RTÉ Drivetime – Greater balance in our aviation policy
Speaking to RTÉ Drivetime, I called for greater balance in our aviation policy and for the Government to intervene to bring that about.
Temporary Changes To GLAS To Avoid Fodder Shortage Declined by Minister
Independent Clare TD Michael McNamara has called on the Minister for Agriculture to allow temporary adjustments to the conditions of the GLAS scheme which would enable farmers with low-input permanent pasture and traditional hay meadows to cut more hay and silage.
Read MoreBringing derelict properties back into use
Plans to help people to buy derelict properties to renovate and live in are welcome, but if not launched soon will be overtaken by an increase in construction costs.
Rising food production costs
I asked the Agriculture Minister what he is doing to tackle rising input costs in agriculture, especially fertiliser, which will inevitably result in food inflation next spring.
Public service delivery
I spoke in the Dáil this evening about the need to manage changing work practices brought about by the pandemic to ensure the adequate delivery of public services.
Shannon Airport hinterland
I welcoI welcome the appointment of Conal Henry as the new Chair of Shannon Group, and I particularly welcome his ambition for Shannon Airport to be promoted as a travel option for everyone outside of the M50 and south of the N5.
Apprenticeship delays
8,208 apprentices, including 5,720 undertaking electrical, plumbing, carpentry and stone/brick laying apprenticeships, are currently awaiting off-the-job-training. This backlog needs to be cleared for their sake and ours.
Independent Clare TD Michael McNamara has called on the Government to publish the terms of reference for an expert team that is being deployed by the HSE to review the issues surrounding chronic overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick (UHL).
Shannon NCT centre will not go ahead
A proposed second NCT centre for County Clare that was due open in Shannon will now not be developed.
Read MoreUHL overcrowding
I raised the issue of ongoing overcrowding at University of Limerick with Taoiseach Micheál Martin today.
Apprenticeships
In the Dáil today, I called for ‘temporary extraordinary measures’ to tackle a backlog in apprenticeships across the country. The Taoiseach said he would be open to seeing ‘what more we can do to accelerate without diluting the quality’.
Limerick Northern Distributor Road
Without announcing a sustainable transport alternative, the Government’s decision to abandon the second phase of the Limerick Northern Distributor Road is short-sighted.
Fuel Ban
Restrictions on burning turf, coal and briquettes will only work if people have an affordable alternative, but the Government is not providing such an alternative.