Wicklow — week of Mon, 17 May — Watch Them Work

What your Wicklow TDs did this week

Mon, 17 May – 23 May 2021 · 5 TDs · 3 bills voted on · 6 questions · 362 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 2 Jennifer Whitmore · John Brady

Voted against 3 Simon Harris · Stephen Donnelly · Steven Matthews

Did not vote 2 Edward Timmins · Pat Casey

An amendment to the bill · motion failed 61–79

Voted for 2 Jennifer Whitmore · John Brady

Voted against 3 Simon Harris · Stephen Donnelly · Steven Matthews

Did not vote 2 Edward Timmins · Pat Casey

An amendment to the bill · motion failed 61–79

Voted for 2 Jennifer Whitmore · John Brady

Voted against 3 Simon Harris · Stephen Donnelly · Steven Matthews

Did not vote 2 Edward Timmins · Pat Casey

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 2 Jennifer Whitmore · John Brady

Voted against 3 Simon Harris · Stephen Donnelly · Steven Matthews

Did not vote 2 Edward Timmins · Pat Casey

An amendment to the bill · motion failed 46–74

Voted for 2 Jennifer Whitmore · John Brady

Voted against 3 Simon Harris · Stephen Donnelly · Steven Matthews

Did not vote 2 Edward Timmins · Pat Casey

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 John Brady

Voted against 3 Simon Harris · Stephen Donnelly · Steven Matthews

Did not vote 3 Edward Timmins · Jennifer Whitmore · Pat Casey

Edward Timmins — Fine Gael 0 votes · 0 questions · 0 new lobbying returns

Quiet week — no questions filed or new lobbying returns.

Jennifer Whitmore — Social Democrats 5 votes · 4 questions · 48 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 4 total

Transport 1 question
- 2021-05-18 Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if he will make representations to his Dutch counterpart in relation to the case of a fishing boat (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25856/21]
Tourism 1 question
- 2021-05-18 Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will advocate to the Sports Council to provide indemnity on State-owned land for bridleways registered as part of the National Trails Register to encourage more bridleways on State-owned land; her plans to increase bridleways in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25913/21]
Agriculture 1 question
- 2021-05-18 Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to encourage more bridleways across Ireland; if he will work in conjunction with Coillte to encourage more bridleways on State-owned land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25912/21]
Enterprise 1 question
- 2021-05-19 Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if individual hairdressers are responsible for the cost of PPE equipment or their employer or owner of the hairdresser salon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26822/21]

