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Irish Examiner
19 hours ago
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Extension of special sick pay scheme grants 'temporary relief' to nurses with long covid
Nurses affected by long covid have said they are grateful and relieved a special pay scheme has been extended for another six months with some now in their fifth year out of work. The Labour Court has recommended a final extension to December. It had been controversially due to expire this week. Fiona Walsh, a nurse living in Donnybrook, Cork, has been ill with long covid since January 2021. She has seen little change with time, saying: 'it's been very disheartening'. 'We are very grateful for the six month extension. It's a welcome relief,' she said. She and 158 other eligible staff had 'a very stressful day' on Thursday, waiting for the decision, she added. 'It's a temporary relief though, to be honest, as we all remain too unwell to return to work,' she said. She supports a call from health unions for covid and long covid to be recognised as an occupational illness. This could lead to better supports. Ms Walsh was one of a group of staff who met Taoiseach Micheál Martin on Friday. 'We presented to him the reality of living with long covid which we contracted while working on the frontline,' she said. 'He listened to what we presented him. He appreciates the work we did and is fully aware of the implications of long covid. He was very understanding and emphatic. We are so thankful he gave us his time.' The Labour Court decision means after December 31 eligible staff can only transfer to the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme. The Department of Health said Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill supports the decision, and will ensure the extension happens. The ICTU Group of Healthcare Unions welcomed the decision and repeated its desire to see covid-19 and long covid recognized as occupational illness. ICTU chairman Albert Murphy said this would place Ireland in line with other EU countries. 'Healthcare workers with long covid went to work when everyone else was told to stay at home during covid and are still suffering the consequences that come with a huge physical and mental cost,' he said. Mr Murphy, also Irish Nurses and Midwives Director of Industrial Relations, called on the Government to take action. Other unions in ICTU who support the move are Siptu, Forsa and the Medical Laboratory Scientists Association. Labour health spokeswoman Marie Sherlock said Ireland is one of only two EU countries which does not recognise covid in this way. 'I have had many health workers express to me their enormous stress and anxiety about how they will pay their bills, mortgages, and look after their families,' she said. She added: 'It is appalling that high court costs are wracked up by a case that workers felt they needed to take and that time was spent by department officials fighting trade unions at the Labour court.' Read More Online hospital dashboard lets public view a wealth of current Irish health data
Irish Examiner
7 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
More than 1,000 march in Cork City to demand urgent action on housing crisis
More than 1,000 people marched in Cork City today, demanding that the government urgently address the housing crisis. The rally followed news that new home construction is at a 10-year low, while rental prices continue to climb beyond the reach of many. The 'Raise the Roof' protest was organised by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) along with left-wing political parties. Aileen Murphy, a pensioner from Clonmel, Co Tipperary, said she used her free travel pass to attend the march. 'I have the bus pass, so it didn't cost me anything, but I felt I had to be here because I'm worried about the younger generation ever having a home of their own. I'm lucky I have. But if I was stating out today it might be a very different story. We have to worry about the future generation,' she said. Raise the Roof protest macrh against government housing policy at Grand Parade Cork City. on Saturday afternoon. Picture: Larry Cummins Sean Norberd, from Freemount on the Cork/Limerick border, said he came to support young people struggling to find homes, including nurses. Theresa Mehegan from Kanturk said her son has saved a house deposit but can't buy a home due to lack of supply and high demand. He's currently renting shared accommodation in Cork City, but wants to live independently. However, she said he can't afford to do so with the sky-high rents currently being asked. 