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 ...

In the Dáil, I asked the Tánaiste Leo Varadkar, about the possibility of providing additional financial supports for Kildare, Laois and Offaly to support businesses following the local restrictions that were imposed in the three counties recently.  

 I spoke to the Minister for Defence, Simon Coveney about a number of immediate issues facing the Defence Forces. Removing the requirement for a person to purchase their discharge from the Defence Forces following line service. Improving sea-going pay for the Naval Service. ...

I spoke to the Minister for Defence, Simon Coveney about a number of issues facing the Reserve Defence Forces (RDF). I suggested the following amendments to the Defence Bill 2020 - Allow members of the RDF to serve overseas, particularly in niche operational roles like medical and ...

In the Dáil, I spoke in relation to the Perjury and Related Offences Bill 2018, which I am very much in favour of. This Bill was introduced two years ago and steered through the Seanad by former Senator Pádraig Ó Céidigh and aims to make it easier to prosecute those who knowingly give false ...

This afternoon in the Dáil, I got the opportunity to raise the following questions with the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly, in relation to COVID-19: ✅ How many community testing facilities do we have currently operational in the country? ✅ Are we still using the International Laboratory ...

This afternoon in the Dáil, I raised various issues with the Minister for Education and Skills, Norma Foley. ✅ The importance of the school building programme from a post-primary point of view, particularly in Kildare South. Coláiste Íosagáin in Portarlington is creeking at the seams, St. Paul’s ...

I got the opportunity to question the Minister for Climate Action, Communications Networks and Transport, Eamon Ryan. I questioned the Minister in relation to: ✅ The ability Ireland has to prevent and protect itself from cyberattack. ✅ The National Cyber Security Strategy and the capacity ...

I got the opportunity to question Minister Helen McEntee in relation to Brexit negotiations. I raised concerns regarding: ⏺ The urgent manpower crisis in the Naval Service and the fact that two Naval ships, approximately one quarter of the fleet, are tied up in the harbour and are unable to ...

I questioned Minister Paul Kehoe in relation to a variety of Defence matters. I raised my concerns regarding: ⏺ The current Re-Enlistment Pathway. ⏺ The Army Nursing Service. ⏺ Naval ships in Cork Harbour and the lack of personnel. ⏺ Flights home for our Troops in Lebanon.

  I took the opportunity to question the Minister for Education and Skills, Joe McHugh. I highlighted the chronic need for a new school building for Coláiste Íosagáin in Portarlington, St. Paul’s in Monasterevin and a new school for the Newbridge/Curragh/Athgarvan area. I also ...

In the Dáil today, Cathal Berry TD raised the following issues in relation to the Defence Forces: 1. Our 300 Troops who are currently stranded in Lebanon. 2. The establishment of an independent statutory and standing pay review body for Defence Forces personnel. 3. The current ...