Louth — week of Mon, 2 Mar

What your Louth TDs did this week

Mon, 2 Mar – 8 Mar 2026 · 5 TDs · 3 bills voted on · 130 questions · 0 new lobbying filings

Votes this week

Online Safety (Recommender Algorithms) Bill 2026

2026-03-04 · 2 votes · People Before Profit-Solidarity PMB

A bill to amend the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022 to regulate the use of recommender algorithms by video-sharing platform services

An amendment to the bill · motion passed 80–63

Voted for 2 Erin McGreehan · Paula Butterly

Voted against 2 Ged Nash · Ruairí Ó Murchú

Did not vote 1 Joanna Byrne

The motion · motion passed 81–63

Voted for 2 Erin McGreehan · Paula Butterly

Voted against 2 Ged Nash · Ruairí Ó Murchú

Did not vote 1 Joanna Byrne

Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) (Amendment) Bill 2025

2026-03-03 · 2 votes · Govt (Justice)

A bill to provide for the carrying out of biometric analysis by members of Garda personnel in certain circumstances

full description

A bill to provide for the carrying out of biometric analysis by members of Garda personnel in certain circumstances; to provide for the preparation of codes of practice in relation to the carrying out of such biometric analysis and, for those and other purposes, to amend the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Act 2023; and to provide for related matters.

An amendment to the bill · motion failed 4–6

Voted against 2 Erin McGreehan · Paula Butterly

Did not vote 3 Ged Nash · Joanna Byrne · Ruairí Ó Murchú

An amendment to the bill · motion failed 4–6

Voted against 2 Erin McGreehan · Paula Butterly

Did not vote 3 Ged Nash · Joanna Byrne · Ruairí Ó Murchú

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

2026-03-03 · 1 vote

The week's Dáil business schedule · motion passed 84–68

Voted for 2 Erin McGreehan · Paula Butterly

Voted against 3 Ged Nash · Joanna Byrne · Ruairí Ó Murchú

Erin McGreehan — Fianna Fáil 5 votes · 70 questions · 0 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 70 total

