I questioned the HSE today on the reasons for the low number of confirmed COVID cases in hospitals despite rising cases nationally. I also asked the HSE to outline its plans to ease overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick by expanding services at Tier 2 Hospitals such as Ennis, St Johns and Nenagh.
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.
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.
Some interesting points made, and serious questions raised about the direction being taken in dealing with the virus at the COVID-19 Committee today.
Meat Industry Ireland and the Health and Safety Authority appeared before the COVID-19 Committee today.
The COVID-19 Committee’s recommendation for a 24-hour turnaround for Covid-19 tests is nowhere near being meet by the HSE. Ireland cannot control the spread of this virus if our system of testing is insufficient.
surrounds are now proceeding, having raised it with the previous Taoiseach as well as the previous Minister responsible for Irish Water, Eoghan Murphy TD and, on Sunday, with current Taoiseach’s officials and Minister, Darragh O’Brien TD, leading to him bringing forward the works yesterday.
The current Government’s COVID-19 strategy lacks coherence. I discussed the matter with Pat Flynn on Clare FM.
The current Government’s COVID-19 strategy lacks coherence. I discussed the matter with Pat Flynn on Clare FM.
On RTÉ This Week’s Programme, I called on Government to urgently outline its response to the news that Aer Lingus is considering compulsory redundancies as well as closing its base at Shannon Airport.
On RTÉ This Week’s Programme, I called on Government to urgently outline its response to the news that Aer Lingus is considering compulsory redundancies as well as closing its base at Shannon Airport.
I spoke to Philip Boucher-Hayes on RTÉ Drivetime this evening about the news that Aer Lingus is considering compulsory redundancies and is reviewing its operations at Shannon Airport.
The Special Committee on Covid-19 Response, of which I am Chair, is calling for immediate action and reform of the nursing home sector, to protect the older population, in the event of a second wave of the virus, in an interim report published today. I spoke about the report on RTÉ Drivetime this evening.
Independent TD Michael McNamara has welcomed the allocation of funding to separate Greenway projects in West and East Clare but has warned that both will require the buy-in of the local community, particularly landowners, to ensure their successful delivery.
Read MoreReacting on Clare FM to yesterday’s COVID Committee session in relation to Shannon Airport and Shannon Heritage.
This government like the previous government simply doesn’t understand how the economy works in rural Ireland and how the seasonal hospitality sector works.
In the Dáil COVID Committee today, I questioned Neil McGowan of SIPTU and Capt Evan Cullen, Irish Air Line Pilots’ Association president, about Aer Lingus’ decision to abandon Shannon in recent months.
I asked Taoiseach Micheal Martin today what will be done for people out of pocket as a result of foregoing holidays due to Covid-19. Ordinary people should not have to bear the brunt of everything. Aer Lingus and Ryanair will be appearing before the Dáil COVID Committee, which I Chair, next Tuesday.
Keeping pressure on the Government to deliver for Shannon Airport, Shannon Heritage, their staff and the many businesses, both big and small, across the Mid-West that rely on them.
The impact of COVID-19 and the soaring cost of insurance is having a devastating impact on many businesses. Tuamgraney’s Sean Kilkenny, who runs a vintage carriage business operating out of the grounds of Dromoland Castle, last week took his horse-drawn carriage all the way to the Dáil. I spoke to him during yesterday’s ‘Save Our Heritage’ protest in Shannon.
During today’s meeting of the Special Committee on Covid-19 Response, I questioned HSE officials on healthcare staffing levels during the COVID-19 crisis, citing concerns raised on social media by an Irish trainee GP.
I received confirmation from the HSE today that it is considering proposals to expand the level of services delivered from Tier 2 hospitals such as Ennis and Nenagh during the coming months.
Based on evidence provided by the HSE and IMO at today’s COVID Committee, I am concerned that Ireland’s Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programme will be not be expansive enough to sufficientely reduce overcrowding at our hospitals in light of any increase in COVID cases this winter.
Evidence given by the Irish Medical Organisation and Irish Cancer Society in the Dáil COVID Committee today suggests Ireland is falling behind other European countries regarding the resumption of cancer screenings services.
In this morning’s Dáil COVID Committee hearing, which I chaired, Inclusion Ireland CEO Enda Egan said families are at the absolute edge of their ability to cope during the pandemic. He said there is another pandemic about to hit us and that is family carer burn out.
