Cork East — week of Mon, 19 May

What your Cork East TDs did this week

Mon, 19 May – 25 May 2025 · 4 TDs · 4 bills voted on · 25 questions · 95 new lobbying filings

Votes this week

Information on Repairability of Certain Products Bill 2024

2025-05-21 · 1 vote · Sinn Féin PMB

A bill to provide that information relating to the repairability of certain products be made available and to provide for related matters

The motion · motion failed 64–77

Voted for 2 Liam Quaide · Pat Buckley

Voted against 2 James O'Connor · Noel McCarthy

Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022 (Section 9(2)) (Amount of Financial Contribution) Order 2025

2025-05-21 · 1 vote

An amendment to the bill · motion failed 41–101

Voted for 1 Pat Buckley

Voted against 3 James O'Connor · Liam Quaide · Noel McCarthy

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

2025-05-20 · 1 vote

The week's Dáil business schedule · motion passed 90–70

Voted for 2 James O'Connor · Noel McCarthy

Voted against 2 Liam Quaide · Pat Buckley

Election of Leas-Chathaoirleach

2025-05-20 · 1 vote

The motion · motion passed 8–6

Voted for 1 Noel McCarthy

Did not vote 3 James O'Connor · Liam Quaide · Pat Buckley

James O'Connor — Fianna Fáil 3 votes · 6 questions · 24 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 6 total

Agriculture 2 questions
- 2025-05-20 Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to consider facilitating the construction of a border control post (BCP) at the Port of Cork through which consignments of food, food contact materials, animals, feed and plants that are subject to increased import controls must enter the European Union, as the lack of a BCP facility is severely impacting the Port of Cork’s growth while causing additional pollutant emissions and increasing costs for importers and consumers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25201/25]
- 2025-05-20 Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department would consider granting temporary derogations of three to six months length to customers of the Port of Cork to prevent disruption to seasonal goods imports for consignments needing physical inspection due to the current lack of a Border Control Post facility for agricultural checks at the port, as this would give the Port of Cork greater flexibility to encourage importers to use Cork and boost trade while avoiding additional pollutant emissions and increased costs for importers and consumers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25202/25]
Health 2 questions
- 2025-05-22 Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Health if any reviews or audits of the expenditure on laboratory genetic testing services both in Ireland and abroad have been undertaken to ensure value-for-money and to assess the effectiveness of outsourcing; if it is the intention to support local accredited capacity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26494/25]
- 2025-05-22 Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the average response times for ambulances in the east Cork area; if the response times are meeting the target response times set by the Health Information and Quality Authority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26573/25]
Rural 1 question
- 2025-05-22 Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he will reconsider the policy around the starting time of road improvement schemes, such as the local improvement scheme considering the dry weather in the spring time, despite his Department not having officially approved projects around the country; if he will review this matter to ensure it is earlier in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16255/25]
Education 1 question
- 2025-05-22 Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will reconsider awarding incremental credits to a special needs assistant who has been employed in local authority-owned facilities which were managed by a private company (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26684/25]

