Labour Press Office - Press Releases - Full Text

Stability Treaty opponents demonising of EU Court reveals anti-EU agenda

Sat, 26 May 2012 13:47:00 GMT

Dublin Labour MEP Emer Costello has said that the demonising of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in the referendum campaign, a body that has delivered many progressive rulings especially for women and workers down through the years, reveals a fundamentalist anti-EU agenda by many on the No side.

"For example Sinn Fein have repeatedly claimed that the Stability Treaty would "for the first time ever" allow the ECJ to impose fines on Ireland if we fail to meet its budgetary targets.

This simply isn't true. The independent Referendum Commission has confirmed that the ECJ's role under the Treaty is limited to adjudicating at the request of one or more signatory states whether another signatory state has lived up to its commitment to enact certain fiscal targets, of wider benefit to all Eurozone members, into its national laws, and at the request of those states, to ultimately fine the 'offending' state up to 0.1% of its GDP if it continues to renege on its commitments. The ECJ's powers here are actually the same as the powers it has had under the Nice Treaty since 2002 (now Art.260, TFEU).

I think it is telling that the opponents of the Stability Treaty would seek to misrepresent the ECJ's role and to try to portray it as a institution that is inimically hostile to the interests of the Irish people, that if they vote yes, they will give it the power to impose punitive fines on Ireland if we fail to pursue 'permanent austerity. This is not only is a travesty of the truth, but also reveals a fundamentalist anti-EU agenda.

The ECJ's rule under the EU treaties is simply to remind the Member States what they've committed to. And the ECJ has again and again delivered very progressive rulings that have vindicated the rights of Irish citizens under these treaties and EU law, especially women in relation to equal pay and non-discrimination, workers in relation to equal treatment in the workplace and health and safety, and of Irish society in general to a better environment.

Despite all the protestations about believing that 'Ireland's place is in Europe", the fact is that many on the No side are fundamentally opposed to Ireland sharing its sovereignty with our European partners. They argue that sovereignty should only be vested in the nation-state and therefore oppose and are willing to demonise supra-national bodies such as the ECJ.

It has been in Ireland's interests that the ECJ has been able to ensure that all Member States abide by the agreed EU rules, whether that be in guaranteeing equal access to the single market or ensuring that other governments do not provide unfair subsidies to private firms.

The Stability Treaty would enable to continue to protect Irish interests by giving it the right to ensure all its signatory states live up to their commitments to make sure the Euro works for all of its members.

The Treaty's opponents demonising of the ECJ reflects not their opposition to the Stability Treaty but their knee-jerk hostility to the EU.

30 new Delcath jobs the first of many for Galway - Nolan

Fri, 25 May 2012 14:53:00 GMT

Labour T.D. for Galway West, Derek Nolan has said today's announcement that 30 jobs will be created by Delcath Systems in Galway paves the way for a significant manufacturing and services hub for the company in Galway. The announcement was made today by Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore at the company's facility in Mervue.

"Delcath are currently establishing their EU headquarters in Galway with 30 jobs announced. Today, the Tánaiste and I met with CEO Eamonn Hobbs and it is clear that this announcement is the first stage of a much larger plan for Galway.

"Delcath's new product, an innovative way of treating liver cancer has accreditation worldwide, except for the USA where the application is still being processed. That means that Galway will not only be the EU hub, but the worldwide hub exporting to markets like Canada and Australia.

"The exciting potential is that as the facility develops in Galway, it is anticipated to move greater manufacturing jobs to the Galway plant. This will provide a broad array of jobs from medical, engineering, administration and manufacturing. It is also hoped that this innovative approach to cancer treatment can be expanded to organs other than the liver and that these products can be developed in Galway. The long term commitment to Galway offers huge potential for medium and long term significant job creation.

"The Tánaiste has taken a great personal interest in this company, having visited their New York headquarters last year. He insisted that any support he could offer to the company would be forthcoming and fullsome.

"Galway has seen in excess of 1200 jobs announced so far this year, surging ahead of the national average. The IDA have calculated that for every 10 jobs directly created, 7 follow in the local domestic economy. While unemployment remains too high in Galway, these announcements show that Galway has a real and bright future as a location for investment which in turn helps local businesses."