Health 42 questions
- 2026-03-04 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health the date on which the HSE National Guidelines for Accessible Health and Social Care Services were last reviewed; the timetable for the planned review; and whether the review will include consultation with representative organisations for people with visual impairments. [17753/26]
- 2026-03-04 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health whether the updated guidelines will include mandatory minimum standards for communication with people who are blind or have low vision; if so, to provide the proposed standards; and to state the timeframe for implementation across all HSE services. [17754/26]
- 2026-03-04 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health what mechanisms will be put in place to ensure that any changes arising from the guidelines review are incorporated into mandatory staff training and local policies; and to provide an implementation timetable. [17755/26]
- 2026-03-04 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health the proportion of frontline HSE staff who have completed training on supporting patients with visual impairments in the last-24 months; to provide this data broken down by acute and community services; and to state what additional training will be provided following the guidelines review. [17756/26]
- 2026-03-04 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health what minimum training content and learning outcomes the HSE requires for staff who communicate with visually impaired patients; whether completion of this training is mandatory; and how compliance is monitored. [17757/26]
- 2026-03-04 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health whether the HSE has a central record of staff training on disability awareness and accessible communication; if not, whether the Minister will direct the HSE to establish one and provide a timeline. [17758/26]
- 2026-03-04 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health the current number and geographic distribution of HSE access officers across acute and community services; the criteria used to determine their placement; and to indicate whether a review of locations and staffing levels is complete or planned. [17759/26]
- 2026-03-04 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health what the standard operating procedure is for frontline staff to escalate complex accessibility queries to an access officer; the expected response times; and to provide data on average response times in the last 12-months. [17760/26]
- 2026-03-04 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health whether access officers have a defined set of competencies and continuing professional development requirements specific to visual impairment; if so, to provide details; if not, whether the Minister will require these to be established. [17761/26]
- 2026-03-04 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health what formats of patient information (for example large print, audio, braille, electronic text) are routinely available across HSE services; the percentage of services able to supply each format on request; and how patient format preferences are recorded and shared across services. [17762/26]
- 2026-03-04 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health whether the HSE requires a standardised process for recording and communicating reasonable adjustments and accessibility preferences in patient records; if so, to provide details and the implementation timetable; and if not, whether she will introduce such a requirement. [17763/26]
- 2026-03-04 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health the length of time it typically takes for a patient to receive information in an accessible format after requesting it; to provide average and maximum response times recorded in the past 12 months; and the targets which will be set following the guidelines review. [17764/26]
- 2026-03-04 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health the way in which the HSE verifies compliance with universal design principles and building regulations for new builds and major refurbishments; to provide the audit process and frequency; and whether post occupancy accessibility testing involving people with visual impairments is mandatory. [17765/26]
- 2026-03-04 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health the specific tactile, lighting, signage and wayfinding standards the HSE requires in patient facing areas to assist people with visual impairments; to provide examples of mandatory features; and the way in which compliance is monitored. [17766/26]
- 2026-03-04 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health the HSE’s current programme and prioritisation criteria for retrofitting accessibility features in older buildings; the number of sites scheduled for retrofit in the next three years; and the estimated budget allocation. [17767/26]
- 2026-03-04 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health the national guidance the HSE issues to local hospitals regarding awareness events (for example International Day for Persons with Disabilities); whether attendance by disability organisations is encouraged or funded; and the way in which the impact of such events is evaluated. [17768/26]
- 2026-03-04 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health the national and local organisations with which the HSE has formal partnership agreements to support people with visual impairments; to provide the nature of those agreements; and to state whether the HSE has service level agreements for information and training support. [17769/26]
- 2026-03-04 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health the formal mechanisms which exist for people with visual impairments to provide feedback on HSE services; the way that feedback is recorded and acted upon; and to provide data on the number and types of accessibility complaints received in the past 24-months and the outcomes. [17770/26]
- 2026-03-04 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health the key performance indicators the HSE uses to measure accessibility for people with disabilities, including visual impairments; to provide the most recent performance data against those indicators; and to state how often the indicators are reviewed. [17771/26]
- 2026-03-04 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health whether the HSE will publish an annual accessibility report setting out progress against the national guidelines, training completion rates, access officer activity, retrofit progress and patient feedback; if not, the reason; and if so, the timetable for the first report. [17772/26]
- 2026-03-04 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health to provide a list of all hospitals and counties where Specialist Crisis Assessment Nurse (SCAN) services are currently in place; and to identify any hospitals, including Model 4 hospitals, where SCAN services are not yet available. [17780/26]
- 2026-03-04 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health the number of the 33 funded Specialist Crisis Assessment Nurse Clinical Nurse Specialist posts are currently filled and operational; the number which remain vacant; and when all currently approved posts are expected to be filled. [17781/26]
