On a day when Government said it will now consider the incluson of mothers returning from maternity leave under the COVID-19 wage subsidy scheme, I once again raised the matter of seasonal enterprises and workers who presently do not qualify under the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment.
The livelihoods of many young people in rural Ireland are impacted by the current lack of driving tests, I explained to the Taoiseach today.
Addressing Taoiseach Leo Varadkar in Dáil Éireann this afternoon, I proposed the testing of outbound passengers at Shannon Airport as a means to reopen the aviation gateway to North America. The economy of our region depends on Shannon.
The cost of conducting COVID-19 tests in Ireland is €200 per person. This requires explanation given a virus swab test typically costs in the region of €25 per person.
At the COVID-19 Dáil Committee sessions, I proposed to HIQA, HSE and Nursing Homes Ireland that there should be a requirement for a clinical lead to be appointed in respect of every nursing home in Ireland. Such a move would ensure a coordinated medical approach to the health of all residents in relevant facilities.
Michael McNamara, Clare T.D., has received confirmation that the Governing Authority of the University of Limerick (UL) has approved the issuing of refunds for students in rented accommodation at UL.
Read MoreOn RTÉ’s ‘The Week In Politics’ programme, I called for Health Minister Simon Harris to consult with the Dáil on any future regulations introducing or maintaining COVID restrictions.
I joined Ivan Yates on The Tonight Show to discuss the inaugural sitting of the Dáil COVID-19 Committee, of which I am Chair.
Tonight in Dáil Éireann, I highlighted the power of the beef barons in this country to the detriment of workers and farmers.
In querying Heritage Minister Josepha Madigan tonight on what progress has been made by the Government in obtaining UNESCO World Heritage Site status for Holy Island / Inis Cealtra, which I have pressed for over a number of years, I was surprised to learn that the Minister “was not aware of the particular place”.
Read MoreClare Independent TD Michael McNamara says he has received confirmation from Irish Water that the proposed replacement of the old watermain from Miltown Malbay to Mullagh will commence during the first quarter of 2021.
Read MoreIn response to my question at the Special Dáil COVID-19 Committee today, the Chief Medical Officer of the Department of Health Dr. Tony Holohan said community transmission of COVID-19 has been “effectively extinguished”.
In Dáil Éireann tonight, I asked Minister for the Arts Josepha Madigan if artists could be supported financially, even if the Clare festivals they enrich and rely on for financial support, are cancelled.
In Dáil Éireann today, I questioned Minister for Health Simon Harris on nurses pay, private hospital capacity and why the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) is not receiving advice from a mental health expert.
In the Dáil today, the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar gave me his commitment that he would contact Irish Water to query water infrastructure upgrades for West Clare, parts of which have continue to experience regular water outages.
It must be clear to people what the law is around COVID-19 restrictions if they are to adhere to the law.
In his handling of the Clare Bus issue, Minister Shane Ross has let down those who used its services, particularly those with reduced mobility, and rural Clare.
All Leaving Certificate students should have the same opportunity to advance to the Third Level Education regardless of the school they attended. I am concerned about the proposed method of standardisation of grades in this year’s Leaving Cert. I raised the matter with Education Minister Joe McHugh today.
On RTE’s Morning Ireland today, I outlined how as Chair of the Special Committee on COVID19 Response will work to ensure the public’s concerns about the past, present and future handling of Ireland’s COVID-19 response are heard and responded to by Government and health officials.
As Chair of the Special Committee on COVID19 Response, I spoke to Oireachtas TV about the work of the committee in the coming weeks. The Chief Medical Officer, Tony Holohan, and Head of the HSE, Paul Reid will appear before the Committee next week.
Clare County Council delivers a wide range of important services to every community in Clare. Last night in Dáil Éireann, I requested Minster Eoghan Murphy to outline how the Government intends to bridge the shortfall in revenue facing local authorities in light of the much needed commercial rates breaks being given to businesses.
During my election campaign, I vowed to address the number of derelict buildings in our towns and villages and go back to building homes in our communities, taking pressure off the rental market. I raised this issue with the Minister for Housing, Eoghan Murphy, in Dáil Éireann last night.
I called for Government to regulate entry to the State.
Michael McNamara, T.D., questions Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed, on Beef Taskforce.
Clare T.D., Michael McNamara has confirmed that from today (Wednesday, 06 May 2020) anglers may fish in locations less than or equal to 5km from home.
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