Meath East — week of Mon, 16 May

What your Meath East TDs did this week

Mon, 16 May – 22 May 2022 · 4 TDs · 3 bills voted on · 11 questions · 161 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 Darren O'Rourke

Voted against 2 Helen McEntee · Thomas Byrne

Did not vote 1 Gillian Toole

An amendment to the bill · motion passed 83–54

Voted for 2 Helen McEntee · Thomas Byrne

Voted against 1 Darren O'Rourke

Did not vote 1 Gillian Toole

National Maternity Services

2022-05-18 · 1 vote

The motion · motion passed 56–10

Voted for 1 Darren O'Rourke

Abstained 2 Helen McEntee · Thomas Byrne

Did not vote 1 Gillian Toole

Subsidies for Developers

2022-05-18 · 1 vote

An amendment to the bill · motion passed 73–62

Voted for 2 Helen McEntee · Thomas Byrne

Voted against 1 Darren O'Rourke

Did not vote 1 Gillian Toole

Darren O'Rourke — Sinn Féin 4 votes · 11 questions · 57 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 11 total

Transport 5 questions
- 2022-05-17 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the estimated full-year cost of the 20% reduction in public transport fares; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24539/22]
- 2022-05-17 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the estimated full-year cost of the youth travel card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24540/22]
- 2022-05-17 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the estimated percentage increase in demand on public transport due to the 20% decrease in fares and the youth travel card in advance of introducing these policies; if so, the estimated percentage increase in demand; if he will make this modelling available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24541/22]
- 2022-05-19 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if additional funding has been provided to Bus Éireann due to the rising cost of fuels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25503/22]
- 2022-05-19 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the additional funding that has been provided to Local Link services to deal with the rising cost of fuel; the formula that was used to decide on allocations per service, route and company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25504/22]
Rural 2 questions
- 2022-05-17 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she intends to exempt voluntary community-based organisations from the need to register with the Charities Regulator; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24547/22]
- 2022-05-17 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the degree to which voluntary community groups are ordinarily consulted in the process of developing the National Volunteering Strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24551/22]
Environment 2 questions
- 2022-05-18 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has met with a social enterprise (details supplied); the steps that he has taken to reduce energy waste and address fuel poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25296/22]
- 2022-05-18 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has considered the impact of existing virgin plastic levies across the European Union and an organisation (details supplied) with subsidies in Ireland on the indigenous plastic recycling market; the way that he assesses same; the way he intends to respond to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25311/22]
Enterprise 1 question
- 2022-05-19 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide an update on the prospect of a TRIPS waiver for Covid-19 vaccines and technologies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24866/22]
Housing 1 question
- 2022-05-19 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the specific measures and metrics used to categorise surface waters as high, good, moderate, poor or bad for the European Union Water Framework Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25536/22]

