Low income families deserve Christmas clarity in #budget17

Posted on September 28, 2016

Labour Party leader and Wexford TD, Brendan Howlin, has called on the Government to provide clarity on whether or not the Christmas Bonus will be paid this year. The payment was partially restored over the last two years, with a 75% Christmas Bonus paid to all social welfare recipients last year. However in his response to Deputy Howlin in the Dáil today, the Taoiseach wouldn't confirm if the payment would go ahead this year.

Low income families deserve Christmas clarity - @BrendanHowlin #Dáil https://t.co/kzFGQGjoMW pic.twitter.com/mHmIas6Mxp

— The Labour Party (@labour) September 28, 2016

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Will #Budget17 see a focus on Early Years Education?

Posted on September 27, 2016

Today during Leaders' Questions in the Dáil, our Spokesperson on Children and Youth Affairs Jan O'Sullivan asked the Taoiseach if#Budget17 will see a focus on Early Years Education. Deputy O'Sullivan asked the Taoiseach what options are on the table in regard to Early Years Education and if those working in the sector can expect to see any increases in their pay. 

Permanent link | Categories: Children • Jan OSullivan • Leaders Questions

The Taoiseach is losing his authority both on #Brexit and within his own cabinet-Brendan Howlin

Posted on July 05, 2016

Today during Leaders' Questions Party Leader Brendan Howlin said that the Taoiseach is losing his authority after his idea for an All-Island Forum was publicly slapped down by First Minister Arlene Foster.

Deputy Howlin criticised the Government for their divided position on the Fatak Foetal Abnormalities Bill being voted on in the Dáil this week.

Permanent link | Categories: Brendan Howlin • Leaders Questions • Brexit

Has the Oireachtas ever been asked by Government to legislate contrary to European law?

Posted on June 28, 2016

Today during Leaders' Questions our Party Leader Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste if Water Services Bill going through the Dáil this week is unconstitutional and against EU law.

Deputy Howlin outlined his concerns that the Government was now asking the Oireachtas to pass law that is contrary to European Law and if the passing of the Water Services Bill - essentially suspending water charges would leave us open to a massive legal challenge from the European Commission?

Our country may be exposed to legal action from European Commission - we need to be clear if Government is going to allow this to happen -BH

— The Labour Party (@labour) June 28, 2016

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Permanent link | Categories: Brendan Howlin • Leaders Questions

This Government must prioritise investment in public services and infrastructure - Deputy Brendan Howlin

Posted on June 21, 2016

Today during Leaders' Questions, Party Leader Brendan Howlin  made the case in the Dáil for the Government  to increase capital spending rather than establish a rainy day fund.

According to reports in todays' newspapers the Government plans to establish a rainy day fund. Deputy Howlin argued the point that instead of establishing a rainy day fund it is now the time to invest in vital public services and infrastructure such as healthcare, broadband, education and childcare.

Deputy Howlin criticised the Government for going over the head of the new Budgetary Committee by setting the parameters of Budget 2017 without consultation.

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We must do more for women affected by domestic abuse

Posted on June 15, 2016

Today during Leaders' Questions Party Leader Brendan Howlin brought up the harrowing statistics of violent abuse against women in Women's Aid 2015 Report. Deputy Howlin called on the Taoiseach to enact legislation to protect women against domestic violence and called on the Dáil to do more than just debate the Report and set up a 24/7 helpline for women affected by domestic abuse to receive support.

Permanent link | Categories: Justice • Brendan Howlin • Leaders Questions

We need an All-Party Pledge to tackle crime and inequality in North Inner City Dublin

Posted on June 09, 2016

Today during Leaders' Questions Brendan Howlin called on the Government to to establish a robust task force dedicated to tackling crime and deprivation in Dublin’s North Inner City. 

Deputy Howlin stressed that it is essential the task force carries real weight and has a cross government department approach in tackling the root causes of crime and deprivation. It must include representation from the North Inner City community. The people who understand most the problems in the area are the people who live and work in the community. 

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Leaders' Questions - October 2nd 2014

Posted on October 02, 2014

Today's Leaders' Questions in the Dáil were taken by the Tánaiste and Leader of the Labour Party Joan Burton TD. Today's debate saw questions on state board appointments process, and the economic recovery. 

You can watch the entire debate back from the video. If you're on Twitter, do follow Labour to keep up-to-date with all the latest news from the party. 

Permanent link | Comments | Categories: Leaders Questions • Joan Burton

Leaders' Questions, March 11th 2014

Posted on March 11, 2014

Leaders' Questions this afternoon was led by the Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore and saw debate on lobbying, Northern Ireland and tax. You can watch the entire debate back from the video.

If you're on Twitter follow Eamon Gilmore and the Labour Party. You can also follow members of our PLP from this list and our candidates in the forthcoming Local Elections from this list.

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Leaders' Questions - February 13th 2014

Posted on February 13, 2014

Leaders' Questions was led by the Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore today and the issues raised were the Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission and apprentices. You can watch the entire debate back from the video. 

If you're on Twitter follow Eamon Gilmore and the Labour Party. You can also follow members of our PLP from this list and our candidates in the forthcoming Local Elections from this list.

Permanent link | Comments | Categories: Leaders Questions