If & when someone is charged with the killing of Josh Dunne we will no longer be able to publicise Josh’s name because of the current application of s.252 of the Children Act. That law needs to be amended urgently so that child victims such as Josh are not erased from our memory.
Every politician knows it’s wrong for a minister to send a government document with “Confidential Not For Circulation” printed in big letters on its front page to someone not authorised to receive it. Let’s not demean ourselves by pretending otherwise.
We now have scientific evidence that there is a very reduced risk of
#COVID
transmission outdoors. We need to follow this science by permitting outdoor sports and activities.
Today is a great day for the Ryan family who have served this country with distinction and achievement for over 100 years. Dr James Ryan was the chief medical officer for the Irish volunteers in the GPO in 1916. His great grandson
@JamesRyan126
captains Ireland today.
#ENGvIRE
The decision to stop Dail business for a week because of concern about 1 cabinet Min is not proportionate. Min.Donnelly&his close contacts should be tested. Jr Min should deal with Gov business. Governance of the country can’t come to a standstill because of 1 suspected outbreak.
100 years ago Northern Ireland was designed to ensure it would always be under unionist control.
That design has now disappeared. The
#GoodFridayAgreement
means that no one political viewpoint can dominate it in the same way as unionism dominated it in its first 75 years.
#AE22
When there’s a border poll let’s ensure it’s not a sectarian headcount but instead a respectful debate on what’s in best interests of N Irl and the island. There’ll be a strong pro union case, so those of us who support unity must meet the challenge with creativity & inclusivity.
We shd be careful about new restrictions. Figures may fall but they will inevitably rise again. We’ll then be back in same position. Also, can we please ensure that children are allowed to continue to play sport. We can’t keep damaging their lives and not expect repercussions.
Had we not amended the Children Act we would not be allowed to read today about Conor, Darragh & Carla McGinley. Thank you Andrew for all your support and encouragement in getting the law changed and preserving the memory of all unlawfully killed children.
It is outrageous that an Irish registered airline was diverted by a dictator so that he could seize a political opponent. This action requires a response and the
#ICAO
needs to question whether Minsk and other Belarusian airports can continue to retain international status.
I’ve asked the courts service to close all courts. It’s inappropriate and unsafe to require large amounts of people to assemble in compact courtrooms for lengthy periods of time. All proceedings should be adjourned.
#COVID19
There is a serious and specific allegation in
@VillageMagIRE
about the disclosure of a confidential government document. The Tánaiste should make a statement responding to the allegation and clarifying the situation.
The AIB debacle shows Govt needs to put public interest directors back on the AIB board to represent the state’s 70% shareholding.
The current board - with many members who are not resident in Ireland - appears unaware of the needs of its customers.
Just received a call from
@dfatirl
telling me that I’m one of the 52 Irish politicians banned from travelling to Russia.
I’m delighted that my support of Ukraine has been given such recognition.
We need a very speedy rollout of the vaccines to respond to this emergency. It needs to be done with industrial efficiency. Our lives, health, livelihoods and enjoyment depend on it. Vaccination is our way out of the pandemic and the unsustainable cycle of lockdowns.
#StaySafe
Covid, heart disease, cancer, COPD, stroke and mental illness are all dangerous diseases affected by human behaviour. If we continue to concentrate exclusively on Covid we will end up minimising or ignoring these other serious public health risks
#staysafe
Irrespective of your views about his article, it is disgraceful that Dr Martin Feeley was forced by
@HSElive
to resign from his job because he expressed a dissenting opinion.
#staysafe
How this country responds to Covid is a political question that should be answered by weighing up the current and future threat posed by Covid against the current and future threat posed by the restrictions. We can’t answer that question by only considering Covid.
An attack upon a member of the Gardaí is an attack upon the whole community. Such acts of violence cannot be tolerated and those responsible must be brought to justice. We all need to stand up to these acts of violence and intimidation.
I support the proposal of
@PaulTreyvaud
to allow all restaurants to reopen on the same day that hotel restaurants reopen. We can see from the UK that vaccination enables the safe reopening of hospitality. All restaurants should be treated the same.
