Longford-Westmeath — week of Mon, 17 May — Watch Them Work

What your Longford-Westmeath TDs did this week

Mon, 17 May – 23 May 2021 · 5 TDs · 3 bills voted on · 27 questions · 224 new lobbying filings

Votes this week

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 Sorca Clarke

Voted against 3 Joe Flaherty · Peter Burke · Robert Troy

Did not vote 2 Kevin Boxer Moran · Micheál Carrigy

Financial Resolution: Stamp Duties

2021-05-19 · 3 votes

An amendment to the bill · motion failed 60–79

Voted for 1 Sorca Clarke

Voted against 3 Joe Flaherty · Peter Burke · Robert Troy

Did not vote 2 Kevin Boxer Moran · Micheál Carrigy

An amendment to the bill · motion failed 61–79

Voted for 1 Sorca Clarke

Voted against 3 Joe Flaherty · Peter Burke · Robert Troy

Did not vote 2 Kevin Boxer Moran · Micheál Carrigy

An amendment to the bill · motion failed 61–79

Voted for 1 Sorca Clarke

Voted against 3 Joe Flaherty · Peter Burke · Robert Troy

Did not vote 2 Kevin Boxer Moran · Micheál Carrigy

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 for 1 Sorca Clarke

Voted against 3 Joe Flaherty · Peter Burke · Robert Troy

Did not vote 2 Kevin Boxer Moran · Micheál Carrigy

An amendment to the bill · motion failed 46–74

Voted for 1 Sorca Clarke

Voted against 3 Joe Flaherty · Peter Burke · Robert Troy

Did not vote 2 Kevin Boxer Moran · Micheál Carrigy

Kevin Boxer Moran — Independent 0 votes · 0 questions · 0 new lobbying returns

Quiet week — no questions filed or new lobbying returns.

Micheál Carrigy — Fine Gael 0 votes · 0 questions · 12 new lobbying returns

New lobbying 12 returns

Independent Broadcasters of Ireland Communications
- Meetings with members of Fine Gael Parliamentary Party as part of an initiative undertaken by them on Future of Local Media. Fine Gael had circulated questionnaires to IBI member stations regarding business experience during the pandemic. This meeting was for them to share results and to question radio station operators about what is required to sustain the sector
Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) Transport
- Looked for support for Clár Funding for a bus to transport members to and from home to services
CyberSafeIreland Children and Youth Affairs
- Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill
Restaurants Association of Ireland Tourism
- Oireachtas Joint Committee on Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht - present on the subject of “Impact of Covid-19 on Hospitality Sector” on Tuesday 23rd March 2021
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.
Ibec · 2 returns Economic Development and Industry
- General Scheme of the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill
- Ibec's 2021 Policy Priorities
CHILDREN'S RIGHTS ALLIANCE - REPUBLIC OF IRELAND LIMITED Children and Youth Affairs
- Online Media Safety Regulation Bill
Irish Travel Agents Association Transport
- Covid 19 business supports and Government policy relating to International Travel
The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA · 2 returns Agriculture · Health
- Results-Based Environment Agri Pilot (REAP)
- Nursing Homes Support Scheme - Fair Deal
IRISH MUSIC RIGHTS ORGANISATION CLG Economic Development and Industry
- Post Covid supports for the music sector

Peter Burke — Fine Gael 6 votes · 2 questions · 43 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 2 total

Environment 1 question
- 2021-05-18 Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress on a multiagency enforcement programme on solid fuel use as a home heating source; if his attention has been drawn to imports of German coal to the Irish market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26131/21]
Rural 1 question
- 2021-05-20 Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her Department under the CLÁR scheme or another scheme supports the provision of infrastructure and footpaths in a location (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27143/21]

