Meath East — week of Mon, 19 Sept

What your Meath East TDs did this week

Mon, 19 Sept – 25 Sept 2022 · 4 TDs · 4 bills voted on · 25 questions · 162 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 2 Helen McEntee · Thomas Byrne

Voted against 1 Darren O'Rourke

Did not vote 1 Gillian Toole

Measures to Assist with Household Bills

2022-09-21 · 1 vote

An amendment to the bill · motion failed 59–80

Voted for 1 Darren O'Rourke

Voted against 2 Helen McEntee · Thomas Byrne

Did not vote 1 Gillian Toole

Security of Electricity Supply

2022-09-21 · 1 vote

The motion · motion passed 13–6

Abstained 3 Darren O'Rourke · Helen McEntee · Thomas Byrne

Did not vote 1 Gillian Toole

Energy Security

2022-09-21 · 1 vote

An amendment to the bill · motion passed 74–65

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 · 25 questions · 37 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 25 total

Environment 17 questions
- 2022-09-20 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to reduce the price of electricity and energy for households and businesses over the coming months; if he has examined introducing a price cap on electricity in Ireland or introducing other market reforms or interventions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45782/22]
- 2022-09-20 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of retrofits completed under the warmer homes scheme and, separately, under the one-stop shop service; the measures he will take to increase the roll-out and to better target supports to those most in need; if he agrees a dedicated retrofit scheme aimed at households that rely on solid fuels for heating is needed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45783/22]
- 2022-09-20 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of households and businesses that are generating electricity through microgeneration; if all energy suppliers are now paying microgenerators for the excess electricity that they are exporting to the grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45786/22]
- 2022-09-20 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he intends to recoup the excess profits being made by renewable electricity generators contracted under the renewable energy feed-in tariff schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45788/22]
- 2022-09-20 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the measures that he is taking to increase public and community-owned and led renewables projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45787/22]
- 2022-09-20 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the energy security review will be published; the immediate actions that he will take to improve the State’s energy security and independence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45784/22]
- 2022-09-20 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason that he opposed decoupling gas from electricity prices at the European Energy Council in October 2021; if he now supports the proposal to decouple gas from electricity prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45785/22]
- 2022-09-20 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount of funding that Ireland has applied for under the REPowerEU programme; the projects for which the funding would be allocated towards; the maximum amount of funding that Ireland is entitled to under this programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46013/22]
- 2022-09-20 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 146 of 8 September 2022, if he will confirm that 3,678.966MW of renewable energy production is contracted under the renewable energy feed in tariff schemes, and is therefore not obliged to refund the Public Service Obligations if the wholesale electricity price is higher than the REFIT reference price, while just 633.48MW of renewable energy is contracted under the renewable electricity support scheme, and is therefore obliged to refund the Public Service Obligations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45402/22]
- 2022-09-20 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated full-year revenue from introducing a price-cap on inframarginal generators in Ireland at a rate of €180 per megawatt hour, compared to current wholesale electricity prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45855/22]
- 2022-09-20 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps that his Department can take to mitigate the gas price increases that are being experienced by some Approved Housing Bodies and their tenants who are paying commercial energy rates as a result of a district heating system. [45931/22]
- 2022-09-20 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the work of the District Heating Steering Group that was formed under the Climate Action Plan 2021; and if this group is examining ways in which residential units can exit district heating systems that are subject to commercial energy rates. [45932/22]
- 2022-09-20 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide a list of reports used, and consultants availed of, in the preparation of the sectoral emission ceilings, broken down by the reports used for each sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45976/22]
- 2022-09-20 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will publish all of the modelling and economic analysis used in the preparation of the sectoral emission ceilings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45977/22]
- 2022-09-20 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will publish the McKinsey Report on the cost of decarbonisation up to 2050; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45978/22]
- 2022-09-20 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reports used and consultants availed of in the preparation of the sectoral emission ceiling, by sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45979/22]
- 2022-09-20 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will publish a report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45981/22]
Transport 7 questions
- 2022-09-22 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport to set out the efforts he is making to ensure the sustainability and viability of the taxi sector; if he will abandon or extend by five years the ten-year rule; if he will relax constraints preventing the transfer of plates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46549/22]
- 2022-09-22 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the way in which he intends to address poor service standards, including no-shows and poor punctuality, on many bus routes operated by an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46550/22]
- 2022-09-22 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport his plans to increase funding to the safe-routes-to-school programme to improve cycling infrastructure on the approach to schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46321/22]
- 2022-09-22 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport his plans to reform the EV grant scheme to target grant support as persons that need it most; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46319/22]
- 2022-09-22 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport his plans to introduce a scrappage scheme for the oldest and most polluting lorries to help hauliers transition to more environmentally friendly engines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46318/22]
- 2022-09-22 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport his plans to extend the short-hop zone to more train stations to help reduce the cost of public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46320/22]
- 2022-09-22 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport his plans to extend the 20% fare reduction for public transport to commercial bus operators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46317/22]
Education 1 question
- 2022-09-20 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education if she will provide clarity on the mandatory retirement age of both school bus drivers and school bus escorts who work on the school transport scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45968/22]