New lobbying 24 returns

Gaelic Players Association Sports and Recreation
- Discussion of the financial strain paced on inter-county players through playing their games
BioMarin International Limited Health
- Rare disease policy in Ireland and the EU.
Rockwood Consulting ULC Finance
- Sought meeting to discuss the EU Savings and Investment Union, competitiveness agenda
Orsted Onshore Ireland Midco Limited Energy and Natural Resources
- Email campaign to TDs
Irish Distillers Trade
- Irish Distillers made representations regarding developments in international trade policy and the potential introduction of tariffs on Irish whiskey
Murray Energy and Natural Resources
- FEL 4/19 gas exploration licence held by Europa Oil & Gas
Retailers Against Smuggling Finance
- Requested to meet with RAS to discuss smuggling, illicit tobacco trade and enforcement measures.
Epilepsy Ireland Health
- Seeking support for Epilepsy Ireland's campaign to have epilepsy added to the Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP)
The Union of Students in Ireland Education and Training
- Lobby day email
College of Psychiatrists of Ireland Health
- Mental Health Bill 2024 and concerns re inability to provide treatment to all who will be involuntarily hospitalised due to current iteration.To provide descriptions using video recordings of people who had benefited from treatment under the current Mental Health Act explaining their illnesses and the necessary treatment provided in a timely manner.
Vulcan Consulting Limited · 2 returns Health · Employment
- Rare Disease Policy
- Digital Platform Employment
Pinnacle Public Affairs Ltd Economic Development and Industry
- To engage with Key Stakeholders regarding proposed EU-US Trade Tariffs
Ibec · 2 returns Economic Development and Industry
- Small Firms Association Policy Priorities
- Technology Ireland "Lunch & Learn" event with Oireachtas members
Scale Ireland Economic Development and Industry
- Highlighting priorities for start-ups and scaling companies in context of Programme for Government
National College of Ireland Education and Training
- NCI's capital requirements in the context of Programme for Government
Irish Red Cross Budgetary matters
- Activities relating to a briefing session at Leinster House on 25/02/25, where we held a session for all TDs and Senators to present the results of a survey on the experiences of hosts under the pledged accommodation project
JTI Ireland Limited Trade
- Shared information with public representatives on the extent and impact of the illegal trade in tobacco products in Ireland.
Horse Racing Ireland Agriculture
- Stallion Trail Invitations
Creative Retail Distribution Limited Taxation
- Email to members of the Oireachtas concerning the E-liquids Products Tax and concerns around the mechanism chosen to implement the tax via self-declaration rather than as a tax-stamp. Hale also referred to research commissioned from Forvis Mazars which raised several important policy considerations around the E-Liquids products tax including the potential for a surge in illicit and grey market sales.
Friends of the Earth Energy and Natural Resources
- Advocacy re Programme for Government
Landingzone Limited Economic Development and Industry
- Discussion with James O’Connor TD on the role of innovation infrastructure and the case for a national innovation district strategy.
Christian Aid Ireland EU Affairs
- Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive & Omnibus

Liam Quaide — Social Democrats 3 votes · 12 questions · 31 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 12 total

Health 3 questions
- 2025-05-20 Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Health for a breakdown of cost overruns stemming from HSE capital projects that were in excess of €100,000 at original cost projection and overran by 20% or more from 2020 to 2025, detailing the name of the project, the original cost projection and the latest cost projection, to include projects that are planned, in train or completed for the years in question, in tabular form. [25710/25]
- 2025-05-20 Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Health for the average monthly cost to the HSE of a full-time agency staff psychiatrist, clinical nurse specialist, staff nurse, psychologist, social worker and occupational therapist; and to ask for a comparison of average monthly salary costs to the HSE for a staff member who is directly employed by the HSE across the same disciplines, in tabular form. [25712/25]
- 2025-05-21 Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Health for the projected costs of implementing the Mental Health Bill, including the cost of staffing that will be needed to expand the remit of the Mental Health Commission; and if there is a full funding commitment given by the Government to cover these costs. [26260/25]
Children 2 questions
- 2025-05-20 Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality for an update on the reinstatement of therapists from children disability network teams back to special schools since August 2024, and a breakdown of relevant figures including of recruitment attempts to backfill those posts within CDNTs following reinstatement of those therapists in special schools. [25749/25]
- 2025-05-22 Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality for an update on the publication date of her Department's Disability Strategy. [26437/25]
Rural 2 questions
- 2025-05-22 Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the supports available for the acquisition of buildings for community use to help the regeneration of rural towns and villages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26170/25]
- 2025-05-22 Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the schemes in place to help address loneliness and social isolation in rural areas and communities across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26172/25]
Transport 1 question
- 2025-05-20 Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Transport his plans to extend the electric vehicle grant for taxis, hackneys and limousines (eSPSV) to include hybrid vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25371/25]
Public Expenditure 1 question
- 2025-05-20 Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform for a breakdown of cost overruns stemming from capital projects under his Department's remit that were in excess of €100,000 at original cost projection and overran by 20% or from 2020 to 2025, across each county, detailing the name of the project, the original cost projection and the latest cost projection, to include projects that are planned, in train or completed for the years in question, in tabular form. [25711/25]
Education 1 question
- 2025-05-20 Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will grant an additional special education class for a school (details supplied) for the 2025-26 school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25533/25]
Housing 1 question
- 2025-05-20 Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the available supports for a property in need of repair before its owner can offer its use to a local authority for social housing, but which has not been vacant for at least 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25175/25]
Tourism 1 question
- 2025-05-22 Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if his Department has assessed the impact of the housing crisis on the Irish language, as native speakers are forced out of rural Gaeltacht areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26171/25]

