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
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 …
Urgent action needed to address flooding risks at Lough Funshinagh and Shannon Callows – Naughten
Local TD Denis Naughten has highlighted the critical situation facing the communities around Lough Funshinagh and the Shannon Callows due to the ongoing delays in implementing long promised flood mitigation measures. Speaking in the Dáil last Thursday, Denis Naughten pointed out that with Lough Funshinagh’s water level now 330mm higher than in 2020, the threat of flooding looms larger than …
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, …
Ireland’s Entry into CERN has the Potential to Change the Culture of Research – Naughten.
“Ireland’s forthcoming membership of CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, will not only provide new opportunities for Irish researchers but also challenge the underlying ethos of research,” says Denis Naughten TD. Minister Simon Harris is set today to propose a government investment of €2 million annually into CERN’s research initiatives. Denis Naughten pointed out that “this funding predominantly supports …
Gardaí Should Call in Mathematicians on Roster Dispute
As Garda management and staff representatives reconvene today to address the roster issue, I propose a fresh approach. Why not involve mathematicians and data analysts? Their expertise could help craft a new roster that not only caters to staff concerns but also fulfills our policing requirements. I presented this perspective to the Minister for Justice in Dáil Éireann earlier this …