Haiti January 2010

Labour Women Raise Funds for Women's Shelter In Haiti

Labour Women is supporting the Unifem (UN organisation working to build the lives of women in developing countries) Haiti Appeal. The appeal, which aims to raise $2m, will play a vital role in providing shelter for women and children in Haiti fleeing violence. For more information click here

Major Reform of Horse And Greyhound Industry Proposed

An innovative proposal to tax offshore betting operations and use the money to reduce direct State support to the horse and greyhound industry was unveiled by Arts, Sport and Tourism spokesperson Mary Upton, TD in January. To access the document, Raising The Stakes, click here.

Government Votes Down Labour Bill To Restore Powers of Oireachtas Committees

On Wednesday 17 February the increasingly ramshackle FF/Green Government voted down Labour's proposals to restore the power of inquiry to Oireachtas Committees. The legislation, introduced by Pat Rabittee, TD, said, 'only a Government hostile to the proper functioning of Parliament can credibly oppose this Bill.' True to form the Government did! To read the closing stages of the Dáil debate, with contributions from Eamon Gilmore, Joan Burton, Michael D. Higgins, Joanna Tuffy and Pat Rabbitte click here.

Labour Takes The Lead In Fight Against 'Head Shops'

Legislation to curb the explosion of 'head shops' throughout the country was introduced in the Dáil by Joe Costello, TD, in February. Labour supports measures to outlaw the dangerous products sold in these shops, however this may take some months to finalise. In the meantime Labour's legislation will strengthen the planning laws and curb the spread of these outlets. Click here for more information.

PES Campaign For Financial Regulation

The Party of European Socialists (PES) is leading a pan-European campaign for the introduction of a financial transaction tax (or "Tobin Tax") of 0.05% of the value of the billions of euro worth of speculative financial transactions that take place every year. If implemented today, a global financial transactions tax could generate revenues of €200 billion in Europe alone, which we could use to support our public services, manage the transition to a low-carbon world and drive investment in our economies. The PES is holding a "European Day of Action" for a financial transaction tax on Saturday 24th April with events taking place across Europe, including in Ireland. PES activists Dublin, a network that brings together Labour Party members and members of PES parties living in Dublin and Leinster, will be involved in the event. See here for more info on PES activists Dublin.

Alan Kelly Wins Again!

You no doubt remember Alan Kelly's election rap video that became a youtube sensation during the Euro campaign - if you need to refresh your memory just click here. Well congratulations to Alan, rapper Garry McCarthy (aka GMC) and Cork band State of Jay who picked up a bronze ward at the Irish Digital Awards in February. More online trophies may well be coming Labour's way as five Labour bloggers, Joan Burton, Joanna Tuffy, Dominic Hannigan, Cllr. Seamus Ryan and Cllr. Killian Forde are in the running for Best Blog by a Politician at the forthcoming Irish blog awards. Good luck folks!