Meath East — week of Mon, 17 May — Watch Them Work

What your Meath East TDs did this week

Mon, 17 May – 23 May 2021 · 4 TDs · 3 bills voted on · 15 questions · 174 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 Darren O'Rourke

Voted against 1 Thomas Byrne

Did not vote 2 Gillian Toole · Helen McEntee

Financial Resolution: Stamp Duties

2021-05-19 · 3 votes

An amendment to the bill · motion failed 60–79

Voted for 1 Darren O'Rourke

Voted against 1 Thomas Byrne

Did not vote 2 Gillian Toole · Helen McEntee

An amendment to the bill · motion failed 61–79

Voted for 1 Darren O'Rourke

Voted against 1 Thomas Byrne

Did not vote 2 Gillian Toole · Helen McEntee

An amendment to the bill · motion failed 61–79

Voted for 1 Darren O'Rourke

Voted against 1 Thomas Byrne

Did not vote 2 Gillian Toole · Helen McEntee

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 Darren O'Rourke

Voted against 1 Thomas Byrne

Did not vote 2 Gillian Toole · Helen McEntee

An amendment to the bill · motion failed 46–74

Voted for 1 Darren O'Rourke

Voted against 1 Thomas Byrne

Did not vote 2 Gillian Toole · Helen McEntee

Darren O'Rourke — Sinn Féin 6 votes · 15 questions · 34 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 15 total

Environment 6 questions
- 2021-05-18 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of Ireland’s compliance or non-compliance with each of the international greenhouse gas emissions and renewable energy targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25527/21]
- 2021-05-18 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the financial penalties Ireland has already been subject to and will be subject to from 2021-2030 for failure to meet international greenhouse gas emissions and renewable energy targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25528/21]
- 2021-05-19 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the funding in each year provided for a just transition; the drawdown in each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26842/21]
- 2021-05-19 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of jobs that have been created in each county using just transition funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26843/21]
- 2021-05-19 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of persons who have been provided with upskilling, retraining or further educational opportunities using just transition funding in each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26844/21]
- 2021-05-19 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the next just transition progress report will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26845/21]
Transport 5 questions
- 2021-05-19 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some local authorities including Meath County Council are not drawing down funding for the public charge point scheme as they are awaiting the publication of guidelines on EV charging from the CCMA; his views on whether this delay in producing the guidelines is causing serious problems for persons with electric vehicles who have shared or on-street parking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27048/21]
- 2021-05-20 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the actions he is taking to address antisocial behaviour on public transport and in bus and rail stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27170/21]
- 2021-05-20 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons waiting to sit a car theory test by theory test centre; the number currently waiting to sit a practical driver test by driving test centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27294/21]
- 2021-05-20 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the date on which car theory test centres will reopen given the impact this closure is having on persons that are trying to obtain a learner permits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27295/21]
- 2021-05-20 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the date on which practical driver tests will resume for non-essential workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27296/21]
Social 2 questions
- 2021-05-18 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Social Protection the Covid-19 supports available for taxi drivers from her Department; if there are plans to extend or expand these supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25424/21]
- 2021-05-18 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Social Protection the Covid-19 supports in place for aviation cabin crew; the length of time these supports will remain in place; if there are plans to extend or expand these supports including by the introduction of a German-style support scheme or a scheme which supports workers in their transition back to full-time employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25448/21]
Agriculture 1 question
- 2021-05-20 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his proposals to support the mushroom and broader horticultural sectors in view of ongoing challenges as a result of Government policy pertaining to the sector. [26925/21]
Further and Higher Education 1 question
- 2021-05-20 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to differences in funding support for clinical psychologists doctoral training compared to educational psychologists and counselling psychologists; the way he plans to address the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25447/21]

