https://youtu.be/ipbYDkGXYGk Following my questioning of the Tánaiste Leo Varadkar in the Dáil last Thursday on the issue of picking up Covid infection in our hospitals, we have had the disclosure that in at least one hospital up to 5% of staff were unknowingly Covid positive; and we now have the admission that 40 people a day have picked up Covid …
Processing of Primary Medical Certs will have to await easing of Covid restrictions
Over the last number of months, I have been pursuing the issue of the suspension of Primary Medical Certificates and I was relieved to be told by the Minister for Finance on 16th November that the HSE had been directed to recommence processing of these applications. See here: See the full discussion here: https://youtu.be/w4hos1FpGjI However, the following day after …
Responses with regard to Lough Funshinagh
Over the last number of days I have received a number of Dáil replies along with a reply from the GSI. I’m also attaching a copy of a statement which I have issued following my engagement with the Ministers concerned and raising issues with regard to Minister Ryan’s reply. I have also spoken directly with the Chairman of the OPW …
Dáil replies on Lough Funshinagh flooding
Attached are Dáil replies that I received this week on the flooding at Lough Funshinagh. As you can see some of the replies disappointingly are still outstanding. I have also submitted written queries on last weeks Dáil replies to the Heritage Division and the Geological Survey. I understand that a follow up meeting to this weeks Ministerial meeting is now …
If we can establish a National team to manage Covid in meat plants, why not hospitals? asks Denis Naughten
Leaders’ Questions Dáil Éireann debate – Thursday, 21 Jan 2021 Deputy Denis Naughten This morning, many people’s hearts sank on hearing level 5 restrictions are going to continue for at least another month. Infection figures remain stubbornly high. Throughout this pandemic, hospitals have consistently been to the fore regarding new outbreak figures. Not only are hospitals reservoirs for infection of …
Children were treated as little more than human pincushions
Speech by Denis Naughten TD to Dáil Éireann on the Report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes Sweeping problems under the carpet. First, I acknowledge the role my former colleague, Katherine Zappone, played in supporting the commission throughout her term of office, which was not easy at times. Most important was her engagement, in a …
Lough Funshinagh update
Since the publication of the Roscommon County Council commissioned report on Lough Funshinagh last September I have been consistently pressing the need for action in Dáil Éireann. Here is what I have said: Here are the responses that I have received in Dáil replies from various Ministers this month: Funshinagh PQ replies Here are the previous replies referenced above: Funshinagh …
Report on the Pandemic Unemployment Scheme
The Joint Committee on Social Protection, Community and Rural Development, and the Islands, has this evening published its report on the operation of the Pandemic Unemployment Scheme, in advance of the introduction of the Social Protection Bill 2020 in the Houses of the Oireachtas tomorrow. The Committee recently completed its consideration of the Pandemic Unemployment Scheme, and undertook a detailed …
VAT exemption for visitors threatens local jobs
The introduction of a €75 threshold for non-EU visitors to Ireland in order to avail of the VAT exemption, has the potential to threaten jobs at Dubarry in Ballinasloe which employs 50 people. This is because many of the retailers who Dubarry rely on, use this VAT free exemption to promote significant sales of Dubarry products with US visitors. See …
€4m in additional LEADER funding will assist new projects
Yesterday, I questioned Minister of State, Joe O’Brien on a constant issue being raised by the Members of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Rural & Community Affairs, & the Islands, and that is transitional funding for LEADER Companies across the country The Minister confirmed the imminent announcement of an additional €4m LEADER funding on top of €40m already committed …