New lobbying 37 returns

The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA · 4 returns Environment
- Climate Action Act -The IFA Position
- Climate Action Act - Impact of Sectoral Emissions Ceiling for Agriculture
- Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021
- Climate Action Act - Sectoral Emissions Ceiling for Agriculture
Community Law & Mediation Justice and Equality
- Pre-budget submission on access to civil legal aid and energy poverty
NBI Infrastructure DAC Communications
- Engagement and information sharing regarding the delivery of broadband infrastructure as part of the National Broadband Plan.
Liquid Gas Ireland Environment
- To highlight the role of LPG and BioLPG in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to cleaner air in rural Ireland. 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
Medical Laboratory Scientists' Association Public Expenditure and Reform
- Discussions regarding pay dispute public sector
Hanover Media Strategy Limited · 2 returns Energy and Natural Resources · Transport
- Ocean Winds' offshore wind projects in Ireland
- Shared Pre-Budget 2023 submission to inform policy on shared transport, electrification and vehicle supply
Family Carers Ireland Budgetary matters
- Pre budget submission 2023
Irish Road Haulage Association Transport
- Road haulage sector, Brexit & Northern Ireland Protocol, Issues facing haulage industry, Budget Submission 2023
Vodafone Ireland Communications
- To provide an overview of our programme to upgrade our 3G Network to transition to 4G and 5G Networks.
Zipp Mobility Transport
- E-scooters
Association of Insurance & Financial Brokers trading as Brokers Ireland Finance
- the Road Traffic Amendment Bill
DCC plc Energy and Natural Resources
- To provide an update on Flogas and Liquid Gas Ireland Activities and highlight the role of LPG and BioLPG in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Bus Éireann Transport
- public transport developments and transition to zero and low emission fleet across Bus Eireann operations
Oxfam Ireland Health
- TRIPS waiver
Ibec · 5 returns Transport · Finance · Economic Development and Industry
- Business priorities for the GDA Transport Strategy
- Investment in Metrolink to support a region that works
- Financial Services Ireland campaign “Financial Services in Ireland – Skills of the Future”
- Streamlining and reform of Ireland's planning, appeals and judicial review regime
- Benefits and sustainability of Cloud Infrastructure in Ireland's economy
Irish Offshore Operators' Association CLG Energy and Natural Resources
- An Introduction meeting to introduce the new Chairperson of the Irish Offshore Operators Association.
Huhtamaki Cup Print Ltd. Environment
- Circular Economy, Waste Management (Amendment) and Minerals Development (Amendment) Bill 2022
Friends of the Earth · 4 returns Energy and Natural Resources · Agriculture · Environment
- Joint recommendations on energy poverty and energy pollution
- National and EU legislation re fossil gas infrastructure
- Agriculture Emissions
- Sectoral Emission Ceilings
mytaxi network Ireland (trading as FREE NOW) Transport
- Meeting to discuss the EV transition of the taxi fleet to support the national climate action targets and the transition to more sustainable forms of transport.
Irish Men's Sheds Association Budgetary matters
- Additional Funding for a Charity Organisation
Murray Energy and Natural Resources
- Application for an extension to an existing gas exploration licence held by Europa Oil & Gas
Trócaire · 2 returns Foreign Affairs
- Sustainable Food Systems
- Business and Human Rights
Mag Mell Energy Ireland Ltd. · 2 returns Energy and Natural Resources
- Correspondence to members of the Oireachtas Committee on Environment and Climate Action ahead of its meeting with Minister Eamon Ryan TD, the CRU and Eirgrid on Tuesday, 30th August.
- Meeting requests to discuss the detail of 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)
Irish Bioenergy Association Transport
- Lobbying and briefing of Oireachtais members on the role of bioenergy in transport