New lobbying 57 returns

Chambers Ireland Environment
- Carbon Budgeting
Freight Transport Association of Ireland · 2 returns Transport
- Meeting to discuss Post brexit trade. rising energy / operational costs, non eu work permit and skills shortage
- Issues with Energy Crisis, operational costs and NON EU driver permit application process
Irish Heart Foundation Finance
- VAT Reform
The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA · 3 returns Agriculture · Food · Environment
- Draft River Basin Management Plan for Ireland 2022-2027 (RBMP)
- Food Vision 2030 Dairy Sub-Group
- Climate Action - Carbon Budgets
Green Compass Energy and Natural Resources
- Expedite Offshore Renewable Energy consenting process
NCBI Transport
- Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passenger Scheme
Irish Self Catering Federation Local Government
- Eco system for Self Catering in Ireland
Ulster Community Investment Trust Ireland Banking and Financial Institutions
- Contacted T.D. to communicate community financial supports available from Community Finance 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
Devenish Agriculture
- The Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Joint Committee on Environment and Climate Action invited Richard Kennedy, CEO, to attend "a Joint Joint Committee" virtual meeting on 31st March on the topic of exploring technologies and opportunities that may exist in the effort to reduce emissions in the agriculture sector.
Prosper Meath CLG Employment
- Once-Off €1000 Bonus Payment to Frontline Healthcare Workers and Concerns Around Same
Prosper Fingal CLG Employment
- Once-Off €1000 Bonus Payment to Frontline Healthcare Workers and Concerns Around Same
Wind Energy Ireland · 6 returns Environment · Energy and Natural Resources · Budgetary matters
- Development of onshore renewable energy projects
- Development of the electricity grid
- Development of offshore wind energy
- Budget 2023
- Cost of renewable electricity
- SuperGrid
Liquid Gas Ireland · 2 returns Energy and Natural Resources
- To highlight the role of LPG and BioLPG in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to cleaner air in rural Ireland in the context of the Climate Action Plan. Consumer choice and affordability of energy solutions will be key for the economic recovery of rural house holds and businesses in order to reduce carbon emissions
- 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
Hume Brophy · 2 returns Environment · Transport
- The circular economy for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in Ireland
- Sustainable Micro Mobility
Unite the Union, Ireland Region Transport
- Driving Instructor 'check tests'
daa plc Transport
- Facilitated briefing and visit to Dublin Airport to discuss future priorities of airport and also security screening challenges and associated passenger delays
Montague Communications Ltd Transport
- Air Navigation and Transport Bill
Mercury Renewables (Services) Limited Energy and Natural Resources
- Renewable energy project in West of Ireland
Friends of the Earth · 4 returns Energy and Natural Resources · Environment
- Carbon Budget Programme
- National Retrofit Plan
- Gas Infrastructure
- Work Plan of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action
RWE Renewables Ireland (formerly Innogy Renewables Ireland Limited) Energy and Natural Resources
- The work of the RWE Group in renewable energy
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 Foreign Affairs
- Foreign affairs policies specifically Climate Justice, Business and Human Rights, Vaccine access, Sustainable Food systems
Pinnacle Public Affairs Ltd Environment
- Green Energy and Circular Economy
MKC Communications · 3 returns Environment · Energy and Natural Resources
- Circular Economy, Waste Management (Amendment) and Minerals Development (Amendment) Bill 2022 (‘the Bill’)
- Circular Economy, Waste Management (Amendment) and Minerals Development (Amendment) Bill 2022
- Energy Policy
Vulcan Consulting Limited Energy and Natural Resources
- Green hydrogen production & renewable energy in the West of Ireland
Instinctif Partners Public Affairs Ireland · 2 returns Energy and Natural Resources
- Invitation to meet with Gabriel D'Arcy, Chair of EnergyCloud, to discuss how EnergyCloud can use some of Ireland's surplus renewable energy, which would otherwise be wasted, to help tackle fuel poverty
- Invitation to meet with the EnergyCloud team at the SEAI Energy Show 2022 to to discuss how EnergyCloud can use some of Ireland's surplus renewable energy, which would otherwise be wasted, to help tackle fuel poverty
mytaxi network Ireland (trading as FREE NOW) · 3 returns Transport
- Invitation to attend ACCESS NOW virtual conference hosted by FREE NOW in partnership with the Irish Wheelchair Association
- Invitation to attend EV Roadshows hosted by FREE NOW
- Meeting request
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
Irish Green Building Council Environment
- Sending a copy of IGBC's recommendations to decarbonise Ireland's built environment across the whole life cycle
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
Simply Blue Group & its JV Project Companies Energy and Natural Resources
- 24/03/22: Meeting with Darren O'Rourke T.D. regarding the floating offshore wind industry.
Ibec · 2 returns Transport
- Ensuring enhanced global connectivity for a region that works
- Dublin & Eastern regional priorities for the All Island Strategic Rail Review
Insight Consultants Agriculture
- To introduce new technologies available to combat farm emissions to the Environment and Climate Action and Agriculture Committees in Leinster House
Musgrave Group Environment
- General briefingon Sustainability and Climate ACtion
Energia Group ROI Holdings DAC Energy and Natural Resources
- Energy Policy

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

Quiet week — no questions filed or new lobbying returns.

