Dublin Bay North — week of Mon, 12 May — Watch Them Work

What your Dublin Bay North TDs did this week

Mon, 12 May – 18 May 2025 · 5 TDs · 4 bills voted on · 57 questions · 67 new lobbying filings

Votes this week

Childcare

2025-05-14 · 2 votes

An amendment to the bill · motion passed 83–65

Voted for 3 Barry Heneghan · Naoise Ó Muirí · Tom Brabazon

Voted against 2 Cian O'Callaghan · Denise Mitchell

The motion · motion passed 83–66

Voted for 3 Barry Heneghan · Naoise Ó Muirí · Tom Brabazon

Voted against 2 Cian O'Callaghan · Denise Mitchell

Parental Choice in Education

2025-05-14 · 2 votes

An amendment to the bill · motion passed 84–65

Voted for 3 Barry Heneghan · Naoise Ó Muirí · Tom Brabazon

Voted against 2 Cian O'Callaghan · Denise Mitchell

The motion · motion passed 87–62

Voted for 3 Barry Heneghan · Naoise Ó Muirí · Tom Brabazon

Voted against 2 Cian O'Callaghan · Denise Mitchell

Housing and Critical Infrastructure

2025-05-14 · 2 votes

An amendment to the bill · motion passed 82–66

Voted for 3 Barry Heneghan · Naoise Ó Muirí · Tom Brabazon

Voted against 2 Cian O'Callaghan · Denise Mitchell

The motion · motion passed 83–66

Voted for 3 Barry Heneghan · Naoise Ó Muirí · Tom Brabazon

Voted against 2 Cian O'Callaghan · Denise Mitchell

Trade Union Recognition Bill 2021

2025-05-14 · 1 vote · People Before Profit-Solidarity PMB

A bill to provide a legal mechanism for trade union recognition for workers who comprise at least 20 per cent of the employees in an employment (or any category within that empl…

full description

A bill to provide a legal mechanism for trade union recognition for workers who comprise at least 20 per cent of the employees in an employment (or any category within that employment).

Whether the bill should proceed (Second Stage) · motion failed 66–82

Voted for 2 Cian O'Callaghan · Denise Mitchell

Voted against 3 Barry Heneghan · Naoise Ó Muirí · Tom Brabazon

Barry Heneghan — Independent 7 votes · 30 questions · 10 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 30 total