Mortgage arrears rate shows need for PTSB to cut high intereste rates - Humphreys

Fri, 25 May 2012 12:52:00 GMT

The figures from the Central Bank today showing that over 10% of mortgage holders are in arrears of 90 days or more shows clearly the need for Permanent TSB to cut the high standard variable rate (SVR) of interest that it is charging to mortgage customers.

At the bank AGM during the week, customers described themselves as being 'prisoners' of the bank, which has not passed on ECB rate cuts. This has left customers struggling to pay high interest bills, on what are otherwise sustainable loans.

Following my request at the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform this week, it was decided that the Chief Executive Officer of Permanent TSB, Jeremy Masding will be invited to appear at a future meeting to discuss this issue, as part of the Banking module.
This has been an on-going concern for some time. Some mortgage holders have seen their rates nearly double since 2009 whilst the ECB rate has declined in the same period from 1.5% to 1%. PTSB has over €22 billion of loss making tracker mortgages so it would appear it is using its SVR loan book to cover these loses.

Whilst a 0.5% rate reduction was recently passed onto SVR owner occupiers, other mortgage holders in PTSB have not seen their rates reduced.
It makes little sense that a state supported bank is charging such high interest rates that is making borrower repayments unviable, even when the mortgage holder is committed to repaying the loan.

It is a self-defeating exercise if in the process of trying to return to profit, the bank makes its non-tracker loan book unviable.

McCarthy welcomes creation of 140 jobs in seafood companies

Fri, 25 May 2012 12:11:00 GMT

Labour TD for Cork South-West Michael McCarthy has welcomed the announcement that 140 jobs are to be created as a result of a €15.5 million investment in Irish seafood processing companies.

"Today is a good day for the Irish fishing and seafood industries. The decision by 21 companies to invest €15.5 million in the industry indicates a growing confidence in the Irish seafood sector and underlines its position as high growth area of the economy. Not only will this investment create new jobs in the industry, but it will maintain existing ones too, which keeps employment levels buoyant in coastal communities in particular.
I am pleased also that there is a Cork dimension to the list of companies that will benefit from the investment as it will lead to increased employment in the local area, as well as other additional benefits. Job creation remains at the heart of Government policy and today's announcement proves that rural areas are reaping the benefits of a continued focus on the Coalition's pro-jobs strategy.

"This is the second positive development for the fishing sector in less than two weeks, following Ireland's big win at the EU negotiating table on the Common Fisheries Policy issue. It also builds on announcements made this week about growth in the beef sector and the further enhancement of trade links between Ireland and China.

"The fishing industry is an integral cog of our economy. Ireland has the third-largest sea area in the EU and the largest maritime area to land mass, so there is a fundamental need to exploit potential and maximise growth in this area."

Labour posters highlight Sinn Fein's track record of getting it wrong - Hannigan

Fri, 25 May 2012 12:04:00 GMT

Labour Party Deputy Director of Elections for the Stability Treaty Referendum Campaign, Dominic Hannigan , today said that the Labour Party's new referendum poster campaign highlights Sinn Fein's track record of getting it wrong when it comes to major decisions.

"Sinn Fein's Referendum Campaign has been based on information that is misleading, irrelevant and in many cases, just plain wrong, and it is hard to take them seriously.

"When it comes to making decision on matters of major national and economic importance Sinn Fein's track record is very poor.

"Most notably, in 2008, they marched in lock-step with the Fianna Fail/ Green Party Government in voting to support the disastrous Bank Guarantee. They may well try to deny this, but the Oireachtas record speaks for itself, and perhaps this is something they will reflect on at their party conference this weekend.

"Sinn Fein voted for the bank guarantee in 2008. They were wrong on that and they are wrong on the Stability Treaty."

Sinn Fein wrong on bank bailout and wrong on referendum - Nash

Fri, 25 May 2012 11:09:00 GMT

The Bank Guarantee of 2008 was a critical moment in Ireland's recent history.

Labour opposed the bailout at every hands turn, unlike Sinn Fein who voted the legislation through with gusto.

And while they may be making every effort to distance themselves from those comments now, the Oireachtas record makes it perfectly clear what they said at the time, and more importantly, how they voted.

Now somehow, they expect the people of Ireland to listen to them about the Stability Treaty.

How can we expect anybody to take them seriously now when they got it so disastrously wrong then.