#ThePlan
UK law, Irish law & the GFA are very clear about what is required for a change in the status of NI. If the majority of people in NI and ROI favour unity it shall occur. Statement by
@SteveBakerHW
that there should be a supermajority for a United Ireland is contrary to the NI Act.
If we want an outdoor summer we need to address this contradiction and make sure that bars and restaurants can continue to serve outside. If the law needs to be changed then that should be done quickly.
I want to pay tribute to
@defenceforces
members from our local 7th Inf Bn at Cathal Brugha Barracks, Rathmines, for operating the
#AvivaStadium
#Covid19
Test Centre for the past 10 months. We must not forget their service when this pandemic has passed.
To reduce violence against women & girls we need to stop the online proliferation of porn. ISPs should be required by law to stop porn being accessed by children. The presentation of women as submissive sexual objects threatens their safety.
#ReclaimTheseStreets
At times like this we should remember the
@WHO
definition of health:
“Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” There is more to health than Covid.
Today’s
#BrexitDeal
confirms that Brexit has created a new border down the Irish Sea between both islands. All of us on the island of Ireland now have an even greater responsibility to achieve more economic, social and political cooperation between all the people on this island.
I will be introducing this Bill to amend the Children Act so that all adults charged with the murder or manslaughter of children can be identified. If the law is not changed those adults cannot, in the majority of cases, be identified
@fiannafailparty
I’m very sorry to hear the news about Jerry Kiernan. Although he went on to be an Olympian I’ll always remember him as my National school teacher. He had a great influence on me and was an inspiration to all the children he taught.
Kevin Barry was hanged 100 years ago this morning in Mountjoy jail. His execution at 18 provoked huge indignation but inspired the cause of Irish independence.
Ireland lost a giant statesman today. John Hume was a leader of nationalist Ireland in the same league as O’Connell, Parnell and de Valera. He represented nationalist Ireland using peaceful means. Others followed his lead.
I’m delighted to be appointed as director of elections for
@fiannafailparty
in the forthcoming by-election. I believe the party in DBS will put up a strong performance behind our candidate. My first priority now is to organise a convention for the selection of that candidate.
This
@DCU
study confirms the benefits of teenagers playing sport. Level 3 restrictions should permit them to play matches. The benefits of sport shouldn’t be limited to elite sportspeople.
#letkidsplaysport
I’ve an article in today’s
@businessposthq
about the negative impact lockdowns are having on young people and how we can’t continue to burden them with guilt-laden restrictions.
I was very sorry to hear of the death of Kathleen Reynolds. I had the pleasure of meeting her on a number of occasions and she was a wonderfully warm woman. Kathleen and her beloved husband Albert lived great lives of which their family and friends can be very proud.
☘️ Environmental emergency in the Amazon
☘️ Keep the Amazon green this
#StPatricksDay
☘️ Like & share to support my campaign to impose UN trade sanctions to stop the burning of the Amazon rainforest
@fiannafailparty
I’m very sorry to hear of the death of my colleague Paul Anthony McDermott. He was an outstanding barrister, an entertaining lecturer and an incisive commentator. His death at such a young age is a tragedy for everyone who knew him, but particularly his wife and young children.
The
@hselive
#ransomware
attack highlights why
@defenceforces
must be at heart of national
#cybersecurity
. These attacks are all too frequent, esp in the private sector. Attacks on both public + private IT systems requires a coordinated national intelligence + security response.
Here’s another consequence of excessive COVID restrictions.
@DublinZoo
is a mainly outdoor facility where visitors can socially distance. Let’s save this wonderful Dublin institution.
#savedublinzoo
We are now beginning to see more of the consequences of lockdowns in Ireland. This astonishing increase in domestic violence against women must be taken into account whenever we impose or continue covid restrictions.
I am shocked to hear the devastating news that a detective Garda was brutally killed last night whilst on duty defending our community. My heartfelt sympathies go out to his family, colleagues and friends at this very difficult time.
