Cork North-Central — week of Mon, 22 Sept — Watch Them Work

What your Cork North-Central TDs did this week

Mon, 22 Sept – 28 Sept 2025 · 5 TDs · 4 bills voted on · 151 questions · 6 new lobbying filings

Votes this week

Special Education School Places

2025-09-24 · 2 votes

An amendment to the bill · motion passed 72–61

Voted for 1 Pádraig O'Sullivan

Voted against 1 Eoghan Kenny

Did not vote 3 Colm Burke · Ken O'Flynn · Thomas Gould

The motion · motion passed 76–63

Voted for 2 Colm Burke · Pádraig O'Sullivan

Voted against 1 Eoghan Kenny

Did not vote 2 Ken O'Flynn · Thomas Gould

Energy Costs

2025-09-24 · 2 votes

An amendment to the bill · motion passed 76–63

Voted for 2 Colm Burke · Pádraig O'Sullivan

Voted against 1 Eoghan Kenny

Did not vote 2 Ken O'Flynn · Thomas Gould

The motion · motion passed 77–63

Voted for 2 Colm Burke · Pádraig O'Sullivan

Voted against 1 Eoghan Kenny

Did not vote 2 Ken O'Flynn · Thomas Gould

Child Poverty and Homelessness

2025-09-24 · 2 votes

An amendment to the bill · motion passed 77–63

Voted for 2 Colm Burke · Pádraig O'Sullivan

Voted against 1 Eoghan Kenny

Did not vote 2 Ken O'Flynn · Thomas Gould

The motion · motion passed 77–63

Voted for 2 Colm Burke · Pádraig O'Sullivan

Voted against 1 Eoghan Kenny

Did not vote 2 Ken O'Flynn · Thomas Gould

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

2025-09-23 · 1 vote

The week's Dáil business schedule · motion passed 82–65

Voted for 2 Colm Burke · Pádraig O'Sullivan

Voted against 1 Eoghan Kenny

Did not vote 2 Ken O'Flynn · Thomas Gould

Colm Burke — Fine Gael 6 votes · 18 questions · 0 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 18 total

Health 7 questions
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health her views on whether the Programme for Government commitment to review the reimbursement process is entirely separate from the previous review carried out by a company (details supplied); if new terms of reference will need to be created for this new review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49731/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health her views on whether there is a need for a cross-departmental approach in respect of rare disease policy in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49732/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the percentage of the health budget and respective amounts allocated to expanding/enhancing immunisation programmes in 2024 and 2025; the plans to increase this figure in Budget 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49735/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if a decision was made by her Department or the HSE to halt expansion and/or enhancement of immunisation programmes in 2024 and 2025; the reasons for such a decision; the plans to expand or enhance immunisation programmes in 2026; if a related budgetary increase is planned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49736/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to extending the special leave with pay scheme (SLWP), and that some form of long term support will be put in place for these workers, particularly given that approximately 166 employees of the HSE are affected by long-Covid since 2020 as a result of working on the frontline during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49967/25]
- 2025-09-24 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the details of the actions being taken to raise the level of psychotherapy standards and criteria; the level with which she and her Department have engaged with the sector on this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50512/25]
- 2025-09-24 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health to confirm that a person (details supplied) with an aggressive form of leukaemia, can be permitted to receive Car T-cell therapy; if it will be reimbursed in view of the fact the person is over 25 years-of-age, due to their conditions and the significant efficacy in this treatment for relapsed, refracted B-ALL as advised by their clinician; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50521/25]
Enterprise 3 questions
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he is concerned by delays within Ireland’s system of reimbursement of new medicines; his views on whether this is an competitiveness issue; if he will raise delays with the Minister for Health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49733/25]
- 2025-09-25 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for an update on the progress made by his Department in respect of streamlining the employment permit application process, whereby a single application process for employment permits and entry visa applications would be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50832/25]
- 2025-09-25 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for an update on the progress of the Destination and Experience Development Plan in Cork, in particular, in encouraging domestic tourism in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34924/25]
Finance 2 questions
- 2025-09-24 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Finance if serious consideration will be given to removing VAT on counselling and psychotherapy services to support professionals in the industry and persons who require the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50513/25]
- 2025-09-24 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Finance to confirm that tax relief will be made available on counselling and psychotherapy fees, thereby establishing parity with other healthcare expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50514/25]
Justice 2 questions
- 2025-09-24 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of paper applications for naturalisation by Irish association received by his Department in each of the years 2017 to 2023, inclusive, in tabular form and the number of these applications which have been finalised and a decision reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50787/25]
- 2025-09-24 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of staff currently on the designated team in the citizenship division responsible for processing citizenship applications via Irish association, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50788/25]
Social 2 questions
- 2025-09-25 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress made on removing the means test for carer's allowance; whether a timeline will be outlined for the removal of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50506/25]
- 2025-09-25 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Social Protection to consider removing the means test for fuel allowance for those over 70 and in receipt of qualifying payments and meeting all other necessary criteria; the cost that would be involved in implementing such a change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50507/25]
Education 1 question
- 2025-09-24 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education and Youth to confirm that further investments will be made and strategies developed in the area of school counselling, particularly in the areas of prevention and early intervention; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50515/25]
Further and Higher Education 1 question
- 2025-09-24 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a person (details supplied) who was born and lived in Ireland most of their life would be entitled to apply for SUSI even though they were not in Ireland for the past three of the five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50801/25]

