Parades preconditions on policing will not work - Adams

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has reiterated his party’s position that any precondition on parades ahead of the transfer of policing and justice powers simply will not work.

Speaking today at Hillsborough Mr Adams said;

"We came here at the beginning of the week determined to see the outstanding St Andrews and Good Friday Agreement commitments implemented; that remains our focus.

This morning we met with both governments and with the DUP, to establish if further progress can be made.”

Responding to a question on contentious parades Mr Adams concluded;

“Anybody who thinks that the price of policing and justice is a walk down the Garvaghy Road or Ardoyne is just ridiculous. We want to see a resolution to the issue of contentious parades. Aside from wanting to build relationships with those from the Orange tradition we also represent the vast majority of people in those communities who are directly effected by contentious parades. However, everybody knows that issues in the talks need to be dealt with in their own right – as outstanding elements of the Good Friday and St Andrews Agreements. This does not include allowing Orange marches into areas without the invitation or consent of local people.”

McGuinness comments following Hillsborough talks

Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness, commenting after discussions at Hillsborough today said;

“The two governments in their statement make it clear that what is required is implementation of the Good Friday and St Andrews Agreements. We welcome this.

We went into these negotiations against the backdrop of three years of default by the DUP in relation to their St Andrews Agreement commitments. However belated, this still requires an early date for the transfer of policing and justice powers and a situation where the institutions deliver and operate, into the future, on the basis of partnership and equality.

The reality is that the failure to resolve those problems does not lie with Sinn Féin. We have come at this phase in a problem solving mode, we have invested much in the success of these institutions and so we want them to succeed.

We have displayed extraordinary patience over the past 18 months. We sought to persuade the DUP to be partners on progress. In recent days the two governments have joined that effort.

The decision by the DUP, at the behest of the Orange Order, to make the abolition of the Parades Commission a precondition for the transfer of powers flies in the face of that. It made reaching agreement extremely difficult and many are speculating that this was the intention.

However I have to say that despite some progress being made on policing, we have not concluded a deal here today. I am deeply disappointed and I informed the plenary of that; Gerry Adams and myself in a meeting with the Taoiseach and British Prime Minister did likewise. We now intend to study the governments statement, but one thing is certain, that citizens rights and entitlements cannot and will not be subject to a unionist veto or an Orange Order precondition.”

Sinn Féin Vice-President comments following Officer Board meeting

Speaking after a meeting of the Sinn Féin Officer Board in Belfast today, Vice President Mary Lou McDonald announced that the Ard Chomhairle would meet on Saturday in Dublin.

Ms McDonald said:

“The Officer Board received a full briefing from Martin McGuinness on the current state of play in the negotiations with the DUP. Based upon that briefing I have to say that there is no indication at this time that the DUP will honour the commitments they have already entered into.

“The primary issues we are addressing are issues already agreed at St. Andrews and requiring completion rather than negotiation. Sinn Féin want to see the outstanding issues resolved. We want to see institutions operating on the basis of partnership and equality. But outstanding issues will not be resolved on the basis of unrealisable pre-conditions.

“We have scheduled a meeting of the party Ard Chomhairle for this Saturday in Dublin. That meeting will provide the party leadership with an opportunity to hear from the negotiation team and decide upon the next moves as we seek to bring a resolution to these outstanding issues.”

Acting First Ministers comments inaccurate – O’Dowd

Responding to remarks this evening by the Acting First Minister Arlene Foster complaining that Sinn Féin was not present to talk with her party today, Sinn Féin Assembly member John O’Dowd said:

“On the media this evening Arlene Foster complained that Sinn Féin was not available for talks in Stormont today. The fact is that Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness told Peter Robinson in no uncertain terms last night that the Sinn Féin negotiation team would be reporting to the National Officer Board today as the party made an assessment of the talks process to date and would not be in Stormont. It is up to Arlene Foster to explain why she thought otherwise.

On the issue of transferring powers on Policing and Justice, Mr O’Dowd expressed his amazement that Ms Foster claimed that the St. Andrews Agreement contained no timeframe on this issue.