Read MoreThere is finally a growing acceptance in Government that a regional approach to COVID restrictions is now required, as I called for again today. Restrictions that affect sporting and family events, as well as small rural pubs must be proportionate to the risk posed. The risk of contracting COVID-19 in Clare, and much of rural Ireland, is clearly lower than it is in Dublin as borne out by the statistics and by science.
I today asked Taoiseach Michael Martin when Government intends providing guidance to pub/nightclub workers and owners around the proposed reopening date of July 20th. I was informed that a decision will be issued following a Cabinet meeting at 5.30pm tomorrow (Wednesday).
The Dáil Covid Committee, of which I am Chair, this week shone a light on meat industry practices during the COVID-19 restrictions.
The Secretary General of the Department of Education, Seán Ó Foghlú has told the Covid-19 Oireachtas Committee that reopening schools as fully, normally and as safely as possible is the Department’s number one priority. The Department hopes to have guidance issued to schools by the end of the month.
During the Dáil COVID-19 Committee meeting today, I questioned the Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland on banking practices around personal and business loan approvals.
This evening in the Dáil, I questioned the Taoiseach on his plans to re-balance aviation policy and to support Shannon Heritage sites.
Failte Ireland today confirmed the “summer” tourist season will be extended. Shannon Heritage needs to review its opening schedule urgently also in view of anticipated supports. Craggaunowen, Knappogue Castle & Walled Garden and Dungaire Castle need to open and all Shannon Heritage attractions in the Midwest, including Bunratty Castle & Folk Park and King John’s Castle need to remain open beyond the end of August.
I spoke on RTÉ’s ‘Today with Sarah McInerney’ programme this morning about the implications of ongoing public health advice in relation to international travel, as well as the need for a significant stimulus plan for the tourism & hospitality sector.
In this morning’s meeting of the Oireachtas Special Committee on Covid-19 Response, I asked members of Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Recovery Ireland about the impact of COVID-19 on the SME sector.
Despite schools having opened across much of Europe, there remains more doubt than I would like about what will happen in Ireland in September.
The Clare Crusaders therapy-based clinic in Barefield provides services, without any Government funding, to 450 children with special needs.
Read MoreCommenting during this morning’s COVID-19 Dáil Committee session, which I chaired, Prof Paddy Mallon (Infection Disease Physician at St Vincent’s, Professor of Microbial Diseases at UCD) said, “We got away by the skin of our teeth.” He said, “There needs to be a recognition moving forward that we can’t operate safely with current staffing levels in the health services.”
I welcome the Justice Minister’s announcement of his decision to undertake a review of the Special Criminal Court. In response to the announcement, I called for a meaningful review in Dáil Éireann today.
We need to have a meaningful discussion about the Special Criminal Court and the need for safeguards around the non-jury trial process, not just another rubber stamping by the Oireachtas. I discussed the issue with Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD and Sarah McInerney on RTÉ’s Today programme.
It is disappointing that not all insurance companies have given refunds to crèches / childcare providers which have been closed since March.
Read MoreIn the Dáil today, I questioned Heritage Minister Josepha Madigan about the decision of Shannon Group to close its Shannon Heritage sites in the Mid-West from the end of August whilst keeping its Dublin sites open. To treat OUR heritage in that manner is disgraceful. Having met staff at the weekend, I will be meeting with management at Shannon Group to request them to reconsider the decision to close all its sites in Clare, Limerick and Galway from the end of August.
During today’s COVID-19 Committee meeting, I questioned John McKeon, Secretary General for the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, on whether the Department has plans to centralise existing Intreo Centre back office services throughout the Midwest to Limerick.
In the Dáil today I questioned Professor Stephen Kinsella (Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Limerick) and Professor Alan Barrett (Chief Executive Officer of the ESRI) about the severity of the recession that is anticipated and what impact it will have on bank lending practices.
At today’s meeting of the Oireachtas special committee on Covid-19, the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) special envoy Dr David Nabarro provided pertinent advice on how we might continue to open society, including healthcare, workplaces and schools.
In the Dáil today, I questioned Health Minister Simon Harris on the ongoing legal basis for countrywide restrictions. The Minister said he would respond in writing to the issue I raised.