New lobbying 34 returns

Vulcan Consulting Limited Transport
- E-scooter legislation and introducing Zipp Mobility
Irish Heart Foundation Health
- COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout Priority List
Sisters of Mercy Environment
- The lobbying concerned the Climate Action Bill going through its second stage and being voted on in the DAIL
Uplift Trade
- Uplift members emailed members of the Climate Action Committee asking that CETA is not dropped from the committee's agenda
Engineers Ireland Economic Development and Industry
- North East Region event - Highlighting work of local Employer
CPL Fuels Ireland Ltd. Energy and Natural Resources
- Update re nationwide ban on smoky coal
Zipp Mobility Transport
- Micromobility Legislation
Montague Communications Ltd Transport
- Air Navigation and Transport Bill
Chambers Ireland Transport
- eScooters legislation
Ibec · 2 returns Public Expenditure and Reform · Trade
- Invest reboot for the Mid-East region
- EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA)
Irish Solar Energy Association Energy and Natural Resources
- Promotion of solar PV deployment in Republic of Ireland through appropriate Government policy and regulatory framework.
Limelight Communications Transport
- Covid 19 business supports & Government policy relating to International Travel
Hume Brophy Environment
- Design of Ireland's Deposit Return Scheme (DRS)
Irish Travel Agents Association Transport
- Covid 19 business supports and Government policy relating to International Travel
Society of St. Vincent de Paul Environment
- Engagement with elected officials to ensure the Climate Action and Low Carbon Economy Bill is underpinned by principles of climate justice and that the recovery from Covid-19 is just focusing on social and environmental justice.
National Union of Journalists Communications
- Iconic Media need to recognise the union amongst their members
Irish Cancer Society · 4 returns Health
- Daffodil Day 2021
- Introductory meetings with volunteer Irish Cancer Society grassroots Advocacy Champions
- The financial impact of cancer
- Endoscopy Action Plan
Community Law & Mediation Environment
- Amendment to the Climate Bill
SSE plc Energy and Natural Resources
- To provide a briefing on SSE’s offshore wind plans for Ireland.
Comhlámh Foreign Affairs
- World Health Oragnisation Covid 19 Technology Access Pool (C-TAP)
The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA Environment
- Climate Action & Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill 2021
Irish Bioenergy Association Energy and Natural Resources
- Emissions in Transport - The role of Bioenergy in decarbonising Transport
Energia Group ROI Holdings DAC Energy and Natural Resources
- 2030 Energy & Climate Targets
Wind Energy Ireland Energy and Natural Resources
- Development of the electricity grid
Unite the Union, Ireland Region · 3 returns Transport
- Situation of Approved Driving Instructors in the context of Covid-19 and associated restrictions
- Position of Approved Driving Instructors under Level 5 restrictions
- Regulation of motor mechanics trade
mytaxi network Ireland (trading as FREE NOW) Transport
- Support for electrification of taxi fleet
Irish Offshore Operators' Association CLG · 2 returns Energy and Natural Resources
- Meeting to highlight the exclusion of indigenous gas in the Energy Security Review tender.
- Request the Climate Action Committee discuss the Energy Security Review.

Gillian Toole — Independent 0 votes · 0 questions · 2 new lobbying returns

New lobbying 2 returns

KPMG Economic Development and Industry
- Draft Meath County Development Plan
Threshold Housing
- Invited the Councillor to a briefing session

