March 2020 – Michael McNamara

Agriculture, National, Press Release

27 Mar 2020 Michael McNamara

McNamara calls for extension of BEAM scheme

Clare Independent T.D. Michael McNamara has requested the Government to extend the time period specified in the Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) scheme for stock reduction to June 2021.

Agriculture, National, Video

27 Mar 2020 Michael McNamara

Extend the BEAM deadline

With the closure of marts preventing farmers from selling cattle, I have requested the Department of Agriculture to extend the time period specified in the Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) scheme for stock reduction to June 2021.

Clare, Consumer, National, Video

27 Mar 2020 Michael McNamara

Extend the fuel allowance payment period

Speaking in the Dáil yesterday, I called on Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe to extend the scheduled end date for fuel allowance payments to facilitate elderly people and those on lower incomes who are self isolating during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

National, Tourism, Video

27 Mar 2020 Michael McNamara

McNamara seeks payment supports for seasonal workers in tourism sector

Speaking in the Dáil yesterday, I requested the Government to ensure that seasonal workers in the tourism industry, who lost their jobs before they were about to start them, are included in the new Covid-19 unemployment payment scheme. I welcome that the Irish Hotel Federation has today supported my request. Watch and listen to my contribution to yesterday’s Dáil session in the above video.

Clare, Community, Consumer, Transport, Video

24 Mar 2020 Michael McNamara

Reverse Clare Bus decision

I have submitted a request to the National Transport Authority and Minister for Transport to immediately review the decision to cancel a two-year contract won by Clare Bus in December to operate 12 routes. This move threatens jobs and undermines the future provision of Local Link services in Clare. I would ask that any decision be reversed until the ongoing COVID-19 crisis has passed after which a comprehensive review should be carried out.