Galway West — week of Mon, 17 May — Watch Them Work

What your Galway West TDs did this week

Mon, 17 May – 23 May 2021 · 6 TDs · 3 bills voted on · 37 questions · 176 new lobbying filings

Votes this week

Financial Resolution: Stamp Duties

2021-05-19 · 3 votes

An amendment to the bill · motion failed 60–79

Voted for 1 Catherine Connolly

Voted against 3 Hildegarde Naughton · Noel Grealish · Éamon Ó Cuív

Did not vote 3 John Connolly · Mairéad Farrell · Seán Kyne

An amendment to the bill · motion failed 61–79

Voted for 1 Catherine Connolly

Voted against 3 Hildegarde Naughton · Noel Grealish · Éamon Ó Cuív

Did not vote 3 John Connolly · Mairéad Farrell · Seán Kyne

An amendment to the bill · motion failed 61–79

Voted for 1 Catherine Connolly

Voted against 3 Hildegarde Naughton · Noel Grealish · Éamon Ó Cuív

Did not vote 3 John Connolly · Mairéad Farrell · Seán Kyne

Personal Insolvency (Amendment) Bill 2020 [Seanad]: Committee and Remaining Stages

2021-05-19 · 1 vote

An amendment to the bill · motion failed 43–72

Voted for 1 Noel Grealish

Voted against 2 Hildegarde Naughton · Éamon Ó Cuív

Did not vote 4 Catherine Connolly · John Connolly · Mairéad Farrell · Seán Kyne

Education (Leaving Certificate 2021) (Accredited Grades) Bill 2021 [Seanad]: Committee and Remaining Stages

2021-05-19 · 2 votes

An amendment to the bill · motion failed 49–75

Voted against 2 Hildegarde Naughton · Éamon Ó Cuív

Did not vote 5 Catherine Connolly · John Connolly · Mairéad Farrell · Noel Grealish · Seán Kyne

An amendment to the bill · motion failed 46–74

Voted against 2 Hildegarde Naughton · Éamon Ó Cuív

Did not vote 5 Catherine Connolly · John Connolly · Mairéad Farrell · Noel Grealish · Seán Kyne

Catherine Connolly — Independent 3 votes · 14 questions · 22 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 14 total

Children 3 questions
- 2021-05-18 Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 127 of 6 May 2021, the number completed and the number outstanding of the 158 subject access requests received by the Department relating to the archive; the number completed within one month; the number informed that a two month extension is required; the number completed within the three month period; the number outstanding for more than three months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26159/21]
- 2021-05-18 Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 127 of 6 May 2021, if he will confirm that the audio and transcript record of interviews will be released to those making a subject access request for all personal data relating to the archive held by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26160/21]
- 2021-05-18 Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 131 of 6 May 2021, if he will provide a copy of the guidelines and training received by the relevant 27 officials and to which they are operating; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26161/21]
Social 2 questions
- 2021-05-18 Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of the cost of disability study commissioned by her Department as part of budget 2019; when the research is expected to be completed; the analysis her Department has carried out into increasing the disability allowance by €20 as an interim measure while the research is being completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26220/21]
- 2021-05-18 Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 1106 of 21 April 2021, when the report on the public employment service by an organisation (details supplied) will be published; when the response her Department received from the Labour Market Advisory Council to the report will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26221/21]
Justice 2 questions
- 2021-05-18 Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice the changes implemented in the coronial system on foot of the review of the coroner service report of the working group published in 2000 by her Department; the extent to and date by which each of the 110 recommendations has been implemented to date in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25836/21]
- 2021-05-18 Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice her views on a report (details supplied); her plans to implement each of the 52 recommendations of the report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25837/21]
Agriculture 2 questions
- 2021-05-20 Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the development of a new forestry strategy for Ireland as recommended in reports (details supplied); the timeline for the finalisation of the strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26986/21]
- 2021-05-20 Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the review of the potential demand in international markets for wool-based products; the terms of reference of the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26985/21]
Further and Higher Education 2 questions
- 2021-05-20 Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to clear the backlog of persons on waiting lists for off-the-job apprenticeship training; when he expects the backlog to be cleared; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27000/21]
- 2021-05-20 Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the analysis his Department has carried out or commissioned into the impact of Covid-19 restrictions on the further education sector particularly with regard to the reduction in participation across the sector since the onset of the pandemic; his plans to develop a strategy to address the impact of Covid-19 on engagement, retention and progression in the further education sector as recommended in a report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26999/21]
Public 1 question
- 2021-05-18 Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the drafting of legislation to transpose the EU whistleblowing directive into law; his plans to ensure that local elected representatives will be covered by protections for whistleblowers under the new legislation; his further plans to ensure that all public and private workers and volunteers will be covered by protections for whistleblowers under the new legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26061/21]
Tourism 1 question
- 2021-05-20 Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans for a full independent audit of the finances and operation of Galway 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27312/21]
Foreign 1 question
- 2021-05-20 Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No 521 of 28 April 2021, the discussions he has had with European and international partners in relation to the detention of a person (details supplied) by the National Investigation Agency of India for alleged Maoist links; his plans to call on the Indian Government to safeguard the health and well-being of the person and to call for the release of same; the discussions he has had with the Indian Government in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27130/21]