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 · 85 new lobbying returns

New lobbying 85 returns

One Family Justice and Equality
- Parental Alienation
The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA · 13 returns Finance · Environment · Taxation · Justice and Equality · Agriculture
- IFA Budget 2023 Submission - Measures to support Climate Action
- IFA Budget 2023 Submission - Measures to Support Farmers through Brexit
- Climate Action Act -The IFA Position
- IFA Budget 2023 Submission - Agri Taxation
- IFA Budget 2023 Submission - Measures to Support Farm Enterprises
- Climate Action Act - Impact of Sectoral Emissions Ceiling for Agriculture
- Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021
- Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021
- Climate Action Act - Sectoral Emissions Ceiling for Agriculture
- Climate Action Act - Sectoral Emissions Ceiling for Agriculture
- IFA Budget 2023 Submission-Measures to mitigate increased cost of production and general inflationary pressures
- New laws to protect landowners against personal injury claims from walkers
- Fine Gael Agriculture and Rural Development Conference
Ancient Order of Hibernians/John Deasy Foreign Affairs
- US E3 visa and general matters related to US immigration
Front Line Defenders Economic Development and Industry
- EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (EU CSDDD)
Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation Health
- Nigerian and Ghanaian nurses on Critical Skills Employment Permits experiencing significant delays with the Family Reunification Process
Local Ireland (representing the Regional Newspapers and Printers Association of Ireland) Taxation
- Joint Submission with NewsBrands Ireland about lowering VAT on newspapers and digital subscription to 0%
Ruhama · 4 returns Justice and Equality
- Guest speaker at launch
- Joint NGO meeting on Human Trafficking with Minister for Justice
- Barriers to access to education
- Request to open conference on prostitution and sexual exploitation
Community Law & Mediation Justice and Equality
- Pre-budget submission on access to civil legal aid and energy poverty
Banking & Payments Federation Ireland Banking and Financial Institutions
- Customer identification on Bank Account opening
The Medical Protection Society Limited Justice and Equality
- Letter asking for an update on the introduction of Pre-Action Protocols and the passing of legislation
Rape Crisis Network Ireland Justice and Equality
- update to Minister regarding forthcoming legislative prioities on sexual violence and matters relating to the Ukraine response
BeLonG To Youth Services Ltd. Justice and Equality
- Hate Crime Legislaton
MABS Support Company Limited by Guarantee Banking and Financial Institutions
- (1) securing a Public Personal Insolvency Practitioner (PIP) and (2) the Dedicated Mortgage Advisory Service (DMA)
RGDATA Justice and Equality
- Reform of the Duty of Care legislation
Doras Luimní Justice and Equality
- Letter to Minister for Justice Helen McEntee re Suspension of visa-free travel for refugees
Three Ireland (Hutchison) Limited Communications
- Submission on the then draft Communications (Retention of Data) (Amendment) Bill 2022
Family Carers Ireland · 4 returns Budgetary matters · Justice and Equality
- Pre budget submission 2023
- Pre budget submission 2023
- Improvements for carers in budget 2023
- Preparations for assisted decision making capacity
Irish Road Haulage Association Transport
- Road haulage sector, Brexit & Northern Ireland Protocol, Issues facing haulage industry, Budget Submission 2023
Immigrant Council of Ireland · 2 returns Justice and Equality
- Meeting on human trafficking with Minister McEntee – National Referral Mechanism and related matters; undocumented scheme take up and exclusion from/ access to higher education support for certain categories of migrants including victims of trafficking
- Sought and secured a meeting with Minister McEntee concerning the Department of Justice's stated intention to develop a new National Referral Mechanism for the identification of victims of human trafficking.
Dublin LGBTQ Pride CLG Justice and Equality
- Hate crime legislation updates and LGBT+ strategy
Law Society of Ireland · 2 returns Justice and Equality
- Civil Legal Aid - Family Law Private Practitioner Scheme
- Briefing on Law Society activities and priorities
Youth Advocate Programmes Ireland CLG Children and Youth Affairs
- YAP Ireland National Event 2022 - a national showcase of the work done by YAP Ireland throughout the year on the theme of "Equality for Everyone, and particularly involving the young people and families on the YAP Programme
Irish Congress of Trade Unions EU Affairs
- EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive
Chambers Ireland · 2 returns Justice and Equality
- Migration restrictions
- Courts Reform
Dublin Chamber of Commerce Justice and Equality
- Letter regarding Dublin safety levels sent to Minister for Justice
Merchants QuayIreland Ltd Community
- Proposals re drugs treatment, homelessness mental health and related matters
Uplift Health
- Communications re National Maternity Hospital
Ibec · 5 returns Local Government · Justice and Equality · Finance
- Technology Ireland priorities for the Electoral Reform Bill
- Irish Residency Permit (IRP) Cards and the delays being experienced with their renewal
- Technology Ireland proposed amendments to the Communications (Retention of Data) Act 2011 following the CJEU Judgment in Case C – 140/20
- Proposed amendments to the Communications (Retention of Data) Act 2011 (2011 Act)
- Financial Services Ireland campaign “Financial Services in Ireland – Skills of the Future”
Macra na Feirme Justice and Equality
- Vulnerable people - increase in drink spiking
Cork Chamber Budgetary matters
- Distribution of Cork Chamber Budget 2023 Submission
Irish Penal Reform Trust Justice and Equality
- Letter to Minister Helen McEntee and Minister Stephen Donnelly to urge publication of the High Level Task Force implementation plan and report
Insurance Ireland · 2 returns Banking and Financial Institutions
- On behalf of members, to raise awareness of consumer campaign launch.
- On behalf of members, to make a pre-budget submission.
Mental Health Reform · 2 returns Health · Budgetary matters
- 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
Limerick Chamber Budgetary matters
- Communicating Budgetary priorities for Mid West Business Community
Migrant Rights Centre Ireland · 2 returns Justice and Equality
- Urging minister to advance legislation on National Referral Mechanism for victims of human trafficking
- Regularisation Scheme for Undocumented People in Ireland
Irish Council for Civil Liberties · 2 returns Employment · Justice and Equality
- Representative Actions for the Protection of the Collective Interests of Consumers Bill 2022
- Usage of Facial Recognition Technology
Transgender Equality Network Ireland Justice and Equality
- Meeting with an update on hate crime and hate speech, as well as work underway in relation to the expungement of criminal records for gay and bisexual men.
Alcohol Action Ireland · 2 returns Justice and Equality
- Sale of Alcohol Bill
- Briefing on Operation Encompass - a police and education early information safeguarding partnership enabling schools to offer immediate support to children experiencing domestic abuse.
American Chamber of Commerce Ireland Taxation
- AmCham Budget 2023 Submission
Meta Platforms Ireland Ltd · 2 returns Justice and Equality · Communications
- Discussions regarding the EU’s proposed regulation on Child Sexual Abuse Material
- Discussions regarding the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill
Focus Ireland Housing
- Sent Pre-Budget Submission to TDs, Senators and Councillors
Irish Men's Sheds Association Budgetary matters
- Additional Funding for a Charity Organisation
Dublin Rape Crisis Centre · 2 returns Budgetary matters · Justice and Equality
- Brief relevant Ministers on our pre-budget submission
- Inform on matters of general interest to DRCC
National Infertility Support and Information Group Health
- NISIG is the only Irish charity supporting and advocacy on behalf of those experiencing fertility issues. NISIG is part of a broader AHR Coalition Group comprising LGBT Ireland, 221 Plus group, Equality for Children, Rainbow Families Equality Network, Irish Gay Dads & Independent Living. Main aim of the coalition is to ensure that equality is secured, and the human rights of children conceived using AHR, their intended parents and families are protected and advanced in legislation and policy.
Irish Hotels Federation Tourism
- Measures and economic supports required to support Ireland's tourism and hospitality industry and mitigate challenges during recovery post-Covid-19 and in response to the energy crisis
Transparency International Ireland Justice and Equality
- Olivia Lally, the Chair of TI Ireland's Board, wrote to Minister for Justice Helen McEntee TD to raise concerns about the exclusion of any substantive representation from civil society organisations (CSO) on the Advisory Council (‘The Council’) on Economic Crime and Corruption.
Irish Council for International Students (ICOS) Justice and Equality
- Requested a meeting with Minister Helen McEntee to discuss ICOS's work and funding for projects
Trócaire Foreign Affairs
- Business and Human Rights
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).
Flutter Entertainment PLC Justice and Equality
- General Scheme of the Gambling Regulation Bill
NewsBrands Ireland Finance
- Zero VAT rate for print and digital newspapers
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
Irish Street Arts, Circus and Spectacle Network Arts
- Insurance Reform, Protection of Circus Arts