Helen McEntee — Fine Gael 4 votes · 0 questions · 65 new lobbying returns

New lobbying 65 returns

Council of The Bar of Ireland · 2 returns Justice and Equality
- Backlogs in the Courts arising from Covid19 pandemic
- Annual financial contribution of the Irish Government to the ICC
Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Ireland · 2 returns Justice and Equality · Children and Youth Affairs
- In January 2022, JRS Ireland issued copies of its 2022 Intercultural & Interfaith Calendar to relevant Ministers and departmental officials.
- In March/April 2022, JRS Ireland arranged for the submission of multiple parliamentary questions to the Minister for Justice and the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
Irish Street Arts, Circus and Spectacle Network Arts
- Insurance Reform, Protection of Circus Arts
Chime Justice and Equality
- To raise a case where a Deaf defendant had no access to an Irish Sign Language Interpreter following arrest with a solicitor appointed by the courts under the Free Legal Aid scheme.
CHILDREN'S RIGHTS ALLIANCE - REPUBLIC OF IRELAND LIMITED · 3 returns Children and Youth Affairs · Justice and Equality · Communications
- Advocacy on Children's Rights Alliance Report Card 2022
- Regularisation of Long Term Undocumented Migrants Scheme
- 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
Youth Advocate Programmes Ireland CLG Children and Youth Affairs
- YAP Ireland Annual Report Launched
Nasc Ireland Justice and Equality
- Request Minister to take action on delays in accessing Temporary Residence Cards for international protection applicants
Irish Self Catering Federation Local Government
- Eco system for Self Catering in Ireland
Uplift Arts
- Email action to Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee, Minister for Public Expenditure Michael McGrath Minister Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin asking them to waive the SEO fees from being re-introduced"
Ulster Community Investment Trust Ireland Banking and Financial Institutions
- Contacted T.D. to communicate community financial supports available from Community Finance 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
Devenish Agriculture
- On 29th March Owen Brennan had a video call via Teams with Minister Helen McEntee and Minister Damien English
Doras Luimní · 2 returns Justice and Equality
- Joint letter with other NGOs on delays in providing Temporary Residence Certificates (TRCs) to international protection applicants
- Letter with other NGOs expressing concern in the delays in implementing a new National Referral Mechanism (NRM) for victims of human trafficking
The Society of Actuaries in Ireland Justice and Equality
- Letter to Minister for Justice on Personal Injury Claims
Treoir (Federation of Services for Unmarried Parents and their Children) Justice and Equality
- Review of the Civil Legal Aid
Prosper Meath CLG Employment
- Once-Off €1000 Bonus Payment to Frontline Healthcare Workers and Concerns Around Same
The Union of Students in Ireland Education and Training
- Direct provision (in relation to Ukranian Refugees), provision of accommodation for Ukranian refugees, academic allowances for those seeking asylum, provision of English language courses for those seeking asylum.
Prosper Fingal CLG Employment
- Once-Off €1000 Bonus Payment to Frontline Healthcare Workers and Concerns Around Same
National Union of Journalists Justice and Equality
- Proposal for establishment of committee on safety of journalists and other measures relating to media safety
Migrant Rights Centre Ireland Justice and Equality
- Reform of Ireland's National Referral Mechanism for Victims of Trafficking
Cork Chamber Economic Development and Industry
- Letter sent regarding Equality, Diversity and Inclusion - Visas, Skills and Anti Racism
Hume Brophy Public Expenditure and Reform
- The National Lottery Amendment Bill 2021
Law Society of Ireland Justice and Equality
- Statutory Declarations and Statements of Truth in Conveyancing
Ruhama · 2 returns Justice and Equality
- Request to Minister to launch Annual report and opening of new premises
- Meeting on updates on the National Referral Mechanism for identifying victims of trafficking
Front Line Defenders Community
- Interventions by elected representatives on the work of civil society organisations in Ireland.
Neville International Justice and Equality
- Communication in relation to work visa applications to Ireland by non EEA citizens where a work permit has been obtained due skills shortages in the respective profession. Communicating industry findings and challenges with visa application system. Communicating of Workforce Ireland's questions and answers on specific applications.
Big Picture Communications Ltd Health
- Ask the Minister for Justice to visit new ongoing build of Nua Healthcare mental health facility in Gormanston Co Meath and turn the sod
SAOL Project Justice and Equality
- Domestic Sexual and Gender Based Violence
National Women's Council of Ireland Justice and Equality
- Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence
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
Consultative Committee of Accountancy Bodies Ireland Economic Development and Industry
- Data protection: Seeking an exemption for insolvency practitioners from requirements under the Data Protection Act 2018
Oxfam Ireland Justice and Equality
- EU migration and refugee policy and human rights. The topics related to mistreatment of refugees and migrants in EU countries, violations of international and EU law by EU member states including Greece, and the role of Ireland as an EU member state. We sent Oxfam reports and wrote to Irish politicians on this matter. We also held an event on human rights violations in Libya and invited Irish politicians to attend this event. Oxfam Ireland met with politicians and civil servants.
Trócaire Foreign Affairs
- Business and Human Rights
One in Four Children and Youth Affairs
- Requests to party leaders to send representatives to a National Child Safety Summit to participate in discussions re Child Sexual Abuse in Ireland and form solutions.
Alcohol Action Ireland Justice and Equality
- Operation Encompass
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
Aer Lingus Transport
- Transport security policy
Ibec · 2 returns Communications
- Technology Ireland priorities for the Online Safety and Media Regulations Bill
- CJEU judgement in Case C 140/20
Atticus Partners Ltd Foreign Affairs
- Introduction to the work of the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong
Mediahuis Ireland Group Limited Justice and Equality
- Meeting with Minister McEntee to discuss steps regarding protection for journalists from threat and harm
Transparency International Ireland Justice and Equality
- TI Ireland called on the Government to introduce measures aimed at stopping the laundering of Russia's dirty money through our financial and company services sector.
Irish Council for Civil Liberties · 4 returns Justice and Equality
- Coroners Reform
- Reform of Data Protection Commission
- Importance of Free Civic Space
- Defamation Reform
Disability Federation of Ireland Foreign Affairs
- Support to people with disabilities in and from Ukraine
Musgrave Group Employment
- insurance reform
Amnesty International Ireland · 2 returns Justice and Equality
- Letter forwarding, and seeking a meeting to discuss, Amnesty research report, “'We live within a violent system' - Structural violence against sex workers in Ireland" published 25 January 2022; follow-up email
- Joint letter from STAD (Standing Together Against Direct Provision) coalition expressing concern at delays accessing Temporary Residence Cards and resulting inability to access PPSN, Medical Cards and DP Allowance payment; requesting information on steps Department is taking and calingl for immediate action to resolve this situation
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
Dublin Rape Crisis Centre Justice and Equality
- Brief on the need for the inclusion of an individual complaints mechanism in the forthcoming Online Safety & Media Regulation Bill
Horse Sport Ireland Justice and Equality
- Migrant visa applications within the equestrian industry

