Laois — week of Mon, 19 Jan — Watch Them Work

What your Laois TDs did this week

Mon, 19 Jan – 25 Jan 2026 · 3 TDs · 4 bills voted on · 40 questions · 65 new lobbying filings

Votes this week

Flexible Work and Commuter Delays

2026-01-21 · 2 votes

An amendment to the bill · motion passed 84–67

Voted for 2 Sean Fleming · William Aird

Voted against 1 Brian Stanley

The motion · motion passed 83–67

Voted for 2 Sean Fleming · William Aird

Voted against 1 Brian Stanley

Derelict Sites (Amendment) Bill 2022

2026-01-21 · 1 vote · Sinn Féin PMB

A bill to amend and extend the Derelict Sites Act 1990 and to provide for related matters

The motion · motion failed 66–81

Voted for 1 Brian Stanley

Voted against 2 Sean Fleming · William Aird

Sale of Nitrous Oxide and Related Products Bill 2025

2026-01-21 · 1 vote · Sinn Féin PMB

A bill to regulate and licence the sale of nitrous oxide to exempted purchasers, to prohibit the sale of nitrous oxide and nitrous oxide products to a person who has not attaine…

full description

A bill to regulate and licence the sale of nitrous oxide to exempted purchasers, to prohibit the sale of nitrous oxide and nitrous oxide products to a person who has not attained the age of 18 years, and to provide for related matters.

An amendment to the bill · motion passed 82–66

Voted for 2 Sean Fleming · William Aird

Voted against 1 Brian Stanley

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

2026-01-20 · 1 vote

The week's Dáil business schedule · motion passed 80–67

Voted for 2 Sean Fleming · William Aird

Voted against 1 Brian Stanley

Brian Stanley — Independent 5 votes · 14 questions · 17 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 14 total

Culture 5 questions
- 2026-01-20 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the numbers of homes/premises that are connected to high speed broadband under national broadband scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3421/26]
- 2026-01-20 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the date for completion of the final of roll-out of the national broadband scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3423/26]
- 2026-01-20 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the person or body which will have ownership of the national broadband scheme at the point where roll-out and delivery has been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3425/26]
- 2026-01-20 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the amount which has been paid to a company (details supplied) by the national broadband scheme for use of their poles, ducting and infrastructure in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3424/26]
- 2026-01-20 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the final expected cost of the national broadband scheme to the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3422/26]
Health 5 questions
- 2026-01-22 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health if she will ensure that Saint Anne's ward in St. Vincent's nursing unit in Mountmellick, County Laois, is kept in use when the new wing is open, to allow for the capacity of the hospital to go from 58 to 83; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4891/26]
- 2026-01-22 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health if she will ensure that Saint Anne's ward in Saint Vincent’s nursing unit in Mountmellick, County Laois is kept in use when the new wing is open to allow for the capacity of the hospital to go from 58 to 83; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4438/26]
- 2026-01-22 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the provision of the new daycare centre which has been promised to be located adjacent to Abbeyleix nursing unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4439/26]
- 2026-01-22 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the number of positions currently approved for advertisement within primary care services in Laois, per year, from 2020 to date, for occupational therapists and speech and language therapists respectively; the dates on which each of these positions were approved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4964/26]
- 2026-01-22 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the current available capacity for patients of Midlands Regional Hospital Tullamore awaiting joint replacements to be referred to the NTPF for treatment; if the hospital is actively seeking referrals where clinically appropriate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5113/26]
Housing 3 questions
- 2026-01-22 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he can confirm that capital funding will be made available in the 2026 to 2030 National Development Plan to construct a new fire station for the fire services in Rathdowney, County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4421/26]
- 2026-01-22 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the construction of a new fire station for Rathdowney, County Laois is included in his Department's list of works to upgrade fire stations around the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4420/26]
- 2026-01-22 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the details of when the regulations/guidelines for large wind turbines will be published; if the guidelines will include noise regulations that are compatible with the World Health Organization standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72815/25]
Transport 1 question
- 2026-01-22 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport when he will sanction the increase in payment for those in receipt of the Pre-1951 CIÉ employees’ pension scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5175/26]