New lobbying 43 returns

Society of the Irish Motor Industry Employment
- 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
The Presbyterian Church in Ireland Health
- S.I. No. 171/2021 - Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (Amendment) Regulations 2021 - concern that the new regulation enacts new "penal provisions" for anyone helping/attending specified event in our church buildings including the streaming of our online services
Ballyhaunis Chamber of Commerce Local Government
- Town Centre First Strategy
Respect Vapers Health
- Legislation on vaping products
Muiriosa Foundation Health
- The National Federation of Voluntary Services along with their Disability Service Provider membership group lobbied Government and local public representatives to support a campaign to prioritise the vaccination programme for every person with an intellectual disability.
Licensed Vintners Association Housing
- Request for commercial rates waiver for the Dublin licensed trade for 2021
Irish Wildlife Trust CLG. Environment
- National Marine Planning Framework
Vintners' Federation of Ireland Trade
- Commercial Rates / Determining Rateable Valuations for Pubs
Chambers Ireland Local Government
- Town Centre First Strategy
Ibec · 7 returns Local Government · Economic Development and Industry · Development and Zoning
- Commercial rates waiver scheme
- Investment priorities for the Midlands region
- Investment priorities for the Midlands and the mid-term review of the National Development Plan (NDP)
- Midlands region investment priorities for the mid-term review of the National Development Plan (NDP)
- Streamlining and reform of Ireland's planning, appeals and judicial review regime
- COVID-19 restrictions and Ibec Quarterly Economic Outlook Q1 2021
- Planning for accelerated infrastructure delivery
Women for Election Justice and Equality
- Increasing the number of women elected as TD's and Local Councillors. Maternity Leave for Public Representatives. Gender Quotas in Local, European and Seanad Elections. Tackling abuse of politicians. Research of the barriers to women's participation in politics. Remote voting for Dail and Seanad. Childcare/Care expenses to be included in SIPO eligible expenses
Irish Self Catering Federation Housing
- To Discuss the misplacement of the ISCF members within the RPZ's
Environmental Pillar Environment
- 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.
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.
NBI Infrastructure DAC Communications
- Public Policy or Programme
Sustainable Water Network (SWAN) Environment
- National Marine Planning Framework
Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce & Industry Company Limited by Guarantee Local Government
- Town Centre First Strategy
Fennell Public Affairs Limited Energy and Natural Resources
- Briefing on policy contexts relevant to EDF Renewables activities in Ireland
Pender & Associates Ltd · 2 returns Children and Youth Affairs · Economic Development and Industry
- Reopening and long term sustainability of the early learning and child care sector in Ireland
- Meeting request in relation to the.IE Digital Town Programme
National Union of Journalists Communications
- Iconic Media need to recognise the union amongst their members
National Women's Council of Ireland Local Government
- Establishment of local caucues and quotas for local elections
Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers Housing
- Review of current Level 5 restrictions for Property Service Providers and Valuers.
SSE plc Energy and Natural Resources
- Meeting request.
Threshold Housing
- Email to the Deputy
Galway Chamber Local Government
- Town Centre First Strategy
Cork Chamber Local Government
- Town Centre First Strategy
Energia Group ROI Holdings DAC Energy and Natural Resources
- Foreshore Licence Application Process
Wind Energy Ireland · 3 returns Environment · Energy and Natural Resources
- Development of onshore renewable energy projects
- Maritime Area Planning Bill
- Foreshore licence applications
Dublin Chamber of Commerce · 2 returns Development and Zoning
- Communication on Town Centre First Strategy
- Meeting to discuss implementation of the 15 Minute City, brownfield regeneration and urban and town centre renewal
Murray Energy and Natural Resources
- Information on proposed offshore wind farm and consultation process
Limelight Communications Health
- Issues pertinent to older around health, loneliness, housing.
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

Robert Troy — Fianna Fáil 6 votes · 7 questions · 62 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 7 total