- 2026-03-04 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health the recruitment timeline and deployment plan for the additional 12 Specialist Crisis Assessment Nurse posts funded under Budget 2026; and to specify the hospitals and regions where these additional posts will be located. [17782/26]
- 2026-03-04 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health whether Specialist Crisis Assessment Nurse services are available on a 24-hour basis in each location; and if not, to detail the operating hours and out-of-hours arrangements for each hospital. [17783/26]
- 2026-03-04 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health the number of patients who presented to emergency departments in mental health crisis and received assessment, intervention, or support from specialist mental health services, including SCAN nurses and liaison mental health teams, in each of the past three years, broken down by hospital. [17784/26]
- 2026-03-04 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health the average waiting time for patients presenting to emergency departments with mental health crises to receive assessment by a mental health specialist, broken down by hospital in a tabular form. [17785/26]
- 2026-03-04 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health whether each emergency department has a designated separate waiting area or appropriate safe assessment space for patients presenting in mental health crisis; and to identify the hospitals where such facilities are not currently available. [17786/26]
- 2026-03-04 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health the number Model 4 hospitals that currently have specialist crisis nursing teams in place out-of-hours; and to provide a timeline for full implementation across all Model 4 hospitals. [17787/26]
- 2026-03-04 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health the interim arrangements in place in hospitals where specialist crisis nursing teams or SCAN services are not yet operational. [17788/26]
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health if she will examine the potential of a surgical hub being established at Louth County Hospital to support the north-east and the growing population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17646/26]
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health for an update on the plans to increase bed capacity in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17647/26]
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health the status of the National Hearing Care Plan Working Group established in 2024; the work completed to date; when the recommendations will be published; and the expected timeline for implementation. [18173/26]
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health the measures being taken to reduce waiting times for adult audiology services; and if additional resources will be allocated to address this backlog. [18174/26]
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health if she will consider expanding access to community based audiology services for HSE medical card holders and help reduce pressure on hospital ENT and audiology services. [18175/26]
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to address untreated age-related hearing loss as a public health priority, given that the Lancet Commission identifies hearing loss as the biggest modifiable risk factor for dementia and that managing hearing loss between ages 45-65 years reduces dementia risk by 7%. [18177/26]
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health if her Department will introduce a national awareness campaign on age related hearing loss, given evidence that people often wait between seven to ten years before seeking help and that 66% of hearing aid users regret not acting sooner. [18178/26]
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health whether hearing care will be incorporated into Ireland's Healthy Ageing Strategy, given the strong links between untreated hearing loss, social isolation, mental ill health, and loss of independence. [18179/26]
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health if she will explore partnerships with community based providers to deliver timely hearing assessments and hearing aid fittings, noting that early diagnosis and support can reduce isolation, improve mental well-being and lower the risk of dementia. [18180/26]
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of the number of adults currently on waiting lists for audiology services in each CHO area; the average and longest waiting times in each area; and the number waiting more than six, 12 and 18 months, in tabular form. [18181/26]
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health the number of adults and children awaiting audiology assessment or treatment in hospital-based audiology services and community-based audiology services, by CHO area; and the steps being taken to address regional disparities, in tabular form. [18182/26]
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health to provide a breakdown, of current staffing levels and vacancies in audiology services in each CHO area; the number of posts filled and unfilled for senior audiologists, staff grade audiologists, clinical specialists, ENT linked audiology posts, and administrative support roles, in tabular form. [18185/26]
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health the way staffing shortages in audiology services are contributing to the waiting lists and capacity pressures; and to provide a plan to address recruitment and retention challenges. [18186/26]
Housing 10 questions
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the action being taken to support biodiversity protection in the Cooley mountains; the supports for landowners to eliminate bracken from the mountains; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17662/26]
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if additional funding will be provided for Louth County Council to for general repairs required after the recent bad weather; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17663/26]
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware of the threat of invasive species on commonage land in the Cooley Mountains; the steps his Department is taking to tackle the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6849/26]
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to confirm whether the Department operates any formal or published criteria for the designation of city status; if not, to outline the objective benchmarks used in advising Government on such matters; and if he will publish the basis upon which existing cities were designated. [18202/26]
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the current population of each designated city in the State at the time of its most recent legislative confirmation; to specify the population threshold, if any, that would trigger consideration of city status for another urban area. [18203/26]
