Longford-Westmeath — week of Mon, 16 May

What your Longford-Westmeath TDs did this week

Mon, 16 May – 22 May 2022 · 5 TDs · 3 bills voted on · 25 questions · 238 new lobbying filings

Votes this week

Sick Leave Bill 2022: Report and Final Stages

2022-05-18 · 2 votes

An amendment to the bill · motion failed 56–78

Voted for 1 Sorca Clarke

Voted against 2 Joe Flaherty · Peter Burke

Did not vote 3 Kevin Boxer Moran · Micheál Carrigy · Robert Troy

An amendment to the bill · motion passed 83–54

Voted for 2 Joe Flaherty · Peter Burke

Voted against 1 Sorca Clarke

Did not vote 3 Kevin Boxer Moran · Micheál Carrigy · Robert Troy

National Maternity Services

2022-05-18 · 1 vote

The motion · motion passed 56–10

Voted for 1 Sorca Clarke

Abstained 2 Joe Flaherty · Peter Burke

Did not vote 3 Kevin Boxer Moran · Micheál Carrigy · Robert Troy

Subsidies for Developers

2022-05-18 · 1 vote

An amendment to the bill · motion passed 73–62

Voted for 2 Joe Flaherty · Peter Burke

Voted against 1 Sorca Clarke

Did not vote 3 Kevin Boxer Moran · Micheál Carrigy · Robert Troy

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 · 19 new lobbying returns

New lobbying 19 returns

The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA Agriculture
- Flooding in Lough Funshinagh in Co. Roscommon
Irish Self Catering Federation Local Government
- Eco system for Self Catering in Ireland
The Union of Retail ,Bar and Administrative Workers Employment
- Seeking support from all TDs and Senators urging Tesco to engage with Mandate on outsourcing employment
Liquid Gas Ireland Energy and Natural Resources
- To provide an update on LGI activities and the role of LPG and BioLPG in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and contribution to cleaner air in rural Ireland in the context of the National Heat Study
Unite the Union, Ireland Region · 2 returns Employment · Arts
- Working conditions in the hospitality sector
- Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill 2022
Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers · 2 returns Housing
- Highlighted the inquitable impact of Rent Pressure Zones on different types of landlords.
- To underline the need for a fair rent per metre scheme.
Friends of the Earth Energy and Natural Resources
- Carbon Budget Programme
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland Health
- AV Room event to brief members of the Oireachtas on the issue of brain health
Alcohol Action Ireland Communications
- Online Safety & Media Regulation Bill
Fennell Public Affairs Limited Energy and Natural Resources
- Legislative and policy initiatives to implement Climate Action Plan and Programme for Government measures on renewable energy
Premier Lotteries Ireland Designated Activity Company Public Expenditure and Reform
- Briefing on the operation of the National Lottery and the allocation of Good Causes funding
Irish Council for Civil Liberties · 3 returns Communications · Justice and Equality
- Digital Services Act
- Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill
- Rohingya Refugee Complaint Against Facebook Ireland
Autism Spectrum Information, Advice and Meeting Point Ltd, Trading as AsIAm · 3 returns Health
- Supported the establishment of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Autism
- Finalising the details of the Autism Information Line and arranging a launch event
- Engaged with a range of stakeholders in promoting our World Autism Month Campaign which included the publication of the Same Chance Report

Peter Burke — Fine Gael 4 votes · 10 questions · 34 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 10 total