New lobbying 22 returns

Sisters of Mercy Environment
- The lobbying concerned the Climate Action Bill going through its second stage and being voted on in the DAIL
Environmental Pillar · 4 returns Environment
- Raised awareness of the need to ensure that the Agri-Food Strategy 2030 is sustainable, with specific targets around climate action, biodiversity and environmental protection. Provided notification of the Environmental Pillar's withdrawal from the Agri-Food Strategy 2030 Committee due to significant gaps in relation to addressing environmental concerns. Requested meeting with relevant ministers and department officials.
- Raised concerns regarding the National Marine Planning Bill, its contents and the lack of Oireachtas and public debate surrounding the Bill; requested withdrawal of the Bill to allow for ample time for Oireachtas members to debate the Bill in detail, given its wide-ranging impacts on the marine environment, habitats and species.
- Highlight concerns on remarks made in the Oireachtas regarding an ongoing case taken by An Taisce as an environmental NGO executing its EU and international law rights.
- Provided information regarding legal aspects of the Climate Bill
Irish Wildbird Conservancy Environment
- The implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy and the conservation of marine biodiversity
NCBI · 2 returns Health
- The expansion of the Eye Clinic Liaison Officer Service (ECLO's) to acute hospitals outside of Dublin
- The expansion of the Eye Clinic Liaison Officer Service (ECLO's) to acute hospitals outside of Dublin
Ibec Economic Development and Industry
- West region investment priorities for the mid-term review of the National Development Plan (NDP)
The Union of Students in Ireland Education and Training
- Email to Catherine Connolly TD requesting parliamentary question to be submitted to Minister Simon Harris to seek information on the costs involved in enabling Integrated Masters Pharmacy students and Graduate Entry Medicine students to access the Free Fees Initiative.
Sustainable Water Network (SWAN) Environment
- National Marine Planning Framework
Epilepsy Ireland Health
- To raise awareness of and seek support for submission to Oireachtas Committee on Disability regarding epilepsy issues.
The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA · 2 returns Agriculture · Transport
- COVID-19 Restrictions in Livestock Marts.
- Driver Theory Test
Irish Penal Reform Trust · 2 returns Justice and Equality
- Progress in the Penal System 2020
- All Party Oireachtas Group on Penal Reform
National Union of Journalists Communications
- Iconic Media need to recognise the union amongst their members
Irish Cancer Society · 3 returns Health
- Covid-19 impact on cancer services and patients
- Introductory meetings with volunteer Irish Cancer Society grassroots Advocacy Champions
- The financial impact of cancer
Threshold Housing
- Email to the Deputy
Galway Chamber Transport
- Discussion of the present status of transport in Galway and delivery for the future.