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to clarify whether the Government has considered the designation of Dundalk as a city in the context of its strategic role within the Dublin-Belfast economic corridor; and whether any cross-departmental discussions have taken place on this matter. [18204/26]
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the Department has examined the establishment of a Dundalk metropolitan district with enhanced urban governance powers; the legislative steps that would be required; and to confirm whether this has been considered as a precursor to city designation. [18205/26]
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide a comparative analysis of Dundalk and the five designated cities in terms of population size, economic output, higher education provision and regional strategic role; and to indicate in which areas Dundalk falls short of city designation criteria, if any such criteria exist. [18206/26]
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the Government has any intention within the lifetime of the current National Planning Framework to designate additional cities; and if not, to state the policy rationale for maintaining the current structure. [18207/26]
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to outline whether a boundary review of Dundalk has been considered in light of sustained population growth; to state the mechanism by which such a review could be initiated; and whether the Minister will commit to examining this matter. [18208/26]
Transport 10 questions
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Transport if he will list the designated harbours in County Louth; and outline the process by which a harbour can be designated under the Harbours Act 1996. [18189/26]
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Transport the way his Department ensures that local authorities and harbour companies are meeting their statutory obligations under the Harbours Act 1996, the Harbours Act 1946, and the Harbours, Docks and Piers Clauses Act 1847, particularly in cases where no harbour master is appointed to exercise the powers and duties set out in these Acts. [18190/26]
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Transport if he will detail the safety assessments carried out in harbours currently operating without a harbour master; and whether the absence of a harbour master has been identified as a risk factor in relation to vessel traffic management, emergency response, or environmental protection. [18191/26]
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Transport the way the absence of a harbour master in certain regional ports aligns with the requirements of the Sea Pollution Act 1991, particularly regarding the authority to refuse entry to vessels that pose an environmental threat; and whether additional resources will be allocated to ensure compliance. [18192/26]
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Transport the way emergency response capabilities, such as fire control, vessel removal, and enforcement of bye laws, are being exercised in harbours where no harbour master is appointed, given that these powers are specifically vested in harbour masters under the Harbours Act 1996 and related legislation. [18194/26]
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Transport if he will publish a national strategy for the governance and staffing of regional harbours, including a plan to ensure that every port with commercial, fishing, or tourism activity has a designated harbour master with the statutory authority to manage safety, operations, and environmental protection. [18195/26]
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has conducted any formal risk audits or safety assessments of harbours operating without a designated harbour master; and if so, whether he will publish the findings; if not, the way the Department assesses compliance with statutory safety obligations in the absence of such audits. [18198/26]
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Transport the insurance and liability implications for local authorities and harbour companies that operate harbours without an appointed harbour master, given that statutory powers under the Harbours Act 1996 and related legislation cannot be exercised by unappointed or unauthorised personnel; and whether the State faces increased exposure in the event of an accident, pollution incident, or vessel damage in such harbours. [18199/26]
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Transport whether the Irish Coast Guard, the Marine Survey Office, or any other maritime safety authority has raised concerns regarding the absence of harbour masters in regional ports; and if so, the actions which have been taken in response to those concerns. [18200/26]
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Transport the way the absence of harbour masters in certain Irish harbours aligns with Ireland's obligations under EU maritime safety, port operations, and environmental protection directives, including requirements relating to vessel traffic management, pollution prevention, and port State control; and whether the European Commission has issued any queries or observations on this matter. [18201/26]
Taoiseach 2 questions
- 2026-03-03 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the first meeting of the delivery and monitoring committee for the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030, which he chaired on 8 December 2025. [71666/25]
- 2026-03-03 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Taoiseach if he will report on implementation of the well-being framework published by his Department. [71667/25]
Culture 2 questions
- 2026-03-03 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport for an update on the establishment of the academy system within the FAI for which funding was allocated in budget 2026. [16779/26]
- 2026-03-03 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the funding that his Department has made available for art centres in County Louth. [16780/26]
Education 2 questions
- 2026-03-04 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the status of the additional school accommodation application submitted by a school (details supplied); when the Department expects to complete its assessment of the application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17443/26]
- 2026-03-04 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the status of the additional school accommodation application submitted by a school (details supplied) when the Department expects to complete its assessment of the application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17444/26]
Enterprise 1 question
- 2026-03-03 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the specific priorities, with particular reference to innovation and life sciences, that his Department has identified ahead of Ireland hosting the EU Presidency from July of this year; the process by which these priorities are being determined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16238/26]
Further and Higher Education 1 question
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of audiologists graduating annually; the number recruited into HSE posts in each of the past five years; and whether training capacity will be expanded to meet rising demand. [18187/26]

