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 ...
I was on the Week in Politics this week on RTÉ One TV. I gave a quick update on Ireland’s mass vaccination programme. Ireland’s success in suppressing the virus has not occurred by chance. We have embraced science & enlightenment throughout and we can now reap the rewards.
Fantastic to see the Christmas lights being switched on in Portarlington last Friday for the ‘Big Switch On’! Thanks to the Christmas Lights Committee for all your hard work and dedication over the past few weeks - the town looks great! The countdown to Christmas has officially begun ...
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 ...
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 ...
Another productive meeting in Portarlington tonight with the Community Groups and Voluntary Organisations in the town. The meeting was led by Mark Prendergast (Prendergast Leadership) who gave a great insight into how to maximise achievement within our community groups and organisations. It was great to get together ...
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. Troops should be ...
This week I attended a conference call with Tourism Minister Catherine Martin, Into Kildare and other local TDs and Senators, to discuss a specific financial support package to help the Tourism and Hospitality sector in Kildare during this difficult time for many businesses following the recent extension of Covid-19 ...