Eoghan Kenny — Labour Party 7 votes · 16 questions · 2 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 16 total

Education 9 questions
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth the progress made from the publication of the full findings of the review of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49745/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth the estimated cost of implementing the recommendations arising from the EPSEN review; and the projected allocation for this within the Department’s budget for 2025-26; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49747/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth the additional resources that have been allocated to schools and local education support services in anticipation of the recommendations of the EPSEN review; and if he will provide a breakdown of expenditure by programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49749/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth the expected timeframe for the introduction of necessary legislative amendments following the completion of the EPSEN review; if draft heads of a Bill will be published in 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49752/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth for a detailed update on the proposed lease agreement between schools (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49981/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide details of all correspondence between her Department and a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49982/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth to outline her Departments plans to provide adequate accommodation to a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49983/25]
- 2025-09-24 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth for a detailed update on school works (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50829/25]
- 2025-09-24 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide all pieces of correspondence between her Department and a school (details supplied) in relation to ongoing application for building works; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50830/25]
Health 6 questions
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Health for an update on the waiting list for surgery for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49766/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Health the reasoning behind the use of Car-T therapy being restricted to just those under the age of 26 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50153/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Health the number of patients that have received Car-T therapy over the past ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50154/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Health the number of patients over the age of 26 years that have received Car-T therapy in the past ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50155/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Health if she has been made aware of case of a person (details supplied); the steps the HSE is taking in relation to this case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50156/25]
- 2025-09-24 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Health for an update on treatment for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50652/25]
Transport 1 question
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the lease agreement for Mallow driving test centre; if the testing facilities will remain in Mallow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49767/25]

New lobbying 2 returns

Epilepsy Ireland · 2 returns Health
- Met local TDs at an Epilepsy Ireland event highlighting why epilepsy should be added to the HSE's Chronic Disease Mangement Programme (CDMP)
- Seeking Deputies submit parliamentary questions on the status of epilepsy services in their local hospitals.