“I was amazed this evening when on BBC Radio Arlene Foster blandly stated that the St. Andrews Agreement contained no timeframe on transferring powers on policing and justice. The fact is a cursory glance at the St Andrews Agreement clearly shows that the date mentioned for transfer was May 1st 2008. No amount of selective reading will alter that fact and the more important issue that the DUP are in default of that Agreement.”

Adams rejects allegations

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams was yesterday speaking at the launch in west Belfast of the Integrated Services programme for Children and Young People.

In a statement afterward responding to the weekend allegations in the Sunday Tribune Mr. Adams said:

“The allegations and accusations against me are untrue.

"I find it hugely frustrating that some of the media outlets can say whatever they want and print whatever they want without any reference at all to the truth, accuracy or the rights of the individual in all of these matters.

"I resent absolutely the false allegations that are being made against me and against the party.”

Mr. Adams has warned against sections of the media treating the issue of child abuse issue in a tabloid way. “

Speaking at the event Mr. Adams thanked those who had offered their support and solidarity in recent times.

Mr. Adams said:

"I want to begin by thanking people for their kindness and generosity to me and my family during what has been a difficult time.

"I have been moved especially by people who have told me that they or their family are or were in exactly the same position as my clann.

"There is now more disclosure about child abuse, a taboo subject, in today’s society. That is a good thing for everyone.

"And even though the first words are hard to say, and to hear, in the long term an end to a culture of concealment will create an educated, informed society with proper and enlightened and competent protections for children, and processes for dealing with victims and persecuting perpetrators.

"The issue of child abuse effects all sectors of Irish society.

"No class or creed or section is immune from it.

"There is also a life beyond abuse.

"With proper therapeutic support, with love and understanding, victims can become survivors and go on to live happy and fulfilled lives.

"Our duty as a society is to enable and to empower them to do this.

"In the course of launching an initiative like this I would not normally deal with the issue of abuse. I would do so at other forums.

"Maybe that is part of the problem. These issues need to be intelligently discussed wherever it is appropriate. This requires a genuine public conversation about all the issues involved."

The rights of victims are paramount says Sinn Féin MLA

“Child abuse is a very difficult issue that people across Ireland are trying to come to terms with and central to all of this is the protection of children,” said Sinn Féin Assembly Chief Whip Carál Ní Chuilín.
“This is not about political parties or indeed the impact on individual politicians. Sinn Féin comes at this from the position that the rights of victims are paramount.
“There is no cover-up or evasion by Sinn Féin of sexual abuse allegations involving party members. A number of alleged victims have in recent weeks come forward to tell their story and I support them fully in that,” said the North Belfast MLA.

"Our position on these matters is crystal clear. At all times the welfare of children is paramount. The people who should investigate allegations of abuse are the statutory authorities charged with this task - the PSNI/Gardaí and the Social Services.

"If an allegation of sexual abuse is made against a Sinn Féin member, the party ensures that the matter is reported to the relevant statutory authorities.
“The member is suspended from the party without prejudice. This is in contrast to other political parties, which have allowed members against whom allegations are being made to remain politically active until the completion of the legal process.


"Early last year a Sinn Féin Councillor was suspended without prejudice from the party as soon as we were made aware of a PSNI investigation. Sinn Féin wrote to the appropriate statutory body to make this known to them in accordance with the parties obligations and due process.”

Councillor condemns sectarian attacks

Sinn Féin Councillor and Deputy Mayor Danny Lavery condemned sectarian attacks in the Oldpark area on Sunday evening.
"These latest attacks are totally despicable, but I want to go beyond condemnation from Sinn Féin and the community we represent,” said Lavery.
"Huge efforts are being made by the community, political representatives, statutory bodies and interface workers across the North of the city to break this latest cycle of attacks."

