Longford-Westmeath — week of Mon, 6 Nov — Watch Them Work

What your Longford-Westmeath TDs did this week

Mon, 6 Nov – 12 Nov 2023 · 5 TDs · 4 bills voted on · 104 questions · 3 new lobbying filings

Votes this week

Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill 2023: Report and Final Stages

2023-11-08 · 1 vote

An amendment to the bill · motion failed 49–67

Voted for 1 Sorca Clarke

Voted against 1 Joe Flaherty

Did not vote 4 Kevin Boxer Moran · Micheál Carrigy · Peter Burke · Robert Troy

Housing

2023-11-08 · 2 votes

An amendment to the bill · motion passed 67–53

Voted for 1 Joe Flaherty

Voted against 1 Sorca Clarke

Did not vote 4 Kevin Boxer Moran · Micheál Carrigy · Peter Burke · Robert Troy

The motion · motion passed 67–53

Voted for 1 Joe Flaherty

Voted against 1 Sorca Clarke

Did not vote 4 Kevin Boxer Moran · Micheál Carrigy · Peter Burke · Robert Troy

Home Care Workers and Home Support Scheme

2023-11-08 · 2 votes

An amendment to the bill · motion passed 66–54

Voted for 1 Joe Flaherty

Voted against 1 Sorca Clarke

Did not vote 4 Kevin Boxer Moran · Micheál Carrigy · Peter Burke · Robert Troy

The motion · motion passed 67–53

Voted for 1 Joe Flaherty

Voted against 1 Sorca Clarke

Did not vote 4 Kevin Boxer Moran · Micheál Carrigy · Peter Burke · Robert Troy

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

2023-11-07 · 1 vote

The week's Dáil business schedule · motion passed 70–58

Voted against 1 Sorca Clarke

Did not vote 4 Kevin Boxer Moran · Micheál Carrigy · Peter Burke · 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 · 0 new lobbying returns

Quiet week — no questions filed or new lobbying returns.

Peter Burke — Fine Gael 0 votes · 7 questions · 1 new lobbying return

Questions asked 7 total

Children 4 questions
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if childcare providers can continue submitting their financial returns for the period 1 January to 31 December 2023 and not for the period 1 September to 31 August 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47564/23]
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when the National Autism Strategy report will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48057/23]
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an update on the case of a person (details supplied). [48196/23]
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when building blocks Capital grants for childcare facilities will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48601/23]
Transport 1 question
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport when a driving test will be issued to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47425/23]
Education 1 question
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Education the position regarding the review of school secretary contracts; if the allocation model regarding school secretary hours has been progressed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48060/23]
Health 1 question
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health if he will advise on an appointment for a person (details supplied). [48185/23]

New lobbying 1 return

Irish Deer Commission Justice and Equality
- Raise concerns about proposed changes to firearm licensing and consequences for deer management

