Dublin South-West — week of Mon, 17 Nov — Watch Them Work

What your Dublin South-West TDs did this week

Mon, 17 Nov – 23 Nov 2025 · 5 TDs · 5 bills voted on · 58 questions · 0 new lobbying filings

Votes this week

Arts (Recognition of Comedy) (Amendment) Bill 2024

2025-11-19 · 2 votes · Sinn Féin PMB

A bill to amend the Arts Act 2003 to recognise the art of comedy

A sub-amendment · motion passed 69–83

Voted for 2 Ciarán Ahern · Paul Murphy

Voted against 1 Colm Brophy

Did not vote 2 John Lahart · Seán Crowe

An amendment to the bill · motion passed 83–70

Voted for 1 Colm Brophy

Voted against 2 Ciarán Ahern · Paul Murphy

Did not vote 2 John Lahart · Seán Crowe

Cost of Motoring

2025-11-19 · 1 vote

The motion · motion failed 70–82

Voted for 2 Ciarán Ahern · Paul Murphy

Voted against 1 Colm Brophy

Did not vote 2 John Lahart · Seán Crowe

Forty-first Amendment of the Constitution (Reduction of Voting Age to Sixteen Years) Bill 2025

2025-11-19 · 1 vote · Social Democrats PMB

A bill to amend the Constitution

An amendment to the bill · motion passed 86–65

Voted for 1 Colm Brophy

Voted against 2 Ciarán Ahern · Paul Murphy

Did not vote 2 John Lahart · Seán Crowe

Gnó na Dála - Business of Dáil

2025-11-18 · 1 vote

The motion · motion passed 83–67

Voted for 1 Colm Brophy

Voted against 2 Ciarán Ahern · Paul Murphy

Did not vote 2 John Lahart · Seán Crowe

Nomination of Member of Government

2025-11-18 · 1 vote

The motion · motion passed 88–69

Voted for 1 Colm Brophy

Voted against 2 Ciarán Ahern · Paul Murphy

Did not vote 2 John Lahart · Seán Crowe

Ciarán Ahern — Labour Party 6 votes · 18 questions · 0 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 18 total

Transport 8 questions
- 2025-11-18 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of recurring issues such as cancellations, delays, break-downs and ‘ghost buses’ on the S8 route operated by a provider (details supplied); if the operator is complying with their service level obligations in respect of this route; if he will instruct the NTA to conduct a review of the operator’s performance on this route given these issues have been persistent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63185/25]
- 2025-11-18 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport his engagements with the NTA concerning the awarding of a new contract to a public transport service operator (details supplied) for service provision in the outer Dublin metropolitan area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63186/25]
- 2025-11-18 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport to provide a copy of the contract awarded to a public transport service operator (details supplied). [63187/25]
- 2025-11-18 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport the amount of funding he plans to allocate to new and enhanced services under the BusConnects, Connecting Ireland and Towns Services programmes in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63686/25]
- 2025-11-18 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport the reason his Department has decided to ignore the provisions of the Road Traffic Act 2024 in relation to a default 30 km/h speed limit in built-up areas; the reason his Department is instructing local authorities to implement 30 km/h speed limits by means of designating roads as special speed limit zones instead of introducing a national default 30 km/h speed limit in built-up areas as provided for in the legislation; the reason his Department has delayed the implementation of a default 30 km/h speed limit in the 85 currently defined built-up areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63721/25]
- 2025-11-18 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport the estimated percentage reduction in fatalities and serious injuries on the roads by changing default speed limits in built-up areas from 50km/h to 30km/h, based on available data; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63722/25]
- 2025-11-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport when he expects the proposed transport security taskforce to be established; to commit to the inclusion of trade unions representing transport workers on the taskforce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64172/25]
- 2025-11-20 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking to ensure the enforcement of regulations banning the use of e-scooters by children under the age of 16 on public roads; the means by which he intends on preventing the sale of e-scooters to adults for use by children under 16; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64721/25]
Education 3 questions
- 2025-11-18 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the application by a school (details supplied) to open a second autism class; if she will ensure that this application is promptly approved so that the class can open in the next school year without delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63169/25]
- 2025-11-18 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is aware of difficulties parents in Dublin south-west are having in securing places for their children in local secondary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63598/25]
- 2025-11-18 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Education and Youth to examine a case for a person (details supplied) regarding a school place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63599/25]
Health 3 questions
- 2025-11-18 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Health the reason for the decision not to set aside any dedicated resources under the drugs budget for the Drugs Related Intimidation and Violence Engagement project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62762/25]
- 2025-11-18 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Health if she has concerns in relation to the fact that the auto-enrolment initiative is not being funded for local drugs and alcohol taskforces and the costs must therefore come out of their current budgets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62764/25]
- 2025-11-18 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Health the average wait times for routine scans in each public hospital in the Dublin and midlands health region in each of the past three years and to-date in 2025, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63101/25]
Finance 1 question
- 2025-11-18 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Finance if he is satisfied that Ireland’s aviation sector enjoys multiple tax exemptions despite rising carbon emissions; if he is aware that research suggests that the introduction of an air travel levy modelled on the UK’s air passenger duty could generate €6.3 billion in revenue over five years; if he will consider introducing such a levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63731/25]
Culture 1 question
- 2025-11-18 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he would consider expanding access to the basic income for the arts scheme to include luthiers and instrument makers in recognition of their vital role in the arts sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62935/25]
Social 1 question
- 2025-11-18 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Social Protection to consider extending children’s allowance payments to a full year following the death of a child; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62860/25]
Justice 1 question
- 2025-11-18 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the reason an addiction support service (details supplied) has been refused funding under the Community Safety Fund despite having previously been awarded two years of funding to support families experiencing Drive Related Intimidation (DRI); if he will direct his Department to reconsider this refusal given that without this funding there is no alternative way for the service to support these families, deliver DRI training for frontline staff or participate in the Drug Related Intimidation and Violence Engagement Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62760/25]