Health 3 questions
- 2022-05-17 Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health the progress that has been made to date regarding the negotiations for medical scientists and their pay review; when these pay structures were last reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24850/22]
- 2022-05-17 Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health the cost of the machine to read an internal cardioverter-defibrillator; and if same will be considered for the Midlands Regional Hospital, Mullingar, County Westmeath. [24709/22]
- 2022-05-17 Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health the progress that has been made to date regarding the negotiations for medical scientists and their pay review; when these pay structures were last reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24849/22]
Enterprise 2 questions
- 2022-05-17 Deputy Peter Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if an urgent review of the work permit system will be instigated by his Department with a view to including hospitality staff, including chefs in the critical skills criteria who would then be eligible to apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24779/22]
- 2022-05-17 Deputy Peter Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the critical staff shortages in the hospitality sector in both skilled and unskilled levels; the steps that have been taken to address these skills shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24780/22]
Education 2 questions
- 2022-05-17 Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Education when the new pay agreement for school secretaries will come into effect, particularly for those secretaries that normally sign on to social welfare over the summer months; the progress that has been made with the scheme; if is likely to be in place before the summer 2022 recess of Dáil Éireann; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24796/22]
- 2022-05-17 Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Education when the allocation for special needs assistants for the school period 2022-2023 will be made for a school (details supplied) in view of their enrolment of a special needs pupil for September 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24858/22]
Children 1 question
- 2022-05-17 Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of hours that Ukrainian refugees are permitted to work and also maintain their accommodation that is provided by the international protection accommodation services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24210/22]
Justice 1 question
- 2022-05-17 Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Justice when recruitment will commence for the Irish Prison Service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24856/22]
Agriculture 1 question
- 2022-05-17 Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline details of the plans for the silage support scheme; and when it will be open for applications. [24233/22]

New lobbying 34 returns

The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA · 2 returns Agriculture · Development and Zoning
- Retail Price Compression Threatens the Viability of Irish Horticulture - Report by Jim Power commissioned by IFA
- Planning Development Review
Construction Industry Federation (CIF) Housing
- ‘Town Centre First’ – A Policy Approach for Irish Towns. Participation as part of a public policy consultation group.
Midlands Simon Community Housing
- The Chairman of Midlands Simon Community along with the Chair of Sophia met with Peter Burke to highlight the need for increased funding for services to support those experiencing homelessness across the Midlands.
Cooley Distillery Economic Development and Industry
- Introduce to Kilbeggan Distillery and explain our economic and social contribution to the local area.
Irish Self Catering Federation Local Government
- Eco system for Self Catering in Ireland
The Irish Traveller Movement Justice and Equality
- Traveller accommodation, education, participation in political and public life. School diversity programme
The Union of Retail ,Bar and Administrative Workers Employment
- Seeking support from all TDs and Senators urging Tesco to engage with Mandate on outsourcing employment
Disability Federation of Ireland Housing
- Need to reform part M of building regulations and build more wheelchair liveable housing
Association of Irish Local Government Local Government
- Request the Minister to expedite the completion of overdue guidelines for Rural Planning and for Wind Turbines
Neurological Alliance of Ireland Health
- Call for investment to address the shortfall in neurology nurse specialists across Ireland
Sustainable Water Network (SWAN) Marine
- MPAs - protecting environment when developing wind farms.
British Irish Chamber of Commerce Local Government
- An In conversation Styled event with Minister Peter Burke on Planning Reform
Wind Energy Ireland · 3 returns Energy and Natural Resources · Budgetary matters · Environment
- Offshore renewables and seafood industry
- Budget 2023
- Planning reform
The Irish Hospice Foundation Health
- An update on the plans regarding the €3 million funding, for the development of specialist palliative care inpatient units in the North East - Drogheda and Cavan and Tullamore, Co Offaly, that was announced by his Department in December 2021
Tetrarch Capital Limited Development and Zoning
- Tetrarch Capital Limited (Tetrarch) made a presentation to Fine Gael's housing policy group on the benefits of Senior Living / Integrated Retirement Communities and gave the group an overview of its current plans for the development of a number of Integrated Retirement Communities in Ireland.
Pinnacle Public Affairs Ltd · 2 returns Housing
- Allow for greater flexibility on planning permission extensions following Covid-19 pandemic
- Provision of Housing
Vulcan Consulting Limited Tourism
- Short-Term Letting Regulations
Fennell Public Affairs Limited Energy and Natural Resources
- Legislative and policy initiatives to implement Climate Action Plan and Programme for Government measures on renewable energy
American Chamber of Commerce Ireland Economic Development and Industry
- US Ireland Business Report
Engineers Ireland Transport
- Urban Roads and Streets Design Series
Premier Lotteries Ireland Designated Activity Company Public Expenditure and Reform
- Briefing on the operation of the National Lottery and the allocation of Good Causes funding
Ibec · 4 returns Housing · Finance · Economic Development and Industry · Development and Zoning
- The impact of Judical Reviews on housing supply
- Double Taxation Treaty Networks
- #TogetherAgain campaign
- Property sector priorities for draft Dublin City Development Plan
Irish Institutional Property Taxation
- Report and analysis on taxation of real estate collective investment schemes
National Federation of Voluntary Service Providers Supporting People with Intellectual Disability · 2 returns Housing · Budgetary matters
- Called for the implementation of the new Housing Strategy for Disabled People
- Calling for frontline staff in intellectual disability services to be included in the pandemic payment
Irish Hotels Federation Tourism
- Measures and economic supports required to support Ireland's tourism and hospitality industry and mitigate challenges arising from the Covid-19 crisis
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

