Dublin Rathdown — week of Mon, 12 Jan — Watch Them Work

What your Dublin Rathdown TDs did this week

Mon, 12 Jan – 18 Jan 2026 · 4 TDs · 3 bills voted on · 64 questions · 30 new lobbying filings

Votes this week

Mercosur Trade Agreement

2026-01-14 · 3 votes

A sub-amendment · motion failed 69–85

Voted for 1 Sinéad Gibney

Voted against 3 Maeve O'Connell · Neale Richmond · Shay Brennan

An amendment to the bill · motion passed 86–70

Voted for 3 Maeve O'Connell · Neale Richmond · Shay Brennan

Voted against 1 Sinéad Gibney

The motion · motion passed 85–70

Voted for 3 Maeve O'Connell · Neale Richmond · Shay Brennan

Voted against 1 Sinéad Gibney

Uisce Éireann Infrastructure Delivery, Accountability and Repair Timelines

2026-01-14 · 2 votes

An amendment to the bill · motion passed 85–70

Voted for 3 Maeve O'Connell · Neale Richmond · Shay Brennan

Voted against 1 Sinéad Gibney

The motion · motion passed 85–70

Voted for 3 Maeve O'Connell · Neale Richmond · Shay Brennan

Voted against 1 Sinéad Gibney

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

2026-01-13 · 1 vote

The week's Dáil business schedule · motion passed 84–67

Voted for 3 Maeve O'Connell · Neale Richmond · Shay Brennan

Voted against 1 Sinéad Gibney

Maeve O'Connell — Fine Gael 6 votes · 15 questions · 6 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 15 total

Defence 3 questions
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Defence if the security duty allowance will be paid to Irish Reservists for all activities undertaken during the Irish presidency of the EU. [2502/26]
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Defence if the security duty allowance will be paid to Irish Reservists for activities whether classified as training or operational undertaken during the Irish presidency of the EU. [2503/26]
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Defence if a review of the security duty allowance will be undertaken to ensure Irish Reservists receive appropriate renumeration for all activities during the Irish presidency of the EU. [2504/26]
Further and Higher Education 3 questions
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a one day a week class training model is being considered for craft apprentices to reduce the impact on employers as a result of the six week block class model and encourage apprenticeships. [2505/26]
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of academic and teaching staff which currently work in the TU sector; and the number of academic and teaching staff which currently work in traditional universities. [2506/26]
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department is considering amending the teaching requirements for academic staff in Technological Universities in order to bring them in line with their counterparts in traditional universities. [2507/26]
Transport 2 questions
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport the total budget for active travel projects across Ireland, in each year, for the past five years. [74502/25]
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport if his Department is developing a common policy across public transport for pets. [1605/26]
Enterprise 2 questions
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his Department has investigated vet practice competition and pricing to assess if it is a competitive market. [1607/26]
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his Department will require pricing for the top ten veterinary procedures to be published and publicly available to consumers; and where "pet plans" available prices will be included with and without said "pet plan" to enable transparency. [1608/26]
Housing 2 questions
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the prohibition on pet bans in social and AHB housing will be extended to all rental accommodation, with normal wear and tear conditions such as RTB standard being applied to all occupiers such as specifically the wear and tear and anti-social behaviour clauses. [1606/26]
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will establish an interim order to prevent families with pets being disaffected in social housing in advance of the enactment of the pet ban legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2500/26]
Agriculture 1 question
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department will enable veterinary prescriptions to be filled at any veterinary practice and not tied to the prescription issuer. [1609/26]
Children 1 question
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she is aware of the concerns of an organisation (details supplied) in relation to changes to the role of guardians ad litem; and if she will engage with the organisation in relation to these concerns. [2476/26]
Culture 1 question
- 2026-01-15 Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if data is available on the number of postal items delivered over the Christmas period by An Post; to provide said data; and if data is kept regarding the number of postal items that were delivered late over the same period, and to provide said data. [2501/26]

