Miltown Malbay watermain replacement scheduled for early next year
Clare Independent TD Michael McNamara says he has received confirmation from Irish Water that the proposed replacement of the old watermain from Miltown Malbay to Mullagh will commence during the first quarter of 2021.
Read MoreCommunity transmission of COVID-19 has been “effectively extinguished”
In response to my question at the Special Dáil COVID-19 Committee today, the Chief Medical Officer of the Department of Health Dr. Tony Holohan said community transmission of COVID-19 has been “effectively extinguished”.
Supports for artists and festival organisers
In Dáil Éireann tonight, I asked Minister for the Arts Josepha Madigan if artists could be supported financially, even if the Clare festivals they enrich and rely on for financial support, are cancelled.
Nurses pay, Mental Health and hospital capacity
In Dáil Éireann today, I questioned Minister for Health Simon Harris on nurses pay, private hospital capacity and why the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) is not receiving advice from a mental health expert.
West Clare water infrastructure
In the Dáil today, the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar gave me his commitment that he would contact Irish Water to query water infrastructure upgrades for West Clare, parts of which have continue to experience regular water outages.
Questioning Justice Minister on enforcement of restrictions
It must be clear to people what the law is around COVID-19 restrictions if they are to adhere to the law.
Questioning Minister Shane Ross on Clare Bus
In his handling of the Clare Bus issue, Minister Shane Ross has let down those who used its services, particularly those with reduced mobility, and rural Clare.
Standardisation of grades in this year’s Leaving Cert
All Leaving Certificate students should have the same opportunity to advance to the Third Level Education regardless of the school they attended. I am concerned about the proposed method of standardisation of grades in this year’s Leaving Cert. I raised the matter with Education Minister Joe McHugh today.
Covid Committee is established
On RTE’s Morning Ireland today, I outlined how as Chair of the Special Committee on COVID19 Response will work to ensure the public’s concerns about the past, present and future handling of Ireland’s COVID-19 response are heard and responded to by Government and health officials.
Chair of Dáil Éireann COVID-19 Committee
As Chair of the Special Committee on COVID19 Response, I spoke to Oireachtas TV about the work of the committee in the coming weeks. The Chief Medical Officer, Tony Holohan, and Head of the HSE, Paul Reid will appear before the Committee next week.
Revenue concerns for Local Government secto
Clare County Council delivers a wide range of important services to every community in Clare. Last night in Dáil Éireann, I requested Minster Eoghan Murphy to outline how the Government intends to bridge the shortfall in revenue facing local authorities in light of the much needed commercial rates breaks being given to businesses.
An end to dereliction in Irish towns and villages
During my election campaign, I vowed to address the number of derelict buildings in our towns and villages and go back to building homes in our communities, taking pressure off the rental market. I raised this issue with the Minister for Housing, Eoghan Murphy, in Dáil Éireann last night.
Michael McNamara, TD, calls for Government to regulate entry to the State
I called for Government to regulate entry to the State.
Beef Taskforce
Michael McNamara, T.D., questions Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed, on Beef Taskforce.
McNamara confirms resumption of angling activity from today
Clare T.D., Michael McNamara has confirmed that from today (Wednesday, 06 May 2020) anglers may fish in locations less than or equal to 5km from home.
Read MoreTie-up scheme proposal for fisheries sector
In Dáil Éireann tonight, I raised the plight of Clare’s fisheries sector and the challenges faced during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
COVID-19 and mental health
Given the significant mental health impacts of COVID-19, I this evening asked the Minister for Health, Simon Harris, why the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) is not receiving advice from a psychiatric representative.
McNamara requests restrictions on Mayfly Fishing to be lifted
It’s Mayfly season. Fishing on lakes and rivers across the country is a solitary activity enjoyed responsibly for generations. Any revised restrictions and their enforcement need to be proportionate.
Reopening of hardware stores and garden centres
I sought clarity on the opening of hardware stores and garden centres.
Statement on the Irish Economy
During Statements on the Irish Economy in Dáil Éireann today, I highlighted issues around farming, tourism, business and Shannon Airport with Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe.
Covid-19 restrictions
I asked the Taoiseach specific questions on how COVID-19 restrictions will be eased which the Government says will start on May 5th. The lack of answers concerns me.
McNamara posing questions to Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe
In Dáil Éireann yesterday, I raised a number of issues with Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe, including:
Read MoreClare Bus
In Dáil Éireann today, I called on the National Transport Authority and Minister for Transport to review the decision to cancel a two-year contract won by Clare Bus in December to operate 12 routes. This move has threatened jobs and has undermined the future provision of Local Link services in Clare.
McNamara questions Minister for Health on Nursing Homes
In Dáil Éireann today, I questioned Minister for Health Simon Harris, T.D., on the Government’s response to protecting nursing home residents in the early stages of the ongoing public health crisis.
McNamara welcomes clarification around garden centres
Clare Independent Deputy Michael McNamara, T.D. has welcomed the Government’s inclusion of garden centres as essential retail outlets.
Read MoreHealth service and Covid-19
In Dáil Éireann on Thursday, I spoke about a number of issues including:
• The limited number of ICU beds in the country and how we all have a part to play in keeping COVID-19 case numbers down.
• The potential long-term economic consequences for local businesses and their employees as consumers divert most of their spend towards multinational companies.
• The need for Government to include seasonal workers in the tourism sector in the Covid-19 unemployment payment scheme.
• The importance of holding further Dáil sessions in order for Government to remain answerable to the people of Ireland.
• And the need for our public doctors to be paid the same as consultant doctors from the private hospital network who have brought in to assist with the COVID-19 response.
McNamara calls for extension of BEAM scheme
Clare Independent T.D. Michael McNamara has requested the Government to extend the time period specified in the Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) scheme for stock reduction to June 2021.
Read MoreExtend the BEAM deadline
With the closure of marts preventing farmers from selling cattle, I have requested the Department of Agriculture to extend the time period specified in the Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) scheme for stock reduction to June 2021.
Read MoreExtend the fuel allowance payment period
Speaking in the Dáil yesterday, I called on Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe to extend the scheduled end date for fuel allowance payments to facilitate elderly people and those on lower incomes who are self isolating during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
McNamara seeks payment supports for seasonal workers in tourism sector
Speaking in the Dáil yesterday, I requested the Government to ensure that seasonal workers in the tourism industry, who lost their jobs before they were about to start them, are included in the new Covid-19 unemployment payment scheme. I welcome that the Irish Hotel Federation has today supported my request. Watch and listen to my contribution to yesterday’s Dáil session in the above video.
Reverse Clare Bus decision
I have submitted a request to the National Transport Authority and Minister for Transport to immediately review the decision to cancel a two-year contract won by Clare Bus in December to operate 12 routes. This move threatens jobs and undermines the future provision of Local Link services in Clare. I would ask that any decision be reversed until the ongoing COVID-19 crisis has passed after which a comprehensive review should be carried out.
Michael McNamara T.D. speaking on COVID-19 legislation in Dáil Éireann
A recording of my speech in Dáil Éireann today as I joined 49 of my Dáil colleagues to discuss and pass emergency legislation regarding COVID-19.
Government formation talks
I was speaking on Drivetime RTÉ this evening in relation to meetings with Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin over Government formation talks.