Thomas Byrne — Fianna Fáil 4 votes · 0 questions · 13 new lobbying returns

New lobbying 13 returns

Family Carers Ireland · 2 returns Budgetary matters
- Pre budget submission 2023
- Pre budget submission 2023
Irish Road Haulage Association Transport
- Road haulage sector, Brexit & Northern Ireland Protocol, Issues facing haulage industry, Budget Submission 2023
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
Instinctif Partners Public Affairs Ireland Health
- Letter from Medicines for Ireland (MFI) Chairperson Padraic O'Brien to Minister for EU Affairs, Thomas Byrne TD
Irish Wildbird Conservancy Agriculture
- Retention of Hedgerows within the Common Agriculture Policy
DOCHAS - THE IRISH ASSOCIATION OF NON- GOVERNMENTAL DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATIONS Foreign Affairs
- Global humanitarian needs, ODA, Climate, Ukraine, Refugee Costs
Friends of the Earth Energy and Natural Resources
- Joint recommendations on energy poverty and energy pollution
Irish Council for Civil Liberties Justice and Equality
- UK Legacy Bill
Irish Hotels Federation Tourism
- Measures and economic supports required to support Ireland's tourism and hospitality industry and mitigate challenges during recovery post-Covid-19 and in response to the energy crisis
Intel Ireland Limited Economic Development and Industry
- Discussion to update on Intel's IDM 2.0 strategy and the importance of creating a competitive environment to assist growth of the semiconductor ecosystem in the EU
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).
MSD Economic Development and Industry
- Positioning Ireland in the Global Biopharmaceutical Industry