New lobbying 6 returns

Sandyford BID CLG Economic Development and Industry
- Requested support for the establishment of a startup campus in Sandyford
Skillnet Ireland Education and Training
- Engagement by representatives from Skillnet Ireland on the upskilling and workforce development supports available, emphasizing the importance of skills in boosting business competitiveness and innovation. Highlighting key areas of proposed expansion in budget 2026. Discussing the utilisation of the National Training Fund and the development of the National Training Fund Amendment Bill.
BoyleSports Taxation
- 2026 Pre-Budget Submission - Letter with a meeting invite sent to relevant Ministers and TD's in relation to BOYLE Sports 2026 Pre- Budget Submission.
Grow Remote Ireland CLG Employment
- Phone calls to elected reps offices to remind about upcoming All Party Group meeting in Leinster House
Age Action Budgetary matters
- Funding for a Programme for Government commitment
Irish Heart Foundation Health
- Stroke information event and fundraiser

Neale Richmond — Fine Gael 6 votes · 0 questions · 8 new lobbying returns

New lobbying 8 returns

Sandyford BID CLG Economic Development and Industry
- Requested support for the establishment of a startup campus in Sandyford
L.M. Ericsson Limited Communications
- Discussion around levels of regulation on Telecoms in the EU and with respect to the lack of investment and innovation
BoyleSports Taxation
- 2026 Pre-Budget Submission - Letter with a meeting invite sent to relevant Ministers and TD's in relation to BOYLE Sports 2026 Pre- Budget Submission.
DOCHAS - THE IRISH ASSOCIATION OF NON- GOVERNMENTAL DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATIONS Foreign Affairs
- Ireland Global Climate Financing
Grow Remote Ireland CLG Public Expenditure and Reform
- All Party Group on Remote Working Meeting in Leinster House - Dec 2025
Age Action Budgetary matters
- Funding for a Programme for Government commitment
Irish Heart Foundation · 2 returns Health
- Stroke information event and fundraiser
- Oireachtas Heart and Stroke Group

Shay Brennan — Fianna Fáil 6 votes · 7 questions · 6 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 7 total

Transport 2 questions
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Transport the specific auditing measures that are in place to verify the integrity of South African licence exchanges beyond digital database checks. [1007/26]
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Transport if he is considering a suspension of the South African licence exchange agreement until the integrity of the "pass" records can be guaranteed, similar to the requirements for US or Indian licence holders. [1008/26]
Children 2 questions
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will examine the current statutory framework governing redundancy protections for pregnant employees; if she will consider extending redundancy protection to cover the period from the point at which an employee notifies their employer of pregnancy, rather than only from the commencement of statutory maternity leave; and if she will report on any review being undertaken by her Department regarding international best practice in this area, including recent legislative developments in the UK, France, Germany and the Netherlands, which provide broader protections for pregnant workers. [1224/26]
- 2026-01-14 Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she has examined allowing parental leave entitlements to be transferred between parents who are employed by different employers; the considerations involved in such a policy change; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2830/26]
Housing 1 question
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the working group key findings are recommendations under section F acknowledging the changing role of engineering in the sector, section ii and section iii (details supplied). [75121/25]
Justice 1 question
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his Department has considered the establishment of a central register of wills; if he will provide an update on any analysis, consultation or scoping work undertaken to date on the feasibility, legal implications and potential benefits of such a register; and his plans to progress the creation of a national system to record the existence and location of wills in order to support families, legal practitioners and the administration of estates. [1359/26]
Health 1 question
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Health if she will review the long-term illness scheme; if she will examine the case for including hypothyroidism as a qualifying condition, given its lifelong nature, the ongoing medical monitoring required and significant cumulative healthcare costs involved; and if she will outline any plans her Department has to modernise the scheme. [1690/26]

New lobbying 6 returns

Sandyford BID CLG Economic Development and Industry
- Requested support for the establishment of a startup campus in Sandyford
Pontis Advisory Limited Housing
- Issue relating to a ground rent with Tailte Eireann where a folio is bring split
BoyleSports Taxation
- 2026 Pre-Budget Submission - Letter with a meeting invite sent to relevant Ministers and TD's in relation to BOYLE Sports 2026 Pre- Budget Submission.
Age Action Budgetary matters
- Funding for a Programme for Government commitment
ENERGY CLOUD Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG) Energy and Natural Resources
- 3 separate emails covering Pobal report, EnergyCloud Pre Budget Submission and EnergyCloud Monthly Wasted Energy Report
Irish Heart Foundation Health
- Irish Heart Foundation pre-budget submission 2026.