"The latest attacks damaged cars and property in nationalist and unionist areas of the Oldpark on Sunday evening. They are sectarian, involve young people between the ages of 8 and 18 and are unrepresentative of the vast majority of young people in North Belfast."
"Many of those involved in the attacks are also responsible for anti-social behaviour within their communities. They need to be arrested and brought before the courts."

"Sinn Féin have challenged the PSNI and Social Services to live up to their statutory obligations and we are demanding urgent meetings once again on this issue. The community are making every effort and we don't think this is being matched by others."
"Lives, homes and businesses are being ruined by a small core of people. I'm calling on parents particularly to take responsibility and ensure your young people neither get involved in these attacks nor spectate on the fringes. Getting into the criminal justice system can destroy a young persons prospects for the rest of their lives."

Sinn Féin All-Ireland Education team meet in Stormont

Members of Sinn Féin's All Ireland Education team met in the Assembly this week to discuss education matters pertaining to all parts of Ireland and as to how to improve All Ireland working to create a more effective and efficient education system.

Present were Caitríona Ruane MLA who is Minister in the Six County Executive, Senator Pearse Doherty, Michelle O' Neil MLA and John O' Dowd MLA.

Speaking after the meeting John O' Dowd said:

"An All Ireland education system is an essential component in building towards a sustainable economy. It makes no sense what so ever to have 2 education systems operating back to back on an Island of six million people.

"Along the artificial border especially we need to open up the education systems and remove the false barriers to mobility of pupils and teaching staff. Educational planning such as school's estate, examinations and curriculum should be done an All Ireland basis.”

Concluding Mr O Dowd said;

“Today's engagement was part of our planning for the future development of an education system fit for an Ireland in the 21st century moving beyond partition towards education for the pupil, the economy and society.” CRÍOCH

see www.flickr.com/sinnfeinireland

A hurdle cleared says Ní Chuilín

Sinn Féin MLA Social Development spokesperson Carál Ní Chuilín today welcomed news that North Belfast has been successful in getting two projects over the first hurdle for European funding. They are the Giants Park Sports Village and the Girdwood Community Hub (on the site of the former Girdwood Army Barracks), two of four bids submitted by Belfast City Council.

"This is great news for the whole of the North Belfast community. I want to praise all of those that have worked together to advance these two major regeneration projects. It's a clear example of how we, when acting collectively, can have delivery within our grasp," said Ní Chuilín.
"Key for Sinn Féin is that resources are directed into this constituency given the historic deprivation.

“These two projects have a much wider potential for improving peoples lives in terms of health, leisure and employment.
“I'm calling for similar political and civic leadership to overcome the hurdles that still remain in the way of regeneration and equality.”
The economic appraisal stage is rigorous and will take around 8-12 weeks after which a recommendation will go to the SEUPB Monitoring panel.

McLaughlin condemns attack on Community Centre

South Antrim Sinn Féin MLA, Mitchel McLaughlin has condemned those responsible for the pipe bomb attack on the community centre in Antrim's Stiles Estate.

Mitchel McLaughlin said:

"Just one week ago we had the mindless attack on PSNI Officer, Peadar Heffron in Randalstown by so-called dissident republicans and now we have this attack apparently directed at members of St, Comgall's GAA Club who were training in the community centre by renegade unionist paramilitaries.

"Both groups have two things in common, a total disdain for for the wishes of the people to forge a peaceful way forward and common cause in attempting to destabilise the progress already achieved.

"It is incumbent on all public representatives to combine their efforts in a spirit of mutual respect and equality to send a clear message to these peace rejectionists that they will not succeed."

Adams – Sinn Féin did nothing wrong

Sinn Féin President and west Belfast MP Gerry Adams commenting on a report by the Party Chair today said:

“Sinn Féin did not know of the allegations against Liam Adams and did nothing wrong. There was no cover-up by Sinn Féin. It is a matter of sincere regret that my colleagues have been the target of unfair and unjustifiable criticism by political opponents.’

The Sinn Féin President also said:

"There was no cover-up by me. The statutory bodies, including the RUC, were told about this allegation in 1987. Three years ago, after my niece went to the PSNI, I made a statement to the PSNI in support of her and against my brother.’

