Cavan-Monaghan — week of Mon, 18 Mar

What your Cavan-Monaghan TDs did this week

Mon, 18 Mar – 24 Mar 2024 · 5 TDs · 1 bill voted on · 87 questions · 0 new lobbying filings

Votes this week

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

2024-03-20 · 1 vote

The motion · motion passed 70–61

Voted for 3 Brendan Smith · Heather Humphreys · Niamh Smyth

Voted against 2 Matt Carthy · Pauline Tully

Did not vote 2 Cathy Bennett · David Maxwell

Brendan Smith — Fianna Fáil 1 vote · 28 questions · 0 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 28 total

Defence 5 questions
- 2024-03-21 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if, in view of the lack of an Army barracks in the central Border area, if further consideration will be given to the re-opening of Dún Uí Néill, Cavan, as an Army barracks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13121/24]
- 2024-03-21 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if further consideration will be given to the re-opening of Dún Uí Néill Barracks, Cavan, as a forward operating base as that region has a long land border with a neighbouring jurisdiction, and taking into account that in the past the presence locally of Army personnel played a very important role in the security of this State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13122/24]
- 2024-03-21 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the numbers enlisted in the Permanent Defence Forces at present; the proposals, if any, to have substantial recruitment and the timescale for increasing personnel in the Army; Air Corps and Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13501/24]
- 2024-03-21 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the progress to date in implementing the Report of the Commission on Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13502/24]
- 2024-03-21 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the programme of improvement works that will be undertaken this year at Army barracks throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13503/24]
Justice 4 questions
- 2024-03-21 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice if it is proposed to introduce a standalone offence in relation to the spiking of drinks, in view of the serious repercussions of such deplorable behaviour and the effects on victims; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13478/24]
- 2024-03-21 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda stations operational in Cavan/Monaghan at present; when Bawnboy Garda station will be reopened as announced by Government previously; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13479/24]
- 2024-03-21 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice the progress to date in an investigation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13494/24]
- 2024-03-21 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice if she is aware of the concerns of sporting clubs and other community groups which run small-scale lotteries and is generally their main fundraiser in relation to the effects of the new legislation concerning betting regulations and gambling laws; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13495/24]
Further and Higher Education 4 questions
- 2024-03-21 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the proposals, if any, there are to increase capacity and availability of courses in digital forensics, in view of the threats to society posed by the proliferation of misinformation through social media platforms and the need to tackle such abuses; if his Department is funding research into such issues; if so, the type of research; if it is in collaboration with other agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13483/24]
- 2024-03-21 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the current position regarding a proposed building project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13484/24]
- 2024-03-21 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress to date in intensifying co-operation on a cross-Border and all-Ireland basis in further education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13485/24]
- 2024-03-21 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the additional places proposed to be in place for the next academic year in medicine, nursing and other healthcare professions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13486/24]
Transport 2 questions
- 2024-03-21 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure that additional funding will be provided to Cavan County Council and Monaghan County Council for much-needed improvement works to the non-national road network in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13262/24]
- 2024-03-21 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport views on the commitment in the Programme for Government to maintain the existing road network to a high standard and fund safety improvements; if he will ensure that additional funding will be provided to local authorities for the non-national road network in 2024, taking in to account the urgent requirement for additional investment due to the very substantial increase in costs that have arisen over recent years in road maintenance products and construction work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13261/24]
Foreign 2 questions
- 2024-03-21 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has raised with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland the interim report of Operation Kenova with particular reference to the actions of the British agent in the IRA which caused so many tragedies and loss of life; if he has expressed concern about the failure to pursue prosecutions for deplorable actions detailed in this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13540/24]
- 2024-03-21 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the measures that will be implemented to grow even further and strengthen the all-Ireland economy following the very welcome growth in cross-Border trade since 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13541/24]
Finance 2 questions
- 2024-03-21 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance the measures in place to protect customers from the actions of vulture funds, particularly homeowners whose mortgages are with such entities; his views on the need to ensure adequate access for such mortgage holders to greater protections through statutory agencies; if he proposes to implement additional measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13542/24]
- 2024-03-21 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance if he proposes to introduce additional measures to assist mortgage holders who are under financial pressures due to increased interest rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13543/24]
Enterprise 2 questions
- 2024-03-21 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the proposals, if any, there are to improve the visa criteria for the farming and agri-food sector, in view of the shortage of workers in some areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13489/24]
- 2024-03-21 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when additional financial provision will be introduced to assist local authorities, particularly those councils with a small rates base, to develop enterprise centres, as such workspaces are of extreme importance in enabling the establishment and growth of small businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13490/24]
Tourism 2 questions
- 2024-03-21 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the progress to date in introducing measures to counteract misinformation, disinformation and abuse on social media platforms; if additional measures are proposed, when same will be introduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13491/24]
- 2024-03-21 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number in receipt of the artists’ basic income scheme; if the workings of this scheme have been reviewed; the proposals, if any, there are to extend this scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13492/24]
Children 2 questions
- 2024-03-21 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the progress to date in improving services (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13510/24]
- 2024-03-21 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the progress to date in improving services (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13511/24]
Taoiseach 1 question
- 2024-03-20 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach if he will provide an update on the programme for Government. [9335/24]
Environment 1 question
- 2024-03-20 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will give consideration to the issues outlined in correspondence concerning prices for broadband and mobile network services (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12092/24]
Education 1 question
- 2024-03-20 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education if she is aware that despite reduced pupil teacher ratios and increased capitation grants, many schools are finding it difficult to manage given the level of cost inflation that they have to deal with; if she is further aware that schools are looking at dramatically reducing their expenditure, impacting essential school services and extra-curricular activities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12539/24]

