Cavan-Monaghan — week of Mon, 3 Feb

What your Cavan-Monaghan TDs did this week

Mon, 3 Feb – 9 Feb 2025 · 5 TDs · 2 bills voted on · 54 questions · 1 new lobbying filings

Votes this week

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

2025-02-05 · 1 vote

The motion · motion passed 97–72

Voted for 3 Brendan Smith · David Maxwell · Niamh Smyth

Voted against 2 Cathy Bennett · Matt Carthy

Ministers and Secretaries and Ministerial, Parliamentary, Judicial and Court Offices (Amendment) Bill 2025: Waiver of Pre-Legislative Scrutiny

2025-02-05 · 1 vote

The motion · motion passed 93–69

Voted for 3 Brendan Smith · David Maxwell · Niamh Smyth

Voted against 2 Cathy Bennett · Matt Carthy

Brendan Smith — Fianna Fáil 2 votes · 7 questions · 0 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 7 total

Agriculture 2 questions
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when guidelines and details of grant aid will issue to farmers whose forestry plantations have been damaged by storm Éowyn; if this matter will be dealt with as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3485/25]
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 336 of 7 November 2024, if further consideration will be given to the introduction of supports to help small-scale farm holders purchase neighbouring farm land when such options occur; if measures will be introduced to help reduce the sale of farm land to non-farming interests and particularly large-scale businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3559/25]
Finance 1 question
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance if cross-Government measures will be introduced to reduce the sale of farm land to non-farming interests, and particularly large-scale businesses, with specific reference to the need to support small farm holders who may wish to buy neighbouring farm land for farming purposes when such options arise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3560/25]
Enterprise 1 question
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when approval will issue to local authorities to issue payments to the remainder of outstanding applications under the 2024 increased cost of business scheme which were due to be issued before the end of 2024; if this matter will be finalised without further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3554/25]
Social 1 question
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will bring forward to the earliest possible date the timeline for the abolition of the means test for the carer’s allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3498/25]
Justice 1 question
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice the measures that have been put in place to ensure full co-operation by the State with the Omagh bombing inquiry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3561/25]
Further and Higher Education 1 question
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when contact was made with the European Commission seeking assistance through the European Social Fund to help deal with difficulties arising from storm Éowyn; the outcome of such discussions, if any; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3540/25]

Cathy Bennett — Sinn Féin 2 votes · 8 questions · 0 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 8 total

Education 4 questions
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Education if she plans to open an education centre in County Cavan; if she will outline her considerations and plans in relation to same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2813/25]
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Education the basis upon which special education hours are allocated to a school; the format of an assessment or pre-assessment; the training provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2814/25]
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Education the mechanism by which schools are financially supported regarding costs associated with oil, electricity, and insurance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2815/25]
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Education the funding available to schools regarding the purchase and installation of solar panels; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2816/25]
Transport 2 questions
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Transport the number of instances in 2024 whereby Bus Éireann's Expressway 32 route did not depart on time from Monaghan town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2394/25]
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the policy of Bus Éireann to refrain from employing those aged over 70 as school bus drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2451/25]
Housing 1 question
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on his engagements with his European counterparts, and the European Union, regarding assistance to alleviate the impact of storm Éowyn; the timeframe in which it was first considered to seek assistance; when a request for assistance was first made; if an offer of support was offered in advance of this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2800/25]
Social 1 question
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Social Protection if the purchase of diesel for the purpose of running a generator falls within the scope of the humanitarian assistance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3510/25]

David Maxwell — Fine Gael 2 votes · 0 questions · 0 new lobbying returns

Matt Carthy — Sinn Féin 2 votes · 28 questions · 0 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 28 total

