Do Return Hubs Really Put an End to Secondary Migration?
Recent experience suggests that return hub provisions recently adopted by the European Parliament will increase secondary movement of migrants rather than reduce it, as claimed by proponents.
Why I Voted Against the Return Regulation
I cannot support a law that could send children to return hubs.
Today I reluctantly voted against the EU’s Return Regulation.
Michael McNamara Delivers on Pledge to Enact EU-wide “Nudifier” Ban in AI Omnibus
This week, the European Parliament has voted by a broad majority to introduce a ban on AI “nudifier” tools, proposed by Independent MEP Michael McNamara.
The ban, which will come into effect on 2 December of this year, will outlaw AI systems designed to generate fake nude or intimate images of real people without their consent, closing what McNamara identified as a major gap in existing laws.
“Recent controversies involving AI systems, demonstrated there was no clear prohibition on the technology which was being used to generate highly realistic fake nude images of real people, of which the overwhelming majority of victims were women and girls. I pledged to change that when I was appointed as a Rapporteur in the Parliament. Following negotiations with the Council, the passing of this legislation will ensure that this abuse will no longer be allowed.”
The updated rules also extend compliance deadlines for certain high-risk AI systems, giving businesses and public authorities additional time to prepare while maintaining key safeguards.
“Irish companies and SMEs, particularly in the tech and manufacturing sectors, needed certainty. They couldn’t comply with rules when the technical standards hadn’t even been written yet. We’ve fixed that, without removing the protections that make this legislation worth having.”
McNamara said the final agreement strikes a practical balance between encouraging innovation and protecting citizens from harmful uses of artificial intelligence.
“As the capabilities of AI continue to expand at a startling rate, so too does the potential for both good and harm. It is our responsibility to ensure that these technologies are developed and deployed in a way that respects people’s rights and dignity.”
Why is Europe so far behind the US technologically?
Disastrous-decision making by successive governments in many states has left Europe woefully unprepared for the current technological expansion.
Rash deregulation is not the solution.
AI and GDPR Guidelines
A recent study by ETH Zurich and Anthropic revealed that AI can be used to identify pseudonymous online users at scale.
I questioned the EDPB on it’s implications and the upcoming European GDPR guidelines and how they will be implemented across the member states.
Interview for Oireachtas Tv on AI
Faced with the power of huge corporations and their lobbying, often targeting the Irish government specifically, it is vital that we have appropriate AI regulation backed by strict enforcement to ensure compliance.
See my full interview on Oireachtas TV here: https://youtu.be/5eaySNZ6gN8
EU Gambling Tax
A proposed EU gambling tax is not a bad idea. The growing gambling industry, increasingly transnational, is dangerous and destructive to our societies and should be taxed heavily due to the damage it causes.
Drug Debt Intimidation
Drug Debt intimidation becomes a bigger problem every day as drug use increase across Ireland and other EU states. The victims of this crime need help now from Governmental and law enforcement agencies.
Illegal Attacks on Iran
The EU’s unwillingness to criticise the illegal attacks on Iran and resultant civilian deaths undermines its condemnation of the rise in use of the death penalty there.
Ban on AI ‘Nudifiers’
At the FEMM public hearing on AI and Gender-Based Violence, I spoke about the importance of effective drafting on a ban on so-called nudification apps.
Michael McNamara on why he is seeking to be elected to the European Parliament
I was asked by Newstalk why I am seeking to be elected to the European Parliament.
UHL overcrowding and health services in the Mid West
Thank you to Ireland AM for their public service in broadcasting live from Limerick this morning on the state of healthcare in the Mid-West.
The Sunday Independent – EU migration revamp unlikely to reform the behaviour of our ducking and diving ministers
My opinion piece in The Sunday Independent on April 14th, 2024.
Sunday Independent – You can whip TDs into line, but beware of a public backlash when they realise what it means
My opinion piece in The Sunday Independent on 31st March, 2024.
