McLellan and Ellis congratulate the Irish team competing in the Homeless World Cup

October 9, 2012 By Leave a Comment

October 9, 2012

Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Dessie Ellis, and spokesperson for Arts, Heritage, Tourism and Sports, Sandra McLellan, congratulate and send wishes of further success to the Irish team competing in the 2012 Homeless World Cup in Mexico. The Deputies made their comments after the team’s qualification to the third round of the games.
Deputy Ellis and McLellan continued:
“The Homeless World Cup is an inspirational initiative where people from around the world who have been made homeless come together and compete.
It is a great display of the talent and dedication of these people and it highlights the huge loss to society when people are pushed to the margins.
The Irish team are doing us proud in Mexico. We wish them every success and congratulate them, their trainers and supporters on their efforts so far in this competition.”
Ends

Note: Games can be watched live at http://www.homelessworldcup.org/

Filed Under: Ballymun, Finglas, General News, Housing

State must cover pyrite cost until responsible parties are brought to account – Ellis

October 4, 2012 By Leave a Comment

October 2, 2012

Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Dessie Ellis TD has called on the government to provide funding for repairs to houses in need of immediate works due to pyrite contamination. He made his call during a debate in the Dáil tonight following the deadline for stakeholders to submit possible resolutions to the on-going scandal.

Deputy Ellis said;

“Apart from the residents there is not really any innocent party in this scandal. The state allowed regulations which failed to stop this contamination and failed to legislate to protect citizens from this.

“The quarry failed to identify pyrite contamination as did the construction companies and finally Homebond who washed their hands of the whole situation and behaved incredibly badly.

“There are 850 homes in need immediate work to stop further damage being done. These are the roofs over these families’ heads and action must be taken sooner rather than later.

“At present no resolution is apparent. The state must continue to work for a resolution and to put in place the industry levy to pay for works and monitoring of other contaminated homes which are not in need of work at present.

“But, as I have said, immediate work is necessary and the state must put up the money for this on the basis that those identified as being liable will in the longer term pay back this debt.”

ENDS

Filed Under: General News