Sinéad Gibney — Social Democrats 6 votes · 42 questions · 10 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 42 total

Enterprise 11 questions
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether his Department is concerned about the rising rate of long-term unemployment and the rising rate of youth unemployment, which stands at nearly three times the average unemployment rate, according to the CSO; the measures his Department is taking to find the cause and address these issues in the Irish labour market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2383/26]
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will reconsider the three-year delay to the introduction of the living wage, which has been postponed until January 2029; if his Department is keeping the decision to delay under constant review, in line with the recommendations of the Low Pay Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1740/26]
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the potential redundancies of 400 AI workers taking place at a company (details supplied); if his Department has engaged with the company on this issue; the steps his Department is taking to protect jobs in the tech sector amid increasing labour displacement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1739/26]
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment his plans to address the decrease in tourist numbers in 2025 and the overreliance on the North American market in the Irish tourism industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1738/26]
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his Department is concerned about the rising rate of long-term unemployment, and youth unemployment, which stands at nearly three times the average unemployment rate, according to the CSO; the measures his Department is taking to find the cause and address these issues in the labour market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1736/26]
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the steps his Department is taking to address AI displacement and a decrease in quality jobs in the tech sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2385/26]
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether he is aware of the potential redundancies of 400 AI workers taking place at a company (details supplied); whether his Department has engaged with the company on this issue; the steps his Department is taking to protect jobs in the tech sector amid increasing labour displacement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2384/26]
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to provide a list of AI pilot projects which have taken place in his Department within the past 12 months; the expenditure associated with those projects; and whether they are still ongoing, in tabular form. [74132/25]
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the current average waiting time for a WRC adjudication hearing to be heard from the time the complaints are submitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1912/26]
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the average waiting time for a WRC adjudication hearing to be heard from the time the complaints are submitted for each month in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1913/26]
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether he is aware of instances of companies using payment in lieu of notice to avoid employees attaining two years’ service needed to be entitled to statutory redundancy; whether his Department has any plans to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2416/26]
Defence 6 questions
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Defence whether her Department keeps any statistics on the inclusion of those with ADHD or on the autism spectrum in the Defence Forces, including the Reserve Defence Force; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [74125/25]
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Defence to provide a list of AI pilot projects which have taken place in her Department within the past 12 months; the expenditure associated with those projects; and whether they are still ongoing, in tabular form. [74130/25]
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Defence if footage of suspected drones spotted during President Zelenskyy’s visit to Ireland will be released; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [75083/25]
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the investigation into a suspected drone incident during President Zelenskyy’s visit to Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [75084/25]
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Defence if her Department has ascertained the origin of the suspected drones involved in an incident during President Zelenskyy’s visit to Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [75085/25]
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Defence the reason civil aviation and air traffic control authorities were not alerted to a suspected danger arising from the suspected drone incident during President Zelenskyy’s visit to Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [75086/25]
Justice 4 questions
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the average processing time for an EU treaty Rights application; the range of processing times for EU Treaty Rights applications in the past 12 months; and the median processing time for EU treaty Rights applications in the past 12 months. [74124/25]
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide a list of AI pilot projects which have taken place in his Department within the past 12 months; the expenditure associated with those projects; and whether they are still ongoing, in tabular form. [74138/25]
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide an updated list of measures Ireland has opted into under Protocol 21, and a list of the measures Ireland is automatically bound by as a result of our participation in elements of the Schengen acquis. [75100/25]
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration when an updated list of measures Ireland has opted into under Protocol 21, and a list of the measures Ireland is automatically bound by as a result of our participation in elements of the Schengen acquis will be uploaded to the Department website, as the current list has not been updated since 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [75101/25]
Transport 3 questions
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Transport the steps his Department will take to expand bus services in Stepaside, Glencullen, and Kiltiernan beyond current BusConnect plans, in order to address severe traffic congestion issues and lack of public transport capacity and reliability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74122/25]
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Transport to provide a list of AI pilot projects which have taken place in his Department within the past 12 months; the expenditure associated with those projects; and whether they are still ongoing, in tabular form. [74143/25]
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department is aware of any drivers’ licences cancelled in the recent crackdown on fraudulent pass grades for driving tests (details supplied) under the licence exchange agreement; whether his Department has discussed this issue with the NDLS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1165/26]
Culture 3 questions
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when a new National Archive Advisory Council will be appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74123/25]
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to provide a list of AI pilot projects which have taken place in his Department within the past 12 months; the expenditure associated with those projects; and whether they are still ongoing, in tabular form. [74129/25]
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the position regarding the implementation of the recommendations of the 2022 Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media, A Safe and Respectful Working Environment in the Arts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [75081/25]
Foreign 2 questions
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide a list of AI pilot projects which have taken place in her Department within the past 12 months; the expenditure associated with those projects; and whether they are still ongoing, in tabular form. [74134/25]
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether the overflight of Ireland by a US military P-8 Poseidon anti-submarine aircraft on an active military operation on 5 January 2026 was given permission by her Department for the overflight; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1480/26]
Children 2 questions
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to provide a list of AI pilot projects which have taken place in her Department within the past 12 months; the expenditure associated with those projects; and whether they are still ongoing, in tabular form. [74127/25]
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if her Department is considering aligning the parental leave age limit of 12 years in the private sector as laid out in the parental leave acts with that of the public sector, where the limit is 16 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1648/26]
Taoiseach 1 question
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Taoiseach to provide a list of AI pilot projects which have taken place in his Department within the past 12 months; the expenditure associated with those projects; and whether they are still ongoing, in tabular form. [74142/25]
Climate 1 question
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide a list of AI pilot projects which have taken place in his Department within the past 12 months; the expenditure associated with those projects; and whether they are still ongoing, in tabular form. [74128/25]
Finance 1 question
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to provide a list of AI pilot projects which have taken place in his Department within the past 12 months; the expenditure associated with those projects; and whether they are still ongoing, in tabular form. [74133/25]
Public Expenditure 1 question
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide a list of AI pilot projects which have taken place in his Department within the past 12 months; the expenditure associated with those projects; and whether they are still ongoing, in tabular form. [74139/25]
Education 1 question
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide a list of AI pilot projects which have taken place in her Department within the past 12 months; the expenditure associated with those projects; and whether they are still ongoing, in tabular form. [74131/25]
Housing 1 question
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide a list of AI pilot projects which have taken place in his Department within the past 12 months; the expenditure associated with those projects; and whether they are still ongoing, in tabular form. [74137/25]
Social 1 question
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Social Protection to provide a list of AI pilot projects which have taken place in his Department within the past 12 months; the expenditure associated with those projects; and whether they are still ongoing, in tabular form. [74141/25]
Agriculture 1 question
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide a list of AI pilot projects which have taken place in his Department within the past 12 months; the expenditure associated with those projects; and whether they are still ongoing, in tabular form. [74126/25]
Health 1 question
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Health to provide a list of AI pilot projects which have taken place in her Department within the past 12 months; the expenditure associated with those projects; and whether they are still ongoing, in tabular form. [74136/25]
Further and Higher Education 1 question
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide a list of AI pilot projects which have taken place in his Department within the past 12 months; the expenditure associated with those projects; and whether they are still ongoing, in tabular form. [74135/25]
Rural 1 question
- 2026-01-13 Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to provide a list of AI pilot projects which have taken place in his Department within the past 12 months; the expenditure associated with those projects; and whether they are still ongoing, in tabular form. [74140/25]

