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…

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….

Patrick Costello TD wrote to Minister Simon Coveney and Minister Ann Rabbitte in their capacity as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Disabilities respectively. I highlighted the need for Ireland to appoint a female in the interests of gender balance on the UN disability committee. Find the full text of the letter below: Dear Minister, I…

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…

Green Party Spokesperson for Justice, Patrick Costello TD has welcomed the increase in frontline Gardaí through new recruits and admin staff in 2021, but has called for them to be used to support and strengthen community policing. Commenting after the Budget, he said: “I welcome the announcement that 2021 will see up to 620 new…

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,…