Tag: Sinn Fein

The press release issued by Sinn Fein on 14 October 2022.

Sinn Féin National Chairperson Declan Kearney has welcomed the commitment of the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade to resolve the issues surrounding the protocol.

Speaking following a meeting with German MEP Bernard Lange and the influential Committee on International Trade, the South Antrim MLA said:

“Today’s meeting is a clear signal from our European partners of their determination to resolve the issues around the protocol.

“This determination from the European Parliament must be matched with a similar resolve from the British government to reach agreement on any outstanding issues.

“It is crucial now that the British government engages in good faith, constructive negotiations with the European Union and that they abandon the reckless approach of the past.

“In our discussions this morning, I told the committee that the protocol protects people and businesses here across the north from the damage caused by Brexit and that the protocol continues to help in the creation of jobs and attracting investment.

“In the current economic climate and with the worrying forecasts about what may be coming down the line, the Protocol must be built upon and protected rather than undermined. I emphasised that there is no credible alternative to the Protocol and that it must be allowed to work properly.

“At a time when we are enduring an unprecedented cost of living crisis, our businesses, farmers and families cannot afford to lose access to both the British and European markets with access to more than 500 million people.”

The press release issued by Sinn Fein on 12 October 2022.

A key report, initiated by Sinn Féin Senator Paul Gavan, on the impact of Brexit on human rights in Ireland will be debated and voted on tomorrow at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), which is Europe’s Human Rights body.

Senator Gavan is a member of the Irish Parliamentary delegation to PACE.

Ahead of the debate tomorrow, Senator Gavan said:

“The Political Affairs Committee of PACE appointed a Greek MP George Katrougalos as rapporteur and after many months of work and research, he makes a number of highly significant recommendations with regard to the Protocol, the so called Troubles (Legacy) Bill, and other related issues.

“Despite a late attempt by some British members of PACE to have the debate postponed, it will go ahead tomorrow afternoon.

“Amongst the key recommendations contained within the report is a call for the British Government to ensure that their withdrawal from the European Union does not result in any diminution of rights for people in the North of Ireland.

“Recommendations from the rapporteur also calls for the smooth and efficient implementation of the Protocol, and a call to refrain from ‘unilateral actions which undermine international law’.

“The rapporteur also calls on the British Government to propose a way forward to address the legacy of the conflict in the North that is in line with the European Convention of Human Rights standards on effective investigations and the Good Friday Agreement. In other words, a firm rejection of the British Government’s so called Legacy Bill which would provide a blanket amnesty.

“The report also notes with regret that more than 15 years on from the St Andrews Agreement, no legislation on the Irish language has been passed. Finally the report calls on all political parties in the North ‘to return to power sharing immediately’.

“The report will be debated and voted on tomorrow afternoon. I will speak on behalf of the United European Left Group and will make a clear call on all Assembly members to back this timely and powerful report.”

The press release issued by Sinn Fein on 12 October 2022.

Sinn Féin MLA Linda Dillon has made a formal complaint to the Lady Chief Justice, following remarks made by a Judge during a sexual assault hearing.

The Mid-Ulster MLA said:

“I have made a formal complaint to the Lady Chief Justice, following remarks made by a judge during a sexual assault hearing.

“The comments, encouraging the defendant to go out and “find a wife or partner and get a family and a home together” and the refusal to ban him from contacting women online are simply astonishing.

“Especially when the defendant has so many previous offences, and there has been an acknowledgement of a recent escalation in his offending.

“Rehabilitation is an important aspect of the criminal justice system, however, it is vital that the judiciary are trained to be aware of the many layers of men’s violence against women and girls.

“The criminal justice system must play their part in eradicating harmful myths and attitudes about domestic abuse and sexual assault.”

The press release issued by Sinn Fein on 12 October 2022.

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Defence, John Brady TD, has condemned comments from British Prime Minister Liz Truss, that her government is prepared to consider moving its Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

The Wicklow TD said:

“Indications that the government of British Prime Minister Liz Truss is prepared to consider the transfer of the British Embassy to Israel to Jerusalem is reckless and deeply concerning.

“East Jerusalem is illegally occupied by Israeli forces. There is a continuing illegal campaign of annexation being undertaken against the Palestinian people.

“The United Nations have described the policies of the Israeli government towards the Palestinian people as being akin to apartheid.

“That this means nothing to the British government is disturbing. The attitude of the British government to international law has previously been made clear through its approach to the Irish Protocol.

