Galway West — week of Mon, 3 Mar — Watch Them Work

What your Galway West TDs did this week

Mon, 3 Mar – 9 Mar 2025 · 6 TDs · 3 bills voted on · 63 questions · 4 new lobbying filings

Votes this week

Oideachas trí Mheán na Gaeilge: Tairiscint (Atógáil) [Comhaltaí Príobháideacha]

2025-03-05 · 2 votes

An amendment to the bill · motion passed 86–70

Voted for 3 Hildegarde Naughton · John Connolly · Noel Grealish

Voted against 2 Catherine Connolly · Mairéad Farrell

Did not vote 1 Seán Kyne

The motion · motion passed 87–71

Voted for 3 Hildegarde Naughton · John Connolly · Noel Grealish

Voted against 2 Catherine Connolly · Mairéad Farrell

Did not vote 1 Seán Kyne

Waste in Public Expenditure

2025-03-05 · 3 votes

A sub-amendment · motion failed 56–102

Voted for 2 Catherine Connolly · Mairéad Farrell

Voted against 3 Hildegarde Naughton · John Connolly · Noel Grealish

Did not vote 1 Seán Kyne

An amendment to the bill · motion passed 90–69

Voted for 3 Hildegarde Naughton · John Connolly · Noel Grealish

Voted against 2 Catherine Connolly · Mairéad Farrell

Did not vote 1 Seán Kyne

The motion · motion passed 90–69

Voted for 3 Hildegarde Naughton · John Connolly · Noel Grealish

Voted against 2 Catherine Connolly · Mairéad Farrell

Did not vote 1 Seán Kyne

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

2025-03-04 · 1 vote

The week's Dáil business schedule · motion passed 93–66

Voted for 3 Hildegarde Naughton · John Connolly · Noel Grealish

Voted against 2 Catherine Connolly · Mairéad Farrell

Did not vote 1 Seán Kyne

Catherine Connolly — Independent 6 votes · 34 questions · 0 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 34 total

