The staff in testing centres across the country have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic, especially staff in the Punchestown testing centre in Co. Kildare. Many of these workers are unpaid volunteers who give their time to work in the centres, putting their own lives at risk for the benefit of the public. ...
In the Dáil, I spoke to the Tánaiste Leo Varadkar in relation to the Covid-19 vaccine rollout. As of today, more than 77,000 people have now been vaccinated in Ireland, bringing us above the EU average. However, changes need to be made to improve the rollout of the vaccine especially in relation to the IT ...
I spoke in the Dáil this week on the 50th anniversary of the signing of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty. The treaty was a watershed moment in human history which limited the spread of nuclear weapons to nine nation states. With the new US President and a seat on the UN Security Council, Ireland now has a ...
The Regional Group of TDs secured cross-party support for their motion on Mental Health today. Referrals for mental health services have significantly increased during the pandemic. The pandemic continues to have a profound impact on people; increasing social isolation, loneliness, anxiety, depression and ...
Today the Regional Group TDs have brought forward a motion on mental health to the floor of Dáil Éireann, which I am pleased has been accepted by the government. Mental health is such an important issue which requires absolute focus and commitment to solving# the issues that we have. We need to properly ...
In the Dáil this week, I spoke to Minister Thomas Byrne in relation to a variety of important issues relating to Brexit. Brexit is fast approaching. In less than 30 days, Britain will leave the EU. We must work now to limit the impact on our businesses and on our country.
Very productive Oireachtas Committee meeting on Foreign Affairs & Defence last week. The positive developments will not only allow Reserve troops to officially travel abroad for training, ceremonial and sporting events, but will also legally permit them to deploy on operations at home and on Peace Support ...
Leaders’ Questions – Air-Sea Rescue Contract The Air-sea rescue contract is worth €600 million over a ten-year period. Rather than funding a foreign private helicopter company, I believe we should properly invest in the Irish Air Corps to provide this service instead. This would ensure better value for money ...
In the Dáil, I raised a number of important issues in relation to Brexit. In less than 50 days Britain is leaving the EU, whether there is a deal in place or not, and we are going to be facing a major shock to our trade relations with our nearest neighbour. We must act now to reduce the impact on our businesses and on ...
In the Dáil, I spoke about the Finance Bill 2020. I focused on the provision relating to the Naval Service Sea-Going Personnel tax credit. I raised the following points with the Minster. Is this tax credit going to be continued to be rolled over into the future of is it just for a couple of years? I ...
I raised a number of issues relating to the Security & Defence aspects of Budget 2021 including - Increase in Garda numbers with the intake of 620 new trainees and a big investment in the vehicle fleet. Garda Infrastructure - need to invest from a refurbishment and new build perspective across the ...
In the Dáil this week, I raised a number of issues relating to the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) (Amendments) Bill 2020. I welcome and support these amendments to what I consider, an important piece of legislation. As the unambiguous and irrefutable nature of financial investigations ...