New lobbying 31 returns

CHILDREN'S RIGHTS ALLIANCE - REPUBLIC OF IRELAND LIMITED Children and Youth Affairs
- Advocacy on Children's Rights Alliance Report Card 2025.
National Youth Council of Ireland Housing
- Youth homelessness
Irish Heart Foundation Health
- Welcoming and congratulating new TDs on their election to the 34th Dáil.
Orsted Onshore Ireland Midco Limited Energy and Natural Resources
- Email campaign to TDs
Gender Rebels Health
- Social Democrats Gender-Affirming Healthcare briefing for Transgender Citizens
The Wheel · 2 returns Community
- The Wheel's Advocacy and Campaigns Manager met with Liam Quaide TD to discuss priorities and concerns for the community and voluntary sector across a range of policy areas.
- The Wheel's Advocacy and Campaigns Manager requested meetings with newly-appointed Ministers and spokespeople to discuss priorities for the community and voluntary sector, and follow up on commitments in the Programme for Government.
Irish Distillers Trade
- Irish Distillers made representations regarding developments in international trade policy and the potential introduction of tariffs on Irish whiskey
The Sunbed Association Health
- Public policy and legislation concerning sunbeds in Ireland
Epilepsy Ireland Health
- Seeking support for Epilepsy Ireland's campaign to have epilepsy added to the Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP)
The Union of Students in Ireland Education and Training
- Lobby day email
Stratagem (NI) Ltd Health
- Provision of audiology services and eye care services
College of Psychiatrists of Ireland Health
- Mental Health Bill 2024 and concerns re inability to provide treatment to all who will be involuntarily hospitalised due to current iteration.To provide descriptions using video recordings of people who had benefited from treatment under the current Mental Health Act explaining their illnesses and the necessary treatment provided in a timely manner.
Autism Spectrum Information, Advice and Meeting Point Ltd, Trading as AsIAm · 2 returns Children and Youth Affairs
- Meeting with the Social Democrats
- Meeting with the Social Democrats
BeLonG To Youth Services Ltd. Health
- Representatives from LGBTQ+ organisations briefed Social Democrats TDs on barriers to accessing trans healthcare and community principles for a new model of care.
Youth Work Ireland Children and Youth Affairs
- Annual briefing for Oireachtas members
Pinnacle Public Affairs Ltd Economic Development and Industry
- To engage with Key Stakeholders regarding proposed EU-US Trade Tariffs
Fórsa trade union Health
- Emails, letters, including letters to two Ministers, phone calls and an online meeting was organised with the aim of seeking more funding for the healthcare system, and to support unions in being consulted regarding the pay and numbers strategy in the Health Service Executive. There were discussions in relation to the then impending Pay & Numbers dispute including possible solutions with some TDs.
Irish Medical Organisation Health
- Invitation to attend the IMO AGM 2025 educational sessions
Treoir (Federation of Services for Unmarried Parents and their Children) Social Protection
- Ask Social Democrats to support policy for Kinship Care
Irish Red Cross Budgetary matters
- Activities relating to a briefing session at Leinster House on 25/02/25, where we held a session for all TDs and Senators to present the results of a survey on the experiences of hosts under the pledged accommodation project
Family Carers Ireland Children and Youth Affairs
- Supports for Young Carers in Ireland
LGBT Support and Advocacy Network Ireland CLG Health
- Briefing on transgender healthcare with members of the Social Democrats
The Psychological Society of Ireland · 3 returns Health
- Email correspondance with Deputy Liam Quaide to set up a meeting regarding the Mental Health Bill and the Sharing the Vision 2025-27 Implementation Plan
- Email circulating PSI's Press Release on Welcoming the Publication of the Sharing the Vision Implementation Plan 2025–2027 to opposition party spokespeople on health and mental health
- Email circulating the PSI's Press Release on Calling for Suicide-Specific, Evidence-Informed Care in Next National Suicide Reduction Policy to opposition party spokespeople on health and mental health
Horse Racing Ireland Agriculture
- Stallion Trail Invitations
Creative Retail Distribution Limited Taxation
- Email to members of the Oireachtas concerning the E-liquids Products Tax and concerns around the mechanism chosen to implement the tax via self-declaration rather than as a tax-stamp. Hale also referred to research commissioned from Forvis Mazars which raised several important policy considerations around the E-Liquids products tax including the potential for a surge in illicit and grey market sales.
ActionAid Ireland Foreign Affairs
- AV room launch of paper on Irelands role in the fossil fuel industry where we shared the findings and recommendations.
John Gallagher Community
- Promotion of Policies of The Wheel for charity, social enterprise and community and voluntary organisationsuntary sector