'Michael Martin would want to stop and think about the damage he's doing to those who can't get their own home,' Ms Mehegan said. Protestors highlight #DERELICT IRELAND at the Raise the Roof protest march against government housing policy at Grand Parade Cork City on Saturday afternoon. Picture: Larry Cummins Amy Lynch from Carrigaline said attendees were sending a message that the government 'can't turn a blind eye anymore' to the housing crisis. Her friend Sarah Murray-Fitzgerald from Bishopstown, attending her first protest, said the housing situation 'is making it hard for young people to survive.' Protesters gathered at the National Monument on Grand Parade at 2pm, but the event was delayed by 20 minutes as some attendees had also joined a separate rally in the city supporting Palestinians. Crowds attending the Raise the Roof protest march against government housing policy at Grand Parade Cork City on Saturday afternoon. Picture: Larry Cummins ICTU's Paul Gavin said many workers now face retiring without owning a home and paying high rents on a meagre pension. He criticised the consistent failure of successive governments to build public housing on public land. Mr Gavin proposed immediate solutions, including restoring the Tenant-In-Situ scheme and imposing an effective tax on owners of vacant or derelict properties to encourage refurbishment. 'There are tens of thousands of these properties across the country that could be brought back into use,' he said. Musician and activist Martin Leahy performs for the crowds at the 'Raise the Roof' protest march against government housing policy at Grand Parade Cork City on Saturday afternoon. Picture: Larry Cummins Fórsa trade union campaigns officer Kevin Donoghue called the housing crisis the 'number one social issue' for union members. He argued the only real solution is to give local authorities the funding and authority to build sufficient social, affordable, and cost-rental housing. Labour TD for Cork North Central Eoghan Kenny described the situation as 'completely unacceptable,' noting that 15,000 people — 5,000 of them children — are homeless. 'Governments have ignored the crisis for over a decade. What is needed now is a State-run construction company as private developers hold the monopoly on house-building,' Mr Kenny said. STOP BLAMING MIGRANTS poster at the Raise the Roof protest march against government housing policy at Grand Parade Cork City on Saturday afternoon. Picture: Larry Cummins Thomas Gould, Sinn Féin TD for the same constituency, said protestors were putting pressure on Taoiseach and "Corkman Micheál Martin" to act. 'There are too many boarded up houses all over the place. There are three generations living together in overcrowded houses because there are not enough being built. All the groups represented at this protest are here to highlight solutions,' he said. Currently, there are more than 300 vacant council houses in Cork City. Protesters later marched a short distance to Cornmarket Street, where more speakers addressed the crowd. The event also featured live music from legendary Cork singer-songwriter John Spillane.
The Journal
16-06-2025
- Business
- The Journal
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions wants the government to move away from corporation tax
THE IRISH CONGRESS of Trade Unions has called on the Government to end the 'over-dependence' on corporation tax receipts ahead of the today's National Economic Dialogue. The National Economic Dialogue is taking place at Dublin Castle this morning. The congress (ICTU), which represents over 800,000 workers across Ireland, said that the country's current economic model is 'unsustainable' and called on the Government to use Budget 2026 to put the economy on a 'firmer footing'. Last week, the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council echoed similar sentiments. Launching its Fiscal Assessment Report, the Council's chair warned of the current volatility of Ireland's longtime reliance on corporation tax as uncertainty arises from mooted tariffs from the US and further trade tensions. The ICTU urged Cabinet to build a new economic model that can deliver 'good jobs, improved living standards, and sustained growth'. Advertisement Its General Secretary Owen Reidy said that the government needs to end its reliance on the 'sugar rush' of corporation tax windfalls and start serious planning for the longer term. Corporation tax is likely to be higher than forecast over the rest of the year, IFAC's latest report found. This has been put down to BEPS reforms that mean groups with a turnover of over €750m will pay a 15% minimum rate of tax in every jurisdiction in which they operate. However, there is further uncertainty regarding the future of multinationals in Ireland. The IFAC has been unable to construct a medium-term forecast due to the department's failure to turn over spending profiles, as well as the government's refusal to commit to a fiscal rule, its chair Seamus Coffey told reporters last week. He said that this highlights that there is no medium-term plan or strategy apparent. Reidy today said that Ireland is facing 'significant wage inequality' alongside 'major infrastructure deficits'. 'Budget 2026 must mark a turning point by giving certainty and security to workers across Ireland. That means good jobs that pay well, a decent standard of living, as well as stronger public services. But it should also mean a shift in our economic model. 'In the coming weeks, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions will be setting out how we believe that can be achieved through a New Economic Model, and today at the National Economic Dialogue we will be bringing that message to Ministers,' he said. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