The full text of Gerry Adams statement:

"I learned yesterday that my brother Liam Adams became a member of a cumann in Lower Andersonstown after I got him to leave Sinn Féin in County Louth.

"Liam knew the basis upon which I had pressed him to leave Sinn Féin in Louth. His decision to ignore this and re-involve himself in Sinn Féin in Belfast was reprehensible and deplorable. It should not have happened. Had I known that he was in Sinn Féin in Belfast I would have acted to have him leave the party.

"Sinn Féin did not know of the allegations against Liam Adams and did nothing wrong. There was no cover-up by Sinn Féin. It is a matter of sincere regret that my colleagues have been the target of unfair and unjustifiable criticism by political opponents.

"There was no cover-up by me. The statutory bodies, including the RUC, were told about this allegation in 1987. Three years ago, after my niece went to the PSNI, I made a statement to the PSNI in support of her and against my brother.

"In parallel with this, my approach to dealing with family matters was guided by professional advice. And also by my experience and that of my brothers and sisters, in coping with my father’s abuse of family members.

"The professional advice was to support the victims, protect the victims’ right to anonymity, while that was their wish, and to help bring closure and empower victims and their relatives.

"This is what I sought to do at all times.”

Ard Chomhairle meeting postponed pending report from negotiating team

Speaking after a meeting of the Sinn Féin National Officer Board today Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said;

“Last weekends planned Ard Chomhairle meeting was postponed due to the bad weather, the National Officer Board today decided not to convene an Ard Chomhairle meeting until the negotiating team is able to make a more definitive report about the current discussions about a date for the transfer of powers on policing and justice.”

Third death threat in a month for Gerry Kelly

Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly has received another death threat, the third such warning against him and family in the space of a month.
Kelly was visited by police at his home late on Tuesday night with a message saying there would be a bomb attack on his house in the next few days.
It is unclear who issued the latest death threat, however the last two came from loyalists.
The last telephone call warning, believed to have been made from a phone box in Ballyclare, said: ‘Sinn Fein's Gerry Kelly is going to be shot within the next 48 hours. Orange Volunteers. No surrender.’

"I was in bed actually and at about 1am the police came to the house with another threat and said there was going to be a bomb attack against the house in the next few days. They didn't say who it was from. The last two were from loyalists and no code-word was given,” said Gerry.
"This is my third threat so there is certainly an upsurge in threats. Gerry Adams got one, as did Caitríona Ruane. There is some group of people out there, getting upset and throwing these threats out and we have to take them seriously.

"It's hard to imagine what's in their heads especially after the UDA decommissioning statement. Maybe it's because we're close to South East Antrim, I'm just not sure.
"I've been doing a lot of media over the last week or more. They're seeing me more in the media, maybe that's what has triggered it."
The North Belfast MLA also said police had received a call saying a grenade had been thrown at his Antrim Road constituency office as well as the party's offices in Andersonstown. However after examination both premises were found clear.

"I've always been careful about how I work, you have to represent people and I won't let them stop me from talking to people on the unionist side.
"We are in a new place, and we are in a middle of negotiations at the moment. We will pursue that with as much vigour as we can, there is work to be done and these people won't deflect us from doing that."

PSNI decision disgraceful - Maskey

Sinn Féin councillor Conor Maskey has branded the PSNI decision to block an Indian family their bid for an emergency housing transfer as ‘disgraceful’.
The Kunjumon family live in the New Lodge and over the years there have been countless attacks on both their home and property.
Due to the level of verbal abuse and intimidation the family applied to sell their home under the Housing Executive's (HE) Special Purchase of Evacuated Dwellings (SPED) scheme.
But last October the family of four were told the PSNI had blocked the process by not issuing the required certificate from the Chief Constable.
The family appealed this decision but again were turned down in December 2009.
After their home was attacked before Christmas, this time with a hammer, residents and the political community rallied round the under-fire family. In response to a plea to reconsider this decision from Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly, PSNI Superintendent of A District Mike Ellis said in his January 5 letter that while the attacks on the Kunjumon's were "deplorable" the "incidents to date would not met the SPED criteria".
"It's an outrage that the Chief Constable does not see fit to assist this family," said Conor Maskey.
"The community and political representatives are all in support of the family's wish to be relocated due to the fact that they have been placed under considerable pressure over the last five years. I find it disgraceful that the PSNI are treating this family in this way."