In the Dáil, I questioned Minister Ross on why Shannon Heritage managed tourist sites in the Dublin region would remain open as Bunratty Castle, Craggaunowen, Knappogue, Dunguaire Castle and King John’s Castle close from the end of August. I also requested Minister Ross to use the influence of Government to seek to have Aer Lingus reverse its discriminatory treatment of its long serving Shannon based staff.
In statements today (Wednesday) to the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment on Climate Action & Low Carbon Development, I raised the issues of renewable energy, Moneypoint and farming.
During today’s COVID-19 Committee meeting, Dr. Cillian De Gascun and Professor Philip Nolan, both members of NPHET, both accepted there are areas or regions of the State where there is not believed to be, nor known to be, sustained human transmission of COVID-19.
Read MoreI called for justice for Patrick Nugent and his family from the Justice Minister tonight.
I called for justice for Patrick Nugent and his family from the Justice Minister tonight.
The welcome shown by the people of Miltown Malbay to asylum seekers is in marked contrast to the aims of our Direct Provision system, I told the Dáil tonight.
I have called on the Minister for Health to expand the role of, and level of service provided in, Ennis, St. John’s and Nenagh Hospitals to avoid the inevitable calamity that will be UHL overcrowding.
Addressing Minister for Transport Shane Ross in the Dáil tonight, Clare T.D. Michael McNamara outlined some steps Shannon Airport needs to take to succeed post-COVID. He added, “Shannon’s success is vital for balanced regional development, but it needs a shot in the arm from Government.”
Dr. Anthony O’Connor of the Irish Medical Organisation told me during today’s Dáil COVID-19 Committee meeting that up to 1 million people in Ireland could be on waiting lists for medical procedures by this winter.
The Irish tourism sector is being left in a worse situation than in other European states for no apparent reason.
Alan Irvine and Martin Varley of the Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA) outlined today that Tier 2 hospitals have a vital and enlarged role to play in providing medical care post-COVID.
Dr. Susan Clyne, CEO of the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO), says the delay in resuming cancer screenings in Ireland is due to a lack of capacity rather than any risk to frontline staff or patients arising.
On a day when Government said it will now consider the incluson of mothers returning from maternity leave under the COVID-19 wage subsidy scheme, I once again raised the matter of seasonal enterprises and workers who presently do not qualify under the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment.
The livelihoods of many young people in rural Ireland are impacted by the current lack of driving tests, I explained to the Taoiseach today.
Addressing Taoiseach Leo Varadkar in Dáil Éireann this afternoon, I proposed the testing of outbound passengers at Shannon Airport as a means to reopen the aviation gateway to North America. The economy of our region depends on Shannon.
The cost of conducting COVID-19 tests in Ireland is €200 per person. This requires explanation given a virus swab test typically costs in the region of €25 per person.
At the COVID-19 Dáil Committee sessions, I proposed to HIQA, HSE and Nursing Homes Ireland that there should be a requirement for a clinical lead to be appointed in respect of every nursing home in Ireland. Such a move would ensure a coordinated medical approach to the health of all residents in relevant facilities.
Michael McNamara, Clare T.D., has received confirmation that the Governing Authority of the University of Limerick (UL) has approved the issuing of refunds for students in rented accommodation at UL.
Read MoreOn RTÉ’s ‘The Week In Politics’ programme, I called for Health Minister Simon Harris to consult with the Dáil on any future regulations introducing or maintaining COVID restrictions.
I joined Ivan Yates on The Tonight Show to discuss the inaugural sitting of the Dáil COVID-19 Committee, of which I am Chair.
Tonight in Dáil Éireann, I highlighted the power of the beef barons in this country to the detriment of workers and farmers.
In querying Heritage Minister Josepha Madigan tonight on what progress has been made by the Government in obtaining UNESCO World Heritage Site status for Holy Island / Inis Cealtra, which I have pressed for over a number of years, I was surprised to learn that the Minister “was not aware of the particular place”.
Read MoreClare Independent TD Michael McNamara says he has received confirmation from Irish Water that the proposed replacement of the old watermain from Miltown Malbay to Mullagh will commence during the first quarter of 2021.
Read MoreIn response to my question at the Special Dáil COVID-19 Committee today, the Chief Medical Officer of the Department of Health Dr. Tony Holohan said community transmission of COVID-19 has been “effectively extinguished”.