“Trump’s actions declaring Jerusalem to be the capital of Israel, and to begin the process of transferring the US Embassy to Jerusalem led to an increase in violence and was damaging to prospects of a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

“I would urge the British Prime Minister to give careful consideration to the British decision.

“A decision by the British government to transfer the British Embassy to Jerusalem, would be illegal, inflammatory, and fly in the face of international convention, and would represent a validation of Israel’s daily violation of the rights of the Palestinian people.”

The press release issued by Sinn Fein on 11 October 2022.

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Health, David Cullinane TD, has criticised the Minister for Health’s Winter Plan, saying that it has come too late to make a difference this winter.

He said that the time to plan for this winter was last year’s budget, and the time to plan for next winter was the budget just gone.

Teachta Cullinane said that last year’s winter plan has not yet been fully implemented, and that additional beds announced in February are not even planned for delivery this year.

The Waterford TD criticised the government’s reactive approach to managing the health service, saying that the many long-term problems cannot be solved by throwing short term one-year plans at them.

Teachta Cullinane said:

“The winter plan announced today will be cold comfort for healthcare workers on the frontline, who are bracing for another horrendous winter. They know that October is far too late to start planning for winter.

“The time to plan for this winter was last year’s budget, and now is the time to plan for next winter. The winter plan also fails to recognise that our hospitals are in crisis year-round, not only during winter.

“There is no additional funding for this plan, and there is no lead-in time to get new measures up and running. The many long-term problems cannot be solved by throwing short term one-year plans at them.

“The 72 beds announced in the HSE’s service plan in February haven’t even been delivered yet and are not even due to be delivered this year.

“Sinn Féin set out a clear multi-annual plan for the health service in our alternative budget this year, which would be funded over a 10-year period to cut long waits.

“This government’s reactive, crisis management approach to healthcare is part of the problem. The Health Service cannot open new beds at the drop of a hat.

“Waiting lists are up more than 30,000 already this year, and emergency department waits are on average 12 hours for admitted patients. The Minister’s short-term waiting list plan is, as predicted, 65,000 appointments behind target.

“There are almost 1,000 consultant posts which are either vacant or filled on a temporary basis, we still don’t have a new consultant contract, and the Minister has yet to resolve the dispute with junior doctors.

“This plan, as we saw as well in the Budget for 2023, relies far too heavily on outsourcing to the private sector instead of increased investment in the public service.

“It will also do nothing for the tens of thousands of children with disabilities or mental health challenges who are languishing on months-long waiting lists for access to services.

“It is a short-term plan for acute hospitals which pales in comparison to the investments and reforms necessary across acute, community, and primary care which are needed to reduce pressure on the health service during the winter and year-round.”

The press release issued by Sinn Fein on 11 October 2022.

Sinn Féin’s leader in the Seanad, Senator Niall Ó Donnghaile, has welcomed the Defence Minister’s acceptance of his suggestion of national advertising of Defence Forces positions.

Speaking at the Oireachtas Defence Committee last week, Senator Ó Donnghaile had urged Minister Coveney to end the current approach of only advertising positions within the 26 counties.

Seanadóir Ó Donnghaile said:

“Last week I urged Minister Coveney to ensure that the recruitment campaign for joining the Defence Forces is rolled out on a 32 county basis. Currently, the recruitment campaign only targets potential recruits in the 26 counties.

“The Be More campaign is prominent in media outlets across the south, outlining how a career in the Defence Forces can be an attractive opportunity for new recruits. However, it is not shown on northern media outlets nor do the Defence Forces have a presence at jobs fairs at Ulster University or Queen’s University Belfast.

“This current approach has been a missed opportunity which fails to tap into potential recruitment from people living in the six north eastern counties of this island who have an interest in joining the Defence Forces. We know that the Defences Forces face ongoing issues around recruitment and retention of staff and we should do everything possible to ensure that we get the highest number of men and women recruited across the country.

“Our Defence Forces personnel perform crucial roles representing Ireland at home and overseas, providing humanitarian assistance and advocating for peace at times of international conflict. They serve our country with distinction in often challenging circumstances. Many of these members are from the north and have had long careers of service.

“I welcome Minister Coveney’s positive response to my suggestion. I look forward to working with the Minister constructively to ensure that this change can be implemented as soon as possible. I have written to the Minister today requesting a timely update on what steps his Department will undertake. I will continue to engage on this issue to ensure that this is enacted without delay.”

