Rapid antigen tests
The Government must expand the use of rapid antigen tests, which can detect when people with COVID-19 are infectious as opposed to the detection of persons who are no longer infectious.
Role of Vitamin D in the fight against Covid
I am glad to note that over the past fortnight the Tánaiste has appraised himself of the considerable scientific research concerning the benefits of Vitamin D in the fight against Covid. Hopefully, this will lead to the government following the example of other European states in providing Vitamin D supplementation to vulnerable persons.
Submission on possible inclusion of Clare in pyrite scheme
Clare Independent T.D. Michael McNamara says the Government has commenced a process of engagement with Clare County Council over the potential extension of the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme to affected homes in Clare.
Read MoreChallenging Department decisions in the courts
I spoke about the prohibitive cost of challenging administrative decisions by Government Departments in the courts which puts it beyond the reach of most homeowners and farmers in Ireland.
Inclusion of tourism providers and events companies under CRSS
I requested the Minister for Finance to include adventure / outdoor activity tourism providers and events companies under the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS). The Minister said he will review the matter.
Extracting Water from the River Shannon and Piping to Dublin
Plans to extract water from the River Shannon and pipe it to Dublin are prompted by the capital’s leaking water infrastructure system and reluctance to fix it due to the disruption that’d be caused to commercial activity. With little commercial activity at present, it’s time to repair Dublin’s leaking water infrastructure.
Vaccinating people who have contracted Covid
I asked the Minister for Health how many people who have contracted Covid have been vaccinated and whether it is proposed to vaccinate such people in light of the suggestion that they may enjoy some protection arising from their previous infection.
Essential Workers and Foreign Travel
Essential workers who recently contracted Covid but have since recovered and are no longer infectious are being unnecessarily prevented from travelling, as I explained to the Tánaiste today.
Unrestricted access to ROI via Northern Ireland
Testing at our airports while unrestricted access to Northern Ireland and across the border is maintained is like trying to keep the cold out of the house by closing all the windows but leaving the front door open.
Eir, service outages and customer service
I cannot say for sure that Irish telecoms providers have the worst customer service in the world. But, to paraphrase Brian Clough, they are in the top one.
Vitamin D supplements for vulnerable people
In light of the UK Government offering free vitamin D supplements to 2.7 million vulnerable people across England, I asked the Tánaiste if a similar initiative could be considered in Ireland.
Antigen testing, elderly in receipt of home care and the winter flu
I questioned the Health Minister about prioritising the vaccination of persons in receipt of home care and their carers; the winter flu; and rapid antigen detection tests.