Ken O'Flynn — Independent Ireland 0 votes · 83 questions · 1 new lobbying return

Questions asked 83 total

Justice 18 questions
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of suspicious transaction reports submitted to the Financial Intelligence Unit in 2024 in relation to identity fraud, financial fraud or suspected laundering of funds; and of these, the number that resulted in investigations or prosecutions. [50121/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of reported incidents to An Garda Síochána involving uncontrolled dogs in public places in each year from 2020 to 2024. [49758/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of rental properties identified by An Garda Síochána in each of the past five years as having been used as brothels; the breakdown by county; and the number of prosecutions and convictions secured in these cases. [49818/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the safeguards currently in place to prevent individuals leasing multiple residential properties under false pretences for the purpose of brothel-keeping; and whether he accepts that the recent cases before the courts highlight serious failings in the present system. [49819/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the current number of Gardaí and civilian staff assigned specifically to the investigation of prostitution, human trafficking and related organised crime; whether this represents an increase or decrease compared with a decade ago; and if he is satisfied that current resources are sufficient given the scale of the problem. [49820/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the total value of assets seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau in each of the past five years from individuals or networks engaged in brothel-keeping and prostitution; and whether he accepts that the proceeds identified to date represent only a fraction of the wider illegal economy in this area.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49821/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of victims identified in brothels in Ireland since 2020 who were subsequently referred to State protection and support services; whether he accepts that many victims remain in a precarious or undocumented position; and the reforms he intends to introduce to guarantee their safety and rehabilitation. [49822/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether he is satisfied that landlords and letting agents have adequate tools, guidance and legal protections to prevent their properties being let under false pretences for use as brothels; and if not, the legislative or regulatory reforms he intends to bring forward. [49823/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of investigations opened in the past five years into the use of false identity or employer documentation for the purpose of securing leases later used for brothel-keeping; and the number of prosecutions and convictions that have arisen from such investigations. [49824/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether his Department collects and publishes regular data on the prevalence of illegal brothels and related prosecutions; and if not, the reason such monitoring has not been established given the evident scale of the problem. [49825/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of persons who have been arrested over the past five years under gangland legislation in relation to economic crime including fraud, identity theft, and money laundering; and the number of those cases that proceeded to successful prosecution. [50118/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of reported crimes against pharmacies in each of the past three years; the breakdown, by type of offence that is, theft, burglary, assault and robbery; and the number of cases that resulted in prosecution and conviction. [50132/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if she has reviewed a recent survey (details supplied) which indicated that almost 90% of pharmacies experienced crime in the past year; and if so, the measures being taken to respond to the concerns raised by pharmacists who describe themselves as easy prey. [50133/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the average Garda response time to pharmacy panic alarms or emergency calls in the past year; and if protocols are in place to ensure rapid response to pharmacies reporting incidents of crime or intimidation. [50134/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the steps being taken to address the issue of repeat offenders who target pharmacies, given that a survey shows that the same individuals are responsible for a large proportion of incidents. [50135/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will consider introducing or supporting a grant or subsidy scheme to assist small and independent pharmacies with the costs of enhanced security measures, such as CCTV, panic buttons, and secure counters. [50137/25]
- 2025-09-25 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the total amount of Exchequer funding provided to NGOs operating in the areas of immigration, asylum and integration over the past five years, by year and organisation. [50931/25]
- 2025-09-25 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of investigations, prosecutions, and convictions in the past five years relating to the use of false identity or employer documentation to obtain residential leases later used for the purpose of brothel-keeping; the outcomes of such cases under the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017, the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008, and the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50927/25]
