Wicklow — week of Mon, 28 Apr — Watch Them Work

What your Wicklow TDs did this week

Mon, 28 Apr – 4 May 2025 · 5 TDs · 6 bills voted on · 53 questions · 13 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 2 Jennifer Whitmore · John Brady

Voted against 1 Edward Timmins

Did not vote 2 Pat Casey · Simon Harris

The motion · motion passed 86–64

Voted for 1 Edward Timmins

Voted against 2 Jennifer Whitmore · John Brady

Did not vote 2 Pat Casey · Simon Harris

Unnecessary Hip Surgeries at Children's Health Ireland

2025-04-30 · 1 vote

An amendment to the bill · motion passed 85–68

Voted for 1 Edward Timmins

Voted against 2 Jennifer Whitmore · John Brady

Did not vote 2 Pat Casey · Simon Harris

Special Education

2025-04-30 · 1 vote

An amendment to the bill · motion passed 85–68

Voted for 1 Edward Timmins

Voted against 2 Jennifer Whitmore · John Brady

Did not vote 2 Pat Casey · Simon Harris

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 2 Jennifer Whitmore · John Brady

Voted against 1 Edward Timmins

Did not vote 2 Pat Casey · Simon Harris

The motion · motion passed 103–49

Voted for 2 Edward Timmins · Jennifer Whitmore

Voted against 1 John Brady

Did not vote 2 Pat Casey · Simon Harris

Final Draft Revised National Planning Framework

2025-04-30 · 1 vote

The motion · motion passed 87–66

Voted for 1 Edward Timmins

Voted against 2 Jennifer Whitmore · John Brady

Did not vote 2 Pat Casey · Simon Harris

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

2025-04-29 · 1 vote

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

Voted for 1 Edward Timmins

Voted against 2 Jennifer Whitmore · John Brady

Did not vote 2 Pat Casey · Simon Harris

Edward Timmins — Fine Gael 8 votes · 1 question · 0 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 1 total

Social 1 question
- 2025-05-01 Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason the processing of applications in the case of a person (details supplied), and others, for disability allowances is taking so long; and the reason the appeals process is taking so long. [21605/25]

Jennifer Whitmore — Social Democrats 8 votes · 21 questions · 1 new lobbying return

Questions asked 21 total

Education 5 questions
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education for the number of students enrolled in various primary and post-primary schools (details supplied), and for a class-by-class breakdown of numbers for each, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18985/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education if publicly funded national schools are included in the Freedom of Information Act 2014; if not, the basis on which they are exempt; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19671/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education if parents must provide a school with an assessment of needs report in order to access school a place for their child in a public primary school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19714/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education if an assessment of need can be requested by a school as a requirement for a school place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20172/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education when the final decision was made to change this year's Leaving Certificate's grade inflation to 5.5%; the way this decision was communicated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20173/25]
Housing 5 questions
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on the purchase of lands at the Glen of the Downs in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19011/25]
- 2025-04-30 Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his role and responsibility in relation to Lady's Island Lake, County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21371/25]
- 2025-04-30 Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware of the Environmental Protection Agency's 2025 Coastal Lagoons Report outlining the significant degradation of Lady's Island Lake, County Wexford, which is a special protection area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21372/25]
- 2025-04-30 Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will convene a stakeholder group including, but not limited to, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Wexford County Council, local landowners and the Environmental Protection Agency to develop a remediation plan for Lady's Island Lake, County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21373/25]
- 2025-04-30 Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the actions his Department intends to take to address the widely reported decline of Lady's Island Lake, County Wexford; the way in which he intends to bring it back, in compliance with the EU Habitats Directive and the Water Framework Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21395/25]
Health 5 questions
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health if a system is in place that enables women to access free HRT by only paying the dispensing fee to the pharmacist and not paying for the medication itself; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19715/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health for an update on the roll-out of the free HRT scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19716/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health the number of children currently on the waiting list in each county for occupational therapy, speech and language therapy and psychology, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19843/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health what the average waiting time to access occupational therapy, speech and language therapy and psychology is in each county, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19844/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health the number of children who received an appointment for occupational therapy, speech and language therapy and psychology in each quarter of each year from 2023 to March 2025, by length of wait and by age, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19845/25]
Environment 3 questions
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide an update on work done to date to prescribe regulations for exempted usages as set out in section 114 of the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021; whether he envisages such regulations to require public consultation; when he expects those regulations to be complete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21018/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on work done to date to prescribe regulations for emergency works as set out in section 98(4) of the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021; whether he envisages such regulations to require public consultation; when he expects those regulations to be complete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21019/25]
- 2025-05-01 Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide a specific timeline for the delivery of the report to Government on the outcomes of the second phase of the Land Use Review; the specific timeline for the publication of that report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21815/25]
Public Expenditure 2 questions
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the amount spent annually on fortnightly pension detail postage, in the public sector, from 2020 to 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20273/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the plans in place to digitalise the system of fortnightly pension detail postage in the public sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20274/25]
Transport 1 question
- 2025-04-29 Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport the powers local authorities have to close a right of way; the processes and procedures an authority seeking to close a right of way must go through, that is, the erection of a notice prior to closure, the invitation of submissions, and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19694/25]