Health 5 questions
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health the reasons inpatient step-down bed occupancy rates in Monaghan Hospital have been so low in recent months, falling to 66% on some occasions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2374/25]
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health the services that are available or planned, to provide consultation and assessment clinics for adults with ADHD in the Cavan/Monaghan area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2507/25]
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health if she will publish the ministerial brief she received following the recent formation of the Government. [2763/25]
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health if she plans to include lumateperone within the drugs payment scheme; the status of any considerations; the timeframe in which it may be included; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2772/25]
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health the basis on which persons over 69 years are excluded from bowel cancer screening; if she has considered facilitating screening for those aged over 69 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2773/25]
Defence 3 questions
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his targets for attaining an establishment figure of the Defence Forces to that envisaged by Level of Ambition 2 of the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, by year, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2751/25]
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the target year by which the Defence Forces are expected to attain Level of Ambition 3 of the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, by year, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2752/25]
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will publish the ministerial brief he received following the recent formation of the Government. [2755/25]
Transport 2 questions
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport the number of flights through sovereign Irish airspace which have occurred in breach of Irish legislation since October 2023; the dates of such breaches; if the matter has been referred to An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2750/25]
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport if he will publish the ministerial brief he received following the recent formation of the Government. [2771/25]
Education 2 questions
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 292 of 15 October 2024, when a person (details supplied) will receive an assessment for dyslexia; the reason the assigned psychologist has not meet with the parent to outline how the pupil can be supported, as indicated in the previous PQ response; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2292/25]
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education if she will publish the Ministerial brief she received following the recent formation of the Government. [2756/25]
Housing 2 questions
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will publish the ministerial brief he received following the recent formation of the Government. [2764/25]
- 2025-02-06 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will engage with an association (details supplied) that are owed an outstanding payment from Cavan County Council in respect of social houses delivered in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3826/25]
Children 2 questions
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the current number of properties in County Monaghan being used for the purpose of State-supported accommodation for people affected by the war in Ukraine, the people of people accommodated in these properties; the number of such properties which have been or for which it is intended to end this use; the number therein for which the purpose has changed or will change to international protection accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2290/25]
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if she will publish the Ministerial brief she received following the recent formation of the Government. [2754/25]
Taoiseach 1 question
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Taoiseach if he will publish the ministerial brief he received following the recent formation of the Government. [2769/25]
Foreign 1 question
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will publish the ministerial brief he received following the recent formation of the Government. [2761/25]
Environment 1 question
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will publish the ministerial brief he received following the recent formation of the Government. [2758/25]
Finance 1 question
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Finance if he will publish the Ministerial brief he received following the recent formation of the Government. [2760/25]
Public Expenditure 1 question
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will publish the Ministerial brief he received following the recent formation of the Government. [2766/25]
Enterprise 1 question
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will publish the ministerial brief he received following the recent formation of the Government. [2757/25]
Tourism 1 question
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if he will publish the Ministerial brief he received following the recent formation of the Government. [2770/25]
Social 1 question
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will publish the Ministerial brief he received following the recent formation of the Government. [2768/25]
Justice 1 question
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice if he will publish the ministerial brief he received following the recent formation of the Government. [2765/25]
Agriculture 1 question
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will publish the Ministerial brief he received following the recent formation of the Government. [2753/25]
Further and Higher Education 1 question
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will publish the ministerial brief he received following the recent formation of the Government. [2762/25]
Rural 1 question
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he will publish the Ministerial brief he received following the recent formation of the Government. [2767/25]

Niamh Smyth — Fianna Fáil 2 votes · 11 questions · 0 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 11 total

Education 3 questions
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on the timeline for the delivery of the modular building required for the ASD special class at a school (details supplied); if she is aware that the school has had to defer admissions for September 2025 due to the lack of suitable infrastructure, despite engaging with the NCSE and her Department on this matter; and the immediate steps her Department will take to address this urgent issue to ensure the health and safety of the children currently enrolled and those awaiting enrolment. [2587/25]
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education the status of the permanent site plan for a school (details supplied), which was approved in 2020 and is due to expire in November 2025; when on-site building works will commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2653/25]
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education if she will urgently review the case of a child (details supplied). [3172/25]
Transport 2 questions
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if the case of an application for a person (details supplied) will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2467/25]
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if he will review the wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) grant scheme to ensure that applicants purchasing wheelchair-accessible taxis are guaranteed approval for the grant, given the high cost of such vehicles; to consider extending grants to cover the purchase of all taxis, not just wheelchair-accessible vehicles, to support taxi drivers who are currently paying high rental fees but wish to own their vehicles; and if he will examine the process to address the issue of the scheme closing early due to overwhelming demand, as occurred with Round 1 of WAV25 on 6 January and if that process can be changed. [2588/25]
Enterprise 2 questions
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will examine the eligibility criteria for the Power Up grant as it relates to small business owners who paid their rent and rates as a combined single payment to their landlord (details supplied); if consideration will be given to cases where the business owner did not receive the second increased cost of business payment due to their landlord being listed on the rate account; if such arrangements could qualify for a retrospective assessment, given the business owner was not aware of the requirement to be listed directly on the rate account; and if there is a review process for those who were rejected. [2585/25]
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will consider amending the legislation to extend the definition of ‘casual trading’ to include the provision of services, alongside the sale of goods, as the current legislation restricts regulation under casual trading bye-laws to goods only, noting the increasing prevalence of services such as pop-up saunas and other temporary service providers operating on public lands, including beaches, and the need for local authorities to have a regulatory framework to address these activities effectively. [2589/25]
Health 2 questions
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if the case of a person (details supplied) will be reviewed; the reason an appointment for a scan has been cancelled on four occasions; if the appointment will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2345/25]
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health to confirm the Covid guidelines for staff of hospitals during the period of January to July 2022, in particular returning to work, course of action if showing Covid symptoms, etc., and if these guidelines applied to private hospitals operational in the State. [2584/25]
Environment 1 question
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will address the significant delays in the approval and payment of pension increases for retired An Post pensioners, which require ministerial approval and have led to unacceptable delays in 2022 and 2023; the measures being taken to rectify this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2586/25]
Social 1 question
- 2025-02-05 Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection for an update on the carer’s allowance review of (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2344/25]