Housing 15 questions
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he accepts that the requirement to sell with tenants in situ significantly reduces the market value of rental properties in developments such as Sirius Wharf; and whether his Department has carried out an impact assessment of this provision. [49763/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has carried out any review of the way in which local authorities are handling county councillors’ questions (details supplied) for written reply; and if he will establish a monitoring mechanism to ensure consistency and compliance across all councils. [49693/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware that 53 families in Sirius Wharf, Cobh, will face eviction notices by February 2026 as landlords exit the rental market; and the emergency provisions that will be put in place locally to prevent homelessness in this case. [49760/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has assessed the impact of the March 2026 legislation, which prevents landlords with more than three units from selling with vacant possession, on the supply of rental properties in Cobh and in Cork city and county. [49761/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the specific measures being planned for Cobh to protect families facing eviction as a result of the March 2026 legislation. [49765/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage given the Summary Social Housing Assessment 2025 for Cork city, the current net need figure; the number of households who remain without social housing support; the steps he is taking to accelerate delivery in high-demand areas around Cork city, Glanmire, Blarney and Mallow. [49846/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has carried out any review of how local authorities are handling councillors’ questions for written reply; and whether he will establish a monitoring mechanism to ensure consistency and compliance across all councils. [49883/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage given reports that non-party/independent councillors are aligning to endorse a presidential candidate through county council influence, the transparency or regulation safeguards which exist for endorsements that may involve public property, resources, or public employees; if any funding is being used or diverted in ways connected with such alignments; and the way in which such practices are being monitored to ensure fair democratic process. [50411/25]
- 2025-09-25 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to consider reviewing the statutory framework for political party funding and governance in light of recent public controversies; the reforms being considered to enhance transparency and compliance; whether new sanctions or monitoring mechanisms are planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51021/25]
- 2025-09-25 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the rules governing political party support for independent candidates in presidential elections; the spending or resource implications that arise when parties formally back independents; and the means by which transparency will be maintained over funding, endorsements, and campaign coordination.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51064/25]
- 2025-09-25 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if Inland Fisheries Ireland has assessed the impact of the August 2025 Blackwater fish kill on invertebrate populations, including caddisflies, and other macroinvertebrates used as water-quality indicators; and to publish results of any kick-sampling surveys conducted. [50874/25]
- 2025-09-25 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the National Parks and Wildlife Service has undertaken an ecological damage assessment on species of conservation concern within the Blackwater river (Cork/Waterford) SAC (002170), including otter, kingfisher, lamprey, atlantic salmon, and freshwater pearl mussel; and if he will provide the findings [50875/25]
- 2025-09-25 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the legal obligations under Article 6 of the Habitats Directive triggered by the Blackwater incident; and whether a formal appropriate assessment has been initiated in response. [50876/25]
- 2025-09-25 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the mitigation and recovery measures in place to support the recolonisation of protected species within the SAC; and the timelines and estimated costs. [50877/25]
- 2025-09-25 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether funding will be allocated to long-term biodiversity monitoring programmes on the Blackwater, including aquatic plants, insect life, and riparian bird species; and the monitoring design of same. [50878/25]
Finance 14 questions