Hildegarde Naughton — Fine Gael 6 votes · 0 questions · 58 new lobbying returns

New lobbying 58 returns

Society of the Irish Motor Industry · 2 returns Employment
- In advance of the Feb 22nd Cabinet meeting the Motor Industry requested that the car showrooms be allowed re-open on a graduated basis. The Industry is ideally placed to facilitate the requirements of social distancing and other health and safety issues in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This would protect employment in the sector.
- In advance of the March 30th and April 29th Cabinet meetings the Motor Industry requested that the car showrooms be allowed re-open on a graduated basis. The Industry is ideally placed to facilitate the requirements of social distancing and other health and safety issues in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This would protect employment in the sector.
Sisters of Mercy Environment
- The lobbying concerned the Climate Action Bill going through its second stage and being voted on in the DAIL
Irish Air Line Pilots Association (IALPA) · 3 returns Employment · Transport
- Letter to Helen McEntee Minister for Justice from IALPA Female Working Group
- Letter to Ms Hildegard Naughton TD
- Letter to Minister Naughton
Pender & Associates Ltd Transport
- Future of Aviation in Ireland
Ryanair Transport
- Meeting of 22 April and letter of 28 April to Eamon Ryan and Hildegarde Naughton
Chambers Ireland · 6 returns Energy and Natural Resources · Taxation · Development and Zoning · Public Expenditure and Reform · Local Government
- Offshore Wind
- Remote Working Tax Relief
- Town Centre First Strategy
- Statutory Sick Pay and Redundancy Payments
- Local Government Funding
- Financial supports for businesses and local economies
COPE Galway CLG Finance
- To highlight the risk to the sustainability of essential services provided by COPE Galway and to set out the funding required from the HSE, to safeguard the continued provision of homeless services, and services for older people. COPE Galway has delivered on our commitment to keep those most vulnerable safe and supported, and we now require HSE support to secure the ongoing sustainability of our services and to mitigate against the very real risks associated with inadequate funding levels
NCBI Health
- The expansion of the Eye Clinic Liaison Officer Service (ECLO's) to acute hospitals outside of Dublin
Sligo Chamber of Commerce and Industry Public Expenditure and Reform
- Financial supports for business and local economies
Ibec · 6 returns Finance · Economic Development and Industry · Transport
- National Civil Aviation Development Forum (NCADF) - Aviation and recovery
- West region investment priorities for the mid-term review of the National Development Plan (NDP)
- Business priorities for the mid-term Review of the National Development Plan (NDP)
- Reopening of aviation
- Investment priorities for the West region
- Review of the Covid-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021: The Path Ahead framework
Irish Ferries Limited Transport
- Update on effects of Brexit and COVID-19 measures on maritime connectivity
Mayo North Tourism Transport
- Project 2040 project list for the West
Limelight Communications · 2 returns Transport
- Covid 19 business supports & Government policy relating to International Travel
- Covid 19 business supports & Government policy relating to International Travel
Alliance for Insurance Reform Banking and Financial Institutions
- Seeking policy decisions that will reduce the cost of insurance for our members and Irish society as a whole and keep them that way.
Irish Travel Agents Association Transport
- Covid 19 business supports and Government policy relating to International Travel
The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA · 3 returns Agriculture · Transport
- COVID-19 Restrictions in Livestock Marts.
- Driver Theory Test
- Driver Theory Test
Freight Transport Association of Ireland · 5 returns Transport
- Meeting with Minister Naughton to Discuss impact of Brexit;
- Discuss the 10 year haulage strategy
- Implications of Brexit on the freight distribution and logistics sector
- Issues relating to post brexit trading for FTA Ireland members and broader freight distribution and logistics sector
- Outlining the key issue faced by express integrator and importance of Air cargo to the Irish Economy
The Association of Farm & Forestry Contractors in Ireland (FCI) Ltd · 2 returns Transport
- Providing an On-Line Theory Test or Fast-Track Theory Test for those seeking to acquire a Learner Permit Driver’s Licence for Tractor Driving within family farm contracting and/or farming business
- Providing an On-Line Theory Test or Fast-Track Theory Test for those seeking to acquire a Learner Permit Driver’s Licence for Tractor Driving within family farm contracting and/or farming business
National Union of Journalists Communications
- Iconic Media need to recognise the union amongst their members
Pinnacle Public Affairs Ltd Health
- Antigen Testing
Irish Cancer Society · 3 returns Health
- Covid-19 impact on cancer services and patients
- Introductory meetings with volunteer Irish Cancer Society grassroots Advocacy Champions
- The financial impact of cancer
Irish Penal Reform Trust Justice and Equality
- Penal reform priorities
Cork Chamber Public Expenditure and Reform
- Financial supports for businesses and local economies
An Post Communications
- An Post asked that its unique status as the State’s designated Universal Service Provider (“USP”) under the UPU Treaty is recognised by Revenue Also requesting that Revenue provide an adequately functioning Automated Import System (“AIS”) system supported by a fully functioning IT test environment to enable compliance with UPU regulations for postal customs clearance.
Threshold Housing
- Email to the Deputy
Galway Chamber Public Expenditure and Reform
- Financial supports for businesses and local economies
Ability West Employment
- Changes to the Community Employment Scheme (Policy Circular 03/2020)
Irish Exporters Association Transport
- Invitation to deliver a keynote address to IEA members and stakeholders at an upcoming webinar on Decarbonising the Road Haulage Sector
Irish Road Haulage Association Transport
- Brexit & its impact on Irish hauliers at ports, issues Customs and Revenue
Wind Energy Ireland Transport
- Port infrastructure
Aer Lingus Transport
- Travel restrictions, aviation recovery taskforce, aviation restart plan, supports for aviation sector
Dublin Chamber of Commerce Economic Development and Industry
- Communication with Fine Gael on extension of EWSS & CRSS
Limerick Chamber Public Expenditure and Reform
- Financial supports for businesses and local economies
Coach Tourism and Transport Council of Ireland Transport
- Deregistration of Vehicles for 2021
Irish Hotels Federation Tourism
- Measures and economic supports required to support Ireland's tourism and hospitality sector and mitigate the challenges due to the ongoing Covid-19 crisis

