Duncan Smith TD
@DuncanSmithTD
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Labour TD for Dublin Fingal East - Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defence
Joined August 2010
My response to Deputy Cathal Crowe and his reckless contribution in the Dáil this evening. It is the responsibility of TDs to show responsible leadership on #COVID19 and not to add any unnecessary hysteria during this deeply serious time.
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Said in the Dáil this lunchtime:.Verona Murphy - This is Stalinist .Mattie McGrath - Are we a Nazi state? Casually dropping in such comparisons diminishes the atrocities of such regimes. The Taoiseach came back strongly on the Nazi reference although the remark was not withdrawn.
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One big question for Sean Gallagher must be "What have you done since 2011 to prove yourself worthy of this office?" To me he has been invisible in the public & political space and running just to settle a 7 year old grudge really is not enough of a reason! #Aras18.
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This is the first time in my short period as a TD that I am embarrassed to be here. The Government has acted in such bad faith here. New politics died tonight!
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I met Liam Neeson when I was 11. He gave out absolute yards to me & my sister for knocking on his door to ask for his autograph. In the middle of his tirade, Dermot Morgan walked by and we left Neeson mid flow to be entertained by Fr Ted. That's my Liam Neeson story. #LateLate.
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I found tonight's #RTEInvestigates report a difficult watch. If you, like me, are in awe of the healthcare workers who nurse our COVID sick, then do everything you can to help them. Keep your distance, wash your hands, observe cough etiquette and please please #WearAMask 😷.
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This should not happen!.
We'll be broadcasting live from outside Dublin's Mater Hospital tomorrow. As the crisis worsens, Claire will hear from doctors, nurses, porters and other heroes on the Covid frontline. Have you been in the Mater recently with Covid, or had a relative there?. DMs/replies welcome.
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With Down Syndrome Ireland explicitly requesting that images of children with Down's Syndrome are NOT used in this campaign, I see the No side are putting these up in Dublin today. Gutter stuff! Proud to campaign compassionately with @Together4yes #8thref
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I just dropped into Swords Library now and it is back operating as normal. Awful for the staff and Library users to have to put up with such protest this afternoon. Good to see it back as the peaceful community place of learning, study & leisure.
Bizarre situation in Swords library where far right protesters are being facilitated and protected by the Gardaí. They have allowed the far right to enter the library and our now blocking the entrance.
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.@morningireland went into the ad break saying they would be joined by Taoiseach @MichealMartinTD and would-be Taoiseach @MaryLouMcDonald. "Would-be" Taoiseach. Mask slips on the Morning Ireland agenda. Unbelievable.
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Of all the names being mentioned as potential candidates in the by-election caused by the resignation of #Eoghanmurphy NONE of them match the record of activism and parliamentary achievement as @ivanabacik. Looking forward to a strong & energetic campaign for this legend
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Very little encouragement to take from Eamon Ryan on @morningireland now on protecting the Expressway routes. Seems satisfied that other providers in the market can meet demand. This is a huge blow for public transport. Will hopefully get a slot to raise in the Dáil today.
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No election is won by one person. It’s a team effort. In @labour we are blessed with so many friends, family, comrades that keep us going. Thank you to all who flew the Red flag, who ran for us, stayed with us, came back to us and trusted us with a vote. We won’t let you down.
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With the devastating news breaking in the last few mins of @AerLingus closing their base in Shannon Airport. I requested an emergency debate to take place. again the Taoiseach and the Government have washed their hands of aviation jobs. This was predicted. @RecovAIRie
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At the Transport Comm @CMOIreland informed me that no request was made by either @EamonRyan or @1Hildegarde for an antigen testing pilot in #aviation. Pretty incredible that it wasn't even discussed!.
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#COVID19 doesn't arrive on the Noon train for a showdown. This misplaced machismo is dangerous.😡.
Retain Level 3, work with it, implement it, adhere to it. Moving to 4 or 5 is running and hiding from Covid.
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Fuel prices in Swords now. and when I asked why the excise cut wasn't passed on I was told it was passed on but crude oil went up by 15c 🤷♂️. Some very angry customers at the pump this morning!!!!
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So this Government thinks it's a better deployment of resources to have social welfare inspectors at our airports but not COVID testers?!?! Absolutely incredible. #COVID19.
Social welfare inspectors checking at airports to enforce ban on holiday travel abroad during #COVID19 Unemployed to lose payments if caught travelling abroad via @businessposthq.
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I have spent the morning engaging w/ calls & emails united in utter frustration at the manner of announcing the extended #level5 measures. One person requested that the Govt "give us some dignity". As we approach one year since the virus arrived, despair is at an all time high.
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It's regrettable that it has taken until 30 March 2021 for the Government to announce that people arriving in Ireland will need a PCR test. We've been calling for this since last Summer. So many cases would have been caught a lot earlier if they acted then #toolittle #toolate.