Update given on new Bunscoil/GAA pitch

Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín and party colleague Shauneen Baker joined a delegation from Bunscoil Bheann Mhadagaín and Ardoyne Kickhams GAC that met with Northern Education Minister Caitríona Ruane at the assembly this week to discuss the development of a new school and GAA pitch at the Cricky site on the Cliftonville Road.
Representatives from Bunscoil Bheann Mhadagaín and Ardoyne Kickhams GAC along with Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín met with Minister Caitríona Ruane at the Assembly on Tuesday.

The meeting was to discuss the new building for the school and the development of a GAA pitch on the Cricky site. The Department of Education is currently considering an economic appraisal of the plans which the school and GAA club have been waiting more than seven years for the build to go ahead.

“I am happy with the meeting and although progress is slow it is still moving on,’ she Carál Ní Chuilín.
“In the heart of government there is a big equality issue for North Belfast and the provision for Irish Medium Education needs to be addressed and a fit for purpose building needs to be built for Bunscoil Bheann Mhadagaín."

Education minister Caitríona Ruane said the meeting was ‘useful’.
"My Department has recently received an economic appraisal for the proposal which is currently under consideration and the school’s Trustees will be notified once this process has been completed,” she added.
“The staff, governors, parents and pupils of Bunscoil Bheann Mhadagáin have worked very hard to develop their school and I commend them on the excellent job they have done under difficult conditions.”

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún to join largest parliamentary delegation to Gaza

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún will join parliamentarians and other elected representatives from across Europe as part of the largest ever parliamentary delegation to visit Gaza.

Sir Gerald Kaufman MP will be leader of the delegation. The organizer of the visit is the European Campaign to end the siege on Gaza (ECESG) which is an umbrella body of thirty NGOs across Europe.

This afternoon they are holding a press conference in the House of Commons to talk about the visit to Gaza

The fact-finding visit will take place on Friday 14th and Saturday 16th January.

Sinn Fein Mayor of Derry Paul Fleming will also participate in the delegation.

Speaking from Brussels before leaving for Gaza, Ms de Brun said:

"The fact-finding delegation will visit Gaza on Friday 14th and Saturday 16th January in order to see conditions there, to see what progress has been made with regard to reconstruction since the Israeli air strikes last year and to assess barriers to progress
"There have been worrying reports from Gaza in recent months and a number of delegations have been refused entry to Gaza by the Israeli government.

"The world was told last year after the horrendous damage, injury and loss of life that major reconstruction efforts would be launched immediately. Twelve months on we need to see those promises fulfilled.

"The siege of Gaza must end and there must be free movement of people and goods so that the people of Gaza can rebuild their lives" ENDS

This will be de Bairbre de Brún's second visit to Gaza in just under a year. Last year she visited Gaza just after the Israeli attacks which caused widespread destruction throughout the area. Sir Gerald Kaufman MP will be leader of the delegation. The organizer of the visit is the European Campaign to end the siege on Gaza (ECESG) which is an umbrella body of thirty NGOs across Europe.

Sinn Féin MLA congratulates Henderson Foods on expansion plans

Sinn Féin MLA Mitchel McLaughlin (South Antrim) has congratulated Mallusk based Henderson Food Services on its announcement of £14million expansion of its South Antrim distribution and warehouse facility.

Mitchel McLaughlin said:

"Today's announcement by Henderson Food Service of a £14million investment in its Mallusk facilities will give a welcome boost to the local economy and is a statement of confidence in the economic recovery.