Ged Nash — Labour Party 3 votes · 22 questions · 0 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 22 total

Education 5 questions
- 2026-03-04 Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is aware of the school accommodation crisis at a school (details supplied) in County Louth; when the two promised mainstream classrooms and a second special class will be delivered at the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17823/26]
- 2026-03-04 Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Education and Youth the steps her Department is taking to address the health and safety concerns of staff, students and parents of a school (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17824/26]
- 2026-03-04 Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will consider inclusion of a school (details supplied) in County Louth and its accommodation needs in the next tranche of NDP-funded projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17825/26]
- 2026-03-04 Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department will provide interim modular accommodation in the short-term to address the accommodation needs of a school (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17826/26]
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department plans to engage staff from the private sector who work in accountancy and corporate law firms to work in her Department during the course of the upcoming EU Presidency term; the terms under which such staff will be engaged; the number of staff her Department plans to hire; the measures planned to guard against potential conflicts of interest between her Department and parent companies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18083/26]
Culture 2 questions
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if his Department plans to engage staff from the private sector who work in accountancy and corporate law firms to work in his Department during the course of the upcoming EU Presidency term; the terms under which such staff will be engaged; the number of staff his Department plans to hire; the measures planned to guard against potential conflicts of interest between his Department and parent companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18081/26]
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the number and names of all clubs (details supplied) awaiting a decision on relevant Department-backed capital grants to provide funding for astroturf playing facilities/surfaces; the number of existing allocations which are awaiting drawdown for the clubs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18103/26]
Foreign 1 question
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if her Department plans to engage staff from the private sector who work in accountancy and corporate law firms to work in her Department during the course of the upcoming EU Presidency term; the terms under which such staff will be engaged; the number of staff her Department plans to hire; the measures planned to guard against potential conflicts of interest between her Department and parent companies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18086/26]
Climate 1 question
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department plans to engage staff from the private sector who work in accountancy and corporate law firms to work in his Department during the course of the upcoming EU Presidency term; the terms under which such staff will be engaged; the number of staff his Department plans to hire; the measures planned to guard against potential conflicts of interest between his Department and parent companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18080/26]
Defence 1 question
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Defence if her Department plans to engage staff from the private sector who work in accountancy and corporate law firms to work in her Department during the course of the upcoming EU Presidency term; the terms under which such staff will be engaged; the number of staff her Department plans to hire; the measures planned to guard against potential conflicts of interest between her Department and parent companies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18082/26]
Transport 1 question
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport if his Department plans to engage staff from the private sector who work in accountancy and corporate law firms to work in his Department during the course of the upcoming EU Presidency term; the terms under which such staff will be engaged; the number of staff his Department plans to hire; the measures planned to guard against potential conflicts of interest between his Department and parent companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18095/26]
Finance 1 question
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Ged Nash asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if his Department plans to engage staff from the private sector who work in accountancy and corporate law firms to work in his Department during the course of the upcoming EU Presidency term; the terms under which such staff will be engaged; the number of staff his Department plans to hire; the measures planned to guard against potential conflicts of interest between his Department and parent companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18085/26]
Public Expenditure 1 question
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if his Department plans to engage staff from the private sector who work in accountancy and corporate law firms to work in his Department during the course of the upcoming EU Presidency term; the terms under which such staff will be engaged; the number of staff his Department plans to hire; the measures planned to guard against potential conflicts of interest between his Department and parent companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18091/26]
Enterprise 1 question
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his Department plans to engage staff from the private sector who work in accountancy and corporate law firms to work in his Department during the course of the upcoming EU Presidency term; the terms under which such staff will be engaged; the number of staff his Department plans to hire; the measures planned to guard against potential conflicts of interest between his Department and parent companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18084/26]
Housing 1 question
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department plans to engage staff from the private sector who work in accountancy and corporate law firms to work in his Department during the course of the upcoming EU Presidency term; the terms under which such staff will be engaged; the number of staff his Department plans to hire; the measures planned to guard against potential conflicts of interest between his Department and parent companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18089/26]
Social 1 question
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Social Protection if his Department plans to engage staff from the private sector who work in accountancy and corporate law firms to work in his Department during the course of the upcoming EU Presidency term; the terms under which such staff will be engaged; the number of staff his Department plans to hire; the measures planned to guard against potential conflicts of interest between his Department and parent companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18093/26]
Justice 1 question
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his Department plans to engage staff from the private sector who work in accountancy and corporate law firms to work in his Department during the course of the upcoming EU Presidency term; the terms under which such staff will be engaged; the number of staff his Department plans to hire; the measures planned to guard against potential conflicts of interest between his Department and parent companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18090/26]
Agriculture 1 question
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department plans to engage staff from the private sector who work in accountancy and corporate law firms to work in his/her Department during the course of the upcoming EU Presidency term; the terms under which such staff will be engaged; the number of staff his Department plans to hire; the measures planned to guard against potential conflicts of interest between his/her Department and parent companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18078/26]
Children 1 question
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if her Department plans to engage staff from the private sector who work in accountancy and corporate law firms to work in her Department during the course of the upcoming EU Presidency term; the terms under which such staff will be engaged; the number of staff her Department plans to hire; the measures planned to guard against potential conflicts of interest between her Department and parent companies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18079/26]
Health 1 question
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Health if her Department plans to engage staff from the private sector who work in accountancy and corporate law firms to work in her Department during the course of the upcoming EU Presidency term; the terms under which such staff will be engaged; the number of staff her Department plans to hire; the measures planned to guard against potential conflicts of interest between her Department and parent companies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18088/26]
Further and Higher Education 1 question
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department plans to engage staff from the private sector who work in accountancy and corporate law firms to work in his Department during the course of the upcoming EU Presidency term; the terms under which such staff will be engaged; the number of staff his Department plans to hire; the measures planned to guard against potential conflicts of interest between his Department and parent companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18087/26]
Rural 1 question
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if his Department plans to engage staff from the private sector who work in accountancy and corporate law firms to work in his Department during the course of the upcoming EU Presidency term; the terms under which such staff will be engaged; the number of staff his Department plans to hire; the measures planned to guard against potential conflicts of interest between his Department and parent companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18092/26]

