Changes made to the qualifying criteria for the fuel allowance will make the payment available to hundreds of families across Waterford for the first time from January, a development welcomed by Green Party TD, Marc Ó Cathasaigh. Fuel allowance is a means-tested payment to assist pensioners and other low-income households with their winter heating costs,…
This question relates to a programme that I know is as close to the Minister’s heart as it is to mine, namely, the school meals programme. As we all know, the cost of putting food on the table has been escalating for everybody in society. In that context, is the subvention available to school meals…
I thank the Cathaoirleach Gníomhach for giving me the opportunity to get out of the Chair slightly early so that I could take a speaking slot. Although it might seem frivolous, when reflecting on the achievements and otherwise of COP 27, I think of the Sergio Leone film, “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly”.…
Full Transcript: Marc Ó Cathasaigh This issue has already been teased out in the discussion this morning. There is a well-acknowledged issue around recruitment and, in particular, retention in our Defence Forces. I ask about the progress made on fulfilling the Government commitment to increase recruitment in the Defence Forces by 2028. Deputy Simon Coveney…
Full Transcript: Before I address my substantive points, I note that one of the benefits of sharing the duties of chairing the House with the Ceann Comhairle is that one gets to listen to debates in depth. Much of the debate on the Bill has been good. I do not know whether anybody has eulogised…
Minister for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan visited Waterford to announce €150,000 funding for the new Irish Wake Museum which will open in the Viking Triangle in 2023. The funding will be used for the fit out of the displays and some restoration works on the 15th Century building in Cathedral Square which will…
There has never been a man like my father for answering a question with a question. Maybe it was his way of dealing with four inquisitive children when he was bringing us up, but I doubt it. I feel he probably came hard-wired that way. In any case, it was, and still is at times,…
Waterford TD Marc Ó Cathasaigh has welcomed a new €10million fund which was launched today to support community and voluntary groups with increased energy costs. The Community and Voluntary Energy Support Scheme, which was announced by Minister of State Joe O’Brien and Minister Healther Humphreys will assist organisations in meeting their energy costs this winter.…
I fully intend to bring the Ceann Comhairle on a tour of Waterford shortly, but I will begin with an obtuse metaphor because I know he also enjoys them. When thinking of water infrastructure, I strangely think about the difference between losing one’s front teeth and dealing with one’s blood pressure. If you lose one…
Marc Ó Cathasaigh TD has hailed as a ‘game-changer for Waterford’ Government’s sign off today on a €600m business plan that will transform the city’s North Quays. The final business case was approved by ministers at a cabinet meeting this morning and will see the construction of a new train station, bridge, retail centre, hotel,…