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Finance considering OECD and EU forecasts showing slowed growth and risks from trade policy or tax policy shifts, the contingency planning in place to address possible shortfalls in corporate tax revenue; the adjustments being considered to ensure public finances remain sustainable; and how will such planning protect expenditure for essential services in Cork city and county [49847/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Finance if his Department has assessed the disproportionate impact of rising insurance premiums on small and medium-sized businesses in Cork, particularly in the hospitality and retail sectors; and if he will publish any findings. [49849/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Finance if he will establish an independent inquiry into the pricing practices of the insurance industry, given the growing concerns of business owners in Cork who report premiums doubling in recent years despite reduced claims. [49850/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Finance the discussions he has had with the Central Bank on ensuring that the benefits of reduced personal injury awards under recent judicial reforms are passed on to policyholders, particularly in Cork, where many SMEs are reporting no such reductions. [49851/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Finance if he has considered targeted supports or legislative interventions to protect voluntary groups in Cork, including sports clubs, cultural festivals and community organisations, from prohibitive insurance costs which threaten their viability. [49875/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Finance whether the banking and financial regulatory framework in Ireland is sufficient to detect and mitigate schemes involving large-scale ATM withdrawals conducted over short periods, especially where funds have been lodged abroad and withdrawn in Ireland; and whether any regulatory enhancements are planned. [50120/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Finance whether there are known vulnerabilities in cross-border bank lodgements and withdrawals across EU Member States which are being exploited in the movement of illicit funds; the specific steps his Department is taking to strengthen cross-border cooperation; and whether current EU legal instruments are adequate for preventing such abuse. [50122/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Finance whether he accepts the Central Bank’s warning that the Budget package is too large at this stage of the economic cycle; and if so, the measures he intends to take to mitigate the risks identified. [50414/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Finance the contingency planning undertaken to deal with a fall in tax revenues, particularly corporation tax, given the Central Bank’s caution that revenue risks could materialise in the coming years. [50415/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Finance the specific steps being taken to broaden the tax base, as recommended by the Central Bank, to ensure the sustainability of current spending commitments. [50416/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Finance whether he has considered strengthening fiscal rules or expenditure benchmarks to ensure that growth in current spending does not outpace the long-term sustainable growth rate of the economy. [50417/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Finance the analysis his Department has undertaken of the inflationary or pro-cyclical risks of injecting €9.4 billion in additional spending and tax measures into the economy at the present time. [50418/25]
- 2025-09-25 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Finance if consideration is being given to the introduction of a draught rebate or excise/VAT relief scheme for rural public houses; the estimated Exchequer cost of such a scheme; the alternative supports being planned to protect rural pubs as social and cultural hubs in communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51017/25]
- 2025-09-25 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Finance his assessment of the degree of exposure of the Irish economy to external trade shocks arising from multinational dependency and international trade tensions; the contingency plans that exist to safeguard employment and Exchequer revenues in such a scenario; whether diversification of inward investment forms part of the Government’s current economic strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51022/25]
Agriculture 7 questions
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of dog wardens currently employed by each local authority in 2020, 2022, 2024, and the latest figures available in 2025. [49753/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of fines issued under the Control of Dogs Acts in each of the years 2020 to 2024, by local authority. [49754/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the average fine currently applied for breaches of dog control regulations; if he considers this level of sanction to be an adequate deterrent and if he has plans to increase fine levels. [49755/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there are national guidelines or statutory requirements governing the patrol frequency of dog wardens in public parks and other amenity spaces; and if not, whether he will consider introducing same. [49756/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has conducted any review of the effectiveness of the control of dogs Acts; and if he will consider a full review in light of rising public concern about dog control. [49757/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether additional enforcement measures are being considered in partnership with local authorities in relation to uncontrolled dogs in public places. [50575/25]
- 2025-09-25 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions being taken to address rising food prices; the supports available to primary producers and retailers to reduce downstream costs for consumers; whether the Department is reviewing import, export, or market regulation in this context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51018/25]
Children 6 questions
