Galway East — week of Mon, 28 Apr — Watch Them Work

What your Galway East TDs did this week

Mon, 28 Apr – 4 May 2025 · 4 TDs · 6 bills voted on · 52 questions · 10 new lobbying filings

Votes this week

Defamation (Amendment) Bill 2024

2025-04-30 · 2 votes · Govt (Justice)

A bill to provide that defamation actions in the High Court shall not be tried with a jury

full description

A bill to provide that defamation actions in the High Court shall not be tried with a jury; to give effect to Directive (EU) 2024/1069 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 April 2024 on protecting persons who engage in public participation from manifestly unfounded claims or abusive court proceedings (‘Strategic lawsuits against public participation’) in so far as it relates to defamation proceedings; for those and other purposes to amend the Defamation Act 2009; and to provide for related matters.

An amendment to the bill · motion failed 64–86

Voted for 1 Louis O'Hara

Voted against 3 Albert Dolan · Peter Roche · Seán Canney

The motion · motion passed 86–64

Voted for 3 Albert Dolan · Peter Roche · Seán Canney

Voted against 1 Louis O'Hara

Unnecessary Hip Surgeries at Children's Health Ireland

2025-04-30 · 1 vote

An amendment to the bill · motion passed 85–68

Voted for 3 Albert Dolan · Peter Roche · Seán Canney

Voted against 1 Louis O'Hara

Special Education

2025-04-30 · 1 vote

An amendment to the bill · motion passed 85–68

Voted for 3 Albert Dolan · Peter Roche · Seán Canney

Voted against 1 Louis O'Hara

Report of the Committee on Standing Orders and Dáil Reform on Orders of Reference and Establishment of Committees

2025-04-30 · 2 votes

An amendment to the bill · motion failed 67–86

Voted for 1 Louis O'Hara

Voted against 3 Albert Dolan · Peter Roche · Seán Canney

The motion · motion passed 103–49

Voted for 3 Albert Dolan · Peter Roche · Seán Canney

Voted against 1 Louis O'Hara

Final Draft Revised National Planning Framework

2025-04-30 · 1 vote

The motion · motion passed 87–66

Voted for 3 Albert Dolan · Peter Roche · Seán Canney

Voted against 1 Louis O'Hara

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

2025-04-29 · 1 vote

The week's Dáil business schedule · motion passed 84–70

Voted for 3 Albert Dolan · Peter Roche · Seán Canney

Voted against 1 Louis O'Hara

Albert Dolan — Fianna Fáil 8 votes · 27 questions · 1 new lobbying return

Questions asked 27 total

Environment 9 questions
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the total funding allocated to Galway City Council and Galway County Council over the past five years for district heating initiatives, including both project development and feasibility studies, by project and year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19639/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if any new or expanded funding supports are planned to assist Galway City Council and Galway County Council to develop district heating schemes as part of Ireland’s climate and energy goals; if he will provide details of any such commitments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19640/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the funding provided over the past five years to Galway City Council and Galway County Council for the purpose of advancing district heating projects or carrying out feasibility assessments; the breakdown, by project and local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19641/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if additional financial supports are being considered for local authorities such as Galway City Council and Galway County Council to progress district heating schemes in line with national climate targets; if so, the upcoming or planned initiatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19642/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the Government plans to publish the next Fuel Poverty Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19896/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications in reference to the Programme for Government commitment to explore legislation to divert surplus renewable energy to homes in fuel poverty, if a timeline has been established for the introduction of such legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19897/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide data on the annual trends in energy poverty in Ireland over the past five years, and the direction in which energy poverty rates are moving; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19898/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to detail the funds allocated to local authorities specifically for combating fuel poverty in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19899/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the funds provided to approved housing bodies for initiatives aimed at reducing fuel poverty over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19900/25]
Further and Higher Education 8 questions
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the review of financial supports for third-level students from Ukraine has been completed; and if so, the outcome or when the review is expected to be completed. [18641/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if funding will be provided to the ETBs for the current financial year; whether each ETB has been issued with a confirmed budget or is currently operating under a provisional or indicative allocation; the date each ETB was notified of its allocation, and whether these allocations carry full budgetary authority. [19216/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the current Government policy on the ability of higher education institutions, including universities, technological universities and institutes of technology, to borrow funds for capital or infrastructure investment; and whether such institutions are required to obtain approval or sanction before engaging in borrowing, and under what conditions. [19850/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the borrowing framework or restrictions that apply to publicly funded higher education institutions, including technological universities and institutes of technology; and whether any approval process, legislative limitations, or fiscal rules constrain such institutions from borrowing to invest in infrastructure or strategic development, such as student accommodation. [19851/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether higher education institutions, including universities and technological universities, are permitted to borrow or raise finance independently to develop student accommodation; and any policy, guidelines, or restrictions currently in place that may limit or regulate such borrowing. [19852/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his policy or strategic approach to enabling or supporting the delivery of student accommodation by higher education institutions; and whether any capital funding, borrowing flexibility or public private partnership models are under consideration to expand student housing supply. [19853/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason Technological University of the Shannon is not permitted to borrow for the purpose of developing student accommodation; and if there are plans to review borrowing restrictions to enable technological universities to support the delivery of on-campus housing. [19854/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the policy or legislative basis for restricting technological universities, including the Technological University of the Shannon, from borrowing to fund the construction of student accommodation; and whether any such restriction is under review. [19855/25]
Transport 4 questions
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Transport if, in collaboration with the relevant authorities, he will review the fines and enforcement measures for the misuse of disabled parking spaces, given that current penalties are not acting as a strong enough deterrent and enforcement remains inadequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18531/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Transport to address three matters (details supplied). [18908/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Transport his views on introducing a flexible and practical system for recognising commercial truck and machinery licences issued in New Zealand, particularly in cases where an Irish licence holder has resided abroad for more than 10 years; if he will review the possibility of a competency or theory test pathway, similar to the system in New Zealand, for individuals seeking to regain their truck licence upon return to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18993/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Transport an update on the ongoing roadworks on the N65 to Portumna, County Galway; the issues that are preventing their completion; and the expected completion date of the works. [19407/25]
Health 3 questions
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Health the timeline for the expansion of the publicly-funded IVF programme announced in Budget 2025, particularly in relation to eligibility for couples who already have one child; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18959/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Health the reasons the position of psychologist at the Athenry primary care centre, County Galway, has not yet been filled; if this position remains open; if it is currently being actively advertised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20889/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Health if she will review the current capacity of the complex menopause clinic at University Hospital Galway, which is currently operating for only one half-day per week, despite a waiting list of eight-nine months; if consideration will be given to expanding this vital service to meet growing demand, particularly for women referred by oncologists and those experiencing early menopause due to cancer treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20890/25]
Public Expenditure 1 question
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the status of the national lottery reform report by an organisation (details supplied); the key steps that have taken place; and the indicative timeline on the next steps of the reform. [19408/25]
Housing 1 question
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans for the restoration and preservation of a heritage site (details supplied); if funding or support will be allocated for conservation works to protect this important heritage site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18991/25]
Social 1 question
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Social Protection the measures to support and promote employment opportunities for persons with disabilities; the progress made under the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities; and the new initiatives planned to improve access to the workforce for individuals with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18992/25]