Joanna Byrne — Sinn Féin 1 vote · 16 questions · 0 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 16 total

Culture 7 questions
- 2026-03-03 Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if the proposal to introduce a social media ban for under 16s has been abandoned; and if so, the reasons. [16790/26]
- 2026-03-03 Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the details of the status of the delivery for use of the new ICT system to replace the existing sports capital programme grant management systems, OSCAR; the total spend on the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16791/26]
- 2026-03-03 Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the details of the proper legal basis that the digital wallet has for mandatory use by citizens to access online platforms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16806/26]
- 2026-03-03 Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when the new round of the community sports facilities fund grants will open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16807/26]
- 2026-03-03 Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the details of which of the Digital Ireland 20 high-level objectives and 90 specific deliverables his Department will be responsible for; the budgetary allocations that will be made for them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16805/26]
- 2026-03-03 Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if his Department will continue to independently progress the proposed online age-verification tool, the Government digital wallet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16803/26]
- 2026-03-03 Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the details of Departmental spending to date on the proposed online age-verification tool, the Government digital wallet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16804/26]
Health 7 questions
- 2026-03-03 Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Health the number of newly qualified general practitioners who took up work in County Louth and East Meath in 2025 and to-date in 2026. [16852/26]
- 2026-03-03 Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in County Louth and east Meath who were unable to find a general practitioner to register with and who made contact with the HSE seeking assistance for each of the years 2020 to 2025 and to-date 2026. [16853/26]
- 2026-03-03 Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Health the number of general practitioners who have retired in 2025 and 2026 in County Louth and East Meath. [16854/26]
- 2026-03-03 Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Health the number of general practitioners currently registered and operational in County Louth and East Meath. [16855/26]
- 2026-03-03 Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Health the average number of patients per head currently registered with general practitioners in County Louth and East Meath. [16856/26]
- 2026-03-03 Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Health if there are any plans to extend the number of general practitioners and access to GP’s in County Louth and East Meath. [16857/26]
- 2026-03-03 Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of any information/notice or circular being issued by her Department to HSE-funded health and social care services (details supplied) pertaining to possible changes to means testing of residents in receipt of a social welfare payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17168/26]
Social 2 questions
- 2026-03-03 Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Social Protection if he is aware of any information/notice or circular being issued by his Department to HSE-funded health and social care services (details supplied) pertaining to possible changes to means testing of residents in receipt of a social welfare payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17169/26]
- 2026-03-03 Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Social Protection if the Government is actively considering any changes to means testing of a social welfare payment (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17234/26]

Paula Butterly — Fine Gael 5 votes · 13 questions · 0 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 13 total

