Dublin Mid-West — week of Mon, 19 Sept

What your Dublin Mid-West TDs did this week

Mon, 19 Sept – 25 Sept 2022 · 5 TDs · 4 bills voted on · 32 questions · 155 new lobbying filings

Votes this week

Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021: Report and Final Stages

2022-09-21 · 1 vote

The motion · motion passed 74–64

Voted for 1 Emer Higgins

Voted against 3 Eoin Ó Broin · Gino Kenny · Mark Ward

Did not vote 2 Paul Nicholas Gogarty · Shane Moynihan

Measures to Assist with Household Bills

2022-09-21 · 1 vote

An amendment to the bill · motion failed 59–80

Voted for 3 Eoin Ó Broin · Gino Kenny · Mark Ward

Voted against 1 Emer Higgins

Did not vote 2 Paul Nicholas Gogarty · Shane Moynihan

Security of Electricity Supply

2022-09-21 · 1 vote

The motion · motion passed 13–6

Voted against 1 Gino Kenny

Abstained 3 Emer Higgins · Eoin Ó Broin · Mark Ward

Did not vote 2 Paul Nicholas Gogarty · Shane Moynihan

Energy Security

2022-09-21 · 1 vote

An amendment to the bill · motion passed 74–65

Voted for 1 Emer Higgins

Voted against 3 Eoin Ó Broin · Gino Kenny · Mark Ward

Did not vote 2 Paul Nicholas Gogarty · Shane Moynihan

Emer Higgins — Fine Gael 4 votes · 14 questions · 20 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 14 total

Education 4 questions
- 2022-09-21 Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Education the number of primary ASD places that will be available for September 2023 in the Clondalkin area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46161/22]
- 2022-09-21 Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Education the number of post-primary ASD places that will be available for September 2023 in the Clondalkin area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46162/22]
- 2022-09-22 Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Education the current average pupil-teacher ratio for mainstream classes in primary schools, not including special educational needs classes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46430/22]
- 2022-09-22 Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Education the current average pupil-teacher ratio for mainstream classes in post-primary schools, not including special educational needs classes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46431/22]
Transport 3 questions
- 2022-09-22 Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport if he will adjust the eligibility for the 19 to 24-year-old Leap card to include third-level students who are 18 years old given that many private operators now charge more for a child ticket than a young adult ticket under the newly introduced scheme, resulting in 18-year-old college students who use private operators not being eligible to avail of the intended saving for third level students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46187/22]
- 2022-09-22 Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport his views on the feasibility of extending the age limit for school transport drivers to 72 years of age to allow older drivers who are in possession of a full public service vehicle licence, a full driving licence and who are certified as medically fit to drive, and to assist with the current shortage of school transport drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46186/22]
- 2022-09-22 Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied with the L51 and L52 bus route services provided by an organisation (details supplied); the number of morning, afternoon and evening L51 and L52 services that were cancelled per month in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46436/22]
Environment 2 questions
- 2022-09-20 Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the provisions in place for Budget 2023 to include a windfall tax on energy providers profiteering from the cost-of-living crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45750/22]
- 2022-09-20 Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on the feasibility of introducing energy price capping to provide customers with stability of price during the current cost-of-living crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45751/22]
Finance 2 questions
- 2022-09-20 Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Finance his views on the feasibility of adding beauticians, hairdressers and childcare workers to the existing list of workers who can claim flat-rate expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45770/22]
- 2022-09-20 Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Finance the number of nitrous oxide canisters seized by the Revenue Commissioners on a monthly basis in each of the years of 2019 to 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45791/22]
Health 2 questions
- 2022-09-21 Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the progress that is being made with regards to reinstating public health nurse check-ups for infants and children in Lucan, County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46164/22]
- 2022-09-22 Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the optical support schemes that are available for schoolchildren aged between 12 and 18-years-old to provide financial support towards the cost of optical services, glasses, lenses et cetera; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46437/22]
Social 1 question
- 2022-09-20 Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Social Protection whether she is considering expanding the grant towards the cost of a wig or hairpiece for those suffering hair loss due to illness to also include children suffering hair loss due to illness whose parents have the necessary PRSI contributions or self-employed equivalent; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45853/22]