New lobbying 17 returns

National Forum of Family Resource Centres CLG Children and Youth Affairs
- The Family Resource Centre National Forum (FRCNF) provided a briefing to Oireachtas members on the 25th of September 2025 in the AV room in Leinster House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2. The briefing is part of the FRCNF's calls for a renewed Government commitment to increase the National FRC Programme core funding for all 121 FRCs to €240,000 ahead of Budget 2026.
Dyslexia Association of Ireland Education and Training
- Dyslexia Awareness Month Presentation to Oireachtas Members for Dyslexia Awareness Month
The Social and Affordable Housing Alliance Housing
- Outlining the Housing Alliance's priorities for the National Housing Plan
Community Creations Limited t/a SpunOut.ie Children and Youth Affairs
- Invitation to spunout 20th anniversary event and launch of insights report Loneliness: What Ireland’s Young People Are Telling Us
Montague Communications Ltd Justice and Equality
- Reform of the Multi-Unit Development (MUD) Act
The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA · 5 returns Agriculture · Finance
- IFA Budget 2026 Briefing
- Bord Bia Marketing Assistance Programme
- Measures to Support Farm Enterprises - Equine
- Aquaculture
- IFA Budget 2026 Submission - Farm Schemes
The Asthma Society of Ireland Health
- AV Room Briefing for World Lung Day
Rehab Group · 2 returns Public Expenditure and Reform · Employment
- Rehab's Pre Budget Submission
- Rehab Enterprises hosted an open day at its facility in Portlaoise to showcase its work and seek support for an increase in the Wage Subsidy Scheme and
Community Platform Finance
- Emailed all Ministers, TDs and Senators with a copy of the Community Platform’s Four Tests for Budget 2026 asking them to support these proposals in the run up to the announcement of Budget 2026.
Ibec Economic Development and Industry
- Ibec Midlands priorities 2026
Midlands Simon Community Housing
- Met with and emailed TDs to seek assistance with public funding towards the refurbishment existing housing for providing services to the homeless
Horse Racing Ireland Agriculture
- Invitation to HRI awards

Sean Fleming — Fianna Fáil 5 votes · 5 questions · 0 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 5 total

Health 2 questions
- 2026-01-22 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the plans in place for delivering more surgical hubs to provide elective care across the regions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4981/26]
- 2026-01-22 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health her plans with regard to the provision of new acute beds and projects in acute hospitals through the regions, including theatres and emergency departments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4982/26]
Housing 2 questions
- 2026-01-22 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to review the house price and income thresholds of the local authority home loan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4926/26]
- 2026-01-22 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to engage with the pillar banks and the first home scheme to develop a support for first-time buyers seeking to purchase and renovate derelict or long-term vacant properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4925/26]
Education 1 question
- 2026-01-20 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Youth when a response to correspondence will issue to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3750/26]

William Aird — Fine Gael 5 votes · 21 questions · 48 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 21 total

