Below is a copy of a reply that I received from Minister Foley in the Dáil yesterday and a reply on foot of the Ministers reply, from the State Examinations Commission. In the Dáil yesterday, An Taoiseach stated that discussions were ongoing and that he was as anxious as anybody to bring clarity to the issue for students. …
Despite huge opposition families set to be paid to sell electricity back to the grid
Today, after a long & winding journey, the Government approved a micro-generation scheme to pay the public for excess electricity that they produce and export onto the electricity grid. This new scheme will allow families, farmers and businesses to install solar panels and small turbines to meet their own needs and to receive a payment for any excess that …
Government Covid support contradiction for business
As the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme support to business is reduced today, Government & its advisors are asking public reduce their own support for these very businesses! We need to see proper supports put in place for struggling business so that they can trade out of these pandemic restrictions
Covid vaccine access globally
Today, I had a constructive meeting with my Inter-Parliamentary Union colleagues on the Working Group on Science & Technology in Madrid. Among the issues we discussed was the need for equitable access to Covid vaccines on a global scale, which is in all our interest. We will only stop the threat of new variants when everyone is vaccinated, …
Public health cannot just abandon schools – Naughten
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 …