New lobbying 20 returns

Irish Heart Foundation Health
- Public Health (Obesity) Bill
NBI Infrastructure DAC Communications
- Engagement and information sharing regarding the delivery of broadband infrastructure as part of the National Broadband Plan.
Heneghan PR Housing
- Pre budget submission
Montague Communications Ltd Housing
- Redress Scheme for Apartment Owners affected by Fire and other Defects as well as reform of the law to minimise chance of such defects occurring in the future.
Family Carers Ireland Transport
- Inclusive transport for people with disability and their carers
Irish Road Haulage Association Transport
- Road haulage sector, Brexit & Northern Ireland Protocol, Issues facing haulage industry, Budget Submission 2023
Construction Defects Alliance Housing
- Redress Scheme for Apartment Owners affected by Fire and other Defects as well as reform of the law to minimise chance of such defects occurring in the future.
Chambers Ireland Economic Development and Industry
- Challenges and opportunities for business countrywide
Vertex Pharmaceuticals (Europe) Limited Health
- Meeting to discuss access to cystic fibrosis medicines in Ireland
Ibec Finance
- Financial Services Ireland campaign “Financial Services in Ireland – Skills of the Future”
Irish Penal Reform Trust Justice and Equality
- Attendance at Committee on Disability Matters to discuss 'Access to Justice'
Vulcan Consulting Limited Tourism
- Short-Term Letting Regulations
Mental Health Reform Health
- Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Bill 2022, Reform of the Mental Health Act 2001, Launch of Dual Diagnosis and Dual Recovery Research Report
FTI Consulting Trade
- Briefing of public representatives on e-cigarette products and the vaping market.
Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers · 2 returns Housing
- Measures to encourage the retention of landlords and to the reintegration of vacant properties.
- Outlining the need for the Sellers' Legal Pack Bill 2021 to be adopted.
Irish Council for Civil Liberties Housing
- Electoral Reform Bill
Amnesty International Ireland · 2 returns Foreign Affairs
- Invitation to Oireachtas AV Room Briefing on AI's new report and campaign on Israel's apartheid against Palestinians
- Share AI’s public statement calling on international community including Ireland to act immediately to put pressure on the Israeli authorities to end continuing patterns of unlawful killings and other gross violations and take concrete steps towards dismantling its system of apartheid against Palestinians
Mag Mell Energy Ireland Ltd. Energy and Natural Resources
- Email to Oireachtas members to share Mag Mell Energy Ireland's white paper 'Keeping Ireland's Energy Flowing' which outlines how existing physical infrastructure at the Kinsale Head Gas Field should be repurposed for the offshore importation of non-fracked liquified natural gas (LNG) using floating storage regasification units (FSRUs).

Eoin Ó Broin — Sinn Féin 4 votes · 10 questions · 34 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 10 total

Housing 6 questions
- 2022-09-20 Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of applications for the defective block grant scheme in counties Donegal and Mayo; the number of applications pending; the average length of applications pending in each county; the number of applications approved; the average grant amount approved; the number of grants drawn down to date; and the average amount drawn down, by county, in tabular form. [45406/22]
- 2022-09-20 Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the review of the social housing eligibility thresholds. [45407/22]
- 2022-09-20 Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the Department's financial support for the Traveller led approved housing body Cena including the possibility of funding provided by way of a service level agreement via the housing agency to assist in the development of culturally appropriate Traveller specific accommodation. [45881/22]
- 2022-09-20 Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if circulars relating to the Land Development Agency and land acquisition state agencies and other public bodies have been circulated; if so, when; to whom; and if a copy will be published. [45971/22]
- 2022-09-20 Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the mid-term review of the Traveller Accommodation Programmes. [45972/22]
- 2022-09-20 Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of affordable homes delivered to date in 2022 via the Affordable Housing Fund, the Cost Rental Equity Loan and Project Tosaigh in tabular form. [45973/22]
Social 1 question
- 2022-09-20 Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Social Protection the procedure for individuals and families seeking international protection to secure PPS numbers; the number of such applications currently pending; and the average length of time that it takes to provide the PPS numbers, from the date of application. [45922/22]
Education 1 question
- 2022-09-21 Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to a request by a school (details supplied) for a financial contribution to accompany an application for admission; and if this is correct given the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018. [46234/22]
Finance 1 question
- 2022-09-22 Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Finance if consideration will be given to reducing VAT on print newspapers particularly local and community newspapers given the reported decrease in sales; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46467/22]
Health 1 question
- 2022-09-22 Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health if employees in an organisation (details supplied) are eligible to receive the pandemic special recognition payment; and if so, when they will receive the payment. [46468/22]

