.

“It is unfair that people here are being punished for the political failures of the DUP, the British government must urgently provide clarity to give families certainty as winter deepens.”

The press release issued by Sinn Fein on 23 November 2022.

Sinn Féin MLA Declan Kearney has welcomed plans by Fly Atlantic to launch new flights to the USA, Canada and Europe from Belfast International Airport.

The South Antrim MLA said:

“I am delighted that Belfast International Airport has been selected by Fly Atlantic for plans to deliver new direct flights to the US and Canada as well as a range of new destinations in Britain and Europe.

“The opening of these new key air routes will develop the airport as a major aviation hub and will be pivotal to securing its future global offering.

“Once up and running, these new flights have the potential to create new jobs and opportunities in tourism and associated sectors.

“There’s no doubt that the local economy in South Antrim will benefit directly once these flights comes to fruition.

“I look forward to continuing my engagement with the management and staff at Belfast International Airport, alongside Fly Atlantic as these latest plans develop in the time ahead.”

The press release issued by Sinn Fein on 22 November 2022.

Sinn Féin MLA Maolíosa McHugh has raised concerns after residents of Innisfree Gardens faced major disruption during a security alert into the early hours of Tuesday morning.

The West Tyrone MLA said:

“Last night saw more disruption for residents of Innisfree Gardens until the early hours of the morning.

“Searches in the area turned into a security alert with two controlled explosions, thankfully leading to nothing untoward being found.

“But the outworking of this has been people forced from their homes again on a cold and wet Monday night. It’s the last thing anybody needs.

“We raised people’s concerns and frustrations directly with the Police area commander yesterday evening and late into the early hours of this morning.

“Events in recent days, starting with the the reprehensible bomb attack in Mount Carmel Heights, have caused chaos in our communities.

“I will be speaking to the PSNI again today to once again raise the concerns and to ensure in future there is no unnecessary disruption to residents.”

The press release issued by Sinn Fein on 22 November 2022.

Sinn Féin First Minister Designate Michelle O’Neill has welcomed plans to launch new flights to the USA, Canada and Europe from Belfast International Airport.

And she said the delivery of these flights has the potential to create new jobs and opportunities.

Michelle O’Neill said:

“I welcome that Fly Atlantic has launched future plans for new direct flights from Belfast International Airport to the USA, Canada and Europe in the future.

“This has the potential to create jobs and will be a boost to the local economy once it comes to fruition.

“I was delighted to recently visit the Belfast International Airport to listen to their plans to regenerate the airport and attract new routes to ensure better services for people.

“An exciting future lies ahead for the airport and we must work together to unlock and seize the opportunities to build a stronger economy.”