Meath East — week of Mon, 24 Mar — Watch Them Work

What your Meath East TDs did this week

Mon, 24 Mar – 30 Mar 2025 · 4 TDs · 4 bills voted on · 74 questions · 0 new lobbying filings

Votes this week

Údarás na Gaeltachta (Amendment) Bill 2024: Céim an Choiste

2025-03-26 · 2 votes

An amendment to the bill · motion failed 67–88

Voted for 1 Darren O'Rourke

Voted against 3 Gillian Toole · Helen McEntee · Thomas Byrne

An amendment to the bill · motion failed 67–88

Voted for 1 Darren O'Rourke

Voted against 3 Gillian Toole · Helen McEntee · Thomas Byrne

Social Housing Tenant In Situ Scheme

2025-03-26 · 2 votes

An amendment to the bill · motion passed 87–71

Voted for 3 Gillian Toole · Helen McEntee · Thomas Byrne

Voted against 1 Darren O'Rourke

The motion · motion passed 87–70

Voted for 3 Gillian Toole · Helen McEntee · Thomas Byrne

Voted against 1 Darren O'Rourke

Triple Lock Mechanism and Irish Neutrality

2025-03-26 · 1 vote

An amendment to the bill · motion passed 87–69

Voted for 3 Gillian Toole · Helen McEntee · Thomas Byrne

Voted against 1 Darren O'Rourke

Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022 (Section 4(2)) (Scheme Termination Date) Order 2025

2025-03-26 · 2 votes

An amendment to the bill · motion failed 47–109

Voted for 1 Darren O'Rourke

Voted against 3 Gillian Toole · Helen McEntee · Thomas Byrne

The motion · motion passed 110–47

Voted for 3 Gillian Toole · Helen McEntee · Thomas Byrne

Voted against 1 Darren O'Rourke

Darren O'Rourke — Sinn Féin 7 votes · 72 questions · 0 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 72 total