New lobbying 1 return

Galway Centre for Independent Living Health
- Highlighting the challenges faced by not for profit healthcare providers in the disability sector

Louis O'Hara — Sinn Féin 8 votes · 25 questions · 1 new lobbying return

Questions asked 25 total

Education 8 questions
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Education how an appeal can submitted against SNA hours allocated to a child in a mainstream school; to outline the appeal process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19210/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Education the criteria a child must meet to access SNA supports; if this is reflected in SNA allocations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19211/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Education if SNA supports are provided to children with behavioural issues; if this is reflected in SNA allocations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19212/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Education if a review of a school’s (details supplied) SNA allocation is valid given the timing of the review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19213/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Education if a special class or ASD unit can be opened in a school (details supplied); her department’s exceptions process for funding of modular buildings to allow mainstream schools to obtain space in order to open special classes and ASD units; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19214/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 653 of 19 March 2025, if an update on a SENO review could be provided to parents (details supplied). [20043/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Education to examine an appeal for the retention of a mainstream teacher in a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20243/25]
- 2025-05-01 Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Education if an ASD class at primary school level will be provided in Gort, County Galway and surrounding areas given the lack of any such classes at present; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21865/25]
Children 2 questions
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if she will put plans to provide an IPAS centre in a facility (details supplied) on hold to allow for engagement with the local community; if she can provide clarity on the future of the current Ukrainian residents of the hotel; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20782/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to outline her Department's efforts to make towns and villages more accessible for people with disabilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20781/25]
Transport 2 questions
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport the current wait times for driving tests in each test centre in Galway city and county; the number of people on waiting lists for driving tests in each test centre in Galway city and county; his Department’s plans to address long waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18596/25]
- 2025-05-01 Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport if he will engage with Bus Éireann and the National Transport Authority regarding the outsourcing of bus services to private operators where there is capacity for Bus Éireann to provide the service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21961/25]
Enterprise 2 questions
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide a timeline for the publication of an action plan for collective bargaining; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18584/25]
- 2025-05-01 Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the decision to delay the introduction of a living wage will be reconsidered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20784/25]
Housing 2 questions
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position in relation to a person (details supplied) who formerly cut turf in a bog; if new arrangements will be put in place when the compensation scheme ends next year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18667/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a review is being carried out into the funding of local authorities; when this review will have been carried out; if the financial challenges faced by Galway County Council will be taken into consideration as part of this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19797/25]
Justice 2 questions
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Justice if there is a legal requirement to inform a prisoner’s family members when they are being released from prison; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19434/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Justice the reason a person (details supplied) who was the victim of a serious offence was not informed that the perpetrator of this crime had been released from prison; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19622/25]
Health 2 questions
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Health if melatonin will be made available under the medical card scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20242/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Health if she intends to implement the recommendations of the Mental Health Commission’s report into the level of mental health services provided in hospital emergency departments across all health regions in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20549/25]
Rural 2 questions
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if an application (details supplied) to the rural regeneration and development fund will be approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19623/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when funding allocations for the 2025 Local Enhancement Programme will be made; if an application (details supplied) will be approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19805/25]
Finance 1 question
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) is eligible for the help-to-buy scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20830/25]
Tourism 1 question
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if extra funding could be provided to an athletics club (details supplied). [19990/25]
Social 1 question
- 2025-05-01 Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Social Protection when the means test for the carers allowance will be abolished; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20783/25]

New lobbying 1 return

Galway Centre for Independent Living Health
- Highlighting the challenges faced by not for profit healthcare providers in the disability sector

Peter Roche — Fine Gael 8 votes · 0 questions · 2 new lobbying returns

New lobbying 2 returns

Galway Centre for Independent Living Health
- Highlighting the challenges faced by not for profit healthcare providers in the disability sector
Neurological Alliance of Ireland Health
- Support for the Delivery of the Commitment within the Programme for Government to rollout the remaining community Neuro-Rehabilitation teams

Seán Canney — Independent 8 votes · 0 questions · 2 new lobbying returns

New lobbying 2 returns

Coeliac Society Of Ireland Food
- VAT Treatment of Gluten-Free Bread
Galway Centre for Independent Living Health
- Highlighting the challenges faced by not for profit healthcare providers in the disability sector