In Dáil Éireann tonight, I asked Minister for the Arts Josepha Madigan if artists could be supported financially, even if the Clare festivals they enrich and rely on for financial support, are cancelled.
In Dáil Éireann today, I questioned Minister for Health Simon Harris on nurses pay, private hospital capacity and why the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) is not receiving advice from a mental health expert.
In the Dáil today, the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar gave me his commitment that he would contact Irish Water to query water infrastructure upgrades for West Clare, parts of which have continue to experience regular water outages.
It must be clear to people what the law is around COVID-19 restrictions if they are to adhere to the law.
In his handling of the Clare Bus issue, Minister Shane Ross has let down those who used its services, particularly those with reduced mobility, and rural Clare.
All Leaving Certificate students should have the same opportunity to advance to the Third Level Education regardless of the school they attended. I am concerned about the proposed method of standardisation of grades in this year’s Leaving Cert. I raised the matter with Education Minister Joe McHugh today.
On RTE’s Morning Ireland today, I outlined how as Chair of the Special Committee on COVID19 Response will work to ensure the public’s concerns about the past, present and future handling of Ireland’s COVID-19 response are heard and responded to by Government and health officials.
As Chair of the Special Committee on COVID19 Response, I spoke to Oireachtas TV about the work of the committee in the coming weeks. The Chief Medical Officer, Tony Holohan, and Head of the HSE, Paul Reid will appear before the Committee next week.
Clare County Council delivers a wide range of important services to every community in Clare. Last night in Dáil Éireann, I requested Minster Eoghan Murphy to outline how the Government intends to bridge the shortfall in revenue facing local authorities in light of the much needed commercial rates breaks being given to businesses.
During my election campaign, I vowed to address the number of derelict buildings in our towns and villages and go back to building homes in our communities, taking pressure off the rental market. I raised this issue with the Minister for Housing, Eoghan Murphy, in Dáil Éireann last night.
I called for Government to regulate entry to the State.
Michael McNamara, T.D., questions Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed, on Beef Taskforce.
Clare T.D., Michael McNamara has confirmed that from today (Wednesday, 06 May 2020) anglers may fish in locations less than or equal to 5km from home.
Read MoreIn Dáil Éireann tonight, I raised the plight of Clare’s fisheries sector and the challenges faced during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
Given the significant mental health impacts of COVID-19, I this evening asked the Minister for Health, Simon Harris, why the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) is not receiving advice from a psychiatric representative.
It’s Mayfly season. Fishing on lakes and rivers across the country is a solitary activity enjoyed responsibly for generations. Any revised restrictions and their enforcement need to be proportionate.
I sought clarity on the opening of hardware stores and garden centres.
During Statements on the Irish Economy in Dáil Éireann today, I highlighted issues around farming, tourism, business and Shannon Airport with Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe.
I asked the Taoiseach specific questions on how COVID-19 restrictions will be eased which the Government says will start on May 5th. The lack of answers concerns me.
In Dáil Éireann yesterday, I raised a number of issues with Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe, including:
Read MoreIn Dáil Éireann today, I called on the National Transport Authority and Minister for Transport to review the decision to cancel a two-year contract won by Clare Bus in December to operate 12 routes. This move has threatened jobs and has undermined the future provision of Local Link services in Clare.
In Dáil Éireann today, I questioned Minister for Health Simon Harris, T.D., on the Government’s response to protecting nursing home residents in the early stages of the ongoing public health crisis.
Clare Independent Deputy Michael McNamara, T.D. has welcomed the Government’s inclusion of garden centres as essential retail outlets.
Read MoreIn Dáil Éireann on Thursday, I spoke about a number of issues including:
• The limited number of ICU beds in the country and how we all have a part to play in keeping COVID-19 case numbers down.
• The potential long-term economic consequences for local businesses and their employees as consumers divert most of their spend towards multinational companies.
• The need for Government to include seasonal workers in the tourism sector in the Covid-19 unemployment payment scheme.
• The importance of holding further Dáil sessions in order for Government to remain answerable to the people of Ireland.
• And the need for our public doctors to be paid the same as consultant doctors from the private hospital network who have brought in to assist with the COVID-19 response.
