Social housing waiting lists
The income limits for eligibility for social housing need to be changed to enable working families to apply in circumstances where obtaining a mortgage is beyond their reach.
Builders, forestry owners and suppliers facing logjam
The meaning of the word “logjam” is now clear to builders and those building their own home. Forestry owners can’t get a felling licence so timber mills can’t get logs so builders can’t get timber so homes can’t be built. I asked Government to tackle this.
Ireland out of sync with EU on antigen testing advice
I asked Junior Transport Minister Hildegarde Naughton why the medical advice being obtained by the Department of Transport is so clearly different from the medical advice being given to the European Commission and other member states.
Climate Action Bill debate
It is a pity that the Dáil couldn’t have a proper debate on an appropriate response to the climate emergency.
Statement on the ongoing CAP negotiations
I made a statement in the Dáil today on the ongoing CAP negotiations.
Antigen testing and air travel
Given the establishment of another task force on Shannon and the failure to implement previous reports on aviation and on antigen testing, I asked the Taoiseach who’s running the country and for whose benefit.
NPHET and Rapid Antigen Testing
NPHET’s confirmation that it hasn’t even discussed the Government-commissioned Report of the Covid Rapid Testing Group and its reluctance to accept the EU Commission’s common list of COVID-19 rapid antigen tests demonstrate an intent to maintain Ireland’s outlier position on international travel and antigen testing compared to other EU states.
Mica and Pyrite defective blocks in Clare
In the Dáil this evening, I expressed my concern that the number of Clare homes compromised by Pyrite defective blocks is much greater than previously anticipated.
Read MoreUnsustainable borrowing by Ireland
I fear our borrowing levels are as unsustainable as our GDP, which is reliant on corporate tax structures that are being targeted by our EU and US allies.
Opposing the extension of Government’s emergency powers
I spoke against the Government’s bill to allow for the restrictions and lockdowns to be introduced until at least November with the possibility of a further extension thereafter.
Covid financial supports for nursing homes to end in late June
The Government’s response to the pandemic has been blunderbuss and one of the few targeted measures is being removed. None of the Covid-19 Committee or Expert Panel recommendations regarding nursing homes and care of the elderly have been implemented.
Vote on emergency pandemic powers
Given the Government’s proposal to extend far reaching and extraordinary emergency pandemic powers, the least we could do is allow for it to be fully debated.
Opposing Mandatory Hotel Quarantining
Speaking against Mandatory Hotel Quarantining today, I acknowledged the threat posed by variants. However, the current system does little to combat that threat.
Shannon Group chairperson
I asked the Tánaiste to intervene to ensure the speedy appointment of a Chairperson to give strategic direction to Shannon Group, including its aviation and heritage businesses.
Ireland’s Tentative List for UNESCO World Heritage Site status
The Department is seeking applications from Local Authorities, State Bodies, community organisations and individuals, for sites or properties of natural and/or cultural heritage which are considered to be of outstanding universal value, for inclusion on Ireland’s new Tentative List for designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Read MoreThe power of the beef processors
Beef farmers are being screwed by processors who control the market, aided and abetted by Department of Agriculture practice and policy over the years.
Aer Lingus cabin crew base at Shannon Airport
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.
Opposing emergency legislation
I am voting against the proposed extension of emergency legislation because it allows for the restrictions to basic human rights and ordinary human activities to be rolled over indefinitely.
Shannon-Heathrow connectivity
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.
Aer Lingus to permanently close Shannon base
Disastrous news for Aer Lingus workers in Shannon Airport and the Mid-West region today. The pandemic has done huge damage to the aviation sector. The Irish government’s response to Covid has been unique in Europe at least, in making a bad situation worse.
Transatlantic Air Travel
I told Foreign Minister Simon Coveney that planes that flew from Shannon to North America were now based in Manchester and explained why the proposed reopening of the Common Travel Area between Britain and Ireland must be accompanied by transatlantic flights to and from Ireland.
Uighurs in China
The Irish Government must use the UN system and its position on the Security Council to address the plight of Uighurs in China’s Xinjiang province and the systematic destruction of their culture.
Recovery Plan for Irish Aviation Sector
140,000 workers in the Irish aviation sector cannot live on hope alone. An aviation recovery plan is urgently needed. I raised the matter with Tánaiste Leo Varadkar during Leader’s Questions today.