Thomas Byrne — Fianna Fáil 4 votes · 0 questions · 20 new lobbying returns

New lobbying 20 returns

The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA Agriculture
- Retail Price Compression Threatens the Viability of Irish Horticulture - Report by Jim Power commissioned by IFA
Irish Self Catering Federation Local Government
- Eco system for Self Catering in Ireland
Ulster Community Investment Trust Ireland Banking and Financial Institutions
- Contacted T.D. to communicate community financial supports available from Community Finance 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
Devenish Agriculture
- On 4th April Owen Brennan had a phonecall with Minister Thomas Byrne
Prosper Meath CLG Employment
- Once-Off €1000 Bonus Payment to Frontline Healthcare Workers and Concerns Around Same
British Irish Chamber of Commerce EU Affairs
- An event with Minister Byrne
Prosper Fingal CLG Employment
- Once-Off €1000 Bonus Payment to Frontline Healthcare Workers and Concerns Around Same
Vodafone Ireland Economic Development and Industry
- Discussion on the digital agenda, specifically the increased deployment of digital connectivity and infrastructure supporting domestic and European growth.
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 Justice and Equality
- EU migration and refugee policy and human rights. The topics related to mistreatment of refugees and migrants in EU countries, violations of international and EU law by EU member states including Greece, and the role of Ireland as an EU member state. We sent Oxfam reports and wrote to Irish politicians on this matter. We also held an event on human rights violations in Libya and invited Irish politicians to attend this event. Oxfam Ireland met with politicians and civil servants.
Trócaire Foreign Affairs
- Business and Human Rights
Bolt Itx Transport
- DIRECTIVE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL on improving working conditions in platform work
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 · 2 returns EU Affairs
- Ibec EU Campaign and Conference on the Future of Europe priorities
- Campaign launch of Ibec Stronger Europe, Stronger Ireland and St Patrick's Day Engagement
Amnesty International Ireland EU Affairs
- Sharing public statement "Delivering on human rights commitments in policy and practice: Recommendations to the EU-AU summit"
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