Cathy Bennett — Sinn Féin 0 votes · 0 questions · 0 new lobbying returns

Quiet week — no questions filed or new lobbying returns.

David Maxwell — Fine Gael 0 votes · 0 questions · 0 new lobbying returns

Quiet week — no questions filed or new lobbying returns.

Matt Carthy — Sinn Féin 1 vote · 30 questions · 0 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 30 total

Defence 16 questions
- 2024-03-20 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on the acquisition of Airbus C295W; the expected delivery date; if the aircraft will have the capacity to participate in humanitarian air drops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11967/24]
- 2024-03-20 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he is aware of media reports in relation to civilians in Beirut detaining a UNIFIL vehicle which while conducting routine logistical movements transited on an unplanned route resulting in the confiscation of equipment and peacekeepers being detained and transferred to Hezbollah; if he will report on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11969/24]
- 2024-03-20 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on the implications of an increased retirement in the Defence Forces; his considerations in relation to this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11970/24]
- 2024-03-20 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 168 of 17 January 2024, the status of the project aiming to explore the establishment of a defence attaché network; if he has received the report and its findings; if the report will be published; any arising related timelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11972/24]
- 2024-03-20 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on the nomination of Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces to the position of Chair of the European Union Military Committee; the implications of the Chief of Staff being successfully elected, including with regard to support staff; when the election is due to be held and the duration of the term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12080/24]
- 2024-03-20 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on the work of the European Union Military Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12081/24]
- 2024-03-20 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the progress made in respect of each of the twelve recommendations arising from the Working Group which reviewed the Defence Forces approach in relation to the use of malaria chemoprophylaxis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12939/24]
- 2024-03-20 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he is aware of any instances since 2020 whereby a person has sought to induce any other individual within the State to accept a commission or engagement with a military of another state in breach of the Defence Act 1954; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12940/24]
- 2024-03-20 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 14 and 15 of 28 February 2024, the month of each expenditure in relation to orbiter 3 unmanned air systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13172/24]
- 2024-03-21 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his position on the adoption of qualified majority voting rather than the current requirement of unanimity on matters relating to defence at the European Council. [13142/24]
- 2024-03-21 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will ensure that proposed amendments to the Defence Acts provide for a role for representative associations on the external oversight body, do not infringe on the rights of any Defence Forces personnel to be a member of a representative association and do not excessively prohibit the freedom of expression of members of the Defence Forces. [13143/24]
- 2024-03-21 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the engagements between his Department and-or the Defence Forces with the Israel Defense Forces or other Israeli bodies since January 2023; and if proposals for further engagements are currently under consideration or review. [13158/24]
- 2024-03-21 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the amount allocated under Budget 2024 in relation to the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles; the amount expended in 2023, by quarter; and the purpose of such expenditure. [13157/24]
- 2024-03-21 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on the capacity of the Air Corps to contribute to efforts providing humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. [13154/24]
- 2024-03-21 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on the implementation of the Working Time Directive in the Defence Forces; and the timeframe in which he intends it be operationalised within the Defence Forces. [13156/24]
- 2024-03-21 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the timeframe in which he intends to bring forward proposals to remove the triple-lock neutrality protection; and if he will put these proposals before the people a referendum. [13155/24]
Education 5 questions
- 2024-03-20 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education the current locations of special schools and the number of students at each centre; the locations in which new special schools are due to open in 2024, 2025; and the locations in which it is further planned to establish a special school, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12340/24]
- 2024-03-20 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education the number of special educational needs organisers (SENOs) that are currently assigned to County Monaghan; if Monaghan has been served by SENO throughout the period since the beginning of the school year, August 2023-March 2024; the proposals to increase the SENO support for County Monaghan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12449/24]
- 2024-03-20 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education if potential sites or locations in County Monaghan have been yet considered for a new special school; the timeframe envisaged to deliver a new special school in County Monaghan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12941/24]
- 2024-03-20 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education the criteria used to determine the location for new special schools; whether there is a standardised formula to adjudicate upon different potential locations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12942/24]
- 2024-03-20 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education if there is a maximum timeframe that it is considered appropriate for any child to spend on a school bus to travel to and from a special school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12943/24]
Foreign 4 questions
- 2024-03-20 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his discussions with international partners regarding the air dropping of food to Gaza; the timeframe in which it is intended to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11973/24]
- 2024-03-20 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his response to reports regarding Israeli settlers storming the Erez crossing in north Gaza and constructing wooden structures which often precedes action through the Israeli legal system to establish settlements which are illegal under international law; if he has raised this specific incident with the representative of the Israeli government to Ireland; what the Irish diplomatic response would be should Israel attempt to re-establish settlements within Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11974/24]
- 2024-03-20 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs further to his statement (details supplied) the occasions on which he suggested to people in the United States that they speak with members of the opposition; the individuals in attendance on such occasions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12322/24]
- 2024-03-20 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 98 of 5 March 2024, the number of passport applications received from persons with an address in the north of Ireland in each of the years 2015 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12702/24]
Transport 2 questions
- 2024-03-20 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide funding for the pedestrian/cyclist facilities at River Fane bridge crossing in Inniskeen, County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12396/24]
- 2024-03-20 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure that the language within the driver theory test is simplified into plain English to make it more accessible for those with literacy or learning difficulties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12672/24]
Finance 1 question
- 2024-03-20 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Finance if he will reconsider his decision to introduce an increase in fuel excise on 1 April 2024 in light of the potential negative impact businesses in the Border region and on the cost-of-living for many workers and families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13166/24]
Children 1 question
- 2024-03-20 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he proposes measures to ease the pressure on childcare providers resulting from the carer-child ratio laid down by his Department; whether such measures would include provision to include students and/or apprentices within the carer ratio; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13098/24]
Health 1 question
- 2024-03-20 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 559 of 7 February 2024, if he will detail the HSE services that operated within the day care centre prior to the opening of the primary care facility (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12437/24]

