The priorities are, firstly, that crumbling homes are fully remedied and, secondly, that taxpayers are not be left footing all the cost. This Government Bill does neither. It should ensure those who made defective concrete blocks for profit are legally pursued.
Clare Independent TD Michael McNamara has expressed his optimism that a proposed NCT centre for Shannon will be developed in the near future.
Read MoreToday, I called on the government to review the funding for Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) providers, which threaten small local childcare services throughout Ireland.
An emergency budget, at least on its own without other measures, will not help people deal with the rapidly rising cost of living for long.
Independent Clare TD Michael McNamara has highlighted his concerns around funding for the childcare sector and the impact on smaller community-based childcare providers.
Read MoreThe Government has lacked urgency in pursuing quarry operators who sold deficient concrete blocks and foundations. Taxpayers and those building a home in the future should not be left footing all the bill to help the victims.
Members of the Clare Pyrite Action Group were among those addressing the Oireachtas Housing Committee today.
Independent Clare T.D. Michael McNamara says a decision on the inclusion of the Cultural Landscape of the Burren Uplands and Holy Island (Inis Cealtra) on a new Tentative List of potential World Heritage Properties for Ireland will be made next month.
Read MoreDespite a devastating report into overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick, it appears neither the Taoiseach nor his government has a plan to deal with the issues raised and he is looking to pass responsibility to the HSE, his creation.
The Department of Education’s approval of the provision of a preschool at Clooney National School has been welcomed by Independent Clare TD Michael McNamara.
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Independent Clare TD Michael McNamara has criticised the Government for excluding up to 20% of farmland in County Clare from the €55m Fodder Support Scheme.
Read MoreThe government needs to put measures in place now that will limit further increases in energy and food costs this winter.
The HIQA report into overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick points to completely inadequate capacity in the Midwest and a failure to manage existing capacity.
In seeking to reduce our carbon emissions, the Government needs to provide affordable alternatives rather than merely penalising people with no alternative.
Energy security was and should be a fundamental part of Ireland’s independence. We need to have a national conversation about the nuclear option.
I questioned the Minister for Finance on the emerging duopoly in the Irish banking sector.
As the cost of driving to work becomes prohibitive, for those who drive their own vehicle as part of their work, the rate at which they’re reimbursed hasn’t changed since 1 April 2017.
Clare TD Michael McNamara today raised the issue of overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick with Taoiseach Micheál Martin in the Dáil today.
Speaking after the debate, Deputy McNamara said, “It is very disappointing that the Taoiseach tried to wash his hands of overcrowding in UHL today, having previously told me he’d “come back” to me with details of the expert group sent there and their terms of reference.”
Before reintroducing working from home across the public sector, the Government needs to put the systems in place to ensure the public still gets a service.
https://www.newstalk.com/podcasts/highlights-from-the-hard-shoulder/could-we-see-a-return-to-working-from-home
In today’s Sunday Independent, I wrote about why a Dáil debate and vote on who shoulders the burden of reducing carbon emissions is as important as on the financial budget. Instead, it will be decided by the Environment Minister alone after consultation with any other Ministers he considers appropriate.
In Dáil Éireann today, Independent Clare TD Michael McNamara highlighted the need to improve services on the direct Limerick to Dublin rail line, which passes through Castleconnell (Limerick) Birdhill, Nenagh, Cloughjordan, Roscrea (Tipperary) and Ballybrophy (Laois).
Read MoreIf the Government wants to get people out of cars and on to trains, a significant improvement in rail services is required.