Education 45 questions
- 2025-03-25 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to a shortage of primary school places in Dunshaughlin for September 2025 and that her Department has been notified of at least one patron body of their willingness to facilitate additional students if they have the teaching resources and physical space to do so; her plans to ensure additional capacity in Dunshaughlin for September 2025; the timeline for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13479/25]
- 2025-03-25 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education if she is aware that school bus escorts are left unemployed during the summer months and often experience delays with accessing social protection assistance; if she plans to employ school bus escorts all year round; the progress in that regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13528/25]
- 2025-03-25 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education if there is a cap on special needs assistants for 2025 and 2026; what that cap is, and if it is being reviewed in light of increased demand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13599/25]
- 2025-03-25 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the number of SNA posts funded in Budget 2025; the level of support this will provide in the planned new special classes and special schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13600/25]
- 2025-03-25 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education to list the colleges and courses where it is possible for a student to complete primary school teacher training entirely through the medium of Gaeilge; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13602/25]
- 2025-03-25 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the conditions or guidelines attached to the £20 million allocated to the Department of Education in the north of Ireland by the Shared Island Unit for the RAISE Programme. [13609/25]
- 2025-03-25 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education if she is aware that, due to the design of the RAISE Programme, some of the most deprived areas in the north of Ireland will be excluded. [13610/25]
- 2025-03-25 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the input the Shared Island Unit has in developing and assessing the formula used to determine which areas qualify for inclusion in the RAISE Programme. [13611/25]
- 2025-03-25 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the measures the Shared Island Unit will take to monitor the impact of the RAISE Programme. [13612/25]
- 2025-03-25 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the number of new ASD classes delivered in Galway post-primary schools in 2023 and 2024, in tabular form. [13902/25]
- 2025-03-25 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education when her Department expects refurbishment works at a school (details supplied) to be completed. [13903/25]
- 2025-03-25 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the amount of funding her Department provided to a school (details supplied) in 2023, 2024 and to-date in 2025, in tabular form. [13904/25]
- 2025-03-25 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the number of WTE educational welfare officers based in Clare in 2023, 2024 and to-date in 2025, in tabular form. [13905/25]
- 2025-03-25 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education when her Department expects refurbishment works at a school (details supplied) to be completed. [13906/25]
- 2025-03-25 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education how many vacancies for special education needs organiser posts that exist in the Louth area; and when will those posts be filled, in tabular form. [13907/25]
- 2025-03-25 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education when her Department expects refurbishment works at a school (details supplied) to be completed. [13908/25]
- 2025-03-25 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the number of WTE educational welfare officers based in Cavan in 2023, 2024 and to-date in 2025, in tabular form. [13909/25]
- 2025-03-25 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the number of DEIS schools in Kerry; and the location of name of those schools, in tabular form. [13910/25]
- 2025-03-25 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education how many staff members were employed to support the School Completion Programme in Donegal in 2023, 2024 and to-date in 2025, in tabular form. [13911/25]
- 2025-03-25 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the projected number of junior infant enrolments in County Kilkenny for September 2025 and 2026, in tabular form. [13912/25]
- 2025-03-25 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the amount of funding her Department provided to a school (details supplied) in 2023, 2024 and to-date in 2025, in tabular form. [13913/25]
- 2025-03-25 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on the implementation of the recommendations of the Report of the Scoping Inquiry into Historical Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools Run by Religious Orders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13939/25]
- 2025-03-25 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education if consideration is being given to holding a Commission of Investigation into historical physical abuse in schools here; if this will be included in the terms of reference, for example, of the Commission of Investigation arising from the recommendations of the Report of the Scoping Inquiry into Historical Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools Run by Religious Orders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13940/25]
- 2025-03-25 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the number of children carried on school buses entirely comprising 'concessionary' tickets due to the change in school transport scheme policy (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13941/25]
- 2025-03-25 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the changes that were made to the school transport scheme in the 2024-2025 school year, including arising from the school transport review; the changes planned for the 2025-2026 school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13942/25]
- 2025-03-25 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the further advice she has taken on the roll-out of phone pouches for schools since assuming office; the degree to which she has considered alternatives and the opportunity cost of this plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13943/25]
- 2025-03-25 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on the roll-out of phone pouches for schools; if the details of the scheme have been prepared; if tenders have been issued; if contracts have been signed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13944/25]
- 2025-03-25 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the number of schools referred to the Financial Support Services Unit due to concerns in relation to financial pressures, for each of the past three years, in tabular form, broken down by primary or secondary school, DEIS or non-DEIS, and county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14165/25]
- 2025-03-26 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question 343 of 18 February 2025, to list the 14 pilot projects underway for 2025 and any findings thus far; to outline how future pilots will be chosen; if there is opportunity for input into this process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14491/25]
- 2025-03-27 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the specific measures she will take to address the ongoing challenges in implementing the new Junior Cycle curriculum, particularly in terms of teacher workload and resource allocation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14907/25]
- 2025-03-27 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the means by which she plans to ensure that the Senior Cycle reform addresses both academic and vocational pathways to better prepare students for future careers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14908/25]
- 2025-03-27 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the steps she will take to promote the teaching of STEM subjects, particularly among underrepresented groups such as girls and students from disadvantaged backgrounds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14909/25]
- 2025-03-27 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education her plans to address the chronic underfunding of primary and secondary schools, particularly in rural areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14910/25]
- 2025-03-27 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the means by which she will ensure that schools have adequate funding for special education needs; that resources are distributed equitably; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14911/25]
- 2025-03-27 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the measures she will take to reduce the financial burden on parents, particularly regarding school uniforms, books, and voluntary contributions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14912/25]
- 2025-03-27 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education her plans to address the shortage of school transport services, particularly in rural and remote areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14913/25]
- 2025-03-27 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education her plan to address the shortage of school places, particularly at primary level in rapidly growing urban areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14914/25]