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Really encouraged by the amount of well-wishers going out of their way to speak with @ivanabacik in Portobello today. It's an absolute buzz to be on the campaign trail again and building some momentum for #TeamIvana. #DublinBaySouth
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His 101st is going to be very interesting!.
This week I marked 100 days as Minister for Health. I am proud of the start we have made but I know there is much more to do. Working with my Department and the HSE, I want to develop the best possible healthcare system because that is what patients, staff and the public deserve
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The laundry being aired on @TodaywithClaire about #DublinBaySouth Fine Gael by Kate O'Connell reflects very poorly on that organisation. A liberal progressive woman basically being forced and hounded out.
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Says absolutely everything.
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Incredible. Mattie McGrath has just called a vote to stop the Climate Action Bill being debated at second stage. To literally stop DEBATE! #ClimateAction.
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As referenced in the article, I got clarification from TII today that such a change would likely lead to the entire project being redesigned, multi year delays and €700million per year in extra cost. A Non runner if you're serious about investing in Dublin & reducing congestion.
A Fianna Fáil TD has called for the MetroLink end point to be moved from Charlemont in the south city centre to Tara Street or St Stephen's Green. He said it was 'unusual' city not to have a termination point between the airport and the city centre
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Today @BrendanRyanTD announced he will not be contesting the next General Election. Brendan has been an incredible standard bearer for @labour in Fingal, holding our seat in our most difficult times. He has set the standard; the next generation need to meet it. 🌹
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More robust evidence as to why #antigen testing does have a role to play in COVID suppression with reference to aviation and events. Strong calls for @CMOIreland to address the Transport Committee to answer questions on this.
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The Taoiseach needs to urgently clarify what was discussed with/promised to the Israeli lobby in the US. The delay (bad) and dilution (worse) of the Occupied Territories Bill would be nothing next to it being swept off the legislative agenda #gaza #occupiedterritoriesbill.
A U.S.-based Jewish advocacy group which today met with Micheal Martin says the Taoiseach told them the Occupied Territories Bill is “no longer on the legislative calendar” (but not dispensed with outright). More on @VirginMediaNews at 7pm.
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The very same people who disgracefully targeted @SimonHarrisTD & family today were given sympathetic coverage by the media when targeting @Labour TDs not long ago. They were a disgrace then and they're a disgrace now. Real & powerful demos happened in Dublin City yesterday.
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Yes.
Is the Metrolink really the best way to provide a rail link to Dublin Airport - and who is making these choices? .Michael McDowell in today’s @IrishTimes
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Clare Geraghty, Catering assistant in the Coombe on @rtenews; "the health system is like an iceberg, you never get to see what's underneath. the kitchen, cleaners and porters don't get recognised enough for the hard work we do". Absolutely spot on👏👏👏. @siptuhealth
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The post #Aras18 analysis needs to include an examination of how County Council's nominate people to run in a Pres Election. Putting any old chancer on the ballot purely for the sake of democracy is not a good enough reason I'm afraid. Must be a higher threshold #petercasey.
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Thank you to @thejournal_ie for the opportunity to expand on my response to what I believe is hurtful and reckless language used in our Dáil. Words matter.
Duncan Smith: TDs in the Dáil who throw around references to Nazis need to think again
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A disused former convent being converted for use as refugee accommodation. Some must feel vacancy and dereliction is better than occupancy and warmth. It's a dark time.
Gardaí investigating two fires at former convent in Longford being prepared for refugees
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A powerful and moving memorial ceremony to all those who were killed or injured on Bloody Sunday in Derry today. The families continue their inspirational fight for justice. I was honoured to lay a wreath on behalf of @labour. #BloodySunday50
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It's time for Zappone to break her silence and decline this appointment.
Katherine Zappone hosted 50 friends including Tánaiste six days before controversial appointment
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My political hero Mary Robinson arguing against the introduction of the 8th Amendment in 1983, the year I was born. An inspiration everyday. Happy #IWD2018
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In a world that is either on fire or under water due to Climate Change this sort of endeavour is grotesque.
The wealthiest man on the planet, Jeff Bezos, will ride his own rocket to outer space later today, a key moment for a fledgling industry seeking to make the final frontier accessible
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I will be writing to the Minister for Transport requesting he press on with this vital infrastructural project, to get cabinet approval next month and for TII & NTA to press on with submitting it's Planning App. #Metrolink cannot be delayed any further.
Councillors in the South East Area Committee just voted for a motion for further studies on MetroLink which would, in effect, delay the metro while complaining about public transport in Dublin and the lack of a metro. 🤦♂️.
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This is the reality of having a market-led approach on #antigen testing which is now a pillar of our public health response. Too many people are unable to access free #antigens and it is causing real pain in households.