Robert Troy — Fianna Fáil 0 votes · 2 questions · 57 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 2 total

Housing 1 question
- 2022-05-17 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if elected members of a local authority can bring forward variations to a county development plan outside of the review period; and if not, if such actions are solely at the discretion of a local authority CEO. [24712/22]
Health 1 question
- 2022-05-17 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if general practitioners are permitted to charge medical card holders a fee of €50 for letters in support of housing. [24126/22]

New lobbying 57 returns

St Hilda's Services Finance
- €1,000 pay for Health Care Workers during the Covid Pandemic
Freight Transport Association of Ireland Transport
- Issues with Energy Crisis, operational costs and NON EU driver permit application process
CHILDREN'S RIGHTS ALLIANCE - REPUBLIC OF IRELAND LIMITED Communications
- To advocate for the establishment of an online safety commissioner with appropriate powers
The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA · 3 returns Agriculture
- Income Crisis on Pig Farms
- Retail Price Compression Threatens the Viability of Irish Horticulture - Report by Jim Power commissioned by IFA
- Pig Stability Fund Proposal to Government
Chambers Ireland · 3 returns Public Expenditure and Reform · Trade
- Procurement
- Procurement
- Competitiveness
FTI Consulting Economic Development and Industry
- Mastercard sent an email welcoming the establishment of the Enterprise Digital Advisory Forum and offer some insight and perspective on where the government and industry could help further support the digital transformation of the economy, given Mastercard’s work to improve digital payments acceptance for individuals and businesses.
Family Carers Ireland Health
- Disability Allowance
Cooley Distillery Economic Development and Industry
- Introduce to Kilbeggan Distillery and explain our economic and social contribution to the local area.
Irish Self Catering Federation Local Government
- Eco system for Self Catering in Ireland
Uplift Communications
- Arranged a briefing on social media corporations regulation and harms for TDs and senators by France Haugen
Sligo Chamber of Commerce and Industry Housing
- Increase availabilty of new residential housing development in Sligo
The Union of Retail ,Bar and Administrative Workers Employment
- Seeking support from all TDs and Senators urging Tesco to engage with Mandate on outsourcing employment
Forvis Mazars Economic Development and Industry
- European Commissions Consultation on Strengthening the quality of corporate reporting and its enforcement
Veon Limited Agriculture
- Continued awareness of the issue surrounding all forestry licences
Family Business Network Ireland Limited Economic Development and Industry
- discussion with Robert Troy
Neurological Alliance of Ireland Health
- Call for investment to address the shortfall in neurology nurse specialists across Ireland
Irish Distillers Economic Development and Industry
- Irish Whiskey sector
John Gallagher Communications
- Roll-out of mobile telephony infrastructure nationally
Grant Thornton Economic Development and Industry
- Galway Chamber - PorterShed Bowling Green Launch (re: Aengus Burns in capacity as President of Galway Chamber only)
The Irish Hospice Foundation Health
- An update on the plans regarding the €3 million funding, for the development of specialist palliative care inpatient units in the North East - Drogheda and Cavan and Tullamore, Co Offaly, that was announced by his Department in December 2021
IBM Economic Development and Industry
- Enterprise Innovation, and the potential for increased ecosystem collaboration between MNCs and SMEs in Ireland.
Vodafone Ireland Economic Development and Industry
- Correspondence highlighting the importance of digitalisation and digital infrastructure to domestic and European growth & competitiveness.
Hanover Media Strategy Limited Health