New lobbying 1 return

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

John Brady — Sinn Féin 8 votes · 31 questions · 0 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 31 total

Education 10 questions
- 2025-04-29 Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Education if she will consider applying a grade adjustment to previous years’ applicants taking into consideration the grade inflation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19525/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Education when the proposed changes to the school transport scheme will be implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19738/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Education the status of the extension to a school building (details supplied); when this building work will commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19974/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on a school building project (details supplied); to confirm when the project will move to construction stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19975/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on the proposed extension for a school (details supplied); to confirm when the project will move to construction stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19976/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on an extension for a school (details supplied); the estimated timeframe for this project from construction to completion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19977/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on the status of a school building project for a school (details supplied); to confirm at what stage the project is currently at; an estimated timeframe from construction to completion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19978/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on the building project for a school (details supplied); at what stage the project is at; when it is likely that the project will move forward to design and construction; an estimated timeframe for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19979/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Education if the construction of a new primary school in the Shanganagh/Woodbrook area in County Dublin is still planned; and will the Minister provide a timeline for when this school will be completed. [19980/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Education for an update on a school building project (details supplied); to confirm when the project will move to construction stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19981/25]
Health 9 questions
- 2025-04-29 Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health if a medical condition (details supplied) will be considered by her Department or the HSE for inclusion under the long-term illness scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19135/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health the number of independent dental practices who are currently signed up to the dental treatment services scheme in Wicklow and to provide a list of dental practices accepting medical card patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19988/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health the status of the National Ambulance Service Strategic Plan; if a copy of this can be made available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20519/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health if any draft or finalised documents for the National Ambulance Service Strategic Plan will be made available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20520/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health to provide a timeline for the publication of the National Ambulance Service Strategic Plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20521/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health to provide a breakdown for posts to be delivered in the National Ambulance Service; the date by which she expects recruitment to be commenced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20522/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health her plans to extend temporary registration licenses to stamp 4 non-EU dentists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20540/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health her plans to expand access to a mentorship programme and period of adaptation to all eligible non-EU dentists residing in the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20541/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health her plans to increase the frequency and intake capacity of the Dental Council’s registration examination; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20542/25]
Housing 4 questions
- 2025-04-29 Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide details of the number of deer that have been culled for each year between 2015 and 2025 for each county, and details for each species, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19152/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide details of the number of wild goat that have been culled in each of the years between 2015 and 2025 in each county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19153/25]
- 2025-04-29 Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of successful tenant in-situ schemes acquisitions completed by Wicklow County Council since its inception in April 2023 to date in 2025, by year, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19985/25]
- 2025-04-30 Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the funding allocation given to Wicklow County Council for re-letting works of social housing stock from the years from the years 2020 to 2025 inclusive, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21316/25]
Children 3 questions
- 2025-04-29 Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if she plans to create an adult disability service in an area (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20799/25]
- 2025-04-30 Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the duration of the lease on an IPAS centre (details supplied); if she intends to renew this lease once lapsed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21309/25]
- 2025-04-30 Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if her attention has been drawn to an IPAS centre (details supplied) which is not fire-safety compliant; the actions she will take to address this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21310/25]
Foreign 1 question
- 2025-04-29 Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update on a passport application (details supplied) as the applicant’s travel date is imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18987/25]
Enterprise 1 question
- 2025-04-29 Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he intends to reinstate the Industrial Relations (Provisions in Respect of Pensions Entitlements of Retired Workers) Bill 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19984/25]
Tourism 1 question
- 2025-04-29 Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if he is planning to implement the audiovisual media services levy, as provided for under Article 13(2) of the AVMSD (Directive (EU) 2018/1808); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21022/25]
Agriculture 1 question
- 2025-04-29 Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures being taken to combat increasing deer population in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19987/25]
Further and Higher Education 1 question
- 2025-04-29 Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if consideration has been given by his Department to ringfence a proportion of CAO places for applicants from previous leaving certificate cohorts to allow them to compete within their own group instead of against the class of 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19524/25]