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number and percentage of applications for an assessment of need under the Disability Act 2005 that were completed within the statutory six-month timeframe in each of the past three years, broken down by HSE region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49837/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the projected number of children who will be waiting longer than six months for an assessment of need by the end of 2025; the steps she is taking to ensure compliance with the statutory timeline; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49838/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the expected date by which the proposed private panel for autism and disability assessments will be operational; the criteria that will be applied in selecting providers; and the measures in place to ensure assessments meet the same standards as those carried out by the HSE. [49839/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the additional funding allocated in 2025 to address the waiting list for assessments of need; if this funding is being provided from new resources or by reallocation from existing services; and the estimated number of additional assessments that will be delivered by the private panel in its first year of operation. [49840/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the measures being put in place to ensure equitable access to autism and disability assessments under the private panel across all HSE regions, including rural and disadvantaged areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49841/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the reporting requirements that will apply to providers under the new private panel for assessments; if she will publish quarterly data on the number of assessments completed, average waiting times, and regional breakdowns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49842/25]
Public Expenditure 5 questions
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will confirm that the obligations of local authorities under the Freedom of Information Act 2014 and the EU Open Data Directive (2019/1024, transposed by S.I. 376/2021) reinforce the duty to provide detailed disaggregated data such as budgetary and housing maintenance information, and that these obligations cannot be circumvented by restrictive procedural interpretations. [49692/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will confirm that the obligations of local authorities under the Freedom of Information Act 2014 and the EU Open Data Directive (2019/1024, transposed by S.I. 376/2021) reinforce the duty to provide detailed disaggregated data such as budgetary and housing maintenance information, and that these obligations cannot be circumvented by restrictive procedural interpretations. [49882/25]
- 2025-09-25 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if his Department has examined the concentration of government contracts being awarded to the same consultancy firms across multiple Departments; and if this concentration poses risks to financial accountability and value for money. [50930/25]
- 2025-09-25 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if his Department has undertaken an analysis of the risks to public expenditure management posed by the increasing reliance of State agencies on external consultants rather than in-house expertise. [50932/25]
- 2025-09-25 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the guidance issued in each year from 2023 to 2025 to commercial and non-commercial semi-State bodies regarding the 'grossing up' of executive benefits, such as health insurance or vehicle provision; the arrangements in place to monitor compliance with public pay policy; the number of reported breaches or derogation requests in that period and the actions taken by his Department in response. [51080/25]
Climate 4 questions
- 2025-09-25 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the way in which a multi-agency investigation confirmed the extent of the August 2025 fish kill in the Blackwater but failed to establish a source or cause; and if additional investigative steps such as independent hydrological analysis or technical assistance from the European Commission will now be undertaken. [50871/25]
- 2025-09-25 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide details of Inland Fisheries Ireland’s quantified estimate of fish mortalities by species and life stage on the Blackwater in August 2025; the river reach affected by kilometre, the ecological risk assessment used; and the planned remediation and stock recovery measures with timelines and funding. [50900/25]
- 2025-09-25 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to explain his Department’s final position on the cause of the Blackwater fish kill, given public communications that evolved from possible disease to pollution; and to reconcile this with laboratory results published on 18 and 19 September 2025. [50907/25]
- 2025-09-25 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the implications of Ireland’s ratification of the UN High Seas Treaty; whether he intends to designate additional marine protected areas under the Treaty; the funding and enforcement resources that will be allocated; the means by which Ireland will engage with EU partners to ensure compliance and cooperation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51020/25]
Enterprise 3 questions
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his Department will publish data on the number of business closures in Cork city and county in the past five years where high insurance costs were cited as a primary factor. [49852/25]
- 2025-09-25 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the evidence base and data used to determine the proposed increase in the national minimum wage for Budget 2026; whether the increase is sufficient to meet current cost-of-living pressures in housing, energy and food; if further adjustments are planned before the finalisation the Budget 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51015/25]