Maternity benefit
Pregnant women who receive €350 through the pandemic unemployment payment currently face a reduction to the maternity benefit of €245. Maternity benefit must be increased so that women are not financially penalised for giving birth.
Taoiseach on Mandatory Hotel Quarantine
How can the Government defend a policy of mandatory hotel quarantine – to the European Commission or before the Courts – that it stated to be impossible to enforce here and not proportionate?
Tánaiste on Mandatory Hotel Quarantine
When a Government knowingly breaches citizens’ rights because it’s politically expedient to do so, it loses the moral authority to compel people to adhere to the measures it adopts.
Rural Ireland needs more than vague plans
Rural Ireland needs more than vague plans without any funding or targets. “Our Rural Future” is a misnomer in the absence of the maintenance and development of services like broadband, banks, post offices and wastewater treatment.
Penal provision relating to religious services
I asked the Taoiseach if the Health Minister would correct the record of the Dáil where he wrongly said there is no penal provision relating to religious services.
Vaccination Programme
Given that vaccine demand greatly exceeds current supply I questioned why the Government is prioritising people who, according to HIQA, the US CDC and scientists across the world, have an immunity from infection arising from having contracted and recovered from Covid (which can be verified with an antibody test).
Quarantining and opposition stance
Opposition parties complain about the obvious consequences of policies they advocate. Speaking on the Health (Amendment) Bill 2021 on 25th February, I warned that making Belfast Airport the busiest airport on the island would be only thing the Bill would achieve.
Government’s restriction of rights
The Government’s restriction of rights, including the right to freely practice one’s religion, in response to Covid is unparalleled in Europe, and puritanical in its willingness to impose great social and economic damage in pursuit of the unattainable ideal of Covid elimination.
ATM to be retained in Kilkee
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.
Central Bank and Bank of Ireland
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.
Penal provisions relating to religious services
Did Stephen Donnelly even read the regulations that he signed into law, which contained penal provisions relating to religious services? Now that priests are being fined, I am calling on him to correct the record of the Dáil.
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.
Derelict buildings in towns and villages
The Government must develop a nationwide strategy to bring derelict buildings in our towns and villages back into use.
Ryanair routes announced at Belfast International
The Government, supported by most of the Opposition, is strangling the aviation and tourism sector in this State, and driving business to Northern Ireland. We’re told the virus doesn’t recognise borders. Neither does the Government or most of the Opposition. Businesses have to.
Return To Education Declaration Form
I sought clarification from the Minister for Education Norma Foley about the text used on the Return to Educational Facility Parental Declaration Form that parents had to sign before their children returned to school.
School Transport Ticket Refunds
I asked the Minister for Education if school transport ticket refunds will be issued to parents in light of the school closures.
School Transport Ticket Refunds
I asked the Minister for Education if school transport ticket refunds will be issued to parents in light of the school closures.
Excessive cost of Gaeltacht teacher training course
Glad to receive confirmation that the Government will examine the cost of the online “immersive Gaeltacht course” required by the Teaching Council.
The rushed Health (Amendment) Bill
The Health (Amendment) Bill is being rushed to avoid scrutiny. We have been told that quarantine facilities will not be up and running for weeks regardless of whether the legislation is passed tomorrow or given more time for adequate scrutiny.
Read MoreBroadband network
In tandem the National Broadband Plan the Government needs to develop a strategy, in conjunction with existing telecom providers, to ensure they expand their broadband network.
Antigen Testing in Ireland
Antigen testing will be a key tool when Ireland begins to reopen, and the EU Commission, EU Health Committee and U.S. CDC have already promoted the useful role of such testing.
Board appointments
Following the appointment and resignation yesterday of a Chair of Shannon Group plc, I asked the Agriculture Minister how it was deemed that the same candidate had the expertise required to be appointed to Bord Iascaigh Mhara (Irish Sea Fisheries Board) despite having no obvious background in fisheries.
Beef Taskforce
I asked the Minister for Agriculture why the Beef Taskforce, a talking shop set up to end the beef protests in 2019, isn’t meeting.
Mainstream media coverage of Covid and impact on mental health
Some mainstream media coverage in Ireland is adding to the high levels of stress and anxiety amongst the population.