Pat Casey — Fianna Fáil 0 votes · 0 questions · 0 new lobbying returns

Quiet week — no questions filed or new lobbying returns.

Simon Harris — Fine Gael 0 votes · 0 questions · 11 new lobbying returns

New lobbying 11 returns

Social Justice Ireland Public Expenditure and Reform
- Letter with a copy of Social Justice Matters 2025 sent with a request for a meeting.
Mars Foods Ireland Limited (t/a Mars Ireland) Trade
- An ask to explore a Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) and veterinary agreement between the UK and the EU, to ease trade flows and promote economic growth.
Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children Health
- Alcohol labelling
Progressive College Network Ltd. · 3 returns Education and Training
- I was lobbying the government on policy regarding the ELE sector and the introduction of the long awaited IEM. The proposed LP fund is a matter of grave concern. PCN currently has a bespoke LP insurance which includes medical insurance and also protects teachers and staff. PCN's bespoke insurance is far superior than the proposed LP fund. We should be allowed to continue to offer the protection we currently do and not be asked to contribute to the proposed LP fund.
- I was lobbying the government on policy regarding the ELE sector and the introduction of the long awaited IEM. The proposed LP fund is a matter of grave concern. PCN currently has a bespoke LP insurance which includes medical insurance and also protects teachers and staff. PCN's bespoke insurance is far superior than the proposed LP fund. We should be allowed to continue to offer the protection we currently do and not be asked to contribute to the proposed LP fund.
- I was lobbying the government on policy regarding the ELE sector and the introduction of the long awaited IEM. The proposed LP fund is a matter of grave concern. PCN currently has a bespoke LP insurance which includes medical insurance and also protects teachers and staff. PCN's bespoke insurance is far superior than the proposed LP fund. We should be allowed to continue to offer the protection we currently do and not be asked to contribute to the proposed LP fund.
Sensational Kids CLG Health
- Emails to seek support for funding to complete the construction of the National Child Development Centre
Concern Worldwide Foreign Affairs
- Humanitarian Situation in Sudan
European Network Against Racism (ENAR) Ireland CLG Children and Youth Affairs
- National Women's Council (NWC) Early Childhood Education Alliance
Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann / Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel Housing
- Lobbied on behalf of homeless / struggling veterans of the Defence Forces regarding services
Focus Ireland Health
- On behalf of members and relevant stakeholders to An Taoiseach, Mr Simon Harris, TD.