Political choice still possible after Stability Treaty rules are enshrined in law- Conway

Fri, 25 May 2012 11:07:00 GMT

Sinn Féin have illustrated yet again that their understanding of the Stability Treaty is not only limited, but that they seem intent on stoking up citizens' anger and fear, ensuring a greater sense of hopelessness.

SF's Caoimhín O' Caoláin claimed yesterday that the rules in the Stability Treaty will ensure we are "locked in" and will mean that whatever government people elect will have very limited choice - a deliberate attempt to scare people to vote No.

The only limits on governments under the Treaty are to use taxpayers' money wisely and not to borrow recklessly. Taxpayers work hard for the money they give to the State so this is absolutely acceptable. It is good housekeeping that you don't spend way more than you receive.

Pearse Doherty has regularly acknowledged that Sinn Féin support "balanced budgets" and the independent Referendum Commission has explained that the Treaty is about "strengthening the rules designed to make governments keep a balance between their income and their spending."

Investment and stimulus is possible under the Treaty, which is precisely why plans are well underway to invest in schools building programme, infrastructure projects, attract Foreign Direct Investment and at European level with project bonds for major infrastructural initiatives.

What is a real source of concern is that Sinn Féin offers no credible alternative to this entire Treaty and so are leading citizens to uncertainty and beyond. Not only do they not have an alternative source of guaranteed funding for our hospitals and schools, but they have no credible rules to keep the euro working so the value of our wages, our welfare incomes and our spending power remain.

Contrast this with the Yes side that can offer far greater certainty at a time of crisis. We know for certain where we can get money should we need it and what terms and conditions apply.

This is a very necessary part of the overall solution, not the panacea, but a crucial part of the solution. That is why we are urging you to vote Yes for housekeeping rules, Yes for guaranteed funding, Yes for investment and Yes for greater certainty. Use your vote so your voice is heard.

Sinn Fein should stop talking the country down - Lyons

Fri, 25 May 2012 10:51:00 GMT

As Labour Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore highlighted in the Dáil yesterday, Sinn Féin seem intent to 'talk down this country, talk down the people of this country and to talk down the opportunities for employment'.

"The Tánaiste was responding to the constant dismissal by Sinn Féin of all the hard work and positive signs that Ireland is on track to get investment in infrastructure (project bonds), to attract investment with hundreds of job announcements in Paypal, Apple, Elylily, Google and meeting of all targets with prospect of returning to growth.

"There is no silver bullet, but there is hope if politicians like those in Sinn Féin stop constantly undermining every good thing that is being done.

"Tánaiste Gilmore reminded voters how Sinn Féin have got things so spectacularly wrong in the very recent past. Sinn Féin is the party who claimed the bank bail-out of the senior bondholders and of Anglo Irish Bank was in the 'national interest' and would provide 'security to ordinary citizens'.

"Sinn Féin are the ones who ensured we are 'locked in'. They were wrong then, spectacularly wrong, and they are wrong now. Voters should treat their advice with serious caution.

"The national interest, the people's interest, is the paramount concern here and that is why we are urging a Yes vote and working day by day, step by step to ensure this great country returns to growth.

"That is why we are asking people to vote Yes for housekeeping rules, for guaranteed funding, for investment and for greater certainty and we encourage high voter turn-out."

€15.5 million seafood investment will boost employment - Ryan

Fri, 25 May 2012 10:15:00 GMT

Labour T.D., Brendan Ryan, today welcomed the announcement by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney that €15.5 million is to be invested in seafood processing. The investment in 21 companies located along the coast is expected to create 140 jobs.

"In particular I am glad to see that a number of the companies and projects that have been approved for grants are based along the East Coast, from County Louth to Wexford, including Balbriggan in my own constituency. There is a long tradition of fishing along the East Coast and many of our towns and communities were built up around this industry. Investment in seafood processing is vital to keeping this traditional industry at the heart of our marine communities.

"From my own background in food processing, I am aware of the additional benefits that investment in this area can bring. I would like to commend Minister Coveney for the work he has done in advancing the cause of Irish fishing at a European level and I look forward to seeing continued growth in Irish food processing and Irish fishing."

Calls on Health Committee to Discuss Reports on Serious Incidents and Childs Deaths - CONWAY

Thu, 24 May 2012 18:20:00 GMT

Vice-Chair of Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children, Ciara Conway TD says lessons must be learnt from a series of reports just released on Serious Incidents and Child Deaths and is calling for the reports to be discussed by the Committee.

