Declan Kearney
South Antrim · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“The 'good jobs' Bill is designed to benefit every single worker across this society, regardless of background. It is not anti-business. It is about growing economic productivity and enhancing employment and workers' rights.”
“The rhetoric around proper scrutiny is a complete red herring; it is an attempt by the DUP to run down the clock in relation to the mandate. Why is that? What is the DUP afraid of? Why is it vetoing the 'good jobs' Bill?”
“The fallout from Brexit is a reality that is being felt hard by workers and families across the North daily, and that is illustrated in evidence sessions that we have received in the Economy Committee. In one, we learned that our electricity bills here are now higher as a result of Brexit.”
“Catastrophic, kamikaze economics, politically toxic — there is no other way to describe the Brexit debacle. Yet, 10 years on, those in the Chamber who continue to cheerlead are burying their heads in the sand.”
“The fact is that Brexit has brought a positive focus to the democratic logic of self-determination and constitutional change in Ireland. There is a way to remove the negative and enduring legacy of Brexit. Irish unity provides that option. Therefore, it is time to widen participation in the debate.”
“Minister, do you agree that the discrimination in employment and the political vetting that have been practised in this state for so long, and actively supported by some Members, have no place in today's society, and that appointment to government boards should be open to all sections of society, including such citizens as Peter Lynch?”
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“The parties in the Assembly are responsible for the full and complete implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, including strand two, which is the subject of today's motion. The Good Friday Agreement must not and cannot be subordinated to sectional party or governmental interests.”
“Tá bealach nua, forásach sa reachtaíocht sin le go gcuirfear oibrithe agus a muintir chun feabhais; go mbeidh caighdeáin arda saothair ann; go mbeidh luach saothair is fearr ann; go mbeidh ionaid oibre atá slán sábháilte ann; agus go mbeidh cosaint ann ar gach aon saghas leithcheala san ionad oibre. Capall na nuálaíochta agus an fháis eacnamaíochta ceardchumainn a bhfuil cumas iontu agus oibrithe a bhfuil pá maith agus post buan acu.”
“Tagann gníomh frith-cheardchumainn salach ar an rud atá d’fheidhm orainn mar shochaí agus muid ag leanúint den obair riachtanach le fadhbanna a réiteach. Tá ceardchumainn láidre de dhíth le dul i ngleic leis an phá íseal, dálaí oibre neamhbhuana agus an neamhionannas forleathan idir saibhir agus daibhir sa tsochaí againn. <BR /> <BR />De réir mar a dhéanfar an Bille um chearta fostaíochta/poist mhaithe a chur ar aghaidh sa Tionól, beidh sé de dhualgas ar gach aon Chomhalta a dhícheall a dhéanamh ionas go dtiocfaidh sé de reacht amach go mbeidh ceardchumainn láidre agus cearta láidre cómhargála ann.”
“Tá sochaí faoi chomhtháthú sóisialta agus ceardchumainn láidre fite fuaite lena chéile. Is é sin bunchloch sochaí ina ndéantar na ceardchumainn agus na hoibrithe a chosaint le reachtaíocht agus leis an chomheagrú. Caithfidh sé bheith mar chuspóir príomha polaitíochta ag an Tionól seo ceardchumainn láidre a bheith ann. Tá ceardchumainn riachtanach má táimid le geilleagar a chur ar bun a rachaidh ar biseach do ghnóthaí agus ar bláth do na hoibrithe agus dá muintir. <BR /> <BR />Léirítear i dtaighde de chuid fheachtas Respect at Work agus Ollscoil na Banríona ar na mallaibh go bhfuil gníomh fostóirí in aghaidh na gceardchumann ag méadú ar fud na hÉireann. Maíonn oibrithe go ndéantar leatrom ar ghníomhaithe ceardchumainn agus go gcuireann fostóirí drogall ar oibrithe roimh dhul isteach i gceardchumainn.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as ucht a freagra. A Aire, an dtiocfadh leat amlíne chruinn a thabhairt dúinn maidir leis na trí choimisinéirí a earcú? Lena chois sin, an dtiocfadh leat a léiriú dúinn cá huair a cheapfar na trí choimisinéirí go foirmeálta?”
“<BR /> <BR />There is also a broader point: political leaders must lead by example. All our actions today must be about laying the foundations for the transition to a new constitutional settlement in Ireland that is based on respect, inclusion, pluralism and equality.”