New lobbying 48 returns

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
Early Childhood Ireland Children and Youth Affairs
- The bespoke Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) for the childcare sector
The Psychological Society of Ireland Health
- AON - Advocacy to changes to AON PTA
The Presbyterian Church in Ireland Environment
- Flood Relief Scheme Planning Proposal in Arklow Town - concerns over the proposed Flood Relief Bank ingressing into the car park and recreational field in Arklow Presbyterian Church. Plans were drawn up without consultation with, or an onsite visit to, Arklow Presbyterian Church, without realising the significant implications ingressing on the car park and recreational area will have for community activities which the church runs and facilitates.
One Family · 2 returns Justice and Equality · Social Protection
- General Scheme on Parent’s Leave and Benefit (Amendment) Bill.
- NOPFA Statement on One-Parent Families in Lockdown
Care Alliance Ireland Health
- National Carers Strategy
Seal Rescue Ireland Environment
- Opportunities for Seal Rescue Ireland in Co Wicklow, a well as Coastal Restoration in Wicklow
Christian Aid Ireland Environment
- Climate Finance
Irish Wildlife Trust CLG. · 2 returns Environment
- Marine Protected Areas
- Fishing restrictions in the SW
Environmental Pillar · 5 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 key environmental concerns in relation to the EU Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with regard to investor protections; highlighted need for Oireachtas scrutiny and public debate with regard to the treaty.
- Land Development Agency Legislation
- Notification of civil society events relating to concerns on Energy Charter Treaty
- 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.
Irish Wildbird Conservancy Environment
- The implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy and the conservation of marine biodiversity
Sustainable Water Network (SWAN) Environment
- Joint Orieachtas Committee on Climate Change
Irish Second-Level Students' Union (ISSU) Children and Youth Affairs
- Debate Your Decision Makers Sustainability Event
Ibec · 2 returns Public Expenditure and Reform · Trade
- Invest reboot for the Mid-East region
- EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the benefits of multilateralism for Ireland
Irish Solar Energy Association Energy and Natural Resources
- Promotion of solar PV deployment in Republic of Ireland through appropriate Government policy and regulatory framework.
CHILDREN'S RIGHTS ALLIANCE - REPUBLIC OF IRELAND LIMITED Children and Youth Affairs
- Report Card 2021
Irish Environmental Network Environment
- Requested update regarding environmental NGO funding for 2021.
Focus Ireland Social Protection
- Covid supports for Lone Parent Families
Trócaire Foreign Affairs
- Vaccine equity, climate and biodiversity, business and human rights and CETA, and Syria
Oxfam Ireland · 2 returns EU Affairs · Foreign Affairs
- Information about the TRIPS waiver and C-TAP and capacity in the Global South to produce Covid-19 vaccines
- Requesting their support in ensuring that the previous Government pledge of relocation of 50 ayslum seekers from Levos to Ireland be fulfilled.
Pender & Associates Ltd Children and Youth Affairs
- Reopening and long term sustainability of the early learning and child care sector in Ireland
Society of St. Vincent de Paul · 2 returns Environment · Budgetary matters
- 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.
- Engagement with Ministers and Senior Officials to ensures supports and services are provided to one parent families to address their very high levels of poverty and disproportionate impact of COVID-19 pandemic and school closures.
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
Irish Family Planning Association Health
- National and international policy on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR)
National Women's Council of Ireland Justice and Equality
- Seek support to ask the minister for children, equality, disability. Integration and youth to enact commitments from budget 2021 on extending parents leave
Community Law & Mediation Environment
- Amendment to the Climate Bill
SSE plc Energy and Natural Resources
- Provide an update on Arklow Bank wind park.
Threshold Housing
- Email to the Deputy
Troy Studios Arts
- Sharing of PwC industry commissioned report showing the positive contribution of Section 481 to the economy
Irish Bioenergy Association Energy and Natural Resources
- Emissions in Transport - The role of Bioenergy in decarbonising Transport
Friends of the Earth Energy and Natural Resources
- Solar Panel issues in Planning Regulations
Mountaineering Ireland Sports and Recreation
- To seek support for a Parliamentary Question to be put on the Dáil Record, seeking clarity from the Department of Agriculture on the hill fires in Wicklow, as cross-reported to DAFM by NPWS in 2020, requesting the actions taken by DAFM on these reports, and details of penalties applied by DAFM for the burned land.
Codling Wind Park Limited Energy and Natural Resources
- Development of proposed offshore renewable project at the Codling Bank
Wind Energy Ireland Energy and Natural Resources
- Development of the electricity grid
The Irish Society for Autism Health
- The impact of Covid 19 and the need for autism specific legislation

John Brady — Sinn Féin 6 votes · 0 questions · 33 new lobbying returns

New lobbying 33 returns

Sisters of Mercy Environment
- The lobbying concerned the Climate Action Bill going through its second stage and being voted on in the DAIL
Christian Aid Ireland · 2 returns Foreign Affairs
- Human rights in Colombia - Cerrejon mine
- Annexation of occupied Palestinian territory
Chambers Ireland EU Affairs
- Digital Green Certificates
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 · 3 returns Public Expenditure and Reform · Economic Development and Industry · Trade
- Invest reboot for the Mid-East region
- Ibec Economic Policy Priorities
- EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA)
Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign · 2 returns Foreign Affairs · Trade
- This is Apartheid' - A briefing on B'Tselem's devastating report on Palestine & Israel
- Opening of IDA Office in Israel
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
GOAL Foreign Affairs
- 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.
Trócaire · 4 returns Foreign Affairs
- Humanitarian support in Syria
- Vaccine equity, climate and biodiversity, business and human rights and CETA, and Syria
- Vaccine Equity
- Human rights and international humanitarian law in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory
Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) EU Affairs
- Joint letter to Chair, members and clerk requesting that this committee set aside some time to review Ireland’s position on the TRIPS waiver.
Oxfam Ireland · 2 returns EU Affairs · Foreign Affairs
- Co-signatory to letter requesting that the Joint Oireachtas Committee on EU Affairs review Ireland's position on the TRIPS waiver
- 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 Family Planning Association Health
- National and international policy on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR)
Irish Cancer Society · 3 returns Employment · Health
- Returning to work after cancer
- Introductory meetings with volunteer Irish Cancer Society grassroots Advocacy Champions
- The financial impact of cancer
Threshold Housing
- Email to the Deputy
Troy Studios Arts
- Sharing of PwC industry commissioned report showing the positive contribution of Section 481 to the economy
Comhlámh · 2 returns Foreign Affairs · Trade
- World Health Oragnisation Covid 19 Technology Access Pool (C-TAP)
- Ireland's ratification of the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement between the EU and Canada (CETA)
Codling Wind Park Limited Energy and Natural Resources
- Development of proposed offshore renewable project at the Codling Bank
Retailers Against Smuggling Finance
- A letter detailing our position ahead of the next phase of Brexit, concerning adverse impact of a Duty Free scheme; greater disparities between the tax and regulatory regimes; and cross-border cooperation.
Amnesty International Ireland Health
- Joint coalition letters to Oireachtas Joint Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Joint Committee on EU Affairs re Covid-19 TRIPS waiver
John Gallagher Foreign Affairs
- Irish government policy on Yazidi Community in Middle East