New lobbying 10 returns

Reduced Risk Products Association Company Limited Health
- The Reduced Risk Products Association issued written communications to selected members of the Oireachtas following statements made during a Dáil debate on vaping, providing factual information and evidence on vaping and nicotine products, including youth use, smoking cessation, flavours, and potential implications of proposed regulatory measures.
Unite the Union, Ireland Region Employment
- Extreme weather protection for workers
BoyleSports Taxation
- 2026 Pre-Budget Submission - Letter with a meeting invite sent to relevant Ministers and TD's in relation to BOYLE Sports 2026 Pre- Budget Submission.
Gaeloideachas Education and Training
- Lá stocaireachta maidir le riachtanais na hearnála tumoideachais
Grow Remote Ireland CLG · 2 returns Employment · Public Expenditure and Reform
- Phone calls to elected reps offices to remind about upcoming All Party Group meeting in Leinster House
- All Party Group on Remote Working Meeting in Leinster House - Sept 2025
Simon Communities of Ireland · 2 returns Housing
- SCI Annual Report 2024 Launch
- Coffee Dock Meet and Greet in Leinster House
Irish Heart Foundation Health
- Oireachtas Heart and Stroke Group
ALONE Health
- Provided members of the Artificial Intelligence Committee with copy of opening statement and offered opportunity to ask any follow up questions on presentation