Rapid antigen tests
The Government must expand the use of rapid antigen tests, which can detect when people with COVID-19 are infectious as opposed to the detection of persons who are no longer infectious.
Role of Vitamin D in the fight against Covid
I am glad to note that over the past fortnight the Tánaiste has appraised himself of the considerable scientific research concerning the benefits of Vitamin D in the fight against Covid. Hopefully, this will lead to the government following the example of other European states in providing Vitamin D supplementation to vulnerable persons.
Challenging Department decisions in the courts
I spoke about the prohibitive cost of challenging administrative decisions by Government Departments in the courts which puts it beyond the reach of most homeowners and farmers in Ireland.
Inclusion of tourism providers and events companies under CRSS
I requested the Minister for Finance to include adventure / outdoor activity tourism providers and events companies under the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS). The Minister said he will review the matter.
Extracting Water from the River Shannon and Piping to Dublin
Plans to extract water from the River Shannon and pipe it to Dublin are prompted by the capital’s leaking water infrastructure system and reluctance to fix it due to the disruption that’d be caused to commercial activity. With little commercial activity at present, it’s time to repair Dublin’s leaking water infrastructure.
Vaccinating people who have contracted Covid
I asked the Minister for Health how many people who have contracted Covid have been vaccinated and whether it is proposed to vaccinate such people in light of the suggestion that they may enjoy some protection arising from their previous infection.
Essential Workers and Foreign Travel
Essential workers who recently contracted Covid but have since recovered and are no longer infectious are being unnecessarily prevented from travelling, as I explained to the Tánaiste today.
Unrestricted access to ROI via Northern Ireland
Testing at our airports while unrestricted access to Northern Ireland and across the border is maintained is like trying to keep the cold out of the house by closing all the windows but leaving the front door open.
Vitamin D supplements for vulnerable people
In light of the UK Government offering free vitamin D supplements to 2.7 million vulnerable people across England, I asked the Tánaiste if a similar initiative could be considered in Ireland.
Eir, service outages and customer service
I cannot say for sure that Irish telecoms providers have the worst customer service in the world. But, to paraphrase Brian Clough, they are in the top one.
Antigen testing, elderly in receipt of home care and the winter flu
I questioned the Health Minister about prioritising the vaccination of persons in receipt of home care and their carers; the winter flu; and rapid antigen detection tests.
Opposing the CETA and Mercosur agreements
In the Dáil today, I outlined why I am opposed to the CETA and Mercosur agreements – their impact on Irish agriculture, food standards, the environment and investor-state dispute settlement mechanisms.
Shannon Airport, tourism and Shannon Heritage
I raised the future of Shannon Group, Shannon Airport, tourism in the region and Shannon Heritage with the Taoiseach and will continue to press him and his Government to deliver.
Alternatives to some of the more idiotic Covid restrictions
Instead of some of the more idiotic #COVID19 restrictions, we should be empowering people to test themselves at home to reduce the transmission of COVID.
Moneypoint’s role in Ireland’s energy future
Instead of importing offshore energy from Denmark, we should be developing our own offshore energy sector utilising the existing transmission network from Moneypoint.
Alternatives to residential care for older people
Having launched the Sage Advocacy ‘Choice Matters’ report this morning, I questioned the Taoiseach about the lack of support available to older people at home or in the community which is leading to people with little choice but to go into congregated settings.
Use of rapid Covid-19 antigen tests
A rapid antigen test that people can do at home themselves offers huge potential benefits as an addition, not an alternative, to other measures.
Increased powers for ComReg
Good news for telecoms customers. Having pursued the matter for months, I welcome confirmation that additional powers to impose additional sanctions on service providers are on the way. The matter will go to Cabinet before Christmas with a view to passing legislation in February.
Data on mental health in Ireland is inadequate
Data on mental health is inadequate. The HSE and Irish College of Psychiatrists need to explain why, given they receive taxpayers’ money to collect and collate it. Data on suicide is adequate because of the lack of a centralised coroners’ database, a shortcoming highlighted 20 years ago this month.
