Results 5,041-5,060 of 6,944 for speaker:Michael McNamara

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: World Health Organization: Public Health Advice (11 Jun 2020)

Michael McNamara: I have in front of me a document, "Advice on the use of masks in the context of COVID-19: interim guidance", published by the World Health Organization on 5 June 2020, which is only six days ago. It is divided in two - there is advice for healthcare workers, both those dealing with Covid-19 patients and those not dealing with them; and, there is advice for decision-makers on the use of masks...

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: World Health Organization: Public Health Advice (11 Jun 2020)

Michael McNamara: The WHO official guidance is more equivocal than Dr. Nabarro's own view.

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: World Health Organization: Public Health Advice (11 Jun 2020)

Michael McNamara: Dr. Nabarro has been helpful. I have one last question regarding commuters. Dr. Nabarro said it was reasonable for commuters to wear masks or face coverings. Does he think it is also reasonable for staff such as bus drivers, attendants etc., to wear a mask for their own protection or would he go further?

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: World Health Organization: Public Health Advice (11 Jun 2020)

Michael McNamara: I thank Dr. Nabarro and Deputy Collins. I call now Deputy John McGuinness.

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: World Health Organization: Public Health Advice (11 Jun 2020)

Michael McNamara: I call Deputy Donnelly.

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: World Health Organization: Public Health Advice (11 Jun 2020)

Michael McNamara: No. The Deputy and his colleagues have been given five minutes each, as opposed to 16 minutes between four speakers, so it is the same.

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: World Health Organization: Public Health Advice (11 Jun 2020)

Michael McNamara: No. The Deputy and his colleagues have been given three five-minute slots, as opposed to four four-minute slots.

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: World Health Organization: Public Health Advice (11 Jun 2020)

Michael McNamara: I thank Dr. Nabarro.

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: World Health Organization: Public Health Advice (11 Jun 2020)

Michael McNamara: I have a number of questions. Dr. Nabarro fairly pointed out a difference of emphasis between his view and the WHO guidance on masks. He stated that it is particularly important for service providers and transport workers to be protected. Is it more important that they wear masks or that the general public wear masks, or is that a false dichotomy?

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: World Health Organization: Public Health Advice (11 Jun 2020)

Michael McNamara: I have one other question. I do not wish to point out differences between Dr. Nabarro's personal view and the WHO guidance, but there is guidance entitled Considerations for public health and social measures in the workplace in the context of Covid-19 that the WHO published on 10 May last. This guidance states that there should be physical distancing of "at least 1 metre apart for work...

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: World Health Organization: Public Health Advice (11 Jun 2020)

Michael McNamara: I know Dr. Nabarro is under time pressure. Does he have time to answer two brief questions, one from me and one from my colleague, Deputy Brophy? If so, great, but if not, I understand.

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: World Health Organization: Public Health Advice (11 Jun 2020)

Michael McNamara: I thank Dr. Nabarro. Is cancer screening a very dangerous procedure for healthcare providers to engage in such that would justify the suspension of all cancer screening activity for months on end in a country such as Ireland, where PPE is available?

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: World Health Organization: Public Health Advice (11 Jun 2020)

Michael McNamara: In response to my last question, Dr. Nabarro said that he expects to see schools and education facilities opening quickly. Does he expect that the 2 m distancing will be maintained in schools? Does he expect that will be respected? Will it be the norm throughout Europe and the developed world? That would mean looking into the future. Most importantly, when it comes to schools, we need to...

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: World Health Organization: Public Health Advice (11 Jun 2020)

Michael McNamara: Thank you very much for your time, Dr. Nabarro, and for the extra time. Congratulations on the recent birth of your grandson and I hope you get to meet him soon.

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: World Health Organization: Public Health Advice (11 Jun 2020)

Michael McNamara: Before we adjourn, I thank the Oireachtas staff, in particular the technical staff, for setting up this link, and the secretariat, in particular Mr. Malone, for all the work in this regard.

Climate Action and Low Carbon Development: Statements (10 Jun 2020)

Michael McNamara: I agree with much of what Deputy Pringle stated about meeting our energy demands. Have we done so? Did we import energy in the relevant timeframe? We need to be realistic. We are building an interconnector with France. Are we going to say that we could not countenance producing nuclear energy in Ireland but we have no problem importing it from France or even Sellafield? We have...

Climate Action and Low Carbon Development: Statements (Resumed) (10 Jun 2020)

Michael McNamara: Before talking about Shannon, which is the primary issue that I wish to discuss tonight, I join with Deputy Connolly in calling for some clarity about when the islands will open, and whether they will open for family members, which is most important, for people who have a holiday home there, and for tourism. They are all important but to different degrees. Some clarity is required as all...

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: Business of Special Committee (9 Jun 2020)

Michael McNamara: We have been notified that Deputies Boyd Barrett, Paul Murphy, Nash, Munster, Catherine Murphy, Noonan and Mathews will substitute for their party colleagues today. I will take it that the minutes of the meeting of 2 June are agreed? Agreed. I will take the 14 items of correspondence received as noted, unless anyone has any issues?

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: Business of Special Committee (9 Jun 2020)

Michael McNamara: I agree with the Deputy, but I suggest we discuss this matter in the working group on Friday morning, including the exact date we get them back.

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: Business of Special Committee (9 Jun 2020)

Michael McNamara: That is fine. Deputy O'Dowd is welcome to join us on Friday morning.