Cathy Bennett TD

All recent activity captured from oireachtas.ie's public open-data feeds — debate contributions and parliamentary questions. Links open the official record on the Oireachtas website.

Parliamentary questions

• May 12, 2026PQ to Minister for Further and Higher Education
  Third Level Fees

  Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will outline the cost of third level fees in each of the years 2024, 2025, 2026; if he intends to reduce fees; and the timeframe in which such will be delivered.

• May 12, 2026PQ to Minister for Further and Higher Education
  Student Accommodation

  Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his proposals to ensure adequate provision of accommodation for students.

• May 07, 2026PQ to Minister for Culture
  Departmental Strategies

  Asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the manner in which Ireland’s International Sports Diplomacy Strategy supports the work and goals of his Department given his recent comments (details supplied).

• May 07, 2026PQ to Minister for Culture
  Artists' Remuneration

  Asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will report on the operation of the basic income for the arts scheme.

• May 07, 2026PQ to Minister for Defence
  Defence Forces

  Asked the Minister for Defence the establishment figure of the Defence Forces; the figure required under level of ambition 2 of the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces; and the total number in 2019 and currently.

• May 07, 2026PQ to Minister for Defence
  Departmental Policies

  Asked the Minister for Defence the timeframe in which she plans to dismantle the triple lock neutrality protection.

• May 07, 2026PQ to Minister for Health
  Ambulance Service

  Asked the Minister for Health the number of paramedic vacancies that currently exist within the National Ambulance Service; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

• May 07, 2026PQ to Minister for Health
  Ambulance Service

  Asked the Minister for Health the reason candidates on panel NRS14276 have not yet been assigned posts with the National Ambulance Service; when those candidates can expect to be placed; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

• May 07, 2026PQ to Minister for Health
  Ambulance Service

  Asked the Minister for Health whether delays in placing qualified paramedics are affecting ambulance availability, staffing levels, and response capacity; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

• May 06, 2026PQ to Minister for Social
  School Meals Programme

  Asked the Minister for Social Protection when he plans to compile and publish a pre-approved list of suppliers for schools participating in the Hot School Meals Programme (details supplied); if he will ensure that, in developing these county-based supplier lists, priority is given to local suppliers using locally sourced produce, in order to support sustainable food systems, reduce food miles and strengthen local economies; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

• May 06, 2026PQ to Minister for Social
  School Meals Programme

  Asked the Minister for Social Protection the measures he will put in place to ensure that the Hot School Meals Programme supports local employment, delivers freshly prepared meals on a daily basis and ensures the programme supports sustainability and local economic development across all eligible providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

• April 28, 2026PQ to Minister for Enterprise
  Tourism Industry

  Asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of bed nights available in each county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

• April 28, 2026PQ to Minister for Enterprise
  Tourism Policy

  Asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will report on his proposals to cultivate cross-Border tourism.

• April 23, 2026PQ to Minister for Education
  Education Costs

  Asked the Minister for Education and Youth her proposals to address the increased costs borne by parents putting through primary and secondary education in the 2026-2027 academic year.

• April 23, 2026PQ to Minister for Education
  School Funding

  Asked the Minister for Education and Youth her proposals to ensure that primary and secondary schools are adequately funded in the 2026-2027 academic year.

• April 23, 2026PQ to Minister for Children
  Childcare Services

  Asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to outline the proposals to address the gap in levels of funding for childcare against the increased costs borne by providers.

• April 23, 2026PQ to Minister for Children
  Disabilities Assessments

  Asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of children in Cavan and Monaghan that received an assessment of need within the statutory timeframe in the years 2024 to date; and the number that did not.; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

• April 23, 2026PQ to Minister for Further and Higher Education
  Student Accommodation

  Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his proposals to ensure adequate provision of accommodation for students.

• April 23, 2026PQ to Minister for Further and Higher Education
  Third Level Fees

  Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the cost of third level fees in each of the years 2024, 2025, 2026; his plans to reduce fees; and the timeframe in which such will be delivered.

• April 23, 2026PQ to Minister for Education
  School Admissions

  Asked the Minister for Education and Youth if a plan is in place to ensure all 6th class primary school students with disabilities will have a place in secondary school in September 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

• April 21, 2026PQ to Minister for Health
  Health Services

  Asked the Minister for Health the reason the free contraception scheme excludes women older than 35 years-of-age.

• April 21, 2026PQ to Minister for Health
  Hospital Procedures

  Asked the Minister for Health the timeframe in which she intends to deliver provision of MRI scans at Monaghan Hospital; and if she has considered providing for CT scans at Monaghan Hospital.