"As well as securing long-term employment for over 150 existing staff and 120 jobs during the construction stage this development will also provide further recruitment opportunities as Henderson's continue to expand.

"The fact that the company has enjoyed a 30% growth in sales over the past too years demonstrates the business acumen and vision of Damien Barrett, his management team and the workforce. I wish them continued growth and success.

Outstanding political issues must be resolved – Kelly

Commenting on the appointment of Arlene Foster as acting First Minister, Sinn Féin’s Gerry Kelly said;

“Peter Robinson is entitled to take this time off from his duties to attend to his personal matters.

The family matters that the Robinson family are dealing with at this time are personal and private and they are entitled to deal with them in that way.

However it is crucially important that the outstanding political issues are resolved and resolved speedily.

They cannot become further stalled by this announcement.

The political commitments made by the DUP must be honoured.

That means setting an early date for the transfer of powers on policing and justice.

There is a limited timeframe for sorting these matters out.

Sinn Féin’s determination is to focus in a strategic way on ensuring that the political institutions work and that they deliver for citizens.”

Sinn Féin calls on Standards and Privileges Committee to investigate Spotlight allegations

Sinn Féin Chief Whip Carál Ní Chuilín MLA has today said that she has formally requested the Assembly’s Standards and Privileges Committee look into allegations made in last weeks Spotlight programme.

Speaking from the Assembly yesterday Ní Chuilín said;

“The BBC Spotlight Programme broadcast last Thursday, made a number of serious allegations relating to financial matters concerning two MLAs, Peter and Iris Robinson of the DUP.

The issues raised by the programme include the possibility that one or both Members are in breach of the Assembly’s Standing Orders relating to Members Interests.

With reference to the allegations relating to financial matters made by the programme, I am formally requesting that the Standards and Privileges Committee investigate fully, and as a matter of urgency, whether or not either Member has breached any Standing Order or the Code of Conduct.”

Gerry Kelly receives Orange Volunteers death threat

Sinn Féin North Belfast MLA and Assembly Minister Gerry Kelly has today stated that he has been informed by the PSNI that a death threat has been issued against him by the Orange Volunteers.
“Yesterday I was informed by the PSNI that a death threat had been made against me; the threat stated that ‘Sinn Féin Chief Gerry Kelly is going to be shot within 48 hours – Orange Volunteers – No Surrender’,” said Gerry.
“This is the second threat made against me in recent weeks and obviously, for the sake of my family I must take it seriously.
“In saying that, no threat will detract me from working on behalf of those who elect me and in working to advance the peace and political process in Ireland.”

How long must we wait for unionist leaders to catch up?