RTÉ News
15-06-2025
- Business
- RTÉ News
Tánaiste to warn of impact of further tariffs
Tánaiste Simon Harris will today warn that the threat of further tariffs represents "the most serious challenge to transatlantic economic relations in generations." In a speech at the National Economic Dialogue at Dublin Castle, Mr Harris will insist that the EU must remain steadfast in pursuing "substantive, calm, measured, and comprehensive dialogue" with the US in order to avoid the imposition of further tariffs. The National Economic Dialogue is an annual event that brings together various stakeholders for consultation and discussion on the upcoming budget. It will be attended by trade unions, business groups, charities, and environmental organisations. The event will be addressed by the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Minister for Finance, Minister for Public Expenditure, and other members of the Cabinet. In his address to the conference, Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe will tell delegates that the near-term economic outlook is clouded in uncertainty and that positive headline economic figures so far this year mask considerable vulnerabilities. "Much of the headline balance arises from a handful of large multinationals and, as I mentioned, the mood-music is changing. It is not appropriate – indeed it could be dangerous – to plan on the basis of these receipts being permanent," Mr Donohoe will say. The theme of this year's National Economic Dialogue is 'Medium-term budgetary planning against a rapidly changing global backdrop'. The conference is not intended to produce specific budget proposals or recommendations but rather to assist participants in preparing their own pre-budget submissions. Ahead of the event, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has warned that Ireland's economic model is unsustainable and has urged the Government to use Budget 2026 to put the economy on a firmer footing. ICTU General Secretary Owen Reidy said the country has been left dangerously exposed to global shocks. "In this era of uncertainty, Government needs to end its reliance on the sugar rush of corporation tax windfalls, and start serious planning for the longer term," Mr Reidy said. "We have an over-reliance on a handful of firms for corporation tax, significant wage inequality, and major infrastructure deficits across housing, healthcare and transport," he added. Speaking ahead of the event, Social Justice Ireland said the country's overall level of taxation will have to rise significantly in the years to come to address current service and infrastructure deficits, and meet the changing needs of a growing and ageing population "Work must begin now on planning for a sustainable tax-take and wise investment of available funds into infrastructure and services to embed resilience," said John McGeady, CEO, Social Justice Ireland.
RTÉ News
03-06-2025
- General
- RTÉ News
Workers to observe nationwide moment of reflection for Gaza
Workers across Ireland are expected to participate in a moment of reflection at lunchtime today amid the going violence in Gaza. The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has asked that at 1:05pm, participating workers mark a moment of respectful reflection, as a simple act of solidarity and remembrance for the loss of life over the past eighteen months. Today is the International UN Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression. "As the appalling violence in Gaza continues, our members asked that the trade union movement lead in reflecting on this terrible loss of life," said ICTU General Secretary Owen Reidy. "Since announcing the moment of reflection last week, we have been heartened by the response from the 800,000 union members across the island." "The UN Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression provides an opportunity to pause and reflect on these tragic events and their devastating impact on the people of Gaza, particularly the children who have suffered so greatly," Mr Reidy said. Workers who wish to participate are encouraged to observe the moment of reflection respectfully, whether in their workplace, at home, or wherever they may be. ICTU said the moment of reflection is not a work stoppage, and is encouraging participating workers to coordinate with their employers where possible. SIPTU staff and members will stage a solidarity action at 1.05pm, on Butt Bridge in Dublin across from the 'Ceasefire Now' banner on the side of Liberty Hall.
