Mental health, disability inclusion, public services and Irish unity priorities for Sinn Féin in new Dáil

SINN FÉIN has named its spokespersons in the Dáil and Seanad following the return of Fine Gael to power with the assistance of some Independents and the Fianna Fáil party.

Making the announcements on Wednesday afternoon at Leinster House, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD said:

“In keeping with the mandate we received in the Dáil general election, Sinn Féin is prioritising the areas of mental health, disability inclusion, public services and Irish unity.”

He said that Sinn Féin is very proud of the fact that its team is made up of more new TDs, an increased number of women in key portfolios, as well as an increased number of younger public representatives.

He added:

“We hope to work with other progressive deputies and senators in providing an effective Opposition and our team will play an important role in working with our spokespersons in the Assembly and our new ministerial team in the North to advance all-Ireland and North/South issues, as well with our the party’s four MEPs. 

“I am confident that the enhanced Sinn Féin team, in both the Dáil and Seanad, will play a productive and constructive role.

He said Sinn Féin will be bringing front and centre to parliament “the issues affecting citizens – from the crises in health and housing, to affordable childcare provision, workers’ rights and rural services”.

Sinn Féin’s spokespersons are:-

Dáil

Gerry Adams – Party Leader, shadowing An Taoiseach

Mary Lou McDonald – Deputy Party Leader, shadowing An Tánaiste and all-Ireland Spokesperson on Mental Health & Suicide Prevention

Aengus Ó Snodaigh - Chief Whip and Spokesperson on Defence

Pearse Doherty – Spokesperson on Finance

Louise O’Reilly – Spokesperson on Health

Carol Nolan – Spokesperson on Education & Skills

Eoin Ó Broin – Spokesperson on Housing, Planning & Local Government

David Cullinane – Spokesperson on Public Expenditure & Reform and all-Ireland Spokesperson on Workers’ Rights

Martin Kenny – Spokesperson on Agriculture, Food & the Marine

Peadar Tóibín – Spokesperson on Regional Development, Rural Affairs, Arts & the Gaeltacht

Jonathan O’Brien - Spokesperson on Justice & Equality and Drug & Alcohol Abuse

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire – Spokesperson on Children & Youth Affairs

Seán Crowe – Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs & Trade, the EU and the Diaspora

John Brady – Spokesperson on Social Protection

Brian Stanley – Spokesperson on Communications, Climate Change & Natural Resources

Maurice Quinlivan – Spokesperson on Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation

Imelda Munster – Spokesperson on Transport, Tourism & Sport and Urban Renewal

Caoimhghín Ó Caolain – Spokesperson on Disability Rights & Older People

Denise Mitchell – Junior Spokesperson on Social Protection and Deputy Whip

Dessie Ellis – Junior Spokesperson on Housing, Planning & Local Government

Kathleen Funchion – Junior Spokesperson on Children & Youth Affairs (with special responsibility for Childcare)

Martin Ferris – Junior Spokesperson on Agriculture, Food & the Marine (with special responsibility for Fisheries and the Marine)

Pat Buckley – Junior Spokesperson on Mental Health & Suicide Prevention

Seanad

Rose Conway-Walsh – Seanad Group Leader and Rural Ireland

Paul Gavan – Seanad Whip and Workers’ Rights & Collective Bargaining

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn – Jobs & the Economy

Fintan Warfield – Youth, Arts & LGBT Rights

Máire Devine – Health & Well-being

Niall Ó Donnghaile – North/South Integration

Trevor Ó Clochartaigh – An Gaeilge and the Diaspora and Housing, Regional Development, Rural Affairs, Arts & Gaeltacht