Patrick Costello TD speaks on the Brexit bill going through the Dáil which is making provisions for a no deal scerario. Whilst welcoming the preparations he warned of the danagers for the environment with 90% of the UK’s environmental legislation coming from the EU. Similarly data protection post Brexit and the ability of the Irish…
International Protection Office letters to Asylum Seekers during COVID
One of the key inclusions in the Programme for Government is the commitment to ending the Direct Provision programme. While this is a hugely positive development we need to work to improve conditions for those living in the system until such time as it is abolished. In the context of the ongoing pandemic this relates…
Bus Connects Launches Third Round of Public Consultation
The 3rd phase of public consultation for Bus Connects has now begun – and Patrick Costello TD has encouraged all citizens/residents groups to engage with this process as it shapes the future of our capital city. The process will run for six weeks from November 4th to December 16th. The Bus Connects website contains extensive…
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….
Gender Equality and Diversity on the United Nations Committee Disability Committee
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…
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…
BUDGET 2021: Additional Garda Resources should be allocated to community policing
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…
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,…
Foster Care in Ireland and the dangers of Privatisation
This week the Journal.ie published an opinion piece by Patrick Costello TD. The article is available to view on their website here. Article Text: AS THIS GOVERNMENT’S term began a broad alliance of civil society groups came together to campaign to save the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. The campaign worked, the department kept…