Pat Casey — Fianna Fáil 0 votes · 0 questions · 5 new lobbying returns

New lobbying 5 returns

Ecocem Ireland Environment
- Low carbon materials in the Climate Action Bill
Ibec Public Expenditure and Reform
- Investment reboot for Dublin & Mid-East region
Irish Cancer Society Health
- Daffodil Day 2021
SSE plc Energy and Natural Resources
- To provide a progress report on Arklow Bank Wind Park.
Threshold Housing
- Emailed the Senator regarding forthcoming legislation.

Simon Harris — Fine Gael 6 votes · 0 questions · 80 new lobbying returns

New lobbying 80 returns

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.
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
Uplift Environment
- Uplift members emailed Government Ministers asking them to support the recommendations in the Draft Climate Action Bill
Irish Air Line Pilots Association (IALPA) Transport
- Letter to Various Ministers
The Presbyterian Church in Ireland Environment
- Flood Relief Scheme Planning Proposal in Arklow Town - concerns over the proposed Flood Relief Bank ingressing into the car park and recreational field in Arklow Presbyterian Church. Plans were drawn up without consultation with, or an onsite visit to, Arklow Presbyterian Church, without realising the significant implications ingressing on the car park and recreational area will have for community activities which the church runs and facilitates.
One Family Education and Training
- SUSI Review
Restaurants Association of Ireland Tourism
- 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.
Irish Congress of Trade Unions Education and Training
- Apprenticeship
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 Trade
- Developing a plan to allow Dublin pubs to survive the Covid-19 crisis
Technological Universities Association · 3 returns Education and Training
- Revision of the Higher Education Authority Act 1971
- Research and Innovation allocation to institutes of technology and technological universities via the Recurrent Grant provided by the State
- New national research and innovation strategy
Chambers Ireland · 2 returns Economic Development and Industry
- Following latest lockdown, funds to support industries affected to be considered
- To understand role of newly created Dept of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation & Science
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.
Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA) Education and Training
- To increase awareness of HECA’s contribution, capacity and future ability of addressing national labour market skill needs. To lobby for student funding supports i.e., SUSI, SAF, Disability Fund for students attending QQI award programmes in private higher education institutions.
The Victims Alliance Education and Training
- Lobbied for improved access to 3rd level education in legal and therapy fields for people from minority groups and disadvantaged backgrounds
Youth Work Ireland Education and Training
- Discussion on youth employment measures
Ibec · 13 returns Public Expenditure and Reform · Education and Training · Economic Development and Industry · Transport
- Invest reboot for the Mid-East region
- Regional Skills Forum
- Business priorities for the mid-term Review of the National Development Plan (NDP)
- Business priorities for Skills, Innovation and Education in the National Development Plan
- Irish Medtech Association 'Priorities for the next Government: Investing in Innovation, Invest in People'
- Apprenticeship Action Plan 2021 -2025
- Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Strategy - "Delivering Today, Preparing for Tomorrow"
- Mandatory quarantine regime for international travel
- Ibec priorities for innovation, research and skills investment
- Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science's Three-Year Strategy
- Review of the Covid-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021: The Path Ahead framework
- Lifelong learning
- Research and Innovation Agenda and the National Development Plan
National Federation of Voluntary Service Providers Supporting People with Intellectual Disability Health
- Disability Umbrella Bodies meeting with Minister Rabbitte regarding vaccination & testing
The Union of Students in Ireland · 3 returns Housing · Education and Training
- USI Student Accommodation Bill
- Students on social care placements
- National Access Forum regarding National Access Plan
Center for Independent Living Education and Training
- barriers faced by disabled students accessing postgraduate research studies and the potential negative impact the receipt of a stipend could have on a disabled student
Janssen Sciences Ireland UC Economic Development and Industry
- Highlighted the importance of competitiveness in R&D public investment and improvements in the R&D eco-system
Dooley's Hotel · 2 returns Education and Training
- How the apprenticeship programmes are advertised and promoted.
- How the apprenticeship programmes are advertised and promoted.