Education 3 questions
- 2021-05-18 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education the reason a school (details supplied) has been refused a special needs assistant given the school currently does not have special needs assistance access on site. [25850/21]
- 2021-05-18 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education the status of the issuance of July provision forms given pupils are due to finish for the term in the coming weeks and no paperwork has been issued to date. [25928/21]
- 2021-05-18 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education if she will consider facilitating teachers with weekly Covid-19 tests at their discretion in order for them to feel safe in the workplace; and if regular testing will be considered if they are unable to vaccinate persons working with the public. [26046/21]
Transport 2 questions
- 2021-05-19 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will shortly introduce specific measures to support the aviation industry and those employed within the sector. [26799/21]
- 2021-05-19 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will reconsider the usage of dash cams during driver tests in order that in cases in which a decision is appealed there is a record that can be used as evidence. [26830/21]
Environment 1 question
- 2021-05-20 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will clarify the status of legislation to allow for the use of anti-dumping CCTV by local authorities. [27311/21]
Social 1 question
- 2021-05-20 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider extending the back to work enterprise allowance for new business that have effectively very little trading time over two years due to Covid-19 restrictions. [27144/21]

New lobbying 62 returns

Society of the Irish Motor Industry Employment
- 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.
Irish Congress of Trade Unions Employment
- Company Law Insolvencies Redundancies
Sisters of Mercy Environment
- The lobbying concerned the Climate Action Bill going through its second stage and being voted on in the DAIL
Scale Ireland Economic Development and Industry
- National Economic Plan and Innovation Portfolio
The Presbyterian Church in Ireland Health
- S.I. No. 171/2021 - Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (Amendment) Regulations 2021 - concern that the new regulation enacts new "penal provisions" for anyone helping/attending specified event in our church buildings including the streaming of our online services
Cooley Distillery Trade
- Raising concerns on Doubling of tariffs on bourbon come the 1st June
daa plc Trade
- Economic Impact Report for Dublin Airport (2019): the value of exports with well-connected countries is five to six times that of trade with poorly connected countries. How can these facts be brought more to the fore in Government’s decision making? (given we continue to lose connectivity due to the restrictions placed on international travel). How can they be used to encourage greater engagement within Government now on making plans for re-opening travel when the time is right?
Irish Exporters Association Trade
- Raised concerns about a supply side shock emerging for exporters, in particular the sourcing of raw materials and lack of containers.
Respect Vapers Health
- Legislation on vaping products
Volunteering Ireland Banking and Financial Institutions
- Request to Cabinet Sub-Group on Insurance Reform on Personal Injuries Guidelines
Muiriosa Foundation Health
- The National Federation of Voluntary Services along with their Disability Service Provider membership group lobbied Government and local public representatives to support a campaign to prioritise the vaccination programme for every person with an intellectual disability.
Zipp Mobility Transport
- Micromobility Legislation
Licensed Vintners Association · 2 returns Trade · Finance
- Personal Injuries Guidelines
- Outline a compelling case for urgent insurance reform to facilitate recovery and sustainability in the licensed trade
Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce Public Expenditure and Reform
- Financial supports for businesses and local economies
Vintners' Federation of Ireland Trade
- Level of Personal Injuries Guidelines adopted by the Judicial Council
Chambers Ireland Public Expenditure and Reform
- Financial supports for businesses and local economies
Childminding Ireland Children and Youth Affairs
- The National Action Plan for Childminding (2021-2029), and issues and challenges facing childminders (including insurance), children and families using childminding services
Ronan Group Real Estate Development and Zoning
- To inform the Minister of State Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment of the impact of the lockdown in construction.
David Curtin & Co Ltd Health
- Invite Senators to address a webinar for current and former clients of Coolmine TC on International Women's Day
Ibec · 7 returns Trade · Economic Development and Industry
- Retailer concerns in regards to Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP)
- Policy on Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Midlands region investment priorities for the mid-term review of the National Development Plan (NDP)