Noel McCarthy — Fine Gael 4 votes · 3 questions · 24 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 3 total

Rural 2 questions
- 2025-05-22 Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 898 of 25 March 2025, to provide an update on the development of a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26291/25]
- 2025-05-22 Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the current funding streams available to Men’s and Women’s Sheds administered through his Department and through local authorities; if his Department is considering the establishment of additional funding avenues for Men’s and Women’s Sheds; the measures being put in place by his Department to simplify the funding application process for prospective applicants to his Department and local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26289/25]
Education 1 question
- 2025-05-21 Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Youth when she expects the minor works grant and the ICT grant payments to be made to applicant schools; the measures she is taking to ensure that the grants are paid well in advance of the upcoming school year; if she is considering any changes to the payment process for these grants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26282/25]

New lobbying 24 returns

Vintners' Federation of Ireland Trade
- Introductory meeting with new TDs to brief them on the vital role pubs play in Irish society and economy, to highlight key issues facing the pub trade and to seek their support on specific policy measures.
Gaelic Players Association Sports and Recreation
- Discussion of the financial strain paced on inter-county players through playing their games
BioMarin International Limited Health
- Rare disease policy in Ireland and the EU.
Irish Heart Foundation · 2 returns Health
- Tobacco and e-cigarette policy
- Welcoming and congratulating new TDs on their election to the 34th Dáil.
Rockwood Consulting ULC Heritage
- Sought establishment of a stakeholder forum for natury advisory
Orsted Onshore Ireland Midco Limited Energy and Natural Resources
- Email campaign to TDs
Irish Distillers Trade
- Irish Distillers made representations regarding developments in international trade policy and the potential introduction of tariffs on Irish whiskey
Retailers Against Smuggling · 2 returns Finance
- Requested to meet with RAS to discuss smuggling, illicit tobacco trade and enforcement measures.
- Requested meeting to discuss smuggling and illicit tobacco trade
Epilepsy Ireland Health
- Seeking support for Epilepsy Ireland's campaign to have epilepsy added to the Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP)
The Union of Students in Ireland Education and Training
- Lobby day email
Vulcan Consulting Limited · 2 returns Agriculture · Health
- Agrochemical Policy in Ireland
- Rare Disease Policy
Pinnacle Public Affairs Ltd Economic Development and Industry
- To engage with Key Stakeholders regarding proposed EU-US Trade Tariffs
Ibec Economic Development and Industry
- Technology Ireland "Lunch & Learn" event with Oireachtas members
P. J. Carroll & Company Ltd Health
- Tobacco harm reduction and proposed Bill on vaping and tobacco regulation
Irish Red Cross Budgetary matters
- Activities relating to a briefing session at Leinster House on 25/02/25, where we held a session for all TDs and Senators to present the results of a survey on the experiences of hosts under the pledged accommodation project
Horse Racing Ireland Agriculture
- Stallion Trail Invitations
Creative Retail Distribution Limited Taxation
- Email to members of the Oireachtas concerning the E-liquids Products Tax and concerns around the mechanism chosen to implement the tax via self-declaration rather than as a tax-stamp. Hale also referred to research commissioned from Forvis Mazars which raised several important policy considerations around the E-Liquids products tax including the potential for a surge in illicit and grey market sales.
Hume Brophy · 2 returns Health
- Raise awareness of NOffLA’s ongoing work and policy priorities.
- Raise awareness of NOffLA’s ongoing work and policy priorities.
Friends of the Earth Energy and Natural Resources
- Advocacy re Programme for Government
Christian Aid Ireland EU Affairs
- Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive & Omnibus

