In the build-up to election 2020, Clare FM is meeting each of the candidates and allowing them a chance to outline to you, the voter, what they will do if elected on February 8th.
Outgoing Junior Minister Pat Breen is running for Fine Gael.
My vision for Clare:
My vision for Clare, is a place of full employment – and our statistics show we are nearly at this point – so that people can support their families and the economy is strong enough to support all public services and needs. I want a Clare where young people have access to education, older people are cared for and valued in their own communities, there is a first class health service available to all and rural Clare along with its towns and villages thrive in a new modern world. Many of these visions are coming close to reality, but some are still a bit further away than I would like. To this end we must try to cast off any shadows of negativity and continue to work hard and positively for an even better Clare of tomorrow.
My priorities if elected:
I want to see the foundation work laid for further job growth in the county brought to fruition, continued investment and the growth of Shannon airport, the €25 million new elderly care facility built in Ennis, both the 60 bed Modular unit and 96 bed extension built at UHL and a further expansion in community health care, as well as more investment into sustainable livelihoods and the communities of rural Clare. I want to maintain the funding for roads & education, ensure high-speed broadband, and continued investment in coastal protection. I want to ensure a just transition fund under climate action to support workers, home owners, motorists & businesses and further support for farmers, local tourism and community projects in rural Clare, especially as we begin Brexit.
My experience:
Minister of State for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market & Data Protection June 2017 to present.
Minister of State for Employment and Small Business May 2016 to 2017 .
TD for Clare from 2002 to present.
June 2011 appointed Chairperson of the Oireachtas Foreign Affairs & Trade Committee.
Member of Clare County Council 1999 To 2002