- 2025-09-25 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the specific measures being taken to ensure that the new facility in Blarney (details supplied) leads to employment for locals in Cork City, Blarney, Mallow, and Glanmire; the plans for improving transport, utilities, and infrastructure to support commuting or services; the ancillary businesses or suppliers that have been secured; and the means by which the necessary social infrastructure (housing, public services) being planned to handle this expansion. [51051/25]
Health 3 questions
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the expected timeline between eviction notices being served in Cobh, the sale and transfer of the properties, refurbishment and re-letting; and if he will acknowledge that this will leave homes idle for long periods during a housing crisis. [49764/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health regarding patients, particularly young persons aged 16 to 25 years of age with multiple disabilities, who have been advised surgery or treatment is not available domestically, the criteria used by the HSE to approve treatment abroad; the number of cases which have been approved or denied in the past three years in the Cork region; the supports in place for such patients while waiting; and the plans to increase domestic capacity for these specialist interventions. [50410/25]
- 2025-09-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the reason a medication (details supplied), which is used in the treatment of severe allergies, is not currently covered under the medical card scheme or the drugs payment scheme; if there are plans to include this treatment under either scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50820/25]
Social 3 questions
- 2025-09-25 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection the rationale for deferring the €285 child benefit increment until 2027; the Department’s estimate of the number of children that will remain in income poverty as a result of this deferral; whether interim measures will be put in place to mitigate the impact on low-income families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51016/25]
- 2025-09-25 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection whether current social welfare rates are meeting the minimum essential standard of living in light of inflation and rising housing, energy and food costs; the revisions being planned in Budget 2026 to address adequacy concerns; the means by which the Department ensures that vulnerable households are protected from falling below subsistence thresholds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51023/25]
- 2025-09-25 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of households in Cork north-central that qualified for the fuel allowance in 2024/2025; the projected number for 2025/2026 under the widened eligibility rules for those aged 66 years and over; the breakdown of applications by channel (online, post, Intreo, community welfare officers); the average processing time for applications in 2025; and the measures being taken to ensure that all eligible households are identified and assisted before the end of October 2025. [51079/25]
Education 2 questions
- 2025-09-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will provide an update on the additional accommodation application submitted by a school (details supplied); the reason for the delay in granting approval despite the application being with her Department for over two years; and if she will prioritise the matter given the lack of adequate facilities is preventing local children, including those with additional needs, from attending their community school alongside their siblings and peers. [50546/25]
- 2025-09-25 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth the steps taken since 1 September 2025 to address reports from parents of suspensions and inadequate provision at a designated special school in Cork; the dates of any inspections carried out since that date; the number of additional SNAs and specialist teachers allocated in response; and the timeline for the completion and publication of a full compliance report. [51081/25]
Foreign 2 questions
- 2025-09-25 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the specific measures agreed under the new UK-Ireland framework on the Troubles legacy; the extent of financial, judicial, and investigative powers being granted to victims’ families; the implications this agreement will have for the State’s legal proceedings at the European Court of Human Rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51014/25]
- 2025-09-25 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will publish the full text of the new Northern Ireland-UK legacy framework; the timeline for its implementation, including the repeal of the Legacy Act; the legislative or statutory steps required in Ireland; and to identify the resources (funding, staffing, cross-border commitments) that will be committed to ensure victims’ families receive access to inquests and truth-recovery in a timely manner. [51049/25]
Transport 1 question
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the status of planning, design, and funding for the Mallow relief road; the total cost estimate; the amount which has been committed in the current or upcoming Budget for 2026; the timeframe for commencement and completion; and the measures in place to ensure that road development keeps pace with housing development in the Mallow / North Cork area. [50408/25]