Banks refusing mortgages to persons employed under Wage Subsidy Scheme
Banks are refusing mortgages to persons employed under Temporary COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme. Up to now, the Government has insisted that these were sustainable jobs, temporarily affected, but now it seems this is no longer the Government’s position. Many of these jobs are in sectors shut down by the Government.
Nursing Home and Hospital Visitor Restrictions
The proposed practice of allowing only one visitor per week for those in nursing homes and hospitals needs to be reviewed, particularly given the possibility of screening to mitigate risk.
Publish The Data
As we are being told to follow the science, the science should be clear. That requires more transparency and publication of data, evidence and assumptions upon which modelling is based.
State’s response to COVID-19
I spoke in the Dáil debate on the final report of the Special Committee on COVID-19 Response.
Extend the Defective Concrete Blocks Scheme to Clare
I raised the extension of the Defective Concrete Blocks Scheme to Clare and welcomed confirmation that the Department is in communication with Clare County Council regarding the requirements.
Registration fee for nurses and midwives
Today in the Dáil, I asked whether the Government would cancel the annual registration fee for nurses and midwives this year in recognition of their ongoing service.
Implications of a no-Brexit deal
I raised the implications of a no-Brexit deal for Irish agriculture and spoke about the wider ramifications for Ireland’s relationship with the EU.
Funding for aviation sector
The short-term funding for airports announced by Government is welcome but more needs to be done given the state’s long-term reliance on aviation.
Rapid antigen testing vs PCR testing at airports
I raised the issue of testing at airports and NPHET’s insistence that only PCR testing is acceptable. Airports in other EU countries are using rapid antigen testing.
Protect and enhance the Shannon fishery
The great natural resource that is the Shannon fishery must be protected and enhanced as part of the remit of the proposed River Shannon Management Agency.
Irish economy to shrink by 22 percent
Ireland’s domestic economy is forecast to shrink by a massive 22% in 2020, by far the biggest contraction, according to the European Commission.
Airport testing
7 months after I first raised airport testing, it’s time to stop discussing options and start implementing solutions.
Lockdown based on NPHET predictions that have not come to pass
NPHET’s modelling upon which Government introduced this lockdown was clearly inaccurate. Due to the 3-week timelag for measures to take effect It’s clear people had modified their behaviour before the introduction of lockdown. Incidence was already falling. 55,000 needlessly out of work!
Health (Amendment) Bill
I explained to the Dáil today why I am opposing the Health (Amendment) Bill.
Opposing rolling over of restrictions
I spoke against the lockdown and the power to lockdown again and again until June at least.
Impact of lockdown on mental health
TDs are being asked to approve another lockdown without data on self-harm and suicide during the last lockdown. That is not good enough and must not be repeated.
Moving marts online
Closing marts and moving cattle sales online is counterproductive and ill-considered.
Rapid Turnaround Testing at Irish airports
I asked Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan to provide an update on the progress made by Government on the introduction of a testing protocol at Irish airports and about what type of test system would be used.
Zero Covid island is neither realistic nor feasible
Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney today outlined to me why a Zero Covid Island approach is neither realistic nor feasible.
Maternity hospital restrictions
Expectant mothers require the support of their partners at key moments of their pregnancy. Humanity must be retained in maternity hospitals restrictions.
Trolley on hospital corridor considered multi occupancy room (€813 charge per night)
I questioned the Tanaiste about why a trolley in a hospital corridor is considered to be a “multi occupancy room” and costs €813 per night.
Read MoreReaction to Budget 2021
Reacting to Budget 2021 this evening, I spoke about mental health services, the childcare sector, family carers and broadband, amongst other issues.
COVID-19 and mental health
As Ireland continues to combat COVID-19, we must not lose sight of the impact it is having on mental health.
PCR Testing
I asked the HSE about the risk of false positives and false negatives in PCR testing. Dr. Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer with the HSE, said “One of the problems with this test is that it can pick up a residual RNA weeks after active infection and after a person is no longer infectious.”
Hospital Capacity in Mid West Region
Four months on from former Health Minister, Simon Harris, T.D., admitting that the Mid West has been failed for decades in terms of bed numbers, I sought an update from the HSE on hospital capacity in the region.
Recording COVID cases and deaths in Ireland
At today’s COVID-19 Committee meeting, I questioned Dr. John Cuddihy of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre about the current system of recording COVID cases and deaths in Ireland.