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.
Clare Independent T.D. Michael McNamara has requested the Government to extend the time period specified in the Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) scheme for stock reduction to June 2021.
Read MoreWith the closure of marts preventing farmers from selling cattle, I have requested the Department of Agriculture to extend the time period specified in the Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) scheme for stock reduction to June 2021.
Read MoreSpeaking in the Dáil yesterday, I called on Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe to extend the scheduled end date for fuel allowance payments to facilitate elderly people and those on lower incomes who are self isolating during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
Speaking in the Dáil yesterday, I requested the Government to ensure that seasonal workers in the tourism industry, who lost their jobs before they were about to start them, are included in the new Covid-19 unemployment payment scheme. I welcome that the Irish Hotel Federation has today supported my request. Watch and listen to my contribution to yesterday’s Dáil session in the above video.
I have submitted a request to the National Transport Authority and Minister for Transport to immediately review the decision to cancel a two-year contract won by Clare Bus in December to operate 12 routes. This move threatens jobs and undermines the future provision of Local Link services in Clare. I would ask that any decision be reversed until the ongoing COVID-19 crisis has passed after which a comprehensive review should be carried out.
A recording of my speech in Dáil Éireann today as I joined 49 of my Dáil colleagues to discuss and pass emergency legislation regarding COVID-19.
I was speaking on Drivetime RTÉ this evening in relation to meetings with Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin over Government formation talks.