Niamh Smyth — Fianna Fáil 1 vote · 17 questions · 0 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 17 total

Education 5 questions
- 2024-03-20 Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education if a person (details supplied) can get a place on the school bus to Virginia college; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11687/24]
- 2024-03-20 Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education for an update on a school project (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12200/24]
- 2024-03-20 Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education for an update on a school appeal (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12207/24]
- 2024-03-20 Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education to review a case (details supplied) regarding the allocation of a permanent EAL post at a school; to provide an update on this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12515/24]
- 2024-03-20 Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education if he will address a matter in relation to Teaching Council registration (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12879/24]
Health 5 questions
- 2024-03-20 Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if an appointment for a person (details supplied) can be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11615/24]
- 2024-03-20 Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive their next appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11933/24]
- 2024-03-20 Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) will get another appointment with any peritoneum consultant within the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11934/24]
- 2024-03-20 Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on a case (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12071/24]
- 2024-03-20 Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health to review correspondence (details supplied); when an appointment will be rescheduled for a person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12623/24]
Foreign 1 question
- 2024-03-20 Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport application (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13112/24]
Finance 1 question
- 2024-03-20 Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Finance if he will reconsider his decision to introduce an increase in fuel excise on 1 April 2024 given the fact that the UK has just announced it will not reintroduce its increase (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12061/24]
Enterprise 1 question
- 2024-03-20 Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will address concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12878/24]
Social 1 question
- 2024-03-20 Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) is waiting so long for an appeal decision for a domiciliary allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11780/24]
Children 1 question
- 2024-03-20 Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth why a person (details supplied) is waiting on an assessment of needs; if he can speed up the appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11584/24]
Further and Higher Education 1 question
- 2024-03-20 Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the case of a person (details supplied) will be reviewed; if advice will be provided to their family on the way to access this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12364/24]
Transport 1 question
- 2024-03-21 Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport for an update from his Department on the roll-out of electric car chargers nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10961/24]