- Enterprise policy priorities
- Supports and financing for SMEs in the recovery, with focus on the medium term
- Review of the Covid-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021: The Path Ahead framework
- EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the benefits of multilateralism for Ireland
The Union of Students in Ireland Education and Training
- USI Student Accommodation Bill
RGDATA · 2 returns Banking and Financial Institutions · Health
- Introduction of the new Judicial Guidelines on Personal Injury payments and the impact on shop insurance premiums.
- Dealing with aggressive anti-maskers in essential retail outlets.
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.
NBI Infrastructure DAC Communications
- Public Policy or Programme
Irish Australian Chamber of Commerce Pty Ltd Trade
- Proposed EU Australia FTA
Oxfam Ireland · 2 returns EU Affairs
- Requesting that Micheál Martin join other world leaders and push the EU to support a People's Vaccine
- Information about the TRIPS waiver and C-TAP and capacity in the Global South to produce Covid-19 vaccines
Irish Hairdressers Federation Taxation
- Shadow Economy - Challenges Faced and Support needed by the Hairdressing Industry
Pender & Associates Ltd Economic Development and Industry
- Meeting request in relation to the.IE Digital Town Programme
National Union of Journalists Communications
- Iconic Media need to recognise the union amongst their members
Insurance Ireland · 4 returns Banking and Financial Institutions
- On behalf of members, to raise awareness of industry concerns relating to potential legislation on differential pricing.
- On behalf of members, to raise awareness of issues pertinent to the Irish motor insurance industry.
- On behalf of members, providing input into insurers response to Covid 19
- To highlight reforms to the policy environment which would address the volatility of claims costs.
The Wheel · 2 returns Banking and Financial Institutions
- The Wheel as a member of the Alliance for Insurance Reform attended a high level meeting on the 26th March with Minister Robert Troy to discuss actions needed to bring down the cost of insurance and address the insurance crisis facing charities and community and voluntary organisations.
- The Wheel as a member of the Alliance for Insurance Reform attended a high level meeting on the 24th of February with Minister Leo Varadkar, Minister Sean Fleming, Minister Robert Troy and Minister Damien English to discuss actions needed to bring down the cost of insurance and address the insurance crisis facing charities and community and voluntary organisations.
Barry Lyons Employment
- Small Company Administrative Rescue Process
Irish Cancer Society Health
- Daffodil Day 2021
Hume Brophy Trade
- EU–UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement
Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers Trade
- To include Estate Agents in the upcoming review of the LEO Trading Online Voucher Scheme.
Threshold Housing
- Email to the Deputy
Nursing Homes Ireland Banking and Financial Institutions
- Requesting amendment of the Judicial Personal Injuries Guidelines for Insurance Reform. NHI are Members of the Alliance for Insurance Reform and support its objectives to address the considerable issues arising for SME due to excessive insurance premiums
Image Learning and Development Training Network, company Limited by Guarantee T/A HABIC Economic Development and Industry
- Detailed outline of the impact of COVID-19 including an up-to-date economic report by economist Jim Power, outlining the supports needed by the personal grooming sector.
Cork Chamber Public Expenditure and Reform
- Financial supports for businesses and local economies
Galway Chamber · 2 returns Economic Development and Industry · Public Expenditure and Reform
- West Regional Enterprise Plan
- Financial supports for businesses and local economies
Microsoft Ireland Operations Ltd Economic Development and Industry
- Discussion on Irish digital leadership in the EU, digital sovereignty and an inclusive recovery post-Covid-19
Dublin Chamber of Commerce · 2 returns Economic Development and Industry
- Communication with Fianna Fail oireachtas members on business issues
- Communication with Government regarding current business concerns and Covid-19 supports
Dundalk Chamber Economic Development and Industry
- covid organised by Chambers Ireland
Rockwood Consulting ULC · 2 returns Health · Housing
- Seeking a review of Mandatory Hotel Quarantine policy for essential business passengers transiting through Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi airports
- Seeking a request for a meeting to discuss proposed changes to the current conveyancing process as promoted by IPAV's Seller's Legal Pack initiative
Vodafone Ireland Economic Development and Industry
- An overview for the Minister and his officials of our Gigabit Hubs programme, regional connectivity, discussion covered some direct policy considerations for SMEs and our proposed study for the OECD SME Alliance.
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

Sorca Clarke — Sinn Féin 6 votes · 15 questions · 18 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 15 total