Health 6 questions
- 2025-05-13 Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health if she accepts that adult-specific services for eating disorders remain significantly under-resourced and overly centralised in Dublin; the rationale for limiting specialist inpatient treatment to a small number of beds in one hospital; the action her Department will take to expand adult eating disorder services, both inpatient and community-based, in regional areas; and if she will provide a clear timeline for the delivery of all 16 multidisciplinary teams under the national model of care. [24158/25]
- 2025-05-13 Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health if she will review the enforcement of legislation prohibiting the use of sunbeds by persons under the age of 18, in light of reports that sunbed operators are accepting false identification or failing to request any proof of age; if his Department will undertake inspections or awareness campaigns to address this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24157/25]
- 2025-05-14 Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health the way in which her Department intends to respond to evidence that households with disabilities face substantial additional healthcare and medication costs; if she will expand medical card eligibility, reduce prescription charges, or provide other forms of support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24813/25]
- 2025-05-14 Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health if she will increase the provision of disability aids and appliances, improve access to therapies and personal assistance services, and address existing backlogs for supports such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, and home modifications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24814/25]
- 2025-05-14 Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health to outline the interdepartmental efforts being made to develop a comprehensive strategy to address the health-related aspects of the cost of disability; if she will commit to ensuring access to medically necessary services and equipment without financial hardship; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24815/25]
- 2025-05-14 Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health if she will review and reinstate dedicated transport supports such as the mobility allowance and motorised transport grant; if she will outline measures to ensure that the cost of transportation does not prevent people with disabilities from accessing essential services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24816/25]
Social 6 questions
- 2025-05-14 Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Social Protection if his Department has assessed the at-risk-of-poverty rate for people with disabilities when the additional cost of disability is taken into account; if he will consider adjusting poverty measurement tools or setting revised targets in light of these findings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24807/25]
- 2025-05-14 Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will consider reforming the State’s equivalence scales or poverty metrics to incorporate a disability-related weighting to reflect the higher cost of living associated with disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24808/25]
- 2025-05-14 Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will consider the introduction of a cost of disability allowance or supplement to address the additional living expenses faced by people with disabilities; and if he will outline any plans to increase existing disability payments to meet minimum essential living standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24809/25]
- 2025-05-14 Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Social Protection in view of the higher poverty gap experienced by households affected by disability, the measures his Department is taking to address this disparity; if he will commit to setting targets to reduce poverty depth among disabled people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24810/25]
- 2025-05-14 Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will provide an assessment of the extent to which current supports such as the household benefits package, fuel allowance, and free travel scheme alleviate the additional living costs incurred by people with disabilities; and if he will outline any plans to expand or enhance these supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24811/25]
- 2025-05-14 Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Social Protection if his Department will review the adequacy of disability payment rates based on severity of disability; if he will consider the introduction of a tiered or graduated payment system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24812/25]
Public Expenditure 4 questions
- 2025-05-14 Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will give an update on the progress of the Northern Cross Garda station development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24793/25]
- 2025-05-14 Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will review and amend the public sector single pension scheme introduced in 2013 to reinstate the supplementary pension for members of uniformed services such as firefighters, Defence Forces personnel and members of An Garda Síochána, in recognition of the shortened career span and the inability of many to work beyond early retirement age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24796/25]
- 2025-05-14 Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 647 of 29 April 2025, if an impact assessment on the effect it would have on pensioners without the means of engaging online was undertaken when the decision to cease issuing payslips to civil and public service pensioners; if so, if a copy of the assessment's findings will be laid in the Library of the Houses of the Oireachtas; if not, the reason it was decided to proceed with the decision to cease issuing payslips without assessing the impact it would have; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24798/25]
- 2025-05-14 Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 646 of 29 April 2025, if he plans to ensure that the National Shared Services Office (NSSO) resumes fulfilling its responsibility for distributing payslips, perhaps with a phased roll-out commencing with for example pensioners aged 70 years and over (details supplied) as opposed to the NSSO ensuring that they are only accessible by electronic means and are available to access 24/7 on the NSSO’s website; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24799/25]
Housing 4 questions
- 2025-05-14 Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the actions he is taking to ensure a radical overhaul in the approach to vacant and derelict properties; if he will support a significant increase in the vacant homes tax to serve as an effective deterrent. [22417/25]
- 2025-05-14 Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has reviewed the findings of the recent report on the Electoral Register; if he acknowledges the ongoing problems with accuracy, transparency, and public confidence in the register; and the specific reforms he believes are urgently needed to ensure the integrity and accessibility of the electoral system. [24160/25]
- 2025-05-15 Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider introducing a streamlined planning framework to allow for the vertical extension of existing homes of up to four storeys where structurally feasible, particularly in cities and large towns; if he will examine this as a means of increasing housing density without requiring additional land purchases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24859/25]
- 2025-05-15 Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the immediate lessons his Department can draw from the widespread European practice of residential use above ground-floor commercial premises in inner-city areas; how this model might inform efforts to address vacancy and dereliction in Irish urban centres, particularly in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24878/25]
Justice 3 questions
- 2025-05-14 Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Justice when in 2025 he plans to repeal section 19A of the Criminal Evidence Act 1992, which currently allows the private counselling and therapy records of victims of sexual abuse, including child victims, to be accessed by the accused given continued calls from the Council of Europe, victims, and numerous NGOs for this provision to be abolished; if legislative reform in this area is planned for 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24795/25]
- 2025-05-15 Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 1562 of 29 April 2025, if he will provide an update on the ongoing activities and outcomes of the temporary community response team established in February 2025; if he believes the unit should become permanent, given the positive impact reported by local residents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24877/25]
- 2025-05-15 Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Justice his plans to strengthen and expand the Garda youth diversion programme in the coming years, particularly in areas with consistently high referral rates; if additional resources will be allocated to youth diversion projects to support early intervention and prevention efforts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24876/25]
Taoiseach 2 questions
- 2025-05-13 Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Taoiseach to provide an update on the shared island initiative. [15844/25]
- 2025-05-13 Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Taoiseach his views on the positive impact of the shared island fund; and if he will provide an overview of the projects that have been funded fully or in part since 2021. [15845/25]
Finance 2 questions
- 2025-05-14 Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Finance the reason no annual report of the Revenue Commissioners has ever reported a single personal data breach of either the Data Protection Acts 1988 and 2003, or of the GDPR; the number of such breaches that occurred in each year from 2010 to 2024, the number of each such number were the result of the unauthorised or unlawful destruction of the personal data of data subjects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24790/25]
- 2025-05-14 Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Finance the number of phone call recordings unlawfully destroyed by the Revenue Commissioners in the absence of a disposal certificate made by the Director or a Designated Officer of the National Archives for each year since 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24791/25]
Transport 1 question
- 2025-05-14 Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport the estimated total cost of a proposed cycleway (details supplied), including all associated planning, construction and ancillary works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24797/25]
Education 1 question
- 2025-05-14 Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is aware that, according to the Healthy Ireland Survey 2022, 63% of men and 50% of women in Ireland were classified as overweight or obese; if she will consider introducing or expanding nutritional and health education in schools to address these disparities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24792/25]
Children 1 question
- 2025-05-14 Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if he will take steps to ensure the EU missing children hotline number (116000) is displayed prominently and widely across key public locations (details supplied) given the recent report by Missing Children Europe which highlights the public’s lack of awareness of this critical service; the annual funding provided by the State to support the operation of the 116000 hotline; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24794/25]