Today’s news about
#KBC
confirms that we need a Commission on the future of banking in Ireland. Banks are central to the development of our communities and economy. We need a national strategy that makes the Irish market more attractive whilst also protecting the branch network.
I’ll be reintroducing my
Offensive Weapons Bill that will increase the maximum sentence for carrying a knife with intent to cause harm. Our communities and young people deserve this protection as part of our response to knife crime.
I believe these plans put forward by
@leinsterrugby
will provide a mechanism for the safe return of spectators to all types of sporting events. They will also help to return audiences to cultural and artistic events so that we can get theatres and concerts operating again.
#LeinsterRugby
have submitted, with
@IrishRugby
approval, detailed plans to Government for a test event, to assess the use of rapid antigen testing for the safe return of spectators to matches at the RDS Arena.
Read more:
I spoke
@OireachtasNews
last week about the danger of Irish politics becoming extremely polarised like the politics of Britain and America. Have a look.
.
@GardaTraffic
serve us all by enforcing laws made by the oireachtas. They should be supported not attacked. Violence is not acceptable when trying to make a political point in a democracy.
This is terrible news about a building that was to be used as a family hub for homeless people.
Thanks to
@DubFireBrigade
for ensuring no one in Ringsend was hurt.
Survivors of
#motherandbabyhomes
deserve action by the State. They should promptly be given access to their personal data incl birth certs. We need a national archive for this. Those adopted abroad should have citizenship restored. The NACPR should be put on a statutory basis.
I wish my former constituency colleague
@MurphyEoghan
all the best in his future career and I thank him for his service to the people of Dublin Bay South.
It’s been a long time since FG were the party of law & order. You’ve done nothing to strengthen our laws to combat gangland crime. You’ve failed to keep our communities safe. The people deserve a gov that will stand up for them against gangland bosses. Our communities need change
Fine Gael is the party of law and order. We believe that government should be tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime. To find out more, visit
#LookForward
I’m delighted that the government is considering buying the rights to this book. It recounts in detail the 3,700 people who were killed during the troubles. It is a real and non-contentious monument to all those who died.
Donal O’Donnell deserves to be Chief Justice on merit and ability. But it is also very significant and important that in this year, the centenary of partition, a Belfast man has been nominated to our highest judicial office.
We all understand that political issues are driving communities further apart in the north, but burning buses and threatening essential workers won’t change anything. Dialogue is the only way forward. Community leaders, local politicians and both Govts must show the way forward.
Congratulations
@HMcEntee
on your great news. The failure of the oireachtas to provide maternity leave for women is now embarrassing. It’s time to enact the Maternity Protection Bill introduced by
@NiamhSmythTD
&
@AnneRabbitte
From today, I will be taking time out from all of my work commitments to be with my family.
I would like to thank everyone for their support, understanding and respect for my family’s privacy and would wish that to continue.
Continue to stay vigilant and look after each other.
Congratulations President Elect
@JoeBiden
. You ran a great campaign. Lots of people in Ireland are very proud of what you’ve achieved. It will be great to have a President who was inspired by John Hume and is so committed to the Good Friday Agreement.
I’ve an article in today’s
@businessposthq
about the danger of polarising Irish politics in the same way as UK and US politics. That is why
@fiannafailparty
needs to be a strong centre-left national party.
Along with
@JenMurnaneOConn
I will introduce in the Dáil today a Bill to amend the Children Act so children who have been killed can be named after an accused is charged. For the sake of their families and society we can’t allow murdered children to be erased from our memory.
I would appreciate your support and Number 1 vote tomorrow. It would be an honour and privilege to continue to serve the constituency of Dublin Bay South.
I will be raising in the Dail today with the Min for Foreign Affairs today’s statement by the UK Govt that it will introduce legislation that “breaks international law in a very specific and limited way.“
We must neither tolerate nor appease such breathtaking lawlessness.
Thomas Kinsella’s poem reminds us of the brutality of
#BloodySunday
.
