Beef and Forestry sector reform
I urged the new Minister for Agriculture to reform the beef and forestry sectors so that farmers in those sectors and can plan for the future with more certainty.
Regression and Learning Loss During School Closure
I asked teachers’ and SNAs’ representatives whether the time away from schools has had a detrimental effect on pupils. This afternoon, I am chairing two further sessions of the COVID Committee and will be putting questions to Education Minister Norma Foley, Inclusion Ireland, National Parents Council Primary and National Parents Council Post Primary.
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.
Proportionate response to pubs is essential
A proportionate response to all risks is essential. No evidence to support the singling out of pubs over, for example, meat plants in the State’s response.
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.
HSE procurement and storage of PPE
The Finsa site in Scariff, Co. Clare, is being utilised by the HSE as a PPE storage facilty, one of two such large-scale storage facilities in the country. I spoke about this on Clare FM and also questioned the HSE’s Paul Reid on the procurement and storage of PPE during yesterday’s COVID-19 Committee meeting.
Questioning Health Minister about another lockdown
I questioned Health Minister Stephen Donnelly about the medical basis for threatening another lockdown and whether he foresees its consequences.
Acting Chief Medical Officer at COVID-19 Committee
At the COVID-19 Committee today, I questioned Dr. Ronan Glynn (Acting Chief Medical Officer) on meat plant and restaurant inspections, the impact of Covid-19 on mental health and the implications of an economic slowdown on our health service.
Lower hospital admissions and expanded role for Tier 2 Hospitals
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.
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.
Tackling COVID-19
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 HSA at COVID Committee
Meat Industry Ireland and the Health and Safety Authority appeared before the COVID-19 Committee today.
4-day turnaround for Covid-19 tests is insufficient
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.
West Clare water upgrade brought forward
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.
Government’s COVID-19 strategy lacks coherence
The current Government’s COVID-19 strategy lacks coherence. I discussed the matter with Pat Flynn on Clare FM.
Government’s COVID-19 strategy lacks coherence
The current Government’s COVID-19 strategy lacks coherence. I discussed the matter with Pat Flynn on Clare FM.
Shannon Airport and Aer Lingus (RTE)
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.
Shannon Airport and Aer Lingus (RTE)
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.
Aer Lingus 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.
Michael McNamara on RTÉ Drivetime re: Nursing Homes Report
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.
McNamara seeks community buy-in for Greenway projects
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 MoreShannon Airport & Shannon Heritage (CLARE FM)
Reacting on Clare FM to yesterday’s COVID Committee session in relation to Shannon Airport and Shannon Heritage.
Seasonal hospitality sector
This government like the previous government simply doesn’t understand how the economy works in rural Ireland and how the seasonal hospitality sector works.
Aer Lingus at Shannon
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.
Refunds for Irish airline customers
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.
Shannon Heritage and Shannon Airport
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.
Impact of COVID-19 and insurance costs on small business
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.
Healthcare staffing during COVID-19 crisis
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.
Expansion of services at Ennis and Nenagh Hospitals
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.
National Vaccination Programme
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.
Resumption of cancer screening services
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.
Impact of COVID on people with disabilities
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 MoreRegional COVID-19 restrictions
There 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.
Re-opening of pubs
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).
Meat Industry Practices During COVID-19 Restrictions
The Dáil Covid Committee, of which I am Chair, this week shone a light on meat industry practices during the COVID-19 restrictions.
Return to education
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.
Personal and business loan approvals
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.
Shannon Airport and Shannon Heritage
This evening in the Dáil, I questioned the Taoiseach on his plans to re-balance aviation policy and to support Shannon Heritage sites.
Shannon Heritage extension of opening
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.
International travel and tourism & hospitality sector
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.
Impact of COVID-19 on SME 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.
Return to school in late August
Despite schools having opened across much of Europe, there remains more doubt than I would like about what will happen in Ireland in September.
Summer Provision
The Clare Crusaders therapy-based clinic in Barefield provides services, without any Government funding, to 450 children with special needs.
Read MoreOperating safely through COVID-19
Commenting 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.”
Special Criminal Court review
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.
Special Criminal Court
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.
Childcare provision in Ireland
It is disappointing that not all insurance companies have given refunds to crèches / childcare providers which have been closed since March.
Read MoreExtend opening of Shannon Heritage sites
In 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.
Intreo Centres
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.
Recession and Bank Lending
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.
WHO special envoy Dr David Nabarro
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.
Ongoing legal basis for countrywide restrictions
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.
Shannon Heritage sites and Aer Lingus workers at Shannon Airport
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.
Renewable energy, Moneypoint and farming
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.
COVID-19 and sustained community transmission
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 MoreJustice for Patrick Nugent
I called for justice for Patrick Nugent and his family from the Justice Minister tonight.
Justice for Patrick Nugent
I called for justice for Patrick Nugent and his family from the Justice Minister tonight.
Direct Provision in Miltown Malbay
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.
Future delivery of services at Ennis, St. John’s and Nenagh Hospitals
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.
Shannon Airport post-Covid
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.”
Patient waiting lists could hit 1 million
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.
Irish tourism sector in limbo with no reopening plan in place
The Irish tourism sector is being left in a worse situation than in other European states for no apparent reason.
The role of Tier 2 hospitals post COVID
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.
Cancer screening delays due to capacity issues
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.
Hospitality sector and Pandemic Unemployment Payment
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.
Driving Tests in Ireland
The livelihoods of many young people in rural Ireland are impacted by the current lack of driving tests, I explained to the Taoiseach today.
Testing of outbound transatlantic passengers at Shannon Airport
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.
Michael McNamara raising cost of COVID-19 swab tests
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.
Michael McNamara addressing HIQA, HSE and Nursing Homes Ireland
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.
UL to offer student accommodation refunds
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 MoreMichael McNamara on RTE The Week In Politics
On 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.
Michael McNamara on Tonight Show with Ivan Yates
I joined Ivan Yates on The Tonight Show to discuss the inaugural sitting of the Dáil COVID-19 Committee, of which I am Chair.
The power of the beef barons
Tonight in Dáil Éireann, I highlighted the power of the beef barons in this country to the detriment of workers and farmers.
UNESCO world heritage site status for Holy Island – Inis Cealtra
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 More
Miltown Malbay watermain replacement scheduled for early next year
Clare 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 MoreCommunity transmission of COVID-19 has been “effectively extinguished”
In 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”.
Supports for artists and festival organisers
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.
Nurses pay, Mental Health and hospital capacity
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.
West Clare water infrastructure
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.
Questioning Justice Minister on enforcement of restrictions
It must be clear to people what the law is around COVID-19 restrictions if they are to adhere to the law.
Questioning Minister Shane Ross on Clare Bus
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.
Standardisation of grades in this year’s Leaving Cert
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.
Covid Committee is established
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.
Chair of Dáil Éireann COVID-19 Committee
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.
Revenue concerns for Local Government secto
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.
An end to dereliction in Irish towns and villages
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.
Michael McNamara, TD, calls for Government to regulate entry to the State
I called for Government to regulate entry to the State.
Beef Taskforce
Michael McNamara, T.D., questions Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed, on Beef Taskforce.
McNamara confirms resumption of angling activity from today
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 MoreTie-up scheme proposal for fisheries sector
In Dáil Éireann tonight, I raised the plight of Clare’s fisheries sector and the challenges faced during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
COVID-19 and mental health
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.