Defence 3 questions
- 2021-05-18 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the number of vacancies by rank currently in the Defence Forces School of Music. [25916/21]
- 2021-05-18 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence if there are plans to replace LÉ Ciara and LÉ Orla. [25917/21]
- 2021-05-18 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the full list of capital works projects valued at over €2 million in the Defence Forces that are ongoing at present; and when each capital project will be completed. [25918/21]
Justice 3 questions
- 2021-05-18 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice the number of 1200cc and 1500cc motorcycles attached to Garda roads policing units. [25921/21]
- 2021-05-18 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice the number of kennels in the Garda dog unit; and if all kennels are currently in use. [25922/21]
- 2021-05-18 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice the number of burglaries reported to gardaí in the Mullingar Garda district in 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form. [25923/21]
Housing 3 questions
- 2021-05-19 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the action his Department will take to address the water quality at Lilliput, County Westmeath which again has been found to be below standard. [26816/21]
- 2021-05-19 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of vacant residential properties in counties Longford and Westmeath on the vacant homes register in tabular form. [26813/21]
- 2021-05-19 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the criteria applied after a property is registered on the vacant homes register. [26814/21]
Agriculture 2 questions
- 2021-05-20 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has considered amending the sheep welfare scheme in the interests of ensuring animal welfare as a result of the continued depression in wool prices. [26927/21]
- 2021-05-20 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the ongoing imposition of the four movement and 30-month rules by meat factories on primary producers; and the steps he will take to address such to ensure that farmers can receive a fair price for their produce. [26926/21]
Foreign 1 question
- 2021-05-18 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has spoken with his Australian counterpart to date in 2021. [25920/21]
Children 1 question
- 2021-05-18 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the arrangements in place regarding leave for pregnant early years educators during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if they are the same as for teachers and SNAs. [26185/21]
Environment 1 question
- 2021-05-19 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of fishing licences issued in County Westmeath in 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form. [26815/21]
Further and Higher Education 1 question
- 2021-05-20 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if consideration has been given in the recent review of the SUSI process to resolving the difficulties for SUSI applicants who are estranged from their parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26787/21]

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
The Presbyterian Church in Ireland Health
- S.I. No. 171/2021 - Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (Amendment) Regulations 2021 - concern that the new regulation enacts new "penal provisions" for anyone helping/attending specified event in our church buildings including the streaming of our online services
Muiriosa Foundation Health
- The National Federation of Voluntary Services along with their Disability Service Provider membership group lobbied Government and local public representatives to support a campaign to prioritise the vaccination programme for every person with an intellectual disability.
Plan International Ireland Foreign Affairs
- Letter to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs & Defence drawing attention to the EU's Gender Action Plan II
Ibec Economic Development and Industry
- Midlands region investment priorities for the mid-term review of the National Development Plan (NDP)
DOCHAS - THE IRISH ASSOCIATION OF NON- GOVERNMENTAL DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATIONS · 2 returns Foreign Affairs
- Impact of Covid-19 on Gender Equality
- Meeting with the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence
The Union of Students in Ireland Education and Training
- USI Student Accommodation Bill
Abbott Health
- Outline the benefits of flash glucose monitoring technology in treating people with diabetes
GOAL · 2 returns Foreign Affairs · Justice and Equality
- GOAL was part of an interagency group that presented to the The Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence on March 9th on issues facing the people of Syria on the 10th anniversary of the Syrian conflict.
- GOAL was part of a Dochas delegation that presented to The Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence to discuss gender equality and the impact of Covid-19 on March 23rd 2021.
Trócaire · 2 returns Foreign Affairs
- Humanitarian support in Syria
- Vaccine equity, climate and biodiversity, business and human rights and CETA, and Syria
National Union of Journalists · 2 returns Communications
- Iconic Media need to recognise the union amongst their members
- Iconic Media need to recognise the union amongst their members
Irish Family Planning Association Health
- National and international policy on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR)
Threshold Housing
- Email to the Deputy
John Gallagher Foreign Affairs
- Irish government policy on Yazidi Community in Middle East