New lobbying 10 returns

Independent Broadcasters of Ireland Arts
- Implementation of fair and proportionate support for news and current affairs independent radio sector including proposals announced in last budget; calling for level playing field for radio vis a vis other sectors in regulatory and legislative proposals; promoting engagement and regular interaction with stakeholders.
Irish Rural Link Co-Operative Society Limited Health
- National meals on Wheels Information Day to highlight the work of the Network and of Meals on Wheels providers
Local Development Companies Network CLG Community
- Oireachtas Members were invited to an event launching a rebrand of the Local Development Companies Network and highlighting the work of the LDCs
Cuala Senior Care Limited Health
- Launch of new brand used to bring attention to home care
ELSA Community Services clg Community
- To seek help for our not-for-profit Social Enterprise to allow us to bid for an existing contract with OPW via OGP so we can get through a financial crisis and also to get additional funding from Pobal to help us through this crisis.
Samaritans Ireland Health
- Follow up concerning key priorities for the implementation and delivery of the programme for government
Rare Diseases Ireland Health
- Re-launch All Party Group on Rare Diseases. Update on the need for a new National Strategy for Rare Diseases, including background data on rare diseases in Ireland and the challenges that people living with rare diseases face.
Sage Advocacy Health
- services provided by Sage Advocacy to survivors of institutional abuse
Threshold Housing
- Draft Programme for Government
Rockwood Consulting ULC Housing
- Requested to meet to discuss the Seller's Legal Pack Bill and to seek reforms to the conveyancing process

Cian O'Callaghan — Social Democrats 7 votes · 13 questions · 5 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 13 total

Transport 4 questions
- 2025-05-13 Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport to consider improving the driving licence conversion for people holding US driving licences, to enable those people to continue driving in Ireland after one year lapses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23700/25]
- 2025-05-14 Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport his Department’s position regarding the provision of funding for an operations base in Wicklow for Dublin Wicklow Mountain Rescue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24789/25]
- 2025-05-15 Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if he will engage with reports (details supplied) of flights operating outside of their allowed flight paths with excessive noise to residents who fall within these flight paths; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24980/25]
- 2025-05-15 Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline his responsibilities over the Irish Aviation Authority in relation to the Irish Aviation Authority Act 1993; if he will examine a complaint (details supplied) in relation to legal protections for whistleblowers in the IAA on that basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25071/25]
Education 4 questions
- 2025-05-13 Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education and Youth to examine the case of a child with autism and ADHD (details supplied) who is attending a mainstream school but has been refused SNA support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23552/25]
- 2025-05-15 Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education and Youth if the provision of the summer programme can be announced in September each year instead of April-May to enable families to prepare for the summer months in advance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24979/25]
- 2025-05-15 Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will prioritise building an Educate Together school in the Beaumont-Coolock SPA as there is currently no provision in the area; if schools are allowed to extend their catchment areas over the boundary of the SPAs; for an update on the Government’s divestment programme in the Beaumont-Coolock SPA; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24981/25]
- 2025-05-15 Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will reconsider building the now deferred school (details supplied) in the Donaghmede, Howth-D13, Baldoyle, Stapolin school planning area, given the LDA development in Clongriffin and the current oversubscription of Belmayne ETSS; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25072/25]
Taoiseach 2 questions
- 2025-05-13 Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the work of the National Economic and Social Council, a statutory agency operating under the aegis of his Department. [18953/25]
- 2025-05-13 Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the work of the National Economic and Social Council, a statutory agency operating under the aegis of his Department. [22414/25]
Health 2 questions
- 2025-05-13 Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if she will ban the use of sunbeds, as endorsed by the Taoiseach; if, in the interim, she will take action to ensure that sun bed providers are not accepting false ID from young people under the age of 18; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23554/25]
- 2025-05-14 Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 2410 of 29 April 2025, if the case of a person (details supplied) will be examined; if a response will issue to the concerns raised by their family; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24677/25]
Justice 1 question
- 2025-05-14 Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice with respect to the May infringement package announced by the European Commission (details supplied) his plans to address INFR(2024)2205 with respect to combatting racism and xenophobia, his intention to bring forward legislation in this area and the timeframe he is working to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24818/25]

