Opposing the CETA and Mercosur agreements
In the Dáil today, I outlined why I am opposed to the CETA and Mercosur agreements – their impact on Irish agriculture, food standards, the environment and investor-state dispute settlement mechanisms.
Shannon Airport, tourism and Shannon Heritage
I raised the future of Shannon Group, Shannon Airport, tourism in the region and Shannon Heritage with the Taoiseach and will continue to press him and his Government to deliver.
Alternatives to some of the more idiotic Covid restrictions
Instead of some of the more idiotic #COVID19 restrictions, we should be empowering people to test themselves at home to reduce the transmission of COVID.
Moneypoint’s role in Ireland’s energy future
Instead of importing offshore energy from Denmark, we should be developing our own offshore energy sector utilising the existing transmission network from Moneypoint.
McNamara seeks ESB Moneypoint role in future offshore energy projects
Clare Independent TD Michael McNamara is asking the Government to place ESB Moneypoint in County Clare at the centre of any future plans by Government to develop offshore energy in Ireland.
Read MoreAlternatives to residential care for older people
Having launched the Sage Advocacy ‘Choice Matters’ report this morning, I questioned the Taoiseach about the lack of support available to older people at home or in the community which is leading to people with little choice but to go into congregated settings.
McNamara secures significant increase in services for Ennis Hospital
Clare Independent T.D., Michael McNamara, has received confirmation from the UL Hospitals Group that a business case for a major expansion in the level of services provided at Ennis Hospital has been approved.
Read MoreUse of rapid Covid-19 antigen tests
A rapid antigen test that people can do at home themselves offers huge potential benefits as an addition, not an alternative, to other measures.
Increased powers for ComReg
Good news for telecoms customers. Having pursued the matter for months, I welcome confirmation that additional powers to impose additional sanctions on service providers are on the way. The matter will go to Cabinet before Christmas with a view to passing legislation in February.
Data on mental health in Ireland is inadequate
Data on mental health is inadequate. The HSE and Irish College of Psychiatrists need to explain why, given they receive taxpayers’ money to collect and collate it. Data on suicide is adequate because of the lack of a centralised coroners’ database, a shortcoming highlighted 20 years ago this month.
Banks refusing mortgages to persons employed under Wage Subsidy Scheme
Banks are refusing mortgages to persons employed under Temporary COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme. Up to now, the Government has insisted that these were sustainable jobs, temporarily affected, but now it seems this is no longer the Government’s position. Many of these jobs are in sectors shut down by the Government.
McNamara questions Education Minister about open windows in classrooms
Michael McNamara, Independent TD for Clare, has received confirmation from the Minister for Education that updated guidance has been issued to schools in relation to ventilation practices in the classroom.
Read MoreRTÉ – New Guidelines for Covid-19 Testing and Quarantine of Air Travellers
I spoke on Drivetime RTE about new Guidelines for Covid-19 Testing and Quarantine of Air Travellers, published jointly by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
Nursing Home and Hospital Visitor Restrictions
The proposed practice of allowing only one visitor per week for those in nursing homes and hospitals needs to be reviewed, particularly given the possibility of screening to mitigate risk.