Helen McEntee — Fine Gael 0 votes · 0 questions · 81 new lobbying returns

New lobbying 81 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.
Youth Advocate Programmes Ireland CLG · 2 returns Children and Youth Affairs
- Putting Children and Young People First - YAP Ireland webinar. On June 10th 2021 YAP Ireland will host a virtual webinar focusing on putting young people at the centre of their care and allowing their voices to be heard in decision making. The event will bring together different youth organisations and decision makers for an important discussion.
- YAP Ireland Annual Report Launch 2020 - On March 4th YAP Ireland hosted a webinar titled 'How do we bring about real change? The event showcased the work of YAP Ireland throughout 2020 and significant changes in the lives of our clients.
Mediahuis Ireland Group Limited Justice and Equality
- Review of the Defamation Act 2009
Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Ireland Children and Youth Affairs
- In February 2021, JRS Ireland issued its annual Intercultural & Interfaith Calendar to key public officials.
Victim Support at Court Justice and Equality
- Online meeting on 11th February 2021 with Minister Helen McEntee to discuss our sustainable funding requirements and our 3-year strategic plan
Sisters of Mercy Environment
- The lobbying concerned the Climate Action Bill going through its second stage and being voted on in the DAIL
Early Childhood Ireland Justice and Equality
- Garda Vetting for the childcare sector
Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) Transport
- Looked for support for Clár Funding for a bus to transport members to and from home to services
Irish Air Line Pilots Association (IALPA) · 2 returns Employment · Transport
- Letter to Helen McEntee Minister for Justice from IALPA Female Working Group
- Letter to Various Ministers
One Family Justice and Equality
- Family Law Justice Reform
Restaurants Association of Ireland · 2 returns Health · Tourism
- Request that the Restaurants Association of Ireland be included in any discussion / working group in advance of proposing vaccine certificates to access goods or services
- Called for a road map to reopening including dates and key metrics for a safe resumption of Indoor Dining as soon as possible and subject to public health advice. Sought the scientific / medical data that allows for the resumption of staycations in Hotels and Guesthouses where restaurant dining will be allowed within the premises.
CyberSafeIreland Justice and Equality
- Garda vetting
Engineers Ireland Economic Development and Industry
- North East Region event - Highlighting work of local Employer
Union for Improved Services, Communication and Education (UISCE) Justice and Equality
- UISCE contacted Minister Helen McEntee to request membership to the High Level Taskforce to consider the mental health and addiction challenges of persons interacting with the criminal justice system that was being established.
Council of The Bar of Ireland Justice and Equality
- Professional fees paid to barristers who practice in criminal law instructed by the ODPP and under the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme
daa plc Transport
- Meeting with DPO to update on airport business and related issues
Instinctif Partners Public Affairs Ireland Education and Training
- To raise the issue of the increased cost of student medical insurance for international students studying in Ireland
Licensed Vintners Association · 2 returns Trade
- Developing a plan to allow Dublin pubs to survive the Covid-19 crisis
- Personal Injuries Guidelines
Vintners' Federation of Ireland · 2 returns Trade
- Level of Personal Injuries Guidelines adopted by the Judicial Council
- Proposed changes to Licensing Laws
Alcohol Forum Ireland Justice and Equality
- Regional briefings in collaboration with ICANN and Drug and Alcohol Task Forces, on Deliver Change on Drink Deliveries campaign.
Prosper Meath CLG Health
- Letter enquiring about the COVID-19 vaccination rollout plan and timeline for disability services.
The Medical Protection Society Limited Justice and Equality
- Letter to welcome the government’s objective of tackling the issue of legal costs and high cost of insurance, and express MPS's views on the cost of clinical negligence claims.
Prosper Fingal CLG Health
- Letter enquiring about the COVID-19 vaccination rollout plan and timeline for disability services.
Childminding Ireland · 2 returns 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
- The National Action Plan for Childminding (2021-2029), and issues and challenges facing childminders (including insurance), children and families using childminding services
Banking & Payments Federation Ireland · 2 returns Banking and Financial Institutions
- Difficulties for asylum seekers and refugees in opening bank accounts
- Discussion of Shared Fraud Database, possible future EU AML initiatives and Access to Bank Accounts
Meath Women's Aid Housing Association Company Limited by Guarantee Community
- update on Victims of Crime funding for 2021
Ibec · 5 returns Public Expenditure and Reform · Communications · Transport · Economic Development and Industry · Justice and Equality
- Invest reboot for the Mid-East region
- Online child protection
- Mandatory quarantine regime for international travel
- Review of the Covid-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021: The Path Ahead framework
- Women's role in combatting international financial crime
The Victims Alliance · 2 returns Justice and Equality
- Submission to the joint justice committee about Victims Testimony in the cases of Rape and Sexual Assault
- Meeting to discuss Victims Alliance requests in regard to legislation and public policy
Ruhama Justice and Equality
- Engagement with Public Representatives in relation to premises matters
Inner City Organisations Network (ICON) Justice and Equality
- Issues in relation to the increase in knife crime and violence in the north east inner city.
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
RGDATA Health
- Dealing with aggressive anti-maskers in essential retail outlets.
CHILDREN'S RIGHTS ALLIANCE - REPUBLIC OF IRELAND LIMITED Children and Youth Affairs
- Report Card 2021
Migrant Rights Centre Ireland Justice and Equality
- Regularisation of undocumented people
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.
Law Society of Ireland · 2 returns Justice and Equality
- Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) (Amendment) Bill 2020
- O'Malley Report
Irish Penal Reform Trust · 2 returns Health · Justice and Equality
- Covid-19 vaccine roll out in prisons
- Penal reform priorities
Family Business Network Ireland Limited Justice and Equality
- Submission to Minister of Justice on PIAB
Oxfam Ireland Foreign Affairs
- Requesting their support in ensuring that the previous Government pledge of relocation of 50 ayslum seekers from Levos to Ireland be fulfilled.
Alcohol Action Ireland · 2 returns Arts · Children and Youth Affairs
- Night-time economy | licensing reform
- Operation Encompass
National Union of Journalists Communications
- 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)
Irish Cancer Society · 2 returns Health
- Daffodil Day 2021
- Introductory meetings with volunteer Irish Cancer Society grassroots Advocacy Champions
Free Legal Advice Centres (FLAC) Justice and Equality
- Review of Civil Legal Aid / Family Justice Oversight Group / Abhaile
Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children Justice and Equality
- A letter was sent to the Minister on the back of the publication of the CSO crime statistics for 2020 asking government to commit to a National Strategy for Child Sexual Abuse, Child Sexual Exploitation and Online Risks to Child Safety and to seek a meeting on this matter.
County Meath Chamber Employment
- Remote Working Strategy
Home and Community Care Ireland Justice and Equality
- Insurance reform
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
Hume Brophy Health
- Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018
The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA · 2 returns Health · Justice and Equality
- Nursing Homes Support Scheme - Fair Deal
- Personal Insolvency (Amendment) Bill 2020
Sage Advocacy Health
- To discuss concerns regarding neglect of a resident of Kilbrew nursing home who is now deceased.
Transparency International Ireland Justice and Equality
- TI Ireland wrote to Minister McEntee to encourage the Department of Justice to draw upon international anti-corruption standards in drafting any memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Government of Uzbekistan and/or the United States in respect to the repatriation of the proceeds of corruption and crime laundered in Ireland on behalf of Ms Gulnara Karimova.
Unite the Union, Ireland Region Justice and Equality
- Anomalies in the Road Safety Authority portal enabling Essential Driver Training lessons to be completed and uploaded to the portal notwithstanding Level 5 restrictions to which Unite members are adhering; possible legal breach
NewsBrands Ireland Justice and Equality
- Review of Defamation Act
Irish Council for International Students (ICOS) Justice and Equality
- emailed Minister Helen McEntee's office and text her to request a meeting on immigration issues affecting international students
Irish Council for Civil Liberties · 4 returns Justice and Equality · Health
- Right to Protest / Freedom of Expression
- Covid-19 Emergency Powers
- Data Protection Commission
- Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission
Retailers Against Smuggling Finance
- A mailout outlining RAS activities from Q1 2021
Vodafone Ireland Justice and Equality
- Correspondence an overview of the launch of the Vodafone/ISPCC 'Digital Ready Hub' – a comprehensive online hub of resources for parents and carers to learn more about how they can support children and young people to have a safe, positive, online experience.
Hemp Federation of Ireland EU Affairs
- inaccurate representation of EU legislation and regulations by Irish competent authorities
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