Pat Buckley — Sinn Féin 3 votes · 4 questions · 13 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 4 total

Education 2 questions
- 2025-05-20 Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether a school (details supplied) will be granted a new autism class for 2025-26. [25502/25]
- 2025-05-20 Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Education and Youth if urgent steps will be taken to address the continued lack of a proper pension scheme and the unequal terms and conditions under which school secretaries (details supplied) work compared to their colleagues, such as teachers and special needs assistants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25721/25]
Transport 1 question
- 2025-05-20 Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider awarding Irish driving licences to Irish expats returning to Ireland, who are competent drivers, and need renewed driving licences and who already have full driving licences from the country they are returning from; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26013/25]
Defence 1 question
- 2025-05-21 Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence whether he has ruled out acquiring Israeli-built Spike anti-tank guided missiles for use on the recently purchased Airbus H145M helicopters. [26106/25]

New lobbying 13 returns

Orsted Onshore Ireland Midco Limited Energy and Natural Resources
- Email campaign to TDs
Epilepsy Ireland Health
- Seeking support for Epilepsy Ireland's campaign to have epilepsy added to the Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP)
The Union of Students in Ireland Education and Training
- Lobby day email
Stratagem (NI) Ltd Health
- Provision of audiology services and eye care services
Autism Spectrum Information, Advice and Meeting Point Ltd, Trading as AsIAm · 3 returns Children and Youth Affairs · Health
- a coffee morning hosted by the All-Party Oireachtas Group on Autism
- Invited a range of public officials to the Same Chance Breakfast marking World Autism Day
- Meeting of the Parliamentary Group on Autism
Pinnacle Public Affairs Ltd Economic Development and Industry
- To engage with Key Stakeholders regarding proposed EU-US Trade Tariffs
Ibec Economic Development and Industry
- Technology Ireland "Lunch & Learn" event with Oireachtas members
Irish Red Cross · 2 returns Budgetary matters
- Activities relating to a briefing session at Leinster House on 25/02/25, where we held a session for all TDs and Senators to present the results of a survey on the experiences of hosts under the pledged accommodation project
- Activities relating to a briefing session at Leinster House on 25/02/25, where we held a session for all TDs and Senators to present the results of a survey on the experiences of hosts under the pledged accommodation project
Irish Cancer Society Health
- Daffodil Day 2025
Creative Retail Distribution Limited Taxation
- Email to members of the Oireachtas concerning the E-liquids Products Tax and concerns around the mechanism chosen to implement the tax via self-declaration rather than as a tax-stamp. Hale also referred to research commissioned from Forvis Mazars which raised several important policy considerations around the E-Liquids products tax including the potential for a surge in illicit and grey market sales.