“That is notwithstanding my and my party's republican and anti-imperialist opposition to those same colonial wars and global conflicts, both historically and in more recent times. By attending, she was acknowledging the pain and suffering of all those who have lost their lives, on all sides, in the horror of World War I and during subsequent conflicts. <BR /> <BR />War can never be romanticised or glorified. All wars are terrible. The ongoing genocide in Gaza is a graphic reality of how terrible war is. International humanitarian law, diplomacy and multilateralism must always be paramount. Serving as a First Minister means being a First Minister for unionists, for republicans and for those from neither background. The dead from all traditions, including republican patriot dead, should be afforded the right of respectful commemoration.”
“Sinn Féin leaders have consistently sought to heal divisions through efforts to build trust and foster reconciliation, and that has often meant stepping beyond traditional comfort zones. The participation in yesterday's Remembrance Sunday ceremony by Michelle O'Neill as a First Minister for all, who is also an Irish republican, represents a gesture of respect for those dead from Ireland — and their loved ones — who served in British forces during Britain's wars.”
“Minister, I welcome your Department's efforts to address structural maintenance priorities in my constituency of South Antrim, particularly in a number of rural locations. I remain deeply concerned, however, about the defects in the structural maintenance programme, not only in South Antrim but across the North more generally. To what extent have British Government underfunding and austerity had a direct and immediate impact on your structural maintenance programme?”
“I commend you, Minister, on the depth of your commitment to engaging with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and other social partners, and for your commitment to social dialogue, which is a critical model for how we move forward the development of economic policy in this region. Will you give an assurance that, beyond the consultation and the introduction of the Bill, you will continue to refine that engagement with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and other partners?”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as an fhreagra sin.”
“Tá ceist agam ort, a Aire, maidir leis an dréacht-Bhille atá faoi chomhairliúchán agat i láthair na huaire.”
“Ní líonfar an bhearna sa phá anseo go raibh straitéis againn ar phá chomhionann idir na hinscní agus plean againn leis an straitéis sin a chur chun feidhme. <BR /> <BR />Chomh maith leis sin, ní mór rialacháin a thabhairt isteach ar thuairisciú na bearna pá idir na hinscní ionas go n-éireoidh na comhlachtaí féin ina gcuid de réiteach na faidhbe mar is amhlaidh dóibh é sa chuid eile den oileán seo agus, leoga, sa chuid eile den Eoraip.”
“<BR /> <BR />Níl sé dlite ar chomhlachtaí anseo tuairisc a thabhairt ar an bhearna phá idir na hinscní murab ionann is comhlachtaí sna Sé Chontae is Fiche nó comhlachtaí i Sasain. Mar sin de, má chuireann bean isteach ar phost i Luimneach nó i Learpholl, beidh a fhios aici cad é an bhearna sa luach saothair in aghaidh na huaire a fhaigheann na fir agus na mná sa chomhlacht sin agus an bhearna sna bónais a fhaigheann siad fosta. Má chuireann an bhean chéanna isteach ar an phost chéanna i Latharna, áfach, beidh sí dall ar na difríochtaí sin. <BR /> <BR />Tá Comhaltaí ar gach taobh den Teach ar aon tuairim faoi phá comhionann a thabhairt as obair chomhionann. Ach má tá féin is fadálach an dul chun cinn atá á dhéanamh leis an bhearna phá a chúngú.”
“Bhí an Lá Idirnáisiúnta um Pá Comhionann ann Dé Céadaoin seo caite. Is fada muid ag streachailt le pá comhionann as obair chomhionann a bhaint amach. Mar sin féin is lú an luach saothair a fhaigheann na mná ná na fir go fóill i ngach aon réigiún den domhan. <BR /> <BR />Meastar gur 20% an bhearna phá idir na hinscní ar bhonn domhanda. D’fhógair an Roinn Eacnamaíochta anuraidh go bhfaigheann na mná anseo 7·8% níos lú mar luach saothair ná mar a fhaigheann na fir, beag beann ar an phatrún oibre atá i gceist. Mar sin de, má fhaigheann fear anseo aon phunt amháin as obair a dhéanamh, ní fhaigheann bean anseo ach corradh beag le 92 phingin as an obair chéanna a dhéanamh.”
