Longford-Westmeath TDs urged to halt €9 million "splurge" on mobile phone pouches

Longford-Westmeath TDs should take the opportunity this week to overturn the government's  decision to spend €9 million on mobile phone pouches.

That is the view of Sinn Féin TD Sorca Clarke who has described the investment as a "scandalous" move at a time when there are many other issues.

Deputy Clarke was speaking as Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald today moved a Dáil motion, which will be debated and voted on this week, that calls on the government to reverse it.

She has insisted that instead of mobile phone pouches the funding should be spent in mental health services and schools.

“The €9m allocated in Budget 2025 for mobile phone pouches is a scandalous waste of taxpayers’ money, particularly at a time when schools and our children are crying out for investment in mental health supports and special education, and schools are struggling to keep the lights on and keep buildings warm," Deputy Clarke said. “Mary Lou McDonald wrote to the Taoiseach on Sunday calling on him to reverse this indefensible spend."

However, the Sinn Féin education spokesperson stated instead, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil have doubled down on this decision.

“This latest splurge comes on the back of the most expensive hospital in the world costing upwards of an eye-watering €2.2billion, the €336,000 bike shed, the €1.4m security hut, and forking out €442,000 on modular homes that were supposed to cost €200,000," she said. “But the government has an opportunity here to hold its hands up and admit it got this wrong."

Deputy Clarke stated that is why Mary Lou McDonald has moved a motion, which will be debated and voted on this week, that calls on the government to 'wise up' and put a stop to this.

“I am calling on TDs in Longford-Westmeath to reject this ludicrous allocation of funds and instead endorse Sinn Féin's call to invest this badly needed funding in mental health services and schools," she added.