Health 7 questions
- 2025-03-04 Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1086 of 5 February 2024, when hormone replacement therapy will be freely available to those with a prescription; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9540/25]
- 2025-03-05 Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the current staffing shortfall at the HSE’s Galway community audiology service (details supplied); when these posts will be filled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9958/25]
- 2025-03-06 Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 1784 and 1785 of 9 September 2024, if the options appraisal process for the masterplan for University Hospital Galway which was due for completion in Q4 2024 has now been completed; if she will furnish a copy of the plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9919/25]
- 2025-03-06 Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 1784 and 1785 of 9 September 2024, the status of the Strategic Assessment Report/Preliminary Business Case (SAR/PBC); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9920/25]
- 2025-03-06 Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health for an update regarding the implementation of the maternity model of care for women with epilepsy; when the appointment of clinical posts at each of the maternity hubs will be complete; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10238/25]
- 2025-03-06 Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the current status of the epilepsy pregnancy register; the resources which have been allocated to this register; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10239/25]
- 2025-03-06 Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the Statutory Instruments she envisages being brought forward and signed by her Department during the first six months of 2025; to highlight in particular those concerned with the transposition and or implementation of further implementation of EU law requirements; those Statutory Instruments concerned with commencement of existing legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10332/25]
Tourism 7 questions
- 2025-03-06 Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the engagement he has had on the issue of maintaining public ownership of the Pálás cinema in Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9650/25]
- 2025-03-06 Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media his plans for the permanent roll-out of the basic income for arts scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9635/25]
- 2025-03-06 D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán maidir le Ceist Uimhir 9 den 19 Meán Fómhair, an ndéanfaidh sé soiléiriú a thabhairt ar an tionscnaimh títhíochta atá faoi chaibidil ag Údarás na Gaeltachta i gcúig shuíomh i Rinn Ó gCuanach, Contae Phort Láirge, ar an gCeathrú Rua, Contae na Gaillimhe agus i gCarraig an tSeascainn, Gaoth Dobhair, Contae Dhún na nGall; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [9639/25]
- 2025-03-06 D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cén uair a fhoilseofar na pleananna gníomhaíochta maidir leis an gcéad Phlean Náisiúnta um Sheirbhísí Poiblí Gaeilge; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [9637/25]
- 2025-03-06 D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an ndéanfaidh sé soiléiriú a thabhairt ar stádas forbartha Choláiste Lurgan i gContae na Gaillimhe; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [9638/25]
- 2025-03-06 Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media further to Parliamentary Question No. 345 of 11 February 2025, if his Department is working together with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on the simultaneous publication of the revised and re-titled Short Term Letting and Tourism Bill General Scheme and the Planning Guidelines for the Short-Term Letting sector; the current status and estimated publication date of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10283/25]
- 2025-03-06 Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the Statutory Instruments he envisages being brought forward and signed by his Department during the first six months of 2025; to highlight in particular those concerned with the transposition and or implementation of further implementation of EU law requirements; those Statutory Instruments concerned with commencement of existing legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10339/25]
Transport 3 questions
- 2025-03-04 Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the progress made on the roll-out of light rail for Galway, following the publication of the feasibility study on 30 October 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9456/25]
- 2025-03-04 Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the status of the proposed sites in Galway city and county for the roll-out of park-and-ride; if the sites have been identified; when they will be operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9455/25]
- 2025-03-06 Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the Statutory Instruments he envisages being brought forward and signed by his Department during the first six months of 2025; to highlight in particular those concerned with the transposition and or implementation of further implementation of EU law requirements; those Statutory Instruments concerned with commencement of existing legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10340/25]
Enterprise 3 questions
- 2025-03-04 Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the EU omnibus legislation which severely risks undermining critical sustainability legislation, including the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive; if he agrees that the omnibus would undermine the EU’s efforts to tackle corporate impunity and to prevent human rights and environmental abuses that disproportionately affect people in the Global South, particularly in light of government support for the CSDDD last year; his intention to act in Brussels to oppose the changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9566/25]
- 2025-03-04 Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the consultation process on the employment regulation order governing the security industry will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9796/25]
- 2025-03-06 Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the Statutory Instruments he envisages being brought forward and signed by his Department during the first six months of 2025; to highlight in particular those concerned with the transposition and or implementation of further implementation of EU law requirements; those Statutory Instruments concerned with commencement of existing legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10327/25]
Housing 2 questions
- 2025-03-06 Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 345 of 11 February 2025, if work has begun on the planning guidelines for the short-term letting sector to supplement the introduction of the revised and re-titled Short Term Letting and Tourism Bill General Scheme; details of further public or stakeholder consultations on these guidelines ahead of its publication; the current status and estimated publication date of the aforementioned planning guidelines and legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10284/25]
- 2025-03-06 Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the Statutory Instruments he envisages being brought forward and signed by his Department during the first six months of 2025; to highlight in particular those concerned with the transposition and or implementation of further implementation of EU law requirements; those Statutory Instruments concerned with commencement of existing legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10333/25]
Foreign 1 question
- 2025-03-06 Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the Statutory Instruments he envisages being brought forward and signed by his Department during the first six months of 2025; to highlight in particular those concerned with the transposition and or implementation of further implementation of EU law requirements; those Statutory Instruments concerned with commencement of existing legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10330/25]
Environment 1 question
- 2025-03-06 Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the Statutory Instruments he envisages being brought forward and signed by his Department during the first six months of 2025; to highlight in particular those concerned with the transposition and or implementation of further implementation of EU law requirements; those Statutory Instruments concerned with commencement of existing legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10328/25]
Defence 1 question
- 2025-03-06 Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the Statutory Instruments he envisages being brought forward and signed by his Department during the first six months of 2025; to highlight in particular those concerned with the transposition and or implementation of further implementation of EU law requirements; those Statutory Instruments concerned with commencement of existing legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10325/25]
Finance 1 question
- 2025-03-06 Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Finance the Statutory Instruments he envisages being brought forward and signed by his Department during the first six months of 2025; to highlight in particular those concerned with the transposition and or implementation of further implementation of EU law requirements; those Statutory Instruments concerned with commencement of existing legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10329/25]
Public Expenditure 1 question
- 2025-03-06 Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the Statutory Instruments he envisages being brought forward and signed by his Department during the first six months of 2025; to highlight in particular those concerned with the transposition and or implementation of further implementation of EU law requirements; those Statutory Instruments concerned with commencement of existing legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10335/25]
Education 1 question
- 2025-03-06 Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education the Statutory Instruments she envisages being brought forward and signed by her Department during the first six months of 2025; to highlight in particular those concerned with the transposition and or implementation of further implementation of EU law requirements; those Statutory Instruments concerned with commencement of existing legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10326/25]
Social 1 question
- 2025-03-06 Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Social Protection the Statutory Instruments he envisages being brought forward and signed by his Department during the first six months of 2025; to highlight in particular those concerned with the transposition and or implementation of further implementation of EU law requirements; those Statutory Instruments concerned with commencement of existing legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10337/25]
Justice 1 question
- 2025-03-06 Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice the Statutory Instruments he envisages being brought forward and signed by his Department during the first six months of 2025; to highlight in particular those concerned with the transposition and or implementation of further implementation of EU law requirements; those Statutory Instruments concerned with commencement of existing legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10334/25]
Agriculture 1 question
- 2025-03-06 Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the Statutory Instruments he envisages being brought forward and signed by his Department during the first six months of 2025; to highlight in particular those concerned with the transposition and or implementation of further implementation of EU law requirements; those Statutory Instruments concerned with commencement of existing legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10323/25]
Children 1 question
- 2025-03-06 Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the Statutory Instruments she envisages being brought forward and signed by her Department during the first six months of 2025; to highlight in particular those concerned with the transposition and or implementation of further implementation of EU law requirements; those Statutory Instruments concerned with commencement of existing legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10324/25]
Further and Higher Education 1 question
- 2025-03-06 Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the Statutory Instruments he envisages being brought forward and signed by his Department during the first six months of 2025; to highlight in particular those concerned with the transposition and or implementation of further implementation of EU law requirements; those Statutory Instruments concerned with commencement of existing legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10331/25]
Rural 1 question
- 2025-03-06 Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the Statutory Instruments he envisages being brought forward and signed by his Department during the first six months of 2025; to highlight in particular those concerned with the transposition and or implementation of further implementation of EU law requirements; those Statutory Instruments concerned with commencement of existing legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10336/25]