I get 203euro a week disability payment. I've just spent 30 euro for 5 #antigen tests. I've to eat, pay bills, buy medication. I'm classed as poor even before covid. Really looking forward to that extra 5euro rise next week. Thanks 😘.
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Honoured to have been re-elected to represent the great town of Swords and the surrounding areas. Looking forward to the next 5 years #LE19 🌹.
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I just cast my vote in Applewood Community Centre (opened by the 1st Labour rep I ever canvassed for Gerry McGuire) I am proud to have flown the flag for @labour in #GE2020 & backed by a great team, we ran a positive campaign based on true labour values #voteLabour #TransferLeft
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The #LeavingCert has been handled abysmally. I am very concerned about the prospect of "school profiling" playing a role in predictive gradings. Bound to negatively impact DEIS schools whilst benefitting the privileged. @AodhanORiordain @labour
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Absolutely no shame in being sent packing by fellow @Fingalcoco class of 2014 alumnus and all round good guy @rodericogorman. Really looking forward to the open top bus journey down Swords Main St upon my return #moralvictories
MATCH 4. Who is the better TD?.
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.@campaignforkate is spot on. there are some fantastic women running in the #DublinBaySouth by-election. one in particular. this one⬇️⬇️⬇️ #TeamIvana
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If we were testing at our airports like Stephen Donnelly said we would last August these new UK and SA #COVID19 variants would have been detected. The government have never come clean about why they refuse to do this.
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At Skerries Train Station this morning with @seanaorodaigh spreading word of our campaign to have Skerries and Balbriggan included in the 90 min €2 fare.
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I have huge concerns in relation to exploitation of migrant workers in our meat and growing industries. We have more than exceded an acceptable threshold for a working group to be set up to investigate the industry. The Minister for Agriculture disagreed. @MigrantRightsIr @SIPTU
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Heartened to see such strong support for @rodericogorman in recent days. He deserved it and deserves our confidence ad a new Minister in a difficult portfolio. Wishing him the best of luck 🌹.
A small group of people with a very clear agenda have been making allegations about me on social media over the last few days. I’m taking this opportunity to set the record straight.
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The NPHET modelling in @CMOIreland's letter shows that if current trends continue we will be at 1600/2300 #Covid_19 cases per day with 43 hospital admissions per day by Nov 7th. The stakes are extremely high and Varadkar going two footed to take man and ball is destabilising.
Decision to depart from NPHET’s advice may have far-reaching implications.via @IrishTimes.
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Delighted to be announced as @labour spokesperson on Climate Action, Communications Networks and Transport. Thrilled at the challenge ahead 🌹👊
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After 14 years without a pay rise workers caring for our most vulnerable and keeping our communities going have had enough. Full support and solidarity to all striking for better pay, conditions and respect. #ValuingCare #CostofLivingCrisis
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Fair to say this was a bit of a reach.
Higher Education minister James Lawless draws parallels between last week's Dáil disruptions and… the events in Washington of January 6th, 2021.
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The #DublinFingal by-election is a choice. More of the same? Or real solutions, real labour & real change. It's vital we have as many strong, progressive & constructive voices in the #Dail as possible. If elected, I'll be one of those voices. #BE19 #byelections2019
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Utterly disgraceful scenes and incidents in our City tonight. Shameful in every way.
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After a strong and energetic #BE19 campaign I'm asking the people of #DublinFingal to come out and vote for progressive, hard working and principled politics this Friday . Vote Duncan Smith Number 1 for Fingal #byelections2019 . It's time for a new generation. #LetsCloseTheGap
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Absolutely contemptible behaviour from the Government Chief whip and Government members on the Dáil Reform meeting. Ramming through their half baked proposals to appease Lowry and his group. Disgraceful.
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Also, @DonnellyStephen didn't refer the Ferguson Report to NPHET for discussion. This is a 50 plus page report on antigen testing from the Chief Scientific Advisor to the Government and it wasn't even discussed.
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Today CMO Dr @ronan_glynn has asked people to reduce by least half their social contacts in the coming week. It is just one of many measures which will help slow down the spread of #COVID19 in Dublin and beyond. I will aim for that myself. Stay safe.
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I'm so sad to learn of the passing of Liam Cahill. As an advisor to @labour, he separated himself from others who had a haughty disdain for staff/members, by being always available, responsive and interested. A real Labour person. A good man. May he rest in peace 🌹.
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Delighted to be included in Miriam Lord’s shortlist of new TDs in her Political Awards 2020. Great to see @alankellylabour being acknowledged as TD of the Year. I see first hand his trojan work day in day out. @labour
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Also, @ThomasPringleTD gave up his own speaking time on these amendments, including his own, to allow time for a vote to be taken. Parliamentarian. #COVID19.