Education 11 questions
- 2026-03-03 Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Education and Youth the measures in place to ensure that smaller schools (details supplied) including those in rural and isolated areas, have equitable access to capital and operational funding opportunities; the supports available to assist such schools in applying for and securing funding. [16320/26]
- 2026-03-03 Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Education and Youth the supports and funding options available to a post-primary school in Drogheda, County Louth (details supplied) whose gymnasium is now in serious disrepair despite significant recent investment in other sports facilities; noting that an application for refurbishment is already with the Department; and if she will outline the next steps for progressing this project and advise on any further funding streams that may be accessed. [16321/26]
- 2026-03-03 Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Education and Youth the steps her Department will take to address ongoing delays and inaccuracies in the assessment of a school building project (details supplied) ; noting that despite the submission of the Stage A Report in November 2022 and further documentation in 2023, feedback has contained errors, and that the school urgently requires a displaced classroom, an expanded staffroom to accommodate significant staff growth, and an accessible WC to meet mobility and care needs; and if she will outline how this project can be progressed as the school moves to developing school status. [16322/26]
- 2026-03-03 Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Education and Youth the supports available to assist a school (details supplied) to establish two new classrooms; noting that the Department has been reluctant to progress the school’s application due to its small size and has indicated a preference to explore larger schools first; and if she will outline how the school’s expression of interest can be advanced. [16323/26]
- 2026-03-03 Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Education and Youth the status of the proposed school extension for a school in Drogheda (details supplied); if the project has been included for consideration under the National Development Plan (NPD), as indicated in correspondence issued by her Department in October 2025; the current stage of the project within the Department’s capital appraisal process; and the expected timeline for full sanction and progression to the next phase of development. [16324/26]
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reason for the ongoing delays in responding to correspondence regarding a school (details supplied); if she is aware that despite repeated correspondence from a person within her Department including multiple occasions in September, October, November and again on 25 November 2025 the matter had been referred to a line manager, no substantive update or resolution has been provided; and if she will confirm when a response will issue. [17907/26]
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Education and Youth the current status of the additional school accommodation applications submitted by a school (details supplied) in 2023 and again in 2025; the stage each application is presently at within the Planning and Building Unit; and when the school can expect a formal decision. [17953/26]
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Education and Youth if interim modular accommodation will be approved for a school (details supplied) as an urgent measure ahead of September 2026, in light of projected enrolment growth and the school’s current lack of adequate teaching space. [17954/26]
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reason NCSE withdrew its October 2023 commitment to provide modular accommodation for two autism classes at a school (details supplied); and if she will address the discrepancy between the NCSE’s stated position of “no demand” locally and the recent sanctioning of a special class in a neighbouring school. [17955/26]
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is satisfied that the current accommodation at a school (details supplied) complies with her Department’s technical guidance documents, including TGD-022, TGD-020 and TGD-026; and if not, the immediate actions which will be taken to ensure compliance and safeguard pupil and staff welfare. [17956/26]
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Education and Youth when a school (details supplied) last received capital investment from her Department; if she is aware that the 2000 extension is now affected by damp, leaks and mould; and the remedial works which will be undertaken to address these issues. [17957/26]
Culture 1 question
- 2026-03-03 Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will consider establishing and funding a dedicated Irish town of culture programme to support local creative initiatives and community-based cultural development in Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16277/26]
Health 1 question
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Health if she will consider introducing full State funding for the shingles (herpes zoster) vaccine for all adults aged 60 and over, in light of the current out-of-pocket cost of approximately €500, which places it beyond the reach of many older people; and to outline her Department's assessment of international models, including the United Kingdom and Australia, where the vaccine is provided free-of-charge to eligible age groups. [17962/26]

Ruairí Ó Murchú — Sinn Féin 3 votes · 9 questions · 0 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 9 total

Taoiseach 2 questions
- 2026-03-03 Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the first meeting of the delivery and monitoring committee for the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030. [11871/26]
- 2026-03-03 Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Taoiseach if he will report on implementation of the well-being framework published by his Department. [11872/26]
Culture 2 questions
- 2026-03-03 Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the solutions being considered to address anti-social behaviour and the use of flares at League of Ireland games following a match (details supplied); the length of time the funding pause for applications from League of Ireland clubs for astro pitches will last; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16761/26]
- 2026-03-03 Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the work being done by his Department to regulate AI to protect children from misinformation and toxic online culture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16768/26]
Health 2 questions
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health when the primary care health centre in Dundalk is expected to be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17608/26]
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health the efforts being made to reduce the number of patients waiting on orthodontic assessment and treatment at the Louth County Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17609/26]
Housing 2 questions
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there is a solution for people who are still linked in name only to a mortgage, despite being separated and living elsewhere, but who cannot join the social housing waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17604/26]
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason workers on social housing waiting lists are removed from the waiting list by local authorities when one year of their wages goes over the income threshold, and they lose all the time they have spent on the list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17605/26]
Children 1 question
- 2026-03-05 Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No's 825, 820 and 822 of 30 September 2025, when responses will issue to the queries raised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18228/26]