Health 11 questions
- 2026-01-21 Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to introduce a formal compassionate use programme in Ireland for orphan drugs, in light of the fact that several EU member states already have such programmes allowing patients early access to potentially life-saving treatments prior to full market authorisation; when such a programme will be established to ensure patients in Ireland are not disadvantaged compared with other EU countries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4522/26]
- 2026-01-21 Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Health if she will review the criteria for medical card eligibility to allow for an audiology-only medical card, or similar entitlement, for individuals with congenital deafness who face unavoidable and lifelong costs for essential hearing aids; if she will consider removing or modifying means-testing in cases where the medical need is permanent and non-discretionary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4523/26]
- 2026-01-21 Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Health the actions being taken to reduce the current reliance on locum consultants, given that 16.5% of consultant posts are filled on a locum basis; the reason for delays in advertising and filling permanent posts, including where advance notice of retirements is available; her assessment of the impact of high locum use on continuity of care, service development and smaller hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4524/26]
- 2026-01-21 Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to improve supports for people with food allergies in public settings; the plans to develop a national allergy strategy; and the actions being considered to enhance emergency preparedness, staff training and access to treatments such as anaphylaxis kits and oral immunotherapy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4525/26]
- 2026-01-21 Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Health the way in which the newly published paper,’ Ireland’s Future Health and Social Care Workforce’, will guide long-term workforce planning across the health and social care sectors; the way its evidence-based projections will support the delivery of Programme for Government commitments and Sláintecare 2025+; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4526/26]
- 2026-01-21 Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Health if she will outline her Department’s approach to supporting quality and consistency in community-based counselling and psychotherapy services, including workforce development; whether her Department recognises the role of national quality initiatives such as the Community Therapy Ireland Badge of Excellence in promoting professional, person-centred practice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4527/26]
- 2026-01-21 Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Health to detail the expected workforce shortfalls identified in the ESRI-informed modelling; the proposed actions, particularly the expansion of domestic education and training capacity, which will ensure Ireland can meet the health needs of a growing and ageing population over the next 15 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4528/26]
- 2026-01-21 Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Health to set out how the cross-Government approach, including collaboration with the Departments of Further and Higher Education, Children, Disability and Equality, and Education and Youth, will support the recruitment, retention and development of a sustainable health and social care workforce aligned with WHO workforce planning principles; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4529/26]
- 2026-01-21 Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Health if she will provide any research or Departmental analysis on the health and wellbeing benefits associated with remote working, including reduced stress, increased physical activity and lower mortality risk; whether these findings will inform future public health planning; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4530/26]
- 2026-01-21 Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Health if she will outline the Government’s position on ensuring equitable access to orphan medicines given the current restrictions and the consequences for those affected; if she will provide timelines for the publication and funding of the new national rare disease plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4531/26]
- 2026-01-22 Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Health the measures her Department is taking to reduce hospital waiting lists in public hospitals across the IHA-4 HSE Area Midlands, in light of the most recently published national hospital waiting list figures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4957/26]
Housing 5 questions
- 2026-01-21 Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will review the eligibility criteria for the vacant property refurbishment grant, in light of concerns that limiting eligibility to individuals, is impeding town-centre housing delivery; his views on whether the exclusion of companies, developers and other delivery bodies is preventing the refurbishment of vacant over-the-shop and mixed-use properties; the steps he will take to ensure the scheme aligns with the realities of town-centre regeneration; and if he will consider expanding eligibility to maximise the number of properties brought back into use under the Town Centre First policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4532/26]
- 2026-01-21 Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures being taken to support households who are above the income threshold for social housing but remain unable to afford secure housing in the private market; if he will confirm whether a review of income thresholds is underway; if he will detail plans to expand cost-rental and affordable purchase schemes to address the affordability gap for middle-income earners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4534/26]
- 2026-01-21 Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the rationale for the application of social housing income thresholds which result in applicants being removed from local authority housing waiting lists when they exceed the threshold by a marginal amount; whether he will review these thresholds, particularly in cases involving persons with disabilities who have specific accommodation needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4535/26]
- 2026-01-21 Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether he is aware of cases where individuals have been deemed ineligible for social housing supports despite being unable to access the Housing Assistance Payment, due to a lack of suitable rental accommodation; the measures in place to address such situations; if he will consider introducing flexibility or discretion for local authorities in the application of income thresholds in exceptional circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4536/26]
- 2026-01-22 Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to introduce legislation to enable local authorities to take in charge properties that have been left derelict for a specified period in a more timely manner than is currently permitted, with a view to increasing the availability of housing stock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4542/26]
Culture 3 questions
- 2026-01-20 Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if his Department has considered the construction of a multi-purpose sports arena in the Laois constituency; the level of engagement, if any, that has taken place regarding such a development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3660/26]
- 2026-01-20 Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the measures being taken to address persistent mobile phone coverage blackspots on regional and national roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3690/26]
- 2026-01-20 Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the way in which the increased remote working demand is being factored into broadband rollout plans for rural and small-towns in County Laois; whether additional investment will be prioritised to close the digital divide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3692/26]
Transport 1 question
- 2026-01-22 Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Transport the engagement to date between the local authority and his Department regarding a relief road (details supplied); the dates on which such engagements occurred; the officials involved; the outcomes or actions arising from those discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5109/26]
Children 1 question
- 2026-01-22 Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the immediate steps her Department will take to reduce the waiting times for children to be reviewed for an assessment of need, in light of the statutory requirement under the Disability Act 2005 that assessments of need be completed within six months of application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5376/26]

