Mayo — week of Mon, 3 Nov — Watch Them Work

What your Mayo TDs did this week

Mon, 3 Nov – 9 Nov 2025 · 5 TDs · 2 bills voted on · 47 questions · 4 new lobbying filings

Votes this week

Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Bill 2025: Committee and Remaining Stages

2025-11-05 · 2 votes

An amendment to the bill · motion failed 61–72

Voted for 1 Paul Lawless

Voted against 3 Alan Dillon · Dara Calleary · Keira Keogh

Did not vote 1 Rose Conway-Walsh

The motion · motion passed 93–41

Voted for 3 Alan Dillon · Dara Calleary · Keira Keogh

Voted against 1 Paul Lawless

Did not vote 1 Rose Conway-Walsh

Education (Affordable School Uniforms Bill) 2025

2025-11-05 · 2 votes

An amendment to the bill · motion passed 72–62

Voted for 3 Alan Dillon · Dara Calleary · Keira Keogh

Voted against 1 Paul Lawless

Did not vote 1 Rose Conway-Walsh

The motion · motion passed 72–62

Voted for 3 Alan Dillon · Dara Calleary · Keira Keogh

Voted against 1 Paul Lawless

Did not vote 1 Rose Conway-Walsh

Alan Dillon — Fine Gael 4 votes · 0 questions · 1 new lobbying return

New lobbying 1 return

Drury Health
- Request for meeting to discuss the role of insourcing in reducing waiting lists in the health service.

Dara Calleary — Fianna Fáil 4 votes · 0 questions · 1 new lobbying return

New lobbying 1 return

Drury Health
- Request for meeting to discuss the role of insourcing in reducing waiting lists in the health service.

Keira Keogh — Fine Gael 4 votes · 9 questions · 0 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 9 total

Climate 2 questions
- 2025-11-05 Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment for an update on plans to introduce a levy on disposable cups proposed in the Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60291/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the steps his Department is taking to ensure rural areas are protected by a resilient electricity network in the event of extreme weather; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60438/25]
Defence 2 questions
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the preparedness of the Defence Forces in extreme weather events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60427/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the gender balance of the latest recruits to the Defence Forces cadet programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60422/25]
Justice 2 questions
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the protocols in place to support neurodiverse prisoners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60746/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if the Irish Prison Service collects or has data on the neurodiverse prisoner population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60747/25]
Health 2 questions
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Health the number of individuals with a neurodevelopmental diagnosis awaiting treatment in the Central Mental Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60744/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Health the number of beds currently operational at the Central Mental Hospital; if there are plans to expand this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60745/25]
Education 1 question
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Education and Youth the way in which the level of demand is assessed regarding the lower threshold of 400 students to establish a new Gaelcholáiste; her plans to open a Gaelcholáiste in Castlebar, County Mayo a Gaeltacht service town, given that a community group submitted a request to her Department to establish a Gaelcholáiste in October 2023 on the basis of a projected attendance of 90 students per year (540 in total) and has yet to receive a response; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58171/25]