“Minister, you touched on the conclusion of the review, scheduled for 30 September. To what extent have workers, businesses and the trade union movement been engaged with to maximise their participation? Can you give us a sense of the quality of the responses that have been received?”
“does she concur that the building of Casement Park will not only be hugely beneficial for the provision of other sporting events that could, once it is developed, be hosted there but act as a spur for significant investment in the North and in a generation that greatly needs good, solid, well-paid employment?”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Chéad-Aire as ucht an fhreagra sin.”
“on 8 August, the Assembly was recalled, and we issued a very strong message that we stood firmly against racist violence, intimidation and threat. Does the First Minister agree that we need a political and legislative zero tolerance of all forms of hate crime?”
“I wish Moneyglass GAC all the best of luck that it deserves for the future and the next 75 years to come.”
“The pitch and projected facilities, which will flow from Sunday's opening, will secure the future for generations of young Moneyglass Gaels. Guím gach rath leis an chlub.”
“It is, indeed, the foundation of everything that is best and good about the GAA and for the future.”
“It is integral to the social fabric of the Moneyglass community. The new pitch and facilities at Loughbeg Road are the culmination of many years of diligent planning, hard work and extensive fundraising by the club and all its members right across the nine counties of Ulster and further afield. It was a personal joy to see how much pride older members of the club as well as younger members had on that occasion. It was a wonderful event. <BR /> <BR />Moneyglass GAC is an exemplary model of community volunteerism, the ethos of the GAA. Is é sin bunchloch Chumann Lúthchleas Gael fud fad na hÉireann.”
“The club has been at the heart of Moneyglass for 75 years. Tá sé go hiomlán fite fuaite le saol an phobail áitiúil.”
“I congratulate St Ergnat's GAC Moneyglass on the opening of its new pitch and facilities at Loughbeg Road on Sunday. Céim stairiúil chun tosaigh a bhí ann.”
“We need to take every opportunity to influence positively the position of the British Government, to reset relations with the European Union and to minimise the fallout and disruption that are direct consequences of the imposition of Brexit.”
“The motion would have been stronger and could have been more focused had the text spelt out that the haulage industry here in the North and others face this friction and disruption as a direct consequence of Brexit. Nonetheless, Sinn Féin will support the motion, because it highlights a particular problem facing that industry. <BR /> <BR />Allow me to cut to the chase. It must be a cornerstone of our power-sharing Executive's policy to represent the interests of all sectors, industries, local workers and families. The Executive must be constructively engaged in helping to find solutions to any and all of the issues that arise. Ultimate responsibility, however, rests with the British Government and the European Union, specifically the European Commission, to reach agreement on all outstanding issues.”
“what other Barnett consequentials do you expect our power-sharing Executive to receive?”
“Finally, Kickham's GAC is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, so here is to the next 100 years of promoting Gaelic games, building community and promoting inclusion.”
“To top it off, the weather was absolutely wonderful. Kickhams GAC cannot claim credit for that, but it deserves recognition for being one of the best clubs in Ireland. Admhaím, ar ndóighe, go bhfuil mé rud beag claonta ar an ábhar sin. I admit, of course, to being slightly biased on that point. Mar fhocal scoir, tá Ciceam an Chreagáin ag ceiliúradh 100 bliain ar an saol, agus go máire siad an céad eile.”
“. It creates the space for the most special people in our community to participate, be valued and be the best that they can be in taking part in our national games. Ulster GAA and Kickhams GAC have done amazing work to promote inclusion in our games for children and young people with special and additional needs. I pay huge thanks to both for all their endeavours. <BR /> <BR />The organisation of the programme on Saturday was exemplary, with 23 teams from across Ulster participating. The attention to detail was exceptional, including the provision of a sensory room in the club pavilion. The biggest shout-out, however, must go to the players and the participants. Every one of them is a GAA all-star. I also acknowledge the important role of their parents, guardians and all their clubs that supported them.”
“Last Saturday, the Ulster GAA For All tournament took place at Kickhams GAC Creggan in south Antrim. It was an absolutely brilliant event. GAA For All sums up everything that is best about Cumann Lúthchleas Gael”
“do you believe that we have sufficient resources to deliver this Programme for Government?”
“The Ministers will understand that public services here have been underfunded and below need for a significant number of years as a result of successive decisions by British Governments. The early indications are that the Labour Administration may well be prioritising austerity over the resilience of public services. Is í an cheist atá agam oraibh beirt, mar sin:”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis na hAirí as ucht a ráitis a chur ar fáil an tráthnóna seo.”