- Introducing Horizon and its presence in Ireland
Youth Work Ireland Children and Youth Affairs
- Briefing for all Oireachtas members on our work with an emphasis on constituecnies with members, flyer with 3 "asks" distributed on RSE Curriculum change, youth work funding and Youth Mental Health
Oxfam Ireland · 2 returns Foreign Affairs · Trade
- Foreign affairs policies specifically Climate Justice, Business and Human Rights, Vaccine access, Sustainable Food systems
- Advocacy highlighting the benefits of implementing a TRIPS waiver as proposed at the WTO to address global vaccine inequity
Trócaire Foreign Affairs
- Business and Human Rights
MKC Communications EU Affairs
- European Commission’s consultation on strengthening the quality of corporate reporting and its enforcement.
daa plc Economic Development and Industry
- Raised a query to the minister to see if his department had any details on a tender whereby the European Centre for Medium-range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) were looking for office accommodation
Insurance Ireland · 2 returns Banking and Financial Institutions
- On behalf of members, to inform the Department about the operational environment for captive insurers and reinsurers in Ireland.
- On behalf of members, to raise awareness of initiatives underway by The European Commission relating to the Beating Cancer workstream.
Galway Chamber · 2 returns Economic Development and Industry
- Launch of the West Regional Enterprise Plan
- PorterShed Bowling Green Launch
County Carlow Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism CLG Economic Development and Industry
- South East Regional Enterprise Plan
Christian Aid Ireland Foreign Affairs
- Business & human rights, corporate accountability
Huhtamaki Cup Print Ltd. Environment
- Circular Economy, Waste Management (Amendment) and Minerals Development (Amendment) Bill 2022
Fennell Public Affairs Limited Energy and Natural Resources
- Legislative and policy initiatives to implement Climate Action Plan and Programme for Government measures on renewable energy
American Chamber of Commerce Ireland Economic Development and Industry
- US Ireland Business Report
Premier Lotteries Ireland Designated Activity Company Public Expenditure and Reform
- Briefing on the operation of the National Lottery and the allocation of Good Causes funding
Ibec · 5 returns Economic Development and Industry · Trade · EU Affairs · Communications
- SME access to public contracts
- Irish whiskey trade with Africa
- Ibec priorities on digital innovation and trade relating to D9+
- Technology Ireland priorities for the Online Safety and Media Regulations Bill
- Business support for the launch of "Harnessing Digital - The Digital Ireland Framework"
Marc Coleman · 2 returns Economic Development and Industry · Budgetary matters
- Role of small business and taxpayers in policy formation process
- Promoting reform and transparency in public spending and greater meritocracy in public recruitment
Atticus Partners Ltd Foreign Affairs
- Introduction to the work of the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong
Irish Council for Civil Liberties · 2 returns Justice and Equality · Communications
- EU Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act
- Digital Services Act
Musgrave Group Employment
- insurance reform
Irish Hotels Federation · 2 returns Justice and Equality · Tourism
- Measures for insurance reform and personal injury claims to address excessive cost of insurance in Ireland
- Measures and economic supports required to support Ireland's tourism and hospitality industry and mitigate challenges arising from the Covid-19 crisis
National Federation of Voluntary Service Providers Supporting People with Intellectual Disability Budgetary matters
- Calling for frontline staff in intellectual disability services to be included in the pandemic payment

Sorca Clarke — Sinn Féin 4 votes · 8 questions · 22 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 8 total