• April 21, 2026PQ to Minister for Transport
  Bus Services

  Asked the Minister for Transport whether he or his Department and the National Transport Authority will consider the introduction of a local link service in Corcaghan, Beaghkearns and Stranooden areas in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

• April 21, 2026PQ to Minister for Justice
  Residency Permits

  Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if a person with stamp 1 residency based on a general employment permit can become self-employed; if so, the procedure to acquire permission to do so; the specific criteria which enables a person with a stamp 1 to pursue the matter that is, the length of time in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

• April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for Taoiseach
  Departmental Bodies

  Asked the Taoiseach the bodies which operate under his aegis which have a regulatory or enforcement remit which include provision for a person convicted of an offence to receive a fine upon summary conviction, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for a person convicted on indictment to receive a fine, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for fines predicated upon the turnover of an entity, the maximum percentage thereof and any associated imprisonment term.

• April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for Foreign
  Diplomatic Representation

  Asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the process by which diplomats are selected and appointed to serve abroad; the criteria used in making such appointments; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

• April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for Foreign
  Diplomatic Representation

  Asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline the process for selection and appointing ambassadors; whether these appointments are made through a formal competition process; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

• April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for Foreign
  Departmental Bodies

  Asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the bodies which operate under her aegis which have a regulatory or enforcement remit which include provision for a person convicted of an offence to receive a fine upon summary conviction, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for a person convicted on indictment to receive a fine, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for fines predicated upon the turnover of an entity, the maximum percentage thereof and any associated imprisonment term; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

• April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for Climate
  Fines Administration

  Asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the bodies which operate under his aegis which have a regulatory or enforcement remit which include provision for a person convicted of an offence to receive a fine upon summary conviction, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for a person convicted on indictment to receive a fine, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for fines predicated upon the turnover of an entity, the maximum percentage thereof and any associated imprisonment term; and if he will make a statement on the matter

• April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for Climate
  Fines Administration

  Asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the maximum enforcement penalties that may be levied by Inland Fisheries Ireland; if he has plans to reform same; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

• April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for Climate
  Fines Administration

  Asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment when his Department first began work on modernising and/or consolidating legislation relating to Inland Fisheries; the work that has been completed to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

• April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for Defence
  Departmental Bodies

  Asked the Minister for Defence the bodies which operate under her aegis which have a regulatory or enforcement remit which include provision for a person convicted of an offence to receive a fine upon summary conviction, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for a person convicted on indictment to receive a fine, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for fines predicated upon the turnover of an entity, the maximum percentage thereof and any associated imprisonment term; and if she will make a statement on the matter

• April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for Transport
  Departmental Data

  Asked the Minister for Transport the bodies which operate under his aegis which have a regulatory or enforcement remit which include provision for a person convicted of an offence to receive a fine upon summary conviction, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for a person convicted on indictment to receive a fine, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for fines predicated upon the turnover of an entity, the maximum percentage thereof and any associated imprisonment term; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

• April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for Finance
  Regulatory Bodies

  Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the bodies which operate under his aegis which have a regulatory or enforcement remit which include provision for a person convicted of an offence to receive a fine upon summary conviction, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for a person convicted on indictment to receive a fine, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for fines predicated upon the turnover of an entity, the maximum percentage thereof and any associated imprisonment term; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

• April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for Public Expenditure
  Departmental Bodies

  Asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the bodies which operate under his aegis which have a regulatory or enforcement remit which include provision for a person convicted of an offence to receive a fine upon summary conviction, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for a person convicted on indictment to receive a fine, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for fines predicated upon the turnover of an entity, the maximum percentage thereof and any associated imprisonment term; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

• April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for Enterprise
  Departmental Bodies

  Asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the bodies which operate under his aegis which have a regulatory or enforcement remit which include provision for a person convicted of an offence to receive a fine upon summary conviction, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for a person convicted on indictment to receive a fine, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for fines predicated upon the turnover of an entity, the maximum percentage thereof and any associated imprisonment term; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

• April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for Education
  Special Educational Needs

  Asked the Minister for Education and Youth if a school (details supplied) will be approved for an autism unit for September 2026; the number of pupils that will be accommodated; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

• April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for Education
  State Examinations

  Asked the Minister for Education and Youth if there will be State examination fees for junior cycle and Leaving Certificate students in 2026; the fees charged in each of the years 2021 to date in 2026, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

• April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for Education
  Departmental Inquiries