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

John Lahart — Fianna Fáil 0 votes · 9 questions · 0 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 9 total

Health 4 questions
- 2025-11-19 Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health her views on the recent reduction in funding for a company (details supplied); if she is aware that discontinuing the twelve-week introductory programme for new members has significantly reduced accessibility; if she will give consideration to restoring funding to ensure affordability for older participants, given that current costs are prohibitive; if private health insurance typically covers the programmes, given members report they are not reimbursed; and her views that the company provides an important social outlet for participants, helping to combat isolation among those living with chronic illness; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64141/25]
- 2025-11-20 Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health if she will address the recent reduction in funding for an organisation (details supplied); if she is aware that discontinuing the twelve-week introductory programme for new members has significantly reduced accessibility; if she will consider restoring funding to ensure affordability for older participants, given that current costs are prohibitive for many; if private health insurance typically covers the organisations programmes, given many members report they are not reimbursed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64353/25]
- 2025-11-20 Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the policy measures in place to ensure timely assignment of case managers or social workers for adults with complex needs who are identified as high clinical risk; if she will review current waiting list management for disability services to prevent prolonged delays; the safeguarding protocols which apply in cases where individuals live in non-sheltered settings without support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64354/25]
- 2025-11-20 Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health her views on the proposed sale of the Baggot Street Hospital.; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [65028/25]
Foreign 3 questions
- 2025-11-20 Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the details of Irelands contribution to the OSCE; the details of some of its functions; the details of Ireland's role within it as a member and its growing importance in the present turbulent global context. [65025/25]
- 2025-11-20 Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on Ireland's financial contribution to the OSCE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65026/25]
- 2025-11-20 Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on increasing funding to the OSCE for election observation on the basis that investment in such processes protects and strengthens democratic processes and institutions (details supplied) [65027/25]
Transport 2 questions
- 2025-11-18 Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider funding for a feasibility study into the Metro South West project; the estimated cost of such a study; the practical steps to be undertaken in such a study; the timeframe from initiation to completion of such a study based on previous practice; if he will confirm whether he favours and supports such a study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63047/25]
- 2025-11-19 Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport to address the criticism of some taxi drivers of his recent response regarding the introduction of fixed fares by a taxi company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64070/25]

Paul Murphy — People Before Profit-Solidarity 6 votes · 22 questions · 0 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 22 total