Hildegarde Naughton — Fine Gael 6 votes · 0 questions · 1 new lobbying return

New lobbying 1 return

Polio Survivors Ireland Health
- National Disability Strategy

John Connolly — Fianna Fáil 6 votes · 10 questions · 1 new lobbying return

Questions asked 10 total

Tourism 3 questions
- 2025-03-05 Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media for details of any scheme being proposed to provide financial incentives to teachers who enrol voluntarily to learn Irish and sit language proficiency examinations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10212/25]
- 2025-03-06 Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media for an update on any discussions between his Department and other bodies regarding the future use and operation of the Pálás Art House Cinema in Galway city, a publicly-funded development which closed recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10166/25]
- 2025-03-06 D'fhiafraigh Deputy John Connolly den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán na hiarrachtaí atá á dhéanamh aige chun an méid iomlán maoinithe a chur ar fáil do Fhoras na Gaeilge i mbliana chun a gcuid gníomhaíochtaí reatha a choinneáil i bhfeidhm; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [10165/25]
Transport 2 questions
- 2025-03-04 Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the plans within his Department to realise the recommendations of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review to re-instate the Western Rail Corridor between Claremorris and Athenry and to double the rail track between Galway city and Athenry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8165/25]
- 2025-03-04 Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport if he will confirm that the Galway Roads Project Office, consisting of Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Galway County Council and Galway City Council, will lodge the updated information to An Bord Pleanála for the reassessment of the Galway city ring road project prior to the April 2025 deadline; if the project continues to enjoy the support of the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8164/25]
Health 2 questions
- 2025-03-06 Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Health if tenders have been sought and assessed for the provision of primary care centres at locations within County Galway, such as An Spidéal, Oranmore, Claregalway and Galway city west; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9897/25]
- 2025-03-06 Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Health if the HSE has procured the architectural led design team and project control team for the design and progression of the new elective hospital at Merlin Park, Galway; if she can provide an update on the progress of their work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9898/25]
Taoiseach 1 question
- 2025-03-04 Deputy John Connolly asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on children and education will meet next. [9480/25]
Enterprise 1 question
- 2025-03-05 Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has considered the development of a specific scheme to compensate small and medium enterprises that continued to renumerate staff in the aftermath of storm Éowyn while the business could not operate due to outages of power and water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9884/25]
Agriculture 1 question
- 2025-03-06 Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a review was undertaken of the Brexit fish processor transition scheme following its conclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10258/25]