Referendum on the Family
I explained to RTÉ Drivetime why I am voting No in the upcoming Referendum on the Family.
Government spend on IPAS and Asylum Seeker accommodation
The Government is throwing money at providers of accommodation for asylum seekers (€1.88m/day), and Ukrainian beneficiaries of temporary protection (€3.3m/day), but has little, if any, oversight of how many persons are ever actually in the accommodation centres for which it’s paying.
The Sunday Independent – The State’s abject failure to enforce immigration rules is causing chaos
My opinion piece in The Sunday Independent on 31st January 2024.
The Sunday Independent – The debate on Irish neutrality is to be on the Government’s terms and on nobody else’s
An editorial I wrote for yesterday’s Sunday Independent.
RTÉ at Oireachtas Committee
RTÉ has paid Revenue €1.2 million to date in settlements related to bogus self-employment contracts and has made provision for “significantly more” for ongoing cases, I was told in response to my questions to members of the Board and senior management today.
The Sunday Independent: More chaos than cunning – Coalition plans for offshore energy have a real Blackadder whiff about them
This week, as the Dáil voted to buy carbon credits from Slovakia, the Government has yet to produce a plan outlining how it will meet its target of 5GW offshore energy generation by 2030.
My opinion piece in this week’s Sunday Independent.
Lockdown Decisions
It is clear now that some of the measures adopted in response to COVID were unnecessary, some were ridiculous, some were inhumane, some had a long-lasting negative impact that outweighed any benefit, and it was clear at the time.
Coillte forestry deal
Following yesterday’s Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture meeting on Coillte’s forestry deal with a British investment fund, I debated the matter with Forestry Minister Pippa Hackett (Green Party) on Virgin Media’s ‘The Tonight Show.’
Ennis Hospital
I spoke on RTÉ Drivetime about the need to adequately resource Ennis Hospital in light of the HSE decision to sanction ambulance paramedics to bring patients directly to the facility’s medical assessment unit.
Overcrowding at UHL
Micheál Martin and his government failed the people of the Midwest by refusing to tackle the mounting problems at UHL. Leo Varadkar must now intervene.
I was shocked that the only proposal from the Government representative on today’s show was to call for mandatory face masks and “other restrictions”, and to call for young doctors and nurses to be forced to work in a chronically mismanaged health system.
Shannon Heritage transfer
Government dithering on Clare County Council’s proposed takeover of Shannon Heritage is damaging to the assets there, staff morale and ultimately Clare tourism. A high-level person needs to be appointed by gov’t to bring decision makers in relevant Depts and national/local govt bodies together.
Concrete levy
I have repeatedly called on the Government to pursue those who supplied defective concrete products for profit. Tonight, they will have to explain why they are instead shifting the burden to people building or buying a home.
Govt Shuts Down Calls For Windfarm On Clare/Galway Border To Be Retained
The Government has shut down calls for a windfarm on the Clare / Galway border to be retained.
Responding on behalf of the Environment Minister to a query from Scariff Independent TD Michael McNamara, Minister Hildegarde Naughton explains that the site is now ‘unathorised’.
The Sunday Independent – Subsidies are just a finger in the dyke — Ireland needs energy sovereignty
How we are going to meet our energy needs? And how long we can continue to provide financial compensation for our high energy costs over which we have no control due to our reliance on imports? I wrote about the issue in today’s Sunday Independent.
Agricultural Emissions Cuts
The vilification of farmers by those who could not keep a hen or grow a potato is not sustainable environmentally, socially, or economically.
No-confidence motion
I will not be supporting the Government in the upcoming no-confidence motion for the reasons I outlined to Clare FM this morning.
Food and energy inflation
The government needs to put measures in place now that will limit further increases in energy and food costs this winter.
HIQA report into UHL overcrowding
The HIQA report into overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick points to completely inadequate capacity in the Midwest and a failure to manage existing capacity.
NEWSTALK – Could we see a return to working from home?
