STATEMENT: Non-Essential Retail

Today Patrick Costello TD issued the following statement on the topic of what is classified as ‘non-essential’ retail: “The debate on essential versus non-essential retail items has been completely tone deaf to the needs of lower-income families, after the news that children’s clothing is not deemed essential by some. It has completely neglected the fact…

Attacks on Irish-Aid Funded Structures by the Israeli Military

Before the latest EU council meeting I called on the minister to act on the demoliton of a Palestinian village of Khirbet a-Rakeez, where a school funded by the European Union and Irish Aid was demolished. Yesterday I further highlighted the case of Ras al-Tin where another Irish Aid funded school is facing imminent demolition….

WATCH: St Louis Infant School Rathmines and Teacher Allocations

Patrick Costello TD recently received a number of representations from constituents of St Louis infant school about the upcoming loss of a teaching post. Today in the Dáil the Deputy put their case to Minister Foley. Full Speech Transcript: I thank the Ceann Comhairle. I wish to express my support for St Louis Infant School…

Traveler Mental Health

As we approach the five-year anniversary of the devastating Carrickmines fire tomorrow, which claimed ten lives at a Dublin halting site in 2015, I have called for the Traveller National Health Action Plan to be published as a matter of urgency to tackle the stark rates of suicide in the Traveller community. Last year alone,…