“Leag an tAire Eacnamaíochta amach an mhian atá aige Poist Mhaithe a chruthú agus eacnamaíocht a fhorbairt sa Tuaisceart a bhainfeas tairbhe as an acmhainn atá i gcreat Windsor. <BR /> <BR />Má tá clár le bheith ann le Poist Mhaithe a chruthú, ní mór lán-chosaint chearta na n-oibrithe, pá mhaith, cinnteacht phoist agus cearta cinnte ar chomh-mhargáil bheith ina gcuid lárnach de. Tá na cosaintí sin riachtanach má táimid le teaghlaigh rathúla fholláine a chothú in eacnamaíocht bheo bhríomhar. <BR /> <BR />Molaim an tAire as an chúram atá sé a dhéanamh de na tosaíochtaí sin.”
“Cuireann táirgiúlacht ard le brí agus le fuinneamh na heacnamaíochta. <BR /> <BR />Tá an cuspóir sin i gcroílár an chláir oibre atá ag Conor Murphy don fhás eacnamaíochta agus don rathúnas ar fud an Tuaiscirt agus i gcomhthéacs eacnamaíochta uile-oileáin. Tá tábhacht ar leith leis na cosaintí seo do fhostaithe agus dá dteaghlaigh, nó cuireann siad ar chumas fostaithe aghaidh a thabhairt ar chúrsaí tábhachtacha teaghlaigh ar a éascaíocht. Lena chois sin, cuidíonn na cosaintí le fostaithe sásamh a bhaint as a gcuid oibre, agus cuireann siad le dea-bhraistint na bhfostaithe. <BR /> <BR />Má bhíonn oibrithe sona sásta, beidh siad táirgiúil, agus is treise agus is cothroime don eacnamaíocht nuair a dhéantar cearta na n-oibrithe a chosaint mar is ceart.”
“Tacaím leis na rialacháin seo le cearta oibrithe a chosaint agus le buíochas a thabhairt don Aire Eacnamaíochta, Conor Murphy, as an obair thábhachtach sin a chur chun cinn. <BR /> <BR />Cosnaíonn na rialacháin oibrithe ar fud an Tuaiscirt ar an éiginnteacht fostaíochta a chruthaigh Breatimeacht. Cosnaíonn siad cearta na n-oibrithe chun saoire bliantúla le pá; an ceart saoire bhliantúil, saoire mháithreachais agus saoire aithreachais a thabhairt ar aghaidh; saoire uchtaithe; agus cúiteamh bainteach le teidlíocht ar bith ar shaoire bhliantúil. <BR /> <BR />Is iomaí buntáiste don fhostaitheoir agus don fhostaí a thig ó bheith ag cosaint chearta na n-oibrithe chun saoire le pá. Ó thaobh an fhostaitheora de, cuidíonn sé le saineolas agus le scileanna a choinneáil, agus ardaíonn sé táirgiúlacht sa lucht saothair.”
“Not only is Lough Neagh the largest fresh water body on the island of Ireland, but, as you know, it provides 40% of this region's drinking water. It is also integral to the environment, biodiversity, the economy of the lough shore community and the adjoining waterways. Can you set out for us the steps that you are prepared to take and are committed to taking to build on the discussions on Lough Neagh at the last NSMC meeting?”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an leas-Chéad-Aire as ucht a freagra.”
“This Netanyahu Government have put themselves beyond all accepted international and diplomatic legal norms, and they must be totally isolated.”
“The moral courage of South Africa at the ICJ has been a catalyst for turning world popular opinion. Other states in Europe will now follow Ireland's lead, but more must be done to maximise international pressure. Comprehensive political and economic sanctions must be applied, and arms embargoes must be imposed. International law must be actively enforced against Netanyahu's Government. <BR /> <BR />Every citizen, business, community group and public body can play a part by using legitimate boycott and divestment policies against Israel's war economy. Every single opportunity must be used to demand a permanent ceasefire, a complete withdrawal of all Israeli forces from Gaza and the West Bank, unimpeded humanitarian access into the Gaza Strip and an end to settler colonial expansions.”
“The Western Governments that have refused to stop arming and funding that murder machine are complicit in the massacre. Sunday's atrocity was the action of an Administration that is out of control. It is beyond the pale of humanity. The denial of Palestinian national and human rights is, however, now centre stage.”