New lobbying 5 returns

ELSA Community Services clg Community
- To seek help for our not-for-profit Social Enterprise to allow us to bid for an existing contract with OPW via OGP so we can get through a financial crisis and also to get additional funding from Pobal to help us through this crisis.
The Irish Traveller Movement Justice and Equality
- Programme for Government policy provisions . Traveller accommdation policy. Formation of Oireachtas Committee
Rare Diseases Ireland Health
- Re-launch All Party Group on Rare Diseases. Update on the need for a new National Strategy for Rare Diseases, including background data on rare diseases in Ireland and the challenges that people living with rare diseases face.
Association of Insurance & Financial Brokers trading as Brokers Ireland Finance
- Savings and Investments proposal
Irish Council for Civil Liberties Justice and Equality
- Defamation (Amendment) Bill

Denise Mitchell — Sinn Féin 7 votes · 0 questions · 4 new lobbying returns

New lobbying 4 returns

ELSA Community Services clg Community
- To seek help for our not-for-profit Social Enterprise to allow us to bid for an existing contract with OPW via OGP so we can get through a financial crisis and also to get additional funding from Pobal to help us through this crisis.
Rare Diseases Ireland Health
- Re-launch All Party Group on Rare Diseases. Update on the need for a new National Strategy for Rare Diseases, including background data on rare diseases in Ireland and the challenges that people living with rare diseases face.
Uplift Justice and Equality
- Uplift members sent emails to their Sinn Fèin TDs asking them to ensure that Sinn Féin is a party that is welcoming, inclusive and who listens to the experiences and expertise of transgender people.
Sage Advocacy Health
- services provided by Sage Advocacy to survivors of institutional abuse

Naoise Ó Muirí — Fine Gael 7 votes · 6 questions · 6 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 6 total

Health 3 questions
- 2025-05-13 Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Health when the review of the model of care for eating disorders will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24140/25]
- 2025-05-13 Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Health the number of in-patient beds for eating disorders in north Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24141/25]
- 2025-05-13 Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Health to examine the case of a medical card holder (details supplied) needing assistance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24356/25]
Transport 1 question
- 2025-05-13 Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Transport for an update on a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24357/25]
Education 1 question
- 2025-05-13 Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on an application for the extension of a school transport route (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24355/25]
Social 1 question
- 2025-05-13 Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Social Protection if his Department will consider exempting funds (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24220/25]

New lobbying 6 returns

Children's Books Ireland CLG Education and Training
- Met with Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí at the launch of a school book-gifting programme and briefed him on the lack of funding for school libraries at primary and secondary level
Sage Advocacy Health
- End of Life Care in Hospitals
Cuala Senior Care Limited Health
- Launch of new brand used to bring attention to home care
ELSA Community Services clg Community
- To seek help for our not-for-profit Social Enterprise to allow us to bid for an existing contract with OPW via OGP so we can get through a financial crisis and also to get additional funding from Pobal to help us through this crisis.
Stream Bioenergy Energy and Natural Resources
- Outreach on Little Island Biomethane Plant Project
Rare Diseases Ireland Health
- Re-launch All Party Group on Rare Diseases. Update on the need for a new National Strategy for Rare Diseases, including background data on rare diseases in Ireland and the challenges that people living with rare diseases face.

Tom Brabazon — Fianna Fáil 7 votes · 8 questions · 3 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 8 total

Justice 6 questions
- 2025-05-15 Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Justice to outline the steps he is taking to increase the number of gardaí on the beat in the Dublin metropolitan region north. [24736/25]
- 2025-05-15 Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Justice to provide an update on his work in tackling antisocial behaviour in the Dublin metropolitan region north. [24735/25]
- 2025-05-15 Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Justice the average duration of suspension for members of An Garda Síochána. [25016/25]
- 2025-05-15 Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Justice the most common reason for which members of An Garda Síochána are suspended from duty. [25017/25]
- 2025-05-15 Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Justice the psychological evaluation that is carried out on a person entering An Garda Síochána. [25018/25]
- 2025-05-15 Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Justice the psychological evaluation that is carried out on a member of An Garda Síochána prior to firearms training. [25019/25]
Housing 1 question
- 2025-05-15 Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the allocation he has made to Dublin City Council for social housing in 2025; the amount of that which is for refurbishment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24742/25]
Foreign 1 question
- 2025-05-15 Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the current status of the implementation of the Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill 2018; and the work his Department has carried out on this Bill since he took office. [24916/25]

New lobbying 3 returns

Polio Survivors Ireland Health
- Emailed TDs
Rare Diseases Ireland Health
- Re-launch All Party Group on Rare Diseases. Update on the need for a new National Strategy for Rare Diseases, including background data on rare diseases in Ireland and the challenges that people living with rare diseases face.
Sage Advocacy Health
- services provided by Sage Advocacy to survivors of institutional abuse