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
The Sunday Independent – Carbon budget is specifically designed to circumvent the democratic process
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.
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.
NEWSTALK – UHL Overcrowding
I spoke to Newstalk this evening about University Hospital Limerick, the most consistently overcrowded hospital in the country, and the need to develop a strategy to deliver an acceptable level of health services in the Midwest now and in the immediate future.
Northern Distributor Road
The Government’s decision not to proceed with the second phase of the Northern Distributor Road lacks strategic vision. The Clare side of the University of Limerick campus needs to be developed for the benefit of the university, Clare, Limerick and the wider region, and sustainable travel links should be central to that development. The Government has sadly neglected these imperatives.
Dáil Vote on Turf Cutting
I voted against the Government last night. Like most TDs, I believe that we need to move towards a more environmentally sustainable way of heating our homes. But until those alternatives are put in place, we cannot penalise sections of our population who rely on turf to heat their homes.
CLARE FM – Hospital overcrowding in Mid West
HIQA is to undertake inspections of the ED at University Hospital Limerick and work with hospital management to develop a strategic plan to address capacity issues. It’s important the plan has a wider scope than the approach taken up to now.
Cost of Living
This is not a plan to tackle inflation. It’s compensation for inflation in April, but the cost of living will continue to rise before and after then. We urgently need targeted measures by Government to tackle rising energy & housing costs, the main drivers of inflation in Ireland.
LIVE 95 & CLARE ECHO – UHL overcrowding
I spoke to Live 95FM about ongoing overcrowding at UHL, which is consistently the most overcrowded hospital in the State.
Warnings About Scam Calls From Local Clare Numbers
People in Clare are being warned about scam calls appearing to be from local or court service numbers.
Read MoreMorning 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.
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.
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.
NEWSTALK – Irish healthcare system
With waiting lists increasing and positions remaining unfilled across our healthcare system, we need to be told what are the impediments to reform that led the Chairperson and Executive Director of the Sláintecare Implementation Advisory Council to resign having concluded “that the requirements for implementing this unprecedented programme for change are seriously lacking”.
Restrictions and hospital capacity
Only 19 additional critical care beds have been developed during the past 12 months (278 in Sep 2020, 297 in Aug 2021). Given the expected demand on our health system this winter, the failure to substantially increase capacity is worrying.
Climate Action & Agriculture
When talking about reducing Carbon emissions from agriculture, we need to consider that the Irish national herd has scarcely increased since 1975, the specific impact of methane on global warming and the risk of displacing Irish produce with South American produce with far greater emissions.
We don’t even yet know the metric the Govt will use to measure greenhouse gas emissions in its Carbon budget, and the metric used will have a large impact on the targets to by met by various sectors, especially agriculture.
My interview on RTE Radio today.
President concerned over volume of legislation received
The sole and exclusive power of making laws for the State is vested in the Oireachtas: that’s the point of independence. The Oireachtas needs to take its role seriously and do its job properly. It shouldn’t take a letter from the President to the Dáil and Seanad…
https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/higgins-raises-concerns-over-volume-of-legislation-received-1.4634165
The Sunday Independent – It isn’t a slur to criticise the Irish dependence on multinationals
Ireland urgently needs to replace our over-reliance on a low corporate tax rate to attract employment creation with bringing our infrastructure up to speed to facilitate job creation and expansion of existing SMEs.
I wrote this opinion piece for today’s Sunday Independent.
TODAY FM Indoor hospitality
People should be able to “exercise their own judgement”. The more restrictions that are introduced, the more arbitrary they appear.
Virgin Media – Indoor hospitality vote in Dáil Eireann
I spoke on The Tonight Show immediately following tonight’s Dáil vote on the legislation around reopening indoor hospitality.
Proposed legislation for indoor hospitality
The proposed legislation on indoor hospitality is being rammed through the Dáil without proper debate. It sets our country on a slippery slope towards similar discrimination being extended to other aspects of society.
