NPHET’s modelling upon which Government introduced this lockdown was clearly inaccurate. Due to the 3-week timelag for measures to take effect It’s clear people had modified their behaviour before the introduction of lockdown. Incidence was already falling. 55,000 needlessly out of work!
I spoke on RTÉ Primetime about the impact of Level 5 restrictions on retailers.
I explained to the Dáil today why I am opposing the Health (Amendment) Bill.
I spoke against the lockdown and the power to lockdown again and again until June at least.
TDs are being asked to approve another lockdown without data on self-harm and suicide during the last lockdown. That is not good enough and must not be repeated.
Closing marts and moving cattle sales online is counterproductive and ill-considered.
In four months nothing has changed. Now we’re told nothing will will change for another four months. Lockdowns must end.
A strategy of indefinitely going in and out of lockdown will not work.
I spoke to Claire Byrne on RTÉ today about the potential introduction of further restrictions in Ireland.
Our economy cannot endure another sustained shutdown – RTÉ The Week In Politics
Reacting to the news that Ryanair is to close its bases in Cork and Shannon for the winter, Independent TD Michael McNamara has said the Government needs to introduce a system of rapid testing at airports in the short term and must also develop a new State aviation policy to ensure international transit carriers do not fly exclusively into Dublin.
Read MoreI asked Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan to provide an update on the progress made by Government on the introduction of a testing protocol at Irish airports and about what type of test system would be used.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney today outlined to me why a Zero Covid Island approach is neither realistic nor feasible.
Expectant mothers require the support of their partners at key moments of their pregnancy. Humanity must be retained in maternity hospitals restrictions.
The latest household restrictions will be counterproductive if put into law as they will undermine contact tracing.
I questioned the Tanaiste about why a trolley in a hospital corridor is considered to be a “multi occupancy room” and costs €813 per night.
Read MoreIn response to the news that Ryanair is to close its bases in Cork Airport and Shannon Airport for the winter, I am requesting Government to introduce a system of rapid testing at airports in the short term and also develop a new State aviation policy to ensure international transit carriers do not fly exclusively into Dublin Airport.
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Clare Independent T.D. Michael McNamara says the €10m allocated to Cork and Shannon in Budget 2021 is “utterly inadequate” to compensate the airports for the Government’s decision to shut down the Irish aviation sector.
Read MoreReacting to Budget 2021 this evening, I spoke about mental health services, the childcare sector, family carers and broadband, amongst other issues.
Clare Independent TD Michael McNamara says works to replace the old watermain from Miltown Malbay to Mullagh are scheduled to commence in early November.
Read MoreMichael McNamara, T.D., has today received confirmation from Irish Water that a series of infrastructure upgrades will be delivered in Clare to end the discharge of raw sewage in Kilrush, Clarecastle, Liscannor, Ballyvaughan and Kilkee.
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Clare Independent TD, Michael McNamara has received confirmation from the HSE that a business case has been submitted for further expansion of the level of services provided at Ennis Hospital.
Read MoreI cannot say for sure that Irish telecoms providers have the worst customer service in the world. But, to borrow a line from Brian Clough, they are in the top one.
I was not shocked by the thousands of interactions I received on a tweet sent earlier last week about the treatment of customers by Eir, Ireland’s largest telecommunications company.
I have experienced the frustration myself. If a week is a long time in politics, then attempting to switch from one telecoms service provider to another in this country can feel like a lifetime.
I spoke to RTÉ about the publication of the final report of the Special Committee on Covid-19 Response.
I gave my reaction to the Government’s announcement of Level 3 restrictions to BBC Radio Ulster this evening.
peaking on Today with Claire Byrne (RTÉ Radio One) about the NPHET proposal to Government to introduce Level 5 restrictions.
I spoke on RTÉ Radio’s ‘Late Debate’ programme about the urgent need to address hospital capacity, the Leaving Certificate grade errors and the public reaction to Golfgate.