National Centre for Youth Mental Health Children and Youth Affairs
- Meeting with Minister Simon Harris TD
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.
Neville International Education and Training
- Outline of "Get Active Global" - a connectivity, activity and wellness platform designed for third level education students and staff
Saint John of God Hospital clg Health
- 1) Gambling Control Bill & Gambling Addiction 2) Mental Health First Aid 3) Specialist Dementia Services
Alcohol Action Ireland · 2 returns Health · Education and Training
- Public Health Alcohol Act 2018
- Alcohol education in our schools
Society of St. Vincent de Paul Education and Training
- Meeting with the Minster for Higher Education to discuss SVP experience of supporting students to access education, the adequacy of SUSI, supports for part-time learners, barriers to further education and training and the impact of the digital divide
British Irish Chamber of Commerce Education and Training
- UK - Ireland Collaboration
Construction Industry Federation (CIF) Education and Training
- Meeting re Dept of FHERIS 3 Year Strategy
National Union of Journalists Communications
- Iconic Media need to recognise the union amongst their members
Pinnacle Public Affairs Ltd Health
- Antigen Testing
Immigrant Council of Ireland Justice and Equality
- Letter by email to Minister for Further and Higher Education requesting expansion of terms of reference of Public Consultation on Review of Student Grant Scheme - SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland).
Muscular Dystrophy Society of Ireland GLC Health
- Call to prioritise people with muscular dystrophy/neuromuscular conditions who are very high risk / extremely medically vulnerable and high risk from Covid-19 for vaccination, as well as their unpaid/informal carers.
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
Social Innovation Growth Fund Ireland Limited trading as Rethink Ireland. Education and Training
- Present the work of Rethink Ireland and how it provides solutions to the policy & implementation challenges the Department faces relative to educational disadvantage, youth mental health and innovation
SSE plc Energy and Natural Resources
- Conference call to provide an update on SSE’s plans at Arklow Bank Wind Park.
County Meath Chamber Education and Training
- Attended a Regional Skills Meeting through Mid East Regional Skills Forum with Minister Harris & Minister Collins
Threshold Housing
- Email to the Deputy
Troy Studios Arts
- Sharing of PwC industry commissioned report showing the positive contribution of Section 481 to the economy
Hume Brophy Health
- Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018
American Chamber of Commerce Ireland Economic Development and Industry
- Discussion on Ireland's Research and Innovation Agenda
Image Learning and Development Training Network, company Limited by Guarantee T/A HABIC Education and Training
- Detailed outline of the sector specific workforce development issues, including the need for enhanced supports for apprenticeships.
Waterford Chamber of Commerce · 3 returns Education and Training · Economic Development and Industry
- Technological University of the South East
- Technological University of the South East
- Appointment of President for Technological University of the South East
Accenture PLC Education and Training
- Providing copy of report Talent for Tomorrow to Minister Harris, requesting a quote for Press Release from Minister Harris and presentation by Alastair Blair of findings to the National Skills Council
National Youth Council of Ireland Employment
- Meeting with Minister Simon Harris on the NYCI proposal for a Taskforce on Youth Employment, April 22nd
Irish Council for International Students (ICOS) Education and Training
- Met with Minister Simon Harris to discuss the issue of insurance for international students, funding for ICOS, accommodation, international students' visas and the english language sector
Vertex Pharmaceuticals (Europe) Limited Health
- Cystic Fibrosis landscape in Ireland
Stripe Education and Training
- Phone call and letter to brief the Department on Stripe's support for a new degree course at the University of Limerick
Codling Wind Park Limited Energy and Natural Resources
- Development of proposed offshore renewable project at the Codling Bank
Microsoft Ireland Operations Ltd Education and Training
- Discussion on re-skilling the workforce, collaboration with the new Department and an update on Microsoft's Global Skills Initiative with LinkedIn.
The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA Economic Development and Industry
- Government's National Campaign on Research.
John Gallagher Education and Training
- Irish Federation of University Teachers (IFUT) policies on higher education
The Irish Society for Autism Health
- The impact of Covid 19 and the need for autism specific legislation
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