Scariff Bay Radio
I spoke to Jim Collins, John S Kelly and David Fleming.
Listen here – https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-8i56b-107f964
Clare FM – Transfer of Shannon Heritage sites to Council
Speaking on Clare FM I said important details still need to be ironed out in relation to the proposed transfer of Shannon Heritage sites to Clare County Council.
Calls are being made for a government commitment to short-term funding for the sites and for the council to stipulate that future coach contracts to tourist attraction would require an overnight stay in the county.
NPHET modelling
The need for international peer review of NPHET’s modelling, recommended in the Covid-19 Response Committee Report of 8 October 2020, has never been starker.
Indoor hospitality and NPHET
The latest proposals from NPHET to restrict indoor hospitality to the vaccinated only are practically unworkable, legally dubious, and contrary to a decision already made by a democratically elected government.
Read MoreTwo Council estates potentially affected by Pyrite issue
Clare people were among thousands to descend on the capital yesterday in protest over what they say are inadequate state supports under the scheme.
Read MoreVirgin Media News coverage of Lufthansa Technik
The pandemic has negatively affected the international aircraft servicing sector, but the challenges faced by companies in Ireland have been compounded by the Irish Government’s outlier aviation policies.
Clare FM – Voting against extension of Covid legislation
I will be voting in the Dáil against the proposal to further extend the extraordinary Government powers to shut down sections, or all , of our society and economy. The use and abuse of these powers has been particularly ruinous to our tourism and aviation sectors, including Shannon Airport.
RTÉ – Housing Crisis
No one measure will provide a magic bullet to the housing problem. We need to get people back living in the streets of our cities, towns and villages and local authorities building houses.
RTÉ – Irish agri-food sector
Increasing intensification has been the only option for Irish farmers for decades. It has suited some but not all. The Department of Agriculture needs to promote a broader range of options in food production.
Clare FM – The State’s response to Covid
The State’s response to Covid-19 must be less about arbitrary interference with people’s fundamental rights, and more focused on promoting public health and trusting people.
Newstalk – Government abdicating decision-making to its advisers and civil servants
The problem is not the Deputy Chief Medical Officer – public health doctors worldwide are advising caution. The problem is a “government” abdicating decision-making to its advisers and civil servants, pushed out for daily press conferences instead of developing options to feed into a real strategy.
Read MoreRTÉ – We need a strategy to enable us to live with Covid
We need a strategy to enable us to live with Covid.
Interview on RTÉ Primetime – Tuesday, 16 March 2020.
RTÉ – St. Patrick’s Day greening of World Heritage sites puts Ireland in the shade
Ireland’s efforts to green global historic sites such as the Sydney Opera House, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Pyramids of Giza for St Patrick’s Day is in marked contrast to lacklustre efforts to win recognition for historic sites in our own country.
Tonight Show – Bank of Ireland
Bank of Ireland has let down customers and communities across Clare and across Ireland.
Tonight Show – Get back to living
Young people will have to be allowed to congregate safely this summer unlike last. Equally, older people will be seeking to get back to living once they’re vaccinated.
Today FM – Living with Covid cannot be reduced to a Health v Wealth argument
Living with Covid cannot be reduced to a health versus wealth argument.
Newstalk – Exiting Lockdown
We now know the UK Government’s strategy for exiting lockdown. In Ireland, we only have vague aspirations and no criteria for reopening any part of normal society.
Clare FM – Shannon Airport and Shannon Heritage
The incoming Chair of Shannon Group must immediately provide a strategy to develop Shannon Airport and aviation in the Midwest, as well as a strategy for the development of Shannon Heritage sites within or without the Group.
Clare FM – Lockdown Level 5
Government needs to plan for all eventualities because an indefinite lockdown throughout 2021 is not sustainable nor is any future return to lockdown.
RTÉ – 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).
Newstalk – Beyond Lockdown
We need to deal with the challenges posed by Covid-19 in a manner that protects our vulnerable without jeopardising their future and that of a whole generation.