New lobbying 34 returns

Construction Industry Federation (CIF) Housing
- General issues affecting housing delivery
An Taisce The National Trust for Ireland Development and Zoning
- Government amendments to the Planning and Development (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill
Saoirse Housing Association CLG Housing
- Allison Graham, CEO, contacted all 40 South Dublin County Councillors on 17th August 2022, advocating for assistance to progress two matters that SDCC Housing Dept had stopped communicating with us for months on - the provision of two safe house properties in West Tallaght and the installation of new front doors in our Tallaght refuge building which SDCC own.
Fair Seas Ireland · 2 returns Environment
- At Social Democrats Summer School - highlight Fair Seas new MPA report and need for greater marine protection in Irish waters
- Tagging DPOs on Twitter - raising awareness levels of MPA process in Ireland and Europe
Community Law & Mediation Housing
- Proposed amendment to Fair Deal Scheme
Heneghan PR Housing
- Pre budget submission
South Dublin Chamber Economic Development and Industry
- Highlight measures to be considered for the continued economic growth of the county
Montague Communications Ltd Housing
- Redress Scheme for Apartment Owners affected by Fire and other Defects as well as reform of the law to minimise chance of such defects occurring in the future.
Irish Road Haulage Association Transport
- Road haulage sector, Brexit & Northern Ireland Protocol, Issues facing haulage industry, Budget Submission 2023
Irish Congress of Trade Unions Energy and Natural Resources
- Public Water Services
The Irish Traveller Movement Justice and Equality
- Progression on the Forum on a Family Friendly Parliament
Construction Defects Alliance Housing
- Redress Scheme for Apartment Owners affected by Fire and other Defects as well as reform of the law to minimise chance of such defects occurring in the future.
Irish Institutional Property Housing
- Exchange of views and update on IIP policy priorities in relation to housing delivery
Merchants QuayIreland Ltd Community
- Proposals re drugs treatment, homelessness mental health and related matters
Marc Coleman · 2 returns Economic Development and Industry · Housing
- Promoting a greater connection between foreign direct investment and Ireland's indigenous SME economy
- Submission for Right2Housing for Budget 2023
Property Owners Association of Ireland Limited (IPOA) Housing
- Presentation of economic report on private non-institutional landlords leaving the market.
Ibec Finance
- Financial Services Ireland campaign “Financial Services in Ireland – Skills of the Future”
Co-operative Housing Ireland Society Limited Housing
- Support for Housing Development
JTI Ireland Limited Trade
- Briefing of public representatives on JTI's e-cigarette products, the e-cigarette market and regulatory environment.
Uisce Éireann Environment
- Meeting with Eoin O'Broin to discuss Irish Water projects including the water supply project.
Environmental Pillar Environment
- Planning and Development No. 2 Bill 2022 which became the Planning and Development, Maritime and Valuation (Amendment) Bill 2022
Focus Ireland · 2 returns Housing
- Met with Eoin O Broin to discuss responses to homelessness and solutions to policy issues with Housing Assistance Payment
- Sent Pre-Budget Submission to TDs, Senators and Councillors
Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers Housing
- Presentation of economic report on small landlords leaving the market.
Irish Council for Civil Liberties · 2 returns Housing · Justice and Equality
- Electoral Reform Bill
- Parliamentary Procedure
Friends of the Earth Energy and Natural Resources
- Joint recommendations on energy poverty and energy pollution
Simon Communities of Ireland Finance
- Budget 2023
Irish Council for International Students (ICOS) Education and Training
- Met with Deputy Eoin O'Broin on the student accommodation crisis - as it affects international students
Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland Housing
- Lobby Day - Presentation of various Reports by SCSI on construction and housing market
Mag Mell Energy Ireland Ltd. Energy and Natural Resources
- Email to Oireachtas members to share Mag Mell Energy Ireland's white paper 'Keeping Ireland's Energy Flowing' which outlines how existing physical infrastructure at the Kinsale Head Gas Field should be repurposed for the offshore importation of non-fracked liquified natural gas (LNG) using floating storage regasification units (FSRUs).
Limerick Chamber Economic Development and Industry
- Mid West Housing and Directly Elected Mayor for Limerick