#bloodysunday50
It must not be forgotten and the families of those murdered deserve our ongoing support.
I am very sorry to hear of the death of Gerard Brady, former FFTD in my constituency. Gerard had a very distinguished career in politics &, along with his family, made a huge contribution to Ireland and
@fiannafailparty
My condolences to Antoinette, his children & all his family.
Terrible to hear the sad news that Noel Whelan has died. He was a very shrewd political commentator and activist who played a huge role in recent referenda. He was a wonderful friend to so many people. My thoughts are with Sinead and Seamus.
Today was an important day in combating crime in our capital city. Government has opened a new Garda station on O’Connell Street that will provide greater security for residents, workers and tourists.
#SaferForAll
#Dublin
#OConnellStreet
This eve
@fiannafailparty
is bringing forward a Private Members motion calling upon this gov to recognise the dangers facing Irish
#cyclists
& the need to take drastic action to make roads safer. I look forward to making my contribution & welcoming fellow
#cyclists
to the Dáil.
A United Ireland should be built on a number of fundamental principles that will guarantee equality and respect for all.
There is an obligation on those who espouse unity to promote and emphasise those principles.
#TogetherWeCan
@fiannafailparty
@IrelandsFuture
For two years Richard O’Halloran has been prevented from leaving China. I mentioned his plight yesterday to the Taoiseach and I know that our government is working tirelessly to secure his release so he can rejoin his family in Ireland.
#FreeRichardOHalloran
Great article by
@KeithDugganIT
about the damage being done to children who aren’t allowed play sport. Exercise & sport are essential for a child’s development. We need to get them back playing sport as otherwise we’ll create another public health crisis.
JFK said Ireland led by Seán Lemass had “undergone an economic & industrial revolution, transforming the face of this land. You have modernised your economy, harnessed your rivers, diversified your industry, liberalised your trade & improved the living standard of your people.”
There was a brutal attack near Pearse Street today between rival drugs gangs. People in the locality are traumatised. I will be calling on
@gardainfo
to put in more resources to protect the local community from this thuggery.
Terence MacSwiney died for Ireland on hunger strike 100 years ago today. His sacrifice inspired not just the struggle for Irish independence but also nationalist movements throughout the world. Le Martyr Irlandais.
I had a very good meeting this morning with
@HMcEntee
and
@SenatorMcDowell
about bringing forward legislation to amend s. 252 Children Act that prevents the naming of children who’ve been killed. We’re all committed to changing this provision.
I was shocked to hear of the death of my former
@leinsterrugby
team mate Gary Halpin. He was a great prop and an outstanding athlete. He was also great fun and provided non stop entertainment. My condolences to his family and friends.
Great performance by Waterford
@CrokePark
. Hopefully, the GAA will permit all squad players to attend the final. It’s unfair and unnecessary to deprive players who have trained with their team all year from attending the final.
#GAA
Just got great news from
@NormaFoleyTD1
that the department has approved the building of a new national school in the Dublin 2/4 area. Duirt si liom go mbeidh an scoil nua ina Gaelscoil. Go hiontach!
I was very honoured to be asked by
@fiannafailparty
in Dublin Bay South to lay a wreath this morning at Beggars Bush Barracks in honour of Erskine Childers who was executed here 100 years ago today.
I was very sorry to hear of the death of Ben Briscoe. He was a hugely significant figure in Fianna Fáil and served his constituents as a TD for 37 years. People in the constituency still speak very fondly of him.
Dr. Brian Hillery was a wonderful man who made a huge contribution to the country through his work in politics & academia. He was of great support to me. The memory of his wonderful life will help his wife Miriam & family get through this difficult time.
Revealed: More than three-quarters of Fianna Fáil’s 22 spokespersons have failed to produce a single detailed policy paper since the formation of the current government.
#RecklessFF
Read more:
When people make an emergency 999 call they need immediate help. We need a detailed explanation from
@gardainfo
why these calls were “cancelled”, and an assurance that calls from victims of crime, especially victims of domestic violence, will be heard.