RTÉ Primetime interview about impact of lockdown on retailers
I spoke on RTÉ Primetime about the impact of Level 5 restrictions on retailers.
Clare FM – Lockdowns Must End
In four months nothing has changed. Now we’re told nothing will will change for another four months. Lockdowns must end.
CLARE FM – Reaction to Level 5 lockdown
A strategy of indefinitely going in and out of lockdown will not work.
RTÉ – Potential for further COVID restrictions
I spoke to Claire Byrne on RTÉ today about the potential introduction of further restrictions in Ireland.
RTÉ – Our economy cannot endure another sustained shutdown
Our economy cannot endure another sustained shutdown – RTÉ The Week In Politics
Clare FM – Testing and aviation policy changes required to salvage Shannon and Cork operations
In response to the news that Ryanair is to close its bases in Cork Airport and Shannon Airport for the winter, I am requesting Government to introduce a system of rapid testing at airports in the short term and also develop a new State aviation policy to ensure international transit carriers do not fly exclusively into Dublin Airport.
Read MoreSunday Independent – Telecoms providers and customer service
I cannot say for sure that Irish telecoms providers have the worst customer service in the world. But, to borrow a line from Brian Clough, they are in the top one.
I was not shocked by the thousands of interactions I received on a tweet sent earlier last week about the treatment of customers by Eir, Ireland’s largest telecommunications company.
I have experienced the frustration myself. If a week is a long time in politics, then attempting to switch from one telecoms service provider to another in this country can feel like a lifetime.
BBC Radio Ulster – Reaction to Level 3 restrictions
I gave my reaction to the Government’s announcement of Level 3 restrictions to BBC Radio Ulster this evening.
RTÉ – NPHET Level 5 proposal
peaking on Today with Claire Byrne (RTÉ Radio One) about the NPHET proposal to Government to introduce Level 5 restrictions.
Hospital Capacity, Golfgate & Leaving Cert Grade Errors
I spoke on RTÉ Radio’s ‘Late Debate’ programme about the urgent need to address hospital capacity, the Leaving Certificate grade errors and the public reaction to Golfgate.
Tonight Show – Shannon Airport and the Irish aviation sector
I spoke on The Tonight Show last night about Shannon Airport and the Irish aviation sector.
Testing at meat processing plants
I spoke on RTÉ’s Today with Claire Byrne about the news that Covid testing at meat processing plants has been suspended temporarily by the HSE so it can meet a “significant rise in demand” for testing in the community.
Pubs reopen & increasing hospital capacity
We must increase healthcare capacity instead of shutting down aviation, sporting and cultural events, pubs etc, to deal with the threat posed by COVID-19.
NEWSTALK – Michael McNamara on COVID-19
We need to protect the vulnerable from COVID-19 but also allow society to function.
Clare FM – Irish economy & Shannon Airport
I spoke on Clare FM this morning about the impact of ongoing restrictions on society and the wider economy, and I also proposed that Government should consider seeking an equity share in Aer Lingus (as Germany has done in Lufthansa) in return for a guarantee of regional connectivity.
Michael McNamara discussing Meat Plants on RTÉ
I spoke to Claire Byrne on RTÉ today about the latest revelations on how meat plants treat their workers, which will come as no surprise to farmers given the treatment they receive.
RTÉ Primetime discussion on another lockdown
Tonight on RTÉ Primetime, I pointed out that the numbers in hospital with COVID-19 are thankfully, nowhere near those that prompted the lockdown in March.
New COVID-19 Measures
I spoke to Sarah McInerney on RTÉ today about the newly introduced COVID-19 measures. I will be requesting Minister for Health and Acting Chief Medical Officer to appear before the COVID Committee next week to further explain the new measures.
Meat plants and ongoing COVID restrictions
I spoke to Brian Dobson on Morning Ireland about today’s COVID-19 Committee meetings in relation to the meat industry and ongoing impact of COVID-19 restrictions on communities across Ireland.