“In the first instance, I’d like to extend my sympathies to the families and friends of the deceased as referenced in todays publication,” said Deputy Conway.

“The reports released by the HSE and carried out by the National Review Panel for Serious Incidents and Child Deaths established under the HIQA Guidance show that unfortunately vulnerable children are falling between the cracks in our system.

"This is especially worrying, given that these are among some of the most vulnerable members of our society.

"It is clear now that all Government Departments have a role in Child Protection, and what we need now is joined-up thinking on this issue, and a firm commitment to cross-departmental co-ordination.

"I have asked for the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children to convene as soon as possible so that we can study these reports in detail, paying particular attention to a series of recommendations for how the HSE’s Children and Family Services can improve services in the future to strengthen how care is provided to children and their families.”

Libertas- A pseudonym for secrets

Thu, 24 May 2012 17:48:00 GMT

Declan Ganley's behaviour in this referendum is a sign of the creeping privatisation of Irish politics. Mr Ganely is not elected. He has no party. Libertas is a pseudonym for himself and for his own business interests and ultimately for secrecy. Libertas gives him the cloak of respectability in the political arena under which he can then bulldoze his own business interests - without ever apparently declaring them.

If he declared those interests like other groups lobbying in this referendum, that would be acceptable. Instead he persists in hiding his activities, his associates and his backers.

Specifically I ask what relationship does Declan Ganley currently have with Crispin Odey, a UK hedge fund manager whose private company Odey Asset management has, according to Odey, £4.5billion under its control. The Sunday Times reckons his personal wealth (with his wife Nichola Pease) at £445million this year, 2012. Mr Odey funded Mr Ganley's No campaign during the Lisbon Treaty in 2009.

We also know that Mr Ganley has recently set up a company with the economist Constantin Gurdgiev, St Columbanus AG -- a Swiss asset-management company. Both men are shareholders in the new venture.

In its literature, St Columbanus AG appears to deliberately target concerns about confidence in the creditworthiness of the Irish banks.

"The firm provides a safe haven for assets in the midst of the continuing global financial crisis, a service that appears increasingly important in the current European context of fragile peripheral economies, and an unstable eurozone banking sector," the company's website states.

By coincidence, Mr Odey has also recently set up a business in Switzerland - an investment management firm called Odey Bruellan.

Are these two Swiss-based companies connected in any way? What is the attraction of Switzerland? How much profit do all these men and their companies make through their Swiss businesses when the euro is unstable?

I condemn this privatisation of Irish politics and the concept of individuals, posturing as organisations, with private, undeclared interests, being involved in a debate on our future without having to account for their own interests and who stand potentially to gain from a weak euro.

White queries rationale for merger of National Archives and National Library

Thu, 24 May 2012 16:56:00 GMT

Deputy Alex White, Labour TD for Dublin South, has today requested a full and detailed assessment of the proposed merger of the National Archives of Ireland and the National Library.

Following the resignation of Professor Diarmaid Ferriter from the Board of the National Library, and his criticisms of the government's approach and handling of issues relating to the Library, Deputy White asked the Minster to respond to these criticisms, and to clarify the position regarding the future direction of the Library and the proposed merger with the National Archives.

Speaking in the Dáil this afternoon, White called for a public debate on the issue, asking: "What is the rationale for this proposed merger? Is it cost alone? And if so, what is the likely saving?

"The National Library is an immensely important cultural institution, with world-wide respect and admiration, an enormously valuable resource for scholars and the general public alike.

"The National Archives on the other hand has the responsibilities for State papers given to it in the 1986 National Archives Act, which was a hugely progressive piece of legislation brought forward by then Taoiseach Garret Fitzgerald. The effect was transformational for archival research in Ireland.

"The two institutional are entirely different - with different remits, different disciplines, and different requirements with regard to preservation, access, and cataloguing" said White.

"Just because they both deal with documents doesn't mean they can be banged together. Great care should be taken to ensure that we do not do irreparable damage to one or more of these vital cultural assets."

Responding to Deputy White, Minister of State Dinny McGinley told the Dáil that the matter was currently being examined by the Department of Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht, and that Minister Deenihan expected to revert to government by mid June.

Hannigan welcomes renewed clarity on Treaty text and focus on growth

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:31:00 GMT

Following last night's European summit in Brussels, the Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore has again confirmed categorically that there will be no change to the text of the Stability Treaty. This clarification has been welcomed by Labour Party deputy Director of Elections, Dominic Hannigan TD, following recent confusion on this matter in the Referendum debate.