The press release issued by Sinn Fein on 10 October 2022.

Sinn Féin MLA Órlaithí Flynn has said an Executive must be formed now to secure funding for a specialised unit for mothers and babies.

The West Belfast MLA said:

“I stood with women and families today in support of their campaign for a specialised unit to support mothers and their babies and help those suffering from severe mental illness during or after pregnancy.

“We need to see the establishment of a properly staffed unit that provides support to people in what can often be a very challenging time.

“Our doctors and nurses need immediate support to deal with the challenges facing health and social care.

“Sinn Féin is ready to form an Executive today to deliver a three-year budget for health and invest an extra £1 billion in health, to tackle waiting lists, to recruit more doctors and nurses, and fund cancer and mental services.”

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

Sinn Féin Leas Uachtarán Michelle O’Neill has extended her condolences to the families of all those who have lost their lives in yesterday’s tragic incident in Creeslough in Co Donegal.

The north’s First Minister Designate said she is shocked and heartbroken at the loss of life and wished all those injured and recovering on hospitals a full recovery.

Speaking after Gardaí confirmed that 10 people have died, including two teenagers and a child of school age, Michelle O’Neill said:

“I am shocked and heartbroken by the sheer scale of the loss of life and injuries following yesterday’s tragic incident in Creeslough in County Donegal.

“My thoughts and prayers are firstly with all those families who have lost a loved one.

“I extend my condolences and my heartfelt sympathy to all those families and friends who have lost a loved one in this awful tragedy.

“For many their grief has been compounded by the long hours of anxious waiting.

“I can only imagine the pain and distress they have been going through.

“I wish all those who have been injured, some seriously, a full recovery.

“I commend the efforts of all those involved in the emergency services north and south, all those local people and others who volunteered to help rescue people who were trapped and to recover the victims.

“I commend also the people of Creeslough and the wider community of Donegal which is already pulling together at this sad time to comfort all those who have lost a loved on or who have suffered as a result of this terrible tragedy.

“Today is a day for grief and mourning, for people to come together in solidarity with those coming to terms with loss and injury.

“The thoughts of people right across this island are with you.”

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

Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has welcomed a High Court ruling on loyalist murders and attacks across South Down which found the state failed to properly investigate and is in breach of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Speaking from the court in Belfast today, the South Down MP said:

“I welcome today’s ruling by the High Court that found the British state has breached Article 2 & 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights on a number of loyalist murders and other attacks.

“The court highlighted flaws in the original investigation, including the failure of the RUC, and latterly the PSNI to properly investigate and share new evidence.

“This is a watershed decision for families in South Down, and further exposes damning levels of collusion between the state and loyalist paramilitaries.

“All of these murders and attacks must now be properly investigated and those responsible brought before the courts.

“I want to commend all the families impacted by this case and their steadfast campaign to access truth and justice.

“They are entitled to justice and proper investigation. This must now proceed without any delay.”

The press release issued by Sinn Fein on 30 September 2022.

Sinn Féin MP John Finucane has said the British government must enter talks in good faith with the EU to find solutions and give certainty to local businesses.

And the North Belfast MP called on British Prime Minister Liz Truss to prioritise restoring the political institutions and stop pandering to the DUP.

Speaking after a preliminary meeting between European Commission vice president Maroš Šefčovič and British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly today, John Finucane said:

“Talks between the EU and British government must resume urgently in good faith to deliver solutions and give certainty to local businesses.

“For seven months now, the Tories have refused to engage, sabre-rattled with reckless threats and carried out solo runs in clear breach of international law.

“The Protocol provides huge opportunities for our economy, and it is helping our businesses to create jobs and attract investment. It must be protected.

“If Liz Truss is serious about restoring the Executive and Assembly, she will stop facilitating the DUP’s destructive and self-serving boycott of government.

“People are struggling, and they are worried about the weeks ahead. That will only get worse when the new gas and electricity bills land on the mat next week.

“None of that is helped by the fact the Tories have done nothing to cut ordinary people’s bills and prioritised lining the pockets of the super-rich with their scandalous budget.

“The refusal of one party to form an Executive is further punishing workers, families and small businesses here, who are struggling to pay their bills and facing a bleak winter.

“Sinn Féin is ready to form an Executive today and get stuck in to help people who are struggling in every community across the north and invest £1 billion in our health service.”