- 2025-03-27 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the means by which she will ensure that school buildings are modernised and fit for purpose, particularly in terms of energy efficiency and accessibility for students with disabilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14915/25]
- 2025-03-27 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the steps she will take to address the delays in delivering school building projects under the National Development Plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14920/25]
- 2025-03-27 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the measures she will take to address the ongoing issue of teacher shortages, particularly in key subjects such as Irish, mathematics, and modern languages; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14921/25]
- 2025-03-27 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the means by which she will support the well-being of teachers and reduce burnout, particularly in light of increasing workloads and administrative demands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14922/25]
- 2025-03-27 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the plans she has to improve pay and conditions for newly qualified teachers so as to make the profession more attractive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14923/25]
- 2025-03-27 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the means by which she will ensure that children with special educational needs receive timely assessments and adequate support in schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14924/25]
- 2025-03-27 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the steps she will take to address the shortage of special needs assistants and ensure that they receive appropriate training and support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14925/25]
- 2025-03-27 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the means by which she plans to promote inclusive education for students with disabilities, particularly in mainstream schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14926/25]
Further and Higher Education 6 questions
- 2025-03-25 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures he is taking to address the shortage of tutors for phase 6 pipefitting apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14090/25]
- 2025-03-25 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of pipefitting apprentices currently affected by the delays and expense of extended studies due to only one tutor operating at phase 6 level in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14091/25]
- 2025-03-27 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures being taken to address the delays with apprentices, including pipefitter apprentices, completing their studies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14104/25]
- 2025-03-27 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures he will take to address the funding crisis in higher education institutions to reduce the reliance on student contributions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14927/25]
- 2025-03-27 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the means by which he will support research and innovation in Irish universities to ensure Ireland remains competitive on the global stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14928/25]
- 2025-03-27 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science her plans to address the high cost of student accommodation and improve access to affordable housing for third-level students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14929/25]
Health 5 questions
- 2025-03-25 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the number of vacant consultant posts, by speciality, currently at the National Maternity Hospital; and when each of those vacancies will be filled, in tabular form. [13916/25]
- 2025-03-25 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the number of people who died from sepsis in Ireland in 2024. [13917/25]
- 2025-03-25 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the plans in place for a new attention deficit hyperactivity disorder team in Meath. [13918/25]
- 2025-03-25 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE consultant in emergency medicine based at the Mater Hospital in 2023, 2024 and to-date in 2025, in tabular form. [13919/25]
- 2025-03-25 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the number of paediatric neurosurgeries procedures carried out at CHI Temple Street in 2024 and to-date in 2025, in tabular form. [13920/25]
Transport 3 questions
- 2025-03-25 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if it is the case that the electric vehicle grant for SPSVs is closed; the date on which it closed, and the reason for its closure; his plans to re-open this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13603/25]
- 2025-03-25 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the progress made in identifying potential alternative flight paths for the north runway at Dublin Airport, as committed to at the Oireachtas Committee on Transport on 19 June 2024 (details supplied); the engagements by the Dublin Airport Authority in the process, including with technical experts, agencies and the local community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13754/25]
- 2025-03-25 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he has spoken with his UK counterpart since his appointment. [13921/25]
Foreign 2 questions
- 2025-03-25 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has met with the Malaysian ambassador to Ireland to date in 2025. [13926/25]
- 2025-03-25 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the level of engagement between his Department and the Government of Qatar in 2024 and to date in 2025. [13927/25]
Justice 2 questions
- 2025-03-25 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice the number of new Garda command and control vehicles that came into the fleet in 2023, 2024 and to-date in 2025; and the number of those vehicles withdrawn from the fleet during same period, in tabular form. [13914/25]
- 2025-03-25 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice the number of family liaison officer courses held for gardaí within Meath-Westmeath division. [13915/25]
Children 2 questions
- 2025-03-25 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of applications received to date in 2025 for respite care in County Meath; and the number of persons on a waiting list to get respite care services in Meath. [13922/25]
- 2025-03-25 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the vacancy rate for social workers for each CDNT in CHO8, in tabular form. [13923/25]
Rural 2 questions
- 2025-03-27 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when another round of funding for the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund will be announced; if projects which were previously unsuccessful will be allowed re-submit, such as the Dunshaughlin courthouse and town centre project in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14099/25]
- 2025-03-27 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he will provide an update on a project (details supplied) in Kells, County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10173/25]
Enterprise 1 question
- 2025-03-25 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of vacant WTE posts, by job title currently at the Workplace Relations Commission; and the estimated timeframe in which each of those vacancies will be filled, in tabular form. [13929/25]
Tourism 1 question
- 2025-03-25 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of external consultant reports commissioned by his Department in 2024 and to date in 2025; the companies involved; and the title and publication date, by report, in tabular form. [13924/25]
Housing 1 question
- 2025-03-25 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in light of the ongoing delay in his Department's approvals for affordable housing projects funded via SHIP, CAS, CALF, CREL and AHF, if he believes it important to deliver affordable housing units at the proposed development at Ashewood Glen, Ashbourne, County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14082/25]
Social 1 question
- 2025-03-25 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for disability allowance that are on appeal to the social welfare appeals office; and the number that are under consideration for two, three, four months and so on, in tabular form. [13928/25]
Agriculture 1 question
- 2025-03-25 Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has spoken with his UK counterpart since his appointment. [13925/25]

Gillian Toole — Independent 7 votes · 2 questions · 0 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 2 total

Further and Higher Education 1 question
- 2025-03-27 Deputy Gillian Toole asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the timeline for the single phase delivery of Dunboyne College of Further Education and Training, County Meath, serving six counties, based on the February 2022 commitment of the then-Minister. [14512/25]
Rural 1 question
- 2025-03-27 Deputy Gillian Toole asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development what forward planning and communication occurs intra- and inter-departmentally for balanced integration of renewable energy projects within rural areas, such projects having wide ranging effects on rural and community life and development. [14525/25]

Helen McEntee — Fine Gael 7 votes · 0 questions · 0 new lobbying returns

Thomas Byrne — Fianna Fáil 7 votes · 0 questions · 0 new lobbying returns