Robert Troy — Fianna Fáil 0 votes · 47 questions · 1 new lobbying return

Questions asked 47 total

Health 9 questions
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an appointment for a person (details supplied). [47232/23]
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the reason the Regional Hospital Tullamore has no equipment to carry out core decompression procedures. [47322/23]
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health to provide a breakdown of the advertising spend of his Department and agencies under the remit of his Department, by national media outlet and local newspaper outlet, for each of the years 2020 to 2022, in tabular form. [47734/23]
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an application for surgery for a person (details supplied). [47764/23]
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the introduction of the Organisation of Working Time (Reproductive Health Related Leave) Bill 2021. [47851/23]
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be called for surgery. [48479/23]
- 2023-11-08 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 891 of 20 September 2023, the reason for the shortfall in reimbursement for cross-Border schemes is significantly higher for people availing of the scheme in 2022/2023 as opposed to those who availed of it in 2019 (details supplied). [48846/23]
- 2023-11-09 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health for an update on the 1,500 new hospital beds that he announced earlier in 2023; when he expects these to come onstream; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48985/23]
- 2023-11-09 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health for an update on the three new elective hospitals in Cork, Galway and Dublin, as promised under the National Development Plan; when he expects work to begin on the development of these hospitals; when he expects them to be operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48986/23]
Children 5 questions
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the cost charged to refugees from Ukraine when accommodation is provided, be it in hotels, guesthouses and congregated settings or own-door accommodation; and the amount collected to date. [47715/23]
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide a breakdown of the advertising spend of his Department and agencies under the remit of his Department, by national media outlet and local newspaper outlet, for each of the years 2020 to 2022, in tabular form. [47726/23]
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will urgently put in place home help support for a person (details supplied). [48367/23]
- 2023-11-08 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an urgent update on a placement appeal for a person (details supplied). [48934/23]
- 2023-11-09 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will urgently reconsider an application for essential funding on behalf of a group (details supplied). [49179/23]
Environment 3 questions
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will ensure that the provision of fibre broadband to a medical facility (details supplied) is urgently prioritised. [47674/23]
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will outline what Government grants are available for households to install a wood pellet stove system. [47682/23]
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide a breakdown of the advertising spend of his Department and agencies under the remit of his Department, by national media outlet and local newspaper outlet, for each of the years 2020 to 2022, in tabular form. [47730/23]
Education 3 questions
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education to provide a breakdown of the advertising spend of her Department and agencies under the remit of her Department, by national media outlet and local newspaper outlet, for each of the years 2020 to 2022, in tabular form. [47728/23]
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education if she will outline the paid leave entitlement of a school secretary (details supplied) given recent changes to terms and conditions. [48625/23]
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education when she will meet with the teacher unions to discuss the report proposing the introduction of a teacher relocation scheme from a working group established by one of the teacher unions. [48716/23]
Housing 3 questions
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide a breakdown of the advertising spend of his Department and agencies under the remit of his Department, by national media outlet and local newspaper outlet, for each of the years 2020 to 2022, in tabular form. [47735/23]
- 2023-11-09 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on the lack of progress in utilising off-site housing construction for the delivery of social housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49040/23]
- 2023-11-09 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider introducing new scheme of letting priorities which would allow councils to prioritise housing applications from those who are in employment but whose employment would not be sufficient to qualify for affordable homes or council mortgages, thereby ensuring that we are not inadvertently incentivising people to give up work to qualify for housing. [49039/23]
Social 3 questions
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will intervene to ensure a fuel allowance payment is awarded to a person (details supplied). [47520/23]
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection to provide a breakdown of the advertising spend of her Department and agencies under the remit of her Department, by national media outlet and local newspaper outlet, for each of the years 2020 to 2022, in tabular form. [47739/23]
