The Dáil Regional Group of TDs from across the Country are seeking cross-party support for their motion to end the means testing of family carers. This motion aims to replace the current Carers Allowance system with a non-means tested scheme based solely on care needs, recognising the invaluable contribution of over 500,000 family carers across Ireland. Family Carers, who represent …
What is the Patent Court Referendum about?
The Unified Patent Court is like a big courtroom for all of Europe where inventors can protect their new inventions. Right now, if someone creates something new, and wants to keep it safe from being copied, they have to go through a lot of steps in different countries, which can be both expensive and complicated. This new court would make …
Denis Naughten pays tribute to late John Bruton
I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the former Taoiseach, John Bruton, earlier today. John was a politician who proudly wore his principles on his sleeve, never hesitating to stand by them, even when it was not politically expedient. He passionately believed that politics should be a tool for delivering social justice to every individual within this …
Sewerage for Castleblakeney, Creggs, Kilconnell and Caltra
I have just received the following reply from Irish Water to a query (below) that I raised last November on the development of sewerage facilities in villages across East Galway. This is an issue that I have been pursuing with Sean Canney TD, Cllr. Tim Broderick and Cllr. Evelyn Parsons. Sadly, this reply is very disappointing. See …
Eddie O’Connor
Eddie O’Connor was always at the cutting edge of energy in Ireland and a renewable energy innovator. Born in Elphin, Co. Roscommon, he understood the local economic importance of Bord Na Mona when he became its Chief Executive in a move from the other big semi-State energy company, ESB. After leaving Bord na Móna, he moved into the …
Science at the Forefront of Policy: A Reflection on the decision by EU Innovation Ministers
As someone who has advocated for the greater use of science in decision making, it was really positive to see the decision taken by Ministers across the EU last week at the Council of the European Union meeting with regard to the integration of research and innovation into the policymaking process. This decision, in my view, marks a significant stride …
The Role of a TD’s Science Charter in the Age of AI
As we stand at the forefront of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution, the challenges of regulating such a transformative technology bring into sharp focus the broader need for an ethical framework in science and technology legislation. This is where the development of an ethical charter for Members of Parliament (MPs), currently being drafted by the Inter-Parliamentary Union Working Group on …
Disappointingly long COVID will not be recognised as an occupational illness – Naughten
One year ago, during the passage of the Social Welfare Bill 2022 Minister Heather Humphreys gave me a commitment to look at introducing a provision to include long COVID as an occupational illness under the Social Welfare code. I tabled an amendment to that legislation and as a result of that the Minister promised to produce a report on …
Artificial Intelligence & Assisted Driving – Research insights to steer our journey ahead
Oireachtas Seminar for Science Week 2023 #BelieveInScience This week, I was delighted to join Ruth Freeman, Director of Science for Society at Science Foundation Ireland, in introducing the virtual seminar ‘Artificial Intelligence & Assisted Driving – Research Insights to Steer Our Journey Ahead’. This event was organised by The Library & Research Service, in partnership with SFI. The theme for …
People not politics must be the priority when it comes to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza – Naughten
As a people, we are all sickened and deeply troubled by the increasing violence and its devastating impact on Gaza’s population, as well as the growing number of deaths in the West Bank. Every one of us is appalled by the unprecedented level of casualties on both sides and the severe suffering this conflict is inflicting on innocent civilians, …