Tag: Sinn Fein

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.”

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

Sinn Féin MLA Conor Murphy has said an Executive must be formed now to ensure people get the £600 energy payment right away.

The former finance minister was speaking ahead of an Assembly recall on Wednesday and called on the DUP to ‘end its boycott’ and form an Executive.

Conor Murphy said:

“It’s deeply concerning and unacceptable that struggling families will not receive the £600 payment before Christmas to help with energy bills.

“We need an Executive formed now and parties working together to ensure people get this payment right away without delay.

“They could and should already have it. The DUP’s cruel boycott of government has held up this payment and left people struggling and worrying about a cold winter with no support.

“Not only have the DUP delayed households from getting this payment, but they also promised and misled people that the payment was coming in November.

“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.

“Sinn Féin will recall the Assembly on Wednesday in another effort to form an Executive and put ministers in place and get this £600 energy payment into people’s pockets.”

The press release issued by Sinn Fein on 2 December 2022.

Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín has said the Department of Health must now get on with commissioning modern and compassionate abortion services for women.

Speaking after the British Secretary of State instructed the Department to begin to commission services, the North Belfast MLA said:

“The British Secretary of State has now instructed the Department of Health to commission abortion services for women in the north.

“Women here have waited long enough for access to the modern and compassionate abortion health services that they are entitled to.

“The refusal to progress these services has failed women who were experiencing the most difficult of circumstances.

“I have listened to women about their personal and tragic stories with many having to travel to England to access services, often alone and with no support. This needs to end.

“The Department of Health must get on with the delivery of these services now and ensure women are fully supported.”

The press release issued by Sinn Fein on 1 December 2022.

Sinn Féin MLA John O’Dowd has said confirmation that people in the north will not receive the £600 energy payment until after Christmas is devastating news for workers and families who are struggling.

The Upper Bann MLA said:

“Confirmation that the £600 payment to help with energy bills will not come to people in the north before Christmas is devastating news for workers and families who are really struggling.

“The Executive received the first funding to make the payment back in February. But the collapse of the Executive that same month by the DUP meant that the money could not be allocated.

“It is even more cruel and disgraceful because people could and should have had the money months ago and not be left worrying about getting through a cold winter.

“The DUP claimed and promised again and again that people could expect their payment in November. This was untrue and gave people who are struggling false hope. That was cruel and heartless.

“Sinn Féin is ready to form an Executive now to get this money out the door and into people’s pockets now.”

The press release issued by Sinn Fein on 1 December 2022.

Sinn Féin MLA Ciara Ferguson has called on the Department of Health and the Western Trust to make securing the future of Shantallow Health centre practice a priority.

The Foyle MLA said:

“I am deeply concerned at reports that Racecourse Practice in Shantallow has handed back its contract for running of GP services.

“We need an urgent solution from the Department of Health and Western Trust with the contract set to run out in six months.

“This is one of the biggest GP practices in the city and is responsible for the care for people in Shantallow and the surrounding areas. It must be protected.

“Our entire health service and health workers are under huge pressure. They need an Executive and a health minister in place taking decisions to tackle the problems.

“Sinn Féin is ready to form an Executive now, to work together with others, and invest an extra £1 billion in our health service to hire more doctors and nurses, tackle waiting lists and fund cancer and mental health services.

“I will be in touch with the Western Trust and the Department for Health for urgent clarity on these reports and to ensure services at this practice are protected.”