New lobbying 1 return

Galway Regional Youth Federation Company Limited by Guarantee Children and Youth Affairs
- Young people and youth workers visited Leinster House

Mairéad Farrell — Sinn Féin 6 votes · 19 questions · 1 new lobbying return

Questions asked 19 total

Environment 4 questions
- 2025-03-04 Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 152 of 18 February 2025, if he will comment on the particular wind turbine affected in this case (details supplied). [9197/25]
- 2025-03-04 Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the date the principal officer with responsibility for the inland fisheries division/unit of his Department was appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9760/25]
- 2025-03-06 Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the measures that he and the inland fisheries division will take to instigate an independent review of Inland Fisheries Ireland, as highlighted in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10460/25]
- 2025-03-06 Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the total amount of funding/financial aid given by his Department and agencies under his Department’s remit to two organisations (details supplied) since 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10461/25]
Health 4 questions
- 2025-03-06 Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health the eligibility criteria for discretionary medical cards; the reasons a person who has held a medical card for many years might have their discretionary medical card revoked, if their medical circumstance have not changed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9899/25]
- 2025-03-06 Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health the plans in place to install a dedicated maternity theatre at University Hospital Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10450/25]
- 2025-03-06 Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health the reason for the additional financial burden placed on individuals who present at accident-and-emergency departments after a road-traffic accident (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10451/25]
- 2025-03-06 Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health the number of patients on University Hospital Galway’s waiting list for the pain clinic; the length of time they have been waiting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10455/25]
Transport 2 questions
- 2025-03-04 Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the BusConnects Galway bus network redesign; and the timeline for the implementation of the project. [9474/25]
- 2025-03-04 Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport if coaches fitted with toilets will be considered for longer rural bus routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9475/25]
Housing 2 questions
- 2025-03-04 Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he intends on expanding eligibility to current septic tank grant schemes, or to design a new grant scheme, to support homeowners with the cost of updating their septic tank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9225/25]
- 2025-03-06 Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will confirm that his Department received written advice from Inland Fisheries Ireland in September 2010 to list pike (esox lucius) as an invasive freshwater fish species in Ireland when drafting S.I. No. 477/2011 - European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10463/25]
Children 2 questions
- 2025-03-04 Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if she will outline available funding streams from her Department to support recreational activities and social spaces for children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9649/25]
- 2025-03-06 Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if she will consider creating more peer support for children who have lost a parent; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10454/25]
Tourism 2 questions
- 2025-03-06 D'fhiafraigh Deputy Mairéad Farrell den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cad é a thuairim maidir leis an stailc a sheol grúpaí Gaeilge ar an 26 Feabhra 2025, agus oifigigh pleanála teanga ina measc, agus cad atá á dhéanamh faoin éileamh atá acu; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [10073/25]
- 2025-03-06 D'fhiafraigh Deputy Mairéad Farrell den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an dtabharfaidh sé nuashonrú maidir leis an riachtanas sa Státseirbhís go mbeadh Gaeilge ag fiche faoin gcéad d’earcaigh nua faoi dheireadh 2030; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas maidir leis an tábhacht a bhaineann le soláthar seirbhísí trí Ghaeilge i gceantair Ghaeltachta, go háirithe. [10074/25]
Social 1 question
- 2025-03-04 Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of HAS1 and HAS2 applications received in the aftermath of storm Éowyn; the number of each that have been processed to date; the average length of time it is taking to process HAS1 applications, in tabular form, by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9063/25]
Finance 1 question
- 2025-03-06 Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Finance the number of taxpayers to date that have applied to have their flat-rate expenses (FRE) reinstated; if he will provide a breakdown for the numbers in each category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10456/25]
Further and Higher Education 1 question
- 2025-03-06 Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science what plans he has for grants or other financial assistance for students who are studying primary school teaching outside of the public system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10464/25]

New lobbying 1 return

Galway Regional Youth Federation Company Limited by Guarantee Children and Youth Affairs
- Young people and youth workers visited Leinster House

Noel Grealish — Independent 6 votes · 0 questions · 1 new lobbying return

New lobbying 1 return

Foróige, National Youth Development Organisation Children and Youth Affairs
- Letter highlighting importance of including a section dedicated to youth work in the Programme for Government

Seán Kyne — Fine Gael 0 votes · 0 questions · 0 new lobbying returns

Quiet week — no questions filed or new lobbying returns.