New lobbying 48 returns

Orsted Onshore Ireland Midco Limited Energy and Natural Resources
- Drop in briefing session for TDs
Transgender Equality Network Ireland Justice and Equality
- Invitation to AV Room briefing on legal gender recognition
Teiripe Pobail Éireann CLG Health
- Coru - Publication of the Standards and Criteria for Counsellors and Psychotherapists by the Counsellors and Psychotherapists Registration Board
Hanover Media Strategy Limited · 2 returns Transport · Sports and Recreation
- Greening Corporate Fleets
- Meeting request to discuss the Federation of Irish Sport's Pre Budget Submission
Stratagem (NI) Ltd Health
- Provision of audiology services and eye care services
Irish Second-Level Students' Union (ISSU) Health
- Regarding the bill for endometriosis care
Rockwood Consulting ULC Environment
- Sought support from DPOs on Ireland's sustainability measures, regulation, in the context of distance sellers
Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association · 2 returns Agriculture · EU Affairs
- Attendance at National Ploughing Championships.
- Addressing the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food & Marine in relation to CAP Post 2027.
Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association Agriculture
- Development of the next EU Common Agricultural Policy; farm income stability; demographic sustainability of farming; environmental scheme design.
The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA · 17 returns EU Affairs · Agriculture · Trade · Finance
- Nitrates Derogation
- IFA Budget 2026 Briefing
- Mercosur Trade Deal
- Challenges facing the Tillage Sector
- Sinn Féin briefing on Mercosur
- Energy From Farms
- Mercosur - Use of Antibiotics & Hormones in Beef Production
- Finance Bill 2025
- National Ploughing Championships 2025
- IFA 70th North Cork Dinner
- IFA National Nitrates Derogation Meeting
- Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Simplification
- Bord Bia Marketing Assistance Programme
- Measures to Support Farm Enterprises - Equine
- Aquaculture
- IFA Budget 2026 Submission - Farm Schemes
- IFA National Tillage Crisis Meeting
Society of St. Vincent de Paul · 2 returns Energy and Natural Resources · Social Protection
- Engagement with Oireachtas Committee on Energy
- Engagement with Joint Committee on Social Protection, Rural and Community Development
The Asthma Society of Ireland Health
- AV Room Briefing for World Lung Day
Family Carers Ireland Community
- FCI Pre-Budget Submissions 2026
JTI Ireland Limited Trade
- The black market cigarette trade in Ireland
Rehab Group · 3 returns Public Expenditure and Reform · Employment · Social Protection
- Rehab's Pre Budget Submission
- Rehab Enterprises hosted an open day at its facility in Portlaoise to showcase its work and seek support for an increase in the Wage Subsidy Scheme and
- Response to provisions for Wage Subsidy Scheme in Budget 2026
Horse Sport Ireland Agriculture
- Seeking engagement from members of the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and Food in relation to Horse Sport Ireland's strategic plan consultation.
Teneo Strategy Ireland Limited Environment
- Update on the Deposit Return Scheme
Liquid Gas Ireland Energy and Natural Resources
- Outreach to relevant stakeholders to present Liquid Gas Ireland's report 'Delivering Net Zero for Rural Ireland - Pathways to Renewable Liquid Gas', sharing the newly published document and inviting representatives to attend a briefing regarding the report.
Irish Rural Link Co-Operative Society Limited Energy and Natural Resources
- Presented to the Oireachtas Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy. Invited to attend as part of energy poverty group to discuss impact of energy poverty on low income households in particular in rural areas
Drury Agriculture
- To introduce the Young Sheep Farmer's Forum and discussion on policy document
Community Platform Finance
- Emailed all Ministers, TDs and Senators with a copy of the Community Platform’s Four Tests for Budget 2026 asking them to support these proposals in the run up to the announcement of Budget 2026.
Ibec · 3 returns Economic Development and Industry · Food
- Corporate Affairs reception
- Prepared Consumer Foods Strategy for Ireland 2025-2035
- Ibec Midlands priorities 2026
Dublin Zoo Heritage
- Sought to clarify remarks made about Dublin Zoo in the Dail - Requested and took part in a meeting to discuss state funding for Dublin Zoo and Fota Wildlife Park - Invited Ministers to the launch of Dublin Zoo's Animal Welfare Masterplan
Macra na Feirme · 2 returns Agriculture
- Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agricultural - Common Agricultural Policy presentation
- Meetings at the National Ploughing Championships on young farmer issues including Generational Renewal