I questioned the Minister for Health on the timing of the announcement of the HIQA review into a second A&E in the Mid West and whether it was determined by the upcoming elections. He confirmed the terms of reference had not even been finalised.
There’s a disconnect between what the Government does and what it says on immigration. There’s also a lack of transparency on key data.
I raised the need for greater community policing with Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, especially in Ennis given the recent increase in anti-social behaviour in the town.
At today’s Oireachtas Health Committee, I tried to bring some clarity to the issues around spinal surgery at Temple Street Children’s Hospital in Dublin.
There is a lot of discussion of the requirement of farmers to address the deterioration in water quality, and they must, but focus is needed on measures required of the forestry sector in which the State, Coillte, is the main actor.
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 Chair of a review of Ireland’s abortion laws told me she thought it was acceptable to lessen the employment prospects of medics who conscientiously object to the carrying out of abortion and answered other questions I put to her at the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health.
Education Minister Norma Foley has said she will examine a situation whereby secondary school students in parts of Northeast Clare have missed out on securing public school transport for the current academic year.
I raised the appalling treatment by Bank of Ireland of its customers in Miltown Malbay, Kilkee and Tulla with the Interim CEO of Bank of Ireland at the Oireachtas Finance Committee.
The 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.
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.
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.
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.
Aer Lingus workers’ representatives told me how Government measures, like those introduced across the EU, could have prevented the closure of the airline’s cabin crew base at Shannon Airport.
The Aer Lingus announcement will cast serious doubts over the retention of early morning and late evening flights to Heathrow which are essential to business connectivity.
Bank of Ireland informed me today it will continue to provide an ATM service in Kilkee after the local branch closes. I have asked bank officials to reconsider their decision to close the ATM in Miltown Malbay.
I am shocked to learn the Central Bank Governor did not request a meeting with the Bank of Ireland CEO following BOI’s notification to the Central Bank of its plans to close 88 branches, given its impact on banking on Ireland and banking services in the affected communities.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney today outlined to me why a Zero Covid Island approach is neither realistic nor feasible.