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will ensure an application for a respite care grant is approved for a person (details supplied). [48066/23]
Justice 3 questions
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice to provide a breakdown of the advertising spend of her Department and agencies under the remit of her Department, by national media outlet and local newspaper outlet, for each of the years 2020 to 2022, in tabular form. [47736/23]
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice what plans she has to regulate receivers. [48200/23]
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice when her Department will host citizenship ceremonies for those recently awarded Irish citizenship. [48626/23]
Foreign 2 questions
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will expedite an application for citizenship through the foreign births register (details supplied). [47686/23]
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to provide a breakdown of the advertising spend of his Department and agencies under the remit of his Department, by national media outlet and local newspaper outlet, for each of the years 2020 to 2022, in tabular form. [47732/23]
Transport 2 questions
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if, in line with the reduced fares on public transport operators, there is a similar rate reduction for private operators servicing the same NTA routes. [47523/23]
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport to provide a breakdown of the advertising spend of his Department and agencies under the remit of his Department, by national media outlet and local newspaper outlet, for each of the years 2020 to 2022, in tabular form. [47742/23]
Public Expenditure 2 questions
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to provide a breakdown of the advertising spend of his Department and agencies under the remit of his Department, by national media outlet and local newspaper outlet, for each of the years 2020 to 2022, in tabular form. [47737/23]
- 2023-11-09 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he is aware that recent changes to the e-tendering system are having a hugely negative impact on businesses using the platform and if he can ensure that changes are made to the system to ensure it is more user friendly as a matter of urgency. [49141/23]
Enterprise 2 questions
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to provide a breakdown of the advertising spend of his Department and agencies under the remit of his Department, by national media outlet and local newspaper outlet, for each of the years from 2020 to 2022, in tabular form. [47729/23]
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide an update on the introduction of the Organisation of Working Time (Reproductive Health Related Leave) Bill 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47852/23]
Tourism 2 questions
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to provide a breakdown of the advertising spend of her Department and agencies under the remit of her Department, by national media outlet and local newspaper outlet, for each of the years 2020 to 2022, in tabular form. [47741/23]
- 2023-11-09 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will prioritise and approve an application for funding for an organisation (details supplied). [49182/23]
Agriculture 2 questions
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide a breakdown of the advertising spend of his Department and agencies under the remit of his Department, by national media outlet and local newspaper outlet, for each of the years 2020 to 2022, in tabular form. [47725/23]
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide details on a scheme to deal with ash dieback on roadside trees; and if he agrees that a scheme is necessary to assist farmers in removing roadside ash and replacing it with trees elsewhere in a landholding. [47762/23]
Further and Higher Education 2 questions
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when the student reduction for SUSI grants announced in Budget 2024 will take effect. [47301/23]
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide a breakdown of the advertising spend of his Department and agencies under the remit of his Department, by national media outlet and local newspaper outlet, for each of the years 2020 to 2022, in tabular form. [47733/23]
Taoiseach 1 question
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Taoiseach to provide a breakdown of the advertising spend of his Department and agencies under the remit of his Department, by national media outlet and local newspaper outlet, for each of the years 2020 to 2022, in tabular form. [47740/23]
Defence 1 question
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide a breakdown of the advertising spend of his Department and agencies under the remit of his Department, by national media outlet and local newspaper outlet, for each of the years 2020 to 2022, in tabular form. [47727/23]
Finance 1 question
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Finance to provide a breakdown of the advertising spend of his Department and agencies under the remit of his Department, by national media outlet and local newspaper outlet, for each of the years 2020 to 2022, in tabular form. [47731/23]
Rural 1 question
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to provide a breakdown of the advertising spend of her Department and agencies under the remit of her Department, by national media outlet and local newspaper outlet, for each of the years 2020 to 2022, in tabular form. [47738/23]

