Today in the Dáil I questioned An Taoiseach as to why Public Health doctors will have no roll in ensuring that school children are antigen tested. The option of antigen testing is ONLY made available to classmates IF parents report a positive case to schools. But it is questionable if schools can even do this under GDPR without the input …
We must give a hand up to middle income workers
Today in Dáil Éireann, I pointed out to An Taoiseach that 63 days ago I said to him that Budget 2022 must be different. I pointed out that we have a once in a generation opportunity to restructure our economy. Sadly, that did not happen, and Budget 2022 was just a little bit for everybody; and the families who are …
Broadband Update across Roscommon & Galway
Many people have been in contact with me seeking timelines for the build out of the local fibre network. Earlier, today I received an update from the Department of Communications broadband team on the build out of the fibre network across Roscommon and Galway. You can view the details provided to me here: Roscommon Galway Broadband Progress Update Nov. 21 …
We need independent scientific advice in policy and decision making
Science Week Speech by Denis Naughten TD Dáil Éireann 10th November 2021 Check against delivery While science and technology are playing an ever-increasing role in our lives, be it at home, work or in our leisure activities, there has remained a poor public awareness of science and its opportunities for Ireland, our economy, and our people. However, I hope …
Leaving Cert students should have accredited grade option
Many students sitting the Leaving Certificate next June want to see the option of accredited grades included. Here is what one Roscommon student said & how An Taoiseach responded: Taoiseach Last night I received an email from a leaving cert student in my constituency, who feels they have been completely forgotten by the Department of Education as it’s not recognising …
We must have more scientific debate in the Dáil
While science is playing an ever-increasing role in our lives, be it at home, work or in our leisure activities, there remains a poor public awareness of science and its opportunities for Ireland, our economy, and our people. The Dáil must be a forum to bring facts on scientific developments into the public domain and to improve the public’s understanding …
We need to take a strategic approach to fuel poverty & rising prices –
One in four people in Ireland today cannot afford to heat and light their homes. Electricity prices way ahead of 2019, gas and solid fuel also ahead of 2019. As a result families’ heating bills have gone up dramatically and that has been compounded by increased carbon taxes and the subsidising of data centres. If we are to get ahead …
Addressing island challenges can help all rural communities – Naughten
I’m firmly of the view that innovative delivery of water, electricity and broadband infrastructure to our islands can be used as a template for other isolated communities right throughout our country, benefiting all our citizens, regardless of whether the reside on our mainland or on our islands. I am pleased today to commence our discussion of a priority item …
CMO advice must be scrutinised
Today, I highlighted a discrepancy in the way that Covid 19 infection information is managed in schools which potentially exposes people who are immunocompromised. While the Chief Medical Officer’s advice earlier this week stated that a Public Health Risk Assessment will still be carried out to protect vulnerable children in special schools, no such assessment will be carried out …
Employment services must focus on individuals – Naughten
Today, the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection discussed the procurement of PEmployment Services with SIPTU, Fórsa and Department of Social Protection. Officials have now confirmed that existing services will be provided with a 6 month extension. Here are my opening remarks as Cathaoirleach: Watch the full discussion here: https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/oireachtas-tv/video-archive/committees/4677 PRESS RELEASE Social Protection Committee to discuss Public Employment Services …