  Asked the Minister for Education and Youth the bodies which operate under her aegis which have a regulatory or enforcement remit which include provision for a person convicted of an offence to receive a fine upon summary conviction, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for a person convicted on indictment to receive a fine, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for fines predicated upon the turnover of an entity, the maximum percentage thereof and any associated imprisonment term; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

• April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for Culture
  Departmental Bodies

  Asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the bodies which operate under his aegis which have a regulatory or enforcement remit which include provision for a person convicted of an offence to receive a fine upon summary conviction, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for a person convicted on indictment to receive a fine, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for fines predicated upon the turnover of an entity, the maximum percentage thereof and any associated imprisonment term; and if he will make a statement on the matter

• April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for Housing
  Departmental Bodies

  Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the bodies which operate under his aegis which have a regulatory or enforcement remit which include provision for a person convicted of an offence to receive a fine upon summary conviction, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for a person convicted on indictment to receive a fine, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for fines predicated upon the turnover of an entity, the maximum percentage thereof and any associated imprisonment term; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

• April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for Social
  School Meals Programme

  Asked the Minister for Social Protection the mechanism by which a company can be placed on a pre-approved list of local suppliers regarding the hot school meals scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

• April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for Social
  School Meals Programme

  Asked the Minister for Social Protection the mechanism by which a company can be placed on a pre-approved list of local suppliers regarding the hot school meals scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

• April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for Social
  Departmental Bodies

  Asked the Minister for Social Protection the bodies which operate under his aegis which have a regulatory or enforcement remit which include provision for a person convicted of an offence to receive a fine upon summary conviction, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for a person convicted on indictment to receive a fine, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for fines predicated upon the turnover of an entity, the maximum percentage thereof and any associated imprisonment term; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

• April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for Justice
  Question Heading for question(s) 2122

  Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the bodies which operate under his aegis which have a regulatory or enforcement remit which include provision for a person convicted of an offence to receive a fine upon summary conviction, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for a person convicted on indictment to receive a fine, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for fines predicated upon the turnover of an entity, the maximum percentage thereof and any associated imprisonment term; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

• April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for Agriculture
  Departmental Bodies

  Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the bodies which operate under his aegis which have a regulatory or enforcement remit which include provision for a person convicted of an offence to receive a fine upon summary conviction, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for a person convicted on indictment to receive a fine, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for fines predicated upon the turnover of an entity, the maximum percentage thereof and any associated imprisonment term; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

• April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for Children
  Childcare Services

  Asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the plans her Department has in place to ensure staff retention within the childcare sector; the plans to increase staff numbers within the childcare sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

• April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for Children
  Childcare Services

  Asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality when the fee increase assessment process is expected to be finalised and communicated to providers participating in the core funding programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

• April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for Children
  Departmental Bodies

  Asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the bodies which operate under her aegis which have a regulatory or enforcement remit which include provision for a person convicted of an offence to receive a fine upon summary conviction, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for a person convicted on indictment to receive a fine, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for fines predicated upon the turnover of an entity, the maximum percentage thereof and any associated imprisonment term; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

• April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for Health
  Health Services

  Asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the current status of the SOLAS Adult ADHD services in the Laois/Offaly area; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Dáil contributions

• May 14, 2026Debate
  Industrial Development (Amendment) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2026: Second Stage
• May 12, 2026Statement
  International Nurses Day: Statements
• May 07, 2026Debate
  Business of Committee
• May 07, 2026Statement
  Financial Statements 2024: National Oil Reserves Agency
• May 07, 2026Statement
  Europe Day: Statements
• May 06, 2026Debate
  Building Climate Resilience and Flood Risk Adaptation: Discussion (Resumed)
• May 06, 2026Orderofbusiness
  An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business
• April 30, 2026Debate
  Business of Committee
• April 30, 2026Statement
  Financial Statements 2024: Children's Health Ireland and the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board
• April 30, 2026Statement
  Supports for Hauliers and Supply Chains: Statements
• April 29, 2026Debate
  Driver Licences
• April 28, 2026Debate
  The GAA's Work Internationally and with the Diaspora: Engagement with the Gaelic Athletic Association
• April 23, 2026Debate
  Business of Committee
• April 23, 2026Debate
  Hospital Insourcing Funding Arrangements: Discussion
• April 22, 2026Questions
  Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation
• April 22, 2026Statement
  Post European Council Meeting: Statements
• April 21, 2026Question
  Ambulance Service
• April 21, 2026Debate
  Current Situation in Afghanistan: Discussion
• April 15, 2026Questions
  Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions
• April 15, 2026Statement
  Football: Statements
• April 15, 2026Motion
  Tackling Soaring Energy Costs: Motion [Private Members]