Health 9 questions
- 2025-11-18 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if any provision has been made to assist local and regional drugs and alcohol task forces with the extra costs of auto-enrolment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62738/25]
- 2025-11-18 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if any funding will be provided for the DRIVE (Drug Related Intimidation and Violence Engagement) project, given that it does not appear in the Budget 2026 Factsheet for National Drugs Strategy and Inclusion Health. [62739/25]
- 2025-11-18 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if the decision to not include local drugs and alcohol task forces in the new “reference group” to support the implementation of the new National Drugs Strategy will be revisited and they will be included to ensure that those responsible for implementing the strategy at a local level are included in discussions. [62740/25]
- 2025-11-18 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health the supports which are available to parents of adult children suffering from severe drug addiction and related mental health issues; the level of funding provided for this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63724/25]
- 2025-11-18 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if she will provide dual diagnosis supports for people suffering from severe drug addiction and drug-induced psychosis/schizophrenia and their families, for example, family group supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63727/25]
- 2025-11-18 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if she will fund family liaison officers for mental health and addiction services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63728/25]
- 2025-11-18 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health her views on whether clearer pathways are needed for involuntary treatment for people experiencing psychosis, including substance induced psychosis; the action she will take in that regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63729/25]
- 2025-11-20 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if she anticipates that a full public statutory inquiry into the treatment of children with scoliosis and spina bifida will commence in the new year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64196/25]
- 2025-11-20 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health when a full public statutory inquiry into the treatment of children with scoliosis and spina bifida will commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64195/25]
Children 4 questions
- 2025-11-20 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of occasions in the past five years on which has Tusla flown children to the UK so they could be accommodated in secure units there; if a guardian ad litem accompanied children on every occasion; who else accompanied the children; the age profile of the children; the number of Irish children currently being accommodated in this way; the length of time they have been living in these arrangements for; the number of occasions on which Tusla hired a private plane; in these cases, if every possible option in Ireland was explored beforehand; if any children turned 18 while in a secure unit in the UK; and if so, the aftercare options they they were offered in the UK and in Ireland. [64662/25]
- 2025-11-20 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of occasions in the past five years on which Tusla has housed in eating disorder units or other CAMHS units children who had not been found to have a mental disorder, due to a lack of secure placements. [64663/25]
- 2025-11-20 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of secure unit places available nationally for both girls and boys in Ireland; how that compares to the demand; and to outline whether there is ever a waiting list. [64664/25]
- 2025-11-20 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of special emergency arrangement locations Kare Plus South has open with Tusla; the qualifications its staff must have in order to look after children living in these arrangements; if the staff have therapeutic crisis intervention training; if the staff working in a location (details supplied) where a serious incident took place have therapeutic crisis intervention training; the qualifications the staff members on duty at the time of the stabbing have, without identifying them or the children in question; the ratio of children to staff in the centre at the time of the attack; whether it is the case that this centre was due to be closed the week following the attack prior to the attack itself; if so, why it was being closed; whether any review was ever conducted on the suitability of this accommodation; and if so, by whom. [64665/25]
Taoiseach 2 questions
- 2025-11-19 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on water quality will next meet. [56996/25]
- 2025-11-19 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Taoiseach for a report on the work of the shared island unit. [56997/25]
Culture 2 questions
- 2025-11-20 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will expand the number eligible for the basic income for the arts scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64162/25]
- 2025-11-20 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will extend the scope of the basic income for the arts scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64161/25]
Transport 1 question
- 2025-11-18 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will review the new F-Spine routes and instruct the NTA to make the changes necessary in order that journeys are not more indirect and do not take much longer than the previous routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63318/25]
Social 1 question
- 2025-11-18 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection the financial supports available to parents caring for adult children suffering from severe drug addiction and related mental health issues, who are not living with them, but who are caring for them to the extent that they are unable to work full time, and are providing them with significant financial support; the level of funding his Department provided for this purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63725/25]
Education 1 question
- 2025-11-19 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will review the case of a person (details supplied); if the materials should have been covered under the free schoolbooks scheme. [64185/25]
Finance 1 question
- 2025-11-20 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will equalise tax relief on taxsaver commuter tickets to ensure that lower paid workers are not forced to pay more for public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63317/25]
Housing 1 question
- 2025-11-20 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if she is aware of the current underfunding of emergency medical services for the fire brigade (details supplied); and if she will instruct her Department to provide adequate funding to ensure that the brigade has access to needed equipment. [64666/25]

Seán Crowe — Sinn Féin 0 votes · 9 questions · 0 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 9 total

Education 4 questions
- 2025-11-18 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Youth to examine the case of a person (details supplied) who is due to start senior cycle in a special school but is due to turn 18 this year and will be unable to finish senior cycle in that school; if an allowance can be made for this student to remain in the school. [62964/25]
- 2025-11-18 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department will support the opening of an additional ASD class at a school (details supplied). [62999/25]
- 2025-11-18 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of post-primary school places in the Dublin south west area in the 2025-2026 academic year; the number of children who did not receive a place in this academic year; and the number of places her Department estimates will be required by 2030. [63673/25]
- 2025-11-18 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide details of the 39 schools that are being built or expanded in the south Dublin area; and the number of additional school places that each will provide, in tabular form. [63674/25]
Foreign 1 question
- 2025-11-18 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the average turnaround time for applications to the foreign birth register. [62953/25]
Housing 1 question
- 2025-11-18 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he intends to introduce legislation regarding planning permission for crematoria. [62940/25]
Social 1 question
- 2025-11-18 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Social Protection if his Department has prepared guidance for charities and non-profit organisations that are concerned their required contributions to autoenrollment pensions for their staff will place a financial burden that will lead to a reduction of services and staff layoffs; if specific guidance has been prepared; the advice he will offer to those organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63281/25]
Rural 1 question
- 2025-11-18 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he intends to introduce legislation for increased regulation and oversight of crematoria. [62939/25]
Health 1 question
- 2025-11-20 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health for an update on the approval status of the drug givinostat; if officials from her Department have been in contact with their counterparts in the North of Ireland to examine the possibility of children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy accessing treatment in the North as an interim measure; if not, to outline the barriers to them doing so; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62690/25]