Paul Lawless — Aontú 4 votes · 34 questions · 1 new lobbying return

Questions asked 34 total

Further and Higher Education 10 questions
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department has conducted an independent review of SOLAS and the National Apprenticeship Office’s performance in delivering construction apprenticeships; and if so, to provide a copy of the review [58219/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the performance metrics used to assess the success of SOLAS and the National Apprenticeship Office in delivering construction apprenticeships; and to provide the most recent performance data available [58220/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department has received complaints from industry stakeholders on the responsiveness or effectiveness of SOLAS and the NAO in addressing construction sector needs; and to clarify the recourse available to those raising concerns. [58221/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department has evaluated the effectiveness of the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025 in increasing construction apprenticeship numbers; and to provide the findings of any such evaluation. [58222/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the specific targets set under the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021–2025 for construction-related apprenticeships; and if these targets have been met, exceeded, or fallen short. [58223/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the lessons his Department has learned from the shortcomings of the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021–2025 in relation to construction workforce development; and the changes which will be made in the 2026-2030 strategy to address these gaps. [58224/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department has conducted a gap analysis comparing current apprenticeship output with the labour demand required to meet the Government’s commitment to deliver 60,000 homes annually; and to provide a copy of that analysis. [58225/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department has considered the establishment of a separate, dedicated construction training board to operate independently of SOLAS; and the rationale for either pursuing or rejecting this proposal. [58226/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide the internal assessments, feasibility studies, or stakeholder consultations conducted by his Department regarding the creation of a construction training board focused solely on the needs of the construction sector. [58227/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the specific measures his Department will adopt to rapidly increase construction apprenticeship numbers, given the current crisis-level shortage and the urgent labour demands associated with national housing and infrastructure targets. [58228/25]
Agriculture 9 questions
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to confirm whether his Department has conducted an independent risk analysis prior to designating an organisation (details supplied) as third-party breeding programme providers under Article 8.4(b) of EU Regulation 2016/1012; and, if so, to provide a copy of that analysis. [57895/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if any senior officials within his Department currently hold or have held directorships or governance roles within an organisation (details supplied); and to clarify how this aligns with the Ethics in Public Office Acts 1995 and 2001 and the Department's obligations under EU Regulation 2016/1012. [57896/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether his Department treats EU Regulation 2016/1012 and S.I. 227/2021 as binding legislation; and the means by which his Department ensures full compliance with the regulatory safeguards outlined in Article 8.4(b) regarding conflicts of interest. [57897/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide the peer-reviewed scientific evidence used to justify the inclusion of an organisation (details supplied) in the sheep improvement scheme under the CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027; and whether any of this evidence has since been amended, retracted, or contradicted by subsequent findings. [57898/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether his Department has reviewed the terms and conditions of an organisation (details supplied) for compliance with EU Regulation 2016/1012, the Competition Act 2002 (as amended), and the General Data Protection Regulation; and the enforcement or oversight mechanisms that are in place. [57899/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether his Department has received complaints from breeders regarding the removal or alteration of genetic indexes by an organisation (details supplied); and to clarify the recourse available to breeders who believe their animals have been unfairly devalued. [57900/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to confirm whether Teagasc staff involved in the governance of an organisation (details supplied) are required to declare personal or familial interests in accordance with the Teagasc code of conduct; and the disciplinary or oversight procedures that are in place where breaches occur. [57901/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether any Teagasc researchers involved with decision-making within an organisation (details supplied) have been found to have misrepresented or selectively presented research findings in peer-reviewed journals or public conferences; and the steps that have been taken to address this. [57902/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the governance structures that are in place to ensure that the designation of third-party breeding programme providers under EU Regulation 2016/1012 is free from conflicts of interest; and whether his Department intends to review or revise these structures in light of recent concerns raised by breeders. [57903/25]
Health 9 questions
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health the status of admissions to St. Augustine’s Community Nursing Unit in Ballina, County Mayo; the current position regarding HIQA’s registration restrictions; the steps being taken to expedite the reopening of admissions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57842/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health the current policy regarding charges for routine blood tests for medical card holders; if she is aware of any discrepancy between information provided by the HSE, which states that routine blood tests should be free of charge and guidance issued by an organisation (details supplied) which indicates that phlebotomy services for routine blood tests are not covered under the GMS contract; the steps being taken to resolve this inconsistency and ensure clear, uniform guidance for both patients and GPs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57843/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health if a permanent HSE dentist is currently based in Swinford primary care centre, County Mayo; if not, when the post was last filled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58044/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health the current number of backlogged school dental screenings in County Mayo, broken down by class year and number of children awaiting assessment; the measures being implemented to address these outstanding appointments for eligible children, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58045/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health to clarify the interim measures being taken to restore mammogram services in County Mayo, following the retirement of the resident radiographer and the delay in appointing a replacement until early 2026; when local services will resume, given the impact on timely cancer diagnostics and the burden placed on patients travelling to Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58549/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health if an interim radiographer has been identified or appointed to resume mammogram services in County Mayo; if not, the specific actions being taken to expedite recruitment and avoid further delays in diagnostic care for women in the region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58550/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health if she will address the current waiting times at the Galway Breast Clinic, which is now servicing all of Connaught; if she will outline how urgent referrals, particularly those involving patients with a history of cancer, are being prioritised to ensure timely access to breast screening and follow-up care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58551/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health the reason the BreastCheck mobile unit has ceased operating outside Mayo University Hospital for the past year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58552/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health if she will address the disparity whereby Mayo patients attending Galway for mammograms must be re-referred for follow-up scans or biopsies, while Galway patients receive these services in a single appointment; the steps being taken to ensure equitable access to breast diagnostics across the region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58553/25]
Education 6 questions
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department has carried out an assessment of the impact that the current teacher shortages are having on students, particularly in rural schools and DEIS areas; and the measures being taken to recruit and retain teachers. [59851/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on the number of school building projects currently delayed across the State; the reasons for these delays; and the steps which are being taken to ensure children are not left learning in prefabs or overcrowded classrooms this winter. [59599/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Education and Youth the way in which parents are consulted in relation to the new primary curriculum, particularly the aspects dealing with relationships and sexuality education and gender identity; and if she will commit to full transparency and parental opt-out provisions to ensure that sensitive topics are taught in a manner consistent with parental values and age appropriateness. [59603/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Education and Youth the plans in place to ensure genuine parental choice in relation to the ethos of schools, given the increasing number of parents whose wishes are not reflected in local school provision; and if she will safeguard the rights of parents as enshrined in the Constitution. [59602/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department has carried out an assessment of the impact the current teacher shortages are having on students, particularly in rural schools and DEIS areas; and the measures which are being taken to recruit and retain teachers. [59600/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will review the operation of the school transport scheme in view of the hundreds of children left without seats this term; and if she will commit to ensuring that no child is denied access to education due to where they live. [59601/25]

New lobbying 1 return

Drury Health
- Request for meeting to discuss the role of insourcing in reducing waiting lists in the health service.

Rose Conway-Walsh — Sinn Féin 0 votes · 4 questions · 1 new lobbying return

Questions asked 4 total

Education 2 questions
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department will recognise a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59737/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will ask her Department to urgently liaise with Bus Éireann to approve the extension of a school bus route (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59738/25]
Social 1 question
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Social Protection to confirm if increased PRSI contributions for the self-employed to allow them to avail of social welfare entitlements, such as illness benefits, has been included in Budget 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57797/25]
Defence 1 question
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of members of the Defence Forces who have protection orders or barring orders against them; the protocol within the Defence Forces for dealing with an individual member of the force with a protection order or barring order issued to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60455/25]

New lobbying 1 return

Drury Health
- Request for meeting to discuss the role of insourcing in reducing waiting lists in the health service.