New lobbying 1 return

Irish Deer Commission Justice and Equality
- Raise concerns about proposed changes to firearm licensing and consequences for deer management

Sorca Clarke — Sinn Féin 6 votes · 36 questions · 0 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 36 total

Health 11 questions
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number of patients currently attending the paediatric diabetes service in the Regional Hospital Mullingar. [47872/23]
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the current waiting list, per age, for community psychology in Mullingar primary care centre, in tabular form.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47873/23]
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the current staffing number of the community psychology team in Mullingar primary care centre. [47874/23]
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the current vacancies that exist in Mullingar Regional Hospital, per post; and the length of time each has been vacant for. [47876/23]
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the Working Time (Reproductive Health Related Leave) Bill 2021 in relation to fertility treatment and miscarriage leave. [47879/23]
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number of women awaiting gynaecology appointments, by hospital, in tabular form. [47880/23]
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 579 of 17 October 2023, when the document approved by the National Trauma Programme Steering Group in December 2022 which states "TU's should have the availability of at least one paediatric nurse per shift" and "recommends one WTE nurse per paediatric attendance annually" was updated and this recommendation removed. [47889/23]
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the current staffing of the paediatric diabetes service in the Regional Hospital Mullingar; the current vacancies within that service; and how long each post has been vacant for. [47890/23]
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health when an appointment will be issued to a person (details supplied) regarding their confirmed urgent referral to the urology clinic in UCG Hospital in Dec 2022. [47961/23]
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the proposed and announced refurbishments, developments and funding for St. Josephs care centre in Longford town, given the first refurbishment was due to be completed in 2021. [48507/23]
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health following the announcement in September 2023 of a ward-closure in St. Joseph's care centre in Longford, due to an issue with a roof, to provide an update on works carried out and works that remain to be completed; and the timeline for completion, in relation to this issue given the level of demand that exists for this centre. [48508/23]
Education 5 questions
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education to provide an up-to-date response on her Department's engagement with representatives on the issue of post-primary redeployment of teachers. [47670/23]
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education the number of pilot schemes currently underway in education; the nature of these schemes; and the locations where they are underway. [47893/23]
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on the review into the schoolbook grant scheme for primary schools. [47897/23]
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education if her Department is considering extending the benefits achieved under the North-East Inner City Programme to other areas facing similar challenges. [47898/23]
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on the progress that has been made in the past six months with regard to the teacher relocation scheme at post-primary level; what engagements she and her Department have had with the teacher's unions; and what plans she and her Department have in place to address this issue and to guarantee its success going forward. [48542/23]
Transport 4 questions
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport what funding streams are available from his Department to aid in the design, reconfiguration and support of pedestrian safety in the locality of schools. [47878/23]
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the N4 upgrade works. [47881/23]
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport what engagement his Department has had, and what plans are being considered or implemented, to improve the Dublin to Sligo rail service. [47882/23]
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport the current waiting times in all driving test centres in Longford and Westmeath; and if additional testers have been allocated to these specific centres to deal with the backlog of people awaiting driving tests, per test centre, in tabular form. [47888/23]
Defence 3 questions
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the current number of apprentice carpenters in the Defence Forces; and the supports available to those who are required to temporarily relocate for the academic portion of said apprenticeship. [47891/23]
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide clarity and additional information on the statement made by the Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and at the Department of Education (details supplied). [47894/23]
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide an update on the independent review into allegations of abuse in the Defence Forces. [47895/23]
Children 3 questions
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the current staff vacancies in the SDNT in Springfield Mullingar; and the length of time each has been vacant for. [47875/23]
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of referrals that have been outsourced to private providers for assessments of need for 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [47877/23]
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if there are currently any plans for the relocation of families and individuals seeking international protection or temporary protection to Edgeworthstown, County Longford. [48117/23]
Further and Higher Education 3 questions
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the total allocation of capital grants made available, per ETB, in 2021, 2022 and 2023, in tabular form. [47885/23]
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an update on the proposed centre of excellence for electric vehicle management in Mullingar. [47887/23]
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an update on the contract proposals for hourly-paid adult education tutors. [47896/23]
Public Expenditure 2 questions
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 216 of 15 November 2022, if he will provide an update in relation to the commitment to undertake an examination of the legislative landscape, including a review of the current regulatory environment underpinning the members of the Shannon Flood Risk State Co-ordination Working Group and the consideration of the legal analysis that was, at that point, being carried out. [47900/23]
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if his attention has been drawn to media reports regarding serious issues with respect to surveillance equipment being procured by his Department (details supplied); if he is satisfied that use of this technology has been subject to due consideration, with reference to the threats and human rights’ abuses which have been identified in said media reports; what steps he will take in light of previous concerns being brought to the OPW regarding the use of this technology in the Irish context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48636/23]
Tourism 2 questions
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media for an update on the large-scale sports infrastructure fund; the number of projects that were allocated funding in Longford and Westmeath under the previous round; to provide an update on progress from these projects. [47886/23]
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of applications received under the most recent sports capital grant scheme in Longford and Westmeath; and the value of the approved applications. [47901/23]
Environment 1 question
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications what changes are proposed to the criteria for SEAI grants; and if those changes will be extended to include windows and doors. [47884/23]
Enterprise 1 question
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to provide an update on progress being made to acquire an IDA purpose-built facility in Longford town. [47883/23]
Social 1 question
- 2023-11-07 Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Social Protection the payments which remain payable should the recipient relocate permanently outside the State. [47892/23]