Speaking today, Deputy Hannigan said: "There have been suggestions from the No side that the Treaty will be altered following the election of Francois Hollande. I welcome the assurance from the Tánaiste that the Treaty that we will vote on in next week's referendum will be the Treaty that the rest of Europe will also have in front of them. Each voter can now go to the polling station on 31 May knowing exactly what they are voting on."

Deputy Hannigan continued, "While I welcome this clarification, it's now time to put this confusion behind us and debate the Treaty and Europe's recovery. I'm very pleased to hear of the EU summit's emphasis on growth. The Government has long been calling for a shift across the European Union towards growth. Our position is consistent with that of the new French President. Europe needs a growth strategy in addition to responsible budgeting.

"Last night's summit was a first in the shift towards a growth strategy, with a number of economic growth initiatives discussed. The Tánaiste has said that future talks on growth will include initiatives such as the possibility of pooling unused structural funds together to ensure a fair distribution across the EU, making project bonds available to smaller Member States such as Ireland, and the introduction of Eurobonds, said Hannigan.

"The Government is continuing to work on reducing the deficit, managing our country's debt, and maximising Ireland's appeal in terms of foreign direct investment. Every decision we make has growth and job creation in mind. But to ensure that our recovery remains on track, it is important that we vote Yes on 31 May. The Minister for Finance told the Dáil yesterday that the NTMA has warned that a No vote would make it less likely for Ireland to re-enter the bond markets at sustainable rates next year. This is another reason why a Yes vote is in Ireland's best interests," said Hannigan.

Hannigan concluded: "So I am asking that you vote Yes on 31 May for stability, growth, and confidence."

'Soul destroying' youth unemployment requires stronger actionfrom the EU

Thu, 24 May 2012 14:29:00 GMT

Dublin MEP Emer Costello has described youth unemployment in Ireland as 'soul destroying', while tackling the European Commission on their solutions to this crisis during a debate at the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

Speaking with European Commissioner for Employment and Social Affairs, László Andor, Ms. Costello said; "Young people are suffering disproportionately in this crisis. In December the European foundation NEETs survey- Not in Education, Employment or Training- put the economic cost in terms of lost earnings and social transfers at 2.1% of Ireland's GDP. This was the highest for any EU member-state.

"Youth unemployment reduces career opportunities, earning power, and it excludes young people from playing their role in society. It is soul destroying. Youth unemployment also has dramatic social consequences. No society can be vibrant and dynamic, let alone competitive, if over 20% of its youth workforce is inactive."

Ms Costello strongly supported the introduction of a 'Youth Guarantee', an initiative from the European centre-left which would ensure that every young person is offered a job, further education or work-focused training at the latest four months after leaving education or after becoming unemployed.

However, Ms Costello added, "I don't believe that the €4m set aside for the youth guarantee is sufficient. Unemployed young people and their families require a vote of confidence from politicians and officials, and I believe that a strong, supportive message would be sent out if the EU increased the size of this fund."

Costello concluded "The outcome of the EU summit this week and the radical departure from his predecessor by the new President of France show how much novel solutions are needed at EU level. I questioned the Commissioner on his own proposals, in particular the use of European Structural Funds to tackle youth unemployment. I plan to follow this up in the coming days with a formal question to the Commission."

Further information;

- Eurostat in March put the Irish youth unemployment rate at over 30%, over 73% people. Ireland's rate is the fifth highest in the EU
- The Youth Guarantee programme is based upon by similar programmes in austria and finland.

Labour Senators canvassing today in Dublin City Centre

Thu, 24 May 2012 14:22:00 GMT

The Labour group of Senators are canvassing in support of the Stability Treaty referendum today Thursday 24th May at 2.30pm on Grafton Street at the junction with Stephen's Green.

Senator Bacik said on behalf of the Labour group: "We all greatly welcome the outcome of last night's EU Council meeting which has placed a welcomed emphasis on Growth, and which has clarified that no element of the Stability Treaty will be changed.

"We are conducting a group canvass in Dublin City centre today because we believe that it is vitally important that the Stability Treaty referendum is passed on 31st May, and we will be continuing to canvass across our constituencies over the next week to bring out a strong yes vote nationally."