30-month rule
The 30-month age limit on cattle is economically and environmentally unsustainable.
Moneypoint Power Station
Green Party Leader Eamon Ryan confirmed that Moneypoint Power Station will close as scheduled in 2025 despite Ireland’s energy shortage and the concerns I raised that we would end up importing coal-generated electricity thereafter.
Morning Ireland – Indoor hospitality
I spoke on Morning Ireland about the delay in publishing both the guidelines and regulations around indoor hospitality, and the difficulties this is creating for businesses and members of the public.
Questioning Garda Commissioner
In order to avoid the perception of political policing, I asked the Garda Commissioner whether he felt additional detail or guidance was needed in the upcoming Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill.
Indoor hospitality rules
With just one day to go before new rules around indoor hospitality come into effect, nobody yet knows what laws they are going to have to adhere to and businesses are not able to put appropriate plans in place.
Inspections of private homes
The number of local authority inspections of private rented properties in 2020 was particularly inadequate. While Covid is cited as the reason, the figures for 2019 are not much better.
Budget 2022 response
“A little bit of everything and very little of anything.” I spoke on Budget 2022 in the Dáil today.
National Ambulance Service
Today I questioned Tanaiste Leo Varadkar about what is being done to increase capacity and response times in the National Ambulance Service. I raised the matter after an ambulance was sent 175km from a station in Connemara to a road traffic collision in Kilkee at the weekend.
McNamara seeks clarity over 180 at risk jobs in Lufthansa Technik Shannon Ltd
Clarification is needed on the future of all existing full-time jobs at Lufthansa Technik Shannon Ltd. as well as the retention of the two aviation hangars used by the Clare-based operation.
Following today’s announcement by Atlantic Aviation Group (AAG) that it has acquired Lufthansa Technik Shannon Ltd securing 300 highly skilled full-time workers in Shannon, there is concern for up to 180 jobs at the Clare-based operation.
The announcement is undoubtedly very positive news for AAG but the full impact of the acquisition on all 480 full-time employees and future operations at Lufthansa Technik Shannon Ltd. has yet to be outlined. I will be seeking more clarity on the issue from representatives of AAG and Lufthansa Technik Shannon Ltd. when I attend a briefing hosted by the companies tomorrow morning.
The employees of Lufthansa Technik Shannon Ltd. have played a key role in ensuring the future of the operation through their engagement with management and SIPTU over the past year. This included staff staggering work shifts with staff taking paid leave by availing of days built up over the years. While the majority of contract staff were released in the last year, particularly at the beginning of the pandemic, management at the company has continued to engage with worker’s representatives from SIPTU. Following on from today’s announcement, it is important now that clarity is provided on all full-time positions at the company.
Photo c/o Pat Flynn of The Clare Herald
The Sunday Independent – Leaders must avoid a dereliction of duty in crucial housing issue
Bringing derelict buildings back into use, whether for business or residential purposes, injects life into our towns and villages and delivers homes. Budget 2022 needs to reflect this.
Opinion piece that I wrote for The Sunday Independent.
Closure of Bank of Ireland branches
The Central Bank has questions to answer following the closure today of three Clare Bank of Ireland branches and more than 80 others across the country.
Sustainable tourism
Minister Catherine Martin spoke about sustainable tourism in the Dáil today, but the reality is far from sustainable.
International visitors to Ireland
The Government’s use of Dáil time today to tell us about reopening the tourism and aviation sectors never addressed the significant deterrents that exist for international tourists.
New Shannon Group Chair
I asked the new Shannon Group Chair Pádraig Ó Céidigh about his plans for the future development of Shannon Airport, including ‘fifth freedom flights’, the Aer Lingus Heathrow slots, the use of antigen testing and his part-time position. My questions can be heard here.
Working from home with poor telecoms
Given the spin that the Budget would facilitate people working from home, I pointed out in the Dáil that a poor service from telecoms providers was a major obstacle and asked when the Government would tackle this.
Future restrictions and healthcare capacity
Speaking to Pat Kenny I again raised the issue of how little capacity has been increased in our healthcare system despite the billions spent on our pandemic response. Full interview here.
Data centres in Ireland
Simply moving data centres abroad to countries where they have a bigger carbon footprint isn’t a solution. I asked if the Government would engage with environmental NGOs & the tech giants based here to see how the growing demand for data storage can be slowed & sustainability met.
Government proposes to extend emergency powers
I will be voting against the Government’s proposal to extend the emergency powers in respect of indoor hospitality.
Additional staff and capacity for Medical Assessment Unit in Ennis
A further expansion of the Medical Assessment Unit (MAU) in Ennis Hospital is currently underway with a staff recruitment process ongoing, according to Deputy Michael McNamara.
Read MoreMcNamara seeks clarity on Moneypoint as blackouts loom this winter
“This week must have been a bewildering week for the workers in Moneypoint power station,” Clare Independent TD Michael McNamara told the Dáil this week.
Read More