Health workers set to lose special leave for long COVID, says Naughten

In Health, News by Denis Naughten

Denis Naughten has urged the Government to reconsider its decision to terminate the special leave entitlement for frontline health workers who contracted COVID-19 early in the pandemic and have since been unable to return to work due to long COVID symptoms. Deputy Naughten has received confirmation from the Health Minister that these workers will be required to return to work …

Disappointment as Finance Minister rules out VAT cut for food businesses – Naughten

In Business & Jobs, Local Issues, News, Posts by Topic by Denis Naughten

Urgent Call to Action: Save Our Small Businesses Now!   In a shocking revelation on the floor of the Dáil this week, the Minister for Finance has dismissed the plight of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across the nation, says local TD Denis Naughten.   Despite heartfelt pleas from struggling businesses across the region, the Minister in the Dail this week …

Saturday appointments addressing cardiology waiting list – Naughten

In Health, Local Issues, News, Posts by Topic by Denis Naughten

Local TD Denis Naughten has praised the Saolta Hospital Group for measures it has taken to address cardiology outpatient waiting times in Galway University Hospital. “Measures implemented under the HSE’s Waiting List Action Plan have seen additional temporary staff and overtime allocated for scheduled care so that valuable public hospital resources can be used at weekends to treat more elective …

Cut VAT and PRSI rates for struggling SMEs by Easter – Naughten

In Business & Jobs, Local Issues, News by Denis Naughten

Local TD Denis Naughten has called for reductions for VAT and PRSI rates for food businesses in the hospitality sector to be introduced before Easter to offer a lifeline for businesses. “I have been contacted by a number of local retailers and restaurants who are really struggling to keep their doors open at present and, sadly, some have already taken …

Decision by An Post to hand over post office services disappointing – Naughten

In Families, Infrastructure, Jobs, Local Issues, Mid-Roscommon, News, Older People, Posts by Topic by Denis Naughten

Local TD and former Communications Minister Denis Naughten has expressed his disappointment at the potential closure of the post office on The Square in Roscommon Town, following the decision by An Post to tender the services to a contractor. “While this will come as a blow to the dedicated staff in the post office, there is also the risk that …

Naughten seeks publication of report into births at UHG

In Health, Local Issues, News, Posts by Topic by Denis Naughten

Denis Naughten TD is seeking the publication of an Independent Clinical Care Review into nine births that occurred in University Hospital Galway (UHG) in 2022.   Speaking in the Dáil later today (Thursday) Denis Naughten will call for the review into nine cases of neo-natal subgaleal haemorrhage, which occurred during births in UHG in 2022, to be published immediately.   …

Eddie O’Connor

In Blog, Energy by Denis Naughten

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

In Blog, Science, Science by Denis Naughten

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

In Blog, Science, Science by Denis Naughten

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 …