Thomas Byrne — Fianna Fáil 6 votes · 0 questions · 27 new lobbying returns

New lobbying 27 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
Engineers Ireland Economic Development and Industry
- North East Region event - Highlighting work of local Employer
Respect Vapers Health
- Legislation on vaping products
Chambers Ireland · 3 returns EU Affairs · Trade · Health
- Digital Green Certificates
- Difficulties faced by businesses at intra-EU borders due to non uniform COVID restrictions to limit non-essential travel
- To highlight to Taoiseach and other Ministers a new survey launched by the International Chamber of Commerce about the economic implications of developing countries not receiving COVID 19 vaccines
Alcohol Forum Ireland Justice and Equality
- Regional briefings in collaboration with ICANN and Drug and Alcohol Task Forces, on Deliver Change on Drink Deliveries campaign.
Irish Wildbird Conservancy Environment
- The implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy and the conservation of marine biodiversity
Prosper Meath CLG Health
- Letter enquiring about the COVID-19 vaccination rollout plan and timeline for disability services.
Prosper Fingal CLG Health
- Letter enquiring about the COVID-19 vaccination rollout plan and timeline for disability services.
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 · 3 returns Public Expenditure and Reform · EU Affairs · Trade
- Invest reboot for the Mid-East region
- Ibec's "Brexit & Future EU" Campaign
- Proposed extension to the list of Category 2 countries requiring mandatory hotel quarantine for international travel
Pfizer · 2 returns Health · EU Affairs
- Updates in relation to Pfizer COVID 19 vaccine including global production, Ireland volumes and company colleague vaccination programme
- Highlight Pfizer concerns re proposed EU vaccine export restrictions and how this could impact Pfizer's ability to manufacture the COVID 19 vaccine and provide supply globally
Trócaire Foreign Affairs
- Vaccine Equity
Oxfam Ireland · 2 returns Foreign Affairs
- Co signatory to an open letter sent to An Taoiseach and cc'd to some Ministers and TDs requesting EU reversal of its blockage of the "waiver from certain provisions of the TRIPS Agreement for the prevention, containment and Treatment of Covid 19" and announce that Ireland will no longer support opposition to the temporary COVID 19 WTO waiver of certain TRIPS provision. Also asking for support of the WHO Covid 19 Technology Access Pool
- Requesting their support in ensuring that the previous Government pledge of relocation of 50 ayslum seekers from Levos to Ireland be fulfilled.
National Union of Journalists Communications
- Iconic Media need to recognise the union amongst their members
Irish Cancer Society · 2 returns Health
- Covid-19 impact on cancer services and patients
- Introductory meetings with volunteer Irish Cancer Society grassroots Advocacy Champions
The Wheel EU Affairs
- Emma Murtagh, European Programmes Manager, and Ivan Cooper, Director of Public Policy at the Wheel hosted officials from Department of Foreign Affairs and Minister of State Thomas Byrne at the final conference for the Europe for Citizens programme on 25th February.
Threshold Housing
- Email to the Deputy
Amnesty International Ireland Health
- Joint open letter with coalition of organisations calling for Government support for TRIPS waiver and endorsement of C-TAP
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