John Connolly — Fianna Fáil 0 votes · 0 questions · 2 new lobbying returns

New lobbying 2 returns

Threshold Housing
- Invited the Councillor to a briefing session
Galway Chamber Transport
- Discussion of the present status of transport in Galway and delivery for the future.

Mairéad Farrell — Sinn Féin 0 votes · 3 questions · 18 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 3 total

Taoiseach 1 question
- 2021-05-18 Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Taoiseach the details of the information his Department collates as per circular 20/2019 (details supplied); the date this report was issued; the location on his Departmental website on which it can be found; and the progress in relation to green procurement that has been made to date. [25440/21]
Further and Higher Education 1 question
- 2021-05-18 Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the role that Irish universities play in an organisation (details supplied) which lists universities around Europe as its partner universities. [26111/21]
Public 1 question
- 2021-05-19 Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the approach being taken to ensure that the standard in Office of Government Procurement contracts remain in compliance with the core principle of proportionality specifically as it relates to the ownership of IPR in IT cloud service provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26820/21]

New lobbying 18 returns

Sisters of Mercy Environment
- The lobbying concerned the Climate Action Bill going through its second stage and being voted on in the DAIL
Respect Vapers Health
- Legislation on vaping products
Irish Wildlife Trust CLG. Environment
- River Drainage works
Premier Lotteries Ireland Designated Activity Company Public Expenditure and Reform
- Briefing on the operation of the National Lottery, and the collection and distribution of Good Causes Funding.
NCBI · 2 returns Health
- The expansion of the Eye Clinic Liaison Officer Service (ECLO's) to acute hospitals outside of Dublin
- The expansion of the Eye Clinic Liaison Officer Service (ECLO's) to acute hospitals outside of Dublin
Ibec · 2 returns Economic Development and Industry
- West region investment priorities for the mid-term review of the National Development Plan (NDP)
- Ibec Economic Policy Priorities
National Centre for Youth Mental Health Children and Youth Affairs
- Email to set up meeting, zoom meeting, email to provide follow up information
The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA · 2 returns Agriculture · Transport
- COVID-19 Restrictions in Livestock Marts.
- Driver Theory Test
Pieta House Health
- Request support for future state funding for Pieta and sustainability of services
National Union of Journalists Communications
- Iconic Media need to recognise the union amongst their members
Irish Cancer Society · 3 returns Health
- Covid-19 impact on cancer services and patients
- Introductory meetings with volunteer Irish Cancer Society grassroots Advocacy Champions
- The financial impact of cancer
Threshold Housing
- Email to the Deputy
Galway Chamber Public Expenditure and Reform
- Regional Airports

Noel Grealish — Independent 4 votes · 1 question · 17 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 1 total

Transport 1 question
- 2021-05-18 Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport the status of the direct award contract with Bus Éireann; if Bus Éireann is operating on a month-by-month contract basis at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26082/21]