.@DuncanSmithTD is wise to this and, with five minutes to go, invokes the lesser-known Standing Order 78 to end the debate. We go straight to a vote on whether to extend mandatory hotel quarantine to ALL overseas international arrivals.
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NPHET's request now for a more robust travel testing regime including quarantining measures is a big turning point and the Government should listen to the advice.
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@Tyson_Fury He's an Olympic Gold medalist and by all accounts, a decent and tolerant person. Kind of a role model! @GregJRutherford.
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Absolutely unacceptable. The NTA confirmed to me at Transport Committee last week that the Business plan for #Metrolink makes economic sense. We know it makes environmental senae. This delay must be a political decision. Unacceptable.
Dublin’s Metrolink officially postponed for at least ten years as part of draft transport strategy #rtenews.
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Very disappointed this very reasonable and compassionate amendment from myself and @labour was not accepted by the Government.
Dáil votes 67-43 against a Labour Party amendment explicitly allowing those travelling abroad for time-sensitive medical procedures, including abortion, to be exempt from Mandatory Hotel Quarantine.
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At the Mater Hospital this lunchtime. These workers have had enough and their resolve is strong. Ministers @DonnellyStephen and @mmcgrathtd must break the deadlock and meet the fair asks of @MedLabAssoc workers. #MedicalScientists
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A canvassing first for me this afternoon when I was tested on my knowledge of our National Anthem. "can you sing it?" 😳.
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A thrilling and emotional moment. The introduction of @ivanabacik as the newest TD to Dáil Eireann. A proud moment for many who have campaigned with Ivana for many years, all those close to her and for our @labour Party 🌹.
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I truly do not believe that the majority of Catholics in Ireland want a return of Catholic Ireland. Most want a Republic in which those of all faiths & none can practice their belief systems with respect and tolerance.
It’s too late. Not even Pope Francis can resurrect Catholic Ireland
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I had another opportunity to raise the need for a recovery/survival package for aviation workers. The same tired response from Govt. I was especially disappointed that Minister Ryan remains silent. for the full contribution see my FB. Clip ⬇️⬇️@RecovAIRie
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Disappointment amongst #MedicalScientists today at Temple St that @roinnslainte & @mmcgrathtd have shown no desire since last week to resolve the @MedLabAssoc industrial action. This has only served to strengthen the workers resolve for #EqualPay & fair working conditions.
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Cormac was a very special and thoroughly good young man. This is such a tragic event. May you rest in peace Cormac. Our love and thoughts are with your family and close friends. 🌹❤.
Cormac Ó Braonáin embodied all that was good about our movement and would have been a leading light in the future of our party. Our thoughts are with his family and all of his friends. Ar dheis dé go raibh a anam dílis.
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Full solidarity with @MedLabAssoc members taking to the picket today. Fighting for the basic principal of equal pay for equal work. The engine room of our health service deserves respect, to be heard and for pay parity to be delivered.
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Here we go! . When the General Election comes I’ll be the @labour candidate in the new Dublin Fingal East constituency. I’ll be standing on my record of open, fair and honest politics while working with communities and people on real solutions to real problems. Join us 🌹
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More promotion into my feed today essentially encouraging me to save for Cheltenham by betting today. It's time to #BeattheAds.
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I just cast my vote in Applewood Community Centre. Turnout is very low so far and with the #LateLateToyShow tonight make sure you make a plan to vote. #DublinFingal #Vote1Smith
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This evening I wrote to @HSELive CEO @paulreiddublin seeking an update on the provision of free antigen tests for all Health Care Workers. Some HCWs still seeking reimbursement for antigen tests (It has been @labour's view that everyone should have free access to antigen tests).
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This should serve as a long overdue wake up call for Government. A survival package is needed.
The head of Eurocontrol, which manages the European Air Traffic Network, says Dublin Airport has been worst affected by the collapse of air travel during the pandemic
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In the Dáil, I called for the EU to show moral leadership and solidarity with Cuba 🇨🇺 whose medics came to Lombardy in March to assist the Italian 🇮🇹 health service but who themselves are struggling to get vital medical equipment needed to combat #COVIDー19 due to US sanctions.
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We need to value the Arts during this crisis and always. Delighted to raise the calls from the @Campaign4Arts in the #Dail tonight. I also had an opportunity to pay tribute to one of Ireland's great artists, the late Eavan Boland.
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One of my #GE24 takeaways is the amount of people not answering the door. People are busy, I get that and the political system has let plenty of people down. We need to be better. In the final stretch we will work to make sure more people open the door to change you can trust.
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If anyone has booked a meal out this weekend but has decided to stay away, make sure you let the establishment know. Also, you might consider buying a voucher for same place over the phone. Will keep cash flow going during a difficult weekend and could save jobs! #Covid_19.
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