Mark Ward — Sinn Féin 4 votes · 3 questions · 12 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 3 total

Transport 3 questions
- 2022-09-21 Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport the status of a bus service for an area (details supplied); the date on which it will be back in operation; and the frequency of the service. [46077/22]
- 2022-09-22 Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport to report on the delivery of service by a company (details supplied) including cancellations of buses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45994/22]
- 2022-09-22 Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport the date on which Kishogue train station will open to the public; the cost of same; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45995/22]

New lobbying 12 returns

Montague Communications Ltd Budgetary matters
- Pre-budget process
Irish Road Haulage Association Transport
- Road haulage sector, Brexit & Northern Ireland Protocol, Issues facing haulage industry, Budget Submission 2023
National Youth Council of Ireland Children and Youth Affairs
- Funding for NYCI pre-Budget priorities and youth work organisations
Mental Health Reform · 4 returns Health · Budgetary matters
- Assisted Decision-Making Capacity Act and Amendment Bill, LGBTQI+ report awareness, pre-budget submission, mental health act, cost of disability report action plan & cost of disability payment
- Mental Health Reform's Pre-Budget Submission
- Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Bill 2022, Reform of the Mental Health Act 2001, Launch of Dual Diagnosis and Dual Recovery Research Report
- Pre-Budget Submission Launch for Budget 2023
Ibec Finance
- Financial Services Ireland campaign “Financial Services in Ireland – Skills of the Future”
Irish Penal Reform Trust Justice and Equality
- IPRT report on the rights, needs and experiences of foreign national and minority ethnic groups in prison
Alcohol Awareness Foundation Limited Education and Training
- Letter to Committee members regarding Drinkaware's support of the National Framework on Involving Young Adults in Decision Making/the updating of the RSE curriculum, in the context of the Drinkaware's Junior Cycle Alcohol Education Programme and ongoing public education & awareness work
Friends of the Earth Energy and Natural Resources
- Joint recommendations on energy poverty and energy pollution
Mag Mell Energy Ireland Ltd. Energy and Natural Resources
- Email to Oireachtas members to share Mag Mell Energy Ireland's white paper 'Keeping Ireland's Energy Flowing' which outlines how existing physical infrastructure at the Kinsale Head Gas Field should be repurposed for the offshore importation of non-fracked liquified natural gas (LNG) using floating storage regasification units (FSRUs).

Paul Nicholas Gogarty — Independent 0 votes · 0 questions · 0 new lobbying returns

Quiet week — no questions filed or new lobbying returns.

Shane Moynihan — Fianna Fáil 0 votes · 0 questions · 2 new lobbying returns

New lobbying 2 returns

Saoirse Housing Association CLG Housing
- Allison Graham, CEO, contacted all 40 South Dublin County Councillors on 17th August 2022, advocating for assistance to progress two matters that SDCC Housing Dept had stopped communicating with us for months on - the provision of two safe house properties in West Tallaght and the installation of new front doors in our Tallaght refuge building which SDCC own.
South Dublin Chamber Economic Development and Industry
- Highlight measures to be considered for the continued economic growth of the county