“Today, Dáil Éireann finally recognises the state of Palestine. Whilst it happens 10 years after an Dáil unanimously adopted a Sinn Féin motion to do so, it is a hugely significant occasion. The right to Palestinian self-determination, sovereignty and statehood, which has now been affirmed by the Norwegian, Irish and Spanish states, stands in defiance of Israel's apartheid system in, and occupation of, Palestine. <BR /> <BR />This is day 235 of Netanyahu's genocidal war in Gaza. On Sunday night, a fireball caused by Israeli missiles fired at tents in Rafah, incinerating over 45 displaced Palestinians alive and decapitating children, was an unparalleled atrocity. It was Israel's latest response to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) order for an end to the slaughter in Gaza and the announcements by Ireland, Spain and Norway.”
“Those are the conditions for younger doctors who regularly work far beyond their rostered shifts, many of whom are rearing young families of their own. Leaving junior doctors to work long shifts — many at night, with inappropriate spaces to take a break, have a rest, get something to eat and get a wash — is putting them in an impossible situation. Junior doctors deserve better. <BR /> <BR />Just like nurses and other healthcare service staff, junior doctors are absolutely central to the sustainability of our healthcare system. The need for the Department of Health to fully engage with them and find acceptable resolutions to this dispute is non-negotiable. It is time for those doctors to be valued and respected and for them to receive fair pay.”
“They are demanding that they are given parity with their counterparts in other regions and that their pay reflects those similar arrangements. <BR /> <BR />Others are choosing to leave the healthcare system entirely and emigrate to other jurisdictions, where they will be valued for being the highly skilled and highly trained professionals that they are. Failure to deliver fair pay and tolerable working conditions for our doctors will make retention impossible. We are losing highly trained medical professionals to other places and jurisdictions where they are being treated with respect, decency and fairness. <BR /> <BR />In my meetings with junior doctors, including on their picket lines, I have listened to their experiences of a lack of rest periods and a lack of access to even basic showering and washing facilities.”
“To cut to the chase, I call on the Department of Health to urgently resolve the junior doctors' pay dispute. It is also critical that the poor working conditions endured by so many of our junior doctors are comprehensively addressed at the same time. <BR /> <BR />Junior doctors play a vital role in the North's healthcare system, a system that is already suffering with very significant workforce planning stresses and pressures. The planned strikes by our junior doctors this week are a stark reminder of how reliant we are upon those essential workers in our hospital and clinical care settings. Our junior doctors correctly believe that they are undervalued, underpaid and overworked. As a result, they have been forced onto picket lines for fair pay and equal treatment.”
“Labhróidh mé i bhfách leis an rún. Tacaíonn Sinn Féin go huile agus go hiomlán le héilimh na ndochtúirí sóisearacha. <BR /> <BR />Le blianta beaga anuas, tá pá agus coinníollacha oibre na ndochtúirí seo ag gabháil in olcas. Ní hé amháin gur acmhainní daonna riachtanacha iad na dochtúirí sóisearacha; is iad croílár fheidhmiú an chórais sláinte. Mar sin de, ní mór teacht ar réiteach cuimsitheach ar an chás seo gan a thuilleadh moille agus mar thosaíocht éigeandála.”
“<BR /> <BR />We need to constructively manage identity, culture and tradition, which continue to cause division. However, when appropriate lawful authority and means of enforcement do not exist, they need to be put in place. For our part, we in Sinn Féin are committed to real delivery on how to deal with flags, identity, culture and tradition. I want to see an inclusive, welcoming, multicultural society in the North that has anti-sectarianism at its core. That is the message that must constantly echo from these institutions. That is the obligation that power-sharing places on all of us, and that is what positive political leadership must be about.”
“It will require categoric legal authority, cross-departmental coordination and for agencies such as the police to meet their statutory responsibilities. <BR /> <BR />It is not good enough for legal lacunae to be used as an excuse to pass the parcel. Relying on the same approaches guarantees only the same outcomes. The Member who spoke at the beginning of the debate must have been reading my mind when she suggested that, in the absence of movement by the Executive Office, she would seek leave to carry forward a consultation for a private Member's Bill. I was going to make the same point. I will happily cooperate with you on that approach, Paula, if we are compelled to do so. That may well be the requirement that is placed upon us if there is no change.”