By Gerry Kelly
I, like many others, have witnessed and experienced many traumatic events, from the brutality of the H-blocks, to the Hunger Strikes, to pogroms, to the violent deaths of close friends. However, the most vivid image that still affects me emotionally and fills me with anger is that of seeing the faces of hysterical children as they ran a gauntlet of hate just to get to school.
I recalled this last week during a discussion on the last decade which, towards the end, has been dominated with the economic recession and its effect on ordinary people. A decade that began with the reception the girls of Holy Cross received as they made their way to primary school cannot be described as good.
Adults screamed abuse, calling the kids names such as “slugs” and “scum”. They were spat upon, had stones, bottles, ball bearings, urine and, incredibly, a bomb, thrown at them. This unionist and loyalist activity was described by the MP for the area as “a cry for help”.
When the trouble was first brewing the parents wrote to their MP, Nigel Dodds, but he never replied. He eventually did meet the parents, after having already stood along with his colleague Nelson McCausland with the loyalist protestors - some of whom were wearing masks and hoods - but denied having received their letter sent two months earlier. The parents considered the meeting a waste of time.
However, Dodds insisted that the loyalists also had grievances, for example, about the state of their housing, though what this had to do with the schoolgirls was baffling, given that Dodds was actually the minister in charge of housing at this time.
Those Catholic parents and their courageous young children who braved the terror and abuse did a service to the cause of civil rights by establishing that the nationalist community no longer agreed to sit at the back of the bus. (Nigel Dodds suggested that the children actually use a shuttle bus to get to school without appreciating what a throwback to American racism that represented – or maybe he did appreciate the irony and didn’t care.)
What happened during the Holy Cross Blockade was one of the most frightening and depressing episodes, not just of the past decade, but of the past thirty years.
Nigel Dodd’s role as MP back then was indicative of the DUPs political bankruptcy and his role since has done little or nothing to convince us that he intends to represent all North Belfast constituents with equality.
Some in the DUP leadership clearly still yearn for the impossible goal of returning to Unionist Rule. Nigel Dodds has held a number of ministerial posts including housing and has opposed the Equality Agenda throughout.
A huge regeneration project on the old Girdwood Barracks site has sat on the shelf now for years, because the DUP are opposed to any housing on the site despite the excessive housing waiting list in North Belfast.
Some have argued that Holy Cross was symbolic of a unionism lost and floundering. How long must the rest of us wait for unionist leaders to catch up? After all, after 70 years of unionist domination the ordinary Protestant people were no better off.
Nationalists and republicans always understood that they had to fight for equality under unionist rule. I believe that more and more ordinary Protestants need to fight for equality in the face of an expenses-driven unionist elite.
It is time for an MP who will represent all the people equally. That is not a DUP MP.

Ní Chuilín welcomes cold weather payment

Sinn Féin North Belfast MLA Carál Ní Chuilín has welcomed the Assembly's issuing of £50 cold weather payment to 166,000 of the North's poorest and most vulnerable people this week.
“It's key that we clarify how this payment is made and who qualifies for it. The payment will be made automatically by Wednesday January 6 and this is much needed for those on low income during this exceptionally long cold period,” said the Sinn Féin DSD spokesperson.
To qualify for the payment a person must be receiving State Pension Credit, Income Support, Jobseekers Allowance (Income based) or Employment and Support Allowance (Income related) for one day in the period of cold weather and have one of the following:
*a relevant pensioner or disability premium;
*Child Tax Credit that includes a disability or severe disability element;
*a child under five;
*an applicable amount of Employment and Support Allowance that includes either the support component or the work-related activity component.
The Cold Weather Payments will be made either by direct payment to customer accounts or by cheque.

Kelly comments on UDA Decommissioning

Sinn Féin North Belfast MLA Gerry Kelly said he ‘welcomed’ the statement from the UDA, that they have decommissioned their weapons.
“Firstly if this statement by the UDA is verified by the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning then it is a substantial move forward,” said Gerry.
“The Nationalists and Unionists populations will both be relieved that a substantial amount of guns are being taken off our streets and nationalists communities in particular would rest much easier as a result of that.
“There can be no place for guns as we move forward in advancing the political process, this process has been about taking the gun out of Irish politics.”

Sinn Féin call for enquiry into Postal office abuse towards the Irish language

Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín has raised concerns about the tampering with mail in the Post Office that is addressed in the Irish language. This follows the returning of mail, undelivered, with an Irish address on it and an abusive message handwritten beside the address label stating ‘Most people in this country speak English only’.
“Sinn Féin are very concerned in regards to the tampering and abusive language used by one of the Postal Services members on a letter that was addressed in Irish and which is postmarked as being processed through the Belfast office,” said Carál.
“The label on the letter was typed in Irish to an address in Dublin and was sent before Christmas yet it was returned with a handwritten message on it stating ‘Most people in this country speak English only’. On top of this a Post office label has been attached to the letter with the “Address Inaccessible” box ticked.
“This kind of behaviour cannot be acceptable within the Post Office. Members of the Irish language community address their letters in their first language, which is Irish, and they expect respect and that their mail will not be tampered with in this fashion.
“I will be contacting senior management in the Belfast Office and in the Postal Service in order to make them aware of this situation and to see that there is an adequate investigation into this abuse,” said the Sinn Féin MLA.