New lobbying 1 return

Christian Aid Ireland EU Affairs
- EU corporate accountability policy

Pádraig O'Sullivan — Fianna Fáil 7 votes · 20 questions · 2 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 20 total

Transport 4 questions
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the Cork metropolitan area transport strategy and BusConnects projects in Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50305/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the number of allocations made by Transport Infrastructure Ireland to Cork city council and Cork county council from 2020 to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50306/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the progress of rural public transport initiatives in Cork north central; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50307/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the commitment in the Programme for Government to establish a dedicated transport police service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50308/25]
Children 3 questions
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality her plans to reduce the cost of childcare; the steps being taken to prevent the closure of early years and crèche services; if there is a timeframe in place to cap childcare costs as per the programme for Government commitment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50181/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of creche groups that have withdrawn or pulled out of CORE funding in Cork in 2024 and to date in 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50182/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of childminders who have registered with TUSLA and are part of the national childcare scheme, since the expansion of the scheme to include childminders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50302/25]
Social 3 questions
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection to consider increasing the fuel allowance thresholds for those in receipt of the contributory State pension and the non-contributory State pension in advance of Budget 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50359/25]
- 2025-09-25 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection for an update on plans in the Programme for Government to introduce a permanent annual cost of disability support payment, which will be increased incrementally over the lifetime of the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50432/25]
- 2025-09-25 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection if consideration will be given to extending the voucher scheme run by the Irish Sign Language (ISL) Interpreting Service and Citizens Information Board to persons under the age of 18, as the scheme is presently only available to ISL users over the age of 18; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50431/25]
Health 3 questions
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health for an update on the new surgical hub for Cork; the estimated date for opening; the number of operating theatres and procedure rooms it will consist of; the number of patients expected to be seen daily; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50304/25]
- 2025-09-24 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the number of public patients from 2021 to 2025 on waiting lists in Cork University Hospital who have received care via insourcing activity; the extent to which this has activity reduced waiting lists, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50547/25]
- 2025-09-24 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the progress made by her Department in expanding the screening process for newborn babies with rare diseases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50779/25]
Climate 2 questions
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if consideration is being given to establishing a compensation scheme to assist anglers affected by the large scale fish kill in the River Blackwater in Mallow, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50300/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide an update on the reports he has received regarding the reasons for the large scale fish kill in Mallow, County Cork; the engagement he has had with the agencies involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50301/25]
Enterprise 2 questions
- 2025-09-25 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for an update on the current processing times for critical skills employment permit applications and for general employment application; the average processing times for both; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50746/25]
- 2025-09-25 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to provide an update on the appeals process for the increased cost of business grant and power up grant for those businesses that were miscategorised; the number of businesses in Cork city and Cork county that submitted appeals; the number that were successful; if he will provide a timeframe for when businesses will receive their first payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50745/25]
Public Expenditure 1 question
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will provide an update on the progress of the Glashaboy flood relief scheme; the estimated timeline for completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50303/25]
Education 1 question
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the implementation of the school transport review; if her Department will prioritise schools and areas with ongoing eligibility and capacity issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50330/25]
Justice 1 question
- 2025-09-24 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will consider increasing the free legal aid eligibility allowance for mortgage and rent to a figure the reflects current housing market costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50516/25]

New lobbying 2 returns

Epilepsy Ireland Health
- Met local TDs at an Epilepsy Ireland event highlighting why epilepsy should be added to the HSE's Chronic Disease Mangement Programme (CDMP)
MSD Health
- Rare disease strategy

Thomas Gould — Sinn Féin 0 votes · 14 questions · 0 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 14 total

Education 4 questions
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of children in special schools in Cork who are sanctioned transport provision, but for whom a contract has not yet issued. [50238/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of children who previously had a contract for school transport in Cork for whom a contract is no longer available. [50239/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of school transport contracts not renewed this year. [50240/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education and Youth when all children who need school transport in Cork will have access to same. [50241/25]
Enterprise 3 questions
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if primary retail purpose is a criterion for the increased cost of business grant. [50275/25]
- 2025-09-25 Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for an update on the engagements he has undertaken with a company (details supplied). [50776/25]
- 2025-09-25 Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the criteria for inclusion in the ICOB re-application. [50777/25]
Children 2 questions
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of children currently overdue an assessment of needs in Cork; and the number of private assessments that have been funded in Cork in the past 12 months. [50224/25]
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the engagement she has undertaken with disability advocacy groups in terms of ensuring disabled access to public realm and shared public spaces. [50225/25]
Housing 2 questions
- 2025-09-23 Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether a town centre living grant will be introduced. [50474/25]
- 2025-09-25 Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of sites on the derelict sites register on 31 December 2024; the amount levied in 2024; the amount collected; the cumulative amount owed; the number of sites for which CPO notices were issued; the number of sites CPO’d; the number of sites for which derelict sites register notices were issued; and the number of sites added to the register, by local authority, in tabular form. [50964/25]
Social 2 questions
- 2025-09-25 Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Social Protection for an update on the abolition of means test for carer's allowance. [50775/25]
- 2025-09-25 Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Social Protection the average processing time for an urgent needs payment in Cork. [50774/25]
Health 1 question
- 2025-09-25 Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health for an update on the implementation of SMA screening in the newborn heel prick test. [50959/25]