Social 2 questions
- 2022-05-17 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Social Protection if consideration will be given by her Department to a once-off cost of living increase for social welfare recipients considering the increased costs of fuel and the rising costs of living. [24649/22]
- 2022-05-17 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Social Protection if consideration will be given by her Department for a review of the entitlement to the fuel allowance considering the increased costs of fuel and the rising costs of living. [24648/22]
Defence 2 questions
- 2022-05-17 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the consideration that has been given to offer shorter term contracts those in the Defence Forces who are in a position to continue to serve as they approach retirement given the retention and recruitment crisis in the forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24373/22]
- 2022-05-17 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the total cost associated with the awarding of the 1916 centenary commemorative medal to include the manufacturing, distribution and ancillary costs. [24769/22]
Taoiseach 1 question
- 2022-05-17 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Taoiseach if a review of Census 2022 is planned; and if so, when this is expected to take place. [24374/22]
Housing 1 question
- 2022-05-17 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when a review of the income eligibility limits for social housing will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24932/22]
Foreign 1 question
- 2022-05-17 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the engagement he or his party has had with the political leaders in Northern Ireland following the Assembly Elections. [24931/22]
Justice 1 question
- 2022-05-17 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice if consideration has been given to extending the stamp 2 visas for holders of same that are due to expire on 31 May to September 2022 given the potential impact on the holders' academic studies, the industries in which they worked during the high summer season and the current constraints on An Garda Síochána in relation to processing same. [24768/22]

New lobbying 22 returns

One Family Justice and Equality
- Gender Equality
Cooley Distillery Economic Development and Industry
- Introduce to Kilbeggan Distillery and explain our economic and social contribution to the local area.
UNICEF Ireland Foreign Affairs
- Raised concerns regarding the catastrophic levels of severe malnutrition in children globally
Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) Foreign Affairs
- Presentation to the Joint Committee of Foreign Affairs and Defence on MSF's medical humanitarian response in Afghanistan, Belarus-Poland border and on equitable Access to Covid vaccines, tests and treatment
Irish Self Catering Federation Local Government
- Eco system for Self Catering in Ireland
The Union of Retail ,Bar and Administrative Workers Employment
- Seeking support from all TDs and Senators urging Tesco to engage with Mandate on outsourcing employment
ActionAid Ireland Foreign Affairs
- Invitations sent by email to the Foreign Affairs Committee Deputies and Senators, to the Gender Equality Committee Deputies and Senators and to members of the Oireachtas Women’s Caucus to join the online launch of ActionAid Ireland’s new strategy.
DOCHAS - THE IRISH ASSOCIATION OF NON- GOVERNMENTAL DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATIONS · 2 returns Foreign Affairs
- Humanitarian impact of war in Ukraine
- Impact of Ireland's Overseas Aid funding Education in Development and Humanitarian Contexts
Neurological Alliance of Ireland Health
- Call for investment to address the shortfall in neurology nurse specialists across Ireland
The Irish Hospice Foundation Health
- An update on the plans regarding the €3 million funding, for the development of specialist palliative care inpatient units in the North East - Drogheda and Cavan and Tullamore, Co Offaly, that was announced by his Department in December 2021
Technological Universities Association Education and Training
- Submission to Joint Oireachtas Committee on Gender Equality on behalf of the technological higher education sector
Front Line Defenders Economic Development and Industry
- Draft EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive
Youth Work Ireland Children and Youth Affairs
- Briefing for all Oireachtas members on our work with an emphasis on constituecnies with members, flyer with 3 "asks" distributed on RSE Curriculum change, youth work funding and Youth Mental Health
Trócaire Foreign Affairs
- Business and Human Rights
Fennell Public Affairs Limited Energy and Natural Resources
- Legislative and policy initiatives to implement Climate Action Plan and Programme for Government measures on renewable energy
Premier Lotteries Ireland Designated Activity Company Public Expenditure and Reform
- Briefing on the operation of the National Lottery and the allocation of Good Causes funding
Atticus Partners Ltd Foreign Affairs
- Introduction to the work of the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong
Irish Council for Civil Liberties · 2 returns Justice and Equality · Local Government
- Citizens’ Assembly on Gender Equality
- Electoral Reform Bill 2022
Amnesty International Ireland Foreign Affairs
- Meeting with Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence to discuss our report "Israel’s apartheid against Palestinians: cruel system of domination and a crime against humanity"
National Federation of Voluntary Service Providers Supporting People with Intellectual Disability Budgetary matters
- Calling for frontline staff in intellectual disability services to be included in the pandemic payment