New lobbying 17 returns

Sisters of Mercy Environment
- The lobbying concerned the Climate Action Bill going through its second stage and being voted on in the DAIL
Respect Vapers Health
- Legislation on vaping products
NCBI Health
- The expansion of the Eye Clinic Liaison Officer Service (ECLO's) to acute hospitals outside of Dublin
Ibec Economic Development and Industry
- West region investment priorities for the mid-term review of the National Development Plan (NDP)
Irish Self Catering Federation Tourism
- Earlier re-opening time for the Self catering sector
Alliance for Insurance Reform Banking and Financial Institutions
- Seeking policy decisions that will reduce the cost of insurance for our members and Irish society as a whole and keep them that way.
Pro Life Campaign Health
- Providing briefing material on the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) (Foetal Pain Relief) Bill 2021
The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA · 2 returns Agriculture · Transport
- COVID-19 Restrictions in Livestock Marts.
- Driver Theory Test
National Union of Journalists Communications
- Iconic Media need to recognise the union amongst their members
Irish Cancer Society · 4 returns Health
- Covid-19 impact on cancer services and patients
- Daffodil Day 2021
- Introductory meetings with volunteer Irish Cancer Society grassroots Advocacy Champions
- The financial impact of cancer
Threshold Housing
- Email to the Deputy
Ability West Employment
- Changes to the Community Employment Scheme (Policy Circular 03/2020)
Retailers Against Smuggling Finance
- A mailout outlining RAS activities from Q1 2021

Seán Kyne — Fine Gael 0 votes · 0 questions · 32 new lobbying returns

New lobbying 32 returns

Family Carers Ireland Health
- Covid-19 vaccinations
Respect Vapers Health
- Legislation on vaping products
Chambers Ireland · 6 returns Energy and Natural Resources · Taxation · Development and Zoning · Public Expenditure and Reform · Local Government
- Offshore Wind
- Remote Working Tax Relief
- Town Centre First Strategy
- Statutory Sick Pay and Redundancy Payments
- Local Government Funding
- Financial supports for businesses and local economies
Irish Dental Association Health
- Problems with Dental Treatment Services Scheme
Irish Hospital Consultants Association Health
- Committee Hearing on Protection and Support of Frontline Health Care Workers
Sligo Chamber of Commerce and Industry Public Expenditure and Reform
- Financial supports for business and local economies
Ibec Economic Development and Industry
- Ibec's 2021 Policy Priorities
Inclusion Ireland Health
- Data Protection & Consent
Irish Travel Agents Association Transport
- Covid 19 business supports and Government policy relating to International Travel
Neville International Justice and Equality
- Communication in relation to work visa applications to Ireland by non EEA citizens where a work permit has been obtained due skills shortages in the respective profession.
Irish Penal Reform Trust Justice and Equality
- Progress in the Penal System 2020
FTI Consulting Health
- GW Pharmaceuticals sent a letter in the context of membership of the Oireachtas Health Committee, to request a meeting to discuss cannabinoid science and GW Pharmaceuticals.
Irish Medical Organisation Health
- COVID 19 - Protection and support for frontline health care workers
Hume Brophy Health
- Governance review of drugs approval and procurement process
Insurance Ireland Banking and Financial Institutions
- On behalf of members, providing input into insurers response to Covid 19
Cork Chamber Public Expenditure and Reform
- Financial supports for businesses and local economies
Hanover Media Strategy Limited · 2 returns Health
- Creation of national policy with regard to Orphan Medicinal Products
- Treatment of Irish patients with Amyloidosis in Ireland and reimbursement pathway for Alnylam medicines
Threshold Housing
- Emailed the Senator regarding forthcoming legislation.
Galway Chamber Transport
- Discussion of the present status of transport in Galway and delivery for the future.
Sage Advocacy Health
- To share a discussion document with elected representatives to highlight key long term care issues in Ireland and to suggest a policy action framework for an alternative model of long-term support and care which could be progressed through the Government’s proposed Commission on Care.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals (Europe) Limited Health
- Cystic Fibrosis landscape in Ireland
Dublin Chamber of Commerce Economic Development and Industry
- Communication with Fine Gael on extension of EWSS & CRSS
The Irish Society for Autism Health
- The impact of Covid 19 and the need for autism specific legislation
Limerick Chamber Public Expenditure and Reform
- Financial supports for businesses and local economies
Alcohol Awareness Foundation Limited Health
- Letters sharing Drinkaware's MUP Explainer for the general public as an FYI
Health Research Charities Ireland Health
- HRCI 2021 position paper: Renewal through health research